I know this may sound harsh but Vanessa and I both agree that you should get rid of it all because none of it really works in this space, nothing is really 'helping' you out. And all these little tables and storage cabinets make the room feel smaller than it really is. I think the black weighs the room down and the corner piece is not only taking up the space, but it's blocking your beautiful windows and the sunlight. I'd love to see you put in a desk that runs along the same wall that your computer cabinet is currently on and over it, some art and an inspiration board (like this) where you can pin up some of the things you currently keep on the interior doors of your cabinet. For a desk, opt for something in a medium wood or white that has visible legs vs. a solid 'box' bottom without legs because it will give the room a lighter feel. I can't tell how high your windows are from the floor but I can predict that you couldn't put a desk across that wall, so why not try a wall-to-wall window seat painted in white with box window-seat cushions in your favorite print. You could have the benches with either storage beneath (with doors) or they could lift up and you could put things inside. Swap out the black leather task chair for something a little more interesting, maybe a vintage find like this cane chair with a chartreuse seat.
That depends on what you plan to do in there. Are you mainly on a computer or do you need to lay out papers, draft, paint, work with equipment like a letterpress, etc.? Do you meet with clients? A desk, chair, seating for clients (optional), storage, a trash bin, location for your equipment, lighting, organization items (folders, etc.) and optional things like shelving for the walls, a corkboard, etc. You want to incorporate a color scheme and patterns that will inspire productivity and make you want to actually spend time in your home office space. With all this in mind, let's visit with decor8 reader Heather today who submitted her office for a decor8 e-consult after reading this post last month by Vanessa De Vargas. Since the post inspired all of this, I teamed up with Vanessa and together, we whipped up a plan of action for Heather.
We all know that a mere physical structure does not make a home. It is the furniture that we put into it, and how it makes us feel and the type of mood that it creates for us, that make it a first home. Home furniture, home décor and furniture, home entertainment furniture, home bar furniture, even used home furniture, if properly chosen, can do wonders in creating for us the home of our dreams. Attending a model home furniture sale or deciding to purchase furniture online can also result in purchases that are well within our budget and yet elegant and tasteful.The bedroom, kitchen, living room, dining room, bars, and study, and can even be strategically placed so as to create a multipurpose room like a dining cum living room.
DESIGN SPOT was formed in 1992 by a group of enthusiastic and talented interior designers with creative ideas in the field of Interior Design at Bangalore, India. Over the years we have designed and executed several prestigious and challenging projects.
We are a company that believes that every project is a challenge in itself. This leads to in-depth research before a design is presented to the client. We have matured into an organization which is just not another interior design company and our Project List speaks for itself, be it Interior, Architectural or Landscape design projects all over India.
Decorating on a budget is the ultimate adventure in decorating. It requires a little bit of planning, creativity, and patience. If you are like me, sometimes you wish you could be a genie and wiggle your nose and poof it's done. However, that takes away from all the fun! Follow these tips and you'll have a home that looks like a page out of your favorite magazine!
1. Visit Furniture Showrooms
Make notes of styles of furniture you like. Also, take note of colors and fabrics that create a "warm" feeling inside of you. By visiting showrooms you can get an idea of the new trends and styles. Choose a Color Scheme.
2. Browse Through Decorating Magazines
Magazines are a source of inspirational ideas. Create a scrapbook of magazine clippings and refer to your book when shopping for your home.
3. Shop Second-Hand Stores
One person's trash is another person's treasure can never be so true. One place to look is the classifieds in your local newspaper. I have found great deals on furniture in thrift stores and auctions. Don't worry if an item is not in the best of shape. A coat of paint will work wonders for some furniture. Slipcovers can update an old couch or chair.
4. Color! Color! Color!
To create a dramatic, inexpensive change to your home, paint the walls a new color or buy new curtains. Keep in mind the moods that colors can create.
5. Create Your Own Art
For me, one of the best parts of decorating is creating my own original works of art to hang on the walls. It could be as simple as collecting leaves when they have turned colors and creating a picture collage. A nice frame makes any work of art look classy. Take a drawing, photography or painting class at your local community college. Gain inspiration by browsing through art books at your local library or bookstore. If you're into black and white photos, but do not want to pay the high price for this type of art, buy a book or calendar of your favorite photographer and frame the pictures.
6. Shop Discount Stores
Thank God for discount stores! This place will save you a ton of money on accessories. You will find little treasures such as candle holders, candles, potpourri, and knick knacks for very little money. Who will ever know?
7. Be Patient!
Take your time and shop during sales. Remember, Rome was not built in a day!
When decorating, you'll find that your tastes in furniture, accents and colors will converge into a specific, although personalized, style. Following are some of the more common styles and their definitions.
Rustic
Rustic furniture is commonly a simple style that is typical of country life. Generally made from hardwoods it is often un- or roughly finished. Read more on Rustic Style Home Decorating.
Eclectic
A truly personalized decorating style that combines furniture and accessories of various styles, textures, origins, and periods. Read more on Electic Home Decorating.
Traditional
Traditionally styled furniture has a classic, elegant, and formal look. Comprised of dark polished woods, curves, carvings and deep, rich color, a traditional style typically follows a particular period fashion such as Regency, Tudor, or French Provincial.
Country
Is a sunny, casual, heart-warming style of décor. Gingham and floral cottons, distressed and painted woods, ruffles, plump cushions and sofas, and soft furniture of pine and oak are hallmarks of this style.
Contemporary
Contemporary style lends a modern look to a room with clean lines, simple contours and bold colors as primary features. Glass, leather, slate and metal are typical components of often-uncomplicated pieces.
Remember decorating styles can also work as guide. Choose elements which you like and mix and match for your own individual style.
Your living room is the heart of your house, you express yourself in a sophisticated editing of your surroundings. Most important to you is the drama that you can achieve by eliminating clutter, you can lead the eye to the main event, whether that be a dramatically-lit sculpture, a fabulous rug or a fantastic piece of art.
Your carefully-planned look can be ruined by a messy stack of unread mail. Look critically at where you'll need storage and think creatively. Do you always drop the mail on the coffee table after you walk in the door? Perhaps you need a sleek console table in the entryway with a large ebony box to stash the mail in before you mess up the living room.
Don't detract from what's most important If you have a dynamite view, maybe you don't want to spoil it with any window treatment. If you have a gorgeous piece of art, spend a little on a contemporary light to add drama and give the art breathing room on the wall.
Sophisticated leathers and textures add interest to a contemporary living room.
If your coffee table is brushed stainless steel, don't buy brass lamps. When your incidentals are harmonious, the eye will be drawn to the drama that you create. In a small living room you may be starting with an asset. Small square footage can create an intimate living space.
Where to begin?
Firstly you should add architectural details. For example in small spaces, built-in cabinets and bookshelves are great for storage and they can make the room seem larger by accenting the vertical and horizontal lines. If you build floor-to-ceiling shelves you can add a focal point to the room.
Think out of the box: Try arranging your furniture on a room-widening angle. Instead of another chair, add an oversize ottoman. When not used as seating, it makes a grand and comfortable statement.
Home decoration is the art of decorating a room so that it looks good, is easy to use and function wells with the existing architecture, The goal of home decoration is to provide a certain "feel" for the room, it encompasses applying wall paper, painting walls and other surfaces, choosing furniture and fittings and providing other decorations like artefacts and sculptures....
A beautiful home appeals to everyone irrespective of age, color, race and sex. A good looking house should essentially have a fabulous sitting arrangement also. The sofas and other furniture should be elegant and should match the color theme of the room. To provide higher degree of comfort to the folks sitting over the the sofa, cushions are placed. But the object which attracts the maximum admirers towards the sitting arrangement is none other than cushion covers. Beautiful as well as cozy, cushion covers infuse a unique fascination to the seating places.
The most important thing in cushion covers is the texture of the material from which they are made of. As much smooth and comfortable a cushion cover is relates to is its likability. Another important attribute of cushion covers is their aesthetic value. How well are they looking is most significant aspect as it attracts the person to sit on.
These days cushion covers are made in numerous designs, prints and stitches. Most of the products are handmade and the work done on them also is entirely by hands. We find prints like bagru prints, block prints and bandej on cushion covers. Similarly they are adorned by the intricate zariwork and mirror work for enhancement of beauty. Cotton, silk, satin, chiffon, velvet etc. are the fabrics that cushion covers are popularly made of.
Decorating can be just like picking an outfit to wear. Seasons can effect what is "in" and what is "out." So don't get caught off guard this Spring/Summer and pay close attention, as I am going to give you some tips for decorating your apartment this season.
Buckle Up!
Airy, Fruity Colors- Add some bright vibrant colors to your living room. Perhaps an orange lampshade and throw pillow, off set by a light green rug or throw blanket. Match the color of your accessories with a freshly painted and vibrant wall. Stop by your local flea market in search of bright colored vases or other colorful pieces to place throughout and radiate the warmth of spring.
Don't Forget The Bedroom- Wrap your beds headboard with a brightly colored fabric. it doesn't have to cover the whole thing, just part of it. Visit your local Target, Bed-Bath & Beyond, or other super store and pick out some "springy" new sheets, pillowcases, and a comforter. Have a big window in your bedroom? Cover it with a white sheer drape and then a brightly colored curtain.
Buffet tables remain a classic piece of dining room furniture, because they usually add a touch of class while giving you superb functionality. There are so many ways to dress up or upgrade your home, but one of the best rooms to focus your effort on is the dining room. The dining room is the entertaining room, the one that your house guests will invariably spend a lot time in for meals or snacking. Your dining room furniture is indicative of how you like to entertain, and nothing makes your family and guests feel more warmth and welcome than a great dining room table and buffet table.
Buffet tables are not only beautiful and welcoming, they are also functional. This type of buffet furniture usually has one to six drawers for you to store small items, such as silverware, napkin rings, or any other little things you might want to have a place for. The table top of your new buffet will also come in very handy when you are entertaining, providing a convenient place for those extra food entrees, beverages, or desserts. So whether you are having a family dinner or celebrating a festive occasion, you will find that your buffet table will be a well-used and practical piece of furniture.
You can find a buffet table designed in the same or similar style as your current dining room table, or one that is different but complementary. There is a buffet table for every size dining room, every budget, and every unique style.
So go ahead and bring that touch of class to you
Outdoor furniture gives your house a different appearance. It can be one of the first things that come into sight when there are visitors. They are the convenient chairs in which you can soak the sun during the cold winter days and get a tan during summer. No matter how well furnished your inside may look, if your out door furniture does not match it the entire look of the house is changed. Whether it's the furniture in your garden or porch, they all need maintenance. If you want good looking furniture that will last for life you have to take a little pain in taking care of your furniture.
There are small little things which you can do to repair the small damages to your furniture like cleaning and waxing preserves the paint or clear finish. The bare spots and cracks can be given touch ups from time to time instead of waiting to repaint all at once. It will also help keep the moisture out of the raw wood and give your outdoor furniture a longer life. If you spill anything on them, wipe it immediately instead of waiting as beverage spills can leave behind spots forever.
One of the simplest and effective ways to clean outdoor furniture is soap and water. Use mild soap and water to clean your furniture at least once a week. The air around the furniture settles in layers on the furniture leading to deposition of various dust and other particles. If they are not removed from time to time then it will result in a chemical reaction which may even rot your furniture. You can also use a pan of warm sudsy water and cloth or paper towels to clean the furniture and clean up the soapy water that may leave a soapy film on your outdoor furniture. Never wash bare wood as the water raises the grain and makes the wood uneven.
We head for the bathroom as soon as we get up, and sometimes our mood depends on the exterior and comfort of this room. One wants to make the visit to the bathroom the first pleasant moment of the starting morning. This article tells about methods of beautification of the non-residential premise that rouses a number of censures because of inconvenience of planning and minimum space. Our dear readers must have already guessed that in this article we will talk about bathrooms.
So, you have decided to change the appearance of your water closet. The first and the most important thing for you to know is that you can’t do without planning decisions. Simple relocation of sanitary ware equipment will not increase the amount of so needed space. Let us consider several variants of design of bathrooms for premises with small area. We offer for your consideration variants that use the system of installation. The essence of this system lies in moving the waste tank, pipes and fixture of the lavatory pan into the wall with the help of the special fixation system. As a result, there appears additional free space. You will easily be able to get to the farthest corner of the bathroom and keep the floor clean. Moreover, this technology enables to keep peace and quiet in your bathroom and neighbouring premises. Additional surfaces revealed by installation will be not only practical in terms of hygiene, but will also make your bathroom more modern and beautiful. Usage of non-standard elements and complication of form of the premise will also help to use the area rationally. For example, the sink, shower cabin or washing machine can be concealed in the niche of the wall. Very interesting is the variant, when the bath is located in the corner, diagonally, which vacates the space along walls and also makes the premise look elegant.
When you are considering renovating your bathroom you should defiantly consider replacing the bathroom cabinets, these are normally the only pieces of wood in your bathroom. The rest of the room is a sea of ceramic tiles and other rather boring materials. Bathroom cabinets are very important for the look and feel of your bathroom. There are some important things to bear in mind when you are deciding what actually gets space in your cabinet.
What to Store in the Medicine Cabinets
One of the most important cabinets in your bathroom will be the medicine cabinet, these are extremely useful and functional parts of your bathrooms. However storing your medicines in the bathroom isn't actually the best idea, the high temperature and humidity can destroy the delicate medicine. However you can use these cabinets to store soap, shaving foam and other grooming products. Cabinets that store within a recess in the wall look great but are much more difficult to install than ones that screw onto the wall.
The Vanity Cabinet
Another common form of bathroom cabinet is the vanity cabinet. These are the cabinets under your sink, you might think that they are vital however they're not actually that important. They're not really that good for anything. Closet space is often more accessible, and much easier to keep clean. Vanity cabinets are normally just installed to improve the look of your bathroom sink. If you do choose to install a vanity cabinet then be sure to buy one of high quality.
If you're thinking of giving your bathroom a new look by investing in some new tiles, don't immediately call in the experts to lay them for you. Instead, follow our simple guide to tiling your own bathroom, which will save you plenty of money, as well as allowing you to enjoy a fun and fulfilling DIY project. After all, even if you have little or no tiling experience, most bathrooms can be easily tiled in the space of a weekend.
Choosing your Tiles
You should find a wide selection of tiles in any good hardware store, so you'll be able to choose from a variety of different colours and patterns. The amount of tiles required ultimately depends on the size and shape of your bathroom, so use your common sense to find out how many you require. Just remember, it's always better to buy too many tiles rather than too few, as you might damage tiles during fitting.
Preparing to Tile
Before you start to tile, you should ensure that the walls of your bathroom are clean and dry. It's essential that the walls are stable and as flat as possible, so you'll have to remove any old bits of wallpaper, as well as coating any peeling paint with a primer. When preparing to tile and grout your bathroom, it's also essential that you protect your bath and sink to ensure damage is kept to a minimum.
Positioning your Tiles
When you're sure that your wall is ready for action, you can then begin to plan where you'll fit your tiles. Using a gauge stick, you should mark the position of tiles onto the wall using a pencil. When you've marked the bottom row of tiles, you should nail a temporary wooden batten there and use it as your starting point. However, if you happen to be tiling a wall with an object such as a window, it's best to use that as a starting point and tile around it.
Some great ideas for bathroom accessories that add comfort and functinality to a bathroom
Remodeling your bathroom to make it more beautiful is a really great idea, but keep in mind that a bathroom has to be functional above all else. Proper bathroom accessories will help to make the room as functional as possible and even give you extra room and storage. Bathroom accessories can be items that you install while you are doing the renovation, or items that you add once the renovation is complete. Here are some you may want to think about.
Installing a beautiful tub or shower is one thing, but if it does not have a place where you can keep you shampoo, soap, body wash and other items, it is not too practical. Trying to balance these on the tub side will make your shower or bath a chore. You can have a bathroom caddy that is a simple contraption that hangs over the shower head, or you can have a large one installed right into the wall. The tiles in a bathroom are especially designed to be able to withstand the moisture in a bathroom. Just because they have to have this feature doesn't mean that they have to be uncomfortable, however. Hard, cold tiles are not the most fun to step onto after the shower, so you may consider putting an electric floor under the tiles. Of course, you have to do this before the tiles have been installed. A cheaper alternative to a heated floor in the bathroom is a heated towel rack. This is a simple but luxurious feature that can make bath time much more comfortable and appealing. Instead of facing the chill of the room after a warm shower or bath, wrap yourself in a nice warm towel!
For those who are getting spring fever and want to do something to 'change the look' of the home, how about knocking down a few walls - carefully, that is! The latest idea of great rooms is really catching on and if a home is going to keep up with the latest and newest on the market - its living room is extinct!
We have seen it coming if we have watched the signs, first of all the kitchen got bigger, then it had two working stations, then the computer moved in there - just for ease of recipe reading and remote control of the house. Obviously everyone loves the atmosphere in the kitchen, so it had to be opened up to the whole house, voila: le great room.
There is an alternative to the great room; it is the 'kitchen great room'. Ever since Electrolux published their study which showed that a typical family spends 175 hours per month in the kitchen, but only 31 hours per month in the living room, architects and builders have been adjusting designs accordingly. Coupled with this Electrolux survey is the fact that entertaining has become more of a casual affair in the 21st Century. Gone are the days when the hostess hid herself away in the kitchen and suddenly walked out carrying a steaming five course meal! Nowadays guests wander into the kitchen to chat or help or make adjustments to a dish that they have brought, the kitchen is no longer 'mum's' territory. With acceptance of this idea, comes the realization that the kitchen could be made cozier, more serviceable for all the family and will therefore need to become bigger.
This could mean that a TV will be in the kitchen, alongside a fireplace and a desk area wired for Internet as well as the family's online calendar. Many people take the obvious route and eliminate the formal dining room altogether by knocking down the wall between the two rooms.
For the millions of people that live along the United States' southern and eastern coast lines, protecting your home from hurricanes is extremely important. One strong storm can leave your home devastated in a matter of hours. If you live along America's hurricane-prone coastlines, home hurricane protection is one area of investment you can't afford to ignore. But where do you begin? The following home owner's to do list covers five steps to take before a storm hits to make sure your home is protected.
1. Secure your windows
The vast majority of all hurricane damage is caused by high wind speeds. High winds pick up debris and send it flying at incredible speeds. All it takes is one good sized tree branch to hit your window in just the right spot, and now your home has been breached. Shattered glass from window breaks also poses a real danger, particularly if you are inside the home during the storm. Hurricane shutters are one of the best investments you can make to protect your windows. Look for shutters that have received Dade County Product Approval, which is the highest standard in the industry for hurricane protection products. For a less expensive option, consider making your own shutters with 5/8" thick plywood.
2. Secure the garage door
This is particularly important if you have a home with an attached garage. The garage door is a weak point in most homes, and it can be easily blown in by hurricane speed winds. When the garage door is blown in and the wind pressure fills your home, it only take a short time for the windows and doors to blow in, too. In the worst case, the roof follows suit. Some garage doors are advertised as hurricane-resistant, but they can be costly. Securing your garage door doesn't have to be an expensive proposal! Consider boarding your garage door over with plywood, or using 2x4's to brace it from the inside.
3. Install hurricane straps
Galvanized metal hurricane straps are used to secure the roof trusses to wall studs. If you're building a new home, be sure the builder uses hurricane straps, as this is one of the best (and most cost effective) ways to make sure the roof doesn't blow off your home during a hurricane. Note: It is possible to install hurricane straps on an existing home, but you may need to hire a contractor to do the job.
4. Eliminate possible projectiles
When you know a storm is coming, walk all around your home and yard, and consider objects that could potentially be picked up by the wind and turned into flying projectiles. Yard and garden ornaments, birdbaths, grills, patio furniture, potted plants, and children's toys are all things to be secured or brought indoors.
5. Trim your trees
Keeping your trees in good shape is an important step in making sure that limbs won't come down on your house during a hurricane. First, trim any large branches that hang over your house. Second, thin the tree's branches out so it won't catch too much wind in a storm and become uprooted. Finally, consider removing trees that lean toward a building or power lines, trees that are diseased, or that have rotted and/or cracked trunks. These trees are a hazard and should be taken out by you, so that they're not taken out by a storm.
With a little time and forethought, you can minimize, and hopefully prevent, the majority of hurricane damage to your home.
