Using Wall Mirrors in Your Modern Home

12:06 home , home decor , home improvement , home tips , interior , interior design , Mirrors , Modern Home , tips , Wall Mirrors 0 Comments

A wall mirror is a universal piece of décor that sometimes gets overlooked. Whether used as a focal point, background or accent piece, a wall mirror can be used in any room of your home and can bring intrigue, light and conversation into any space.

Although there are no steadfast rules when decorating with mirrors, if you consider a few things, a mirror can change the entire depth and feeling of your space. Here are a few ways to incorporate a wall mirror into your modern home with class and style:

When I think of the most common place a wall mirror is used, the bathroom immediately comes to mind. Instead of the traditional rectangular looking glass, try a circular or oval mirror. These shapes can serve as both decorative and functional pieces over your vanity.

A frameless mirror with a beveled edge will create visual interest and it will feel lighter than a framed mirror, which is important if your bathroom is smaller. Flanking the mirror with wall sconces to cast an even light and prevent shadows when you're getting ready in the morning is icing on the cake!

A wall mirror can also be a stunning piece for your entryway or foyer. For smaller areas, a wall mirror can open the space and use lighting from the nearby door to make its statement. When selecting a mirror for this space, choose one that symbolizes your house as a whole. There are many mirrors with elaborate frames that are art-like and really make an impact. Greet your guest with your personal and welcoming style. My favorite foyers offer a stunning mirror, offset just a touch, over a console table and unique table lamp balancing it all out. Change the table décor to reflect the season and voila!

The dining room is another ideal place for a decorative mirror. Generally, when used, this room will accommodate many people and sometimes feel cramped. By strategically placing a long, horizontal mirror across from a window or another mirror, the space will seem more open and inviting. Incorporate a couple of buffet-style lamps and allow the mirror and lighting to work in unison, seemingly expanding the room. There's nothing worse than feeling closed in and full all at the same time!

No matter where you hang your mirror though, it is important to contemplate the reflection. When deciding on the precise location to place it, be sure to remember that you're not the only thing looking back when you peer into the looking glass. Consider the surroundings. Does it reflect a blank wall? Does it show off a part of the room you're not particularly fond of or, does it frame the natural landscape outside of an opposing window? By placing the mirror with this in mind, you're sure to be pleased once the holes are in the wall.

So, whether your personal style embraces a sleek, frameless mirror or you lean toward one with an intriguing frame, using these reflective pieces can be the solution to many decorating issues. Accomplish aesthetic and function all at once with the benefit of showing off the rest of your picturesque space in the reflection. After all, it doubles the fun of being at home!

5 Things to Think About When Planning Your Home Design

12:05 home , home decor , home design , home improvement , home tips , interior , interior design , tips 0 Comments

Carefully planning your home design is important. It can be an exciting time when you are thinking about remodeling or expanding your existing space, or building new. It can also be a frustrating time if you have not carefully thought your plans through. Things to consider:

1. How much of this do you really want to do yourself?

While you can do a lot of the research yourself, enlisting the help of a professional home design firm will mean you can concentrate more on the decisions about colors and materials, and less about the logistics of getting the necessary permits, paperwork, and professionals in place to do the work as needed. An experienced team can suggest options and give you an idea of costs based on the size of your space and other preferences. While you will need to factor in paying for their services, they may actually save you some money in the long run. You can benefit from their knowledge, experience, and selective network of contractors.

2. What is your budget?

Yes, you need to have a budget in mind. This doesn't mean you can't have your dream home design, but it may mean you make some adjustments: cut back in areas that are less important so you can indulge in areas that are most important. Will you need to take out a construction or equity loan in order to pay the expenses? Don't forget about the cost of items to furnish or decorate your space, since an empty room really isn't that useful!

Once you've determined your budget and know you will need a loan, go ahead and get pre-qualified with a bank or other lending institution. That way, there won't be any surprises along the way or at closing time when expenses become due.

3. Where is your space located?

If you are remodeling within your existing space, this probably is not as much of a consideration. However, if you are expanding or building new, you definitely will need to have your lot evaluated. You should consider the grading of your lot or if any additional grading will be needed, such as for a basement area. If the lot is heavily wooded, consider how many trees and root systems have to be removed. Are there any low areas on the lot? If so, you will need to make sure your plans work around those areas so there are no issues of standing water.

4. What areas are most important?
Think about some of your personal preferences with the kind of space you want. Do you want a garage? If so, do you want 1-car, 2-car or larger garage? What about a bonus room or recreation space for the kids? If you have a large family or plan on entertaining, a spacious kitchen and dining area may be important. Think about outside areas, too, such as a porch or deck area, and if you want any portion of them covered.

5. What style do you prefer?

What is your basic home design preference? Think about if you want a ranch style, two-story, a modern look, or maybe a traditional style home? Whatever material you envision for the exterior, you will still have a range of options and looks to choose from whether it's brick, cement or aluminum siding, wood, stone, or a combination of several. You will also want to keep in mind how your plans fit with the other residences in the area.

These are just a few of the considerations you want to think about when planning your home design. Look through a variety of plans and go visit model homes if possible, just to make sure what you are thinking is the right fit for you and your family. Take the time to carefully research your different options with a professional team who can walk you through the process.

Stenciling a Subtile Design

12:04 home , home decor , home improvement , home tips , interior , interior design , Stenciling , Subtile Design , tips 0 Comments

I have not done stenciling myself, so you can imagine how excited I was to learn that my daughter had decided to tackle this project on her own. We had talked about it and discussed colors and where it would be effective - the whole process - but I left it up to her to do her own creating. She will admit, it took her some time to gain the courage to jump in, and then the job had to be put on hold. I know how hard it is to get back to a project once it has been postponed mid-way through.

Her newly built bathroom was nearly complete, that is to say it pretty and has been functional for some time, but she wanted the commode area to have a little design in and of itself. Her plan is to add some shelves and baskets over the tank for more storage, but before that, she wanted a simple trellis design stenciled onto the wall directly behind the commode.

The first thing she did was plan where the stencil would begin and mark it on the wall with a light pencil; then, with an all purpose, temporary fixative to hold the stencil pattern to the wall, she began. She used paint same color as the walls, except the stencil paint was a high gloss, while the walls were a softer finish. With a small foam tool, she stamped the glossy paint over the stencil as far as the stencil would reach; then she carefully removed the stencil from the wall and allowed the paint to dry a bit; next she repositioned the stencil with the fixative and began the process over again.

The finished wall is so subtile and pretty, she said she was inclined to do all the walls, but she restrained her impulse and is happier with the end result. Covering all the walls would have detracted from some of the other pretty elements in the room. While the commode area is separated from the room in a manner of speaking, it isn't the focal point, but it did need a bit of attention, and this detail is just right. The effect is not unlike seeing a shadow on the wall; sometimes you can see it and sometimes you are not sure it is there.

Feel the Grace With Handmade Persian Rugs

12:02 Handmade Persian Rugs , home , home decor , home improvement , home tips , interior , interior design , Persian Rugs , Rugs , tips 0 Comments

Handmade Persian Rugs imply feel of grace, luxury and comfort for you and your home. Keep it clean with lesser efforts, and décor your home for centuries.
If you are thinking to change your interior décor, the first thing that comes to your mind is Handmade Persian Rugs. Amongst all other rug styles, Persian Rugs are the most preferable handmade rugs. Centuries ago, Emperors used to décor their forts and castles with Persian rugs. These rugs are insignia of grace, luxury and comfort, which shows the hedonistic regimes of the Persian kings of that era.

Let's scroll the Pages of Antiquity

Chapter 1 - The first known Persian rug was encountered in the 13th Century, which was recognized by a well known archaeologist and traveler Marco Polo, in the Southeast region (modern Persia).

Chapter 2 - Shah Abbas I, the great monarch of Iran (Persia) during the 16th Century, reveals exquisitely handmade gold and silver threaded Persian Rugs as a tribute to the Ottoman Empire. With the introduction, these graceful and luxurious carpets rapidly became renowned in the west.

Chapter 3 - Between 16th century and 18th century, these rugs rapidly raised their dominance in Iran (Persia) and produced a huge amount of different patterns - Kirman, Herat, Heriz, Nain, Mashhad, Qum, Isfahan, Hamadan, Bakhtiari, Kasan, Tabriz, Farahan, Tribal, etc. Persians were struck with their detailings, one or a number of motifs and adorable layouts, which make them feel grace, luxury and comfort.

Chapter 4 - At the Pazyryk Valley in 1949, in an archaeological excavation, archaeologists revealed the oldest known Persian rug named as the Pazyryk carpet from the grave of a Scythian prince. Radiocarbon testing identified it as a 5th Centurian rug and is indicated as a proof of evolution and experience in Iranian weaving.

Motifs and Material

Motifs are considered for the patterns and design layouts that generally used in weaving of a rug, which may be all-over, central medallion, compartment and one-sided. It may differentiate according to the weaving area. Sometimes, we see multiple motifs used in a single carpet, which shows the culture and evolution of weaving techniques by the influence of other tribes.

The Persian motif generally contains a fixed layout with a little alteration that separate one from others. The traditional design contains - Principal broader border, secondary borders (external and internal), central medallion and écoinçons outside.

For the sheer luxury and grace, Persian weavers were used wool as the main weaving material. Since then, wool is the main fabric for carpets, but Cotton is also used for the groundwork. Although, weavers incorporate some other fabrics in weaving adorable handmade rugs such as Silk, fiber, etc, but the preferable choice is always wool variety due to their comfort, durability and economic value.

Other than their motifs and materials, their rich color and fine quality mesmerize everyone. They complement all kinds of interiors, whatever design, color or pattern will be used there.

Techniques and structures

Looms, piles and knots are the fundamental thing to identify the quality. Knot counts per square inch denotes durability and quality of weaving technique. It may vary between 16 to 800 knots per square inch depending on the motif.

Weaving of a handmade rug is a difficult and tedious process, which contains knot counts, welt wraps, fringes, fabrics, etc. It may take a few months to several years to complete, depending on the quality and the size. For an example: the largest handmade rug, measuring 4,343 square meters, 'Carpet of Wonder' in the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat in the Sultanate of Oman crafted in four years by 600 workers!

Window Covering Ideas for the Bedroom

12:01 Bedroom , home , home decor , home improvement , home tips , interior , interior design , tips , Window 0 Comments

Window treatments are not only versatile decorative accents but also provide a couple of important functions, especially in the bedroom. When it comes to window covering ideas for the bedroom, you want to consider decorative elements in addition to the factors that make your bedroom a calm and peaceful place for sleep. Indeed, window coverings in the bedroom need to fit your personal style while also offering exceptional privacy and light and sound control. Here are some tips for getting the most from your bedroom window treatments.

Make a Statement

No matter the room, window treatments can make a bold first impression. You obviously want to choose window coverings for your bedroom that match your decorative style. So, for example, if you prefer a contemporary style that features clean, straight lines, consider custom blinds or solid-panel curtains. Another accent feature for your window that matches well to a variety of styles is a cornice. Cornices are essentially upholstered valances that make a great window accent while also covering rods and rings from which curtains hang.

Think Comfort

Typically, bedrooms are not the most formal rooms in your home, and there are good reasons for that. Your bedroom should be a calm and relaxing place, so your window treatments should reflect a sense of comfort or coziness. Roman shades are a great choice because they are available in a variety of colours and patterns. They can provide the textural features of woven fibres while also providing excellent noise and light control. Wood blinds or plantation shades also offer exceptional light control, or consider brightly coloured, lined curtains for a bit of pop.

Singles or Pairs

Sometimes simplicity is best and you really only need one window treatment in your bedroom. Blackout curtains block light and noise, and they sometimes even help reduce heat exchange. Cellular shades are the perfect choice for bedrooms in cold climates as they help improve window efficiency without compromising style - they're available in a wide range of patterns and colours.

On the other hand, you may want to get a little more sophisticated with your bedroom window coverings. Layered treatments create an elegant decorative accent, so consider combining contemporary blinds with an attractive valance and patterned curtain.

Suit Yourself

Ultimately, your own decorative preferences should guide your choice of bedroom window coverings. All the experts in the world can tell you what's right for your space, but at the end of the day you want your bedroom to be a relaxing place for you. Don't be afraid to take risks or think outside the box when considering window covering ideas for the bedroom. There really is no right or wrong - as long as you're happy.

How To Find Interior Doors Online

12:00 Doors , home , home decor , home improvement , home tips , interior , interior design , Interior Doors , tips 0 Comments

• interiordoorsonline.com - This is the website for Zoeller Bros Custom Woodworking. This company specializes in creating wooden doors. Some of the styles of doors include French glass interior doors, raised panel doors and pocket doors. You can choose from various wood types, such as birch, mahogany, maple, cherry, red oak or pine. If you do not find something that suits your taste, you can call the company so that they can build a custom door for you.
• masonite.com - Masonite is a company that is known worldwide for their products. You can choose from a lot of designs for interior doors, steel doors, patio doors and entry doors. You have hundreds of options for the door that you want. You will surely find something that will suit your taste from this website. Some of the unique doors you can find from Masonite are the chalkboard doors, wood French doors and the louver doors.
• interiordoors.com - Interior Doors Direct is a company that manufactures wood doors. You can choose from various door styles that are available. Some of the styles are French doors, mirrored doors, custom glass doors, raised panel doors and flat panel doors. You can find cheap doors on this website but the design is not compromised.
• selectcustomdoor.com - This company offers different types of interior and exterior doors. There are also fire doors that are available to order online. You can see the online catalogue for these interior and exterior doors and request a quote. Some styles of doors that they have are custom paint grade doors, custom stain grade doors, arts & crafts doors and the architectural series.
• directdoors.com - Direct Doors is a company that specializes in doors, frames and fittings. You can purchase exterior doors, interior doors, fire doors, double doors or folding doors, sliding doors, door frames and even door handles and other door accessories.
• lowes.com - Lowe's is a company that provides tools and equipment for building houses. They also feature a lot of different doors for indoor use, outdoor use and even garage doors. You can choose from a lot of designs, from wooden doors to screen doors.

How To Find Aluminum Sheet Suppliers

11:57 aluminium , Aluminum sheet , home , home decor , home improvement , home tips 0 Comments

1. Aaluminum.com mainly provides you with raw aluminum, anodized aluminum, aluminum coils, foils and wires for nameplates, engravers and companies that engage in screen printing, labeling and metal manufacturing businesses. They specify the inches, the weight in pounds corresponding to the number of sheets and the kind of alloy combination used in the production of material. You may view the complete list of product descriptions on their website.
2. CNBM International. This is part of the CNBM group whose produce are marketed worldwide, focusing operations in Europe, India, South Asia and in the US. They are China’s main manufacturer of coated aluminum coils, aluminum foils, and aluminum sheets. This company also updates you on the latest composition upgrades available.
3. DiscountSteel.com. Just feel like buying a few inches, not truckloads of sheets? Have the exact measurement you want? No problem. You can’t afford to be wasting valuable resources and money by having to spend on excess materials. This manufacturer of aluminum products assures you get your goods in the precise measurements you provide. There is no minimum requirement for your orders. You will be notified by email when your order is ready. You will then have the choice to get it personally or have it delivered straight to your doorstep.
4. Twalloys.com sells a wide selection of alloys including titanium and cobalt that can be manufactured in all forms you please. The company stocks aluminum tubes and rods, aluminum extrusions, aluminum sheets and forgings. They claim to have the most extensive warehouse of these items, which is located in the West Coast Service Center in California. You might want to give them a try.

How To Purchase Interior Doors

11:56 Doors , home , home decor , home improvement , home tips , interior , interior design , Interior Doors , tips 0 Comments

1. Size of the Door. Before you even think of the design of the interior door that you are going to buy, you have to take the measurements of the space where you are going to install it in. Take the measurements of the door frame. You may have to make some adjustments in order for the door to fit inside the frame. Take down the measurements so that you can bring it with you when you purchase your interior door.
2. Type of Material. The second thing that you have to think about is the type of material that you want for your door. There are glass doors, wooden doors, sliding doors, panel doors and metal doors. In choosing the material, take into consideration where you would put the door. This can be an entry door, a bedroom door, or and exterior door. You can purchase light wood doors for bedrooms and you can choose soundproof doors for the music room.
3. Door Use. You have to consider the use of the door. Purchase a sturdy door for an area where there are a lot of people coming in and out of the room. You can purchase decorative doors for places where there are not so many people going in and out. In places where there is limited space, you might want to use a sliding door.
4. Left Hand and Right Hand. There are two types of doors—the left hand door and the right hand door. The left hand door is the type where the knob is positioned on the left part of the door, and the right hand door is the one where the door is positioned on the right hand. To decide on this, choose the type of door by testing which hand you use to open. If you use your right hand, purchase a right hand door, and if you use your left hand, purchase a left hand door.
5. Theme. Be sure that the door you pick fits the theme of your house or the interior decoration on your house. Choose a door that is both functional and will add to the aesthetic value of your house. This can be the deciding factor of the door that you choose.
6. Custom Made. If you are having a hard time in choosing the right interior door for your house, you may want to have one custom made. You may want to have the company measure the size of the door frame themselves so that the measurements will be accurate and installing will be easy. Having an interior door custom made to fit your house may be more expensive, but you have the freedom to choose the materials used and the overall design of the door.

How To Install an Outdoor Ceiling Fan

11:55 Ceiling , Fan , home , home decor , home improvement , home tips , Outdoor Ceiling Fan 0 Comments

1. Purchase the Fan. Purchase an outdoor fan that is the correct size for the area that you care going to put it in. Choose the type of fan that will work well with the theme of your area. You can purchase a modern type of ceiling fan or a classic type of ceiling fan. Make sure that you are purchasing an outdoor fan so that it can withstand different conditions outdoors. When purchasing a fan, go to a modern fan company that is already established so that you are sure of the quality of the fan. One good choice is the Monte Carlo Fan Company. They specialize in ceiling fans for indoor and outdoor use. Another good choice is Minka Aire ceiling fans.
2. Wiring. The first thing you have to do before installing the fan is to fix the electrical wiring. This will be easy if you had a ceiling fan already installed and you just want to replace it. If you are going to install a new fan, you might want to get the help of an electrician to help you fix the wiring.
3. Fan Assembly. The next thing you have to do is to assemble the fan. Use the instructions that came with the fan so that you will be guided in the set up process. Be sure to fix the blades of the fan according to the instructions.
4. Motor Assembly. There is also a motor that comes with the fan. There are also directions on how to set up the motor and how to mount the fan on the motor. Be careful in handling the motor. Before installing the motor on the ceiling, make sure that the electricity is turned off. Install the motor, connect it to the electricity, and secure it with the base plate that came with the fan. Check whether the motor will work by turning it on.
5. Installing the Fan. When the motor is securely fastened to the ceiling, the next thing you have to do is to attach the blades of the fan to the motor. Secure the blades of the fan with screws. Screw the blades tightly to ensure that they will not get detached when the fan is turned on. Test if the fan works properly.

How To Install and Repair Door Locks

11:53 DIY , Door , Door Locks , home , home decor , home improvement , home tips , tips 0 Comments

1. Know the different types of door lock.  First of all, it’s important to be aware of what type of door lock you have. You could have a handle set door lock, or a set with handles, door latches, lock and knob. You may have a deadbolt lock, which could be a single cylinder or a double cylinder lock. The single cylinder lock could be opened by a key on one side of the door only, while the double cylinder lock could be opened by a key on both sides (in this case, you wouldn’t need a twist knob anymore). Other modern locks include magnetic key locks, which operate by magnet and are thereby impossible to pick; biometric locks, which use fingerprint recognition systems and heavy duty bolts for heightened security. Biometric locks also have the added advantage of you never having to use keys. All you need would be your fingerprints and you’re good to go. Keypad locks are locks that require a number combination for you to open the lock mechanism. By knowing the type of lock you have, you would better be able to know how to do the particular door lock installation and repair job that you would require.
2. Know how to deal with minor door lock troubles. What are some of these commonly-occurring lock problems? One of them is a loose knob. It’s easy enough to remedy, since the main cause of this problem is a loose screw. Just inspect your knob for loose screws, grab your screwdriver and tighten the appropriate screw. Another common problem is a stuck key, or more specifically, a key that breaks leaving part of it inside the lock. First, try pulling out the broken piece with a pair of pliers. However, if you’re not able to get the piece out successfully, you may need to take the lock apart, take out the screws carefully and then it may be easier for you to pick the broken part out. Yet another common problem would be your lock getting sticky due to humidity. What you could do is to put in a bit of graphite powder in the lock – this will serve as a lubricant. Just remember to put in your key a few times in the lock to spread the lubricant around the lock components.
3. Get instructions from reputable websites. Once you find other problems with your lock, research troubleshooting tips depending on your particular lock type and the problem you’re encountering. Some very helpful websites you could check out include diynetwork.com, where you can see step-by-step installation and repair guides for most common lock types. You could also visit lowes.com for more information on different lock hardware and components; hometips.com; and doityourself.com. You could also go to the website of the brand of lock that you purchased: if you have a Master Lock, for example, try out their website at masterlock.com.
4. Get a list of good locksmiths near your area. If you encounter a problem that just seems to be too complicated, or if you have specialized security doors or customized glass doors with special locks, definitely you’d have to consult a professional. After all, you wouldn’t want to risk breaking your lock and thereby worsening its situation. Get a list from bbb.org for certified locksmiths near you.

Home Interior Design - Comfort and Functionality Being Critical Aspects

11:05 Comfort , Critical Aspects , home , home decor , home improvement , home tips , interior , interior design , tips 0 Comments

Why would you approach an interior designer? The normal purpose would be to have a plan made to give the finishing touches to the home you just bought from a builder or perhaps giving your existing home renovated anew. In both cases, you have to take into account many factors and the interior design company that you choose should also factor in these aspects to provide you a desirable design for the interiors of your home. What are these factors?

The Interior Designing Must Take a Holistic Approach

When you seek the help of a home interior design expert, you should be able to impress upon him the need to view the assignment which has to consider all the aspects of the home, the size, location, living space available, the people occupying the house and the way to connect all the utilities. Then there would be a tossup between the aesthetic appearances of the interior versus the usefulness of a particular part of the design.

The interior design company has to assure you that whatever they are recommending for your home will not contravene any local regulations and will also conform to the environment without causing any pollution or greenhouse gases.

Coordination with the Contractor Executing the Work

Many times, the interior designer would give you a plan, but the contractor who is selected by you to execute the work in your home might not agree with a few recommendations. If you are not very familiar with the work of the interior, you could be put to inconvenience in this difference of opinion between the two. To avoid this, you might want to make them sit together and come out with a commonly acceptable plan of action so that the work could be done smoothly.

Have You Included the Furniture as well?

If you have given an assignment to the home interior design expert, along with the suggestions and choices for the furniture, then you might wish to share your own preferences with him/her. This way, the final outcome will reflect your individual personality as much as the creative ideas put forth by the designer. In the case of specific areas in the household, like the kitchen, for example, the interior designer has to come up with the ideas to make the kitchen a modern one with the modular storage and the smoke hood provisions and so on. However, at this stage can you overlook the comfort and functionality. Things have to be stored and retrieved during the daily use of the kitchen by you and your spouse and you should not be put to any discomfort.

Then the new interior work should make the bathrooms better, and the electrical wiring and lighting fixtures be made much more energy efficient in keeping with the need of the times we live in and so on. While doing all this, you have to keep an eye on the cost. You might already have a budget and the interior design for your home should get done within the same. Your home will be an enjoyable place to live in if you have the best interior.

Deck Your Dorm Room With Great Selections Furniture Stores Offer!

11:04 dorm , dorm room , Furniture , home , home decor , home improvement , home tips , tips 0 Comments

Going off to college is a great experience. You get to spread your wings, decide which direction your life is going, and finally decorate your room the way you've always wanted. Many places offer a plethora of beautiful and quirky furnishings you and your dorm mates will love. Here are some suggestions for spicing up your private space!

Accessories

You're going to want to start with accessories, then build the rest of your decor, such as bedding, chairs, and possibly a cozy loveseat, around your accessories. Furniture stores have beautiful reading lamps for your studying pleasure, cute and fuzzy throw pillows for your bed, and even trendy garbage cans for disposing your snacks. Think of your favorite color or pattern, including polka dots, animal prints, stripes, and neon, and let your imagination go from there!

Bedding

Your bed will be a place of refuge after a long day of tests and rigorous classes. Don't settle for a plain comforter and flat pillows, go all out and choose memory foam toppers, cool pillows, and gorgeous patterned comforters that are fluffy as a cloud! There are great bed sets available in so many wonderful styles and colors, your hardest decision will be in choosing just one.

Wall Art

Your dorm is going to be small, and you will have limited space in which to let your personality shine. Make your room truly unique with wall art, even if you have to share your space with a less-than-stylish roomie. Start with a beautiful mirror with gilded edges to make your area appear much larger. Search furniture stores for beautiful wall hangings you can adore, including abstract prints, inspiring paintings, or even natural photographed landscapes that bring you peace and joy.

Rugs

Your flat isn't complete without a soft, cozy shag rug to give your personal space the comfortable touch it needs. If you want to show off your multi-print rug or you want a personal spot to lounge while reading a book or studying, furniture stores offer the most modern and classic styles on the market. You can choose from stripes, bold prints, fluffy, or flat pieces that you'll love.

Financing Your Awesome Buys

Since you are continuing your education, you don't have a lot of money to spend. Furniture stores understand this and work with you to help you get the pieces you want under nearly any budget. You can choose to finance your purchases, making small monthly payments until you've paid your furniture off. You can also choose to buy discounted or display items for added savings.

When it comes to making your room look amazing, furniture stores are the perfect place to shop. From rugs to accessories to bedding, you can make your private space look truly unique. Friendly associates are always available to help you pick the best furnishings for your budget and your taste, so you'll love your home away from home for the next few years.

Home Design Ideas For Hand Embroidered Pillows

11:03 Embroidered Pillows , home , home decor , home improvement , home tips , Pillows , tips 0 Comments

When you rest on a pillow, the first priority is comfort. The soft plush of a pillow takes you back to the comforting warmth of the special people in your life. This is what initiates an aura of relaxation. However, these pillows are also an integral part of your home décor. From matching the colour to the style, you have to take into consideration several details when you are choosing pillows. What's more interesting is that if you thought the use of pillows was restricted to the bedroom, you have surely not explored the many options. Yes! You can use pillows in the drawing room as well. Now that we have convinced you about the importance of pillows in your home décor, let's talk about the hand embroidered option.

Embroidering the pillow covers is a great way to add the much needed signature touch to your home décor. This is like personalizing the style statement of your house so if you decide to invest time to do this, it's a great idea! Also, hand embroidered pillows personalize the style statement of your house without asking you to invest too much money.

Here are few tips for home design ideas to use in case of hand embroidered pillows:

1. Scenery: Get inspired from what surrounds the premise and use it to create an impressive design for your hand embroidered pillow. This design could be anything, from sky scrapers to well-manicured gardens

2. Love: This is a great idea for pillows that you are going to use in the bedroom. Here, we are talking about heart shape designs, nicknames used by husband and wife, of course!, etc.

3. Abstract: In this type of hand embroidered pillow, you have to choose a theme and make the design. This theme could be anything from travel to fashion, etc.

4. Wild life design: Use the birds and animals around you as an inspiration to create the design for your hand embroidered pillows.

5. Bunch of flowers: This idea comes in handy when you can't think of other themes to go with your décor. Embroidering flowers on your pillows works well in several set-ups and surely brightens the mood of the décor.

Additionally, you need not know the embroidery tricks to design your pillows. You can always hire a professional to do the job. Though this will cost extra, it will help you get fab results, provided you are able to pick an idea that blends well.

How To Select a Ceiling Medallion

11:02 Accessories , Ceiling , home , home decor , home improvement , home tips , Medallion , tips 0 Comments

1. Ceiling medallions must be either wider or smaller than the ceiling fan or the chandelier, and not of the same size. This might because an optical illusion called tunnel vision. It makes the ceiling look lower than it really is.
2. You can use a larger or wider ceiling medallion for a high ceiling. The higher the ceiling height, the larger the medallion must be.
3. The bigger the room, the larger the medallion has to be. For example, if the room size is 140 square feet or less, the ideal medallion diameter is twenty inches or less. A room size of 140 to 210 square feet must have a medallion diameter of twenty to thirty inches. On the other hand, if the room has the square footage of 210 up to 280, then the diameter of the medallion must be thirty to forty inches. Any size that is more than 280 requires a medallion with a diameter of 40 inches or more.

11 Tips for Decorating on a Budget

11:02 Budget , Decorating , home , home decor , home improvement , home tips , interior , interior design , tips 0 Comments

If you think you can't get the stylish magazine-ready home you've always wanted because of your budget, guess again. There are plenty of ways to turn a tiny budget into big style so you can decorate your home to perfectly match your personality. Read on for 11 brilliant ideas for decorating on a dime.

1) Use paint. Paint is cheap and easy to change. It also gives a dramatic result and can be applied in endless ways. Go ahead and choose a big, bold color to give your walls a fresh and inexpensive makeover. Remember that light colors make spaces look larger while dark colors make them look smaller. If you prefer cool colors, opt for a light shade or add a hint of grey to the mix to avoided pastels without making your abode into a cave.

2) DIY your decor. Avoid hiring other people to do things you could do yourself and enjoy the savings. Whether you're painting or installing new back splash, there are plenty of projects that are simple to do and have a big payoff. If you're not sure how to do something, check out an online video for a free tutorial.

3) Bring in your family and friends to help with the work. You may not know how to install a new ceiling fan, but maybe your dad does. Look at all of your potential resources before your decorating project gets underway. Call in the people you know when you need muscle or man-power then offer drinks and pizza for an impromptu after party. You'll have fun while you save money.

4.) Get a little thrifty. There's no social stigma with shopping thrift stores or yard sales anymore. In fact, there is a huge market for online yard sales where you can find great items at a fraction of retail price. Consider looking for paintings, furniture that can be up-cycled and other items at a resale shop before going to the store. Not only will you save money - your home will also take on a one-of-a-kind look that nobody else will be able to replicate.

5) Don't sweat the small stuff. Being OK with less than perfect merchandise will allow you to snag great deals on damaged or floor display items. Look for the store's as-is or clearance area to get the bargains.

6) Shop off the rack. Buying in-stock items and not ordering them or having them custom-made will save you a bundle of money. Off the shelf frames, mats and art are perfectly fine to use. You can always refurbish items with your own personal touch for a more unique look. Plain furniture can be dressed up with colorful pillows and as a bonus, in-stock means easy to change when you get the urge to redecorate.

7) Know when to shop. Most stores have sales or discounts at specific times of the year. Manages in many chain stores will give you the information on when to expect a sale, letting you save a ton of money if you're willing to wait. Sometimes, you can even get the item at the sale price before the sale just for asking.

8) Avoid matching everything. Not only is it boring, but if you match everything, you'll need to replace it all when you redecorate. Large collections for bedrooms or living rooms can also cost more, so being willing to mix than match will save you money now and in the future.

9) Learn to sew. The bygone art of sewing is the reason curtain stores and home goods stores are so popular now. If you have a sewing machine and a reasonable understanding of how to use it, you can easily make curtains, pillows and duvet covers. All you'll need to do is buy the fabric, but you'll pay a fraction of the cost of retail price and you'll have a larger choice of colors and patterns to work with.

10) Don't forget to accessorize. Don't get caught up changing the big stuff and forget to accessorize the space. You can find small objects and household items at yard sales or thrift shops that cost next to nothing. Consider using unusual objects like architectural corbels for book ends or driftwood for a fireplace mantle display.

11) Repurpose items you already own. Don't run out and melt your credit card buying new things when the decorating bug strikes. Instead, look at the items you already have and see if you could repurpose them. A little paint and some new hardware can transform a dresser, while a simple slip cover can breathe new life into your couch. Stencils, fabric paint and a little creativity can go a long way.

How To Find Medallion Tile Flooring

11:01 Flooring , home , home decor , home improvement , home tips , interior , interior design , Medallion , Medallion Tile Flooring , tips 0 Comments

1. Creative Edge. The name Creative Edge is fitting for the company indeed, since they were the pioneers of the waterjet technology used in cutting medallion tiles. The nationwide-leading company enjoys an excellent reputation and specializes in both residential and commercial projects. They have worked with various and well-known companies, offices, and public structures. Their website cec-waterjet.com presents a beautifully compiled and comprehensive portfolio showcasing their whole product line. And once you get a glimpse of their designs and selections, you'll get to admire the exquisite craftsmanship behind them. Some of their works include ceramic kitchen countertops and porcelain kitchen tile floors. Unique designs are prevalent, circular shapes are commonly used, but other shapes and patterns, even diamond patterns, can be requested. The colors of the materials they use are rich and brilliant, and some even include touches of gold, silver, and bronze.  
2. Monticello Tile Design. Aside from making high-quality water-jet cut floor medallions, Monticello also makes accent tiles, border tiles with diamond patterns, subway tiles, and stone rugs. They have a standard material pallette that includes natural stones, metal, glass, and porcelain. If specified, the designers can even use materials that clients themselves supply them with. Visit their website and check out their online catalog at mtiledesign.com.
3. Medallion Depot. Medallion Depot boasts of artistry in stone. Specializing in medallion and mosaic designs, they use high technology CAD and scanning software to create a myriad of designs from a multitude of sources: digital images, sketches, photos, and even clip art. One of their specialties is setting official logos and symbols for organizations, groups, or schools onto medallion tiles. Some of their customized works are featured on their website medalliondepot.com.
4. Waterjet Wonders. Decorative tile flooring is the specialty of Waterjet Wonders. They work on residential and commercial projects, creating wall and floor medallions, border tiles, and murals. Their collection of medallions and murals are available online at waterjetwonders.com.

How To Find Kitchen Floor Designs Online

11:01 Flooring , home , home decor , home improvement , home tips , interior , interior design , Kitchen , tips 0 Comments

1. Toppstiles.co.uk is an online store that has the most extensive selection of kitchen floor tiling that can also be installed in bathrooms and other rooms around the house. You can choose from the smooth, shiny surface of hard laminated wood flooring, travertine, mosaic, marble, natural stone, ceramic or rough materials like slate tiles, among many others. They sell their materials in your color of choice. You may visit them at their main branch whose address is found on their site, or you may conduct your transactions online. 
2. Homedepot.com is a popular American dealer of home construction supplies and decorations that operate internationally through TV marketing. They sell a wide range of products like kitchen racks, mats and rags, kitchen and bathroom tiles, lumber, everything you need for house remodeling. They install carpets, hardwood, vinyl and stone tiles. You can choose from the different brands they have. You can browse their products on their Web site to find out more details.
3. Barefootfloor.com is not limited to kitchen floor tiling. Just like homedepot.com, it has everything you need to manage, maintain and remodel every part of your house. You can practically buy everything you may need there in a lifetime. As for kitchen tile materials, they offer laminate flooring, natural stone, hardwood and ceramic. Their site offers a page that contains different kinds of products from other leading suppliers so you can compare prices, quality and come up with the best deal.
4. Tustincarpetandflooring.net sells basic kitchen cabinets, countertops and kitchen floor tiles that are easiest to maintain and install: laminated hardwood tiles, carpet and vinyl of the highest quality of resilience. They will even do the installation for you.

How To Identify Indian Rugs

11:00 home , home decor , home improvement , home tips , Indian Rugs , Rugs , tips 0 Comments

How To Read a Paint Color Chart

10:59 home , home decor , home improvement , home tips , Paint , Paint Color Chart , Painting 0 Comments

1. It is important to use a browser that is compatible for the color chart you are viewing. Behr paint color system for instance, works well with Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Safari. With other browsers, some colors will not properly download.
2. When it comes to color, everything revolves around the color wheel chart. Choose a color family starting from the primary colors – yellow, red and blue. Find a less strong color such as orange, green and purple which are the secondary colors, or a combination of primary color and a secondary color referred to as the tertiary colors.
3. If the chart you are viewing uses color codes instead of color names, there is no need to be an expert in order to decipher the codes of the paint color chart. Usually the first letter tells you what color group the color is from. For instance, B is for Blue, BR for brown, G is for green, M stands for metallic, N is neutral, O is for orange, R for red, Y for yellow and V for violet.
4. Manufacturers of interior and exterior paints usually make selection of colors easy for the customers. Behr paint and Glidden color systems for example have Web sites, which are easy to navigate. They may have different options but once you are on the page of the main color family swatches, you can simply click menus in order to get your actual color. There is also no need to decipher color numbers or codes. You only have to click your color preference and it displays the name.
5. Color combinations are available when you have chosen a base color. Coordinated color combinations are established by hue, lightness and intensity. Hue employs the same color with slight differences on the color family. Lightness also uses similar color with variance on the lightness levels, and intensity is a color's brightness saturation. These factors are menu-driven using a computer.