Monday, May 31, 2010

Using Bamboo Furniture for Decorating Your Home


When you set out to redecorate a room in your home, there are so many things to consider. From the style and versatility, durability of the furniture, to the budget you have to work with, your choices, although narrowed down, may still seem overwhelming. If you are hoping to create a unique, comfortable, and stylish atmosphere, consider incorporating bamboo furniture into your design. As a green element in construction, bamboo has been used in furnishings and accents for many years.

Redecorating a room doesn't have to be a stress filled experience. After all, there can never be a guarantee that you will love your new design in ten years, when it is no longer new. The key is to choose styles and pieces that will offer you some flexibility for when you do want to change things up a little bit. Often, with bamboo furniture, this is as easy as replacing the fabric on the seat and chair back cushions, and your room will fee brand new. Another great feature about decorating with bamboo is how easily you can move the pieces around in your room, again, to keep your design feeling new and fresh.

Sometimes, the least obvious accents can make the most dramatic impact. When it comes to window treatments, there are so many more options beyond plain, white mini blinds and shades.

Even if you have only incorporated a few pieces of bamboo furniture into your design, your windows might be just the spot for more. Imagine the rich, warm tones of bamboo reed window shades on every window in your room. In addition to the great insulating properties of bamboo, these are shades that require no valance or curtain because they are beautiful enough on their own.

From the novice to the seasoned decorator, the goals are the same to transform a room into something new and fresh. There aren't many furniture styles that can compliment many styles, and every budget. Bamboo may be one material that has it all. Affordable, beautiful and versatile, bamboo furniture is sure to make an impact in any room. From large pieces, to small accents and window treatments, it is a timeless, classic way to give a room undeniable character.

Decorating Your Kitchen by Selecting Right Kitchen Colors and Accessories

When it comes to colors, you can think of all the shades of light and dark to add to your kitchen. The choice of colors is completely an individual's choice. However a wiser choice always makes a great impact on the look of the complete area. This particular area has multiple things ranging from walls to accessories. The art of combining various colors and patterns of the kitchen commodities will make it a better place to cook.

Here are some simple tips of colors that may help your kitchen rejuvenate and give it a class feeling.
  • In case you are having a fair good kitchen space then you can flaunt with all sorts of shades. The use of bright colors on walls and ceilings like pale, yellow, lemon and green will make it appear big. However, if you want to give an elegant and sleek look then you can even paint the walls red. This is both a bright and a dark shade that will offer a different look.
  • Some basic colors like orange, violet and indigo are also an excellent option for the walls.
  • To enhance the appearance, it is not necessary that you need to have one color. You can add different shades to the ceilings and walls. Some pattern fabrics and designs are being included. People having linear and striped patterns love their areas and it also makes the place look bigger.
  • Coming to your cabinets. You must have installed them to add more space. The shades of your cabinets too make a difference. People having a small kitchen area can install them in neutral shade like white. This gives a bright look. In case you have a big kitchen, then dark colors will give a sophisticated and classy appearance to the area. Cherry red shades, wood color and other similar colors are becoming a part of the latest trend and people are installing them more often.
  • The shelves and slab colors are often recommended to be light and mostly suggested to be of the material that is easy to clean.
  • The floor color of your kitchen is another aspect to be looked after. The use of marbles, ceramic tiles, granites, hardwood and other flooring types is becoming popular not only for the durability, but also because of the fact that numerous shades are available.
  • These days, dark as well as light, shimmery and glossy type granites are being installed to give a modernized and dazzling appearance. So, you can always think of installing the granite floors.

In case you want tiles in your kitchen then you better use both light and dark combinations to reflect a unique pattern. Contrasting colors like black and white, red and white are often being used by the homeowners.

Apart from the kitchen furniture, choice of some big equipment to be placed in your kitchen must be made judiciously. You can better try matching them with your kitchen theme. It is not necessary that you have to stick to one fabric in this part of home try using multiple building materials this would give more choice. The use of metals in various shades is also picking up trend for simple reason that they give an ethnic and antique look.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

The Power of Three in Apartment Decorating

When decorating your apartment, it is important to keep in mind that there are certain techniques that can be used to create a more visually appealing end result. One of these tricks is to use decorating accessories in multiples of three. Using groupings instead of singular items can add a decorator look to your apartment, while adding a lot of visual interest.

Artwork and Accessories in Multiple of Threes
One way of using multiples of three is with wall art. Instead of hanging just one large piece of art on a long wall, try hanging three framed prints or paintings that are the same size in a row. Or, use one large piece of wall art beside two smaller ones stacked one over the other. This method of hanging wall art can be much more interesting than a single framed piece. Keep in mind that when using the "power of three," all three items do not need to be the same. For example, hanging a candle sconce on both sides of a framed print can add a nice effect. Plants arranged in multiples of three also work well, especially if you choose plants that vary according to height, placing the taller plant in the back.

Pillow Power in Threes
You can also use multiples of three when placing throw pillows and blankets. For example, draping a tapestry throw over one end of the sofa along with a large and small throw pillow can be very attractive. Or, group throw pillows in multiples of three for a contemporary look. Remember when arranging throw pillows that pillows in even numbers placed symmetrically such as one or two pillows placed on either end of a sofa adds a traditional look, while an odd number of pillows place asymmetrically generally adds a more modern and contemporary look.

Using Three in the Kitchen
You can also use multiples of three very effectively in the kitchen. Three kitchen canisters of varying or similar height can look nice arranged in a row on the countertop. Or, place a salt grinder, pepper grinder and one container of another cooking spice close to your store for an attractive display that is also handy and useful. Even something as simple as three beautiful apples arranged in a basket can add a touch of beauty to the kitchen.

Decorating the Bedroom
In the bedroom, three throw pillows placed on the bed can add a nice touch. When arranging items on your vanity, lining up a hair brush, comb and hand mirror can add a very traditional look. You can even use your everyday toiletries in a decorative fashion by arranging them in groups of three, such as a beautiful bottle of perfume, a bottle of body lotion, and a container of talcum powder on one corner of the vanity, which are useful as well as attractive.

Using the Technique in the Bath
In the bathroom, try adding three small mirrors vertically on a narrow wall, or arrange three tall, narrow mirrors over the vanity instead of using one large mirror. A basket of towels combined with a vase of flowers and a knick knack or natural accent such as a sea shell can also add a bit of "triple beauty" to the bathroom.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Home Decorating with Curtain Rods

Moving to your new dream home soon? Then, no doubt, you long for all the praises from your friends and neighbors for the home decor you planned for years. Certainly, there are several things to be done before you flaunt it.

Moving to your new dream home soon? Then, no doubt, you long for all the praises from your friends and neighbors for the home decor you planned for years. Certainly, there are several things to be done before you flaunt it. Giving a gorgeous look to your living room or bedroom requires a nicely dressed up window frame. Window frame, curtains, rods all plays a big role in dolling up your home. If you have not decorated it gracefully, something is going to amiss. And, definitely, you don't want to settle down with something that is less appealing to your lovely home!

You have decided on the stylish curtain panels and draperies to complement your beautiful window casing; and the next step is selecting the right curtain rods and brackets which match your interior design, layout and color. Things look seamless only if you strike wise dealings and right choices!

Find out a curtain rod design which goes well with your interior design in general.

Gone are the days where people go for some simple straight poles. Now, all of us know, there is a huge variety of trendy and smart curtain rods to decorate our window case aesthetically. You can find them in all classy and modern designs and colors. There are stacked square and stacked round models. You can also find ball, trophy and kamrak shapes drapery rods. Pick up the best design which well integrates with your other home decor articles.

What is the dominant color of your home decor? Just keep in mind this factor when you select your curtain rod as it has a lot to do with the overall color theme. If you don't want to mess it up, choose a color which harmonizes with your interior.

Another thing that gives you considerable menace would be getting a drapery rod that fit into the height and length of your window frame. You can get rid of this pest by paying attention to the dimension of the curtain rod you want to purchase. Your problem is solved when you choose curtain rod which can be stretched or dwindled.

The next point is, never ever compromise with the quality and durability, you may need to search for a sturdy curtain rod as some of them wobble and fail to give a good support to the heavy fabrics used for curtain panels, valance or draperies. You may want that heavy material for your window curtain just because you look for a perfect look and elegance! Therefore, when you go for selecting these curtain rods prefer a reputed online store that cater to interior designs and home decor.

Plus, you can go for other decorative fixings like stylish finials, chic drapery hooks and rings to add more flair to your living room or bedroom on the whole.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Decorating a Sun Room with Colors

When decorating a sun room or conservatory, natural and neutral colors work wonderfully as you are trying to achieve a sense of calm and relaxation in this room. By using lighter shades it will make your sun room appear cooler and also make the room appear larger, while adding that sense of style that we all want to achieve. But, not adding any splash of color will make the room appear washed out, drab and not attractive. Every room needs a touch of color whether it be through paint or accessories, which can be changed every time you feel you need a new look.

All light yellow shades are a good choice for your sun room or conservatory, while olive shades add a bit of sophistication. If your room has a large wall making a statement feature of this would create an impact on the whole of the room, a slightly darker shade of the overall color would be perfect.

By adding large plants and flowers here and there will create a flow from the inside out to the garden and a large plant can be a great focal point for the room. Make sure you use similar styles of vases as too many different sizes and shapes will create a scene of pure confusion and you will not get the tranquil effect you are looking for.

Rugs, cushions and throws will add to the overall look of comfort while adding that important splash of color but make sure you purchase materials that are sun resistant and will not fade too quickly over time. Furniture in a sun room or conservatory should also be resistant to the sun and the best materials to go for are wicker and rattan as these will not be damaged by the sun rays. Against this type of furniture cork tiles would be ideal are they are hard wearing and resistant to a lot of wear and tear.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Wood Stove Accessories

If you have a wood stove then you will want to be sure that you can the maximum effect from the design. Investing in a stove is not always cheap, but it can last a lifetime if maintained correctly. Today there are a range of interesting wood stove accessories that can be purchased that would ensure that your home is kept at the perfect temperature at any time of the year with the minimum of effort.


If your stove is of the traditional wood burning variety then you will need a way to store your logs close by, and more so during the cold winter months. You can make the task much simpler by investing in a log basket or log carrier. These make it easier to carry wood from your storage pile to the stove. They are available in almost any size or shape. Perhaps the most popular are those made of wicker. If you are to buy a log basket, consider its strength and where it will be stored when indoors.

Thermometers can be a great accessory to have as they allow a more effective and accurate monitoring of the heat of the actual stove and surrounding areas. You would want to make sure that you are not wasting wood by excessively producing heat. There are thermometers available that can be attached to the pipe, stove, or wall.

It is possible to improve the overall efficiency of your wood stove by using a heat reclaimer. This would mean that you would have to spend less money on logs as not so many would be required each day. A heat reclaimer is designed to capture heat that is normally lost through the chimney.

How do you place the logs inside the stove? If you currently do this bare handed then each time you will be potentially damaging the cells in your hands and may even be causing other conditions such as those relating to the circulatory system. You can protect your fingers, hands, and wrists by purchasing a pair of stove gloves. They are treated with a chemical that can withstand the highest temperatures. Make sure the pair you choose are long enough to protect your arms and not just your hands.

These are just a few of the accessories that you can get hold of to improve the way you use your wood burning stove. Of course there are also items you can actually use on the stove, for example kettles and steamers.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Living Room Design Proposition

You wish to refresh your living room? Looking for inspiration? Check out the couple of arrangement propositions provided by the world famous interior designers..

Glamour and luxurious
Luxury never goes out of fashion and that is why it touches so many spheres of our lives. We can find its impact in special forms of clothing, homes or cars - absolutely everywhere. Main determinants of the style: vibrant range of colors, designs and accessories, are contemporary used in a fresh way by designers. In their propositional sets each room is unique in its own way, for it is complete in itself. Nevertheless, since not everybody is a fan of loud colors, designers have also experimented with soft ones. The textures proposed are varied and it is amazing how each one has fit perfectly well with the others (check the proposition of Altamoda).

Modern
Modern furniture designs have always given the art deco and the Victorian styles a tough fight. While the latter two represent aristocracy and high-end fashion, modern defines an individual, first of all comfortable style proportions and are extremely progressive in nature and eco ideas. Italian furniture designers (for example Tumidei) offer fabulous options for your living room. Clean design lines add a sense of serenity and calmness to the beige, brown and white color furniture. Simple yet stylish furniture speaks a lot about your personal style and preferences. Tip: put in a bright colored rug or a lamp and your room will come alive with its own unique character.

Contrastive - red & white
White is subtle and calming and red is intensive and energetic - composition of these two colors works perfectly. Obviously, not all the rooms can use them in the same proportion. Each room solves the balance problem in its own unique way. For example in small living rooms, the red should be rather used as an accent while in large ones it can dominate. Whatever the ratio of usage, one thing is out of discussion: the newest propositions of red and white compositions are awesome!


Art Deco
Art deco refers to a of style interior design which makes use of streamlined, geometric surfaces including furniture pieces with curved fronts, chrome hardware, mirrors & clean lines. The main objection about the extremely modern design of decor is that they can appear a bit too cold and sterile and can lack fantasy and creativity. But the sets of living rooms presented by Spanish designers (for example Mobilfresno Company) gain a fine balance by giving us a strong feel of the Art Deco style and yet retaining the modern look.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Decorate Your Bedroom to be the Most Romantic Bedroom


The bedroom is more than just the place where you sleep at night. It is also a palace of love, a lair of beauty and intimacy. When decorating this room, it’s important to remember to add a little passion to the space, which can be accomplished with just a few simple touches.

The easiest way to spice up a bedroom is with color. Drab tones such as white and gray tend to make a space feel dull and generic. You should instead try to use dramatic hues to give vigor and luster to the room. The deeper the color, the more exciting it is.

In addition to this, red tones are particularly good for spicing up the romance of a space. Red is a tone that causes an actual physical response in humans, increasing heart rate, raising metabolism, and sometimes even making you hungry. In the bedroom this can be a great way to add energy to what might otherwise be a boring space.

However this should be used with caution. If you have trouble sleeping, or are prone to night time snacking, red tones in the bedroom may actually create an environment that will feed your bad habits. If this is the case, having a spare set of sheets, pillow cases, and covers, can allow you to transform the space on special occasions, and then switch it back for day to day use.

Lighting is another important element for creating a romantic bedroom. Something as simple as a dimmer switch on your overhead light can give you the ability to change a space from a bright, active daytime area, into a soft, sensual, night time romantic spot. Mood lighting such as onyx lamps, and ambient fixtures, can all contribute to creating a more subdued, and relaxed atmosphere in this space, without leaving you totally in the dark.

Romance is all about creating an emotion. In bedroom decorating, it's about evoking an atmosphere that creates that emotion. This can be accomplished through the use of light and color, applied strategically throughout the space.