Archive for September 2011

Small Bathroom Interior Decoration Idea

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When you have a small bathroom you need to make every inch work for you. If you have to share a bathroom with others, the space is even more important is the space. Typically a small bathroom will consist of a commode, a sink and a shower or a tub/shower combination-- just the essentials. Put all these fixtures into a small space, only slightly larger than a closet and you have a real challenge. A bathroom five to six feet by eight feet is a tight squeeze, so make it all work for you.

Some things you can do to maximize your bath without changing any fixtures is to use the insides of cabinet doors for keeping curling irons and hair dryers within easy reach, without giving up valuable cabinet or drawer space. Look for wire type hangers for this purpose or look in the kitchen section of your home improvement stores for something like plastic and foil wrap holders, theses are narrow enough to hold hair sprays, tubes of gels and containers of lotion and the like. While these items are necessary, they do not belong on your counter tops.

There are a myriad of drawer dividers for jewelry, make-up and hair accessories; don't overlook kitchen cutlery dividers; you will find them in a variety of materials, from mesh metals, to bamboo and enameled plastic in great colors. If you do not have drawer space, put these items into a travel kit and put it away in a cabinet or closet and bring it out when needed. Again, these items should not take up counter space in any bathroom; they are the number one clutter creator in a bathroom. You can store these items under the sink in baskets just as easily. There is no need to keep lots of cleaning supplies under every bathroom sink either; doing so is a luxury indeed; instead get a carry-all intended for cleaning products and keep it with your other cleaning products, i.e. brooms, mops and furniture polish.

Little girls love lots of barrettes, ribbons and colorful clips; and busy moms need them accessible. Consider using clear plastic file pockets fixed to the wall, and fill them up with bands, clips and ribbons, this will keep them organized, readily available, off the counter and out of the way of everyone else who needs to use the bathroom. If you have enough space to add shelves to a blank wall, you can put these items in colorful baskets to go with your decor, label them and make them part of your decor.

Another tight area in a small bathroom is the tub/shower area. Sliding glass doors are difficult to bathe small children, and shower curtains often create more visual clutter than is necessary. If you can use a plain shower curtain instead, you can add a clear pocket liner to keep some toys, sponges and shampoos organized.

Take a ready-made shower curtain and carefully cutting off the grommet edge; save it; add a clear plastic or open mesh fabric, section to the width of the curtain, then add the grommet edge on top of the clear plastic piece, you will have a more open feeling to your cramped bathroom. By adding the new bowed curtain rod, you will add even more space to your shower area.

There are lots of ways to save space in small rooms; you just need to be open to seeing the space in a different way.

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Lamintae Flooring for Dogs Lover

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Dog owners know how difficult it is to take care of flooring and furniture. Even if you start out with the best intentions to clean regularly and to keep pets off the sofa, fur from mischievous dogs and comfortable cats will quickly find its way to every exposed surface. Though you might not be able to keep pets from shedding, you can simplify your cleaning duties by making the right choice in flooring. Laminate floors are stylish and easy to clean, which makes them a popular choice with many homeowners. Once you've found the best laminate flooring for your dog, proper maintenance will allow you to enjoy your investment for years to come.

High-Pressure or Direct-Pressure Laminate Flooring: Which is Right for Your Dog?
As you shop for laminate, you'll find that there are two different types available. Both types include several layers such as the core layer, backing layer and decorative layer. In high-pressure flooring, the layers are connected to the core layer in separate stages using higher pressure and heat. This creates stronger flooring with a more durable surface. High-pressure laminate flooring is generally more resistant to scratches, scuffs and dents than its counterpart, direct-pressure flooring. For this reason, high-pressure designs are typically considered to be the best flooring for homeowners with large dogs.

Direct-pressure flooring is comprised of several layers that are bonded together simultaneously. The manufacturing process includes less heat and lower pressure, so the resulting product is less durable than high-pressure laminate. However, direct-pressure laminate flooring is easier to customize and stylize. Many people prefer direct-pressure laminates because they include textures and often look more realistic. Overall, the best laminate flooring for homeowners with small dogs or cats is direct-pressure laminate. Though direct-pressure laminate is less durable, small pets won't be able to harm it significantly.

Minimize Scratching to Make Your Flooring Last
Whether you choose high-pressure or direct-pressure laminate flooring, it's important to do everything you can to make your flooring last. No flooring is wholly scratch-resistant; you'll simply need to take measures to reduce scratches and dents. It's best to keep pets' nails trimmed regularly, as this will cut down on the amount they can scratch up the floors. You might also want to consider placing a few small mats or area rugs around the room in order to minimize wear on the floors. If the flooring does get scratched, it's simple to fill in imperfections with a repair kit or filling pencil, or by replacing the damaged plank.

Prevent Stains and Spills for Longer Wear
While carpets and hardwood flooring are easily damaged and stained by spills and moisture, flooring is extremely easy to clean. If your pet has the occasional indoor accident or a penchant for knocking over drinks, you can keep your flooring in good shape by promptly cleaning up the liquid. Be careful, however, not to let any spills sit on the floor for too long. Even if you have the best flooring, moisture can easily seep through and damage both your underlay and surface floor. Liquid damage of any type is a serious danger to any type of flooring, so take care to prevent spills where possible and to clean up any moisture at its first appearance.

Ensuring a Good Experience with Laminate Flooring
With proper care, flooring is an affordable, durable and pet-friendly option for your home. After you've chosen the best laminate flooring, consider installing a special noise-reducing underlay to cut back on the noise that your dog's nails will make when he or she runs across the floor. Keeping your dog's nails properly trimmed and filed at all times will also minimize sound. Additionally, make sure to give your dog some time to get used to the new flooring. Some pets have difficulty walking on flooring at first, as they find it to be more slippery than carpet. Encourage your dog to walk on the new flooring, and he or she will quickly become accustomed to the feeling.

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Decorating A Master Bedroom

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Bedrooms are unique areas of the home. They have a specific purpose and can be treated in a very functional manner, with not much thought for bedroom interior design and decor.

However, most of us want, and need, a haven that we can retreat into and feel safe, secure and content. They can even evoke a scent that reflects the people who reside there, such as signature fragrances and aftershaves that linger, for example, and that is also a comforting feeling. (You know...you smell your scent in a good way!)

So how do you go about decorating a master bedroom? There are several key decisions that need to be made, and all are of equal importance in your bedroom interior design and decor.

First, determine how your furniture is going to be placed in the plan for decorating a master bedroom. Is the space large enough to accommodate a sitting area? What size bed do you have, or plan to have, and will it fit comfortably into the room?  


Decorating for a master bedroom, and other rooms, includes determining the focal point of the room. When you walk into the space where are your eyes drawn? 

It could be the largest wall in the room, it could be out a window or door wall for a beautiful view, or possibly a lovely fireplace. Whatever the case, place the bed so that it is on the focal point wall or facing the focal point whenever possible.

You might consider painting the focal point wall an accent color, either a deeper shade of your selected wall color or another color in your palette. Just remember as you select there shades that the overall effect of decorating ideas for the master bedroom is soothing and calming.


Avoid overcrowding your master bedroom with furniture and clutter. If you have inherited an antique bedroom set that can barely be squeezed into your space, eliminate one of the pieces and use it in another room. 

Utilize the drawers in nightstands, dressers and the space in your closet to keep thing out of sight. Scout around your house or do some shopping to find unique pieces that can be used as storage.

Read more about Decorating a master bedroom
 

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Farmhouse Decorating

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Farmhouse decorating is casual, informal and rustic with elements of both country and cottage style incorporated into this look. Find out more about creating a farmhouse interior in your home.

What comes to mind when you think of a farmhouse?

I imagine a large, two story wood sided home with a wide covered porch, lots of windows that are simply adorned, green grass all ‘round, mature trees and a big,big blue sky overhead. No fancy figurines or fountains adorning the entry area; just pots of colorful flowers, a well used porch swing, and a duo of colorful rockers with an old barrel in-between to serve as a small table.


Now, keep that picture in your mind, because those elements are the foundation of farm house decorating style:


  • Wood surfaces - distressed, painted, rubbed...this is an integral element in farmhouse style interiors.Consider wood flooring that is casual and not overly shiny in it’s finish. Or, get an authentic feel, literally, with reclaimed barn wood, for example, for floors, cabinets, etc.
    Use wide wood trim such as pine planks around doors and windows.
    Bead board wainscoating is commonly found in farmhouse interiors, so use it generously where desired.
  • Furniture - continues the use of wood as an element, with farmhouse style dining tables, vintage storage cabinets and kitchen cabinetry with reclaimed wood faces.Comfortable upholstery is the choice here, with simple patterns and lines. Nothing overly ornate or fussy in farmhouse decorating, yet not too stark and cold, either. keep the fabric colors somewhat muted, with brighter accents here and there, but not overtaking the space.
    Use wood with a bit of iron (such an an iron bed or table base) to keep your upholstered pieces company.
  • Colors - are natural and not overly bright for most of the home’s decor. Think of the natural elements outdoors...earth tone browns and tans, soft greens, blues and yellows, shades of taupe...the interior of your farmhouse decor should be a continuation of the outdoors.
  • Collectables - are found in farmhouse style, but not in a cluttered and over-the-top way.
    • A vintage tea cup collection might be displayed in an open cupboard or kitchen cabinet that has had it’s door removed, but the little treasures are not found in every nook and cranny of the home. Use some restraint and remember that simple is good.

Read more about Farmhouse Decorating








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Color Personality

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Let's talk about Color Personality. What do the colors in your home say about you? There are some generally accepted interpretations of the effects different colors have on us and our environment. 

It's not a case of 'good' or 'bad', but rather understanding how the use of color in our homes can actually have an effect on our emotions.

There are two overall color classes - Warm Colors and Cool Colors

COLOR PERSONALITY - WARM COLORS:The color yellow reminds most of us of sunshine and heat. Red and orange can bring thoughts of fire. These are known as 'warm colors', and when used in our homes can give us 'warm' feelings.

Yellow This color can definitely bring a sunny disposition to a room or space in your home. There are some beautiful, soft yellow shades that create a warm feeling without being overpowering. The bright, true yellow that we think of with our crayolas can be overwhelming to some, so most of the time it's wise to opt for a toned-down shade.
Red A vibrant red is stimulating, exciting and is often used in restaurants and dining rooms as it can also stimulate the appetite! Red is a powerful, passionate color.
If you want the walls in your space to speak the loudest in your home decor plan, a shade of red will certainly accomplish that goal. Using red, or shades of red, as an accent color can give your space warmth and interest while being calmed down by the other, more predominant colors in the space.
Orange If you are looking for a friendly color that is a little less dramatic than red, think about using a shade of orange. It is a warm, happy color that invites us to enjoy our surroundings. The softest shades of orange can create a beautiful backdrop for a soothing yet welcoming space.

COLOR PERSONALITY - COOL COLORS Thoughts of the outdoors bring us to the cooler colors of blue, violet and green. These are peaceful and tranquil colors that remind us of landscapes and beautiful bodies of water.


Green Green is a color that works well in any room of our homes. I love using green because it brings the outdoors into my home, and, it is peaceful and calming. It's a great color for the bedroom. Whether soft and sweet or bold and beautiful, green brings out the best in us and our home!
Blue Another soothing and calming color is blue, which is why you'll find this color in the bedroom quite often. Mixed with shades of green, you can create a cool and relaxing environment in any room of your home.
Keep in mind that some say blue is not a good choice for the dining area as it may suppress the appetite...hmmm, maybe that's not all bad!
Violet This color may work well as an accent rather than the 'main event' in a room. The cool, calming effect comes as bright violet is toned down and becomes a very soft shade of violet, and that is when it can be the most beautiful.  

Read more about Color Personality

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Tuscan Style Kitchens

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4th in a series on Tuscan Decorating

 If your dream kitchen includes a large gathering table and chairs or benches to seat the entire family, warm sunshine streaming in through the windows with bold, warm, earthy colors throughout the space, natural elements including wood, tile and stone, you'll be thrilled and thoroughly satisfied with Tuscan kitchen design!

Tuscany style kitchens are strong yet welcoming, bold yet serene. How is this balance achieved? First, by selecting Tuscan kitchen colors, which include those found in nature: reds, burgandys, oranges,yellows, olive green, ivory, turquoise, deep purple,brown and black.

How you use these bold colors depends on your own decorating style and comfort. But know that you can comfortably place just about any of the colors (except black) described above on your walls and remain true to Tuscan kitchen colors and design.  

The bold colors will be balanced by the natural elements used such as tile, plaster, wood beams, stone and wood furniture, usually oak or pine.

Floors should be tile, stone or wood to most closely follow the Tuscan kitchen design (think of that old Italian kitchen in the country - you know, the one with the chickens strutting around the room and Grandma at the stove preparing the pasta!)

Natural lighting will influence your wall color, although you will want to make sure that you have numerous sources of lighting in your Tuscan kitchen design. Examples include an iron chandelier, under counter lighting, lighting above the cabinetry, brushed pewter lights,etc.

Accessories continue the colorful and bold theme of Tuscan design, and many times include pottery, pewter and copper pieces. Whether you have collected, inherited, antiqued or spent some time at the discount store, your Tuscan kitchen design will include these pieces. Themes and patterns will often include fruit, grapes in particular. Beautifully colored tiles, whether used as a back splash or decoratively, are also found in Tuscan style kitchen decor.

Above all, create a warm and inviting environment for the entire family to enjoy together, and you will have accomplished your Tuscan style kitchen design goal.

Read more about Tuscan Kitchen Design  
 

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Tuscan Bedroom Ideas

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3rd in a series on Tuscan Decorating

 
Tuscan bedroom ideas that will complement your authentic Tuscan decor as well as an updated, colorful Tuscany style bedroom. How are they different?
An authentically designed Tuscan bedroom maintains the simple, natural Tuscan country feel.

Look at the photo above:
  • The floors are tile in this photo, although a wood floor also would be appropriate. Throw rugs made from natural materials could certainly have a place here as well.

  • The walls are white (or cream), with minimal accessories.

  • The ceiling in this room is wood and beam. Other options would include wood beams on a stucco ceiling, or just plain unadorned ceiling.
  • The lighting is in keeping with the room, simple and functional. An iron base would work well, with a shade that is not too elaborate.Antiques are good; track lighting is out.

  • Bed linens and coverings are white or light colored and made of cotton. Almost every bed cover in Tuscan bedrooms is a Matelasse, which is a cotton jacquard fabric. 
  • The furniture is wood and iron with marble and tile accents. Although we can't see the headboard in this photo, it is most likely black wrought iron.   
  • Pictures and accessories are kept to a minimum, with family photos in metal/antique frames found in most in authentic Tuscan style bedrooms. Artwork will most often consist of botanical prints.
An updated Tuscan bedroom reflects some of the 'liberties' taken to create a more colorful and for some, comfortable, atmosphere. Read more about an updated Tuscan Bedroom

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HGTV's Design Star to Feature Tiny Houses on 9/5/11

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Do you know what a 'tiny house' is? Probably for some, the answer is yes and for others...'a tiny what?' 

Tiny Houses are very, very small structures that offer a complete livable home in them, sometimes with very custom finishes. The creator, Steve Weissman, has an entire collection of Tiny Houses available.

Because of their size, the budget is also much small than a conventional home.It is truly amazing how versatile and complete a Tiny House can be, as well as how people use them in their lifestyle. 

On Monday's episode of Design Star, the 3 remaining designers will compete to design a tiny house. Now THAT will be an interesting challenge!
 
 
Before Design Star airs on Monday, September 9th at 9 pm EST, the three Tiny Houses used in the project will be announced. So bookmark my blog and click on the link above to find out which houses will be featured. 

This should be fun!

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