Friday, February 5th, 2010
Your home should always reflect the mood, ambience and decor you create, so that it reflects not only your lifestyle but also you in every sense. What kind of a style you want for your room should be decided by the way you choose to live and not by the latest interior design fashion, that rules.
Deciding on how to utilize your space and how each room should look be it the living area, bedroom, office space or kitchen, is important. For example:
Do you entertain much, or want to hold parties often?
How about a quiet retreat to escape from the din and rustle?
Do the kids play around here?
Can you pursue your hobbies here?
If you have decided how and why you would like the room for, you may decide on a color pattern to suit the functionality of the room. Neutrals and mellow greens for a ‘retreat’ and a bright yellow for your kids play area, or tranquil pale blue for the office area.
Once you have decided on the function and color of the room in consideration, it may lead on to the basis of choosing the right art work for the area.
As for example:
Colorful and bright cartoon pictures for the kids’ area
Soothing pastel floral prints for the quiet retreat, or
Scenic pictures and tranquil landscape for your office area
Choose whichever you want.
Just as paint color, art can make an impact on a room’s character. It not only binds the room together, but also helps create a style truly your own.
Modern yet traditional & classic and contemporary, casual and romantic, fun & entertaining, whatever style you set for your room is totally up to you and your personal taste. This time though you can bring in your own individuality into the room through textured accessories and artwork for a different look.
Suggested art picture styles:
Entertaining & Fun: Both in the print and on the frame pictures should include vibrancy. Pictures of puppies and kittens, or comedian actors like the Laurel & Hardy or Three Stooges can be fun and entertaining.
Modern: for a modern and sophisticated look, try strong black accents in framed ironwork and the tapestries; striking black ‘n’ white photos could also be ideal.
Calm Retreat: Splash in the mood of a cozy, nestled retreat; try out artwork with earthy, neutral colors and horizontal landscapes in different treatments.
Try mixing and matching different styles to make something uniquely your own. You could frame traditional black and white photo prints with modern black iron frames.
If you want to get the maximum effect of your wall pictures as far as adding character and a dimension to the room is concerned, you have to decide where you want to hang them and how?
Tags: Based, Room, Shopping, Tapestries
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Sunday, November 15th, 2009
Furniture Tips – If you’re downsizing or haven’t even upsized yet, then your home may feel a little small to you now and again. That’s not too surprising, considering that stuff has a way of accumulating at an alarming rate, filling even the tiniest nooks or crannies.
Full sized furniture only adds to the problem, making the room look claustrophobic. Hardly a place to unwind after a hard day at school or work.
If you have a full-sized sofa in your apartment, starter home or dorm right now, there’s little you can do to reduce its scale, outside of taking a chainsaw to it and cutting it down to size (we don’t recommend this, by the way).
Finding a space-saving sofa is the better option. Manufacturers have been clued into the need for scaled pieces, particularly in an economy where many people are moving to smaller homes rather than larger ones.
If you’re imaging miniaturized sofas for your home, don’t. A sofa’s dimensions are only part of the equation. There are other tricks of the trade that can be used to make a sofa look smaller in a room without cutting the useful seating space.
Modern sofas already know some of these secrets. For example, many modern sofas, whether they’re recliner sofas, sectional sofas, sleeper sofas or lounges, have low backs that make the walls look higher than they really are. This gives the room a feeling of spaciousness without compromising comfort.
The same is true for sofas that have large arms. The arms of a sofa have only one true purpose: to support your arms. They don’t have to be overstuffed affairs, which are often uncomfortable anyway. To make a room look larger, go with a sofa that has a smaller set of arms that still offers the support you’re looking for. And if space is at a premium, you may want to go with vertical arms that don’t extend beyond the edge of the sofa. Those extra inches can add up to another chair or end in the room – well worth the sacrifice.
This brings up an important point. The more straight lines your sofa, sofa recliner, sofa bed or lounger has, the smaller it will look in the room. For example, a sofa with a straight back will look less voluminous than one with a camel back. For a smaller look, you also want the legs to be visible rather than having them hidden behind a dust flap.
Modern style sofas are also perfect for smaller spaces. Since “form follows function,” they usually don’t have a lot of unnecessary embellishments that don’t add to the comfort of the sofa. By their very nature, they will almost assuredly make your small space look larger.
Having limited space doesn’t mean you can’t have an attractive, comfortable room that is both welcoming and spacious feeling, even if it’s not. The most basic rules in design can help trick the eye and create a space that looks much larger than it really is. Stick with these basics and you’ll find you have plenty of space to spread out, even if you’re living in less square footage.
Tags: Shopping, Small, Sofas
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Wednesday, August 26th, 2009
January is mattress shopping season. Even in December, furniture stores and mattress specialty shops start to advertise their latest sales. So when do you actually need a new mattress?
Many people use their morning aches and pains to help them make this decision. We all know the literal pain in the neck that can develop when we “sleep funny.” A bad mattress can have the same (but more subtle) effect on your back as well.
Yet not all backaches or other joint stiffness can be attributed to the mattress. It can be very hard to tell if your mattress is at fault. By the same token, you might need to replace your mattress but be fit and flexible enough to wake up without mornign aches and pains.
There are really only two main things that can go wrong with your mattress. Either it is worn out (or otherwise damaged) or it’s not right for you.
Mattresses do not wear out in a predictable way. A lot depends on how much use the mattress got over how much time. A small person who sleeps alone can usually get more longevity from a mattress than an overweight married couple. The old rule of thumb was that a mattress lasts about 10 years, but that is like any rule of thumb. It’s not true for everybody.
A mattress that sleeps two with regular use may last only five years.
You can tell if your mattress is wearing out if you can see or feel noticeable bumps, lumps, or indentations. A mattress that sags down in the center is shot, no matter how many (or few) years you have had it. Run your hand, palm down, over the top of the mattress. If springs jut out or there are lumps or bumps, it’s worn out.
If you’ve spilled anything on a mattress, that can shorten its longevity. If the material can be cleaned up reasonably, it’s no big deal. But if the mattress gets soaked, it can ruin it.
Even if your mattress has led a sheltered life in terms of spills and wear-and-tear, you may also need to consider its internal inhabitants. Dust mites, prevalent in states with humidity over 50%, love to inhabit inner spring mattresses. They live and die there.
Now for the gross news: your mattress may contain lots of dead dust mites and what is euphemistically called dust mite debris. Ask any mattress salesperson or expert. Most inner spring mattresses tend to weigh more after a few years of service than they did when first purchased. The reason–dust mite debris.
(Dust mites are a very common allergen and are hard to avoid in the hot humid south. If you live anywhere dry or cold, they’re less of an issue.)
But even if your mattress is in physically decent shape, it might still be contributing to your aches and pains or to difficulty sleeping.
How can you tell if your mattress is a good fit for you? This applies to any mattress–the one you’ve got now or the one you may be shopping for soon.
Lay down on your back on the mattress. Take your hand and put it palm down, flat on the mattress. Now try to slide your hand under the small of your back.
This is an interesting test because it can tell you if your mattress is too hard or too soft for your particular body type.
If you can slide your hand easily under the small of your back with room to spare, your mattress is too hard. There’s a lot of “air” between your lower back and the bed that is supposed to support it.
If you can’t fit your hand under the small of your back, the mattress is too soft. Your back is just collapsing into the soft mattress that should be supporting it.
Your mattress is just right if your hand fits, but just barely, under the small of your back. It should be very snug.
Now try to roll over. You’re going from lying on your back to lying on your side. First roll over on your side in one direction, come back to center, then roll over to the other side.
If you need a lot of help with your hands to roll over, your mattress is probably too soft. You’re falling “into” the mattress rather than being supported by it.
While you’re on one side (it doesn’t matter which), notice how the mattress supports you. If your weight is resting mainly on your shoulders, hips and knees with not much spread out in the in-between areas, your mattress is likely to be too hard. This can cause some pain if you spend a long period of time putting a substantial amount of your body weight on a few small areas of your body.
What do you do? If your mattress is worn out or is too hard or soft, you need to go mattress shopping. Using these too-hard/too-soft tests, try some mattresses in department and specialty stores.
Mattresses are very individual. The perfect mattress for you and your body type may be a poor fit for somebody else. Be prepared to spend some time shopping.
The good news is that some of the best sales in the mattress world take place in the first quarter. January is the ideal time for mattress shopping.
Tags: Dont, Even, Know, Matress, mattress, Need, People, Shopping, They
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Monday, July 27th, 2009
Most people are unaware that their mattress is old and doesn’t provide enough support, doing you more harm than good. If your mattress disturbs your sleep, so that you feel some firm details or even springs under the fabric and cushioning, then it’s definitely the time to it and shop around using mattress ratings and reviews as a guide.
A good mattress does more than providing you a soft comfortable place to rest after the long day or a place to cuddle with your loved one. The right mattress may actually improve your sleep and posture keeping your spine in the right position for seven to nine hours.
If your sleep is worse than it used to be a few months ago, check for signs of mattress deterioration. To determine whether you need a new mattress, take note of any stiffness or sore muscles or joints when you wake up in the morning. Any friction of the fabrics, unusual sounds and if there is a noticeable dip formed by one or two sleeping bodies on the mattress will tell you that the mattress needs to be replaced.
Most mattress ratings consider such attributes of a mattress as thickness, the material the mattress is made of, a warranty, price point and special features such as hypoallergenic qualities, stress-relieving design, and the fabric of the covering. After carefully studying the customer reviews and mattress ratings, this is what most people look for in a mattress:
1. The material.
Organic cotton and soft wool have become very popular among health-conscious buyers. However, cotton and wool mattresses are not treated with fire-retarding chemicals required by law. The mattress should not contain any polyester fillings and should be made of pure wool, preferably lamb or alpaca wool or at least latex foam. The perfect mattress should be dye-free, dust mite repellent, hypo-allergenic and anti-bacterial. Ideally, the mattress should be moisture repellent and flame resistant, too. The mattress should be encased in unbleached organic cotton. Memory foam mattresses are highly rated as the most suitable mattresses for allergy sufferers, but some people suggested that these mattresses become stiffer in a hot climate.
2. The shape.
Firm mattresses provide more support and the most upscale models are doctor-prescribed. In general most reviewers prefer soft and thick mattresses which provide more comfort. The most common wish is that the mattress should regain its shape and should not flatten over time. People highly rated mattresses that are durable and are likely to last many years.
3. The size.
Most mattresses reviewed in mattress ratings are available in twin (single), double, queen, king and Californian king sizes. In general, people prefer to buy a mattress from a manufacturer that offers all imaginable sizes.
Your mattress foundation is also important. Ideally, you should get it from the same manufacturer because it will prolong the life of the mattress. When properly chosen, mattress and foundation will keep your spine healthy and naturally curved, ensuring you have a good sleep and pain-free morning. After a good night sleep on an orthopedic mattress your sleep will become deeper, and you will have much more energy during the day.
Tags: mattress, right, Shopping
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Wednesday, March 25th, 2009
If you are unable to get a good night’s sleep, you wake up the next morning feeling tired and bad-tempered. All your day’s activities suffer due to this condition and you end up feeling frustrated and way behind time.
There can be many reasons behind an uncomfortable and sleepless night. One of the important factors that contribute to a peaceful sleep is the kind of mattress that suits your needs. The body needs to be properly aligned and in a totally comfortable position in order to relax. Otherwise, something or the other keeps disturbing you throughout the night and as a result your sleep suffers.
If you are having problems sleeping at night then perhaps its time you changed your mattress. Many people think that they can get away with an inexpensive and low-quality mattress because when you are tired from a long day’s work nothing gets in the way of a peaceful sleep. However, it’s a totally wrong perception. Similarly, many people buy mattresses from retailers and other stores of the same kind just to buy an inexpensive piece. A good advice is to visit a mattress warehouse store and save hundreds of dollars down the road by enjoying a peaceful and comfortable sleep night after night.
When Do You Need a New Mattress?
Like everything else, there are indications to tell that your mattress needs to be replaced. These signs let you decide that you need a new mattress and a visit to a mattress warehouse becomes a must. Some of these indications are given below.
* When a mattress becomes old, it starts to lose its elasticity. You can tell this by feeling it all over. If it’s uneven and saggy, it’s time to spend some money on a new one.
* A dying mattress often makes unusual and unpleasant sounds when you move on it. Furthermore, if you have a partner sleeping right next to you, a good mattress doesn’t let him or her feel a thing when you leave the bed. If the mattress moves and makes sounds with each and every move you make, it will make it too difficult for the other person to sleep.
* Another sign of a mattress getting old is losing its firmness. You feel comfortable lying at one side of the mattress because it hasn’t been used in a long time. On the other hand, the side where you used to sleep is no longer firm and you have a feeling as if somebody is moving the bed when you lie there.
Everything is made with a time frame in mind and after that period it expires. The same is the case with mattresses. Normally, good quality mattresses are made to last for a period of ten years or even longer. But after this duration, they become totally useless and ready to be thrown out. If you think your mattress has lived a longer life than expected, it’s time to pay a mattress warehouse a visit.
What Advantages Does a Mattress Warehouse Offer?
At a mattress warehouse, you have more variety to choose from and can get a fairly good mattress at a very reasonable price. People who run warehouse businesses often buy items from the manufacturers in bulk and therefore get them at a lower than normal cost. This saving in turn is offered to the customers.
Another advantage of shopping at a mattress warehouse is that you can have specialists to give you advice on what you really need. You can even return your old mattresses and box springs to these warehouses and have them recycled.
Points to Consider While Buying a New Mattress
In order to buy a mattress that is comfortable, lasts longer and comes at a reasonable price, keep in mind the following tips while you are at a mattress warehouse.
* Test the mattress by lying over it and see if it’s even and does not make sounds when you move. Many inexpensive mattresses are the ones that have been recycled to be used again, and therefore you need to be very careful before buying a mattress for yourself.
* Investigate the whole store and have a look at all kinds of mattresses available. Don’t judge them by their price; always test their support, firmness and quality.
* Make full use of the services and help offered by the warehouse employees and managers. Ask them the pros and cons of a particular kind of a mattress and whether you should buy it or not. Also make sure you are not missing out on any discount deals or other attractive offers.
* As a final step, ask them to let you have a test nap on one of the mattresses you have chosen. Place it on a box spring and see if it’s comfortable in all positions. Always prioritize your needs when you go shopping for a mattress at a mattress warehouse. Comfort, correct dimensions, quality and price are some of the factors to consider while choosing a mattress.
Tags: mattress, Shopping, Tips, Warehouse
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Wednesday, March 11th, 2009
Kitchen Cabinets are by and large the core of any kitchen. They can be highlighted by kitchen appliances such as the refrigerator, stove, cooktop, dishwasher and microwave, or these appliances can be modified to blend in by using panels that match your kitchen cabinets.
Shopping for kitchen cabinets can be intimidating, especially for a first time buyer. There are hundreds/thousands of major kitchen cabinet companies, and many more smaller custom kitchen cabinet shops where you can get any cabinet made from any species of wood that your mind can imagine. Add to that list the explosion of RTA Kitchen Cabinet importers, and the laminated cabinet manufacturers, and suddenly the list can be overwhelming. Not to mention the fact that higher price always means high quality in construction, or more features being available.
In the past, pricing had always been the way to categorize kitchen cabinets. Traditionally, tthe higher-quality cabinets simply cost more money. As I mentioned before, with more and more importers conforming to the KCMA (Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association) building standards, some of the RTA Kitchen Cabinets or Stock kitchen cabinets can actually be a sturdier cabinet than the traditional, made to order cabinets. Regardless of what type of kitchen cabinet you decide to go with, it does not take much effort to spend tens of thousands of dollars on the actual kitchen cabinets.
Most kitchen cabinet manufacturers build their kitchen base and wall cabinets in standard sizes. The kitchen base cabinets are often 34.5 inches tall and 24 inches deep. They come in widths starting at 12 inches and can go up to 48 inches often in increasing width increments of 3 inches. Kitchen wall cabinets are often 12 inches deep and 30 inches or 42 inches tall. They also come in the same size widths as the base cabinets. Wall cabinets also come in several different heights and depths for locations such as over the refrigerator or over the microwave/hood range unit. With custom kitchen cabinets, you have even more choices available, since the kitchen cabinets will be created specifically for your kitchen space.
Different semi-custom kitchen cabinet manufacturers make different-sized kitchen cabinets for all sorts of special looks and situations. It is not uncommon to have one cabinet extend beyond adjacent cabinets to create a distinguished look. It pays to shop around to see all of the different possibilities and special cabinet features offered by the custom and semi-custom kitchen cabinet manufacturers.
One of the biggest advantages to true custom kitchen cabinets is the ability to make one giant base or wall kitchen cabinet instead of separate boxes that are screwed together by the installer at the jobsite. A custom-cabinet maker can easily make one giant base cabinet 8 feet long that installs as if it were a piece of furniture. The same is true for wall kitchen cabinets. The advantage of this method is the lack of vertical seams where two traditional cabinet boxes would mate up to one another.
Pay particular attention to the materials used to build the kitchen cabinets. Some kitchen cabinets are made with minimal-quality engineered lumber, particleboard, or fiberboard. . If you plan to load a wall cabinet with heavy traditional china, the weight of the dishes may cause the cabinet to pull apart over time. This is particularly true when it comes to the semi-custom cabinets that the name brand cabinet manufacturers sell at the big box stores (which is why price is not always an accurate gauge of cabinet quality). Many of the RTA Kitchen Cabinet manufacturers use solid plywood sides, which obviously creates a strong kitchen cabinet box than a particleboard or fiberboard box. When it comes to custom cabinets, the material choices are endless and can usually be specified by the customer.
Another factor that will determine the price of kitchen cabinets is the material used to hold it together. Custom kitchen cabinet manufacturers will often use a combination of dovetailed joints, wood biscuits, and glue to create tight joints. Mid-grade kitchen cabinets will have a wide range of materials holding them together (staples and nails on the lower end, to cam lock assembly and wood glue on the higher end). Most RTA Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers utilize the cam lock system, which creates a nice sturdy cabinet, and when enhanced with wood glue, can last a life time. Steer away from any kitchen cabinets that are using staples, wooden dowels, or just screws. The strength of the cabinet will be compromised at the joints with these weaker joining materials.
I have been remodeling houses for over 10 years, and have been able to weed out some of the kitchen cabinet choices that didn’t work for me. If you are interested in learning more about my personal preferences, check out my author bio.
Tags: Cabinet, Cabinets, Choosing, Kitchen, Price, Range, right, Shopping
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