Category — Interior Decorating
Easy Ways to Change the Look of Your Living Room
In most households, the living room is one of the most used spaces. This tends to be a favorite room for relaxing, entertaining, and spending time with the family. You may be looking for a new and different look for your living room if you spend a lot of time there. Fortunately, if you want to change the look of your living room, you don’t necessarily have to spend a fortune. Here are some suggestions for exciting and inexpensive ways to renovate your living room.
Rearrange the Furniture
By rearranging the furniture, you can achieve a whole new look without spending any money. If you find a different focal point for the room, you can then rearrange the room to focus on that new area. This is so simple to do and give the room a completely new look and flow. None of this requires any new furniture. Of course, if you really want to mix things up, add an inexpensive piece of furniture, like an end table.
Change the Paint Color on the Walls
Paint is great, as it is fairly inexpensive but can change the look of a room dramatically. Your best bet is to choose a color that’s already in the room’s color scheme. Choosing a matching or complementary color, you can develop a whole new feel for the room. Another option, instead of painting the entire room, is to choose one wall as an accent wall. By painting it an accent color, you can give the room some more interest.
Add Inexpensive Accessories to the Furniture
It’s not necessary to spend a fortune on furniture accessories to change the style of a living room. Look around your home and see if you have any decorative pillows, throws, vases, baskets, flower arrangements, candles, and lamps, that you can take from a different room. The simple placement of new decorative pillows on a couch can create a totally different style. With different pillows you can easily transform a neutral couch from a country to a contemporary style. To mix up the décor, add candles and baskets to oak end tables and oak bookshelves in the room.
Change the Window Treatments
Different window treatments can completely change the look of a room, as they may allow different amounts of light to enter. You can also change the color, patterns, and type of material easily with window treatments. Other window treatments can also be added to existing ones. For instance, if you already have blinds, you can still add a fabric valance to that window.
If you don’t have a lot of money to spend but you want to change the look of your living room, with a little resourcefulness and creativity you can come up with a new style. By simply following one or more of these tips, you can create a living room your friends and family may not even recognize.
March 7, 2010 No Comments
Decorate Your Bathroom in an Ocean Theme
Ocean themes are commonly used when it comes to decorating bathrooms. You can give your bathroom a unique ocean look with a variety of décor items that will leave you feeling like you are at the beach every time you set foot in the room. Follow these tips, and with a little creativity, you can come up with a fabulous ocean theme for your bathroom.
Paint the Bathroom with Colors from the Ocean
You can quickly transform your bedroom into an ocean retreat by painting it blue, green, tan, and cream: the colors of the ocean. For a unique twist, paint one wall an accent color such as turquoise and the other walls cream. Add more color to the room by adding yellow, which will work to highlight the feeling of warm sunlight over the ocean. If you tend to be really creative, you might paint a mural of an ocean scene on one of the bathroom walls. In this way, you can fill in a large space and also create a great highlight for the area. If the bathroom is right off your bedroom, then it will seem as if you are right on the ocean.
Use Real Ocean Accessories
Rather than buying all your décor items from the store, try using items that can be easily found down at the beach or ocean. Great additions to the room include items such as shells and sand. A basket of shelf or bottles of sand on a shelf will add instant ambiance to the room.
Hang an Ocean-Themed Shower Curtain
The shower curtain is one of the first things people notice when they enter the bathroom. You can play up the shower area by hanging an ocean-themed shower curtain there. You might choose one with a beautiful ocean or beach scene, or go with a more playful look, perhaps with pictures of fish. Choose your curtain based on what type of mood you’re trying to create: ocean retreat or a fun beach theme.
Look for Themed Accessories to Complete the Look
You should have no problem finding ocean-themed bathroom accessories, as this type of theme is rather popular. Look for things that have some sort of ocean-related aspect to them, such as soap dishes, wastebaskets, bath mats, and towels. A fish-shaped soap dish would work great with a fun variation of this theme, whereas elegant shell-shaped soaps in a blue soap dish would be more appropriate for a serious ocean retreat.
An ocean theme can be equally appropriate for a child’s bathroom and a master bath. You have a lot of flexibility here, as variations upon this theme range from lighthouses to sand sculptures. When designing the style, be sure to include your own personality and just have fun with it.
About the Writer
Leon Tuberman has four decades of experience in the furniture and interior design industry. He owns and operates his family owned furniture store. They offer a huge assortment of solid wood furniture for your living room, bedroom and dining furniture that’s built in the Heartland of America. Are you searching for a bookcase for your family room or a oak tv stand for your family room then they probably have everything you need.
February 18, 2010 No Comments
Wall Clocks – Not Just For Telling Time
Inevitably, someone is going to ask, “What time is it?” No matter where you are or what you are doing, the world runs on a 24 hour day and time is of the essence, so it is imperative that we are always aware of what time it is. Wall clocks help us stay on time and organize our day. There are many types of clocks available and this article will discuss the many options so you can make an informed decision on which clock will work best for you.
Large Wall Clocks
A large clock is the perfect complement to any home, especially for those with diminished eyesight. These wall clocks can be stylish and decorative while serving a purpose. Those who have trouble seeing small displays will have no problem seeing the display on a large clock, whether it be digital or analog, a large clock will be helpful. These clocks come in many styles from modern to traditional; there is a style to suit just about every decor.
Antique Wall Clocks
An antique clock is a treasure indeed. Of course, you can purchase a clock that is a replica of an antique, but the real thing is always preferred if your budget allows. Antique clocks come in a variety of styles, but most will be made from wood and can be Victorian in style or maybe even a Cuckoo clock from Bavaria. There are modern antique clocks that typically stem from the period of the early 20th century and some, like kitchen wall clocks from the 1950’s, can be found in other materials such as plastic. There are even antique wall clocks that are made from brass and enamel. Most are intricate in style, but it is possible to find some simple, yet chic, antiques from the early 20th century.
Digital Wall Clocks
A digital clock is not just for the lazy time teller anymore. Today, many digital clocks are also used to display the date, the day of the week, the temperature both inside and outside, as well as the time. Some even give you a weather forecast! These clocks are very handy for that person who loves to have all their information in one place.
Whether you prefer a kitchen clock in the art deco style or multiple matching wall clocks for your entire home, you can find whatever you like by doing some research online. If you are in the market for an expensive antique clock, find reputable companies by reading reviews of their products and site as well as customer service. There are many online retailers that sell clocks, so be sure to comparison shop a few before making a purchase. You never know where a good deal will turn up!
For a complete selection of stylish wall clocks and for information pertaining to their use within the home, please visit http://getwallclocks.com
February 4, 2010 No Comments
The Place of Decorative Vases
A vase is a peculiar piece of home décor. It is complimentary, acting as the container for a series of flowers, or other natural accessories. While they can be beautiful and stylish on their own, the purpose of the piece is always obvious, to hold something. Without that, they can seem empty.
There are two major ways to deal with vases in a decorative setting. On the one hand you can make them occasional pieces that adorn the insides of cabinets when they aren’t being put to a specific purpose. In this method, you will have to make a space for the vase when flowers are present, rearranging your home to accommodate its presence. This can make a vase arrangement look stuffed or cluttered, and can cause chaos in your home.
The other method involves leaving a vase out, whether it is adorned or not, and using it as a part of the decorative whole. The key to this strategy is to find a vase which can stand on its own, which is attractive and stylish enough that it doesn’t look empty when there are not flowers in it.
In this method, a simply glass vase will not be enough. If the vase is too plain, it will look empty and hollow. You have to find a piece which has its own personality, its own style, and which can stand on its own without flowers.
The other option is to keep a steady supply of flowers in the home. This has the added benefit of adding life and vibrancy to your home, keeping the atmosphere of the place fresh. You can also adorn the vase with fake flowers, or use feathers or other pieces that don’t wilt in order to keep it looking attractive and full.
Another way to keep your vases looking interesting is to arrange several of them in decorative patterns. You can have a series of vases, each smaller than the other, in a trailing line. You can also mix and match colors to create contrast. Finally, you can use the vase as part of a larger decorative arrangement, on a mantel, or a centerpiece design.
The vase is a piece which is designed to act in accord with flowers, or some other piece. It is a container in essence. However it is possible to find pieces which are attractive all on their own. You have to decide if you want the vase to be a permanent part of the home environment, or a temporary piece which is cycled in whenever it is specifically needed.
This article was written by Jim Slate on behalf of PebbleZ’s line of natural marble flower vases. These beautiful pieces are crafted from real pieces of mountain born onyx, polished to a smooth and glistening perfection that can add style and elegance to any setting.
February 3, 2010 No Comments
Top 3 Must Haves For His Western Theme Room
If your cowboy has everything under the sun from western hats to boots, it’s time to rethink your strategy for Xmas or birthday. If you bang your head against the wall when it comes to holiday shopping and gift giving, you are not alone. Many guys are difficult to buy for unless they outright tell you what they want. If you want to surprise him with a special gift under the tree, buying something special for his “cowboy room” is a unique way to go.
The cowboy room can be called under several different names such as man cave, game room, or dad’s den. It usually is a hideaway within the home that he can retreat to when he needs a little peace and quiet or wants to stretch out watching his favorite shows without competing with the wife or kids.
The cowboy room is usually set in western decor with wood paneling, animal heads on the wall and wagon wheel pictures in the carpet. It may not be your cup of tea when it comes to decorating, but he loves it. It has become his sanctuary when things get too busy in the house and he just wants a place to relax.
This year get him something he will use by targeting items that will land in his cowboy room for game day or nap time. The top three things to focus in on are:
Light fixtures – Sixgun table lamps or traditional saloon style chandeliers can help set the stage for his 1840’s man cave. There are an unlimited number of items you can search for and find to help set the mood of the western room. Stick with something that looks old and weathered to help pull off the look you are going for.
Wall clocks or Saloon signs are another area that makes it to the top 3 items. A variety of pendulum based wood clocks or beer styled saloon mirrors can carry the theme to the next level. Stick with traditional wood grain pieces for authentic look and feel.
The last category of things in the top three is an authentic poker table with western style chairs. Your man undoubtedly likes to play poker and having a game table in the room for his monthly card games with the guys will go far and above the square card table that sits in their today.
In summary, your man’s interest in the old west can provide the basis for a more satisfying gift giving season this year. He will actually be excited to open the next gift after he sees the angus head table lamp you gave him for his cowboy room.
Whether your husband likes Westerns or Poker helping him decorate his themed room will be the best presents you can give.
February 2, 2010 No Comments
Decorating with Crown Molding
If you’re looking for a great way to enhance the décor of your home and highlight certain features, consider decorative molding. It gives any room a polished and attractive look, adding style and character to the walls, ceilings, and flooring. Following are some tips as to where in your home you can use decorative molding.
Use Decorative Molding around the Ceiling
Decorative molding is most commonly used around the ceiling. Crown molding, a very popular decorative molding, gives a stylish and polished look to both the walls and the ceiling. You hang the molding right where the wall meets the ceiling. What it does is add a small decorative touch to an otherwise boring area of the room. This type of molding is available in a variety of sizes—anywhere from 3” to 12” in width.
Use Decorative Molding along the Floor
The flooring space is another common place where decorative molding is used. Just as with the ceiling molding, you place it where the floor meets the wall. By concealing the area where the wall meets the floor, it gives the room a finished look. This type of molding is called baseboard, and it’s not only decorative. It also works to protect the wall from things like scratches and scrapes incurred from furniture and other objects.
Use Decorative Molding along a Wall
Use decorative molding to create what is called a chair rail. Typically, you place the molding slightly lower than the middle of the wall. Then you run the molding all around the length of the room. People will often incorporate a chair rail into their décor, placing wainscoting or painting the lower half of the wall. If you’re looking to add some style and interest to your walls without going overboard, this is a great option.
Use Decorative Molding around a Window
When you install decorative molding around a window, you really highlight that area, which ultimately works to play up the beauty of the light coming in. This is also a terrific way to seal any gaps between the window and the wall, preventing air from escaping or entering the house. Keep in mind, though, that the bottom of the molding will most likely require a sill that matches the rest of the molding.
Use Decorative Molding around a Door
Like windows, you can also use decorative molding to accent a door. For those rooms where you’ve already installed molding on the windows, try to find matching molding for the door. Just like with the windows, the molding will cover any gaps between the door and wall, hiding any blemishes and adding style and appeal to the room as well.
These are only a few suggestions as to how decorative molding can be used in your home. One thing to remember is that if you use molding in multiple areas of a room, it’s probably a wise decision to use the same style everywhere. You can really pull together a room by using molding with the same color, width, or design, creating a cohesive look for your home.
About the Writer…
For over 4 decades Leon Tuberman has helped people with their home furnishings and interior decorating needs. He owns and operates a popular furniture store in Los Angeles. They carry a large selection solid wood furniture for your home office, dining room and bedroom. Are you searching for bookcases for your office or a solid oak bed for your master bedroom then they probably have everything you need.
February 1, 2010 No Comments
Simple Winter Decorating Ideas
One way to always keep your décor fresh and interesting is to change it according to the different seasons. There are plenty of creative things you can do when it comes to winter decorating. Many people use the wintertime to decorate for the holidays, but there are also plenty of ways to decorate simply for the winter season. Following are some great tips for winter decorating in your home.
Decorate Your Home in Winter White
When wintertime hits, turn your home into a winter wonderland by bringing out your white décor items. Since winter days and nights tend to be dark and dreary, white décor items can also work to add some much needed light to your home. They also bring the outside into your home, reminding one of beautiful snowfalls and winter delights. Use white tablecloths, white candles, and white throws over your chairs and couches to add more white into your home.
Hang a Winter Wreath in Your Home
You might be surprised to learn that wreaths are not just for Christmas, but they actually make a great winter decoration that can be kept up from December to March. Either make your own greenery wreath or buy a pre-made one to match the style of your home. The wreath can be decorated with items associated with winter: pinecones, white or flannel ribbon, and silver charms. Then hang the wreath on a wall. Do be sure that the wreath and the wall are comparable in size. You don’t want a tiny wreath hung on a huge wall that has a great deal of blank space, nor do you want a huge wreath on a tiny wall.
Change Your Furniture for Winter
If you want to change your furniture for the winter season, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go out and buy a completely new set of furniture. All it means is that you may have to add or take away some items. One great way to change your furniture for winter is to add some slipcovers. Choose slipcovers that are a heavier material or in a wintery color to add to your couches and chairs. The furniture can then be decorated with winter-themed pillows. These pillows can be solid-colored or plaid. Or you might find some with snowflake or snowman pictures on them. Another simple way to add some winter style to a room is by adding a heavy throw to the back of a couch or chair.
Change Your Artwork in Your Home for Winter
Pictures displaying bright flowers may not be the most appropriate thing to hang on your walls in the wintertime. Consider storing these pictures away for the spring and summer, and hanging different pieces of art that give your home more of a wintertime feel. Great winter-style pictures include black and white photographs of nature, such as snow trees, rivers, and mountains. You might also replace those bright and cheery flowers with hand-painted pictures of country snowfalls. You can also find paintings that use rich colors that fit better with winter.
These are just some of the many ways you can bring winter decorating into your home. By changing the look of your home to celebrate the different seasons of the year, you can keep your décor stylish all year round.
About the Author…
Leon Tuberman has 4 decades of experience in the furniture and interior decorating industry. He is the owner and manager of popular furniture store in Los Angeles. They have a large inventory of handcrafted Amish built solid wood furniture for your bedroom, dining room and living room. Whether you’re looking for wood end tables for your living room or a oak chest for your bedroom then they carry everything you need.
January 20, 2010 No Comments
Decorating with Wallpaper
While some people prefer painted walls over wallpaper, they need to consider some of the real advantages wallpaper bestows on a room. In terms of design trends, wallpaper tends to go in and out of style. But no matter its popularity, here are 5 reasons to choose wallpaper for your walls.
1. Wallpaper Offers a Variety of Styles
When you paint your walls, all you can choose is the color—which is usually only one color, unless you happen to be handy with a paintbrush. However, with wallpaper, you have much more variety to choose from. With wallpaper, you can pick from different colors, patterns, and textures. Wallpaper literally present you with thousands of options, while you are quite limited with paint. With all the different types they make nowadays, wallpaper gives you endless options for your home.
2. Wallpaper Can Help Disguise Imperfections
Any imperfections or uneven surfaces in a wall can be easily hidden with wallpaper. Since wallpaper covers the wall, a crack or dent won’t be visible anymore. All in all, wallpaper does a much better job disguising imperfections than paint does.
3. Wallpaper Displays Your Real Personality and Interests
Whatever you love, whether it’s boats or birds, you can easily express that interest with your wallpaper. When you choose wallpaper for your walls, you can truly express your personality and showcase what interests you. If you have something or a hobby that you want to show off, there is most likely wallpaper that goes with it.
4. Wallpaper Can Improve the Appearance of the Room
Using wallpaper can significantly improve a room’s appearance. You can use wallpaper to make a small room look larger or to bring together different element of the room to create a cohesive style. When you put wallpaper up on the walls, this is one of the biggest things you can do to change the room. If you choose your wallpaper carefully so that it’s pleasing to the eye and fits well with the overall décor, it can actually be more appealing than a simple paint job.
5. Wallpaper Borders Are a Great Option for Extra Style
If you are unsure whether you want to paint or wallpaper a room, there is a way to do both. Try painting and then add a wallpaper border to the wall. This way you don’t have to make the big commitment of wallpapering the whole wall, yet you can still add personalized character and style to the room. Whether you place it in the middle or at the top of the wall, a wallpaper border is a great way to incorporate more of your sense of style into your décor.
As a home decorating tool, wallpaper is not going anywhere. Although according to décor trends it may come and go, there are permanent benefits to having wallpaper on your walls at all times.
About the Writer…
Leon Tuberman has been in the home furnishings and interior decorating industry for 40 years. He owns and manages his family owned furniture store. They carry a large selection of American made solid oak furniture for your living room, dining room and bedroom. Whether you’re looking for a wood coffee table for your living room or a wood beds for your bedroom then they have everything you need.
January 7, 2010 No Comments
Decorating Your Kitchen
Are you aware that most families spend much of their time in the kitchen, more than in any other room of the house? Thus, it’s important to create a kitchen that’s both stylish and unique, different from anything else you’ve seen before. This way, you can give your family a place where they can eat, talk, and spend time together in a unique setting that has character and charm.
Display Your Cookbooks
Do you keep your cookbooks hidden away in a drawer somewhere or on a bookshelf in the living room? Consider displaying them instead for people to see when they walk into your kitchen. You might place them on a shelf on the wall or even on the top of your fridge. By adding in a couple of cute bookends to keep everything in place, you will create a décor item that’s also very practical.
Hang Some Kitchen Signs
There are hundreds of different signs available that can be hung in the kitchen. Select a sign that fits into the theme and style of the décor you’re going for.
· If you’re going for a retro kitchen look, you might choose to hang up a neon sign, perhaps saying something like “Kitchen Open” or “Open 24 Hours.”
· You can give your kitchen some country charm with signs displaying roosters or perhaps some country sayings.
· With a piece of wood and some paint, those of you who are creative can come up with your own sign. This is a great way to ensure that no one else will have a kitchen sign like yours.
Use Recipes to Add Décor
Surprisingly, recipes actually make a pretty good wallpaper border. You can choose to either handwrite some of your favorite recipes or find pages in a cookbook or magazine. In order to protect them, the pages need to be sealed with a clear poly-acrylic. Then all you need to do is paste them to the wall.
If a wallpaper border isn’t going to work in your kitchen, then consider making a wall of recipes near your cooking area. Depending on whether you want them to be legible or not, you can choose to create more of a collage effect with the recipes. You could even take this a step further and create a collage with the recipes and different food photos to create the ultimate one-of-a-kind wallpaper.
Create a Backsplash with Some Hand-Painted Tiles
A great unique way to decorate your kitchen is by using your very own hand-painted tiles to create a backsplash. Ceramic tiles can easily be painted, and then you can use a sealer to preserve your handiwork. You might decide on themed pictures painted on random tiles, or perhaps you can have your kids get creative and paint some pictures for you. In either case, your backsplash will lend a unique look to your kitchen and add a family touch to the room as well.
Your kitchen should neither be boring, nor look the same as everyone else’s. There are plenty of items probably sitting in your kitchen right now that can be used to add personality to your kitchen. So get creative, and be sure to involve the whole family. Together you should all be able to come up with some more neat ideas for creating a unique décor in your kitchen.
About the Writer…
Leon Tuberman has been in the home furnishings and interior design industry for four decades. He owns and manages his family owned furniture store. They have a large inventory of handcrafted American built solid wood furniture for your bedroom, home office and living room. Whether you’re looking for a oak coffee table for your family room or a wood dresser for your bedroom then they have everything you need.
December 3, 2009 No Comments
Picking a Focal Point in a Room
Some rooms naturally have a focal point, whereas other rooms might require you to add something to create that focal point. It’s important that before you add anything you make sure you look at the room closely to see what it has to offer. For instance, you might already have something like a fireplace that is a natural focal point that just needs to be played up when decorating.
Look for large pieces you already have in the room that might make a good focal point, such as a wooden bookcase, an entertainment center, oak dressers, or even a couch. Creating a focal point might be as easy as rearranging some furniture, or you might have to start from scratch in choosing the proper focal point for a room.
The Fireplace as a Focal Point
A fireplace is one of the best natural focal points there is. If you have a fireplace in the room, here are some ways you can draw attention to it.
For an instant focal point, arrange the furniture around the fireplace. But there are also other things you can do. You might create an accent wall by painting the wall the fireplace is on a different color than the rest of the room. You could also change the style of the fireplace or add a new mantle to it in order to draw more attention there. You might also place some great décor items on the mantle or hang a large piece of art over it.
The Couch as a Focal Point
A favorite couch makes a great focal point that can easily be achieved with some rearranging of the room. Just be sure the couch is in great condition. If it’s necessary, you might want to add a slipcover to it.
You can draw attention to the couch by adding colorful or patterned pillows or a throw to it. The rest of the furniture should be arranged so it’s facing the couch. If your couch is large, place it in the middle of the longest wall in the room. Side tables can be added to the couch as well.
The Armoire or Entertainment Center as a Focal Point
If you want to highlight an entertainment center or armoire in a family or media room, you need to make sure you concentrate on the quality of the product. After all, you don’t want an entertainment center that’s cheap-looking to be the main focus of the room. Therefore, it’s important to invest in a quality piece of furniture that’s also nice to look at.
It’s also advisable to find a piece with doors so that you can hide the electronics. You can add additional style to the furnishing with flower arrangements, candles, and frames.
These are just some of the many ways you can create a focal point in a room. Different rooms are going to contain different pieces that you might want to show off. For instance, many people choose to have their bed be the focal point of a bedroom. By using a little creativity, you’ll be able to show off and highlight your focal point in any room.
November 19, 2009 No Comments