Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Antique Fireplace Mantels
by: Jason Cox
Are you looking to change your plain old boring fireplace mantel? Well if you’re thinking about setting up an antique fireplace mantel that will go with the classy theme the rest of your house has, don’t fret it can be easily achieved.
These are timeless and sophisticated mantels that have long ago been associated with mansions and palaces. But now you can get that same look in your home.
If you have an older home that is colonial then an antique fireplace would look great, because it will create an historic presence.
The vintage mantels weren’t built for today’s fireplaces, so even if you buy one from an antique or salvage store you would still have to make some adjustments to it. For the most part, the mantels tend to be a lot bigger, so you’ll have to get them trimmed. It would be wise to have the dimensions of you’re fireplace with you when you go to the store. So you get one that would fit your fire place.
As for accessorizing your mantel, you should keep with the vintage theme and put antique bottles or miniature sculptures. Once the mantel is in your room, if you feel it looks clustered, don’t worry. By putting a mirror on the mantel it can create an illusion that the room is big.
It is really important that before you do any sort of construction that you verify the building and fire codes. These mantels are quite expensive, so consider hiring someone to do it. Experts say that this type of job is for professionals only. But look at it this way, if you decide to sell your house, having a fireplace of this magnitude can increase the value of your home.
So now you can go out and get that antique mantel you’ve always wanted.
About The Author
Jason Cox is a successful freelance author that writes regularly for http://www.curtains-n-drapes.com/ . His articles have also been featured on related sites such as http://www.bestbathroomdecorator.info/ and http://www.bestheaterguide.info/.
Are you looking to change your plain old boring fireplace mantel? Well if you’re thinking about setting up an antique fireplace mantel that will go with the classy theme the rest of your house has, don’t fret it can be easily achieved.
These are timeless and sophisticated mantels that have long ago been associated with mansions and palaces. But now you can get that same look in your home.
If you have an older home that is colonial then an antique fireplace would look great, because it will create an historic presence.
The vintage mantels weren’t built for today’s fireplaces, so even if you buy one from an antique or salvage store you would still have to make some adjustments to it. For the most part, the mantels tend to be a lot bigger, so you’ll have to get them trimmed. It would be wise to have the dimensions of you’re fireplace with you when you go to the store. So you get one that would fit your fire place.
As for accessorizing your mantel, you should keep with the vintage theme and put antique bottles or miniature sculptures. Once the mantel is in your room, if you feel it looks clustered, don’t worry. By putting a mirror on the mantel it can create an illusion that the room is big.
It is really important that before you do any sort of construction that you verify the building and fire codes. These mantels are quite expensive, so consider hiring someone to do it. Experts say that this type of job is for professionals only. But look at it this way, if you decide to sell your house, having a fireplace of this magnitude can increase the value of your home.
So now you can go out and get that antique mantel you’ve always wanted.
About The Author
Jason Cox is a successful freelance author that writes regularly for http://www.curtains-n-drapes.com/ . His articles have also been featured on related sites such as http://www.bestbathroomdecorator.info/ and http://www.bestheaterguide.info/.
Getting The Classic French Style In Your Home
by: David Johnson
Are you looking to get the classic French style in your home, well don’t worry you don’t have to speak French to get the style. It’s not hard to get the style, just take a look at the following directions.
Used, worn, imperfect but beautifully architectural elements and accessories are what French country style is about. They don’t have to have sleek lines, fine china or grey, white, and black colors. They have chunky wood tables, flowers, brightly patterned couches, curtains and pillows styled after the look of Provence, which borders the Mediterranean Sea.
If you’re looking to grasp the French look, you should look for things like cracked wood beams, curved panels, hand-carved decorations and raw material flooring and walls, like stone or bricks. Uneven plaster walls or raw distressed wood can also give you the French Country atmosphere.
In the style having a spider crack in the paint or slight discoloration of the paint just adds character. So don’t fret about fixing all those imperfections.
Some architectural features are shutters for your windows, narrow deeply cut window sills, and striped fabric awnings over windows which prevents the heat from escaping.
But if you just want a little bit of French flare to your house without too much change to you’re walls and floors. You can look for rustic furniture, oversized rectangle or round wooding dining room tables with a dull waxed or natural finish. Dining room chairs have a ladderback style or vertical slats to it.
If you’re looking to get chairs or random tables you should look for curved or boast carved designs in the woodwork. Also, large armoires go well with the theme, giving you a place to store dishes, linens clothes or whatever you desire.
The next step would be to adorn your house with fabrics and accessories. You should use toile material, a gauzy linen or cotton, in white, cream or yellow with bright contrasting colors. You can choose themes like monkeys, eighteenth century courting scenes and Chinese patterns which are dominate French designs.
Also look for large, thickly woven baskets, chunky clay or old metal pitchers, iron garden shelving units, and Chinese pottery all fit in with the French theme. Which means you can get ceramic plates, tiles, tablecloths and curtains that have either roosters, sunflowers, lavender or beetles. You can save some money if you get these at flea markets and antique stores.
The final touches would be flowers. Fresh flowers would be ideal, flowers such as lavender, geraniums and sunflowers are great to give you the French country style you’re looking for.
You can put the flowers in copper pots, window boxes, glass vases or old pitchers. You should use a variety of colors and make the arrangements not too simple or stylized. Another country French look is natural grasses.
It doesn’t matter if you want to go all out or just change a few things in your house to achieve the French country look. You can use any of these idea to get a little of Provence country into you’re house.
About The Author
David Johnson is a successful freelance author that writes regularly for http://www.curtains-n-drapes.com/ . His articles have also been featured on related sites such as http://www.audiobookclubmadeez.info/ and http://www.audioclubmadeeasy.info/.
Are you looking to get the classic French style in your home, well don’t worry you don’t have to speak French to get the style. It’s not hard to get the style, just take a look at the following directions.
Used, worn, imperfect but beautifully architectural elements and accessories are what French country style is about. They don’t have to have sleek lines, fine china or grey, white, and black colors. They have chunky wood tables, flowers, brightly patterned couches, curtains and pillows styled after the look of Provence, which borders the Mediterranean Sea.
If you’re looking to grasp the French look, you should look for things like cracked wood beams, curved panels, hand-carved decorations and raw material flooring and walls, like stone or bricks. Uneven plaster walls or raw distressed wood can also give you the French Country atmosphere.
In the style having a spider crack in the paint or slight discoloration of the paint just adds character. So don’t fret about fixing all those imperfections.
Some architectural features are shutters for your windows, narrow deeply cut window sills, and striped fabric awnings over windows which prevents the heat from escaping.
But if you just want a little bit of French flare to your house without too much change to you’re walls and floors. You can look for rustic furniture, oversized rectangle or round wooding dining room tables with a dull waxed or natural finish. Dining room chairs have a ladderback style or vertical slats to it.
If you’re looking to get chairs or random tables you should look for curved or boast carved designs in the woodwork. Also, large armoires go well with the theme, giving you a place to store dishes, linens clothes or whatever you desire.
The next step would be to adorn your house with fabrics and accessories. You should use toile material, a gauzy linen or cotton, in white, cream or yellow with bright contrasting colors. You can choose themes like monkeys, eighteenth century courting scenes and Chinese patterns which are dominate French designs.
Also look for large, thickly woven baskets, chunky clay or old metal pitchers, iron garden shelving units, and Chinese pottery all fit in with the French theme. Which means you can get ceramic plates, tiles, tablecloths and curtains that have either roosters, sunflowers, lavender or beetles. You can save some money if you get these at flea markets and antique stores.
The final touches would be flowers. Fresh flowers would be ideal, flowers such as lavender, geraniums and sunflowers are great to give you the French country style you’re looking for.
You can put the flowers in copper pots, window boxes, glass vases or old pitchers. You should use a variety of colors and make the arrangements not too simple or stylized. Another country French look is natural grasses.
It doesn’t matter if you want to go all out or just change a few things in your house to achieve the French country look. You can use any of these idea to get a little of Provence country into you’re house.
About The Author
David Johnson is a successful freelance author that writes regularly for http://www.curtains-n-drapes.com/ . His articles have also been featured on related sites such as http://www.audiobookclubmadeez.info/ and http://www.audioclubmadeeasy.info/.
Creating A Unique Window Valance
by: Clinton Maxwell
Windows come in all shapes and sizes and sometimes offer a beautiful view. When it is important to let in the most light and not obstruct that perfect view, a window valance can be just the right touch. Window valances come in many different styles and can be used alone or with other window treatments such as drapes, sheers, blinds, or shutters. There are no-sew options as well as the carefully crafted sewn valances that have a real professional touch.
Types of Window Valances
Window valances can be formal or casual. They can be crafted of rich, heavy tapestry fabrics or light, airy cotton. They can be shaped and formed to have a stiff shaped look or be free flowing and informal. The following are some of the more commonly used window valance treatments and how they are made.
Balloon Valance: The balloon valance looks like its name. It normally has a gathered ruffle atop the rod and then the doubled up fabric is pinched in increments so that the areas between the pinches balloon out. Often the puffy areas can be stuffed with tissue paper or even old newspapers if the fabric is thick enough to hide the print. Lighter weight cottons are best for this window treatment. Patterns and stripes, as well as solids, work well to.
The Swag: A swag also looks like it sounds. A swag valance can be short or extend to the floor where it can even be pooled. The swag is held up by two decorative brackets. The width of the fabric is folded accordion style and then draped across the brackets. On wider windows, it may be necessary to support the centre of the swag with a hidden pin or bracket so that it doesn’t swoop too much. Here sheer or very light weight fabrics work well and even some heavier fabrics.
Pleated Valance: A formally shaped valance is best made of heavier fabrics that can be formed and will hold their shape. Lighter weight fabrics may work if they are lined with a stiff enough lining. A pleated or scalloped valance needs to be carefully cut and lined so that when it is pleated and folded the underside fabric shows in equal increments. This style is probably best left to the professional decorator or experienced seamstress. The pleated valance can be hung using a frame made of 2x4” board and L-brackets to that a shelf is created at the top of the window. The fabric can then be stapled to the board once it is shaped, then hung onto the brackets.
How to Make the Most of the Window
Placement of the window valance is almost as important as how it is made and what type of material is used. If windows are short, then the valance can be hung high enough that the bottom just covers the top of the window.
To bring down the height of an extremely tall window the valance can be hung lower or made longer. In general, a valance should not hang more than one-third of the way down the window for the best aesthetics. Two-story windows can be cut in half by the window valance making it a part of the décor of the room on the lower half. By dividing the room’s windows in this manner then the ceiling will not seem so high.
Window valances can be made by anyone with any amount of decorating experience. Some styles require little or no sewing. The important consideration is what type of design is going on in the rest of the room. Remember, window treatments should accent the room and not serve as the focal point.
About The Author
Clinton Maxwell releases for http://www.curtains-drapes-coverings.com, a source on tips and tricks. The publisher is also writing on subjects such as window valance ( http://www.curtains-drapes-coverings.com/window-valance.html ) .
Windows come in all shapes and sizes and sometimes offer a beautiful view. When it is important to let in the most light and not obstruct that perfect view, a window valance can be just the right touch. Window valances come in many different styles and can be used alone or with other window treatments such as drapes, sheers, blinds, or shutters. There are no-sew options as well as the carefully crafted sewn valances that have a real professional touch.
Types of Window Valances
Window valances can be formal or casual. They can be crafted of rich, heavy tapestry fabrics or light, airy cotton. They can be shaped and formed to have a stiff shaped look or be free flowing and informal. The following are some of the more commonly used window valance treatments and how they are made.
Balloon Valance: The balloon valance looks like its name. It normally has a gathered ruffle atop the rod and then the doubled up fabric is pinched in increments so that the areas between the pinches balloon out. Often the puffy areas can be stuffed with tissue paper or even old newspapers if the fabric is thick enough to hide the print. Lighter weight cottons are best for this window treatment. Patterns and stripes, as well as solids, work well to.
The Swag: A swag also looks like it sounds. A swag valance can be short or extend to the floor where it can even be pooled. The swag is held up by two decorative brackets. The width of the fabric is folded accordion style and then draped across the brackets. On wider windows, it may be necessary to support the centre of the swag with a hidden pin or bracket so that it doesn’t swoop too much. Here sheer or very light weight fabrics work well and even some heavier fabrics.
Pleated Valance: A formally shaped valance is best made of heavier fabrics that can be formed and will hold their shape. Lighter weight fabrics may work if they are lined with a stiff enough lining. A pleated or scalloped valance needs to be carefully cut and lined so that when it is pleated and folded the underside fabric shows in equal increments. This style is probably best left to the professional decorator or experienced seamstress. The pleated valance can be hung using a frame made of 2x4” board and L-brackets to that a shelf is created at the top of the window. The fabric can then be stapled to the board once it is shaped, then hung onto the brackets.
How to Make the Most of the Window
Placement of the window valance is almost as important as how it is made and what type of material is used. If windows are short, then the valance can be hung high enough that the bottom just covers the top of the window.
To bring down the height of an extremely tall window the valance can be hung lower or made longer. In general, a valance should not hang more than one-third of the way down the window for the best aesthetics. Two-story windows can be cut in half by the window valance making it a part of the décor of the room on the lower half. By dividing the room’s windows in this manner then the ceiling will not seem so high.
Window valances can be made by anyone with any amount of decorating experience. Some styles require little or no sewing. The important consideration is what type of design is going on in the rest of the room. Remember, window treatments should accent the room and not serve as the focal point.
About The Author
Clinton Maxwell releases for http://www.curtains-drapes-coverings.com, a source on tips and tricks. The publisher is also writing on subjects such as window valance ( http://www.curtains-drapes-coverings.com/window-valance.html ) .
How To Create A Fun & Functional Child Playroom
by: Sherrie Le Masurier
Play is what being a kid is all about. By creating a fun and functional child playroom we give our kids the best foundation there is. Sure there may be other rooms in the house where your children hang out to watch TV, play on the computer or play a board game with the rest of the family but none compares to the value of having an actual child playroom.
Having a room where imagination fuels the play is where it’s at. Child playrooms are all about giving your children the space and the equipment needed to inspire play. All children need is imagination and a child playroom to be creative in.
When it comes to creating a fun and functional child playroom it’s important to consider your child’s natural tendencies. What type of play does your child enjoy the most – is it arts and crafts, building forts, dramatic play, creating tall skyscrapers out of building blocks etc.?
Get input from the whole family regarding room design and set-up. Although it’s important to accommodate current interests and activities a wise parent also plans the space for future use. This is where it’s important to include adjustable shelving and incorporate lots of flat surfaces for future projects. A 5 year old will use a playroom very different from how a 10 year old would use it.
For more ideas on designing and decorating child playrooms visit http://www.decorating-kids-rooms.net/decorating-child-play-room-decor-ideas.html
For a versatile child playroom and one that grows with your children keep the permanent elements in the room like tables, chairs and wall units basic. That’s the functional part.
The fun part comes in how you bring the room together with decorative accessories like fashionable slipcovers, wall decals, posters, and funky storage bins.
No matter their age, kids are natural magnets for stuff. Open shelving with lots of bins is often best way to go as it provides storage flexibility for now and in the future. Your shelving unit for the next few years may house a collection of storage bins filled to the brim with stuffed animals and building blocks and may later be replaced by books, board games and DVDs. As children get older many of them also like to display their collections of things. This is where open shelving comes in really handy.
If on the other hand, you prefer out of sight, out of mind storage when the kids aren’t actively using their playroom you may wish to consider armoires or storage cupboards to keep everything behind closed doors. It’s all a matter preference and what type of playroom you wish to create for your children.
Either way if you opt for open or closed storage you will want to make sure that any shelving units, storage cupboards or armoires are secured to the wall with toggle bolts and brackets.
Following are some creative ways to add a little fun to a functional child playroom space.
* In the craft area paint the chairs in different colors.
* Create a cushion floor using large multi-colored rubber puzzle pieces.
* Use a bulletin board for displaying artwork and posting special activity reminders.
* Turn baby wipe containers into great storage boxes for small craft supplies.
* For a great storage unit paint an old table and cover the sides with fabric to hide roll out storage containers of craft supplies.
* Revitalize old metal shelves with a little spray paint.
* Purchase unfinished shelves and paint them to match the room.
* To protect little fingers and bruises from hard edges consider padding your child’s toy box with quilt batting and fabric that matches the rooms décor.
* Create handy little cubbies by installing a few wooden shelving boxes here and there.
* Since kids love to play in enclosures consider purchasing a lightweight nylon tent, or making one yourself in a fabric that co-ordinates with the room. Another great idea would be to add some nylon crawl though tubes and cardboard house than can by decorated by your kids using paints or markets. Catalogues and magazines are a great source for ideas that you can adapt and craft yourself.
About The Author
Sherrie Le Masurier is an organizing consultant who helps parents organize and decorate their children's rooms. She is a member of Professional Organizers in Canada (POC) and co-owner of http://www.decorating-kids-rooms.net - Copyright.
Play is what being a kid is all about. By creating a fun and functional child playroom we give our kids the best foundation there is. Sure there may be other rooms in the house where your children hang out to watch TV, play on the computer or play a board game with the rest of the family but none compares to the value of having an actual child playroom.
Having a room where imagination fuels the play is where it’s at. Child playrooms are all about giving your children the space and the equipment needed to inspire play. All children need is imagination and a child playroom to be creative in.
When it comes to creating a fun and functional child playroom it’s important to consider your child’s natural tendencies. What type of play does your child enjoy the most – is it arts and crafts, building forts, dramatic play, creating tall skyscrapers out of building blocks etc.?
Get input from the whole family regarding room design and set-up. Although it’s important to accommodate current interests and activities a wise parent also plans the space for future use. This is where it’s important to include adjustable shelving and incorporate lots of flat surfaces for future projects. A 5 year old will use a playroom very different from how a 10 year old would use it.
For more ideas on designing and decorating child playrooms visit http://www.decorating-kids-rooms.net/decorating-child-play-room-decor-ideas.html
For a versatile child playroom and one that grows with your children keep the permanent elements in the room like tables, chairs and wall units basic. That’s the functional part.
The fun part comes in how you bring the room together with decorative accessories like fashionable slipcovers, wall decals, posters, and funky storage bins.
No matter their age, kids are natural magnets for stuff. Open shelving with lots of bins is often best way to go as it provides storage flexibility for now and in the future. Your shelving unit for the next few years may house a collection of storage bins filled to the brim with stuffed animals and building blocks and may later be replaced by books, board games and DVDs. As children get older many of them also like to display their collections of things. This is where open shelving comes in really handy.
If on the other hand, you prefer out of sight, out of mind storage when the kids aren’t actively using their playroom you may wish to consider armoires or storage cupboards to keep everything behind closed doors. It’s all a matter preference and what type of playroom you wish to create for your children.
Either way if you opt for open or closed storage you will want to make sure that any shelving units, storage cupboards or armoires are secured to the wall with toggle bolts and brackets.
Following are some creative ways to add a little fun to a functional child playroom space.
* In the craft area paint the chairs in different colors.
* Create a cushion floor using large multi-colored rubber puzzle pieces.
* Use a bulletin board for displaying artwork and posting special activity reminders.
* Turn baby wipe containers into great storage boxes for small craft supplies.
* For a great storage unit paint an old table and cover the sides with fabric to hide roll out storage containers of craft supplies.
* Revitalize old metal shelves with a little spray paint.
* Purchase unfinished shelves and paint them to match the room.
* To protect little fingers and bruises from hard edges consider padding your child’s toy box with quilt batting and fabric that matches the rooms décor.
* Create handy little cubbies by installing a few wooden shelving boxes here and there.
* Since kids love to play in enclosures consider purchasing a lightweight nylon tent, or making one yourself in a fabric that co-ordinates with the room. Another great idea would be to add some nylon crawl though tubes and cardboard house than can by decorated by your kids using paints or markets. Catalogues and magazines are a great source for ideas that you can adapt and craft yourself.
About The Author
Sherrie Le Masurier is an organizing consultant who helps parents organize and decorate their children's rooms. She is a member of Professional Organizers in Canada (POC) and co-owner of http://www.decorating-kids-rooms.net - Copyright.
How To Use Color And Creativity To Store Kid Stuff
by: Sherrie Le Masurier
Are you overwhelmed by clothes, books and toys everywhere? If you answered yes, just imagine how your child feels. With so much kid stuff everywhere room cleaning is anything but fun.
That’s where a little color and creativity comes in. Conquering clutter doesn’t have to be a chore. With a solid plan and a little patience you can turn a messy child’s room into an organized environment in a matter of hours.
By using color as an essential part of your child’s organizing system you make the clean up process fun. And by knowing that each toy has a home your child can then learn how to return items after play. Even very young children can benefit from color coordination.
Preschoolers in particular learn their colors faster when they routinely put colored items in matching bins.
A colored storage system starts by purchasing large cubes, bins or baskets. You don’t have to stick with primary colors either. The toys and storage containers of today come in all colors and shapes.
And if you’re having trouble coming up with enough containers in the color(s) of your choice consider spray painting baskets or covering boxes with matching wallpaper.
For more creative storage tips for children’s room visit http://www.decorating-kids-rooms.net/kid-room-storage.html
Unfinished wood furniture is ideal for rooms you’ll be implementing a colorful organizing system in. This kind of furniture is the ideal canvas for all kinds of decorative touches. You may even wish to give each drawer a different color.
Even when space is tight you can incorporate a little extra color and storage space by fitting the insides of wardrobe drawers with either hooks or plastic coated grids with shelves.
Organizing kid stuff by size is also a good idea. Storing small and large things together can result in lost or broken items. Where possible small items should be contained in smaller bins. That said, there is wisdom in storing items together that will be used together. In that case it’s a matter of packaging small items up separately within a bigger bin or container.
Colorful storage doesn’t end with visual storage around the room. Consider adding a little color to your child’s closet by using colorful hangers and hooks. More closet design and closet organization tips can be found by visiting http://www.decorating-kids-rooms.net/closet-design.html
There is no end to how you can use color and creativity to store kid stuff. As long as you can imagine it, you can make it happen.
About The Author
Sherrie Le Masurier is an organizing consultant who helps parents organize and decorate their children's rooms. She is a member of Professional Organizers in Canada (POC) and co-owner of http://www.decorating-kids-rooms.net - Copyright.
Are you overwhelmed by clothes, books and toys everywhere? If you answered yes, just imagine how your child feels. With so much kid stuff everywhere room cleaning is anything but fun.
That’s where a little color and creativity comes in. Conquering clutter doesn’t have to be a chore. With a solid plan and a little patience you can turn a messy child’s room into an organized environment in a matter of hours.
By using color as an essential part of your child’s organizing system you make the clean up process fun. And by knowing that each toy has a home your child can then learn how to return items after play. Even very young children can benefit from color coordination.
Preschoolers in particular learn their colors faster when they routinely put colored items in matching bins.
A colored storage system starts by purchasing large cubes, bins or baskets. You don’t have to stick with primary colors either. The toys and storage containers of today come in all colors and shapes.
And if you’re having trouble coming up with enough containers in the color(s) of your choice consider spray painting baskets or covering boxes with matching wallpaper.
For more creative storage tips for children’s room visit http://www.decorating-kids-rooms.net/kid-room-storage.html
Unfinished wood furniture is ideal for rooms you’ll be implementing a colorful organizing system in. This kind of furniture is the ideal canvas for all kinds of decorative touches. You may even wish to give each drawer a different color.
Even when space is tight you can incorporate a little extra color and storage space by fitting the insides of wardrobe drawers with either hooks or plastic coated grids with shelves.
Organizing kid stuff by size is also a good idea. Storing small and large things together can result in lost or broken items. Where possible small items should be contained in smaller bins. That said, there is wisdom in storing items together that will be used together. In that case it’s a matter of packaging small items up separately within a bigger bin or container.
Colorful storage doesn’t end with visual storage around the room. Consider adding a little color to your child’s closet by using colorful hangers and hooks. More closet design and closet organization tips can be found by visiting http://www.decorating-kids-rooms.net/closet-design.html
There is no end to how you can use color and creativity to store kid stuff. As long as you can imagine it, you can make it happen.
About The Author
Sherrie Le Masurier is an organizing consultant who helps parents organize and decorate their children's rooms. She is a member of Professional Organizers in Canada (POC) and co-owner of http://www.decorating-kids-rooms.net - Copyright.
