The Toy Room: A Great Room for Children And Parents

Every child needs a special, magical place: a corner of the world (or at least the house) where he can escape, have fun, and rule his tiny kingdom. And this place is the toy room.

Why You Need a Toy Room

There are many benefits to having a designated Toy Room in the house. The first, and perhaps the most convincing argument, is that the sense of ownership—“this is my space, with my things”—helps develop a child’s security and self esteem. Just put yourself in your child’s shoes. He’s smaller than everyone else, the grown ups set the rules, and the world seems like such a big place with scary and unfamiliar things and experiences. But the toy room becomes his sanctuary. He is surrounded by everything he loves, and has complete control over what happens within the walls of the toy room. Does he play with the blocks or the ball? Will he read a book or paint? Nobody can tell him what to do. Child psychologists also believe that a toy room can help him become more independent, since it encourages him to make small but simple decisions without mom and dad hovering over his shoulder.

For parents, the toy room is an enclosed, designated area where they can leave the child and not worry about his safety. This leaves them free to attend to chores or get a precious half hour of “me time”.

How to Set up a Toy Room

-Make sure that the Toy Room is completely child-proof, especially if you cannot see the child from where you will be staying. Windows should be securely locked (you can buy clips or window guards). If you have Venetian blinds, make sure that the cords are tied well above the child’s reach (they can get strangled on them). Wall sockets must have plastic protectors. Other common hazards are: exposed cords, breakables, and sharp table corners. -Invest in a baby monitor for small children. It’s best if you can hear them if they cry—just so can quickly check that they haven’t gotten hurt.

-Choose furniture (tables and chairs, cabinets, book shelves, or coat racks) that are specifically designed for your child’s age and size. They can climb on a tall adult’s and then crash down to the floor, or slip while trying to reach a book on a shelf that’s too high. -If your child’s older and able to follow instructions, give simple toy room safety rules. Better yet, remove anything that would possibly cause danger beyond his ability to control himself. For example, instead of saying “Don’t run around with the sharp scissors” give him specially designed scissors for kids.

Purchasing Leather Furnishings

Personally, I love leather furnishings. If you do as well, this article will help you learn how to purchase leather furnishings with a minimum of fuss.

Leather furnishings can be a classy addition to your living room or den. Many consumers are turning towards leather furnishings because of their attractive styling and durability. However, leather furnishings are an investment and some care should be taken when selecting a piece for your home. Here are some simple tips to help you purchase leather furnishings that are the right choice for your lifestyle.

First, don’t be afraid of purchasing leather! It is actually four times more durable than fabric covered furnishings. Leather also improves as it ages, so you won’t have to worry about a piece looking worn. Leather can be used in an office space or formal setting, but families with children do not need to shy away from it. Families might want to purchase leather furnishings that have unzipping cushions. This way you can remove the cushions to freshen them up or to have them replaced.

There are three different finishes on leather. Aniline is the softest of the leather choices. It is also the most expensive. It is made with no protective coating over the leather. Semi-aniline has a small amount of coating on it, and pigmented leather is fully coated. When you decide to purchase a leather piece, you will need to first think about what you are doing to do with the piece and what your lifestyle is like. The aniline leather is soft and beautifully dyed, but it is not protected from stains. A spill on pigmented leather can typically just be wiped up, but the leather is not as luxurious.

Although leather/vinyl combinations typically save you some money, they wear at different rates. The vinyl part of your couch or chair will wear quicker than your leather. For this reason, make sure that the piece you are choosing is 100 percent leather. Leather couches and chairs are a good investment because they last much longer than fabric couches. Some people are turned off by the higher prices, but you should keep in mind that you will likely purchase two or more fabric couches in the same time span that you would keep your leather couch.

Today, about half of upholstered furniture sold is made from leather. Once you have selected the right leather piece for your lifestyle, make sure you receive some education on how to properly care for your new addition. Frankly, this is a critical step to getting the most for your money when your purchase leather furnishings.

At the time of your purchase, you should receive information regarding any care instructions specific to the pieces you bought. In general, you will just need to take a dry cloth and dust off your leather every few days. You should take a vacuum with a crevice tool and clean along the bottom and in between cushions. You should use a leather conditioner every six to twelve months to keep the leather looking good and feeling soft. As simple as this may all sound, the purchase of leather pieces is a good choice and a fairly easy process.

Guide to Buying Furnishings for Your Home

When it comes time to start buying furnishings, the hardest step is often figuring out how to go about it. This guide to buying furnishings solves the problem nicely!

When buying furnishings there is much you need to take into consideration. Your furnishings are something that you will have for many years to come, and picking the right piece can be an overwhelming experience. Taking this guide to buying furnishings into consideration before you head to the store will aid you in finding the perfect piece for your home.

Make sure you are prepared. Thinking of your long-term goals is extremely important. Before you visit your first store, make a floor plan of the room you are buying furnishings for to determine how a piece will fit and whether it will look right. Dimensions are equally as important. Know the exact square footage of the room, as well as the dimensions of each piece. You may see a couch that will look like it will fit but after you return home, you find out it is too large. This can all be avoided by traveling to all stores with a tape measure.

When buying upholstered furnishings, never buy a piece when you first see it without taking home a piece of fabric to test against your other pieces. Also, fabric looks different under various lights, so you want to make sure you try the fabric during both day and night to make sure you truly love it.

Testing the furnishings is probably the most valuable tip you should take from this guide. Make sure that it is comfortable for a long period of time. It may seem strange to be stretching out on a couch in the middle of a showroom, but furnishings are something that you can’t change your mind about later. Take your shoes off and get comfortable, and stay on it for a while before deciding. You’ll notice soon if the dining room table chairs you are sitting on put a strain on your back, or the couch you are sitting on becomes stiff.

Last, but definitely not least, never buy on impulse. You may see an item marked down 50 percent, but before you buy make sure that it is the exact color and shape you want. A sale makes you feel good about buying, but when you get home and realize that it doesn’t match or fit in, you will find yourself spending even more money to find a perfect piece later on.

Give Your Kitchen A Classy New Look

We all think kitchens are the hardest room to decorate on a budget. Why? Because, there are fixed elements that we often can't do anything about when funds are limited. For instance, appliances, cabinets and counter tops are elements that are expensive to replace. Flooring also falls in to that category.

Heck, if we could simply replace all of those items at once, we would have it made, right? But many of us can't, and in most cases we are talking about $10,000-$20,000 dollars to do it right. So what do we do? Add to them!

OK, there's little that can be done to change the range, but everything from refrigerators, to dishwasher fronts, counter tops and cabinets can be added to in elegant ways. In this article, we will tackle the subject of your cabinets.

Molding is a fabulous way to give an updated and beautiful look to plain cabinets and come in many styles. Try adding crown molding at the very top of your cupboards, next to the ceiling and watch them take on a new, more modern look. Architectural trim always gives more detail to walls, so let it do the same for your cabinetry.

If you don’t want to deal with a miter saw and a measuring tape, there are foam moldings that can be cut with a kitchen knife and don't need special tools to install. I found great, twistable molding that anyone can apply all by themselves. Just do a search for foam moldings on the internet and you’ll find it. It’s super easy to install and literally cuts like butter!

Add Raised Stenciling, or Cast Plaster Ornamental pieces to the fronts of the cupboard doors then give the molding and your cupboards a new coat of neutral colored paint. Add new door pulls and you have a whole new set of cabinets!

Love the look of fabulous Italian decor? Try adding corbels to the underside lip or sides of your cabinets. This is also a great treatment for kitchen islands. Corbels come in many styles and can be found on line by doing a search for "Corbels". Prices range anywhere from $10.00 and up depending on the styling and material they are made of. You can opt for expensive hand carved corbels or do what I do and opt for the resin variety which are just as ornate and attractive for less that ½ the cost.

Give a Room A Refreshed Look Without Spending A Dime

Winter is a time for all of us to come inside; to no longer be outdoors among the greenery, warm sun, fresh air and blooming flowers. We see little but the four walls for months on end.

Week after week, we will be cooped up within the confines of our homes which makes it the perfect time to do a bit of re-designing and re-decorating. Heres how you can do it without spending a single dime: Giving our homes a fresh, new look tends to give us a fresh new "outlook". Fresh, exciting and full of promise. The impact is really quite amazing.

A fun activity such as a re-decoration project goes a very long way to taking the dull out of dark, boring winter months. Something as simple as a cheery new paint color, a new arrangement of existing furnishings, maybe a change of accessories can give a room a whole new look and give your spirits a boost as well.

So the holidays have put a "bust" on your budget? Until you can afford to re-decorate the way you dream, try this:

Since it's typically the most used room in the house, empty your living room of all accessories (area rugs, lamps, end tables, artwork, display items) except your sofa and coffee table. Move your sofa and coffee table to a new location, planning for a smooth traffic flow or focusing on a new focal point such as a fireplace, window view, etc.

Search other rooms in the house for replacement art, tables, rugs and chairs to now place in the living room. Let your imagination go wild and try placements you have never tried before. Do the same with accent pieces such as vases, coffee table books, plants and so on. Once you are finished, you will have a refreshed space that creates a whole new feel to the room. Different accessories can give the same old room a whole new look and feel. We tend to get stuck in a "rut" when it comes to how our homes look and these simple tricks can refresh your living space without spending a dime!

Stylish Decorating With Thrift Store Finds

Finding really great, quality items at thrift or consignment stores, yard sales or swap meets takes time. But it’s well worth the foot work you will do to score great items that would cost you a fortune otherwise and can take your home beyond the "basics", turning it in to something really fabulous! The trick to great finds is to go often.

Frequent your favorites at least every two weeks (giving them time to get more merchandise in stock). The early bird really does catch the worm in this case because unique or quality items are snatched up quickly. When I am in search of a particular item, I tend to go every week on Mondays. This is typically the day when new merchandise is set out after the weekend rush.

What you are looking for are items in your decorating style that have quality construction (even if you need to turn a screw, replace a hinge or do a bit of paint or repair). Decide what your room needs, make a list that you keep with you when perusing these wonderful treasure shops to keep you from purchasing things you really don’t need.

Fully examine the item then ask yourself what you will have to do to get it in shape. Recover it? Paint it? Fix it? And are you willing to do it.Remember that these types of outlets are fabulous for finding accessories as well!

I used to see beautiful chaise lounge chairs in romantic old movies and found them to be so sophisticated and classy. I always dreamed of having one. But check out the prices of a new one! But one day, while roaming the aisles of our local swap meet, a woman was selling a rather shabby looking model for a mere $35.00. I grabbed it without even a thought of dickering the price. Ones similar to it retail at over $700.00 Knowing I could re-cover it, I hauled it home with great pride!

Check out do it yourself home decorating websites for step by step instructions on how to recover furniture. It’s really quite easy.

A very stylish occasional table cost me only $20.00 at an out of the way antique store. With high gloss black paint and a stenciled design in gold, the table now graces a guest bedroom and commands raves from visiting overnight guests.

Perfectly "Traditional" in styling and in great shape, I ran across a marble base table lamp with Victorian iron scroll work and all I had to do was to redo the gold finish on the metal with a antiquing kit from the paint store. $10.00 is all I paid for it. A $12.00 replacement shade completed this now treasured piece.

I nearly threw myself through the windshield when I slammed on the brakes in front of a yard sale that featured an exquisite, hand carved occasional chair. $40.00 later (they wanted much more!), I was laying it gently in the back seat and screaming home to place it in my living room. I've since found the perfect material in which to create a padded seat on it. This chair looks so expensive that visitors to my home comment about what a fortune I must have paid for it.

By now you are beginning to see that thrift store and yard sale finds don't have to mean that you are decorating your home with "junk". If you make good choices, use a bit of common sense and hone your "fix it" skills, you can have a very classy home on a dime.

For many wood items such as chairs and tables, a simple coat of paint, an antique finish and a stencil can create an elegant, one of a kind piece for your home.

I found a luscious oval coffee table at a thrift store that is made of very heavy wood (it took everything I had just to get it in the truck all by myself!). But I couldn't resist with its oval top and super quality, let alone the shocking price tag of just $5.00. Why was it $5.00? Because it had the most ugly, bright blue paint on it! A can of orange gel paint stripper later, the application of one of the designs from my stencil collection done with gold acrylic paint made it fabulous!

Embedding Decorative Items In To Wet Plaster For Fabulous Walls

Plastered walls are all the rage in today’s decorating. You see it in the form of Venetian plaster finishes in magazines and on home decorating shows, in Cast Plaster Ornamentation and Raised Plaster Stenciling. It's everywhere.

Now there’s a new twist in the plaster craze that will give your walls a fabulous new treatment. Not only is it easy, fun and exciting to do, it’s also fabulous! And what a way to get your teenager involved in decorating their room.

All that is involved is spreading joint compound over your wall, smoothing to a desired texture, then embedding items such as beads, mirror shapes, faux jewels, broken glass or tiles, etc in to wet plaster and allowing it to dry.

Consider other items such as jewelry findings. Find them on auction and websites in wonderful styles or search your local craft store. Small glass tiles work equally well. The possibility of design is endless with this technique.

Searching your local craft store for items to embed can bring a world of ideas. Walk the aisles and check out all of the small embellishments that are available.

Bathrooms and kitchens are a great place to try this new technique. Use it as a backsplash treatment around the sink area then seal with clear, non-yellowing polyurethane to protect against moisture.

Try creating a pattern of scrolls with the items or create diamonds, triangles or squares. Try pattern ideas out on a level surface before placing on the wall.

Once the plaster is dry, use a damp cloth to wipe any joint compound residue from the embedded items.

If finishing with a paint finish, lightly rub these items with mineral oil or baby oil after the plaster is dry to prevent paint from sticking to them. (Do not use oil on items before you inset them in to the plaster as the slick surface will not adhere as tightly and you may risk loosing the piece at a later date). As you paint, wipe the embedded items off quickly so paint doesn't collect.

Picking Your Memory Foam Mattresses

A lot of manufacturers have started producing memory foam mattresses. This has caused the price of memory foam to come down significantly, and finally become an affordable product for everyone. And while this has also meant that a good number of quality memory foams have been introduced, it has also let low quality products come in as well.

Memory foam mattresses are not a commodity item, but not all are created equal either. Just as a word of caution, you should avoid the really cheap versions of mattresses and pillows on the market. Their material density is usually not of the highest quality and will never provide you with the same sense of quality as their counterparts.

Here are some more words of caution. As you are looking for memory foam mattresses, be cautious of what type of foam it is. Some manufacturers have been found putting fillers in between the foam so that they can make more money with lesser quality. This also does not make this mattress a true memory foam mattress either. One of the nicest foams that you should purchase is the 5 lb memory foam, because of its level of comfort that it supplies to you.

One last thing to know about memory foam mattresses is how long it will be good for. This is an important consideration, because some memory foams feel great to start, with but will deteriorate as you use them more and more. Always stick with those products that have been tested and proven reliable when you are buying your memory foam. Just like for example with a car, you will find it greatly to your advantage to go with a product that has a proven history of success in the long run.

Given the above mentioned issues, it is encouraged that you carefully examine the density of the mattress, the source of the foam, and the product as well. You can always trust the bigger name brands because they have a true stake in staying on top of the market with the highest quality product. As with most things in life, you will always get what you pay for because nothing in this life is free. If something or an offer sounds too good to be true, then it normally is just that, too good to be true. Paying a bit more for the better company and product can only serve your better interests in the long run.

800 Thread Count Sheets - A Complete Shopping Review

Perhaps you can call me a man’s man. Well, no – that is not quite true. That sort of implies that I am a dude – I am not. For starters I don’t enjoy watching football; neither do I like to sock my friends in the arm except if they really have it coming, nor do I have any trouble talking about my feelings. It is just that, well, if it is a difference between living in squalor and taking the time to clean up and decorate my room, 9 times out of 10 I will choose the squalor. Surely what a difference getting engaged has made.

A few days back, we had gone out for shopping. All along the way to the store, my wife couldn’t help but talk about the 800 thread count sheets that she wanted. In spite of her insistence, I had no clue about what 800 thread count sheets are. Oh no, they sure cannot be the 300 thread count sheets, like the ones that I had when we first met that she was so grumpy about from about the time that we got serious. Frankly speaking, I really can’t see the difference. In fact she has 800 thread count sheets on her bed, and at all times asserts that they are so much nicer than mine. As far as I m concerned a sheet is a sheet. Well I suppose if it really makes her feel content to get 800 thread count sheets, God bless her shopping trip, but it is a bit of a hassle to be dragged along on such an outing.

It is not just the reason behind that she needs her expensive 800 thread count sheets. On my part I'm willing to spilt-up the expenses with my dear fiancée for house goods, as for everything else. Most importantly she needs the special 800 thread count sheets in just the right color made out of real Egyptian cotton. As we spent all day browsing from store to store, looking through sheet after sheet that, in my opinion, all looked identical, and still, no perfect 800 thread count sheets. By the end, I think I was going a bit insane after spending so much time gaping through endless aisles of soft, fluffy pastels that looked more or less the same to my eye. After our marathon 800 thread count sheets trip, I simply wanted to switch onto some football just to spite her; needless to say I was dead beat. I dozed off even before she could put her new 800 thread count sheets on the bed.

Tips on Choosing Frog Bedding

Many parents use a cartoon superhero or friendly animal theme for their kids bedding decor. If you are one of those parents that likes to be a little different then consider the theme of frog bedding when choosing your children's duvet covers and pillow cases.

Now take note that the architecture is not the only thing that you should consider when buying bedding. To guide you with the selection, here are different tips so as to ensure that you are selecting the best frog bedding possible.

1. Color is very important. You want the frog bedding to match the rest of the design and aesthetics of the room. If in doubt use a colour chart to even match those shades so that horrendous colour clashes are avoided. You cannot go wrong with green or brown with it being the native colour of the frog so make sure that the rest of the room has this theme if you are going to go with the way of the frog.

2. Material is also important, the softer the better. I find the rougher the bedding the less I tend to sleep. Pure cotton is the way to go as not only is it incredibly soft and durable it is also resistent to allergies that are sometimes cause by bedding which has a embedded print or embroidery.

3. Some frog bedding packages offer a curtain or rug as an added bonus. If you are thinking of having a frog theme around the bedroom anyway then this could be an added bonus to your purchase. There are a wide variety of deals like this available, just shop around until you find the right one.

4. Price is also an important factor. Obviously the more quality the print the steeper the price, and also depending on where you buy it from will also determine how far you reach into those pockets. If you simply want something that just does the job then go for a more simple print and plain duvet covers, otherwise if your feeling thrifty then go for the works!

Granite Tiles and Type of Granite Tiles

This article tells you about various types of granite tiles. After reading this article you would be able to find some of the best online solution for granite tiles need.

Among the oldest known stone on earth, granite conjures up images dramatic mountain ranges - as well as stylish kitchen countertops. Formed from solidified molten rock at great depths and under great pressure far below the continents, this hard, dense and resilient stone is also one of the most popular. The word granite is derived from the Latin word granum, meaning grain, in reference to the stone's granular appearance. Primarily composed of quartz, feldspar, potassium and mica, this coarse-grained igneous rock is usually available in darker colors, but also pinks and light grays. Used as a building material since ancient times, granite now adds drama to the world's most modern homes and commercial buildings.

Some Types of Granite is explained here.

Absolute Black Granite

One of the most distinguished granites in the world, Absolute Black is an elegant choice for floors, walls and counter tops. As the primary stone or as an accent, this dramatic stone creates a strong contrast.

Blue Pearl Granite

The color and silvery shine of this granite gives it a distinct, rich and elegant look. Considered one of the finest granites in the world, Blue Pearl has a special appeal for applications.

Crystal White Granite

A very reasonably priced and versatile tile, Crystal White can be used for all hard-surface applications.

Golden Garnet Granite

This basic, neutral-colored granite is an ideal choice for large areas.

Tropical Brown Granite

This stone's neutral color complements a variety of materials. Its warm tone blends well with finishes such as wood, metal and ceramic. Though neutral, Tropical Brown is also very rich in color and texture.

Uba Tuba Granite
Richly green, Uba Tuba is an attractive material for floors, walls or countertops. Can be used as a main color or as an accent to other colors.

Studio Living - The Utility Area

Concealed or not, however, stored objects are usable only if they are tidily organized in a practical, modular system. Solutions to storing cleaning equipment range from simple, imaginative interior design ideas to integrated appliances. Industrial systems such as pull-out larder units, which were formerly found only in warehouses and factories, are now being appropriated by the domestic market because they are so practical and use a minimum of materials. Realising your interior design ideas for the utility area does not have to be as mundane as the chores associated with the appliances found in the utility area. Good imaginative ideas can reduce clutter and save space at every turn.

In restricted areas, wire rack and basket systems provide an invaluable and flexible method of storage. They can be fitted into virtually any space, whether under the stairs or on the backs of cupboard doors. They do not collect dust and everything that is stored is easily accessible. Hooks and small containers can be added to extend their storage possibilities. One cheap and cheerful interior design solution to storing smaller items in wire racks is a simple fabric 'shoebag'. Other inexpensive ideas include colourful plastic baskets and stacking boxes.

When looking for areas to utilise as a utility area, wasted space under staircases make for an ideal area to put your interior design ideas into practice. The needs of people living alone or in small studio spaces, has resulted in a new generation of compact washing and drying machines that will fit snugly in these types of small spaces. When teamed with retractable ironing boards and high-level clothes drying rails, these basic services take up little space and may even be concealed entirely from view. Mini washers are designed to sit on a sink drainer and to be put away when not in use.

In the early stages of interior design planning, allocate spaces for cleaning equipment and for clothes drying, as well as for plumbing in a washing machine. These plans are often overlooked but are absolute necessary to ensure daily chores are streamlined and do not become a burden. Proper interior design planning will ensure you have made provision for such items as either a clothes dryer or clothes rack or pulley. If space does not allow for a washing machine and clothes dryer, then a simple rise-and-fall 'pulley' made of plastic-coated steel or natural wood will have to do the job.

Remember, reducing clutter is paramount in your interior design plans. Wall hanging or vertical stacked units will provide the best space-saving solutions. Make sure you utilise hard-to-reach corner spaces under worktops by installing carousel storage trays. When your interior design plans require that construction of units be done, consider using marine plywood. It is an ideal material to use, being impervious to moisture it will hold up well in small badly ventilated kitchens and washing areas.

Interior Design - The Power of Blue

Wherever we go, wherever we turn, a shade of blue always follows: the sky, the ocean, blue flowers and birds, blue mountain tops and deep blue lakes. Blue is a calm, restful color, perfectly suitable for interior design, especially for bedrooms. It's a Mediterranean color, one that reminds of the summer and the sea, a define mood booster. For this reason interior designers started to use this color in offices, day rooms and even to decorate summer gardens and kitchens.

Blue in offices has a good impact on the attentiveness of the workers. People are more productive in blue rooms, focused and creative. Even sportsmen perform better in blue rooms. Blue generally symbolizes harmony, peace, healing and happiness, but it could have "dark" meanings too. Lovers of blue tend to be introverted. While pale blue describes a happy personality, as the blue gets darker it becomes moody and depressing, especially when it's not associated with "positive" colors. Too much blue for a room and that space will become gloomy and depressing. Interior design deals with shapes and colors, combining them to create a pleasant atmosphere in every home.

Navy blue is a dark color that requires careful employment in a design composition. But used in the right amounts and on the right spots, navy blue can be the decisive element to enhance a design transforming a primarily dull space into an oasis of joy. Navy blue is the color of the deep seas. It's used often in designing the interiors of beach hotels and terraces. It reminds of handsome sailors (NAVY sailors do have those already famous navy-and-white striped t-shirts) and sailing adventures. What could better boost your mood than a dining room bathed in summery lights, where the 5 o'clock ice tea waits for you on a navy-and-white striped placemat?

If you are going to use navy blue to decorate your bedroom, you should always combine it with light, positive colors: white, camel, light beige, light gray, pearl. To make the blue décor even subtler, you should paint your walls in white or light beige. You could always use navy-blue furniture and bed sheets to create that nautical effect you long for. Decorating the walls with paintings or posters depicting the sea will enhance the interior design of your bedroom even more.

Another room suitable for navy-blue decorations is the bathroom. White and navy blue tiles could create a chess pattern on the floors and for some perfect decorative accents you could spread some blue tiles among the white ones on the walls. Navy blue bathroom vanities are rare and quite expensive. If you cannot afford them you still have the chance of bringing navy blue in the bathroom: vases, curtains, towels and other interior design accessories. And don't forget mirrors, to complete the luxury feeling already conferred by the richness of the color blue.

Take care about using carpets in navy blue in rooms with large windows. Fabrics exposed to direct sunlight lose the brightness of their colors because of the UV light beams. If you do have such windows and are very fund of your navy-blue carpet and curtains, consider isolating the glass of the windows with UV resistant filters.