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Posts Tagged ‘decorating’

The free spirited character of the contemporary loft juxtaposed with antiques and bare brick; highlighted with large windows and soaring ceilings, has made this one of the most trendy lifestyle movements in the twenty something pack across America.

Once preferred by artists and other creative public, loft living has taken on a soul of its own, and is considered to be a pretty prestigious way to live. A great number of lofts are situated within a renewed warehouse or old renovated factory. However, in some cities, new condo or apartment complexes are rising that are committed to loft spaces or which have the penthouse floor units as desirable lofts. New home buyers and renters alike crave each of these.

What a first time loft dweller doesn’t appreciate are the many challenges that come with beautifying and furnishing a spacious, generous loft home. It can be quite a ordeal to craft areas without bunching up or boxing in the natural flow of space. You want all spots to be visible to the high ceilings and huge windows to gain from the natural light.

A few tips for emphasizing your high ceiling space…

1.    Use huge, extra-large ceiling fans made from hand crafted woods and shiny metals, to guide the eye up and circulate the air. At once it is practical and magnificent.

2.    Leave all the substantial solid wood beams, decorative corbel, staircase newels and heating pipes exposed. If you are going to hide the most individual features of your loft space, you might as well shuffle on over to a condo.

3.    Think BIG when you are picking lighting for your ceiling in the main living space. You would like the lighting to be effective and very dramatic. Large drum shades and jumbo chandeliers can be exceptional choices.

Many lofts have a wood staircase that reaches to the master bedroom area that is not a bedroom – but simply an chic sleeping space that has spectacular views to the living space below. This design scheme can also present challenges but offers the perfect opening to accentuate the high ceilings. For your iron railings, choose either custom wood that is stained to play off the cozy exposed brick, or use custom cast iron which is in keeping with the heritage of the building. For the baluster parts, definitely consider custom wrought iron that come in straight or curved, intricate or plain, large or chic balustrades.

If you are lucky enough to live in a loft, you already see that you have somewhere very unique to live. Now be fearless in your decor decisions and make it the most fabulous space it can be. You selected an avant-garde home style – why settle for plain in interior design?

The popularity of whitewash furniture is something that has changed over time. At the moment it is enjoying a period of rapid growth in popularity and many pieces are selling for a great deal of money. There are places that you can buy high quality white furniture such as bedroom furniture for good a good price, but if you want to make your own here is how.

1.Firstly you need to sand the piece of furniture down that you want to whitewash. A sanding block or electrical sander should be suitable to do this but you might need to strip it chemically if there is a thick build up of paint on the piece.You now need to clean the wood thouroughly to get rid of any dirt of sawdust. Wait for wood to dry

2.You then need to mix together one parts water with two parts white latex paint in a plastic container. You’ll need a 3-inch brush and bowl of fresh water to wipe off mistakes. Brush the wood following along the line of the grain and use broad sweeping strokes. The watery paint has a habit of soaking into the wood quickly so you’ll need to go over area well.

3.When you have competed covering the item but before the paint has a chance to dry, wipe over it carefully to uncover the grain slightly. This is give the wood a light stain look but if you want a deeper more expensive look, just repeat the previous steps as many times as you like, four should do it though.

4.When you achieve a look that you are happy with, give the wood another light sanding down to expose the grain and and then seal the wood using a satin clear polyurethane. Let the product dry again, rub over it gently but thoroughly with a nylon abrasive pad and then repeat this last step as many times as needed to get the right look. Use this method to create a great white bathroom mirror, bedside table or even dresser.

If you think you know for sure the color you will be using in your next home improvement plan, then think again. Here are a couple of advices that can serve when we talk about painting interiors and changing carpentry colors.

1. Changing the wall colors can be a good start. Start by testing the color of the paint by marking a line on an object you can easily move, but that is similar to a dried wall, then look at the color from different angles and during different periods of the day. You will then see that the color look completely different in daylight that it does when illuminated by an artificial light The profoundness of the color also varies depending on the surface it’s applied on and the light it that illuminates it.

2. What people usually do is to paint the ceiling in the lightest shade, then the walls a bit darker. Paint the decorations in a darker tone compared to the one of the walls and for carpentry objects use the darkest tones. To emphasis the contrast, you should use for carpentry oil based paints.

3. If you hire a carpenter it’s useful to ask for a 10 centimeters sample of the material, to make an exact idea about the furniture piece you want. Colors on a computer screen or in a magazine can be quite different form the real colors you will get, so ask for sample even for carpets or sofa covers.

4. A trick that many home improvement designers rely on is placing into the room a red object, that can serve a as focal point, even if it’s of small dimensions. It could be a red little teddy bear, a dh baldwin baby grand piano or just a plain red decorative pillow.

Don’t underestimate the power of white walls. Of course, there are many cases in witch white walls leave the impression of a hospital room that doesn’t have anything to say, but that’s because white simply reflects the other deign aspects present there. White also comes in lots of shades, if we can call them that. If you’ve chosen white as your dominant color for one room, you can easily enrich the space, by adding furniture pieces in various colors. And don’t forget white, as well as black, never fall out of fashion. It’s best to paint the walls in a dusty white, the ceiling white and garnish everything with dark brown carpentry objects and furniture accessories in bright colors as red, orange or cream.

Is your family room or den screaming for a bit of colour or a make-over but your budget is tight or lacking? Sometimes a little  green can be an uplifting alternative. Along with colourful flowers and  showy looking greenery, silk plants can provide a lovely new visual treat at a very low cost compared to other choices such as renovation, painting or the addition of new furniture pieces.  Placement next to a window to capture daylight or by using spot lighting to provide a riot of colours and dramatic looks will call for rave reviews. Trailing vines and exotic trees together with ground covering silk plants can bring an awesome tropical attraction.

As any gardener knows real plants can be a pain and a constant source of labor. They require constant watering, are in many cases sensitive to adverse changes in temperature. Real plants only bloom for limited amounts of time then just when you think you have those challenges under control along come the pests. Many of them just as at home in your indoor plants as they would be outside. Have I talked about fertilizer and frequent re-potting as their root systems expand. Well you must have to be committed to plants to continue with all that labor. And if it’s your office you’re changing is that really your purpose in being there? Don’t listen to a friend who tells you that real plants will not be that expensive? A good size “real” tree will often cost in the thousands of dollars. Thousands of dollars that you’ll be out of pocket if transporting it or if other factors kill it. This is one of many reasons so many offices and residential homes have moved to redecorate with silk plants.

Whether you’re thinking you would like to redecorate your home or office it is worth it to shop for silk plants. With little maintenance other than the occasional dusting and an amazing variety of bewilderingly beautiful colours, shapes, sizes and designs it is easy to magnify the beauty of any room. Whether it is for your residential room or a high end office environment silk plants can produce a striking vista capable of impressing the most over-indulged of tastes.

There isn't an answer that is right or wrong for this one. Easily the best option is to choose a kitchen unique to you? Designer Kitchens are thought to be the best although wouldn’t it be much better to think it all up yourself so you could have the bets kitchen possible in your mind. The companies that make these kitchens certainly know what they are doing. If there is no way you could ever afford a big budget kitchen then there is nothing wrong with going to the ocal DIY store and getting the materials from there. They stock everything from tiles to wood for flooring. They cost a lot but they are worth the price? For the price, then I’m sure they are but to design a kitchen you have always wanted is much more worthwhile in the long run.

The quality is better as they will last a lot longer as they are made to the best of standards. I mean yes you are looking at between £25,000 - £100,000 for a self designed kitchen but they are really worth it for these reasons.

1. When you see the end result you will see you put your money into the right thing. All the best materials, a top team of designers who know what they are doing to help you make the right decisions whether it be looking into the right worktop or finding the space you need in fitting the kitchen your after.

2. It really isn't cheap. Sometimes being expensive is a very good thing. It certainly wont be falling apart in years to come as well as adding huge value to your property if and when you decide to sell in the future.

3. It's made to exactly how you want it. As your the one making all the decisions it is a lot better as you can feel truly satisfied at the end of it. No more will people be saying that your kitchen is old and outdated.

So it’s clear that bespoke kitchens are certainly the way forward when looking to decorate the kitchen.

When I was a kid I knew that if someone had a pond in their backyard they were either rich or very lucky. Now it is clear to all of us that we can have a backyard pond, we only need to have some room for it. You just need some time to figure out what design you like best and to learn what is included in the building process before you get to work. You should know that this is no longer such a daunting mission as it used to be.

If you like to relax and enjoy in the nature, the backyard ponds are perfect for that. They used to be a bigger headache than they are today, because the new technology associated with backyard ponds offer an environment that is more ecologically balanced, look completely natural, are very low maintenance, and make for an excellent habitat for fish, turtles and other wildlife. Most of them are clean and crystal clear while the growth of algae is easily controlled.

It is possible to find a professional who would design your backyard pond as well as creating a low maintenance fish pond or a water garden. Or you could go with the do it yourself route and buy each piece individually. As an extra convenience there are even pond kits that come with everything you need (except the place to put it!) Putting all hassles aside, the backyard pond is a great place to be at because it offers a great tranquility.

Usually, backyard ponds are placed in such a way that they can be seen from patio or a window and most of them are smaller in size. Owning one is a chance to relax and enjoy in the view by yourself or with your family. In addition to the pond you will likely see a lot more wildlife which can be educational for your children.

I like the ponds that have a flexible liner as a unique design, especially those that use their edge as a small beach. You will need this small graduation so that the critters could get inside and outside while the birds will be able to dip into the water, just how they love it. It just another way to keep your pond special, tranquil and a beautiful addition to your home.

Windows, an often forgotten aspect of interior decorating are essential elements in any decorating theme. It’s simple enough to comprehend why – after all, besides from looking outside or letting in sunlight, what other function do windows have, contrasted to how a big wall or fireplace might look? You can’t escape the fact that your windows are an important part of your interior decor. If you want to make your decorating theme exceptional, you should take a look at the window decorationg ideas here.

Installing curtains and drapes in coordinated fashion, concerning style and color, will definitely improve the design of the theme you have chosen at the start. Instead of breaking the decorating theme, use wood blinds in your cabin and lodge, or any other place where you are going for a wood type decorating theme. The blinds can help give you privacy and also let light filter in adding to the ambiance of the room design.

You are not confined to kitchen curtains when it comes to window decorations, you can use a new layer of paint, afer you sand them and stain them a bit. It’s now decorating secret that a new coat of paint will make your windows look like new. You will not only get more security if you install safety locks or clasps, but you will attain that stylish and practical look for your windows.

When it comes to fitting into many other design themes, scallops and side tabs are an excellent things to try out on your windows. To let some light in your room, you need to open the windows, but before that, you can tie the drapes and curtains. Scalloped valance is known to add a bit of style even to the worst of windows.

A new approach in window decorating is mixing decorating materials. Try to mix it up a little, use different types of fabrics and patterns with some other materials. To soften up your window decorations a bit, you can use the wood blinds that are easily put together with some fabric windows treatments like drapes.

The patio of today is not only a place where you will barbeque for a weekend, it has become something different… They’re becoming more like outdoor living rooms. To appreciate the free time with your family on a whole new level, you should convert your old patio into something completely different.

You can make your start by decorating your patio with some furniture, patio door curtains and other window treatments. Gone are the days of cookie-cutter patio furniture. Patio furniture really has morphed to fit the needs of the consumer.

Besides the good olf chairs and table style, you can find plenty of other styles you can use with your patio. You can find bars stools and low chairs in stores and place them around outdoor table you have. To endure in the weather, there are plenty of drapes, pillows, benches and luxurious loungers that are made of special fabric.

You can apply some ideas you use inside the house to improve the atmosphere on your patio. For example, you can purchase outdoor curtains made from weather friendly materials to provide privacy and create the perfect mood. You patio living room can be additionaly improved with a new outdoor rug that will allow you to go without your shoes and relax completely.

What brings a special weight to the vibe on your patio is the lighting. There are a lot of lamps that are manufactured especially for outdoor use, so you can plug them in outdoor outlet and surprise your guest. It’s hard to beat the ambiance of candle light, but if you don’t want to mess with the hassle of candles blowing or burning out, then these outdoor lamps might be perfect for you.

You want more ideas? Just think of all the other things that make your indoor living space so comfortable to you and be creative and figure out how you can apply the same concepts to your outdoor living area. And find some cheap curtains.You’ll leave your guests wondering if they are in your living room or on your patio!

There are many pieces of furniture in our homes that serve a merely functional purpose. We often don’t even really take much notice of these items. These can sometimes be perfectly fine pieces of furniture that need just a little something to bring them to life. Sometimes even something simple can do the trick.

For many of us this functional piece of furniture is the coffee table. While coffee tables get used often they often will not add much to the design of the space. You can really improve the look of your coffee table with the addition of a coffee table clock. You can place a coffee table clock almost anyplace on the table from the center to the angles.

The best coffee table clock for you will work well with your coffee table to achieve the right look. There are many colors and styles of coffee table clock and some will work best with your coffee tables style. For example, contemporary coffee tables will coordinate best with coffee table clocks in metallic finishes.

Wood coffee tables are often best suited to a carriage style coffee table clock. You get the best results when the clock and the coffee table each complement each other and accentuate the look of the other. The ideal coffee table clock will enhance the look of an otherwise plain coffee table.

It is also nice to have a coffee table clock with a chime feature. The sweet sound of chimes can add charm to your home. Your choice of coffee table clock will be influenced by the scale and shape of your coffee table. The clock you select should be we suited to your coffee table shape and size. You will often get a great effect by combining a small domed clock with a medium sized coffee table. The scale of the clock should match the scale of the coffee table. A clock that does not match the proportions of the table will not give you the desired impact.

There is a host of choices to make when buying a mirror for your wall. You need to know which room the mirror will be hung in and figure out what will blend best with the rooms décor.

The first question you will need to ask is where you intend to hang the wall mirror. This will give you an idea as to the correct style of mirror. The main types of wall mirror styles include frameless, kids, Venetian, traditional, and modern.

You will have to think about what would work best in terms of the the shape of wall mirror you select. Some of the more typical options are rectangle, square, sunburst, arched, octagon, oval, and round.

If none of these work for you there is also the option of getting a custom wall mirror in just about any shape you can image. Large wall mirrors that come in a non uniform shape are considered custom. Some ideas of large mirrors include sectional mirrors in a single frame or triangular mirrors.

You will also need to determine if you want glass with a bevel or a flat edge. Your choice here is mainly about what you like best. Some people believe that a beveled glass is more sophisticated while others prefer the simple look of flat edged glass. Take your time to see samples of both and you will have an idea of which one you like best.

When buying large wall mirrors you will also need to decide to pick a framed or frameless model. If you decide you would like a frame this will open up a host of options.

There are many different materials that can be used for your mirror frame. Some of the more common choices are metal, glass, wood, and acrylic. You are also able to find many frames made from other types of materials, many times from items which have been recycled. You should have no problem finding a frame in a color which will coordinate well with the rest of your room’s décor.

The size of your wall mirror is the final choice you will need to make. You should take measurements of the wall where you plan to hang your new wall mirror to determine the appropriate size. This will give you a general sense of how the mirror will look when you get it in place.