Interior Design Tips For Smaller Living Rooms

Monday, August 07, 2006

Living room in every home generally has the largest volume. The simple reason behind this is a living room is considered as a "gateway" to all other internal spaces. But in case of an apartment block in crowded city, scarcity of space is an issue resulting in compact architectural planning. This gives rise to apartments with bare minimum spaces.

Whatever be the case we can make minor changes to internal design and presentation to create a look and feel of a bigger living room.

There is one very important thumb rule when it comes to playing with internal spaces. The more light you will allow to enter a room, the more it will be perceived as a big room as far as volume is concerned. Also if you use brighter color shades that will help a uniform and smooth reflection of light equally in all the corners of the living room, it will be easier and effortless transition from small to big room perception.

There are certain points we can consider here.

1) Avoid using heavy furniture such as big stuff sofas, wardrobes or bookshelves that have closed shutters. Instead if you use sofas with sleek frame (like the one in bamboo furniture) this will create more transparency and will help in perception of more space. Also storage units such as TV unit, book shelves if kept open will reveal more wall surface behind them and reduce the "bulky" look.

In an interior space that is empty the perception of "small or big" is usually decided depending upon the dimensions of the space. The volume of the space defined by the boundaries of walls, floor and ceiling defines the space. The openings in the walls further help in reducing the bulkiness of the space. Next when the furniture fits in its place the importance or influence of the walls reduces and all attention gets focused on the furniture facades.

That's why it is necessary to use sleek furniture in smaller rooms, that will help in revealing the true nature of a space.

2) Allow more light to enter the living room by using light curtains. Instead of using heavy looking "valances" use simple and if possible semi transparent curtains that are just enough to reduce glare that might be caused because of direct sunlight.

3) Use brighter color schemes commonly known as "hot" color schemes. These create a very good transmission and reflection of natural as well as artificial light inside the living room.

There is one more different approach to defining the perception of the living room (or any interior space) and that's the empty volume left behind after all the furniture and other accessories have been fitted. Because anything in our living world is always "relative". The perceived volume is always relative to the empty volume that is normally used for circulation. The more empty volume you get, the bigger the room will look.

This also applies with transmission of light in all the spaces. The more you can get inside the room better it is for the healthy habitat inside the living room.

I hope this article was informative and will help you understand the concept of smaller and bigger perception of internal spaces.

Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya

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.

Clawfoot Bathtubs: A Classic Touch in Your Own Home

Flat TV’s, contemporary art, remote controlled curtains, and all things modern can be found everywhere in a typical American home. They may be pleasing to own but too much of it can make your house too “modern” to look at and sometimes dull and boring.

You may remember the times when simple things were beautiful to look at. Today, many people are considering adding a touch of history in their homes. The warmth and homey look of a home isn’t found in modern appliances and fixtures. Even bathroom fixtures are now integrated with state-of-the-art technology. Home bathtubs are integrated with personal Jacuzzis with a large plasma TV and a floating remote control. These things can be great but it just lacks that classical, homey look that a home should have.

Whenever you visit your grand parent’s house, you will notice the inviting look of a simple yet very classic look inside their homes. No plasma television, no remote controlled curtains, simple kitchen fixtures and those great cookie jars. You may even notice that their bathroom is equipped with simple yet attractive fixtures.

Even the bathtub has its traditional look. If you want this in your own home, you may try and consider buying a clawfoot bathtub. A clawfoot bathtub is very popular for people who want to have that classic American look in their bathroom. It is very simple in design and very pleasing to look at.

There are different styles in a clawfoot bathtub. You should consider choosing one that will compliment your bathroom more. There are clawfoot bathtubs that are made from cast iron or acrylic. The style also varies from roll top, dual and dual slipper. You can also choose from different kinds of feet for your clawfoot bathtub like a ball & claw, lion paw, imperial pedestal and skirt.

Choosing what kind of clawfoot bathtub you want for your home is up to you. Basically, here are the things you should know about the two different kinds of materials used in the clawfoot bathtub.

If you are a strict traditionalist and want a clawfoot bathtub to have that original look, you may want to consider having a cast iron clawfoot bathtub. These bathtubs can be painted and repainted to match the décor in your bathroom. Cast iron clawfoot bathtubs are heavy and are not suited for people with bathrooms in the second floor of their house. And, since it is metal, it will not retain heat too long. One advantage of cast iron clawfoot bathtubs is that it can last a long time.

On the other hand, the acrylic clawfoot tubs are light weight and are easier to move and install. It is also perfect for upper story baths because of its weight. Acrylic clawfoot bathtubs are good insulators that can keep your water warm longer.

One disadvantage of acrylic is that it will break down if strong cleaning chemicals are used, like acetate.

You can also install different kinds of faucets for your clawfoot bathtub. Try experimenting or think about what designs you want your faucets to be in your clawfoot bathtub.

If you want your home to have that classical touch, you can start redecorating it in your bathroom. Having a clawfoot bathtub installed in your bathroom can have a pleasing effect with the things around it. With a clawfoot bathtub, you will surely have an enjoyable and relaxing experience while you are bathing.

About the author:

Claire Bowes is a successful freelance writer and owner of Clawfoot Bathtubs where you will find further tips to spruce up your bathtub.

An Overview Of Commonly Used Materials In Interior Design

Every interior space has some unique qualities attached to it.If you have visited a natural outdoor space like a forest, youwill notice thousands of varieties of "textures" in the form ofwooden barks, leaves, ground surfaces, stones, water etc...

All these natural elements create a unique visual effect and allvisual effects have a corresponding effect on human mind. That'swhy when used carefully textures can create wonders in interiordesign.

The most commonly used materials in interior design anddecoration are wood for furniture, cloth for linen,rubber/leather for flooring or upholstery, paper as wallpapers,plastic for accessories like lampshades and other decorativeitems, steel for furniture.

Let's take a closer look at these materials and their texturalqualities.

1) Wood....

Most commonly used for furniture, door frames, shutters. Themain reason behind this is it is easy to work with wood. The artof carpentry is an age old profession. Because of the nature ofwood like softness and the same time the amount of strength itcan withstand, makes it a popular choice amongst furnituredesigners.

A fully polished wood surface gives a very rich finish andprojects user friendliness. Also wood comes in many varietiesand colors, each having its own pros and cons.

2) Cloth....

A very natural choice for linen. Since a cloth finish is asmooth one it is most suitable in a bedroom where comfort is avery vital factor. The biggest advantage of various types ofcloth is that most types are washable so maintenance is easy.

Cloth has one more important quality that it can be "painted"for expressing detailed decorative patterns, that can greatlyadd to the beauty of the space.

It is also possible to do "embroidery" on cloth, if painting isnot a good choice or budget doesn't allow. Depending upon theweave of the cloth strands the thickness, transparency, etc. canbe easily achieved. This makes the cloth most suitable forvarious kinds of uses such as linen, curtains, bed sheets, etc...

3) Rubber/Leather....

Rubber is used in the form of PVC flooring, is easily availableand most importantly is wash proof and durable. It can beprinted upon using design patterns of any style, rich

withcolors. Comes in the form of large sheets or even individualtiles.

Unlike tiled flooring the PVC flooring is much less affected byatmospheric changes. Other types of tiled floorings or evenwooden flooring can have a direct effect on the surface becauseof the expansion and contraction of the flooring material. A PVCflooring is glued to the tiled flooring I hope you havebenefited from these words.

4) Plastic....

There are infinite uses of this great material. The onlydisadvantage environmentalist have pointed out that it is notbio-degradable.

Because of its artificial nature it can be "manufactured" invarious. colors, shapes, sizes, strength. The biggest advantageof plastic is it is waterproof and electrical shockproof. That'swhy mainly used for electrical accessories. It is lightweight ascompared to other material types. Entire furniture pieces suchas chairs, tables can be easily molded out as a seamless modelin plastic.

5) Steel/Iron....

Steel is mostly used in interior design where the main purposeis to give support and carry weight to the floor. That's whymain use of steel is done to create the structural frame thatcarries the weight of the people who are going to use thefurniture piece.

A very common type of steel is the "Stainless Steel". Because ofits shining nature, it very quickly gives a rich quality to theobject being used on and enhances the overall quality of theinterior space.

Furniture objects that have been designed with a combination ofwood and steel look much balanced from aesthetic point of view.But doing so requires a careful study of the joiner details,especially where wood and steel joint together.

The following discussion was only a brief introduction of thetypes of material being used in interior design industry. Everyday more and more good quality and cheaper material types arebeing presented in the market. I hope this article wasinformative 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.Visit today.


***************************************************
* Article Source: Michael Russell
* Your Interior Design Guide
* Visit us for more information.
***************************************************

Interior Design That Builds A Family Legacy

After 40 plus years as a furniture restorer, it still warms my heart when a client brings in an old item for review, wondering if it might be possible to do something with it. There was a time long ago when if the item presented was not really worth the time, I would recommend against the restoration. As I have grown a little older I have begun to realize, there is a kind of value that defies appraisal.

The furnishings and other artifacts we have, and pass along to our kids and grandkids are more about preserving a family tradition and carrying on a pride in our family and loved ones than just a place to sit. As I slow down and really listen to what my clients are saying, it starts to become more and more clear, It isn't really about the chair or end table or whatever on the surface it seems to be. The little thing they brought along for me to see. The thing they are trying to grab onto is really more a legacy than any thing else. It's a way to preserve what seems good about the past, and to bring that forth in their home today.

Maybe that thing lives inside the chair, where as a kid they remember Grandpa sitting on the front porch, smoking his pipe and telling stories of how it was when his daddy raised him. It's a reminder of stories from a time before people had electricity in the house, and chilly visits to the outhouse on a cold November night.

For example, not long ago, a client of ours named Barbara stopped by to drop off a family piece. My associate commented about a rocking chair, it was laying just inside the door of our shop in pieces where barb left it just a moment before, I think something like "why in the world, would anybody spend money on that?" At face value, it's a valid question. The chair wasn't that good. The cost of restoration probably was every bit or more what it would cost to replace the rocker, but there was more to it than that, he had totally, missed the point as so many do. The rocker belonged to Barbara's Mother whom had used it to rock barb and her little brother when she herself, was a young mother, it was a gift to her from her mom and in turn Barbs Mom had given to her just before passing away. I'm pretty sure that Barb had a lot of other chairs, and I'm sure she could have gone out and bought one just as nice for the money she was spending for the restoration, but knowing what we now know, that's not the point is it?

As time goes on, my hair gets thinner, and my belly gets thicker, and I see more and more, the importance of leaving a legacy, as individuals, families and even as a country. And the stuff we have in and around our homes, while it is so true that we can't take it with us, what we leave behind helps us to tell a story. The story of what we hold dear, the values we ascribe to and the example we set for future generations to model.

Christmas dinner on Grandma's dining set will always taste better, and a book enjoyed in front of a fireplace is more intriguing if you are seated in mom's rocking chair. So, when taking inventory and planning what to do with potential heirlooms when they come your way think twice. Remember, it's not only about cost benefit analysis and replacement cost. When you decide to keep that rocker, or table or dining set, keep this in mind, these things are heavy laden vehicles, vehicles that transport fond memories, important values and sometimes several lifetimes worth of identity. I believe, that if you plan your interior design projects with these thoughts in mind, you will develop a real beautiful and warm home, a back drop for all the things you hold dear, and an opportunity to teach the next generation what is good and true and praiseworthy in life.

About the Author

John VerHines is a seasoned restorer and president of Gramco. With 40+ years experience in the craft of furniture restoration.To learn more visit http://www.GramcoFurnitureRestoration.com Copyright 2006Gramco Furniture

Creating Your Own Home Interior Ideas

Sunday, August 06, 2006

It is quite rare to ask a person about their dream house, and to hear that they 'haven't really thought about it'. I am sure you have some of your own home interior ideas but you may need a little jumpstart to really get creative. This short guide will get your creative juices going.

What's Your Style?

You should keep in mind that in order to design your home, you have to get in touch with the signature style and express it in your own unique way. If you end up looking at a lot of other people's house, and merely try to replicate what they have done, it will be likely that you will not really feel like your home is an expression of
yourself. Don't be afraid to be unique and creative with your home interior ideas.

You could express your style through the kind of collectibles you display, the artwork on your walls, the kind of foliage you maintain, etc. However, it is important to keep in mind that you are not doing all this just to occupy space. Each article should be an inspiration and convey a certain message about yourself and family. The true beauty in developing your unique home interior ideas is that you own the ideas, feel and look which is truly priceless.

More importantly, ensure that in the pursuit of decorating in line with your style, you have not forgotten to make it a comfortable living area for yourself. It would be a pity to have a wonderfully decorated house, which you refuse to comfortably live in, for fear of ruining your decoration.

Ask for Opinions

It's amazing how different a perspective you will get on things, once you ask for another person's point-of-view. This does not mean that you should run around asking everyone you meet for advice and suggestions. But, you will be surprised how someone else could easily come up with an idea, which would be a real stunner for your decoration style and will help create even more unique home interior ideas.

Matter of Finance

Before actually putting your plans into effect, it is very important to decide on how much money you are going to put into decorating your home. This is quite vital, as anyone can get carried away with all the wonderful ways in which they find they can decorate their home.

Take Action

How long has it been since you have been thinking of buying that 'perfect' piece of art for that wall? Or going to your aquarium store to buy a really nice set for your living room?

Quite often, we make all these plans and put them aside to be done 'sometime'. Well, now is the time to put your home interior ideas in action.

A good idea would be to actually make a list of all the ways in which you would like to decorate your home and implement it. Consider different kinds of rug for your floors, or wisely chosen artwork for your walls. You could think of buying prints or even framing your children's artwork for their own home space.

Whatever the kind of decoration design you choose, what is most vital is to ensure that it fits your budget and reflects your own personal style. Ok, now that you are done reading, get going with your home interior ideas.

About the Author:

Tim C. Smith is a succesful webmaster and publisher. You can find more creative and useful home improvement information at Home Interior Ideas

An Introduction To Kitchen Cabinets

One of the most common things that you see in the kitchen is the kitchen cabinet. In most homes, the kitchen cabinets reflect the personality of the homeowner. Actually, these are the ones that have the greatest impact on the overall look of the kitchen. That is why it is necessary to have them in your kitchen.

Kitchen cabinets come in different shapes, sizes, designs, colors where you can choose one that will best complement your kitchen. You can also go either for framed cabinets or frameless types. Aside from these, you can also choose from stock kitchen cabinets, semi-custom or built-to-order cabinets, and custom cabinets.

Stock cabinets are constructed in standard sizes which are often available off the shelf or within days. These are referred to as the most affordable fully assembled cabinets. The semi-custom or built-to-order cabinets, on the other hand, give you better options since these are made to order within standard specifications and may even include accessory items for a more customized look. Meanwhile, custom cabinets offer you more advantages since you can have them built according to your desired specifications in order to best go with your kitchen’s looks.

With the many options available for kitchen cabinets these days, finding one is not a difficult process. But before purchasing, make sure that you look for important qualities of the cabinets that you choose such as conversion varnish, high solid sealers for protection of the wood, hand-rubbed stains, ultra violet inhibitors to prevent from over exposure to damaging light, and sanding procedures between finish steps to produce smooth surfaces.

Kitchen cabinets can be easily purchased from your local shopping centers. However, if you don’t have time to visit one, you can always go online and check online sites that offer quality kitchen cabinets at affordable prices.

Kitchens provides detailed information on Kitchens, Kitchen Cabinets, Kitchen Remodeling, Kitchen Designs and more. Kitchens is affiliated with Free Floor Plans.

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

The Oriental Vs. Contemporary Bedroom Design Theory

Dear friends,

If you have read any interior design books/articles, visited
a few websites on the internet, you will find the word theme used
quite often.

What exactly is a theme-based design?

A theme according to me is a collection of various parameters of
design of an interior space. So a theme may include a certain set
colors, materials, repetition of a certain element, such as
a decorative item, etc...

Primarily there are two basic themes under which a design can
be categorized, 1)Oriental 2)Contemporary.

Oriental Bedroom Design Theme:

These kind of themes have a still drilled down niche design
themes, such as country, rustic, vintage, elegant, etc...
One of the major thing about these kind of themes is that much
emphasis is given on the natural beauty of any material.
These designs are close to nature or are shown to be close to
nature.

These kind of design styles are very rarely found in the urban
city interiors. Mostly the countryside homes adopt these kind if
themes, to replicate the flora and fauna of the outside environment.

The designer tries to include the patters seen in nature, such as
leaves, flowers, plants. All these natural patterns are seen on
wallpaper patterns, decorative lamps, curtains, furniture
upholstery, wall paintings, etc...

Homes which are build on country side such as farm houses, the scarcity
of space is not an issue, but this creates another problem as far as
designing interiors is concerned.

A bedroom, no matter of what size it is, requires some basic
furniture elements as functional needs, such as a double bed,
dressing table, wardrobes, study tables, a book shelf etc..

It is sometimes possible that because of the large spaces, the
bedroom looks empty after the furniture is arranged. At such
times "decoration" plays a major role. During ancient years
the palaces and castles had such large built spaces, where
extensive use of decoration was used in the form of paintings,
heavy decorative flooring patterns, carvings, moldings as a
decorative architectural elements.

So in this oriental design trend, decoration of the space using
various accessories plays a major role.

Contemporary design Theme:

These kind of design themes are very new as compared to the
previously mentioned oriental design theme. But how did the
designers came along using these kind of designs?

During the starting years of the 20th century, the "Industrial
Revolution" in Europe changed the face of our planet. It
was easy to design and manufacture goods on a mass scale
with amazing speed and efficiency.

This created a flood of industries in and around the cities.
These cities attracted large amount of people to migrate from
rural areas to city centers in search of a living.

Because of this migratory effect there was a sudden need of
housing requirement for the workers. This is where the concept of
an "apartment" was introduced. Because of the pressure of demand,
a school of thoughts emerged within the architects, who
believed that "simplicity" is the need of today's era.

They thought that, the design of the building has to be simple
and easy to build, then only we can compete with the growing
demand of housing needs in cities. That's why simple designs with mostly plane and square faces with square or rectangular openings
were used. These forms and masses were easy to build and still
beautiful. If everything from "safety pins" to "space ships"
could be built on a mass scale, why not "buildings".

The school of thought believed that a plane rectangular form
is in itself beautiful and they proved this using infinite
permutations and combinations of the basic square form. That's
why decoration was given a second preference. Today we call this
school of thought as "contemporary". In contemporary design
every element has an order.

That's why in today's modern interior design, simplicity is the
key to an efficient design. Unlike the previous oriental design
theme, the contemporary design theme states that any kind of
architectural decoration is always dependent on the basic form
of the building. The form itself is so beautiful, that the need
to further decorate it is not required. Today's modern interiors
spaces are simple to understand, simple to construct, and
project a kind of simplicity.

By reading the above paragraphs some of you might say that,
decoration is no more needed. But this is not true. I am not trying
to force some ideas here. But most people confuse the whole
concept of "Interior Design" and "Interior Decoration". Both
are quite different and both have a unique value in today's
complex society.

Decoration was something the primitive man learned, looking at
the nature around him. He saw plants, flowers, birds, animals
and tried to copy these elements. We still use "embroidery" on
our dresses. But the modern design theory says that any sort
of decoration can only "enhance" the existing form, but can not
be an element of design.

What does this mean?

In the above said example the "embroidery" pattern can certainly
add to the beauty of the cloth, but the modern theory denies to
accept the cloth to be of a cheap quality. It states that every form, texture, material, shape is in itself beautiful and must be
accepted as it is. Because of this the need to further decorate it
does not arise.

Thus decoration whether used in architecture or elsewhere is always
dependant on the form on which it is used, but design is
an independent entity which does not need any justification from the
external factors.

The two design themes mentioned above are still widely used today.
The user must look upon them from a point of view of what best suits
his/her likes and dislikes. Only then can you give yourself and
your family the best quality of living.

I hope this article was informative to everyone.

Copyright 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 master bedrooms, teen bedrooms and child bedrooms.

About Beautiful Decorative Oriental Carpets and Rugs

The Oriental carpet has always been synonymous with exotic luxury, elegant design, and a comfortable, highly aestheticized environment. From the earliest times, humans have needed to embellish and ornament the circumstances in which they lived, and the medium of woven carpets soon emerged to meet such requirements. Carpet production is attested from ancient times. Flatwoven floor coverings are probably as old as textiles and architecture. The oldest knotted pile carpets can be attested by the sixth century B.C., but their production may well be considerably older. Some experts believe that pile carpets originated among tent-dwelling nomadic peoples to the east of Central Asia as a more decorative substitute for animal hides, providing comfort and insulation as well as decoration. Carpet making reached the Near East through contact with such nomadic peoples. Since relations between Central Asian nomads and the Near East were more or less constant, the production of pile carpets in the latter region was probably stimulated and influenced by nomadic traditions again and again.

This process first becomes clear in the medieval period, between the eleventh and the fourteenth centuries, when various Central and East Asian peoples like the Turks and Mongols came to power across the eastern Islamic world, bringing with them traditions of carpet making that were by now many centuries old. The earliest Near Eastern carpets of this kind are those of Seljuk Turkey and those made in Iran under the Mongol and Timurid dynasties. Carpets of this kind now began to have highly complex designs influenced by contemporary textiles, especially silks.

From this period on, the knotted pile carpet became an increasingly standard feature of Islamic art and high culture, and soon it captured the attention of wealthy Europeans as well. Already by the thirteenth century merchant travelers like Marco Polo remarked on the beauty of the Oriental carpets they encountered on their journeys, and soon such carpets began to be imported into Venice and thence to the rest of Europe. While actual early carpets of this kind are rarely preserved, European painting by the great masters from Giotto and Ghirlandaio to Holbeim, van Eyck, Lotto, and Vermeer constantly depict carpets from Turkey and Iran. Such paintings document the importance that the Oriental carpet had attained by this time as a quintessential symbol of cosmopolitan taste and affluence. So valued were these carpets that there were various attempts to imitate or adapt them in Europe.

After the seventeenth century Europeans briefly lost interest in the Oriental carpet. This probably reflected developments in the Near and Middle East, where all the great ruling dynasties collapsed or went into regression, bringing about a corresponding roll-back in the quantity and quality of carpet production. During this hiatus European carpet production was stepped up, creating the Aubusson and Savonnerie types in a Neo-Classical western style. Carpet production in Spain, which had begun under Muslim rule in the Middle Ages, also moved in to meet the European demand for rugs.

In the second half of the nineteenth century, rug weaving in Iran went into a great period of revival under the highly retrospective Qajar dynasty, re-awakening the European interest for Oriental carpets and creating a new American market for them as well. This eventually led to a revival or expansion of carpet production in Turkey and also a revival of Indian carpet weaving under British rule. At this time Chinese carpets, whose production went back to ancient times, finally became known in quantity to European and American markets.

From that time on the western world became used to an endless variety of Oriental rugs and carpets whose production continues into the present time. The most notable recent developments are the revival of vegetable dyes and hand-spinning of wool, which had largely died away in the course of the twentieth century. Such new productions capture much of the quality and original flavor of antique Oriental rugs. But only a genuine antique can preserve the soul and spirit of Oriental rug weaving, an art form that reaches back virtually unbroken to the earliest times. Antique Oriental rugs are not only objects of great beauty and rarity; they are a much-needed bridge to a bygone world of consummate skill and expressiveness that is vastly different from the mass-culture of modern western experience.

Written by David Castriota

David is an expert in art and Oriental rugs.

Kaitag Embroideries - Design Origins

For rug lovers - Articles, News and Info

5 External Climatic Factors That Affect An Interior Design Project.

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

***************************************************
* Article Source: Michael Russell
* Your Interior Design Guide
* Visit us for more information.
***************************************************

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/

***************************************************
* Article Source: Michael Russell
* Your Interior Design Guide
* Visit us for more information.
***************************************************

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

***************************************************
* Article Source: Michael Russell
* Your Interior Design Guide
* Visit us for more information.
***************************************************

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/

***************************************************
* Article Source: Michael Russell
* Your Interior Design Guide
* Visit us for more information.
***************************************************