Prolonged gazing into one’s bathroom mirror used to be considered quite a vice. For vanity, it is said, is the step-sister of pride. With nothing more to the bathrooms of yesteryear than a sink, toilet, and mirror, we were offered little choice about where our focus should fall once through the bathroom door. And while Narcissus brought his own demise through excessive "self-reflection," we can probably be forgiven for rendering the bathroom mirror as our observation point of choice.

The Afterthought

After all, the bathroom used to be the afterthought of home building and design. Bathroom design kept to the basics: A toilet, sink-cabinet combo, and perhaps some tile. A little color matching, a couple of wall hangings, and of course, the mirror, and voila, your task was complete!

In hindsight, designing yesterday’s bathroom was really a simple and efficient process.
In hindsight, creating such a bathroom was magnificently uninspiring, unimaginative, and dull.

With limited choices, and prohibitive pricing, vanities of distinction rarely entered the equation for a homeowner without a numeral at the end of their name. Even for those with limitless means, such a task usually involved finding the right piece of furniture in the appropriate size before hiring a carpenter (to cut a hole into the top) and a plumber (to retrofit a sink and plumbing). It required resourcefulness, planning, lots of time, and even more cash.

The Fine Furniture Revolution

The rethinking of bathroom designs came with the increasing availability of reasonably-priced middle and high-end vanity sink chests. With foreign imports driving down the cost and increasing the availability of fine furniture for every room in the home, builders and consumers began to consider investing more design dollars in the room guests very often visit — the powder room. By choosing vanity styles to coincide with their home’s overall design genre, consumers have driven expansion in the vanity/sink chest market that produced a bevy of elegant and affordable products. Ball and Claw traditional vanities, French Provincial style sink chests, and hand-painted and hand-carved furniture sinks — the vanity market has truly embraced the realm of fine furniture. Never before have vanity choices been so plentiful or bathroom sink design concepts so broad. It’s not the usual sink and cabinet combo anymore; it’s a whole new ball game.

A Statement Piece - A Statement Place

Forget about Narcissus, and make your vanity a virtue. Let your vanity make a statement about you. Keep the New Yorker and Reader’s Digest, for sure, but let your bathrooms tell more about you than just your literary preferences. Make a gorgeous vanity the focal point of your bath, and with a painted canvas work of art, some carefully contemplated accessories, and perhaps even a beautiful chandelier, allow the bathroom to complement your taste and your commitment to design throughout your home.

Don’t reflect too long before deciding it’s time for a beautiful furniture vanity in your fine home. I promise you’ll love yourself for it! 

Kimberly Lawn is the founding partner of Great Rooms, unique home & garden decor and furniture. Great Rooms specializes in distinctive fine furniture for the bath and home.

FIVE EASY STEPS TO DECORATING ETHNIC

NEW YORK, NY - With all that is happening in the world today - the threat of war, falling stock prices, a recession (in spite of what economists say) - more and more of us are nesting. That is, we are spending more time at home.

While it is hard to control what happens in the outside world, home is where you decide the who, what, where, when and why. Ethnic decor is filled with endless options to spice up your living space. However, you may wonder, what is ethnic decor.

"Ethnic decor is more a feeling than a science," says Marcelo Velez of the interior design firm Velez Hayes in New York City. "When you say modern, country, French, et cetera, an instant picture comes to mind. Ethnic decor is different. Many cannot define it, but know it when they see it."

This open-ended approach is what makes ethnic decorating fun. It’s eclectic, inclusive, colorful and most of all, unique. It allows you to fill in blanks for yourself, using an internal palette to satisfy decorating needs.

Here are five handy ideas to get you started:

Pick a room to start: Thinking in terms of one room narrows your scope so the project doesn’t seem overwhelming, while also limiting cost as you feel your way into the project.

Decide which ethnicity(ies) you will focus on: African style is different from Middle Eastern is different from American Indian, et cetera. However, don’t be afraid to blend elements from several cultures. Again, that’s the fun of ethnic decor - the possibilities are endless.

Start with an object as the focal point and decorate around it: This can be an ethnic painting, a sculpture, a piece of furniture, et cetera. The bigger the better. Be careful, though, not to overwhelm your space.

Choose a color scheme: Ethnic decor is very festive, so think outside the box in terms of colors, patterns, surfaces. Soon, you will find yourself drawn to a few colors that work well together.

Listen to your likes and dislikes; your instincts: Many times, an object or color will "speak" to you. And, if everyone insists that this painting doesn’t go with that rug, but you like it, go with it. The final product should make you the happiest.

Now, relax and enjoy!

About The Author

Yuwanda & Cassandra Black are co-owners of EthnicHomeDecor.com. Ethnic Home Decor offers soft home furnishings with ethnic themes at affordable prices. For more information or to schedule an interview, send email to media@EthnicHomeDecor.com.

yuwanda@ethnichomedecor.com

Hawaii is a first choice travel destination with millions of people - and for good reason. Bring a little of that island feeling into your home, either indoors or in your outdoor living space. You can apply this theme to an elegant dinner party, a fun and funky luau, or anything in between.

1. First, look at the space itself, including floors, walls, roof or ceiling.

Texture

Think natural materials. Try bamboo matting on the floor. It’s fairly inexpensive, very durable and easy on the feet. For a roof or large patio umbrella, consider palm leaf thatch.

Color

Choose rich vibrant colors inspired by island vegetation: hibiscus red, bird of paradise orange or palm tree green. Use pineapple and mango colored accents. Bright navy or marine blue makes an effective background.

2. Next, add the furniture. Again, natural materials are best. For example, raffia table skirts and rattan or bamboo furniture are a fast way to create that island atmosphere. If you’re using indoor dining chairs or resin patio chairs and want an elegant feel, consider slipovers made of a fabric with a Hawaiian print.

3. Now add lighting. Real flame, whether in candles or bamboo torches, will give you the most authentic look.

4. Last but not least, accessorize.

Motifs

When you think of Hawaii, you probably imagine palm trees swaying in the breeze, brightly colored exotic flowers, or maybe even hula dancers and surfboards. Each of these is an example of a motif.

Choose one motif and run with it, or mix a couple. Motifs with a common theme (such as Hawaii!) can be easily tied together by style or color.

Once you’ve picked a motif, you’ll find lots of ideas for adding it to your room. From windsocks and stepping stones to tablecloths and salt & pepper shakers, the list of thematic accessories you can find is seemingly endless.

Don’t overdo it though. Sometimes less is more, especially if you’re decorating for a full season of living in the theme.

Music

Music is a powerful mood setter. CDs of traditional or contemporary island tunes can provide backdrop to conversation, or liven up the fun and games.

So pass around the leis and go Hawaiian in your outdoor space.

About The Author

Debbie Rodgers owns and operates Paradise Porch, and is dedicated to helping people create outdoor living spaces that nurture and enrich them. Visit her on the web at www.paradiseporch.com and get a free report on “Eight easy ways to create privacy in your outdoor space”. Mail to debbie@paradiseporch.com

Closet organizers can be a valuable space saving technique in your home. Closets are a much used part of the home, but they are, typically, poorly organized. That can cost space that could be used to store other belongings. This lack of space can sometimes be costly, as often people must rent storage spaces outside their home to have a place for all of their belongings. There are many types of closet organizers that you can build or buy.

Make closet organizers your New Year’s resolution.

One way to create an effective closet space is to build your own closet organizer. This offers several benefits as it is specifically designed to fit your space as well as your organizational needs. Moreover, it can be built for far less money than a traditional pre-made closet organizer unit can be purchased for. If you plan this do it yourself project, there are a couple of things you should consider. What do you need in terms of organizational space? How useful would a shelving unit be to your needs? How many clothing rods do you need? Do they need to be the same height? Also, how much shelving do you need at the top? All of these questions can be answered with a bit of measuring and a solid plan.

You also need to consider you abilities as a home repair person. If you do not feel you can compete the project as required, perhaps it would be better to purchase a pre-made kit. There are several steps required to build any type of organizer. First, sketch your plan and measure your closet. Be sure to find your studs. Next, draw level layout lines in your empty, well-lit closet area. Then, cut your materials. If you need to paint or stain them, do that after you have cut them. Finally, you are ready to attach your materials.

Closet organizers can also be purchased at your local hardware store. They come in many different materials including wood, metal, and laminate. Moreover, you can purchase them as temporary or permanent units. Some stores even offer planning computers and consultants in the store, as closet organizers come in many shapes and sizes and you may need help finding the best system for you.

Adam Peters contributes adding content continuously to home-decorating-reviews.com, a free online magazine for interior design and decorating ideas, where you can find information about closet organizers among many other complements to your house.

Open Windows … Curtains fluttering from a warm breeze … The air smells fresh and clean … Buds on the trees are beginning to open … Tiny flowers are popping up threw the ground … Finally that little bird with the red breast is back

All of these can only mean one thing “Spring” has arrived. Those days of blustery storms and frosty drafts have come to an end.

With spring comes a renewed burst of energy. Having been shut inside for months we now want to get up, get going and do things.

This presents a marvelous opportunity for home decorating, a chance to give the inside of our homes a fresh clean look to match the emerging new look outside.

You now want to think light, bright and breezy, exactly like a beautiful spring day.

The following are a few ideas to help get you started.

Hang a wreath covered with pretty silk flowers on the front door. This makes a cheerful greeting to anyone entering you home.

Replace heavier drapes with lighter fabric and color. For example: Pastel colored shears or Café Curtains. If privacy is not an issue, try just a lightweight valance or scarf across the top of the window. The idea here is to let the sunshine in.

A new fresh look for you furniture might be just the ticket. Slipcovers are the perfect solution. If the budget is a concern, slipcover just one piece in the living or family room. Another idea is to cover the dinning chairs; this in itself will give a kitchen or dinning room a fresh look.

Painting rooms a lighter color can make a dramatic change. In fact color can completely alter the look and feel of a space.

Bring in spring with accessories. Floral arrangements

Lighter weight throws, it can get a little chilly in the evening Decorative pillows in lighter colors or with a floral pattern

Lighter weight area rugs like sisal, which will also work great into the summer, as they are easy to clean. Choose a natural color sisal rug and get creative, use stencils, paint squares, stripes or applying appliqués.

Scent is another part of your spring home decorating. Candles and Potpourri are not just for the winter months. There are many lighter scents perfect for bringing in spring. The following are just a few examples of what is available Lilac, Rose, Tulip,Heather.

No matter what changes you decide to make in your home decorating this spring here’s something to remember, “As the days become warmer open those windows and let the fresh air fill your home.” It’s one of the best ways of bringing spring in and best of all its Free.

One final thought, even though the snow is gone and the grass is turning green, please remember our feathered friends. They will always give us enjoyment and entertainment no matter what the season maybe.

This is a share ware article. Give this article away fro 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 © 2004 bonnie carrier.

Bonnie P. Carrier is the creator of Savvy Home Decorating. She is the mother to two grown daughters and a very spoiled 4yr old Blue Merle Sheltie named Toby. Having been a homemaker for over 23yrs has provided years of experience in budget decorating and organization. Stop by Savvy Home Decorating -http://www.savvy-home-decorating.com - for ideas and tips on budget decorating:

Do you love to burn scented candles? Chances are you are one of the millions who do or you know someone who does!

You know you can get candles at your local Dollar Store but you may want to ask yourself if you would rather pay more for a candle and have some guarantee of what exactly your candle is made.

When you look for a candle, here are some qualities to consider:

Scent:

Do you like the scent? There are so many scents to choose from. Make sure you find one you absolutely love!

Will the scent last to the bottom of the jar or will it dissipate after a couple of burnings? A candle made with good - quality oils or perfumes whether natural or synthetic will have scents that last from the top of the jar to the last flicker of the candle.

Will the scent have ‘throw’? Meaning will the scent permeate the room as the candle burns?

What ingredients make up the scent? Did the manufacturer use quality perfumes? Are they natural scents or synthetic?

These are questions that you may want to ask before you purchase your next candle.

Wicks:

Look for a wick made from 100% cotton and avoid any with lead or other metals. If you can, find out from the candle manufacturer what the wick is made of.

Waxes:

Many candle companies are making candles with natural plant-based waxes including soy and beeswax. These candles burn ‘cleaner’ than traditional candles made with paraffin.

You will notice with nautral wax candles that the container you burn these candles in will not be lined with a black film after burning. In the long run, you will notice that your walls are cleaner too. If you burn candles a lot, and they haven’t been natural wax candles, you may have noticed that when you took a picture off the wall that there was an area under the spot where the picture was removed that was cleaner than the surrounding wall. Yes, the black on the walls in the other areas, could have been caused by traditionally made candles.

Also consider that you and your family may have been breathing in some unhealthy particles too!

Burn-Time:

There are many factors which affect how long a candle will burn once it is lit but in general all other factors being equal, the natural wax candles will burn longer than traditional paraffin candles.

The length of the wick is very important for candle safety and is a big factor in how long a candle burns. With natural-wax candles the wick should be trimmed to 1/4" before it is lit. This will ensure an even burning and a longer lasting candle.

Avoid burning a candle in a draft to make it last longer and also do not burn it under a ceiling fan.

In summary, scented candles help set a mood for fun and romance and can add warmth and coziness to your home.

Enjoy the candles you choose and burn them in good health!

I hope this article will help you make an informed decision and buy from a reputable candle maker the next time you are in the market for a candle to pamper your senses or those of a friend.

———————- For more helpul information on this and other topics visit http://www.homebizrecipes.com. Free newsletter available. To contact the author, Lorraine Peltier, visit her website at http://www.gourmetcandlebiz.com. Permission is granted to reprint this article as long as this resource information is included.

After searching decorating books, using trial and error decorating, and growing up a little bit, you have finally found the style of decorating that you really love. Your style could be Arts & Crafts, French Country, Asian, or Metro Hip. If you are still searching for your style or want a second opinion on what your general home style really is, try taking the fun style quiz on www.thehomestylist.com.

Now that you have identified a décor style, the challenging part may now be to implement that style and make it substantial enough so others will notice. There are seven simple elements that will really help you emphasize this great look.

1. Choose a focal point that will reflect your décor style.

This signature piece is usually the most dominate item you see and sets the tone of the room. If this piece is not your specific style, the room will not look its best. An example could be a beautiful Queen Anne armoire for a Classic Traditional style or a large rustic log mantel for the Mountain Lodge look.

2. Use colors that are common to that specific style.

Different décor styles are usually shown with a collection of colors that are prominent for that palette. Make sure your room has those colors. For example, French Country is well known for its pretty yellows and blues. Americana Style would not be the same without red, white and blue.

3. Collect in a theme that emphasizes that style.

Every ones needs a conversation piece or collection that demonstrates the owner’s personality and interests. A collection also doesn’t need to be large just 3 to 5 objects. Ginger jars for the Asian Décor or cute porcelain teapots to emphasize an English Garden style.

4. Frame an authentic object that is original to the country or era.

This simple task does not have to be expensive. Old Postcards from Italy for your Tuscany Villa Style or wine labels from France for a European Look will add authenticity and personal touch to the décor.

5. Purchase a large coffee table book to demonstrate that décor.

Large beautiful books can subtly emphasis the style you enjoy. The book does need to be a decor books but rather a topic that is related to the style. For example, a Vintage Advertisements for the Shabby Chic look, or Andy Warhol book for the Metro-Modern look.

6. Use plants or flowers that coordinate with the décor.

The greenery can be real or artificial as long as they look healthy. Nothing spoils a designer-look like a dying plant. Use cactus for the Southwestern look or a great palm tree for the Tropical style.

7. Review all you accents and accessories to make sure they blend with your new found style.

By reviewing each element individually to see if it blends (not necessary perfectly matches), you can make sure you have a well-coordinated look. Look for a geometric patterned pillow for a Modern look; search for fringed lampshades for an Old World style.

Remember decorating is a process. Searching for those perfect accessories to emphasize your style is part of the fun. These tips will help you add the style you want to the home you love.

Julie Dana is a professional Interior Redesigner and Accredited Staging Professional with http://www.thehomestylist.com.

Home renters never imagine staying in one place forever and usually don’t but that doesn’t mean they have to live with the basic, boring walls, carpets, windows and general style that rental houses come with. There are several simple, easy steps one can take that can turn that house for rent into a home.

*Furniture: When buying furniture stay away from matched sets, instead look for one of a kind pieces that will bring character and charm to a room. If you’re considering a lamp then look for a lampshade this is unique, when searching for a bed, look for a funky headboard. Enhance your living room couch with a end table that has intricately carved legs or is made from wrought iron. These added pieces will bring a level of style and sophistication to your home helping rid the place of the blahs rentals suffer from.

*Carpet: Although you probably won’t be able to replace the carpet a great first step is to steam clean it. From there a cool area rug can liven any dull carpet. Don’t be afraid to use color and patterns here, especially if you’re dealing with the traditional brown or beige carpet scheme.

*Windows: The standard-issue blinds that come in most houses for rent don’t have to be a sore spot, try topping them with a valance. Simply place a rod (try to keep it decorative here) over the window and then take some unique fabric (again with the decorative here) and drape it over the rod. There are plenty of photos with examples of this technique online, do a Google image search for valance and you’ll understand the idea.

*Wall: It’s not uncommon for a landlord to allow a tenant to paint walls, providing they repaint them before leaving and if your landlord is of such an attitude then this is one area you can make a dramatic difference in transforming your rental house into a home that reflects your personality. If your landlord is not of such ilk there are alternatives including; covering the wall with fabric, again keeping color in mind, or using a folding screen or even an old funky door against the wall. These last two won’t change the color but can certainly bring personality into the room. Using bookshelves and stocking them with not only books but unique pottery, glassware and knick knacks (don’t go crazy here) is another alternative to dressing up a white wall.

Whether it’s a rental house or a home you are buying, taking the time to find pieces, colors and using some or all of the techniques above will turn your house for rent into your home to live in, no matter how long that is.

Mark Stone writes for FindHomeRentals.com a website that lists houses for rent throughout the United States.

Our homes, carefully oriented, have the power to give us comfort and security and to be one of our best investments. We spend a great deal of time and money to accomplish this. However, many of us do not know if we are creating a positive and life-supporting place to live and work. Many people have reported health and financial problems after they had moved into a home or have done home improvements. Unknowingly, we may be doing more harm than good! Vastu Shastra, the architectural science with roots in ancient India, takes into account environmental factors that we may be unaware of yet influence the quality of our lives.

Vastu is the oldest and most complete system of architecture known to man. It involves assessing all environmental influences that affect us, such as geopathic stress, the five elements (earth, water, fire, air and space), the sun, moon and the planets in our solar system. It considers building orientation, placement of rooms, proportions and measurements, slope and shape of the land, location of bodies of water and other environmental and geopathic influences.

According to Vastu Shastra, the sun creates different qualities of energy on its path from east to west. These different energies influence and enhance specific functions and activities that correspond with specific areas of your home. Where you enter a house or room, where you prepare and cook your food, where you sit while eating, the direction in which you sleep, where you face while studying, the placement of bathrooms and areas for socializing and meditating are more optimally supported in specific parts of your home than in others.

Vastu not only takes into consideration the environment in which we live, but how our environment affects the health of our bodies and our ability to create in the world. The earth is a magnetic force and is composed of the five elements, as is our brain. The thalamus is the relay center for all sensory and motor signals (except smell) in the brain. Neurological research has shown that firing patterns of neurons in the thalamus of the brain function differently depending on which direction one is facing. Our mind then is the interactive result of the affect of the magnetic field in our brain cells. By placing our bodies and environments in alignment with the magnetic axis, we can think and act more in tune with nature, which can benefit us in the most amazing ways. Our actions and decisions will be successfully supported by the forces of nature, much like swimming with the current of a stream is easier than swimming against it. We all know or can imagine what it is like to swim up-stream, meeting with resistance to our success!

We live on this earth, but we also live in a sea of electromagnetic and cosmic influences. Our actions are affected by every shift in the cosmic atmosphere. Every particle of energy in the universe is linked to the next. Designing using the principles of Vastu Shastra, creates environments that are more open to life supporting influences and more protective against influences that are harmful. Unfortunately, most present day architecture is based on function alone. Even so-called green architecture may only take into account forces of the sun, wind, water and climate. It does not, in most instances, account for that which affects us such as planetary, geomagnetic and geopathic forces. Homes and offices that have been designed or corrected using the principles of Vastu Shastra are not intended to “conquer” the environment but to obey the forces of nature.

When we plant a seed it takes all five elements to be in harmony for the seed to sprout, grow and be healthy. The proportion of too much or too little of any element, whether it is the quality of earth (soil ph), the amount of water, wind (air) or sun, will inhibit its growth. Just as the balance of the five elements affects success in nature, the balance inherent in our environment affects our success in the world. Vastu takes into account all influences to create an environment in harmony with nature that supports our quality of life, including our success.

About The Author

Michael and Robin Mastro’s synergistic approach successfully assists people in living in peace and harmony with themselves and others, and in creating balanced lives filled with unlimited possibilities. Visit us at www.VastuCreations.com

Do you dream of adding style to your home but don’t have a lot of money? Don’t despair! There are 5 things you can do that will help your house look beautiful without spending much money.

1. Declutter your home.

Nothing zaps a great look like clutter. Look around you. Do you have paper plies or mail stacks? Do you just add to your knickknack collection rather than rotate your select favorites? When was the last time you saw the front of your refrigerator? Simple solutions that cost very little money are to invest in nice office trays, pretty bulletin boards and frames for your child’s artwork. Make the trash can handy to immediately toss unwanted mail. Taking away the clutter will make your space appear larger and help your treasured objects be emphasized rather than lost.

2. Make display surfaces pretty.

A key element in houses that are decorated by a professional rather than want-to-be is the art of accessorizing. Flat surfaces such as mantels, bookcases, and coffee tables are the perfect places to restyle for less. The one important point here is to keep it simple. Bookcases should only be 2/3 full. A mantle should not have mirror above it (a very dated look) – choose artwork instead. Place no more than three items on an end table – cluster these varied but related items together for more impact.

3. Paint to Impress.

Paint, as you know, makes the most dramatic change for the money. Be bold, be daring and most importantly — don’t do white! Choose a complex color. This simply means if you would use several different words to describe the color than it is probably complex. For example; if you said it was a kinda “gold, straw, beige-y color” than it is probably a complex color. If you said “just yellow” - it probably is not a very inspiring look. A beautiful color on the walls can make the room go from ordinary to extraordinary in less than a day and usually for less than $50.

4. Make it personal

Decorating your house is a job but styling your home is fun. Personalization is putting your interests, hobbies or values into your décor to really make it your own. Buy simple – read inexpensive - curtains at your local big-box store and then buy exquisite wide ribbon to hot glue on the edge. Use your grandson’s first sneakers to tie back the den curtains. Use some family photos but just promise not to use too many. A guest coming for a visit may find all those staring eyes unnerving.

5. Change with the seasons.

You know the drill – lighter brighter for spring/summer and darker richer for fall/winter. This easy task of changing the fabric items around the home can help you make it seasonal. Change out placements, bath towels, and accent pillows. The final touch is to purchase a seasonal bouquet of flowers: fresh or fake- these centerpieces can add punch to a room.

Decorate your home by spending time not money in decluttering, painting and accessorizing. By following these simple tips, you can make a huge impact by bringing your home from average to spectacular for very little money.

Julie Dana is a professional Interior Redesigner and Accredited Staging Professional. Her company, The Home Stylist, offers online decorating consultations, do-it-yourself decorating plans and real-estate staging. Visit http://www.thehomestylist.com to take a fun style quiz, vote on a color poll, and sign up for free decorating e-newsletter.