Contemporary (or “modern”) is characterized by clean lines and smooth surfaces without intricate details. But that doesn’t mean your home will look stark, cold and sterile. Long gone are the days of boxy furniture and eccentric decorating. Today’s updated contemporary look is a blend of comfortable, livable elements that create a sophisticated, fresh feel.

To create this look in your home, start by incorporating these five key elements: color, metal accents, texture, wood tone and lighting.

Color

Contemporary design is offset by neutral color palettes. When painting the walls, choose shades of brown, taupe, cream or pure white. However, neutral does not mean boring, so be sure to infuse the room with small splashes of a more vibrant, bold color. This may include painting one wall with an accent color, adding a bold red sofa, or adding vivid accessories, such as decorative pillows, towels, rugs or art. Just be sure not to over-accessorize – the key to contemporary design is simplicity.

Metal accents

Stainless steel, nickel and chrome metals are prevalent in contemporary design, providing a decorative framework of sleek finishes. Furniture, end tables, lamps and even bathroom fixtures featuring beautiful metal accents provide this look in all rooms of the home. In the bath, the Fina faucet from ShowHouse features soft modern style cues with a high-arc, marquise-shaped spout, lever handles and a contemporary-shaped base. The beautifully designed faucet also features a flow-optimized aerator for water savings.

Texture

To offset the clean, smooth lines of the metal accents, use fabrics such as silk, crushed velvet, linen or wool in your room to add texture and create a more natural, inviting feeling. In the bathroom, this may include fluffy rugs, towels or fabric shower curtains. In family rooms, this could include over-stuffed pillows, window treatments or the furniture upholstery. Texture can also be added to walls. New wallpapers made of linen can be an interesting way to add depth to the vertical surfaces of the room. But one word of caution – stay away from elaborate patterns or intricate details when choosing fabrics, as this will confuse the clean, contemporary look you are trying to achieve.

Wood

When it comes to wood surfaces, contemporary designs bring out the extremes, featuring very light or very dark tones. When incorporating woods into your design, look beyond the coffee table and utilize wood surfaces in accessories such as picture frames, large dramatic flower pots or shelves. Feel free to mix the design styles of the wood accessories, but be consistent with the wood tone and carry it throughout the room for a professional appearance.

Lighting

Lighting is extremely important in contemporary design, often seen as the key in illuminating the room’s design. When choosing lighting for your home, there are many new choices available that provide interesting, clean lines. Track lighting or floor lamps are popular in contemporary design and often utilize metals or bold colors to reinforce the other metal accessories or splashes of color incorporated into the room.

By looking at these five different elements and incorporating them into your home decor, you’ll be on the path to creating a sophisticated, yet contemporary home. Just make sure that you choose items that you love and elements that inspire you and you’ll be on the right path to a beautiful and inviting room.

For more information about the Fina bathroom collection from ShowHouse, visit shfaucets.com.

Courtesy: ARAcontent

Adding a shot of color to a space can be done quickly, but it can sometimes be confusing. In fact, mastering the ins and outs of decorating with color can be downright daunting.

“Although people love the idea of incorporating color into their homes, mixing and matching colors, patterns and textures can be an intimidating and overwhelming process,” says Donna Schroeder, color marketing and design manager for Martin-Senour Paints. “Whether it’s wall paint, new furniture or accessories, consumers might not have the confidence to step outside of their ‘color comfort zone’ and experiment with shades they might not normally gravitate toward.”

The Color Scheme Bible: Inspirational Palettes for Designing Home Interiors

So, how do you break out of that “color comfort zone?” You can start by using available color tools such as those found in Martin-Senour’s color selector. Not just about wall color, it offers unique tools designed to help you balance the entirety of a home’s interior design as well as room-to-room balance and flow. From wall color to room accents, the color selector is a resource for complete home design.

Having a basic understanding of color and knowing what emotions different colors can evoke also helps. So, if you’re thinking about warming up your home this winter and are contemplating using a paint color that you’ve always wanted to try, but weren’t sure how or where to use it, these tips can help steer you in the right direction:

Red

As the strongest color in the spectrum, red has the greatest emotional impact. Depending on the hue and shade, red resonates with passion, romance, energy and courage. In recent years, it’s become a popular color choice for dining room walls, but the drama of red is also ideal for entryways, living rooms and even bathrooms. The color combination of red with neutrals, such as tans and browns, results in warmth that is certain to carry you through those cold months.

Orange

Orange has evolved throughout the years; think terracotta and copper tones. It enlivens any space and can easily take center stage as a primary wall color, or as an accent color to give a refreshed decor a bit of much-needed punch. When paired with blues or purples, a spicier orange can be very powerful. For a more subdued effect, combine it with warmer colors like reds and deep, welcoming greens.

Yellow

There is no better color to radiate warmth in your home than yellow, but don’t underestimate the intensity of this color. Bright, strong yellows on walls are almost always best saved for an area like the kitchen because they are said to increase attentiveness and have “wake up” qualities. Creamier yellows — think the paleness of fresh butter – are popular in living rooms and can even translate well into bedrooms when joined with a classic red or blue.

Purple

Purples have a powerful connection with our spiritual and introspective side. Because purple has varying degrees of red and blue in it, it’s easily paired with many complementary colors such as yellow, orange and softer greens. When slightly redder, purple can be vivacious and exciting; when slightly bluer it can be restful. If you’re using purple for a room, decide whether the room is designed to entice drama, as with an eggplant-hued purple, or cast an air of relaxation and reflection, as found in a hydrangea shade.

Red, orange, yellow or purple, no matter what color you decide to use to help shut out those dark, chilly winter days, keep in mind that all colors can evoke powerful effects in any room. Understanding the basic building blocks of color can help you harness that power and create the stunning color schemes you’ve always wanted.

Courtesy: ARAcontent

Nothing conveys strength and durability better than metal. This video from Missouri-based Creative Candle Holders shows a small selection of their diverse metal candle holders for you to choose from. Hopefully, this post will give them a nudge to update their blog a little more frequently.

Video Courtesy: Creative Candle Holders

“Many newer homes are infused with architectural details from the past. Good traditional design is about creating a home with heritage and character while incorporating elements that have proven to stand the test of time,” says Nancy E. Berry of New Old House magazine.

One way to capture the look of classic architecture is to work with ceramic tile, which offers supreme durability, sustainability and timeless beauty. Versatility in design, size, format and texture also allows it to be applied in some unexpected ways. Advanced technology allows for replicate finishes virtually indistinguishable from the real thing. You can achieve the look of wallpaper, wainscoting, wood, stone and textiles but with the durability and property advantages of tile. Both flooring and wall tiles do not show wear and do not require heavy cleaning.

Once installed, ceramic tile will not require costly replacement and repair. It offers supreme durability, directly related to the impervious glazed surface, and a longer lifespan than most floor and wall coverings. Unlike wood that rots and needs refinishing, or carpeting that loses its pile and shows wear, ceramic tile lasts up to four times longer.

Additionally, ceramic tile is chemically inert, so there is no mold or mildew buildup or chance of damage from outside sources. It’s frost-resistant and fire-resistant as it will not burn, give off smoke or toxic fumes.

You can achieve a classic style with easy maintenance and sustainable characteristics. Warm water and neutral cleaners are the only cleaning products required. Ceramic tile does not contribute to the level of toxic cleaning products being flushed into our ecosystem by materials that recommend the use of chemicals, soaps, shampoos, waxes, strippers, and solvents.

For example, Tile of Spain-branded manufacturers produce ceramic tile that can easily pass for marble but is more cost effective, resilient and easier to maintain. Peronda reinvents marble with the Clays and Symphony Collections. Clays raises a solid concept where neutral colors define bases. Symphony shows the beauty of stones such as Calacata marble, Daino travertine, Onice Ambar and Marquina to inspire a sophisticated environment with classic Greco-Roman style.

Terra cotta is a natural choice for spaces attempting to reflect bygone eras. This material is also the cornerstone of production for Ceramica Decorativa which recently introduced Terracota Colors — chocolate-colored floor tile — and the Tao series which features long ribs of terra cotta arranged in different patterns in a 10-inch by 10-inch format. Natucer’s new Tierras Ibericas collection offers three series showcasing the charm of terra cotta.

Adex has nine different series in a wide range of styles including Antigua, Barroca and Artisan. Some recover the splendor of Valencian tiles and some reflect ceramic tradition, carefully adapted and redesigned for contemporary decorations.

For more about tile produced in Spain, call (305) 446-4387 or visit www.spaintiles.info.

Courtesy: ARAcontent

Maximizing livable space is how the American Institute of Architects (AIA) describes this new trend, a by-product of a down new-housing and real estate market. Smaller remodel projects – finishing attics and basements – readily achieve that goal, making the home more enjoyable today while increasing its resale value tomorrow.

Nearly 130 million homes are currently in need of work, including adjustments to meet “changing preferences and lifestyles,” such as family members returning home to live, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University.

As the owner of a smaller home, you should know that adding even a small bathroom is among the best investments you can make, typically returning 65 percent or more of the cost on resale. In the attic or the basement, you can save money on a bath addition by using macerating plumbing, which requires no digging for under-floor drainage piping.

For this same reason, you can also convert an existing room or even a closet into a new small bathroom to better accommodate guests or even family members moving into your home. No digging for drainage means a quicker, less messy and cheaper installation experience. Macerating plumbing systems can handle the waste from a toilet as well as a sink and a tub/shower. As a result, you can create not just a powder room, but a full bath with all the decorative accessories.

Install an Up Toilet

Known as an up toilet or above-floor plumbing, macerating technology is the way to go, says East Taunton, Mass., plumber Mike Sikorski, who installs Saniflo brand products. Plumbing waste and water are pumped through small-diameter piping, which can be located inside the wall, right into the sewer or septic tank. Sikorski estimates that this type of system saves his customers $1,000 on average, “and that’s on the low side,” he says.

Mike Vines of Lake Orion, Mich., recently improved his home with a basement upgrade using an up-toilet system. “I couldn’t be happier,” he says of the half bath he added to the family home. “In these tough times, anything you can do to increase the value of your house, the better off you’re going to be.”

Saving money is key

Cost-saving projects like these are among the ways homeowners will most likely focus their future remodeling dollars, according to the 2009 Remodeling Market in Transition report prepared by the Joint Center.

“I believe that the struggling economy has actually helped the smaller profile repair/remodel market,” says Steve Norton, president of M & N Plumbing Supply in Denver. “People are staying the course, and macerating plumbing offers a lower-cost option to breaking up cement.”

If you’re staying put in your smaller home, but want to improve its livability and long-term value, consider adding a bathroom with macerating plumbing.

Tips for a better bath

Here are some tips to make the most of your bathroom addition, even if it’s a small one:

• Maximize space by placing a pedestal sink in the corner along with a mirrored medicine cabinet designed for in-corner installation.
• Plan your new bath so the door won’t bump into anything when it is opened. The National Kitchen & Bath Association (www.nkba.org) is a good resource for planning dimensions.
• Must you have a tub, or will a shower suffice? Putting in an enclosed stall shower saves a lot of space.
• Install grab bars to prevent falls. They’re not just for the elderly. The Home Safety Council (www.homesafetycouncil.org) recommends grab bars in every bath.
• No window? Good lighting can make a room look and feel larger. Recessed lighting is a smart choice for small spaces. Task lighting over the sink is a welcome feature.
• Don’t forget the fan. Installing a fan can help prevent moisture problems, such as mold and mildew.

Learn more about low-cost, above-floor bathroom and grey water pumping systems by visiting www.saniflo.com or calling (800) 571-8191.

Courtesy: ARAcontent

Masterpiece Mirrors

Occupying a majority of wall space in most baths, plate-glass mirrors are functional, yet not very aesthetically pleasing. To solve this problem, add easy-to-install mirror frames, such as Mirrorscapes by Moen, which are available in five different styles and a variety of finishes to beautifully coordinate in your bath.

All you need for this project is a measuring tape, marker, a saw and about 30 minutes. Mirrorscapes proprietary installation system makes transforming a plate-glass mirror quick, easy and secure. Installation templates perfectly position the mounting brackets, ensuring proper alignment of the frame straights and decorative corners. No angled miter cuts are necessary.

“The system is nearly error-proof,” says Tim Bitterman, group product manager for Creative Specialties International. “The template pieces ensure perfect alignment, while the decorative corner frame pieces cover straight-end frame pieces – to disguise most cutting errors.”

Pretty Painting

Adding color can dramatically transform any room, and luckily painting is an extremely simple project. However, success lies in the initial preparation and tools you use to get the job done.

Before you even open a can of paint, be sure to repair any holes or cracks, wash the walls, tape off trim and windows and cover furniture and floors with canvas or plastic drop cloths. Next, be sure you have a quality paint brush and roller cover – as cheap options can lose bristles, shed or spread paint unevenly. Finally, choose a quality latex paint, such as Dutch Boy, in your favorite color and start painting. By using preparatory steps and products like the pros, you’ll ensure your end results will look like you hired a costly professional.

Admirable Accessories

Since your paper holder, tank lever or towel bars in the bath are functional, you may have never thought about replacing them. However, this simple project takes minutes, requires no special tools, and new updated styles and finishes can greatly enhance the look and functionality of your bath.

Start by choosing accessories that coordinate with the other finishes in your bath. Manufacturers, such as Moen, offer a variety of styles that perfectly match or coordinate with the style and finish of your faucet. To keep towels off the floor and clutter off the countertops, add unique accessories, such as a double towel bar or glass shelf. To entice you to change the paper, update your spring-loaded paper holder with a pivoting paper holder. Finally, add a distinctive touch with a perfectly coordinating decorative tank lever.

Each of these accessories installs in minutes. Just screw the mounting hardware into the wall and lock the decorative accessory into place. Toilet tank levers are equally as easy – no need to turn off the water or drain the tank.

Stylish Safety

With its wet and hard surfaces, the bathroom is a danger zone for slips and falls. Luckily, grab bars, an ideal way to prevent falls, are now easy to install and stylish too. Like accessories, choose a grab bar in a finish and style that coordinates with your bath. Moen’s SecureMount Grab Bars are available in a variety of styles, finishes and lengths and feature an exclusive installation system that will give even a novice DIYer peace of mind. Simply drill a hole in the location you would like the grab bar (no need to find a stud); install the SecureMount Anchor into the hole, screw on the mounting hardware and attach the grab bar.

Each of these simple projects can be accomplished with very little expertise, time or expense – but your enjoyment of your new bath will be immeasurable. For additional product or design inspiration, visit www.moen.com.

Courtesy: ARAcontent

When homeowners are faced with the challenge of how to make their homes stand out, manufactured stone is a solid solution. StoneCraft manufactured stone veneer comes in several options which look like natural stone, but is easier to install and more affordable.

Manufactured stone adds limitless potential to outdoor living areas. Picture a patio lined with inspired Fieldstone, which projects a warm strength, with an adjacent outdoor fireplace, barbecue pit and waterfall hewn from gorgeous River Rock, whose rounded edges and earth tones impart both country charm and a sense of permanence. Surrounding this elegant setting could be a privacy wall built from stunning Lake Stone, Quartz or Monarch styles.

Inside, nothing adds a homey, rustic charm to a family room or den like the rugged look of stone. Imagine a fireplace and even interior walls crafted of Heritage stone, for a warm, classic feel. Envision a kitchen boasting walls of bold, beautiful Ledgestone, with its clean linear appearance with varying heights and depths.

Back outside, manufactured stone provides curb appeal unlikely to be matched by any other home in the neighborhood. Measured against ordinary brick or siding exteriors, a home graced by traditional Fieldstone brings additional substance and strength. This stone imparts an eye-catching European charm to even the most contemporary construction.

Nine styles with a variety of colors are available from StoneCraft. “These products provide a distinctive ‘Texture for Living’ to your home’s exterior, and come with a limited lifetime warranty,” says Jonathan Wierengo, director of marketing for The Tapco Group, maker of StoneCraft.

“In a world of cookie cutter houses with siding or brick facades, manufactured stone brings a customized beauty to any home, and it’s a smart investment that pays nice dividends in the years to come,” Wierengo adds.

StoneCraft is a division of The Tapco Group, which is a U.S. Green Building Council Member. For more information, visit www.stonecraft.com or call (888) 580-6448.

Courtesy: ARAcontent

If your bathroom is stuck in the ’60s, ’70s and even ’80s, then it’s time to upgrade. But don’t worry, you can transform it into a modern day showplace on a budget. Here are some tips to get you started:

Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint

Nothing cleans up damaged and dingy walls better than a new color. Because the bathroom is a high-humidity area that is also enclosed, look for paints that are mildew-resistant but don’t contain harsh chemicals. Be a little artistic with your painting as well. Find textured paints to create barely-there patterns on the walls, or use two different paint tints to create shading or bold contrasting wall colors.

Update Your Hardware

Bathroom faucets and accessories have evolved over the decades, and style is the new design. Today’s products are able to match tastes ranging from exquisite vintage to ultra modern so you can transform your out-dated style into something perfect for a guest bath, master bath or children’s fun bathroom. Visit Faucet.com to find the right style for you.

Change Your Lighting

A single light fixture or a worn-out overhead lamp just doesn’t give a bathroom the illumination or style you need. A properly-lit bathroom provides comfort, charm, fashion and function. You may need lights above the sink or wall sconces to illuminate any dark shadows. Find all the latest lighting styles at LightingShowplace.com.

Bring Comfort Into the Shower

A new massaging shower head is vital to making your shower inviting. Accompany the new fixture with a beautiful curtain and curved shower rod to match the rest of the room’s decor. Look for curtains that do not contain vinyl or PVC materials, because a 2008 study found vinyl curtains contain many toxic chemicals which can be released into the air when opened and hung. But don’t block out all that new light you just installed. Use a shower curtain that allows light into the tub area.

Warm Up the Floor

Don’t forget the cringe you feel every time you step onto your cold bathroom floor. If the tile is in good shape, or you don’t have the finances to install radiant heat throughout the bathroom, try a decorative rug instead to keep your feet warm. You can forget about the old shag carpets with rubber backing. The styles, shapes and colors available are endless, in materials ranging from cotton to wool. Find a theme carpet for your children’s bathroom, or a beautiful bouquet of flowers to spice up your guest bathroom. To find your style, visit RugShowplace.com.

“You will be better able to enjoy your bathroom once you get it brought into the 21st century,” says Daniel Auer from Faucet.com, a leading online retailer of decorative plumbing products. “And you can find the necessary items for your remodel quickly by shopping online while saving money at the same time.”

Courtesy: ARAcontent

Your home is your oasis; the place you go to relax, regroup and reenergize. If you desire some balance in not only your life but in the world at large, maybe it’s time to incorporate the principles of both Feng Shui and green living into your design.

The two concepts are compatible, says Cheryl Amantea, chair of both the Advertising and Fashion & Retail Management degree programs at The New England Institute of Art in Boston. “Feng Shui incorporates plants, sunlight, cleanliness and the elements of running water and circulation of air, so it’s not a stretch to put the ‘green lifestyle’ in with Feng Shui.”

“Feng Shui (pronounced fung sch-way) means ‘wind water.’ It connects what is seen (environment) with what is unseen (energy) — often referred to as chi (pronounced chee),” says Amantea.

Chi can be found in your color scheme and placement of objects, with each color symbolizing different characteristics. Aptly enough, green symbolizes life, growth, vitality and energy. Yellow and earth tones represent health, while blue is symbolic of knowledge and red is used for power.

Placement is key to creating a positive chi. “Picture your home as an octagon,” says Amantea. Find the true front door of your home and, according to interior design student Adam Neidlinger at The Art Institute of Indianapolis, ensure air and energy are moving in a steady nurturing manner.

“The flow of the energy or chi through a space can be increased or decreased by the objects being placed in the room,” says Neidlinger. “Wouldn’t you rather get energy from a natural, sustainable, green object than from a manufactured, most likely chemical-filled object?”

Bamboo is a great element because it is natural, clean and it quickly regenerates itself. Live plants are also important according to Neidlinger. “Plants renew the air which is what carries the energy in a room.”

LEED accredited architect and engineer Samuel Hurt who instructs at The Art Institute of Indianapolis agrees with Amantea, but is not exactly sold on Feng Shui as green living. “Personally I’m a bit skeptical about Feng Shui and some of the claims, but that doesn’t mean it is a completely useless way to clean up the environment,” says Hurt.

Through his teaching of sustainable design and his renowned, sustainable work on buildings in the Midwest, Hurt has become well-versed in the green movement. He believes that if Feng Shui wants to combine with sustainable design, however it is defined, we are all better off.

“If Feng Shui can assist in reducing contamination in the world, then that is fine. And good for anyone else who can advance the same cause, no matter what the particular path may be,” says Hurt.

Dr. Peggy Way, adjunct psychology professor at Argosy University, Nashville, considers Feng Shui and green living as a means to promote positive mental health and stress reduction. “Utilize Feng Shui and green living to create a personal space that will help sustain and renew you in the midst of a stressful professional life.”

“Intentionally seek out the ribbons and colors of nature and let the experience restore you. Don’t neglect outdoor space. Consider creating a small natural garden. This is the time of year for garden and landscaping shows where many exhibitors will focus on natural environments and natural forms of growth,” Dr. Way says.

“By all means seek your own groundedness in the natural world so that you can be nurtured and that as you are nurtured in spirit you will find that same nurture is spilling over into the lives of others around you.”

To learn more about The Art Institutes, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.

Courtesy: ARAcontent

You don’t have to sacrifice great style to get a great, green look in your home. You can use these five simple design tips from the 2009 HGTV Green Home in Port St. Lucie, Fla. to make your living environment more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. HGTV Green Home designer Linda Woodrum’s ideas can also help make your green home more visually appealing.

Welcome Home

Create a welcoming entrance to your home by setting your foyer apart from the rest of the house with a shot of color. Use a fabric, tile, texture or decorative motif as inspiration, and use low-VOC paints and painter’s tape to recreate the design on the wall. You’ll get a lot of pow for very little money.

The 3 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Unique pieces make a room richer and a lot more interesting. Decorating green is about using antiques, repurposed items and salvage materials. Take a look at the 2009 HGTV Green Home for inspiration on how to use everyday items in unexpected and amazing ways.

Create a Mood in Your Master Bedroom

Capture all that’s good about a place or location through your choice of color and decor, but keep it clean and natural with organic and recycled materials. The recycled glass tile in the HGTV Green Home master bedroom and the wall color in the bedroom evoke a retro-South Florida look, yet have a natural, clean feeling worthy of the finest spa.

Saturate With Color

Using one color throughout a room creates a calm, cozy retreat. The HGTV Green Home sitting room carpet and walls are all the same inviting color. It’s easy to recreate this look with low-VOC paint and environmentally friendly carpet — a perfect example of how green living also means big style.

Use Durable Materials in High Traffic Areas

Your front and back entrances are subjected to a lot of wear. Using beautiful ceramic tile in both locations is a great way to set them apart from the living areas, yet tile is environmentally friendly and easy to maintain.

For more information on this year’s HGTV Green Home Giveaway, visit www.hgtv.com.

Courtesy: NewsUSA

“With busier lifestyles, growing families, gourmet kitchens, home offices, and diverse hobbies, consumers are purchasing more items than ever before. As a result, people are discovering more creative uses for cabinetry, such as lockers in mudrooms where kids can store ‘their valuables’ after school, sports, and other activities,” says Mindy Brooks, advertising and communications manager at HomeCrest Cabinetry.

Another popular trend is replacing old dressers and other unwieldy bedroom furniture with standard and custom cabinets that line walls or fit snugly into closets. Especially in smaller homes, closed-door cabinetry or open bookshelves placed strategically as room dividers between living and dining areas, and all along walls, can generate new space by increasing storage options.

Not only does cabinetry utilize space better than furniture throughout the home, it helps you get organized and stay that way. With cabinetry, everything has its own home so there’s less clutter and chaos in your life. For example, you can create a beautiful wood wall-hugging credenza to showcase everything from your family heirlooms and framed photos to knick-knacks using shelves and glass-door display cabinets, while organizing a multitude of items that would otherwise be clutter, inside credenza drawers and closed cabinet spaces. As a result, you’re much freer to relax and enjoy your time at home without feeling crowded by too much furniture or overwhelmed by belongings.

When using cabinetry instead of furniture, the design and storage possibilities are as rich as your imagination. To create a cozy country look and feel, you can choose closed cabinets and open bookshelves surrounding a mantel and fireplace in a den or living room. A window seat with built-in storage and marble-topped cabinetry on both sides creates a comfortable nook for reading and relaxing anyplace in the home where there’s a window with a view. You can even divide rooms using a beautiful wooden china hutch that combines closed solid-wood storage cabinets stretching floor-to-ceiling at one end with elegant glass-door china display cabinets lowered to kitchen island-height at the other end, achieving an airy, open feel between rooms that doesn’t block light or conversation.

You can find creative cabinetry solutions like these from HomeCrest Cabinetry, a premier manufacturer of home cabinetry. To provide even greater flexibility, HomeCrest offers Custom Choice, an innovative program that lets homeowners add modified options to standard cabinetry to achieve custom looks and functionality — without custom pricing. Using standard doors and drawer fronts, Custom Choice can accommodate wider cabinets, deeper drawers, additional panels or doors, and many other options for a perfect fit anywhere. It brings creative, custom-quality cabinetry to every corner of the home — dining and living areas, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, pantries, offices, laundry and utility areas, and beyond.

For more information about HomeCrest Cabinetry, or to locate a dealer, visit www.homecrestcab.com.

Courtesy: ARAcontent

Pink walls, toile and black wood create a great makeover for a young girl’s bedroom.

Watch this HGTV video to learn how to strike a perfect balance of fun and function to please mother and daughter in this teenager’s bedroom.

Forget the walk-in closet and the master bath; the morning bar is one of the hottest new home amenities. The typical morning bar includes a sink and faucet, small refrigerator, drawer dishwasher and small counter to hold appliances such as a coffee maker, espresso machine or even a microwave oven.

“Enriching the master bedroom with a morning bar reinforces the idea of a sumptuous retreat, rather than just a place to sleep and relax,” said Margie Rowe, senior target market manager for ShowHouse by Moen.

The morning bar is part of a growing consumer phenomenon referred to as “trading up,” which indicates that people are willing to pay extra for luxury items.

Last year American consumers spent $400 billion on luxury items that included everything from upscale cars to lavish home accessories, according to the book “Trading Up: The New American Luxury” by Boston Consulting Group Senior Vice President Michael Silverstein and Bath & Body Works CEO Neil Fiske.

The challenge for designers is tastefully blending a minibar into a room without calling too much attention to the fact that it’s actually a “mini-kitchen.” Here are a few of their strategies:

Cabinetry

Dark woods with recessed or raised arch accents create a feeling of warmth and security, while lighter-colored wood cabinets can brighten up and invigorate the space.

Faucet and sink

 ”The more popular faucet designs for morning bars are those with an elegant, traditional feel that enhance a refined decorating style, such as ShowHouse by Moen’s Waterhill Collection,” Rowe said. “The high-arc, single-handle faucet in an oil rubbed bronze finish has a warm feel that complements and blends into the color schemes of many on-trend master suites.”

Appliances

Appliances sized appropriately to the space are key to maximizing the benefits of the morning bar. A gourmet coffee press, espresso maker or juicer provide the right touch for a luxurious morning. A wine-chilling drawer will ensure that bottles will always be ready for drinking at the perfect temperature. And a small refrigerator will keep fruits, juices and creamers handy. Wood panels ensure that drawer-sized dishwashers and mini-refrigerators blend into the existing cabinetry.

Lighting

In many cases, track lighting typically found in the kitchen is being strategically placed in the morning bar area, along with skylights that open up and add height to the space.

For information about Moen’s Waterhill ShowHouse Collection, visit www.showhouse.moen.com or call (800) BUY-MOEN.

Courtesy: NewsUSA

Architectural elements are the unique details that form the architectural style of houses and buildings. These include anything from stairways and fireplace mantels to columns and ornaments. Examples of architectural details are found in every design style from intricate Victorian gables to modern clean-lined ceiling domes.

Here are a few easy design tips that use architectural elements to bring your kitchen, bath or master bedroom from ordinary to extraordinary.

Kitchen – From Lackluster to Luxury

• Stock cabinets can be plain and boring. Add decorative corbels (an architectural support bracket), panel and crown mouldings to create a high-end, customized appearance.
• Add a ceiling medallion above the breakfast bar or table. Whether simple or elegantly embellished, a medallion will enhance any light fixture and create a focal point.
• Build an “oven nook.” Using a shelf or fireplace mantel and some decorative corbels, you can create the look of a custom built-in cooking station found in model homes.

Bathroom – From So-so to Spa

• Switch out the simple wood trim around doors for elegant casings and add a chair rail at mid-wall height. For a look featured in four-star hotels, paint the wall below the chair rail a muted, relaxing color and use a slightly lighter shade of the same color above the chair rail.
• Add a decorative shelf or mantel for display of art, plants or your favorite fragrance bottles.
• Add to the height of the bathroom by installing a round or elliptical dome. A dome will allow for a larger, more dramatic light fixture while adding depth like a tray ceiling.

Master Bedroom – From Routine to Relaxing

• Trimming the bedroom with crown moulding shows attention to detail and complements rooms of any style.
• Add a niche to your wall for dramatic display space. Highlight special photos, keepsakes or a piece of art.
• Create a custom headboard using architectural plaques, ornate corbels and decorative swags. A custom headboard allows you to show your style and offers an elegant space to frame the room’s largest piece of furniture.

Adding architectural elements to customize the spaces in your home doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Lightweight, decorative mouldings and other elements are available through companies like Focal Point Architectural Products, which specializes in closed-cell polyurethane products that won’t rot or mildew. The pieces look like plaster and wood, but offer a cost-effective and time-saving alternative to traditional materials.

For more information or design inspiration, visit www.FocalPointProducts.com or call (800) 662-5550 to find a dealer near you.

Courtesy: ARAcontent

Remove stale air filled with grease, odors and moisture from the kitchen with the newest designs in range hoods that reflect the latest technology and kitchen decor trends.

Revolutionary in design, the latest pro-style cooktops emphasize versatility and precision.

Maybe you have a traditional decor and you want to make it feel more contemporary. Maybe your house is more of a bachelor pad and you feel the need for a more formal ambience. Whatever the case, study each of the rooms in your house and try to understand what is making your rooms look renovation worthy. Is your house too cluttered with many living room furniture pieces? Do you want your home to look formal? Would you prefer a soothing environment in your house or an energizing one? Once you have understood what is wrong with your current decorations and decided exactly how you want the newly decorated house to look, the process of refurnishing will get much easier.

Now you must think about the changes you need in the color settings. Often the simplest and cheapest way of changing the look of the house is to change the wall colors. A boring room can get an instant uplift with a pop of colors. These days you can even get wall colors with beautiful textures that make their own style statement. You may not even need wall decorations if you choose the wall color smartly. As you decide about your color choices and other arrangements for each room, keep a notepad and pen with you and jot down all your preferences. This will keep you from getting confused later. Normally, people get overwhelmed by the myriad choices available in the stores and end up over shooting their budgets while purchasing things they did not want in the first place. Thus, keeping a log of your choice will help you stay focused during your shopping trip.

If you are still short of ideas for decoration, look into the home decor magazines for inspiration. Clip out the looks that you like and think of how to duplicate that in your house. Naturally, if you try to copy everything shown in a photo, you may have to spend a lot in new purchases. It is best to be creative and use the available design for inspiration. Try changing the positioning of the sectional sofa or the recliners or other furniture items to change the look of the room. Once you have decided on inexpensive ways to decorate your room, you can make your move to the market.

Finally, do a little research to find the best bargains. Some window shopping and asking around can make a huge difference in the final cost of redecoration. You could visit local yard and garage sales or check out some estate auctions. You could also go to a good online furniture store that often offers very unique decorative items at throwaway prices.

About The Author: Sarika Kabra’is site offers great value for money deals on bedroom furniture, kids furniture, dining room furniture etc. They have a breathtaking collection of platform beds. You will find all kinds of discounted furniture for your home.

Source: EzineArticles.com

Positioning a water feature in a prominent place in the house, particularly near your entrance can bring in good chi, or positive energy.

Placing the wall fountain on the eastern wall of your chosen design space is said to also invite good health, of course the water must remain clean for the positive energy to flow. But remember to counter the water blocking effects of ceramic by adding a few coins to it; metal and ceramic combined unleash great positive energy. Get inspired to decorate with wall fountains by getting ideas here.

Ceramic Wall Fountains are All Natural

When it comes to choosing water features, ceramic, stone and slate are the most preferred options simply because they are natural and therefore more beautiful. You could purchase a wall fountain made of fiberglass that looks like ceramic or stone, but just a touch will tell you if it’s an imitation or the real thing. The added benefit of these ceramic wall fountains is that they dontt need a lot of maintenance.

How to Take Care of Ceramic Fountains

Just remember to use distilled water. Ordinary tap water contains minerals that may cause staining or discoloration. Calcium deposits can also build up on your pump, which will eventually cause the pump to malfunction. If you can’t use distilled water, add a decalcifying solution to eliminate mineral deposits in the water. There are many products available which remove traces of minerals from your fountain water. Also, remember to use an algae protection product. Algae growth can cause staining and emit an unpleasant odor. In the case of outdoor fountains, follow the same maintenance procedures. Every few months, empty out and clean your fountain. Your manufacturer’s manual will specify instructions regarding how this can be done. Follow these guidelines, and your ceramic wall fountains will give you years of joy. A maintained and well placed fountain will complete your design ensemble and fill the room with benevolent energy.

Customized Wall Fountains

You can choose from a variety of styles in ceramic wall fountains. Visit Garden Fountains.com for a great selection of unique and distinctive wall fountains. With designs ranging from animals, birds, fish, dolphins, flowers and celestial symbols, you will have no problem finding a design that speaks to you. If you want one that’s tailor-made to your style specifications then choose a customized water feature. These will obviously cost more, but are worth the price because you are able to incorporate your personality into the design. For a commercial establishment your company logo or name can be etched into ceramic wall fountains to create signature pieces that do a lot of good for your business.

Elizabeth Jean is an outdoor gardening writer and frequent contributor to Garden-Fountains.com, a popular Internet destination for water fountains and garden statuary.

Courtesy: EzineArticles

Wooden venetian blinds are probably the most popular and practical kind of wood blind available at the moment. They consist of a number of horizontal slats (or louvers) that are connected together using a ladder tape which allows the slats to be rotated through about 170 degrees, giving great control over the amount of light entering the room. This control over the slats is not only a good way of filtering the sunlight but means you can have as much or as little privacy at the window as you require.

They can also be raised or lowered as desired using the lift cord.

They are generally made from basswood which is an ideal wood for manufacturing blinds as it is a lightweight yet durable wood. It also lends itself very well to being stained in a number of attractive colours due to its natural grainy texture.

These blinds are available in a wide range of colours and sizes. The most common slat widths are 1″ (25mm), 1.5″ (35mm) and 2″ (50mm). Some of the more popular colours include pine, beech, tawny, honey, chestnut, auburn, hazel and white.

When deciding on which size of slat to choose, the obvious thing to bear in mind is that a blind with 1″ wide slats will have twice as many slats as a blind with 2″ slats, and it’s purely a matter of opinion as to which looks better.

The fitting of these blinds is a fairly easy job, particularly for someone with DIY experience. They should come with all the necessary instructions, mountings and matching valance.

The tools you will need are a drill, a pencil, a screwdriver, a saw to cut the valance to size and a spirit level.

Cleaning the blinds is again an easy process. The best thing to do is dust them on a regular basis, and then once every couple of weeks give them a wipe over with a damp cloth.

In conclusion wooden venetian blinds are a great way to enhance the décor of any room and will give an elegant, luxurious look and feel to your home for many years to come.

Peter Collins has over 20 years experience in the blinds industry and specialises in advising people on the benefits of wooden venetian blinds

Source SearchWarp.com for Peter Collins Wednesday, January 02, 2008