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Archive for April, 2008

tuscany style decor

Thursday, April 10th, 2008

Tuscany is often referred to as the emblem of rustic country Italian home design. Dream of having a little bit of Tuscany at your own home? This excellent article gives you nine tips how to achieve true Tuscany style decor. It’s a bit on the long side, but well worth a read!

9 Action Steps to create the magic of Tuscany in your home… by Linda Hutchinson

Step 1. A little inspiration is in order You can begin by choosing an inspiration piece to help you get started. From this inspirational piece, you can choose your color palette, determining your primary and secondary (accent) colors. This is an insider trick that professional interior designers and decorators use, and it works! By using a “Tuscan look” painting or photograph, pottery, or textiles (such as an area rug or tapestry) you will have a starting point upon which to build your room. This “trick” will give you a personal Tuscan color palette.

Step 2. Declutter - clear the way

To set the stage and prepare your home for your new Tuscan style, consider a good purge of clutter. Clutter is the antithesis of Tuscan design. Pack away, sell, or give away anything that does not meet the simplicity and functionality test!

Step 3. Consider your options

Remember that the goal is to layer your home with welcoming Tuscan decor elements. Your plan should be to create a feeling of warmth, charm, and simplicity in every room of your home. Your “tool kit” will contain your vision of your Tuscan home, those lovely Tuscan colors, some well-chosen Tuscan furnishings and accessories, and determination and perspiration (which might mean a paint brush and a trowel!).

Step 4. Choosing where to begin

If your family/living room and kitchen are “open concept” and/or connected, this offers the perfect opportunity to instantly recreate your home in the Tuscan style. Beginning with a smaller, less visible room, though, provides an opportunity to “experiment” with wall treatments and furnishings, and a bedroom can be less expensive to redecorate than a family room or kitchen.

Step 5. What furniture, lighting and accessories will you need?

Functionality is key, as is rustic style to Tuscan decor. Think of wood, wrought iron, ceramics… “simple and sturdy” rather than “fine and ornate”. It is not necessary (and indeed is not desirable) to fill your room(s) with items that “match”. They must, however, be functional pieces, and may even serve more than one purpose. A bench, for instance, may open up for storage. Quality and durability are key.

Step 6. Taking a Tuscan style inventory

Consider what Tuscan design elements you already have, which ones you want to keep and which ones you would want to replace (for instance, you may already have stone or wood flooring, which you adore, but a Victorian kitchen table which could “find a new home!”).

Step 7. Choosing your colors

Select your favorite colors from your Tuscan inspiration piece or from a Tuscan color palette. Start with decisions about walls - which can transform a room faster than anything else - whether a paint treatment, a texturizing treatment, or a wall covering. If you want a plaster-like finish on a “plain” wall (very Tuscan!) you might choose a texturizing treatment (e.g. faux finish) or use some of the new textured wall coverings. Some of these finishing techniques require either a professional painter/wall hanger or a determined zeal!

And before finalizing your color palette, look at the function and mood of the room and the exposure you have (your natural light sources) before choosing the “warm” or “cool” colors of your Tuscan color palette.

Step 8. Creating a plan

Advance planning will provide you with the opportunity to determine how much you will spend on the project (establishing a budget) that is vital for avoiding the stress that is sometimes associated with redecorating projects.

Decide on the scope and timeline for the project, and whether it will be done incrementally or all at once. Will you be going it alone, using professional contractors & designers, the help of friends, or a combination?

Be realistic - It will likely cost more than you think, so also be conservative. Set out a budget and fit things into it. You can always add elements later as your finances and inclination allow.

Step 9. Roll up your sleeves and get started!

Maximum impact, right away, will be achieved by beginning with walls so consider a paint treatment, a texturizing treatment, or a wall covering. Alternately, flooring (if this is part of your overall plan) will also create tremendous instant impact. If budget is a consideration, remember that Tuscan design allows (in fact encourages) that we use and elevate humble materials. Antiques and pieces of salvaged ironwork become decorative art; well-worn wooden chairs are cherished for their rustic simplicity. Look at furniture with a new “old” eye.

You’re now ready to move forward and start transforming your home into a little bit of Tuscany!

Copyright 2008. Excerpt from Decorating in the Tuscan Style, the 162-page eBook packed with tips and techniques (and lots of photos) to help you transform your home and garden into the heart and soul of Tuscany. To learn more about Tuscan décor, visit http://www.intheTuscanstyle.com.

About the Author

Linda Hutchinson has been a designer for over 25 years. She incorporates Tuscan design principles in renovations and in designing new home decor. With her passion and appreciation for impressionist art and painting, it’s no surprise that she is inspired by the vibrancy and spirited style of Tuscan decorating. To learn more about Tuscan décor visit http://www.intheTuscanstyle.com.

Country Home Decor Tips

Tuesday, April 8th, 2008

This short article is actually full of little tips that will help  you add a county style touch to your home decor without any huge makeover. If you want that special country style at your place, check it out -

Country Home Decor for a Warm and Welcoming Home   by Tess Tackett

Country home decor is the perfect choice for creating a cozy and comfortable atmosphere for your home. The warm and inviting feeling country home decor creates will make your home the place everyone wants to be! In this article we will find out how to create the look.

While natural wood and rustic tones add charm to your home, the accents you use can add a vibrant splash of color. Think of the colors you find in roosters, for example. Roosters are very commonly used in country home decor. Many people also use brightly colored sunflowers, especially in the kitchen.

For the family room, rustic wood is widely used. Many homes have rough exposed beams and even rough textured wooden paneling. This adds a cabin type of feeling, which is perfect for country home decor. To decorate walls, rustic wooden shadowboxes are the perfect touch.

Add a few country accents such as throw pillows with a country theme and a richly colored quilt draped over a wooden rocking chair. Pictures of barns and old-time country landscapes make beautiful additions to country home decor. Place a few country scented candles on coffee and end tables. Scents like cinnamon and apple pie add to the warm atmosphere.

In the kitchen there are endless options for creating the look. Roosters, cows and sunflowers are all perfect for this area. The addition of a bakers rack and a hanging pot rack add even more charm to country home decor. If your cabinets are dropped down from the ceiling, use this area for rooster statues and any other country accents you like.

This is one of the most popular types of decor. Look through some magazines, search the internet and use your imagination. You are sure to come up with dozens of ideas to help you create a country home decor style you and your family will love!

About the Author

Add country charm to your home! Country home decor creates a warm and inviting home your visitors will love!

Tess Tackett invites you to browse over 600 home decor accents! Top quality and beauty at wholesale prices.

The Coffee Table - An interesting Touch for Your Living Room

Wednesday, April 2nd, 2008

So much to be said for a small item of furniture… Read this article to learn more about coffee tables -

Colorful Coffee Tables - Art for Living Room   by Daniel Spivey

Coffee Tables generally adore the sit out or living room in most of the homes around the world. Coffee tables made up of different materials such as wood, aluminum, plastic with variety of colors, shapes and sizes are available. Coffee tables can be oval, square, rectangular etc. Pie shaped coffee table looks nice when placed in a corner and this saves space too. Coffee tables can be purchased online also. A number online furniture stores offer coffee tables with description about the prize, weight, utility value, after sales service etc. It would be a awkward life Without a coffee table. It is very difficult to hold a hot cup of coffee without a coffee table. The invention of coffee table is only a natural extension of human nature. Coffee Table is a wonderful place to relax. A table to hold the hot coffee cups was first designed in 1868 and was named ‘coffee table’. Now the uses of coffee tables are well accustomed. With the increase of Coffee/Tea clubs, bars or shops the usage of coffee tables are also increased. Coffee Tables are a must to entertain the guests and the guests behave in the way expected with a nice coffee table before them.A coffee table must be spacious to hold more magazines and a television remote. Of course, there are a number of modern coffee tables are available in the market and this really makes a statement in living room. A coffee table is functional as well as a conversation furniture. Some coffee tables have a colored glass fixed on the top surface and look very nice. Some coffee tables come out with attached nest tables. Modern coffee tables with variety of designs such as Big Cheese design, Ray and Charles Eames design are available in the market.

Coffee tables are an intricate part of our families. Coffee Tables represent the style, fashion and sense of pride. Coffee tables are versatile and convenient. A color glass fixed on top of coffee table provides additional elegance. Coffee Tables with Aluminum legs, wooden legs is simply superb. Glass top coffee tables are easy to clean and it is also fancy. Glass top coffee tables are durable and are difficult to break. Contemporary coffee tables made up of hardwoods, aluminum definitely fit the desired decor. The early coffee club was opened in London in 1652.

Modular coffee tables can be used as end tables. Modern coffee tables are not only a decorative accent, but a functional piece of furniture. Coffee Tables must blend with other home furniture so the right type of coffee tables can be selected. Wooden coffee tables to match with other wood furniture or iron coffee table to match other similar furniture etc. Coffee Tables must be light weighted and portable. Coffee table brings the living room together. Coffee tables can serve as small dining table, a drink holder and a place for day to day books and magazines. Coffee Tables can add s splash of color and style to home. Coffee Tables with marble top fixed is also looks nice.

Coffee table is generally a small low sitting table and a central piece of furniture in waiting room, lounge or living room. Normally the selection of coffee table matches the existing interior decor. Glass top Coffee tables combined with stainless steel or chromed frame is an added elegance and modern feel to the waiting or living room. The role of coffee table was barely acknowledged in the midst of heavy furniture. A coffee table can be bought after considering the size, type and style of coffee table. Traditional coffee tables are made up of wood. Contemporary coffee tables are better designed with different materials. Coffee table must be right sized to match the sofa.

For more info about coffee tables please visit coffee tables

garden furniture - the outdoors decor element

Tuesday, April 1st, 2008

Designing the look and feel of your outdoors is just as important as that of the indoors. In many ways, your patio and backyard are another room in your home, providing you with much required living space. The following article covers the topic of how to choose the right kind of garden furniture -

Making The Right Choice When You Buy Garden Furniture   by Harwood E Woodpecker

As soon as the sun comes out this summer you can guarantee that we will all leave our homes in droves and go and sit outside and enjoy the warmth. But how has your patio furniture stood up to the winter months? Has it taken on a dilapidated look and is in need of replacing. If so what option have you open to you, after all you want to make the right choice as you’ll be spending the next few months enjoying the weather on your new furniture.Garden furniture is available in a wide variety of sizes and styles to suit all pockets, there is more choice than ever available now of outdoor patio furniture featuring wickerwork and aluminium furniture. For a refined, traditional look, metal tables are the perfective tense reply. Would you prefer singular yard decorations such as statues and bird baths? This is a big indicator of summer on its way climax fast. Tradition cushions and accessories are also available to crown your new patio furniture and dialect your outdoor blank space. Is the space large plenty for a day bed lounge? Let us help you get ready to spend the rest of the summertime out on your terrace. Tropitone outdoor patio furniture is available through and through top commercial designers, or our meshing of exclusive outdoor furnishings dealers. We have a list of new models in dining chairs and dining sets.

If you are looking for a long lasting, durable patio furniture cover, then look no further, available from manufacturers are pieces of high character outdoor furniture available for sale at reasonable prices. The selection of premium outdoor furniture available ranges from classic and timeless to occasional and contemporary. Most outdoor furniture suppliers also cater for the garden furniture, decor, and outdoor cookery equipment that you may need. These are just a few of the things that you should consider when picking out your patio furniture. From fire pits to outdoor heaters and fans, find everything you need to stay warm or cool this flavour. Would you prefer unique yard decorations such as statues and bird baths?

The choice of materials and finishes available allow for countless combinations of designs and styles to fit any taste. Adirondack, or teak, or just classic wicker furniture are always very popular and should be given careful consideration. The clean lines of teak add a modern, chic look to furniture, while the flowery scrollwork of moulded iron lends a distinguished, classic feel to your patio. Aside from that, you want high timber patio furniture that is the most dependable, and the most lasting patio furniture you can buy. Manufacturers and distributors of affordable tone usance built patio furniture, outdoor patio bar furniture, pool furniture, deck furniture and fooling outdoor furniture products are always a good place to start to look for your ideal piece.

If not, you may want to pick out patio furniture made from a wood that weathers well, like teak, or you may adjudicate on aluminium. With many cast aluminium patio furniture collections to opt from we are sure you will find the hone furniture items you have been sounding for. Patio umbrellas that feature article pulley, button, crank, or leash tilting mechanisms perfective for shading your outdoor patio furniture are always a good ass on to your furniture; you’ll appreciate them in the height of summer. For a refined, traditional look, metal tables are the hone answer. This is a big indicator of summer on its way coming fast. With the right merchandise you can warm up and get cosy outdoors and take the chill essence away with a manageable fire or gas warmer.

Folding furniture is also ideal for individuals who desire winter entrepot when animation in an apartment or villa. You will be able to find outdoor furniture, patio collections, and accessories that will be able to furnish any patio or lawn at affordable prices. Those of us that have already invested in furniture usually look for cushions and accessories for decoration. Peruse the descriptions to find the things you love the most. When winter comes you fold it up and store it in the cupboard. Tropitone outdoor patio furniture is available through top commercial designers, or our net of exclusive outdoor furnishings dealers.

With many cast aluminium patio furniture collections to opt from we are sure you will find the perfective furniture items you have been looking for. Whether you are sounding for affordable patio furniture, patio sustenance furniture or beautiful patio furniture, you will find what you need by shopping around.

If you think outdoor patio heaters are expensive options that only fancy restaurants can afford, think once more, these are now very affordable and within may peoples price point. Teak is known the world over as the most beautiful and durable material for outdoor and garden use and is a very wise choice for outdoor furniture although it is slightly more expensive.

About the Author

For more info on all things patio, flooring and gardening please visit our site - www.patio-flooring.com Teak garden furniture Please feel free to republish this article provided a working hyperlink remains to our site Harwood E Woodpecker