Allergy suffers are shouting with glee as they can now purchase 100% chemical free duvet covers and pillow shams. With out the proper protection on your comforter or duvet, dust mites can breed freely. As you sleep, they play havoc with your eyes and sinuses. Many allergy sufferers wake up with bloodshot, irritated eyes and stuffed up sinuses. Chemical free products keep away the dust mites permanently so you will wake up feeling well rested and refreshed. The silk duvet is becoming increasingly popular as well as they are naturally hypoallergenic. They can also add a glamorous touch to any room.

The silk duvet is both smooth and warm to the touch. Most people use them year round keeping them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. They come in a variety of colors and patterns to suit any home or bedroom. They will protect your comforter so well, you may never have to clean it. You can find a full selection of duvet covers from leading bedding manufacturers and designers such as Ralph Lauren, Croscill, Liz Claiborne, Nautica and Calvin Klein. Your room will have a designer look and feel to it if you purchase a duvet from one of these leading designers.

Amy-Jo Strutt is a successful home decorating writer and regular contributor to comforters-luxury-bedding.com An online resource to help you find the very best duvet covers, duvets and silk duvets. http://www.comforters-luxury-bedding.com/duvets.html

The interior redesign segment of the decorating and design industry is growing every day. Yet, while just about all the professionals in the field are service, rather than sales, oriented, there are important differences in the approaches of interior redesigners, even among those using the same professional designation.

Some interior redesigners will interview you in advance and then politely request that you absent yourself from your home during the room redesign. While all the furnishings that will be used are already in your home, you will be coming home to a surprise redesign and possibly other rooms that have been substantially changed by the relocation of furnishings to the redesigned room. Other redesigners will insist on your presence, however, the degree of collaboration will vary from those who will give you advice and leave it at that to those who really want to find ways to bring your personal preferences into the design scheme.

Some interior redesigners will physically rearrange your furnishings, accessorize your room and hang your artwork on the day of the redesign, while others will only give you a written plan. Still others will both rearrange your rooms and provide you with written plans to take your rooms to the next level. Some will only work with what you already own, while others are willing to develop design plans for partially furnished and even empty rooms. Some will include paint, window treatment and lighting consultations in the plan, and offer a range of follow-up services, while others will not go beyond what is possible to physically accomplish on the day of the redesign.

Questions You Need to Ask

It is important that you take the time to decide what it is that you want from an interior redesigner before you shop for professional help. Once you are clear about your own goals and expectations, you can start asking the questions that will enable you to match your needs with a particular redesigner’s services:

1. What is the scope of services included in the interior redesign?

2. Will the rooms actually be rearranged on the day of the redesign? If so, is there an additional cost for movers or moving assistants?

3. Will you be given a written design plan and, if so, what will it include?

4. If you have a budget to go beyond the one day decorating, will the redesigner provide specific ideas and guidance to maximize your budget and further enhance your room?

5. Will you be expected to be present to work collaboratively with the redesigner or will you be asked leave your home?

Whether you choose to collaborate with an interior redesigner or leave your home, it is important that you have a good rapport with the professional you choose - after all, a successful room redesign should reflect your personality and vision for your home, not the designer’s. You should feel that the interior redesigner is approachable, would value your ideas and is willing to take the time to understand what you want and answer all of your concerns. Be wary of anyone who promises to do so, but won’t take the time to listen and respond to you when you call to inquire about services.

Also, be wary of anyone who promises that a room makeover can be done in “as little as an hour” in order to get the appointment. A good interior redesign can take many hours, and while there are rooms that can be completed in an hour, no honest interior redesigner will tell you so without first seeing the room and speaking with you about your needs and expectations.

If the redesigner offers flat rates based on the size of the room, ask for a rate card or other written documentation. If hourly charges are involved, ask for an estimate of hours based on the size and complexity of your project.

Companies marketing interior redesign services vary greatly, from the independent redesigner to design agencies, referral operations and even franchises. Before you book an appointment, insist upon speaking directly with the interior redesigner who would be handling your project and assess that person’s experience and training independently from the company marketing the services. Ideally you always want the principal of the firm on your project, after all the firm’s reputation - not to mention all those before and after photos on the Web site - reflect the abilities of the principal, not its lower level staff. Check whether this would involve additional unadvertised fees, as is often the case.

If you take the time to find a great interior redesigner, you will find Interior redesign to be a great decorating solution, offering an affordable means to a dramatic transformation of your home in one day with little or no additional investment.

Peggy Berk is an award-winning interior decorator and certified interior refiner who has worked with a wide variety of residential and commercial clients throughout the New York Metropolitan Tri-State Area and Florida. Her design firm, Area Aesthetics ( http://www.areaaesthetics.com ), specializes in interior redesign, home staging and full service interior decorating. Peggy is the featured designer on the Home Decor Exchange where she answers readers’ decorating questions and writes a column for "HDE Monthly." Author of many articles in her area of expertise, she also writes the monthly "Rental Redesign" column for Rental Decorating Digest.

To see before and after photos of her one-day room redesigns, read what New York’s top real estate brokers have to say about her home staging services, or submit your decorating questions, visit her Web site at: http://www.AreaAesthetics.com

First, try putting up new curtains. New curtains help create a fresh new look in your kitchen, and sometimes just this one change will make your kitchen look completely different. This is a simple and cost effective method for decorating. Curtains can bring out the personality of your kitchen with little effort too. If you have a country style kitchen for instance, a few country cooking themed curtains will help pull the decorating them together.

Next, try new kitchen accessories. Every kitchen could do well with new fresh accessories. After a while your old accessories tend to get tiresome, and… well… old. New accessories like paper towel racks, bread boxes, salt and pepper shakers, or even old jars can make your kitchen look like it’s been completely redecorated. And along with these new accessories, if your budget permits, purchase a new kitchen gadget that will go along with your new theme. Instead of a plain white coffeemaker for instance, go for a new red coffee maker to accent the red apples in the country themed curtains. Be creative and add a personal touch.

Alternatively, try making your own kitchen accessories. If you are the crafty, artsy type then you could make your own kitchen decorating accessories. Most craft stores have several unfinished kitchen decor items that you can purchase and decorate on your own. For instance, you could buy an unfinished bread box and custom design it to fit your favorite decorating theme. When finished, that bread box will be an evident testimonial of your creative decorating abilities. Doing this with your entire kitchen decor collection will further add that personal touch that every kitchen deserves.

Your kitchen is the primary source where you feed and nuture your family. By adding your distinct personality to your kitchen’s personality, you’ll create life-long memories for you and your family. So start working on some of these great kitchen decorating ideas today, and you’re bound to come up with something completely unique and special that you’ll absolutely love.

Additional resources and updates for this article can be found online at: http://www.diyhomedecorating.com/articles/2005-11/215/easy-decorating-ideas-for-the-kitchen/

© 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard. Visit The Do It Yourself Home Decorating Network for more kitchen decorating ideas.

For infancy and it’s many hours of sleeping, children grow comfortable with “their space.” And where the rest of the house may be decorated with things reflecting Mom and Dad’s personalities and styles, a child’s bedroom usually reflects interests of a child. From mobiles to Winnie-the-Pooh or a Sesame Street theme, the nursery, which later involves into a bedroom, contains all things child-like—little clothes on small hangers, toys, often pint-sized tables and chairs (like the ones from Rubbermaid Specialty Products), picture books, fingerpaintings, etc. Everything to make the room feel like the child’s kingdom.

But with a growing child and his changing interests, how does an economically-minded parent design a room that will last many years, or at least from infancy to adolescence. Interior designers and decorators across the country had written numerous books on the subject. And all of them would be happy to design the room for your child, but if you do not have a mountain of funds or if you are more of a do-it-yourselfer, there are many things you need to consider.

First, decide upon the furniture. When your baby has outgrown the bassinet and frequently escapes from the crib, it is time to purchase a bed. You may want to buy one that matches the dresser already in the room. But if there is no dresser and you are starting from scratch, here are some things to consider:

According to Davenport House, a Florida-based mail order and on-line company, “When buying major furniture pieces, try to choose items that will grow with the child. Paint, wallpaper, comforters and accessories are easier to change.” Opt for something more traditional that you’ll be proud to have in your house. Though Davey may prefer the racecar shaped bed, he will tire of it quickly, and unless you’re willing to trade him beds, you’ll be forced to purchase a new one.

When purchasing a bed for your child, you may want to consider buying bunk or trundle beds. As a child grows, having the space for a friend to sleep over becomes more important. (If this is not an option for you, during a sleepover children can sleep in sleeping bags in a tent–or one made of blankets).

In addition to a bed, your child will need a dresser (or something to hold her clothes and shoes), shelves or tubs for toys and books, and a desk (for play and eventually homework). Choose items that have rounded corners and edges. All of these items are available in wide array of prices from the lower end, stylish and functional IKEA to the moderate priced, space-saving wood designs of This End Up (found in major malls) to classic and higher end Ethan Allen. Consult your Yellow Pages for a complete listing of furniture and home accessory stores.

Always involve your child in each step or process. When your preschooler or toddler gets to pick out posters and the bedspread this involvement further reinforces their sense of ownership of the room. If your child is older than toddler age you may want to have her draw a picture of how she would arrange the furniture in the room. For encouragement, you may need to ask questions, such as “Where will you sleep? Where will Teddy sleep? Where will you keep your Barbie dolls? Where will you draw?” She may draw an arrangement you had not even considered.

If your child is a toddler or preschooler and still prone to occasionally falling out of bed, when determining the arrangement of the room, you should suggest putting the bed against two walls for safety. Also for safety, keep beds and climbable objects (i.e., dressers and bookshelf units) away from windows, and make sure drape or blind cords are short enough that the child will not be able to wrap the thing around his neck.

When choosing a color for the walls, your child should always have a voice. Even if you cannot stand the royal purple she has picked, repainting is one of the easiest and inexpensive decorating changes. Let your child have her fun until she grows out of the color.

Other easy decorating ideas include jumbo stick-ups. These vinyl-like appliques can be reapplied many times and come in an assortment of designs including Disney characters, Berenstain Bears, Batman and the Land Before Time. One brand of kits, Priss Prints, is available at most Sears and J.C. Penney stores.

Another decorating idea for the wall is the height chart. For years children have stood with their backs to wall while some adult drew a line above their heads. If you love the idea, but do not want the pencil marks on your fresh paint job, Priss Prints also offers a mylar strip that measures up to six feet and comes with frames to display photos of the child alongside his measurement.

In addition to the aforementioned ideas, you can get many more by touring furniture and decorating stores, or by browsing the following books:

· Children’s Rooms: A Mothercare Book by Jane Lott (Prentice Hall)

· Designing Rooms for Children by Mary Gilliatt (Little, Brown)

· In My Room: Designing for and with Children by Antonio F. Torrice and Ro Logrippo (Fawcett/Columbine)

· Kids’ Rooms: Decorating Nurseries to Teen Retreats edited by Linda Hallam (Meredith Corp.)

· Rooms to Grow, Creating Rooms and Furniture for Children by Jane Cornell (Prentice Hall)

After getting ideas and seeing what others have done, hopefully you and your children can create a special place for them to grow.

Writer, editor, public speaker, and professor of communication, creative writing, and literature Jill L. Ferguson often addresses family issues. Her novel, Sometimes Art Can’t Save You, was published by In Your Face Ink (http://www.inyourfaceink.com) in October 2005.

As we all know so very well, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s our source of comfort and joy. Whether we’re preparing a meal for our loved ones or just hanging out with our friends, the kitchen is the place everyone loves to be the best. And these days, the makeup of our kitchen environs is getting the attention it deserves.

Older kitchens are being remodeled and expanded. The kitchens in new homes are bigger than ever and are more accessible, too. Everything that goes into making a perfect space is being included — professional cooking equipment, granite countertops, sophisticated lighting, and especially important is stunningly beautiful cabinetry.

Giving the kitchen a particular feel can be easily achieved through decorative painting — whether the look is farmhouse French, Swedish country, or even slick contemporary. A sophisticated and experienced faux finisher has at his command many finishes and materials that can fit the needs of the designer, builder and homeowner. He is able to provide information on the best colors and most suitable techniques, plus bring unique artistic insights to the job.

Pricing for the finishes depends upon the level of complexity and the material used to get that “just right” look. A knowledgeable faux finisher can work with in your budget while giving you the best possible look to complete your needs.

Some of the faux effects that are popular in kitchens these days include one or a combination of the following:

Dry-brushing

Stippling

Strie

Stains and paints

Ragged glazes

Metallic finishes

Antique distressed finishes

Color washes

I encourage you to contact an experienced professional faux finisher for a free consultation when you are ready to begin your kitchen project. Discuss your ideas with a faux finish expert — look at colors, styles, techniques and samples. Then develop the perfect combination for your dream kitchen. Make your heart of the home as perfect as you deserve.

Jay Dorman is the owner of Greystone Artisans, a decorative painting and faux finishing company. This Houston-based company has been in business for eight years and has worked in many of the finest homes locally and in other cities in Texas. This team of talented artists is available for travel to locations outside of Texas, too!

Consultations are available upon request and are at no cost. Hundreds of samples including cabinetry finishes and wall finishes of all types can be seen at our showroom. The showroom, which houses our workroom as well, is open by appointment. Please visit us on the web at:

http://www.greystoneartisans.com

For over 140 years this family-owned business has been producing products in the Northwest; for the past 96 years, Pendleton has been known for weaving world class wool. The Pendleton blanket comes from a long tradition.

In 1863, Thomas Kay, a young English weaver made a four-month trip down the Atlantic seaboard, through the Isthmus of Panama by burro and up the Pacific coast by sailing vessel. He was headed to a place where the conditions for raising the best wool-producing sheep were just right ? Oregon. The moderate weather and ready supply of water were perfect for obtaining the best wool available in the emerging Northwest of America.

Thomas Kay organized a second woolen mill in the Oregon town of Brownsville, where he supervised the weaving operation and later became supervisor of the company. In 1889, he chose Salem, Oregon to open a mill of his own. His story is truly a story of the American dream come true.

Thomas Kay’s oldest daughter, Fannie, assisted her father and learned every aspect of the mill operation. She married C.P. Bishop who was an expert with merchandising and manufacturing, firming a solid foundation for what was to become Pendleton Woolen Mills. Their three sons grew into this heritage and, in 1909, with the support of the family and town, the Bishop sons restarted an idle mill in Pendleton, Oregon. Located at a major railhead, the town was a wool center for the sheep growers in the region. The Bishops constructed a more efficient mill building and in September of 1909, the first products left the finishing department. This is the saga of the tradition of quality that is available only from Pendleton.

Pendleton produced quality Indian blankets using the distinctive designs and colors of the Southwest Native Americans. These vivid colors and intricate patterns included in the blankets made by Pendleton became sought after. Trade included the Nez Perce nation, expanding to include the Navajo, Hopi and Zuni nations.

Used as wearing apparel, the Pendleton made blankets became the standard for trading among the Native Americans and they were highly prized for tribal ceremonial use. Today, these ceremonial blankets by Pendleton are highly coveted collector’s items.

Pendleton thrives today and the Bishop family still directs the operations. There are now eight facilities and many Pendleton stores. Even today, Native American designs are created in blankets woven by Pendleton but many other beautiful, soft and cozy blankets are also part of the Pendleton line. Anyone who owns a Pendleton made blanket is proud of their fine blanket, whether it be a vintage collector’s item or a new blanket with modern styling. Let’s look at some of a blankets made today by the renowned Pendleton factories more closely.

Pendleton’s Textured Weave Summer Dreams Blanket is made of Merino wool, the finest wool available. This wool has the most loft and creates a blanket that is cool enough for spring and summer use. The 100% virgin Merino wool feels soft, smooth and silky against your skin when you need a light blanket. The Pendleton selection is available in awning stripe, plaid and eight colors. This blanket by Pendleton must be dry cleaned; you’ll only want the best treatment for your fine blanket.

Pendleton Solid Easy Care Blanket is a great choice because it is made of 100% virgin wool that is machine washable! Yes, laundering this blanket by Pendleton is simple and easy. The hand of this blanket is particularly lush and with six solid colors to choose from, you’ll find one just right to blend with your bedding.

The All Season Blanket is Pendleton’s mid-weight 100% virgin wool blanket woven in basket weave to add texture. The small waffled pockets resulting from the basket weave causes air to be trapped in winter, keeping you toasty warm. You’ll find yourself pulling this Pendleton wool blanket out as soon as the crispy fall air begins to cool. Available colors are green, white and tan and this blanket must be dry cleaned.

From the Native American collection, Pendleton presents the Courting Robe blanket. Designed by Laurie Jacobie and based on an original drawing made by a Kiowa warrior, this blanket captures the courting custom of the Plains Indians. A young brave would wrap a young woman in a blanket and spend hours talking together are their courting ritual. Red, yellow, green, black, brown and camel make this 82% virgin wool / 18% cotton blanket beautiful. The blanket measures 80 X 64 inches and should be dry cleaned.

There are many other blankets in the Pendleton collection. Blankets for your bed in classic styles, novelty throws and many Native American designs are produced today, using the same top quality that began with Thomas Kay’s daughter and her husband back in 1909. You’ll love these blankets so much, you’ll want to be the proud owner of several, both vintage and modern.

Patricia Bowlin informs and entertains you as you shop for home bedding! Find out everything you need to know about chosing the perfect pillows, comforters, and bedding here now.

The need for curtain rods with the ability to hold heavy fabric and accommodate large curtain pockets emerged. This spurred various different inventions. Window curtains are definitely also a nice selling feature when you are in the position of putting your home in the real estate market. If you do not want to spend the big bucks, then by utilizing the affordability of window drapes is worth consideration. Where else can you decorate for less?

Some tips for choosing curtain rods include taking these few things into consideration. Take a look at style, fabric and design. Try to figure out the place of the window you are covering and how much light is let in through it. This will help in choosing the correct fabric or deciding to get lined or unlined window curtains. The measurements of the window and how much of the window frame you want to cover with curtains will help with choosing a curtain design. Finish off any room in your home with these great window curtain ideas. Now you can learn with our help and information regarding on how you will ca utilize the huge variety of choices in material, fabric, color, size, options, and hardware or making over your home.

Vertical wood blinds are perfect for a cross promotion of wooden doors to match the nice windows that you have. Wood blinds with 1" slats offer a more traditional look to any decor. Whether they are richly stained or painted, wood blinds are the modern alternative to shutters.

Window blind tips- Alan Zunec is a regular author and contributor to helping you discover window blind tips , ratings and reviews.

Tapestries originally were shaped like large area carpets that might be laid on a stone floor to keep it clean and dry. Instead, they were hung on drafty stonewalls of secluded palaces or fortresses to enliven the place and to prevent the damp cold from creeping into residents’ bones. Woven with heavy yarn spun from animal wool that had been dyed a variety of shades, the beautifully crafted designs capture the long-ago adventure of battle scenes, treaties, and other monumental events that shaped the course of history. Handed down through a long family line or traded in open markets as well as donated to museum collections, many famous tapestries from Europe and other regions survive today to remind us of the ancient artisans who wove them with great care.

You can get the same feel of history, art, and comfort when you buy a modern-day tapestry. Or, better yet, make one yourself. While you need not shear the sheep to get their wool for your project, you can purchase the wool or silk at any stage of its development that will be needed. Then you can needlepoint a selected design into the fabric to bring long-dead ancestors or family history to life. Your tapestry need not be as heavy or as large as those of old. Instead, begin by making a smaller version that can be used as a decorative wall hanging in your den or used as an accent rug in the family room.

You can get tapestry kits from a craft or fabric store. Choose a ready-made pattern or make one yourself from an old photograph or art piece. Then select the proper type of thread and needle that will be used to imprint the design on a fabric backing. Follow the directions posted in a tapestry guidebook, or enroll in a community college course or fabric store sewing class devoted to tapestry to learn more about this historical art form. No one will be disappointed if your first effort isn’t a masterpiece. Just learn from any mistakes and try again until you get the result you want. Your family will love the exquisite designs that you can mold from heirlooms and special mementos.

If time will not permit you to make your own tapestry, visit one of the well-stocked specialty shops that offer this type of home decoration. Compare prices and quality before making your selection. Either way, your guests and loved ones will appreciate the unique look of a tapestry adorning your personal abode.

Find the tapestry of your dreams at The Tapestry Cart, located at http://www.tapestrycart.com.

Quality furniture should bring out your home’s best features. But attractive furnishings don’t happen by accident. A homeowner or apartment dweller must take time to shop for just the right arrangement of pieces in an effective period style that will suit both the home and its occupants. A single person or a young couple just starting out may not have the luxury of buying matching pieces. They may pick and choose what they need from yard sales or second-hand stores. But those with steadier incomes and discretionary funds to spend may wish to purchase roomfuls of furniture that create an ambience that is soothing and aesthetically appealing.

When you are ready to shop for furniture, you may want to first browse newspaper ads or online websites to get an idea of what’s available. With numerous styles like Mediterranean or early American to choose from, you will want to match the furniture design to your home for a coordinating effect. Contemporary furniture in a Victorian home is not perhaps the blend you want. Shop for a variety of pieces and suits that fit your home’s theme or style. Compare wood grains and hues as well as fabric styles and types in finding the best fit for your living room or bedroom.

Another thing to keep in mind is functionality. Will a white sofa in the family room hold up against three kids and a Dalmatian? You may want to find another piece of the same style in a different color and a sturdy fabric. Find out if you can vacuum or hand-clean certain pieces of furniture, or if they must be dry-cleaned periodically. Either of these cleaning methods can entail cost or time that must be budgeted.

Don’t forget to consider auxiliary pieces, like end tables, coffee tables, lamps, and so on. These should work well with the prevailing theme and furniture design to create a cohesive theme, not a jarring one. You also will want to choose appropriate décor, such as framed artwork or corner sculptures, to complement your furniture arrangements. A Ming vase might look slightly out of place in a rustic log cabin.

Remember to include furnishings for your porch and patio, as your budget permits. While these are less important than household furniture, they also help to create an impression about your property, and they provide comfort and respite from daily chores and hassles. Shop for comfort and appearance, as you would for other types of furnishings. Even family portraits can be framed in the same type of oak wood that comprises your china cabinet or kitchen cupboards.

Have fun decorating your living space, and don’t hesitate to ask for help from a sales associate at a store where you shop.

Find all you need to know about any kind of furniture style or design at The Furniture Directory at http://www.furniturereg.com.

Bamboo grows in Asia, parts of Africa and North America, and northern Australia. However, neither bamboo nor rattan has been significantly developed for commercial purposes. Still relatively new and cost-effective, both bamboo and rattan add gracious touches of Eastern culture to a carefully cultivated home. You can start with a little to see how you like it, and later add more to round out the comfort and beauty of your home’s design and decorating scheme.

Bamboo rugs, mats, and flooring provide an essential foundation that is less costly than traditional woven carpet. However, some people don’t care for the look or texture of these materials. However, in the hands of a careful decorator and in a home where modernity is not the be-all of existence, one might do a lot with either product to create a comfortable, attractive environment that savors oriental themes. Since largely young women and children harvest bamboo, using these products helps to provide regular work and income for individuals involved in the industry.

For light, elegant touches throughout your home or in selected key areas, you may wish to shop for bamboo settees, tables, or even baskets to create a faint but discernible Eastern presence in the bathroom, den, sun room, or other area. Decorator wall fans of oriental design, an Eastern sari draped over a sea chest, and a framed art piece of shells or pearls can give the impression of a faraway fantasy world as well as a home that is simply furnished in high style.

A room that contains large rattan furniture conveys the impression of comfort and style with simplicity in design and modesty in cost. Silk draperies, linen throws, and a host of other added accents help to finish the display of Eastern art and ingenuity. Shop the latest catalogues from website sales firms that offer a wide selection in bamboo and rattan products at competitive pricing. Be careful that your rattan furniture purchase does not clash with the other items in a given area, or indeed, the rest of the house. Everything should coordinate not only in size, style, and color, but in décor, theme, and taste. Rather than use bamboo for the sake of using bamboo, look for ways to make it fit with your furnishings rather than forcing a look that your home is not ready to accommodate.

Find creative ideas for utilizing rattan and bamboo furniture by visiting Bamboo-Rattan.com at http://www.bamboo-rattan.com