Showing posts with label home decoration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home decoration. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Stylish Home Decorating in Black and White




When people start thinking about living room decorating ideas and decorating their home, whether it be one or two rooms or even the entire house, the first question that usually springs to mind is ‘what colour’. Usually, people choose colours that they like or those which match pieces of their existing furniture. When searching for living room decorating ideas, one idea which is perhaps too often overlooked is decorating with the two basic colours (or shades, to be accurate) ” black and white.

Black and white, used in home decor shows style and creates drama and pizzazz. Top decorators say that every room in the house can benefit by using a touch of black. Black is a colour which anchors and grounds a room. Adding sophistication, black is definitely a colour that demands attention. Stylish home decor ideas for a home using black may include accessories such as light fixtures, trim or furniture. Black serves to add definition to focal points in a room. Black is just one colour that stands out or makes a statement, but it is definitely one of the most outspoken!

Decorating with the shades of black and white in your living room decorating ideas, lends a clean, fresh, elegant environment. This combination can be added to any room in a home making it a sophisticated area. Black and white are frequently used in contemporary interior design and often used to highlight other colours in the French Country style. It may be hard to visualize but there are many ideas for decorating a home using combinations of only these two basic colours.

The floor is a great place to start when considering stylish home decor. Black and white vinyl tiles laid alternately make a beautiful chessboard pattern and gives a clean and elegant appearance. Black marble used on the floor, accented by wide white baseboards is another beautiful idea for decorating a home. Laying white ceramic tiles with a black border or simply painting the floor black or white and using stencils of the opposite colour for decoration, is also quite stunning. These are great ideas for decorating a home.

Can you think of anything more perfect than white walls in the Mediterranean style? Painting the walls white or even an off-white, say smoke-white or apple-whitemakes a perfect backdrop for decorations such as shelving framed in black. Great living room decorating ideas! Elegant black window surrounds or black shutters against a clean, crisp white wall would certainly create an aura of sophistication. Maybe a glass-topped table with a black iron rim and black chairs? These are great ideas for decorating a home using only black and white.

Imagine a bedroom decorated using only black and white – that would be lovely stylish home decor too. A black or white iron bed-stead, covered with a striped black and white duvet or eiderdown. The pillow cases could be either all black or all white and you could add throw cushions in the other colour.

A nice leather black or white armchair in the corner would certainly accent the living room decorating ideas. Then you could have the white walls with a sophisticated piece of artwork, framed in black, hanging on it. That would surely add to the contemporary feel of your living room decorating ideas. Black furniture against the crisp white walls would look really neat and tidy and you could jazz it all up with accessories like pewter or silver candlesticks, jugs or vases.

However, if you think that the living room decorating ideas need a little more colour to complete the effect, perhaps a throw or a cushion in a bold colour such as red or gold for the chair in the corner of the room would be enough to accent the room. There are innumerable ways to decorate a home, however, finding the one that suits you and those who live with you is really very important. It’s nice to do something extreme and unusual, but please remember that you must be able to live with what you have created for quite sometime.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Decorating Your Home for 2010: Using Color




Blue, green, red, orange—what’s your favorite color? Better yet, what color never fails to make you smile? Now glance around your home to see whether this color is in your décor. If not, it might be time for change.

Third in this series on decorating your home in 2010, this article delves into color—what it means, where to place it and what to avoid in your home. After all, color is all around you; it might just as well make you happy.

Changing the colors in your home is quick, easy and powerful. In fact, painting a room can transform your home and your state of mind.

For example, cool colors such as blues, greens, grays and purples calm and soothe. Pink has a way of casting a warm, healthy glow on everyone in the room. Yellow offers sunshine and cheer even on a cloudy day, while orange and red raise the excitement level—and your guests’ appetites—wherever you place them. You probably never knew that paint had such power!

And since it’s only paint, try it. If you’re afraid to commit yourself to a complete overhaul, paint only one wall (the dominant one in the room) in a color that you just love. Be daring! After it dries, step back and admire the transformation. If you hate it, just paint it again. Chances are you’ll love the makeover. You just might be emboldened to change another room.

You can also incorporate “pops” of color in your home with a throw pillow in a lighter or darker shade than your new paint color. Or drape a length of fabric over your couch or on a chair, in a print infused with your new paint color. You might try new lamp shades in a different color or quirky print. Try a couple of other accessories in variations of your new color.

These color changes add vigor to traditional Atlanta decor and underscore the lightheartedness of other design styles. So, be fearless!

Just a few caveats to help you avoid common mistakes people make when they begin: limit the number of colors in the room to no more than three and vary the intensities of the colors. For instance, five day-glo colors not only clash, but your eyes—and your mind—never rest. On the other hand, three equally dark colors create a gloomy atmosphere. Strike a balance.

Also, let only one color dominate by using it for sixty percent of the room. Then let 30 percent of the room be a second color and use accessories in a third color. This way, you avoid having the colors compete for attention.

And if monochromatic (i.e. one color) rooms appeal to you, while they create a peaceful atmosphere regardless of the color, be sure to use several shades of the color and various textures to avoid monotony.

For 2010, aqua, yellow, gray, purple, maple brown, turquoise and orange are all trendy colors. Try one of these or select any color that you dearly love. Just get started! Next time, we’ll tackle personalizing your home.

Source examiner.com

Monday, January 18, 2010

Decorating Your Home for 2010: Design Styles




What is your style? Each person has a style that reflects who you are and how you see yourself; your home should reflect this same aesthetic. In this second installment on ideas for decorating your home in 2010, let’s look at design styles.

You may not have thought about your style before. In fact, you may not even know what your style is. Yet, figuring this out will enable you to create a home that beautifully defines who you are and makes both you and your guests feel welcome. Here’s a little help in determining your style.

Do you find your eye drawn to rooms and photos in which the couch is flanked by end tables, with a lamp on each table? Do you enjoy decorating using items in pairs? Perhaps medium to dark-toned woods with unique design elements capture your attention. If these warm tones and calm symmetry appeal to you, your design style is traditional. For a photographic example of traditional style, check out the photo that accompanies “Decorating Your Home for 2010: Focal Points”.

On the other hand, perhaps you’re a person who likes a cozy, cottage look. A more casual version of the traditional style, this one has homey touches such as ruffled kitchen curtains, handmade quilts and needlepoint, design motifs that include fruit, flowers or animals, and colors in dusty tones such as mauve, gray, blue-gray, and deep greens. If this style sounds perfect to you, then your design style is country.

Or maybe sleek, spare design attracts you. Characterized by steel, glass, plexiglass and smooth, unadorned woods, this design style focuses on spaciousness and placing few items in each room, thereby allowing individual pieces or a spectacular view to take center stage. If this uncluttered style calls out to you, your style is modern.

Often confused with modern, contemporary style has the sleekness of modern design, but with personal touches such as rugs, art and other accessories that add personality and quirkiness to the décor. The photo accompanying “Home Décor after the Holidays” is an example of contemporary design.

Old World or Ethnic design introduces the flavors of other countries. A more eclectic style, this one uses elements of one or more cultures to reveal your heritage, travels or interests and happily coexists with traditional, modern or contemporary designs. If you enjoy items that highlight your cultural sensibilities, this style is for you.

Don’t hesitate to mix these design styles in whatever way you find appealing. What matters is that your design style reflect your life, interests and personality. Next time, we’ll look at color’s role in your home's décor for 2010.

Source examiner.com

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

5 steps to complete a successful ceramic tile installation

If laying ceramic tiles is totally new to you, "5 Steps to complete a successful ceramic tile installation" is a set of basic but important tips that you will help you avoid making costly mistakes on your next bathroom or ceramic tile installation.

- Plan which Tile
- Shop around if you want to save
- Prepare the surface for a long lasting job
- Lay the tiles
- Finishing touches

Plan which Tile

This step is often underestimated and sometimes even forgotten (can you believe it?). Planning your ceramic tile installation from A to Z is probably one of the most important steps for a smooth, easy going and problem free bathroom tile installation.

Some things to take in account are;

" Suitability of the tile

" Pattern /colour of the tile

" Size of the tile

" Size of the area to be tiled. (This is important data that will be vital to know how much tile, grout, etc, you have to buy)

" Adhesive, mortar or grout to suit your needs

Not all ceramic tile installations are the same, different tiling installations may require different mortar or grout. DO NOT feel shy about asking the suppliers for advice or help in calculating how much you need. They will gladly help you, as they are likely to make a sale.

Shop around if you want to save

This isn't as difficult as the first step, however when the budget is tight it can be tricky to find the right tile for the ceramic tile installation you want. You are going to have to make some compromises and so don't get carried away by the beauty of some of the ceramic tiles. Prices can vary a lot between different tiles, so some end up rather expensive for only a few square metres.

Always shop around, it has never been easier. Just sit in front of the computer and use the Internet. Use local directories to find the suppliers close to you and pay them a visit.

Before making your final decision always check the chosen tile under different lights as the results can be surprisingly different.

Prepare the surface for a long lasting job before laying the ceramic tiles

The surface to be tiled (floor, wall or any other) will often need to be prepared, this can include work like filling, levelling, smoothing, priming and sometimes water proofing.

The right preparation will be directly affect the lifespan of the ceramic tile installation. Unless you want to be tiling again soon, you want to get this right from the start.

This is probably the most important point to ensure a long lasting tiling job. Don't rush it.

Laying the ceramic tiles safely

The technique of laying ceramic tiles is not especially difficult. It only takes a little bit of practice before anyone can easily master it. Clearing the room to be tiled before starting will help you to do the job safer and easier. Don't forget to wear your safety goggles when cutting or chipping tiles.

Laying ceramic tiles can also be a bit messy, if you don't want dust all over the house we suggest sealing the room you want to tile whenever possible. A large piece of plastic tacked to the door frame will do the job quite well.

Try not to allow any adhesive to get on your skin and never forget to read the manufacturers directions before even opening the tin. If some ends up on you, just clean it with water as soon as possible. Even though tile adhesives aren't usually abrasive, if you leave it for some time it may cause an allergic reaction.

Use a spirit level to help you with the depth & level of the tiles and spacers to maintain an even distance between them.

The finishing touches

Once the tile adhesive or mortar has cured (dried) and the tiles are firm and even, you can start with the finishing touches.

You'll have to fill the spaces between tiles with grout making sure you don't leave any gaps as these cause damp problems, in a shower for example.

The technique is very simple, use a rubber faced trowel to spread the grout and a cotton cloth to clean the excess grout from the tiles afterwards.

There are many different types of grouts; you'll have to choose the right one depending on the surface and chosen tile.

Now that you have your ceramic tiles laid down, you only need to take care of them, usually manufacturers provide information on taking care of their tiles and only minimal effort is required. Most household cleaning products will do the job well, if some particular stain is stubborn, there are many commercial stain removers, just make sure you use the right product for the right tile.

You are now closer to discovering how satisfying it can be handling a tile installation yourself; just follow these 5 steps to get the best result.

Collecting from the Internet

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