Interior Designs

Make Your Own Tranquil Garden Fountain

2014-06-19T10:56:00.001-07:00

versailles. The White House. The Taj Mahal. Each has an outdoor space with one thing in common: a water feature.The sound of running water instantly brings a sense of relaxation to any setting. And while most of us don’t have palatial spaces (or unlimited budgets) to work with, you can achieve the same effect with a simple DIY project.

Exteriors By Chad Robert

A DIY water feature brings a spa-like tranquility to an outdoor space.

It’s a good project for you if:You’re inspired by a specific vessel or simply want a unique water feature.

Design Focus Int'l Landscape Architecture & Build

Cost range: The equipment that makes the fountain work is very inexpensive — you can find fountain kits starting at less than $30 at hardware and garden stores. But the cost of the actual project will vary according to the container you choose.

Typical project length: One day.

Best time to start: Unless you live in a temperate climate, it’s best to begin after the last freeze.

Tip: If temperatures in your area regularly dip below freezing, empty your fountain and bring the working components indoors over winter to avoid damage.

Materials and equipment:

Fountain kit
Vessel
Rubber stoppers (one for each hole in the bottom of your vessel)
Silicone adhesive sealant

Designs By Elizabeth

Not just any pot will do, as some are too porous. Elizabeth McDavid-Llaguno of Designs by Elizabeth recommends cast-concrete pottery — like the kind she used in this project — for its durability and range of finishes and patinas.

Don’t rule out repurposing an antique that’s gathering dust in the garage. “To use antique pottery, you must first make sure that the item is high fired,” says McDavid-Llaguno. “High-fired pottery is kiln fired [at] over 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit.”

It’s best to use glazed pottery, because it is less porous and better at withstanding the water and pressure. “Chinese and Vietnamese pottery with a rustic glaze is always a great way to evoke the look of timeworn pottery,” McDavid-Llaguno notes.

Instructions:

1. Plug any drainage holes.Buy one rubber stopper for every hole in the bottom of your vessel and make sure they all fit snugly. Turn the pot upside down and apply sealer around the outside of the plugs before inserting them. Once they’re in, leave about ¼ inch extending from each hole, and apply more sealant around the exposed areas of the plugs.

Repeat until all the holes except one are plugged and sealed.

2. Measure your power cord. Turn the pot right side up and thread the fountain cord through the remaining hole in the vessel. Using a pencil, mark the amount of slack needed between the fountain and the exit hole, then turn the pot upside down again, leaving the plug and cord exposed.

3. Insert the power cord. Using a drill with a ⅜-inch bit, drill a hole lengthwise through the remaining stopper. Using a utility knife, cut a slit up one side of the stopper, then wedge the cord into the center hole until the pencil mark you made is even with the bottom of the plug.

Apply sealant into the slit and around the side of the plug, then place it in the hole. Apply more sealant around the exposed edges of the plug and the cord opening.

Wait 24 hours before turning the pot upright again.

This photo and next courtesy of Lowe’s

4. Put it together. Assemble the fountain components according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Then fill the vessel with water up to about an inch below the rim, plug the fountain in and enjoy!

Huettl Landscape Architecture

Project considerations. Proper placement and drainage are key. Make sure your fountain is placed far enough from any plants that they aren’t continually splashed, as this can cause overwatering and mold growth.

Similarly, you’ll need to catch any splashing around the perimeter of the vessel. If you’re placing it in a planted bed, set it in a buried basin so water can’t seep toward the surrounding plantings.

Regardless of whether the vessel is set directly on grade or within a basin, it’s a good idea to place stones or gravel around its perimeter to aid with drainage.

You’ll also need to think ahead about how you’d like to deal with the power cord. If you’re placing the pot in stones or gravel, create a space between the rocks so the pot isn’t sitting directly on the cord, then cover it with the rest of your rocks or gravel.

If the pot will sit on a solid surface, consider a vessel with feet or add a stand so the cord doesn’t get squashed.

Designs By Elizabeth

Maintenance. To keep your fountain free of mosquito larvae and algae, and to protect its pump, you’ll need to run it at least eight hours a day and treat it weekly with an algaecide and a clarifier, and monthly with a scale and stain remover.

Even more important, you’ll need to winterize your fountain. McDavid-Llaguno says not winterizing is the No. 1 reason pumps break or fail.

“I cannot tell you how many people sent or posted pictures of their beautiful cascading frozen fountain — especially this year in the South,” she says. “Fountains need to be drained before a freeze, just as you would your irrigation sprinklers. The water gets into the pores of the concrete, clay or ceramic and expands upon freezing. This cracks the pottery or fountains, as well as burns the pump houses.”

Fortunately, there’s an easy solution: Just turn off the fountain and drain it.

Punchy Purple Interiors

2012-07-10T20:50:00.000-07:00

My passion for white is sometimes called to question when I see beautiful purple bedrooms which really pack a punch! Who'd have thought of using purple in an older style of home and yet it works beautifully. Despite the fact the purple can often make room dark and gloomy by choosing various shades and keeping the floor light chic style can easily be achieved.

Full length purple curtains look stunning against the chocolate brown walls and coordinate beautifully with lilac and lavender bedding. I also think that it's fundamental to good interior design to incorporate a variety of textures. Opposites work well for fabrics and materials as well as colour choices. Look for cotton duvet sets and use a soft velour bed throw; if the floor is carpeted use wooden furniture, giving the soft-hard opposites; tactile fabrics will also make a bedroom look more welcoming and homely.

You should also think about which fabrics make you feel safe – in much the same way as a child finds a comforter such as a corner of a blanket or a soft toy. This psychologically provides a safe environment in which to sleep – you may not consciously think along these lines and yet the type of bedding materials you select can say a a lot about your sense of harmony and contentment.

Punchy purple interiors make a welcome change from the more usual bedroom colour schemes of beige and more beige! Be daring and try packing a punch in your bed room by using purple as your colour scheme/

Image: Simplified Bee Blogspot

Beautiful Blue Bedroom Ideas

2012-07-10T20:47:00.000-07:00

Calming and serene this beautiful blue bedroom is a great example of how blue can be used to create a bedroom which has both masculine and feminine qualities. Blue, traditionally associated with boys and men, can also be used in such a way that it becomes sexy and girlie!

The shade of blue is the key, mid-tones or those with a paler hue are easier to work with, however, you can also add femininity buy choosing bedding which has soft textures. Superking duvet covers with embroidery or a satin trim bring a feminine touch, co-ordinated with bed throws in chenille to include a snugly soft touch.

The masculine aspects can be bought into the room by using dark wood – for flooring window blinds and the bed-frame. The hardness of the wood works as a juxtaposition between the two extremes of tactility, resulting in a bedroom which is stylishly simple and yet demands to be noticed.

Another fabulous and easy interior design idea is not to try and fill-up your entire floor space. Opt for the less is more approach, no clutter and enhance features such as windows and flooring to give the room an open and informal look which oozes chic styling. Okay, your bedroom may not be enormous, but if you want to get the look apply the principles and scale things down to fit.

Image: Kagozi

Wonderful White Bedrooms With Style

2012-07-10T20:35:00.002-07:00

My love of white bedding is being shared with you just to give you an idea of how white have to bedrooms and bedding doesn't have to look like a hospital or clinic! White sheets, duvet cover sets and bed throws can all be made from different materials and be bought together to create a blissful bedroom which is serene and tranquil.

Bed sheets, in my opinion, have to be white even if you use coloured duvet sets. Call me old fashioned, but the sight of clean, crisp, white bed sheets relaxes me, they put my mind at ease, maybe it's an inbred hygiene thing!

We Brits may not have had a good run of weather over the last few weeks, but summer will arrive and so be prepared to shed bedding and give you and your bedroom the look and feel of summer by using cheap curtains, voile panels are ideal, for making a chic four-poster styled bed.

I love the idea of using a patchwork quilt as a head-board – sometimes these types of quilts are just to gorgeous to throw over your bed! By including a patchwork or patterned head-board also means that you'll be subtly injecting some colour into the room. You can always pick-up on one of the colours in the quilt and compliment it with a rug or window blinds.

Play around with white and you'll soon find out that it really isn't as boring as some people say – it can be the base for wonderful white bedrooms which are chic, stylish and elegant. Furthermore, white suits all styled of homes and can be dressed up or down according to your design style.

Image: Decorology

Keeping Things Mellow and Calm

2012-07-10T20:33:00.001-07:00

In today's fast paced life it's nice to come home, slow things down and relax. Although we talk about using colour to bright our interiors sometimes natural colours are ideal. Neutrals and natural colour tones don't have to be boring and lifeless – natural wood colours are soothing and relaxing and can be used to create great living spaces.

We can take inspiration from the Scandinavians who use wood in just about every room in their homes. While Scandinavians have a tendency to use white as the main wall and floor colour, soft tones such as 'hints of' are perfect for taking away a sterile look. Peachy tones are perfect for complimenting light coloured woods such as ash, beech or light oak. Use wooden window blinds and an orange shade for a table lamp and you'll create a natural warmth which is mellow and calming.

Duck-egg blue is another great colour choice for creating a calming ambience in bedrooms and living rooms. Use this as your accent or team with soft peachy hues and pale coloured woods to get a country cottage look which is homely and mellow.

Rather than devoid your home of any bright colours keep these for kitchens and dining rooms where the hustle and bustle of everyday life is most seen. Brighter colours in dining rooms will help to promote conversations, while splashes of red will help stimulate appetite!

Image: Small Place Style

Spicing Things Up with Pops of Colour

2012-07-10T20:31:00.001-07:00

In contrast to my last post today we're going to spice things up a bit using bold colour ideas for bedrooms. You can still use plain white superking duvet covers - actually these are ideal because if and when you tire of a bright accent your duvet cover sets will still be usable – the colour pops can be added to your bedroom via piles of cushions on the bed, rugs for both the floor and to use as a wall hanging.

I love the idea of using patchwork quilts (scroll back to White Bedrooms with Style) or rugs as wall hangings. They add colour and texture to a room and either make a great substitute for a conventional styled headboard.

Spicy paprika, cayenne are just a couple of gorgeous colours which will give you colour bold colours without them being too bright and garish. Bed throws or blankets can also be laid across the bottom of the bed for an informal look – for those of you like a little more formality neatly folded bed throws or trendy bed runners are the way to go.

Don't forget your window dressings which can also be in spicy colours, cheap curtains or window blinds in co-ordinating colours will add a natural warmth and glow to a bedroom.

Image: An Indian Summer

Chic Bedrooms using On-trend Jewelled Tones

2012-07-10T20:29:00.002-07:00

We may be struggling to see summer, however you don't have to wait until September to create an Indian Summer in your bedroom. This year's trend of using jewelled tones enables you to bring together intense ruby reds, amethyst purples and pretty pink sapphires (sapphires don't have to be blue!) set against white and pink walls.

Plain or patterned superking duvetcovers, and bedding with a soft satin sheen and texture will add a luxury look to these opulent colour combinations. It may be wise to keep the ceiling white to help radiate the colours around the room and prevent it from becoming to dark and gloomy looking. Cheap curtains in hot pink tourmaline or fuchsia can be combined with blackout roller blinds so that you can have lightweight or sheer curtains and not be troubled by unwanted light while you sleep.

Include pattern to add richness and depth to the room. Matching bedside table lamps, with glass bases or a trim with droplet faux gems will help bring the room together and create a place of tranquillity and calm. If you've got carpets which aren't the right colour large area rugs are a good substitute and much cheaper than replacing an entire fitted bedroom carpet.

Image: Simplified Bee

Go Light & White in your Living Space

2012-07-10T20:26:00.002-07:00

Summer is the ideal time of year to go light and white in your living space. With long summer evenings and plenty of sunshine during the day (we wish!) a white living room can lift the spirits and the improve style of your home.

We can take interior design ideas from our neighbours across the pond who have some great coastal living rooms, which are predominately white. If you don't fancy a coastal theme travel to Scandinavia and be inspired by their beautiful white living spaces.

White doesn't have to be boring, hostile or clinical looking is you include plenty of pattern, albeit that they are subtle ones, and plenty of different textures. Mix and match rough with smooth and highlight your living space with accessories in a dark contrasting colour – this could be a dark slate grey or a natural dark oak.

If you have wooden flooring wooden blinds will compliment each other beautifully. Look for whitecurtains which have a subtle repeat pattern – if you're using grey as your accent silvery scrolls or trailing foliage will add sufficient interest to highlight your windows without them being too dominant.

Image: A Life's Design

Pretty Guest Room Interior Design Ideas

2012-07-10T20:23:00.001-07:00

Guest rooms – often a bone of contention and more often than not a room which isn't really given too much thought if the truth be told until the 11^th hour and you realise that your guests are arriving and the room doesn't look at its best! If you're pushed for space it's far too easy to use the guest room as a place to put things out of the way – and here lies the problem, out of sight is out of mind for most of us!

Try and make time to turn your guest room into a functional space which is chic and stylish. You don't have to spend a fortune and you can always use it as a multi-purpose room – most friends and family won't bat an eye-lid and if they do...need I say more!

New white or ivory duvet cover sets, cheap rugs in a neutral colour along with ivory or white curtains is all that is needed to give you the backdrop to use pattern on the walls, bed cushions and throws and accessories. If you go neutral it won't matter which gender your guests are!

Furniture doesn't have to be new, old styled dressing tables will look stylishly chic and team with stripped floorboards or wooden flooring, if you don't want to use curtains, wooden blinds are an inexpensive alternative which team with all styles of guest rooms.

Image: New Home Interior Design

Interior Design Ideas for Kitchen Renovations

2012-07-10T20:19:00.001-07:00

As well as moving up and using empty attic space many people extend their homes by adding a new room on the back – this is increasingly evident on terraced styled homes which are long and thin. In the past these Victorian homes had bathrooms added to the back of the house, however, today the bathrooms are being placed upstairs, usually in a spare bedroom for convenience and easy access, while downstairs the space is being used to extend kitchens or turn kitchens into open living kitchen-diners.

One of the most popular choices is to use a conservatory styled roof so that as much light as possible can be guided into the space and back into the house – without this style of roof the original kitchens can become extremely dark and gloomy. However, if the back of the house is south facing it can become extremely hot and unbearable without some form of inside glass covering – Velux blinds are the ideal solution and now you can choose between roller skylight blinds or Venetian skylight blinds – for ease of use and practicality I think I'd prefer to have the Venetian style so that I could adjust the louvres according to how sunny and hot the day is!

Image: New Home Interior Design

Punchy Purple Interiors

2012-06-09T18:29:00.003-07:00

Gorgeous Green Interiors

2012-06-09T18:28:00.004-07:00

In interior design terms the colour green opens a whole world of fabulous shades and hues to use within your home, either as a main base colour or as an accent in soft furnishings and accessories.

Associated with new life and regeneration, green is a fabulous colour to decorate your rooms with or use as an accent for soft furnishings; it's also associated with jealousy, so use this to your advantage and create an interior that your family and friends with be green with envy over!

In today's modern world if you mention 'green' it shows that you care about the planet and are prepared to do your bit towards recycling and are pro-actively trying to lower your carbon footprint.

Whichever way you want to think about it, I think it's fair to say that we all have a touch of green somewhere in our homes. If you think about floral patterns they'll have green somewhere within the design. Maybe you have on-trend sea-foam as your accent colour this also has green undertones as well as blue. We must also remember that to make the colour green you mix blue and yellow – so if you have yellow as part of your interior it will also have undertones of green and blue.

With jewel tones being bang on-trend this year, emerald green is the shade to go for. Use it in luxurybedding, window blinds, curtains and large rugs to create a bedroom which is regal, refined and elegant.

For those of you who say you don't like green take a look around your home – even if your have fresh herbs growing on your kitchen window sill, or a vase of cut flowers in your living room means that you have the colour green in your home – even if it is by default!

Image: Things That Inspire

A Splash of Summer Colour!

2012-06-09T18:28:00.000-07:00

At last the sun is shining and we can throw open our windows and let the light and warm air drift through our homes. I have to admit that I love the sunshine, the flowers, the colours and the warmth! Although we add colour to our homes and it's there all year round there's something about the sunshine which makes your home feel alive and invigorating.

It's not just lounges that can be fresh and colourful, bedrooms can also be brightly coloured – as you know I'm a lover of white, but I also can't resist including pops of colour into every room; whether it's by adding a vase of fresh seasonal flowers or bed throws and cushions. Somehow the colours bring a smile to my face, which in turn makes me happy!

Interior design should be about making you happy, after all you have to live in your home and without some colour rooms can quickly become depressing and quite frankly boring. Use luxury bedding in bright summer colours and if needs be tone the colours down a little when autumn has arrived by using deeper richer hues of red, gold and forest green.

There are plenty of colour combinations you can use and if you can't decide which then add a splash of many different colours – it will certainly brighten your home and the eclectic mix of colours and patterns will add character and interest to your home.

Don't get caught in a colour trap, try something new – you'll be surprised by the end results and what's also great is that by using cheap curtains, windows blinds and bedding a new colourful look can easily be achieved even on the most modest of budgets.

Image: decorology

Chic, Contemporary Bedroom Interior Design Ideas

2012-06-09T18:27:00.000-07:00

Contemporary bedrooms can be, unless you're very careful, devoid of any character, and while the sleek, clean lines and minimalistic approach is wonderfully stylish, it has to be said that it doesn't suit all types of homes.

This may be stating the obvious, but it's surprising how many people try and cram a super king sized bed into a room which is too small! To be contemporary, in the true sense of the style, you need a large bedroom to get the look right. There's little point in tying to use contemporary interior design ideas unless you have sufficient space to do them justice, you'd be better off simply creating a chic, modern bedroom.

If you do have a large bedroom then contemporary styling is perfect, adopt the ethos of the style and you'll create a bedroom which is spacious and elegant. To add the all important character include plenty of different textiles and materials. Use plain superking duvet covers, those with a satin sheen will provide a reflective surface, and use contrasting coloured bed throws to add another dimension to the room.

Don't forget to ground your colour scheme by using large rugs, placing them either at the end or away from the bed itself to really achieve a contemporary look. Rugs placed either side of the bed look great in other interior design styles, but not in contemporary!

Whether you include any pattern in the bedroom is entirely a matter of personal preference, if your bedding and flooring is plain contemporary wall art is a stylish way to include pattern if you want to add further areas of interest into the room.

Image: House Design Blogspot

Window Dressings for Kitchens

2012-06-09T18:26:00.000-07:00

I think it would be fair to say that every kitchen has a window, and therefore finding a practical and versatile window dressing is a must. Window blinds have been a staple form of window dressing for kitchens for many years and they do tick all the right boxes.

However, there's a new kid on the block (well, relatively new to the UK) and that's café or bistro styled curtains. Theses pretty curtains are inexpensive and very easy to hang, you don't even need a drill as spring loaded tension rods or net curtain rods can be used due to the lightweight fabric of café curtains.

This style of window dressing is also great for kitchen doors with glass panels as you can achieve a coordinated look. This style of cheap curtains is placed at the bottom half or bottom third, depending on how large your window are, leaving the top half (two thirds) undressed. This allows plenty of light to flood into your kitchen.

Today you can also find café curtains as part of a fully coordinated kitchen ware range, with full size curtains, valances and tie-backs being used to give you privacy at night should you need it. Teamed with matching table linen and quirky extras such as oven mitts a country cottage look is also most instantaneous.

Image: New Home Interior Design

Interior Design Ideas to Perk-up Your Dining Room

2012-06-09T18:24:00.000-07:00

I'm sure I'm not the only person who quickly tires of a colour scheme or the way furniture is arranged. I'm one of those people who twiddle, adjust and re-adjust until the room is just right! There are some easy ways your can perk-up a room without having to go the trouble and expense of completely decorating – my kind of budget interior design!

Large rugs have to be the first way to bring colour and texture into any room and this includes the dining room. Even though the rug may be virtually covered by the table we don't look at our homes with a bird's eye view and therefore the colour can be seen peeking out each time we walk into the room.

As summer's not too far away it's a great time of year to add bold colours, they'll cheer you and your dining room up! Bright, bold colours – with or without a pattern can transform the whole dynamics of a dining room. You can even colour clash – for example using hot pink with lipstick red – to really bring the room alive. Mix patterned fabric with plain and if you're feeling really flamboyant you can also revive tired looking furniture with a lick of bright pink paint!

Image: Rooms of Inspiration

A Brief look at Velux Skylight Blinds

2012-06-09T18:23:00.003-07:00

It wasn't too long ago that the only type of skylight blinds you could find were roller blinds. These days however, you'll find a wide range of skylight blinds including Velux Venetian blinds which have been designed to fit their skylight windows.

Other innovations include motorised blinds, ideal for roof blinds that are far too high to reach; blackout blinds are also available and while you may think this is a little strange for windows which face to the sky the amount of unwanted light pollution can make sleeping difficult, not forgetting that a full moon and a cloudless sky can also make an attic or loft conversion bedroom surprisingly light.

One of the biggest advantages of skylight blinds, especially the Venetian styles, is the ability to reduce heat build-up and before the Venetian styles, it meant that if you wanted to keep cool the room had to be plunged into darkness. Of course Velux Venetian skylight blinds give you the same light control as standard Venetians simply by altering the angle of the slats. Colour is another area where skylight blinds have been bought up to-date, although colour choices are still a little restricted at least nowadays you have a choice!

Image: Interior Designing

On-Trend Window Blinds

2012-06-09T18:22:00.001-07:00

Window blinds have been around for centuries, in fact they are believed to be, in the rawest terms, the first window dressings used. The first curtains or blinds were used to keep nosy neighbours from seeing inside homes in much the same way as we do today. They were also used to keep dust levels down and to cool homes, as these first blinds or cloths were hung at windows damp – don't forget there were no windows as we know today, just holes in walls (but you didn't go there to draw money out!).

Today there are a plethora of different window blinds available, from traditional wooden Venetian blinds to the latest skylight blinds which have blackout properties and, like the purpose of cloth window coverings, have the ability to reduce heat build-up in attic and loft conversions – thankfully we don't have to keep them damp for them to be effective!

Roller blinds have also seen somewhat of a resurgence in recent years with pattern and plain coloured blinds being used as the sole window dressing in living rooms and bedrooms rather than being teamed with cheap curtains.

I must say that no matter what the style your home is there's a pretty far chance that you use blinds in at least one of your rooms. As window blinds have quite literally stood the test of time they are still a fabulous way to dress your windows.

Image: Decorology

On-Trend Wall Art

2012-06-09T18:21:00.000-07:00

I don't think I've ever seen or been in a home that doesn't have some type of wall art. The type of art you choose for your walls should be representative of your interior design style and also link in some way to your colour scheme. If you live in a grand mansion then you may have fine canvass oil paintings!

For most of us, we have art that we've chosen because we like it and it adds the finishing touches at our rooms. Plain walls can look very boring which is another reason we add art to them. The latest pixilated images and chalkboard walls where kids can draw are bang on-trend. We also have the choice of printed wall art, hand painted and designer wall art to choose from and nowadays they're all very affordable.

Stencils, stickers and silhouettes are also great ways to add interest to walls. In bedrooms printed images of a single bloom are divided into three equal sized individual pieces so that you can have a slight gap between them to create added interest to feature walls. Photographic style images are also on-trend, in kitchens enlarged photos of everyday foods are a great wall to keep the art suitable for the room.

Image: Material Girls

On-Trend Bed in a Bag

2012-06-09T18:19:00.003-07:00

We all love new interior design ideas and trends that's why I like to share my finds with you! I've heard about a bed in a bag, and I've also heard differing views and opinions on them, so I thought I'd investigate, do a little research and share my findings with you.

The basics:

A bed in a bag isn't an actual bed, nor is it a pump-up (inflatable bed). The term 'bed in a bag' is used to denote the bedding that is needed to make (or dress) a bed. In other words the bag includes a duvet cover, matching pillow slips and in some instances bed runners.

Pros and cons:

I also found that a bed in a bag isn't solely bedding for children, double bedding sets are also available. While some pooh-pooh the concept I can see why having all the bedding items stored in a bag can be very handy. Let me explain, in the past most houses had a airing cupboard, where linen and bedding were stored (and of course aired), however, many of today's modern houses don't have airing cupboards so there is a problem of where to store bedding when it's not being used. As a result of lack of storage space each separate item of bedding can easily be separated – (a bit like always finding an 'odd' sock!) - this is where a bed in a bag comes into its own as all the items are stored together in a handy bag which can save on valuable storage space and keep everything together. To be honest I can't think of any cons or disadvantages of using them.

Conclusion:

I think the bed in a bag concept is ingenious and certainly saves you trying to find matching bedding for guests or when you do the laundry – all in all I give a bed in a bag the thumbs up!

Image: Blog Styleathome

On-Trend Pretty Patchwork Bedding

2012-06-09T18:18:00.002-07:00

I make no bones about the fact that I love patchwork, and if I had more time I'd actually get round to producing even the smallest cushion cover – poor excuse I know, but I'm sure I'm not alone! Luckily you can get the look without the hard work, which suits me to a T! Pretty patchwork bedding is ideal for throws and even duvet covers; cushions, throws and trims on pillow slips are also on-trend as we continue with the re-cycling and up-cycling as part of interior design this year. The great advantage of using patchwork

duvet covers is two-fold; firstly the cost, it's surprising how much money you'd have to spend if you bought new fabrics and secondly is time (something we don't all have enough off), buying patchwork bedding gives you an instant look, whereas large patchwork projects can take months, if not years, to complete and I know which I'd rather opt for! I know that pretty patchwork throws can be passed from generation to generation as part of family heir looms but for those who like me, simply can't wait, patchwork duvet covers are the easy, cost-effective solution to getting the look. Image: Patchwork Harmony Blogspot

Use Curtains In Your Bathroom!

2012-05-04T10:28:00.002-07:00

Most homes, irrespective of size, opt to have blinds as their window treatment in their bathrooms. These are easy to install, easy to operate and are available in a vast array of different colours and patterns.

Make no mistake there is nothing wrong with using blinds, far from it! They are a cost effective and practical way to provide privacy as well as letting plenty of natural light flood into the room when they are rolled up. However, if you are looking for something a little more unusual and unique in your bathroom, break from tradition and use full length curtains if you windows is not situated with the sink, bath or loo above it!

Curtains add a touch of chic styling which oozes elegance when the right colour combinations are used! As most bathroom suites are white you have a whole world of gorgeous colours to choose from! For a funky look use vibrant fuchsia pink, lime green or deep purple. If you are after a monochromatic look of course you should opt for black and white. Floral patterns which trail up the length of the curtains will also give the illusion of more height in your room.

Retro looks can also look simply stunning in bathrooms. Look for mirrors with metal or mirrored frames to bring extra light in a stylish way.

The use of free standing baths in-trend enables these looks to be more easily achieved. The other trend of staying in rather than spending on nights out means you will have time to enjoy relaxing and soaking in a bath filled with fragrant bubbles! If you want to create a warm and romantic look scented candles are a good choice, just be careful where you place the candles if you use curtains to reduce the potential fire risk.

Image: Belle Maison

Create Clean, Straight Lines Using Matching Curtain Poles

2012-05-04T10:21:00.000-07:00

If you have the advantage of having a large dining area maximising the amount of natural light during the day by using sheer curtains creates a striking and informal ambiance to the area.

Having full length sheer curtains which cover two walls will also create the illusion of more space, along with clean lines and chic styles which suit both modern and contemporary homes effortlessly.

Using curtains poles which fit neatly into the corners of the room also provide a style which is well thought out, bringing cohesion to the area. White or ivory sheer curtains such as voiles or faux silk add a touch of contrast against the robust and durable practicalities of a dining room furniture. This juxtaposition enables the curtains to be hung from dark coloured curtain poles to compliment the colour of the the dining suite beautifully and elegantly.

Try mixing sheer lightweight fabrics with chunky furniture to create stunning interiors which have a eclectic mix of textures to add depth with harmony to your dining room. Using full length curtains will also add height to a room as well as being the perfect solution for dressing patio or French doors which are typically found in dinning rooms of traditionally styled homes.

Image: A Life's Design

Maximise Natural Light By Using Bay Window Curtain Poles

2012-05-04T10:08:00.001-07:00

Bring a warm and cosy look to your living rooms by choosing ready made curtains in gorgeous milk chocolate colours! Well it is Easter, so why not indulge in sumptuous chocolate colours which are as stylish as some of the Easter eggs!

This year we know that texture is playing an important part in interior designs, rich velvet fabric is renowned for its opulence and stylish looks which have been used for centuries in the homes of the wealthy. Today we can all enjoy this luxury as fabric warehouses online and in the high street have the latest colours along with crushed velvet, silks and satin to change the look of your home.

Full length curtains hung from gold metal rings on bay window curtain poles provide a sleek look which brings out the beauty of the window and the curtains in an unpretentious way. Team with candy pink velvet covered chairs to bring your bay window alive and give them a spring look.

With curtain pole spares readily available you can also use curtain rings which slide over the fixings which allows you to pull the curtains right back to each side of the bay window. These are ideal if the window is small and north facing as it maximises the amount of light entering the room.

Image: La Dolce Vita

An Assortment Of Fabulous Curtains For Sale Online

2012-05-04T10:06:00.000-07:00

Soften up your bedrooms with a wonderfual assortment of fabrics and materials of different densities and textures to create a warm and homely feel.

With the fabulous of ready made curtains for sale it's easy to give your bedrooms a fresh new look. Opt for this year's subdued tones and sherbert colours and team with bedding and stacks of cushions!

This look is so easy to achieve and really doesn't take too much thinking about! Although the basic interior design principles say to only use three colours within a room, the bedroom is one place where you can break the boundaries, try something new and exciting to reflect your individuality and personal style preferences.

Ring the changes and use blinds at one window and full length curtains at another to give a new look at each window. If you keep the fabrics the same colours or shades it won't look as if you didn't try to create a stylish look and simply hang odd curtains and blinds. It's the subtle differences which make this relaxed and informal style so appealing.

Add whimsical touches by replaing pictures with a collection of your favourite wardrobe accessories, which you never know quite what to do with or were to store them. This could be silk and chiffon scarves to create a floaty, dreamy look or fascinators and hats to give a quirky and very unique wall display which blends with your bedroom theme.