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Posts Tagged ‘interior design’

How Roller Shades Can Change The Look Of Your Home

February 11th, 2010 No comments

Window shade shopping is normally not exciting. Most of the options look dull and don’t really add much to the designs in ones home. Plus, there are so many models of window shades out there that it can feel overwhelming to try and look through them all. Well, look no further because roller shades are a truly amazing window shade that takes your home to a whole new level of fabulous and functional.

Being in control of the amount of light that enters the room is crucial to setting up the right ambiance in a room. You might want it pitch black in your bedroom but a ton of light in your living room. Roller shades permits that option. There is a variety to choose from so that you can actually control how much or little sun light enters the room.

These shades are basically vinyl coated fabric with a metal bar that functions like a scroll. You can make adjustments to the window shades easily. Since the shades are so easy to use and adjustable, it is almost too hard to pass over. No one likes to dust their blinds or look at blinds that are ugly and bent out of shape. These shades don’t need require dusting and they will not bend.

You can choose from blackout, decorative or light filtering shades for your living space. Keeping out unwanted light is important and these window shades do that because they lay flat against the window. The position of the shades also allows for them to keep out unwanted heat in the summer and the cold in the winter. This results in lower electricity bills from using an air conditioner and lower fuel usage to heat your home.

Light filtering roller shades are great for letting in just the right amount of light into the room. These transparent window shades might seem like they aren’t doing much but their ability to protect you and your home are unbelievable. The transparency allows for you to look out your window and enjoy the view without the fear of sun burn.

The filtered window shades prevent harmful UV rays, which can damage your furniture as well as your skin, and they completely cut out glare. Now you can have the amount of light you desire while watching TV without sun glare.

If you are looking for patterns and designs then you will most definitely want to consider these shades. There is a type of shade to match the decorative adornments in your home. Colors, textures, patterns, solids and sheer are just a few of the possibilities. You can match the window shades with drapes or any type of curtains that might be hanging on your window. These shades provide you with the chance to express your inner designer without the loss of function.

Considering roller shades should be a no-brainer for individuals looking to give their home a unique and updated look. Long gone are the days of unattractive blinds or window shades that rip, bend or get dinghy. Settling for just anything is unnecessary when you can have the best at a great price. Upgrade to a more modern look that is reliable and affordable.

Find out how to choose and save on window shades. Stop by Jesita Jerik’s site where you can find out all about roller shades and what they can do for you when saving money is also an issue.

Why Going Green At Home Is Less Troublesome Than You Think

February 11th, 2010 No comments

Why shouldn’t you go green in decorating according to the environmental detractors?

- An eco-friendly home is duh! – boring, bland and plain – Eco-friendly home decorations are overpriced and over-hyped – Why go green? It’s only a fad anyway.

Fortunately, architects, designers and decorators have been listening to these complaints and they’ve come up with some improvements. However, the first improvement that needs to take place is your own attitude toward sustainable living.

Using eco-friendly products help the environment by not putting the resources to waste and reducing their usage as much as possible. This is not only for a healthy environment but for healthy living as well while living in a beautiful home at the same time.

For instance, not all “green” home decor is expensive. In fact, the decorating style known as Shabby Chic actually centers on re-using quality furnishings that have fallen on hard times. The key is to develop an eye for quality that can see past the inevitable nicks, dents and scratches of a lifetime of use. Stores such as those operated by The Salvation Army, Goodwill and many other charities often carry this items. Some designers recommend giving recycled furniture and accessories a fresh look by painting them white, one of Shabby Chic’s basic colors.

I got most of my “new” furniture from a flea market and recently, I got good finds from a garage sale in the neighborhood. Now I have new vases, chairs, a matching table and some great kitchen decors that I got for a lot less compared if I bought them in a department store. Even on a big sale, I don’t think it will beat the price out of what I got from the market and the yard sale.

Going environmentally friendly also means being aware of the materials used for your home decors. Non-toxic components, renewable resources, organic and such are better for your health too.

On the other hand, if you’re fond of an existing part of your home decor that’s made from natural materials – such as a wool area rug — you don’t have to replace it. However, if you’re striving to “green” your decor, consider some of the new area rugs offered by several manufacturers. These stylish rugs are made from recycled materials and colored with non-toxic dyes. Being modular, they give plenty of flexibility in arranging your “green” decor.

As you find old things you will no longer reuse or store, make sure you dispose them properly. Segregate your waste, donate them, sell them or hand them over to organizations or companies that recycle old items. This way, you’ll also be doing the environment a huge favor.

Finally, if you do purchase some new items for your “green” decor, don’t have to fret that you’re not really being green. Underwriters Laboratories – yes, the folks who set the standards for light bulbs, toasters, coffee makers, etc. — has just launched a new UL Environmental. Its purpose is to work with manufacturers to validate, test and certify environmentally sustainable projects and to help consumers make sense of products’ “green” claims.

Be good. Be wise. Go green and see how simple things make a difference to the environment, your home and your health.

Our best hint for Natural Home Decorating, is to use area rugs – and the shag bamboo rugs will suit any modern furnishings.

Put The Romance Back In Your Bedroom

February 11th, 2010 No comments

Decorating a room is rarely a simple affair. First you have to think about the mood or atmosphere that you want to achieve in the room. Private spaces like the living room where you relax with the family should be done in light, cool colors. For the bedroom, though, you’ll want a bit more edge and interest to create a more passionate ambiance that you can enjoy with your partner. Take a risk here and there, and you should end up with a space that really stands out.

First things first: you have to pick out the colors you’ll use. Red is typical for romantic bedrooms that should have a more passionate, intense personality. A deep, dark red or burgundy color has just enough of that sensual undertone without being too loud or explicit. If you’re not comfortable with red on your walls, feel free to go with another color that’s easier on your eyes. Just remember that you’ll also be sleeping within those walls every night, and that those colors will be there for the long haul.

Don’t start redecorating until you’re sure of what you want the final outcome to be. Go around first and look for a theme or central piece that will pull the room together. Look for accessories and little trinkets that you can put into the room to give it more character and depth.

Once your colors and decor is chosen you can figure out what type of bedding will work with your design. Bedding should be one of the most important splurges you pay for since it is something which you’ll be placing your head on. You want it to last as well as be comfortable. Silk bedding is another great option for those sexual nights. The touch of silk on the skin is a wonderful feeling, especially on a warm night.

If you have a great wall piece and you’re wondering where to place it, try behind the headboard. This will be the focal point. If you have a larger bed it will just draw the attention to your bed as well. Floral or abstract art is one way to go if you aren’t quite sure what exactly will flow with your design.

You want to make sure the textures which you have in your design are soft, romantic, and cozy. You don’t want anything which is rough to the touch. This applies to the floor as well. Try choosing a great area rug which is shaggy. If it is large enough try placing it underneath the bed or if you aren’t able to find anything large enough, purchase smaller ones and place one on each side of the bed and one at the foot of the bed. It will just complement the art which is already placed in the room.

Lighting is the last (but not the least) component that you should handle. For a romantic room, make the visuals as ‘soft’ as possible. That is, avoid direct lighting like with overhead bulbs and ceiling lights. Make liberal use of lampshades and recessed lighting so as to make the space feel as intimate and gentle as possible. Dimmers are another great way to turn a regular bedroom into your romantic little space when the day is done.

Keep up to date with Romantic Home Design trends and enhance your home with heart shaped area rugs.