Tuesday 23 February 2010

Room Decoration


Is your guest room also an office or cramped storage space? Do you shove your guests in a basement room with little more than a pull-out couch and an old pillow? If so, it's time to update your space and give your guests a room they can call their own. They will enjoy their time with you more, and the room itself can help make a great impression about your entire home.

Transform that extra, unused room into an oasis to rival any boutique Bed and Breakfast with small luxuries and thoughtful touches that will really make your guests feel welcome. Here are 12 great guest room ideas just for you:

1. Leave a sewing kit in a drawer. Any lost buttons or torn hems can be easily and quickly mended.

2. Always put out fresh, luxury sheets. Opt for a higher thread count of cotton to give your guests the comfort of softness.

3. Use a fresh quilt or duvet cover. If you can't wash your duvet or quilt, freshen it by spraying it with diluted lavender water and allowing it to air dry on a bright and breezy day.

4. Put out nice, plush towels. Always leave your guests enough towels to get them through their visit and let them keep them either in their room or make space for them on your towel rack. Purchase enough of these towels in advance so there is a set for each individual who visits at the same time.

Country Decor



The role of art in country decor is somewhat different than its role in many other styles of decoration. In most styles, art plays the part of accents, for instance. Country decor, however, is a style of simplicity. Art does not sit on the sidelines to the same degree as it does in most other styles. This is, of course, not to say that country decor lacks art. Quite to the contrary, in fact, there is a great abundance of country art. However, the art in country decor tends to be integrated into other elements, rather than standing on its own.

This gives the entire style a kind of coherence that adds a lot to the feeling it gives to people. For instance, when one sees a room decorated in a modern style, it is often a bit difficult to put your finger on exactly what style it is. Country decor, however, is recognizable at a glance. This is due in part to the fact that nearly everyone knows how to recognize the country art that is almost universally imbedded in the style. The common threads of the art are as simple as the style as a whole is. Much of the art takes inspiration from nature, even as it uses almost universally natural media.

For instance, the most popular forms of country art are wood crafts. Wood carvings are an art form that has been around since man picked up his first tools, and it has certainly stood up well to its age. Much of the wood carving used in country decor is as a part of a larger piece. For instance, a chair might have an intricate design carved out of the wood. Similarly, other wooden items are often embellished by the use of carvings. When wood carvings are used on their own, they are often actually simpler than when they are part of a larger unit. The artistic style usually used in the depiction of a given subject (most often an animal of some variety) is generally quite simple. Simplicity, however, gives it a sense of elegance and raw connection with nature.

Living Room Decoration


There are many ways to decorate your living room. As this is usually the room where a family entertains guests and spends time together, much thought usually goes into the design. Sometimes, however, inspiration is hard to come by. Here are a few living room decorating ideas to help get your creative juices flowing.

1. Determine your design style. Look through home decorating magazines and see what you like. You may have thought that you were a country gal, but find yourself drawn to the clean lines of a modern design. Even if you like both styles, you can mix them to create a style that is your own. You can choose country items that have a more modern edge, and modern design pieces with country flair. This way you can achieve a look that you love without settling on one style.

2. One living room decorating idea that is sure to spice up your space is to choose a bold wall color. Many people shy away from saturated colors, but these are the very hues that can make a dramatic statement about your personality. If you do not want to paint all of the walls in your living room a bold color, you can paint an accent wall. These walls are great to make an impression without overwhelming the room. You can then use accessories to tie the color into the rest of the room.

3. Updating your window treatments will also go a long way towards improving the atmosphere. Choose drapes or curtains that compliment the design style you have chosen for the rest of your room. Using rich looking fabrics on the windows will add a feeling of luxury to your room, and help to bring all of your living room decorating ideas together.

Home Ideas



The 21st century is now in its eight year and with that eighth year; more and more opportunities are opening up for parents who want to work at home. It used to be that parents that worked from home had to do boring typing jobs that weren’t really fun, but simple means of extra income. Now as the lifestyles of the world changes, there are more work from home ideas that people have come up with. And as a whole, they are all fun and exciting ideas. If you are among the many parents who want to work at home and need good ideas to do so, take into consideration some of these ideas and see if they fit the type of person you are.

Scrapbooking Business

This scrapbooking idea is great for those moms whose hobby is scrapbooking. The desire and the talent are already in place. Now is the time to profit from this hobby. One way to make money with this work from home idea is by offering custom made scrapbooks. Make up a few scrapbooks you wish to showcase and hold a party and show off your skills as a scrapbooking artist. Offer your services to those in attendance and exchange contact information with anyone who may be having an anniversary, getting married, or having a baby. The possibilities are endless for a home business like this.

Music Instructor/Tutor

Do you have a passion for music? If you are skilled in the art of music you could offer your services as a home based music instructor or a music tutor. Music tutors get referrals through schools and other parents. You could advertise your business in the local school newsletters or bulletin boards, shopping mart boards, or even in local free press newspapers. It is also a good idea to get some cheap business cards and flyers printed up and have the card ready when you talk to people.

Home Furnishings



Home decor may the first wish for every housewife. Firstly decorating the home is preferred by all housewives even if there is some festive season going or not. Interior decorators are then being contacted to decor the house. Almost every woman wants the rooms of their home to be glossy, best of furniture and the color scheme of the walls which please their eyes.

There are many points to bear in mind while buying articles or items of your choice with some affordable price. Just a glimpse of a royal room in some magazine, it is not likely to rush to home decor stores. Think wisely, to buy somewhat similar or close to those pieces in every aspects in low price as per your budget. Satisfaction and happiness should work in you after doing all this for your home. Don’t sit just by staring the photos of that magazine. Stand up and figure out your room the way you like to decorate it. Firs know that particular thing that catches your eyes. Then work accordingly like selecting the color scheme of wall, wall hanging, sofa set or any antique piece that matches up with the room. All what you need is an innovative and creative thought with some helpers to décor your home.

You should have flair to properly arranging all furniture that fits the particular space given. For instance if the color of your wall does not soothe your eyes then advisable is buy some good paint like deep glossy color or creamy color for your wall which gives comfort or relax to your eyes. Decorate your wall by adding texture or a design by using a sponge, crumpled newspaper, or a stencil. New coat of paint on wall show as if you have purchased a new home.

Kitchen Decoration


Kitchen decoration is really all about personal taste. However, the greatest news that many homeowners are now applauding is that the newest line of decor are not only great to look at but are truly functional as well. Additionally, there are now more and more suppliers who are providing more affordable alternatives that still look like pieces taken directly from designer showrooms. There are also whole ranges of themed decor for those who want to have the Asian, futuristic, modern or rustic-countryside look. If you are looking for ways and means to really spice up your cooking area space, here are some kitchen decoration tips you may want to consider.

1. Think themes. One way of really bringing together your kitchen decoration efforts is to think of a specific theme for this space. This way, you can avoid the temptation of cramming too many things all at once in your cooking area. Unless you want your kitchen to look like a museum of sorts, having one theme can help you narrow down your choices considerably. Some of the most common kitchen themes include: Asian design (Japanese inspired dark wood); futuristic (metal and chrome everywhere); modern (that home-sweet-home feel with a more contemporary touch); and rustic countryside look (wood and tin.) However, you can always choose more whimsical themes like a rooster theme (wallpaper with rooster designs, or fixtures shaped as such); or geranium-inspired (with a herbs and potted plants as main focal point.)

2. Think functionality over convenience. For many people placing colorful and decorative tiles as substitute for wall paper and paint is not only unique, but easier on the maintenance as well. Tiles do not fade as fast as paint, and certainly fare better in design permanence as opposed to wallpapers. Many people are not likely to choose decorative tiles simply because these take a longer time to put up in comparison to wallpapering or painting the walls. However, this can be a worth investment that can help raise the value of your home more.

Home Decor Bathroom



If you are in the process of redecorating your bathroom, you should consider putting up new bathroom mirrors as part of your bathroom décor. Bathroom mirrors have one of the most important roles in the bathroom. Mirrors do not just allow us to see our reflection, they also help make the bathroom look brighter and more spacious. Good bathroom mirrors reflect both natural and artificial light thus making the room more alive and vibrant.

Choosing The Shape Of Your Bathroom Mirrors

When it comes to bathroom mirrors and bathroom decors, the shapes and size do matter. According to experts, the size and shape of the bathroom mirror can affect the overall look of your bathroom. For instance, an oval mirror when used as part of your bathroom décor will make your bathroom look more feminine. Oval mirrors also give the room a softer tone. On the other hand, a square mirror give can give your bathroom a more solid look and rectangular mirrors can make your bathroom look more spacious.

To give you time to match your bathroom mirror with the rest of your bathroom fixtures, do not buy your mirrors without checking the overall design of your bathroom. If you used the services of a contractor to redesign your bathroom, you may want to ask the contractor to pick out the right mirror for your bathroom decor. The good thing about asking the contractor to pick out the shape and size of the mirror is that he or she will know if the shape of the mirror will go well with the overall design.

Home Decorating Style



Determining your home decorating style can be difficult, especially if you have never decorated anything before. However, with a careful examination of your personality, your color and hue preferences, and geometric shapes that you find pleasant, you can quickly begin to shape your use of furniutre and decorating personality.

The home décor you choose will reflect the things that you find pleasant in other aspects of your life. If you think back to when you were in school, you probably had a favorite subject. If you preferred math, you will probably prefer to decorate with clear, concise lines that imitate geometric shapes and can be measured in real numbers. However, if math wasn’t such a pleasant experience for you but you loved art class, you may like the more abstract, flowing type of design, with intricate weavings or carvings and delicate drawings and images.

Modern furnishings tend to be quite geometric, while the neo-classical furniture style takes into account the need for a contemporary design while still being compelled to love the ornate and robust. Neo-classical integrates the two cultures into one decorating style that can please those who are torn.

Home décor also reflects your moods and coloration. For example, if you tend to be an energetic person who never sits still, is always on the go, and has a need for adventure, the colors in your home will be bright and motivating – reds and deep purples, bright blues and sunny yellows. On the other hand, if you are laid back and tend to go with the flow, your decorating style will reflect this with choices of pastels, like delicate pinks, pale blues, and mellow yellows. Still another may be artistic and introverted, causing dark colors to appear, with black trim or navy blue décor. For those who love nature, the home décor will bring nature inside, with browns and greens, as well as floral motifs and oceanic designs.

Home Decorating Photos



You can have a classy home on a modest budget. A beautifully modern home, tastefully done, is possible. Even on a prudent budget. Start your home makeover with simplicity. A crowded, cluttered up room full of decorations and furnishings and furniture looks tacky in comparison to a simple, almost spartan home.

The trick is to go minimalist.

The time for lavish spending on white elephants is over. Now is the time to learn from the Shakers and go simple. Form and function. Everything should have a reason to be in a room. Everything in the room should go with the decor and the color scheme. Pare down your furniture and furnishings to the bare minimum. Keep only the best items which go with your color scheme and with the style of your home.

To deal with a smaller budget, you can do two things:

1. Cut costs by buying only the best. The best meaning, what looks best in your home, which is the most useful and fits best with your lifestyle and home decor. If anything does not fit all these criteria, walk away. Spend only on the very best things -- furniture and furnishings, for your home.

2. Bring in more money by selling off the clutter. Pare down your decor. Go simple. Get rid of clutter to reveal space. Your room will look more spacious and classier when the surfaces are bare. When the mismatched furniture and furnishing are gone. Better to have less in pared down room that looks simply chic, than to have more in a cluttered up room that feels crowded and makes everyone in it feel claustrophobic. The money from selling off the excess will come in handy during the recession.

Beach Home Decorating


The beach decorating style is both casual and charming. It brings a bit of nature and fun into any home and the best part is that you can give your home a great beach theme without having to spend a lot of money.

When considering a new decorating theme for any room, there are 3 things you want to think about - the colors, the furniture and the accessories. Here are some tips on how to pull together a beach theme in your home using these 3 elements.

Color

Any good beach decorating theme should tie in the colors of the beach. Sky and ocean blues, sandy tans and sunshine yellows look great. However, a white color scheme accented with blue and yellow pillows and accessories can look wonderful too. One fun idea is to paint the ceiling a yellow, the walls a light blue and use tan colored rugs - sisal rugs are great for this theme.

If you are on a budget, then paint is the perfect solution. It is cheap plus it makes a huge impact on any room. In fact, paint is one of the least expensive decorating options but makes the biggest difference.

Furniture

You want the furniture for your beach theme to be casual. Soft fluffy couches with slip covers are ideal and don't forget to include lots of pillows. You might also consider wicker but make sure it is sturdy enough for household furniture. If you are decorating a kitchen, whitewashed wooden kitchen tables and chairs go great with this theme.

Home Decor Living


Rooms with an Asian Twist

Each time you encounter a living room with Asian home décor, you are always spellbound with its refreshing charm. The décor never fails to enchant the senses and adding these to your suburban home will bring years of pleasure as you can always redo your home and add some eclectic touches without dumping those Asian stuff in the attic.

Asian home décor can complement any theme inspired home decorating because the secret of Asian décor is their affinity with nature, thus their versatility. By correctly matching them with your present decorations, you can create a distinctive and impeccable Asian look that is both restful and aesthetic.

Visualize your present living room. It could be just any hole in the wall. If you have a black and white minimalist room, throw in a dash of color and marvel at the transformation. Natural cane furniture, red throw silk pillows, and some green plants can immediately give your room the Asian touch. A bamboo lamp here and a plum blossom teapot on a table are a few light touches before you do the big makeover.

Decorating with Asian Touches

There are a few things to know before launching a home decorating DIY campaign in your home with Asian home décor. A professional interior decorator would blush if you don't start planning your living room make-over around the foundation color. Work around the foundation colors of gold, brown, red, tan, and gray because you are redecorating to complement and compliment your existing home fixtures with pieces of Asian décor.

Cheap Home Decor



Cheap home decor is just what you need if you're working on a budget. And when I say cheap, I know where you mind wants to go. The truth is there is a lot of home decor that looks great. So, you know you need to redecorate but at the moment you're unable to do anything but the most rudimentary of decorating for your home. And that's why you need some good cheap home decor to give new life to a stale room. That might sound like an impossible action to quite a few people but there are such things as good cheap home decor. You just need to do a little search about to find it.

That might, in actual fact take the most time, hunting more or less for the cheap home decor. However, it will be worth you time and energy. Since one person's cheap home decor is not the same as another person's cheap home decor you will have to make up your own mind as to what constitutes as cheap home decor. For some people, and this is genuinely a very good way to get your cheap home decor, purchasing good expensive pieces of furniture at sales agreement prices is what they believe inexpensive furniture.

Of course this isn't the way for most people as even the sales agreement prices can be overwhelmingly expensive. However, there are always other resources like thrift stores, second hand stores and even discount warehouses. Every city has them. Ask friends, family and look in the local directory. You will be suprised at what you find. Another way for you to get good cheap home decor is through the internet.

Like anything there's no guarantee that what you're acquiring is good because for the most part you're purchasing things sight unseen, but you can get cheap home decor and without all the bickering and squabble of going out and getting it. This way you can also avoid the city rat race. Don't forget, many sites that are selling cheap home decor will not charge you tax.

Home Decor Accents


There are many ways to decorate a home inside and out; there are also some that can be used in both places like candles. They can be used inside to make a room appear warm and inviting and they can be used outside to set a mood of romance among the aroma and beauty of nature.

Home décor is as diverse as the family that lives in the home, some people like the appeal of the modern décor and home accents while others find beauty in Victorian home accents or antiques.

There are a few things that will help to determine what type of accents will look right in a home, there is the furnishings to consider, the colors of the walls, the amount of light in the room and materials. If a room in a home has dark colored walls and modern furnishings then Victorian accents may not bring the warmth and appeal the person would like. However, if the walls are a deep color and the furnishings are a Victorian style then Victorian accents would do well in this room to give it a finished look.

Home accents come in many different materials such as glass, wood, metal, stone and others, which means that there is some type of home accent to complement any furnishings. Glass and metal often fit will with modern furnishings, while colored glass, wood or even stone will fit well with Victorian or antique furnishings.

Plants and lamps can also help to set a mood in a room for elegance and warmth and at the same time framed pictures of the family can lend a causal look to a room.