Wednesday, August 31, 2011

I TURNED MY HOUSE INTO A TEA ROOM


A BAND of amateur cooks are turning their hobby into new businesses - and their homes into tea rooms and restaurants. ANNA TOBIN investigates...


While Lynn gets the kettle on her husband David, 57, who is also retired, helps to serve their customers.Lynn is covered by public liability insurance, her kitchen is registered with the local authority and she has a food hygiene certificate."i've always loved baking and people like the idea of coming into someone's home for afternoon tea," says Lynn, 60, who charges pounds 13 a head.EVERY month Lynn hill, turns her three-bedroom semi in Leeds into the Secret Tea room."I like the flexibility of running things from home. I don't think it would work as well in a conventional teashop. People like the idea of coming into someone's home, it's much more social because you have to chat to the others on your table. it's a new way of going out."

"I like the flexibility of running things from home. I don't think it would work as well in a conventional teashop. People like the idea of coming into someone's home, it's much more social because you have to chat to the others on your table. it's a new way of going out."




Bedroom Decorating Ideas - Turn Your Bedroom Into A Getaway!


Your bedroom should be one of the most relaxing places in your home. If your bedroom feels disordered, you may not sleep well. Experts suggest mess or reminders of work in your sleeping space will interfere with getting a good night of sleep. These things keep your mind moving, and you may be worried about what you forgot to do, or what you will have to do the next day. You have to design your sleeping space for peace and relaxation. Bedroom decorating ideas are abundant, and your biggest problems might not be finding ideas, it might be narrowing down what you want from a list of things you like.


You can also watch home improvement shows like Trading Spaces, or television networks like HGTV to get bedroom decorating ideas. The options are endless, and you may end up feeling overwhelmed. Once you have found three or four ideas you have fallen in love with, turn the television off. If you have too many choices, you will end up having a hard time narrowing it down. Don�t let your selection of bedroom decorating ideas get the best of you.There are other bedroom decorating ideas you can consider. If you don�t want to paint, you can choose to go with wallpaper. There are many from which to choose, and what you choose should be to your taste, but again, not bright or noisy. Look for something soothing, elegant, and easy on the eyes. You can find unique wallpaper designs by shopping around. You may not know what you are looking for, but don�t let that stop you. You will know what you like when you see it.Bedroom decorating ideas are everywhere. You can find inspiration in magazines, on television, in movies, and even in store displays and catalogs. What you have to do is decide what feel you want for your sleeping area. In most cases, you want a relaxing color. A bright red or yellow might not be the best idea. However, a deep maroon or a very light yellow might be all right. The idea is to make sure the color is relaxing to your eye and not energizing or bright.

If you can�t decide and don�t know what to do, you can ask with an interior designer to get bedroom decorating ideas. They will charge you a consulting fee, but it may be well worth it when you really want to do it yourself, but you have no idea where to begin. You can give them a general idea of what you want, and they can design something to fit the space you have, with the look you are looking for. They know how to mix and match colors, patterns, and ideas to make the perfect sleeping space for you.




Sunday, August 21, 2011

Can You Update Bedroom Furniture Decor While Keeping It Classic?


Are you comfortable with your bedroom furniture? Do you feel that it can last you another ten years, but see that the colors are fading or that the surroundings are less than satisfactory for the 21st century? How can you update the furniture and bedroom decor in your home so that it brings you into the modern era without doing away with all of your classic objects? Here are a few places you can start to maintain your style and still make it appear more modern.


Rather than looking for furniture that matches the original classic style that you like, shift your focus to what it is about that style that pleases you. For instance, do you like your classic couch and loveseat because of the size of the units, or is it the design on the material? Perhaps you like the material itself, or you like the intricate carving on the wood of the arms of the unit. Whatever it is that you particularly enjoy, you can most likely find that element implemented into a more modern design. You can do the same when it comes to window dressings, kitchen hardware, and restroom accessories.Don't ditch your furniture or knock out walls. Start with small changes. For example, you can update a room by simply adding a few accents, such as a throw rug to bring more color into a room full of earth tones. Pastels and earth tones are very classic colors, and adding splashes of bright reds, golds, greens, and blues can update the area without getting rid of the furniture style. To bring the room together, add matching throw pillows so that the splash of color carries over to the couch or bed (depending on the room).Look for the Design.Classic style doesn't have to mean huge and imposing furniture, and it certainly doesn't have to include expensive antiques. Go to a modern furniture store and choose a design that mimics the old Victorian bed your grandmother had but is much smaller in size. Remember, the original designers of classical furniture were often working with much larger rooms than you'll find in a home now, and trying to stuff furniture this size into a single room will make it feel cramped or even be difficult to maneuver in. Also, faux antiques can look very real without costing a great deal of money.Learn to Compromise.Stop Thinking Big.You may not find exactly what you are looking for when you go shopping for new d�cor or furniture because you have the idea in your head that you must have a specific color and style. If you find something pleasant that is a shade off, this can still be a good addition. As an alternative, you could always recover the furniture or sand and refinish any wood. If you can't seem to find furniture you can easily locate other elements to update your room without giving up your clearly classic sense of style.

You may not find exactly what you are looking for when you go shopping for new d�cor or furniture because you have the idea in your head that you must have a specific color and style. If you find something pleasant that is a shade off, this can still be a good addition. As an alternative, you could always recover the furniture or sand and refinish any wood. If you can't seem to find furniture you can easily locate other elements to update your room without giving up your clearly classic sense of style.




Author: Ben Weissman


Friday, August 19, 2011

Inexpensive Bedroom Decorating Tips


When decorating a bed room, keep in mind that the end outcome ought to create a disitnct and memorable impression. Colors, room and decorations all set a bedroom's mood, and when place together nicely, can create a definite, pleasurable appear.


Most likely than in every other space as you're more likely to appear at it in here, your bed room ceiling is essential.Painting is among the easiest bed room decorating ideas and most affordable methods to transform your haven. Once your walls are painted, wallpaper borders are a easy method to add attractive detail and integrate person appearance.Regardless of whether you like natural woods, painted furnishings, lacquer, or steel, attempt to choose bed room decorating pieces that improve the appear you're attempting to create.Your bed room should be a location where you are able to 'get absent from it all. Doing a bedroom-decorating undertaking adds to your person taste and a crucial thought. Above all issues, you want it to become at ease. Believe of your bed room as being a retreat, and let your imagination go!High quality linens not only appear fantastic, they feel fantastic too. The greater the thread count, the more durable the material.Draperies and blinds provide some privacy, shy absent from anything that is too heavy or overwhelming. Your ground and ground coverings are not just some thing you stroll on. They play a crucial function inside your bedroom-decorating appear, and feel of the space.When it comes to the arrangement of objects in a bed room, symmetry is the most significant element. The bed room is your personal room and ought to not be cluttered with too many objects making a claustrophobic impact. For a space to appear personal, unique touches should be added that reflect your unique loves and interests. This consists of your preferred colors, books, photographs, etc. Make sure colors are balanced in delicate shades reflecting your way of life and interests. The older generation seems to prefer more subdued shades than the more youthful generation, who go for vibrant, textured colors. To preserve balance, the color of a chair placed at one end of the space can be repeated on throw, pillows or carpet. Furnishings in the bed room is of utmost importance. Don't more than do it with too many pieces making your bed room appear overdressed and cluttered. The size of the bed should be in proportion towards the size of the bed room. What matters the most is co!mfort. Therefore, a bed ought to provide high quality, comfort and a feeling of elegance. Nightstands or aspect tables should be on both aspect of the bed for books, medications and phone. A dressing table comes in handy for ladies, and dressers with a lot of storage room are ideal. Sufficient closet room is essential, as are mirrors and wall decor. Mirrors assist to provide a space a larger appear and also assist to reflect light. Lighting should be mild and soothing. Valence lighting is ideal for bedrooms, and colored lights can be utilized for added effects. Delicate light gives a romantic feeling towards the space, and targeted light is good for detail work like studying without disturbing somebody sleeping in the space.This is an affordable method to light up your sense of style. Lighting can assist create a soothing mood, when it is soft and indirect.In the event you can stroll into your bed room and think, 'I adore this!' you've carried out an excellent task. Keep comfort and your personal tastes in mind, and you ought to end up with your bed room decorating undertaking that is wonderfully and restful.

In the event you can stroll into your bed room and think, 'I adore this!' you've carried out an excellent task. Keep comfort and your personal tastes in mind, and you ought to end up with your bed room decorating undertaking that is wonderfully and restful.




Author: Amy Wells


French Toile Bedding Tips For A Classic Touch


French toile bedding is enjoying a huge resurgence in popularity for bedroom decorating. What, you may be wondering, is French toile? Quite simply, French toile (twaal) is cotton fabric with all over floral or pastoral prints.


Thomasville has really jumped into the French toile bedding niche. Bouvier, another of their designs, offer classic black and cream toile but updated with modern red accents. The bed skirt adds a leaf print and sheets complete the look using a black and cream windowpane plaid print. This great ensemble uses the beauty of the traditional mixed with flare of modern elements to create a French toile bedding collection that can fit into many less traditional bedroom designs.Thomasville offers Provence, a whimsical twist on classic French toile. Using a sunny yellow background, the toile print features blue and white gazebo scenes framed in blue floral garlands. Blue and yellow awning stripes create a coordinating bed skirt and boudoir pillow. White and blue gingham check sheets add to the charm of this country-themed French toile bedding. Coordinating accessories are available to design a unique toile bedroom look you'll love.The most common colors are black, navy or blue, red, and green on white or cream backgrounds. These prints work great with French provincial or traditional bedroom furnishings. Genuine toile comes only from France and is quite airy, allowing it to drape well when used in bedding, draperies, bed canopies, or just about anywhere in the home.A.J. Moss Victorian Park toile bedding line boasts elegant yet colorful toile prints on ivory. Choose from blue, red, green, or traditional black to depict the detailed scenes of this French toile bedding print. The comforter, shams, and reversible throw pillows reverse to gingham check print in the colors of the bedding. This gingham print continues on the matching bed skirt and European shams.Cherrington is another offering from Thomasville in the French toile style. The sapphire and off-white tree of life pattern depicted on the comforter is offset by bold stripes on the bed skirt, European pillow shams, and throw pillows. Sheets are available which reflect the comforter colors, but in reverse colors, making this collection prefer for a master or guest bedroom.Country Life Toile Black by Waverly features black on off-white print in a traditional 18th Centruly toile de Jouy motif coordinated with a classic country check print. Using three different fabrics, Country Life Black, Classic Ticking Black, and Cheerful Check Black, the ensemble offers a cozy, cottage feel to any bedroom.Numerous bedding manufacturers offer French toile bedding that is sure to please. Let's look at some of the favorites more closely-

Hope you enjoyed this little guide to Toile bedding. Now why not give it a try in your very own bedroom.




Author: Patricia Bowlin


Wednesday, August 17, 2011

6 Factors That Affect A Bedroom Design Project


Dear friends,


4)Upholstery and Linen: This includes bed sheets, cushion covers, curtains, carpets, etc.. All these are dependent on something else. What does this mean?2)Interior Color Scheme: Color has a direct effect on human mind. Color can make the room smaller or bigger than it is. For example dark rooms are perceived smaller in volume than those with bright and cheerful colors.I hope this article was helpful for everyone.The only problem with wallpapers is that they can get torn because of sharp edges of furniture items. If you have children in your family then maintaining a them can be a little nuisance.Copyright 2005 Shrinivas Vaidya.3)Wallpapers: Wallpaper is a good alternative to using paints on walls. The greatest advantage of using wallpapers is that they can be applied quickly.If you are planning to design and decorate your own bedroom, then you must know that there are many factors that can affect the outcome of your creative exercise.A design which is economical yet projects a highly creative mood is very hard to achieve. However a good market research can easily make you a good and sensitive designer. Keeping in mind the various materials available in market and proposing them in designs is a good practice.It's not the room which changes, it's the effect of the color which our mind picks up.Other upholstery items are dependant on shape and size of the furniture on which they are used. That's why a clever use of color/texture/finishes can greatly enhance the furniture piece thus altering the overall grade of the space.1)Furniture: Furniture occupies maximum space in a room. The size and style of the furniture you choose will directly affect the way the space is perceived after the decoration is complete.Furniture pieces, which are abutting the walls such as dressing tables, wardrobes, cabinets, form the face of the walls which were previously blank in an empty room. Because of this the face of the furniture is a major factor is creating the mood of an space.Let's have a look at some of the possible factors.5)Lighting: A well planned electrical and lighting plan can greatly enhance the interior space. Depending upon the internal arrangement of the furniture lighting can be used to enhance certain areas of the space.Spotlights used in the form of lampshades can be used to cater a specific area such as study tables, bedsides. Apart from these two types decorative lamps used as hangings can add extra mood to the space.From the above discussion you can fairly assume that a slight change in any one of the above factors can alter the appearance your bedroom. If you are planning to refurnish your bedroom, you can use this as a dummy checklist to organize the entire process.6)Project Budget: Budget is a very important factor in any project. Professional designers are very skilled in maintaining a balance between creative designs and economical design.Using wallpapers with design patterns can quickly alter a space and give a "rich" look to a space. Wallpapers are available in washable types as well.Spotlights and filler lights can be used as and where required. Filler lights are used to achieve a uniform lighting, which is normally available during daytime from sunlight.Curtains are always in association with doors, windows or other openings in walls. So the texture/color/finish of curtains define a frame to the openings thus affecting the interior space.

Copyright 2005 Shrinivas Vaidya.




Author: Shrinivas Vaidya


Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Tween Demon �Spa Day� Birthday Idea � Your Twelve Year Old Daughter Will Love It!


Ahh, the tween years. Has it really been 12 years since the little bundle came home from the hospital? New parents think that if they can only make it through potty training and toddler separation anxiety, the rest will be a piece of cake. As a parent who has lived to tell the tale a few times over, I�m here to tell ya, �It Ain�t So.�


Let's look at some designs that might be perfect for a young lady's dream bedroom.Now of course there are exceptions to the rule, and not every 12 year old girl will go for the idea of pampering and manicures, but you should know your own kid well enough to determine if �Spa Day� is the theme to use. If not, choose a theme that goes along with the stuff hanging up on her bedroom walls. But let her think it�s her own idea, and then applaud her for her creativity and provide what she needs for a perfect Tween Demon birthday party.A beautiful touch for a bedroom with few windows but a lot of wall space is That's My Room's Castle Window Mural. It creates the feel of a stone arch window facing toward another beautiful castle in the distance. This can add an airy touch to a bedroom that has no attractive outdoor scenery to open the windows toward.No matter what bedding you choose, you'll definitely want to add something like the Princess Castle lamp by CK Designs. A pink castle with blue accents holds a pink shade on the tallest tower top. The lamp is operated by a pull chain which features a glow in the dark quarter moon to make the lamp easy to find in the dark.You could hang a billow length of satiny cloth around the mural so it looks like real drapes- and you'll have a very realistic looking window added to your child's castle!Having a clear idea of what one wants, a look at actual modern furniture store should be next in line. It doesn't mean that one should buy something then and there though. Along with what you've seen online, looking over the store's items should be the next priority. Even if there are already numerous items online, there's always something that only the stores can provide.California Kids Company offers a quilt that could become the decorating center piece of the perfect little girl's fairytale bedroom.

Remember to stay out of the way, but close enough to show you�re supporting her and still around. TD�s are very much like TT�s aka: Terrible Twos, adamantly determined to proclaim their independence, but yet will still look over their shoulder every now and then to make sure you�re there. Have fun with your Demon. They grown up too fast. To find some fun and easy home-made spa recipes girls will love to make at their party, visit Natural You Mineral Makeup.com.




Author: Sherry Frewerd


How To Design A Little Girl's Fairytale Bedroom


Every little girl dreams of having a fairytale bedroom, even the ones that can act like a real tom-boy! =)


The first is their Fairy Princess Bedding set which includes a quilt featuring a castle motif with a creative hem that reflects the shapes of the towers of the castle. Placed over a white bed skirt with white frilly or billowing drapes, this choice of 100% cotton can begin your dream bedroom design.Decorating for your little princess can be fun. If you never had the dream bedroom you always wanted, you know how much a perfect bedroom can mean. So fulfill your little girl's dreams while you can!ZZ Designs is a pretty popular bedding designer that you may have heard of- they offer several selections you may want to consider.Any bedroom with a touch of modern can look classy. The minimal setting is refreshing to look at especially with its smooth features. When a match of colors is properly paired together a mix of sophistication and elegance is bound to radiate from it. And the futuristic touch it adds radiates modernity and simplicity.The hand-made 100% cotton quilt features appliqu�s of a castle, carriage, slipper and other princess designs. This line provides lots of choices because the same design is available as a duvet cover, and both the quilt and duvet cover are available up to queen size. Matching print sheets, pillow shams and bed skirt, dust ruffle, window dressing, bed canopy for camelback or regular canopies and a whole collection of other accessories give you lots to mix and match to best fit your space.Another ZZ Designs selection you'll want to check out is called A Little Sugar and Spice. Shades of pink vary from very light to a more dark pink. The 100% cotton quilt features bows, hearts, butterflies and flowers. Each pillow sham features three beautiful hearts. This set is available up to queen size.This is a thoughtful choice for any little girl's fantasy bedroom. It's often difficult to teach children to sleep alone in the dark but the comforting presence of the shining moon can be used to comfort her that SHE is in control and can get to the light easily if she wakes up frightened or has a bad dream.Now you�re sitting there wondering �What in the world am I going to do?�, �This bitter woman has scared the heck out of me!�, �Will Susie really become a monster overnight?� Fortunately my friend the answer is �maybe.� So better grin and prepare for the worst just to be safe. On to devising a plan for your daughter�s birthday that will perhaps grant you a minute or two of �coolness� in your child�s eyes, and maybe even warrant an actual smile from her eye-rolling face and �oh my god mom� chanting mouth.Still, even if it is a simple design one wouldn't just make a random selection. That's the reason why people consult the internet first. For those who don't feel like walking to the store, looking at modern furniture online (http://www.avantmod.com/contactus.html) is a good option. It doesn't take as much effort as going out and it can give a person a better understanding of what kinds of furniture they actually want.What does all of the above nonsense have to do with your soon-to-be-possessed 12 year old daughter�s birthday party planning? Nothing much really, other than the fact that said demon child will also no longer think that anything you do or suggest or think or wear is a good idea, and will constantly roll her mean little eyes at you to make sure you�re aware of your short-comings. In other words Mom or Dad, don�t bother trying to plan a nice birthday for your kid that involves Barbies, animals, cartoon characters, Princesses or anything else made by Disney, except for perhaps Hillary Duff, but she�s another story now that she�s all grown up, and in my lowly opinion, part of the problem. But don�t quote me.Something that my now 14 year old daughter fell madly in love with at around age 12 are bath and body products. Showers went on, and still do, forever, causing many uncomfortable moments for the males in the house who weren�t wearing diapers at the time (one bathroom�) She couldn�t get enough of the stuff, and wanted to be taken to the mall to the �Bath and Body� store every weekend. My own facial and spa products began to disappear as the Tween Demon consumed everything that involved baths and masks. I�ll never forget the slumber party where a table of demons sat around with pore strips on their noses, in total awe of their extreme coolness.A little online help should do the trick if one wants to get the job done fast. With all the styles to mix and match as well as colors to experiment on, planning with the use of online material should be the best course of action to take. While doing that surveying for stores online could also be of great help.If that doesn't solve the problem, then maybe looking at other web sources can fix the problem.The fairytale concept covers alot of themes, from castles, princesses, knights and dragons, to fairies with lots of glitter and lace (of course), so the first step is to figure out what your little girl would really enjoy. That's an easy one to figure out...just ask!Are you following where I�m going with this devious plan to outsmart the Tween Demon? On your flyer you will place all of the products and ideas needed to plan a wonderful �Spa Day� Birthday party, just perfect for 12 year old girls. She�ll go nuts for it and will call her friends to get the plans started.The color scheme of the bedding includes white, pink, lavender, and purple. You can even add a canopy for her bed with 10 yards of shimmery fabric to really finish off look. Just put a nice stable hook in the ceiling at the center of her bed and then let the fabric halves hang and billow from the center down, and attach toward all the corners of the bed. There are other more detailed instructions for creating your own canopy type effects, just type it in to your browser! Pretty nifty!A visit to a modern furniture store wouldn't just spark more ideas; it will also ignite the start of negotiations for the buying process. Now that everything's planned up and thought of carefully, everything should be an easy go kind of deal. Once everything is bought and ready all that's left is to engage in the magical world of creativity and redecoration. Surely when all is said and done, relaxing in the comfort of one's modern bedroom is simply the best reward that can be given after all that hard work.Remember to stay out of the way, but close enough to show you�re supporting her and still around. TD�s are very much like TT�s aka: Terrible Twos, adamantly determined to proclaim their independence, but yet will still look over their shoulder every now and then to make sure you�re there. Have fun with your Demon. They grown up too fast. To find some fun and easy home-made spa recipes girls will love to make at their party, visit Natural You Mineral Makeup.com.

Patricia Bowlin makes it easy to create a bedroom with flair! Find countless Free tips, ideas and information here on choosing all of your bedding by visiting now http://www.best-in-bedding.com




Author: Patricia Bowlin


Modern Bedroom Furniture Can Be Found Online


In this day and time, bedroom designs aren't that problematic anymore. Because of the overflowing ideas that are continuously being produced, it only takes a little imagination to get things in gear and going. That's why when it comes to the luxury of our bedrooms; most have started to consider using modern bedroom furniture (http://www.avantmod.com/). And that of course gives it a fresh look, attuned to the modernization of the times.


How about adding some neat little finishing touches like a glittery wand, some sparkly little shoes that you could customize with glitter and lace. You could buy a few little castle figurines and place them just so for the perfect daydreams!Patricia Bowlin makes it easy to create a bedroom with flair! Find countless Free tips, ideas and information here on choosing all of your bedding by visiting now http://www.best-in-bedding.comUse your daughter's childhood years to create memories that will stay with her for a lifetime. It's really not as difficult as it sounds!All it takes is some creativity and a little bit of shopping. It doesn't even have to cost a lot to transform a ho-hum bedroom into a little girl's dream land fantasy world. This is the time to let out your own little inner kid and have some fun!

A visit to a modern furniture store wouldn't just spark more ideas; it will also ignite the start of negotiations for the buying process. Now that everything's planned up and thought of carefully, everything should be an easy go kind of deal. Once everything is bought and ready all that's left is to engage in the magical world of creativity and redecoration. Surely when all is said and done, relaxing in the comfort of one's modern bedroom is simply the best reward that can be given after all that hard work.




Author: Wyatt Fisk


Every inch counts in this under-the-old-house addition


Every inch counts in this under-the-old-house addition


6 Do Disney with a family of six... and more of your travel questions answeredPhoto: Panel of glass blocks runs length ofbathroom, giving light but protecting privacy. Sliders at top ventilate roomSimplify the clothing that remains. Does your child really wear all 25 T-shirts or does she just favor a few?Start piles (or boxes) of out-of-season and outgrown clothing. Once compiled remove the unnecessary clothing from your child�s room. Or, at the very least store it on a higher shelf. The same goes for clothing your child hasn�t grown into yet. Box it up and store elsewhere.Elevated on a set of one-story shear wallsto capture an ocean view, this tiny one-story house in Del Mar, California, presented architect Ken Kornberg and his wife, Veronica, with an unusual remodeling opportunity: its entire ground level was devoted to open-air parking.7 Find out the best late deals for the school holidays with our Travel InsidersMaking your child part of the clutter control process can lend itself to some great one-on-one-time not to mention it can also be a great learning opportunity for her.Photo: Beams across bedroom ceilingsupport main house above. Step-down defines study area with fireplace, built-in desk. Vertical glass-block strip lets light into adjacent bathTo learn more about how organizing a child�s room is the forerunner to decorating visit http://www.decorating-kids-rooms.net/organize-kid-rooms.htmlPhoto: Entry to master bedroom givesglimpse of fireplace, at left. Through opening in angled wing wall, you see glass door to deckWith a little clutter control, your frustration over your child�s messy bedroom will be a thing of the past. Just think of how great it will feel to no longer take one step forward and two steps back.Let�s begin with your child�s clothes. Sort through everything. Start with one big clothing pile or attack things drawer by drawer. Make sure your child is available to try stuff on and share their input re: favorite items.

Photo: Panel of glass blocks runs length ofbathroom, giving light but protecting privacy. Sliders at top ventilate room




How To Clutter Control Your Child's Bedroom


Kid�s clutter. What a chore. Things are put away and in no time the room is messy again.


A two-step level change sets off the study,complete with desk, bookshelf, lounge chairs, and fireplace. Sufficient for heating, the fireplace has a kindling drawer below and a niche for wood. Off one corner of the study is the bath, partially tucked under the staircase to the upper floor. Glass blocks bring in light through the exterior wall. An oversize shower is deep enough to double as a tub.You may even want to color-code shelves and bookcases. Come up with a color scheme that matches the room�s d�cor e.g. blue for books, green for games, and so on. The different colors will be a visual reminder of where things go.It�s all well and good to organize your child�s room but unless you devise a maintenance plan all your work will be for not. Create a maintenance checklist and tailor the effort to your child�s age and ability. Build regular room maintenance into her daily routine.Throughout the addition, recessed ceilingfixtures provide lighting.Kornberg filled in this lower area with amaster bedroom and bath (there's room out front for a parking pad). Even though he was in the unusual position of adding down, his ideas merit attention from remodelers adding bedrooms and baths in other directions as well.13 How to create some privacy ... and more expert advice in Tricks of the TradePhoto: Ground-level bedroom addition is threesteps below stairs and entry to original house. New master suite has dressing area, study, bath with glass-block wall9 Go time travelling on a trip through centuries of history on Dorset's Jurassic CoastWith some clutter control and a personalized organizational system your child will have a solid foundation in which to build and maintain a clean and tidy room upon.One of the most genuine excuses children give for not hanging up their clothes is that they can�t reach the rods. Once you have purged the excess clothing, you need to make sure your child can access what�s left. Lower the closet rod and install shelves at child-accessible heights. Also consider investing in child-sized hangers and open plastic baskets or bins for socks and underwear.Now put the labels everywhere on the inside and outside of drawers, on shelf edges, on the outside of the plastic bins etc.8 This week's holiday bargains, and our pick of the best days out in BritainFor some great bedroom storage ideas visit http://www.decorating-kids-rooms.net/kid-room-storage.htmlPhoto: Built-in dresser's diamond-shapeddrawers echo angle of wing wall. Dressing area is at left, house entry up steps at right

For more ideas on how organize your kids visit http://www.familysanitysavers.com/ Geared to busy moms this site offers smart organizing, decorating and sanity saving solutions for families on the go.




Author: Sherrie Le Masurier


Holidays


4&5 Greece offers fantastic value this summer... we show you where to go


10&11 Give your conservatory a lift with our bright ideas... plus Dr DIY's top tipsLabel everything. You don�t need to get fancy with professionally made labels. Simply print some out on your computer and tape on.Ash-trimmed birch built-ins reduce theneed for freestanding furniture and save floor space. To use every available inch of storage, drawers in the angled entry partition slide out parallel to the walls.At one side of the new bedroom, the 8- by10-foot dressing area has a built-in chest of drawers, a closet, and a vanity.12 Join the space race... and make a tiny bedroom a lesson in styleAfter pouring a foundation, Kornbergprovided access to the addition by opening up one wall of the entry stairwell. Three steps lead down to the new sleeping area; it combines with dressing area, study, and bath to add 520 square feet of living space, with an adjoining 40-square-foot utility room.Old fashioned �catchall� toy boxes may be the answer for your child�s stuffed toy collection but for small toys and books think shelves, shallow bins or carts with see-through wire baskets.For more ideas on how organize your kids visit http://www.familysanitysavers.com/ Geared to busy moms this site offers smart organizing, decorating and sanity saving solutions for families on the go.

14&15 The perennial question... how do you fill your garden with plants which will flower year after year?




Author: Anonymous


Things To Consider While Designing A Guest Bedroom


A bedroom is a place where we relax. Depending upon the age group normally bedrooms are categorized as master bedroom, teen bedroom, child/kid bedroom.


gRyffinDoR gotHic Thorner, Leeds pounds 135,000 One-bedroom flat in a converted church with parking and communal gardens. The flat has gothic-style features including large church windows - much like Harry's dorm room in the Gryffindor tower. Details: (www.unusualhomes.co.uk, 07825 341460).So the entire success of the guest bedroom design project lies in finding out how the guest feels when he/she lives there. Was she comfortable there. Did she find things easily. Even small things like light and fan switches, water taps in bathrooms, wardrobe shutters, door and window hinges etc.. must be kept in well maintained and proper working condition for the guest. Small thing add up and can become a reason for uncomfortable environment for the guest. That's the meaning of the statement "easy to maintain" which I mentioned above in this article.But, let me clear one thing, design and decorating are two different aspects. When I say design, I mean a whole lot bigger perspective. Design includes a lot more maturity in terms of how you perceive a space from within.3to buy sEcREt cHambER Canterbury, Kent pounds 264,950 FOUr-bed cottage with garage, garden and cellar. The secret room was used in Tudor times to hide a Catholic priest but can now be accessed from the master bedroom... so no password needed. Details: www.wardandpartners.co.uk, 01227 766669.2) Local Book stores: Interior design magazines, books, brochures from furniture manufacturers is a good source of inspiration. These books and magazines do their best to find out Works of successful designers, which can be quite inspiring.HogwaRts ExpREssED Brentwood, Essex pounds 217,500 One-bed flat in a converted Grade II listed Victorian hospital with Hogwarts- style courtyards, cloisters and a clock tower. Quidditch pitch sadly not included. Details: (www.the-galleries.net, 01277 202122).So, you want to design your bedroom. Hmm... looks like you are serious about it.If you are not aware of the decoration techniques, or where to start, I will give you a list of some place where you can observe and get inspiration.Copyright Shrinivas VaidyaBecause of its location on ground floor it is easy to give a separate access to the space without disturbing the privacy of the entire house.Good quality furniture with easy access to attached toilet block is also strongly recommended. The most important aspect according to me is cleanliness. Since a guest has a very limited time span to spend in his bedroom, it is extremely important to take care of hygiene. A room which is easy to clean and maintain is preferred.

Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya




Author: Shrinivas Vaidya


wizaRD HOMES


YOU don't have to look far to see where JK rowling got her ideas. The Harry Potter author's childhood home is a gothic stone cottage complete with under-stairs cupboard like Harry's and a trapdoor leading to a spooky cellar.


A good example to study, is to start with bedrooms in large hotel. All rooms in a hotel come under the category of "guest bedrooms" The only difference is, we "pay" to stay there, which is not the case with a bedroom in our home. The architect of the hotel takes good care of providing natural sunlight and ventilation and a good view of the surroundings. Thought now a days most hotel rooms have air conditioners to artificially control the internal environment, a provision for natural control is a must.Ideally a guest bedroom should have a good natural lighting and ventilation. A good view of the surroundings from the window is also appreciated. It is like treating the guest bedroom just like the master one.Copyright 2005 Shrinivas Vaidya

HogwaRts ExpREssED Brentwood, Essex pounds 217,500 One-bed flat in a converted Grade II listed Victorian hospital with Hogwarts- style courtyards, cloisters and a clock tower. Quidditch pitch sadly not included. Details: (www.the-galleries.net, 01277 202122).




Author: FRANCESCA COOKNEY


How To Generate Ideas For Your Bedroom Design?


Dear friends,


5) Look for hobby groups around in your city, look for seminars of those who are successful artists. Bedroom decoration includes detailing and paying attention to small things. Visit art galleries, where you can find some good paintings, other related artwork, which can enhance the beauty of your space.Of course I will cover more about design in some other article. Decoration is more close to everyday actions that can be taken in order to change or alter a space. Decoration deals with accessories used in a space. Very small things, such as curtain rods, their color, lampshades, small statues, table cloths, light fittings, are all parts of the detailing.1) Of course, the World Wide Web: this Internet is a good place to start. But the information on the internet is not always compiled and sorted out, the way you want it to be, so you might have to look deep.Lets' get started quickly. whenever I hear someone say he/she wants to design/decorate a bedroom a lot of things come to my mind.While living in the pounds 399,950 Grade II listed house with her parents and sister, she carved her name into the windowsill. The house is currently on the market with Properts, Chepstow (www.properts.co.uk, 01291 627268). For more Potter magic, check out our pick of wizard-style properties for sale..Finally I would like to say that it's your room and you are the only person who knows better about your likes and dislikes. So start out immediately because "When There Is Will, There Is A Way".It is not that design does not deal with these aspects, but decoration is more do-able easily than the whole design process.I have seen home designs where a guest bedroom is deliberately located on ground floor and used as a income source by giving the room o rent. This is common practice in crowded cities.But a home building may also have a provision for a guest bedroom in it. If the architect of the building has taken enough care while designing the building, a guest bedroom is located on the ground floor.4) Movies and TV shows: Yes, these have a very high project budgets, so spend thousands of dollars every year to decorate the sets. Just keep your eyes open and you will definitely find some good themes in these too.A bedroom, which is too small in area, will have restrictions as far as experimentations in design are considered. By experimentation I mean trying different furniture layouts or decorating ideas will be somewhat restricted.3) Exhibitions: Exhibitions held by manufacturers of interior design products, can be a good source as well.

Copyright 2005 Shrinivas Vaidya




Author: Shrinivas Vaidya


Themed Bedroom Ideas That Can Grow With Your Little Girl


As a parent, how to decorate your child's room is one of the tough decisions you have to make. She might love Dora the Explorer today, but it's not likely that she'll want cartoons on her walls forever. You could end up spending a ton of money redecorating every year or two if you don't think ahead. Here are seven theme ideas for girls' rooms that can grow with her over the years, saving you money.


The Metropolitan, London: Perfectly placed on Park Lane, guests are within walking distance of Piccadilly Circus, Bond Street, Knightsbridge and a throng of restaurants.Girls can love sciences and technology as much as boys, so why not choose a celestial outer space theme for your child? Use navy-colored paint to give the illusion of a night sky and glow-in-the-dark stars that can be removed if she no longer likes them when she's older. To give the room a girl's touch, use celestial sun, moon, and star accent pieces and pretty cloud or sunset artwork.Some people like to create wall hanging arrangements of family photos in their bedroom, but I personally dislike that idea. The bedroom is a private place, and having the feeling that family members are watching you there can be disconcerting and uncomfortable.2. Change the Walls - The most common way to change your walls of course, is to simply paint them. And it doesn't really matter if you paint them a new color, or simply put a fresh coat on - both will make major differences in how the room feels. You don't have to actually paint the walls to make them different though. You could instead put up an attractive wallpaper border, or stencil some designs on as a border instead. Borders can be placed at the very top of the walls, or around the middle area instead, to create a more old fashioned, rich and elegant look.5. Put out vases of silk flowers/floral greenery - This is extremely easy to do and you don't have to be a design wizard to create floral arrangements. Just find a pretty vase, glass or jar - if you don't have one on hand they're extremely cheap to buy. Then buy a handful of pretty silk or plastic flowers and greenery. There's no mystery to buying these either, simply choose greenery that you like, and flowers that compliment the colors in your room.4. Hang Prints on the Wall - The idea here is to put framed prints on your wall. These can be photographs, artwork, or even posters. They don't have to be expensive, and in fact you may already own photos or prints that just need new frames or mats.Most young girls love to play dress up, and teens may also be very into fashion. A Hollywood glitz and glam room can be great for themed bedrooms. Instead of a traditional dresser, chose a vanity, which your daughter will appreciate when she's in high school, and instead of a wallpaper border, string white Christmas lights around the room that can be kept up all year. Use clear beads that give the illusion of diamonds in the window treatment and for a chandelier-like lighting fixture and add a few touches of animal prints in pillows, throw rugs, etc. for a little fun.RetroTrump International Hotel & Tower, Chicago: An unrivaled riverfront location that offers immediate access to the city's famed Magnificent Mile and close proximity to the Chicago Loop.The colors don't have to match exactly either. If you find beautiful silk white flowers for instance, and your room is primarily decorated in blue, then add a sprig of small blue flowers to the white ones and they'll enhance the room perfectly.3. Change the Bed - Buy a new comforter, duvet, or bedspread. Better yet: Buy an entire new set complete with sheets and pillow shams. If you're not able to buy an entire set, then get just one or two items. The bed covering and pillow shams make the largest difference, so I'd suggest starting with those.ParisRemember, your toddle may not grow up to like the style you chose, so be prepared for your tomboy teen to hate her garden-inspired room or your cheerleader to have an issue with the beach theme you picked. The good news is that no matter what theme you use today, if you switch out the accessories, she'll love it tomorrow. Avoid huge dcor choices that are hard to change, because you want her room to grow with her tastes.6. Put in a new lamp - Bedside lamps are particularly cozy, and they're useful as well. Small bedside lamps or even nightlights can be quite inexpensive when you shop around for them. You could also put new wall sconces about your bed, dresser, or on either side of a wall mirror for additional elegance.

Remember, your toddle may not grow up to like the style you chose, so be prepared for your tomboy teen to hate her garden-inspired room or your cheerleader to have an issue with the beach theme you picked. The good news is that no matter what theme you use today, if you switch out the accessories, she'll love it tomorrow. Avoid huge dcor choices that are hard to change, because you want her room to grow with her tastes.




Author: Max Sheppard


Inspirato, the Next Generation Destination Club, Adds Punta Cana, The Bahamas, Chicago, London, and Paris to Its Growing Destination Portfolio


DENVER, July 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Inspirato, the new luxury vacation solution and next generation destination club, announces the addition of five destinations to its growing portfolio of luxury residences and suites.


Inspirato founder/CEO Brent Handler is the former president and founder of Exclusive Resorts, a destination club industry pioneer. Today, Inspirato's new business model is revolutionizing the industry by leasing its properties rather than owning. The company is able to keep membership fees low, offer up to 80% off market rates, and easily add homes and destinations as demand increases, maintaining that members will always have a vacation in a destination of choice during a time that works for them. For more information about Inspirato, visit www.inspirato.com.Creating a retro room for your daughter can be fun, but don't go too crazy with the flower power and smiley faces! Instead, stick to using colors that were popular in the 1960s and add fun touches like beaded curtains, printed rugs, and beanbag chairs. Use a lava lamp as a nightlight and stick to fabrics in funky prints, like paisley.PrincessTropical themed bedrooms are always a hit for kids, but creating an island paradise that will still be appropriate when your toddler is a teen can be challenging. Subtlety is key here. Use beach colors like aqua and blue for the walls or furniture and instead of carpeting, go for a wood floor that gives the room a more beach bungalow feel. For small children, use some tropical-inspired rugs to make the play surface safer, and use shells and hibiscus flowers to complement your design. You can also use bamboo and wicker for furniture and blinds in the room, and frame artwork featuring mermaids, dolphins, and sailboats for the walls.All little girls love to be princesses - and teens like to act like them too. Take a more mature approach to it from the start. Chose a subdued pink and pair it with browns to give the room a Victorian look. Canopy beds are regal, but they can be expensive. Instead, go for a smaller, removable net canopy, which attaches to the ceiling via a ring and only flows over the head of the bed. Use gold touches to finish the room with an elegant feel, and display princess toys that your child has until she outgrows them.Villa & Hotel Majestic, Paris: The hotel is enviably located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, literally steps away from the landmark Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysees.In addition to Inspirato's other 12 international destinations, members can now reserve vacations in the following locations:CelestialPink French poodles and polka dots look cute in a little girls' room, and it is actually fairly easy to take that style idea and make it appropriate for any age group. Start with color - a Parisian themed room should have elements of black, pink, white, and tan. Stuffed poodles can easily be replaced on shelves with more sophisticated dcor, such as an Eiffel Tower replica or French country prints. Add mirrors and sconces to the walls (out of reach of small children of course) and for the furniture, think wrought iron and wood painted white or cream and distressed.Garden

SOURCE Inspirato




6 Cheap Bedroom Decorating Ideas


When you're looking for ways to redecorate your bedroom easily and cheaply, you might feel at a loss of where to start. It's easy to do though, and here are six quick decorating ideas for your bedroom that won't break your budget:


1. Move the Furniture - Yes, something as simple as rearranging the room can make a huge difference in how it feels. This is one of the easiest ways I know of to make a room feel new... and it doesn't cost a dime.Hollywood Glitz"When selecting new destinations and product, we listen to our members' suggestions and ideas. Our growth is directly related to where our members want to travel," says founder and chief experience officer Brian Corbett.Instead of painting cartoon flowers and bumble bees all over the walls, which can be fun for a toddler but overwhelming for a teenager, try using real flowers (or silk flowers if you don't have a green thumb) on shelves that are out of reach of tiny hands. Use natural colors, like greens and browns, for painting and sheer curtains to let in as much light as possible. Keep the artwork on the walls whimsical enough for a children's room - like pictures of fairies or butterflies - yet sophisticated enough for teens; skip the cartoons and look for prints of paintings.BeachTry putting your bed in a corner instead of against a wall too, this gives the room a more homey, intimate, and elegant touch.The Abaco Club on Winding Bay, The Bahamas: Two, multi-bedroom cottages are perched on natural bluffs overlooking Winding Bay on the famed island of Abaco in the Out Islands of The Bahamas.PUNTACANA Resort & Club, Dominican Republic: The two-level home features five bedroom suites, a gourmet kitchen, and multiple expansive communal areas that frame stunning ocean and golf views.

6. Put in a new lamp - Bedside lamps are particularly cozy, and they're useful as well. Small bedside lamps or even nightlights can be quite inexpensive when you shop around for them. You could also put new wall sconces about your bed, dresser, or on either side of a wall mirror for additional elegance.




Author: Kathy Burns-Millyard


Bedroom Decorating Ideas - Turn Your Bedroom Into A Getaway!


Your bedroom should be one of the most relaxing places in your home. If your bedroom feels disordered, you may not sleep well. Experts suggest mess or reminders of work in your sleeping space will interfere with getting a good night of sleep. These things keep your mind moving, and you may be worried about what you forgot to do, or what you will have to do the next day. You have to design your sleeping space for peace and relaxation. Bedroom decorating ideas are abundant, and your biggest problems might not be finding ideas, it might be narrowing down what you want from a list of things you like.


You can also watch home improvement shows like Trading Spaces, or television networks like HGTV to get bedroom decorating ideas. The options are endless, and you may end up feeling overwhelmed. Once you have found three or four ideas you have fallen in love with, turn the television off. If you have too many choices, you will end up having a hard time narrowing it down. Don�t let your selection of bedroom decorating ideas get the best of you.Lynn is covered by public liability insurance, her kitchen is registered with the local authority and she has a food hygiene certificate."i've always loved baking and people like the idea of coming into someone's home for afternoon tea," says Lynn, 60, who charges pounds 13 a head.

If you can�t decide and don�t know what to do, you can ask with an interior designer to get bedroom decorating ideas. They will charge you a consulting fee, but it may be well worth it when you really want to do it yourself, but you have no idea where to begin. You can give them a general idea of what you want, and they can design something to fit the space you have, with the look you are looking for. They know how to mix and match colors, patterns, and ideas to make the perfect sleeping space for you.




Author: Linda E. Joy


I TURNED MY HOUSE INTO A TEA ROOM


A BAND of amateur cooks are turning their hobby into new businesses - and their homes into tea rooms and restaurants. ANNA TOBIN investigates...


"I post about six months of Secret Tea room events at a time on my website www.bakelady.wordpress.com and I find i'm booked up within days," says Lynn. "i'm on Twitter too. My success is down to networking."Another great idea is to actually make the walls part of the theme by painting a mural of a garden! Garden scene wallpapers are also available through some online retailers if you prefer not to paint a garden onto the wall. A mural is particularly fun as it seems to really transform the room into a secret garden. Add to the magic by painting the back of her bedroom door or closet door like an old wooden door to a secret garden."I like the flexibility of running things from home. I don't think it would work as well in a conventional teashop. People like the idea of coming into someone's home, it's much more social because you have to chat to the others on your table. it's a new way of going out."The essential theme pieces to a girl�s room like bedding sets, pillows, floor cushions, and throw rugs can be located easily online, and shipped to you within a couple short days while you spend your quality time repainting and decorating. The Living Textiles and Bambury bedroom collections sold through The House Queen online has a few collections that work beautifully in a garden-themed girl�s room: Bambury�s painting fairy collection, Living Textiles� Bella Butterflies, and Living Textiles� Secret Garden collection. These collections include everything from wall d�cor, book ends, bedding sets, pillows, duvets or doona covers, and quilt covers, which are all accessible through The House Queen. You can use these products as inspiration pieces for colour and theme elements.There are other bedroom decorating ideas you can consider. If you don�t want to paint, you can choose to go with wallpaper. There are many from which to choose, and what you choose should be to your taste, but again, not bright or noisy. Look for something soothing, elegant, and easy on the eyes. You can find unique wallpaper designs by shopping around. You may not know what you are looking for, but don�t let that stop you. You will know what you like when you see it.

"I like the flexibility of running things from home. I don't think it would work as well in a conventional teashop. People like the idea of coming into someone's home, it's much more social because you have to chat to the others on your table. it's a new way of going out."




Author: ANNA TOBIN


Bedroom Decorating Ideas for Girls: Enchanting Garden Bedroom D�cor


Bunnies, butterflies, blossoms; an enchanting wonderland awaits�


After the major projects are underway, look into ways you can use small details to make a big impression. A painted wall bunny peaking out from behind a girl�s bed or curtain and flying butterflies and dragonflies located all throughout the room will delight your daughter�s fancy. Small decorative butterflies found at any hobby store can be tied into the curtain rings on the top of window curtains and even glued to her bathroom shower curtain rings.If you can�t decide and don�t know what to do, you can ask with an interior designer to get bedroom decorating ideas. They will charge you a consulting fee, but it may be well worth it when you really want to do it yourself, but you have no idea where to begin. You can give them a general idea of what you want, and they can design something to fit the space you have, with the look you are looking for. They know how to mix and match colors, patterns, and ideas to make the perfect sleeping space for you.After considering what type of products and designs you and your child want to incorporate into the room (colour choices, garden objects you noticed on the garden trip, and furniture pieces), start with the biggest decorating projects like painting and moving in furniture, and then focus on the fun garden details. Remember to let your child help where she can!While Lynn gets the kettle on her husband David, 57, who is also retired, helps to serve their customers.What other things did you both see while you were out in the garden? Many home improvement stores will even have small window flower gardens that will allow your child to grow her own flowers right in her very own enchanting garden room. Find other creative ways of incorporating those colours and objects throughout the d�cor! For any questions or if you need help with ideas, The House Queen will be available to guide you, http://thehousequeen.com.au!The best place to start in the design process is by taking your child to a real flower garden! While some parks, zoos, and public botanical gardens have spectacular flower gardens, perhaps the best place to start is their own home garden! Encourage your child to describe what they see. Do they see butterflies? What colours are the flowers? Are there snails, bugs, or birds around, or could they picture a rabbit hiding in the roses? Take all of these design ideas with your child, and find out what they want their magical bedroom garden to look like!EVERY month Lynn hill, turns her three-bedroom semi in Leeds into the Secret Tea room.With a little fun and creativity, the garden can be a great inspirational place in creating a magical and serene environment for a girl�s bedroom. Letting your child participate in redecorating their bedroom is a great way to strengthen your bond with them and help foster their creativity and imagination.

What other things did you both see while you were out in the garden? Many home improvement stores will even have small window flower gardens that will allow your child to grow her own flowers right in her very own enchanting garden room. Find other creative ways of incorporating those colours and objects throughout the d�cor! For any questions or if you need help with ideas, The House Queen will be available to guide you, http://thehousequeen.com.au!




Author: Katrina Foulkes-Taylor