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From Modern To Vintage To Eclectic - Simple Interior Design Ideas For Young Professionals

City living is expensive and more so for young professionals. For people who cannot afford real estate properties or detached houses, a high-rise executive condominium is a good choice of investment. Not only is it more affordable, it also provides convenience for young professionals who need to stay near their work area, for safety and relative peace of mind. Condos are also perfect for newly married couples who do not have enough income to purchase a landed property.

Small Space Ideas

Many couples or bachelors who purchase condos have the same problem: turning a small space into a living space filled with all the necessities of life. A simple and well thought out plan can turn any small space into a home. Whether one is a bachelor or a bachelorette, some simple interior design concepts can transform drab looking space into the modern pad that you dream of.

Flexibility and simplicity play important roles when it comes to small spaces. Look for decorations and furnishings that match and balance one another. This makes the space look less cluttered and closed in. Some designers would also make use of built-ins to serve as storage space as well as hide other parts of the house such as the kitchen, laundry area and in some cases, the bedroom and living room area. For condos that have loft areas, one can use the area under the staircase as a place to store books. If the space under the staircase is ample, some make use of it as their office or washroom area.

Low Ceiling

Low ceilings are unavoidable especially when it comes to condo living but the best way to make the most of it is to use certain tricks and techniques to help turn the attention of the guest from the ceiling space to the apartment itself. One of the oldest tricks is to paint the walls and the ceilings in one color. This will prevent the ceiling from being set apart from the entire space. Choose paint colors that are light and airy to give the space a more relaxed and comfortable vibe to it.

Another way to draw attention away from the low ceilings is to create an open floor plan that features large pictured windows. The windows would create an illusion of extended space. Using recessed lighting can also soften the problem of low ceiling for some as well.

Although there is no fixed formula to make small spaces bigger, using multi-functional furniture, and art works can make small spaces into a modern living one fit for young professionals.

How To Choose Door Panel Curtains

Door panel curtains are a cheap and easy way to add class and elegance to any room. You would be simply amazed at the difference that a panel curtain can make to your living room. So if you're looking to find out how to choose the best door panel or even window panel curtain for you, then here are some tips to help you get started:
  1. Choose your preferred fabric. There are so many different types of fabric you can use for your door panel curtains. You could choose to use sheer fabric like lace or organza – they give a refreshing, airy feel to your room. You could also choose heavier, opaque fabrics like satin, velvet or cotton. Satin and velvet are used to give a room a classic and elegant feel, while cotton is more down-to-earth and easier to maintain. Know that your poles and tracking depend on which type of fabric you choose – heavy fabrics need heavier poles, while sheer fabrics require thinner and more slender ones.
  2. Choose the design. After choosing the type of fabric, choose the design. You could have your curtain in plain or solid colors; this is a safe and subdued way to complement the rest of the room's color scheme. Another design you could choose ranges from small prints to bigger and bolder ones. This would make your curtains a more decorative centerpiece instead of a background. Prints include floral, country print, plaid, stripes, gingham and a lot of others. If you want to give a more eclectic and tropical feel to your house, why not opt for tie-dyed or ethnic "batik" prints? A tip here is to make sure that the fabric's dominant color is complementary to the rest of the room's scheme, so that the curtain won't seem overwhelming or out of place. Remember, the type of fabric you choose will be a big factor as to what design best suits it. Tie dyed prints would be good for cotton; sheer fabrics have small, intricate embroidery; and bold prints are great with heavy fabrics.
  3. Choose how your curtain will hang. Apart from the fabric, you can also choose the way you want to hang your curtain. For example, you could have it hung the traditional way, such as in the French door style. This style has your curtain hung by a rod at the top, and another rod at the bottom to keep it firmly in place. Another option is to have it hung straight from a pole, with the ends free. With this you could have your fabric in pleats, ruffled, or simply straight down. As an added design, why not have a valance? Valances serve as a "top frame" for the entire curtain, and it also serves to hide the curtain track and heading. You could choose among balloon valances, ruffled valances, swags and many more. These valances can be an adequate decorative piece to stand alone during the days that you need to wash your curtains.
  4. Know other important factors. Things to factor in include the height of the door, the type of door it will hang over (wood door, metal door or glass door), the lining, and the poles and tracks (which are decorative themselves: metal gives a formal look, while wood or plastic lends a casual air to your décor). It's best to have your curtain custom made to make sure that it fits your exact specifications. 
There you have it! These are just some of the pointers to keep in mind when choosing door panel curtains for your home.

How To Buy Cheap Bamboo Blinds

Bamboo blinds look fabulous on wood. Whoever said that window shades are bland? If you have window coverings such as bamboo blinds, you hardly need additional wall decorations to make your room appealing. This kind of window covering is a popular choice, especially to those who want to convey an atmosphere of natural elements and comfort in the room.
While it looks very sophisticated, you can actually get cheap types of bamboo blinds.
  1. Create your own blind. This might seem daunting at first glance, but if you are actually aiming to save some cash, engage your hands and create your own blinds instead. All you need are the raw materials - the bamboo material with the shade of your choice, a roller to pull the blinds with when it's all held together and a moderately thick string that can help you weave the parts of your blinds together. However, this option may not be for you, so there are still other things you can do instead.
  2. Look for secondhand blinds. Inevitably, there is a person out there who has moved on to find another form of window covering and has his old bamboo blinds stuck in an obscure attic. The good thing is that there are many garage sales, secondhand stores, and next door neighbors that you can consult with regarding this particular matter.
  3. Wait for sales. Sales are the best ways to get brand new objects for cheaper prices. This only happens a few times a year. You might be thrilled to know that these sales in huge malls actually have a cycle. You don't need to really have super investigative powers to know when the next sale is coming up. You just need to take note of particular seasons where there are sales, and for as long as there are malls, there will always be sales to look forward to quarterly, annually or sometimes even monthly.
  4. Take advantage of discount offerings. Membership cards and other loyalty programs of stores provide incentives like rebates and special discounts in and out of the general sale season. Take advantage of those coupons that are handed to you. Find a nearby store that really values its long-term customers and subscribe to them so that you will get premium service and better rates for items like blinds over time.
  5. Choose the horizontal type. Vertical blinds are extremely demanding. They need to be custom-made to be able to match the dimensions of your window. If you are going for affordability, horizontal is the way to go.
  6. Go to the source. The ultimate way to get cheap bamboo blinds is to check out your industries in your area. You might just be living right next to a bamboo blind maker and not know it.

How To Choose Outdoor Furniture for your Patio

The warm sun outside is beckoning as a light breeze gently blows. But how can you choose to stay outside your home if all you have is few decrepit & uncomfortable beach chairs lying in the shade? You would rather lie head back inside and linger on your comfortable armchair while the canned air conditioning unit blows on. But then you could go and claim that outside space if you have the right furniture for your deck or patio.
  • Cost. There are a lot of possible choices for patio furniture or garden sets. But before choosing any furniture, be sure about how much you are willing to spend for it. A large budget means you can choose any patio furniture that catches your fancy. If your budget is not that large, there are still a lot of options to choose from. There are furniture stores that have discounts on their furniture sets. You may also have to limit your choice to furniture to something made of less expensive material.
  • Size. You just can't set out to purchase the furniture set for your patio if you don't know its exact dimensions. Get the size and shape of your yard and note it. When you go to the store, you can double check if your preferred furniture set will fit the patio by measuring it in the store.
  • Use. When or for what occasion do you plan on using your outdoor patio furniture? If you are planning to spend quiet summer evenings outdoors, you would want to have patio furniture that is a little bit elegant. Getting furniture covered with fabric, a porch swing for two, or teak furniture for your patio would be a better choice. But if the outdoor furniture is for your kids' barbecue parties, butterfly seats made of less expensive material like tubular aluminum should be just fine.
  • Number. When you say you want to have outdoor furniture for your patio and you are planning to have a table, think about how many people will be seated at once. You might be planning to get a table big enough to accommodate the whole family and a few guests. Just be sure that it can fit on your patio.
  • Color. Do you want to brighten up your yard by using the modern furniture that you bought for the outdoor patio? Or is it your plan to have everything just blend in with the overall theme and color of the colors in your yard? Be sure you have a clear idea about what color your set will be before you go to the store to make your purchase.
  • Maintenance. It would be best if the furniture you choose will just need the occasional dust-up or wipe down. Ask the store about how the furniture needs to be cleaned so that you can be guided. Be sure to ask if there are any materials that may damage your furniture.
A lot more things need to be considered when choosing furniture for your outdoor patio, but these pointers should be enough.  Just be sure to try out the chairs first in the store before making that final decision to purchase it.

How To Choose a Paint Color

There are several things that you should consider when choosing the right paint color for your home. After hiring a painter that will do the job for you, your next task will be finding the right color that fits you and your home.
  • Be sure to have a lot of patience while going over the various choices that you may have. House paint must match with your fabrics, rugs and wallpapers. Keep in mind that patience is always a virtue.
  • Research, analyze and review. Just by clicking on your computer at home, all of your questions can now be answered. Check out the latest trends and the popular names in interior designing and try to check out their blog sites for tips. You can research for a designer’s ideas for living room and bedrooms as well by logging on to their sites or discussion forums. The Internet has reliable information when it comes to all your color needs, trends for 2009, etc.
  • Keep in my mind that dark colors absorb heat and they tend to fade faster compared to the lighter ones.
  • When you plan to paint exterior siding of the house, you may consider professional consult.
  • Walking around your neighborhood and getting ideas from their houses would also be helpful. Asking your friendly neighbor for the color of their house and the brand of paint that they used would also help.
  • Study your colors carefully. You can refer to a Behr paint color chart. If you have a wooded house, you may consider using a taupe paint and other earthy tones.
  • Begin with a color scheme in mind. The main color or your wall color should appear on 60 percent of your room surface. Your mid-tone color should be 30 percent visible in your room. This can be manifested in your sofa, drapes or bed skirt. And the remaining 10 percent will be for your accent color as seen on your accessories like vases, cushions and pillows.
  • Find a good and tested brand. An interesting choice is Glidden Color. They have available testers on selected stores nationwide.
  • A lot of paint stores now offer computer imaging as visualizer so that you will have an accurate picture of what your house would look like. Once you have narrowed your paint choices to a handful, you may buy a small amount of each and try them all at your house. Though the use of computer imaging is good enough, trying the color in your very own wall would help you make a final decision.
  • You may also consider the palest shade of color for your moldings, doors and windows. You can try bright colors for trim on your light walls for a striking look.
Knowing the right paint color for your house could be a difficult and complicated task for you. But if you put all your heart and effort into it, you are sure to reap a wonderful reward after seeing your very own haven transform.

Four Innovative Small Space Living Trends

As cities become more populated, living spaces are shrinking. Small-space living has been the norm in mega-cities like New York and Los Angeles for decades. However, now smaller cities are starting to feel the space-crunch. City councils across North America are making urban density a part of their future plans for growth. With those urban plans come more compact homes and a need for city dwellers to get more creative with their living spaces. Here are four of the most popular small space living solutions that help make the most of compact homes:

1) Dual-function rooms: No longer do city residents have the luxury of having an entire room devoted to a single purpose. Instead, rooms like the living room, kitchen, spare bedroom and den must pull double and even triple duty, serving multiple purposes. After-market contractors are creating living rooms that also serve as home office space or convert into guest quarters. Spare bedrooms and dens are also being made into home offices that serve as guest rooms when needed. Kitchens/dining room combos are common, as well as kitchens that double as laundry rooms. By making one room serve multiple purposes, home owners can live comfortably in smaller spaces and have the benefits that come with living in the city.

2) Convertible furniture: How about a coffee table that turns into a dining table that seats ten people, a couch that converts to a bunk bed or even a side table console that houses a kitty litter box? These are just a few examples of some of the highly innovative and creative pieces of convertible furniture that are available on the market and targeted toward small living spaces. Convertible furniture allows you to have all of the basic furniture pieces that you need for comfortable day-to-day living as well as pieces that you may only need to use on an occasional basis, such as when entertaining.

3) The customized closet: Closet customization is a growing market in the contracting business. A closet, which is essentially just a cavity in the walls of your home, can be converted into a highly-efficient space that allows a home owner to fit two, three and even four times the amount of clothing, household and personal items into the same amount of space. Some companies which specialize in closet conversions even offer three-dimensional designs via software. This software allows a home owner to view his customized closet in three dimensions, from all angles, during the planning phase.

4) Under-bed storage and other creative storage ideas: Empty space is wasted space in a city home or condo. Instead, home owners are making use of every bit of space, like under the bed and other pieces of furniture, walls and even ceilings, for storage. Under-furniture drawers are popular. They can be built-in, or free-standing versions can be purchased and simply slid underneath your existing furniture. Shelving makes use of otherwise unused wall space, and shelving can even be suspended from the ceiling.

Creative small space living solutions range in price, but there is a solution for every lifestyle and budget. Creative thinking is the key to making the most of every square and cubic foot of your compact urban home.


Out Of The Box Interior Designs For Your Home

Nowadays, people take lot of interest in interior designing of their home. They want to incorporate the latest trends and unique ideas to make their abode stand out from others.

Some out of the box ideas that will make everyone jealous of your home:

• Storage under the stairs: You can make drawers or cabinets under the stairs for keeping books, clothes, shoes etc. You can also have a book rack under the stairs or make shelves for keeping stuff like pictures of your family, some wall art etc.

• Herbal garden: If there's' a green a patch in your backyard, convert it into a herbal garden.

Fresh herbs have multiple uses. It has amazing health benefits and can also be used for cooking.

• Fire pits: Fire pits are small pits where you can light a fire. Make a small fire pit in your backyard to enjoy food and drinks with your friends. Fire pits can be made even inside the house enveloped by glass on all sides. It looks good and will keep you cosy in winters.

• Walk in pool: Create an image of a brook in a forest by planting lots of trees and placing lush green plants with a walk-in pool. You can use sand and shells along the walk-in pool to create a seaside atmosphere.

• Hammock over the stairs: Place a hammock over the stairs; a unique place for some leisure reading and looks wonderful too.

• Tree house: A secluded tree house can be made in the garden. A perfect hideout for the kids to have fun.

• Use backyard space: Put some lights outside (like pendant lights) to create an ambiance after sunset. Place comfortable couches and chairs in your backyard to relax after a hard a day at work.

• Merge outdoors and indoors: Keep some green plants inside your home like in the living area or washroom. Have some glass windows facing your garden. To create an impact, you can make synthetic lawn indoors. Place some cushions on a stone bench or couch in the garden to utilize your outdoor space for good.

• Multipurpose furniture: Buy furniture for your home which not only looks good but offers storage as well. For instance, a trunk that can be used for keeping magazines, books and also serves as a coffee table. You can buy loft bed or sofa cum bed for the kid's room. It has lot of cabinets and drawers that offer excellent storage space.

• Theme based bed rooms: Get creative and use themes in your room. For instance, you can have cartoons posters or cartoons painted on the walls of the kid's room. The closet or cupboard can also be painted with cartoon characters to give a nice feel to the room. Place a football or teddy bear to complete the look of your kid's room. For automobile enthusiasts, you can have an automobile themed room. Use a full length poster of car on the wall with tires all over the place. Same color furniture to go with the color of the car. This will give the room a personalized as well as a stylish look.

If you have the sources, you can seek the services of a professional interior designer who is adept in this field. Otherwise, follow these tips and see the difference in the interior designing of your home.

Interior Design Course for All Enthusiasts

Are you creative? Do you have a wild imagination? Do you think a few changes inside or outside your home can bring improvement in the overall design? Then you must be a great observer having a creative mind. Wait no more and polish your skills by becoming a designer. All those, who are gifted with certain talents and creative abilities don't find it difficult to become a designer. You also need to have a good sense of matching, contrast and color. But don't worry with the passage of time, you will develop all the required skills and produce amazing interior designs. All you need to do is get enrolled and start the course of interior designing.

Most of us try to experiment different things on our own. We try to change the design, furniture and other accessories of our room in order to give it a fresh look. But we are not well-aware of the important elements that are linked with decoration, renovation and over-all look of any place. We might not be successful in the end, as there will be some problems with the matching or contrasting of colors, arrangement of decoration items, furniture and other fittings and finishes. You might not get the look that you had desired for. It is all due to lack of information related to the basics of designing. Your space might look uninteresting, cramped or mismanaged. There are small points that contribute towards the positive changes inside any rooms. You can make a lot of difference by changing or adjusting the bedding, furniture, blinds and even curtain rods. If done in the right manner they will add to comfort and beauty of your space.

To manage interior renovation related to designs, one must have ample knowledge. Or, you will need to hire an interior designer. Both options are good but why don't you try to learn how to carry out different changes. You will get an opportunity to become creative and develop interesting designs with the help of your imagination. Youngsters are getting enrolled for this program and they are looking forward towards their career in interior designing. By learning interior designing, you will manage your renovation tasks and even help your friends and family. There is nothing wrong with becoming an interior designer by choosing a proper training course. Later, you can earn money by finding work and playing your role by making the lives of many people comfortable and worth-living.

5 Reasons Why a Professional Designer Is Better Than DIY

Remember when your home was new and the decorating possibilities seemed endless? You planned all the DIY projects that would transform it into the home of your dreams. Yet, you never got around to them. You put them off until you had more time, more money. I get it. Life got in the way. Now it looks drab and stale, showing the wear and tear of time. You're there every day, but barely take notice.

Your home is your oasis, a place where your life unfolds. It should be a place where you can relax, entertain and live. You should feel a sense of pride when you enter it. It's time to tackle those projects and create the dream home you always wanted. Try a fresh coat of paint, new flooring, new cabinets or an updated bathroom.

Consider Hiring an Interior Designer

If you love the idea of redecorating, but don't have the time or energy to take on DIY projects, don't fret. For less money than you think, you can hire a professional designer to do it for you. Most interior designers will be more than happy to work with you and your budget. You can do one project at a time, as your finances allow, as long as you don't mind the continued disruption in your household. Alternatively, you could get it all done at once for more immediate results. A small personal loan would probably cover the cost.

5 Reasons Why Hiring a Professional Is Better

1. A designer is looking at your home from a new perspective, just as you did when you first moved in. They are trained to notice details that you may have overlooked and because they do this for a living, they can bring some fresh ideas to the table. They know what works and what doesn't. They take into consideration factors like the layout of your house, the height of your ceilings, accent walls and the natural lighting inside each room.

2. A professional will save you the expense of having to buy all the tools necessary to do the job; tools you'll probably never use again. Whereas you would have to go out and purchase painting supplies, ladders, steam cleaners and a slew of other items, the decorator is sure to have all these tools already. They even take care of cleaning up once the job is complete.

3. They will get the job done faster and you will see quicker results. The decorator will be remodeling your home every day while you work, so your days off can be spent how you'd like. They will not be distracted by the door, the phone or the mail. There is no stopping to pick up the kids, start dinner or run errands.

4. Another money-saving plus is that they're not likely to make mistakes. Imagine tiling an entire floor before realizing that you measured wrong and nothing lines up! Mistakes, such as wrong measurements or faulty wiring are an expense that could break your budget. You're designer has the experience to get the job done right, the first time.

5. So, the designer has finished his work and all you need are the finishing touches to pull it all together. Accessories, such as furniture, wall art, lamps and scatter rugs, can alter the entire feel of a room. Don't start buying a piece here and a piece there. Rushing to get it done will leave your rooms looking like they were put together haphazardly with leftovers. Coordinate your accessories one room at a time for a look that is sure to wow all who see it.

Letter Art Adds a Unique Element to Your Design

If you have been keeping up with design trends, then surely you have noticed that letter art is a hot commodity. Using letter art in room decor is nothing new, but like all trends it seems to come and go in popularity.

Today letter art is hotter than ever. In the past, using letter art was relegated to children's rooms most of the time, but today it can be used in any room in the home!

Inspiring Quotes: Many designers want their spaces to inspire the homeowner. What better way to inspire than by using letter art with some inspiring quotes to start the day off right? You can find artwork with quotes from inspirational leaders, or go with a spiritual quote if your homeowner leans that direction. It's up to you, but using an inspirational quote can add flair to any space.

Personalized Letter Art: A recent trend has photographers taking photos of objects that resemble letters, and piecing them together to make a word. One photographer I interviewed recently goes to college campuses for her shoots, then makes artwork with the university name from the photos she takes. Alumni love her work and she sells them all over the country. The same trick could be used by DIY types to create an image with the family's last name. Expecting parents could do the same with the baby's name. The possibilities are endless!

Letters as Graphic Art: You don't have to make it personal at all if you so choose. Instead, you can simply find a letter whose shape you like and create a large graphic design using just one letter. Recently, I took a large canvas and simply painted the letter "Q" on it to install in a room design. It really stands for nothing in particular, but the homeowner loved it! The room had an overabundance of straight lines, so the circular shape of the "Q" added some softness while instantly adding a conversation piece.

How To Buy a Cheap Shower Curtain

Even our showers need redecorating! A shower curtain fulfills the task of making an otherwise plain bathroom into one that is more attractive and fun. Unfortunately, most shower curtains with pretty designs nowadays are manufactured by well-known and more expensive brands. When budget constrains you to shy away from the expensive brands and look for more affordable ones, always remember that cheap does not mean it is not pretty.
Are you interested in buying cheap shower curtains? Here are some places you should check out:
  1. Go directly to the manufacturer's store and avoid the middleman. Chances are, you can walk away with a shower curtain at 70% off when you buy it directly from the factory. You can buy the shower curtains at factory price because you have already eliminated the padded price they allot for resellers. This is, of course, applicable if you have a shower curtain factory near your location. Also consider that you may be required a minimum order to get a huge discount, so it will be better to bring some friends on your shower curtain shopping trip.
  2. Go to an overstock distributor. Overstock distributors are shops that sell product leftovers. Remember, however, that the stocks are considered leftovers of a batch or design previously manufactured in the past season or two. Manufacturers assign their excess stocks to be sold by their overstock distributors. Since the designs are out of season, the stocks are priced relatively lower than the newer designs. Coming from an older batch does not mean that the stocks are of inferior quality, because overstock distributors make sure that these are well kept.
  3. Shop online. You can find cheap shower curtains from online retail shops, too. Head to Amazon to get an idea on which brands of shower curtains are stylish, yet inexpensive. You can also try looking at websites of home decorating shops to view their stocks in their online gallery. If the price is not posted, you may call the shop or, better yet, ask if there are items on sale. Do not concentrate on just one retail store and try to window shop as much as possible. Get your shower curtain from the one that offers the most affordable price at free shipping. You can also choose to make an online transaction with a retail store that has a branch near your location to save on shipping costs. Basically, you just used their official website to view their stocks and prices before heading out to their store.
  4. Head out to the thrift shop. You can try checking out if they have shower curtains at your local Goodwill or at the Salvation Army. What you find may not be new but they may still be reusable. All it would take is a little creativity and imagination on your part.
Finding a cheap yet attractive shower curtain becomes less of a daunting task if you have your hunting and research skills on hand. Pretty can also be cheap. So, head to your shower curtain hunting trip now that you know where to start.

Contemporary Wall Mirrors

While mirrors are a centuries old accessory and home interior necessity, contemporary wall mirrors bring a whole new sense of decorative style to your modern décor. Whether used alone or in combination with other art and accessories, contemporary wall mirrors will add sleek visual impact while making a space seem bigger and brighter. There are unlimited applications when using contemporary wall mirrors as focal points. Here are a few suggestions on where to start.

Step 1

Single Mirrors. Try a large contemporary wall mirror on its own as a dramatic and stunning focal point over a sofa, dining console or fireplace mantle. Set up high on a wall, a wall mirror will reflect light and make a space feel noticeably larger. Frames and styles range from wide or narrow frames in matte finishes or shiny finishes in chrome, nickel, brass or painted metal. Beveled edges and leaded glass let you introduce a vintage or nostalgic vibe.

Step 2

Series of Mirrors. Make a focal point with a series of mirrors arranged symmetrically or with casual unbalanced flair. Create a sense of unity and order with frames in the same finish, color or style. Or use a plain beveled edge mirror for minimalist impact. Try a large circular mirror offset over a couch and balance it with a series of three smaller circular framed mirrors in graduated sizes.

Step 3

Large Rectangular Mirrors. Create a focal point over a bed with a large rectangular mirror. Combine it with a simple wooden headboard in a deep shade of chocolate or espresso to add shimmer to the room. Let the headboard slightly overlap the bottom of the mirror keep the flow uninterrupted. Use sumptuous shades of taupe on the wall and in bedding by combining textures such as brushed chenille, suede and leather. Reflect a trio of vertically hung modern botanical or abstract prints in soothing shades of green and blue on the opposite wall and place a modern cushioned seat bench at the foot of the bed. Add a few accessories of glass, stone and natural fiber on the night tables along with sea green lamp bases topped with elongated linen drum shades to complete this sophisticated bedroom retreat.

Step 4

Pivoting Wall Mirrors. Go beyond the typical mirrored medicine chest in the bath. Pivoting wall mirrors are a great accent for a bathroom focal wall over the sinks and vanity. Create a stunning focal point over a tub with a dramatic contemporary mirror with a geometric design of overlapping squares. Black accents in an all white bath with animal inspired prints makes modern Safari style easy to achieve.

Step 5

Mirrors to Enlarge Spaces. Enlarge your dining space with a mirror over the console or server. Choose a dazzling circular mirror surrounded with a frame of glistening tiles or capiz shells against an accent wall in a soothing shade of deep green. A tall simple vase made of black glazed pottery or metal balances the mirror when filled with graceful greenery or orchids.

Step 6

Tall, Contemporary Mirrors. A narrow wall beside an entry becomes an instant focal point with a tall rectangular contemporary wall mirror set behind a trio of nested side tables. Add a mirrored tray to the top of the table and adorn it with a vase of flowers that will be reflected from behind and below, making the space extra welcoming.

Use a Room Color Visualizer to Determine Paint Color Ideas

Choosing the right room color can be confusing. Most people want their room to look comforting and relaxing after a day's work. You might think of hiring a professional interior designer. But that isn't necessary, because you can get professional paint color ideas straight from your desktop. The market is stocked with a thousand choices in room color paints nowadays. You may choose one color scheme today for your interior decorating, and then the next day you may realize that your second choice would best fit your room.
The Internet is a vital tool for you to mix and match paint colors. Online digital visualizers allow you to preview your room color ideas before you paint. You can work like a pro in your very own home. You can discover and explore numerous color palettes, choose what mood you want for your interior, and play with color coordination. These visualizers are also available at your local home stores. Here are some tips for choosing paint colors using a room color visualizer.
These are recommended sites that you may want to visit:
  • Sherwin-Williams.com
  • Valspar.com
  • BHG.com
  • BEHR.com
  • Glidden.com
  • BenjaminMoore.com
Check out color meanings, visualizers, etc. on these sites. Play with the different hues and color textures. What's good about these visualizers is that you can print what you have designed online and closely examine it beside your wall. (Alert! Please remember that your printer may not exactly interpret the hue you see on your screen.) You may also save some of your online creations for future use and preferences. Other sites offer more than mixing and matching, they even have a collection of complimentary colors and color suggestions for your fabric, accents, trim and flooring.
Whether you want a Tuscan color theme or something Victorian or industrial, you can explore a great number of possibilities by using a visualizer. Decorating ideas help to develop the artistic side in you. Find your perfect color room match with this tool. Here are some tips here that you may find helpful so you can fully maximize the use of a visualizer.
  • Have a color scheme in mind first. Choose whether you want to use complimentary, analogous or neutral colors. Plan a theme for your very own room.  
  • Evaluate your colors effect under natural and artificial light.  
  • Personalize your own mood with your color preferences. Choose whether you want your room to have a warm mood or relaxing mood. You can match a warm color with a cooler compliment to have a better feel of the room.  
  • Assess every color's value and intensity.  
  • Compliment color with your accessories such as flooring, rug, vases, pillows,&etc.  
  • If undecided, or planning  to rent or sell, you may want to choose safe, neutral colors.


Everyone deserves a relaxing environment after being out all day for work. Now, choosing the perfect room color shouldn't give you a terrible headache. All you have to do is sit at your computer and be an interior designer yourself. And knowing that you designed your own haven is indeed something you'll love to come home to.

How To Install French Doors

When installing French doors you need to make sure that you have the right tools, the patience and an extra pair of hands just in case. Once you have decided on your desired French door you can begin your installation process.
The first thing you need to do when installing a French door is measure the door opening. Once you know what the measurements, you can order the precise door that you need. When you receive the door, unpack it but do not remove anything except the packaging around the door.
The tools that you will need are: tape measure, paint, paint brush, screws, screwdriver, shims, and silicone caulking.
Once you have the door out, it is time to caulk the doorsill line underneath where the bottom of the door will be placed. Now you can fit the door inside the opening. Check to make certain the top and bottom of the door are level. Set one hinge jamb with its screw about six inches from the top of the door. Place shims on the top and sides of the door as needed. Put screws in above the hinges and check the evenness of the door all the way around. The door should sit evenly; once everything is completely level and the door is flush with the wall, attach the remainder of the screws.
Now that the door is fairly secure you can unclip the packing clips on the door and it should work properly. Now it's time to put insulation between the door and the frame. Install the molding and caulk the exterior molding to stop any air leaks.  The last step is to paint the moldings on the inside. This isn't strictly necessary, and whether you decide to do it will depend on the finish of the molding and the color of the wall around the frame of the door.
One thing to remember about installing doors is that everything needs to be level or the door won't close properly, so do not put in all the screws and moldings before you determine whether the door has been properly seated into the frame. You should only put in the top hinges and then check the leveling of the door.
Also, if you find it too difficult to install the doors yourself it is wise to consult a remodeler or contracting service to assist you.  If you are trying to install double doors, you will need a few sets of hands or professionals to install the doors correctly, so never be afraid to ask for help.

How To Do DIY Window Frame Installation

There are different kinds of windows, as you may already know. There is a glass window, a vinyl window, a wood window, and even a metal window. Most people see the window as just one whole unit. However, there is a window frame that holds the windows in place. These frames can be made of wood, aluminum, steel or vinyl.
It is given that when the frame is made of wood, it will be susceptible to damage caused by termites and other natural conditions. With this, a repair will be necessary. It goes the same with frames made of other materials. Moreover, just in case a window repair will not do the trick, then an installation of a new one is needed.
Window replacement is actually not hard to do. Usually, you will not need the help of professionals to replace it. This is one task that you can actually do yourself. It just requires following the basic steps:
1. Get your tools ready. Before you even attempt to make a window frame installation, you better set all your tools first. Some of the needed tools can be found just inside your home. The tools should include:
  • Miter saw
  • Nail gun or hammer
  • Tape measure
  • Square
  • Level
  • Pencil
  • Utility knife
  • Screw driver
  • Caulk Filler
You may borrow some from your neighbors if you don't have them or you can find these from hardware shops as well. The tools that you need will depend on the type of window you are installing the frame to. Of course, you need a different set with a glass window as opposed to having an aluminum or vinyl window.
2. Start with the repair or the installation. The installation of the window frames is done by installing three other parts such as the extension jambs, window stool and casing trim.
  • Extension jambs - In installing these pieces, the first thing to be done is the top followed by the sides. If you do not want to have a windowsill, then you may skip the installation at the bottom of the window.
  • Window stool - After measuring the width of the window and cutting the stool in the right size, you are now ready to affix it to the jambs. When cut properly, it could be easily slid into the extension jobs. Nails are necessary to install each piece.
  • Casing the trim. This part is almost on the finishing touches. Measure the casing trim and install it on all the sides of the window frame. You may sink in nails at both ends of the trim. The final touch includes ensuring that all the nails are sunk properly on the material.
These are some basic steps you need to follow to replace the window frames. For more accurate results, most of the dealers of window frames, especially do-it-yourself window frames, come with instructions that are very helpful. Knowing this, you can already play like a carpenter with your windows.

Implementing Lifestyle Changes Through These Home Makeover Tips

Owning a home is just like grooming yourself. They say that how the house looks reflects who the owner is. If you don't want to be tagged as someone who is lazy, boring and unaesthetic, here are some few home makeover tips that will turn your house into a conversation topic by your friends.

Accessorize your home by playing with colors

Colors and hues should not rest on your walls and floor alone. Your capacity to understand color and how it affects mood should be connected to the way of making your house visually appealing. Home accessories of different hues can impart varied moods. They can also increase the balance you want to achieve in a certain house part.

Make some of your spaces pop out with bold, bright colors. Arrest a corner by making it inviting with exciting implements. Show festive vibes with eccentric pieces like works of art. Dill spaces can go livelier with vibrant and vivid hues which can be provided by exceptional ceramics, lamps, and even the huggable marshmallow pillows.

Create a sense of style with personally-chosen home appliances and electronics

Unless you really can afford it, you can make some of the recently unveiled gadgets and home appliances in the CES 2015 as your housemates. Imagine how cool it is to have the new 94-inch TV with 4k display. But not all can have the money to purchase that piece at the moment. And if you're one among the budget busters, why not settle with the mid-range versions of the commonly-used household appliances. For instance, you can avail of the air wash models by Samsung. They perfectly combine form and function that makes it a chic adornment to compact spaces. Of course, you also have plenty of choices when it comes to air conditioners, home theater, and refrigerator. It's all within your judgment and how you put them in their proper places that will create a sensible and stylish look.

Stamp old tables and cabinets with laminates

If you don't want to get your hand with paint, then why don't you try the aesthetics provided by laminates. They can offer modern and luxurious designs to your weary and old furniture. There are plenty of designs to choose from as there are pre-stamped versions which have designs like metallic swirls, floral and silver patterns. You can also use them on your bar area, kitchen islands, and counters.

Implementing these few tips will make you see that your house doesn't have to be boring and lifeless. In fact, home makeover can be done regularly by rotating these ideas and merging them with other inspirations you may have seen from other sources like magazines.

Designing and Choosing the Right Interior Design Academy

Designing is one of the most interesting and versatile fields that offers various opportunities. From the past many years designers have earned a respectable position by producing good work. They also get paid in a handsome manner, for the interior designing that they do. Many people are naturally born artists and designers and they don't need to do a lot of hard work to get successful. All they need to do is learn a few technical details and produce amazing designs. In any case, you will need to take a proper interior designing course in order to become a professional designer.

Designers know that there are endless possibilities for developing the right space. By space it means different things that are present inside a room or certain area. A space will include furniture, fittings and other elements like light, balance, color, etc. It is actually a vast field that reflects the lifestyle of any person or the purpose of building any space. Regardless of the origin or theme the more important fact is to develop a space in harmony. Each and every item must be designed and projected in a suitable manner to please the visitor.

You can become a smart designer by choosing the right interior designing course. In the beginning, few people get confused due to the vast options that they have to choose from. But don't get astray; always choose a course according to your requirements and budget. There is no need to enroll if; you are not willing to spare some time and effort in this course. You will need to learn on daily basis. Theoretical work is not enough for a designer, as it is important to do some practical work also. An accredited interior design academy will make sure that a person is learning and progressing in the required manner. It is not about finishing chapters one after another and gaining no experience. Field work is very different from the theoretical learning.

You will need to explore different areas and see how a designer has worked hard to develop a creative and interesting interior. Each space has its own purpose and usage criteria and a designer works hard to make the best use of any space. Learning from the best academy will induce professional skills and enable a designer to provide the best to a client according to the expectations. Styles and trends keep on changing and a designer will leave gap for future alterations and improvements. People tend to renovate their interior after a period of five years. Most of the designers develop particular styles that last for ten or more years even.

Interior designing can be done according to rustic, classic, contemporary or traditional style. But bold and confident designers might try a blend of different tastes and styles. But it takes to be an experienced designer to try such challenging interior designs. A designer must not develop strict rules for designing, as they will limit the selection and options. Always try different stuff and create interesting interior designs.

When Playing and Using Colors in Your Home - Remember These Tips

Color is everywhere. It is a vital element used in every aspect of home design. With wise color choices, a home owner can create clever combinations that are dazzling to the eyes. However, there are just some choices that result into chaotic visuals than what are assumed to be stunning. In order to guide you with color play, here are few tips.

Never forget to reflect who you are.

Personality should always mirror your house, because it is yours. Thus, when choosing from a color palette, always begin with your preferences. It is you who will dwell on the space and probably it is for a long-time period. Choose hues that will give you comfort and satisfaction.

Refine your choices.

When done with your color choices, you may have to refine them to prevent clashes. If it is warmth you want to exude, then go with shades of red and yellow. If you want a cool ambiance, hues of blues are best. You can also achieve classic looks with alternates of whites and blacks.

Always have flexible items that area easy to change and move.

When designing a home, accents are not always provided by paint alone. It should go perfectly with items that are easily movable and changed to alter effects. These items usually include rugs, curtains, lamp shades, throw pillows, slip covers, and table runners.

Stay within your budget.

Budget also plays part when choosing how the colors will change the way your house looks. For complex patterns and shades, you may want to stash some more of your savings. If your budget is restricted, then go for lighter shades and pastel options.

Experiment with laminates and wallpapers.

Aside from paint, you can also achieve sophisticated and beautiful home appeal with the use of laminates and wallpapers. Laminates like those with stamped designs can be easily adhered to tables and other wooden furniture. They can conceal damages from wear and tear too. Wallpapers have complex patterns available which will give your surfaces ornamented styles after using them.

Combine color with the effect of light.

Color and light are inseparable elements. The way a color is seen changes when strike upon by light. The amount of light on a surface bearing some colors will thus change with the absence or presence of light. It may seem that you have used different colors, but in reality, you only used a single color. This is all because of the effect of light - altering the visual perception of the shade and color present.

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