Re-designing your room doesn’t have to be expensive. Sometimes you just need a fresh coat of paint or even newer decor added into your room. Here are a few budget friendly tips on how to make a facelift on an existing style without putting a hole in your pocket.
No matter what time of the year, paint can instantly give a room an entirely new look. Paint is fairly affordable and can be utilized in various ways to give a room new color and even hone your theme and style decorating skills. Choose one wall of the room and paint it with the color of your choice without thinking of the rest of the room. Add some style to a painted empty wall with the use of faux paint techniques or stencils and stamps.
Adding slip covers on existing furniture in a room can make the furniture appear like new pieces. Also painting a table which is a basic wood color to a black or even an off white will make that simple piece of furniture more modern.
To transform the way your floors look, bring in a new area rug. A simple colorful rug can instantly change the look of the room and set off a completely new color scheme. Rugs are a great option for those who can’t paint. If you live in an apartment or rented home, an area rug is your best investment for lasting style in your space. The best part about area rugs is you can have plenty of them and keep changing them around to give your room an instant facelift.
Adding decorative pillows is another great way to add color and change to a room. Placing pattern pillows on solid colored furniture will create a great color palette and design.
Decorative pillows can be found in your local department store or even at thrift stores. They are very cheap but will give you that little bit of change you’ll need to brighten up a design that exists.
Pillows don’t necessarily have to be in the living room. They can be placed on the porch furniture to give it a softer feel, in the dining room on a bench for extra seating space, and of course in the bedroom. You can switch up the design and color scheme by just adding different pillows in a room. They can also brighten up a dull spot in the home.
A mirror collection is another great option, and it can be used in place of expensive oil paintings. Small wall mirrors are cheap and can also be found at every discount store or thrift store. By hanging them just the right way, you can produce an illusion of an empty shape on the wall. You could also hang mirrors in groupings by size, shape, or frame design. Get creative and you can change the look of your room on a budget.
Keep up to date with budget decorating trends and enhance your home with budget living room decorating ideas.
Posted on 8 March '10, under Baby Care. No Comments.
There are various kinds of rugs available in the market like Persian rugs that are an important part of the Iranian culture, beautifully designed, hand made rugs are well recognized for their artistic beauty all over the world. Oriental rugs that are very stylish and give a modern and elegant look to your room. Area rugs create a warm and intimate look to your room; and can be quite economical in price.
Braided rugs, outdoor rugs, cowhide rugs and animal print rugs are some other types of rugs. There are various different styles and designs available. They play a big role in decorating your house and giving it an attractive and interesting look. Wool area rugs have natural properties and are very durable, unique, and long lasting. Flokati rugs are very popular and luxurious. They are frequently used in contemporary home decor and caring for them is really quite simple.
Animal print rugs are available in different colors, patterns and materials. You can choose the one that compliments your room decor. An animal print rug reflects a deep human fascination with the nature and the wild. The most popular animal print rug designs can feature a zebra, leopard, tiger, giraffe, and bear, but they are available in natural patterns and colors of many species. Animal prints are one of the most popular styles of rugs preferred by those who value natures colors and patterns reflected in their home decor.
Mankind developed complex religious, cultural and mythological systems based on the natural qualities of animals in their natural environment. Since earliest times, humans have hunted animals both for self-defense and for food, clothing and shelter materials. These animals, while used for food, housing and clothing, were still revered and respected. Native Americans used the Buffalo not only for food, but used the skins for blankets, coats, and even tent materials.
Later, men started hunting for passion and hobby. Even today animals are hunted around the world for food, and in many rural environments their fur is still used in utilitarian fashion. The aristocracy and royalty hunted for sport and reputation, and not only used the results for food, but enjoyed making elegant adornments and used the heads and antlers for decorative purposes in their homes.
These natural prints and colors bring an exotic and exciting feeling to home decor. Mankind has a long standing admiration and appreciation for natural animal fur, skins, patterns and colors. Aside from a continuing demand for natural animal hides and skins (some of which are controlled by governmental statutes, due to preservation issues), animal print rugs are now available in a large range of materials for every budget and taste. Very popular are polypropylene animal print area rugs, which bring the rich authentic style of exotic animal prints in a very affordable and easy care rug solution. These are stain resistant and washable.
The popularity of animal print rugs in home decor has never been greater and continues to be a mainstay in room and floor decorating. But animal print rugs can now also be found in very modern exciting styled wool rugs and wool area rugs, and even shag rugs. These bring a modern flair to the traditional animal print rug. Animal print rugs also can be acquired in sheepskin rugs, faux fur rugs, and even stenciled cowhides. One of the most popular varieties is the polypropylene machine woven area rug with very distinct multi-color patterns which make for spectacular animal prints and are easy care and very durable.
Cleaning and care largely depend on the material of your animal print rug, and you should check with the manufacturer of your specific animal print rug to determine the best methods of care. Choice of course depends on your total home decor needs, as an animal print rug can be a unique accent rug in your room decor, or it can be just one of an entirely animal print themed room or area. Animal print rugs are particularly popular in western, southwestern and cabin and cottage home dcor, as well as childrens rooms, play rooms, family rooms and traditional great rooms.
Hollywood Love Rugs is the most prominent online source for the best selection of animal print rugs in area rugs, sheepskin rugs, faux fur rugs, stenciled cowhides and more, providing personalized service and custom orders.
Hollywood Love Rugs specializes in exotic animal print rugs, for more information on a wide range of area rugs visit their site.
Posted on 7 March '10, under Baby Care. No Comments.
There are many different jobs that involve planning and consulting on the decoration of homes. That is why so many people are looking into an interior design career. The field is open for new and fresh ideas and the income potential is incredible.
People are always looking for that job that allows a lot of personal growth. With an occupation like interior designing that is exactly what will be found. The entire job revolves around being creative. There is also a high income potential and numerous benefits.
Beginning a career
Coming up with the idea of being a designer is not that hard. However, the steps it takes to get there may not be so simple. There will be many things that need to be thought out and plans to be made. No worries, with a little effort and plenty of ambition the transition should be quick and easy.
There is no doubt that many designers found a career without ever getting an education. This works for some, but the fact is that schooling is vital when it comes to achieving success in life. There are skills and tools that are found in academics that are not easily attained anywhere else. It is also a great way of boosting your marketability.
Once your education is completed a portfolio can be created. This is going to contain such items as credentials, certifications, resume, and any examples of previous works. Many methods are used for pumping up an image and it is vital to utilize as many of them as possible. This will be useful when applying for jobs or simply proving yourself to potential clients.
In the beginning stages of any career it is hard to get noticed. However, it is very important to make people pay attention. Make good use of as many tools of advertisement as possible. A well marketed professional is going to be a busy one.
When starting your own business there are several things that can be done to bring the traffic in. Implementing such things as coupons and discount offers are usually very pleasing to potential customers. A free services special is also very eye catching.
Starting an interior design career can take a lot of work, but it will all be worth it. The job will open so many doors that may have otherwise remained closed, and the benefits are amazing. Designing is the perfect occupation for anyone who likes to express themselves creatively.
Have interior designer salary questions? Find the answers at http://www.interiordesignersalarydata.com
Posted on 25 February '10, under Decor. No Comments.
The monetary value of many antiques and other priceless possessions is based on the current selling price of these goods in the market. Collectors of different kinds, from antiques, furniture and rugs to toy figures, artworks, cars and more are always on the lookout for the current value of their collection. This may be reasons of selling, acquiring, monitoring or just out of interest. Evaluation can sometimes be tedious especially with the numerous aspects to consider. For a new area rug collector for instance, the details can be overwhelming. Let’s take a look at the most important factors in value appraisals.
Self-study is not something new. By having the initiative and determination to learn things assiduously, one can gain valuable information. There are so many books written about this field – the value of antiques, artworks and other collectibles. Home decorations are also included such as a collection of rugs, furniture, quilts, etc. By reading these books one will have an idea on what is the right selling price for a certain item and up to what range a buyer can negotiate. References also discuss about the factors for determining rates, especially helpful for explaining the price to potential buyers. In terms of deciding on the price, it relies on the origin of the material, age and longevity, manufacturer, materials and quality as further discussed below.
A further case is that of area rugs. There are an increasing number of rug collectors and the value of rugs is getting higher as well. If a collector has a rare or antique rug, the more he can gain from the appraisal. Rugs made in the earlier centuries and were preserved and passed down to this time are absolute collector’s items. Materials, designs and colors that are more elaborate cost much more too.
Also, collectors’ items can be estimated through replacement or insurance value done by private evaluators. Items that are currently in-demand, rare finds and antiques but are highly regarded and have maintained outstanding quality, have a higher appraisal.
The value of an item can also be determined by its condition at the time of appraisal. A patched up rug or creaky chair looses on the price of a good item and that is why it is important to look over an antique before bidding for it during an auction. Such an appraisal especially for a rug involves checking for the nicks, the cracks, the hazing, the rips and the tears. The area rug can also be checked for stains, missing torn-off parts or other kinds of damage that underplays the original design and visual appeal.
Collections that are an authentic set or part of a set also demand a higher cost. The collector should be able to ascertain the value of his collection before selling off. If unsure, there are professional evaluators who can help assess the items know the right rates.
Zoey Callehan is a senior staff writer for HouseofAreaRugs.com – a unique online area rug store specializing in Persian style area rugs and transitional rugs.
Posted on 24 February '10, under Decor. No Comments.
Think about Victorian decor, one of the mainstays of the “new vintage” trend, and what comes to mind? Rich-looking, ornate styles, with big price tags attached, right? It doesn’t to be expensive if you know how to make the most of what you already have, along with fabulous finds from other sources.
Repainting is the best start for a decorating project and using Victorian colors is no exception. You would have to use rich and dark colors to stay true to this look. Because of the richness of the colors, it’s not advisable to paint the entire walls especially if the room is a small one. Dark colors absorb light making a small room appear even smaller. Hence, it’s better to choose and highlight one wall, accent it with a dark shade and then paint the rest of the walls a light color.
Do as the Victorians did by adorning the floor with a beautiful Oriental rug. The intricate patterns and vivid colors of the area rug will add beauty and depth to the room’s decor.
With a good rug on the floor, it’s time to think furniture. One way to keep to the budget is to get distressed tables and drape them with single-size white or floral sheets. You can tie them up here and there with ribbons (another Victorian touch) or let them pool onto the floor or area rug and top them with lace doilies.
For the bigger furnishings, instead of the typical Victorian walnut furniture, you can opt for the wicker type.
Wicker comes in three types: paper, reed and resin. Paper wicker is made by twisting paper into strips that are then woven. Reed comes from natural fibers that are soaked until pliable and then woven into the familiar crisscross pattern. Resin wicker is actually made from molded plastic, and is the most durable of the three types. All three types can be cleaned gently with a damp, but not dripping, cloth. Reed and resin wicker also can be hosed down if they get extremely dirty, but don’t hose paper wicker. As you might guess, paper wicker will soak up the water and rot.
With wicker you’ll also want plenty of cushions and pillows in floral patterns, as well as linens with embroidery, ribbons and lace in white or natural. Thrift stores, yard sales, even flea markets can be good sources for vintage linens with handmade embroidery. Linens with less expensive machine-embroidered patterns can be found at discount stores. Embroidered linens and fabrics are used on tablecloths, curtains and even upholstery in Victorian decor.
Speaking of fabrics, Victorians were big on brocade, velvets and toiles. Any one of these can break a decorating budget, so keep watch for accent pieces in these more expensive fabrics that will add a touch more vintage.
Now for the finishing touches. While you’re shopping in thrift stores, look for ornate frames to display sepia-toned photographs or nostalgic reproduction postcards or greeting cards. Remember that Victorians loved groupings, so look for china pieces in rose or floral patterns. You can even press flowers and frame them for group displays on wall or table.
Victorian decor is a beautiful design to work with. The great news is that it doesn’t even have to be expensive, regardless of how its name sounds.
If you found this information about budget interior design beneficial, then you are going to love these budget bedroom decorating ideas.
Posted on 21 February '10, under Decor. No Comments.
You’ve gotten bored with your decor – it’s a perennial and inevitable problem for every homeowner in the world. Even if you thought that your home’s look was perfect when you redecorated several years ago, you’re not likely to have the same opinion after five to ten years of looking at the exact same spaces. This, however, is a fairly easy problem to remedy. With some of the right touches, you can have all-new, interesting spaces without having to break the bank.
Moving the furniture either to a different room or a different spot in the room sounds like a workout, but it is a simple decorating technique that can immediately give a room a different design. The placement of furnishings make up the look of a room, so modifying how they are positioned can do wonders for a fresh interior. Expect that there will be a lot of pushing, lifting and grunting because positioning the furniture the right way is a trial and error process. Checking at all angles and the best possible areas is vital if you want to have the best results. Repositioning the accessories however is a breeze, but likewise, it is trial and error to find which spot a certain decor looks best.
If your new arrangement for the furniture pieces doesn’t give the room that new life you wanted, then maybe it’s time to put in something new. Color is the next factor you should try changing in the room because it’s so visible, and any changes should have immediate visual impact on the overall look of the room. Slipcovers let you create that sort of change without too much of an investment; they’re an easy and very inexpensive way of quickly changing the colors in your room.
For a bit more expenses, you can change the sofa’s upholstery, floor’s carpeting, and chairs’ cushions or buy a new piece of furniture.
Decorating with an area rug has been around since the early times for something. Area rugs can enhance a space’s mood and style. Opting for an area rug with a contrasting color with the room’s motif is an eye-catcher. An area rug in the same color scheme as the rest of the room enhances the room’s design and creates a smooth-flowing look around the living space. You don’t have to worry about spending because rugs come in different prices that you’ll surely find one that meets your budget.
Contrast is good especially if it gives an attractive outcome. Just like with motif, contrast can be added in smaller items and not just in the wall paint. Accents will do. Contrast is not about the colors alone. It can also be in textures.
Remember, the easiest way to remedy a room that has become too predictable is to insert little unpredictable pieces. It doesn’t take very much; an interesting trinket here and a new color there will already suffice to get you excited about your room all over again.
Home Decorating has never been this easy with these rugs. Be sure to take a look at this floral print rugs for the latest information.
Posted on 18 February '10, under Decor. No Comments.
If you have a room to spare, it is time to give your toddler a playroom. It can be an extra bedroom, a basement room or an attic room. With the decorating ideas in this article, your child’s playroom will be a lot of fun regardless of where in your house it is situated.
Safety and fun are priorities and they should always go together. The room should be clean, child-friendly, and safe for your baby. Have a storage for all your child’s toys, so there will be no litter in the playroom. This also prevents accidents, no matter how minor.
The playroom is a theme in itself for decorating. Go with happy colors. The brighter the hues, the more cheerful it will look, and the happier your child will be. Light colors are ideal for a smaller space to make the room look bigger.
By this time, your toddler may already have a few favorites. Why not incorporate the things that make him happy? A cartoon character or a picture of his favorite food and animal can do wonders for your child’s mood, especially if he gets to see it everyday. Add photos of other animals, shapes and other artworks to brighten up the playroom even more. Be generous with the use of colors. The more, the livelier!
All children love to play on the floor, so floor treatment is very important. The quickest and easiest solution is using area rugs. Depending on your room size, you might choose one huge size, or one smaller and one larger area rug.
Experiment with colors and shapes. What you can’t use for your living room, decorate in the playroom. The more funky the color and shape, the better it will add to the playfulness quality of your child’s special room.
Don’t limit yourself to only one area rug, especially if the playroom is quite big. Don’t worry, area rugs don’t require a lot of work. If you need to replace them or roll them up so your child can play with roller skates or ride a wheel toy, they’re easy to put back.
You might have thought of carpeting as a good flooring for the playroom. Although a carpet is a soft cushion, which is a safety bonus, carpet floor is tougher to clean. Toddlers aren’t as tidy as we want them to be thus, spills are expected. Area rugs are easier to wash and clean. If the stain is too bad that it needs a thorough washing, an area rug is also very easy to replace.
The area rugs for children can be their toys as well. With the fun designs, your toddler can learn more words and pictures just by studying the area rugs. Select area rugs with a number design, animal or flower theme and geometric shapes. Your toddler will learn some even before he starts pre-school.
If you found this information about Home Decorating beneficial, then you are going to love these kids area rugs.
Posted on 15 February '10, under Decor. No Comments.
The home has always been the central point of a family’s existence. It is a place for everyone to work, play, entertain and most importantly, unwind after a hectic day. A house is much more than a set of walls; it is the comfort zone of each and every person living in it.
The importance of our homes in our lives is what makes decorating them a task no lame hearted should ever endeavor. Decorating a home is no easy feat. It is about making it look great while catering to the demands of every individual living in it. Kids are by far the easiest to please as far as home decor is concerned. Bright, bold colors and a minimalist style works the best as far as children are concerned.
No wonder decorating made for children is a major part of home design. Children’s bedroom is not a grown-up’s take on home design but is a space expressive of the child’s interest and likes.
If your child is an animal-lover, he/she is not only showing compassion at an early age but is also craving to be surrounded by animals all the time. Does begging to have a puppy, to go to the zoo, to pet a snake or to play with a monkey sound familiar? Decorating your child’s bedroom with an animal theme is a nice way to encourage your child’s love for animals and surround him/her with those that he/she loves.
You can easily decorate the room with animal prints in the beddings, curtains and covers. If you don’t really fancy the bold design of animal prints, you can use colors that resemble the jungle or your child’s favorite animals. Oranges, greens, browns and blues are good picks. You can also use furniture pieces with an animal shape or furniture designed with an animal artwork. Perhaps your child can sit on a dog-shaped chair matched with a table adorned with drawings of popular zoo animals.
A jungle print wall paper, lights in the shape of buffaloes, a leopard area rug… the list could go on. Let your imagination go wild in every sense of the word and give your child the room he always dreamed about.
Discover where Interior Decorating experts do their shopping for rugs, and discover their favorite animal print rugs.
Posted on 12 February '10, under Decor. No Comments.
If you are thinking about re-designing your bedroom, make sure you know exactly what type of atmosphere you want to create in the space. You have many options to choose from when designing your bedroom. If you are looking for a more relaxing atmosphere, you will likely choose a cool color palate. If you would like the romantic feel then you’d add a more bold design, usually reds and burgundies. Don’t be scared to take a risk when re-decorating your bedroom. No matter the result it will always be one room for you and your partner to relax and enjoy each others company.
When you are creating a romantic atmosphere in the bedroom make sure to choose the correct color palette. Reds are especially a hot color when it comes to the bedroom since it invokes passion. Darker reds are chosen more when choosing wall colors. If red isn’t your ideal color for a romantic room perhaps you have another color in mind. Make sure it’s a color which makes you happy since you’ll be the one whom will be sleeping in the room every night. If you aren’t quite sure about painting the walls red but like the idea, then accent with pillows and your linens.
Regardless of your color choice, you should avoid painting until you have a good idea of your overall design theme. Look around the house for inspirational pieces. Do you have a special vase or portrait that has a romantic flair? Gather any items that make you feel dreamy and romantic and find ways to incorporate those items into your space. Pull color choices from these pieces or use them as accents against contrasting hues.
When you have figured out what your color and theme is going to be get some romantic and extravagant bedding. The textures that you feel can cause an immediate sensation. With silk sheets on your bed it will seem romantic just due to the touch. Whatever you do don’t buy some old quilt to put into the room that will pull out any feeling of romance you had already created.
Don’t forget to select a few beautiful pieces of art to hang on the walls. Your bed will most likely be the focal point of your romantic bedroom, so you should find something special to hang above the headboard. Choose pictures that coordinate with your color scheme. Elegant floral prints or abstract paintings are both good choices for the walls. You could also hang a large wedding photo in an ornate frame.
When decorating your bedroom for the romantic feel, don’t overlook the floor. No matter if you have carpet, hardwood, or linoleum; a great rug will just add another layer of romantic texture to the room. Adding a great rug is a wonderful accent to the bedroom but make sure it’s not too extravagant if you went with a larger bet set. You don’t want the room to look overwhelmed.
Finally, add a softer lighting in the room to complete the romantic feel. Try choosing a great accent lamp since they are more romantic than an overhead fan light or other overhead bulbs. To make it even more romantic, try adding recessed lighting with a dimmer switch. You then have control on the brightness of the lighting for different occasions. Candles are another accent and also romantic item to place into the bedroom. Lavender, rose, or juniper scents are a great way to set the mood in your new re-modeled bedroom.
Keep up to date with Romantic Home Decorating trends and enhance your home with heart rugs.
Posted on 12 February '10, under Decor. No Comments.
Move off the tracks and the sofa if Thomas the Tank Engine is pulling into your living room. Children everywhere are captivated with this cute little tank engine that tries always to be bigger than he is. He is an awesome character and is fun loving and playful while trying to always be useful. Have you thought of making the whole Island of Sodor come to life in your child’s room with a Thomas mural? Your child will love and so will you.
Thomas lives on the imaginary Island of Sodor. This is a whole world of many imaginary tank engines and their daily routines. These characters are awesome influences for your child and this is especially true of Thomas. Putting up a Thomas mural in your child’s room is going to be the source of many hours of entertainment for your child.
Thomas has many friends and each one has a unique personality. If your child watches Thomas, then you better make sure to add all of Thomas’ friends to the Thomas mural that you choose to put in your child’s room. They will know if one is missing. Look for assorted packages of wall stickers to go with a mural that may not include all the engines. You should look for Percy, Rusty, Salty, and don’t forget about the Troublesome trucks. The Thomas website is another good place to look as well.
You can find many Thomas accessories to go with a wall mural that will have your child in amazement. There are bedding sets, lamps, window treatments, and even furniture that all carry the Thomas the Tank Engine theme. One great addition to a Thomas mural that would add many hours of play for your little engine is a whole set of tank engine toys. You can every single one and watch how many hours your child will be lost in the imaginary world on the Island of Sodor.
The Internet will provide many shopping opportunities for everything you will need for a Thomas mural and all the accessories as well. You may also have all these wonderful things delivered to your door. If you would like shop up close and personal for your Thomas theme room additions, you can do this at some local department or at toy stores near you. You will be surprised at the products that have Thomas on the package.
Another great idea for a Thomas mural that would be fun for you and your child is painting your own. This may take a little linger and some artistic talent, but the time you spend with your little one doing it will be worth it. You can use toy packages from a Thomas toy or the front of a Thomas coloring book to go by. Draw everything on first in pencil do you can erase until you feel you have reached perfection.
Making sure to get everything that you will need for a Thomas painting project will include getting the right colors of paints for Thomas and all his friends. Take a color picture from a toy package or the front of a Thomas coloring book to have those colors professionally mixed.
Remember the message you are sending when you turn your child’s room into a Thomas world. Thomas is a wonderful influence and brings into your child’s life some old fashioned and valuable morals.
Posting a Thomas mural just got easy! You will complete a perfect room with the Thomas The Train Giant Mural today! An easy DIY project that you will have done in a few hours!
Posted on 12 February '10, under Decor. No Comments.