Home Decor: 5 Easy Ways to Add Color to Your Room

Is your room not sending the right messages to your guests? Does your sofa look plain and outdated? Would you like to give your room an easy facelift? Adding color to a room can bring your space to life and add style to your home. Lets take a moment to review the basics of decorating with color.

Yellow, orange, red and pink are referred to as warm colors. This is because they remind us of the warmth of the sun or a campfire. Blue, green and purple are referred to as cool colors. They remind us of grass and the ocean. There are plenty of neutral colors such as your grays and browns. Neutral colors tend to not contrast with other colors.

Paint can give your interior an entirely new look. When choosing a color for your wall, it is important for you to decide on the type of mood you would like to set for the room. What feel or moods are you trying to create in your room? Would you like a warm or cool atmosphere in your room? What color décor will be incorporated in this room? It is also important to choose the type of paint finish you would like to have on your walls. There are many to select from.

Sometimes adding something as small as a throw pillow or cushions on a sofa, love seat or chair, can transform a room's disposition. Different textures along with the right colors can produce an incredibly distinctive look to your space.

The right lamp can bring great sophistication as well as better lighting in a room. Always choose a lamp along with a lampshade. A shade helps to pull a room together and should coordinate with the other lamps in the room. They do not have to match identically.

Many people leave their windows naked with only shades and blinds to dress them. Drapes and curtains shouldn't only be considered as a means of adding privacy to your home. Hanging them to your window can soften and add texture to the room while filtering out unwanted sunlight. Choose draperies with a length that will benefit your room's décor. Long drapes add design and eloquence to the décor as it lays along the floor.

The easiest and fastest way to add life to your room is to, well, add life to your room. Placing fresh cut flowers and indoor plants in your room will give it an earthy feeling while satisfying your need for color.

Adding color to your home décor should be fun. It may take some time before you find a color scheme that you are happy with. But it will be well worth the effort.

About the Author

Fransis Rodrigues is the author of this article on Bedroom Decor. Find more information on the subject at www.habitatdesigns.net

More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com

Valances as Easy Interior Design Accents

Window valances are a simple way to add interest and beauty to your windows. They can either stand alone to create a striking fashion statement, or be hung in conjunction with other window treatments, such as drapes, sheers or blinds. You can use a ready-to-hang valance or make your own.

Valances come in a wide variety of designs and fabrics to create the perfect feel in your home. They can be formal or casual, free-flowing or constructed. Here are a few popular valance types.

Balloon valances have a puffy, cloud-like appearance when hung above a window. Sometimes, to accentuate the fullness of the valance, they're stuffed with tissue paper or newspaper. They're generally made of lightweight fabric, and used for a more casual look.

Swag valances are created when a long scarf of fabric is hung across the top of the window, and secured by decorative sconces or brackets, resulting in a graceful drape of fabric on the window. A swag is sometimes simply hung over a curtain rod. They can be used on many different types and sizes of windows: short or long, narrow or wide. Lightweight fabrics work best in this application, as they're easier to arrange and they hang nicely. They can be used to create a casual look or more of a polished look.

Pleated valances provide a way to create a formal look. They're generally constructed of stiffer, heavier fabrics to better hold their shape. Lighter weight fabrics can be used, but are generally attached to a heavier backing for added support.

Valances can also alter the look of a window by the way they're hung. They're generally hung over the top of the window, in such a way that the bottom of the valance covers the top of the window. As a rule, they shouldn't cover more than one-third of a window. They can also be used to visually reduce the size of a tall window. Longer valances can give the appearance of a smaller window behind it. Or they can bisect a window, similar to a café curtain, to create a look on the lower portion of the window.

Beginners and experts alike can use valances to change the look of a room. You can find ideas anywhere, from home design books, to magazines to the internet. Valances don't have to be store-bought to be attractive. A little creativity can go a long way toward creating the home décor that fits your lifestyle.

About the Author:

Kenneth Morris continually creates detailed reports on news related to curtains and interior design. His publications on window valance are found on http://www.curtains-drapes-coverings.com/window-valance.html.

More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com

Top 5 Tips For Home Decorators

Is your house and home feeling a little bit tired and jaded? Does it lack that special edge that it once had? If so you're no doubt sick of living in a home that no longer suits you so why not convert that drab interior to something fantastic? Your home should be a place of rest and relaxation. A place for you to recharge your batteries that have been drained by todays busy lifestyles. The great news is that regardless of what type of look or feel you want your redecorated home to have there are ideas aplenty available to you for use as inspiration.

There are several important tips that you should follow for each interior or home decorating project:

1. Choose A Theme Have a very clear idea of what you want the finished "product" to look like before you begin. Get your hands on as many home decorating books and magazines as you can. As you read through them you'll find yourself drawn to one theme or style more than others. Exposure to as many decorating styles as possible is the key to success here.

2. Choose A Color Scheme During your theme research you'll have noticed that most decorating themes rely on specific color schemes to achieve the required results; those colors are standard to that particular decorating theme. What do we mean by this? Well for example Asian decorating styles and themes are dominated by the use of red, black and dark blue. Another example is tropical decorating themes which rely more on green, red and aqua colors. Your chosen theme will, realistically, follow the same basic pattern of using a fixed palette of colors for the entire decorating project.

3. Choose A Use For the Room What will you actually do in the room you're redecorating? Just because the room was originally built for a specific purpose don't mentally trap yourself by only decorating to that particular type of room. For example if your family eats most of their meals in the kitchen then don't decorate your dining room with a large dining table and accessories - it's a waste of the room. It could be converted to a study, home office or even a play room so don't limit your thinking to using any room for its original purpose - unless it suits you of course.

4. The Shopping List Of all the items that you could potentially list here paint is the most important. Paint forms the "foundation" of any room and if you rush the paint job then everything that comes afterwards just won't "work" in the room. Another mistake many people make is to buy the cheapest paint possible. You might save a few bucks on the cost of the tin but you'll wind up kicking yourself later on when you realize it's going to take 3 coats to finish each wall instead of just one - it's generally not cost effective to buy cheap paint; it just doesn't cover or finish as well as the more expensive brands.

Also make allowances in your budget for disposable overalls and any cleaning or preparatory materials you might need for your project. Decorating can be a messy business so prepare for the clean up operation before you even begin.

5. What To Paint With? Another important decision is whether to use brushes, a roller or foam painting pads. Brushes have their uses for "edging out" a room - for those tiny corners. For the large surface areas it makes more sense to use a roller or paint pads. Personally I've found rollers to be just plain old messy and now use paint pads (some stores call them speed painters) for any large surface area that needs to be painted well and quickly. Use a roller if you really have to but bear in mind that they're extremely messy so make sure both you (disposable overalls are ideal) and the flooring is well covered against splashes.

Don't forget to have some fun along the way too! For all the planning, preparation and work that goes into redecorating any room or home it should still be a fun experience for everyone involved. You'll have that added sense of satisfaction knowing that you redecorated or helped to redecorate your home with your own hands. Take some time out to relax in your new room once it's finished - especially before you start redecorating the next room in the house.

About the Author:

This article was provided by Aaron Walker at www.DecorSecrets where you can grab an interior home decorating idea to suit your style and budget.

More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com

Choosing Fabric for Curtains in Your Home Decor

There’s more to shopping for curtain fabric than seeking out the perfect print of the weave those complements the color scheme to perfection. Furnishing fabrics are not all suitable for every situation. With the wide range of weaves and weighs of cloth available, make sure the one you buy will do the job you have in mind. The two most important factors to bear in mind when looking for curtain fabric are resistance to fading and the weight of the fabric.

Light resistance curtains, being so close to windows, take a lot of punishment from sunlight. Make sure to close fabrics that are resistant to fading and rotting by the sun’s rays, particularly for rooms which get the sun throughout most of the day. Look at the weight and quality of the fabric. In general, all but the lightest curtains are worth lining, and even some of the thinner softer cloths, which drape well look very limp unless they are lined.

The after-care of made-up curtains also needs some though when choosing fabric. Unless a fabric is labeled and sold as pre-shrunk of fixed-finished, shrinkage have between five and six per cent is considered normal. Fabric needs to be flexible enough to roll around a wooden dowel. All medium-weight fabrics can be used, but look for tightly woven cottons for really reliable results. If curtains are going to need regular washing it is sensible either to pre-wash the fabric, lining and tape, or to make curtain with detachable linings.

About The Author:

Roger King has been involved in home interior designs for several years, and has been helping people find and review the best value for interior design solutions. Visit his web site http://www.all-homeinteriordesigns.com to learn more about this service.

More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com

Vintage Chic Interior - A How To Guide

With the recent trend for all things retro, I thought I'd share my thoughts on this quick and easy guide to creating a picture-perfect vintage chic home interior:

1. Planning Think granny's home in the 60s and 70s with floral motifs and lace tablecloths. There are no hard and fast rules on what makes for a vintage look. Generally, the furnishing includes antiques, second-hand furniture or new pieces deliberately 'distressed' to look used. This means reinventing vintage items and giving them new life.

2. Key Pieces Whimsical designs ranging from crystal chandeliers, floral fabrics, old-fashioned lampshades, wrought-iron furniture, comfortable armchairs, candles, recycled accessories and offbeat ideas like using an old teapot to hold fresh flowers. There's no running away from wallpaper, furs and curtains if you're going for the European vintage look.

3. Color: Light vs Dark Personally, I like to opt for light colors like white and cream as they evoke a more breezy and casual touch. It's also the classic base palette of the vintage look. This color is also easy to work on since you don't have to worry about clashing color. Alternatively, rich and darker color like burgundy, purple, black with gold accents can also character to the room.

4. Cheap & Chic The key to a bona fide vintage look is, well, vintage pieces. As such, you'll need to include second-hand pieces which do not break the bank.

5. Coordination Rules There are practically no rules on putting the pieces together. However, it is important to visualize the impact of all your mismatched bits and pieces when placed together. While we are not talking Stepford Wives perfection, it helps to create a theme or motif that recurs throughout the space. For instance, pick a family of colors and vary them subtly. Using white as an example, we'd be looking at egg shell, cream, caramel etc.

6. Where to Shop Anywhere! From ebay to antique malls and flea markets, the important rule is to know what you want but be flexible to adapt when necessary. If doubt sets in, do not commit to a purchase.

About the Author:

More information about home decor ideas available at www.unique-home-decor-ideas.com. I love all things beautiful; be it people, fashion, art, literature or home
decoration.

More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com

Creating a Unique Room with a Wall Mural

Home interior decorating distinction truly lies in details, the personal touches and unusual twists that make a room entirely unique. To put your personal mark of creativity in your home, do what many professional interior designers do: use a Wall Mural.

Wall Murals are among the most versatile of decorating tools. Furthermore, they are affordable and easy to install. Any wall takes on a more finished look with the addition of a Wall Mural.

Wall Murals are extremely useful in the kitchen. Kitchens typically contain permanent appliances and cabinets that separate wall space. By adding an elegant Wall Mural with a Tuscan or garden theme, the overall space will be unified while also giving the room greater depth and visual appeal.

A Wall Mural can also provide a visual transition between the kitchen and the living room beyond it. Choose a bright or whimsical design, such as Tokyo Night or Japanese Temple at Dusk.

Experts agree that we spend nearly a third of our lives asleep! With that in mind, you can easily transform your bedroom into a luxurious, comforting haven with a beautiful, serene Wall Mural (such as one depicting a sunrise, sunset, or water theme). Make your most private room your favorite with the clever addition of a Wall Mural.

Now you're on a roll. So why not use a Wall Mural to decorate your powder room, guest room, dining room, foyer, or home office? The possibilities are endless. The addition of a Wall Mural makes your living space unique and beautiful. Give your walls an instant face lift with a Wall Mural!

Find a wide selection of Wall Murals at http://www.artistichomeowner.com. You may also inquire about Custom Wall Murals.


About the Author:

Lisa Herbik is a happy homemaker who loves to do her own home interior decorating. For more fun and free tips for decorating your home, check out her website, http://www.artistichomeowner.com.

More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com

Exciting tips on lighting design

Some time we do not know why we like or dislike a particular room or interior. Proper lighting and illumination is the most important factor in designing an attractive environment. Today there are many villa lighting applications, which can be used to meet up specific lighting needs.

General or Ambient Lighting: It refers to an overall level of light that makes a room or space more comfortable and safe for intended use. Recessed lighting is very popular and comes in 3 to 8 diameter. Recessed lighting is available in hundreds of styles and colors to control the spread of light in particular decor or theme. House is an actual enclose that is installed into the attic and connected to power system. In the office environments, general lighting is offered in form of luminous fluorescent ceiling panels.

Task Lighting: It refers to the higher level of light offered specially at work areas such as kitchen islands, countertops and desks. Additional light could be redirected to these areas using recessed or pendant fixtures. Fixtures with either low or line-voltage halogen offer a whiter, warmer light. 5 watt xenon or halogen lamps spaced 6 inches apart are most suitable for task lighting purposes where the fixture is within 24 inches of the work surface. The transformer is as well included in many low voltage fixtures but it is sometimes separated depending on the particular fixture and style.

Accent Lighting: Accent lighting is approximately four times the level of ambient light in any area. Same again, Halogen lighting type fixtures offer a whiter, brighter look than standard incandescent or florescent type of fixtures. The chosen fixture needs to be directional on swivel type fixture to aim the light exactly where it is required. For further museum-type effect, some fixtures could include a focusing lens for pinpoint accuracy. Wall Washing: It is again a type of Accent Lighting, which creates an area of uniform illumination, which might desirable for a series of photos or further artwork. Wall washing typically reduces the texture of wall surface. Often the reflected light could even create ambient light in the remainder of the room that appears pleasing and restful.

Wall Grazing: It is just opposite to Wall Washing, it creates a dramatic highlight and shadow effect on surfaces such as draperies, stone or brick. Ceiling light fixtures for Wall Grazing are placed near to wall in order to highlight the three-dimensional effect.

Lighting that is perceptively measured and organized could make a real difference and will bring an improvement that lasts for years together. Many home improvements Stores also have sample displays of different lighting systems and fixtures. As today there are huge variety of appliances and electronics, lighting fixtures available, be sure you purchase from reputable company. There are numerous online retailers, which offer name brand fixtures delivered to your door at very competitive prices.

About the Author:

Subhash is an experienced professional lighting designer who has brought life in to various houses, bureaus, films etc... He has also made various live shows alive through his lighting techniques. For further queries on villa lighting, home improvement and outdoor lighting Contact Subash at samsubhash.rk@gmail.comand to buy attractive an.

More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com