Posts tagged interior decorating
Pet Friendly Home Decorating
Apr 26th
Posted by Serge Carl in Home
Decorating a home around your pet may seem quite silly but in fact you’ll understand after this article why it may be necessary in some cases.
For example, if you have a cat that loves to climb you wouldn’t be putting expensive furniture in the room or placing drapes which go to the floor. Why waste the time and money on items which can be ripped down and shredded by the cat when you can create a great room with also pet proofing it.
When selecting pet friendly furniture, choose upholstered furniture with durable fabric to hold up to your pets rubbing, running, jumping and sleeping. Be sure to select fabrics that are easily cleaned. If dog is a heavy shedder, leather is great. However, leather is not a great choice if Cat has long claws and is not hesitant to use. Cotton polyester, chintz and microfibers are all good examples of what sorts of fabric to choose for pet friendly furniture. Or, you could simply buy furniture the same color as your pet to camouflage their hair.
Another situation you’ll have to consider is wood furniture. As you know dogs love to chew, especially puppies and cats like to claw. That wood furniture piece you’ve been eyeing up in the store may not work for this room at this time.
The type of flooring you select will have a very direct bearing on your pets. Hard, slick surfaces may pose problem for any older pets that have balance problems or find it hard to get traction to stand. Dogs are probably more vulnerable to flooring type than cats. And floors are more vulnerable to abuse by dogs than cats. Dogs have a tendency to run and chase headlong across the floor only to crash into anything in the way. Large dogs have large claws that can scratch and wear any floor surface to the point of destruction.
If you have carpet you’ll be frightened that you’ll need to clean them almost every week. Area rugs can also be used on carpet. You’ll be able to place them in spots around the home where your pet spends most of the time. Make sure they are durable and able to be thrown into the wash to give you an easier clean up time.
No matter what your design is, it can always be pet friendly even if you have to choose a few different items than you would before.
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Fireplace Doors – Getting Started
Apr 25th
Posted by Harold Granger in Home
If you have fireplace doors installed in your home, you and you’re family are most likely familiar with all the benefits that come with having one. However, not every person seems to appreciate these benefits as there are still people out there who opt not to have installed in their houses. So, in this article, I’m going to give you an outline of the basic things that come with having fireplace doors installed as well as all the benefits that one can enjoy from having them around. Let’s begin with the benefits and reasons why every home should have one:
Having a fireplace door is very energy efficient. This is because it prevents cold air from entering through your chimney and also helps in keeping warm air from escaping. In fact, these doors are known to help reduce air loss by at least 90%. Do keep note of the fact that for a door to be able to perform its purpose, it has to be closed when you haven’t lighted a fire to help lower your gas bills.
The second reason would be for safety. This is imperative for households that have children and pets in them because the fireplace doors would keep them out of the fireplace and far away from potential harm. The doors would also act like a kind of wall between you and the fire so no hot ashes, sparks or any debris from the fire would be able to accidentally get on you or spill onto your floors and carpets.
Now that we’ve talked about the various benefits that one might get from having fireplace doors in place, let’s talk about how to get started with it. First, we need to take proper measurements of the firebox where we’ll install the doors. Measure the length in 2 different spots, one near the bottom and one near the top.
You should use the smallest measurements you have gotten for your firebox dimensions when placing your order for the fireplace doors. Lastly, do check for things such as small tacks or left-over screws that might prevent you from easily installing the door. These small hindrances should be removed.
As for the kind of fireplace doors available, you have got two different choices. The first of which would be the cabinet style door which functions much like a typical cabinet door which you can pull to open and push to close. The second one would be the traditional style doors which work like an accordion and slides back and forth when you need to open or close it. Typically, a fireplace door would be made of glass for you to be able to enjoy the fire even if it’s closed but there are also metal screens available if that is what you prefer the most.
Maintenance of your fireplace doors is also as simple as pie. You simply need to wipe the doors (if its glass) with some window cleaner on a dry piece of cloth. If you have metal screens instead of glass, you can use metal polisher which is specifically made for use with that kind of metal. Needless to say, a fireplace door is not only beneficial but could also be very decorative depending on the style you choose. So go ahead and get one for yourself.
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Basic Ideas For Decorating A Dining Room
Apr 12th
Posted by Jason Carter in Home
Your dining room is the place where your family and friends gather around and bond over hot sumptuous meals. You might prefer to have a formal dining room that you will use mainly for entertaining on special occasions or choose to have your meals in a cozy kitchen space instead. Whichever your preference, your dining room needs to be aesthetically appealing while remaining functional, all at once. Below are some great tips on how to create the perfect dining room you can enjoy your meals in.
Begin with your walls. Choose a color that will create the ambiance needed to enjoy your meal. Go for warm tone colors such as yellow, orange and red. These should help stimulate your appetite well as they are likely to complement many of the warm colored ingredients you will be using for your food. You might want to steer clear of the cool colors such as blue as these do not really have a complementary dish you can relate to. For a more elegant and sophisticated dining room, you could opt for walls in neutral colors such as black or gray.
When selecting your dining room furniture, go for a set that you will enjoy having for a long period of time. A Victorian dining room theme is the hallmark of chic. This gives you that traditional English country feel while you enjoy your tea. A sturdy oak or mahogany table and chairs would be perfect for such a style. Ensure that the shape of the table is well suited to the shape of the room as well as the seating arrangements you intend to have during functions.
To accessorize you need a couple of lamps in the room. You may want to consider a dimmer switch so you can adjust the lighting appropriately. Display some of your most beautiful pieces of china on the wall shelves.
Because you have a lot of hard surfaces in your dining room you may want to accessorize it to add a soft touch in the room as well. Place an area rug down under the table. Be sure to choose an area rug that compliments the look of your drapes and the color of your furniture.
When decorating your windows you want to add fabric that flows for curtains. This too will help soften the look. Match your curtain color with the rest of the color in the room.
Every dining room should have a buffet table and sideboards for extra storage. You can store your table linen, crockery, cutlery, as well as table lamps. Find a glass display to showcase all your expensive china. Then finalize the look by hanging a mirror on the wall above the buffet.
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Antique Mantle Clocks Stand Above The Rest
Apr 10th
Posted by Mollie Anton in Hobbies
A wonderful addition to any sitting or living room is antique mantle clocks, and they are also an investment that will do nothing but become more valuable as time passes. Ever since the 1800’s master clock makers began creating sophisticated and high quality clocks that were meant to last through the years. Though today many companies produce their own styles of mantle clocks, most are not made with the skill and workmanship that those made ages ago were.
Mantle clocks are special because they are designed to lay horizontally on a surface. The antique mantle clock style has been in circulation since the late 1800’s, and began as the perfect addition to any hearth. These days they serve that same purpose and many of the clocks made during that time period are still in circulation.
The more recent styles are not even able to hold a candle to the clocks that were made ages ago because of the workmanship applied to bringing about these fine creations. Those that were made then were made to last, and that is obvious in the ongoing antique clock trade. Many that were made so long ago are still being sold and traded today and with some upkeep continue to be functional.
The fact that these clocks is durable is not the only thing that sets them apart from the newer models; they have unique and elegant designs, which you would never find in a department store. Many of today’s clockmakers make minor variations to styles that have been around over the years, and due to the fact that they are factory-made, they are not unique in the least. One that is an antique is sure to be unique, especially those created in the early years of clock making. There were not large companies making them in droves like they can today, so the antique models that you find are their own styles, with only a few copies in the world left over.
Something else that is unique to these older clocks is that they were made of porcelain or real solid wood, with components or decorative aspects made of full or partial silver or ivory. These are materials not often seen on clocks today and they are exquisite additions to any room. While one that is made with beautiful designs and exotic materials is more pricey than those you can find brand new at regular stores, you know that are going to look elegant for years to come and will not let you down after some time of use. The designs and craftsmanship of the time can be clearly seen on antique mantle clocks, which is something that you can not find in clocks that are made these days.
There is no question that antique clocks, no matter the kind, add something beautiful and elegant to a room. Visit my site to learn more about antique clocks, and find out if this exciting and beautiful world is for you.
Home Decorating with Accessories
Apr 9th
Posted by Candice Johnson in Home
The decorations we have around the house are more than just displays to make the rooms attractive or our chosen theme more obvious. Decorations speak of who we are at least partly of who we are as individuals. Through our choice of a decor’s color, design, material and even the price, we show our interest, personality and preferences in life. Decors play a role too in adding warmth to our abode, which adds to giving a homely feel to our place.
The things used to accessorize the house are a reflection on the personalities of the family members. People with an eye for finesse and a luxurious style of living often prefer to have a contemporary look. Others may prefer an open futuristic look. Regardless of preference, it should be simple to find excellent accessories.
A plain wall can be instantly upgraded with paintings, artworks and photographs. A small living room can still look impressive as a grand receiving area with classy, vintage pieces. A guestroom will look more inviting with country-style decorations that bespeak of a cozy vacation home in the countryside.
Use of these accessories apart from beautifying the area also fulfills various protective functions. One good example of this is area rugs. Area rugs are one of the most essential home decor accessories. Area rugs are found in most homes and they provide an easy way to pull an entire decorating scheme together in one cohesive element. Area rugs serve several purposes in a home. Apart from beautifying the area, they also help to protect the floor from external or facial damages. You can purchase rugs in various shapes and sizes. There is also a wide range of material options. Appropriate use of these area rugs or carpets can change the entire room so make sure you choose one with color colors and textures.
Antiques or vintage items may be old-fashioned but they surely make a place look more sophisticated, a quality that people say comes with age and confidence.
Accessories need not be expensive, traditional or authentic pieces. Simple things like your children’s artworks from school, family photographs, travel souvenirs and memorable presents can be great home accessories. These things make a place more of a home – personal, warm and familial.
The good thing about accessories is their easy accessibility. You can always change them, move them and switch them. For a new look, a simple change in color, design or shape can instantly give a refreshing change in a room’s look. As the season changes, also try to match the accessories with the trend’s color or pattern. This way, your home will always have an updated design perfect for the current time.
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Change Your Apartment For Good
Apr 8th
Posted by Pauline Brenner in Home
Here’s a treat for those planning on an apartment renovation. In here are simple ideas that you can use for a hassle-free and cheap redecorating venture.
If your small apartment however is a mess, well the work can take a bit longer. No worries though, it will still be faster as opposed to organizing a big messy house.
Organizing your house requires some planning but wouldn’t it be worth it to have a convenient house than an inconvenient one? Time spent planning and keeping things in place will be well worth it and it will be not before long that you will enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Your work will include:
Understanding what is necessary in terms of items in the house such as accessories, area rugs, lamps and furniture, for all the members and by discarding the useless things.
Learning how to put and organize every thing in its place.
Proper maintenance is important so your home will be running smoothly, without glitches. Check the lighting fixtures, pipes, locks, etc.
Checking out items that will in effect make the house look better and bring about a transformation.
Ask help. If you live alone, from friends. If you have a family, seek contribution from family members.
If you have a small apartment, a sofa that can be made into a bed is a real space saver! This is helpful when a guest needs to stay for the night. No worries about not having a guestroom.
Storage is important whether you have a big apartment or a small one. Storage helps organize things and keep things in order. Decorative baskets and boxes are simple items that can be storage for your children’s toys, books, magazines, laundry, bags and others.
Storage is a must too whether you have a big apartment or a small one. Storage helps organize things and keep things in order. Decorative baskets and boxes are simple items that can be storage for your children’s toys, books, magazines, laundry, bags and others.
Lighten up and widen the room with light-colored fabrics. Accent with colorful decors like throw pillows and area rug.
Area rugs are a versatile home decor element that look perfect in any size room. A large, light colored rug will immediately make the room look far more spacious whereas a smaller-sized colorful rug will add zest and energy to the room and liven it up. Which one you choose depends on the effect you aim to achieve.
Lighting is more than just a functional item. It should be appropriate for the space. A bedroom for instance, should have a lamp for a more relaxing ambiance perfect for reading at night before bedtime. The kitchen is better off with a bright light, as well as the entryway.
Having everything organized guarantees you a more comfortable and relaxing home life. What a perfect way to end a busy day.
If you enjoyed this information about Interior Decorating, then you are going to love this article about decorating small rooms.
Doing An English Country: Decorating Your Home With Warmth
Apr 7th
Posted by Bryan Saunders in Home
If you’re after a cozy home ambiance, going country is the answer. English Country is a design that exudes everything warm, friendly and homely. The charm of this design also comes from the “untamed” and rustic impression that it gives. Very much like the simple and unfussy lifestyle of those living in the countryside.
English Country decor is known for its mixture of furniture and accessories from various style periods, giving the impression of a family house that has been passed down through generations. In design, English Country owes more to the humble homes of farmers and craftsmen than to the landed gentry up at the big houses. Ironically it was the gentry who popularized the English Country style, not for themselves, but for Americans, whose smaller scale houses benefited from the design.
Certain elements are classic to English Country decor: fabrics of chintz and floral designs; paintings or prints of domestic animals, especially dogs; nature-toned colors, especially greens, blues and tans in pastel shades; and unfinished wooden flooring accented by Oriental or Aubusson area rugs. The complex patterns and natural colors of Oriental and Aubusson area rugs are particularly complementary to the mix of elements in English Country decor.
English Country decor also features a rustic build to the furnishings. Although accented by Victorian or Queen Anne pieces – such as a writing table and chair – the emphasis in this style is country comfort. For instance, both open cabinetry and freestanding cabinets can be found in the style. Antique furniture is highlighted by voluminous window treatments featuring lace inner curtains that allow plenty of light to filter into the room. These lace panels are then topped with wildly floral valances and tieback drapes. Florals are essential to an English Country style, especially upholstery, slipcovers, linens and drapery with ornate patterns often featuring enormous cabbage roses.
If there’s enough space, you can relive the charm of having a reading nook. Home life is valued in the English country hence, having a spot for relaxation and cultivating hobbies like arts and crafts are included in the home’s design.
If you have collectibles and souvenir items, bring them out and showcase them in glass-cased shelves or built-in cabinets.
Anything that sparkles in the midst of this profusion of florals also gets the nod. Homey metals, such as a silver tea service or brass candlesticks, are a popular touch, as are gleaming silver frames for family photos, especially if they’re in black and white or sepia tone. Lead crystal, particularly Waterford crystal from Ireland, also is highly prized for English Country decor.
For more comfort, use lots of pillows in soft fabric and with embellishments for a more appealing decor.
If you’re quite limited with decorations in a Contemporary theme, English Country is about accessorizing. A home is not exactly crowded, but it sure is not bare and plain. Have wall hangings and if space permits, bigger items to display.
You will have a special place to go home to everyday. The coziness and warmth of an English Country home is undeniably felt. Welcoming guests too will be a more pleasant experience with a home that is saying loud and clear, ” We are happy to have you. Please feel at home.
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The Benefits Of A Decorator Software
Mar 30th
Posted by Judy Wayans in Home
Decorator software can help you figure out what you want to do with the rooms in your home by way of arrangement. There are several different types of decorator software that you can use. They can give you an idea of what your rooms will look like once you have completed them to your liking. It is best to use a program that will enable you to not only show how the room will look with regard to furniture, but also how it will look with certain colors.
You can have the gift of clairvoyance with the help of…not a crystal ball but a decorator software! With the use of this technology, you can foresee how your home will look with the designs and style you have in mind before you even start writing down your decorating shopping list. With the help of this software, you can see how a color will look in a room and with other furnishings. As you are given the chance to see how your living space will turn out, you can now say goodbye to decorating bloopers. You can buy perfect pieces to fit the rest of the space.
If you’re a person who has so many ideas and can’t seem to decide on how and which to choose, the decorator software is an answered prayer. You can see all possible furniture pieces and how they can be arranged. This you can do without exerting the effort of hauling heavy pieces, grunting and sweating while changing their placements to see which angles look best.
A decorator software is programmed so that you can also check how certain colors and decors work with your rooms. There are also 3D programs you can select from.
You can experiment with various decorating placements for all the items in the room. This is especially helpful if you plan to rearrange the bigger things. Even Iron Man will be annoyed if you asked him to move the furniture again and again. I mean, it’s not exactly fun to lug around, push and pull heavy stuff, is it? With this software made for decorating purposes, you can rearrange all you want, consider all angles and try different possibilities. No one will complain and definitely, no one will suffer from pulled muscles.
With a decorator software, you can now consider as many design possibilities as you want. You wouldn’t have to worry about wasted money or strenuous effort. With a simple click in your computer keys, you will have a glimpse of the different possible future your home can have. As there are many types of decorator software, it’s best to research first as to which kind fits you best. You can also download free programs as starters. Now, you don’t have to doubt redoing your home. Seeing the “future” is the best thing that can happen to home decorators.
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How Wood Shutters Can Lower Your Energy Costs
Mar 19th
Posted by Frank Wright in Gardening
Did you know that wood shutters are great natural insulators? Wooden shutters are far more than decorative; their original purpose was to keep the elements out. With energy costs rising, they can be used to lower your utility bills. That is why houses and businesses in decades past all had shutters and ceiling fans.
The rising cost of energy prompted us to start using ceiling fans for their original purpose: to keep us warmer or cooler while spending less on air conditioning or heat. Shutters are making a comeback for the same reasons: to save us money.
Stand near a window when the sun is shining on it and touch it with your hand. No matter how cold it is outside that window will be extremely warm. On cold days and especially when the wind is blowing directly on your windows, the area near them will be colder than other areas.
When you have exterior shutters you can open and close them selectively. Just close the shutters during the winter on the window where the north wind howls the strongest. In the summer leave the shutter closed on the window where the sun shines the strongest as it rises or sets. Adjust your shutters daily, seasonally, or only when a storm is on the way.
Besides lowering the cost of heating and cooling your home, shutters also protect your draperies, furniture, flooring and carpeting from UV damage from sunlight. Did you know that three of the four most commonly used types of carpet (wool, nylon and olefin) have poor resistance to sunlight? Only polyester has good sunlight resistance and even it can be damaged.
In draperies, constant exposure to the rays of the sun is destructive to the fabric of your drapes. Dark and bright colors are especially affected by color fading and streaking. Over time, sunlight causes drapery fabric to deteriorate and dry rot. Cotton, rayon and acetate are more affected than acrylic or polyester.
The upholstery of your furniture is not the only thing affected. Leather furniture is especially susceptible to sun damage, colors fade and even wood dries out. Whenever possible, position furniture where direct sunlight does not fall on it. If that isn’t possible, shield it from the sun by closing your shutters.
By reducing your heating and cooling costs and protecting the investments you have made in furniture, flooring, carpeting and draperies, shutters are extremely beneficial. The next step is to decide what shutter styles you prefer and where to buy them. The lowest prices and best quality come from buying direct from the manufacturer – but they can be a real challenge to locate. Visit our Pricing Exterior Shutters Hubpage to see a photo slideshow of types of shutters and find manufacturers who sell directly to the public.
Spend less and buy better quality Exterior Wood Shutters by buying directly from the manufacturer. Manufacturers can be difficult to find so visit Frank Wright’s Hubpage for more details and where to buy Exterior Wooden Shutters. Don’t miss the beautiful photo slideshow there.
Some Ways To Spruce Up A Home With Bold Area Rugs
Mar 14th
Posted by Shawn T. Hrees in Family
Area rugs give people a great opportunity to add a pop of color to any room. There are a number of ways you can use them in order to achieve different effects. It has a tendency to be the accessories that really make the room unique and give it character, so you should put some time and consideration into selecting just the right ones.
Many of us like bright colours, but do not know the way to use these in their interior decorating. What they don’t realize is that adding pops of bright color to a room’s decor can truly look great. The key’s to keep the amounts of these colours little. Putting purple area rugs in an area with mainly neutral colours, and using the right shade of purple, can work. You can try using these colors as part of patterns so bring down the amount of the color as well while still including it in the design. Then use the other colours in the pattern in the room too.
Rooms that have a lot of color in them would do well to have more neutral colours. If your furniture and curtains have a pattern to them, adding solid coloured rugs, such as brown, black, or white shag rugs to the room can work well and help to tie together different patterns if all of the patterns contain that color. Remember though, neutral colours can go with anything.
If you’d like your rug to be a focal point of the room you can try getting one in a strange shape, such as octagon rugs. These will be more likely to be noticed than round or square area rugs as you don’t see them very often. For the most bang for your buck you can get a rug with both a surprising color and a bizarre shape. Be creative and see what you will find that might work with the other things which are already in the room.
As you can see, there are ways to use bright and colorful rugs if you take care to select the right ones. Some design mags frequently show you good shades of varied colors to use for different purposes, as well as color mixes that work best together. Look into these for fresh ideas for other rooms in your house.
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