Senin, 31 Agustus 2009

Simple Interior Decorating Ideas

So you're tired of looking at your house. It's looked the same for years and you just can't take it anymore. Should you sell it and find a new place to live? That's certainly one option, but if you happen to like your neighborhood then you could just do some home decorating and make it look like new. So if you've decided on the latter, you will need some interior decorating ideas.

Living / Family Room
It's time to get rid of the old sofa and, yes, even that favorite recliner that your father-in-law falls asleep in every time he visits. If new furniture is an option, great! But if it isn't, look for some great furniture covers. Furniture covers can change the whole look of a room for a fraction of the cost of new furniture, and the recliner will still be just as comfy. If you happen to have both a living room and a family room, try switching the furniture around. You probably spend more time in one room than the other and switching the furniture between the two rooms every so often will make them both last longer and give you a new look to work with.

Have your carpets cleaned and paint the walls. Don't be afraid of color! The best interior decorating experts will tell you that white walls are boring. Take a swatch from the furniture, or a throw pillow, and find paint that matches one of the colors in it. Make sure not to use the primary color of the furniture on the walls, you don't want them to blend. You do want good contrast. Get some new window dressings and nic-nacs and your room will look like brand new.

Kitchen
Interior decorating in the kitchen is a bit more difficult, but there are a few ways to make it look new. Start with some new window dressings, a throw rug under the table, and a nice new border on the freshly painted walls. If that's not enough, you could paint your cupboards and install new handles and pulls, or remove the upper cupboard doors if it's not too much of a mess inside. This will make your kitchen look much larger and more open. A nice, new faucet goes a long way in a kitchen, too.

Bedrooms
Clean the carpets and paint the walls. Replace the window coverings and the bed linens, and rearrange the furniture. You're not just sleeping in there, right? We all know that the bedroom is often our only retreat, so you want to make it a nice, new room to relax in. Put a comfortable chair and a small bookcase near a window and make a nice reading corner. For the kids' rooms, take them to the paint store and let them pick out their own colors and decorations. Let the kids go online and look for awesome things for their rooms. You will be the coolest parent around if you let the kids decorate their own spaces.

Bathrooms
There's not much interior decorating that can be done in a bathroom without replacing the fixtures. You can certainly replace the shower curtain, window coverings, accessories, and toilet covers and rugs. Make sure to put a fresh coat of paint on the walls, too.

Bathroom Decorating Ideas For Starters

Been reading through some bathroom decorating ideas but afraid to try them out? Well, there will always come a time when you need to make some changes in some parts of your home. Bear in mind that these changes are meant not only to put everything in order but also to add some nice touch that is well deserved.

Below are some simple bathroom decorating ideas that will give you the results you are craving for.

1. De-clutter.

Begin by removing unnecessary stuff in your bathroom. If you have a storage area, you can put things that are not of use in there. Do not hesitate to dispose of things that have no significant use.

You can also opt to add some decorative holders and boxes so that you will have some place to put your bathroom stuff.

2. Lighting.

Give your bathroom a bright new look for a change. If your bathroom lighting looks dull, it is time to change it something that can brighten up the entire area.

Lighting in bathrooms make a big difference especially if you have chosen the kind that will give off an air of pleasant atmosphere. Besides, you do not have to call an expert to do this. You can do it all by yourself once you know the basic things needed for changing bulbs and sockets.

3. New paint.

When was the last time you changed the colors of the paint in your bathroom? If it is that long, now is the time to try on a different shade.

Take the time to choose the kind of color that will suit your bathroom. You can match it to the curtains or other accessories that you already have in the bathroom. If you want to go for the bright and sunny look, you can try out pastel paint colors. Dark colors can also be an option if you do not want dirt to be visible on the surface.

4. Plants.

Plants inside bathrooms can soften the aesthetics of the design. In addition, having plants in your bathroom gives it a more natural and refreshing look and feel.

Opt for silk plants because they do not need light and sunshine to thrive. You may find them costly but it will be worth it once you see the change in your bathroom once there are some plants around.

Jumat, 28 Agustus 2009

Living Room Color Schemes, A positive Approach

Take the flower wall paper down; it's time to start really thinking about living room color schemes. Most people never even thinking about living room color schemes, because the colors are already chosen for them with the furniture that they like, and the home that they have purchased. Think about how many people buy furniture unstained, or uncovered, and at the same time, purchases a home that has yet to be painted on the inside. Right, not too many people do that, so we must focus on the obvious truth about living room color schemes, much of it is already chosen for us.

The best way to approach living room color schemes is think about what you can do, not what you can not do. This means to look at whatever you have the ability to change, and change it as much as possible to match some type of living room color scheme.

A living room color scheme is simply a coordinated effort amongst all the colors in the room to create a group, or scheme that is noticeable from a distance. Think about the stripes on a traditional prison uniform, the color scheme of that is easily identifiable as black, and white. Some rooms have single color schemes like brown, or red, or white. While most have multiple color schemes.

One of the most iconic living room color schemes of all time is the hunting lodge color scheme. This is a deep brown color that most of the furniture comes out to be, matched with a dark green wall paper. The brown and green is then matched with natural wood accents from handmade furniture. This color scheme works well together because the green and brown contrast one and other to a point that is pleasing to the eye.

While not all will want to go with the hunting lodge color scheme, there are plenty of other living room color schemes that one can utilize. One popular living room color scheme is that of grey on the walls, and tan on the furniture. The grey helps to keep the furniture the focal point, while the tan keeps the eyes from becoming too overwhelmed with color, this is a good example of a modest living room color scheme.

Regardless of the living room color schemes that you choose to implement, the important thing is that you become cognizant of what living room color schemes are, and how to create one that works for you.

Kamis, 27 Agustus 2009

Interior Design For The Home

Any home can be pleasing with the proper application of basic interior design methods. Some people study interior design to be very good at it but there are people who are gifted with an eye for beauty and for interior designing.

A person who is creative can do some interior designing on his own even without formal training. Those who have an eye for what is aesthetic can just as easily decorate and design his own house depending on his tastes. Of course, it helps to read books and articles about designing to be updated on the basic and latest design methods.

Any interior designer can create a specific atmosphere just by putting together several pieces and unifying them in a single theme. There are interior designers who have a bias for certain motifs like eclectic, modern or even country style. Some go for simple designs without the clutter.

Interior design is not only aesthetic but also functional depending on the requirements of the client. An interior designer can make a small room spacious and an otherwise cluttered room into an orderly one. Interior design is used just about anywhere from homes, offices to commercial buildings.

The interiors of a room should always match the personality of the person who will occupy that room. This is the reason why designers always work closely with their clients so they can make sure that they get a feel of what their clients want in terms of design style.

People have this notion that interior design is expensive. However, designers are not only creative people but they are also very good in budgeting. Most designers will work on a design that will match or fit the budget of their clients. A person can allot a minimal amount for the interior design of his home or office and still come up with an aesthetic and functional room.

Professional interior designers who are formally trained usually have basic knowledge on architecture, engineering and even accounting. They need these courses to make their design aesthetic, structurally correct and cost effective.

The terms Interior design and interior decorating have often been used interchangeably. However, the two terms actually deal with different phases of making a room or a space aesthetic. Interior design is basically the process of studying the personality of the occupant of the room being designed in order to maximize and tailor-made the room’s design for that person's behavior and personality.

Interior decorating on the other hand is the process of actually mixing and matching the different design techniques like window treatments, the right wallpaper, wall finish and even the furnishing of a room.

There are a lot of opportunities for those in the interior design and decorating industry. An interior designer can go into designing household, corporate or commercial establishments. Others specialize in the design of health facilities or even tourism establishments.

The latest trend now for those in the interior design industry is to be able to incorporate the right engineering and aesthetic design with sustainable development. Even designers are now more conscious about the state of the environment so they tend to use environmentally friendly materials for their designs.

There are designers who specialize and use Feng Shui in their designs. This requires further study because Feng Shui deals with the Chinese’s ancient methods of designing a space to make the design work for the owner’s health, business and other life factors.

The Chinese believes that a structure should be properly designed so as to allow positive energy to enter the structure. When the structure has already been built without the aid of a Feng Shui expert, the mistakes can be corrected through proper interior design using the Feng Shui methods.

By incorporating Feng Shui in interior design, it is believed that a person can bring out all the positive energies in a room to make him rich, happy and healthy. An interior design using Feng Shui can also get rid of bad spirits that bring in negative atmosphere in an abode.

Getting the services of an interior designer can make a room both aesthetic and functional. Any person who wants to make his home livable and functional should try getting the services of an interior designer to maximize his space.

Soy Wax Candles

Soy wax candles, as the name suggests, are made from soy wax. In the early 1990s, Michael Richards, a candle maker by profession, wanted to cash on the growing demand for natural wax candles, and decided to create and alternative candle wax. Beeswax had been commonly used for candle making until then. It was 10 times costlier than paraffin. Following a series of experiments with plant waxes, Michael succeeded in creating a wax using hydrogenated soy oil. Initially, this wax was mixed with beeswax to create a cheaper material for candles. Soy wax candles were first launched in 1995 by the Body Shop chain of stores. These candles contained some quantities of beeswax and almond oil. Pure soy wax candles were first manufactured in 1996.

Soy wax candles contain hydrogenated soybean oil as their chief ingredient. Candles with varying strengths and melting points are made adding some other materials in different proportions. The soybean oil helps to lower the melting point, resulting in a more even burning. This low heat wax is ideal for making scented candles since lower heat helps in dispersing more fragrance. Soy wax candles produce low quantities of soot, and are less toxic.

Soy wax candles are biodegradable. They emit less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, when compared to paraffin wax candles. Moreover, no animal products are used. People who are environmentally conscious therefore, prefer these candles. Another major promoter of soy wax candles is the farming community, as it is another market for them to sell their soybeans to. The wide usage of soy candles helps the United States to reduce the use of paraffin, thereby reducing the need for petroleum imports for candle making.

Rabu, 26 Agustus 2009

Tuscan Garden Design

If you’re looking for a beautiful, old world garden style, then you should look into designing a Tuscan garden design. There are several different things that you can do with a Tuscan garden design, but there are a few things that you should keep in mind if you’re planning on a Tuscan garden design. First of all, if you’re aiming for a Tuscan garden design, then you’ll definitely want to aim for a Mediterranean feel.

This is easy to do if you’re planning to design your own garden, and there are just a few important tips that you should try to follow if you want a Tuscan garden design. One thing that is very helpful is if you can design or add a wall fountain to the garden. The wall fountain (as opposed to a free-standing fountain) adds an air of older elegance, and definitely gives the impression that you’re in a Mediterranean garden.

Iron wrought benches can also help you achieve a Tuscan garden design, as well as a lot of terra cotta planters. In fact, one of the cheapest and easiest ways to get a Tuscan garden design is to use terra cotta plant containers instead of containers made out of other materials. If the shape is like older vases, then that is even better.

Garden design landscaping can also go a long way toward helping you make a Tuscan garden design. One important thing to remember is that a lot of Tuscan gardens have flagstone pathways leading in between patches of different flowers. If at all possible, you should try to design your garden so that you can put in pathways.

The final, and most important part of any Tuscan garden design is that you use the right types of plants. By using plants, herbs and flowers that grow primarily in the Mediterranean, you can make your garden appear to be a real Tuscan garden.

Garden Design

Gardens add beauty and charm to our lifestyle. The tranquil peace and serenity works like a balm over the stress and rush that make up the modern world. Garden designs are on the priority list for both homemakers and home builders more than ever before.

Garden designs have become more unique along with being more utilitarian. The gardens were initially a green plot of the household where the family used to grow edible products. The entire concept was either for commercial or entertainment. The palatial gardens had pompous designs with grand structures and accessories.

The ancient gardens of Babylon; around 600 B.C could be coined among the first famous examples of garden designs which possibly even applied the Archimedes screw for proper drainage. Garden design includes the use of fountains, statues of exotic animals and rare flora.

Influenced by the styles of various periods, the English gardens have had the most dynamic styles and evolution over the ages. After Charles II’s return from exile in France in 1660, the High Baroque style of garden design crept in. It involved planting ranks of trees in straight lines on the avenues. It had a tendency to be enfolded by walls.

This form of garden design was best adopted in Melbourne Hall Gardens, England. It was designed by London and Wise. The typical old Augustan garden design was given a concrete shape by William Kent, a professional designer. Water, wood, glass and the archetypal statues were used for deriving the perfection. The West Wycombe Park, Castle Howard, Chiswick House as well as Riveleaux Terrace and Temples are a few examples where the Roman influenced Augustan style is evident.

The gardens were an integral part of the Mughal architecture. These gardens had luxurious fountains, water cascades, stunning structures and arrangements for relaxing. The Mughal gardens also had an extensive collection of plants and flowers. Moreover, the seasonal variations were complemented the garden design.

During the 18th century, the unbendable, frozen style of earlier garden design gave way to the pleasant designs. These were result of the careful selection of garden materials. The designers preferred using rocks, tarnished timber and earthy blocks ruled the gardens, along with appealing fittings.

The gardens, however, are planned counterparts of their natural entity. There has been a widely popular phase of garden designing which included forest-like gardens by Stephen Switzer. It had massive estates full of trees, caves, lakes and hills to give it a semblance of a stylized forest. The entire concept centered on more of serenity and economy by using the genuine works of nature. The concept’s success lay in the practical idea of having a comfortable garden with the pattern of the ‘cut-through the avenue’ concept.

The Post Modern style of garden design had designers experimenting with primary geometric patterns. Today almost every next garden is technically planned. The expertise of garden designers is recognized and in demand. Before executing the design, the garden designer draws a blue-print of the future garden with the natural and stylized elements available. Garden design is an intrinsic part of the present trend of setting up well-decorated gardens. Garden designers set-up the initial garden design plan, based on the natural flavor of the land, purpose, location as well as budget.

Selasa, 25 Agustus 2009

Why Home Design Matters

If you look at a lot of bachelor apartments, you probably already know that home design isn't a big deal to everyone. After all, some people think, it's just my house. As long as it's comfortable and reasonably clean, what difference does it make how I decorate it?

Well, if you follow feng shui you know the answer: it makes a huge difference! But even if you're not a feng shui adherent, there are many reasons that home design should be important to you.

Work With Your Subconscious

Science has shown how powerful an affect your subconscious mind has on your thoughts, attitudes, mood, and even health -- just do a web search for "reactions to stress" and you'll be astounded at what turns up. Given that, your subconscious awareness of your surroundings is extremely important.

When you surround yourself with images, colors, and styles that aren't appealing to you -- or even ones that you find merely indifferent -- you're having an affect on your subconscious. It's the difference between your subconscious saying, "Ahh, I'm home!" when you walk in the front door and another little bit of stress piling onto the day's load.

In other words, creating a comfortable surrounding for yourself is always worthwhile.

What That Means for Home Design

When you think home design, you might imagine a certain famous Martha and her ilk carefully dabbing stencils and paint along the ceiling. Don't worry: you don't have to get carried away. But following a few simple tips can transform even the drabbest apartment into a warm, welcoming place:

  • Use colors that appeal to you -- if not on the walls, then on the furniture, or even in artwork, blankets/throws, and accessories.
  • Surround yourself with comfort. Your home design should be about making a comfortable refuge from the busy world, not about getting into a design magazine.
  • Display things of sentimental significance (usually, but not always, photos of friends, families, and fond memories).
  • Always have something besides you alive in the house -- whether it's a goldfish, a plant, a cat, or a dog.
  • Set five to ten minutes aside each day for getting organized: that tiny bit of tidying will transform your home design and you feel about the place.

These simple steps are the basics of home design. So don't worry: you don't have to go crazy with minute decorating details. Just make sure that your home design encourages a sense of peace and refuge, not business and worry!

Home Design - Needing Some Inspiration?

You will spend the vast majority of your life in your home – yes, sure, much of it will be sleeping, but there will also be plenty of times where you just sit and relax, in the evenings and at weekends. With that in mind, don’t you want your home to be nice to look at?

It’s difficult to underestimate the importance of good home design when it comes to your overall quality of life. Your home should be a place where you can relax, but at the same time get things done that you want to get done. If you’re always fighting against your home’s design to do simple tasks, it can seriously affect how happy you are with your life overall. More than one couple has broken up only to find that it wasn’t really their partner that was bothering them at all – it was the shabby home they had together.

Most people think that they can design their home perfectly well themselves, but in reality few can. You have to have a very specific idea of what you want, be able to accommodate everyone who lives there, and then actually follow through and get the job done quickly and to a high standard. If you miss one of these things out, then you end up spending years on home improvements, or with a finish you’re not happy with, or simply with a compromise design that no-one really wanted.

If you want your home designed properly, you should probably bring in a professional, who will take everyone’s needs into account and design an elegant solution to your problems. It can be truly shocking just how much homes improve with a minimal amount of professional design – it’s like the difference between an amateur newsletter and a real newspaper, or a landscape garden compared to a random set of plants. The best part is that you only really need to have it done once (at least until you move), meaning that it’s a very worthwhile investment that will likely improve not only the quality of your life but also the sale value of your home.

Senin, 24 Agustus 2009

Candles Light Up Your Home and Lift Your Spirits

Your house may be your castle...but it doesn't have to remind you of a dungeon!

Get out of the dark ages...

Decorate with candle light in those dim corners!
Add a touch of warmth and ambiance to your cold rooms!
Replace that stuffy smell with a subtle, refreshing fragrance!

By using different candles and accessories to decorate your home, you can create, or in this case re-create, vision, interest and style. All that, even before you light the candles! Now dim those lights and light those candles to add instant warmth, ambiance and a touch of aromatherapy!

There are about as many candles and candle combinations as there are reasons and places to put them. With that in mind, we have decided to simply give you some guidelines to implement as you encounter each individual area you would like to enhance with candles (candlescaping):

So don't punish yourself any longer, read on...

1. Technically, there is no wrong way to design an area using candles...as long as you follow safety guidelines and love the results when you are finished. One other thing to keep in mind when placing your candlescape, remember not to place it in direct sunlight, as the colors may fade and a slight melting of your candles could occur.

2. Make sure to choose quality candles from a reputable company. They may cost a little bit more, but a 'cheap' candle will not perform for you in the areas of safety and scent throw. A quality candle will have superior, lead-free wicks made in the USA under strict code. Safety wicks that self extinguish at a certain level and cool wax are two more safety issues to be regarded when purchasing a candle. Another concern would be the scent throw. The fragrance must be poured throughout the entire candle in order to maintain the same aroma from start to finish, not just poured on top.

3. Experiment with different shapes, sizes and texture. It is best to keep a candlescape at an odd number of candles as it has proven to be more interesting while an even number creates too much of a balance to the piece. It is also recommended to use candles with varying heights as this allows the eye to travel from one place to another and not get stuck on one level. You can achieve this with different size candles or simply by using candlestands, or both. I love mixing types of candles such as displaying pillars with accents of tealights around the base. The pillars can be atop candlestands or on a platter.

4. There are no hard and fast rules for using colored candles. You can follow the same color scheme that the room already has, or use complimenting or neutral colors. Try picking varying shades of the same color or alternate between the two prominent colors.

5. Try combining candles with a different fragrance to your arrangement or between the different candlescapes within the room. A mix of two or more complimenting fragrances can add another dimension to the overall effect. For instance: An evergreen scent would go nicely together with a citrus fragrance. A careful blending of fragrances will create it's own aromatherapy to renew your body, mind and soul!

6. The use of candleholders can be especially fun to incorporate into a candlescape. Try using a holder with just one of the candles to bring extra attention to it or incorporate the use of candlestands to vary the height of your arrangement. Keep in mind that tealights, votives and tapers must be used with a holder. Remember all candles must be set on a flat non-flammable, heat resistant surface and is considered to be a holder in itself.

7. Accents and embellishments can be anything you can think of. Keep in mind, we are looking for a hint of that special something to enhance the arrangement not overpower it. For example; glass gems, beads, and marbles or natural or polished stones, seashells, gravel and sand. Try silk flowers and leaves; loose, as a swag or made into candle rings. Mirrors add an elegant touch and reflect not only the dimensions of your arrangement but also the mystery of the flame when the candle is lit. In addition, you may also consider using copper, pewter or silver platters as a backdrop to your candlescape or simply place underneath to contain a grouping. Glass and tile work nicely too. You can also incorporate framed photographs of family and friends. You can add accents to blend, compliment or be the focus of any area. Note: Do not use flammable material near the flame.

8. Pick a theme, something about you that would make it special and personalized. It could be your favorite color, hobby, pastime, indulgence, or be in celebration of your favorite holiday; or simply just a matter of bringing the great outdoors - in. You can create a candlescape around any theme.

9. Experiment with grouping your candles on a platter, place them in a short row or run them down the length of your table. Then place your accents in or around your candles holders. As a rule of thumb, if the table were oblong your candlescape would be oblong as well. In addition, place your candles at least three inches apart from each another. This is so they can't melt one another or collectively create their own drafts that cause improper burning.

10. Floating candles are unique in their own special way as only fire and water could be. Candles can be floated in a variety of decorative items to create a striking display. Use the punch bowl and cut glass vases and anything in-between. Spruce these up with adding your pick of the accents mentioned in item 6 above or add fruit (unpeeled, slices, etc), cranberries seashells, rose petals or holiday ornaments, then slowly add the water. Use of bottle water is preferred as tap water may leave rings of mineral deposits on the holder. Get crazy and color the water if you want to (food coloring). Keep in mind to use specialty candles that are made for floating or use tea lights with a floating candleholder. This type of display is especially nice at the dinner table.

11. When using candles at the dinner table, whether entertaining or simply jazzing up the evening meal, be aware that people might reach for or pass plates and bowls of food. As they do this, their hand, cuff or sleeve may come too close to the flame. Consider keeping the tallest candles in the center and low ones in the surrounding area. Use the same theory for a two sided buffet table. At a buffet table that is to be against a wall however, you might want to place the candles along the back of the table and closer to the wall. Preferably, unscented candles are burned at the dinner table so there is no other conflict with the aroma of the meal.

Decorating with candles and creating your own candlescapes isn't as torturous as you might have thought. Go ahead, light up your home and lift your spirits with your candlescapes! You will thank me for it with every compliment you get.

Decorating And Design Associations

If you are looking to learn more about becoming a decorator or just want to find out more about those in this field you might be curious about what professional organizations exist. There are quite a few different ones. Read this article and learn about some of the biggest decorator and design organizations in the country.

One organization is called the ASID. ASID stands for the American Society of Interior Designers. It is a community od interior designers , interior representatives, students and educators. The ASID's mission is to advance the interior design profession and it has over 38,000 members and 48 chapters throughout the United States and Canada. Another designer organization is called the IDEC which stands for the Interior Design Educators Council. It was founded back in 1963 and is dedicated to the advancement of education and research in interior design. It focuses its energy on strengthening the lines of communication between educators, educational institutions, practitioners and other organizations involved in interior design education.

Finally their is the Interior Design Society which is devoted to promoting excellence in the field of interior design. It was founded in 1973 and is made up of interior decorators, home furnishing stores, design studios, manufacturers and distributors. Those are three of the biggest organizations in the interior design industry. There are several other interior design groups and organizations but these are some of the bigger ones.

I hope you have found this article useful in your quest to learn more about interior design. For more information contact a design school in your area.

Luxury Bedroom Decor - Color, Fabric and Design

If you’ve ever watched Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, you are familiar with what luxury bedroom decor is. It is defined by it’s beauty, material, style, and placement within a room. Luxury bedroom décor applies to anything from window treatments to throw rugs to lampshades.

Having luxury bedroom décor in your home will instantly make you feel like one of the stars, as you relish in its color, fabric and design. Usually, this type of décor has a theme throughout a particular room. These can run anywhere from an Egyptian theme to a marble theme to an Italian villa theme.

A popular theme is nautical, where blue and white stripes are painted vertically on the wall. They can be topped off with an eggshell finish to give it a slight shimmer. Couches match, displaying navy pillows and ottomans and sconces light up a room with a soft, dim glow. This kind of luxury bedroom décor will surely make you comfortable asleep!

It’s best that your luxury bedroom décor matches, so that it can give your room a unified feel. Pick your own favorite theme and place items of that description all over—and don’t forget that luxury bedroom décor is not complete without luxury materials!

The Beauty Of Architecture and Design

Blueprints are forms of history. They are pages that can go down in the annuals of history as monuments to the imagination of mankind. The architecture and design stay a part of our lifestyle and mark our civilization. They are markers of our achievements and tell stories of the buildings that stand the test of time and last throughout the ages. They can be homes, churches, office buildings or monuments that mark important people and events.

There is more to architecture than just the outside appearance of a building. Interior design architecture is a huge part of why people find some buildings so beautiful. Granted, the outside is the part that initially grabs the attention, but the interior is what makes the building memorable and functional.

Throughout history there have been incredible works of art created out of stone, wood and metal. The outer portion is detailed and intricate. Move inside and you will see that the intricacies are not limited to exterior walls.

Architecture and design must go hand in hand. From the modern buildings to the classic columns of ancient Roman Temples, the designs are built around function and beauty. A home can be more than four walls and a roof.

It can be a place that stands apart from nature and draws the eye to its beauty and form. By working together, design and architecture make four walls and a roof so much more.

It is more than function. A builder can build an edifice that is functional. It provides space, shelter and protects. But that is not always enough. Yes, one element of man's basic needs is met but the building can be aesthetically pleasing as well as functional.

A building can be more than just four walls and a roof. It should have great architectural style. As a sentient being capable of appreciating great works, you should demand more in your surroundings. Beauty is more than skin, or wall, deep.

Once more architects begin to embrace architecture and design, you will begin to see a rebirth in the styles and different shapes of buildings. Homes will begin to lose their "cookie cutter" shape and begin to be different.

A drive down a suburban area will see homes that embrace different styles. It will be a world where differences are celebrated and people can do more than simply live in a home. They can own a unique piece of history and it can be a showcase of a living art.

Top Home And Garden Magazines

There is no place like home.

It’s a cliché but it’s true. It’s your home so make it look great.

All across the world, homes are decorated differently. They want to stand apart from everyone else in the neighborhood. A house down the street has a fountain in their yard. Your brother-in-law’s finished basement is a dream come true for a sports fan.

You’re left asking yourself, “How did they do that or how did they think of that?”

There are endless possibilities with how you can decorate your house or your yard. Most of them are pretty easy to accomplish. The trick is coming up with an idea of how it’s to look when done. Would your home look better with a Southwestern theme or possibly a look that resembles Asian culture?

Well, magazines devoted to topics such as decorating homes or garden tips are located in bookstores across the country. You can also find magazines on these topics at websites such Mags For Less at magsforless.com.

Here are some examples of home and garden magazines with some brief descriptions, plus they're all available at the cheap magazines site I mentioned earlier.

*

Better Home and Garden Magazine – Contains how-to tips in planning and creating the perfect dream house. Each issue features creative solutions for your home; ideas for decorating, cooking, gardening, building, remodeling, etc.
*

Horticulture Magazine – This is the definitive magazine for the serious gardener. It will inform and inspire ideas to create a garden like no other. Each magazine includes articles on garden design, landscaping, soil nutrition and the latest in planting techniques.
*

Country Living Magazine – Caters to readers who appreciate the traditions on the country, wherever they may live. The magazine brings a country approach to a wide range of topics, from decorating, building, and restoring old homes. It also covers cooking, entertaining, gardening, travel and more.
*

Good Housekeeping Magazine – An American icon of consumer protection and quality assurance since its inception. Ever issue delivers a mix of independent investigation and trusting reporting along with personal stories. The magazine offers a rich editorial tradition embodying a commitment to the modern home and a woman’s quality of life.
*

Elle Décor Magazine – A colorful, imaginative magazine applies international style and ideas to home design. It features information on interiors and architecture, and in-depth profiles of today’s top designers. The magazine is a cosmopolitan approach to home and design, furniture, and shopping for the perfect pieces to fill any home.

Keeping Your Home and Garden Spiffy

If you are like most people, you want your home and garden to be smart and stylish. You can keep your place up to date when you shop for all the modern necessities and luxuries. You can surround yourself with beautiful and functional items as you make your choices.

Your home will be cozy and livable and your garden will bloom when you get all the right accessories. You will be able to make any kind of food or beverage in your kitchen if you have the right appliances to do the jobs. Cookbooks will guide you on your way to great family meals in your home.

For beverages, you will have blenders, juicers, and mixers. You can find cookware to suit your style, whether it is a single cooker or a complete set of nonstick cookware. Bring out the cutlery sets to chop up and prepare your foods for cooking and roasting. You can also cook in fryers, skillets, griddles, or microwaves. Toasters, toaster ovens, grills, and waffle makers complete your small cooking appliances.

When your food is finished, you can serve it with coffee, tea, or espresso. Use buffet style food servers to show off your dishes and keep them warm for guests. When the meal is over, you can bag up the leftovers in FoodSavers bags to use on another day. If all else fails and you are not in the mood to cook a fancy dinner, use can or jar openers for an easy meal.

Entertaining at home is easier with novelty items like cotton candy, popcorn, snow cone, or slushee machines. You can serve hot dogs, ice cream or nachos in a nostalgic way. Do not leave out barware and fondue equipment when you are thinking about entertaining.

Your home will look more modern if you use attractive soap dispensers in your bathroom. You can get beautiful touchfree versions that show off the colors of your soaps and shampoos. Air purifiers can clean up the environment not only in the bathroom, but all over your home.

Cleaning is a necessary evil for many people, but having the right machines and detergents will make everything work better. Steam cleaners and vacuums make tough chores easier. Special touch free trash cans make everyday clean up a breeze. The chore of garment care will not be a dreaded one in your home if you have the best in steam irons.

Children of all ages should not be left out of home plans. They need their toys and games. Golf putter sets are just as desirable for some as pedal cars are for others. Everyone loves poker sets and signs. The big kids like their toys too, and sets of tools are popular for them.

House and garden plans are not complete until you find all the little things that make a house a home. You will look forward to shopping for your kitchen, your bathroom, your comfort, and your entertainment with excitement.

Home and Garden Furniture Ideas

Home and garden furniture is furniture that can be used inside as well as outdoors. Some people have opted to enclose a large patio in glass or screen, carpet the floor with indoor - outdoor carpeting, furnish with a fireplace, and install ceiling fans along with an air conditioner. The patio area can be adjacent to the house or separate. The plans of the room or structure can come equipped with a kitchen separate than that of the primary section of the house. This area would require home and garden furniture to furnish the surroundings. When looking for plants for this area, you would still opt for house plants but maybe that of the larger variety.

Home and garden furniture can be made from wicker and wood. Metal and plastic garden furniture can be used, but would probably be considered inappropriate to adorn this region of your home. You would want furniture that is not too elaborate, but on the other hand you don't want the furniture ill-suited for the region either. You will want it to blend with the surroundings you have created. The enclosing of the back patio area convince visitors that this is just an extra room in the house. You will want the room to give off the look of casual comfort. A room in which to relax and have fun. Home and garden furniture fabricated from wicker have a classic appearance. The simplicity of the designs leans to the casual look of romantic, comfort. Since the home and garden furniture constructed of wicker is made for the outdoors, care and maintenance should be a much easier, simpler task. Consult your retailer for those requirements.

Wicker is also constructed to be durable. It is a good investment in the future of your home. The wicker constructed home and garden furniture comes in a wide range of style, designs and colors. Along with the variety of colors you will have the option to choose one of the dining sets, or from a cluster of sofa, loveseats and chairs. Wicker tables will complete the look of your conversation area of the room. You also have the option of a porch swing a cozy, intimate seating for lovers and friends young or old.

Home and garden furniture is also available an array of wooden pieces or sets. If you want to be able to move home and garden furniture, you may want to browse the teak wooden furniture lines. Teakwood is well known for its lightweight and strength. Its natural finish is a golden color. Wooden home and garden furniture like the wicker home and garden furniture is also built to be sturdy and durable. Wooden home and garden furniture is also available in the same furniture pieces as the wicker furniture from the dining sets to the conversation sets included with loveseat or sofas. The porch swing is also one of the options available in the wooden home and garden furniture line. The maintenance and care for the wooden furniture as with the wicker should be a much simpler and easy task. For requirements for that care, check with the retailer. As with the wicker home and garden furniture, wooden home and garden furniture is a great investment in the future for you and your home.

Home And Garden Lighting

Previously, outdoor or the gardens were lit to facilitate people to see clearly when entering your home and to avert thieves. Today, landscape lighting is more for aesthetic purposes. Landscape lighting has turned into a work of art. The aim of landscape lighting is to exhibit a garden and a home in its complete splendor after dark. The lighting has its practical aspect and offers a well-lit area to deter thieves. The following are tips for landscape or garden lighting.

It is best to hire the services of a certified lighting consultant who is will give the best advice. Also, study your garden thoroughly before deciding what you would like to highlight using lighting. Make sure that the lighting professional has a copy of your design.

Include outdoor lighting when planning the garden landscape to make it easier to lay wires and pipes. Try and get more than one quote, so that you can compare the prices. Install a big transformer to meet your present and future lighting needs.

If you are thinking about doing the lighting in parts, lay all the electrical groundwork in the initial stages. Try and use soft light that is akin to moonlight. Don’t overdo it. The landscape should be seen, not the lights. Hide the lighting system source behind shrubs and plants.

Make sure the fixtures are not visible. Use water resistant fixtures. Most people tend to favor white light for garden lighting. However, you could try different color variations with the help of a professional. Use fluorescent lights, as are they are less expensive and a lot more effective than incandescent lights.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...