Posted by admin on August 31st, 2010
Sometimes guests stay for more than just one meal, but you still want your dinning area to look fresh each and every time. As such, you need table decorations that can be mixed up to produce a different presentation over the course of several meals.
A cool way to make a table decoration do double duty involves proper selection. This means that you pick a bunch of medium sized, perfectly cylindrical vases for your celebratory table. Then you can fill them for a daytime event with floral arrangements. When the lights go down, replace the bouquets with candles in those containers. A lovely low light will fill the tabletop, and a whole other feel will be established for the contrasting meals.
Should the candles not fill the vases then drop seashells, colourful beans or sand in to them also. Or, for an additional look, purchase fireproof paper bags and cut designs out of the sides. Then place the candles in the vases within the baggies. And just like magic you have yet one more centrepiece that was inexpensive and easy to make.
Posted by admin on July 17th, 2010
If you have a need for some greenery in your home pronto, but want something rather smart looking then go with grass. Yep, you read that right, plant some grass in your home. Well, in pots of course.
This can produce several different effects depending upon the container style you pick for your grass seeds. Pick sleek silver or chrome coloured containers and and you will get a crisp modern look, but use china teacups and you will produce a more eclectic and delicate one.
No matter what holders you decide upon, you should have sprouts within seven to ten days. This is considered nearly instant gratification in the world of indoor gardening. Then as the sprouts grow, clip them back so they will remain controlled. Unless you are shooting for abundant overgrowth, then you will have it in no time at all.
Posted by admin on June 17th, 2010
Often the trends in the clothing fashion industry are echoed in the home décor realm too. This often proves to be a great thing, but this season it might not have everyone rejoicing. This is all because one hot trend for 2010 is neon. Neon is one of those things that people either love or deplore, rarely is there an in between. Luckily, for everyone in my opinion, small doses are recommended when you choose to exhibit neon colours into your interior design colour scheme.
Think about selecting one shade of neon green or pink and sticking with that alone. To combine, or mix and match can lead to a cheapened look. I mean, in general, neon is not included amongst those which are thought to be rich, or elegant to begin with, so use a light hand when placing it around your living area or bedroom. This is definitely a trendy item that most will want to be able to integrate easily, and remove as swiftly.
So, have fun with it, because if there is one thing neon screams out it is party. For its very nature implies a bit of whimsy, and should not be taken to seriously.
Posted by admin on May 26th, 2010
Do not know if you can remember the old Murphy beds of yesteryear, but there are there are some intriguing newer models out there. Specifically of interest, is the computer bed. It functions on gas assisted pistons, for a smooth transfer from bed to desk, and back to bed again. The computer desk portion is of course the headboard section, and attached is a metal bed frame along with a wooden slat base. The factory can actually make a customized version of this item for you to meet your desktop and workspace needs. We think this is pretty nifty, and considering the space it frees up, the price is not bad either.
Posted by admin on April 14th, 2010
After picking out all the designer furniture and high end energy efficient appliances, you may be left with little in the budget for wall art. But still, you cannot simply skip decorating the walls altogether. So here is a fabulous way to fill the space, but not have it look low budget.
Go out and purchase a couple of calendars that feature the works of great artists, and you instantly own great art. You then have twelve images, already perfectly sized in the same manner, ready to be framed. After picking out the pictures that best suit your colour palette, pick up as many coordinating frames. Then, put them in a block pattern, evenly spaced from one another. This allows you to fill as much space, or as little as you like to.
I personally have used this method with a Georgia O’Keefe calendar that looks down right dynamite. Feel free to copy this idea, you will love the look and adore the price.
Posted by admin on March 8th, 2010
While it is common to see plain old concrete as a material used on a modern homes exterior design, it is more rare to observe it being used in its plain form inside. This, however, does not mean that it does not make for a worthwhile item. For, it is sometimes the most basic of things that make the most amazing statements.
One usage of concrete on the interior of a house that I particularly gravitate towards is as kitchen counter tops. If you are not fond of the bare form, you can seal it with a high gloss. Thus creating an entirely different texture altogether.
This not only creates a dramatic effect, it is unbelievably inexpensive. Therefore, it is a wonderful way to cut costs while keeping a high level of style. As a whole, this is a pretty nifty idea.
Posted by admin on February 6th, 2010
I got really tired of looking at all of my electronic gear cluttered on my entryway table. Not only did it look like s—t, but I was constantly forgetting to plug stuff in at night so it would be recharged in the morning. It was definitely time to embrace a change.
So, I converted my bedside table into a covert recharging post. The process was relatively easy, once I convinced myself that it was alright to drill holes in the back of the nightstand. Come to terms with this and then it is a breeze, and will probably make you feel pretty clever too.
The way to go about it is to drill a couple of holes to thread the cords through, and then place a couple wire clips around the cords to make them more manageable as they exit the drawer. Then just plug them into a multi-plug power adapter, and there you have it. To ensure that you do not leave in the morning without any of these essentials, keep your car keys in the drawer too.
Posted by admin on January 17th, 2010
One of the most outrageously cool decorative elements I have ever seen was in a movie that was set in Cuba. In the scene of interest, there was a banister of a staircase that was completely covered in melted candles. While decorative candles are clearly an outstanding element of design that can be used in any style home, this took it to a whole new level.
There was something so beautiful, and original, about all the melted wax in one colour on top of another. It was both romantic, and unique. I swore then and there that I would ultimately do the same in a home of my own. Admittedly, this has not come to fruition. To be quiet honest, I think I am past the point of being so cavalier. Still, the impact of that image has stayed with me.
Therefore, I have come to rely heavily on using candles in each room of my living space to create mystique and glowing warmth. I have spent hundreds of pounds on scented candles, designer candles, and candleholders. But, I am putting a stop to that here and now.
After doing the research on the internet, I have learned just how ridiculously simple making ones own candles can be. This is especially true if you are making use of old remnants from other candles. In each attempt that I have made, the result has been most satisfying.
The key is to obtain really cool containers that match your style to put the melted wax. If you love the antique look then use ancient painted tea cups as your holder. If you are more like me, and strive for everything contemporary, use a set of sake cups. You will be surprised to learn how inexpensive this can be, and how you can be the maestro of your candle collection.
Posted by admin on December 16th, 2009
Of course everyone knows that there are gigantic sales in retail shops after the holiday season. But, not everyone is aware of the fact that most of your favourite stores have annual sales scheduled in addition to the one that takes place prior to the start of the new year.
So, head over to your beloved shop of interest and ask a salesperson if they have such pre-scheduled sales. This could turn out to be one hell of a lucky day for you. I know that my fave clothing store has humungous sales 2 times a year. I have gotten jeans that were originally 130 pound for 30. I think it goes with out saying that got several pair. I never miss their sales, and basically never go into the establishment at any other time during the year because now that just seems foolish.
Posted by admin on November 23rd, 2009
When you are limited on storage space, you start to look at vacant areas in your home, that you never took much notice of before, very differently. One such area is the area underneath a bathroom sink. If your have a floating sink design, where there are no cabinets beneath, then this is valuable indeed.
The way to correct the problem of having a storage challenged home is to look at every inch of unused space as potential. Thus, that space under the sink should be filled with a floating shelf. It is an excellent spot to claim because it is primarily concealed due to placement. To cover up all that you shove onto this shelf, select decorative boxes with lids. Then go to town and hide anything, and everything, you can in them.