Archive for the ‘Interior Decorating’ Category
March 12th, 2010
When was the last time your thought about your lights? How are the lights in your home or apartment? Are they satisfying? Do you have enough light to read your favorite book by? Do you have enough light to entertain? While the decor tends to get the lion’s share of attention, it’s the lighting that can make all the difference when it comes time to truly appreciating your living room or workspace.
Take a moment and try this experiment. Empty out a room in your home or apartment. Now, turn on the lights. How does it look? If you’re using everyday incandescent lights, the room is bound to look claustrophobic. If you’re using florescent lights you might be living in an institution. Now, hang a row of dynamic Flos lights and see what happens.
When that Italian fixture gets going, you can be sure you’re going to get a lighting solution that will make your room the coziest, best lit room in your entire apartment or home. The trick is how these kinds of fixtures are designed. In a word: boldly. If these bold and innovative fixtures aren’t your bag, don’t bother with a Flos.
Most people fail to carefully consider their lights. Now the popular lighting solutions at your run-of-the-mill IKEA are popular for a reason: price. Sure, you can find a number of “contemporary” lamps, but in the end, these lamps suffer from the drag of millions of people choosing them. What you need is a set of lights that are “bursting with innovation, spirit and distinction.”
While you may be inclined to do so, don’t make the mistake of thinking these stylish fixtures are just for one kind of room or lighting solution. Bathrooms, bedrooms, studies, dens and more — the solutions to the problem of bad lighting never cease. Why settle for the same old incandescent fixtures with the ubiquitous paper lampshades? Turn on the bright lights and get to living!
Learn to love your lighting solutions and go with the proverbial Flos.
March 2nd, 2010
A versatile magnetic tool bar is a simple and efficient means for keeping an array of metal tools neat, organized, and easy to locate. A perfect choice for those craftsmen in need of tidying a cluttered workbench, while having all frequently used tools close to hand.
A magnetic strip, with heavy-duty magnet, comes designed to hold a vast array of tools, with such common hand-tools as a screwdriver, pliers, drill bits, and hex wrench all held with ease. A high-performance bar offers an ability to secure tools up to 10lbs in weight.
Some of the mounting options include attaching to a shelf, ladder, workbench, or wall space for a flexible and versatile tool storage organizer. A magnetic strip is often finished with a powder coating to prevent scratch marks to tools.
The dimensions for a tool bar often range in the region of 8 – 24 inches in length, and 1 – 2 inches in height, while its load capacity reaches up to an impressive 240 lbs in total. A dual-purpose hold can also feature hanging hook or loop to accept a variety of non-magnetic products.
As well as the magnetic strips, a rectangular or circular magnetic bowl offers a perfect solution to hold a vast selection of loose parts, such as nuts, screws, or bolts. A small bowl features a magnetic strip in a similar style to the full-sized tool holders.
A compete portable solution is found with the strap-on magnetic holders, which come with a comfortable strap, powerful magnet, Velcro loop, and a sufficiently sized load space to accept drill parts, screws, and driver tips. Its resilient strap offers an option to attach to wrist or tool handle to ensure all parts are within easy reach at all times.
Whether it is to locate in a workshop, kitchen or garage, a magnetic tool organizer is a perfect option to tidy a collection of tools in one simple and tidy location.
George Strailts writes articles, reviews, and products reports on a variety of topics, including those on the multi-purpose Magnetic Strips and the versatile Dry Erase Marker.
March 1st, 2010
Most homeowners put off large purchases during a recession. Homeowners who had previously planned to sell their current home and upgrade to a larger one are now reconsidering.
To avoid further credit obligations most homeowners are sticking it out in their current residences. And on top of that the current credit restrictions are guaranteeing that a large portion of Americans are sticking it out in their current residences. They’d have a hard time getting credit approval for another home purchase.
So what exactly happens when homeowners planning on upgrading are suddenly settled back into their current home? They typically look around for upgrades they can make to their current home. What sort of upgrades do they consider? They typically consider updating their blinds and shades.
Drastic change and affordable pricing makes updating blinds and shades the perfect home improvement. It adds value to the home, increases the safety of the home (due to recent increases in safety regulations in the industry).
if consumers haven’t been out and about in the industry in a while they will find that there are a plethora of options out there that will surprise them. There are several points to consider while shopping for blinds and shades:
1. Faux vs. wood really shouldn’t be an argument. But it typically is an argument; especially if consumers aren’t aware of the facts. Faux products are cheaper and they handle moisture very well. Wood products add warmth to the design of any interior space, they’re stronger and they’re lighter.
2. Energy savings products: These products are often considered extremely valuable because they end up paying for themselves. They decrease the carbon footprint of homeowners (which many find desirable in the current green environment) and the drastic decrease in monthly energy bill payments really makes a difference in the long run; it eventually covers the initial cost of the blinds and/or shades.
3. Blinds and shades are a fantastic home improvement: They are much more cost effective in comparison to other home improvements. They provide a high level of change at a low cost. The installation of blinds and shades are a universal value adder to any property.
Installing updated blinds and shades will result in an overall increase in energy efficiency in nearly any home because of recent advances that have affected both the design and manufacturing methods that are in use in the industry. Safety is increased, energy efficiency is increased, and energy bills will be decreased. And that’s a fabulous benefit in today’s economy.
Chris Stanley is a window treatments expert at Blinds Chalet. Blinds Chalet has over 25 years of experience in the window coverings industry and strives to educate consumers about purchasing and installing window blinds before they buy. Focusing on high quality, company tested and approved window treatments at affordable prices, Blinds Chalet is a resource for all things window blinds related.
February 28th, 2010
Ever visited a log cabin and wanted to bring it home with you? The Rustic style of home decor brings the outdoors in and makes a home very comfortable and inviting. Working with this style can be done no matter what the budget since most of the items found are purchased from flea markets and yard sales.
When you go to redecorate a home or even just a room you need to preplan the ideas of what you want it to look like. The log cabin style is one that comes across as being a lived in location, and looks like you may not need to plan much, but in reality you will still need to make some plans. One of the important focal points or ideas with the log cabin decor is to bring in the outdoors to your inside living area. Colors you use should stick in the earthy colors, maybe browns, brick red, green and black.
When choosing the color scheme the best way to start is by going to your local paint or home improvement store and picking up some paint sample cards. These cards are usually free and will allow you to coordinate your entire space more easily. Choosing and matching the accessories and furniture in the room with your color scheme will greatly simplify achieving this look.
Furniture should be rough looking, such as those pieces that are made out of wood that is rough still, not all clean cut. They should have an earthy feel to them. Tables need to be the same way, get ones that still have the bark on the wood in spots if you can. These types of choices will make the log cabin style look outstanding. As far as other accessories you can use with this style pick up some old snowshoes, or fishing gear even. These things only add to the look.
On the windows you can use simple blinds, or curtains, don’t get anything that is too fancy. These must bring in a homey feeling to your house, shutters may even work well. You want to let in as much of the sun as you can, this will brighten up your home nicely.
The wall art and lighting should both have very earthy and woodsy tones. Use photos of woods or mountains in twig or rough wooden frames. Use lighting that feature deer antlers in the lamps and chandeliers, since deer shed their antlers it is possible to find many items with this theme especially in locations with high deer populations.
One of the most important places to focus when it comes to this type of style is the floors. While wood floors are almost a requirement, there are many products on the market that give you the hardwood look without the hardwood price.
When focusing on the floors a lot of this look focuses on area rugs. The rugs should be sprinkled throughout the space to add warmth and interest, but they should be very naturally styled selections. When shopping for rugs focus on organic, woven, and some oriental rugs with earthly tones.
The log cabin style is one of the most comfortable ways to decorate your home. Just remember that it’s all about bringing in the outdoors inside and preplanning it ahead of time.
If you found this information about Home Design beneficial, then you are going to love these colored area rugs.
February 23rd, 2010
Are you someone who likes to be different? I am. I don’t mind the status quo. I don’t disdain or necessarily protest the way the world goes around. I do, however, like to feel that I have my own style and unique taste regardless of what is considered to be proper or even acceptable sometimes. That may be a bit naive, I admit, but I still strive to feel comfortable in my choices because, I like them, not because they are in vogue.
True even in the small or unimportant choices I make day to day. When I look for something to adorn my home, I like to look for something I find unique or just a bit different to fit what I feel is my style. In the time I’ve been writing about home entertainment furniture, I have found a few that I would love to share with others that might have a similar taste as me. They are the curiously different audio-visual furniture that I want to find a way to incorporate into my home.
Furniture used for entertainment but produced by people who are anti technology in their personal lives. You heard me right, I’ve stumbled across some home entertainment furniture made by the Amish community. In case you are not aware or up to date on your Amish knowledge, my understanding is that they believe in preserving traditional methods and values. As this is the case, they refrain from using motor vehicles such as cars or tractors. They do not watch TV or videos and they don’t use cell phones. However, what they do is make furnishings and other handmade anything that is unparalleled in quality and craftsmanship. Maybe it’s a little cynical, but I love to support my modern technology with furniture made by those who refuse to take part in it.
Last year, I attended a “green” fair, and came across some very interesting work by a company that want to preserve the rain forests. There was more to it, but that was the gist of it.
Green Tea Designs travels around the world to gather what they call “reclaimed wood” which is wood from structures that would normally be thrown out, burned, or otherwise destroyed. Then they use it to design and make fabulous high end pieces of furniture that anyone would be proud to display in their home. You should look at they work it is second to none, and you can justify the price by telling yourself that it’s all for the rain forest.
The last thing I wanted to mention is something that seems to have walked right out of the movies and into your living room. A motorized entertainment center. That’s right, with the touch of a button on your remote control on a switch on the wall, you can reveal your set as if by magic. Revealing itself from what seems like an average furniture piece, you can amaze your friends and family with a futuristic style that few people have hanging around the house. The only catch may be that you may forget it isn’t a surface to put miscellaneous things on (kind of like the bar is at my house) and have to clean it off before indulging in your favorite Star Trek flick, well, either that or the price. But think of how cool you would be!
TV Stands Chandelier
February 18th, 2010
When designing your bedroom, you should think about the atmosphere you want to create. If you are designing the room primarily for relaxation, you will most likely choose a cool color palate. However, if you want to add a little romance to your bedroom, then it could be time to make some bold design choices. Don’t be afraid to take a few risks when decorating your bedroom. The end result will be a romantic space that you and your partner can enjoy.
When you are creating a romantic atmosphere in the bedroom make sure to choose the correct color palette. Reds are especially a hot color when it comes to the bedroom since it invokes passion. Darker reds are chosen more when choosing wall colors. If red isn’t your ideal color for a romantic room perhaps you have another color in mind. Make sure it’s a color which makes you happy since you’ll be the one whom will be sleeping in the room every night. If you aren’t quite sure about painting the walls red but like the idea, then accent with pillows and your linens.
Don’t paint right away until you have figured out what exactly you want. Allow yourself time to figure out the full design that you want for your room, maybe adding in some accessories like a vase or a picture that is romantic. Get together everything that will help to create that romantic atmosphere completely in your room.
When you have figured out what your color and theme is going to be get some romantic and extravagant bedding. The textures that you feel can cause an immediate sensation. With silk sheets on your bed it will seem romantic just due to the touch. Whatever you do don’t buy some old quilt to put into the room that will pull out any feeling of romance you had already created.
Don’t forget to select a few beautiful pieces of art to hang on the walls. Your bed will most likely be the focal point of your romantic bedroom, so you should find something special to hang above the headboard. Choose pictures that coordinate with your color scheme. Elegant floral prints or abstract paintings are both good choices for the walls. You could also hang a large wedding photo in an ornate frame.
Romantic bedrooms are defined by sensual textures, so don’t overlook the floor. If you have hardwood floors, you should add a touch of softness with a beautiful rug. You can choose a large rug to place beneath the bed, or you could opt for a few small rugs to put in various places around the room. Try to choose a rug with a neutral color, so it doesn’t distract from your extravagant bedding. Whether you have carpet, hardwood floors, or linoleum, remember that an area rug in a contrasting or complementary color can provide another layer of romantic texture.
Finally, add a softer lighting in the room to complete the romantic feel. Try choosing a great accent lamp since they are more romantic than an overhead fan light or other overhead bulbs. To make it even more romantic, try adding recessed lighting with a dimmer switch. You then have control on the brightness of the lighting for different occasions. Candles are another accent and also romantic item to place into the bedroom. Lavender, rose, or juniper scents are a great way to set the mood in your new re-modeled bedroom.
Romantic Interior Decorating experts all agree that it is essential to use area rugs. And as discussed here one of the most popular ranges is the heart shaped rugs.