Home Decorating Guru Blog

Putting PASSION Back Into Home Decorating

 by: Veronyka Lau

For most people, they can count the times they redecorate their homes in a lifetime on one hand. It’s a shame because this is not because they don’t have great ideas about how they want their homes to be, but that the thought of redecorating brings the following obstacles to mind:

• Where to put up if I am renovating?
• I have accumulated a lot of furniture and household items, how in the world can we integrate them with this ultra modern design I am interested in?
• We have spent all that money doing up the place when we moved in and now we have to do away with it? What a waste.
• It’s one big financial outlay!

But our tastes change, moods change over time. New notions inspire us even after we completed our renovations. Is there a way to invest in our homes in a flexible, relaxing and manageable way? To be able to afford stylish home transformations year after year?

Yes! This does call for a whole new way of looking at home renovations, not as a singular large-scale undertaking but modular projects that keeps the design process fluid and fun.

Modular transformations: Where to start?

Amazing transformations can be achieved by changing colour and texture around the house with a new coat of paint, new fabrics or overlays. A homeowner is taken by the Asian resort-style at a holiday trip to Bali wanted to give his home that same feel in his home. What he did was to overlay wooden decking in a strategic section of his living room, added indoor landscaping and enhanced his lighting. The solution was effective and relatively cheap.

To be able to enjoy many years of such surface transformations at a whim without major hacking and construction work, you will need good planning at the start. A good home design is all about form and structure, storage planning and circulation of movement. These are important decisions that homeowners need to make and should not be based on preferences for style as these change over time, but on lifestyle, family timetables, day-to-day habits and future household needs.

Good planning that takes these human factors into account will ensure that no matter how often you choose to make transformations in your home or how radical the style, it doesn’t throw your lifestyles out of whack by negatively impacting critical spaces, creating odd corners and circulation of movement. This home improvement blueprint can also guide you in making those big-ticket furniture purchases and lessen the urge for impulsive imprudent buys.

With a good understanding of the form and movement in your home as well as lifestyle needs, embarking on small-scale projects to give your home a new look and feel, be it asian, modern classic or gothic revival, would be fun, fulfilling and ultimately successful.

On a more personal level, families can also use this kind of home planning exercise as a way to find out more about each other’s lifestyle needs and involve everyone in the vision of making their homes cosy, lively and liveable.

Lighting - Endless possibilities with a small budget.

Everyone’s moods are ever changing - sunny and bright, contemplative, dark, romantic, sultry - if only you could transform your home as often as you change your moods!

You can with the right lighting. The same room can look vastly different under different modes of illumination. A good lighting system will afford you a variety of lighting conditions, soft and warm for entertaining, bright and efficient for household chores like ironing, focused and glare-free for reading.

If you have a small budget and big plans for your home, designing a multi-purpose lighting system may be your finest investment. Lighting not only invokes fancy, it also helps put an attractive glow on old, uncoordinated furnishings (and don’t we all have those around the house).

Home designing and decorating can be a most frustrating yet infinitely fulfilling activity. Start with a bright attitude, a good understanding of the design process and plenty of communication between family members and you are not likely to go wrong.

About The Author

Veronyka is a partner and designer at Incubate Interior Design, Singapore. She writes articles for “All About Design”, Incubate’s ezine at www.incubate.com.sg

veronyka@incubate.com.sg

Source: http://www.365articles.com

Popularity: 31% [?]

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shing Touches Make the Difference Between Drab and Fab

 by: ARA Content

(ARA) - Three thousand parts. According to the National Association of Home Builders, that’s what the typical home contains. And when you’re building a home, you’re faced with hundreds of decisions regarding those 3,000 parts. One or two car garage? Carpet or hardwood floors? White or oak cabinets? Paint or wallpaper? Chrome or polished brass fixtures? And the list goes on and on.

While these questions may seem overwhelming at first, it’s important to take your time and closely consider each decision you make. And it’s not just the major choices that matter when building a home. Equally important, if not more so, are the smaller decisions, such as accessories. Items such as lighting, towel bars, glass shelves and more can make all the difference in a room’s décor.

These items make a significant difference in particular areas of the home, especially the bathroom. According to Eric Jungbluth, vice president and general manager of Creative Specialties International, a leading designer and manufacturer in the bath accessory marketplace, “A bathroom is a reflection of a homeowner’s personal style. Our research shows consumers truly seek an emotional benefit from their baths … a sense of comfort, serenity, and of style. The right accessories and finishing touches can add these feelings to the bath in an instant.”

But, how do you know where to start? Do certain accessories match a specific decorating theme? What accessory options are available? Read on as we explore the world of accessories.

Accessories 101

We all know that an outfit isn’t quite complete until you add the finishing touches. A vintage belt, stylish glasses or brand-new necklace can tie an ensemble together and give it a unique style. So, why stop with your clothing? The right mix of accessories, combined with a splash of creativity, can really make a house a home and show off your own unique style.

But how do you actually accessorize your home? According to Sherry Ruggieri, host of HGTV’s Design & Decorating program, “Accessorizing is the art of placing and arranging objects to enrich the style of a room, add personality and most important, create visual interest.”

Whether accessorizing a bath or an entire home, a recent survey found style is extremely important to Americans when decorating. The research conducted by Creative Specialties International and Rooms of America, a consumer research organization, determined 74 percent of those surveyed believe style is “very important” to “extremely important” in their overall decorating decisions.

In terms of specific style preferences, the survey found consumers typically decorate in three primary thematic approaches: country, casual/contemporary and traditional. Thirty-eight percent of the population decorates in a casual style (also referred to as contemporary); following closely behind, 35 percent of consumers choose a traditional style of decorating; lastly, 27 percent of Americans decorate in a country theme, which includes secondary themes such as Shaker, Country French and Mission.

Accessorizing the Bath

Once you have a style chosen for your home, how do you translate that into the bath? Where do you start? And what types of accessories should be chosen?

An important tip, according to Jungbluth, is to remember there are no rules when it comes to accessorizing the bath. “If your family room and kitchen are decorated in a traditional theme, it doesn’t mean you necessarily have to accessorize your bathroom in the same style. It’s a personal decision — experiment with different looks and determine which style combination works best for your home.”

In terms of accessorizing the bath, where should you start? Recently, on HGTV’s Web site, host Joan Kohn asked two well-known designers for their “words of wisdom” when it comes to creating different looks in the bath, simply with accessories. According to designers Jean Zoller and Nancy Redifer, it’s as easy as “1, 2, 3″:

1. The first design decision to be made in any bath is the type of tub to be used, since it must be installed before the walls and windows go up. The color chosen for the tub will affect the rest of the color choices in the room.

2. If neutral colors are chosen for the large elements that form the background in the bath — walls, floor, fixtures — it’s easy to change the room’s looks, simply with accessories.

3. Accessories for the bath include candles, towel rings, plants, mirrors, robe hooks, glass shelves and more. Color can also be used as an accessory, with deeper colors being more traditional, while lighter colors have a more contemporary feel.

Jungbluth offered a final tip when choosing accessories, “Think of traditional accessories in untraditional ways. Try placing a grouping of different accessories together on a wall — perhaps a towel bar, glass shelf and robe hook. The combination of the varying sizes and textures can add an interesting flavor to a room.”

Choices Abound

Until recently, chrome or polished brass were the only finish choices in the bath accessory marketplace. Fortunately, the industry has changed dramatically in the last decade, and manufacturers now offer dozens of finish and style options in bath accessories.

“The bath accessory marketplace has really come to life in the last few years,” added Jungbluth. “Consumers today have more choices than ever before. From ‘retro’ styles in oil-rubbed bronze to contemporary designs in brushed chrome … dramatic wrought iron finishes and even accessories made in maple and oak, homeowners have a wide variety of new and innovative design options for the bath.”

With all of the new options, Americans still hold true to a traditional finish. According to the aforementioned survey, chrome is still the most popular bath accessory finish, but consumers’ second choice, brushed nickel, is on the rise. In addition, other finishes, such as oil-rubbed bronze and wrought iron, are also increasing in popularity with consumers. In fact, non-chrome finishes now represent almost half of bath accessory sales.

Relying on this extensive research, Creative Specialties International recently introduced four new bath accessory collections designed to reflect the styles used in today’s bath. Sold under the Inspirations brand, the Kelsey, Vernini, Sienna and Westbury collections each fall into one of the three design categories — traditional, contemporary/casual or country.

Featuring a distinctive retro flair, the Kelsey collection offers a unique look that combines simple curved lines and soft details. Perfect for a bath with a casual style, its design features a round base with ceramic accents and curved posts.

For those looking for a bath accessory with contemporary style, the Vernini collection is the ideal choice. Drawing from a modern European look, it offers a crisp, decorative style for the bath. What sets this collection apart is its sophisticated, architectural elements including geometric-shaped posts and finials.

The Sienna collection brings a fresh, new look to wrought iron, making it more style-oriented and updated in appearance. With a dramatic black finish that highlights the collection’s handcrafted workmanship, it works in many design contexts to make a bold statement in the bathroom.

To enhance a country feel in the bath, the Westbury collection features the warm look of decorative wood. It brings classic bath accessory design elements to a wood collection offering a streamlined, clean appearance. Like fine furniture, it utilizes metal accents for an updated look and is designed to match today’s popular cabinetry finishes and is sized so it does not overwhelm the bath.

Final Thoughts

Congratulations! By this point, you should be completely comfortable with adding the finishing touches to your home through the world of accessories. You know what accessorizing is, how to select a style, and carry it through to the bath. The room has been well planned and includes your own personal stamp.

Whether you’re building a home or simply redecorating, we can all see the dramatic effect accessories can have in creating your home’s style. Remember to keep the style consistent, and have fun in trying new things.

The best advice? “Experiment and try different techniques,” added Jungbluth. “Decorating with accessories is a cost-effective way of changing the look of a room in a matter of minutes.”

For more information on bath style trends, or accessory products available from Creative Specialties International, write 25300 Al Moen Drive, North Olmsted, OH 44070-8022, call toll free (800) 321-8809, or visit their Web site at www.moen.com.

About The Author

Courtesy of ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com; e-mail: info@ARAcontent.com

EDITOR’S NOTE: For more information, contact: Wendy Glancy, merchandising & communications manager, Creative Specialties International, (800) 321-8809, Ext. 2245; or Jennifer Morgan, Robert Falls & Co. Public Relations, (216) 696-0229.

Creative Specialties International, a division of Moen Incorporated, is a market-leading organization that provides creative and innovative solutions for today’s bath. The company designs and manufactures a complete line of fashionable bath accessories in a wide assortment of styles and finishes. Creative Specialties International manufactures four brands of bath accessories. These include: Inspirations, Moen, Donner and Home Care.

Moen Incorporated is an operating company of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE: FO, www.fortunebrands.com), the consumer products company.

Source: http://www.365articles.com

Popularity: 33% [?]

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nd the Box: Outdoor Spaces Can Extend the Boundaries of Your Home

 by: ARA Content

(ARA) - Fresh air, natural light and open space are key elements in today’s home designs. New home buyers and existing homeowners alike want more open living and homes with a seamless connection between indoors and out.

For example, courtyards are appearing in more home designs across the county. Often connected to several rooms in the home, the courtyard serves as a central gathering spot for busy families or for entertaining guests. The courtyard is designed to flow from the inside of the house and appear more seamless than a traditional deck or patio.

“People hunger for sunshine, for glimpses of flowers, for the fun of watching their kids play in the back yard. For people who work in windowless, fluorescent-lighted offices all day, it’s a joy to come home to a cheery sunroom or outdoor areas that let us drink in fresh air and views,” said Joan McCloskey, an editor with Better Homes and Gardens magazine.

Getting Started

Like other rooms, outdoor spaces are a reflection of the people who use them. What makes each space unique is how it expands the boundaries of a home — adding functionality and character. Designing an outdoor living area doesn’t need to be complicated, but homeowners should ask themselves a few questions when planning the space:

• What are your goals for the space? The goal might be to expand a living area, maximize the site the house is built on, or frame a certain view. Regardless, establishing a goal and sticking to it will provide guidance when selecting from the myriad of building materials and designs that may challenge the process.

• How will it be used? Will the space be used as a second kitchen, family gathering spot, or a place to relax and soak up the view?

• How do you want the space to make you feel? The space may be designed to evoke a certain mood or feeling — such as restful, informal or active.

• How will this affect existing indoor and outdoor areas? Consider how this new space will tie into the existing architecture of the home. Proportion and scale play a part in successfully designing and integrating useful outdoor spaces, as does circulation to and from indoor living areas.

Choosing the Right Materials

In addition to developing a solid design, think about the materials that will be used. For example, windows and doors are both the visual and physical connections between inside and out. Large or thoughtfully positioned windows and doors maximize outdoor views and an indoor feeling of light, space and movement.

“A well-planned combination of windows and patio doors will successfully balance the static effect of solid walls with the dynamic qualities of the space,” said Fred Foster, an architect with Andersen Windows, Inc. “Good door and window design allows homeowners to manipulate the movement of natural light, views and fresh air through the home, and affects how they move between the indoor and outdoor spaces of their home — both physically and with their eyes.”

Foster suggests combining sidelight and transom windows with patio doors to expand the basic function of the door into a major element that creates more interaction between the inside and outside. He also suggests using window grilles or art glass where a view is not being featured, or where pattern or color can enhance the design of the interior space.

The Finished Product

Opening up a floor plan with an outdoor living area can be a great addition to any home. From the design to the construction, homeowners often enjoy the process and look forward to using the space when it’s finished.

For more information on the virtually limitless sizes, styles and combinations of Andersen windows and doors that can help make any home and outdoor area a more personal place, visit www.andersenwindows.com or call (800) 426-4261.

About The Author

Courtesy of ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com; e-mail: info@ARAcontent.com

EDITOR’S NOTE: “Andersen” and the AW logo are registered trademarks of Andersen Corporation.

Source: http://www.365articles.com

Popularity: 28% [?]

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tiring’ Old Mulching Routine Paves the Way to Ten Worry-Free Years

 by: ARA Content

(ARA) - The yearly routine of digging up last year’s mulch and replacing it with a fresh supply can be time consuming, messy and expensive. But one new product can put consumers on the road to a full decade of worry-free mulching — and that road is paved with recycled rubber.

Each year, millions of truck tires are recycled nationwide. The rubber from these tires does not rot, fade or break down, even after years of exposure to the elements. As a result, discarded tires are treaded treasures for Rubberific Mulch, which gives new life to old tires by turning them into one of the longest lasting and safest ground coverings on the market.

“Not only does Rubberific Mulch help the environment by recycling old tires that otherwise would languish in landfills, but it offers time- and cost-saving alternatives to traditional mulch,” says Mike Miller, Rubberific Mulch president. “It has the appearance of wood-based mulch, but with a unique durability that will last for ten years, with very little upkeep.”

To help consumers choose the type of mulch that is best for a lawn or garden, the experts at Rubberific Mulch suggest asking the following questions:

• Attractiveness — Will the mulch look good in the front lawn or garden?

• Longevity and durability — Does the mulch hold up for long periods of time, even through inclement weather?

• Protection — Will the mulch protect and benefit the plants it surrounds?

For consumers seeking the ideal mix of attractiveness, durability and year-round protection, Rubberific Mulch is a cost-effective solution. The texture, size and shape of the shredded rubber is virtually identical to wood mulch, and is available in realistic colors, such as cypress, redwood, cedar and earthtone. Its strength allows it to withstand wind, rain, snow and ice with little or no washout, and it will not rod or fade, even under stifling humidity and harsh sunlight. Plants will reap additional benefits from Rubberific Mulch, which does not attract insects and will not absorb water meant for them.

For backyards with swing sets or other kid-playing zones, Rubberific Mulch offers the additional benefit of superior safety. The impact of a child’s fall is significantly less on the rubber-based mulch than on more traditional ground coverings.

Rubberific Mulch is available for purchase at select Lowe’s home improvement centers throughout the Midwest. It also can be ordered in a variety of custom colors at www.rubberificmulch.com, or by calling (866) 936-8524.

About The Author

Courtesy of ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com; e-mail: info@ARAcontent.com

EDITOR’S NOTE: For more information, contact Brad Paul, Patrick Davis Communications, (314) 436.9333, Ext. 16.

Source: http://www.365articles.com

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