Living Room Accessories

If you have ever thought about what the most important piece of technology in your home is then there is a fair chance that you came up with the answer that is the television.

If you consider the amount of time most of us spend watching television programmes or films then it is clear this is an essential item which no home can do without. The importance of the television set can be seen in the way that so many of us are happy to pay for big screens, HD capability and even 3D TVs.

However, there is one new development which is likely to make sure that the television retains it title as the king of the home, and this is the introduction of smart LCD TVs.

These aren’t just about bigger screens or a clearer image; a smart TV lets you connect to the internet and means that your television becomes the hub for all of your digital media. What this means of course is that you need to sort out the rest of your living room to make sure that you get the complete experience.

Get a Comfy Chair

If you are going to be spending a lot of time hooked up to the internet or looking at your photos or videos then you certainly don’t want to be uncomfortable while you do it. A good move is to look at an ergonomic chair which you can adjust to suit your needs. If you want to really splash out then what about a leather recliner chair with a massage option? Once your smart TV is on and the chair is doing its stuff you are unlikely to want to get back up again in a hurry.

Add Mood Lighting

To really set the scene for a great night in there is nothing quite like putting on some mood lighting and chilling out. You can now even get the whole property’s lighting controls put on one remote control. This means that there is no risk of bumping into a door in your haste to get back from the kitchen to the screen before the film starts again.

Use Multi Room Audio

Actually, there is an even better way to avoid that door bumping situation in the last section. You can get a multi room audio system added to your home and be able to listen to the TV whichever room you are in.  This way you can stay up to date on what is happening no matter where you are in the house.

Buy Some More Gadgets

What do you like to do while you are watching the telly or surfing the internet? If you are anything like most of us then having a decent supply of snacks to hand is pretty high on your list of priorities. If you are going to be settled down on your classy chair and watching your smart TV with some mood lighting then you could top off the experience with a snack maker. A popcorn machine sounds great, or maybe you could get a cappuccino machine. The young at heart might go for a candy floss maker but be sure to brush your teeth after the film is over if you choose one of these.

A home featuring traditional wood crafts, folk art and hand-carved furniture exemplifies a unique style of beauty. Whether you proudly display family heirlooms or collectibles gathered throughout the years, the addition of wood as a classic backdrop throughout your home will set the stage for these historic treasures and enhance your home’s sense of warmth and style.

Here are some tips for adding wood decor to your home.

* Start with the entrance. An impressively detailed, hand-carved wood door will set the tone before anyone even takes a step into your home. A stately carved wood door informs those entering the home of your own personal style.

An elaborate wood entry system, like those available in the Jeld-Wen IWP Collection, features extraordinary details that emphasize the wood’s character. These doors are created by artisans who carefully craft each masterpiece to match and highlight a home’s architectural details.

* Include interior decorative wood pieces. From windows, doors and furniture to clocks and artwork, decorative pieces are available in the wood species and style of your choice. Many of these pieces are still being created by hand. Artisans utilize their skills to replicate the exquisite works of old-world craftsmen, as well as create new, original designs. Craftsmen construct each piece individually, often choosing and planing the lumber themselves to bring out the true beauty of the wood.

* Create your own style. Continue your wood theme throughout your home when selecting moulding, cabinetry and any additional woodwork. Using the same species all through your home creates a truly harmonious, classic feel. Or, use a blend of species by coordinating two or three different types of wood to create a varied, somewhat eclectic look.

From maple, pine and oak to mahogany and rosewood, these woods complement each other and promise an exotic design that will add interest and character to each room.

* Mix and match old with new. When decorating, match hand-carved wood items with factory-built accents, which are stylish yet economical. Handcrafted tables, cedar chests and armoires blend seamlessly with manufacturer-made wood picture frames, clocks and candlesticks. Mixing in your antique treasures will add that final touch, giving your home the individuality you desire and a proud display of your prized possessions.

When is it time to buy new furniture? Take a look around your house and ask yourself these questions:

1.Are your sofa or chair cushions showing signs of wear? If its leather, maybe the seat cushions are discolored, lighter in the seat area than the rest of the sofa or chair. If its fabric, see if the upholstery threads are pulling apart or discolored. If your furniture is showing signs of wearing, its time to consider new furniture or at least slip covering options.

2.Are there holes in your furniture? You might be able to stitch or patch the holes if the rest of the piece is structurally sound. Otherwise, start thinking about new furniture.

3.When you rise from the seat, does the cushion remain sunken? Check the springs to see if thats the problem. If a broken or stretched spring is the culprit, the problem can probably be repaired, maybe even by yourself if you happen to be handy in that way. If the springs look okay, maybe you just need a new cushion. Take a cushion with you to an upholstery shop or fabric store to show the sales person what kind of cushion you need to replace the bad one. Its a good idea to take a good cushion with you so the sales person can help match the cushion to the firmness and density you want to replace the bad cushion with.

4.Is the frame of your furniture still in good shape? If a sofa or chair has been dropped, it might crack a wooden frame. Flip your furniture upside down and take a look.

5.Does your furniture sit level? If its not level, check the frame. Check the legs to make sure a peg is not missing. If you cant spot the problem, its time to buy new furniture.

6.When you sit on your furniture, do you feel the arms separate from the rest of the frame? Maybe you have a problem that can be solved with wood glue and a few clamps. Otherwise, for safetys sake, get rid of your old furniture.

7.When you sit down, do you feel wood or a frame sticking out? Consider that poke in the behind your official cue to buy new furniture!

8.If you know its time to replace the old look of your furniture, decide if the update can be done with a simple slipcover. By measuring the furniture properly, a slip cover either purchased ready made or custom made if your furniture has an unusual shape or curve to it you can get a nice fit. Slip covers range in price starting at about $40. The better fabric you select, the higher the price. If you just want to update your furniture for a few more months until you save enough money to buy an all new ensemble, slip covers are the way to go.

9.Look at the finances. Will buying new furniture mean youll have to finance the purchase? If so, can you handle the extra bill each month?

10.Do you just want to? Theres nothing wrong with wanting new furniture. Look for solid pieces that will give your family many years of enjoyment and youll always be happy with your decision to buy new furniture!

Web Furniture Retailers Embracing Art Yet Another Reason to Shop Online

It seems that once again, the virtual world has outperformed the real world. Online furniture retailers are offering canvas transfers and prints from respected artists alongside their furniture.

I have to confess, I am an avid online shopper. Being a New Yorker, there are two elements to the online shopping experience that make it so much better than going to a local retailer. The first, unquestionably, is convenience. Trying to get any item of substance around this town is nearly impossible. Delivery fees charged by New York retailers are notoriously murderous, so that usually removes most items out of the competitive range of what is offered online. Additionally, I often have to travel far to find what I’m looking for, and traveling here can be a nightmare. Many singular online retailers have an exceptional selection of goods that might take several trips to several different merchants here to purchase.

The second element that makes online shopping more feasible is price. Delivery fees aside, most online retailers are not paying for expensive Manhattan real estate. The products they offer are no different in many cases to what is being sold online, and yet I am expected to pay a premium for having it right now. Sorry, but I can wait for a few days to have the exact same (or often a better) item delivered. In fact, Ii can probably pay for the most expensive and fastest delivery method offered and still save money over buying locally.

I recently had a good experience that solidified my position on online shopping. I was recently shopping online for furniture when I noticed that a few of the online retailers were offering prints and canvas transfers alongside their furnishings. These were high quality, framed or un-framed artistic works by recognized artist and the prices were well below what I would be paying here. The selection of artist was incredible, from impressionist masters such as Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh to abstracts from Maitland and Li-Leger. I ended up ordering two prints and one canvas transfer, all framed, in addition to the furniture piece I was originally looking for.

I would have a hard time finding an art selection as nice as the one this online furniture retailer had anywhere in the city, and especially not at a furniture store. They even had a section with the works of new artists.

The bottom line is that as long as online retailers continue to offer superior convenience, pricing and selection, the number of people who shop online will continue to grow. The art I found at my favorite online furniture dealer is just one example of how online shopping is really starting to surpass the local buying experience.

If your furniture is starting to look old and dingy, perhaps its time to try giving it a makeover with some new upholstery fabric. Overtime, fabric can start to fade or get damaged. Instead of buying all new furniture, reupholstering furniture can save time and lots of money. Whether for indoor or outdoor patio furniture, there are many options to make your furniture new and beautiful again.

Outdoor patio furniture upholstery fabrics have come a long way. They are now
made with UV blockers that help keep out the suns rays and greatly reduce fading. The materials used are also naturally stain resistant. Another great thing about patio fabrics is they do not promote the growth of mold and mildew, an often common problem with outdoor patio furniture fabrics. Simple cleaning with soap and water will keep outdoor patio furniture fabric clean.

Indoor furniture has a great range of fabrics available. Upholstery fabrics can be chosen in all types of materials. Some are just prints, while others can be woven, double woven, tapestries, damask, silk, chenille, and many, many more. These types of fabrics vary greatly in price, with very intricate fabrics becoming quite expensive.

Both types of material offer lots of variety. Indoor fabrics have numerous materials and designs to choose from. Outdoor fabrics also come in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can get a definite match for your room or patio.

There are so many options for fabrics, so be sure to shop around when selecting a new look for your furniture. Look for a fabric that suits your needs, whether it be low maintenance for outdoor furniture, or timeless elegance for indoor furniture.

There are many styles of curtains, shades, valances and other window treatments that you can use to dress your windows. Dressed windows add to the charm of your house and make it look gorgeous. The key is to keep things in balance rather than overpower the space with too many contrasting colors. Window treatments can cost a mint these days, especially if the person doing the decorating would like to find something which is not only practical but also aesthetically pleasing. You can create your own window treatment with ideas from the internet, your local library, a craft shop or even book stores. All you need to do the job are a few supplies and a little patience, and if you know how to sew then its an added advantage.

Custom Treatment

By custom treatment we mean the traditional way of doing up the window dressing. Custom window treatments may range from the traditional Victorian, Adirondack or country to contemporary modern or just plain challenging. You might like custom made roman shades to coordinate with your bedspread or a tailored pleated valance that lends itself to multiple fabric combinations. Balloon shades can be used as a valance or a fully functioning shade. Swags and cascades can make your window look classic or casual. Draw drapes or stationary drapes are timeless solutions appropriate to any dcor when installed with the right decorative hardware. Upholstered cornices can enhance any drapery while wood cornices can do the same for valances. Whether its a gathered panel with valence, lace panels, and stationary drapes or European style sheers teamed with cotton lace it will create an ambience in your room that you will simply love.

Bay Window Treatment

A window which is three sided or more and protrudes from the outer wall of a house is called a bay window. Far too many people cover up their bay windows with curtains. Graceful and romantic bay windows are windows that everyone likes to have in their house. Very few people know the exact way to treat a bay window. If the view from such a window is outstanding and privacy and light control are not a matter of concern then this wonderful window should be left uncovered. If a bay window features handsome window frames, consider playing them up with individual, inside mounted caf curtains, shades or blinds. Roman shades with contrast branding are tailored and traditional. Put simple shades or blinds on closely spaced windows, then add a continuous valence and a series of shallow swags. Plan carefully so the top treatments conceals the under treatments when they are raised. For bay windows with a little space between windows, flank the entire wooden area with a pair of panels and top the treatment with a cornice. No matter what you do the ultimate aim is to make it look appealing.

Designer Window Treatments

As the title suggests, this has got every thing to do with a designer who is simply going to dress up your window. This is going to be one expensive affair but the ultimate result will just keep your eyes fixed on the beauty of your window. With this type of treatment everything may depend on the person designing your window treatment. Right from fabric to style to color, all of it will be different and outstanding. Not everybody can afford to do designer window treatments but if you are one among those who can, be ready to get loads of compliments for your windows.

Kitchen Window Treatments

Your kitchen window should be done in such a way that it coordinates with the color and style of your kitchen cabinets. Use window treatments that control light, it is also important to choose a window treatment that is easy to clean. Near gas ranges select a window treatment that cannot blow near the flame and become a fire hazard. The many kinds of treatments include roller shades, bamboo or wood shades, blinds, shutters, curtains and draperies. Some of these will be much easier to clean than others. Do consider the window hardware and placement so that it will not interfere with the window treatment.

Widely acknowledged as one of the leaders in luxury bedding, Thomasville is also renowned for the variety of its product offerings.

Southwestern bedding, If you are interested in Southwestern bedding, you should consider the Tahoe or Guest Cabin ensemble. Tahoe is a contemporary Southwestern woven design, featuring printed warp and chenille yarns. A coordinating snow leopard pillow gives the ensemble a hint of the exotic. Guest Cabin is rustic and dramatic, featuring a chili and black pepper comforter set. The coordinating pillows, shams and duvets, manufactured in Chenille, suede, antique, and vintage fabrics, combine to create an inviting setting.

Toile Ensembles, Thomasville’s toile ensemble, Cherrington, is casual, elegant, and classic. The featured sketch is an over scaled tree of life etching that is colored in sapphire and off white. Bold stripes, brightly colored pillows in canary yellow, and an elegant off white matlesse accent the coordinating pillows, shams and duvets. The positive/negative intricately etched sheet design completes the look.

Tropical Motifs, Thomasville bedding ensembles in tropical motifs include Bird of Paradise and Ferngully. Bird of Paradise is a tropical and luxurious pattern featuring a sensuous palette of Raspberry, paprika, kiwi, flaxen, and straw colors, printed on a cotton duck. The bamboo bed skirt in green leaf is repeated as a trim on the tailored window valances. Add the decorative pillows to this beautiful ensemble and you will recreate the Garden of Eden in your own bedroom. Ferngully is a colorful, tropical ensemble featuring lush oversized leaves. Emerald, kiwi, and grass shades cover the yellow background and scattered red and pink hibiscus add a warm accent to this tropical paradise. The basket weave patterned bedskirt, which is colored in multiple shades of green, is a delightful complement, as are the playful sheets of tossed tropical leaves. Euro Shams and decorative pillows, done in contrasting color and texture, complete the look.

Floral Designs, Ferngully is a tropical floral ensemble, but Thomasville bedding is available in more traditional floral designs, also. Bloomfield is a traditional English floral bedding ensemble. Pinks, lavenders, corals and sage on a highly polished cotton sateen give this ensemble a fresh country look. The bed skirt and Euro shams are done in a pink and green stripe. A fresh approach to design is seen in the Poetry ensemble. This playful, upbeat, and carefree floral print is set on a cotton duck.

The ground is buttercup, and the over scaled flowers are painted in muted tones of strawberry and apple green with white accents. The green awning stripe bed skirt adds to the fresh design, as does the bias cord around the comforter, shams, and ascot valances. Decorative pillows in dreamy silk plaid and textured cottons mesh to create an inspirational look.

Modern Styles, If you’re looking for a more modern bedding ensemble consider the Patchouli pattern, which is available in Cinnamon or Eggplant. Though these patterns are similar in their contemporary block designs, the colors in their main and sheet prints create ambiances which are strikingly different. Enjoy the coordinated European shams and decorative pillows each done in the individual colors from the main pattern.

Many designers and design publilcations are saying antique rugs are the hottest thing right now in the home decor market. Fancy resorts, hotels and other high end destinations are all jumping on the band wagon.

Rugs which many consider a precious investment, due to thier age and value, are now found in the hippest interior designs.

Why are they so valueable?

Hand woven carpets such as these are a living history, recording memorable people and events. Passed down from generation to generation as family hierlooms, these antique rugs are an important part of world culture. Some consider them their most prized posessions, since these antique carpets are works of art which have several pratical uses. Skilled craftsmen and designers spend hours weaving intricate patterns and images into them. No wonder they have been used like currency for thousands of years. One of our oldest artforms, described in writings of the ancient Egyptians and Marco Polo. Hand woven rugs are made by many different cultures across the globe from South America to Asia. Although, unlike many art forms, they have stood the test of time, with some being over two thousand years old.

A Brief History of Antique Rugs from Europe

During the rule of the Muslim Moors between the 8th and 13th centuries, Europe was introduced to rug weaving primarily through Spain. The travels of Marco Polo and Spanish embassies to Venice were mainly responsible. The two most notable styles to originate from Europe are the French Savonnerie and Aubusson styles of the 17th and 18th centuries.

French Savonnerie, established in Paris(1628), produced ornate rugs primarily for use in palaces, special order and royal request. Traditional artists were overseeing the production of rug orders, so their influence is highly visible. Scenes from the Savonnerie antique rugs depict the glories of the age, floral garlands, naturalistic flowers and ornamental motifs. Antique rugs with romantic scenes of medieval times also are typical of the latter part of this era.

Antique rugs of the Abusson style, rumored to have begun in the 8th century, were formally established in 1743, with the advent of a royal rug and carpet factory. The initial productions from this factory were reproductions of key Turkish and Smyrna rugs. Also, designs were less intricate and expensive than those produced in Savonnerie. Later, a new style was implemented here, based off of Savonerie, to be less distracting.

A Brief History of Antique Rugs from India

During the 16th century, Humayan, the son of the first Moghul Shah, was exiled to Persia by an Afgan revolt ten years after the death of his father Babur. During his nine year stay he developed a taste for Persian art, and upon his return to India he brought with him two reputable Persian artists. Well known for their paintings, here these Persian artists established the Moghul school of painting which blended their styles with that of the Indians.

This was the basis for Humayan’s son Akbar to encourage the development of fine arts and artistic industries. The earliest recorded evidence of rug production came at this time, praising Akbar for nurturing artistic weaving and the arts in general.

Early antique Indian carpets and rugs feature free designs, with little symmetry. Floral and animal designs are a common theme, with some of the animals having several heads and devouring each other. Pictorial realism and Hindu mythology are both major characteristics of antique Indian rugs. Abstract symbols and dense ornamentation also distinguish antique Indian rugs from others.

Antique Indian rugs, reknown for their vibrant colors, were produced with their famous dyes. All the colors of the rainbow were extracted from their local flora. The local fauna produced the wool primarily used for weaving, although silk was readily available and used often.

In short, it is no wonder these ornate works of art are now on western designers minds. From beauty to usefullness and floor covering to wall decoration, antique rugs are here to stay.

Tired of the ultra-modern black and white and chrome of your kitchen? Have you gone beyond the desire for sleek minimalism and long for the comfort of a warm and cozy country kitchen? Many of us spend a lot of time in our kitchens, so comfort is right up there with convenience. Here are some ways to create that feeling of warmth in your kitchen.

Lets start from the bottom up. You may want to cover the existing linoleum with one of the many laminate hardwood floorings that are available at building supply superstores. Snap-and-glue or lock-together flooring pieces are fairly inexpensive, dont require a sub floor underneath for installation, and are extremely durable a good move if you have children or pets. Wood comes in many different shades, so pick one that will work well with your choice of cupboards and countertop.

So lets think about cupboards. Bring home some earth-colored paint swatches and see what strikes your comfort zone. Try an antique olive green, light mocha or honey. Before painting, wash your cupboards clean of grease and grime, then lightly scuff them with sandpaper and wipe down again to remove loose dust. Mix your chosen paint color half and half with glaze. Apply with a 1-4″ paintbrush, then take a rag made from an old cotton t-shirt and lightly rub the painted area with the rag to give an antiqued texture to the cupboards. Paint the trim in a solid color without the glaze to add contrast. When choosing doorknobs, try copper or wrought iron to create an aged look.

Now for the countertop. Buying countertops can be expensive, especially if you require a custom size or have your heart set on granite. One inexpensive way to resurface the countertop is with ceramic tile, which comes in a variety of colors and sizes. 12 x12 is a good size for countertops, or try smaller Mexican tiles with bright colored designs for the backsplash. After you lay the tiles, grout the seams. Charcoal grout seems to compliment most tile and always looks clean. Finish with two-inch wood trim in a color like red oak for added warmth.

Finally, choose a warm color to paint the kitchen walls. Shades of brown such as desert sand, rice cake, or light coffee add warmth to the room and dont compete with the color of the cupboards. If the room is large enough, one wall could be painted with a darker or brighter color.

With all the basics in place, add decorative finishing touches, such as aged copper pots and pans hanging from a rack above the stove to wicker baskets or antique cooking utensils picked up at garage sales. A pottery or glass water pitcher filled with fresh flowers is a lovely addition.

If you have an eat-in kitchen, a wooden hutch or antique bakers rack is the perfect setting for your aunts tea cozy and your collection of cookbooks. Now fill your country kitchen with the aroma of cinnamon buns made from Grandmas recipe… and enjoy.