July 2009 | Interior Decorating Tips

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Month: July 2009

Furniture

An Older Look for Wood Furniture

If you think that wood furniture is all that you can have, then think again. There are many ways as to how to improve the look of a single wood piece. One of the more popular wood designing is by doing “pickling.” What is pickling and how does it give a better appearance for your wood? You have to see by your self.

The steps are so easy but just like in any design, you have to be careful so as not to waste effort and time. Here is a simple do it yourself procedure on how to apply a pickling finish. First, you have to choose the color of paint you will apply to your wood. Although the usual shades used for pickling are thinned white or off-white, you can choose from all the lighter shades available. It is recommended that you use a latex paint that is water-based. Because of that, you have to thin the paint. You can do this by mixing it with water. It must be 25% thin.

The next thing to do is to prepare the wood piece you are going to apply pickling with. You can use a sander to remove the paint or simple sandpaper for a cheaper use. Once the paint is removed from the piece ofwood furniture, you could see some dust. You have to wipe off the dust before applying paint so you are sure of a fine coating. Once your wood and paint ready, you can now start applying the mixture on the wood furniture. Use a bristle brush when doing this.

But since you are aiming to achieve an older look of the wood, you have to remove most of the paint to make it appear lighter. You can do this by quickly wiping the surface with the use of a rag. Once the first application is complete, you have to wait for twelve to twenty-four hours. Next, you have to use sandpaper once again to sand the paint but gently this time so as not to remove the paint completely. You have to do the same process again of wiping off the dust then applying paint again for second coating.

Repeat the process as you wish because the more paint you apply, the more the paint is being absorbed by the wood, making it darker. To avoid your wood furniture from getting scratches or spills, you can apply water-based polyurethane. You can also apply a second coat of this. This pickling technique gives the best design to your wood by making it appear darker and older. This adds charm to your wood. Aside from that, the pickling strategy is very effective and is easy to do. What is more is that it is very affordable you can do it with just spending on the paint.

Feng Shui

Mirrors, according to Feng Shui

Feng Shui is still one of the widely followed oriental art principles. These principles are all about having harmony between the person’s surrounding and the chi, which is the life energy. It is all about positioning everything in order and in harmony with nature, and mind you, even mirrors no not only reflect your image. It also reflects chi, so better be sure of where to correctly position them in your home or in your workplace.

It is one of the Feng Shui basics, how to effectively use mirrors is one of the principles in designing your home. You have to know where to correctly place them because they may either encourage positive chi or invite negative chi. And, according to Feng Shui principles, the placement of mirrors may affect the person’s success and fortune, or misfortune, in that sense. Of course, there is still that famous Ba-Gau, which is usually placed at the door or at the outside premises of the house. Ba-Gau is that eight-sided mirror, which Feng Shui principles say represents marriage, children, career, fame, knowledge, wealth, and health. This mirror, according to Feng Shui, invite positive chi and keep the negative chi away from the home or from the office.

Another way to place mirrors correctly is to choose a spot where it reflects a good view like mountains or fields, which signify vast lands and vast wealth. it also good if you place a mirror with a reflection of a bank or pot of gold, which signifies wealth too. The reflection of the mirror must always be of positive energy so the chi will also be bounced back to the entire room. You can also a mirror where it reflects a window or door because it is where good chi is flowing. Never ever put a mirror at the end of a long hallway. This will encourage negative chi and it suggests dead end. Why not put mirrors along the walls of the hallways so as to expand energy? This will certainly encourage positive energy especially to lobbies and halls of offices.

Always remember that mirrors must always be at the eye level so the reflection would not cut the head of a person. This reflection suggests negative energy and is bad for the person reflected by it. Do not also put a mirror directly in front of your bed because direct reflection of a mirror while you are at sleep is negative according to Feng Shui.These are just some of the Feng Shui basics with regards to how effectively use mirrors. There is nothing wrong in following them, especially if you have been a long time follower of Feng Shui. However, be reminded that it is you that creates what happen to your life. Feng Shui, after all, is a cultural tradition.

Furniture

3 Furniture That Represents Nature Tips that Guarantee Success

There is a lot of furniture that represents nature. Each element of wood or stone is certainly a direct element of our beloved planet.

Also, if the furniture you have at home is made mostly of good quality wood; you can easily perceive in the air that forest scent that makes us so good.

From the colors to the alignment, many details are important to consider if we want to move the magic of nature into our home; although it can be somewhat complicated, here we will explain how to do it without difficulties.

For this we will analyze the best style of furniture that really has that ability to transport us to the point where we feel embraced by nature, without neglecting of course a very important aspect: the color of the decoration.

ideas

DIY Ideas for Home Marble Tile Mosaics

Marble is known for its elegance as seen in various offices, public buildings and even homes. It exudes a feeling of security when it is incorporated into a structure, due to its inherent hardness. To use it at home for marble tile mosaics is a good idea to help remodel your house, in small or big ways.

Lay marble mosaic tiles in areas such as the patio, swimming pool, wine cellar, bathroom, dining room, deck, fireplace and kitchen. In the bathroom, marble tile mosaics can be applied to the commode tank lid, the mirror frame, sinks, walls, and shower floors. Kitchen countertops, table tops and backsplashes can also be decorated with this technique. Apply marble tile mosaics to showcase the family initial at the foot of your door or put marble tile mosaics over a part of the threshold on the inside of your home.

Before incorporating marble tile mosaics on a large or small scale with a specific pattern in mind, use chalk or color pencils to mark the design onto the floor or small item while coloring the necessary areas. Use this as a sort of guide while mounting the marble tiles. Designs can range from the simple stripes and shapes (e.g. hearts, diamonds, circles, squares) to whole pictures, flowers, animals and sea creatures. For the less gifted with drawing, you can make use of stencils to put down the design you want to mosaic.

There are many small projects you can apply mosaic marble tiles to. Vases can be decorate with tiles in different patterns the same way as stone benches can. For great table and living room lamps, use mosaic marble tiles to add designs to their bases. Picture frames can be decorated with tiles as long as they match the other colors in the room they are placed in. A big plate that has a marble tile mosaic will make a great centerpiece for a table.

For a unique container, take a sturdy plastic bottle with a wide mouth and apply marble tile mosaic designs on it. Tile a platter with a marble mosaic and set it down on the center table in the living room to hold the TV remote control and magazines. Cabinet doors can be tiled for a quaint, whimsical effect. Your bed’s headboard or footboard can also be tiled with a mosaic design. Tile the exterior of your book shelf or even the frame of your closet door. Outside, set up two potted plants that have been placed in plastic pots that have been tiled with marble mosaic. Take your imagination higher and find other things to decorate with marble tile mosaics!

Bathroom

Decorating Your Bathroom Mirror with a Twist

Decorating mirrors for your bathroom can be quite difficult if you are a first-timer. Considering that you are just off to a brand new niche, you might want to learn first the craft’s basics, then later, proceed to the actual decorating. First things first – What is your main purpose with your mirror? Is it just simply for decoration? Or is it part of the medicine cabinet? How about the lighting that’s above your mirror, and the other things around your mirror? Consider these and start your project with ease.

Think you’re on the groove for some etching? Well, this is a wonderful idea to start with. However, if you are really into this, you’d better figure out if you really want to leave a permanent etching onto your mirror. To do this, you will need an etching cream, knife, paintbrush, and clear contact paper.

As you decide on the pattern or design you want for your mirror, you may get ideas from the current style of your bathroom. Are you going to paint the mirror? Which colour?Does it have floral prints? Then it might be perfect to draw butterflies and bees along the contact paper and cut the pattern using your craft knife. When already cut, stick it on the mirror and upon following the instructions indicated in the cream, apply it using the paintbrush. Now, the time you have to wait for in removing the paper is based on the instructions too, so you have to read it well and off you go, your personalized mirror is right on your very eyes.

Moreover, if you want to have that classy or antique look on your bathroom mirror, decorating it with a customized frame is definitely a plus. You can plan for this by determining the space needed as well as the lighting you have above the mirror. Seek help from a framing store and let them help you in measuring what is needed for your desired mirror and from there, you can also buy from them the frame materials you need. Now, as you put in the frames, together with the help of the handyman, you also have to note that it also has to be fixed by nailing. As you do so, you may also paint it for a finishing touch.

To make your mirror look like a spring outdoor window, you might also want to add up some old shutters (available at flea markets) or new ones (found at hardware or supply stores). However, just make sure that you have adequate space to put in these, or you might end up crowding your bathroom. Now, these are just some of the means to beautify your bathroom mirror. Designing it according to your own liking is based on your creativity. To determine the best technique, make sure you have the resources or you have the capacity to maximize whatever you feel is just great for your bathroom mirror.

Kitchen

Budget-Friendly Tips to Brighten Up Your Kitchen

The usual implication of home improvements is that they are way too expensive. This is a misconception since there are many ways to improve your kitchen without going overboard with the expenses. The following suggestions in this article are easy home improvement ideas for the kitchen that will cost less, considering the fact that most of the work can be done by yourself.

Paint Anew
Changing the color of the room can instantly make a feel kitchen feel brand new. For a cheery feeling, chose bright colors to your liking that energize. Paint the walls, cabinets, counters, kitchen island, seats, etc. to make everything look fresh.

Light It Up!
This alone would make a kitchen look grand and new. The simplest way to do so is letting the natural sunlight do its part. Do this by removing those dark, thick curtains over the window and put on sheer curtains that welcome the sunshine. Adding other lights over the work areas for a warm glow is also a good idea.

Change Hardware and Fixtures
Replacing old fixtures, handles and cabinet hinges can work wonders. Elegant handles on freshly painted white cabinets look fabulous. To add class to a sink, simply replace the faucet with something graceful and chic. If you go for the vintage or antique look, go to the flea market to buy fixtures or handles. While at the flea market, be on the look out for other things (e.g. wind chimes, wall hangings, decorative dishes) to add to your kitchen, where it costs less than in department stores.

Add Accessories Found at Home
Go up into the attic or even just go from room to room in the house to search for things that might be good kitchen additions. Furniture need not be bought from the store to be added to the kitchen.

Go Green
No only do potted or hanging plants add color to your kitchen, they also increase the oxygen levels of the room. If you already have a garden in the backyard, put some of the flowers or small bushes in pots to transfer them into the kitchen.

Refurbished Cabinets
Instead of spending money on new cabinets, try replacing the cabinet doors only. Doors with glass in the middle can change the cabinet’s look completely. You might also want to remove the cabinet door altogether, to allow easier access and better display opportunities.

Redecorating your kitchen while on a tight budget should never lessen the creativity or the passion involved. Allow your thinking skills to resolve redecorating problems related to the budget and you might just end up having a whole new concept of design for your “new” kitchen.

accesories

How to Choose the Perfect Rustic Cabin Accessories

Today, with our hectic lifestyle, a hideaway where one could spend a weekend or a vacation in peace and quite, far away from the demands of our daily life is something that is coveted by most of us. Though technological advances have improved the quality of our life on one hand, it has also lead to a more complicated lifestyle with high demands that invariably adds a lot of stress in our day to day life. Leasing or buying vacation homes have become quite common nowadays and what can be better than a rustic cabin to meet their needs for peace and quite and a chance to be as close to the nature as possible?

But then, if you decide to become the owner of a coveted rustic cabin you will have to find the right accessories to match a rustic décor. To create the right atmosphere for a rustic cabin you have to keep in mind three basic factors while looking for accessories. They are: simplicity, purpose and ambience.

Simplicity: This is the most basic as well as the most important aspect that you should keep in mind and fortunately it is also very easy to grasp the idea and implement it. Your choice of accessories from handles and hinges to lighting fixtures should be simple but elegant. A charming but traditional piece of decoration will be perfect for a rustic décor and provide the much needed warmth and peace to your rustic cabin. A simple piece of elegant wood carving or a bowl of dried flowers will look more beautiful in your rustic cabin than any elaborate or stylish decoration.

Purpose: While choosing accessories for your rustic cabin you should keep in mind the purpose of your cabin. Your choice of accessories should blend in with the décor and never obstruct the functionality of the cabin. Take care not to clutter the space with too many or conspicuous decorations. Small and understated accessories are perfect as they will blend with your décor and moreover they will not be obstructive. Some of the best accessories are one which also provides a practical purpose. Say, a set of quaint mugs hung near the fireplace will enhance your décor as well as serve a purpose.

Ambience: Since the purpose of your rustic cabin is to provide peace and warmth to you, the accessories should be chosen to reflect this mood. A peaceful atmosphere can be obtained by choosing the right accessories. Go for the simple but elegant and graceful look. Keep your accessories to the minimum such that they do not obstruct or clutter your space. A rustic ambience is achieved when your accessories portray both simplicity and purpose. The most important factor is to keep the space clean and neat. Avoid loud colors and elaborate decorations. The accessories should blend in with your rustic décor and create a feeling of harmony and peace.

Remodeling

Things to Know about Granite tiles

Thinking of using granite tiles for your floors and countertops? Do you know how to choose the right ones? Here are some fundamental things that you should know before you go about buying granite tiles for your home.

How granites are formed:
Granites are actually stones that are formed naturally beneath the surface of the earth. They are formed as layers of rock in the earth’s core by repeated heat and pressure impacted on them by the earth’s atmosphere. It is a type of igneous rock formed from the liquid magma present between layers of rock. The pressure and heat and the subsequent cooling hardens the liquid to a solid rock. The magma constitutes of certain elements like mica, feldspar and also quartz. These are responsible for the crystalline appearance of the granite when its formation is completed. The hardness and durable quality of the granite is from the repeated treatment of the stone under various temperatures inside the earth’s core over several hundreds of years.

Processing of the raw granite:
Once the granite is excavated it is sent for processing in plants specialised for treating the raw granites. The first stage is the cutting stage where the huge chunks of rock are cut down to blocks which can be handled comfortably. These blocks are then reduced to slabs and tiles of various sizes and shapes by using wire saws. These saws are sharpened with the help of abrasives like aluminium oxide, diamond and sand. Water jets at high pressure are used alternatively with the saws for cutting the granites. After the cutting stage the stone undergoes polishing which is usually limited to one side. Then the final product is calibrated and gauging is done on it.

Now the tiles made with granite are completed and fit for use in your homes. Granite finds it use mostly in the kitchen where the countertops and table tops are fitted with it. It can be used outdoors too and the tiles that are left behind can also be used in places like the surrounding area of the fireplace, as cutting boards and also as coasters.

Most people prefer granite countertops as they are heat resistant and also are easily cleanable. They require very little attention and regular care. But still some amount of looking after is needed. You can add some sealant to the granite for proper protection from moisture. And it should be polished at regular intervals with polishers and cleanser to retain that shining and dazzling look. With sparkling looks and durable quality no wonder granite tiles are the most popular choice for decorating both your interiors and exteriors.

walls

Decorative Wall Covering Suggestions for the Budget-Conscious

Interior designing need not be outrageously expensive. Creative wall covering ideas for the do-it-yourself interior designer are an example of a money-saving option. Here are some suggestions with fun titles on how to decorate your walls while still on a budget.

The Beaded Wall
If you are a genius at making patterns try out this whimsical wall covering idea. For this kind of wall, you may use monochromatic beads or multiple colors, either covering up the whole wall or just a small portion of it. You may try spelling out words with the beads or even depict a picture with them. About the beads, you can buy different kinds in different shapes and sizes. To be on the safe side, use a pencil to lightly sketch out your design or shape on to the wall before you start sticking the beads on. Have an extra-strong household/crafts glue on hand to stick the beads into place.

The Chalkboard Walll
If you are an artist with the craving for self-expression always, you may opt for the Chalkboard Wall. Special chalkboard paint bought from a department store can immediately change a wall into a chalkboard. Simply apply it on the wall as you would regular paint with a paintbrush. Let the paint dry and then affix a small wooden box in a convenient spot on the wall using a nail or strong glue. The box will hold the multi-colored chalk and eraser. Each day that you wake up, you can create a whole new wall design and even write down reminders on the wall if you are inclined to forget things. This wall will also definitely be a hit among the kids.

The Placemat Wall
Placemats can be tastefully made into wall décor with the right eye. Make a balance between the colors and the texture of the placemats. You can decide to use various types of placemats in one design or just one type in different colors. The idea is to give the impression of a quilt or of a modern artwork. Placemats made of plastic, fabric, bamboo, etc. may be used, but make sure to use extra-strong household/crafts glue to affix them to the wall. The various textures that the placemats lend to the wall add uniqueness and interest to the room.

The Corkboard Bulletin Wall
Inexpensive corkboard tiles stuck to the wall with extra-strong glue or spray adhesive is another budget-friendly wall covering idea. It is also functional at the same time. You can place photos, artwork, notes, reminders, and all the manner of personalized items to display on the corkboard using pushpins.

Enjoy these creative wall covering ideas without breaking the budget.

Tips

Children’s Safety: Safeguard your Children from window coverings

A home represents a safe haven for children, a place that provides an element of safety and protection from potential danger. But without some precautions and careful safety measures, even your home can present some unforgiving and somewhat unexpected dangers. One of these dangers is window coverings, especially corded window blinds.

Corded blinds pose an imminent health risk to children. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), every month a child between the age of 7 months and 10 years dies from strangulation due to a window covering cord, and another child will suffer near strangulation. It’s too easy for a child to unknowingly wrap a blind cord around their neck or get tangled up in cords that aren’t necessarily visible but are accessible, and cause their own untimely death. It’s important to note that these silent deaths can occur extremely fast, and even when the parent is present in the room.

[one_half_first]The issue goes way beyond leaving your child unattended momentarily or even from buying cheap blinds. In the mid-1990, the window coverings manufacturing industry went through major safety investigations, and as a result of this, the products were redesigned with added child safety features. Some of the window coverings were given safer cord systems and some went totally cord free. However, even with these extra safety measures put in place, the statistics are still harrowing. This calls for action on our parts, as the parents.[/one_half_first][one_half_last][/one_half_last]

Understandably, parents all across the globe are willing to do anything and everything in their power to keep their child from harm. If it isn’t financially plausible for you to buy new cordless blinds, there is still plenty you can do to prevent the so-called silent killer from striking once more.

Safety Solutions

Cut the cord

Long dangling cords are asking for trouble. Cut the cord as short as you can justify, keep it long enough for you to operate the blinds comfortably but short enough that it is out of reach for the little ones. Tucking the excess cord away on a nearby shelf or window sill is absolutely not a safe enough option. Children get their hands into anything, and it is still possible for them to put themselves in danger if the window covering cord is simply just tucked away out of sight.

Safety Devices

There is an array of safety devices that you can get your hands on, online or in the store. One of the best examples is the cord cleat. The cord cleat allows you wrap the excess blind cord up so it is no longer easily accessible. They anchor adjacent to the window and are very easy to use. And what’s more, you can order them for free online.

Move nearby Furniture

Children have a tendency to explore and climb on everything, and as a parent, you will definitely know this to be true. Even if you have installed Cord Cleats, it’s still not worth the risk. Any furniture that is close enough to a window sill to be used as a stepping stone for a child needs to be moved. This includes settees, cribs, and tables, anything that can be utilized as a climbing frame. Moving the furniture away from windows will greatly reduce the risk of serious or even fatal danger. Another trick would be to remove any light objects (anything a baby or toddler could easier move on their own) that could be stacked up to create a ladder or stepping stones for a child. Again, children are well-known for their creative thinking but this is not safe. If you are the room with them, you can simply keep your eye on the situation but if you need to leave the room, then take the easily transportable things with you.

Fire Guard

If your child is still quite young and is still in the crawling-only-just-walking stage, then a fire guard place in front of the window could be a temporary safety measure. It will prevent them from getting close enough to the cords to fiddle with them and therefore, making it a lot safer. Also, typically radiators are placed under windows which when turned on can pose a risk of their own, and this solution can ward against that too. Of course, this will only work temporarily and it won’t work for older children, but it can give you a bit of time to save up for new cordless blinds or to come up with a more permanent solution.

Tell them and make sure they know the dangers

With younger children, this can be a little trickier, but it is still possible. If you spot your little one trying to get hold of the blind cord or messing around with it then slightly raise your voice. Not too much, but enough to make them stop. Stay consistent with this and hopefully, they will learn that blind cords are not to be played with. Seeing as window covering related injuries and fatalities can affect children up to the age of 10 if you have a child of this age or a little younger simply tell them how dangerous blind cords can be. Don’t be too graphic with them but do explain to them that blind cords can be terribly dangerous and must not be messed around with or played with. Again, stay consistent with this.

Don’t assume anything

Again, it’s important to remember that this silent killer can happen to older children too so don’t automatically assume that your child has outgrown the risk factors surrounding blind cords. It is vital that you keep your vigilance about you.

Install new blinds one at a time

Cordless blinds are definitely the future, they reduce the risk of strangulation massively but they come with a price and it can definitely be appreciated that it is not financially possible for some. Until legislation states that cordless blinds are the only blinds permitted, it is still okay for you to have corded blinds as long you take precautions, especially if you have children. However, you could install new cordless blinds gradually, one room at a time. Focus on the room your child frequents the most often, so maybe their bedroom or the living area. Then slowly you can equip your whole house with the new blinds but can be reassured that the most prominent danger has been noticeably reduced. And because cordless blinds are becoming more popular, they coordinate safety and style so you don’t have to worry about them looking out of place.

Supervise your child

Statistics show that blind cord related fatalities can occur when the parent is in the room supervising. However, these instances typically happened when the parent turned their back momentarily to answer the phone or tidy away some toys. With that in mind, make sure that when you are supervising your child play or watching tally, that you stay on the ball. Anything else that you need to do will have to wait, your child’s safety is more important than doing the dishes.

While window covering cords are a primary child safety concern and pose a greater risk, other window coverings such as floor-length draperies need to be considered too, as they can pose a safety threat themselves. For these, a suggestion could be tying them up for a stylish effect, keeping the draperies and of course, your little one safe.

Lead Poisoning

In 1996, it also came to light that vinyl blinds, also known Venetian blinds, contained lead. The blinds are naturally exposed to sunlight and heat, and over time this caused the vinyl to deteriorate and leave lead dust on the surface of the blinds. The lead was used in the plastic of the blind as a stabilizer and it’s the plastic that would deteriorate over time. Now as you know, children have a tendency to put anything and everything in their mouths, including their hands. If the child has been playing around with the blinds or even just happens to brush their hand against it and then puts their hand in their mouth, they put themselves at a huge risk of giving themselves lead poisoning which as you can guess is deadly. Lead is a highly toxic metal and a very deadly poison. Lead poison occurs when there is a build-up of lead in the body, and it can cause developmental delays and severe neurological problems, and in rare cases, it can have fatal effects. Generally, the risk of lead poisoning is greater in children under the age of 6, any older than that and the risk greatly decreases.

Conclusions:

If you have blinds that predate 1996, then you should really considerate throwing them out. Lead poisoning doesn’t display symptoms quickly; it needs to build up over time so the sooner you throw your vinyl blinds out, the better. Since this issue was brought to light, companies that supplied blinds will now state that they are ‘Lead-Free’ or ‘Non-Leaded Formula’, so you are able to make educated choices for your child’s safety.

A home provides safety and security to any child. But this haven has its share of dangers, especially for children, and one of them is window coverings. However, with a little effort and the right precautionary measures, you can prevent any mishaps. Make a through study of all danger spots and if necessary get down on your hands and knees to look at your fixtures from a child’s perspective, especially the window coverings.

With regards to window covering you can take the following precautionary measures to make them as child-safe as possible. If you have Vertical Blinds installed on windows then opt to have wand controls instead of the cord types. Dangling cords are disasters waiting to happen, especially if you have kids. Some blinds have break through tassels that provide more safety than regular blinds. Check whether your manufacturer has something that is similar to those for added safety. If you have existing blinds that has long cords try to cut them short, just enough to comfortably operate the blinds. This will take care of the unnecessary dangling length of cord. If you are about to install new blinds, then you can consider to install blinds or shades that have motorized controls.

Today, you have countless varieties of blinds and shades that come in different styles and designs. You can opt for the cordless models that are most favored these days. These cordless blinds are child safe and it is also equipped with easy to operate controls. All you have to do is lift the shades up. All the above tips and options are put forward to make your window coverings as safe as possible for your children. However, the best safety measure that can protect your child is to keep them under adult supervision.

References:

Windows covering safety alert Retrieved from- http://www.ellsworthafbhomes.com/media/1003412/cpsc_safety_alert__window_coverings_.pdf
Windows coverings Safety kits for kids Retrieved from- http://simplysmartliving.com/window-safety-kid-safe-window-coverings/
Danger in old windows coverings Retrieved from – http://www.powerfullsystems.com/blogs-events/articles/the-hidden-dangers-in-your-old-blinds-drapes-and-window-coverings/
Safety for children at home Retrieved from- https://www.cpsc.gov/content/cpsc-finds-lead-poisoning-hazard-for-young-children-in-imported-vinyl-miniblinds

walls

Wallpaper ABC’s

Using wallpapers in decorating the wall has been very popular because of its easy application and at the same time, its effects to the long and lonely-looking space filled with cracks, stains, and other blemishes. Wallpapers possess qualities that many homeowners love. Aside from being very stylish, they are proven to be durable too. Just select among the varied designs (from classic, floral, plain, to elegant, country, and sophisticated) and discover the wonders that wallpapers bring to your home’s design.

Now, if you have already said yes to using wallpaper, do not right away hurry to the wallpaper store. First and foremost, determine what kind of effect you would want to see in the wallpaper. When you are working in a little room and would want to create a look that makes it larger, use those with small designs or with printed styles. Thus, if you are decorating a child’s room, try looking for wallpapers with small balls in it. This will now make your child’s room look bigger with the wallpaper in it. More so, to create the same effect, choose colors that light.

On the other hand, wallpapers with big designs, in contrast with smaller ones, make the room look smaller. With this, when it comes to the colors, select darker colors. This will make the room look cozier. The basement, as well as the family lounge can be applied with such wallpapers to make the rooms look warm. Then, to make a room look high-ceilinged, try using vertical stripes. A narrow room will eventually seem wider than it really is.

Also, since you are going for colors that suit a particular mood that you think will fit the room, go for colors and their visual effects. For a warmer atmosphere, consider earth colors such as gold, soft reds, browns, oranges, etc. Moreover, those with stronger shades bring about action and drama. Thus, warm colors perfectly go with the kitchen and the breakfast area. For cool colors like blue, purple, green, and others, a fresh and calming atmosphere is being related. Hence, this is suitable for bathrooms.

With regards active areas like play rooms, try using wallpapers with bright colors. In contrast, study rooms and bedrooms, which are usually aligned with softer hues will need subdued colors like gray, black, or white. Nevertheless, whatever color you will be choosing, the whole decision is just up to you. In a one-time application, without utilizing messy materials, you can have a whole new atmosphere in your home.

More so, using wallpapers allow you to emphasize a certain room’s best features. Also, it is cheaper. Considering that these can last for up to seven to ten years, as well as the fact that it can be cleaned easily with soap and warm water, you will surely have a more convenient experience using such means to stylize your home. Last, about this topic is that wallpapers can bring out your personality. Indeed, what they see is what they get!

Making Your Very Own Star Wallpaper Border

Wallpapers are great room decorating ideas that would never let you out of style for less expenses. However, sometimes, you cannot find exactly the wallpaper that would suit your room’s theme. The wallpapers border may not also be the size that you would want it to have. If this is a problem that you are encountering when setting up a wallpaper or having its borders, it’s about time you know that you can actually make it on your own. Here are some tips on how you can be creative in making your very own star wallpaper border that would suit your room theme and your preference best.

First is to plan out what color will you use in making your own wallpaper border. Estimate the size that you would want your border to have so that you would know how much paint you will be needing in finishing. Purchase from the paint store the amount of paint you need. Then, roll a paint with a stripe design at the top of your wall around the room. Then you can start cutting out star shapes from wallpapers, foils or shelf paper. You can use this to become your star design on your wall paper border. You can actually attach these stars to the paint that is almost dry or you can wait for the paint to dry completely before gluing the stars. Usewhite glue to do this.

Lamps

Antler Lamps & Chandeliers with Rawhide Lamp Shades for Rustic Décor

Antler lamps are elegant and absolutely unique. Natural antlers are rare and are coveted by both outdoorsmen and animal lovers. Lamps and chandeliers made from antlers are best suited and most desired by those who prefer southwest lighting and western décor.

Antler lamps are made from the ‘antler sheds’ which the animals shed every spring as a natural process. These antler sheds are found in a few places including Jackson Hole, WY. Every year antler sheds are gathered from these places and are used to make antler artefacts like chandeliers, lamps and even furniture. White tail deer sheds are widely used to make antler lamps that are quite popular. One more favorite antler lamp that is popular among rustic décor lovers is made from mule deer sheds that are slightly darker in shade and larger than the white tail deer sheds.

The points or forks and tines as they are called in the antler shed is different in each shed which is what makes every antler lamp to be unique it its own right. This unique feature makes every antler lamp or chandelier to be a one-of-the-kind priced possession. Drilling and patching techniques are employed to create the best quality antler lamps that are perfect without displaying any hardware or even a trace of the wiring.

Nothing can be better suited to provide rustic lighting than antler lamps, which makes them perfect for cabins, log homes and western style ranch homes. If you are looking for lighting fixtures to compliment you south-western décor or your western furniture, then antler lamps and chandeliers are your best choice. You can enhance the rustic effect even further by using authentic rawhide lamp shades for the antler lamps, chandeliers and sconce. These lamp shades are enhanced with hand lacings that give a warm glow to show your rustic décor to its best advantage. Moose and elk sheds are the most striking among all antler sheds and are used to make some of the most remarkable and exquisite antler lamps and chandeliers. This is due to the large size of the sheds that makes it possible to create stunning designs in elaborate chandeliers, huge floor lams and exquisite antler furniture.

Another attractive feature of these antler lamps and other light fixtures is that they are virtually maintenance free. If rustic décor is your cup of tea then antler chandeliers, lamps and furniture made of authentic rawhide will enhance your décor like nothing else can.

Painting

Smoother Finish for a Beautiful Room

You got it. You now have the right room for you. You chose to have your walls painted rather than wallpapers. You are now about to choose for the paint that will make your walls look brighter and more appealing to the eyes. You just have to put in mind that you must choose the paint that gives a smooth finish to the wall. Meaning, you have to be very careful in choosing because there are some kinds of paint that only deceive your eyes. You might probably say you can’t see all the imperfections of the wall but it is just the paint’s reflection of the light that does the cover up. So, you have to choose wisely the paint you will be using.

For you to know more about which paint to use for a smooth finish, here are some tips. You probably know about the oil-based and the latex, since they are among the paints that are available in almost all stores. The oil-based, though it is thin, is very durable and always go along smoothly on all surfaces. The problem with this is that it is very hard to clean up. You might spend too much time cleaning it up and it is usually expensive.

On the other hand, the latex paint appears to be thicker, and with just one coat, you can already see a smooth finish. It does not smell bad, and what’s best about this is that you only need a shorter time to clean it up. If you have also heard of primer, then you would know that it is much better than paint. It fills any rough spot on the wall, leaving the walls with a smoother finish.

But, hey, the best paint to use to give your walls an assurance of the smoothest finish is none other than emulsions. It may probably cost higher than the above mentioned paints but it is certainly the best and most effective. It disperses evenly the paint’s molecules. However, if you really have no budget for this, you can try the semi-gloss latex paint. You can also have the smoothest finished if you ensure that the semi-gloss latex paint is rolled properly on the surface. It needs meticulous rolling to have a smoother finish. You can check for the specifications of every paint available in the store. You just have to be careful with choosing.

All your home decorations will look good if they complement well with your walls. The wall paint is also a key to the ambience of the whole room, whether it will look brighter and loud or darker and calm. Everything is in your hands so better be careful, enjoy and prepare everything for the wall painting.

Bathroom

Select Bathroom Fixtures to Complement your Bathroom Décor

Bathroom fixtures can be chosen to provide you with the ultimate comfort and at the same time complement whatever décor you have chosen for your bathroom. Updating or modernizing your bathroom fixtures can transform your old looking bathroom into a stunning and spectacular room, one that you can be proud of. It can also work out to be cheaper than replacing your fixtures. You have to be very careful while selecting the fixtures as they have to serve the requirements of the intended user. Moreover their placement in the bathroom or toilet should be such that they can be easily accessed for use.

Before making your decision, invest some time to research on the available models and brands and about their design, quality and price to choose the best that will suit your décor and budget.

Bathroom fixtures can be chosen to either enhance or underscore your existing décor or it can also provide a neutral backdrop which you can alter using different accessories. The following tips can help you out. Consider including bars or table spaces to place towels for the convenience of seated bathers who can use them to dry their hands before leaving the bathtub. Also provide storage spaces at convenient locations for shampoo, soaps and other toiletries.

You can also combine different styles of fixtures to give your bathrooms a different look. Make sure that all the fixtures blend well with each other. Remodelling your bathroom will give you better return for your investment and moreover your bathroom will dazzle with a new look that will enhance and complement the décor. Your remodelled bathroom might even turn out to be the best room in your entire house.

Floors

Choosing the Best Floor and Wall Covering Fabrics

Though the color, designs and the texture of different fabrics may vary, all of them provide warmth and charm to any room they grace. There are endless possibilities to mix and match your wall and floor coverings to bring out the best. Though fabrics were traditionally used to cover the walls, they have gracefully given way to the more practical and easy to use wallpapers. Today many retailers have papers and fabrics that have the same design or pattern for your convenience.

The following tips can help you to choose the best wall and floor covering fabrics for decorating your home.
• The flooring should be chosen in accord with the room’s usage.
• If the room is going to see a lot of traffic, especially with high heels or dirty soles, it is better to choose hard and easy to maintain floorings like marble, tile or stone.
• In rooms where you prefer to walk barefoot, it is advisable to choose warm and comfortable carpet or even hardwood flooring.
• Also it is better to avoid paint in places where you expect a lot of people to walk about. Again, marble or tile flooring is best for these rooms.
• But before you finalize on any type of flooring, try to visualize their effect under the room’s lighting.
• Once your flooring is all done, make sure to take good care with proper maintenance if you want your carefully chosen flooring to last long.
• Also keep in mind the dimensions of the room and how much floor and wall covering they will need. This is very important, as they can affect your budget and ultimately the style and design.

• Make sure to choose the wall and floor covering simultaneously as they should blend well or complement each other to enhance the ambience of a room.
• Fabrics can be employed to provide soundproofing in particular rooms where noise is an issue, like a game room.
• Curtains and blinds can make any room exotic or rustic or they can used to create whatever mood you desire with appropriate lighting.

Decoration

Add Style and Glamour to your Small Apartment

If you think having a small apartment cramps your decorating ideas then this article is for you! Small apartments make decorating a challenging job as you have to make the available space [which is very little] look stylish and appealing. Here are some tips to add style and glamour to your apartment.

Let us start with the color arrangement. Try colors which make the place look spacious and bright. Orange, red and yellow shades are suitable for small spaces. Give more attention to the window treatments. Add adequate blinds and curtains to block any direct sunlight which does not augur well for your room. For the walls you can use tapestries. These lend elegance to the room and are useful as a cover for the wall in case your landlord is not in favour of painting the walls with your favourite color. Sofas can be given a fresh look by adding brightly colored covers to them.

Maintenance is an important aspect in choosing the various colors and décor. Brown or grey walls are best manageable than white ones. When shopping for furniture, look for Futons which double as a bed to accommodate a guest. Loveseats also do not take up much space and also add style to the décor.

Decorative screens make good décor pieces for small apartments as these transform a single room and make it look like two. The screens should allow light in to give the appearance of large space. For the dining area a bistro table will occupy less space and at the same time give a cozy look. Hanging plants on the walls and adding mirrors that are strategically placed will make the space look bigger. One most significant thing is keeping the place clean. A clean space free of your laundry strewn about and messy leftovers and other items will create a feel of a large space.

If the space still looks small with you following all the above guidelines then most probably your storage aspect is lacking. Take a look at the local stores which offer a wide range of economical and space saving ideas. You can go for a bed that has a chest of drawers underneath it where you can store a lot of things. You can also go for a coffee table or even a footrest which comes with storage areas. This way you get to avoid lot of cluttering. Shelves on the wall are also another space saving idea. With some imagination on your part you can transform even the tiniest space to a stylish and elegant looking beautiful room.

Furniture

Historic and Captivating Jacobean Furniture

The furniture design used during the period of King James I and King James II is referred to as Jacobean furniture. This style underwent various changes during this time period under the impact of the different reigns. In the beginning stage the Elizabethan style, which reigned supreme from 1603 to 1688, inspired changes in the Jacobean style. Later the commonwealth style which was stark and sported very little decorations influenced the Jacobean design markedly. In the last stages of the Jacobean style the Flemish Baroque style wrought distinct changes in the furniture style.

Colonial Americans patterned their furniture style based on the early Jacobean furniture designs. But the designs that emerged were very archaic as skilled designers were few and far between at that period. The style that resulted was termed as early American furniture. The furniture that was made during this period was tough and durable. But they were giant sized and very awkward to use. Cupboards, wainscot chairs, circular tables and chests constituted the pieces that evolved during this time. The famous Brewster and Carver chairs, which had spindles occupying the frames of the chairs, were named after the two renowned Colonials of that age.

The wood used for the furniture was mainly from oak and pine wood. Chairs with spindled frames, rounded Spanish legs which had intricate patterns and rush seats characterised the chairs of this period. The tables and chests of drawers had elaborate patterns carved on them with numerous scrolls and opulent panels and twists done on them.

The basic patterns involved in the Jacobean style were very clear-cut and down to earth in quality. Squares and rectangles were the only shapes employed and the fronts were mostly flat and plain. The pieces were joined by pegs and sported mortise and tenon joints. Veneering was done on the furniture making it look lavish and flamboyant. A lot of inlay patterns were also used. Elaborate painting works were done to make these pieces look rich and stylish.

The upholstery for the chairs and settees in the Jacobean style was done with silk, velvet and crewelwork. Some used leather, linen and tapestries too to give the furniture a magnificent and stately look.
If you are in search of true authentic Jacobean style furniture then the auction houses of England are your choice. As most pieces done during this period were tough and durable, they have lasted for many years and some are found to be in good shape even now. The historic Jacobean furniture is very much in demand for the opulence and style it portrays. Many replicas of this style of furniture have come up in the stores making these designs within your reach.

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