Whatever you do with your windows, being in direct line of sight, it is going to get your attention. Use it to create a mood, make a statement, or focus a view. Take great care in dressing it, but at the end of the exercise, it should look like there was no fuss at all !! That is the trick.

Plan ahead.Think about your window treatment when you are renovating/constructing. Do not leave it till the last moment where it ends up looking like an afterthought. The best way to complement a good curtain treatment is the use of light. Natural light, table lamp, floor lamps, wall/ceiling fixtures (well, even candles work just as well, if you want to be really creative !!) They work to enhance the setting, and you can keep different options, to create different moods.

The window treatment should complement the design and décor in the room, and not stand out like a sore thumb. Think of your windows as a canvas. What you put on that canvas is up to you. Forget patterns and prints( unless they are really bold and defiant) , use colour and detailing instead. Concentrate on the texture and drape of the fabric. Be creative. Use painting, block printing and embroidery techniques to create a curtain/blind that is yours and yours alone.

If someone walks into your house, sees the curtains/blinds and remarks, “ That’s interesting !” , you know you have hit the nail on the head.

THE MASTER BEDROOM

The room where you are likely to spend the maximum time in your home. The décor should be something that you would not tire of easily and should bring comfort and warmth. It should also reflect your personality, because of all the rooms in the house, the bedroom speaks the most about who you really are !

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In the example shown in the pic, the couple wanted something formal but simple. Conservative yet modern. Something that would create style, but not too much drama. Colour was out. Which left us with detailing. The simple drapes with a pleated heading and embroidered borders in the Greek Key motif are hung from ceiling height on a drapery pole. Ceiling height curtains make the room look grand.The full height of the wall is used to make the room look bigger and pulls the eye upwards.

A simple drapery pole in copper finish with nice ends stress the elegance of form. Hardware is an important feature of contemporary design and the variety of options allow for a lot more flexibility.

The fabric is a textured dull gold silk fabric with an excellent drape that focuses on style without fuss. A heavy drape with good pleats is an important aspect of curtain fabrication. The embroidery motif in olive green adds just the appropriate amount of detailing.

If the view from the window is good, use the lightest sheer that keeps away the direct glare of sunlight. On the other hand, if you have a bit of an eyesore to deal with( which is usually the case in the cities we live in), or another building facing your window, then a textured stripe or check sheer would work best. It gets you the light, and keeps everything else away.

In this case a semi-sheer check in three tones is used for the roman blinds that have a dual purpose Firstly, the fabric allows the light to filter in while providing the necessary privacy and hiding the view of the neighbouring house. Secondly, the blinds make the room look more spacious and are in line with the minimalist décor.

The fabrics are in tones of olive, dull gold, off white and beige that complement the cherry wood finish. The bedspread coordinates with the drapes and accentuates the individuality of the room. A coordinated bedspread is the perfect companion to a well thought out window treatment in a bedroom. As long as all the elements in the room from the furniture to the fabrics look like they get along, your room is a beautiful place to be. When one is out of place, it is a visual nightmare.

THE DINING ROOM

It is not just the food that is going to score points out here ( if your culinary skills are not that great, then working on the décor is absolutely essential !). If you are inviting your girlfriend/boyfriend, entertaining your boss, or having a small get together of friends; the dining room will work to impress.

Since dining rooms usually have heavy furniture and few accessories, the window treatments should make a statement and bring some colour into the room. The style of the furniture, the flooring, wood finish and wall colour would dictate the window treatment to a large extent. To create a feeling of warmth and luxury, use warm tones.

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A dining area would generally have just one window.In this picture, we have a formal dining area that needs to make a statement of understated elegance.The dining table and sideboard are in a deep walnut matt finish, which is offset by the burnt stripe fabric used on the blinds. The diamond border in 4 colours on a soft apricot silk brings in the detailing. The sheers are an off-white self-stripe that add to the warmth of the room.

The double blind system makes the relatively small dining room appear larger and the valance dresses it up and gives it a formal touch. The apricot silk valance has embroidered borders that coordinate with the blinds and is casually draped over an antique bronze drapery pole. This makes it look contemporary while retaining the luxurious feel.

Dining room windows should have colours that are inviting. Warm tones are better for rooms with less light and/or dark wood finish, and cool summer colours are a perfect complement to the lighter wood finishes and bright well-lit rooms.

If you are using curtains then ensure that you have them drop from the maximum height possible to create a feeling of subtle opulence. A great view is best framed using a sheer fabric in pastel or summer tones in a heavy pleated drape.

Coordinated table linen to complement the window treatments is the ace in your pocket. Most people pay no attention to that at all. The ones that do, always get compliments for it. It is a detail that always catches the eye. (And sometimes, makes up for a not-so-impressive main course !!)

STYLE WITHOUT FUSS TREATMENTS

Modern décor puts an emphasis on lines. A curtain well done will accentuate the desirable architectural features and camouflage the shortcomings in the interior.

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In the example shown,a fabric in a neutral tone as close to the wall colour as possible is used to ensure that one can keep the curtains drawn all day. A simple textured fabric is used with blackout lining in this entertainment area that is also a bedroom. The lining keeps the light out so as not to obstruct television viewing during the day.

A little drama is brought in with a six-inch band of suede fabric in deep forest green. The suede fabric acts as a heading and makes the room look contemporary. Why suede ? Well, it looks terribly hip !!! The eyelet drapes keep it simple, while the chrome finish rod coordinates perfectly with the walnut and stainless steel cabinetry, bed and chairs in the room.

Often, a contrast fabric used on the heading or along the length of the drapes is the best way to create the necessary embellishment, without interfering with the modern décor. The borders can be plain or with eyelets that have a sash running through it in a third colour that makes it look even funkier. A formal look would just require a bit of appliqué on the borders with a small beaded fringe. The colours used in the border could be an offset in a bright colour or it could be a tone on tone depending on whether you want to bring some excitement in, or create an understated elegance.

Did you notice the coordinated fabric made-to-order for the chairs ? Or the floor cushions ? Small details. Big effect !!!

BLINDS INSTEAD OF DRAPES

By and large, unless it is a living or dining room, master bedroom or large French windows, blinds are generally a better option. They keep the look simple and the need to use full-length curtains is reserved for formal areas. Bedrooms that have half-size windows, are ideal for blind concepts.

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A blind does not have to be just one flat piece of fabric. There are a whole host of opportunities to exercise one’s creativity. One such possibility is the fan design that brings out the existing window feature and turns the window into a picture frame.

The stripe fabric brings in a lot of colour and is ideal for this particular design. The pastel green combined with a deep rust, peach and beige complement the natural teak furniture.

The tab top design allows for the use of a pole as an added feature. This one in a bronze finish has some interesting ends that serve as an embellishment. The blinds are kept half raised to allow the light to streaming in to serve as a backdrop for the fan.

The bedspread in matching colours makes an otherwise small and non-descript room look warm and inviting.

PUBERTY–THE SUBTLE TRANSITION

The posters come off but the spunk should still be there !! A boys’ room should generally have bold colours, and depending on the age, should reflect their personality and taste in some way. This boy’s favorite colours are blue and yellow. As is evident !

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The golden cedar furniture offsets the blue and yellow used on the blinds. The cotton fabric keeps it informal and the check design has been created using two plain fabrics and stitching them together in a patchwork design.

A cross-stitch detail in metal thread gives it a contemporary feel. The blinds have a tab top heading with yellow buttons, fitted on a nickel finish rod with cedar finials.

The blind concept has been repeated inversely on the bedspread thereby tying in the concept with the furniture and décor. Generally cotton fabric works best in a boy’s room as they come in bright colours and do not look formal. They are also cheaper and thus easy to re-do in another colour/design when the person gets bored of the style or grows out of the concept, as they often do.

TEENAGE QUEEN

The drama of youth wants to blend with the sophisticated elegance of adulthood. How much drama and what amount of elegance will do ?

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A girl’s bedroom is one place where colour and vibrancy are required. A bright paint finish in blue behind the bed draws the eye to the main wall in the room. The two windows in the room, a small one next to the bed, and a larger one next to it, allow a lot of natural light to filter in. The view of the lawn is unobstructed as the blinds are kept to the side all day. A plain organza in white with embroidery in a tone on tone all over pattern, allows for privacy without blocking the view. In fact, the lush greenery serves as a perfect backdrop for the delicate work on the sheer blinds.

To achieve that funky look the main blinds are fitted on vertical wooden slats which is give it a horizontal operation as opposed to the normal vertical one. The slats are fitted into the chrome finish hooks on the wall spaced at regular intervals. The chrome rings that fit into the hooks make the blinds look ultra-modern while keeping the basic operation very simple. Mostly they are hanging on the side with the folds overlapping vertically instead of horizontally.

The soft beige and bright red suede fabric on the main blinds give a feeling of luxury. The two fabrics have been stitched together in alternating blocks interlined to ensure the joints are not visible. This particular design is unusual not only in its design but also in its operation. It adds to the modern décor in the room, while keeping with the essential simplicity of form.

The bedcover with a linear hand-stitched design acts a foil to this style of décor and keeps the grandeur balanced with simplicity. A perfect complement to a 16 year old who would like a room to be bright and vibrant without looking too girlish, and yet bring in the element of femininity. Lots of drama, very subtle execution.

Rekha I Nambiar is an interior designer based in New Delhi,India. She runs her own business in interiors,furniture and furnishings.She is also a consultant for all sourcing related to home furnishings,furniture and interior design in India.

Her work may be viewed at http://www.idi-home.com

Her blog is http://www.thedecoratinghub.com

Buying bedroom furniture can be an exciting time; unfortunately if you have not shopped for bedroom furniture in awhile or this is your first time to buy bedroom furniture on your own you may not be well versed in the many different kinds of bedroom furniture available.

Confusion about bedroom furniture often arises in the different sizes of beds and mattresses available. The twin or single bed is about the smallest type of bed on the market and while manufacturers differ in the sizes slightly, the standard twin or single size bed measures 39” x 74.” If you need a twin or single bed that is slightly wider and longer you might consider the size known as the super single; which measures 48” x 84.” The old fashioned or full bed also known as the double bed is measured at 54” x 74”. This is the kind of bed that you commonly see in standard hotel rooms. A queen size bed measures at 60” x 70” although you can purchase what is known as the California queen bed, a size that comes in longer than the regular queen bed at 60” x 84.” The next size up in bedroom furniture is the king size bed measuring 76” x 80” while the California king size bed measures 70” x 84.”

When shopping for new bedroom furniture, you will also need to be aware that there are very different types of furniture and beds. For example, you can get a standard bed or you might think about purchasing a water bed. Today, adjustable comfort level beds are also very popular and a wise choice if you have a sleep partner who prefers a different firmness level than you.

If you happen to be shopping for childrens bedroom furniture, today there are many different styles and designs on the market that will actually change to accommodate the growing needs of your child. These styles often start out as cribs that will convert to toddler beds and beyond. The bed that your child sleeps in as a baby can now be the same bed that they sleep in when they go off to college. While these styles are more expensive, they are definitely a good investment when considered over the duration.

Regardless of the type and style of bedroom furniture that you ultimately decide to purchase it’s a good idea to take your time when shopping. Making a hasty decision when purchasing bedroom furniture often leads to regrets later, as well as many poor nights of sleep.

Matthew Anthony has contributed several furniture related articles to sites such as bedroom furniture.

Natural gas is on the rise. It is predicted to double in cost this year. Are you afraid to use your gas fireplace because you know those gas logs don’t throw enough heat? Are you frustrated because the gas logs are downright ugly when they aren’t burning? And now you won’t use them because you can’t stand to waste the natural gas? Let’s face it. Traditional gas fireplace logs are inefficient. Let me explain why.

First, much of the gas burns behind the logs. You don’t see most of the flame and you don’t feel the radiant heat from it. In order to see a good deal of flame, you must turn the gas much higher than just an idle. In doing so, you are burning more gas than you should. This also presents an additional problem. By-products, mainly in the form of soot are produced. Not enough oxygen can combine with the natural gas to completely burn it up. Remember the days when cars were not equipped with catalytic converters? Remember driving down the road and smelling the exhaust of the cars around you? That is the smell of gasoline not being completely burned. The catalytic converter solved that problem. It gets very hot and helps to burn any leftover gasoline before it exits your exhaust system. Fireplaces are like cars without catalytic converters. Soot and other by-products are produced when natural gas is not completely burned.

Secondly, gas fireplace logs have some fill underneath them that is supposed to look like ash from a wood burning fireplace. That fill substance is usually crushed lava rock. Lava rock neither retains nor radiates heat. No doubt, you have seen countless styles of heaters on the market. Whether electric, natural gas, kerosene or propane, they all share a common feature (with the exception of a few radiator-style heaters). The heaters all have reflective surfaces around the heating element to better radiate heat into your room. Those heaters do not have a lava rock lining around the heating element. Manufacturers know that a reflective surface is the best surface for throwing radiant heat.

Thirdly, the gas logs themselves do not help to drive radiant heat into the room. The logs do retain heat, but the surface of them (made to look like bark on a tree) is certainly not reflective. The surface of the logs is usually very rough and starts getting covered with soot the first time they are used. The soot further inhibits the logs from radiating heat.

In summary, gas fireplace logs are sold because some people would like to see a fire that mimics what a real wood fire looks like. Often, manufacturers don’t take into account that consumers are only getting half the benefit of having a fire if it’s only visual, but lacks the heat advantage.

Carl Herkes – Owner of ExoticFlames.com and GlassFlames.com shares his knowledge.

Begin your written plan by choosing one room to start with. This helps keep you and your budget focused on the project. Which not only guarantees it’s completion, it’s going to save you money. Why? Remember impulse buying, well it’s less likely to occur if you’ve planned and written down items specifically for that one room.

Think about it this way; You go to the grocery store without a list, what happens? Everything looks good, so you end up buying extra things you do not need and probably forget a few essential items.

Tip: A large notebook or blank writing journal will help make this process easier. This will come in handy for jotting down ideas, measurements, color choices, keeping track of purchases even drawing out a layout of your room. Also, if your purchasing any large items furniture, lighting, carpet etc. this is a good place to keep track of stores that carry things you’ve seen and the prices.

Now that you have chosen the room, the next step is to think about how the room is used. Sound like a strange thought, well not really. This will determine the direction your decorating goes in.

For Example: Lets say your looking to make changes in your living room. Is this the main area used for entertaining, family gatherings or watching TV and movies? Do you have children with friends hanging out at your home. How about pets, are they normally in here with you?

Sound like home, if so than practical, less fussy is the direction to go. There are endless ways to make your room function well and still have great style.

A few ideas might include:

1) Durable easy clean fabrics, like removable, washable slipcovers

2) Baskets or plastic stacking crates are perfect for remotes,

3) DVD’S, CD’s and games. This makes for easy pick up at the end of the day, or when company suddenly shows up.

4) Possibly fewer pieces in the room, giving you more floor space.

Tip: Look for pieces that will serve double duty. Many ottomans today have build in storage, do you get extra seating plus some place to stash things quick.

5) Large floor pillows for TV or movie watching (kids, for some reason love laying on the floor).

6) If space permits, a table and chairs for playing games, doing craft or homework projects.

7) Washable latex paint for easy clean up.

The final step is to be realistic about your list of changes. Choose things that fit comfortably into your current budget, overtime more things can be done. So for right now, just remember, simple savvy changes can make a big difference

This article is shareware. Give this article away for free on your site, or include it as part of any paid package as long as the entire article is left intact including this notice. Copyright © 2005 Bonnie Carrier

Bonnie P. Carrier is the creator of Savvy Home Decorating & Savvy Outdoor Decorating. She is the mother to two grown daughters and a very spoiled 4yr old Blue Merle Sheltie named Toby. Stop by both site for indoor and outdoor decorating ideas. http://www.savvy-home-decorating.com

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These days kitchen décor comes in all colors, sizes and eras. One fun way to decorate your kitchen is with a bit of 1940’s nostalgia. Painted cabinets, glass knobs, and vintage linens combined with new appliances that have a retro look can give you a unique and functional kitchen.

You can get a great 1940’s look without spending a bundle and still be able to fill your kitchen with some nice collectibles. Here’s some ideas on how you can get a 1940’s look in your kitchen.

Colors

Some popular colors from this era include jadeite and a red and white theme. You can find plenty of vintage accents to fill your kitchen for either one of these color schemes. Why not start a collection of jadeite that you can display in open cabinets as well as use for dishware? You can jazz the place up with vintage wooden handle gadgets that are painted jadite and cream. If you are going for the red and white theme, there are plenty of red vintage kitchen ware gadgets out there and vintage linens can really perk up the place. Another advantage of the red and white theme is you can also add in a fruit theme on top of it like apples or strawberries.

I would leave the walls a neutral color - white of off white so that it does not detract from all your great accessories. Linoleum flooring in a checkerboard pattern would be perfect. Some color coordinated throw rugs can add a bit of color to the floor and pull it all together.

Lighting

Simple lighting is best. You can buy vintage ceiling lights and wall sconces if you want a really authentic look. Of course you’ll want to make sure you have enough task lighting so some modern lights will have to be worked in. I suggest you make them as subtle as possible so they don’t look out of place.

Window Treatments

Use vintage curtains for your windows. You can buy them with complimentary colors and great patterns. If you can’t find curtains make some out of vintage dish towels or tablecloths - you can buy tablecloths that have stains in 1 area pretty cheaply and then just use the good area for the curtains! If you are going with a red and white 1940’s kitchen decorating theme, you might want to pick either cherries or apples as a secondary theme and look for curtains with those fruits in the motif.

Furniture

Glass knobs will really jazz up your furniture and cabinets and add an authentic vintage look. If you have painted cabinets in either white or cream, try the green glass knobs. Your table and chairs should either be a chrome vintage style dinette (you can buy these new and you can still get vintage ones as well), or a vintage wooden style table with enamel top. If you can’t find either of these, you can buy any type table and hide it with a vintage tablecloth.

Accessories

Accessories for 1940’s style kitchens can be found in antique malls as well as bought brand new. Soften up the room by hanging vintage tablecloths and tea towels around. Chrome appliances go well with this look as do the retro style appliances you can buy brand new these days. And don’t forget the vintage breadbox and canisters - every kitchen had them on the counter and you can choose from chrome or enamel in cream and green, or red and white to complete your look.

Lee Dobbins is the owner of A Kitchen Decorating Idea where you can get more ideas on how to decorate your kitchen on a budget .

Have you been in a craft store or maybe gone to a fair and noticed booths filled with home made crafts such as embellished wreaths or pretty decorated boxes and thought it might be fun to make something like that.

Well it is fun, and it’s a lot easier than you may think. However, lets first start by talking a little about the advantages to making your own craft projects.

One is the cost factor, for example in most instances it is less expensive to make your own decorative wreath than purchasing one already completed.

Another savings is with the materials; many can be used for numerous projects. For instance a bottle of paint or a jar of decoupage glue even a yard of fabric can go along way.

This is another way that becoming a savvy home decorator really pays off.

Another big plus is the gratification and pride you will feel by taking something you have made and using it as an accessory in your home.

Looking for a new idea? The next time you are flipping through a magazine and you stop to look at a picture, examine the entire picture not just what the caption on the bottom is primarily focused on.

For example,what’s hanging on the walls, is there a bookcase or hutch and if so what kind of objects have been placed on them. If you see something that catches your eye, try making it your self.

Tip: One thought to remember, if you do happen to find something you like, don’t get discouraged thinking you have to duplicate it exactly as you see it. In fact by making changes, you’ve personalized it and really made it your own.

The goal here is to help inspire your creativity and to give making your own craft projects a try and once you have, to then continue having fun with them.

This article is shareware. Give this article away for free on your site, or include it as part of any paid package as long as the entire article is left intact including this notice. Copyright © 2005 Bonnie Carrier

Bonnie P. Carrier is the creator of Savvy Home Decorating & Savvy Outdoor Decorating. She is the mother to two grown daughters and a very spoiled 4yr old Blue Merle Sheltie named Toby. Stop by both site for indoor and outdoor decorating ideas. http://www.savvy-home-decorating.com

http://www.savvyhomedecorating.com

If your back to school shopping includes outfitting a new dorm room, you’ll find unique accessories for your decorating at online bargain shopping sites. Whether you’re looking for the perfect floor lamp or an unusual wall accent, you’ll find what you’re looking for at prices that won’t strain your budget when you shop online.

Let’s be real here. Dorm rooms are meant to be utilitarian. They’re designed to be convenient and impersonal, because it’s most economical to build them that way. You, however, are not impersonal, and there’s no reason that you should live in a cubicle that has about as much flavor as a slice of white bread. And the architects who design most college dorms take that into account as well. While your dorm room may be a bland, one-size-fits-all box, the designers of most modern dorms do make an effort to make them easy to personalize with accessories and wall furnishings.

That desire of yours to personalize your bland living space hasn’t escaped the notice of the big retailers, either. Take a ride out to your local Wal-Mart or Target store, and you’ll find entire departments devoted to dorm room furnishing - at prices that they tell you are bargains. The problem is - you’re shopping at the exact same store for the exact same products that everyone else at your school is buying. If you’re looking for a way to make your dorm room reflect YOU, turn off the ignition and turn on your computer.

Start with the basics - your bed. A quick Google search for ‘closeout bedding’ will pull up a whole raft of online closeout shopping sites where you can pick up those comfy jersey sheets that retail for $25 at the bargain price of $12 or less. Or pick up a whole bed set for less than the price you’d pay for a single fitted sheet in a local shopping mall. You’ll find brand names like Wamsutta and Dan River at deep discounts that leave you more money for movies.

How about wall accessories? Type in ‘closeout home goods’ or ‘discount wall accessories’ to find the best prices on posters, wall hangings and wall decor that will turn your bland room into a personal statement. At the low, low cheap prices you’ll find at discount shopping web sites, you can afford to get outrageous with your decorating - how about an entire set of matching comic book covers in glass frames? You can do it for less than $10.

What would your dorm room be without a great sound system? Electronics are one of the hottest selling categories on online discount sites. You’ll find complete stereo systems for $50, CD players for $15 and DVD players for $25 and less. With those savings, you’ll have enough leftover to join Netflix for a never-ending supply of the latest movies.

Whatever your taste, shopping online discount wholesalers is a smart way to use your back to school decorating budget. Before you spend a single cent on personalizing your dorm room, fire up your computer and take a slow ride on the shopping superhighway. You’ll find everything you need at prices that free up your money for more important things - like those concert tickets you just have to have.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Visit this Shopping - General Website and Majon’s Shopping - General directory.

Why is planning home decorating projects important? Let’s start by asking the following question.

What do the following have in common?

1) Boxes of odds & ends collecting dust in the basement

2) Bags of discarded curtains, bedspreads and pillows in the attic

3) Half empty paint cans stacked against a wall in the garage

It could mean you have a hard time parting with anything, however, in this case all these point to decorating attempts gone astray.

Let me continue with a short story:

“The Discovery” Once upon a time there was a very cluttered basement. Over the years the occupants of the home had done nothing but toss things down there. When it finally became obvious that the only way to get from one side to the other was with the use of a road map, Mom decided it was time to clean house.

As she began going through the numerous boxes and after opening an infinite number of storage bags, she began to realize that one particular phrase was continually being repeated, “Why did I buy this”. After what seemed like an eternity in the basement, she moved on to check other parts of the house.

What she discovered probably could have been used in a Steven King novel, the abandoned items in the basement has multiplied and had taken up residence in every out of the way space they could find. There were signs of them in all the closets, cupboards, under the beds even in the garage.

After giving it some thought, it became apparent that this was a case of Impulse Buying. Now don’t worry there is a cure, it’s called Planning, and it’s really easy to learn.

Mom has since recovered from the dreaded impulse buying bug, has had a large tag sale and now before she goes out the door on any new decorating adventures, she arms herself with a Written Plan.

This family and their home now live happily ever after. “The End”…

Ok, this may have sounded silly, but I think you’ve gotten the idea. At one time or another we’ve all done this. Been out shopping, spot something and say “Oh, this is really cute” then without fail it come home with us.

But, nine times out of ten it ends up put away because it’s either the wrong color, turns out there is no where to put it or it just doesn’t go with anything.

This is why by taking the time to make a Written Plan, you’ll save yourself time and money by not falling prey to the dreaded impulse buying bug.

Then, the happy ending at the conclusion of the story will be yours.

p.s. the facts in the story above are true and the Mom, well, that was me.

This article is shareware. Give this article away for free on your site, or include it as part of any paid package as long as the entire article is left intact including this notice. Copyright © 2005 Bonnie Carrier

Bonnie P. Carrier is the creator of Savvy Home Decorating & Savvy Outdoor Decorating. She is the mother to two grown daughters and a very spoiled 4yr old Blue Merle Sheltie named Toby. Stop by both site for indoor and outdoor decorating ideas.

http://www.savvy-home-decorating.com

http://www.savvyhomedecorating.com

If you are looking for a beautiful carpet for a special room in your home, consider Oriental rugs which have been recognized for centuries because of their warmth and intricate designs. Many people, who decorate using traditional decors, often select antique oriental rugs to accent their home. Oriental area rugs are handmade rather than mass produced and are known to be extremely durable and long lasting. Oriental rugs are often made from natural fibers such as wool, silk or cotton. They become works of art and you will cherish your rug for years to come.

Oriental rugs often appear to be expensive when compared to machine made rugs. But what makes them so valuable is the fact that they are handmade and often the material they are made of. You will not find antique oriental rugs made of synthetic blends. The beauty of oriental area rugs comes from their designs and colors. Each one is unique and playful as the pattern changes direction without warning.

Oriental rugs come from a number of areas in the world rich in the tradition of rug weaving. These countries include India, western China, Central Asia, Iran, Caucasus and Turkey. Today, these areas continue to export oriental area rugs around the world so that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy them in their home.

Amy-Jo Strutt is a successful home renovating writer and regular contributor to laminate-flooring-wood.com - An online resource to help you find the very best in area rugs including Oriental rugs and other flooring. http://www.laminate-flooring-wood.com/Oriental-rugs.html

The easiest and most inexpensive way to invigorate the design of your living room is to rearrange the furniture items you already own. Furniture placement can be a daunting task, no matter how big or small the room. If you are someone who always figured furniture placement would be better left to professional interior designers, fret no more. These tips will help you embrace the task of balancing your sofa with your coffee table or armchair, and allow you to create peace and harmony amongst all your furniture.

Location, location, location

A room must be balanced. Specifically, the furniture in every room should be placed in a way that is pleasing to the eye and easy to maneuver around. If all the heavy furniture pieces like sofas, armchairs, entertainment centers and bookshelves are loaded on one side of the room, a room can feel like a sinking ship.

On the other hand, if you spread your furniture around the room haphazardly, a room can feel cluttered even when it is relatively empty. Think about the size of your living room in relation to the amount of furniture you have.

You can anchor the room by situating a large entertainment center against one wall, and then arrange all seating comfortably around that anchor. Or, anchor your sofa against a wall, add a small side table or a coffee table in front for convenience, and voilá! Your room is balanced.

Sofa Secrets

Using your sofa as an anchor, or as the focal point for your living room can be an effective furniture placement tool. However, modular sofas, or sofas with many components, can be too heavy an anchor, tipping the balance of the room with its bulkiness. A creative solution to this problem can be found in breaking up the pieces of the sofa.

Place the largest sofa piece against the longest wall of the room, then the smaller sections on the opposite side. If you have the smaller sections of the modular sofa face the long sofa at an angle, you will avoid that boring, boxy look that comes with having all furniture pieces pressed with their backs straight against a wall.

A fresh alternative to placing your sofa against the longest wall is to bring the sofa out, away from the wall. If you prefer this look and feel for your sofa placement, allow at least two and a half to three feet between the sofa and the wall for comfortable walking space. Less space is needed between chairs and a sofa, but always keep in mind walking patterns.

Go with the Flow

Imagine how you and your guests will maneuver in your living room with all the furniture in its proper place. For example, if there are two doors, you may want to place sofas and chairs in a manner that will allow passersby to walk behind or around the seating arrangement instead of through it.

If there is only one door to the room, don’t block the flow with a large coffee table right in the way of the sofa. Make sure you allow easy access directly to the sofa and chairs from the door, allowing for some space around the seating area as well.

Larger living rooms can be designed so that they function effectively as two areas. For example, have one social, entertainment center seating arrangement in one section, and a quieter study arrangement in another. Tall side tables can be placed behind a sofa with decorative vases and pictures on top, as long as there is still walking space behind the couch.

When deciding on how to arrange your living room furniture, listen to your instincts. Wait to decorate the walls for a few days or even a week once you have decided on where you are going to put each piece of furniture, to give yourself a chance to get used to the new placement. Live in the space for a bit, and assess how you feel. If something doesn’t feel right, you can always move it, and use these tips to help you bring your living room back into balance.

Please find the original article and more information about this subject at http://www.homeandliving.com/DesignAdvice.aspx?Category=FurnPlaceSecrets

When Yale graduate, BatSheva Vaknin is not writing helpful and insightful articles like the one you just read from http://www.homeandliving.com, she writes plays, screenplays and short stories. In fact, she has just completed her first novel.

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