Tips for Buying Inexpensive Furniture

Inexpensive furniture is not hard to find. You just have to know where to look for the best deals. You do not have to sacrifice style for price. Furniture can be purchased in many different ways and from many different places such as garage sales, Craigslist, estate sales, furniture auctions, flea markets to finding the best inexpensive furniture online.

Online shopping is much bigger than it used to be; now you do not even have to leave your home to make inexpensive furniture purchases. You no longer have to trek from store to store searching for cheap furniture. Comparison shopping through the internet has many more benefits than retail shopping, going from establishment to establishment, which can actually be extremely inefficient. Not to mention a waste of gas and energy! Actually, items usually sell at lower prices online than in retail stores because fewer expenses are a factor. What's best about online shopping is most of the time you will find not only quality furniture at but it will be inexpensive furniture as well. Many online furniture websites even release coupon codes for their shoppers to use when making a purchase.

Knowing the way the shopping season works is one of the tricks to getting great deals for inexpensive furniture. For example, in the winter, the fireplace industry is booming, but when summer hits the purchases of fireplaces slow down. One way companies help keep their businesses going is by releasing coupon codes for inexpensive furniture during a slow season, like fireplaces in the summer. Knowing when to look is half the battle. There are many online websites and blogs available that detail the best time of the year for purchasing specific items. Having the patience to wait while looking for inexpensive furniture can hard but will pay off when you find the best deals.

Pay attention to the construction of the furniture piece you are considering, and compare prices for materials such as hardwood and laminate, or wicker versus rattan. Hardwood furniture surely has a higher price tag but will last longer, whereas laminate furniture can be a cheap furniture choice but also an excellent choice if you need a temporary solution. Cheap furniture can be great but also remember just because it is a great deal does not mean you have to buy it. Deals on inexpensive furniture will always be there, make sure you are not only buying cheap furniture but smart furniture pieces. Ask yourself, "What am I going to use this for"? Think ahead before you buy.

Easy Decorating Tips for Fall

Autumn is a wonderful time of year with warm colors and warm scents that make the season unique. Rather than spending a lot of money redecorating for fall, you can simply switch out the accessories in your home to achieve the seasonal look and feel. Use these seven interior design tips for budget-friendly decorating this fall.

1. Switch out throw pillows and add cozy blankets to your couches and chairs instead of buying new furniture for the living room in fall hues. Covering furniture in slip covers is also an inexpensive way to decorate for the season. Decorate with colors such as red, olive, mustard yellow and different hues of orange.

2. Choose duvet covers and decorative pillows in your favorite fall colors to change up the look in bedrooms.

3. Paint one wall in a fall accent color, which will dramatically change the look of a room for a minimal time commitment and cost.

4. Choose candles in glorious autumn scents. Try the following scents: apple cider, cinnamon, pine, nutmeg and pumpkin spice. Not only will the candles add a warm glow to match the warm fall colors, but they will also fill your home with distinctive aromas of the season.

5. Collect natural items from the great outdoors to use as accent pieces. Pine cones, corn stalks, acorns and moss can be combined to create a magnificent centerpiece for your dining room or kitchen table. You can arrange these same items in a vase for a beautiful fall accessory for the living room. Other items from nature to consider include: ornamental grasses, pomegranates, squash, acorns and pumpkins. Coasters made from trees, accessories decorated with twine and other woodsy accent pieces are also perfect for the season.

6. Purchase art prints for the walls in any room with an autumn theme. Changing out the art in your home is an easy and budget-friendly way to decorate for the different seasons. Choose art prints with an autumn landscape, pumpkins, a seasonal countryside or many other fall-inspired themes.

7. Create a beautiful autumn display at your front door to welcome friends, family and guests to your home. Hang a fall-themed wreath on your front door. Use corn stalks, straw, pumpkins and other hearty fall vegetables as decorating accessories. Birch branches, long twigs and corn stalks can fill a large vase for a spectacular autumn arrangement. Tie a wide orange, yellow or red ribbon around the vase to finish off the look.

Top Tips For Home Decorating

The time may have come to move into a brand new home or you might have decided to have a total revamp. Many become sick of the dull and convenient look that might have been quickly placed as you moved in. Improving your home is always beneficial. It will make you and your family feel happier walking into an inviting space that would be proud to host the next family get together.

Another positive to decorating comes when putting the house up for sale. Having a freshly decorated home and the smell of baking in the kitchen are not just myths to helping sell faster! They go hand in hand in making a home more appealing to potential buyers. As they wander round you will see them picturing their lives in what could be their future home. Of course these are two very different situations, so depending on what is happening in your life there are some things to take into consideration.

If you are someone who is in the first one and has decided to decorate their new home or re-do the home you can see yourself living in long term, you can get a bit more personal with the design. You may have an out there personality that you want to splash across the walls and all over the furniture, so whoever enters the house knows it is totally yours.

If the second option is your situation and want to redecorate but the house you live in will only be a short term thing, you will want to tone down the design. Not everyone tastes are the same, and of course you do not want to make every room in the house magnolia and cream. However working around these simple colours, then adding dashes of pinks or blues, is a fantastic choice. Once a buyer has moved in they could simply change these accent colours to greens and oranges if that is to their taste. Or if they wish to totally re-do then going over light plain colours will be a much simpler task. Always try to appeal to a wider range of personalities and you will be on to a winner.

Whichever way you look at things, decorating a house can be a lot of fun. Of course effort and hard work is required but once you see everything coming together it will all be worth it. Picking out your favourite wallpaper designs, paint pots, cushions, ornaments, the list is just endless! You could even create some colour boards and cut up bits of material and pictures from catalogues and online and stick them together to get a feel of what you want to aim for. Enjoy decorating your house and create a perfect space to call home.

5 Great Tips On Office Interiors

Your office is often your very first chance of impressing your customers and business associates. It can therefore not be over emphasized just how important it is to have an immaculately designed office that resonates with your business acumen. A clean, well-organized and professionally designed office will give the impression that you are an astute business man who is good at what he does and this will reflect your company in very good light. In order for you to get the perfect space, office interior design professionals will be needed to make the necessary changes to your office and leave it looking cozy and professional. Here are five great tips about how to spruce up the look of your office.

1. KEEP IN MIND WHAT THE OFFICE IS USED FOR

Different offices are used for different purposes. While collaborating with the interior designer, elaborate on what you will use the office for and how you want it to look. An office used by a psychiatrist for instance will be markedly different from that used by a lawyer. The former will need lots of focus on color and ambience while the latter will require more formal decor. Function is an important point to keep in mind.

2. NEUTRAL WALLS WORK GREAT

When decorating your office interior, office interior design specialists will most likely recommend neutral colored walls. The reason why these work brilliantly is because they can be adorned with beautiful artwork such as paintings and other wall hangings. Also a neutrally colored wall gives off a professional feel as a client or customer walks into the room and this is what you want. The interior designer will recommend to you which colors are the best depending on what you do. Certain offices may do well with multicolored walls however and your designer will give you advice accordingly.

3. USE POTTED PLANTS

An office can be well decorated and organized but it may end up looking too serious and unfriendly to the clients who walk in. Even though a professional look is important, it is equally important to soften the look a little. Potted plants and flowers in the office breathe life into the setup and make it look inviting and accommodating. Plants also purify the air by taking away unwanted gases leaving the air fresh and healthy. Some plants have amazing scents that will make your office smell great all day long.

4. ENHANCE THE AMBIENCE USING A LOW PILE CARPET

Low pile carpets are the best for offices since they can be decorated further using decorative rugs and other aesthetics giving it a slight informal feel in areas such as the waiting lounge or reception desk.

5. CLEAR OUT CLUTTER

Clutter can ruin a perfectly beautiful office. To keep your office looking great, have cabinets, shelves and drawers where you can put away paper work and office items that might cause clutter. Other important factors to consider would be to have sheers on the windows so that your customers are not affected by too much sunlight coming through. You can go for extra lighting in the room to ensure that visibility is not affected.

Most Desired Glass Products for Decoration

Glass is one of the most desired materials through which people tend to decorate their houses. Interior design made out of glass is highly appreciated because it gives a very neat and clean look, it can be replaced easily, it is very easy to clean and it looks classy and impressive.

Glass repairs can also be done. Due to the increase in demand for glass products, there are other varieties of products being manufactured to fulfill people's desires for glass products. Following are the glass products that the interior design industry is focusing upon:

- Float Glasses: There are simple and classy float glasses available in the markets. They are mostly preferred by customers because they are rough and sturdy. They ensure quality standards and longevity.

- Interior glasses: These are made by using high quality raw material. These glasses are extensively used for interior decoration at homes or businesses. These are also very sturdy and long-lasting.Interior glasses are available at affordable prices in the market and they can even be tailored according to the different needs and requirements of customers.

- Reflective glasses: These are made out of high quality material. By using advanced technology, these can be made very smoothly from each side. Reflective glass services provide a transparent exterior and allow high visible light transmittance. They are available at reasonable prices and come in many varieties.

- Acrylic sheets: These are most usable household items and are long-lasting products which depend on their quality. Customers demand this product because it is used for home furnishing and for other applications as well. They are sustainable when exposed to other elements. Its glass services are remarkable.

- Glass shelf: This is a highly desirable item used for decoration and it can be installed very easily. It can be long-lasting and sturdy as well, if it is manufactured with quality brass and glass.

- Glass Glazing: It is a unique architectural glass which can prevent wind pressure and it is sound proof. It requires reliable vendors for quality assurance by using advanced technology. Customers prefer this product because it saves them from strong wind and water.

- Glass Bricks: They are used for architectural use in the construction of buildings. They are sound-deadening, and allow natural light to enter and preserve privacy.

- Glass Name Plates: These are extensively used in houses, businesses, hotels, etc. These are made in different designs and styles to decorate doors.

Using Colors in Your Home Design

Did you realize that various colors could affect your daily mood? The field of color psychology can definitely be used in home design as you choose both paint and fabric colors for the various rooms throughout your house.

Bright Colors

Bright colors make rooms look larger, so when you're trying to create the illusion of extra space, choose a shade of yellow or eggshell.

Red has been shown to increase an individual's appetite, so it's often chosen as a kitchen accent color. However, if you're the victim of high blood pressure, you should probably steer clear of red since it's been known to increase blood pressure along with irritability in many individuals.

Green has been shown to increase concentration, so whether you choose to paint a wall a light green or include a bright green office chair or simply buy a potted plant, be sure to add some of this bright color to your office or school room.

Another bright color to consider is yellow. Yellow inspires optimism; so you can create a happy atmosphere in your entryway, kitchen, sunroom, or any other room by includes some shade of this sunny color!

One bright color to avoid is purple, since it tends to seem artificial in home design. If purple is our absolute favorite color, you can include it in accessories, fabric, or with natural colors like subtle green or yellow shades.

Bright accents of orange can be used in a sick room or an asthmatic child's room. It's been known both to increase energy and improve lung functions. Orange can also be a great color for a workout room, since you need both energy and deep breathing for an effective workout!

Finally, the bright color white makes a perfect color for a bathroom. Not only does it symbolize cleanliness, but also it literally helps you keep the room clean by revealing stains and spots, which need cleaning. You can rest assured that your bathroom is sparkling clean and germ free when it's an unspotted white!

Other Colors

Shades of blue, lavender, and green are considered relaxing colors since they seem to have a relaxing effect on the room's occupants. These are ideal colors to incorporate into the home design for your bedroom or bathroom (especially the bathtub/shower area) since these rooms are most often associated with relaxation.

Utilizing colors from your past can create a nostalgic and cheerful atmosphere, bringing back happy memories from your childhood. Experts have noted that using these colors in your kitchen is especially effective for bringing back fond memories spent with family during meal times.

Warm tones like deep reds, oranges and yellows are ideal accent colors during the autumn months. These colors create a welcoming atmosphere and make the room seem warmer.

Where Can I Locate an Indoor Water Feature in My Home?

When Frank Lloyd Wright built a weekend retreat home on top of a rushing stream in rural Pennsylvania it created a sensation, and ever since then "Falling Water" has become an inspiration for millions of people who sought out ways to bring flowing water features into their homes. Bringing flowing water features into the home connects us with nature and brings us peace, serenity, quietude. They create a visual spectacle and impart a calming effect upon all who enter.

A thoughtfully positioned indoor water feature can act as a natural room humidifier making the air in any room healthier to breathe. It can also generate soothing sounds of splashing, cascading water that surprises and delights children. You can almost hear the tranquility emanating from the piece as it adds charm, beauty, and grace to interior living spaces. One very common choice for those who crave the sound of flowing water inside their home is a waterfall installation, enjoyed the world over, especially for the endless pulse of energy it symbolizes.

Once you have decided to bring flowing water into your home, you next need to decide where to locate your new indoor water feature. The foyer is an interesting place to install a flowing water piece because that area of a house commonly features hardwood or tile floor surfaces that possess appealing acoustic properties that differ from most other areas of the house. If you are a student or follower of Asian philosophy, and the power of Qi energy is important to you, then you surely want to take into consideration the ancient Chinese discipline of feng shui when positioning and orienting your new water feature. This means that you should consider placing your unit as close as you can to your front door.

If you should instead desire to situate your indoor fountain or water wall in the living room in order to bring tranquility into that space, then you should choose the north side of that room which is according to the principles of feng shui associated with career success. The next best choice would be the southeast area of the room. Today, many people are choosing to make one room the centrepiece of their home, and in that room they like to make an indoor water fountain the centrepiece of that room. If you choose to pursue this line of thinking, then you will want to make sure that after you locate your piece in a way that nothing can obscure it. Make sure that anyone can see it from any point in the room. If there will be furniture in that room, then you should consider arranging the furniture pieces in a circle or semi-circle configuration around the piece.

For the Love of Birds

One of life's joys for me is seeing nature up close, and incorporating it into my everyday life, through décor. Birds have always held great fascination for me from the time I was a small child. My poor father forever had to bury any unfortunate bird caught up in the fruit tree protective netting--if I saw it first. I'm sure many a bird was otherwise disposed of without much ceremony, if he happened upon it before I could witness its demise.

In décor, birds have long been a favorite subject in ancient prints all over the globe, and they have been translated into elegant wall coverings and sculptures. It will come as no surprise to readers to learn that I have many small vignettes around my home with a bird theme. You can see them by visiting my Facebook business page or go to my web site.

When using a large collection of your favorite objects, you will find more interest by breaking them into smaller vignettes around the house, and they can be changed seasonally. By using smaller vignettes you will be less inclined to tire of them, and it will be easier to clean around them. Using a couple of small pieces from a collection can add a surprising impact in color and texture to a room or small space.

Naturally, décor is not confined to the indoors, and being able to enjoy clay, cement and metal sculptures outside is an added joy. Feeding birds and providing a safe place, as well as water for them will encourage them to entertain you and perhaps your pets, for hours.

Bird sculptures in a garden are as natural as color is to flowers. The garden often allows for a bit more felicity in the use of such objects, especially if your home style doesn't allow for such whimsy. Color and style can be used with greater abandon outside and a sense of surprise is always welcome in a garden. Wild birds do not seem to mind their effigies used in such a manner, and can produce much happiness in small children.

Using plants is a natural environment for wildlife, especially birds, so you might think of tucking a small ceramic bird or a nest among your potted plants inside and outside your home.

My collection of birds almost has no bounds, I have wooden, ceramic, glass, metal and feather covered birds, mostly gifts from friends. All these treasures have special meaning and fond memories. Etchings in pen and ink are another way to express my love of the avian species; I have framed some prints from old books, and mixed them with landscapes and other scenes. I always marvel at how the stroke of a pen or brush can capture one of nature's most amazing creatures.

Wall Tiles: Revolutionizing Your House's Interiors

It can be a challenge to enhance your home interior. This is especially true when you have a huge house and you don't know where to start. The walls must be one of your top considerations on this matter. As they are one of the most visible parts of the house, improving them will affect the overall look and feel of your home. Wall tiles are one good way to add appeal to your walls.

Range of Options

They are available in a variety of colors, textures, and patterns to match your existing home interior. Whether you have classic or contemporary design, you can find just the right tile for your house. You can choose from ceramic, marble mosaic, vinyl, glass, quartz, or stylish Sonoma tile selections.

Various Applications

This range of choices also makes them perfect in non-residential applications. They can add beauty to stores, clinics, offices, and other business establishments that should appeal to customers. Choosing the right kind of tiles can give the property a completely new look.

Wall tiles help enhance the ambience of particular areas. For instance, white ceramic slabs contribute to the clean look of your bathroom. They are also water resistant and durable. You can also find tiles with natural stone designs if you want to add a little texture on the walls of your living room. Metal or granite tiles, on the other hand, are great options for kitchen with contemporary design. If you have a home office or perhaps a study room, you can never go wrong with vinyl tiles.

Marble tiles, meanwhile, can be very expensive but they offer incomparable style and easy maintenance. They may also increase the resale value of your property.

A Work of Art

Installation of wall slabs helps you decorate without causing too much mess. They also won't eat space like furniture items, lighting fixtures, and other decorations.

The illusion of space is another advantage you get from wall tiles. With the right use of texture, colors, and patterns, you can make a room look bigger or smaller. Interior designers recommend choosing designs that will not only improve the wall surfaces but the entire room. A tiled wall can be as good as a wall with an expensive painting, if you choose slabs complementing the room's lighting and existing fixtures.

Cost Effective

It is true that tiles can be more expensive than simply painting your walls. If you think about the long-term benefits, however, you will see why you should invest on these slabs. Tile installation involves a one-time process, but will last for many years if done properly. This is more cost-efficient than paint that easily fades, peels off, and requires re-painting every two years.

All Things Retro At Home

Retro wallpaper is fab. At least that is what they might have said in the language of the 70s. Actually the term does not just refer to the 70s as some are inclined to think.

It features many vintage patterns of antique wallpaper and with this style, as with so many things that come back into fashion at a later age you can really give you home improvement project a sense of authenticity. This is because 'retro' means any culturally outdated or aged style, trend, mode, or fashion from the past. Other terms are, from the 'old fashioned', 'timeless' or 'classic'.

So go ahead and step back into the past. Wallpaper is the perfect way to bright up your home. You can do this with retro wallpaper because, after days of plain Jane Anaglypta, good old bright, patterned and fun wallpaper has crept back into fashion.

Take a look at clubs and bars of old and you'll see it in abundance. Visit the homes of more elderly people and there it is again, fun and fashionable as ever. Once a wallpaper enthusiast, you will always be on the lookout for the stylish dressed to impress wallpaper covering. As for the glam 70s, well, they were not so frothy and full of frills as people might think. Wallpaper from this era was a thrilling mix of vibrancy and splash.

For bathrooms and kitchens, use vinyl covering. This is best for water resistant qualities because it consists of different layers and the top layer is from plastic which also makes it easy to clean.

In days a lot further back from the sixties and seventies, notable and rich Europeans, including Louis XI of France in 1481, commissioned artists to paint paper for their walls.

It is about making a statement and if kings and dignitaries of more ancient times could do this, then what is stopping you from copying them?

Fortunately, there are an increasing amount of companies now who can supply retro wallpaper to you and of course we now have websites so you will not have to go trawling around the shops. There is now available online a huge variety of exclusive wallpaper designs in every conceivable style, design, pattern and colour. Quality and price are varied too.

3 Tips Interior Design and Decorating Ideas for Small Spaces

Do you live in an apartment, dorm or a space that when you spread both arms out, opposite walls are being touched? It is very common to live in a small space or have a small living space that you would like to make more use of. Decorating small spaces to be more functional is a large part of what interior designers do and they are here to help. The classic question of how to make the best design choices for small spaces is about to be answered by following these interior design tips!

Tip 1: How to Make Small Seem Larger

It can be tough for those who did not go to a top interior design college to make a small space feel airy and open, but these interior design tips will be a great place to start. One of the easiest ways to create an open flow to any room is to have armless furniture. This will facilitate an unfettered look with the illusion of more space. Also placing larger pieces of furniture back to back, such as a couch and a table, will leave an expansive border around the largest pieces of furniture in the room. You can also seem to add space by covering unattractive storage with a tapestry or artwork. These simple interior design tips will quickly expand your small space.

Tip 2: How to Make Small Functional

Now that there seems to be more airiness in your space, you now have to make your space functional. The first step to functional living is to realize that there just might not be enough room for everything to have its own space, and serious organization is essential. Wall shelving can be used for organizational boxes. You can also use the walls of your kitchen to hang pots, pans and potholders. Remember that the walls, cabinets and awkward spaces within your dwelling are all possible places to store and organize your things.

Tip 3: How to Make Small a Destination

Don't just use your small space, but make your small or under-used spaces a destination within your home. Take an unused part of the living space, like the top of the stairs and add a bench and a reading lamp with a functional reading or knitting basket that can easily fit underneath the bench. This organized, but welcoming look will have you reading for hours and feeling completely relaxed in your small space in no time. If you have a window area, creating this reading area with natural light will make it all the more cozy. Just because a small area is not currently being used doesn't mean it can't be!

Diverse Directions in Eclectic Decorating

Show off your style with eclectic decorating. Turn your home spaces into a merry-go-round of happiness with a mix of styles and designs of a creative eclectic decor. You have it quite right when everything works together: artsy side tables, afro centric art and contemporary upholstery pieces. Tell a decorating story that features a diverse theme. Anywhere you want to go in your celebration of design periods and styles is the anthem of all things eclectic.

Can you relate to a diverse decorating style that focuses on various ensembles in beautiful unity? Eclectic decorating is the freedom and luxury to change focus and do your own thing elegance. Luxury touches in eclectic decorating show up in fabric, texture and finishes that look high-end, but cost much less. The essence of ambiance comes through rich color choices in art and decorative accessories.

A successful eclectic decor has a strong scheme that combines many decorative styles that work together as one. Not only will you find style variety in an eclectic room scheme, but there is luxury, personality and plenty of drama. An eclectic decor can handle dramatic style very well. There is no single feature that increases a sense of drama. The decor is the drama. This style is perfect for a home with rooms that need a change that is diverse.

Are you a creative soul who loves to change around living spaces? If an unpredictable style is your preference, then switch up your room styles with an attitude for drama. Take a design theme from a serious to a fun tone with a playful spin. Coordinate a crazy, wild or adventurous room theme with animal prints on fabric and bright pops of primary colors on furniture and in artwork.

The Modern Course of Home Decor

Try to stick to style that improves, changes and modernize your home. Start your home decorating off with good intentions. Seek a decor or style that is current, modern and quite livable. Begin to experiment with various color combinations for a personal design effect. Or you try a new layout of your furniture to get a new aspect of a room space.

The Decorative Design of Eclectic Style

Base your decorating formula for style on a look that is formal plus casual elegance. Make a major personal statement by decorating spaces with trendy and daring styles for a winning edge. Direct your creative ideas to decorate for style, comfort and beauty. How you design a space for living rests on the pace and course that you set. Imagination and a personal ownership is a style theme that is guided by whim, a trick bag full of decorative shortcuts and other goodies of your mind garden. Stick with a decorating theme that will whisk you away, satisfy an urge to splurge or celebrate an over-developed design style. If you dare to decorate, then have fun with style and go astray with a home design gone modern.

The Beauty Of A Solid Oak Sideboard

Oak sideboards come in all shapes and sizes, some come with shelves, and are often used to hold such things as silverware, cups and saucers etc. They are an ideal companion to your living room furniture when entertaining guests, as they can double up as a drinks cabinet or even a place to store cards and poker chips.

Solid oak sideboards come in very popular styles such as Spanish, Italian and even Art Deco, they also come in different shapes and sizes and fit in well with the other furniture. People tend to display family photographs and other heirlooms in them, they are very useful pieces of furniture both from a display and storage point of view.

Where Can You Get a Solid Oak Sideboard?

Visiting your local furniture store would be the first point of call when thinking of buying this furniture, as to see them in a picture online may not be doing them any real justice. You really need to see them in the flesh so to speak to appreciate them fully.

Seeing them in an online catalogue is not the same as seeing them in a showroom, you can't get the real shape and feel of this magnificent furniture from a picture. Prices can vary and it depends on the thickness and quality of the oak.

Unlike cheaper versions of the sideboard, oak sideboards can stand the rough and tumble of everyday use, some antique sideboards are still being put to every day use today even though they were manufactured over a 100 years ago. Scratches and blemishes can easily be sanded out to restore them to their original condition.

So Why Solid Oak Sideboards?

With a solid oak sideboard, unlike much cheaper made sideboards, they are built to last. Particleboard is commonly used in the manufacture of cheaper sideboards but will not withstand years of use like the tougher, much versatile oak version.

Not only that but the oak version looks and feels much stronger, and is very much in Vogue today as they never really ever goes out of fashion, they also tend to add a feel of quality and luxury to a home and can often be a talking point when visitors come over.

The sideboard was once a place to store the food, whilst waiting to be served, however they now appear in any room in the house whether that be bedroom or lounge, they can even be used to hold the entertainment system

Spice Up Your Kitchen With Tough, Yet Elegant Wall Tiles

The most common way of decorating and protecting your kitchen walls is by resorting to Ceramic tiles. The logic is simple. Ceramic is very resistant to common wear or tear esp. in the backsplash and countertop area. They will easily last for several years. This durability is critical as changing them is not as easy as changing a wall hanging or rearranging the living room furniture. But just ensure that you do not choose the kind of commonplace pattern or colour that you would tire of seeing soon. This shouldn't happen as home decorators are spoilt for choice these days when it comes to ceramic. They come in such color combinations and highlight unique designs and patterns suited for the kitchen. Until some years ago, we couldn't think of any design for our kitchen walls other than a few cute-looking fruits or vegetable paintings. But there is no limit to the creativity used by home decorators today. For example, one unique idea is to create the effect of a Colonial window in the backsplash area with a combination of multi-colored ceramic and natural stone tiles.

Furthermore, Ceramic absorbs more water than the vitrified tiles and the glaze makes them resistant to a certain extent. But the problem is that it is not meant to bear weight or heavy frames and the glaze on outside is not exactly resistant to scratches or heavy abrasion.

But thankfully technology has smart answers for this and kitchen tiles today are manufactured to be used in the same way as natural stones like marbles or granite. The products we get today don't change shape and show great resistance when exposed to high or changing temperatures. What a blessing is this property in a place like the kitchen! Also, these tough tiles are designed to be bull-nosed at the edges like hard stone, again reducing the occurrence of damage in the heavy-traffic corner areas of the kitchen.

The greatest boon for the housekeeper is that ceramic does not stain easily. All it takes is a wet mopping cloth to promptly remove anything that has been accidentally spluttered on walls. Even the everyday mess created by sauces, hot liquids and hot oil can be easily cleaned up with liquid cleaners. The only thing to be avoided during cleaning is abrasive pads or steel wool. It easily damages their surfaces.

Kitchen tile designs also come in Porcelain and Glass. While these look very upscale and attractive, remember that they are fragile and make sure that they are used as visual interest points and not mounted in the heavy-duty areas.

Bathroom Mirrors to Decorate Your House

There are so many ways to decorate your house that even the bathroom has several options. The bathroom mirrors with lights are the first thing people install when they are on the mission to revamp their houses. This is because people are beginning to realize that apart from just illuminating the bathroom these LED mirrors also add aesthetics to the bathroom, which is in most cases much needed.

If you are looking out for a very welcoming feel to your bathroom, to set the right atmosphere, these bathroom mirrors with lights are very good options that solve the purpose very easily. Initially bathrooms were considered as that place in the house that requires no decoration. It just needs to be clean and that's it. But times have changed and people are beginning to give aesthetics more and more importance thus not leaving out the bathroom when it comes to remodelling the looks of the house.

Why must one opt for the LED mirrors?

There are several substantial reasons why one must choose the bathroom mirrors with lights. Let us go through a few of them. First of all, the main purpose of the lights is to illuminate the area, which these LED lights comfortably do. Thus, when you have to shave or apply a face pack, you don't have to strain your eyes almost getting in the mirror, the LED mirrors take care of the dim light issues which make a close shave next to impossible without cuts etc. When these LED mirrors reflect light, it makes your bathroom look a lot wider and cleaner as well, not to forget, very posh. The next time you have guests over who visit your washroom, you will hear many compliments for the way your bathroom is presented.

What are the points that need to be considered before buying the LED mirrors?

You have to be clear about what is the theme that you have in mind for your bathroom. Accordingly you will find the LED mirrors that you would be looking out for in my Bathroom suites. There are several mirrors that have lights for you to choose from. All you should be clear about is the look you want your bathroom to extrude, whether you are looking out for something traditional, modern, conventional, non conventional etc. Then you must list down your priorities of installing the bathroom mirrors with lights. Is it just for the aesthetics or is it for the purpose of illuminating your bathroom or anything else. If it is for the purpose of illumination of the bathroom then you would need to those LED mirrors that are very bright and strategically placed on the mirror to achieve maximum coverage of illumination and likewise with the other reasons.

Living Room Design - How To Create A 1970s Living Room

Some of us do remember the age of "Flower Power" and the kind of clothing and interior design styles that were popular then. As every period has its admirers, it is no wonder that there are some who still want to pay tribute to the '70s through the decor in their homes.

So, what could you do to transform your living room to look like something out of the 1970s? It is a challenge to balance the more over-the-top elements of that era, while still using enough of what was popular to make your living room look convincing.

First, it's important to remember the role of prints and intricate patterns of that time. Everyone seemed to love bright colours in the 1970s, and you can pay homage to that by simply setting those bright colours against a canvas of neutral wall paint.

In the '70s, entire pieces of furniture were heavily decorated in paisley, plaids and stripes. We suggest that you can add a bit of this kind of design without going crazy. It is easy to include the wild animal prints and bold flower patterns on smaller items such as cushions, curtains and foot-stalls. This will make the room fun, without you requiring regular sight-tests!

Printed fabrics can also be used as pieces of artwork. Choose a pattern with a "loud" beatnik feel and create your own tapestry or wall hanging. You could even stretch your material over a simple wooden frame to create a panel of art.

Mock-wood wall panelling and patterned wallpaper were also features of that time. The wall-panelling can act as a great disguise for poor plasterwork but add it with caution; as you could very quickly tire of living in a sauna. Equally, just allocate one single feature wall to boast your new flocked wallpaper.

If a feature wall isn't for you; a fabulous shag-pile rug could be used as a focal point. Choose a fun combination of texture and colours for authenticity. As far as furniture goes, the '70s was the beginning of the trend for chrome and metallic furnishings. A chrome-legged coffee table with a glass top would be a perfect addition to that shag-pile rug.

For a real talking-point, you should include the cheesy home accessories we typically associate with '70s. Rummage through boot-fairs and second-hand shops to find: lava lamps, pop art, bean bag chairs, tie-dyed fabrics, macrame (for covering cushions or hanging plant holders, for example), things made of fake wood or fake fur, and anything covered in vinyl!

The '70s was all about fun and colour. We didn't promise it would be elegant.

Tips for Effective Color Blocking

Fashion is known as an international love. It is not only prominent in its very own industry, but fashion has translated among industries and cultures. Many furniture trends have come from the fashion world, including the now popular trend known as color blocking. Homes around the globe are taking up this vibrant look in living rooms, home offices and bedrooms rather than sticking with older neutral and traditional colors.

Color blocking can be fun and it is a sure way a person can refresh their home and bring it more energy into a room. Using two or more of the brighter colors is a good rule when it comes to color blocking and a piece of vividly colored furniture can make a massive difference in the look of a room. Color blocking furniture and fabrics is something that started out as a typical fad but has grown into something that has overwhelmed the entire world.

The question everyone asks is, how will color blocking work for me? The answer is the same as it is with your wardrobe. A person can study colors and pick ones that go hand-in-hand together to create their idea look, whether it is bold and lively or understated with a pop of color.

The colors that you choose when painting the walls using a color blocking technique will have to be bold, but how you display them can vary. You may have neutrals in the room with an accent wall in a bright color, or even paint geometric designs in different colors.

Color blocking doesn't have to be all about wall paint. Furniture, pillows and even wall decorations are perfect for getting some practice in for blocking. The same principles work here, as you take a good combination of colors and make sure that you scatter them around the room with furniture. You can use painted framed paper or fabrics when putting color the walls against neutral background and then back it up using a bright rug. The important thing to remember is that furniture makes the interior design of your home even more complex and interesting, so choose fabrics and colors wisely.

Why Install Clay Tiles on Your Roof?

Having the right roof over your home can be extraordinarily important. While there are many options, many people prefer using clay tiles over their roof. If you are looking reasons to use clay roofing, take a look at some factors given below.

1. Excellent styling and good looking: Clay tile roofing is popular because it looks fantastic in both modern and traditional house models. You can find many modern homes that are designed with tiles made of clay.

2. Long lasting: Clay tile roofing is popular because these tiles last for years. These tiles are extremely resistant to the weather conditions and do not lose their intricate and earthy colors despite being exposed to the sun and rain. This kind of roofing can withstand all kinds of atmospheric conditions without any fail.

3. Fire resistant: Along with the ability to withstand the weather conditions, clay tile roofing is fire resistant. These tiles don't get damaged even after being exposed to harsh chemicals.

4. Improve with time: If you take a look at clay roofing, you will find that in most cases, the tiles improve with age. The 'weathered' look of clay tiles is demanded by many consumers for their homes, which has promoted manufacturers to design tiles in the same pattern that offer an antique look.

5. Numerous color choices: There are some remarkable earthy collections of colored clay made tiles. You can find colors such as brick red, earthy brown and pale red to suit your home designing needs. There are many house owners who love to use varied colors in their roofing to get a distinct look.

6. Long life: Since these tiles can withstand all kinds of harsh conditions, you can expect your roofing to last for more than 50 years. Tiles made from clay don't break unless some unusual force is applied on them.

7. Easy on pocket: In spite of all the benefits, you will find that clay tiles are extremely pocket-friendly. You can find tiles that suit even the smallest roofing budgets. In fact, it's one of the prime reasons why people prefer using these tiles.

With so many benefits at one place, using tiles made of clay is one of the most convenient options for all types of homes. There are many companies that offer clay tiling solutions at unbelievable prices. You can take a look at all the service and choose a company that offers the best tiles at the best prices. Some companies can take up the entire contract of roofing your home.

Oriental Rugs - Get To Know Its Authentic Quality

Do you know how to identify authentic oriental rugs? Authentic are hand-woven fabric. It takes months to years to finish a genuine oriental rug. The patterns of design in one genuine rug are unique. It has no duplicate. All oriental inspired patterns are based from the memory of the weaver.

Unlike the synthetic version, genuine ones do not depreciate in value as it ages. In fact, its value goes up instead. All the more that it is used; all the more its beauty is enhanced. It is said that a genuine piece will last 50 to 100 years. From these facts, it makes it valuable, thus the reason for its expensive price.

However, knowing which is authentic or not do not come easy. It takes skills, knowledge and experience to know genuine ones from faked. If you are after for real oriental rugs it is best to make sure that what you will get is real. You would not want to spend a fortune for fake ones, right? So, to help you not get fooled it would help to note of the following.

How to Identify Authenticity

Colors/Patterns/Design

It is rich in color and patterns. Each piece comes in a unique design. If you encounter two rugs that look the same, take a closer look and search for any difference. There is always a difference somewhere.
Try staring at the rug and notice if all the more you stare at it, the more it gets attractive to the eyes. If it's so, it indicates depth. Look for signs of imperfection. Hand woven rugs are not perfect. It is its imperfection that makes it standout from fake ones.

Loose woven are richer in colors. A loose weave allows it to absorb more color. On the other hand, tight weave absorbs less dye making its color not as rich as the latter.

Weave

To reiterate, loose weave pieces have richer colors than tightly weave ones. The latter allows light to pass through. Tight weave rugs do not allow light to pass through it. To know if a rug is loose weave or not place it in a well-lit spot. Then see if it does not block the light. Oriental rugs with denser knots are usually tight weave.

Wool fiber

Know that rugs vary in wool fiber used. There are two kinds of wool fiber used. One is the low quality and cheaper "dry wool" fiber. It comes from the fleece of a dead sheep. This kind of wool is treated with an alkaline substance such as lye. The alkaline substance makes the wool dry and stiff hence its name "dry wool". The substance is used to remove traces of animal's flesh left in the wool. Fake versions use dry wool.

The other type of wool is the high quality but expensive kind. Unlike dry wool, it is soft to touch and shiny. Therefore, it is important to touch and feel the rug when buy one. This type of wool is more durable than the latter kind. In fact, it is said that it can last more than 50 to 100 years. Know that genuine oriental rugs improve as it ages. Thus, its value does not depreciate with time.

The Frequently Asked Questions Surrounding Granite

When homeowners are thinking about installing granite somewhere in their homes, either inside (as a bench top, wall cladding or flooring) or outside (as a patio, pathway or driveway), they will often have a number of questions that they would like answered before making a final decision. Why not see if your question pops up in one of the frequently asked ones below:

    Where is granite from? It is a stone that can be found pretty much all over the world, with some of the biggest deposits being found in the USA, Europe and Australia.

    What sort of maintenance is needed? Granite needs to be sealed but, if you have a good quality stone, you will only need to do this every three to five years. If you have a lower quality stone, it will need to be sealed every one to three years.

    Does it have any resistance to wear and tear? As a highly durable stone, granite is pretty resistant to scratches, stains, mildew and mold growth. In proof of how scratch resistant the material really is, you can even use granite as a chopping board!

    Does granite need any daily care? Basically, all your granite needs is a quick wash down with a soap and water mixture. The general rule of thumb is that you shouldn't clean the stone with a product that you wouldn't clean your hands with.

    Is granite subject to chipping or cracking? If any flaws are going to develop in your stone, more often than not, they're going to be caused during transportation. If you notice any damage, contact the granite supplier who supplied the stone and they should be able to repair any damage.

    Will the slab I receive look the same as the sample? As the samples displayed in the supplier's showroom are just showing you what is available, there may be slight differences in the colour and the pattern of the slab that you receive. Ask the salesperson if you are able to pick out the exact slab you want, as you can sometimes do this.

    What thickness is recommended? Most professional installers suggest that you do not use granite slabs that are less than three-quarters of an inch thick.

If your granite question was not answered above, remember that there is no harm in asking the supplier or doing a more extensive internet search. It is always best to have all the facts before making a final decision on the stone you will use in your home, as this will help to ensure that you make a decision you do not live to regret.