Tuscan Home Decorating Ideas

Author: Joey Pebble

Tuscan decorating is inspired by the Tuscany region of Italy. In the time of the ancient Roman Empire, people would escape from big city life in Rome, by going out to live in the hills of central Italy, where things were calmer and more peaceful.

There people would live simpler lives, more in touch with the natural world around them. It is these elements of peace, simplicity, and natural weathered beauty, which are the cornerstone marks of Tuscan decorating.

Natural stone is probably the most common element associated with this decorating style. Slate is especially Tuscan, with its natural clefting face, which resembles the rocky hills and mountains found in the Tuscan region. A weathered, worn, comfortable look is also often associated with this style, and most natural stones actually get more beautiful the longer they are weathered and worn.

Marble is another type of natural stone which is often associated with the Tuscan style. Rich marble floors were a hallmark of wealthy roman homes, and the beauty of the polished glistening material is still prized in homes today. Tumbled marble drink coasters are another popular stone item for this particular trend.

Other Tuscan stone decorating elements include cobblestone pathways, sandstone lined windows, and marble arches. Terracotta is also a popular material, and is most often found in roofing.

Part of the draw of Tuscan decorating is the philosophy of durability over glitz. Those who moved away from the city of Rome were tired of all of the pomp and fanfare of city life, and were instead interested in well made, weathered, and worn objects, that could stand up against the ages.

Copper and distressed hardwoods are also signs of Tuscan Decorating. Copper pots, kettles, and bowls can be mixed and matched with hardwood furnishings to create a look which blends naturally with the earth.

The colors used in a Tuscan decorating all get their cues from nature, and the earth. Deep browns, rich greens, and burnt oranges collide, with sunset reds, to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that just feels like you are at home.

The Tuscan decorative style was born of people’s desire to escape from the flash and glitz of the big city, into a quieter, simpler, more peaceful world. This was true for those who lived in the ancient roman capital, and it is true of us today. Even as the world gets faster and brighter, people still just want a little piece of serenity in their homes.

About the Author:

This article brought to you by Joey Pebble, a designer of rustic slate wall clocks, chess boards, and natural stone decorative accessories. His line of home décor products is noted for the beautiful natural stone features which are the centerpiece of every work.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/interior-design-articles/tuscan-home-decorating-ideas-799737.html

Enlighten Your Home For a Lesser Load

Author: Terry Henman

Short of redecorating once a fortnight, the most visually impacting and cost effective way of creating adaptable space in your home is strategic use of lighting. What was once a mere afterthought, given consideration only out of necessity, lighting is now rightly recognized as a key feature to rank alongside the brand new settee or the fitted kitchen. Proper use of lighting can add drama and life, it can soothe or invigorate, in other words it is powerful enough to determine our moods. Lighting floods every inch of a room in whatever you want- a summer day, an gentle glow, a starry night, a spotlight to aim at anything you please. Can your settee do all of this?



A centrally placed pendant which gives only the option of solar flare bright or pitch black night, no longer meets the needs of the modern homeowner. A far more sensible option is to install spot lights over the main areas of a room or where specific tasks are undertaken (e.g. kitchen work surfaces, breakfast bar, settees, paintings or doorways). The spotlights should be fitted with the ability to be switched on or off independently and a dimmer switch should be used in place of traditional one. Not only will spotlights lead the eye around the room, directing attention to the areas you want to be seen (and away from areas you might not!) but they will help define separate areas therefore making your room appear larger. The dimmer switches will allow complete control over the mood of your home meaning the same light can provide a reading light, an ambient mood or a romantic setting.



Although highly adaptable, ceiling spotlights alone cannot make an area truly multifunctional. Mid and low level lighting such as plinth lamps , stick lamps and- for the more adventurous- floor-set up-lighting, all add another dimension to the atmosphere of a room and can instantly transform a space. Table and floor lamps are much less formal and intrusive than conventional ceiling lighting and help create intimacy by effectively lowering the height of a room. Floor-set up-lighting (basically spotlights upside down) creates much more of a bar vibe and transforms a room by lighting it from an unusual position. Again the effect is much less overpowering than ceiling lighting and when placed along the perimeter of a room, they allow you to navigate your way around without spoiling nights in with a movie!



Remember, it is not solely during evening hours that the lighting you choose will have an effect on the look of your home. Even when switched off, a well chosen floor lamp can add style and interest to an otherwise minimal space. For example, an original or modern remake of a design classic such as the Arco lamp by iconic 1960's designer Verner Panton, immediately creates an air of retro cool and provides a striking focal point for a room. Alternatively, a chandelier (for those lucky enough to have high ceilings) placed over a dining area adds decadence to any dinner party and adds to the sense of occasion whilst lowering the light and helping avoid that cavernous feel.




Creativity is key- be brave.

About the Author:
Terrys Fabrics retail in curtains, fabrics and floor lamps.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/enlighten-your-home-for-a-lesser-load-784380.html

How To Make Your Kitchen Look Great

Author: R Govindan

The kitchen space is of primary décor interest in every household. It plays host to guests and friends all around the year. Few appliances like wooden cabinets, stainless steel instruments and granite countertops can push the simple tone of every kitchen and give it a classy look. Marble countertops are made from natural stone blocks quarried from various regions. Granite and marble are natural stones which are formed due to high temperatures below the crust of
the earth. Hence kitchen countertops made form the above material can withstand chemical abuse from staining and thermal abuse. Sealed granite counters are resistant to fading and discoloration.

Marble countertops are incorporated in spaces like bathrooms, fireplace and the pubs. The widespread use of granite countertops has made them more affordable. Granite slabs can be custom made and rendered with seamless verities. They can also be used in the kitchen as the pastry slabs. Granite color is unique and it blends well with aesthetic aspirations of modern architects and designers. It can be a collage of the darkest hues. Kitchen countertops are available in subtle variations of colors and styles. Black and blue granite counters are considered the classiest ones amongst them. Brown and beige kitchen counters can work with a host of appliances and designs. The dark ones work perfectly well with the light colored constructions and vice versa. The color of granite or marble counter should approximately match with that of the kitchen cabinet. The granite flooring for newly built homes is an excellent value addition. The color of the granite slab should be a close match for the overall design appeal. Granite countertops are available in many designs and the companies proudly display a wide spectrum of choices to their customers. You can access the information about the origin and names on their websites.

Marble counters are metamorphic rocks in their composition. They contain calcium carbonate and a variety of minerals. They can also be used with the surface tiles and on the windowsill. The high quality finish of natural stone can add opulence and luxury to your furnishings. Granite countertop is an excellent purchase from the home buyer’s point of view. Granite counters are natural and safe on the environment. The inclusion of natural stone countertops could enhance the green value of the kitchen space. Marble countertops with professional sealing look new even after decades. Natural stone counters are resistant to microbial growth of molds and
mildew.

Go ahead and make your kitchen look great!

About the Author:

Marble City Company is the leading marble, granite kitchen countertops installation and fabrication company in the Bay Area, California.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/kitchens-articles/how-to-make-your-kitchen-look-great-778895.html

7 Home Decoration Secrets You Would Want to Know

Author: Jessica Ackerman

We always want our homes to be perfect. That is understandable since our home is our abode, our personal sanctuary, the place we look forward to go to after a whole day of stressful work. This is why, one of the most important things a homeowner has to do is to decorate his or her home in such a way that it will be a nice and relaxing escape. This article reveals top 10 home decoration secrets that you surely would want to know.



1. Visualizing is the key



Do not simply make an exact replica of the living room you found on the home interior magazine. Visualize on your own how you want your home to look like, how you want home decors like your wall plaques and paintings to be hung on the wall. Visualization of each room will make it easier for you to do your planning and decoration.



2. Start with a focal point



Any veteran interior designer knows how important it is to start with a focal point in any room so that other home décor items will flow easily around it. It is always a great idea to select an item that gives a big impact like the fireplace, a piano or a sofa.



3. Colors have psychological effect



Colors are important design elements not only because it determines the ambience and feel of the room, and gives the illusion of space but also because they have psychological effects on people.



For example, blue, which is the least appetizing color is not a good shade to paint in your dining area or kitchen. Meanwhile, light and pastel colors, which can relax the mind, are a good idea for the living room. Make sure that the colors you choose complement well with each other.



4. A theme makes it easier to achieve unity and harmony



A décor theme not only makes home decoration a lot easier but is also important because it reflects the homeowner’s personal taste and style. Your theme can be classic, modern, nautical, tropical, European, Asian or whatever you can think of.



Buy furniture and home accessories that match the theme that you have chosen. For example, if the theme of your home is contemporary, modern metal wall plaques would be a great addition while if you have a coastal theme, you might as well go for nautical wall art.



5. Clutter can ruin even the nicest home decoration



Get rid of everything that you do not need or hardly ever use and neatly store them in the storage room. Even if you have the most expensive or most gorgeous home decor, all these are useless if your room is filled with clutter.



6. Lighting is just as important as furniture



Lighting is important because of two things. First, it illuminates the room and allows people to do the things they need to do. Second, it creates an ambience and feel of the room. Because of this, you need to choose the proper kind of lighting, which will make you achieve both objectives. Lamp and fluorescent are great for general and task lighting while candles and smaller lamps are ideal for accent lighting.



7. Strive to achieve a balance between form and function



Form is just as important as function and because of that, it is necessary to achieve a balance between the two when buying furniture or decorating your home. To put it simply, you must be able to decorate your home in such a way that it will be both practical and beautiful.



We all know that home decoration is not as easy as we want it to be. However, it is also true that we do not need a doctorate degree on interior decoration to get the job done right. With a dash of creativity, resourcefulness and patience, we can have a home that looks like one of those featured in interior designing magazines.

About the Author:
This article was written by Jessica Ackerman and provided by WallDecorandHomeAccents.com, a site featuring unique modern wall decor and wall decor.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/7-home-decoration-secrets-you-would-want-to-know-777481.html

Stair Handrails – the ‘beautiful’ Guards

Author: Editor-123

Handrails may not seem a bright topic for discussion initially, but it’s only after you see some creative handrail designs that you look up to your handrail in disappointment. As a quality stairway adds elegance and charm to your home, so does a quality handrails add charm to stairs and thus your home.

The main purpose of a handrail is to support and protect, but there’s no harm in this protective support structure being attractive. It’s in a way, similar to having a ‘handsome’ bodyguard.

Popular handrails

During its early days, the most common types of handrails in use were the ones made from pipes. These served their basic purpose of protection and support, but were dull and unattractive. Times have changed and now, one can choose from a slew of options, which includes handrails made of wood, iron, steel, aluminum and glass.

Each type of handrail has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Metal handrails may be strong, but they are bulky too. Alloy handrails resolve this problem as they aren’t bulky and are yet sturdy enough. Handrails made from wood add an aesthetic charm to the living space. Glass handrails on the other hand, makes the stairs look sleeker.

Recommendations and considerations for choosing handrails

If you need handrails for your office space, then you must follow established codes specifying dimensions and heights. Although there are a variety of handrails with their own set of pros and cons, smart choices are always fruitful. Stainless steel handrails may be a great choice for outdoors, given in its resistance for corrosion whereas glass handrails may be good for a stylish living or work space or business space (like a restaurant). If you are going for a rustic style, look no further than wood handrails.

About the Author:

The article is contributed by a professional content writer, having experiences of working in different industries. For further information on Stair Handrail and Stair Railing please visit http://www.stairsupplies.com/

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/furniture-articles/stair-handrails-the-beautiful-guards-770127.html

Shopping For Furniture and Home Accessories: The Ultimate Guide

Author: Jessica Ackerman

Shopping for home furniture and home accessories can be tedious task if you do not know a thing about it. On the other hand, if you know what you want and what you need, shopping can be an exciting and fun adventure. If you are thinking of doing some furniture or home accessory shopping, here are some important tips to keep in mind:



Decide What You Need



First, you need to know the things that you need to buy. Put these things down in writing so that you do not forget anything. It is not advisable to get rid of all your furniture and replace everything with new ones. That is not only impractical but also unnecessary.



Look around your house and see what kinds of furniture or home accessory you really need. For example, if your sofa is already uncomfortable to sit on, then it is time to buy a new one. But if you just want to replace your durable dining table just to take advantage of the discount sale at the furniture store, that is not a sensible thing to do.



When deciding which ones to buy, do not forget to measure the space where you will put the new furniture while keeping mind that you will need ample space between it and the other pieces for free flow of people traffic in the room.



Choose a General Style



A general style for your home furniture is necessary to keep everything in sync. Otherwise, you will end up having a messy and confusing design that will not enable to you to sit down and relax. The five major styles you can choose from include



1. Casual - earth tones and materials like oak, pine, ash and maple woods (overstuffed sofas and casual tables and chairs)



2. contemporary - bold colors, sharp lines, metal and glass (contemporary metal wall art and metal wall sculptures)



3. country - rustic designs with floral prints, painted woods and soft cushions



4. traditional - antiques and antique styles of furniture made of woods like mahogany



5. eclectic - ethnic or artisan decorative ornaments and furniture



By knowing what kind of theme you prefer would make it easier for you to buy furniture. Now, if your home or the room you are decorating already has a theme, then just buy furniture or home accessories according to this theme.



Consider your Lifestyle



Look at your family's lifestyle and stick to furniture that will complement it. For instance, if you have many kids and pets in the house, it is not a good idea to invest on a white silk sofa or a white leather barcalounger.



Get Inspiration



Look at interior design magazines, talk to interior decorators, search the Internet and read books on this topic. Study about home designing so it will be easier for you to find pieces of furniture and home accessories that will suit your preferences and taste.



Set Your Budget



Set a budget and stick to it. This ensures that you do not spend more that you can afford. Buying new furniture or a contemporary metal wall art does not have to mean breaking the bank.



Go for Durability and Quality



Make sure that the furniture you buy will last a long time with you and the family. Buying cheap brands that are also cheap in quality will do you no good. Sometimes spending more for quality can save you more in the long run.



Decorating your home with new furniture and accessories is truly a fun way to spruce up your abode.

About the Author:
This article was written by Jessica Ackerman and provided by WallDecorandHomeAccents.com, a site featuring unique wall sculptures and wall art.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/shopping-for-furniture-and-home-accessories-the-ultimate-guide-769390.html

Tips For Creating Antique Bathrooms to Suit Your Budget

Author: Niall Roche

The bathroom is usually seen as the most practical room in the house as well as being a room for people to escape from modern life in. This means that your bathroom has to be functional so that you can keep yourself clean but also give you a sense of serenity when you need it; in the case of winding down after a hard day and just needing some "me" time. Some people don't always like the clinical look of modern bathrooms and for those of you who don't you can always go for the antique effect in your bathroom.



You don't have to do a total overhaul to get that antique look in your bathroom. You don't have to be an antique expert either when it comes to down to it. A total novice can create an antique bathroom without too much effort. With a little imagination, you can easily turn your bathroom into a space of old-fashioned quaintness.



Keep in mind that anything considered to be an antique is usually more than 100 years old. However, not all collectible items are considered antiques. Also, not all antiques are collectible items - it's just how things work out. If you have ever watched the Antique Road Show on TV, you'll have seen a lot of people with items that have been in their families for over 100 years but are pretty much worthless.



It's possible to get your hands on antiques without paying insane prices too. You can go down the route of looking for genuine antique items which can and will cost quite a bit of money. But you can also get replica antique items that look the part without costing the earth. A lot of hardware stores (online and offline) have items like soap dishes, door handles, mirrors, vanities and shelves that can create the antique look you're wanting to create at home. Even adding a few items like these to your bathroom can start the antiquing process. Some places even sell these items in matching sets.



You can also turn your modern bathroom into an antique one by purchasing antique mirrors. How much you are willing to spend depends on your budget and just how badly you want to create that perfect look in your bathroom. You can shop for antique mirrors online or in high-end stores. Sometimes a great antique mirror is all that you need to transform your bathroom.



Another aspect of creating an antique bathroom is what paint you're going to use. Look at pictures of the décor using the Victorian era or other similar areas and you'll have an idea of what colors were used. You could also consider some faux painting techniques to artificially age or weather your bathroom décor to give it a more authentic antique feel to it. Getting your paint scheme right is critical to your antique bathroom looking just right.



If these ideas for antique bathrooms are not enough, consider the fact that many companies are making fixtures that have an antique look in order to satisfy this customer trend. You can buy new antique pieces without worrying about the problems that you might have with authentic antiques or the cost involved with genuine antiques. The cost of maintaining antiques makes using modern replicas more practical and cost-effective.

About the Author:
Are you finding modern bathroom designs too clinical and cold? Would you prefer a warmer look and feel to your bathroom? Why not look at antique bathroom design as an option for redecorating your bathroom! Article source: www.bathroomcentral

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/tips-for-creating-antique-bathrooms-to-suit-your-budget-762894.html