Budget Styles

Choosing the Proper Length of Curtains for your Room: Sashes, Skimmers and Puddles

admin — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 06:02:30 +0000

Though today most people think that “curtains” refers to any window covering hung to block light and provide privacy that really isn’t the case. Technically speaking, curtains made of material sufficiently translucent to filter light that comes through windows are called sash curtains. While they may be opened or pushed to the window sides, sash curtains are often kept closed all the time. Draw curtains (correctly called draperies but never “drapes”, which is a trade term) are made of material heavy or thick enough to block the light altogether.

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Choosing and Installing Plantation Shutters for Your Sun Room

admin — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 05:55:34 +0000

A sun room with plantation shutters is the perfect combination. A sun room allows you the pleasure of bringing the outside in without wind, rain or the elements so you have a chance to enjoy the outdoors all year round. By installing plantation shutters, you not only make an attractive design statement but you add a layer of protection against the elements in your sun room.

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Floral Arrangements on the Floor: Making a Big Impression from the Ground Up

admin — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 05:52:41 +0000

When you want to create an aura of stately drama to a room, forget about heavy statues and pricey pedigreed paintings-opt for one or more floor vases instead!

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Are You Short on Home Office Space?

admin — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 05:48:47 +0000

Quickly Convert a Closet to a Home Office Nook

When I got my first computer and launched a consulting career more than a few years ago, I was desperate to create some type of office space in my tiny apartment. I couldn’t imagine where I was going to find that necessary nook until I found some inspiration in Martha Stewart and set about converting a closet into a functional and space saving home office nook - what a terrific concept!

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Your Fireplace: Creating a Meeting Place to Remember

admin — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 23:21:44 +0000

Having a fireplace in your home can be a wonderful way to create a space for memories. But you’ll want to choose the right drapery, mirrors and rug treatments to accentuate this beautiful addition to your home.

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Weekend DIY Series: Convert a Spare Room to a Baby Nursery in 2 Days for $200

admin — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 06:25:31 +0000

Is there a new baby on the way and not much time (or money) to convert that spare room into a nursery that your little one will love? Don’t fret-with imagination and a little advance planning, you can do a great conversion job in the space of a weekend and with a budget of $200 or less. Figure $50 to $75 for paint and wallpaper, $25 to $40 for curtains and the balance for a rocking chair and a few pretty pictures found at your local flea market or thrift store. When it comes to budget decorating, treasure hunting can be half the fun! (more…)

Using the Right Fabrics for Outdoor Decorating

admin — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 06:16:00 +0000

Today’s outdoor fabrics are nothing short of terrific! New methods for treating sturdy fabrics has ensured they are more durable, sun resistant and suitable for outdoor use and better able to stand up to the ravages of weather and time. Although the most well known is Sunbrella, it is also the most expensive and more economical versions are available on the market that offer the same benefits.

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Indoor OutDoor Carpeting – Great For the Porch

admin — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 02:31:30 +0000

Try using indoor outdoor carpet over regular carpet for it’s durability and water resistance – it’s ideal for your porch. Turn that space into a more practical area with a comfortable and warm carpet under foot. Make your porch comfortable and it will be like having a new room in the home.

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Is Formal Home Décor for You? Consider Functionality and Upkeep

admin — Mon, 26 May 2008 06:16:56 +0000

Most homes today are decorated in a more casual or family friendly style rather than the formal don’t-touch-anything style of past generations. However, this formal look can create an elegant and luxurious atmosphere that is lacking in many homes today. The question is…is this a look that you could really maintain and enjoy? Before you start planning your home’s interior design or choose to decorate your home or single room in a formal decorating style, consider the functionality and upkeep that go along with maintaining this classical, and often expensive, design style.

Formal home décor usually involves using dark, intricately carved hardwood furniture and floors. They are often coated in shiny, highly polished lacquered finishes to reflect the lights and attract the eye’s attention. This can be a sleek and expensive look, but it can also collect dust and is easily marred with fingerprints and smudges. Wood furniture and floors need to be dusted, polished, and mopped on a regular basis to keep them looking clean and luxurious. (more…)

Do you Love Retro 70’s? Include it in your Home’s Interior Design

admin — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:59:05 +0000

Don’t look now, but those retro designs so popular in the 1970’s are back! Perhaps it’s because kids leaving their parents’ homes and establishing their own are raiding family attics and basements and hauling out all that stuff their parents started out with 30 years ago. Or maybe it’s that a modular sofa from the 1970’s is easier to find and less expensive to purchase than, say, a Queen Ann desk actually made during Queen Ann’s day.

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