Classic Decorating Style

Open-sea travel required precise timekeeping for a ship and its crew. Accurate timekeeping was required to calculate the sun's position relative to the ship as it sailed through time zones. Correct time zone changes are managed by the precisely accurate timekeeping abilities of the nautical clock. Correct clocks were crucial to calculating longitude, and this is where the nautical clock came into the picture.

The government of England put forth a search to find a clockmaker capable of building such a clock. Scientists as prolific as Newton doubted such a clock could be made. In 1736, John Harrison took his prototype nautical clock on a voyage from London to Lisbon, wherein the clock proved its worth on the sea. Harrison was granted five hundred pounds to pursue further perfection of the device, and eventually created a nautical pocket watch. Five hundred pounds was granted to Harrison to pursue the perfection of his clock, and he eventually made a pocket version. A copy of Harrison's clock was later used by Captain Cook in his journey to the Pacific. At first, such clocks were far too expensive for the average person, but prices gradually dropped.

Harrison died without ever being fully compensated for his invention. Harrison suffered amongst his peers, being ridiculed and discredited. The English government never paid him their promised amount, although they granted him lump sums to continue his research. History books don't expound on the invention of the nautical clock, which is considered to be one of the most prolific inventions of our time, alongside things such as electricity and the telephone. Much of this is due to the Board of Nautical Sciences disclaiming Harrison's invention when it first came out, an action that has had a lasting effect to this day. Copying the blueprints of Harrison's clock, other companies began to create other slightly varied versions. Due to the fact he filed a patent nearly a decade before, Harrison received his well-earned share, despite the proliferation of many copies of his invention. Unfortunately, Harrison's reputation was damaged for a significant period of time after the success of his version of the nautical clock.

Clocks of the early days were thrown off by a ship's momentum, and creating such a clock was demanding. Due to inaccurate calculations, many ships were lost at sea, and determining longitude was of utmost importance. Designed to endure the rough treatment of the sea, nautical clocks were resistant to motion. A 'maintaining power' was required in place of a winding clock, and this contributed to most of the problem. Coiled springs replaced the pendulum of the clock, and therefore the device didn't need a flat surface to keep operating. A negligible loss of a few seconds each month allowed these clocks to be very accurate. Sealed inside, nautical clocks resisted temperature and moisture changes. Metal resisted the corrosion of sea salt, and was preferred in making nautical clocks. Commonly, thermometers and barometers were included in nautical clock faces, as they provided extra instruments in a compact casing.

With modern advances of GPS, nautical clocks are now viewed as historical art pieces in place of tools. Nautical clocks of today are modeled after seafaring themes such as birds, boats, or sea life. Over six million pounds can be fetched for a Harrison original clock, though most are in museums.

Minimalist Style for Your Living Room

A person who has a minimalist sense of style will have a living room that is peaceful, uncluttered, and simple in design.

If you design your living room from a minimalist point of view, you will simplify your life and will feel much more at peace. You'll also find it much easier to keep your living room clean as you won't have as many things to dust and shift from place to place. Believe me, you will be extremely pleased with the new look of your living room.

When starting the process for the new design of your living room, these are some important aspects to take into consideration.

1. Select furniture and accessories that are not very ostentatious in appearance and that are basic in terms of design. Only purchase those items for which you have a definitive use in the room. Extra chairs, ottomans, decorative tables, and plants stands are not necessary.
2. Choose easy chairs and couches that are basic in style such as a traditional rectangular shaped couch or a chair based on the Chippendale design that has straight legs and a curved back. Avoid decorative pillows but if you really want them just get the most basic and avoid the fancy borders and trim. 
3. Maintain the simplistic look when it comes to your end tables and coffee tables. A good style to consider would be Parsons which is basically a wood cube design laminated or covered with clear acrylic. Metal tables with stone or glass tops are also good choices. 
4. Don't overdo throw rugs and wall decorations. Covering a hard surfaced floor with a basic Sisal or Berber area rug is ideal but if you have carpeting in your home, don't place an area rug on top of it. 
5. Give your walls a monochrome look by choosing calming neutral colors which is great for a minimalist style. 
6. Make sure that both lamps and shades are understated which means you must avoid lamps with hanging crystals and Tiffany style designs. Some good choices would be lamps that are constructed of wrought iron, plain ceramic, or modern spare brass. 
7. You can add additional lighting by can recessed lighting or other sources of subtle lighting. Minimalist style does not involve fancily decorated chandeliers or artificial candle lights covered in dainty shades. 
8. Use simple window treatments or don't cover the windows at all. Some ideas for simple window coverings are Roman Shades, plantation shutters, tab-top curtains on a basic wrought iron rod, or 2 inch wide wood blinds.

Decorating Your Home with Gothic Style

When many people hear of Gothic home decor they picture someone that only dresses in black and wears black lipstick. The reality of the matter is that many people are interested in this decorating style and most of them look just everyone else.

Many times, Gothic home decor is used in one room of the house rather than the entire house. The basement, family room, and bedrooms are popular for this style of decorating. You don't have to consider yourself Gothic to enjoy this type of home decorating.

When planning your goth room you will probably want to address the walls before anything else. One option for the walls would be to get some plastic or vinyl imitation stone siding that people put on the exterior walls of the homes and line your interior room with it. Some of these materials look very real. Another option would be to paint the walls. Black, really, makes the room seem confined so if you don't want that, try a darker red, navy, or silver. These colors will work well with your furnishings, also.

Your furniture and flooring allow you to use your imagination again. Wood is a safe route to go with for both flooring and furniture. A hardwood floor works well and wooden furniture can be left as is or painted. Black paint on wood furniture will match any Gothic decorating.

There is a wide variety of accessories that you can choose from to complete your room. Older paintings of houses or people can be found in pawn shops or on garage sales. Candles are a nice addition. Red, black, and silver candles are very inexpensive. Let them burn down some for an added touch. Place smaller candles in metallic candle holders. You can use things covered in silk or velvet for accenting certain areas. Dry flower arrangements are quite Gothic or add some knives and swords for a medieval Goth feel.

India Decorating Style

India has a rich heritage, and its culture is one of the oldest in the world. Since the time of Mohenjo-Daro, handicrafts of India are famous the world over. The Indian handicrafts can be rightfully described as the best in the world and can add to the style and taste to even the most elegantly designed house and room.

Probably, there is no country in the world with such high concentration of handicrafts and craftsmen as in India. You will be able to discover it all here: - Paintings, Wood Sculptures, Woodcarving, Silver and Gold Jewelry, Stone carving, Puppets, Terracotta - the list goes on and on. Here are some Indian handicrafts that you can use as home decorations.

Wooden Handicrafts: Traditional Indian woodcarving has been of Gods, flowers, jewelry boxes, nameplates, key chains, room screens, and much more. Famous areas for wood carving are Saharanpur in UP, Kashmir and Tamil Nadu. The most significant part is that you can always find something you like for an amount you can pay for.

Pottery and Stone Sculptures: Rajasthan is famous for items like pottery and marble item, which are always in huge demand. You can use these to decorate your home and to add to that look of luxury. There are many types of stone carvings, for example, traditional idols, sculpture, hyper-realist animals, etc. The favored material for stone carving is marble.

Silver and Gold Jewelry: Jaipur, Lucknow and Delhi are main centers for buying ethnic Indian jewelry. Indian jewelry is available in a wide range that suits the budget and taste of the people. You can choose from silver, gold, carved jewelry, etc. Every state is famous for its own special style of jewelry. The east is famous for beaded jewelry, the west for stones and mirror jewelry, and the south for refined temple jewelry and the north for its carvings and designing.

Other handicrafts of India: These include textile and costumes such as saris, kurtas, paintings, terracotta figurines, ceramics, musical instruments, furniture, leather works, brass bowls, bronze statues and other ornamental items.

If you want to find something beautiful and attractive for yourself or somebody that you love, then should always go for some Indian handicraft item.

India Decorating Style

One very surprising thing about India and the interior design industry is that it has matured to an extent where it has a self sustaining market model. One of the unique things about the industry is that it has not only managed to amalgamate some of the design elements from the rest of the world, yet it has maintained the rich heritage that it has as a country.

For one thing, you need to know that the Indian influences are fiercely strong, and they are almost dominating in the sense that they refuse to actually allow other influences, more likely, the American and European influences, to not overtake their sensibilities. This, when compared to the rest of the world, is something that is much more remarkable than you would think. Cultural imperialism in the interior design industry is almost held at bay when you think about it. In the end of the day, there are some strong elements when thinking about getting interior design ideas from India. For one thing, looking at the history of the whole thing, you might want to consider using more natural elements in the household, and this does not only include using plants as a way to give much more space to the whole house.

Also, you need to be able to section the house for a much warmer feel at the end of the day. One thing that is very common in the design aspects of Indian design and interior design, is that there is plenty use of ornate adornments and even jewellery. Now, as we look at the more gargantuan elements of Indian design is air or yaya, where you might want to consider using long light fabrics in the house. You could use a series of soft furnishings that reflect this whole air concept. The other thing is water or jala, which is overpowered by the color blue. The concept of the exotic bath has been in Indian layout and design within the household for a long time, and their baths are almost gold or silver, strewn with flower petals.

You could go with a series of soft furnishings and water features for the household, powered by warm lighting to actually get the whole groove of the house going. Of course, after water is fire, or agni, a powerful aspect of ancient India. This is where the color red really comes in, maybe using carpets and colored furniture to actually get this theme going. As you can see, these are some of the elements that you might want to consider when you are thinking about designing your place with Indian design elements. Of course, you can get much more ideas when you look online, and there are a great number of magazines out there that you will be able to refer to, to get brilliant ideas for interior design with Indian influences. If you are looking deeper into Indian influences, there are many sects and areas as well for you to delve into.

Decorate Your Home with Blackout Blind Styles

A blackout blind is truly a great accessory. From keeping out excess light, it enables a room to remain cool and dark. This is perfect for bedrooms and areas where people rest. It offers the convenience of a calm atmosphere, while allowing a person to sleep in peace. Also known as cellular blinds, these units come in a wide array of styles and designs. From nurseries to media rooms, they can protect your furniture from harmful sunlight. They also decrease dirt, dust, and small particles that easily flow in sunlight. They are available in a number of sizes and functions. From top to bottom and vice versa, they are easy to control at all times. Some blinds even include remote access for quick controls. The pleat designs are beautiful, and are a must for any blind connoisseur.

The blackout blind is perfect for guests as well. They help promote privacy, and are compatible with a full range of windows. From traditional to modern designs, these blinds work well in any room or casual setting. Direct sunlight can be a hindrance when watching television. The light is reflected on the screen, and can make viewing a problem. With this blind, it safely deflects the light and allows you to enjoy your favorite media. They also come in single or double-celled window shades. These formats are highly utilized, and can really help you during the peak days of summer. From room darkening to dimming capabilities, these blinds are and effective solution to counter immense light. The blinds can also match the décor of any room. With an array of colors, simply match the set that coincides with your favorite room. This can include dens, living rooms, or even basements.

A blackout blind is also a cost-effective solution for high-energy bills. Since warm weather requires air conditioning, your bills are sure to rise during peak times. These blinds can help you save money and more. Due to its draping nature, they can cover your windows and help circulate air. This will keep your home nice and cool, while cutting back on energy costs. Although primarily used for light deflection, the blinds are also great for privacy. You can protect your valuables and keep them away from prying eyes. This will keep your possessions secure, and allow them to be less visible to the outside world. If product solicitors are constantly harassing you, the blinds will give them the impression that no one is home. This is less botheration for you and your loved ones.

Blackout blinds are designed in a number of formats. From roller blinds to detachable units, you have the ability to use them at your convenience. Several units can open vertically, while others consist of simple pull down tools. No matter your preferences, these blinds are simply great for the home or office. You can find great on-line deals, or visit your local furniture store for price comparisons. These blinds are a must for anyone who likes cool and dark areas.

Country and Western Decorating Style

Ever thought about how nice it would be to revert back to times when men worked on the ranch or farm, and women did the cooking and other household chores? Back to a time when family was important, and all gathered around a big country table to share a delicious home cooked meal. Relaxing times in the country, where beautiful lush green grass met the most azure blue skies. Country and western décor can give your home a feeling of eras gone by.

Recreating the past

Creating this comfortable, welcoming look is really easy. Many people want an elegant, stately looking home. If you are the sort who wants all who enter your home to feel instantly at ease and relaxed, country and western décor is perfect. You open your home up to anyone and everyone - and they would stay forever if only they could. That's just how at home they will feel when they visit. Your décor has everything to do with the atmosphere that people see and feel.

Most homes that are decorated in the country and western style look warm and lived-in. Lots of wood and rustic colors add to the charm. Wood floors and exposed wooden beams on the ceiling lend to the old-time feeling. Kitchens are typically over-sized and full of color. Sunflowers, roosters and old teapot collections are common, along with a wrought iron baker's rack and gingham tablecloth. Sounds like grandma's kitchen, doesn't it?

It would be nice to go back to a time when life ran at a slower pace, but creating the look in your home is the next best thing. A little paint can go a long way in the country and western décor theme. Use rustic colors such as tan, brown, dark blue, forest green and maroon to add to the rich look. Take a few western striped throw rugs containing these colors and scatter them here and there on a wood floor - amazing!

More Western than Country

If you lean more toward the western look, decorating with horseshoes and rodeo themed throws creates a fabulous look. Throws can be used in so many ways; throw one across a worn spot on the sofa, or hook one lazily over the back of a rocking chair. You can even hang them on a wall to create an amazing focal point! Table runners and coasters sharing the same western theme make a great addition as well.

Hang a cowboy hat on the wall, or even a wooden wagon wheel for huge western effect. There are even cowboy boot planters that you can purchase! Original, and sure to be a conversation piece. These days, you can find wrought iron candle holders in the shape of horses, huge Texas star wall hangings, and a multitude of other country themed accessories to give your home that look of days long past, when life meant family gathering together after a hard day on the ranch.

A Style that is Easy to Live with

Decorating your home in the country and western style isn't hard at all, and your entire family will love the relaxed and comfortable atmosphere as well. Visitors will too; in fact, you will be hard-pressed to get them to leave your inviting home on the range.

Decorating Your Home with French Country Style

There's a sort of design, a glamor, as the french say, Je ne sais quoi that Americans frequently associate with France. Though only a small percentage of our country's heritage comes from France, a large portion of our aesthetic values comes from there, and because of this you see a great deal of French country decor within the new globe - much more than you would think, otherwise.

So what does French country decor consist of? Properly, the number one attribute is sunshine. Bright and plentiful, sunshine has to be evoked for your new room to boast French country decor. Without it, you simply have a mismatched room.

The goal is always to produce a rustic look. You desire a thing that's old globe, rich and warm, and often welcoming. You desire one thing which will make you at house from the meanest of country houses too as within the most impressive and largest with the old chateauxs.

Obviously, because sunshine is so crucial to the mix when aiming for french country decor, you will see a whole lot of normal colors in a room decorated in that specific fashion. Sunshine yellow is number one, but there will probably be softer, subtler shades of gold too. You will see some nice, bright reds - specifically given that ceramic chickens are component of country decor, and their combs are a vivid red - but far more frequently you will see a deeper rust instead. There will probably also be greens, whether the bright green of grass or the richer tones in the forest, the colors of french country decor spans the entire wheel from the spectrum.

When aiming for a french design room or country house, it is critical to bear in mind that a good deal on the decorating will need to be done with normal materials. You will want plaster walls which are either rough stained or painted, and ceilings with visible, sturdy beams showing. The furniture itself will need to be carved, with hand-sown pillows there to give volume. The floors, naturally, will likely be stone, and covered in warm, hand-made rugs.

Certainly, the greatest component about any household that's decorated inside the french country design will likely be the old fashioned stone fireplace. It is a should, and it is the centerpiece for any french country decor household.

Should you wish to spruce it up even additional, an additional suggestion would be to have vines that may grow around window and doorframes. It'ls a bit of authentic french country decor that could give your house the warmth and invitingness you're searching for.

Japanese Decorating Style for Your Home

Japanese way of life and decoration is a massive pool of inspiration for many. Here are some simple style tips to fuse this with decoration of interiors.

Japanese decorating style

The Japanese method in artistic ways has been quite a huge inspiration pool for thousands and perhaps hundreds of thousands of designers and artists. With its multiple philosophies induced and fused beautifully, it provides for a brilliant design concept which can be used in every day lives including interior decoration. The Japanese way of art has huge emphasis on simplicity, functionality and tranquility. This is why most of its art finds such a huge response all over the globe. This philosophy can be brilliantly used in interior decoration. And this also helps in even touching the lives of people.

The Japanese decorating style in the concept of interiors calls for a very simple arrangement. This means minimalism to the core. Minimal use of furniture is a prominent aspect. Furthermore, in some styles, there is a near-total lack of furniture instead, opting for low-lying ones. This creates a down-to-earth feel, an inherent quality of Japanese decorating style. The style also involves minimal use of colors, rarely over one. The colors are usually pure ones, and white is of course, a prominent one. There are other colors too which can be used. Lighting is primarily through the natural way, the sun. Some orthodox decorators try hard to conceal or recede the artificial lighting.

The Japanese way of decor helps in a lot of way. There is a calming effect created naturally in the interior and this helps a lot in pacifying, relaxation and meditation which in turn helps in overall physical and mental state of a person.

The Georgian Style for Your Home Interior Design

In this article I am briefly describing Georgian Style of interior design. In this type of interior design, the walls are of great importance and people who decorated their home in this style paid special attention to their walls. The walls area is divided in three important sections. Wainscoting, base board and rail; mid-wall section which is also known as field and the top most section made of cornice. In early period, these panels were mostly built of oak with wax polish. Later on, the trend changed and with the evolution of soft woods, these panels were painted with the woods. Fabric walling was an important trend of that time.

This means that textiles were used to hang on walls in a fashionable way. This design was not followed in dining rooms because the food smells might get trapped. Fabrics like wool damask and silk were extensively used in the interior design to attach with walls. Costly wall papers were widely available in the market with varied patterns and designs of various themes for the interior design. A wall paper sheet was widely spread and was used to attach with canvas. Moreover, there was great ease and convenience with these papers. These could be removed after the owner had departed the house.

As far as the concept of flooring is concerned, in Georgian type style, wooden planks were simply scrubbed and waxed afterward. For alternative and more advanced covering, a varnished and painted floor cloth is incorporated into the whole scheme of interior design. Marble and stone flooring was specially adopted in gardens and halls of the house. These floorings are used with classical patterns and considered more appropriate choice for the homemakers. Moreover, soft furnishing is most often adopted by many people in interior design.

Tropical Inspired Bedding

There are many different types of bedding that can make you feel as if you are vacationing in the islands in the middle of February. Tropical bedding can picture lighthouses, boats, beautiful beach sunsets or just a simple seashell motif. The colors and prints of this style of decor can do a lot to heal your winter blues, at least when it comes to your bedroom furnishing and linens. These are some tips that you may not have considered to get the feel of the tropics.

Color is a great way to make your room feel like you're on a Caribbean vacation. Solid colors can be combined with prints and other decorations to add the most effective look. If you want to go a little more extreme, find solid colors in tropical hues of bright orange, brilliant lime green and hot pink to add a touch of the abundant fruits you find in the islands.

Tropical flowers or the birds are another way to get the tropics captured in your bedding. Go with bright colors and look for hummingbirds, parrots or flamingos. The colors of bird of paradise flowers or hibiscus will bring back memories of your last vacation in Hawaii. You can pair the prints with solid colors in the pillows, comforters and curtains in order to get the most out of your theme.

Fish themes are another idea that could be used to convey a laid-back, warm beach feeling to your bedroom. If you've ever spent time snorkeling in warm ocean waters, you've probably seen brilliant reds, yellows and blues in the fish inhabiting the waters near coral reefs. Find the same bright colors in your bedding to make your room seem warmer even when the weather is icy outdoors.

A lighthouse sitting on a sandy coastline with the ocean in the background brings up visions of a seaside getaway. The soothing colors of sea blues and sandy browns with a touch of white caps are perfect for a coastal themed bedroom. You can even add a palm tree or two to bring the tropical theme into focus.

Sailboats moving across tropical waters with sails billowing in the wind is another great coastal image for your bedroom. The brilliant blues and whites of the water and foam combined with bright red can lend a real nautical feel. You can also pick up on the yellow of the sun and the bright colors of a tropical sunset to add spice to the image you are creating. Mix and match colors and images to get the right feel. Because the tropics have more than one type of atmosphere, your room can reflect more than one image and still be considered tropical.

Many bedding sets have images of seashells. Some sets feature embroidered edging that looks like scallop or nautilus shells. Even muted colors finished off with shell decorations can be a wonderful reminder of the tropics.

How to Create an Asian, Indonesian or Chinese Decorating Style

Oriental Design - Color Schemes

When looking to create your oriental oasis, you should start with your palette. The ideal color scheme for an oriental home design will include Red, Green, Jade (a lighter Green) and Black, which are all colors that feature in nature. Where possible, your furniture, wall colors and decorative pieces should reflect this natural affinity.

The greens could come from Bamboo. This will naturally incorporate the other colors of yellow and brown but since these are earthy, calming, natural colors, this slight deviation from color design principle is accepted. Green can also be incorporated with healthy plants, pale green wall colors or cushions, curtains and rugs.

The reds and blacks may come from natural hardwoods such as Teak, Oak or Mahogany. Choose good quality, solid wood furniture, in a stained, natural or black lacquer finish for an Asian inspired look. Oriental furniture is generally set low to the floor with clean, straight lines. The furniture pieces are relatively simple in design, achieving the desired, minimalist look.

The key here is to work with nature and with the cultural significance of the colors to create a truly harmonious space. A long held belief in the East and one that we are only really just beginning to understand and appreciate in the West is that different colors will influence the rooms they are used in, in different ways. It is important therefore that whatever decorative palette you use, you understand and work with the properties of the colors to create a tranquil yet energized home.

An example here is the color Red. It is associated with ideas of attraction, strength and warmth in Feng Shui and represents the fire element in Chinese culture. Used in small amounts, as occurs in nature, it will add energy and life to your home, as well as helping to attract good fortune. However, too much red can lead to over-stimulation, arguments and stress.

Green is the color of growth, restoration and balance - all good positive qualities to have in your life. However too much green, or too much of the same shade, can lead to stagnation, boredom and blandness. One simple tip is to vary the tones of green - as is seen in the natural world and you will then experience deep rest and peace in your home environment.

Black is not really a color - rather it is all colors absorbed together. Used in small amounts it will add sophistication, glamour, security and safety to the feel of your home. However it is easy to imagine how oppressive an all black room would feel - so again balance is required when using this color to add just the right amount to your color scheme. Black is best used as an accent color, to complement the brighter greens and reds and help them to stand out.

Oriental Design - Lighting

Lamp and candlelight are widely used in oriental design as the western style overhead, central ceiling light, is thought to be too intrusive. The Orientals see the interplay of light and shadow as an intricate dance and they relish in its complexities.

Oriental Design - Flooring

Natural flooring are best in an oriental style home and wood or stone tiles work better than carpet. Any floor coverings or rugs will be of natural materials and in complementary colors to the overall color scheme. Creams, beiges, browns, greens and reds are all good choices, and wool, silk or sea grass are all good choices of material.

Oriental Design - Accessories

Now we come to the choosing and placing of accent pieces or accessories. For many people, this stage of a room set design is the most fun but it is important, not to accessories too much as this will interfere with the flow of Chi energy. Choose a few, beautiful and valuable pieces for prominent display in your room set. This will serve to attract still more beautiful and valuable things into your life.

Green Decorating for Your Home Decorating

One way to keep your house more beautiful is to use green decor for your home. Aside from the natural beauty it brings to the house, it helps reduce waste problems for these products are made from recycled materials if not natural ones. There are actually many green decors that can suit anyone's personality and more importantly match one's home.

For a more refreshing look for your home, try to use decorations that are made from natural materials. Wood is one of the most commonly used materials for decorations. Wooden frames that come in its natural colors but with different designs would make good accents for modern homes. Wooden furniture like sofa sets would match well with plants. It gives a very natural feel that gives a very relaxing vibe. Aside from wood, other materials like colorful native cloths easily accentuates a room as a table topper. Since it is available in various colors and patterns, these materials can be matched to a house with modern design.

Another green décor idea for your home are glass decorations. Glass is a top favorite of most interior designers since it gives a very elegant style. Clear glass candleholders are stylish and can match any theme of a home. And since glass is a universal décor, it is used in almost all home design themes. Glass figurines make good displays in the living room. But glass jars with intricate designs is classic in kitchen counters.

Aside from these popular decors, some modern people prefer more modern decors for their homes that are eco-friendly as well. Even plastics can make good green home decors too as long as it is not processed in heat and are reused. Some people prefer to take some time to create their own decorations out of the materials that they already have in their storage. It is definitely one good way of lessening the clutter and showing off one's creativity too.

Decorating Your Home with Country Style

Create a country motif with charm, elegance and stateliness to an otherwise ordinary looking structure. Outdoor decorating has become a great way to improve the value of your home or business. Because it is the first thing people see when they drive up. Let your buildings natural architectural design dictate how to enhance your home/business unique features. Decorators recommend creating a bold statement with a strong focal point.

When it comes to decorating your home or business, sometimes it is the little things that get noticed. An interesting, well-placed accent can give your home a whole new look. Adding a cupola gives a touch of elegance that breaks up the flat line of a roof. Cupolas add a sense of tradition and country charm along with drawing attention to their eye catching detail.

Curb appeal involves adding color and layers, making an attractive presentation—one with perfect charm and character. Cupolas have architectural features that create impressive, visual character and adds distinction, country style. Creating curb appeal, you are not only satisfying your own needs with the outstanding look, you are creating and effect that your neighbors will just love.

Although, some of us may not know the word cupola immediately, we know cupolas when we see them. They are the small building on top of a larger one. Their designs are unique and are intentionally planned and constructed to capture the character of traditional early American architecture. They have graced the rooflines of homes, barns, and churches for centuries, most often placed in the middle of the building at the highest point. The early history of cupolas was a pseudo-tower, and served several purposes from a covered light source, to added ventilation, to a statement of style.

The Empire State Building and the United States Capitol have a cupola on their roof providing an architectural accent plus a dramatic exterior. The earliest domes were made of stone. The weight of the structure was one of the major challenges. The earliest masonry dome, the Pantheon, was built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian. It was built to reflect his power. The interior is a perfect circle in which the diameter and height are exactly the same.

The domes on top many government buildings, and churches are cupolas. Not all cupolas are domes. It can be an excellent accent point, a small, decorative tower on top any home or business. Gazebos can be cupolas. Cupolas can have weathervanes, flag poles or crosses on them to provide that finishing touch. These architectural accents add old world charm to catch the eye.

Each hand-made cupola is carefully scaled and proportioned to compliment the particular building it will adorn, both in size and detailing. Structurally, a cupola can't be just tacked on. It has to be well integrated into its building. It is very important that it is of proper dimensions. Choosing a cupola that is too small for the size of your home/business will make it appear less like the cupola you desire and more like a bird house.

These architectural accents can be decorative, functional to ventilate, or windowed to provide sky light. Some cupolas are large enough to be a full sized room. From a simple addition to an entire top floor where it offers a scenic view, solitude, a peaceful place to retreat and read a book. Cupolas give your home a unique, whimsical appearance.

Whatever your preference, there is a cupola for you. They are sure to add an elegant touch to your beautiful home/business. Your attention to detail will guarantee your home's first impression to others---a stunning look that feels expensive. Be creative----have fun----get inspired!

Forest Decorating Style in Your Home

Perhaps no interior decorating style evokes the same type of nostalgia and romance as cabin decor. With its combination of rich wood pieces and natural milieu, cabin decorating can "spruce" up your home or vacation house in ways that most other styles simply cannot match. Still, creating a cabin-style atmosphere indoors is not as naturally simple as it might appear. To get the most out of your decor, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

It goes without saying that planning any style is easier before the house is actually built, but this is perhaps most true with cabin decor. The best way to create that foresty feel is to use exposed wood as paneling, ceilings, and floors while employing stone for the fireplace or entryways. However, if you are already past that point, there is still many other options involved.

For one, lighting can make a big difference between a typical style and a rustic atmosphere. You can create cabin-esque lighting in your home by using lots of lamps on end tables in wood colors and styles or by employing metal wall sconces and chandeliers of dark colors with a homemade look.

Most decorators also try to incorporate images of natural wildlife in their furniture and accessories. This can range from animals carved into lampposts or sown into throw rugs to leaves and trees displayed on the bedding. Of course, over-emphasizing this feature can turn your cabin decor into a wilderness of kitsch, but tasteful, subtle uses of these designs can create that woodsy feel. Other typical fabric patterns include plaid and flannel.

By decorating your home with a cabin environment in mind, you can create a warm, relaxing atmosphere that you and your guests will love for years to come.

Try to Apply French Country Decorating Style in Your Home

French Country decorating style finds its origins in the scenic villages and countryside of the Provence region of southeastern France. The look is casual and inviting. This decorating style has a rustic feel.

Colors for the French Country decorating style are taken from the countryside. Typical colors include soft foamy greens, bright yellows and golds, rust, red, blues, pinks and lavenders. Shades of red are dramatic in this decorating style. A combination of brilliant red with sunflower gold or cranberry red with dark golden mustard are popular color schemes. Also, burnt orange and copper, blue and yellow are popular choices. Mix and matching of colors and prints are often done.

Fabrics that are used in French Country design often have a repeating pattern. Countryside scenes, flowers, birds and nature scenes are used. The background of the fabric is often a neutral white or beige. The print is often red, blue, green, brown or black. Mixing fabrics such as plaids and prints are acceptable in this decor.

The furniture for this style is casual and practical. The furniture can be simple or elegant in design. It can be rustic wood, fine hardwoods or scrolled iron. The furniture often includes accents of iron, leather or tile. Furniture is sturdy and basic. For the dining room a large plank style dining table with caned chairs or benches are often used.

Accents and accessories for this decor include wrought iron, wheat shafts, lavender wreaths and sprigs, roosters, distressed metal, tapestries, ceramics and earthenware. For the kitchen, the copper pans are often displayed on a pot rack overhead. Over-sized planters, rustic copper vessels, french cooking oils in containers are just a few items for the kitchen. For the living room and bedrooms a french tapestry or iron wall decor is often used. Tapestries with earthy colors, rich green, burgundy and deep golds.

Roosters are a common theme in French Country design. They motif is not only used in the kitchen, but elsewhere in the house.

No French Country decor would be complete without flowers. Lavender is used a lot, but any flowers can be used. Flowers and plants just add the finishing touch to this style. Over-sized containers and metal containers are often used for the flowers.

This style of decorating is a really beautiful decorating style. A French Country Style home is warm, beautiful and inviting.