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Monday, September 28, 2009

Living Room Interior Design | Vibrant Colored Living Room Carpet

Whether you have hard wood floors or wall-to-wall carpeting in your living room, there are ways you can spruce up the interior design of the living room by adding vibrant accent area carpets (rugs).

Using vibrant colored accent area carpets and rugs are a great way to enhance the look of the living room when you have neutral colored furniture and hard wood floors. Using area carpets and rugs if also totally do-able if you already have wall-to-wall carpeting.

The idea is to have the snazzy bright colored carpets and rug "pop-up" amongst the more "sober" pieces of the living room.

The vice versa hold true as well. If you have vibrant furniture pieces, you will want to tone it down with neutral colored area carpets and rugs.

Example of Snazzy Vibrant Colored Carpet
& Neutral Living Room Furniture


The below is an informative article on how to choose carpets when decocarting your home.

How to Choose Carpets When Decorating Your Home
By Kathy Burns-Millyard

Before buying a new carpet, it's vital to find out as much as you can about the different types - how they're made, what they are made of, and how well they'll wear- to be sure of choosing the right quality for each room.

Ideally, choosing the carpets for your home should take priority over any other decorating decision. As well as providing a warm, hard-working covering for your floors, a carpet contributes a significant area of color, texture, and sometimes pattern to a room.

Whether you are starting from scratch or replacing an old carpet, selecting a new one that suits your lifestyle and meets all your preferences - for color, pattern, texture, warmth, sound insulation, quality, and cost - is one of the most momentous and expensive choices you ever have to make for your home. Reconciling all these factors with the bewildering variety of carpets available can seem daunting for the first-time carpet buyer. To ensure you make a suitable choice and get the best value for money, it pays to do your homework.

Buying Carpet

Check through the following points to make sure you have all the information you require to make the right choice for you.

Do I want a wall-to-wall or an area carpet? Wall-to-wall carpet is the most popular choice for providing luxurious comfort and style in a room. If you are intending to move soon, or want to feature an attractive floor, an area rug is a more practical solution.

How much can I afford to spend? Always buy the best quality carpet you can afford; cheap carpets are a false economy because they wear and stain badly. Bear in mind that you will probably have to buy more carpet than the area of the room to allow for fitting around awkward shapes, such as a chimney breast.

Will I have to pay for the installation? It's always wise to have a carpet installed professionally to get it stretched properly so that it wears well. Many suppliers offer free installation.

Where do I buy carpet? Carpet is available from large department stores, furniture or carpet showrooms, and local flooring specialists.

How do I buy carpet? New carpet is sold in one of four ways:

Bodywidth is usually 2, 3, or 3ft wide, to minimize waste on stairs and in hallways. Broadloom comes in a range of widths over 3ft - 12ft and 15ft are the most common sizes - for fitting wall to wall.

Carpet squares or rectangles are room-sized rugs with tightly bound or fringed edges. Carpet tiles are small squares of carpet that are laid and lifted individually. Book a time for installation when you place your order, allowing a few days for delivery.

How much carpet will I need? Some suppliers will bring samples to your home and measure before quoting a price. When visiting showrooms, measure the room first and take along a sketch plan giving the dimensions to discuss with the sales staff; they will advise on how to arrange widths for minimum waste, and where to position any seams inconspicuously and to avoid wear.

What type of carpet do I need? Jot down any questions you want to ask the sales assistant about wearing qualities, soil, stain, fire resistance, pile fiber, and density. When appropriate, check whether the carpet is suitable for installation in a bathroom or kitchen.

What color carpet do I want? Take samples of wall coverings, paints, and fabrics you want to match to the shop. Then take a swatch of carpet home to check it in daylight and under artificial lighting. At the same time, think about any special effects you want to achieve, such as warming a cold room or lightening a dark one, making a large room look cozier, or adding a pattern.

Can the carpet be fitted on my floor? For even wear, the floor must be perfectly clean and smooth. Make sure that all loose floorboards are fixed, planed, or covered with plywood, and solid floors are level and dry. When you have any doubts, ask your carpet retailer for advice.

Home Decorating Tip: Find some pictures and in depth home decorating ideas which will help you make your home so beautiful it's the envy of all your friends and family! Visit HouseDesignIdeas.com right now to find photos, home decor, decorating ideas, and much much more. ©2007, Kathy Burns-Millyard.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathy_Burns-Millyard

Vibrant Colored Living Room Carpet


Vibrant Blue Area Rug Paired With Neutral Furniture

Vibrant Orange Rust Colored Moorish Motif Area Rug

Vibrant Blue Chocolate Floral Motif Area Rug

White Chocolate Zebra Area Rug With Neutral Living Room Furniture

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Sunday, September 27, 2009

English Country Home Decor Ideas

One of the more popular trends in interior designs is the English country home style. I think this has been fuelled in part by the number of celebrities who have second homes in the country side - how many of us have seen interior design shows featuring celebrities' country homes and wished we had that for ourselves. One of the more chic ideas in country home decor, is the English country home. There is a certain elegance and sophistication about the English country home that is very appealing.

Well, we may not all have the luxury to have a second home in the countryside, but we can certainly create an English country home for ourselves in the place we live in.

This article focuses on creating an elegant style of English country home through tips and ideas on English country home decor. It is not as hard as it might seem!

Take a read :)

The Elegant Style Of English Country Decorating
By Lee Dobbins

If you are considering redesigning or redecorating your home, then why not adopt the formal and elegant charm of the English country decorating? By applying a blend of toile, formal furniture and antique accessories plus formal but neutral colors, this design can enhance any type of home. By making use of this decorating style, you can have the regal look of the English countryside no matter where your home is.

With this style you want to be sure to use the right fabrics and window treatments are key. You might want to buy curtains that are formal and get some decorative pillows to match. Decorating with striped or flowered curtains would look nice or you can go with the classic toile pattern.

Just like anything else, it's a good idea to include the proper lighting fixtures for your English country decorating theme. Your decorating theme will look richest if you deploy lighting that is formal but elegant. Choose accent lamps in rich brass or crystal but don't pick anything with a lot of prisms or fringe.

Pull your design together with coordinating artwork and accent pieces. Decorating with items that exude a regal and elegant appeal compliment this type of room design. Purchasing decorative accessories which match with your personality and preferences will make the room your own. Look for antique boxes in beautiful woods, crystal decanters and vases, old master style paintings and framed needlework to complete your decor.

You can pull the whole room together by using coordinating accent rugs on top of rich hardwood floors. Look for rugs in creams and beiges with a formal style. Oriental style rugs can go great with the English country look.

Use inviting sofas and chairs with a formal but not overstuffed look. For wood, you want to go with mahogany or cherry wood. In the dining room, needlepoint seats on the chairs add elegance and interest.

If you want a traditional and formal look, then the English country decorating style is perfect for you. By selecting the right accessories, furniture and colors, you will be able to make your place look like it was decorated by a professional without having to pay the high price!

For more tips on decorating visit http://www.decoratingcharm.com where you can learn more about English country decorating as well as other decorating styles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Dobbins

English Country Home Decor Ideas

English Country Home Decor Kitchen and Breakfast Area
We tend to spend a lot of time in the Kitchen
So Having Adequate Space is Essential

English Country Home Decor
An All White Bedroom
Light and Airy

Contemporary English Country Home Decor for Living Room

English Country Home Decor for Bathrooms
Include flowers as part as Bathroom Interior Design

English Country Home Decor for Dining Room
Light Blue-Gray Color

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Friday, September 18, 2009

Wood Window Blinds

I love the look of wood window blinds. I would choose wood window blinds over vinyl (plastic) blinds any time, even if I had to pay more for it. And I am not alone! There are good reasons why wood window blinds are one of the hottest window treatments trend in interior design.

Wooden window blinds are long-lasting, durable and look good. The wooden blinds come in a number of finishes. This is determined by the type of wood used, which ranges from painted to most types of solid oak varieties. They can also be customized in different sizes, and in horizontal or vertical forms.

However, wooden window blinds are more expensive. An affordable alternative would be faux wood blinds. The faux wooden blinds are of a composite of man-made materials and natural wood particles faux wood. This makes is a more affordable choice, and the overall look is similar to natural wooden window blinds.

Faux wood blinds are also a good choice for use in rooms that have high huidity like bathrooms or kitchens. This is because natural wooden window blinds tend to warp with temperature changes, and the faux wood blinds do not do so as easily as the natural wooden blinds.

Whatever you choice - be it natural wooden window blinds or faux wood blinds - you will sure enjoy having them in your home. The wooden window blinds exude warmth and generates an inviting feeling as soon as you enter a room. A perfect choice for bedrooms, especially.

Please read through the expert article below that has tips on selecting a great wooden window blinds for your home today!

Wooden Window Blinds - The Number One Choice
By Keggy Ambrose

Wooden Window Blinds will give you that elegant look and fulfill all your needs for privacy. They will be a great enhancement to any window, door or skylight and give you easy control over the amount of light you want to let in or shut out. Once you try wood it will no longer be a secret as to why more and more folks are going for them.

Economy is one of the reasons for using easy to control blinds when you want to keep out the heat from sunlight but also let in enough light to brighten up the room. When it comes to insulating quality we all know wood always wins hands down. Even though window blinds come in most any size, shape, color or material wood has moved to the front of the line in most all categories. Wooden Window Blinds are just about everyone's first choice even if we do live in a high tech world.

Wood is very durable and easily fashioned into blinds that are excellent for your home or office, even a workshop. By choosing the right size and color it is very easy to brighten and liven up any area. The amount of brightness can be changed at the flip of your wrist and you can block out almost all the light for that darkened room effect. Great for a daytime sleeper.

For many years they were referred to as just venetian blinds but today window coverings have taken on a whole new vocabulary and in it we now refer to them as Wooden Window Blinds or Wood Venetian Blinds. Wood is probably the oldest material used in making blinds and still at the top of the list in popularity. There must be a reason.

When striving for that perfect fit or custom "You Look" wood blinds will add just the right finish or flare to your favorite room. North American Hardwood is used extensively for most blinds in the USA and for good reason. It allows for a large variety of styles in making shades, blinds or window shutters.

Once you get your wooden window blinds installed you will discover many more amenities than you probably opted for, like the easy adjusting slats for perfect light and privacy control. When all is said and done I believe you will be happier, cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter with wood as your first choice.

Please visit http://www.homewindowblinds.com for more on window blinds.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keggy_Ambrose

Wooden Window Blinds Interior Design Ideas


Dark Stain Wood Window Blinds

Living Room Wood Window Blinds

Vertical and Horizontal Wood Blinds in Living Room

Faux Wood Blinds

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Thursday, September 17, 2009

Bathroom Remodeling Ideas | Bathroom Chocolate Color Designs

When I first moved into my new apartment, I wanted desperately to do complete bathroom remodeling for both bathrooms. The bathrooms in the apartment were last renovated in the 1980s! And it looked old, worn down and in serious need of an uplift, particularly the bathroom in the master bedroom. I suppose that the bathroom in the master bedroom had been used more than the other one. It seemed that a complete make-over in the order of bathroom remodeling was needed.

So I called a contractor, who scared with descriptions of hacking up bathroom tiles, dragging the broken tiles and concrete from the bathroom through my living space and out of the house - all done within one NOISY week. Then scared me even more with the price. One complete bathroom remodeling for a bathroom was approximately $6000-$7000. And I do believe that price quote was on the low end.

I had to look to alternative solutions to give the bathrooms a make-over. I found out that brilliant paint work for the walls, cabinet replacements and other affordable changes can make a difference to the overall look of the bathroom. For instance, with my small changes, the bathroom tiles were no longer looking as bad as I had initially thought, in fact, they were in pretty good condition after all.

Here are some tips to help you achieve a brand new bathroom without having to spend an exorbitant amount on bathroom remodeling.

Bathroom Remodeling:
Remodeling the Bathroom Doesn't Have to Be Expensive
By Andrew Stratton

Standing in your bathroom, you look around and see a room that you just don't like anymore. In these economic times, bathroom remodeling is the last thing you need to be worried about. But, you don't have to live with a blah bathroom.

You can create the room you want and do it on a budget that won't cause you any financial strain. Here are some creative ways to change the look and feel of the room without spending a fortune on bathroom remodeling:

Paint-This is the easiest and cheapest form of bathroom remodeling. Measure the length and width to determine the square footage of wall space. One gallon of paint covers roughly 350 square feet. With the average cost of decent paint being about $25 and the wall space likely being minimal, you can update it by adding or changing the color. Be bold and have fun with this.

New Hardware-Change all the knobs and pulls on the cabinets. This particularly goes a long way to updating the look of old cabinets. Hardware can be expensive, but if this is the only step you take, don't skimp. Get some dramatic pieces that add flair to the room.

Change Fixtures-By fixtures, this means the towel bars, the faucets, the lighting and mirrors. Do your sinks still have the stock faucets? These days, the faucet fixtures are as much a work of art as they are functional. Instead of plain old mirrors, trim them out like a portrait or hang them away from the wall at angles for a geometrical look.

Light fixtures offer a lot of remodeling opportunities as well. You can even change the bulbs to add color with a soft pink, blue or whatever matches your decor.

Decor-What colors are you using as accents in the room? Maybe it is a mish mash of stuff. Pick a theme-Asian, Spa, Contemporary-and get new a new shower curtain, rugs and towels that carry out this theme. Add some flowers, candles, mirrors-whatever enhances the new colors and theme.

DIY Tile-If you don't go for the most expensive tile out there, just doing this one thing can update the look for under $1,000. Take a tile-laying class at the local home and hardware store or buy a book. This room is not going to be that big, so you can handle it. Pre-measure everything so you can have them cut the pieces of tile that you will have to fit around vanities, walls and corners.

You don't have to do all of these steps to make a difference. Pick and choose a couple or do just one thing. Even subtle differences can change the look and feel of the room.

For bathroom remodeling, Sarasota based dealer offers the best designs for every type of bathroom. Get custom cabinets and bathroom designs that have always been showstoppers. To know more, visit http://www.eurotechcabinetry.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Stratton

I have some ideas on chocolate color interior design ideas for bathroom that I came across recently. Check them out!

If you have light colored tiles, and white colored bathtub or bath area, you might want to consider a chocolate color interior design for the bathroom walls and furniture. You can add dark chocolate colored bath curtains, cabinets, and vanities for instance. This makes a great constrast with light or white tiles. Coupled with warm lighting in the bathroom, this interior design for bathrooms exudes a rich and warm inviting look that is deal for maximum relaxation.

Afterall, a beautifully decorated and color coordinated bathroom is an ideal island of peace and tranquility for you to enjoy!

Bathroom Chocolate Color Designs


I found some amazing before and after pictures of bathroom chocolate color interior design.

Before Bathroom Dull Look

Warm Bathroom Look with Chocolate Walls Design

Dark Stain Wood Stand in Chocolate Bathroom Design

Bathroom Chocolate Design Constrasted with White Bathtub

Bathroom Chocolate Design Constrasted with White

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Friday, September 11, 2009

Bamboo Window Blinds


Remember the 80s when plastic white blinds were all the rage for interior window treatments? Well, today there is absolutely no excuse to be stuck in the past with those outdated blinds anymore. The latest trend in chic window treatments are bamboo window blinds!

Bamboo window blinds are a really cool invention, which is in keeping with the green environment movement. Natural bamboo window blinds also exude a warmth to the interior design of the home. These window blinds bring the beauty of nature indoors. They are full of rich textures, beautiful colors and natural style. Additionally, bamboo window blinds provide insulation against the heat of summer and the cold of winter. These two factors make bamboo window blinds a beautiful and practical choice.

Expert Article:
Bring the Tropics to Your Home With Bamboo Window Blinds
By Teri Miller

Everyone loves the look and feel of the tropics. Imagine lying on a hammock on a quiet deserted island surrounded by palm trees and being fanned with the leaves of a bamboo tree. Now imagine having this atmosphere year round by decorating your home with beautiful bamboo window blinds. You can transform your ho-hum regular décor into a constant paradise retreat by simply changing your blinds.

Blinds are an essential element of a modern day home décor. Blinds ensure privacy from the outside and regulate temperature throughout the year. Even more so, blinds play a significant role in the interior design of a room in all homes. Since they add their own element of style to any room, there really is no reason to settle for plain white blinds when you can have the natural beauty of bamboo window blinds.

Bamboo window blinds are made similar to regular blinds except that they are made from all natural real bamboo stems. They are even available in a variety of colors from a soft green to a deep rich brown. Likewise, the blinds are also made in a variety of styles to suit your personal style and light needs. You'll be able to choose from such styles as slat blinds, which are made from thin pieces of bamboo sewn together. There are roll up blinds which are pieces of bamboo that are sewn together and roll up when the blind is raised. There are also roman blinds which fold into sections as the blinds are raised or lowered. Ultimately, your style choices are far from limited when choosing bamboo window blinds. You can give your home a very unique and interesting look without sacrificing color options or personal style preferences.

These type of blinds offer the consumer the style options of conventional blinds with the unique color and tone that can only be found in bamboo.

You don't have to settle for the same old boring white blinds. If you love the natural green of the outdoors you can have it. If you want to add realism to your Far East décor you can do this too. Embrace the multi-faceted beauty of bamboo blinds. They are versatile, practical, natural and far more complimentary than other traditional blinds.

For more great bamboo window blinds information, visit http://DiscountWindowBlindsInfo.net/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Teri_Miller

Bamboo Window Blinds Interior Design Ideas
Bamboo Blinds in Living Room

Bamboo Blinds in Dining Room

Bamboo Blinds Picture Close-Up

Bamboo Blinds in Contemporary Dining Room

Bamboo Blinds Paired With Drapery

Bamboo Blinds from Ceiling to Floor

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Sunday, September 6, 2009

Bathroom Interior Design - Blue and Chocolate Theme

When I moved into my new apartment, I did not want to completely renovate the entire bathroom. The guest bathroom had blue tiles in the bath area, and so I had to work around with the color for the bathroom interior design.

I decided on a blue and chocolate interior design for the guest bathroom. The below contains some great ideas on doing a blue and chocolate interior design for a bathroom. But before that, here is a great article I found that helps you decide on picking bathroom colors based on several basic principles.

Bathroom Color Basics
By R. Madison

Transfixed in a sea of color, of from the bluest sea to the bluest sky and feeling warm and sunny in the warm lemon shade of yellow. Fiery passion is ignited in shades of red and orange, and calming the inner self with scenery of green, feeling the earthly vibes of shades of brown and beige. Transforming your thoughts to sheer purity in whitest of whites. These colors evoke a plethora of feelings which make colors a very important aspect of our lives, anywhere and everywhere. Same in home environment, colors will instantly convey a range of emotion and artistry in decorating one's home. In the private secluded area, bathroom colors will surely make a statement to anyone who enters and wishes to take part in the pleasure and comfort a bathroom has to offer.

In choosing what shades or color you want for your bathroom, it is important that you coordinate this with the overall theme of your home. Bathroom colors basically exhibit your truest personality as it is manifested on one of your most private part of your home. Thus, choosing a statement or choosing the color representing your personality is a choice you have to make carefully.

Bathroom colors are also considered also to include the members of the family like children and older ones. Bright colors coupled with elegant designs will fuse the interests of the children and adults which will make the children enjoy taking baths or brushing their teeth more, or create a pleasant mood among adults.

In flooring and fixtures, the colors should be coordinated or should provide a delightful contrast to the color of your walls to create a variety in visuals. However, also remember to stick to one or two shades only to avoid creating confusion in a single small space. The tiles on the floor should be darker than the walls. This is to emphasize the solid floor providing a contrast to the walls making it a focus. Also, it would help conceal dirt and grime and will not easily discolor through continuous use through time.

Choosing bathroom colors for your vanities and cabinets is also carefully selected. In color schemes, dark colors will make a room darker. So when painting a strong and solid dark color, provide lots of light to make it brighter. Use small spotlights for a focal point effect enhancing an elegantly displayed décor or area. For counters, use light colors to create a clean and polished look.

Accessories also play up the overall theme of the bathroom. Compliment dark colors of your bathroom with light accessories and vice-versa. Accentuate accessories with colors according to your mood and theme. This is a quick and interesting way to alter and cheer-up your overall bathroom appearance and play for bathroom colors.

For more information on bathroom colors and bathroom lighting fixtures visit http://www.lightingbathroomfixtures.com for helpful insight.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=R._Madison

Blue and Chocolate Interior Design for Bathroom




A rich and royal chocolate brown bath rug that features a
fleur-de-lis accent emblem in a vibrant mist blue.

Luxury Bordeaux Bathroom Accents in Blue Chocolate

This is the Bordeaux Shower Curtain by India Ink. Set on a soft, pale blue background, chocolate brown fleur-de-lis medallions are screened on the curtain in soft felt-like fabric. Coordinates with the Bordeaux bath accessories, towels and bath rug for a complete, classic look for your bathroom.


Shower curtain made from 100% PEVA vinyl.
Baby blue and brown Contemporary Look.

Lovely rich bathroom coordinates.

Mediterranean Blue Bathroom Interior Design
Check out the terra cotta tiles.

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Saturday, September 5, 2009

Small Bathroom Storage Ideas


The small bathroom is sadly not a priority when it comes to interior design. But the bathroom is an essential part of your living space. One utilizes the small bathroom multiple times throughout the day. The key to small bathroom interior design is in bathroom storage furniture such as shelving, laundry hampers, and small baskets for storage (and also serves as pretty decoration).


Please find below an expert's take on small bathroom storage ideas, and my small bathroom storage interior design selections.

Put Everything in Its Place With Bathroom Storage Furniture
By Chris Smitts

In most homes, the bathroom is not a place that you would normally think of adding furniture, but the reality is that you run out of things in there and having bathroom storage furniture can alleviate that. Otherwise, you can have things like shampoo, soap and toilet tissue stuck in every odd corner that you can find.

Assuming you don't have a lot of space, you may want to consider using some bathroom shelving. Instead of having to find a large space, all you need is a couple feet and a 7ft ceiling. Get one that has at least 4 shelves and you can have just about everything that you would need in one tight area.

If you have a little more room, you can gain a lot more by using an armoire. This is something that will probably not fit in your average apartment bathroom, but something a little larger will make great use of this. The amount of things that you can store in an armoire instead of shelving is quite considerable. You would have space for all of your back up toiletries and extra towels as well. It can dramatically clean up the clutter that you see in most bathrooms.

You may not consider a hamper as a form of bathroom storage furniture, but in order to keep your bathroom clean and fresh smelling, this is one piece that you do not want to forget. The reason for this is something that you have probably already figured out, dirty clothes stink.

You don't want to keep them in your bedroom or hallway, so the bathroom is the next likely space. You will want to choose one with solid construction and a lid that closes for best results. You may also want to get one that is on wheels so you can take it directly to the laundry room and not have to lug all of that dirty laundry all over the house

Even though the bathroom is one of the smaller rooms in the house, it does not mean that you cannot make it look nice and keep it organized. Choosing the right bathroom storage furniture will allow you to do both. There will never again be the need to make sure you have backup toiletries when you get into the shower so you don't end up screaming for help. With the right storage, you will have everything you need right there in front of you.

Be sure to visit the authors website for discount bathroom storage furniture

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Smitts

Small Bathroom Storage Ideas
Interior Design Pictures


Clean Simple Look
Use of Mirrors to Widen Small Spaces

Small Basket Decoration in Bathroom

Small Corner Basket in Cherry Color
Perfect for placing on sink with face towels

Pair Blue Face Towels with Chocolate Basket
Always a Great Combination for Small Bathroom Interior Design

Storage Solutions Aplenty in This Small Bathroom

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