Home Improvement Info

Wain Roy

It is the dream of every homeowner to beautify his house so as to attract gazes of wonder and admiration from their guests and visitors. A person?s living room is the focal point of everyone?s attention. As such, it should be well furnished and decorated. You can now use elegant oil painting reproductions at a very low price for decorating your house. While decorating your house with some of the fine art works of famous painters, it is always not easy to find the right painting. Whether it?s an original painting or an oil painting reproduction, a connoisseur of art will have a tough time in selecting the perfect painting among the many. People often love to decorate their house with the painting they want. Due to the high price of an authentic painting, they are keen to buy oil painting reproductions according to their choice at low prices.

Oil painting reproduction enterprises create copies of the authentic oil painting masterpieces of renowned artists. It has become a popular trend for people to decorate their houses and offices with beautiful masterpieces of renowned artists. People are showing a keen interest in oil painting reproductions to decorate their homes and offices that are available at an affordable price. Oil painting reproduction is a perfect solution in such cases where an artist can reproduce the masterpieces of world-renowned artists.

Oil paintings are available in various themes, shapes and sizes. Original oil paintings painted on canvas or cardboard are very costly. Majority of the original oil paintings are displayed in museums and art galleries. Private collectors also buy few original art paintings for personal enjoyment or for decorating office and home. There are large numbers of companies who provide reproductions of well-known artists? artworks at a very low cost.

You can even decorate your office walls with oil painting reproductions of famous artists if you are on a tight budget. In order to add color and glitter to your office d?cor, you can use various oil painting reproductions. Now at an affordable price, you can hang famous painting reproductions by skilled artists. Your wall d?cor will become the attention-seeker for all the guests entering your room. An ordinary dull wall can be smartening up by hanging gorgeous oil painting reproductions.

Various companies are selling oil painting reproductions using skilled artists. Such companies hire artists who create oil painting reproductions according to their clients? choice. Companies even offer people an extensive online art gallery where they can browse and choose the paintings for their home or office. Majority of art galleries have art reproductions from all master painters like Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, Leonardo da Vinci, Paul Gauguin, Rembrandt van Rijn, Vincent van Gogh and many more.

Oil paintings of friend and loved ones are one of the best gift options available these days. You can also gift an oil painting reproduction to your friend and bring a smile to his or her face. A beautifully painted portrait on canvas is the most effective way to convey a message to your loved one that you truly care about his or her happiness.

Art reproductions are recreations of classic masterpieces that are hand-painted by talented artists to capture the true colors and significance of famous paintings from the past. Oil paintings can spruce up your office walls as well as can smarten up your home d?cor. Many art fans collect oil painting reproductions as a hobby hoping to earn a return made on the investment in the future.

Lee Dobbins

No matter what you budget is, you can get the sleek and clean look of a contemporary interior design in your living room. Changing out just a few things like wall art and accessories as well as a little paint can do wonders to your room and these changes do not have to cost a lot!

A vital element when decorating your living room with a contemporary theme is your wall treatments. For this design style the colors can make or break the look - consider adding shades of browns and black or a sharp black and white look to the room. Try using a neutral color paint on the walls, or if you want something different go with a leather or suede wall covering.

Decorative accessories are another important piece in pulling your contemporary look together. Concentrate on getting wall art and pillows that match your contemporary design style. For accent pieces you want the lines to be clean and avoid a lot of clutter. Be certain to add in loads of plain bowls with fruit as well as simple linear floral arrangements and you might even try some black and white photography to get a professional look for your living room. Additional touches such as vintage art d?co accessories can help setup your room with a polished decorative appeal, but don?t go overboard because with the contemporary look less is better.

What’s on your floor can add to the decorating style, but if you can not afford new floors in your living room then you can mask your current floors with small rugs with a contemporary design - either a geometric print or a plain sisal rug. If you are lucky enough to be able to afford new floors, check out bamboo floors or slate or clay tile. Sleek lined furniture with chrome accents goes nicely with this look and you might try shopping at consignment stores if you are short on cash.

Lighting is vital in any room and the living room is no exception. To match your contemporary design style, you need to look at light fixtures in terms of both style and type. The majority of living rooms can work with a table lamp combined with recessed lighting. When you will be incorporating a contemporary style, take a look at a chrome ceiling fixture with recessed lighting but steer clear of anything which is scrolly or fancy.

An important decorating area that you must work on when decorating your room are your walls. You can make even the plainest walls look nice by incorporating great wall art and decorative accessories. Try adding simple, plain artwork, tribal masks or abstract art to your living room walls to highlight the modern feel of your contemporary theme.

Putting together a successful contemporary look in your living room can be as minor as just buying new decorative accessories or as involved as replacing everything. So no matter what your budget, you can get a sleek contemporary look that will thrill the whole family!

Lee Dobbins writes for Decorating How To where you can learn more about decorating styles and your home.

Indra Books

Many years ago I was told that the least expensive way to redecorate is to rearrange what you have. It was one of the best decorating suggestions I?ve ever had-not to mention the one that can be the most fun to implement. How can you beat it? A new room-practically free! You get such a feeling of satisfaction when you accomplish something spectacular using your imagination and what you already have.

Of course, like many suggestions there is a good way to do this and one that isn?t quite so satisfactory. So here?s a step by step.

1. Choose the room you want to give a new look.

2. Decide on the type of change you would like. Do you want it brighter, lighter, more sophisticated, or more casual? Do you want to give it a contemporary flavor or make it a bit exotic?

3. Take a good look at what is in the room and decide what doesn?t fit the new look/theme that you chose. What is worn out, out of place or out of proportion?

4. Assess the room: Stand in each doorway and in each corner of the room and give it a good hard look. Would the furniture look better on an angle? What is the traffic pattern? You don?t want furniture sitting in the way of how you need to move about the room. Most of us can?t afford to have a room that just sits and looks pretty. A well designed room works for you.

5. Make a list of the items you want tokeep and measure them.

6. Take a buying trip through your house and see what you can use from other rooms. One very important suggestion: double check measurements and colors of the pieces you have ?bought? from other rooms. If you want to expand a little, there are frequently friends or relatives who have pieces in their homes they would like to get rid of, so if you don?t have quite what you like, check the family cast offs. Note: You might find you need to freshen your walls with a coat of paint or cover a chair or sofa with a slipcover or purchase new lampshades, but expense should be kept at a minimum, or you defeat your purpose.

7. Once you have your look and know what pieces are available to you, put it all on paper. You need to have a plan, because you could lose your ?willing? helpers if they have to move a sofa 6 or 7 times to get the right look because you didn?t do your homework. Pay special attention to electrical and cable outlets, heat and air vents and doors and windows. Lighting is important and unless you?re trying the hard way to keep the kids out, you want to be able to get in and out of the room easily and move around comfortably in it.

8. Clear your room. Take the unnecessary pieces and accessories away and put the pieces you want to keep together in another room.

9. It?s time to paint the walls and clean the windows and woodwork if needed. Shampoo carpets, wash floors and make sure your background is sparkling and clean.

10. If there are any small items you are going to need to purchase to complete the look, go do it while everything is drying. DO NOT go shopping without a list. You have your plan and you know what accessories you need to complete your look. The easiest way to get off budget and end up with clutter is to go without a list.

11. When the paint and floors are dry, place rugs on the floor (before you move in the furniture). It is also easier to do window treatments now while the room is empty. They can be adjusted later.

12. Gather your helpers. Move in the larger pieces of furniture. Add your smaller pieces such as tables and ottomans and then bring in the accessories.

13. Lamps are very important, so make sure they are located where they will work the best. Don?t under light your room.

14. Hang your pictures and adjust window treatments.

A note: less is more. An uncluttered room will give a more of an impression of newness then one with too much of everything.

15. Enjoy your new room. In fact throw a party and let everyone admire what you?ve accomplished. You?ll be able to afford it with the money you?ve saved.

Happy decorating!

This content for this article was provided by design consultant to ON THE GO 4 U, Suzanne Copenhaver. Suzanne has years of experience dealing with less than perfect home interiors and infrastructures. She provides in-home consultations on color, space, and design and teaches workshops on decorating for ON THE GO 4 U.



Indra A Books, author of many other lifestyle articles is also the owner and founder of ON THE GO 4 U, Personal Shoppers & Concierge Service in the Washington DC metropolitan area. The company?s creed is to provide its clients with the ultimate life management experience. In addition to its shopping and concierge services, ON THE GO 4 U also publishes a monthly e-zine and conducts workshops on wardrobe, entertaining and decorating. For more information about the author and ON THE Go 4 U, please visit http://www.onthego4u.net



? 2004 Indra A Books, ON THE GO 4 U.

Enid Edginton

Does your christmas tree look too old fashioned? When it comes to decorating christmas trees there are some style tips to follow so that they look more up-to-date and stylish.

STYLE TIP #1:

The big fat round artificial christmas tree is out and the slim artificial tree is in. This is because when it comes to decorating christmas tree the trends lately lean more towards tall and conical shapes rather than fat and round shapes.

This style is more reminiscent of the modernist trends from the seventies and strangely, the tall conical trees that were in favor during the Victorian era. It was Queen Victoria who insisted on the tallest tree possible for her living room and the narrow tree girth was also necessary in order to fit these tall slender trees into Victorian homes. The same could be said of modern day “cozy” condo lofts and apartments which often have tall ceiling heights but less floor space and suit a slim artificial christmas tree much better than a chubbier version.

Natural trees that tend to be tall and slim are the spruces and firs. They just have a slimmer girth than pines and cedars. When it comes to fake xmas trees, more and more manufacturers are releasing slim artificial trees that can fit more easily into our cramped urban lifestyle.

STYLE TIP #2

Artificial is in and natural trees are out. Okay, so maybe real christmas trees will never go out of fashion but if you are a bit of style snob then the trend is towards an artificial tree in the wildest color you can find. Basically the idea is to find a tree that looks like it would go well in Lieutenant O’Hura’s bedroom on Star Trek.

Every year, artificial trees are looking more and more cartoonish. You can buy them in a spectrum of colors and in many different materials including PVC, vinyl and tinsel. The slim artificial trees in wild colors are very popular with younger people. Some sites sell xmas trees that are nothing more than a coiled spiral of yellow pink and blue lights that are free standing and merely emulate the shape of a christmas tree.

Probably the two most trendy colors for trees are the red and white. The red trees have an offbeat look to them that is reminiscent of a bad Kodachrome photograph from the seventies. However that is part of their appeal. The white artificial trees are just simply gorgeous, especially the prelit artificial trees with branches that have glowing fiber optic tips.

STYLE TIP #3

One of the secrets to decorating christmas trees in a stylish way is to be minimalist. To be truly fashionable, stick to decorating the tree in just one or two colors. For instance you could decorate a natural evergreen with only gold bows and natural crystals. A white christmas tree looks great with uniformly sized christmas balls from top to bottom. A sky blue artificial tree could be decorated in monochrome with glass balls that are a deeper shade of blue.

The minimalist approach also goes for the style of decorations that you choose. Stick to one or two shapes to keep the look of the tree uncluttered and sleek. For instance, forget the round glass balls and choose conical glass balls and flat spheres only to decorate an entire tree. By the way the craze for slim artificial xmas trees is similar to the current craze for slim conical christmas decorations. Conical decorations are very much identified with retro seventies styles.

STYLE TIP #4:

One of the first rules of fashion and also interior decorating is to break all the rules and the same applies to Christmas trees. This means deliberately ignoring christmas traditions with the idea of putting a new spin on them. For instance instead of using the classic angel or star as a tree topper you could try topping it with a spray of fibrous waving multicolored diodes or a design that you have constructed using christmas rope lights. One interesting idea is to make a star out of red velvet and decorate it with peacock feathers, faux gems and gold bows.

Another way to break a traditional rule is to decorate your tree with just one color. To be different you could also forget about putting largest decorations at the bottom and the tiny ones at the top, put the large ones on the top and the tiny ones on the bottom. Another idea is to make all of your christmas tree decorations the same size.

One big trend that has dominated Christmas style and design for the last few years is to hang your Christmas tree anyway you can think of, as long as it is not standing up. This includes hanging it upside down from the ceiling, suspending it sideways from the ceiling and buttressing it against a wall.

STYLE TIP #5

One of the secrets to decorating christmas trees is that the more personal it is the better. A good example is the chef who decorates his tree using only plastic forks and knives or the new mom who decorates her tree with baby bottles and baby toys. If you celebrate the Chinese New Year you might want to decorate your tree with Buddha figures and fortune cookies.

Another great way to personalize your christmas tree is to use baked goods. Tree ornaments made of pink and yellow gumdrops and toothpicks look nice on an artificial white christmas tree for example. Home made gingerbread men and short bread snowmen would go well with a red artificial prelit christmas tree.

One place to get inspiration is the candy store. Choose your favorite candies that you loved as a kid. A smaller tree looks fantastic decorated in candies wrapped in foil. However once again the key is to be minimalist. Don’t decorate the tree with seven or eight kinds of candy. Decorate it with two to three kinds to give it a kind of uniformity.

If you haven’t figured it out by now one of the keys to decorating christmas trees is repetition on a single theme. If you like teddy bears than decorate the entire tree in teddy bears and one other design element, such as red glass balls. Keeping it simple yet elegant is the key to decorating christmas trees.

Antony Wilton

It is important to plan your decorations at the reception to enhance the occasion by creating a lasting impact on your guests.

Party favors are little gift items given to guests to retain as mementos of your wedding.
Popular party favors include white boxes engraved with the bride and grooms names and the wedding date; cocktail napkins similarly engraved and individually wrapped and marked chocolates, almonds, or candy.
Wine or champagne bottles marked with on a personalized label are another option worth considering. These are available in large or small bottles depending on your budget.

If expense is not a priority, you may also consider porcelain or ceramic party favors. These can be custom made your name and the wedding details on them.

A recent idea which is becoming popular among environmentally conscientious couples is to present guests with small trees or shrubs that can be planted in honor of the occasion.

The flowers are obviously an important part of the decorations at the reception. A small flower arrangement should be placed on each table. The arrangements should complement the table linen and be kept to a minimum height so as not to inhibit the guests eye contact during conversations .
Avoid highly fragrant flowers on tables as their fragrance may overpower the food aroma. To reduce costs, potted, silk or dried flowers can be utilised.

For a classical yet simple wedding centerpiece, flowers are the top choice, although I have seen attractive centerpieces in garden weddings which use nature as centerpieces with features such as tiny birdhouses and flower baskets. When choosing flowers, consider the color, style, and of course their availability at the time of the wedding.

There are numerous varieties of flowers from which you can choose. Just remember that they must complement both the setting and decor of the reception venue.

Many weddings that I have attended recently have had disposable cameras available on all tables at the reception.. These provide a perfect vehicle for guests to simply snap whatever shots take their fancy and always seem to be a big hit. The cameras are pre loaded with film, and easy to operate. Guests leave the cameras which you should arrange to be collected, and after developing, are sure to reveal some memorable and candid shots.

Remember to obtain disposable cameras with flash units if your reception is to be held indoors. If you have a large guest list, cameras with twelve exposures should be sufficient.

When you have decided on your wedding decorations, it is always a good idea to consult one of your closest friends to get that second opinion on what is likely to be one of the most memorable days of your life.

Author Antony Wilton maintains a site that is a “must see” for anyone arranging a wedding.
All you need is online at
Wedding Planning Online.

Jared Winston

Gone are the sleek, cold lines of ultramodern contemporary decorating. The most popular styles of home decorating today emphasize the warmth and congeniality of the country. Decorators are embracing the charm and simplicity of rustic home decor, and combining it with some surprising accents.

For the last few decades, there’s been a distinct split between high-end upscale home decorating and comfortable down-home affordable d?cor. The high-style magazines featured glossy photos of modern contemporary homes, replete with stone, glass and steel. The colors were stark ? black and white with a few slashes of brilliant tones to emphasize the contrasts and smooth lines. Meanwhile, the magazines aimed at Mrs. America around the U.S.A. offered the warm, cozy sensibility of country kitsch and homespun fabrics. Cows and chickens, hearts and patchwork quilts, rag rugs and solid wood furniture filled rooms that invited guests to sit down, take your shoes off and set a spell.

The gap has closed, and one of today’s hottest new decorating styles blends the two into a stylish, classic blend of rustic charm and high-bred functionality. This new style ? call it rustic modern - features natural materials (wood and stone, wool, cotton, linen and silk) and floor plans that flow and move into each other without overcrowding. The best examples of rustic d?cor have the feeling of a country lodge on an estate: open, relaxing and friendly.

Want to bring a bit of rustic warmth to your decorating scheme? Here are some suggestions from top designers.

Go for the country cabin look. Wood wall paneling is back in style ? but with a twist. Rustic paneling features wide planks and a rough-hewn look, with a warm, honey tone.

Country crafts can warm your whole room. Try a classic patchwork quilt on a metal frame bed, or throw it over the back of a homespun sofa. Patchwork and appliqu?d pillows with a country theme can bring a hint of rustic charm to your living and sitting rooms.

Think hunting lodge. Functionality meets creativity in some of the most charming and whimsical accents. Chainsaw carved bears sit by fireplaces, deer antlers hang on walls to hold hats and wrought iron is everywhere.

The right floor can transform your entire room. Bare wood is beautiful, and fits the style perfectly, but it’s not your only choice. Stone floors softened with woven and braided area rugs, or a classic sheepskin from Australia or New Zealand can be the perfect backdrop for rustic furniture and collections.

Go Navajo. Or Hudson Bay. Woven wool throws in Southwestern designs or a classic Hudson Bay wool blanket are a subtle touch of bygone rustic charm with a masculine feel that’s perfect for this style.

Keep it subtle. Opt for an open floor plan with plenty of seating space and choose your colors and materials to accent a few special pieces.

Copyright ? Jared Winston, 2006. All Rights Reserved.

Visit Rustic Adornments to receive free interior design advice about everything from rustic teak furniture to smaller, less expensive country home decor ideas.

Janett Finnila

Framed mirrors are as necessary to your d?cor as that new pair of spring shoes is to your wardrobe. Whether it’s your bathroom, living room, hall, or baby’s room a mirror adds spacious beauty to the room.

When you hang your mirror make sure the reflection is one worth sharing. Let’s say you hang a mirror in your bathroom but the reflection is that of your toilet. Appealing? No! But lets say it reflects the beautiful outdoors giving an illusion of another window. Appealing? Absolutely!

1. Bathroom

Over the sink is always a popular place for a bathroom mirror. Putting your makeup on or shaving is a lot easier with a nice large mirror and a framed one adds a real touch to the d?cor!

If you have room add an additional mirror that’s on a swivel arm. It’s great for those close up moments and you can also see the back of your head to take care of any bad hair days before they get rolling.

If your bathroom is really small and you want to make it appear bigger. Hang a framed mirror over the bathtub. It will instantly make your room feel much better.

2. Master Bedroom

If you have an open wall buy a framed wall mirror. You’ll get the functionality you need and add to your d?cor. If you don’t have an available wall then use the back of the door or the closet door. Not nearly as effective for the d?cor but at least you get the functionality you need. After all you don’t want to leave the house with your shirt tail or slip hanging out.

3. Office

A desk facing a wall isn’t good for the energy flow of the room but you can compensate buy hanging a large mirror on the wall. And it will also make your room feel larger and you more comfortable because no one will be sneaking up behind you.

4. Foyer/Entrance

There’s nothing like the touch of a large mirror at the entrance. And if your foyer is large enough place a small tea table with the mirror above it. It not only looks great it also gives you the chance to do that last minute check before you rush out the door. And the tables handy for dropping those necessaries like your keys.

5. Living Room

If you have a fireplace in your living room then you’ve just got to add a mirror above it. It’s dramatic and it adds warmth to the room making it inviting and relaxing. It reflects the room activities.

No fireplace then consider using a blank wall as a feature wall. Perhaps add a candle on each side. Now don’t just place the candles there, use them. The wonderful glow and the flicker of the candles in the mirror is so relaxing.

6. Childs Room

Children love to look at themselves so what better way than to put a mirror in their room. And baby’s love to entertain themselves with their own reflection so hang a mirror on the wall near the crib or change table or place it in a mobile. Remember to adjust for your child’s eye level. Functional and it will look great too! Especially if you add a bit of a child’s touch.

Baby’s room choose a nursery mirror or continue your existing theme. Child’s room let them choose. Kid’s all have their favorite characters or themes. Let them have some fun.

7. Dining Room

A mirror over your buffet is a beautiful touch. If you have a small room a mirror can also make your dining room feel much bigger. But make sure that it doesn’t reflect the dirty dishes at the sink.

8. Hallway

Hallways are usually long and narrow so the illusion of spaciousness can be achieved by using mirrors especially if the light reflects correctly on the mirror.

Framed mirrors are a great way to add those finishing touches to your d?cor. And with so many choices available from online retailers you’re certain to find the perfect one!

Regenia Butcher

We use them to enter and exit a room on a continual basis. If you want to brighten them a little more, add some extra design to door knobs and doors with this project. Make several and give as gifts.

MATERIALS

* 1 Piece cardboard 7″ x 12-14″ (or smaller, depending on the size and shape you want it to be)

* Craft felt or fabric (plain or holiday print, but not too flimsy)

* Decoupage or craft glue

* Cord trim 14″ long (or the size of the shape outline and 1/4″ - 1/8″ overlap)

* Various decorative items: flat and/or 3-D plastic or wooden shapes, or holiday items and decorations

* Scissors

* Compass or large glass (for drawing a circle)

INSTRUCTIONS

*Note: Measure how large you want the Door Hang to be, based on each door you’re decorating. Be careful to not make it so wide that opening and closing the door becomes awkward because of it. Do not have the edge of it meet the edge of the door; make it at least an inch more narrow than that.

1) Cut and round the top and bottom corner edges of the cardboard piece that you’re using so they’re not pointed but curved.

2) Using a compass or a large glass, etc., draw a circle on the center top area of the cardboard. Be sure to leave at least a 1 inch rim of cardboard framing the cut out portion of the cardboard in order to be able to hang the item on the door knob. Make sure that the circle you’re cutting out will leave a hole large enough to fit over the door knob so it can be slipped on and off easily.

3) Cut out the circle. It won’t be used, but you can save it for a smaller recycling craft project.

4) Place the finished cardboard shape “pattern” on top of the back of the piece of felt or fabric that you’re using. Trace around the edges of the cardboard, making sure to include drawing around the hole that was just cut out.

5) Cut the fabric to fit the exact shape of the cardboard.

6) If using decoupage, work very quickly to paint the decoupage onto the cardboard and place the fabric or felt on top. Press quickly as you smooth the fabric to remove any air bubbles. (THIS DRIES VERY QUICKLY SO TRY AND GET THE FABRIC IN POSITION BEFORE IT DOES!) You can use a mixture of half craft glue and half water instead of the decoupage. Test a small, extra piece of the fabric first though to see if the glue/water mixture seeps through. It takes longer for this to dry, but it also gives you a little more time to get the fabric or felt placed just right on the shape.

7) When it is dry, glue a piece of the cording around the entire edge of the Door Hang to cover the edge of the cardboard. A hot glue gun works best for this, but craft glue can be used. It just takes the craft glue longer to dry. You can also cover the back of the shape in the same way in which you covered the front. If you do this, wait until it is dry as well before gluing on the cording around the edge rim.

Finish decorating the front by gluing on the embellishments you’ve chosen.

9) When dry, hang on the door knob and enjoy or wrap as a gift.

Regenia G. Butcher is an author on a site for Creative Writers ( http://www.Writing.Com ). She is also a crafter and is currently working on a “quirky” word reference book. She usually not only sees the glass half full, but rejoices that there IS a glass. You can visit her portfolio at: http://www.sensity.writing.com

Max Sheppard

Homeowners are looking for more cost-effective ways to improve the appearance, real estate market value, and usability of their homes. This is also true when it comes to home interior decorating.

One great way to cut costs is by recycling. Most people put emphasis on recycling things such as plastic containers, paper, and cans. But there are benefits to be realized by homeowners who also recycle wood products and other materials when they remodel, refurbish, or update the interior design of their home.

Recycle Wood to Increase Eye Appeal of Interior Design

Even if you don?t ordinarily decorate your home using second hand furniture or antiques, mixing old with the new can create a stunning effect. It can also save a great deal of money. All it takes is a sharp eye for a bargain and a little creativity.

For instance, a visit to a second hand shop could turn up used cabinet doors. By fitting mirrors behind one of the cabinets where panels would normally go, a rustic focal point with style and class can be created. Stress and refinish the wood before inserting the mirrors. Or cover with antique parchment paint in a soft pastel shade.

This charming mirror, reminiscent of country cottage days, is perfect for a vanity, as a backdrop to plants or an interior water feature. Or in a bedroom decorated with feminine charm.

Another interior decorating tip is to capture the beauty of naturally aged wood in custom designed furniture. Salvaged slabs of thick wood such as Douglas fir, cedar, oak, and pine make marvelous ?one of a kind? counters, tables, stools, and shelves.

Other ways to Recycle Material

A second hand store, yard sale, or even the attic is a great place to find other items that can be refurbished or simply cleaned up a bit, to compliment your interior room d?cor. An old antique bell makes an interesting, quaint replacement for a door bell. And old fashioned milk cans, favorite farming icons of days gone by, add a special touch of nostalgia and country charm to a room.

Try painting the can cream, cinnamon, spruce, soft buttercup yellow, or another color that compliments room color scheme. A cluster of hand-painted flowers (daisies, sunflowers, pansies, or cottage roses), herbs, or vines would add just the right touch.

This would make an enchanting umbrella stand near the front door. On a porch or patio it makes a lovely holder for plant pots that fit snuggly at the top of the can. Old-time favorites such as morning glories, sweet peas, jasmine, English ivy, or nasturtiums would be gorgeous trailing down over the sides.

Recycle and Save

Old dry sinks, cabinets, and counters capture simple elegance when refurbished and used as bathroom vanities, night stands, and hall tables. Vintage light fixtures, doorknobs, hinges, and strike plates can also add a distinctive touch, while saving money.

Millions of tons of construction and demolition materials are discarded yearly. Homeowners who recycle wood and other materials when they redecorate not only save thousands of dollars. They reduce waste and help protect overuse of natural resources.

Why not call on the services of a licensed professional the next time you get ready to redecorate? Not only will they have terrific ideas for ways to incorporate recyclable materials into your home interior decorating plans. They most likely have resources you don?t have for acquiring the items. And, at a very affordable price!

Indra Books

In our homes, as in other parts of our lives, we are happier when we live with balance and harmony. Just like the rest of our lives, balance in the rooms of our homes is sometimes hard to create.



For many years, decorators and home owners tried to create this physical balance by having pairs of everything: 2 matching end tables, a matched pair of wing chairs, even sets of twin beds in the master bedroom. This certainly created a balanced room. It also created rooms that were sterile, formal and visually boring. In a formal setting or a Federal or Georgian home, this is still the way things should be to look ‘right.’ Our ancestors valued this perfect balance so highly that they created false doors in hallways so that both sides matched or doors that looked like windows so that the right and left sides of the back of a house matched perfectly. This can still be seen if you go to visit some of our historic homes. A notable example is the Hammond-Harwood House in Annapolis, Md.
We, however, tend to prefer a more relaxed approach to our homes.



So how do we create a feeling of balance without matched pairs of everything? You can use:

Color

Dark colors have more ‘weight’ than light colors.

Actual size

Height, depth and width of an object

Mass

A thick bulky looking object has more ?weight? than a fragile, delicate one. Just visualize a blown glass vase and a terracotta pot of the same size.

Number

A group of several like objects in different sizes grouped together creates ‘weight.’ Think of an assortment of silver candlesticks.

Light

A dark corner has more ‘weight’ than one filled with light.

If you want to prove this to yourself, gather together a group of assorted objects and use a tabletop/mantel and try out different scenarios. Be sure you have different sizes, colors, textures and shapes. You can put a larger framed picture against one end and a slightly smaller one in front of it. On the other end of your table put a heavy pot. Do the same thing with a matching pot at each end. Try pairing the picture group with an assortment of candles in candlesticks. Each time you create an arrangement, step back and look at it. In fact, if you have a digital camera, take a picture of it. If you do this for a while you will start to get a feel for balance. You can actually give the illusion that the tabletop is tilted slightly by throwing off the visual balance.



The same effect can occur in your room arrangements. If you doubt this, close your eyes and try to ’see’ a room in which you felt physically uncomfortable or slightly disoriented even though there was no obvious reason. A room in which the heavy items are all on one side of the room, almost feels as though the floor tilts. Once you have a feel for balance you can start to create a harmonious home.



Stand in the doorway of any room in your house that you feel isn?t ‘right.’ What do you see? Does the burgundy chair stick out like there is a spotlight on it? Does the entertainment center overwhelm the room? Do you have a TV and a fireplace battling for focal point? Do your easy chairs look like they were made for children next to your mammoth sofa? Does your fireplace mantel look like you are setting up for a tag sale? Your room is out of balance.



Move the furniture around and try different arrangements until you have one that works. Unless you have a room that is just for show like a Victorian parlor, you need to be able to use the room comfortably. Once the practical set-up is done, look at the room from different angles. If the room is out of balance use color and accessories, plants and pictures, groups of like objects, light and volume to create an illusion of balance.



Try grouping the accessories on your mantels and tabletops. Balance the entertainment center on one side of the fireplace with a tall plant or group of plants on the other. Note: avoid having the tops of everything at the same height. You might as well draw a line around your room. Repeat the color of the chair in pillows, throws, lampshades or the matting around a group of pictures. You really will be amazed at the difference it makes.



We may all be born craving balance but except for the lucky few, we have to learn to achieve it. There is a myriad of books on the subject and it can help to read them and look at the pictures, but the best way to get a feel for balance is ‘hands on.’ Experiment with portable objects until you get a feel for what works and then enjoy creating your harmonious home.

Indra A Books, author of this and many other lifestyle articles is the owner and founder of ON THE GO 4 U, Personal Shoppers & Concierge Service in the Washington DC metropolitan area. The company?s creed is to provide its clients with the ultimate life management experience. In addition to its shopping and concierge services, ON THE GO 4 U also publishes a monthly e-zine and conducts workshops on wardrobe, entertaining and decorating. For more information about the author and ON THE GO 4 U, please visit http://www.onthego4u.net



Content for this article was provided by Suzanne Copenhaver, Design Consultant to ON THE GO 4 U. Suzanne has years of experience decorating in less than ideal situations and always provides us with tons of insight.



? 2005 Indra Books for ON THE GO 4 U