Tips on Western Home Decorating

Bedroom Decorating Ideas - Tips on Western Home Decorating

One way to give your home a warm, comfortable look and feel is with western home decorating. As you might expect, there are some items that depict cowboys and rodeos, but there’s a lot more to it than that. Come along while we explore the wide variety of furnishings and accessories that fit right in with the western style of home decorating.

Whether you just want to add a few decorative pieces here and there, or decorate your entire house, western style décor can add charm and down-home coziness. If you don’t already have a few ideas about the look and feel you want, try browsing through a few home decorating or interior design magazines. Also, print and/or online catalogs from western furnishings stores have lots of ideas and suggestions. No matter where your creative ideas come from, the best advice I can offer is to pick at least a few items that reflect your personal interests and maybe even a side of your personality that others might not be aware of. That makes your room(s) unique while allowing you a perfect opportunity for some self-expression.

One of the great things about western home decorating is that it can be done fairly quickly and in a way to fit almost any budget. Since the flavor and feel of a room usually comes from the accessories and accents, you can often decorate a room without buying new furniture and other high-dollar items. You can create the feel you want with items such as an accent rug or two, a few table decorations, a decorative lamp, sofa or floor pillows, some wall art, and whatever else you want that will match or complement the overall desired ambiance.

Often, a fresh coat of paint on the walls will do wonders for a room. Many people like the living room and other common areas to be somewhat of a neutral color. An off-white, light tan or sand color works well for western style decorating, since those are subdued earth tones. A good paint color for bathroom trim might match something in the natural landscape such as a sky blue, forest green or dusty rose color.

Floors are often overlooked when it comes to decorating, which is a shame because area rugs and accent rugs not only serve a useful purpose, but they might also be considered as art for your floor. Rugs that go great in a western styled room include animal skins (real or faux), rugs with a southwest design, sheepskin rugs, and rugs that depict wildlife or horses. There is also a leather shag rug that is made with strips of suede sewn into a rag rug that would look great in many western rooms.

Lamps and lighting fixtures are an essential part of almost any room, but we sometimes neglect to make them fit in with the overall room décor. There are plenty of lamps and lighting fixtures to choose from, including ones made from antlers or small logs or ones with depictions of western scenes that add interest and visual appeal to the western style of home decorating.

Decorative pillows with a bold design and/or a splash of color might be just right for adding a bit of panache to the room. Bright colors or a bold design on a sofa could overpower the room, but pillows and a few other accessories and accents can give you lots of flexibility to get the overall look and feel you want. You can set the mood of the room to be as wild or as mild as you want.

Some items, such as sofa pillows, floor pillows, or table centerpieces, are usually affordable enough that it might be fun to have one set for everyday use and another set that can be put in place in a matter of minutes when certain guests are expected. That way, you can enhance the “wow” factor to fit the occasion.

Small bronze sculptures or horse figurines are a good example of decorations that you can display on a table, in a curio cabinet, or on a knick-knack shelf. One of my favorite things to display is a baseball-sized geode, which is a certain type of rock that has been cut in half to reveal the crystal formations inside.

Wall art includes paintings, drawings, photographs, and more. No matter how a room is decorated, too much bare wall space can often make a room seem unfinished. Plus, items on the wall can reflect your hobbies or personal interests as well as being decorative. Some of the rugs that have a southwestern design or a depiction of a scenic vista or animals are great for hanging on a wall, like a tapestry. It may sound a little unusual, but even things like samples of barbed wire or different kinds of horseshoes can be mounted and framed to make something that really goes well in a western style room.

Whether you prefer the traditional ranch style of western home decorating furnishings or the western style with a contemporary influence for your western home decorating, you can be assured that you’ll have plenty of accessories and accents to select from that offer down-home appeal and casual charm.

Western Home Decorating Has Many Aspects | Myia's Renovations and Realty

Interior Design Tips on Moroccan Home Decor

Bedroom Decorating Ideas - Moroccan Home Decor

One of the hottest trends when it comes to interior design, home decoration is of Moroccan origin. There are many reasons why the Moroccan decor is so popular that include designs, fabrics, beautiful colors that blend so well together and the fact that this type of decoration can withstand the test of time. Besides, Moroccan design can blend well with other types of decoration in your home. If you have a traditional design or a modern house, you can mix and match - making the design more eclectic when using the population of Moroccan origin design home decor. Home decorating Moroccan AccessoriesMoroccan Ceramics: You want to use ceramics in Morocco at home and decor is not only decorative, but a large part of the Moroccan culture.

The pottery is still made by hand and can be some parts that are true works of original art. The pottery which is made from natural clay are added color and drama to your home and give works of art that can be the focal point of any table. Moroccan table: You will also find that the table is very intricate and well designed when it comes to Moroccan accessories. You can see the Mediterranean in the design table are carved by hand or with established mosaic patterns that are made of glass or clay. The tables are a focal point and many of them are a work of art in themselves. Carpets Moroccan Zone: You really need to have a rug in a room to feel more relaxed and warm. No home is truly complete without this, even if you are wall to wall carpeting. But you do not have to limit itself to using only Moroccan carpets on the floor.

Because these are rugs woven so ingeniously, can also be used to hang on the wall instead of a painting. The rugs are woven and tied hand and make a big wall to the designs and floor designs. Morocco Mirrors: Mirrors are one way that you can make a smaller room look bigger. You can use the mirrors of Morocco that are made of bone or metal frames watermark. The use of mirrors as the walls instead of paint is cheaper, although the mirrors that are carved and dyed with henna art of giving more run for his money. You can add mirrors in any room in the house as if it were a photo or a painting. They are very well by adding sconces beside them to reflect light. Morocco Lighting: Do not forget lighting. Many people ignore this aspect of interior design, so do not forget to use lamps, lanterns, sconces and chandeliers in your home decor Moroccan.

The lampshades are often part of a species and animal skin that has been stained and hand-painted or tattooed with henna. Get the same type of lighting throughout the house to be functional as well as offer beauty. Separators Morocco room: You can use room dividers in many different ways to add drama to their rooms, as well as the section to privacy through the use of screening can create space and make a room more inviting and more functional. For even more dramatic style, add lamps screens lamps or a star. If you have a home office in the main hall of the house, room dividers are a perfect way to section off this space. There's so much you can do when it comes to creating a home that includes decoration of Moroccan origin. These are just some ideas. Once you start adding this Mediterranean design to your home, you'll naturally start gravitating toward lighting, rugs, furniture and accessories that have the design of Morocco. While Moroccan home decor is almost new, its application has been able to stand the test of time.Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/interior-design-articles/essential-accessories-of-moroccan-home-decor-566620.html

Interior Design: Essential Accessories of Moroccan Home Decor

Recycled Cabinet Hardware - 2008 Home Decor Trends

Bedroom Decorating Ideas - Recycled Cabinet Hardware

The trends for 2008 home decor are all directed toward “Going Green”, whether the focus is on environmentally friendly products, recycled products, or simply bringing more of the outdoors inside to add a more serene feel to your home.Focusing on cabinet hardware trends for 2008, you will find there are many fantastic options to becoming more “Green.”Environmentally Friendly & Recycled Cabinet Hardware.

If you are looking to replace your hardware, you should consider checking out the many available environmentally friendly and recycled hardware choices available. Several companies now specialize specifically in recycled cabinet hardware, using recycled aluminum, glass, and wood from construction sites. In addition to recycled products, there are many companies specializing in hardware (specifically cabinet knobs) made from renewable resources, such as cork or bamboo.

Hardware made from recycled glass is not only a great way to go green, but is also a great way to incorporate seasonal color into your home when you use colored glass. There are a number of companies on the market who are focused on producing sustainable/renewable products for your home and business. Their line of lead-free pewter and recycled glass cabinet hardware is an excellent choice for incorporating stylish “Green” products into your home.

Using recycled products when replacing your cabinet hardware is a great way to help the environment and lessening your carbon footprint on the planet while still being able to keep your cabinets and home stylish.

Bringing the Outdoors In

In addition to taking advantage of the many options available for recycled and green-friendly hardware, there are fantastic options to bring touches from the outdoors into your home. For your cabinet hinges consider hinges that are simple and don’t detract from your cabinet knobs and drawer pulls; this will allow you to put the entire focus on brightly colored knobs and pulls that bring a bit of the outdoors into your line of sight day in and day out. Examples may include bright red daisy-shaped cabinet knobs and pulls that will bring attention straight to your cabinets.

Alternatively, you could put the focus on the hinges while using a more subtle cabinet pull; you could incorporate leaf-shaped hinges into the room or a fine vine-shaped hinge so that it adds to the natural look you are trying to portray. Your local home improvement store will have many viable choices for you to get this project underway. However, if you have an exact idea in mind and can’t find it, you can always go the custom route. There are many cabinet hardware designers who can create for you the perfect hardware, to your exact specifications.

Whatever your taste, you will find it easy to incorporate environmentally friendly and recycled cabinet hardware into your home. With these items becoming more and more common on the market, it is taking less and less research to find great products and you will, in no time, give a fresh new look to your cabinets while still being able to Go Green.

Jennifer Akre, the author of this article, is an owner of different niche sites that offer clients and customer not only products, but information relating to furnishing and decorating their indoor and outdoor living space. Whether you want to redecorate your living room or create the ultimate outdoor oasis, there is a ton of helpful advice to take advantage of. Today, she shares her insight when purchasing environmentally friendly cabinet hardware, charming cabinet knobs and sleek pulls. Thanks to; eNewsMediaMagazine » Blog Archive » Cabinet Hardware - 2008 Home Decor Trends

10 Ways Improvements to Boost Your Home Value

Bedroom Decorating Ideas - Best home improvements

Do not spend a fortune doing up your home - you will not get your money back. As house prices continue to fall, research from Abbey shows that previously profitable improvements, such as extensions and new kitchens, can leave you out of pocket by many thousands of pounds.

According to the study, the more you spend the more you stand to lose because the cost of the work will not be reflected in the sale price. The average cost of an extension, for example, is £33,800 but it would add only £13,568 to the property's price.

Despite that, Lloyds TSB reports a near 20 per cent jump in the number of people who want to borrow money to improve their home compared with the same time last year. Some homeowners have decided to expand their properties rather than move while others are hoping that their improvements will help them to sell at a better price. So how can you boost the value of your home?

Get the decorators in

1 This is the only home improvement that will really boost your returns. Abbey says that the average cost of painting and decorating a home is £1,330, but the cosmetic improvement adds £3,557 to the value of the property. Opt for neutral colours and don't forget the woodwork.

Avoid big names

2 Installing designer kitchens and spa-quality bathrooms used to be a fail-safe way of adding thousands of pounds to the value of your home. Not any more. These days a new kitchen costs about £18,700 but will add less than £5,000 to the value of a home. The average price of a new bathroom is £7,700 and will add just £2,892 to the property price. So stick with the basics if you are redoing these rooms.

Know the right price

3 The cost of home improvements has risen by 20 per cent over the past two years, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. RICS blames the rising costs of transport and raw materials, as well as a shortage of tradesmen as Polish builders pack up and return home. Avoid being overcharged by spending £17.99 on The Property Makeover Price Guide published by RICS' Building Cost Information Service (bcis.co.uk).

Do it yourself

4 Another study by Alliance & Leicester shows that almost a third of homeowners are planning to save money by doing their own home improvements. However, you will spend even more money and potentially devalue your home if you botch the job.

Clean is beautiful

5 The easiest, cheapest and most effective way to add value would be to clean ...everything. For £35 you can hire a steam cleaner for the week to sort out carpets and upholstery (carpet-cleaner-hire.co.uk). Lined curtains should be dry-cleaned.

The white stuff

6 If your bathroom still looks tired after a good scrub, freshen up the grouting and the mastic. Use a grout pen to rewhiten any discoloured grout lines. It costs £3.98 from B&Q, where you can also buy a tube of mastic sealant for £3.73 (diy.com). If you are still having trouble or need to restore Victorian tiles, go to tiledoctor.co.uk.

Let there be light...

7 Maximise natural light. Simon Buhl Davis, who runs Savills' Interior Services, has managed to shift difficult homes by removing net curtains. He recommends installing colonial shutters to the bottom half of the window or slat blinds (theshutterandblindcompany.co.uk).

...in every dark corner

8 Compensate for the lack of natural light in gloomy places such as basements or lower-ground floors by installing twice the number of light fixtures. Fit dimmer switches.

Get rid of clutter

9 You might not need to move at all once you have got rid of surplus belongings. Use eBay and Gumtree but save time and postage by asking buyers to pick up their purchases. Donate or swap your stuff on freecycle.org. Charities such as the Salvation Army may also be able to pick up bulky items from your home (www1.salvationarmy.org.uk). If all else fails get a skip (skiphiredirect.co.uk).

Hide the dog/children

10 Smelly pets and messy children put buyers off. Ben Rymer, of Strutt & Parker, recommends packing them off to Granny's and dressing your home with fresh flowers and glossy lifestyle magazines. However, buyers are more price-sensitive than ever. So if your home really will not sell, the first thing to change might be the asking price.

Best home improvements to boost your home's value - Times Online

Roman Shades Window Decorating

Buying a home with character and life gives you an excellent chance to try your hand at decorating it and making it into a home to be proud of. Older homes often have quite a bit of character, but may need to be remodeled or decorated to help enhance the character and make it into a comfortable living space. By using dcor pieces, you can turn any home into a welcoming and inviting space that you will love and enjoy.Even if you are not a decorator, you can make a house into a home. A home should express your personality, and through decorating, you can make the home feel like an extension of yourself. From roman shades to curtains and more, you want every facet of your room to express your own personality and decorating style.Home decorating is a process that takes a little time and effort, but it is well worth it. From looking on websites to reading books and magazines, you can get inspiration for your home from many different sources. By looking around at different sources and getting ideas, you can better determine what styles and designs that you like and enjoy.The windows are a very important facet of a design plan. What you choose for the windows can enhance or detract from the rest of the dcor of your room, which is why you want to put some thought into your window coverings. One window covering that you want to consider is roman shades. They are very flexible in design and are a functional and beautiful way to cover your windows. What do you need to consider when choosing your roman shades?Roman shades can be made from many different materials, including fabrics. Coordinating them with other facets of design in your room can help to bring the entire room together.Roman shades can be made to fit any size and shape of window. The window only needs to be carefully measured and the shades simply cut to fit your window without having to have them custom made, which is more expensive and time-consuming.If your home has a lot of woodwork on it, you will want to enhance it. Roman shades can offer you this great flexibility, because they do not cover up the window casing. By enhancing the features of your home, rather than hiding them, you can help to bring the natural beauty of your home out.Roman shades can easily be made. You can make them yourself or you can find someone to make them for you with the fabric that you choose. This can save you money over buying them custom made. You have the added flexibility of choosing the right fabric for you and your room, too.When choosing roman shades, you want to remember that they can help enhance your room and windows, so make your choice carefully to make the most of your room and your home. You can even find them to match your designer shower curtain. Enhance the character and personality of your home with roman shades today!About the Author:Greg Hansward repeatedly produces detailed reports on topics dealing with shower drapes. You can have a look at his work on designer shower curtain on his site. Business Web Directory Blog » Blog Archive » Window Decorating with Roman Shades

Home Decorating Business Ideas

Though most women take much interest in home décor for some reason or other, what they are ignorant about the fact home décor can also be used as an ideal home based money making business opportunity.If you are women with austere sense of space and beauty and some interior design experience to back you up, you can become home decor expert and offer home décor advice over the internet. You can become home décor consultants. You can also offer your home décor consultation service over the net to come up with some good home improvement ideas for those who look for some useful tips on the net and don't have the budget to pay the interior decorators.You can be an entrepreneur by venturing into a home based business by joining an affiliate program of online home décor store or outlet for selling their items.Home décor business also offers some unique home based business opportunities on the net. You can take up them as a part time or spare time home-based business activity, which can turn out to the most ideal home based business for women. There are many home décor online stores which offer home based business opportunities to women, Milano Direct is one such home decor online store which has offered the best home based money making business opportunity to thousands of women on the net.Besides the net there are some other home decorating business opportunities which can be taken up in your spare time. For example you can sign up as a sales representatives with a company specializing in home decor or home decorating products and have shows where you present the items—and sale them. You can offer these shows in your own home or go into other people's homes. These shows can be a great deal of fun and a way to earn a handsome amount.If you have a flair for interior decorating and are of independent nature you may want to start a home decorating business all your own. There can be a number of items you can specialize in like draperies, kitchen remodeling, carpeting, art and accessories, or color scheme choices, just to name a few, as the focus of your home decor business. The possibilities are endless plus you can also have your own home decorating ideas to integrate them for the home decor home business concept.For starting the dome décor business the contacts with the following can be of much help: • Interior designers • Home builders and contractors • Architects • Art galleries • Carpet companies • Paint companies • Antique dealers • Lighting specialists • Furniture stores and dealersThese contacts can help you to be in touch with the prospective clients. Which means you can get to work more quickly, and often with more upscale clients than you could reach on your own, especially when you're just starting a home decor home business.You don't have to be a business person to make any plans for your home decor home business. You just have to think carefully and put in as much of research as you can. Learn what people are looking for right now in terms of interior decorating. Go to different furniture stores, home décor stores to see what they're stocking. You can also talk with owners and also with the customers what's hot and what items they would like to buy.Only after you do proper research and clear what you want to get into you can go ahead with the formalities.I wish you good luck in all of your ventures into the home décor business.

Home Decorating Business Ideas

Be a Interior Designer Yourself

This article emphasizes on the idea that can make you an interior designer yourself. It throws light on boosting present interior decoration of your home using your own creativity and imagination.The word ‘Interior designing’ gets expert interior decorators to your mind. Hold down, but that time is gone and those days are gone when the interior designing was restricted to the experts. Nowadays, people are more aware about interior designing. Many prefer doing it themselves in their own creative manner to reach their imagination. You never know you can also get the best outcome out of your creative skills than those experts.Interior designing is made too complicated by the public mentality. However, it’s not as complex and expensive as people expect it to be. It just needs creativity and it doesn’t need certification or any diploma in the stream. You don’t always need the best pieces of expensive artistic accessories in order to do interior designing. Rather, you can achieve serene and comfortable ambience with simple elegant and inexpensive interior decoration also.The biggest mistake people make while decorating is they overlook usage and concentrate more on beauty of home. This not only gives rise to a lot of problems but it also gives an artificial look to your home. While designing your house, see to it that each and every feature of the house is intrinsic to the over all purpose of your home. So make sure you maintain quite a good balance between both of them. You need not redecorate your home always in order to get a new look, you can simply get it by reorganizing and boosting the interior decoration you have. You can also know more information about home decorating ideas in this site.Here are some tips enlisted:Getting free space works wonder. Simply put the things that you are tired of looking at to retirement. Just clear away all the unnecessary stuff. Make sure you make your home free from all the useless stuff like materials and equipments that are of no use now. Don’t even think of big sofas and tables if you have limited space. Get those small pictures and sceneries away. The new trend of interior decoration is to use less and keep it plain and simple. Carpets give the basic theme or look to the interiors. So, you may consider replacing carpets so as to create a new theme. Here comes the kitchen, the most important part of your home. Keep it clean and lightly coloured. Or, if you wish darker colours you may recreate as you want. Remember to keep the function of the place in mind. So make sure to keep good space in bathroom. It must be spacious.Go ahead Good Luck.About the Author:Adam Peters is the author of more resources published at http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com .A website with tips on home decorating ideas and decoration ideas. Thanks to; Boosting present interior decoration | Link Salad

Bedroom Decorating Ideas - High ceilings in a Home

Building trends have been incorporating high ceilings in many rooms in a home. The feeling is majestic, but sometimes we run into problems with how to furnish such spacious spaces. Common ceiling heights are anywhere from 12 to 22 feet. You will not want to put small-scale furniture in a room with such towering heights.Many furniture manufacturers make large-scale pieces with higher back sofas, fuller and more substantial-looking upholstery, larger cocktail tables and bigger end tables. For the high-ceiling bedroom, you can easily find taller beds and higher headboards. If the bedroom has a tall ceiling, most likely it will also be spacious in its length and width. The use of chests instead of night tables will fill the space with a feeling of grandeur. Large armoires help make the large room cozy.Added space in the bedroom allows for generous reading areas or writing areas. A large chaise with an ample accessory table and lamp will be not only useful, but also attractive. If writing is more your style, a desk looking out onto the view from the window should do the trick.Just because the room is large, you do not have to over-fill it with furniture. Pay attention to traffic flow. Leave some spaces open and fill other spaces with interesting artwork such as sculptures or an attention-grabbing lamp. Trees work well in large spaces, too.Conversational groupings are important in large spaces. Set up the furniture so you can have a few people sitting close enough that they won't have to shout across the room. In a very large room, you might need more than one conversational grouping.You can accent and at the same time bring down the ceiling with details such as coffered ceilings, faux paint and/or architectural molding. The molding will add depth as well as interest. Consider custom cabinetry.Most of the high ceiling rooms also have very tall windows. The views from the windows are usually spectacular, so you probably don't want to over-drape them. A tint on the windows will help protect from the UV rays. Most window tint companies have film that will not change the light spectrum coming in through the windows.What about acoustics in large, tall-ceiling rooms? Some draperies on those tall windows will be necessary for framing the windows as well as helping absorb sound. Area rugs will delineate space, group furnishings and cut down on echoing sound. Heavy upholstery will swallow noise, too.Don't forget the trees and plants. They bring the outdoors in, add warmth and help with that sound absorption.

High ceilings can challenge decorating | www.azstarnet.com ®

Bedroom Decorating Ideas - Green Living Interiors

Just because you’re going green doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. There are many ways to easily incorporate eco-friendly ideas into your home decor without living the stereotypical “granola-and-Birkenstocks” lifestyle.“Within the domains of daily living lie our opportunities and obligations to effect positive change in the world,” says Crissy Trask, author of “It’s Easy Being Green.” “Understanding the relationship between what we do and the larger environment is vital to developing and strengthening a sense of responsibility for the cause and effect of our actions.”By making energy-saving improvements and incorporating sustainable and organic materials, you’ll have lower bills, a healthier house and proof that you can live green without sacrificing style or comfort. For more information;Imperial Valley News - Put the Eco in Decorating - Green Living Interiors

New Life & Home Decor

Decorating a small bedroom can be challenging, but with these foolproof tips you can’t go wrong. Wide beds, heavy dressers, and bulky nightstands take up valuable floor space, and the one thing that is needed most in a small room-an area for storage-is often the one thing that the small bedroom lacks. These tips will help you maximize the space you have, while creating a bedroom that feels more spacious than its actual square footage.Furniture selection is the key when working with a small space. Many people purchase a lot of small pieces with the idea that this will open up the bedroom, but instead this does the opposite by cluttering the space. Instead, choose one or two larger pieces. Consider your space as you shop. Do you have a lot of closet room? If so, hang shelving and forgo a dresser. Instead of purchasing conventional nightstands, buy two plastic storage bins that have three or four drawers each. Place beside the bed and cover with an attractive tablecloth. This gives the functionality of a nightstand while offering additional storage space.Loft beds are wonderful accent pieces to the small bedroom. Placed against a back wall, they open up the rest of the room’s floor space. You’ve just made room for a nice floor rug. The area beneath the bed can then be used in a multitude of ways: as a sitting area, a work area, or for a dresser or television stand. Daybeds and futons are also multi-functional options to the conventional bed, serving as a seating area during the day and a resting space at night. Most daybeds have drawers on the bottom for extra storage.If you decide to go with a conventional bed, consider raising it several feet to add to your storage space. Skip on the footboard and headboard. Instead, hang a nice tapestry or painting over the head of the bed. Finally, use tall, narrow furniture, such as armoires and highboys. Not only will these pieces save wall space while adding storage space, but they will also draw the eye upward, creating a feeling of height.Natural lighting always works best in a room. Pull curtains open during the day. This will create a feel of extra depth by pulling the outdoors inside. Keep the room well lit, since dark corners cut down the illusion of space. Don’t hang lights from the ceiling; this draws the room down. Instead, purchase lamps that can be placed on the wall, enhancing your wall decor. Thanks to; Rumi & Home Decor » New Life & Home Decor

Bedroom Decorating Ideas - Tips on how to Use Painted Lamp Shades

Painted lamp shades provide beautiful rustic style for any home lighting fixture. The charming style they enhance in your home will have your friends talking about your great interior design long after they leave. In fact, I love these wonderful shades so much that I have even given them as gifts to friends and family.

These lamp shades are a unique way to bring out interesting rustic or Native American style in your home decorating and complete a look that is certainly amazing.

From interesting portrayals of American Indians and extraordinary mountain terrain, to detailed paintings of dry desert landscape and Native homes, you will definitely be amazed with how these hand painted lamp shades complement your home's western design and style.

The thing I like most about decorating with leather lamp shades or giving them as gifts, are the variations in shade colors and options to choose from.

You can decide between fascinating artwork on dyed pigskin leather lamp shades that come in many different colors, or select a painting you like on a traditional rawhide shade in a light or dark color.

No matter which you choose, you will no doubt find one that combines with your color scheme and your decorating needs. The amazing craftsmanship of the hand-stitched leather on the leather lamp shade adds great character and genuine American Indian style to your rustic cabin or country home.

Trying to simply enhance southwestern style in a room in your home?

The nicest thing about painted lamp shades is that they look equally as well in an office, den, bedroom, living room and anywhere else you wish to incorporate western style. The exciting thing about painted lamp shades is that they are a simple way to alter your home lighting or makeover a room without going into debt or remodeling.

Try painted lamp shades on unique southwestern style lamps such as wrought iron or antler lamps to create a true rugged mountain look, or simply replace the shade on the regular style lamps that you already have to bring out Native style.

Often used on chandelier lamps for illuminating large rooms or for table lamps and desk lamps, painted lamp shades are great for anywhere you would like to add a splash of color with rustic style. You will be excited to see how easily a lamp shade can revolutionize the look of the entire room and bring rustic style decorating to life in your home.

Combine painted leather lamp shades with other western or rustic style items for true rustic style.

Painted lamp shades look great when used with Indian blankets and throws, kiva ladders, powwow drums, or Indian baskets and pottery. These incredible shades are difficult to buy in traditional stores where southwestern decorating items are sold, but you can find them online.

If you love the designer style homes typically found in the southwestern states, or are simply looking for a way to add great rustic design to your interior decorating, try using the exquisite art of painted lamp shades.

Use Painted Lamp Shades To Enhance Beautiful Southwestern Home Decorating

Bedroom Decorating Ideas- Home Decorating Tips For The Budget Minded

A home is quite an investment. Sometimes there is little left over for decorating. With the improvements that have been made to many standard materials, this is no longer the problem that it once was.

f you are decorating on a budget, one of the first things that you
may want to make peace with is that it will probably take you a bit
longer to accomplish your goals than someone that can afford to just
go out and buy exactly what they want.

It will also take a little work on your part in the creation of some of the things that will adorn your home. You will have to get your elbows dirty in the process as you will personally take part in some of your decorating projects.

Paint is cheap, hiring a painter is not. When you've decided on the colors you want and which rooms will be painted, go to the hardware store, buy some paint, brushes, rollers, paint trays, drop cloths, and any other painting material youmay need.

If you are ragging or sponging your paint, you will need additional materials. Carve out an afternoon or two of your busy life and paint away. Be sure to clean
all items thoroughly when done otherwise you may end up wasting money
on additional painting supplies. Thanks to;home Decorating Tips For The Budget Minded - BargainBanter

Bedroom Decorating Ideas - Tips for Summer Decorating

With the summer's heat upon us it's a good time to think about cool decorating tips. We asked Vern Yip, host of HGTV's "Deserving Design" and a judge on the network's "Design Star" reality show, for some of his best tips for summer decorating.

We caught up with him for a phone interview in Atlanta during a break in taping "Deserving Design." For summer, think bright colors, comfortable style and easy entertaining. That backyard patio is an area where plenty of outdoor entertaining will take place this summer. So get it in shape for the season.

"The one thing that's really changed is a lot of retailers and manufacturers are now making products that are designed for the outdoors that could be used indoors," Yip says. "The outdoors should be thought about as another room for your house. Now we have rugs that are meant to be outdoors year-round and really comfortable lounge furniture and even accessories. Even those not specifically meant for the outdoors can often be left out year-round."

Your patio or deck is an extension of your living space.

"There are wonderful fabrics and accessories and drapes and rugs that really are now another way for us to enjoy the outdoors more," Yip says.

When the party goes from daytime to evening, make sure you have the right lighting to keep conversation flowing.

"Candlelight is always one of the best ways to create an incredible atmosphere and relax and converse and have a drink," he says.

Everybody looks great by candlelight. Don't limit it to little votive candles. Try hanging beautiful chandeliers from a tree or hanging them above your main seating area from the apex of an outdoor tent or cover or from a pergola."

Dress home for summer

Moving indoors, there are easy things to do to give a summer feel.

Summer is really about renewal. A lot of people have kids on vacation, the weather is generally nice and bright, and it's an opportunity for you to really inject some great color in your space, and you can easily do that through drapes, throw pillows, through artwork, even a coat of paint," Yip says.

"People are now dressing their rooms for the seasons. They have neutral-colored sofas and carpet or hardwood floors, and they change things out for the season."

Easy colors to use inside include green and orange. Those colors are popular year-round, Yip says, but in the summertime, opt for shades of green and orange with bright yellow undertones.

"Color is really, really big this season," he says. "It's surprising because usually when the economy is bad, the colors go dour, but not this year, even though we're facing higher gas prices and higher bills. Maybe it's a way to cheer up."

Pops of color

Every room in the house can use its own burst of summer color.

"I always keep bowls of apples around the house because they stay fresh for four to five weeks in a bowl and add that organic element," Yip says.

"I don't like plastic fruit and flowers because I feel like they sap the life out of a room, but ... Granny Smith apples or Red Delicious are $1.99 a bag, and they stay there for weeks."

The key thing to remember is "summer is about embracing the season. It's as simple as introducing a bright vase with flowers." Thanks to; Summer dressing for your home | hattiesburgamerican.com | Hattiesburg American

Bedroom Decorating Ideas - Tips on Planning your Family Room

Family rooms by their very name are for the family and, when most of us think of family, we think of relaxation and fun, as well as informal settings for carefree entertaining.

This is a room in which we can truly "let our hair down." It demands space for our hobbies, be they reading, watching TV, playing games or needlework. It also calls for some imaginative planning so all members of the family feel this is truly "their" room.

Careful planning of your family room is a must. Be sure to make a list of all the activities and functions the room will encompass. Only then can you make truly wise decisions about furniture and other finishes.

Comfort is essential in the selection of your upholstered furniture pieces. Do you like cushy seats and over sized pieces? Or do you prefer a comfortable seat in a smaller scale?

Fabric choices for furniture pieces are important, as this room is apt to get the most use of all the rooms in your home. Choosing a fabric that is durable and stain resistant is key.

Fabrics such as leathers, micro suedes and chenilles are comfortable and fairly easy to maintain. Plain fabrics with varying textures and patterned fabrics such as plaids, stripes, small prints and checks are most at home in family rooms.

The addition of large and small coffee and end tables will ensure there is lots of places to set food and drinks. Look for stacked or folded pieces to allow you the opportunity to increase table space as needed.

An entertainment centre to house your electronics is a must. Entertainment centres offer you a place for everything and can act as a focal point in the room. When possible, consider a unit with extra storage that can hold items such as CDs, DVDs, games and magazines.

A game table may also be an important addition to this room. Be sure to allow for adequate lighting when you select its place in your room. Ping-pong, pool and air hockey games are often a welcomed addition to this room. Of course having the proper space is a requirement of the type of game you select.

Flooring options in the family room should be easy to maintain and durable while still working with the rest of the flooring in the home. Wood and laminate floors are great choices for these rooms and can be warmed up with the addition of an area rug.

Choosing the right window treatments for your family room depends on the type of activities you will be focusing on. If you will mostly be watching TV and movies, why not consider room-darkening blinds? If the room will be used for family activities, a window treatment that lets the light in may be a better option.

There's no better way to finish off a room and complete a look than by adding accessories. Toss cushions are a fun and simple way to bring in colour, not to mention how comfy they are when you're watching TV or cuddled up with a good book. For easy maintenance in a bustling home, why not consider beautiful permanent plants and or trees to help fill in empty space?

Lamps add to the décor and also offer additional light to enhance the ambiance for particular tasks.

If you follow these ideas when decorating your family room I am sure it will become an integral part of your family home!

Sarah Pacey is the award-winning owner of the local Interiors by Decorating Den, which serves commercial and residential interior decorating needs from Oromocto to Grand Falls. Contact her office today with questions or to book an in-house consultation at 392-8882 or by e-mail at paceyteam@decoratingden.com.

Thanks to;bugleobserver.com - Family room fun

Decorating Ideas - Tribal Textiles

Tribal Textiles The Indian Story Contemporary Indian textile reveals a lot about the rich cultural past of India

Simplicity and variety have helped textile art from various pockets in India flourish to global acceptance.

India is known to be one of the oldest textile manufacturing countries of the world. The Indus valley is where it is said to have originated. Ancient literature makes detailed mention about the processes involved with textile manufacturing.

Indian mythology also reveals a lot about textiles

Amongst these, the Rigveda provides details about the weaving processes of those times. The Ramayana and Mahabharata have documented the existence of fabrics in that era. The stylized clothing of the rich and aristocrats and the simple clothing of the ordinary find brief mention in the epics.Apart from this, cotton material found in the Egyptian tombs was found to be made in Gujarat.

Most of the ancient writings also talk about textile manufacturing thereby reinforcing the fact that this was indeed in existence in the past. Surplus garments were often exported to other countries. This has been clearly scripted in the historical musings of the famous Vijayanagar empire (ad 1504). Textile manufacturing was referred to as an important trade of that era.

One of the reasons that the textile industry picked up in India in the ancient times was because of the suitable climate, social customs and availability of raw materials required for the process.From a trade perspective, India has had several ties with countries of the East and the West.

The popularity of Indian silk helped it reach the Roman Empire in huge volumes

Research has revealed pieces of cotton garments originating from Gujarat, in the Egyptian tombs.This was found especially in the tombs at Fostat, of the 5th century A.D. At some point cotton textiles were also exported to various regions of China. This happened primarily during the renowned times of the silk trade.
Silk fabrics from south India also found a big market and preference in Indonesia. While this was happening, the European markets were not spared either.

The ‘British East India Company’ made a huge killing in the textile business mainly benefiting from different varieties of Indian made clothing, one of them being Dacca muslins.

In this era muslins from Bengal, Orissa and Bihar also gained popularity. Muslin is a thin fabric made from cotton and usually has printed designs of flowers, etc. It has a shiny appearance. This style is still in vogue.

A lot of the current designs and patterns are a continuation of that school of art and design

The motifs, designs, patterns, etc. and the old weaving techniques are still used by handloom weavers, although the textile weaving process has changed significantly with the advent of power-looms.Indian textile has thus found a place in the global market, mainly due to its high quality.

That apart the pricing is very affordable when compared to the competition.One can find varieties to choose between Cushion covers, curtains, bed covers, linen, shoes, handmade paper, quilts, etc. And the best part is the price. These items are available at a fraction of the price one would pay in the western world.

Some other aspects gaining popularity are the Bandhani and Batik printing techniques

Block printing has amazed the western buyers so much that they are exported in huge volumes.Contemporary Indian textile reveals a lot about the rich cultural past of India. Simplicity and variety have helped textile art from various pockets in India flourish to global acceptance.

The historical revelation of this art has also helped in adding popularity to Indian textile art even today and will continue to popularize this art in the future as well.
About The Author: Adam Peters is the author of many resources on furniture related topics published at http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com . Find more information and resources on tribal textiles at his web http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com/tribal_textiles.html Article Source: http://www.BharatBhasha.comTribal Textiles The Indian Story : AllThingsIndian.Org

Decorating Ideas - Create Unique Southwest Home Decor

If you are searching for an inexpensive, rustic decorating idea, try using the beautiful painted drums made by Native Americans Indians

I was recently looking for a cheap way to redecorate my living room and guest rooms and give them a rustic, southwestern flare, and started purchasing wonderful Native American accessories for rustic home decor.

I ended up buying two beautiful painted drums that incorporated the perfect rustic look in my home and gave it the rustic feel that I was looking for. The thing I admire most about these painted drums is how they show a true reflection of Indigenous life and work through the paintings.

Perhaps you are like me and truly appreciate the authentic creativity of Native American art

As you study the origin of these paintings you will love how the artistic spirit of the American Indians can be seen in the painted drum. The beautiful hand painted drum heads serve as a gallery for the expressions and motives of Native life and spirituality.

Because the Native American drum artists find their inspiration through the work of their ancestors, owning one of these rustic drums allows you the unique privilege of being part of many generations of Native American artists. Each new line of Native drum artists creates their work, mingled with the past, to bring forth a truly unique work of art.

As you learn about the history of painted drums

you will see that animal drums have always been the predominant Native American musical instruments of choice and hold a special meaning to these Native people. The medium, with which they choose to paint, is different among drum painters and is a matter of personal preference.

Some Indian artists still use hand ground natural dyes, though paint has also become an acceptable choice as traditional drums give way to modern expressions of culture and creativity.Just like the variations of mediums used to paint the drums, you will also see that drumming traditions differ between tribes. Some tribes use large drums while gathered in a circle around it, while the drums of other tribes are unique and personally decorated by the drummer.

Now days it is very rare to find true ceremonial drums

but the Indian hand drums of the Tarahumara Indians are among the most authentic Native drums suitable for using in drumming circles or for southwestern home design. Drum painting is truly a beautiful form of art and an important part of the rich heritage of the Native American people.

The painted drum has come to signify both the drummer and the tribe, as well as preserve the Indian culture through paintings of nature and legend. If you are drawn to the true values of the American Indians, you will definitely enjoy giving rustic style to your home decor.

You can easily find these Native drums online or in stores that sell rustic and western home decor

And bring Native American culture to life in your home with the beautiful art of painted drums. About the AuthorCraig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about how to use Painted Drums for American Indian drumming and for chic southwestern home decorating.

For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com
Published At: www.Isnare.comPermanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=226628&ca=Home+Management

Choose Painted Drums To Create Unique Southwest Home Decor -- Isnare.com Articles

Decorating ideas - Techorate Your Home With Six Simple Tips

New homeowners and those revamping their homes often find fusing technology and decorating to be a challenge. A recent survey found that more than 70 percent of Americans are unsure of how to integrate technology into their home decor, or "techorate," as LG Electronics has dubbed this marriage of modern technology with interior design and decor.

Trends in home decor quickly come and go

But by following a few easy techorating guidelines, homeowners can make this integration simple instead of intimidating. It's all about finding and matching the perfect pieces to complement your space and your personality.

There is no "one size fits all" in home techorating, but the LG Techorator Doug Wilson, interior designer from TLC's "Trading Spaces," has found some ways to universalize techorating basics for homeowners.

"The television has become the hearth of the 21st century, but I've seen people struggle with the basics, from placement to type," said Wilson. "That's why we've created techorating tips to help consumers successfully combine technology into the design of their interior space.

"Wilson, in his home-design work, finds the following techorating solutions most helpful:

1. Televisions can actually add to the aesthetic of a space rather than detract from the design. With sleeker flat screens, HDTV and new design elements available, the TV no longer has to be hidden or stick out like a sore thumb. The biggest mistake consumers report they make when purchasing a TV is buying one that is the wrong size for their space. When sizing up TVs, a good rule of thumb is that the viewing distance should be between 1.5 and 3 times the diagonal measurement of the screen. For example, a 42" screen is right for a room where you'll be sitting between 5.3 and 10.5 feet away. Companies like LG make HDTVs in both LCD and plasma, providing a screen-size solution for most any room.

2. Find the focal point of the room to determine the best place for your television. The place that looks perfect for your television may actually be the perfect spot. Don't be afraid to put that new flat-screen HDTV over your mantel but remember that competing design elements--fireplaces, large mirrors, picture windows--will make the space look too cluttered.

3. Don't let your flat screen be the only thing on the wall. Fill out the space using symmetrical design and equal proportions that still let the eye focus on the TV--such as matching pictures on either side of the screen with high-gloss frames to mimic the television to achieve balance and symmetry.

4. Match your decor. Remember that companies such as LG now keep room layout and design in mind when they manufacture TVs. You can find features like invisible speakers and color accents that make good design possible without sacrificing the integrity of the space.

5. Look out below. Fill in the space below the TV by adding a credenza or long table underneath the set to get extra space for DVDs and remotes while also drawing the eye into a larger design.

6. Be mindful of overhead lighting. Recessed or track lighting can compromise the picture quality. Opt for lamps or natural light for optimal viewing and to balance the TV in the room.Homeowners can find more tips from LG Techorator Doug Wilson paired with home technology from LG Electronics at www.lgusa. com/Techorate. BeforeAfter Thanks to Doug WilsonDECORATOR'S NOTEBOOK  for this.

Bedroom Decorating Ideas - Home decorating is easier than you may think

Home decorating is easier than you may think

And creating the peaceful and serene style of the Zen decorating theme in your bedroom can be a snap if you know which colors, accessories and furniture to make use of.  Here are a few design ideas on how you can get the illusion of a meditation garden in your bedroom. You should use soft colors and neutral tones colors for the tones in your Zen décor bedroom.

Get paint cards that match your decorating scheme

 You can take the cards with you when you are shopping for decorative accessories and be assured that the colors will match.In the bedroom, you want to add flower vases and photos in frames along with bed and nightstands. Go for a minimalistic style with stained wood furniture.

Taking the time to purchase the ideal accessories and furniture will add to your Zen décor look. Your home decorating project should plan for shoji screens, plants and furniture with simple lines around the room, but don’t forget to change your window treatments, flooring and walls.  Window treatments for the Zen decorating theme should be simple and plain. You might consider decorating your windows with bamboo blinds.

Now that your windows look perfect, your walls might be boring

To get your walls looking great think about using watercolors sparingly.You also want to be sure to get the proper lighting for your decorating style. bedrooms are better off with bedside lamps as lights. Try to choose lighting that is subtle or plain and simple to balance the Zen decorating theme interior design style. While you may not think too much about it flooring plays a key role in your interior design style so putting in area rugs to yourZen decorating theme bedroom can really boost it’s appearance.

The style of flooring you should have for your peaceful and serene style is organic woven mats which you ought to buy in neutral tones.For some finishing touches that will help enhance your Zen décor use a water fountain on a low table or a bamboo plant in a simple planter plus a lotus bowl with 1 flower, rice paper lamps, and Asian pottery to complete your theme. For a softer look add pillows that are silk In addition to greenery and plants.

Decorating for a Zen decorating theme bedroom

Can be a fantastic way to get a new look and if you plan it out properly it will be easy and fun. Simply purchase the items on your plan and put them in place - your room with have the ambiance of a meditation garden in no time! Thanks toBedroom Decorating Ideas Guide » Blog Archive » Zen Bedroom Decorating Ideas for this.

Bedroom Decorating Ideas - Decorating In a Down Real Estate Market

In a down real estate market, some homeowners are taking the time to spruce up their living space

But it's a challenge to put all the colors, fabrics, furniture and accessories together tastefully. But help is just a call away. Lauren Riddiough, an interior designer with Interiors by Decorating Den, is available to help homeowners design and pull together any space.

“When the market is down, a lot of people know they are going to be in their homes a little longer, so they decide to make them beautiful,” Riddiough said.Riddiough, 25, has been in the design business her entire life – or at least exposed to it.

In 1984, her mother Linda went to work as a designer for Interiors by Decorating Den and soon thereafter her father got into the business as well, on the franchise marketing side.

Although she earned a degree in psychology, in 2006 Riddiough purchased her own franchise of Decorating Den and stepped back into the world she grew up in.“It is surreal, but this is absolutely the right thing she should be doing,” said Lauren's mother, Linda. “She's more talented that I am. She sees it and gets it.

”Client Carla Fraser agrees.Fraser is in the middle of designing her house with Riddiough; she is one of Riddiough's 14 current clients.“I was clueless to what I wanted,” said Fraser, who, with her husband and daughter, moved into their River Creek home in March. Fraser immediately got in touch with Riddiough, who had sent her information on a nail file in a welcoming package to the community.“She came in and met with my husband and I, gave us choices and worked with what we had,” Fraser said.

Riddiough is working with the Fraser family, designing the kitchen, family room, dining room, foyer, living room and master bedroom suite.A whole house makeover is something Riddiough loves to delve into, but it is not the only project she will take on.

Interior decorating doesn't have to be a huge expense

“I work with a wide range of budgets,” Riddiough said. “Interior decorating doesn't have to be a huge expense.”Riddiough's take on each project is the same no matter what the size. She meets with the client for a free initial consultation to get a feel for what they are looking for.

She will take photos and then go back to her home office in Leesburg and put together white boards with concepts for the project with a variety of designs and prices.Depending on the project, Riddiough said the typical design project takes 10 to 14 weeks, mainly because of fabric and upholstered items.And while most may think hiring an interior designer is expensive, Riddiough says it all depends on what you want done.“Interior design does not have to be extremely expensive or scary to do,” she said.

The only circumstance in which Riddiough charges an hourly fee ($125/hour) is if a client were to hire her to give advice and help shop for materials.“If you buy product from me, there is no hourly fee,” Riddiough explained.She also added that since she works with 150 vendors, she can usually find what the client wants, and an hourly fee is rarely a discussion point because they usually end up working with her. Thanks to Loudoun Times for this.

Bedroom Decorating Ideas - 13 Steps to Redecorate Your Bedroom Cheaply

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Hi gang, welcome to Bedroom Decorating Ideas. You're a teen who wants to re-do your room, but your parents won't pay? Here's some good ways to get started.

Bedroom Decorating Ideas - 13 Steps to Redecorate Your Bedroom Cheaply

Steps

1. Make a plan and decide on a theme. How do you want it to look? Look through magazines or websites such as 'Pottery Barn Teen' or 'Delias' for ideas, since they often have pictures of rooms. Decide on things you like and things you don't, colors you like and design details. You should have a rough idea of how you want your room to look.
   
2. Measure and list. Did you ever wonder how big your room is? How much stuff do you have in it? Take a tape measure and find out how long the walls are. Make sure to write this down or you will forget it. Your room might be a lot bigger than you thought. Now, list every piece of furniture that you have in there. You might have a lot, but be patient. If you want to, measure your bed, dresser, and some of the larger pieces of furniture.
   
3. Before you move anything, design your room. You need to know what you want your room to look like, but don't get too set on one idea. If you are copying a room from a catalog, look at the furniture. Ask yourself, "Well, they have a cast-iron bed, and mine's wooden. How would the room change if the bed was like mine?" How would your white desk look if you painted it blue? You can give furniture a completely new look by painting it.
   
4. Remember if your parents aren't too enthusiastic about the idea, now is your time to show them. If you have time, make a design board. Cut out pictures of things you liked from the rooms you looked at, and draw a floor plan and maybe a sketch of how you think it will look when it's done. Once they see how much work you put into this, they will probably be more willing to let you. Make sure you point out things like, "See this? That's just like my bed right now." If they don't like something, be willing to listen to their opinion. If they say no, don't complain, say that they aren't being fair, or tell them that you hate their guts. Accept their decision maturely, and they might change their minds. If they don't, you got plenty of practice for when you become an interior designer, and you'll have a plan when they finally decide that you can redecorate your room.
   
5. Ransack the attic. A lot of time there'll be things up there that have been forgotten but would go great in your room. Before you move anything down there, though, get permission. A good way to ask would be, "Mom, I know you're busy, but I saw some things in the shed that would look good in my room. When you have time, can you come with me and tell me if I can move them into my room?"
   
6. Look at yard sales within walking distance. It's a long shot, but you might find the perfect chair, lamp, or picture frames there. Don't drive, since you'll probably spend more money on gas than you would going to the store and buying it new (especially if you have a diesel car).
   
7. Go to the store. Start by making a list of everything you still need, and take pictures of things you liked if you can. Now, go to Target, WalMart, or someplace that sells everything from paint to rugs to lamps, and sells it cheap. Make sure that you have plenty of time, as WalMart at least is the most confusing store ever.
   
8. Find the paint you want. Make sure that you buy enough, but not too much. But, since you measured your walls earlier, you know exactly how many square feet of wall you have to cover. Also, get rollers and brushes if you don't have them, along with masking tape and anything else you'll need. If you're doing a interesting finish, like painted-on marble, ask the people how you would do that. If you aren't sure, stick with solid colors.
   
9. While the paint is being mixed, browse the other accessories. Rugs, lamps, and translucent plastic boxes are always useful. If you're at WalMart, these are probably at opposite ends of the store, so be prepared to do a lot of walking. You're probably going to need a cart. Keep a mental tally of how much this will cost you (just round up each item to the next dollar, you probably won't pay that much but it's always better to over-estimate it). You'll probably find some furnishings that are almost identical to what you picked out of the catalog. They might not be identical, but they have the same idea. Keep your eye out for these.
   
10. Pick up your paint and head on to the bedding section. Start with the bedding. Do you see curtains or sheets or a comforter that you just love? Keep these in mind while you head off to sewing.
    
11. Look at fabric. If you can sew, see if there's any fabric that would compliment your sheets or curtains. Make throw pillows out of it (You won't need more than a yard, probably). Now go over to the trim. Would that pom-pom trim look good on the bottom of your curtains? How would that gold braid look as a tieback?
    
12. Start redecorating! Take all the furniture out, and get to painting the walls. While you wait for them to dry, paint the furniture. Then set it up like you had planned. Put all the accessories up, make up your bed with your new bedding, and you're done!
    
13. Know that if you have old things that don't really fit your new room, don't throw them away! Keep them in boxes in your closet, or buy colored plastic boxes that coordinate and put it in there. The boxes can be left in your room and will look great.
    

Tips

• If you haven't got a good idea of how you want your room to look, start making lists of things you like. Have a separate list for colors. If you surround yourself with things you love, your room will come together.
  
• Try painting your walls different colors, or two pink and two green, or each one a different color. Leave your ceiling white, or your room will be really dark, and even if you like that, the parents probably aren't going to be too enthusiastic.
  
• Don't buy new furniture, or you'll soon find yourself draining your bank account. If you have all the furniture you need (bed, dresser, desk), why spend money on new ones? Furniture is designed so that it will look good in pretty much any room, so don't worry.
  
• When buying lamps, the bases are sold separately from the shades. Take advantage of this. When you see a shade that you like, ask yourself how it would look on your lamp base, and stop to see how your current shade would look on that base you just love.
  
• If you know how to sew (probably with a machine), it's almost always cheaper to buy discounted fabric/flat sheets and make your own curtains than to buy curtain panels. Curtains aren't hard.
  
• If you see the last in a pattern you like (the only set of polka-dot sheets) put them in your cart, or it'll get taken before you can go back to it. You can always put it back later.
  
• When you're in the Sewing department, check the Dollar-a-yard bin. You might have to fight with the crazy grannies to get that fabric you like, but there's good fabric there a lot of time.
  
• Tulle or sheer makes good tiebacks. Tie in big bows or let it hang long for a dramatic look.
  
• Before you decide that you hate it, give your new room a little time for you to get used to it. You'll find you love it.
  

Warnings

• Make sure you get your parent's permission before moving or painting walls or furniture.
  
• Don't go to the mall. You'll spend way more than you need to.
  
• Paint gets darker when there's a lot of it on a wall. That pretty pale blue you liked becomes eye-smarting when it's covering 20 square feet.
  
• Only paint on walls.! Parents will get really mad if you get wall paint on the window or the carpet.
  
• Paint furniture outside, and get permission first!
  
• If you will ever have small children in your room, make sure that you don't get things that they will break/choke on/suck the Chinese lead-based paint off of within their reach.
  
• If you have white walls, they are probably be off-white.
  
• If your walls have color, you'll either need to prime them or get some of the 1-coat paint. Check to see which way turns out cheaper.
  
• Do a good job, so you'll love spending time in your room.
  

Thanks to wikiHow, for this.

Bedroom Decorating Ideas, By Rick Ostler

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Bedroom Decorating Ideas - 9 Tips to Turn a Small Bedroom Into a Dressing Room

Sponsored by Interior Design on A Budget
Hi gang, welcome to Bedroom Decorating Ideas. Think of yourself as a star? If you have ever wanted to turn a small room into a fabulous dressing room, this guide is for you!

9 Tips to Turn a Small Bedroom Into a Dressing Room

Steps

Remove everything from the room. You want a clean space to start with.

1. Add a big mirror. If possible, get a big floor length mirror and cover an empty wall with it.
   
2. Find closet space. If the room has a closet, you're in luck. But if it doesn't you can easily turn one corner or side of the room into a closet. Just find a closet rod or, even better, a rolling clothing bar. Mount the bar to the wall or take the rolling rack and push it to one side of the room.
   
3. Make sure to have adequate lighting... you want an honest look at yourself before you go out into the world.
   
4. Get a small love seat or comfy chair to relax in. Most of the time the chair or seating area is the main focal point of the room!
   
5. Get some sort of entertainment for the room, whether it's a TV, computer, radio or game system. Just make sure you are able to play music...this is very relaxing.
   
6. Windows. Don't block windows with heavy curtains, furniture, or the rolling clothing rack. Windows will let your mind be free.
   
7. Get a table size water fountain. These are very relaxing to look at.
   
8. Get plants or fish, these are wonderful contributions to a dressing room!
   

Tips

The dressing room is all about whoever is going to be using it. So only include items this person will like.

• If you're lucky enough to have a small bathroom in your room, make sure to deck it out with relaxing things.
  

Thanks to wikiHow, for this.

Bedroom Decorating Ideas, By Rick Ostler

Be sure to check out this weeks latest Bedroom Decorating Ideas Videos Here:

Please visit our sponsors, they help make this possible, thanks…….Rick
Sponsored by Interior Design on A Budget

Bedroom Decorating Ideads - 6 Tips on How to Give Your Bedroom a Romantic Look

Sponsored by Home Decorating Made Easy

Hi gang, welcome back to Bedroom Decorating Ideas. There is nothing quite like entering a room that has that romantic appeal to it, especially, a room that is an important part of our lives...where that we get those peaceful moments of slumber...and may even watch TV.

6 Tips on How to Give Your Bedroom a Romantic Look

Steps

Do your prep. Put the drop cloth or other on the floor, shake and mix the paint (using stir sticks); have all other items in a room nearby.

1. Begin painting with the maroon or candy apple red paint; start on an outer wall (facing driveway) etc. You'll only be using this color on the wall to that side.
   
2. Paint the remaining walls in the plum color. The ceiling can be in white or painted the same as the walls... some say that white makes the room appear that the ceiling is high up, while colors may lower the ceiling.
   
3. Add a border. Once the darker wall has dried, you can add the border; you want the border in the direct center of the wall, all the way across. Therefore, you'll need to first measure it, and mark the corners with a dark ink pen. You may need to cut some of the wallpaper, in order for it to fit in the areas that a window may stand in your way...more instructions.
   
4. Cut the wallpaper, then lay it flat and totally coat it with the glue, carefully pick it up. Fold it so that the glue area is visible (making it easier to handle); walk over to the wall and place one edge on the pen mark (carefully start smoothing out) while going across... a slightly damp cloth can be used to help.
   
5. Paint all the trim around the doors and the doors white, including closet door, around the windows and the base board.
   
6. Decorate your walls after the paint has dried, be sure to wait several hours before doing so. See "Tips" below for thoughts on decorating.
   

Tips

It has been said that you should never hang family photos in your bedroom that you'll feel like eyes are watching you; it is best to hang family photos in your living room or hallway.

• Oriental fans are always a pleasing touch to add class to your walls; plus they go really well in your bedroom.
  
• You can, also, spray paint an (extra large) wicker fan (jet black) (using glossy paint), add a beautiful ribbon along with an artificial red rose to it; then hang it above your bed... it truly adds a romantic appeal to the bedroom...pictures can be hung on each side of it, or some oriental fans.
  
• You can add several elegant looking throw pillows to the bed (along with some dainty ones) giving your bed that special touch.
  
• A fabulous looking throw at the foot of the bed is always a nice (such as two elephants in love) as an example...maybe even a leopard print.
  
• A few stuffed animals on your bed, such as a Bengal tiger or a few teddy bears, really gives your bedroom that sense of adventure, and adventures can be romantic.
  
• Look for some unusual looking flowers for dresser, and add some scented candles to your night table.
  
• You can hang some nice mini blinds in (black) to darken the room; over the shades add some (white) lacy curtains.
  
• A (multi colored comforter) will work wonders to offset the room.
  
• You can add several nice throw rugs, it will add class to the total look of any room... maybe even a nice leopard rug.
  
• Musical instruments in regards to the border is a wise choice, for it has a romantic appeal to it.
  
• 
  

Warnings

When you are hanging the wallpaper, take extra caution and time, for it is a tricky job, especially for one person.

Things You'll Need

(1) Pint of maroon or candy apple red interior paint

• (1) Gallon of plum interior paint
  
• (1) Pint of semi gloss white paint (for trim)
  
• (1) Large paintbrush and (Roller) & stir sticks
  
• (1) Small paintbrush (for trim work)
  
• (1) Drip pan
  
• (1) Large drop cloth or (old sheets or newspapers)
  
• (1) Roll of border paper, such as (musical notes)
  
• Wallpaper glue, measuring tape and scissors
  
• Several (framed) pictures of lovely flowers
  
• Several (framed) pictures of beautiful scenery
  
• On the pictures (11 x 14) or larger will work best
  
• Some (5 x 7) pictures can be used for small areas
  
• The frames are very important (preferably in gold)
  

Thanks to wikiHow, for this.

Bedroom Decorating Ideas, By Rick Ostler

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Bedroom Decorating Ideas - 3 Tips on Dealing With a Small Bedroom Space

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Hi gang, welcome to Bedroom Decorating Ideas. You are going to learn to manage with small bedroom space. Well, if you live in an apartment, then you are kind of limited. Nonetheless, you can still make it into your own space!

Steps

Organize your living space. If it is messy, clean it! You need to put papers in folders and whatnot. When you are first moving in is the perfect time to do this.

1. Switch around the furniture.
   
2. Decorate! You don't always have to buy stuff to make it look pretty. You could actually make stuff like paper lanterns which give your room a cozy feel, or string beads across your door or mirror. If you aren't a crafty person then take some time and look around the house. You can find cloth of different colors to cover up a lamp shade. If you have a computer you could get a butterfly cordless mouse, spray paint it, put stickers on it, and/or hang your favorite stuffed animal from the top of it. You could always hang pics off magazines on your wall, and lots of other thing you could do.
   
3. Set the atmosphere. Try these - candles, a radio, incense, comfy bed, a magazine, or a love seat/couch.
   

Tips

You could ask parents, friends, or siblings to help you.

When you go to the store, think about little things that could make your bedroom better.

Warnings

Remember make it your own, put pictures of family and friends.

• If you have a younger sibling make sure he or she doesn't mess your room up, have an alarm or a skeleton key.
  

Things You'll Need

Decorating ideas and materials.


Thanks to wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit for this.

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Bedroom Decorating Ideas - Decorator Fabrics

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If you're decorating your home, it's important that you find the right home decorating fabric. Whether you're going modern, Victorian, or classic, the theme of your home decorating will be influenced by the type of fabric you choose. If you already know what particular theme you want, do a little research online to decide which fabric will fit best. You can also choose to look at home decorating magazines or books.

Victorian theme Fabrics

For example, if you use a Victorian theme, remember that this type of theme is both feminine and quite ornate. Therefore, the home decorating fabric you choose will be brocade, velvet, or other "heavy" and rich materials. For accessories, you can choose ribbons and bows, beads and lace for trim.

Modern theme Fabrics

If you choose to go with a modern theme, you'll want vibrant and bold colors in your home decorating fabric. Usually, when you go with a modern theme, the rooms are big and spacious and the concept is "open." This is meant to draw your attention to the room's details, including the fabrics used. The walls are usually done in light or cool colors.

Oriental Theme Fabrics

Another popular home decorating theme is Oriental. With this, use elephants, Chinese dragons, screens and fans. This makes the room visually interesting and unique. The colors used are rich red, coral, jade and ivory. The Oriental theme usually uses silk as its fabric, and the rich colors stand boldly against the dark woods recommended for Oriental furniture.

Country Theme Fabrics

For a more subdued "country" theme, choose light-colored woods, crisp fabrics such as linen, and light colors, perhaps accented here and there with dashes of dark red or blue throw pillows, for example. You can also choose sturdy knotty pine and rough tweed and denim fabrics for a more rustic look.

When you use home decorating fabric, you are putting icing on the cake, basically. The furniture you add complements the colors you use. In addition, the window treatments you'll use also fit within the theme, using these same colors.

Home decorating fabrics can be found in many places

Cushions, slipcovers and curtains can be bought premade at department stores or online. Many stores or web sites also specialize in home décor and can help you with this process. If you are skilled in sewing and wish to make your own materials, it's probably best that you go to a local fabric store so that you can see the fabrics you want to choose firsthand. Store staff will also be able to advise you on patterns, threads, and accessories such as buttons, ribbons and bows. If you are considering a particular color scheme, staff will also be able to help you choose fabrics in the right coordinating and contrasting materials and colors.

Whether you choose ready-made materials or are skilled at making your own, the right fabrics can make your home decorating project a success, so that you both have fun during the process and are pleased with the end result.

Thanks to Gaetane Ross for this. Gaetane is a Home Improvement Consultant who has spent over 4 years focusing helping people remodel and improve their homes. She also specializes in Holiday Home Decorating. Gaetane's mission is to positively transform the lives of people by providing advice on Home Interior Design.

Please visit Gaetane's website for Home Improvement Advice or remodeling information at: http://MyHomeInteriorDesignIdeas.com

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Bedroom Decorating Ideas - Have a plan in mind

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Decorating help that's quick and decisive. You're not necessarily interested in the latest decorating trends, or planning to spend a lot of money. But you want your home to function better, look more attractive and be more comfortable.

Maybe you are combining two households or moving or downsizing, and you're not sure what to keep and what to toss. Or maybe you're planning a special party (or expecting your in-laws) and are in need of a one-day makeover.

Who can help?

An "interior refiner" may fill the bill. The trademarked term was coined by Lauri Ward, a New York designer who started her use-what-you-have business in 1981. She recognized there was a market for design advice that could be accomplished quickly, relying mostly on furnishings the clients already owned. Her 1998 book "Use What You Have Decorating" is a consistent top seller at Amazon.com. Refiners take a five-day certification class in New York or complete classes online. There are more than 300 active members, including about a dozen in this area. The use-what-you-have approach has been adapted by many practitioners who specialize in one-day or per-hour consultations.
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What w ill they do?

Refiners visit clients' homes and work alongside them to improve the function and style of a room within hours. They move sofas and chairs, swap lamps and arrange bookshelves. They leave a written plan of action for each room, sometimes suggesting future purchases. They also will shop with or for their clients. Some will consult specifically on paint colors; on displaying art and accessories; or on readying a house for resale.

What won't they do?

Don't confuse done-in-a-day refiners with organizers, declutterers or cleaning services. They are distinguished from many redesigners and restagers because they work while the client is on-site.

How much will it cost?

Members of Interior Refiners charge a flat per-room fee ranging from $250 to $350 for rooms less than 19 feet long; more for larger spaces. Other quick-fix decorators usually charge either per-room or by the hour.

How to find one?

To find an Interior Refiner in your area, see http://www.interiorrefiners.com; for others who provide similar services, check the classifieds or online Yellow Pages under Interior Designers and Decorators.
Thanks to Jura Koncius, http://www.washingtonpost.com for this.

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Bedroom Decorating Ideas - Paint To Furniture And Everything In Between

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Hi gang, Rick here again with Bedroom Decorating Ideas with news and views from the decorating industry.

Home Decorating - A fun adventure

Owning your own home can be a fun adventure into the world of home decorating. Choose from an abundance of styles, looks, textures, fabrics, and colors. Use your home to accommodate your lifestyle. Turn the living room into a family room, the family room into a home theater and the spare bedroom into a home office. Here are more ideas to help you make the most of your biggest investment.

Painting Your Home

White is out. Think color, texture, and contrast. Mix colors to create a theme throughout your home. Savannah browns, beiges and sandy vanilla yellows, Jungle greens, browns and strategic bursts of orange or red like jungle flowers blooming at the canopy's edge. Buy small samples of color and experiment with your favorite hues to create your very own home decorating theme. Balance a dark color with a contrasting light color or white trim.

Drapery in your home

Throw away the venetian blinds and wooden slats. Use a combination of modern, lightweight fabrics, sheers, chenille, silks and velvets to dress up your windows. Don't be afraid to create two different styles in coordinating colors at opposite ends of the room. There are no rules any more for decorating with drapes. Let your home reflect your own creative style. There are endless possibilities with fabric, color, texture, light and contrast.

Functional Furniture

Furniture has two purposes. It is functional, and it also fills up the space. When you are buying functional furniture, such as seating, don't just buy a place to sit. Buy color and texture that enhance your lifestyle and help you pull together the decorating style you have used in your home. Think of sectionals that include storage spaces for organizing remotes, and holding drinks or coffee tables that contain extra drawers or bins that you can use for throw blankets or children's toys. Think of side tables that double as book shelves, book shelves that double as storage cabinets and storage cabinets that not only hold a lot of stuff, but look beautiful into the bargain.

Wall Hangings for your home

Use art work to express your fine taste, tapestries, embroideries or throw blankets to cover blemishes in walls and paintwork, and photos to personalize your space. Frame keepsakes like tickets to a special show, a map of a favorite vacation spot or a far-off place where loved ones live. Keep cuttings from favorite birthday cards from special people and make a collage for your entry way. Little things like this in your home bring a personal touch to your decorating style that only you could have come up with.

Home Decorating to add beauty to your home

If you think form, fun and function every time you think of home decorating it will always be easy to add to the beauty of your home whenever you are ready to paint the next wall, replace an old sofa or buy a fine piece of art for your walls.

See more creative and imaginative home Remodeling and Home Maintenance and repair tips and strategies at 2 LEFT THUMBS REMODELING. You will also find links to our 2 LEFT THUMBS DECORATING, Home Decorating and Improvement articles. Thanks to Greg Morneau for this. Greg has been involved in home building, remodeling and additions for many years as well as operating as a consultant.

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Also we value your comments, if you can add more info in regards to this article please do so. Thanks............Rick