Christy's Home Decorating

Creating an Eco-Friendly Room in Your Home

2008-12-08T09:00:00.001-08:00

We live in an age of global warming and worry about green house gases. Now, more than ever, people are going 'green' and attempting to improve our environment. Home décor is also going green, and if you are one of the many that wish to take a conservational attitude one step further, you may wish to create an eco-friendly space in your home.
Many people do not realize that there are now lines of eco-friendly paint. Zero VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint does not include the solvents that other paints have. The VOC solvents in paint are what have been proven as a cause in the diminution of our ozone layer. Not only environmentally toxic, VOC paints have a harsh odor that fills up your home as you use them. Zero VOC paint comes in a limited amount of colors that emphasize earth friendly tones. Choose a muted 'earth' color if you favor taupe or 'air' colors if blues are a favorite.
Bringing your floor up to eco-friendly speed is easy with a sea grass area rug. This super durable rug is all natural and not created with some of the same harsh chemicals of other flooring. Tan in color, sea grass area rugs can have a cotton border in a contrasting taupe color and are usually backed with latex foam to avoid movement on the floor. Although they aren't your softest area rug, they are resistant to stains and easy to clean. Sea grass rugs are also great for those with allergies, as they woven tightly and don't retain dander.
Lately it's hard to turn on a TV and not hear about 'environmentally-friendly' fabrics. Materials such as hemp, wool, organic cotton, and certain types of silk are all the rage and easy to incorporate into your room. A quick way to utilize organic cotton is to purchase enough to make slipcovers for your throw pillows. If the cotton is not quite the right color? Try tea staining. Boil tea bags or leaves and place the cotton in the pot. Remove after 10 minutes and you will have a lovely shade that was obtained naturally without chemicals. Contrast your throw pillows with silk drapes and you will have a stunning effect in your space.
Purchasing accessories for the room is generally where you break the bank, right? Not true. Saving a metal bucket from the garbage dump and turning it into a vase is as simple as cleaning it up and adding some eye-catching raffia or jute as a decorative ribbon. Previously loved books can be stacked artfully or used as bookends. Take someone's previously loved cast offs and transform them into treasure. Not only will you save them from a landfill, but also will be giving your home some simple pieces that can be stunning.
One of the most important keys to an eco-friendly room? Fill your space with plants. Live plants provide oxygen to your environment, and can filter the area of toxins. Plants can make a room seem cozy, and they are pleasing to look at. Investing in live plants can be an inexpensive way to complete your room.
Whether you are just beginning to become environmentally aware or are a long time promoter of recycling, creating a room in your home that promotes this life style is as simple as focusing on natural materials. You will enjoy your room for years to come, and feel happy knowing that you didn't contribute to further waste in a landfill.
Sarah Crosset has worked in the interior decorating field for many years and loves to share her home decorating experiences and ideas with home owners everywhere. Her number one tip is to [http://www.houseofarearugs.com]buy area rugs; as they will instantly freshen a room. Try some cotton area rugs from http://www.HouseOfAreaRugs.com for a fresh, clean look.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Crosset http://EzineArticles.com/?Creating-an-Eco-Friendly-Room-in-Your-Home&id=1752541

Feng Shui - Using the Five Elements

2008-10-30T09:47:00.000-07:00

One of the ways to achieve more balance in your environment is through using the Chinese Five Element Theory. The elements represent the different types of energy present in our world.
Since human beings are made up of a combination of all the five elements, you'll feel better when there is a good balance of all these elements throughout your home and office.
Each element has its own distinctive characteristics. Below you'll find a short description of the elements; wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. To help energize your space you can incorporate furniture and accessories that contain each of these elements in every room of your home or business.
For instance, in your family room you can have a wood coffee table (wood), a red couch (fire), a metal picture frame (metal), a mirror (water), and artwork of an earthy landscape scene (earth). I'm sure you get the idea now.
WOOD- The color green- Wood furniture and accessories- Wood paneling or floors- Art depicting flowers, gardens, trees- The columnar shape; i.e. pedestals, stripes, columns- All plants and flowers including silk and plastic.
FIRE- The color red- All lighting including candles- Pets - Art depicting animals, people, sunrises and sunsets.- Triangular shaped objects
EARTH- The color yellow and earth tones- Ceramic objects- Brick or tile- Square and rectangular shaped objects- Art depicting earthy landscapes such as the desert
METAL- The colors of silver, grey or gold- All metal objects- All rocks and stones such as marble and granite- Natural crystals, rock, gemstones- Metal or stone sculptures
WATER- Colors of dark blues and black- Anything reflective such as mirrors, glass, cut crystal- Free flowing objects and asymmetrical shapes- Water features - fountains, fish tanks, lakes, streams, rivers, canals
Here's an exercise for you to do. Choose one room in your home or office where one element dominates. Then take some of those objects out of this room and add some objects that represent the other four elements into your space. Notice how you feel in the room. By mixing the five elements just right, you'll have an environment that feels great.
© 2008 Energy In Motion LLC. All Rights Reserved
Having experienced the power of Feng Shui in her own life, Sheri Ruston's mission is to empower you to consciously create your best life now. If you enjoyed this article, you'll love the F*R*E*E* Energy In Motion Ezine and F*R*E*E Special Report: "50 Simple Feng Shui Tips That Will Immediately Improve Your Life." For a limited time only YOU can have access to this information and get started at once making positive changes to improve your life.
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American Colonial Style Decorating - Where to Start

2008-10-22T09:26:00.001-07:00

Using American Colonial Style Decorating in your home does not have to be complicated. At its very core, the American Colonial style is elegant and rich. Think mahogany, crown moldings and panels. Think shutters for the windows. Consider quilts and texturized materials. Creams, greens, dark yellows and barn reds are typical colors in colonial style decorating.
Why Mahogany?
Mahogany was popular amongst the more affluent homeowners in the colonial age. It is from them that we get the modern American Colonial Style. There are no rules when it comes to the wood you choose. Any darker wood will give authenticity to your design. Chippendale and Queen Anne furniture with inlays and carvings or the look of the same are classic colonial pieces.
Crown Moldings and Paneled Walls
Large homes with spacious rooms and open areas are perfect for crown moldings and panels. The colonials knew how to decorate their homes with simplicity as well as flair. Get some books or buy some magazines that have great photos of the American Colonial Style to get a good idea of how walls were done before the birth of the United States.
Shutters on the Windows
Shutters were popular in colonial days. The ability to pull shutters closed offered a sense of security and a chance to add more design to the home. Colonial style calls for shutters instead of curtains and blinds.
Colonial Colors
Colonial colors are taken from the primary colors but are muted due to the natural pigments used in paint during that period in American history. Walls can be painted or papered with elegant floral designs. Furniture is decorated with colorful velvet fabrics and tapestries. Handmade quilts don four-poster beds with or without elaborately designed headboards.
The Heart of the Home - The Kitchen
An American Colonial kitchen was and is made of wood. Think butcher block and island with iron pans hanging overhead. Wooden cabinets and cupboards. Windows with multiple planes of glass and wooden shutters are perfect for every outside wall of your home including the kitchen.
Colorful, braided area rugs can be placed in every room of your home for even more nostalgia. Such rugs can be placed at the entrance, in the living room, kitchen, bath, and bedrooms.
As with other decorating styles being used today, American Colonial Style decorating is not limited to nostalgic pieces. Modern appliances and even modern pieces of décor can be mixed with colonial décor with some success.
Simon Burke has worked in the home decorating field for many years and loves to share his interior design experiences and ideas with home owners everywhere. For more information on American colonial style decor, [http://www.beverageaccessoriesonline.com/shopping-product/american-colonial-style-decorating-from-the-floor-up.html ]click here.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_G_Burke http://EzineArticles.com/?American-Colonial-Style-Decorating---Where-to-Start&id=1591193

4 Ways to Save Energy & Save Money

2008-10-21T09:26:00.000-07:00

Today, escalating prices are draining family budgets. The cost of energy is soaring and everything from heating your home to driving to work is siphoning away your hard earned money. Though there is little that you can do about the rising cost of energy, there are some ways you can save energy, and save money at the same time.
One of the ways to save energy is to cut down on the amount of fuel that you consume. Think fuel efficiency when you purchase a new car. Stay away from the SUVs and consider buying an automobile that uses less fuel.
You can also save energy when doing your laundry, if you wash your clothes in cold water with cold-water detergents, and then hang them outside to dry. Most of the energy used to do laundry is in heating the water and drying the clothes, so with these two steps you will be saving a lot of energy, and money.
Consider changing the way you cook meals. If you use your microwave and crock-pot to cook many of your meals, you will be saving a lot of energy. These appliances use far less energy that your stove and oven.
Of course you may have heard that you can save energy if you turn your air conditioner up in the summer and heat down in the winter. This is a good way to save energy as you can cut your heating and cooling bill by as much as 20 percent. It is also a good idea to keep your shades down in the summer to help keep your house cool, and at night turn off the air conditioner and open the windows.
Turn your water heater down to the lowest setting. In most cases keeping your water heater set low will still provide you with water that is hot enough for what you need, and you will be saving energy too.
Weatherize your home to save energy. Seal your home up with weather stripping and caulk, and of course you will not want to overlook adding more insulation. A home that is weatherized will use far less energy, and will save you money.
There is no way to control the cost of energy, but you do have some control on how much money you spend on energy. All you have to do is take control and save energy.
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Hawk http://EzineArticles.com/?4-Ways-to-Save-Energy-and-Save-Money&id=1586810

Designing the Kitchen From Feng Shui Perspective

2008-10-09T10:56:00.000-07:00

by Swapna P, Apr 8, 2008
Feng Shui is a system based on keen observation and experimentation, combining elements of nature and nutrition. It is the study of the environment, places, people, time, and how the energies of each interact.

The kitchen should not be irregularly shaped. It should also not have one side much longer than the other. In the kitchen, a designer as to tackle two opposing elements, the stove represents the fire element and the sink and refrigerator representing the water element.
Both elements will clash. One must seek a proper balance between the two opposing forces. A gap between the sink and the stove is good. If not, place a wooden divider in between.
Fit cupboards and shelves with rounded corners to avoid energy into your body while preparing and cooking your food.
Wood surfaces are ideal for kitchen floors. Stainless steel and ceramic tiles can create fast moving energy.
This may not be ideal if you want to spend a lot of time in your kitchen, it may leave you feeling drained or tired.
The kitchen should have sufficient lightning and be airy ad spacious. Clean the kitchens regularly. This room needs to be well organized, uncluttered and easily possible. Get rid of all unnecessary clutter for it attracts stagnant energy. Only have items which are used regularly and do not get in the way.
For more Feng Shui tips and ideas please visit https://www.triond.com/users/Swapna+P

Winter Decorating Ideas

2008-10-07T10:42:00.001-07:00

The arrival of the winter solstice has created an aura of calm and tranquility in our environment. The barren trees against the backdrop of the winter sky look like they may have been taken from an artist sketchbook. Embrace this season and create an oasis of calm and peace in your home décor.
Consider decorating your home in shades of winter white. White is available in a plethora of shades and tints, be sure to choose a hue with a warm undertone. Mix in cream, beige and taupe for a monochromatic look.
Monochromatic does not have to be boring when you add in different textures. Consider soft velvet drapery panels, fuzzy chenille throws, luxurious suede pillows and tapestries. I have even seen faux fur pillows and throws, now that's what I call snuggling up.
Winter Décor Tips
Instant décor is no further than your backyard. Bare tree branches can be used in many ways to enhance your home.
Need an inexpensive drapery rod? Gather some interesting tree branches and secure to the top of your window with staples, cup hooks or wooden drapery pole holders. Drape lengths of fabric around and over the branches to create an interesting look. Change out the fabric to reflect the season.
Create a stunning centerpiece with various tree branches. Place several tall branches in a crystal vase, you can even add in small birds, nests and crystal baubles. The combination of the crystal and natural elements create a very simple but pretty display.
Do you feel the need to escape to a spa for some R&R. The price can be quite costly, but you can create a spa look in your very own bathroom. Consider painting the walls an aquatic blue or green. Choose a light tint that has a sheer quality. Purchase large fluffy white towels, various bath soap, salt, and lotion. Cluster several large potted plants and candles around the room. Hang a beautiful candlelier above the tub for an elegant look. A candlelier is like a chandelier but with candles instead of electric bulbs. The only thing left is to close the door, pour some wine and settle in to a nice warm bubble bath.
Kathleen M. Moser, IRIS, SDP, ODSP
Certified Interior Redesigner
One Day Decorating Professional
Real Estate Staging Professional
Bradenton, Florida 34209
Office: (941)794-0153
E-mail: [mailto:focusint@ptd.net]focusint@ptd.net http://www.focusoninteriors.com
Kathleen is a Certified Interior Redesign Industry Specialist, Society of Decorating Professional and Real Estate Staging Professional. Kathleen has studied with industry leaders in the field of Interior Redesign, Decorating and Staging and has taught Interior Design courses at local colleges. She has decorated homes for several organizational fundraisers including Habitat for Humanity, local public libraries and women's club charity home tours. She has also been on TV, in magazine and newspaper publications and is a sought after speaker in her field. Her passion for Interior Design started at a young age and she has redesigned many homes to reflect the owner's personal style and taste. Her experience and skills have provided a keen eye and creative intuition for what will work with diverse decorating styles and issues.
Kathleen believes that all decorating challenges can be solved and that with a little help, everyone can enjoy a refreshed look that will transform your home into a stylish space. She is comfortable working with any home, large or small, simple to opulent, using any style.
Focus On Interiors is a full service interior decorating and design firm tailored to your individual needs and budget. We offer a full selection of services specializing in interior redesign, real estate staging, custom window treatments, color consultation, furniture, lighting, and flooring. Whether you are remodeling your existing home or building a new home, we will help you along the way in making the correct choices.

Feng Shui Tips For Renovating Your Home - Part 2

2008-10-05T10:18:00.000-07:00

Light plays a very important role in creating good feng shui. Dark corners in homes attract a lot of negative energy that can be harmful for the family. A brighter home is always more auspicious than a dark and gloomy one. If you were planning to renovate your house, the addition and widening of windows to let in more natural light would be a great idea. Sunlight rejuvenates the energy of a room. As much as possible, all rooms in the house should have window, especially the bedrooms. Although bedrooms are predominantly Yin areas of the home, it is inauspicious for the bedroom to be too Yin (passive and dark), as it would resemble a tomb. Having a window allows the bedroom's energy to a renewed everyday by letting in fresh air and sunlight.
On the other hand, it is also a bad idea to have too much light in the house. Floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors tend to let in too much light. A room with too much Yang energy is also a bad idea, as it may cause restlessness and petty irritations.
A fresh coat of paint would also do wonders to the room. The walls and furniture is should be painted or cleansed regularly to get rid of accumulated negative Chi. This is the quickest and easiest way to renew the Chi of the home.
As much as possible, important areas of the home such as your bedroom should not be located next to toilets and the kitchen. If this is inevitable, at the very least, make sure your bed or work desk does not share a wall with the toilet or the stove (with the toilet and the stove on the other side of the wall).
For more practical feng shui tips visit - http://www.fengshuitipstoday.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ascisco_Pecunia http://EzineArticles.com/?Feng-Shui-Tips-For-Renovating-Your-Home---Part-2&id=1531097

Feng Shui Tips For Renovating Your Home - Part 1

2008-10-04T08:18:00.001-07:00

As many of you may know by now, a big part of achieving good feng shui is to have a healthy flow of Chi or energy in your home. Here are some great tips on how to renovate your home for good feng shui.
Rooms should be spacious and airy, while the corridors of your home should be wide and unrestricted. If you find that any of the rooms are too cramped or tight, an extension of the room to make it more spacious will be very beneficial. If you have long corridors in your home, make sure that it is wide enough so that the residents do not feel the length of the corridor. A long and narrow corridor is extremely bad feng shui, as it resembles a poison arrow, which emits a lot of shar-chi or "killing energy".
Many homes built today have irregular shapes. Therefore when you are trying to determine the auspicious directions, you may realize that your house has missing corners. Squares and rectangles are the best shapes for a house. If you find that your east sector of your house is missing, a house extension in the east will be beneficial.
The staircases of your home should be wide and gently curved. If the staircase is narrow with lots of sharp turns and corners, the flow of energy between the two floors will be restricted. The staircase should be a good conduit of Chi. Widening the staircase to create a more spacious and open feel will create excellent feng shui.
For more practical feng shui tips visit - http://www.fengshuitipstoday.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ascisco_Pecunia http://EzineArticles.com/?Feng-Shui-Tips-For-Renovating-Your-Home---Part-1&id=1531091

How to Reduce Your Energy Bill - Tricks and Secrets to Cutting Costs in a Big Way

2008-10-02T10:10:00.000-07:00

Energy is getting to be very expensive, and a lot of people are feeling the crunch right now. A great place where you can start to save your money is actually at home. Most homes are not very energy efficient.
They waste a lot of energy, and your money.
There are actually hundreds of inexpensive things you could potentially do to reduce the power bill in your house. Depending on the age and state of your house, doing these things can actually reduce your power consumption by more than half and save you a lot of money at the end of the month.
You need to audit your home. Check for things such as:
- holes and leaks- open fireplace dampers- Energystar rated appliances
Then decide where you'd like to spend your time and money. Usually, heating water and the air accounts for the biggest part of the bill (air conditioning in warmer climates). It all depends on your house.
Many things you can do yourself, other things you may need to hire contractors for. These are some things you'll need to deal with:
Insulation and Air leaks
You will need to check for this for sure if your home was built longer than 20 years ago. Many homes built before then are not well insulated at all. Most of the heat in your house escapes through holes in the floors, walls and ceiling and through plumbing penetrations.
Heating and Cooling
Water and air. It takes a lot of energy to maintain the correct temperatures for your home. Make sure you make the most of the energy you are using by insuling the systems properly and using as little as possible. Take short showers instead of baths etc.
Windows
In older houses single-pane windows are common, and a lot of heat can escape through them. Replace any old inefficient windows with new ones that can trap heat. [http://www.renewableenergyathome.com/alternative-power/]Download free eBook - "No-Cost and Low-Cost Energy Saving Tips For Your Home". It is a to-the-point 22 page ebook that you can use as a checklist to make sure you save big money on your next energy bill!
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Sullivan http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Reduce-Your-Energy-Bill---Tricks-and-Secrets-to-Cutting-Costs-in-a-Big-Way&id=1546071

Eight Common Mistakes in Interior Design

2008-09-29T09:42:00.001-07:00

by Louie Jerome, Jul 11, 2008
Mistakes in interior design can cost a lot of money, not to mention the extra work involved in fixing them.
Don't be tempted to decorate a room just to follow the latest tends. Decorating is expensive and you need to think about how you are going to use the room and whether your design is practical. For example, purple may be an 'in' color but if you use it in a north facing family room you will make it feel dark and oppressive.
There are lots of other examples of impracticality of color and texture. These mistakes can be very expensive.
Choosing Impractical Floor Coverings
Would you, for example, use long pile carpet in a play room used by toddlers? It might make it soft and cosy but it would be very difficult to keep clean. Something easy to wash would be much more practical.
Buying The Wrong Light Fittings
Buying lighting fixtures can be expensive so make sure that the lighting you select is suitable for the room. Soft lights are fantastic in a bedroom, or adult lounge room, but if the room is used by a child, or for reading and studying, you might want to leave out the soft lights and concentrate on giving the room a bright, light atmosphere.
Hanging Artwork Too High
Display artwork at eye level where ever possible. If you fix paintings and wall hangings too high up on the wall it spoils the effect. Visitors have to crane their necks and look up at them.
Spreading A Collection Out
If you have a collection of things, or a group of matching items, display them all together in one group. It makes it easier to see what you have and it gives the display impact. Spreading the collection all around the house spoils the impact.
Separating Pairs of Items
Add pairs of things to a room to bring unity to the deign. For instance have two matching table lamps, two candlesticks, or even two matching pictures displayed together. Arranging things in pairs brings another dimension to a room.
Grouping Heavy Furniture
Don't put all the big, heavy furniture in a group on one side of the room. This makes the room look unbalanced and lopsided. Distribute larger items around the room and try to balance therm out.
Choosing The Wrong Colors
Select colors carefully. A north facing room will look dark and depressing with too many dark colors in it. Even vibrant colors like reds and bright greens can feel heavy in a room with very little natural light. If there is little natural light choose whites and creams and maximise the light that's already there. Bright rooms with lots of light are not such a problem. You can really use your imagination there.
Not Taking The Occupants Into Account
When choosing the overall feel of a room take into account what it is going to be used for and who is going to use it. For example, cool blues and sharp lines may not suit a very 'girlie' girl, but frills, pretty pink curtains and soft textures will not suit your partner if he is a very 'macho' man.
In the long run it will save you time and money if you think about the room you plan to decorate before you start. Decide who will be using the space and what they would like, then consider what is practical and efficient in the area. Choose styles and décor that will not become outdated in a very short time and buy the very best that you can afford.

Feng Shui - You Make a Better Door Than a Window

2008-09-28T08:14:00.000-07:00

You make a better door than a window. So is it with doors and Feng Shui. Doors and the entrance ways that accompany these passageways do more than just provide a passageway or thoroughfare for people to enter and leave your abode by. In addition doors serve as the conduit by which vital qi energy of Feng Shui can enter, leave, and dissipate and in the process mold and modify the Feng Shui conditions and the temper of your home, business or establishment.

First check to see that your front door is not blocked. Ensure that nothing obstructs its view. Next ensure that the line of sight of your front door does not line up directly with that of your back or "rear "door. If this is so then the essential force of qi can easily rush in and then directly flow and easily leave your home - all in a flash before you know it. Qi has to be cultured, refreshed, saved and stored.

Next in the steps of diagnosis of what to watch out for and correct is a situation where somehow in the planning process that three doors are either in a setup row or are aligned in position so that it appears that "three doors are in a row". It this is the case you can consider it poor and very bad in terms of the storage and movement of the qi forces.

If you find that this is so and the doors must remain in place as open entrance ways then take the time and effort to shield or even obstruct these doors and openings. What can be done? Curtains, door coverings, screens, tall or even a number of plants shorter in height or even beaded hanging or bamboo curtains can be employed to create barriers and restraints to the flow of qi. At the worst if these passageways must remain open then place wind chimes or a decorative crystal in the direct flow of the doors to slow down the escape of the most vital qi. If the door is at the end of corridor you may encounter a situation where the qi is held in an area and lingers to long becoming "stale" or wasted to the rest of the home. How can you redirect the qi back into your living or working areas? Simply hang a number of mirrors on the wall, walls or even the ceiling. By doing so you will be reflecting and redirecting the qi energies back to where they can do you , your family, co-workers or customers and clients some good.

Lastly never forget that the "back" or "rear" door to your home or building is the very entrance way by which many enter. It can be said of the good luck and fortune of many that many "enter the back door, but leave by the front". One grandmother's advice to her grandchild when faced by a daunting opportunity was "child this time you come in the back door, don't lose the chance or opportunity. Next time you will come in the front door." So is it with Feng Shui and your back door. Make sure that the rear door passageways are bright, focused and obstructed. Make the rear entrance ways as open and cheery as possible, Ensure that nothing is blocking their views or paths. You never who and what good fortune can come through either of your doorways - front, rear or back.

Morris E. Brown

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Add Fall Style to Any Room in a Day

2008-09-25T09:18:00.001-07:00

Adding the autumnal warmth to a room can mark the change in seasons for the entire family, ushering in football, holidays, and cups of cocoa after school. And it can be easy, dramatic, and inexpensive! Follow these three simple steps to take any (or every!) room in your home from summer simple, to fall fabulous in just one day!
Step One- Add rich, warm color! Whatever your main wall color is in your room, paint your focal wall a deep shade of that color. No major color scheme change here, everything you already have in that room will still work because you are just amping up the present color scheme. For instance, if your walls are a pale peach, paint your focal wall a rich terra cotta. Light sage? Paint that focal wall a deep warm green. Just have white walls? Here is your chance to develop a color scheme and bring a lot of warmth into your room. Pick any one color you love, plus white, and you have a color scheme! Still love your white walls? Then paint the focal wall a rich cream, or even a chocolate brown. Remember, its just paint, and you can always paint it back in an afternoon with a cheap can of paint!
Step Two- Change out a few of your accessories... pick up a couple of candles in your new rich focal wall color and set them out on a pretty plate, or add just one throw pillow to the couch and chair in that color. Pick up some ribbon in that hue and use it to tie back curtains, or wrap it around pillows a few times and tie with a pretty bow. Add a throw blanket from the linen closet draped over the easy chair, and a stack of books on the end table to read on a cool night. You don't need to go buy out the home section, just add a few quick touches to warm up the room.
Step Three_ Add nature! Nothing says the harvest season like displaying the fruits of natures bounty in your home. Set out a bowl full of nuts and nestle a candle in the middle, scatter pressed fall leaves over your mantel or coffee table, or tie branches into bundles, add some dried flowers and hang over doorways. Display fruits and veges on your kitchen counter or take the kids on a nature walk and fill a large clear jar with gifts from Mother Nature. (Always follow laws about collecting, however).
There you go, three quick steps and in one day you've created a room for your loved ones that breathes the comfort and cozyness of fall!
Want free home decorating ideas? Kathy Wilson is an author, home decorating columnist for LifetimeTv.com, and editor of several popular home and garden websites. For hundreds of free do ityourself home and garden ideas, please visit her websites now at http://www.TheBudgetDecorator.com and http://www.DecoratingYourSmallSpace.com

Feng Shui For Beginners - Part 2 the Tools and Remedies Used in Feng Shui

2008-09-24T11:23:00.000-07:00

As you learn more about Feng Shui you discover that the same few tools are used time and time again to produce the desired balance and harmony in one's home. Items such as mirrors and lights are thought to not only to attract great luck and prosperity but also give out positive energy thereby having a positive effect on the home overall. Wind chimes, bells and plants are other items that are used repeatedly to deflect sha chi and encourage positive chi to circulate effectively around your home.
Feng Shui partly consists of common sense. If something just doesn't look right or feel right in a room, then the chances are it won't have good Feng Shui. Given that, it's important to note that it is at your discretion what objects you use, and there are many that would work in your home. As long as they fit in and compliment the other shapes and objects as well as adhere to the basic principals of Feng Shui then you won't go too far wrong.
Lights and Mirrors
These are the most common addition to a room in order to remove any bad or hostile sha chi and replace it with positive energy. The shiny surface of a mirror reflects the light and energy back into the room ensuring none escapes and is wasted. Mirrors should never directly face either the front door to your home or your bed in the main bedroom as this is inauspicious. Lights or candles must have soft or rounded edges and should be fairly bright although not glaringly so and as this will create too much chi which is detrimental to the overall effect.
Wind Chimes
Wind chimes are commonly used in Feng Shui and are strongly linked to creating wealth for you and your family. They help to encourage the circulation of the air in a room, the movement of which allows energy to gather and multiply and If the rods of the chimes are hollow then the positive chi will rise to the top of them and settle evenly throughout the room. The constant circulation of the air in a room also ensures that stagnant chi is unable to fester, and the pleasant melodic sounds produced by the chimes act as an energizer to any stagnant chi that may be present.
Plants
Plants are a common tool used in Feng Shui and they are particularly representative of health, vitality and growth. It is vital however that only healthy plants are used as dead or dying plants represent death and decay and are therefore thought of as extremely inauspicious.
Large of broad leaved plants are the most suitable as they are the most effective in slowing down chi that could be moving too fast throughout your home.
The 8 Treasures
There are eight symbols of treasures that the Chinese consider to be extremely auspicious and consequently often display in their homes. It is thought that all 8 energize and activate the areas of good fortune and reputation.
The 8 treasures consist of a pearl, a mirror, a stone lozenge, a leaf, an ancient Chinese coin, a stone chime, two books and a rhinoceros' horn. A way to further enhance the effects of their positive energy is to tie individual pieces of red tape or ribbon around the items or display them on a red cloth or surface. The most popular item used is the Chinese gold coin which is circular with a square hole punched in the middle. The most effective chi is emitted if three or six coins are tied together with a piece of red string or ribbon. A pearl is another popular item and is often displayed being held by an ornamental dragon. Any object that is round can used as a symbol of the pearl and it is said to be representative of purity and great intelligence.
The 8 Auspicious Symbols
The 8 Auspicious Symbols are as follows: An umbrella, a wheel, a flag, a lotus flower, a fish, a knot, a conch shell and a jar.
These are different to the 8 treasures as they area mainly used by the followers of the Buddhist faith. Their belief is that these 8 symbols had been revealed as symbols on the soles of Buddha.
The fish or anything that represents a fish is the most commonly displayed symbol and is often found in Chinese restaurants and shops as the fish is thought to encourage customers to spend more freely. A fish tank is often positioned near the till in Chinese restaurants for exactly this reason.
I have just one final word on the use of Feng Shui tools; Never over-use any of them. Simply swamping your home with fish won't result in wealth arriving on your doorstep. Any tool that is over-used will negate any positive effects that would otherwise have been encouraged. It is essential that a room looks and feels right on entering, with no one item dominating or being used too frequently. All interiors must work well together and compliment one another.
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Feng Shui For Beginners - Part 1 Ideal Location of Home

2008-09-23T11:22:00.000-07:00

Most people have heard of Feng Shui and if pushed would probably explain it as a Chinese art of arranging furniture in order to achieve fame and fortune. This is a rather simplistic view of the Feng Shui, but not wildly inaccurate. Feng Shui goes very much further than simply moving a pot plant from one corner to another and hey presto you're rich! It is in fact an entire way of life, but more practically it is an ancient system of arranging our environment so that we can live in harmony with our surroundings. It is the achievement of producing balance and harmony that leads to the desirable outcomes such as health, wealth and happiness that we tend to associate Feng Shui with.
The theory behind feng shui is that everything in the environment from totally natural items to man-made structures contain powerful energy lines that are omitted into the atmosphere and continually flow around us and our surroundings. Whilst much of this energy is positive, there is a substantial amount of negative energy that will have a detrimental effect on our lives if allowed too much prominence. The aim of feng shui is to encourage positive energy (chi) into our homes and enable it to move freely and gently from room to room whilst simultaneously expelling or discouraging any bad or negative energy (Sha Chi).
In this article I am starting right at the beginning; the importance of the positioning of the house itself. For those of you already in your home with no plans to move, do not fear. The beauty of Feng Shui is there are many remedies that are able to counteract the possible negative energy stagnating in the home and deflect it back to where it came from. Look out for the rest of my series of Feng Shui for beginners. I will try briefly in this article to explain the very basic do's and dont's of Feng Shui when buying a house as it is the movement of the energy lines that should determine the location of our homes.
So ingrained in Chinese culture is Feng Shui that whereas in the West we might allow a structural surveyor to look over our potentially new house, the Chinese would call in their Feng Shui consultant. This procedure is not unheard of in the West however, and more and more home buyers and hiring the services of Feng Shui consultants to inspect their potential house before signing on the dotted line. If the area around your home has good Feng Shui then it is easier to encourage the benefits indoors. Below is a list of things to look out for when finding a home.
The front of the house should face South, and even more ideal would be a front door facing South East.
Aim to live with your back to a mountain or anything that represents a mountain. This includes larger buildings, hills or other large structures. Effectively these will act as a backbone to your home giving it constant support.
There should be a either a small hill or mound or alternatively a large rock or boulder situated at the front of the house. Failing that, a picture of one should be placed on the southerly wall inside your home. This acts as a foot stool to the house providing comfort and support to all its residents.
There should be a flat and low area to the West of the house, but the land should not fall away too steeply else your life will be boring and predictable. If you have hills or mountains then unexpected calamities will befall you.
To the east of the house where the sun rises should be green hills from which you will receive wisdom, learning and experience.
Ensure there is a large open space in front of your home allowing you to see the horizon from one of the front windows. This allows positive chi to enter the home unobstructed.
It is beneficial to be able to see water from the front of your home such as a stream or a lake. Ideally there would be a stream coming in from the North West flowing across the front of the house and disappearing off to the South East. Clear, sparkling fresh water will allow the most harmony especially if it moves slowly and gently with small waterfalls. This gives the Chi a chance to gather and settle as it passes by your home. Canals do not omit positive energy however because the Chi moves along them too quickly.
The positioning described above would provide ideal Feng Shui and the most auspicious abode but you must not worry if your home is not positioned in this exact way. There are plenty of remedies that will combat the negative effects of Sha Chi or deflect it away which I will go on to discuss in Part 2 of my Feng Shui for beginners.
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Basic Feng Shui Symbols Explained

2008-09-19T10:02:00.001-07:00

Feng Shui seeks to achieve balance and harmony with the environment. You can do so by changing the placement of certain objects or by introducing certain Feng Shui symbols that can improve the flow of positive energy (Qi) in a specific area.
There are many Feng Shui products that have been designed to utilize the power of Feng Shui symbols. Every Feng Shui product symbolizes something. Knowing what each object symbolizes, will allow you to ascertain the appropriate Feng Shui products you will need to improve your situation. Symbols can come in the form of colors, elements, plants or animals. Therefore, it is also essential for you to learn more about Feng Shui products and their symbols.
Let us examine some of the popular symbols used by Feng Shui practitioners and what they mean.
LongevityLongevity is the ability to live a long life. It can be applied to various life concepts such as your career or your romantic relationships. To attain longevity, you can place symbols of cranes, turtles or trees in your house.
For example, you can hang paper cranes around your room. This is because cranes are symbols of longevity. Alternatively, you can display the drawings of turtles or pine trees, as both are symbols of longevity too.
Wealth and ProsperityThe majority of Feng Shui practitioners want to obtain good fortune and wealth. In Feng Shui, water is the most eminent symbol of wealth. For this reason, having a well-placed crystal fountain in your house will help in bringing you good fortune.
Love and RelationshipFor symbols regarding relationship, it is important to keep in mind that these symbols must always come in pairs. A single object signifies a single life for you. If you want to have a successful relationship, you can try placing several crystal lotuses in your home, as crystal lotuses are power enhancers for love and romance.
Where To Place Your Feng Shui Symbol
To locate the best place for to put a Feng Shui symbol, you will need the aid of a Bagua map. The Bagua map has 9 areas that represent 9 different aspects of your life. The Bagua map indicates what each area of your house represents and with that, you will know what Feng Shui symbols to put in that specific area in order to improve that aspect of life.
Now that this article has reached its conclusion, we hope that you now have a better understanding of what Feng Shui symbols are. By understanding how the symbols work, you can make use of the symbols to amend the Feng Shui of your house to improve the quality of your life. [http://www.whatisfengshui.net/]Click Here to get Free Tips on how to improve your life with Feng Shui. Lynn Lee is a celebrated authority on the traditional Chinese art of Feng Shui, providing valuable advice on [http://www.whatisfengshui.net]Feng Shui Decorating.

Nursery Wall Decor - Lullabies and Stimuli

2008-09-18T09:47:00.001-07:00

It's the most fantastic, breath taking and scariest day of your life. You are bringing home the most precious possession that you alone are responsible for. Over the last nine months you have devoured every book imaginable on how to take care of your new bundle of joy. You have also spent hours thumbing through numerous catalogs and magazines to decorate the room that your newborn will spend most of its time in. You are aware that this special place can be the key for your child's development. Before this child becomes a reality you just know that everything has to be perfect.
The main theme that has appeared from all that you have read is that you must make this room a place of learning, cozy and comforting. It must have a feeling of love and warmth and the security for the child to be his or herself and grow. Since you will also be spending most of your time there you need to appreciate the room as well. Remember if you are happy and relaxed so will your child.
The first step for the walls is to choose a color schemes. Studies have shown that it is best to choose colors that are light, clear and breezy. Dark shades offer a non stimulating environment and can make the room feel closed in and smaller. Introducing warm colors like rose, peach or primrose helps create a feeling of coziness and adventure. The sooner the baby feels at home in the room the better for everyone involved in its care.
Have fun and be creative and most of all keep safety in mind. Making the perfect space for your little one can be a wonderful experience. You want to make certain whatever wall decor you choose, this will be a place that is comforting and will surround the child with slumber and lullabies and stimuli.
Children grow faster then you expect so try to pick a theme that will grow with your child. You might choose just to do wallpaper borders or stick-ups that can easily be removed when your child has a mind of their own. Another idea is to choose a theme that you can keep adding to as the child develops. Make his or her room one that they will enjoy for years and everyone will win.
Some popular themes are characters from nursery rhymes and fairy tails. When they reach the toddler years these pictures on their walls will be recognized as friends from the stories they have been told over and over again. Animals and flowers are a couple of other soothing themes I might suggest. Whatever you finally decide on, a must for all new parents is to purchase a wall covering that is washable and easy to remove.
In early childhood children have trouble distinguishing what is real from what is imaginary. Whatever characters you decide on, the images should be gentle and definitely not scary.
Consider incorporating shapes, circles, triangles and rectangles also with geometric shapes. It is known that these shapes will allow a child to focus better on objects, which will be a boost to their development. Try to also incorporate colorful patchwork designs and a combination of textures.
The goal to keep in mind when deciding on a theme, color, design and material is that you want wall decor that will attract your babies attention but not overwhelm them so they find it too stimulating to relax.
This is the best time of your life and the excitement that is inside of you is sure to spark your enthusiasm and will automatically generate exciting decor ideas.
Barbara Tobiasz resides in the Chicago area and studied at the Art Institute. She has consulted and volunteered her services for many organizations with her creative expressions in the interior design field. For more information on Wall Decor, go to: http://www.Wall-Decor-Concepts.com

Concrete Countertops - Are You Serious

2008-09-16T09:55:00.001-07:00

I recently learned of this growing trend towards concrete as an indoor building material. I have to admit to call we skeptical would be putting it lightly. I just could not imagine why anyone would want the skyscraper look for inside their home. I mean to each their own, but I just could not get a mental picture. I recently learned that I was completely wrong.
Designing with concrete today is nothing like one would imagine. What first shocked me was the versatility of concrete. I have a friend who is a mason. He started explaining to me about all the wonderful things you could create our of concrete. I kept blowing him off until he showed me his latest job. He had just installed custom concrete counter tops for a client.
The look on my face must have betrayed my feelings because he insisted that I go and take a look at them. I was quite skeptical still own the ride over. Once we entered the kitchen, I was floored. Not even something like granite could look the way these counter tops did. The concrete had a warmness I definitely was not expecting. It was the warmest kitchen I may have ever been in. The craftsmanship of these counters really stood out. Unlike any other building material concrete has amazing customization. Being that I live at the beach and a favorite Outer Banks pasttime is collecting seaglass on the beach, he suggested that I have him install custom concrete counter tops with a vein of polished seaglass. It sounds like a good idea to me.
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Nautical and Coastal Decor

2008-09-15T19:17:00.001-07:00

Nautical and Coastal decor style gives a relaxed feeling not only to the guests but also to the people staying in that house. The style basically involves features of the beach and its associated elements. So, in order to develop such a style for the interior proper care must be taken while choosing all the elements in the room. The room must be furnished with items which are related to the elements in a beach. Only then the natural beauty of the beach can be recreated inside your home. Also the color of the paint on ceiling and sidewalls also matters. But natural and coastal style is not a difficult one to implement.
The furniture and other decorative items should not be arranged in a crowded manner in the room. It won't look good if the things inside the room are over crowded. If the room is a bed room, then you can use bed spreads and pillow covers which have got some pictures or designs related to beach or anything related to that. Also it would be better if you choose sky blue color or its shades to paint the sidewalls and an appropriately matched color for the ceiling. You can also implement some beach theme in the walls. In case if you are going to use wooden blocks in the room, you can paint them with appropriate colors so that it matches to the room. The colors used can be white, blue, shades of blue and milky light green can be used. The added advantage of nautical and coastal decor is that it gives a very soothing and relaxed feeling for the person in the room.
Another element related to this type of decorating style is lightning. One can select from different items like the floor or table lamps which features beaches, seashell, shorebirds, lighthouse, sea urchins, sailboats, pelicans, seagulls and starfish. In case you are planning to put some chairs in the room you can select the lifeguard model chairs. The ceiling fan of white colour or sky blue color is the preferred one. Including an aquarium in the main room is a good option. You can also use items like pictures with shell border frame, ship replicas, vintage sextants, light house sculptures, beach paintings on glass and worn lantern.
Next thing to be taken care of is the flooring. For this there are different options available. It includes short pile rugs, floor mats in blue color and sisal mats. You can also use floor mats which contain some beach theme or represent something which is related to the beach. Also make sure that the curtain used in the window is an appropriate one. It is better to use curtains which contain some paintings related to beaches or beach items. Plain curtain can also be used.
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Mediterranean Interior Design Spells Warmth

2008-08-30T08:37:00.001-07:00

The hardware tends to be heavy and often burnished, and the florals and greenery abundant in Mediterranean interior design. Walls are usually textured and the delightful and colorful mosaic tiles are often used as flooring or as backsplashes. That same mosaic pattern can be stenciled on the flooring, walls or furniture. The furniture influence is a combination of Spanish, Greek, Italian and French Country. Furniture may range in style from an informal simple look, to a very formal effect. Because Mediterranean interior design is a soothing, comfortable style of interior design, it comes as no surprise that it is one of the more popular styles today.
Your Own Decorating Project
Many people who have visited the Mediterranean, have fallen in love with the region. It's not difficult then to bring a little of the Mediterranean interior design back home with you. With this style being so prominent in the design world today, it is a simple job to find accessories, furniture, paint and fabric to help you achieve this look. While it may prove a challenge to mimic the textured walls of a Mediterranean home, with the paint colors available today, there is no reason why you cannot achieve a Mediterranean interior design feel in your living room.
To succeed with this theme in your own home, begin with the paint choices. Depending on the size of your room, you may want to choose a rich terra-cotta color. If this is too dark, go with a golden yellow or perhaps a French blue. After deciding on wall color, the next step is furniture arrangement. Will the sofa stay or go? Usually, it stays. That means the search is on for the perfect fabric. After furniture and fabric is decided upon, look for accent pieces, such as tables and lamps. Coffee tables with black wrought iron legs will work perfectly and matching table lamps can go well together.
Do not omit functionality when choosing the lighting and placing the furniture. If mosaic tiles are out of your price range, consider stenciling a mosaic design on the fireplace or on the walls around door openings. Having a touch of the mosaic tiles in your room will help to achieve your Mediterranean interior design look. Try using a beautiful flower arrangement to pull together all of the colors in the room and add plenty of greenery to finish your [http://interiordesignbliss.com/interior-design/mediterranean-interior-design-%e2%80%93-unforgettable-beauty]mediterranean interior design look. It really is not a difficult task to complete. If a new upholstery project is not in your budget; let the paint and accessories do the work for you. Mediterranean interior design is a beautiful, relaxing style and fairly easy to accomplish if you have the time and the patience.
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How to Create a Nautical Decor Themed Room

2008-08-11T10:46:00.000-07:00

Close your eyes and think of the water. What comes to mind? The Ocean? The Beach? Lighthouses? Perhaps a romantic rendezvous that brought you to such a place in your past? You're off to a good start, three fourths of our planet earth's surface is covered with water. We are completely dependent on it for our survival. Not surprising that water should be so important to us. And that is where nautical decor begins: with water.
Because so much of the Earth is covered with water it tends to wash up on many varied and very often exotic places. A nautical decor themed room can be as exotic and diverse as are the places that we find water. So what aspect of your watery adventure do you wish to reflect in your room? Perhaps you have fond memories of the Navy, or perhaps you are a sailboat, or powerboat enthusiast, or maybe you just can't get that Caribbean honeymoon out of your mind. Start with that, the place, what you remember about it most and what it means to you.
Decorating a room should be a personal experience that should reflect what the theme means to you. Now that you have begun your adventure, a word of caution: don't try to recreate every aspect of the place that you have in mind. Instead focus on a few important points. Start with the colors. If it's the beach you have in mind take the tan of the sand, or the turquoise of the ocean. Light pinks and aqua are always good for a tropical look. If you are a sailor yourself you can't go wrong with navy blue. The color can be painted on the wall or better yet; it can be the color of the fabrics in your furnishings, rugs or carpet. Are you remembering walking along the beach? Take a glass jar and fill it with sand and seashells. Do you see the white hull of your sailboat cutting whitecaps through the dark water? A small model of a sailboat on the mantel or a table is a fine addition. Keep it simple. It is much better to have a visitor to your home taken in by the subtlety of your decor rather than immediately overwhelmed by it.
These are just a few pointers to get you started on your nautical decor. This is by no means a complete list. What you finally make of the room is up to you and you alone. The point is that with a little imagination and not too much expense you can bring the effect of our water-world into your home, and create an environment that you and your family and friends will feel comfortable and relaxed in. Take your time, have fun and make the changes a little at a time. Don't rush, but don't be afraid to try something new. Let your imagination be your guide.
If you get stuck or need new ideas go to a search engine and search for nautical decor or nautical theme decor. You will be surprised at the help and ideas that are available.
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Tropical Interior Design Tips

2008-08-04T10:21:00.000-07:00

Creating at tropical interior design will help you to escape some of the stresses of the day. At work, many people will use posters in a tropical theme to help them create that image of vacations. Others will place a tank of fish by their desk so that they can think about the sun and sand. This look is one that draws relaxation because it reminds people of where they like to be: in the tropics.
Getting The Process Started
There are several things to consider when it comes into play when it comes to this type of relaxing environment. You will want a simple look. You also want the right mix of colors that will provide revitalization for the soul. With warm breezes blowing and the feel of sand between your toes, you really can create that relaxing environment. Yet, there is more to this design than just these factors.
One of the key elements to a tropical interior design is that it will provide you with a warm feeling. Warmth and light go hand in hand here. You need more than fluorescent work lamps to pull this off, though. What you need is a type of natural like that creates the mood for you. In the evening, the light needs to change to be more firelight in tone. In the tropics, torches and bon fires are common and help create that unique feel, along with the warm breeze and the later cool breeze that comes on shore. To create this type of look, start with adding big, beautiful windows that are well insulated and then regulate the temperature.
Material Uses
Bamboo is a type of product that will work subtly in any space to create the unique tropical look. You can use it in several ways such as for bamboo floor mats, bamboo wall coverings or even place it on the ceiling for texture and elegance. This will create a unique feeling of tropical interior design. You can take this look even further by adding in real tropic feeling palm trees to the mix. With the palm tree leaves overhead, you will create a feeling of being in Jamaica.
When you use these basics, you can really create a unique look in the interior design of your home. Do spend time looking for the highest quality in terms of natural substances. You want to incorporate these basics to pull off the look of the home. Without them, tropical interior design is not as pleasing as it could be.
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Taking the Indoors Outside - Outdoor Kitchens Extend Your Possibilities

2008-08-03T10:20:00.000-07:00

Are you hoping to expand your home? Instead of considering an addition, give some thought to expanding your livable space - outdoors. More homes are moving towards creating outside spaces that function as an extension of the home, essentially outdoor rooms. These spaces include room for relaxing, entertaining, and cooking.
The first point of creating one of these outdoor rooms begins with outdoor kitchen planning. These kitchens are more than a mere area to barbeque; instead outdoor kitchens include a variety of appliances (refrigerators, sinks, and of course, grills), extensive countertops for food prep, and dining areas.
Some people start their preparations by consulting a kitchen design software package. While many software programs offer great details for traditional "indoor" kitchens, many are adding outdoor kitchen planning as one of their features.
Planning an outdoor kitchen isn't that different from the equivalent indoor kitchen. You still need to plan space for countertops, plan for plumbing and cooking. A kitchen design software package can help you get started brainstorming. You'll see some sample outdoor kitchens that you can adapt to your home.
When it comes to outdoor kitchen planning, you need to consider a few key factors:
* How much time do you spend outdoors?* How much room do you have to devote to an outdoor kitchen?* Do you cook extensively outdoors (or would you like to)?* Do you like to entertain?* How much money are you willing to spend?
The two most important factors will be space and money. If you aren't willing to sacrifice much backyard space, you might have to consider a simple, installed gas grill with a small counter space. If you truly want to create an outdoor room, you have to be willing to devote about the same amount of space as you would to a room in your home. For extensive outdoor kitchen planning, you'll need to consider the location of plumbing and gas lines. You may also need to consider creating overhangs or roofs to protect your appliances from the elements.
Your kitchen design software will help you plan an outdoor space that utilizes a good kitchen design - easy access between the grill, refrigerator, and sink. Once you have these elements in place, along with seating for you and your guests, you'll have a brand new space you can enjoy, with all the conveniences of an indoor room. You'll probably find you spend more time in your outdoor kitchen, than you ever spent in the indoor equivalent.
James Mahoney is the owner of Kitchen Designers Ideas.com. He has written many articles on kitchen design and puts out an information packed newsletter. Learn about kitchen design ideas and trends by visiting his site at http://www.KitchenDesignersIdeas.com

Moroccan Style - Tips For Creating Lavish Moroccan Theme Oasis

2008-07-30T10:03:00.000-07:00

With several official languages, Morocco is a crossroad of many cultures and styles.Often used as a source of inspiration for painters, writers and hippies, Morocco can be seen as a captivating oasis. The Moroccan style is now hot in the US, imposing its magic in the exclusive pueblo designed homes of Santa Fe including California and its introduction into New York.
Here are some basics for creating the Moroccan touch to your home, loft or apartment:
* Look for the vibrant colors red, green and blue found in the sea of the area and also gold, yellow, and silver from the surrounding desert.
* Create a tropical atmosphere by bringing the outside indoors by using exotic plants, terra cotta tiles, and (if approved by your landlord ) textured walls.
* Moroccan home accents and the world famous Moroccan light fixtures such as Moroccan lanterns, Moroccan wall sconces, Moroccan pendant, Moroccan chandelier, Moorish lantern, Moorish wall sconce, Moorish pendant. These Moroccan lighting can be either on top of Moroccan tables or free standing to hanging.
Moroccan Lighting:Moroccan light fixtures are unique from any other country in the world. Handcrafted in the crowded Medina of Marrakech, Fes, and the magical city of Casablanca, Moroccan light fixtures also know as Moorish lighting are the pride of the artisans that skillfully carve them from quality solid Moroccan brass while surrounded by snake charmers and the smell of market spices.
Whether your ambition is to create a complete Moroccan style, Moorish interior, Mediterranean style interior design, Moorish home decor or just have a Moroccan touch, Moroccan lanterns, Moorish lanterns, Mediterranean lighting, Spanish light fixtures will ad that unique Moroccan element to your home.
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Planning a Kitchen Perfect For More Than Just Cooking

2008-07-28T09:51:00.001-07:00

There are a lot of factors to consider when planning and building your dream kitchen. You may have the budget for an excellent looking kitchen with all the facilities for cooking, but then it may not be well-designed to meet your purpose. A kitchen perfect for more than just cooking is a balance of appearance and functionality.
Kitchen Use
Think how you are going to use your kitchen. This is the first step on how you can come up with a good concept when you build or remodel your kitchen. Think how you will answer these questions:
• Who will be using your kitchen? Is it just you or also other members of the house hold? This will help you determine the size and plan the flow of traffic in your kitchen.
• Will it be frequent that more than 2 cooks will be using the kitchen at the same time? If that is the case, think of the working space and other necessities like the counter and the sink.
• Do you host parties frequently? You have to remember that during these parties you don't want to be isolated in the kitchen. Open up the space so you will be able to join the fun happening in the other parts of the house.
• What else will you need in the kitchen? Some families make their kitchen as their home office. Some have an extra breakfast bar. Others have their laundry closet in their kitchen
• Any special designs that you need to consider? If someone who is old, physically or mentally challenged will be using the kitchen, think of special adaptations in your design to make it easier for them to use.
Style and Design
You may have a dream kitchen that you have seen on TV, in a magazine, or when you visited the show room. The color and finishes or the changes that you want to make are very important. You also have to think about the lay-out so the kitchen can be utilized well.
Modern designs typically suggest a U shaped counter or an L shaped counter incorporating an island. In both designs, it is vital to have the sink and stove close to each other. The same spacing is also applicable around the stove. A small space near the microwave will be also helpful when getting those hot dishes.
From one side of the sink, have a foot or two of space and a bigger space on the other side for stacking some dishes and other kitchenware. You also have to consider the space where to set food when you get them from the refrigerator.
The basic lay-out of a kitchen is based on the concept of a work triangle. The three major points are the sink, the refrigerator, and the stove. The three legs of this triangle, when added, must be at least twenty three feet.
Cabinets for storage are also very important. Some prefabricated cabinets normally has a depth of 2 feet, height of almost 3 feet, and widths increasing from three inches up through 3 feet.
The Most Important Factor
Budget. This will make or break plans of building or remodeling a kitchen to suit your needs. Plan according to what is practical and affordable.
This article was written by Benedict Yossarian. If you are planning some home improvements Roof Bond [http://www.roofbond.biz/system.asp]roofing insulation can add value and save on heating bills. Judge [http://www.judge-ceilings.co.uk/suspendedceiling.asp]Suspended Ceilings can provide you with suspended ceilings, DIY tools, fixtures and fittings for any home improvement project.
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Using the Tools of Feng Shui

2008-07-25T10:27:00.000-07:00

The Bagua is a most fair and practical way of applying the philosophical principles of the I Ching or what is also referred to as "The Book of Changes" to Feng Shui.
It is more than well and accepted that shape itself has an effect, which is noticeable as well as well documented, on the flow of energy and balance. It can be best said and described that Bagua itself, used like a map, can be applied to your plot or land, your house, your rooms and even down to the detail of the arrangement of your furniture.
Indeed , for many centuries , if not millennia , the Chinese have consulted the I Ching , or "Book of Changes" to give insight, as well as hope and support into situations , places, people and relationships in what can be said to be very similar , if not identical to the same way and means that other cultures used , and continue to use other insightful vehicles and measures as Tarot cards, horoscopes , runes and astrology.
The basis of I Ching, towards an understanding of its rules and basics are trigrams which indicate the degrees of yin and yang as well as the ideas of constant cyclical change and changes. Indeed this has been referred to and summarized as the "eight stages of life". In its simplest explanation the octagonal shape of the eight trigrams with unbroken lines represent yang, and broken lines represent yin and is called a or the "Bagua".
Thus the Bagua represents the eight directions - the eight trigrams of the I Ching. Each of these represents the eight life situations - prosperity, fame, relationships, creative energy, travel and helpful people, career, knowledge, family and health - with the taiji (tai chi) in the middle, represented best and most simply and straightforwardly the yin/yang symbol of complimentary opposites.
How can the Bagua best be used and its teachings and insights used?
By placing the Bagua over a plan of your home or room you can best identify your own particular problem areas. Next step about balancing these particular areas of concern and discord. For example you can activate the relationships corner of your home or bedroom, if you are single and unattached in a relationship, at this moment yet looking for or actively seeking a relationship in your life. In the case of seeking to prosper in business you can choose to place your cash register in the designated wealth area of your business area. All you need to do now is to wait for the profits, and thus prosperity to roll along and in.
To apply the Bagua effectively you will need a plan of your home drawn to scale. It is best to purchase actual graph paper as this will make your task, your planning and implementation significantly easier as well as thorough. First designate the "center" and the "front". The" front door" can be said to be qi enters your block of land, home, office or room. Its position will help you determine where the Bagua should be placed. The front door will always fall in one of three areas. Depending on whether your door is in the center (career choices), to the right of center as you are facing it (travel as well as helpful people) or lastly to the left (knowledge as well as wise intuition).
Feng Shui.
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How to Create a Beautiful Garden Room at Home

2008-07-24T10:39:00.000-07:00

Bright garden room
A garden room in an Edwardian house is updated with summery colours, bold pattern and a mix of modern furniture and antiques. Patterns and stripes in shades of peony pink and zesty lime green, accented with jewel colours, create a fresh, lively mood.
Glazed cabinets and painted armoires provide places to store tableware for both indoor and outdoor entertaining. Line shelves with wallpaper or an oilcloth fabric. Architectural detailing, such as stained-glass windows, can be highlighted by vibrant colour schemes to create a more contemporary look.
Monochrome garden room
Contemporary architecture dictates chic black and white for this open-plan living space, which leads on to a streamlined terrace. Oversized accessories, such as the vase on the coffee table, add impact. Graphic designs make a statement; this coffee table is a perfect example.
Layer texture in a contemporary scheme for interest: a loop-pile rug in a bright colour over sleek rubber flooring, and a mix of gloss and matt accessories will all add depth. Use table and floor lamps around the room to create pools of light, with recessed spots for task lighting
Simple gardenroom
Shades of blue and black teamed with furniture and accessories in natural, tactile materials create a laid-back feel for this retreat. A palette of blue and white is enhanced by light pieces of furniture, such as the wooden desk chair.
Furniture and accessories in a variety of woods and woven natural materials, give the scheme warmth and depth while creating a calming, rustic feel. Keep blankets and throws close at hand for keeping warm on summer evenings, using storm lanterns to create atmospheric lighting.
You can find more information on [http://www.housetohome.co.uk/articles/advice/diy/How_to_choose_the_right_colour_for_your_walls__121746.html?subslug=]interior design and [http://www.housetohome.co.uk/articles/advice/planning/Groundwork_every_self-made_interior_designer_must_do_120977.html?subslug=]interior design ideas at house to home, helping you create a look you'll love

Excellent Ideas For Remodeling Cincinnati Kitchens

2008-07-09T10:09:00.000-07:00

Kitchens and bathrooms serve the same purpose for everyone, regardless of location. The personal touches make these rooms distinct from others, not the functional details. Because these two rooms generally receive the most use, they should reflect both the homeowner and location. In addition to the already challenging aspects of kitchen remodeling, Cincinnati offers some unique renovation challenges due to the many older homes found within this city.

Cincinnati offers kitchen remodeling concepts that may not fit well in other locations such as sports or river-related themes thanks to its riverfront reputation. If the homeowner does not want the remodeling to replicate a landmark or activity of the city, they could always turn their kitchen remodeling into a beach scene by painting the kitchen to look like a cabana.

However, the rich history of river trade in the city and its close proximity to Kentucky result in a variety of unique themes that can fit well in kitchen remodeling designs. Contractors in Cincinnati have experienced many different types of remodeling jobs allowing them to help the homeowner decide in a direction ensuring the remodeling project meets the homeowner's needs and personality.

Cincinnati is has many older homes where utility was placed as a priority over design and style which, in turn, can be one of the greatest challenges for anyone involved in the remodeling project. Turning area originally built for function into one that matches in charm and ambience in the rest of the home is a challenging task, yet one that can result in excellent results if done properly. However, an experienced and creative contractor or designer can make it happen and turn the functional room into a glorious combination of charm and utility.

As with most areas of the country, kitchen remodeling in Cincinnati is an instant boost to the home's overall resale value. You may want to consider the [http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com/remodeling.html]kitchen cabinet colors Of the three areas of a prospective buyer pays attention to-kitchen, bathroom and the heating and cooling system-the kitchen is a great first choice for improving the home's overall look and value so that a higher price can be demanded in the event of a sale down the road. Even if selling is not on the list of possibilities anytime soon, upgrading the kitchen area can make life easier and more enjoyable for as long as the home is owned.

Regardless of the kitchen's size, additional storage space is usually a much needed improvement as well as extra seating for occasional use. One idea is to place a bench along one wall to be used for occasional seating while the space beneath the bench can be used as the ongoing need for additional storage space. This idea can be used whether your home is in Cincinnati or not since insufficient space for seating or storage is one of the more common complaints among homeowners.

The columnist Vince Paxton is especially passionate about areas associated with small kitchen remodeling. You can discover his work on kitchen cabinet colors at http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com and different sources for kitchen cabinet colors information.

Country Decor Elements For a Kitchen and Bathroom

2008-07-08T11:53:00.001-07:00

No matter if your kitchen is huge or just barely big enough, a country-themed kitchen décor makes a natural fit in all kitchens even those living in the city. Unless all the other rooms in the house are decorated using a more sophisticated look, a country kitchen can be put together by just adding some beautiful accessories. If you coordinate your efforts in little increments, the comfort of country living will permeate your kitchen space. When putting together a country-themed kitchen, it's all about using pieces to bring the plan together.
There is frequently a little confusion when implementing a country kitchen theme. Some people seem to think just about anything handmade can and should be used as an element in a country-themed kitchen. Though many handmade items do fit into this setting, others will turn out to be just plain unsightly and really have no place in your country kitchen. Too much clutter can be distasteful regardless of the intended décor theme.
Starting with your walls, add your own personal photographs of the outdoors, perhaps taken on family vacations. Or, add replicas of metal signs that speak to all things rural. If you happen to live in dairy country, an old fashioned milk container might double as an umbrella stand. You could decide to keep potted plants in metal tubs.
Some folks think chickens and geese are homey birds. Small ceramic knick-knacks can compliment a shadow box that has been created from an old wood bin, which will fit with your country kitchen décor in brilliant fashion.
Coordinated Pieces Create a Striking Effect
Appliquéd hand towels and napkins that match floor mats might add a cute tough to the area. This works in a bathroom as well. However, you must remind the kids that the towels are for just for show. Most of them do not hold up well after multiple washings. To complete your country kitchen theme, find burner covers for your stove that match whatever motif you've chosen. Simple touches like this pull the entire design together to create a great look. There are also custom [http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com/faucets.html]kitchen faucets to complete your country look.
If your kitchen is to be decorated in just a plain country fashion, you should probably get a large wood table. Or, a country-themed table cloth can cover the modern-looking Formica tabletop until you can get something more rustic. Seat cushions in old fashioned country colors can do more to make the country theme work in your kitchen. In many designs, chair pads get tied to the back of the seat. Either that, or you can tie them to ladder-back chairs with just a little of the tie hanging off the edge.
The curtains always end up being a focus. Not only should these match the rest of the fabric, but they should also compliment the color of the walls. Table centerpieces made of fresh flowers are always lovely. In winter, this can be replaced with bowls of artificial fruit or vegetables to keep part of the country feel.
Being very passionate about kitchen faucets, Jerry Blackburn is editing quite a few short articles in this specific area. With his detailed publications like [http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com]http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com, the author affirmed his depth of understanding on things relating to how a kitchen faucet writings.

Happy Fourth Of July!

2008-07-03T10:07:00.000-07:00

I HOPE EVERYONE HAS A SAFE AND FUN FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND! HAVE A BACKYARD PARTY AND CELEBRATE!

How Kitchen Backsplash Choices Can Make or Break your Interior Design

2008-07-02T10:11:00.000-07:00

If you select the right kitchen backsplash for your kitchen you may end up on the cover of popular interior design publications for your great style and selection, however, if you choose the wrong backsplash you'll throw off the entire look of your new kitchen. With so many kitchen backsplash materials and looks available today it is important to select a material and style that will highlight your overall kitchen decor and show off its uniqueness and individuality. Lets review some of the kitchen backsplash options available today: TILE BACKSPLASH You can follow literally hundreds of kitchen tile backsplash ideas and themes using ceramic tile installations for your backsplash. Using tiles as your backsplash can really give you a chance to be creative and show off your unique style. There are thousands of artistic and artesian tiles you can order that can be a unique design centerpiece to your backsplash installation. If you go this route, the longest time in this process is usually trying to narrow your pick down to that special tile you like. Expect to spend a lot of time online browsing the thousands of available styles. MOSAIC BACKSPLASH Along the ceramic tile backsplash theme you can also select a variety of shapes, colors and sizes to create your own unique mosaic kitchen backsplash ideas. Again, your choices are staggering here, but if done right can really make your kitchen look spectacular. Its best to work with an interior designer or color expert to identify the best background and accent colors to use on your backsplash design. STAINLESS STEEL BACKSPLASH Growing in popularity is the stainless steel kitchen backsplash installation with its cool, sleek and minimalist look. Its easy to keep clean, won't stain or rust, and is great for clean minimalist design concepts. Stainless steel backsplashes are very popular is new lofts and urban condominiums. GLASS TILE BACKSPLASH For a real shine and brilliance you may want to consider a glass tile backsplash installation. Available in almost any color and size, glass tiles can offer a real brilliant and clean looking shine to any kitchen backsplash. TIN BACKSPLASH Tin backsplash panels are a truly unique installation option that can work very well with some new modern designs as well as complementing more rustic interior design palettes. With so many stamped designs available there are a lot of selection options to consider. COPPER BACKSPLASH Another popular metal backsplash option is using copper to give your kitchen that warm glow that only copper can provide. Great for country kitchen styles and other more rustic design preferences. SLATE BACKSPLASH Bring the natural outdoors inside your kitchen with a beautiful slate kitchen backsplash. Slate is an obvious choice for high end lodges and natural wood finishes and goes well with other natural colors in your kitchen. SOAPSTONE BACKSPLASH For a truly unique backsplash idea that will make a design statement in you kitchen consider going with soapstone. This material is beautiful to look at, is extremely durable and gives a real high-end finished look to any countertop. S.A. Smith is a freelance writer, contributor, and editor of the Kitchen Tile Backsplash Ideas information portal which reports on the latest backsplash ideas in the Kitchen Backsplash industry.

Feng Shui For a Great Summer!

2008-07-01T10:46:00.000-07:00

The summer months are full of fun Yang Energy! Fantastic moving vibrant natural energy that can revitalize your soul after a long yin energy winter.
Experience the joy of colour, natural beauty, invigorating scents and incredible movement throughout the summer months!
1. Balance your fun!
Summer is full of yang activities including entertaining, swimming, sunny days and that go go go attitude! But make sure you add the yin balance necessary to keep you adjusted. Compliment the above activities by sitting quietly in the shade, reading a good book and sipping a refreshing cold drink! Your body needs balance!
2. Summer Keepsakes
Sunshine, laughter and endless nights are the perfect adjectives to describe you summer months! Capture these special moments with photos, a journal describing the sites, sounds and scents of your perfect summer day, or a collection of your favourite sea shells or beach rocks! What better way to relive those yang day energies during the long yin winter. Taking a look at that beautiful sun kissed beach in the middle of February will lift your energies instantly!
3. Going Away?
Leave you home space organized and clean before you leave - this home energy is connected to you no matter where you go so make sure this energy leaves you free to enjoy your trip and come back to a home that is balanced and serene
4. Renting a Cottage or Summer Home?
One of the best ways to ensure a proper holiday is to clear the rental space. Carry a sage smug wand, some incense, oil a bell or a few crystals with you and clear your space once your arrive so that no negative energy from previous tenants remains. If the arrangement of the furniture is not balanced enough for you - take a few picture of what it looks like with your digital camera then change the furniture to positions that make you feel comfortable. Before you leave consult your pictures and move the furniture back - it is always good to ensure you are respectful of another persons possessions.
5. Windows of Light!
Windows and doors are the entrance ways for good energy into your home. Summer is the perfect time to clean them up, fix any leaks or cracks and open them up to let the fresh air in!
6. Boost that Sunshine Chi!
Do you have a window to the east? Encourage good chi for your health by adding a sun catcher in the east window, or a soft rounded leaf plant. You can also use a wind chime here for the same effect. Whatever you do - let that sunshine in!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fay Chapple is an International Feng Shui Expert, award winning Interior Decorator and Life Coach, and is Principal of the award winning Home & Life Design Firm Blue Avalon.
Blue Avalon specializes in Interior Decorating, Feng Shui and Abundant Living. Blue Avalon is the publisher of The Blue Avalon Journal, a monthly e-zine packed with ideas, tips and insider secrets! To subscribe log on to our site at http://www.blueavalon.com/ and you'll receive a bonus book, The Number One Feng Shui Secret That Will Transform Your Life!
Blue Avalon - "Harmony for your home... Balance for your life!" - http://www.blueavalon.com/

A Fresh Coat of Paint Brings a Fresh Perspective to Your House

2008-06-29T10:04:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, a fresh start is all you need to break out of a rut or get a new perspective on life. The same is true for your house. An old, drab room with a twenty-year-old paint job can feel outdated and depressing. You don't need a home built with luxury house plans to feel like you're living inside a work of art. Sometimes it simply takes a new coat of paint on top of that old, drab one to make everything feel brand new again. Do you just love the color orange but think it just won't look good covering the walls of one of the rooms in your house? Think again. No matter what color you can envision, there is some shade or tint of it that will look tasteful in the right context. It's all a matter of opening your mind, thinking outside of the box, and determining what exactly is the right fit for your home and lifestyle.
Another thing to consider is what kind of color is most appropriate for the type of room that you have. If you've updated your bungalow house plans to include a home theater, for example, a dark color may be more appropriate than a pastel. If you're trying to create an environment that should be as dark as possible to make the movie screen or television stand out more, dark walls can really help the effect. The exact opposite is true for your bedroom. For most, their bedroom is their sanctuary, a place where they should feel tranquil and calm. It's hard to feel tranquil and calm when there are bright, warm colors all over the walls. Instead, a cool color like a light blue or green is more effective to set the mood. And for all the trouble that many people have falling and staying asleep, the color of the room may be just the thing to create an environment conducive to deep and peaceful sleep.
Paint color can be even more important when you're talking about your vacation property, say a little unit built with cottage house plans. In this setting, all you're thinking about is a nice, cozy environment, especially if it's a wintery northwoods cabin. Again, hot pinks and reds probably aren't what you're looking for in this sort of home. Instead, think of earthy colors that can really make a home feel inviting. You'll want to curl up on the couch, get a good book and a cup of hot cocoa, and snuggle up to your loved one. With the right blend of color on the walls, you'll feel right at home.
You'll find that http://www.HousePlansAndMore.com is a great source for all your house plan needs. Whether you're looking for [http://www.houseplansandmore.com/homeplans/luxury_house_plans.aspx]luxury house plans or bungalow house plans, we'll help you find what you're looking for. Some people are looking for plans for their vacation homes. For these people, we have a wide range of cottage house plans as well!

Floor Fountains Not Only Bring Beauty to Your Home But They Also Create a Style Statement

2008-06-28T10:04:00.000-07:00

After a hard day's work at the office, what do you want to do? Come back home - to the place where you can relax and get rejuvenated for the next day obviously. Your home is the place of peace, and what better way to site back and relax than with a water fountain. Indoor fountains, floor fountains and wall fountains can add that cool sound of water and transform your home and make it the paradise that you need. A fountain is also a great home decor idea.
Not sure where you want to place the fountain in your home? Why don't you go for a floor fountain? You can place them almost anywhere in the home as they stand freely - you may want to actually use these fountains as the barrier between the various rooms in your home. Now that is a great way to redecorate your interiors. It is unconventional, and it is sure to look pleasing. Invite your friends or neighbors to a Friday party and they are sure to be thrilled. Expect some compliments on your superior decor ideas.
Or you may place the floor fountain against a wall as well, and if you do that, you will be able to view it and not have it in the way. You may want to keep the fountain in front of a mirrored wall, and this will block the view of the wall on the back. The waterfall effect of floor fountains is actually quite dramatic. There are so many things you can do with floor fountains. The possibilities are endless.
You can use floor fountains to complement the interiors of your home. If your style is contemporary, then you can go for a black slate fountain or stainless steel floor fountains. Or you can opt for ceramic indoor fountains. Then there is some wonderful Tabletop Aqueduct Slate fountains too that are pieces of art themselves. Your floor fountains can be the eye-catching centerpiece in the room, helping you make a bold statement. [http://www.soothingwalls.com]Floor fountains come in a variety of styles, shapes and sizes. So whatever your need and style, you are almost certain to come across something that will fit your exact needs. All you need to do is find it and install it at the right place. And then your room will be transformed. Yes, the room will never be the same again.
Even experts agree that the sound of water can ease the brain. Some even fall asleep when there is running water at a close distance. This is the effect that floor fountains can bring in.
So floor fountains not only can decorate the interiors of the home and create a style statement, but they can also keep the stress and hassles of the outside world miles away.
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Interior Design Classes Will Teach You to Be a Good Interior Designer

2008-06-27T10:03:00.000-07:00

Joining an interior design class will be challenging, and at the same time, good fun. There are many opportunities in this type of creative career, and this has led to more schools opening in many cities. You can now find interior design classes at universities, high schools and community colleges not forgetting schools that specialize in this subject. You can even find an classes being offered on the Internet by various schools. Many of the design classes that you will find available will lead to a degree, diploma certificate. Gaining one of these can lead to a career in interior design education or with an design company, the career decision is up to each individual student.
Most classes are very interesting, with most of the material presented being very practical and easy to apply. A good way to practice what you are being taught is when you return home you can rearranging furniture or give your room a face lift by repainting it. Interior design classes teach a variety of subjects and one very important one is the subject of color. The student will be taught how to use colors in appealing and effective ways, such as changing the walls, painting the furniture or adding a floor covered such as a carpet. The appearance of your living space can be improved by proper blending of color.
Which design class is for you?.
Individuals who are interested in this type of career can choose classes that cover many different subjects. Students can choose from subjects such as, how to decorate your walls, furniture design and placement, doors, and floor coverings. Let's take walls as an example, they can be removed, entirely redesigned, they can be painted, you can put wallpaper on them or they can be left in their original state. By changing the walls you can change a room or the whole property in amazing ways, the possibilities are endless.
Most interior design classes will include in their curriculum architectural studies, the idea being that by studying Victorian houses or modern houses will help the students creativity. An interior designer definitely needs to know about architectural design, and this class will provide this information, enabling the designer to create interior designs that match the exterior design of the house. Students will also have to learn how to work with clients in a professional way, allowing them to guide and help a client with their project.
For more articles and information about [http://www.homeimprovementok.com/interior-design/design/]interior design classes and interior design in general go to [http://www.homeimprovementok.com/]http://www.homeimprovementok.com.

Improve the Feng Shui in Your Home With Five Cheap, Easy, and Immediate Measures

2008-06-26T10:29:00.000-07:00

Improving Feng Shui in the home need not be an expensive process. Very often we do not need to pay practitioners to get the benefits of good Feng Shui.
Small home improvement measures are often good enough to bring big gains; without costly major renovations.
Here are five recommendations:
1. De-clutter :
Spring cleaning should be more intensive than just normal cleaning. Throw away things that are of no value or use. Many people keep unwanted items in the house because they fear throwing away things. Don't keep things you don't need. Do de-clutter. Even things in the attic or cabinets that are not needed, can cause clutter because you know they are there.
Getting rid of clutter is a spiritual act of mind clearing, bringing peaceful energy to the home and thus the people living in the home.
2. Paint and Drapery:
If you have the time, check out our website on how to Feng Shui your house with our online Feng Shui Calculator. It is a small bit of effort in studying the subject, but from that you will be able to understand how to use the right colors for each room. This will enable you to maximize the auspicious energy and drain the harmful energies in each corner of the house.
If pouring through a website is not your cup of tea, use the color Royal Yellow. It is the color of the "Yellow Pages". It is the safest color to use in any part of the house. The Yellow color supports the Earth element. This helps the auspicious Star 8, and at the same time calms down the harmful Star 5. If you do not know the Feng Shui numbers in your house this is the best color to use.
If you like orange and reds , please, please, please read my previous article first!
3. Re-Organize and Remove Furniture:
This is especially important for rooms of activity, like the living room. Think about people as water flowing around the room. Place furniture in a way to make smooth flowing water. Remove furniture that stick out or get in the way of the residents in the home.
4. Chiming Clocks:
Ever wondered why in Kung Fu shows there is always a gong in the set?
It is good to have at least one chiming clock in the house. Chiming clocks must be mechanical (either winding or pendulum clock) , and have a metallic ring that goes off every hour. The pendulum is best in gold or silver. Chiming clock bring metal energy to the home. It is calming and effective in dispelling the harmful effects of harmful stars 5 and 2.
5. Music:
The sound of piano or guitar has the same effect as the sound of a chiming clock. This metallic feature brings peace, health and wealth to the household. So it's time to learn to play these instruments too!
Almost too easy, right?
Well it actually is. You don't always need to spend thousands of dollars on a feng shui practitioner. Neither is it necessary make major renovations to your house or apartment. It would be more complete, however, if one takes time to learn some Flying Star Feng Shui basics, which we provide as free information in http://tao-astrology.com/
Feng Shui in the home is an important factor to build and enhance good wealth, relationships and health. Make it your goal this couple of weeks to make it happen for yourself and family, these little efforts will bring big results over time.
Nik Helbig is a Feng Shui and I Ching Practitioner. Her father and grandfather were established practitioners from whom she studied and gained valuable experience. More writings and free I Ching, Chinese Astrology, and Feng Shui resources at http://tao-astrology.com/

Decorating the Kid's Room - What to Do? Wall Paper Versus Hand Painted Murals

2008-06-25T10:23:00.001-07:00

Let's talk about wall decoration for kids and especially about Murals.
You know that you can get them on wall paper, hand painted or stenciled. Are you artistic enough to buy a stencil kit? If so there are many available when you Google around. Prices are reasonable and the most explain how to apply them.
Wall paper murals are also available in different sizes and themes. You have to stick them on the wall though and this might not be the easiest thing to do. You definitely need help, depending on the size, and tips how to avoid folds. But it is an option which you can consider. Here are some important tips you should know.
Once you know what kinds of colors you are looking for, it is time to start thinking of what kind of wallpaper you would like to apply. The kind of wallpaper that is pre-pasted with tapestry glue will be much easier to apply and will be less messy as well. There are even reusable wallpapers, which stick to very smooth, clean walls and can be reapplied again and again. Before starting, remove all nails, fixtures, and switch plates. If the wall isn't smooth, fill any holes with spackling and sand any rough spots and the spackling once it is dry. If the wall has been previously papered, remove the old paper and wash the walls with detergent unless you can't remove the old paper. In that case, sand the edges or seams and apply an oil-based paint. If you find the wall isn't smooth, sand the wall, apply a coat of primer, and use a high quality water soluble indoor paint for the wall.
The wallpaper should hang straight so get a level to determine how to divide the space. Mark the guidelines with pencil. If your walls have decorative wood at the top and bottom of the wall, take these off to apply the wallpaper. You can then reapply the wooden head and foot boards to help give the room a more professional look. Meanwhile, measure the room and calculate how much wallpaper you will need. Then, cut the paper into the correct size from top to bottom, also making sure that the pattern will match up on adjacent strips. To ensure you will have enough wallpaper, add a few inches to the measurement so you will be sure to have enough. (source: pagewise.com)
Now, let's assume that you are not really artistic and good in crafts and you think this is too much work and you are not certain if it will look good too. A hand painted mural would then be the solution. How does this go?
First you would have to find a muralist who you trust and who would be experienced enough to put your ideas onto the wall. You can hire an art student who likes to fill his or her port folio. You pay him $200, the room would not be available for 1 month and you wont be sure if it will look good.
Another possibility is to hire an experienced professional muralist who can exactly duplicate your ideas and he or she will be able to do a kids room in 1-5 days (depending on the kind of design you choose). A simple design like a beach scene, sheep in a landscape or a tree in the corner with a blue cloudy sky above should be done in 1 day. Yes, in 1 day. You would spent more money but look what you get! It is worth the money and it is spent wisely.
You wont let your hair being cut by an inexperienced apprentice. I wouldn't.
The key word is "duplicate". This is the difference of a good or bad muralist. A good muralist knows not only his tools, he can communicate and is able to understand what kind of mural you like. The job is done when you are happy - not the muralist.
A mural is a very good solution and it makes rooms look better, more cozy and child friendly. They inspire children. A mural activates the child's fantasy and this is what we want: more creativity instead of computer games. I hope you could find something useful in my article.
If you like my professional service and want to discover my Murals and Faux Finishes yourself, contact me to get your estimate and color consulting for FREE.
Go here: http://www.artcomm.us

Imaginative Landscaping

2008-06-24T10:01:00.000-07:00

People living in the urban areas with limited backyard spaces would oftentimes dream of living in the countryside area where they can have plenty of space for landscaping and gardening. Most of them are simply disgusted with the limited area their houses has for gardening. Because of this, most will tend to forget about gardening or improving their small yard. Thus, in many homes in the urban areas with limited spaces, you will find their small yards utilized mainly as dumping ground for their various worn out and old items. Sometimes they even use this as their garbage dump.
The concept here is totally wrong. Landscaping or having a beautiful garden can be yours even if you have just a small piece of land. I have a Chinese businessman friend who owns a building in a commercial district. Their store is on the first and second floor while their residence is on the third floor. His wife has been dreaming for years to have a house in the country side where she can do her gardening and landscaping. Since they cannot afford to buy a property yet outside of the city to afford his wife her dreams of having a garden, what he did was to convert the top portion of their building into a garden.
He constructed a platform with a plastic bottom and with a big plastic pipe running around the side. He then filled this platform with soil and planted it with various types of flowering plants. He also constructed a watering system using an automated sprinkler with the excess water from the soil running through the plastic pipe and out into a catch basin. When I visited them, they were so proud to let me see their roof top garden. I could not help myself from admiring their work. They have so many varieties of flowering plants in various colors. And their greeneries were such that I felt as if I was in the countryside and not in the center of the city humming with business activity.
This shows that if you let your imagination works for you, things that seem impossible to have can be yours if you will work for it. Like if you want to have a garden of your own and you only have a small space of land to utilize. By using your imagination, you would come to the conclusion that if you will plant small sized flower bearing plants and miniature shrubs coupled with several bonsai trees and throw in a bag of ornamental pebbles, you readily can create a good Japanese garden.
Sean is one of the respected online landscape designer/advisor. When it comes to [http://www.landscapingway.com]landscaping or gardening, Sean's advices and tips are hard to ignore. With his top notch ideas and inspirations, everyone will have a beautiful landscape or garden at their homes. For more articles and tips on landscaping, go to Sean's [http://www.landscapingway.com]landscaping ideas site.

Famous Interior Designers and Their Styles in Interior Design

2008-06-23T10:58:00.000-07:00

The period of the 20th century was the time when famous interior designers started getting recognized by the public. In fact, the interior designing profession started gaining ground only in the later part of that century. Up until then, interior designing was a practically unknown industry. It can't be denied that the world of interior designing is not as prolific as the world of fashion for example. However, there are many enterprising, creative people who have made their mark as professional and influential interior designers. Several of them even design for the affluent, elite class of clients.
A number of famous interior designers in different parts of the globe have distinguished themselves by their unique style. One such designer is Nina Campbell.
When Nina was twelve, she along with her mother would reposition furniture after having dinner. This uncontrollable habit probably contributed to Nina's talent for beautifying, revitalizing and decorating. Nina's career in the field of interior decoration took off when she worked for John Fowler - a name associated with the famous wallpaper and fabric designing company - Colefax and Fowler. Nina's style coupled with her sense of fabric and color helped her progress many steps forward in her career. Presently, Nina is one of the globe's leading interior designers and her range includes fabric, trimmings and wallpaper collections, and also collections of other items like furniture, table linen and gift wrap.
Italian Mauro Lipparini is another eminent interior designer. He is probably best known for his 'natural minimalism' style. Lipparini's style is characterized by wonderful touches of pleasure and joy. His use of bold colors and innovative visual ideas conveys several elements of the artistic. Lipparini has made several commendable contributions to the industrial design industry, including developing products for Japanese and European firms of high repute. Accolades that he has won in the course of his career include the International Du Pont Award Koln and the Young & Designer Milano.
Yet another well-known interior designer is Rachel Ashwell, popularly recognized as the owner and founder of Shabby Chic and also the host of the TV program of the same name. 'Shabby Chic' is a term that reflects Ashwell's decorative tendencies. This includes providing the home with anything from antique furnishings to new tables, sofas, rugs and lamps. She gives importance to the cozy feel and also to flowers. Ashwell always goes for a combination of creams and whites; and light pinks, sea-foam greens and blues. Several top names in the celebrity business have benefited from Ashwell's exceptional designing talents, including singer Jennifer Lopez. Madonna, Anthony Hopkins and Julia Roberts are her other star status devotees.
A celebrated name from the Middle East that has graced the interior design world and met the needs of the rich and famous is Israel-born Ron Arad. Ron Arad achieved popularity in the 1980's for being a self-taught maker and designer of sculptural furniture. He is the creator of the Ron Arad Studio in Como, Italy and his works appear in many architectural and design publications across the world. He has also exhibited at a number of galleries and museums.
If you live in South Wales in the Swansea or Cardiff regions and are considering hiring an interior designer and you will find the following resources to be very helpful. For independently written reviews of Swansea Interior Designers at http://www.swanseainteriordesigner.co.uk and a comprehensive list of Cardiff Interior Designers at http://www.cardiffinteriordesigner.co.uk please visit the respective sites. Both sites also contain useful articles on interior design which may be of interest if you are considering to hire an interior designer.

Mosaic Tile For Kitchen Stones - Learn How it Works

2008-06-22T09:59:00.000-07:00

Among the numerous options attainable presently, we can find mosaic tile for kitchen stones as one of the top options to transform your kitchen contemporary and appealing. These natural stone panels are not only making their way in the flooring, but also are sailing smoothly on the walls and countertops of the kitchen. Being highly durable enables these tiles to last for many years, thus become so popular in recent years.
An important advantage provided by these natural stones is that they are available in a wide selection of hues, designs, shapes, height and thickness - all depends on your personal taste and requirements. There are countless applications for using this mosaic tile for kitchen stones in stylish kitchens, here are some of the most popular examples: walls, counters, counter tops, back splashes, floorings, flooring borders, wall borders and much more.
Here are the main advantages provided by using these tiles for decorating a kitchen: 1) They are cleaned easily 2) Attainable in countless colors and shapes 3) Resist water and other liquids, thus protecting walls and other surfaces 4) They allow for much creativity in any kitchen's design setting 5) Their natural durability enables them to last for many years.
Mounting these tiles is quit simple as it doesn't require any outstanding technical skills. In most cases, installation can be very fast and can take only several hours. We can compare this process to installing conventional ceramics. Actually, all you need are several basic tools such as cement, a sponge, a trowel and grout.
Remodeling with mosaic tile for kitchen stones is becoming more than just a technical task as it transforms the installation process fun and effective. The fact that these rocks are easy to use and are available in a variety redesigning and textures definitely makes them a preferred decorative tiling choice.
Get creative! - [http://www.homepebbletiles.com/]Learn more about how you can easily decorate any surface at home with [http://www.homepebbletiles.com/]Mosaic Tile for Kitchen Stones.

Varieties of Cottage Style Furniture

2008-06-21T10:57:00.000-07:00

Furniture is at the heart of a house. It really adds added attraction or beauty to the house. Among the different styles, the cottage style look is one of the best. Cottage style is known by the style of the artisan who is normally the owner of the cottage creating the furnishings. The persons living in cottages made the fixtures in earlier days, but these days people settle down for their individual tastes, antiques are either passed down by ones parents or are purchased from the shops and even online at much cheaper price than the ones manufactured recently.
They are stronger than the other styles. The best example of cottage style fittings is the bamboo chair. They are really very strong. Many of us may assume that it is an old style, but we know that old is gold. Therefore, going with the cottage style look will always be useful. As they add to the beauty and charm of a household.
As these days with a lot of people getting into the cottage furnishings business, it has become really competitive to maintain one's name in the market. For this purpose many of them out there have started providing different varieties in the cottage look. One of the types is hand painted which may include chairs, room dividers dining tables, lamps, weaved baskets, pet tables etc.
People suppose that old furnishings are not worth to invest their money into. Many however do not know that this cottage style is the one that really adds to the warmth into a household. Antiques like wood rolling knob calendars and box furniture really enlighten the house's décor. One can easily find a huge variety of stuff online too. Today most of the sites offer you the look at a reasonable price; they even offer you a variety of these cottage look choices. The cottage style look may include the antique child's doll dresser, leather wood table etc.
When your friends, colleagues enter your home, they would definitely find an artist in you and also feel comfortable and warm when they enter. Don't you believe that it will suit the current lifestyle where everyday people being so busy do not find relaxation time easily, so in such fast moving times homes that include the classical cottage style look sometimes really does wonders in calming down a person after long hours of work.
In the earlier days, the cottagers used to create their own furniture which suited their lifestyle and background. They used to take utmost care in making them as they considered them as one of the primary ingredients in the makeup of a cottage. Earlier cottagers used to ensure sufficient time out of their schedule and put them in decorating their homes.
The above working pattern of creating cottage style furniture highlights the advantages of choosing from the cottage style over another look. The cottage style look therefore proves to be stronger and therefore longer lasting than the one's made in the present day.
John is a furnishings enthusiast and has written many articles to help home and business owners to save money by avoiding costly mistakes. Learn where to get the best [http://www.outdoorfurniturecommercial.com/]outdoor furniture - commercial - which is a popular website that provides advice on where to go to save money especially when looking to buy [http://www.outdoorfurniturecommercial.com/used_office_furniture_chicago.php]used office furniture in Chicago.

Bathroom Makeover - Cluttered to Contemporary

2008-06-20T10:55:00.000-07:00

A famous architect once said 'form follows function'. With that in mind, every interior design project should start by examining the functionality of a space. A professional interior designer, is able to design a space so the end result is functional and beautiful. The first step of any project begins with the designer spending time with the client in order to get an good understanding of what they want; both in terms of function, but as importantly, how the space will look and feel. A structured client profile should be filled out, and a lot of informal discussion should occur.
Case Study:The client had a 1978 master bathroom that lacked the desired look the homeowner wanted, and was chock full of functionality issues. Since this bathroom remodel project didn't include expansion of the space, we needed to find ways to maximize and optimize what we had. The medicine cabinet placement didn't allow the wife easy access to a towel and there was a lack of storage. This necessitated storing her blow dryer and other frequently used items in her husband's cabinet under the sink. The poor lighting even drove her to put her makeup on in the guest bathroom each morning.
When the client moved into the home 8 years before, they painted and added hardware to the cabinets, replaced the laminate countertops, sinks, faucets, accessories and lighting. While this helped the way the bathroom looked, it didn't address the functionality issues.
The solution to the functionality problems started with choosing contemporary 36" high bathroom cabinets, topped with Gallo Antico granite. The granite has soothing tones of taupe, cream, browns and oyster shell pink. The medicine cabinet was removed so an additional towel ring could be added by the wife's sink area; no more dripping wet hands stretching to the other side of the bathroom for a towel! Storage solutions were addressed by trading out a single drawer and door cabinet to a new configuration that includes a center section of four deep drawers (a new home for that blow dryer!) beneath the countertop. On top of the countertop between the two sinks we placed a 14" deep, tall center cabinet unit composed of drawers and a cabinet with adjustable shelves. The new bath lighting provides crisp white light from above both the mirrors, and on the sides making it ideal for make up application and shaving. The lighting was placed on a dimmer switch for adjustability.
The new bathroom style is contemporary, yet warm. The cabinetry is made of cherry wood that was stained a warm brown tone to complement the adjoining bedroom furniture. The repeating design element of an 'S' shaped curve was incorporated to soften the boxlike feel of the space. The 'curve' shows itself in the faucet handles, towel rings, cabinet door hardware, the mirrors and the lighting which was shaped to echo the curves of the frameless mirrors.A custom floral arrangement that previously sat on the countertop was redesigned, so it now graces the top of the middle cabinet unit adding color and interest. The old cabinet knobs found a new home in the guest bathroom.
Although the project didn't include moving walls, or changing the tile flooring, the list of design elements to be chosen; countertop style and material, faucets, sinks, lighting, mirrors, cabinetry, accessories, and the trades people involved; electrician, plumber, cabinet vendor, granite fabricator, painter, and drywaller was fairly extensive.
As you can see it can be overwhelming! Using a trained interior designer to assist you when doing a remodel project will help to define the design options, and help in the management of the numerous trades people needed to make dreams into reality; in the end often saving you from potentially costly design mistakes.
About the author:Suzanne Lasky, Allied ASID is the owner of S Interior Design. S Interior Design makes homes harmonious, functional and beautiful for families with 2-legged and 4-legged members. Suzanne has an M.B.A. and an A.A.S. degree in Interior Design. Suzanne offers years of real world experience, giving her clients the peace of mind to know that their projects will be professionally handled from start to finish. She is an experienced residential and small commercial interior designer and is the exclusive provider of Pawprint Design Services™ 'Stunning Interiors with Pets in Mind'. For more helpful tips-visit http://www.sinteriordesign.com
©Copyright 2007 Suzanne Lasky, All Rights Reserved, http://www.sinteriordesign.comYou have permission to re-publish this article as long as the Resource Box is included with the article. All rights reserved.

7 Tropical Home Decor Ideas

2008-06-19T10:24:00.000-07:00

Imagine coming home each day to a tropical spa retreat.
Wishful thinking?
Not really.
Even if you live in an apartment in the city, you can bring nature into your home. With some clever planning and a little creativity, you can go home to your personal tropical retreat every night.
1. For starters, can you renovate your home? Parquet flooring, wooden panels on the walls and ceiling would give your home a tropical forest vibe.
2. If renovation is out, can you paint your home? If you are great an painting and drawing, you could paint a tropical forest portrait on the walls of your home. Palm trees, colorful birds, grass, the blue blue sky can decorate the walls of your home. If you can't draw but know of a great artist, you could get him or her to do the artwork and pay him or her a fee as a token of appreciation.
3. If you can't paint and can't renovate and can't get anyone to do the artwork, you could simply paint the walls white as a blank canvas, and hang pictures of trees and tropical birds on the walls.
4. The tropical forest is characterized by lush plants. Trees. Greenery. That said, the next thing to do is to bring in the plants. Small trees, large potted plants, ferns and every kind of indoor plant you can get your hands on. Line the walls with them. Arrange them in pleasing groups and light them with various lights for a magical feel at night.
5. If you can, get a indoor fountain or a waterfall and position that amongst the plants. Imagine a stream of clear water or a merry brook in the middle of a forest. Or a waterfall. The effect is peaceful. Happy. Spa-like.
6. Use furniture made of wood, bamboo and other natural materials.
7. Cover the floor with mats made of natural fibers.
The result would be a warm, tropical inspired home you can return to after a hard day at work. Now you can indulge in a delightful bath in your bathroom. By the way, all this applies to the bathroom as well. Have plants in the bathroom around the bath tub so it feels like you are bathing in a lake in the forest.
The author also wrote this article about [http://www.home-decor-ideas.com/articles.php?article=13]How To Transform Your Home Into A Tropical Retreat
from http://www.home-decor-ideas.com

The Tao of Feng Shui

2008-06-18T10:03:00.000-07:00

"Qi is scattered by the wind and stored in water."
A simple Feng Shui definition could be "the study of the influence of forms, space and time of an environment on humanity". The literal translation of the Chinese words "Feng Shui" mean "Wind and Water".
Heaven, Humanity, Earth
Ancient Chinese had a concept of three levels of spiritual influences on man: Heaven, Humanity, Earth. We are born with our "Heaven luck" which we learn from our astrology, we control our "Humanity Luck" by our deeds, and we work our "Earth Luck" by observing the Feng Shui of our living environment.
Each of these three influences are important. Before one embarks on the study of Feng Shui, one should understand that observing Feng Shui alone cannot guarantee overall good luck.
Good Feng Shui in the living environment will bring a flow of luck together with good deeds in a good astrological luck cycle. If one is going through a rough patch due to a poor astrological luck cycle, observing good Feng Shui can alleviate harms. This is the reason why different people living in the same house, or working in the same office all have different experiences.
Feng Shui is Dynamic
Time is a factor in Feng Shui. Every day, month, year and 20-year cycle, changes and affects the Feng Shui of a living space.
Renewal is always necessary, especially during the change of a 20 year cycle. In order to make a sound Feng Shui audit of a building, one must take into account
the year in which a building is built. That data, will ascertain the energy level of the building in the current period.
For in-depth understanding of Feng Shui and it's application, visit [http://tao-astrology.com]www.Tao-Astrology.com.
Nik Helbig is a Feng Shui and I Ching Practitioner. Her father and grandfather were established practitioners from whom she studied and gained valuable experience. More writings and free I Ching, Chinese Astrology, and Feng Shui resources at http://www.tao-astrology.com/

On the Front Burner - Hot Trends in Kitchens

2008-06-17T10:38:00.001-07:00

When it comes to kitchens these days, flashy, glamorous, and high-end luxury features are no longer the amenity buzzwords. Instead, there is growing consumer interest in energy efficiency, environmentally healthy Green construction and materials, and thoughtful, practical Universal design that is so user-friendly, it's going to be very comfortable even when the years have passed and the homeowners have become senior citizens.
In addition to a concern for the environment, the Green trend is a signal that people are interested in saving money over the life of their house. Because a kitchen is one of the most expensive areas of a house to run and maintain (especially in terms of utilities), Green building helps cut down on energy costs. As for stylish Green sustainable materials for countertops and flooring, what's most in demand is concrete, bamboo, cork and various types of recycled materials.
What are some of the most-wanted kitchen features? Space, for one thing-and lots of it. But consumers want the space to be used in a practical and ergonomic manner. And they want it to be connected with and flow into the home's Great Room in a very natural way. As to what people want to put in their kitchen's large space? Things like efficient and generous-size pantry and storage. Energy Star appliances. Recycling centers. Energy-saving LED lighting. On-demand water heaters. Computer work areas so that kids can do their homework and get on the Internet under the watchful eye of a parent.
Recharging areas for cell phones and other electronic devices. And even pet feeding and grooming areas. In addition, those homeowners who do a lot of "big" entertaining frequently want what used to be called a "scullery"-a very utilitarian food prep area that is out of the visual range of the guests who are being entertained. It offers the cook and/or caterer privacy and ease for moving around, while still allowing guests to hang out in the kitchen-as they have for decades.
So, as it has been for years and years, the kitchen remains the heart of the household. And yes, even that tradition now counts as a trend, too! [http://www.rgvnewhomesguide.com]The New Homes Guide & [http://www.inewhomesearch.com]iNewHomeSearch.com

Home Wind Power

2008-06-16T10:23:00.000-07:00

In the interest of saving energy and helping the environment, I decided to post this article even though it isn't technically home decorating. Mrs T.

Wind energy is a plentiful, renewable and clean source of power that can be used in a large range of applications from wind farms through to home wind power. In residential applications a wind turbine, which is installed on top of a tall tower, collects kinetic energy from the wind and converts it to electricity that is compatible with a home's electrical system.
As wind energy is governed by nature as wind speeds increase, turbine output increases and the amount of power purchased from the utility is proportionately decreased. When the turbine produces more power than the house needs, the extra electricity is sold to the utility. All of this is done automatically. There are no batteries in a modern residential wind system.
Small wind generation systems with capacities of 100 kW or less are usually used to power farms, homes, and small businesses. Remote communities that would otherwise rely on diesel generators may use wind turbines to replace diesel fuel consumption. Home owners purchase residential wind generators to reduce or eliminate their electricity bills, or simply to generate their own clean power.
Wind turbines have been used for household electricity generation in conjunction with battery storage over many decades in remote areas as a reliable source or residential wind power. Increasingly, U.S. consumers are choosing to purchase grid-connected turbines in the 1 to 10 kilowatt range to power their whole homes. Residential wind turbines of more than 1 kW are now functioning in several countries, and in every state in the U.S.
In the United States, wind power receives a tax credit for each kilowatt-hour produced; at 1.9 cents per kilowatt-hour in 2006, the credit has a yearly inflationary adjustment. Another tax benefit is accelerated depreciation. Many American states also provide incentives, such as exemption from property tax, mandated purchases, and additional markets for "green credits." Countries such as Canada and Germany also provide incentives for wind turbine construction, such as tax credits or minimum purchase prices for wind generation, with assured grid access (sometimes referred to as feed-in tariffs). These feed-in tariffs are typically set well above average electricity prices.
If you want more information on home wind power please visit our site http://www.residential-wind-power.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barry_Lee

Six Low Cost Ways to Go Green

2008-06-14T10:37:00.000-07:00

With energy prices on the rise and global resources diminishing, more and more people are making efforts to conserve energy, water, and other resources. While some of the ways you can conserve can be expensive, below are some great, low cost ways to reduce your consumption.
1. Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs - $3.50/bulb
Compared to traditional incandescent light bulbs, compact fluorescent light bulbs use 75% less energy, produce 75% less heat, and can last 10 times longer. According to Energy Star, if each household replaced just 1 light bulb in their home, we could save enough energy to power 3 million homes for a year, save more than $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars.
2. Use Water-Saving Faucets, Showerheads, and Toilets - Free to $350+
Water-saving faucets, showerheads, and toilets can all help conserve water usage. Many cities now require faucets, toilets, and showerheads to conform to their water usage standards, with some even offer low cost solutions for homeowners. A water-efficient toilet can save between 8,000 to 18,000 gallons of water per year. And a water-saving showerhead alone can save up to 3,000 gallons of water, eliminate 1,000 lbs. in carbon dioxide emissions, and reduce your water bill by $50 per person per year.
3. Change Your Air Filter - $10/filter
Dust and dirt that clog air filters can reduce their effectiveness and make your heating and cooling system work harder. A system with a clogged filter consumes more energy and has a shorter lifespan. Recommendations of how often to change your filter range from one month to three months depending on how often you use your air conditioning and heating system and how fast dust accumulates on the filter.
4. Install a Water Heater Blanket, Lower the Water Temperature - $20
Traditional water heaters keep a large amount of water inside at a certain temperature, usually 140 degrees Fahrenheit. In order to reduce the amount of work required to keep hot water in the system, you can reduce the standard temperature to 130 degrees and install a water heater blanket. A water heater blanket wraps around the water heater to reduce heat loss by 25-40%. Be sure to keep important information regarding maintaining the water heater visible when you install one of these.
5. Programmable Thermostat - $40
Heating and cooling can be as much as half of your energy bills. A programmable thermostat that has multiple time settings can help you reduce your bills by turning off your heater or air conditioner while you're at work and can reduce their usage during sleeping hours. This feature alone will help you reduce your heating and cooling bills by $150 a year.
6. Weather Stripping and Caulking Around Windows and Doors - $20-$50
Some older windows and doors don't have proper weather stripping and some estimate that this can account for 46 percent of annual heat loss. Applying weather stripping and caulking around windows and doors can serve as a cost-effective way to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
While these methods can help you conserve energy at your current home, you may want to put green features into considering when searching for your next home.
Mark Cheng is a San Gabriel Valley, California real estate agent with IRN Realty ( http://www.irnrealty.com ) specializing in Pasadena, South Pasadena, San Marino, Temple City, and Arcadia real estate and homes for sale. Find more about him and search for listings at http://www.markcheng.net

Baker's Rack - Getting Back to Old Time Country Cooking

2008-06-13T08:59:00.001-07:00

The baker's rack has become a fixture in many kitchens. It is a functional piece of furniture that offers homeowners storage solutions and attractive display options. In fact, the bakers rack is so versatile it can be found in other areas of people's homes, other than the kitchen. Many people chose to put one in the family room for extra storage of CDs, DVDs, or games. Another popular location for them is the bathroom, where people use the display shelves to store towels, soaps, and candles for a spa-like setting. Some have even incorporated the baker's rack into their garden's design -- it can make a handy tool and potting bench.
Professional bakers were the original users of the popular bakers racks. The backless design and vented shelves offered the perfect location for the baker's wares to cool, and quite often these bakers racks would display the goods on the street for any passersby. These original styles of bakers racks were constructed from metal to allow for the heat radiating from the baking being absorbed. The popularity of bakers racks eventually spread into the common population, and in many kitchens they were also used to cool baking and cooked dishes.
Before the age of microwaves and toaster ovens, people cooked and baked in different ways. A loaf of bread was once made at home and left to cool on a bakers rack, not purchased from the supermarket's shelf. A pot of stew was slaved upon until it was the right consistency, the right texture, and the right taste. A baker's rack was integral to all of that - to hold the pot of stew to avoid burning the table.
As the owner of a bakers rack, consider this: Whether you are a seasoned baker or have never measured a cup of flour, try to challenge yourself and decide to try your baker's rack the way it was originally intended. Commit to bake a loaf of bread from scratch - without the use of your bread machine. Imagine you are living in the days when this was a normal, everyday task. After putting your bread recipe to the test and the loaf is finished baking, use your rack as they did in years long ago - to cool the bread off.
Similarly, plan a family stew night and have everyone pitch in and help. If you have camping-style plates and cutlery, why not fish them out and put them to use? When the pot of stew is ready, have everyone dish their meal into their bowl from the bakers racks. It wouldn't hurt if you served your old-time loaf of bread as well!
The popularity of bakers racks has existed for a long time, and unlike some other trends, this one has never died. In today's world, it serves multi-functional purposes in many people's homes. Why not challenge yourself to use your baker's rack for its original purpose?
Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of a wide variety of online specialty shops like http://www.gourmetdecorstore.com that offer both items and information on how you can easily furnish and decorate your space. Whether it's your living, bedroom, or even your deck or patio, there are many tips you can use to make those spots both functional and beautiful. Today, she offers advice on how to create a fabulous living space by using versatile [http://www.gourmetdecorstore.com/information.html]kitchen carts indoors and out.

How to Design an Efficient Laundry Room

2008-06-10T12:54:00.001-07:00

Well, I thought long and hard about what I wanted in a laundry room. My design ideas come from things I don't like and I look for ways to change them. I, myself am I busy and the last thing I want to do is to to wait for the dryer. Solution? I bought 2 stackable dryers at Sears and bolted them together. Sounds simple? Not quite but I will explain the details. First, I make sure to buy gas dryers. Then I hired an licensed electrician and we made sure there was enough power in the laundry room for both dryers. Next, we took the exhaust hose from each dryer and connected them together so they could vent outside. I started doing this 8 years ago and I just love it!
Also, what helps is that I bought a front loader washing machine. It's more expensive in the beginning but it's worth its weight in gold when it comes to energy and water consumption. What I have discovered is that the spin cycle gets more water out than a top loader so my dryer time is about 20 minutes. The other great thing about the front loader is that it has a 8 hour delay button. So, I can set it at 10pm and by the morning, the laundry is ready to go into the dryer! Pretty cool!
Another helpful hint is that I put a Kohler Executive Chef sink in my laundry room. Yes, this is a sink intended for the kitchen but I really like it because it has two different sink depths. This is great when you are hand washing items.
This is just one example of where I take a problem and am able to solve it. That's why I like being a designer!
www.ontheinsidedesign.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeanine_Naviaux http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Design-an-Efficient-Laundry-Room&id=1232479

Environmentally Friendly & Affordable Home Improvements

2008-06-09T11:48:00.001-07:00

It is a fact that the success of recycling is of utmost importance to our society and to make it really work, everyone needs to participate and do their bit. With kerbside recycling schemes being rolled-out across the UK, we are all becoming more aware of the need to partake in the three 'R's: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
When buying new living room furniture, whether it is cheap or expensive, the wood needs to come from somewhere and more likely than not it has to be shipped. Which not only increases our carbon footprint through transportation and declining trees to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen but also contributes to environmental problems caused by the effects of deforestation.
So then what do we do with the old furniture? We throw it out of course!
Mountains of waste are being dumped in landfills every year. Though we are all pretty well educated in the processes of recycling small items like aluminum, glass, and paper, how many of us realize just how easy it is to recycle larger items - like a sofa or armchair.
Of course not everyone is wholly concerned with environmental issues, cost can also be a contributing factor.
Many of us would like to change our homes the same way we change our seasonal wardrobes, but few of us can actually afford to. A recent survey (Carried out by Koan Ltd) to cast light on people's interior tastes revealed that 60% of people could only afford to redecorate their homes every 2-5 years, even though the same percentage said that their tastes actually changed from year to year.
Luckily now, not only is there a more affordable, stylish and easy solution to instantly change the look of your home, but there is an environmentally friendly one too, enabling you to 'reduce, reuse and recycle'. Rather than spending a fortune on this season's fleetingly fashionable designs, or putting up with a shameful suite, you can give your piece of furniture a stunning new look using a unique service: Made-to-Measure Furniture Covers.
What also came out in the survey was peoples perceptions of loose covers. Many still think that ill-fitting floral stretchy fabric only your Gran used to own is all you can achieve. Made to Measure Loose Covers have come along way since the mid-fifties, there are now many modern and contemporary designs in beautiful chenille and cotton fabrics to update any style of interior decor.
There are even now covers for leather furniture that can mimic the new leather and luxury chenille combination designs coming from all the major furniture retailers, so your tired leather furniture can be transformed into the cutting edge looks of today.
Chris Plumb is the Online Marketing Manager for Plumbs who manufacture and supply.

Bringing the Indoors Out With Outdoor Living Spaces

2008-06-08T09:47:00.000-07:00

Outdoor living is a fast growing trend in the United States. Many homeowners are beginning to realize that the primary living areas of their homes don't have to be indoors. A well designed outdoor living space can often times be the most utilized area for a family. Furthermore, an attractive outdoor living area is also a great selling point for a home and can significantly raise your home's value.
If you're creating a new outdoor living area from scratch, there are several important things to consider before getting started. When building a deck or patio, you should first take a look at the location and nearby structures. If you are building a deck that is attached to a house, for example, you may not want to build over basement windows because it will make your basement darker. If you're putting in a patio, you may have to excavate a small area, and you'll want to take care not to damage the roots of any trees in your yard.
Do you need a railing or fence to provide protection, security, or privacy to your area? There are many options available from wood to metal, plastic and stone. If all you need is privacy, you may want to look to the landscaping around your yard. Privacy can easily be created with trees, shrubs or climbing plants on upright structures such as trellises, screens, pergolas, or obelisks.
Outdoor furniture is another important component of your outdoor living space. There are many types of outdoor furniture available. Weatherproof furniture comes in a variety of materials such as wicker, plastic, metal, wrought iron, aluminum, or wood. You can purchase complete pre-assembled sets, partially assembled products or do-it-yourself kits. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, so you'll have to consider what will best meet your needs.
Another thing to consider is whether your outdoor living area will be covered or not. Some people choose to enclose their outdoor area, while others have only solid roofs or open pergola type coverings. Do you need an umbrella for shade? Awnings can be another good option, as they are available in a wide variety of fabrics and sizes, and can be attached directly to your home.
Most outdoor areas have some type of walking surface. Some of the most common foundations are grass, gravel, stone, brick, wood, and concrete. If your walking surface is already in place, you may want to consider adding an outdoor rug to soften the space. In addition to price, you should also consider durability, longevity, and maintenance when you are shopping for flooring for your outdoor area.
If you plan to use your outdoor living area at night, you might also want to add outdoor lighting. Candles give a romantic mood to any setting, but also carry a safety concern, especially on wood decks. Low voltage lighting provides consistent lighting without the fire hazard. Solar lighting is also a growing trend for outdoor areas. The ease of not having to run electrical wiring makes this an easy option for everyone. Low voltage and solar lights come in a variety of styles to compliment your space.
Most importantly, be sure your outdoor living space is safe and works well for your needs and budget. With a little bit of planning, anyone can create an outdoor living space that will add to their home's value and provide years of enjoyment and recreation for their family.
Ellen Bell works for Home Products n' More, a company dedicated to providing high quality products for your home, garden, and auto. Home Products n' More offers a line of wooden garden furniture and eco friendly patio furniture. Visit us at homeproductsnmore.com.

Home Decorating Tips for Country Decorating

2008-06-07T08:05:00.000-07:00

Country decorating is a largely encompassing room decorating style that depends much on geographical location. For decorating tips on country home decorating, the designers at HGTV have broken down country home decorating into easy decorating tips for your home interior decorating.
Country Home DecoratingThere are many country decorating styles, such as English Country, American Country, French Country, Swedish Country and Southwest style. Other looks can be classified as either traditional, contemporary, rustic, farmhouse or cottage. Colors that typify rustic country decorating are soft and muted and show the wear of time. More contemporary country home decorating may feature a brighter color palette with accents of red, black or pure white to set off the design.
Living Room DecoratingLiving room decorating in a country theme would include primitive furniture from flea markets, as well as muted colors, milk-paint finishes and vintage fabrics. Vintage signs and game boards are great additions to casual living room decorating, and old wooden toolboxes and ladders are durable, useful accessories. Floral, checked and striped patterns printed on calico fabric add visual interest and color to an understated country home decorating. Other decorating tips for country decorating include incorporating country-style accessories, like baskets, carved wooden bowls and hand-forged metal accents.
HGTV’s Designer’s PortfolioFor a wealth of information on home interior decorating and country home decorating, visit HGTV’s Designer’s Portfolio. There you’ll find photos and ideas on country decorating for each room of your house, from English country living rooms, English country kitchens and English country children’s rooms to country kitchens, country bathrooms and country outdoor spaces.

The Use of Water in Home Decor

2008-06-06T09:41:00.001-07:00

People the world over have a natural attraction to water, and it is not only because drinking water is essential to our survival; nor because it is very important for cleanliness. Water has a fascination that causes millions of people to visit, or want to live by, the sea, waterfalls, lakes and large ponds.
Both moving and still water are not just attractive to the human eye, but seem to have a therapeutic value. Moving water in particular is said to give off negative ions, which help to negate all the positive ions generated by modern living and can be harmful to our well being. Whatever the reasons, though, the fact is that people love water in nature. Closer to home, they like to bring those effects into their own gardens with water gardens, waterfalls, ponds and fountains.
What about within the home itself? Many of us bring nature and gardens into our home with plants, and decorative plant pots. It is therefore only one small step to bring in water features too. Water can, and does, play a very useful role in home decor; not on the grand scale in the average home, although it can do in a country mansion or more palatial home, but in miniature and in imaginative and decorative ways.
There are three main ways to use water features as home decor:
Indoor Waterfalls
By having an indoor waterfall in the home, you can bring to your home the sound of running water, which has such a relaxing effect. However, an indoor waterfall can do far more for your home. There are so many varied designs now, using quite a variety of materials, that you should be able to find a feature waterfall for the home that suits your decor, whether modern, traditional, or olde worlde.
There are basically two types of indoor waterfall: wall hanging, and free (or floor) standing. So, as far as the placing of the waterfalls is concerned, you have plenty of choice to fit in with your interior design. They come in many sizes, too, from very small right up to a very grand size of 6 feet plus in height and width. For the larger wall hanging waterfalls, you do need a substantially built wall on which to fix them. However, they can and do look very impressive; and the larger the size, the more potential you have for the sounds of flowing water.
The materials and finishes used can be chosen to fit in with either a modern or more traditional decor. Some of the most popular frames
are stainless steel and copper, with a range of finishes to give either a shiny modern look, or an antique look with an aged finish. As in natural waterfalls, natural stone is often a feature of the indoor equivalent, as are pebbles. Slate, in many colours, is especially effective in indoor waterfalls.
Indoor Fountains
Indoor fountains are much like the waterfalls in terms of materials used. In fact, the names waterfall and fountain are often interchangeable when it comes to home decor. However, what you probably imagine as a water fountain can be found, and are often available in table top size. These can be very small, but still a delightful use of flowing water in the home, whether used on a table as a centrepiece, or as an ornamental feature on a sideboard.
Designs of the table top fountains can be quite delicate, and utilize decorative materials, such as jade and bamboo, in some unique ways. These table top fountains can go well in even a small modern home.
Fish Aquarium
While many people keep an aquarium because they like fish, and do so as a hobby, there is also a lot of potential to use an aquarium as a home decor feature. The sound of the water comes from the bubbling of the filter, while much additional movement and colour comes from the fish themselves. When you add some attractive lighting to the tank, you can create a very soothing water feature for the home.
As with fountains and waterfalls, an aquarium can be in a very wide range of sizes, free standing or built into a wall. The maintenance, of course, is much higher than for that of a waterfall or fountain, but you may well consider that worthwhile for all the pleasure the fish may bring.
If you have space, there is no reason why you should not combine all three of these types of water features. They are all attractive in their own way, and can complement each other in a larger home.
This use of indoor waterfalls, fountains, and aquariums article was written by Roy Thomsitt, owner author of the Gardens and Decor web site.

Bedroom Feng Shui - Perfect Passion Or Straight to Sleep?

2008-06-05T10:12:00.000-07:00

Do you want a night of passion? Or a good night's sleep? How you arrange your room can affect them both! So learn about your bedroom Feng Shui... Get what you want in the bedroom!
Your bedroom is a very important room in your Feng Shui home. It is where you sleep, and hopefully where your love life is centred.
Feng Shui can help you - whether you need to drop off easily, and get a good night's sleep at last, or if you want to bring more passion and spice into the bedroom...!
...or maybe both...!
When you are sleeping you absorb a lot of the energies from the environment around you - your bedroom. This means that your bedroom has to be in a suitable state to provide rest and relaxation while you are sleeping - and perhaps even to encourage your love life a little...!
Feng Shui can help you with this!
Feng Shui provides clear guidelines in the bedroom - for a relaxing night of sleep - or a night of passion!
To get more sleep and better sleep, you should try to make sure that the head of your bed is pointing due north.
If you have to, position your bed so that is arranged diagonally in the room, but still points north.
This may leave you with the corners of the room pointing right at you in your bed. This is bad news in Feng Shui - it creates harsh, sharp energies, which unsettle you (and stop you sleeping). But in this instance, there is no need to worry - simply drape soft cloths and fabrics around the corner, or disguise it with a bushy plant or vase of flowers.
Try to keep materials in your bedroom and bed as soft and natural as possible. This means using wood, and fabrics such as cotton, linen or silk, rather than synthetic materials.
Feng Shui also advises that you will sleep much better on a mattress made of natural materials - wool, hair, straw and cotton - rather than synthetic foams and metal springs!
If possible, position your bed so that doors and windows are not behind you when you sleep. Keep doors and window coverings closed. This will bring you more relaxation and a calmer sleep.
Mirrors are a big 'no-no' in the Feng Shui bedroom. It is likely you will still like to have a mirror in your bedroom though, so make sure it does not point directly at the bed, and cover it while you sleep.
Now, onto the bit I am sure you have been waiting for...! How can Feng Shui spice up your love life and bring you a bit of passion into your bedroom...?
Certainly, once you have got your relaxation and sleeping arrangements sorted, you will definitely feel more rested, with energy to spare, to concentrate on your love life.
Feng Shui can help you with this too...
If your bed is already pointing north, you will be pleased to know that this means 'more sex'!
If you want 'romance' position your bed with the head pointing west, and for 'passion' point it south.
Bring plenty of voluptuous softness into your bedroom - a large bed, soft chair and plenty of cushions and throws. Choose soft sensuous fabrics, especially in cream and shiny black - silks and lace are ideal choices - drape them over the bed and hang them at the walls.
Purple and red candles should also be added - place them in pairs, and light them, to be most effective.
Place a pair of orchids by the side of the bed.
If it is an existing relationship that has gone a little staid and boring, Feng Shui can help you to relive those heady, passionate days when you first met, and really spice up your life!
In this case, choose yellows, browns, beiges and matt black as your main colors of inspiration in your bedroom.
Position your bed so that the head points south-west and place yellow flowers and candles in the south west corners of your bedroom and home.
I am sure in no time that your love life will be back on track and full of passion. And I hope that you will also be sleeping soundly in your bed too (when you are not doing the passion bit, of course!!!)
Read more about how to interior design, with these simple Feng Shui decorating tips and bring yourself a better life.
Check out http://www.interior-design-it-yourself.com/ for a website designed to help you use professional interior design tips and techniques, to bring that wow factor into your own home.

The Perfect Decor Depends on the Room and Mood

2008-06-04T11:24:00.000-07:00

Finding the proper home décor can depend greatly upon the mood that you're trying to set for a room. Each room in your home can and will take on a different personality. And much of this personality will be determined by the décor that you place in that room.
The Kitchen Comes Alive
If you're looking to add some new look and feel to your kitchen. You'll want to look for, colors and items that come alive. The kitchen can often be a stressful place to work. And if you spend any reasonable amount of time preparing meals for your family you want to surround yourself with the core that is uplifting and cheerful. Brighter colors like greens and yellows and reds might be the best choices when looking at different décor items.
The Family Room Is Rich and Warm
The family room should be thought of as a place for gathering for relaxing for laughing and having fun. You might think of some offbeat colors like orange, brown and other rich earth tone colors to add a warm yet strong feel to the room. You could think of some decorative picture frames and then put some of the funnier pictures and family memories that you have in those frames and decorate your family room with this type of décor.
The Bathroom Is Clean and Neat
For the bathroom you want to think about the core items that bring freshness and cleanliness to the room. If you have kids you want your bathroom décor to inspire cleaning the hands brushing your teeth, and combing your hair.
If you need more helpful Home Decor information try visiting http://home-decor-helper.com, a website that specializes in providing helpful home decor tips, advice, and resources to include Décor.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Turner

A Backyard Waterfall Will Top Off Your Landscaping Project

2008-05-27T11:09:00.000-07:00

When it comes to searching for landscaping ideas, nothing says more about your backyard landscaping designs than a soothing and eye appealing backyard waterfall. The tranquility is second to none and the sense of peace is overwhelming.
A backyard waterfall can be easily overlooked as a top choice in choosing your projects to undertake, but that just may change once you see how easy and affordable this can be.
The first stumbling block is usually the issue of rocks and boulders. The cost of nice stones can be a big deterrent when calculating your backyard waterfall project, and then the issue of lifting, loading, and carrying those larger stones and boulders is just out of the question, right?
CaveRock Design has made significant headway in trimming away the biggest obstacle that would allow you to entertain the idea of a personal soothing and attractive backyard waterfalls. It came about in a totally non-commercial turn of events, but it has since, skyrocketed literally around the globe in just the past few years. Folks from all points in the world are satisfied customers and proud creators of their own backyard waterfalls and other artificial landscaping rocks and boulders.
Once this ingenious idea took off, the possibilities of backyard waterfalls and other unique landscaping ideas have yet to end. Let's face it, there are as many sizes and shapes to people's backyards and courtyards, to duplicate a single design using landscape rocks.
CaveRock Design uses a method of creating landscape rock and boulders that allows your personal projects to really have no barriers from cost, size, shapes, and you can really Do-It-Yourself (DIY) and, be especially proud, knowing that you did it yourself. You do not need to have any special tools or talent in order to turn out incredible landscaping ideas and results.
Considering the cost of living is being challenged on a daily basis, turning your focus to home projects can help to buffer the stress, and improve your homes value at the same time. Give the guys a look see and see if this doesn't inspire you to be a backyard waterfall creator or some other landscaping ideas you've been cooking up in your head and didn't think it were possible.
http://wealthsmith.com/CAVEROCK.htm
Jim is a great outdoor enthusist and enjoys sharing his findings and ways of saving money and improving your property with great landscaping projects. http://wealthsmith.com and http://wealthsmith.com/CAVEROCK.htm
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimmy_Wilson

Interior Decorating Ideas - Safari Style

2008-05-25T10:15:00.000-07:00

Have you always wanted your rooms to look exciting? Then Safari style decorating might be the answer. The mystery and allure of safaris became popular in the early 1900's when former President Teddy Roosevelt went on an African Safari. Since that time, homeowners have been decorating their homes with electrifying safari style décor.
The main attributes of safari design are natural, organic materials combined with bold colors and patterns. There are many interior decorating ideas that are available if you want to decorate your bedroom in the Safari style. Yes, animal prints are never out of fashion for decorating small rooms and spaces. There are many things that relate to wildlife that can be used in your home to make your house look grand and exciting. This is even more appropriate if this is a beach house or a vacation home. Animal prints and showpieces can most defiantly turn your home into a royal retreat.
One of the most attractive aspects of this design theme is the use of earth tones and animal colors which give a natural touch to a room. With this style of decor, you will need your lighting to be animal, natural or plant themed. You will find a wide selection of choices on the market.
You will find a good variety of suitable rugs that go well with the Safari decorating theme that can be found in animal prints or shapes and colored like animal skin. Natural sisal mats are an excellent choice for this style of decorating for a less busy look on the floors.
There are many decorative pieces that you can choose to emphasize the Safari decorating scheme. Animal figurines as well as pillows that are covered in animal print fabrics along with house plants call attention to the theme of the room. A blanket or throw made of synthetic animal skin print would be absolutely eye-catching with the whole Safari theme of the bedroom. Synthetic fur is soft and comfortable and will result in a good night's sleep.
Fake animal decorative pieces are found in most interior design shops. These designs and prints are said to never go out of fashion when used in the proper setting. Animal prints are very popular with kids but be advised not to keep anything in their room that might frighten them in case they wake up and get scared.
There are many companies that make fake fur and even animal heads that look real. You can get Safari home decorating ideas by walking into one of these shops and taking a look around. They can also be easily purchased online.
To help keep your home organized, download a free copy of the ebook "The Essential Guide to Organizing Your Home". Download it free here: Organizing Tips.
Lynn Cressy has a love for decorating and shopping for home decor. She owns a home decor web site and writes articles on home decorating and organizing your home and your life.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lynn_Cressy

Details Make A Difference - 5 Ways Small Items Can Pack A Big Punch

2008-05-24T10:23:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the best home decor comes in the smallest packages! Home decorating isn't always about large pieces of furniture and expensive things. Here are some fantastic decor ideas for using small things in your decorating to make a big difference in any room.
Use Flowers
Flowers don't have to be expensive; you can pick up a bunch at the supermarket on grocery day. One pretty bouquet in a room adds color and life. Few things make such a huge impact as flowers.
You stretch your flower power dollar by breaking up your supermarket bouquet into smaller bunches. You can then add fresh flowers to several rooms, or in several places in one room to lead the eye.
Show Off Collectibles in Big Ways
If you have a collection of small items such as teacups or pretty plates, don't scatter them about the room. Display them all together in a grouped collection to make a statement in the room. This makes a more cohesive display. The eye sees the smaller grouped items as one large item, making a bigger decorating impact.
Dress It Up
Using small details to dress up items you already own can take a room from drab to fab! Add ribbon edging to curtain panels, glue pretty jewels to drawer handles or add a piece of lace to soften a shelf. Add costume jewelry pins or clip on earrings to throw pillows or tiebacks. Every space can benefit from adding details.
Change Your Hardware
Changing out the hardware in a room can bring it into the present. Replacing your cabinet pulls is an easy and inexpensive quick trick anyone can do. Try it in your kitchen and bath to add a custom look.
Use Color in Small Doses
Use bold color in small amounts in a room to add vitality to a boring scheme. Keeping the color in small doses creates a comfortable space that doesn't overwhelm the senses. Add small picture frames, candles or art in your accent color evenly around the room for good flow.
Kathy Wilson is an author, home decorating columnist for LifetimeTv.com, and editor of several popular home and garden websites. For hundreds of free do it yourself home and garden ideas, please visit her websites now at http://www.TheBudgetDecorator.com and http://www.TheGardenGlove.com Also visit her work at home site at http://www.Women-on-the-Net.com where ANY woman can learn to make money on the internet!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathleen_Wilson

Turn Your Balcony Into a Retreat

2008-05-23T10:17:00.000-07:00

Go from blah to wow with these easy tips
By Veronique Kipen
A seating area is in one of several rooms Edward Jimenez created on his balcony.
A crispy fern flanked by a flapping towel and a bike with two flat tires—sound like a balcony near you? As close as your own French doors, perhaps?
If what you really want is a cozy place to barbecue, or an enchanted and enchanting retreat—no problem. With just the tiniest bit of attention and effort, you can transform even a swath of bleak and cheerless concrete into almost anything.
First, figure out what kind of weather your balcony has to withstand, said Elizabeth Blome of Open Window Designs in Houston. A northern exposure will limit plant choices to shade-tolerant varieties, while a west-facing patio will be hard on decorative objects like wreaths and topiaries, which can crack and fade in the hot summer sun.

As for that bike—you get to keep it.
"Our feeling is that if you want something, we can make it work," Blome said. "So if the bike is a part of your life, it stays—behind a screen or a lattice or a nice big plant."
Decide how you want to use the space, said Helene Schultz, an interior decorator who recently tackled a patio in New York and a balcony in the Virgin Islands. And have fun. Whether you're making a private retreat, an outdoor dining room or dividing a large area into several rooms, an outdoor space should spring from your imagination.

Jimenez built an Asian garden for moments of reflection.
"In some ways, the space in a balcony or patio is a bonus, it's unexpected," Schultz said. "You can go with something as simple as plants and a few chairs, or you can unleash your fantasies and be bolder or more playful than you might inside the home."
Bold and playful were Edward Jimenez' bywords when designing the spacious balcony of his Los Angeles condo over the course of six years. At 11-feet wide and 25-feet long, Jimenez had a space large enough to be daunting. He solved the problem by dividing it into rooms—one for dining, one for a garden, another as a sitting room.
"I wanted it to look like it had always been there, that it was a place that had been cared for by a family over a period of years," said Jimenez, a hair stylist and makeup artist with a large celebrity clientele. He started with a tree and several plants, then added a seating area. When something didn't work, he gave it away and tried again.
"I went through so much furniture," Jimenez said, and laughed. "My family loves it—I keep giving them stuff that doesn't fit or doesn't work."
"I wanted it to look like it had always been there, that it was a place that had been cared for by a family over a period of years," said Jimenez, a hair stylist and makeup artist with a large celebrity clientele. He started with a tree and several plants, then added a seating area. When something didn't work, he gave it away and tried again.
"I went through so much furniture," Jimenez said, and laughed. "My family loves it—I keep giving them stuff that doesn't fit or doesn't work."

There's even room for a barbecue on the balcony.
Trial and error have given Jimenez a patio that keeps evolving. This summer, guests can relax in an Asian garden complete with bamboo and a statue of Buddha, visit the koi pond, stroll through an Italian room decorated with leafy plants and a Florentine fountain, or rest in an English garden hung with ivy and bird houses. A welcoming dining area is perfect for weekend barbecues or a morning cup of coffee.
"It's like a little playground, a place of fantasy," Jimenez said. "The most important things about a patio is that it reflect your taste and your lifestyle; when you go out to water the plants or sit in the evening, you should feel completely relaxed and at home."
Balcony basics
Make a sun/shade map and plant accordingly. It will save your time and money to know your full-sun balcony would be a death zone for to shade plants like ferns and philodendrons, or that the sun-loving rose bush you've fallen for won't survive your northern exposure.
Once you settle on function—dining room, book nook, romantic retreat—define the livable space. Then you can add furniture - maybe a porch swing, a chaise longue, a wicker rocker, a bistro table and a couple of chairs.

An Italian-style statue watches over the patio.

Next step—style. Staying within a design parameter will give a sense of order and you'll wind up with a coherent space. Wicker and chintz give an English cottage garden feel, while statues, fountains and a tapestry or two have an Italian flavor. Choose one or more focal points to anchor the space. A seating area, a fountain, an arch or even a beautiful potted tree will give the eye—and mind—a place to rest.
A simple color palette that repeats throughout the balcony or patio is easier on the eye than a riot of shades and hues. Use throw pillows, potted flowers or a piece of art balanced on an easel to add a unexpected splash of color. Mix textures. Concrete paving stones can mask a bland cement floor. Add a small rug for warmth and luxury.
Massed plantings of pots filled with the same shrubs or flowers—bamboo, ficus, decorative grasses, daisies—add the illusion of abundant space. Add privacy with a strategically placed tree, a few panels of lattice or linen curtains draped over an arbor. Mix and match lighting—candles for the table, a spotlight for a piece of art, an up-ight to add drama to a tree, strings of tiny white lights for romance.
If something doesn't work, get rid of it and try again. A balcony or patio is the perfect place to try out your sense of style and give in to flights of fancy. Most of all, enjoy.
Veronique Kipen is a Los Angeles-based writer who has written frequently about home decorating.
Copyright © by Move, Inc.

Six Practical Tips for Decorating Your Nursery

2008-05-22T10:15:00.000-07:00

When decorating a nursery, plan ahead before you go all out on your baby's new toys and accessories.
Many moms-to-be have an idea of their "dream nursery." But their visions may not always be the most practical for a new baby. Here are some things to keep in mind before decorating the room for your new arrival:
1. Plan for the room to last through childhood. Avoid giving it too much of a baby feel -- once your child hits preschool, light blue or pink might seem like it's "for babies." Choose wall treatments and furniture that are appropriate for any age and use accessories to give the room a baby feel. Also make sure there's a place for a bed once your baby grows out of the crib.
2. Take note of the light in the room. Check out the angles that the sun comes in at different times of day. Don't put the crib in a spot that gets direct sunlight in the morning, or in a spot that a streetlight shines on all night.
3. Consider double-duty furniture. You might find a changing table that can convert to a dresser once your baby grows out of diapers. The longer you can use the furniture, the better the value.
4. Avoid wall-to-wall carpeting. Use area rugs on a wood or cork floor, if possible. Hard floors are easier to clean up and they don't harbor allergy-aggravating dust. Area rugs can be replaced much more easily than carpeting as they get dirty or your child's tastes change.
5. Give yourself lots of storage space. You'll probably need more room than you think. Once the clothes get bigger and are joined by shoes and other accessories, you'll need every inch of closet space you can get. Not to mention a place to put all those toys!
6. Don't forget a place for you to sit in the nursery. Pick a comfortable chair. You'll be spending many nights there with your baby, reading her stories or rocking her to sleep.
Sources: Better Homes and Gardens; Sheffield School of Interior Design

Creative Ways To Decorate Under Your Stairs

2008-05-21T10:18:00.001-07:00

Most people seem to forget that they can decorate underneath their stairs even though the space is small. With a bit of creativity and decorating style though, you'll soon realize the potential of this powerful space. Even though the space under your stairs is small, it's easy to create a small reading space, a compact home office, or cute telephone alcove. You can also simply use it for a bit of storage space, or as a place to display artwork and collectibles.
How much room you have under the stairs will help you determine how to decorate it, and what to use it for. If there's enough room to stand up for instance, without hitting your head, then you could use is as an office, a small closet, or even as a utility room or a bathroom.
Using the space under your staircase for a small reading or sitting area for example, is quite easy. Simply put a comfortable chair under the stairs, add a footstool or an ottoman, and some light. Your light could be a floor lamp behind the chair, or a wall light if your space is fairly small. You can also install recessed lighting underneath the staircase. If there's room for it, add a small side table next to your chair or put a small bookshelf on the wall. If the space under your stairs is not too small, you could even turn it into a small library. Simply add another chair or two, and more bookshelves.
Decorating the space as a small home office is also an excellent idea. Even if the space under your stairs is small, you can create a compact workspace to use when working at home. For extremely small spaces try using a compact computer cabinet that closes when you're finished with it. Otherwise add a small desk with shelves above attached to the wall, and use roll out file cabinets or baskets to hold your supplies. If your office needs tools such as a fax, phone, or copy machine, try using an all in one machine instead because it will take up much less room.
If the space under your stairs is somewhat shallow in addition to being small, the best way to decorate it is probably with artwork, or as a small display space. You could use small shelves or curio boxes for instance, to display small collectibles or antiques. Other types of art work can be displayed here as well. If you have handmade quilts or embroidery for instance, these can be displayed creatively ether in their own frames, or hanging on display bars. Photography, oil paintings, and other types of artwork will all displayed beautifully and a small space under your stairs. Add accent lights to each art piece, to create even more drama and interest in this area.
Other great things you can do with this space if it's really small, are adding a statue, a water fountain, or a large potted plant.
©2008, Kathy Burns-Millyard. Looking for wonderful house design ideas and gorgeous home decor to decorate your house with? Visit http://www.housedesignideas.com now!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathy_Burns-Millyard

Feng Shui Formula for Fun

2008-05-20T10:49:00.000-07:00

Are you taking life too seriously? Do you parse every word and question every sentence uttered by others - by you? Is everyone letting your down - not keeping their promises and commitments - or at least it seems like it? Is political correctness driving you mad - but that is all your co-workers and friends seem to engage in throughout your day?
Stop - life is way too short to take everything so seriously. Yes, there are lots of things in the world scene of concern and there are always things in your personal life that cause distress - health, the high price of gas, the next trip to the doctor, children needing attention, ill parents, the economy - the list is endless. But, if that's all you day consists of; it is quite unbalanced, stress filled and lacking in fun and joy.
What is Your Number?
On a scale of one to ten with one being low stress, calm and enjoying life - and ten being totally drained, out of control and stressed-out - what is your number? If you are in the one to three numbers, you are doing great. If you are in the four to seven numbers, you are well on your way to a tedious wearisome lifestyle lacking in fun and joy. If you are at eight and above; beware - you are in living a lifestyle that is demanding, frustrating and unbalanced.
This simple exercise will help you better understand your life, why things happen the way they do and to what degree you are out of balance with your fun and joy to stress and frustration ratio as it relates to your daily activities and commitments. In the world of Feng Shui, balance is key to living your life in a way that maintains or improves good health, prosperity and joy. Fun is part of the process that leads to a better life filled with more joy.
A Simple Fun Formula
Do you need a simple formula for achieving more fun in your life? Are you devoid of fun - do you need a formula just to begin having fun? While fun may be a word that can be defined in a number of ways depending on your age and outlook on like, the following formula works for everyone. The formula is S M I L E.
1. S - Sort, save and simplify your life. The less stuff you have to deal with (sort and get rid of the clutter) and the more organized it is, the easier, more simplified and less stress filled your life will be - this creates calm
2. M - Make today and every day count by being more and more aware of what causes stress in your life and how to create balance by adding some fun. Put it on your calendar, plan ahead and commit to having time for fun - you will reduce stress.
3. I - Invest in yourself by planning enjoyable events that are filled with fun - if you have a family learn to fly a kite, spend time at the beach, go to an art museum - if you are single take a friend out to lunch, pamper yourself at a salon, take a class for fun, go to or rent a movie - investing in yourself provides you joy.
4. L - Learn to laugh at yourself and not take life so seriously. Learn to laugh with others. Laughter is truly great medicine, reduces stress and encourages merriment.
5. E - Encourage yourself daily to have more fun through motivational tapes, mantras, angel cards with funny or uplifting sayings on them, music that makes your heart sing and puts a smile on your face - this not only puts you in-control but is empowering
SMILE - it really is that simple to make a positive change in your life, to reduce stress and to increase your fun. While it may seem like having fun is a frivolous, trivial and unnecessary component of life - it becomes very relevant and important when you put it in the perspective of living a balanced joyful less stress-filled life.
Other than the necessities of life such as work and family commitments, it will energetically serve you well to evaluate just how, where and on what you spend your time. Then, deliberately put time on your calendar just to have fun.
Fun is a key component of a balanced lifestyle filled with peace of mind, prosperity and hope for a better tomorrow.
© Pat Heydlauff, all rights reserved 2008
Pat Heydlauff, President of Energy-by-Design (http://www.energy-by-design.com/) and Feng Shui expert, is a consultant, speaker, columnist and award-winning artist. She has been consulting with individuals, families, and companies since the early 1990's, with clients ranging from California to Florida. In addition, she speaks at corporate and organizational functions, and gives seminars to enhance productivity. Pat Heydlauff can be reached at balancingenergy@energy-by-design.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pat_Heydlauff

Decorating Small Rooms to Reflect Your Own Personality

2008-05-15T10:32:00.001-07:00

Decorating your house is one thing but decorating small rooms can be a totally different situation. You may decorate your house with a particular theme but one room in your house may be decorated in a completely different style to reflect your own personality. This does not necessarily require a professional decorating service.
If the room is your own room, then you should try to customize it as much as possible. It is your own personal space and even though the rest of your house might not be decorated in the same style, you should make your presence felt in your own room. The room can be completely different from the rest of the house so when someone steps into the room it should feel like they are stepping into your world.
Home decorating ideas can often come as an inspiration from your own lifestyle. Behind the door that separates you from the rest of the house is your kingdom. Therefore, your room should convey your personality and personal preferences.
There are many unique accessories and home décor items that are available on the market that help in small room decorating and will allow you to customize and personalize your room. Whether it is a giant aquarium in the room with exotic fishes or plants that can only be grown in a controlled environment, decorating your own room can be fun and easy. You can get countless interior decorating ideas from the internet.
There are many fancy items available on the market that can be used in decorating your own room. These include glow in the dark ceiling stickers that are very popular with children. Also, life-size posters are all the rage with children as well as teenagers. Your room can also include antique furniture as well as paintings if you are an art lover.
You should not only express yourself when decorating your own room, it should also be welcoming to someone who steps inside your room. There are web sites that sell customized merchandise that help you decorate and transform your room to your individual liking. Always make sure that you check out the best prices for the goods that you are buying. This will help you to make your room attractive as well as give a personal feeling to it without causing any serious dents in your bank account.
Be creative and use your imagination when decorating a small room and you will be very pleased with the results.
To help keep your home organized, download a free copy of the ebook "The Essential Guide to Organizing Your Home". Download it free here: [http://www.lynnshomedecor.com/f/Opt-in_Pages.html]Organizing Tips.
Lynn Cressy has a love for decorating and shopping for home decor. She owns a home decor web site and writes articles on home decorating and organizing your home and your life.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lynn_Cressy http://EzineArticles.com/?Decorating-Small-Rooms-to-Reflect-Your-Own-Personality&id=1172955

How to Incorporate the Art Deco Design by Andrew Caxton

2008-05-14T11:00:00.000-07:00

Art deco has been popular since the 1920s. Its popularity declined after the Great Depression but has recently begun a rebirth. This style works well in both offices and homes.
The profession of interior design has a tradition that goes back many years. The tradition of the profession has included both office buildings and private homes where various principles of design were utilized in order to give the rooms a look that boasted of beauty as well as art. When you embark upon redesigning any interior area, it's pertinent to decide the style you plan to incorporate in your plans before you even begin. Art Deco is among the design concepts that have been in use for several decades.
History of Art Deco
Originally, this style was used specifically as a decorative style during the 1920s and 1930s. At that time in history, it was considered not only functional but elegant and ultra modern as well. This style is eclectric in nature and pulls its ideas from many different areas of influence. A few are considered archaic while others are derived from streamlined technology such as aviation. Because of its binding with other techniques that have roots in Cubism as well as Futurism, art deco includes a wide variety of functionality in addition to articulacy. An interior decorator that uses this style is free to incorporate many different ideas within the internal area of your home's space.
The materials that you use for this design scheme includes stainless steel, inlaid wood, and even sharkskin or zebra skin. When the machine age arrived, harder and more metallic materials joined the list of art deco materials. Art deco accomplishes this through repetition and symmetry. Art deco did well during the depression because it was both practical and simple.
Modern Rebirth
The popularity of the art deco decorating style declined not long after the Great Depression, but recently it has begun to experience a renewed vitality by interested home dwellers, and you should indeed feel free to use this style of design whenever you want. If you're looking for classic retro styling, you definitely want to think about art deco. You can see numerous examples of this style of design in buildings including one of the tallest buildings in New York finished in 1931. Although many of the skyscrapers that used art deco have been demolished, they are still able to show you an excellent portrayal of the majesty of art deco.
Using Art Deco
Art deco makes use of strong and sharp angles within each application. The design style of art deco includes groves of thick metal that are then laid within heavy concrete as well as foundations that are full-bodied. If you use it within your home or business, you want to include not just the walls but also the inclusion of art deco furnishings as well. Because its influences include both the Aztecs and Egyptians, you will experience a pyramidal feeling when you visit many buildings that include art deco. A gradual form reduction may give an impression that boasts of vigor and stamina, thus the reason art deco survived when the depression was in existence. It is still capable of having that impact today.
About the Author
Andrew Caxton is the author of many resources on style related topics published at http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com . A website with tips on Art Deco Interiors, amongst many related topics.

How to "Go Green" With Your Home

2008-05-12T11:32:00.000-07:00

With all the attention that global warming is receiving these days, everyone is looking to make the world a better and safer place to live. There are many ways to "go green" and in such a large city as Houston, Texas, this may be even more important. There are many ways to cut back on the harmful emissions and Houston families can do many of these right in and around their homes to reduce waste and save energy.
Reducing water usage is a terrific way to go green in Houston. By simply replacing your old showerhead with one that has a lower flow and is energy efficient, an incredible 280 gallons of water a month can be saved by a family of four. A misconception with these showerheads is that they will reduce the amount of water pressure in the shower but that is not true. You will not only enjoy your shower just as much as you used to but you will enjoy it more knowing that you are doing good for the planet, and saving on your water bill!
It only makes sense that buying greenery and placing it inside and outside your home will promote "going green."
Residents in Houston and the rest of the state of Texas are lucky in the way that there are many beautiful plants, shrubs, and flowers that are native to Texas and are easy to grow and maintain. By placing some of this greenery inside the home it will help to remove irritants such as formaldehyde and benzene. Buy planting flowers and plants in your garden that are native to Houston in your outdoor landscaping, you will be helping the environment by not using so much fertilizer or pesticides. Some wonderful plants that are native to Texas are: pigeonberry, red columbine, betony, fall obedient plant, scarlet sage, and black-eyed susan.
Besides planting Texas-native plants, there are other ways to "go green" with your landscaping as well. Placing solar powered lights in the patio or garden area will provide a fabulous way of displaying your gorgeous landscaping and it will also help cut the energy costs and omit any wires that could detract from the beautiful space. When tending to your lawn and garden, opt for a lawn mower with a reel, instead of a power mower. These are much easier to use than they once were and they will also save on energy. If you really do prefer power mowers, there are many battery-operated models available that will also help preserve energy and save the earth.
Batteries such as those that are used for cell phones, digital cameras, and video cameras, are very harmful to the environment. Houston has actually illegal to throw out these types of batteries and have set up many different programs for recycling them. In addition to batteries, there are also many Houston community programs that will recycle the entire device once they are no longer being used.
Reducing the amount of electricity used within the home is another great way to "go green" in Houston. There are now compact fluorescent light bulbs that are more effective than regular light bulbs. These light bulbs will last ten times longer, saving you some money on the electricity bill as well as protecting the earth's energy. Using a laptop rather than a personal computer will also help cut the amount of energy used as they use significantly less power. Freezer and refrigerator temperatures should also be adjusted to minimize energy output. A refrigerator temperature should be set to 37 degrees Fahrenheit, and the freezer temperature no lower than zero degrees Fahrenheit.
Eliminating paper waste is another step in making Houston a greener city. When printing something off a computer, make sure that the printer is set to print on both sides of the page and when you mistakenly print something, flip the paper around and use the other side to print your next document.
For more home tips visit http://www.houstonproperties.com/houston-real-estate-resources.html
Paige Martin is a member of the prestigious Martha Turner Properties' Circle of Excellence, an award given to honor the company's top producers. Paige is a member of the Houston Association of Realtors, Texas Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors. Her website features over 500 pages of Houston real estate information and details on over 40,000 properties and all [http://www.houstonproperties.com/houston-townhomes.html]Townhomes in Houston for sale as well, as details on [http://www.findhoustonhome.com/memorial.html]Memorial Houston Texas homes for sale. Paige Martin, Realtor, Martha Turner Properties.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paige_Martin http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Go-Green-With-Your-Home&id=1166007

What is Feng Shui?

2008-05-08T09:29:00.001-07:00

You may have heard of the term 'Feng Shui' and always wondered what it actually is. Well rather then saying 'it' we should rather say that Feng Shui is a 'way' of doing things. It involves different aspects of your life, including your home, your attire, your garden and the way you do things. It also involves different colors, different elements and different positions. lets have a look at this in more detail.

They say "home is where your heart is" and when it comes to Feng Shui your home can have a major impact on your life. How so? Using an Ancient Chinese grid called a Bagabu, you can split up your home into about 8 different sectors or areas. Each one of these areas represents a different part of your life, ranging from your love life down to your business life. If you want to achieve certain goals in parts of your life then you need to make sure that that section of your home encourages you to reach your goal.

For example, lets say that you wanted to have more prosperity or wealth in your life. In the southern end of your house you will want to put a metal element in that room, metal will attract wealth to you. But to improve further on what metal can do you may want to make the metal object a sailing ship facing inwards which symbolizes wealth sailing into your life.

You may have heard the saying "he looks like a million bucks". Again with Feng Shui, this is truer then you think. As mentioned colors can have a huge affect on you and those around you, colors play an important part in your home and also on you. If you are going for a job interview, you want project calmness and confidence. Wearing certain colors can help you to achieve this, they will make you feel good and also project the emotion onto those that look at you.

Through our home, through our garden through our work area there is an energy force that moves around. This energy is called 'Chi' and when your chi is roaming around freely and moving the way you want then you will find that things go well for you. As soon as it gets blocked by clutter then you will also find that obstacle stand in your way from achieving your goals. Chi should always be flowing and moving like Yin Yang.

So far this is only the basics of Feng Shui and how it can help you in your life, there is a lot more to it. Using Feng Shui may seem complicated at first but once you understand it then it is quite simple and can easily be used in your own life to bring you what you want.

For more information on Feng Shui you may want to have a look at my site: Feng Shui ebook

Howard Rosen is a Feng Shui enthusiast and practitioner. He owns and maintains Feng Shui for Better Living at http://www.fengshuiebook.net

What Color Should I Choose?

2008-05-07T11:24:00.000-07:00

The task of selecting the right color to paint a room can be a daunting task. There are a few people who have the insight to be able to choose the right color on the first try. They seem to be able to know what would look best and where.
There may be more than one color that fits in your space. Remember too, that if in the beginning you paint a color and decide later it just was not the best choice, it can easily be changed. This is one of the greatest qualities when selecting to paint as opposed to wallpapering a space. Another benefit of painting is it can be less costly if you decide later on, that you want to change the design and colors in your room.
Do not be fooled by the experts who specialize in painting. They often struggle in the area of selecting paint colors too. This is not a fact they willingly share with others. Many times you will only be exposed to their finished project and not be allowed to view how they achieved the finished room. Therefore, not allowing you to see what the level of difficulty completing the room actually was.
It is recommended that you purchase the small samples of paint in colors you want to try. Apply a patch of each color on the desired walls and live with them for a few days. Pay close attention to how the different light throughout each day, affects how the color looks in your room. Lighting plays a major part on how a color looks and will help you determine if you like a certain color or not. If you are not up to painting the color on the walls, another way to go is to paint the color on sample boards. Display the boards in different places throughout the room. Make sure you look at the boards at different times including the evening when it is dark. You will see that as the light changes so will the appearance of the paint.
The best way to test the paint is with the furniture and accessories that you will be using in your room. Other colors that are in your room will also have an affect on how the paint appears. Do not be afraid of color. It really adds life to a room. Now get your paint samples together and try it!
My name is Amy Ressa. I am the owner of The Painted House and More. My business is located in Central Ohio. I have over 16 years of painting experience which began painting in my own home. I originally started painting with stencils and then progressed in to freehand decorative painting. My style of painting is the One Stroke Technique, developed by Donna Dewberry. It is an easy way to make painting visually interesting. I have experience painting not only on walls, but glass, ceramics, fabric, metal, candles, and canvas. This technique is great for small and large jobs alike. It isn't limited to just one area. I love to use the acrylic enamel made by Plaid. It is a great product that is very durable. You can bake your glass projects to set the paint, or just let it cure in the open air. After 21 days your paint will be set. I am always looking for people who I can share my talent with. If you have any interest or questions, please feel free to call me at: 614-530-0219 or email me at: aamilou@aol.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amy_Ressa

Make Your New House Feel Like A Home

2008-05-06T09:11:00.000-07:00

When you move into a new house all you have are four walls and a lot of boxes. If it's your very first house you might not even have that many boxes; when I moved into mine all I had were some clothes, books, and a few old prints I'd collected over the years. It really felt bare and not like home at all, but over the past couple of months I've made it a place I want to come back to after a long day at work. I've found that the one thing that makes a house feel like your own home is filling it with your own things. It's not just about using accessories for decoration; it's about what the objects mean to you.
With all the design programmes on television you probably know all about feature walls, creating space with mirrors and lighting, and keeping everything in neutral colours. The trouble is, if you make your home picture-perfect and follow all these rules, it may look good but it could also feel soulless. A tidy home has a nice atmosphere but it can look clinical and cold.
A house is only a home if you put your own stamp on it. That means putting your books on the shelves, putting your pictures on the walls and painting them whatever colour you like. If you're renting a house there will be restrictions as to what you can do. Painting for example is probably out of the question, and putting up more shelves might be against the rules too. In this case it's more difficult to make the house feel like yours (because, ultimately, it isn't), but there are some things you can do.
Concentrate on things like soft furnishings and furniture. If you can't make any changes to the fabric of the building, concentrate on what you fill the rooms with. Pictures and framed prints are brilliant for making walls look less bare, old furniture fills a room and gives it character, and candles and incense make the room smell good and inviting.
You don't have to spend a fortune on your new clutter. Avoid furniture shops and instead find older pieces. Auctions can be great for picking up things that need a bit of work, so if you don't mind some elbow grease you can find a bargain. Alternatively, antique fairs and car boot sales are the best place to go. There'll be a lot more choice and you can haggle over price.
Mirrors for example can be hundreds of pounds in a shop, but you can pick one up for a tiny fraction of that second-hand. Mismatched furniture doesn't have to look shabby; it can look quirky and add some character to a house. Wall panels, wall hangings and quirky statues can also add a lot of interest to a boring space.
Soft furnishings add the perfect finishing touch. Invest in throws and rugs to muffle noise and create warmth. With so many modern houses having wood flooring, rugs and throws are essential to balance this out and give a homely feeling. They can also add colour to a neutral space and if you move on, they're the easiest thing to pack away.
Sylvia Kittens lives in Harrogate, England

Bathroom Remodel

2008-05-03T08:45:00.001-07:00

When we bought our house the master bathroom was the only bathroom that had been remodeled. Unfortunately they didn't do that great of a job. The tile floor was nice and so were the cabinets. They had never put knobs on the doors or drawers, making it difficult to open any of them. There was also no medicine cabinet so some of the storage had to be used for stuff that would normally go in a medicine cabinet. Otherwise it wasn't too bad. We are remodeling it because we had found, as seen in a previous posting, the perfect bathroom cabinet for the Master Bath. This has led to removing a small wall next to the toilet, retexturing the whole bathroom, and new travertine tile flooring. We are still working on it and as soon as it is done I will post the after pictures but for now here is a before photo.

Select Blinds!

2008-05-01T14:33:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to announce that I am now an affiliate for Select Blinds! Why am I so happy you might ask? Well, because I have purchased cellular shades from them in the past and absolutely love them! The quality is great and you can't beat the prices! I plan to order more from them in the future as well! Click on the Select Blinds ad in this blog and check them out! I promise you won't regret it! you can also click on this link here......

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Escape to Nature with Rustic Cabin Decor and Furniture for Your Home

2008-04-30T16:56:00.001-07:00

Why Go With Cabin Decor
When you are decorating your home, the question of how to decorate it always comes up, and usually there is a lot of discussion and questioning about what will be best. Will you go retro with 1980s black and white? Will you go high-tech with 21st century products, or will you go more rustic? More and more these days, people are beginning to go the rustic wealth in an attempt to incorporate some of nature into their home. This may be through animal paintings, animal print blankets or even toilet seats with animal stenciling on the top.
Get back to Nature with Your Interior Design
The reason these are becoming so popular is the more time people spend in the suburbs, the more they want to be able to escape to nature, but due to work, family and finances, this is not always possible. As a result, many people take the route of using cabin decor and furniture to bring the feel of the cabin to the home.
First Choose Rustic Decor for One Room then Expand
When you are decorating your home and using cabin decor items, you have a lot of options to choose from for what you want to do. You may want to turn only one room of the house into 'your cabin', and often it is the den. It may be wildlife curtains, rugs or paintings, or you may be decorating your garden and turning it into more of a wildlife-friendly location, complete with wood statues of bears and more.
When you are decorating your home, and you want the feel of a cabin to it, then why not try out some cabin décor. From the wooden toilet seats to antler firewood holders, you will turn your suburban oasis into a wilderness sanctuary.
Read more about cabin decor and furniture.
Are you looking for great rustic furniture and decor for your home? Find great products and more rustic furniture and decor decorating ideas at Excellent Rustic Furniture - http://excellentrusticfurniture.com

Americana Decorating - A Perfect, Personal Style

2008-04-28T11:12:00.000-07:00

Are you American and love your country? Or do you long to travel to America to see all the famous sights and live the dream?
Let America come to you, with a touch of stylish Americana decorating in your home. Americana is a great style - and you can really make it into your own personal, perfect style, depending on what America means to you...
America is such a large country, with different landscapes, climates, cultures and people, that there are plenty of different inspirations and styles to choose from.
An easy place to start is with patriotic color choices - red, white and blue of course! Unless you want to go for a pretty 'full-on' look and feel, don't use primary versions of these colors in equal measures around your room. You may find it a little overpowering!
Instead, try something a little more subtle, and easy to live with. Choose muted, toned-down versions of the colors - soft, dusky or powder blue, maroons and creams are all easy to live with, and will create a relaxed, informal feel in your room, with a touch of primitive Americana and rustic styling.
This country feel is a great look for an Americana decorating style, bringing to mind the lives, homes and styles of early settlers in America - a simple, nostalgic look, with the focus on good, honest work, home and family.
There are plenty of Americana styles you can try, with a historical accent - a colonial style or a Mission (or Arts and Crafts style), or even looking at the influence of the Old West in design.
Still historical, but a little more modern in feel is the idea of a retro diner. This is a style which is seen the world over as typically American, and is an easy and excellent style to try in your kitchen.
Perhaps your idea of Americana is based in a specific region? In this case, it is easy to choose colors, pictures and accessories to evoke a style reminiscent of that place.
Does America mean the Southwest to you? With images and colors of the hot desert and Native American influences?
Or fun Florida? With colourful Miami Beach, golden sands and sparkling sea...
Perhaps you think of New York, with its distinctive art deco style? Or Hollywood and the influence of films? It would be easy to incorporate large film posters and paraphernalia to create an Americana style...
Or does it mean the jazz age to you? Or even Elvis? There are plenty of photos, posters and accessories that you can use to get the look.
The point is that whatever America and Americana means to you, there are lots of ways to create your own Americana decorating feel in your room.
Just take a little time to think what images you get when you think of America, or what associations do you make, with places, people or objects. You may end up with a colourful, fun and kitsch style, or a historically accurate, elegant and sophisticated room. It may be a smart, city-style, formal room, or a relaxing, rustic-style haven...
That, for me, is the best thing about Americana decorating - in the land of the free, the ultimate choice of decorating style and design, is completely up to you...!
Discover more and get great Americana decorating ideas here
Check out http://www.interior-design-it-yourself.com for a website designed to help you use professional interior design tips and techniques, to bring that wow factor into your own home.

How To Choose The Right Marble Or Granite For Your Home

2008-04-27T09:01:00.000-07:00

Many people have decided to use marble or granite in their home interior ideas. These stones have a way of adding a certain beauty to our surroundings. Each with it's own texture and color shades, they have been used in many of our home improvement projects. Even though these stones are beautiful, do we know enough about them to place them in the proper places of our homes? Do we know the differences that are presented from one type of stone to the next? Here we will look at some of these different aspects of each stone.
Granite is a hard stone that is very durable. Granite is mostly made up of quartz and mica. This stone is considered to be igneous. The color and texture of the stone is determined the cooling speed and the amount of quartz and mica that are found in each piece of stone.
The pros and cons of granite stone
Granite is considered one of the best stones to use in your home. The reasoning behind this lies within the fact that granite is scratch resistant. Other properties of this magnificent stone is that it does not stain, chip or burn. These properties alone, make this one of the most commonly used stones in todays' homes. They have a great color to them and add a nice beauty to the surrounding area. Using granite poses no threats to any problems such as sanitation or health as long as it is cleaned regularly.
As for any cons to using granite, there really is not any bad side to using this stone in your home. With the above mentioned properties, it is no wonder that granite is so popular among homeowners.
The pros and cons of marble stone
Marble unlike granite is not scratch resistant. As a matter of fact, marble is very easy to scratch. Marble is also very easy to stain. If using marble in your kitchen areas, then you want to be careful as this type of stone is susceptible to burns. Also heat can be a major disadvantage to using marble. Heat can also damage the allure of marble as well as any stains that may be found on this stone.
As for pros with using marble, there really isn't any beyond the fact that this stone is great to gaze upon. The smoothness of marble is so remarkable that many famous sculptures have been formed from this magnificent stone.
When it comes to using either one of these stones in your interior design ideas, there are virtually limitless possibilities. Many people love the look of these stones in their kitchens. Used for counter tops and even dining tables and end tables for their living room. Maybe one section of the wall could be made out of this stone material. The bathroom is another great place to employ the use of this beautiful stone. This will add elegance and sophistication into your home. The possibilities that can be achieved by using this stone is virtually limitless and will be a great addition to your home.
Looking for a quality marble or granite supplier? Browse through the many different types of marble and granite in Wisconsin's premier stone supplier, Halquist Stone’s 10,000 sq. foot show room. For more information, call (262) 246-9000 or visit http://www.halquiststone.com to request a free brochure.

Visalia Home Improvement & Backyard Living Expo

2008-04-26T08:46:00.000-07:00

Visit the Visalia Home Improvement & backyard living expo May 16- 18!
It will be held at the Visalia Convention Center 303 E. Acequia Ave, Visalia, CA 93291. Visit www.visalia.org for more info!

Show Biz Production Inc. is proud to present our Home Improvement and Backyard Living Expo at the Visalia Convention Center in Visalia, CA. As one of Southern California’s most reputable show production companies, we would like to invite all homeowners to come check out our Expo May 16-18, 2008 in Visalia. You’ll not only find, all the latest in home improvement ideas, but also experience a great weekend of family fun! Below are some of the featured exhibitors you’ll find at the Expo. For a complete list of exhibitors, please visit our ‘Exhibitors’ page.
Home Improvement
BBQ's
Patio Furniture
Kitchens
Bathrooms
Spas/Saunas
Remodeling
Pavers
AC/Heating
Air Cleaning / Purification
Appliances
Artists
Art Dealers
Cleaning Products
Raingutters
Food / Beverages
Gift/Novelty Items
Home Based Business
Jewelry Accessories
Moving Services
Patio Furniture
Timeshare
Solar Energy
Cellular
Tools
New Tankless Water Heaters
Innovative cleaning products
Financial Services
Crafts
Health/Beauty Products
Massage Chairs
Cookware
Giveaways
And much, much more!
Arts Crafts Supplies
Beds Mattresses
Bookcases / Entertainment Centers
Building Supplies
Doors and Accessories
Finishes Tex Coat
Founatins
Health Beauty Products
Insurance
Landscaping
Patio Covers
Real Estate
Shutters
Spas
Pools

Baby Chic and the Nursery Revolution

2008-04-25T08:55:00.000-07:00

So, you've got a baby on the way and you're full of ideas for the new nursery... or maybe you've got no ideas, or just too many. Sit down and relax. The good news is, there are no set in stone rules anymore and nurseries don't have to conform to some idea of tradition. You can truly have some fun, and keep within the designed look and feel of the rest of your home. Yes, nurseries are going chic, so come on board!
It's not the case that cold and heartless, design-only minded parents are behind the psychology of this new movement for the chic nursery, it's moreover that practicality is playing a stronger role in the approach to the child's room. Many are opting for long-term decor that'll blend with the rest of the house and will be suitable for their newborns as they emerge into toddlerhood and beyond.
There is a movement away from the traditional pastel pinks and blues, with themes of teddy bears and all things "baby". Homeowners and new parents are opting for bold colors and contrasting geometric designs. These elements are enticing, and stimulating for the newborn, but are often transferable to the rest of your home design. Likewise, these looks are somewhat neutral and will not outgrow the child as soon as he/she realizes that teddy bears are for babies, while they're strutting their for year old, big-boy or big-girl attitudes.
Another option for the nursery is to stick to neutral tones for the paint. From here, you can add as much color as your like with bedding, pictures, mobiles and lanterns.
Of course the necessities are still there. You'll need a crib and a change table. But today there are souped up, highly modern and practical versions of these purchases on the market. You can find cribs that can transform into single beds, and change tables that have a replaceable top, to grow with your child- so you don't have to think about purchasing new items every year or so.
In terms of a theme inspired room, again many are opting for themes that are gender neutral and that can carry on through and beyond the infant years. Think under the sea, the forest and virtually anything connected to nature.
Ideally you want a place that is stimulating for your child, but nothing too alarming or distracting. Great finishing touches to consider are wall borders, colorful mobiles, throw pillows, afghans, decorative lamps and theme inspired night lights.
BuyBlueRidgeRealEstate.com is your real estate gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia. You'll find information on Georgia mountain real estate, including beautiful Blue Ridge cabins.

Decorate Beautiful - Start With Your Kitchen

2008-04-24T09:42:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of people who use themes in their kitchen and it is very popular to use fruit as the main focus. You will find that this is the nicest way to give your kitchen a new décor and also it is a away to make the kitchen to be a warm and welcoming environment. You will want to consider the fact that the fruit theme will also be an easy-going theme, but also makes people feel welcomed in the room and encourages eating.
One of the new popular fruits is the cherry. Cherry kitchen décor gives the room a great color palette. With the cherries you will be able to incorporate reds, greens, and sides of white into your kitchen. You will also find that there are so many stores that sell cherry kitchen décor items and the prices are prices that cannot be beat. When you look for things like towels, wall border, and pot holders you will find items that are very inexpensive.
However, there are some tops that you should know about. You will find that there are not many appliances with cherries on it, however, you can substitute by using one of the three colors. You will find tons of red or white appliances that you could substitute so that you can have a little bit of color. You will also want to keep in mind that there are red and white colored plates, plasticware, napkins, and table clothes to purchase in substitution for the cherry pattern. Keep in mind that there are some things that you can add the cherry design too, but that will require some imagination and creativity. You also need to be a crafty person or at least a good painter.
You will also want to check out ways to add the cherry pattern to your kitchen by using curtains, tablecloths, and other fabrics into the room. You will also find that the fabric will impact your kitchen immediately; however, you need to keep it in a tasteful way. If you pack in too many cherries in one little kitchen it's not going to look classy and warm, but cluttered and ridiculous.
There are many cherry themed decorations and appliances that you may just come across when it comes to adding some color and cherry details to you kitchen décor. You will find that stores such as Wal-Mart, Target, and other decorating or discount stores have cherry accessories that are inexpensive and stylish.
The author Peter Mason is particularly passionate about problems associated with kitchen islands and cabinets. You can discover his publications on new kitchen designs at http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com and various other sources for new kitchen designs information.

Hardwood Floors Look Great In Any Room

2008-04-23T08:22:00.001-07:00

Hardwood flooring is an extremely durable flooring product that can be installed in virtually any room in your home to create a great looking floor. This type of flooring is manufactured in both engineered wood planks and solid wood planks, and is available in many different styles and widths. There are benefits to both solid and engineered wood planks depending on the room that you want to fit out. It is extremely easy to maintain and can be installed with a bit of DIY. By simply wiping your floor, and possibly refinishing the wood occasionally, you can help maintain your hardwood floor's impressive look for many years into the future.
Hardwood floors are more popular today than they have ever been. There are many choices available to homeowners such as laminate, tile, or carpet, but the flooring of choice nowadays is hardwood. Hardwood flooring is certainly an investment that should last for a long time. It is much longer lasting and of a far superior quality to laminate flooring that is often bought as a cheaper alternative. Many people chose to have laminate flooring rather than real solid wood flooring because it is not as expensive, although the difference in quality is often apparent.
Another benefit of hardwood is that it is timeless as it has looked good in homes for centuries, yet it still looks impressive in any room even today. Hardwood flooring is nowadays available as engineered wood which enhances the use of real hardwood, and costs a fraction of solid hardwood.
Hardwood flooring not only looks good; it is also an environmental choice. Wood floors are a renewable resource, are friendly to the environment, and can improve the air quality of your home because they don't collect pollen, dust and other allergens like carpet does for example. This type of floor is highly durable and will last longer than any other type of hard surface. Hardwood can be installed virtually anywhere in your home, although you may prefer tile for rooms that may be effected by moisture, such as bathrooms.
Hardwood flooring is graded taking into account the variation of the color, grain patterns and knots of each plank. It is suited to many types of building; they feel at home with traditional or modern and will compliment the decor of both minimalist and eclectic designs.
Go to our website for more information on hardwood floors and hardwood floor care

Step Back In Time With Wooden Porch Swings

2008-04-22T12:17:00.000-07:00

While porch swings are made in a variety of materials, wood is definitely the most common used today.
They are often exposed to some weather and they must be sturdy, as a result the wood is often treated to withstand the elements. They are counted as the more usual items of outdoor wood furniture and can be found on many patios throughout the country. Additionally they are also considered as pieces of garden furniture and are a classic accessory on the front porch of any home.
Porch swings still require chains to suspend them from a roof or stand which somewhat limits their placement as you either need a secure beam to hang it from or enough floor space to have it swing freely. They are making a comeback and are a common way that you can use to bump up the curb appeal of your home. Many people consider them an ideal spot for reading the morning paper, or for sipping iced tea on a hot afternoon, and have become a standard of leisurely living.
The wood is durable and attractive, but over time it can also develop splinters, cracks and other problems, and it is important that those potential problems be addressed before they have a chance to spread. Splinters should be carefully sanded out, and the wood then repainted and finished to match the rest of the swing. Wooden bench backs come in a variety of styles. Back slats can run horizontally, vertically with a top piece or even vertically at differing heights to form a round back. The wood does have some higher maintenance issues than something like vinyl or plastic, but they are often more tasteful and versatile as a result. You can easily repaint wood, but color infused vinyl cannot easily be changed.
These swings are reminiscent of lazy Sunday afternoons swinging on grandma's front porch. They are counted as the most prevalent pieces of outdoor wood furniture and can be found on many decks around the country, and are also considered as items of garden patio furniture. Porch swings are now available in a variety of finishes. In summary they are a nice addition to any porch area.
For more information on wooden porch swings please visit our website

Shabby Chic Decorating is Popular and Trendy!

2008-04-21T11:28:00.000-07:00

Home décor shabby chic style is 'all the rage' these days! If you are looking for a simple and pleasing decorating style to make over your home, then shabby chic decorating is the home décor for you! The shabby chic decorating technique makes use of old-fashioned décor along with modern décor that has that vintage look. The resulting effect is a pleasantly decorated home that creates the essence of relaxed and cozy surroundings.
Shabby chic decorating principles involve making use of family relics and antiques. They bring to mind affectionate memories and can be enjoyed by friends and family alike. They often make for great conversations as well.
When limited by finances, shabby chic decorating is the right answer. Dollar stores, rummage sales, and swap meets can be the perfect spots to find shabby chic furnishings and home décor. You are looking for distinguishing and characteristic furnishings that would be a great addition to any room.
Varnishing old chairs and tables is great for shabby chic decorating. Slip covers and throws work well with this décor. Use newer furnishings as focal points by featuring them as centerpieces. They will look like masterpieces when mixed in with shabby chic home décor.
Antique lace or doilies complement this style. You can 'antique' new lace or doilies giving the impression of age simply by soaking them in tea. Always experiment with a sample first to find the perfect tint. Cotton is easily stained while polyester or nylon may have problems with the staining process.
More examples of the shabby chic decorating style are 'antiqued veneer', muted and subtle colors, interchanging patterns with solids, achieving a 'shabby' but 'smart' look, and finding pieces that are worn but stylish.
Remember that shabby chic home décor reflects on the 1900-1950 time period and you cannot go wrong with this decorating style.
To help keep your home organized, download a free copy of the ebook "The Essential Guide to Organizing Your Home". Download it free here: Organizing Tips
Lynn Cressy has a love for decorating and shopping for home decor. She owns a home decor web site and writes articles on home decorating and organizing your home and your life.

Fun Tool To Help You Redecorate!

2008-04-20T10:13:00.001-07:00

I have found a fun tool to help you redecorate your room! If you want to redecorate but don't know where to start go to www.diynetwork.com and look for the "room planner" It gives you everything you need to get started! Check it out and have fun!

Wonderful find at Costco!

2008-04-19T08:50:00.000-07:00

We do a majority of our shopping at Costco, I am willing to admit. Over the years we have found some awesome deals on furnishings for our bedroom, living room, and bathrooms. Recenty we moved to a new home that needed some updating. We have redone some of the floors with maple laminate flooring from... yes, Costco, replaced lighting fixtures, painted, and put in new baseboards and crown moulding. So far the house looks much better on the inside and because we have also done a good deal of landscaping, the outside is looking great as well. We still need to do the kitchen and bathrooms however. The master bath had been redone before we bought the house but they didn't do a very good job of it. The downstairs half bath has one of those really annoying countertops that covers the back of the toilet. You know the kind, right? Anything goes wrong inside the toilet tank and you have about three inches of space to reach in and try to fix it. The cabinet is outdated as well. So, now for our exciting find. While at Costco the other day, my husband and I found a beautiful bathroom cabinet. it looks like a piece of elegant furniture, has two sinks, and comes with a granite countertop, both sinks, and the granite backsplash. This cabinet would normally go for around $800 to $1000. We got it for $500! This one will go upstairs in the master bathroom and the cabinets in the master will go downstairs in the half bath. Now for the fun part. We get the cabinet home, all boxed up, in the back of the truck. This thing is HEAVY. I get the furniture dolly and we work the cabinet down off the back of the truck and onto the furniture dolly so we can roll it to the house. Brick walkways, and heavy furniture on wheels don't go too well together. It is rolling along pretty good when all of a sudden a wheel sticks on a brick, almost lost it. Caught it though. Work it over that spot, get closer to the door, and ****, it hits the overhang above the door! Now we are going to have to lay it down from there to get it in the house. Just inside the front door are the stairs. Our stairs are the kind that turn on their way up so we have about ten steps, a landing, three or four more steps, another landing, and another three or four steps, to the second floor. To the right inside the door is the living room. My husband says, I think we can slide it up stairs. I would rather put it in the living room until we have more help. His cousin is here as well and is helping move this beast too. We try the stairs. After a lot of fighting with it we get it to the first landing! Ah, hah! Almost there! One problem though. It is too big and we can't turn it on the landing, it is too wide the way it is sitting so we can't go up the way it is now. So now our options are to bring it back down or leave it there. Heck, who needs to go upstairs anyway right? In the end, we got it back down without any injuries and it is now unboxed and sitting in the living room until we have more help to get it up the stairs. It is going to look beautiful in the master bathroom once we get it up there. If not maybe we will hook up the sinks and have a nice bar in the living room! Sorry, I was too busy fighting with the cabinet to get any pictures of it being moved but here is a picture of the cabinet.

Picking The Right Outdoor Patio Furniture

2008-04-19T08:46:00.000-07:00

We can't wait for spring to get here, and say goodbye to those long, winter months! That means it may be time to replace our weather-beaten, decrepit outdoor patio furniture. Well, here's good news! Gone are the days when your choices were limited to only 2 or 3 options.
Patio furniture sets or lawn furniture comes in an unbelievable array of styles guaranteed to fit your particular needs and pocketbook. Cast aluminum furniture, wicker furniture sets, and decorative metal chairs or tables lend a beautiful, classic element to your outdoor area. Redwood or teak patio furniture is long-lasting and will weather the elements. Add to that the wildly popular Adirondack chairs, yard hammocks, chaise lounges, picnic tables and even bar stools for your outdoor kitchen or bar, and your choices become endless.
Perhaps you just need to replace your patio furniture cushions, or buy a new patio umbrella for your table. Those are available at many of your local neighborhood chain stores. Maybe you just want to dress up your patio or yard with some water features? Many large garden stores carry a vast array of fountains for every taste, from stone lions to wooden-look buckets and old-fashioned spigots. There are even water ponds that can be set up on your patio or deck, as well as in the yard. Maybe you'd like a garden bench or outdoor concrete statues to lend an elegance to your patio or lawn area.
On the opposite end, perhaps you'd like to have a fire pit to roast weiners and marshmallows with friends and family. These come in a variety of styles & prices as well. Gas or propane grills or cookers from the simple to the complex are available as well to fill anyone's dreams and pocketbook. Outdoor patio heaters, for those months when it's not quite warm enough, but you still want to enjoy the outdoors, are now quite affordable for anyone's budget.
Maybe you have a very small patio with no yard, such as those that come with apartments. If that is the case, you may want to invest in folding patio furniture or even plastic lawn furniture (which are both relatively inexpensive patio furniture types) that you can easily pack up and store during the winter months. Or...get whatever will fit on your patio and cover it up. One way to greatly increase the life of your patio furniture, wherever you live, is to invest in patio furniture covers. The cost is minimal compared to the cost of replacing your lawn furniture every couple of years or so.
As you can see, there are lawn furniture options to fit every taste and budget. From the more expensive but long-lasting teak outdoor furniture to the relatively cheap & inexpensive plastic lawn furniture, you are sure to find something that works for you.

Cabin Decor For the Outdoor Lover in You

2008-04-17T19:16:00.000-07:00

If you are the woodsy type, cabin decor is perfect for you! The colors of nature along with wildlife and rustic accents make cabin decor a look any outdoor lover will want in their own cabin or home.
This look can easily be achieved by using accents associated with hunting and fishing. Many people use bear skin rugs on the floor, along with mounted deer and buffalo heads on the wall. These are the perfect touch for the cabin decor look.
Along with wood floors, you may also have exposed rough wood ceiling beams and rustic walls. The addition of shadowboxes containing fishing items such as lures is also an excellent addition. Anything associated with the forest, lakes and mountains will add to the relaxed feeling of cabin decor.
Wildlife pictures containing elk or wolves are beautifully colored and will add to the look. Fishing oars are also an interesting touch for the walls, as are fishing nets. Cabin decor is an easy look to achieve with the use of some accents you wouldn't ordinarily think of as decorating items.
I have even seen wooden fishing boats used as shelves, with the addition of a couple of extra boards placed inside. With cabin decor, you can place a few hunting caps and camouflage items along with wildlife figurines, and this makes for a very unique conversation piece!
When it comes to the furniture, use big husky looking sofas and chairs in a leather or leather-look material. Rustic color plaid fabrics work well also. Natural wood tables add to the woodsy look.
As you can see, there are endless options when it comes to decorating your home or home away from home with the unique cabin decor style. Think of what types of hunting or fishing you like, and use some of those items to decorate your home or cabin. This is relaxation at it's best!
Turn your home into a relaxing cabin in the woods with cabin decor for an outdoorsy atmosphere.
Tess Tackett invites you to visit All About Home Decor, where you will find every style of home decor at wholesale prices, every day!

April 13th, Good to be home again.

2008-04-13T09:09:00.000-07:00

Well, I am exhausted. We went to redding on Thursday morning to help fix up a rental house that belongs to a relative who is in the hospital. The people who had lived there before had trashed the place! The house is on almost an acre of land and most of that was covered with trash and junk that previous renters had just thrown all over the yard. The inside was a mess as well. There were holes in the doors and walls, some interior doors were missing, the walls were VERY dirty, and you don't want to know what the kitchen and bathrooms looked like! So anyway, we pull in Thursday morning and were pretty much in shock at the mess. We called and had roll-off dumpster (30 yard) delivered. The power had been turned off to the house so we had to wait for another relative to arrive with a generator before we could do much inside. While we waited, we made a run to Home Depot for the doors and other materials we needed. The dumpster arrived around three in the afternoon and we got started loading everything in the front yard. With 5 of us working we had the dumpster completely loaded by sundown. During that time the generator and more help had arrived and a few of us went in and got to work. Myself and three other people stayed outside and continued clean-up. We finished around 8:3o that night and went to get dinner and rest up for the next day. Friday we had the roll-off emptied and returned and while most people went in to work on the inside I stayed out with a couple of others and worked on the back yard. By Saturday night almost all junk was gone, doors had been replaced, a new bathroom vanity was in, the whole inside of the house had been patched and painted and we were on our way home. There is still more to be done before it can be rented but we made a pretty good dent in it. I am so sore I can hardly move this morning! I feel good about everything we got done though. Time to rest today.

Enjoy the Colors and Warmth of Tuscany

2008-04-06T08:32:00.000-07:00

The first image that comes to mind when thinking of Tuscan design is often the warm wash of golden hues, radiance filtered through an umber haze, and crisp, soft whites that reflect the northern Italian light.
The Tuscan color palette includes a range from soft and cool, balancing and deflecting the summer heat, to warm reds, oranges and yellows that seem to pour straight from the sun and sky.
Choosing paint colors
When choosing paint colors, you first need to be aware of your lighting. Consider exposure (your natural light sources), which will influence your choice of a certain palette. If you are facing south, for instance, you may want a cooler feeling to the room because the room gets too hot. Here's where blues and greens and soft pastels come into play. If you are facing north, go for it - the warmer, the better. You can create this warm and inviting feeling by using golden or terracotta or any "earth"-based wall colors or coverings.
One of the most frequent questions asked is about choosing the "right" paint color to create a Tuscan-style home. One way of doing this is to use a piece of Tuscan art work to define your colors. It is exciting to start with art (a painting, rug, tapestry, textile, ceramic) to determine your Tuscan colors because the artist has already set the mood, chosen the palette and suggested a progression of color - all of which can be translated to your home.
If you have strong colors in existing elements (such as flooring, or pieces of furniture that you have opted to retain for the room), choose wall colors from the palette that will coordinate with these existing elements. Otherwise, your color selection process can be started by deciding upon wall colors.
Color affects us
Color affects our mood. Trust your feelings when choosing your color palette. What colors are you drawn to? Your personality can be expressed through color; whether you want some "punch" in your room or something more soothing. And all of it can be "Tuscan"!
It's just paint!
And remember, when you choose your paint colors, its just paint - it's not really that expensive an investment, if you change your mind.
Many homes have textured plaster walls. Lucky you if you do. This is the Tuscan effect people want to achieve with wall colors or faux finishes. Using a Tuscan color on this kind of wall will achieve the Tuscan style quite easily.
Be bold - Be creative
However you proceed, either a paint treatment, a texturizing treatment, or a wall covering, remember that color is key to achieving a Tuscan style. So be bold - take a chance. Add richness and warmth to your home. Play with paint color and finishes, wall coverings, fabric and textiles. Create a little bit of Tuscany in your home.
Copyright 2008. Excerpt from Decorating in the Tuscan Style, the 162-page eBook packed with tips and techniques (and lots of photos) to help you transform your home and garden into the heart and soul of Tuscany. To learn more about Tuscan décor, visit http://www.intheTuscanstyle.com
Linda Hutchinson has been a designer for over 25 years. She incorporates Tuscan design principles in renovations and in designing new home decor. With her passion and appreciation for impressionist art and painting, it's no surprise that she is inspired by the vibrancy and spirited style of Tuscan decorating.
To learn more about Tuscan décor visit http://www.intheTuscanstyle.com

Gone Camping

2008-04-02T08:18:00.001-07:00

Well, folks, it's that time again on the West Coast. Yep, you guessed it. We are taking our first camping trip since last July. WooooHoooo! I won't be posting for a few days because, well, let's face it, spending time with my family in the great outdoors will be more fun and relaxing! Don't worry though, I won't forget you all. When I return I will have lots of photos and stories to share! Stay tuned. While I'm away, feel free to check out my blogs and affiliates! Leave me a post and I will respond when I get back. Bye for now, though. The great outdoors is calling!

How To Make Your Modern Bedroom Decorating Idea Come To Life

2008-03-31T19:45:00.001-07:00

Everyone wants a great up to date look in the bedroom and you might find yourself inspired by a modern bedroom decorating idea that you have seen on TV or in a decorator magazine. If you are planning on duplicating a room plan exactly, have an open mind as the probabilities of an exact replication will not be possible, but you can come close with some innovative ideas. But, if you observe the following basic elements of modern design, you can obtain a nicely designed bedroom.
Color
Unlike popular decorating schemes in the past, our modern era likes to concentrate on one or two colors for a smooth, sophisticated look. Browns and white are typical colors today. Black and white is a great choice for modern decor and it doesn't have to be boring if you spice it up with a bright color like red or yellow. One color that is very popular is chocolate brown and this can be used in varying shades of darkness. I chose these colors for two reasons. First, they go well with most modern furniture pieces, and second, they give the room a nice warm tone.
Pattern
The rugs and fabrics used in modern bedroom decor don't rely on the fancy patterns of the past. Solid colors can be made more interesting by combining them with different textures. Not all patterns can be used when going for a modern design; geometric patterns are your best choice.
Furniture
The Modern style calls for furniture with clean, simple lines. The darker shades of wood are preferred for this decor style. The overall look will be enhanced if you avoid rounded lines. No need to be fancy: stick to straight lines and simple details. Brushed metal is a great, simple hardware look.
Accessories
Less is more with modern design so keep accessories to a minimum. When looking for the perfect finishing touch, experiment with long-lined glass vases and single flowers. Sparingly place a few items around the room rather then filling it with clutter. Steer clear of anything ornate or frilly in your modern bedroom. Try adding a modern work of art to your new room--one that really enhances the colors around it.
With these tips, any modern bedroom decorating idea can come to life. Choose a style you love and recreate it in your own bedroom for a unique look that is all your own.
Visit http://www.perfecthomedecor.com to learn more about home decorating including more on modern bedroom decorating.

Light It Up

2008-03-30T08:55:00.000-07:00

Lighting is a key element in decorating that many people tend to overlook. How you light a room will allow you to create a certain mood, be it bright and cheery, or cozy and romantic. The correct balance of lighting can make or break a room. Keep these important tips in mind when planning your next room.
Spread the light around the room in a triangle. This will ensure that there is lighting where needed for conversation, reading, playing games, or lighting your favorite objects.
Accent lighting provides that extra touch that makes a room sparkle. Create an element of surprise by tucking a small lamp inside a bookcase or china cabinet.
Control the mood of a room with dimmers. Use up lighting to provide a glow in a dark corner. A dark colored room will require more light than a light colored room. You may need to add extra lighting or change to brighter bulbs to accommodate for the wall color.
A good rule of thumb for the size (diameter) of a dining room chandelier would be 1/2 the width of the table plus a minimum of 5 inches. The bottom of the lamp should hang about 30 inches from the table in a room with 8 foot ceilings. For every additional foot of ceiling height, raise the fixture 1 to 3 inches.
Ideally a reading lamp should be situated so that the light pours over the shoulder. If necessary, add a stack of books without the jackets under the lamp to adjust the height of the lamp to maximize light and minimize glare. Do not place a lamp in the center of the table. Adjust side to side, or front to back to address the task at hand.
Kim Boyer, SDP, ODDAA, owner of Kimberly Boyer Interiors, Bucks County Pennsylvania, provides full service interior decorating with specialties in Real Estate Staging and Interior Redesign. Please visit her website or call 267-342-9395 for a complete list of services or to schedule an in-home consultation.
http://www.kimberlyboyerinteriors.com
Open the door to a home you love!

Creating A Western Ranch Style Home

2008-03-28T08:22:00.000-07:00

A home decorated in the country style can evoke feelings of being on a farm. Decorate your home in the Western style and it's a totally different feeling. You are now on a ranch, you feel like cowboys and cowgirls could walk through the door at any moment. You know you want this feeling and maybe you even have some ideas for it, but don't know where to start. Follow along and we'll see what we can do to help!
There are many items that you can use to give your home that ranch feeling but let's start first with your walls. Paintings of ranch scenes in rustic looking wood frames are a good start. You can find these just about anywhere art is sold. Try antique stores as well, sometimes you can find a neat old painting in them that would be perfect. If you want to show the humorous, yes humorous side of ranch life try wood or wood look signs with quotes or fun sayings on them. My grandparents had one in their kitchen on a real cattle ranch that said "Cows may come, and cows may go, but the bull around here goes on forever." This was in the kitchen above the coffee pot. They also had one outside the door saying "Forget the dog, beware of owner!" You may have even seen these around in stores or online. How about a horseshoe mirror, or coat hooks made of horseshoes? Use your imagination and look in antique stores! You would be surprised how much ranch and horse related stuff ends up in antique stores everywhere!
Look for statues to place in various areas around the house as well. Place an old pair of boots, or a boot sculpture by the door. Remington Statues have always been popular but are very expensive. You can find similar sculptures for a lot less money. Candle holders, dishes, vases, lamps, and other kitchen accessories can also be found in the western theme. I've even seen a rattlesnake wine bottle holder that would be perfect for a get together with friends! If you really want to get the feeling, and want to buy new furniture, go for leather, faux suede, or a southwestern pattern. Oh yeah, and don't forget a cowboy hat hanging on a horseshoe hat rack. Make it a double horseshoe rack, add a lariat next to the hat and that pair of boots on the floor below them. To give the outside a western feel place a wagon wheel against a fence or wall in the garden, or you can put an old plow in a flower bed with low growing flowers around it. A wagon wheel and wood bench on the front porch invites guests to sit and enjoy the day. Start with one room and see how that goes. If you like it then have fun with the rest of the house!
Christy Tuller is an expert on several topics and is the owner of a webstore That's Something Special at http://store.thatssomethingspecial.com

Bathroom Home Decor ideas

2008-03-27T10:39:00.001-07:00

The best way to approach bathroom decor is to begin by selecting a theme. Since bathrooms are relatively small areas, it's best to stick with a single primary theme. Once you select a theme, you'll want to choose wall art, a shower curtain, rugs, and storage items that coordinate with each other. Be sure to select items that blend with your existing wallpaper or paint color, unless you're planning to change the walls when you update the decor.
Nautical Bathroom Decor
Those who live near the water or enjoy spending time on the water often choose to decorate their bathrooms using a nautical theme. If you like the idea of a nautical theme, you'll be able to select among a variety of different types of bathroom accessories. Sailboats and tall ships are very popular nautical design elements, and are typically a combination of dark wood, navy blue, and tan colors. Be careful when choosing your blues to go on the wall of your bathroom as the room could end up feeling too cold and uninviting.
Seashell Bathroom Decor
Seashell theme decor is used in many bathrooms designs. Because most natural seashells are light in color, accessories based on this theme tend to be in light shades of beige, pearl, and a variety of pastes. You can incorporate a combination of real seashells and decorative elements that feature depictions of shells, such as wall art and towels, into your bathroom design scheme.
Fish Bathroom Decor
Bright, primary colors are commonly used in fish bathroom decor. This is a popular theme for children's bathrooms. Kids love clear shower curtains stamped with bright, bold fish and walls painted with the coordinating bright shades. They'll also enjoy drying off with bright towels covered in matching fish. This is a great way to make having a bath fun for the children. You could have toys that are similar to the colors and the styles and make it feel like their own special room.
Dolphin Bathroom Decor
Dolphins are a very popular collectible item throughout the home. Many people incorporate dolphins into their bedroom den, and bathroom decor. There are many different types and styles of dolphin bathroom accessories, including wall art, towels, shower curtains, trash cans, and much more. Many people chose to decorate the bathroom blue when using dolphin styles. You could also use a shade of white or cream and user the dolphins to give the room some extra color.
Angel Bathroom Decor
Another very popular theme for bathroom decor involves utilizing angels as a decorative element. There are many different styles of angel decor, ranging from Victorian era angels to cherubs. Regardless of the type of angel you prefer, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the wide variety of bathroom decor items that feature an angel theme.
So as you can see, there are many options available to you when you are choosing your bathroom decor. Choose wisely and you will have a room that the whole family will enjoy using.
Alex Hanson kicks up your bathroom decor theme by theme. Here are some easy tips to enhance or change the look in your bathroom and make it fun and festive, as well as lively for the spring and summer months. It's actually nice to be nautical in the winter, too. Sometimes it just keeps us thinking a warm bath or shower and the steamy heat that rises and fills up the mirrors with mist are best shown in a nautical beach theme. For the kids bath it's fun to have some just for kids rugs with scenes of the beach and boats.
Want tips for the small bedroom home decor? The Homeless Coalition helps with home decor for those just getting started.
For more tips and ideas visit this popular website, http://www.decor4u.com

Sale at That's Something Special!

2008-03-26T08:16:00.000-07:00

Just FYI. If you haven't already done so check out the store That's Something Special, the link is under my favorite links to the right. They are having a sale! Check it out!

How To Use Color In Home Decor - Top 5 Tips

2008-03-24T08:35:00.000-07:00

If you're about to renovate your entire home, or just a single room, then your choice of color is an important consideration. Color has a tremendous impact on the overall feel of your home, and should also complement the style of home you're creating.
After all, color affects our emotions as much as other aspects of home decor do, so it's important to give it some reflection.
So let's go through some top tips on color that will help you to achieve the result you want, and the overall feel that you'd like in your home.
Tip 1
Ensure that the colors chosen reflect the style of your home.
For example, if your preference is to have neutral and classic decor, then colors such as beige, cotton, or stone will suit best. These colors go with both neutral and bold decor.
If you like more natured themes, then lavender or soft greens will do well.
For more fiery tastes, reds, golds and dusky rose will provide the warmth you're looking for.
The best way is to use a website or software that provides color simulations on walls to help you choose a color palette.
Tip 2
Use the 60:30:10 rule.
Most of the time, you'll probably have the same color walls throughout the home, but if you choose to have a feature wall or two, ensure that the feature wall is about 30% of the room.
The remaining 10% is for a third, deeper color that can either be a feature wall or be from furniture. If the proportions are higher, your room can look disjointed.
Tip 3
With wall decor that's subtle in color, choose light colored walls.
Your wall decor should be a highlight, and not overpowered by the color behind it. This is why neutral colored walls such as beige and related colors are not only pleasing to most people, they compliment both light and richly colored wall decor.
On the other hand, richly colored wall decor will be complimented by either a light or richly colored background. But there's one condition here. With a rich background, such as a red painted wall or red patterned wallpaper, it will work well as long as there's some matching between these.
For example, if the wallpaper is red with hints of brown and gold, then if there's a similar shade of red or brown in the wall decor, it will work.
Tip 4
Use your instinct, but also test it out.
One of the most important parts of this process is to get some samples of the wall paint and wallpaper and see if they go well with your home.
Something to be aware of is that the overall color scheme and style of your home may be 'matched' in different ways.
For example, if you have classic decor, it doesn't mean that you have to have neutral colors, even though it's a combination that's easy to work with. You can instead have rightly colored red patterned wallpaper as mentioned.
In these situations, be sure that you love the rich color, as rich color is powerful and difficult to ignore. So see if you can find an entire room that has been decorated with this color, such as in a wallpaper showroom.
Tip 5
Make sure the color scheme or pattern matches the style of your internal architectural features.
Not only should you make sure you like a color, you should also see if it will match the style of architectural features such as the windows and architraves in your home.
For example, with the above scenario, a classic patterned rich wallpaper will go well with more ornate character features in the home, rather than ultra plain modern features. The exception to this, is if you use a modern 'version' of a classic pattern which will suit modern decor.
So ensure that you're seeing the whole picture, and use your instinct and personal taste.
So there you have it.
You now know the top 5 tips when it comes to using color in your home. These 5 tips will help you choose the right color and patterns for your home to match your personal taste as well as your wall and home decor. So enjoy playing with color, and seeing the combinations of color and patterns with your test samples, to decorate your home just the way you envisioned it.
Tom Matherson is a writer for Worldwide Tapestries which offers a range of wall tapestry art and wall decor to transform any home. See this site for the latest designs in wall tapestries that you can use to enhance any room setting.

A fun little item for your country decor!

2008-03-23T10:58:00.000-07:00

Photos explained!

2008-03-22T08:28:00.000-07:00

Okay, so you might be wondering about those two before and after photos on the right. The first photo is the living room of a house we bought several years ago. the carpet was old and stained and pretty gross. The windows were about 20 years old and had condensation between the panes so you could hardly see out them. The walls were full of holes. As you can see the fireplace brick went all the way up to the ceiling. Then there were the ugly, old outdated drapes on the front windows. Oh yeah, almost forgot, in an effort to make the fireplace a gas start fireplace someone had punched a hole in the side, run a pipe through it to, yep, a small propane tank outside. This was the kind of propane tank you would use for a gas B.B.Q.! Yes, the rest of the house was just as bad, if not worse. We will discuss the kitchen another time! Wait till you see those pics! Now for the updating of the living room.
The first thing to go was the carpet. Once we had that out we swept and cleaned the concrete underneath knowing it would be awhile before we got new flooring down. Then we turned our attention to reparing the walls and ceiling. This house had an intercom system through out. It didn't work and it was ugly so it had to go. Removing the box from the living room wall left a large hole to be fixed. My husband placed semi-balled up chicken wire in the hole so it was just at the back of the drywall. Then he used a thick spackling compound to fill the hole. This was done over a couple of days to ensure that it was a smooth clean surface ready to be textured. The brick of the fireplace was to overbearing so we wrapped everything above the mantle with drywall secured to small boards we mounted to the brick. We retextured all of the walls and the ceiling so that everything blended in and looked the same. The next step was to paint the walls. Because we had new texture they all had to be primed first. We then painted the walls a relaxing nuetral color called Linen by Behr. Now we were ready for the floor. For this house we used an engineered hardwood. In this case Oak. Let me tell you, as beautiful as it turned out, it was killer on the knees and back! The flooring was glued to the concrete using a wood flooring adhesive purchased at our local home improvement store. Once the flooring was in and ready to walked on we finished the room with crown molding and baseboard. These were painted and then it was time to move in the furniture! A few months later we replaced the windows throughout the house with Milgard Retrofit vinyl windows. What a difference that made! Beautiful!
Please feel free to take a look around while you are visiting my blog! Check back again as I will be discussing more of our remodel! Leave your comments and questions! I would love to hear what you have to say! Tah Tah For Now!

Creating A Rustic Country Kitchen

2008-03-22T08:22:00.000-07:00

A good country style kitchen can bring memories of visiting your grandparents or of growing on in the country. The warm cozy feeling you would get from walking into the kitchen and smelling apple pies baking and mom/grandma at the stove baking. To get that same feeling in your modern kitchen there are many things you can do from just adding country decor to refinishing old cabinets and painting walls. In this article I will go over these different methods with you.
If you like the look of your current kitchen cabinets and counters and just want to add some design touches to give the room that country feel I suggest starting with antique stores. If you've never been in one you would be surprised by what you can find at reasonable prices. Look for old kitchen utensils with wood handles. No, you will not be cooking with these! Antique utensils such as egg beaters, spatulas, wooden spoons, etc. can be hung on walls in place of pictures. Arrange these in a way that is pleasing to you. Another item to look for in the antiques stores, although a little more expensive, is old windows. They are very popular because they can be used in several different ways for decorating your home. You can remove the old glass and replace it with a mirror, leave the glass and mount a country style painting behind it. If you are the creative type and can paint, you can purchase canvas at any art store and paint your own design to be mounted behind the glass. I have one with chickens painted by an old neighbor. When choosing an old window for this purpose be sure to keep in mind the size of your kitchen and the amount of wall space you have available. Some kitchens have display space above the cabinets. This space is great for displaying old bowls and bakeware or statues of roosters etc. If you're not into the antiques you can find a lot of great country themed kitchen decor on the market. These can range from rooster or apple themed plate diplays, clocks, dishes, cookie jars, etc. Most importantly, have fun with it!
Now let's say you want to go a little more in depth than just decor items. Old kitchen cabinets can be given new life with a whitewash. Change out your kitchen hardware to something that fits your country theme. You can replace, with a little work, the wood panels in cabinet doors with chicken wire. I don't recommend this on cabinets where your dishes are kept due to the possible dust factor. One way to prevent dust is to place a piece of glass behind the chicken wire in the cabinet doors. Wall paper and wall paper borders are another way to give your walls the look and feel of a country kitchen. Most home improvement stores carry a variety of wall papers or they can order them for you. Don't like wall paper? Try a faux painting technique or just choose a soft natural pleasing color and paint your walls. Another more expensive but effective idea is to replace your flooring with a natural tumbled stone. You can also find porcelain tiles that look like tumbled stone usually at a lower cost.
It is amazing the difference that can be made with new flooring and paint. Add a few rustic antique decorations, place a vase of dried flowers on the counter or table and you have a homey inviting kitchen!
Christy Tuller is an expert on several topics and is the owner of a webstore That's Something Special http://store.thatssomethingspecial.com/

Updating Your New Old Home

2008-03-22T08:20:00.000-07:00

You walk into your new home and as happy as you are to be the proud owners, the first thing you think is "Man this house looks old. When did we get back to the 's". You can fill in the year. In my experience it's been the seventies. Well, the first thing I would suggest is to take a good long look at the room and picture in your mind what you want it to look like finished.
Another decision that needs to be made is how much can we afford to spend on updating this room. Remember that there are other rooms that will need updating so set your budget accordingly. Can't come up with any ideas? Ugly old carpet distracting you? If you know you will be replacing it anyway, go ahead and pull out the old carpet and pad. Be prepared to sweep and vacuum the subfloor when everything is out. You will need to make sure that all tack strips and nails are removed for safety reasons.
Okay, so now you've vented a little frustration with some minor destruction. Step back once again and look at the room. Can you see it now? For the sake of this article we will stick with just the cosmetic improvements. There are a lot of other projects that can be done to improve a room but they are more costly and time consuming.
You want your room back ASAP so let's get moving. Walk around the room checking the walls for holes, dents, or anything else that needs to be fixed before you paint. You can fill these hole with spackle but be careful to blend the texture with what is on the walls. Nothing looks worse on a textured wall than a big smooth spot in the middle of it from a hole someone covered up. If the hole is big you can purchase spray texture from your local home improvement store. While you are there you can pick up your paint or paint samples if you haven't decided on a color. Next thing to do is check around the windows. If they are in good shape and you don't want to replace them soon, make sure the seal around the window and drywall or frame is good. Fill in any cracks or gaps with caulk. Now you are ready to paint!
Picked out your flooring yet? If you are going with carpet it can be installed anytime. If you are going with wood or laminate you can either install this yourself or have a pro do it for you. Carpet can make a room feel warm and cozy and is more comfortable for little kids who are crawling around a lot. Wood or laminate is good for beauty, is easier to keep clean and is good for people with asthma or other allergies. Wood can add a look of sophistication to a room or it can give a room a rustic, cabin feel. If you go with wood or laminate add an area rug where main seating area will be to give the room more color and style.
Window treatments are a big design element in a room. Hopefully by now, those big, old, moth eaten drapes are long gone! There are a variety of window treatments to choose from. Curtains and decorative rods allow you to implement your style with a variety of fabric and designs. For energy efficiency I suggest cellular shades that can be opened for optimum light during the day but when closed help keep out the heat and cold. Other options are vertical and horizontal blinds, Roman Shades, shutters, and pull down shades.
Look up. Yes you have to. Now, you see that ugly old light up there? Time to say good-bye. Remember, when you are choosing lighting and other fixtures for your rooms, pick out a style that will complement your furnishings but that when you are ready to sell your home, will not have your buyers wincing or shopping for new fixtures right away. If your home is not a rustic cabin, as much as I like the style myself, don't put a chandelier made of antlers in your dining room.
Okay, fixtures, paint, floors, window treatments, ah-hah, time for your furniture! Choose placements for your furniture that will provide the most attention to your focal point. The focal point for your room could be the big screen T.V., a picture window, or a fireplace. Once your furniture is in, go ahead and add your personal touch with pictures, candles, statuary, an indoor fountain perhaps. All done? Sit back, relax and enjoy your new room. Then get started on the next one!
Christy Tuller is an expert on several topics and is the owner of a web store That's Something Special. For more tips and ideas explore my blog! The photos to the right are an example of an update in my previous home.

Designing A Medieval Office

2008-03-17T08:25:00.000-07:00

Grabbing your steaming cup of coffee you head into your office to begin your day. As you walk through the door you glance around at your walls with framed certificates, articles about your work, photos of friends and family. Your desk sits in the middle of the room with your computer, photos of your kids, yesterdays coffee mug (forgot that again!) and a stack of paperwork waiting for your attention. Off to one side of the room is a small coffee table and a couple of arm chairs. A few magazines litter the top of the coffee table. Resigned you head for the desk, sit down and think, if only I could walk into this office and feel like a king or queen everyday.
Well, you can! Stop wishing and start decorating! First things first. Something needs to be done about the walls. Let's remove all the pictures and start with paint. If you are comfortable with doing things on your own, go to your local paint or home improvement store. Pick out some paint colors that you feel would suit the statement you want to make. You can choose some grays and blue grays, reds and burgundy, or as I would prefer you can go with shades of golden brown and tan. Next, pick a faux painting technique. Try ragging or sponging to get the "old wall" effect. Now that your walls have been painted let's start looking at what you can hang on them. There are a variety of things available for this style such as tapestries, paintings, wall sconces, sword and dagger displays, shields, and axes. Don't go overboard on the amount of decorations you put up. That will only make it look gaudy and make sure that the items you choose complement each other.
Next, you can dress up the furniture you already have or you can find new antique furniture to complement your style. Add a fluer-de-lis rug in complementary colors. In the sitting area, how about a medieval chess set for the coffee table? On your desk you can place a dragon letter opener, a medieval style box for cigars, or misc. items and other decor items that would not be in the way of your workspace. Now that you've finished, here is what you will see tomorrow when you walk in your office.
You grab your morning coffee and walk into your office. As you open the door you are greeted by warm walls graced with a tapestry of a castle in medieval England, light reflects off of swords and dragons mounted behind your desk. The sitting area invites you and a guest to play a game of chess. Your desk is gaurded by a dragon holding a miniature sword and another sitting atop a box daring you to have a cigar, your family smiles out at you from pewter frames. You sit down and flip on your computer, look around once more, and know that you are ready to conquer any job that comes your way.

Christy Tuller is an expert on several topics and is the owner of a webstore That's Something Special http://store.thatssomethingspecial.com/

Vintage Style in The Bedroom - How to Achieve This Romantic Look

2008-03-13T09:40:00.000-07:00

Vintage style works well in the bedroom, creating a timeless romantic style that is sure to please, and will never date. You too can create a room that evokes memories of old rose and dreamy summer days. Piles of vintage cushions scattered on the bed, sepia-coloured family photographs or carefully chosen china and ornaments can all combine to offer you a comfortable refuge where you can relax and feel totally at ease.
Whether your personal taste in bed linen is for crisp cotton sheets smothered by warm woollen blankets, or snuggly vintage quilts and eiderdowns, fabric plays an essential role, both functional and decorative, in everyone's bedroom. Although we tend to assume that vintage is very pretty, feminine and mainly floral there's no reason why you shouldn't choose solid colours - consider Amish quilts and Welsh blankets. This type of bedlinen can be very effective in a simple white-painted room as it gives you instant impact, warmth and colour.
Many people don't feel at all confident about mixing different fabric patterns in one room, but consider how bland and uninspiring a room looks where everything is chosen from a single design or colour range. You can happily mix checks and stripes with floral prints and other colours if you bear in mind two points - the relative sizes of the fabric patterns, and the colours within them. To get an idea of how your scheme will look, take samples of the fabrics you love, scatter them around the room and then move them around without consciously making decisions about what looks best where. This way you'll find it easier to see if there are any possible clashes.
Take a look at the rest of your house too, consider the colours you've used elsewhere and also take into account the age and architecture of your home. Stripes, for example, might be a good choice for a symmetrical, 18th century room, whilst floral prints suit Victorian style very well.
Finally, consider your accessories and ornaments. Be careful not to overdo it - too many can easily lead to a cluttered, messy look and the visual impact you've worked so hard to create will be destroyed. Be sure that everything you include will delight you when you wake up in the morning - this is what will give your room character and style. Lavender is an old-fashioned herb used to perfume linen, and is also said to enhance sleep, so why not scatter bowls around the room to sweetly scent the air as you drift off to sleep. Tuck lavender sachets in your drawers too, to fragrance your clothes, and keep those pesky moths away - sometimes the old, vintage ideas really do work!
Helen Dickson is the owner of DevonBear Designs. She designs and makes a small range of really practical - and pretty - textile items and stationery all inspired by the wonderful coast and countryside of South Devon, England. Helen is a talented watercolour artist and all DevonBear Designs products feature one of her images. Visit her site at http://www.devonbeardesigns.com

The Easy Way To Soften The Look Of Any Room

2008-03-13T09:39:00.000-07:00

Today's household fashion is very crisp and clean, very futuristic. But not all homes suit the futurist look and not everyone wants a clean crisp touch to every room in the house. Some people like their homes to appear lived in.So what's the best way to achieve that look without having to re-decorate and re-furnish the whole house?
One simple answer is delicate, homely lace curtains in the windows. These have the ability to soften the edges in the rooms and break up any symmetry by the nature of their design and fabric. The simplicity of these soft and elusive lace curtains adds a touch of romance to your home. The cord must match the colour of the curtains, and the tassels of lead covered and netted over with cord of colour to harmonize with the curtains. The latter is preferable and could of row be carried out with any description of curtain. Not over twelve inches can be folded away at the top without look badly. Collectors of lace trust that you should never throw away a piece of lace, no subject how tiny or tattered. A constringe band of same material or a tape sewed on one inch below top of aim and small rings every two and a quarter inches. Even empty casements in abandoned row houses still had raggedy lace curtains blithely flying in the breezes orgasm through!
It looks very pretty from the street, but of flow would not show on the room side unless the shade was brocaded. The best method is to cut them to reach the floor, and then they can be allowed to hang straight and yet be of right duration to loop back. This is an invention of rare style and exquisite item. Stop them about five inches yearner than the glass opening, so the hemming will not be seen on the outside. From insouciant to elegant styles, we have sheer curtains, draperies and embroidered sheer curtains. Nottingham lace machine and composed of cotton wool or other vegetable character. Finish these in length to just reach the sill, or, as many prefer, a few inches below it. The mall provided the kitchen and tables along with beginnings of a blink of an eye clientele. A heedful investigation of the woodwork in your home might bring home the bacon clues on the original method employed to hang the curtains.
When installing, forever wipe clean all mantle rods prior to hanging. Some are short curtains to go inner the casing, and are ordinarily hung on a small rod with sockets or eyes on the stop beads, unless the windowpane sunglasses should be on the alfresco of casing. Research your options to find the hone business fit for your personality, finances, and kinsperson. The ones that were able to still open luxuries and had time enough to make them, had lace curtains, and lace table cloths, doilies, etc, etc.
The best method is to cut them to reach the floor, and then they can be allowed to hang straight and yet be of proper distance to loop back. Bay has rare and one of a kind standard candle holders, cap fixtures and neon lights for you to opt from. Make a wonderful view with our wide selection of kitchen curtains. The tops can be finished by turning a hem two and a canton inches wide. The top will have to be trimmed off foursquare and re-hemmed for the rod.
Create the perfective look with charming kitchen curtains and windowpane tiers. A heedful investigation of the woodwork in your home might supply clues on the original method employed to hang the curtains. The top will have to be cut off foursquare and re-hemmed for the rod. The top hem will involve two and a draw and quarter inches, and allow one inch for the lower hem. We will life attend to you with your requirements and quote you on our best prices. Because of the heat, the tissue dissolves and leaves nates only the embroidered pattern. Our designing's have been electing specifically for the inherent quality of the repetition of figures and strength of the boiler suit designing. For a gentleman to purchase decent lace for a large frilly cuff or collar, he may have had to sell a few acres of vineyard.
The top hem will necessitate two and a canton inches, and allow one inch for the lower hem. The colour of ecru can be restored by an infusion of java in the water supply. The simplicity of these soft and insidious lace curtains adds a touch of chat up to your home. Do you use lace in an unparalleled or non traditional style in your home? The best method is to cut them to reach the floor, and then they can be allowed to hang straight and yet be of right length to loop back. Our contrives have been chosen specifically for the inherent prize of the repetition of figures and strength of the boiler suit contrive.
I try to pass on my musings on life and experiences in a way that people may find interesting to read. lace curtains Please feel free to republish this article provided a working hyperlink remains to our site You may not always agree with my writings but I hope to inform. Harwood E Woodpecker

Home Decor - Creating a Comfortable Living Space

2008-03-07T09:25:00.000-08:00

Home decor is easy to achieve when you know how, but do you know how? Well you will probably already have some great ideas for achieving the best home decor styles and it all comes down to personal preference in the end.
Decorating your home can also be expensive and extremely time consuming. It doesn't have to be this way at all. Accessories are a great way to give your home a much needed boost and can cost extremely little. You may already have plenty of accessories stuffed away in the box up in the attic that you never dreamt of using before. Now it is time to dust off that box and see if there is anything you could salvage. If you have some old curtains upstairs, why not make them into cushions or into a throw for the sofa. This is a great and inexpensive way to give your living spaces a comfortable and warm feel to them.
What about using plants and flowers? This is another way to spruce up your home décor that you already have in a cheap way. You could even grow the flowers or the plants yourself out in the garden. Pots for the plants and vases for the flowers are usually inexpensive and you may even be able to pick up a bargain from a charity shop.
Candles are also a great way to make your home feel comfortable, cozy and just wonderful! You can many different styles and types of candle holders nowadays making it an easy and accessible way to give your home a great look and feel to it. Candles create a wonderful glow and can be a great way to light up the room cheaply! If you used candles in the living area and didn't have to use electricity because of it then you are going to save money on your utility bills!
Candles in the bathroom are also great as they can create relaxing moods and lighting to help you unwind after a long, hard day's work.
Another cheap and easy way to spruce up your home decor is to de-clutter and tidy your home. Why not use some cheap and easy to find wicker baskets in your living areas. These will not only look great but they will also help you keep your home more organized and more efficient. If you can, you could always get a coffee table for the centre of your room that has a hidden storage compartment in the middle. Not only will this look great, but it will also allow you to keep your clutter hidden away from sight of any visitors.
It can sometimes be stressful to decorate your home but it needn't be. It can as well be expensive, but again it doesn't have to be this way. Trawl those charity shops and get ideas from magazines and see where you can improve your home.
Alex Hanson has tips for improving your home decor, while maintaining a budget and being a bit creative in the process.
Visit this popular website for tips on home decorating ideas and more. Achieving beautiful home decor doesn't need to be all that hard.

How To Decorate Country Style

2008-03-07T09:21:00.000-08:00

Country Style is a broad type of decorating style that can depend on a house's geographical location, but is often embodied by basic, simple furniture, subdued color schemes, vintage-print fabrics and milk-paint finishes.
To learn how to create a contemporary country style in your home - one that is attractive and fits your lifestyle - keep reading for the basics of country colors, furniture, fabrics and accessories.
Country Colors
Subdued, muted colors that will show wear over time are the first step to creating a rustic, country feel. A more modern country design may use a vibrant color palette that utilizes accents of navy blue, black, white or red to offset the design.
Country Furniture
Opt for simple, shaker style of furniture that's primitive, but sturdy. Flea markets, old attics, thrift shops and antique markets are great spots to find treasures for your beautiful, country home.
Overall, you want to look at pieces that have minimal ornamentation, simply painted finishes and basic, straight lines. Flourishes and European embellishments should be kept to a minimum.
Country Fabrics
When you're picking fabrics for your window treatments and accent pieces, look for small or visually interesting prints that appeal to the era to which you're trying to speak.
Popular country patterns include floral designs, striped and checked patterns and anything on a basic calico. When you're selecting fabrics, try to match large prints with smaller ones or louder fabrics with those that are more subdued.
If you're using just two or three fabrics for accents, pillows, curtains and chair cushions, try to use them throughout the house. You'll bring the color palette and your style scheme to every room with minimal effort, while still tying the house together.
Country Accessories
Your accessories and other final touches will make your room and really pull the design style together.
Look for homespun or handmade items to create a beautiful, rustic country-style. Touches like hand-woven baskets, beautifully carved bowls, primitive pottery or hand-forged metal fireplace elements are not only lovely to look at, but also functional. Look for hand-spun and knit or quilted accent blankets to build warmth and bring your color schemes together.
Remember, overall, country style is about simplicity and grace. Don't go overboard with checkered prints or rooster-themed cookware. You want a look that's rustic and basic, not overdone and kitschy. With effort and restraint, you can create a beautiful country house that's truly a home.
For information on practical interior design recommendations, please visit http://www.interior-creative-design.com, a popular site providing great insights concerning creative home upgrade ideas, such as Premier Bathrooms, bedroom closet organizers, and many more!