April, 2010

Kids room decorating are an opportunity waiting to come to life! No where else can you mix and match a variety of paint schemes along with creative stencils, stickers, sparkles, and get away with it. Best of all, your kids can be involved in transforming their room into their own accomplishments while redecorating at the same time.

Some creative ideas on decorating kids bedrooms:

Furniture – Make a whole play area from an ordinary bookcase. Choose bright colors that match your child style and add features such as cutout doors for a doll house or castle effect. Add texture materials to one or two compartments that create a window or door like feature. When your child has out-grown the design, you can easily remove the materials and doors and replace them with the original materials that you saved. Other ideas can be used with Lego or large building blocks to create more designs to match your childs age.

Walls – Turn your kids walls in a big canvas. Paint is the perfect solution and least expensive way to create a kaleidoscope impact while offering unlimited color options. Just changing one wall or adding stripes, borders, sponge or stamping techniques can bring new life to an ordinary room. Use wavy or splat design patterns, or turn one wall into a mural effect. Choose a bright base and pick accent colors to achieve the best effects.

Ceiling – Create a magical night sky on your childs ceiling with glow in the dark decorations. These can be fun and even comforting for your child to be able to lie in bed and gaze up at the night stars

Doors – Use wooden letters that spell your childs name and glue them on the door. Painting them in the theme color of your child room will dress up the door nicely. Closet door hardware can be replaced with wiggly handles or their favorite cartoon character. By matching the door hardware with wall plates you can carry the pattern through out the room that accents their style.

Shelves – Using shelving materials can be the least expensive way to pick up the clutter and organize a room. Painting with the same colors or add design features with stencil or stamping can quickly dress up any room. Different shelve designs can also be used to border a window that eliminate the need for expensive window treatments.

Accessories – Large cork boards can quickly turn a bare wall into a busy space. Cork boards also eliminate holes in walls from nails or tacks that later need to be repaired. Wooden picture frames can be painted to help accent the room. Fans blades can be reversed and painted with designs to add cool effects when in use and then can be reversed when it comes time to re-decorate.

Decorating your kids bedroom is a great way to give them a place they can call their own and you may just find your kid spending more time in there!

Baby furniture will bring a quality to the home that reminds everyone who enters just how precious life can be. Seeing the joy on the faces of the parents is almost as beautiful.

Parents and family spend so much money and time organizing children’s bedrooms, infant nurseries and playrooms. Parents should get started on designing and organizing the nursery well before their baby is born. Baby furniture is important to help make both the parent and child feel comfortable in their living environment.

The opportunity to design a nursery is very special, and parents should not take it for granted. The nursery is much more than just a room for the baby. It is an extension of the love and support that the parents plan to provide for the child.

Baby furniture can be found in most large-scale retail stores or in specialty baby stores across the country. Bright colors like yellow and red can be used to make the room more inviting. Pastels are wonderful shades to use in a child’s room. Let your imagination run wild when you wander through the aisles of your local retail store.

Parents will be happy with whatever they get because the simple fact that they are now parents. The most important thing to remember when looking for furniture or toys for your baby is safety. A knowledgeable parent is a better parent.

Increasingly, homeowners looking for an inexpensive way to make their home more livable and increase curb appeal with an eye toward resale are embracing the nationwide trend of creating outdoor living spaces.

These areas usually feature spaces for entertaining friends and family while grilling, dining, eating and relaxing. That often means room for a patio, a grill, a sink or a fireplace. Some think of it as adding a family room without the roof.

For many, the building technique of choice when creating these spaces calls for using segmental concrete paving. This technique employs interlocking units-called concrete pavers-that are strong, durable and are growing in popularity worldwide. In Germany, for instance, there are 15 square feet of pavers installed per person annually. In the Netherlands, most of the streets and sidewalks are made of pavers.

Often used in walkways, patios, plazas and historic restoration projects, pavers are manufactured in a variety of shapes, textures and colors and can be easily removed and reinstalled.

One kind of home-improvement project where pavers are increasingly being used is a raised patio. These patios are known for their durability and can create a new sense of space in a yard, particularly when extended to meet an existing deck. Such spaces can be used as an outdoor entertainment area, complete with hot tub or barbeque pit.

There are a number of reasons why pavers have become popular in projects such as these:

• Their uniform size and quality allow them to fit tightly together for a strong, interlocking surface.

• Paver joints allow for a small amount of movement without cracking. That means they won’t crack like asphalt or poured-in-place concrete.

• Their design makes them easy to install and repair

• They’re available in a wide variety of shapes, colors and textures.

• And they can be installed by either a professional or a skilled do-it-yourselfer.

One of the newest styles offers the high-end look of stone for a more modest price. Called “tumbled” or “antiqued” pavers, they can be used to add a stately look to a walkway, patio or driveway.

Roller shades have been around for many years. Long ago in history many people had roller shades installed in their windows. Some of these roller shades still look quite beautiful. However it should be understood, and expected, that by now many of these roller shades that are in windows have deteriorated and gone by the wayside. Some of the wear and tear may be quite natural, including control systems that break down or fabrics that have ripped and torn or simply dont look right anymore. In any case, for most homeowners or business owners want to have attractive window treatments in their spaces.

Among the most common problems that consumers have with roller shades are failures in the control system. Sometimes roller shades dont want to roll up anymore. Other times, they are stuck in position. For the first of these situations, you may simply find that if you can reroll your roller shade, you can tighten the springs and have it roll up better. In the case of a shade that is stuck, you must be very careful to not damage the fabric while trying to fix the shade. Many of these situations are complete losses, meaning that you will need to replace the roller shades. This is because the older control systems, those managed by springs, are no longer the commonplace or easy to obtain shades. So in the end, if you have a shade control system that is not working properly it is often advisable to get a new roller shade with the new control system.

Many consumers ask whether they can get a new roller shade control system for their existing fabric. This would seem the most logical way of reusing the same fabric and saving money by not having to waste that same fabric on a new shade. However given the updates and new fabrics that are available on the market, as well as the new methods of manufacturing roller shades, it is not as cost-effective and easy as many would think. It may not be so much of a waste, however, to buy new roller shades. For one thing the new fabrics are technically more capable. For another, the new control systems are substantially more durable and will protect your roller shade fabric so it will last much longer in your windows.

Another common roller shade problem is ripped, warped, or otherwise damaged roller shade fabric. The heavy use of vinyl coated fabrics, those that are typically called blackout, were substantially more common in the past. Those fabrics, unfortunately the lighter weight ones, were more often susceptible to ripping than modern-day fabrics, particularly those from woven polyester or other threads. The damages to these roller shade fabrics have often created ugly or less than presentable roller shades. Many consumers have wondered if it is possible to repair this fabric by replacing a section of the fabric. Unfortunately, replacing a section of fabric is not a possibility. However, some roller shade fabrics can endure a slight repair, like sewing or other repair. Beware though, excessive sewing may lead to an expanded problem. Often times, the sewing of roller shade fabric will simply delay the inevitable- the entire destruction of their roller shade. In the end, it is usually advisable for consumers to begin thinking about replacing roller shades when this type of deterioration begins.

Some roller shades will cause damage to the surrounding area. The scraping of a roller shade bottom rail against a window frame is not uncommon. Sometimes, this bottom rail, also called a hem bar, will run into a wall or otherwise run into a window frame. This type of damage can usually be corrected by making slight changes to the bottom rail like cutting it with a saw. Sometimes this hitting into a wall is a sign of other problems. A roller shade that is not properly squared up may have other damage to the fabric at the controls at the top of the roller shade. It is important to make sure that the roller shade is rolling up properly and that there are no other damages to the fabric or the control system.

While many consumers would like to try to repair or update or otherwise renovate their roller shades, it is usually considered advisable for simple replacement of that one shade or the several with problems. The new control systems will help your shades last longer and look more beautiful for a longer period of time.

Rugs and carpets have a rich history, only part of which is known. Ancient rugs are very rare because the earliest rugs were made of organic fibers. Organic fibers disintegrate speedily over time, thus preservation over thousands of years is extremely rare. What we do know is that the art of weaving is very old and dates back thousands of years.

Weaving began with rough, simple mats and baskets made of grasses, reeds, leaves, and other natural materials. The first true rugs were probably rough cured skins used as floor coverings in the homes of early hunters. With tough, flexible backing and generally soft material (called pile), these rugs served to keep the home more warm and insulated.

There is evidence for weaving and the existence of rugs in ancient Mesopotamia and Turkey as far back as 7000 and 8000 B.C.E., and in Egypt (wool and cotton) as early as the third millennium B.C.E. Mongolia and China were also main players in the textile industry, and nomadic herders and Chinese weavers were among the first to develop and weave wool rugs.

Weaving developed in many other parts of the world in addition to Europe, including parts of the Americas as far back as 5500 B.C.E. Weavers began to use natural colors and gradually transitioned to using vegetable, flower, and insect materials.

Silk development in China, the ornate, intricate embroidery and designs of Turkey and Mongolia, and the development of more sophisticated looms and weaving techniques throughout the world lifted rug-making from necessity to art form.

Italian merchants first brought oriental rugs to Europe, where they were used as wall hangings and coverings. By 1600, France had developed a dominant weavers guild, and England wasnt far behind. The 1700s marked Englands emergence into the weaving industry, and by about 1830, a good portion of the wool produced in England was used for carpets.

Various machines were created to aid the process of weaving, and looms have become so sophisticated today that they run off of computer algorithms. Rugs were not widely available in the US and Europe until the onset of mass production and the invention of industrial grade machines.

The first steam-powered loom appeared in 1787, and by 1876, the invention of the Axminster loom, a machine that permitted unlimited use of color and design, boosted the production of carpets. The advent of synthetic fibers and tufted carpet (carpet manufactured by the insertion of tufts of yarn through a carpet-backing fabric) made mass production and purchase of carpets easier, faster, and less expensive.

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The task of decorating is loved by same and hated by others. People who consider themselves to be artistic or creative are probably the same people who enjoy nothing more spending entire days gathering decorating ideas. The not-so-creative among us would find looking for decorating ideas boring or frustrating.

It is quite possible that those who are frustrated anytime decorating ideas are mentioned are that way because they have been looking for decorating ideas in all the wrong places.

Finding great decorating ideas does not require a degree in art or the ability to put make something beautiful out of a canvas and a few oil paints. It does, however, require a little bit of patience and a good perspective. Anyone looking to decorate even the smallest space of a home or office must realize that finding great decorating ideas may not happen in an instant or even in an afternoon. Be assured that the more time and care you put into the process of finding decorating ideas, the better you will enjoy and be satisfied with the area you decorate.

For a first step, go into the room or the area that you are hoping to decorate. Grab a notebook and sit down for a few minutes. Try to visualize what you hope this room will look like when you’re done with it. Write down any ideas or impressions that come to mind. Even the most uncreative people (if there are such people) should be able to articulate the kind of space they hope to decorate. Some of your best and most creative decorating ideas will happen as you simply think of what you hope for.

Once you have some ideas to start with, take some time to gather decorating ideas from other sources. This can be as simple as paying close attention as you visit the apartments and homes of friends. You can learn great decorating ideas by seeing what others have done. Make a mental note of things you especially liked and things you would never want to repeat in your own home. Be sure to write these ideas down once you return home. Learning from the decorating mistakes and victories of others is one of the absolutely best resources you have in gathering decorating ideas for your own space.

Another great source for collecting great decorating ideas is magazines. Sit down at a bookstore, enjoy a great latte, and get lost in the ideas of other homeowners and professional decorators. Keep your notebook handy and begin to form some concrete decorating ideas as you see what has worked. When you are tired of sitting walk through the home sections of department stores or look through home decorating stores such as Pier One or Pottery Barn. In no time you will have narrowed your list down to the perfect decorating ideas just for you.

Do you have a room that needs a facelift? Maybe your existing furniture and dcor just need something to make them pop. Grounding the room with a colorful rug could be the perfect solution. Often the weight and visual interest a rug gives a room is enough to complete the look youre going for. An attractive rug that catches your eye beautifies a space that is otherwise plain. But perhaps the best perk to adding a rug to your floor is the cozy feel under your feet.

Some of the hottest rugs to hit the floors lately are the casual and frolicsome pieces by Company C. The vibrant colors and soft plush textures of Company C rugs make them desirable while the high-quality construction and materials make them practical. The family-owned company began designing rugs in 1997 and fabulous new styles are released twice a year. The beautiful rugs draw inspiration from around the world, including Japan, India, and France. While some of the rugs have a fun and exotic feel, others are more traditionally sophisticated. Our most popular design, the Yukata rug, is named after traditional summer kimonos; it features many of the same blossoms you might encounter in a colorful Japanese garden. Most Company C rugs are 100% wool, which allows them to look and feel beautiful for years to come. Whatever your style, the wonderful rugs from Company C can enhance your space.

Dash & Albert Rug Company offers cotton and wool designs in an array of fresh, vibrant colorations. Dash & Alberts unrivaled rug collection features joyful, bright stripes, not-so-classic plaids and checks, charming floral designs, and innovative patterns to make your space stand out. Many of their smaller rugs are machine washable which makes care a breeze. Rugs can also be placed on ottomans made by Lee Industries, creating a beautiful, textural and versatile piece of furniture. The ordinary ottoman becomes an extraordinary conversation piece to be used in a bedroom, bathroom, dressing room, or as a coffee table in a living room, den or office.

An interesting rug can enhance any space in your home if you use a little imagination. Check out Company C and Dash & Albert for great styles and ideas you can use.

Baby Furniture – How to Choose the Right Furniture Sets.

Buying baby furniture is never easy. If it is your first time, you probably arent sure what to look for. Even if you have bought baby furniture before, the choice, price ranges and features that are available makes it difficult to make the right choice.

Quality
Most people want the best for their children. While that does not always mean the most expensive, the cheapest baby furniture is definitely not the best. Look for the best quality furniture you can afford, with the features that will benefit you the most. Of course, your babys comfort and safety should always be the priority.

Features
Most buyers, even those who have bought baby furniture before, are not aware of the difference a few simple features can make to the amount of use and convenience they get from their baby furniture.

Simple things, like diaper changing surfaces at different heights, become features that you wonder how you ever got along without. If there is one thing your baby furniture can never have too much of, it is convenient storage space. Chests of drawers, storage under cribs and shelving all help keep babys needs close at hand and make your life a lot easier.

The crib might be your most important piece of baby furniture. Its where your baby spends the most time, so it needs to be safe for your baby, but convenient for you. Look for cribs with adjustable mattress heights and at least one drop side that does not need you to use both hands to operate.

Some baby furniture features can save you a lot of money. Convertible cribs can be turned into toddler beds when your baby outgrows the crib. Some models can also be converted into full sized beds. So, convertible cribs grow with your children and eliminate the need to buy more furniture when your children get older.

You can enhance your homes existing concrete surfaces using acid stains, water based stains, epoxy paints, and scoring techniques. If youre tired of looking at dull gray concrete, there are some fairly easy projects for the serious do-it-yourselfer to give your concrete a refreshing new look. Or perhaps you plan to have some new concrete installed but you dont want plain gray concrete. Decorative concrete work costs double to triple that of regular concrete and many people simply cant afford it. There are inexpensive ways to decorate concrete after it has cured without having to pay skilled tradesmen.

Acid based concrete stains are becoming more and more popular for coloring concrete surfaces. They chemically react with the cementitious material to produce permanent color with variegated or mottled appearance like that of marble. This results in a natural, elegant looking surface. Acid stains are available in 8-10 different colors, mainly brown, green, and reddish earth tones. The cost is normally $60-$70 per gallon which covers 300-400 square feet. A coat of clear concrete sealer when youre finished really brings out the colors and beauty of acid stains.

Water based concrete stains are an alternative to acid stains and are much more user friendly because theyre much less toxic. These stains dont chemically react with the concrete; they are absorbed into the surface pores and act like a dye. The big advantage of water based stains is the wide array of colors available. You can find just about any color in the spectrum and create a more vibrant and consistent appearance. They also normally cost about $60-$70 per gallon which covers 300-400 square feet.

If you want to venture beyond the basic staining of concrete, consider using some scoring techniques to create patterns on the surface. You can make your concrete look like a tile floor for example. Its up to your imagination. An angle grinder with a 4 inch grinding or cutting wheel is the ideal tool for this. The important thing to remember when scoring is to draw the pattern on the concrete first and make sure youre satisfied with the way it looks because scoring is irreversible. Most people dont own an angle grinder but you can rent one at almost any tool rental shop.

Epoxy paints make an excellent coating for garage floors and basement floors. Many commercial floors have epoxy coatings because of their durability and resistance to chemical spills as well as their appearance. In recent years, however, it has become very popular for residential use with an increasing availability of different colors. This is not a difficult project, but the key to successful application is surface preparation. Epoxy paints have also become available in a water based form making it safe for the do-it-yourselfer and ideal for indoor applications. They cost a little more than stains. For a 400 square foot garage, youll spend about $200 for the materials needed for this project.

If you are looking for the perfect home organization plan, consider starting small and working your way up to the larger projects. A few simple tips will get you on the way to home organization at its finest.

Tip 1:
Use a flatware tray for utensils and place it neatly in a kitchen drawer. This will keep every utensil separate and will make it easy to find the one you want in a matter of seconds.

Tip 2:
Organize your favorite recipes in alphabetical order for quick reference. This can be done using note cards and a note card box or a binder with alphabetical separators.

Tip 3:
If you have a large number of VHS or DVD movies, consider a media unit to neatly store your collection. If feasible, select a wooden unit for strength and a pleasant appearance as opposed to inexpensive, plastic units.

Tip 4:
When storing away your seasonal clothes, dont just hang them in the closet until next year. Instead, purchase a large plastic lidded storage tub and place your seasonal clothes neatly inside. Rather than folding, try rolling your clothes as this will reduce wrinkles and fold lines. In addition, it will save a lot of space. Place the storage tub in the floor of your closet and label the tub according to the clothing inside.

Tip 5:
Are you always losing pens and/or pencils? If so, consider using a coffee mug for neat and easy storage of your pens and/or pencils. Everyone has a coffee mug and this is a much more whimsy way of storing your writing utensils rather than a typical pen/pencil holder.

Tip 6:
Be sure to throw out any old magazines and/or newspapers. The best way to store them is a handled basket next to the sofa. However, this unit needs to be cleaned regularly in order to avoid any unsightly clutter.

Tip 7:
It is a good idea to keep all important papers, including deeds, titles and tax papers in a fireproof protective box. This box should also feature a lock & key and can be placed anywhere in the house. Most individuals place this underneath their bed.

Tip 8:
If you have any items that you no longer want, consider donating them to a local non-profit agency. This will save space and you will be doing a good deed.

Tip 9:
In order to avoid clutter, it may be necessary to throw away certain types of mail. This may include credit card offers, but dont just throw them out without first shredding the letters. Identity theft is a huge problem and using a paper shredder on any bills or credit card offers will prevent anyone from ever gaining access to your private financial information.

Tip 10:
Make sure that your kitchen is neatly organized with all appliances close to an electrical outlet. You dont want to have power cords running across the countertop and you will find that the microwave, toaster and coffee maker all in one location will be very convenient.