Getting Started With Your Home Decorating Project

There are many aspects of home decorating which you may decide to have a go at in the name of giving your home a new look. Maybe you want to change the flooring of your home or you would like to freshen up the decor of the walls. However, getting started might stump you a little bit and some helpful tips might be just the thing that you need. Armed with the right advice, you can get your home decorating projects done and have a bit of fun at the same time. If you're looking to do some home decorating yourself but are unsure about where to begin, read on for some useful home decorating ideas.

The Essentials - Home Decorating Made Easy

Your home decorating attempts are more or less assured of success as long as you familiarize yourself with the essentials of the job in hand. No matter what you want to redecorate or what your budget happens to be; you need to first come up with a plan for your project. Without a home decorating plan in place, you will not get very far with your new decor.

Before you begin a home decorating project, decide what your budget is going to be and then establish a plan accordingly. You should also include any limitations that you have, for example, if you are a tenant or if you own your home. You should also decide what the purposes of the room or rooms that you're going to work on are going to be, the space limitations, and any color schemes that you plan to use. Conversely, of course, you should also plan to include any color schemes that are beyond your control (such as those imposed by your landlord) so that your changes don't clash with the existing fixtures.

One of the most important aspects of home decorating is your choice of color. Simply changing the color of the paint on the walls can give a room a whole new vibe. This is why thinking about the intended uses of the room in question are so important before undertaking a home decorating project. Choose a color scheme which will mesh well with the activities that you will do in the room and the feel you are trying to create for the room. For example, light blue or turquoise gives off a relaxed, peaceful feeling.

Be Creative With Your Plans - Make A Sketch

You will next have to get down to the job of planning and sketching your new decor on paper. You'll need a floor plan, an idea of the colors that you plan to use as part of your new decor, as well as any changes in furniture or other design elements within a room that you plan to make. When you plan, you don't have to use specialized architectural tools. It doesn't have to be fancy - just ensure that you understand it. It can be a basic sketch just to lay out the changes that you're going to make. It is essential that all the design elements match, including the furniture, floor and decor.

If you need help deciding on the correct color scheme, designing the floor plan, or with any other home decor issues, try using interior design software.

There are numerous excellent interior design software packages on the market that can help to make your life a lot easier. This can be a big help, especially if you encounter unforeseen circumstances.

These tips should be useful as you begin to plan the changes to your home decor. In fact, using these tips can mean the difference between an end result that you're happy with and one that never quite meets its goal. Although we'd all like to get it right the first time, keep in mind that it's not too big an issue if you decide that the colors that you have chosen are not quite right for your home decor - you can quite easily change wall paper or repaint the walls. Get planning and drawing and get the job done! You will be so pleased with yourself when you see the end result!

Five Reasons to See Heller Furniture as an Investment

Heller is a name that has been the best in their field of furniture design since 1998. Constantly exploring new technologies and processes for manufacturing furniture, they implore only the finest designers and engineers to create unique, award winning furnishings for the home at reasonable prices. The Bellini Chair, designed by Mario Bellini, won the Compasso d'Oro ADI 2001 and was their first piece available. Since then, many artists have joined with Heller to offer outstanding modern furniture of showcase quality.

World Famous Designers have graced the Heller family since its inception to create a different type of style to the discerning public. Lella & Massimo Vignelli, risk taker Frank Gehry and Studio 65 are just a few of the world class artists and architect designers that proudly present museum quality pieces for the home or office. Heller continues to stay a step above the rest with providing the modern collector with dozens of choices.

The Award Winning Museum Quality Designs by Heller are affirmed by museums that feature their collections. The Pinakothek in Munich, the Cleveland Museum of Art the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Smithsonian are among several institutions exhibiting the stunning selections by the Heller team. Awards include Good Design Award, The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and I.D. Design and Annual Design Distinction for Furniture and Compasso d'Oro, Italy.

Investment Quality Designs have been shining through Heller since their inception thirty-five years ago. Beginning with a line of stackable dinnerware by Massimo Vignelli, furniture was sure to follow when other design and engineering icons began to appear with their incredible, sought after creativity. Bellini, Gehry, D'Urbino originals are just a few of the prestigious names of the Heller team.

Form and Function dictates the engineering design of Heller pieces with substantial and lasting life in order to use in everyday life. Crafted for the indoors and the outdoors, many pieces are capable of bringing an artful and whimsical atmosphere to any setting. Cubes that are space savers and furniture of poly resin to resist weather were not just accidental in design.

The modern furniture line by Heller is made just for lifestyle. Whimsical and at times, seemingly alive, art in furnishings can be just what you are looking for to bring your home alive. Gone are the days when a chair or coffee table was merely straight and functional. Let your personality and life take on a refreshing new look through Heller and enjoy a new freedom of expression.

New Holiday Décor For The Holidays Outside

During the holidays decorating kicks up to a frenzied pace and sometimes getting the house decorated takes up all your energy. All you can be bothered to do is string some lights outside and call it a day. If you want to do more than put up a few lights for your outdoor décor this year then you need some new ideas.

If putting up lots of holiday themed lawn ornaments is not your thing then you might have some trouble even thinking of any décor for your garden. Some fairly simple ideas will help you to make your home look tastefully decorated for the season.

Décor Wreaths

Wreaths might seem like obvious décor for the holidays but many people forget how a nice wreath can instantly add festive cheer to a house. If you’d like you could make your own or buy one. There are a large selection to choose from around the holidays. Wreaths have evolved from very simple to elaborate and cool modern constructions of plain twigs. Take your pick and brighten up your door.

Welcoming Porch

If you have a porch then you have a great canvas for holiday décor. You can do a lot of things with your porch during the holidays. Start with lights; you don’t have to go with the usual string of lights. Instead why not choose holiday themed lanterns. Lanterns don’t have to be restricted to Halloween. Find lanterns in white, silver, or gold and string them around your porch to add warmth.

At Christmas using holly (you can use plastic if your climate is not conducive to the real thing) and berries is a good idea. Wrap all the winter greenery around porch railings or any furniture that might be on your porch. Or you could start putting poinsettias on your porch; again these don’t have to be the real deal to look good.  

Decorating Windows

Windows are another great place for décor. You can do a lot with windows around the holidays. Taping cutouts of snowflakes and other appropriate holiday themes decorations to your windows is one fun idea. Soft glowing lights make excellent décor for windows. You can use orangr outdoor lights disguised as candles on window sills to create a soft glow at all your windows.

Critter Cheer Décor

Give the birds in your area a helping hand and create some décor outside at the same time. Cover pine cones in peanut butter and hang them from festive ribbons on trees and your porch, instant bird feeder.

You Don’t Need Plants To Decorate With Plant Stands

Plant stands are both decorative and versatile and they're not just for plants either! You can use decorative plants stands for many uses in the home and they are perfect for adding some charm to an odd corner or small wall.You can also use a pedestal plant stand to display items that won't fit on your shelves or mantel.

The appeal of either a living or an artificial plant is enhanced by putting it on an attractive plant stand. Unlike live plants, silk ones will allow you to enjoy greenery without putting time into watering. But artificial plants can be a bit boring so they should have a stand to add to its character. Putting a plant on an interesting stand will help to bring the outdoors in and will add an element of softness and nature to your home.

When decorating with plant stands, there are a few important rules you must keep in mind. Make sure that the stand compliments and enhances the item that you are putting on it. The perfect plant stand for any type of plant is readily available, and makes it easier than ever for you to make a statement with not only your beautiful greenery, but also with your plant stands!

You also need to think about what the stand will be supporting both in weight and size. Consider the proportions of the plant in relation to the stand carefully as you want a good balance. You want to reconsider pairing a heavy, overpowering stand with a small, decorative plant. A fern, however, would look gorgeous on a pedestal that is delicate and petite.  Think about the décor of the room you will be placing your stand in too – a light airy room will look perfect with wrought iron stands, but a more formal style of décor might  look better with traditional wooden plant stands.

And don’t forget about color!  Always consider the colors of the flowers of the plants you will be displaying as well as any picture frames or plant pots or containers. Complementary colors or neutral tones should be considered when purchasing a plant stand.

Size is also important. Make sure that your plant pot will fit on top of the stand. The top of the stand needs to be a little larger than your container. This will be more aesthetically pleasing as well as more stable.

For plant stands to remain standing upright, all that is usually necessary is a solid and level floor. When displaying heavy or large items, you should take care to get a stand that can support the weight while still being appropriate for your flooring. As an example, a pedestal of light weight probably would not be the right thing if the floor has plush carpeting. If you have hardwood floors, however, this base will work just fine.

Show off your flare for style in your home by finding unique and creative ways to decorate with plant stands.  You will surely get a lot of compliments on your home and decorating ability as these little stands let you express your creative side in a big way.

How to Properly Use a Floor Lamp to Keep it Safe

I was surprised when I opened the gifts that were given to me at my wedding. Though getting one floor lamp might be normal, I was shocked to see that four different relatives decided this would be the perfect gift for my new husband and me. At the time I thought it was quite hysterical, but I have learned that perhaps these were some of my favorite gifts. I have two of them in my home, and I have two of them put away for when we buy a larger house and have more room to use them. A floor lamp might not be high on your wedding gift wish list, but if you get them, you will end up grateful that someone decided to get you one.

There is something soothing about the light that comes from a floor lamp. The overhead lights in your rooms may work well, and can be turned on with the flick of a switch, but the light they give is either inadequate, or extremely harsh. If you use a floor lamp, you get a softer and smoother lighting scheme, and you may find it lights your room in a whole new way. The light from a floor lamp is just different, almost as different as opening your groomsmen gifts and perhaps that is because it is not glaring down on your from the ceiling.

There are many different types of floor lamp and also groomsmen gifts. There are simple lamps that sit in the corner. There are also lamps that have arms that stretch out. These can be places behind a couch for a very cool look. They come in all price ranges, and you may find that some are the perfect addition to your interior design décor. They come in all price ranges, and are made in all sorts of different colors and designs. You can find some that have just one bulb, or you can find others that have more than one bulb, and these bulbs can be pointed in any direction, much like track lighting.

You can find a floor lamp almost anywhere. You can find them in your local department or discount store, the same places where you will buy your groomsmen gifts, or you can go to home interior or even home improvement stores. You may get one for as little as ten dollars, or you may pay up to a hundred or more for a pricier model. You will find that the cheaper floor lamps won’t work as well, or last very long, and they may also not be quite as safe as the more expensive ones.

Silk Plants - A Delight in the Home or Office

Is your household room or office screaming for some colour or a renovation but your spending money is tight or lacking? Sometimes some  plant color will be a refreshing alternative. Along with eye-catching flowers and  exotic looking greenery, silk plants do give a dramatic new look at a very small cost in comparison to many other choices such as a home make-over, painting or the addition of new furniture pieces.  location near a window to capture sunlight or by using spot lighting to achieve a beautiful swatch of colours and dramatic looks will bring rave reviews. Trailing vines and exotic trees together with ground covering silk plants will often provide an awesome tropical attraction.

As any gardener will tell you real plants can be a source of frustration and a constant source of work. They require constant watering, are in many cases highly responsive to adverse changes in temperature. Real plants only bloom for limited periods then just when you believe you have those challenges under control along come the bugs. Many of them just as relaxed in your indoor plants as they would be outdoors. Have I mentioned fertilizer and constant re-potting as their roots expand. Well you really have to enjoy plants to continue with all that work. And if it's your work space you're redecorating is that really your reason in being there? Don't believe a friend who tells you that real plants are not that expensive? A good size "real" tree can cost in the thousands of dollars. Thousands of dollars that you'll have to pay if moving it or if other factors destroy it. This is one of the reasons so many employers and homeowners have moved to redecorate with silk plants.

If you're looking to redecorate your home or office it is worth it to shop for silk plants. With little maintenance other than the occasional dusting and an awesome variety of bewilderingly beautiful colours, shapes, sizes and designs it is easy to complement any room. Whether it is for your residential room or a high end office environment silk plants can give a stunning view capable of impressing the most over-indulged of tastes.

The Ways That Modern Interior Design Increases The Value Of Your Property

Modern Interior Design

A great many people aren't keen on the idea of modern interior design because they assume that it is all about chrome, minimalism and utilitarian white walls. In reality nothing could be further from the truth. A good interior designer knows how to blend traditional elements with the latest innovations in a way that makes a home look simultaneously stunning and inviting. What's more, a home that contains elements of modern interior design has a higher monetary value and is more appealing to potential buyers than a property that does not. Because the housing market is currently distressed people who are looking to sell their homes must do all they can to attract buyers and get a decent price.

It's All In The Details

A great deal goes into modern interior design. To get a look that is contemporary yet charming requires meticulous attention to details such as furniture, finishes, flooring, color schemes, lighting, rugs, textiles, surfaces, doors, artwork and accessories. With modern interior design each element in your home must compliment the others. Additionally, modern interior design is about maximizing the available space in a home, which is why open plan kitchens and living rooms are currently so popular.

Want To Do It Yourself

There are two ways of approaching a modern interior design project. If your budget is tight and you have an eye for detail along with a flair for home improvement, you could try handling your modern interior design project yourself. In order to do this you must first decide what work needs doing in your home and allocate a budget. You are then in a position to purchase magazines, peruse the internet and watch home improvement shows to get some modern interior design ideas that are in keeping with your personal preferences. Next you will need to plan the project and buy any materials you will need before you can commence.

Do You Want To Hire An Expert

If you can afford to do so, it is always best to hire an interior designer to handle the job. That way you can be sure that the results of your modern interior design project will be perfect. The first step is to go online and look at some of the work that has been done by different interior designers in your municipality until you find something that catches your eye. You can then contact the designer by email or telephone. You need work out your budget and show your interior designer what kind of ideas you like. Interior designer can do some truly amazing things with a limited amount of money, but only if you let them know in advance how much cash you have to spend.

Sleigh bed- a great combination of class and luxury

A sleigh bed is a type of bed that has coiled or rolled foot and headboards.The sleigh bed by its looks and fashion resembles a sledge or a sled and is thus is designated as a sleigh bed. Mostly, wood is used to make this style of beds and they are quite bulky too. The story of the sleigh beds can be traced to the French and the Americans furniture that were twisted as back as in the 1880s which was then also accepted as the Empire fashion. The Empire design was inspired mainly from the ancient civilizations from Rome and Greece.

Today, these sleigh beds are prepared from various categories of equipments even other than wood. In simple words, the sleigh beds in today’s generation are created from assorted materials such as iron, steel and aluminum with comparatively less inflated curls at the foot and the headboards.

A sleigh bed has a high, arched back and has the same design on the lower footboard. This style more or less looks like the plan of a horse driven sledge which is usually made from mahogany or the cherry wood. Due to its type and looks the bed makes it look like reminiscent of the royal times and thus enhances a special design and style to the bedrooms. The headboards of the sleigh beds are reasonably larger than the footboard. The footboard and the headboard, both have the top curls rolling outside. This form of bed with an marvelous looks and all the rich twirls offers an authentic look to any bedroom. The polished rolling edges of the sleigh beds makes them distinctive from the other sharp line and oval or block planned bed fashions.

You should ornament your room with the best plan or pattern if you are opting for a sleigh bed in your room. Wooden sledge beds are generally made using tropical mahogany wood. The sledge beds are basically constructed from 100% kiln dried hardwood that is utilized for its strength and longevity. The cessation are lastly put on to the sleigh beds by hand so as to give them a rich look. These beds are sustained by a quality framing system, headboard, footboard, and 4-slat system. The headboard size would conclude how much major the bed would have in the context of the room. If it is to be the centerpiece of the room, then the bed should have a tall headboard. In case, the bed is secondary, a shorter headboard is to be suggested.

In case, sleigh beds are completed of metal, they are generally created in traditional type. The appearance, strength and mass of such a metal bed would depend on the kind of metal utilized. A contemporary look can easily be given to these sleigh beds by making them using both metals and wood.

These sleigh beds are available in different sizes of Twin, Full, Queen, King and Cal King. In the United States, they would be recognized as Single, Double, Queen-size, Eastern King and California King respectively.

Selection of such a sledge bed for your bedroom would undeniably add flair and luxury to your bedroom.

Canvas art for the home

With the new year just around the corner its maybe time for you to start thinking about decorating your home, with the sales approaching there has never been a better time to buy some new things for your home. One of the newest trendy ways to liven up your décor is to buy a piece of canvas art, these works are becoming very popular particular pieces which have famous icons in. This type of art has become much more accessible to the general public now as the price of these works have fallen dramatically as they are now much easier to produce in mass quantities, also the customer has much greater choice as to the size, colour and many other options to choose from, some of the most famous street artists now have their work put onto canvas including the English guerilla artist Banksy who's original work has sold fpr hundreds of thousands of pounds. The internet has also made these pieces much cheaper as business owners no longer need large expensive retail space to show off their work. Canvas art is a great way to brighten up your home and add a bit of life to the decor. It is also a great talking point for when you have guests coming to your home, many people love unusual artwork and with canvas art you can buy many different types of artwork and even have your own artwork put onto canvas which is a great way to show off a family photo or a child's drawing, many company's now offer this service where you can send them in a picture or photo and tey will turn it into a wonderful price of artwork to hang on your wall. So next time your looking to spruce up your home have a look whats avaiable that you may never have usually looked at.

Light Up the Winter Season With Style

Winter season can be an positive time of the year when you walk into a room and experience mists of warm light, filtered through shades of finesse that sets a subtle ambiance. With the wide show of modern lighting options available on the market today, it can make the selection process seem overwhelming. But, with the right lighting choice, you can improve the overall aesthetic appeal of your home as well as bring a sense of mellifluous relaxation to your home.

Normann Copenhagen - Norm 69: Ceilings no longer have to be plain and boring. The modern hanging light, Norm 69 by Simon Karkov, is a masterpiece that brings a fresh, pleasing atmosphere to any room. Organic in nature, these serene shades transform a ceiling into a picture of harmony with the outdoors. In 2002, the Norm 69 received the honorable Formland Design Award at the Formland fair in Herning. Additionally, in 2003, the Norm 69 was voted "Best Product" at the IMM international furniture fair held in Cologne, Germany. The Norm 69, with its characteristic beauty, is a great buy for any modern design enthusiast!

Pablo - Light Bench: The lighting trend of today focuses more on presenting a decorative element than merely bringing light into a room. A ho-hum hallway or foyer can turn into a soft contemporary walkway with a stylish, illuminated bench, small enough to provide passing traffic, but large enough to comfortably seat two. The Pablo Light Bench, a Pablo original, has a white translucent acrylic top and is supported by two clear acrylic ends. These modern benches are a showpiece by their own, but they can also be used for showing art and prized possessions.

Pablo - Bel'Occhio: Pablo Pardo of Pablo Designs, a Venezuelan born industrial designer, has created many award-winning, simple, and useful designs of light, presenting illusory themes causing one to stop and admire. A favorite lamp of designers, is Pablo's uncomplicated, yet intriguing lamp called the Bel'Occhio. This light is a movable spotlight and ambient table lamp all in one, wrapped within a clear sphere, almost appearing to float on its base. This work of art brings a mystical sense of being and can stand alone easily, centered on a coffee table.

Winter months can be a slow period of solitude or it can be your favorite uplifting time of the year. Purchasing new and innovative lighting can produce a daily adventure in your home when you reach for the light switch. Floor lamps, table lamps, hanging lamps, benches and more have become much more than just a way to light the darkness. Explore new lighting possibilities with this list of favorites from Pablo and Normann Copenhagen and turn your abode into an experience to appreciate.

 

 

Decorating A Christmas Table - That Will Wow The Kids This Christmas Day

We've all attended to extravagant Xmas dinners where there were loads of magnificent ornaments and décor . We come up with these amazing ideas of what we would like our own Christmas table to resemble and the decorations that we want, but sometimes it's not easy to find a means to match the same ideas.

Tracking down the best Christmas table centerpieces may not always be that simple. Regardless off what kind of party you are having, you may be limited by the size of your room on hand for decorating. If you are looking for fun Xmas table decorations ideas that will be joyful and full of fun - have your children decorate some paper tablecloths. Let your crew trace out paper snowmen, give them some crayons and let them entertain themselves for a few hours. We give them old Xmas cards that are taking up drawer space. You can let them cut out any photos from the used Christmas cards and attach them to the tablecloth also.

Nonetheless, if you're looking for Christmas table centres ideas which are somewhat more grown-up, there are plenty of other ideas around. You can easily see a flower shop and choose some beautiful flower arrangements and spend your cash on them. Better still, you can decide to be somewhat creative and come up with some floral arrangements yourself. Long unscented light colored candles always make any room and Xmas table more elegant. Make some decorative candle holders to surround the bottoms of them and it'll look very festive. Adding a exceptional and appropriate sized gingerbread house will make a great Xmas table decoration idea. Besides looking totally cool to your guests, but it will draw out the child inside of one and all. After all, who doesn't love a gingerbread house?

Christmas is all about warm and colourful décor, and you can integrate that into a gorgeous Christmas table decoration plan. Make place cards out of colourful red or green ribbons. Hang some shiny ornaments from a chandelier drooping above a table. Some carefully planned Christmas table center piece décor plans have included lines of flashing lights wrapped around a flower center island and with the correct precautions taken, have looked totally dazzling.

And lets not forget, around the holidays you are bound to find Christmas sweets. The shiny wrappers on Ferrero Rocher and other chocolates make for some yummy Christmas table centerpiece decoration plans also. You could simply lay out some candy trays with loaded with a variety of candies to create some sort of design with them, letting their shiny wrappers captivate the attention of your Christmas guests.

No matter how you lay-out your festive Christmas table centerpiece, make sure it is something that will be practical, enjoyable, within your means and will emphasize your Xmas as best as possible.

Hiring A Designer For The Modern Living Room Interior Design

When it comes to interior design, this is something that is usually left to the professionals because they are the ones with the knowledge. The modern living room interior design is something that a lot of people are starting to get more and more interested with. The idea of going with a professional interior designer scares a lot of people because of the cost that is typically involved. But if you shop around you may in fact find that it is not as expensive as one may first think.

Also, the time and energy that you personally save by going with a professional for your modern living room interior design is well worth any amount of money you spend for it. You have to consider all of the factors involved when trying to decide whether or not it is in your best interest to do the modern living room interior design on your own. If you are not all that experienced in designing rooms, the mistakes you make could very well end up costing you more then it would have just to hire an interior designer.

Trying To Do Modern Living Room Interior Design  Yourself

If you are bound and determined to put together the modern living room interior design yourself then there are a lot of things that you need to do in order to make sure you have a decent shot at success. The modern living room interior design is luckily an easy enough one to start with if you lack a lot of experience with this sort of thing. You will first want to make a rough drawing or outline of what you would like the living room to look like when you are finished. Use magazine cutouts to piece together what modern living room interior design you prefer in your own home.

There is a lot of info at familynhouse.com.

Once you have all of that figured out you need to compose a list of all of the different things you need in order to get it done in a timely fashion. There is no need to be running back and forth to the stores all weekend when you could just save yourself a little time and do all of the shopping at once. Getting organized is the best thing you can do in order to make sure that the process of putting together your modern living room interior design is easy and done well. You will understand the importance of being organized once you get started and see how much it really takes to get the modern living room interior design in place.

Decorate Your Home Without Spending a Fortune

If your home is in need of some TLC, don't worry, you don't have to spend a vast sum of money. Don't feel rushed into completing your home decorating too fast either.  These are just some of the home improvement ideas you can try, there are of course many more besides.

If you want the most bang for your buck then simply buy some paint.  More importantly, paint is something that the average person is capable of doing on their own instead of having to pay someone a lot of money to do it for you.

Flooring has in the past often been out of reach of those seeking to casually improve the look of a room. However because of new technologies coming onto the market it has meant that we are able to buy flooring cheaper than ever before. Laminate flooring has really been incredible popular over the last few years or so because of the price and how practical they are. Laminates can often be installed by even those with limited skills and make a very noticeable change in the look and feel of your room.

Rather than purchasing new furniture to make an impressive impact on the look of your living area, try furniture covers. There are many that you can buy and they come in different colors and materials so should be able to fit in with whatever decor you currently have in your home and are much less expensive than new furniture leaving money for the little touches that matter so much in the overall look of the room.  It's not just furniture in your home you should think about either, remember garden furniture.

One accessory often overlooked is the mirror. More importantly, they are rather inexpensive for the most part. Mirrors also lend the appearance of a much more wide-open space than having no mirrors would accomplish.  Mirrors are also an important part of feng shui

Interior Decorating Ideas Using Retro Lamps

It’s happening again – it happens every generation or so. The styles and fashions that we thought we’d seen the last of a decade ago are appearing as the latest thing in chic design and people are going mad for it. In fact, one of interior furnishings mainstays throughout the eras has been the humble lamp and while bench surfaces, chairs, lounges and most other room items have gone through drastic changes, many of the retro era lamps that were created in the 1950s and 60s are popular today.

It's the fun and daring lines and color combinations that gives the retro style tremendous appeal allowing you to let go of your inhibitions and go for it. Floor lamps such as the subdued square drum-shaped lampshade on a ceramic base or the classic Arco floor lamp that is the centrepiece of any modern retro style and will look appropriate in any modern retro room. Many houses during the retro era contained at least one cone lamp with the bendy neck and the unmissable colors, these lamps seem to transcend eras. You can make the retro lamp shade as funky as you like with a choice of trimmings, tassels or prints or a combination of all three.

There is a vast difference in styles of lamps yet still sitting squarely as coming from the retro era. From the traditional drum lamp shades to the more space-age lamps that made use of the newest and modern materials you aren't short of choice. New kinds of plastics and bright ceramics mixed with the shiniest of chrome served as lamp stands underneath some sleek lamp shades to create eclectic elegance.

The interesting fact about using the vintage retro lamps that your parents loved is that the burnt orange lamp shades or the avocado ceramic lamp stand is now cool again because, well because it’s retro. Whether you want a retro table lamp or a retro floor lamp, there is a widening range once again.

Wise Color Choices for Your Home

by Beverly Clarke


All of us like to make the place where we live look nice and inviting. The fact that colors have a psychologoical effect on us, is widely known. They can soothe us, lift our spirits and can even make us feel stressed. Some of the most difficult decisions in decorating have to do with selecting colors. If you decide to follow trends, your home may look trendy in one season and absolutely outdated in the next, so your best decision is to select more classic colors that would work for you now as well as in the future.

Begin by reviewing the colors that you already have and decide if you are comfortable enough to keep what you currently have, or if you want to make a change. Consider each room’s function. Identify how you would like to feel when you are in a particular room and select the shades that would help you feel that way. Your instincts about your comfort level with a particular color, are usually right when you are in the color selection process, so trust them.

For example, one of the most important rooms in the house is the master bedroom. sage green and sky blue are good color choices for a room in which you will relax since they will induce tranquility and peacefulness. For evoking a sensuous feel in a room, select the color red and for drama, chocolate brown is a good choice.

The kitchen, as a place where family and friends come together and enjoy conversation, should promote good cheer and well-being by using bright colors. One of the most popular colors that have been associated with the kitchen is yellow. It is however, important that you select a shade of yellow that would suit the room. While the purer, lighter shades of that color induce a feeling of freshness and happiness, murkier shades are associated with danger and illness.

Choosing to use complementary colors between rooms that are near each other is an important decorating decision. Also remember, while cool shades make the rooms seem large and spacious, warm colors create cozy and comfortable spaces.

After you have formed your decisions as regards the colors that you want, you can purchase paint sample containers of the colors and try those in your home. There are many people who buy several gallons of paint only to find they dislike the color as it goes onto the walls.

It is also important to select the appropriate level of sheen for the walls. For kitchens and bathrooms, a satin or eggshell finish will facilitate easy cleanup. For other rooms, if you like the effect, you can choose a flat finish.

An interior designer can consult with you on an hourly fee if you are not comfortable selecting paint colors on your own. Home is the place where you spend a lot of time. The decisions you make now, will affect you for many years to come, so selecting carefully is indeed, a requirement.


Author resource:  Beverly Clarke and her husband, Barry, own a successful trade showroom that caters exclusively to professional interior designers and their clients.  Although located in Florida, Town Country and Casual is available to professional designers both locally and nationwide.  Access their design resources and high-end furniture lines by dropping by the showroom, or visiting them online.

Deeply discounted name brand and exclusive furniture lines are available by visiting
FurnitureBestPrice.com

The Benefits of Using Soy Candles

Many candle makers are switching to soy wax as the primary ingredient in the candles that they are making. This is because soy candles actually offer more benefits than the regular paraffin candles sold in the market. Here are some of them.

 

All-Natural Product

 

The primary reason why soy candles are creating such a huge wave in the candle industry is because they are an all-natural alternative to the regular paraffin candles. Soy wax used in soy candles is derived from soybeans. It is natural and biodegradable, making it the choice material for environment-conscious individuals. Since it comes from a crop that is being planted all over the world, including the US, buying soy candles can actually help support the country’s agriculture.

 

Being an all-natural product, soy candles have also been shown to produce up to 90% less soot than regular candles. As opposed to soy, paraffin is actually a petroleum-based material. Since it produces more soot, it can cause more harm to the environment. It can also trigger attacks in people who have allergies.

 

Low Melting Point

 

Aside from this, soy wax also has a lower melting point than paraffin wax. This means that soy wax requires a lower temperature to be molded, and prevents burns and other such accidents among candle makers.

 

Because soy wax has a lower melting point, soy candles also tend to last up to 50% longer than regular paraffin candles. Because they burn more slowly, the scent of soy candles lasts longer than regular scented candles. The scent slowly builds up, producing a more powerful effect.

 

Easy Removal

 

Another advantage to soy candles is easy removal. Paraffin wax tends to leave stains when spilled on fabric; you have to use a hot iron in order to remove paraffin stains. On the other hand, if you spill soy wax on fabric, it can be cleaned in an easy manner. Just dab some hot soapy water onto the spill, and the stain comes out!

 

Low Cost

Finally, soy candles are cheap. Beeswax used to be the primary all-natural alternative to paraffin; however, soy wax has been gradually replacing beeswax because it is much less expensive and much more available. Paraffin candles, meanwhile, remain cheaper than soy candles; however, this fact is balanced by the longer burning time of the soy candles.

 

Soy candles are definitely the better, more earth-friendly alternative to regular paraffin candles! You will surely notice the difference!

 

Decorating Contemporary Style

Though contemporary decorating schemes are modern, clean-lined and simple, it can also be modernly elegant.  This is the perfect decor for skyscraper penthouses and sprawling modern homes, as seen on television and in upscale magazines, or it can be adapted to work in the average family home. It is a versatile look with many options.

The first step to creating a contemporary decorating scheme is to find and choose contemporary furniture. The sleek, unencumbered feel of contemporary furniture fills the needs of many of today’s busy households, where clutter and lots of embellishment just does not.Even a small home or studio apartment can be treated to a chic look when decorating in contemporary style.

Furniture pieces in the contemporary design are simple and stark, with few curved lines or decoration. Some think of the contemporary style of decorating as cold and uninviting because it utilizes geometric shapes and hard angles. The upbeat ambiance created by simple contemporary furniture is in fact, very inviting.

Naturally textured fabrics in neutral colors such as beige, taupe, camel and black and white tend to be selected for upholstered pieces.  These neutrals look wonderful with boldly colored throw pillows. Often chosen for contemporary furniture, are fabrics made of nubby wool, chenille, cotton duck and smooth silk and linen for an extra textural flavor.

In contemporary furniture, lines are simple, undiluted, and uncluttered. Legs on sofas and chairs tend to be exposed and made of wood or iron. Beds would not have frilly skirts, fringe or tassels, but rather a box-pleated, or other straight-lined skirt A wonderful decoration that works well with the contemporary furniture is throw pillows, in clean shapes with bold colors and lots of texture. Perfectly accentuating the look of contemporary furniture can be boldly designed fabrics and vibrant colors on throw pillows, floor cushions and the seat cushions on a sofa.

Contemporary furniture features glass, highly polished wood, mirror and metal. Imagine sipping a martini and looking out over a city skyline from a wall-sized picture window - that is the overall feeling that exudes from contemporary decorating.

Electronics fit well in such a scheme, wall mounted flat screens, sleek surround sound and stereo systems are perfectly at home with contemporary furniture.

Being functional, indulgent and simple all at the same time, is a wonderful attribute of contemporary furniture. People who prefer clean lines and the feel of spacious interiors tend to select contemporary furniture for their homes. This is especially true of the younger generation who are all for such décor, as it not only suits their routines, but also their more carefree personalities.

An eclectic mix of bold solid colors and textured fabrics combined with clean, straight lines make up the contemporary style of decorating. There is no need to be trying to match intricate prints and patterns, which makes contemporary decorating an easy look to put togethter.

 

Author resource:  Beverly Clarke and her husband, Barry, own a successful trade showroom that caters exclusively to professional interior designers and their clients.  Although located in Florida, Town Country and Casual is available to professional designers both locally and nationwide.  Access their design resources and high-end furniture lines by dropping by the showroom, or visiting them online.

For a great selection of deeply discounted Name Brand and Exclusive Furniture Lines, visit
FurnitureBestPrice.com

Urban Rebellion: The Return to Rustic Living and Decorating

Demand for everything "rustic" is growing

The return of "rustic" as both a decorating theme and a lifestyle has created a huge demand for information as well as furnishings and accessories with a rustic look and feel.

Many of us dream of a rustic get-a-way... maybe a log cabin deep in the country or a lodge at the edge of a remote lake. Some are able to make this a reality, while others capture the lifestyle through vacation rentals. Others turn their city home into their own rustic retreat. In today's busy world, rustic charm is enjoying a resurgence of popularity, as people seek a connection to nature and simpler times. The owners of Rustic-Lodge-Lifestyle.com, who are living their rustic dream, have created a website filled with information and products to assist those searching for just the right pieces to complete their rustic look.

Kim and Sandra Thornton had their own "rustic dreams" and were able to secure a vacation getaway for their extended family, and close friends.

Since finding their property in the rolling hills of northeastern Alberta five years ago they have fully embraced the rustic, or as they prefer to call it, the lodge lifestyle, at least part time.

In addition to renovating the cedar log cabin on their property, they decorated, made log furniture, built enormous decks on the front and back, installed numerous bird feeders, cleared dead trees, cut their own firewood, had a new red tin roof installed, got to know the locals, and... created a website dedicated to "the lodge lifestyle".

Why create a rustic site?

When asked why a website, Kim replied, "It's the culmination of our enthusiasm for everything rustic or, as my wife likes to say, 'lodgy'.

"The site's content is relevant because we're living it. When facing a challenge, like we did with mice, we write about how we solved the problem and at the same time invite our site visitors to share their experiences. We see this becoming an important exchange of ideas.

"We've scoured the web for a wide range of stuff perfect for this type of living, from rustic window treatments to rooster decor, from log beds to lodge lighting, from bedding to bird houses. In addition to over 1,000 products, the site has a wealth of information including checklists for seasonal opening, cohabiting with wildlife, naming your cabin, fire safety, and a recommended reading section."

It's a great resource

Whether you call it a cabin, cottage, log home, or lodge, if you enjoy the rustic lifestyle, you're likely to find some value from browsing this website.

Thornton says they continue to add information and products weekly and look forward to the website becoming a forum for like-minded people to exchange their ideas, experiences, and even photos.

They are always interested in finding new suppliers to include on the site. "There are some areas where we're still looking, such as a supplier for signs," says Sandra. "So many people love to name their vacation retreats and have a sign made for all to see. We'd love to provide site visitors with a supplier who can make quality signs."

The site will likely never be "finished". They say there is just so much information to keep adding and so many great products they're finding. But for those looking for information about country living, rustic decorating ideas, a broad selection of rustic decor items, and discussions on all things rustic, it is already a rich resource.

Remodel your home with Computer Aided Design

Most experts in the field of property sales and interior design agree that a contributing factor to a homes positive resale growth is maintaining its cohesiveness, while executing thoughtful upgrades to bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. This is why, when initiating a remodelling project it is important to create a plan that keeps intact a consistent, flowing design. A renovation or remodel aided by the technology of 3D CAD software can do wonders for a homes appearance and usefulness, while a poorly done project will quickly turn a home into a hopeless money pit.

For the inexperienced do-it-yourselfer, or interior designer looking for an easier way to create a visual presentation and plan for a renovation or remodel, CAD software is a compelling way to go. Bathroom, bedroom and kitchen design software allows the user to quickly and easily create an accurate, graphic representation of how a room might look in a home. In recent years CAD software has been developed and revised for a much more user-friendly experience. The result is that a user need not be a CAD systems specialist or computer expert to utilise the technology. Essentially, CAD software takes much of the guess-work out of remodelling any room in the home.

Going into a home remodel/redesign without a clear visual concept of what the finished project is a very slippery slope to travel upon. When making even minor changes to bathrooms and kitchens you run the risk of ruining the cohesive flow of a homes interior design. Because of both the visual impact, as well as the practical problems that might arise, this type of disruption can drastically reduce the value of a home. in terms of style, design, and flow, by being able to custom create a 3D environment in advance of any work actually being initiated; one is able to understand the effect of any changes that are to be made. The advantage of the perspective gained by using CAD software ensures the ability to accomplish a remodel that dramatically improve the bedroom, kitchen and bathroom design, and maintains cohesiveness throughout the home.

Imagine the joy of being able to enter a virtual 3D environment where you can add, subtract or rearrange anything. You can change colours and fixtures as well as view everything around a room literally from a different angle. This is possible with 3d CAD software. With all of this easy to use and relatively inexpensive technology at your disposal, using CAD software is like turning on a brilliant light where you were previously stumbling around in darkness.

 

Reading About Unique Accent Rugs

In addition to providing color and protection for your entry way there are different styles of accent rugs that you can use here. You should take into account the type of flooring or base that your accent rug will be placed on. Besides using accent rugs for high traffic areas you can use these rugs as part of your décor styling.

The other great thing about buying and using accent rugs is that you can use different types of accent rugs for every season, your various moods and style desires. Unlike normal large carpets which tend to stay in the house even when you are moving, accents rugs are portable. This means that when you move into your brand new home all that you need to do is decorate your home and lay out your accent rugs to create that stunning look that you love.

We all love how a carpet or an accent rug can add color and warmth to our rooms. The many different shag, deep pile and alpaca rugs are just a few that seem to have this quality. These rugs are made from the wool of the Alpaca, which is a cousin to the Llama. The wool that is used creates many interesting designs in the alpaca rugs that you can buy.

Since many of us have different ideas about decorating our homes we tend to look for items that seem to reflect our personalities. This means that you can find alpaca rugs in geometric designs, southwestern designs, animal designs and others. The wool has an oily substance within it that acts as a natural protective barrier.

One way of protecting your alpaca rugs is to brush out many of the stains by using baby powder or corn starch. These two items have a dry cleaning ability when they are used with the alpaca rugs. For this reason you will see the quality that can be found in many alpaca rugs that are made in Peru.

Our homes reflect our personalities to a great extent. One such way to give a statement about our lifestyle habits is the different types of carpets and accent rugs that we have placed in our homes. Here the accent rugs will add some color to this section of the house and protect the floor or carpet underneath from this very high traffic area.

Learning About Interesting Accent Rugs

In addition to providing color and protection for your entry way there are different styles of accent rugs that you can use here. For wood floors you will need to provide a rug pad underneath the accent rug so that you will not find your self slipping across the room when you step on it. Accent rugs will make a wondrous difference to your décor as you can brighten plain neutral colors with an accent rug that blends in the various accessories in your rooms.

The other great thing about buying and using accent rugs is that you can use different types of accent rugs for every season, your various moods and style desires. Unlike normal large carpets which tend to stay in the house even when you are moving, accents rugs are portable. By the time that you have finished settling in you will see that it is time to buy some more great looking accent rugs.

We all love how carpets and accent rugs add color and warmth to our rooms. The many different shag, deep pile and alpaca rugs are just a few that seem to have this quality. These rugs are made from the wool of the Alpaca, which is a cousin to the Llama. Generally alpaca wool is found in white, however since there is a demand for other colors alpaca wool can now be found in colors like brown, black, and tan.

Since many of us have different ideas about decorating our homes we tend to look for items that seem to reflect our personalities. Unlike many other rugs alpaca rugs seem to have a natural ability to repel many stains. The wool has an oily substance within it that acts as a natural protective barrier.

One way of protecting your alpaca rugs is to brush out many of the stains by using baby powder or corn starch. Now if you are not sure that this method will work you should see about contacting professional carpet cleaners and letting them get your alpaca rug back in great condition. These artists have been making the alpaca rugs in the same style and tradition as their ancestors.

Our homes reflect our personalities to a great extent. One such way to give a statement about our lifestyle habits is the different types of carpets and accent rugs that we have placed in our homes. Here the accent rugs will add some color to this section of the house and protect the floor or carpet underneath from this very high traffic area.

All About Delightful Accent Rugs

In addition to providing color and protection for your entry way there are different styles of accent rugs that you can use here. You should take into account the type of flooring or base that your accent rug will be placed on. Accent rugs can be used to draw attention to various sections or features in different parts of your home.

The other great thing about buying and using accent rugs is that you can use different types of accent rugs for every season, your various moods and style desires. Unlike normal large carpets which tend to stay in the house even when you are moving, accents rugs are portable. This means that when you move into your brand new home all that you need to do is decorate your home and lay out your accent rugs to create that stunning look that you love.

We all love how a carpet or an accent rug can add color and warmth to our rooms. Like many things in our lives we can use natural products or man made products. The choice will be dependent on our preferences. This native animal of Peru has soft fleece that can be used to create alpaca rugs amongst many other items.

Since many of us have different ideas about decorating our homes we tend to look for items that seem to reflect our personalities. This means that you can find alpaca rugs in geometric designs, southwestern designs, animal designs and others. This mans that to clean the rugs you will need to use only the items that you already have in your home.

One way of protecting your alpaca rugs is to brush out many of the stains by using baby powder or corn starch. Now if you are not sure that this method will work you should see about contacting professional carpet cleaners and letting them get your alpaca rug back in great condition. For this reason you will see the quality that can be found in many alpaca rugs that are made in Peru.

Our homes reflect our personalities to a great extent. The way that we decorate and the various items that we place in our homes show what our tastes are like. You will also find accent rugs in modern and vintage style designs.

Interior Re-design Projects - Start The Right Way For Better Results

If as you move around your home you find yourself tired of seeing the same old furniture and well-worn drapes etc, over and over again, the time is now to create a new world of harmony, excitement and beauty through an interior re-design of your home. But how could you start?

Start With a Plan

A good re-design process will start with planning. What do you want to convey in your new room? Are there themes that you want to explore? Themes are very important. Once you have decided the themes that will be at the heart of your interior design efforts, you will be able to start the detailed process of creating your new room or home décor.

Need a Professional?

Many people choose to employ a professional interior designer in the design and implementation process. An interior designer might not always agree with the vision you have laid out for your room or home, but he or she will be able to give you insight into the world of matching, pairing and developing a feel for how different patterns, colors and designs work together to create an entire feeling in your space. See interior design central london to learn how working an interior designer can enhance your project.

Recognize Your Personal Style

Your individual style is at the heart of your design efforts. You'll find it discussed, especially in relation to your home value, at the tub chairs site. What style should you employ? Which sort of things do you love? These are just a couple of the questions you should ask yourself. The personal flair you exhibit in your space will be wild or muted according to your desires. You can even pull from several different themes and design elements to create a unique combination. Always remember that the choice of style for the interior design of your space will be totally up to you.

A Capable Interior Designer Can Spare You Worry And Trouble

One aspect in which an interior designer will typically differ from a mere decorator is that the interior designer works as a designer and as an executor. After understanding the clients requirements he will initially present a set of design plans which may be discussed back and forth and perhaps subjected to multiple changes. The interior designer needs to be able to assess a concept and map it into a plan that he can execute. 

As described at the interior design company london site, when it comes to time for execution the designer will typically be handling a defined budget. He may be managing various sub-contractors or contract labor on behalf of the client.  While he will be responsible for overseeing of the contract labor he is ultimately responsible for delivering the complete product or package that the client wants. 

He or she will be expert in all aspects of designing such as shadow, lighting, color and the different ways that colors can be combined to produce an effect. 

The knowledge of the interior designer has to go beyond theory.  He needs to know how to materialise any idea or plan he has in his mind practically, and that will mean that he needs to know where to buy furniture at good prices, including custom pieces such as you'll see at the tub chairs site.  He would need to understand the different types of furniture and accessories available in the market. He needs to know where to find good lighting, paint and other required items.

There are many benefits that an interior designer can bring to you in your home or your business.  Hopefully you now see that interior design goes way beyond the remit of decorating and an interior designer can potentially save you a great deal of stress and heartache while delivering considerable value.

Building Free Accent Rugs

In addition to providing color and protection for your entry way there are different styles of accent rugs that you can use here. For wood floors you will need to provide a rug pad underneath the accent rug so that you will not find your self slipping across the room when you step on it. Accent rugs will make a wondrous difference to your décor as you can brighten plain neutral colors with an accent rug that blends in the various accessories in your rooms.

The other great thing about buying and using accent rugs is that you can use different types of accent rugs for every season, your various moods and style desires. There is also one other fact about accent rugs that you really should consider. By the time that you have finished settling in you will see that it is time to buy some more great looking accent rugs.

We all love how a carpet or an accent rug can add color and warmth to our rooms. Some types of rugs seem to do this naturally. These rugs are made from the wool of the Alpaca, which is a cousin to the Llama. This native animal of Peru has soft fleece that can be used to create alpaca rugs amongst many other items.

Since many of us have different ideas about decorating our homes we tend to look for items that seem to reflect our personalities. This means that you can find alpaca rugs in geometric designs, southwestern designs, animal designs and others. This mans that to clean the rugs you will need to use only the items that you already have in your home.

One way of protecting your alpaca rugs is to brush out many of the stains by using baby powder or corn starch. Now if you are not sure that this method will work you should see about contacting professional carpet cleaners and letting them get your alpaca rug back in great condition. So the next time that you are thinking of buying a rug to enhance the look of your homes perhaps you should look into buying one of the many beautiful alpaca rugs.

Our homes reflect our personalities to a great extent. One such way to give a statement about our lifestyle habits is the different types of carpets and accent rugs that we have placed in our homes. There are also accent rugs that can be used for various parts of your house.

Finding Wonderful Accent Rugs

In addition to providing color and protection for your entry way there are different styles of accent rugs that you can use here. For wood floors you will need to provide a rug pad underneath the accent rug so that you will not find your self slipping across the room when you step on it. Accent rugs can be used to draw attention to various sections or features in different parts of your home.

The other great thing about buying and using accent rugs is that you can use different types of accent rugs for every season, your various moods and style desires. Unlike normal large carpets which tend to stay in the house even when you are moving, accents rugs are portable. This means that when you move into your brand new home all that you need to do is decorate your home and lay out your accent rugs to create that stunning look that you love.

We all love how carpets and accent rugs add color and warmth to our rooms. Some types of rugs seem to do this naturally. Alpaca rugs however are one of natures more beautiful items that we can use. The wool that is used creates many interesting designs in the alpaca rugs that you can buy.

Since many of us have different ideas about decorating our homes we tend to look for items that seem to reflect our personalities. Unlike many other rugs alpaca rugs seem to have a natural ability to repel many stains. The wool has an oily substance within it that acts as a natural protective barrier.

One way of protecting your alpaca rugs is to brush out many of the stains by using baby powder or corn starch. You will find that many of the alpaca rugs have been handcrafted from experts in Peru. For this reason you will see the quality that can be found in many alpaca rugs that are made in Peru.

Our homes reflect our personalities to a great extent. These carpets come in many styles and colors. There are also accent rugs that can be used for various parts of your house.

Stop The Sunlight With Window Curtains

It is easy to buy a window treatment that will decorate your windows, but to look for a drape which blocks sunlight is a different story. Keeping the light at the windows brings a lot of pluses , but lets leave to talk about that at the end.

When we are buying window treatments for our house, quite often they are thin to a certain limit. Those curtain are also letting light to enter, as well as allowing people to see in our home. Maybe you wish to totally say no to incoming light with drapes and bring ultimate privacy in your home, the best way to do that is by acquiring blackout drapes. Most of the time they can stand on our windows by their own, but they can be easily attached to the already present drape by hanging them through the existing drape rings. Create and make plenty of other solutions by yourself, there aren't any limits to what you can do with good curtains.

Blackout curtains are possible to be hung in different methods such as using velcro or just by sewing the fabric to the drape we have installed. Often buying blackout curtains in general is hard because they form the main point to the looks of your room and there are various possibilities in styles. We think it's important to be sure of the quality of blackout draperies to ensure effective blocking of sunlight. Having window curtains is a solution that provides more efficient solution to using shades as shades do not really block light.

They are not just a more efficient alternative than blinds, we may also use blackout draperies and linings for a couple different pluses. They block light and reduces noise for more resting sleep, defend our furniture from sun exposure, they improve TV visibility by minimizing glare, and they insulate against hot and warm air. As you see, there are many reasons to buy yourself a blackout curtain.

Let's Get Some Colorful And Fun Bedding For Your Children

Your children are pretty lucky I think. You're determined to make his or her bedroom into something fanciful, fun and inventive. When I was a kid, of course we got the basics... a bed, some pillows and blankets. But nowhere near the sorts of stylish and fun bedding you'll find for children these days. When you think about it, it can be a little bit overwhelming to consider the sheer number of different themes available in kids bedding these days. It doesn't need to be, if you begin by narrowing down your options a little bit to start with.

First of all is your child a boy or a girl...?

Usually, little girls bedding tends to come in colors that are softer like shades in pink orange green and yellow. They'll generally be very happy with themes centering on pups and other creatures, flowers, butterflies, dancers, teddy bears and things like this. If your child is still a bit young to really tell you what she'd like in her bedroom, then just take a look at her personality to give you an idea of what she would like.

Why not let her help you decide on some of the bedding she'd like.... You really want her to love her new bedroom, right...?

If you are selecting bedding for a boy, you'll be happy at the hundreds of themes designed especially for them -- from construction, space exploration, cars, trucks and more -- you'll find the neatest bedding for boys anywhere right on the Web.

I would stay with brand name bedding. Why would I say that....? They will have established a reputation for superior quality which involves details like stitching seams properly, using quality bed linen fabrics that are long-lasting and keep their colors through many washes, but that are above all, safe. Brand name bedding companies will make more of an effort to pay attention to the details that matter to keep their reputations.

Some well known brand names you might know are:

Laura Ashley

Dan River

DwellKids

When you've selected the bedding theme you'd like in your child's room, you can then add some finishing touches with optional, fun accessories. Usually you'll be able to pick from coordinating or matching accessories like this:

area rugs

lampstands with shades

switch plate covers

decorative wall borders

plush toys

storage boxes

window treatments.. like valance and drapes

shelves

chairs

You don't have to just stick with what may come as an optional accessory either. Feel free to use whatever beloved items you want- like that rocker or dresser you love. The idea is to have fun and create a room that your children will love to pass time playing in and dreaming in.

Do You Need Blackout Curtains?

There are many people searching for good sun blocking drapes on online stores and in the local stores. First and most valuable reason for this is the sleep. We all know that there is a vast number of people who suffer from sleep deprivation. Also, great quantity of people wants to sleep during day because they are busy during night. Nap times are also popular among business women, seniors and children. Blackout curtains are more then helpful when it comes to making sleep possible.

Other benefits we will find interesting is that we receive better use of our home theater systems. You probably know this, when sunlight is shining onto our TV screens, it will diminish the clarity of the picture, whether it is a movie, a cartoon or news. This is especially the case with plasma TVs. When you invest in a technology that is supposed to provide best best view, you don’t wish incoming light to reduce the picture quality. Your best bet is to negate the sunlight by purchasing blackout curtains..

They are not just a more efficient alternative than shades, we may use blackout curtains and linings for a couple different reasons. They block outside light sources and reduces noise for more resting sleep, defend our furniture from sun damage, they improve TV visibility by minimizing glare, and they insulate against hot and warm air. You can as well see, there are many reasons to get yourself a blackout drape.

You will have several details you need to be aware of when you are choosing your window draperies. And we don’t mean anything like color and measurements. Heading to buy some blackout linings, check the material first. First decide do you want them as a most important point or you want blackout curtain to blend in your apartment or mix them with tier curtains. Only then, you are prepared to visit a special shop and buy what you need.

Updating Rooms With A Contemporary Interior Design Idea

As you look around your home, you might think you need a change. Making changes in your home is not simple when you are design challenged, but there are plenty of sources on the internet and in magazines to assist. Since your home hasn't’t been remodeled for many years it is time for a contemporary interior design idea. Contemporary interior design ideas are easy to implement because contemporary accessories can be found anywhere. The accessories you find are generally easy to duplicate if you don't want to spend much.

Clean And Bold

Clean lines and bold colors are the backbone to any contemporary interior design idea. Generally there is not much detail in the woodworking of furniture. Metal and acrylic furniture are acceptable in contemporary interior design, as is the new blow-up furniture. Monochromatic and bright colors are both found in modern interior design ideas. Solid color leather furniture is a good place to start with a contemporary interior design idea. Following with black, red or tan leather is a fantastic look. Coordinating these colors with white or black accessories really looks great. Box shaped end tables and a large rectangle coffee table also works with contemporary design. You can either have these tables the same color or an opposite color as the other furniture. To further accent the room you should use large, contemporary artwork and tall floor lamps. Putting similar table lamps in the room will also improve the look of the room. A large textured rug should also be placed in the room. There are endless possibilities for a contemporary interior design idea for a room. Any free interior design idea will work in this contemporary style, as well. If you have an accessory that you love and do not feel it has a contemporary feel, it is your home and you are the king or queen of your castle and if you love it, then it works.

Central Focus

Using a custom area rug for their modern interior design is something many people do. Starting with the rug is a excellent idea. A room can be built around a beautiful rug. They are sculpted and carved with great care. You can take a picture or an idea to one of these rug craftsman and they will duplicate the design into the rug. These rug craftsmen are exceptional artists. A person can always begin with one of these rugs and pull ideas into their rooms for a modern feel.

Finding The Right Bedroom Furniture

Bedrooms have changed! Once upon a time people were delighted simply to have a room with a bed in it. At times, we transformed living rooms into bedrooms, pulling back a curtain to reveal a bed built into the wall, or by unfolding the couch to make a creaky, uncomfortable sleeping platform. But a bedroom - a dedicated room with a real bed in it, ahh, what luxury. Have a look at Ikea Bedroom Furniture Store for some great ideas.

Except concepts of luxury have changed drastically in recent years, and nowhere more so than in the bedroom. People have more leisure time and they spend a large proportion of it sleeping or simply chilling out in their own special place.

Where we used to simply close our eyes and sleep between late nights and early rises, we now expect much more; more comfort, more utility, a better and more relaxing ambiance.

Bedroom furniture used to consist of a bed … and maybe a chest of drawers! These days the bedroom furniture we choose has to cope with all the expectations of a modern lifestyle.

The choices you make – and you’ll have plenty to choose from - will play a huge part in making your visions of peace and tranquility a reality you can enjoy night after night.

Chic and elegant bedroom furniture might reflect your personality perfectly, or you may prefer a more sumptuous style, creating a space to soothe away the stresses of modern life. With modern technology, minimalist bedroom furniture can be incredibly functional and fun as well, or perhaps you prefer the rustic charms of hand crafted wooden cabinets and drawers, emphasizing your heritage and ecological credentials.

Your bedroom furniture may reflect your busy lifestyle in that in includes a workstation, or an entertainment centre. Maybe you prefer to show off your creative personality with hand carved wood or sleek, flowing metal frames.

If there are children in the house, you might need a big, well-sprung bed for the whole family to bounce on! And when it comes to kitting out the children’s bedrooms, well, the possibilities are endless. Where boys and girls of yesteryear were excited by a set of bunk beds, for today’s child, modern bedroom furniture fits perfectly with their sense of fun and adventure.

Your bedroom is the place where you shut the door on the outside world and all its demands. This is where you can relax and be most truly yourself - and the bedroom furniture you surround yourself with will be both a comfort zone and an outward expression of what makes you content.

You can design it yourself or have someone design it for you – but don’t just settle for any old thing. Why should you, when a huge range of styles is available? Take some time to browse around and choose the pieces that talk to you; the pieces that say, “Relax, you’re home.”

You see bedroom furniture is so much more than just a bed, wardrobe, and chest of drawers; it’s a reflection of your soul.

Animal Print Bedding...Reserved Only For The Adventurous?

Let me first say that it's been quite some time since I've been writing. Being quite busy with life, writing seemed like an uneccessary chore even though many of you might consider it easy. I needed some inspiration and would you know, I found them in luxury bed sheets! What?? One might say? How about animal print bedding?Well, my friends of the opposite sex know more about bed sheets more than I do so I defer to them for information, especially if you need to know anything more than a thread count of 300...tell me what is that you say?

What is the minimum thread count to be considered luxury sheets? Thread counts of 400 are usually accompanied with a high price tag but many consider it minimum for luxury and long lasting. High quality luxury bed sheets will have thread counts as high as 1,000! Flat or fitted sheets are the two main varieties. Ah, I don't want to bore you with the common definitions! Look at the luxury bed sheet manufacturers websites themselves for details about what you can typically find. Let's talk more about the more exotic animal print bedding out there ;)

Most women, given enough money or credit have more changes of bedding than is entirely necessary for living comfortably. Don't ever say that though because after a hard day's work, a nice long bubble bath followed by plopping herself down on some nice clean luxury bed sheets is many times what is required to relax! The uniqueness of ones tastes require stores to carry many variations in bedding patterns. Once you look, you'll notice much more varieties than you ever imagined! Cotton, silk, satin, suede, plain, printed, the list goes on and on.

What I'd like to focus on is specific types of luxury bed sheets! Now if romance is on your agenda, why not try an exotic print of animal print bedding. What do you think of an intricate pattern of various wild big cats romping amongst a backdrop of tropical greenery? This can create a sensual atmosphere one can share with that special someone.

Many of the popular animal print bedding designs have the look of certain animal skins such as leopard spots and zebra stripes. Think of mix and matching bedspreads and duvets that may sport the more intricate animal print patterns. Get creative with your partner and the most unique animal print bedding creation will be had. Keep in mind that each of your bedding can be mixed and matched with all the other sheets, shams and pillows thus allowing you to create someting unique. Explaining this exotic look to your family and friends can be viewed as a rationalization of the current economy and the side benefit is added spice to your relationship! Can you actually put a price on that?

Romance is not the only thing though. Remember, animal print bedding is not confined to purely adult enjoyment. There are animal prints of a more whimsical flavor and would look great in kid's rooms. Young girls love sheets patterned with the Velveteen Rabbit, Peter Rabbit and Wind in the Willows themes. If you keep your eyes open you'll notice animal print bedding for both boys and girls. The same as bed sheets made mainly for adults, children's designs also come with coordinating accessories accompanied by the mix and match feature. Try not to go so crazy with the thread count! Why would you even bother to consider luxury bed sheets? Plain is usually boring after a while, so why not jazz it up!

Bedroom Furniture Reviews

Everything you would need in terms of bedroom furniture you can find at Argos. Wardrobes, chests of drawers, bedside cabinets, bedroom desks and work centers, underbed storage and storage bags, bedroom suites, dressing tables, and bedroom canvas storage make Argos Bedroom Furniture Store your one-stop-shop for everything bedroom related. They feature over 25 different brands including Manhattan, Modular, and Wycombe. They have furniture in every color and wood grain imaginable. The furniture comes in a variety of styles anywhere from contemporary to even an antique finish. Prices range from £50 to £800.

The majority of their bedroom furniture is wardrobes and chests of drawers. Stylish bedroom storage is their specialty. There are not a large number of bed frames available, and those that are come in complete bedroom suites.

Argos has just slashed their prices on a number of pieces. Some of their featured best offers right now are a Walnut Shingsu Bedside Chest; a Bailee Girl 2-door, 4-drawer Wardrobe in Pink/Purple; a Hastings Ready Assembled 2-door, 2-drawer Wardrobe; a Sacramento 4-wide, 2-narrow, Drawer Chest in Oak; a Zurich 2 Gloss Door Wardrobe in Walnut and Black; and a Chocolate stained Tokyo Bedside Chest. For a limited time only, they have several 3-piece bedroom suites for under £100.
 
Some other perks with ordering from Argos are fast delivery, usually within 14 days; free returns with a 30-day money-back guarantee; and if you spend over £295, you can buy now and pay 9 months later. You can also purchase furniture insurance to cover against rips, tears, and burns. This is especially ideal if you have children or pets that could cause damage to your furniture. The insurance starts at only £5.99 and lasts for up to 3 years.

Argos has had a positive reputation for years and is very committed to supporting the British Heart Foundation. They are environmentally friendly recycling all catalogs, packaging, bags, unused furniture, and electrical waste products. They have made shopping easier for customers with disabilities by offering CD versions of the catalog, customer service designed especially for you, and even phone text messaging service. You would be proud to be their customer.

Naïve About Home Decor? Here Are A Few Useful Tips

If you have never had any experience with home decorating of any kind in the past, do not despair! It is possible! Armed with a few useful tips and a little information at your fingertips, you can give your home a whole new look. Firstly, you'll need to come up with a basic plan for your home decor. If you do this, you'll have an easier time deciding what you want to change and you'll know just where you want to make those changes before you begin jotting down your interior decorating ideas. Careful planning will make the end result of your home decor experience much more satisfying.

The next step is to determine your budget for redecorating. Decide how much you're going to be able to spend on your home decor. You'll find this to be a lot easier if you first put together an extensive plan. Compare the prices of the items that you need from different stores - this will help you to get the look you desire at the price you can afford.

Of course, being aware of the resources available to you is extremely helpful. Shop around - check out a few of the local retailers to see what each one has to offer. You will most likely, for example, not be able to purchase both shelving and furniture at the same place so you will have to visit several outlets to find out what you can buy from where, and at the best possible prices.

Home Decor Software - Using Modern Technology To Your Advantage

There are many options open to you when planning your new decor design, such as interior design software. There are many of these software packages on the market that can be invaluable in assisting you in planning everything using floor plans and sketching capabilities, i.e. to ensure that you find the most suitable plan that complements your floor and decor. There are many options available but you'll need to consult your budget before you purchase one of these software programs. In some cases, the software can be pretty pricey.

Get Professional Help

Some home owners may decide that they don't want to change their decor on their own and instead will hire a professional to help them. This is a good choice to make if you have never done any decorating yourself and find the whole task rather overwhelming. The professional will be able to offer you expert advice and suggestions, which you can add to your own ideas of how to give your home the look and feel that you desire.

Some people will indeed naturally possess the skills that they need to redecorate their home. Others will not even know how to begin. If you are of the latter type and are totally clueless regard to home decorating, it's probably best to seek a professional to help you out. Home decorators are usually paid by the hour, but they generally work quickly and efficiently so it will not take long for them to transform your house into your dream home.

Setting the Mood with Wax

By Sirena Van Schaik

 Okay, right now you are probably thinking about something other than candles.  Perhaps you are thinking of wax figures filling a room to set the mood but if that is what you have in mind I have to ask, are you setting up a Halloween mood?

 All joking aside, candles, which is the wax I am talking about, have been used for years to set a mood.  Whether you are trying to unwind, trying to be romantic or simply trying to scent the air for a party, you are using them to set a mood. 

 Once upon a time, candles had a pretty basic smell and although the candlelight could do wonders for the mood, the overall effect of a candle was somehow lost if it really started smoking.  Today, candles come in a wide range of shapes, colors and, yes, scents.  With all the selection that we have with candles, it is a surprise that it hasn’t ruined the mood we are searching to create.

 When you are setting a mood with candlelight and scents, it is important to look at what you would like the candles to do and also what you want them for.  If they are there to provide a scent, then you need to focus on what smells you would like.  Harsh smells while you are trying to meditate can detract from your focus, earthy smells when you are trying to have a nice home cooked meal may blend negatively with the smell of the food.  There are as many factors to take into account with candles as there are choices in your wardrobe.  Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating but only a little.

The Dinner Party:

 Setting the mood for a dinner party can be a difficult task.  If it is a romantic dinner, you will probably want to have some candles in the center of the table.  Of course, I have never been a fan of the centerpiece candle, simply because I hate having to chat, romantically or not, around something.

 My recommendation for using candles for dinner parties or romantic meals is to place the candles around the room, either with tall candle holders, on mantels or in wall sconces. Once you have the candles lit, dim the overhead light slightly.  This gives the illusion that each guest is bathed in candlelight and they are not sitting in the dark looking into it. 

 It can create a very dreamy and romantic atmosphere and if you add a matching sent to the scene you can really set a mood.  Make sure your smells complement each other.  For instance, you won’t want to use an Apple Spice candle if you happen to be eating Chinese.  Maybe a nice Green Tea Candle would suit it better and the Apple Spice can be saved for a roast dinner.

The Romantic Evening:

 Romance and candles really are made for each other and there are very few things that I could suggest that could make romantic candles even better.  Again, the only part that I would suggest is having the candles up and out of the way.  Have a glass of Champaign on the floor with the candles on a coffee table above you –preferably beside those flowers that you received.

 The other suggestion that I would make is to avoid a lot of cloying scents.  Anything that will feel heavy to your stomach should be avoided and I would recommend avoiding any of the heavier floral scents.  Instead go with fragrances that are considered to be sensual, things like chocolate or strawberries.

For Relaxation:

 As with romantic evenings, there is very little that I can say about candles for setting the relaxing mood.  Everyone has their own scent that relaxes them, strangely Pina Colada is mine, and each prefers using candles in different ways. 

 But since I am here, I would recommend playing with threes when you use candles for relaxation.  I have found this to be an excellent method to setting a tranquil mood.  A grouping of three candles in various spots of the room provides you with pools of soft light.  They are excellent at dispersing the scents across the room and they offer you something to focus on.

 So whatever your mood is, the best advice I can offer is to play around with the placement and the scents until you find your perfect balance.

The Meaning of Candles

By Sirena Van Schaik

Throughout time, candles have also held some symbolic meaning.  There are candles for christenings, candles for holidays whether you are Christian, Muslim, Jewish or any other religion and there are candles that reflect a deeper meaning, whether it is a meaning of celebration or a meaning of love.

The colors of individual candles have different meanings as well and many people, although not knowledgeable about the different colors, are at the very least, interested in the meanings.

So before you light a candle, read this article to learn the many meanings of the colors.

The Colors of Candles:

White: More than likely, you understand what white means.  It is after all linked eternally with purity, innocence and enlightenment.  It is a cleansing color that is believed to cleanse both the mind and the spirit and heal any emotions that are in turmoil. 

Black: There has always been something about black candles that bring up thoughts of discord and evil.  Most people would shy away from black candles since they have been given such a negative image, especially at the hands of Hollywood.  This is actually furthest from the true meaning of a black candle and in fact, black candles are supposed to be the color you burn when you are trying to destroy negative forces and energy.  They are also believed to be the appropriate color to use for healing when you are battling a serious illness.

Red:  It doesn’t take too much imagination to figure out the meaning of red candles.  They have been linked with love, passion and sex for countless decades.  Red candles encompass all of those things and more since the color can also mean health and vitality, fertility and strength, courage and willpower and it can also mean the darker emotions such as lust.

Purple: Purple is actually my favorite color of candle and it problem has to do with the colors link to wisdom and knowledge.  It is a color that speaks of spirituality and divination as well as success and power. 

Gold: Gold seems to be a popular color during Christmas season and it is fitting in many ways since gold is a color of divination and delightfully enough playfulness.  It is also a color that brings to mind success and wealth.

Green: Like Gold, green is also associated with success, and wealth but it is also associated with health throughout a person’s life; health in marriage, employment, success, physical growth and also fertility.  It is the color that reflects a bountiful harvest.

Blue: Blue is a tranquil color that is filled with harmony, contentment and a sense of peace.  It is the color to use if you are trying to lose weight or if you are simply trying to find your center.  An excellent color of candle for meditation, it is believed to bring inspiration and happiness.

Silver:  We can’t forget about silver if we have already looked at a metallic candle.  This is another color that is very popular during Christmas but it is actually a color that is known for its neutrality.  It is another great choice for meditation and reflection.

Yellow:  And what about yellow?  It is the sunshiny color that brings with it a sense of happiness.  It is also believed to reflect intelligence and wisdom and it is an excellent color to choose if you are busy in academic pursuits, whether they are studious or creative in nature.  It is a color of change and energy and will definitely keep you busy.

And there are the meanings of a few of the more popular colors of candles.  For every color there is a meaning and each color harmonizes another so play around for your own desired effect.