Create an Apartment Fit for a Professional

Many professionals choose apartment living over home ownership. The flexibility that renting provides is a perfect solution for professionals in dynamic careers. Access to transit services is close by or you can find properties right downtown! And who needs the added stress of property taxes, building maintenance and bill after bill after bill when renting is so simple?

Apartment living is clearly a great choice, but how do you turn those eggshell-white walls into a comfortable home to match your professional lifestyle? It's not as hard as you might think!

Before you begin

Read the lease or rental agreement - what can and can't you do? Can you drill into the walls? Can you paint? Knowing your restrictions will help you determine what you can do. If in doubt, speak with your building landlord before beginning any questionable projects - This could save you headaches down the road.

Add Colour!

The walls are the background of your home and set the tone for each room. White walls in apartments can make an apartment seem cold and institutional. Make yourself feel truly at home by dressing up the walls.

If you paint, select a light or neutral colour. Many lease or rental agreements require that you return the walls to their original colour when you move-out. Lighter colours are much easier to paint over than dark, bold colours and they can make small rooms look larger.

If you don't want to paint, you can still dress up your walls with wall hangings, fabric, removable wallpaper boarders and stickers, stencils or artwork.

Create a Theme

A staple of a student apartment is mix-and-match furniture. Professionals often hang onto these not-so-treasured heirlooms far longer than necessary. Pull the room together by getting rid of those worn-out hand-me-downs and invest in furniture that compliments your style and taste. Accent your room with decorations and colours that create unity.

Focus on Functionality

Apartment living is all about functionality. Create a useful space that is also stylish by dressing up your storage space. Unique wall-shelves make a statement and make use of vertical space. Doors on cabinets and shelves create a clean and organized look by keeping otherwise cluttered looking items out of sight.

Less is more

Clutter shrinks rooms. When decorating a small space, chose a few key pieces and keep the knickknacks to a minimum. Create the illusion of more space by choosing furniture and accessories that have clean light lines and let light pass through the room. Use doors and dividers that are made from glass or mirrors. Find furniture that has exposed legs and light materials. Hanging lights, shelves and plants can increase vertical space and keep the floor from feeling heavy.

Frugal & Fun Country Decorating

Country decorating can be fun, creative and frugal because the items that work in country decor are either handmade like quilts, rugs, wood items, and folk art, or natural items like dried flowers, branches and flowers. Many of these type of items you can make or find at little or no cost.

Quilts, for example, can be handmade by you with fabric scraps or worn out clothing. If you don't know how to make quilts, you could check out a book from the library and learn how. You may even be able to find one at a yard sale or thrift store, if you're lucky. If you can't find or make quilts, check thrift stores for beautiful crocheted afghans; I have seen many and these would be equally as beautiful in your country decor. Just be sure to find colors that match your scheme. You can drape quilts or afghans over your sofa, or hang on a quilt rack. I have even seen them hung on a wall, like art.

Throw rugs are a wonderful way to vary your decor. If you want a change, just switch rugs or add one in a new area. Rugs can be braided or crocheted with scraps of worn out clothing or fabric. If you don't know either method, there are books out on the subject and you could also do a search on the Internet for instructions. I have found many throw rugs at thrift stores and yard sales. Whenever the price is right and I like the look of a rug, I'll buy it so I can make a fresh look when needed.

Wood items are abundant at thrift stores and are very reasonable. There is a huge variety too; I have seen wood fish, shelves, mini rocking chairs, coasters, placques, bowls, boxes, figurines, letter holders, spice racks, planters and a lot more. Sometimes I'll find a scratched wood item that I like and I'll still buy it because I'll take it home & fix it up with paint. These can be decoratively painted, or just touched up. You can also learn how to make your own wood items by taking a class or studying a book.

Usually folk art is very simple, so it is possible to make your own! Look around at other folk art to get ideas for your own original design, then go to the craft store & get artist paper (like 140 lb. watercolor paper), lightly sketch your design, then paint. If you really believe that you aren't able to do this, then again, check thrift stores! I see charming prints and original art for very reasonable prices. Another inexpensive option would be to frame calendar pages. Look for pretty frames at the Dollar Store.

The nice thing about natural items is that they are free. Hopefully you have your own yard where you can gather pine cones, branches, flowers, and leaves. If not, maybe you have a relative or neighbor that will let you takes some naturals from their yard. Branches and fresh flowers can be placed in pretty vases (check thrift stores!) or canning jars, pine cones look beautiful in big wooden bowls, as do leaves. The possiblilities are endless; just use your imagination for containers and combinations.

You don't need a lot of money to create a charming home! Have some fun and start hunting for or creating the things that would make your home special.

Renting Living Room Furniture

The US has a sizable rental furniture market. Quite a few retail establishments have been providing furniture sets for rent for several years. With time the variety and options offered to customers have increased.

The demand for rental living room furniture is so high that there are chains of rental-purchase stores operating throughout the country. A survey by the industry points out to more demand in the Midwest and across the south. The northeast and north west are not high demand markets. In fact, Texas and Florida see the most brisk business in the furniture rental business.

A living room is often the setting in which people interact with outsiders in a home setting. So it becomes important to have it at least decently furnished. So if people cannot afford to buy living room furniture they often approach furniture companies to rent living room furniture. It often happens that those who rent the living room furniture end up buying the pieces.

People rent living room furniture for various reasons. Short stays are the main reason cited for renting living room furniture. When you are intending to stay somewhere for a very short while, say three to six months in a certain place, it is not very practical to buy furniture. Renting furniture is the best option. And living room furniture is often the most important furniture, as living rooms are where guests are entertained.

Low income is the other main reason for people to opt for renting living room furniture. The wide variety of furniture options available in the market are enough to tempt even the most spartan minded person to splurge. But incomes do not always support whims and fancies. So the next best option is to rent furniture. It is important to remember that rental companies can repossess rented furniture if the rental payments are not paid as per the lease agreements.

Candle Manufacturing

Today candle forms a part of our life, in the sense they are used on almost every occasion either it is wedding, prayer, funeral etc. It will be right to say that candles symbolize our emotions. Due to its increasing demand on every occasion or event, it‘s market has become competitive these days. Today many retailers and manufacturers are getting in the business of manufacturing candles.

It is seen that many manufacturers are producing different kind of candles that is newer look and with different exotic fragrance. Along with different flavors, they are also being manufactured in different sizes and shapes. Most popular shapes in candles are square, octagon etc.

There are varieties of candles in the market such as beach design, fruit candles, gel candles etc. In the present scenario, most of the manufacturers use organic and natural products in the process of manufacturing candles. And, this change in the process of manufacturing has resulted in a new market for candles. Not only it’s today that the manufacturers has started using natural wax for candles. Rather, it has been used since very long time, but it was on hold for few years. And again, it has taken its place in the market. Natural products which used in candles manufacturing are bees wax, whale fat, soy wax, palm blends, soy blends etc.

There are different kinds of candles which are manufactured such as church candles, floating candles, jelly candles, scented candles, outdoor candles, cube candles, glasses candles etc. Each of the candles is used for different purpose. Along that, it is available in different flavors which create a desired environment.

Due to such a wide market of candles, they are also manufactured in different colors. And these colors in candles symbolize different emotion and environment. Each color of candle being manufactured plays a crucial role in aromatherapy, that is, while feeling the aroma of different essential oils.

Candles are also manufactured with the use of different essential oils in it. In the sense, when the candles are burn, they releases aroma of the present essential oil in it. Candles are regarded as very delicate, so they should be handled with care. In other words, they must not be stored in open and light area because in open area, it can loose its color and fragrance.

Thus, it is true that candles provide a ray in the darkness but along that, if it is used in aromatherapy, it also helps in maintaining good health and a positive life.

Extending The Life Of Your Mattress

As anyone who has shopped for a mattress knows, staring at a sea of white in every store seems hopeless. With so many things to consider – coil count, box springs, innersprings, pillow tops, euro tops, memory foam – it’s enough to drive a person mad.

But what it boils down to is comfort. Once consumers have made it past the milestone of choosing a mattress, new mattress owners need to focus on extending the life of this major investment. According to Verlo Mattress Factory Stores franchisor, Peg Buczko, there are a number of steps consumers can take to ensure their mattress meets its life expectancy of 10 years.

“In the marketplace today, there are two-sided and single-sided mattresses available,” Buczko said. “Care tips are very similar between the two, except with the single-sided mattress, you need to rotate it, instead of flipping it.”

Buczko recommends the following instructions for both product types:

• Use a high-quality washable mattress pad.
• Keep bedding clean by using a mattress pad or by vacuuming the mattress often.
• Replace the old foundation with the new mattress purchase to ensure sufficient support.
• Use a metal bed frame. The use of a metal center support frame for a king- or queen-size set is required for proper setup and usage.
• Body impressions are a normal occurrence in the mattress and indicate upholstery layers are settling and conforming to the body’s individual shape.
• For spot cleaning, treat spills and stains as quickly as possible. Use warm soapy water as the main cleanser to remove spills. Avoid dishwashing or laundry detergents, and don’t scrub with a brush.
• Take time to adjust to your new mattress; at least one month.
• Don’t fold or bend the mattress more than 20 degrees. Don’t let anyone stand, jump or kneel on it.
• Don’t smoke in bed.
• Don’t allow the mattress to get wet.


“Essentially, mattresses are an investment in your health,” Buczko said. “So it is really important that consumers take the same care with this investment as they do by getting regular oil changes and tune-ups with their cars. They’re just as valuable!”

Seven Quick Ways for Decorating and Staging To Sell In the New Year

Are you putting things back in the same place after the Holidays? Don't do it! Look at each piece and decide if that is the room it belongs into and if not- give it the survey- does it still look good or does it need to be revamped or thrown away or moved to another room? Then you must decide and put all your unique things together in groups to fit a room by color or theme(such as French or neutral) Remember to have a texture in each room- soft vs. rough

1. Decide in each room what is your focal point? fireplace, bed, window, etc.

2. Concentrate on that focal point and get a new accessory for that - new pillows for bed, for the window- use large flowers on the rod in the middle and buy new sheers and puff them out on the sides with tissue paper- voila! spring has sprung early!

3. Add color- take a vibrant color from your picture and buy pillows of that color for your sofa!

4. Add silver accessories- such as a large vase or tray-looks chic

5.Buy a new rug for that foyer - makes welcoming people feel warm to see a nice rug- put a nice plant there if you can- tall upright and narrow not to suffocate the room

6. Add aroma for the senses- by candles- on your tables

7. Add a fountain- small or large- the sounds will help round out all the senses Now beautify your surroundings and you will feel soooo goood!

If you are planning to sell your home- this also produces results! and those offers!

Fabric Window Treatments

Fabric offers a wealth of opportunities for enhancing one's home décor. They lend a touch of elegance especially to the windows. Ready-made curtain panels are the norm in stores today. Usually hung from clip rings, tab-tops or a rod pocket casing, they are available in different lengths and widths to fit a variety of window sizes. Unlined and lightweight, they are the alternative to formal custom-made draperies, which are usually lined, pleated and constructed to fit the exact dimensions of a window. If draperies are not attached to the rod with rings, they are usually hung on traverse rods, allowing the panels to be opened and closed by a cord that hangs behind the fabric.

A traditional Roman shade provides a clean, classic look for any interior design. There are many different variants of this popular shade, including the most traditional look of a flat panel that creates soft folds when raised and one with overlapping folds that are visible when lowered. Roller shades were once only available in white vinyl. Today, there's an endless variety of fabrics to choose from. From translucent sheers to opaque polyester, one can achieve a look anywhere from simple to sleek. The cellular shade is the fabric cousin to the ubiquitous mini-blind. Available in single, double and triple thickness, they filter natural light and insulate against the heat and cold.

Balloon shades are similar to Roman shades. They have a pull-cord mechanism for rising and lowering the fabric, however its inverted pleats create soft billows at the bottom for a pronounced romantic effect. Austrian shades are similar to balloon shades but contain shirring between the vertical rows of rings for a blouse-like, billowy effect. The top heading may be flat, puffed, smocked or pleated. A London shade (also called a festoon) contains two inverted pleats at the bottom, creating a shallow scoop in the center with two small tails on either side. Cafe curtains cover the bottom half of windows and are sometimes paired with a valence.

Decorative Treatments - These decorative pieces are used in combination with other elements to supplement a formal design. A scarf is a long piece of fabric, generally wrapped or arranged on a pole, thread through sconces at the corners to frame the perimeter of a window. Swag is a semi-circular piece of pleated fabric attached above a window and is usually paired with a cascade and jabot for a classic window treatment. A cascade is a pleated piece of fabric used with a swag that falls loosely to the side of the window. A jabot is a pleated panel used on either side of swag or in between two swags to cover the seams.

A bishop's sleeve is paired with either a swag or formal valance and consists of long panels on either side of a window cinched in the middle to create blousy poufs. Valance is essentially a short curtain placed at the top of a window to conceal drapery hardware. If it's not required to hide hardware, it can be used alone as a singular treatment for visual interest when privacy is not an issue. When used in combination with other shades, panels or drapes, it provides the finishing touch to a formal window dressing. Valances can be made to look like shortened versions of some shades (e.g. balloon, London) or as simple fabric rectangles with different headings.

Lighting It Up To Match Your Mood

Who wouldn't appreciate a welcoming entry minus the glare of ordinary lighting to greet us after a long day of work?

How about a fully illuminated workplace in the kitchen to make tasks easier to accomplish and just about the right lighting at the dinner table?

And would you like a relaxing bedroom atmosphere to lull you to sleep or set a romantic ambiance after an extremely tiring day?

All these and much more can be achieved with the perfect lighting and with just a single flick of a switch!

Lighting systems have indeed come a long, long way! Contemporary lighting systems marvelously do more than just illuminate our homes. They can be tailor-fitted to match our every mood! What was originally invented to provide efficient and hassle-free lighting can now be programmed to provide our homes with the right tone to suit the occasion.

Thankfully, we don't need to run around the house and toggle switches just to achieve the perfect atmosphere we need. The advent of automated lighting systems can instantly do it for us! Automated systems are mostly controlled by microprocessors making them very easy to set, adjust and operate. Some of the more popular brands are produced by reputable companies such as Lutron, Leviton, Lightolier, SMART LLC and X10 Pro, to name a few.

Modern automated lighting systems may range from the simple to the sophisticated but they all share one great feature. They all have the ability to create pleasing effects which are achieved by either dimming or brightening lighting fixtures. Some systems even afford you hassle-free operation by requiring just a push of a button to adjust the lighting scene to your liking.

Automated lighting systems can help you avoid a cluttered look. A 3,000 square foot home may require approximately 30 ordinary light switches. However, with the installation of a lighting control system, dozens of these switches can be consolidated in a single sleek keypad.

And installing the system is a breeze! Even an average do-it-yourself enthusiast can do the job well. The simplest systems (commonly called the X-10 or powerline carrier system) only require the plugging of a few small boxes (modules and controllers) into standard electrical wall outlets and then wiring in smart wall switches in lieu of conventional ones.

These lighting systems do more than increase your home's aesthetic values. They actually allow you to save on energy and considerably reduce your electric bills. Wow! This is a definite savings in your checkbook!

How do automated lighting systems do this? This one's really simple.

For example, you set the lights in your kitchen to give full intensity while maintaining a lower illumination at the dining table. When the dining table will later be used for other purposes such as for organizing bills, then you can set it to give out a brighter light. The same goes for all other areas (and lighting fixtures) in your home. Less light means less energy consumption. Therefore,

Truck Seat Slip Covers

Truck seat slipcovers serve the basic purpose of protecting its original upholstery. They are slipped on to the existing seat of the truck so that the original upholstery is not spoilt by daily wear and tear. Most truck drivers need to be seated for long hours. Good quality slipcovers may also make the driver comfortable.

It is recommended to choose a thick and rugged fabric for this purpose. Fabrics such as denim, canvas, chintz and linen all fall into this category and serve the purpose of protecting the upholstery against the wear and tear of daily usage.

It is advisable to select dark and neutral colors such as blacks and browns. This is so as to ensure that they do not look very dirty too soon. Fabrics in solid colors are preferred to those without any elegant designs, as they serve no purpose to cover a truck seat.

It is an important consideration that the fabric be capable of frequent washing and rough use. Materials such as leather and suede are not recommended for truck seat slipcovers. Such fabrics are quickly worn out by rough use.

It is also possible to create a new look in the interior of the truck, without spending much money, by making new slipcovers for the truck seat. Cost of a slipcover would amount to a mere fraction of the cost of a new seat.

Truck seat slipcovers are easily available in home stores where a wide variety is made available. It is also possible to order them online from the various websites. It is important to keep in mind that seats having simple shapes are easier to cover. In case the truck seat is oddly shaped and has an unusual size, the cover will have to be custom made or would have to made by the person.

Authentic Antique Iron Beds

In the early 1840's iron furniture was introduced into the homes of America. Until then iron was customarily used in the garden area for urns, benches light poles and primarily in the home for staircase bannisters, and architectural uses, such as cupolas, porch railings on terraces, etc.

With this dramatic introduction to utilitarian and furniture purposes were born some of the most beautiful and well crafted, as well as distinctly durable items of that century as well as today's.

One of the most useful, durable and beautiful of these items is the Iron Bed in my opinion. With the graceful curve of the Nouveau period beds to the stalwart strait structure of the Mission period, the iron beds dictated the look of a room, yet could be used with any style furniture, from pine to rosewood.

Although I admit that the Victorian era iron beds are my favorite... many Mission and Country beds also satisfy my thirst for this wonderful piece of our history and future.

It is my firm belief that these beds will endure the hardships and trials of the future, just as they have for the past one hundred and sixty years.

One of the true delights in using the iron bed is the ability to change the color to match the decor of your room. Let's face it...our decorating changes from time to time. An iron bed will always blend well with any decor...even modern.

Even the iron baby beds....which I do not recommend for a baby unless it has been converted to safety regulations...have their uses in and out of the home. They make lovely loveseats, daybeds, etc. Be sure to coat with a clear marine finish if used outside the home ... such as porch benches, or plant holders.

While authentic antique iron beds are the most in demand, metal beds are coming on strong. I am not referring to foreign made cheap material beds, but rather to the 1910 through 1940 era, which were very sturdy in most cases, and make inexpensive additions to your home. These beds are given honorable mention only because the fall into the antique or collectible bed class. Be careful if you sandblast metal beds because the thickness of the metal can be cut into easily with sandblasting. This is not the case with iron beds as they are much thicker material.

Three quarter iron beds were much in demand in the late 1800's as most people either made their own coverlets, etc. or they could be purchased just about any where. Today they can still be purchased, but generally from select companies, rather than any department store. Three quarter beds are 48 inches wide and need a custom mattress. Again these mattresses can also be purchased ...but generally from a mattress company rather than department stores. Sometimes the length of the bed is also shorter than the modern bed.

Neon Lights

Neon lights are gas discharging lights used as light sources for indoor and outdoor illumination applications. They were first produced by Georges Claude, an eminent French chemist, in 1910. They became commercially available in the early 1920s.

A neon light consists of a cathode and anode, fixed one at each end of the tube. When electric current is passed through this glass tube containing neon gas, the potential between the anode and cathode causes the electrons in the gas to ionize and glow in a bright color.

Neon lights work on relatively high voltage. Unlike incandescent lights, they have no filaments and have a typical lifespan of 10,000 to 25,000 hours. These lights operate under a wide temperature range from -40°C to +150°C. They are least affected by mechanical shock or vibration.

Neon lights come in a wide range of brilliant eye-catching colors. These colors are produced by mixing neon gas with other gases, by coating fluorescent powders and by using colored glass tubes. Typical color produced by a neon light is bright reddish-orange. By using other ways to create new colors, neon lights can emit colors such as green, yellow and blue. For example, when argon gas is mixed with neon gas in a glass tube it will emit a blue-color light.

Small neon lamps are used as indicators in electronic equipments whereas larger lamps are used in signboards. Due to its long lifespan and low current consumption, they are good as nightlights. Nowadays, application of neon lights is devised in digital logic circuits, binary memories and frequency dividers.

Neon lights are used mainly by business firms for advertising purposes. They use neon lights in their banners and signboards for catching attention of the general public. They have a significant role in generating sales. Banners and signboards written in bright and brilliant colors of neon lights are really a dazzling way to attract business.

Where to Buy Lighting Fixtures

In the same manner in which jewelry compliments attire, light fixtures accentuate a room and create a definite mood. Lighting fixtures, other than lighting a space, add safety, comfort and a sense of drama. Lighting fixtures are essential to make the most of any space. They are one of the first things that need to be installed when building or renovating a home. Light fixtures are an indispensable part of every home, office, restaurant, recreation center and art studio. Selecting the most appropriate lighting fixture for a home can sometimes become a daunting task. A lighting fixture must be purchased in accordance to its estimated application. The general or ambient lighting illuminates an entire room. Task lighting helps with focusing while reading, sewing or cooking. The third type is accent lighting, which spotlights decorative objects.

Lighting fixtures can be bought from any home decorative store. They specialize in the various designs, shapes and colors of light fixtures. It is advisable to take an interior decorator along, while choosing light fixtures. There are many companies that have realized the potential of online shopping. They have begun to sell light fixtures on the Internet, at cheap and discounted prices. Rumors have it that most of the online vending companies defraud their customers by providing inferior quality goods. Contrary to this, they have strict quality control checks and ask the customer to make the payment when he receives it and is thoroughly satisfied with the product. Online buying gives the customer a wide array of light fixtures to choose from. A person may have the light fixture custom made to suit his specific need and requirement.

Lighting fixtures can be installed according to the instruction manual provided. However, it is a better option to do it under the supervision of a professional or simply hire a professional to handle the installation.

Bargain Hunting For Interior Decorating

Not everyone can afford the luxury of expensive interior decorating and these days it is all about saving money not spending it. Luckily there are ways in which you can save money when it comes to interior design so you should still be able to find something to suit you.

Where to Look For Bargains

You can look absolutely everywhere for ideas when it comes to interior decorating. Second hand shops are particular good and often you find some really good, cheap ideas in them. Remember that somebody’s rubbish is always somebody else’s treasure! So, do not be ashamed to look in second hand shops in order to find various items for your home. Discount stores can also be good and whilst many things in them may be tacky, you can sometimes find the odd treasure hidden in there. The kinds of things you will mainly find in these places include cushions, fabric, curtains, furniture and pictures as well as picture frames.

The internet is also an amazing place these days and auction sites such as Ebay can be a haven for interior designers. You can find literally everything you could possible think of and the prices are usually dirt cheap! You are bound to find something you like on an auction site so it is definitely worth a look.

Also, have you ever thought to look at a yard sale? Again, just like second hand shops, you are going on the theory that somebody’s rubbish is somebody else’s treasure and you may actually find something that you really like. If not you haven’t wasted anything but you could have gained a lot potentially.

Overall you can find bargains absolutely everywhere and all will help you to create that perfect overall look in the home.

The Unexpected Costs

Something you do not often think about when considering interior design is how much it costs to actually put everything together. It takes potentially a long time to redecorate a whole room, never mind a whole house! It usually takes more than juts one person and usually these extra workers can come at a large price!

Unfortunately usually it does mean that you do have to splash out on the extra expensive of professionals as even though they do cost money, they will produce good results. It is better than paying an average worker and getting left with less than impressive results for the same amount of work!

Overall it is possible to bargain hunt for items but when it comes to the actual work involved you may have to pay that extra cost!

Spring Is In The Air!

Spring is officially here, even if it doesn’t feel like it everywhere. Does your home still have that musty, heavy feeling of winter? Here are some easy to do tips to bring spring indoors – even if it isn’t quite showing up outdoors!

1. Make certain that all Holiday decorations have been packed away – you know those light strings are taken down, that poinsettia that’s been sitting around gets set in a less noticeable location (assuming it is still alive).

2. The dark, heavy drapes and area rugs can take a trip to the cleaners and get packed away. If you don’t have anything on the window, consider investing in something light and airy – you can find beautiful lace or sheer curtains at any department store or discount store for fairly cheap. They will block the view from outside, while still letting in that all-important light! Pack away those beautiful velvet throw pillows too – they will be waiting for you in September when you are ready for their warmth again.

3. Throw open the windows on the next sunny day & let your home air out. It only takes 30 minutes of fresh air to make your home feel fresh again, but if it’s especially beautiful, leave them open all day!

4. Do you have any potted plants that have wintered with you? As soon as it’s nice enough during the day, set them out on the porch – just don’t forget to bring them in at sunset until you are past freezing temperatures at night.

5. Speaking of flowers, the daffodils and tulips are starting to bloom around the country. If they aren’t blooming in your yard yet, go down to the nearest florist and pick up some in a pot – they are usually in the $5-$10 range for a medium sized pot. This is a very reasonable way to perk up your dining room, and because they are still attached to the bulb, you can plant them in your yard for next year!

6. Have allergies to live flowers? Make a bouquet of tissue paper flowers to brighten up the room sneeze free. Check out directions at http://taterberrycottage.com/articles/tissue-paper-flowers.html.

7. Splurge in a new tablecloth or napkins and placemats. I picked some up the other day that were clear plastic (great for those with kids!) with a huge, brightly colored flower centered on them. They add a ton of color for $20 or less.

8. Brightly colored throw pillows and lap blankets can add a much-needed punch of color to just about every room. It only takes a couple in a vibrant orange, yellow or pink to put a smile on your face when you walk in.

9. Candles. Brightly colored floral or citrus scented candles will not only look great, but they will help your home smell fresh and spring-like.

10. Clear out some toys. Just getting the mass of toys off of the floor will enhance your mood! Do your kids have a ton of toys that they aren’t even playing with? Pack some of them away for a couple of months & start a toy rotation, or better yet, have your kids decide which ones they will share with those less fortunate. Box them up and take them to Goodwill – quickly, before they change their mind! It gets the clutter out of your house, and helps someone else in the process.

Daybed Dilemma: What To Do With Yours

If you have a daybed or need one, you may be wondering how in the world you are going to make it look nice sitting in your loft or in your living room. A daybed has a function of providing more than one benefit. For example, it needs to serve as a bed for those night time hours or when guests come over. But, it may also need to double as a location for people to sit and enjoy themselves. Can you use the same piece of furniture for each of these needs? You can if you take the time to dress them up correctly.

Daybed Qualities To Consider

One thing to consider when purchasing a daybed is the size that it is. Most of the time, they are smaller than the size of a standard bed, in length. They may be too small for some that need a larger sized bed. In addition, you want them to fit nicely in the area that you have for them. Since you can purchase various sized daybeds, you’ll want to purchase the one that fills your needs in these areas.

Now, consider the quality of the bed that you are purchasing. Since it will be doing double duty, it is important to take into consideration the strength and firmness of the mattress. It should be a firm mattress, not a pillow top and definitely not a soft mattress. Otherwise, when someone sits on it, they will sink into it, which doesn’t give the correct appeal to a daybed during the day. Look for a well built, sturdy frame, too, as that will help to make it fit well with the other furniture and give the same type of stability that’s important with all furniture that’s to be used as a couch or chair.

Dress It Up

Now, when it comes time to convert your daybed into a couch or sofa like piece of furniture, you’ll want to take into consideration several key things. First, you want to provide some backing for the individual to rest on. Start with several large, hard pillows. These will provide for the stability that the back of a couch can have. If you can’t find the right color or textures, you can easily make covers that will slip over them and completely change them.

With these in place, you can work on improving the area between the pillows and the person’s back. Because this is a daybed, that area will be larger and therefore you’ll need a lot of little pillows to fill it in. One consideration is a well chosen body pillow that will run the length of the daybed. This gives the added support that is required, but also fills in the space nicely, without being too obvious. Again, cover it as necessary.

Finally, top your daybed with decorative pillows and make sure that there is a nice bed skirt on it, covering up the space between the floor and the bed. When well made like this, a daybed can be an easy fit into any living space.

Why Choose Silk Flowers Over Fresh Flowers?

There are so many reasons on why you should invest in a silk floral arrangement and I've put together some of the main reasons silks have been gaining popularity in recent years.

Silk flowers last a lifetime and can be maintained as keepsakes that rekindle an old feeling or memory. Artificial arrangements will never wilt or discolor and can be handled and manipulated as often as you'd like. You can change your silk design by simply adding accessories that modify the design or style of your current arrangement. A big perk considering you will change your home décor many times over the course of your life. Your arrangement can also be designed to keep your home decor "in-style" as home color trends change over time.

Silk stems are much more versatile than fresh flowers and they can be shaped into many different designs for many different appeals. Silk flowers will fit your changing style and design needs as you evolve and your décor interests change. They are also a cost effective way to decorate your home.

Silks always look beautiful with minimal care required. For on-the-go decorators, silk flowers are perfect for not demanding attention like real flowers. Today's silk flowers are high quality and durable and require only a dusting on occasion. I use Swiffer Dusters on my arrangements and they work perfectly. Silk flowers are also hypoallergenic meaning they contain no allergens, are non-toxic and pollen-free. For allergy sufferers, silk flowers are a beautiful, long lasting alternative to fresh flowers.

They are a permanent investment, like furniture or other room decor, and not a temporary piece of decoration.

They create the same mood or feeling as real flowers including special scents you can incorporate into any arrangement or bouquet. There are as many options and varieties of silk flowers as there are real flowers. I get my inspiration from real flowers and you will too.