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.