Owner: Home Style Decorating URL:http://www.homestyledecorating.com Join Date: Wed, 19 Sep 2007 22:29:26 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: Information and tips in home furnishing and home decorating. Site statistics:Click here
How to Give Your Kitchen Some Pizzazz 2007-10-06 13:54:44 The kitchen is the heart of the home and family time that is spent in the kitchen always brings a family closer, more so if your kitchen looks good. Here are some tips on how to give your kitchen some pizzazz.
Give your cabinets an extra flair by painting it with three different stains or shade of the same color. Use the lightest stain on the upper cabinets, the medium stain on the drawers and the darkest stain on the bottom cabinets.
Some drawers can be replaced with low baskets . You have to take out the middle drawer slide or side slides.
A beadboard can be used instead of the traditional painted backsplash. The local home improvement store can cut and install the board for you.
Cabinet doors can be jazzed up with fabric panels. Cut out the middle of the cabinet doors, leaving a two inch edge all around. Staple fabric panels to the back of the doors. Glue a fabric trim to cover the staples. You can use any fabric that you like.
Cabinet doors can be a showcase of your family&rsquo Read more:Kitchen
The Difference Between Damp-proofing and Water proofing 2007-10-06 13:52:43 What should I put on the foundation of my house, damp-proofing or water proofing? You might not find this important at first but as your basement starts to leak and grow molds and mildew, you will definitely remember this issue. May homeowners don’t know the difference and importance between damp-proofing and water proofing.
Damp-proofing is the use of damp-proofing products which are typically a tar based material cut back with a solvent based product. They are cheap to apply and their effectiveness is extremely limited because they are only to designed to retard moisture penetration and not to prevent it. The main disadvantage of this is once the damp-proofing product cures they will become brittle and when cracks appear on the foundation the tar based coating will not stretch to bridge the cracks and this allows moisture to penetrate into the basement.
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French Doors 2007-10-06 13:51:48 There are many different types of doors and French
doors are one of the popular types. French doors are made from individual small pieces of glass held together with wood, fiberglass or aluminum. The glass panels in the door provide a lovely view of the outside world when closed that’s why French doors are said to bring the outdoors into your home.
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About Decorative Table Lamps 2007-10-04 14:49:13 Decorative table lamps differs from other lighting features in the sense that they are portable which permits the owners to place the lamp anywhere they wanted to give the desired lighting effect. Decorative table lamps are intended used to give just the right decorative touch to a room. It provides minimal task lighting while adding to the light needed for the room as well as adding to the ambiance and room decoration.
Decorative table lamps can come in a simple and functional style or it can be elaborate, elegant and highly decorative. Of all the lighting fixtures available today, decorative table lamps come in the widest variety of sizes, styles, shapes and materials imaginable. One of the advantage of this type of lighting is the availability of design that will suit everyone’s taste and budget.
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, Table
, Lamps
About Kitchen Lighting 2007-10-18 15:15:27 Aside from the bedroom, most of us spend more time in the kitchen. This is where the family will converge during meal times, when entertaining, doing homework and of course, to prepare the food for the family. For all the things that we do in the kitchen, it is only right that it should be illuminated properly.
There are two common mistakes in kitchen lighting; one is having way too much illumination and the second is too little light. The kitchen is indeed a difficult room to illuminate properly. In areas where food preparation, reading or homework- making is done, task lighting is a must. Pendants make a good task lighting fixture. It can be turned off when it is not needed anymore. Kitchen
islands also require task lighting fixtures.
(more…) Read more:Lighting
Luxury Bed Linens Care Instrutions 2007-10-18 15:14:28 Luxury bed linens are an investment and thus proper care should be implemented. Proper care will also prolong the life span of your luxury bed linens. Most bed linens comes with a care instruction tag that is sewn on the item itself or on the packaging. You must follow the care instructions on the tag. Aside from the care instructions tag, the following are some general guidelines in caring for your luxury bed linens.
Before using the beddings for the first time, wash it first and use a gentle laundry soap. Some skin care products contain oxidizing agents that will discolor your bed linens when washed. If you use these products, be sure to wash them off before going to bed. Beddings will usually shrink through time and usage and using very hot water in washing and high heat in drying will shrink them more.
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, Linens
About Garage Door Openers 2007-10-17 15:10:27 It is really annoying to get out of the car in the pouring rain or snow just to open the garage door and so the automatic garage door opener is invented. An automatic garage door opener is a motorized device that helps in automatically opening and closing the garage door. But before you rush to buy one, here are some info on the types of automatic garage door opener.
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Choosing an Area Rug 2007-10-17 15:08:10 Area rugs can greatly improve the lok of a room, that is if it is chosen carefully. The following is a simple guide in choosing an area rug.
1. Consider the size of the rug that you want to buy. Small size area rugs can be placed before fireplaces or beds to create a splash of color. Medium sized ones can be placed alone at the center of the room to be a focal point. Large ones can totally change the look of the room. Whatever size you want, make sure that the rug is placed so, so that the people sitting will be able to put both feet on the rug.
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Fall and Winter Maintenance Checklist 2007-10-16 15:10:59 There is are two sayings that goes, “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure” and “Better be ready than be sorry”. During fall and winter, these two sayings will really apply. So to prepare for the cold months, here is a checklist for fall and winter maintenance.
For the Outdoors
Scrape peeling paint and apply a fresh coat specially to siding, trims and fences.
Check your deck condition and apply waterproofing product as necessary.
Repair weatherstipping on your doors.
Apply new cauling on your windows
Patio furniture should be cleaned and stored properly.
Bicycles, tricycles and outdoor toys should be cleaned and stored.
Wash windows, in and out.
Remove, clean and store summertime screens and replace it with storm windows and doors.
Damaged and missing roof shingles should be replaced and repaired.
Clean gutters and check downspouts.
Cracks in the driveways and sidewalks should be repaired.
Clean your winter tools like snow shovels, plows and sno Read more:Maintenance
, Checklist
Creating a Sensuous Bedroom 2007-10-16 15:05:26 For most people, the bedroom is their favorite part of the house because it is were we can do whatever we want and aside from that we spend more time in our bedroom than in any other part of the house. The following are some tips on how to make your bedroom more sensual.
1. Remove all the clutter so that you can see the whole room and all the possibilities that you can do with it.
2. Change the color theme of your room. Choose a color that makes you warm, cozy and arousing. This does not necessarily meant repainting the room. You can add the color touches to the furnitures, the beddings, curtains and shades, pillows and the decor. make sure that you do not over do it.
(more…) Read more:Creating
, Sensuous
, Bedroom
Carpet Types and Shapes 2007-10-15 13:47:28 Carpets come in a wide variety of color, shapes and shades. Aside from this, carpets also have different types to suit your needs.
Level Loop Pile
same height loops
generally multi-colored
also known as commercial carpet
casual and durable
track resistant
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Instant House Transformation 2007-10-15 13:40:04 1. A fresh coat of paint
This will really change the look of the room instantly. Select the colors that will make you feel calm, alive and happy. When redoing a room, try to match the paint with the furnitures that you want to put in the room.
2. Change your lighting
Changing your lighting fixtures can change the ambiance of your house. Always install dimmer switches. moods can be set instantly with just a click of a few switches. Chandeliers always add elegance to a room but they need not be expensive. Symmetry is important too. Always try to look for sets of lamps for side tables in bedrooms and living room areas to keep a sense of balance.
(more…) Read more:House
, Transformation
How to Maintain Dryness in Your Basement 2007-10-15 13:38:02 1. Periodically clean your gutters.
2. Caulking should be applied to the joint between foundation wall and pavement.
3. Downspouts should be installed to direct water away from the house as far as possible.
4. Install a dehumidifier in your basement to control the humidity level.
5. Doors and windows in the basement should be kept closed always to prevent extra humidity to enter.
6. Annually re-grade the ground to slope aways from your house.
7. Always make sure that you have a leak-free plumbing.
8. Window wells should be cleaned always.
9. Use waterproofing paints and sealers on the walls.
10. During the installation of the house’s foundation, make sure that the contractor applies waterproofing material on the exterior wall of the foundation. Read more:Maintain
, Basement
Removing Ink and Chewing Gum From Your Carpet 2007-10-23 00:55:40 Carpets are good to look at and it adds elegance and grace to your room. The bane of it is if ink got spilled on it and chewing gum get stuck on it.
There is nothing worse than a stain in your carpet and one of the worst stains is ink because it can be very hard to remove. First is to blot up as much ink as possible. Use a dry and dye-free paper towel. Work from the outside to prevent spreading the ink further. Keep blotting until no more ink transfers to the paper towel. Next, get apply isopropyl alcohol on the stain using a dry paper towel. Remember to work from the outside to the inside of the stain. Be careful not to apply too much alcohol so that it won’t soak to the backing. Keep dabbing at the stain until no more is left. If the stain is gone, stack a few paper towels on the stain and add a weight on it so the all the residue will be absorbed. If any thing else fails to work, then it is time to call in the professionals.
(more…) Read more:Chewing
, Carpet
Mattress Cleaning 2007-10-23 00:54:23 Mattress cleaning is an easy task to do specially if you have the right tools. A good and efficient mattress cleaner will help you to remove all kinds of stains and odors. It should be able to clean, protect and maintain hygiene of your mattress.
The easiest mattress cleaner you can get is upholstery shampoo. You can also use mild white detergent powder, citrus cleaners and lemon juice mixed with water. But first,you must get to the stain the soonest possible time before it can soak into the mattress.
(more…) Read more:Mattress
, Cleaning
House Remodeling to Accomodate the Elderly 2007-10-23 00:53:26 Some families are now opting to bring the elderly in their homes rather than consigning them in the home for the aged. But before you can do this, your house must be remodeled to fit the accommodation needs of the elderly. The changes will include:
Remodel your house so that you can live on the ground floor if necessary.
Doorways should be widen to allow passage of wheelchairs.
Entry should be as level to the ground as possible. You can refer to the local building code for this.
Bathroom remodeling should include installation of grab bars.
Storage should be within 20 to 40 inches above the floor with a maximum depth of 20 inches.
Drawers are more preferable than cupboards.
Replace all door handles with levels.
Hard flooring and low pile carpets are more preferable.
Electrical outlets should be higher than usual and switches lower.
Install a shelf outside the front door so you can put down packages while searching for keys.
Vinyl sidings are recommended for its low maintenance and no p Read more:House
, Remodeling
Slipcover Types 2007-10-26 00:11:07 Slipcovers are used to protect the existing upholstery of the furniture. They are used in instant room makeovers because they are easy to replace. They are used to protect the original upholstery of the furniture and are made from fabrics that is color coordinated according to the look of the room where the furniture is placed.
The fabrics that are used in making slipcovers are selected according to the use of the furniture. Leather and suede slip covers are rugged and can be used to handle wear and tear of rough use. To add warmth and elegance to a room, soft and elegant fabrics may be used to make the slipcovers. For patio furnitures, rugged fabrics should be used so that they can stand against the harsh outside environment. There are also fabrics that are wrinkle-free that provides a fresh look even after prolonged use.
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Wall Murals 2007-10-26 00:09:54 Murals are large, scenic graphics applied to the wall that generates a specific atmosphere to a room. Once installed, you will enjoy a dramatic realism in your room that is not possible with any other wall covering. Wall murals provide depth and enlarge your room. They can be installed indoors or outdoors. Wall murals includes painted murals, tile murals and ceramic murals.
Painted murals are those in which the surface of the wall is painted but there are painted murals that painted in solid vinyl fabric which are them pasted to the wall. Once you have decided on the design, the mural is then painted on the vinyl fabric. As for directly painting the mural on the wall, it is designed and conceptualized first on a different medium before creating the actual mural on the wall. Painted murals are popular in children’s room for safety reasons.
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About Bathroom Tiles 2007-10-26 00:09:03 Some of us considers the bathroom as a place to have solitude where we can relax and unwind. Planning the bathroom carefully will give us the satisfaction that we want and one of the bathroom detail that gives a great impact is the bathroom tiles.
Choosing the bathroom tiles involves carefully selecting materials which are appropriate for high moisture areas. Natural stones like marble are porous which they traps moisture and will cause it to crack. Laminated flooring are not suitable for wet areas because they are extremely slippery when wet. Before finally deciding on the tiling material that you want, you have to know and understand the characteristics of the material. You must know the advantages and disadvantages of using a certain tiling material.
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Questions to Ask Your Plumber 2007-10-30 02:11:51 Sure, he’s a plumber, but is he the “one ” that you’re looking for? ou need to make sure that you get a qualified plumbing contractor and not some hack. There are some questions to ask your plumber to be sure that he knows his job and that you are in goods or rather your home’s plumbing will be.
1. How long have you been a plumber?
If a plumber has been in the business for a long time, the generally he really knows his stuff. Every plumber has to get started at some time but you have to take this into consideration.
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Designing Your Closet 2007-10-30 02:08:57 1. Create a balanced and appealing design. You can look up some designs on the magazines and even on the internet. Make sure that the design that you choose will blend in with the entire look and theme of your room.
2. Determine how much of clothing storage type (hanging, folded, drawers) you need. Just make a general estimate for each storage type.
3. Place drawers at the center of the closet, directly across from the door so that they can have an extra clearance for opening that will be provided by the open closet door. If you’re designing a large closet, include an island in the center of the space that incorporates your drawers.
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, Closet
How Often Should Carpet be Cleaned 2007-10-30 02:07:19 When was the last time that your had your carpet cleaned by a professional? My bet is it has been a long, long time already. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends carpets in residential homes are cleaned every 6-12 months if 2 or fewer people live in the home who is non smokers. For larger families with both kids and pets, the EPA recommends a professional carpet cleaning every 3 months.
The indoor quality of our homes is very much affected by dust, dander and a host of dirts that is stuck to the carpet. Having a clean carpet spells out the difference for people with asthma and allergies, the elderly and infants and those who have a weak constitution.
(more…) Read more:Often
, Carpet
Wall Decorating Ideas 2007-11-02 13:44:55 Decorating your walls can sometimes be frustrating especially for those first time homeowners who haven’t got a clue. Here are some wall decorating ideas for you to try and experiment.
1. Make personalize wall decors by framing your kid’s favorite drawings and doodles or your family’s memorable snapshots. They can be small prints, made larger with oversized mats and frames, or they can even be blown up professionally into larger images. These look their best when the mats and the frames are the same. It gives the finished grouping a feeling of unity.
(more…) Read more:Decorating
Drinkwares 2007-11-02 13:43:24 When you say drinkware, it refers to the glassware that is used for drinking. Drinkware can be a glass drinking vessel that is either a tumbler, a flat-bottomed glasses with no handle, foot, or stem; a footed glass which have a bowl above a flat base but no stem or a stemware which have a bowl on a stem above a flat base.
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A Touch of Class With Quality Crystal 2007-11-02 13:38:12 Crystal glassware can lend a classy and sophisticated look to your dining table setting. It can grab the attention of anyone who enters the dining room and investing on a real set is a worthy move because it will never go out of style. Well known for their great choices of crystal glasswares are the Czech Republic, Ireland and Austria. You can never go wrong if you purchase glasswares that are made from them.
Glassware prices differs according on the kind and how plain or fancy you want them to be. You can have glasswares with gold or silver trimmings and some even has intricate laceworks on them. Don’t worry though, even the simplest design will still look great .Aside from the glass design, the cut of the glass is also one thing to consider. Some crystals are cut to catch more sun and make them sparkle more than others. But again, no matter what the cut is, it will still sparkle. For some reason drinking out of crystal seems to make the drink taste better. This is because glass Read more:Quality
, Crystal
Instant Cheap Redecorating Ideas 2007-11-12 12:31:13 1. Warm up your living areas with textured, natural elements.
2. Add a dash of color by filling a vase with flowers, real of artificial.
3. To add pizzazz, scatter a few pillows with colorful designs and different sizes.
(more…) Read more:Cheap
, Redecorating
Painting Tips for the Exterior of Your Home 2007-11-12 12:27:53 Maybe you thought it is high time for you to change the outdoor color of your house, then the following things can help you:
1. Government restrictions
Check with your local building and planning department for guidelines. Codes governing exterior house colors may be in place. This particularly applies in historic districts or redevelopment areas.
2. Homeowner associations
Most homeowner associations have guidelines on what you you can do. It is better to check them out first before you choose the color.
(more…) Read more:Painting
Of Fireplaces and Living Room Focal Points 2007-11-12 12:25:53 In the olden days, the fire place is the focal point of every living room. The fire place serves many purposes like for lighting, for providing warmth and sometimes, for cooking the food. But as the times have changed, so is the treatment of fire places. What was once considered a very important piece became optional and for decorative purposes only. A fire place, used or unused, can still be a focal point and still is a dominant feature of a room and it still deserves special attention.
In dressing up a fire place to be the focal point of the room, you have to pay extra attention to the mantel and the space above it. The furnishings and accessories of the room should compliment each other and be in harmony with the over all look of the room.
(more…) Read more:Living
, Fireplaces
, Focal
, Points
, Living Room
Floating Glass Shelves 2007-11-19 13:15:13 There is a home decorating product that is fast gaining in popularity. This is the floating glass shelves. The floating glass shelves can hold a great deal of weight and its unique quality that it appears to be floating on the wall. They are stunning, have multiple uses and makes a room look uncluttered. A group of items can be displayed on it and it will look simple yet elegant.
(more…) Read more:Floating
, Glass
A Busy Wallpaper and Its Decoration 2007-11-19 13:14:23 What is a busy wall paper? It is a wallpaper that has many designs and colors. It is tricky to put decorations or wall hangings against a busy a busy wallpaper because if you don’t do it right, all of them will fight one another for attention and there will none that will caught the viewer’s eye.
The secret in hanging decorations against a busy wallpaper is in the framing. The art work that you would like to hang should have some of the neutral background color of the wallpaper. Then comes the frame. Choose a frame that gives a strong contrast with the wall papers’s color. It can be a match with your cabinets or the flooring. Use the background neutral color of the wallpaper as the top mat color and the fillet (1/4″ will do), any color from the image will do. The trick is to way oversize the wallpaper with the top mat. The top mat should be twice the amount and more matting should be place at the bottom of the of the picture. Your framer could help you with this Read more:Decoration
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