Posts Tagged ‘home decorating’

Revisiting Roman And Greek Bath Houses

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

If there’s an omnipresence in history books, it’s the impressive structures of Greek and Roman influences. Up to this day, their impact on modern architecture is incomparable. Their bath houses are a force to reckon with, boasting of amazing designs, grand appearance and in our modern times, timeless appeal. You can add a touch of Greek and Roman influence to your bathroom for that classic bath house feel.

Space is vital. Depictions of the Greek and Roman bath houses (and rooms in general) are spacious. They never lacked of space but instead show grand areas. Having an attached sun room is a good idea to enlarge the bathroom. Have a big tub in the sun room but make sure that it provides privacy by using a one-way glass. Marble floors and furnishings are perfect Roman and Greek themes. Columns are fixtures that are associated with these themes, so you can add these design ideas too for a realistic look. Faucets, shower head, handles and even the tub can be in copper implements. Gold was used in the early times but unless you’re willing to spend a lump sum, copper is the next best thing.

You might think plants are so out of place in a bathroom, but adding a few potted and hanging plants can create the look of the ancient bath houses, which were commonly outdoors. Therefore, the plants will give the natural scenic feel as well as add extra element of seclusion. Soft white linens that are loose and flowing are will make perfect drapes. You can enclose the sun room tub with this fabric for a royalty effect.

To add a bit of color, use an area rug. Traditional Greek and Roman patterns can be found in a local rug shop. This will strengthen your theme while adding comfort and color. Your rug should contain the colors of both the plants used in the room as well as any decorative items.

For decor I suggest urns and decorative bottles. These items will be dual purpose. Use the urns to hold plants or towels and other bathroom necessities. The bottles will look even more decorative when filled with bath salts or oils. To prevent clutter group these in design clusters in the corners of the rooms or around the walls and columns.

Bath houses may not be a common practice nowadays but the design influence of the early Greeks and Romans has a lasting effect. The elegance that is a trademark of this theme will make your bathroom unique and creatively daring, which defies the traditional concept of a bathroom interior.

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Backward Decor

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

Can decorating save an apartment so tattered and worn out without ripping off half of your savings? The answer is, YES. Any place, no matter how scruffy, is redeemable with the simplest decorating ideas. It’s all about colors, accents and resourcefulness.

Well? What on earth do you do? You find an area rug, that’s what you do. You look for an area rug with a light open pattern in the colors you prefer. After you’ve bought your rug, you should zero in on any three colors in that rug you like the best and then arrange the rest of your design around it. Match the tones you selected in the paint department of your nearest hardware store. You will select one color for the walls, one for the trim and one for the wainscot.

In choosing area rugs, go for colors that you like then work your decorating around those major colors. Use similar or complementing paint to refurbish the walls, ceiling and built-in cabinets. If you feel like your apartment looks too small, use lighter colors because they create an illusion of space. If on the other hand, you actually like the small space and want to further imbibe the feeling of intimacy, use dark colors.

Buying furniture can be a cheap venture. You live in the city, right? Then I’m certain there are numerous thrift shops and antique stores where you can find good deals without breaking your pocket. Look for comfortable pieces. If there’s one that is so cozy you don’t want to ever get up from lounging on it (you were testing its comfort factor) but looks terrible, go get it before someone else who doesn’t mind does. I’m serious! Just buy slipcovers that are mostly affordable anyway or cover with new upholstery. Done!

Decorating a home is not just about expensive decors and artworks to make it beautiful. Artists’ homes are usually not decorated with skyrocketing priced items. They even look disorderly (sorry artists!). But they make most of their own works, which makes the place appealing. Do the same by purchasing artworks that you like, even if they’re not Picasso-priced. Hang photos or favorite pictures.

Finally, complete the look of your room with the focal point, your area rug. Roll out the rug and experiment with different arrangements for your furniture. When you get everything positioned just like you want, add your lamps and hang your art on the walls. Take a step back and examine your room. Does the area rug pull it all together? If you based your colors on the rug, it should look picture perfect!

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The Perfect Room for Your Young Fisherman

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

A fisherman’s abode for your little one will surely be a hit. Below are the steps for creating this “home in the islands” look:

The first step is to paint the walls. Make them look like a beach by painting the bottom part a sandy color and the top a greenish blue. Now take a sponge and some white paint to give the upper part the effect of waves. Next use a brush with stiff bristles and some dark brown paint. Just dot specks of brown onto the sandy section of the walls using only the tips of the bristles, creating a grainy, sand effect. If you are particularly creative you could then create a beach scene on one of the walls.

Next, accessorize the walls with fish that can be mounted on the walls so it looks like they’re jumping over the water. Fish cutouts are also nice to depict an under the water scene.

See if you can get hold of an old wooden boat from a junk yard or yard sale, preferably one with a flat bottom. This makes less work for you, since you won’t have to make a frame to keep it upright. If you can’t get a boat with a flat bottom, make a frame to help the boat to sit upright against a wall, so that it doesn’t tip. Keep it extra stable by anchoring it to the wall. Ask around at the junk yard if you can’t find a boat there, because they may well know where you can get one cheaply. You need on about six feet long, so that you can fit a twin bed in it and still have storage space. Be careful to measure the boat before you buy. Take the seats out of the boat and put a sheet of plywood in the bottom. Put in the mattress and some suitably colored and patterned bedding. Now your young fisherman can imagine the rocking waves under his boat as he goes to sleep!

Lastly we come to the floor. Your effect will be spoiled if the floor doesn’t fit with the rest of your theme. That doesn’t mean that you have to go to the expense of a new carpet, though, because a large rug will do the trick for you. It will cover most of the floor that’s left uncovered by the bed; in addition a rug is easier to clean than a carpet and costs under half as much. You can find lots of rugs to fit your theme; choose one to match your sand or water colors from the walls, or choose an underwater themed one. Once your rug is down, the room is ready for your young fisherman. All your work and planning will be worth it when you see his face light up at the sight of his new room!

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Quixotic Nursery Bedding: Persistent Repose For Your Dozy Empress

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

Fairy tale crib bedding offers an wide assortment of designs which have become extremely popular since the mid-nineties. While very feminine linen sets are definitely available for a princess themed nursery, a variety of other interesting styles are also available.

If you choose a fairy tale theme for your daughter’s room you will not be limited to Cinderella or Snow White, as a host of other fairy tale characters are now available. Themes include Disney’s heroines and original faeries, each with bedding that showcases winged creatures, stars and sparkles.

Girls nursery bedding comes in various styles but even a cursory online search will convince you that fairy tale bedding for girls isn’t hard to find, but you should probably decide on things like color and mood before you jump into that ocean. While classic pale pink seems to be used exclusively in fairy tale bedding ensembles, styles still can range from quietly understated minimalistic designs to the fun retro look.

Those parents dreaming of a different sort of fairy tale look will be thrilled to find many retailers featuring fairy tale bedding in every color and motif. Parents appreciate hues of purple and brown complementing the traditional color of pink in this girls bedding.

While shopping for nursery gear with a fairy tale twist can be a true delight, money woes can often sneak up on you like a Big Bad Wolf. Certainly, if you’ve got extreme money worries, your finances and your anxiety will impede your ability to enjoy decorating your baby’s nursery.

Crib bedding which is sold in sets can be economical while allowing for a beautiful setting in which you baby girl will experience pure magic. While smaller collections contain all necessary bedding, larger packages include matching accessories like decorative pillows. Not only are these crib sets astoundingly beautiful, many of them cost under a couple of hundred bucks, so they are extremely affordable, thus making them perfect for starting your daughter on the road to a happy life.

Dorothea is a writer and researcher on parenting and family issues. She also works part-time as a freelance writer for a baby products company, Kudlee, Inc..

Consider Rococo In The Kitchen

Monday, March 15th, 2010

The elegance of Rococo art has been sought after in design since its onset in the 1800’s. This French element looks lovely in any room of your home. Rococo pieces are readily available in modern accessories as well as traditional antiquities. One excellent location to use this design element is a breakfast nook.

Create the full affect of the 19th century Rococo look when you are enjoying a nice delicious croissant. You can get this look and feel from your home and not at an expensive restaurant. There are a few tips to help you create the look and feel of the Mediterranean without traveling anywhere.

The term Rococo is derived from a combination of the French rocaille, referring to arrangements of stone in natural patterns and the Italian barocco, referring to Baroque art. These terms combine beautifully to describe every element of this art form. This allows modern society a clearer view of the choices made by Rococo artists when they implemented the hard natural aspects of iron and stone in such a light airy manner. This understanding can also make your decorating choices easier.

To design a Rococo room, select light wooden fixtures and furnishings. A light oak or white wash looks amazing surrounded by the bright colors and hard fixtures popular in Rococo design. Consider using the same wood for your flooring. It will be much cheaper than the traditional stone flooring used in 19th century France, while still staying with the natural feel of a Rococo room.

It is also important to the ambiance that you use flourishing accessories that highlight the twists and curves found in nature. When choosing accessories remember that your pieces should reflect the Mediterranean Sea. Wide rounded curves reminiscent of shells or waves will be the highlight that softens the stone and cast iron products commonly found in French design.

When decorating your room you want to use the following colors combined: yellow, blue, red, white, and pink. Don’t stick to one color but instead combine them together to create the look you are searching for. You want to use these colors from furniture to table runners.

Area rugs are another nice way to tie together the color scheme and implement the beautiful Rococo style you desire. In addition to fulfilling double duty to the decor aspect of the project area rugs will also make the room more comfortable. For the room to be properly designed, a stone or hard wood floor must be used. While these look beautiful they can be rather cold. An area rug will add warmth and be much softer than the typical flooring.

Rococo art is a great look in any room. Complete the look by adding classic fixtures and furnishings that you an buy second hand. This look is great for a breakfast nook or another room in the home. Create a work of art.

Interior Decorating experts all agree that it is essential to use area rugs. And as discussed here one of the most popular ranges is the bright modern rugs.

Your Kid’s Bedroom Decor

Monday, March 15th, 2010

A child’s bedroom can be one of the most fun rooms in the house to decorate. The personality of the child can easily be the inspiration, as well as their favorite cartoon character, movie star, sport or even colors. One of the best ways to create a room that your child would love it to include them in the all the decision making processes.

Paint or Wallpaper- When it comes to the walls of a child’s room, one of the most important things to remember is to choose either paint or wall covering that is washable and durable. This may not be so important for an older child but it certainly is for those that are younger. There are several types of paint available that are washable. You can also find wall paper and other coverings that can be scrubbed if needed. This will help keep the room looking fresh and clean longer than a traditional paint.

Make sure that you pick a floor covering that is stain resistant. One of the best ways to go with a child’s room is to have hardwood and add in some area rugs. Area rugs are inexpensive and are easily cleaned by picking up the toys and taking it outside, and simply shaking it out. Plus these area rugs will keep the noise down that can come out of your child’s room. It shouldn’t be difficult to find a rug that goes with the theme or color you and your child have picked out.

Bedding should be picked out in a color if you want it to last, or you’re going to have to change it when they start to look at another character that they like now. Go with something that they may be able to use for several years. It’s a lot easier and less expensive to only have to buy a few new things when they change what they like.

Accessories-There are so many ways to accessorize a child’s room, such as a lamp, furniture, pictures, even glow in the dark stars on the ceiling. Use your imagination, and your child’s, in order to create a room that both of you will love! Don’t forget things like coordinating window treatments and lots of pillows! Older children will want usually want an area that they can sit and play their video games, as well.

In Closing- A child’s room has so many possibilities. If the bedroom is shared by two children, let each help with an area of the design process. See which part of the process appeals to each child. One may want to paint and another may want to choose the accessories. This lets your children feel as though the room is really theirs! Who knows? Maybe they will keep it clean longer!

Keep up to date with Children’s Interior Design trends and enhance your home with kids bedroom rugs.

Transitional Rugs: A Short Description

Monday, March 15th, 2010

It’s a bit of a mental block when trying to figure out how to incorporate two different styles or themes together. Except that, it’s not an impossible task to do. Using two different periods for instance like Georgian and Victorian can easily be accomplished. I know you’re excited to know how, so read on and find out the answer.

The answer, quite obviously, is yes – it is possible. And it is made so much easier, with something called a transitional rug. Quite simply, this is a rug that contains elements of all the different styles within a room. Let’s take a more detailed look.

Transitional rugs have both flavors of the European and Oriental styles, and are reflective of modern designs. The daring mix of art and chic makes these rugs a major favorite especially among collectors.

The influences applied to transitional rugs make them a unique choice compared to the other kinds. The colors most especially are not limited to traditional hues with safe patterns and designs. Transitional rugs are actually more daring, with a combination of colors and more room to accommodate various designs.

The design is one important factor that sets transitional rugs apart. If a conventional rug carries only one or a specific design for its theme, say of nature, showing a mountain scene, transitional rugs on the other hand, feature the “unusual”. It can be an unexpected depiction of a theme. In this example of nature, you might see a farm scene or an erupting volcano with splashes of bright colors.

Now all that being said, there’s one reason that a transitional rug will appeal to just about everyone. Many people who choose one style of rug won’t choose another based on a number of things. These might include the color being too dark or too bight. Or perhaps they like a part of the over all pattern, but dislike other parts, like the medallion, etc. There are, in fact, millions of reasons people don’t like certain types of traditional rugs.

Transitional rugs have the freedom to solve all those little things people dislike about traditional rugs as the rug maker has the ability to incorporate various aspects of various designs that people find favorable. Examples here include a spin off on an oriental rug where the colors are much lighter and where elements from other types of rugs are incorporated.

All these said, transitional rugs are the ideal choice if you aren’t sure or decided on what type to choose. They are flexible indeed. Just consider the right size for the room and where you intend to place it. Decide if you want your rug to be the main decor or just an accent to modify the room. When you have finally figured this out, you’re transitional rug shopping will be trouble-free.

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A Bedroom With Musical Influences

Sunday, March 14th, 2010

If your teenage son is a music lover, there are ways to let him enjoy being in his bedroom, by giving him a room that reflects his musical preferences. Below are a few tips on how to get him singing all night long – but in his sleep so that no one else is disturbed.

Spice up the room’s walls with a musical motif. Paint or stencil musical notes, piano keys, lyric excerpts, instruments, etc.

For his beddings, black and white would be great, especially to remind him of his piano keys, if he plays the piano. Get a comforter in solid black then accent the look with throw pillows in pristine white. Alternatively, you can purchase a complete music-themed bed set then just add on the throw pillows to accent the look.

For the windows, instead of the usual blinds or curtains, say goodbye to a plain look and add drama by being more original. String up old CDs or vinyl records with a piece of sturdy rope, tie them together and hang them up on the curtain box with hooks. The window treatment will take on a totally different look.

If your teen is into classical music, you could frame up sheet music from some of his favorite symphonies by Mozart or Pachelbel and hang them on the walls. Alternatively, if he is a metal head, and at the exact opposite extreme, frame up vintage vinyl covers of his favorite classical rock bands. For more accent ideas, paint a treble clef staff or G clef on the front of his wardrobe.

Don’t forget to adorn the floor with area rugs. If the motif is in black and white, you can easily find an area rug in this color combination as it is a popular choice for a contemporary home theme. An option is to buy two shag rugs, one in white and the other in black. As for other colors, purchase area rugs that suit the motif of the room.

When he is in his room, his creativity will flow as he has the right ambience for this, and he will be well on his way to becoming the music virtuoso he has always wanted to be. Your teenager will love being in his room, surrounded by the influences that so inspire him. For all you know, he might turn out to be the next musical genius.

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Decorating With Curtains

Sunday, March 14th, 2010

Blinds are what most people use when they go to place up something on the windows. But a lot of people are going back to the classic curtain look. These people feel that they have good reasons of why they should get rid of the blinds and put up curtains instead. You can actually make curtains for a lot less than the cost of blinds.

Most people feel that blinds are just too much of a hassle to clean. While a curtain you can just take down and get dry cleaned or even throw into the washing machine. Blinds need to be hand cleaned and you need to clean each section or it will only continue to look dirty.

Another aspect about choosing curtains is that they are far less expensive than blinds. Custom blinds can be costly but curtains can be very cheap, especially if you buy them from a discount store and they are ready made. If you choose custom draperies, you will find that they could turn out to be more expensive than blinds. But most people today are getting away from heavy, custom drapes and seeking out lighter curtains.

If you make the curtains yourself, you can save even more money. Making curtains is not difficult to do. You can even make them out of bed sheets if you choose. Making curtains only involves using a straight stitch on the sewing machine. There are no-sew ways to make curtains as well, such as using an iron on basting technique. No sew curtains are easy to make; you just need to use the iron on basting tape to create the seam.

Use any color or type of fabric to make your hand made curtains. Make sure the color is something that will fit in with the decor of the room nicely. You can also add some throw rugs to the floor to pull in the color of the curtain you have made. You don’t have to always match the colors either, there are several designs that have totally different colors in them, but if you do this the right way your room will look fantastic. Area rugs are a nice way that you can pull it all together for the look and they don’t cost a lot of money either.

No sew curtains are easy to create and require minimal time. If you have not made a pair of curtains before you will be amazed at how fast it can be completed. Creating curtains requires that you pick the right material, color and of course your glue or thread that you will be using. With curtains you can blend two different colors together that will bring out the theme or focal point in your room.

Interior Design has never been so easy with these colored area rugs.

Decorating Tips For The Living Room

Sunday, March 14th, 2010

A common living area in your house should be decorated in such a way that it is warm comfortable and inviting so that everyone enjoys spending time in there. Included in this article are some tips for how to have a successful venture into the world of decorating, while keeping it simple and attainable.

Cleanliness is next to godliness. How true is that! A clean living room no matter how small or simple is more appealing than a big and embellished but messy living room. A clean house speaks volumes about the homeowners and a cluttered receiving area magnifies that volume even more. Now you wouldn’t want to be called a slob, would you?

Your living room should be invigorating! You can add pops of colors through throw pillows, lamps, and area rugs. An area rug will also help you to define your space. It will help you to block off the seating area from the rest of the room. These rugs can be very bold in color, as this is one of your key pieces to bringing color into your living area. You can browse online for different area rugs and ordering them through the computer will have them delivered straight to your front door. It doesn’t get any easier than this! Since the rug is on the floor, you really can’t go too overboard in adding color. It isn’t that easily noticed, and if it is bright people will pick up on your look quicker than ever.

Colors and designs can be displayed in throw pillows, curtains, lamps and area rugs. Area rugs and other home decors can also be bought from online stores. Less hassle of shopping but same opportunity to see an amazing array of goods. Take your sweet time shopping for your decorations. The important thing is to go with the things you like. They don’t have to be expensive, current or adored by others. If items tickle your fancy, you will love seeing them. And if you like what you see, then you’re bound to have a satisfied and pleasant home experience.

Decorating the living room might be a heavy task for some as the pressure of making it look good is usually there. But just think of it as a worthy investment of time, money and effort. After, you will see that a nice living room becomes a home magnet too. You would love spending time at home and so are friends who would enjoy paying you their visits.

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