Tropical Area Rugs Décor Themes

Tropical area rugs are hot and cool. They evoke the blazing temperatures of the equator and the tropics. They also bring to mind lagoons and windswept beaches as the perfect places to chill. The tropics are about the world’s oceans. So those tropical bathroom rugs remind the bather of tropical rainforests and storms. And tropical kitchen rugs bring the words luscious and luau to mind.

The tropics are an ocean-vast source of design themes for rug makers (and generations of artists for that matter). The word ‘tropical” instantly conjures exotic images of islands and seas on different continents. The Caribbean, the Indian and the Pacific Oceans are sources of tropical themes upon themes. The children among us even look beneath the surface of these bodies of water. They are enchanted by underwater settings and cartoon creatures. Sporty adults would prefer scuba or jet ski.

Probably the best tropical rug is one woven from natural tropical materials. Sisal derived from Mexican maguey, Chinese jute or African coir rugs look great on decks or patios. These are even imported from actual tropical countries. Tropical rugs are wonderful souvenir. Synthetic fibers are used for durable area rugs. These are also printable surfaces, great material for tropical print area rugs. You’ll find rugs with prints as colorful as any Hawaiian shirt.

Practically all rug companies have collections with tropical themes. Many of these rugs can even function as indoor outdoor area rugs. Here are two which specialize exclusively in tropical design rugs.

The Indich Collection

Indich Collection, based in Hawaii is a direct importer with the largest inventory of Pacific weaves. Inspired by the beauty of Hawaii, theirs are among the world’s most artful hand-woven rug collections, from fine orientals to dhurries.

Since 1979, Indich Collection has been using traditional hand made techniques to produce the exclusive Hawaiian Rugs and Pacific Rim designs.

Blue Barnacles

The company has a large collection exploring tropical themes. There are patterns inspired by coastal harbors, nautical adventures, tropical paradises, shells, starfish, sand dollars and every manner of sea creature ever depicted on a tropical area rug.

Nautical, coastal or tropical themes are rendered on hand hooked rugs and braided rugs. Their tropical print rugs are perfect for beach cottages or fabulous for that seaside condo. Sea grass and sisal weaves are also available. The coastal theme shows lighthouses, shells, and shore birds. The tropical theme has palm trees and parrots. The beach theme has patterns with flip-flops and beach umbrellas. Sailboats, anchors, compasses grace the classic nautical home collection.

Tropical themes have a palette of exciting, pulsating colors. Using rugs with these designs can be a challenge. But with the very extensive collection of tropical area rugs, they are a decorator’s dream.

Berber area rugs were mentioned in a scientific study on the best space for relaxing. They defined it as a cozy study with a fireplace and some Berber rugs. The scientists determined that 98% of the entire population would consider that a very relaxing environment.

Decorators, on the other hand prescribe these rugs to create place of warmth and welcome, just like the scientists ordered. These rugs are synonymous with rugs so you find them beside many fireplaces. A Berber area rug creates an atmosphere and makes a fashion statement.  But the effect is approachable rather than snobbish. It spells welcome just like the rugs in Berber tents in the Sahara meant a respite.

How Berber Rugs Began

The Berbers of Morocco first made these rugs. There are two types. The first type is the durable variety we see in offices and public places. It has a distinguished weave of dark earth-toned fibers on a pale background. The second type is the intricately wrought rug tourists take home from North Africa. The first type with its earth tones can add a no-nonsense look to office work areas as well as postmodern living rooms and high-traffic areas.  The second is an eye-catching conversation piece. The more ornate Berber area rugs are woven with loops that bind two different colors or fabrics in different layers using a weaving invented by the Berber.

Often made of high quality sheep’s wool, these rugs are known for their durability. To preserve the natural dyes and fibers of wool Berber rugs and carpets, they are best professionally cleaned. With proper care, a Berber rug lasts for generations.

Updating the Berber Area Rug

Today’s Berber carpet or rug is also made using synthetics such as nylon and olefin. Branded fibers such as Dupont Tactesse, Dupont Stainmaster, Solutia Weardated, Durasoft and Anso Caress are also used. Traditional weaving meets state-of-the-art fabrics.

Synthetics may be the better alternative to wool because of their ability to resist moisture. These machine-loomed carpets are even more durable for heavy-traffic areas in homes, offices, schools and hospitals.  Easy to wash, they may even be cleaned with bleach. Nonetheless, nothing compares with the elegance of original handmade woolen Berber area rugs. Of course, they cost much more.

Some manufacturers even use computer-generated patterns to improve on the traditional loop weaving method. These manufacturers carry extensive collections of traditional and updated Berber carpets and rugs.

• Shaw Industries
• Mohawk / Karastan Carpet
• Beaulieu of America
• Fabrica,
• Tuftex of California
• Queen Carpet
• Sutton Carpet
• Customweave
• Wundaweave
• Aladdin
• House of Wool
• Deltastart
• Beckler’s

From the Sahara to your living room, Berber area rugs make warmth and welcomes come alive in any living space.

Washable rug runners protect wood and hardwood floors. For other types of floors, these rugs add charm and character.  Because of their unusual proportions, longer than wider, they’re made for specific parts of the house.  These are usually areas of heavy traffic.  So it’s great they’re easily washable. 

Washable runners are either off the shelf or cut to size.  Which ever type you select the best means to choose one are proper measurements.  Measure the space they’re for.   For long narrow spaces, measure out two inches on each side from the edge to the wall.  Make sure they’re not too long.  Otherwise they’ll seem to be spilling out of the space. 

One obvious place for a runner is the entranceway. Here, it becomes the home’s opening statement.  It’s the welcome piece signaling the décor to expect once one tours the rest of the house.  If your home décor says antique, an Oriental runner is the best choice.  If your house has the minimal, ultramodern look, a neutral-toned runner will look in place.  If there’s a retro-music look as house theme, why not a runner with a piano keys for the entrance? 
The hallways that lead from one room to another are another spot. Here, make sure your runner has anti-slip rubber pads underneath so they’re safe.  Children love running in hallways. 

Another area that calls out for a washable rug runner is the kitchen.  These are the shorter runner rugs you’ll want to place right in front of the sink counter to keep spills off the floor.  Or right next to the kitchen counter where you do cooking prep.  There are many coordinated kitchen area rugs collections. There are washable floor runners for right beside the bathtub, a welcome warm surface to step on after a bath on a cold day. Make sure the shower curtains match. 

You can place a washable runner in the bedroom, too. Choose the shorter ones for either bedside or along the footboard.  Of course, there are those who would prefer the classier dry clean only rugs for this part of the house. 

Washable carpet runners, fitted with the right attachments to secure them are best for stairways.  They add traction to wooden stairways, which may tend to be slippery.  Or they’ll add warmth to concrete stairways or marble ones if you live in a palace. 

Runners traditionally came in wool.  But, in our time, there are olefin, polypropylene or nylon runners. These washable rugs stay in shape after washing. They’re colorfast as well and tend to last longer.  Since they’re cheaper than wool, synthetic-fiber rugs tend to be very inexpensive.   

But for those who want it all natural, there are organic runners.  Bamboo, sisal, jute and cotton are also used to weave these rugs. 

Washable runner rugs are meant for your home’s heavy traffic areas.  Good thing they’re washable.

You might have always considered yourself to be a more traditional, run of the mill, go along with the crowd kind of person. The kind who doesn’t like to make waves, and will always order your favorite, tried-and-true dish when you eat out. But just because you think you’d rather go with the flow, doesn’t mean you should just stick to what you know when it comes to home decor. Try doing something a little different and you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised with the results. That’s my argument on why you should give unique area rugs a try.

Area rugs play an interesting role in home decor. At the same time, they are both focal points and background music. While many people want a rug to play a complementary role to their furnishings and artwork, going for a plainer or not so exciting rug can melt in too much with everything else, creating a rather monochromatic and boring look.

Adding a unique area rug to your home doesn’t mean that you have to do a complete back-flip as far as your current decor is concerned. But it can make your home come alive, look more sophisticated, and actually highlight the theme you’ve chose and are comfortable with. A slight contrast works wonders to this effect.

I’ll explain why you don’t have to step too far out of your comfort zone to accomplish this. Let’s say your home has a traditional look to it, a carved mahogany dining set, ornate gold frames on mirrors and pictures, and a crystal chandelier. Adding one or two unique Oriental rugs will fit right in with your current theme, but at the same time, be a step away from the norm. This will not only add class but make your home seem more up-scale. If you’re not so sure, think back to all those pictures of Victorian homes you’ve surely seen. The furnishings might have been in line with what you have, but there was always a touch of African or Oriental art floating around somewhere in the room. Being eclectic is a part of that design scheme that is often overlooked, but adding it in will take your home to another level.

But the truth is that you don’t have to invest in an expensive 9×12 or 8×10 area rug in order to see the effects that a unique rug can have. If you’d like to start smaller and cheaper, try playing around with some unique bath rugs as an alternative. There is so much less risk involved here, as these usually cost around $20, or even less, and you might have so much fun and be so pleased with the results that you won’t want to stop.

So give unique rugs a try. You can’t imagine in advance what a difference they’ll make, but once you experience how it enhances your home’s decor and ambiance, you’ll never want to look back.

Springtime, and sunshine, warmth and relaxation. If you’re looking to add any of these feelings to your home, then a yellow area rug is right up your alley.

Using yellow area rugs in your home can be a great decor move. It’s not the first color that most people think of for area rugs, but it can be really effective at brightening up a room, particularly if there is a lack of sufficient natural light.

While you might initially think that a bright yellow rug is too much or too loud, don’t ignore the softer shades of yellow for a more subtle and gentle effect. In the bathroom, having a yellow and white rug on the floor is a great way to start the day on a cheerful note. Since bathrooms are very often lacking in light, or slightly squashed quarters, a yellow bath rug can almost always work wonderfully.

Another room where yellow rugs work wonderfully is the living room. You’ll want to stay away from a bright or solid colored rug here, since it is likely to be a rather large area rug, but there are different patterns that can really brighten up the room and make it a more inviting place to be. Consider a soft abstract design, or a modern or traditional yellow floral rug for a gentle touch.

For a striking look, consider looking at yellow and blue rugs. You can go for bright bolds, or choose a softer slate blue and yellow rug, which will work well in most rooms. This combination plays on the complimentary aspect of these two colors, as yellow and blue are opposites on the color wheel. When the two come together, they work as well as the classic red and green Christmas color combo.

If you think your room can handle some intensity, such as a very modern setting, or a teen’s bedroom or a workout room, a solid yellow rug might be just the right thing. As long as you’re having fun, go for something even more unusual, like a round area rug, an irregular shape, or a funky texture. A yellow shag area rug in a room that screams hip can be the frosting on the cake.

Whether you decide to go for something bold or bashful, yellow is a beautiful bright color that shouldn’t be overlooked. You’ll be thrilled with the effect it lends to your home, and the bonus pick-me-up feeling that comes with it.

The origins of modern furniture date back as early as Roman times!

Not particularly modern you might think, but it is the philosophy of the modern approach to design that marks it out rather than any particular date.

Modern design furniture developed from the emerging new approaches to architecture and design of the early 19th Century. The designers of this era were influenced not by the stuffy Victorian interiors of their parent generation, full of useless knick-knacks and heavy dark overly-ornate furnishing. Instead, they were inspired by the cultural influence of far flung countries that, at the time were the colonies of old Europe.

So what did regions like Africa, Asia and the Far East have to teach the makers of modern furniture? Simply the twin principles of form and function that are the blueprint of modern design furniture.

What makes a good piece of modern furniture?

Clean lines, simplicity and the ability to perform an obvious function are the ground rules for deciding whether modern furniture is simply a piece of clever kitsch or a true design classic.

How to choose what to buy.

First, research your subject well. Check on the internet and in interiors magazines to get an idea of the sort of modern furniture you like. Do you like bold colours and prints or muted tones? Do you like wood or steel and plastics? Or perhaps you like the retro-modern look of the 50′s and 60′s? You will be able to mix and match these styles but it’s a good idea to find out what themes appeal to you.

Second, know your needs. Let’s use modern bedroom furniture as an example. Make sure you know how much space you have to fill and what size your furniture needs to be. Too big a wardrobe for instance will swamp the room. Too small a wardrobe and you’ll need yet more furniture to house your clothes. If you have time it’s good to shop around and not let yourself fall in love with furniture that isn’t fit for its purpose.

If it does the job you want it to do, you won’t need to replace it for many years to come. So it’s worth getting it right.

Third, be ruthless about the principles of form and function. It’s difficult, but resist the urge to start filling your hard-won spacious interior with smart modern knick knacks. It detracts from the beauty and functionality of the furniture. If it’s pointless, leave it out.

Follow these two principles and you can’t go wrong. As long as your choice serves its purpose and has a clean simple beauty then you have a winner. The key is to let the beauty of your furniture speak for itself. It should need no adornments to look stunning, just space to let the quality of the design shine through.

You’ve window-shopped so many rugs but still can’t decide. So why not look into custom area rugs? A custom area rug is made according to your specifications. In effect, these are your own creations. So they’re your very own exclusive creation that won’t be found anywhere else.

First of all, you’ll want to make sure they fit. You’ll come up with custom sized area rugs by measuring the space for them carefully. Nothing looks more tailored for specific spaces than a rug that fits to a tee.

There are several companies that specialize in custom made area rugs. Each one has a process for customers to follow.

From the company’s catalog, customers select design themes for their custom designed area rugs.  These may range from traditional to a hip designs, depending on the client’s taste. Custom rug makers also provide selections for materials, borders, colors and other details.

These are some companies specializing in custom made rugs.   

Mastercraft Carpet Makers

This company fabricates rugs that reflect your personal style. These unique rugs will suit your interiors and individual taste.
Rugs are handcrafted in the exact size you require. You can make an inspired choice by browsing through their extensive portfolio. Then find a design that catches your eye. Price quotes are ready in just 24-48 hours!

You can adjust your design according to your budget. First, a simple design. Then, add embellishments such as inlays and carpet sculptures until you reach your budget ceiling.

Rugrats Fine Carpets and Rugs

Rugs can be the perfect medium for personal artistic expression. Instead of spending hours deciding on room décor, why not have this company design your rug for you?

Their custom design options range from florals to geometric to Renaissance to Southwest.

Natural Home Rugs

This company’s custom rugs are made from all-natural fibers.  Customers may select from materials such as sisal, sea grass, mountain grass, bamboo, leather, wool or jute. Rugs can be made square or rectangular, round, oval or octagonal.
   
Exotic Weaves

Exotic Weaves offers some high quality, hand-knotted, Tibetan rugs made from wools and silk. A design team assists customers. Exotic Weaves offers knot construction selections whether cut pile, closed loop, tiered piles, and other styles. These rugs may be square, rectangular, round, oval, and even asymmetrical. Rugs may be delivered within eight to twelve weeks.

Creative Accents

Creative Accents offers more than 160 styles. Each can be made using a palette of one hundred stock colors. These are ideal for faithfully reproducing the colors in custom logo rugs, which are great for businesses. Rugs are guaranteed fade resistant and use materials such as New Zealand wool and nylon.  The company also offers fast delivery times.

When you know just what you want but can’t find it anywhere, your best option is customization. Custom area rugs are one of a kind solutions for your decorating projects.

Indoor outdoor area rugs liven up interior as well as exterior spaces such as decks, porches and patios. These area rugs are made from natural or synthetic fibers that resist wear and tear even in high-traffic areas. Brighten up your deck, porch or patio with a beautiful, all-weather indoor outdoor area rug from the stylish selection of durable floor coverings available. These fade-resistant, wear-resistant rugs work wonderfully in high-traffic areas indoors, too.

With the wide range of companies that produce these indoor outdoor wonders, it’s simple to find easy-care outdoor patio rugs in a variety of elegant patterns and sizes to fit any space. And one of the best things about these rugs is that you don’t have to spend hours keeping them looking great. They are easy to maintain with just a broom. Bleach or dry cleaning aren’t required.

Here are some popular indoor outdoor rug brands:

Torino Rug
Torino makes indoor outdoor patio rugs. These are machine made, woven from polypropylene fibers. There are shape and size options. The rugs are in Asian shades of orange, beige and brown. Torino Rugs are imported from India.

Surya Rug

This brand, imported from Egypt, is machine made in a blend of chenille and polypropylene. Colors are brown, tan with beige and gray accents. These rugs are designed to match different outdoor furniture materials and styles.

Orian Stonebrook

Branches and leaves form patterns on a neutral background. This rug is perfect for any room, deck or sunroom. Woven from durable olefin fabric, Orian Stonebrook uses colorfast. Available in two sizes, these rugs are easy to clean and maintain.

Sisal Carpet

These manufacturers make high quality rugs from natural fibers such as seagrass, hemp, jute, coir, and sisal. Their indoor outdoor sisal rugs are made from this durable natural fiber. These rugs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes including indoor outdoor runner rugs.

Couristan Recife

The Recife collection is power-loomed using the 100% fiber-enhanced polypropylene. This flat-woven collection features four co;or compositions. These are cocoa-natural, black-cocoa, natural-cocoa and cocoa-black. The Recife collection, available in a variety of sizes, is imported from Belgium.

Safavieh Rugs

Safavieh uses classical designs for their oval and round indoor outdoor rugs. These beautiful rugs can be used in any interior or exterior. Safavieh developed a special sisal weave for this collection. Intricate, antique-inspired designs are the result. Machine-made from durable polypropylene, these rugs are made to last. Safavieh Courtyard, one popular series, is imported from Belgium. They also make handmade braided pile rugs made from a blend of polypropylene and olefin. These rugs, available in a wide selection of colors, are imported from China.

Watch out for these brands at the next indoor outdoor rugs sale. These and many other brands are available online. They’re eye-catching enhancements for both the inside and the outside of your home.

Dalyn area rugs are quality products, which follow exacting product standards. The company is committed to offer rugs with fine-looking designs at an affordable price.

In 1979, Bill and Judy Adams founded Dalyn Rug Co. Today, it has become an industry leader in the home decor market. Dalyn rugs come in an array of textures, colors and styles. Superb design and craftsmanship define the Dalyn rug.

Dalyn manufactures and imports a wide array of area rugs. It offers an extensive choice of styles, materials and color palettes. Contemporary or traditional, in wool or polypropylene, these rugs are suitable for any room in a home. Part of the traditional line, the signature Dalyn Jewel Rug is hand-tufted using 100% wool. Wool, cotton and leather are some of the varied materials used in the making of Dalyn shag rugs. Their Casual Elegance Collection uses 100% premium nylon in rich colors. No matter what design, material, or type of rug you are looking for, you’re sure to find it with Dalyn.

Here is a selection of other Dalyn Area Rug collections:

Milano

Inspired by designs from one of the world’s fashion capitals, Milano features postmodern eye candy.  These artistically rendered area rugs come in eleven patterns.  Durability and easy maintenance make this area rug a lasting contemporary accent in any room.

Concepts

Forward-looking motifs are used in the Concepts Collection. Geometrics and curves in coordinated earthy tones create a look of unpretentious luxury. Wool and silk-like Viscos yarn are integrated into a plush cut pile construction. This area rug adds a touch of sophistication to any floor.

Imperial

Traditional aesthetics meets value for money in the Imperial Collection. These are finely detailed rugs made in a premium high-density weave of polypropylene and polyester fibers. The collection showcases the abrage yarn dying method, which gives each rug more than twenty color tints. Silky yarn highlights elaborate detail.  The Imperial Collection comes in a range of colors including red, burgundy, sage green, black, ivory, and chocolate.

Sports Time

These rugs offer sporty decor for bedroom floors or walls.  They’re perfect for the den or game room.  Sports Time rugs come in green, orange, and other sporty colors and are made of 100% nylon.  This collection is a grand slam for any sports fan.

Fun Time

The Fun Time Collection is a little girl’s delight. For bedroom or playroom, these fanciful rugs will make a bedroom or playroom a fascinating place. The Fun Time Collection comes in pink and is made of 100% premium printed nylon.

Heirloom

Craftsmanship sets the Heirloom Collection apart. Following a choice of fourteen classical rug designs, these will indeed become treasured heirlooms.  Colors range from traditional reds, blacks and ivories to contemporary chocolate and avocado green. These rugs are woven from a sophisticated blend of handspun New Zealand, Lincoln and Merino wools.

Tuscany

Art underfoot defines Tuscany.  These quality rugs come in a profusion of styles from conventional to contemporary. The Tuscany collection is crafted from four layers of cotton and rayon chenille.

These are only a few of the different styles and themes that Dalyn area rugs come in. They show the scope of imaginative designs, materials and processes that go into these quality products.  As the Dalyn Rug Company puts it “…the beauty goes way beyond the surface.”

Power-loomed or handmade, Couristan area rugs come in a range of extraordinary collections. Their power-loomed collections are imported from countries Belgium, Turkey, China and Poland. These are made from natural weaves, like wool, jute or cotton and synthetic fibers. The company has initiated the use of new processes and methods, giving them an industry edge.  Their power-loomed rugs come in a palette of 36 colors and are made in a choice of sizes and shapes for every environment.  Handmade Couristan Oriental Rugs are imported from China, India, Nepal and Pakistan.

The Couristan Rug Company abides by a principle held since the beginning of rug-making; that area rugs are not just utilitarian object but works of art. So Couristan rugs are designed to be heirlooms, valuable possessions made to last for generations.  They run the gamut from historic motifs, modernized Persian patterns, elaborate Orientals, to progressive themes and ‘green’ creations.

Here is a gallery of some popular Couristan area rug styles and makes.

Couristan Aruba Rug Collection

This collection evokes a tropical mood through vibrant colors. The Innovative drop-stitch and double point weaving techniques add lively textures and patterns. Aruba rugs are power-loomed in 100% heat-resistant polypropylene. These super-dense pile rugs have one million points of yarn per square meter.

Couristan Indo Natural Rug Collection

Indo Natural area rugs are hand-loomed.  The collection’s special feature is its construction. These are extra weighty pile rugs made of 100% pure natural wool. Geometric patterns come in neutral shades of taupe, dark beige, oatmeal, grey and chocolate brown.

Couristan Recife Rug Collection

This indoor outdoor area rug collection is a sturdy flat woven composition, ideal for the living room or the patio. Recife rugs are power-loomed from the company’s own Courtron™ polypropylene. This fiber is pet-safe, resists mold and mildew.

Natural shades combine to match the outdoors. The collection comes as runners in various shapes, rounds and squares. This collection is imported from Belguim.

Couristan Wool Rug Collection

Traditionally, wool has been the ideal material for rug-weaving. Wool fibers are strong.  This natural strength is the reason a rug can last for generations.

Couristan wool rugs have an excellent reputation in the industry. Collections such as the Super Indo-Natural Kasbah White Collections are made from 100% blended undyed natural wool in traditional patterns. The Soho Collections are abstract art handmade from 100% Bikaner wool. Their wool rugs are one of the reasons that for over 75 years Couristan, Inc. has been a powerful name in the area rug and broadloom industry.

Couristan Outdoor Rugs

These are specially made for the veranda, the patio and other high-traffic outdoor living spaces. Made of durable synthetic fibers, a Couristan Outdoor Rug is all-weather safe.  Colors complement outdoor furniture.

Couristan rugs discount coupons are available every week from selected stores online, making this favorite choice a budget-friendly one as well.  Now it’s easy to liven up any room in your home with Couristan Area Rugs.

Like all of the company’s products, Home Dynamix area rugs are made by accomplished artisans using select materials.  Home Dynamix began in 1986, established by the Evar Family. Within its first few years, it became the New York metropolitan area’s leading floor covering manufacturer.  A milestone in the company’s history was the purchase of a Bulgarian textile mill. Through years of developing its products, the company has remained committed to values the company has held since the beginning. A Home Dynamix Rug stands for uncompromising standards and inventive design.

Home Dynamix Evolution Rugs

One million points per square meter of the premium heat-set yarns go into each rug in the Evolution series.  This collection is a favorite of interior designers. This rug is hand-carved for detailed and luxurious effects. An Evolution rug brings a touch of artistry to every floor.

Home Dynamix New Generation Rugs

Skillfully detailed and tastefully tinted, New Generation rugs have youthful but enduring designs. A rug from this collection is contemporary in pattern but timeless in beauty. These rugs resist soil and other stains.  They won’t fade so the colors stay vivid.  Made of durable material, these area rugs are affordable and easy to maintain. They’re pet-safe as well.

Home Dynamix Natalie Rugs

Rich detailing and lush color distinguish the Natalie rug collection. From bold, progressive hues like of black and red, to old-fashioned shades of Ivory, Gold, and Green, this collection is chic but affordable. Power loomed of long-lasting polypropylene yarn, Natalie rugs resist fading, soil and other stains. Each rug comes in a choice of five sizes.

Home Dynamix Kidz Image Rugs

This collection features animated, playful colors and innovative patterns. These Home Dynamix rugs are sure to set your child in a wonderful mood.  They are made from 100% Poly Acrylic Cut and Loop Pile. Kidz Image rugs are made to be durable, to withstand the pitter-patter of little feet for many years. This collection is perfect for children’s bedrooms and playrooms.

Home Dynamix Catalina Rugs

This is a collection of luxuriant heavy-weight rugs detailed to show hand-carved effects. The collection features an eclectic set of fashion-forward designs. Made of 100% polypropylene yarn, a Catalina rug will easily be any room’s highlight.

Machine-woven or hand-tufted, a Home Dynamix rug is a fine addition to your home decor. From Evolution to Catalina, any choice from the Home Dynamix Area Rug collections will add beauty to any floor. From 100% wool to the new synthetic fibers, these are creations of lasting value.

There is something so elegant about an antique chandelier. It doesn’t matter if you are talking about antler chandeliers or an antique crystal chandelier. At both extremes, the result is an elegant addition to your home. Of course you need lighting inside your home and why settle for utilitarian lighting when you can add a touch of class to your dining room, bedroom or living room with chandeliers lighting? Not every room will need a chandelier and restraint is an often missed quality when it comes to home decorating. Be mindful about how all the elements will work together. You want to invite your guests, not overwhelm them.

There are many kinds of contemporary and frankly, inexpensive chandeliers on the market now. Varieties like an antique brass chandelier can add a distinctive accent to your home. The chandelier light you choose should say something about who you are, while fitting with the surrounding decor.

This means that not every home will be able to accommodate an antique chandelier, but if it can, you are in for a treat. Antique chandeliers are among the most classic lighting choices. The traditional tear-drop antique crystal chandelier is an amazing accent to the dining room table. It can take a mundane space and turn it into something elegant. As you begin to shop for the right fixture for your space, the most important thing is size. How big is your space and how big is the chandelier that you want? Too small, and the effect is lost. Too large, and the effect is comical.

Depending on your budget and inclination, you can buy authentic antique chandeliers or look for well done replicates. While the real thing can be a treasure, finding an antique chandelier and getting it up to modern electrical code can be its own journey. Unless you live for the thrill of the hunt or are handy with wiring, you may want to opt for the antique look without the extra work of using the real thing. Most home lighting superstores such as Lighting Universe will have an adequate selection of chandeliers. You can also check specialty places like Rejuvenation for excellent reproductions of those classic chandeliers.

Whatever you decide — authentic or reproduction — the most important point is that you love the design. The chandelier will grace your home for the next 30 or 40 years so don’t be hasty in deciding which one is right for your taste and decor. It is not a race. Decorate your home as your pocketbook, calendar and energy level allow. If you spend too much, make a hasty decision or think you are going to replace all the major light fixtures in one weekend, you will end up with lots of regrets. Relax and enjoy the adventure of adding antique chandelier lighting to your home.

It isn’t always possible to tackle an entire re-flooring project. Often times doing so would cost possibly thousands of dollars, not to mention a lot of time and inconvenience. However, you can improve the quality of your home at a fraction of the cost, and without the fuss. By adding accent rugs, you can add brightness and warmth to any room.

People have been using area rugs all over the world for thousands of years! There are a plethora of styles, designs, colors, and shapes that are available. When selecting a rug, it is a good idea to look at each aspect separately.

First, think about the size. The rug does not have to cover the entire floor, instead consider what area of the room should be covered and why. Be creative with the placement of furniture. The composition of a room can encourage friends and family to feel welcome.

The materials in area rugs can be divided into two groups; there are natural materials and synthetic. Some examples of natural materials are cotton, silk, and wool. Of these, wool is the most popular and for good reason. Being naturally stain resistant, it is very durable. It is also fire resistant without the use of added chemicals. Examples of synthetic materials include rayon and nylon. These are less expensive and can resist stains better than some of the more delicate natural rugs.

Overall color and patterning will be determined by your individual sense of style, however, be sure the rug will compliment the room it is intended for. Traditional patterns from Persia and Turkey are still available today, and have a calming feel to them. More modern designs are also popular, with a wide range of free flowing and geometric designs.

Researching floor rugs online will help you better compare both price and style. The right accent rug will add a sense of individuality and relaxation to your home. Have fun with your next creative flooring project!

If you’re looking for a bright and bold color to add some pizazz to a room, red is your man, and there is no better way to use red as an accent color than with some bright red cushions. Depending on what kind of cushions, how big they are, and how many you use, you can accomplish a wide variety of effects using these small but notable items.

First, lets consider the kitchen. Adding some red chair cushions to your kitchen table chairs can really brighten up the room. This can be a focal point on it’s own, or part of a greater decorating scheme. For example, if you have some red kitchen appliances, like a red microwave or coffee maker, this addition can really unify the room, adding to the theme.

In the living room, you can accomplish a lot with just one red chair cushion tossed in the corner of the couch. This is a room that you’ll be both entertaining and relaxing in, and usually red is too strong a color to play a predominate role in the room. But just adding one red cushion can really add some playfulness to the atmosphere, and if you have decorated with area rugs that also use red in a minimalistic fashion, you’ll be able to still have that same carry-through color scheme, but without it being overwhelming at all.

Another great way to use this color is outside. Red patio cushions can create a truly smashing effect, and you can go for a look that is either classy and sophisticated, or youthful and fun. Consider cushions that are mostly red, but have a thin white, black, or green stripe running through them, for a more classic design. Or, you may want to go all out with the bright, bold, and warm with yellow and orange accents. These will look great with both outdoor teak furniture, or any wrought iron patio chairs you might have.

One thing to keep in mind if you are using red outdoor cushions is that you don’t want the color to fade. Getting a better quality cushion, or one that is made specially to protect against fading is a wise choice, even if that means that you will have to skip the patio cushions clearance sale and opt for a more expensive choice. After all, there is not point in saving money now if you will just have to replace your cushions later on due to fading. But if you have an enclosed patio or otherwise shaded garden area, than you may be able to get away with buying lower quality and less expensive red outdoor chair cushions as they will be less exposed to the sun, and less likely to fade.

Items made from stained glass have been used for more than hundreds of years for decorating churches and cathedrals. Now a days stained glass supplies are being used by even common people for decorating their homes. In this article we shall look at how stained glass windows, stained glass panels and stained glass lamps can be used together to get an exotic look for the home within the budget.

The use of stained glass items for decoration can start at the entry way of the home itself. It gives a great first impression to anyone coming into the house. Make use of stained glass windows and stained glass panels to continue the awesome look in the living room as well. The best thing about stained glass windows is that they allow the rooms to be lighted perfectly without compromising on privacy.

Stained glass lamps do a great job of lighting the room without making it too bright. If multiple color glasses are used, then it creates a combination of lights to provide a n interesting ambiance to the room. Please remember to buy stained glass lamps that will complement other items already present in the room.

A stained glass chandelier can be used for decorating the dining room. The looks of the bathroom can be enhanced by using stained glass mirrors. The bed room can be made romantic by using lamps made from stained glass.  A stained glass vase on the central table will add to the look of the room even further.

Yo do not need all these items to decorate your house. Please go through your house carefully to identify which of these items are actually required. Finally do not make the mistake of buying the stained glass items for your home in bits and pieces. Buying all the items simultaneously will help you to get better discounts and you can get a comprehensive look for your entire house.

a guest post by Jerry Mitchel

If you are looking for a unique timepiece to add on your treasured clock collection, then you must consider acquiring antique cuckoo clocks. These are unusual but highly appealing antique clocks that are popular among serious antique clock collectors and enthusiasts.

The concept of cuckoo clocks was introduced by Franz Anton Ketterer in the late 1740. The first forms of cuckoo clocks were produced in Black Forest —- a village in Germany where Ketterer resided. Wood is the common material used when manufacturing these magnificent collectible antique clocks. In particular, lime and linden tree are the usual wood species used by skilled craftsmen when making them.

Black forest clockmakers are well-noted for creating high-quality cuckoo clocks. They are renowned for their expertise, skills, and dedication. In addition to that, cuckoo clocks made by reputed Black Forest clockmakers are noted for their accurate assembly and reliable time-telling capabilities. The mechanism used in cuckoo clocks remained the same for over 300 years.

Genuine antique cuckoo clocks are usually operated by an all-wood clock mechanism. Like an antique grandfather clock, they feature weight-driven movements that are either hanged beneath them or placed in front them. They also introduce periodic pulls to the clock to ensure its continuous operation.

The most notable feature of cuckoo clocks is the distinct hourly sound that they generate. The sound is produced by using the same principle applied in organs. The clock produces sound to signify that an hour has already passed. Every hour, the clock’s door will open where a figurine will generate a cuckoo sound.

Most collectors acquire them together with other types of collectible antique clocks including the following:

• antique mantle clock
• antique carriage clock
• antique anniversary clock
• antique wall clock
• antique bracket clock

In general, antique cuckoo clocks are undoubtedly magnificent, remarkable, and valuable collectible items!

Jerry Mitchel writes for and online antique clocks guide website.

Redecorating a room can be a fun project to do, but it doesn’t have to involve a lot of work or major changes. You can easily create a totally different look and atmosphere to any room by changing a few small items. A good way to bring color into a bland room is by adding a decorative pillow or two. This type of accent item is often used in the living room to add décor and tie the other colors in the room together. If your living room is styled in the modern design, you may have a lot of solid colored items. In this style, the furniture items, such as sofa, chair and coffee table, are usually created in chrome and black or a white design.

Adding colorful, decorative throw pillows say to your leather furniture, can help create a warmer atmosphere for your living room. You might decide to compliment the black furniture by adding white pillows or black pillows with white furniture. Adding vivid colors to a black sofa can create a new style to your old room. Colors like yellow, bright blue and red are eye catching when placed against a black background. To further enhance the new design you could select a few complimentary decorations in similar colors, to place around the room.

In addition to focusing on colors in an accent pillow, you will find many styles that have patterns or images incorporated in them. These decorative pillows come in a selection of different sizes so you can choose the color, pattern and size you want to place in the living room area. There are also some large sized pillows created for use as floor pillows that are used to add accent to a room. These can be used as seating around a coffee table or by a fireplace. You could also choose to place your decorative accent pillows around the floor for a variation on the traditional sofa placement.

As you can see, when it comes to quick and easy home decor pillows are a great choice. And if you already have a pair of throw pillows, but want to freshen up or change the look of the room, it’s as simple as investing in some new decorative pillow covers for an even more budget-friendly solution.

A well designed modern bathroom is a balance between form and functionality.  Here are some tips for getting the most out of your bathroom in all it’s daily roles, while giving it an up-to-date, contemporary makeover.

If you have an older bathroom you may want to consider remodeling it entirely.  Completely modern bathrooms can increase the value of your home depending on your budget.  You can also do smaller upgrades if you are not looking for an entire tear-out.

Consider using new fixtures as a way to improve the look of your bathroom.  Fixtures can be easily changed out if you have any basic plumbing ability.  This can be done without having to spend the money to hire a contractor.  If your budget is tight, you can also consider finding a contractor from somewhere such as craigslist.  This can be a great way to improve the look of your bathroom without having to spend a lot of money.

Some of the fixtures you should consider changing include your bathroom sink, the shower or tub, and the lighting fixtures.  A waterfall shower head can be a great addition to your shower.  This can make you feel like you are in a natural environment.  Adding a teak floor is also a great idea.  If you do not have a lot of light going into your bathroom you can also install a sunlight.  There are also inventions called sun tubes which can re-direct lighting.  This can be helpful if you do not have direct overhead access.

You may also want to invest in a more modern bathroom vanity. This will turn your sink from just a place to wash up, into a real makeup vanity organizer, with drawers and cabinets to store all of those small toiletries that usually jut end up scattered about.

Modern bathroom furniture and fixtures can be purchased from various online retailers or from a local store.  Most likely, there is either a Lowes or Home Depot close by to where you are living.  If you do not know where to find one you can also check your local yellow page directory or ask your friend.

Before you consider remodeling your bathroom you will need to consider the current age of the bathroom.  If it is older than 30 years, be extremely careful if there is paint in your bathroom.  Older paints contain lead which is harmful if disturbed.  You may need to involve a lead abatement specialist before you disturb the pain in your bathroom.  Painting your bathroom can be a great way to increase the freshness of the room.

Choose a color which is bright to enhance your mood.  Consider purchasing paints specifically made for wet environments.  If you have a larger budget, consider adding tile to your bathroom walls.  Tiled walls are much more elegant in look, and easier to clean versus regular painted walls.

When looking into modern bathroom lighting options, don’t think that you have to go for something abstract. Either a traditional or a modern chandelier can be a great move, as chandelier work wonderfully with all style bathrooms to give the room a feel of romance and ambiance. Even a traditional one will work well with a more modern design, making an unusual statement.

These simple changes to your bathroom can greatly enhance the overall value of your home.  Consider that most home owners will not usually stay in the house for the entire length of the mortgage.  So when browsing through modern bathroom designs, be sure that you choose changes which not only you will enjoy, but have a universal taste for the next owner of your home as well.

Decorating has taken off in terms of popularity over the last decade.  Tons of programs have popped up on television showing you how to decorate your home yourself.  Several products have also been made to accommodate the needs of the amateur home decorator.  If you have a pension for the Mediterranean flair there are a few elements that you can incorporate into your home yourself.

The easiest way to change a space is to eliminate or add accessories.  Pillows and accent rugs are commonly used in traditional Mediterranean homes.  Visions of Moroccan dens come to mind when visualizing this style.  It is easy to emulate this look just by using the prints designs and colors that are typically found.  Furniture is usually made in solid colors so that the accessories can be the focal point.

It is not necessary to replace all your furniture to recreate this style. Instead you can just add a few small key pieces whose designs are inspired by the culture.  A perfect piece to use is a small coffee table topped with Travertine mosaic tile.  Tables like this are commonly used in many Mediterranean homes. Adding one to your space is a really simple way to give it an authentic touch. Add a few color glass lanterns that hang and the transition is complete.

Creating this look in an outdoor space is just as easy if not easier than in an indoor space.  Most of the furniture used is durable enough to be used outside.  Transforming a patio into a Kasbah get away is not only really cool but it is relaxing to spend time in and easy to do.

The decorating trend has allowed people to do more with less. If there is a theme that you want to recreate in your home most times all you need is a little imagination to make it happen.

a guest post by Sabrina Smtih

Fabric Roman shades are window coverings that provides not only shade to your room but can also give you an elegant look into your room. Roman covers can be a good choice for those who want to have a window covering that provides a dim effect in your room. Actually, the roman shade is the only window covering that can give your room a unique shade effect; it will not totally block all the light but allows a portion of it since it is fabric. Have you take a look the design of valances?

Custom Roman shades are very elegant but are expensive though. So, if you want to have this window covering in your home without spending too much then you might want to consider making your own. Yes, you heard it right; you can make cheaproman shades right at your home.

How To Make Roman Shades At Home

First thing you should do before going to shop for the materials is to consider the window you are going to decorate. Measure the dimension of the window, the length and its width. After measuring, make sure you know what kind of roman cover you are going to make for your window. If you are aiming for the Hobbled roman protect then extend your measurements since that kind of roman shield has many folds in its fabric.

After considering those reminders, choose the fabric where the designs could match to your room’s theme. This is very important for your room not to look too awkward. If you are not sure which color to go with, you may want to consider white. White Roman shades are a classic, and will work with the decor of most rooms. After buying the fabric, you might also want to buy the necessary supplies for the making of the roman shade. These would be the cord, thread that matches your fabric’s color, rings, wood and the dowel.

Once you have everything, you are ready to get started. Make sure you are clear on how to fold the fabric, and that you have a good guide to follow.

Traditionally, people would use dark colored curtains for their bedroom because it gives a feeling of solitude and induces sleep. Nowadays, people are taking another route and choosing colors that are not commonly used. They seek out brighter colors because it brings life to the room. Bright colors have the ability to light up any plain looking room in the house. So why not consider lime green curtains for your bedroom?

Imagine a room with a bed covered with purple bed sheets and accented with light orange pillow cases. These, coupled with lime green window curtains, are enough to make the room visually striking. These colors make the room eye-catching. Lime is a combination of the colors yellow and green, and the effect is a glistening curtain that stands out.

A lime green curtain set would surely grab the attention of anyone in the room. The use of this dazzling color is quite popular in interior designing, along with bright red cushions, neon blue covers, and many more similar trends. When using any of these intense colors, it is important to keep it to a minimum. You should avoid using these colors as the main theme of the room; otherwise, the whole room would end up being an eyesore. In this case, blending is crucial. Find local dealers or check the internet if you want to know more about color wheels and matching.

In the living room, lime colored curtains would go well with lime green or neon pink throw pillows on a sofa with neutral colors such as white or cream. A sky blue sofa set would also match well. This livens up the room and gives it an open feel.

You may want to look for your curtains online where there are a variety of different designs and styles available. You can compare different retailers and read user reviews to help you come up with a decision. You can either purchase a ready-made curtain set or a ‘do-it-yourself’ curtain kit to give things a more personalized finish. You can also find a matching lime green shower curtain set, to spread this bright, peppy color throughout your home.

a guest post by Penelope Carlberg

The kitchen is probably one of the biggest sources of pride for many home owners. It is a place in the house that is often showed off to visitors and guests. That is why a lot of home owners are constantly striving to keep their kitchen looking good and striking in its overall appearance. Being so, kitchens can say lots of things. They can be the showcase of your personality as the home owner; hence, if you find that your kitchen is already looking dull and monotonous, it probably is. So what can you do about it? There are so many ways to improve the kitchen’s appearance so to speak. But one popular kitchen improvement idea that has been well-liked by a big number of home owners is using a tile kitchen backsplash.

Currently, there are two types of tile kitchen backsplashes that are popularly used in many homes – ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles. Both types can literally transform your dull kitchen into a dazzling place. However though, before going on ahead to buy whichever type of kitchen backsplash tiles that suit you, it may be helpful if you would know the difference between these two types of kitchen tiles. Read on.

Density – Porcelain and ceramic kitchen tiles are both made from water, sand, and clay. There seems to be not much difference, isn’t it? Wrong. Porcelain tiles are more compact than ceramic tiles in a sense that the natural clay used in porcelains are very dense. This makes them harder than ceramics.

Color – Ceramic tiles are usually glazed in various colors and designs. This is why ceramics are probably the best bet when it comes to having a backsplash with mural or mosaic patterns. On the other hand, porcelain tiles are usually not glazed. Their inherent characteristic creates an evenly distributed shade across the tile surface.

Prices – Porcelain tiles usually cost more than ceramic kitchen tiles. An 18in x 18in porcelain tile can cost between $4 up to $30 depending on the thickness and type of natural clay used. On the other hand, a similarly sized ceramic tile can cost from $2.00 up to $19 depending on the thickness. Furthermore, ceramic tiles can also be available in various mural sets composing of a few dozen individual tiles. These sets can create a stunning backdrop that will stand out for everyone to see and adore.

by Lilia Finan

Your decorating budget may have been lessened by the tumultuous financial times many have been going through in the last couple of years. Today custom high-end decorative materials have been put on the back-burner until consumer confidence and the overall economy as made a full recovery. That is not to say you cannot afford to make changes in your home’s décor, as there are alternatives to expensive treatments for walls, floors and windows. One product that has the most versatility for the right price is the use of eyelet curtains for your window accent features.

For a little as the cost of dinner for two a homeowner can do a window makeover in a bedroom or bathroom and in record time as this type of drapery is so very easy to install. There are expensive versions of grommet curtains, but if you use the P-twenty rule then there is no need to spend the extra funds to redecorate your room. The above mentioned rule is short for “perfect at twenty feet”, which means if some is standing that far away they will not be able to tell if your curtains are silk or faux silk.

Creativity can always trump budget constraints when it comes to home decorations, and you will not have to give up quality in most cases. Using a hot glue gun you can add piping or other decorative accents along the edges of the curtain fabric to enhance the character of the overall treatment, as well as adding a second tier of panels with sheer curtains to give it a more upscale look for a just a few dollars more. These can also be used during the day and evening to prevent ultra-violet rays from sneaking in, and keeping curious neighbors or people passing by your room and looking in on your life.

The curtain prices of ready made curtains today actually make it in most cases more expensive to go through the process of making your own with curtain fabric and a sewing machine. You might spend a hundred dollars making a set of curtain panels yourself versus spending fifty dollars at your local super drapery discount market.

Keeping costs down and quality of design high will be easy with the cheap but stylish double curtain rods, and other supplementary drapery hardware. The eyelet curtain rings, and finials are priced according to the matching rod, and will not break the bank in this situation.

Karastan rugs are known for their beauty and durability. While maintenance of their premium worsted wool woven rugs is not difficult, it is certainly important to understand everything possible about Karastan rug cleaning in order to provide yourself with the longest living Karastan possible. If you’ve ever seen poorly treated area rugs, you know how distressed they can look. Avoiding unnecessary wear is entirely up to you.

The first and primary recommendation is to buy Karastan rug pads. Beneath every one of your beautiful and well paid for Karastan area rugs, you want a pad that will prevent the rug from slipping and sliding around. It is not just a safety precaution (which is also important). It is a basic in rug care. That slipping and sliding slowly wears down at the rug weave and can significantly shorten its life.

Secondly, take the few moments necessary to rotate your rug every six months. Repeated, set foot traffic and set sunlight patterns will slowly cause uneven wear and color fading. Occasional rotation will go far to slow that wear. Imagine one of those exquisite Karastan oriental rugs with an intricate and delicate design fading on the side next to the glass patio doors, and vibrantly alive on the other. A sad and unnecessary fate.

Thirdly, you must make sure that dust and dirt do not accumulate, working their way into the weave and tearing down at the beautiful textile. In the first year, vacuum your Karastan wool rug every two to three days. There will be a normal “fuzzing” on the surface that vacuuming will remove. After the first year, you might want to vacuum high traffic areas even more often than that.

Authorized Karastan rug dealers should be able to give you further care and maintenance instructions. When to call a professional rug cleaner and recommendations on whom to call may even be offered. Take their advice seriously, and act accordingly. Especially with reference to how to treat immediate spills and spotting. For example, never rub a spill. Use a spoon or blunt knife to pick up spills. Blot with paper napkins or paper towels until the spill is nearly dry. Use lukewarm water with your carpet shampoo. Only use recommended solvents and always follow the manufacturer’s directions. The Karastan rug company understands their wool and weave best. The instructions they provide are most important.

Taking the time to learn how to lengthen the life of your rug will ultimately lengthen your enjoyment of it. Make your Karastan carpet worth every penny.

Furnishing your home with beautiful, long lasting pieces is a priority on everyone’s mind. There isn’t a homeowner out there who wouldn’t like to know that he or she is buying the absolute best and absolute beauty when investing in lifetime furniture pieces. Which is why leather sofas are so popular. It is beautiful, it is comfortable, it is one of the most sought after materials in home decorating.

One attribute of leather is that it is weather adaptable. Your leather sofa bed will remain cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Whether you sleep on it yourself or offer it to guests, you won’t have to worry about their comfort no matter what the season. Simply let them enjoy.

Since it is made from real cow hide, every leather piece offers full support and luxury when you sit in it. Every portion of your leather sectional sofa will mold to the natural curves of your body and still retain its shape when you get up. The strong material resists tears and punctures longer than other fabrics, too.

Even if your black leather sofa sits in a room filled with natural sunlight, you can rest assured that with proper care, colors won’t fade, either. While leather does harden and crack under direct sunlight, neither this nor fading should be a concern in a typically light filled room. Black, brown, cream, even that snazzy read leather sofa should retain their lush color to the end of its life.

No two hides are the same, either. That means your leather sofa set is entirely unique. The specific character in your living room will be matched by no one else’s. You can feel proud of the beauty and value of every piece you buy. Not only that, but each hide will differ according to the grains and finishes used to complete the product. Some are more velvet like, others might bare natural weather beaten textures. That “simple” cream leather sofa need not be like anyone else’s. It really is an art. It really can reflect your individuality, personality, and style choice.

When kept clean and properly cared for, leather can last a lifetime in exquisite beauty. The main points to remember are no direct sunlight, no unapproved cleaning detergents, and dry the surfaces immediately. Most spills will wipe off beautifully, so don’t worry. It’s only a matter of understanding the care your furniture needs. That white leather sofa can stay white, if you pay attention to what your leather needs.

But the bottom line about these beauties is that they are just that– a perfect example of beauty and class.  Picture a warm brown leather sofa graced by two elegant mahogany side tables.  Or accompanied by a matching leather lounge chair. You simply can’t get more classy than that.