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June 29, 2006
Brighter Hallways and Stairwells
A wall sconce light is the ideal lighting to brighten up a hallway or dark corner in your home. By using sconce lighting you are able to illuminate any area of your home without worrying about freestanding lights or ceiling fixtures.
Wall sconce lighting fixtures can add subtle undertones of light to show off your art as well as light a long, dark hallway that needs some brightness.
A great way to add extra light to your bathroom is by mounting a sconce light on either side of the mirror. The light emitted from the sconce adds atmosphere to your bathroom as well as provides that extra light you need.
Wall sconces is available in a variety of styles for you to choose from including traditional, funky, or classic. More lighting ideas can be found on our filigree table lamp page.
June 27, 2006
The Beauty of Iron Lamps
When you think of iron lamps, your first thought may be rustic or country style, but that is not necessarily the case. For example, the selection of wrought iron floor lamps available include lighting styles that would suit a modern décor, contemporary, country, Victorian, classic and so on.
If you like a funky type of wrought iron floor lamp, you will like the handsome torchiere with twisting and curving metal vines with a rust finished frame and two amber frosted glass lampshades. This one is truly an amazing wrought iron piece that is sure to be an eye-catcher, but also gives you a full-range foot dimmer to control the lighting easily.
If you prefer the classic look use an iron lamp with the popular mica shade. You can also find the wrought iron in table lamps, chandeliers and the desk lamps to match your other lighting styles.
June 24, 2006
Other sites to search
I ran across this site called LS Blogs. It is a very good resource to find other decorating tips and ideas.
I found it very easy to use, all you need to do is type your topic in the seach bar and it takes you to the information page that you need.
The other thing I liked about lsblogs is that you are not limited to just home decor, if you have any other interests the owners of this blog site have added other topics that are most interesting to people.
The main thing is that it is not flooded with ads and is information based.
June 23, 2006
Motion Lamps
Do you remember the old lava or motion lamps from back in the 60's. These decorative light fixtures are becoming quite popular with today's teenagers. They are a welcome addition to any bedroom when you are trying to liven things up.
There’s nothing like a glowing volcano or lava light to set the mood in a room. A fun, changing show of light and color, lava lamps and motion lamps come in a wide range of colors and finishes.
Prices range for $19 dollars to $39 dollars
Black, brushed steel, pewter and chrome finishes. They come in the standard table lamp design and a pole lamp.
Use as an accent light in a game room, dorm, office, or family area. It’s a great retro, mod look that’s never gone out of style!
For a complete list of selections go here to
Colors are pretty cool to yellow and purple, blue and green and red are the most popular. Watch these globes of whatever it is slowly rise and fall in a gentle motion. The liquid is one color and the lava is another.
The light coming off these fixtures is not very bright so it should not be used for reading or doing any other type of tasks.
June 21, 2006
Sheepskin Rug Cleaning
By Request
Hi Marci
I have found the best way to clean a sheepskin rug is with a mild detegent, scrubv it in and then use a brush and comb once it is dried. Do not put it in a dryer because it will shrink and ruin.
Posted 03:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)June 19, 2006
Sheepskin Rugs
Sheepskin rugs have a unique beauty and versatility, and they compliment a wide range of interior designs. These rugs add a luxurious feeling to a room while making it cozy and comfortable at the same time.
They make great chair throws when you need something more comfortable to rest your tired back.
You can find a sheepskin rug online in just about any color your need.
Sheepskin rugs in blue, black, ivory, chocolate, stone, fiord or ocean colors can be located. This type of floor covering as an area rug by the bed is one of the favorites for stepping out on with bare feet in the mornings.
Choose a size and color of Bowron sheepskin rugs
Kartasan Area Rugs
For some of us, we have heard of Karastan rugs already as they have become a popular choice with interior designers. They have been manufacturing rug/runners for quite a while and definitely have a good quality item. As far as the selection goes though, you may want to check out the original designs along with new classics of the karastan rugs, but also we would recommend that you compare or evaluate a few of the other manufacturers or companies as well. It is always a good idea to check two or three to ensure a good quality product along with comparable prices.
As you may already know, this company has been manufacturing the Karastan rugs since 1928. Today, they are recognized in the world of carpets and offer styles like the Lascaux collection, the Originals, Persian Treasures, Royal Court, Samovar, Sisalwood, Williamsburg, Mahira Sunwash, Persian Renaissance, Antique Legends, Loft Collection, Palazzo, English Manor and more. Take a few minutes to shop through the Internet for the best one to suit your home.
June 15, 2006
Indoor Water Features
Water has long been considered a powerful, cleansing, and almost mystical substance. Even people who have little interest in nature will often be enchanted by the sound of a waterfall or gurgling brook. Some people claim that the sound of water can be very soothing and relaxing, potentially reducing stress.
Whether this is true or not, indoor water fountains have become very popular in both homes and offices, and there are many advantages to these pretty pieces of art. Indoor water fountains provide a soothing background noise. They are elegant and add beauty to any room.
Many of us use heating that dries out the air, and indoor water fountains do add to the moisture of the air in a room. Whether you like indoor water fountains for their beauty or their potential relaxing and healing properties, many home decor or even gardening centers can help you find an indoor water fountain that will fit perfectly in your home or work place. There are even online retailers that will create your own customized indoor water fountain - one that matches your personality and your decor.
Posted 03:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)June 12, 2006
Bonsia Trees in the home
The art of growing and shaping a miniature trees has been going on for hundreds of years in Japan and China. It is a great form of relaxation and stress reduction. It is very exciting to see the vision we had of the plant take shape over time. In reality bonsai trees are planted in a small pot and then over time pruned and trimmed into a desired shape.
If this is your first bonsai then you should look at our Juniper bonsai trees for sale as the best choice for a beginner.
Juniper Bonsai Trees click here.
They are very hardy, long-lived, and tolerate many adverse conditions. Trained in the traditional style, This Juniper Procumbens is popularly known as the Karate Kid tree. Juniper trees are very hardy, long-lived, and tolerate many adverse conditions. This is an excellent tree for the beginner.
Go here to select all Flowering Bonsai Trees
Flowering crabapples are one of the best flowering trees for bonsai. They produce beautiful white, fragrant flowers covering the entire tree in early spring before the foliage appears. The foliage is really small and lobed. Little green pomes (apples) appear in summer, derived from the enlargement of the entire flower receptacle which becomes fleshy. The fruit ripens to all different colors in the fall when the foliage begins to turn to shades of yellow, orange and red. Winter brings a nice twiggy skeletal outline punctuated by the fruit which persists throughout the winter.
The Natal Plum is a semi-tropical evergreen, bearing fragrant, star-shaped white flowers and, following pollination, dark red edible plum-shaped fruit. Easy indoor care. A Chinese azalea is unlike other Azaleas that bloom in the spring, the Chinzan can bloom frequently throughout the year with one or more pink blooms. Satsuki Azaleas are known for their prized flowers and small evergreen leaves. A dwarf Dwarf Pomegranate os a Sub-tropical deciduous tree grown for its brilliant orange-red trumpet-like flowers followed in fall by ornamental, small, spherical-like orange-red fruits. Has dark green leaves with shades of bronze. Slow to moderate grower.
For more information or to learn all about buying bonsai trees go here The Bonsai Tree.com to view all trees for sale
Posted 08:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)June 11, 2006
Large Window Curtains
Many homes today have large windows like cathedral styles or several windows grouped together such as bay windows dominating one wall. These are often the main feature or design of a room giving you access to to beautiful views and allowing in as much natural light as possible. They are normally left with no window coverings or curtains.
This usually creates a privacy problem with people being able to see in and at certain times of the day too much light, especially in the summer months.
Glare from the sun in the morning and evening can make a room feel uncomfortable. If you are getting harsh light through the transoms you can cover the windows with drapery. The problem here though is it might be overpowering the overall look of the room and make it look sort of staged.
There are a few decorating styles that you can use.
Palladian and cathedral windows, normally the main feature in a modern room creates the biggest problem with lack of privacy. You could treat the lower half of a large window with curtains on a traverse or curtain rod and leave the transoms plain or unadorned. Vertical blinds are another option but they may look too over powering for your decor. Try topping the blinds with a swag or a valance to soften the effect. Both of these options will still show off the shape or design structure of your windows and still allow you to have some privacy.
Another option is use a scarf or shears hung across the transom, which should block out enough sun to make the room feel comfortable again. Curtain shears would be hung over curtain rods secured at the top and bottom of the window.
Vertical blinds and cellular shades in specialty shapes would also work.
The simplest method would be a valance is a simple style like a chevron and could be hung on each transom.
Bay or bow windows can be treated as a group or by each individual window.
As an individual window treatment use matching shades, blinds or shutters to create a modern look.
Tied back curtains would give you a more softer style.
A bow window needs a curved curtain rod or hanging wire system, which should be installed by a professional. You could mount the rod on the wall above the windows instead of on the window frame.
June 08, 2006
Outdoor Reception Decor
Having a party outdoors or some other type of reception requires very careful planning. The weather will be a huge factor in what type of decorations or outdoor decor you will buy.
Start with your general theme and then work from there. Two main features that you will need are: lighting usually in the form of lanterns and a main area structure. If you are using your patio then an arbor or trellis is a good addition. Water fountains are always popular and can be quite inexpensive. It will be the little decorations that will make a lasting impression at your reception.
Tabletop decor, windchimes, lanterns, welcome signs, door decor and wall decor, you will find all these and at SohoDecor: they provide the best garden decor and ornaments for your to impress your visitors at your next reception.
Popular small items are cute wine glass charms that tell your guest which glass is theirs. These cute designs will be a great conversation piece and leave them asking "Where can I get some?" Get any party started when you present the hostess with a gift of wine, sparkling cider, perfume or spiced oil adorn with our cute Hand Painted Metal Wine Bottle Charms. Glass Marble Flower vase in Large or small makes an elegant centerpiece or great vase for a unique way to give flowers to that special someone.
June 06, 2006
Mexican Home Decor
Decorating with an eye for unique and unusaual home decor requires only one thing. Knowing where to look. Mexican home decor creates a southwestern theme in our homes and can be quite striking. Shop for art glass, mexican area rugs, ceramics, garden and patio decorations and other items that you will find very interesting. Archaeological Replicas, Aztec Calendars, Masks, Mayan Replicas, Musical Instruments are only a few of the categories you will find here.
Go here to search for more Home decor from Mexico
Some items are original while others are replicas, in any case these featured artists works will set your home apart from your friends and families. Interesting conversation pieces are a must when you need to add a dispay piece in a room because it is needing just one more thing.
Mexican or Mayan hammocks are a big seller for people looking for relaxing outdoor furniture that is very comfortable.
Add an exotic flavor to your home and dare to be different with with mexican home decor.
Posted 11:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)June 05, 2006
Hawaiian Umbrella Tree
Click Here to Purchase the Hawaiian Umbrella Tree with Braided Trunk (Arboricola Schefflera)
This is the tree that we recommend if you are inexperienced with bonsai or you do not have a green thumb. In our opinion it is one of the easiest bonsai trees to care for and is a very beautiful trouble-free evergreen. If you don't know which tree to purchase as a gift for someone, this is the tree to select. This versatile tree is great for home, office, dorm or anywhere and does well in low to high lighting conditions. Our tree features tiny umbrella shaped leaves forming a dense green canopy. Our tree features tiny umbrella shaped leaves forming a dense green canopy.
This impressive trouble-free evergreen has a braided trunk. Very popular and easy to care for. 8 years old 13"-15" tall Suitable 6" by 8" humidity tray is recommended.
Posted 11:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)Indoor Air Pollution
The effects of indoor air pollutants range from short-term effects - eye and throat irritation - to long-term effects - respiratory disease and cancer. Exposure to high levels of some pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, can even result in immediate death. Also, some indoor pollutants can magnify the effects of other indoor pollutants. Based on cancer risk alone, federal scientists have ranked indoor air pollution as one of the most important environmental problems in the US.
“Sensitive” Groups
Many groups are especially susceptible to the health effects of indoor pollutants. These include infants and the elderly, those with heart and lung diseases, people with asthma, and individuals who have developed extreme sensitivity to chemicals. Unfortunately, these are the people who often spend the most time indoors.
Economic Impacts
The economic impacts of indoor pollution - including health care costs, lost productivity, legal costs, and human welfare impacts - have been estimated at billions of dollars each year.
What Can You Do About Indoor Air Pollution?
The most effective way to protect your family and yourself from indoor air pollution is to prevent or minimize the release of pollutants indoors in the first place.
Use Products Safely
Products such as cleaning agents, paints, and glues should be used outdoors whenever possible. Directions on the label should be followed carefully. If the product must be used indoors, lots of ventilation should be provided. Also, it may be possible to use safer consumer products, such as baking soda instead of harsher cleaners, or products in solid or liquid form rather than aerosol sprays.
Restrict Smoking
Restricting cigarette smoking to outdoor areas is especially important because cigarette smoke contains many toxic pollutants. It is harmful to both smokers and nonsmokers.
Use Appliances Properly
Use gas appliances, wood stoves, and fireplaces only as intended. Gas stoves should never be used to heat the house since high pollutant levels can result. Wood stoves and fireplaces should only be used to burn properly sized and aged wood, since other types of fuel may emit toxic compounds.
These combustion devices pollute less when properly maintained. Annual inspections and cleaning by your gas company’s service personnel or by other qualified individuals will help reduce pollution and save energy.
Select Building Materials and Furniture Carefully
Many products, including some types of plywood and particleboard, emit significant amounts of formaldehyde or other gaseous pollutants. Try to avoid those products if possible.
You might request that new carpets or furniture be aired out by the manufacturer or distributor prior to delivery. Otherwise, you may want to air them in your garage or yard before bringing them inside.
Practice Good Housekeeping
Proper storage of solvents and frequent housecleaning to remove dust and molds are necessary steps in maintaining good indoor air quality.
Provide Adequate Ventilation
Adequate ventilation is another easy and effective way to maintain good indoor air quality, although it may not completely remove all pollutants. Increase ventilation by opening windows and doors when the weather permits. This is particularly important when using products or engaging in activities that may generate pollutants. Kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans that are properly vented to the outdoors are very effective at removing pollutants generated during cooking and showering. For effective ventilation while conserving energy during extreme weather, consider installing a heat recovery ventilator.
Posted 09:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)Kitchen Lighting Choices
Of all the rooms in the home and the one that should stand out as a welcome area, is the kitchen. Normally this is the room that everyone congregates in including company when have a large party. This is where you want the brightest light and where task lighting really shines.
You will want shadow less lighting over all task areas, like the sink, countertops and cooking areas. If you have an island you mayl want a hanging light over top of this too. One way you can do this and have a decorative feature at the same time is to hang a lighted pot rack over your kitchen island. More information about pot racks with lights can be found here.
The kitchen table should have a hanging pendant over top; your dinnerware always looks better under a brighter light. You will notice in most homes this is only a single light pendant and in many cases it doesn't quite hang over the middle of the table. To solve this problem put two or three small hanging lights above which works much better when you extend your table for larger families or for dinner parties.
The standard light fixture for all kitchens in the main cooking area should be one main fluorescent light this can be a 4 tube or 2 tube fixture depending how much ceiling area you have. Generally there should also be a light fixture above the sink area. For under kitchen cupboards you can place down lights or a rope light tucked up underneath.
If you would like to get more information on kitchen accessories or kitchen light fixtures go to our main site about home furnishings.
Posted 11:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)June 03, 2006
Making Good Flooring Choices
Flooring makes a huge impact in any room. Choose dark flooring and your room will instantly look more dramatic. Choose colors too dark, though, and your room will look smaller. If you choose wood flooring, you can add warmth and beauty to any room.
Wood Flooring: The Choice of Beavers?
There are many types of flooring available to homeowners today, and most have their advantages as well as their drawbacks. Real wood flooring, for example, is often prized for its beauty and its old-fashioned charm. Many people consider real wood flooring healthier, as well. However, this type of flooring can be very expensive to install and maintain. Wood is also a soft flooring and can scratch. If you want to enjoy the beauty of
Real wood flooring in your home, you may want to install it in bedrooms and living rooms and keep high-traffic areas of your home covered by rugs to protect the floor. If you have small children or lots of traffic in your house, laminate flooring can be a good choice. It has the soft glow of wood but is much more durable and is especially designed to be easy to clean.
Is Tile and Lino Still 1950s?
Even homeowners who love wood flooring don’t always want to put it everywhere in their house. For high-traffic areas and for places like the kitchen and bathroom, there are a number of synthetic options that look great and take wear well. Ceramic tile is often used in bathrooms, for example, because it does not soak up water the way that wood can. Ceramic tile is tough and very easy to clean, making it possible to keep your bathroom completely hygienic. With time, however, it will crack. Some homeowners prefer linoleum, or lino, which is plastic and just as easy to clean as tile. Lino is perfect for floors and is very inexpensive, making it easy to replace. Unfortunately, lino may yellow or curl, especially if a cheaper lino is installed or if the flooring is not installed properly.