Mirror, A Reflection Of Your Home's Decor

Mirrors make a fabulous addition to any home’s décor. A mirror adds assurance, stability, confidence and flair to a room. Today’s styles of mirrors are far different than they were twenty years ago. They are much more stylish and decorative than ever before.

Mirrors:

1) Add an element of surprise to a room. Select a mirror that can reflect something interesting in a room. Choose an item you would like to emphasize and put a mirror opposite of it. Study the difference in your room.

2) Increase the size of your room. Position a tall, thin mirror in a room to make your ceilings rise and the opposite to widen a room.

3) Place a wide mirror in a room to in effect make your room appear wider. Placed down a stairway, it will add width to a hallway while adding depth to a staircase.

4) Add personality to a bathroom. Gone are the days of the “frameless” vanity mirrors. Replace them with decorative framed mirrors to add personality to your private domain.

5) Improve your personal outlook and posture. People have a tendency to steer away from mirrors; they can actually improve your self confidence and posture.

When looking at a selection of mirrors, pay attention to the beveling. The wider the bevel, the more expensive the cost is to make the mirror. Beveling adds value to the mirror along with the width of the frame.

Before making the decision, keep in mind what you will be using the mirror for. That will depend on the inside size of mirror you need. Most importantly, use mirrors in your décor – both in your office and at home.

Everyone has heard the adage “look in the mirror and smile when talking on the phone; you will have a different inflection in your voice”. This wise saying is important at the office as well as in your home.

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A Well Lit Home

A dream home is the perfect place to get away from it all with family and friends according to Joann Wills, Sea Gull Lighting Products. Lighting fixtures done right can make your home more comfortable and livable. Fixtures can provide the right amount of light for the task at hand.

Understanding the lingo of fixed wire is critical in selecting your lighting. As important as understanding the lingo, creativity is a must. Don’t be afraid to step out on a limb when selecting fixtures. Fixtures create the mood of your home.

Fixed Wire

A light fixture that is permanently installed.Portable – light source that is movable such as a lamp.

Chandeliers

Fixtures that hang from the ceiling. Great for entry ways, dining rooms.

Flushmount

A fixture whose body lies flush against the ceiling.

Semi-flushmount

Uses a stem to keep the body of the fixture slightly away from the ceiling.

Vanity Strip

A multi light fixture about a sink mostly in bathrooms.

Island Light

An elongated fixture designed to be hung over an island or billiards table.

Pendant

A hanging fixture with a bowl and no arms. Light can flow up or down.

Mini-pendant

A smaller version of the pendant usually no more than 10” in diameter.

Ambient lighting should illuminate the entire room. The illumination should be done with layers and a mixture of lighting options. Too much light can cause a lifeless effect. A combination of fixed wire, table and floor lamps should be used to create the desired ambient effect.

A creative friend of mine just hung a smaller chandelier in the bathroom. It is absolutely outstanding and charming effect.

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Accessorize Your Patio and Backyard for Year-Round Entertaining

Warmer temperatures are upon us, and the only question left as we approach summer is whether or not your yard will be up to the task of entertaining family and friends. All-American Pool and Patio reminds you that from a nice patio table and patio chairs to umbrellas, fire pits and more, there are myriad ways to make sure your patio and backyard are primed not only for summer but year-round entertaining as well. Before the parties start, make sure your yard has a good head start.

Wicker, aluminum, and wrought iron patio furniture make for a comfortable and stylish look and feel perfect for backyard entertaining. And with a variety of table tops to choose from including marble, slate, copper, glass, and tile, you'll find the table that reflects yourself and the rest of your home. Of course a patio table is somewhat useless without somewhere to sit, and our versatile inventory of patio chairs with stylish patio cushions create a comfortable environment in which to kick back and relax. Our dining chairs, swivel rockers, and three-seat sofa feature custom cushions in a variety of fabrics, and make patio time with family and friends comfortable and relaxing.

So your patio's up and running, and that's good news. Burt what about the rest of your backyard? Let's see, if you're like the rest of us you've got some grass, or maybe some desert landscape, a few plants and maybe even a pool; nice but a bit pedestrian. Chances are a custom fire pit would spice things up quite nicely. A fire pit serves as a perfect centerpiece for gathering and conversation on a cold winter's night. Best of all they're available with slate, marble or tile tops, allowing you to personalize yours to your specifications and tastes.Wouldn't it be nice if your house was the “go-to” house in your neighborhood? Entertaining is easy if your patio and backyard are up to the task. Take a good hard look at your patio and your backyard as a whole. Is it somewhere you'd like to hang out on a consistent basis? If not, a face lift might be in order just in time for summer. Accessorize your patio, and make sure that no matter the time of year fun with family and friends is always on the agenda.

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Furniture and Lighting Make Patios and Backyards an Extension Of Your Living Space

When considering the square footage of living space in their home, many families often forget to include the potential oasis waiting just outside the back door. A backyard done right is more than just a backyard. It is quite literally an extension of your living space. All American Pool and Patio encourages you to discover how the right outdoor patio furniture, outdoor patio lighting, and other critical elements can transform an average backyard into a true extension of the areas you can relax and unwind any time of day or night.

As with any other area in your home, the design choices you make should reflect the tastes that most define your personality. Will it be wicker or wrought iron patio furniture? Are hammocks or outdoor fire pits a possibility? The truth is that there is an endless array of patio accessories from which to choose, and that’s half the fun! Outdoor patio and lawn furniture from industry leaders including Tropitone, Meadowcraft and Mallin and Treasure Garden assure that the tables, chairs, umbrellas and more that you choose from are as durable and long lasting as they are stylish and comfortable. A diverse inventory promises a number of looks to choose from. In other words, whatever your personal tastes, we’re certain we can help you reflect it in the look of your patio and backyard.

When you think about it, a patio and backyard that go unused is really just wasted space. Even if used rarely or primarily for entertaining, a patio and yard done right should engender a relaxing feeling, and be pleasing to the eye in terms of both the yard itself as well as how it is accented through the furniture choices you’ve made. Do your patio and backyard pass the relaxation test? Is either aesthetically pleasing? More importantly, are they an extension of your living space or something altogether separate? If the answer is no to any or all of the above, it may be time to give a little love to these areas.

Maximize one of the places that make a house a home by outfitting your patio and backyard with furniture from All-American Pool and Patio. In the process you’re sure to not only create not only an extension of your living space, but also an extension of you.

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5 Tips For Selection Of Furniture

Every person needs furniture at home to give better comfort. The proper furniture gives comfortable to the users.

Every one wants comfort to give peace in the mind while lie-down on the sofa or on the chair. It is advisable to select the proper furniture for comfortable seating and sleeping. There are various types of furniture available in the market like wood, plastics, metals and other types. According to your budget, you can select the furniture of your choice.

1. There are various types furniture companies offers variety of furniture depends on the materials. You must have to visit the local furniture shop to get the idea about the types and quality of furniture available that suit to your budget. You have needs to check the prices of the furniture.

2. You must have to see your usage of the furniture. Suppose you want to buy sofa set than you must concern about the comfortability. You also see that which types of materials use in the sofa for better comfort and best fitted to your budget too.

3. You must have to thing about the space acquired by the furniture too. Looking to this fact, if you have less space, you must have to select the plastic folding furniture.

4. People usually prefer to purchase the furniture which gives comfort and easy. There are many famous brands of furniture are available in the local market. If you want to purchase online than there are variety of the websites available for you.

5. Finally, you also need to see that the furniture is fit into your bed. It is advisable to select the bed with your bed partner’s comfort too.

There are various companies’ offers different types of furniture with heavy discount. You must have to select the furniture of your choice. It is better to spend some time in the furniture shop and get the proper.

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Dining Chairs for Dining Room

Dining is a form of each day carnival. The talent of dining and dining arrangement begins with your inimitable choice of food, dinnerware and furniture. You can construct an aura of affection and friendliness with the right choice of dining furniture. One of the most innermost foundations for a family to get together and share family time actually takes place across the dining table. For relaxed dinner parties, a chair with a back that is high can optimize enjoyable dining and relaxing chat. So, importance of dining chairs in making your place complete and your guests comfortable. Dining chairs are a major part of dining room furniture. Further you can select dining chairs in different shapes and size to match your interior. Everything comes in a selection of styles materials and finishes to suit your taste.

Wooden Dining Chairs
Wooden dining chairs are masterfully crafted have thick cushions upholstered in your choice of fabrics and wood. Customize the chairs and make them work in any restaurant or dining room. Choose the wood finish as well as the upholstery that best suits your needs. The chairs can be upgraded to feature cushion seat pads made with removable covers for dry cleaning and filled with high quality foam. These chairs are made by solid wood.

Metal Dining Chairs
Metal is a great material for stylish chairs and offers a sleek modern look. Metal dining chairs to suit all tastes and décor styles, and they will look good in any location, particularly home settings. Metal dining chairs available in many patterns and colors. These dining chairs will never go out of fashion, and offer great looks combined with practicality and durability.

Leather Dining Chairs
Leather dining chairs will bring a touch of class to any dining room whether modern or traditional in design. The beautiful wood grain and arched back makes for furniture design at its best. The seats are padded for extra comfort and upholstered in Leather. These very popular classic dining chairs with soft leather will grace any Dining room. Leather dining room chairs are generally not so bulky. Leather dining room chairs are the perfect companions for your dining rooms. Leather dining room chairs are affordable too. Leather dining room chairs come in attractive designs and shades.

Outdoor Dining Chairs
Outdoor dining is a favored choice, whether at home or in restaurants. When the weather is perfect, you can enjoy meals in style with outdoor dining chairs. Folding and stackable designs mean you can store them easily in the off season. Outdoor dining chairs are also available in different colors and materials.

Folding Dining Chairs
A set of folding chairs is always convenient for extra guests or regular outdoor seating. They're lightweight yet ruggedly crafted for casual mealtimes and entertaining. They make excellent choices for larger scale events, whether privately or commercially located. Folding dining chairs are a stylish solution to temporary seating. What's great is that these chairs can be pulled out when you need extra seating and then easily stored away when you don't.

But if you wish to buy comfortable and stylish dining chairs for your dining room then you can always find them at the furniture’s shops and are available online as well.

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Stylish And Practical Dining Room Hutch

If you have figured out what are the right kind of dining table and chairs for the shape and size of your dining area, it may be time to look at another aspect of the dining room or area; the accent furniture to enhance the area. You can choose accent furniture from among several different options: hutches, buffets, corner cabinets, storage cabinets, sideboards etc. these can be value additions to your dining area in terms of both style as well as practicality. A dining room hutch is also known as a buffet or a dresser and is an item that adds a lot of elegance and class to the dining area. A large, elaborate dining room hutch would give a touch of formal grace to the room, while a smaller, functional one would give the room a more relaxed and informal appearance.

It may also be a good idea to go in for a dining room set or package deal, which would typically include dining table and chairs, and a hutch or sideboard which, as a set would contain pieces that match and complement each other, bringing a harmonious and attractive look to the dining area. A hutch is one of the things that the Amish master craftsmen also make and Amish Furniture is of course legendary for its durability and beauty.

However, many of us may well ask the question, 'Why do I need a Dining Room Hutch at all?' Well the reasons are as follows:

Storage: This is the most practical reason for getting a hutch for your dining area. Many hutches have a built in showcase area, which lets you display your fine china and other tableware or silverware when not in use. Also, your precious china and sliver ware is also protected and saved from dust and dirt and unnecessary handling and moving, minimizing breakage and damage. Additionally, various other cabinets and drawers also offer space to store other crockery and cutlery sets; even precious crystal wear and glasses and goblets.

Very practical when Entertaining Guests: When entertaining or even when having people over casually, a hutch can come in really handy. You can lay out the salad or the sweet for your guests to help themselves from on the hutch. You can even use the hutch as a makeshift bar! In case you are laying out a buffet for your guests, you have place to lay out the plates, the cutlery and glasses as well. No need for any clutter on the dining room table.

Adds a Touch of Class: A hutch is an undeniably classy addition to your dining area. Sometimes the dining area may be large enough to warrant getting a hutch, without which the area may well look bare or empty. A well matched hutch complements your dining table and chairs, making a harmonious and stylish picture.

Look around before making a choice: Select something that is both appealing and appropriate considering the proportions of your dining area and your particular needs and requirements. Budget of course is another important (some would say most important) consideration, for a dining room hutch. However with all the choices that abound, you are bound to find one that is just right for you!

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Dining Room Decoration Tips

There is more to a dining room than just dining furniture; it is more than a mere arrangement of dining room table and dining room chairs. Ideally you should consider the color palette, the lighting, layout, table linen etc. to create a warm and inviting ambience for your dining room. The accent should not be so much on creating a unique dining room as on creating one that has the elements of a convivial entertaining and family space. With a little bit of forethought your dining area can be versatile enough to be a place where the family gets together for meals everyday and also effortlessly converts to a more formal setting for when you are entertaining. You should be able to relax as well as interact in an ideal dining set up.

Color Palette
Do not assume that because a color is your favorite, it will also look good on the walls of the dining room or create a harmonious whole with the dining room furniture. Also,swhen choosing a color palette, understand that what looks good in the day in natural light may not necessarily look as good or even look the same in artificial light. In general, colors such as reds, oranges and yellows work to create a more formal atmosphere while colors such as golden or creamy yellow, terracotta, wine, burgundy or dusty rose are considered ideal for a dining room. These colors are said to stimulate the appetite and also have been shown to promote enjoyable conversation.

Now if a more informal and casual setting is required for the dining room, neutral colors may be a better option, because they won’t dominate the area or create too much of an impact. Neutrals are calming colors and also create a pleasant ambience.

Linen and Accessories
When you coordinate the table linen to the colors that you have chosen for the dining area, remember that matching is far more difficult than contrasting. In any case, too much matching of colors among all the elements of a dining room may not even look that attractive; a contrasting palette may look more interesting and attractive on the whole. So if you have beige on the walls, consider wine colored table cloth and beige colored table napkins. Or contrast the color of the china and serving dishes to the color of the table cloth to get a dramatic and attractive look.

Lighting
It is a good idea to use dimmers for the dining area. Differences in lighting can dramatically alter the ambience of the dining area from warm and intimate to bright and friendly. Dimming the lights gives you the option of adding candles to the table setting so that you can create a wonderfully romantic setting for special occasions.

Also adding a chandelier or suspended lamp above the dining table can be the addition of an excellent decorative element which will enhance the entire area. Incandescent track lights are another option; they can be a striking addition when used to highlight a table centerpiece or to light artwork, hutches or serving tables along the walls.

So you can create a great dining atmosphere by mixing and matching to create a reflection of your personality rather than following structure rigidly.

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Choice Of Living Room Furnitures

A living room is often the soul of a person's home. A living room is the setting in which people interact with outsiders in a home setting. It is very important to choose the living room furniture very carefully as it plays a vital role in the greeting message to your guests. So it becomes important to have it at least decently furnished. Living room furniture that is available nowadays includes accent chairs, wicker coffee tables and end tables, and the normal sofas and chairs. Accent chairs are used to fill up bare spots of the living foam. It gives the right ambience to the living room. If you need a piece to place your drinks, then the answer to this is the coffee or end tables. These also add a touch of elegance and interest to the living room. It also features the magnificent art work and pictures and some other accessories like decorative lighting, lamps and area rugs. A lot of furniture is made up in designer fabrics and leather.

Living in a small flat or a rented room can be incredibly difficult, particularly if your living space is both your living room and your bedroom. If your bedroom is still too small for this then another option is a pull down bed; a bed that is usually hidden vertically inside a cupboard but can then be pulled down into a horizontal position for sleeping. The benefit of this obviously being that when the bed is hidden away, duvet and all, the bedroom can transform into a living area giving you the best of both worlds. If you can fit a bed into your room, and a sofa, but not really your clothes then you can purchase a divan bed with drawers which you can use for storage.

Coffee Tables

Coffee tables are usually originated in the living room or sitting room. Helping to anchor a room in classic style, coffee tables offer function and form. Give your living room the ultimate makeover with our beautiful and stylish coffee tables. Choose from a range of designs that incorporate glass tops and unique skirting, along with an array of enticing patterns. They will complement your space in an extraordinary way with a genuine flair. They are available in many different variations and prices vary from style to style. Coffee tables may also incorporate cabinets for storage.

Console Tables

Charming yet functional, fashionable console tables are a must-have for any living room. Console tables add elegance to any space from traditional to ultra-contemporary. They also are versatile in their uses. Console tables are platform for displaying photos, books and collectibles. Place them with sofas for display and entertaining access. Console tables give you an amazing look that will match with a wide variety of sofas and chairs. Console tables are also available in different patterns and colors.

Bookcases

Book cases are a great place for books, pictures or accessories. Few bookcases combine style and function and sheer capacity. Bookcases can store anything from your sewing supplies to your child's favorite books and toys. Bookcases help organize your home or office. Bookcases are available in a variety of styles. Keep yourself organized in style with the bookcase. Bookcases can make any room color-coordinated for a bright and lively look

Accent Chairs

One very easy thing to do to turn a whole room around into a more desirable place to be is to just add an accent chair. While a simple idea, it still can add just the right touch of flare to bring out everything else in the room. Accent chairs can transform entire room. Arm and side chairs will dress up any room and are versatile enough to be used with dining room or kitchen tables as well as in the living room or bedroom. Accent chairs are perfect for that place in your home that needs a smaller scaled piece of furniture.

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Children's Loft Beds

The transition from a crib to a bed is never an easy one. Every parent wonders what the best bed option is for their toddler and what they can buy that will last beyond the toddler years. Children’s low loft beds are a perfect answer to these questions. They allow children to easily transition from the crib to the bed, they ensure safety, and they are cost-effective, as they grow with the child. Children’s low loft beds remove the need for a transitional toddler bed and they allow children to feel grown up, while still guaranteeing safety.

While many people associate loft beds with teenagers, college dorms, and single living, children’s low loft beds are a brilliant choice for toddlers and young children as well. They are low enough to the ground to prevent injury should they fall, and they have easy access for those nighttime bathroom runs. In addition, they are compact enough to fit two beds without taking up a large amount of space in the bedroom.

Similarly, with these beds, children won’t have to be afraid to sleep by themselves. Many such loft beds come with two beds that snuggly fit together. This allows for more sleeping space in the room without taking up extra floor space. For single children, this arrangement allows children to enjoy social time; the extra bed can be used for sleepovers and for out of town guests.

Convenient and compact, children’s low loft beds leave ample room for daytime play or work and can also be configured in numerous ways to occupy the least amount of space. This creates flexibility, as the beds can be moved to different rooms, or reconfigured to fit the necessary floor layout.

Another benefit to children’s low loft beds is that, unlike a toddler or junior bed which is short and can only be used for a few years, children’s loft beds accommodate extra long mattresses of 80 in. This creates a cost-effective bed and lengthens its life in your home - children won’t grow out of these beds quickly, as they do with toddler beds. Furthermore, as children grow and become less afraid of heights, loft beds can be height adjusted. This allows the bed to grow with the child, and creates more storage space.

With children’s low loft beds, little ones will feel secure and important as they safely and soundlessly sleep through the night in their “grown-up” loft beds. Parents will sleep confidently knowing that their children are protected and far from harm’s way. Loft beds are truly the perfect solution for children

Article source : ValuableContent.com / Leah Perry

Preventing Bathroom Mold

Your bathroom is one of the most wetted rooms in your home, and therefore is one of the rooms where mold is most likely to grow. The fact that heat and moisture are frequently generated in the bathroom promotes mold growth as these factors provide great conditions for mold to grow and flourish. Prevent mold in your bathroom is vital for your health and for the way your bathroom looks. In addition, if neglected and due to optimal growing conditions, bathroom mold is likely to spread internally through walls, ceilings, and floors, leading to an extremely expensive remediation costs.

One of the key factors for bathroom mold prevention is frequent inspections to prevent water damage that can lead to mold growth. The first step in mold prevention is keeping your bathroom dry and airy. Use a humidity meter to check humidity levels before and after showers. Be sure to keep humidity levels below forty to forty five percent. If you allow adequate air circulation, your bathroom humidity levels should drop below 45 percent within 5-10 minutes from the minute you finished your shower.

Shower and Bathtub Maintenance
Keep the bathtub, floors, walls, and ceilings, clean and dry at all times. To prevent mold where it is very likely to grow, be sure to stretch the bathtub curtain after using the bathtub to allow equal and complete drying.

Air Flow
Allowing air flow and air circulation are key step in keeping low humidity levels. The basic technique and the simplest is to open windows and doors right after taking a shower to allow air to free flow and remove excess moisture. If you didn’t install an exhaust fan yet, do so as soon as possible as this is a great tool for bathroom ventilation. Turn on the exhaust fan while taking a bath or shower and leave it working for 5-10 more minutes after finishing using the bathroom to allow the bathroom to dry completely. Confirm that your fan exhausts outdoors directly.

Day to Day Maintenance
Day to day maintenance is important to prevent water damage and mold. It will also help detecting problems before they become a large scale disaster. Drains must be kept in good shape. Allow the bathtub to drain completely and by removing all debris and using drain openers from time to time. Create hard surfaces on your bathroom walls using semi-gloss paint. It is harder for mold to grow on these types of surfaces.

Elegance With Antiques

Interior designers and home decorators believe that classic never goes out of style and antiques are universal. While this is undoubtedly true, and many of us would love to own small antique writing desks, this is not a reality for many consumers. Not everyone can afford to pay thousands of dollars for real antique furniture. Furthermore, most of us don’t have a display area roped off in our house; if we are going to own antique type desks, then we will need to use them for our office and computer work. Who can afford to purchase such a beautiful antique and then risk ruining it with our work?

Let’s say that you would love to have an antique type desk. There are a number of obstacles to overcome before acquiring such a fantastic purchase. First, you have to find an antique writing desk that is in good shape and that can be used for practical purposes. Once you’ve found it, you’ll be amazed to discover that this desk can cost you anywhere from $3,000 to $4,000! Who can afford to do anything with small antique writing desks except have them on display?

Rather than spending a fortune on a true antique, you can search for antique type desks at modern prices. Such desks are made to look antique, while offering modern amenities. They include large work spaces, room for a keyboard, and ample drawer space. At less than a tenth of the price, you can purchase the same classical elegant antique design; and, these desks are fully functional. This means that even children and teenagers can work and study on desks that are inexpensive, yet durable, well-designed, and attractive. And you can enjoy the delicate, sophisticated look of antique type desks without spending a fortune to do so or worrying every second that it will get ruined.

The rich dark wood in these classic antique writing desks radiates warmth and stately sophistication. Ideal for any home or office, these desks will give a plain area an entirely different look that speaks of grace and style. Antique type desks at modern prices are the perfect combination; they beautifully satisfy the modern needs of an office while offering a look of timeless sophistication.

Article source : http//: ValuableContent.Com/ leah perry

Rattan Furnitures

Have you ever wondered what the difference between rattan furniture and wicker furniture is? If you have, I can explain the differences and some of the common misconceptions about these types of furnishings.

Many people incorrectly believe that rattan and wicker are one in the same. This couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, they aren't even in the same category. Let's take a look at how these two popular, yet very different, arts come together to provide a unique, elegant atmosphere in the home.

First let's get some facts about rattan. Rattan is a vine that grows in the tropical forests of the Far East. Usually, it grows in a pole shape with a diameter of about 1-3 inches. Rattan can grow up to hundreds of feet in length. It is also one of nature's strongest woods. Rattan cane has a solid core, unlike bamboo pole, making it much more durable and harder to break. Rattan will not warp and is ideal for making furniture. After being cut into smaller sections, the canes are then molded into shape to form the frames for various furniture items. Peel, the outer skin of the rattan pole, is traditionally used to wrap the furniture joints.

Wicker, on the other hand, refers to items made from any number of natural materials, including rattan core, reed, rush, and willow. When wet, these natural materials are pliable enough to be woven, creating the unique wicker-weaved designs we see in wicker furniture. In fact, most rattan furniture is created with wicker weaved on top of the rattan core frame. Rattan and wicker are wonderful natural products, each piece having its own unique set of qualities. No two pieces are ever completely the same.

Many people love the aesthetic qualities of this furniture. A great room in your home furnished with rattan can feel like a retreat to a secluded island resort after a long day at the office. Who wouldn't want to come home to that? Another common misconception is that wicker and rattan furniture is strictly for outdoor or patio use. Definitely not so. Rattan furniture comes in living room sets, dining room sets, bedrooms, office furniture and much more.

Many times it is hard to find these types of furnishings locally. And, often, even if you can find them, it is usually a pretty limited selection of items. It's easy to find these great natural furnishings online. Just search the web and you will find great websites that offer authentic rattan and wicker furniture. Happy hunting!

How To decorate Your House For Almost No Cost

Everyone wants to have a home like those featured in Architectural Digest, but if you're like most, your finances will not allow for it. There are, however, several approaches to decorating and designing that you can take without breaking the bank.

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for brightening up a room, or even changing it completely. Having a room professionally painted can be pricey, however, depending on the contractor hired and the type of services provided. Rather than hiring someone, painting is a skill that is easily acquired and can even be fun to do. While it may be time consuming, it is not a difficult skill to master. A roller, pan and brush set will cost about $10.00, and a gallon of paint between $20.00 and $30.00. Add in some extra money for spackle to fill any cracks or nail holes, some primer or a base coat, drop cloths and paint remover. If you figure on two gallons of paint, depending on the room's square footage, you could have a white-walled room turn a beautiful hunter green for less than $150.00 all told! In the end, you will be left with a freshly painted, new look and the pride of having done it yourself.

Another way to save money decorating is to shop the yard sales. Sound silly? It's not. Springtime is a great time to do this, as many people are cleaning out their closets and putting things in the yard that they no longer want or they simply don't have room for. You've heard the saying "One man's trash is another man's treasure?" This can be your opportunity for treasure hunting! How many times while shopping have you stepped into an expensive boutique or gallery, just to window shop, and while browsing spotted the ‘perfect' oversized vase for your floor, or a really odd sculpture or ironwork that would be just right for your living room? Yard sales are full of these type items! Because proud homeowners re-decorate every few years, they put perfectly good (and pricey!) merchandise out for sale to the highest bidder. If you do not live in the suburbs, you can still take advantage of these type sales at your local flea market on a Saturday morning or the market on your block.

Want a completely FREE solution? Move some furniture! Not only can you change the look of your home by moving furniture within a room, you can even get creative and change the actual rooms themselves. Why not? If you have a large spare bedroom on the second floor that you have been using for a guest room, why not make this into your growing toddler's bedroom and convert his or her room to the less used, smaller guest room? If you have a family room and a living room that are approximately the same size but in opposite areas of your home, why not simply reverse the floor plan? You would be amazed at the difference this can make in livening up a house that has become stale in the decorating department. If this seems too drastic for you or you don't have the extra rooms, even moving furniture within a room can be a completely cost-free way to renovate.

Who says decorating has to be on the inside of the house only? The first impression you and your guests will have is of the outside of your home. Many people spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars in landscaping, when this cost can be cut significantly by doing your own outdoor gardening, planting and decorating. Rather than having a master plan scoped out by a professional, get creative and think of what colors and types of plants you enjoy looking at and what will grow well in your environment. It is then just a matter of buying the soil, plants, potters, and perhaps some decorative stones to lay around the new plants. This process will not be cost-free, but will be significantly less money to do it yourself than to hire a landscaper. It will also be a great excuse to get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and get some exercise! You can think of the colors you like most, and start with plants in those color schemes. Consider whether you like low-lying plants, or whether you may need to shade certain areas of your property. If so, perhaps you can consider strategic tree planting, so that you have beautiful and mature trees down the road that otherwise would have cost a fortune to have put in. Stones can be relatively inexpensive depending on where you get them and what type they are, yet they can beautify a garden, walkway, path or planted area tremendously. This is something you can add to your landscaping creation as well.

Whether indoors or out, you don't have to break the bank to have a beautiful home. A bit of creativity and a few dollars can go a long way to making the home of your dreams if you take advantage of these few simple suggestions.

Investing In Your Home

Home is our sanctuary; the one place where we can relax and be ourselves; where we can express our personality and creativity to the fullest. It is a place to share our lives with loved ones. Few pleasures equal the pleasure of coming home from a long journey. Even coming home from work can be pleasant.

The home is usually our biggest investment, not just in money but in time and effort too. Naturally we take pride in it. In the first place most of us buy the best house we can afford; the one closet to the idea of a “Dream House”. Whether it is a bungalow, condominium or just a small terrace house, it is to us, still home.

Investing in the home, however, goes beyond the actual building itself. How do we create a more conducive atmosphere for living? Giving extra thought to the interior decoration can make the house not just more functional but also more beautiful. Cold, bare walls and floors hardly make a home. It requires carpets, furniture, pictures, furnishings, plus all kinds of other items and collectibles. So long as we have discerning taste and some imagination, we can arrange all these things to create the atmosphere we want, sometimes without having to spend too much.

When it comes to price, cheap isn’t necessarily better value. It may turn out to be false economy to purchase something that appears to be a bargain at first. Sometimes, it’s worth paying more for something of a higher quality, which does not merely look better but also lasts longer. Consider the long-term benefits.

Collecting antiques for instance, is very much in vogue. Many people consider antiques an investment. It certainly seems worthwhile investing in beautiful old things like Chinese antique furniture, rugs and porcelain, as they appreciate in value over time. Perhaps we should also realize that the antiques of tomorrow will no doubt, include the works of today. It may be wise, therefore, to start collecting some contemporary items that appear to have potential value.