Home Decor — Page 2 — Home and Garden Diva

Top Tips For Decorating Your Windowsills

When thinking about the décor for a room and how to make the most of it, many people won’t really give much thought to the windowsills until the last minute. Often we think in detail about things like where the coffee table should go in relation to the couch, and what colour carpet and wallpaper we want, but will then literally just ‘dump’ a range of left over items onto our windowsills at the end.

It’s no surprise then that often the windowsills are far from the most interesting part of our décor and that often they end up looking cluttered or unattractive. Seeing as your windows are something that can be seen from both inside and outside of the room, this is a decision that should take a lot more time and consideration. Here then we will look at some of the top tips for deciding what to put on your windowsills – you’ll be surprised what a difference it can make to your entire room.

Practicality

The first thing to think about when choosing items to go on your windowsill is the practicality of having them there. Many of us will have curtains as well as netting on our windows, and will want to be able to reach the handle to let cold air in from time to time. That means we’ll constantly be reaching over our windowsills and rummaging around on them and that any tall or poorly balanced items could easily get knocked over and damaged. If you are going to put items on your windowsill then, ensure that they are resilient enough to survive a fall onto the floor and preferably choose smaller items that aren’t going to get in the way/won’t be liable to fall.

Another consideration here is light, and while the light coming through your window can be very beneficial for your potted plants, it may not be so good for a range of your decorative items and may in fact bleach them over time. If you have anything that has a bold colour and you want to keep it that way – avoid putting it on the windowsill.

Finally, avoid anything on your windowsill that will potentially attract burglars. Remember that anything you put here will essentially be on display to passers by, and you don’t want to put things in temptation’s way if it can be avoided.

Appearance

In terms of what looks good on a windowsill it’s definitely normally going to be a matter of ‘less is more’. Clutter this area with lots of different items and it will look busy and crowded and this will mean that none of your items really stand out. On the other hand though, put just a few of your prized possessions on the window sill and you’ll find that they can really make a big impact. Think too about what will look good in this particular position – will people often be facing that window? And will the light from outside enhance them? Crystal items look wonderful in the window for instance as they can refract the light coming through.

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License: Creative Commons image source
License: Creative Commons image source
License: Creative Commons image source

This guest post is submitted by Linda Browns. She enjoys blogging on home improvement and tech related topics. She says home tinting helps in keeping your house safe.

Knockout Interior Designs That Your Apartment Will Love You For

by Trish

If you have just moved into an apartment and feel that you need to stamp your own identity on it, this article can help you to decide on how to proceed. Apartments are often less spacious than conventional houses and can be limited when it comes to personalizing the space to your tastes. But this need not be the case and here we discuss some clever touches that can create a tasteful bespoke design feel for your apartment.

The Idea Of Interior Design

Modern design ideas tend to follow the trend of a minimalist spacious area instead of lots of clutter and excess furniture. This may not tie in with your own ideas but it is an easy route to follow and you can always add at a later stage. Using neutral colors and plain walls adds up to a stylish and elegant theme for your apartment or house.

Shades And Colors

It is better to shy away from too many colors and perhaps pick a couple of tones for your entire interior. The colors should not take over the feeling of your apartment’s mood but rather try to emphasize the overall ambiance of the home. Pick a powerful color for your accent wall and use a neutral shade for the other walls. Think about the color of the floors and any large furniture before deciding on your ideal combination.

Furniture

You really need to continue the theme you have kicked off with your color choices for the walls. The furniture should be presented in a less bold tone and again a neutral shade would work well with the accent wall’s theme. Think about low and long shapes when considering your seating arrangements. Metal and glass are always welcome in a modern designed interior and seem to never go out of date. With your bedroom you can afford to throw caution to the wind and opt for a huge leather style divan plus a bodacious headboard.

Lights

Think about a low key fixture but with plenty of power and control options. You can really set the mood with a versatile dimmer switch style option. The lighting should be spaced evenly through your home with options for combination illumination choices. A few lamps can add to the room, especially if their colors are complimented by the walls and furniture.

Decoration

A few simple photo frames featuring your family are always a good conversation piece, but do not get too carried away with this theme. Less is definitely more when it comes to adorning your walls with fixtures. Why not invest in some large plants for your hallway and perhaps one in the bathroom area? They will give your home a natural and exotic edge that can be hard to achieve with an apartment’s lack of garden area.

Wood And Metal

Think about some classy home appliances for your kitchen and splash out on a steel fridge and matching oven and hob sets. They are easy to clean and always lend a classy quality to any home.

Today’s guest post is submitted by Patrick Armstrong. He is a successful real estate agent who loves writing. He is really excited about the new apartments in Prahran.

Areas Of A Home Most People Overlook When Decorating

by Trish

If you’ve been a homeowner for quite some time, then you can probably relate to just how much a room can change with the help of a few minor tweaks. Those new blinds and freshly painted walls can take a room from feeling outdated, to exciting and new. However, there are some areas of your home that you may be neglecting without even realizing it. While you may feel you’ve thought of everything possible to make your home look exactly the way you’d like it, at least one of the items we mention today has probably slipped your mind.

Putting Focus on the Not-So-Minor Details

While most home-improvement gurus are going to tell you about the importance of color, wall and yard decor, what many of them fail to mention are the upgrades that make a home look more aesthetically appealing. Sure, that perfectly themed bedroom may be stunning on the eyes, but can you imagine how much nicer the room would be if the doorknob matched as well? What about those towel holders in your bathroom? They’ve been there for quite some time and stick out like a sore thumb. These days, there is what seems like an endless number of possibilities because not only is shopping around easier than ever but so is having items custom-made.

Simplifying the Day

The smallest changes can make the world of a difference. Not only that but they can make your life easier. Not have a place to hang your jackets near the front door? Why not install a barely-noticeable rack on the wall? You can choose to have it match the picture frames located on the same wall so even when they aren’t in use, they still blend nicely with the scenery. What about those books that always seem to fall over underneath your coffee table? A few matching bookends can not only give your guests another object to enjoy, but you won’t have to worry about falling books day in and day out.

Safety and Beauty Can Go Hand in Hand

When many adults think about safety, the last thing on their minds is design. A safe home means less time worrying about the children, the pets or any guests you may have staying the night. While you’re making upgrades to improve the security of your residence, why not do a bit of research and figure out if you can’t locate options that are not just going to offer the functionality you’re looking for but also the visual appeal that you’ve worked so hard to create throughout your home?

You Don’t Have to Go with the Majority

A perfect example of this would be household locks. It can be so easy to grab the first solution you come across, install it and go about your day – as most homeowners do. However, there are a wide range of good-looking solutions. Instead of sticking with the medal door handles you currently have and the mismatched deadbolt, why not spend a few extra bucks and get a completely new set? A lever may be more up your alley than a standard knob. While silver and gold are two of the most common colors, don’t be afraid to experiment a little. Choose a style that will compliment the rest of your home. The same goes for your deadbolt. Have you considered one that allows you to peak outside before completely unlocking your door? These are great when trying to keep little ones inside, while still being able to speak with the mail man or see if company has arrived.

Let Your Imagination Run Wild

Once you begin noticing the items you typically didn’t offer a second glance, ideas are going to begin forming. Even something as simple as adding new hinges on your doors can mean a much better overall design. Walk through your home and take note of what objects you use but maybe haven’t truly ‘looked’ at in a while. Install a new towel holder or change the style of your blinds so they better match the rest of the home. Try not to reach for popular brands or companies because these are often going to offer the most expensive prices. Locate discount shops and ask local home improvement stores if they know where you can find different solutions. Much of the time, they are more than happy to work with you and potentially even offer you discounts in order to have your purchase with them, instead of the competition. Ask them if they would be willing to sit down with you and draw out room plans while you’re at it.

Attached Images:

License: Creative Commons image source
License: Creative Commons image source
License: Creative Commons image source

Ron Gatting is a Interior dseigner by profession and also the author of today’s guest post. A fun loving guy, he likes to reinvent himself through his work by trying out new design ideas. He believes in compactness and effciency and trusts none other than adh.com.au for providing building materials. He has written several articles upto now on various topics and this is his latest one on home decor.

Bring The Beach Inside With A Beach-Themed Bedroom

by Trish

You love everything about the beach from the crashing waves to the feel of sand underneath your bare feet. While you wish you could live on the beach, you will eventually have to go back home to your own boring bedroom for the night.

You don’t have to be separated from the beach you love. Bring it inside your own home by creating a beach-themed bedroom. Beach themes can be placed in all types of bedrooms whether they are big or small or have hardwood flooring. With just a bit of imagination, you can go to sleep and wake up on the beach every day.

Paint Scheme

Tackle those boring walls by incorporating the colors of the beach. Different shades of tans and blues work great.

You can either paint the entire wall a solid color, divide the wall by painting the top half blue to represent the ocean and the bottom half tan to represent sand, paint the walls tan and the ceiling blue, or color wash the walls in different shades of blues as it can look like waves. You can stencil in white seashells for more of a beach feel.

Furniture And Flooring

The furniture can be a difficult to place into a beach-theme if you aren’t looking to spend a lot of money replacing your old furniture. You can go with white furniture in the way of beach chairs and tables. If you aren’t keen to having that much white in your room, go with light wood color tones.

As for the floor, hardwood flooring with an area rug of rattan material or bamboo can give the perfect beach appearance to your room. It will also work fine if you have regular carpeting.

Beach Accessories

Beach accessories can come in all shapes and sizes for decorations in your room. Hang paintings of the ocean or other beach themes on the walls. Scatter seashells on dressers, tables and shelves. Purchase beach-themed lamps, bedding and knickknacks to complete the overall beach look.

Sleep In Paradise in Your Beach-Themed Bedroom

Devote time and creativity into your beach design to have a warm and comforting feeling in your bedroom. You’ll never be too far from the beach even in the winter time when you decorate your room with these beach ideas. It doesn’t have to take a lot of money or time to have the perfect bedroom of your dreams.

Amy Nelson is a mother, avid home decorator and author. Mrs. Nelson has written several informative publications on family life, interior decorating, and simple home improvement tips.

Lighting It Up: How To Decorate With Lamps

by Trish

Lamps are not only great sources of light. Whether it’s reading, writing or working on a craft project, a lamp or two will make the job easier. However, more than just providing a generous pool of light, they also add a huge impact on your decorating scheme. A simple lamp on an entry table, for instance, can lend a cozy welcome to your guests. When placed on the kitchen or the bedroom, they aid in softening the hard edges of the space, and when slipped in an awkward corner of the living room, it can do a whole lot in giving the space a fresh face. With such capabilities, no wonder, lamps are a must-have item in any decorator’s arsenal.

If you are planning to give your room a makeover, don’t forget to include lamps in your decorating scheme as they will definitely lend an amazing impact to your space. To get you started, here are some tips you can follow when incorporating lamps in your home’s décor.

Determine the function of the room

Before you buy lamps, consider what activities you are going to use the space for. The type of activities that the room will serve will influence your choice of fixtures as well as their placement. Since most rooms serve more than one function, it is necessary that you purchase lamps that will allow you to do those activities properly. For instance, table lamps can become the key sources of light for the bedroom that will permit the occupant to properly traverse through the space and allow sufficient illumination for reading. A work area that doubles as a reading room, on the other hand, calls for tall and narrow floor lamps that can be easily slipped into corners to illumine dark spaces and provide ample amount of light for homework or reading.

Think of your décor

Aside from the function of the room, you also need to look at the existing décor. Doing so will allow you to select the right pieces that will complement the rest of the room. For instance, if your room is contemporary, lamps with slim bases and drum-shaped shades will fit in well to the space since they can lend drama to the room without necessarily overpowering other decorative elements inside. A room with a classic décor, on the other hand, is best accentuated with lamps whose shades are round or square.

Mind the scale

Always pay special attention to the size of your lamps. Be sure that their scale is appropriate for the location where they will be placed. You do not want to accessorize a small coffee table with a huge lamp with tapered shade. Not only will the piece look out of place, it will also affect the flow of traffic in the room since it is likely to be bumped into or knocked over. Similarly, a particularly small lamp should not be used a stand-alone fixture in a large room. As a rule of thumb, the shade of the lamp should be between one-half to three-fourths the size of its base, and it should also be able to properly hide the lamp’s hardware.

Translucent or opaque?

Another important thing that you have to consider when picking a lamp is the amount of light you want the fixture to cast. If you want a lamp that will illumine the room and will provide light for certain tasks, your best bet is to go for a piece with a translucent shade. However, if the lamp will function only as an accessory to the room, go for an opaque shade instead.

This article was written by Ericka for www.heritagecleaning.co.uk. Ericka is a home improvement enthusiast which inspires her to write helpful posts about home repair, organization, maintenance, décor and gardening.

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