Modern Home Decorating

Home Decorating and Interior Design Ideas

Archive for the ‘creative home decorating’ Category

Interior Decoration Right From Furniture to Curtain Poles

Posted by Jade Martins on Jun-30-2010

When you are doing the interior decoration of your home, you have to take care of the minutest of details. Not that you had to be told about this, but here is a check list that might just help you to effectively manage the decoration of your home. Decorating one’s own home is a very exciting and pleasurable activity. One can derive immense joy in creative thinking and placing various kinds of objects strategically – right from the furniture to the walls to the curtains and even the curtain poles. Here is how you can start off:

You may or may not have a fair idea before starting the project of home renovation. Hold on! Before you decide the wall colour, it is better you decide a theme for your room, or just visualise how you want it to look like. A vague vision is also acceptable. Next, depending upon the vision you cherish, you can select a wall colour that will go along with your plans. Probably you want a bright room with a little ethnic touch, or you want to go for a modern and chick look where less is more.

Having decided the wall colour, you can then go for the furniture, fixtures and fittings. But hold on before you select the curtain poles. Before getting the curtain poles, it is better you decide on the curtains. Select a material and print that best suits the theme of the room. Then accordingly select the curtain poles. You can buy curtain poles that match with the curtains as well as the walls or look similar to the furniture. This makes the curtain poles look in line with the whole room.

Curtain poles may be just another piece of fixture in your room, but they have a critical role to play too. If they are a mismatch, then they will stand out and look out of place. This can spoil the entire beauty of the room – so be careful while you select your curtain poles.

Julia Brown
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/interior-decoration-right-from-furniture-to-curtain-poles-215039.html

A Dollhouse Christmas you Can Create

Posted by Jade Martins on Jun-25-2010

As you decorate and prepare your own home for the holiday season, don’t forget about the miniature home that you have displayed as well. There are a number of fun and creative options available to you as you think about ways to drape the holiday spirit over your miniature dollhouse and its exterior display.

Every Christmas needs a tree, and your dollhouse is no different. You can create a miniature Christmas tree in your dollhouse parlor or living room. Many manufacturers offer conifer trees that would be used to landscape the exterior of your dollhouse, but you can certainly use these trees indoors as well. You can buy a miniature Christmas tree that comes already decorated for the festivities, or you can rise to the challenge of crafting a miniature Christmas tree yourself. Add decorations that resemble your own tree to bring your holiday spirit into your dollhouse.

Another way to get your dollhouse ready to celebrate the holidays is to create and then place, some packages to put underneath the tree. Additional decorating ideas include running some garland down a staircase banister and hanging greenery throughout the dollhouse. Any miniature decorations of Santa or other Christmas themes will also enhance the Christmas feel of your miniature house.

There are also many holiday decorating ideas that involve the outside of your dollhouse. Consider stringing some miniature lights around the eaves of the house and around the doorways. If you enjoy detail work, then you will really enjoy making a small wreath to hang on the front door of your dollhouse. It creates an even more dramatic effect if you can work some lights into the wreath. Also, when thinking about the exterior landscape, don’t forget about the aesthetic value of artificial snow. The addition of snow will complete the transformation of your traditional dollhouse into a winter wonderland.

Another idea that can be fun is to bring your miniature people outdoors. Dress them warmly in tiny clothes and add scarves, and then have them playing in the snow or trying their hand at sledding. Think of the things a typical family would do during the holiday seasons and replicate that on a smaller scale. Remember that any creative idea you try will add to the holiday warmth and bring an air of a dollhouse Christmas to your scene, both indoors and out.

Veronica Scott
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/a-dollhouse-christmas-you-can-create-131772.html

Diverse Uses For Metal Garden Trellis

Posted by Jade Martins on Jun-14-2010

When it comes to both indoor and outdoor decorating, my wife is a very crafty and creative person, but sometimes I tend to forget this, so when she came home the other day with a metal garden trellis I thought she had lost her mind, as well as wasted a good chunk of money. However, she has quickly schooled me in the ways of the metal garden trellis (to steal and modify a line from an all time classic). Since she brought home this metal garden trellis I have learned that there is more than one use for them.

Depending on your preference, you can choose to set a metal garden trellis up to accentuate the beauty of a garden or you can use it to be the main attraction in a bland area of your yard (perhaps a place where plant life does not grow to well), or you can forego the usual outside manner in which metal trellises are used and set it up inside to give a room a more outside feeling. From this point in the decision making process, the sky is the limit as to what you do next. You’re only limited by your own imagination.

Less creative individuals, like me, often opt to put a metal garden trellis to use in the original manner it was created for – in a garden. Though it might not be as original as what some might do, the outside garden trellis is still a popular staple of gardens all across the nation. These trellises add a dimension and texture to gardens that might need a little brightening up, or can do the same for any outdoor area.

A very popular use for trellises is to let vines grown on them. Vines often lead to trouble in some gardens though because they can grow haphazardly over your fence or the side of your house, and even your lawn furniture. However, if maintained properly, they can be used as very attractive foliage if pruned and not allowed to grow hither and thither. It is possible to maintain the old world feel of a trellis while maintaining the control of growth! Anyone who tells you differently is probably to lazy to put in the effort to do so.

If you’re not the garden-type, you can still use a trellis to improve your yard. Even the most abysmal lawns can be made to look better with the simple addition of a trellis, which can create a more inviting outdoor space. You can also use the trellis to define a certain area of your yard, either front or back. It can be the backdrop to a swing chair or other type of lawn furniture. Throwing a scene such as this together can create a peaceful area in which to relax with a book or just observe nature.

Now if you’re the type who wants to bring the outdoors inside your home, then consider using a metal trellis as the headboard for your bed, or modify it so that it can be used as a candle holder; again, your only limited by your own imagination.

Joe Goertz
http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/diverse-uses-for-metal-garden-trellis-70456.html

Creating a Beautiful Room – Designing a Room on a Budget

Posted by Jade Martins on Jun-5-2010

It is possible to create beautiful rooms and still stay with your budget. A little bit of ingenuity and patience is all you need to be able to accomplish this. You just have to learn a few essential tips and decorating guidelines to avoid making mistakes in purchasing the perfect items and ornaments for your room. It is always better to have a plan in mind before starting in any new venture. Decisiveness and knowing what you really want will be important factors in accomplishing your goals.

The first step you must do is to plan and gather up some ideas on the room design according to your preferences. The design must be something you are interested in so you can wholeheartedly finish this task. Search through the net or check out home décor magazines to find lots of idea that you can fit into your room design. If you especially like wall sculptures then keep this in mind so you can still incorporate it to the whole room design. It is also better to read through furniture and design catalogues to have better options in making choices about furniture.

Once you have collected a list of your possible design themes, look at everything and decide on the design that is most suitable for your room. It does have to be just one idea alone, you can use a mix of many different styles and combine all these to create the room of your dreams.

Adding color to the room will instantly lift up a boring room. This is also an inexpensive way of producing the atmosphere or mood you want to create. Go to your local paint store and choose colors that you like. Light colors will usually give a room a spacious look. You can also ask the store to customize a color shade that you specifically like if they do not have that hue available. Proper lighting technique is also an economical way of livening up a room.

Invest in decorating your home with stylish wall sculptures to hang on your bare walls. These modern works of art can bring out the beauty of your home. They come in a wide selection of innovative shapes and sizes. Just choose one that will represent your own personality.

You can imitate ideas you see in magazines and home stores. You don’t have to actually buy everything placed in the picture. Find similar pieces where you can still follow your budget. If you cannot afford to buy new furniture, use slip covers instead. They are quite stylish and can easily harmonize with the design you choose. Find accessories and ornaments like candles and table centerpieces that can work well with everything inside the room. You can visit stores that offer unique and decorative accessories. Window treatments can also be used to enhance a room. You can save on it by buying neutral window treatments or you can be bold by coordinating your bed sheets with your window treatments.

Creating a beautiful room within a specific budget is attainable. Be creative and experiment on a lot of designs. Mix old designs with modern ones so you can create a room that you will definitely love.

Alyssa Davis
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/creating-a-beautiful-room-designing-a-room-on-a-budget-749182.html

Tips on Choosing Your Decor

Posted by Jade Martins on May-26-2010

If people want something different for their home, they exert extra effort just to get that décor that they want. Unique pieces are important to people because they want their abode to stand out. However, it does not necessarily mean that being peculiar has to be bizarre. For example, if people love music, they try to incorporate this in almost every aspect of the home. They would buy for musical metal wall décor; music inspired designed rugs and the likes.

However, there are a few tips on how to choose your décor. First thing, you need to consider here is the price of the item. Of course, you have to look at the price tag always. If you think, you can afford it and do not want to browse the other shelves, and then buy it. Nevertheless, if you feel like you need more options, you can always go back to the first item afterward. There are so many décor to choose from and it is impossible that you will not find something affordable and unique.

You can even mix and match items that do not usually go together. For example, you can put musical metal wall décor together with an abstract painting. You can even put printed décor side by side and try to have a colorful and creative atmosphere. Nevertheless, it is still better if you know when to stop adding. They say that less is more. Keep everything in order or at a minimum so that your guests will not feel that you overdid the house decorating. You might want to read magazines and watch television programs so that you can improvise some of their décor.

Another tip is to make sure that the décor you plan to buy is in good condition. You have to inspect the item thoroughly because there might be flaws or defects in it. The difficult thing here is when you reach home and then look at the item for the second time; you will see that it is not perfect. Some stores allow you to return or exchange the item within a period so make sure you have it replaced before you run out of time.

Whatever décor you desire, whether it is musical metal wall décor or just a simple one, just try to look for the one you need. There is nothing wrong if you take your time finding other options. It is only natural that people do not make their choices hurriedly because they might make the wrong one. Try to remember what you want and how much your budget is so that you have an idea what to buy. Spending more than what your limit is might get you into trouble. However, it is also okay to do this sometimes especially if you do not do this often. Have fun buying and searching for your home décor. It is not often that you get the chance to get chill, enjoy and relax out of work and home.

Alyssa Davis
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/tips-on-choosing-your-decor-707340.html

Picking a Color Scheme for Painted Dollhouses

Posted by Jade Martins on May-21-2010

Many artists enjoy decorating dollhouses as much as they do building them. Doll house paint schemes have no limits, and the license to be creative is free. Painted dollhouses give the artist an opportunity to express their own personal tastes and styles. Here are several suggestions to keep in mind when you are trying to plan and design the colors for you doll house paint scheme.

Remember, the interior and exterior colors should complement each other. Being able to see the interior and the exterior at the same time is one feature that makes dollhouses unique. You wouldn’t want one to take away from the other because the paint schemes clash. The paint chips at your local paint store will often show innovative and creative complementary color schemes. Use these for ideas. Additionally, many tools online will help you choose complimentary colors. You may be surprised to see the wide range of creative possibilities that are available to you.

When your miniature house is a replica of an historical building then color selection is very important. The color scheme can lend an air of credibility to your replica, or if it’s inaccurate, it can take away from the piece. If the mouse is supposed to replicate a particular historic building, make sure that you have access to some kind of pictorial representation of what the original looked like. The closer your color scheme is to the original, the more believable your piece will be.

If you are creating an original structure, then feel free to be creative in choosing the doll house paint that you want to use. Don’t be afraid to express yourself. Original pieces provide a template for you to utilize your full creative ability. Use whatever scheme you think looks good. Remember, painted dollhouses say as much about the creator as they do about the art form.

Creating a dollhouse to give away as a gift is one of the greatest joys that a miniature house builder can have. In the instance that you are going to give one away though, you need to take a few minutes to think about where the dollhouse is going to go before you select the doll house paint and color scheme. If it does not match the room where the dollhouse will be displayed, then it may feel clumsy in the room. Painted dollhouses that do not compliment their surroundings can look awkward and out of place. Make sure that you are confident that the color scheme will fit well with the dollhouses new home.

Veronica Scott
http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/picking-a-color-scheme-for-painted-dollhouses-106028.html

Holiday Decoration Tips

Posted by Jade Martins on May-15-2010

With the holidays in full swing, you probably want your house to look festive in celebration of the season. However, if you do not consider yourself artistic or creative, it can be a challenge to really create that special look. From the tree to your bathroom and beyond, here are some holiday decoration tips that can make your home look perfect for Christmas.

Tip #1: Stick to a theme in your home.

Some people like to change the theme from room to room, but at the very least, coordinate your decorations in the house to keep things looking pulled together, not random and cheap. “Christmas” is to general a theme. Instead, think in terms of color (perhaps you may decorate using gold, for example) or location (how would a German Christmas house look as compared to a Caribbean Christmas?) or even character (snowmen and Santa are popular, but you can also go with Rudolf, Jack from the Nightmare before Christmas, or other specific characters). Your theme can also revolve around something that is not traditionally Christmas-y. For example, if you like a certain sports team, you can find ornaments that celebrate this team and use Christmas garland and other decorations in your team’s colors.

Tip #2: Use glass vases filled with Christmas items.

No matter what the overall theme or mood, you can use glass vases (and other glass containers) in a variety of shapes and sizes to enhance the look of your Christmas décor. Fill them with chestnuts and berries for a natural winter look, Christmas candy or jellybeans if you want something whimsical, or simply ball ornaments in whatever color works for you.

Tip #3: Use posters in the windows of your home.

Translucent window posters are beautiful for the holiday season. These window clings reflect the sun during the day, and at night, your lights will make them glow to everyone outside. Window posters come in a variety of designs, including the fanciful Santa or the more formal Christmas tree. If you are not interested in a window poster, think about your window decorations in a more traditional way. Hang garland and lights, and put your tree by a window so that those outside can see it lit up in the evenings.

Tip #4: Do not forget the scent of your home.

While you may just be concentrating on decorations you can see, much of the mood of a room comes from what we smell. Think about your feelings as you walk into your house, and someone has been baking cookies! For a holiday scent, try a scented candle or tart warmer, or look for an oil diffuser. Pick winter scents, like gingerbread, spice, and peppermint to compliment your home. Make sure you especially use scents in places that typically need air fresheners, like your entry way and bathroom.

Tip #5: Go green for Christmas!

Your Christmas decorations do not have to be bad for the environment. Consider purchasing Christmas lights that are recharged during the day by sunlight. These solar lights will last a few hours into the night and do not suck electricity like normal Christmas lights. You also don’t have to worry about turning them on or off at night. In addition to solar-powered Christmas lights; think about ways that you can turn other items into a Christmas ornament. For example, you can use old Christmas cards to create ornaments for your tree.

Tip #6: Use lights.

Even if you are not creative, you can make a big statement using lights in your home. They are not just for the tree! String Christmas lights around the room at the ceiling, twist them around banisters leading upstairs, or even use them to frame windows. White lights can actually be kept up year-round or at least through the winter. You can also find lighted curtains, mantel scarves, and so forth to decorate your home.

Tip #7: Play Christmas music.

Just like certain scents, sounds can also enhance your decorations. Find some CDs filled with your favorite Christmas music, or fill your iPod with Christmas songs. You can play these songs on loop during a party or while entertaining a few guest. You can also play these songs while you are baking Christmas cookies, decorating the tree, doing housework, or just enjoying a quiet evening at home with your family or by yourself. It can really help you get into the holiday spirit.

The bottom line is that you do not have be super creative or spend a lot of money to make your house look beautiful for the holidays. Just a few simple touches can really make your home beautiful for the winter season. In just one afternoon, you can transform your house to a beautiful holiday wonderland. Next time you begin decorating for the holidays, you should consider these tips.

Brian Jenkins
http://www.articlesbase.com/restaurant-reviews-articles/holiday-decoration-tips-735005.html