Home Decorating Ideas

We all look at glossy magazines from time to time and wish we had the perfect home, but most of us don’t have the space to achieve the same look, especially not in our bathrooms. With a small or odd-shaped room it can be difficult to maximise on the space you’ve got and create the perfect haven. We’ve mulled the problem over and come up with some ideas to help you on your way to a better bathroom.

Change direction

It might sound really obvious, but hanging the bathroom door so that it opens outwards can make a huge difference. It will allow you to use much more of the floorspace, so that you can add storage, accessories or a larger bath!

Cosy corner

In many homes, bathrooms are oddly shaped because they have been sacrificed for airing cupboards and hallways. That doesn’t mean that you’re doomed to having a less-than perfect bathroom though. Install a corner bath or sink so you can use the edges of your room more effectively and free up wall space.

Minimise clutter

Mess can make even the largest of rooms feel cramped. By reducing the amount of clutter, you can open the space up and make it feel far more luxurious. Fitting a cupboard under the sink, or mirrored cabinet for example, will help you to hide away cleaning products and cosmetics, leaving surfaces tidy.

Add some accessories

Having said all of that, a well placed accessory or two can bring the space to life and give it more personality. For example, hand soap dispensers can be decorative while also removing unsightly bottles and containers; scented candles will fill the air to create a relaxing atmosphere and a green plant will add a splash of colour. Just be careful not to go overboard and you’ll make the bathroom far more inviting.

Lighten up

A fresh lick of paint in a lighter shade will immediately give the room a lift, making it appear larger and brighter. You could also try replacing your suite with lighter coloured suite or flooring, all of which will reflect light back into the room and make it feel more airy.

Let there be light

Allow natural daylight in wherever possible and choose lighting to fill the room with a soothing light, rather than a harsh glare. Choose fittings that allow light reach every corner of the room too, because this can make the room seem larger. If you find that this isn’t enough, try adding an over the mirror light for when you need it most.

This article was provided by Bathrooms.com, a UK leading online retailer for bathroom furniture and accessories.

Do your wall structures seem boring and uninviting? Do you long for a cozy, appealing space? Think about ornamental wall painting methods, for example sponging, ragging, stenciling or stamping. Even if you don’t have prior experience, you can improve the dullest space swiftly and inexpensively by using these straightforward decorative wall painting strategies. You can also learn how to paint over old wood paneling, to bring a updated look to a dark, out of style room.

Prior to painting any room, choose a color scheme for your walls. When you chose your paint, do not forget that many painting tactics use two tones of one color. If you use one of the approaches that uses two shades of color, you may pick a darker color than you typically would chose for your base color; due to the lighter color making the final result lighter.

To sponge or rag paint a wall, apply paint of your base color and let it dry completely. Dip carefully your sponge or rag to the lighter paint color and apply the sponge or drag the lighter color on to the base coat until you are delighted by the effects. If you are unhappy with your final result, you can repaint any areas that you don’t like with the base coat.

When the repainted area is thoroughly dry, repeat the faux painting process. If you intend on using a decorative painting technique such as stenciling or stamping, you may only want to do a wallpaper type effect by stamping or stenciling a simple pattern over your base coat. Consider going a step further by using stencils or stamps to create a faux brick or stone wall. You don’t have to be an artist to produce one of these faux coatings. Just follow these simple steps.

Initially, paint the walls with the color you’re considering for the mortar between your bricks or stones. As soon as the base coat is dry, stamp or stencil your bricks or stones on to the base coat. Once the brick or stonework is dry, spatter some of the darker color over your faux art, so it can gain depth and make it appear more realistic.

Developing faux results makes your walls look like they might be made from plaster or suede, can also really make your room be stand out. It is simple to figure out how to produce these seemingly tough finishes at the local paint store. Paint bases that immediately offer a suede or textured result for the walls are a quick way that even artists use to produce enjoyable coatings.

Decorating with fine art photography can be the icing on the cake for a completely, remodeled effect to your newly painted room. Focus on the areas you would like the attention of your eye drawn to, and the impact you want the overall look to have. Do you desire your fine art photos to ‘pop out’ from your walls? Sometimes stenciling a theme on the wall around where you plan to hang a special picture is a cool effect. Or perhaps you would like the total to blend harmoniously together. An example is an image of beautiful flowers, with the wall painted in a brick or cobblestone pattern.

Lastly, no matter what decorative wall painting process you choose, remember that it’s only a few layers of paint. You can redo the walls as you find out as you learn more of the art of cosmetic painting, or if you do not like the desired result. Paint is fairly inexpensive, have fun and experiment to find your personalized touch!

An individual can recall fond family memories by displaying your precious family photographs in your home. A lovely photograph which is thoughtfully framed within just the correct picture frame, creatively and properly hung, and viewed in the right light is definitely a welcoming and decorative addition to your house. Your life’s story can be told and you’ll always be reminded of what you are about when you have photographs of you and your family hanging on your walls.

Guests will feel welcome as soon as they view your beautifully displayed photos that demonstrate good memories and a lot of love. Because we are in a visual society, take your treasured memories and display them on the walls instead of photo albums or scrapbooks. Your family can gain daily enjoyment from them as they make your home more warm and delightful.

In this article, you will find some ideas on ways to decorate with family photographs, be it classical, traditional, or eclectic styles… You can make one of your family’s favorite photographs the focus for the room. Choose a photograph and enlarge it to somewhere in the 40″x30″ range, then find an attractive large picture frame and set somewhere prominent, like over the fireplace mantle. As you or your guests enter the room, all eyes immediately are drawn to the photograph, just as if it were an item of art.

Your photograph doesn’t need to be of loved ones to be placed on display; you most likely have a wide range of wonderful memories captured during travels or daily outings. These photographs may be enlarged, dramatically framed and hung in the dining room.

Additionally you can take some framed photos which you cherish and show them off in any creative or unique manner that draws a person’s eye, like using a plate rack that is hung on the wall.

Hallways are generally a conventional location to hang family photographs. This is a great place for one to display generations of photographs. Use non-traditional matting, for example having a square opening and off-center. Each picture can say a unique story if you decide on a simple picture frame. Adding dramatic lighting gives intensity to the subject matter.

It’s easy to forget that pictures may be hung anywhere as opposed to just on a wall. For example, in case you have a peg rack inside your entryway, pegged wainscoting, a coat rack, or perhaps a closet door you can utilize chain, string, or some pretty ribbon to hang a picture frame.

Displaying family photographs is an talent in and of itself, but it’s quite a bit less difficult as it might seem. Try taking several different photographs and framing them differently, then hang one or two of these on the wall and set the others on a shelf. You can actually overlap the photographs that are on the shelf, and then add some mementos to create an artistic and attractive grouping.

Your kitchen always ends up being the gathering place when guests are in your home, right? Why don’t you use it to display loved family photographs? Find some nooks and crannies and place in them some pictures of fond times which you want to reflect upon, so this “heart of the home” can become a more inviting and beloved spot.

If you try these ideas, you will end up filling your home with warm memories for your family, loved ones, and guests to treasure and enjoy.

If you’re looking for beautiful round picture frames or any other special frame size, give us a call at 1-800-780-0699. Here at Your Picture Frames, we’ll be sure to help you find the perfect picture frames.

Copyright © 2010 Christine McVeigh

Successful interior design means understanding the principles of space, light, colour and texture and then applying them to your rooms to create your home, where you eat, sleep, relax and entertain.

It is the use of these four elements; space, light, colour and texture that alter a room into something special.

Interior design is more than selecting a home decorating magazine and choosing an interior design style you like or can afford.

The process of transforming an interior is immensely rewarding and the effects are far reaching. A home that is comfortable and relaxing and that caters to all our needs contributes to our quality of life.

Design today is about the environment we create around us and the way we live our lives. It is no longer enough to create an isolated beautiful effect that you look at but never feel a part of.

It is easy to decide that you would like the walls painted blue but it is not until you have considered all the issue around use and comfort and how spaces will flow from one area to the next that you can make the right decisions about flooring, wall coverings, window treatments, upholstery, furniture, lighting and accessories.

It is tempting to move to selecting paints, fabrics, curtains and accessories but the first rule of interior decorating is to be patient.

Before buying anything look closely at your home beyond the existing decoration and furniture and assess the quality and amount of space and light, the essential structure of the walls, floors and architectural features.

The space at your disposal must be your first consideration, deciding how you want to use the space and whether everything you want it to be is practical. How much natural light your space receives is crucial to making decisions, not only about additional lighting that might be needed but about wall colour, flooring or wall paper. Light affects the mood and style you would like to create.

Transforming a home requires careful planning and budgeting as well as hiring and coordination of professionals such as builders, plumbers and electricians.

Today we want or need individual rooms to fulfill more than one role such a living room that includes a work area. Even so a successful room should make you feel relaxed no matter what the theme or design. It is your home – your sanctuary to head for after a busy day, where you will feel rested the moment you walk through the door.

You know your interior design efforts are successful when your home captures great design and at the same time makes you, your family and guests feel tranquil and comfortable.

For more information about interior design visit the blog http://www.101interiordesign.com for best interior design styles for apartment interior design, living room interior design, bedroom interior design and home decorating.

Textiles and tapestries have been used for hundreds of years in the decoration of homes and retain their popularity today. Tapestry is a sophisticated art form that enjoys a variety of cultural origins, media and historical contexts. A variety of designs can be transformed into tapestries including landscapes, still life, abstract, nature and fantasy. Several artists sign agreements to adapt their work in this way, adding a new perspective to the original design. Tapestry wall hangings enable the art lover to use creativity in enhancing the modern home with adapted designs.

A Modern Perspective on a Traditional Craft

Wool was used in creating traditional tapestries, particularly those from the medieval era. It was easily available and had the durability and strong bases for using dyes and pigments. Although mixing of fibre has occurred natural materials and dyes have continued to be used, and tapestry weaving has retained its reputation for using the very best of weaving technique and traditional materials.

More recently synthetic fibres have been incorporated with wool to create a more robust and longer lasting effect. This would have been the envy of many a Medieval weaver as the effect enriches the work and preserves the warmth traditionally associated with tapestry.

Thus old and new are blended to ensure the very best of modern wall tapestry. It is now possible to buy classic old masters in tapestry format that are enhanced in colours more vibrant than originally intended, mainly due to advances in dye and pigment production.

A popular choice for modern tapestry is chenille due to its flexible and adaptable nature. Used in a variety of domestic setting such as throws and tapestry it adds warmth and an elegant and sophisticated finish to home décor not achieved by some other materials.

Perspectives on Creating a Decorating Illusion

There are some spaces in the home that continue to be a decorating challenge. The modern wall may not fit with antique furniture, or a room may appear cold or too small. Using a wall tapestry helps to cleverly disguise these interior design issues as well as add a feature or create a basis for a theme. Adding warmth to a room or helping an area appear larger can be done with tapestry, and help make a home appealing to potential buyers. Using a well chosen tapestry can solve a multitude of decorating problems and add that special touch to furnishing.

Small spaces can be made to look less cramped by using landscape or a medieval traditional piece, bringing that freshness into a room. Creating illusions with a carefully selected tapestry ensures the eye is trained on looking outwards. Rooms can be lengthened instantly by horizontal tapestries, while a space can appear open by using those that feature doors and windows. Placing a series of small tapestries together in a large and cold environment will help a space look smaller and more intimate.

Practical and versatile

A wall tapestry is a charming addition to the modern home in that space is enhanced and a feature for reflection is created. Tapestries continue to retain their popularity today and are as versatile and popular as they were in medieval times.

Eastern style tapestries enjoyed a short period of popularity, however they remain in vogue today. The pieces act as a record of a way of life abroad and a statement of places once visited, whilst giving an insight into the way in which Europeans perceived the Eastern world during the 18th and 19th century. In tapestry form they make a bold and distinct statement as a wall hanging in the modern home.

Fine art and tapestry was at one time the domain of the select few. Thanks to modern day high detail weaving techniques tapestry is something that is a classical and affordable piece for the home. Traditional fine art is enhanced by the detailed weave and texture of tapestry, providing a select and distinctive feature in interior design. Tapestry and fine art are now accessible to those who desire elegance and classical décor in their homes.

Morris once said,” Have nothing in your houses that you do know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” One of the most prolific artists of the nineteenth century, his works are seen today in modern homes and a testament to the fact that beauty does not age.

Copyright © The Tapestry House, all rights reserved.

Angela Dawson-Field divides her time between writing and the Tapestry House. She writes extensively on tapestries & wall hangings

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Other Resources: Home Decorating Made Easy. Offers Home Decorating Advice.