By Monika Kay
Strathwood Falkner Deep Lounge Sofa
White furniture can add a fresh, open feel to any room of the house, but too much can leave a room cold and stark. So how can you get the light airiness of white design without overdoing it? The answer may be found in variety. Mixing old and new furniture with patterns and textures can add variety and feeling to an otherwise bare room. Here are some categories to consider when adding white furniture to a room design.
Antique Whites
One or two pieces of well-chosen antique furniture helps create a more relaxed, cozy environment in a room. Whitewashed antique dressers, sideboards, and more can be prize finds at the average estate sale. You can give newer white furniture that same old-world feel by "distressing" the piece using things like crackling paint and sandpaper. White antique wash basins, pitchers, bowls, and vases also add a homey touch.
White Patterns
Light patterns in different shades of white adds interest to a white room. Patterns can be incorporated almost anywhere, from the wood trim on furnishings and fabrics to tile mosaics on floors, table tops, and walls.
Pure White
For those who might want to experiment with the feel of a pure white decor before committing completely, simple slipcovers are an easy and inexpensive way to add white furniture to a room. Fluffy white pillows, white rugs, and gauzy white curtains can also help make a room transformation seem almost effortless.
Textures in White
Another good way to avoid "white overload" is to use textures to bring a room together. Consider contrasting a soft, fluffy rug with a rougher corduroy upholstery. Likewise, silks or brocades can be paired with a sculpted rug or woven mat. Beware of using too many contrasting textures, this could strain the eye and add a stressful feel to the room.
A Splash of Color
The calculated use of a contrast color in the white decor can accentuate a white furniture scheme. Accent pillows in red, blue or yellow are popular choices, as is the classic black-and-white pairing. Greys, browns and greens can be used to give a room a more natural earthy flair, while pastels can be matched with white for a softer, more feminine space. A splash of color can be incorporated into decorative throws, accent pieces, rugs, walls or flooring to focus the eye and accentuate the white room.
Decorating with white doesn't have to be intimidating, it just takes a little thought and creativity. Start with a sample whites palette from the local paint or fabric store - it's amazing how many different shades of white are available. Once the shades of white are chosen, it's simply a matter of finding the right white furniture and accessories to fit your tastes.
By MJ Marks
Spending lots of time at a desk is just a fact of modern living and working. Your computer desk had better be something you are comfortable with or you will be frustrated and irritated, even if just subconsciously.
If you like your desk and chair then you can be more effective and efficient with what you are doing. Many people try to make their work environment as comfortable as possible, and understandably so. But the desk itself is fundamental to your satisfaction. So feel free to set out those desk toys, plants, and a few pictures from home, but be especially sure to tend to the computer desk itself, or you will never be as happy as you could. Since a computer desk is so important, it is worth taking a look at some of the different types and configurations available to you.
First, let's start with something just a little odd, the standing computer desk. This is a style that I am very tempted by. It is constructed to be tall so that the user can stand while working. This has the obvious advantage of keeping the user more active and fit. It also has the obvious downside of forcing the user to stand. Sort of a double whammy situation. People who use this sort of desk report greater productivity and energy after a break-in period that allows their bodies to adjust to being vertical for longer periods of time than they might otherwise be used to.
Second, there are traditional sit down desks that are designed to be used in a corner. A corner computer desk has several advantages. They free up floor space in your work environment and allow for other interior design possibilities that otherwise would not be available. Like traditional designs, these have many options for storage both in drawers and above on shelves. Some have keyboard slides and built in file folder storage. Whether you prefer wood, metal or glass, a corner computer desk can be a great option.
Third are the L-shaped and U-shaped computer desk. I think these are really attractive and functional. They allow you to feel like you are sort of "in" your workspace. Some people find that this style makes them feel more focused and engaged in what they are doing just because of the physical configuration of their desk. The large work surfaces of these styles is a big plus for many. It can be pretty frustrating when you have lots of materials to organize on your desk and there isn't enough room.
Fourth, the standard traditional executive type desk. These are big beautiful desks that exude quality and presence. One large work surface and lots of storage make this sort of desk satisfactory for many users. Many people like how they feel perched at their executive desk in a big leather chair across from their client (or kid). Maybe it's the intimidation factor, who knows. If you have the room and don't mind a bit heavier desk than normal, then this type may be just the thing for you.
Of course you can opt for simple computer tables, carts, or armoires if you want something other than a more traditional computer desk. It doesn't matter. Find what works for you, fall in love, and maximize your work area.
MJ is a freelance writer for Clickshops, Inc. where you can find the perfect computer desk for your home or office at qualitycomputerdesks.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=MJ_Marks
 | Da-Lite Compact-2 Height Adjustable Workstations Da-Lite Compact-2 Height Adjustable Workstations. |
By Caitlina Fuller
Rustic furniture is as popular now as it has ever been. If you are looking to break away from traditional furnishings to brighten your home or just infuse it with a bit of your personal style, this could be a great option for you. Not only do you get that down home feel, you can also get a lot of color and personality, too! You would be surprised how furnishings of this nature can change the whole look and feel of your home.
There are a lot of different furnishings that you can buy for your home that are of a rustic nature. You'll find that there are a lot of different pieces for the bedroom, the living room, the kitchen, and even the dining room. You can keep the rustic theme going throughout the house, in fact you can even breathe the rustic feel into the lighting in your home.
Southwestern furniture can be very beautiful, but you either like it or you don't. You will find that there is a wide range of furnishings to choose from. Some of the pieces are very rustic while others are a little more mellow and sort of combine the rustic and modern feels for something very unique. You will need to look at all of the different options to see what type of furniture appeals to you.
You may find that the rustic furnishings that you find in one area of the country is different than the furnishings that you find in another area of the country or the world. Mexican rustic furniture appeals to a lot of people because they often have color and style that is just a bit different than anything that you will find. In addition, many of the Mexican pieces are rustic and really look that way instead of mass produced rustic furniture that looks like it was mass produced!
Shopping around will allow you to see all of the different types of furnishings that are available to you. You can incorporate just a touch of rustic furniture or you can make your whole house rustic! Couches, tables, night stands, bedroom sets, dressers, dining tables, lamps, and more can all be found!
Caitlina Fuller is a freelance writer. Rustic furniture is as popular now as it has ever been. Not only do you get that down home feel, you can also get a lot of color and personality, too! Southwestern furniture can be very beautiful, but you either like it or you don't.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Caitlina_Fuller
By Andrew Caxton
If you're looking for authentic Japanese furniture, there are quite a few sites on the web where you can see what's on offer, what they look like, and how much they cost.
But ask yourself...what is authentic Japanese furniture? There are the classic designs everyone thinks of - the mats, the screens, the pillows, the futons. But Japanese furniture design has not stood still, any more than any other country's furniture design has, and there is plenty of modernistic looking stuff out there with just a soupcon of the oriental flair about it.
Asian Culture
If you see an interesting piece of sculpture or ornamentation, or an excitingly designed piece of furniture, purchase it by all means. It all comes down to what you like. But, your appreciation of these pieces can be enhanced if you know the history behind each piece (if any). So do a bit of research into the history of the domestic life of these countries.
A Few Sample Web Businesses
Haiku Designs offers furniture, bedding and artwork, in both traditional and modern Japanese designs. All of their offerings are illustrated with large photos so you can get a good idea of what you're looking at.
I really liked their Kyoto Japanese Style platform bed, which comes with shoulder rests so you can sit up and read before retiring for the night. Very elegant looking. Among other offerings is the Kenso Platform bed, which is what one typically thinks of when thinking of Japanese beds!
Haiku Designs also offers indoor water fountains, but oddly enough not the Lotus Pool that set off their Europa bedroom set, in the descriptive photo!
Greentea Design also offers exclusively Asian-inspired designs for all rooms in the house.
I thought it was interesting that they offered Maru Tables, which are constructed from "original slabs of century-old Korean flooring". These boards are three inches thick and were "used in aristocrat's homes for their main rooms and porches." Well...better that these antique boards should still see use than be burned to create fuel, but what a pity that the buildings from which they come must no longer be in existence...
I like the fact that all of their furniture is made from salvaged wood, however - that is a point of pride with them and I think it makes a lot of sense. "Keep it green" is their motto.
Oriental Furniture is another of the many sites on the web that offer furnishings and decorations - statuary, etc. from Japan and China. I particularly liked their statuary and silk paintings, and they also have jade carvings.
Andrew Caxton is the editor of different articles published at http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com/ , with reference to oriental interiors and gardening . A website with tips on japanese decorating.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Caxton
By Alycia Shapiro
Alycia ShapiroLevel: Basic PLUSAlycia Shapiro grew up in Culver City California. She realized that she loved learning and set her sites on UCLA. As an undergradute at the ... ...
Trying to decide the best type of kids furniture to add to your child's bedroom? Well we were thinking the same thing so we decided to do some research on tables & chair sets, toy boxes, and bookcases. You know what we found - all of our favorites were made by the same company - KidKraft. With this in mind we thought others would benefit from hearing about the different types of furniture KidKraft has to offer and review some of our favorites.
To start we looked at one of the most essential pieces of children's furniture a child can have. Aside from a bed and dresser kids like to do activities in their room sitting at their favorite table and chair set. Kid Kraft has a large selection of table sets to choose from so you are sure to find one that fits the design of the room you are looking to enhance. They specialize if classic kids furniture pieces that compliment the existing furniture in the home. They have wood table & chair sets in honey, natural wood, and cherry wood finishes. They also have painted table sets for boys & girls like the white Brighton Table that can be paired with a variety of pastel colored chairs or the Nantucket table in Primary that pairs a honey table with 4 primary colored chairs. In this category our hands down favorite is the Avalon Table & Chair set in honey. The sturdy wood construction makes it a durable choice for any family and the classic look makes it the perfect addition to a kids room or even the living room. Honey is not the only color choice - it comes in a variety of colors and finishes. For example, if your family room has elegant black furniture you could add the Avalon in Black so it does not detract from your fashionable design while your child will still get the perfect place to snack, draw, or do homework.
The next piece needed was a great toy box. This is an important element to a kids bedroom because it helps keep the room neat and tidy. KidKraft has traditional wooden toy chests and storage bins that are functional and will fit the design of any room. Our favorite is the Limited Edition Toy Box. This classic toy box combines the conventional components of a standard toy chest with a convenient bench seat for added seating in your kids room. It comes in a variety of color choices like Natural, Cherry, Honey, White, or our favorite Black. The Limited Edition toy box has casters so it is easy to move about the room and it has an expansive interior so there is lots of room to store a child's favorite toys.
For many of us, books are counted as a "favorite thing" and we want to give our love of books to our children. The best way to make books important to our kids is to surround them with books from an early age. With this in mind we looked at KidKraft's selection of bookcases to find the best book storage solutions. If you are looking for a traditional bookcase the Avalon Wooden Book Case comes in Black, Cherry, Natural, Honey, or White so you are guaranteed to find one that compliments the furniture in your child's room or playroom. If you prefer playfully painted furniture to add a pop of color to your space there are some great options. If you are looking for primary colors they have the puzzle bookshelf that combines three different bookcases that can be stacked or used separately. Don't think KidKraft has left the girls out of the mix - they will go Ga Ga over the Dollhouse flip top bookcase and the Princess Toddler bookcase. Despite all these fabulous choices if I had to choose just one my favorite is the new Sling Bookcase. It is a combination of simple natural wood and canvas inserts so it is simple and understated. It does not have as many bells and whistles as some of the other bookcase choices that KidKraft has to offer but the functionality more than makes up for the no-nonsense design. The books face forward so young children can see the front of the book for easier book selection. This is particularly important for toddlers and pre-school age kids who don't know how to read yet and rely on the pictures to make reading fun.
In short if you are looking for great kids furniture you need to look no further than KidKraft. We think you will agree that the Table & Chairs sets, Toy Chests, and Bookcases by KidKraft will give your child's room the extra pizzazz to make it truly magical while still providing you with durable, long-lasting kids furniture that is packed full of value and easy on your pocket book.
Alycia Shapiro is Vice President in charge of product development for SensoryEdge. She has advocated for special needs children in order to get the therapy services they need. Many parents either have difficulty getting the proper services or might not know these services are available. You can visit her websites to learn more about playroom toys and kidkraft children's Furniture
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alycia_Shapiro
By Sarah Freeland
Bamboo can be used to create amazing bamboo kitchen furniture and décor items. The most commonly created kitchen furniture pieces created from bamboo are kitchen table and chair sets. These sets are not limited to tropical designs and styles, as new engineering and manufacturing techniques has allowed designer to use bamboo just as they would wood.
The second set of items on the bamboo kitchen furniture and decor list are bamboo kitchen storage and organization items. Because of bamboo’s versatility it can be used to create a wide range of kitchen organizing devises and furniture. It can be used to created spice racks, pot racks, pantries, hutches, dry sinks, and dish stands.
Next on the list of bamboo kitchen furniture and décor items is bamboo kitchen cabinets. Yes bamboo can even be used to make kitchen cabinets. This is a great option for rustic kitchen designs, or for Asian inspired kitchen designs.
In addition to being used as a building material for regular kitchen chairs, bamboo can also be used to build bamboo barstools. The bamboo can be used for both the foundation of the stool as well as the fabric for the stool. These stools look great in Florida rooms, sun rooms, and in casual dining areas.
The final kitchen décor items that can be made from bamboo are bamboo cutting boards. These boards are as functional as they are beautiful. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes. These boards should not be submerged in water, nor should they be placed in the dishwasher.
Bamboo, a vital building tool that grows 10 times faster than trees, is an increasing popular choice of furniture in America's home. Learn more about bamboo and Chinese furniture and decor at Bamboo Furniture Etc. - your source for bamboo patio furniture, cutting boards, decorative fans, contemporary chairs, bamboo wood flooring as well as towels, rugs and blinds. For more in home decor check out contemporary bedding
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Freeland
By Roy Primm
African home decor gets its inspiration through nature. For example, the trees, the animals, the soil is the reflection it gives through it's craftsmanship. History proves most cultures and tribes of Africa have long felt true power comes from the soil, trees, stones, rushing rivers, powerful animals and more. As a result craftsmen and women work to reflect that power as they fashion wooden sculptures, figurines, mask and other hand-made products.
Due to the natural symbolism these products exude, they have the strength and depth to survive the passing trends and fads of time. The power and depth of hand-made African decor is what gives it longevity long after most other home decor styles have faded away.
African Interior Design Reflect Powerful Symbols of Nature
The powerful symbols of nature from the African continent reflect the feeling and inspiration through a growing market of African home accents, and room decor. African art and the culture that comes from it is inspired through hand-made craftsmanship. Most of these techniques, handed down for centuries from generation to generation, continues to produce quality pieces of home decor that's demanded around the world.
The expansive decorative designs, patterns and textures make up the popularity and uniqueness of most modern African American home decor. The rich vibrant beauty adds life and authenticity to a lack luster space or room in a growing number of homes. The range of choices in patterns, textures, designs, and colors is what makes the African decor style so adaptable to various home decor themes and homeowner taste. The colors of nature continues to inspire more African interior design choices.
African decor takes on many symbols and forms. They include African figurines, masks, wooden sculptures, baskets, iron art, ceramic pottery and even furniture to name a few. The huge assortment of African textiles also play a large role in African room accessories. Colorful, bright and uplifting is the best way to describe the exotic designs and patterns of this popular decor. Whether you're choosing to add an accent piece to brighten up a dull space or introduce a whole room theme, African home decor has a solution for ever room design problem.
African Decor Color Choices Reflect Nature
The color range of African American home decor alone is expansive, it can go from soft natural earth tones to all the colors of the rainbow and beyond. The nature-friendly textiles, used for an assortment of items, add warmth to any room. For example, wall decor, window coverings, sofa and chair covers, even decorative pillows, bedspreads, tablecloths, and table runners. The list continues to grow and expand as consumers needs continue to grow and expand.
Many woods go into the classic African influenced furniture. For example, if you need to brighten your space, woods such as cedar, pine, and ash can add a light colored mood to your room. For the classic look - consider the dark, rich, timeless look of mahogany and ebony wood as your African decor choices.
For earth-friendly or organic African home decor there's bamboo, wicker, rattan and other environmentally friendly materials. Theses materials come from fast growing trees that's easily replenished. The exotic artwork of Northern African contributes to the timeless look of a room. Famous for world renowned mosaic art in colorful floor tiles, rugs, wall and ceramic products.
African American home decor continues to merge with the styles, taste and culture of Africa. As time passes more people will come to recognize how influential and inspirational this exotic decor is to other styles of home interior design as well.
Roy Primm, publisher of Black Homeowner News has written dozens of articles on the growing popularity of African decor. For more tips, trends and ideas go to African Decor Ideas
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roy_Primm
By Amanda Taylor
Sunrooms have become one of the most sought after rooms to have in a home. They are a great area for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the outdoors from the inside of your house. But what is the best way to decorate a sunroom, screened porch, or solarium? Here are some great sunroom furniture ideas.
Indoor sunroom furniture does not have quite the durability that patio furniture has. This is because it is not meant to be exposed to the weather like furnishings that are on a porch. With that being said, however, certain types of outdoor seating options are great for decorating sunrooms.
Although sunrooms are indoors, an outdoor theme is among the top ideas for decor. Wicker rattan furniture is one type that works well as indoor sunroom furniture because it has a natural yet cozy look and feel. There are many pieces available including chairs, sofas, loveseats, coffee tables and side tables. You can purchase an entire set that matches, or choose pieces that contrast. Add a few plants, some great cushions, and a few other decorative nature accessories and your room will look great.
Another approach is to use more traditional styles of decorating, such as Ashley furniture and wood tables. Many people prefer this type of atmosphere because the furniture is softer and the room feels more like a typical living room. As far as style goes, this may not look as good as rattan furniture, but it may be more comfortable to some.
Whether you choose patio furniture or a more traditional indoor style, there are many different shapes, sizes, and variations available for sunrooms. These are just a few of many ideas that are out there to help you with decorating your home.
Don't miss out on finding the perfect sunroom furniture for your home. Go to http://www.need-info.com/sunroom/Sunroom_Furniture.html today to learn more about the different types of sunroom furniture including rattan wicker and other popular styles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amanda_Taylor
By Guri Williams
Home and Garden decor is a great way to make your home and garden attractive, charming and a relaxing place to stay. Before you enter your home, you see the garden. By creating a pleasantly inviting atmosphere in your garden, you can create a cheerful introduction to your home. Furniture plays a vital role in making a house look beautiful and comfortable. Good decorum of furniture makes a house look attractive. The kind of painting determines easily what kind of furniture will be appropriate for the house.
Usually decoration of your home consists of Bedroom furniture, Bookcases, Cabinets, sofas, tables, soft furnishings, trunks and many more. There are different decorating styles that can be used some of which are listed as- antique, casual, contemporary, country, hand carved custom made and much more styles that can be used to make your home the best.
Beds, bunk beds, bedspreads and other Bedroom furniture make any home comfortable and relaxing. Whether its bunk beds for the little kids, bedspreads or trundle beds, it is best to choose beds that fit in with the style and décor of the rest of your house. However, comfort in beds is still the most important ingredient when selecting a bed.
Bedroom furniture is an integral part of any house. In this room you can really be yourself and be most comfortable. If your bedroom is place in your house where you feel most comfort then why not make our bedroom a cozy and warm place by selecting the right bedroom furniture.
So make your house beautiful by choosing from wide range of furniture available at fornisca. For more information visit- http://www.fornisca.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Guri_Williams
By Jennifer Akre
It's often the finishing touch in a living room, the sofa table. From ornate pieces that help define the theme of a space and finish the look of your sofa to simple tables that offer you a place to put lights and display treasures behind your sofa, the style of these furnishings run the gamut. While the style you choose will depend on your personal preferences, you should also consider some of the other traits to a sofa table before bringing one into your home.
- Length - It doesn't get any tackier than looking at a sofa table that sticks out past one end of the sofa. It looks like someone wasn't paying attention to the details of fitting furniture together. And that's probably exactly what happened. Instead of trying to figure out a way to cover up ill-fitting furniture after the fact, take the time to measure the length of your sofa and make sure that the table will fit well within its limitations. It's ok for a table to be a little short, but having it stick out past the sofa is not going to look right.
- Depth - if you have a smaller living room, this is going to be very important, a deep sofa table will make your sofa stick out more into the room, and will eat up more floor space. If you are already limited by floor space you may well be making this room feel much more cramped by adding this piece of furniture.
- Height - Another important consideration to make is the height of your sofa or console table. You don't want the table to stick up way over the sofa, nor do you want to have to reach way down over the back of the sofa to get to it. Instead you need to try and make sure the table matches the height of the sofa. A way to figure out what range you have to work with is to sit on your sofa and reach over behind you, as if you were to retrieve something from the table. How far can you reach before it seems awkward? Usually it's just a few inches below the top before it starts to feel uncomfortable. Take this measurement into account when shopping.
- Function - if you aren't planning to put your sofa table against the wall with the sofa in front of it, can it serve an extra function? Many are set in the middle of the room with a sofa on one side, and open access to the other side. This is a great space for extra storage. Look for a table with drawers, shelves, and other amenities you can put to use.
While it may seem there are a lot of details to note before purchasing a sofa or console table, you need to remember this is a larger furniture purchase. The price can be substantial, and it's important to make sure you will be completely happy with the purchase once you bring the piece home.
As the owner of many online sites, author Jennifer Akre, shares her insight on how to make your indoor living space more comfortable with classic console table, sleek contemporary console table and swanky sofa tables.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Akre
By Chris Robertson
When it comes to home decorating, it's difficult to know where to begin. Like an artist with a blank canvas, you look at the room you've chosen to decorate and try to envision the finished masterpiece. However, with a plethora of home decorating styles from which to choose, that vision can be fuzzy. You may even feel overwhelmed by the possibilities and paralyzed by the thought that you'll make choices you won't be able to live with. When that's the case, it's time to go back to the drawing board.
The first step in home decorating is to define your personal taste and style. Invest your time in looking through magazines and cutting out pictures of home decorating styles, furniture, and accessories that appeal to you. Once you have a collection of several dozen pictures, lay them out in front of you. You'll begin to notice a pattern of the style that appeals to you. Are you attracted to the dark wood of antique furniture, or to the minimalist lines of modern furniture?
Do you imagine yourself surrounded by the muted colors and furniture that remind you of a beach house, or by rich colors and the ornate elegance of the Victorian era? Once you've defined your personal taste and home decorating style, choose a room in your home to redecorate.
Although you may want to tackle every room in your house, choosing only one will keep you from becoming overwhelmed. Once you've selected a room, it's time to choose the one item upon which you'll build the remainder of the design. This may be a single piece of furniture that already own and love, an antique reproduction that you treasure, or something as simple as a handcrafted piece that you purchased while on vacation. The item you choose may not be the centerpiece of the finished room, but it will serve as your inspiration for the room's décor.
Next, you'll need to select the wall color. Since it's next to impossible to have a sense of what the entire room will look like from a paint chip, buy a quart of paint in the color you like. Then, cut several pieces of cardboard into 18-inch squares, paint the cardboard, and hang one on each wall. Live with those paint swatches for a few days, noticing how the feel of the room changes with morning light, afternoon light, and artificial lighting. Once you've decided that's a color you love, you should go ahead and paint the room. Remember that there are a variety of texturing and patterning techniques you can use to bring more vibrancy and life to the color of the paint.
When selecting furniture for your room, keep your inspirational piece in mind. An antique reproduction of a Chippendale chair may be the perfect accompaniment to your treasured area rug, but an antique reproduction of a French armoire won't fit if your room is inspired by a 1950s Havana cigar box. Likewise, you should select furniture that fits your lifestyle. A white sofa isn't a good solution if your dark-haired pooches will be sleeping on it. Home decorating is both fun and rewarding. Best of all, your finished room will be a reflection of your personality and lifestyle - and will make coming home a sweet experience.
Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the world's MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Visit this Home Furnishings Website and Majon's Home Furnishings directory.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Robertson
By Lynn Cressy
Even though you live in a small house or have a few small spaces in your house to decorate, putting these easy home decorating ideas to work for you will still give your home style and comfort with a great look. This can be accomplished by planning carefully and making the most of the space.
Less is More!
The first step is to get rid of any clutter and pare down the number of knick-knacks and decorative pieces in your room. They can become overpowering and make a room appear cluttered. A home decorating idea for managing collectibles is to concentrate them in one area by displaying them on an attractive bookshelf. That way you will still have a few to exhibit that will no doubt become a center of attraction in your room.
Multitask Furniture
If you are like most people and have too much "stuff" and no place to put it, a home decorating idea to use in any room is to invest in furniture that can serve a dual purpose. For example, a coffee table with shelves or a lid that opens for storage, an ottoman that opens up for storage, or even a chair with a seat cushion that opens for storage are all available on the market today! Choose dining room tables with leaves that can be expanded so you can keep it small when you don't need the extra space. When decorating small rooms, keep these ideas in mind!
Create a Social Conversation Area
In trying to gain open space in a living room, furniture is often moved to the edges of the room. Place a sofa and a couple of smaller chairs along with a small coffee table together in the middle or toward one end of the room to create a conversation area that provides warmth and comfort for the room. This area also provides a focal point for the room which is just as important when decorating small spaces.
By incorporating these simple home decorating ideas, living in a small home can be very comfortable and you can still enjoy the style and comfort in your home that you desire.
To help keep your home organized, download a free copy of the ebook "The Essential Guide to Organizing Your Home". This ebook has many practical, easy-to-use tips to make home organization a reality. Click here for your free download.
Lynn Cressy is the owner of Lynn's Home Decor, which was created out of a love for decorating and shopping for home decor. There you will find shabby chic furniture, shabby chic home decor and wrought iron furniture and home decor as well as seasonaldecor and interior decorating ideas.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lynn_Cressy
By Simon Harris
I know that the installation of decorative wall shelving can be a hassle, particularly if you are not a whiz in construction or don't use tools very well -- so I have prepared this set of easy to remember points to guide you over the rough spots.
R: READY All Your Tools and Supplies
Your first step, of course, is to make sure that before you actually begin work you have all the necessary tools and materials. You are going to need a drill, screwdriver or power screwdriver, a pencil and a level at a minimum. There's no sense in getting started, only to discover that you're missing a crucial piece of equipment, so get everything together before hand.
E: EVALUATE Your Planned Location
The next step? Before you even put a nail in the wall, you need to take a good look at the place where you want to mount your shelves. Many people discover -- too late -- that the location of their shelves are just not appropriate. You need to make sure there will be enough room for your shelf once it has been mounted and is on the wall -- it should not be located in a place where people will bump their heads or brush up against it. Decorative wall shelving is not designed to support heavy weights, and some units can be knocked down quite easily.
S: SIZE and Measurements Count
Once you know your general location, you'll next need to get some measurements. What you are looking for here is to make sure that the length of shelf that you want to have on your wall will fit comfortably. You want to get a sense of the correct proportions -- what length is appropriate for the size of the wall area where it will be located.
T: TEST the Length
The next step is, to test your length. Using your pencil and a carpenter's level, draw a line lightly across your wall for the size of shelf you want to have. This will serve as your guide later on when you actually mount your shelves. Once you have drawn the line on the wall, step back and take a look: is it at the right height? Is it level? If it isn't, go back and redraw -- and don't proceed until it looks perfect.
E: EVALUATE the Materials
If you haven't done so already, now is the time to evaluate the various shelving materials that are available. You can install decorative wall shelving made from metal, plastic, wire, or wood. Only you can be the judge of what will work best in your home in a particular location. For convenience, you may choose to purchase wall shelving in kit form -- decorative wall shelving kits will include the shelves themselves, the necessary brackets and all of the other mounting hardware that you will need.
A: ASSEMBLE Your Shelf
Once you have all of your materials together, you can actually begin work on the construction of your shelves. If you are making them from scratch then you will need to cut the boards to the appropriate length and do all of the necessary sanding, painting and finishing. If you are using a kit you probably won't have to do these things. My recommendation is: don't try and make shelving from scratch unless you have experience -- or are willing to invest the time to learn how to do it properly.
S: SECURE the Mounting Brackets
No matter what materials you select, or type of design, your shelves will need to be attached to the wall. Typically you will be supplied with (or can purchase) wall mounting brackets and standards which attach to your wall. These must be installed correctly -- you must use the appropriate wall anchors for your type of wall, and they must be attached to your wall so that they are straight (up and down) and level (side to side).
Y: YIELD to Capacity Warnings
One final note: as mentioned before, decorative wall shelving is not designed for bearing heavy loads (that's why they call it decorative) -- so make sure that you do not overload your shelves with heavy objects once the shelf is on the wall. If you have small items such as curios and small picture frames and the like, these can be safely placed on your shelves. Avoid heavier objects, and read any included manufacturers instructions for information about the maximum load-bearing capacity of your shelves. Failure to observe these capacity warnings could cause your shelving to be pulled out of your wall, and you might just be left with a number of very ugly-looking holes that will need to be repaired.
Learn more about Decorative Wall Shelving by visiting http://www.shelving-guy.com/ where you can also learn about Wire Closet Shelving
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Harris
By Kathy Burns-Millyard
When you look through a brochure or walk through a showroom, you see sofas and armchairs in their finished state, their frames and upholstery hidden beneath attractive fabric covers. What goes on underneath the covers is just as important as their surface appearance, though, so don't be afraid to ask how particular models are made when making your choice. Upholstered furniture is generally made up of four parts: the frame, suspension, filling, and covering.
Frame
Traditional, fully covered furniture has a strong and springy hardwood frame - often in beechwood - joined by dowels, screws, and glue. Modern frames may use staples rather than dowels. Cheaper softwood frames do exist, but they have to be solidly built to take the weight. On sofas and chairs where part or all of the frame is on show - known as show-wood - the frame is usually a hardwood because softwood dents too easily. Metal and plastic frames are sometimes used, but are not as hardwearing.
Suspension
The suspension is what makes the sofa or armchair comfortable. Traditionally, sofas had large coil springs fastened to a webbing support, but these have largely been replaced by flat zigzag springs, used along with rubber webbing or diaphragms. In some designs rubber webbing completely replaces the springs, while some inexpensive types just have blocks of foam laid on a solid chipboard base.
Filling
Top-quality furniture uses natural fillings such as horsehair and wool, but the majority of sofas are filled with foam. Regulations insist that fireproof foam be used, so check that this is the case. Make sure that the foam is high density, as low-grade foam does not hold its shape as well. Cushions may also be stuffed with feathers. Make sure these cushions are channeled so the feathers do not settle at the bottom. Plumping feather cushions every now and then ensures that they always look their best.
Quality Checklist
Regardless of the cost, make sure the furniture is well made. There are certain points to look out for:
If the frame is visible, check for knots, splits, and cracks in the wood and that the joints are well made.
Look underneath the sofa or chair for any signs of poor workmanship in the parts that don't show.
Feel the padding. You shouldn't be able to feel the springs through the fabric, or the frame through the seat, back, or arms. On foam sofas, look for dome-shaped seats, as foam settles with use.
Pull the arms and back to see how secure they are. They shouldn't have too much give.
After you get up, check whether the seat resumes its shape quickly. Sagging seats worsen over time.
Loose cushions should be reversible to even out wear, and loose covers should have generous seam allowances so they won't pull apart in the wash.
Check the finish. Loose threads, poor-quality zippers, and rough edges are typical indications of poor manufacture.
©2007, Kathy Burns-Millyard. Are you ready for more practical home decorating ideas, general home decor advice, and unique do it yourself decorating projects? Visit the Do It Yourself Home Decorating Network (http://www.diyhomedecorating.com/), and be sure to check out our free Decorating Tips Letter Too!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathy_Burns-Millyard
By Kathy Burns-Millyard
Shop around and you'll find dining-room furniture to suit not only the space you have available but the style of your home and your budget.
Dining-room furniture often outlasts other furniture in a home - a sofa and armchairs may show the strain of the rough and tumble of family life, but a sturdy table and chairs can go on looking good year after year. So work out your needs carefully before you buy a dining suite.
There's an excellent choice of robust, well-made contemporary furniture available to suit all tastes and budgets, from the elegance of Georgian reproduction through sturdy farmhouse to modern steel and glass. Folding or extending tables are a good choice if space is limited or to seat extra guests.
A Touch of the Traditional
Traditional dining-room furniture such as a period style suite in solid wood or with a veneered finish is well suited to elegant formal meals. Before you buy it's a good idea to decide how versatile you want your table and chairs to be. Most dining-room furniture has to be sturdy enough to meet different needs. During the course of a day the table may be called on to do duty as a play surface for children's games and painting sessions, a desk for homework, and a worktop for a sewing machine as well as being used for an informal family breakfast, lunch, and tea. Yet it still has to be flexible enough to be dressed up for those more elegant evening occasions.
Consider this multi-functional aspect of the room when you shop for the furniture, and remember it's easier to use attractive table linen to dress up a tough surface like solid wood for formal dining than it is to protect a delicate veneer from everyday knocks and spills. If you do choose a table with a finish that needs protection, buy a table pad you can cover with an easily laundered tablecloth for everyday use. For more formal occasions, take away the pad and use a fancy tablecloth and placemats.
Most modern upholstered dining chairs have been treated to resist stains but for additional protection, use tie-on chair covers, or make covers to slip over upholstered seats.
Modern Mood
The key to a modern dining room is simplicity. There is no shortage of clean-lined tables and chairs on the market. Favorites for a contemporary room are materials such as glass, chrome, and steel, but almost anything would suit, as long as the design is streamlined.
A laminate or lacquer which wipes clean and resists scratches and scuffs is a cost effective and practical option - especially if the table is going to be used by young children or if it doubles other ways, as a sewing table or somewhere to study or do homework. A modern style of table is best left uncovered, but you can give a more conventional table a bold new image with a dramatic tablecloth.
Make sure you check out a contemporary suite very carefully for comfort and practicality -a glass-topped table may lose its appeal if you are forever wiping off children's fingermarks. Cast-iron chairs can look dramatic in a modern room but they are often very-heavy, which makes them difficult to draw up to and away from the table.
A related article you might like is: "Decorating a Mis-Matched Dining Room"
©2007, Kathy Burns-Millyard. Would you like to see more excellent Home Decorating Ideas, Tips and Photos? Visit the Do It Yourself Home Decorating Network (http://www.diyhomedecorating.com/), and be sure to check out our free Decorating Tips Letter Too!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathy_Burns-Millyard
