Archive for March, 2010

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Window treatments can easily be made with your own colors, fabrics and designs. Window coverings are a crucial feature for every room in your house and are actually very inexpensive if you do these yourself, in the form of a wooden window cornice.

Just because turquoise and brown are in every curtain, drapery and linen aisle these days, does not require you to decorate your window treatments or home in those colors. These so called fashion colors which will last a season with your cornice and then require another purchase to perhaps reflect a new theme or just a different color that you also like.

Let’s say that aqua and dirt are not your mood, you can also check out the remnants sections of fabric stores and select window coverings that make everyone in your card club envious.

There are simple things that you can do that will make a difference to your home with relation to your windows, specifically wooden window cornices.

Cornices have been around for many years and have been proven to inexpensively add great value to ones home with a special touch. Cornices are simply a wooden frame that you can decorate and place at the top of your window.

You can add a window treatment in the form of an upholstered window cornice to minimize the disparity between window shapes and sizes that complicate your drapery or curtain choices in a room. If you happen to be the decorator, you may be happy to learn that you can easily and creatively create the room of your dreams.

The great thing about these window treatments is that they really are versatile and simple to create, not to mention the fact that a person wishing to create their own window treatment does not need any special skills, knowledge, to be able to create one of these customized cornices.

Here are some facts about cornices that you may not know about.

Cornices add great value to your home. Window cornices are versatile, highlight, add depth to any window as well as add value to your home. A fine benefit is that these window treatments can be custom made to really fit any window that you would like to have covered.

They can be made to match any room with any color scheme.

They can be made to suit anyone’s taste.

There is also some additional information about these window coverings, commonly referred to as cornices. If you choose to hire a home interior decorator, you will certainly pay much more. You can expect to pay hundreds of dollars and maybe well over one-thousand dollars. This all depends on the size of your cornice and how many window treatments you are looking to create, of course.

Keep in mind that you do have alternatives when it comes to saving a significant amount of money, especially if you discover the few easy steps that allow you to create your own customized window treatment.

There is no question that you could literally save several hundreds of dollars or more on just one window cornice.

By the way, if you do prefer the current color trends, go for it. The choice is yours concerning the colors and theme of your upholstered wooden window cornice. And if you become bored with the colors you have chosen or just want a new look, you can easily recover your cornice when next seasons hot colors arrive. You can always have high decorating fashion at your fingertips by creating your own customized window cornice.

Discover the simple, easy, and inexpensive secrets to creating your own window treatment by logging onto http://www.EasyCornice.com

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Country Curtains Ads

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The rustic country styling of Europe’s villas have often invoke images of sun-washed vineyards, stone farmhouses, wrought iron curtain rods, wrought iron furniture and crumbling stone walls. Popularized in lush timeless regions such Tuscany, the Spanish coast and the South of France, the architecture and ambiance of these locals is still treasured and sought after, even in more contemporary homes. The Appeal lies in its simplicity. A combination of comfortable, worn and sturdy materials can make any room warm and inviting, a down to earth and stylish look that is as well suited in a country home as in an old chateaux.

Black wrought iron and rustic metals are perfect to set the tone in a rustic themed room. Rusted wrought iron furniture, light fixtures, and worn wooden accessories add depth and a casual ‘lived in’ feel. The Tuscan villa style is inspired by elements of nature, and it’s important to pull these elements into your home. Warm, richly colored country curtains; punctuated by bright black wrought iron curtain rods and window treatments, frame any window in a pastoral and inviting manner. Terra cotta or marble flooring add wonderful lines and vintage appeal that will compliment these wrought iron curtain rods and wrought iron decor. This hand crafted authentic look will fit beautifully in to your home. You’ll be surprised at how even small accents such as intricate wrought iron pieces and worn wood furniture can bring a touch of old world charm into your modern home.

At Wrought Iron Haven we have many customers asking about extra wide window treatments and how to go about designing for them. With today’s window treatments in the market place, it is quite difficult to find wrought iron curtain rods that are longer than 130 inches. No matter where you look, they just are not being made today. This poses a problem for those beautiful homes with a lot of window area. So why can you not find these extra long curtain rods? Discussing this in length with a manufacture, we have come to realize that after a certain length the wrought iron starts to bend, even with a support.

So what is one to do with a huge window area? We have devised a design that will work well with windows that require these extra long wrought iron curtain rods without having them look undesirable. With this design idea you can decorate a window treatment as wide as you need.

For bigger window treatments just use two rods or even three! A two rod, two finial combo will work fine. Because wrought iron curtain rods separate into two equal parts, you can mix and match them to create the combination. By using one ball finial curtain rod and one other decorative finial rod, like the leaf, you are able to interchange them so the two ball finials meet in the middle and the two more decorative finials are on the end. This way the break in the rod is hardly noticeable. But remember that you will need a center bracket for the middle of each of the two rods. This however does make it difficult to have only two curtains within the window treatment because the rings will catch on the center support bracket so you will be wise to have a curtain set that will fit in between the grooves.

Our star writer Susan West is a Wrought Iron specialist when it comes to wall hooks and wrought iron curtain rods.

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Window Curtains that are in Style!

Window curtains are very useful in any home or office, not only do they provide shade if it is too sunny outside, they also provide you with privacy and not only that, they give you a better atmosphere for your home and office and basically, make the place look good. Window curtains are not only there to provide shade and privacy, they are there to uplift the outlook of your space.

Window curtains however, has more shapes and sizes than the windows you put them on. Not only would you consider the curtain’s fit to your window, but the style of it too. Your window curtains should be matched to the rooms theme and add to the design, not spoil it. There are a number of popular window curtains, and in here you would find the designs on the top of the most popular.

First is the “tab top curtain”, these curtains are easy to hang and install on your windows. They use a tab top rather than the traditional rod pocket and they hang from loops or tabs on a curtain rod. Another famous design is the “Ruffled Priscilla Window Curtains”. These curtains have endured the test of time and have been used for generations. Next is the “Scarf Window Treatment” or a “Window Scarf”. Scarf curtains are very versatile and do not need a curtain rod. Next is the “Swag Curtain”. Swag curtains can be ruffled or lined; basically they are made up of two triangularly shaped curtains placed on each side of the window.

Another famous design is the “Country Style Window Treatment”. These curtains can also be ruffled or lined, printed or plain. They are simple in nature so they fit any room in the house. For the contemporary house, there are varying designs of “Contemporary Curtains” available which could fit the new age. Another popular curtain design that has stood the test of time is the “Lace Curtain”. Lace curtains have also been used for generations and it does not seem to be going out of style soon. For those looking for a lightweight and simple curtain for their need, a popular design is the “Sheer Window Treatment”. They create a warming effect to your home, that’s why they have been loved for years. For long windows, the “Panel Curtain” is the popular choice.

A popular design for those looking for better privacy is the “Tier Curtain”. Also known as the “Cafe Curtains” are usually used on the lower half of the window. Next is the “Cape Code Window Curtain”. Cape Cods are popular because of they are simple yet elegant and graceful. They are loved by generations. Last but not the least is the “Fishtail Swag Curtain”. Also known as the fishtail window treatment, this popular design is similar to the Scarf Window Treatment. What makes the fishtail design unique is its lining that enhances its appearance.

Where ever you may be and whatever your need may be, there is a curtain design for your window. What you would prefer depends upon your taste.

Richard Dinae is an architect, providing information and directories about home improvement, please visit Curtain Styles

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Buy Affordable Country Home Decorating

How do you add that “country touch” to a decorating style? Since the “country look” has evolved over the years and taken on a wider variety of characteristics, it can add a special touch to decorating from rural to contemporary. Here are a few ideas to give your home a “touch of country” and retain that feel of tradition.

Add a little extra luxury in your country home decorating such as pampering guests with a serene bedroom furnished with a high-quality mattress and specially-selected cotton sheets that feel good against the skin.

A layered look in fabrics gives a tranquil feel to a room. Country home decorating makes use of patterned fabrics, florals, and stripes as well as eyelet. They complement one another and provide a special touch in any room.

Another idea is to add blue and white checks on cushions and pillows to give that country appearance. Blue denim is also an icon of the country home decorating style. It is a traditional, timeless American classic that gives a relaxed, comfortable feel to a room.

Quilts, quilts, and quilts— what a wonderful way to add that country touch to your décor. There are countless patterns from which to choose that will harmonize with your country decorating idea.

Old and new photographs are an outstanding addition to your country home décor. The space above a staircase is a place to display your photos for your own enjoyment as well as for your family and guests. Make sure the staircase is out of the direct sunlight.

Take time from decorating to relax in a hammock for an hour or two—what a true country experience!

As you can see, these are just a small number of the unlimited ways to add a touch of country to your country home decorating ideas.

For ideas on keeping your home organized, download a free copy of the ebook “The Essential Guide to Organizing Your Home”. Click here for your free download.

Lynn Cressy is the owner of Lynn’s Home Decor where you will find a variety of home decor including country home decor, shabby chic home decor and furniture, wrought iron home decor and furniture as well as ebooks and home decorating ideas. Go to decorating-info.com for more decorating ideas.

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All I want is a little clarity. I am the type of person who gets bothered by imprecise language, especially when it is within my own industry. You see, it’s my job to write about window blinds and shades and the terms, window treatments and coverings are bantered about all the time with little regard to their real meaning.

I decided to do some research and get a definitive answer, which I would share with the public. I am not expecting to create some kind of revolution just want to shed some light on a couple of pretty nebulous words.

First, I went to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary and found nothing, no definition for either word. How could that be? These are fairly common terms. This is confusing to me. I use an online tool in my work that tells me how many times per day the internet searching public uses keywords. The word window treatments gets used about 2,600 per day and the word window coverings gets used about 625 per day. And yet, these words are not clearly defined. I sense a conspiracy – just kidding.

My next resource was Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia with descriptions and explanations written by everyday people. I found the following entries:

A window covering is material used to cover a window to reduce sunlight, to provide additional weatherproofing, or to ensure privacy. Window Coverings are usually on the interior side of windows, but can be on the exterior in some situations. Types of coverings include: drapes, curtains, window blinds, including: Venetian blinds, mini blinds, window shutters, vvarious types of boarding, nailed or screwed to the window casing, can be used as temporary window covering.

In interior decorating, a window treatment may refer to any of the following items placed over or around a window: curtains or drapery, including sheers, window blinds, including Venetian blinds, a valance, tiebacks used to hold curtains. It may also include treatments applied to directly to the glass, including: frosted glass (through acid, etching, sandblasting, or plastic films or panels), distorted optics, such as wavy glass, stained glass panels or ornaments.

It seems to me, based on these two entries that there is little difference between their meanings. Both include window blinds, drapes, curtains and Venetian blinds (an old term for what is now commonly referred to as mini blinds). Where they seem to depart, at least according to these descriptions is that window coverings includes shutters (in this case plantation shutters) and window treatments can include treatments to the glass itself.

Both have the basic meaning of something to decorate or cover a window for privacy and light-control (room darkening) and to accentuate the décor of a room. So, essentially what we have here are two poorly defined words that have virtually the same meaning. So, I would like to make a personal ruling on this issue and say that window treatments should be any treatment: drapes, blinds and shades on the interior (inside) portion of a window, whereas window coverings should be any treatment: shutters, storm shutters, and awnings to the outside portion of a window. That seems clearer to me. Doesn’t mean that everyone is suddenly going to jump on my definition bandwagon, but I can hope.

There you have it the non-definitive definition of window treatments and window coverings. I think I will do my masters thesis on this earth-shattering subject. ? David Brooks

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If your kitchen looks like a drab or it just needs some enhancement, then you might uplift its appeal with kitchen curtains. Usually, people do not pay much attention to their kitchen decor as this room is seen more for its function than beauty. However, it is important to keep the kitchen as appealing as other rooms to inspire the people that cook in them. This is what kitchen curtains can do.


Choosing the right kitchen curtain for you can be a great way to exhibit your own style and taste. Curtains can transform your kitchen in remarkable ways. However, you might be confused about the many available choices there are. However, if you know what kitchen curtains are about, then you can narrow down your selections.


People get kitchen curtains for two main reasons apart from aesthetic qualities. Curtains are used to filter light or to keep one’s privacy. Some people get kitchen curtains for both reasons. You should determine whether you want the kitchen curtains to be mostly opened or mostly closed. This greatly influences the choice of materials and design of curtains.


It is also important to identify the kitchen’s theme and match it with the design of the curtains. Moreover, the curtain should also match the window’s size and shape. Another point for consideration is the costs. Certain materials may be more expensive than others. This factor goes hand-in-hand with the type of curtain.


Major Points of Consideration


When choosing the right kitchen curtain, it is important to consider four things: the fabric, the color, shape, and style. Matching the right combinations of these three is essential when choosing curtains for the kitchen.


1. Curtain Fabric – there are many kinds of fabric available for kitchen curtains from those made of heavy materials, to those made of lightweight fibers. Brocades and other heavier fabrics are usually not recommended as they obstruct air and light. The most recommended fabric for kitchen curtains is cotton because it is a durable but lightweight fabric that is easy to wash, and is thus ideal to the demands of kitchen action.


There are fabrics that have cute printed or embroidered designs that could definitely add to the aesthetic value of the curtains. It is however important to check if the fabric is light resistant so that it would not easily fade or turn yellow over time. Some kitchen curtains are quite thin and might need to have linings. Most fabrics are sold pre-shrunk so that their shapes would not be altered, however, if you are making your own curtain, you might need to make some allowance for shrinkage.


2. Color – it is important to choose the right curtain color that would flatter your kitchen’s finishing. You may choose light colors to make the kitchen look bigger than it actually is or to maintain a cheerful ambience. However, the kitchen may be too bright during the day and you might want to opt for darker curtains. When choosing the color of your kitchen curtain, it is important to take into consideration the color of your furnishings and walls. You may choose to match the current color theme of the kitchen or use complementary colors for contrast.


3. Length – living rooms generally look good with long and flowing curtains, but such may not be the case for the kitchen window. The kitchen would benefit for a more relax and informal atmosphere that shorter curtains can provide. To determine the right length of kitchen curtains, it is important to carefully measure the window where it will be installed.


4. Style – There are many styles of kitchen curtains, the most popular three among them are the country-styled ones, contemporary and the classic kitchen curtains. Each style caters to particular tastes and kitchen themes.


Caring for Kitchen Curtains


Kitchen curtains are easy to care for. You only need to shake them once in a while to eliminate dust. They should also be washed every month or so according to product labels. Some curtains with delicate materials need to be dry cleaned or hand washed. Stained curtains may be washed in hot vinegar solution.


Kitchen curtains can be very beautiful features of a kitchen. It is good to invest one to make the kitchen a conducive place to make meals for the family.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.a-kitchen-decorating-idea.com where you can get more kitchen decorating ideas and learn more about choosing kitchen curtains.

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If you are looking at French Country Decorating for your bedroom then there are few things that need to be considered to ensure that the finished look is right.


Firstly you need to look at style and colour. Most French Country Decorating designs are set against a background of whitewashed woodwork and are able to co-ordinate with a wide palette of colours. For a bedroom flowers and toile patterns can be used effectively. Where ever possible you should use materials that are luxurious to the touch, look at adding some traditional French lace if at all possible to the design or even some brocade may be included within the design as well.


If you like a bit of color, you could consider some light blue or light green walls or even a golden color. The key is to make it look faded or white washed as if it is antique. Match the colors in your patterns to the walls, curtains, rugs and accessories. Adding some antique accessories around the room with “chippy paint” will help to give it an authentic look for the French Countryside. Although these type of accessories are in demand today, you can still buy them at fairly reasonable prices in local antique markets and even some thrift or consignment stores.


Next we need to look at windows and lighting. For a more authentic French Country style the windows should look lovely with the use of soft sheers and tailored curtains and drapes preferably ones that will softly fold on to the floor to add that extra hint of luxury (so don’t go for short curtains). It is important to include decorative tiebacks, valances and swags in your French Country Decoration design. The lighting to the room should be ornate with the lamps (Tiffany style seems to suit this kind of design well) and which also help to accentuate the walls and fabrics in the room as well.


It is important that the furniture used in a French Country Bedroom decoration should be a few pieces which have been either wood stained or colour painted to help ground the room and make everything sit in perfect harmony with each other. Certainly a French Country style bedroom should be decorated using the most luxurious toile or floral bedding that you can afford as well as a ornate and gorgeous bed along with shabby chic furniture. Remember a French Country style bedroom should ensure that you are surrounded by beauty and style as you sleep.


But at the end of the day it does not matter whether you go for the country or contemporary look, what you really want to do is design a room that displays your taste and style.

Lee Dobbins write for http://www.bedroom-designs-and-decorations.com where you can find out more about decorating your bedroom.

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The world is becoming a very crowded place and many people are just realizing that they do not have a place for themselves where they can relax totally and unwind themselves. The pace of the world is turning very mechanical and hectic leaving people very busy every day that many forget that they have to even relax.

Many people keep looking for secluded places outside of their homes; in search for that exclusive place where they can unwind and let go of themselves. What they fail to realize is that the very sanctuary they re looking for to unwind lies in their bathrooms. What a better place to relax and be alone with yourself. Sitting there in a warm bathtub with scented candles lit around you and listening to soft music can be really rewarding and helps to soothe your nerves.

But to achieve that relaxing mood in your bathroom you also must make sure that you plan the décor of your bathroom to bring about that relaxing feeling when you are there having your bath. And what better way to dress up your bathroom than with beautiful primitive shower curtains. When you choose the right shower curtain for your very own space, you can certainly add a touch to your personality.

There are a variety of colours, designs and textures of shower curtains available in the market. You can choose from the wide range or alternately you can even customize shower curtains to your taste and style. If you are creative and take a lot of care and effort to maintain a beautiful house, you should also give attention to your shower curtains.

If you are talented enough, it is very satisfying to create your own shower curtains. You could buy the fabric and paint or embroider designs of your choice in colours that you are fond of.

There are so many classic country style and primitive shower curtains in the market today, that will help you to make your very own fashion statement. The primitive shower curtains come in various styles like traditional, contemporary, classic, floral etc. These primitive shower curtains can be coordinated in such a way as to match the other bathroom accessories too.

You can go for the classic Christmas scene with carrot nosed snowmen and heart warming messages on a classic Christmas primitive shower curtain. There are scenes of farms and the countryside. These primitive shower curtains simply add to your home décor if you live in the countryside or if you have decorated your home in the country style décor.

Other primitive designs include pictures of ancient cave dwellers or even the African stick figures. These lend a very primitive look to the atmosphere.

You can look for primitive shower curtains in departmental stores or at big malls. You can also look for them online which is the best way to search. You will come across many companies selling these primitive shower curtains and you will have a wider range to choose from.

Muna wa Wanjiru Has Been Researching and Reporting on Shower Curtain for Years. For More Information on Primitive Shower Curtains, Visit His Site at PRIMITIVE SHOWER CURTAINSI Will Also Highly Appreciate Your Views On Primitive Shower Curtains At My Blog here

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So, you have a large window or maybe windows in your home.  So what’s the best window treatment for all that glass?  The specific answer will ultimately depend on your light control needs.  Just so you know, if you are looking for blackout window treatments, you may be a little disappointed in the outcome as it is very difficult with large windows.  Beyond that you do have choices.

First up are vertical blinds, but I am not talking about the ubiquitous vinyl vertical blinds.  Instead, consider some of the other material choices like fabric, solar screen, faux wood and wood, cellular and aluminum vertical blinds.  If you want to preserve your view-through consider vertical blinds with solar screen vanes.  If you want room darkening, look into aluminum, wood and faux wood, of course depending on how well these coordinate with your interior.  For a softer look consider fabric vertical blinds or vertical cellular shades.  The advantage of the cellular option is improved energy efficiency.

Next up are panel track blinds.  Panel track blinds are fairly new to the window treatments scene and offer sophisticated, contemporary looks.  They are similar to vertical blinds except they have much larger vanes; that’s why they call them panel blinds.  The blind itself operates on a wheeled track so they open and close very smoothly.  Panel tracks come in a wide variety of materials including solar shade, woven woods, weaves as well as patterned and solid fabrics.  The cool thing too about panel blinds is the panels can be swapped out with different panels if you wanted to redecorate.  As far as I know, no other window treatment allows this flexibility.

Of course, no list of window treatment options for large windows would be complete without drapes.  We all know about drapes so I will not go into them very deeply.  They are a good choice for oversized windows, but not for large windows that may be high off the floor.   One choice to consider with drapes that you may not have thought of is to layer them with another window treatment, like vertical blinds.  This offers a richer, more complete look which may be just the ticket for you particular décor.  And, because drapes come in a wide variety of fabrics, colors and patterns, coordinating them is a snap.

For modestly oversized windows, your choices expand a little.  This list includes: cellular shades, pleated shades, sheer shades, roman shades as well as the aforementioned vertical and panel track blinds.  For energy efficiency look into cellular shades.  For versatility and minimal light control look into sheer shades, which are another lesser known window treatment option.  They are kind of like two blinds in one.  They have fabric vanes covered on both sides by sheer fabric facings.  When the vanes are open, they allow decent view-through and light-filtering and when the vanes are closed offer gentle light control.  Pleated shades look very similar to cellular shades, but are less expensive but not as energy efficient because they don’t have the air pocket built in.  If you prefer fabric window treatments, roman shades are the best choice for you.  They come in a wide variety of fabric choices.  That’s why they are sometimes called fabric shades.  Roman shades offer the luxury of a drape with the easy operation of a shade.  

One of my favorite window coverings for large windows is fabric vertical blinds. In my own home I have Hunter Douglas vertical blinds for my sliding glass door and they look great. – David Brooks

David Brooks is a San Diego-based freelance SEO consultant and geothermal energy advocate.

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Rustic curtain rods are fantastic within the home. They make it look elegant and homely as well as being inexpensive and rust free. What more could you want from a curtain pole?

If you are looking to create a nice scenic, country setting then a rustic curtain rod could help. One of the great things about these rods is that they can be used in a number of places including above doors as well as the windows. They have a unique look and feel to them and they really do catch the eye and make the home look elegant and stylish.

Why Choose Rustic Curtain Rods?

So why choose rustic curtain rods over other types of rods then? Well rustic curtain rods can look modern at the same time as looking stylish. Many people long to have a country style home yet either they cannot afford one or they simply cannot move away from the city. So, by adding a rustic curtain rod to the home it allows them to create the look that they are after and that makes it better for them to relax.

One of the biggest advantages of rustic curtain rods is that they are fairly inexpensive to buy. So not only can you have a sophisticated and elegant look but you can also get it at an affordable price. As for where you can buy them; the great news is they are readily available in a lot of different places. One of the best places to shop is online as there is such a huge amount of selection there and you can easily find something that you like.

Finally another huge advantage of the rustic curtain rods is that they do not rust. This means that they last longer and look great all the time. There is nothing more unsightly than a curtain rod which is rusty! So, by purchasing a rustic curtain rod you are ensuring that you never have to worry about rust again!

How to Make Rustic Curtain Rods Look Good within Your Home

It is not enough to simply buy rustic curtain rods and just place them up and then you are done. You have to take into consideration the room that they are going in. If you have an extremely modern look to your home and it represents a flat more than a country home, rustic curtain rods will look out of place. So you need to make sure that your home has a country feel to it.

The rustic curtain rods which you can choose form come in a number of different styles including ones shaped with maple leaves, animals and scrolls. This helps to match them to the style of your home easily and you should be able to find one which does suit your home.

Overall rustic rods are brilliant and they can fit into many homes but you should ensure that your theme is a country setting in order for them to look perfect.

Andrew Caxton publishes articles for http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com . A website with tips on curtains, amongst many related topics.

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Decorate your Home with Country Style Ideas

What do you enjoy most about Country Home Decorating? For some it is the casual, colorful, nic-nac haven of the 1980’s…I remember that time, do you? Other country home decorating ideas of the past included ruffles, painted wood plaques on the walls, wreaths made of natural materials, braided area rugs, pine furniture, bunnies and duckies (with clothes on) in the front yard…it was and still can be, a comfortable, cozy and homey type of decor. At that time it was THE look in my midwest neighborhood!

Twenty five years later, Country home decor is still a comfortable and sought after look, although some of the elements have undergone a 21st century transformation. In this fresher, updated look, the wall plaques and ruffled plaids may no longer be present, but the overall look is still casual, informal and inviting.

Antique pieces, distressed wood (from age or intentional) of pine, oak and maple are staples of country home case goods. There are many great sources of new furniture that provide that ‘got this from my grandmother’ look, and are well-made, too – a big plus! If your style preference is more sophisticated upscale county, you’ll most likely select new pieces which will have a light wood finish and a slightly more traditional look as opposed to a Colonial style turned leg, for example.

The cute ginghams and red,blue and green plaids are gone. Textile choices should remain organic, informal and durable, but the pattern and color schemes may vary, depending on homeowner taste. Select your color scheme early on in the project, determining the two or three colors that will make up your palette, and add one or two accent colors. Then stick with the plan to ensure that your space retains that ‘put together’ look.

As with any home decorating project, Country Home Decorating requires thoughtful planning with regard to the budget, color scheme and coordination of the furniture, accessories and room layout. And please remember that country decor doesn’t mean cluttered and disorganized.

Collectables such as candles, baskets, porcelain figures, small antiques, baskets or whatever your passion is, can be displayed in a way that showcases them rather than disappearing into the background. How? Display your pieces in groupings of five or less, varying the size and shape of each piece and thus creating an interesting vignette. Whatever you decide to use as an accent in your country style home, make sure it is something that you love and enjoy having around every day, and that will be your secret to success.

Country style decorating is practical, so look for ways to make your pieces multi-task, or give them a new function. For example, if you have found the most perfect hand-woven basket to add to your home’s country decor, use it for storage as well. The antique nightstand that you picked up at the flea market may have a place in the guest bathroom as a small storage unit.

Whether your unique interpretation of country style decorating is rustic, casual and primitive, or updated, fresh and simple…decorate from the heart with pieces you love and you will be pleased with the result.

Candi Randolph is the owner of Simply Designed in Fort Myers, FL and the author of Ten Simple Steps to Design Success. For more information and a wide variety of home decorating ideas please visit Great Home Decorating.

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curtainsexpo.com have stores in New-York, Philadelphia and Chicago , please view curtainsexpo.com for our work, contacts and deals. Curtains fabric by yard, Drapery fabric by yard, Window Hardware, Rods, Accessories, Trimming, Blinds vertical, horizontal, Shades, Wallpaper, Bedding home textiles, Gobelens, Fibers Styles

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The kitchen has long been considered the heart of the home. It is the nerve center where most family gatherings occur. It is where family members talk about their daily lives, exchange stories, and generally bond while eating delicious food cooked in the very same room. Given this important role of the kitchen, it is therefore not a surprise that most homeowners want to establish a cheerful, friendly, and inviting atmosphere in this room.

Among others, the country-style kitchen is one of the most sought after design inspirations in this area. Practically speaking, the reason behind its popularity is that it incorporates inexpensive materials and furnishings that evoke the simplicity of country living. The entire design concept is simple, typically featuring crockery, wooden wall plaques as well as bright and cheerful colors reflected in the walls, the tables and the curtains, among others. Moreover, homeowners prefer this design style because of the warm and friendly atmosphere it generates. Given our highly stressful lifestyles, we all need to have a refuge where we can retreat after a day’s work. If you would like to try out this simple design concept but have no idea where to begin, read on and take inspiration from the simple tips we have compiled.

The very first thing you have to consider is the color scheme. Certainly, industrial steel and black will not help you achieve that look. Country-style kitchens are usually decked out in shades of red, white, brown, and yellow. The same color scheme should therefore appear in different areas such as the cabinets, the backsplash, the walls, etc. In terms of patterns and designs, gingham and floral patterns are both quite common. However, feel free to use plain textile or any other pattern as long as it is not too busy and has the exact same colors as those mentioned above.

In terms of furnishings, country-style kitchens usually feature wooden tables and chairs, cabinets, hutch, etc. There is no specific type of wood used and any variant can be incorporated into the décor. Wicker is also a dominant theme so you may add wicker furniture, baskets, and other implements. If you have a tight budget and cannot afford to buy new furniture, simply use slipcovers whose colors and design match the other elements of your kitchen.

Finally, a country-style kitchen will not be complete without the right set of accessories that will complement the major elements of the room. One of the typical ways to create coherence and consistency among these elements is to use a running theme. For example, farm animals can appear in random parts of the kitchen through the tiles, cabinet doors, curtains, and the like. You may also hang carved wood wall art in the form of wooden wall plaques that echo the same farm animal theme. Aside from these, you may also display crockery, ceramic plates, cookie jars, and any other accent that matches the theme. To create a truly warm and inviting country-style kitchen, remember that the entire look should be consistent and not overpowering.

For more informational articles about home decorating and interior design, check out http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jessica_Ackerman .

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What is DIY Valances? Do it yourself or DIY Home decorating. Do it yourself or DIY no sew window treatments. Decorate a living room window. Decorate a bedroom window. Decorate kids rooms and palyrooms.

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Blinds and drapes can be the finishing touch to your home decor. Better TV has some simple tips to take the mystery out of measuring and hanging blinds.

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