Timber & Textiles » Home Decor

Finding A Décor Style That Fits Your Personality

Phil Riklis — Sat, 21 May 2011 17:16:09 +0000

Do a quick search on the Internet for home decorating ideas and you will find literally hundreds if not thousands of ideas instantly. But how do you make the right choice with so many options available? If you don’t already have specific tastes that are uniquely yours, you can start by browsing through popular décor magazines, watching home décor TV programs, searching through books at your local library or surfing the Internet for a plethora of creative wall decorating ideas.

Most home décor styles fall into one of three categories: traditional, contemporary or eclectic. Your personality and personal preferences will most likely fall into one or more of these groups. Here is a partial description of some of the elements of each.

The Traditional Look

Traditional styles never go out of style. They offer a collection the best looks from the past. Characteristics of this style include symmetry and proportion in a formal and graceful setting. Color schemes are neutral with warm finishes and light colored walls. Wall style and décor usually include naturalistic art like flowers, bowls of fruit, leaves and vines or natural wallpaper patterns. Mood is created using darker upholstery with classical detailed and intricate patterns. Classy and luxurious fabrics are used to accent rooms. Darker natural woods including walnut, rosewood or mahogany are often used to add formality and class. Other accent choices include formal lighting choices such as crystal chandeliers, framed traditional art pieces and carpet with wood flooring combinations.

The Contemporary Look

Contemporary styles use bold accents and structural elements of the room to enhance the design and feel. Most contemporary styles use neutral colors on the walls while incorporating bold and vivid color accents with contemporary artwork, geometric shapes and modern decorative elements. The key to contemporary is that they are simple, clean and geometric. This concept applies to all the elements of the room including furniture, lighting and décor. Another important characteristic of modern styles is their use of open space. Use open and empty space as an artistic expression rather than trying to fill it with an unnecessary element. The use of light also needs to be taken into consideration, as it is another facet that adds to the contemporary feel. Lighting choices include stainless steel, chrome or brushed-nickel lamps. Furniture is comprised of light colored wood like birch or light maple combined with metal or glass. Modern storage organizers are used to hide clutter.

The Eclectic Look

Simply put eclectic styles incorporate elements of many styles and combine them in a way that brings about continuity and self-expression. A vivid use of color can be seen in this style of decorating. There is a creative use of lines including clear, clean and curved line designs. In this style you will frequently find unexpected elements from a different style or era that create intrigue for the viewer. Accessories are placed liberally while at the same time being careful no to overcrowd the space. You will see both traditional and contemporary elements mixed together to create their own unique look. For example, you might see a traditionally designed kitchen with modern kitchen backsplash ideas on the walls. This look appeals to those who do not like sticking with one style. They like to mix in a little bit of everything for variety’s sake.

Decorative Kitchen Accessories

Phil Riklis — Tue, 10 May 2011 18:03:09 +0000

Kitchen accessories have a primary purpose: to add convenience to the functions within the kitchen. Previously, kitchen accessories were only seen for the purpose of function. Each item had a duty and that was its only intent. In modern times, kitchen decor accessories with purpose and style are in the forefront of the homeowners mind. Much attention is paid to the detail of a kitchen’s design. Elements such as flooring, fixtures, and appliances focus, not only, on function but on beauty, as well. It is only natural that kitchen accessories should follow this same idea.

One of the first items that comes to mind in terms of function and aesthetic are canisters. At one time, canisters were simply used to keep items such as flour, sugar, and salt fresh and free from moisture. While this holds true today, many modern kitchen canisters are created to sit on the counter, providing an attractive view within the kitchen. This kitchen accessory comes in many options including ceramic, stone, and metals.

Another item that was once merely needed for its practical use is the trivet. Trivets have always been an excellent place for cooking utensils, keeping the stove top free of messes. Today, however, this kitchen accessory comes in many styles, colors, and materials. It not only keeps a counter clean, but decorates it, as well.

Spice racks and containers show this same idea. A spice rack is a kitchen accessory that provides a convenient means of accessing all spices during the kitchen process. However, models of a modern spice rack vary considerably. There are options for installing the spice rack upon a wall, freeing counter space for other uses. Additionally, there is a lazy Susan style rack that can hold many spices within a small space. This kitchen accessory comes in many materials including wood, plastic, and metal.

Kitchen accessories dominate our kitchen areas. Without these items, cooking and entertaining would simply not be possible. While each item has its own unique purpose and its function of great value, the fact remains that there is a priority among homeowners to purchase styles that are pleasing to the eye, as well. Because options are plentiful, one can find many options from which to choose that accommodates need, taste, and style. Furthermore, there is no need to panic over price, because there are many places to purchase these kitchen accessories, one has the luxury of shopping around for the best value.

Karastan Oriental Rugs: Unparalled Beauty

Maya Tan — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 21:45:19 +0000

There is nothing that adds a touch of royalty and sophistication to a room like Oriental area rugs. If you think that owning such a rug is beyond your means, think again. Karastan Oriental rugs look just like the real thing and will add the same beauty and elegance at a price that, while by no means cheap, is more likely to be within your reach.

Every Karastan carpet is known for its quality, beauty, and extreme durability; their oriental line is no exception. A Karastan Oriental rug is made with top quality materials, giving you the most for your money. If there was ever such as thing as a perfect American made Oriental rug, this is it. The designs on these rugs are made with special non- fade die, so that the colors on the carpet will remain vibrant and fresh looking for years. Karastan rugs are made to endure heavy usage, with the ability to look as good as new when cleaned properly.

The company produces many different makes of Oriental rugs. Here is a mini guide to introduce you to some of their well known and well liked designs:

Karastan Kirman Rug- These rugs are distinguished by their intricate floral designs, each one more unique then the next. A range of vibrant colors and hues are incorporated into the Kirman carpets, resulting in a breathtakingly beautiful masterpiece.

Karastan Plum Blossom Rug- Not quite an Oriental but with the Oriental designconcepts in mind, this rug is made with a more modern motif. It will fit seamlessly into a modern setting, and comes in a variety of different sizes and colors to match the décor in any home.

Karastan Sarouk Rug- Sarouk rugs are made to be exact copies of the original Persian, Turkish, and other Oriental rugs. You can count on these rugs to be exact replicas, down to the last detail.

The Karastan Ashara rug and antique Karastan rugs are also popular and highly sought after choices.

These oriental rugs are made of high quality New Zealand wool, and are woven with great care and precision with every detail. If you want to see a selection of rugs before purchasing one, there are many online websites that offer great sections. Compared to genuine Oriental rugs, Karastan wool rugs are much more affordable. However, their prices are by no means inexpensive, but the discerning shopper will recognize and appreciate their beauty and quality. A Karastan Oriental rug will add unparalleled beauty and grace to your home.

Looking For Karastan Area Rugs

Maya Tan — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 21:20:36 +0000

Using area rugs to liven your living space is both a practical and fashionable choice. No matter what your flooring looks like now, a rug can vastly improve its looks and offer serious protection. If you seek the top in both quality and style, then take a quick look online at Karastan area rugs on sale. You will be impressed.

The purpose of a rug is many fold. First and foremost is to cover the flooring you have in place already. An old carpet might be badly stained. A stone or tile floor may be too cold. A hardwood floor has either suffered ugly scratches, or you are trying to protect it from that fate. Any Karastan area rug that you choose is going to solve all of the above problems, beautifully. Karastan rugs are known for their high quality weave. It achieves heights both in durability and the look of hand knotted area rugs. The weave is also renowned for beautiful stain recovery. When other rugs would be destroyed by certain spills and spotting, a Karastan rug will make a nearly effortless comeback. That in itself means longer life.

The second, and equally important, delight you will find at a full fledged Karastan rug sale is the tremendous variety in design and vibrancy of color. Karastan wool rugs exuberate a long lasting luster. The patterns and designs are woven into styles reminiscent of every era, and imitate a number of cultures. Anything from the popular and contemporary Karastan plum blossom rugs to traditional Karastan oriental rugs. You can find one suitable for literally every room of the house. Once you’ve tasted the luxury of Karastan, it will be hard to resist. Dining room, living room, recreation room. You might even look for ones that will survive the moisture of a bathroom. Guests will be impressed. Your toes will revel in the softness. To your distress, the dog might even recognize how appealing these rugs are.

The only discouraging thing to consider are Karastan rug prices. Most consumers do believe that you are paying for the quality and style that you receive, but the prices are high. If you are willing to buy one used, or make the efforts to search them out at discount dealers, you might be able to save some. However you do it, do not sacrifice the beauty possible in new Karastan carpet. Either way, it’s a worthwhile purchase.

Lighting Universe: The Name Says It All

Mitch Gimber — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 12:54:18 +0000

When you’re looking for light fixtures for your home, it’s best to look at a large selection, so you know what’s out there, and make an educated decision when choosing what you want. Lighting Universe acts as a liaison between the light manufacturers and the seller, bringing many options and prices together for you on the same page.

If you’re looking to buy a new chandelier for your dining room, you probably have a general picture in mind of what you want; you just have to find the perfect one. You can spend a lot of time and energy, running from store to store to find what you’re looking for, or you can do the serious shopping from the comfort of your home. With the simple click of the mouse, you can have all of the options neatly laid out for you, including their prices. In the Lighting Universe website, everything is divided into categories, so you can easily find what you’re looking for. If your personal taste is traditional or contemporary and modern, Lighting Universe has a large selection of each kind.

Whether you’re looking for lights for the interior of your home or exterior, Lighting Universe has a big selection of both. For the indoors, you can find lights for your bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, etc. The site will introduce you to new and different styles and designs and give you ideas on how to light up your home. For the outdoors, the Lighting Universe offers decorative, security, and flood lights, among a host of other options. In short, just about any kind of light you’ll need, you can find on their website.

Another perk about this site is that they offer free shipping. This means that you pay for the cost of the lights only. They also carry many of the name brands, so you know you’re getting quality merchandise. The website is easy to navigate thereby making the selection process as easy as possible. If you read the Lighting Universe reviews, you will see that most customers are very satisfied with their selection, prices, and prompt service, but some complain that if the actual product is not to their liking, returning it is not a simple process.

No matter if you are looking to light up a small closet or an entire landscape, Lighting Universe will offer what you are looking for. Assuming that you make sure you are going to like what you order, you will be pleased and satisfied when you find the perfect fixture with minimal effort and expense involved.

The Zest Of A Zebra Rug

Maya Tan — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 10:10:09 +0000

Your bedroom has been feeling a little drab. Your patio feels empty and lifeless. The cat has ruined your living room area rug. For all these problems, I can offer you one tremendous and exciting solution: a zebra rug.

Zebra rugs have personality, funk, character, life, and beauty. No matter where you put them, guests will comment on the flair. Day in and day out, you’ll appreciate the zest. It’s almost hard not to walk and talk without some spunk in your step around a zebra print rug. So if your room has fairly simple décor, a scheme of primary colors, or hardly any distinct color at all, you can definitely flaunt some a zebra area rug. The other option, of course, is to fully redecorate. Make your zebra skin rug the focal point. Build from there for a enlivened, modern look you can’t regret.

You will have to decide how much you can spend on one of these beauties, of course. Real zebra hide rugs can be quite an expense. Especially for a large space. Smaller skins will be slightly more affordable, but still not within everyone’s budget. The real thing also requires extra care and maintenance.

The best way to go for cheap zebra rugs are the faux zebra rugs. They are a fraction of the price, and a fraction of the maintenance. You can easily find a great looking faux zebra rug in nearly any shape and size, even in some hot colors. On eBay, you’ll find great prices on a pink zebra rug. A local discount vendor will offer you some mind-blowing deal on a brown zebra rug. When you realize this, all it takes is a little research in order to make both the sophisticated great aunt and the wild teenager happy on their upcoming birthdays.

If you go with the faux, even your bathroom and patio can enjoy zebra print rugs without you having to worry about rain, sun, or bathtub overspill. Buy a machine washable or zebra outdoor rug, and throw those worries out the window. This fun style should be a thrill, from beginning to end. The one thing I do have to say, however, is that you shouldn’t take all the advice I’ve given. Using zebra area rugs in your living room, bedroom, bathroom, and patio might be a little overwhelming for some guests. Limit your zebra décor to one or two areas. That way, you’ll achieve real style.

Perfectly Purple Area Rugs

Linda Harris — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 08:26:30 +0000

Purple has always been my favorite color. It’s such a rich, vibrant color, and each shade has both a fun and sophisticated side. It’s the perfect color for home decor, either as an accent or as the basis of a room’s color scheme. One of the best ways of working this marvelous color into your home is with purple area rugs.

The type of rug you’ll need will depend on what room you are planning on putting it in. In the living room, a dark purple area rug is bound to be a major focal point, so give extra thought to both the shade and type of rug you choose. Purple shag rugs will be intense and absorbing, and will really only work if you have a modern theme, but they will be smashing with black or white leather couches and some monochromatic abstract artwork.

If you have a more traditional living room design, consider using a purple rug in a lighter shade, or with designs that incorporate some other complimentary colors. You’ll be surprised to find that there are some really stunning Oriental area rugs in classic designs that make heavy use of purple, but in a much more subtle fashion than with solid purple rugs.

In a bathroom though, there’s no need for restraint. Go all out with bright purple bath rugs and some matching accessories. It’s a room that isn’t always on display, and you can really let your bright, loud, and creative side loose here. Consider using one other nearly neon or tropical color as an accent, such as using lime green curtains and toothbrush holders, or a fabulous orange instead. Or, you may want to look at purple bathroom rugs that feature modern, geometric designs for a cheerful bathroom that will make you– and your guests– smile whenever you enter.

The bedroom offers lots of possibilities as well. There is nothing as luxurious as stepping out of bed onto a soft, fluffy surface, so this is another room where a purple shag area rug will work well. You can find shag rugs made out of all sorts of materials, from soft fluff to fur, to wool, and even leather. You’ll have a blast trying out all of the different feels there are to purple shaggy rugs, so make sure to base your choice not just on the way it looks, but also on the sensorial experience it offers.

There are two more options that you should definitely consider. One has to do with shape. Since you’re going for a more unusual color, why not leave the classic rectangle behind as well. Oval or round purple rugs work wonderfully in many large home spaces, and are also perfect for beside a bed. If you do get a round rug, you can have a very nice contrast to the outer shape by going for a rug that has square or rectangular designs. This can really tie together your more angular furnishings with the rug, for a great effect.

One more option that can be absolutely fabulous is by getting creative with purple zebra rugs. You can either use one in a contemporary room, or for an even more sensational look, place a large purple zebra rug beneath a traditional dining room table. This look is a wonderful blend of the old and the new, and creates a truly elegant atmosphere.

Have fun while looking at all of the purple rugs for sale and figuring out which one will work best in your home. Whether you live in the US, the UK, or somewhere in between, you’re sure to find the perfect purple area rug for your home, either in a rug store or online.

The Definitive Guide to Bathroom Window Curtains

Phil Riklis — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 23:07:00 +0000

Windows are another great way to add décor to your home. They can be draped with all sorts of colors and styles. You will notice a great improvement to a room once you install window curtains, but only if your window curtains complement the room. The bathroom is no exception. Bathroom window curtains should reflect your sense of style, be functional, and match the color scheme of your home

Style is the most important part of your bathroom’s curtains. In fact, don’t think of them as simply window curtains for the bathroom. Think of them as a way to put your sense of fashion up on your walls. Think of it as a way of putting a little piece of yourself around your windows. There are many different styles to choose from and these come in a variety of fabrics and sizes. If you have trouble finding the right style of curtain, try finding one that’s close enough and consider modifying its design or color to fit your taste. But don’t stop at the curtain. That curtain needs to hang from a rod. Make sure your rod matches the style of your chosen curtain.

Functionality plays an important role in your bathroom window curtain choices, just as with any home purchase, from kitchen sinks and taps to area rugs. For example, size is important. You don’t want to buy one that is too small for your window. So before shopping around be sure to take exact measurements of your window’s frame so that you know what size curtain to shop for. Also, consider the type of curtain rod that you want and make sure you know what size rod you need.

Whether you choose fabric or vinyl bathroom window curtains, the color should match the color theme of your bathroom. There is nothing worse than walking into a room and seeing the curtains don’t quite match the décor, and the bathroom is no exception. So be sure to buy bathroom curtains and window treatments that stays within the realm of your color scheme. If you can’t find the right colors, consider looking into complementing colors or patterns.

As you can see style, function, and color are all important parts when looking for your bathroom window curtains. Style breaths life into them, functionality makes them fit well around the window, and color helps them blend seamlessly in with the rest of your bathroom, leaving you with a fresh feeling as you walk out into the rest of your home.

Round Outdoor Area Rugs And Other Outdoor Decorating Ideas

Phil Riklis — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 00:17:58 +0000

An outdoor living space is really just an extension of your home; when you create an outdoor living room you are essentially adding a room onto your home. You may use this room for entertaining friends and family, or you may just use it as your personal retreat. Either way, your outdoor space should be a comfortable, relaxing place. There are many furniture and accessory choices available that will allow you to decorate this space in any style you choose. Consider little touches like round outdoor area rugs or colorful throw pillows to make it seem more like an indoor room.

Round rugs are unique. They give a warm and creative feeling that is hard to achieve with the classic rectangle that most area rugs come in. By placing one in your garden or patio sitting area, you’ll make your outdoor environment so much more inviting.

You’ll also want to think about color. Red rugs are a classic choice, and can work beautifully with wrought iron patio furniture. Purple area rugs, while unusual, can look especially striking in a green area, and if you have blue, purple, orange, or yellow flowers in your garden, this can be a choice that you’ll be thrilled with in the long run.

You can further go about decorating your outdoor space by choosing furniture that best suits your needs; think of the amount of space you have and whether that space is protected from the elements. Outdoor furniture is usually made of weather resistant materials, however, if the area is not covered, you may want to think of storing cushions when they are not in use, so they are not left in the rain. Arranging the outdoor furniture is another consideration; think about traffic flow and arrange the furniture in a way that will allow easy maneuverability and conversation. If you have enough space, set them up around your round outdoor area rug for a lovely arrangement. If you already have outdoor furniture, you can update the look with new slipcovers, cushions or just some colorful throw pillows. For inexpensive options, shop at a patio cushions clearance sale.

Lighting and accessories are an important part of an outdoor room; lighting will allow you to use the outdoor space after the sun goes down and accessories can make it more comfortable and cozier. Consider what the area is going to be used for when choosing lighting; if the space is just for relaxing in the evenings candles or holiday lights can create a tranquil atmosphere. If you are using the space for outdoor dining or playing family games, you may need more light than candles provide. There are many choices for outdoor lighting from wall sconces to weather resistant table and floor lamps. Accessories can make a big difference in an outdoor room, an outdoor rug can make the floor warmer and add color to the décor; warm throws can allow you to snuggle up when cooler weather comes and still enjoy the outdoors.

There are many things you can do to make your outdoor living space comfortable and useful. Simply rearranging the furniture and adding some accessories may make all the difference in the world. If you are starting from scratch, some prior planning and research will make your decisions easier; and allow you to have an outdoor area you will enjoy for years to come.

A White Leather Chesterfield Sofa For Modern Elegance

Maya Tan — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 07:20:40 +0000

Creating the right effect in a room always takes some thorough consideration. Many times it means thinking out of the box and innovating with the unusual. Using a white leather Chesterfield sofa to create a streamlined, modern effect is a perfect example of this. The Chesterfield sofa has always had a classic and almost old-fashioned presence, quite the opposite of the sleek modern look that we are aiming for in this article.

The important factor here is the color. Color might be just one aspect — and a seemingly minor one — of the furniture and accent pieces we choose for our home. But the truth is that color has a greater impact than we realize, it actually defines the object in question.

Classic Chesterfield sofas have always come in shades of dark leather. Black, brown and burgundy are the most common choices. A weathered beige or honey brown are also popular options, but it really doesn’t get any lighter than that. Which is why white is such an unusual choice for this classic settee. And once you take away the expected color choices, leather Chesterfield sofas cease to be an old-fashioned, heavy piece of furniture, and can become an integral part of a modern, chic setting.

Let’s take a look at how you can make this work. We’ll start in the living room, the first place we think of using leather sofas.

Pair a white leather Chesterfield chair and sofa set with a black or white shag rug. A zebra rug is another great alternative. In fact, there are so many different options when it comes to area rugs, that you’ll find that you can completely redesign the tone of the room, just by changing the rug. To emphasize the beauty of your white leather sofa, make sure to add several white accent pieces to the room. A white floor lamp and a ceramic vase are great choices. Don’t go overboard with this or you’ll overpower the room, but a few well-thought out choices can be extremely effective.

The home office is another room that can benefit from a white leather Chesterfield sofa bed, especially if you want to convert it into a guest room. If you have a white computer desk already, you’re one step ahead of the game, and finding a small white dresser that will blend well is an easy task. Pick one or two bright accent colors, such as red and purple, and use them for the rest of the room’s decor. For example, look for purple area rugs that will fit about a foot under the sofa and rest of the furniture, and drape a small red and purple brocade scarf or table runner over the dresser.

Similar effects can be reproduced in other rooms of the home by using white Chesterfield chairs. While a sofa of this sort is an extremely large item and simply won’t work in an area without a lot of floor space, a white Chesterfield chair can fit beautifully into most rooms without overtaking the rest of the furnishings.