Try some bold colours in your interior design. The louder the better!
Article taken off interiorexteriorplan.com
Enchantment of Bold Colors
Purchasing a historic house is not as difficult as revamping it again, especially if your taste runs bold and modern. Experimenting with darker tones was a tough decision for homeowners, but these days, if you want to have a contemporary interior design, then you need to play with colors. Once you have purchased a house, you need some work done before moving in and wall colors are always first on the list.
When you wish to have an enchanting home interior, it is crucial for you to engage in recreation with new tones, darker shades and flamboyant tints. For an inspirational touch, you can reflect upon the modern art work. This can help you to come up with a delightful and bold color palette for all the rooms.
Bold color accents jazz up the interior decor, therefore you should not be afraid of colors. You can choose navy blue, chocolate brown or any other darker tone for your dining rooms. This enhances the ambiance even more, when you embellish your dining table with a white table cloth complemented with other dark shaded fabrics. To put a spark in an old staircase, you can paint the treads black and choose to add something exciting alongside the walls like hanging lamps.
More of red on the walls for the living space adds spice to your taste and the environment, as well. The use of rich colors makes the gatherings and get-together very cozy and leaves a deep impression on the hearts of people. This is an artistic aspect of using your creativity, which helps to make your home-sweet-home look even more beautiful. The best part is that bold colors compliment the accessory you use to embellish your décor and this way, you can also bring the outside in (garden colors).
Colors not only stimulate the environment, but also fuel up our lives. So, there is nothing to be afraid of colors. You can get your walls painted in darker tones and if you do not like them, you can get them repainted again. So, try out bold colors and feel the enchantment.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Spa Inspired Home Decor Ideas
Are you one of those spa fanatics who wants to be at the spa 24/7 if you could? Well, you can!
Article taken off http://ezinearticles.com
Spa Inspired Home Decor Ideas
Have you been inside a luxurious spa resort?
On a holiday, we stayed at a spa resort. Although we did not use the spa facilities, we did enjoy the tranquility of the resort. Actually, the clever use of home furnishings and accessories can bring that spa ambience to any home, big or small. No doubt it would be ideal to renovate the entire home, change the flooring and wall coverings to use wood and stone like a close-to-nature spa resort but, hey, you can get the effect for less by refurnishing your home.
First, get rid of all clutter. No matter how beautiful a home is, clutter spoils the look. A messy home is a stressful one. For a tranquil environment, go minimalist.
1. Get a carpenter to do built in cabinets for all the storage in your home. These would maximize your space and keep the clutter out of sight. Go for a natural wood veneer. Rich polished wood cabinets or at least veneer on your cabinets would be a great start for your spa resort inspired home.
Get rid of plastics and artificial eyesores. If a sofa doesn't go with your home, get rid of it. Hold a garage sale to sell off all these things and use the proceeds to by furniture and furnishings made of wood, cane, bamboo, glass, stone or metal, in the natural finish.
2. Put a large vase of fresh cut flowers in every room and some indoor plants to give it a resort ambience.
3. Use uplights and downlights to throw shadows on these plants at night.
4. Buy a fountain and put it in the living room, to simulate the fountains and waters found in spa resorts.
5. Take a large basin and fill it with water and fresh flower petals and floating candles. Light the candles at night to form a majestic yet tranquil display of light and water in the room you intend to spend the night in. Remember to blow out the candles before you sleep and watch out for gas leaks.
6. Play with texture. Rugs or floor covering made of rough natural fibers give any room a close to nature ambience.
7. Decorate your home with rattan baskets and chairs.
Article taken off http://ezinearticles.com
Spa Inspired Home Decor Ideas
Have you been inside a luxurious spa resort?
On a holiday, we stayed at a spa resort. Although we did not use the spa facilities, we did enjoy the tranquility of the resort. Actually, the clever use of home furnishings and accessories can bring that spa ambience to any home, big or small. No doubt it would be ideal to renovate the entire home, change the flooring and wall coverings to use wood and stone like a close-to-nature spa resort but, hey, you can get the effect for less by refurnishing your home.
First, get rid of all clutter. No matter how beautiful a home is, clutter spoils the look. A messy home is a stressful one. For a tranquil environment, go minimalist.
1. Get a carpenter to do built in cabinets for all the storage in your home. These would maximize your space and keep the clutter out of sight. Go for a natural wood veneer. Rich polished wood cabinets or at least veneer on your cabinets would be a great start for your spa resort inspired home.
Get rid of plastics and artificial eyesores. If a sofa doesn't go with your home, get rid of it. Hold a garage sale to sell off all these things and use the proceeds to by furniture and furnishings made of wood, cane, bamboo, glass, stone or metal, in the natural finish.
2. Put a large vase of fresh cut flowers in every room and some indoor plants to give it a resort ambience.
3. Use uplights and downlights to throw shadows on these plants at night.
4. Buy a fountain and put it in the living room, to simulate the fountains and waters found in spa resorts.
5. Take a large basin and fill it with water and fresh flower petals and floating candles. Light the candles at night to form a majestic yet tranquil display of light and water in the room you intend to spend the night in. Remember to blow out the candles before you sleep and watch out for gas leaks.
6. Play with texture. Rugs or floor covering made of rough natural fibers give any room a close to nature ambience.
7. Decorate your home with rattan baskets and chairs.
Friday, March 25, 2011
7 Power Tools Every Person Needs For Home Improvement Read more: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/7-Power-Tools-Every-Person-Needs-For-Home-Impro
Is DIY method your favourite thing to when it comes to home decor? Then you might want to invest in these power tools.
Article taken off articlesnatch.com
7 Power Tools Every Person Needs For Home Improvement
Read more: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/7-Power-Tools-Every-Person-Needs-For-Home-Improvement/1005682#ixzz1HZnMkTfH
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution No Derivatives
There are times when you're working on home improvement and remodeling tasks that hand tools just won't do the job. Hand tools are important, but you also need to have some good power tools as well. Before you start any home improvement projects on your own, here are 7 power tools that every person needs to have if they are going to do any home improvement jobs.
Power Tool #1 - Cordless Drill
Probably one of the most used power tools is going to be a cordless drill. You don't have to be tied down to a cord anymore. One great name in drills is DeWalt, and it's worth spending the money on this power tool. You'll end up using it over and over again for a variety of different tasks.
Power Tool #2 - Table Saw
Another of the top power tools you'll end up needing for doing any home improvement jobs is a good table saw. These saws are dangerous though, so understand how to use them and be very careful with them. There are various sizes that you can use depending on the space you have available for the saw.
Power Tool #3 - Sander
For most tasks you do around the home when it comes to home improvement and remodeling, you'll end up needing a sander. You don't want to end up doing the big jobs by hand. You can find them in many different name brands, just make sure you make a wise purchase.
Power Tool #4 - Compressor and Nailer Kit
A good compressor and nailer kit will definitely come in handy around the home. This is especially important if you are doing finishing, roofing, drywall, or other tasks for home improvement. Good kits come with crown stapler, finish nailers, and even brad nailers.
Power Tool #5 - Jig Saw
There are some things that your table saw won't work for. If you need to make complicated cuts, you'll find that a nice jig saw will come in handy. One great brand name to consider is Bosch, since they make a wonderful jig saw that will do a good job.
Power Tool #6 - Power Screwdriver
A regular screwdriver can be a great hand tool, but sometimes you need a bit more than the hand screwdriver. For some tasks, especially where the screws are pretty tight or they need to be tight, having a power screwdriver is a wonderful power tool to have on hand to help you out.
Power Tool #7 - Router
When you are going to do home improvement tasks, having a router is a great idea. When you are purchasing routers for your shop, going with a good name brand like Porter-Cable is a great idea.
Read more: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/7-Power-Tools-Every-Person-Needs-For-Home-Improvement/1005682#ixzz1HZnK8vUo
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution No Derivatives
Article taken off articlesnatch.com
7 Power Tools Every Person Needs For Home Improvement
Read more: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/7-Power-Tools-Every-Person-Needs-For-Home-Improvement/1005682#ixzz1HZnMkTfH
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution No Derivatives
There are times when you're working on home improvement and remodeling tasks that hand tools just won't do the job. Hand tools are important, but you also need to have some good power tools as well. Before you start any home improvement projects on your own, here are 7 power tools that every person needs to have if they are going to do any home improvement jobs.
Power Tool #1 - Cordless Drill
Probably one of the most used power tools is going to be a cordless drill. You don't have to be tied down to a cord anymore. One great name in drills is DeWalt, and it's worth spending the money on this power tool. You'll end up using it over and over again for a variety of different tasks.
Power Tool #2 - Table Saw
Another of the top power tools you'll end up needing for doing any home improvement jobs is a good table saw. These saws are dangerous though, so understand how to use them and be very careful with them. There are various sizes that you can use depending on the space you have available for the saw.
Power Tool #3 - Sander
For most tasks you do around the home when it comes to home improvement and remodeling, you'll end up needing a sander. You don't want to end up doing the big jobs by hand. You can find them in many different name brands, just make sure you make a wise purchase.
Power Tool #4 - Compressor and Nailer Kit
A good compressor and nailer kit will definitely come in handy around the home. This is especially important if you are doing finishing, roofing, drywall, or other tasks for home improvement. Good kits come with crown stapler, finish nailers, and even brad nailers.
Power Tool #5 - Jig Saw
There are some things that your table saw won't work for. If you need to make complicated cuts, you'll find that a nice jig saw will come in handy. One great brand name to consider is Bosch, since they make a wonderful jig saw that will do a good job.
Power Tool #6 - Power Screwdriver
A regular screwdriver can be a great hand tool, but sometimes you need a bit more than the hand screwdriver. For some tasks, especially where the screws are pretty tight or they need to be tight, having a power screwdriver is a wonderful power tool to have on hand to help you out.
Power Tool #7 - Router
When you are going to do home improvement tasks, having a router is a great idea. When you are purchasing routers for your shop, going with a good name brand like Porter-Cable is a great idea.
Read more: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/7-Power-Tools-Every-Person-Needs-For-Home-Improvement/1005682#ixzz1HZnK8vUo
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution No Derivatives
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
To Use A Carpenter Or A Specialist Bespoke Furniture Maker
Trying to decide if bespoke is really worth it?
Article taken off http://ezinearticles.com
To Use A Carpenter Or A Specialist Bespoke Furniture Maker
Six arguments so far in favour of using a specialist fitted furniture company, and the seventh? Project Management.
Sure you expect the installation of your fitted wardrobes or home office furniture to run smoothly and be right first time but, in the best of all possible worlds, problems do occur.
A professional bespoke furniture supplier will have a sophisticated project management system in place and will employ a team of people, each with an allocated role in the process, typically: designer, draftsman, surveyor, production scheduler, bench joiner, sprayer/finisher, quality controller, delivery driver, installer/fitter and administrator. That's ten individuals, each with a key role to play in ensuring that the process runs smoothly, fits in with your programme and achieves a result that meets, and hopefully exceeds, your expectations.
In today's difficult trading conditions, no supplier can hope to stay competitive without the leanest possible infrastructure, and yet, all ten of these key roles must be fulfilled and their functions coordinated or customer satisfaction is put at risk. The independent carpenter cannot be expected to wear ten hats at once and, although their partner may act as administrator and some functions, such as delivery driver and installer can be combined, much functionally within the project is put at risk by not having independent oversight.
There is an old carpenter's adage that says 'measure twice, cut once' and it is a sound principle when applied to making and installing anything custom-made or bespoke. However, the protection provided by this practice is far greater when the second measure is conducted by a third party. it's far too easy to repeat an error when checking you own work. Effectively, an efficient fitted furniture maker take the measurements four times: the designer on the first visit, the draftsman who 'closes the survey' by adding together all the designer's measurements and angles: wall, window, right angle, wall, alcove, right angle, wall, doorway, right angle, wall, pillar wall and, hopefully arrives back at the same place. If correct, the survey closes, if not a miss-measure is suspected. The job is then re-measured by the surveyor before manufacture and finally, for the fourth time by the fitter, on-site, before he begins the installation.
Management of the project is the key role of the administrator whose job it is to coordinate the functions of the other nine members of the team, ensuring a smooth process and a delighted customer.
That's a lot to ask of even the most talented carpenter.
Article taken off http://ezinearticles.com
To Use A Carpenter Or A Specialist Bespoke Furniture Maker
Six arguments so far in favour of using a specialist fitted furniture company, and the seventh? Project Management.
Sure you expect the installation of your fitted wardrobes or home office furniture to run smoothly and be right first time but, in the best of all possible worlds, problems do occur.
A professional bespoke furniture supplier will have a sophisticated project management system in place and will employ a team of people, each with an allocated role in the process, typically: designer, draftsman, surveyor, production scheduler, bench joiner, sprayer/finisher, quality controller, delivery driver, installer/fitter and administrator. That's ten individuals, each with a key role to play in ensuring that the process runs smoothly, fits in with your programme and achieves a result that meets, and hopefully exceeds, your expectations.
In today's difficult trading conditions, no supplier can hope to stay competitive without the leanest possible infrastructure, and yet, all ten of these key roles must be fulfilled and their functions coordinated or customer satisfaction is put at risk. The independent carpenter cannot be expected to wear ten hats at once and, although their partner may act as administrator and some functions, such as delivery driver and installer can be combined, much functionally within the project is put at risk by not having independent oversight.
There is an old carpenter's adage that says 'measure twice, cut once' and it is a sound principle when applied to making and installing anything custom-made or bespoke. However, the protection provided by this practice is far greater when the second measure is conducted by a third party. it's far too easy to repeat an error when checking you own work. Effectively, an efficient fitted furniture maker take the measurements four times: the designer on the first visit, the draftsman who 'closes the survey' by adding together all the designer's measurements and angles: wall, window, right angle, wall, alcove, right angle, wall, doorway, right angle, wall, pillar wall and, hopefully arrives back at the same place. If correct, the survey closes, if not a miss-measure is suspected. The job is then re-measured by the surveyor before manufacture and finally, for the fourth time by the fitter, on-site, before he begins the installation.
Management of the project is the key role of the administrator whose job it is to coordinate the functions of the other nine members of the team, ensuring a smooth process and a delighted customer.
That's a lot to ask of even the most talented carpenter.
Monday, March 21, 2011
70s Retro Decorating Ideas
When I think about the 70s, I think about loud psychedelic colours, big hair, platform shoes and...Mike Myers baby!
Article taken off ehow.com
70s Retro Decorating Ideas
The 1970s was a height of the "Me" generation in the United States. Disco ruled the nightlife, and bell bottomed pants and wide collared shirts dominated fashion magazines and store front windows. Decorating in 1970s fashion can be a fun way to relive that time for a party in your home.
Shag Carpet
Shag carpeting in gold and brown tones is the signature style of the 1970s room. Updated shags are still available at all carpet outlets.
Beanbag Chairs
The pellet filled bag was a popular spot to recline in many rooms in this time period, often in loud print colors, Solids and character picture chairs are now available.
Kitchen Bar and Stools
An eat-at bar and decorative stools were also common in the 1970s and are a simple addition to your home. The bars traditionally included storage space for kitchen items, and the table top was smooth and colored to match your kitchen.
Bedspreads
Many bedrooms in this era had single-colored, textured bedspreads. Choose yellows, browns or natural greens.
Candles
Large stand-alone candles in groups of three to five in varying sizes were a popular 1970s decorating idea. Place the candles on end tables, dining tables and entertainment centers.
Faux Fur Furniture
Faux fur couches, chairs and love seats were common decorating pieces for the modern 1970s home. Usually singular in color, these items can be found at flea markets around the country today, and new items are available at specialty stores.
Article taken off ehow.com
70s Retro Decorating Ideas
The 1970s was a height of the "Me" generation in the United States. Disco ruled the nightlife, and bell bottomed pants and wide collared shirts dominated fashion magazines and store front windows. Decorating in 1970s fashion can be a fun way to relive that time for a party in your home.
Shag Carpet
Shag carpeting in gold and brown tones is the signature style of the 1970s room. Updated shags are still available at all carpet outlets.
Beanbag Chairs
The pellet filled bag was a popular spot to recline in many rooms in this time period, often in loud print colors, Solids and character picture chairs are now available.
Kitchen Bar and Stools
An eat-at bar and decorative stools were also common in the 1970s and are a simple addition to your home. The bars traditionally included storage space for kitchen items, and the table top was smooth and colored to match your kitchen.
Bedspreads
Many bedrooms in this era had single-colored, textured bedspreads. Choose yellows, browns or natural greens.
Candles
Large stand-alone candles in groups of three to five in varying sizes were a popular 1970s decorating idea. Place the candles on end tables, dining tables and entertainment centers.
Faux Fur Furniture
Faux fur couches, chairs and love seats were common decorating pieces for the modern 1970s home. Usually singular in color, these items can be found at flea markets around the country today, and new items are available at specialty stores.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Decorating Childrens Rooms: Making Them Child-Friendly
Give your child a say! That's what we say too!
Article taken off home-decorating-made-easy.com
Decorating Childrens Rooms: Making Them Child-Friendly
As you might expect, decorating childrens rooms is a bit different than decorating adult bedrooms.
While adults spread their living activities among several rooms in the home, children will try to jam nearly all of their activities into one room.
To children, a bedroom is a place to play games, read, listen to music, wrestle, display or hide prized possessions, or just to be alone sometimes.
However, decorating childrens rooms is a great opportunity for you to show off your playful side, do some family bonding, and allow your children to be creative. Use the ideas for decorating childrens rooms below to help plan your decorating project. But, please keep one thing in mind.
Strategy # 1 For Decorating Childrens Rooms - Talk To Them
Talk to your child or children and find out what activities they enjoy. What brings them the most comfort? What's their favorite color? What's unique about their personality that you can build a theme around?
Whatever their interests are, find a way to work them into the new décor…
This will make your child feel comfortable, safe and happy. For example, I have a friend whose son loves jungle animals, therefore choosing an African theme for his room was easy.
Her daughter is very spiritual and has a favorite stuffed Beanie Baby toy named Halo. These two elements led to the idea of decorating her daughter's room in cherubs and soft white clouds.
Strategy # 2 For Decorating Childrens Rooms - Let Them Help
Give your child a say! Allow them (with a little guidance) to choose colors, pick decorative pillows, decide how they want to display their collectibles, and so on….
Their room should be fun, yet timeless. Consider their age and keep in mind that today's child will be tomorrows teenager. The décor should be flexible enough to allow your child to grow and accommodate their changing tastes and needs.
As an example, replacing the comforter and decorative pillows to reflect the room's new theme are two quick ways to avoid having to completely redo the room every couple of years.
Strategy # 3 For Decorating Childrens Rooms - Make It Multi-Functional
As I mentioned, children use their room for many activities besides sleeping. Here are some specific areas that you should consider designing to make the room multi-functional:
A play area. Play areas for younger children may include an arts & crafts center. Most children love to draw and color, so set aside a comfortable space for working on crafts.
You may also want to consider hanging a chalkboard which can be used for drawing or it can be a great teaching aid for you.
A reading area. Most children love to read. Provide a quiet and comfortable space that will entice them to do this. If you have the space for a comfy chair, perfect. If not, an over-stuffed floor pillow or two should do the job. Also remember that good lighting is essential for this activity.
If you could use some advice on what to look for before buying a Child Rug, click here.
Space to entertain friends. This becomes more important as children get older. They'll want to spend time in their room with their friends. Depending on their age, a small entertainment center, that includes a radio, CD Player, perhaps a TV and VCR may be appropriate.
As an example, my friend's daughter loves music. She has a small CD Player that allows her to spend quiet time listening to music or dancing and singing-along with her little brother. But for your own sanity, you may want to include headphones.
A display area. Children love pictures. So dedicate a wall (or use a corkboard) to display your child's favorite photographs and artwork. Pictures of family and friends will add to the comfort of the room.
In addition, chronological pictures of the child as they grow are interesting and will add familiarity and warmth. Children are very proud of their artwork…display it with pride!
You should also dedicate space or shelving for displaying collectibles, trophies, and other personal items.
Strategy # 4 For Decorating Childrens Rooms - Storage Solutions
Keeping your child's room organized will be one of your greatest challenges. Try these storage solutions to help keep clutter out:
Shelving is a quick and easy way to store items. Built-in shelving is more decorative, but there are plenty of free-standing shelving options
Large decorative wicker baskets for toys, books, socks, etc.
Plastic (see-through) storage containers would work well
Closets should contain plenty of shelving and racks for clothing and shoes. Make sure that children's clothing are within their reach.
Strategy # 5 For Decorating Childrens Rooms - Window Treatments
Keep the window treatments simple and follow these guidelines:
Avoid long (to the ground) draperies, especially in young children's rooms. Shades, blinds, valances, cornice boxes and shorter curtains would be better choices.
Ensure that hardware on the blinds or window treatments are safe guarded, especially in babies' rooms.
Use a lining on curtains for privacy and light control. (Especially for those early risers who automatically wake up with the sun.)
Fabric should be versatile and simple. Patterns should be repeated in other items in the room such as decorative pillows, matching lamps, and artwork
Decorate Today - Curtains & Draperies is a site that I recommend you visit for window treatment ideas. They even have a decorator available to answer questions and guide you.
Strategy # 6 For Decorating Childrens Rooms - Lighting
When decorating childrens rooms you should include both task lighting and soothing lighting. If they do homework in their room, good lighting is essential. A reading lamp is a must for the reading area and the bedside table.
For quieter times, install a dimmer switch or three-way lamp to provide soft lighting.
A nightlight is also important for children who are not quite comfortable with the dark and for safety reasons (so they can see where they are going if they wake in the middle of the night).
Strategy #7 For Decorating Childrens Rooms - Fabrics
It will be easier to co-ordinate the room if you limit the color choices and keep your fabrics simple. This will also allow you to make changes easily as the child grows. After all they are children and will get bored quickly!
When they do get bored, purchase new decorative pillows and linen. Let your children help you pick them out. They'll be happy and you'll avoid having to redo the entire room.
Strategy # 8 For Decorating Childrens Rooms - Wall Coverings
Use a wall covering (paint or wallpaper) to add splashes of color, texture, and excitement to your child's bedroom walls. Paint a cherub border with a soft cloud ceiling or wallpaper an African Safari theme on a wall. Allow your child to join in. They'll love helping and will have a sense of pride and accomplishment when the project is done.
If your child has sticky fingers, make sure the walls are washable. If paint is your wall covering of choice, go with a semi-gloss or gloss finish.
For really cool decorative painting ideas that you can apply to children's rooms or any room, for that matter, I recommend that you investigate using rubber stamping on your walls. Check out the eBook, Creative Stamping for Walls & Furniture.
In addition, Decorate Today - Wallpaper & Fabrics offers hundreds of wallpaper design and border ideas. You'll find Disney characters, athletes in action, animal prints, beanie babies, and tons more.
Strategy # 9 For Decorating Childrens Rooms - Childrens Bedroom Furniture
At a minimum you will need a bed, desk, lamp, and side table for your child's room, especially for teenagers.
Your bed options include:
Standard full or queen size bed
Bunk bed
Loft bed
Small sleigh bed
Trundle bed (great if a friend sleeps over)
Make sure that the furniture you choose for decorating childrens rooms is durable. This is a child's room and it must withstand years of wear and tear. Use slipcovers whenever possible. They are removable, washable, and will extend the life of your furniture.
Article taken off home-decorating-made-easy.com
Decorating Childrens Rooms: Making Them Child-Friendly
As you might expect, decorating childrens rooms is a bit different than decorating adult bedrooms.
While adults spread their living activities among several rooms in the home, children will try to jam nearly all of their activities into one room.
To children, a bedroom is a place to play games, read, listen to music, wrestle, display or hide prized possessions, or just to be alone sometimes.
However, decorating childrens rooms is a great opportunity for you to show off your playful side, do some family bonding, and allow your children to be creative. Use the ideas for decorating childrens rooms below to help plan your decorating project. But, please keep one thing in mind.
Strategy # 1 For Decorating Childrens Rooms - Talk To Them
Talk to your child or children and find out what activities they enjoy. What brings them the most comfort? What's their favorite color? What's unique about their personality that you can build a theme around?
Whatever their interests are, find a way to work them into the new décor…
This will make your child feel comfortable, safe and happy. For example, I have a friend whose son loves jungle animals, therefore choosing an African theme for his room was easy.
Her daughter is very spiritual and has a favorite stuffed Beanie Baby toy named Halo. These two elements led to the idea of decorating her daughter's room in cherubs and soft white clouds.
Strategy # 2 For Decorating Childrens Rooms - Let Them Help
Give your child a say! Allow them (with a little guidance) to choose colors, pick decorative pillows, decide how they want to display their collectibles, and so on….
Their room should be fun, yet timeless. Consider their age and keep in mind that today's child will be tomorrows teenager. The décor should be flexible enough to allow your child to grow and accommodate their changing tastes and needs.
As an example, replacing the comforter and decorative pillows to reflect the room's new theme are two quick ways to avoid having to completely redo the room every couple of years.
Strategy # 3 For Decorating Childrens Rooms - Make It Multi-Functional
As I mentioned, children use their room for many activities besides sleeping. Here are some specific areas that you should consider designing to make the room multi-functional:
A play area. Play areas for younger children may include an arts & crafts center. Most children love to draw and color, so set aside a comfortable space for working on crafts.
You may also want to consider hanging a chalkboard which can be used for drawing or it can be a great teaching aid for you.
A reading area. Most children love to read. Provide a quiet and comfortable space that will entice them to do this. If you have the space for a comfy chair, perfect. If not, an over-stuffed floor pillow or two should do the job. Also remember that good lighting is essential for this activity.
If you could use some advice on what to look for before buying a Child Rug, click here.
Space to entertain friends. This becomes more important as children get older. They'll want to spend time in their room with their friends. Depending on their age, a small entertainment center, that includes a radio, CD Player, perhaps a TV and VCR may be appropriate.
As an example, my friend's daughter loves music. She has a small CD Player that allows her to spend quiet time listening to music or dancing and singing-along with her little brother. But for your own sanity, you may want to include headphones.
A display area. Children love pictures. So dedicate a wall (or use a corkboard) to display your child's favorite photographs and artwork. Pictures of family and friends will add to the comfort of the room.
In addition, chronological pictures of the child as they grow are interesting and will add familiarity and warmth. Children are very proud of their artwork…display it with pride!
You should also dedicate space or shelving for displaying collectibles, trophies, and other personal items.
Strategy # 4 For Decorating Childrens Rooms - Storage Solutions
Keeping your child's room organized will be one of your greatest challenges. Try these storage solutions to help keep clutter out:
Shelving is a quick and easy way to store items. Built-in shelving is more decorative, but there are plenty of free-standing shelving options
Large decorative wicker baskets for toys, books, socks, etc.
Plastic (see-through) storage containers would work well
Closets should contain plenty of shelving and racks for clothing and shoes. Make sure that children's clothing are within their reach.
Strategy # 5 For Decorating Childrens Rooms - Window Treatments
Keep the window treatments simple and follow these guidelines:
Avoid long (to the ground) draperies, especially in young children's rooms. Shades, blinds, valances, cornice boxes and shorter curtains would be better choices.
Ensure that hardware on the blinds or window treatments are safe guarded, especially in babies' rooms.
Use a lining on curtains for privacy and light control. (Especially for those early risers who automatically wake up with the sun.)
Fabric should be versatile and simple. Patterns should be repeated in other items in the room such as decorative pillows, matching lamps, and artwork
Decorate Today - Curtains & Draperies is a site that I recommend you visit for window treatment ideas. They even have a decorator available to answer questions and guide you.
Strategy # 6 For Decorating Childrens Rooms - Lighting
When decorating childrens rooms you should include both task lighting and soothing lighting. If they do homework in their room, good lighting is essential. A reading lamp is a must for the reading area and the bedside table.
For quieter times, install a dimmer switch or three-way lamp to provide soft lighting.
A nightlight is also important for children who are not quite comfortable with the dark and for safety reasons (so they can see where they are going if they wake in the middle of the night).
Strategy #7 For Decorating Childrens Rooms - Fabrics
It will be easier to co-ordinate the room if you limit the color choices and keep your fabrics simple. This will also allow you to make changes easily as the child grows. After all they are children and will get bored quickly!
When they do get bored, purchase new decorative pillows and linen. Let your children help you pick them out. They'll be happy and you'll avoid having to redo the entire room.
Strategy # 8 For Decorating Childrens Rooms - Wall Coverings
Use a wall covering (paint or wallpaper) to add splashes of color, texture, and excitement to your child's bedroom walls. Paint a cherub border with a soft cloud ceiling or wallpaper an African Safari theme on a wall. Allow your child to join in. They'll love helping and will have a sense of pride and accomplishment when the project is done.
If your child has sticky fingers, make sure the walls are washable. If paint is your wall covering of choice, go with a semi-gloss or gloss finish.
For really cool decorative painting ideas that you can apply to children's rooms or any room, for that matter, I recommend that you investigate using rubber stamping on your walls. Check out the eBook, Creative Stamping for Walls & Furniture.
In addition, Decorate Today - Wallpaper & Fabrics offers hundreds of wallpaper design and border ideas. You'll find Disney characters, athletes in action, animal prints, beanie babies, and tons more.
Strategy # 9 For Decorating Childrens Rooms - Childrens Bedroom Furniture
At a minimum you will need a bed, desk, lamp, and side table for your child's room, especially for teenagers.
Your bed options include:
Standard full or queen size bed
Bunk bed
Loft bed
Small sleigh bed
Trundle bed (great if a friend sleeps over)
Make sure that the furniture you choose for decorating childrens rooms is durable. This is a child's room and it must withstand years of wear and tear. Use slipcovers whenever possible. They are removable, washable, and will extend the life of your furniture.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Troubleshoot Clogged Sink
A clogged sink is such a common problem. Save a few bucks by learning how to do it yourself!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Tips for Choosing Bathroom Flooring
You have more options for your bathroom flooring than you think. Some points to consider...
Article taken off ideamarketers.com
Top Tips for Choosing Bathroom Flooring
Renovating or designing a bathroom is a lot of work. Since you'd probably like to get every last detail just right, you're sure to take plenty of time in selecting flooring for it. There are many things that need to be taken into consideration when choosing the floor for your bathroom. You often go barefoot in the bathroom, for instance, so the feel of its floor is just as important as the way that it looks. Below, an overview of the most popular materials for bathroom floors is outlined for your convenience; a few key tips are included, too.
Make a Small Bathroom Look Larger with the Right Kind of Floor
Most people have to deal with bathrooms that are relatively small. There's just no getting around it. However, there are ways to make a small bathroom look a lot larger. One of the best ways to do so is by choosing your flooring with care. A light-colored floor is one of the simplest yet most dramatic ways to give a small bathroom a much more spacious look and feel. Better still, use similar tones for the walls and the floor to create the illusion of a lot more space.
Why Ceramic Works Best
If you're looking for a bathroom floor material that is affordable, attractive and easy on bare feet, you should make a beeline for ceramic. This type of floor material can include many unique textures and designs that go along with virtually any interior design scheme. Ceramic is wonderfully waterproof, too, which is a critical point when it comes to designing a bathroom - nothing is worse than stepping onto a damp, soggy floor. Ceramic tiles are available in a breathtaking array of different styles, sizes and designs, too, making it a snap to get the look that is right for you.
Vinyl: A Suitable Choice
Vinyl feels great underfoot; it's also very waterproof and a snap to maintain. Best of all, vinyl flooring is very affordable. A wide variety of different patterns and designs are available, making it a versatile and exciting choice for the bathroom. Put vinyl near the top of your list if you want to stick to a strict budget while still achieving a stylish and attractive look.
The Trouble with Marble
Some people believe that marble is the be-all, end-all in terms of bathroom floors. However, marble is a highly porous material; it is also very soft. What that means is that it absorbs and retains moisture with ease. In the bathroom, that can spell major trouble. As beautiful and luxurious as marble may be, it is generally not a suitable choice for the bathroom.
Why Carpeting isn't Ideal for the Bathroom
While it's fine to throw down a few colorful rugs in a bathroom, having wall-to-wall carpeting installed isn't a very smart move. Carpet needs to stay as dry as possible; even if you are a stickler about not stepping onto your carpet with sopping wet feet, the moisture in the air will wreak plenty of havoc. While carpet feels wonderful beneath the feet, it just isn't a practical choice for the bathroom. Invest in a few cute area rugs and leave the carpeting for other parts of the home.
Want Wood? Try Laminate Flooring Instead
The idea of a luxurious wood floor in the bathroom may sound great, but it is fraught with all sorts of issues. A wood floor must be impeccably installed in order to stand a chance in the bathroom, where moisture and standing water can destroy it in no time flat. Plus, wood must be finished in a precise way in order to make a go of it. If you'd like the look of wood in a material that can withstand the perils of the bathroom, laminate flooring may be for you. It is available in many wood-style finishes that will make your bathroom look amazing.
Getting the Bathroom of Your Dreams
You don't have to sell yourself short when it comes to choosing a floor for your bathroom. There are many modern choices - like laminate floors and engineered wood floors - that allow you to enjoy the look of classic materials without all of the issues. Take your time in shopping for floors for your bathroom. Don't make your final decision until you have investigated every option. Most importantly, don't compromise on the look that you want. By checking out some of today's best options, it's more than possible to get the style that you need at an amazing price.
Article taken off ideamarketers.com
Top Tips for Choosing Bathroom Flooring
Renovating or designing a bathroom is a lot of work. Since you'd probably like to get every last detail just right, you're sure to take plenty of time in selecting flooring for it. There are many things that need to be taken into consideration when choosing the floor for your bathroom. You often go barefoot in the bathroom, for instance, so the feel of its floor is just as important as the way that it looks. Below, an overview of the most popular materials for bathroom floors is outlined for your convenience; a few key tips are included, too.
Make a Small Bathroom Look Larger with the Right Kind of Floor
Most people have to deal with bathrooms that are relatively small. There's just no getting around it. However, there are ways to make a small bathroom look a lot larger. One of the best ways to do so is by choosing your flooring with care. A light-colored floor is one of the simplest yet most dramatic ways to give a small bathroom a much more spacious look and feel. Better still, use similar tones for the walls and the floor to create the illusion of a lot more space.
Why Ceramic Works Best
If you're looking for a bathroom floor material that is affordable, attractive and easy on bare feet, you should make a beeline for ceramic. This type of floor material can include many unique textures and designs that go along with virtually any interior design scheme. Ceramic is wonderfully waterproof, too, which is a critical point when it comes to designing a bathroom - nothing is worse than stepping onto a damp, soggy floor. Ceramic tiles are available in a breathtaking array of different styles, sizes and designs, too, making it a snap to get the look that is right for you.
Vinyl: A Suitable Choice
Vinyl feels great underfoot; it's also very waterproof and a snap to maintain. Best of all, vinyl flooring is very affordable. A wide variety of different patterns and designs are available, making it a versatile and exciting choice for the bathroom. Put vinyl near the top of your list if you want to stick to a strict budget while still achieving a stylish and attractive look.
The Trouble with Marble
Some people believe that marble is the be-all, end-all in terms of bathroom floors. However, marble is a highly porous material; it is also very soft. What that means is that it absorbs and retains moisture with ease. In the bathroom, that can spell major trouble. As beautiful and luxurious as marble may be, it is generally not a suitable choice for the bathroom.
Why Carpeting isn't Ideal for the Bathroom
While it's fine to throw down a few colorful rugs in a bathroom, having wall-to-wall carpeting installed isn't a very smart move. Carpet needs to stay as dry as possible; even if you are a stickler about not stepping onto your carpet with sopping wet feet, the moisture in the air will wreak plenty of havoc. While carpet feels wonderful beneath the feet, it just isn't a practical choice for the bathroom. Invest in a few cute area rugs and leave the carpeting for other parts of the home.
Want Wood? Try Laminate Flooring Instead
The idea of a luxurious wood floor in the bathroom may sound great, but it is fraught with all sorts of issues. A wood floor must be impeccably installed in order to stand a chance in the bathroom, where moisture and standing water can destroy it in no time flat. Plus, wood must be finished in a precise way in order to make a go of it. If you'd like the look of wood in a material that can withstand the perils of the bathroom, laminate flooring may be for you. It is available in many wood-style finishes that will make your bathroom look amazing.
Getting the Bathroom of Your Dreams
You don't have to sell yourself short when it comes to choosing a floor for your bathroom. There are many modern choices - like laminate floors and engineered wood floors - that allow you to enjoy the look of classic materials without all of the issues. Take your time in shopping for floors for your bathroom. Don't make your final decision until you have investigated every option. Most importantly, don't compromise on the look that you want. By checking out some of today's best options, it's more than possible to get the style that you need at an amazing price.
Monday, March 7, 2011
How To Decorate With Yellow
Yellow is a good color choice for your kitchen, office, children’s bedroom or bathroom. Yellow is the color of the sun, and thus adds warmth to the room. This happy color will also add positive energy and will make a small room appear larger. If you are interested in learning more about decorating with the color yellow then follow these tips.
Step 1
Choose the rooms that you would like to decorate with the color yellow. Decide if yellow will become a whole house accent color or if yellow will be used primarily in a specific room or area.
Step 2
Pick out a complimentary color scheme. An easy way to achieve a color scheme is to go to your local paint store and select paint swatches. Paint swatches will show you all of the colors that work well with a particular shade of yellow. Then all you will need is an accent color. Blue, black, olive green and red are colors that work well with the color yellow.
Step 3
Determine how to use the color yellow by selecting your materials. Decide if you will paint your interior walls or add subdued yellow print wallpaper. You may also update your interior by decorating with the color yellow with accessories, to accent the room.
Tip:
Update your décor with cheerful accessories; do a yellow color story in your kitchen by coordinating table linens with dishes. Add cheerful yellow print placemats with matching napkins then feature a glass bowl of lemons or a yellow floral centerpiece
Step 1
Choose the rooms that you would like to decorate with the color yellow. Decide if yellow will become a whole house accent color or if yellow will be used primarily in a specific room or area.
Step 2
Pick out a complimentary color scheme. An easy way to achieve a color scheme is to go to your local paint store and select paint swatches. Paint swatches will show you all of the colors that work well with a particular shade of yellow. Then all you will need is an accent color. Blue, black, olive green and red are colors that work well with the color yellow.
Step 3
Determine how to use the color yellow by selecting your materials. Decide if you will paint your interior walls or add subdued yellow print wallpaper. You may also update your interior by decorating with the color yellow with accessories, to accent the room.
Tip:
Update your décor with cheerful accessories; do a yellow color story in your kitchen by coordinating table linens with dishes. Add cheerful yellow print placemats with matching napkins then feature a glass bowl of lemons or a yellow floral centerpiece
Friday, March 4, 2011
Wicker 101
Didn't know there are many different types of wicker? Find out here!
Article taken off hubpages.com
Wicker Furniture:The All-weather and Recyclable Furniture
There are several materials that made up a wicker furniture but polyethylene remains to be the most premuim quality. They are UV protected which protects them from fading
Wicker furniture comes in different excellent styles that lasts for several years. This is a n excellent choice if you are looking to decorate your patio or garden as it frees you the worry about damage and the high cost of maintenance and restoration.
Did you know that synthetic wicker furniture is considered the "all-weather" and "recyclable" furniture? You can choose to purchase outdoor tables, benches, chaise lounge or just about any other type of furniture you wish to decorate your patio or garden with. Most wicker furniture comes with a cover to make it more appealing and attractive.Learn to select a cushion that is easy to maintain and not hard to find. Most synthetic materials are shiny that break down into the environment and put off components into the atmosphere . These are usually lower in price and are not really attractive compared to polyethylene which is more expensive as it is natural looking. Furnitures from wicker are often priced higher than the normal leather lounges because of its durability and resilience.
Polyethylene are usually woven on an aluminum frame producing a furniture in wicker design. The frame gives steadiness and durability yet sustaining its being light-weight. It is even similar to the longevity of other type of furniture sans the heavy weight. Since patio and outdoor furniture are usually exposed to the elements of nature, ensure you choose the ones that can endure the sun and rain. If you want to experience ease of transport and have kids around, then wicker furniture is your smartest choice.
There are several unique designs and patters of wicker furniture available in your leading store. You can choose from finely crafted pieces that are unvarnished, exterior coated, and smooth weathered paint. Remember that patio and garden furniture made of wicker needs to be thoroughly inspected for tightly woven caning. There should be no splinters or gaps and should have a smooth surface overall.
Choose wisely and carefully from the several designs and colors you can see. Determine your needs, your taste and style should also be considered in order to produce a welcoming and fascinating gathering and relaxing place that you, your friends and relations would love to spend some time in. Also, choosing a simple design gives you the flexibility to style just by adding accessories and colours.
Now, you and your family can rest with comfort and style in your patio or garden with your classy, stylish and functional outdoor wicker furniture. Enjoy the great craftsmanship that comes with each piece. Be the envy of your friends and guests who can easily appreciate the beauty of a well- fashioned wicker furniture.
As you and the people around you wonder at its elegance, you'll figure out that this type of furnishing is ideal for cooling and enjoying the great outdoors especially on hot summer months. This type of furniture requires low maintenance and doesn't need utmost supervision. So what are you waiting for, discover your possibility in owning one in the next few days and dress your garden with the most attractive furniture.
Article taken off hubpages.com
Wicker Furniture:The All-weather and Recyclable Furniture
There are several materials that made up a wicker furniture but polyethylene remains to be the most premuim quality. They are UV protected which protects them from fading
Wicker furniture comes in different excellent styles that lasts for several years. This is a n excellent choice if you are looking to decorate your patio or garden as it frees you the worry about damage and the high cost of maintenance and restoration.
Did you know that synthetic wicker furniture is considered the "all-weather" and "recyclable" furniture? You can choose to purchase outdoor tables, benches, chaise lounge or just about any other type of furniture you wish to decorate your patio or garden with. Most wicker furniture comes with a cover to make it more appealing and attractive.Learn to select a cushion that is easy to maintain and not hard to find. Most synthetic materials are shiny that break down into the environment and put off components into the atmosphere . These are usually lower in price and are not really attractive compared to polyethylene which is more expensive as it is natural looking. Furnitures from wicker are often priced higher than the normal leather lounges because of its durability and resilience.
Polyethylene are usually woven on an aluminum frame producing a furniture in wicker design. The frame gives steadiness and durability yet sustaining its being light-weight. It is even similar to the longevity of other type of furniture sans the heavy weight. Since patio and outdoor furniture are usually exposed to the elements of nature, ensure you choose the ones that can endure the sun and rain. If you want to experience ease of transport and have kids around, then wicker furniture is your smartest choice.
There are several unique designs and patters of wicker furniture available in your leading store. You can choose from finely crafted pieces that are unvarnished, exterior coated, and smooth weathered paint. Remember that patio and garden furniture made of wicker needs to be thoroughly inspected for tightly woven caning. There should be no splinters or gaps and should have a smooth surface overall.
Choose wisely and carefully from the several designs and colors you can see. Determine your needs, your taste and style should also be considered in order to produce a welcoming and fascinating gathering and relaxing place that you, your friends and relations would love to spend some time in. Also, choosing a simple design gives you the flexibility to style just by adding accessories and colours.
Now, you and your family can rest with comfort and style in your patio or garden with your classy, stylish and functional outdoor wicker furniture. Enjoy the great craftsmanship that comes with each piece. Be the envy of your friends and guests who can easily appreciate the beauty of a well- fashioned wicker furniture.
As you and the people around you wonder at its elegance, you'll figure out that this type of furnishing is ideal for cooling and enjoying the great outdoors especially on hot summer months. This type of furniture requires low maintenance and doesn't need utmost supervision. So what are you waiting for, discover your possibility in owning one in the next few days and dress your garden with the most attractive furniture.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Aqua Touches
This Aqua-themed house is a picture of loveliness.
Article taken from http://heathersthompson.typepad.com
Article taken from http://heathersthompson.typepad.com
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