Tuesday, 30 June 2009

Enjoy the variety of hand made beds

We all love decorating our homes and we all keep searching for some unique art and craft pieces for the same. Some collect ethnic art pieces, some are ardent collectors of antique pieces , and some are fans of good paintings. But there is one more piece of art which is unique and beautiful for your bedroom.
Those are Handmade Beds like Handmade Fourposter bed or Heirloom beds. Not everyone can or has the means of owning a handmade bed. These beds create a powerful visual impact on the viewers and its beauty make them stop in their steps.
These are used as a centre piece for your bedrooms, with this you wont require other antique pieces for your bedroom. These Heir loom Beds are an antique, which are passed down for generations through family members. And to make them last till generations, you need to choose a manufacturer who pays equal attention to detailing and quality as well.
Each piece is hand carved by generations of the finest carvers who utilise traditional hand tools and raw materials and are made from high standard wood. These are generally available in a range of bedsteads, four poster beds, testers, and other bedroom furniture.
Handmade beds are very popular in United Kingdom and many people from as far as Spain, Italy, Arab Emirates, specially come down to United Kingdom to take home their best quality handmade beds.

Handmade beds are carved out of wood of highest grade and generally different types of Mahogany and teak woods are used. But when browsing for a website of handmade manufacturers you need to be careful about what quality and type of mahogany wod they are using as not all mahogany woods are good.
If they are using Lauan Mahogany Red or Blanc, also known as Philippine Mahogany, then do not opt for them but search for a manufacturer who uses mahogany of Swetenia or Khaya family.
True Mahogany are those which comes from the trees of Swetenia, which is in South America.
Also do not go for French or English or American Oak as they are light woods.
Swietenia macrophylla, usually known as Brazilian mahogany, but is also known as American mahogany or Big Leaf mahogany.
Brazilian mahogany occurs naturally in a broad band across the southern paert of the Amazon rainforests, stretching from north-eastern Bolivia and the Brazilian states.
These are the best grade woods which should be used by a good and reputed handmade bed manufacturer. Also beware that the manufacturer are not using the quick and cheap wax finish, as they provide less protection and are high on maintainance.
It is always better to first go to the showrooms of the manufacturers you selected online and inquire and inspect their quality, detailing, finish, craftmen, raw materials used and wax used by them.Also inquire about shipping and other charges.

For more insights and further information about heirloom beds visit our site http://www.heirloombeds.co.uk
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Friday, 26 June 2009

Home Decorating Ideas - Apartment Decor Tips

Are you moving into an apartment and aren't sure how to go about decorating? It's not difficult if you know what questions to ask and the important decisions that need to be made

First, find out from your landlord if the walls can be painted, and if you need to obtain permission for the colors selected. Then, make sure you can hang artwork, etc. on the walls - most of the time this is not a problem. Your landlord may state that you must return the apartment to the original state when you leave. Just keep that in mind and enjoy decorating the apartment!

Before you start your apartment decorating, assess what you will be bringing into this residence. Some folks will have an abundance of furniture and others may be starting with no furniture at all. Your goal with furnishings is to have enough in the rooms that you will spend time in, to be comfortable and to express your unique lifestyle. If you don't have much furniture, don't worry about furnishing rooms that you may not use. It's better to have two or three rooms that are finished and comfortable for you than to spread your furnishings amongst all the rooms, and none of them look complete.

Wall color can make a huge difference in the overall warmth and effect a room has on its occupants, so painting the walls a color other than 'apartment white' is highly recommended. Even if you use an off-white shade such as Bone White or Navajo White (standard off-whites no matter what brand of paint you select), you will create a welcoming atmosphere for you and your family or guests. If you really love color, select something that is bold and colorful for the walls and have fun with it!

In the living area, try to place your furniture in a conversational grouping, avoiding flattening each piece against the walls if possible. Even if your living room is not large, try this approach. It reinforces the feeling of warmth and coziness, and in an apartment that can be a challenge! You might also want to use area rugs along with the furniture arrangement to create a feeling of separation between the living and dining areas if they are combined into one space.

Now, what kinds of things, people or places make you happy? These are the things to put on your walls. What is meant by that is to have artwork, pictures, etc. around you that will make you feel good. It doesn't have to be expensive, your selections just need to be an expression of what you enjoy and want to have around you. Is the budget very limited? Then go to a resale shop or discount store. You may be surprised at what you can find at a very reasonable price. Put away the pictures that you don't care for - don't hang them. You apartment decorating goal is to get true enjoyment from what is around you. Take your time and find something that you love. It's better to have just a few accessories that are a true expression of you and your style than to just hang some pictures to have something on the walls.

An apartment decorating project might be the perfect time to explore a design avenue that is new for you, whether it is a color, a theme or a particular style. Have you always wanted to have a bright yellow guest bath with sunflowers and sailor blue accents? Why not give it a try now? Use this residence to experiment and explore your unique lifestyle decorating expression. Or, maybe you've always wanted a black and white living room...what better time than now to experiment with decorating style, themes and colors.

Ultimately, if you create a style (not necessarily with expensive 'things', but with your creativity and resourcefulness) that expresses who you are and what you love, your apartment will truly become your home.

About the Author:
Candi Randolph is the owner of Simply Designed located in Fort Myers, FL, and author of Ten Simple Steps to Design Success, a simple and easy to understand guide with home decorating ideas and interior design tips. Please visit Great Home Decorating for home decor advice, tips, articles and help for all styles and budgets.
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Wednesday, 24 June 2009

Tips for Hosting a Children’s Birthday Party

Every child dreams of having the best birthday party ever. It has got to be as good if not better than those their friends have hosted recently. Unfortunately trying to plan a party like this can be every parent’s worst nightmare. The guest list is likely to be huge as your son or daughter will want to invite everyone they know, and if they are at school then they will want to invite everyone in their class, so that means at least thirty children if not more !

So first you will need to come up with a venue. This is not usually too difficult as there are lots of small local community halls which can be hired fairly cheaply. However, if you hire a hall then you are going to need party food, and some form of entertainment. Being realistic it’s unlikely you would be able to cater for this many children, and even with help would probably struggle to keep them entertained for the whole duration of the party. Of course, you could hire an entertainer, or a mobile disco and a caterer to supply the food, but this all starts to add significantly to the cost. It also gets complicated having to contact all these suppliers separately.

In which case you would probably better off hiring a party organiser or an entertainment company who can organise and supply everything you will need. This need not be as expensive as it sounds. If you contact them early a good company will allow you to pick and choose the services you require from what they have available, so you will only pay for what you really want.

By spending a little time researching companies it is possible to find ones that will have vast databases of entertainers to suit any type of party. Reputable organisations will have met and worked with these entertainers prior to recommending them will also offer guarantees, so you have peace of mind knowing that you won’t be let down at the last minute and have a room full of disappointed children to cope with.

The services cover children’s entertainers, DJ’s, Bouncy Castles to name just a few so there really is something that would suit a child of any age from a tiny tot right through to a teenager. So why not
Author: Alistair Summers
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The act of selecting baby nursery decorations is a thrilling part of having a newborn baby. Even though there are so many different decisions to deal with and so many ideas to think about, the endeavour is thoroughly entertaining because you're creating a room specifically for the newest member of your family. To assist you, there are some helpful nursery decoration ideas to keep in mind when creating a fun and welcoming environment for your baby.

Let's start first with color scheme, probably the major decision in creating your baby nursery decor. Whether or not you know the gender of the baby, there are other questions to ask yourself before choosing colors. For instance, will the baby be sharing a room with another sibling? Will the color scheme be appropriate as the child grows or do you plan to change it frequently? In making color choices, rely on the primary colors and choose tints and shades of red, yellow and blue. Secondary colors of green, violet and orange, blended neutral tones and pastels also work well to stimulate a newborn.

In addition to the color scheme, you can also choose to do a nursery theme as a baby nursery decoration. Depending on how often you plan to change the room's theme, you might want to consider a classic one, such as Winnie the Pooh, animals, or the alphabet, that will grow with the child, rather than a baby theme. You can also create a baby nursery decor that is based on a nursery rhyme, fairy tale, or popular children's book. Choose a scene from the work and select nursery decoration items that reflect and complement it.

Accenting the room is where you can let your creativity shine. Among the nursery decoration ideas that complement a baby nursery decor are murals, stencils, borders, or wall paper. These work well presented in a patter or placed free form throughout the room. Murals, in particular, are a wonderful baby nursery decoration because they add dimension to the room and create a lively atmosphere.

When accessorizing the baby nursery decor beyond the basics of a crib, changing table and bureau, consider incorporating some personal touches like family heirlooms or special accessories. Some baby nursery decoration items that will grow with the child and have special meaning are knick knacks, framed photos, or artwork with inspiration quotations.

It's also important to incorporate baby nursery decoration pieces that add a touch of warmth and personality to the room. Things like clocks, memory boards, personalized shelves and decorative photo frames are great nursery decoration items that nicely bring the room's look together. Decorative pieces also complement the color of the room or support its theme. As you go along, you can switch around or bring in new baby nursery decorations to give the nursery a new appearance.

Through your use of colors, accents and accessories, you can create a one of a kind nursery decoration masterpiece that will provide a warm, inviting and nurturing environment for your baby for years to come.

About the Author:
Bethany Bien absolutely loves being a mom; decorating nurseries and offering valuable advice on baby nursery decorations. Since you'll be spending most of your time in the nursery - for quite a while, it's crucial to make it safe, cozy and really welcoming. You can look over her extraordinary selection of beautiful items for your baby at=> http://www.BethanyBaby.com
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Monday, 22 June 2009

3 Tips To Choosing Your Perfect Bed

When you’re out shopping for a new platform bed there are a number of things to consider. In this article we’ll go through the steps of choosing that perfect bed for your room. Choosing the right size, construction and style can make all the difference in your bedroom décor. Let’s take a look at some of the things you’ll need to consider before making your choice.

The first thing to consider is the size of your bed. The size of the bed can make a difference in your bedroom both in the comfort of your sleep space and in the amount of space used throughout the room. The larger the bed the more space that is needed so consider carefully what your bedroom can accommodate. King and California king size beds present the largest size in beds and if your room is large enough these beds will do the job for you when a large sleeping surface is required. Queen and full size beds are the next sizes available. These are typically the most popular sizes to work with in a bedroom as they are still large enough to sleep two people but take up less space than a king size bed. Twin size is the smallest size available and is usually reserved for smaller bedrooms. Twin beds work best for one person and can be used in small bedrooms or dorm rooms due to the fact they take up such a small amount of wall space.

Sometimes you might need a smaller bed like a twin or full size but need the length of a queen or king bed. If this is the case then you’ll want to consider extra long beds. Extra long beds or XL beds as they are also called offer you the width of a standard bed can give you the length of a queen size. These beds are great for taller adults or young adults looking for a bed to fit a smaller space. The advantage of the twin extra long bed is that it is a 39" x 80" size bed versus the 39" x 75" size of a standard twin bed. The same can also be said for a full extra long bed which measures 54" x 80" versus the standard full size bed which measures at 54" x 75". These beds can provide a great alternative to other sizes if you’re looking for something more unique.

Once you have the size of your platform bed figured out the next thing you’ll want to decide on is the construction of the bed. Platform beds are generally offered in two materials. Wood platform beds, are available in both domestic and import models. The domestic wood beds are made in the United States and will often be made from oak, ash, maple, hickory or any number of other North American woods. Import beds are made overseas typically from tropical hardwoods or rubber wood which is a common hardwood found throughout many of the Pacific Rim countries. Domestic woods will offer you a traditional look with rich wood grains and finishes that compliment many of today’s stains and wood trim found throughout homes here in North America. Import woods offer an exotic look that typically will have very unique grain or will be void of grain all together. You’ll have to do some research into these various styles to determine what you’re looking for in your new bed.

After you have chosen the size and construction for your new platform bed you’ll need to determine the style of bed you’re looking for. In the world of furniture, there are three main styles of furniture. The first is traditional bedroom furniture. Traditional beds and furniture feature old world designs that make use of wood as a primary material and will feature ornate and decorative designs. There are many sub-categories to traditional bedroom furniture that include arts and crafts, mission, Amish and Stickley designs just to name a few. The second style is called modern or contemporary. Modern bedroom furniture feature clean lines and often bring different materials together such as glass, wood and metal to create original designs. The third and final main category of bedroom furniture is called transitional. These furniture pieces provide a crossover between traditional and modern designs. If you’re not quite a traditional or modern design person, the transitional line of bedroom furniture may be the perfect choice for your home.

In this article we’ve looked at the different choices you’ll need to make before choosing a new platform bed or bedroom set. Finding the right size bed is a great first step and you’ll want to pick from twin, full, queen, king or extra long bed sizes. You’ll also want to decide if you want the a domestic bed made in North America from common woods found here such as oak, ash, hickory and others that will give you a traditional wood grain look. Or you may want an import bed made from exotic tropical hardwoods with a more unique look. Finally you’ll want to choose the style of bed or bedroom set for your home that fits in with your unique style. Choose from traditional, modern or transitional furniture to meet your bedroom décor needs. I hope this article has provided you with some direction when making your choice in new bedroom furniture. Ultimately it comes down to finding the furniture you love as well as furniture both you or your family can enjoy for many years to come.
Author : Philip Pendleton
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It takes quite a bit of planning to make a house habitable and decorated to one's tastes. A person would have to buy the right kind of furniture and lighting fixtures to create an ambience to suit his or her preferences. Some would be interested in modern themes and designs whereas others would be interested in decorating their homes with period pieces and antique lights. The right kind of antique lighting can make an area even more beautiful and special. Individuals wanting to give their apartments and living areas a different look are going for antique lighting fixtures that resemble the ones being used in the 19th century or the 20th century.

And how can a person go about buying the right kind of antique lighting pieces? There are a host of wall lights, chandeliers, and ceiling lights in this category that can make your living areas and homes special and it is often difficult to select any one. One important consideration while choosing period fixtures and antique lighting pieces are their size and length. The antique lighting pieces were generally hung lower than the ones that we see today. The size of the fixtures should be such that it fits our area perfectly and adds to its aesthetics.

One can choose from reputed brand names in antique lighting such as Tiffany. The stained glass lights from Tiffany are well known for their unique design attributes and high-end craftsmanship. The Tiffany lamps with heavy bronze bases and hand designed glass shades are no less than works of art and much in demand.

Then, there are the Victorian lighting pieces in antique lighting that are also a great buy and come with a loyal clientèle. The designs incorporate a lot of detailing and the polished brass give out a rich sheen. One can choose from Victorian chandeliers and wall scones; these period pieces are authentic reproductions of the Victorian era and are often meticulously handcrafted to perfection.

From floor lamps with shades and black chrome chandeliers with crystals to Victorian wall lanterns and ceiling lights with unusual and dramatic elements, the choices in antique lighting that are available would take your breath away. And the best part is that you can get to benefit from some very attractive deals and offers and save considerably as you go all out and buy as many antique lights as you want to.

So, whether you want an amazing pair of old French wooden wall lights that dates back to circa 1920 or are more interested in tiffany lamps or period style lighting, there is help close at hand. Quite a few online providers have come up in recent times that are into designing and marketing of different types of bespoke lighting systems, tiffany lamps, and art deco lighting for clients from across the world. You too could make the most of their services and ensure that you get the best antique lighting for your needs.
Author:Stephen Neal
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Interior designing is an exciting activity to do. This challenges the artistic side of yours to come up with a beautiful design that everyone will love. There are interior designers that are trusted when it comes to this activity but then it is much exciting if you alone will design. Actually, it is not really hard to do an interior designs, all you need is your imaginative mind and let your artistic enthusiasm flows. Interior designs are applicable in different areas, locations and occasions. You can do designing at your room, the whole house, your car and even at your own office.

interior designing ideas are not really hard to find. There are lots of guide that made available for you to access and try at your own cost. When doing interior designs, you need to consider the preference of the owner. And since you are the owner, think what kind of theme you want at your place. Most common themes are classic and modern themes. When we say classic, do you have things, or designs that reflects the past? If you don’t have, well you better prefer for a modern themes with high-tech gadgets and accessories of yours. Think of the colors that you love and find good color combinations. The designs depend on the taste of the owner, so you better know what you really want to see.

You don’t have to be a professional to come up with the ideas. Although professional designers know best, still it is possible for you to make it on your own. There are many reading guides that you can use and have professional ideas and make it by yourself. interior designing guide are available in magazines and in different media sources that you will surely enjoy. This guide is great help for you to decide what you should consider and what to use for a cheap but appealing interior designs.

If you have your own office, well you better read building interior designing guide. This guide is a great help to lessen the cost of finding professional interior designers. Well, interior designs are also made for a car that is why there are interior car design guides to make you love your car more. And with this guide, you add an appeal for the convenience of your car. And when you get home, well you should also consider home interior designing. You will not just inspire by the designs you can make, you can also get the attentions of your neighbors. So, avoid the hassle of thinking what to design go for the guides and enjoy your pride of interior designing.
Author:Alicia
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