Random header image... Refresh for more!

Category — Interior Decorating

Decorating 101: Rustic Style

Rustic décor remains one of the more popular styles for decorating a home. This is a décor style that’s warm and inviting, whether you make your home in a densely populated city or a wooded rural area. Nothing creates that comfortable and welcoming feeling quite like a home decorated in rich, warm shades. Those who just adore natural wood are sure to love this style of decorating.

Rustic décor uses rich colors found in nature, such as shades of forest green, cream, and brown tones. Items such as walls, floors, ceiling fans, and furniture are often made of wood. Hardwood floors, while beautiful in any home, are absolutely exquisite in this style. Throw some braided accent rugs at the foot of the bed or in front of a sofa, which will add to the homey, comfortable look and atmosphere.

For the Walls
Some types of paneling are outdated. However, you should be able to find wood panels that are applied horizontally, creating an amazing look. If you’d rather paint the walls, go with colors that are rustic. By painting only a couple of walls, you can add even more interest to the room. For example, you can create some contrast by painting one forest green and another in a rich tan color. Wall tapestries make a great addition to a rustic décor. Look for rich tapestries with scenes of nature, mountainous terrain, and forest landscapes.

Furnishings for the Rustic Home
Leather and solid oak furniture are the perfect complement to this look. Any exposed wood on the sofa, love seat, or recliner should match your coffee and end tables. Dark green, rust, and creams in a plaid or striped pattern are a great option if you choose to use a fabric for your furniture. The key to this type of décor is to stick with colors and textures that mimic nature.

A long wooden pine or maple table would go great in the kitchen. With the addition of a bowl filled with fruit, your dining table is completed! Surround the table with mismatched wooden chairs or even benches. The older and more worn the pieces, the more rustic your décor will look. Rustic kitchen accessories often include prancing roosters, stone and ceramic pots filled with herbs or sunflowers, and a cozy rug placed in front of the sink area.

Don’t Forget to Accessorize!
When it comes to accessories for this type of décor style, you want to look for items with an antique or worn look. Not only do leather and wood make perfect accents, but they keep the natural theme flowing throughout the home. For instance, a distressed wooden trunk or antique-style mirror makes the perfect addition to a living room or bedroom. If you’re looking for mirrors, try your local flea market. It doesn’t really matter if what you find contains a few dings, as that will only add to the rustic appeal.

Rustic décor is all about warmth, security, and family. No matter where you reside, you can create comfortable, inviting spaces in your home. A home should make you feel warm, comfortable, and secure at the end of the day. You won’t find a home quite as welcoming and beautiful as one decorated in the rustic style. Country or city—it doesn’t matter. This is one style you will truly fall in love with.

April 21, 2010   No Comments

Shopping For Discount Window Blinds

If you are looking for good quality window blinds, but don’t want to spend a fortune, you are in luck. Window treatments come in a wide variety of styles, materials, and, you guessed it, costs. There are plenty of ways to find discount window blinds that will look great and keep the sun at bay.


Venetian blinds are the most common type of discount window blind. And though these blinds tend to be of a basic design, there is a whole lot of variety available in terms of color, size, and operation. Despite their low cost, venetian blinds can compliment even the most trendy and stylish of rooms. They also offer some of the best sunlight and heat control because of the overlapping slat pattern.


Another discounted blind option is woven bamboo. These blinds are also extremely stylish and work well with a variety of rooms. They also come in a number of unique patterns, colors, and designs which can add a lot to your interior design. Other discounted woven blind styles are woven wood, reed, and jute.


Honeycomb blinds are a more recent emergence in window treatments. They are made from cellular material and have a unique and distinct shape (which is why they are called honeycombs) that is specifically designed for higher energy efficiency.


Another recently popular emergence in discount window blinds is faux wood blinds. Faux wood, literally meaning fake wood, blinds offer a cheap, effective alternative to natural wood. Faux wood designs have recently become more and more realistic in their look, and are capable of achieving similar effects as real wood blinds. Faux wood is also very durable, like real wood, and is available in a number of different colors, sizes, and designs. Faux wood is most often used in bathrooms since they are more water resistant than most other blind options.


Another option is to go with vertical blinds. Many people do not realize that simply choosing vertical blinds over horizontal can provide a large discount. Unfortunately, not vertical blinds are not suitable for just any type of room; however, they are worth considering if you are looking for a bargain. The benefit of going vertical is that it offers a completely different feel, which can be just what you are looking for. Vertical blinds are also made with almost any material you can find horizontal blinds.


Regardless of whether you are looking to spruce up your bedroom, living room, or office, there are discount window blinds that can meet your needs. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get stylish and efficient blinds. In fact, some of the most beautiful, energy efficient blinds can be purchased for cheap.


Be creative with your blind choice. There are too many options available for you not to be. Whether you go with the faux wood, venetian, honeycomb, or otherwise, you can find a beautiful and decorative design that can compliment any room. What do you have to lose? Go out and find the discount window blinds that suit you today.

Murray Hill writes about vinyl mini blinds and other related topics on TheWindowBlindsReview.com


For more helpful information, click here: Window Blinds

April 12, 2010   No Comments

Decorating Ideas for Your Kitchen Floors

It’s always best to choose a kitchen floor that will work well with the style and look you wish to achieve in the room. Of course, certain styles are more popular than others, but you need to choose what will work best in your kitchen. If you’re looking to put flooring in your kitchen, here are a few different options to consider.

Wood Flooring for the Kitchen
It’s very common for kitchens to have wood flooring. In fact, wood floors are one of the most popular types of flooring available. You can choose among several different types of wood for your floor. The warmth of the wood will add character to your kitchen space, whether you stick with a basic pine slat or choose the trendier, environmentally friendly bamboo wood flooring. Consider your kitchen’s style and theme, and choose a color and type of wood to fit that.

Tile Flooring: Timeless and Tasteful
A very popular type of kitchen flooring is tile. When you go with tile flooring, you have many different options to choose from. Tile is available in different colors and designs, as well as in a variety of materials. For instance, you can choose from plain tile floors, ones that are laid out in a design, and others that resemble stone or are decorative. Both ceramic and porcelain tile floors are resistant to stains and scratches and require little maintenance. On the downside, they can crack, so you do need to exercise some caution not to drop anything upon your tile floor.

Laminate Flooring in the Kitchen
If you’re looking for a less expensive choice for the kitchen floor, consider laminate. You have a variety of options to choose from when it comes to the new laminate flooring that’s available. Laminate floors that look like wood and can pass for a real genuine wood floor are one popular option for the kitchen. Also available are laminate floors that look like tile as well as plain laminate floors, which can provide the perfect neutral in a visually striking kitchen. Laminate floors can be installed easily and they cost much less than a tile or real wood floor, making them a popular flooring choice.

Concrete Flooring in the Kitchen
People don’t always associate concrete flooring with a kitchen, but in recent years they have become increasingly popular. It’s important to note that a concrete floor designed for the kitchen differs from a regular concrete floor. Rather, these are decorative and stained concrete floors. They can have patterns and color incorporated into their matrix. Concrete floors are extremely durable—and are also very reasonable when compared to a real wood floor.

Vinyl for a Kitchen Floor
Vinyl tile or sheet is another inexpensive flooring option for the kitchen. Vinyl in the kitchen often brings to mind the old linoleum floors of the past, but vinyl has come a long way from those days. These days you can find all different patterns, colors, and designs in vinyl that will bring style and beauty to any kitchen. One of the best advantages to vinyl is that you can really save money by installing the floor yourself. A vinyl tile floor can make a clear statement in your kitchen, or it can be a quiet, calming addition to your décor. There are thousands of options, so it’s up to you what type of vinyl tile you choose.

These are just a few of the many flooring options you have to ch oose from for your kitchen. Once you’ve narrowed down what it is you want, go and see what’s available locally. It will probably surprise you a little to discover just how many options you really have.

About the Writer…
For over four decades Leon Tuberman has helped people with their home furnishings and interior decorating needs. He owns and manages his family owned furniture store. They have a huge inventory of handcrafted Amish built solid wood furniture for your bedroom, dining room and living room. Are you searching for wood file cabinet for your home office or a wood dining table for your kitchen or formal dining room then they probably have everything you need.

April 6, 2010   No Comments

Decorating 101: Using Nature

A homeowner can bring touches of nature inside in a variety of ways. By incorporating nature into your décor, you also are adding unique items that can help you connect with the room. Here are some great ways to add nature to your home.

Use Water in Your Décor
Although there are many different water fountain designs to choose from, consider one that most closely resembles the look found in nature if you are going for a natural look in your décor. Water fountains that have rocks and stones making up the base will work well here. A fountain in a room is pleasing visually and will produce sounds of flowing water that are sure to put you in a natural frame of mind.

Decorate with House Plants
You can instantly invite nature inside by adding a real plant to any room. Since there are so many different types of house plants to choose from, you can find one that best fits the style of your room. If you have a Southwestern theme, for instance, you would want to add something like a simple cactus. On the other hand, a room with a Victorian motif would be enhanced with a fern. If you’re looking to add some vibrant color to the décor, consider a house plant that flowers: a chrysanthemum or an African violet, for example.

When you’re looking for a basket or pot to put the house plants in, try to find something that coordinates with the décor of the room. You also want to be sure the plant is placed in an area that is not only aesthetically pleasing but receives the right amount of light.

Create a Wreath from Nature
You can create a truly unique nature décor item by creating your own wreath using items from nature. Reeds, vines, flowers, dried berries, pinecones, and seeds are only some of the items you may want to include. When you make your own wreath, you can better match the style of your décor. However, you also have the option of buying such nature wreaths-for example, at a craft fair. Hang the wreath in a central location. Two great spots are above the fireplace and above the entrance to another room.

Collect Small Items from Nature
Think about some of the items you love from nature and start a collection. This is another great way to incorporate nature into your décor. Fill a vase full of river rocks or pack a basket full of seashells to add a natural touch to a room. Keep those shells and rocks in water to bring out their vibrant colors. If you’re looking for other natural items to collect, consider fruit, branches, flowers, pinecones, or seeds.

These are only some of the many ways natural items can be incorporated into your décor. All you have to do is get creative and pay attention the next time you are outside. You might just find some items that will go perfectly in your home.

About the Writer…
Leon Tuberman has been part of the home furnishings and interior decorating  business for 4 decades. He owns and manages a popular furniture store in California. They offer a huge assortment of solid mission furniture for your living room, home office and dining room that’s built in the Heartland of America. Are you searching for a wood bed for your master bedroom or wood bookshelves for your office then they probably have everything you need.

March 22, 2010   1 Comment

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