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Kitchen Tiles – Value Added Decorations to a Stylish Home

12 Aug

Kitchen Tiles – Value Added Decorations to a Stylish Home

Tiles are significant additions to your home decoration. The best part when choosing kitchen tiles is that there are a lot of options. With different sizes, colors and even textures, they help a homemaker or an interior designer achieve superb designs for kitchens. A kitchen tile is not only used on the floor but also on the walls, backsplash and even countertops. Apart from being attractive, tiles are durable and water and stain-resistant.

Ideas

There are various kitchen tiles ideas to choose from. If the concept involves a love for the sun, the sea and the breeze, then the best option is tropical decor. This style brings the refreshing beauty and calmness of tropical islands to the kitchen. It would greatly help if the tropical tiles are combined with kitchen curtains with Hawaiian beach or tropical flower prints. There is no need for a complete makeover as long as the area has cabinets and appliances and has a lot of sunlight coming in.

On the other hand, if one prefers an antique yet artistic and simple but elegant style, an excellent choice is the Tuscan decor. The theme of this style focuses on the elements of wood and earth. The use of this style should not be a barrier for installing modern kitchen cabinets and kitchen canisters. This ancient-modern infusion fascinates a lot of people because it gives them a nostalgic feeling. Country decor is similar to the Tuscan decor but the central themes of this style are comfort and hospitality which comes with country living. Mexican tiles could be utilized to put some natural accents. Dark ceramic tiles could be used to create a rustic atmosphere. A wood counter is the perfect match for the country theme.

Create Impact

After picking out what style to apply, the next step is to create an impact. Using colored-tiles with contrast increases the appeal of decorations. Various decorative kitchen tiles that could be bought at cheap prices make the kitchen look and feel unique.

It is a fact that kitchens can be messy because they are always being utilized. A good kitchen has to maintain cleanliness and a soothing atmosphere. The following are some kitchen tiles ideas that will help achieve the “perfect” kitchen.

To make the impression of wide space, dark-colored tiles should be used for the kitchen flooring. Kitchen floor tiles should also be durable and easy to mop, because work in the kitchen involves spillage and dropping of utensils from time to time. Kitchen glass tiles should not be installed on the flooring since they break easily. For the said reasons, glazed and porous tiles are also not recommended.       For kitchen tile backsplash ideas, one has to keep in mind that the backsplash will get all the dirt and spills of daily cooking. Thus, the tiles used should be easy to clean and tough.

Kitchen wall tiles also enhance space and improve appearance. For textured walls, one may choose either rough or smooth tiles. Smooth textured tiles result to gleaming kitchens because they reflect light. They are easier to clean because smooth areas do not accumulate dirt easily. However, if the rustic look is preferred, it is better to choose tiles with rough texture. If a decision cannot be made between these two textures, kajaria kitchen tiles could be used because they offer both grace and flexibility.

The Art of Decorating

The kitchen is the “stomach” of the home and there are different means to make it look artistic and beautiful. It could be tiring but very rewarding. With help of an infinite assortment of tiles and patterns, a magnificent personalized tiled kitchen is now accessible and affordable. Good luck and happy decorating!

Photo by Patrick Hoesly **Courtesy of sxc.hu

kitchen tiles

Planning your Bathroom Wall Cabinets

23 Jun

Planning your Bathroom Wall Cabinets

As you consider fixtures and fittings for the look of your new bathroom? Whether it’s applying the finishing touches to a complete revamp or prettying up the existing items when considering bathroom wall cabinets, white is always a safe bet if you like to regularly update your accessories to give a new angle on your style. Bathroom wall cabinets are key for displaying your bathroom decorations as well as crucial for achieving the style and design you are striving for. You do not want to be constantly replacing tiles or doing major repairs because you want a new theme (check out tropical decor for ideas).

Plan for the Future

When selecting larger items for your room; such as corner bathroom vanity units or even medicine cabinets, think about the longevity of the item and how it will cope with and integrate into changes. More expensive units should be seen as long term investments. Simply by hanging a new shower curtain or changing to black or colored accessories you can revamp a bathroom. White is a favored good solid base color for a reason as it is looks fresh and clean and is easily adaptable when the time comes again to incorporate new design aspects. However, if you have set your heart on a traditional oak bathroom then indulge your style.

Wall Mounted Bathroom Cabinets

Bathroom mirror wall cabinets have double the benefit, as they provide storage to conceal all the bits and pieces concerned with personal hygiene whilst ensuring that everything is to hand by the mirror to get that super cool, hair gel look. When space is an optimum as is often is especially with a second or en suite bathroom, combining functionality and style is such an easy thing to do with the offerings contemporary bathroom stores give you.

If you are looking for bathroom wall cabinets with mirrors or space savers that can be free standing or wall mounted also consider a cabinet espresso, which combines pull out drawers with shelves above,  an impressive but small article of bathroom furniture. Of course the timeless classic of bathroom wall shelves can never be overlooked and no matter what you will probably need a high shelf to keep any dangerous items such as household chemicals or razors out of the reach of small children. Remember when planning your bathroom, even if it only has an occasional visit by a small child, safety must be a major consideration.

Design Inspiration

Ikea really has to be recommended for all types of accessories, from bathroom wall storage cabinets to the bath mat, and really can put some zing into your bathroom whilst complimenting any bathroom color schemes on the smallest budgets. If change is your thing, check out the wide range of cost effective solutions available to you.

Another highly recommended store has to be Pottery Barn for a wealth of ideas and inspiration. From a simple mirror cabinet, to an innovative linen cabinet, this classy store has a fabulous organic bathroom range you will love. Bed Bath and Beyond also have a good extensive range worth investigation. Do not be tempted to splash out in your bathroom before you have browsed lots of stores to really see what is available. By selecting different components for your home decoration you can have a unique modern look that your friends will want to emulate.

Photo by thales exoo **Cortesy of flickr.com

bathroom wall cabinet

Kitchen Canister Set Types, Styles and Colors

11 Jun

Kitchen Canister Set Types, Styles and Colors

If you are having your dream kitchen installed and are looking for ways to finish your stunning new look or just want to give your existing kitchen a new lease of life examine the many possibilities a kitchen canister set can bring to your kitchen.

Ceramic Kitchen Canisters

There are many sets with air tights seals to ensure the contents are kept fresh. Often when looking for country kitchen canisters ceramic is a good choice as the materials have been used for many years and the designs tend to fit well into a traditional style. Vintage kitchen canisters are often in ceramic also, but of course there are also contemporary versions so do not limit yourself when exploring ideas. For the retro look opt for markets and stalls or car boot sales, sometimes second hand shops will have beautiful items in display in very good condition and fantastic prices. Newer versions can be found in the shops if you want to spend your money in the latest stock. For both options check out eBay, Amazon, Ruby Lane, Go Antiques and Shop Goodwill Auctions.

Metal Canisters

Copper kitchen canisters will also compliment a country, or vintage style kitchen as well as a more modern design. Pewter sets are also available and slightly more unusual, though you will have to pay the price dearly. Horchow stocks an absolutely amazing collection of the most breathtaking canisters; prices range from two numbers to the hundreds, but it is most definitely worth a look. Check out their beautiful handbag cookie jars to extra-accessorize your kitchen.

Stainless steel kitchen canisters are really up to the minute and can bring any kitchen into the 21st century. Metals come in matt finishes or have a high shine to give different looks according to your style. If you are looking for a Tuscan style, metals such as bronze and copper, work very well.

Colored Canisters

Red kitchen canisters are really having a revival and there are some super varieties worth looking at. Lime green and jades are also very fashionable at the moment, but don’t forget that classic blue or white tend to be timeless and if you are looking to introduce a new shade to compliment your existing colors. Decorative kitchen canisters include ideas such as fleur de lis designs in a dramatic pistachio. Again, Horchow offers a vast arrange of very decorative ones in all sort of colors as well as styles and shapes. Be ready to spend a bit of money to acquire most of their kitchen canister sets, which are little treasures to behold.

Glass Kitchen Canisters

Glass comes in many colors and styles so whilst if you want the contents on display clear glass or pastel shades may be more translucent, but if you want to conceal your food items there are many darker colors. Red canisters in glass can be particularly effective whether you are looking to achieve a retro style type of home decoration or a highly modern finish.

Photo by mondays child **Cortesy of flickr.com

kitchen canister set

Glass Kitchen Canisters – Sparking up your Kitchen Corners

30 May

Glass Kitchen Canisters – Sparking up your Kitchen Corners

A quick easy and cost effective way to bring some life back into your kitchen is the addition of glass kitchen canisters. You do not have to have a brand new fully fitted kitchen to get a designer look in your home. Neither do you have to spend a lot of money when it comes to certain kitchen accessories. What people look for mainly is that individuality that makes the kitchen yours. Sometimes, it is the little things that make all the difference. Canisters are always a great addition in terms of functionality and as decorative items. If you are considering glass canisters, for kitchen effect and practicality, don’t just look at standard glass kitchen canister sets, but rather go for originality. It is the simple ideas that usually go a long way!

If you intend to use clear glass there are many shapes you can draw on, square glass is effective when used along side oval or round glass. Do not think that uniformity is necessarily the way to go when it comes to either traditional or more contemporary .glass kitchen canister sets. Look at retro glass to get ideas and if your kitchen could really do with a full revamp; a lick of paint and the addition of a retro kitchen canister set can help set the style so it pulls the look together giving an intended retro look without breaking the bank.

The beauty of the glass kitchen canister set is that with a little thought the mixing and matching of various sizes shapes and colors can add to fantastic results; rather than detract from both the style and functionality of your canisters. Cobalt blue, green or red glass all look sophisticated while still adding the clean and sparking look. Pick the colors so they match with the rest of your kitchen decor. Clear bubble is young looking and adds a touch of fun, while the fleur de lis canister together with the Art Italica – which mixes the baroque style and clear glass – are great for the sophisticated or grand kitchens.

Herbs and spices sit nicely displayed in small glass kitchen canisters, but if you use differing styles for herbs there is less chance of them being placed amongst the spices. This can be a practical help if you tend to be a bit hit and miss in the kitchen or the children are not terribly good at putting things back in the correct place.

Tip: another benefit is glass has an easy to clean surface, a quick wipe with a soapy sponge and all the sticky fingerprints that get left behind in a busy kitchen are soon gone. You may also want to check ceramic kitchen canisters and the Fiesta kitchen canister sets.

Whether blue, green, red or clear, glass will always add a touch of class and sophistication to the look of your kitchen thus adding to your home decoration with its distinctive touch. It is modern, clean and will illuminate and spark up any corner in the room.

Photo by gracey **Cortesy of morguefiles.com

glass-kitchen-canisters

Kitchen Canisters: Organize and Beautify your Kitchen at the Same Time

19 May

Kitchen Canisters: Organize and Beautify your Kitchen at the Same Time

If you are having a new fitted kitchen or just sprucing up your existing kitchen, a good way to get a completed look is with kitchen canisters. You will need to think about what you are trying to achieve, it is important to know exactly what look you want before rushing out to buy any of the kitchen storage canisters available in the market. There are many classic and modern styles to choose from, from glass kitchen canisters to ceramic kitchen canisters, or the quaint retro kitchen canisters, so do not rush such an important decision as it will affect your kitchen decor and you definitely want to make sure these beautiful accessories add the final touches.

Styles

Start by considering your storage needs, then think about your dream kitchen. What inspiring design would complete your ideal kitchen? If you have had new kitchen cabinets or worktops fitted, there are many kitchen canister sets and kitchen supplies utensils that will match or coordinate your new fittings to give a stylish look to the traditional, country kitchen or the more modern or cutting edge design. Corelle canisters have elegant lines with colored accents and classic country styles while stainless steel kitchen canisters might be what you need to complement your dream modern kitchen.

For a more traditional look you may want to look into the possibilities of copper kitchen canisters, copper will not smash in the way ceramic may, but think about the cleaning involved here. If you have a young family that are always getting into the currant jar, the sticky finger prints may cause a problem so choose a style that is both durable and versatile. Your lifestyle is an important factor when contemplating choices for any aspect of your home.

If scrolls and script are to your taste then fleur de lis kitchen canisters may be the exact thing you are looking for. Don’t be put off by memories of the 1980s styles, the style of kitchen canisters has come a long way since then. For a more contemporary look the designers take the traditional themes and update the ideas to enable designs to fit into the most contemporary or traditional setting.

Do you want storage jars rather than the whole kitchen canister set? Often a well placed item or two can have the desired affect. Perhaps only a flour canister is what is required. Even if you don’t cook much with flour you could use it to store biscuits, cookies or loaf bread. Fiesta canisters have a varied range in lots of colors including the ever popular red and/or yellow, and also including a large kitchen canister suitable for flour. Just an element or two of a special range such as the Crosby Taylor canister set may be all that is needed to complement your kitchen.

Your Budget

Budget will be an important aspect of any type of home decoration and you can compare prices on line if you do not want to trawl the shops. With so many styles of kitchen storage canisters to confuse and inspire you, research is very important. Keep in mind what you need and are trying to achieve. Do you want to go for contemporary glass in black rather than clear glass perhaps with additional kitchen supplies utensils? Will the more inexpensive canister set range have the same effect? Are colors your priority, or is it more a case of size and functionality? All these factors need to be consider when setting off to purchase your kitchen canisters.

Tip: when the novelty has worn off you can always place them in a different area in your kitchen. It is amazing to see how many people forget about this simple but effective home decor idea.

Photo credit: kinetics **Cortesy of sxc.hukitchen-canisters


Choosing Your Kitchen Curtains

7 May

Choosing Your Kitchen Curtains

Changing your kitchen curtains is always a very simple and inexpensive way to change the decoration of your kitchen space. We can choose from a really wide variety of fabrics which include natural and synthetic fabrics. You can also choose a combination of both; ultimately this would depend on the style of your kitchen and the lighting as well as any ventilation that is required. Here are some kitchen curtain ideas for you to choose from .

Most kitchen curtains are made of cotton which is a really versatile material. You can find cotton curtains available in different thicknesses. For example, if you want to add luminosity to your kitchen you should definitely opt for light or thin cotton curtains. You can also opt for a combination of both nylon and cotton.

Linen still remains popular in terms of functionality and silk is another natural fiber that might look great in your kitchen especially if you want to create an elegant look. A similar option is to opt for satin curtains. It is important to remember that the textiles used in the kitchen should be resistant and easy to clean or wash. Other  materials to be considered would be rayon or chiffon or rubber fabric, which is easy to clean always popular.

Lighting is a decisive factor when we choose curtains for our kitchen. Decide how much light you want coming through your windows before choosing; if you are after a bright look go for thinner cotton curtains.

The general decor will also depend on your choice of kitchen curtains and valances; for example, if the style is contemporary your curtains should match it, curtains with a more complex design are best for the traditional kitchen and the synthetic curtains will be a great choice for a tropical theme.

Venetian blinds or japanese panels  like Luxaflex are a great option if you are looking for modern kitchen curtains. Metallic colors like silver or dark timber blinds add a touch of class to the room. They are also easy to clean and look slick and cutting edge.

If you are going for the country kitchen curtains style choose natural fibers which will also protect the furnish from UV rays. Combine your new curtains with old style furniture like a nice oak farmhouse kitchen table, a traditional dresser for your crockery or a free standing block. A cottage style kitchen can also look great when it combines lace curtain and blinds or cotton line. Large windows will always look good when dressed with curtains with printed motifs like flowers or patterns.

Choosing your Curtains

The first step when choosing our kitchen curtains is to think of its purposes as well as how it will fit the rest of the decor. Matching existing accessories like kitchen canisters or trays, color of the worktops and cabinets, is always a good way to start. Look at the lighting and decide if we want to enhance it even more, if we are looking for even more brightness, what is the practical purpose of the curtain (to cover or reduce light, for privacy, to hide certain defects, etc). Also, we should not choose our curtains simply cater just aesthetic reasons, for example so they adapt to a certain to a decorative style, to enhance a design or color or just to create the desired effect.

As with any home decoration accesory, when choosing your kitchen curtains always look for practicality and functionality as well as style.

Modern Kitchen Curtains: the Venetian Blind

Modern Kitchen Curtains: the Venetian Blind

photo credit: brokenarts– Cortesy of sxc.hu

Kitchen Canister Sets: Fiesta is the Word!

21 Apr

Kitchen Canister Sets: Fiesta is the Word!

If you are looking for kitchen canister sets, Fiesta (from Homer Laughlin) offers a great collection of canisters in all sorts of bright and vivid colors and sizes. From sunflower tones, to lime, aqua, plum, cobalt blue, burgundy, chocolate, ivory, white, baby blue, heather, evergreen, tangerine, cinnamon, peacock blue, turquoise, shamrock green and black.

There is no doubt that both color and quality are the reasons that drive people towards the iconic Fiesta kitchen canisters set. These absolutely stunning canisters will definitely bring to life any dead corner in your kitchen as well as add a wonderful touch to your home decoration. Look for colors that match any kitchen curtains, hand towels and other accessories. Place them so they are both easy to reach and add to the aesthetic. If you need more than one set, mix them to play around with the colors. Or buy individual ones and mix and match. They will definitely add dimension to your kitchen top.

In terms of sizes, you can find large canister crocks, medium ones (which can be also used as a jar to keep your cookies fresh) and the smaller versions (sugar, sea salt, salt, etc).

Canister sets for kitchen are also highly collectable, and although the Fiesta make is not particularly inexpensive, it does add a fantastic touch to the country style kitchen (as well as overall great quality as they offer really tight seal). You will be able to find them in places like Macy’s, Dillard’s, JCPenney and Sears, and on the Internet check on eBay for more rare pieces and Amazon.com. If buying off the Internet, always make sure you check the Fiesta logo is engraved in the canisters and that the air tight seal gasket is intact.

Since 1936 the Fiesta kitchen canister set have definitely become an icon. They are safe to use on your dishwasher and microwave as well as the oven. The sets coordinate with other pieces and accessories that include serveware and linens. What a way to make your kitchen shine!

fiesta kitchen canisters set

Ceramic Kitchen Canisters: Adding Color to your Kitchen

12 Apr


Elegant, timeless, classic, charming, practical and colorful; ceramic kitchen canisters offer the perfect storage solution for your kitchen needs. Adding color to your kitchen is essential if you want to move away from the traditional white functional room: a kitchen should be synonym of fun while we do our cooking, a place to gather for coffee and chats, and so it should look inviting as well as cozy. While home decoration is usually not an easy task, at the time of choosing the right accessories for any room we can allow ourselves to think a bit more laterally; adding the final touches can be a lot of fun as well as inexpensive. Being creative with these accessories is key if you want your kitchen to stand out or make it unique. Functionality is always important, but more than often accessories can also do a fantastic job as decorative items.

Popular Colors

The most popular ceramic kitchen canister colors are usually white, red, black and blue. Depending on your kitchen decor you would choose accordingly; or mix the colors to add some spice. A white kitchen canister set will add elegance as white is the symbol of class and sophistication, and should go well with any style. It is the more traditional color and still the most popular canister set in the market. Villa Verde, by Wilfred Ceramics makes beautiful delicate sets for the sophisticated look, while an Emile Henry’s canister simplicity will look very charming on your worktop. The plain ceramic is just gorgeous and the canisters come with a lid. Black is also synonym of elegance and many people have opted for this color when it comes to their home decor. Oggi supplies black sets with hinged airtight lids and locking clamp closure. Black also mixes well with other colors, and you will be able to find beautiful Italian sets; check out Evitavonni for a classic style that mixes black with a colorful fruit still life. Fiesta also makes a simple but stunning black canister.

Red is symbol of energy and radiance. Fruit shaped red canisters like red apples or strawberries will add that summery feel to your kitchen. Check out Mamma Ro’s shiny small canister or add the Tuscan Red if you’re looking for something a little more glamorous. Cobalt blue is absolutely glorious and will make any corner in the kitchen stand out. Fiesta’s solid blue is full of life or if you’re only after a touch of blue but a clear glass canister, check out the almost unbreakable Cristar set of three.

Budgeting

Spend your money wisely and buy the perfect ceramic kitchen canisters that will go well with your decor and general style. Some pieces are a lot more expensive than others, especially when you buy branded ones. Fiesta, for example, can be a bit on the dearer side while other unknown brands will cost you a third of the price. Think of functionality as well as the decorative aspect of these accessories. Sometimes the more inexpensive ones will add the effect we are looking for so there will be no need to spend more than the necessary amount. Whatever the case, there is no doubt that colorful canisters add a wonderful touch as color is really the spice of life!

Crystal Decor: Harmony at Home

13 Jan

Crystal Decor: Harmony at Home

In addition to other types of decorative elements for your home, crystal decor will most definitely add harmony as well as a positive energy if you know what crystals to place and their properties.

Some people like to mix the idea of feng shui with crystal decorations as they are quite an original and innovative way to decorate your home. Mankind has been using stones and crystals for millions of years to turn them into jewelry, ornaments, talismans or even for medicinal purposes. They have always been associated with the spiritual or the esoteric: priests, warriors and kings used them for their “magical” healing properties. Crystals are stones that have a high power of vibration, according to some, and therefore can be used to work energetically to help enhance the harmony between the body and the mind.

Crystal Decoration

In addition to their curative values, they can also be used to add harmony to our homes when placed in different places according to their patterns, shapes, colors and type of stone. If feng shui home decorating is something that does not fall into what your budget permits, then opt for crystals decorations instead to achieve a very similar look and feel.

Black tourmaline will add a clean energy to your home. It should be placed where it “feels” needed; in spots where families argue or there have been fights in the past. It is also advisable to place behind the front door; this stone will always clear up negative or dense type of energies.

Hematite will help with the stability, strength and roots of the home. It will keep the house connected to the land. Its ideal location would be on each corner of the perimeters of the house.

The transparency of Quartz and Amethyst will also clear out any negativity or dense energy in your house. You can place them anywhere and they will look absolutely beautiful as ornaments: on a table or desk, on the shelves or cabinets, enhancing any black mirrored furniture, adding style to your window sills, near colorful curtains or wood blinds or just on your side table in the bedroom or by the main door. Wherever you place them, they will glaze wonderfully.

It is important to understand that crystal decorating is about where you place these precious stones rather than just placing them where you think they will look beautiful. Shape, color and effect has to be taken into consideration to make the most out of them at home. Place the beautiful amethyst stone on your desk at the home office as it will help you concentrate better.

Try the fashionable crystal pyramids. They come in all sorts of colors and are made with different types of crystals. Place a rosaen quartz pyramid where the family gathers every evening to help balance emotions.

If you prefer to add to your home decoration with larger objects, the size of crystals will be important; stones that are the size of a hand, for example, are suppose to keep harmony at all times. Group together smaller sized stones for a lovely crystal decor effect.

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Creative Commons License photo credit: jk+too

Decorate Your Bathroom with a Free Standing Bathroom Mirror

15 Dec


If you have been thinking of decorating your bathroom with a free standing bathroom mirror you will be able to choose amongst three different styles: articulated mirrors that usually attach to the wall (next to the sink); small mirrors that have been designed for close-ups (for shaving and plucking) and large free standing mirrors (full length) which will take a lot more room in your bathroom but will add a lovely touch to your home decoration so they are the ones to opt for is your priority is style over practicality. Also, with these types of mirrors you can always check out the full length of your body before getting ready in your dressing room or bedroom. The downside is that steam will get on the way if you have just taken a shower or a bath.

You can find frames in all sorts of materials for the larger mirrors (from bamboo frames to wood, plastic and metal) and also a great variety of colors. The smaller mirrors (articulated and the ones designed for close ups) will usually come in metal frames or plastic, and the colors vary but the majority come in silver and white. They are extremely practical for the bathroom but the one to go for is the larger free standing mirror as it will look stunning placed anywhere in the room and also will add a fantastic touch of sophistication. Accessories are of extreme importance in general as they are really what “make” the rooms what they are. Check out Your House, Your Home for great home accessories as well as fantastic tips and advice.

The bathroom is by far one of the rooms we most frequently visit. It is also the room visitors will need to go to and thus it really needs to be taken care of not only in terms of cleanliness but also style and personality. There is no more gratification for your guests than to visit the bathroom and find that they can look at themselves in a full length free standing bathroom mirror; these types of mirrors are fantastic to pump up anyone’s vanity! No doubt the smaller free standing versions will be necessary for cosmetic touch-ups; have both mirrors in your bathroom or choose from many beautiful bathroom mirror cabinets for the perfect combination in terms of practicability.

Selecting a specific model might not be the easiest if you have a very precise idea of what type of decor and style your are looking for. The trend dictates that bathroom must play with decorative lines and at the same time be harmonious, simple, elegant yet practical. You will find a huge array of different styles when it comes to choosing your mirrors. Remember to comply with the color schemes you have dictated with the rest of the accessories to coordinate appropriately with the rest of the decor. Also you need to check walls if you are attaching the articulated mirrors to them for space and feasibility.

What are you waiting for? Find the perfect free standing bathroom mirror that will add and compliment to your decor and at the same time help your personal hygiene!

Decorative Mirrors: A General View

13 Dec


One of the right elements for decoration that you can use to really stylize your home are decorative mirrors. Throughout history mirrors have been part of people’s lives, first used a toilet accessory and later as pieces of furniture that earned their own right throughout living rooms, wardrobes, halls and even kitchens.

A decorative mirror will add a “touch of class” to any wall, next to most accessories like a wall clock and almost any type of home decor and design. They can be very elegant and artistic, it’s all about the frame that contains them. Striking examples would be the baroque style or hand made metal frames. Perhaps the most obvious decorative feature about mirrors is that they add a sense of spaciousness to any room due to the reflection created on the other walls. Couple that with other triggers like light and color, play with the “settings”, and you will have the perfect decorative wall mirror on display.

Any room that is decorated with mirrors will instantly gain in personality and style as well as adding an element of sophistication. The beauty about mirrors is that they can be used to add to your home decoration in almost room in the house. Even in the attic a well placed mirror will offer an interesting look. It will depend on your imagination and artistic sense to achieve the type of decor you are looking for; and mirrors can definitely help if chosen with care. They are key when it comes to decorative accessories because they can offer a fantastic sense of continuity, breadth and depth of space. It will give your rooms a distinctive style and at the same time provide a different perspective – because of the objects that they reflect.

Decorative wall mirrors come in different shapes, styles and sizes as well as having a variety of frames. Find the one that suits your taste and that will strengthen the style of the room and also add practicality. Try to locate them in places where they will not break easily or pose a danger to people who are nearby, especially children.

Decorative mirrors can add a fantastic look to almost any room

Decorative mirrors - courtesy of sxc.hu - author:L_Avi

Mirror Decor – A few guidelines

If the room in which you are adding decorative mirrors is small, place them only in the one wall and your space will be doubled. Try to avoid mirrors with frames.

An attractive way to hang a mirror is with a slight inclination at the top so that the reflection of the objects offer an interesting perspective.

If you place a decorative mirror opposite a wall that has not been decorated it will give out a cold and empty feeling.

Wet your finger to create a mark on the wall rather than using pens or any other type of ink that will permanently stain the paint.

Sometimes bits of paint come off the wall when hammering nails. Stick cello tape to it in the shape of a cross and place the nail or hook in the center to avoid damaging the wall.

Don’t place any mirrors where the sun can hit any part of it at any given time of the day. Also be careful to not hang any mirror so it reflects parts of the room we don’t want to enhance.

The beauty about decorative mirrors is that they fit any style or type of decor you are want to achieve for almost any room.

How to Design a Bathroom

7 Dec


Many people struggle with the idea of how to design a bathroom, but with some simple decorating ideas you can most definitely remodel your bathroom decoration whether large or small. Also, if you take your time and not stress about it, it will be a lot of fun! Think of it as changing your home decoration style, rather than heavy duty work. The mental approach is the key, as with many other things in life.

Visit large department stores like Ikea; their design ideas will definitely trigger off your imagination. As most bathrooms are quite small you have the advantage of being able to paint the walls yourself without having to use the services of professionals which in the end will be hurting your budget. Before you set to do this task, make sure you do a bit of house cleaning and decluttering around major areas and inside the bathroom, and also clean the walls thoroughly and wait for them to dry before you start.

Always try to choose a light type of color for your bathroom walls: you want to make sure you add luminosity through your choice of tones and shades (which is particularly important if your bathroom does not have any windows!). If you like white but you want to experiment with other colors, paint at least one of the walls in white or cream or another option would be to paint half the wall with the desired color and the other half with white. Another idea would be to paint them white and then glue and adhesive strip or a row of tiles (make sure they are all lined up at the same height in all of the walls), or just paint a 15cm line with a strong color to “give more life” to the walls (again, line them up so the height is the same in all walls). This will allow you to have contrasting colors that will also be very useful when choosing your accessories.

When thinking of accessories to match the contrasting colors floor mats, soap dishes, shower curtains, toothbrush holders, accessories for toilet paper and toilet seats are some of the many elements to consider. Also, you can place near the sink cabinet an attractive wicker basket or wire basket. Put inside the basket a sheet of clothing material that matches the contrasting color of your choice and place a few rolls of toilet rolls inside.

Think of different interior plants that might brighten up the decor in the bathroom and also are not expensive to buy. Place them on shelves, or on a stool or a simple wooden box covered with a pretty cloth. Choose leafy plants that do not need much light. Other elements you could place on the shelves would be old looking glass bottles, glass jars filled with pretty stones, colored salts or shells.

Candles always look very attractive in the bathroom and add a romantic atmosphere. Place them on the window sills and the shelves. Also, buy colorful soaps that add the “fun” element to your decor. Coordinate colors with walls and candles. Place different colored cotton balls in wicker baskets to bring some life into the room. Towels with strong colors will also look great, fold them nicely and arrange a nice pile to add “freshness” and enhance the contrasting color once more.

Sometimes playing around with different ideas for our home decor is fun and can be achieved with very little money. Whether you are wondering how to design a bathroom or any other room in the house, keep in mind one important factor: always stick with the budget you have allowed yourself and don’t worry about ideas. They just flow once you set your mind to remodel any room.

You Can Make Your Own Wire Baskets

3 Dec


The fantastic thing about wire baskets is that you can make them yourself at home. People have made an art form out of it, and the way to start is by making a few for your home decor. Also, even if they are not the best wire baskets at first, they will add a fantastic touch to any room with a country decor feel, as imperfection or ragged edge accessories are a good part of the style.

Once you start getting good at it, and if you ever thought about making a bit of extra cash on the side, you can start making them for friends and family. It will relax you and at the same time help your monthly income. If you are just looking for a wire basket to compliment your decor at home, maybe getting yourself into the trouble of learning the craft is not such a good idea. Certain design and craft shops will sell them and there are plenty of styles to choose from.

Your wire baskets can be used pretty much as regular wicker baskets in the sense that you can not only use them for decorative purposes to add to your existing home decoration but also to store the little “bits and pieces” that always appear here and there. They look pretty when in the living room with sweets, candy or chocolate inside; place them in front of a mirror to add depth and shiny to any room. Candles are a nice touch but be careful if you decide to light them as the wire can get really hot. Better to place little gifts or a nice blossom of bright color. Plastic flowers also look fantastic in wire mesh baskets!

Certain places sell furniture (like wardrobes and drawing cupboards) which hold drawers that are not conventional in style (made of wood); but rather have the same appearance as a wire mesh basket that slides into the slots of the furniture. The look works really well if you want to add to the room a modern touch (again, mirrors will compliment the shiny wire).

If you want custom wire baskets because of a particular design you have in mind you either set yourself the task of learning the craft or find someone who can realize the project for you. Think of the colors that will compliment the room and general decor and have your wire basket made to order. Another option –which finds itself in between your custom desire and the lack of originality of most shops – is to buy an average basket and paint it yourself, maybe also adding a touch by placing bits of clothing on the mesh so it brings attention to the eye.

Wire baskets are not difficult to make, but require patience and attention. They will add to your home decor and also serve you as both storage and decoration.

Meaning of the Feng Shui Bagua

17 Nov


You might have heard of the term Feng Shui Bagua, which is the name given to the famous feng shui color chart and it goes back thousands of years ago. It has recently begun to appear in people’s home decor as a most attractive decorative item in any rooms. You might have come across the bagua thinking of using it at home to bring some color to a corner, maybe hanging the chart down a wall or door frame. But it is important to know a bit about its history and meaning.

After years of study, the wise Chinese discovered that the “chi” was associated with numerical models and consequently the patterns of nature could be interpreted through these (by studying the Yin and Yang, the five elements and the trigrams).

Based on Chinese numerology, many theories developed using provisions of the numbers according to the guidelines, position, natural formations and people All theories of classical Feng are based on these formulas. Now, lets have a look at the feng shui bagua map – or feng shui pakua.

The octagonal shape of the bagua or pakua is most used on wood and adorned with the eight trigrams with the yin and yang symbol in the center. They are usually painted with red color, which is the symbol of happiness – or yellow, which is the symbol of nobility, power and stability. Feng shui bagua is considered an excellent protector, capable of deflecting conflict and bad influences, and many Chinese place it outside the house (on the main entrance) to repel any “nasty thing” that could come from outside. It is used when the outside is considered to be “very aggressive” (satellite dishes pointing at the house, busy streets, etc) and is placed discreetly facing it towards the source of negative energy that we need to deflect.

Feng shui baguas can be placed in two different ways – thus following the sequence of the “previous” sky or “subsequent” heaven. Both placements are expected to achieve different effects regarding these two sequences.

The sequence of the sky above represents the idea of the universe, and the power comes from the harmony of its symbols. This bagua is placed above the main door looking out; the trigram “chien” (which symbolizes the father) placed at the top, when our intention is to have protection from the outside. He is said to help balance and harmonize the energies of the home or workplace, and even protects against adverse situations within people living in the house. It can also be placed over the front door with the trigrams looking inside the house, to nurture and transform the energies within the house.

You can also place the feng shui bagua over the front door; the trigrams facing inside the house. The trigram “kun” (representing the mother) at the top, to nurture and transform the energies within the house.

The “subsequent” heaven sequence consists of a certain ordering of the trigrams, which emerged later to reflect the manifestation of the creative force of nature. It is considered to have a more practical application (earthly type of affairs). It is used to counteract evil spectrus with the trigram “li” located at the top and placed over exterior windows in a an attempt to protect from conflicting neighbors or “aggressiveness” within the house.

Feng Shui Bagua Mirror

Feng shui bagua mirror also uses the figure of Pakua with a small mirror in the center, called the bagua. Some consider the octagonal bagua mirror as one of the most powerful protectors available when a house is affected by the negative chi, helping to balance and harmonize the energies of the house or workplace, and also protecting against adverse situations in general.

The Bagua Crystal

These are crystals carved in the shape of the octagon pakua. It is to be considered an excellent protection for inside and outside the home. The bagua crystal also looks very beautiful when display inside the house.

The bagua symbol adds significantly to both your home decor and the meaning of that decor. Weather you utilize Chinese feng shui symbology to beutify certain spots at home, to compliment the color of your blinds, or couch covers or just because they have a special meaning to you, the fact is that symbols like the feng shui bagua add a certain style and look in any of your rooms. Try to use other decorative elements to compliment these symbols in order to achieve 1) maximum effect within your home decoration and 2) peace within the house.

Wicker Baskets Provide You With Great Options

12 Nov


Have you realised how great and essential are wicker baskets? They help to keep everything at home in the right place! They are great storage devices as well as looking very pretty scattered around the house.

The beauty of wicker baskets never really ever stop. People just love the idea of decorating their homes with lots of different types of wicker baskets, from small ones to big ones to ones that serve practical purposes like wicker laundry baskets or even wicker storage baskets.

These types of baskets are very lightweight, extremely portable and offer great storage. They are quite inexpensive (that would depend on the size) and you can find them fairly easily in lots of different types of stores. Generally, wicker baskets are round, others come in the shape of a box and provide more storage options. Many home owners use the baskets to display beautiful floral arrangements but the beauty of wicker baskets if that they have plenty of other decorative usages.

Different types of baskets would look amazing in your bathroom. Try blue flowers in a wide basket to add some color and style to the bathroom decor. They are a great option for decorative purposes in this room, and great for storing soaps, towels, etc. Why not use small wicker baskets to place potpourri in them or toilet paper or even napkins? Place your small baskets in high shelves for a great look; you can also place in them all your beauty items like your make up or any makeup tips,  lotions and creams.

In the bedroom, white wicker baskets usually look fantastic. You can use them in a variety of ways, for example, to store your jewelry and/or perfumes. A large wicker basket will serve you to store your sewing materials and anything that needs done like socks, sheets, jumpers and cardigans.

You can use your baskets in the nursery to put in your wet-wipes, first aid supplies and any baby items you might need to store. Small; toys and school supplies like pencils, pens, notepads and books could be “nicely hidden” inside a nice wicker basket.

You can also use them in your dining or living room. They can make great television stands and give your home that country look. Use your wicker baskets to display nice flower arrangements and place near the fireplace for a romantic and cozy feel. In the kitchen, there are always corners that could be used to display ornaments. Place a wicker basket there with your spices to add to that rustic-style look.

If you are into crafts, you can then buy cheap wicker baskets and decorate them yourself. Check in your basement or garage, it is possible that you have put away baskets in the past and now is the time to get decorating them! You can use many elements to do this: acrylic paints, varnish, brushes, etc. You can achieve really good results as well as adding to your existing home decoration by giving that old wicker basket a fantastic new look.

Cheap Home Decor and Expensive Looking Results

14 Sep

Cheap Home Decor and Expensive Looking Results

What a wonderful feeling when people visit you at home and congratulate you on your good taste when looking at the way you have stylized your home decoration. But, like everything in life, good things come with money. Well, I’ve got good news for you. Cheap home decor is not only possible but also can be very easy to achieve if you spend time, use your imagination and pay a bit of attention to a few home remodeling tips.

Let’s have a look now at some cheap home decor ideas you can easily implement in your house:

Try to combine different style, like modern and classic. They usually look very good when put together, especially in the kitchen area. For modern kitchen plain doors a creamy or soft color can look sensational, while quality taps and accessories give the room the classical edge. Look at cheap home decor catalogs; you will see that inexpensive MDF works very well indeed if you want to achieve the classic-modern look. Accessories play an important role in the look and style of any room and you shouldn’t overlook a variety of choices. The renowned Karlsson clocks, for example, will add a modern touch to any wall and you can fetch one for as little as $19.99.

When we look at colors if in a tight budget, copy the shade of the existent tiles and try to match the color to paint the ceiling. Use the same color but in a paler shade to paint the walls and create a bit of depth. This way you allow the tone to show but it sparks up the room. If your worktop is also made of inexpensive wood, use colors like chrome, plum, cream or white to lift the look while allowing your worktop to fill the kitchen with warmth – especially if you used blue to paint your walls or ceilings, as it is considered to be a cool color.

Cheap home decorating is another way of saying: revamp your rooms without spending tons of money! Remove your doors and use MDF that you can get cut to fit at any DIY store where you could also look for cheap blinds. To fit the MDF doors don’t remove any of the hinges that were already in place. When thinking about colors, almost any nice shade will do when painting your new doors. Just fit on them long or extravagant handles and the door will instantly come to life looking like you purchased them in one of those really expensive shops.

Your kitchen is maybe a bit small and you are looking into making it seem “bigger”. Glass does this job really well and is very easy to clean. You don’t have to spend a lot of money when you buy it as you only need to place a few around the kitchen using mirror screws. It is also very discreet making the room feel nice and airy. Ikea sells them by the pack and they look fantastic one placed on the kitchen walls. If the rest of the rooms in your house are also small, you can use these mirrors to great effect. Just remember: glass or mirrors to make a room look more spacious!

Nowadays, manufacturers make very realistic wood laminate flooring. Pale colors are lovely, again, to “add space” to smaller rooms. These types of floors also add warmth to your rooms, the resemblance is sometimes uncanny. They come in an amazing variety of finishes, so go ahead and peak again through the catalogs.

Cheap home decor, as you can see, is only a matter of setting your mind into finding the right decorative items for the right rooms. Yes, it will be time consuming as you need to check the various stores, etc, but well worth it in the end especially for your pocket!