5 External Climatic Factors That Affect An Interior Design Project.

Sunday, August 06, 2006

Dear friends, the emergence of architecture in human society hastaken a wide and distinct role in itself. Starting from earlyeras where man used to live in caves, we have seen a remarkablegrowth in architecture and allied fields, which includeslandscape and interior design

The recent being the use of computers and "Computer AidedDesign" in architecture, which allows a kind of perfection indesign and execution process of any building and its interiors.

In spite of all the technological advances, the primary functionof any building structure remains the same, protection fromoutside environment and natural calamities.

Starting from a place to "protect yourself' from nature,interior design has become a "status symbol". Today's interiorspaces have a two way channel, first and the obvious one is thefunction and second one is aesthetical, which is a littlecomplex one.

It is quite obvious that the interior design of a space isdirectly related to the function of the space. This means thattwo spaces like a home and an office have two well definedfunctions, hence it will reflect in every aspect of the interiordesign solution.

But apart from the there is one more important factor that willaffect each and every aspect of the final design solution, andthat's the geographical location of the architectural structure.

A hotel building at seashore and the other one at a hill stationwill have a completely different sets of problems to deal with.Lets see in a short way what are the external factors that canaffect an interior design solution

1) Amount of direct sunlight.

Locations on the far northern or southern hemisphere receiveless amount of sunlight than those at the equator. That's whyhere the building with more use of plane glass are used. Alsoartificial lighting is given much importance.

2) External temperature.

External temperature directly affects the comfort level ofinternal spaces. Since external walls act as a "buffer" betweeninternal and external climate, it is necessary to use the rightconstruction material for walls. Depending upon the wallmaterial the internal finishes also

have limitations. This isespecially true for structure that face extreme climatic ups anddowns, such as locations in the gulf countries.

Hence selecting materials that can sustain heavy climaticchanges on a daily scale is challenging.

3) Humidity and Rainfall.

Because of the salty nature of air around coastal areas extracare is taken for building construction materials, which candirectly affect the entire budget of the project.

4)Wind Direction.

Wind direction and wind speed also has direct affect on theinteriors. Heavy winds exert a load on the external walls of thestructure, thus affecting the construction technology.

5)Land Structure and Topography.

Land structure is the nature of land on which the structurestands. Various types of land structures include rock solid,marshy land, etc...Topography of land is classified as plane ora site with slope. If the site of the structure is on a hillslope, extra precautions are taken to allow the natural flow ofrainwater that the structure might block. Depending upon thequality of land surface the construction technology will change.

As far as interiors are concerned a well planned structure withproperly thought spaces is a must because internally the spacesget divided into various floors.

From the above short discussion it can be said that externalfactors and environment greatly affect the way structures arebuilt and thus directly affecting the interior qualities of thestructure.

Technological advancements have allowed us to artificiallycontrol the internal environment of a building irrespective ofwhat's happening outside. But a carefully studied and wellplanned architectural space can easily cut the extra cost of airconditioning and other ventilation services.

I hope this article was informative to everyone.

Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya

About the author:

Shrinivas Vaidya is the webmaster ofBedroom-Design-And-Decorating-Ideas.com .Here you will find somegreat concept level design tips for bedroom sets.Vis

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* Article Source: Michael Russell
* Your Interior Design Guide
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Lighting Fixtures-Find the Right One for Your Space

Saturday, August 05, 2006

There are four basic varieties of ceiling lighting fixtures: pendants, chandeliers, hanging lamps, and flush-mounted ceiling fixtures. Ceiling fixtures are the true workhorses of ambient lighting. These light sources provide the general illumination for a room and really set the tone for the remaining fixture choices but they can also serve in task lighting roles as well. While there really is no set formula for choosing the right ceiling fixtures, there are some things to keep in mind when making a selection.

One of the things you need to consider when choosing lighting fixtures is just how much light they need to produce. To answer this, you have to think about what activities will take place in the room and how much light is needed for them. For a stairway, ceiling light fixtures may be the only source of light and are necessary for safety reasons. Ceiling fixtures such as hanging lamps that cast light downward instead of bouncing it off the ceiling are probably more practical. In a dining room where wall sconces and other forms of light are available, chandeliers that bounce light off the ceiling for a more subdued effect are probably the superior lighting fixtures to choose.

Once you decide how much light you need your ceiling fixtures to produce, you are going to want to think about how it will work with the rest of your décor. For people with a contemporary design scheme, pendants generally make a great choice. If you have a traditional or even an Arts & Craft décor, then chandeliers and hanging lamps will most likely be the perfect complement. The two areas that you will want to make your first decisions for ceiling fixtures are the entry way and the dining room. Your choices in these two rooms will set the tone for the rest of your home. If you have just purchased a home and really do not know what kind of décor you will be using, then consider the age of the home when deciding upon what ceiling fixtures to use. Older homes with a lot of exposed wood or ornate molding will definitely benefit from traditional hanging lamps in the living room and a classic chandelier in the dining room.

Finally, what sort of role do you need your ceiling fixtures to play? If you need task lighting for a buffet or breakfast island area, then a series of hanging pendants will serve you admirably in a contemporary décor. Also, for a breakfast nook in an older and more traditional home, a Tiffany style hanging lamp or pendant would be a perfect choice for some subdued ambient lighting. Pendants are ceiling fixtures that can be used for task or ambient lighting while hanging lamps and chandeliers are best suited for only general illumination.

Choosing the right lighting fixtures involves: deciding how much light they need to produce, how they work with the décor and character of the home, and what kind of role they need to play. No matter your needs or design layout, lighting fixtures are available in an endless array of styles, sizes and varieties so there will be no problem find the ones that perfectly meet all of your needs.

Pamela Tice is the owner of numerous lighting and home decor websites including http://www.barnesandwagner.com. Her store offers a complete product line of indoor lighting such as trendy Ceiling Fixtures and Chandeliers, as well as outdoor lighting from the industries leading manufacturers. Everything to light your home in style.

The Truth About 'My Space'

How a Mother's personal space, private space, and even virtual space begins to disappear, seemingly overnight and what she can do to win it back... well, some of it anyway.

Everyone is talking about My Space this, My Space that, and 'Have you visited My Space?' Let me be the first to tell you, there is no such thing as 'My Space'. At least, for a Mom there isn't. The truth is, once you find out you are expecting, your space begins to vanish instantaneously. In just a few months, what once was your fine body that you could flaunt and use however you choose, is now more of a mother ship that is anything but free. Your stomach is occupied with a bundle of joy with a bit of Napoleon complex, threatening to take over and conquer all space claimed and unclaimed as their own. As a Mother-to-be, you have no idea about what you're soon to give up.

It's time for Mothers across America to unite and take a stand against the spatial takeover that has occurred in the common household. As a Mom who once had walk-in closets, office space and a private bathroom where you could actually enjoy privacy, vow to take no more.

When they began to feel their space closing on them physically, Mothers sought refuge in virtual space on the internet in chat rooms and blogs. But, that space too has been invaded. Advertising agencies have now flooded the internet with attractive, interactive websites where children can view and sample all the games and toys they can ever dream of asking for. When Moms turn on their personal computers they find all kinds of downloads that their children have so gracefully overloaded their memory with. That is, when they actually have a turn to use the computer. This is exactly what our girlfriends warned us about.

But, there is hope. Today, I present Mothers everywhere with a 4-step strategy for reclaiming their space and their homes.

Step 1. Sacrifice one room in your house and declare it as your children's designated playroom. Put all the toys you may find beneath your computer, in your closet and on the stairs into this room and know that anything that goes in may never come out. You may feel like you've already given up enough of your physical space in the house without giving up one more room. But, trust me, giving up this room will mean reclaiming other rooms in the long run. Your children will be overjoyed with the idea of having all their toys piled up haphazardly in one place and having the freedom to throw things all over the place.

If you have a teenager, the same concept applies. Because they crave independence, they will love the idea of having a hangout spot in the house. Keep them involved in the design and interior decorating (on a budget). It will be like having a tree house indoors.

Step 2. Designate one space in each shared room of the house as 'Mommy's Space' and make it off-limits for everybody else's things. Whether it's a shelf, a small cabinet or a big drawer, let the entire family know that this space is reserved for your things and your things only. If you find anyone else's belongings in that space, remove them immediately and lovingly bring it to their attention.

Step 3. Lock the door. Okay, this is a sensitive subject that we are about to address. We often hear people talk about that one time when they were little and they walked in on their Mom and Dad when they shouldn't have. Please, save your child the trauma of realizing one day they witnessed their parents having intimate relations and lock the bedroom door (or whatever door) when you're having that special adult-only time.

If you enjoy using the bathroom in privacy, lock the door. You'd think that a closed door would mean 'Do Not Enter'. But, for a child it's actually a curiosity teaser. As they pass closed doors your children think, 'Now there must be something fun going on in there or Mommy wouldn't be closing the door to hide it from me!' Lock the door. Lock the door. Lock the door! And explain to your children that you love them, but that it's Mommy's right to have some personal space.

Step 4. Your computer comes equipped with functions to distinguish users. If you have a family computer that everyone uses, create a username for everyone so when they turn on the computer they can log on to their individual space. This will keep everyone's work and online activities separate. If you use the computer for work at home, make it clear to the entire family that when Mom is working at home the computer is off-limits unless you have stated otherwise. Invest in a file cabinet with labels so everyone can have their own drawer for print-outs, supplies, and papers.

Using these tips, Mothers everywhere can restore their space and sense of privacy. Establishing these simple steps will teach your children valuable lessons in respecting the personal space of others and sharing. So, spread the truth about 'My Space' to all of your fellow maternal friends and enjoy freedom within your home once again.

About the Author

Karen Fusco is co-founder of http://www.SilkBow.com which supports Busy Moms with free gift ideas and helpful tips to meet the challenges of motherhood. SilkBow is the perfect place for the perfect gift. Karen can be reached directly at karen@SilkBow.com.

The effect of light on color

Licensed interior designers and color consultants consider the direction a room faces. Whether it is north, south, east, or west, makes a great deal of difference to the choice of color scheme. For instance, a bedroom that faces east and receives strong sunlight in the early morning will look very different when next seen late at night in artificial lighting. A west-facing room that has a warm glow in the evening can look dull in the mornings. Your choice do colors should take this into account.

Of course, an ideal aspect is not always possible for everyone. City flats may enjoy little naturally available light and be overlooked on all sides. A north-facing room can expect less sun than a south or west facing one; but whatever the aspect, with clever lighting and color scheming the interior can be made to feel welcoming and attractive. The style of house you live in can also make a great deal of difference to the amount of available light in an interior. A country cottage may be in a superbly sunny location but have low ceiling and tiny windows, which can make the interior, feel dark and gloomy.

Modern homes with spacious open-plan interior and large picture windows will be even more affected by their characteristic and seasonal changes. If there is a living room with a patio or conservatory attached which is used as an additional seating area during the summer but not in winter, the decor will have to be flexible enough to accommodate the changes. For people in doubt over lighting and color schemes some top interior designers suggest painting a room white before making a final color choice.

This is a good way to observe how changes in natural light affect an interior and helps you make the most of it when choosing a color scheme. Window and walls will appear darker as they only receive reflected light; ceiling always looks darker than walls painted the same color. The effect of artificial lighting on curtains is better seen if a sample gauge of fabric is pleated and held upright. Put samples flat on the floor and move them around the room to see how different positions and lighting conditions can affect the color.

Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com

About The Author: Roger King has been involved in home interior painting for several years, and has been helping people find and review the best value for interior painting solutions. Visit his Web site www.decorativeinteriorpainting.com to learn more about this service.

Floors – Carpet – Change Your Look by Changing Your Floor Covering

It is easy to add texture, color and contrast to a room by varying your floor covering. You can draw attention to your floors with dramatic coverings or soften the feel of the room with soft colors on the floor. To draw attention to a specific area of your room, you can create ambiance by sprucing up your floor.

If your area is small, simple works well. I found that using vinyl on floors makes it easy to change the appearance. You can simply change the vinyl, add area rugs, or actually install wall to wall carpeting. If you take the time and make the effort, you can remove the vinyl and totally change the feel and appearance of the area with wood flooring. You can take care of wood, vinyl and tile floors easily.

Light colors increase the size of your room, while dark colors will shrink the dimensions of the room. Man families prefer to use carpet on the floor. Selecting the carpet is an important decision. This is an investment you will live with for years to come.

There are several factors to take into consideration:

1. Color – Color alters how your space appears visually. Color can mask defects, create a mood, highlight the architectural features of your room. You can find color charts at your local paint store, as well as, hardware stores locally to help you determine the color you want.

2. Surface - You need to determine what type of flooring you desire. Do you want smooth, rough, modern, or country. The varieties are endless.

3. Room - The room will determine your choices. For a living room, you need more stain resistance. It should be fairly easy to clean. For bedrooms and less traffic areas, you may not need as durable a material. Since kitchens and bathrooms are a moisture area, you need more stain resistance.

4. Carpet - If you buy carpet, good padding will make your carpet last longer. My carpet installer stressed this point to me – he said – don’t skimp.

You can renew your home by changing your flooring. Just adding an area rug can freshen up your area and add ambiance to your life. This is a project that will help your life and should you decide to sell your home, the freshness will help.

Author: Nan Wood

Nan is an Accountant, Real Estate Professional, and Business Writer. She has an information site online Carpet and stop at her site for BusinessTips

How Do I Decorate a Room on a Tight Budget?

There are several ways to do this which run from no cost at all to moderate expense. To update a room at no expense at all, little is needed but elbow grease, imagination and a free weekend. Perhaps you want to update your living room. To do this at no expense, strip the room down to the bare walls, floors (carpeted or wood) and basic furniture. Then give it a good old fashioned housecleaning; wash and polish and shampoo every inch of it, until the windows sparkle and the woodwork gleams. Then slowly reconstruct it.

Take a good look at your window treatments. Are they a bit outdated? Frequently they can be updated by simplifying them. If you have several layers, strip them down to one-sheers or a scarf or a valence. Make sure these are laundered or cleaned. When you hang them back up, drape them differently-either pull them back if they covered the window before or the opposite. Even valences can be updated by pleating or gathering them a bit differently. No sewing ability is needed. You can do this with long seamstress pins.

Take a good look at your room and your major pieces of furniture. Can they be rearranged to give a fresh impression? If not, brush, clean and fluff everything.

Next, look at your pictures, lamps and accessories. Group your pictures. Prop one or two on the mantel instead of hanging them on the walls. Eliminate 1/3 of the things you have sitting around and arrange the rest in groups. Put higher watt bulbs in your lamps. You will be surprised how ‘new’ your room looks. Be sure to do go ‘shopping’ in your house. It is amazing to find how many things you have tucked into corners or cupboards which can be used in a different way.

At very little expense, you can do the following. Buy any or all of the following: new lampshades (colored ones are very dramatic and effective), new window valences, tiebacks, throws and throw pillows, small area rugs to bring in new colors and patterns (try mounting a small rug on a wall), a mirror to replace a picture, candles in inexpensive glass or metal candlesticks, dried flowers to tuck onto the tops of picture frames, round mirrors on the tabletops with accessories arranged on them and any natural thing. Add plants. The new halogen lights, which can be placed on the floor to highlight a plant or piece of furniture, are great and have safety features in case they are knocked over.

If you want to go to a little more expense, paint the walls in a new updated color. If your walls are light, go darker. If they are a darker shade go lighter. Be sure the color is not too bright to work with your furniture. Furniture which is slightly faded looks ‘shabby chic’ with soft colors. With bright or primary colors, it just looks old and worn out. Slipcovers are available at a reasonable cost-and the new ones actually stay on the furniture. Architectural details can be purchased new at a home store and painted or stained to suit your decor, or they can be bought used at various warehouses that sell recyclables.

As always, use your eyes before you make any decisions. It is amazing the ideas you can come up with just by putting a chair in a corner where you don’t usually sit and taking a fresh look at your room. Have fun! Decorating should never be a dismal chore.

Contributions for this article by Suzanne Copenhaver, ON THE GO 4 U's design consultant.

Indra A Books, author of this and many other lifestyle articles, is the owner and founder of ON THE GO 4 U, LLC, Personal Shoppers & Concierge Service in the Washington DC metropolitan area, providing life management services. In addition to its shopping and concierge services, ON THE GO 4 U also publishes a monthly e-zine and conducts workshops. Ms. Books is the Vice President for the International Concierge & Errand Association. For more information about the author and ON THE GO 4 U, please visit http://www.onthego4u.net

Bedroom Bench - The Perfect Accent Piece

Friday, August 04, 2006

When most people think of bedroom furniture, they think about beds, dressers, nightstands and armoires. However, one of the most versatile and functional pieces of bedroom furniture is actually the bedroom bench. Not only can a bedroom bench offer you with a place to sit when getting dressed and putting on your shoes or a place to store blankets and linens, it can also add to the décor and ambiance of your bedroom’s atmosphere.

When deciding to buy a bedroom bench the first thing you need to do is determine what size you should purchase. Bedroom benches come in a wide variety of sizes and designs and you want to make sure you buy the one that will look right in your room. If you buy a bedroom bench that is too small for your bedroom, it will look lost in the space. If you buy one that is too big, it can make the bedroom look cramped and cluttered.

In addition to size, you also need to consider what functions you want your bedroom bench to provide you with. Different benches serve different needs. If you just want a place to sit while you put on your socks and shoes, almost any bedroom bench will serve your needs. However, if you would like your bedroom bench to provide you with storage space, you’ll want a bench that doubles as a storage trunk.

Once you know what size bedroom bench you need and what functions you want the bench to serve, you need to decide how you want your bedroom bench to look. Bedroom benches come in a variety of styles, designs and materials. Some are wood, some are a combination of wood and fabric, others are metal with padded fabric seating – the selection is quite varied. Take a look at your bedroom furniture. If you have an oak bedroom set, you should probably get a bedroom bench crafted from oak as well. Your bedroom bench should compliment the color and style of your existing bedroom furniture. The right bedroom bench can greatly enhance the overall look of your bedroom environment.

Jennifer Akre, owner of numerous furniture websites, makes it easy to find a quality outdoor bench and indoor benches. Learn how to decorate your patio and home in style by clicking the following link: http://www.SimplyBenches.com

How To Use Lighting In Living Room To Create A Mood?

A typical home plan consists of various kinds of spaces categorized as per their primary function. A living room is amongst the most important spaces in any home. It is a room with maximum area in plan.

In spite of variations in shape, size and volume of living rooms depending upon design of each, one thing is common for all kind of living rooms and that's their need to have an inviting nature.

This kind of inviting nature can be achieved by using some easy design principles such as use of bright colors. If lighting is used with these colors then a very magical play of colors can be used enhance the living room space.

Lighting primarily is categorized in two types 1) Natural lighting (Direct sunlight) and 2) Artificial lighting.

1) Natural Direct Sunlight.

Natural light received from the Sun is the most obvious and healthy source of light we receive during daytime. Though the intensity and quantity of sunlight coming inside the space can be controlled using diffused glasses or curtains on windows.

When the direct sunlight falls on the inside walls the color of the walls temporarily changes to a mixture of sunlight plus the original wall shade. This particular phenomenon can be use to our advantage. By finding out the wall that received direct sunlight and painting that wall with bright color a beautiful diffused and "reflected light" can be created absolutely free. This "reflected light" will help in creating an ambience in the living room.

Also shadow patterns on this wall will add to some extra excitement if used creatively.

2) Artificial Lighting.

Artificial lighting is a wide area of study of interior designers. Unlike sunlight in this type of lighting every aspect of light, right from its color to it's intensity or even it's area of spreading can be controlled with various controls.

Also depending upon the requirement of the living room space a single or multiple number of lights of various intensities can be used.

But for creating a "moody" environment lights are used in specific areas of the living room such as ceiling corners or along the edge of the room. In creating a mood it is necessary to hide the light source and only show its effect. By hiding the light source using a "false ceiling" and projecting the light on bright colored ceiling panels such kind of mood can be created.

In some cases spot lights are also used to bring attention to specific areas of the living room such as the loop created by sofa sets around the TV unit. Corner end tables that come with a living room set are good for creating a platform for decorative lampshades that will lit the entire sofa set area for some extra lighting.

There are numerous more ideas and methods you can use to add some extra attention in the living room. I am sure this article will help you to generate more creative ideas of your own to decorative a wonderful living room.

Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya
About the Author

Shrinivas Vaidya is the webmaster of http://www.livingroomdatabase.com. Visit today to get more free tips on designing and decorating a beautiful and charming living room of your wildest dreams.

8 Simple Home Decorating Tips and Ideas

Here are some practical and simple tips and ideas on how to decorate and significantly improve the home set up.

1. Clean the house. Get rid of all the items and equipment that are already not used for quite some time. Forget about sentimental values. There is a stock room for this non-useful objects. Say good bye to all of them. Remember, it pays to make your home more wide-spaced and practically cozier and more beautiful.

2. Consider a repaint. Soft and bright colors are a welcome note. Stay away from hot colors that may prevent your eyes from relaxing after a long and hard day from work.

3. Flowers used to be the refreshing décor at homes, but those days are over, Usually, flower bases also become the habitat for insects and gross organisms so put them away. Gardens are for flowers. Do not turn your home into a mini garden.

4. Sort the things according to their uses, functions and classifications. For example, kitchenware are to be placed exclusively at the kitchen. Bookcases are to be filled with books and magazines, not the quick stock room for miniscule dress pieces like underwear and stuff.

5. Create a mini office out of a room that is not of use. That would prevent you from turning your bedroom into the extension of your office table. The bedroom is for relaxation and sleeping, not for work.

6. Put carpets on the floor. They make up for a homier and more comfortable feel for the home.

7. Clean the bathroom. Make sure the tiles are suited to your taste. If you feel uncomfortable with the design and color of your bathroom tiles, then consider a change or a bathroom makeover.

8. Make sure the lights are properly installed. Hire an electrical engineer to make sure all electric connections in the house are still safe and are properly and functionally installed.

Overall makeover or redecorating of your home is needed if you are not comfortable with your house anymore. Seek advice and opinion from friends and family about how they think the house could be made even better.

The house is your sanctuary. Make it more comfortable.

For more simple tips and ideas on home decorating, please visit http://www.home-decorating-made-simple.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anthony_Lee

Wallpaper Doesn't Just Cover...it Defines The Room

Wallpaper is often overlooked as a key part of an attractive home. The right wallpaper will add character to any room in the house, and will also allow a homeowner to cheaply and quickly change the look of their house. From a brightly decorated nursery to a soft bedroom background, wallpaper will create the right tone for any room in your house. It also gives a homeowner a great chance to express their home decorating talents. Unlike paint, so many different patterns and colors are available a homeowner is able to choose exactly the right one. There are so many wallpapers available, you are almost sure to find the one that is just right.

Some tips on maintaining your wallpaper.

If you have old wallpaper that is dirty, be sure to never wash it with water. Instead, try gently rubbing it with a steel wool pad, and afterwards be sure to apply a dry cleaning solvent. If you want to remove wallpaper, try making a mix of hot water and white vinegar. Fill a spray bottle with one half hot water and one half white vinegar and spray it on the wallpaper. Wait about five minutes, and then the wallpaper should be ready to be removed.

No matter which room in your home youre planning to decorate, you cant go wrong with colorful, decorative, wallpaper.

Mike Yeager

Publisher

http://www.a1-interior-design-4u.com/

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* Article Source: Michael Russell
* Your Interior Design Guide
* Visit us for more information.
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5 Decorating Ideas for Small Kitchens

Having a small kitchen can be painful. It seems difficult enough just to function in such a small space, and decorating it nicely can feel like an impossibility. Have hope though, there are several excellent ways to decorate tiny kitchens. Here are five ideas to get you started:

1. New cabinet knobs and handles - Changing your cabinet knobs or handles can make a world of difference in how your kitchen looks or feels. There are a variety of themed kitchen cabinet knobs such as those shown here: http://www.stylishfinds.com/decor/5/cute-kitchen-cabinet-knobs/ - or you can go with traditional shapes, colors and styles instead.

2. Throw rugs - Throw and area rugs don't have to be large. In fact you'll find many small ones designed specifically for use in the kitchen or bathroom. Put a nice weaved rug on the floor in front of your kitchen sink or stove for instance, and you'll create a cozy decorative touch to the kitchen without sacraficing limited space.

3. Towels and hot pads - This may seem obvious to some of you, but many overlook this simple and easy decorative accent. Buy pretty towels with designs, patterns, or just colors to accent and compliment your kitchen decorating theme. Towels can easily hang on cabinet doors, stove or refridgerator handles. Round out the added decorative touch with hot pads, gloves, and divets that compliment or match the towels. Hot pads and divets can be easily hung on the wall, allowing for more decorative flair without getting in the way.

4. Stenciled designs on cabinets - This is a little used yet excellent decorating technique for tiny kitchens. Paint stenciled designs on the front of your cabinet doors. Stenciled designs can be simple little flourishes in the corners, or large budding flowers right in the middle of the cabinet door. They can also be general shapes or other objects that fit in with your personal decorating style.

5. Ceiling fan or small chandelier - A ceiling fan or small kitchen chandelier will do wonders to improve the decor of your kitchen without taking up much needed working space. Since the room is small to begin with though, be sure to go with small chandeliers or fans so the room won't be overwhelmed.

© 2006, Kathy Burns-Millyard. Looking for more great decorating ideas? Visit The Do It Yourself Home Decorating Network at DIYHomeDecorating.com

Aroma Home Decor: An Incense Sense of Style

Thursday, August 03, 2006

On a trip to Dubai I had the opportunity to visit the spectacular Burj Al Arab hotel, a luxuriously modern and decadent retreat for the rich and famous, often touted as the world's finest hotel. With its unique sail-shape architecture cutting a stunning profile against a backdrop of deep blue sea, it has become the signature of cosmopolitan Dubai. The lobby greeted me with dazzling bold colors, vivid gold accents, a cascading fountain, and a stunning floor to ceiling aquarium. But, what initially captivated me, and remains etched in my memory, was the memorizing aroma of frankincense. It was an ethereal waft of incense smoke that spun through the revolving door and transported me inside the hotel.

In the growing world of home fragrances we are frequently confronted with new and innovative products - better plug-ins, the next generation in candles, fragrant cleaning supplies - and we overlook the original source of aromatic appreciation: incense. Incense is fragrance in its oldest and purest form. Some thousands of years ago man learned that adding certain woods, resins, herbs, and spices to fire created a pleasing aroma and from there the appreciation grew. Coveted ingredients became common offerings in spiritual practice. Today, incense is still associated with worship throughout the world but you do not have to be in touch with your inner Buddha to become a connoisseur. Evolution has brought us various forms of incense, from traditional to contemporary fragrances, which are well suited to personal use. Burning incense can add a uniquely rich and warm aromatic atmosphere to your home. Experiment with the different styles and forms to find one that you enjoy.

Incense Forms & Use

The most common form of incense sold today is in the form of sticks, either with a bamboo rod in the center or in the form of joss sticks, spaghetti-shaped sticks of pure incense material. Joss sticks are generally of better quality and tend to burn with less smoke because they lack the bamboo interior. Stick incense come in various lengths, making them suitable for many uses, inside or outside. A 3" joss stick will burn for about 15 - 20 minutes and can fragrance a standard sized living room. For a larger space or one with high ceilings you can burn several short sticks, use longer sticks, or try coils.

Incense coils are a variation on joss sticks. Since longer joss sticks are fragile and more prone to break the coil shape was developed. Coils vary in size but a two-inch diameter coil will burn for approximately 120 minutes. They are ideal for larger spaces and active spaces, like at a party or an event. Incense coils are also popular for their appearance. Displayed in an attractive holder they make beautiful home accents.

Cones are another well-known form of incense. Like joss sticks and coils, incense cones are made from pure incense material but their sturdy shape makes them the easiest form to pack around with you. A typical incense cone will burn for about ten minutes.

The oldest form of incense is loose incense, blends of raw ingredients that are burned directly over charcoal. Ingredients can include resins, woodchips, spices, herbs, and dried flowers. This form of incense appreciation takes more preparation and requires some experience but can be a very rewarding and creates a dramatic effect. Burning the raw materials causes more smoke so it must be done in a well ventilated space or outside.

A variation on the traditional loose incense is the Japanese methods of soradaki and mon-koh, the latter of which is used in the Japanese incense ceremony. These methods are suitable for warming fragrant woodchips. They involve the use of white ash and charcoal to just warm the wood so it releases its fragrance. Both require some patience and practice but are quite elegant and nice for a small space. If done properly there is virtually no smoke. Or, a simpler alternative is to use a portable woodchip heater that requires no ash, or an electric heater.

Your Choice of Holders

Once you have made a choice about which incense form to use, you can select an appropriate holder. The holder can be a home décor accent in itself or just something simple and functional. They are available in a wide variety of styles and are made from ceramic, porcelain, metal, or wood. The most common shapes are in the form of plates, bowls, or cups, with some variations on those themes.

Incense plates can be used for cones, coils, or sticks. They often come with a built-in holder for sticks or a separate stick holder can be placed on the plate. Coils are best burned on a smaller holder that elevates them off of the plate for better air circulation. A variation on the plate theme is a wheel-shaped holder which has a hole in the center for incense sticks.

Bowls and cups are the most versatile holders for incense burning since they can be used with many forms of incense. Set a cone inside or position a stick or coil holder on the bottom. Or, fill the bowl or cup about ¾ full with white ash and simply put incense sticks in the ash. As the incense burns the ash will just accumulate without needing regular clean up. Bowls and cups are also used in the Japanese incense methods of soradaki and mon-koh.

When burning loose incense keep in mind that resins can melt onto whatever holder you are using and can be difficult to remove. If that is a concern, use a layer of tinfoil to protect your holder.

Use your imagination! You probably have an old flower pot that could be converted to an incense holder. Add some sand and use it like an incense bowl. Just make sure whatever holder you use is heat tolerant. Also, if it gets hot on the bottom use a piece of tile or a trivet to protect the surface underneath.

Whether you chose joss sticks or loose incense, a simple plate or a designer cup, incense will make a wonderful addition to your home. Enjoy the appreciation of home fragrance in its purest form.

About the Author

Jemetha Clark

http://www.thefifthsense.com

Attractive Interior Painting can give surfaces a more distinguishing look than usual painting

"Attractive Interior Painting can give surfaces a more distinguishing look than usual painting"

Decorative and attractive interior painting offers limitless possibilities for modifying and personalizing one's home. Usually the process begins with choosing and mixing colors, apart from these one has to assemble them into shape on their surface. The pleasure of decorating and making more attractive will make one gain confidence in handling their stuff and utensils.

Choices about color are forever going to necessitate gap for reflection. One may choose colors because of the reminiscences they bring to mind, for cultural reasons, or because they are calming and comforting. There is no uncertainty that the most excellent way to do this is to put into practice.

One can only make their individual choices. A few designs can be assisting against wall or floor with stencils and stamps. Few designs characteristic will forever linger, but they can be modified to go with the existing appearance. The wall one is supposed to work on should be well equipped and can be white or pallid.

These are an outstanding way of organizing where
One's paint goes, in addition to means of casing a surface quickly. Whatever one do, it'll be better if they always prefer to look at other interiors, at textiles, clothing, and painting, and take their guidance from those they like.

For example, yellow with orange, is absolutely satisfactory. One may hunt for guidance in color hypothesis, but understanding the band and how to blend paint will not be a great help in choosing which colors to utilize, though it can give details why certain color mixture perform in the way they do.

These are just ways of influencing paint to generate a variety of surface texture. The end consequence will always have a class and excellence that cannot be harmonized by any wallpaper.

Vijaykanth is a seo copywriter having more than 3 years of experience in this field who is currently working for the site 1artclub.com

For more information please visit: http://www.1artclub.com/ or contact vijaykanth through mail: 1artclubpainting@gmail.com

Making The Most Of Your Smart Decision To Hire An Interior Designer

So you’ve decided to hire an Interior Designer—good move! Now what? Before you start planning your “reveal” party, you’ll need a basic understanding about the process to ensure that you get the most design for your dollar and that you have a fun and fabulous experience, no matter what type of project is ahead of you.

You’ll need to learn the basics of choosing the right design professionals, establishing a budget, outlining the details of the contract, considering your lifestyle and communicating your challenges.

Choosing the Right Designer: Beyond the Portfolio

Professionally trained Interior Designers have undergone extensive training in the various elements of modern and historical design, art and architecture. They have a basic foundation of knowledge that allows them to develop concepts in a variety of styles that range from traditional, contemporary, art deco, eclectic—or a combination of several styles.

That being said, not every designer’s talent is right for every project. For yours, you’ll want to choose someone whose portfolio “speaks” to you in a positive way. As with every profession, designers tend to develop personal styles that carry over into their projects. It could be the sense of clarity and order you see in the furniture arrangements, or maybe it’s a color palette that’s used in a unique way. It could be the modern touches worked seamlessly into a roomful of antiques, or the interesting textures of the fabrics.

Referrals are the best way to find a designer, so if the home of a friend or colleague appeals to you, by all means ask them for the designer’s number! You can also visit Web sites to get a better feel for the designer’s talent and personal style. Expect to spend a bit of time on the phone discussing your project with the designer and/or completing a questionnaire that will give them a better feel for your tastes and your project prior to the kickoff meeting.

You’re looking for someone you instantly trust and respect, who communicates excitement about your project, no matter how big or small, and who trusts and respects you as well. After all, this person is transforming your most sacred and cherished space!

Establishing a Realistic Budget

Everyone has a budget, so don’t feel bad about setting yours in stone…or tile, or brick. No matter what the amount, your designer should help you get the best value and the highest quality possible. Be wary of anyone that summarily dismisses your grand ideas based on budget alone: A first-rate designer will work hard to achieve your key design goals, perhaps by spreading the job out over time or suggesting alternative solutions for your project.

A great benefit of using a professional designer is that she has access to materials unavailable to the general public, so no matter what your budget, your home will feel unique and very “you.”

Your designer will also manage the entire process, whether it involves space planning, lighting design, purchasing, ordering, selecting finishes or monitoring the construction and installation of the project elements.

Outlining Terms of the Contract

Make sure you read and sign an official contract before any money exchanges hands or work begins. In addition to the legal aspects, a contract summarizes the plans you’ve been discussing such as your budget, design fees, accountability regarding subcontractors (painters, carpet layers, etc.).

You’ve selected the designers and signed the contract – now comes the fun part!

Considering Your Lifestyle

Your home environment should complement and support the way you and your family really live – or really want to live. For example, if you’re starting a home-based business, you might turn your cluttered garage into a functional office. If your spouse loves to cook, you might knock down a wall so the under-used formal dining room becomes part of the kitchen. Many families make the mistake of letting the layout of the home dictate their activities vs. reorganizing the space to embrace their lifestyles.

To ensure that your designer understands how you live now and how you want to live, share as many details with her as you can. Also share your personal tastes so she can incorporate them into the designs. If you hate plaid, tell her now, before she gets too deep into the first draft.

To help you better prepare yourself, answer these questions before you have your first meeting with the designer:

Are you a creative person? In what ways does your home limit your creativity or your hobbies?

Do you like the present color palette? Does it need updating?

Are they any rooms that feel cramped or stuffy? Any rooms that feel empty, cold or unwelcoming?

Is adequate, well-organized storage a problem? Can you find things when you need them?

Are your bathrooms functional, pleasing spaces? Do you or family members have special needs (e.g. grab bars, easy-entrance shower stalls, etc.)?

As you walk through your rooms, jot down your favorite qualities about each. Do you like the proportions? Is there adequate ventilation and lighting throughout your house?

Are there any rooms that you don’t use regularly? Could any of these rooms be used for more than one function? Could any of these rooms be used for a completely different function?

Does your home balance open space and private areas?

Does the entryway do its job of setting the stage for the rest of your home by welcoming guests and making a statement about the people who live there? If you normally come into your home through the garage, does that area welcome you?

Focus on Your Challenges

A designer works best when you share your “wish list,” express your ideas, and then keep an open mind. That means communicating how you want to live in the space and then entrusting the designer to make it happen. After all, you hired this person for her experience, talent and vision!

For example, one homeowner hired a designer to help her reorganize her tiny office so she could be more productive. Instead, the designer suggested that she move her entire operation downstairs, into the den she used once every two months to watch movies. She did, tripling her space and doubling her productivity in just three months.

Contrary to TV, where designers admonish clients for questioning their plans, real-life designers understand that you’re the person who ultimately needs to love the space. They want you to be happy and want you to give your input so you’re absolutely thrilled with the results (and so you’ll recommend them to your friends)! That’s why they do so much probing upfront about your tastes and how you live, then incrementally present their ideas throughout the process.

Hiring a designer is like giving a gift to yourself! You made the smart decision to hire an Interior Designer, you’ve been smart about the planning process, and now you can rest assured that the time, money and energy you spend returns truly smart, stunning results!

Karen Trubner-Kent


LLK Interior Design


The principals of LLK Interior Design (www.LLKInteriorDesign.com) have been creating beautiful, practical spaces for corporate and residential clients around the Puget Sound for a combined total of 16 years. Services include space planning, custom design, model home design, kitchen and bath design and residential lighting. Later this year they will appear in an episode of HGTV’s wildly popular show “Designers’ Challenge.” In addition, LLK Interior Design participated in “Meet the Designer” at the Seattle Interiors Show in October 2003. The principals of the firm are members of the American Society of Interior Designers, the Master Builders Association and Built Green. LLK Interior Design’s studio is located in downtown Bellevue, Washington, where they hold client appointments and monthly interactive Design 101 classes.

info@llkinteriordesign.com

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* Article Source: Michael Russell
* Your Interior Design Guide
* Visit us for more information.
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Interior Painting Ideas Guaranteed To Bring Your Walls Back To Life!

There are many different interior paint ideas you'll discover that can be used to add style, and change the look of your rooms. As you begin decorating the rooms of your home.

Interior paint ideas are about being creative and you can be as creative as you wish. Plus, you shouldn't have a problem when it comes to controlling your budget.

That's because most of the materials you will need can be acquired for a small amount of money. However, you should remember that although interior paint ideas do not have to be expensive, creating your designs with them, can take quite a bit of your time.

So, be patient, because hurrying your paint designs will often result in an unrewarding outcome.

The following are some of the different ways you can use interior paint ideas to dress up the look of your walls:

Rag Rolling - Rag rolling is done by rolling up a rag as you would a magazine or newspaper, and then rolling it with your hands over the wet paint that has already been applied to the wall.

Stenciling - Stenciling is one of the best interior paint ideas because it is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to decorate your walls. Stenciling works by painting the areas that have been cut out of a template.

Then once the template is removed, a defined pattern or design remains. You can create your own stencils, if you have the proper materials, or you can purchase them at craft or specialty stores. Stencils come in various sizes and designs, and you can place them on any part of your wall to either create a picture, or boarder.

You should remember, however, that it is a good idea to use a darker or light color for your stenciling patterns to contrast with the main color of the wall.

Bagging - After the wall has been painted you can then use the bagging interior paint ideas to create interesting wall patterns, by placing a cloth that has been bunched up into a bag, and then dragging it over the wall.

Sponge Painting - For sponging interior paint ideas all you require is a simple sea sponge, and a tray to hold the glaze paint of your choice. You can then proceed to sponge the wall as intricately or loosely as you would like to create the desired effect you want. You will find that with sponging, you can create a lovely marble look on the wall.

Other interesting interior paint ideas you can create if you are more adventurous include dragging, stippling, combing, granite finish and marbleizing.

Types of paint that you should look into for your painting project include:

* Latex * Latex flat enamel * Alkyd * Enamel * Epoxy

As you can see there are several great interior paint ideas for you to check out and use to create some of the most wonderfull designs on your room walls. Take your time decorating your rooms, and you will love the result of your work.

About the Author

Michael Holland is the creator of Kids Rooms and Crafts.com and Home Decorating Made Easy.com. His web sites offers lots of FREE decorating tips and ideas for decorating your home.

Do It Yourself Home Interior Design -- Ten Steps to Success

Interior design can often be a very daunting task. There are so many things to consider. What colors do I use? How do I place the furniture? What pictures go where? Does this stuff even go together? Is this setup “politically correct”; are my friends going to laugh at this? As you see interior design can be a very confusing and a downright frustrating experience. This is why so many people out there are making a living in the interior decorating field.

Interior designers are rather expensive, and if you’re willing to put in a little time and effort, they are not necessary. If you have the guts it do-it-yourself, I can give you the simple steps to follow for decorating any room, and you will have success!

1. First of all you need a plan. Decorating a room without a plan is like making brownies without a recipe (or a box)! You need to decide what the purpose of the room will be and what kind of mood you want to create. Is your room a cozy, comfortable living room or a sophisticated, formal dining room? Once you decide these basic things, it is time to move on to step two.

2. The next step is planning your budget. By deciding how much you can and are willing to spend on your room upfront, you are sure to not spend more than you intended or leave a room half done. Once you have an overall amount, you need to decide what aspect of the room you want to devote the most towards. Do you need new flooring, or is furniture your main concern? Maybe you are content with your flooring and furniture and just want to focus on walls and accessories. You decide.

3. After determining your budget and deciding what is most important to you, decide on a color scheme and list out what you need. Things to think about are flooring, furniture, paint or wallpaper, linens and drapes, wall coverings (pictures, mirrors, etc.) and accessories (candles, trinkets, plants). After listing out what you need, it’s time to go shopping!

4. Once you have all your necessary products it is time to assemble your room. I always start with my walls first. If you are going to replace your flooring, this is great because you don’t have to worry about dripping paint on anything! If you are not going to be replacing your floors, make sure that you cover them with a painter’s plastic.

You have many options in paint types. The three basic types are, flat, semi-gloss, and glossy. Glossy is the easiest to clean, so that, of course, is what I would recommend. If you like the look of flat paint better, I would go with a semi-gloss because that is still also relatively easy to clean. There are many decorative options you have with paint as well. You can experiment with fuax finishes and painted on boarders and wall scenes.

Another option is wall paper, I would advise against it because it can be costly and it is hard to apply, and even more of a problem to take off. There are so many options with paint, I would stick to that.

5. The next step is to lay your flooring. This can be anything from hardwood floors, tile, linoleum, carpet, or simply a few area rugs.

Hardwood and tile floors can be expensive and hard to install, but there are some alternatives. If you like the look of hardwood, there are many options that you can use besides installing a traditional hardwood. There are many different types of snap together wood floors. These are easy to install and inexpensive.

If you prefer the look of tile, there are now many options in laminate flooring that replicate tile. You can get laminate tiles that look like ceramic for as low as 48 cents a square foot! They are also extremely easy to install. They have an adhesive backing, and are easy to cut and fit in any space.

6. When your walls are dried and your floor is laid, it is time to arrange your furniture. Once again, go back to considering the use of the room. Do you want to open the room up and have a lot of floor space, or do you want to create a close, cozy feel. Place your largest piece of furniture first and then fill in with smaller pieces. Just keep adjusting until you get it right. Don’t be afraid to bring your furniture away from the wall and experiment with different angles. In my experience I’m always remodeling, even if it’s just the same furniture, I like the new feeling.

7. The next layer is your linens and drapes. These could include table clothes, sheets and comforters, or throw blankets and accent pillows, depending on your room. If you have a brightly colored wall or an intricate design on your walls, it is best to stick with neutral colors in basic patterns. If your walls are neutral, then go wild with colors and patterns. It is always nice to use complementary colors, or to pick one bold color and then accent with a softer color. Make sure that you don’t over do it with one pattern. If you want to use a lot of patterned pieces, pick different patterns that are in similar color families.

8. After you have your linens and drapes in place, it is time to place your wall hangings. If you are trying to open up a room and make it appear bigger, use lots of mirrors. This reflects light and gives the illusion of more space. If you have a lot of wall space to cover, it is best to choose a few large pieces and hang them. This keeps your wall space from becoming cluttered, while making sure that they don’t appear bare. Again, you don’t have to stay with traditional pictures. Experiment with hanging different things on your walls; quilts, flags, antique wheels, old license plates, antique signs. Again, be creative! You might be surprised, and if you don’t like something, you can always take it down.

9. You are almost done! It is time to add a few accessories to shelves, tables, and mantle pieces. Simple and inexpensive things are candles and family pictures. Also display collectables and any decorative pieces that you might find. Old books make great additions to shelves and tables!

10. The last step is to add a few plants. If you are not a plant expert, don’t worry. There are a lot of hearty plants out there that don’t require a lot of work. Research how much light and water they need and pick plants that will work for you. If you don’t want the hassle of live plants, there are some very nice looking fake plants you can purchase. These will only require an occasional dusting!

Now that your room is finished, sit back and relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor. If you are still unsure of how to decorate your room, or what to use visit http://www.we-review-for-you.com/redirectinteriordesign.html for a more in depth, step by step guide.

There is this undocumented story about Andrew Carnegie who kept postponing the decision to redecorate his home just because black, his default color of choice, was simply not used in home decorating those days! Mercifully today, you could well translate your home decorating ideas into alluring reality. For home interior decorating no longer means just coloring your walls in pastel shades and showing off your antiques it is about using all the home decorating tips that one can get to highlight the most of what one possesses. Unless of course you wish to shrug the opportunity and call in a professional designer. But even this experience could be fascinating what with "walk-throughs" in your "virtually" designed home before even a single coat of paint is applied! Yes, with home decorating, either way you always come up trumps!

Use home decorating tips to your advantage!

Your dcor should exude your persona. Want it to appear spacious? Eliminate shadows with diffused, ambient lighting. Avoid ceiling lights which make the ceiling appear low. Your ceiling should always wear the lightest color in the room. Then the pastel shades on your wall would help create that feeling of largeness. Limit the use of patterns to accent pieces the discerning eye should not stop as it travels across the room. And if you want a cozy pad, do just the opposite use strong colors and heavy, soft textures. Draw attention to that precious grandfather clock with carefully directed light. And if you must, make up your bathroom in exquisite black and eliminate that permanently booked suite at New Yorks Windsor Hotel la Andrew Carnegie!

About the author:
Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.a1-interior-design-4u.com/

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* Article Source: Michael Russell
* Your Interior Design Guide
* Visit us for more information.
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Easy and Cheap Kitchen Designs

Monday, July 31, 2006

Whether you are just moving in to a new place or you are trying to update your home decor, you may find yourself faced with a kitchen that needs a new touch. Even more daunting is when you find that you are facing this task while on a particularly tight budget. Kitchen designs can be quite expensive, after all, once you get down to it and add up the many, many little costs which accumulate during the process. And that is not even considering the larger costs!

Luckily, a little bit of creative thinking and design work, you can overcome even some fairly strict financial constraints and still come out with a great kitchen. The trick is to find kitchen designs which you can complete while incorporating existing fixtures with as little alteration as possible.

That may sound like it contradicts itself. After all, if your kitchen designs use things you already have and strive not to do much in the way of changing them, then can it really be considered a new design? It certainly can, and the reasons behind this can be found when you consider the objectives closely. The first objective is to use items and features you already have. This does not necessarily mean things that are currently in your kitchen. This can be something which is in another room entirely, or something which was put into disuse due to redesigning in other areas of your home.

An elegant, beautifully carved wooden wall clock, for instance, may not be appropriate for you living room under a new design, but it can easily be the central piece for a number of different kitchen designs. For instance, dark wood on the clock can inspire the use of dark tones throughout your kitchen. A coat of chocolate brown or deep maroon paint on your kitchen walls can serve to carry over the deep, rich tones of the wood into the rest of the room. Even simply changing the color of a few tings, such as drapes and trim, can be enough if your kitchen already has a dark color scheme.

The second objective is to make as few changes as possible to existing fixtures. This is the real hinging point of inexpensive kitchen designs. This does not mean that you should not make any changes. This simply means that while you are making changes, you should be sure to make every change count. For instance, if your clock from the previous example has gold hands, or even just gold trim, then you should simply consider changing the hardware on your cabinets to be gold in color.

If you have wooden cabinets that are a few shades off of the clock's color, then simply apply a little bit of stain to the cabinets (or, in fact, to the clock) to make the match. You might also want to bring in other items that work into the clocks colors or style, such as other wooden carvings. Now, obviously, this process can apply to kitchen designs which do not revolve around clocks. Simply apply these two objectives to your design, and you are well on your way.

Copyright © Jared Winston, 2006. All Rights Reserved. Interior Design can be a tricky subject for some, but it doesn't have to be! Restful Home is a resource that discusses everything from living room design ideas to more practical topics such as kitchen cabinet organizers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jared_Winston

Furniture - Functional vs Stylish

Sure, lots of furniture is made to be looked at. What it's for, or even how well it's made is sometimes secondary, especially if it's an antique. But there are some folks who prefer to have furniture that is not only nice to look at but something that isn't going to fall apart within a year. Sometimes these two things are hard to get in one piece.

A good example of this is the computer table. If you look through some of the modern furniture catalogues, you'll notice that many of these computer tables are absolutely gorgeous. The finishes are breathtaking and the style itself is cool, to say the least. And then you get them home and find that some of the shelves aren't all that sturdy and the table itself starts to wobble. Yeah, it looks great but you're a little concerned about slapping a PC, printer, scanner and other peripherals on top of this thing.

And then there's that ugly work bench like model that you just want to slap a sheet over because it looks like something that the cat dragged in. But you get it home and find that you can kick it down the stairs, dump hot acid on the table top and throw it out a ten story building from the roof and it doesn't even scratch. Now THAT is a computer table. Why can't we get the two things together?

The problem of functional vs. stylish doesn't just end with computer tables. The one thing that's really hard to find is a very comfortable chair for your computer, especially if you're going to be sitting in it for eight hours a day. Most of the ones you find in office furniture stores look really great. And then you get them home and after about an hour you have to get up. Then you find one of these really comfortable chairs and they're just about the ugliest things you've ever seen. You're just glad that your computer room is out of eye shot from house guests.

Coffee tables are another nightmare. The really stylish coffee tables of today that you find in your chain stores, come with those screw in kind of legs. The finishes are real pretty but don't go moving that table around too much because those legs are going to fall off for sure. The surfaces are also beautiful but don't go banging on them with anything harder than a number two pencil. They scratch if you just look at them funny. And then there are those really well made antique coffee tables. These are the ones that your grandmother had. They look as ugly as sin and if you banged your knee into it you'd probably break it. Not the table, your knee.

Yeah, it would be nice if somebody would make a chair, a table, a cabinet, or anything for that matter that could take the punishment of everyday life and didn't look like it came delivered to you from the Salvation Army.

Maybe someday.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Furniture

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Laminate Flooring – Plenty of Designs

One of the greatest advantages of laminate flooring is the sheer selection of different patterns you can have on it. While real wood flooring comes in one look – that is, wood – laminate can have almost anything on it. It is, after all, just a picture printed on a piece of fibreboard, and it’s not difficult to get photos of different materials, even very exotic ones.

Wood effect floors are obviously the most popular, but they don’t necessarily have to be natural-looking wood. Many people go for wood-effect floors in odd colours, such as blue or black, or ones that fit together to make a big picture that would never occur in nature.

After wood patterns, the second most popular thing to have on laminate is stone. Stone-pattern laminate can be surprisingly convincing if it is well printed and put together, and gives your home a great ‘old castle’ look and feel. You don’t get the uneven surface of stone, but then again many people see that as an advantage over real stone – and the floor doesn’t get really cold in the winter, either!

Ceramic is another popular option, especially when it has been fitted with a damp-proof membrane for use in bathrooms and kitchens. It recreates the look of a tile floor, but without the dangers of slipping when it gets wet, or the tendency of tiles to collect dirt and other nasty things in the cracks between them.

But there are plenty of designs that are more unusual than this – far too many to list here, in fact. The best thing to do is to go down to your local laminate flooring showroom, where they will have a whole range of products, from the realistic to the simply ridiculous. Once you realise that you’re no longer limited about what your floor could look like, it can be very liberating from a design point of view.

John Gibb is the owner of http://www.Laminate-Flooring-resource2k.info

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Gibb

Tips for Painting the Interior of Your Newly Built Home

You’ve moved your family and furniture into your newly constructed home, hung a few pictures, organized the closets and met the neighbors. Now that you’re settled into your new home, you probably want to begin personalizing your new space. And what better decorating tool to use than paint?

Many new home designs are based on an open floor plan and homeowners often ask “How do I incorporate color in one room and not impact on adjacent rooms?”. An easy way to add color to your living space is to paint an accent wall with a bold or interesting color and paint the walls that flow to other rooms a more neutral hue. This spark of color will brighten your living space and not create an uneven balance within the adjacent areas.

Here are a few pointers from the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute that will help with your interior painting project.

Instructional Ideas
Follow the simple 4 steps below and achieve a terrific paint finish.

1. Prepare the Surface
Good preparation requires that the surface be clean and sound. Check for handprints, greasy fingerprints as well as dirt and scuff marks. Any glossy spots that will be painted should be lightly sanded so the new paint will adhere properly.

2. Pick the Correct Tools
Use quality brushes and rollers. For latex paint application, purchase synthetic materials. They will hold their shape and maintain the proper stiffness when used with water-based paints. Make sure the nap length of the roller you choose is appropriate for the type of surface being painted. The general rule is the smoother the surface, the shorter the nap; the rougher the surface, the longer the nap.

3. Decide on the Appropriate Paint Sheen and Color
The use of color is one of the quickest and least expensive ways to change the look of a living space. If you’re unsure of which color to use, purchase small quantities of a few you like and try them out in the room you will be painting. View the color in both daylight and at night; the color may appear different based on the lighting within the space.

Sheen is another factor. Higher sheen paints tend to offer a bit more durability than flat paints and are appropriate in areas that get a lot of use. Satin or low lustre finishes tend to impart more warmth and depth to a room than a flat paint. And, don’t forget the ceiling, it’s a great place to use a higher sheen paint for additional lighting reflection.

4. Purchase Quality Paints
Finally, always purchase a top quality acrylic latex interior paint. A quality latex paint will go on smoothly and offers soap and water clean-up and lasting beauty.

For more information on paint and paint trends, visit
The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute at www.paintquality.com

Home Decorating Digest - http://www.HomeDecoratingDigest.com is an online magazine that helps homeowners find home decorating ideas and feature articles on style, color and interior design. Get decorating basics, do-it-yourself projects, organizing and outdoor garden design tips.

How To Generate Ideas For Your Bedroom Design?

So, you want to design your bedroom. Hmm... looks like youare serious about it.

Lets' get started quickly. whenever I hear someone sayhe/she wants to design/decorate a bedroom a lot of thingscome to my mind.

But, let me clear one thing, design and decorating are twodifferent aspects. When I say design, I mean a whole lotbigger perspective. Design includes a lot more maturity interms of how you perceive a space from within.

Of course I will cover more about design in some other article.Decoration is more close to everyday actions that can betaken in order to change or alter a space. Decoration deals with accessories used in a space. Very small things, such ascurtain rods, their color, lampshades, small statues, tablecloths, light fittings, are all parts of the detailing.

It is not that design does not deal with these aspects, butdecoration is more do-able easily than the whole designprocess.

If you are not aware of the decoration techniques, or where to start, I will give you a list of some place whereyou can observe and get inspiration.

1)Of course, the World Wide Web: this Internet is a good place to start. But the information on the internet is not always compiled and sorted out, the way you want it to be, so you might have to look deep.

2)Local Book stores: Interior design

magazines, books, brochures from furniture manufacturers is a good source of inspiration. These books and magazines do their best to find out Works of successful designers, which can be quite inspiring.

3)Exhibitions: Exhibitions held by manufacturers of interior design products, can be a good source as well.

4)Movies and TV shows: Yes, these have a very high project budgets, so spend thousands of dollars every year to decorate the sets. Just keep your eyes open and you will definitely find some good themes in these too. 5)Look for hobby groups around in your city, look for seminars of those who are successful artists. Bedroom decoration includes detailing and paying attention to small things. Visit art galleries, where you can find some good paintings, other related artwork, which can enhance the beauty of your space.

Finally I would like to say that it's your room and youare the only person who knows better about your likes anddislikes. So start out immediately because "When There IsWill, There Is A Way". Copyright 2005 Shrinivas Vaidya
About the Author

Shrinivas Vaidya is the webmaster of Bedroom-Design-And-Decorating-Ideas.com .Visit TODAY to get an in-depth knowledge of Bedroom Design, Bedroom Furniture Sets, Bedroom Decorating Ideas

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* Article Source: Michael Russell
* Your Interior Design Guide
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Lamps Are Decorative And Functional Too

Many people don't think twice about the lamps and lights in their home. When you're trying to spruce up your decor though, or creating a brand new decorating theme, one of the best places to start is with lamps... because they can be both beautiful and functional at the same time.

Here are several popular types of lamps to consider when decorating a room in your home:

Table Lamps - Table lamps are wonderful for both decorating and functionality. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, and can really accent specialty decor pieces you might already have. Small table lamps are quite decorative when sat upon a stack of hardback books, and large table lamps make great centerpieces for greenery, knick knack arrangements, or keepsakes.

You'll want to be careful not to overwhelm small, dainty tables with large, bulky, overbearing lamps though. A solid rustic wood table would easily carry a large wood table lamp, but a small victorian-style side table would do better with a delicate-looking tiffany or hurricane table lamp.

Floor Lamps - Floor lamps are excellent for adding both additional light and style to various areas of your home. I particularly like them in reading areas. Place a nice comfortable chair or divan in the corner for instance, away from the walls a bit, then place a decorative floor lamp in the corner space behind it. This will create a cozy, inviting feel to the space while also providing extra light for reading, writing, or knitting.

Wall Lamps & Lights - Lighting used on the wall varies in style. There's recessed lights which are helpful and decorative in kitchen areas or bathrooms for instance, and there are wall sconces which are wonderful for adding warmth and ambiance.

For a unique and different look, try creating a wall arrangement using wall sconces instead of candelabras or candle sconces.

Picture Lights - Picture lights are used primarily to highlight pictures and artwork in your home. These work similar to spotlights by focusing the majority of their light on the artwork. Most are very decorative, and they come in a variety of styles to match whatever your decorating theme might be.

Oil Lamps - Oil lamps can still be bought in many places today. Some are replicas, meaning they don't actual burn oil to create light, they simply look like the oil lamps of old. Others actually do have a wick and can burn oil. Most people use the actual oil burning lamps for decoration only, and you can even buy colored oil to fill the lamps for an additional decorative touch.

© 2006, Kathy Burns-Millyard. Looking for new lamps, lights and accessories? Visit the Lamps & Lighting Boutique at the Do It Yourself Home Decorating Network to browse a selection of thousands.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathy_Burns-Millyard

Finding A Color Scheme

Sunday, July 30, 2006

If you feel helpless when it comes to picking and blending colors, your answer could be as far away as your nearest pillow. Here is a quick way to create a color scheme for your home with PICK - SEE -LMD .

PICK a Pattern: Starting with a pattern is the easiest way to create a color palette for your decor. Choose a pattern from any object you already have and love such as a pillow, picture or piece of furniture. This will be your color palette !


SEE 3 Colors: Select a light, medium and dark color from your pattern to be used as your foundation. You may want to go to a hardware store and select color chips from the paint department that match your pattern to carry with you in case you come across a great find and need to know if it matches.

LMD: Light, Medium and Dark - How you use these colors can affect the overall appearance of your room.

* Light- Is the Background- this is usually easy to achieve since most rentals
are equipped with light to off-white walls.
* Medium- Large furniture and windows - Since the color of these objects will
blend with the above lighter selection, the medium furniture will ground the
room and give it a foundation.
* Darker- Accessories. Since your eye is drawn to a darker more intense color you
will be able to arrange you accessories in a manner to guide the eye flowing
through your room.

PICK - SEE - LMD Use it whenever you are trying to pull together a color coordinated room!

Home Decorating Digest - http://www.HomeDecoratingDigest.com is an online magazine that helps homeowners find home decorating ideas and feature articles on style, color and interior design. Get decorating basics, do-it-yourself projects, organizing and outdoor garden design tips.

Home Decorating These Days Begins With Modern Lines

Today, the most popular home decorating ideas fall in the modern style. After all, modern home interior decorating allows for the clearest spaces, which provide the simplest maintenance for homeowners who simply do not have the time to be cleaning up all the time. Home interior decorating in this style is all about removing all signs of clutter and chaos. Instead, straight lines and organization provide a welcome replacement.

Decorating your home in the modern style will fill it will straighter furniture in plainer finishes of dark woods or black paint. The reason for such dark home furnishing decorating is the elegant, sophisticated feel it provides the room. Typically, the number of accessories in this home decorating idea are scarce. Only a few very purposefully placed items will be prominently displayed within the room.

This allows you to spend a bit more on the quality of your home decorating, with a few very special pieces, instead of filling the room with less expensive and less impressive items.

To contrast the dark furniture, interior home decorating in the modern style requires that you use very stark colors. A modern room will be well defined in whites, greens, blacks, and reds. Furthermore, many free home decorating ideas show that the less you add to a room, the better. There will be no throw pillows and blankets on the chairs and sofas, nor will there be ottomans and baskets on the floor.

Many people greatly enjoy the classic, sleek modern home decorating style for its tasteful simplicity. It permits the most openness and space for hosting parties, and the least time for cleaning and maintaining. If you are among these people, enjoy these home decorating tips, and carefully plan your design. Remember, since there is no room for additional clutter, you need to make your choices ahead of time, so that you can add the least amount possible, and create the largest impact.

Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com