Water Fountains Brighten Any Room in the Home

For many years water fountains have been increasing in popularity and people have begun to understand not only can they add a fresh feel to your home but they can provide many other benefits as well. Within this article we will take a look at the different types of water fountains and how they can be used and where they are best suited within your home. If we start at looking at the different styles of water fountains available and how they can be used within your home then you will be able to grasp just how versatile these objects are. There are five different types of water fountains and each one of these has various styles included, the five types are wall fountains, floor fountains, tabletop fountains, outdoor fountains and custom fountains. In the home the most popular of these are the wall, floor and table fountains and each of these can be used in different ways in your room to suite what you are trying to achieve, see below to discover some of the uses and ideas.

If you are short on space in a room of your home or you want to find something unusual or different for the walls then the wall fountains are the ideal solution. These can be added to a room and come in various shapes and sizes to blend in perfectly with your existing décor. By adding a wall fountain you are not only improving the look of the room but they give you much more including purifying the air and creating a tranquil and peaceful backdrop. If a wall fountain is not what you require then you should consider one of the floor fountains and these are the most versatile of all the fountains. These can be added to any room either near to a wall or as a divide for the room and they come in a whole range of sizes, so depending on how large your room will reflect on which of the designs will best suite your home. Floor fountains can be easily moved from area to area so if you want to create a different feel to another room in your home you can easily move the fountain. Tabletop fountains are the smallest of the range and are very decorative and can just about go in any location in the home where there is a shelf, table or ledge for them to sit on. They are ideal as a centre piece for a table or a decorative item in a conservatory or dining room and are extremely flexible and popular.

Chris Courtis is proud to write for soothingwalls.com which are an online provider of Water Fountains and many other indoor and outdoor water features.

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Cheap Blinds For Families on a Budget

When it comes to decorating your home, windows are one of the most aspects to consider. Without windows in your house, you would be living in a box, and for many people, a lot of thought is put into the placement of windows before the house is even built. People like to have the best view possible, and every situation is different. Some houses have beautiful views of parks or lakes, while others need to put a little more effort into making the most of their environment.

As important as it is to have the best window placement in your home, there are times when you are just going to want to cover up and enjoy the privacy of your own space. This is where the topic of window coverings comes into play, and it is just as important to have a good covering as it is to have a good view. Curtains and blinds can be expensive, though, and if you don't put in the effort in to find the best price for your blinds, you will end up paying way too much.

If your budget is tight, there are a couple of important things that you can do to cut your costs. The first is to make your own. This may sound like a huge undertaking, but it is not necessarily so. If you have a basic knowledge of how to use a sewing machine, you can choose from a huge range of fabric and pick up some easy to follow patterns to help you in the process. In fact, making your own blinds will give you the luxury of having a much wider choice of fabrics than you would have if you were buying ready made.

If your skills are lacking in the sewing machine department, then your other option is to do your research online. The Internet has a huge number of trusted websites that specialise in window coverings. We got our cheap blinds off the Internet, and are extremely happy with their quality and the service provided. Whether you are after roman blinds or bamboo, you are sure to find something within your budget by doing a little shopping around

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Brighter Carpet Colors For a Modern, Bolder Room

If you've recently moved into a new home or you're looking for a way to add a modern boost to your current living space - the answer could be right under your feet. Most homes, especially if they're new, feature a neutral colored carpet. Typically, you'll be working with something along the lines of light beige to maybe a dark tan color. Although these neutral colors are great if your room is composed primarily of brown hues, you may want to go in a different direction with the look and feel of the space. Whether you want to brighten up a previously neutral room or you're looking to modernize your home - updating your carpet color could be the solution you're looking for.

Although you don't have to go drastically bold with a bright red or neon green, you can certainly add color and style to a room with a brightly colored carpet. Complimenting bright floors with toned down walls creates a fun and coordinated atmosphere without overwhelming. For example, if you're looking to make a room feel lighter and bolder at the same time - you may feel as though you've hit a brick wall. Rooms that require this kind of attention can often be awkwardly shaped and/or don't get a lot of natural lighting. If this is the case, lightening the room up while still creating that bold style can become conflicts of interest. A great way to do this is by placing a deep hue on the floor and choosing a lighter, pastel shade of the same color for the walls. The pastel color will help reflect the light that does come into the room while the carpets will give that coordinated and rich look that so many homeowners desire throughout their homes.

If you have wooden floors and aren't crazy about the idea of placing carpet over them completely, you still have options. Throw rugs and area rugs are a great way to add a pop of color and still keep your beautiful wooden floors. These small rugs can act as the perfect accent piece to any room and certainly give that "modern" look that so many strive for today. If you have a primarily black and white room, adding a red throw rug underneath the coffee table can add a pop of color instantly the room. If you have a primarily brown or tan space, which go great alongside hardwood floors, you can add pizzazz to the room by choosing a cool leopard print or a boldly patterned rug as the perfect accent piece. Although many homeowners think they have to turn to the walls to add that pop of color or bold pattern, the floor offers plenty of space to give your room personality.

So even though the idea of a bright red throw rug might seem strange at first, you will be amazed at the subtle, but beautiful, impact that a brightly colored or patterned rug will have on your room. If you've moved into a brand new home, picture your floors as blank canvases. Although you may be used to focusing on the wall colors for the décor of the room, choose some carpet colors as inspiration, as well. By coordinating your room from the ground up - you can be sure that your finished product gives you the results you've dreamed of... and then some.

Tori Spade works for Your Home Supply (YHS) the definitive website for home improvement tools, and gardening supplies. Your Home Supply offers a wide range of decorative floor registers and door knobs to help customers with home remodeling projects.

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How to Remove Wallpaper

You don't always need to change your wall paint or install pricey wall enhancers to keep your home stylish and fab. Wallpapers are perfect alternatives because they are cheap and very easy to install. Then again, a lot of homemakers are too afraid at looking through this option because they do not know how to remove wallpaper. Well, we've got the details!

Wallpapers can be messy to work with, especially when it's time to take them down and replace with new ones. But there are tricks to make a how to remove wallpaper project mess-free and stress-free. That is, if you know the right tools to choose and the right procedure to follow.

Tip #1: Before learning through how to remove wallpaper, gather the tools you will need for the project first. There are wallpaper removers available in the market. Then again, they may come in pricey and impractical, especially since lots of alternatives can be found lying around in your home. However, different wallpapers may require different cleaners. Vinyl coated wallpapers, for example, come off just fine even without the help of water or any kind of cleaner. If you are finding it more difficult to deal with, try using hot water and some fabric conditioner. Non-vinyl coated wallpapers, on the other hand, works better with an ammonia and water solution.

Tip #2: After removing the paper, the harder part comes in, which is cleaning the glue and other residue that is left behind after the wallpapers are peeled off. To deal with this, you need a scraper and some cleaning solution. The cleaning solutions could be the same ones you used before. You just need to mix a fresh batch of it.

Tip #3: When your walls appear smooth already, finish it off by sponging it with a water-vinegar solution.

After going through the step-by-step guide on how to remove wallpaper, it is time to redesign your walls. As soon as the wall dries, put on new sets of wallpapers or paint the wall to your heart's delight. Be sure though that you won't make any dressing up without repairing some damaged parts of your wall.

A project concerning how to remove wallpaper can be fun too. This is especially true when you are looking forward on the difference you will make afterward. Wallpapers that are old and aged sure need replacement to enhance the look of the room without having to spend a fortune.

Assure Long Lasting Natural Stone Beauty by Understanding Sealers

Flooring, counter tops, vanities, mantles and even wall panelings designed with marble, creates a richness that transcends most interior surfaces. However, with that luxurious stone comes a required need to protect it's natural beauty. Buying and using stone sealer effectively is the best way to assure long lasting enjoyment.

Natural stone, especially marble, risks staining, chipping, cracking and even moisture related warping, if not properly installed and then protected on a regularly scheduled basis. Due to its porous natural properties, common household acid such as milk, wine, vinegar, and citrus juices, can do extensive damage. The life long beauty and strength of natural stone will be assured, once it is protected against the potential damages caused by common household oils, liquids, salts and other minerals.

There are 3 types of sealers available

Topical Sealers

Topical sealers of urethane or acrylic, are simply applied to the top of a natural stone surface. Acting more as enhancers then sealers, they do provide some level of protection but wear out quickly, especially if applied to high traffic floor tile or busy kitchen counter tops. Resealing will have to be done frequently. The resulting finish is a polished appearance that will change the look of the natural stone and make the surface slippery when wet.

Penetrating Sealers

These sealers actually seep into the stone and are effective in repelling liquids and oils. This marble and natural stone sealer will not effect the look of the stone upon application. The application of a penetrating sealer may require the use of a special cleaner to avoid damaging its protective properties. Though this type of sealer will last longer than the topical form, they too will need to be reapplied based on the manufacturers recommendations, usually every 6 months to a year.

Impregnating Sealers

This is the best choice for superior protection. This natural stone sealer will bond to the stone at a molecular level. It will not affect the surface color and will repel oils and waters from inside the stone.

Application

1.Test in a more obscure area first, to visually evaluate the effect of the sealer on the stone.

2. If satisfied with the result, apply sealer with a white cotton cloth rubbing it into the stone. Most natural stone sealers need rest time on the surface to properly seep into the surface. Refer to manufacturers recommendations.

3.Wipe off any remaining sealer from the surface to avoid leaving unwanted build up. Specific drying times will be found on the packaging.

4.Test with a drop of water when surface has had time to dry. Another coat may be needed.

Buying and using stone sealer effectively is the key to preserving the beauty of natural stone in your home.

Sue Krippner is a Free Lance Artist, Home Staging and Redesign Professional. She is attracted to "all things beautiful, especially as it relates to interior decorating and design.

Visit http://frugalhomedesign.com to see samples of her art and find plenty of professional design, tips hints and secrets to help facilitate your personal interior design goals with money saving frugal flair!

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Antique Style Curtain Holds in Colored Glass

Glass curtain tiebacks are a simple and elegant way to redecorate your home and an opportunity to introduce unique designs and colors into your window treatment. Pressed pattern glass tiebacks became popular in America post civil war (around 1840) to brighten up the war worn homes (although glass tiebacks had been available since the early 1800's). Tinted glass and a variety of vibrant designs were available to add color and detail to otherwise plain window designs. Although the popularity of materials and styles for curtain tiebacks has varied over time they do remain an important part of home decorating for both their functionality and beauty.

Curtain tie backs are a useful tool for many reasons. Not only do they hold curtains back to allow sunlight and air into rooms, they can be used to further incorporate common decorating themes throughout the home. Glass curtain tiebacks are an especially elegant touch when glass hardware (such as lighting or doorknobs) is used in the same room. Not only are glass curtain tiebacks available in a wide variety of colors they are also available in a variety of designs and sizes to accommodate specific window needs. Heavier drapes need larger curtain tiebacks to accommodate the additional weight while lighter curtains (such as kitchen curtains) can easily be held back by smaller tiebacks.

Glass and Crystal curtain tie backs are still produced today - many of them based off the original pressed glass designs of the 1800's. By using glass curtain tiebacks you can easily incorporate them into a common theme that can be used through every room in your home. Remember that a tieback can transform your entire window treatment from boring to a beautiful showpiece. There are a few steps to follow when selecting curtain tiebacks for your home however. First, it is important to use tiebacks appropriate for the weight and size of your drapery - larger panels will require a heavier duty tieback to function properly and hold your curtains back. Second, replace older and worn doorknob sets and lighting fixtures with glass knobs and shades. This will help tie the look together for you. You can ask an interior decorator for help or look through home decorating magazines for more great ideas.

Glass curtain tiebacks are readily available online as well as in most home decorating catalogs. Search for glass construction with a solid brass base for extra support and durability. When you work with glass hardware you can be sure that different designs and shapes will work together nicely.

These tiebacks are available online through LookInTheAttic & company and they also offer free design assistance and help.

Kohn Coleman born in Michigan - received his Ph.D. from Iowa State University in 2000. He is president of LookInTheAttic & Company online at http://www.LookInTheAttic.com and authors numerous articles and publications on historical architecture.

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Low-Cost Ways to Get a Designer Look For Your Home Decorating on a Budget

Looking through decorating magazines can fill you with ideas -- and also leave you discouraged at the price tag that accompanies the look. But there are several ways to create remarkable rooms at a reasonable cost. Check out the following seven tips for budget-friendly decor:

1. Just Add Paint: One of the simplest ways to change a room is to paint the walls. Adding colour provides a nice backdrop for your furnishings and instantly changes the look and feel of your room -- all for the cost of a can of paint. Not ready to paint a whole room? For a very dramatic look, paint or stain your interior doors in a dark colour, keeping the trim white.

2. Affordable Artwork: Don't want to spend a fortune on artwork? Make your own! Simply purchase pre-stretched canvas (I get mine at Walmart for $3 each) and some paint in colours that co-ordinate with your decor (paint testers work perfectly for this!). Then grab a foam brush and a rag, and let your creativity flow. The end result is a unique piece of abstract artwork at next to no cost. This is a really simple project that can be done by absolutely anyone. A neat twist: push three canvases tightly together and paint across all three as though they were one large canvas; when you separate them after painting you have a trendy three-piece painting.

3. What's Old is New Again: Find a new use for something you've salvaged from the attic or garage. An old door becomes the easiest headboard ever with a coat of paint. Just paint it, turn it on its side, and there you have it -- instant headboard! Paint can also turn an old wooden stepladder into a unique shelf for books or accessories.

4. Look to Nature: A simple (and free!) idea -- bring the outdoors in. A vase full of brightly coloured leaves, branches or pussy willows can quickly dress up a mantel or side table. A large bowl of mini pumpkins or pomegranates makes a great fall accent, while shells, rocks and driftwood are perfect for summer. Create an easy centerpiece by placing an odd number of pillar candles on a tray (vary the heights for a more eye-pleasing look) and surrounding them with natural elements like pinecones or stones. In the fall, add a bit of leaf garland to a single large pumpkin for the easiest centerpiece ever.

5. Mission Trim-possible: Inexpensive molding can be a decorator's best friend! Use it to heighten your baseboards (add half-round a couple of inches above existing baseboards, then paint the trim, baseboard and wall in-between the same trim colour) or create a picture gallery (a few rows of crown molding become wonderful little shelves to display your photo collection). You can also get the look of panel molding by simply creating rectangles out of thin molding and applying them to the wall.

6. Sew Easy: Here's an affordable way to get the look of custom-made draperies: simply add fabric borders to the bottom of your existing drapery panels. You can also enhance your throw pillows by adding some fringe, buttons or beadwork. Plain bed linens can be given a new look by sewing a band or 2 of satin ribbon or braiding a little way in from the hems of the pillowcases and sheets.

7. Paper It: Tin ceilings look fabulous, but the cost can be prohibitive. Recreate the look with embossed wallpaper in a tin-panel pattern. Once it's up and painted, it will look just like a real tin ceiling, but at a small fraction of the cost. (Side note: when hanging wallpaper on the ceiling, a third person comes in really handy. So does a heating pad -- working overhead can really do a number on your neck!). A but more expensive but MUCH less work: 12" x 12" tin-style ceiling tiles. The result is the same, but it becomes a one-person job.

Any of these fun projects will improve the look of your rooms easily and inexpensively. You don't have to spend a fortune to make your home look beautiful!

Heather Côté is an interior decorator and owner of Stylish Solutions, a full service decorating service in Timmins, Ontario. She can be reached at http://www.stylishsolutions.biz/

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