Showing posts with label home decoration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home decoration. Show all posts

12 January 2011

Accenting The Special Pieces In Your Home

While your home may be filled with a variety of items that are useful or meaningful, there may be a few things that you really treasure and want to highlight. This may be a memento from the past, something you inherited from a family member or a piece of art that you invested in and plan to pass along to your relatives. If you have something you want to stand out and be treasured in your home, there are decorating tips you can use to accent the piece and enable it to really get noticed. Not only will visitors in your home notice it, you will be able to focus on it and really enjoy your investment. Lighting is a great way to accent a piece and using a grand piano lamp or piano light is a great way to bring attention to something. The lighting is often subtle, but is just enough to draw the eye in and help you focus on something that is special.

Using color to accent a piece is a great way to draw attention to something. Different colors give off different feelings, so if you want to highlight something and create a sense of calm or serenity, choose colors that are cool and relaxing. If you want to bring a feeling of excitement to a piece, choose warm, bright colors like red or purple. Remember colors reflect lighting in different ways and the accent colors you choose should contrast with the item to really make it stand out. Choose an accent color that is directly across from the color of your special piece on the color wheel to really make the piece stand out.

Another way to accent furniture is to remove color from the space surrounding it. Instead of choosing a color that will make your item stand out, accent it with a complete lack of color. A plain space will allow the attention in the room to focus on the special item you want to highlight. The eye is drawn to the item in the room that has color and pattern when the surrounding area is white and void of color and pattern.

If your special item is of value, consider roping it off. This may seem extreme for a private residence, but if your item is worth money and it draws the attention of family members and visitors, you need to create a safe way to keep people from damaging the special piece. Tastefully roping off the area in which the item is kept allows you to admire it from a distance, protecting the item and allowing it to retain its value.

Finally, if your item will not lose value if it is used, be sure to enjoy it as much as possible! One of the biggest mistakes people make is ignoring items that are special. Make owning nice pieces worth your while by putting them to use and incorporating them into your everyday life. Making memories with your special items add meaning and help you feel better about heirloom items.

24 February 2010

A Touch of Pink


Some colors relax, others excite; pink does both. It provokes romance and glamour, and it is the color of love's first blush. Pink delivers feel-good emotion in the same way that a ranunculus blooms, one layer at a time. Give in to pink's pretty power.

White and pastel pink set a girlie tone in Caia’s bedroom. A wrought-iron four-poster, twinkling chandelier and faux fur throw make the room fit for a little princess.The space doesn’t feel small at all because of the layout, high ceilings and lots of light.

Small children are a unique consideration when designing compact spaces. Streamlined living zones with lots of open space between furniture keep chaos under control as little ones race around. Creating a superplush and nifty nest means kids have a special spot to play and rest.

22 February 2010

How to Arrange Living Room Furniture


The living room will be a place for family or friends to sit and visit, so a special effort should be made to create a comfortable harmonious environment. How you arrange your sofa, chairs, tables and lighting means everything to the dream you're trying to turn into reality.Arranging living room furniture in a right way decides whether your living room looks cluttered and overstuffed or an organized comfortable room where you like to spend most of your time.
Furniture arrangements should have a purpose. Activity areas should be reflected and distinguishable in each area of your room. A small room should have at least one conversational area, while larger rooms may incorporate additional furniture groupings. A good rule of thumb is to seat at least six people comfortably.

Choose a focal point of the living room and arrange your furniture and lighting around it. Some of the popular focal point ideas in a living room are a fireplace, a view from the window, window opening out in a garden, a large bookcase, sofa with a special painting hung above it, a home theater system or big size plasma television.

Don't feel it is necessary to go out and buy all new pieces of furniture when you decorate. If you have a sofa in good functional condition, you can use one of the many styles of slipcovers available, pre-made for standardized sofas, chairs and loveseats. Throw pillows are also another decorating option.

You may also turn one of the corners of the living room in a focal point using an interesting lamp, tabletop waterfall or other unique decorative pieces on it along with the lighting to highlight it. Set up conversation areas for your guests.

Suggestions
Use area rugs to define seating areas. If you are dealing with a large room that has multiple seating areas, this will help characterize each area while tying together the scheme. Rugs are also useful for covering up unattractive carpeting or floors!

The lighter, neutral shades of walls generally found in rental buildings are actually a benefit. This color scheme leaves room for selecting furniture in basically any color, scheme or style.

20 January 2010

How to transform your space

An unchangeable space or home decor for a long time may make you aesthetic fatigue. You can try to transform your room and space with some decor idea.

Look around your home, and consider the focal point in each room. Does each separate space even have a focal point? A focal point can be anything from a rustic fireplace complete with a decked out mantel to a stunning work of three dimensional metal wall art. A focal point could be a display created with wrought iron wall decor or a simple window with a beautiful view. If the area you plan on rearranging does not have a focal point, create one, and give each room or space in your home its own special decorative touch before rearranging furniture.

Use Paint. Any interior designer will tell you that paint is the most economical way to make a radical change in your space. Get paint chips or, if you can, actual paint samples to try on your wall. Keep in mind the lighting in your room because it may look one way in the picture but very different in your space due to the lighting. Think about the size of the room when choosing a hue. Lighter colors give smaller rooms a more spacious feel while darker tones can be used for larger rooms.

Use artwork as inspiration. If you have a painting, area rug or piece of wall art that incorporates a variety of colors, you can use these colors to create the palette for your room.

Use accessories. The advantage of using accessories to add punch to your décor is that you can change it up easily when the mood strikes you. If you have a neutral décor you can use throw pillows, area rugs, wall art and other accessories to bring color into your space. Try to keep your decorative accents in the same color family for a unified look.

When rearranging furniture and deciding on locations, keep in mind the importance of balance. Avoid placing pieces of the same height or pieces that are heavy in appearance all on one side of the room. Disperse furniture and accessories of various sizes and heights evenly throughout the room for balance and visual appeal.

29 April 2009

How about roman blinds?


Roman blinds provide a sophisticated and elegant look in any room of your home. Traditionally Roman Blinds have been a very high cost window treatment. A combination of the engineering requirements of a blind and the fabric styles of a curtain maker makes a difficult to produce product. By purchasing custom made roman shades you can add a light fabric window treatment to your home, without the use of heavy draperies or messy curtains.

Roman blinds are one of the most popular blinds available in the market today. With its design simplicity and elegance, you can never go wrong with roman blinds. Most of today's homes consider installing roman blinds in their windows because of the said features.Making a roman blind for your home is very simple. All you need is a little creativity and roman blind equipments. You can purchase the equipments needed at your local hobby store. They will also have books for sale containing roman blinds making instructions.


Before you choose the roman blind, you have to consider some factors: color, style, texture an so on.

Color:roman blinds can be thought of as curtains and should be treated as such when choosing a color that best suits your needs. You can use a soft wispy color for spring or summer, and a dark maroon or fall stripes pattern in colder months. If you order custom made roman blinds, you can even have your favorite color or a swatch of fabric matched, to provide an ideal look for your home. Whatever your choice, the color of your roman blinds can make a statement about who you are and what you like.

Style:One type of roman shade folds up into a straight horizontal line that does not bulge or hang down in any way.A teardrop roman blind shape does not lay flat when it is pulled up; instead it forms a looped or teardrop shape with its fabric. This shape of roman blind can provide a softer look, and is more delicate looking that a straight panel roman blind.

Texture:As with color, the texture possibilities are endless with roman blinds as well. Fabrics are made in a variety of textures from course stiff denim, canvas, and leather to soft and subtle sheers and satins.

Installing roman blinds in your home is one of the best ways to make your home more attractive and inviting. It is also one of the best ways to save money by making roman blinds as the alternative to expensive curtains. Another great thing about roman blinds is that it is very easy to clean.

13 April 2009

What kind of wallpaper do you prefer to?


The wall of the room is a very important area for showing. So if you want your home looks more beautiful and specialty, you need to play it smart.There are usually two ways to decorate the wall: paniting or wallpaper. Certainly, they both have their advantages. But Using wallpaper instead of paniting has become a trend in the past few years.

Home decorating wallpaper is making a comeback for today's home fashions with a vast array of designs including eco-friendly wall coverings that are designed to support sustainable living.Wallpaper installation is no longer a difficult and time consuming project. Technology has brought this process into the current century and has made it easier to install and easier to remove than ever before.

There are various of wallpaper that with different advantage and character in the market.Such as Washable wallpaper- When it is stated that the product is washable it means that it can withstand the occasional sponging with a mild detergent. Scrubbable wallpaper-The term scrubbable means that a wallpaper can withstand scrubbing with a brush and mild detergent. Stain Resistant - This means that a particular paper will show no change in appearance after the removal of stains such as grease, beverages, handprints, etc. Eco-friendly wall coverings are natural coverings that include grass cloth, hemp and other natural weaves like the way they were before the modern and sophisticated printing techniques of today. They bring a nice texture to a room while reducing the amount of natural resources necessary to the manufacture and the pollution it can cause.

Besides the different material of the wallpaper, there are also different pattern and graph. when you perfor to choose the wallpaper, you need to consider these factor roundly.


22 March 2009

DIY Home Light


I think few people has tried to make a home light by themselves.May be consider it as a very hard working. In fact, not at all. You can reserve some used bottles, or beautiful paper or card,even a uesd disposable cup. Those we treat as wastes in our daily life are always the suitable material for making the home light. At the same time, it is the best way to save energy and salvaging.

This light was made using about 120 plastic drink cups (we used 9-ounce cups, but any size would work). Wash and dry the cups, then staple two cups together side-by-side. Place the stapler deep into each cup, and staple as far back as possible. This holds the back of the cups together and begins forming the curved shape of the fixture.

As long as you use your head, you can make a unique light in the world, what a good idea!

02 February 2009

Decorate Your Home with Pattern


Now is an exciting time for pattern, and particularly for using pattern in the home. Modern designers are using patterns with confidence, flair and, sometimes, a tongue-in-cheek, self-aware sense of humour. Making the most of new techniques and materials, they are pushing the boundaries of pattern to the limits, developing innovative new styles and reinventing old ones, creating a look that is just right for right now.

Selecting patterns, not to mention combining them within a scheme, can be challenging, if not problematic, especially when we have become so accustomed to using plains. Interior design is an incredibly personal discipline, based entirely around your likes and dislikes and how you want to live, and using pattern is just as personal. One person's ideal all-over print is another's cacophonous mess, so when it comes to using pattern in the home, it really is up to you.

How to choose pattern
Bedroom-The pattern you pick is dictated by the mood you want to create. If the bedroom is used only at nighttime, consider a minimum of pattern in a restful palette. For those who use the room during the day, a more adventurous mix of pattern may appeal.

Dining room-Frequently more dramatic than other public rooms, this room is used mostly in the evening. For that reason, it's perfectly warranted to choose bolder patterns. In addition, patterned upholstery and carpets are highly practical.

Kitchen-In the kitchen, where most of the available wall space is devoted to cabinetry, pattern can be a welcome relief. A pictorial wallpaper or scenic drapery fabric can create interest and set the tone for other decorating in the room.

Living room-To allow for visual breathing room, it's best to use simple designs and combine them with solid fabrics. Robust patterns can be distracting, shifting attention from focal points, and creating a confusing backdrop for works of art.

Bathroom-You don’t have to be an interior decorator to choose a bathroom tile which is suitable for your space. Some things to consider when selecting tile patterns are the size of your bathroom and the colors or patterns on the tile. For instance, white might be too boring, dark colors may make the bathroom seem small and confining, and brown with yellow combinations are taboo, for obvious reasons. If your bathroom is a small area, avoid dark colors and large patterns, since these make the bathroom appear even smaller. Another look you don’t want in a small bathroom is a very busy pattern, like tiles which have several different designs going on at once, or other crowded patterns. If you are using a busy pattern, use only one tile every so often, and make the rest solid colored. Even if your bathroom is large, giant patterns can sometimes look intimidating.

21 January 2009

Tips for Decorating A Small Room


Do you have trouble or bemusement in decorating a small room? You may feel that there is not enough space for your personal belongings or collection, and it may looks cramped and disheveled.If so, start by thinking back to a room from your past that made you feel incredibly secure and happy.

Before you run off to the home decorating store, or start arranging your furniture, familiarize yourself with some of the basic principles you will want to adhere to when decorating your small space.

Storage is a necessity for all of us; unfortunately, it is often a big challenge when it comes to small spaces. But there are some unique ways that you can make the most out of your home’s storage space, without having to give up your much-valued living space. Begin by thinking of ways that you can sneak storage in. One of the best options is built-in cabinets and bookshelves. These storage areas are built right into the walls and don’t take up any extra floor space. They also add a sense of sleekness and style to any room.

Streamlined furnishings, mirror and glass emphasize available space. In order to visually expand a room's size, designers and architects include negative space (the areas of emptiness that surround furniture) wherever they can. By choosing furniture with legs rather than skirts, incorporating glass where possible, and adding reflective elements like mirror, crystal and silver to an interior, you can amplify available light and space to create an expansive feeling.

Color:One of the best ways to expand a space is with very clear colors(paint your house), says designer Mark McCauley, ASID, author of Interior Design for Idiots. "Choose a palette of sharper colors as opposed to duller ones. Sharp as in bright chintzes mixed with colorful plaids or really hot reds and electric blues, yellows and greens (with plenty of air between the pieces). Color combinations with negative space in between will enhance the space's clarity and openness."

Keep it Light.Dark rooms are not only depressing, but they also appear to be much smaller than they really are. To maximize your living space, make sure that your rooms are always filled with light. Instead of using drapes on your windows, consider using sheers that allow natural light in. Add mirrors to walls or shelving units to reflect light and space. Place several lamps around the room, including floor lamps, table lamps, and ceiling lights. This will help to add light at different levels throughout the room, giving everything a nice glow.

Please remember:
DO choose furniture that does double duty. A coffee table that rises to eating height, for instance, or a pair of console tables that can be pushed together to form an impromptu dining table.

DO use chairs rather than sofas for maximum flexibility.

DO consider a Murphy bed when a room has to accommodate an overnight guest.

DON'T opt for a sectional with arms, which limits the way it can be positioned.

DON'T overlook an island, which works not only in a kitchen but also in an office, laundry room or crafts room. Choose one with wheels; it can be set against a wall when not in use.

DON'T allow clutter from a home office to ruin the enjoyment of a room that's also used after business hours.

15 January 2009

Choose A Pretty Lamp For Your Home


There are many options available for lighting in homes such as floor lamps, table lamps, canister lamps, recessed ceiling lamps and don't forget to count natural sunlight that should be kept in mind too and can be guided using mirrors. Then bulbs are of different types too such as harsh fluorescent bulbs that emit blue light, soft incandescent bulbs that emit red and yellow light and bright yet soft quartz-halogen bulbs. Not only the color of lights emitted by these bulbs are different but they emit different amounts of light too. Bulbs of different watts can make a room look different while switching a set of the bulbs at a time and another set at another time may makethe look entirely different. Overhead fixtures above as shown in the cowboy huts may make a room appear flat, while wall washers, ambient lighting, accent lighting and up-lighting may make it quite interesting and add dramatic and romantic feel to the room.

Table and floor lamps do not only provide light, but are attractive accessories as well. Lamps are very important in home decorating. Floor and table lamps can be used to dramatize elements of interior design - line, form, color, pattern and texture. Positioning floor and table lamps so that rhythms are created by light and shadow, reflection and diffusions, can impart an active dynamic effect to the atmosphere of your home. Indeed table and floor lamps may be thought of as a sculpture.

To create an eye pleasing lighting pattern table lamps can be complimented by similar in design floor lamps. Vase with flower bouquet floor lamp will be a perfect compliment for a table lamp featured above. Where designers, architects, and artists have turned their energies to floor and table lamps design, striking lighting solutions have resulted.

Floor and table lamps, after all, are tree-dimensional forms - and there is no reason at all why the implicit functionality of floor and table lamps should inhibit the creation of significant and practical forms. Our sculptural floor and table lamps are embody in unique materials, and have a dramatic and exiting structure reflecting both practicality and aesthetics.

10 December 2008

Home Decoration Trends


Comfortable, energy-saving, environmentally friendly are the trends of home decoration.More than ever, interior decorating and design ideas offer boundless choices and endless possibilities. In fact, styles have never been so varied and exciting – so much so that expressing your personality and tastes through interior decorating is limited only by your imagination. These days, nearly everything goes! You can mix styles, colours, decor periods and inspirations, or blend the affordable with the luxurious, contemporary with antique, and classical with new.

Admittedly, while the newest styles are all about variety and eclecticism, certain strong trends prevail that will guide our decorating choices this year.

The latest trends also influence the colour palettes that will dominate interior spaces this year. Romanticism is back with soft, refined and ash-toned colours, like old rose and lavender. On the neutral side, greys are definitely popular, while beiges, browns and tans draw their inspiration primarily from nature, taking on accents of earth, minerals and stone. The black and white combo has made a strong comeback, playing up the romanticism card, but with a clearly more contemporary look.

The colour of the year? Avocado green, brilliantly paired with red, coral or a very dark brown. Darker tones like blue-black, violet and saturated greys give our interiors that glamorous look. You’ve picked out your colours? Remember to get all the right tools and prepare your walls carefully before painting. You’ll be sure to get a fabulous finish that’ll be worth all the effort you invested!

On the decorating side, nothing is left to chance. With 9’ ceilings as the new standard, the options are never-ending. It’s all about relief; the added height is perfect for incorporating eye-catching designs using mouldings, coves, coffers and textured tiles. As for curtains, they’re installed higher up, near the ceiling, giving windows an imposing look.

Mirrors, frames, vases: nothing beats the use of accessories when it comes to updating our decor. They bring that personal touch that makes all the difference and can also create a new look in no time. And to shine the spotlight on all the winning elements of our new decor and create a special ambience, a well-thought-out lighting system is second

A growing concern for the environmental means we’re looking for more energy-efficient building materials.Insulating panels are becoming the norm in home construction, in outer walls as well as in ceilings and under floors. These floors such as laminate flooring, panels which made of polystyrene foam sandwiched between wood boards, are easy to assemble and offer excellent energy efficiency.

Wallpaper makes a comeback
Wallpaper is not in the least outdated—in fact, it’s making a fashionable comeback. More than ever before, wallpaper allows us to express our own personal style, decorating walls to create effects that paint just cannot match.

Until recently, wallpaper’s main purpose has been to make a room look more attractive, but today, no doubt due to its versatility, it’s fast becoming a key element in interior decorating. Today’s wallpapers come in an infinite range of colours, prints and textures, offering endless decorating possibilities.

09 December 2008

The Style of Home Decoration

The themem of home decor keep changing with times, as do the facilities and appliances used in the home. It plays quiet an important role in almost all of the decorating decisions.

The decoration style preferred by a person usually depends on individual taste, age and color combinations. While most prefer to decorate their homes in contemporary style, traditional styles bring back nostalgic memories to many. There are some others who feel that country and rustic style home put us closer to nature.

The country style of home decorating remains popular because the suggestion of rural life can seem to offer simplicity and a refuge from urban pressures. Country-style decorating can draw its inspiration from French, English, Swedish, American, and other cultural influences. However, pieces from different periods and traditions can be blended in one home as long as comfort is the principle ingredient. No country-style room should be too studied, for it is meant to be lived in. The beauty of country-style decorating is that you may have inherited some great heirlooms that can give you the impetus to start a collection of appropriate pieces. You may have a flair for picking up great flea-market bargains or for crafting quality items that can be incorporated into your scheme.


Traditional style interiors are comforting and classic. There is nothing wild or chaotic in a traditional room. It is calm, orderly, and can be somewhat predictable.Furnishings might look a bit outdated to some, while others will enjoy an interior that embraces the benefits of classic styling.

Contemporary style:simple and sleek with an emphasis on artistic and architectural details in its home décor, Contemporary style has become more comfortable and attainable in recent years. Once considered stark and cold, modern home décor has evolved into a more desirable balance of clean lines, warm tones and bold accents—creating a look that is fresh, functional and in-tune with today's lifestyle. And with more designers and stores featuring Contemporary fabric patterns, furniture, and accents, it's easier than ever to bring this style to your home décor. These quick and easy tips should help you get started:

• Accent-uate: Choose a bold color, like fuchsia or teal, and use it subtly throughout a room. Purchase a few select accessories--such as canvas pillows, cotton lampshades or organdy placemats--in that color, or consider painting one "accent wall."

• Less is more: An appreciation of clean lines is central to Contemporary sensibility. Eliminate any excess in your home décor, whether it's the dust ruffle from your bed, an overabundance of pillows on the couch, or elaborate valances and swags from the windows, try translucent organdy or flax cotton panels that emphasize the window's form rather than mask it.

• Double duty: Everyone's multitasking these days, and furniture is no exception. Maintain that uncluttered, modern feel with fewer pieces that work for multiple purposes. A large twill ottoman placed in the center of the room can work as a footrest, seating, or a coffee table. Move a bookcase or sofa away from the wall to act as a room divider. Look at the pieces you have and get creative!

• Picture this: Modern home decor favors artwork that is larger in scale. Frame an oversized movie poster (vintage classic or older movies work best), or hang a grouping of black and white photographs or striking fabrics close together to create one large, eye-catching composition.


No matter what, design your home follow your own mind. The style you like is the best!

08 December 2008

Design Your Home by Yourself


Design your home by yourself! Is it difficult or incredible?I will show some tips, maybe it is useful for you. It is you who add the character the personality to your home that serves as an extension of your own self, your family and your culture. It is you who add that personal touch that makes the house your own home, which puts you at ease in an instant and has an intimacy that makes you feel completely relaxed.

Bathroom Design
Bathrooms don't have to be cold and sterile and function driven. They can be extensions of your bedroom or other rooms in your home. Make your bathroom comfortable and cozy and treat it like you would any other room. Decorate the walls with mosaic tile and accessories. Use lush towels and linens to create a sense of luxury. Turn your bathroom into a special retreat where you can soak in your tub, read and forget about the stresses of your day.

Bedroom Design
The bedroom is not just a place for sleeping any longer, it's a place to unwind, relax and just getaway. Whether you're bedroom is large or small, make it your space. Personalize your bedroom with your favorite colors, textures and accessories. It doesn't have to be extravagant or expensive to be beautiful and relaxing space.

In this section, we have tried to put together various bedroom ideas as suggestions for style, color, textures and accessories. Choose a suitable floor is imprtant for bedroom. Remember, these are only ideas to get your juices flowing. We hope you enjoy.

Children's Room
Whimsy and creativity are always important when it comes to decorating a nursery or child's room. A baby's room no longer has to be pink or blue with balloons and clowns. Nursery's can be decorated in themes, like Classic Pooh, or coordinating fabrics like toiles and ginghams.

In a nursery, storage and function are important, but that doesn't mean style has to be sacrificed. In a child's room, it's important to remember the child. Find out what your child loves and cherishes. Space is always important for playtime and afterwards, storage is a must.

After searching the net, we've tried to put together a gallery of ideas that we hope will help you in your decorating needs.

Kitchen Decorating
The kitchen just might be one of the most important rooms in your house. It's where family and friends gather for good food and good times. Secrets are shared and laughter is heard.

Whether you love to cook or not, your kitchen should be about entertaining and enjoyment. Once you find your decorating style, your kitchen will become yours.

More importantly, you don't have to have a lot of money to make your kitchen spectacular. Creativity and paint can go a long way and we hope our articles and ideas will help you create the kitchen of your dreams.

Garden and Patio Decorating
Do you look at your yard and wish it were something more than an empty space? Why not create an outdoor living space where you can step out to relax or entertain friends?

You don't have to be an expert gardener or landscape designer. Take a look at some of our garden/patio designs for simple ideas to create a fabulous outdoor living space.

Living Room
This section is dedicated to any space you consider your living space, whether it be your living room, den or even kitchen.

Your living space should not only reflect your personal style, but be comfortable and inviting as well.

You don't have to have a large space or lots of money to get the look that you want and having children doesn't mean sacrificing your style. Your living space should be a space that everyone can live in and enjoy.

Others:
Colors of walls, fabrics, furniture, linen, pillows, shelves and curtains and type of furniture, beds, sofas and seating arrangements and even accessories, lamps and vases that you use must also confirm with your room or home decor theme.