eastwest interior

5 Quick Ways To Upgrade Your Bathroom

2011-12-19T03:42:00.000-08:00

Everyone wants a stylish and trendy home without having to spend too much. More often than not, most renovation budgets allow for only a portion of your home to be refurbished and the bathroom is usually the last on the list of priorities.

For those who are tired of the state of their bathrooms and wish to upgrade its design without the extra hassle and cost of a full-force renovation, below are five easy-to-follow steps for any household.

With these tips, you can have a small sanctuary with little touches that reflect your personality and style. Whether you're a minimalist who likes clean and sleek designs or if you prefer bright quirky designs and unique shapes, there are options for everyone.

1. Accessorise and make your shower experience more enjoyable
Add a touch of colour or quirky utensils to add more spice to your bathroom.
Accessories make a noticeable and significant difference to any home space. If you fancy fresh and vibrant spaces, add a little splash of colour with some eye-catching hand soap dispensers, toothbrush holders or soap trays.

Those who prefer modern concepts can look out for accessories in monochrome tones and sleek finishings.
You can choose from a variety of easy-to-install fittings including colourful showerheads, bold and decorative screens or shower curtains that stylishly separate your bath area from the toilet. There are also fantastic options of quirky accessories like toilet roll dispensers and towel hooks in animated shapes and functional designs.

If you are in the mood, exercise some creativity by stenciling a pattern onto a plain bathroom cabinet or wall tiles to give your bathroom an instantly chic update. Mix up your textiles with some luxurious bath mats to break up the monotony of floor tiles or display personalised images and artwork for an intimate feel. Last but not least, all intimate spaces need to smell good, so opt for some good quality pot pouri or scented candles for that final touch.

2. Sleek and eco-friendly faucets for a modern washing experience
High quality, stylish faucets are in high demand lately and can add a touch of sophistication to your bathroom. We recommend picking out sleek, wall-mounted designs with a smooth and versatile chrome finish — perfect for saving space with a touch of modernity.

You can also opt to do your bit to conserve water with energy efficient faucets. There are now several ways to do so with trendy new designs. For example, single-lever mixers feature integrated water-saving technologies that restrict the rate of water flow allowing you to reduce water consumption without sacrificing on performance.

Tips for conserving water:

- You can reduce water consumption of your basin mixer by up to 40 percent by replacing the aerator of your basin mixer with an energy-saving alternative.

- Consider purchasing a toilet with dual flush technology, which gives you the option to use about four litres on the low flush and six on the full flush.

3. Light up your life with your bathroom
There are various lighting options to open up the space or exude a nice ambience in your bathroom.
Lighting serves to brighten and decorate any room and remains a simple and effective way of setting the ambience and opening up a space.

There are endless options of functional and decorative lighting available, including spotlights, ceiling lights, mirror lights and incandescent strip lights, all designed to serve a different function.
New forms of lighting include LED or halogen lighting which can be activated by a soft off/on button for gradual illumination.

For themed spaces, playful vanity globes can be used on mirrors, as seen in celebrity dressing rooms, and are ideal for those who frequently doll up. You can use diffused lights, which cut down on shadows and provide maximum light to your face.

A popular choice for ceiling illumination lately is recessed lighting consisting of simple, circular lamps installed into a hollow opening in the ceiling, creating the look of having light shining from a narrow spotlight.

4. Mirrors
Mirrors and lighting go hand-in-hand and if used well, can act as a focal point for your entire bathroom space. As we know, mirrors come in all shapes and sizes. We recommend always choosing a style with the theme of your space in mind.

For example, if you like traditional and elegant designs, opt for intricately framed, oval-shaped mirrors. Modern and classic spaces on the other hand, look best with unframed, circular or beveled (custom) mirrors. Mirrors can also be used to reflect a favourite object in the room or the outdoors when placed facing a window.

While in the shower, mirrors frequently get fogged with steam. For those who find this annoying, try installing an electric bathroom mirror defogger. These defoggers consume very little electricity yet are incredibly effective.

Some useful tips when choosing a mirror:
- The mirror should never extend beyond the counter top over which it is hung.

- If a vanity has two sinks, either hang two mirrors with side lights or hang a single wall-to-wall mirror (perfect for a clean, contemporary look).

- A popular trend for lighting is to hang a sconce (lights that are directly attached to flat surfaces) onto a mirror which offers an easy way to double the amount of light in the room.

5. Go green with plants
You can go green, literally! Plants add a welcoming touch to any bathroom. You can explore multiple types of plant arrangements such as displaying small clusters of potted plants in a basket or on a shelf and covering them with pebbles to create a chic look.

For those who prefer a maintenance-free option, consider buying or making a Terrarium, which are small, indoor plants placed within exquisite candy jars (acting as an enclosed vacuum) with the ability to survive without any need for water or sunlight.

There are many options to spruce up any space in simple and cost effective steps. Be it with plants, paintings or colourful accessories, all aspects of your bathroom should reflect your personality. We hope these tips have helped you in your plans to refurbish your bathroom and equipped you with some useful renovation ideas which can be applied to any room in your home.

Source: Interior Affairs, Singapore's largest one-stop venue for European bathroom and kitchen fittings

Dealing with Contractors

2011-11-09T20:41:00.000-08:00

We live in a world where one needs the help of others to get many things done.
There may be a need to repair or renovate the house one stays in, or to fix certain items in the house. Given the manner in which society has evolved, life in the bigger towns can get very impersonal. The parties involved in a transaction are unlikely to know each other. Hence they may approach each other with caution.
Should money be paid first or the work done first?

The employer may be apprehensive that the contractor may take the money and not do the job or do it in an unsatisfactory manner.
On the other hand, the contractor may feel that after he has wrapped up work, he may not get paid. This gives rise to the need for the employer to inquire about and assess the contractor and vice versa.

However, the contractor may be anxious to secure the contract first and think about payment later. Once both parties have reached an agreement, the question is: who starts by trusting the other first?

In most cases of home renovation, the employer is likely to be the owner of the property. This creates a situation where the contractor can start work as soon as possible. However, the contractor needs to be paid because he has to buy materials needed for the renovation and pay his workers on a daily or weekly basis.
Of course, there are cases where the contractor actually shoulders all the payments until the work is completed and handed over.

However, this is only done where the contractor has the requisite financial resources and the employer is known to have the ability to pay.

A more practical approach would be to make progress payments as and when work is done. The work can generally be divided into three or four stages; once each stage is reached, a proportionate amount is paid to cover the work done.
In doing so, it must be remembered that breaking up work into parts may not by itself correspond to the payment percentage because certain stages of work may involve higher cost.

Thus the stages have to be carefully structured to correspond with the amount to be paid. It is also unwise for the employer to pay the entire remaining balance after work is completed. This is because after a few days, certain shortcomings may become apparent. Once this happens and unless a contractor is an honourable person, he may not be interested in coming back to do any rectification.
This is because at such times, he is unlikely to get paid for further work done.
Therefore it is advisable to retain part of the contract amount to cover such eventualities.

This sum is referred to as a "retention sum".
In this way, the contractor would be obliged to make good the defects so that he can collect the retention sum. But what if the contractor does not agree to this arrangement?

In fact, the contractor may even go further and asks that he be paid 10% or 20% in advance before even starting work!
When faced with such a situation, it is for the employer to make his own assessment.
He needs to decide whether he is willing to take the risk of non-performance or unsatisfactory performance on the part of the contractor. Such requests will reflect on the mindset of the contractor.

The fact that he wants payment upfront could reflect on his financial capability. It could mean that he has no funds of his own to purchase the material or pay his workers for any period. Or that suppliers of materials are not prepared to allow him credit facilities.
His unwillingness to allow a retention sum to be held back could also indicate an unwillingness to acknowledge and be responsible for any shortcomings or defects in his work.

All these are possible but not necessarily an inevitable inference to be drawn.
The employer may then have to make a decision on whether to stand by his position or accede to the contractor's terms. Here a decision will have to be made in the context of who is in a stronger position to assert his terms and conditions or who needs the other more.

There is also the aspect that the contractor may have been approached on the basis of an advertisement in a newspaper or a magazine. If the contractor collects the initial down payment and deposit and absconds, is there any right to make a claim against the company that published the advertisement?

The answer is no.
This is because a newspaper or magazine is merely a conduit for facilitating communication. It does not, in accepting and publishing an advertisement of the goods or services advertised, give any warranty.

At the end of the day, it will have to be realised that there are always risks inherent in every transaction. Some risks are small, some are big. This cannot be avoided.
What one can do is to be aware and evaluate the risks, and be ready to deal with them should the need arise

Article by Bhag Singh

Know the Basics of Feng Shui

2011-10-17T01:46:00.000-07:00

It may be thousands of years old, but the Chinese art of feng shui is showing no signs of becoming outdated. On the contrary, it's more popular around the world than ever. Feng shui, which literally means "wind water" in Chinese, aims to incorporate natural elements and create harmony to actively encourage good fortune and dispel bad luck in a home.

Feng shui is not merely mysticism, it can add a touch of aesthetics to your home as well.
There are many principles of feng shui, but one of its main tenets is polarity or balance. The yin yang symbol is an excellent representation of equilibrium to bear in mind. In practical terms, this means having both relaxing, calm and passive (yin) and active, strong and vibrant (yang) elements. Ideas for yin features include a tranquil photo or painting and soft music, whereas bright colours and strong lights can add yang energy.

Whether or not you believe in the mystic benefits of feng shui, this art form can still breathe life into the layout, design and general feel of your home. Its basic tenets, which advocate placing five natural elements (wood, fire, metal, earth and water) into your home, can create a soothing atmosphere thanks to fountains with running water and potted plants.

In any residence, the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen form the vital backbone of a house. Feng shui is no different, and it recognises the importance of these three fundamental rooms. You will want your sleeping and washing areas to be filled with calm energy, and your eating area to be energised for hearty cooking and dinner parties.

In general, the way you decorate these rooms should be dictated by common sense. Trust your senses — if your kitchen is a hectic sensory overload of colours and sounds, your bedroom needs to be even more restful; a haven of tranquility to which you can retreat from noise and stress. Ideally, when considering your house room by room as well as in totality, it should seem like a stable, well-composed unit, with no room hogging the limelight.

Another tenet of feng shui is the flow of qi or energy. Again, while there are elements of mysticism here there is a grounding of common sense. "Blocking" the energy of your house can lead to a palpable sense of claustrophobia or oppression. Consider the entrance of your home, for example. Is that where you dump all your shoes and damp umbrellas? If so, your home forms a weak impression before you've even stepped through your door. A house with good feng shui will have a strong, clear flow of energy at the entrance.

And it's not just small homes that stand by this blend of aesthetics and mysticism. Massive and influential international companies such as HSBC, and even Marina Bay Sands here in Singapore, do consult feng shui masters when designing new office headquarters or buildings.
Whichever way you look at it, feng shui has something to offer to any home owner. Yet there is obviously a lot more to learn about this simple yet intricate art.

By Daniel Seifert

To hear more, you can head to the iProperty.com EXPO for a talk by Joey Yap, founder of Joey Yap Consulting Group. On October 29 at Marina Bay Sands Singapore he will be discussing practical feng shui for property buyers. Visit www.iproperty.com/expo/ for more details.

DIY - Creating the ideal home office

2011-09-27T03:16:00.000-07:00

Working from home has over the years seen a paradigm shift from being an option to a chosen few employees to today being an alternative to many as the cost of commuting to work rises and as environmental consciousness and the willingness of employers to save on cost and retain valued employers become more important.

The great thing about making your home your place of work besides the fact that you don’t have to rush to get to work on time, is that you are able to work at your own pace, have your own schedule and most importantly, there’s no need to wear a shirt and tie all day long!

But working from home does present its own challenges too. For example, an office has all the necessary technology and supplies to help you do your duties, but your home does not.

Don’t worry, because here are some basic requirements that will set you on the road to a functional home office. They include:

◦Deciding on a budget.

◦Purchasing the necessary equipment that will help you in your work, and deciding where to set them up.

◦A computer, such as a desktop or laptop. This is a MUST HAVE!

◦A printer is a good investment. You might want to consider printers that double-up as scanners and photocopiers. You will save on money and space.

◦Setting up phone and electrical lines. You will have to make sure that you have sufficient electrical outlets to plug your computer, printer, etc.

◦Good lighting which is essential for you to work well. Purchase a small desktop lamp if you need to work into the night.

◦Is the room air-conditioned? If not, you might want to buy one. You can get an inexpensive portable air-conditioner these days which works well.

◦Designing your home office in such a way that your work time remains separate from what other family members are doing so that you do not get distracted and lose productivity. Noises coming from the television or the cooking that’s being done in the kitchen are some examples of distractions that can affect your work.

◦Using indoor plants to soften up the look of your home office. They will also help boost your general health by filtering air and increasing oxygen levels.

◦Investing in cabinets to help keep important files and documents.

Feng Shui For Your Home Office
If you are keen to make your stint working from home a success, why not try Feng Shui. According to Feng Shui practitioners, it can bring benefits to your work and lifestyle. Here are some tips you can try.

◦Have your home office as far away from the bedroom as possible. This will ensure that your work life remains separate from other activities in your private life.

◦Position your desk in such a way that your back is not facing the door. Also make sure you are not facing a wall whilst you are sitting at your desk.

◦Do not keep a lot of things in your work place. It is believed that clutter drains your energy.

It’s becoming easier to work from home
The huge advancements in technology have made it easier for people to work from home. You can converse with your colleagues or bosses over the phone and conduct meetings through the internet by using webcam technology and Skype. The conveniences of such technology are making home offices a viable option for more and more people.
Maybe it’s something you might want to consider for yourself?

Article courtesy of - http://www.propertyguru.com.sg/

Worst Decorating Mistakes

2011-08-26T02:37:00.000-07:00

There are no decorating rules that are set in stone since everyone's tastes are different. There are, however, standards of decorating that most people agree on. See the list below for the most common decorating mistakes that go against common decorating standards.

Decorating Mistake #1 - Clutter
There should be a place for everything and everything should be in its place. Clutter can make even the best designed homes look bad. Clutter can also add stress, burden, and anxiety to your life, so get rid of it. Go through your decor at least once a year to purge and put away items that you no longer love. Instead of multiple smaller items, use one larger item in your decor. Kids have many things, so attempt to keep them in order. Try to Display Children's Art in a More Organized and Sophisticated Manner.

Decorating Mistake #2 - No Color
Most new homes are constructed with beige, cream, and white as the color scheme in order to appeal to as many people as possible. Paint your walls a color instead of light beige. If you are afraid of color, use a darker beige. Don't forget about painting your ceilings.

Decorating Mistake #3 - Protective Plastic Covering
Furniture and accessories often come in a protective plastic covering so they are not damaged or get dirty in shipping. The plastic covering should be removed immediately after you receive your item. Discard any plastic covering on your lamp shades, dining room chairs, sofa, or any other item. If you have children and are afraid of them getting your fabric dirty, consider getting a removable cover that should only be used when the child is using the furniture. You can also reupholster the furniture in a stain resistant fabric, such as a leather looking vinyl.

Decorating Mistake #4 - Cheap Artificial Flowers and Plants

Just admit it, you rarely clean your fake flowers and plants, especially the ones on top of your kitchen cabinets. Discard any faux flowers, plastic ivy, and dried flowers. Leave your upper cabinets bare except for maybe some uplighting. If you must have fake flowers or plants, spend extra money and get good quality ones, but make sure you dust them at least once a month.

Decorating Mistake #5 - Decorating with Generic Items to Fill the Space
Your home should be a reflection of your style, not a showroom for the popular accessories store down the street. Decorate your home with your own personal treasures, not generic items that happen to be the right size and color. Use decor from your travels, flea markets, antique stores, and other places that have one of a kind items instead of mass produced decor that your neighbors probably also have in their home.

Article courtesy of: http://www.interiordesigninfo.com/

DIY - Maximizing Small Spaces

2011-07-06T01:36:00.000-07:00

Picture: http://www.smootree.sg/

Many newly constructed apartments in Singapore are notorious for having small rooms. This can make it tricky for you when you are designing your room. However, living in a small space doesn’t mean that you have to compromise on style or comfort. You can still have the home of your dreams despite the cramped space with these great tips to help you.

Choose the right furniture
Furniture always takes up a lot of space and if you have a small room, then it doesn’t make sense to buy big bulky items such as that king-sized bed or ottoman for your bedroom. Get furniture which is compact so that you maximize space and your room won’t have to look cluttered. Another room where you can maximize space is your dining room. For example, a foldable dining table will help create more space when you are not using it. Another option would be to buy those dining tables that come with chairs which you can place under the table when not in use.

Custom made in-built cabinets will also help you save lots of space and it is an idea which works well in any room be it the bedroom, dining room, kitchen or guest room.
Another design tip to note is just to buy the essential furniture. Don’t go overboard and buy lots of items because it will clutter your room and make it look smaller and you’ll realize that you don’t have enough space.

Apart from buying the right furniture, there are another 6 tips you can use to help you design your small room.

◦Ask yourself if the room really needs a door. Doors are great for rooms like the bedroom because they allow for privacy, but what about the dining room or living area? Ask yourself whether you need a door for those rooms. A door would just make such an area look smaller and they would cut out the light and air flow which would make you feel even more claustrophobic. If you really feel that you need a door, get a sliding door so that you can play with different options.

◦Low ceilings create the effect of a smaller room. If you stay in a landed property, it’s possible to create higher ceilings for your rooms. High ceilings will give the effect of more space to the room.

◦Remove as much clutter as possible from your rooms. Invest in good closet space so that you can keep all your personal belongings in an organized manner which will free up space at the same time.

◦Walls can also create the effect of a smaller space. Apart from those walls which are necessary for structural support, do away with those other walls which are making your room look smaller.

◦Mirrors are a great piece of furniture to have because they help add character to a room and also reflect light enhancing a feeling of space.

◦When decorating your room, keep it simple. Avoid buying too many items to beautify the room because it will end up making it smaller.

◦When painting your room, avoid using dark colours because it will make the room look smaller. Go for lighter colours such as white or beige to create the effect of a bigger space.

◦Lighting is important. Bright lights will help to accentuate the space in your room while dim lights will make it look smaller.

Article courtesy of http://www.propertyguru.com.sg/

Buying Guide for Kitchen Cabinets & Countertops

2011-06-14T02:54:00.000-07:00

Remodeling a kitchen is one of the biggest and most exciting projects a homeowner can undertake. The choices and decisions may seem endless, but the possibilities and the payoff are immense. Your family will love cooking and eating together in a brand new space. And best of all, kitchen remodeling offers one of the highest return-on-investment results of any home improvement project. Start your kitchen renovation planning with these buying guides to get an idea of what choices await you.

Kitchen Cabinets
The starting point for every kitchen — the bone structure of the room — is its cabinetry. Kitchen cabinets can be arranged to meet specific needs, whether you’re a wine collector, a pastry chef or a family of nine. A wide variety of specialty cabinets and accessories are available to fit your specific situation.
The first decision to make about cabinetry is which type will work best for you. Kitchen cabinets are available in three levels of specialization and price:

Stock cabinets come in standard sizes and shapes, and are usually available to take home from the store the same day or just a few days later. Size and style options are limited with stock cabinetry, but the price is right for remodelers on a budget.

Semi-custom cabinets are built after your order is placed, so you can choose from among certain options of size and style. That flexibility makes it easier to design a kitchen that fits your particular requirements. Semi-custom cabinetry usually requires a longer lead-time for delivery than stock. Because they offer more choices, they are more expensive than stock cabinets.

Custom cabinets are made by hand to fit almost any standard you require. An odd-sized or irregular-shaped space in your kitchen might not accommodate a stock or semi-custom piece, but a custom cabinetmaker starting from scratch can build nearly anything you need. Custom cabinets are the most expensive of the three types; the exact price varies widely according to size, materials and options. The time it takes to receive a custom cabinet order depends on the cabinetmaker’s schedule.

Cabinet Accessories
Once you’ve decided on a set of cabinets, it’s time to think about accessories. As expected, custom cabinets offer the greatest range of accessories and personalization. But even stock cabinetry can be made much more efficient and useful with the addition of special racks, trays and drawer inserts.

Cabinet Hardware
A little black dress is a classic wardrobe choice, but imagine how much livelier it is when worn with a colourful necklace. Cabinet hardware provides a visual punch to dress up the look of the kitchen, and it also serves an important purpose. After all, what good are cabinets if you can’t open them up to reach inside?
Some cabinet hardware pieces are made specifically to work with the principles of Universal Design, which aims to make living and working spaces more accessible to people with limited physical abilities.

Kitchen Countertops
Once all the cabinetry decisions have been made, select a countertop to make the kitchen complete. Countertops are available in a variety of materials and price ranges, and the best configuration for your kitchen may actually involve more than one type of countertop material.

Article courtesy of Lowe's Home Improvement warehouse
http://www.lowes.ca/

Rules For Decorating Your Room

2011-05-10T04:57:00.000-07:00

It doesn’t matter which room it is, there are some things that are always worth bearing in mind when decorating or re-decorating your living space.

Rule 1: Size Matters
While the room is completely unfurnished, amble around it. Stand in various corners, wave your arms around, swing cats (not really) -– just make sure you have a realistic sense of how much stuff your room can fit. Because you’ll look mighty silly when you stick a two-ton sofa or imperial-sized dining table into an area that can’t accommodate it. Conversely, make sure you don’t underestimate the capacity of a room and buy decorations that are too small. Undersized shelves, chairs, tables etc will make it look like you’re living in a doll’s house.

Rule 2: Pick Patterns Prudently
Curtains, tablecloths, carpets, wallpapers and more all blaze out their own colours and patterns, and you want to make sure that they work cohesively. You wouldn’t wear plaid pants and bright white running shoes, so why put your faux zebra skin sofa beneath the polka-dotted blinds? The answer is, you wouldn’t. Think about how your decorations can work best side-by-side. It helps if you squint at your furnished room –- with objects blurred, you’ll be able to spot pieces that are glaringly mismatched.

Rule 3: Let there be (the Right Amount of) LightRule 3: Let there be (the Again, balance is the idea here. You don’t want to give off a hermit-like vibe by installing heavy velvet curtains that give off a cave-like atmosphere, nor is it advisable to install 100-watt light bulbs every two paces. Either extreme end of the spectrum is liable to make guests feel like they’re about to be harshly interrogated. You’ll ideally want to make use of natural light wherever possible, and spread lamps around the room so that there are no incongruous dark zones. Above all, don’t mix fluorescent with normal bulbs; it’s a recipe for a headache.

Rule 4: Comfort First
While it might seem to run counter to the points above, comfort should supersede all other rules. If you’ve found a recliner that makes you feel like the king (or queen) of your castle, a recliner so comfortable that you dream about it even when you’re in your bed, a recliner so soothing that it could broker peace in the Middle East –- then by all means, that should take precedence over its Mr. Men motif or garish but ergonomic pillows. After all, this is your home, not a showroom. (Plus you can always reupholster!)

For more property news, real estate reports and celebrity home features, head to www.iproperty.com.sg/resources

Choosing The Right Tiles For Your Home

2011-04-03T00:11:00.000-07:00

Picture: Topps Tiles

People forget how important it is to choose the right floor tiles for their home. While floors are not the first thing you notice upon entering a home, it is also the most basic structure of the house. Have you ever stepped into a home with uneven flooring, or had broken tiles? It doesn't create a good first impression at all.

In the past, tiles were used as artistic accents on the walls or floors of homes, but since they are easier to maintain than carpeting and hardwood floors, many people now choose tiles to line their floor.
There are many varieties of floor tiles available in the market today. Depending on the look and color that you want, you will be spoilt for choice. To help you narrow down your choices, here are a few tips to help you.

Style Star
The type of floor tiles that you choose for your home will depend on the style you are going for. If you are attracted to modern and industrial looking designs, then regular machine manufactured tiles should work well. But getting them all in the same size is important to maintain regularity.

If you are looking for a more rustic design, then you can opt for hand-made tiles. These tiles have uneven edges and are usually used for patios or driveways. Your contractor would need to cut the tiles to fit the space accordingly.
If mosaic tiles are more to your liking, then consult a decorator to give you design ideas on how to lay the tiles out in an attractive manner. The last thing you want is to have your contractor lay the tiles with no design in mind, which would be messy.

Size It Up
Before you can start shopping, you have to determine how much ground to cover. Exact measurements are imperative, as that would dictate how many tiles should be purchased. Tiles are usually 1x1 foot in size, so an accurate measurement of the floor space in square feet should be done.
If you're unsure about the size of your room, consult the blue-prints. Remember that any inaccurate measurements of your floor space could be a problem. You don't want to end up with too many tiles, which is a waste of money.

Hard Or Soft?
If you're looking to buy tiles for the floor, choose a harder variety. Determine how much walking is going to be done in the room. The more walking involved, the harder the tile should be. Other than that, you can choose softer tiles. Bathrooms don't need hard tiles as they aren't used as much as the living room. Determine how much walking is going to be done in the room and buy the right tile.

Budgeting
Tiles are sold per piece, so buying them for a large space could be an expensive proposition. Choose good quality tiles that are being sold at a lesser price. And if you're only re-tiling a small room, why not spend a little bit more on something luxurious. It so happens that Italians make the most expensive and beautiful hand-made tiles, often used for fountains and frescoes. So have a think about your budget before-hand.

If you're on a tight budget, then ceramic tiles are a good choice. They are the most affordable tiles on the market and are relatively easy to care for. A few quick swivels with a soapy mop will take care of most messes. And should an accident happen resulting in a few broken tiles, they can be easily replaced.

Article: Courtesy of Propertyguru.com

Turn Your House Into A Home

2011-03-02T23:49:00.000-08:00

Think of home and comfort is the first thing that comes to mind, a place that exudes beauty and cosiness. However, in our attempt to make our abode beautiful, we sometimes go over the top, giving it an over-decorated museum-type, almost garish look. This year, create your own intimate space that is homey and cosy while being stylish and elegant. Here are some quick tips to give your home that extra character by using different colours, themes and decorations.

Life on the coast

In this tropical island nation, the ideal way to decorate is to follow a theme where you always feel close to the coast. Use colours inspired by the sun, sand and water, and replace tile floors with wood or stone. Create the mood with cane couches upholstered with soft fabrics, and place bamboo or palm trees on either side. For the wall, buy paintings inspired by nature to create a serene environment. Put dried flowers or potpourri in a glass bowl and place it on the coffee table. Light up the house at night with incense candles.

Country style

Think Jane Austen and the first thing that comes to mind is mansions, dark Oakwood furniture, four-poster beds, skirted table covers, handmade rugs, embroidered curtains, all oozing class and grandeur. Who wouldn’t want to decorate their home the old fashioned English way? For starters, do up your walls with wallpaper in subtle but rosy colours. Buy couches with flowery patterns and dark wood armchairs for the living room. A grandfather’s clock will help enhance the décor. Old chests and wall bookcases with brass and iron knobs can add that extra class. Fresh flowers and silver or wrought candle stands would be a good way to decorate the dining table.

Freshen up

Blend the past and the future to create a brand new level of freshness in the decor. Make your home a fantasy land, filled with a surreal ambience where you can shut out the troubles of the world. Decorate with drapes, cushions, bed covers and other knick-knacks in shades of Pearlescent White, Sea Coral Blue, Icy Mist, Lavender Secret, Pink, Violet and Gold. Escape from reality when you enter your very own vibrant fairytale land.

Small is Big

It’s all about the small touches, the little things that add character. Give your living room wall a personal touch by hanging tiny wooden frames with pictures of family and friends. You could even buy a brand new vase for the floor or the dining table and fill it up with artificial or dried flowers. Tiny decorative artifacts can do a lot to brighten up and give a new flavour to your living space, but ensure that you don’t over-do it. Too many knick-knacks can clutter and take the charm out of the decoration.

Teen theme

Plan a colourful theme for your children’s room. Buy bright printed or striped curtains and bed spreads. Decorate their study table with flowers and pictures and place colourful bean bags on the floor. Put pictures of their favourite sportsman or rock band on the wall. You could even hang an electric guitar or a baseball bat on the wall, depending on their interests.

Laid back

While fancy couches can make your home look chic and elegant, a comfortable lifestyle theme ensures that you get your quota of peace, quiet and relaxation at home. Decorate your living room with reclining chairs with printed upholstery in bright cheerful colours. You could even put hammocks by the windows to lie back, relax and take in the breeze. Bead curtains and carpets in shades of Rosy Blush, Bronze Metallic and Dark Burgundy, can do much to accentuate the theme.

De-clutter

Too much furniture can make the room look cramped and small. If space is of the essence, you can replace bulky couches with floor cushions and place them on a rug. Cushions in lively colours can light up your room while making it look spacious and super comfy. Keeping your home tidy and free of clutter can also give it a spacious and bright look.

Stainless steel

While all our energies are usually directed towards revamping and decorating our living area, the kitchen is often forgotten. From drab and dreary tiles to modular kitchens, today, stainless steel makes the statement. Get stainless steel cabinets combined with vinyl flooring and make your kitchen look fresh and trendy.

The ageless antique

The colours of the past, charcoal gray, coffee, champagne, beige and a spicy red can give your home a very retro look. Classics can be styled to look trendy, while they continue to emanate an elegance of the past. You could hang an antique door from India as artwork, or add a fresh coat of paint to antique cupboards and cabinets. Style them with drapes and upholstery in vibrant colours. So whether its classical art or war-era furniture, let these vintage pieces from the past be an inspiration for the future,

Lighting

Lighting can make or break the way a house looks and feels. While ceiling lights give the home a cold feel, lamps exude warmth and coziness. Buy stylish table and floor lamps and place them in your living room and bedroom. Complement the lamps with soft textures on your furniture and drapes. You could even buy small and delicate chandeliers with soft lights, which can create the perfect ambience for a party. Big bay windows will ensure plenty of sunlight during the day making your home bright and cheerful.

By Sunaina Anand (Courtesy of ProperyGuru)

A Bigger Bathroom Through Lighting Techniques

2011-02-08T17:41:00.000-08:00

As is the case when selecting lighting for any room in your home, an important thing to consider is the design and layout of that space. The illumination of a room affects our perception of space proportions as light reflects from various surfaces including the walls, floor, and ceiling. Most often for bathrooms, we want to make the space seem larger or wider.

To create the illusion of a larger bathroom using lighting, select décor and furnishings with reflective surfaces. Keep in mind that a substantially lighter color on the ceiling (compared to the walls) visually lifts the room, creating the illusion of a higher ceiling. Dark floors create the illusion of a dropped floor, instantly lengthening the room. By directing lighting upward and keeping light saturation on the walls, you can visually expand your bathroom.

When choosing lighting for your bathroom it’s important to remember that optimal lighting has 3 layers: general/ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting. Layering light creates a tranquil atmosphere while having a function and purpose.

The first layer is general light. This layer of light illuminates a wide or general area. Ceiling lighting or overhead lighting is typically used to create this first layer. With ceiling lighting, keep in mind that the farther away light is, the larger the surface area that’s illuminated. For recessed lighting, consider a spotlight bulb as opposed to a floodlight bulb for a more even distribution of light. If ceiling height is not an issue, consider creating a chic or luxurious feel in your bathroom by adding a chandelier over the tub. The width of the chandelier should be twice the width of the room, but in inches rather than feet (a 12 foot wide room should have a chandelier no wider than 24 inches in diameter).

Task lighting is the second layer of light to consider for your bathroom. It illuminates specific areas as opposed to the general area. The most popular type of task lighting for the bathroom is vanity lights. When selecting bulbs for your vanity, keep in mind that the amount of light released into the bathroom is directly proportional to the clarity of the bulb. Frosted bulbs will cast less light than clear bulbs (depending on the paint job in your bathroom that might not be such a bad thing).

The final layer of bathroom lighting is accent lighting. This layer sets the mood of a room and can be used to draw focus toward its pleasant features while making the room seem larger. As an example, indirect or accent lighting could be used to highlight crown molding on the ceiling.

By choosing a light ceiling color and directing light upwards, you can instantly add length to your space. Layering light is multifunctional as it helps create a soothing environment while providing task specific illumination. Be mindful of small and large details of your bathroom’s décor, as this can affect our perception of space proportions.

Article by Bellacor : A one-stop showroom that promises a new way to shop the entire lighting and home furnishings industry from the comfort of your home by providing superior personal service and access to the largest collection of lighting and home furnishings on the web. Bellacor offers access to over 500,000 products from 700 manufacturers.

Top 10 Home Decor Trends in 2011

2011-01-16T18:36:00.000-08:00

When it comes to decorating a home, everyone wants a stylish, trendy and functional look without burning a hole in one’s pocket. Whether it’s a new home or refurbishing an existing one, style it a la mode. Here are the top trends for 2011.

Go Green
With climate change weighing down on our planet, becoming eco- friendly is the mantra for the coming year. Furniture made from re-used wood is in vogue; it could come from a discarded shipping boat or simply an old door. The colours and ‘imperfections’ in the furniture reflect the previous life of the wood before it was made into a dining table, shelf or lamp, giving it a distinct character of its own.

Say it with Plants
You can go green literally too. Leafy friends add that x-factor to your décor. Go for big indoor plants like palms, ferns or smaller trees. Or clump small potted plants together in a basket and cover them with pebbles to create a chic look. Cactus or plants with colourful foliage look great indoors. Also with Chinese New Year just around the corner, bring bamboos into your home, and enjoy the luck, serenity and positive energy they bring.

Mix and Mash styles
Classic antique ornate pieces work very well against modern clean cut furniture pieces, creating depth with contrasting elements. Play with artefacts’ – a classic pot can be enhanced by metallic handles or a traditional chandelier can be coloured unexpectedly. Eclectic styling, seen particularly in the revival of colonial furniture in Singapore and a mixing of periods, allows for a home to convey the personality of the owner. Hang an antique door as artwork in your otherwise contemporarily styled room to give it an edge. Furniture and accessories, which incorporate metal, ceramics, wood, iron and brass will be in vogue in the coming year as will furniture with a raw look.

Just pure Vintage
If mix-n-match is not your style, you can go pure vintage. It’s timeless and always in vogue. Nostalgia and old world designs from both the east and the west will be the rage in 2011. Antique furniture pieces can be given a new lease of life with modern re-upholstery. So whether it is antique cabinets or armchairs, go splurge.

Space Savers
Spacious bungalows are passé, and with property prices rising year on year, studio apartments have come to be in vogue. Space is of the essence, and the furniture in your home can reflect that. Go in for that sofa-cum bed, or a sofa-cum-massage chair, a coffee table with in-built cabinets, a bar which doubles as a dining area, or an L-shaped cabinet for the corners which will help maximise your living space while being stylish at the same time.

Metallica
Furniture with an industrial look made its mark in 2010, and is here to stay. This furniture fits in with most room schemes, whether its minimalist, modern, traditional or luxuriously detailed settings. Wrought iron furniture is most popular in this category. It’s fancy, cost effective, and can give character to your drawing room as well as your terrace garden. Whether it’s a gold coloured coffee table, an ornate bed, or a chandelier with leaf motifs, these wrought iron products can add that class your living room was missing. You can even style your outdoors with wire garden chairs, tables or gazebos.

Invest in Art
Gone are the days when one cluttered the walls with tiny paintings and artefacts. Today a huge, stand-alone painting can be the mainstay of your living room. It’s time to invest in an expensive piece of art, even if you don’t understand it. Not only will it adorn your wall for decades to come, it will also appreciate in value and can be a nice gift to pass on to your kids.

A Splash of Colour
Just repainting your house can give it a new dimension. Mix colours in a room or contrast the wall colour with the furniture. A light, airy, citrus yellow will be in vogue in 2011. Vintage wine is also a good option when paired with leather couches or wood finishes. Or try a deep brown base with a hint of smoky violet to make your home look magnificent.

Go Wicker
Woven wicker furniture gained immense popularity earlier this year and promises to be a hit in 2011 as well. Couches and coffee tables made out of woven wicker are low maintenance and UV- Resistant. They look stylish indoors and are practical for the outdoors as well.

Rugs
An intricately hand woven or Persian carpet, can do wonders to your room. Put it in your living room to add vibrancy to those couches or use it to sit on in your study. Cotton or sheep skin rugs come in different sizes and are perfect to lounge on, and you can mount some colourful cushions on it to add some character.

By Sunaina Anand (Courtesy of PropertyGuru)

How To Use Mirrors To Open Up Smaller Spaces

2010-12-13T04:37:00.000-08:00

Mirrors are great for creating an illusion of space and are an affordable and easy way to open up a room or hallway.

Place mirrors on the sides in narrow hallways to make them less claustrophobic.

If you have a wall just in front of the entrance then placing a mirror here opens this up.

A mirror can be a great feature as well so consider investing in a really classy mirror and frame that stands out and complements the rest of the home décor.

Use mirrors in bathrooms, you can be liberal here especially if the room is small.

Make sure you place mirrors in usable heights. It can be quite frustrating and cumbersome if you are forced to bend or jump just to use a mirror

How by: InsiderPropertySecrets

Top Design Tips for Your Dream Kitchen

2010-11-01T21:32:00.000-07:00

The focal point of most households, the kitchen – not the bedroom – is where all the action happens. From preparing meals to family bonding, a good kitchen should be equally as conducive to group gatherings as it is well laid-out and easily navigable. Creating this haven of domesticity can be a tricky task, so we at iProperty.com bring you our guide to creating the perfect kitchen environment.

Before you decide
Getting an expert kitchen designer takes a lot of the hassle and problems associated with any renovation job, but have an idea of the mood and design that you would like to create. The more input you give the designer, the happier you will be with the finished product, not to mention that it will avoid time-consuming and expensive delays if you work closely with the designer to create an end product.

Kitchen suppliers normally have their own designers who can make recommendations and their advice usually come for free. Be aware though that they will steer you towards their products and contractors. It makes sense, both financially and design-wise, to shop around.
Remember, while we all love all things stylish, kitchens are functional areas, which means that they have to be practical and make efficient usage of layout and space.

Step one: Planning spaces
The amount of space that your kitchen has determines its shape. Many kitchens are rectangular or L-shaped, which are suitable for HDB units or flats where space is at a premium. Condominiums may use gallery-shape ones, while ‘island’ concept or G-shape kitchens – where the entrance is in one corner and every wall is utilised – are popular in properties, such as landed or bungalows, with a larger floor space. Consider the layout of your kitchen first in the design stages.

Form and Function
The next step is to work out the function areas of a kitchen. Generally, every kitchen is divided into four areas:
The cleaning area: including the sink and faucet
The cooking area: where the stove, oven, hood and hobs are
The preparation area: for food preparation
The storage area: including cupboards and fridge.

A good kitchen design practice is to have the cleaning, wet storage and cooking area within a distance no further than a metre away from one another. This “work triangle” cuts down on unnecessary movement by centralising your working space.

Step two: Choosing a concept
Functional as it is, you want your kitchen to look the way you imagine it to be. You will need to determine the kind of kitchen concept you want, right down to the flooring and wall colour.
A well-designed kitchen not only looks nice but is fully functional too.
In general, there are four popular kitchen concepts:

1. Modern Classic

Uses modern materials and concepts, such as glossy door panels, reflective glass and funky lighting.

2. Urban Concept

Plays around with the proportion of the cabinets. They are usually out of the normal standard size of kitchen cabinets.

3. Classical

Uses solid wood such as pine or oak with decorative glass and wood and handcrafted pieces. 4. BasicCheaper and simple in design by using melamine board with wood texture design.

Step three: Functionality
The devil’s is in the details. Now that you are closer to getting your dream kitchen, do remember the small but important things.
Get practical accessories and appliances for your kitchen such as soft closing drawer runners, soft-close lift-up mechanisms, dish holders, railing baskets and the likes to make working in the kitchen a better experience.

Article by IProperty.com

5 Easy Steps to a New Look Bedroom

2010-10-08T02:49:00.000-07:00

A few easy changes can transform the appearance of your bedroom. Best of all, you can do most of the work yourself, save some money, and end up with a bedroom that has been given a new look. Try these ideas:

1. Clean up the clutter

This is the time to evaluate your needs and wants. Carefully assess the items in the room and remove anything except those items you wish to keep for the new room layout. Be discerning! You’ll be amazed at how much better the bedroom looks with just this one step.

2. Redress your bed

The bed is the most prominent object in the room so you can transform the room simply by changing the bedding set. Choose something that matches your personality and and use it to set the mood and theme for the room.

3. Don’t forget the floors!

An area rug is a great way to change the look of the room without a complete overhaul. Remember, darker floors will make the room appear smaller, while lighter colors will do the opposite.

4. Throw in some pillows and add some shams

Accent pieces, shams and euro shams that coordinate with your bedding provide an easy way to carry the design scheme around the room. Many companies offer entire lines of accent pieces designed to coordinate and complement the bedding sets they offer.

5. Treat your windows to a new look

Choosing longer drapes that reach to the floor will elongate the walls and give the room a grander ceiling. For a traditional look, contrast the window treatments to the color of the walls to allow them to shine as a distinct element in the room. Matching the drapes to the wall gives a softer, more contemporary feel. Alternatively, try some valances or blinds.

Article by Alan Riley

www.beautifulbeddingsets.com : A site devoted to helping people find the perfect bedding for their needs.

Ideas For Using Your Space Effectively

2010-09-07T01:31:00.000-07:00

Feel like you're running out of space for all your stuff?

Here are simple ideas for using your space more effectively.

INSUFFICIENT OR INEFFECTIVE

Do you have insufficient storage space or ineffective storage space?

There's a big different. Insufficient storage space means you don't have enough space for your things. Ineffective space means you have enough space for your things, but you're not making the best use of that space. Most closets and cabinets have the volume to hold twice as much as they are usually constructed for. And you probably have quite a few nooks and crannies for storage that you haven't even thought of. Of course, it's important to make sure you don't have things you don't like, are outdated, etc., but it is also important to have effective storage space for the things you do like and enjoy.

ADD-A-ROD

Looking for extra storage space in your closet. If you have the type of closet with two+ walls for hanging clothes, on one wall hang a rod at head height for long clothing (dresses, pants, etc.). On the other wall, hang two rods--one above the other--for shorter clothing (shirts, skirts, blazers, etc.) In other words, you're not restricted to only one clothing rod.

INSTALL SHELVES

Most shelves can be moved up-a-notch or down-a-notch. If you have three inches of space above your linens, you may consider adjusting the shelf so the shelf below it has more space. Or, perhaps you can add another shelf in between. Plastic, multiple level shelves are wonderful for kitchen cabinets. And corner shelves are great for picture frames, knick knacks and other small treasures.

USE STORAGE UNITS

Storage units, which can be picked up from housewares or hardware stores, are great space savers. Your spices can be removed from drawers and placed on a spice rack. There are racks for canned goods that, when a can is taken from it, the next can in line rolls forward. Some of these hold over 40 cans! Ice cube trays are inexpensive storage containers for smaller items such as earrings. There are coffee tables on the market with storage space hidden inside. Under bed containers are perfect for storing quilts and linens. Be creative and make use of these great tools!

DON'T FORGET ABOUT WALL SPACE

Look around and you're sure to find quite a bit of empty wall space. There are many uses for this new-found space. Pots and pans can be taken out of cabinets and hung on walls. Tools can be placed on pegboards. Shelves can be installed for picture frames and knick knacks. Many stores now carry corner shelves that can be installed in a snap.

PUT FREQUENTLY USED ITEMS WITHIN ARMS REACH

Whenever possible, store regularly used items where you use them most. Recently, my husband created a toilet paper holder on the back of our bathroom cabinet door, with a small dowel, 2 nails and 2 loops of rope. It holds three rolls of toilet paper, and it's right near the area it's needed most. You shouldn't have to walk from one room to another to retrieve items you use every day. Store linens in the bedroom. Store videos near the television. If you use the scissors in the office area and in the sewing room, have two pairs of scissors, one in each room.

ADD-A-DRAWER OR SLIDING SHELF

Many hardware and housewares stores carry drawers that can be installed underneath a cabinet. These are great if you have a home with limited drawer space. In addition, you can also install shelves under cabinets that slide out when you need them, and slide back in when you're finished with them.

KEEP YOUR DESK CLEAR

A clear desk is directly related to your productivity. You will get more done, if you're not constantly under a pile of papers and files. A sturdy, full-suspension filing cabinet is a must for any home or office. Portable file boxes that hold hanging file folders also come in handy. There are plenty of storage choices for CD-roms and diskettes. Desk supplies belong in an on-the-desk caddy or in trays inside your desk.

REARRANGE

Everyone is different, and has different needs. Make your home or office work for you. One woman I know told me she never uses her dining room, not even when she has company over. And she had no intention of ever using it since her kitchen was big and elegant enough. She also said she hated her dark basement office. So, I suggested she rearrange a bit, and turn her dining room into her office. And that is exactly what she did. So think about your surroundings and make them work for you, even if they seem a little out of the ordinary.

ROTATE

You may have many items you love in your home or office, but not enough space. Rotate them. In other words, keep some things in storage for a month or two and display some of your things. Then, once that time is up, make the switch. The items on display go into storage; the items in storage go on display. What a neat idea!

by Maria Gracia

http://www.getorganizednow.com

What items do I need to furnish My First Apartment or Home

2010-08-08T19:29:00.000-07:00

Photo: Guocoland.com.my

Stocking your first living space can seem like an overwhelming task, but it doesn't have to be.

Use this 5 "S" Space Strategy to help you organize the items you will need to furnish your new living environment.

Before making any purchases, create a list of what furnishings you will need for the below 5 action areas:

Where you Sleep

Where you Sit / Socialize (leisure time)

Where you Snack

Where you Study (work or hobby area)

How you will Sanitize

Let's break these down even further into a general suggested item list of what can fit in these areas. (This list may not included everything for your specific needs, so add or subtract as needed)

Sleep - Bedroom

Bed (frame, mattresses)

Pillow & Bedding (blankets, comforter, sheets)

Dresser or Storage for Clothing

Hangers

Night Stand

Table Lamp

Alarm Clock

Telephone

Chair

Mirror

Socializing / Sitting - Living Room

Comfortable Sofa or Chairs

Side Tables

Table Lamps

Entertainment Center or Stand

Bookcases / Shelving

Coffee Table

Coasters

Snack / Eating - Dining Room or Kitchen

Table (to sit and eat)

Chairs (for table or bar)

Utensils (for eating or cooking)

Plates, bowls, glassware.

Cooking Equipment ( pots & pans, spatulas, coffee makers, can openers, blender,etc., this can be lengthy and is left to personal choice)

Study

Desk (with flat surface for writing & the computer)

ChairComputerOffice Tools (stapler, pens & pencil storage)

Shelving for books

File cabinet

Desk lamp

Sanitizing (Cleaning & Bathroom Supplies)

Sponges

Duster / Dusting cloths

Cleaning Chemicals

Plunger

Mop

Broom

Vacuum Cleaner

Towels & Wash Clothes

This list should give you a good start at setting up house and on your way to making that house/apartment your home.

Article : http://www.rentaldecorating.com/

How to make the Most of a Small Apartment

2010-07-07T05:48:00.000-07:00

Picture: Flickr.com

Question:

I HAVE four kids aged 13, 11, seven and five, and we live in an apartment with only two bedrooms and no storeroom. We have many things, including books, CDs, photos, shoes, stationery and toys, which we had gathered over the years and my husband and I are still buying new items for our children on a regular basis.

We kept all the old toys as it is such a waste to throw them away - they are good-quality toys and still in good condition. It is the same case with books. My daughter loves buying books and we do not want to kill her interest in reading by asking her to stop spending on books.
How to maximise a small space?

Then there's also the textbooks, assessment books, lesson notes, examination papers, all of which we are keeping to hand down to our younger kids. We are running out of cupboard space for all these items, so much so that I have to keep some of the toys in the children's wardrobe, along with their clothes; under their study table; and even on the steps on their double-decker bed.

Shoes are another headache.
My children have at least three pairs each, not counting the ones that the older ones cannot wear anymore (which we are keeping for the younger ones). Then there are the shoes belonging to my husband and me.
I hope the professionals can suggest ways we can organise all our things and, if possible, tuck them away neatly.

Ms Angela Lee

Answer:

Your two-room apartment is indeed small for a family of six but, with some planning, you would be able to maximise the space and find your things easily as well.
Cluttered living spaces are difficult to maintain, so let's aim to keep the apartment as spacious as possible but, at the same time, have all the most frequently needed items within easy reach.

You should first consider what you really want to keep. If you are unlikely to ever use something again, it should be disposed of, to free up space. Next, designate storage zones and prioritise them according to accessibility within your apartment.
For each storage zone, you need suitable storage equipment, for example, hangers, plastic bins and shelves.

You will also have to consider whether to store items on a higher level to maximise the space up there. Naturally, higher storage areas are not as accessible as those that are within reach, so they are best used for items that are seldom used.
When it comes to storage equipment, it is most practical to use something that is strong and durable. But you should also consider getting something that would improve the aesthetics of your home. Therefore, you may want to invest in good-looking furniture for the more visible areas.

The next step is to decide what you want to keep but do not use regularly. These items should go into the storage areas that are less accessible - they could be outside your home.
Things that you need to use more regularly should be stored in the apartment within the designated storage zones.

Organising your things can take quite a bit of time, but it will save you time searching for them later had they not been stored in an organised manner. Do label your boxes clearly so that it will be easier for you to find your things later.
For items that have sentimental value which you cannot bear to junk and yet do not want to keep in the apartment (as they take up too much premium space), you may want to consider self-storage service.

Self-storage can help by allowing you to keep these items in a purpose-built location.
You should select a storage facility in a location that is most convenient for you - either near your workplace or near your home - so that should you need to retrieve your things, you don't have to travel too far to get them.

EXTRA SPACE SINGAPORE HOLDINGS

Courtesy of my paper

Three Elements of Successful Room Design

2010-06-13T05:49:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of Sheffield School of Interior Design

At Sheffield we teach our students a simple Three-Step Method for designing every room they create:
A successful room is functional.
A successful room expresses a mood.
A successful room exhibits a sense of harmony.

This simple Three-Step Method is the secret of every interior ever designed. We teach our students to consider these three steps every time they look at a room.

When our students mail in their design project for analysis by their instructor, the instructor starts by commenting on these three Guidelines. Of course, the instructor analyzes other elements of the project too - decor, layout, furniture, style etc.
But the key to every good room - and the essential element of every great interior design - is adherence to these three Guidelines.

How do they work? How can you apply them?
It's beyond the scope of this Web site to teach you every nuance, but you will get an inkling from the Room-of-the-Month Analysis that follows.

The Living Room
Some living rooms are little more than a coffee table where the mail gets tossed and a sofa where you collapse each evening. Others are too stilted and formal to be of any real use, and because they go unused their occasional visitors feel uncomfortable, as if, like the glass candy bowls and potted plants, they too are on display.

And then there are the living rooms that combine the best of both worlds, and allow for both relaxation and entertaining.This living room really knows how to live. Here is a room designed for comfort, yet gracious and formal enough for hosting even the most important parties.

Looking at it through Sheffield's Three Principles of Interior Design, we see first that the function of this room is to welcome guests and make them feel comfortable and at home. The room is built for relaxed conversation: the two easy chairs angled toward one another, the two straight-back chairs facing one another across a small table, and the white ottoman allow for conversation among a group. And, there are enough tables so that guests can have a place for their drinks or snacks. As the Sheffield Course creator, Bill Turner often remarked, "A table for every chair!"

But another function of this room is simply for relaxing alone or with a companion. Those easy chairs are so inviting that you can easily imagine pulling the ottoman over, putting your feet up, and tucking into a new novel on a winter's afternoon.The mood of this room is clearly one of relaxation. It's formal enough for entertaining because it's so well-designed, but the feeling is one of luxurious relaxation. The casual aspect of the mood is enhanced by the slightly messy fronds in the vases, which bring in an air of the wild outdoors and prevent the room from feeling stuffy or overdone. The open curtains, which are barely noticeable at first glance, add to this airy feeling, letting in loads of natural light.

Finally, everything in this room works in harmony. The deep egg yellow of the ceiling and upper wall matches the yellow background of the fabric. The chairs are upholstered in the same fabric used on the table and for the curtains, and the plain off-white rug prevents the floral pattern from becoming overwhelming. The flowers in the vase add a nice counterpoint to the printed flowers on the fabric.
All in all, this is a room that would give its visitors the relaxed feeling of an early summer's afternoon, at any time of the year.

-Sarah Van Arsdale

5 Pain Free Tips For Organizing a Closet

2010-05-07T05:22:00.000-07:00

Just knowing that there is a mess of clutter hiding behind those closed closet doors can be stressful and distracting. Then when you open them to try and find something, chaos is unleashed, and the tranquility of your life is despoiled in a mess of useless junk.

Don’t despair!

Using the five simple tips below, you can tame the tempest and bring order back into your closet, and your life.

1. The Six Month Rule

The six month rule states that if something has been sitting in your closet, and has not been used, worn, or referred to in the last six months, it is time to get rid of it. This applies to old clothes, accessories, and clutter of every kind. It is time to get serious and toss that stuff, or at least donate it to a reputable charity

2. Organization and Strategy

Before you start organizing a closet, you have to have a vague sort of strategy in mind. You don’t have to know exactly where everything goes right from the start, but it helps to have a general idea that shoes go in one corner, hats go in specific bins, and ties are hung on that specific side of the space. This rough idea lets you develop the space further as you go along.

3. Storage Bins and Hooks

The numbers of storage accessories you use will depend on your personality. Some people prefer to lump things together in bins or boxes, and then search around whenever they want to find something specific, while others will want thousands of containers, clearly labeled, so that they can put their hands on anything as soon as they want. Which ever way you prefer, make certain that you have as many bins as you will actually use, on hand at all times.

4. Consistency

Consistency refers to putting things back in their proper place, each and every time. Will power is the only way to ensure this.

5. Balance

In the end, achieving organization is a balance between your personality, your possessions, and the space you have available. You can’t spend all day every day putting each earring in its own bin, but if you throw all of them together in one box, you will never be able to find a matched pair. It is important to be aware of your own personality, and the constraints of the space, whenever setting out to organize your closet area.

This article was provided courtesy of PebbleZ Rustic Stone Home Decor store, and was written by artist Joey Pebble

5 Common Space Bandits

2010-04-19T03:34:00.000-07:00

Picture: Flickr.com

Seeking less stress and more space?

Here are 5 common space bandits that can take your space captive. Rally today, and get that space back!

Clothes

If you're like most people, the clothes you wear on a day-to-day basis come from a mere 20 percent of the clothes in your closet. In other words, 80 percent of those clothes are just taking up space and never worn. Go through your closet and remove jeans, sweaters, blouses, skirts, dresses, shoes and coats that you never wear. Donate them today. Your closet will be ready to store any outfits you feel wonderful wearing, and you'll be helping out someone who could be making use of those unused garments.

Appliances

Bread machines, juicers, griddles, mixers and other similar appliances are wonderful--if you use them. However, if you have some, or all, of these appliances, and you haven't used them in, conservatively speaking, a year, chances are, they'll never be used in your lifetime. Say goodbye to them today, and you'll be freeing up cabinet and counter space.

Magazines

Do you keep every single magazine that enters your home? If you do, you most likely have a few piles growing throughout your home or office. Try to go through your magazines and cut out and file, only the articles or recipes, etc. that most interest you. No sense in keeping the entire magazine, once you've read through it and have chosen those pages that you'd like to keep for future reference.

Mementos

While it's fine to keep some very meaningful things stashed away in a mementos box, if you've accumulated more than one or two boxes of these treasures, you may be going a bit overboard. Being sentimental is wonderful, but not when it's at the expense of your living space or storage space. Go through these boxes of stuff from time to time, and weed out the things that no longer have significant meaning to you. Commit to 1-2 boxes at the most, and you'll have lots of memories to look back on in the future, and lots of new space now!

Furniture

Is your home or apartment filled to the max with furniture you never use? Perhaps it was passed down from a loved one? Or maybe you've made a move to a smaller place, but brought all of your big furniture with you.

If it's not functional or you truly don't have the space for it, consider letting go. Imagine all the free space you'll have when it's gone.

by Maria Gracia -

http://www.getorganizednow.com

Types of Lamps - Incandescent & Florescent

2010-03-02T00:46:00.000-08:00

Pictures by Flickr.com

First, in talking about "types of lamps" we're not talking that thing sitting on your desk or standing behind your easy chair. What you and I call a "lamp," meaning a table lamp, or a chandelier, or a floor lamp, is referred to in the world of interior design as a "fixture," and the word "lamp" is used to refer to the bulb. There are two basic types of lamps — incandescent and fluorescent. Each has particular advantages and disadvantages.

Incandescent lamps are the ones that you're most accustomed to seeing used in residential lighting, and yet they have really only one major advantage over fluorescent lamps: the light they produce has a warm cast that is soft, natural, and flattering to skin tones.

Incandescent lamps have many disadvantages, compared to fluorescent lamps: they are hotter, burn out faster, and use much more electricity for the same brightness.

But the advantage of providing a softer light makes them the most popular choice for home lighting. Imagine trying to create a romantic dining situation in the harsh fluorescent lighting you'd find in an office, and you'll get the picture right away of just how important it is to forego the benefits of fluorescent lamps when you're planning the lighting in a home.

But what about fluorescent lamps?

If incandescent lamps have the advantage of producing a softer, more flattering light, why would anyone use fluorescents?

These lamps have three important advantages over other lamps.

First, they produce cool light —they don't produce heat.
Second, they are long-lasting, burning for up to ten times as long as incandescent lamps.

Third, they are much more cost-effective because they produce three to four times as much light for each unit of electricity.

The disadvantage to fluorescent lamps is that they produce a light with a green-blue cast that is unflattering and harsh. While some fluorescent lamps are made with coloration that is designed to soften and warm the tones produced, most interior designers avoid these types of lamps because the light they emit is never as soft and natural as that emitted from incandescent lamps.

Fluorescent lamps are preferred for commercial use, where their long life, cool operation, low operating cost, and high efficiency are important, such as in large offices, stores, or apartment building hallways.

What does all this mean to you?

It means that in most residential rooms you should opt for the warm, natural look of incandescent lamps. Use incandescent lamps in living rooms, dining rooms, dens and bedrooms.

Where might you use fluorescent lamps in the home?

At one time, because of their narrow shape, fluorescent lamps were the only logical candidates for strip lighting — the hidden lighting that you would place under a shelf where you need particularly strong, focused light. As such, they became standard for lighting kitchen work surfaces, being suspended under upper kitchen cabinets, and they are still frequently used for this purpose. Because of their bright light, even illumination and low operating costs, fluorescent lamps are also frequently used in rooms that require a lot of even lighting and where mood isn't quite so important, such as workshops, garages, and laundry rooms.

Even so, you can see that most of the lamps you'll be using in residential design will be incandescent. For the most part, fluorescent lamps are used in work places, whether at home, in an office, or in another work situation. The light they produce is harsh, but that also means that it's perfect for when you need to see details clearly, such as when you're performing open-heart surgery, or doing needlepoint, or making sushi. Fluorescent lights have gotten a bad rap — for quite some time they were not favored because their very rapid flickering was blamed for tiring the eyes and other problems.

But today, there are updated fluorescent lamps from which you can choose, some of which even fit into a regular fixture, just like an incandescent bulb. These are designed to have a long life, and can last up to eight years. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, people are using incandescent and fluorescent lamps about the way you'd expect: Of residential households, 98 percent use incandescent, 42 percent use fluorescent. Of commercial buildings, 59 percent use incandescent, 92 percent use fluorescent. Because fluorescent lights consume approximately 75-85 percent less electricity than incandescent lights, you can see why it's important to consider using these for places where a great deal of light is needed much of the time, such as in hospitals, offices, and other workplaces.

By Sarah Van Arsdale

Courtesy of Sheffield School of Interior Design
Continue to Read Lamps & Room Lighting Suggestions - Incandescent Lighting

Decorating a Living Room: Arranging Furniture

2010-02-06T22:18:00.000-08:00

Living Room Decorating: Your living room will be a place for family or friends to sit and visit, so a special effort should be made to create a comfortable harmonious environment. Usually this is the first room you see upon entering your home, it is also a room that must show well and in most cases carry more than one function such as a playroom, office and even a dining room.

To arrange furniture and create a living room that fits your lifestyle you will need to follow the directions as outlined in Where To Begin. True beginners would do well to review the articles listed in Interior Design 101 to get an understanding of decorating basics.

Placement of Furniture
A helpful tool we found for arranging furniture pieces without lifting a finger were these cardboard furniture templates and grid. Furniture arrangements should have a purpose. Activity areas should be reflected and distinguishable in each area of your room. A small room should have at least one conversational area, while larger rooms may incorporate additional furniture groupings. A good rule of thumb is to seat at least six people comfortably.

Placement of your living room furniture should center around a focal point which may be an entertainment center, fireplace or large window. After selecting your focal point, group your furniture around it, being sure to take the size of your space into consideration. If you are living in a small space you may only need a sofa, arm chair and a few end tables. Larger spaces may include coffee tables a few more chairs and a larger sofa.

Don't feel it is necessary to go out and buy all new pieces of furniture when you decorate. If you have a sofa in good functional condition, you can use one of the many styles of slipcovers available, pre-made for standardized sofas, chairs and loveseats. Throw pillows are also another decorating option.
Read more about: Organizing Home Decor Accessories

Suggestions
Use area rugs to define seating areas. If you are dealing with a large room that has multiple seating areas, this will help characterize each area while tying together the scheme. Rugs are also useful for covering up unattractive carpeting or floors!
The lighter, neutral shades of walls generally found in rental buildings are actually a benefit. This color scheme leaves room for selecting furniture in basically any color, scheme or style.

Article courtesy of http://www.rentaldecorating.com/LivingRoom.htm

Organising Kid Rooms Made Easy With Teamworks

2010-01-05T19:22:00.000-08:00

Whether you're decorating an empty kid’s room from scratch, freshening up their room with a little paint, creating a functional storage system or simply trying to clear the clutter - it's important that you work as a team. Decorating and organizing kid rooms takes teamwork. Of course, with babies and toddlers you need to take full control but as your children grow so should their responsibility in caring for their room.

In order for kids to have a space that’s really theirs, we need their input. Likes and dislikes need to be discussed. As well, compromises need to be made when it comes to room color, furniture, stuff, cleanliness and how to mesh everything together in one room.

Kid’s outgrow their rooms almost as fast as they outgrow their clothes. Not the physical space but its storage capacity and décor. Interests and hobbies change, more and more stuff comes and in most cases, very little goes out. They may outgrow their toys but they aren’t always willing to part with them. And, although a juvenile train border works well in a three year old boy’s room, your eight year old hockey fanatic is getting a little tired of falling asleep with the little engine that could.

To create functional and age appropriate room you need to take into account not only your child’s personality and their current interests but also what type of organizational system that will work in both their favor and yours. One that your child can easily stay on top of and one that keeps you off their back.

But before painting or looking at wallpaper or border samples you need to turn your thoughts to organizing. There’s no point redecorating your child’s room before organizing it.

Teaching kids to be organized is a lot like shoveling while it’s snowing. It seems like the whole experience will get you nowhere but the good news is that it can be done, and your effort does pay off in the long run. But it’s not a one shot deal. Organizing kid rooms is an ongoing process that must be revamped constantly to keep up with changing needs. It takes planning, patience and perseverance.

First, we must have our own organizing act together in order to assist our children with theirs. Children learn what they live. They model what they see. How can we teach our children something we couldn’t be bothered to do for ourselves?
The key is to become your child’s organizational consultant. Acting as their guide, survey what’s working and what’s not. To find an organizational system that matches her schedule and activity level consider your child’s lifestyle. Does she play mostly in or out of her room? Where does she do her homework?

Organizing kid rooms effectively is all about organizing with your children instead of for them. By becoming a united force you have a greater chance of devising an organizational system that will work.

For more tips on partnering with your child and teaching kids to be organized visit http://www.decorating-kids-rooms.net your one stop resource for organizing and decorating ideas. In addition to being co-owner of the website, Sherrie Le Masurier is a professional organizer who specializes in helping parents organize and decorate their kid's rooms. Copyright 2007.

Simple Ways to Decorate your Walls on the Cheap

2009-12-05T23:44:00.000-08:00

Picture: Flickr.com

Decorating walls seems to be a huge dilemma for some home decorators, but it need not be. Here are a few quick and easy ways to dress up your walls, on a budget!

The most common mistake most people make when decorating their walls is to sprinkle things around just to fill empty space.

Solution: Draw an imaginary rectangle on the main focal wall in the room you wish to dress up. Fill that rectangle with a grouping of related art, such as portraits, plates, or clocks. This makes a stronger impact for the room than the "sprinkle" effect.

Try to hang larger scale items to make your rooms seem bigger. This doesn’t mean you have to run out and spend hundreds or thousands on a large painting! Hang a rug or a pretty quilt.

Create a dramatic wall hanging with a large piece of plywood, some paint, and one inspirational word in large letters. "Faith", "Believe" or "Dream" are great ones.Then sketch on your word in blocks with pencil, and fill in with paint.

Try setting off a special portrait or a wall collection by painting a background "frame". Make the frame at least 4-6 inches larger than the art, tape off with painters tape, and fill in with a darker version of your wall color. Paint a simple border and background in neutral colors.

If you have dozens of different sized frames and pictures, tie them together by painting the frames all the same color. Black gives an elegant touch to any style décor. White is very fresh, and a bright color can be found in a contemporary design.

Consider using stencils to add detail and design to your walls. It’s easy, relatively fast, and inexpensive. Pick up a simple design to wrap around windows and doors, or to add detail to your painted "frames" around your wall art groupings.

Finally, look at unconventional items to use as wall art. A weathered piece of driftwood accents over a doorway, or an old wooded box can hang as a curio cabinet. Simple wooded blocks can be attached to the wall as candleholders or display shelves. Your children’s christening dress can be hung as memory art, or you can frame a piece of the maternity dress you loved while you were pregnant with your youngest. Use your imagination!
Decorating walls doesn’t have to be daunting, just use these easy ideas to get you started!

Kathy Wilson is a home and garden writer, author and consultant and is the home decorating expert for LifetimeTV.com.

Visit her for more home and garden ideas at http://www.TheBudgetDecorator.com and http://www.TheGardenGlove.com. Also visit her at http://www.Women-on-the-Net.com where any woman can learn to make money on the internet!

Design Elements

2009-11-03T17:57:00.000-08:00

Picture : Courtesy of Flickr.com

A well-decorated room can still lack personality. To give your room a personality, choose from among these basic design elements, modify them to suit your tastes and implement them in a way which is just right for you.

Theme

A 'themed' room says something about you, the person who has done it, your family or the place where you live. A theme will also provide you a place to showcase your collections, prized possessions, arts and crafts.
There are endless possibilities for using themes, but once you decide upon one, it will give you focus, as it will eliminate many things which don't fit into it. This results in great ease in shopping, planning, implementing etc. Some best decorated rooms have had themes like Water, Nature, Eighteenth Century England, Contemporary, Ethnic, Pastels etc.

Artifacts

A piece of artistic value will always give your room that special touch you have always wanted. It can add texture and depth to a room. Depending upon your theme, the artifact may be an an antique chair, a painted bookshelf, an original painting or even an original watercolor by your local artist.

Collections

It is the most effective way to display your collections in a special arrangement. Whether you collect shells, dolls or trinkets, arrange them tastefully instead of just lining things up in a row. Lining things looks even worse when objects are small in size. Instead, group them together to project variety within your collections. Lovely trays, glass cupboards, corner shelves etc. are some ideas for displaying your collections.

Color

Color does not get limited to painting the walls of your room. Use colors that make you feel good about them in fabrics, linen, pillows, shelves, curtains etc. Blend colors to suit your style.
Add fabrics to liven up your room with a print that contains the color of your upholstery. To maintain harmony in colors, use the same accent at least THRICE around the same room. For eg. pillows, tablecloths and curtains could have similar accents. For more on using colors, read my article 'Using Colors in Your Room'.

Use of the above elements will still leave everything to your own imagination and creativity. These will only help you in drawing out a plan for your Home-Decorating exercise. The details of the plan are still left to you to fill up.

Happy Decorating!

Article by Lata Budhrani, the Founder/Editor of Dot Com Women, a premier women's website and online community. Visit her at http://www.dotcomwomen.com. lata@dotcomwomen.com Courtesy of www.Craftopoly.com

Taking Care of Your Apartment & House Plants

2009-10-01T07:03:00.000-07:00

Picture by Flickr.com
Plants are wonderful for bringing color and vitality into your apartment. If you’ve had a bad experience with caring for plants in the past, perhaps the following tips can help you grow and maintain healthy pots of greenery.

Check the plant tag:
Plants purchased at the nursery or garden center typically have an information tag inserted in the soil or a sticker at the side of the pot. This provides you with the name of the plant, amount of light required, and frequency of watering and fertilization. Plants that need high light or direct sunlight should be placed outdoors or at a window which receives lots of light, while plants that are in the medium to low light categories can survive in lower temperatures and in partial to full shade.

Monitor your plant:
When you first bring your plant home, check on it weekly to become familiar with the level of care it needs. In particular, determine the amount of watering your plant requires. Some plants require consistent moisture at the roots while others need the soil to dry out before the next watering. Check the foliage of your plant for signs or health, weakness, or disease. You may need to move its location so it gets more sunlight, or treat it with insecticidal soap. Remove dead flowers and leaves regularly.

Regulate water:
Over-watering is a frequent cause of plant death, since excessive water in the soil reduces the oxygen supply needed for the plant roots to thrive. You can do a quick test of soil moisture by pressing your finger into the soil and assessing if the soil is sufficiently moist such that watering is not needed that day. Another quick test is to pick the pot up and determine if it is still heavy from water weight. Or, for a foolproof method, use a moisture meter that can be purchased from the nursery.

Choose the right container:
If you are growing your plants from seed or bulb, or replanting a young plant, it is important that you select a container that will allow your plant to grow without restriction. Determine beforehand how deep the roots need to grow and how big the plants will get, so you can space them accordingly.

Remove dust:
Indoor plants tend to accumulate dust over time, which hinders the leaves from respiration and photosynthesis, and can attract plant pests as well. A good practice is to wipe down the leaves with a wet cloth to remove dust and dirt. For plants with smaller leaves, spray them with water using a hand sprayer or under a showerhead.

Article by Jessica Ackerman
A prolific writer for Wall Decor and Home Accents, and she provides valuable tips and advice on the many ways to decorate walls to match every taste, style, and budget.

Basic Home Decorating - A Balanced Approach

2009-09-01T07:58:00.000-07:00

Picture : Flickr.com

Decorating a home is about finding a comfortable balance between the different furnishings in the space. This balance is achieved by placing objects with varying characteristics in places where they compliment one another. The idea is to create relationships between your possessions, in order to develop a whole which is more impressive than the sum of its parts.

Scale
Scale refers to the size of architectural features and furnishings within a space. With scale, finding a balance is particularly important, as otherwise you will get a room that feels chaotic, and looks peculiar.
Large rooms should generally be furnished by larger items. Tall armoires, high backed sofas, and shelves that reach towards the sky are all different objects you can use to put a larger room into perspective. If you have a smaller space, create the illusion of height with shorter possessions.

Scale is also about creating a room that matches your own size. If you are a tall person, you will want possessions which don’t make you feel like you are living in a doll house. If you are petite, you don’t want the room to tower over you.

If you are a large person living with someone who is tiny, you will have to balance big and small furnishings as if they were on a see saw, to create a space which is not only scaled to match you both, but which also has an inherent harmony to it.

Contrast
Controlling contrast is a relatively difficult balancing act when decorating a room. It is like trying to tame fire, it can be very useful, but if it gets out of control it can destroy the whole design.
Contrast is red napkins on a white tablecloth. It is a green wall clock on a stark black wall. Contrast makes the design interesting, adding an exciting power to the ambience of a space

However, using too much contrast can create a room which is muddied and chaotic. People will feel agitated in the space, and their thoughts will become disordered. It can even make the room irritating to be in.

You have to try and find ways to create contrast, without overwhelming the space. Try using tiny accents throughout the room, so that the overall order of the space can tone down the bright colors in small places.
Alternatively you can use a single bold contrast, such as a bright yellow pillow, or a pair of luxuriously red curtains, to create a focal point which will give the room an inherent premise.

Rhythm
Rhythm is the art of creating a theme throughout a space. The theme does not necessarily have to be overt, such as animal prints, or historical geography, it can be as subtle as a color, or series of contrasts, or even a series of patterns which are all reminiscent of one another. When you are able to create rhythm in a room you can bring the entire space together, giving it a single purpose, and a unified artistic vision.

These are just a few of the considerations that professionals decorators bear in mind when creating beautiful and comfortable interiors. While the art of creating a space is much more complex than these concepts, they can help to keep you grounded and give you direction when creating your home.

Article provided courtesy of http://PebbleZ.com

Choosing A Colour Scheme

2009-08-01T02:45:00.000-07:00

If you feel helpless when it comes to picking and blending colors, your answer could be as far away as your nearest pillow.
Here is a quick way to create a color scheme for your home with PICK - SEE -LMD .

PICK a Pattern:
Starting with a pattern is the easiest way to create a color palette for your decor. Choose a pattern from any object you already have and love such as a pillow, picture or piece of furniture. This will be your color palette !

SEE 3 Colors:
Select a light, medium and dark color from your pattern to be used as your foundation. You may want to go to a hardware store and select color chips from the paint department that match your pattern to carry with you in case you come across a great find and need to know if it matches.

LMD (Light, Medium and Dark):
How you use these colors can affect the overall appearance of your room.
Light- Is the Background- this is usually easy to achieve since most rentals are equipped with light to off-white walls.
Medium- Large furniture and windows - Since the color of these objects will blend with the above lighter selection, the medium furniture will ground the room and give it a foundation.
Darker- Accessories. Since your eye is drawn to a darker more intense color you will be able to arrange you accessories in a manner to guide the eye flowing through your room.

PICK - SEE - LMD Use it whenever you are trying to pull together a color coordinated room.

By Tammy Jo Schoppet
Founder of Rental Decorating Digest

Tips on Budget Decorating

2009-07-12T20:58:00.000-07:00

Home decorating on a budget is the ultimate adventure in decorating. It requires a little bit of planning, creativity, and patience. If you are like me, sometimes you wish you could be a genie and wiggle your nose and **poof** it's done. However, that takes away from all the fun!

Follow these tips and you'll have a home that looks like a page out of your favorite magazine!

Visit Furniture Showrooms
Make notes of styles of furniture you like. Also, take note of colors and fabrics that create a "warm" feeling inside of you. By visiting showrooms you can get an idea of the new trends and styles.

Browse Through Decorating Magazines
Magazines are a source of inspirational ideas. Create a scrapbook of magazine clippings and refer to your book when shopping for your home.

Shop Second-Hand Stores
One person's trash is another person's treasure can never be so true. One place to look is the classifieds in your local newspaper. I have found great deals on furniture in thrift stores and auctions. Don't worry if an item is not in the best of shape. A coat of paint will work wonders for some furniture. Slipcovers can update an old couch or chair.

Color! Color! Color!
To create a dramatic, inexpensive change to your home, paint the walls a new color or buy new curtains. Keep in mind the moods that colors can create.

Create Your Own Art
For me, one of the best parts of decorating is creating my own original works of art to hang on the walls. It could be as simple as collecting leaves when they have turned colors and creating a picture collage. A nice frame makes any work of art look classy. Take a drawing, photography or painting class at your local community college. Gain inspiration by browsing through art books at your local library or bookstore. If you're into black and white photos, but do not want to pay the high price for this type of art, buy a book or calendar of your favorite photographer and frame the pictures. Editors Note: Posters are a great way to decorate and are in expensive to purchase online.

Shop Discount Stores
Thank God for discount stores! This place will save you a ton of money on accessories. You will find little treasures such as candle holders, candles, potpourri, and knick knacks for very little money. Who will ever know?

Be Patient!
Take your time and shop during sales. Decorating should be fun. Remember, Rome was not built in a day!

Maria Palma is a writer, painter, jewelry designer, interior decorator, and real estate consultant based in San Diego, California. Her 2 websites

http://www.salondemaria.info/ & http://www.homesolutionssandiego.com/

Tips on Cleaning and Caring for Upholstery

2009-06-25T22:44:00.000-07:00

We invest a lot of money in our furniture. So knowing how to clean and care for our upholstery is essential. Here are some general care guidelines to consider before cleaning.

Caring for Upholstery

You can increase the life of upholstery by following a few simple rules:

1. Vacuuming and light brushing on weekly basis helps to eliminate dirt before it becomes embedded in the fibers, causing the fabric to abrade.

2. Turn and reverse loose cushion every week to allow even distribution of wear and tear.

3. Clean spots and stains quickly.

4. If you have a large family, consider using nylon covers for your upholstery. It is long lasting and you can remove most stains easily.

Cleaning Upholstery

Clean your upholstery with an effective cleaner. Choose one that is safe on your fabric and does not contain harsh chemicals to avoid having any sticky remains.

Getting a cleaning solution that cleans, remove stains and control odors is a good choice. It saves you time and money.

•Always vacuum or brush your upholstery first to remove dust and loose hair.

•Apply the cleaner and brush firmly any stained areas.

•Wait for one minute or less then wipe away the cleaner with a damp cloth or sponge.

•Keep your upholstery dry while cleaning it to avoid damage. Open a window or use air condition and allow it to dry thoroughly.

Identify Stains

Before trying to remove a stain from your upholstered furniture, you need to know the type of fabric you have. Most manufacturers put cleaning codes on the furniture hangtag or label. These codes tell you the best way to clean and remove stains. Here is a list of those codes:

•WS:fabric may be cleaned with water-based cleaning agents and foams, as well as with mild, water-free dry cleaning solvents.

•W:use water-based cleaning agents or foams only.

•S:use only mild, water-free dry cleaning solvents.

•X:do not use foam or liquid agents on this fabric. You can vacuum or brush lightly to remove soil and grime.

Removing Stains

You should inspect your upholstery for spots and stains and identify your problem areas. Usually a good cleaner can clean and work on removing the stains as well. But for the tough and sticky stains like grease, crayon, gum, and ink, treat the stain first before cleaning. A great option to use is a powerful solvent containing citrus , which break down tough stains easily leaving fresh smell.

•Always pre-treat stains first for color fastness in an inconspicuous area.

•Spray directly on stain and let stand for 30 seconds.

•Scrub with a brush and let is sit for 2 to 4 minutes.

•Clean with a damp sponge or rinse with water.

If stain persists, repeat treatment and rewash. To remove stains from non-washable upholstery, use an effective product made especially for dry cleanable fabrics . It is an excellent pre-treater with a lot of convenience and ease of use. Spray the soiled part and blot immediately from outside to the center, to avoid the clean part from leaving a mark.

Article by Vincent Platania who represents the Fuller Brush Company. Fuller Brush has been in business since 1906, and offers safe, environmentally friendly products for keeping your home and your body clean. Visit http://www.fuller-brush-products.com

The impact of Colour on your Living space

2009-06-06T00:51:00.000-07:00

Perhaps many of you are contemplating new decorating and painting projects and perhaps aren’t aware of the impact that color has on our mood. Before you pick up that paint brush or roller, read through our color psychology information. It just might help you set the appropriate mood for your indoor space.

• Red packs a wallop, physiologically speaking, increasing blood pressure, heartbeat and energy in most people. It instills feelings of intimacy and passion. Red also increases the appetite, which explains why it is used so often in restaurants, and why it can be a good choice for a formal dining room.

• Orange, like red, tends to warm a room, but in a more friendly and welcoming way. As a result, paints in various shades and tints of orange work well in living rooms and family rooms.

• Yellow is also warm and welcoming, but it is more attention- getting than either red or orange. For this reason, it is a good paint color to use in poorly lit foyers or dark hallways.

• Blue, which is part of the cool color palette, makes us feel calm and tranquil, so it is ideal for use in bedrooms. But since blue works as an appetite suppressant (perhaps because there are few blue foods) it is not the best option for a dining room ... unless you're on a diet.

• Green is another relaxing color that is much more versatile than blue. Light greens are ideal for bedrooms and living rooms; midtones are good for kitchens and dining rooms (many foods are green). Also, because green is calming, it is often used in hospitals, workplaces and schools.

• Violet is a tricky color, psychologically speaking. Many adults dislike purples, but are fond of the rose family, which can work in many rooms, including dining rooms, bedrooms and libraries. Young children, on the other hand, respond favorably to violet, so this color can be used successfully in children's bedrooms and play areas.

These general guidelines are a good starting point in your search for a paint color. But remember that color choice is a very personal matter. You're the one who has to live with your new paint color, so choose a hue that suits you, your family and your lifestyle.
And after investing time to select just the right color, make sure it continues to look that way long-term by investing in a top quality paint.

Article by Debbie Zimmer

The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute

How to make your room look larger

2009-05-22T06:30:00.000-07:00

Small rooms can feel confining and uncomfortable. Luckily we can utilize certain design concepts that fool the eye and make our rooms seem larger. Try these inexpensive decorating tricks to make your rooms live bigger.

1. Use Light Colors
Light and brightly colored walls are more reflective, which will help to maximize the effect created by natural light. This does not mean you have to live with white walls. There are a wide range of light colors paints available, such as light green or cream beige.
Once you've chosen your wall color, choose your trim and moldings colors.

Paint your trims and moldings in either the same hue as the walls, or a lighter color. Lighter objects appear closer while darker or shadowed objects appear further away. When you paint your moldings a lighter color, the wall appears further back - thus making your room appear bigger.

Now, don't be worried that your room is going to be bland and uninviting, bolder and darker colors can be be used in furniture, artwork and accessories.
If your colors are already dark, try to move the darker colors to a 'background' role while maximizing your neutral white or ivory. Be careful when using wallpaper. Solid colors are the safest, with tiny patterns taking a close second. Whatever the wall color or finish, we recommend the ceiling in a small room be painted stark white to maximize brightness.

2. Mirrors
Mirrors can have a favorable impact on a room's appearance. A large mirror in the room will reflect light around the room. The mirrors also reflect both natural and artificial light to make a room brighter during the day and night. They bounce light deep into the room, making it appear larger. This is especially effective with near a window so the outdoors can be reflected.
Use glass-front or mirrored cabinet doors to make spaces feel large and uncluttered. Large, expansive mirrors over vanities, mirrored wardrobe doors or a floor-to-ceiling wall of mirrors (combined with our decorating suggestions) can make even the smallest of spaces seem larger.

3. Arrange Furniture At Angles
Arrange some of your larger pieces of furniture at a angle. You don't have to place the furniture at an exact 45 degree angle, often a lesser angle looks best if you can balance the look with another furniture piece.
Setting your furniture at an angle works because the longest straight line in any given room is it's diagonal. When you place your furniture at an angle, it leads the eye along the longer distance, rather than the shorter wall. As an added bonus, you often get some additional storage space behind the piece in the corner, too!

4. Scale Furniture
Keep furnishings in scale with the rooms. In small rooms, use slim rockers, open-back chairs or a simple sofa or love seat rather than overstuffed furnishings to avoid overpowering the space.
There are stores that deal exclusively in furniture for apartments and mobile homes. Despite its slightly smaller size, scaled-down furniture can be beautiful. An open headboard is best for a small room. When furnishing, keep the view at eye level unobstructed. Taller furnishings should be placed at the end of the room opposite its main entry.

Article by Olivia Filipetto, publisher of www.bedroomfurniture.com, providing all you need to know about enhancing your bedroom and buying bedroom furniture.

Basics on Hanging Pictures & Wall Art

2009-05-10T01:51:00.000-07:00

An arrangement of favorite, framed photographs, wall art, and collectibles can add personality and warmth to any room. When done correctly, wall art can change the focal point or the entire look of any room.

1. Pictures should hang just above eye level. There is great debate over what "proper eye level" is. Some say "eye level" should be considered as if viewers were standing. Others say "eye level" should be considered as if viewers were seated. Still others say that "eye level" should be determined according to the primary use of the room. (This means, if most of the time people are standing in the space, like a hallway, then "eye level" should be directed at viewers who are standing. In a room where viewers will spend the majority of the time seated, like a living room, 'eye level" would be from a seated position.)

How and where should wall art be arranged? Well, ask yourself where you would like the "eyes" to focus.

2. Creating a group of art or photos on a wall is an excellent way to create an interesting focal point. This task, however, requires extra planning. I would suggest that you map out the way that you would like to arrange your pictures on the floor, first. (This way, you can move them around without leaving nasty holes in the wall!) The secret to arranging art on the wall is simple...balance, balance, balance!

Use a measuring tape to be sure that the distance between several pictures that will hang in a row is equal. Four small pictures on the left of a large picture can be balanced with two medium sized pictures on the right. (Remember: This only works with careful consideration to balance. Be patient, take your time, measure, and plan.)

3. Consider lighting to emphasize your arrangement. When lighting is directed to the arrangement, it commands even more attention. Be careful of lighting that is bright. This type of lighting should be subdued and not produce glare.

4. Add diversity to the arrangement. Use frames and mats that are different sizes and shapes, but compliment one another.

5. Pay attention to "balance" in your entire room. Be careful not to put everything in one part of a room. Leaving the other walls bare will throw the balance of the entire room off.

Article courtesy of : http://www.rentaldecorating.com/

Know your wood

2009-03-08T23:24:00.000-07:00

Clockwise : Solid wood, Particle board, Plywood , MDF board

Some of the common timber materials use in local furniture manufacturing:

1. Plywood
Pros: Can be bent, very durable, easy to work with, easily available
Cons: Difficult to cut bull-nose or round edge
Use : Most local custom-built furniture

2. Particle board
Pros: Very suitable for knockdown furniture, come laminated, flatter surface
Cons: Vulnerable to water or damp areas, tend to warp after sometimes, can’t hold screw or fittings well
Use : Most imported knock-down furniture

3. MDF board
Pros: Suitable for spray painting, easy to cut round corners, very smooth surface
Cons: Tend to warp after sometimes, can’t hold screws or fittings well, vulnerable to water and damp areas
Use : Most spray-painted furniture

4. Solid wood
Pros: Authentic look, very durable , can stain in deeper shades, very strong
Cons: Very expensive, limited by sizes, scarce resources
Use : For table, chair legs etc

Suitability
1. Plywood : Kitchen cabinet, wardrobe and all other built-in furniture.

2. Chipboard : Desk, low shelf, TV cabinet, sideboard – loose furniture.

3. MDF board : Coffee tables, bedside cabinet and low credenzas –
loose furniture.

4. Solid wood : Dining table & chair legs, beds and other furniture parts that need strong support.

Wood Works

2009-02-27T23:09:00.000-08:00

Hardwood trees have broad leaves, produce a fruit or nut,
and generally go dormant in winter. They get their name
because they have fibre which acts as structural reinforcement.

Softwood trees are conifers or trees that bear cones.
Examples of softwoods are pine, spruce, cedar and fir.

Besides Teak, these are other popular woods used in
furniture production:

Walnut

Hard Maple

White Oak

Nyatoh

Ramin

Meranti Bakau

Different wood will give you different result,
thus selecting the right wood to go with your
preferred design is vital at the beginning.