Friday, January 29, 2010

Persian Gabbeh Rugs


In the Persian language Farsi, the word Gabbeh means something raw or uncut. A Gabbeh is a traditional variety of Persian rugs woven for centuries and are known to be the world's best coarsely woven Iranian tribal rugs. Sometimes spelled as 'Gabbe', these hand-woven rugs have a size of at least 90 x 150 cm or larger and are characterized by an abstract design that relies upon fields of color and playfulness with geometry. Also an evident characteristic when it comes to Gabbeh rugs is its very thick pile woven in a relatively low knot density making it thicker than other Persian carpets. Almost exclusively knotted for personal use, these true nomadic rugs are fabricated by the woman's spirit and instinctive craftsmanship on their personal interpretations of life in art.

Made of natural hand-spun wool yarn, all of the different colors of Gabbeh rugs are created from natural plant dye. The Gabbe has a relative ease of production having less preciseness in pattern, small number of knots, etc. It is one of the less expensive variety of Persian carpets out in the market today.

The Persian Gabbeh generally falls into one of the following categories:

  1. Amalehbaft Gabbeh - these type of rugs feature a medium weave in terms of coarseness and knots-per-inch. These category of rugs have lesser designs compared to the basic Gabbeh. However, these beautiful rugs have a tighter weave, shorter pile and plain simple patterns that are great for adding color to a room without the distraction of too many design elements.
  2. Luribaft Gabbeh - Features a fairly short, fine weaved soft pile. Compared to the rest of the Gabbeh categories, the Luribaft typically have more complex, detailed design elements inspired by other classical Persian rugs. Similar to the Kashkoli type, these type of Gabbeh rugs are made of tightly woven, high-quality wool that give them a unique trademark gleam.
  3. Baluch Sumak - is similar to the Gabbeh Sumak, being that it is also flat woven in its design. Although less colorful than the Gabbeh Sumak, the Baluch is a gracefully, fine-detailed rug, usually with beautiful tribal design elements.
  4. Gabbeh Sumak - are not like the common pile rugs but are rather flat woven. The Gabbeh Sumak has its tribal designs colorfully woven directly into its foundation. Amazingly detailed and designed, such rugs as these Gabbeh Sumak are fairly inexpensive despite its stylish quality.
  5. Kashkoli Gabbeh - also features a fine weave and fairly short, soft pile. Known to be similar with the Amalehbaft and the basic Gabbeh, the Kashkoli have a sparse but colorful geometric design. The quality of the wool and the tightness of the weave make these brilliant rugs a sheen that you must see in person to believe.

The Gabbeh rugs are usually woven on horizontal looms that can be quickly and easily assembled by the nomadic people of Southern Iran. Materials such as local hand-spun sheep wool and vegetable dyes are what make up a traditional Gabbeh rug. These ingredients are extracted from native plants and roots found in the Zagros mountain range. These are then formulated from traditional recipes that have been perfected throughout the centuries. A few example of the raw materials used are pomegranate skin, madder root, indigo and walnut husks. The rich texture that emphasize the Gabbeh rugs come from the irregularities in the dye and wool that result not in a pure color, but rather a collage of similar hues.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Tips for Decorating a Beautiful Camouflage Bedroom


Have you been thinking of changing up your bedroom decor? Then, let's go on an adventure to find a fun and exciting theme? One of the easiest ways to change a room is to get a new bed set, and with bed sets today you have a lot of opportunity to change your room very quickly and affordable. Bed sets are a great, because they match and are a lot more affordable then purchasing individual pieces.

Are you and outdoor person? Have you ever thought about showing off your bedroom with a beautiful camouflage bedding to show off your true passion in life. The goal behind this article is to create an informative resource for everyone that is researching or is interested in creating the perfect bedroom with camouflage bedding.

Furniture is great decorative touch that can add a lot to your nature theme. Start thinking outside of the box (or in the wild), let's take some branches and tree trunks that can be easily added to give your home a very rustic feel. With such a simple thing as branches to wrap around a lamp can drastically change the feel of that lamp. Just use a little of your imagination and integrate some of your favorite elements.

Another great element to include in redecorating your bedroom or home is to use rocks. Personally, I really like large smooth pebbles that can be easily added into a large bowl (I like glass bowls). Add in some moss or something earthy to these rocks and BAM! You now have created a little decorative bowl that can add so much to your room. Have you ever seen the little plants that grow in rocks? Take that approach and add that to the bowl. Have fun with the rocks that you find, they aren't just for sitting on anymore!

Now, let's think... What do I really like about the outdoors? Is it the wind? How about the rivers? Trees? Snow? It can be anything that draws you to the outdoors. If there is a specific element that you really love that would go with your camouflage bedding, use it! It will make your room truly yours!

As I mentioned in the beginning I don't want your wallet to be hit too badly when you decide to decorate for your camouflage lover. Remember that bedding sets will be less expensive, because you will not have to purchase individual pieces, which add up so quickly. And why not keep your existing sheets? Depending on the camouflage you decide on. But here are a few ideas for some sheets, go with a green, khaki, and blue or pink. If you want to accentuate a color within the room that might not be pulled out from the camouflage use your sheets to catch their eye.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Filling Your Home with Modern Accent Furniture


Modern accent furniture is the most attractive genre of home decor. This furniture is specially designed to add interest and give a luxurious touch to your place. The huge collection accent furniture allows homeowners with different tastes and budgets to buy a perfect match for their interior. You can find these products in many designs, shapes and styles.

Amongst the huge collection of these decors are accent clocks, tables, chairs, mirrors, chests etc. all these come in great options and can be used in many parts of your home.

Here are some reasons as to why buying these decors is absolutely essential.
  1. Elegance. These decors have great appeal and can add a touch of class to your home with their unique elegance. The great finishing and chic of this furniture can endow your home with a luxurious tinge and thus help you to beautify your place in a beautiful way.
  2. Great choices. Accent furniture comes in great varieties which allow different homeowners to find the perfect decor for their place. Unlike the other accents, this furniture has countless choices, sizes, styles and shapes.
  3. Affordability. These accents are pretty affordable and people with low end as well as high budgets can buy them without any problem. Those who cannot afford costly stuff can also find great discount offers or cheap accent furniture to beautify their home and make their dream come true.
  4. Function. Not only do these accents make your home look lovely and classy but they are also very functional. Thus you get to have beauty as well as practicality by means of these decors. Accents such as tables, chairs, mirrors etc. not only beautify your interior but also serve their conventional function and provide you with multiple benefits in one package.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Why Table and Floor Lamps are Great Interior Decor Additions


Lamps are decor additions that are purchased for your home not only for cosmetic purposes, but also for adding light to the room. A room that is well lit is always attracting and no person wants to stay in a gentle lit area. You can brighten the mood of your day with appropriate lamp shades. If you would like to have a calming effect in your house, you need to select lamps with warming colors. A table or floor lamp can be a remarkable add-on for your house as it not solely preserves space, but as well saves money. You can produce small decorative pieces on the table that is attached the lamp.

Pick Out the Right Size
The sizing of the floor lamp that you choose is extremely key. For an area to be well lit, you need to figure out the size of the lamp you should purchase. Conservative rooms call for low height lamps while for larger rooms. You should look for large lamps. You cannot simply put a large lamp in an area that will be crowded virtually all of the time. So, it is critical that you pick out the right size corresponding to the location and size of the area. You should also consider the kind of room before picking out the lamp because sleeping areas and living areas takes different lighting.

Match the Lamp with Other Interior Decorations
As you rely on the table or floor lamp to illuminate the whole room, you should think of the other decor you have already acquired in your house. Fitting the theme is really critical because matching colors need to be employed to set the right mood. Aside from thinking of other articles of furniture in the room, you need to also consider the color themes and floor when you pick out lamp floors for your room. Incompatible colors do not feel appealing and make a bad mood in the room. Some of the great choices are halogen floor lamps with many different styles of decoration that suits on your taste.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

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.

What is Acrylic Sheet?


An acrylic sheet is made from plastic which means forming or modeling something. In 1828 the compound urea, which is an ingredient of the urine of the mammals was produced artificially and plastic was formed for the first time. In 1843 acrylic acid was formed. These sheets came into use in 20th century. It is used for coating and laminating glass binders in the 1930's. The use of acrylic sheets is increased during the Second World War. It was used as a bullet resistant glazing in the war planes. It was useful because it could be fitted into the structural designs of war planes as the acrylic sheet is lighter but on the other hand very strong.

The acrylic sheet is vastly used to engrave pictures, as advertisement sheets, instruments, parts of instrument, lamp, decoration, airplane, automobile fittings, and medical instruments. It is hugely used in the field of art. Insulation material for electric gadgets, sign boards and various articles for education and cultural industry are also made from acrylic sheet. This sheet is useful as it is transparent and good weather resistance. This sheet is light in weight and safe in use as it is non toxic. It is used widely because it is very easy to process. As it is non-toxic and irrespective of glazing it is an ideal material for green house.

These kinds of sheets minimize the heat loss from the green house. They also make the green house able to stand in any weather condition. This sheet is also use as light diffusers in fluorescent lamps. Acrylic sheet is more durable than glass. So many people prefer to use this sheet in place of glass. This sheet is also more flexible than any other materials.

We can find even colored acrylic sheets. There are clear as well as frosted sheets. This sheet is also easy to clean. The most use of the sheet is in the field of art as it is quite lightweight. To frame a large art work it is the most suitable. An acrylic sheet prevents ultra violet rays from harming your pictures and the picture looks bright for days. It is also reduce the glare from light. The easy cleaning has made the sheet so popular. One can clean it easily with a cloth or paper towel. So the use of the sheet is so wide for its durability, flexibility, easiness to find, non toxic, environmental friendly and for its easiness to clean in no time.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Make Your Home Bright and Beautiful by Using Glass Tiles

Every homeowner loves to remodel and renovate their homes. By replacing obsolete and out-dated walls, floors and decor, you can almost get the same satisfaction as having an absolutely, fresh and new household. You do not necessarily have to shell a huge amount to give your house a face lift as there are simple ideas and methods to get wonderful end results. One of the sleekest ways to zing up a bathroom, kitchen, and patio or pool area is to install colorful sophisticated glass tiles.

Glass tiles come in a huge range of sizes and colors. You can select them from solid, rich and vibrant hues, to tiles made with a hint of sparkle. These tiles are not only high on attractive index, but they are durable as well. They are quick to clean and they last a lifetime once installed properly. These tiles are the ultimate choice for your kitchen especially if you're thinking of giving it a contemporary or sophisticated look. These provide a sparkling clean look that will surely bring in lots of light into the area. These tiles are durable as well and are not very hard to maintain contrary to what most people would think.

There are several types of glass tiles available in the market and the colors can vary from transparent to opaque. They get their colour through mixed pigments in molten glass during the manufacturing process. The color and shade permeate within the tile's body. During the firing method, a layer of pigment is fused to the surface of the tile. This makes the color of the tiles permanent and well-shielded against moisture. One particular batch of these tiles generally have uniform color.

Glass tiles have multiple advantages. It is moisture-proof which makes it apt for kitchen and bathroom area. It works best and is most popularly used on walls where it allows light to enter the area without the unwanted heat. It is absolutely aesthetic considering its variety of colors, so people usually create mosaics which serve as a centerpiece in the kitchen. It is equally good indoors or outdoors and with its non-permeable quality, endures moisture, heat, fire and ultraviolet rays. By installing Glass tiles, other surrounding structures are protected against sudden thermal variations.

Smalti is a type of glass tile made up of melted silica with sodium. Certain metals and metal oxides are used to stabilize the material before it is fired and cut. The fused varieties of these tiles are usually translucent in nature with a prominent opaque layer. The Sintered one's usually come in 1 to 3 square feet size. It is manufactured by pressing glass powder then heating to diffuse the particles. Terrazzo tiles involve a cast method using glass and concrete amalgam. Cast tiles have a layered appearance created by putting glass chunks into a type of mold. Slumped glass has a contoured or curved look.