I want to give you some basic guidelines for selecting key interior lighting fixtures for your home. Now these are just guidelines, they do not have to be followed exactly to the penny, if you do following these guidelines with in a smidgen or so, then you will have an interior lighting fixture that will fit properly and be the right size and proportions for the scale and dimensions of your home.
Let's start in the dinning room, dinning room chandelier or chandeliers for any particular room where an interior lighting fixture will be hanging over a table.
Interior lighting fixtures hanging over a table, if the table is round or rectangle then the rule of thumb or guidelines is that the chandelier should be a foot in from the total width of the table. For example if the width of the tables measures fifty inches in diameter than the interior lighting fixture's width should be thirty-eight inches in diameter.
For interior lighting chandeliers that are hanging over a round or square table then the rule of thumb or guideline is to have the width of the fixture eighteen inches smaller than the total width of the table. Example for round and square tables say the table is forty-eight inches in diameter than the chandelier should be thirty inches in diameter.
Now for the hanging heights for interior lighting fixtures, the guideline is that on a standard eight-foot ceiling the height of the interior lighting fixture should be hanging thirty inches above the table. In the cases where you may have a ceiling taller then a standard eight-foot ceiling, then the rule is, for every foot past eight-foot then you need to raised the interior lighting chandelier three inches per every foot past eight foot. Example if you have a ten-foot ceiling then your interior lighting chandelier should be hanging thirty-six inches above the table. Now this measurement is from the bottom of the interior lighting fixture to the table.
Next for entryways and rooms, that you have a hang interior lighting chandelier that is not mounted over a table. The rule of thumb for these other areas is that the chandelier can be in inches what the diagonal of the room is in feet. For example if a room is sixteen feet on the diagonal, the chandelier could be approximately sixteen inches in diameter.
For interior lighting fixtures mounted on a wall or a wall sconce, sometimes a wall fixture or sconce can create a sense of scale. The size of the fixture must be compatible with the wall's height, the furniture, and the volume of the space. To determine the size, test it. See for yourself, is the wall fixture the right size? Build a rough model with cardboard and masking tape as close as possible to the shape and size of the wall sconce in question. (Shoeboxes are often the size of a wall fixture.) Hold the model up to the wall or tack it up with some thumbtacks. You can not only judge the size but also decide how high to hang it. Rules of thumb for hanging, interior wall fixture or wall sconces, all wall fixtures are hung at or near eye level. Wall fixture and or wall sconces are meant to be seen. Hang them higher only if they infringe on the space needed to move around, for example, beside steps.
We have covered the basics rules for sizing some of the key interior lighting fixtures, these rules are a standard practiced by interior designers, we hope they will help you when you are selecting your interior lighting fixtures for your home.
About the Author:
Dennis Romano is a lighting store owner and writes about Interior Lighting & Lamps
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Living Room Decorating ! Read This Before You Start Out
When it comes to living room decorating there are many styles one can choose from. There are hundreds, if not thousands of options in terms of carpet alone. Maybe you want to go with hardwood, or be adventurous, and try stained concrete. Whatever the case, each element of a living room goes into the overall living room decorating plan that is set in motion when one moves into a home, or renovates his, or her living room.
The best way to implement a living room decorating concept is to research the purpose of the room. The purpose of your living room is for most a place of sanctuary, where one can kick back in the recliner, with a cold beverage, and enjoy a ball game, or movie. For others the living room can be a virtual office, in the days of wireless internet, and laptop computers, living room decorating must consider these things. Whatever the use is for your living room, try locating it before you do any living room decorating, in order to fully adorn the room with functional decorations.
A function decoration is one that serves a purpose beyond accenting a rooms looks. Some living room decorating experts utilize this on a daily basis. In fact, many interior decorators make this the fundamental premise behind all their work. A living room decorating plan that implements at least some functional elements will greatly assist those enjoying the room on a regular basis.
The most common functional elements found when living room decorating is occurring are old wood tables being used as desks, a piece of a sail boat converted into a coffee table, or even a fancy piece of art, that happens to be a clock. These are your common, run of the mill functional design elements. There are plenty of others worth a try as well.
One can utilize all types of materials to make functional design elements. For my living room I wanted an industrial look, so I went with metal as my core material. I was able to have a metal breakfast bar created for less than three thousand dollars. The bar is covered with a custom piece of glass, and adds a modern pop to any living room.
Your challenge is to find what you like to do in a living room, and try to incorporate it into your design. Once you do this, your living room will not only be beautiful, but also functional.
Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya
About the Author:
Shrinivas Vaidya is the webmaster of http://www.livingroomdatabase.com Visit today to get more free living room decorating tips to decorate a beautiful and charming living room of your wildest dreams.
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
The best way to implement a living room decorating concept is to research the purpose of the room. The purpose of your living room is for most a place of sanctuary, where one can kick back in the recliner, with a cold beverage, and enjoy a ball game, or movie. For others the living room can be a virtual office, in the days of wireless internet, and laptop computers, living room decorating must consider these things. Whatever the use is for your living room, try locating it before you do any living room decorating, in order to fully adorn the room with functional decorations.
A function decoration is one that serves a purpose beyond accenting a rooms looks. Some living room decorating experts utilize this on a daily basis. In fact, many interior decorators make this the fundamental premise behind all their work. A living room decorating plan that implements at least some functional elements will greatly assist those enjoying the room on a regular basis.
The most common functional elements found when living room decorating is occurring are old wood tables being used as desks, a piece of a sail boat converted into a coffee table, or even a fancy piece of art, that happens to be a clock. These are your common, run of the mill functional design elements. There are plenty of others worth a try as well.
One can utilize all types of materials to make functional design elements. For my living room I wanted an industrial look, so I went with metal as my core material. I was able to have a metal breakfast bar created for less than three thousand dollars. The bar is covered with a custom piece of glass, and adds a modern pop to any living room.
Your challenge is to find what you like to do in a living room, and try to incorporate it into your design. Once you do this, your living room will not only be beautiful, but also functional.
Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya
About the Author:
Shrinivas Vaidya is the webmaster of http://www.livingroomdatabase.com Visit today to get more free living room decorating tips to decorate a beautiful and charming living room of your wildest dreams.
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
Home Lighting Design
The lamp and lighting industry in the more resent years are showing a greater interest to interior decorating. Lighting and lamps are not just for function any more they can play a big part to the interior design of your homes lamp and lighting plan, as well as offer function too.
The lamps and lighting in your home can make huge difference to the perception of your home. Lighting chandeliers, wall sconces, vanity strips, floor lamps and table lamps etc. as you are selecting the various types of lighting fixtures for your home lighting, you want to keep in you mind that you need to carry out a main style and theme in order to have a complete total home design. You can very a little bit for interest but be consistent, the over all main theme needs to remain constant. Remember you want to enhance what is there already and in doing so it will bring renewed value, charm, grace and beauty to your home.
Many lamp and lighting manufacturers are now hooking up with designers form other industries, by teaming up, with these designers from other industries; the lighting manufacturers are bringing in new influences from the outside industries to its own industry, to the lighting industry. This is allowing these newly designed lighting styles to flow and fit together as never before with today's most popular looks for home fashions.
To name a few Murray Feiss has teamed up with Bob Mackie, he bring a new type of glamour to his lighting designs. The Minka Group has teamed up with Jessica McClintock; she brings romance and her own special flair to her lamps and lighting designs. Cristina Saralegui has mostly recently joined the team in the Ambience division of the Minka Group she brings a Latin flair with her Casa Cristina collection of table lamps and floor lamps. Hi-Lite Mfg. has teamed up with the Sara Lee Semi-Homemade, Sara Lee has concentrated on kitchen island lighting and pot racks she bring magic once again to the kitchen. Tracy Porter and Savoy House have teamed together to create the Tracy Porter Collection, Tracy is creating enchanting designs from her studio in Wisconsin. Maxim Lighting and Doug Wilson are teaming together to offer something new; many of you may know Doug Wilson from his designing on the Trading Spaces television show. These are just a few of the lighting manufacturers that have teamed up with designers from other industries, and it has proven to be a great success. Designers from outside the lighting industry bring an entirely new fresh appeal to today's home fashion and lamps and lighting fixtures.
When beginning your interior decorating project, remember start with a main theme and be consistent with that theme. Carry it on through out the entire house, if you have chosen a Tuscan theme, have that be your inspiration. Always keep that Tuscan theme you have chosen in the back of your mind at all times whenever you are making any type of selection to use anywhere in your home. Especially with your home lighting, Chandeliers, Bath and Vanity lights, Exterior Lighting and your Table Lamps and Floor Lamps etc.
Don't stop just at the lighting; carry it on into everything you select. Select your Door Hardware, Cabinet Hardware, Kitchen and Bathroom Faucets with your main theme in mind. Again I can't stress enough be consistent it really pays off.
You don't want to start with Modern Entry Pendant Light, then use a Tuscan Chandelier in the living room and move to Craftsman Ceiling Fan in the family room and have Modern Kitchen Island Pendant. Using all the different styles makes for to much confusion and chaos. It is the consistent flow of one main theme, which brings a complete design, to your interior decorating project.
About the Author:
Dennis Romano is a lighting store owner and writes about Home Lighting and Light Fixtures.
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
The lamps and lighting in your home can make huge difference to the perception of your home. Lighting chandeliers, wall sconces, vanity strips, floor lamps and table lamps etc. as you are selecting the various types of lighting fixtures for your home lighting, you want to keep in you mind that you need to carry out a main style and theme in order to have a complete total home design. You can very a little bit for interest but be consistent, the over all main theme needs to remain constant. Remember you want to enhance what is there already and in doing so it will bring renewed value, charm, grace and beauty to your home.
Many lamp and lighting manufacturers are now hooking up with designers form other industries, by teaming up, with these designers from other industries; the lighting manufacturers are bringing in new influences from the outside industries to its own industry, to the lighting industry. This is allowing these newly designed lighting styles to flow and fit together as never before with today's most popular looks for home fashions.
To name a few Murray Feiss has teamed up with Bob Mackie, he bring a new type of glamour to his lighting designs. The Minka Group has teamed up with Jessica McClintock; she brings romance and her own special flair to her lamps and lighting designs. Cristina Saralegui has mostly recently joined the team in the Ambience division of the Minka Group she brings a Latin flair with her Casa Cristina collection of table lamps and floor lamps. Hi-Lite Mfg. has teamed up with the Sara Lee Semi-Homemade, Sara Lee has concentrated on kitchen island lighting and pot racks she bring magic once again to the kitchen. Tracy Porter and Savoy House have teamed together to create the Tracy Porter Collection, Tracy is creating enchanting designs from her studio in Wisconsin. Maxim Lighting and Doug Wilson are teaming together to offer something new; many of you may know Doug Wilson from his designing on the Trading Spaces television show. These are just a few of the lighting manufacturers that have teamed up with designers from other industries, and it has proven to be a great success. Designers from outside the lighting industry bring an entirely new fresh appeal to today's home fashion and lamps and lighting fixtures.
When beginning your interior decorating project, remember start with a main theme and be consistent with that theme. Carry it on through out the entire house, if you have chosen a Tuscan theme, have that be your inspiration. Always keep that Tuscan theme you have chosen in the back of your mind at all times whenever you are making any type of selection to use anywhere in your home. Especially with your home lighting, Chandeliers, Bath and Vanity lights, Exterior Lighting and your Table Lamps and Floor Lamps etc.
Don't stop just at the lighting; carry it on into everything you select. Select your Door Hardware, Cabinet Hardware, Kitchen and Bathroom Faucets with your main theme in mind. Again I can't stress enough be consistent it really pays off.
You don't want to start with Modern Entry Pendant Light, then use a Tuscan Chandelier in the living room and move to Craftsman Ceiling Fan in the family room and have Modern Kitchen Island Pendant. Using all the different styles makes for to much confusion and chaos. It is the consistent flow of one main theme, which brings a complete design, to your interior decorating project.
About the Author:
Dennis Romano is a lighting store owner and writes about Home Lighting and Light Fixtures.
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Choosing floor and wall covering fabrics for all your decorating needs
The texture of fabrics varies but all of them add warmth and personality to a room. Many possibilities are available in decorating shops, making the work even easier by selling fabrics and papers in the same pattern. Traditionally it was used to cover walls but has since given way to wallpaper, which is more practical and easy to use while carrying out the same function.
Here are ten household helpful hints for choosing floor and wall covering fabrics to decorate your home:
1. Use fabrics to provide soundproofing in noisy rooms.
2. Curtains or blinds allow us to play with light.
3. Choose flooring like according to a room’s use.
4. Use tough floorings like marble, stone, or tiles where lots of people move about, especially if they have hard heels or dirty soles.
5. Use warm flooring like carpets or wood where you will walk barefoot.
6. Before choosing flooring, try and determine how it will look in the lighting of a room.
7. Take good care of your flooring to ensure it will last a long time.
8. Avoid paint in areas with heavy circulation. Tiles and marble are both washable and longer lasting.
9. When deciding on the flooring and the wall coverings remember just how much space they occupy and therefore how important they are.
10. Well-matched wall coverings and floorings can be mutually enhancing so it is best to select them at the same time.
About the author:
About The Author: Roger King has been involved in home interior designs for several years, and has been helping people find and review the best value for interior design solutions. Visit his Web site http://www.all-homeinteriordesigns.com/to learn more about this service.
Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
Here are ten household helpful hints for choosing floor and wall covering fabrics to decorate your home:
1. Use fabrics to provide soundproofing in noisy rooms.
2. Curtains or blinds allow us to play with light.
3. Choose flooring like according to a room’s use.
4. Use tough floorings like marble, stone, or tiles where lots of people move about, especially if they have hard heels or dirty soles.
5. Use warm flooring like carpets or wood where you will walk barefoot.
6. Before choosing flooring, try and determine how it will look in the lighting of a room.
7. Take good care of your flooring to ensure it will last a long time.
8. Avoid paint in areas with heavy circulation. Tiles and marble are both washable and longer lasting.
9. When deciding on the flooring and the wall coverings remember just how much space they occupy and therefore how important they are.
10. Well-matched wall coverings and floorings can be mutually enhancing so it is best to select them at the same time.
About the author:
About The Author: Roger King has been involved in home interior designs for several years, and has been helping people find and review the best value for interior design solutions. Visit his Web site http://www.all-homeinteriordesigns.com/to learn more about this service.
Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
Choosing fabric for curtains in your home décor
There’s more to shopping for curtain fabric than seeking out the perfect print of the weave those complements the color scheme to perfection. Furnishing fabrics are not all suitable for every situation. With the wide range of weaves and weighs of cloth available, make sure the one you buy will do the job you have in mind. The two most important factors to bear in mind when looking for curtain fabric are resistance to fading and the weight of the fabric.
Light resistance curtains, being so close to windows, take a lot of punishment from sunlight. Make sure to close fabrics that are resistant to fading and rotting by the sun’s rays, particularly for rooms which get the sun throughout most of the day. Look at the weight and quality of the fabric. In general, all but the lightest curtains are worth lining, and even some of the thinner softer cloths, which drape well look very limp unless they are lined.
The after-care of made-up curtains also needs some though when choosing fabric. Unless a fabric is labeled and sold as pre-shrunk of fixed-finished, shrinkage have between five and six per cent is considered normal. Fabric needs to be flexible enough to roll around a wooden dowel. All medium-weight fabrics can be used, but look for tightly woven cottons for really reliable results. If curtains are going to need regular washing it is sensible either to pre-wash the fabric, lining and tape, or to make curtain with detachable linings.
About the author:
About The Author: Roger King has been involved in home interior designs for several years, and has been helping people find and review the best value for interior design solutions. Visit his Web site www.all-homeinteriordesigns.com to learn more about this service.
Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
Light resistance curtains, being so close to windows, take a lot of punishment from sunlight. Make sure to close fabrics that are resistant to fading and rotting by the sun’s rays, particularly for rooms which get the sun throughout most of the day. Look at the weight and quality of the fabric. In general, all but the lightest curtains are worth lining, and even some of the thinner softer cloths, which drape well look very limp unless they are lined.
The after-care of made-up curtains also needs some though when choosing fabric. Unless a fabric is labeled and sold as pre-shrunk of fixed-finished, shrinkage have between five and six per cent is considered normal. Fabric needs to be flexible enough to roll around a wooden dowel. All medium-weight fabrics can be used, but look for tightly woven cottons for really reliable results. If curtains are going to need regular washing it is sensible either to pre-wash the fabric, lining and tape, or to make curtain with detachable linings.
About the author:
About The Author: Roger King has been involved in home interior designs for several years, and has been helping people find and review the best value for interior design solutions. Visit his Web site www.all-homeinteriordesigns.com to learn more about this service.
Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
Decorating with Quilts - Room by Room
You know cuddling up with a quilt is one of life's small pleasures. A good book, a cup of hot chocolate, a roaring fire - the picture just isn't complete without a comfy quilt to wrap yourself in.
But quilts can be so much more. Including custom quilts as part of the decor is one of the easiest ways to add warmth to your home's design. In addition to the obvious benefits of color and pattern, quilted fabric accessories add genuine physical, and even emotional, comfort to the rooms in which we live.
Quilts in the Living Room
Today's homes often have cathedral ceilings in the living or great room. Such high ceilings can make the home feel spacious, but sometimes leave it feeling a little cold, too. Plus, it can be hard to find art work large enough to balance the grand walls and make the space feel welcoming.
An oversized quilt can be the answer. Its considerable size can fill in a blank wall while it color and design complements your decor. (As an added bonus, the cost of quilt will often be less than the cost of a painting of equal size.)
Quilts in the Family Room
The family room got its name because it's the room your family comes together in - it's where you gather to relax, talk about your day and shut out the world. But what if your family room windows open right into the neighbors' family room windows? Just close your quilted curtains - insulated panels and roman shades are two types of window coverings tailor-made for quilts.
Think about what else you do in the family room. You watch TV, maybe even play games. Now, imagine a cute, colorful quilt covering the table that you all collect around for Scrabble. It'll make banging your head after losing - again - so much more comfortable.
Quilts in the Dining Room
Whether you are sitting down for a quick bite, a romantic meal or a Thanksgiving feast, consider dressing your dining room table with a table runner to match the spirit of the moment. It's not only one of the best ways to add a little color and cheer, but a quilted table runner or table cloth can protect your table from hot dishes and accidental spills, too.
Quilts in the Bedroom
Nothing can be better than getting ready for a good night's sleep than by slipping under a quilted bed cover made just for you. Having brightened your room all day, it now offers comfort and warmth for the cold night ahead.
And don't forget the fun, new trend in bedroom decorating today - bed toppers. These smaller quilts, designed to coordinate with your existing comforter, can be made in various colors or themes (for example, a holiday topper). It's an easy way to update or freshen a bedroom without replacing your expensive current bedding or buying lots of comforters that you then need to find a place to store.
Quilts in the Nursery
From the minute you bring baby home, you want your precious new family member to know he or she is wrapped in love. Of course, a soft, warm quilted blankie is a given. But you can show your love with a quilted crib set designed especially for the nursery, too.
Add quilted toys to complete the picture. Fabric blocks, dolls, stuffed animals, even cloth books are safe for baby to play with and easy to clean - just toss them in the wash.
Quilts in the Bathroom
The master bath is probably the last place you'd expect a quilt, but why not? Just remember to use a plastic liner and a quilt can make one of the most sophisticated, and unique, shower curtains you've ever seen.
The ways that quilts can be incorporated in interior design don't have to end here. No matter the number or size of the rooms in your house, you can consider custom quilts as the perfect choice practically anywhere fabric is called for!
About the Author:
Author and quilt creator Deidre McLeod invites you to decorate - room by room - with custom quilts from Whimzie Quiltz and More. Have a quilt created just for you or your loved one at http://www.whimziequiltz.com. FREE initial designs; no obligation.
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
But quilts can be so much more. Including custom quilts as part of the decor is one of the easiest ways to add warmth to your home's design. In addition to the obvious benefits of color and pattern, quilted fabric accessories add genuine physical, and even emotional, comfort to the rooms in which we live.
Quilts in the Living Room
Today's homes often have cathedral ceilings in the living or great room. Such high ceilings can make the home feel spacious, but sometimes leave it feeling a little cold, too. Plus, it can be hard to find art work large enough to balance the grand walls and make the space feel welcoming.
An oversized quilt can be the answer. Its considerable size can fill in a blank wall while it color and design complements your decor. (As an added bonus, the cost of quilt will often be less than the cost of a painting of equal size.)
Quilts in the Family Room
The family room got its name because it's the room your family comes together in - it's where you gather to relax, talk about your day and shut out the world. But what if your family room windows open right into the neighbors' family room windows? Just close your quilted curtains - insulated panels and roman shades are two types of window coverings tailor-made for quilts.
Think about what else you do in the family room. You watch TV, maybe even play games. Now, imagine a cute, colorful quilt covering the table that you all collect around for Scrabble. It'll make banging your head after losing - again - so much more comfortable.
Quilts in the Dining Room
Whether you are sitting down for a quick bite, a romantic meal or a Thanksgiving feast, consider dressing your dining room table with a table runner to match the spirit of the moment. It's not only one of the best ways to add a little color and cheer, but a quilted table runner or table cloth can protect your table from hot dishes and accidental spills, too.
Quilts in the Bedroom
Nothing can be better than getting ready for a good night's sleep than by slipping under a quilted bed cover made just for you. Having brightened your room all day, it now offers comfort and warmth for the cold night ahead.
And don't forget the fun, new trend in bedroom decorating today - bed toppers. These smaller quilts, designed to coordinate with your existing comforter, can be made in various colors or themes (for example, a holiday topper). It's an easy way to update or freshen a bedroom without replacing your expensive current bedding or buying lots of comforters that you then need to find a place to store.
Quilts in the Nursery
From the minute you bring baby home, you want your precious new family member to know he or she is wrapped in love. Of course, a soft, warm quilted blankie is a given. But you can show your love with a quilted crib set designed especially for the nursery, too.
Add quilted toys to complete the picture. Fabric blocks, dolls, stuffed animals, even cloth books are safe for baby to play with and easy to clean - just toss them in the wash.
Quilts in the Bathroom
The master bath is probably the last place you'd expect a quilt, but why not? Just remember to use a plastic liner and a quilt can make one of the most sophisticated, and unique, shower curtains you've ever seen.
The ways that quilts can be incorporated in interior design don't have to end here. No matter the number or size of the rooms in your house, you can consider custom quilts as the perfect choice practically anywhere fabric is called for!
About the Author:
Author and quilt creator Deidre McLeod invites you to decorate - room by room - with custom quilts from Whimzie Quiltz and More. Have a quilt created just for you or your loved one at http://www.whimziequiltz.com. FREE initial designs; no obligation.
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Find Envious Home Lighting to Match Any Decor
Over the years and through the ages, there have been many different styles that have been considered Transitional. Whenever one popular style gave way to another, there would often be homes that were in the midst of change, or transition, from the old style to the new. The same is true today when it comes to the Traditional and Contemporary styles. In fact, homes that are considered to be Transitional in today's age are normally a combination of these two popular styles.
During the post war era, the use of sleek, clean lines in interior decorating became very popular. Then and today, contemporary interiors have certain characteristics that really identifies the style which include clean lines, sculptural furnishings, art, neutral elements and bold color.
Traditionally decorated spaces, on the other hand, are comforting and filled with exquisite, classically designed furnishings and accessories. Taking inspiration from such style periods as Georgian, Tudor and Regency, Traditional décor has perhaps the homiest feel over all other types of décor. Characterized by centered and straight furniture arrangements, the Traditional style is also identified by the presence of pairs of accessories or pieces of furniture rather than just a solitary piece. When you blend these two types of decorating into a Transitional style, you open your home up to a multitude of possibilities when it comes to décor and especially when it comes to home lighting.
Choosing the proper lighting is perhaps one of the most important facets of decorating your home and creating an atmosphere of warmth and comfort. And the technology associated with home lighting today has made it easier than ever before to accomplish grand things in your home with just the flick of the switch. With the right light, you can make an average room look spectacular, disguise flaws and emphasize assets. Lighting can enhance color schemes and make odd rooms seem intimate and cozy. When choosing lighting for a Transitional space, you have the option of choosing lighting from either of the two styles or both of them if you prefer. Contemporary lighting fixtures feature bold color or metallic accents and a unique style. Recessed or track lighting is also very popular in Contemporary homes. Most Traditional lighting sources incorporate materials such as brass, crystal, metal, wood and art glass. Shades can be made from a wide variety of soft fabrics including linen, cloth and silk.
With Transitional lighting there is no end to the options of home lighting. Some manufacturers have even designed specific lines of home lighting that incorporates both Contemporary and Traditional styles to create a Transitional style lighting product. As you can imagine, the looks and colors associated with this lighting is widely varied and exciting to decorate with.
So, if you are looking to decorate your home in the ever-popular Transitional style, your lighting options are endless. Why not browse to see what Transitional lighting options are available today?
About the Author:
Pamela Tice is the owner of http://www.simplytablelamps.com . Her store offers a complete selection of trendy Decorative Lighting and faboulous Table Lamps.
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
During the post war era, the use of sleek, clean lines in interior decorating became very popular. Then and today, contemporary interiors have certain characteristics that really identifies the style which include clean lines, sculptural furnishings, art, neutral elements and bold color.
Traditionally decorated spaces, on the other hand, are comforting and filled with exquisite, classically designed furnishings and accessories. Taking inspiration from such style periods as Georgian, Tudor and Regency, Traditional décor has perhaps the homiest feel over all other types of décor. Characterized by centered and straight furniture arrangements, the Traditional style is also identified by the presence of pairs of accessories or pieces of furniture rather than just a solitary piece. When you blend these two types of decorating into a Transitional style, you open your home up to a multitude of possibilities when it comes to décor and especially when it comes to home lighting.
Choosing the proper lighting is perhaps one of the most important facets of decorating your home and creating an atmosphere of warmth and comfort. And the technology associated with home lighting today has made it easier than ever before to accomplish grand things in your home with just the flick of the switch. With the right light, you can make an average room look spectacular, disguise flaws and emphasize assets. Lighting can enhance color schemes and make odd rooms seem intimate and cozy. When choosing lighting for a Transitional space, you have the option of choosing lighting from either of the two styles or both of them if you prefer. Contemporary lighting fixtures feature bold color or metallic accents and a unique style. Recessed or track lighting is also very popular in Contemporary homes. Most Traditional lighting sources incorporate materials such as brass, crystal, metal, wood and art glass. Shades can be made from a wide variety of soft fabrics including linen, cloth and silk.
With Transitional lighting there is no end to the options of home lighting. Some manufacturers have even designed specific lines of home lighting that incorporates both Contemporary and Traditional styles to create a Transitional style lighting product. As you can imagine, the looks and colors associated with this lighting is widely varied and exciting to decorate with.
So, if you are looking to decorate your home in the ever-popular Transitional style, your lighting options are endless. Why not browse to see what Transitional lighting options are available today?
About the Author:
Pamela Tice is the owner of http://www.simplytablelamps.com . Her store offers a complete selection of trendy Decorative Lighting and faboulous Table Lamps.
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
Friday, August 25, 2006
Small Spaces? Choose a Compact Dishwasher
Less than a decade ago if you had a small kitchen there was no hope for a dishwasher and you were doomed to have dish pan hands. But Those days are gone and now you can choose a compact dishwasher that will take up just a small portion of your kitchen counter.
Whether you live in an apartment, mobile home, condo, trailer, or RV here are just a few of your options.
1. Haier Dishwasher This compact model is convenient and reliable and it will sit on your table or counter. It holds a full 4 place settings and it has a silver basket that you can remove for just a little more space. It has 3 wash cycles and it comes with the adaptor kit for your sink.
2. Haier Table Top Dishwasher This is a true space saver with easy touch pad controls and three automatic wash cycles. It even has a rinse and hold cycle which is very convenient. It's quiet and you can have it running without interfering with conversation or watching your favorite shows.
3. Danby DDW396W Danby has a reputation for building a terrific space saver dishwasher that's reliable and affordable. It is a mini size model that's been engineered to perform like its larger counterparts. You don't have to sacrifice performance for size. Danby continues to provide a product you can rely on every year.
4. Bosch SKT5102GB Offers you two temperature settings and it will hold a full four place setting. It has 5 programmed settings which include Intensive, Normal, Economy, Glasses, and Warm Pre Rinse. It also has an adjustable water softener. It has an easy to clean triple filter system and the rinse aid has a convenient refill indicator. The stainless steel interior looks great and it appears functional.
5. Zanussi It has 5 place settings and residual heat drying. It is energy efficient and has a built in heating element. It also comes with a flood protection element which is a nice touch.
6. Vesta Designed this dishwasher for small spaces. In fact it will fit anywhere including your RV yet you can easily get four place settings in it. There are three wash programs and two different temperature settings. And the super quiet operation is a real bonus. Clean up is a breeze with the stainless steel interior and easy to clean trap.
Today there is no reason why you need to suffer from dish pan hands. There are compact dishwashers that will fit your cabin, apartment, trailer, mobile home, or RV counter space with no problem. So are you ready to get convenient?
About the Author:
Dan is a part-time appliances repairman and with his dishwasher website at http://www.alldishwashers.com , he gives reviews of both commercial and residential models and states common problems that he encounters with each one, with solutions! To learn more visit the portable dishwasher website.
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
Whether you live in an apartment, mobile home, condo, trailer, or RV here are just a few of your options.
1. Haier Dishwasher This compact model is convenient and reliable and it will sit on your table or counter. It holds a full 4 place settings and it has a silver basket that you can remove for just a little more space. It has 3 wash cycles and it comes with the adaptor kit for your sink.
2. Haier Table Top Dishwasher This is a true space saver with easy touch pad controls and three automatic wash cycles. It even has a rinse and hold cycle which is very convenient. It's quiet and you can have it running without interfering with conversation or watching your favorite shows.
3. Danby DDW396W Danby has a reputation for building a terrific space saver dishwasher that's reliable and affordable. It is a mini size model that's been engineered to perform like its larger counterparts. You don't have to sacrifice performance for size. Danby continues to provide a product you can rely on every year.
4. Bosch SKT5102GB Offers you two temperature settings and it will hold a full four place setting. It has 5 programmed settings which include Intensive, Normal, Economy, Glasses, and Warm Pre Rinse. It also has an adjustable water softener. It has an easy to clean triple filter system and the rinse aid has a convenient refill indicator. The stainless steel interior looks great and it appears functional.
5. Zanussi It has 5 place settings and residual heat drying. It is energy efficient and has a built in heating element. It also comes with a flood protection element which is a nice touch.
6. Vesta Designed this dishwasher for small spaces. In fact it will fit anywhere including your RV yet you can easily get four place settings in it. There are three wash programs and two different temperature settings. And the super quiet operation is a real bonus. Clean up is a breeze with the stainless steel interior and easy to clean trap.
Today there is no reason why you need to suffer from dish pan hands. There are compact dishwashers that will fit your cabin, apartment, trailer, mobile home, or RV counter space with no problem. So are you ready to get convenient?
About the Author:
Dan is a part-time appliances repairman and with his dishwasher website at http://www.alldishwashers.com , he gives reviews of both commercial and residential models and states common problems that he encounters with each one, with solutions! To learn more visit the portable dishwasher website.
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Finding Curtain Patterns
If you are one that is interested in sewing your own curtains, you might be on the look out for the perfect curtain pattern. Having a pattern for the curtains that you want to make will it make easier, and maybe even make the process of curtain making a lot smoother. However, you will find that when you are looking for a particular pattern for your curtains, there are many styles for you to choose from. From valances to panels you are going to find the styles to be quite intriguing to make as well as choose from. Many places sell patterns that you can look through for curtains, if you know where to look.
If you are lucky enough to have a local fabric store, you are going to find that they carry curtain patterns. Going to the fabric store and flipping through their pattern book just might lead you to the perfect pattern for your curtains. After you have flipped through all of the books you will then go to the huge filing cabinet to search for the pattern number that you are wanting. This will let you know if the pattern is available or not, and they should be in the cabinet in numerical order. It is always best to choose more than one pattern you are interested in, in case one is not available.
Another great place that you will find curtain patterns is online. By doing a simple search you are bound to come up with many places that will sell patterns so that you can make your own curtains. However, just be warned that a pattern is very light so shipping should not be much for any pattern that you are having mailed to your home. Also make sure that you are able to see a good picture and details of the pattern before you purchase it online. It is also not a bad idea to know your measurements, and make sure that the pattern you buy will accommodate the size curtains that you need.
You can always make your own curtain pattern out of muslin material for a few bucks. Using muslin as your pattern, you can play with that material until you get it just the way that you want it before you actually sew a real curtain. Muslin is often used for mock patterns of dresses as well as many other things. This is a great idea, and you will not have to buy a pattern any longer when you know how to do this.
As you can see, curtain patterns are available in many places. Wether you go out shopping for one, shop online, or make your own. You are sure to end up with the curtains that you have been wanting.
About the author:
Gayle is an independent interior designer in his local community. He had worked in a local fabric store for more than 10 years before starting his own venture. Currently, he specialized further by jumping into the home curtains industry. At his weekly updated website, http://www.anycurtains.com, he shows home owners simple ways to use your curtains to spruce up the look of your interior. Visit the curtain ideas website to learn more.
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
If you are lucky enough to have a local fabric store, you are going to find that they carry curtain patterns. Going to the fabric store and flipping through their pattern book just might lead you to the perfect pattern for your curtains. After you have flipped through all of the books you will then go to the huge filing cabinet to search for the pattern number that you are wanting. This will let you know if the pattern is available or not, and they should be in the cabinet in numerical order. It is always best to choose more than one pattern you are interested in, in case one is not available.
Another great place that you will find curtain patterns is online. By doing a simple search you are bound to come up with many places that will sell patterns so that you can make your own curtains. However, just be warned that a pattern is very light so shipping should not be much for any pattern that you are having mailed to your home. Also make sure that you are able to see a good picture and details of the pattern before you purchase it online. It is also not a bad idea to know your measurements, and make sure that the pattern you buy will accommodate the size curtains that you need.
You can always make your own curtain pattern out of muslin material for a few bucks. Using muslin as your pattern, you can play with that material until you get it just the way that you want it before you actually sew a real curtain. Muslin is often used for mock patterns of dresses as well as many other things. This is a great idea, and you will not have to buy a pattern any longer when you know how to do this.
As you can see, curtain patterns are available in many places. Wether you go out shopping for one, shop online, or make your own. You are sure to end up with the curtains that you have been wanting.
About the author:
Gayle is an independent interior designer in his local community. He had worked in a local fabric store for more than 10 years before starting his own venture. Currently, he specialized further by jumping into the home curtains industry. At his weekly updated website, http://www.anycurtains.com, he shows home owners simple ways to use your curtains to spruce up the look of your interior. Visit the curtain ideas website to learn more.
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
A Look at Carpet
Carpets are one of the most romanticized consumer items which have a long history dating back to 4th millennium BC. The romance still lingers on in the Arabian world which is evident from the value they place on owning expensive carpets. A gold laced pure wool carpet was among the wedding gifts received by the reigning Sheikh of Saudi Arabia in 1978.
Carpets and rugs are not the same as is confusedly interchanged by some people. While carpets are generally used as floor coverings rugs are used on beds and tables.
Types of Carpets
Carpets can be classified into three categories regardless of their end uses, either domestic or industrial.
1. Loom produced woven carpets: You can have multicolored carpets having intricate designs, woven to cut pile. The multiple color and intricate designs are woven by using different colored yarns. Woven carpets command the highest price in the market.
2. Tufted carpets: These are produced by high speed tufting machines in single colors yarns. Only basic patterns are possible in tufting machines and are sold as low end carpets.
3. Needlefelt carpets: These are used in high traffic places such as hotels etc and are made on high technology machines by synthetic fibers. These are of high quality and cost a lot more than the other two.
Carpets are generally rolled open from wall to wall covering the entire area of the room. They are always exposed to dust and stains such as inks and tea. Carpet cleaning is a specialized service you can hire for cleaning and removing tough stains. But there lot many things you can do to take care of them.
Carpet Care At Home
Since carpets enhance the looks of the room, maintaining them calls for utmost attention. Here we are not talking of cleaning carpets after they are stained. Dirt and sand damage the tiny fibers if they are allowed to stay there. Use rugs outside the front doors which remove maximum dirt there. Avoiding shoes over carpets help a lot. Vacuum clean the carpets regularly.
Don’t allow stains to dry, rinse immediately using a stain remover and after you did it, remove the stain remover too. These solvents, if left over, will affect the fibers and colors slowly but surely. How will you remove stain remover? A domestic vacuum cleaner will do. Soak the spot where the solvent is applied and extract it repeatedly until you are satisfied.
About the author:
Alan Ross is a regular article contributor on many topics. Be sure to visit his other websites Carpet Cleaning, Atkins Diet and One Stop Information.
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
Carpets and rugs are not the same as is confusedly interchanged by some people. While carpets are generally used as floor coverings rugs are used on beds and tables.
Types of Carpets
Carpets can be classified into three categories regardless of their end uses, either domestic or industrial.
1. Loom produced woven carpets: You can have multicolored carpets having intricate designs, woven to cut pile. The multiple color and intricate designs are woven by using different colored yarns. Woven carpets command the highest price in the market.
2. Tufted carpets: These are produced by high speed tufting machines in single colors yarns. Only basic patterns are possible in tufting machines and are sold as low end carpets.
3. Needlefelt carpets: These are used in high traffic places such as hotels etc and are made on high technology machines by synthetic fibers. These are of high quality and cost a lot more than the other two.
Carpets are generally rolled open from wall to wall covering the entire area of the room. They are always exposed to dust and stains such as inks and tea. Carpet cleaning is a specialized service you can hire for cleaning and removing tough stains. But there lot many things you can do to take care of them.
Carpet Care At Home
Since carpets enhance the looks of the room, maintaining them calls for utmost attention. Here we are not talking of cleaning carpets after they are stained. Dirt and sand damage the tiny fibers if they are allowed to stay there. Use rugs outside the front doors which remove maximum dirt there. Avoiding shoes over carpets help a lot. Vacuum clean the carpets regularly.
Don’t allow stains to dry, rinse immediately using a stain remover and after you did it, remove the stain remover too. These solvents, if left over, will affect the fibers and colors slowly but surely. How will you remove stain remover? A domestic vacuum cleaner will do. Soak the spot where the solvent is applied and extract it repeatedly until you are satisfied.
About the author:
Alan Ross is a regular article contributor on many topics. Be sure to visit his other websites Carpet Cleaning, Atkins Diet and One Stop Information.
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
Bedroom Furniture
It's a fact that most of us will be spending a third of our lives in our bedrooms. We start the day inside the bedroom, and we will end the day sleeping in our beds. Why not make the most of it and make our bedroom furniture as comfortable and durable as we can.
Shopping for decent bedroom furniture can really become a difficult and expensive task. By knowing what and how to choose for your bedroom, shopping can turn out to be really fun and entertaining.
It is highly advised not to sacrifice quality for affordability. However, that case may be that you cannot sacrifice affordability. Therefore, you must set standards when you're shopping for your bedroom furniture. Be wise in choosing your furniture; you don?t want to clean out your savings account just for a couple of pieces of bedroom furniture. Be warned that there are plenty of furniture manufacturers out there who will easily convince you to buy a very expensive, but not so durable piece of furniture.
It is important to remember that in choosing bedroom furniture you must take into consideration good craftsmanship. Because of the fact that bedroom furniture will be used more often than any other household furniture, it is only practical to buy furniture with the highest craftsmanship to ensure durability. By doing so, you will be able to save money on repairs or buying a new set.
In looking for bedroom furniture, remember that you can find both good quality furniture and bad quality furniture being sold under the same roof. It is highly advised that you inspect every piece closely to ensure that both good craftsmanship and quality materials are used. Quality materials go hand in hand with good craftsmanship in making lasting furniture.
Remember, you'll be spending a third of your life using bedroom furniture, so it's advisable that wherever you decide to buy your bedroom furniture, make sure that it is of the highest quality and craftsmanship.
Furniture provides detailed information on Furniture, Bedroom Furniture, Patio Furniture, Office Furniture and more. Furniture is affiliated with Office Computer Furniture.
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
Shopping for decent bedroom furniture can really become a difficult and expensive task. By knowing what and how to choose for your bedroom, shopping can turn out to be really fun and entertaining.
It is highly advised not to sacrifice quality for affordability. However, that case may be that you cannot sacrifice affordability. Therefore, you must set standards when you're shopping for your bedroom furniture. Be wise in choosing your furniture; you don?t want to clean out your savings account just for a couple of pieces of bedroom furniture. Be warned that there are plenty of furniture manufacturers out there who will easily convince you to buy a very expensive, but not so durable piece of furniture.
It is important to remember that in choosing bedroom furniture you must take into consideration good craftsmanship. Because of the fact that bedroom furniture will be used more often than any other household furniture, it is only practical to buy furniture with the highest craftsmanship to ensure durability. By doing so, you will be able to save money on repairs or buying a new set.
In looking for bedroom furniture, remember that you can find both good quality furniture and bad quality furniture being sold under the same roof. It is highly advised that you inspect every piece closely to ensure that both good craftsmanship and quality materials are used. Quality materials go hand in hand with good craftsmanship in making lasting furniture.
Remember, you'll be spending a third of your life using bedroom furniture, so it's advisable that wherever you decide to buy your bedroom furniture, make sure that it is of the highest quality and craftsmanship.
Furniture provides detailed information on Furniture, Bedroom Furniture, Patio Furniture, Office Furniture and more. Furniture is affiliated with Office Computer Furniture.
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Tips Before Buying a Coffee Table
For a long time, the coffee table was viewed as an also-ran in the glittering world of living space furniture. In the shadow of furniture pieces such as sofas, love seats, and chairs, the utilitarian coffee tables character was barely ever acknowledged.
Since then, homeowners have changed their position. Most of us now recognize the real aptitude of the coffee table. An important part of the living space in its own right, this piece of furniture is now accepted as a critical piece of furniture that sets the atmosphere of living area decor.
What to Remember
The style, shape, and size of your coffee table should be based on two critical criteria: the current style of your interior decor and what usage the table is going to have within the space. If young children are at home, the table should be robust and functional, whereas if you entertain often, you should keep functionality as well as appearance in mind.
What Style to Choose
The ideal table should not only become part of your living area setting, it should also be functional and sturdy. While choosing a coffee table, you must take into account its usability and convenience as well as the style of your living space.
Traditional Coffee Tables
Traditional coffee tables can either be elaborately carved or have a plain, understated appearance. These coffee tables are usually crafted from wood, hardwood solids, veneers, or a combination of wood components. They typically have sumptuous details, vertical lines, rigorous symmetry, and high-gloss finishes that accent formal home interior decors.
Some traditional coffee tables include a decorative metal or wrought iron base with a glass top. Striking a balance between classic styling and trendy look, these tables are consistently gaining in popularity.
Contemporary Coffee Tables
Contemporary coffee tables typically present clean lines, bold colors, and a spare, minimalist design. Modern coffee tables are regularly made from metal, glass, leather, or stone and may sport geometric or other artistic shapes. Contemporary designs in wood are in addition really prevalent.
The right-sized coffee table
A standard coffee table height is typically between 16 to 18 inches. If you entertain frequently, you may like your coffee table to be higher so your guests won't be inconvenienced while setting down their drinks.
One prevalent guideline is that your coffee table should be about the same height, or about 1 to 2 inches lower than the seat height of your sofa. The perfect length of the coffee table should be about two-thirds the length of the sofa.
However, the right size and height of a coffee table should be determined by the dimensions of your other living space furniture in conjunction with your comfort level and convenience.
About the Author:
Browse a large selection of tables at http://www.symphonycoffeetables.com. You will be able to view the style of coffee tables that fits your needs.
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
Since then, homeowners have changed their position. Most of us now recognize the real aptitude of the coffee table. An important part of the living space in its own right, this piece of furniture is now accepted as a critical piece of furniture that sets the atmosphere of living area decor.
What to Remember
The style, shape, and size of your coffee table should be based on two critical criteria: the current style of your interior decor and what usage the table is going to have within the space. If young children are at home, the table should be robust and functional, whereas if you entertain often, you should keep functionality as well as appearance in mind.
What Style to Choose
The ideal table should not only become part of your living area setting, it should also be functional and sturdy. While choosing a coffee table, you must take into account its usability and convenience as well as the style of your living space.
Traditional Coffee Tables
Traditional coffee tables can either be elaborately carved or have a plain, understated appearance. These coffee tables are usually crafted from wood, hardwood solids, veneers, or a combination of wood components. They typically have sumptuous details, vertical lines, rigorous symmetry, and high-gloss finishes that accent formal home interior decors.
Some traditional coffee tables include a decorative metal or wrought iron base with a glass top. Striking a balance between classic styling and trendy look, these tables are consistently gaining in popularity.
Contemporary Coffee Tables
Contemporary coffee tables typically present clean lines, bold colors, and a spare, minimalist design. Modern coffee tables are regularly made from metal, glass, leather, or stone and may sport geometric or other artistic shapes. Contemporary designs in wood are in addition really prevalent.
The right-sized coffee table
A standard coffee table height is typically between 16 to 18 inches. If you entertain frequently, you may like your coffee table to be higher so your guests won't be inconvenienced while setting down their drinks.
One prevalent guideline is that your coffee table should be about the same height, or about 1 to 2 inches lower than the seat height of your sofa. The perfect length of the coffee table should be about two-thirds the length of the sofa.
However, the right size and height of a coffee table should be determined by the dimensions of your other living space furniture in conjunction with your comfort level and convenience.
About the Author:
Browse a large selection of tables at http://www.symphonycoffeetables.com. You will be able to view the style of coffee tables that fits your needs.
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
Curio Cabinets: Beauty, Grace, and Sophistication
Nothing is as marvelous and inventive as a well made cabinets. Some cabinets have a better reputation and a better purpose than other cabinets. I like having a cabinet that is functional and beautiful at the same time. This is not always easily accomplished. I know that I have a ton of those knick knacks that are forever popular. I store them in number of the curio cabinets that I have in my home. Of course, some of these beauties are more useful than others; some are better constructed than others.
How do you find the perfect curio cabinet? Well, that answer is not always an easy one. For instance, some curio cabinets are antique and cost a small fortune although they may not look like they should be worth that much. Other times, you can get newer models of curio cabinets that are relatively cheap, but look like they should cost a small fortune. Obviously, I prefer the latter. I want a cheap cabinet that looks like I spent a lot of money on it.
Just because it is cheap does not I want it to fall apart. When I want something cheap I want something that is still durable and functional. Lower price does not equate to falling apart. I want something that will last and last and last. I do not think anyone wants to buy something that will fall apart no matter the cost.
You can get curio cabinets at almost any retail store, department store, and often you can get lucky and find them at secondhand stores and rummage sales. There are so many of these beauties that it is easy to find them almost anywhere you go. Thrift stores are a great way to save money and get the best product for your needs. They are great for home and office; I even have a curio cabinet in my camper. That's right, no matter where you want to add a few extra collectibles, a curio cabinet can make that space all the better.
Curio cabinets are a great weekend project for that do-it-yourselfer as well. Never before has something been so easy to create than one of these wonderful cabinets. You can get free patterns via the Internet and often you can get them sent to your e-mail box at no charge. You can get fancy ones; you can get plain ones. Whatever you want, you can get with curio cabinets. All you have to do is open your eyes to the endless possibilities offered with each cabinet.
They serve a useful purpose either being decorative or plain. You get a great deal regardless of the price you spend. Curio cabinets just seem to get more beautiful as time goes on. These wonderful creations are amazing and brighten our lives with their beauty, grace, and ultimate sophistication.
About the author:
Delbert has been a co-author of many cabinet making books such as "Cabinet Making Magic". For more than 14 years, he had taught workshop classes at his local community high school. At http://www.i-furnitures.com, Delbert will take you through a step by step guide on how to make ideal, space saving, and inexpensive bathroom vanity cabinets that is right for your home.
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
How do you find the perfect curio cabinet? Well, that answer is not always an easy one. For instance, some curio cabinets are antique and cost a small fortune although they may not look like they should be worth that much. Other times, you can get newer models of curio cabinets that are relatively cheap, but look like they should cost a small fortune. Obviously, I prefer the latter. I want a cheap cabinet that looks like I spent a lot of money on it.
Just because it is cheap does not I want it to fall apart. When I want something cheap I want something that is still durable and functional. Lower price does not equate to falling apart. I want something that will last and last and last. I do not think anyone wants to buy something that will fall apart no matter the cost.
You can get curio cabinets at almost any retail store, department store, and often you can get lucky and find them at secondhand stores and rummage sales. There are so many of these beauties that it is easy to find them almost anywhere you go. Thrift stores are a great way to save money and get the best product for your needs. They are great for home and office; I even have a curio cabinet in my camper. That's right, no matter where you want to add a few extra collectibles, a curio cabinet can make that space all the better.
Curio cabinets are a great weekend project for that do-it-yourselfer as well. Never before has something been so easy to create than one of these wonderful cabinets. You can get free patterns via the Internet and often you can get them sent to your e-mail box at no charge. You can get fancy ones; you can get plain ones. Whatever you want, you can get with curio cabinets. All you have to do is open your eyes to the endless possibilities offered with each cabinet.
They serve a useful purpose either being decorative or plain. You get a great deal regardless of the price you spend. Curio cabinets just seem to get more beautiful as time goes on. These wonderful creations are amazing and brighten our lives with their beauty, grace, and ultimate sophistication.
About the author:
Delbert has been a co-author of many cabinet making books such as "Cabinet Making Magic". For more than 14 years, he had taught workshop classes at his local community high school. At http://www.i-furnitures.com, Delbert will take you through a step by step guide on how to make ideal, space saving, and inexpensive bathroom vanity cabinets that is right for your home.
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
An Introduction To Lamp Shades
Lamp shades are decorative covers for lamps. They are used to diffuse and direct light coming from a lamp or light bulb. Shades can be conical, cylindrical, or take on other forms. They can fit floor, desk, or table top lamp models. Suspended lamp models are also very popular. Some lamps come with their own shades; others can be fitted with shades that can be bought at home décor stores. Shades can also be custom-tailored to fit lamps of all sizes.
Some lamps come with their own shades; others can be fitted with shades that can be bought at home décor stores. Shades can also be custom-tailored to fit lamps of all sizes. Many artists specialize in custom-made lamp shades.
Lamp shade crafter's handbooks are also widely available on the market. These contain instructions for creating complete lamp shades from scratch. They also have techniques on improving or repairing lamp shades you may already have at home. A common technique in refinishing old lamp shades is decoupage or pasting patterns over existing plain shades.
Maintaining lamp shades
Lamp shades are quite easy to maintain. Before attempting to clean your lamp and its shade, be sure to unplug the cord first. Take off the shade from the lamp. If it is made of fabric, use detergent and warm water to wash it (check if the fabric is color-safe). Just dip the shade in sudsy water and then rinse in clean water. Use mild detergents only; dish-washing liquids are fine. The cloth will stretch and sag while wet. It should tighten up again when it gets dry. To dry, hang over a bathtub or hang from an outdoor clothesline. You can also pat dry with a thick bath towel until it is almost dry and put it back over your lamp. The heat from the bulb will finish drying it out. If you are cleaning a plastic, plastic-coated, laminated, parchment or fiberglass shaded, merely wipe it with a lathered up cloth or sponge. Rinse with a clean damp cloth and then wipe dry.
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
Some lamps come with their own shades; others can be fitted with shades that can be bought at home décor stores. Shades can also be custom-tailored to fit lamps of all sizes. Many artists specialize in custom-made lamp shades.
Lamp shade crafter's handbooks are also widely available on the market. These contain instructions for creating complete lamp shades from scratch. They also have techniques on improving or repairing lamp shades you may already have at home. A common technique in refinishing old lamp shades is decoupage or pasting patterns over existing plain shades.
Maintaining lamp shades
Lamp shades are quite easy to maintain. Before attempting to clean your lamp and its shade, be sure to unplug the cord first. Take off the shade from the lamp. If it is made of fabric, use detergent and warm water to wash it (check if the fabric is color-safe). Just dip the shade in sudsy water and then rinse in clean water. Use mild detergents only; dish-washing liquids are fine. The cloth will stretch and sag while wet. It should tighten up again when it gets dry. To dry, hang over a bathtub or hang from an outdoor clothesline. You can also pat dry with a thick bath towel until it is almost dry and put it back over your lamp. The heat from the bulb will finish drying it out. If you are cleaning a plastic, plastic-coated, laminated, parchment or fiberglass shaded, merely wipe it with a lathered up cloth or sponge. Rinse with a clean damp cloth and then wipe dry.
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
Silk Floor Plants
Indoor plants are one way that you can liven up your home or your office. Lovely plants such as Heliconia, Lily, Hiberian Ivy, Dieffenbachia, Dracaena Massangeana, Evergreen and Schefflera are only some plants that you can find decorated in places you have visited in the past.
But trying to maintain a plant or two inside the office or your home can be tedious and expensive. Though it livens up your mood, it can eat up your time and might even put a strain on your wallet. Plants wither and die and having soil indoors can be very messy.
If you do not mind decorating your place with synthetic silk floor plants as an alternative to the real thing, the indoor plants that have been aforementioned all have silk plant counterparts. You can find some with the same vibrant colors, but without the hassles of maintaining the live plant. Although some of these silk plants can be in the same price range as a live plant, in the long run you would find it more economical to have silk plants looking bright and new by simply wiping away the dust, as opposed to having to repurchase a new one because your live plant has withered and died. A synthetic silk floor plant would have the same feel as the real one, and you can choose from the existing sizes without the fear that it will grow too large.
Silk floor plants can cost as little as $40 to around $125. And, similar to the live versions of these plants, you can also accessorize these synthetic plants with wonderfully made pots. There are pots that are baskets, but there are also those that are made of fiberglass or chrome or rattan wood, with different colors. The investment for these accessories can also be expensive, costing you as little as $15 to as much as $60.
Silk Plants provides detailed information on Discount Silk Plants, Silk Floor Plants, Silk Hanging Plants, Silk Plant Arrangements and more. Silk Plants is affiliated with Silk Trees Info.
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
But trying to maintain a plant or two inside the office or your home can be tedious and expensive. Though it livens up your mood, it can eat up your time and might even put a strain on your wallet. Plants wither and die and having soil indoors can be very messy.
If you do not mind decorating your place with synthetic silk floor plants as an alternative to the real thing, the indoor plants that have been aforementioned all have silk plant counterparts. You can find some with the same vibrant colors, but without the hassles of maintaining the live plant. Although some of these silk plants can be in the same price range as a live plant, in the long run you would find it more economical to have silk plants looking bright and new by simply wiping away the dust, as opposed to having to repurchase a new one because your live plant has withered and died. A synthetic silk floor plant would have the same feel as the real one, and you can choose from the existing sizes without the fear that it will grow too large.
Silk floor plants can cost as little as $40 to around $125. And, similar to the live versions of these plants, you can also accessorize these synthetic plants with wonderfully made pots. There are pots that are baskets, but there are also those that are made of fiberglass or chrome or rattan wood, with different colors. The investment for these accessories can also be expensive, costing you as little as $15 to as much as $60.
Silk Plants provides detailed information on Discount Silk Plants, Silk Floor Plants, Silk Hanging Plants, Silk Plant Arrangements and more. Silk Plants is affiliated with Silk Trees Info.
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
Monday, August 21, 2006
Halogen Floor Lamps
Halogen light technology is a step forward for floor lamps.
Tungsten-halogen technology surpasses the traditional incandescent lighting in both energy efficiency and in the ability to focus the light. While halogen bulbs aren’t as energy efficient as fluorescent lighting, they are very efficient at pin pointing their light in a specific direction, thanks to their parabolic aluminized reflector that redirects light that previously would have been scattered in undesired directions. Thus, halogen lights are ideal for galleries and gardens where specific items need to be showcased through spotlighting. Halogen lights are also perfect reading lights.
Note that halogen floor lamps should be chosen as a reading light or a spotlight only – not as a primary source of light for a room. Primary halogen lamps shine their light directly on the ceiling and depend on the usually white ceiling to reflect that light throughout the room. Due to the inefficiency of this process, these lights must be much more powerful than a more specialized lamp. Also, this application wastes the halogen lamp’s ability to accurately focus light in a tight beam, and they are restricted to rooms with white or light color ceilings that lack texture.
Halogen lights have a very long life – anywhere from 2,000 to 3,500 hours. Also, they give off a very crisp white light that eases the strain on the eye. Add to this the fact that they don’t fade over time like their incandescent predecessors, and it’s easy to see why halogen headlights are becoming more popular.
They are now more affordable, so halogen floor lamps become the ideal lighting selection for many rooms. With your new appreciation of halogen lighting, you can only wait excitedly for the availability of the more energy efficient fluorescent technology in a floor lamp. With the halogen lamp for reading and spotlighting and the fluorescent lamp for primary lighting, the incandescent light may eventually be rendered obsolete.
Floor Lamps provides detailed information on Floor Lamps, Halogen Floor Lamps, Contemporary Floor Lamps, Antique Floor Lamps and more. Floor Lamps is affiliated with Floor Lamps.
Tungsten-halogen technology surpasses the traditional incandescent lighting in both energy efficiency and in the ability to focus the light. While halogen bulbs aren’t as energy efficient as fluorescent lighting, they are very efficient at pin pointing their light in a specific direction, thanks to their parabolic aluminized reflector that redirects light that previously would have been scattered in undesired directions. Thus, halogen lights are ideal for galleries and gardens where specific items need to be showcased through spotlighting. Halogen lights are also perfect reading lights.
Note that halogen floor lamps should be chosen as a reading light or a spotlight only – not as a primary source of light for a room. Primary halogen lamps shine their light directly on the ceiling and depend on the usually white ceiling to reflect that light throughout the room. Due to the inefficiency of this process, these lights must be much more powerful than a more specialized lamp. Also, this application wastes the halogen lamp’s ability to accurately focus light in a tight beam, and they are restricted to rooms with white or light color ceilings that lack texture.
Halogen lights have a very long life – anywhere from 2,000 to 3,500 hours. Also, they give off a very crisp white light that eases the strain on the eye. Add to this the fact that they don’t fade over time like their incandescent predecessors, and it’s easy to see why halogen headlights are becoming more popular.
They are now more affordable, so halogen floor lamps become the ideal lighting selection for many rooms. With your new appreciation of halogen lighting, you can only wait excitedly for the availability of the more energy efficient fluorescent technology in a floor lamp. With the halogen lamp for reading and spotlighting and the fluorescent lamp for primary lighting, the incandescent light may eventually be rendered obsolete.
Floor Lamps provides detailed information on Floor Lamps, Halogen Floor Lamps, Contemporary Floor Lamps, Antique Floor Lamps and more. Floor Lamps is affiliated with Floor Lamps.
Does your kitchen need a new look?
Have you been looking at the same kitchen walls for too long? Does your kitchen paint or wallpaper have you in a funk? Do your cabinets or countertops need repair? Or is a simply a matter of "does your kitchen need a new look", that your current style went out in the 90's. Think that this type of work is beyond your ability and requires a contractor? Well think again, I can offer you an easy, cheap, do it yourself solution. Have I gotten your attention yet? Well read on for the easy "do it yourself" tips.
First you need to get some ideas for what you want to do, my suggestion is to look at some home interior magazines for ideas on color schemes to go with. Try picking one or two colors that will blend into the connecting rooms, unless you have "bolder" plans to expand your redecorating to the rest of the house. Once you have an idea on the colors you want, go to your local remodeling store, (I recommend Home Depot, but Lowes is good also) and look at the color swatches that are available. It helps to bring your example with you to make the selection easier and don't be afraid to ask the salesperson for help, they can be a great aid in providing instructions on your project, plus, that is what they are there for.
First off let me start by saying that painting is probably one of the easiest "do it yourself" things to do around the house, all it requires is a couple of rollers, 2-3 paint brushes, a drop cloth and paint pan and you are ready to go. You are going to want to use a latex paint and more than likely either semi-gloss or gloss, as they are the easiest to keep clean. If you go to places like Home Depot or Lowes, you should ask the sales person if they have "return paint", they will sell this paint at a big discount (maybe 50% less) and if you are lucky, you can find a couple of gallons of the color you need and save some $$ at the same time. Depending on the color you are painting over, and your new color, you will probably need to get a gallon of "Primer paint" to cover the old paint. If you are replacing wallpaper, you will need to get some "Dif", which dissolves the wallpaper paste and makes it easier to remove the wallpaper. Another tip I can offer is that if your walls are currently smooth, and you would like to add some texture to them. There is a product called "Paint and Tex", which is colorless and can be added to any type of latex paint and will give your paint surface the same texture as if you had sheet rock from the beginning.
At this point you may be saying, "Gosh, what is this going to cost"? Well if you are not able to find any "return paint" and have to have it mixed, I strongly suggest using Behr paint. It was recently rated as the best paint on the market by Consumer Report, and I have been using it for more than 10 years and frankly would not use anything else. You may find other brands of paint for a cheaper cost, but take it from me; you will save money in the long run by using Behr, as it will last longer and clean up better. A 1 gallon can of semi-gloss paint will run you about $18-22 at Home Depot and a gallon of "Primer paint" will run about $10-12, which should be enough to cover a 10-12' X 16-20' foot room with a single coat of each. If you need or want a second coat then figure $40 for 2 gallons of paint. If you are adding the texture mix a box of "Paint and Tex", which comes with 2 packages and you use one package for a gallon of paint. That will run about $15. Also the "Paint and Tex" will thicken your paint, which may reduce the amount of paint you need. Your painting kit, which should consist of a couple of rollers, 2-3 paint brushes, a drop cloth and paint pan will run another $15-20, for a total cost of $85 to maybe $100 tops.
Now all that is left is for you to actually paint your room. If you do not have to remove any wall paper, you will need about 2 hours in order to apply the first coat of paint, then maybe 1-1.5 hours for the second coat. If you do have to remove wall paper, that job will probably take a one day on its own, as it involves the spraying of the wall paper and then scraping. Once you have finished the project, you will receive a sense of gratification in your do it yourself project.
If all of the above sounded easy and if you would like additional information on home designs, you can get some great ideas from the following eBook at; http://bugeater.stepublish.hop.clickbank.net or you can visit my website listed below.
About the Author:
I am a happly married mother of 4. I have been married for 10 years and hope that I can give you help and advice relating to keeping a happy home. you can visit my home page at http://helpful-homemaker.blogspot.com/
First you need to get some ideas for what you want to do, my suggestion is to look at some home interior magazines for ideas on color schemes to go with. Try picking one or two colors that will blend into the connecting rooms, unless you have "bolder" plans to expand your redecorating to the rest of the house. Once you have an idea on the colors you want, go to your local remodeling store, (I recommend Home Depot, but Lowes is good also) and look at the color swatches that are available. It helps to bring your example with you to make the selection easier and don't be afraid to ask the salesperson for help, they can be a great aid in providing instructions on your project, plus, that is what they are there for.
First off let me start by saying that painting is probably one of the easiest "do it yourself" things to do around the house, all it requires is a couple of rollers, 2-3 paint brushes, a drop cloth and paint pan and you are ready to go. You are going to want to use a latex paint and more than likely either semi-gloss or gloss, as they are the easiest to keep clean. If you go to places like Home Depot or Lowes, you should ask the sales person if they have "return paint", they will sell this paint at a big discount (maybe 50% less) and if you are lucky, you can find a couple of gallons of the color you need and save some $$ at the same time. Depending on the color you are painting over, and your new color, you will probably need to get a gallon of "Primer paint" to cover the old paint. If you are replacing wallpaper, you will need to get some "Dif", which dissolves the wallpaper paste and makes it easier to remove the wallpaper. Another tip I can offer is that if your walls are currently smooth, and you would like to add some texture to them. There is a product called "Paint and Tex", which is colorless and can be added to any type of latex paint and will give your paint surface the same texture as if you had sheet rock from the beginning.
At this point you may be saying, "Gosh, what is this going to cost"? Well if you are not able to find any "return paint" and have to have it mixed, I strongly suggest using Behr paint. It was recently rated as the best paint on the market by Consumer Report, and I have been using it for more than 10 years and frankly would not use anything else. You may find other brands of paint for a cheaper cost, but take it from me; you will save money in the long run by using Behr, as it will last longer and clean up better. A 1 gallon can of semi-gloss paint will run you about $18-22 at Home Depot and a gallon of "Primer paint" will run about $10-12, which should be enough to cover a 10-12' X 16-20' foot room with a single coat of each. If you need or want a second coat then figure $40 for 2 gallons of paint. If you are adding the texture mix a box of "Paint and Tex", which comes with 2 packages and you use one package for a gallon of paint. That will run about $15. Also the "Paint and Tex" will thicken your paint, which may reduce the amount of paint you need. Your painting kit, which should consist of a couple of rollers, 2-3 paint brushes, a drop cloth and paint pan will run another $15-20, for a total cost of $85 to maybe $100 tops.
Now all that is left is for you to actually paint your room. If you do not have to remove any wall paper, you will need about 2 hours in order to apply the first coat of paint, then maybe 1-1.5 hours for the second coat. If you do have to remove wall paper, that job will probably take a one day on its own, as it involves the spraying of the wall paper and then scraping. Once you have finished the project, you will receive a sense of gratification in your do it yourself project.
If all of the above sounded easy and if you would like additional information on home designs, you can get some great ideas from the following eBook at; http://bugeater.stepublish.hop.clickbank.net or you can visit my website listed below.
About the Author:
I am a happly married mother of 4. I have been married for 10 years and hope that I can give you help and advice relating to keeping a happy home. you can visit my home page at http://helpful-homemaker.blogspot.com/
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Room Dividers
You have a room in your home that is really large, or you’ve rented a large venue for a function. Your problem is that you need to have these big rooms divided for varied uses.
There are many different types of room dividers available. Whether it is for decorative reasons in your home or for privacy, you can choose from a wide variety of dividers. Room dividers are an inexpensive way to separate a large room into smaller private areas.
If you are looking for a way to separate a small area from the rest of a room, you can choose from many different types of fine-looking dividers. They come in both three- and four-panel screens with many different types of designs to compliment the rest of your room. Choosing the right design is only a matter of taste.
Perhaps you might need something bigger than a four-panel dividing screen. What you probably are probably looking is a large room divider that can separate a very large area into smaller ones. If this is the case, then you can use sliding room dividers. Using sliding room dividers will give you more versatility in a room by allowing you more options. Sliding room dividers will turn a very large room into many smaller rooms.
Room dividers are usually portable, and using them is a great way to increase the versatility of a room by dividing it into smaller, more useful rooms. The main advantage of using simple dividers is that they do not require any special training to install them. All you will need to do is to unfold them and roll them into place.
Another advantage of using room dividers is the savings in construction costs. Dividers are far less expensive than having a wall constructed to separate a room. So, if you require more privacy and versatility from your large area, then room dividers are the way to go.
Room Dividers provides detailed information on Room Dividers, Room Divider Screens, Curtain Room Dividers, Sliding Room Dividers and more. Room Dividers is affiliated with Braided Rugs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimmy_Sturo
There are many different types of room dividers available. Whether it is for decorative reasons in your home or for privacy, you can choose from a wide variety of dividers. Room dividers are an inexpensive way to separate a large room into smaller private areas.
If you are looking for a way to separate a small area from the rest of a room, you can choose from many different types of fine-looking dividers. They come in both three- and four-panel screens with many different types of designs to compliment the rest of your room. Choosing the right design is only a matter of taste.
Perhaps you might need something bigger than a four-panel dividing screen. What you probably are probably looking is a large room divider that can separate a very large area into smaller ones. If this is the case, then you can use sliding room dividers. Using sliding room dividers will give you more versatility in a room by allowing you more options. Sliding room dividers will turn a very large room into many smaller rooms.
Room dividers are usually portable, and using them is a great way to increase the versatility of a room by dividing it into smaller, more useful rooms. The main advantage of using simple dividers is that they do not require any special training to install them. All you will need to do is to unfold them and roll them into place.
Another advantage of using room dividers is the savings in construction costs. Dividers are far less expensive than having a wall constructed to separate a room. So, if you require more privacy and versatility from your large area, then room dividers are the way to go.
Room Dividers provides detailed information on Room Dividers, Room Divider Screens, Curtain Room Dividers, Sliding Room Dividers and more. Room Dividers is affiliated with Braided Rugs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimmy_Sturo
Home Interior Designs
Are you planning to buy a home for your family and want to make sure that they are not only happy with the outside but the interior as well? Or are you thinking of giving your present home a new look in a room or a total makeover? If you answer yes to either of these questions, what you need to know about home interior design.
Unlike home interior decorating that concentrates on finishes such as paint, window coverings, wallpapers and furnishing, home interior design is the very process of shaping the interior space of your home according to your lifestyle and the various lifestyles of your family. Interior design is integrated toward the architecture of the home and is involved in the room layout, cabinet designs, windows and door placements, and so on.
Home interior designing depends largely on the types and sizes of your many rooms. Basic rooms include the living room, kitchen, deck, bedroom, bathroom and sometimes a home office. These rooms can also be further subdivided into a guest room, dining room, kids’ room and adult’s room, among others. The different aspects involved in home interior design such as cabinet making, room layout, window placement, appliance selection and tile and floor selection should aptly fit the room since each room has a different purpose.
So, if you are planning to do some home interior designing, decide what rooms need improvement and incorporate the seven elements of home interior design -- form, mass, shape, line, color, texture and pattern.
Interior Design provides detailed information on Interior Design, Interior Design Schools, Home Interior Designs, Interior Design Ideas and more. Interior Design is affiliated with Home Interior Decorating.
Unlike home interior decorating that concentrates on finishes such as paint, window coverings, wallpapers and furnishing, home interior design is the very process of shaping the interior space of your home according to your lifestyle and the various lifestyles of your family. Interior design is integrated toward the architecture of the home and is involved in the room layout, cabinet designs, windows and door placements, and so on.
Home interior designing depends largely on the types and sizes of your many rooms. Basic rooms include the living room, kitchen, deck, bedroom, bathroom and sometimes a home office. These rooms can also be further subdivided into a guest room, dining room, kids’ room and adult’s room, among others. The different aspects involved in home interior design such as cabinet making, room layout, window placement, appliance selection and tile and floor selection should aptly fit the room since each room has a different purpose.
So, if you are planning to do some home interior designing, decide what rooms need improvement and incorporate the seven elements of home interior design -- form, mass, shape, line, color, texture and pattern.
Interior Design provides detailed information on Interior Design, Interior Design Schools, Home Interior Designs, Interior Design Ideas and more. Interior Design is affiliated with Home Interior Decorating.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Types Of Lamp Shades To Choose From
Lamps play an important role in your home décor and helping to set the tone of your room. But the style of the shade is as important as the style of the lamp. Here are some types of lamp shades to choose from to complete your room.
1. Victorian
The Victorian era was filled with romance and lavishness. It was a highly ornamental period filled with emotion. Rooms were extravagantly decorated in rich color palettes. Floral prints and decorative trims filled rooms and furniture was influenced by many styles.
Modern Victorian styles reflect the romance and lavishness of the past but fabrics may be a little lighter and fancy. Tassels and fringes are commonly used and lace around window treatments and pillows.
Lighting reflects luxury and romance with lots of bronze metals, Tiffany styles and hurricane lamps. Glass shades are hand painted, intricately detailed and so beautiful! They are lavish, romantic, and certainly evoke emotion.
2. Arts & Crafts & Mission Style
As industrialization arrived styles began to change to reflect the modern times. Frank Lloyd Wright, Gustav Stickley, and William Morris were visionaries who encouraged a return to the simpler more functional lines of design. Lavishness was about to become a thing of the past.
Lighting took on sleek distinctive lines that were clean and appealing. Shades were soft, translucent, beautiful, but not overbearing. Whether you choose an antique lamp or a more modern piece done in the arts and crafts style you'll find it the perfect choice for a variety of room decors including traditional, country, and ethnic.
3. Contemporary
Contemporary simply means modern and fresh. Stronger, cleaner lines with no visible ornamentation, wood with rich fabrics for contrast, deep wood tones, with comfort as a main focus. Overall casual with a bit of an eclectic touch and never complicated.
Lighting is a very important element in the contemporary décor used to highlight a focal point or provide a soft relaxing wash across the room. Harmony is important and is achieved through light choices.
Lighting is function but at the same time they are artistic. Wood is important but at the same time metals such as pewter and stainless steel continue to grow in popularity providing a very fitting sleek line. Shade choices are plentiful with a common theme of simplistic lines and colors. Contemporary tends to focus more on the body of the lamp than the actual shade.
4. French Country
Today this is the most popular décor style with its cozy, warm and inviting styles. Its roots come from the hills of rural France and you'll instantly understand why it has grown in popularity once you've experienced it.
Cabriole legs, iron work, toile fabrics, roses, and roosters are all common themes to French country. The colors include rich shades of yellow, blue, red, and green. Pottery is down to earth and includes earthenware and terracotta.
Lighting is functional but inviting. It adds to the room's ambiance providing a relaxing atmosphere that's enjoyed by all. Shades are noticeable but not overpowering. They are inviting and rich with color and design styles vary significantly.
5. Global Chic
Travel the world and you are certain to find decorative influences from different parts of the world that you love. Global chic lets you gather all these different ethnic decors and fit them into your room resulting in a very chic theme!
Done right, it's not overpowering, chaotic, or unsettling. Instead it provides a unique blend of colors and styles from Moroccan to Asian. Add some spice colors which are so warm and inviting, mix with some silk fabrics, and add a little animal print. Wow!
Lighting choices are endless for this theme. Look for unusual, unique pieces that truly do add to your room's décor. In fact settle for nothing less! Your shades should be noticeable works of art that intrigue your guests and elicit great conversation.
6. Traditional
Traditional is actually quite a broad term covering several European and American decorative periods over time. The best determination of traditional is simply that it is timeless. Traditional décor is comfortable, personalize, and timeless. It fits any room, any home, and any atmosphere.
Today traditional has had a bit of a face lift with the infusion of brighter colors and less structured fabric prints. It's a little more creative than it once was so there is more visual interest in the room.
Crystal lighting looks wonderful in a traditional room and so does brass with a crystal or tiffany style shade. Think rich, deep colors for your shades.
7. Colonial
American Colonial dates to the late 19th century and is very different from the colonial from homelands where can and rattan were often used for furniture, replaced by wood in America. But pattern choices remained strong with lions, monkeys, elephants, and other tropical animals. Bold Island patterns are an important part of a colonial style.
When it comes to lighting be sure to carry this animal theme forward whether you choose lamp bases that reflect the animals or lamp shades that are done in animal fabric. It's the crux of your entire colonial theme.
There are so many different décor themes to choose from. Your lamp shade should compliment your room décor and it should not only be functional they should create visual interest in the room.
There are many online sites that have a terrific selection of lamp shades for every décor style. So why not start looking now? That perfect shade might just be waiting for you!
About the author:
Daren has been lighting store for 10 years now and has become experienced with installing lighting in various areas. He has decided to create http://www.lightingus.com to answer many of the questions he has come across many times. Visit his website to learn more about decorative outdoor lighting.
1. Victorian
The Victorian era was filled with romance and lavishness. It was a highly ornamental period filled with emotion. Rooms were extravagantly decorated in rich color palettes. Floral prints and decorative trims filled rooms and furniture was influenced by many styles.
Modern Victorian styles reflect the romance and lavishness of the past but fabrics may be a little lighter and fancy. Tassels and fringes are commonly used and lace around window treatments and pillows.
Lighting reflects luxury and romance with lots of bronze metals, Tiffany styles and hurricane lamps. Glass shades are hand painted, intricately detailed and so beautiful! They are lavish, romantic, and certainly evoke emotion.
2. Arts & Crafts & Mission Style
As industrialization arrived styles began to change to reflect the modern times. Frank Lloyd Wright, Gustav Stickley, and William Morris were visionaries who encouraged a return to the simpler more functional lines of design. Lavishness was about to become a thing of the past.
Lighting took on sleek distinctive lines that were clean and appealing. Shades were soft, translucent, beautiful, but not overbearing. Whether you choose an antique lamp or a more modern piece done in the arts and crafts style you'll find it the perfect choice for a variety of room decors including traditional, country, and ethnic.
3. Contemporary
Contemporary simply means modern and fresh. Stronger, cleaner lines with no visible ornamentation, wood with rich fabrics for contrast, deep wood tones, with comfort as a main focus. Overall casual with a bit of an eclectic touch and never complicated.
Lighting is a very important element in the contemporary décor used to highlight a focal point or provide a soft relaxing wash across the room. Harmony is important and is achieved through light choices.
Lighting is function but at the same time they are artistic. Wood is important but at the same time metals such as pewter and stainless steel continue to grow in popularity providing a very fitting sleek line. Shade choices are plentiful with a common theme of simplistic lines and colors. Contemporary tends to focus more on the body of the lamp than the actual shade.
4. French Country
Today this is the most popular décor style with its cozy, warm and inviting styles. Its roots come from the hills of rural France and you'll instantly understand why it has grown in popularity once you've experienced it.
Cabriole legs, iron work, toile fabrics, roses, and roosters are all common themes to French country. The colors include rich shades of yellow, blue, red, and green. Pottery is down to earth and includes earthenware and terracotta.
Lighting is functional but inviting. It adds to the room's ambiance providing a relaxing atmosphere that's enjoyed by all. Shades are noticeable but not overpowering. They are inviting and rich with color and design styles vary significantly.
5. Global Chic
Travel the world and you are certain to find decorative influences from different parts of the world that you love. Global chic lets you gather all these different ethnic decors and fit them into your room resulting in a very chic theme!
Done right, it's not overpowering, chaotic, or unsettling. Instead it provides a unique blend of colors and styles from Moroccan to Asian. Add some spice colors which are so warm and inviting, mix with some silk fabrics, and add a little animal print. Wow!
Lighting choices are endless for this theme. Look for unusual, unique pieces that truly do add to your room's décor. In fact settle for nothing less! Your shades should be noticeable works of art that intrigue your guests and elicit great conversation.
6. Traditional
Traditional is actually quite a broad term covering several European and American decorative periods over time. The best determination of traditional is simply that it is timeless. Traditional décor is comfortable, personalize, and timeless. It fits any room, any home, and any atmosphere.
Today traditional has had a bit of a face lift with the infusion of brighter colors and less structured fabric prints. It's a little more creative than it once was so there is more visual interest in the room.
Crystal lighting looks wonderful in a traditional room and so does brass with a crystal or tiffany style shade. Think rich, deep colors for your shades.
7. Colonial
American Colonial dates to the late 19th century and is very different from the colonial from homelands where can and rattan were often used for furniture, replaced by wood in America. But pattern choices remained strong with lions, monkeys, elephants, and other tropical animals. Bold Island patterns are an important part of a colonial style.
When it comes to lighting be sure to carry this animal theme forward whether you choose lamp bases that reflect the animals or lamp shades that are done in animal fabric. It's the crux of your entire colonial theme.
There are so many different décor themes to choose from. Your lamp shade should compliment your room décor and it should not only be functional they should create visual interest in the room.
There are many online sites that have a terrific selection of lamp shades for every décor style. So why not start looking now? That perfect shade might just be waiting for you!
About the author:
Daren has been lighting store for 10 years now and has become experienced with installing lighting in various areas. He has decided to create http://www.lightingus.com to answer many of the questions he has come across many times. Visit his website to learn more about decorative outdoor lighting.
How To Use A Living Room Sofa For Maximum Space Utilization?
Sofa in a living room is a very special way to occupy space for a special purpose. The main purpose of any sofa unit is to not just to
provide seating, but create a secured environment where the home owner and his family can enjoy moments of togetherness.
That's why sofas come in a variety of shapes and sizes. In most cases sofa units come in a category of "number of seats".
3seats in a row, 2seats in a row (commonly called as a "love seat") and a single seat sofa are available today in the furniture market.
Apart from these special designer sofas for placing in corner on the living room are also popular. These designer sofas are sometimes in the form of a letter "L" in plan, with the longer side of the "L" has a back rest with 3 seats in a row.
The most preferred arrangement of sofas in a living room furniture unit is making use of one 3seat sofa along the longer length of the sofa and two single seat sofas with an end table in between them. A living room set is also available for customers. This living room set
contains a 3seat sofa, a love seat, a single seat sofa , end table(s) and a coffee table.
Depending upon the design/dimensions/shape and volume of the living room various combinations of the sofas can be done to utilize space. While deciding the arrangement of the sofas keep one thing in mind that as soon as you arrange a sofa layout, the volume of space occupied by the sofas and surroundings immediately becomes the focus of attention. For example if the sofas have been arranged around the TV unit, see that the rest of the space gets enough attention or it will look unoccupied. Also make use of small elements such as end tables and coffee table of various shapes to create some interest in the living room.
Before defining a living room furniture layout first finalize your main activity of interest in a living room. What does this mean? What I mean is for do you use the living room most. Is it reading? watching TV, sleeping, home office in a short corner with a computer etc. Answering this question first is very important because in a living room furniture layout sofas play a major role. Since sofas are the heaviest furniture elements you can not move or shift them every other day for a different layout. I'm not saying you can never change the layout once it's done, but if you arrange the sofas around a TV unit then naturally watching TV becomes your main activity.
On the other hand if you place them around the exit to patio then naturally you will have to spend a lot of time watching nature and birds in the outside garden.
I hope this article was a good start in thinking about more creative ways to use sofas in a living room decorating.
Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya
About the author:
Shrinivas Vaidya is the webmaster of http://www.livingroomdatabase.com. Visit today to get more free tips on making use of living room sofa and other many aspects of decorating that can make your home a beautiful place to reside.
Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com
provide seating, but create a secured environment where the home owner and his family can enjoy moments of togetherness.
That's why sofas come in a variety of shapes and sizes. In most cases sofa units come in a category of "number of seats".
3seats in a row, 2seats in a row (commonly called as a "love seat") and a single seat sofa are available today in the furniture market.
Apart from these special designer sofas for placing in corner on the living room are also popular. These designer sofas are sometimes in the form of a letter "L" in plan, with the longer side of the "L" has a back rest with 3 seats in a row.
The most preferred arrangement of sofas in a living room furniture unit is making use of one 3seat sofa along the longer length of the sofa and two single seat sofas with an end table in between them. A living room set is also available for customers. This living room set
contains a 3seat sofa, a love seat, a single seat sofa , end table(s) and a coffee table.
Depending upon the design/dimensions/shape and volume of the living room various combinations of the sofas can be done to utilize space. While deciding the arrangement of the sofas keep one thing in mind that as soon as you arrange a sofa layout, the volume of space occupied by the sofas and surroundings immediately becomes the focus of attention. For example if the sofas have been arranged around the TV unit, see that the rest of the space gets enough attention or it will look unoccupied. Also make use of small elements such as end tables and coffee table of various shapes to create some interest in the living room.
Before defining a living room furniture layout first finalize your main activity of interest in a living room. What does this mean? What I mean is for do you use the living room most. Is it reading? watching TV, sleeping, home office in a short corner with a computer etc. Answering this question first is very important because in a living room furniture layout sofas play a major role. Since sofas are the heaviest furniture elements you can not move or shift them every other day for a different layout. I'm not saying you can never change the layout once it's done, but if you arrange the sofas around a TV unit then naturally watching TV becomes your main activity.
On the other hand if you place them around the exit to patio then naturally you will have to spend a lot of time watching nature and birds in the outside garden.
I hope this article was a good start in thinking about more creative ways to use sofas in a living room decorating.
Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya
About the author:
Shrinivas Vaidya is the webmaster of http://www.livingroomdatabase.com. Visit today to get more free tips on making use of living room sofa and other many aspects of decorating that can make your home a beautiful place to reside.
Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Some Things to Consider in Planning a Kitchen Remodel
Whether planning kitchen remodeling project or planning a whole new kitchen, it can be an exciting and challenging experience.
With today's kitchens becoming more and more a center of social, family, and functional activities, kitchen remodeling has gained importance in the life of many households. Kitchen remodeling can become economically challenging because of budgetary concerns or space restrictions. Despite the cost involved in hiring design and construction professionals, usually they can help with a variety of such problems.
The kitchen designer can assist in selecting materials and help the homeowner reach their goals within the space limitations of the home. As well as work with the contractor in making sure things get done.
Here are some things you will need to consider when making the decision to plan a kitchen remodeling project:
How well does your kitchen work now? What are its best features? What are the worst? How good is the traffic flow? Do you have enough counter space? What is the general quality of the cabinetry? Do you need newer appliances? What is the condition of the flooring, how old is it?
Most kitchen remodeling takes place mostly to make the kitchen easier to work and move around in. Usually most kitchen remodeling projects end up becoming more luxurious once people start thinking about changing their kitchen, they might as well make it look a little nicer and more up to date as well. Kitchen designers can help you whether you want a kitchen remodeling project, a kitchen makeover, or both.
Full kitchen remodeling is usually an involved process. Floorplans need to be drawn up. Depending on the extent of the remodel, the old kitchen must be striped of fixtures, walls, floors, and ceilings, and even old cabinets must be demolished completely. The kitchen renovation project may require improving your home's electrical, plumbing and heating systems, and to be able to upgrade them to current safety standards.
The National Kitchen and Bath Association has developed Design and Safety Guidelines for industry professionals and designers detailing good planning practices that encompass the needs of the homeowner. Among the areas covered are door/entry, door interface, distance between work centers, traffic clearance at seating, and others.
Experts in kitchen design have reviewed lifestyle and design trends and model building code requirements to be used for educational programs in kitchen remodeling and design.
Having a well thought out plan is a requirement for any kitchen remodeling project. There are three basic kitchen uses to consider in creating the perfect kitchen design. Counter space, storage, built-in appliances, and sinks are among these design elements that contribute to the functionality of the kitchen.
A kitchen remodeling project may be one of the most important and most valuable home improvements you can make. Updating and remodeling your kitchen will add more value to you home than any other improvement, according to the National Association of Home Builders. The NAHB reports that kitchen remodeling projects can return more than 100% of the cost of the home when sold.
About the author:
James Mahoney is the author of many kitchen design articles and has a site about kitchen design ideas at Kitchen Designers Ideas.com.
He also publishes a newsletter on kitchen design.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Mahoney
With today's kitchens becoming more and more a center of social, family, and functional activities, kitchen remodeling has gained importance in the life of many households. Kitchen remodeling can become economically challenging because of budgetary concerns or space restrictions. Despite the cost involved in hiring design and construction professionals, usually they can help with a variety of such problems.
The kitchen designer can assist in selecting materials and help the homeowner reach their goals within the space limitations of the home. As well as work with the contractor in making sure things get done.
Here are some things you will need to consider when making the decision to plan a kitchen remodeling project:
How well does your kitchen work now? What are its best features? What are the worst? How good is the traffic flow? Do you have enough counter space? What is the general quality of the cabinetry? Do you need newer appliances? What is the condition of the flooring, how old is it?
Most kitchen remodeling takes place mostly to make the kitchen easier to work and move around in. Usually most kitchen remodeling projects end up becoming more luxurious once people start thinking about changing their kitchen, they might as well make it look a little nicer and more up to date as well. Kitchen designers can help you whether you want a kitchen remodeling project, a kitchen makeover, or both.
Full kitchen remodeling is usually an involved process. Floorplans need to be drawn up. Depending on the extent of the remodel, the old kitchen must be striped of fixtures, walls, floors, and ceilings, and even old cabinets must be demolished completely. The kitchen renovation project may require improving your home's electrical, plumbing and heating systems, and to be able to upgrade them to current safety standards.
The National Kitchen and Bath Association has developed Design and Safety Guidelines for industry professionals and designers detailing good planning practices that encompass the needs of the homeowner. Among the areas covered are door/entry, door interface, distance between work centers, traffic clearance at seating, and others.
Experts in kitchen design have reviewed lifestyle and design trends and model building code requirements to be used for educational programs in kitchen remodeling and design.
Having a well thought out plan is a requirement for any kitchen remodeling project. There are three basic kitchen uses to consider in creating the perfect kitchen design. Counter space, storage, built-in appliances, and sinks are among these design elements that contribute to the functionality of the kitchen.
A kitchen remodeling project may be one of the most important and most valuable home improvements you can make. Updating and remodeling your kitchen will add more value to you home than any other improvement, according to the National Association of Home Builders. The NAHB reports that kitchen remodeling projects can return more than 100% of the cost of the home when sold.
About the author:
James Mahoney is the author of many kitchen design articles and has a site about kitchen design ideas at Kitchen Designers Ideas.com.
He also publishes a newsletter on kitchen design.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Mahoney
Interior Design Facts That You Should Know
Much like the history of art, the history of interior design has had numerous styles, movements and the political and social developments that have informed or challenged its evolution.
Encyclopedias define interior design as: planning and design of man made spaces, a part of environmental designs and closely related to architecture. Although the desire to create a pleasant environment is as old as civilization itself the field of interior design is relatively new, this seems on target for most home designs.
Since at least the middle of the 20th century, the term interior decorator has been so loosely applied as to be nearly meaningless. Meaningless? Maybe since the word eclectic has become a household word.
Interior designers use their education, creativeness, and experience to help plan the space and furnish the interiors of private homes, public buildings, and business or institutional facilities, such as offices, restaurants, retail establishments, hospitals, hotels, and theaters.
Professional designers can tell you if a chair is a Greek, Roman, Byzantium, Dark Ages, Middle Ages, Gothic, Moorish, Spanish, Anglo Saxon or Charlemagnes Chair. Does the average person even know anything about the colonial period, the revival of Directoire and empire furniture, the Victorian period or the periods of the three Louis?
This may be why a lot of creative people shy away from decorating there own special spaces.
In this modern day and age people can now use their creativity to create beautiful living spaces without caring that they may break a cardinal rule of decorating. Home decorating, is a conscious effort to improve the appearance and functionality of ones living areas, in many homes and living spaces.
This means that we can break out of the styles of the past and create our own areas of comfort and style. Really know what you want as a home, want it, and you can work out any scheme, provided you have intelligence, patience and perseverance.
What is eclectic? Eclectic is basically made up of or combining elements from a variety of sources, like mixing a Elizabethan chair next to a Queen Anne stool. As part of the ever increasing quest for individual expression in decor the eclectic style has emerged as a favorite among homeowners that want to decorate the world around them.
This gives us all freedom to decorate to our own taste and comfort level!
Acknowledging all schemes of interior decoration and insisting that what makes any scheme good or bad, successful, or unsuccessful is the fact that it is planned in reference to the type of person who will live in it. If you are to be living in it then you can do anything you want.
In planning your house after arranging for proper wall space for your various articles of furniture, keep in mind always that balance will be needed and must be at the same time conveniently placed and distinctly decorative; convenient for the individual along with the family.
I am often astonished to see how many times the careless placing of one piece of furniture upsets the actual balance of a room. One chair in the flow of traffic or a tipsy lamp next to a door can really ruin a good looking design. To help you make smart choices, look thru books on decorating that discuss traits, preferred room dimensions, available options for furniture matching, and other helpful decision making information. Often ebooks and other online resource can point out good hints and tips to really get you started.
With this in mind and ideas fresh, I suggest lots of thought and some research before starting out on this great endeavor, but with a plan in hand roll up your sleeves and get going!
About the Author:
John savage has a Blog which shows where you can learn the Insider Secrets to decorating success. Click Here to visit his Blog.
Encyclopedias define interior design as: planning and design of man made spaces, a part of environmental designs and closely related to architecture. Although the desire to create a pleasant environment is as old as civilization itself the field of interior design is relatively new, this seems on target for most home designs.
Since at least the middle of the 20th century, the term interior decorator has been so loosely applied as to be nearly meaningless. Meaningless? Maybe since the word eclectic has become a household word.
Interior designers use their education, creativeness, and experience to help plan the space and furnish the interiors of private homes, public buildings, and business or institutional facilities, such as offices, restaurants, retail establishments, hospitals, hotels, and theaters.
Professional designers can tell you if a chair is a Greek, Roman, Byzantium, Dark Ages, Middle Ages, Gothic, Moorish, Spanish, Anglo Saxon or Charlemagnes Chair. Does the average person even know anything about the colonial period, the revival of Directoire and empire furniture, the Victorian period or the periods of the three Louis?
This may be why a lot of creative people shy away from decorating there own special spaces.
In this modern day and age people can now use their creativity to create beautiful living spaces without caring that they may break a cardinal rule of decorating. Home decorating, is a conscious effort to improve the appearance and functionality of ones living areas, in many homes and living spaces.
This means that we can break out of the styles of the past and create our own areas of comfort and style. Really know what you want as a home, want it, and you can work out any scheme, provided you have intelligence, patience and perseverance.
What is eclectic? Eclectic is basically made up of or combining elements from a variety of sources, like mixing a Elizabethan chair next to a Queen Anne stool. As part of the ever increasing quest for individual expression in decor the eclectic style has emerged as a favorite among homeowners that want to decorate the world around them.
This gives us all freedom to decorate to our own taste and comfort level!
Acknowledging all schemes of interior decoration and insisting that what makes any scheme good or bad, successful, or unsuccessful is the fact that it is planned in reference to the type of person who will live in it. If you are to be living in it then you can do anything you want.
In planning your house after arranging for proper wall space for your various articles of furniture, keep in mind always that balance will be needed and must be at the same time conveniently placed and distinctly decorative; convenient for the individual along with the family.
I am often astonished to see how many times the careless placing of one piece of furniture upsets the actual balance of a room. One chair in the flow of traffic or a tipsy lamp next to a door can really ruin a good looking design. To help you make smart choices, look thru books on decorating that discuss traits, preferred room dimensions, available options for furniture matching, and other helpful decision making information. Often ebooks and other online resource can point out good hints and tips to really get you started.
With this in mind and ideas fresh, I suggest lots of thought and some research before starting out on this great endeavor, but with a plan in hand roll up your sleeves and get going!
About the Author:
John savage has a Blog which shows where you can learn the Insider Secrets to decorating success. Click Here to visit his Blog.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Etagere-Simplify Your Kitchen Chaos
The kitchen is undoubtedly the hardest area in your home to keep clean and organized. Often the highest traffic area in the home, the kitchen is constantly being used for a wide number of reasons, including: cooking, food preparation, homework, and a workspace for crafts and other light projects. This is why no matter how much kitchen cabinet space you have or how wide or long your countertops, the fact remains that this is one room in the home where there just never seems to be enough work space—ever!! But, that can all change if you decide to buy a magnificent étagère to place in the kitchen to help with both the decorative and organizational aspects of the space.
Even with the addition of classic pot racks, an island, and a set of bigger, badder, custom kitchen cabinets—you still don’t have enough space in your cooking area. One of the great things about a magnificent étagère is the warm addition of open shelf space. The openness of this elegant piece of furniture allows you to store away the items or appliances that you normally don’t use but still have ready access for when they are needed.
One of the truly great advantages of having a classic étagère in your kitchen is that it can store away easily in some corner while still adding a decorative flare to the room. Made from a variety of materials and incorporating many classic and contemporary designs, the beautiful étagère can be found in just about any design scheme so that it will perfectly complement your other furnishings in the kitchen.
Thus, the elegant étagère is both functional and beautiful. Freeing up space in the kitchen while still keeping all items out in view thanks to its open shelving design, this refined piece of furniture will greatly reduce clutter in your cooking area. Made from a wide variety of materials and available in almost any style or design you can think of, the étagère will organize while imbuing the kitchen with an added touch of class of French sophistication.
Online retailers are the best places to look and compare prices on these regal pieces of furniture. Having both a greater selection and the best prices when compared to most traditional furniture retailers, the online merchants can also help you choose the piece that will best complement your existing furniture so that the match is perfect.
About the author:
Jennifer Akre, owner of numerous sites specializing in Wine Racks and Etageres, offers the online consumer information helping them to find the perfect Etagere or Metal Etageres. Complete your home and kitchen decor in style-Click now: Gourmet Decor Store.com.
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
Even with the addition of classic pot racks, an island, and a set of bigger, badder, custom kitchen cabinets—you still don’t have enough space in your cooking area. One of the great things about a magnificent étagère is the warm addition of open shelf space. The openness of this elegant piece of furniture allows you to store away the items or appliances that you normally don’t use but still have ready access for when they are needed.
One of the truly great advantages of having a classic étagère in your kitchen is that it can store away easily in some corner while still adding a decorative flare to the room. Made from a variety of materials and incorporating many classic and contemporary designs, the beautiful étagère can be found in just about any design scheme so that it will perfectly complement your other furnishings in the kitchen.
Thus, the elegant étagère is both functional and beautiful. Freeing up space in the kitchen while still keeping all items out in view thanks to its open shelving design, this refined piece of furniture will greatly reduce clutter in your cooking area. Made from a wide variety of materials and available in almost any style or design you can think of, the étagère will organize while imbuing the kitchen with an added touch of class of French sophistication.
Online retailers are the best places to look and compare prices on these regal pieces of furniture. Having both a greater selection and the best prices when compared to most traditional furniture retailers, the online merchants can also help you choose the piece that will best complement your existing furniture so that the match is perfect.
About the author:
Jennifer Akre, owner of numerous sites specializing in Wine Racks and Etageres, offers the online consumer information helping them to find the perfect Etagere or Metal Etageres. Complete your home and kitchen decor in style-Click now: Gourmet Decor Store.com.
More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
How To Quickly And Easily Create A Living Room Furniture Layout?
If you planning to buy new furniture for your living room, then most probably you have already thought about the furniture layout in your mind or else you have probably thought of repeating the same old layout with only the new furniture pieces. In this article I will show you a simple method to create the most efficient layout for your living room.
Before we begin there are a few points that need to be considered. A living room is always a transition space. This means that entrances to
all other rooms are located in living room. Other bedrooms, dining room, kitchen etc. are accessed through living room, that's why a
sufficient "circulation space" for family members is a must.
So here is what you can do to create the most efficient layout for a living room.
1) Take a plane white paper. A4 size is also enough.
2) Draw a sketch plan of your living room on this paper. While drawing this plan it is important to show the following things in it.
*Entrance door
*Entrance doors to other rooms
*Window positions
*Minor column projections (if any)
*Swing of the doors (inside or outside the living room)
*Presence of staircase
*Fireplace (if any)
3) Take a pencil and draw lines starting from entrance door to all other doors and window positions. This is the natural travel lines for any person using the living room. If the room is empty without any furniture these are the lines any person would follow to reach other point in the living room.
4) Now start placing the furniture units like 3 seat sofa, single/double seat sofa, coffee table, end tables lampshades, bookshelves, TV unit, etc.. Depending upon your budget you can go for any number of these units.
While placing these units it will always be seen that the furniture obstructs the pencil travel lines drawn in the third step. But that's OK for now. Now make as may combinations and arrangements of the furniture units as possible. Think out of the box while doing this.
Try to do something different.
Remember if you try you will easily come up with at lest 10 layout for that same living room. You will be amazed at how many combinations are possible. Also imagine the furniture pieces you already have or can
you replace that table in the bedroom with the one in the living room.
How about keeping it vertical rather that horizontal in the plan. Whatever you do keep one thing in mind. Always keep the human movement "unobstructed". People passing through the living room in other rooms must be able to pass without cutting vision if you are talking to other person in the living room.
That's why those pencil lines have been drawn. After you have drawn the furniture pieces on the living room plan, modify the travel lines. Now these lines will be around the furniture, especially at corners. The travel lines will now take the shape of the furniture at the edges.
After this short exercise you will have probably 5 different layouts on paper with. Select the one in which you see the following points of interest.
*Travel line lengths are shortest.
*Travel lines do not pass trough the furniture.
Apart from the efficiency there is another factor called as visual balance while designing a furniture layout. Finally does it look good to YOU. Are you comfortable with the final layout. The visual balance is achieved by making the most use of all walls of the living room with decorating elements such as paintings, color schemes, etc.
So if you follow a system from the beginning you will be definitely be able to create a beautiful living room in the shortest possible time. I hope this article has helped you to find more creative ways of doing this job more efficiently.
Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya
About the author:
Shrinivas Vaidya is the webmaster of http://www.livingroomdatabase.com. Visit today to get more free tips on living room furniture to decorate a beautiful and charming living room of your wildest dreams.
Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com
Before we begin there are a few points that need to be considered. A living room is always a transition space. This means that entrances to
all other rooms are located in living room. Other bedrooms, dining room, kitchen etc. are accessed through living room, that's why a
sufficient "circulation space" for family members is a must.
So here is what you can do to create the most efficient layout for a living room.
1) Take a plane white paper. A4 size is also enough.
2) Draw a sketch plan of your living room on this paper. While drawing this plan it is important to show the following things in it.
*Entrance door
*Entrance doors to other rooms
*Window positions
*Minor column projections (if any)
*Swing of the doors (inside or outside the living room)
*Presence of staircase
*Fireplace (if any)
3) Take a pencil and draw lines starting from entrance door to all other doors and window positions. This is the natural travel lines for any person using the living room. If the room is empty without any furniture these are the lines any person would follow to reach other point in the living room.
4) Now start placing the furniture units like 3 seat sofa, single/double seat sofa, coffee table, end tables lampshades, bookshelves, TV unit, etc.. Depending upon your budget you can go for any number of these units.
While placing these units it will always be seen that the furniture obstructs the pencil travel lines drawn in the third step. But that's OK for now. Now make as may combinations and arrangements of the furniture units as possible. Think out of the box while doing this.
Try to do something different.
Remember if you try you will easily come up with at lest 10 layout for that same living room. You will be amazed at how many combinations are possible. Also imagine the furniture pieces you already have or can
you replace that table in the bedroom with the one in the living room.
How about keeping it vertical rather that horizontal in the plan. Whatever you do keep one thing in mind. Always keep the human movement "unobstructed". People passing through the living room in other rooms must be able to pass without cutting vision if you are talking to other person in the living room.
That's why those pencil lines have been drawn. After you have drawn the furniture pieces on the living room plan, modify the travel lines. Now these lines will be around the furniture, especially at corners. The travel lines will now take the shape of the furniture at the edges.
After this short exercise you will have probably 5 different layouts on paper with. Select the one in which you see the following points of interest.
*Travel line lengths are shortest.
*Travel lines do not pass trough the furniture.
Apart from the efficiency there is another factor called as visual balance while designing a furniture layout. Finally does it look good to YOU. Are you comfortable with the final layout. The visual balance is achieved by making the most use of all walls of the living room with decorating elements such as paintings, color schemes, etc.
So if you follow a system from the beginning you will be definitely be able to create a beautiful living room in the shortest possible time. I hope this article has helped you to find more creative ways of doing this job more efficiently.
Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya
About the author:
Shrinivas Vaidya is the webmaster of http://www.livingroomdatabase.com. Visit today to get more free tips on living room furniture to decorate a beautiful and charming living room of your wildest dreams.
Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com
Room Divider Screens
Room dividers are used to block light or separate a section of a room. Screens are a very popular choice when a room needs to be divided. The popularity of screens is due to the trendy styles they come in. The designs on the screen are an important part of the room design. Choosing the best design is only a matter of preference. Whether or not it will match with the rest of the room design should also be considered.
If you are looking for a divider screen to put in one of your rooms, you can choose from two kinds available. The two most common types available are the three-panel and the four-panel screens. These screens come in many designs, shapes and sizes. You can choose the type of material your screen is made of. Most people usually choose screens made from either wood or metal. The choice of material depends on how the accent will enhance the look of your room.
Prices for room divider screens vary depending on the type you are looking for. The cost of the screens will depend on the type of material the frame is made if, as well as on the quality of the design of the screen. Good quality screens usually cost between $100 to over $250. You will also find higher quality, hand-painted screens priced at over $400.
The price you will pay for a divider screen is inconsequential to the utility this product can provide. Properly placing a screen can create a private corner in a large room, where you can do just about anything, essentially creating an entirely new room in your home without the construction costs. These screens will also enhance the look of your room with design and overall elegant appeal. You will not be able to put a price on the advantages room divider screens can give you.
About the author:
Room Dividers provides detailed information on Room Dividers, Room Divider Screens, Curtain Room Dividers, Sliding Room Dividers and more. Room Dividers is affiliated with Braided Rugs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimmy_Sturo
If you are looking for a divider screen to put in one of your rooms, you can choose from two kinds available. The two most common types available are the three-panel and the four-panel screens. These screens come in many designs, shapes and sizes. You can choose the type of material your screen is made of. Most people usually choose screens made from either wood or metal. The choice of material depends on how the accent will enhance the look of your room.
Prices for room divider screens vary depending on the type you are looking for. The cost of the screens will depend on the type of material the frame is made if, as well as on the quality of the design of the screen. Good quality screens usually cost between $100 to over $250. You will also find higher quality, hand-painted screens priced at over $400.
The price you will pay for a divider screen is inconsequential to the utility this product can provide. Properly placing a screen can create a private corner in a large room, where you can do just about anything, essentially creating an entirely new room in your home without the construction costs. These screens will also enhance the look of your room with design and overall elegant appeal. You will not be able to put a price on the advantages room divider screens can give you.
About the author:
Room Dividers provides detailed information on Room Dividers, Room Divider Screens, Curtain Room Dividers, Sliding Room Dividers and more. Room Dividers is affiliated with Braided Rugs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimmy_Sturo
Interior Design with a Personal Touch
Every person wants to be recognized as an individual with special skills, values and talents. These attributes are often displayed in the way we dress, the way we act, the friends we choose and yes, the way we decorate our homes.
For instance, interior designers believe that choosing glass as a means of interior decorating speaks about attributes such as inner beauty, fragility, tenderness and luxury. It's in romantic natures to opt for tiffany lamps or crystal chandeliers. Yet, these are expensive products. Wouldn't it be better to try a little interior decoration of our own?
A personal design mirrors our very essence, hidden feelings and traits we often disregard. Is it safe to expose them? Is it safe to let people know who we really are? Yes, because that's what it takes to make out of interior decorations a real art: to give something to the world, to create.
Creating our own interior design means taking a personal risk. It's not fear, it's just the emotional stress: whether the design we have in mind will come to fruition as we picture it or not, whether people will see it as we do and accept it as a work of art, as a statement of personality or they will just reject it, thus rejecting us.
No matter what, as long as it comes from the heart, this interior design, as any artwork, will be rewarding. Are you willing to take the risk? It would be safe to follow trends, to imitate what you see in magazines. You will not fail: those are professionals; they do interior design for a living. Follow their advice; even hire one if you want, but then, where is your real reward? You'll hear from your friends: "Wow! This is great!" But is this really for you? To do so is to ruin your own talent.
So look inside yourself, think what really matters to you. Let's say you have a thing for dream catchers. So create a design where the dream catcher will fit: ambiguous shapes and shades, obscure lights, fantastic pictures on the walls. If the world you imagine doesn't exist, create your own world! Let your passion drive your mind: don't be afraid to use unusual materials. Anything will do: from broken glass and marbles to tree branches, from dried plants and feathers to paper folds, from broken pieces of a mirror to wood chips or metal accents, from sea shells you color with acrylics to unexpected artworks on canvas.
It's sometimes hard, but don't give up. Great works of art need time and you have time on your side. There's no rush. Your home is your temple, so make it holy for you!
Don't be afraid of what people think. They cannot see the world as you do. They do not feel the same, nor think the same. But when your work is done, astonishing in its beauty, they do not need to understand its meaning but to know it's unique: as unique as its creator - YOU.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Interior Design
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
For instance, interior designers believe that choosing glass as a means of interior decorating speaks about attributes such as inner beauty, fragility, tenderness and luxury. It's in romantic natures to opt for tiffany lamps or crystal chandeliers. Yet, these are expensive products. Wouldn't it be better to try a little interior decoration of our own?
A personal design mirrors our very essence, hidden feelings and traits we often disregard. Is it safe to expose them? Is it safe to let people know who we really are? Yes, because that's what it takes to make out of interior decorations a real art: to give something to the world, to create.
Creating our own interior design means taking a personal risk. It's not fear, it's just the emotional stress: whether the design we have in mind will come to fruition as we picture it or not, whether people will see it as we do and accept it as a work of art, as a statement of personality or they will just reject it, thus rejecting us.
No matter what, as long as it comes from the heart, this interior design, as any artwork, will be rewarding. Are you willing to take the risk? It would be safe to follow trends, to imitate what you see in magazines. You will not fail: those are professionals; they do interior design for a living. Follow their advice; even hire one if you want, but then, where is your real reward? You'll hear from your friends: "Wow! This is great!" But is this really for you? To do so is to ruin your own talent.
So look inside yourself, think what really matters to you. Let's say you have a thing for dream catchers. So create a design where the dream catcher will fit: ambiguous shapes and shades, obscure lights, fantastic pictures on the walls. If the world you imagine doesn't exist, create your own world! Let your passion drive your mind: don't be afraid to use unusual materials. Anything will do: from broken glass and marbles to tree branches, from dried plants and feathers to paper folds, from broken pieces of a mirror to wood chips or metal accents, from sea shells you color with acrylics to unexpected artworks on canvas.
It's sometimes hard, but don't give up. Great works of art need time and you have time on your side. There's no rush. Your home is your temple, so make it holy for you!
Don't be afraid of what people think. They cannot see the world as you do. They do not feel the same, nor think the same. But when your work is done, astonishing in its beauty, they do not need to understand its meaning but to know it's unique: as unique as its creator - YOU.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Interior Design
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
The concept of positive and negative spaces in interior design
When talking about positive and negative spaces it is important
to first understand the term "space" in itself. In interior
design any volume which is being contained within masonry
walls and are habitable is normally termed as space.
The volume that gets enclosed in an architectural structure is
just a tiny fraction of the vast amount of "universal space".
By universal space I mean the cosmos or the gigantic vastness
in which our planet and all other planets, starts etc.. survive.
The volume, which gets contained in a building, varies according to
the use of the building. A cinema theatre and a bedroom will surely
have different purposes and hence volume. Volume gets defined by
three factors, length, breadth and height of the habitable room.
But irrespective of the volume both types of buildings mentioned
above have "spaces" enclosed within. Lets consider the bedroom
for the sake of this article.
A typical bedroom will have certain architectural elements
attached to it at the time of construction of the building and
certain "imposed" later for the sake of proper function. Also
it is important to note that no one builds bedrooms in isolation.
A bedroom is always a part of the entire home plan.
The architectural elements already present in a bedroom would be
attached toilet and its entrance door, attached terrace or
backyard entry, attached study room. All these spaces have
work like supplementary role in a bedroom. Now the "imposed"
elements are the furniture in the room, other accessories that
will occupy the space in a bedroom.
A typical bedroom will have a double bed, wardrobe, dressing
table, side tables, study table, book shelf etc.. All these
are necessary to use the room in a comfortable way. When these
furniture are arranged in a room what remains is termed as the
"circulation space". Now most people think that the volume of
the furniture and the remaining empty space must have a balance
between them. Because it is not the occupied volume, but the
empty volume, that decides the comfort levels inside a room.
If you visit a store room on the basement of a house which is
normally used to dump useless things, you will notice that the
empty space remained is very less and hence the comfort levels
there, are poor. So in interior design the "empty space" is
equally important. Now here comes the concept of positive and
negative spaces. Normally a negative space is considered a
space which can not be used for a specific human activity.
But this is not true. As said above the over all comfort levels
in a room is determined by both the occupied as well as non-occupied
spaces. So any smallest piece of floor area that is not being
occupied is going to contribute to the comfort levels.
That's why the terminology of being positive and negative as
far as usability is considered becomes a personal matter. What
you think as a useless and non functional space can become a
good place for your kid and his friends when they play hide and
seek. It's just the viewpoint to look at thing that matters.
Also a little creativity can alter a non-functional space into
a functional one. But remember what I said earlier, in interior
design empty space matters. It is not just beautiful furniture,
costly paints/wallpapers/paintings that are going to decorate
your rooms. Finally it boils down to only one thing, YOU and
YOUR mental as well as physical health in that space.
I hope this article was helpful to everyone.
Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya
About the author:
Shrinivas Vaidya discusses some excellent tips on home renovation at his interior design website .You will also find some great concept level thinking on bedrooms and decorating ideas.
Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com
to first understand the term "space" in itself. In interior
design any volume which is being contained within masonry
walls and are habitable is normally termed as space.
The volume that gets enclosed in an architectural structure is
just a tiny fraction of the vast amount of "universal space".
By universal space I mean the cosmos or the gigantic vastness
in which our planet and all other planets, starts etc.. survive.
The volume, which gets contained in a building, varies according to
the use of the building. A cinema theatre and a bedroom will surely
have different purposes and hence volume. Volume gets defined by
three factors, length, breadth and height of the habitable room.
But irrespective of the volume both types of buildings mentioned
above have "spaces" enclosed within. Lets consider the bedroom
for the sake of this article.
A typical bedroom will have certain architectural elements
attached to it at the time of construction of the building and
certain "imposed" later for the sake of proper function. Also
it is important to note that no one builds bedrooms in isolation.
A bedroom is always a part of the entire home plan.
The architectural elements already present in a bedroom would be
attached toilet and its entrance door, attached terrace or
backyard entry, attached study room. All these spaces have
work like supplementary role in a bedroom. Now the "imposed"
elements are the furniture in the room, other accessories that
will occupy the space in a bedroom.
A typical bedroom will have a double bed, wardrobe, dressing
table, side tables, study table, book shelf etc.. All these
are necessary to use the room in a comfortable way. When these
furniture are arranged in a room what remains is termed as the
"circulation space". Now most people think that the volume of
the furniture and the remaining empty space must have a balance
between them. Because it is not the occupied volume, but the
empty volume, that decides the comfort levels inside a room.
If you visit a store room on the basement of a house which is
normally used to dump useless things, you will notice that the
empty space remained is very less and hence the comfort levels
there, are poor. So in interior design the "empty space" is
equally important. Now here comes the concept of positive and
negative spaces. Normally a negative space is considered a
space which can not be used for a specific human activity.
But this is not true. As said above the over all comfort levels
in a room is determined by both the occupied as well as non-occupied
spaces. So any smallest piece of floor area that is not being
occupied is going to contribute to the comfort levels.
That's why the terminology of being positive and negative as
far as usability is considered becomes a personal matter. What
you think as a useless and non functional space can become a
good place for your kid and his friends when they play hide and
seek. It's just the viewpoint to look at thing that matters.
Also a little creativity can alter a non-functional space into
a functional one. But remember what I said earlier, in interior
design empty space matters. It is not just beautiful furniture,
costly paints/wallpapers/paintings that are going to decorate
your rooms. Finally it boils down to only one thing, YOU and
YOUR mental as well as physical health in that space.
I hope this article was helpful to everyone.
Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya
About the author:
Shrinivas Vaidya discusses some excellent tips on home renovation at his interior design website .You will also find some great concept level thinking on bedrooms and decorating ideas.
Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com
Monday, August 14, 2006
Things to consider while designing a guest bedroom
A bedroom is a place where we relax. Depending upon the
age group normally bedrooms are categorized as master bedroom,
teen bedroom, child/kid bedroom.
But a home building may also have a provision for a guest bedroom
in it. If the architect of the building has taken enough care
while designing the building, a guest bedroom is located on the
ground floor.
I have seen home designs where a guest bedroom is deliberately
located on ground floor and used as a income source by
giving the room o rent. This is common practice in crowded cities.
Because of its location on ground floor it is easy to
give a separate access to the space without disturbing the privacy
of the entire house.
Ideally a guest bedroom should have a good natural lighting and
ventilation. A good view of the surroundings from the window is
also appreciated. It is like treating the guest bedroom just
like the master one.
Good quality furniture with easy access to attached toilet block
is also strongly recommended. The most important aspect according
to me is cleanliness. Since a guest has a very limited time span
to spend in his bedroom, it is extremely important to take care of
hygiene. A room which is easy to clean and maintain is preferred.
A bedroom, which is too small in area, will have restrictions as far
as experimentations in design are considered. By experimentation
I mean trying different furniture layouts or decorating ideas will
be somewhat restricted.
A good example to study, is to start with bedrooms in large hotel.
All rooms in a hotel come under the category of "guest bedrooms"
The only difference is, we "pay" to stay there, which is not the
case with a bedroom in our home. The architect of the hotel
takes good care of providing natural sunlight and ventilation and
a good view of the surroundings. Thought now a days most hotel
rooms have air conditioners to artificially control the internal
environment, a provision for natural control is a must.
Use of dark colors can be avoided. You can always try to be a little
creative while designing the guest bedroom. The reason here is, the
guest is there at your place probably to have a change in his daily
routine life and if a room in YOUR home gives him such a nice
feeling of "change" then he might visit again the next month.
As mentioned before in most cases the guest bedroom is located
on the ground floor. This can be used creatively to provide an
access to the landscaped backyard or an open patio with informal
seating. The space must have a provision for sliding or
folding door shutters so that can be easily closed if required.
So the entire success of the guest bedroom design project lies
in finding out how the guest feels when he/she lives there. Was she
comfortable there. Did she find things easily. Even small things like
light and fan switches, water taps in bathrooms, wardrobe shutters,
door and window hinges etc.. must be kept in well maintained and
proper working condition for the guest. Small thing add up and can become a reason for uncomfortable environment for the guest. That's
the meaning of the statement "easy to maintain" which I mentioned
above in this article.
I hope this article was informative to everyone.
Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya
About the author:
Shrinivas Vaidya is the webmaster of Bedroom-Design-And-Decorating-Ideas.com .Visit today to find some great concept level design tips for bedroom sets.
age group normally bedrooms are categorized as master bedroom,
teen bedroom, child/kid bedroom.
But a home building may also have a provision for a guest bedroom
in it. If the architect of the building has taken enough care
while designing the building, a guest bedroom is located on the
ground floor.
I have seen home designs where a guest bedroom is deliberately
located on ground floor and used as a income source by
giving the room o rent. This is common practice in crowded cities.
Because of its location on ground floor it is easy to
give a separate access to the space without disturbing the privacy
of the entire house.
Ideally a guest bedroom should have a good natural lighting and
ventilation. A good view of the surroundings from the window is
also appreciated. It is like treating the guest bedroom just
like the master one.
Good quality furniture with easy access to attached toilet block
is also strongly recommended. The most important aspect according
to me is cleanliness. Since a guest has a very limited time span
to spend in his bedroom, it is extremely important to take care of
hygiene. A room which is easy to clean and maintain is preferred.
A bedroom, which is too small in area, will have restrictions as far
as experimentations in design are considered. By experimentation
I mean trying different furniture layouts or decorating ideas will
be somewhat restricted.
A good example to study, is to start with bedrooms in large hotel.
All rooms in a hotel come under the category of "guest bedrooms"
The only difference is, we "pay" to stay there, which is not the
case with a bedroom in our home. The architect of the hotel
takes good care of providing natural sunlight and ventilation and
a good view of the surroundings. Thought now a days most hotel
rooms have air conditioners to artificially control the internal
environment, a provision for natural control is a must.
Use of dark colors can be avoided. You can always try to be a little
creative while designing the guest bedroom. The reason here is, the
guest is there at your place probably to have a change in his daily
routine life and if a room in YOUR home gives him such a nice
feeling of "change" then he might visit again the next month.
As mentioned before in most cases the guest bedroom is located
on the ground floor. This can be used creatively to provide an
access to the landscaped backyard or an open patio with informal
seating. The space must have a provision for sliding or
folding door shutters so that can be easily closed if required.
So the entire success of the guest bedroom design project lies
in finding out how the guest feels when he/she lives there. Was she
comfortable there. Did she find things easily. Even small things like
light and fan switches, water taps in bathrooms, wardrobe shutters,
door and window hinges etc.. must be kept in well maintained and
proper working condition for the guest. Small thing add up and can become a reason for uncomfortable environment for the guest. That's
the meaning of the statement "easy to maintain" which I mentioned
above in this article.
I hope this article was informative to everyone.
Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya
About the author:
Shrinivas Vaidya is the webmaster of Bedroom-Design-And-Decorating-Ideas.com .Visit today to find some great concept level design tips for bedroom sets.
How do home furnishing experts study an interior space?
Dear friends, have you ever entered an empty room,
without any furniture in it. Such a room always looks
spacious, but lacks a "personality".
The moment you start adding some furniture, the space
starts to attract a face on itself. Depending upon the
volume of the objects being put, the space gets altered in
a dynamic fashion.
A typical home consists of a living room, bed room(s), kitchen,
toilet blocks, family room, study room etc.. All these
spaces have their own specific function from the user's
point of view.
When these spaces get furnished the previous identity of
an empty space get blocked by the objects being placed.
The face of the furniture object, is the new face of the
room. Whenever you enter these rooms, you see the new face
first, since the furniture occupies quite a bit of floor
and wall space.
Any habitual space also has one more important aspect
attached to it. Every habitual space always has windows
as a necessary functional arrangement. Depending upon the
function of the room the space can have doors as well.
These openings in walls create a kind of attachment of the
interior space with outside natural world. This is a very
powerful aspect in any design project. If the outside flora
and fauna is densely populated with natural elements such
as trees, water, mountains, this reflects clearly and
directly on the choice of furniture the designer would
make in the inside spaces.
If the home is located in a crowd urban cityscape, the
choice of design theme would be different. The choice
of furniture is directly related to comfort level of every
individual. Selecting furniture which goes with the
entire theme as well as satisfies the person on the
comfort scale can change the way the room feels.
So the personality of an interior space is largely dependant
on what's happening outside the space, rather than the space
itself. The outside events such a presence of seashore,
flowing river, mountain ranges, snow falls, or even a
highway full of traffic can greatly alter the furnishing.
For example if your home is just next to a busy street, you
might want to use cane curtains on windows which would
cut-off all the noise easily. So the use of curtains has
altered the face of the room to some extent and thus forces
the designer to make appropriate choices for other objects
in the room, which would easily merge with the texture,
color, finish of the cane curtains.
On the other hand if your home is on a sea shore, you
might go in for curtains which block the heavy wind, but
don't block the beautiful view. Here again the room would
have a different face and the entire theme makes a shift
on itself.
I hope this article was helpful for everyone.
About the author:
Shrinivas Vaidya is the webmaster of http://www.Bedroom-Design-And-Decorating-Ideas.com. Visit today for great bedroom design tips and ideas.
Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Building a Family Room Addition
Besides providing your home with more living space, building a family room addition can be a terrific investment. However, before embarking on building a family room addition the homeowner should first consider several important items. These items include: home market values in the neighborhood, financing, home building costs, family room design plans (size and scale of project), architecture, timetable for completion, personal disruption/inconvenience threshold and the sweat equity commitment level.
Designing a Family Room Addition and Assessing Market Value Prior to actually breaking ground on a family room addition, it is best to first have a plan. You need to determine what you are looking for in terms of additional living space. For example: How many square feet? What types of rooms? Once this is understood, it is then important to find out the market value of homes in the local area with similar size and features to the new and improved home. With this information the homeowner can then calculate the difference between their current home market value and the new and improved home market value. This difference should represent the maximum cost budget for the new addition if a positive investment is desired. For example, a homeowner would not want to spend $40,000 on a new family room addition that provides only $20,000 in increased market value to the improved home.
Financing the Family Room Addition The next important question involves how to fund the cost of the family room addition. Unless the project is being funded via cash/savings then financing will be required. If current mortgage rates are higher than the existing mortgage, then a home equity loan will probably make the most sense. If current mortgage rates are lower than the existing mortgage, then refinancing the entire home, including the cost of the family room addition project, may make the most sense.
Family Room Addition Design and Architectural Considerations Once the financial items have been addressed it is then time to focus on the size and scale of the project, as well as the architectural and aesthetics of the new family room addition. The family room addition should be of size and scale such that it aesthetically melds into the original house. It should not be too small or too big. Frequently, homeowners get carried away and add large amounts of new living space without sufficient thought on the outside appearance. From a market value, there is more to a home than just pure living space. A home needs to maintain its exterior aesthetics as well. It is important to consider such items as siding, doors, windows, rooflines, and elevations. All should meld into the existing home exterior seamlessly and aesthetically. If an architect is not planned for the project, then the homeowner should at least make some sketches of the home exterior with the new addition. The building inspector will probably require them anyways during the permit process. Also, there are many Home Design software packages on the market today that can help create such drawings.
Schedule and Sweat Equity Commitment The next two items that should be considered include the timetable for completing the project and the homeowner sweaty equity commitment level. Many homeowners assume they can do a lot more than they are either skilled to do or have the time to do. From personal experience, I would suggest contracting out the site/ground work, rough framing, roofing, siding, heating/cooling, and the drywall. All of these tasks require skill, time and brawn. If local laws permit, electric and plumbing may be tackled by the homeowner. However, both require skill and can be life threatening if not performed properly. Other tasks that a homeowner could tackle include installing interior doors, finish trim, painting, cabinet installation, tiling and hardwood flooring. Prior to a homeowner signing up to any specific task however, they should first honestly assess their skill and available time, and compare them to their project schedule. If they don't match, hire the contractor.
Threshold of Inconvenience and Disruption Finally, a homeowner should consider their threshold for inconvenience and disruption. A family room addition, particularly if it involves the kitchen, is very disruptive to today's busy lifestyles. It is also a dusty, dirty and noisy endeavor. In addition, dealing with subcontractors can be challenging at best. For a typical family room addition anticipate several months of effort and inconvenience.
If after assessing all these issues you are still willing to move forward with the project, contact your subcontractors, pull your permits and get ready for an exciting time. For most homeowners building a family room addition is a positive experience that provides both new living space and a great investment. For more help on building a family room addition, see HomeAdditionPlus.com's Room Addition Bid sheet. The Room Addition Bid Sheet will help ensure that your room addition project goes smoothly and is completed on time and budget.
About the Author:
About the Author: By Mark J. Donovan. Over the past 20+ years Mark Donovan has been involved with building homes and additions to homes. His projects have included: building a vacation home, building additions and garages on to existing homes, and finishing unfinished homes. For more home improvement information visit http://www.homeadditionplus.com/ and http://www.homeaddition.blogspot.com/
Designing a Family Room Addition and Assessing Market Value Prior to actually breaking ground on a family room addition, it is best to first have a plan. You need to determine what you are looking for in terms of additional living space. For example: How many square feet? What types of rooms? Once this is understood, it is then important to find out the market value of homes in the local area with similar size and features to the new and improved home. With this information the homeowner can then calculate the difference between their current home market value and the new and improved home market value. This difference should represent the maximum cost budget for the new addition if a positive investment is desired. For example, a homeowner would not want to spend $40,000 on a new family room addition that provides only $20,000 in increased market value to the improved home.
Financing the Family Room Addition The next important question involves how to fund the cost of the family room addition. Unless the project is being funded via cash/savings then financing will be required. If current mortgage rates are higher than the existing mortgage, then a home equity loan will probably make the most sense. If current mortgage rates are lower than the existing mortgage, then refinancing the entire home, including the cost of the family room addition project, may make the most sense.
Family Room Addition Design and Architectural Considerations Once the financial items have been addressed it is then time to focus on the size and scale of the project, as well as the architectural and aesthetics of the new family room addition. The family room addition should be of size and scale such that it aesthetically melds into the original house. It should not be too small or too big. Frequently, homeowners get carried away and add large amounts of new living space without sufficient thought on the outside appearance. From a market value, there is more to a home than just pure living space. A home needs to maintain its exterior aesthetics as well. It is important to consider such items as siding, doors, windows, rooflines, and elevations. All should meld into the existing home exterior seamlessly and aesthetically. If an architect is not planned for the project, then the homeowner should at least make some sketches of the home exterior with the new addition. The building inspector will probably require them anyways during the permit process. Also, there are many Home Design software packages on the market today that can help create such drawings.
Schedule and Sweat Equity Commitment The next two items that should be considered include the timetable for completing the project and the homeowner sweaty equity commitment level. Many homeowners assume they can do a lot more than they are either skilled to do or have the time to do. From personal experience, I would suggest contracting out the site/ground work, rough framing, roofing, siding, heating/cooling, and the drywall. All of these tasks require skill, time and brawn. If local laws permit, electric and plumbing may be tackled by the homeowner. However, both require skill and can be life threatening if not performed properly. Other tasks that a homeowner could tackle include installing interior doors, finish trim, painting, cabinet installation, tiling and hardwood flooring. Prior to a homeowner signing up to any specific task however, they should first honestly assess their skill and available time, and compare them to their project schedule. If they don't match, hire the contractor.
Threshold of Inconvenience and Disruption Finally, a homeowner should consider their threshold for inconvenience and disruption. A family room addition, particularly if it involves the kitchen, is very disruptive to today's busy lifestyles. It is also a dusty, dirty and noisy endeavor. In addition, dealing with subcontractors can be challenging at best. For a typical family room addition anticipate several months of effort and inconvenience.
If after assessing all these issues you are still willing to move forward with the project, contact your subcontractors, pull your permits and get ready for an exciting time. For most homeowners building a family room addition is a positive experience that provides both new living space and a great investment. For more help on building a family room addition, see HomeAdditionPlus.com's Room Addition Bid sheet. The Room Addition Bid Sheet will help ensure that your room addition project goes smoothly and is completed on time and budget.
About the Author:
About the Author: By Mark J. Donovan. Over the past 20+ years Mark Donovan has been involved with building homes and additions to homes. His projects have included: building a vacation home, building additions and garages on to existing homes, and finishing unfinished homes. For more home improvement information visit http://www.homeadditionplus.com/ and http://www.homeaddition.blogspot.com/
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