Designing Your Dream Kitchen, Without Breaking the Bank
Apr 29th
Like it or not, your kitchen is a reflection of who you are. No other room works as hard as the kitchen. From preparing food, eating meals, and gathering with your family and friends, the kitchen is the one room in your house where form and functionality come together. You want your kitchen design to reflect your personality, to be comfortable, and welcoming. You also want your kitchen to be organized and easy to work in. Here are some tips on how to strike this important balance in your kitchen.
Set the Mood With Details
Your kitchen doesn’t have to be decked out with the most expensive furniture and appliances. In fact, it’s the little details that make a kitchen memorable and stylish. Add some new curtains for spring to shed a whole new light on your kitchen. Few things make as much of an impact as new curtains. Once you’ve added some new colours with the curtains, follow suit and accentuate the curtains with a new tablecloth, throw rugs, and linens that match. Hanging a few kitchen towels in the right spots can really make your kitchen design come together. Just a few small things can make an impression that you will be amazed with.
Get Organized for Efficiency
While you want a cozy kitchen, you need to keep efficiency in mind too. Find the areas of clutter that exist in your kitchen and empty them out. It’s easy to come up with organizational methods that keep your kitchen clutter free. Hit the yard sales and find some old flour bins. These bins make perfect holders for all of your large kitchen utensils. Instead of keeping everything in a drawer, bringing them out into the open in a nice bin brings a sense of charm and style to any kitchen. Don’t worry if you can’t find the right colours either. A little ceramic paint in the right shade can turn any piece into the right piece for your kitchen.
Keep your kitchen humming at peak efficiency without ruining the coziness of this all important room. Adding a few details like curtains and throw rugs can revitalize your kitchen. Adding some containers for organization and a shot of country comfort will put the toppings on your recipe for kitchen fashion.
Kitchen Counter-tops – Quartz or Granite?
Apr 29th
There is probably no surface area in your house that works harder than the kitchen counter-top. Think about all you do on your kitchen counter-tops, from preparing meals to stacking dishes to put away, the kitchen counter-top is definitely a work-horse. In addition to being a hard working surface, the kitchen counter-top is also one of the most noticeable things in your home. You could have a beautiful kitchen, but if the counter-tops are drab or beat up, everyone will notice. Doing a kitchen redesign that looks really good hinges upon attractive counter-tops. Two of the most popular types of counter-top materials are granite and quartz. Here’s a brief rundown on each.
Granite
Granite kitchen counter-tops last a long time. Granite is a very hard material that is very durable. Granite counter-tops are absolutely beautiful and make a kitchen really shine. The vast majority of kitchens feature laminate counter-tops. When a granite counter-top replaces these laminate ones, the results are simply stunning. Be aware though that granite counter-tops while attractive, do require resealing every few years. It is important to be aware of this if you decide to use granite as part of a kitchen remodel. Failing to reseal can ruin these lovely counter-tops.
Quartz
Quartz kitchen counter-tops are really gaining in popularity. There’s little wonder why. Quartz surfaces never get moldy and they resist mildew, which makes these counter-tops perfect for preparing food for your family. Quartz counter-tops are made of an element that is found in granite. These lovely surfaces come in a variety of colour combinations and can really make a kitchen stand out. Quartz is a hard, easy to clean surface and more people are seeing just how great these counter-tops look.
You can choose from a variety of materials for your kitchen surfaces, but quartz and granite counter-tops are guaranteed to bring brilliance to your kitchen that you’ve never dreamed was possible. Both surfaces are very resistant to mold, very easy to clean, and are super-attractive. If you’re looking for a big kitchen project that will result in a completely different look, think about adding these new surface types to your kitchen.
Give Your Walls The Royal Treatment With Crown Molding
Apr 29th
If you’re curious about a way to add some elegance and style to any room, crown molding is a choice that is very popular. Crown molding is trim that transitions the wall to the ceiling. If you’ve seen this applied to any room, you know the beauty and richness that this decorative trim can add. In addition to being beautiful, it can also cover up flaws in walls and ceilings. If you want an instant transformation that makes a bold statement, crown molding is definitely the way to get there. Be forewarned that it does take some work and is not a super-cheap project to undertake. However, the look it provides to your home’s style is well worth the effort and the cost. Here are a few things to be aware of when installing crown molding.
Crown Molding Cutting
If you’re not a handyman or woman, you may want to get one for this project. There are some precision cuts that need to be made. It is very easy to mess up the angle of crown molding cuts. You don’t want to waste money by making the wrong kind of cut for your style of crown molding because different types of this trim require different degrees of angles to be cut. Cutting is typically done with a miter saw. Many hardware stores allow you to come in with your wall and ceiling measurements and they will make the cuts for you. If you are not sure, get some help. Even seasoned carpenters have expressed dismay at cutting crown molding correctly, leave this part to the pros.
Materials To Choose From
There are a wide variety of styles and materials to choose from for your crown molding project. Many people choose wood. Wood molding is beautiful, but considerably heavier than the plastic polymer alternatives, which can be equally attractive, but much lighter. You should not be installing this by yourself, you will need a partner. Just know that wood molding is considerably heavier, and that can make the installation a bit tougher because the molding will have to be held up on a ladder while the installation takes place. Get helpers, lots of helpers, this is one design project you don’t want to fly solo on.
Crown molding will add some dimension and interest to boring, flat walls. It provides a beautiful transition between walls and ceilings. You will be very pleased when this project is complete because crown molding definitely brings out the best in any room. Remember, if you don’t mind paying the extra cash to have a pro do the whole job, it might be a way to make the whole concept of crown molding installation a lot easier to deal with. But if you don’t mind learning something new, taking the matter into your own hands can be a fun, though humbling learning experience.
Bedroom Design Tips To Add Some Romance
Apr 29th
We all love to sleep. Nothing feels quite as good as diving into bed at the end of a long hard day. Married couples may find that they spend a lot of time in bed together, but it is always for sleeping and never for any fun. Your bedroom design, or lack thereof, could be a big contributor to the doldrums in your bedroom. If you’re looking for some ideas to bring a romantic yet relaxing decor to your bedroom, we’ve got you covered.
Rich, Dark, Colours for Furnishings
If you have white, yellow, or (heaven forbid), pink furniture in the bedroom, it’s time to do some serious work. For a room to have a romantic, relaxed appeal; deep, dark, inviting colours work best for the furnishings. Think about replacing light coloured furniture, or repainting it if you are on a tight budget. For wood, a dark refinishing can be a simple way to make the bedroom more inviting.
Luxuriant Textures & Linens
To offset the dark furniture with a spark of fun and colour, think texture. Soft, silky, and warm should be what comes to mind. New bedding and linens can be expensive, so shop around and you may be able to find some great deals online. Add a lot of pillows to the bed to make it an inviting, fun place to spend time with your significant other. Use some fun, bright detailed comforters and pillowcases to infuse the right colours to your bed.
What About The Walls?
Go with a darker or neutral tone for wall paints. A beautiful deep brown or tan can add just the right touch. Stay away from wallpaper borders, instead use some soft, floral stenciling around the tops of the walls. For the stencils try to match the colours of your bedding to really bring the room’s design full-circle.
Balance
Romance is all about the right balance. Aim to keep a bedroom from becoming too girly. The dark colours in a bedroom make the lighter, more feminine design elements all the more appealing. Keep a balance and have some fun. Once you have everything in place, a fun breakfast or dinner in bed can be just what you need to christen your new, romantic bedroom. One thing, though, keep the TV turned off, or out of the room altogether. The bedroom is for romance and relaxation, when you’re together with your mate, keep it that way.
Personalized Bedroom Style
Apr 28th
Your bedroom is your own, personal part of the house. Many people go to great lengths to customize their home’s style, but somehow stop short in the master bedroom. Many homeowners figure that not many people will see their bedroom, so they do not put a lot of thought into its design. What some fail to remember is that your home decoration should be foremost for the people that live there. Most people simply don’t sleep in their bedrooms; they read, relax, and watch television there as well. Taking time to personalize the style aspects of your bedroom will help you to really feel at home in your own private sanctuary.
Colours and Shades
Even if you don’t spend a lot of time in your bedroom, you’ll still want this room to ultimately say one thing – Relax. Your bedroom should be a place where your mind can be at ease and the stress can melt away. For years, pastels have been the colour of choice for bedrooms, but recently people are beginning to discover that neutral tones offset with darker hues can really bring a sense of mental relaxation that people need today more than ever. Try a nice warm brown or tan paint offset with white borders, or vice-versa. Whatever colour you choose, make sure it is one that brings a sense of tranquility and warmth to the bedroom.
Bedroom Furniture
Do not skimp when it comes to bedroom furniture. Having a bedroom with shabby furniture can be a nagging style choice that doesn’t allow for the relaxation you want. Of course the bed is the centerpiece of your bedroom. Nice wood frames and headboards, like oak, are especially inviting to use. A matching wardrobe, dresser and end tables should fill the room out nicely. Try to keep space in mind and don’t make your bedroom too cramped. If space allows, a writing table or corner desk is a great idea.
Bedding & Drapes
Choose fabrics that add a little punch to your bedroom. While wild colours should be kept to a minimum, there is no harm in adding a little brightness to offset the overall warm look that you have given the room. Let your personality shine through a little in choosing bedding and window treatments. A nice burgundy comforter and matching pillowcases can make anyone feel pampered and empowered in the bedroom. Take time with this step to really choose colours and textures that make you feel good.
Take all of these things into account when you design your master bedroom. Don’t go too cheap with your bedroom design. Even if no one else ever sees the room, you still want it to be a place of sanctuary that reflects your own personal style.
Bathroom Lighting Style For Comfort and Usability
Apr 26th
If you are doing a complete bathroom remodel, or even if you just want to liven up your bathroom, lighting should be one of your biggest concerns. The right lighting in any room can really make the style stand out, while bad lighting can make a room dreary and unusable. Keep usability and looks in mind when you are choosing the right bathroom lighting. The bathroom is one of those areas where you should be generous in the amount of light allowed in. Multiple sources of lighting are perhaps one of the best approaches to lighting up your bathroom. You should move beyond the use of one little ceiling light and investigate what other options are available.
Think About Different Fixtures
You’ll want your bathroom to be bright and easy to use, so you will need to consider a variety of fixtures. There are a number of standard ceiling fixtures to start with as your main source of light. Stay plain and uniform with this light and build a variety of fixtures around the room, each with a particular use and keeping in mind the overall atmosphere of the room. There are many types of fixtures to choose from. A good approach is to start with three and add more as you see fit. Think of your main light source, mirror lighting, and accented lighting.
Mirror & Vanity Lighting
This is where you’ll want a strong, alternative lighting source. If possible keep mirror lights on their own switch, so they can be turned on or off when need be. There is no sense having the vanity lights using up energy when no one is using the mirror. Choose a style that brings out the beauty of your vanity, as well as a bright white lighting for maximum efficiency and reflect-ability.
Shower & Tub Lighting
A nice recessed light over the shower is a great idea. This type of lighting is easy to install and safe for bathroom use. Again, remember that you want a good, bright source of lighting over the shower to prevent any accidents.
Stylish Accented Lighting
Pendant lighting is a great way to bring some personality into your bathroom lighting. Many people confuse pendant lighting with chandelier lights. Pendants, however, are smaller and cast an ambient light. Strategically pick a corner or two to place the pendant lighting. It is best to keep these lights away from areas where a lot of water splashing may occur. Opposite sinks and showers are great spots for pendant lights to give the bathroom lighting a little character.
Don’t skimp on bathroom lighting. Find the best deals you can, but be sure to offer plenty of lighting in this all important room.
Give Your Livingroom an Exotic Look With Bamboo Furniture
Apr 26th
If you are getting sick of the same tired look in furniture choices, bamboo furniture can be a welcome change of pace. Bamboo furniture is hot right now and comes in many styles to fit in with nearly every design scheme because this furniture is flexible and easy to work with. Plus, it holds up very well. If you want to make an impression, bamboo is definitely an interesting pick because bamboo is deceptively strong and durable.
About Bamboo
Bamboo is actually a large breed of grass. You would never know this by the good looks and durability that this plant provides. There are hundreds of bamboo types that grow all over the world. Bamboo designs have been a benchmark in Asia for a long time. It is beginning to become very popular the world over. Bamboo has especially caught on because it is a renewable source that is friendly to the environment. This is a good choice for those of you that are interested in eco-friendly living.
Bamboo Furniture
Designers are getting very innovative in their use of bamboo. There are complete bamboo furniture creations or blended use designs. Many people begin using bamboo on patios as outdoor furniture because it holds up so well. Woven bamboo designs are particularly attractive and easily blend in with other furniture types.
Using bamboo furniture is a great way to add inject an Asian or pacific feel to nearly any room. Tables, chairs, and stools made from bamboo make a great addition by adding some contrast and interest to more traditionally styled rooms. A nice bamboo chair can break up the monotony of an otherwise traditional room.
You can also go all-out with bamboo and design an entire room with this beautiful furniture. For those who are especially concerned about the environment, choose renewable bamboo products to ensure that you are being eco-friendly with your furniture choices.
Going with bamboo will make any room an interesting and relaxing place to spend time. Be sure to get some nice cushions to soften up chairs and couches. Easy to maintain and clean while providing extremely attractive looks, bamboo is a great choice to add some flare to your home’s design.
Take Chances on Your Design Projects – Style Rules You Can Break
Apr 26th
Getting in a rut can be a tiresome ordeal. Doing the same things, the same way all the time is not good for your creative side. That is why changing up styles in your home can be such a liberating experience; it’s a chance to do something new. If you are thinking about changing the style in your home, be sure that you don’t just move from one rut to another.
A lot of people begin new home decorating projects very excited, but quickly lose that fervour. What happens to dull their passion? One setback may be a huge set of home decorating “rules.” When new designers begin to read up on different design ideas, they hear professional stylists telling them, “Do this, but never do this…” It can be enough to make anyone nip their own creative impulses in the bud. Here are a couple of the “rules of design” that you can feel free to break.
- Keep things symmetrical. This is nonsense. While a symmetrical room layout can be very inviting, it can also be very boring. Take chances with your design. Put things where you think they look best. Let your personality shine through. None of us are perfectly balanced people; so why should our rooms be perfectly balanced? Have a little fun!
- Stick with one theme. Consistency is a great thing, but you don’t have to be bogged down by the limitations of one style over another. Feel free to add a little funk to a traditional country look with a post-modern painting or sculpture. Keep things interesting.
There are plenty of other, hard and fast rules that you can break as a designer. Be sure that you know the rules well, before you break them. If you are breaking rules, just to be breaking them, you are likely to end up with a stylistic nightmare. You want to use the breaking of the rules to make a style statement not to cause people to be uncomfortable. Remember it’s OK to be a fashion outlaw sometimes, you might just surprise yourself.
Formal Hairstyles that ‘Wow’ at Your Prom
Apr 26th
Each year between February and April, the luckiest of young girls prepare for their school’s prom night. Seniors in high school are especially affected by the lure since it may quite literally be their “last dance” in high school. It’s the time of year to select a look that’s all your own. This look will be mirrored in your prom gown and hairstyle choice.
There are many places to look when trying to find the right style for your prom dress and hairstyle. Most importantly, you’ll want a formal hairstyle that is appropriate for the prom. If you haven’t selected the perfect hairstyle for the prom yet, look to celebrities and their ever changing hairstyles. The red carpet will always give you some excellent looks to emulate as well. This is a speedy and easy way to find new hairstyles for your prom.
You can also check out all the prom issues of magazines that come out in January or February. These issues are specially designed for women lucky enough to be going to their proms. You can find many different styles of dresses and prom hairstyles in these magazines. Check out Seventeen, Teen and YM. These magazines are full of prom hairstyles and other helpful prom tips.
If you’d rather check out new hairstyles and dresses online, there are many resources you can use, from online guides to simple websites that devote themselves to prom hairstyles. You can use a search engine to find literally hundreds of sites that are dedicated to prom style as well. They pull their images from all over the world, so you’ll see an array of different formal hairstyles online from many countries. If you use any of these outlets you’ll be sure to find so many styles that it may be hard to choose one just one!
Formal Hairstyles to Get You in the Prom Mood
Apr 26th
The style of your prom dress reveals your attitude and mood, so, your formal hairstyle should also do the same.
If you like a flirty, cute look, you might opt for a short dress with an empire waist, or a strapless bubble dress. Match your dress with a cute formal hairstyle that has been styled into loose, natural waves. Look at celebrity hairstyles to get ideas for yourself for prom.
If the dress you choose for your prom is a bit daring, like a strapless or off-the-shoulder dress, you’ll want a sexy hairstyle to go along with the dress. Perhaps you can try a hairstyle with part of your hair up and part of it down, with waves at the shoulder.
If you want to show off a hippie, casual look, you might choose a flowing, long dress with an embroidered bodice. A prom hairstyle like this will look great if you want to take a step back from the formal look.
You can even wear an emo prom hairstyle, which is a real show-stopper. Not everyone can pull this off. Wear a black dress with a layered skirt and a lovely bodice, as well as an emo hairstyle like Twilight’s Kristen Stewart wears.
For the best in glamorous prom hairstyles, you’ll want your hair to look classic, sophisticated and uncluttered. You don’t need to be extravagant or daring, just graceful and subtle. Think Angelina Jolie at the 2009 Oscars. Wear a strapless, form-fitting gown, with your hair pulled elegantly back to show off your face and neck.
Above all else, choose a prom hairstyle that fits the mood of your dress. A lot of different dresses may look great, but you’ll want to be sure that you are comfortable when wearing one. The colour of your dress should complement the look of your formal hairstyle as well.
