Tag Archive 'Interior Decorator'

Oct 01 2010

Use Texture When Decorating

When it comes to home décor, nothing is more bland and boring than white walls, brown carpet, no accents, and lackluster furniture. It’s no fun to return from work each day to a home that simple screams DULL! Fortunately, if you are looking to add an element of appeal and excitement to any room, making it more interesting, there are endless ways to accomplish this. This article will provide ideas and tips on how to create dazzling room decors you will love to come home to.

Keep in mind that the number-one secret to creating rooms that are comfortable, inviting, and appealing is texture. A good mixtures of textures lends depth to a space that simply isn’t there when you have only smooth surfaces. If you’re looking to transform your rooms into amazing works of art, here are a few simple tips to get you started.

Add Texture and Interest to Walls
There’s nothing exciting about walls that are flat and light-colored. However, there are plenty of ways to dress up those walls. A wallpaper with rich hues in a vertically striped pattern can really liven things up. If you have a home with a low ceiling, this is a perfect option. Avoid using this trick if your ceilings are high, however, as it will make it look even higher.

For high-ceiling homes, there are still plenty of other options. Using color, paint your walls with a textured paint. Paint the baseboards a contrasting color to really set things off. You might also stencil patterns on the walls.

Don’t Forget About Scale
When you go to decorate a room, you want to keep things on the same scale for the most part. Therefore, you want to keep floral and abstract patterns small in a small room. With larger rooms, then, large patterns tend to work best. However, using a very large pattern in a small area or corner of a smaller room can really work to highlight that area.

Mix It Up!
By mixing textures and patterns, you can really set off a room. You can create a focal point with a tapestry or mural on the wall. Choose from nubby textures, satin smooth textures, and everything in between to create a beautiful and eye-catching décor. Striped or checked throw pillows can really draw out the colors in the room. For a nice touch, casually toss a nubby throw over a sofa or rocker. Area rugs can add even more texture and color, whether your floors are carpet, tile, or wood. If you have tables in the room, consider boldly patterned runners.

It used to be that colors either had to match each other or be complementary. In today’s design styles, contrasting colors are great. These days, practically anything goes when it comes to your décor. What sets your look apart is the way you incorporate those unique little ideas that suit your own personality with all those special pieces and accents you love. In home décor, there really are no rules! Surrounded by plenty of color and texture, the finishing touches can come directly from your own imaginative mind.

About the Author…
Leon Tuberman has 40 years of experience in the home furnishings and interior design industry. He owns and operates a popular furniture store in California. They offer a huge assortment of solid wood furniture for your living room, home office and dining room that’s built in the Heartland of America. It doesn’t matter whether you’re shopping for mission style bookcase for your home office or a wooden night stand for your master bedroom then they carry everything you need.

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Sep 17 2010

Budget Decorating 101

When decorating your home, working with a budget can sometimes present trouble, especially if its a small one. Its important to realize, though, that budgets are necessary, no matter how difficult it is to stick to them. As a homeowner, you should never go into debt decorating your home. If you take the time to set a budget and follow these simple tips, then you will end up with a wonderfully decorated home that was still affordable.

Make the Decorating Budget Firm
You dont want to set a decorating budget and then forget about it when you actually start shopping. You need to remember that youve set that budget for a reason. Remember, you dont necessarily have to do all your decorating at once. Instead, do only some of the decorating now and then revisit the room and add more items once you have saved some more money. Be sure to firmly stick to your budget, no matter what.

You Will Have to Give a Little to Get a Little
With a firm budget in your hand, youre going to have to be flexible and willing to compromise in some areas. If there are more expensive items that you absolutely have to have, then for other less crucial items, you are going to have to go the cheaper route. So if youre adamant about adding that coffee table that costs about a third of your budget, then youll have to compensate elsewhere, perhaps spending less on window treatments or picture frames for the wall.

Dont Worry What Other People May Think
Getting caught up in what other people will think and say is such an easy thing to do. Who cares if the terrific figurine you find is from the local discount store if it fits your room perfectly? First of all, unless you tell them, nobodys going to know what you paid for items in your room. Remember, not everything in your room has to be of the highest quality. So dont worry about what others may or may not say. If you like something and its inexpensive and it fits in your budget, then go ahead and buy it. Its funny, but sometimes the least expensive item in the room will garner the most positive attention.

Invest in Quality for the Big Items in the Room
When creating your budget, you need to be sure that youre allocating the majority of the money toward the larger items like a solid wood bed in a master bedroom or a dining room table. This way, youll be able to afford quality that will last. You might need to put more money into things like solid wooden furniture, flooring, and artwork, rather than window treatments or other dcor. You will ensure that those larger items will last longer and look better when you invest in quality products. Remember, its fine if you end up witha high endsofa withinexpensivedecorative pillows on it, as long as you stick to your final budget amount.

Its usually very tempting to want to go over your decorating budget, completely forgetting about what you can afford. But if you do that, youll remember the debt every time you walk into your redecorated home or room. If youre experiencing negative thoughts, youre not going to be able to enjoy the space as muchand what was the point of spending all that money? By sticking to your budget, not only will you save money, but you will retain your peace of mind.

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Sep 02 2010

How to Reflect Your Personality In Your Home Decoration

It is unfortunate that many people base the design of their homes on popular trends and magazines. It’s true that the room may be beautiful, but is it something that is inviting and comfortable to you? Is it a suitable match for your type of personality? Or does it seem as though the room is foreign because nothing fitting your personality is displayed in the room’s accents or furnishings. It is very important that your home is decorated in a way that coincides with your likes and interests. The ideas and tips in this article will help you create rooms that are exciting, appealing and yours.

Determine What You Like
Take your interests, your favorite colors and even your favorite music, into consideration. Are blue and gold your favorite colors? Or do you prefer black and white? The colors you love most should be the base for your décor. The accents on your walls, your furniture and your paint preferences should include them. If country music is your thing, then country décor might be up there as well. If you are into rap or hip-hop your preferred décor might be more on the funky, off-beat side including bright and almost shocking colors.

Country themes or themes that are very elegant might not be for you if you are into something more modern and contemporary. You preference is most likely along the lines of simple, basic and uncluttered. You will feel most at home with clean lines and basic colors.

What are Your Hobbies?
Are you a collector of teapots, porcelain dolls or nautical-themed accessories? Your hobbies should be included in your decorating style. Make use of a corner of the room by turning it into a spot specifically for your collection. For your walls, you should take maritime prints into consideration. If you are a collector of items from flea markets, garage sales or online, why not put them on display? If you want to display those special items you love, a great way to go is with curio cabinets that have a glass front or wood shelves that you build yourself.

Are You a Romantic, or the Sensible Type?
Is your personality a bit more on the timid and emotional side, or do you simply shrug off your problems? Your personality and home should mirror each other. Intimate spaces, surrounded by items that hold special meaning are perfect for those who are romantic. You can add intimacy to the room with photos, accessories or other accent item that have been given to you by those you love. You might want to go with something visually appealing, that doesn’t really have special meaning if you’re the more carefree type that just rides the waves of life. The most appealing things to you might be abstract art and geometric patterns.

Basically, don’t take the decorating part of your home in a certain direction just because you think others will like it. Your home’s decorations should make you happy and comfortable, you are the one living in it! If flowers and plants are what you are interested in, then they should fill up your home. Use wild colors and bold patterns if they appeal to you. The things that make you different are the things that make you special. Your home should be nothing else but a reflection of you.

You might be the type of person that has various interests. The look of diversity is never boring and can often be the most appealing. Your décor should be mixed in accordance with what you love, ultimately making your home welcoming, relaxing and peaceful based on your standards.

About Our Guest Blogger
For over 40 years Leon Tuberman has helped people with their home furnishings and interior design needs. He is the owner and manager of popular furniture store in Los Angeles. They carry a large selection of Amish made solid oak furniture for your living room, dining room and bedroom. It doesn’t matter whether you’re shopping for a bookcase for your home office or a solid oak dining table for your dining room then they carry everything you need.

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Aug 03 2010

Add a Little Bit Of Tuscan Decor To Your Home

When you decorate your home in the Tuscan style, you bring the natural beauty and warm atmosphere of Italy right into your home. Everything natural goes here, from stone, to wood, to terra cotta, to marble. The elements of nature are in abundance here! A Tuscan style offers no pretense. You just end up with a natural, comfortable, and worn look accented with colors reflecting the beauty of a glowing sun setting over the gorgeous Italian mountains.

A Look That’s Completely Comfortable
Homes decorated in a Tuscan décor style are often airy and open. Natural lighting and other elements of nature seep in when windows are left completely bare. The cupboards are also often left bare, although some keep all the contents easily visible by using chicken wire for door fronts.

This is look that’s relaxing, feels lived in, and is completely comfortable. Furniture might be made from local wood. Lines are kept simple, with rough hewn wood. Furniture made of pine or dark wood can even be distressed at the factory, giving it a well-used look.

Wall Accents Add to the Charm
The colors of nature play a crucial role in Tuscan décor. Walls are often gray or soft white, and you’ll often see them adorned with Tuscan accents such as rich tapestries. Tapestries add texture as well as interest to a room, and may even be large enough to decorate an entire wall. Available in many different styles, Italian-themed hanging provide an exquisite and colorful focal point. Whether you choose to go with a re-creation of a traditional tapestry or something altogether new, one thing’s for certain: the Italian work is unmistakable.

Tuscan-Inspired Floors
When incorporating Tuscan-inspired décor in your home, the natural theme carries throughout the floors, walls, ceiling, and furniture. Flooring options include timber boards, wide wooden planks, terra-cotta bricks, clay tiles, and rough stone. Add splashes of interest and some color and warmth to the room by strewing gently worn and antique-looking rugs around the floor. For the kitchen and dining areas, a great choice is clay tile.

Integrate Wrought Iron into Your Décor
Wrought iron is a popular look in Italian Tuscan décor. In the kitchen, a baker’s rack on one wall and wrought-iron pot racks hanging from the ceiling make a nice addition to the overall look. Another great touch is to add plenty of terra-cotta pots filled with herbs and greenery. With a kitchen sink made of porcelain or natural stone and plenty of other ceramic touches, you can add color and depth to the room. A fireplace screen made of wrought iron lends a touch of elegance to the living room. Wrought-iron wall sconces and candle holders make a great addition to the feel of the room as well.

Warm and inviting, Tuscan décor is truly inspired by nature. The outdoors is brought in via all the natural textures used for the walls, floors, countertops, and other surfaces. All these earthy materials contributes to the feel of a charming Italian villa. Surrounded by exposed wood ceiling beams, plenty of natural light, and all the colors of nature, you can retreat to the comforts of a warm and inviting home after a hard day’s work.

About the Writer…
Leon Tuberman has been in the home furnishings and interior design industry for 4 decades. He owns and operates his family owned furniture store. They offer a huge assortment of solid wood furniture for your living room, bedroom and dining room that’s built in the Heartland of America. Whether you’re looking for a oak bed for your bedroom or a dining room table for your formal dining room then they carry everything you need.

No responses yet

Jun 18 2010

Using Texture In Your Home

Let’s face it—a room filled with white walls, brown carpet, lackluster furniture, and few to no accessories is just plain boring. It’s no fun to return from work each day to a home that simple screams DULL! Fortunately, there are unlimited ways to make your home more interesting, adding an element of excitement and appeal to every room. Read on for some great ideas on how to create dazzling rooms in your home that you will love coming home to.

If you want to create rooms that are comfortable, inviting, and appealing, the secret is texture. When all surfaces are smooth and there aren’t any patterns or textures integrated into the mix, the space lacks the depth and interest that a good mixture of textures can provide. Here are some great ways to transform your home into an amazing work of art.

Add Texture and Interest to Walls
When your walls are flat and light-colored, they can really be boring. However, dressing up your walls is easy. Liven things up using a wallpaper with rich hues in a vertically striped pattern. This is a perfect solution in homes that have a low ceiling. However, this trick should be avoided if you ceiling is high, as it will just make it look even higher.

For high-ceiling homes, there are still plenty of other options. Use a textured paint to paint the walls, but don’t forget about the color. Add even more interest by painting the baseboards a contrasting color. You might also stencil patterns on the walls.

Don’t Forget About Scale
For the most part, you want to keep things on the same scale within a room. Thus, if you have a small room, try to keep floral and abstract patterns small as well. Large pattern will likewise work best in larger rooms. On the contrary, if you want to highlight an area of a room, do the opposite. For instance, a very large pattern in a small area or corner of a small room will really make that space pop!

Mix It Up!
To really set off a room, mix up all those textures and patterns. You can create a focal point with a tapestry or mural on the wall. Create a beautiful and eye-catching look with anything from nubby textures to satin smooth textures. Striped or checked throw pillows can really draw out the colors in the room. For a nice touch, casually toss a nubby throw over a sofa or rocker. Throw in some area rugs to add even more texture and color to things. This will work whether your floors are carpet, tile, or wood. Another great option is to place boldly patterned runners over a few tables.

Years ago, colors either had to be complementary or match each other. Things have changed, however, and now contrasting colors abound. Remember, when it comes to your décor, practically anything goes. You can create a totally unique look using the special pieces and accents you love, thrown together with special little ideas that suit your own personality. Keep in mind that there really are no rules when it comes to home décor. When you incorporate plenty of color and texture, then the finishing touches can come directly from your own creative.

About the Writer…
Leon Tuberman has been in the home furnishings and interior design industry for four decades. He is the owner and manager of popular furniture store in Los Angeles. They have a huge inventory of handcrafted American built solid oak furniture for your bedroom, home office and living room. Whether you’re looking for a dining set for your kitchen area or a oak nightstand for your dorm then they carry everything you need.

No responses yet

Jun 04 2010

Decorating 101: Tuscan Style

When you decorate your home in the Tuscan style, you bring the natural beauty and warm atmosphere of Italy right into your home. Natural materials such as stone, wood, terra cotta, and marble are incorporated everywhere. In this style, the elements of nature are abundant. With the Tuscan style, there’s no pretense, only a natural, comfortable, and worn look that’s heightened by colors that reflect the glowing sun setting over the gorgeous mountains of Italy.

A Look That’s Completely Comfortable
Homes decorated in a Tuscan décor style are often airy and open. Natural lighting and other elements of nature seep in when windows are left completely bare. Cupboards are often also left bare. Another way to keep contents easily visible is to use chicken wire as a door front.

The Tuscan look feels relaxed, lived-in, and completely comfortable. Local wood can be used in the furnishings. The wood’s rough hewn, with simple lines. Furniture can even be distressed or gain a well-used look at the factory.

Wall Accents Add to the Charm
The colors of nature play a crucial role in Tuscan décor. Gray or soft white walls are adorned with rich tapestries and other Tuscan accents. Tapestries add texture as well as interest to a room, and may even be large enough to decorate an entire wall. Available in many different styles, Italian-themed hanging provide an exquisite and colorful focal point. Whether you choose to go with a re-creation of a traditional tapestry or something altogether new, one thing’s for certain: the Italian work is unmistakable.

Tuscan-Inspired Floors
A Tuscan-inspired style can be carried throughout the floors, walls, ceilings, and furniture in your home. Flooring options include timber boards, wide wooden planks, terra-cotta bricks, clay tiles, and rough stone. Gently worn and antique-looking rugs strewn artistically around add color and warmth, as well as splashes of interest. Clay tile is a great option for the kitchen and dining areas.

Integrate Wrought Iron into Your Décor
Wrought iron is a popular addition to Tuscan décor. Hang wrought-iron pot racks from the ceiling and put a baker’s rack against one wall. Terra-cotta pots filled with herbs and greenery make a nice touch. Kitchen sinks should be made of natural stone or porcelain. All those ceramic touches work to add color and depth to the décor. The living room looks positively elegant with a wrought-iron fireplace screen. Wrought-iron wall sconces and candle holders make a great addition to the feel of the room as well.

Warm and inviting, Tuscan décor is truly inspired by nature. By using natural textures for the walls, floors, countertops, and other surfaces, the outside world is brought indoors. You really get the feel of a charming Italian villa with all these earthy materials. With exposed wood ceiling beams, plenty of natural light, and the colors of nature, you can create a look so warm and inviting, that you will be able to retreat to the comforts of home after a long, hard day.

About the Writer…
Leon Tuberman has been in the furniture and interior decorating industry for 40 years. He is the owner and manager of popular furniture store in Los Angeles. They have a huge inventory of handcrafted American built solid wood furniture for your bedroom, dining room and living room. Whether you’re looking for a wood dining set for your kitchen nook or a wooden bed for your master bedroom then they have everything you need.

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Apr 06 2010

Tips for Decorating a Staircase in Your Home

You may not realize it, but a staircase is just another area of your home that can be decorated to make the home appear stylish. Staircases are commonly overlooked when it comes to decorating, but if its the first thing people see when they walk in, the staircase may be more important than you think. If youre looking for ways to decorate the staircase in your home, here are some useful tips to get you started.
Use Photographs to Decorate the Staircase
If you frame a few of your favorite photographs, you can then hang them up along the staircase wall. These photographs might be ones of your family. Otherwise, choose ones of nature or other decorative objects. Hang the photographs so that they seem to be descending with the staircase. Choose frames that complement the color of the wall. Or try to match the color of the stairs (if they are wood) to the color of the wood in the frames.
Paint a Mural or Design on the Staircase Wall
A great way to create a staircase that really catches the eye is to paint a mural or design on the staircase wall. This could be a simple mural, such as a leaf or flower pattern that winds its way up the stairs, or you might choose a design thats larger and more intricate. If youre not confident in you drawing and painting skills, then there are stencils you can use for the design or you always have the option of hiring a professional painter.
Add a Decorative Banister to the Staircase
If you have a banister thats rather plain, try to find a more decorative one to match the style of your home. There are plenty of banisters to choose from, although your selection will depend on the type of stairs you have. A new trend for stairs is to mix wood with wrought-iron. Try this look with a Spanish-style dcor or even a modern style. You can peruse all the different styles you can consider by checking out various photos in home dcor magazines or on the Internet.
Lay Down a Decorative Runner on the Stairs
Consider laying down a decorative carpet runner to add more style to your staircase, particularly if you have wooden stairs. Choose carpet that is solid colored, or if youre looking for a real attention grabber, it can be patterned and multi-colored. If your staircase is already carpeted or tiled, a runner will still work. Choose a carpet runner thats slightly narrower than the width of the stairs so that you can see the edges of the stairs on the sides. The selection of available runners is extensive. Thus, whichever type of staircase you have and whatever the style of your dcor, you should have no problem finding what youre looking for.
If you have a staircase right in the entryway of your home, decorating those stairs is important. You dont want the staircase to look like an eyesore and rather want to be able to show it off to its best advantage. By choosing more than one of these decorating ideas for your staircase, you can make the look even more appealing.
About the Writer
Leon Tuberman has been in the furniture and interior design industry for 4 decades. He owns and manages his family owned furniture store. They offer a huge assortment of solid wood furniture for your living room, bedroom and dining room that’s built in the Heartland of America. Whether you’re looking for a wood file cabinets for your study area or a solid oak coffee table for your family room then they carry everything you need.

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Mar 22 2010

Tips for Using Nature at Home

If you want to bring touches of nature inside your home, there are many ways to do so. By incorporating nature into your décor, you also are adding unique items that can help you connect with the room. If you want to bring nature into your décor but you’re not sure where to start, here are some great tips to consider.

Use Water in Your Décor
You will find that there are many different water fountain designs to choose from. However, for that natural look, you need to find one that most closely resembles the natural world. Try to find a water fountain where rocks and stones make up the base. Fountains are visually pleasing, and the sounds of flowing water will definitely put you in a natural frame of mind.

Decorate with House Plants
To add nature to a room instantly, try adding a house plant. Since there are so many different types of house plants to choose from, you can find one that best fits the style of your room. If you have a Southwestern theme, for instance, you would want to add something like a simple cactus. On the other hand, a room with a Victorian motif would be enhanced with a fern. If you’re looking to add some vibrant color to the décor, consider a house plant that flowers: a chrysanthemum or an African violet, for example.

Look for an appropriate basket or pot to place the house plant in-one that coordinates with the rest of the décor. You also want to be sure the plant is placed in an area that is not only aesthetically pleasing but receives the right amount of light.

Create a Wreath from Nature
By making your own wreath and incorporating natural items into it, you can create a truly unique item from nature. Reeds, vines, flowers, dried berries, pinecones, and seeds are only some of the items you may want to include. Creating your own wreath is probably the best way to match the style of the room, but there are also plenty of places where you can buy nature wreaths, such as at a craft fair. Find a central location in which to hang the wreath, such as above a fireplace mantel or above the entrance to another room.

Collect Small Items from Nature
A great way to incorporate nature into your décor is to start a collection of things you love from nature. You can easily add a natural touch to a room with a vase full of river rocks or a basket filled with seashells. Often, to bring out the vibrant colors of those shells and rocks, you may need to keep them in water. If you’re looking for other natural items to collect, consider fruit, branches, flowers, pinecones, or seeds.

You can incorporate nature into your home’s décor in these and so many other ways. The next time you are outside, get creative and keep an eye out for unique items that will fit perfectly in your home.

About the Author…
Leon Tuberman has been part of the furniture and interior design  business for 40 years. He owns and operates a popular furniture store in Los Angeles. They offer a huge assortment of solid mission furniture for your living room, home office and dining room that’s built in the Heartland of America. Whether you’re looking for a wood bookshelf for your home office or a wood bed for your bedroom then they have everything you need.

No responses yet