10 Home Decorating Tips

10 Home Decorating Tips

If you don't know where to start, but you want to make some changes in your spaces, don’t worry. Whether you’ve just moved into a new apartment or want to change a look you’ve been living with for years, these ten simple decorating tips are sure to boost your confidence and get you on your way to creating an environment you’re sure to be proud of.

1. Do your research! Take advantage of all the great resources available for ideas, even if you have a basic idea of what you want to do. Magazines, decorating books and T.V. shows, the Internet, home furnishing stores, paint and project stores and even other people’s homes are indispensable sources.
2. Choose a focal point or inspiration piece. Pick something in the room that you really like, whether it’s a sofa, an oil painting, an Oriental rug, a fireplace, or a bed with a canopy, and try to draw from it ideas to focus on in the rest of room. Is there a specific color from the painting that you want to enhance? Do you want to use the same gauzy material from your bed canopy for the window treatments? Do you want to duplicate the design of your Oriental rug elsewhere? Do you want the entire room to pivot towards the fireplace? There are many ideas sitting right in front of you in the items you have already selected for your home to get you started.
3. Make a wish list. List in different sections what you want. In one area, list all of the items you definitely know you want, or basically need, such as a dining room table or a bed frame. If you’ve already seen what you want, note where it was and the price. In another area, list the items that you feel you have a variety of options to choose from, as in book cases or shelves, carpeting or area rugs, or types of window treatments. In a third area, list the areas that you have absolutely no idea of what you want to do and are completely open to suggestion, such as wall art or storage options. Use this as a checklist throughout your shopping and decorating.
4. Good Measurements. Measure everything thoroughly - every room, every wall, every window, every corner, every piece of furniture you are keeping - everything. Note them clearly, even if you have to make crude sketch drawings for clarification. These measurements will be essential when you are shopping, so always take them with you, as well as the measuring tape itself. This will be important when choosing new items.
5. Create a Decorating Organizer. Find an "organizer" that you feel comfortable walking around with, such as a planner with pockets or a bag with compartments. Place in it all of the measurements you have taken, measuring tape, your wish list, paint and stain chips in the colors you are considering or have already decided on, fabric and carpet swatches, pictures from magazines that you have liked, a note pad, pencils and so on. These items will be crucial when you finally stumble upon the blue cushioned bar stool you’ve been looking for and aren’t sure if the blue is the right shade or the stool is the right height, for example.
6. Be true to your style. You don’t have to fall into a specific category, such as classic or country. In fact, most decorating styles are slightly eclectic, combining more than one style in furniture, color and accents. Just be aware of what you find yourself drawn to when shopping, and this will give you a better understanding of what you like to be surrounded with. If you planned on decorating your living room in metallics and monochrome colors for an industrial look, but continually find yourself attracted to the red and white gingham sofa, take a step back and reassess your original plans. Try to incorporate what you know you like into an overall style with some special touches.
7. Patience is key! Don’t buy impulsively or make rash decorating decisions out of frustration. You’ll find yourself bringing home something that doesn’t work in the room and cost too much, or you’ll end up finding something better the very next day and have to do twice the work. Thoroughly comparison shop, even if it gets tedious. And remember that there is a difference between settling for something and compromising. If you settle for something, you’ll never end up liking it.
8. Small, simple changes go a long way. Even if you don’t consider yourself "handy", there are probably many small things you can do yourself to fix, enhance or change something, while saving money. Can you sew a slipcover for your couch? Can you do an easy faux finish on your walls? Can you stencil a border around your doorways? Can you cut down a carpet and create a new area rug? Can you change the hardware on your kitchen cabinets? You don’t need to be an expert (or wealthy) to create style and show your personality in any room.
9. Recycle from other rooms. Before you purchase new pieces of furniture and decorative accents, look around and see if there’s anything throughout your house that can be used elsewhere. Maybe a desk that doesn’t get used often can be placed in the bedroom as a vanity. Or maybe you could swap out light fixtures from one room to another. Perhaps you can gather photographs from around the house and place them together as a collage. Even a small plastic garbage pail can be converted into a lovely planter or be the vessel for a silk floral arrangement. Look around carefully for fun ideas before spending a dime!
10. Tricks of the trade. Small rooms and low ceilings can be easily enhanced with optical illusions. Hanging window treatments close to the ceiling, as opposed to the top of the window, gives the impression of a long wall and high ceiling. Adding crown molding creates a break between the wall and ceiling and draws the eye upward. Mirrors do a great job of opening up walls and creating the sense of depth to any room. Strategically placed, they can make a room seem much larger and reflect light throughout when placed across from a light source.

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HomeClick - Low Prices on Premium Home and Garden Products

HomeClick - Low Prices on Premium Home and Garden Products

I just discovered a website that offers low prices and free shipping (for all orders over $75) on luxury brand bath and kitchen fixtures, lighting, tableware, outdoor furniture, appliances, and more. I simply love it.

It's one stop shopping for most anything you may need for home decorating. If you are remodeling, you will find great luxury brand bath and kitchen fixtures at some of the best prices that I've seen. They have items for your garden, including furniture and fixtures. Products for your fireplace, hardware, and framed artwork. You can find just about anything that you need.

Take a look at HomeClick today.

Tags: low price premium high quality luxury brand home and garden products

Looking for a new way to color your world? - Home & Garden - MSNBC.com

Looking for a new way to color your world? - Home & Garden - MSNBC.com
Looking for a new way to color your world?
House & Garden offers help with a look at the latest hues for your home

View related photos
Tim Lee / Courtesy Of Sherill Canet

Looking for a new way to color your world? Need some advice on the latest hues in paint for your home? Well, you’re in luck. There are more choices than colors in the rainbow, but there are tricks to help you choose the right one for your room? House & Garden magazine's latest issue is all about color trends. Susanna Salk is the special projects editor and she was invited to appear on TODAY to share some hints from the magazine. Here's more on what she discussed on the show:
Colors immediately impact our emotions and the mood of the room. Choosing the right color is like meeting many people at a big party: It's stimulating but overwhelming. My advice: Spend time on the ones that instinctively make you feel good or to which you are drawn, instead of trying to get to know a little bit about all of them. It’s less overwhelming that way. Here are some tips about choosing the best hues for your room...
There is no such thing as a "bad color". Forget all those color "rules" about “this can't go with that,” etc. Instead, consider:
The function of a room can sometimes help you determine the kind of color: Bedroom= serene; kitchen= cheerful; dining room= whimsical or sophisticated.
The light or lack of it: Sometimes the brighter the room the deeper the color it can handle.
Its view or orientation: Is it reflecting what is going on outside (nature/sunsets) or is the color in charge of creating its own setting?
What colors do you love? What rooms make you happy? Let these answers inform you and go with your gut.
Let's experiment a little and show you how color can impact even the simplest settings:
• Color trends for your homeFeb. 15: TODAY's Al Roker talks with Susanna Salk of House & Garden magazine about tips on how you can color your rooms with the latest hues in house paint.
Today Show HomeWall 1 Color: Decorator’s WhiteThere's nothing chicer than white on white. It makes your room look large and serene. There are so many whites out there, so decide what kind you want: There are creamy/whites, grey/whites and white/whites. Finish in flat: Flat is best for surfaces with imperfections and flaws because there's minimal shine. It's good for ceilings; not so great for walls in high traffic areas because it won't stand up to stains or washing.Wall 2 Color: Sheer Romance 837 Blue gives instant sophistication to any room and warms up when paired with a warm white.
Finish in eggshell: Eggshell has a light, satiny sheen making it more resistant to stains and more washable. It's a popular finish for walls in high-moisture areas such as baths and kitchens. Wall 3 Color: Yellow (Little Angel 318, Amarillo 32O -- split by a chair rail)Don't forget to explore the possibilities of putting 2 ranges of one color on a wall: It gives diversity and depth without having to be too overt. I love how yellow can work in any season and in any room: Kitchen or living room.
Finish for both in matte: Matte is a great alternative to flat, has minimal sheen, and was developed to be washable.
Creating exciting, but workable color combinations: Color is all about context and what its next to. Professional color forecasters predict the use of bolder colors for shutters, doors, window frames and other trim will be big in 2007. Now, a more self assured public is asserting itself by using color to make dramatic statements. Colors are more saturated and deeper. And we have tapped other cultures for ideas. Bold color is exciting to use, but there's a trick to using it without hating it the next day. Try pairing it with the correct neutral hues. This will relax the contrasts. Here are some examples:
Emerald green with black and white (See photo above.) Malachite is so big these days. Here we pair it with graphic black and white for a high energy, sophisticated vibe. This kind of color combination really specifies the way a room will be used.
Francois Halard
Tangerine with stone For a softer alternative to bold orange, try warm, sunny tangerine paired with stone.
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Eric Boman
Yellow with silverCitron and charteuse need only silver's shimmer to take on a glamourous glow. Balance the acid tones with strokes of deep brown and white.
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Eric Boman
Pink with brown Chocolate browns coupled with exotic patterns and splashes of girlie pinks give a mature feminine touch.
Other hints on color:
Enveloping a space all in one color is a chic way to solve a "mystery" room.
Dont just rely on a paint chip: Paint a bit of the color onto the wall: It can sometimes look completely different in the light, etc. But paint chips are helpful in terms of seeing the range of colors you've chosen for your house (hallways that lead into rooms, etc.)
It's nice to color code your rooms so each has an identity.
Using two tones adds interest to small spaces and helps it from getting too dark. Objects are highlighted by what they are contrasted against: Matte against glossy, etc. Pair homey with glam; folksy with ornate: Do it against a dark backdrop to add a glam effect.
The bottome line: Dont be afraid of color: It's the easiest way to renovate."

This information is very timely for any of you who are thinking about spring cleaning, and making changes to your spaces. Think color!

Tags: home decorating with color, easy home renovations with paint

Great Idea for Child's Room

Try painting a wall with magnetic primer, and then cover it with chalkboard paint. Kids can then hang magnets, and draw and write on the washable wall with chalk!

Busy families can also benefit from the same paint in the kitchen. Hang magnets and keep schedules and lists to keep everyone in the family up-to-date.

Look for these paints at rustoleum.com......

Tags: decorate kids rooms

Decorate Your Bedroom

Decorate your bedroom with things you love. Use soothing neutrals, soft pastels, calming blues, or restful greens. Your bedroom should reflect the things that make you happy.

Add fluffy pillows and duvets, comfortable furniture, and any items that will make you more relaxed and happy in your surroundings. If at all possible, avoid having your home office/computer in your bedroom. Make this room a soothing oasis.

After all, this room is for you.

Tags: bedroom home decorating

Choosing your shower door

Choosing your shower door
Choosing your shower door
Tips on buying a shower door for your bathroom renovation project, including price, material and styles. Something as simple as changing your shower door can update and totally change the look of your bathroom.

"Replacing a shower door can be part of a total bath renovation or a simple way to rejuvenate the look of your bathroom. Following these tips will help you select the shower door that will work best for you.
The first point to consider is how much money you have to spend. This will help you to narrow your selection to the shower doors you can afford. Next, measure the opening the shower door needs to cover. Allow this measurement to help narrow your choices down even further. Once you have a budget in mind and measurements in hand, you still aren’t quite ready to start looking at new doors. Take a good look at the bathroom where the shower door will be hung (or the other fixtures you have selected if your shower door purchase is part of a complete renovation).

Hudreds of brand name Bathroom Vanities and Cabinets at QualityBath.com to choose from - Lowest price Guaranteed plus Free shipping.

Take your cues from the existing furnishings of your bathroom. If you have brass-toned accents, continue the look in your shower door frame. The same is true for chrome. Is your look modern? The clean, contemporary lines should be complemented in your shower door. Rose etchings in the glass would be best suited to a romantic or traditional look.
Speaking of glass, the doors of your shower can be made of glass or a hard plastic such as plexi-glass. Plexi-glass is often easier to install because it is much lighter than glass and is much less cumbersome to handle. Whether you select glass or plexi-glass, you can still choose frosted, lined or plain glass. Frosted glass is a particularly good choice if you are modest and will not be using a decorative curtain in front of the shower door. Mirrored surfaces are yet another choice for your shower door. Finally, think about the way you want the door to open. It can rest on top of the tub and slide open like a pocket door or it can sit on hinges and swing open like a regular door.
You are finally ready to start looking for the shower door that will satisfy your design elements and your wallet. Look at doors outside of your price range first to pick out features you hope to find in a less costly version. You can find designer doors at boutique-style fixture stores and their less-expensive counterparts at chain store “big box” stores. You can also scour close-out stores and liquidation sales to find a pricey door within your budget. Many times these doors aren’t imperfect – they are overstock or the byproduct of a business that has decided to close. Occasionally you may need to replace a screw or smooth out a small imperfection, but typically the savings is enough to make it worthwhile.
If your home is full of unique pieces and architectural elements, you may want to consider hiring an artisan to make the door for you. It may surprise you just how reasonably priced a custom-made door can be. A shower door can be small enough to be an affordable piece of functional art.
You may find the perfect shower door for your project only to find it is too small to fit across the space you need to enclose. Many times you can extend the wall far enough to make the door fit. Framing out the wall and affixing the drywall is a relatively easy project, and is fairly inexpensive to hire a professional if it is beyond your skill level. Just make sure the cost of adding the extra wall doesn’t take too much of an extra bite out of your budget. Remember that tiling can be very expensive – even for small areas. In addition, it is exceedingly difficult to match new tiles against ones already in the room. Unless you have surplus tiles left over from the original tiling project, you may want to avoid buying any shower doors that may require any tile work.
Buying a new shower door for your bathroom can be a fun project. Taking a little time to think about what door is right for you before heading to the store can save you time and aggravation – and perhaps some money. "

Tags: redecorate bathrooom, interior decorating and design

Interior Design 101, Texture-Patterns

Interior Design 101, Texture-Patterns
Textures and Patterns
Staff Writer

"Patterns and textures will serve an important function in your decorating. They will add interest and character to an otherwise plain color scheme. Your choice of patterns and textures will follow your decorating style, the limitations of your environment and you personal preferences.

There are so many choices of available that the task of selecting textures can be overwhelming. If you keep these rules of thumb in mind you will be able to make knowledgeable selections and maybe even use optical illusions to create a dramatic arrangement.

Patterns can effect how you see proportion. By following these rules of thumb you can wisely select patterns to enhance any room.

Complex Patterns that use several colors and diagonal, criss-crossing lines are busy for your eye. They can liven up a large area, but it may be overwhelming for a small room.
Vertical Lines add height to a short room, or add more height to a high ceiling.
Horizontal Lines add space, width to an area.
Remember the Size and Scale of your space. General rule of thumb, the larger the space, the larger the print, the smaller the space the smaller the print. Yet adding a large print to a small area can give you a feeling of grandeur.
The same grouping or pattern used throughout an area can draw together a wide open plan. It will create a flow and sense of continuity.
Colors affect how we see patterns. High contrast patterns create an energetic feeling and colors close in value create a more subdued environment.
Texture affects color. Rough textures will absorb light while smooth textures will reflect light.
Always remember to select patterns and textures that appeal to you and work well with your overall plan. It is always wise to collect samples of what you love be it pictures, paint chips or color swatches. Feel free to experiment, remember as a renter, if you buy it, you keep it. If you love something in an apartment, you will probably love it your house too!"

Tags: decorate samll areas with texture patterns

Glass Accessories: Decorating Tips for Your Home Interiors

Glass Accessories: Decorating Tips for Your Home Interiors
How to Select Glass Accessories for Your Home Decorating Needs

"I've come to love glass accessories, whether they are candle holders, vases, figurines, sculptures or bowls. I think it's important in your decorating to have
at least one really great, artistic glass piece.

There is a mystery to glass, perhaps because it catches light and glows from within. It can be an explosion of visual and tactile possibilities. And I found
a whole new appreciation for pottery, in general, after taking a class in pottery making. It's much, much harder to achieve than you would think.

Most interior designers incorporate studio glass objets d'art into their designs. So do I. But before you run out to buy some, educate yourself a bit and
find artists whose work touches you.

There are different types, sizes and techniques of art glass, so here are a few basic things you should know before you make your selections.

• Stained or Art Glass - Stained glass art first showed up primarily in religious and public buildings, especially in French and German churches.
  However, now stained glass is making it's way into the home. After WWII, abstract and expressionist artists began to explore stained glass, developed new technologies and developed a growing interest in art glass. Think about bringing in beveled glass to your entry way or turning your bathroom windows into stained glass art. You can also incorporate the art form on to tables, walls and cabinets, as well as hanging panels in your windows.
• Crackle Glass - Invented in the 16th Century, crackle glass is produced by briefly submerging very hot glass into cold water during the glass-forming process.
  When you reheat the glass, you can expand it by blowing into the blowpipe. the cracks grow larger as a result. The most unique pieces are made using either transparent or opaque glass.

• Fused Glass - Another old technique is to fuse melted glass together during the firing portion in the kiln after heating it to a high
  tempoerature. It's a difficult method that requires constant experimentation. The colors and textures of the glass come from the various minerals and chemicals added at the time the
  glass is manufactured. Compatible metal pieces, enamels, paints and other substances enhance individual art objects.

• Dichroic Glass (Two Color) - Depending on the viewing angle, this type of glass shows different colors. It has been coated with thin layers
  of different metals to a thickness of one-millionth of an inch. The metals are evaporated and vacuum-deposited on the glass to such a fine degree that certain wavelengths of light will pass throug the glass and others will be reflected.

• Studio Glass - With studio glass, the artist melts the glass, forms it, colors it and anneals it. Glassblowing was invented 2000 years ago, but it
  wasn't until the 1960s that individual craftspeople, working alone instead of in a factory, began to blow glass, starting the Studio Glass Movement.

  Hand-Blown Glass - When you dip the blowpipe into a pot of molten glass, inside a high-temperature furnace, you get hand-blown glass. The pipe and
  glass are removed from the furnace and by blowing through the pipe, the ball of molten glass is expanded into a thick bubble. Additional glass is added to the bubble along with color. The bubble of hot glass is then formed. During the shaping process, the piece is frequently returned to the furnace to keep it soft and pliable. Halfway through the process the piece is transferred to an iron rod that allows it to be opened up to form the mouth of a vase or bowl.
  When the artist is happy with the shape, it is carefully broken off the punty and placed into a temperature-controlled oven (annealer). There it is slowly cooled down to room temperature. When finished the piece is inspected by the artist and signed."

We have found beautiful examples of both Dichroic Glass (Two Color) and Studio Glass at Coni Art Glass. The glass artist, Cornel Plescan, lovingly designs each piece. We especially like the glass balls, which can be used as beautiful Christmas ornaments, but also year round as centerpiece decorations, or hanging in windows. All of his glass pieces are mouth blown, and well proportioned. The glass is of very fine quality, and best yet - his prices are far below what you will find in the stores! Unbelievable quality and value.

Tags: decorate with glass accessories, mouth blown glass balls accessories

Making a Decorating Trend Your Own

Making a Decorating Trend Your Own

Eight Great Ways to Incorporate the Black and White Trend Into Your Home

2007's hot trend may be black and white, but next year it may be shades of red and coral.No matter what the decorating trend, most of us can’t afford to redecorate whenever the latest and greatest hot new trend appears.

So, what do you do when a trend shows up that you love and can't live without? Take a look at one trend for 2007– using black and white – let's see how many ways we can incorporate that color scheme, without spending a fortune.
Here are eight fabulous ideas:

1. Invest in inexpensive soft goods with a shorter lifespan.
   Items like pillows, bedding, tablecloths, placemats or throw rugs. No matter if the room you are decorating is painted white, tan, or even red, bringing in soft goods in black and white should fit well into the existing scheme. Without major investments in furnishings, you can use the trend to your advantage.

2. Use paint to full advantage.
   Use black paint and refurbish a dining room table, or your old coffee table in your living room. Complete the look with a couple of yards of black and white fabric stretched around the seats of the dining room chairs and stapled on, or make sofa and chair throw pillows in the living room. You can use a patterned fabric to make a simple slipcover for each seat. On your table, use placemats in bright green, turquoise, or red, and your everyday white dishes will look polished and new - like a designer planned the whole thing.

3. Do over a small room.
   A tiny powder room, guest room, or laundry room could be just the spot to indulge your black and white fantasies. Put up some subtle patterned black and white wallpaper, or add a fresh coat of white paint to the walls and lots of black and white graphic art framed in black. Add a valance or window treatment in black and white to tie it all together.

4. Walk on it.
   Vinyl floor tiles are inexpensive and easy to install - just figure out how much you need, then buy half of the tiles in white and the other half in black. This classic look is great for an entryway, kitchen, or hall. It is also a look that pairs well with many other colors – think golden yellow walls, mirrored furnishings, or even a crystal chandelier. To create an illusion of more space, even in a small area, install the tiles on the diagonal, so when you enter the room you see the pointed corners of each tile facing you.

5. Timeless.
   Use classically timeless patterns or prints like stripes or toile. These patterns can outlive a trend and often become a treasured favorite. Toile patterned wallpapers, drapery fabrics, pillows, placemats, or tablecloths might be added into your existing living or dining room and feel right at home.

6. Add trim.
   If you are you tired of plain white drapes or boring white chandelier shades, give them a trendy pop with borders of black braided trim from a fabric store. You could even use black grosgrain ribbon attached with fabric glue, for an even less expensive upgrade.

7. Stencil it.
   Stenciling is a craft that is easy to learn and quick to do. Try stenciling a narrow scrolling black border above a chair rail or choose an arched design for over a doorway. Stencils can add the extra punch your room needs. And, if you don't like it, or tire of it – it is only paint so can be covered up in the future as your taste changes.

8. Spray paint.
   Take a garage sale find and turn it into a trendy piece by spraying it with white or black spray paint. Use white with black details, or do the opposite beginning with a coat of black paint and add white embellishments.

There you have it – eight great ways to use 2007's black and white trend – and it hardly cost anything. Everyone you know will think you’re the most creative (and trendy!) decorator around.

Tags: 2007 decorating trends,budget home decorating, paint, decorating small spaces

Top Picks for Kitchen Countertops

One of the biggest decisions you will make about your kitchen is the countertop. There are many options, and depending on your lifestyle, how you use your kitchen and, of course, your budget will determine what type of surface is best for you.

Top Picks for Kitchen Countertops
Top 10 Kitchen Countertops

From Coral Nafie,Your Guide to Interior Decorating

There are lots of options on the market for kitchen countertops. Our list of top picks gives the pros and cons of the top 10 choices so that you can make an educated choice when you remodel your kitchen. Follow the links to more information about each countertop material.

1) Granite Counters
Granite is the countertop material of choice when there are no other things to think about - like money. It defines elegance in a kitchen. The beauty of the stone contributes to the beauty of even the most modest kitchen.Pros: holds up to heat; comes in beautiful colors; looks permanent and substantial.Cons: very expensive, requires lots of maintenance, including periodic sealing; absorbs stains; can crack; limited range of colors available.

2) Engineered Stone
Engineered stone is composed of quartz particals. It is available in a larger range of colors than granite and has a nonporous surface that resists scratches. It's easy to maintain, without the annual sealing required by natural stone. Brands on the market are DuPont Zodiaq®, Cambria Quartz, and Silestone.Pros: resistant to stain and acid; easy care. Cons: Expensive.

3) Solid Surface
Because solid surface counters are just what they're called, solid, any scratches can be sanded out. The countertops are custom-made to your specifications by companies such as Avonite, Corian, and Swanstone.Pros: comes in a rainbow of colors and patterns; seamless; stain resistant.Cons vulnerable to hot pans and stains which can damage the surface; can be moderately expensive.

4) Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is durable and easy to clean. Add to that inexpensive and you've got a really good choice for countertops for the average home. Because it's installed a section at a time, it can be done by most resourceful homeowners.Pros: takes hot pans; easy to clean; wide range of price, color, texture and design.Cons: counter surface is uneven; tiles can easily chip or crack; grout lines become stained; custom-designed tiles are very expensive.

5) Laminates
Laminate counters bear trademarks such as Formica, Nevamar, and Wilsonart. They're made of plastic-coated synthetics with a smooth surface that's easy to clean. The pieces are cut to size and finished on the ends.Pros: you can buy laminates in lots of colors; easy to maintain; durable; inexpensive.Cons: scratches and chips are almost impossible to repair; seans show; end finishing and front edge choices can be pricey.

6) Wood or Butcher Block
Wood countertops offer a beautiful warm look and are available in a wide range of colors and finishes. Hardwoods such as maple and oak are most often used as countertop woods.Pros: easy to clean; smooth; can be sanded and resealed as needed. Cons: can be damaged by water and stains over time; scratches must be oiled or sealed according to manufacturer's instructions.

7) Stainless Steel Counters
For a really contemporary and industrial look for your kitchen, stainless steel is a good choice. They are heat resistant and durable. Because they're constructed to your specifications, you can have a seamless countertop.Pros: takes hot pans; easy to clean. Cons: Expensive; noisy; may dent; fabrication is expensive; you can't cut on it.

8) Soapstone Counters
Soapstone is generally dark gray in color and has a smooth feel. It is often seen in historic homes but is also used in modern homes as both a countertop and sink material. Pros: rich, deep color; smooth feel; somewhat stain resistant. Cons: requires regular maintenance with applications of mineral oil; may crack and darken over time.

9) Marble
Because of it's extremely high price tag, marble is not often seen on the countertops of whole kitchens. To get the luxurious look, use it on an island or inset at a baking center. Marble requires constant maintenance, as it easily stains. Some new sealers retard staining. Pros: waterproof; heatproof; beautiful. Cons: expensive; porous; stains easily unless professionally sealed; can scratch; may need resealing periodically as per manufacturer.

10) Concrete Counters
If you have countertops in unusual shapes, concrete may be a good choice, as they're often cast right in your kitchen. The high price tag may be beyond most people's budget.Pros: heat and scratch resistant; can be color-tinted; looks exotic and unusual; new treatments eliminate cracking; additives reduce porosity; new finishes are more decorative. Cons: mid to high range on cost due to custom work; cracking is possible; can look somewhat industrial; porous but can be sealed."

Give a lot of thought to how you use your kitchen before you make a decision about your countertop- do you cook often, or is your kitchen more for show? Do you use your kitchen for other activities, i.e. kids homework or school project, crafts, etc?

Tags: home decorating kitchen remodel, Tags: kitchen countertop materials

Decorating Color Trends for 2007 - Rental Decorating Digest

Decorating is like fashion - colors and styles go in and out of vogue as time goes by. While avocado and harvest gold were the hot colors of the 70's , here is what you can expecct for 2007.

Decorating Color Trends for 2007 - Rental Decorating Digest
Color Trends 2007: Home Hues That Comfort and Excite
By Debbie Zimmer, The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute

"From spicy color combinations to hues that warm the soul, our 2007 color trends contain palettes that work independently as a “statement color” or as a subtle backdrop where home furnishings and accessories take center stage. We are excited to share the annual trend report, which contains color hues appropriate for all areas of the home or living space.

Comfort Colors
Just like the comfort foods we return to when searching for familiarity and simplicity, the comfort color palette provides a pleasant association with uncomplicated times and a respite from our hectic, technology-overloaded life. Their warmth envelopes us and provides a simple reward and feeling of security.

Biscuit and wheat neutrals, cocoa brown, pumpkin orange and cinnamon apple pie, are just a few of the comfort colors that will wrap your room with warmth and promote a stress-free space.

The comfort color palette is an especially good choice for kitchens and family rooms.

Back to Nature
A growing focus on the environment and sustainable products continues to push natural, earthy hues to the forefront. Yellows and blues, leaf-like greens, along with organic browns combine to bring the outdoors in. Add translucency and a glass like quality by incorporating varying paint sheen levels. As a subtle accent color, add rust or copper-like metallics into the scheme.

Bathrooms and bedrooms are perfect places to incorporate the back to nature hues or in rooms where an accent wall is employed.

Stark Contrast
What’s black and white and red all over? The 2007 stark contrast palette! With the 2008 Summer Olympics just around the corner and a keen and continuing interest in Asian culture, these and other events have helped to shape this bold and striking group.

From clean, clear reds and deep plums to the sophistication of black and white, this color group works both as an accent and as an elegant backdrop for many living spaces. Polished brass metallics complement this scheme.

Dining, living rooms and especially powder rooms will benefit from this bold and spicy palette."

If you have been thinking about updating your living space, try changing wall and fabric colors. These are inexpensive changes that can make a big difference in your rooms.

Tags: home decorating color trends

Coni Art Glass Decorative Home Accessories

I found these glass balls at ConiArtGlass.com. They make a great room accessory any time of the year. I like them stacked in a centerpiece bowl or tray. They bring light and color to any space.

Coni Art Glass- Handmade Glass Balls, Christmas Ornaments, and Spirit Balls

"These handmade glass balls bring light and happiness to home décor. Often used for Feng Shui design, the colors promote creative energy in the home. Float them in ponds to protect the fish from predators. When the sun shines on the glass balls, the light scares away the predators.

Used year round, these glass spheres also make beautiful Christmas ornaments. The colorful hand blown glass balls, spheres and hearts are a versatile and affordable decorative accessory (used in homes, hotels, restaurants, and offices), and make great gift items. They come in many colors and patterns. We welcome special orders for your design ideas, and color combinations.

The glass balls are the perfect home decorating idea, or party decoration. They make unique gifts and party favors. Interior Designers love to use the decorative balls grouped in a beautiful glass bowl, as a centerpiece or focal point of a room.

Hang them in windows as sun catchers. Also known as Friendship Balls, Spirit Balls, Witch Balls, Fairy Balls or in German as "kugels", which means ornamental balls, they are beautiful called by any name. Lighting designers are making beautiful light fixtures with these handmade glass balls, too. The witch balls (also known as spirit balls or fairy balls) and Gazing Globes, were traditionally used to protect the garden."

Interesting and cost effective decorative accessory.

Tags: home accessory,home decorating

Finishing Touches Perk Up a Room

Here are some great ideas for the finishing touches, or decorative accessories, that can make an otherwise lackluster room into a spectacular living area.

Finishing Touches Perk Up a Room
Finishing Touches Perk Up a Room
From Coral Nafie

"Get it Just Right! Once you have painted the walls, put up the window treatments, moved the furniture around, and cleaned up the mess, you might think that the job of redecorating your room is done. But it just doesn't look finished! What to do? Read on.

Once you have the shell of your room just the way you want it, you're not done with the job. There are lots of finishing touches that you can add to make the room look finished and welcoming. Some decorators feel that decorating a room or home should always be a work in progress.

Whether it takes a week, a month, or a whole lifetime, finding just the right finishing touches for a room is really the fun part of decorating. You'll be adding the jewelry to the room, the personality that makes the room reflect who you are, what your interests are, and where you've been.

Get some ideas from our list of finishing touches for decorating a room.
Remember, you may never be finished, but you'll have fun along the way.

Plants and Flowers It's amazing what a quick transformation can be made with fresh plants and flowers. You don't need to find something dramatic and expensive. A simple plant potted in a decorative pot set on a coffee table, bookshelf, on top of a cabinet, almost anywhere, adds life and color instantly. Be sure to keep fresh plants shiny and dusted. You might even want to have two plants for each location, one for display, one "on the mend." If a plant gets scraggly or droopy, get rid of it! You might nurse it back to health, but not in your living space! If you just don't have time to tend plants or if your room is dark, find some new artificial plants. These work great for out-of-reach spaces. But be sure to keep them dusted and perky, too.

Expand on a Theme Everyone has a special interest. Traveling, sports, pets, flowers, children, and even a favorite book or movie can all provide focus for a room and offer ideas for adding finishing touches. By choosing a theme for your room, you'll know what to zero in on and be able to select accessories, art, and colors to expand and enrich the theme.

Deck the Walls Bare, boring walls get a real lift with a painting, colorful poster, collection of prints, or family photos. When working with art, try to focus on a color scheme or theme. Unify the works with common mat colors, similar colored frames, and size and shape. One large piece can create a focal point in a room, while a small collection of pieces draw the eye for a closer look.

Get Grounded A hardwood floor looks sleek and smooth, while wall to wall carpet adds softness and unifies large spaces. But an area rug, placed on top of the flooring, can create a special area, provide a boundary for furniture, and even divide a room into several spaces without walls. Classic oriental rugs can be found to fit almost any decorating scheme and contemporary patterned or color-blocked rugs add color and character to the floor and the room.

Gather Together Some of Your Favorite Things If you collect anything such as dolls, books, teapots, cameras, or sporting equipment, use the collection as a point of interest. Gather the whole collection into one place or arrange the items around the room. Celadon plates, blue and white porcelain, carved wooden pieces all offer themselves as works of art for a room. What do you love?
Combine Textures and Feel Contemporary interiors are often sleek and smooth, while cottage style rooms are usually soft and snuggly. For a really interesting look and a comfortable feeling for a room, combine smooth and rough, shiny and matte, hard and soft in one room. The contrasts will add interest and help to avoid a boring room.

One Piece to Stand Out Neutral walls and fabrics look clean and neat in a room. But to really draw someone's eye, add a punch of color with lime pillows, orange mats on black and white photos, a hand-painted piece of furniture on the main wall, an animal print ottoman. Just one interesting accessory or piece of furniture will help make the room spectacular."

Take a look around your rooms. Are they finished? Or, do they need a few of these finishing touches to add interest? Have some fun, and try some of these excellent home decorating ideas.

Tags: decorative accessories, home decorating, home decorating on a budget, interior design.

Apartment Bathroom Design

Create a stylish, easy care bathroom in small spaces. These ideas are especially good for city dwellers, where space is at a premium.

The newest bathroom designs are focused on using the most up-to-date technology to meet needs, with high-tech steel appliances, streamlined ceramics and tough, durable surfaces.

An apartment bathroom is a good place to experiment with color, since the areas to be covered are never large, and are generally seen for short periods of time only. Try unusual color combinations, or keep to cool, clinical white and steel, with small pools of concentrated color provided by bath linens and accessories.

Aim for a simple, functional look; keeping in mind the following style fundamentals for apartment bathrooms:

• Walls - Neutral or strong: latex paint in flat colors, either subtle, stark white, or bold combinations. Stay away from wallpaper which tends to give a dated look. Tiles: plain glazed ceramic, in colors or white, natural stone, glass, slate, or sealed cork
• Windows - Frosted glass: replace clear glass windows with frosted. Window coverings should be narrow Venetians in metal or wood, Roman or pleated shades.
• Flooring: Smooth: pale wood, tiles, stone, linoleum, vinyl in plain or semi-plain designs. Rugs with short pile , or a wood-slat bathmat.
• Plumbing Fixtures - Contemporary simple shapes in white ceramic or steel.
• Lighting - High tech bath lighting: recessed ceiling spotlights or simple modern central light fixture.
• Bath Accessories - Modern gleaming, shiny or satin steel fixtures (towels bars, toilet roll, toothbrush holder, etc.), simple mirror, and colored or white towels.

Tags: bathroom design, decorating small spaces, home decorating on a budget, interior design.

Express Yourself With Color!

Using paint in home decorating is a powerful way to express who you are, and how you want others to perceive your home. Most people are afraid to paint the walls of a room, thinking that the room will seem smaller, or because the commitment of color on the walls is intimidating. But don't depair! Redecorating with wall color can give your room a whole new updated look and feel!

Painting a room in your house can have many of positive effects. Color can make your home feel more comfortable and inviting to both you and to your guests, and your space will have a whole new updated and stylish appeal. You'll be surprised how such a simple change like changing the color of your room can improve your home!

Set a mood or tone with paint color

Something as simple as adding a splash of color to your walls can set any particular mood you might be going for.

• Earthy tones like browns, and dark reds or greens give a warm and cozy feeling
• Bold colors like bright blues, reds, or even purples are fun and funky
• Subtle pastels like yellows, pinks, or light grays and blues are light and airy
  

Establish a theme with paint color

Wall color is an excellent start for a particular room theme that you may want to achieve. For example, if you are planning a nursery with a “moon and stars” theme, you could use a dark blue paint color, or even a lighter blue (for a baby girl’s room), to simulate the night sky. Wall color can literally be the backdrop to the room’s theme!

Express your personality with wall color

Adding wall color to a room not only improves its appearance, but it can also be a fun way to extend your personality. Your home is an extension of who you are. By expressing yourself through color and décor, you are showing the world your personality. Are you fun, laid back, or intense? Express yourself!

Make a room feel larger with wall color

Often people resist wall color fearing that it will box the room in, making it feel smaller. This is simply not true! In fact, many professional decorators use bold and darker hues to actually make a room feel larger. These colors help to blend the corners of a room together, literally making it feel larger, and giving the feeling of continuous space, and therefore, more space!

Define the limits of a room

Many modern floor plans are open. It is difficult to define where one room starts and another room begins. This can make painting somewhat difficult. However, by defining your spaces with wall color, you not only break up big white spaces, but you create a stylish living environment. Remember to try to coordinate the colors you choose for each space, though. Otherwise, the walls will look choppy rather than cozy or modern, and the effect you are going for will just not happen!

If you are afraid to paint the whole room one solid color then start with one wall in the room. Paint it the color of your choice! This one wall can act as an accent wall, or even be used to establish the focal point of the room, such as a fireplace, or a piece of art. You will be surprised at what a difference painting just one wall can make! Even the smallest change can make a big difference!

Don't be afraid of color on your walls! The good news is it’s only paint, it can be changed if it doesn’t look the way you envisioned it! Anyway, you never know. Take a chance with wall color, and you might just end up tapping into a hidden creativity that you never knew you had! Redecorating a room with paint color can change the entire look and feel of your home, and how you feel in it!

Home Decor Ideas - The Six Basics for Budget Decorating

Express your personal style! Decorating your home allows you to have fun and be creative. Keep the following six basics in mind as you approach your project, and remember that with a little imagination, you can realize your dreams.

1. Paint. This is always the least expensive way to change the look of any room, and often you can do the job yourself. Go neutral and light, or bright and bold. Think about the look that you want to achieve. Look at magazines and advertising brochures to get some great ideas.
2. Slipcovers. You can find custom or ready made slipcovers to cover worn furniture. As long as the furniture has good structure, slip covers can make a blah room look like new.
3. Fabrics. For maximum impact, use colorful fabrics to brighten a room. Contrasting or matching throw pillows, table covers, or linens can make a major difference in an otherwise lackluster room. Check your closets for items you may already have; flea markets, and fabric stores often have great finds, too. You can also make a splash with area rugs that complement your setting. I like Rugs Express because they offer free shipping, and have low prices for nice quality area rugs.
   
4. Artwork. You may have artwork that you haven't thought of using. A grouping of architectural shots from your last vacation can make an interesting accent to a room. Take a look at ArtprintCollection.com , they offer high quality canvas-textured art prints. BestArt.com also offers framed art at great prices.
5. Collectibles. Do you have a collection that is stored in an attic or closet. Make use of collectibles such as art glass, pottery in bright and complementary shades and shapes, or vintage quilts, for example. You can find contemporary pieces in retail stores, or other decorative touches that are not expensive at flea markets and antique fairs. Use collectibles that you like - whether they are seashells and stones, or fancy Limoges porcelain collectibles.
   
6. Windows. There are so many beautiful window treatments available online or at retail stores. When you change the window covering, you change the amount of light that is available in a room, changing the mood of the room. Do you want a bright and airy room, or something more subdued? You can make big changes to the mood and feeling of a room just by changing the window treatments.

Stick with the basics, and watch your rooms take on a new peersonality - one that expresses who you are, and your personal style.

Inspiring Home Decorating Ideas

Transform your home inside and out with great ideas for decorating your home. Whether you are on a tight home decorating budget, or the sky's the limit, we'll bring you home decorating ideas that you'll love.

Home improvements can be an exciting but challenging process. Whether your goal is to make your living space more functional or to create a look that suits your personal taste, realizing your dreams is often frustrating - especially if you are on a limited budget. It's often difficult just knowing where or how to begin.

We'll bring you solutions for transforming every room in your house, with valuable ideas for everything from seasonal makeovers to simple do-it-yourself home decorating projects. From your living rooms and bedrooms to kitchen and bath - you'll find the ideas here. You don't need to spend a fortune to achieve a stylish renovation - fabric, paint, and other decorative details can make a major impact on your space at a minimal cost.

Check back often for all the best home decorating ideas.