http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/ Articles at The Article Planet en-us http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/interior-design/pueblo-style-gives-a-southwestern-flair.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/interior-design/pueblo-style-gives-a-southwestern-flair.html Fri, 11 Sep 2009 02:29:36 -0500
It was the Native American tribes of New Mexico and Arizona who introduced the Pueblo architecture, an influential design up to this day.

Modern designers now make use of brighter palettes for a Southwestern style like turquoise, sand and pale pink. However, the pueblo style is recognized for its deep chili red trademark color. This hue actually comes from the common decor in this design called "ristas" - long braid of chilis. Hence the red color.

Here are some ideas for creating a Pueblo-inspired home interior:

Take heed of the walls. Make a faux adobe walls and choose earth colors like browns and beige. Terracotta or a reddish-brown color is also a good choice. How do you make this faux adobe? Add some clean sand to the paint before application. Apply a thick coat on the walls and the texture will make your walls look like they're made of adobe.

Move on the ceilings by creating an impression of vigas. You'll need 2x4 timbers, which are of a dark walnut color. Distress the timber. The more rustic they look, the better. Then attach them to the ceiling. Make sure it's a sturdy work!

Take up the old wall-to-wall carpet and replace it with terracotta tile. If genuine terracotta tile is beyond your budget, there are vinyl floorings with Pueblo Style designs. Another option would be the paint the floors to simulate a tile look. Be sure to seal flooring paint with a coat of quality urethane.

Polish the floor makeover with Navajo area rugs. Consider an area rug a good investment. Navajo rugs are the perfect floor decors for a Pueblo-inspired home, with their hand-knotted, colorful and intricate patterns.

To cap off this look, do some "pottery" - make use of pots as your home decors. If you thought pots are only for the garden's use, think again. Pots will look great inside the house as containers, stand-alone accessories or accent pieces.

Once your Pueblo Style room is complete, relax and listen for the song of the coyotes on the desert wind. ]]> http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/interior-design/tips-on-interior-design-to-help-you-in-renovation-of-your-home.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/interior-design/tips-on-interior-design-to-help-you-in-renovation-of-your-home.html Thu, 10 Sep 2009 02:52:38 -0500
The primary thing you must do is to determine what changes are required, and magazines and shops on home decor can greatly help you in this regard, as their displayed designs can help you select the right one for your house. Customers usually have a certain fancy for a classical European design, for 'green' interiors adorned with furniture made of jute or cane and with indoor plants, or for delicately engraved woodwork and decorated carpets that are a characteristic of Moroccan home decor. You can also use ideas like Feng Shui, which targets at optimizing positive energy to enhance the sense of comfort and peace you get from the home.

Once you have formulated ideas of what alterations you have to make, you must consult an interior designer who can develop upon your line of thought. It is a wrong belief that hiring an interior designer for renovation is unnecessary. A majority of those who set out to do their own decor do not possess the necessary skill, and often end up having to spend a lot more to get their faults corrected by experts later. Therefore it is recommended to engage an interior designer at the very start of the renovation exercise.

Another misconception is that more often than not interior design exceeds the budget of an ordinary person. In fact the interior designer can aid you find cheaper items that you can cleverly use for your interiors to give them a look to compete with the standards of the ones shown in any posh showroom. However, the look that you select must be such that it can be used in every room, so that the entire house shows consistency of design.

It should not be forgotten that there are other aspects that constitute a good decor apart from big items like furniture and walls. It is also necessary for you to pick the right artefacts, linens and accessories for your refurbished rooms, as these will portray your personality and make you feel more attached to your residence.

Finally, you must not get disillusioned by the sheer magnitude of the project. If you hire the services of an experienced interior design expert, you will get the momentum and will be able to get the work done without any serious problems. ]]> http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/interior-design/where-you-can-get-furniture-on-a-budget.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/interior-design/where-you-can-get-furniture-on-a-budget.html Thu, 03 Sep 2009 02:36:29 -0500
Believe it or not, it is actually very easy to come by furniture that does not look like what I call early marriage, you know the hand-me-downs and the garage sale items or the culmination of what you had or your spouse had before you got married, the stuff that really clashes. It is very simple to find furniture that does not cost a fortune and can add a more coordinated, mature look to your home.

As a single parent at one time, I had a very tight budget and post divorce, you do not necessarily want to keep furniture items that remind you of the union of marriage that has now been dissolved, so I had to find ways to make my very tight budget stretch in order to get some new furniture when I moved.

I do not want to mislead you into thinking that these ideas will instantly lead you to the perfect piece of furniture you are looking for because chances are, it wont. In fact, you will probably have to do a lot of searching to find everything you want and are looking for, but its not too hard to have a good time doing this because the trips you take to look for furniture can be quite interesting and comical as well.

One of the best places to look is at garage sales. Depending on the time of year when you are shopping, you can find some great deals on some very well taken care of furniture that people just have either no room for or just do not want anymore. The last couch I found at a garage sale was well maintained and had no flaws or stains and it was very close to what I was looking for and I was able to pick it up for $25.00. Now, seriously, how can you beat $25 for a very well maintained couch? I have not been able to find that great of a deal since, I have found some great deals, but none as great as that.

Flea Markets are another good choice because there are tons of communities that have a flea market on the weekend and vendors who are looking to make you a deal to get rid of their stock are usually bountiful at a Flea Market. Just because their furniture might be cheap does not mean it is cheaply made, remember, these vendors do not have the overhead that the owners of a furniture store do and this is why they can cut you a great price break.

Thrift stores, consignment shops, scratched and dented rooms in the bigger furniture places are all great places to look for your next piece of furniture on a tight budget. Keep these tips in mind when you are looking and also, keep in mind that you might want to discuss this with family members, they might have a great piece of furniture to add to your home that they are willing to part with or have no use for. ]]> http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/interior-design/unique-home-decor-ideas.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/interior-design/unique-home-decor-ideas.html Wed, 02 Sep 2009 02:14:31 -0500
Photo blankets are another super option in personalized photo gifts. Not only do they let you display treasured memories, they also add warmth and comfort to any room. These plush, heavenly throws are light as a cloud and comforting as a hug. Photo blankets give you plenty of decorating options, too. You can choose from a range of sizes and these throws are as fantastic on your wall as they are on the bed or sofa. Portrait? Landscape? No problem. Both look equally great on a photo blanket. Designing your personalized photo blanket is as easy as choosing an image to include with your order. In seven to ten business days you'll receive a memento you will cherish for years to come.

Chenille throws are another versatile choice for decorating. Chenille's unique fiber blend gives it an incredibly plush pile and substantial feel: it's sure to be an instant favorite. These special fibers also allow chenille to display and maintain vibrant color and pattern, making these throws a perfect choice for decorating. They even come with a sewn rod pocket which allows you to display them on your walls. You can choose from a vast array of designs and themes, from classical to contemporary. You are guaranteed to find a throw you'll love, whatever you style of home.

Tapestries add instant style to any room. They have been used as decorative elements for many hundreds of years and so have earned a substantial place in the history of design and decorating. You can find tapestries in every imaginable shape, size, theme and color palette which makes them perfect for literally every home. You can choose from Medieval themes, landscapes, famous works of art, floral and classical elements, as well as contemporary motifs. A tapestry can be selected to fill that tricky wall space or to build a room around. No matter what your choice, the color and drama of a tapestry is something you can be proud to add to your wall decor.

When it comes to tapestries, there are no finer made today than those made in of France. Makers of tapestries, cushion covers and draperies since 1878, they proclaim their passion for weaving in every stitch. Woven on traditional Jacquard looms, the quality and workmanship are without equal, making every tapestry a true work of art. Four generations of the J. Pansu family have dedicated themselves to producing the best woven goods in a wide range of styles and themes. For the art lover or the tapestry connoisseur, the choice will be J. Pansu.

Nothing can instantly transform the look or style of a room like an area rug. As practical as they are beautiful, area rugs bring color, texture, warmth and pizazz to your living areas. You can use them to break up large spaces as well as to tie together a seating area. The selection in area rugs is almost infinite: traditional orientals, dynamic modern designs, quirky novelty rugs, kids rugs, sheepskins, the choice is up to you. For creating impact and "bang for the buck", nothing is as easy and as gratifying as choosing a special area rug for your home. ]]> http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/interior-design/update-and-re-invent-your-home-lighting.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/interior-design/update-and-re-invent-your-home-lighting.html Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:51:28 -0500
Dimmer switches:
Installing dimmer switches is a great way to increase the usefulness of your light fixtures. These can be installed on just about any kind of lighting fixture, from chandeliers to table lamps. Dimming the lights can create a soothing effect in any room of the house. In the bathroom, you can enjoy a relaxing soak in the tub after a long day at work. In the dining room, dim the lights for a romantic dinner for two. Or, create a soft glow in the living room when you are entertaining guests.

Accent lighting:
You can use simple up-lights that only need to be plugged in to the nearest wall outlet. These are great for illuminating dark corners and can easily be hidden on top of a dresser or armoire, or tucked away in a large potted plant. You can also install spotlights that are designed specifically to highlight artwork or design features of your home.

Table lamps:
Contrary to what you might think, table lamps aren't just for sofa end tables. They can add charm to a bookshelf and break up the monotony of rows of books or knick-knacks. A small, decorative table lamp can also be used in the corner of a bathroom or kitchen countertop.

Undercounter Lights:
In any area of your home where you'll be working with detail, whether in an arts and crafts room or in your kitchen, you'll want to have adequate lighting for the job. Especially in kitchens, undercounter lights provide both visual appeal and a practical solution to the needs of food preparation.

Layer Your Lighting:
In each room of your home, use two or more different types of lighting. For example, your living room may include a ceiling fixture, floor and table lamps, and spotlights for artwork. This principle applies to any room in your home. Layering your lighting serves the dual purposes of creating visual appeal, as well as providing the right lighting type for whatever task or activity you undertake in the room.

Install Motion Sensors:
Motion sensors can be practical both indoors and out. While most people are familiar with porch and floodlights that are activated by motion, you can install motion sensors in hallways and foyers indoors that are designed to light up in the night time. This enhances your safety, since it can prevent accidental injury in dark areas of your home. It's also highly convenient, and saves energy since you won't need to leave hallway lights on all night.

Explore novel ways to add light to the rooms of your house. Remember that creative lighting solutions don't have to be expensive, and many can be installed quickly without professional assistance. For example, layer your lighting by using a ceiling fixture, table lamps, and up-lights in the same room.

Once you've updated the lighting in your home, keep an eye out for areas that may require improvement. You may find that you need more task lighting in a certain area, or you may want to add additional accent lighting to highlight certain features of your home. Keeping your lighting fresh and up-to-date will enhance the form and function of your home. ]]> http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/interior-design/garage-remodeling-is-something-that-is-a-great-idea.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/interior-design/garage-remodeling-is-something-that-is-a-great-idea.html Mon, 31 Aug 2009 03:17:50 -0500
First, maximizing your space may not call for constructing an extension area. Turning a rarely-used room as space where you get to stock your supplies and other kitchen wares you scarcely use. This would allow you to have more space in your kitchen area so you can move more comfortably and easily.

Second, repair only that which needs repair. If your kitchen countertop looks ugly because some of the tiles have chipped off, you do not need to change the whole thing. You can replace only that particular area where the damage is apparent.

Third, consider repainting your space. Sometimes the area looks dull because of old and worn down paint. Do not be hasty in thinking that a major renovation is being called for. Having the area repainted can give you an amazing change at low cost. It is also something you can do on your free time so you can cut on labour expenses.

Fourthly, use ornaments to add style to your space. The ornaments can be something you can create yourself or purchased at a cheap price. For instance, you can have a simple kitchen garden for most common herbs. The herbs will give your kitchen area a nice smell and chic look. Plus you get the chance to have fresh herbs anytime you want.

Fifth, consider a thorough cleaning of your space. Un-organized area is not pleasing to the sight and cleaning the area can match the pleasure one gets just by looking at a new piece of furniture.

We put less efforts and attention to our garage compared to the other parts of the house. This is understandable as we spend less time there and are literally there only when parking our car or need it for a drive. You can improve your garage by removing all the pieces of junks you no longer need and putting them to trash, organizing the things and keeping it clean through regular maintenance which can be even as twice a week.

Home is very important place for us as it is our constant refuge from the harsh world outside. It is our private space where we hope to feel comfortable after a long day at work. Improving it is definitely a huge investment as it is beneficial for wellness. One can do it for free, low cost or huge costs as it depends on the amount and extent of changes the owner wishes to make. ]]> http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/interior-design/why-you-should-have-ergonomic-furniture-in-your-office.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/interior-design/why-you-should-have-ergonomic-furniture-in-your-office.html Sun, 30 Aug 2009 02:29:08 -0500
Ergonomic office furniture will ensure that ailments arising out of uncomfortable sitting postures because of inferior furniture are completely eliminated. Thus, injuries to the back which hamper the effectiveness of work do not arise if you have installed ergonomic furniture in your office. Many people do not take these problems seriously as they do not realize the debilitating effects of such workplace related injuries and the heavy expenses they can incur in terms of treatment. What these people need to understand is that a lot of problems can be prevented by the sensible use of ergonomic furniture.

If you are already afflicted by problems like sore knees, eye strain, neck spasms etc., you do not need to despair as it is never too late to have ergonomic furniture in your office. In fact, installing ergonomic furniture will prevent your physical ailments from aggravating and give relief to your body. After you use this furniture for some time, you will definitely notice an improvement in your bodily condition.

Ergonomic furniture is equipped with specialized desks, chairs, storage units and lamps that make it a delight to work in the office. So, it provides customized service to different people and takes into account such important factors like height of the employee which are so often neglected. In addition, it also offers safety by taking care of tangled electrical wiring etc. which are a common feature of most offices and pose a lot of danger to the unwary worker in the office.

So, go ahead and install ergonomic home furniture or office furniture in the office and make a positive difference in your lifestyle as well as your productivity at work. ]]> http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/interior-design/basic-concepts-of-interior-design.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/interior-design/basic-concepts-of-interior-design.html Fri, 28 Aug 2009 03:05:42 -0500
Unity: This entails the idea that the entire home or any other structure is to be treated as a single unit, partitioned or divided only by walls and staircases, and that there must be some amount of internal consistency in the design of the unit as a whole. It will be prudent to remember the overall scheme of things.

Balance: This means appropriately adjusting objects in a given space. Objects which have equivalent visual appeal must be placed at different points in the room to achieve a balance along a predetermined axis. Balance can be of three types. The easiest one to accomplish and the most traditional one is symmetrical balance. The second is asymmetrical, which needs a lot of creativity, but is increasingly preferred. The third type of balance is radial, where you choose an appropriate centre and place objects relative to it.

Proportion: This deals with the relative sizes of things in an area. It is critical that most objects in a space be proportional to each other. An absence of proportion will cause the room to lose its overall attraction as some objects will be too visible, while others may stay hidden in the background.

Focus: Good quality interior design needs a focus in the space. What kind of focal object you pick is up to you. It could be something like a nice artwork or a furniture item. It is crucial that this item be in line with the design of the whole room and that it impresses the observer. It must be eye-catching without appearing irrelevant in the room.

Rhythm: A well-designed room should have a component of rhythm as well. The design should appear to flow as per a pattern from one point to the next. Using several arcs, ornate walls or ceilings, decorative fixtures at regular distances, alternate shades etc can help accomplish a perceptible rhythm.

If enough attention is paid to these tenets, you can be sure that the interior designing exercise will be effective. It is always advisable to take help from an interior design expert to assist you on these aspects and all the finer details. ]]> http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/interior-design/skills-and-expertise-that-a-good-interior-designer-must-possess.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/interior-design/skills-and-expertise-that-a-good-interior-designer-must-possess.html Thu, 27 Aug 2009 03:12:54 -0500
A good interior design expert must have a creative bent of mind. A design that makes the home both cosy for its residents and attractive to outsiders can be successfully achieved by a designer who can effectively combine beauty with utility in his work.

The interior designer also needs to have impressive managerial skills like leadership and good organizational ability. Any interior designing exercise requires a great deal of multi tasking, and if the designer is not organized enough, it might lead to delays, which usually means more expenses. The designer must also see that workers don't face any risks and that adequate safety measures are in place during the work.

An able interior designer should be prepared to study blue prints and making an elaborate plan for the design. He should be able to consider what decor and lighting will suit your rooms and how they can be implemented. For instance, he should be conscious of the fact that each and every room has to be designed according to its own requirements. He also has to be conscious of the special requirements of areas like the kitchen and bathroom, where proper ventilation is a must.

Another characteristic of a good interior designer is his ability to come up with practical solutions to problems. The designer should possess a presence of mind and be fast in coming up with solutions to problems and complex situations that arise during the project and act instantly. In addition, he must have the flexibility to entertain new ideas, but must be mindful of the ultimate objective he has to achieve.

Lastly, a good interior designer must be convincing so that you feel you have assigned the job to an excellent professional. He has to give a patient hearing to your advice and attempt to fit your thoughts into the design. After all you as the resident of the house would want nothing but the best when it comes to style and functionality.

By keeping all these aspects in mind while picking an interior designer, you can ensure that your home will be in safe hands. If the final outcome is up to your expectations, you will be glad that you were able to choose the right person for this important job. ]]> http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/interior-design/how-to-design-a-first-class-bedroom.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/interior-design/how-to-design-a-first-class-bedroom.html Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:06:34 -0500
Make sure you fill the room with things that you love. If you enjoy earthy neutral shades for a warm, homey feeling, then focus your design efforts around that theme. Likewise, if you prefer whimsical pastels, verdant greens, rich jewel tones, or any other color scheme, choose something that is in keeping with the mood you want to set.

The bed is usually the focal point of the bedroom, and there are a number of ways to add to the design theme of your room. Angling your bed from the corner makes a dramatic statement, and is a great way to fill a large room. Complete the look by placing a large potted plant in the open space behind the headboard.

Canopied beds are also quite visually stunning. They provide a sense of seclusion, and create a feeling of being cocooned in privacy as you sleep or lounge in the bed. There are several styles of bed canopies, from full and partial canopies on a four poster frame, to canopies that hang from a frame suspended from the ceiling. Gauzy, light colored canopies create a fresh and whimsical look, while rich fabrics and deep colors create a sense of warmth.

Lighting is an important part of designing your bedroom as well. Even if you have a central ceiling lighting fixture, you will want to acquire table lamps for your bedroom that can provide the right ambience when you don't want the harsh overhead light. A reading lamp on your bedside table is perfect when you want a soft, muted glow. You can also use lighting to highlight framed portraits or artwork on the walls.

While your bedroom is a place to sleep, you can also create a cozy corner for reading, listening to music, or enjoying a pleasant view. If you have a lot of floor space, break it up with a comfortable sitting area featuring plush chairs and an ottoman or coffee table. You can also use a corner bookshelf to house your favorite books and music for those times when you feel like staying in and enjoying the solitude of your bedroom.

Creating a designer bedroom is really about taking certain design elements and running with a theme that speaks to you. The goal isn't to create a cutting edge theme to impress, but rather to create a space that sets a comforting tone that's uniquely you. There are many resources both online and off that can help you piece together the elements that most appeal to you. Try taking the time to browse color schemes and different styles of fabrics and furniture to determine what you find most appealing when it comes to creating a comfortable bedroom.
]]> http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/interior-design/a-great-design-choice-wrought-iron-mirrors.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/interior-design/a-great-design-choice-wrought-iron-mirrors.html Fri, 21 Aug 2009 03:12:58 -0500
Some mirrors act as a backdrop to shelves and come framed or unframed with beveled or non beveled glass. Each of these mirror types could come with a wrought iron border, and based on an artist's creativity, the iron can be quite expansive and ornate. With varying sizes of mirrors, wrought iron can give any creation a more airy and lighter feel.

With wrought iron, mirrors can be a challenge to hang because the mirror looks deceptively light even though there can be some weight added. If the design is larger, it might be better to sit the mirror on the floor for a dramatic impact. Wrought iron if used correctly can bring dramatic impact to rooms and become the focal point of any type of decor.

Volume is something else that is added when using mirrors making the mirrored space appear larger. For the best effect, mirrors should be placed at eye level in an area that will enhance a specific part of the room like facing an exterior view or reflecting a nice art piece in order to add impact to the overall area. With wrought iron, you can add things like candleholders so that then lit, the candlelight reflects around the room adding to the ambiance of the room.

If you use a beautiful mirror decorated with wrought iron in your entryway, it will not only be very decorative, but practical and functional as well. As you come and go, you can use the mirror to check and see if you're are put together well. As you run around the house taking care of your morning ritual of getting the children off to school, kissing your husband, dressing for work, taking care of the dogs, the last thing you'll see on your way out is how you appear to the world. With a strategically placed wrought iron mirror, you will be able to take a look and go. Even as you go, you will see a beautiful, decorative mirror that is both stylish and helpful. ]]> http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/interior-design/how-to-save-money-on-table-lamps.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/interior-design/how-to-save-money-on-table-lamps.html Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:59:38 -0500
First things first, you need to know how much money you can afford to spend on table lamps. This budget will help you get what you want without wasting any money that you don't have. Some consumers will buy whatever they see, even if it is too expensive. You don't have to do this because there are so many options that you should be able to easily afford.

Saving money on table lamps is pretty simple if you shop online. There are many reasons for this. The selection alone makes it easy to save money because it becomes simple to find one that you fall in love with. Additionally, internet prices on table lamps are often times lower due to less overhead. All of these savings get passed along to you.

So you want to save money on table lamps? The best thing you can do is use the internet to your advantage. The more time you spend online the more lamps you will find. In the end, you will buy something perfect at a price you can afford. ]]> http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/interior-design/buying-table-lamps-online.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/interior-design/buying-table-lamps-online.html Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:46:05 -0500 table lamp you have a couple of options. You can search at local stores until you find the right one, or you can use the internet. Which one of these two will work out best for you? The internet should be the first place you turn if buying a table lamp; there are many reasons for this.

First off, when you shop online you will have access to the largest selection of table lamps. And as you know, a larger selection makes things easier on you. With so many designs and sizes available, you want to see them all before you make a final decision. If you don't you may end up missing out on something great.

As a consumer you probably have a strong interest in saving money on everything you buy. Again, buying online allows you to benefit. Online stores have less overhead so they can sell table lamps at a lower price. In the end, this works out well for you. Not only do you have access to the largest selection of table lamps, but when you are ready to make a purchase you should be able to save quite a bit of money.

Buying table lamps online is becoming more and more common. Even though you will not be able to physically touch the lamp, the images and description will tell you exactly what you are getting. The internet has made it easier than ever before to shop for and buy table lamps. ]]> http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/interior-design/lighting-tips-and-tricks.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/interior-design/lighting-tips-and-tricks.html Sun, 16 Aug 2009 03:59:25 -0500
Layering lighting within a room creates depth and drama. There are many options when it comes to lighting types, including chandeliers, table lamps, floor lamps, under cabinet lights, recessed or track lighting, uplights, and spotlights for artwork or other design elements.

Here are some lighting tips and tricks that you can use in various rooms of your home:

Kitchen Lighting

The kitchen is a place where good, functional lighting is a necessity. Under cabinet lights are a great option to provide good visibility for food preparation; poor lighting in this area can even increase the risk of injury while cutting food. Consider installing uplights above the cabinets to provide gentle illumination for the ceiling area - this is also a good way to highlight artwork or detail pieces like contrasting ceiling and wall paint colors, or crown molding. A good overhead chandelier or ceiling light fixture will provide for the room's general lighting needs. If you have a kitchen office or computer area, include a functional desk lamp.

Lighting for Living Areas and Bedrooms

Living rooms, family rooms, and bedrooms are generally some of the most lived in areas of a home, and they serve a variety of functions. This is why it's crucial to use a number of lighting types so that the right type of lighting is available for any circumstance.

Here are some general principles to remember when it comes to lighting living areas and bedrooms:

Task lighting: Task lighting can be as simple as a desk lamp or end table lamp. This type of lighting is most often used for reading, but is also helpful for other projects that require the ability to see detail. It is recommended that each seating position in a room have its own task lighting, but this isn't always possible. Place lamps on bedside tables and end tables; you can also place sofa table behind the couch and place a lamp there as well. Floor lamps are another option, and can work well behind chairs that are angled into a corner. Finally, recessed lighting can provide additional light where other options are unavailable.

Spotlighting: Use spotlights or picture lights that are designed especially to highlight framed artwork. Family portraits, contrasting wall colors, moldings, carvings, and other details can all be accented with this kind of lighting.

General lighting: In addition to task lighting and accent lighting, each room should have a good source of general light. This is most often in the form of a ceiling fixture or chandelier. If your home does not have a central ceiling fixture, you may want to install one, or you can opt for track lighting or torchiere lamps placed strategically in the room to provide maximum general light.

The basic principle of good lighting is to have the right type of lighting available for whatever activity is going on in the room. Layered lighting not only increases the functionality of your home; it also creates a multi-faceted look that adds depth and excitement to a room.
]]> http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/interior-design/the-history-and-imagery-of-candles.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/interior-design/the-history-and-imagery-of-candles.html Sat, 15 Aug 2009 23:24:01 -0500
If the real world history of candles hasn't moved you it's likely the cinematic imagery of candles has played a significant part of your life. Who can forget the candle laden castles in the old Dracula movies? Candles served as the only light for unsuspecting victims in many a monster movie. What served as their only connection to the world usually gave them away to a grueling end. Candles helped to shape the golden era of monster movies!

They also helped to usher in the golden era of romance movies. All love movie addicts will melt of the thought of all of the scenes where their favorite Bo entranced their beauty over a candle lit romantic movie. You cried! Everyone has cried at one point or another. If you haven't then you need to set up your own romantic candle lit dinner with your significant other.

As with our busy life styles candles have evolved over the last few hundred years. They've become a work horse for many by providing refreshing smells. For example, Village candles give off an aromatic smell that can bring back memories, freshen up small areas and give an overwhelming sense of calm to anyone in the room. It's proof of the continuously adaptive behavior of candles. We no longer need candles for their warm glow so now they are serving a different utilitarian purpose for those who just can't live without them.

What's interesting is that the Village candle you use to freshen up your living area in your home can revert back to it's previous incarnation as a light source at any given time. The ability to regress is not native to many items but a cancel can become that old time source of light when the Edison's electric light bulb fails to produce for you. Not only has the cancel evolved to remain a vital part of your daily routine, it can simply revert to meet all of your previous needs!

As you can most clearly see, candles have been overlooked as utilitarian tools that are just simply there to service a purpose. The next time you light up a candle for some mindless task take a few minutes to gaze into it and think about the history that candles have seen and you'll likely develop a deeper appreciation for them. ]]>