Interior Design

Being one of the oldest districts in the city, Tarzana has one of the most unique interior design when it comes to their homes. This village starts as early as 1769. One of the main attractions of the town is the Otis Ranch, founded by Edgar Rice Burroughs in 1919. This is just one of the prides of Tarzana when it comes to its exquisite Tarzana homes with classic interior designs and decorations.

Tarzana homes now offer one of the best amenities that a family could have in a community. It's highly elevated, has continuous water, electricity and gas supply, and a good highway. It is on the areas in the valley of San Fernando that can offer a spacious, cool and liveable environment for your family.

Tarzan has built its own subdivisions that they usually offer for as low as $1500, and its place is as spacious as it can get with an acre of land that you can call your own. The subdivision was designed and created with an idea of a good community in mind of the engineers. It is surrounded by churches, schools and theatres. Small as it is, the town council even petitioned for their post office in 1930 and finally got it on their name: Tarzana Post Office.

Now, this small community takes pride with all the new house and buildings built with in the centre of Tarzan. Even before, Tarzan homes take a great pride in providing its community a good and accessible place to necessities. In 1930, they even had what they call "Heart of Ventura Boulevard" where a group of stores and groceries were placed. To amaze more, this boulevard was actually situated in the middle of acres of farm in Tarzana. This is a design that awes people whenever they visit this place to buy things.

However, it was in the end of the world war two when Tarzana really boomed into a commercial and industrial little town. After the war, a lot of business got establish in the area including a list of subdivisions. This made Tarzana homes bigger and more competitive when it comes to interior and designs. The small town was tagged as Los Angeles "bedroom communities". These Tarzan homes are now commonly called "home of Tarzans".

After the development of all the great amenities that this subdivision provides, Tarzana now stands a modern small town without the trace of chicken ranches and berry farms. However, the people living in Tarzan homes still continues to live on tranquillity and in homes that was built and design to create a fun and healthy environment for its residents. Currently, some of the popular buildings in the town are their new ice skating rinks, bowling centres, medical and banking buildings and country clubs.

In the modern world, Tarzan is known as the fantastic world of Edgar Rice Burroughs and among the most intricate designed building during his time is the Burroughs Tarzana Ranch. In a web site about Tarzana, a movie and picture gallery depicting Burroughs influence in the town's early years are shown. Among these are pictures and articles written by Burroughs himself and letters describing the details of Tarzana homes and its people as well as their life during the early times.

Currently, Tarzana is known for real estate business because of the exotic Tarzana home and interior designs. Most notable interior designers are in Tarzana because they knew that when it comes to looking for a house with a magnificent interior, Tarzana is one of those places. Since it just 20 miles away from Los Angeles and is just over the Hills in San Fernando Valley, the location is perfectly strategic for some who still wants to have a nightlife in the city.

The real estate business in Tarzana is mainly for single Tarzana homes for sale, these houses can usually be found in gated and non-gated communities. They are just around the corner of the schools of Los Angeles Unified School District and the UCLA. These home prices in Tarzana usually starts at $400, however, if you are looking for a more permanent house with complete amenities and exquisite interior designs, you can check the town's estate properties, the prices ranges from $700,000 to $8,000,000. These homes include all you need, spas, multiple fireplaces, swimming pools, and scenic canyon views. For more organized individuals who just want a condominium or apartment, the cost ranges from $250,000 to $450,000.

There are home owners who love the old interior design of their houses. However, there are some who also wants it to be remodelled. This is the reason is why being an interior designer is one of the big jobs in this town. A person who loves delicate interior designs comes to this pace because of this. If you want to have a remodelling job of your entire unit, all you have to do is check online. There are more than 100 offices and interior designers from Tarzan alone that you can make contact with. This only proves that people in Tarzana wants to maintain the Tarzana home effect even after year since Burroughs was gone.

Most interior designers for Tarzana homes often compete with each other by showing their intricate layout and design for any possible remodelling that needs to be done. One of the designer's offices in town even posted on their official website their own visualization and how they do their remodelling. As for other designers, posting an old and new version of a particular house is their way of attracting potential customers. For other designers, offering to do your own design with their expert touch is another way of inviting customers. Moreover, this entire interior designs centre on one thing, to provide homeowners of Tarzana the elegance and comfort of living on their own home. And most importantly, interior designers of Tarzana ensure no homes are alike when it comes to their interior designs.

However, competition in Tarzana is real tight when it comes to real estate because aside from remodelled houses and units being sold, brand new ones are also in the list making buying a harder decision to make. So if you are planning to buy a home in Tarzana, make sure to inquire with the best real estate agent in town, know your options, ask questions and don't hesitate to bargain. Remember, there are lots of homes being sold in this small town and all of them are of high quality interior design. This is a trademark that Tarzan can have for the years of its existence or until such day that it will be gone from the map.

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Top Boys Bunk Bed Design - How to Make a Kids Room Look Funky

When it is time to move your little boy to his own sleeping space, you can choose a bunk bed, so he can sleep alone and at the same time feel the presence and through it, the reassurance of an older sibling. Another big advantage of the bunk bed is that you get to conserve a lot of space in the kid's room. You don't have to put in a separate bed to accommodate the second/third child. Bunk beds make the room look attractive and exciting. When you consider decorating the kid's room, you can ask them how they want their room to be designed. They might have some really weird and funny ideas, but designing it the way they like it will encourage them to sleep in their own room without any issues. If you find their ideas too absurd or impractical you could help them choose a workable theme; a theme they will love and be comfortable with. There are a number of options when it comes to choosing a bunk bed design.

You can add a theme to your boy's room decor. A custom-made pirate theme bed is the most favorable choice among 5-6 year olds. They love the slide, the rock wall, the artificial trees and the jungle hideaway look that accompanies it. You can add many accessories in the same theme to the pirate bunk bed and use the rest of the space for storing your kid's things. If your child wants a different theme to adorn his room, you could try the lodge cabin theme room or camping room theme.

A lodge cabin theme can be used for kids who love camping styles tents; you can add in a few stuffed animals like squirrels, porcupines, elks and moose to complete the look. You can transform the room with appropriate furniture that goes with this particular theme; like branches instead of a curtain rod, bear skin rug, table lamps with animal shapes and so on.

The camping room can be made really exciting by adding bugs, spiders and critters. You can add in some stuffed pets and dogs to make the room really adventurous. But do this only after consultation with your boy; you don't want to scare him in the middle of the night. Other themes popular among young boys are rustic log style bunks, fun-based bunks, jungle theme and summer camp theme bunks.

When you choose bunk beds, it is very important that you consider the length between the beds. If a child laying in the lower bed needs a lot of sitting room, then the bed should allow for that. There are several creative solutions to suit a child's varying needs. You could choose bunk beds that have drawers, desks and dressers attached to them. You don't have to worry about maxing out your credit because all of these are available at rock bottom prices, especially if you get them during a special discount sale.

Colin McDonald writes on behalf of Bunk beds for kids

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Three Budget Interior Design Tips For Every Home

Lots of people delay the thought of enhancing their house, simply because they do not like to spend some money. However, you will find ways that you could make enhancements to your residence without investing much cash whatsoever. Whenever you make changes on a tight budget, you may enjoy your enhanced living area without compromising your money. Plus, you are able to improve your home's value along the way.

1. Search for Deals

Among the best suggestions for changing your house on a tight budget would be to simply search for the very best ideas. As being a savvy and patient shopper who pounces when she or he sees a great deal is a brilliant way to significantly improve one's home.

Regardless of what kind of do it yourself you are thinking about, preparing in advance and being patient will ultimately shell out some serious returns. Your house upgrade may be no more than a brand new shower curtain or as huge as purchasing new barstools or tiles for the kitchen. In either case, searching for an offer is really a wise move.

2. Never Be Scared of the ground Model

Frequently occasions it's possible to save enough money by simply choosing for that floor model. If you're able to save ten as well as 20 % by simply taking home a wonderfully fine floor model, then you might like to consider doing this. Just make sure the floor model has got the same warranty.

3. Always Negotiate

When you're searching to redesign your house or have work on all, tried it makes good business sense to barter. Independent people and companies will often require much offense by trying and negotiate a good deal, particularly if you achieve this inside a respectable and fair fashion. While there might be some cultural variations about this point, should you approach the subject inside a sincere and friendly fashion you might easily see some results. Which means money staying with you!

Home is where, the heart is. By making simple changes in the plan and layout of the house you are making a lifestyle change. A good ambiance always attracts a lot of friends and family time becomes more entertaining. What is more important that you can afford it all within your set budget. Fortunately, the web makes finding out how to do your own house improvement much simpler than previously. Today, you'll find step-by-step instructions as well as training videos just waiting to work with.

Tim is an expert in the field of Computer Chairs and on Coffee tables designs and helps you make a wise decision online.

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5 Tips to Land You a Good Interior Design Internship

Your internship is that critical part that bridges your educational training and actual job experiences. Landing a good one, or any spot at least, can be challenging especially with the limited spots and many competing graduates. To help you, here are a few tips that will put you a step above the rest.

Practice and More Practice

For every project that you do in design school, you need to think that it will soon become a reference to land an internship position. With that in mind, you need to heighten creativity and push yourself to do exceptionally and learn as much as you can especially around the guidance of good and experienced staff. Practice starts in your own home or you can also put your best forward in every design assignment given. Familiarize and learn more about color and texture combinations, proportions and designs.

Impressive Portfolio

Being a field that is distinguished by creativity, your portfolio should display exactly that to your employers. You need to make it to be well arranged, complete and thorough. It should also be streamlined to any specific field you are interested in. For instance if your focus is on commercial interior designing then your projects and designs should be for that field. Make it relevant and unique, something that will surely grab an employer's attention. Remember, interior design employers prefer an 11"x17" size in a portrait layout, and try to keep it uniformed all throughout.

Networking

Another way to help you land a good internship is good connections. It pays to know the right people, or those who know the big fishes in your industry. Landing a project or an internship is all about connections, good ones at least. You may join associations who are connected to firms that help graduates land a job, or you could start to in searching for schools that trains and prepares you resulting to a more extensive portfolio that will impress your internship employers.

Good Resume

A good resume is a prelude to what you are able to give an employer. To make a good impression, make it clear, concise, easily readable, and extensive. Be creative and make it sound promising without sounding too commercial.

Market Yourself

Employers would usually look for a candidate who is outgoing, has good communication skills, and can well convey ideas through explanation. Aside from your excellent design ideas, a good percent of convincing a client is on how you say and market your interior design ideas. Enhance that skill for the gab to convince employers that you do have a potential to sell your craft in an impressive light.

Landing a good internship starts with the training and quality of education that you have. They must prepare you to have a good compilation of works that best prepares you for competitive markets. At Raffles Education Corporation, we provide you a current design curriculum, extensive training and veteran teachers, preparing you to be globally competitive. You can visit our site today at http://www.raffles-iao.com/ for a free consultation.

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Interior Design Books - The Best of The Best

Inspiration comes in many forms. Sometimes, for visionaries like Frank Lloyd Wright, inspiration may come from something as simple as nature itself. For others it might come from years of conditioning and exposure, and the ability to notice a nuance that sparks the imagination. Designers have always seen the world through a different set of eyes and sensibilities. They can take something old and make it new again. They can position an object or color in such a way that not only makes us notice it, but makes us feel it.

During my years in the business, I've met a lot of people working in the interior design business at different levels. Some of them are very successful but a better salesperson than a designer. Some have talent off the Richter scale but not a nickel to their name. For some it's a business but to a special few, it's a passion. These are the people who inspire me.

Anyone interested in interior design deserves to surround themselves with some inspiration from their peers. We've all hit that wall once in a while when we are trying to put together a presentation. Our minds are drawing blanks, the deadline is bearing down on us, and we feel like there isn't an ounce of creativity left in us. That's the time to put my pencil down, turn off my brain and relax with a great design book and get lost in another world. Seeing pictures of some of the most beautiful rooms in the world recharges me. It gives me a fresh outlook and I no longer feel trapped by the ideas of my past.

I've decided to share some of my favorite books here. I'm not selling them or recommend where you buy them, but these are by far some of the best. If you have any favorites you'd like to share with me, please send me a comment. I'm always in the market for a fresh read. These are not listed in any order of preference...that can only be decided by you.

Architect and interior designer, Jose Solis Betancourt is a regular on the AD 100, Architectural Digest's list of top designers, sometimes called the Oscars of the design world. "Essential Elegance: The Interiors of Solis Betancourt" covers 14 of his projects. These are rooms where you find refuge and comfort. His use of luxurious fabrics contrasted by his simple arrangement of furnishings and accessories create a subtle and sometimes dramatic effect.

Axel Vervoordt is a Belgium antique dealer who, along with his family, runs an 85 person design firm, a multidisciplinary center of decorative arts and crafts in the Kanaal, a complex of restored nineteenth-century warehouses and silos. His is considered to be a master of color and light. "Timeless Interiors" contains over 20 of his best projects.

Alexa Hampton's "The Language of Interior Design" demonstrates the exposure and expertise she acquired as the daughter of interior design icon, Mark Hampton. Now regarded as one of the top interior designers of our time, she also licensed product lines from different manufacturers. Her style runs from the classic to the contemporary...each with an astonishing eye for proportion, finish and details.

"Mary McDonald Interiors: The Lure of Style" combines vintage Hollywood glamour with everyday life. She is consistently ranked one of House Beautiful's Top 100 designers. Her personal style of layering and collections are neatly organized to add intrigue without appearing cluttered. Her combination of styles has been called many things...it needs to be seen to be appreciated.

"Victoria Hagan: Interior Portraits" is the first collection of works for this seasoned designer. First discovered by New York magazine in 1998, Victoria Hagan has become renowned for her" intelligent integration of architecture and interior design." This is a book about an artist with interior design...relying on what's not there as much as what you see. Her rooms are magically calm and organized, clean and crisp. This is a book you'll pick up more than once.

"Vincent Wolf, Lifting the Curtains on Design" is his most recent release from 2010. It provides a glimpse into the mind of designer from concept to completion. His work is clean, sophisticated, and uncluttered. His palettes are weightless and his uncanny sense of using surprisingly affordable objects as focal points is refreshing. Based out of New York, his work spans the globe in both residential and commercial projects.

Also released in 2010 is David Easton's "Timeless Elegance: The Houses of David Easton". The book features mostly work that has been unpublished prior to this book and includes blueprints and drawings from the projects to better understand the design decisions that were made. His work is layered, classic even when doing contemporary styling and finished with tons of detail. This is a man who understands art as much as interior design and architecture. Although his clients have great means, the rooms carry an artful refuge and calmness.

Thomas Jayne's "The Finest Rooms in America" is a collection of 50 interiors spanning the history of the United States. It includes everything from Monticello to New York loft. It's about the best of the best in both design, periods, furnishings, accessories and fabrics. Jayne himself is an accomplished interior designer but he has chosen not to include any of his own work in this book. This is a book you will reference over and over.

I'm sure all of these books are available through your local bookstore or the like should you care to purchase any of them for yourself or someone who might really enjoy them as a gift. They will provide hours of enjoyment. You'll probably find that if you leave them lying around on your cocktail table, your friends are likely to pick them up and get immersed in them...and probably ask to borrow them. All of them provide excellent examples of some of the finest interior design work of our time. You'll find them to be an endless resource of ideas and inspiration. But of course, as with libraries, the collections grow and designers rise to the top. As I discover new books, I'll be happy to share them with you.

Happy reading.

Bill

http://retrointeriors.net/

Bill Philby, ASID is the co-owner of Retro Interiors, one of South Florida's most established interior design firms. Mr. Philby is also a partner in Island City Traders, a retail showroom located in Fort Lauderdale. His personal blog on Retro's website, "Design Mind" is a collection of anecdotes and inspirational ideas for both clients and designers.

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Use Beach Canvas And Other Decor Pieces To Design A Tropical Themed Room

You can use beach canvas wall art to decorate a tropical themed home. You don't have to buy expensive decor pieces to recreate a tropical paradise in your living room or patio. You don't even have to redecorate the entire house for that matter.

Decorating one or two rooms in your house like your living room or den can provide that tropical ambiance. It will also be less costly to decorate a small part of your house than renovating the entire home. Here are some simple tips and decor ideas to create that nice beach and tropical feel in your home.

1. Use materials that are found in tropical countries such as bamboo and wood. Instead of having a generously upholstered couch, use bamboo furniture with throw pillows with tropical flower prints. Use floor lamps with a bamboo stand instead of using regular floor or table lamps.

2. Replace your drapes or fabric curtains with bamboo window blinds or shades. These are great window dressing for both indoor and outdoors. They are weather resistant and can withstand moisture very well. Another option for window dressing are shell or capiz window panels.

3. Place potted indoor plants in some corners of your room. Some examples of tropical indoor plants are bromeliads and small palm plants. Decorate your tables with vases filled with tropical flowers such as Birds of Paradise and orchids. If getting fresh plants and flowers are not possible, use artificial flowers or hang canvas wall art depicting tropical flowers.

4. Use colors found in the tropics for upholstery, wall paint and furniture. Common tropical colors are green, blue, yellow and tan. For fabrics on sofa upholstery, use cloth with tropical prints in tropical colors. You don't have to paint the whole room green or blue. One accent wall will do to create that tropical feel.

5. Hang beach canvas wall art showing tropical beaches with tall palm trees. A nice sunset beach painting can also create that tropical ambiance in your room. If you want to be a bit extravagant, you can have an artist paint a mural of a tropical scenery on one wall in your den.

You don't have to spend too much money on decorating your home. Small pieces that depict your theme may be enough to recreate a different atmosphere. Choose your decor pieces wisely and choose affordable decor accents that make a big impact.

Find a wide collection of canvas wall art at EverythingWallArt.com and discoverer countless choices of beach canvas, in different painting styles.

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What Is Interior Design and How Is It Different From Interior Decorating?

To begin this journey, first an attempt must be made to answer the question, 'What is Interior Design'; The National Council for Interior Design Qualification offers up the following definition: 'is a multi-faceted profession in which creative and technical solutions are applied within a structure to achieve a built interior environment. These solutions are functional, enhance the quality of life and culture of the occupants and are aesthetically attractive'. Comparing this to the definitions provided by The Free Dictionary for an interior decorator: 'also called interior designer a person whose profession is the planning of the decoration and furnishings of the interior of houses, shops, etc.' and 'a person whose profession is the painting and wallpapering of houses'

Well it is understandable, based on the two definitions above, why there are two camps. One camp holds that the interior designer is held to a higher standard and has significantly more training and design responsibilities than the interior decorator, and then there are those that bunch them all together as one and the same. There are those that look at the designer as a version of an architect and those that look at them as being a house painter. No wonder there is confusion amongst the ranks.

In an attempt to answer the question, 'Is there a difference or not?', a Google search was performed for 'Interior Decorator Degree' and the response overwhelmingly returned results for 'Interior Designer'; and not the keyword as searched. One can reasonably conclude that since one can get a degree in interior design, but not as an interior decorator, that there is a difference.

So where would one draw the line between a designer and a decorator? Reverting back to the two definitions above one can discern the key difference. The definition for the designer refers to 'built interior environment' whereas the decorator suggests 'decorating and furnishing' as the key activities. The higher standard is the designer's ability and responsibilities to call for tearing out walls, flooring, windows, lighting, electrical, as well as recommending furniture and miscellaneous design pieces. In short, the scope their role includes the responsibilities of a decorator, but goes much further.

Often it is critical for the designer to understand the wants and needs of the individual or company leadership that is hiring them to make a space comfortable and esthetically pleasing to 'the eye of the beholder'; meaning whoever is paying the freight. This will require the designer to ask the question, 'What is interior design through the eyes of my employer?'

Determining just how to customize a small dwelling area up to major corporate businesses like a national restaurant chain that must be attractive to the eye in many different regions of the country with a common design can be very challenging. Requiring a grasp of many different fields including developing and reading floor plans, a knowledge of building codes, and access to a long list of contractors that are capable of doing the work to specification are just a few of the extra requirement that separate interior design from decoration.

Often specializing in unique areas like hotels, casinos, restaurants, or other businesses that may regularly freshen up their designs to keep their businesses looking comfortable yet enticing, designers generally develop skill sets that may not play all that well outside of their special areas of expertise. What they probably are looking for in the interior design of a hospital is most likely a far cry from what they are looking for at a casino. Perhaps a better example would be determining just how to continue on with a southwestern theme for a Mexican restaurant chain in places like Seattle, St. Louis, Charlotte, Pittsburg, and Boston. What is interior design widely accepted in one region may not be well accepted in another.

In asking, 'What is interior design?' in today's environment, one must also begin to start thinking green and to look for ways to minimize the consumption of non-renewable energy sources. How does one create areas with a lot of natural lighting but not subject the individual to the blazing rays of the sun? How does one incorporate solar panels into the design or solar powered floor heaters in colder climates without losing the esthetic charm and ambiance of marble floors? These are the challenges of today's designers. It's a good thing that they love their jobs.

If you enjoyed reading this article on What is Interior Design and How Is It Different to Interior Decorating', be sure to visit my blog for more interesting articles regarding Interior Design: What is Interior Design

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Wrought Iron Grill and Grill Design

Wrought iron grills have wonderfully adorned the interiors of homes and commercial establishments like hotels, restaurants, malls, offices etc. from a very long time. They are the perfect ornamental decor that can be used to enhance the look of your home, including providing additional security when installed in windows and doors.

Wrought iron metal is a very easily malleable metal. It can be beautiful molded into various shapes and patterns, specially in ornamental forms. The grills are used in windows, doors, railings, grill gates, fences and even in front of the fireplace. They enhance the appearance of a particular area. The iron grill in front of the house becomes the focal point of the house. Among the various types of grills, this metal is definitely the most popular choice.

The grills provide security to a home. The metal is durable, strong and at the same time beautiful to look at. That is why in most modern homes today, you see the use of these grilles. These are seen specially in those homes where people prefer the traditional style of design and architecture with lots of curvaceous patterns and shapes.

The grill design ranges from traditional patterns of highly ornate designs to the sleek, contemporary modern themes. The grills are powder coated to make them rust free. After powder coating, the iron grill can be painted or given different finishes. The nickel plated, the patina finish, the chestnut brown, forest grass, black and white are the most popular finishes on wrought iron grills. The grille designs are usually in the shapes of leaves, creepers, roosters, sun, and other abstract patterns or geometrical shapes. The shiny black powder coated wrought iron grill will always remain the all time favorite for home owners. These work well in combination with any color and can match any decor of the house. Black grille is considered a neutral color that has fine lines and make the room look more elegant.

The wrought iron grill designs are so vast in choices that at times it becomes difficult to choose one. Some also prefer to go for customized grill designs. Most designs have architectural beauty getting redefined. These grills are easy to install and to clean. Some wrought iron manufacturers also manufacture removable grills. They can be removed, cleaned and then installed again.

The elegance and beauty that comes with the use of cast iron grilles can never be compared with other grill types. They create an aesthetic appeal and a lasting visual effect.

For more designs and information, check out wrought iron grills. For wholesale purchase of wrought iron products, for getting genuine response from supplies, you can also check out an online B2B Marketplace Wrought Iron Crafts.

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3 Bamboo Design Ideas That Raise the Roof

Bamboo is a beautiful and environmentally responsible material that is currently quite popular in home decor. Bamboo is a very fast-growing plant, which means it is a more easily renewable product as compared to materials such as hardwood. Although bamboo is a relatively new home decorating material, it has quickly grown in popularity. As such, you'll find a wide variety of home decorating products that utilize this natural material. If you're looking for interesting and attractive ways to decorate your home with bamboo, here are three design ideas you can try:

Bamboo Shades

Bamboo shades were a common item for home decorating even before bamboo became widely known for it's eco-friendly appeal. Bamboo shades can add a natural and even slightly exotic look to a room. You'll frequently find bamboo used to make roll-up shades or Roman shades. These shades will coordinate quite nicely with an overall natural decorating scheme, or when you're focusing on tropical-inspired designs. The method used to construct bamboo shades generally leaves small gaps or holes in the finished design. As a result, these shades will allow a certain amount of filtered sunlight to enter a room, even when they are closed. This can add a very natural and attractive look to the room. However, you might also want to hang a roller blind behind the bamboo shade for those times when you want to block all the light.

Bamboo Flooring

Although the look of a natural hardwood floor can be quite beautiful, hardwood trees take a long time and quite a few natural resources to grow. By comparison, bamboo grows quickly and requires very few natural resources in order to grow to maturity. Bamboo can be used to create a flooring material that rivals the beauty of hardwood floors. Bamboo floors are beautiful, durable, eco-friendly and comfortable to walk on. In addition to flooring that retains the natural color of bamboo, you'll also find it in a variety of other colors. If you love the look of hardwood floors, bamboo flooring can be a beautiful and more environmentally responsible option.

Bamboo Room Dividers

If you've never tried using room dividers as part of your overall home decor, you are really missing out on a lot of versatility and convenience. Room dividers can be used in a variety of different ways to expand the usefulness of your living space. They can be used to divide one larger room into two separate living areas. They can also be used to create more privacy, or to hide unattractive areas. They can also be used to create an attractive backdrop behind other decorating displays, such as a collection of plants or sculptures. You'll find room dividers made from bamboo in a variety of sizes and styles, making it simple to choose one that will perfectly suit your decorating needs. You'll find room dividers that are made entirely from bamboo, as well as those that combine a bamboo frame with rice paper or cloth panels. Either way, the end result will be beautiful as well as environmentally friendly.

Metal-Wall-Art.com senior staff writer, Alyssa Davis, specializes in designing with boats metal wall sculptures and outdoor Western metal art.

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Home Design - What's Hot For 2011

Happy New Year! It's hard to believe that a year ago I wrote an article "What's Hot And What's Not For 2010". I had such a huge response to this piece that I thought it was only fitting to share a similar version of the home building, renovation and design trends that are topping the charts for this year.

Whether you're customizing a recently purchased home, making the changes needed to update your existing space or are simply interested in increasing the overall value of your home, keep these ideas in mind when tackling your 2011 home improvement projects.

WHAT'S HOT:

Smaller Homes

For those families purchasing new homes, many are looking for more modestly sized properties than the McMansions of the past. Being more attracted to the space they need rather than the space their ego wants - is on today's agenda. It's all about being more value conscious and living authentically. Although some newly built homes may be shrinking in size - by only about 10-15% (reducing overall room sizes), the high-end materials and finishes are in no way compromised.

Rooms are becoming more multi-functional than in years past and therefore it's more important than ever to maximize every inch of space - within the existing footprint - and provide creative and integrated storage throughout your entire home. Less clutter and greater organization will contain your "stuff" and still allow your home to feel more spacious and uncluttered.

There is a return to a more simple, warm, natural and clean-lined design reminiscent of mid-century modern architecture. A blending contemporary and traditional styles - resulting in a chic transitional design style.

Greener, Healthier and Smarter Homes

The current scene is definitely green. Energy efficiency is fast becoming the hottest and most desirable trend or "shift" in the home design and building industry.

You can go all the way and completely reduce your carbon footprint or simply begin by introducing energy-efficient windows, lighting, appliances, tank-less water heaters, low-VOC paints, stains and sealants into your next home renovation or building projects.

With a one-year extension of energy efficiency tax credits, it only makes sense to take advantage of this offer and incorporate these products along with more durable and sustainable materials when you're updating your home.

Easy maintenance, high quality materials and integral smart systems make for an easy transition for the changing family. Integrating state of the art or "Smart" technology into our homes is a very hot trend that continues to blaze. It's about making our lives easier. Controlling kitchen appliances, lighting and your entertainment systems from a centralized panel will soon be foreshadowed by the apps from our smart phones where we'll be able turn on our lights, have our fireplace crackling and our dinner cooked to perfection the moment we walk through the door. Sign me up!

Universal Design

Renovating your existing home and removing interior walls creates an open, spacious and more flexible floor plan. This immediately improves the layout and flow of the home and makes it more comfortable and versatile for families who love to entertain - particularly when today's kitchens serve as multi-functional spaces incorporating cooking, dining, gathering and entertaining just to name a few.

Re-designing your home's overall layout and introducing some Universal Design principles into your renovation could include wider doorways, main floor master suites, and user-friendly kitchens and baths. These subtle tweaks make even the smallest homes feel more spacious and appeals to an enormous segment of the population -Baby Boomers and Gen Xers alike.

Work Spaces

The homeprenuer trend is not just growing - it's intensifying. With an unstable economy comes the opportunity for more people to work from home either part time or launch home-based businesses. Today's technology makes it easy to be as productive at home as in an office-based location.

Since most home-based businesses must co-exist with the family, separating your living and working environments can be a challenge. If you're lucky enough to have a separate guesthouse, a detached carriage house, or space above your garage then designate that space for your home office Otherwise, like the vast majority of home-based businesses you'll need to allocate an area within the home itself - either an unused bedroom, space beneath the stairs, or a corner of the kitchen or family room. Either way - find a spot where noise and traffic are at a minimum and privacy is optimum!

Porches and Decks

With the trend of downsizing our homes comes the idea of expanding our interior living spaces to the outdoors. Homes with charming porches and decks naturally transition the interior to the exterior instantly expanding your living space. It extends the summer season almost forcing us to live outdoors before the really cold weather sets in. Porches can define a neighborhood, and recapture a sense of community

Decks can be as simple or elaborate as the home they're attached to. Multi-leveled or single, built in seating or casual seating areas, hot tubs, outdoor kitchens, and fire pits - all of which create added living space and provide a vacation-like atmosphere.

Design your porch or deck to compliment the character of your home's exterior architecture. Give it some thought in planning. It should be proportionate to the size of your home and property and make sure to include energy efficient solar or LED lighting.

Keeping abreast of these home design trends will help guide you when it comes time for you complete your "to do" list. Families grow, people mature and our needs change. It's all about re-inventing your home making it feel as though it was built just for you.

Lori Gilder is CEO and Founder of Interior Makeovers Inc. She is an award winning Interior Designer to Hollywood's elite and is dedicated to providing her clients with a unique set of design standards and expert guidance throughout the home renovation process. Lori is known for her expertise in designing and creating luxury home environments that are more comfortable, more satisfying and more rewarding.

Please visit http://www.LoriGilder.com or http://www.diaryofarenovation.com and sign up to receive your complimentary ebook "15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation".

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Interior Design Ideas For Beautiful Home And Office

Interior designing is a creative and innovative profession in which various techniques and ideas are applied to make interior of a building more attractive and unique. Interior decoration of a building or house reflects the lifestyle and class of people. It is usually costly but the results are worth it. Now everyone can get the interior designing guide to get new and new ideas.

This is field which comes with huge amount of opportunities. Many new corporations or existing one offer good pay to interior designers to design the workplace or renovate it. Upper classes of different countries and cultures are interested in making their homes look unique and they hire interior designers to do it for them. It requires creativity, innovations, ideas and requirement of the customer. This is a profession which can have a good profit margin.

If you feel that your house is looking shabby and old and you want to renovate it into something stylish and unique, then here are a few tips for you.

Theme room:
Home decoration is very important thing. Before decorating any room we should keep in mind that the room is of a boy girl or of a baby. If the room is of a boy than the theme of the room can be blue, it can be of Spider-man type. If the room is of a girl than the theme of the room can be pink, Barbie theme can also go with the girl's room. When it comes to master bed room this is mostly of elders like parents, descent theme can go with it. Decent look can be given to the room and it is bigger room than there is more option of decoration. There are many options when it comes to master bedroom as the master bedroom is pretty good in size. So, there is a lot of space for decorating the master bedroom. Another important thing about interior decorating ideas is it not always mean spending a lot of money.

Office:
Usually people think that offices do not need the interior design. This is wrong view. The office do requires the interior ideas. However the office interior ideas are different from the home interior ideas. While doing the interior of the office the identity of the office matters a lot. The interior should be done in such way that it reflects that the office is representing what type of business.

Nancy Wilson is a writer and consultant specializing in interior designing. She has approximately four year experience in interior designing. Nancy Wilson shares interior design ideas and interior decorating ideas. For more valuable and innovative tips, visit http://www.interiordesigningguide.com/

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Interior Design And Decorating Tips For A Better Looking Home

Getting the inside of your home looking good can be a challenge and does require a certain amount of skill and knowledge in order to pull it off. Using the right colors and combinations for the curtains, draperies, even your bed sheets and duvet colors can make a big difference in the general appearance of a room.

If you have a small living space then consider getting something like a sofa bed as it will save you a lot of space. Plants can also make a big difference in the appearance and feel of a room. There are many great benefits to using plants such as getting cleaner and fresher air as well as reduced humidity levels.

The plants that you choose should match and highlight the general colors in your home. Sometimes keeping a space design simple is often the best way to go. Try to remove as much clutter as possible and use simple color combinations like black and white. Installing some rope lighting under the bed can also be great to add a night light source.

Using candles effectively can also be great to add a nice decorating style to any room. Create a grouping with the candles on a side table or you can use floating candles on a bowl also. Adding relevant artwork and paintings can also greatly enhance the appearance of your home. Make sure the artwork does match with the theme you are going for in each room.

Keeping a room bright is often a great design choice and also keep in mind that it helps to elevate your mood when you are in a bright space versus a dull and dark area. Decorating your fireplace effectively can make a dramatic difference in the appearance of a room since the fireplace is often considered one of the main focal points. Try not to block your fireplace and leave the space around it clear and free from too much furniture.

Hanging a nice piece of artwork above the mantle can be a great accent and can make a nice difference in making the fireplace look better. Also try to avoid adding too many things on or around the fireplace as this will make it look cluttered and unattractive. Wallpaper is often difficult to replace and can get damaged easily thus repainting is often a better choice if you are looking to change the color of your walls or do a little touch up.

Remember that each room has its personality and style. For instance a bedroom style and theme depends on the individual. If you have a child that loves Spiderman then you will probably want to consider a red and black theme for the room with some relevant posters and even toys and action figures can really help to create an effective theme. Getting Spiderman bed sheets and pillow covers can also have a dramatic effect. Of course the design of these kinds of rooms will be for younger children as when the kids get older they will be able to make their own decisions.

Using proper electronics in a room can also help to improve the appearance. For instance switching to a good looking flat screen tv can make a big difference as far as increasing the size of the room and making the room look neater. Also do not forget to always add some personal items like photos, souvenirs and such that reflect who you are and show off your interests and personality. Follow some of these interior home decorating tips to help you get a better looking home.

Shakil is an online researcher, author and webmaster. If you are looking for discount bedding [http://www.mattresslinen.com] then be sure to visit mattresslinen.com where you will find many great bedding products including discount duvets [http://www.mattresslinen.com/duvets.htm] and much more.

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Get Kids To Design Their Own Spaces

If you are designing your new home, keep in mind all members of the family. Kids can get stressed at the idea of moving to a new home, especially if it is in a new city. But by including them in the design of your new home, you help them feel empowered, share with them your excitement about moving, and most likely, discover new and creative ways to meet the needs of everyone in the family.

When designing, and decorating, think long term. Themes are great, but be wary of age-specific trends. Sure, you can always paint over the cartoon character wall stencils next year, but if you've gone all out with furniture and bedding that match the theme, that gets expensive, not to mention wasteful. It is best to stick with themes that can evolve as your child ages. If you child is really set on a particular fad you think they'll hate in a year, compromise. Instead of an entire bed set in that theme, just choose a couple of pillows that reflect it, and go with a more neutral overall theme. Instead of cartoon wallpaper, how about a poster of their favorite cartoon that can be easily removed at any time?

It is your job to be the responsible adult, but be very careful not to impose your own dreams on your children. After all, the point is obviously to let the kids have some input into their own rooms, and perhaps the overall house and yard designs. So listening and asking them questions about what they want is the most important thing. But having a few ideas of your own will come in handy if their ideas are a little too immature, over budget, or if they just can't make up their minds. Besides, in the process of brainstorming, you may realize there's a few childhood fantasies you just might like to integrate into your own bedroom or other areas in the home. In the meantime, here's a few practical tips:

While there is a tendency to put kids into the smaller bedrooms, it might not be the best idea. Having larger rooms can mean them keeping all their toys and other possessions in there, not spread around the house. Do you plan on living in this home when your kids are teens? If so, having enough of their own space for friends to hang out in could mean the difference between no knowing where your teen is on a Friday night, to knowing for certain that they are home safe, and having fun.

Think the same way when it comes to a bed, and, if possible, choose one that will last until your child is a young adult.

Also, consider an en suite bathroom for kids. The practicality of this may be determined by how many kids you have. While cleaning three kids bathrooms might not be appealing, think again of the future. As teenagers, children with their own bathroom won't be fighting with each other for space in front of the mirror in the morning. Especially if you have children of different genders, they will appreciate a private bathroom as they grow up. Plus, with some guidance from you, taking care of their bathroom space will also give them a jump on realistic adult housekeeping responsibilities.

When it comes to decorating, a really classy thing I've seen is to get some of the kids artwork framed. Framing can make things look so professional, and it's an ego boost for your kids to see their artwork framed. Also, think storage, and choose furniture that can do double duty. Bench seats with toy storage under them are excellent buys. Some ottomans are designed to open into storage boxes, and they are a great size for fun seats for kids.

Most important of all is to have fun talking with your kids. Even if you can't build everything their heart desires, you will probably come away from the conversation knowing them a little better.

Joe Pinto is one of the top-producing agents in the Chicago real estate industry. With over 10 years of experience, Joe brings professionalism and hard work to help you in the sale or purchase of Downtown Chicago real estate. For more information, visit Joe at ChicagoHomeEstates.com

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Creating a Feng Shui Home Design

Probably the best application of feng shui is the use of the concepts in your home. According to these concepts outlined in feng shui philosophy, this is a big step towards creating healthy lifestyle.

Feng shui can be used to get your house is in order and to ultimately make it a sanctuary where you feel de-stressed and relaxed. Further, it is claimed that it will literally set your life up for greater wealth, happiness, and even romance.

The basics are just that, basic. The primary focus should be on how your house looks and feels upon approach. This includes the outer décor and landscaping, as much as it does the interior.

Let's go over the main functional areas

Outside

The outside of your home should be set up for a positive chi, as it has many impacts on your health. Some tips include making sure your address is clearly visible from the street and getting rid of any dead brushes, shrubs and flowers. Keeping them there indicates that your wealth will die.

Keep the yard clear from any clutter and trim any overgrown plants throughout the yard. This follows the ideas that a clean and organized area allows you to feel harmony upon entrance to the home.

Light the walkway to your door at night, as it will light the way to your wealth and prosperity for years to come.

Family Room

The family room is where everyone comes together and is considered the heart of the home. Thus, is important to make sure it is comfortable and cheerful. Aim to satisfy the needs of those that may be visiting as well as you own needs in your design. Either way, it should be free of excess clutter, which will allow Chi to flow naturally throughout the room.

Keep plenty of natural light in the room and accentuate that light with a color scheme that reflects your own personality, while promoting a natural positive chi. Don't use harsh colors or colors that contrast your other decorations and furniture. Soft pastels are always good. Before making a final decision on color, understand their symbolic definitions.

Red = happiness

Yellow = authority

White = purity

Green = longevity

Blue = heavenly blessings

Bedrooms

The master bedroom should be as far away from the front door as possible, for the security of the homeowner. The foot of the bed should not be placed so that the occupant's feet face a doorway. This is a negative since this is the way the deceased are carried from a room. Part of the bed should always touch a wall because it helps people feel more stable.

As with all rooms, color is important. The color of the bedroom should reflect tranquility and relaxation. One shouldn't compromise their sleep by using too vibrant of a color. It is also recommended to use lower lighting in your bedroom, which can be accomplished simply by lowering the wattage of your light bulbs.

Dining Room

The dining room should be close to the kitchen and in the corner of a home to promote the gathering of chi. The seating should be set so that everyone can talk to each other easily. Round or octagon tables are the best choice. A round table is said to be good because it symbolizes stability.

When arranging furniture in the dining room ensure that chairs do not restrict doorways. There should be ample space for guests to walk around the table without having to maneuver around chairs or other furniture.

If your dining room has no windows a chandelier or a ceiling fan will assist the flow of Chi. Always use soft even lighting in the dining room as well as soft colors such as shades of green or yellow.

Bathroom

The bathroom represents homeowner's finances, so it should be set up appropriately. Ideally, the bathroom should not be visible from the front door or to close to the kitchen. It should be clean, well lit, and well ventilated. Proper ventilation allows the negative sha energy to be relieved quickly, allowing the positive chi to remain.

Kitchen

In the kitchen, the placement of the stove and sink are the most important. The stove should be positioned so a person using doesn't have their back facing a doorway. The chef needs to be able to focus and not be surprised.

The sink represents water, so it should not be side by side with he stove, which represents fire. Typically, a well placed mirror should alleviate any design issues you face.

There should be ample room to work around the sink and stove. They should be kept clean and work well to encourage favorable family finances.

Good lighting and ventilation by the stove will reduce the influence of Sha, as will painting the kitchen white. White symbolizes purity and promotes good health.

Using Feng Shui methods around your home is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Everyone has their own needs, and everyone's tastes are different. The bottom line for you is to follow the guiding principles and make your designs work.

With a little feng shui, anyone can improve their health and their outlook on life. However, it should be an understood that a healthy diet and regular exercise should also be incorporated into any healthy living resolution.

Alden Pennington is co-author of NaturalHealthLifestyles.com and has been a natural health enthusiast for many years. Alden graduated from the University of Kentucky and is currently a Human Resources Director with a keen focus on the company wide health and wellness program. http://www.NaturalHealthLifestyles.com

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Plan Your Interior Design Research

Interior design research resources are everywhere. Before you begin a home decorating project, you should take time to look for ideas on DVDs, by reading design and decorating books, or by looking at home decorating websites. Due to the technology available today, help in this area is easy to find and inexpensive.

Your interior design research will show you that you can create a room that appears to be of professional grade, so long as you put in the required time. As there are a number of websites which now offer professional consultations, you can refer to these sites for the professional advice but do the project yourself and save money.

Interior design research tips advocate that you get rid of clutter before beginning your project. No matter what improvements you are scheduling, it is still going to look messy if you have a lot of junk in the room. Proper storage is important and make sure that you get rid of items that you do not use on a regular basis.

Your interior design research should arm you with valuable home decorating tips, style options and helpful tools. Whilst researching, look at pictures of redesigned rooms and this will give you ideas, help you become creative and ultimately decide your best style.

Take the time to conduct a successful interior design research campaign, as you will discover your own personal style. You will find that you do not have to spend a lot of money, but simply by rearranging your furniture, adding new accents, painting the room or just by creating a new focal point, your dream room will appear.

As interior design research shows, homeowners like to change the look of the bedroom, living room, kitchen and bathroom at least every three years. By doing so, it not only refreshes a room that is heavily used, but makes the home feel new again. Once you redesign the common areas of the house, you can make minor changes to less often used rooms, like the dining room, basement, or garage.

You will find interior design research valuable in saving money. You can get ideas on how to reuse items, how to make the most of the architectural features in a room, how to decide which accessories would fit into a rooms style and how to recognize when its time to rein in your creative juices to avoid going overboard redesigning a room.

When you conduct your interior design research, you will see that there are many different options available to you, including different styles of wallpaper, tiles, color schemes, flooring and textures. Learn all the basic elements necessary for success, including some fabulous professional design techniques.

Sue Krippner is a Free Lance Artist, Home Staging and Redesign Professional. She is attracted to "all things beautiful, especially as it relates to interior decorating and design.
Visit http://frugalhomedesign.com/profile-miracle.html to discover the power of style and start creating your own personal design look in every room of your home. Get started here.

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Home Interior Design Tips on Decorating Your Space With Wall Art

How to Decorate your Space with Wall Pictures

If a room in your house lacks character, by simply placing some fine art prints on the walls can actually make quite an impact. Wall pictures are a necessary accessory in your home and are great to tie in with the room's style and color accent. Before you go off to buy some new pictures for your walls there are a few things you need to plan and decide upon. Here is a home interior design guide on how to decorate your space with wall art.

Shop for Wall Art by Room

The kind of home you have and the mood, ambience and style of decor you create, should be perfectly designed to suit your lifestyle. Deciding on a style for your room should be determined by the lifestyle you choose and not by what's the latest home interior design trend.

Whichever room you are wanting to decorate, whether it be your bedroom, living area, kitchen or office space, you need to decide what you want to get out of that space. For example:

do you want to hold dinner parties or entertain?
do you want a quiet retreat to get away from the hustle and bustle?
Is this an area for the kids to play in?
Is this a room for your hobby?

Once you have decided what you want to use the room for, you can now choose a color theme to suit the function of the room. For example, mellow greens and neutrals for your 'quiet retreat room', lively yellow for the kids room, or pale tranquil blue for your office space.

So far we have established the function and color of the room in question, this then gives us the basis on choosing the right art prints for the area.

For example:

bright colorful cartoon pictures for the kids room
mellow pastel floral pictures for your quiet retreat area, or
tranquil landscape and scenic pictures for your office space

Choose your Style

Like paint color, artwork can immediately establish or change a room's mood. Not only can it pull the room together, but you can use it to create a style uniquely your own.

traditional & classic
modern
contemporary
fun & entertaining
casual
romantic

The style of the room is totally dependent on your own personal taste and this is the time when you can inject your own personality into the room through artwork and textured accessories.

Suggested art picture styles:

Fun & Entertaining: Pictures can include bright colors both in the print and on the frame. Fun and entertaining pictures can include kittens and puppies, or comedian actors such as the Three Stooges or Laurel & Hardy.

Modern: With the strong black accents in the framed iron-work and the tapestries, striking black and white photos are a natural choice for a modern and sophisticated look.

Calm Retreat: To reinforce the mood of a nestled, cozy retreat, use artwork with neutral, earthy colors and a horizontal landscape subject.

You can even mix and match different styles to create a unique style of your own. For example, frame traditional black and white photo prints in a modern black iron frame.

Arranging and Hanging your Pictures

In order to get the maximum effect of your wall pictures in terms of adding character and a focal point to the room, you need to decide where and how you want to hang them.

Here are some suggestions to help you decide how to get the best effects from your pictures:-

Modern Gallery Look: To create a modern art gallery feel, particularly nice in hallways, lobbies and stairwells, give each piece ample breathing room. Stand at the center of the first piece and take one swift, or two small steps along the wall. This is a good center for the next piece.

Above a Sofa: When placing art above furniture such as a sofa, you need to hang the picture about six to nine inches above the sofa, or at eye level.

Cluster Arrangements: Tightly group an even number of pictures together to give a statement or a focal point. This works on either large or small wall spaces, depending on the look you want.

In a row: By placing an odd number of pictures in a horizontal line to each other gives balance and the sense of space. This works well in hallways or stairwells.

By deciding where and how to hang your pictures, whether it be a tight cluster or a single print above a sofa, you can then determine the size and shape of the pictures you need to buy.

When you have decided on the room's function, color and style, you are in a much better position to go shopping for wall pictures that fit in with the overall theme.

Summary

Wall pictures are an underestimated home interior design accessory. This is probably because most people do not know what to do with their pictures in order to get the maximum effect in a room. Before you go hanging up your pictures make sure you plan ahead what you want to get out of that room. Decide on the function, style and color of the room first before you buy your artwork. By doing this you are in a much better position to buy the right type of art picture to fit in with the theme and color accent of your room.

Visit Claire's Home Improvement Ideas site to get further tip and home decorating ideas.

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Add a Breakfast Bar to Your RTA Cabinet Kitchen Design

Wouldn't it be nice to create a small eating bar while installing your new RTA kitchen cabinets? A breakfast bar makes a great place for the family to gather each morning before heading off to work or school, it's simple to keep clean, and if your kitchen opens into your dining or living area, it may be easier to build than you think.

Easy Steps for Building a Breakfast Bar

1. Situate your base cabinets in the open space between the kitchen and living area. The backs of the cabinets will face the living area and provide the foundation for the breakfast bar. Two 36 inch base cabinets work well or you might want to add in a 24 inch cabinet to create an eight foot bar

2. Build a knee wall out of wood framing lumber that backs up to the base cabinets. A knee wall is a short wall that doesn't go up to the ceiling. The knee wall will be the width of the breakfast bar and should extend a little past the base cabinet with the exposed side. The height can vary depending on the bar stools you plan to use, but in most cases the height that works best is 42 inches before the countertop is installed.

3. The knee wall may be considered wall space by many building inspectors so it may need electrical wiring for outlets installed and inspected.

4. Cover the exposed knee wall surfaces with a wall covering of your choice such as sheetrock, paneling, or RTA cabinet end panels.

5. The countertop material used is usually the same as the rest of the kitchen countertops. Opinions vary as to how much overhang your countertop should have on the eating side, but you want enough room so that you can eat comfortably without your knees hitting the wall. In most cases an overhang of 12 to 16 inches works well.

6. The overhang should be supported with brackets that are available at most home improvement stores. Improper support can create a safety hazard with heavy materials such as granite.

7. The countertop backsplash should cover the exposed knee wall on the kitchen side.

These are general guidelines and may vary based on your specific application. If you have any questions or concerns, call in a construction professional.

When you are ready to save thousands of dollars on the kitchen of your dreams, shop where the builders and contractors shop. Save thousands on inexpensive kitchen cabinets at RTA Cabinet Store. Download your free kitchen cabinet buyers guide and get free access to their interactive kitchen design tool. The lowest prices on Kitchen Cabinets Online on the web..guaranteed!

Retro Kitchen Design - How to Make It Work in Your Home

Retro kitchen design is a growing trend in interior design, which embodies a sense of nostalgia for simpler times. The companies who manufacture kitchen appliances and accessories have been quick to catch on to this trend, and there are wide ranges of retro inspired kitchen products available on any high street.

If a retro kitchen design appeals to you, it is possible either to go full retro or just add nostalgic little touches to your existing room. However, you must be careful to design your kitchen so that it still fits in with the feel of your home; it is still your kitchen and not a set design.

There are some simple steps you can follow when designing your new kitchen that will ensure that it looks the way you have dreamed:

Firstly, just like a professional interior designer, create a mood board. Go through magazines, or Google image search, and choose pictures of kitchen that you particularly like. Collect these images, maybe draw a circle around what it is you love in that kitchen. When you look at these pictures next to each other notice if there is a common theme, and one theme I can almost guarantee is that the kitchen in the picture is bigger than yours! Is the style you have been drawn to retro? If so, does it seem to have been influenced by a particular era, is it art deco or 1950's. Most retro kitchen designs are inspired by the 1950's, when the new consumerism really took off, and kitchen appliances became the housewife's favourite items.

What is your favourite colour scheme? Is it the classic red, black and white or maybe the brighter jades, turquoise and shocking pink that attract you?

Secondly, you will need to consider your budget. Are you lucky enough to be able to completely remodel your kitchen or do you want to add splashes of retro with new kitchen accessories? If you are working on a small budget, go to your kitchen and look honestly at what you already have. Maybe, you could repaint the cupboards or the walls a bright retro colour.

Thirdly, how much space do you have in your kitchen? Can you fit freestanding appliances, such as a large retro inspired Smeg fridge in bright pink! Or do you have room for a plastic and chrome table and chairs or even a diner style booth?

Retro inspired design should include elements of bright colours, chrome, plastic or formic, and vinyl floors usually in a checkerboard pattern. Combine these materials and colours with kitchen appliances that have a softer, curved design. Also, remember that in the 1950's kitchen appliances would have been freestanding and very noticeable and not fitted in and discrete.

Finally, add decorative items such as vintage tea towels or replica old tin advertising signs or even road signs, think Route 66. Coloured glass works very well in a 1950's inspired kitchen; sundae glasses in sherbet colours will transport you back to an innocent age.

A retro kitchen design can be fun and it is remarkably easy achieve, and is quite budget friendly with so many kitchen manufactures making replicas and items inspired by the past, such as the De'longhi Icona range. The most important thing to remember when designing a retro inspired kitchen is a sense of fun.

Anna Sayce invites you to learn more about retro kitchen design at her website http://www.kitchenaccessoriesheaven.com/. This site shows many different styles of kitchen design and how to accessorize then perfectly.

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Comfy Interiors - How to Design Real Home Style

Comfort isn't just for Christmas. Comfort is a state of mind. Comfort is the end of the day when everything is peaceful. Comfort is a cuddle. Comfort is a blanket and a clear night sky. Comfort is candles.

Of course we all describe comfort in completely different ways. A minimalist will no doubt find one portion of their home comfy. To them. It just won't be the same as my daughter's definition, as it's unlikely to involve 27 teddy bears and a High School Musical blanket.

So how do we make our homes comfortable? What makes each of us feel 'at home'?

There are some common denominators, of course - the crackling fire, fabulous texture underfoot, but also the less noted, flattering lighting and intuitive design. These are the intangible factors of a home that are only noticed if they don't work. It's rare to compliment the comfortable flow of someone's house or the correct mood lighting. If they are done well, then these factors just fade seamlessly into the fabric of the house.

Unfortunately, finding comfort in the home isn't always a case of investing in dozens of fluffy cushions. Comfort requires a personal definition, because while some are comforted by a simple basket of freshly cut logs others prefer surrounding themselves with stunning pieces of art, designer fabrics and eye-wateringly expensive tassels to feel 'comfort'. What does it mean to you?

Comfort in the home is a fundamental part of human existence. Maslow identified security as one of our most basic needs and I would suggest that meeting this need, in the form of a home - a sanctuary, an escape - will mean that we are then more free to venture further into our more complex needs such as respect and self-actualisation. Understanding the psychology of the home requires more than investing in a pair of ?350 curtain tie-backs after all.

Understanding what delights you - what makes you tick, what lights your fire - is the first part of interior design. Appreciating what makes you happy or excites you - the love of a sculpture bought on a romantic weekend in Arles, the painting left to you by a grandparent, an instrument played as a child - can inspire more than a gorgeous room. It will work way beyond coordination and design principles as it will be based on your life, your history and that personal element is what will make the room wonderful - wonderfully comfortable.

That being said, there are still rules to follow that will help compliment the 'feel good' factor of the object itself - be it an inherited Tiffany lamp or a simple patchwork cushion that caught your eye.

These rules are there to give a helping hand - to point out a basic shape perhaps, or a palette of colours. The item, let's call it a copper cooking pot that your Grandmother always used, will give you the scheme for the rest of the room. It will tell you whether to use curved legs or straight, it will suggest a traditional look or a more contemporary style. It will, in short, give you the 'feel' of a room. And if you listen carefully, and most importantly, are not distracted by other pretty diversions, then your room will come together as a cohesive design - well thought through, simple and uniquely yours.

Niki Schafer is the founder of Dwell-Being Designs (http://www.dwell-being.com/)
Dwell-Being Designs uber lovely spaces that tell your story. And is based in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. In truth, Niki's far too down-to-earth to be an interior designer, but she's passionate about colour and texture and re-arranges furniture within minutes of entering an establishment so the career choice became more of a must than anything else.
She's also a writer. This started with an obsession with Scrabble and grew into sentences and paragraphs later. Niki is a phenomenally inspiring wife and mum and reminds her family of this on a daily basis. In her spare time, Niki experiments in a number of martial arts in a pair of lilac boxing gloves.

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