5 easy ways to keep your kid’s room updated

 

Have you ever just stopped and said to yourself “What is up with this room?” I find that happens when my room decor and style has been there so long that it is no longer an inspiration for me. It can also happen to a kid’s room too. If this is you and/or your kid, here are five easy ways you can update your kid’s dull-looking room.

Go Vintage
Instead of stocking your kid’s room with mass-produced, easy-to-assemble furniture, look for vintage bedroom pieces. If you spend the time to do this now, you are sure to have furniture that will transition with your little girl going tween; and you can keep that girls bedding butterfly quilt as a wall decoration.
Create Art
By creating high impact artwork, you create a beautiful bedroom and can easily update a bedroom. To make the art special, involve your child throughout the process: from colors to design.
Use/Create Space
If your child’s bedroom doesn’t have space for play, then create one now. You’ll thank yourself when a rainy day comes. If not a play space, then try creating a workspace for your child in their room. It will be helpful for homework and helpful if your child loves quiet activities that involve concentration.
Be Whimsy
Wall decals are the latest cheap way to update walls in glorious detail. From trees to flowers to video games, there is sure to be a wall decal you and your child can agree on. The best thing is that wall decals are easy to remove once everyone is over them.
Focus on Their Passion
Allow your child’s passion to direct how you update your child’s room. Find accessories that can be used in your child’s decor that relates to their passion.

- Booktree

 

TREE FROM PAPER

Designing with chandeliers

Home lighting has come a long way. Today you can find an array of modern, chic and shimmering lighting systems. One of the most gorgeous and appealing lighting systems is offered by chandeliers. Whether they are modern, rustic, or dripping with crystals, chandeliers totally change the look of a room. Chandeliers exude a charm that always captures the eye. Their glittering presence adds whimsy, and drama to any space.
An array of these chandeliers are used for various purposes that help to create a perfect atmosphere for any occasion. Additionally, the space also gets a unique touch of class that makes it so appropriate for the event. The contemporary range of chandeliers run from an assortment of sleek metal frames to unique, futuristic art sculptures. Some of these outline the simplest of glass sconces while others cascade glows of delicate lighting across the area.

Some of the most sought for contemporary chandeliers that are used to glorify a décor include the Cellula chandelier suspended with Swarovski crystal pendants, the antique crystal glass flower chandelier, cast-iron Coral chandelier, La Scala Italian chandelier, nautical-inspired Dock Glow chandelier and the vintage Venini Glass Links chandelier.
Each of these chandeliers is very meticulously designed giving a lot of attention to its detailing and ornamentation. These splendid light fixtures easily help in creating the mood in the room. Due to this reason they become the focal point of any room reflecting homeowner’s personal style and taste. Today’s unique array of modern chandeliers can be ensconced in any room, be it in the living room, bedroom, dining room or hallway and foyer.
Today’s chandeliers’ lights can also be found in other light sources such as incandescent and fluorescent. However, these intricately made contemporary chandeliers not only look beautiful when they are lit up, but even when not switched on. They effectively add the same beauty and charm to a room just by their radiant presence.

5 dining room ideas

 

Plan on giving your dining area a makeover? Try a look that you may have been toying with for years now. You can also check out some of these ideas that infuse fresh colors and atmosphere. After all, this is the only space where the whole family sits and eats together.

1. If you think you can go the whole hog, put in long, bay windows in your dining room. Sure it means a lot of work but it can make a world of difference. Classic drapes for long windows can transform your dining space and give it that elegant charm. Ornately finished dining chairs and a carved table will add that traditional look.
2. If you like the rustic, country-style look, go in for wooden floors. Arrange for a wooden dining table set and get floral printed or checkered curtains for those long windows.  Add a rug for comfort and place an armoire that’s traditional looking and is good for storage too.
3. If you’re the kind who likes clean lines, go in for a modern look that’s streamlined and sleek. Go in for glass top dining tables and add black curtains; generally, go in for a black and white look. Black countertops in the adjoining kitchen and wooden floors will add to the look.
4. Sheer curtains for bay windows will go with any look. Pull the dining table near the windows and if your dining room looks out into a garden, all the better. There’s something so relaxing about looking out at the garden while eating. A garden adjoining the dining room also makes for a great party space.
5. Think about a built-in china cabinet with subtle lighting inside the cabinet. Bookshelves look comfortable and homely and turns the dining room into a family space.

Give your creativity free reign and go in for a unique look that mirrors your personality. Use the right colors to keep in with a look.

Keep your bathroom “green” with organic shower curtains

 

My bathroom is one of the greenest places in my home. I have shower-fittings to conserve water, solar heating rather than electrical geysers and even my toiletries are eco-friendly. A couple of month’s back I came across articles about the toxins found in vinyl shower curtains.

As per the Environmental Protection Agency it contains many hazardous air pollutants. Like most of you, I too had been using vinyl curtains in my bathroom. Now that I know better, I switched over to organic shower curtains.
Not only are these eco-friendly, they are also cost-effective and available in an array of materials and designs. Here are some trendy organic shower curtains that you can check out:

• Hemp- Basically Hemp is a unique plant species named cannabis sativa L. All parts of Hemp can be used for making products, and it is the strong fibers in these plants, which are used for making durable and sturdy shower curtains.
• Organic cotton- As the name suggests, these shower curtains are made from 100% organic cotton. The woven cloth tends to expand when it gets wet. So, water is unable to seep through. It is bleached in hydrogen peroxide and no toxic chemicals have been used in its creation.
• Ethylene vinyl acetate- Also known as EVA, these shower curtains are a healthier alternative to the plastic or PVC ones. They are free from chlorine or allergens. Furthermore, they are also mold-resistant and biodegradable, which means the curtains will decompose naturally. EVA doesn’t contain phthalate plasticizers and is absolutely non-toxic.

So, give your bathroom a green makeover with these organic shower curtains.

4 new ways to use picture frames

A picture frame doesn’t necessarily be just used to frame a picture. You can have a lot of fun while experimenting many wonderful things to do with a picture frame. Here are a few new inventive ways to use your picture frame:
*Picture Frame as an object of Decoration: A finished picture frame that is empty looks as beautiful as it looks with a picture in it. Make a collection of painted and vintage styles of varied shapes and sizes. Layer these standing picture frames on one another and mix them with other objects like vases to make a bold statement.

Another idea is to frame an arrangement of flowers or a wreath. Dangle the wreath on the wall and arrange the empty frame over the arrangement to add a wonderful warm touch to your wall.
*Picture Frame as an art on Refrigerator: Your icebox images will now be on a show road once they’re hooked up on the refrigerator. All you need to do is to give them a pop up by gluing magnet strips to the backs of small frames, thereby elevating your snapshots and postcards to art.
*Picture Frame as Vanity Tray: Add your own perspective to attain a fresh look. Take a gilt frame and lay it flat with a colored paper or fabric underneath. Place all your perfumes and powders to create a romantic setting.
* Picture Frame for Scrap-booking: Scrap-booking has become very popular. A great way to exhibit a scrapbook page of your holiday or a family member is to frame it and suspend it where each one can enjoy the beautiful page.
Alternatively, you can also frame for a mirror and hang it to bring in light and make the space look little a larger and friendlier.
These are just a few ideas to bring a new life to picture frames. There are many more things that can be done with picture frames with your creative techniques. Just think outside the box and you have the catch!

Get classic bathroom style

Bathrooms are places give you that much needed comfort quotient, not only to begin your day but also complete it, with a refreshing and relaxing bath. If you plan to renovate your bathroom, make sure that the styling withstands the trend cycles. Prefer materials and fixtures you’ll be able to live with for a long time. Some of the following tips will help you create a bathroom that will speak for its style and lavishness while performing its best to last you for long.

1)      Right Tiling: With a variety of tiles available today, one does gets confused as to which one to pick. Some good choices are Subway and Hex Tiles. They are reasonably priced. Hex tiles are great as they create a detailed pattern that makes a smaller place seem larger.
2) Compact racks: contemporary styling Train Racks is god choices to mount as they act as both shelves and towel bars. They look classy as they fit neatly above a door or toilet. They are often crafted of nickel or chrome and withstand long-term wear.
3) The bath tubs: A lot of apartments have claw foot tubs. They impart a traditional look to the bath area, and a great way to create a focal point that speaks of extravagance.
4) Shower curtain with valance: Get tasseled curved valance with tiebacks that boast a luscious scroll in polyester. Make it luxurious with jaunty striped metal curtain hooks.
5) The Pedestal and Console Sinks: These chic styled sinks are classic space savers. The built-in towel bar with a console sink is most popular among all.
6) Mirrored Medicine Cabinet: This small space product has earned its keep by offering storage as well as a cool vanity mirror all in one.
7) The Fixtures: Faucets and knobs in Chrome or Nickel-Plate are simple to maintain, unobtrusive and easy to match.
Enhance the overall look of your bathroom and dress it with elegance and sophistication. Each bath should be a luxury bath beginning and ending up your day with a fresh note. 

Classic to contemporary cradle designs

 

Baby cradles are a great way to coddle your baby. These adorable items can rock your little one to sleep or entertain your baby while they are awake. However, with passing times there has been some change in their looks, styles, colors, patterns and materials.

There are many baby cradle designs that are available on the market today. Some of them are the replicas of traditional styles while others represent chic modern looks. Take a look at some of the cradle designs to choose from for your bundle of joy. Angel Line Cradles come in various finishes. They are made of solid hardwood construction with nontoxic finish. These cradles have a romantic old-fashioned charm that comes in Continental styling.  Some of them even convert to a Glider giving years of use. Some of the favorite with new parents are-

• Oxford Baby Cradle from Green Frog Art- This is a piece with old-fashioned appeal and convenience of modern craftsmanship. It boasts of being a masterpiece with hand painted designs and hand carved style.
• Seed Organic Cradle- Made out of chemical-free organic cotton, this cradle lets your precious newborn sleep in a most natural and safe environment. It allows for the best air circulation possible. Sturdy and eco-friendly, this is a great way to start off your child’s life.
• DaVinci Chloe Rocking Cradle- This cradle combines tradition and elegance with a simple contemporary design.  The Chloe Rocking Cradle provides a gentle swinging motion to make your little one fall into a cozy slumber.
  Sorelle Dondola Cradle-A gliding cradle that flawlessly integrates form and function. The design is elegant yet simple to fit with any kind of décor in your room.
• The Old World Oval Cradle- An iron cradle that is hand-forged with Victorian-design shell escutcheons. The skilled craftsmanship upholds a tradition of handcrafted beauty and personal care.
• Levels of Discovery Rock a Buddies Rocking Chair- Rock-A-My Baby Rocker is a combination of a rocking chair and a baby cradle. This is a modern piece of furniture where you could sit and read a book while rock your baby at the same time

Baby cradles are by far one of the best accessories investment for your tiny-tot for the comfort and security it offers.

Create an Victorian inspired bedroom

bedroom

Victorian style is a class apart as it reflects elegance, warmth and unsurpassed charm. Decorating your space in a Victorian style gives a message that ‘new’ isn’t always the best way to go.

To decorate your master bedroom the Victorian style, start with getting candles in neutral fragrances instead of frilly scented ones. Get deeper stained woods like cherry or mahogany to frame your prints.
If you want your Victorian interiors to speak of feminine style, add in lots and lots of flowers everywhere. Have flowered toss pillows and flower-filled miniature urns.
Soft lace curtains and delicate lace doilies should be used to decorate your vanity. Fill the room with fragrant, pale-colored candles and antique style lamps for soft lighting. Floral prints in pastel colors can be used to decorate walls.
Place traditional family photographs and subtle aerosols that can be procured from flea markets and antique stores on your bedroom vanity or chest of drawers.
It is easy to create a Victorian inspired bedroom. Customize it by mixing and matching bedding sets, pillows and linens. By doing this, you add your own style to this style and create a bedroom of your Victorian dreams

Decorate with your collectibles

 

Hey hobbyists! Have you ever tried to decorate your home with your collectibles? It is one of the most interesting and fun things you can do in your home. From colored bottles to seasonal ornaments and even cobalt blue pottery, you can decorate with anything. The list is endless. If this sounds like something you want to do, check out our tips and advice for displaying collectibles. These tips are sure to innovative you and create a display that makes your collectibles stand out.
* Collect vintage postcards? Get a freestanding wire photo holder to exhibit them on a shelf or in the entryway of your home.

* Colorful glass bottles look beautiful under natural light and if looked at in the right way they look just like stained glass. Make a group of such bottles and put them on a counter or window sill.
*Hang food advertising tins on the wall in the kitchen.
* Seasonal ornaments from your chandelier can be hung with gold cord or invisible fishing line.
* Vintage teddy bears will look perfect if seated on a child’s rocking chair in the living room.
* A group of cobalt blue pottery would be eye catching due to its color and can brighten a corner or table.
*Mix, match and synchronize items to get a striking look. For e.g. house teapots along with porcelain house pieces will look good.
*Keep the collection of your dolls or beanie babies in an old cradle.
* Grouping of ads or catalog pages related to your collectibles can be framed using inexpensive wooden frames.

Planning your kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of any home. It is the kitchen that makes all those great moments memorable. Imagine a celebration without a nicely roasted turkey or chicken and some wine. You can’t, right? That’s how important a kitchen is. Considering the significant role this room plays in our lives, it is essential to plan it the right way.

The kitchen should be planned in a way that it offers flexibility and efficiency at the same time. The location of the counter top, the pantry cabinet and the kitchen sink should provide ease in the work flow for the cook. Kitchens can be planned in many configurations – L shaped, U shaped, galleys and a lot more.
Being a homemaker and managing the kitchen for a couple of years now, I have tried several permutations and combinations to get my kitchen perfect and functional. My kitchen and dining area are separated by a thin partition. To save space, I planned an L-shaped kitchen. Also, I separated the kitchen into three zones to make it more efficient.

Read more: http://pocketchange.become.com/2011/05/whirlpool-dishwasher.html#ixzz1MmfRf2Wn

Build your own outdoor privacy screen- today!

Let’s face it, your neighbors are probably nosy and it doesn’t matter if you’re just reading your Kindle outdoors or growing something “unscrupulous,” you probably don’t want them snooping on you. That’s where privacy screens will help you win a flawless victory against your neighbor. Even the most ardent and stubborn of neighbors won’t be able to see into your yard after you build your own outdoor privacy screen.

• The first thing to consider is….who do you think is spying on you? Is it the mother of two to the south or the lonely hikkimori (or neet) to the west? Perhaps it’s the old paranoid grizzled war veteran to the east. Regardless, it’s important to decide which direction you need your privacy and where.

• Once you determine where you want to build it, the next important step is what kind you want. If you’re a gardener, then you might want to build a privacy screen that will let you hang plants on it. Alternatively, you can always install outdoor shades, place a three-panel free utility screen or even add a privacy screen to your existing fence.
• For anyone looking for an easy and instant solution, you can purchase a pre-assembled wood or vinyl screen that measures up to the height you want and install it onto a pre-existing fence.
• Another DIY (do-it-yourself) option is to purchase a section of lattice and two 2 x 4 wood planks or posts. Hammer, screw or staple the lattice onto each 2×4, then screw it into an existing fence. If there isn’t a fence, place two wooden posts into the ground and attach the lattice to the post.
• If you’re looking for a custom structure to add both atmosphere and privacy, building a privacy screen from wood, brick or stone is a great choice. You can more than likely look up a general contractor on the Internet or Yellow Pages if you are unconfident about your ability to DIY.
• Want something that’s natural? Building high walls and then adding vines and vertical hedges will not only help give your backyard a nice Wrigley Field-type vibe, but can also help keep suspecting eyes out of your garden.