Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Warm, Fuzzy and Cozy Guest Room

Having some long-distance guests over this weekend? Make them feel at home with these tips.

Article taken off http://shine.yahoo.com

10 Tips for Creating a Cozy Guest Room in Your Home

Making your guests feel at home doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If you’re already decorating an extra bedroom, there are ways to save money along the way. After all, it’s the attention to small details that contributes to an overall homey look. Here are some ways you can make your extra bedroom a relaxing retreat for guests:

1. If you were thinking about repainting anyway, consider choosing a light neutral color for the guest room. Generally, pale yellows and soft grays do the job well for providing a relaxing atmosphere. Dark and bright colors like red, orange, green or pink often create a more chaotic or loud feel, so avoid those colors if you prefer a serene scene.

2. As with all decorating, pick a color theme and stick with it. Bringing too many different colors into one room can make it look cluttered and stressful. Instead, pick two to three colors, and try to keep most decorative items in that same color scheme.

3. Make a welcoming tray of mints and small candies. Food always looks welcoming, and small candies or mints won’t go stale quickly, making it the perfect guest room amenity.

4. Put together a basket of toiletries in the bathroom. Small, travel-sized shampoos and conditioners are great for guests. If you’re worried about the cost of constantly restocking toiletries, you can buy small containers and just refill them yourself with the larger bottles you already have.

5. Stock up on pillows. This is great for making the bed look cozy, as well as giving your guests options depending on their sleep preferences.

6. Hang a mirror in your guest room. This could be either in the bathroom or bedroom, but it’s important they're able to get ready in the morning without having to run through the house to see how they look.

7. Layer the sheets and blankets. Since a comfortable bed is the big focus for your guest to have a great night’s sleep, multiple layers not only make the bed more cozy, but also gives your guest the option to choose their temperature.

8. Lay out towels. A neat stack of clean towels provides good decor (if the colors are consistent) and also saves your guest the trouble of rifling through linen closets.

9. Furnish the room with adequate lighting. Make sure there are nightlights plugged in so that your guest won’t be stumbling around in the dark in an unfamiliar room. This is especially handy in the bathroom if it’s connected to the bedroom.

10. Add some plants. While providing fresh flowers for guests may be costly, you can add a bit of nature into the room by placing a small potted plant on the windowsill or dresser.

Don’t have a guest room in your house? Or maybe you’ve been looking to upgrade into a new home. Now is a great time to buy a home with low mortgage rates, the home buyer tax credit and low home prices, so take advantage of this buyer’s market before it’s over.

Monday, September 27, 2010

How to Get Moisture Out of Picture Frames

In this hot and humid weather, we won't be too surprised if condensation wrecks our framed photos. If you see moisture forming, better nip it in the bud!

Article by Robert Gray taken off ehow.com

How to Get Moisture Out of Picture Frames

There are three good reasons why moisture collects inside picture frames: the picture is hanging in a damp environment such as an unventilated bathroom, a damp basement or a house close to a large body of water. Framed pictures can also develop moisture through condensation. Also, moisture will collect inside picture frames if the back of the frame hasn't been sealed up properly. If you spot condensation inside a picture frame, there is something you can do about it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:
Hammer
1-inch finishing nails
Glass cleaner
Lint-free cloth
1 roll double sided tape
Scissors
Needle nose pliers
Razor blade
Paint brush
Brown craft paper

1.Lay the frame face down on a work surface, undo the picture hanging wire from the eye screws and remove the eye screws. Tear off the backing paper on the back of the frame if there is some. With a needle nose pliers, pull out the small nails, glazing points or whatever is holding the glass, artwork and backing board in place inside the frame.

2.Put on gloves and remove the glass and artwork from the frame. Separate the glass from the artwork carefully laying it on the work surface condensation side facing up. Put the artwork in a safe location away from the work table.

3.Spray on glass cleaner, using a cloth clean the glass. Look closely making sure no dust, lint or fingerprints are left on the surface of the glass. Clean both sides. Carefully put the picture glass back inside the frame.

4.Bring the artwork back to the work table and inspect it closely. Look for surface dust and lint. Remove any foreign particles with a soft, clean paint brush.

5.Examine the backing board. This is separate from the board the artwork may be mounted on. Feel the backing board for any dampness. If dampness is detected, replace the backing board with a new, clean, dry one the same size.

6.Put the backing board in place, then take a hammer and start tapping in new finishing nails at a slight angle into the picture frame molding. Position them very close to the backing board, every 3 to 4 inches. Drive the nails at a slight angle first, then use the needle nose pliers to press the nails snugly against the backing board.

7.Take the roll of double sided tape and run it all around the back face of the picture frame molding. Remove the backing paper on the tape.

8.Take the roll of brown craft paper and lay it over one edge of the frame. When the end of the roll of paper makes contact with the double sided tape run a finger over the full length of that section of molding to solidly adhere the paper to the frame.

9.Unroll the craft paper at least 4 inches beyond the opposite end of the picture frame keeping it taut at all times. Lower the paper down until it makes contact with the rest of the double sided tape. Seal the paper firmly to the tape by running a finger over the paper.

10.Take a razor blade and cut off the excess craft paper all the way around the frame. Put the eyes crews back in place and reattach the picture hanging wire.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Changing The Doorknob

Knock-knock. Who's there? Ok, no time for lame jokes. Doorknob needs replacement? Do it yourself.

Article taken off diynetwork.com

HOW TO CHANGE A DOORKNOB

Follow these easy step-by-step instructions to replace a doorknob.

Step 1: Remove the Old Doorknob
Begin by removing the screws holding the doorknob in place. The screws will be located on the interior side of the door.

If your doorknob has screws on the cover plates, remove those to loosen the old knob. If not, look for a small slot with a metal piece on the side of the handle. Then use a clip or the key from the new doorknob to push in on the metal piece as show in the image. That should make the doorknob pop loose.

Step 2: Remove the Underlying Plate
Pull off the doorknob to reveal the plate below. Look for a slot in the plate along the seam where it butts against the door. Wedge a flathead screwdriver in the slot and then give the plate a half twist to pop it off.

Step 3: Remove the Old Screws and Latch
With plate removed, you'll see the screws you should remove with a power drill (Image 1). Remove the old latch by taking out the screws with a power drill or screwdriver (Image 2).

Step 4: Install the New Latch and Doorhandle
Depending on your door, you may need to adjust the backset, the distance between the edge of the door and the center of the doorknob. Most doorknobs can accommodate different backsets.

Reverse the removal procedure to install the new doorknob. In most cases the holes for the new doorknob will match your existing holes. Be sure to orient the new striker in the correct direction to ensure that the door will close properly.

Screw the new latch in, setting the screws by hand first and then tightening them with a power drill. Set the doorknobs in place, set the screws by hand, and then tighten. Don't over-tighten the screws or you'll bind the doorknob.

Test the new handle to make sure it turns and locks properly.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Funky Window Valances

Metal valances? Or cheetah print? Why not!

Article taken off hgtv.com

6 Fun, Funky Window Valances

Readily available in vibrant patterns and cool themes, window valances are perfect for pumping up a room's personality. Check out these hip valances to get ideas for your own home.






Friday, September 17, 2010

Peep Into Nicholas Cage's Mansion

Let's be voyeurs and peep into Nicholas Cage's Mansion.

Article taken off interioguru.com


Peep into NICHOLAS CAGE's mansion

We all the know the passion that famous actor Nicholas Cage has for real estate.

Somewhere or the other he is always engaged in buying or selling something or the other. For example, look at this garden district mansion that he made then renovated and is now selling off for $3.45 million in New Orleans. It is a piece of art in itself, its huge approx 13,176 square feel, and has 6 bedrooms and 5 baths.

In other words we may sum up by saying that Nicholas collects and maintains real estate property, as much as people would collect base ball cards.




















Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Creative Kids' Rooms

Let your children have a say in how they want to do up their rooms. Now's a good time to let them practise their autonomy and creativity.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Quick Home Decor Tips and Ideas For First-Time Movers

First time moving house and clueless? Read on!

Quick Home Decor Tips and Ideas For First-Time Movers

Okay, so you now have your very own flat. What's next? If you have just moved out of your 'rents' home, chances are you don't have any important appliances. The first thing that may come into your mind is to go to the nearest local store and purchase a bed bag so you can at least sleep the night. Whilst over 50% of first time movers had, indeed, done this, to experts this is a major Don't. If you are clueless about filling your new area, here's a quick and fast home décor tips for first-time movers and renters.

Planning Living Space
Going in for whatever looks great and just cheaply functional may not be exactly the thing that you want to do. No matter how new you are to it, waiting and planning is the wisest thing that a first-time mover and renter can actually act into. And since you will live in your very own space, you might as well listen and act on your very own preferences and home decorating ideas. One of the most important home decor tips we can shell out is that you stay tuned to what you really like than just going for whatever looks beautifully at a magazine spread.
Quick home decor tips...

- Know your style, budget, and the structure of your home
- Create a decor book where you can clip the fabrics, colors, and pictures of furniture and appliance that would fit your overall theme of your space
- Home decorating is all about you and your space. Rome is not built in a day, and so does your room. Plan your time budget. Design your home at your very own pace.

Choosing Color Theme
One of the most common home decorating themes that most homeowners can think about is color. And, for first-time movers and renters, choosing complementing and matching colors is the easiest and convenient way to unify the rest of your home decor tips and ideas.
Whilst it would be fun to perk up any room and just let your creative juices to continue flowing, having a color theme would make it so much easier to find and purchase matching and fitting pieces for your own space. Need a quick fix on colors? Here is a quick look on colors and what it can contribute to how you feel and, of course, look at your very own flat.

Red is a favorite staple of fast food chains. As it increases one's appetite, red is perfect for those who wants to have a more formal dining room. To do wonders for your eating habits, choose a hue that leans on darker and richer red color. If intimacy is on the top of your list, painting your bath area and boudoir can immediately pump up romance to your life.

Orange is perfect for those who have enough space to create a sitting or living room in their flat. Orange stimulates a warm and friendly feeling, making it the color choice for welcoming furniture pieces.

Yellow, like orange, is welcoming and warm. But the true advantage of this color is that it literally lightens up any space. If your room is facing west, painting hallways and foyer with yellow is the perfect solution to naturally and immediately brighten up these spaces.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Interior Design Inspiration From Eat, Pray, Love

Before the movie hits our shores, let's get load of the breathtaking scenes (and we're not talking about Javier Bardem).

Article taken off elledecor.com


Around the World with "Eat Pray Love"

Romantic rooms, exotic destinations, and global style make this must-see film a feast for the eyes

Written by Leah Konen

"I want to go someplace where I can marvel," says Julia Roberts in Eat Pray Love, the new movie based on Elizabeth Gilbert's bestselling memoir. In the wake of a divorce, Roberts’s character, Liz, sets out on a high-carb, peace-seeking, and ultimately romantic journey across the globe. Liz gets her wish: She marvels at the world around her, and so do we.

Eat Pray Love was shot on location in four countries, with palettes inspired by earth, air, fire, and water. "We scouted Bali first," says production designer Bill Groom. "It became clear that you’d never get away from the sense of water." After that, the other settings came vividly to life: a bohemian New York filled with an earthy sense of style; an Italy of open windows and curtains billowing in the breeze; and an India rich in smoldering reds and oranges.

Teams of local artists, designers, and set decorators worked in each country. The resulting sets are sensational spaces that reflect local culture and style, taking viewers on a breathtaking global trip without ever leaving the movie theater.



Set in New York’s East Village neighborhood, the apartment of David (James Franco), the “yogi from Yonkers” who Liz dates shortly after ending her marriage, is earthy brick-red. With its matchstick shades, distressed pine floors, and a smattering of curiosities, many from an Indian antiques dealer on the Lower East Side, the studio contrasts with the straitlaced home Liz shared with her husband.



The Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most famous and beautiful squares, is the perfect spot to savor gelato. The gray-blue doors and gates of the Sant’Agnese in Agone cathedral reflect the film’s elemental color scheme. “In Rome, we were taken by the light and air,” says production designer Bill Groom. “Liz takes a breath in Rome. She eats. She tries to reorder her life in some way.”



Liz’s apartment in the heart of Rome has 20-foot-high ceilings, a cream palette, and oversize windows that draw in the light of the city. The ornate chandelier was original to the space, as was the scaffolding, which was even written into the script. It holds the ceiling up, Liz’s landlady quips.



While studying at an ashram in India, Liz befriends Tulsi (Rushita Singh), a 17-year-old girl struggling with her impending arranged marriage. The two friends share a quiet moment in Tulsi’s family home. The production design for elements of fire includes floral garlands, beaded curtains, and a red-striped floor covering made of printed jute.



“Weddings in India are something else,” production designer Bill Groom says. “The entire village turns out.” Hand-strung floral garlands made of marigolds, gerbera daisies, baby roses, jasmine, wildflowers, and herbs add festive, authentic flair. They also attracted crowds during the shoot. “We had local residents showing up for the wedding feast not realizing that it was a film set.



Liz finishes her journey by studying and meditating at the Bali compound of healer and medicine man Ketut Liyer, whose actual home in Bali was used during the filming. Traditional metallic fabrics, available in the local markets, adorn the space.



Located in the rice fields on the outskirts of Ubud, Liz’s breezy Bali retreat is centered upon an antique iron bed from East Java, draped in mosquito netting and Balinese batik. It’s an ideal environment for a budding romance.

Interior Design Inspiration From Eat, Pray, Love


Before the movie hits our shores, let's get load of the breathtaking scenes (and we're not talking about Javier Bardem).

Article taken off elledecor.com


Around the World with "Eat Pray Love"

Romantic rooms, exotic destinations, and global style make this must-see film a feast for the eyes

Written by Leah Konen

"I want to go someplace where I can marvel," says Julia Roberts in Eat Pray Love, the new movie based on Elizabeth Gilbert's bestselling memoir. In the wake of a divorce, Roberts’s character, Liz, sets out on a high-carb, peace-seeking, and ultimately romantic journey across the globe. Liz gets her wish: She marvels at the world around her, and so do we.

Eat Pray Love was shot on location in four countries, with palettes inspired by earth, air, fire, and water. "We scouted Bali first," says production designer Bill Groom. "It became clear that you’d never get away from the sense of water." After that, the other settings came vividly to life: a bohemian New York filled with an earthy sense of style; an Italy of open windows and curtains billowing in the breeze; and an India rich in smoldering reds and oranges.

Teams of local artists, designers, and set decorators worked in each country. The resulting sets are sensational spaces that reflect local culture and style, taking viewers on a breathtaking global trip without ever leaving the movie theater.



Set in New York’s East Village neighborhood, the apartment of David (James Franco), the “yogi from Yonkers” who Liz dates shortly after ending her marriage, is earthy brick-red. With its matchstick shades, distressed pine floors, and a smattering of curiosities, many from an Indian antiques dealer on the Lower East Side, the studio contrasts with the straitlaced home Liz shared with her husband.



The Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most famous and beautiful squares, is the perfect spot to savor gelato. The gray-blue doors and gates of the Sant’Agnese in Agone cathedral reflect the film’s elemental color scheme. “In Rome, we were taken by the light and air,” says production designer Bill Groom. “Liz takes a breath in Rome. She eats. She tries to reorder her life in some way.”


Liz’s apartment in the heart of Rome has 20-foot-high ceilings, a cream palette, and oversize windows that draw in the light of the city. The ornate chandelier was original to the space, as was the scaffolding, which was even written into the script. It holds the ceiling up, Liz’s landlady quips.



While studying at an ashram in India, Liz befriends Tulsi (Rushita Singh), a 17-year-old girl struggling with her impending arranged marriage. The two friends share a quiet moment in Tulsi’s family home. The production design for elements of fire includes floral garlands, beaded curtains, and a red-striped floor covering made of printed jute.



“Weddings in India are something else,” production designer Bill Groom says. “The entire village turns out.” Hand-strung floral garlands made of marigolds, gerbera daisies, baby roses, jasmine, wildflowers, and herbs add festive, authentic flair. They also attracted crowds during the shoot. “We had local residents showing up for the wedding feast not realizing that it was a film set.



Liz finishes her journey by studying and meditating at the Bali compound of healer and medicine man Ketut Liyer, whose actual home in Bali was used during the filming. Traditional metallic fabrics, available in the local markets, adorn the space.



Located in the rice fields on the outskirts of Ubud, Liz’s breezy Bali retreat is centered upon an antique iron bed from East Java, draped in mosquito netting and Balinese batik. It’s an ideal environment for a budding romance.




Set in New York’s East Village neighborhood, the apartment of David (James Franco), the “yogi from Yonkers” who Liz dates shortly after ending her marriage, is earthy brick-red. With its matchstick shades, distressed pine floors, and a smattering of curiosities, many from an Indian antiques dealer on the Lower East Side, the studio contrasts with the straitlaced home Liz shared with her husband.


The Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most famous and beautiful squares, is the perfect spot to savor gelato. The gray-blue doors and gates of the Sant’Agnese in Agone cathedral reflect the film’s elemental color scheme. “In Rome, we were taken by the light and air,” says production designer Bill Groom. “Liz takes a breath in Rome. She eats. She tries to reorder her life in some way.”


Liz’s apartment in the heart of Rome has 20-foot-high ceilings, a cream palette, and oversize windows that draw in the light of the city. The ornate chandelier was original to the space, as was the scaffolding, which was even written into the script. It holds the ceiling up, Liz’s landlady quips.



While studying at an ashram in India, Liz befriends Tulsi (Rushita Singh), a 17-year-old girl struggling with her impending arranged marriage. The two friends share a quiet moment in Tulsi’s family home. The production design for elements of fire includes floral garlands, beaded curtains, and a red-striped floor covering made of printed jute.



“Weddings in India are something else,” production designer Bill Groom says. “The entire village turns out.” Hand-strung floral garlands made of marigolds, gerbera daisies, baby roses, jasmine, wildflowers, and herbs add festive, authentic flair. They also attracted crowds during the shoot. “We had local residents showing up for the wedding feast not realizing that it was a film set.



Liz finishes her journey by studying and meditating at the Bali compound of healer and medicine man Ketut Liyer, whose actual home in Bali was used during the filming. Traditional metallic fabrics, available in the local markets, adorn the space.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Home Decor Trends For The Living Room

Moroccan lanterns, layering and retro prints - update your living room with these tips!

Friday, September 3, 2010

Asian Bedroom Influences

Yes, I know that Asia is very diverse and it's very hard to take Asian interior decor so generally. But the tips here are good for a contemporary Asian look by drawing inspiration from all of Asian home decor influences.

Article taken off interioguru.com

Top Bedroom Decorating Ideas For An Asian Ethnic Bedroom

For many of you, decorating your bedroom in an Asian or Ethnic style can be a challenging project. Fortunately, if you are able to identify the colors, accessories, and furniture you can easily implement Asian bedroom designs principles in your room.

If you are still confused, here are some top ideas for creating an Asian bedroom. The main elements of Asian bedroom styles include rich embroidered fabrics, delicate rice paper window decorations for privacy, and framed pieces of Calligraphy, Asian table lamps, Oriental candles, and Asian beds.

Asian bedroom designs also include play of light and the more subdued it is, the better your room. Replace your overhead lights with wall scones and indirect lighting fixtures to lend a sensuous look to your bedroom. Also, an intricately carved wooden Asian screen is an excellent addition to your Asian bedroom. The screen is a very useful and visually appealing way to hide the unwanted clutter or divide the room into two areas for more privacy and an intimate atmosphere. Another important aspect of Asian bedroom decor is the use of indoor plants like Bamboo. Use Bamboo plants in pots, or tall glass vases to introduce some green color in your bedroom.

Moreover, Asian bedroom decor is characterized by elegance and subtlety that make this theme a unique and popular one. Give your bedroom an Easter feel and show off your creativity and penchant for the spiritual with Asian bedroom designs. A big part of the Asian Ethnic bedroom styles of home decor is the use of colors. For a more bold and pronounced look, golds and reds are the best colors. On the other hand, greens, blues, and yellows are good for an understated yet attractive appearance. Simply visit some paint shops and get paint card with your choice of colors and when you shop for accessories and Asian style bedroom furniture, carry these cards with you to get a perfect match.

Depending which specific Eastern World Country you are interested in reflecting in your Asian Ethnic bedroom decor, you can use some of the most popular things from there. For ex. if you are trying to create Japanese style bedroom then using a folding screen, hanging a kimono, and using painted lacquer lamps and other accessories will highlight the culture and spirit of Japan in your Asian bedroom décor. Asian style bedroom furniture like low platform beds, low seating like divans will also bring out the earthy Asian flavor.

If bedroom remodeling in order to adapt to the Asian or ethnic bedroom theme is part of your scheme of things then consider using the correct lighting fixtures. Since bedrooms require both overhead as well as bedside lights, use focus lights that are bright and made from black painted wood or rice paper shades to draw out the Asian bedroom decor flavor to the hilt. Remember there are several Asian Ethnic bedroom design ideas for any bedroom. All you need is time to plan and enjoy the process.