Modern Home Decorating

The elegance and sophistication of the past was achieved by blending textures and fabrics. The home decorating industry strayed away from this as homeowners demanded furniture and decorating ideas that would last for years.

Today’s home decorators are not limited by stereotypes. They do not limit their creativity and design ideas by trends or styles. Instead, they incorporate a little of everything into a room that evolves into an expression of their lifestyle and personality.

This has pushed decorators and furniture companies to stretch the boundaries and bring in innovative combinations, color hues, and creative ideas to bring a modern feel combined with a homey atmosphere to the average home.

Current trends have seen furniture that combines leather and fabrics to create a completely new feel. The furniture grew in size, and was over stuffed, and then returned to a more manageable size. Today’s furniture is taking on a more natural look. The modern designs in plastics and glass have given way to leather, natural fabrics like silks and cottons, and hand painted designs on wallpaper.

This trend toward natural is reflected in wall treatments. Grasscloth is a beautiful, natural fabric that lends itself perfectly to Feng Shui or natural fabrics. The wall murals and repeated patterns are giving way to natural fabrics, grass, silk, embroidery, and wood. Other new innovations are panels.

The most popular for this year is a plum red, stark, bare apple tree, with rich red blossoms, on a pumpkin background. This beautiful hand-painted silk panel wallpaper is meant to replace both wall treatments and artwork.

However, homeowners do not need to invest thousands of dollars on a wall. The mass market manufacturers are bringing out paper versions of these wall treatments. They are also bringing out silk surfaced wallpapers.

DIY, Do It Yourself, has been growing for years. This lends itself perfectly to recent home decorating designs. A few hours research on the web and through high-end home decorating magazines, will eventually reveal the mural of your dreams. Once that is found, it can be drawn onto large sheets of paper and traced onto the wall, then hand painted.

Oriental painting is very simple. It only requires a few complimentary colors, and incorporates large brush, smooth even strokes with minimal shading. A few hours practicing on newspaper will give any DYI enough skill to paint a mural.

A Demask stencil, stucco, and a stiff sponge brush is all that is needed to add texture to walls. This is technique has been around for a few years. A new twist involves buying sand from a pet shop, the kind used for fish. Buy natural, sterile sand. This will reduce the risk of bringing mold spoors into the home.

Once a thin layer of stucco is applied to the wall, then use a stiff brush to apply sand into the stucco. The stucco should be colored. In 2005 the stucco would have been a burnished gold color. In 2007, the colors would be red/browns, plumb reds, gold tone neutral hues, and greens, depending on the room.

Contrast is added with polished metals. This rests the eye, and draws it through the room. Home decorating with textures is about minimal and simplicity. Just add a little in out of the way places. Place textures behind large furniture. Add texture to lamps, in carpets, and lighting.

This will let home owners decorate their homes, keeping them up to date year after year, without needing a full-home renovation to add life to their home.

Patricia Taylor
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/bring-a-room-to-life-with-texture-103204.html

When looking to redecorate your kitchen you first have to decide want kind of kitchen decorating style you should go for. Certainly the choices that are now available will leave you baffled and bewildered but by remembering a few things about the kitchen the choice you make will be the right one for you. After the bathroom the kitchen is the most important room in any house and it should also be remembered that after the entrance hall to your home the kitchen has the most foot traffic occurring in it.

Below are provided a number of the more popular styles of kitchen that can be considered if you happen to be planning a remodeling or revamping of your current kitchen. It is also an idea to carry out some research as well by looking in house and home magazines, visiting kitchen showrooms, DIY stores, Kitchen Websites or even looking at your family and friends homes to see if they have a style that you like.

1. Country Style – Often called Early American or Colonial as it is designed to create a lovely quaint farm style kitchen. Often such kitchens will feature open shelves, pot racks and have the feeling of it being well lived in. Such kitchens are usually accented by the various colour schemes relating to the actual cabinetry of the units.

2. Contemporary – More and more often this style is being used because of its clean and simple lines. Often the cabinets are quite futuristic looking have no carvings or ornate features on them. With this style of kitchen the emphasis is put more on style and practical sophistication rather than beauty and that warm lived in feel.

3. Shaker – A simple and utilitarian style of kitchen that has flat panel doors, wooden countertops and brass handles (hardware).

4. French Country – Such kitchen designs based on this style are warm and inviting with lots of wood and soft colours being used. Not only do natural materials feature heavily in this style of kitchen, but you will find that the furniture used is large and rather ornate.

5. Arts and Crafts – Yet again another style of kitchen decoration which is becoming more popular because of the use of feature glass doors and natural wood tones which are finished off in a matt sheen effect. Certainly with this style of kitchen decoration there is the chance for you to be a little bit more artistic and creative in the design.

However, it is important when choosing a theme for you kitchen that you look at the designs and styles of the other rooms in your home to ensure that it fits in with the overall scheme of your home.

Lee Dobbins
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/5-kitchen-decorating-style-trends-80719.html

I can still remember my best friend’s bathroom. I was only about eight years old, but I remember that his family kept a copy of the Reader’s Digest on the back of the toilet, probably on a doily. I loved reading the silly jokes during my every so often trip to their bathroom. That was my introduction to bathroom decoration and accessories.

Today the market of bathroom decorating has exploded, but few of us take time to consider how to make our bathrooms more comfortable beyond that token copy of the Reader’s Digest. After all, you’re going to have to visit that room several times a day, so why not use it as just one more canvas for your creative palate to paint on. Even more than that, consider what kind of statement a well decorated bathroom makes to visitors. Everyone cares about their kitchen and living room, but those who take the time to make their bathroom appealing will demonstrate their genuine care for their home overall. So consider what you can do to make your bathroom an appealing place to spend time.

Start out with looking around the rest of your house. What you’ve done in different rooms in the house many times can apply to the bathroom as well. For example, every living room has some kind of low table to hold magazines or books. Why not put something like that in the bathroom? After all, I loved my Reader’s Digest and everyone could use a good yarn to distract them from their real purpose in the john.

On the same token, when you come across a great idea for the bathroom in your decorating research, know that you can many times apply the same idea to your house. Do you like that cobalt blue tile in the bathroom? Why not try it in your kitchen instead of the dull white tiles? Why should we settle for the mundane in one room when we can apply the same creative ideas to all rooms?

Bathroom decorating ideas can stretch all across the room, from top to bottom. Consider the flooring and using decorative tiles, carpeted areas, or flashy linoleum. The tiles on the sink can match or contrast with the tiles on the floor for effect. Besides just this hardware, a variety of other elements exist. Consider how you want your soap to look. Do you want to use a fancy soft soap dispenser, or maybe you want to consider one of the many creative soap dishes available on the market. Maybe you want to even make your own soap dish. Consider fashioning one out of clay in your desired shape to work with the rest of the bathroom decor.

Consider what will make you and your guests feel relaxed. For example, relaxing pictures across from the toilet can create a serene environment overall.

Don’t forget to decorate your bathroom. It can be the crowning glory of your home.

Gregg Hall
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/how-to-make-your-bathroom-stand-out-with-creative-decor-68822.html

People in different parts of the world wait eagerly for Christmas and the preparations that go along with this special occasion. Christmas brings joy and happiness to all. You might be surprised to learn that in some homes, Christmas decorations stay up year-round to be a reminder of the festive spirit of Christmas all through the year.

In some countries the decorations for Christmas start being put up long before December and continue until well into the New Year. Every home is decorated delightfully for Christmas and this festive look is an essential part of the Christian tradition.

Preparations for Christmas are done mainly during the month of December. This task may make the month a bit stressful as so many activities are to be done during this time but people happily take this in their stride. Everyone is in a holiday mood and wants their home to look its best and communicate the festive spirit to others. Here are a few suggestions to easily give your home a stunning look and still allow you to save some time for the festivities during Christmas time.

Bows can create a magical atmosphere. Bunches of brightly colored bows brings merriment at any time, but especially at Christmas. Tie bows and ribbons wherever you like – stair railings, the back of chairs, around candlesticks – be creative! You can use the same traditional colors of green and red but try to harmonize the color scheme with the interior design of your home. It will look a bit boring if you only use the usual Christmas colors of red and green. Floral and checkered designs will add some spice to your decorations. A particularly elegant touch is to combine metallic colors like silver and gold with your color choices.

You can decorate railings, armoires, mirrors and the mantle with garlands of ribbons and bows. Buy good quality ribbons and bows so they last through several holiday seasons. Be sure to pack them up along with your other decorations and keep them for the next year.

Now it is the most exciting part for everyone – decorating the Christmas tree. First put the strings of lights on the tree. Then hang your ornaments on the tree in such a way that they are lit properly so they look even more bright and sparkling. When Christmas lights reflect off all the Christmas decorations the tree looks absolutely enchanting!

Everything should be special for Christmas. During the Christmas dinner, spread tableware which is meant to be used for Christmas. You can collect these items from off-season sales. It’s not necessary that you have to buy everything at full price during Christmas. Collect your tableware bit by bit and by the end of the year you will be ready with a huge collection for Christmas festivities.

Christmas decorations are not quite complete without Christmas candles. Candlelight creates a romantic and peaceful atmosphere in your home. This is the time to dine in a candlelit room sitting beside the fireplace. Candles can make you feel the spirit of the holiday season and they will also add something extra special to your Christmas home d

Marianne Jackson
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/christmas-home-decorations-84311.html

It is much more fun to live in a home that has some splashes of color as opposed to one that is decorated strictly in neutral tones. Most contractors and interior designers stress that people who plan to remodel their homes should not invest in outrageous or bright colors for the more permanent features. You might have a beautiful home but if decide to install bright red vanities, a purple refrigerator, and paint the walls various shades of green, then you might have trouble trying to sell it. You do not need to give up on your love of color, however, just because you need to make sure you outfit your house in a resalable condition. Here are some great ways to add flair to your home without doing any permanent damage.

The bathroom is often one of the most boring looking rooms in the house. People simply do not have much of an opportunity to add color when the majority of the room is filled with the toilet, bathtub, sinks and the vanity. However, you can certainly spice things up with the bathroom furniture. These items are everything from the laundry hamper and step stools to towel racks and bathroom shelving units. Brightly colored rugs, towels, and shower curtains do a wonderful job of bringing life into this room. Get creative! It can really pay off and you will love your new bathroom.

For your bedroom, invest in colorful window coverings and fun sheets, comforters, and throw pillows for the bed. Since the bed is the main attraction, draw attention to it with light green sheets, a deep blue comforter, and bright yellow decoration pillows. Another option is to add color with the shades. One option is to have dark wood window frames with green transparent window coverings to create a look that really “pops.”

When you are decorating the other rooms in the house, try to look for fun rugs, if you have wood or tiled floors, and beautiful wall hangings. These could be paintings, decorated mirrors, or tapestries, depending on your wall space and your current decor.

Furniture such as vanities, bathroom cabinets, mirrors, fun shades, and tapestries are fantastic ways to brighten up your home. Do not despair when you have to install items that are only neutral tones. Add color and flair your own way!

Jane Worthington
http://www.articlesbase.com/interior-design-articles/add-color-to-your-home-with-accessories-677145.html

The tiki bar is a wonderful place to hang out, relax, or go all out and party. There’s nothing quite like a tiki bar to take you away from the everyday mundane life, transferring you to a tropical vacation atmosphere, all without the need to travel to expensive resorts. Providing that unique island charm that feels like something straight from the Caribbean, tiki bars can recreate the setting of island paradise just about anywhere.

Those interested in the wonders of tiki culture should considering owning their own tiki bar. Whether for commercial or for private use, building and owning a tiki bar can be a fun and rewarding experience. It can also fill one with a great sense of pride and is a wonderful conversation topic.

Tiki bars can come in different shapes and sizes. The traditional tiki bar is based on the tiki hut which are found on islands. They are usually made of wood or bamboo, and the trademark thatched grass roofing. A full sized tiki bar can be quite an affair, emulating an environment of an island getaway resort.

Private tiki bars can be more variable depending on the requirements and budget of the owner. Poolside tiki bars are very popular, as well as backyard patio bars. Tiki bars can even be built indoors such as basement tiki bars- a pretty good source of awe and amusement for visiting relatives.

Wherever one wants to build their tiki bar, whatever size it is- the secret to having an exceptional and authentic tiki bar is in the decor one chooses to adorn their home-away-from home with. Nothing can better encapsulate the magic of the tropics quite like a well decorated tiki bar.

There are many types of tiki bar decor. They can range from the small to the enormous, the simple to the outrageous, and the cute to the downright freaky!

A good tiki bar should have some tiki totems, tiki masks and other such decorative items to give that distinctive native atmosphere. There are so many varieties of tiki decor to choose from. One can include anything they want. It’s all good as long as it adds to the mood and party atmosphere.

One of the staples of a good tiki bar are funky tiki signs. There’s no better way to declare your presence than a huge, flamboyant tiki sign hovering over the bar entrance to welcome your patrons. Tiki signs aren’t limited to the bar entrance though, and should be placed anywhere and everywhere, including the restrooms, to mark restricted areas, or just to let people know how proud you are of your cool, vintage surfboard.

Even better is to have your tiki sign actually be your cool, vintage surfboard. Tiki signs can be made from a variety of different materials such as driftwood, surfboards or even canoe paddles. Carvings of fish or other aquatic life also make wonderful signs and ooze style. Just be sure to hang a “gone surfing” sign to let people know when your away.

A hallmark of the tiki culture is the moai. Moai are the famous monolithic statues found on Easter Island. These moai take the shape of giant heads, and according to legend, are said to hold the mystic powers of deceased clan chiefs.

They can also make really cool decorative items! Some people might find some difficulty finding space for a 50 foot monolith moai in their tiki bars; though thankfully moai decorations come in many different shapes and sizes to work with.

Miniature moai carvings are very popular. They work nicely as wall hangings or table pieces. You can even put them in the restrooms for a unique decoration.

One of the most important items in a tiki bar are the special tiki mugs to serve those groovy drinks in. Serve your wicked concoctions in mugs shaped like totem poles of ancient gods or with the somewhat less creepy glasses printed with dancing hula girls in grass skirts.

These are just a few examples of tiki bar decor. There are many more special tiki items available. The best thing about starting a tiki bar now is that these, sometimes difficult to find specialty items can be easily acquired via the internet!

Just remember that the proper decorations can really make or brake a tiki bar. So don’t be afraid to go all out. Be creative and remember to have fun!

Lee Dobbins
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/decorating-your-tiki-bar-50751.html

Do you want to know what the latest trend is to hit the home interior market? I’ll give you a few hints. This item is used every day by each member of your family, in every room in your home. The majority of your houseguests usually won’t even notice it, unless of course, it’s something out of the ordinary. You can purchase new ones with prices starting at about $.25, but they can cost much more than that. They can be square in shape, oval, round, or can mimic just about anything. They can be shaped like a dog, flower, UFO, or just about anything else. Give up? It’s a switch plate!

Long gone are the days of plain white rectangles and brass American Eagles in your grandmother’s living room, as switch plates are gaining some serious ground in the realm of home decorating. Not only are these creative doo-dads adding a splash of spice and color to a drab room, but also quickly becoming the focal point and/or muse for the room’s décor. In other words, instead of adding the finishing touch to your newly redecorated to renovated room with a fancy, new switch plate, it can actually be your starting point- and you build the rest of the room around it!

After you’ve chosen your switch plate, you can easily match the colors and/or patterns to the wall paint and trim, window treatments and area rugs, creating a room that flows from corner to corner, beginning and ending with your new switch plate. Anyone who has ever attempted to match accent pieces to paint on a wall is fully aware that it’s nearly an impossible task. Your paint color of choice needs to come from one of your accent pieces in the room, whether it be a pillow, wall border, stencil or switch plate. Keep in mind that an entire switch plate can fit nicely into a purse to easily carry from store to store in search of perfectly matching accents!

Finally, the right switch plate can easily double as a central “work of art” or “masterpiece” on your wall. For generations, switch plates were “hidden” on a wall and weren’t supposed to be seen. Plain white walls are now being seen adorned with a single Fleur de Lis design on a switch plate, with matching candle sconces and wrought iron lamps and chandeliers to create a theme within the light aspects of a room. Solid, antique brass switch plates on the burgundy painted walls of a dining room, with eggshell white crown molding and chair rails, with complimenting table centerpiece and light fixtures pull your room together and complete the look. It’s time to finish your beginning touches…with switch plates!

Alison Blakely
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/whats-hot-in-home-dcor-switch-plates-take-interiors-by-storm-51558.html