What To Look For In Persian Rugs
November 30, 2007
Selecting a Persian rug can be a daunting task for most people. There is a lot of misinformation out there as to what to look for. Let’s face it, a good Persian rug can cost a lot of money, and most people will be hesitant to make a significant investment on something they know little about.
The best solution for most is to find a reputable dealer who will work with you to find the rug you are looking for. The disadvantage to this is you will be paying for their help and advice in the markup of the rug, which can be quite high.
Another alternative is to use the power of the internet. There are a number of sites out there that sell authentic Persian rugs, with money back guarantees and free shipping.
Which ever way you choose, a little knowledge can go a long way.
An authentic Persian rug is handmade. There are a lot of machine woven imitation rugs out on the market. How do you tell the difference? Two ways:
1. The loops on the back of the rug will be visible on a handmade rug.
Brighten Up Your Shelves With Picture Frames
November 29, 2007
Would you like to add a personal touch to your home or office, but not sure how? Picture frames may be your answer. Picture frames are a fun and simple way to add color, character and style.
Decorating with picture frames is fun and simple. To add a splash of color to a shelf or mantle choose a series of similar frames in coordinating colors, such as three shades of green. To set a theme in the bedroom stick with one basic color and two or three styles of frames, such as silver or pewter antique-style frames. Or to make a dramatic statement on a wall choose one bold color, such as black or deep red, and identical picture frames, such as simple squares. No matter what look you’re trying to achieve, group picture frames together for impact.
Once you’ve decided on a style, it’s easy to find the perfect picture frames. Department stores and home decorating stores are a good place to start. But don’t forget about antique stores, flea markets, yard sales and thrift stores. These are all great places to find unique picture frames. Look for unique picture frames with beveled glass, unusual shapes, or matching sets.
Five Simple Changes To Your Home Decorating
November 28, 2007
Home decorating, ever wanted to try it, but hesitated because of time constraints or budget concerns. The following ideas will not only give instant results, but more importantly fit into any budget.
1. Changing the Look of Your Walls
Adding a new color or changing the texture, can give the room a completely new appearance and that may be the only decorating change that is necessary.
The easiest option is to paint, and with the color choices available, the possibilities are endless. Another consideration would be wallpaper; the only problem you may have is choosing a design.
If on the other hand, only a little something extra is needed a simple stencil design might just do the trick. Any of these ideas can be used either individually or in combination with each other.
2. Look to Your Windows For a Whole New View
Changing your window treatments is probably the easiest of any home decorating projects.
The choices range from styles that include drapes, tab-top, cafe and shears, backgrounds of solid colors, floral and stripes, fabrics that include silk, cotton, lace or velvet.
The most economical is ready-made; they are very affordable therefore giving you the opportunity to make changes more often.
Feng Shui Tips For Your Home Office
November 27, 2007
Did you know that over 50% of women now run their own home business or work from home? Get your compass out and find the following directions because we are going to try and make things run a little smoother for you using the ancient art of object placement - Feng Shui.
The most ideal locations to situate a home office, in order of best to second, third ad fourth best are the North (the Career Sector), the Southwest (the Wealth sector), the Northeast (Skills and Talents sector) or the South (the fame and recognition sector.) If possible try to locate your home office in one of those locations.
Here are some other general tips that are thought to bring prosperity to your business.
Always sit with a solid wall behind your back to ensure that you have support in your life. Never sit with a window behind you.
In the office always place the fax machine, telephone, and computers in the southeast wealth sector, as this will attract more contacts.
Position your desk to have a clear view of the door. If this isn’t possible, hang a small mirror so you can easily view the door’s reflection.
Installing a Brick or Paver Walkway
November 26, 2007
The use of Bricks or Pavers to create a walkway or patio complements a home in a way that is unmatched. It adds a level of quality and elegance to a home entrance that can not be achieved with either concrete or asphalt. Brick and Pavers also come in many different colors and shapes allowing for unique color schemes and patterns to be achieved. In addition, installing a Brick or Paver walkway does not necessarily require a pro. With some basic knowledge and a relatively simple walkway plan, a homeowner is capable of undertaking such a project.
The key to installing a Brick or Paver Walkway is to first properly prepare the area where the bricks/pavers are to be installed. The area should be dug out at least a foot down, removing all topsoil and clay soil. In addition, string lines should be strung on each side of the walkway. The string lines indicate the finished height of the walkway.
Once the area has been dug down, 3/4″ gravel stone should be laid in and tamped down tightly. Then 2" of sand, or stone dust should be spread over the gravel. Again the sand/stone dust should be tamped down. Stone dust is preferred. The height between the tamped down sand and the stringline should equal the thickness of the brick or paver.
Vintage Labels on Marble Tiles
November 26, 2007
It’s refreshing to note that gone are the days that countertops and backsplashes have to match. There are no decorating rules. The focal point in your kitchen, wine cellar, bathroom, etc. evolves with adding the personal touches that are close to your heart.
Nothing sets the stage for Vintage comfort like a vintage marble tile mural or marble tile wall display in images and labels borrowed from the past . A new and personalized way to showcase a collection of memorabilia, ephemera, or images.
A marble backsplash mural or wall display makes the perfect complement for antiques, beautiful china, flea market finds , vintage furnishings, garage sales, ephemera, trade show collections, or bottles of your favorite wine or brew.
The images are baked into the marble so the quality of the marble with its shadings, nicks , crannies and rounded edges become part of the old world , vintage, and European effect .
Perfume Label Art on Tumbled Marble Tiles , an unusual wall decor for the bath, dressing room, powder room, spa, country club ~ These labels are dated from 1894 - 1905— Alternate plain botticino tumbled marble tiles , or add a few tiles onto each wall. An important trend in decorating is chic and shabby and perfume labels on tiles would be an important accessory to this theme.
Remodeling Your Home: How Much Is Too Much?
November 25, 2007
The classic way for homeowners to increase the value of their house is by remodeling existing rooms or adding on to its current plan.
Some choose to build recreation rooms and studies while others add new appliances, fixtures and cabinets to enliven rooms and make their home more attractive to future buyers.
But, when should you decide to stop sinking money into a home and buy a bigger place? And how much rehab is too much when it comes time to recovering remodeling costs through a home sale
For instance, if you’ve just spent $1,000 remodeling your living room and didn’t expand your small bathroom, the chances of increasing the number of interested buyers are slim.
With these concerns in mind, I can offer a few tips for those struggling to add value to their home.
First, always protect the character of your home. Nothing sticks out more than a new addition that is in a completely different architectural style. Be consistent. Recognize your home’s character and stay within its framework.
Decorating Your Home: 5 Style Tips that Cost Less than $50
November 24, 2007
Do you dream of adding style to your home but don’t have a lot of money? Don’t despair! There are 5 things you can do that will help your house look beautiful without spending much money.
1. Declutter your home.
Nothing zaps a great look like clutter. Look around you. Do you have paper plies or mail stacks? Do you just add to your knickknack collection rather than rotate your select favorites? When was the last time you saw the front of your refrigerator? Simple solutions that cost very little money are to invest in nice office trays, pretty bulletin boards and frames for your child’s artwork. Make the trash can handy to immediately toss unwanted mail. Taking away the clutter will make your space appear larger and help your treasured objects be emphasized rather than lost.
2. Make display surfaces pretty.
A key element in houses that are decorated by a professional rather than want-to-be is the art of accessorizing. Flat surfaces such as mantels, bookcases, and coffee tables are the perfect places to restyle for less. The one important point here is to keep it simple. Bookcases should only be 2/3 full. A mantle should not have mirror above it (a very dated look) ? choose artwork instead. Place no more than three items on an end table ? cluster these varied but related items together for more impact.
New Trends in Design & Comfortable Living
November 23, 2007
For the past several years I have seen the emergence of a new trend called ‘Lifestyling’. Lifestyling encompasses many elements on gracious living, extravagant and memorable entertaining, architecture, home design, and tips on where to live comfortably in spaces large and small, with less effort or clutter than you can imagine. In fact, this trend has effectively blurred the lines of traditional titles and professions. New ideas and new inspiration have created new sales to the tune of over 70 million dollars for one large company.
But haven’t good ideas for living always been around? The answer is yes. Certainly there have been people in the past that shared tips and ideas through books and magazine articles on how to entertain, or make a special recipe; they were mostly focused on one area. Lifestyling gurus help you capture all the pieces and put them together graciously and quickly. Collectively, they promote ideas on living, entertaining, decorating, gardening, fashion and design. The focus of some of the ideas is glamorous while others are much more practical. In fact, some of the ideas are not really "new" at all, just regenerated information with a twist. Today, Lifestyling books contain the complete picture. Add to that the convenience aspect. We can obtain many of these ideas in articles, books, websites, TV and video. Product endorsements and specialized lines are also available to top Lifestylists. Can you see why the opportunities are endless?
How To Give Your Home More Space
November 22, 2007
Have you been wondering how to free up space in your home? Do you live in a dorm or an efficiency where every inch of space counts?
Maybe you’re tired of trying to come up with ideas on how to reduce the clutter? Or don’t know where to start?
If you don’t know where to start and feel like you’re backed into a corner then maybe this is your solution to the problem.
Let me introduce you to the top-to-bottom-strategy.
It is a procedure that can be of great service to you if you are starting out and you are about to move into your own home.
Or if you already own a house full of furniture and are willing to sell or donate what you no longer want in order to purchase a better version.
It will work in many situations from great to small.
The greater your willingness to get rid of the old and bring in the new, the bigger space difference there will be in your home.
You may not want to exchange out many items in your home but decide on a few select items that will make a big difference once you’ve gotten rid of them.
