However, so much has been imported into the country since the 1950′s that some of it can look very tired indeed, but the wood is so versatile that there is still a lot you can do with it. There are two main ways to adapt your pine furniture. Staining can breathe new life into existing furniture and a white wash gives rustic glamour to existing furniture. Rag rolling is another technique for making your pine furniture a bit more interesting. New or old, a little DIY gives your furniture a personal touch that makes the difference between a smart new item and a unique centrepiece for your living-room or kitchen. Here’s a quick guide to how to get these styles yourself:

When rag-rolling either paint outside if it’s a nice day, or put down newspaper. You will need to dilute the base colour with one third white paint to two thirds of your colour. The rag rolled paint can be used neat. First cover the furniture with an even coat of the base paint with a brush or roller, and allow to dry. This might take a day. The next stage is to dip a cloth and squeeze off the excess paint. The rag is held scrunched in the hand and dabbed over the surface of your wardrobe or dresser. It should be regularly repositioned to allow variations in pattern. Once the surface is entirely covered the job is done.

White-washing is easier than lime-washing and gives a similar effect. Carefully diluted off-white paint is painted evenly over the surface of the object. Once it is done allow to dry and apply a clear water based varnish to protect the coating. Washes can be applied in different colors for different effects, but white-washing gives a classic rustic look. It’s a good idea to test the consistency of the paint on a piece of scrap wood to check you’re getting the effect you want.

Wood stains come in all colors and are a great way to highlight grain and give an older looking appearance. White stains give a similar effect to white-washing but allow more contrast through the wood. Dark stains give an antique effect that can compliment a classic home. Stains should be painted with the grain with a quality brush. Experiment on scrap wood before adapting your furniture, and you can change your furniture.

Omar works for UK pine furniture specialists Sheppards Furniture. He is a trainee craftsman and hopes to design and make his own furniture in the future.

Bathroom Decor Custom Vanity Mirror

Simple Choices

I was remodeling a small bathroom on a tight budget and wanted a minimalist style that would serve me well through the years. Classic and elegant meant I had no money for the more frivolous choices I would have picked had money been no object.

My medicine cabinet measured just 18 inches by 18 inches and custom-installed to suit my petite height. This meant that taller people would have to bend or crouch to see their face since the mirror was approximately at the height of their neck. Those even more height-disadvantaged than I was had to tiptoe. It would’ve have been fine if I lived by my lonesome self but family and guests drop by and find the bathroom uncomfortable for touch-ups.

Since I wasn’t too handy with the tools and didn’t want to pay a fancy price for major renovation, I had no option but to select from the stores, Internet or catalogue.

I must admit I’m partial to going to the store and speaking to the handymen who are just so willing to assist novices like me. I made my requirement clear – stick to my budget of $200. My heart was set on a knock-down version of a Queen Anne mirror finished in antique gold but changed my mind because it would look too eclectic against the glass block backdrop.

It got even more confusing as I was led through an aisle full of pretty vanities with matching mirrored cabinets.

Pinning Down Your Choice

I came home from my first three trips empty-handed. There was a huge mismatch between what I had been prepared to pay for and what I would have gotten. I also became wary of choosing from online photos fearing that it might not be a WYSIWYG (what-you-see-is-what-you-get) thing.

Back to the drawing boards for me and it hit me that I was scrimping on what I might outgrow pretty soon. Having a mirror without storage space defeats the purpose so I decided to go for a more radical approach.

Realizing that the bathroom was really small and a bit claustrophobic, I decided for a long span bathroom mirror which would be installed just above the toilet and extend the whole length of the wall. Fortunately, the toilet was already streamlined fitting in perfectly well.

More Changes

Having changed the mirror I had to make another quick decision to change the vanity to a single sink counter top with space on the right for cosmetics, blow drier and other grooming stuff. We also installed a cabinet to hide the plumbing and to provide extra storage space.

The results were very pleasing indeed. I spent more than the initial $200 I wanted to spare but the elegance and added functionality are well worth the effort and the extra dollars.

If you’ve just made the switch to working from home, then investing in your home office is
something you should be planning carefully. This doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune on all
the latest mod cons, but you will need to think about buying some equipment and office furniture to
ensure that your home office is a professional working space.

Choose the Right Room

The first thing you’ll need to do is decide where you are going to have your office. OK, so not many
people have the luxury of choice, but it’s worth considering a few options and making some changes
if necessary. The ideal home office should be situated in a room away from distraction, but with
enough space for you to keep your files, equipment and work and without feeling squashed. Popular
rooms include basements, spare bedrooms and converted garages. The trick is finding a room where
you can separate yourself from the home environment.

Determine Furniture Needs

You will definitely need some form of budget to go out and get some furniture for your new
office. You will need to consider things such as a desk, filing cabinets, shelving and storage. Try to
write down a list of everything you will need, and then go and look at what’s available. Different
businesses will need different furniture, so it’s important that you consider the needs of your
individual business. Do you need lots of storage? Will you need to keep lots of information on file?

Plan for Office Equipment

When shopping for office equipment it’s really easy to get carried away and buy loads of fancy
gadgets that you don’t actually need. If you’re a new business then you will have to try and limit
yourself to equipment that is necessary, rather than getting luxury items. To help you plan things,
try writing down a wish list with a column for things you 100% need, items that would make your life
easier, and then items that you’d love to have. Start with the equipment you need and then see if
there’s any room left in the budget for some of the more luxury items.

Staying Within Budget

Of course, every situation is different and some people may well be lucky enough to start their home
business with a healthy budget. If that’s not the case, then you should be looking at ways to save as
much money as possible. Fortunately, second hand office furniture can be picked up for very little
money as businesses tend to want to just get rid of it as quickly as possible. Keep your eye on the
local paper to see if there are any businesses near you replacing their office furniture. It’s also worth
scouring the internet for bargains on auction sites and free ads websites. With a bit if homework you
should be able to kit out your office with even the smallest of budgets.

About the Author: Deborah Smith works for British Antique Replicas, selling a range of high end
reproduction furniture including office desks, dining tables and more.

Mid-Century Modern designs are particular favorites, with their “space-age” nod to tomorrow that often translates into pure unadulterated kitsch. Whether organically shaped with easy curves or somewhat austere in line and form, as long as there is

Photo by paperfacets

some warmth to the design, be it created by color or material, I’m hooked. Mid-Century designs also pair surprisingly well with other furniture choices, from Victorian to Scandinavian.

Lamps designed with organic styles are also intriguing; almost as if the lamp washed up from the shore fully formed. Granted the shell-shellacked table lamp most likely wouldn’t find a place of honor in my own home but I can easily see it becoming a showpiece next to a friend’s retro Tiki bar. From floor lamps made of paper to beautiful distressed glass globes, they’re all wonderful. And ones that take on the shape of trees and branches are also a beautiful blend between functionality and whimsy.

Simple lamps that are little more than glass and wire also intrigue when paired with cobalt blue or a surprising use of silk or sisal. Yes, on one hand these styles say lamps are pedestrian tools, but when care is taken to make the viewer feel something then lamps become something more. They illuminate, entertain, express your style, set the mood, and can be far more than their basic function simply by being beautiful, quirky or fun.

When shopping for a new lamp don’t just consider the way it’s shaped, its size, and on; also consider the shadows it will cast, the colors that it will infuse your room with, the vibe. Lamps can tie a room together or stand out like an ugly, wounded thing. And maybe you aren’t the kind of person to give it much thought, but when you take into account how comparatively recently we’ve been able to enjoy the wonders of indoor lighting it’s a good reminder of how far we’ve come, and how quickly.

So if lamps are still just mundane objects to you consider having another look. Because if that guest bedroom is still not coming together, you may want to look at the lighting and see if that’s the simple change you need. Or maybe you just love the lamp and you’re sure that the lamp loves you, and you’ll find the perfect spot for it some day; go on and get it.

What? Did you really think I’d try to talk you out of it?

Author Emma Bell writes for Coupon Croc. With these great deals on lamps you can feel ok about your obsession.

Leather is generally a more expensive sofa material than other common place fabrics like cotton linen or velvet. As such you need to be sure you won’t damage the leather on your sofa or risk breaking down the protective layer on the outside of the leather.

Imagine the covering of your leather sofa to be extremely sensitive skin, you wouldn’t dream of using abrasive soaps and creams if you know you have sensitive skin so don’t think of doing the same with your leather sofa! Make sure all the cleaning products you use are as natural as possible and don’t contain harsh and harmful chemicals.

On occasions you will need to use a harsher cleaning product for particularly stubborn stains and spills but just make sure you test this cleaning product on an inconspicuous part of the sofa first like the back, which might not be on display. This will allow you to check if the product is going to lead to any discolouring of the leather or remove the protective layer on the fabric.

Over the years many different stain disasters have been remedied using household discoveries below are some of the following popular cleaning solutions for a spill on a leather sofa:

Baby Wipes

Using baby wipes is extremely popular amongst proud homeowners but over time the chemical contained in baby wipes can damage lining so make sure to use this solutions sparingly for stubborn stains or less regular thorough cleans.

Soap Flakes

This product is less common on the high street these days but can still be found in some household stores. When using soap flakes make sure you are choosing the least abrasive option available. Soap flakes are recommended above baby wipes by furniture retailers as they are less likely to remove the leathers protection lining.

Damp Cloth

This cleaning solution sounds obvious but often the simplest solution is the most elegant. A damp cloth can be used to get rid of lighter stains and the water helps to disperse any dirt which has build up over time.

Baby Oil

Baby oil is a good product to use for regular cleaning as it cleans, preserves and softens the leather. Also it will stop it from cracking and make your sofa smell nice.

Saddle Soap

Saddle soap is used for maintaining horse saddles and can be picked up from most shoes shops and cobblers. Rubbing over your sofa using saddle soap will keep the leather supple. This product can help to extend the life of your leather sofa.

Olive Oil

This solution is only for use of dark coloured leather sofas, olive oil applied to a cloth will help to give the leather sofa a good shine and keep the leather supple.

Steam Cleaner

A steam cleaner is something you have less likely to have lying around in your house but they will work well to clean leather as the steam will add volume to the leather and help to lift out creases and stains in the material.

When cleaning your leather sofa make sure that you consider the delicate nature of the materials and the colour of your particular sofa. As previously mentioned it is always a good idea to test out any new cleaning routine on a less obvious part of your sofa to avoid unwanted damage or discolouration.

Jonathan is a freelance writer who enjoy blogging from the comfort of his sofa

First let’s look at the tools you will need to complete the process. While these may vary from sofa to sofa, a general list of supplies will include:

Photo by paintchipdiaries

• Staple or tack gun
• Chalk, fabric markers or colored pencils
• Sewing machine
• Fabric
• Replacement padding
• Needle-nosed pliers
• Scissors
• Measuring tape

After measuring your couch to determine your fabric needs, find a suitable replacement fabric for your reupholstering project. Keep in mind the wear and tear this fabric will be subjected to and any special needs you may require the fabric to have. Measure each part of the sofa and use these numbers to figure out a rough (generous) estimate of the amount fabric needed.

The first, and often most time consuming, step of the process is removing the old fabric from the sofa. Using a pair of needle-nosed pliers, remove the staples or tacks holding the existing fabric to the frame of the sofa. This will make it easier to remove the cloth without further damage, which will be important in the next step. You might want to mark the location of the pieces you remove with a fabric marker or take step-by-step pictures as you remove the fabric. This will provide an easy guide for re-applying the fabric later.

With the sofa stripped down, check the padding, supports and frame for damage. Tighten any loose springs and replace padding as needed. This will increase the comfort of your sofa and provide a cleaner final appearance.

Photo by paintchipdiaries

Take your old fabric pieces and lay them on your new fabric. Trace and outline of each part onto the new fabric. Allow an extra inch or so around the edge of the traced pattern when cutting to help compensate for securing the pieces. If your old fabric is damaged, consider tracing onto art tissue or newspaper before transferring to the new fabric. This will make it easier to compensate for any changes in the original fabric shape.

Attach your new fabric pieces to the frame of the couch. Start by securing the corners. While pulling the fabric over the couch, pull the fabric just tight enough to eliminate wrinkles. However, over-tightening the fabric increases the chance of rips and tears. Working from the corners of the piece towards the middle, secure the fabric using staples every inch or two. Repeat this process for each part of the sofa.

All that is left is to sew the cushion slipcovers. Simply remove the covers and split the seams. Trace these pieces onto your new fabric and sew the new covers. If you do not wish to re-use the old zippers, using buttons, snaps or loop-and-eye fasteners can offer the same benefits with easier sewing.

This is a guest article by Jurgen Heidenreich. He runs a German website about sofas, which features useful information on many types of sofas, including big xxl sofas and sectional sofas (called wohnlandschaften in German).

A Tidy Living Room

A lot of us find that it is almost impossible to keep our living rooms tidy especially with young children around.  Everywhere you look, there seems to be small toys or books.  There is no point in moving these items to the child’s bedroom because they will want something to play with when they are in the living room so having a storage footstool means that you can easily put them away when your child goes to bed at night and they can be taken out again easily the next day.

Add Some Style

Not only are storage footstools very handy, they are also very stylish and will enhance your living room.  Some storage stools these days will fit neatly into a curved sofa with recliners on either end so that everyone on the sofa can have their feet up when watching TV.  Many people will also use the footstool as an extra seat when they have a number of guests in the house.

Those who don’t have small children and small toys to contend with may also find that storage footstools come in very handy for remote controls, newspapers and magazines for example.  They are very practical and are a great way for tidying up the living room in a hurry when unexpected guests arrive.

So Much to Choose From

If you are looking for a storage footstool for your home then you will have a number of places to choose from.  They are extremely popular at the moment so most furniture stores will have a range to choose from.  They can also be found online and come in a range of styles, colours and sizes.  You should have no problem finding a storage footstool to suit your budget and you can choose from a number of fabrics too.  Leather and suede are very popular at the moment as they are quite easy to keep clean.

Get the Best Deals

If you are shopping online for a storage footstool, then it would be wise to have a good look around at all of your options.  There is so much to choose from online that you can afford to take your time to ensure you choose something that will look great with the existing decor of your home.  Compare the prices as you will find that they will vary quite a bit from one retailer to the next.  You will get a much better deal if you are patient and look around.

Musa is a freelance writer and internet marketer, and enjoys writing about many diverse and wonderful topics. His current project involves writing about footstools.

Aside from the decorative benefits of indoor fountains, it can also help you relieve of stress. There is nothing like a serene falling of water to calm your nerves. With the added aromatherapy, the soothing aroma will keep you stress free and release whatever negativities you have in your system.

The flowing water of the indoor fountain breaks the bonds that hold the molecules of H2O together, thus, producing negative ions. These negative ions mix in the air we breathe and bond with the positive ions such as dust and allergens. It neutralizes them which only mean that it makes the air we breathe at home cleaner. Plus, when we live in an environment with more negative ion, serotonin increases in our bloodstream assuaging depression, relieving us from stress, boost our energy level during daytime, and improves mood.

When used with aromatic oil, it will produce a fragrance that can reduce our stress. Some aromatic oils help build up the production of serotonin in our brain creating the same effect with the negative ions. Other oil extract can give us mental clarity, alleviates headache, and improves concentration.

Another great effect indoor fountains can give is masking white noises. White noises are those sounds that was saturated and not because of too much loudness. With the cascades of the tranquil waters of the fountain, it deadens the white noise such as traffic and encourages a more halcyon environment and demotes stress.

When all this calming effects of an indoor fountain come together, there will be an improvement in your home. You would be likely to have a more improved study habits or even have that calm concentration on things you are working on. It can be very helpful especially when you are cramming because of deadlines. The soothing aroma from the oil extract plus the tranquil bubbling of the water in the fountain will surely encourage a peaceful sleep.

If you are now thinking to have one and thinking about the expense, there are indoor fountains that cost less yet bestow bliss of serenity with in your home. You must consider that having this sooth giver has more advantages and promotes not only a stress free surrounding but also a clean and healthy home.

Amy C is an interior decoration enthusiast who writes about home improvement, interior decoration and lifestyle. She is an indoor fountain and glass art designer. She is also devoted to finding unique and innovative ways to create beautiful fountains and vases. Amy invites you to browse her collection to decorate your home.

There are many factors to take into consideration when purchasing furniture for your main room. The first thing to consider is size. Making sure your sofa is sized for the room. You must be sure to suit your new sofa to the rest of your contemporary furniture. Then you must take into consideration materials. What the furniture is made of will make all the difference in the world. Here are the different materials a sofa can be made of and the advantages and disadvantages of each;

1. Leather

This material has long been used for higher end furniture. Leather is great with children as spills can be wiped up easily. There are many variation on quality with leathers. The higher end, often referred to as Italian Leather, is soft and luxurious. There are also lower end leathers that are more stiff. While often leather is preferred there are some downsides. Leather can easily get holes punctured in it from animals or children. It will require special cleaning materials and conditioners to keep the leather soft. If leather is not kept conditioned over time cracks can appear as well as fading and ruin the entire piece.

2. Cotton

The most popular style of couch is cotton. These sofas can be found in all price categories and are versatile. Most pieces of furniture made with this popular material can easily be cleaned. All most always the seat cushions unzip for easy washing. They are comfortable and do not require any chemicals to maintain. The disadvantages to this material is it can easily tear or rip and it is hard to repair. Overtime cushions will flatten, but can be re stuffed. Materials made of cotton will begin to look dirty after a while. Since it is usually cheaper to purchase new than to have one recovered, if you have active children or pets, cotton may not be the best choice.

3. PVC

This is a radical new style of fabric for couches. It is made to be similar to that of leather but it has plastic feel. It is very price effective and can look great in any setting. It has many of the same advantages of leather, however significantly less in price.

4. Fur

Animal fur can be one of the most expensive materials to use. Using skins of animals to wrap couches can be expensive. They are often luxurious and add an exotic flair to any room. They will come at a price, depending on where and what kind of animal fur you purchase. This materials are not good for children or pets.

5. Wool

For years sofa makers have been creating masterpieces with wool. While today it tends to be a harder find, it is still popular in some areas. Wool is a durable fabric and can last. It may not be as soft and comfy as cotton, but it can hold up under pressure.

No matter what sofa material you choose one thing is for sure, you want the best bang for your buck. Consider the room it is going in, the dynamics of your family and selecting the right sofa can be easy. To find the perfect designer sofa, it is well worth investing some time in testing them. Most showrooms allow you to test before you buy, so take your time, and make sure you make the right decision.

Ligne Roset offer a wide selection of modern designer furniture.

Your choice of fitted units can include back to wall and wall hung WC units and basin units, or combination WC and basin units for tight spaces; then there are storage units, drawer units, open shelving, and top opening linen units, in a variety of styles and combinations. You’ve got a choice of finishes, from high gloss white to a natural wood finish, and a range of colours to suit any taste. Choose a complementary or contrasting work surface: match gloss white units with a gloss white surface, or contrast with jet black or wood effect surfaces. And once you’ve chosen your ideal toilet, taps and handles, your bathroom will be uniquely yours.

You could save further space by omitting a WC unit and fitting your back to wall or wall hung toilet directly against the wall: a false wall is likely to be required, however, making this something of a false economy. Additionally, concealing your toilet cistern in a wall will have its own complications should a fault develop: re-papering or re-tiling a wall after you’ve opened it up for repairs to a leaky cistern is time consuming and costly, whereas a toilet cistern hidden in a WC unit will be easily accessible with no potential collateral damage to your bathroom decor.

Whether shop bought or custom-made for a perfect fit, your fitted bathroom furniture can be floor standing for a traditional style bathroom or wall mounted for a more contemporary feel; you’ll also have a choice of standard depth or slimline. Slimline units take up minimal floor space, so are a good choice for a narrow bathroom; if space is limited, try adding a mirrored cabinet to reflect the room and make it seem larger. Although you’ll lose some internal storage space with slimline furniture, you can make up for this by fitting an extra couple of bathroom cabinets – perhaps putting a cabinet above the toilet to reclaim wasted space, or storing spare towels on a simple but stylish ‘luggage rack’ over the bathroom door.

Are you ready to update your bathroom with some coordinated, space saving, fitted bathroom furniture?

Helen Davies is a senior content writer at BetterBathrooms.com who supply a range of modern and contemporary bathroom furniture.

Perfect Placement

When it comes to traditional furniture placement, the layout of a room may conflict with the large windows that provide a fantastic view. Generally, furniture is situated against bare spaces – like a large, open wall – that don’t always take advantage of the view from large windows in the same room.

“It will take more time and consideration, but it’s important to stand back and view the room in a new or unusual way,” states Brittainy Tiffany, a interior design specialist in Portland Home Staging. Instead of placing couches, tables and chairs where they may usually sit in a living space, consider carefully which angles and positions may offer the best access to the large windows without losing the functionality of the space. Try a variety of different options and choose your favorite.

Consider People

Not all placement for the best views concerns what’s outside your windows. If your home has large open areas – especially as a Great Room – take some time to incorporate the view you may have of your family and friends as well as the natural light from any windows or skylights in this space. It may be more important to strike a balance with pieces of furniture throughout this room, using well-placed pieces pointing outward towards the view while clustering others so that family and friends have places to connect.

Avoid Clutter

While deliberating about where furniture should be placed, it’s important to make sure that your furniture isn’t competing with the focal point of the room: in this case, the view. Wild patterns or unconventional color schemes may detract from the beauty that’s already there.

It’s also important to take in the size, shape and amount of furniture within the room. Through the process of deciding where furniture should be placed in this particular living space, you may determine that it’s best to get rid of larger or bulkier pieces. Smaller pieces may fit better, but too many of them can clutter up your space and also take away from the beautiful expanse outside your windows.

Color Inspiration

Once your furniture has been positioned, take into account the color scheme created by the view through your windows. Whether you’re looking out across an expanse of cerulean water, velvet green hills or a rustic forest, take a cue from your surroundings when it comes decorating your room.

Brittainy Tiffany of Tiffany Home Design specializes in Home Redesign and Interior Design Services while serving her community as a Portland Home Stager in Oregon.

The Fundamentals and Essentials

When you set out to transform an empty chamber into a bedroom, you may be faced with the aesthetic of the previous tenant or homeowner in terms of wall and carpeting colours. If these are neutral shades, such as white or ecru, consider yourself in luck. Contemporary decorating wisdom holds that neutral hues provide a crisp, clean backdrop for bedroom furniture, and you will save time and expense if the existing colours suffice. However, if you find white walls too stark, consider painting or wallpapering a single wall with an accent colour. Place coordinating accent rugs over the existing flooring to add warmer hues.

Modern Styles

In order to achieve an integrated, restful space, the best strategy is to select a particular trend or theme that you like and then apply your personal creative touch. Contemporary designers recognize several current trends in home décor, including:

• Minimalist – simple lines, basic shapes, neutral colour scheme, no frills
• Eco-friendly – furniture with natural, non-toxic finishes, unbleached linens, nature’s colour palette
• Organic – eclectic furnishings, natural accents such as fresh and dried bouquets, handcrafts such as pieced quilts
• Ethnic – furnishings made of exotic wood, vibrant colour accents, décor pieces from faraway locations
• Bauhaus – upscale and sophisticated with classic furnishings, old-world solidity and culture
• Country ranch – relaxed, carefree decorating look with rustic wood furnishings and down-to-earth accents such as bricks and stoneware

Choosing Furniture

Your selection of bedroom furniture is critical to your chamber’s utility and decor. Your bed is the focal point of the room, and as such it must be both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable. This is that all-important stage in organising your bedroom when you must make stylistic decisions.

If you are going for a chic minimalist bedroom, you might select a simple bed with a plain headboard, or you might choose a platform upon which you set your mattress. For an organic decor scheme, you should select a bed frame made of wood or another natural material such as bamboo. A Bauhaus look requires bedroom furniture with a classic, high-gloss profile that makes a statement of opulence. A country ranch style bedroom calls for such materials as distressed leather or chunky wood furnishings.

Despite what you may read in the home magazines, modern bedroom furniture need not be stark or uninteresting, unless you choose it for the express purpose of creating that particular style. Warm wood, padded headboards, even log furnishings have their place in an appropriate decor scheme.

Accessories

Once you’ve made your furniture selection, assess your work so far to determine what accessories, personal mementos, and colour accents you can add to personalize the environment. Even the minimalist bedroom needs a few additions. Reading lamps, a low profile stereo system, or perhaps monochromatic window shades would complete the decor.

If your decor appears impersonal or cold, dress your bed in colourful linens that compliment or contrast with the decorating scheme, as you prefer. If your bedroom appears disjointed, add touches that create connections between items in the room. For example, add a photo wall with frames that match your furniture. Add pillows that pick up the colours of your curtains.

Be sure to keep your decorating scheme in mind when adding accessories, but feel free to colour outside the lines as necessary. If you have a favourite reading chair that you would like to incorporate, but it does not match the style of your bedroom furniture, try using slip covers in neutral shades that match the walls and carpeting, or pair the chair with a table that does match the style of your bedroom furnishings.

Above all, listen to your inner sense of style when decorating your most intimate and private haven. Keep the items you care about close, and don’t be afraid to indulge your imagination. You have the best instincts when it comes to creating an environment where you feel comfortable enough to dream.

High Point Market, renowned as the world’s home for home furnishings, is a must-visit trade show for anyone who has their heart in interior design. Industry insiders, big name trend setters, and furniture professionals alike will all be scaling the aisles of display after display of cutting edge furniture. From textiles to lighting, the market is the only place where you will find it all in one place. The High Point Market is the largest furnishings industry trade show in the world. There is no other furniture trade show where you can see tens of thousands of new products all in one place. The latest trends and rarest compilations are all packed into ten million square feet of show space. From brand new debuts into the design world, to treasured antique pieces, it’s all at High Point Market.

High Point Markets attracts all the major players in home furnishing and decor, as well as drawing a big crowd of devotees, with 80,000 attendees at each market. Attendees are privy to exclusive up-close-and personal views of the famous name brand exhibitors; as well as the up-and comers who will be tomorrow big brand. Industry insiders in the world of magazine, newspaper, and television media who cover the furniture industry come out in full force to cover emerging designer trends on the front lines. High point market is where trends emerge and the best place to get an exclusive, up close preview of what next season will bring. Chances are, if it’s a trend in home fashion decor, it will make its debut at High Point before the rest of the world sees it.

While the pieces on display may be timeless, the High Point Market has gone high-tech with their approach to how you can experience the market. They have developed a personalized phone app that allows guests to pre-plan and navigate the shows. This bit of masterminding allows you to make the most of your trip; and it means you are able to browse the extensive collection efficiently for packing the most punch in your visit. Since the exhibitors at High Market are so numerous, and the task of navigating the market so laborious, it is essential that a visit be pre arranged detail by detail. It would be impossible to visit every exhibit during the length of a market, so just picking a starting center and attempting to cover the total surface is not a possibility.

The app is also useful for enhancing your personal user experience at the market. You can use the app to check digitally check-in to spots, peek at who else in attendance and alert your contacts to what exhibitions you are browsing. Share the fun of your High Point Market experience with all your friends and industry collaborators!

High Point Market is a convergence of design within four walls but without borders. High Point and its exhibitors are truly an international mix. Designers and exhibitors featured represent over 100 countries around the globe.

High Point Market is the world’s event axis for emerging trends in furniture and design.
High Point Market is located at 210 East Commerce Ave., High Point, NC 27260.

Leon R. Powell blogs for the Interiordesigncareer.net blog to help people who want to become an Interior Designer. He offers a free resources list to share his knowledge about interior design and provide help for people who want to become an event planner too.

So much of the training that comes with kids is just plain boring – therefore, it was a delight to see this Training Dresser created by Peter Bristol.

Its simple design and neutral color makes it ideal for training girls or boys in the art of quick and neat laundry sorting. Customize it to fit any room decor, there will no longer be hours of supervised room cleaning…at least when it comes to clothes!

Photo by Haldane Martin

Unfortunately, even those who make the effort to add ergonomic chairs to their homes usually do not go far enough. It is true that some ergonomic seating is far better than none. Even if you only use these chairs occasionally, your posture and spinal health will be improved every time that you sit down in a health-optimized seat.

However, in order to truly ensure that your spine is healthy and fit, you must replace as many seats in your home as possible with ergonomically designed pieces. While it is not always possible to ensure that every piece of furniture in your home is optimized for spinal health, you should at least make an effort to replace all seats that you use frequently with ergonomic pieces.

You should consider utilizing ergonomic chairs in your:

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• office
• backyard
• main living space
• dining room
• work

Relaxing Outdoors with Ergonomic Chairs for the Patio

Ergonomic chairs for the patio are more vital than you would ever expect. During the warm months, many people spend an enormous amount of time outdoors. There is nothing more pleasant than a warm summer evening spent reposing on the patio with family and friends.

However, many people will wake up in the morning after such an evening with sharp pains in their back, neck, and legs. This is because the majority of patio furnishings are designed for weather resistance and visual appeal, not for proper support.

Photo by Garden Winds

Many consumers tend to overlook the value of ergonomic chairs when shopping for patio furniture because they are too focused on the outdoors appeal of the pieces. However, in order to preserve the well being of your spine, ergonomic patio chairs are vital if you plan on spending a considerable amount of time outdoors.

Why Use Ergonomic Chairs?

In fact, it can be argued that ergonomic patio chairs are even more important than ergonomic office chairs or armchairs. When people are relaxing on the patio, they usually do not think too strongly about proper posture. Can you imagine a person sitting with ramrod-straight posture in a patio chair by the pool? Patio furniture is used to relax the body and the mind, and when you seat yourself in such pieces, you likely assume whatever posture is the most comfortable to you. This oftentimes means that the well-being of your spine falls by the wayside.

Photo by Kaitlyn Rose

Ergonomic chairs for the patio are able to solve this problem by providing your back with the support that it needs, no matter what position you happen to be in. These pieces ensure that pressure is distributed throughout your joints and muscles in healthy proportions, preventing the damage of your body’s vital tissues. This can make a world of difference in terms of your spinal health.

It is natural to want to relax when you take a seat in a patio chair. When the weather outside is beautiful and warm, the last thing you want to think about it proper posture. However, you can never forget about the welfare of your spine if you want to remain pain-free for many years to come. Ergonomic patio furniture allows you to take your mind off of your everyday life while still supporting your spinal health.

While many assume that green furniture is noticeably different than traditional decor, the method of production and the materials used are actually what differentiate environmentally friendly furnishings from their conventional counterparts.

As consumers we have become more concerned with business practices and purchasing environmentally friendly, companies have begun to use greener materials and production conventions, giving buyers additional options and choice. Furniture styles and types that are increasingly purchased will remain produced, giving buyers a larger amount of authority regarding the incorporation of green practices and materials used by a variety of manufacturers. Here are some guidelines to help you make environmentally conscious choices for your home:

Green Furniture: How It Relates to Sustainability

Materials used, production practices and shipping procedures are all factors that can make the furniture more or less environmentally friendly from its conception to the time it takes a place within the home or office. The way the furniture is used within its new environment and how long it lasts from the time of production can also affect how green it is. A dining room table that only lasts a couple of years and must later be replaced is not considered as sustainable as a table that is longer lasting and does not require replacement for a very long time.

Consider Materials Characteristics

Understanding which materials are more sustainable than others can seem confusing at first glance. Yet, uncovering whether a piece of furniture is comprised of environmentally friendly materials can be as simple as considering the characteristics of what the furnishing is made of. Sustainable materials should be easily renewed within the environment. When a material is taken from the environment, such as wood, sustainable forms should be easy to replace or re-grow, whether naturally or unnaturally. In addition to using renewable materials, green furniture should not exude unhealthy bi-products.

Production Practices

Emissions, employee practices and even how far a piece of furniture must be shipped to reach your home or office can make it more or less green. The health of the environment is dependent on the care of people residing within as well as the natural resources surrounding.

Narrowing the Options

Many of the products used to create a piece of furniture, from start to finish, must be considered in order to understand how sustainable it is, if at all. Goods used to finish furnishings, like stains and paints may pose more of a problem than the actual wood or other material, used.

New to You

Furniture that is recycled or vintage may be a great option when seeking sustainable furniture options and reducing waste. Both options can fulfill a purpose, while providing unique style, without the manufacturing and shipping required of new furniture. Although both options can be great ways to reduce our carbon footprints, pay close attention to what they are made of in order to reduce negative bi-products stemming from materials used, including paints and varnishes.

Eric Munoz owns a wood furniture design company in Houston that can custom build pieces from scratch or duplicate existing pieces. He has over 10 years of experience working with his hands. Visit his site at http://www.cambiumworks.com.

Managing the Space

Design a room in the main room by using modern studio apartment furniture to define the different areas. Hang fabric, blinds or curtains to partition the room. Using a visually appealing book shelf can help to separate the room and make it seem more spacious.

Utilizing the Focal Point

Arrange the couch, armchairs and other fashionable studio dwelling furniture in the area of the apartment that receives most traffic. It is recommended to set up the sitting area close to the door facing a wall or corner that contains an entertainment center, a window or some other focal point. Place your bed in a private place such as the corner of the apartment, notably, the farthest one from the door.

Kitchen

Use contemporary studio apartment furniture the kitchen to help the place look bigger. The location of the breakfast nook can play a big role in your apartment.  Choose a modern piece of furniture for the table. A round table is ideal, since it utilizes valuable corner space. In some cases, a square table can be used against a wall if you want to gain more space for other items.

Multipurpose Pieces

Today’s trendy studio apartment furniture is not only beautiful but useful as well. They are multi-functional such as a coffee table which doubles up as a storage unit. Similarly, a daybed when not in use can be used for extra seating for guests.

Proper Arrangement

When arranging your new place you must utilize the limited space efficiently. Having great studio apartment furniture will do wonders to save space, but you must also know where you should set up certain areas in your new space. The home office, study or any other place that is a working area should be adjacent to the kitchen. This is also dependent on the fact that there is enough room to set up everything. If space allows for an office, it should face a window which can help to make the room feel bigger.

Perspective

The perspective of the room can be adjusted if mirrors are placed against the walls. Mirrors can be used to bounce light around which helps to make the apartment feel a lot bigger.

The proper use of contemporary studio apartment furniture can make your studio feel bigger. Arranging them in a systematic fashion and dividing the space can give the apartment a larger effect and allow you to have a trendy looking residence. Having modern furniture in your home is highly fashionable and will let your apartment look highly sophisticated.

Author Info: Haliyma Barrow holds a B.A. degree in Spanish from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Haliyma has expert knowledge in home improvement, contributing articles on various home decoration tips and craft ideas.

Comfort and Workability

Your living room should be a comfortable, workable space for you and your loved ones. Avoid a mish-mash of styles and influences by giving it a theme that appeals to you. It could be traditional country house, retro-chic, beach style, art deco or minimalist black and white. Think about your existing furniture and how this fits in or whether you will be purchasing new items. For example, an Asian inspired living room would favor browns and golds with sleek lines, so fussy paisley flower decorations would look terribly out of place. Use design secrets: a large mirror will create an illusion of space, floor length curtains will create the feeling of height and one expensive painting or piece of furniture will give the whole room a grander status.

Accessorize Carefully

If you prefer neutral colors use these as your base but add rich, warm tones such as shades of scarlet and browns as accents. Complement smooth neutral painted walls with a feature wall in a deeper color or detailed paper or add pleasing tactile items such as velvet curtains and plush cushions. Mixing fabrics and textures will give the room more interest but avoid the dreaded cushion mountain that happens when people fill every space with one! Whatever style you choose rationalize the cushion count, candles or objects d`art because a crowded room is less pleasing to the eye and not as relaxing.

A Personal Focal Point

In the past the television would often be the focal point of the living room but with advances in technology these can be much more discrete than before. A flat screen can be built into the wall or you can use clever storage ideas and hide these items behind attractive screening. If you have children choose design ideas that prove their durability against scuffs and stains. Sofas with washable covers are a fantastic idea when sticky little fingers are around! Patterned carpets hide dirt and stains more so than plain ones. Although wooden flooring is perhaps the easiest surface to clean be aware that it will be louder that carpet, particularly with children running across it or ladies` high heels. Incorporate a soft rug that will absorb some of the noise and give a warmer feeling than wood alone.

The latest living room design ideas are really about creating a happy and relaxing space for you to enjoy. Picture how you want it to look and feel and think about the colors, textures, the purpose it serves. Choose a quality Berkline sofa for absolute comfort and enjoy your lovely space. You deserve it!

Going green

We’re all looking to become more environmentally friendly in the face of climate change and this is something that’s reflected in furniture trends for this year. Furniture made from used wood is set to be a big hit as not only is this eco-friendly, the wood will carry the marks of its previous life creating a really unique feel.

Vintage

Vintage furniture is always in fashion with old world designs from both east and west set to be leading fashion in 2011.

Mixing it up

Modern clean cut furniture contrasts extremely well against old antique furniture creating a depth to the room. If this is a style that grabs your attention you’ll be sure to be en vogue this year.

Industrial

Furniture with an industrial feel really came to the fore last year and looks set to carry on making its mark throughout 2011. This manner of furniture fits in with most styles and will really bring an extra bit of character to your home decor.

Fitted furniture

Ever popular, fitted furniture looks set to continue making a big impact during the course of this year. Designed exactly to your specifications it not only looks stunning it will fit perfectly with the contours of your room. Consider fitted bedroom furniture when looking to make changes to your bedroom which will really add to the value of your home as well as making it stylish.

Multifunctional and Space-Saving Furniture

With many people opting for city living, our living spaces are becoming increasingly smaller. Furniture design follows this trend with multifunctional and space saving furniture designed to reflect the needs of the modern home.

Reflect Your Style

Your home should reflect the person you are, and it should create a lasting impression on anyone who is lucky enough to be inside it. Don’t compromise on design; make sure it truly reflects your style and personality. One of the best ways in which to do this is to have custom furniture designed for your home.

Why Custom Designed Furniture?

Custom furniture ensures you can make your own decisions regarding the size of a piece of furniture, the shape, the materials, anything you wish – its custom designed for you! One of the biggest benefits of having custom designed furniture is that you don’t have to compromise when you’re making purchasing decisions. You may have seen a certain design which you like but the exact materials may not have met your needs. You may need something to match your already existing furniture or you may have a uniquely shaped living space and need something to fit perfectly into your home. With custom furniture all this and more is possible.

Involve the Experts

If you love your home and know exactly what you want, it may seem out of the ordinary to seek the opinion of another person even if they are an expert, but this is one of the biggest benefits of custom furniture. You may not always be able to see the bigger picture when looking at the design aesthetic of the room, whereas inviting an expert into your home who can design custom furniture – unique for your needs – will alleviate this problem. Knowing how to make the best use of the available space in a room is one of the most important aspects of ensuring the decor stands out. Having furniture custom-made for your needs really is the best way to achieve this.

So, what are you waiting for? Don’t settle for a boring spring clean, revamp your home today with beautiful custom furniture.

In spring 2011, indoor and outdoor home décor is stepping up to the plate and hitting a grand slam in the field of design, fashion, quality and home decor.

Don’t want to be left behind? Here are the top trends and must haves in home décor and renovation:

Goodbye Carpet, Hello New Flooring

Yes, that’s right. That shag, berber or all white show every stain carpet said goodbye in 2010, and flooring trends are  taking the home decorating scene by storm. Start by considering your everyday lifestyle if you are debating which type of flooring to choose. You want floors that compliment you. For areas of your home that are high traffic, hard wearing floors are the best choice. Areas like your bedroom, however, should remain nice and cozy on your feet. Area rugs are quickly becoming the hottest accessory in home décor. Area rugs are replacing carpet because hardwood and tile flooring is the new luxury in home design. Area rugs give you the warm and comfortable feel of a room without the use of wall to wall carpet.

Today, hardwood floors are taking on a new edge. It is no longer the dark and light oak in exact same size panels. The new trend of hardwood flooring is moving towards exotic woods, wide widths and distressed, vintage and old world finishes.

Hardwood flooring has many benefits besides its timeless beauty and luxury feel. It is easy to maintain, it comes in a variety of finishes, it adds value to your home and it promotes healthy indoor air quality because it doesn’t trap dust and dirt. Hardwood floors are shaking up the world of interior design by adding ambiance and luxury to make homes look elegant and trendy.

Go From One to Several

Do you have one large room in your home that does not fit your needs just right? Maybe you want a guest bedroom and an office in one? Maybe you have two children, but only one room? Maybe you want an office in your living area. Whatever the case, there are ways to divide a large room into multiple spaces without spending a fortune.

Curtains and shutters are a great solution for this problem! If you opt for curtain, all you need is a spring rod, a fabric or curtain that accents the room and curtain rings. Make sure you measure from floor to ceiling so you know how long the fabric needs to be. You also want to pick a color that adds to the room. If you have neutral walls, drapes and curtains can be a beautiful accessory, plus they divide your room into sections. Drapes Curtains N More is a great web site that allows you to customize your fabrics so you can get the perfect match for your space.

If you want to use shutters, make sure you purchase enough panels to separate the room into two parts. Panels usually do not go from floor to ceiling; however, they do add a very contemporary feel to the room. Shutter room dividers come in a variety of colors so you can match the divider with your wall color or use it to accessorize as well.

Fashion Leads Home Design

If you love fashion, use your wardrobe to merge into your home! The same zebra or leopard print on your Dolce & Gabbana purse makes a dynamic chair in your sitting room and on the area rug in your living room. Stripes are a hit this season too! Stripes are making their way from runway to entry way. The nautical feel with bold navys, reds and purples are the must-haves against a neutral stripe, and black and white will never die. The stripes are the focal points of the outfit as well as the focal point of the room. Try throw pillows with dramatic stripes in the living room and a window seat or a chair cushion in the kitchen or sitting area. In your outfit and in your home, stripes are all about drawing attention.

Let’s talk about shoes. Wooden shoes are coming back and so is wooden furniture and flooring. Next time you are in a department store, stop by the shoe department and notice how much wood you see. Do the same when you watch HGTV. Notice a trend?

The skin-tight-barely-there clothing is out and silk, loose billowy blouses and dresses are in (phew, isn’t that great news ladies?) The same goes for your home. Oversized furniture, floor to ceiling drapery and silk textures in solid colors are what’s hot.

The spring 2011 fashion and home design season is all about simple drama. Wood bottoms on a solid pump, a bright stripe on a neutral color or a flowy fabric in a solid color. Fashion has met its match in home design!

Go Green

People everywhere are taking interest in the “eco-friendly” movement and looking for that “green” label before making a purchase. If the item is tagged all-natural, organic, recyclable or environmentally friendly, there is a pretty good chance that will make it into the shopping cart over the competition. As we progress to a natural way of life, there are many things you can do to heal our planet and green your home.

There are several types of organic bedding made from all-natural fibers such as bamboo, soy silk, hemp, cotton and more. These sets are made with all- natural dyes and are biodegradable. Conventional cotton is made with toxic chemicals and harsh dyes that hurt our environment. These chemicals surround our children and families daily. However, there is a healthy alternative available: organic cotton! It has softer and higher quality fabric plus it saves energy and reduces the amount of pollution in the environment. Fabrics such as Sunbrella and BioComfort are mindful of chemical waste and provide an eco-friendly organic option in beautiful colors, patterns and designs to customize the perfect cushions, drapes and pillows for your home.

Another way to dress up your home with eco-friendly styles is with plants. Plants not only provide beauty to your home, but they also clean the air. Plants have the power to absorb harmful chemicals and make your living space a pleasant experience. Gerbera daisies, peace lilies, english ivy and bamboo all fall into the eco-friendly category.

Finally, blackout curtains not only block all of the light coming in and out of the room, but they also save energy! Thirty-three percent of home heating and cooling energy loss comes via windows. Not only are you sleeping longer and saving money, but you are helping the environment.

Outdoor Space Brings Property Value

In today’s economy, people are reconsidering their mansion dream home and making changes and updates accordingly. Make the most of what you can afford. The best way to do this is to create a higher property value in your home. This is not just indoors, but outdoors as well. Researching products that are high quality and last a life time is what people want to purchase. Yes, you will have to spend some money, but having beautiful furniture and curb appeal increases your property value and makes your outdoor space beautiful. It is a great investment if you think about it!

Enhancing your outdoor setting makes your indoor setting look that much better. Today’s latest outdoor furniture is nothing like grandma’s outdoor wicker chair. High end brands such as teak are crafted to hold up against the outdoor elements and last a lifetime. Teak is not only beautiful, but it requires no maintenance. It does not split or require paint every spring, and it is made from all natural wood.

The same is true for outdoor fabrics; fabrics from brands such as Sunbrella will not fade from the sun or mildew from the rain. These fabrics come in a variety of textures and patterns and can be used for your indoor and outdoor living space. Sunbrella drapes hanging over your teak furniture set holding bright Sunbrella cushions makes your own “Better Homes and Gardens,” right in your very own backyard.

Whitney Hicks is the marketing coordinator at My Home Furnishings and Drapes Curtains N More. She enjoys writing feature articles and engaging in social media and blogging in areas such as home decor, design and home improvements. Whitney is a public relations graduate from Auburn University.

Light is a key component to a room as it can effect and change the appearance of it, so a centre piece to any room is the window. Therefore, it should look as good as the rest of the room, blinds can do just this.

Blinds are very common in both traditional and modern homes and come in a range of colors and styles designed for all types of windows whether they be large, small or sliding glass doors.

Most commonly used for sliding glass doors or tall windows, the vertical blind is highly beneficial. They are fairly inexpensive and come in a wide range of styles and colors to fit with any theme.

They are easily managed and cared for because they are made up of vinyl vanes. They are fitted using an easy to attach bracket so installation is quick and simple, the vinyl vanes can also be cut to fit the size of a window perfectly.

However, the true benefit of vertical blinds is that they allow superior light control.

Unlike other blinds, the vertical blind opens horizontally as oppose to opening vertically. When fully open they let in a lot of light which is great for making a room feel light and airy. When the blind is closed it blocks out light which can make a room feel cosy at night. They also tilt to adjust the amount of light you desire in a room.

The vertical blind is a great addition to a large or small room!

[image title="vertical-window-blind" size="medium" id="2912" align="none" linkto="viewer" ]

Source: Blinds

The LoJo Ball is a newly designed piece that takes the bean bag to a whole new level. It has a unique style and is a must have for all modern homes!

The LoJo Ball acts as a decorative piece when not in use and can, in addition, be used as a stool or foot rest but can also be unzipped to become a stylish, comfortable chair, a fantastic alternative to the average chair.

It is made of beans to comfort your bottom and has a simple inflatable piece to comfort your lower back. It is easy to inflate and comes equipped with a hand pump as part of the package. Ideal for watching T.V. Or reading a book.

Great for any room including the living room, family room, kids room or sitting room. It comes in a variety of styles and colors which means it fits in with virtually any decorative theme imaginable within a modern home.

Plus, the LoJo Ball is continuously developing and more and more styles and colors are becoming available giving you more choice! And if that isn’t good enough, they are said to be releasing a new outdoor design so not only will it catch the eye of your house guests but also the eye of onlookers too!!

Sure to be a must have in any home. So why not set the trend?

Source: LoJoBall

Since the original chaise lounge was designed by La Corbusier in 1929 it has inspired other designers to develop similar items of furniture. Now in the modern day, the most popular chaise lounge available for modern homes is the adjustable chaise lounge. Many of the modern pieces follow the same guidelines inspired in the original design but has been altered to follow the era of the new modern style that it is now famous throughout many homes.

Often made of leather with chrome/ metal frames, the adjustable chaise lounge is a great contemporary piece and a must have for your home. As the name implies, it has an adjustable back to give complete comfort for the individual. It reclines gently and easily so that you can choose to lay or sit in this stunning state of the art piece of furniture.

Great for relaxing indoors and out! In addition, it comes in a variety of colors so will fit well with any decorative theme which makes it perfect for virtually any room in the house, including the master bedroom, kids bedroom, guest bedroom, family room and living room. A great alternative to the average lounge or chair!

Source: GarboContemporaryFurniture

Do you often have a lot of house guests over? Do you have guests that come to stay but don’t have anywhere for them to sleep because you don’t have a guest room? And finally, do you have a modern home? If so then here is the answer to your problem!

The convertible sofa is an idealistic piece of furniture for those who lack space or have little or no guest bedrooms. It is not only a sofa (great for you and/or your family when you have little or no guests) but it also converts into a large seating area (providing additional seating) or bed (giving your house guests somewhere to sleep).

It is simple and easy to use and can conserve space and act as a sofa when not reclined. This style of sofa is a very popular piece in modern homes and it comes in a variety of styles, colors and materials so will fit well with any decorative theme. It is, in addition, a nice alternative to standard chair seating for your guests as it is far more comfortable.

Stunning to look at and highly practical, the convertible sofa is perfect for contemporary / modern homes. A perfect addition to any living room or family area!

Source: Daybeds