Room dividers are becoming more and more popular. Though the current fashion is wide open living space is in, people still need their privacy at times. Room dividers can help give the living atmosphere that wide open feeling, and still be able to split things up a little and offer some needed partition to clearly define the separate areas of the home.

In a loft setting, the style of the room would most likely be more traditional than anything else. Many dividers offer classic styling that can offer an appearance of elegance to the living area, help divide things up, and unify with the modern feel of the room.

Another kind of room dividers are the folding ones. If you have someone stay over and you’re not at ease with them watching you sleep, a folding screen room divider can easily brought out and set up to give yourself a little privacy. When the guest leaves it can be folded up and put away just as easily as it came out.

If a room divider is always out in your living space and it can withstand the weight, why not hang some photographs on it? If the divider is looking a little large and obtrusive in the room, hanging art on it can help give the divider the feel of a wall, and help it blend in a little easier to the surroundings.

Room dividers would be a good idea for the kids’ room, especially if you have two children that tend to quarrel; this sets their boundaries without doubt and lets them know which side of the room is theirs and which side of the room is off limits.

These are just a few types of room dividers that are out there and some ideas of how to work them into your space.

James Hunt has spent 15 years as a professional writer and researcher covering stories that cover a whole spectrum of interest. Read more at http://www.room-dividers-central.info

If you ask most people to tell you about Mission Style lighting you are likely to be met with a blank stare and shrugged shoulders. But, if you ask these same people if they have ever heard of the Arts & Crafts Style, you are probably going to see a lot more recognize this term. The truth is, these terms are virtually synonymous.

Around the turn of the twentieth century in 1912, a little known Wisconsin architect by the name of Frank Lloyd Wright began developing his Prairie School architecture that would eventually set him on the path to world renown. The Prairie School architecture was really a slight variation on the Arts & Crafts—or Craftsman as it is also known—Style which had been developed by others a few years earlier.

Mission Style, as it is now known, is typified by exacting straight lines in rectangles and squares with an emphasis on woodwork. Mission Style lamps and light fixtures were constructed for use in modern applications such as gas and electric power sources. Typically made from brass or iron, these Mission Style lighting fixtures were constructed with square glass shades and square brass tubing. Fixtures of this particular style literally were made to match the architecture of the house contributing to a synergy between home and furnishings. Table and floor lamps of the Mission Style as it is now called were constructed with a simple elegance. It was not uncommon to see basic shapes forged out of iron and copper and linked to bulky chains in fixtures in the Mission Style. Lamps constructed with square wooden bases with simple but elegant glass shades were common in the time period. Basically, the characteristics inherent to this style were functionality, simplicity, and quality craftsmanship. Mission Style fixtures were not elegant in the classic sense but nor were they fragile and easily broken.

The popularity of the Arts & Crafts or Mission Style continued to grow until the early to mid 1930’s. After World War II, a surge in consumerism and a fickle taste in the culture contributed to the waning popularity of Mission Style lamps and lighting. This is not to say that the style ever truly disappeared from the design scene but it definitely took a back seat to the growing emergence of the Contemporary Style that began to take root after WWII which emphasized that function was paramount. This seems contradictory as functionality was a key component of Mission Style fixtures and design but the rustic appearance inherent to the Arts & Crafts Style could not compete with the smooth, flowing lines of contemporary designs nor the discounted prices of mass production and lower cost materials used by competing styles.

The resurgence of the Mission Style fixtures began slowly in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. The same features that first popularized the style helped it regain momentum. Most of all, though, it was the quality and hand-crafted appearance of Mission Style features that propelled the resurgence. So whether you want to call them Arts & Crafts, Craftsman, or Mission Style fixtures, they are back to stay and remain a classic of American design.

About The Author:
Pamela Tice is the owner of numerous lighting and home decor websites including Tiffany-Lamps-Store. Her store offers product and information about Mission Style Table Lamps and Mission Style Floor Lamps as well as other stained glass lighting designs and products to add beauty and richness to your home.

While walking through the woods, you may marvel at the wildflowers, but bringing home cut wildflowers from your walk in the woods may be impractical. A florist can use all the necessary skills and materials to create an arrangement of wild flowers that help bring nature indoors.

It is true that flowers in a florist’s shop aren’t really cut from the wild, but they do give that impression. A wild flower design usually comprises delicate small and fragile blossoms such as alstroemeria, freesia, yarrow, or crocosmia, enhanced by the slender stems of the scabiosa or lisianthus. Filler flowers such as Queen Anne’s lace, Monte Casino asters, or Misty Blue limonium give depth and texture while asparagus ferns and bear grass add an ethereal touch. You can make a wildflower arrangement in either a vase or basket.

Cut the stems on a diagonal with a knife and under water, prior to placing them. Singe the stem ends of the poppies so that they don’t lose sap and infect the water in the vase. To arrange the flowers, make a tall arrangement about 1.5 times the height of your vase. Begin with the tallest flowers—hydrangeas—and then add sunflowers. Keep the pot or vase loose but finely balanced.

Put the stems in place, letting the flowers fall naturally. Continue to add hydrangea till the arrangement takes shape. Now, intersperse the arrangement with wild flowers and poppies, singing their stem ends. Create a loose but nice shape with small filler flowers.

Flower Arrangements provides detailed information about flower arrangements, Christmas flower arrangements, dried flower arrangements, and more. Flower Arrangements is affiliated with Growing Hibiscus.

The world of antiques can be confusing. What’s the difference between an antique and collectible? Aren’t collectibles and memorabilia really the same thing? In this month’s column, I’ll de-mystify these terms, so that you’ll be appropriately armed for your next antique adventure.

Antique

Basically, an antique is something old that has value because of aesthetic or historical reasons. Generally, if a piece is over 100 years old, it is considered an antique. Although, I do know that some people use the 50-year mark for Canadian pieces; the rationale being that Canada is a young country relative to places such as Europe and Asia. However, I’m old fashioned and apply the 100-year definition to Canadian pieces.

Collectible

A collectible is something that is less than 100 years old that has value because of aesthetic or historical reasons. This term fills the gap for valuables that aren’t quite old enough to be an antique.

One category of collectible is items with intrinsic artistic merit. A stunning Art Deco table fits into this category. It was beautiful when it was made in the 1930s, is beautiful today and will still be beautiful when it hits the 100-year old mark.

A second category is mass-produced collectibles. Beanie Babies, trading cards and Hummel figurines fit into this category. They don’t necessarily have a lot of artistic merit. But manufacturers have created desirability by producing limited editions.

Another category is items associated with particular people. For example, anything worn by the Beatles or Elvis Presley is collectible.

Memorabilia

There is a difference between collectibles and memorabilia. Collectibles are things that are ornamental. They never served an utilitarian purpose. A piece of memorabilia served a particular purpose. Movie posters, sports programs, cameras, television sets and musical instruments are all examples of items that fall into this category. Movie posters were used to sell movies. Sports programs were used to communicate information. And, cameras, television sets and musical instruments all serve a function.

Martin Swinton owns Take-A-Boo Emporium located in Toronto, Canada. He has appeared on a variety of television programs; does furniture restoration; caning and rushing repairs; appraisals and has taught courses on antiques at the Learning Annex. Martin can be reached at http://www.takeaboo.com

There’s nothing like having a vase of fresh flowers at home every day. It can add a touch of elegance to your room and make you feel good. But if you must have flowers at home but can’t bear their cost, add a few fresh flowers to a range of plastic or silk flowers without frayed edges that look realistic. In the winter, add a little potpourri oil to the foam at the base of the vase and inhale the perfume of fresh flowers.

To make this type of arrangement yourself, you will need a pair of pliers to bend wire, a pair of wire cutters to cut stems, tape, wire, and foam, and floral tape.

Choose a wide container—a vase, basket, or bowl. Now, choose a holder to match the color of the room in which you wish to place it. Next, choose flowers proportionate to each other so that they blend with your blooms. Mingle together roses, chrysanthemums, peonies, lilies, carnations, and poppies. Intersperse ferns, eucalyptus, or ivy among the flowers.

Your flowers might tip over and fall, but don’t panic. Continue until your vase has a good mix of blooms. Now, half fill your vase with glass marbles matching the color of your arrangement. If you have chosen a basket, place green foam at the bottom to hold your flowers from falling over.

Get all the stems to a uniform length with wire cutters. If you have chosen to do a basket, fill the bottom of the basket with the green foam to keep the stems in place. Lastly, add a beautiful bow or ribbon to the handle of the basket.

Use a feather duster to dust your arrangement once a week. Alternatively, you invest in commercial spray cleaners.

Flower Arrangements provides detailed information about flower arrangements, Christmas flower arrangements, dried flower arrangements, and more. Flower Arrangements is affiliated with Growing Hibiscus.

Chairs crafted by Thomas Chippendale were dazzling examples of quality furniture in their day. Today, they remain extraordinary examples of antique furniture. Chippendale style, ball and claw and ladder backs, there’s lots to know. Here’s your guide to one of the world’s most celebrated chairs.

Who is He.

Thomas Chippendale (1714-1779) was an English furniture maker in the mid 18th century whose work was influenced by English, French and Chinese furniture design.

A Book Made Him a Household Name.

In 1754, Thomas Chippendale published the first of three editions of his book, Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director. It put him on the map. This illustrated directory showed examples of the furniture that Thomas Chippendale could make for his customers. Wealthy clients could see illustrated examples, pick out the designs that they liked which would be handcrafted in his workshop. At the time, Thomas Chippendale probably didn’t expect that this book would become so widely copied for so many years by other furniture makers. It continues to be used today.

A Claim to Fame.

Thomas Chippendale was the first non-reigning monarch to have a furniture style named after him. Before Thomas Chippendale, furniture styles were named after reigning Monarchs such as Louis XIV, George I, Queen Anne.

Chippendale versus Chippendale Style.

Anything made by Thomas Chippendale’s workshop in England is a Chippendale. Furniture made incorporating the features used by Thomas Chippendale is Chippendale-style. American Chippendale refers to Chippendale style furniture that was made in the US – mostly in Philadelphia.

Chippendale Style Particulars.

The style reflected elements of the Rococo, Chinese, Gothic and Noeclassical styles. Deep hand carving was prevalent. Common motifs were of shells, lions, masques, eggs, darts and scrolls.

Favorite Wood.

Mahogany was preferred choice of wood for Chippendale style furniture. Solid wood; not veneers was often used because of the detailed carving involved.

A Lesson in Legs.

There are six basic style – lion’s paw, ball and claw, the late Chippendale, the Marlborough, the club and the spade. Early Chippendale furniture used the cabriole leg which is a serpentine style ending with a lion’s paw, ball and claw or the club. The late Chippendale, Marlborough and spade were straight legs and appeared later in the period.

Seat Selection.

Chippendale style chairs were wood, upholstered or caned.

Chair Back Choice.

Upholstered, rail backs, ladder backs, rung back, splat backs, carved backs, ribband backs. The chair backs are one of the most definitive parts of the chair that typify the style. Ribband backs are carved to look like bow. Very few were made in the 18th century because it required expert craftsmen and was very time-consuming. And very few survived passed the 18th C. Most ribband back chairs around today were made in the 19th and 20th centuries.

What to Look for When Buying.

Look for original condition. Repairs and replacement lower the value. Actual pieces from Thomas Chippendale’s workshop are rare indeed. Make sure the provenance is strong documented when a dealer says it is a Thomas Chippendale versus a Chippendale style chair. Keep in mind that very few ribband back chairs survived from the 18th century. Be wary when someone tells you that they have one.

Reproductions Versus Antiques.

You can tell modern reproductions from the real thing by looking closely at the carving. Is it uniform in depth and symmetrical? If so, it’s a modern reproduction. Antique Chippendale’s would be hand carved which is irregular in depth and never exactly symmetrical because it’s virtually impossible for even a master artisan to achieve it.

Pricing.

Any Chippendale 18th century chair whether it was made by Thomas Chippendale himself or one of his contemporaries will cost several thousands of dollars. If it’s not in that price range, it’s most likely not 18th century. Even high quality modern reproductions can be pricey.

Martin Swinton owns Take-A-Boo Emporium located in Toronto, Canada. He has appeared on a variety of television programs; does furniture restoration; caning and rushing repairs; appraisals and has taught courses on antiques at the Learning Annex. Martin can be reached at http://www.takeaboo.com

Flower arrangement is an art that first originated centuries ago and traveled all over the world, taking different forms in different countries is now a part of our lives. Flower arrangements first appeared in Classical Greek and Roman times and went on to be defined as an art in Europe from the 14th –17th centuries before turning east to America, China, and Japan.

The principles of traditional flower arrangements are balance, harmony, proportion, and color. All flower arrangements, if done in the traditional style, must embody these principles. These designs are inherited from an earlier time and are said to be decorative and appealing to our senses of touch, smell, and color in their form, texture, and fragrance.

If you have a garden that you would like to use for arranging flowers, find a vase you would like to use and support it with a base to stick flowers into. Cut flowers from your garden early in the morning, as the stems contain more water in them than later in the day and won’t wilt as quickly, then synchronize the color of your flowers with your environment. Of course, with practice, you can do much more inventing as you go along.

Since flower arranging is an art, how your arrangement looks finally depends on its creator. You can custom design your flower arrangements to suit a variety of occasions such as a wedding, corporate event, anniversary, or birthday. You can also make flower arrangements from all kinds of materials such as fresh flowers, dried flowers, silk flowers, and paper flowers. You can dress up your life with well designed flower arrangements. Choose, innovate, and create the magic of flower arrangements for fun and style.

Flower Arrangements provides detailed information about flower arrangements, Christmas flower arrangements, dried flower arrangements, and more. Flower Arrangements is affiliated with Growing Hibiscus.

If you like clean, simple, oak furnishings, you’re likely an Arts & Crafts aficionado. In this month’s column, we’ll talk about the history, the early champions and the variety of disciplines within the Arts & Crafts movement.

Sometimes, you’ll hear the terms Arts & Crafts and Mission used interchangeably. The English call the movement Arts & Crafts and the American’s call it Mission. They’re both talking about the same thing.

History

The Arts & Crafts period (circa 1850 -1930s) developed in reaction to the Victorian era that preceded it. The late 19th century saw the dawn of the Industrial Revolution. The mass produced merchandise resulting from assembly line production was distressing to artisans who continued to value individually, hand crafted, quality items. These artisans advocated a return to simple, well made items. The movement encompassed not just furniture but also architecture, ceramics, metal work, wallpaper and stain glass. Brown, green, black, yellow tones were prevalent across all fields; as was an emphasis on quality workmanship. There were many Arts & Crafts artisans. William Morris, Gustav Stickley and Frank Lloyd Wright are the most known. Today reproductions continue to be sold by a variety of retailers.

William Morris

Britain’s William Morris (1834 – 1896) is one the earliest champions of the movement. Morris and a group of likeminded artisans started Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. Later the company was renamed Morris & Co. The company produced work in a number of areas including architecture, stain glass, fabric, ceramics and wallpaper. Morris’ marital home Red House, designed by Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co., is one of earliest examples of Arts & Crafts architecture.

Because Morris is one of the forefathers of the movement, it’s not surprising that anything made by him is highly collectible and valuable. His finest work is now found only in museums. Anything made by Morris is usually stamped “Morris & Co.”

Gustav Stickley

In the United States, the movement developed around the 1870s with furniture maker Gustav Stickley (1857 –1942) and his family leading the way. In 1900, this New York state based architect and designer introduced his Craftsman line of furniture. The company continues to produce furniture today. In 1997, Barbra Streisand, a pre-eminent collector of Arts & Crafts furniture sold a Gustav Stickley sideboard for $596,500 (USD) in a Christie’s auction.

Frank Lloyd Wright

American Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) was instrumental to the Arts & Crafts movement. He is most well known for his work as an architect and was generally commissioned to design a home and all of its furniture. His work rarely comes up for sale and commands a very high price when it does appear. The residential home, Fallingwater and the Guggenheim Museum in New York are two of his most famous architectural works.

Furniture

The furniture of this period is solidly constructed simple furniture that frequently was made of quarter sawn oak and ash wood. Rush seating is prevalent. Spindle-back and sides, horizontal and vertical slat-back and sides are customary design elements. Upholstery is often done in green, brown or black leather. Because this furniture is so well constructed, you’ll see antique pieces receiving regular use today.

Ceramics

Potters also reacted against the mass produced wares of Victoria era. Craftsmen began to create ceramics influenced by the graceful Japanese style of the Aesthetic movement. New types of glazes and more creative forms opened up new avenues to potters. In North America, the Arts & Crafts movement led to a fundamental change in the perception of ceramics. Up until this period, ceramics were perceived as utilitarian, not decorative. The new wealthy class could afford to splurge on superfluous decorative objects. Design subjects often included flowers, dragons, flora and fauna and were commonly applied in brown, yellow, green glazes.

Metalwork

The move to hand crafted workmanship affected artisans who worked with silver, brass, pewter and copper. Companies such as Liberty & Co. and Tiffany & Co. produced pieces using hand and machine production methods. Characteristics include hammered surfaces and green or brown enamels.

Martin Swinton owns Take-A-Boo Emporium located in Toronto, Canada. He has appeared on a variety of television programs; does furniture restoration; caning and rushing repairs; appraisals and has taught courses on antiques at the Learning Annex. Martin can be reached at http://www.takeaboo.com

Furniture trends today are not so different than furniture trends yesterday. Changes are never dramatic. The latest furniture trends are mainly about accessorizing than making complete changes.

Due to economic downturns, trends in furniture and design today are conservative. Nothing much has changed; there have been no dramatic new statements made, no bold changes in the philosophy of color and style. This basically means that all the current trends in furniture today remain essentially the same, with only some new arrivals.

What is the overriding style statement in furniture trends today can be summarized in one word: global. Taking into account influences from all over the world, furniture trends today are more flexible than ever, and also, much more simple. Taking international influences from every continent - Asia, Australia, Europe, Africa, America - furniture trends today speak an international language.

The international trends in furniture express themselves in the use of every global trend from country sophistication to tropical luxury. Animal prints have been back in style for a while now. From leopard to cheetah, skin looks can be used with antique and contemporary furniture pieces. Anything goes here.

Leather has always been and still is one of the most popular choices for upholstery, and these days, leather is especially stylish when used in collaboration with fabric. Today, leather is often used in smaller doses, as an accent on wooden and fabric pieces.

In all cases, furniture trends today support the mixed media expression. Wood is mixed with fabric, or metal, or even glass. But mixed expression transcends the classical. You’ll find that every sort of exotic material - stone, coconut shells, crushed bamboo, even fossil stones - can be used.

Furniture trends today are subtle, but exciting style statements.

Dylan Miles, journalist, and website builder, lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.furnituretrendstoday.com on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.

Many people cannot immediately identify why they may like or dislike a particular room or interior. Proper lighting and illumination is the single most critical factor in designing a pleasing interior environment. A successful lighting design is pleasing to the eye, focuses attention on key room features and eliminates shadows and "hot spots". There are several lighting applications that can be used to meet specific lighting needs or to achieve a desired special effect.

GENERAL or AMBIENT LIGHTING refers to an even overall level of light provided to make a room or space comfortable and safe for its intended use. Recessed lighting is very popular as a general lighting source. Recessed lighting may be in the form of 3" to 8" diameter "can" type fixtures consisting of a "trim" and a "housing.” Recessed "trims" are the visible portion of the recessed light fixture and are available in hundreds of styles and colors to control the spread of light, reflect the light and/or match a particular decor or theme. The "housing" is the actual enclosure that is installed into the attic and connected to the power system. Different housings are available for new construction and remodel construction where attic access is difficult. Where recessed lighting may be in contact with building insulation, an "IC" rated housing is required to prevent a potential fire hazard. In may office environments, general lighting is provided in the form of luminous fluorescent ceiling panels.

TASK LIGHTING typically refers to the higher level of light provided on work areas such as kitchen islands, countertops and desks. Additional light is directed to these areas using recessed, track or pendant fixtures. Concealed under-cabinet lighting is also frequently used by lighting designers to provide task illumination without seeing the source (fixture). Fixtures with either low or line-voltage halogen or xenon bulbs provide a whiter, warmer light than fluorescent under-cabinet lighting. 5 watt xenon or halogen lamps spaced 6 inches apart are suitable for most task lighting purposes where the fixture is within 24" of the work surface. Whether recessed, track or under-cabinet style, low voltage halogen or xenon lighting fixtures are smaller than line voltage lighting but require a transformer to change the voltage from 120 volt to 12 volt. The transformer is included inside many low voltage fixtures but is also sometimes separate depending on the particular fixture and style.

ACCENT LIGHTING. To be effective, accent lighting should be approximately four times the level of ambient (background) light in an area. Focusing light on an "accented object" or "area" draws attention to a picture, vase or other focal point. Here again. Halogen lighting type fixtures provide a whiter, brighter appearance than standard incandescent or fluorescent type fixtures. The selected fixture should be directional, either a swivel or gimbal type fixture to aim the light exactly where it is needed. Adjustable surface mount fixtures, track fixtures and even recessed style fixtures are available with "aimability" in mind. For a dramatic museum-type effect, some fixtures can include a focusing lens for pinpoint accuracy. The "Lighting Illumination" PDF attached to this file is a good guide for estimating the illumination or brightness of various bulb types and wattages.

WALL WASHING is a type of Accent Lighting that creates an area of uniform illumination that may desirable for a series of photos or artwork. Wall Washing reduces the texture of the wall surface. Often the reflected light can create ambient light in the remainder of the room that is pleasing and restful. WALL GRAZING is opposite from Wall Washing in that it creates a dramatic highlight and shadow effect on surfaces such as draperies, stone or brick. Ceiling light fixtures for Wall Grazing are placed closer to the wall than Wall Washing in order to highlight the three-dimensional effect.

DISPLAY LIGHTING consists of small low voltage lighting fixtures to illuminate cabinets displaying keepsakes, ornaments, dinnerware etc. Many under-cabinet fixtures (as described above) are suitable for display lighting. Small space xenon fixtures used on a "Mini" or "Linear" track have unparalleled design flexibility. Tiny fixtures may be spaced anywhere along the track making it possible to create an even distribution or highlight task areas. Lamp choices from 3W to 20W allow illumination levels from a subtle glow to a brilliantly lit area. A "Light Baffle" often serves as a holder for the track and as a visual shield, concealing the halogen or xenon bulbs. An innovative use of the baffle is as a rigid support, such as spanning the edge.

COVE LIGHTING gives a room a more open appearance by illuminating the perimeter of the room where the walls meet the ceiling. A large crown mold or soffit is built around the perimeter of the room providing a concealed space for a continuous halogen or xenon track lighting. Cove lighting looks best with a smooth, even wash of light. Fixtures should be placed at least 4" from the wall with 6" to 9" being ideal to minimize scalloping. The ceiling height above the lamps should be not more than twice the distance from the wall. The lamp spacing and wattage will depend on distance and brightness level desired. For a medium light level, a good starting point is with 5-watt lamps spaced 6" on center, with a track spaced 6" from the wall and 10" from the ceiling. From this reference point you can design the light level up or down as desired. A room with a dark ceiling, or a brightly lit room may need a higher light level.

Lighting that is thoughtfully considered can make a world of difference and will be an improvement that lasts for many years. Many home improvement stores include sample displays of the various lighting systems and fixtures mentioned above. As with most appliances and electronics, there is a wide variety in the quality of lighting fixtures available. Be sure your purchase is from reputable well known company with fixtures that are either UL or ETC listed. There are numerous online retailers that offer name brand fixtures delivered to your door at very competitive prices.

Brian Starr is the owner of IPN Lighting.com ( http://www.ipnlighting.com ). His company is an authorized retailer of WAC Lighting products, including transformers, dimmers, low voltage pendant glass, linear systems, surface mounts, and lights.