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Obviously, if you have a good sized kitchen with plenty of cupboard space then you are one of the lucky ones. Many of us, however, live in tiny properties with kitchens that really are too small to work comfortably in and which feature far too few storage places for your kitchen appliances. This would be less of a problem is people spent a little time completely reorganizing their kitchen so that it worked more efficiently and more effectively. Unfortunately, in this fast-paced life most of us live, there is far too little time to properly organize this household hub into the truly space saving kitchen that it should be. If you can set aside a day in which you truly think about the layout of your kitchen, how many cupboards you have and the jobs you do in your kitchen, then you are going to come up with a far better plan on where to keep each of your appliances so that, when you want to use them, they can be quickly and easily located.

The ideal space saving kitchen has sufficient counter space and storage area, set out within the ideal ‘working triangle’ of cooker, sink and work space. Cutting down on the distance you have to walk to get anything is the idea behind the most effective kitchen layouts. Obviously, for some of us, the shape of our kitchens precludes this. If you think about it, however, a large square kitchen is not always the best option: just think of the amount of wasted floor-space that you have to walk across on a regular basis. Often, smaller kitchens can work far better. The secret is organization – and not letting dirty dishes get out of hand! This brings me to the appliances necessary to make a space saving kitchen a reality.

Even in the tiniest of kitchens it is possible to fit in a dishwasher. It doesn’t have to be a full-size model: there are plenty of table-top and slimline models available nowadays. Haier, for instance, produces two different models of smaller-than-average dishwashers. The first model is a four-setting table-top model and, at just 40lbs, can be stored away when not in use. This model has a plastic interior and hooks up to the kitchen tap with a tap adapter and measures 21.25 inches x 19.5 inches x 17.37 inches. They also make a six-place model which weighs 77lb and which offer a couple of benefits not found in the smaller model. There is a choice of wash cycles with this model and a delayed start option. The base is fitted with casters to make moving it around a bit easier when not being used.

Another option for the space saving kitchen is for your dishwasher to be fitted into a drawer, with models which have the option of fitting single drawers or double drawers. Each of these Kitchen Aid dishwashers features a selection of five cycles and are certified by Energy Star. Kitchen Aid also makes an in-sink option for particularly small dish loads. This model is quite deep and can double up as an extra sink and comes with an integral cutting board and hot-pots’ resting placement. The in-sink model can run four cycles for up to five place settings. This model has to be the ultimate in space saving options and perfect for the space saving kitchen.

We all have it. That bare spot. It feels naked, almost vulnerable. It simply must be covered to make a room complete, but with what?

You?ve picked the furniture, the carpets, even the window treatments ? but what to do with that glaring, empty wall space?

Here?s my list of the Top Ten decorative accents for your walls:

1. Hand-touched Giclee Print on Canvas ? OK, it?s not an original artwork, but it looks pretty darn close and is much more affordable. With the quality of giclee reproduction coupled with the texture of canvas and the added texture provided by hand-embellished oil paint, only you and your wallet will know the difference. With gallery-wrapped options, no frame is needed, and say goodbye to the glare you get from glass-encased prints.
2. Memo or Chalkboard ? Make that accent functional as well as decorative. For busy families on the go, a message board is an indispensable way to remember those little errands. Choices include magnetic chalkboards with unique magnets, ornate wood or decorative metal framed corkboards with funky pushpins, or memo boards coupled with art prints.
3. Decorative Ironwork ? A unique wall hanging, it will not compete with colors, patterns and textures in the room like a painting might. Iron finishes can range from rustic and antique to shiny and new, depending on how you want to complement the rest of the elements in the room.
4. Uniquely framed antique glass mirror ? I love the look of smoky antiqued styles, they are mirrors without being mirrors, if you know what I mean. They add reflected light and help to visually enlarge a room.
5. Candle Sconce ? Add a little romantic light and instant ambiance without paying an electrician to rewire. Wrap cascading bead garland around the base of your candle to really dress it up.
6. Wall Planter ? You don?t need a green thumb to bring a ?natural? feel to a room. Some realistic faux trailing ivy or a bunch of artificial hydrangea flowers will do wonders, and only you will know the truth.
7. Shadow Box Displays ? Show off a few prized possessions or treasured mementos to personalize your d?cor. Use your imagination, and the possibilities are endless. And you can?t be any more unique ? your art will be one of a kind.
8. Reproduction Antique Clock ? Make a timely statement with an interesting and functional wall clock. Styles reminiscent of vintage establishments and cities around the world suggest they were plucked off the wall of a century-old caf?.
9. Coat & Hat Hooks ? Face it, coats never make it into the closet when you first get home, so cut to the chase and hang some great hooks so you can at least get them off the backs of your chairs.
10. Photograph Collection ? My personal favorite, and a guaranteed show stopper. Who can resist stopping to gaze at your best shots? For a really impactful display, unify the group with one consistent element, such as similar frames, the same color mats, the same size or all black and white images.

Each situation is different, so take note of what you already have and how big an area you have to work with while you consider the suggestions above. Although some options are obviously not suited to some rooms, try to visualize the space with one or more accents and run with your favorite choice.

Don?t just leave that empty wall hanging! Dress it stylishly and you will give your room the finished look it deserves, and yourself an elegantly decorated room you can be proud of.

Going back thousands of years ago in the ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman civilizations, patchwork fabrics have developed into more than an art today. Patchwork simply means patching or piecing together bits and pieces of cloths to come up with a large material good enough for bedspreads or curtains. Others also use it as the accent of the room by simply hanging it on the wall.

Patchwork and quilting have a converging history but are very distinct from each other. It was used for added protection and comfort under the metal armor in the earlier days. In the 14th century, records show that patchwork fabrics have been used for beddings and clothing. In the 18th century, quilting has been applied to coats and bonnets. Patchworks, on the other hand, can be said to be products of necessity. They say necessity is the mother of invention and patchwork is the product of trying times since it simply means piecing together of smaller scraps of cloth to make a larger material good enough for practical needs. You can make use of smaller scraps of fabrics as well as cut up those which are damaged or torn beyond their original use.

However, it was not until the twentieth century that patchwork and quilting become a hobby and a form of art in America. The techniques have also evolved using more modern methods and a more extensive selection of prints and colors to choose from.

The main category one chooses is the color and everything else follows, like the prints and the shape of the cut outs. Moreover, you are in for some tough time since there are so many colors and prints to choose from. Hence, coming up with the final decision will be very hard indeed. You can choose from floral, batik, Christmas or a classic theme.

But then again, if you have leftover linen or any other fabric form the last pattern you made, you can certainly make use of those odds and bits. You can then make use of your creativity and come up with a design that is so uniquely you. And you?re going to be practical too. By using leftover materials, you won?t need to buy a new kit for your patchwork fabric.

As for the pattern, let your imagination and creativity flow freely. There are so many patterns you can do, such as chessboard, diamond, triangles, and squares of different sizes, the choice is yours. Anything is possible, if you can imagine it then all you have to do is put that abstract idea into something more tangible. Make something that you would like to see and a project you would like to start and, more importantly, complete.

Patchwork and quilting are activities you can do on your own, or if would like to spend time with others with the same interests. There are even clubs and groups solely for people who love quilting. With the power of the internet, individuals who love making patchwork fabrics can get together and enjoy making a quilt as a group or doing each separately.

Patchworking and quilting have gone a long way from what it was centuries ago. It has become one of the most popular past times because it brings together practicality and creativity, one combination which works for a lot of people.

It has been an exciting time for growth and development in patchwork which has now captivated the interest and imaginations of many. They range from hobbyist who loves creativity for its own sake to the artists who make use of all the artistic potentials of patchwork and quilting in creating masterpiece of art.

Tackling a home remodeling job without professional help is not always a good idea, especially if you have limited knowledge in the field. Many people have an issue of pride that they cannot overcome, and this leads them to bite off more than they can chew. In particular, when you want to perform an addition such as closet shelving to your existing closet, you will likely want to hire someone to do it for you. Money paid to a contractor may seem wasteful, but it can save you from a potential nightmare. It really is common sense. If you don’t have the necessary skills, hire someone that does. Wasting time and money on poorly designed, constructed and installed closet shelving is just not worth the hassle. Paying a professional to do all the above will make sure your money is being well spent. When done correctly, home renovations can add value to your house and can make it more marketable to potential buyers (if you ever decide to sell). On the other hand, a faulty job will essentially do the exact opposite. Here are some other reasons why you should not try building your own closet shelving. Why hiring a professional to build closet shelving is a good idea A professional will be able to recommend various options to best meet your needsCloset shelving installation entails more than you might thinkYou will have the peace of mind that your shelves have been constructed and installed the right wayClosets are major selling features, so why not hire an expert? One of the best advantages to having a professional contractor install your closet shelving is that they will be able to offer you a wealth of design ideas. These people work on closets every day as a part of their job, and as such have seen it all. Chances are the ideas floating around in your head are probably from a DIY show or magazine. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, there might be better options out there that can accommodate your budget and personal needs. Building closet shelving means more than just cutting some boards and hanging them up. In addition to the shelves themselves, your closet will likely need electrical and lighting installed. Depending on the design style you are looking for, you may be in for a considerable amount of work. A contractor will have the skills needed to complete the job. In addition, paying an expert will give you added assurance that your shelves are not going to topple over or buckle under pressure. Proper material and support is vital when building custom closet shelving; an improper build can present many safety hazards. Lastly, given that closets rank high on most buyers’ must-have lists, it makes sense to pay someone to do it right. Why risk such an important investment for the sake of a few dollars?

Concrete is nothing new in home design. It’s been serving as driveways, patios and pool surrounds for decades. But today concrete countertops are debuting on the inside of many homes with creative, elegant and whimsical new designs not possible with any other surface.

Concrete countertops are gracing the pages of magazines and starring in home improvement shows following and fueling a rise in popularity of this versatile surface. Cement has one unique advantage over other kitchen countertop materials in that it can be custom molded into virtually any shape, size or design you want.

It can be stained in a rainbow of colors. It can also be dyed, tinted, stamped and have unique designs acid-etched into its surface. Also, you can embed fun objects, momentos or even lights to make a personalized piece of functional art! Imagination seems to be the only limitation. Some even looks like wood. By sawing lines in the concrete, you can make it look like tile. And you can incorporate a sink of any size with a custom drain board or any other design feature you care to create.

Just like tile and all other countertop surfaces, concrete countertops do need some maintenance. Although a durable countertop, concrete needs to be sealed initially and waxed periodically to resist staining and moisture. It can be washed, polished and buffed to maintain its shine and it cleans up easily with soap and water or mild cleaners.

Cutting is not recommended or it will scratch, but you should use a cutting board with any surface. Concrete is heat resistant and stains aren’t much a problem if you seal and wax as recommended by your installer.

Designers consider cement countertops to be kind of a specialty item with a very contemporary look… that is one of the drawbacks with many homeowners. True, it is very distinctive, yet it can be made to blend well with a variety of designs and decoration themes.

Another possible criticism is that colors cannot be exactly matched to say… a paint color. You can get close, but the finished color may be slightly different. Also, concrete countertop colors will get lighter a few weeks after installation and tend to yellow over time.

Concrete counter tops need to be installed by someone who knows what they are doing. In fact, the majority of the cost of concrete countertops comes from the skill and labor required to install. Expect to pay about as much as granite and possibly more depending on how complex your design is. (see )

Other countertops may be better all-around surfaces, but concrete counter tops are still durable and no other surface can offer the creative freedom available with concrete. So, if you really want to do something different with your design, explore the unique qualities of concrete.

People that enjoy viewing wallpaper and also carpets and who feel that they have a special knack for dealing with designs and colors are the ones that need to begin studying interior design. In fact, they can go a step further and take interior design correspondence courses that will help them design homes and make a decent living out of doing so.

A Complete Package
The ideal interior design correspondence course should be one that is a complete package that provides everything from start-up to tips and exercises that will help ensure that you become a complete interior designer. What’s more, it would pay to find a interior design correspondence course that has been designed by expert interior designers who have years of experience in designing and who can cover the designs of every different kind of interiors and homes.

Another aspect to picking the right interior design correspondence course is that it should help you learn your subject faster than traditional courses and this can in fact be achieved by finding a course that does in fact cut out the waffle and instead provides students with precise as well as helpful facts, tips and information related to proper interior designing.
At the end of your interior design correspondence course you should be able to transform any interior or home into a place that sports a distinctive designer look and feel. You should have learned how to take care of the minutest details including selecting appropriate fabrics and learning how to completely transform a room so that the results will never cease to amaze your clients.

An ideal interior design correspondence course is certainly one that is being offered by the Institute of Interior Design and even though this is a British based school the contents are equally applicable in Britain as they are in the rest of the world.

Some of the topics covered in their interior design correspondence course include learning to add more space, dressing the windows, creating outstanding displays, putting everything in place and even doing up a home office. In fact, there is a whole lot more that will keep you occupied and at the end of it all you can rightly claim to having studied one of the best interior design correspondence courses.

For a top class education in interior design why not checks out Limperts Academy of Design that provides excellent interior design home study courses. Their courses are ideal for anyone that plans on studying from home and who need to obtain a qualification that will help them embark with confidence in a career as an accomplished interior designer.

Perfect home decor accessories in appealing color combinations best gels up with the surroundings. It further adds to the grandeur of the entire interior d?cor and replenishes the home with an elegant appeal.

Right from selecting table linen, bed linen to curtains, draperies, etc., one should take note of the color scheme and theme of the room. This helps in creating matchless look to the overall home d?cor. Available in multitude of designs and sizes, table linen in attractive finishes complements the table setting. The wide gamut of printed table linen renders a pleasant appeal to the cutleries and includes table cloths, table runners, placemats and napkins. These are manufactured using latest technologies and innovative methods and are suitable for casual occasions as well as everyday use. Available in different shapes these are stringently tested on the parameters of durability, quality, shrink resistance and color fastness. Such light weighted table linen is available in floral, textured and other enticing patterns and prints are designed in sync with the latest market trends. Besides, the wide gamut of designer bed linen offers comfortable and luxurious bedding. It includes patchwork quilts, decorative pillows and throws, pillow shams, duvet covers, etc. the enticing patterns in the array reflects vibrant designs and patches that are purled into brilliant patchwork. Embellished with heavy designs, these are offered in different weights, sizes and shapes.

Besides, use of recyclable products assures our way to a greener future. Environment friendly bags not only save on fuel consumption during production of plastic bags but also reduce pollution. Recycled shopping bags have eventually decreased the demand for plastic bags. These bags are available with wooden, tall and chunky handles and are the best options for shopping purpose. Resistant to regular wear and tear, these bags bear cool and casual designs and make great shopping bags.

The most cozy and comfortable corner of a person?s house is his bedroom or sitting room. Perhaps, these rooms are often the silent spectator to many a man?s greatest creation or passionate feelings. Even today the rooms of historic personalities are preserved by many governments as the cradle of their path breaking ideas.

The decor and design of a room reflects the personality of a person. His taste and style gets vividly reflected in the space that he stays.

Even though the market is flooded with room ideas for decorating, every room in the house has a different purpose and decoration is mainly done keeping that purpose in mind. Often nowadays many people resort to decorating ideas that are space saving since most smaller homes nowadays suffer from space constraints.
Bright colors generally accentuates the size and look of a room whereas dull submissive colors give a very romantic and cozy feeling to a room. Subdued colors should ideally be used in bed rooms to give it a romantic feel.
Room ides for decorating a bedroom involves painting the walls in pastel shades like beige, cream, pink etc, and adding a wonderful trunk or an ethnic coffee table help to give an ethnic feel to the room. Intimate pictures of the couples can adorn the wall in beautiful frames. Vases that can be placed on the floor are ideal for decorating a bedroom. Candles and candle stands also adds a different type of romantic feel to the entire room. Curtain and drapes again should be in lighter tones preferably white or in any other color matching the wall color

Living room ? a living room is a place where we welcome guests into our house, since this is the first room that an outsider sees, care should be taken to ensure that the living room is beautifully furnished. Some basic room ides for decorating a living room is to use neutral shades wall paper, and team it up with hard wood floor. Windows of the living room should be large to allow sufficient light to enter. The furniture should be centered on an arch or fireplace. Using lots of decorative color pillow in sofas adds life to the room. A fish pond, a fountain or a tall tree can be used as accessories to give the room a more elegant look

Bathroom ? the bathroom is perhaps the most private room in the entire house hold, and the task of decorating can be really tedious if not done with care .The most important thing is the shower curtain. The shower curtain should be beautiful, as well as convenient to use and replace. Ideally there should be a co-ordination between the color of the shower curtain and the walls. People who want to make their bathroom look larger can go in for brighter colors.
In closing, every room offers immense opportunity and should be modeled in such a way that it can exude its own charm and aura!

We have always tried to make sense of the world around us and it is this drive to understand and document our environment has given rise to one of arts’ least appreciated gems – antique maps and cartography.

Although today we are used to maps as dry, functional things that we occasionally reach for when lost, it was only a few centuries ago that they commanded the attention and wonder normally reserved for great works of art.

History of Cartography
The earliest maps date back to ancient Greece and the works of the Greek astronomer Ptolemy from the 2nd century are still referred to now as superb examples of the rise of early cartography.

Map making in Europe declined during the Medieval era as leading philosophers concentrated more on religion and spiritual matters than the practicalities of geography. However with the rise of European navies in the 16th and 17th centuries all this changed with cartography attracting not only the best geographers and astronomers, but also attracting the attention of many skilled draftsmen and artists.

During this time cartography took on new importance with many commercially produced maps being considered valuable works of art as well as useful tools for maritime travellers.

Art and Science Combined
The leading lights of this era produced some of the most memorable and distinct maps of any time, before or since. Since maps had to be sold many of the decorative embellishments were designed to attract buyers and make each map maker distinct from rivals.

As well as accurate map detail many maps from this time used decorative elements, such as sea monsters, mythical creatures and cartouches to help elevate the works from useful tools to works of art. It is this embellishment that makes them so attractive to art lovers today, as we are used to maps as dry objects.

World Map Tapestries
Given the recent rise in interest in textiles in the home it is no surprise some of cartographies best examples are now reproduced as wall tapestries. The distinct weave of high quality tapestries expertly captures the detail, drama and artistry of antique maps dating from the 16th and 17th centuries ? adding a striking dimension to art that already impresses.

One of the most famous examples is Typus orbis terrarum by Abraham Ortelius (1527 – 1598). It covers the known world at the time, and is a testament not only to the craftsmanship of cartographers but it demonstrates an impressive level of knowledge for its day. As a wall tapestry Typus orbis terrarum cleverly combines the expansive detail of the original map with the depth found in textile design making for a striking work of art.

One of the most famous maps ever produced was Jan Baptist Vrient?s Obis Terrae Compendiosa, meaning ?A Brief Representation of the World?. It contains an astonishing amount of detail matched only by the breadth of its knowledge. Like earlier maps that it was based on it is decorated with numerous details including symbolic figures at each corner, exotic animals and fauna from the far-off shores it represents and landscape vignettes. As with all quality tapestries it?s subtlety and vibrancy transfer well to textiles, adding an almost antique quality to and already distinctive work of art.

Rediscovered Majesty
Nowadays many people are looking to antique maps wall tapestries to add some charm and history to their home decor. With a vast array of options to choose from, including some of history?s finest examples of cartography art, there’s never been a better time to appreciate these unique works of art.

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Every season or climate has its own special elements that make it unique. Keep in mind as you decorate with plants and other foliage how the changes in weather and temperature will affect them. Wintry flowers (poinsettias, many white flowers, and a few other species), coniferous plants and elements, and bare tree branches can all be used to create a beautiful winter display. Much of winter decor revolves around Christmas, therefore Christmas tree pines, wreaths, and any other type of Christmas decor is perfectly acceptable. You can use many of these items, with small changes or embellishments, throughout the winter season.

Decorating with Silk Topiaries

One of the biggest designing tips when working with topiaries is to give them enough space to look good. Also, it is helpful to experiment with some of the many designs and sizes of topiaries that exist. One design that usually complements office areas involves taller, rounded plants. We also recommend that you choose a silk topiary. This way you will not have to worry about water, bugs, or plan food. Another place where the benefits of silk plants will be helpful is your church. Whether you are looking for a large tree to adorn a great empty space or a tiny plant to place on a table or desk, you will be able to find the size you are looking for with silk topiaries. Be creative in your choice of topiaries and what you use to decorate with them!

Silk Wedding Bouquet Arrangements

Regardless of who you are in relation to the bride, you may be overwhelmed by the task of assembling her wedding bouquet. However, using silk flowers can make your job much easier. You may be surprised at how lifelike silk flowers look, especially in a bridal bouquet. The most frequently used flower in a wedding bouquet, real or silk, is the rose. Great bouquet ideas don’t have to be elaborate?many exquisite bouquets are simply multicolored roses formed into a ball shape, tied with string, and enhanced with simple leaves. If you are looking for something less traditional, you can change the species of flowers, use a few topiary elements, or change the overall design of the bouquet. Make sure the bride loves your design! Yet another benefit to silk bouquets is they can be designed and assembled early, which allows you to get the bride?s approval.

How To Decorate Your Home?Even with Small Children Around

Even if you have little kids, you still probably want to enjoy a beautified home. This at times can seem to be counter productive as children, especially very young kids, have a way of distracting from the natural flow of completing d?cor projects. When decorating in a home with small children, one of the best things you can do is give them the project of their own. They will enjoy not only the time they spend with you, but the final product that you create together. There are thousands and thousands of ideas with home decor that work with small children. Using hanging baskets, tall trees, and other large items that cannot be pulled down or messed up is always a good idea.