Monday, September 13, 2010
20 Ways Wood Will Beautify Your Home
Warm, organic textures and materials are what people love around them in their homes.A Wood is the perfect natural material that brings nature into your home and commands respect at the same time.A Regardless of your decorating style, there is a wood that meets your comfort level and will symbolize strength and tranquility simultaneously. From flooring to architectural details wood is one of the most versatile materials for your home.A Here are 20 of the best uses for wood in your home, from architectural elements to dA cor, we have you covered!
1.) Add wood architectural detailing: Want to make an ordinary wall have formality and distinction? Add wood moldings like crown and wainscoting to a simple wall and watch how it transforms. To add distinction to furniture, try using moldings and rosettes to enhance the beauty and bring visual interest.
2.) Wood flooring patterns can add beauty to a space: In hallways, foyers, and large rooms, consider using parquet wood tiles in a decorative pattern.A Try using contrasting wood colors and varieties instead of an area rug. Parquet can also be used as a border around the perimeter of a room or used subtly
3.) There is a wood for every budget: Wood is very versatile in dA cor as well as in budget.A For those that want high variety exotic woods, Brazilian Rosewood, Teak, and Ebony are gorgeous and unique. Flooring and select furniture utilize these gorgeous but pricey woods.A For those that want less expensive wood, White Oak and straight grained Maple are beautiful without the hit to the wallet. Use these varieties in a cabinetry and furniture.
4.) Consider using cork for all of its benefits: May people dona??t know that cork is a wood made from the cork oak tree and has remarkable qualities when used in the home. Cork flooring is soft under foot and has great sound reduction properties.A Use cork in areas with a lot of foot traffic and noise, like a childrena??s playroom or hallway. Cork is also eco-friendly and comes in variety of colors and patterns.A Cork is beautiful in wall and ceiling panels too!
5.) Group wood dA cor together to add visual interest: In popular home furnishing magazines you can see how designers group wood bowls, artifacts of varying colors and sizes together to create mini themes.A Whether ita??s on a coffee table, amongst books in a bookshelf, or even on a kitchen counter, wood dA cor groupings are easy to create.A Use treasures of your own, or visit thrift, and antique shops to gather a??artifacta?? looking dA cor.
6.) Use wood in exterior detailing of your home: Wood has always been an exterior home material that is versatile, strong and when taken care of a?? can last for years into the future.A Wooden columns, balustrades, and moldings can add definition to your exterior faA ade. A Especially used on front porches, entryways and around windows and doors. When using wood outside make sure the wood has been pressure treated.A This is wood that has been injected with chemicals to keep it insect, termite and fungal free when used outside.
7.) Re-use wood in your home decor: With the recent onset of great eco-friendly ways to decorate your home, reusing wood materials in new ways in your home can give your home a new look. Consider using old wood doors as headboards or a new table in your home. A Wood siding can be sanded and refinished to use as carpentry wood for home dA cor projects. One note: do not use palette wood that is usually found behind grocery stores and warehouses.A This wood is used to move food, chemicals, dirt, etca? and can harbor germs and bacteria.
8.) Mix and match wood varieties: Long gone are the days when the wood of the floor had to match the wood in the furnishings and crown molding.A In todaya??s world different varieties are mixed and matched and leave a sense of excitement in what would ordinarily be a boring room. To add an eclectic aesthetic to your kitchen use different wood on your upper and lower cabinets! It sounds strange, but the result is a beautiful mesh of two worlds.A Choose a counter top material that blends with both woods to pull the look together.
9.) Wood ceilings arena??t just for home libraries: When wood is used on the ceiling it gives the room a natural and warm sense above your head.A Coffered and paneled ceilings can be simple or intricate.A If you want to save money use laminates that look like wood and can be applied to walls and ceilings.
10.) Consider using wood window treatments: Wood shutters, blinds and bamboo shades are a nice touch of organic appeal to your space. Wood shutters tend to keep light out when closed, and look beautiful from the outside of your home as well as inside.A Blinds and shades are less expensive than shutters and are easier to install.A Depending on the type of wood, window treatments can add up cost wise when pricing them for your home. Consider putting the more expensive treatments in the public areas of your home and save the inexpensive ones for bathrooms and utilitarian spaces.
11.) Use decorative wood screens to divide a space: Try using wood room dividers to break up a space visually or to add another use for a room.A Antique and artisan screens come in a variety of styles, colors and heights. Wood screens can also be used as head boards in the bedroom!
12.) Wooden beams add architectural interest: There was a time in residential architecture that exposed wood ceiling beams were covered with drywall and hidden from plain sight.A Over the years exposed wood beams add architectural interest and can add a rustic aesthetic to the room.A Heavy timber a?? such as reused railroad tracks/ties are especially popular in ceiling design. For a more refined look, beams can be finished smooth and stained in a variety of colors and finishes.
13.) Do it yourself wood finishing projects are endless: Is the antique wood furniture in your garage collecting dust? Why not sand down the original finish and add a new stain color? For rooms that you want a pop of color, paint furniture with a bold accent or choose a color from the existing palette of the room.A Do it yourself (DIY) projects allow you to personalize wood furniture, dA cor, mirror frames, etca? into your own works of art.A Visit your local craft store or surf the internet for more do it yourself wood projects.
14.) Frame artwork and family photographs in wood frames: Wood is versatile and timeless. From light oak and clean streamlined frames to bold mahogany styles, there is a wood frame waiting for your personal touch.A Look around the room to see what existing color palette is currently being used. Consider going one shade lighter or darker to add contrast and to draw the eye to the subject of the framed work. Look in popular furniture magazines to see how they display collections, family photos and artwork.
15.) Make a room feel bigger with lighter woods: When choosing a wood color for furnishings take into account how the large the space is.A Lighter wood can make a small space feel more spacious while dark wood tends to command a presence and will swallow a small space up.A If your room is too large consider using a mix of various complementing varieties of wood to give the eye separate areas of the room to focus. This wall make the room feel more cozy and not so vast and cold.
16.) Wooden bead board can hide imperfections: Bead board is pieces of wood applied to walls to help with heavy traffic and abuse.A Originally, bead board had a utilitarian application, although today it also has a decorative function. Solid, stained wood bead board is popular in formal dining rooms, libraries and home offices to give a refined look.A Bead board also comes in pre fabricated veneer panel sheets.A The veneer can resemble your favorite exotic wood for a fraction of the price.
17.) Shop online classifieds for treasure finds: Still trying to add wood furniture to your home but you dona??t have the money to spring for new furniture? Try online classifieds and dona??t be afraid to haggle down the price! When considering buying, make sure you look at the sturdiness of the piece, and the condition in which they are selling it.A Dona??t take anyonea??s word over the phone.
18.) Invest in one dynamic piece of wood furniture: Create a focal point in your space by using a curio cabinet, an entertainment center or even a butcher block island in the kitchen.A These investments will add a base that you can then add small accessories like pillows, collectibles or decorative kitchen counter dA cor to enhance.A When wood is taken care of it will last for generations and will look better year after year.
19.) Wood is a perfect material for a fireplace mantel: Large pieces of timber that are rustic and unfinished are perfect mantels for nature inspired homes. For more traditional homes, consider using wood detailing carved into the mantle and fireplace surrounds.A Wood can extend above the mantel with crown molding. While on the wall and vertical supports, ornamentation can be added for a classical architectural feel.
20.) Wood head and foot boards set the scene in a bedroom: The bed is the main focal point of any bedroom. Depending on your personal style, a wood head/foot board can change a room instantly. For a dramatic feel a wood sleigh bed or four poster canopy bed is a dynamic way to catch the eye. For a more subtle look, a clean lined Mission style bed maybe for you.A Regardless of your choice, a wood head/foot board bed will be a pleasure to wake up in every morning.
When wood is added to your home the possibilities of dA cor are endless. For every budget and style there is a wood to help you create the ideal home.A Re-purpose wood and use it in new ways to give old life to a pre-existing piece of wood. Refinish furniture, search yard sales, and rummage through your attic. Whether the wood is old or new, it will always make your home feel natural and warm.
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Sunday, August 29, 2010
40 Best Money Saving Decorating Ideas for Your Home
One of the hardest facts about owning a home is that you cana??t always afford how expensive your dA cor taste is! There are ways to cut corners, and still get fantastic ideas for your home. A Wouldna??t you love to find ways in your everyday life to save money and get wonderful dA cor ideas? Here are 40 of the best money saving dA cor ideas for your home. Best in this article means a?? everyday resources that are available to you a?? and easy for you to execute.
1.) Use free sources around you: From magazines, the internet, to satellite home & garden programs the world is at your fingertips for dA cor ideas.A Peruse through magazines, and home dA cor books to get a sense of what your taste is.A Visit home improvement stores and collect paint and material samples to start making an a??ideaa? folder of what inspires you. Determine what your personal style is. Is it: Vintage, Modern, Bohemian, French Country, choose your style and start planning!
2.) Determine your budget BEFORE you begin: Leta??s face it, if you didna??t have a budget your home would be already complete, and you wouldna??t need these money saving tips.A Everyone needs to set a budget to have boundaries on your wallet and your home! Once youa??ve set one, buy a few major pivotal pieces to center the theme of your room around.A Then use thrift shops and department store clearance areas to fill in with gorgeous accessories.
3.) Start at the front door/entry: When guests walk in your home they should get a sense of your style instantly. Maximize a foyer space without over cluttering. Try using a chest or decorative baskets to house keys or mail. Add a decorative touch by adding a mirror and foyer sized table for resting flowers, and accessories to pull your guests into your home. The mirror will open up your foyer and reflect the gorgeous dA cor of the space. Save money by using vases and decorative urns from other areas of your home that already exist.
4.) Maximize your existing furniture: Consider re-upholstering furniture with updated colored and styled materials. Slip covers offer a quick and easy solution for changing out furniture for different seasons and or occasions. Re-finish wood furniture or use a fresh coat of paint on headboards and mirror frames.A Try using online planning tools to play around with different colors and options before you take the plunge!
5.) Redesign your furniture layout: Believe it or not, your space can look dramatically different just by moving the furniture! Find a new focal point a?? like a fireplace, an outdoor view, an accent wall with a television, and move your furniture to compliment it.A Consider bringing pieces from other rooms of your home. By removing some furniture you can get a more open space, and the room may function better. Professional re-designers do this every day, why dona??t you try, ita??s totally FREE!
6.) Paint a room or accent wall with a bold color: Paint is the most affordable decorating tool you have, so go for it! Paint an accent wall in a contrasting or complementing color to your furniture.A Dona??t know how to decide on colors? Ask your home improvement store to mix quart or sample sizes for you.A This way you can try it before you take the plunge.
7.) Use accessories to bring a new look to furniture: Use throw pillows, throw blankets, and area rugs to give your a??olda?? room a new look and feel.A Instead of buying a new piece of furniture, look at what colors you havena??t tried before.A Try a new color palette and mix and match patterns and solids.A These accessories are inexpensive and can be changed on a whim.A Have a worn area on the floor? Cover it with a funky new area rug a?? instantly and cheaply you solved a dA cor dilemma.
8.) Use accent lighting to highlight dA cor and interiors: Wall sconces with directional lighting can add drama to a once boring hallway or foyer.A Install accent lighting to shine on artwork to add drama and a focal point to a fireplace or over a couch. Use simple up-lighting to give visual interest to house plants and atrium areas in your home.
9.) Make wall treatments from everyday materials: Windows can get an added decorative touch with wall treatments.A Inexpensive ones can be made with do it yourself home kits, and a sewing machine.A Everyday materials such as sheets, linen, and many man-made fibers that resemble expensive silks and organza are also available.A No one will know that you cut corners to adorn your windows with beautiful drapery, curtains or valances.
10.) Accessorize your bathroom with affordable dA cor: Towels, shower curtains/rods, and bath mats are easy and inexpensive ways to bring color and a theme to a boring bathroom.A Consider changing the theme of the bathroom with paint and add a new color palette for your new bath linen to match.
11.) Search online classifieds and garage sales for cheap finds: Craigslist, Backpages and other online classifieds can be a great treasure chest for some.A Also check college newspapers and apartment bulletin boards. Areas where therea??s a high turnover of people moving in and out are great finds for furniture, dA cor, and small appliances.
12.) Do your homework when shopping: Often home dA cor items are bought on a whim which is alright for the occasional item. For furniture and long time investment pieces you will save more money buying quality once that lasts, rather than junk that you have to replace 10 times! Compare prices, shop online deals, and dona??t forget to shop department store clearance areas.
13.) Use natural ingredients for an eye catching centerpiece: The next time you are in the grocery store; dona??t overlook the produce section to add color to your home. Lemons, limes, apples, oranges make great centerpieces in a beautiful vase or aligned in a modern horizontal platter. Add these with glass marbles and tall greenery to make a statement on a foyer table.
14.) Splurge on big impact dA cor: When buying decorative pieces for your home, use the majority of your money on items that will make a huge statement.A A full length framed mirror that rests against the wall will have a wow factor right away. While spending that same amount on a few dA cor items that go on a bookshelf may get lost in the context of books, and your money is essentially a??wasteda? .
15.) Create table scapes to match the season: Create mini collages of decorative items on your buffet, dining room, and sofa tables to bring the outdoors in.A Whether it is decorative seashells and rocks displayed in glass jars, or pine cones and evergreen in bountiful baskets, table scapes are fun and cost pennies to make.
16.) Update the plumbing fixtures: Your bathroom and kitchen plumbing fixtures are dA cor a??accessoriesa? of your sinks and showers! Instead of replacing an entire countertop, try changing out the fixtures for more modern or more ornate ones. By changing the metal finish you can introduce a new wow factor. Copper, brushed chrome, and brushed bronze all have beautiful patinas.
17.) Faux painting wall techniques deliver a wow factor: Painting has come a long way over the years. Faux painting techniques can make your walls look like suede, leather, stucco, or even denim! An inexpensive way to bring ambiance to your space is by using a faux wall technique.A Visit your painting store, to see what new textures and varieties you have to choose from.
18.) Door pulls and handles can change your cabinets: Dona??t have money to get all new cabinetry in your kitchen or bathroom? Install new door pulls and handles to give a new look to a previously boring or out-of-date door pull.A Want a pulled together look? Match your plumbing fixtures, lighting fixtures and door pulls with the same metal. This ties all the elements together beautifully!
19.) Do it yourself and save: Long gone are the days when do-it-yourself projects were only for crafts people and those handy with power tools! Online tutorials, You Tube, satellite television DIY networks and the internet a?? the world of home improvement is at your fingertips. Pick a project and get started! Save money and design/build it yourself.
20.) Dona??t forget your local home improvement store: You can learn a lot from the home improvement store around the corner.A Most stores have hands-on learning workshops that provide free lessons on home dA cor projects.A From tiling your backsplash in your kitchen to installing crown molding, these workshops can make your home look like professionals did your home improvements projects.
21.) Cana??t afford wallpaper? How about these ideas: Use your creativity and add an heirloom quilt or other everyday items such as decorative dishes on your wall.A Use wall stickers and decals to give a decorative touch without the fuss of hanging wallpaper. Wall murals that use up an entire wall can transform your space into nature, space, or city scapes with a few easy steps.
22.) Save money and plan ahead with the proper tools when shopping: Trying to find a new couch or table? When purchasing large pieces of furniture, measure out the space in your home first.A Dona??t eyeball it, and hope it fits when you see that perfect piece in the store. You will save time and money in the long run. Carry a tape measure with you to measure the piece in the store too!
23.) Use your familya??s artwork/collectibles as art: Shadow boxes are a wonderful way to display your kida??s artwork, camp projects, and sports medals/awards around your home.A Instead of throwing them in a drawer, choose ones that have lots of color and display them on a contrasting color wall. Frame milestone memorabilia and see the pride your kids will take in having their work displayed. Cheap for you, priceless for the family.
24.) Dona??t underestimate using mirrors in your dA cor: Mirrors have reinvented themselves in the last few years in the design world, and they are bigger than ever in home dA cor. For cheap dA cor ideas visit your local craft store and buy inexpensive mirrors to use as mosaic pieces on furniture, or picture frames. Make your own frames for larger mirrors and customize the look to hang in kida??s rooms or in your bathroom.
25.) Reface kitchen and bathroom cabinets: Replacing cabinetry can be expensive. To get a whole new look by spending half of the money, consider refacing. Refacing will apply a veneer to the exterior of the cabinetry boxes.A New doors will be applied to give your kitchen or bathroom an updated look and it saved you money in the process.
26.) Use decorative furniture to hide clutter: Furniture that has removable tops, like ottomans and movable sofa cubes are a great way to hide CDa??s, gaming supplies, and kida??s toys.A Decorative baskets and storage furniture are a nice way to collect your necessary items, and still keep the integrity of the space.
27.) New ways to refinish hardwood floors: For a new look paint or use a different color stain on your floor. Visit your home improvement store to see what products are made for pre-finished floors.A This cost saving tip will give your hard wood floors new life, and change the entire dA cor of your home.
28.) Add visual interest to kida??s room: Childrena??s rooms can be expensive to decorate.A For creative and cheap wall ideas consider using chalkboard paint and stencils.A Chalkboard paint can be mixed into any color and when used with stencils can give a custom look for your kids! Paint a whole wall, or paint their favorite animals and sporting goods for hours of fun later.
29.) Bring the outdoors inside: Use natural products like wood, seagrass, jute, hemp and greenery to make your indoors alive with color, texture and richness. Inspiration can come from magazines, online sites or your own backyard! Collect rocks and arrange in a decorative vase with fresh flowers and greenery. Seagrass furniture is eco-friendly and very durable. Running water fountains can bring serenity to your space as well.
30.) Opt for laminates instead of the real thing: Laminate wood flooring has been manufactured and delivered in a more believable look and feel in todaya??s home dA cor. If hardwood is pricey for your wallet consider using laminate. Visit a flooring or home improvement store to get educated on the pros and cons of laminate flooring. Get the expensive look for a fraction of hardwood prices.
31.) Dress up your fireplace: The fireplace in a room is naturally the focal point of a space.A To inexpensively decorate your fireplace take cues from your existing furnishings and style. For a rustic fireplace with stones and bricks, consider natural fibers and wood derived dA cor on the mantle. For sleek and contemporary fireplaces that dona??t have a mantle sit an urn filled with bamboo or reeds to the side of the fireplace for an asymmetrical composition.
32.) Thrift stores can help you adopt a Bohemian dA cor style: Do you love mixing and matching different colors, patterns, and styles? Eclectic styles are wonderful because they have no boundaries. Thrift stores can help you find inexpensive treasures to decorate with. Try mixing different colored dinnerware for an original twist to a dinner table setting. Find similar color families, or go bold. Either way, ita??s all about embracing your dA cor style and saving money!
33.) Give your lighting a makeover: Lamps and lighting can make or break a space.A By buying new lampshades you can give an old boring lamp new life.A If you have a custom color palette in your home, make your own lampshade! They have kits that you can pick your coordinating fabric and embellish it with ornamentation, ribbon, etc Visit your local craft and hobby store and see how many choices you have to choose from, or be adventurous and create one from scratch.
34.) Decorate with artifacts from past vacations and travels: If you are a lover of travel and bringing back home dA cor items, use those items proudly around your home. An empty corner could house an expensive piece of furniture, or tucked in a closet may be an artisan artifact from your trip to Tahiti that you didna??t know where to put it! Jewelry put in shadow boxes or used as framed art is beautiful for display.
35.) Decorate your bathroom with outdoor inspiration: The spa inspired bathroom is a sought after feel that can be achieved inexpensively with natural woods, subtle colors, fluffy towels, and river rock. Arrange a basket of river rock on the bottom of a beautiful basket with pampering bath gels, soaps and sponges to give the look of a luxury day spa without hurting your wallet.
36.)A Dress up your bed inexpensively: Do you like the look of a streamlined box spring cover without using fussy dust ruffles? Try this do it yourself trick: Take a fitted sheet in a matching or coordinating color and use it instead of a dust ruffle. Buy a duvet cover to put your warn out comforter inside. This will make your bed look new without spending a lot for the look.
37.) Have a decorating party: When moving into a new home the first instinct is to invite all your family and friends over to celebrate, right? Why not host a decorating party instead of a housewarming party?A Choose what your color and style is and head to your favorite dA cor store.A Similar to wedding registries, many stores have a wish list registry. This way when you send out invitations, your guest can pick something to buy for your new place. At your party you can have them help decorate and you just saved money in the process.
38.) Prioritize your wants over your needs when it comes to dA cor: When you are saving money, the idea of decorating your home can be overwhelming and every room seems like it needs something.A Determine what rooms need the most focus first. If you entertain or spend most of your time in the kitchen and dining area a?? this becomes your focus. Instead of decorating all the bedrooms and ita??s only two of you living at your home.
39.)A Prioritize your wants over your needs when it comes to dA cor: When you are saving money, the idea of decorating your home can be overwhelming and every room seems like it needs something.A Determine what rooms need the most focus first. If you entertain or spend most of your time in the kitchen and dining area a?? this becomes your focus. Instead of decorating all the bedrooms and ita??s only two of you living at your home.
40.) Bring the indoors out to your porch: DA cor is finding a larger presence outdoors as inside the home. Outdoor furniture now resembles furniture you would have in your living room. For cheap dA cor outdoors buy weatherproof area rugs and seat cushions to spruce up the porch. Rattan, wicker, and seagrass work wonderfully outdoors. There are also wicker resin material furniture that resembles the real thing, but stands up to the elements better and is cheaper than traditional wicker.
You love your home and what better way to show it then to decorate with your own personal style? Use these 40 tips to help you save money and make your home the palace that you dream of in your head.
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