Showing posts with label interiors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label interiors. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Unique Home Decor - Thinking Outside the Box

Home accents and surroundings today offer much more opportunity for self expression.  Don’t be afraid to try something different. I’d rather decorate my home with items that appeal to my own individuality, than adhere to someone’s standards of what is the norm. Artisan crafted products truly create the ability to make one’s castle their own. It is our hope that by providing you with suggestions and ideas, we are encouraging you to enhance your home in a style befitting your distinctive personality.  

The charm of artisan crafted items is in the originality it provides. Imagine decorating your bathroom in tropical decor, accented by a hand painted shower curtain. The bathroom is the one room that is often overlooked, but it need not be. Add an artistic designed mirror that reflects your unique persona. “One of the most exciting changes you can make to a bathroom is the addition of a distinctive toilet seat” says Dawn Fowler, co-owner of Unique Decor Online. “Believe it or not, there are many design possibilities, including our line of limited edition lithograph seats. Our customers are delighted by the whimsical characters that highlight our toilet seats.”

Decoupage is a popular craft that turns ordinary items into incredible works of art. A simple glass bowl becomes a cherished heirloom. You can turn a tray or platter into a relative’s favorite gift. The possibilities are limitless, and the works created are quite stunning.

Lighting is another outstanding way to set your rooms off. Don’t be afraid to add color. Versatile and vibrant, lamps are stylish accents that can turn a whole room around without much effort. Lighting comes in many different shapes and sizes for table, floor, and ceiling. There are many options and you are only limited by your imagination. It’s a simple change that can make a dramatic change.

Don’t forget your walls! Everyone has paintings and photos adorning their walls. Be different, add a piece of metal wall art. There are patterns available for everyone’s taste, so don’t be shy. Try something new and out of the ordinary. Like the title says, don’t be afraid to step out of the box. You’ll be rewarded with a home that is a representation of your unique personality.

Last, but not least, simple accessories provide the finishing touch to your unique home. The small things sometimes make the most difference. 

Switch-plates
There are many different types of switchplates that can perk up a room while keeping within theme.

Picture Frames
Picture frames have become very popular over the past several years and there are literally thousands of designs to choose from.

Clocks
We can’t forget a very simple, yet important addition to every home in the world. Everyone needs a clock, but it doesn’t have to be your average run of the mill clock. Don’t settle for dull and boring, when you can have unique and striking in appearance.  Christine Francis, co-owner of Unique Decor Online says “Another popular item that our customer’s often request is our line of whimsical clocks. We have a large variety from which to choose and each one is an artistic original design.”

There are many more accents which seem subtle, but really play an important role when decorating your home. We must not forget the many styles of mirrors, outlet covers, fans and more. The possibilities really are limitless. It is our mission to impart to everyone, don’t settle for ordinary, when you yourself are extraordinary.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Tips for Indoor Lighting

Nothing impresses us quite the way lighting does. And if you’re entertaining nothing could make your guests feel more welcome that the good lighting in you home. Create a warm and inviting feeling for your prestigious guests and let them also enjoy some good food and conversation. Designing with light has never been an easier task, and it is always enjoyable.

When is actually comes to villa lighting, the potentials are limited only by your imagination. A good lighting plan could help in making you villa more attractive by combining both style and function.

Few type of Indoor lighting are listed below

Ambient Lighting – It provides overall lighting and a comfortable level of brightness, and allows you and your guests to see and move about safely.

Task Lighting – Task lighting helps you perform a precise activity, such as reading or playing games as well.

Accent Lighting – It creates an awesome mood and adds interest to a room by highlighting certain areas and objects, such as paintings, walls, and collectibles.

Decorative Lighting – It become essentials for chandeliers and candles.

Tips for Dining Rooms

•Use more chandeliers or just one fixture to light the room.  Layer with light from a selection of sources to get the most flexibility required for creating special moods in the same room.

•Using dimmers and layering with light allows you to use the brilliant light you require while setting your table, and then carry the light down when your guests arrive.

•For a stylish setting, blend candlelight and lesser levels of electric light sources all over the room.  Dim every group of lights separately to make a variety of dining moods.

Tips for Living Rooms

•Use Layers of light, wall washers, down lights, and accent lights on dimmers to make a medley of possible effects – from spacious to intimate.

•Place light sources at a variety of heights within the room (ceiling, table, floor) to add image interest and human scale.

•Use translucent shades on table lamps to add to the ambient light level.

Tips for Kitchens

•Use White fluorescent bulbs to improve cool colors like gray and blue, use White bulbs to enhance warm colors like yellow, red, and beige or to balance wood cabinets.

•Try fluorescent under cabinet fixtures at the border of your cabinets to illuminate your workspace and decrease shadows in food preparation areas.

•Consider dense fluorescent down-lights for universal lighting to help reduce heat and electric bills.

Tips for Bedrooms

•Break the room into several zones by lighting and switch them separately, and then regulate accordingly for the mood you want to set.

•Provide light for reading by selecting swing-arm or flexible bedside lamps.

•Use night-lights to give guests the facility to see in the dark if they require getting up during the night.

Tips for Powder Rooms

•Place strip lights to either side of the mirror other than above to improve visibility and reduce shadows for shaving and applying make-up.

•Select a couple of decorative wall scones to flank the mirror in a powder room.

•To make the room more inviting, try to dim all incandescent and halogen sources and keep a candle burning.

When amusing family and friends at home, lighting for safety and security is forever a priority.  Keep these tips in mind as you believe how best to protect your home – and your guests – from accidents and crime.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Home Interior Painting

A new coat of paint can refresh and revitalize any room in your house. Paint is also a very cost effective way to change the look of a room. The best part about interior painting is that almost anyone can do it—all you need is the right material and a little bit of knowledge.

Painting Supplies
Your supply needs will vary depending upon the room that you are painting and the type of paint that you are using, but here is a basic list to get you started:

Paint
 After you choose a color, you will also need to choose a finish. The finish determines how shiny the paint will be. Choices include flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss. Flat finish is hard to wipe clean and should only be used in low traffic areas that will not attract dirt. Satin, eggshell, and semi-gloss finishes are easy to wipe clean and can be used almost anywhere. Gloss finish is very shiny and is best reserved for small areas such as trim or molding.

Paint Applicators
 Paint rollers and brushes are necessities. A good paint roller can paint an entire room. Choose one that has a fair amount of nap to it-- the thicker the better. When it comes to brushes, everyone has their own individual preference. A small angle brush works well for trim and corners. A three inch flat brush or a paint pad will work well for the places that a paint roller can not reach.

Miscellaneous Supplies
 In addition to paint and paint applicators, you may also need drop cloths, cleaning rags, paint trays, spackling, sandpaper, and a putty knife (if your walls are damaged and need repair), and a ladder or stepladder. The ladder will need to be sturdy and stable to support your movements. Try choosing a ladder with a wide base or a flared bottom like on a Little Giant Ladder.

Painting Tips
When painting, the most important thing you can do is take your time. If you move too fast, things could get sloppy. Also important, is the prep work. Your painting project will go much smoother if you are properly prepared prior to painting. Here are some tips that can help:

•    Make sure that you have everything you need by organizing all of your supplies before you start painting.
•    Protect your furniture from paint splatters by moving it or covering it up.
•    Use low-tack masking tape to tape off baseboards and trim. Remove the tape before the paint dries.
•    Paint the walls before painting trim or woodwork.
•    Do not apply a second coat of paint until the first coat has dried.