Home Decorators Collection

Seven Home Decor Quick Make-Over Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 19:52:00 +0000

If your home décor is beginning to look a little "frazzled", then here are seven tips to give your room a quick make-over without breaking the family budget. Not all home decorating projects have to mean knocking down walls and hiring a contractor. You can easily accomplish these seven tips over a few days and bring a lifeless, dull room back to life.

1. CLEAN: If you have a family, then you probably have newspapers, magazines, books, toys, shoes, clothes, etc., that detract from the personality of your room. Find or create new storage spaces for these items. Give your draperies and upholstered furnishings a good vacuuming. Remove all your decorative collectibles and give each piece a thorough cleaning. You want the space to have a fresh beginning.

2. FOCAL POINT: If your room is lacking a focal point, try painting one wall in a different, but coordinating color, that complements the rest of your room and furnishings. The newly painted wall will instantly become the focal point of the room. Decorate the wall with interesting art work or a large ornately framed mirror. (If you opt to use a mirror, make sure it reflects a pleasant view - never a blank wall or closet door). Place a favorite piece of furniture against the new focal point wall to complete the look. If your room already has a nice focal point, consider giving the entire room a fresh new coat of paint. A simple color change can make an incredible difference in your room.

3. REARRANGE THE FURNITURE: No matter the size of your room, pull the furniture away from the walls. Place your furnishings at interesting angles in front of your focal point to create an intimate conversation area. If you room is narrow, try placing the sofa on the diagonal to make the room appear wider. Never arrange your room so that the traffic flow runs directly through your conversational area.

4. REARRANGE THE RUG: If you have an area rug, turn it on an angle and use it to define your newly arranged conversation area. If you have wall-to-wall carpeting, try layering a complimentary area rug in your conversation area. (Use carpet-to-carpet tape to anchor the area rug. This helps keep the area rug in place, and, more importantly, helps prevent someone from tripping over the edges of the rug).

5. ADD GREENERY: Breathe new life into your room with the addition of healthy green plants. Use plants of varying heights and species for interest. Keep your plants in good health and well-trimmed. (A vase of fresh cut flowers is always a beautiful addition to any room). If you have poor lighting, consider using good quality silk greenery. Silk greenery is actually a safer choice if you have small children or pets.

6. BUY SOME NEW LAMPS: Nothing can make your room look more outdated and stale than lamps from the sixties. Find unique, interesting lamps that will make a bold statement and relate to the personality of your room. Look for lighting with three-way switches. This offers you a variety of lighting options to set the mood in your room.

7. ADD PERSONALITY AND ACCESSORIES: Refresh your favorite family photographs by treating them to a new frame. Hang interesting artwork, mirrors or architectural pieces that reflect your personality. Give new life to your sofa and chairs with decorative pillows and throws. This is an easy way to add color and texture to your room. Create vignettes with your freshly cleaned collectibles. Group them in odd numbers at varying heights. Use hardbound books in stacks, or assorted decorative boxes, to assist with varying the heights. Bring in some candlelight to add drama and warmth. Last, but not least, add something "unexpected" just for fun.

With a little bit of imagination and creativity, you can turn your "frazzled" home décor into a fresh, exciting new space. Renew your passion for decorating your home - "one room at a time!"

Home Decorating Ideas - 5 Big Mistakes to Avoid

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 19:33:00 +0000

When it comes to home decoration, it is certainly important to make choices that reflect your personal taste and one-of-a-kind style. But it is possible to take your signature style a bit too far. Here are six sure-fire ways to lose your "decorator of the year" award.

1. Ignore the scale of the room. Nothing looks more out of place than doll-house sized furniture in a grand living room, or a baby grand piano stuffed into a cozy den. The furniture that worked in your old house or apartment may simply be out of scale for the rooms in your new home, so bite the bullet and replace those items with furniture that makes sense.

2. Hang all of your pictures too high. For some reason, most do-it-yourself decorators hang pictures at a height that only works for NBA basketball players. The focal point of the piece of art should be at gallery level, which is generally considered to be at eye-level for an average person who is 5 feet 7 inches tall. If you are hanging a picture to act as an accent piece for a table or lamp, the elements should be within 10 or 12 inches of each other.

3. Display every piece of bric-a-brac you own. In home decorating, more is not necessarily better. If you own a large collection of porcelain rabbits, it can be visually overwhelming to display them all together.. For some reason, an odd number in a grouping is more visually dynamic than en even number, so choose three or five of your favorites rabbits to display in a grouping, and send the rest of your collection into hibernation for awhile. When the seasons change, you can swap out the next group of bunnies.

4. Match everything. Have you ever walked into a room where the flowered wallpaper matched the flowered tablecloth, which matched the flowered seat napkins and the seat cushions? Did it give you a headache? If this scenario describes a room in your house, you may want to replace the busy flowered napkins with a complimentary solid color, and rethink the wallpaper altogether.

The same concept goes for furniture. It is better to have two matching pieces of furniture in a room, paired with a couple of complimentary single pieces. The very best room décor appears to have been carefully collected over a period of years, rather than purchased at Art Van in one fell swoop on a Saturday afternoon.

5. Make it precious. The last major decorating mistake occurs when home decorators try too hard. The result is a room that makes for a great photograph, but lacks any kind of warmth or human appeal. If your guests are afraid to move a sofa pillow for fear of upsetting the tableau, you need to reassess your decorating goals. Perhaps you can swap out the silk pillows for casual linen pillows and make sure there is a comfy place for guests to put their feet up.

By avoiding the five pitfalls described above, you can create a warm and inviting space in which to live and entertain your family and friends. Just remember, when decorating your home, the results should look more like you, and less like the JC Penney catalog.

5 Ways In Which You Can Make Simple Changes To Your Home Decorating

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 20:44:00 +0000

Home decorating, ever wanted to try it, but hesitated because of time constraints or budget concerns. The following ideas will not only give instant results, but more importantly fit into any budget.

1. Changing the Look of Your Walls

Adding a new color or changing the texture, can give the room a completely new appearance and that may be the only decorating change that is necessary. The easiest option is to paint, and with the color choices available, the possibilities are endless. Another consideration would be wallpaper; the only problem you may have is choosing a design. If on the other hand, only a little something extra is needed a simple stencil design might just do the trick. Any of these ideas can be used either individually or in combination with each other.

2. Look to Your Windows For a Whole New View

Changing your window treatments is probably the easiest of any home decorating projects. The choices range from styles that include drapes, tab-top, cafe and shears, backgrounds of solid colors, floral and stripes, fabrics that include silk, cotton, lace or velvet. The most economical is ready-made; they are very affordable therefore giving you the opportunity to make changes more often.

3. Accessories Make Your Decorating Complete

Some of the more common are area rugs, wall art, lamps, pillows and cozy throws. Items for the kitchen make beautiful additions, for example; canisters, dinnerware, dishtowels or decorative bottles filled with oils and vinegar. Add a little whimsy with oversized ceramic figures like roosters, or the adorable pigs holding chalkboard menus. Bathrooms are another area for pretty accessories like decorative soaps placed in a bowl or basket; towels come in so many colors and designs now that they alone make great accessories. Last but not least do not forget candles and bowls of potpourri.

4. Collectibles Bring a Personal Touch to Home Decorating

Collectibles can be anything involving three or more of the same thing, or items that are related. This can include porcelain dolls, Christmas villages, collector plates and who can resist those adorable little faces of Boyds Bears. Maybe items with a nostalgic feel like tin lunchboxes, cookie jars or salt & peppershakers stir up special memories of childhood.

5. Updating Your Furniture

One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is with slipcovers; they come in a large variety of colors and patterns. Pieces like end tables, hutches or even a dinning table and chairs can be refinished for a new look. One way is with paint. Pick a color to coordinate with your room or choose something bright and whimsical. Another option would be to use stain, stains come in a multitude of shades; they can also come in colors.

So, if you are ready to give some decorating a go, try these basic changes to start. Over time, more things can be changed but for right now, simple changes can make a big difference.

This article is shareware. Give this article away for free on your site, or include it as part of any paid package as long as the entire article is left intact including this notice. Copyright © 2004 Bonnie Carrier

Common Home Decorating Mistakes - Have You Committed A Crime of Home Fashion?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 22:13:00 +0000

It's happened to anyone who has decorated a room. You put in tons of blood, sweat, and tears (not to mention money) designing a room with the perfect color scheme, the perfect furniture, the perfect window treatments -- only to find it's lacking that certain something.

A common design mistake could be the culprit.

But don't lose hope. For every design mistake, there is a lesson to be learned, and an even better home design to be achieved. So, we've collected some of the most common design mistakes and some creative ways to fix them.

Design Mistake #1: Bad Lighting

Let's face it - no matter how trendy your color scheme, no matter how fashion forward your furniture, if you can't see it (or if the lighting is so poor it alters the look), you can't appreciate it.

How to Fix It:

First of all, make sure your most valuable lighting accessory (the sun) is getting through. Effective window treatments that combine fashion and function are key in this solution. Any shade or blind that allows you to control incoming light is going to help you out here: sheer shades with horizontal or vertical vanes that can be adjusted are one solution. Plantation shutters also offer a classic look, with the ability to control the light that comes through.

Also, try not to ever limit any room to a single light source. Add floor and table lamps, even when there is an overhead light fixture. This will not only give you more resources for brightening the room, it will also give you more options for changing the ambience, as you can play with the number of lights you have on at once.

Design Mistake #2: Looking Up to Your Art

For some reason, many people try to balance out a room by placing their wall artwork high above their furniture. However, instead of balancing the room, it makes the pieces appear as though they are "floating", achieving a disorganized effect instead of a "put together" one.

How to Fix It:

Wall decor should relate to the furniture below it. Some designers suggest that there should be between 66"-72" from your floor to the top of any hanging wall artwork or pictures. Of course, there are exceptions with larger pieces, but this is a good rule of thumb that will help you keep your wall decor from floating away.

Design Mistake #3: Everything Matches!

While we're not suggesting clashing colors and furniture is in, too much matching can actually be a design nightmare. When everything matches exactly, a viewer's eye is not drawn to any one thing in particular, which can make the room appear dull. In addition, with nothing standing out to break up the monotony, a completely matching room can actually appear more cluttered.

How to Fix It:

Coordinate, don't duplicate. When choosing accessories, furniture, and colors, pick items that will blend well together but do not repeat themselves. Items from the same color family, but not of the exact same color or pattern will work better.

No plans to replace that matching furniture suite? No problem! You can neutralize extreme matching by changing colors! Choosing a different wall color can tone down or unite the patterns.

Design Mistake #4: Choosing Quantity over Quality

This is, by far, one of the most common design mistakes, and often results in over furnishing, over accessorizing, and way too many knick-knacks. It works against a unified look for a room, as every space becomes crowded with tiny accessories and picture frames. In moderation, these accessories accent a room - but their overuse can make a room feel crowded, cramped, and disjointed.

How to Fix It:

But what you love, and only buy it because you love it, not because it's on sale. (Admit it, we've all done it) And if you can't afford that gorgeous large wall hanging yet, don't purchase small candle holders and picture frames instead. Wait and save up! Your room decor will thank you for it.

Let's say you have a collection of knick-knacks and small items you adore; they really capture your personal style. You can still have quantity AND quality. Organize your favorite home design accessories by massing groups of smaller things together, for a more unified look. And don't forget - not every accessory you own has to be displayed at once. Display one group at a time, and you'll have plenty of ways to refresh your decor each season!

Design Mistake #5: I Just Want to Get it Done!

Home decorating takes time, exploration and research, but too often people make decisions too quickly, without testing the possibilities or researching various options. This can lead to paint colors that don't look right (they can often look different in the natural lighting of your home), or even worse, an ignoring of your own personal style in an effort to get it done.

How to Fix It:

Test, explore, and research! And when you've done all that, listen to your gut! Home decor magazines are a great place to start your research. There are also a variety of online tools that can help, like BlindCrafter.com's MyStyle, an online guide to design styles, based on what YOU like, not only what is hot now.

Ultimately, your home decorating choices are up to you. These guidelines can help you achieve the look you are aiming for, but always remember to trust your gut -- there truly is an interior designer within all of us.

Top 10 Must Have Home Decor

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 15 Feb 2014 19:22:00 +0000

Home decoration concept is revolutionizing! The beauty of home may be accentuated with pretty add-ons. Your preferences plays vital role in choosing home decorator collection for your house, the practical approach is always to look out for the living space available and how you would like to make use of it. Space in your home should need to be taken into account while selecting décor. Use the available space wisely and creatively...With a modest amount of creative imagination and novelty it is possible to completely change the look and feel of your house. Just a little deviation from common colorings and textured walls bring amazing changes to interiors. This could also allow you to show off your spirits geared up to any special occasion.

As soon as you've selected a design and style, home decorating stores, traditional outlets or local flea markets will be a fantastic starting point for home decoration items. Home decoration stores are flooded with variety of high end house hold goods. With the ease of internet, everything you need to do is to browse through a number of products offered and pick one which suits your needs. In the following paragraphs we will discover the top ten home decor:

1. Photoframes - Everyone wants to keep their most memorable moment's picture clicked and adorned in a beautiful picture frame. Hunt for exclusive photo frames with beveled glass, unconventional patterns, or clay fruity one for kid's room.

2. Flower vase - This can be very important part of your drawing room or living room or even terracotta vase for the garden.

3. Wall clocks - Wall clocks do more than telling time to your décor. Pendulum clock and Cuckoo watches gives antique feel to the room.

4. Wall hangings - Wide range of wall hangings, made of natural fiber- jute; rugs or wall carpets to quilts to tapestry wall hangings and wooden quotation planks.

5. Metal figurines - Brass or white metal idols of gods, statue of Venus too are nice decorative items.

6. Religious symbols - Spiritual symbols owe due reverence. Om and Swastik are the common hangings.

7. Decorative mirrors - Jumbo mughal painting mirror gives traditional Indian touch to your dressing room.

8. Lighting fixtures - Lights are vital in decoration. It may hide flaws or highlight them if not used aesthetically.

9. Carpet and Rugs - Colorful silk wall carpets or a neutral color rug increase the beauty of wall.

10. Furnishings - Furniture need not necessarily be of wood...Against this trend now get a wrought iron, pipe, cane furniture to save space.

Many home decorating stores or home décor boutiques have mushroomed across the country and qualified interior decorator there readily assist you in turning your abode into a godly place. They understand mechanics of designing, thus are of great help.

Many retail stores have gone online; their round the customer helpline will be available any time of the day. Online shopping lets you browse the every detail of the product and then compare prices on other websites too before buying. Look out for bargains and save some bucks...on home decor stores online.

The Right Home Decor Accessory to Entice Up Your Home

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 21:29:00 +0000

The popular saying "Home Sweet Home" is so very true! Wherever we are or go in life, no matter what, we love to return home. Why not return home with a feeling of visiting your stress free oasis? All you need to accomplish this is purchasing the right home décor accessory. Finding the right home décor accessory can really entice up your home!

Maybe all you need is one masterpiece to add to the final touches of your exquisite home décor. You can make your home look enchanting by choosing the best home décor idea to suit your room's furnishings. A home décor accessory will make an outstanding statement and express your personality! There are many different types of accessories and collections available one of which is the Designer's Choice Collections. These collections feature superb home décor for every room in your home.

The Swept Away Collection can be added to a foyer to create an appeal of nature. You can demonstrate your appreciation for nature with the ornaments of this collection. The collection consists of a "Tree of Life" mirror, a butterfly Mack tray made out of hand stamped gold leafs, a cylinder vase with meadow pussywillow branches, a large Mother-of-Pearl box, a beautiful decorative headdress made out of hand-cut tins to form spectacular shapes of flowers, birds, and bells, and a marguerite bowl made out of dazzling brass formed in the shape of daisies. These stunning home decor accessories are placed on a mahogany tabletop to complete the Swept Away Collection. If you have an appreciation for nature then make the choice to be swept away with this attractive collection of nature-inspired pieces!

Every home needs an office whether it is for personal or business use. By decorating your home office, you will be more productive, because you will enjoy spending time in it. You will want to decorate your office to appeal to your taste. One way to do this is by adding fine home décor accessories such as lamps, organizers, and desk tools.

A Designer's Choice Collection for the home office is called "The Sophisticated Office". This fabulous collection expresses your professionalism by adding style to your office. The collection consists of an elegant antiqued brass lamp; vinyl textured wooden mouse pad, document storage box, notepad holder and three-section letter holder, sterling silver and mother-of-pearl magnifying glass and letter opener. Take the time to appreciate the hard work you have done by adding some exquisite home décor accessories to your office!

These are just a few of the themed Designer's Choice Collections. You are encouraged to delight yourself by taking the time to define your personal living space. You won't regret it and you will receive many compliments along the way! Also, you could always purchase a home décor gift for a special occasion or a housewarming gift. These brilliant collections can be a dazzling gift to show your token of appreciation!

Talavara Home Decorating

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 17:57:00 +0000

Have you ever heard the word Talavera? Talavera is the most popular and traditional creation in Puebla Mexico, which prepared only by the hand and used as a Talavara home decorating. It is a handicraft composes with any different kind of colors and design made by the Mexican people. It makes much attraction to the people, so that they are interesting to buy the handicraft. Talavera is the perfect decoration because it can gives good-looking and must attention in our home.

Talavara home decorating can be placed every part of the house. It has a good quality thats why it is much expensive. Talavera was special because it made of different kinds of handicraft. There are many designs that Talavera has. Most of this home decoration creates like a vase and jar some are object found in the kitchen and other part of the home. It has an attractive style like the different kinds of animal and some drawing and painting that filled of colors.

This Talavara home decorating is also used by the other people to catch the attention of many tourists so that the handicraft made in the place might be the tourist spot every year.

Having this home decoration in our home look likes we are in other place. It is because the design of painting around the Talavera. If you are interesting to have this handicraft you can go to Mexico and find the wonderful and attractive Talavera pottery. For your new make over by the used of this home decorating you can enjoy and the changes of your beloved home.

The use of Talavara home decorating is more important to encourage us to put some effort when it comes to decoration. For help us to make a work of art in designing our own home. Even on the garden or in the living room we can feel comfortable on what we see around our home. It will be a part of your expensive collection, and a part of your home with your family and friends. This Mexican handicraft will take as a mirror of yourself that can reflect on how you decorating your home. It will be a enjoy experience to have some collection of the Talavera pottery. It makes you good looking by showing them how clean and neat you are when it comes to home decorating by Talavera.

Home Decor - Decorating for Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 17:46:00 +0000

Happy summer, everyone. It happened yesterday, but since it was storming here with tornado watches, you may have missed it! The weather has been varied, but we know the heat and humidity is coming. It's time to look around our homes and take stock of our Home Decor and bring summer inside.

Put away heavy-looking throws and pillows, and replace them with linen or cotton ones in summery colors of turquoise, yellows, oranges, pinks and lavenders. Remember when folks long ago (maybe not so long ago for some of us) had as part of their home furnishings, heavy drapes of velvet and damask in the winter to stop the cold drafts from sneaking in around the windows? They would change the drapes out in the summer for lighter fabrics and throw open their windows. Nowadays we're lucky we have air conditioning, but if you have, say, antique satin lined drapes, you can still bring summery home accents into your rooms by changing-up your drapes to light and airy lace, silks, and voiles.

Treat yourself to a little shopping trip for some unique decorations that the stores are showing for this season. Why not get some new designer gifts to spread around your living area, like aromatic candles in fruity or flowery blends? While air conditioning is great for comfort, I miss the smell of garden flowers wafting into my home on a gentle summer breeze. Pick up a few extra candles while you're at it to have on hand as hostess or housewarming gifts for all those summer parties you've been invited to.

And of course, don't forget to bring flowers into your home cut fresh from your garden. I love roses and I'm always having to replace a few bushes every year - maddening - but I can't stop myself from replanting every year. They can be stingy with how many blooms they give you, but as home accents in my home décor, they are hard to beat.

And finally, buy something personally for yourself for having such a great sense of style in bringing summer into your home! Why not choose some new bath and body products in summery essences, or a perfume or best cologne in a light, clean fragrance?

We hope you'll find our product offerings add to the serenity of your home and enhance the enjoyment of your surroundings.

Cheers to you and your sunny, summery home decor!

Home Decorating Tips for Small Kitchens

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 16:40:00 +0000

Having a small kitchen can seem inconvenient and cramped. By following a few simple home decorating tips, however, you can easily make the kitchen seem larger and more comfortable to work in. In fact, you might find that a small kitchen is better than a large one.

In order to maximize the space in your kitchen, you should utilize the space that you used to ignore. For example, you can hang your cooking utensils and your pots and pans. With these home decorating tips, you will find that it is far easier for you to find the items you need, and you can actually create a unique and intriguing look in your kitchen.

Hanging your cooking utensils helps make your kitchen easier to use because everything is in one easy to reach space. At the same time, you can hang your pots and pans in a creative way that adds interest to your kitchen. If space allows, you can even throw in some collectibles with the items you hang in your kitchen. When hanging collectibles, however, it is important to implement some additional home decorating tips.

One of the best home decorating tips to follow when it comes to making your kitchen feel roomier while showing off your collectibles is to utilize shelving as much as possible. By mixing together your collectibles with your functional cooking items, you can create interesting and colorful décor while also keeping your cooking items nearby and easy to reach.

It is also a good idea to select items that can serve more than one purpose. For example, you might select a kitchen table that also functions as a prep area for cooking. With small rooms, one of the most important home decorating tips you should keep in mind is duel functioning. By serving multiple purposes with an item, you can save space and get the most out of the space you have.

Home Decorators

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 18:30:00 +0000

Home Decorators Have A Friend In Kirkland's

Home decorators come in two varieties: those who do it as a professional endeavor and get paid for their work, and those who do it as a hobby. According to the U.S. Census, of the 100 million homes occupied, approximately 60 percent are single family houses. So this group of home décor hobbyists can safely be thought of as large enough to be worthy of noting.

There are many reasons men and women alike choose to take up home decorating as a hobby: out of necessity, to create a visually pleasing environment in each room, to create a special motif whether it is Japanese Zen style, urban loft style, or an English country home style - or to simply become more organized. Whatever the reason, this group of people will be around as long as there are homes to personalize.

What every hobbyist needs - besides a room to work in - are the pieces to put in place. There are many choices of where to go to shop online or locally, but finding the right place that is convenient and reliable can be a challenge. Selecting just the right pieces for the personal taste and budget of the shopper can require the help of someone knowledgeable in the area.

Here are some online and brick and mortar stores to consider shopping through to visit online and in-person to help along the budding home decorating hobbyist.

The Hobby Lobby - At hobbylobby.com there is a selection of themed based décor, ranging from the baby's room to the bedroom converted into a home office. For the feminine touch, there is an assortment of over 100 ladies' decorative pieces from which to choose. While the site is a generalized hobby shop, there is a wide variety of home decoration needs to make the visit worthwhile. From bathrooms and birdhouses to figurines and wall décor, the Hobby Lobby will certainly have a piece that will perfectly fit into the desired style of the room.

Kirklands - For a combination of changing styles and affordability that has both an online and local store presence, Kirklands is one of the best choices. There are times when the need to actually touch the item you are looking for before buying is necessary, and Kirklands is one of the places where that can be done. Both space savers and space dividers are available, with accent furniture and wine racks for large living areas or small kitchen spaces. Their inventory is constructed from many different types of material to match most budgets and styles.

Home Decorators Collection - An online store, this site features the Martha Stewart Living Craft Space collection for storage and organization, making cabinets and consoles simple and stylish. But there are a lot of choices for wall decor and lighting at this site. With Tiffany styled wall, ceiling, and desktop lighting, the classic look of the Art Nouveau theme of the early 20th century. The wall décor options are a combination of art work and mirrors to enlarge the appearance of a small room or to enhance the beauty of a large room.

Tips to Complete Your Home Decor

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 08 Feb 2014 13:46:00 +0000

The process of decorating your home can be both arduous and enjoyable. But just arranging the furniture in the room and adding the essentials to your home is not enough. Chances are you realize that your home still looks unfinished. Your home decor may lack little details and touches, but you can't define what exactly is missing. Use these tips to complete any newly decorated room with your personal style.

Home Decor Tells a Lot about the Owner

Home decor can be a tricky process. You want to make sure it shows your style, flair, and family heirlooms without looking overdone. Plants and flowers are a great way to dress up a bland room in no time. You don't need anything expensive or dramatic; you can simply add a potted plant on a side table, or find a wonderful silk plant for a high shelf. Adding greenery of any type will spice up a room.

Your favorite things gathered from around the house can give your home decor a very personal touch. It could be a family heirloom, a well worn book, sporting equipment, or even an old teapot that you don't use anymore. Group your items in an attractive collection on a bare shelf, or adorn a bookcase with a few of your favorite knick knacks to personalize your home decor.

A Work in Progress

The best part of home decor is that your room doesn't have to be put together in one day. It can take a week, a month, or a year to find the perfect piece that fits in. Have fun shopping at yard sales or flea markets to find a one-of-a-kind piece that you adore. Home decor is a way of showing off your personality, your interests, and your passions in life.

Color Is Essential to Home Decor

Color can be a wonderful way to dress up your home decor. Again, your personality can be shown through your favorite color added to different pieces of the room. Avoid overusing the color, though. Little accents along the way to pull a room together is what you need; stick to one or two hues you like and run with them.

Adding More Life to Home Decor

Your home decor can become even livelier with nice pictures of your family throughout the house. Using pictures of the loves of your life is never old-fashioned and can match almost any type of home decor. An important tip to remember is that you should use the same color and style of frames so that it doesn't look too eclectic - unless that is the style you are going for. It is generally more pleasing to the eye to have a collection of silver frames, or another style that coordinates well.

One important thing to remember is - home decor should accent a room and be subtle, not overwhelming. No matter what type of home decor you choose, keep the consistency and add items that contribute to the general style of the room.

How to Use Collections in Home Decorating

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 09:41:00 +0000

Collections are a wonderful window into a person's personality and are an extension of hospitality. They almost always invite conversation which makes them the perfect way to accessorize a home. We are going to focus on what makes a collection, how to collect, collections for display, and how to arrange collections of smaller items.

A similar element in most great interiors is their collections. Hillwood, the very grand home of Marjorie Merriweather Post in Washington D.C. had its' interiors designed around the superb collections of Russian porcelain and other objects she acquired during her lifetime. I'm not suggesting that the rest of us have interiors that revolve around museum quality collections, but rather that personal collections belong in anyone's home.

Collections are what you can decorate a room around. They can provide inspiration in color or theme. In the living room for a seaside retreat in Florida the bowl of seashells on the cocktail table inspired the entire room. There is a comfortable club chair upholstered in a sophisticated seashell motif fabric from which a custom rug got its' sand dollar inspiration and colors. I then took a piece of this fabric and had a large entrance hall mirror fabricated in real seashells that matched those in the fabric. Interior designers love it when a client has a collection because that is the soul of the home which can provide direction. What a good collection does is make a home real.

In the dictionary, the definition is to gather, assemble and accumulate. Nowhere is there a description to look at a picture from a catalogue and click "purchase", assembling an entire collection all at once. Take your time to collect what is meaningful to you. This brings life and interest to a collection.

When you are on vacation ignore the touristy trinkets focus on objects that would fit into a collection, bring back a great pair of candlesticks, picture frames, dishes, appropriate artwork, a chair, or some beautiful art glass. This can save you a lot of unnecessary clutter. Collect some shells or stones from a walk along the beach. Look for items that you would display or use in your home. How wonderful is it to have someone ask about the grouping of boxes you have on your table and can tell the tale of stumbling upon a certain in this tiny little shop in Italy, another one was made by your great grandfather, etc.

From early childhood I have collected rocks and seashells. The stones aren't on display other than a couple of special polished Petoskey stones from where I grew up. The seashell collecting has evolved. It started very small and recently grew to large groups from different locations. I have a large glass vase is filled with shells collected early every morning before work when I was on a design job in Naples, Florida, described above. From there it evolved further in to large groups of certain types of shells from our vacations. I now have a collection of glass jars that house collections of shells. Who knew they would become popular again?

The key to collections is editing. The first is to edit what you are going to collect. Try and steer yourself to items that are attractive and meaningful rather than kitsch or something inherited from a family member that you wouldn't have selected on your own. Determine what items that you like, have always been drawn to AND would look appropriate in your home. If you live in a very specific period home (Victorian, colonial, mid-century, or other historic property) your collections may revolve around appropriate items for that period. Sometimes the locale such as seaside, tropical, mountains, etc. can inspire you.

Next you edit what you are going to display and where. One particular room or location in your home might be appropriate for a specific collection. A collection of blue and white china would look fabulous arranged and hung on a butter yellow dining room wall. As with any accessorizing in your home remember, a woman never wears every item in her jewelry box at once. Restraint is key. For the collection of blue and white china, what is on the wall only represents a small portion.

One of the most dramatic ways to display a collection is en masse. I once heard a woman describe her beautiful collection of crosses...a few in every room. Yikes, that isn't a collection it is a statement - one she didn't want to make. She had seen crosses displayed on a wall in a magazine and that made it "okay" for her to display her collection. Spreading the items throughout her home diminished their importance as a collection and instead displayed her lack of confidence. Group items together. Bold is beautiful. Scattered is whimpy. When the entire collection was hung on a two story entrance stairway wall the effect was stunning.

Wall hung items can make a great collage. Select your wall and measure the dimensions. Mimic this same space on a floor or table top so you can play with your arrangement until you are happy with it. Martha Stewart had a great idea in one of her magazines to lay the items out on a large sheet of paper, trace their shapes and then hang the paper on the wall to check your layout. This allows you to make sure you have the appropriate spacing. Then you can use the paper as a template to hammer or screw in all of your hooks or hangers. Large wall hung collections are a simple way to fix a dull and boring stairway wall. The trick is to limit the amount of space between the items to inches rather than feet and treat the entire group as one large object.

Little cubes or shelves are also a way to hang a small collection of items on a wall. These are available at many mass market retail stores (Target or Ikea) and catalogues (West Elm). In the old days, people used elaborate, often carved wood wall brackets to display valuable china and porcelain pieces or other objects. This traditional approach can be used in either a modern or contemporary interior with new or antique wall brackets. You could use wall brackets for a few special items interspersed into your wall collage of a larger collection. This would work well for a pair of small vases that coordinate with the blue and white china collection mentioned previously.

Tabletop items can be easy. Stones, shells, coral, or other smallish items can be placed in a simple bowl or on a wonderful tray. Larger ones can be placed in a group or on their own depending on size, directly on a table. Groups of small boxes, vases, or candlesticks make a stunning display in the center of a cocktail table. Just remember to think of it as a cityscape or skyline so you allow differing heights of items. Not everything has to line up in terms of size or height but you need to create an order to maintain the balance in the display. Collections of books can also be artfully placed or stacked in groups on a table. The key to modern tabletop displays is simplicity. Create displays that allow for empty spaces too. Do not cover every inch of the tabletop. However, in older homes with period correct interiors this is appropriate.

These are only a few suggestions. It would be impossible to mention every possibility. People collect all kinds of things. The important thing is to create order and dramatic impact in any collection placement whether it is your husband's model car collection, a child's fairy collection or even a teenager's collection of photographs.

Collections are a point of focus, an area to beckon the viewer's attention. A pleasant way to direct this focus is to allow the area surrounding the collection to remain quite. Sometimes this means blank or empty and other times depending on your collection it just means uncomplicated. The point is when you display a collection nothing else in the immediate area should complete with it for the viewer's attention. After all the time and effort you put into this collection you want to be certain it has pleasant impact.

Definitive Guide For Buying Nautical Home Decor

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 18:10:00 +0000

Nautical home decor is becoming more and more popular even with people whose homes are not located anywhere near the sea. It really should not come as a surprise because the bright colors of the sea and the sky can surely turn a house into a cheerful and dazzling home. Not only that, it is also very easy to find these kinds of home decor and you do not have to spend a lot.

Let us start with the free items, which you can commonly find outdoors. When you go on vacations and have a chance to visit seashore, it is a good idea to gather pieces of decorative items that you can use to incorporate in your nautical home decor.

Sea treasures such as seashells, sand, driftwood, corals and so on, can add priceless beauty to your home. For instance, you can hang on the wall the driftwood you collected from the shore. Voila, an instant nautical wall décor. You can place small shells of different colors in a clear vase or use corals to form a coral sculpture that can be a focal point of interest in your living room.

For buying pieces of nautical home decors, you have a wide array of options of places to choose from. For one, you can choose to buy these pieces in the local department store or furniture shop, which usually sell nautical home décor all year round. You can also find wonderful ornaments in collectible shops or antique stores.

Another option to buy nautical home decor is online. The Internet, which became a popular venue for selling and buying products and services, can provide you with different stores that sell this kind of home decorative items. Just be sure that you are careful when doing your online shopping because many phishing sites proliferate the cyber market.

Before you go buy from a certain online store, it is advisable that you first examine the site to determine if it is legitimate or not. In order for you to know, check if the store has a contact information or physical address. Contact or visit the store and talk to a customer service representative, who should be able to assist you efficiently in your shopping.

Furthermore, you can also contact the brand of nautical home decors being supplied by the online store to see if this is truly a legitimate and accredited supplier. You can also talk to past customers so you will have an idea on the kind of product and service offered by the store.

When buying pieces, you have to make a checklist of everything you need to buy and then set a budget so that you do not overspend. Remember, with this kind of home decor, you do not need to spend a fortune to find beautiful items. Your options for nautical home decor include miniature sailboats, nautical wall decor, sea equipment, lantern, glass float, oars, fishing pole, sails, tropical wall hangings, and many others.

As for fabrics like for curtains, table cloths, or sofa sheets, cotton canvas in the shades of ecru or blue is the way to go. This is not only durable but also complement beautifully to your nautical home décor.

What is great about buying nautical home décor is that they hardly ever get out of style. This means that the ornaments you buy today will still be highly appreciated even in the years to come.

Home Decorating From Flea Market Buys

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 17:06:00 +0000

Don't you just love the flea market?

It is a treasure trove for the bargain hunter. You never know what you might discover in a flea market.

You could end up with an entire collection of postcards, or vases, or pressed flower portraits or rather intriguing works of art. All for amazingly low prices. One man's junk could well be your treasure. Perfect for recession time home decorating.

Who says cheap stuff must look cheap? If it fits in with your decor and you absolutely love it, buy it.

Okay, this can be tricky if your home is small and overcrowded. If that is the case, maybe you should sell stuff on the flea market instead of buying more. Still, you can always rotate the gorgeous finds and display some while keep the rest away safely in the storage cabinets, for when you get tired of the existing displays.

The trick is to go for themed buys. Think collections!

A dozen or more wooden postcard make quite a stunning bathroom display if they carry the same theme (e.g. seaside) and are grouped together in an aesthetically pleasing manner. An added bonus is that they give the occupant something to look at while doing his or her business.

A collection of flower pressings or drawings or same-themed artwork from the flea market can make the guest room a lot more interesting if they are framed up and arranged in an orderly manner on the walls.

Or you could cheat and get a kid's artwork. How to create a knock out display [http://www.home-decor-ideas.com/articles.php?article=26] has some fun ideas to try out along that line.

Oil Painting: Home Decor That Can Enhance the Interiors of Your Home

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 08:57:00 +0000

It is just typical for homeowners to value the thought of enhancing the interiors of their home in every possible way they can. It will really be nice to live in a home that not only boasts of an admirable structure, but also gives enough reason for the owner to take pride once its interiors are given a closer look.

One of the best ways to enhance the look of your home is by investing on an oil painting that can easily complement your home motif. There are certain advantages that go with the thought of using oil painting as a home decor and some of these are as follows:

Good Investment
The value of authentic oil paintings can grow as time goes by and putting your investment on it now, will not just enhance the beauty of your interiors but will also open the possibility of making a good fortune out of it in the future.

Quality that Never Fades
Its price may seem to be more expensive than other typical paintings that use different mediums like watercolor on paper, but along with the added price that you spend for it is the guarantee that the quality of the painting you buy will not fade for a long period of time because of certain factors like the environment and the passing years.

Beauty in all aspects
Any piece of art will be a guaranteed beauty especially for the person who knows how to appreciate art very well. Oil paintings create the most vibrant appeal and elegance, and it will certainly create a focal point for your home that will not fail to capture the attention and win the praises of the guests that come to your home.

Using oil paintings as the home decor that can enhance your home can assure you of the most sought after effects especially if you will be able to identify an authentic piece. You need to be particular about the choices that you make to be certain that you will be investing on the painting that can guarantee the best value in the future.

Consider using oil paintings as an effective home decor for your home. For sure, with proper care that you will put on these art pieces, it will not be difficult to discover the advantages that it can bring and make you realize that more than being a great addition to your typical home decor collection the painting will earn you great joy as its value is emphasized with each passing time.

Home Decor Collectibles - Making Enough and Attractive Space to Display Home Decor Collectibles!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 21:51:00 +0000

Human beings are collectors at heart. Seldom will you find anyone chucking something off into the dustbin, if it has beauty and something that appeals instantly to the artistic values and tastes. It is therefore, that people are found in habit of collecting different things all their lives. It is not just self gratification; it is also esteeming this collection as a treasure beyond compare.

Since centuries people have collected different stuff that may not be valuable for others but for the collector there could not be anything more valuable than this. Why are collectibles so special? It all depends on the efforts that are taken by every individual in shaping their collections. There are some which you can shop for from different locations, whereas some are so rare that a single one arriving for sale in the market creates a lot of excitement. This is especially true for coins, stamps, etc.

If you want to collect stuff, it could be anything from rocks to jewels. As a collector all you need is the passion and will to spend on collections. Generally, people collect their stuff all their life long. In fact, they can make their collection grow after they have put in substantial amount of money in acquiring some special pieces.

Collectors of antique furniture do not shy from visiting second-hand goods markets and flea markets, where they are most likely to find unique and vintage furniture. In fact, a visit to these places will easily show you some rare pieces that are wonderful and a treat for a person interested in them. People also collect stuff like Hollywood posters of their favorite actors and actresses. Finding a rare and a new one is like finding treasure always. When you find your favorite actors' unique and never before banner or a poster, people are willing to spend some more money to add it into their collection.

Coin collection classifies as one of the most expensive collections. Some coins dated from the ancient era are made of pure gold and would cost as high as a good sized investment. Again, it would depend on the era you want to collect coins. Very ancient coins of medieval era would be far more expensive since these are rare. Most such coins are museum owned and finding such in a normal individual's possession is a rare thing. You can however, find out more about your country's different coins if you know the perfect place where to search for them. Numismatics is interesting hobby.

Things that you have collected all your life long are valuable and worth exhibiting. It would be very important that you make special place where these are not damaged and at the same time viewed by everyone who comes to your home. Some of the expensive collectibles also require some security and damage control at the same time. Your planning of home should be carefully done for your collectibles to remain safe and sound.

You can always get glass showcases done for yourself. These would be safe and you can also make a light source inside for greater visibility. These can be locked and also can be created in different shapes and sizes to be accommodated easily into your living room. You can also create a home decor theme for collectibles.

Home Decor For an Eco Friendly Home

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 10:39:00 +0000

Home Decor and Eco Friendly Home with Style

Everybody wants his home to be as unique as possible and one great way to do this is to decorate your home with some home decors and accents that are not only eco friendly to your home and eco lifestyes, but will surely improve the way your home looks. When you buy a new house, chances are you are going to move in a bare, simple, and plain structure unless you are going to buy a fully furnished one. The decorating part will be completely up to you to make it unique and different from the other houses that have almost the same design. It would be just like personalizing or customizing your home to make it more stylish and reflect the personality of its owner. And this can all be done in an eco living and eco friendly home scenario.

When you already have all the furniture and appliances that you need, it is now time to add some extra details and accents that will complete your home or room decorations. You will have to consider some things before you start choosing the kind of home décor and accents to purchase like the kind of look that you want to achieve and your own personality and preference. You might find some guides about the latest trends in home decor and accents that could help you choose the right colors and styles for your home. When you do be sure it's eco friendly for your home.

To solve your problems about bare floors, you should definitely browse our collection of floor and area rugs that would add life to your floor. We offer a wide selection of decorative rugs made from different materials so you have lots of options and choices. You'll surely love our contemporary and modern rugs because they are trendy and very stylish. You could instantly add a touch of style in any room of your home just by placing these rugs. You could go from simple, classic, and elegant designs to those that are bold and adventurous depending on your personality. These rugs are perfect for people who are hip, fashionable, and always updated with the latest trends. And don't forget natural fibers when it comes to selecting those great rugs.

Have area and floor rugs and coverings that are specifically made to be used in kids' rooms. They come with fun designs and vibrant colors that your kids would surely love. If you want some good treats for your feet, then our wool or sheepskin rugs are for you. They are all natural fibers, very soft and will surely make your feet comfortable. They are also very nice to look at so they could add more sophisticated appeal to your home. We also have oriental rugs, cool rugs, hand-knotted rugs, and many more.

Have something that you can use to decorate your plain walls. We have artisan wall art collection and of course our hand-woven tapestries that would surely impress anyone who would see their beauty. We have some of the finest kind of tapestries in the whole world like the European, French, and Pansu tapestries that are famous for their beautiful designs and workmanship. We also carry tapestries by famous artists and these are perfect for you if you like the masterpieces of some of the world's most respected and famous artists like Da Vinci, Monet, Renoir, etc. All of these products are made with natural fibers.

Eco friendly home accents and accessories such as throw pillows and 100% cotton woven photo gifts. Throw pillows are all exquisitely designed to make them great home decors and accents. These can be put on the couch, on a chair, or on your bed and they could emphasize and accentuate your room's style or design. Our photo gifts would let you personalize your home decors and accents. You can put any of your favorite photos on a pillow, blanket, or tapestry so these photo gifts could make your home more unique and more stylish and more eco friendly all at the same time.

Renaissance Home Decor - Less is Stronger and More

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 20:13:00 +0000

A few weeks ago in Rome, I went to the National Museum of Rome, Museo Nazionale Romano, in the Palazzo Altemps. If you would like to visit, you must know that the National Museum of Rome is situated in four separate locations: Baths of Diocletian, Octagonal Hall, Palazzo Massimo and Palazzo Altemps. However, your ticket is valid for all the museums for three days.

When I arrived to the Palazzo Altemps, what struck me first was its architectural elegance. It is a typically Renaissance building, complete with a rectangular courtyard, three levels, grey and white staircases, a loggia boasting colourful frescoes, impressive marble fireplaces and a beautiful private chapel. Despite its complexity and massive size, the building feels airy, light and you just know that it was made for people who wanted to live comfortably and enjoy their daily pleasures.

Its simplicity is a true testament to the concept: less is more. Instead of accumulated knickknacks and overpowering swirly architectural details, the visual power and elegance of the building lies in superbly solid and organic details, exquisite finishes, big and strong structural elements such as windows with large marble frames, worn out and shiny marble stairs and wooden doors, and the organic monochrome shades of white occasionally blending into light grey to give the illusion of depth and relief.

Built in the early 15th century by the Riario family, who had one idea in mind, the palace was later acquired by Cardinal Marco Sittico Altemps (hence the name), who naturally, renovated it according to his own tastes. Throughout centuries, with each new owner and era, the palace conformed to its new tenant's taste as well as evolved with its surroundings, and the inevitable historical flow produced charming assymetries and curious details visible especially on the facade. As the northern part of ancient Rome's Campus Martius was developing quickly, the palace needed to insert itself into the flow of changing eras. Smaller buildings were attached to it, and then were removed; towers leaned against it, then later collapsed. Recent restorations removed the architectural weights and brought the palace back to its Renaissance glory. The Italian State bought the palace only as recently as 1982 and dedicated it to become the home of ancient sculptures, most importantly the Boncompagni Ludovisi collection.

No other building could house these historic collections with more grace and elegance as being the home of a large collection of antique sculptures had been its vocation for centuries. In fact, the palace's large frescoed rooms were filled with antique sculptures, creating diaetae statuariae, or dwellings embellished with statues and marbles all its life. Regardless of the countless of changes the building had experienced throughout centuries, its mission to house and protect a large collection of antique statues was always carefully remembered, and changes were executed around that objective. It is the perfect and most elegant home to this precious collection.

The palace is quintessentially Renaissance both in how it looks and feels. Before you go and admire the collection, take a few minutes in the courtyard and imagine what life must have been like here so long ago. Enjoy the silence in the middle of this chaotic city, admire the beautiful clean lines, the harmony and the symmetry of the various details and elements that make this palace so inviting. Look at the organic components and how the four elements are represented: stone, wood and plants for earth, fountain for water, glass for air and fireplaces and candelabras for fire. The four elements also give the place an energetic harmony that only enhances the peace we feel emanating from the rounded edges and the solid clean shapes.

Soak up the atmosphere. Admire the context. Get inspired and see what ideas you can use for your own home. This palace is a better source of inspiration than any home decor magazine.

Understand and feel the philosophy of the Renaissance: less is more.

4 Simple and Useful Home Decoration Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 19:41:00 +0000

Are you on the lookout for some great ideas to decorate your house without having to spend a fortune? Don't worry. Decorating a house needn't always be expensive and neither is it mandatory that you rope in the aid of a professional designer. With a little bit of idea and forethought and with proper planning, you can really do an excellent job of decorating your house.

There are a lot of magazines and books on interior decoration. It would certainly be a good idea to go to your local library and go through them so that you have a basic idea of materials available for decorating. Apart from that, this article brings to the front, several useful and economic ways of home decoration.

When you think of redoing your home, it is not necessary that you have to discard all your old stuff and bring in new ones. For example, even though you are tired of the old side table or dining chairs, it may be still in perfect condition. Why don't you think of changing its looks by giving it a new coat of paint or polish? You can add in some interesting feature to it and make it look different without having to spend a fortune. Upholstered dining chairs can get a new look by just changing the fabric alone.

Another way of decorating your house would be to repaint the room. You can actually change the color combinations or bring in something dramatic in colors, like a single wall which is painted in a bright and dark color. Or you can even go in for special effects like sponge painting or faux finishes. Textured finishes also bring in a lot of character to the room. This is a sure shot way of getting rooms to have a new look.

Art works, photos, etc lend a greatly interesting look to the room. You can frame family photographs and hang it up in an interesting manner in the living or dining room, where it will result many happy hours. If nature appeals to your aesthetic sense, you can always collect flowers and leaves and dry them under the pages of a heavy book. These flattened and dry flowers and leaves can be tastefully arranged on a piece of handmade paper, framed and displayed beautifully in a suitable wall of your house. I know of a lady who was in the habit of collecting shells, which she stuck on painted cardboard and framed. It just looked great and original too. Similarly, there are many things you could do with a slightly artistic mind. You needn't always think in terms of masterpiece paintings when you think of art works.

Curtains are another way of making windows more interesting. Apart from the traditional drapes, there are also stylish bamboo blinds which make a room quite interesting. Rugs and cushions too give a lot of character to a boring room.

Difference Between Antique and Vintage Home Decor

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 19:10:00 +0000

Many Americans don't know the true difference between "antique" and "vintage" home accessories and decor. Whether it's furniture, wall art or a random knick-knack, not all home accessories can be classified as an "antique," even if it's at an antique store, nor is everything vintage, or even retro, for that matter. Here's the low down on the differences between "antique," "vintage," "retro," or "collectible" home decor.

What is Antique, Anyway?

Any item that is a minimum of 100 years of age is considered an "antique." This applies to furniture, clothing, home accessories, paintings, old farm equipment-you name it. If it's at least 100 (but no, you great great aunt does not count,) then it's an antique.

So, Then What is "Vintage," "Retro" or even "Collectible" Mean?

The actual definition of what's classified as vintage, retro or collectible can vary from person to person, from dealer to dealer. Fortunately, there are a large group who feel the terms apply as follows:

The term collectible can refer to an item of any age between 0 and 99 years, as once it reaches 100 years of age, it is an antique for an intents and purposes. A variety of items can be deemed collectible from mid century modern styled furniture to a movie figurine produced in the 1980s.

Meanwhile, the term vintage refers to items that are typically less than 25 years of age. However, in some circles, vintage can also refer to items that have circled back into fashion, including those that are more or less than 25 years of age. The term can also be used to describe items from the 1960s into the late 1970s, making an official, wide-spread definition of the term a bit difficult. A number of home accessories from the 1960s to the 1970s are re-surging in popularity, including wall art such as Andy Warhol prints.

Finally, the word retro has also been thrown into the mix. Retro is a bit more easy to define, as the vast majority of people believe and accept that this particular term applies to items made during the 1950s. Though some believe that it refers to items that are between 50 and 99 years old, for example: it may also apply to items that are Art Deco in style, (which was during the 1930s). Examples of retro furniture include mid century modern furniture and home decor.

So How Do I Determine The Difference?

The truth is, unless there are papers or some other form of verification such as personal knowledge and a maker's mark, it can be difficult to know exactly when an item was manufactured unless you are looking for a specific item that you have thoroughly researched. Even still, it's easy to be fooled.

Look for reputable dealers, especially when looking for furniture or legitimate artwork and other wall decor pieces, as you don't want to pay big bucks for a big fake. If you're ever unsure, get in touch with a professional to come and evaluate the validity of the piece before you purchase.

Crystal Chandeliers Are Still Very Important In Home Decor

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 12:07:00 +0000

The term chandelier derives from an old French word for candlestick. The lighting we refer to now as chandeliers are far more than just slots for candle lights. Modern chandelier lighting consists of elaborate lighting dressings often featuring large numbers of crystal droplets that sparkle in the brightness. Sadly most modern properties are unable to accommodate substantial chandelier lighting, nor could many wallets run to buying them, but we could get the next best thing with more petite chandelier lighting shades.

When you are redecorating your current lounge room, then your lampshades are in all likelihood not necessarily the first thing you consider. However the total way an area appears can be affected massively by lighting effect and it also influences the atmosphere and the way the space can feel. Far too brilliant lighting will make the space seem stark or clinical and too poor can make the space feel shabby. Consequently giving a little thought to the lighting before you attempt re-decorating will assist you to achieve the alluring decor you require.

Mono-chrome or minimal home design using white or black home decor continue to be extremely trendy. This particular style demands bright white painted walls, white flooring and ebony leather furniture. Even though it is funky and modern looking, this kind of decor could also seem a bit hard. You could potentially soften the appearance by adding a tiny bit of color or different textures with fabric, fluffy cushions and sheer curtains. Or how about switching the simple white lampshade for a black chandelier as well as a couple of matching sconces.

For the less complicated look in preference to the complex chandelier lights, try considering the Quoizel lights in their European or Americana collection. The Newbury hanging pendant lights in a range of finishes which include antique brass and aged copper will perfectly complement the more classic design room and decor. Or maybe you would prefer a dragonfly garden pendant light fitting from the European collection. If this is still too fancy for your taste then the classic lights assortment from the La Parra collection of Quoizel lamps is a wonderful combination of elegance and style in surface finishes like Imperial Bronze or Antique Nickel.

If you plan doing a great deal of entertaining in your newly redone backyard then you will need to think of light options for after dark. A covered outdoor patio or garden gazebo may or may not be equipped with electrical power, nevertheless in either case a stylish and appealing strategy for illumination can be an outdoors chandelier light fitting. These kind of lights could be powered by electricity in which case they should be developed specifically for outdoor use as well as proofed against wet environments. In case you are not able to obtain an electrical supply in the region that you need your outdoor lighting, then there are solar energy chandeliers created for this function.

Easy Home Decorating Tips and Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 14:17:00 +0000

Are you trying to determine what to do and how to do it when it comes to home decorating? Home decorating is easy once you know what to do. Hiring a professional home decorator is expensive considering you can do it yourself. Then you can use the money you save to decorate your home.

You need to determine the type of home decorating style you find most appealing. What style do you like? Do you prefer classical, modern, or a mishmash of design style? Maybe you want to mix things up a little and go for something completely different. Once you know the exact home décor style that you want to go with, you will be able to pick things such as area rugs, window treatments, and wall color.

One thing that many people do seem to have a lot of trouble with when it comes to home decorating is the wall color. They tend to be afraid to add wall color. The thing is though, any color is better than white. White is not something that will bring tranquility to a room. If you want to keep with a lighter, more neutral color, than a light tan will work. You can bring in more color to a room by painting one wall in a different color. You can add a complimentary bold color to develop your home decorating style, theme, and design. Consider painting just one wall with a bold color to accentuate your choices.

When it comes to collections, remember that less is more. Although you may enjoy displaying your signature collection, you do not want to overwhelm a room by displaying everything. Rather you should concentrate on displaying your favorite pieces in one area of a room. Display only your favorite pieces or change up from time to time rather than displaying everything all the time. An overly cluttered room will feel much smaller and messy than it really is.

If you find yourself stuck for ideas, make sure that you are looking for inspiration. You may find inspiration while searching online through catalogs, magazines as well as visiting particular places. Home decorating is easy to do when you know what to do.

Home Decor - A New Look For Your Home With Accessories

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 14:45:00 +0000

If you're wanting a new look for your home but can't afford a total remodel, consider replacing some of your home accessories. New decorator accents and accessories may be all you need. This simple and inexpensive move can transform the look and feel of just about any room.

Walls

Walls are a blank canvas that need a lot of attention. Wall decor is no longer limited to framed art. Metal wall grilles, wall shelves, and decorative picture frames have become very popular in today's homes. Visit our wall decor for a great selection of products for your walls. If you decide to hang artwork, select a nice piece that will add interest to the room. When hanging one piece, make sure it is properly sized for the wall you are hanging it on, and be careful not to hang it too high on the wall. Group photos together and make sure to space them out evenly. The same rules apply when hanging metal wall decor. If you are mounting shelves on the walls, place plants or a small grouping of collectibles. Try resting a piece of artwork or a picture frame on a shelf for a unique look.

Window Treatments

Window Treatments can make a huge impact on the look of a room. First of all, make sure to look for the proper type of window treatment for the room you are decorating. For instance, use heavy drapes that will block sunlight in a bedroom. In a kitchen, use light and airy curtains that are decorative but still keep the room bright. Be sure to add charm to your window treatment with a decorative curtain rod. Curtain rods are available in almost any shape, size, and style you can think of. If drapes or curtains don't appeal to you, mount a decorative rod and drape a sheer scarf along the window. This is a simple and inexpensive way to jazz up your window.

Lighting

Most people don't realize how important lighting is. Changing the lighting can transform the appearance of any room. If you have the time and money, you might want to replace the lighting fixtures. Upgrade to dimmer lights, uplights, or just replace your current fixtures with more decorative ones. Other changes you can make include adding a decorative table or floor lamp. Moving your current lights can also change the look of a room. Try moving a table lamp from it's usual spot to a mantle, a bookshelf, or an alternate end table.

Why are accessories so important? For starters, they complete the decor. And they often liven up an otherwise sparse-looking room. All accessories, whether they are personal treasures or objects chosen specifically for the room, should be compatible with the decorating scheme. The items should relate in some way to the color plan and the overall mood of the room. Here are some tips for accessorizing your home:

Decorative Accessories

Place odd numbers of objects together.

Don't create visual clutter by placing too many items together. Three or five accessories are more interesting to the eye than seven or 10.

Vary the heights of items to make your arrangement visually appealing.

Don't use all one material, such as glass, unless you are going to display an entire collection.

Use books and boxes when displaying small items to make the item appear to be on a stand and take up more space.

Decorate with Rustic or Primitive Home Decor the Easy Way

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 13:16:00 +0000

A popular decorating idea lately is to use rustic or primitive home décor in your own home. Whether you simply have a den or basement in your home or a whole cabin in the woods that you want to decorate, you can use rustic or primitive home decor to bring some nature into your life.

My cousin lives in a beautiful modern log home only a short drive from a big city. She enjoys the look of her natural log walls and open beamed ceilings every day. Even though she has all modern appliances, she wouldn't think of decorating with anything but primitive home décor.

If you are handy with carpentry tools, you can build some of your own tables and benches for primitive home décor. Be sure to leave some natural wood blemishes intact. You can also find great deals on end tables and coffee tables that bring the outdoor life inside. Many like to use antlers or carvings of wildlife figures for table legs or for artwork both on the wall and as natural statues.

Plush and cozy sofas and deep chairs with wood accents compliment primitive home décor. Display nature's beauty with real (or fake) fur rugs, wall hangings, or blankets. They add warmth to your rustic cabin décor.

The brick fireplace mantle is a perfect place to display some of nature's tchotchkes. A huge selection is available online or in many stores specializing in natural home décor today. You can also find outdoor wood scenes as wall art for your primitive home décor.

My sister-in-law loves her moose-theme bathroom linens in her modern home on the river. She found her primitive home décor items at a nearby department store. I added to her collection at Christmas with a moose candle holder and liquid soap dispenser. She already had a fake moose head hanging over the toilet!

You can choose from many designs for primitive home décor for bedroom linens too. Wildlife themes abound with moose and bear being the most popular. If fishing is your game, you can find several great fish themes too.

Even when you have the convenience of a modern kitchen, you can still display some primitive home décor by selecting from the many wildlife designs for dishes and tableware. Add some placemats, napkins, or tablecloths designed from nature to bring primitive home décor to every meal.

When you travel, take some time to look in the souvenir shops to add to your collection. Displaying hand-carved wildlife scenes and crafty primitive home décor items from the places you visit are wonderful ways to remember your trip.

My cousin found a chainsaw carving of bears to set outside her front door. She named one of her golden retrievers "Bear" and just couldn't resist adding the bear carving to display her primitive home décor front and center.

See more decorating ideas and learn how to use the Color Wheel to coordinate your colors in my article "Tips for using the Color Wheel to Create the Right Mood". You can turn your decorating project into the perfect room on any budget.

Vintage Home Decor - An Artful Approach To Decorating

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 20:49:00 +0000

What defines vintage home decor is the intensity and depth the vintage pieces add to a room. The vintage pieces will make a room a lot more interesting to the eye. The pieces have history and character; they do not have to "collectables" to be a great vintage find.

You can get a real sense of appreciation for the old when you incorporate them with the new. It is not necessary that the pieces necessarily be furniture or even home decorating items. An old butter churn or a wrought iron table meant for a patio can make an excellent conversation piece in an abandoned corner. Most people think vintage is for only for the outdoors but you can create a lovely living space using vintage items.

Depressed glass makes a great decorating accent. Vintage is where being eclectic and be the beginnings of an elegant and tasteful room. If you do have some old collectables making them a focal point in a display will add character to any room.

One of the best places to find vintage items would be a local flea market. You can get great finds for every room in your house. For your kitchen look for some nautical hardware, they give new life to old kitchen cabinets as latches. For the laundry there was a great look found in Elle, it was a bath with a clothespin spun wallpaper and framed pictures of irons from days gone by.

If you have mantels over a fireplace or anywhere else in a room you have great display opportunity for vintage items. Wooden spoons bowls mason jars filled with decorative beads make a fine accent in any room. Personalize a plain rug with your own art. If you cannot draw, try using a stencil and an acrylic paint to create one of kind flooring designs.

When decorating, take stock of the area in which you live. There are great local artist that would enjoy the patronage as well as give to you the opportunity to decorate with some original pieces.

Finally for storage antiques are great. The armoires, chest of drawers and bookcases from a long ago era can enjoy new life in your home. They are interesting to look at and provide more storage space than the ones made today.

Vintage decorating is about the cohabitation of different eras to provide a fresh new look in any space. You can find more ideas online and even a few of the items mentioned here.