antique-chest

Designs of Antique Chests

• Antique wooden chests are available with beautiful inlaid brass motifs on the front panel.
• There are old wooden chests with decorative brass front panel and a beautiful hand carved interior, carved handles, bindings, front panel, facings, and edgings.
• You also find wooden chest from reclaimed hardwood from old chests and trunks.

Styles of Antique Chests

The types and styles of an antique wooden chest vary widely. There are steamer trunks, cedar antique wooden chests, military antique wooden chests, and many more. Some chests were made for specific use, such as cedar chests being used for clothes storage. But most chests are so well built and well designed that they can serve a variety of purposes.

How can you use Antique Chests for Home Decoration?

The beauty of these old, time-worn chests is that they can serve so many purposes; from the home interior decorations to the outside porch, these chests have stood the test of time. Even though we like modern, contemporary furniture a lot, sometimes we would like to see the more fine craftsmanship and detailing of past times on antique furnishings. Antique chests while bringing the traces of old days, also bring elegance of old times to the present-day. If kept in good conditions, antique furniture can look very beautiful and well-kept. Antique chests are a beautiful addition in the living room or family room, can serve as a coffee table while storing items or can be a beautiful sitting arrangement if cushions are placed over it. You can also use a chest in the hallway or entryway with a mirror placed over it or else place some decorative objects on top of it.  A chest designed like a pirate’s chest would make a good chest for toys in a boy’s room.

 Photo Gallery

antique-chest-as-coffee-table

antique-chest-in-hallway

antique-chest-in-living-room

antique-chest-as-center-table

antique-toy-chests

Designing Corner Space in your Home

Corner space for sitting

You can convert the corner space as a sitting arrangement. Keep floor cushions or small chairs in that area as shown below:

Seating Corner Space

Corner Space as Study Corner

You can easily transform your corner space as a study corner for your kids or you can use the space as to keep your computer. Infact you can get tables that exactly fit into the corners.

corner-table

study-corner-spaces

Corner Space for Decorations

If you have a corner space in your living room, use it to keep a decorative statue or a corner light or may be a plant. Few paintings in the backdrop will further highlight the space. Check out some designs below:

decorating-corner-space-with-plants

corner-space-with-corner-light

Decorating-corner-space

Corner Space as Shelving Units

One of the best ways of utilizing the corner space is by hanging shelves or keeping any storage units. We give below some beautiful ideas:

Decorative Corner Shelf

Hanging-corner-shelf

The lovely corner shelves given above are very versatile. You can use it in the living room, dining room, kitchen, bedroom, maybe even in the bathroom. Can be used to store books or decorations and it will add a warm and elegant touch to your interior décor.

bedskirt

Types of Bed Skirts

There are basically two types of bed skirts:

• Pleated Bed Skirts
• Ruffled Bed Skirts

In pleated bed skirt pleats of one fabric are stitched on the band of other fabric whereas ruffled bed skirt is one continuous fabric. It is also called solid bed skirt. A bedskirt can be tailored with pleats or a flat panel, gathered into ruffles, or combining several layers of coordinating fabrics.

What to Look for in Bed Skirts?

When you want to purchase a bed skirt for your bed, there are several things to consider:

• Size: It is essential to get the right size of bed skirt so that it will hang properly on your bed.
• Bedskirt Drop: Think of the drop of the skirt, right from the measurement from the top of the bed to the floor.  A standard measurement for ready-made bed skirts is 15 inch, but they do vary.
• Color:  A solid color bed skirt looks good, giving an elegant appearance. If you select a light color like pink, white, yellow, or other pastel, make sure that the bed skirt is lined or made of a heavy fabric so that light does not make the things under the bed visible. Pick a bed skirt in a contrasting or complimentary color. It looks great.
• Pattern: Use interest patterns stripe, plaid, check, or texture or printed. This can either complement or contrast with other fabrics in the room.
• Texture: If the bed skirt is made with heavy-textured fabric, it will keep its shape and remain usable for a number of years. Fabrics like chenille, faux suede, velvet, and matelasse are ideal.

tailored-bed-skirt

solid-bed-skirt

A solid or plain bed skirt can be further highlighted by adding a trim of lace, an overlay of eyelet or sheer fabric, ribbon trim, or beaded trims.

printed-bed-skirt

contrast-pattern-bed-skirt

Vastu Shashtra for Bedroom

bedroom-vastu

Bedroom Directions

• It is best to have the bedrooms in the South, South-West and West corners. The best is the south-west corner of the west side.
• It is to be noted that the bed room should not be built in the North-East, East or North as this direction is not good for the house owner’s health and finances.
• When you have your bedroom at the south west corner (nairuthis) corner of the house, you should also see that the Nairuthi (southwest) outside of the house should not have defects, otherwise the inmates of that bedroom may face so many problems and troubles. Surroundings plays an important role in vastu shastra.
• If there are more than one floor, the head of the family should have a bed room on the upper storey in the south-west corner of the west direction. This room is also good for adult married children but not for the younger children.

bedroom directions

Where should the bed be placed as per vastu shastra?

• The bed at bed room should also be place in the south west corner, leaving little space at at south,west and southwest corners and more space at east, north, northeast (eshan) corners. This type of arranging bed is very intelligent method to get the maximum advantage of vastu shastra.
• The southwest corner is the best place to keep the bed, then comes the south and the third best place is west side.
• Do not place the bed at east side or north as it leads to ill health, misunderstandings, financial and other problems.

 Where should you place your head while sleeping?

• If the head is towards the South then you have a sound sleep and less tensions and good health. This is because positive magnetic energy comes from the north. The blood in your body contains iron, which makes your body attracted with the positive polarity in your head.
• If the head is towards the North, then you might have bad dreams, ill health and disturbed sleep. This is because, the two positive polarities repel each other, disrupting the ?ow of blood and affecting your sleep and health.
• East is also a good direction. If the head is towards the East, then there is improvement in knowledge.
• Avoid placing your head in the west as it leads to ill health.

 Shape of the bedroom

Square and rectangular shaped bedrooms are the best. Do not go for unuals shapes or the unsystamatic typed bedrooms.

 Clutter Free Bedroom

It is very important that you maintain a clutter free bedroom. Removing clutter in your bedroom creates serenity and makes you more ef?cient and function optimally and systemtically. Cluttering of any objects emit a negative vibtation. Clear areas of accumulated papers, magazines, and newspapers. Remove everything from under your bed, as storing clutter here will also affect your subconscious mind and cause disruption during sleep.Make sure you de-clutter and sort out things kept in the box-beds from time to time. Shoes and chappals should not be kept under a bed try to keep the area under the bed, as clean as possible. Your bedroom should be a place where you can totally relax.

 Furniture Placing as per Vastu

• Place the cupboard in the bedroom at South, West or Southwest(nairuthi).
• You can keep small stools or tables on both sides of your bed to place mini articles and phone, bed lamp etc.
• The north side can be used to place a study table.
• As a part of Vastu guidelines for bedroom, if you want to have a bookshelf in your bedroom, then west or southwest corner is apt for this purpose.
• The South-West area of the bedroom should not be kept empty. Keep heavy furniture or an almirah here.
• TV, heaters, and air conditioners should be located in the southeast corner.

Door of the Bedroom

The door you enter to your bedroom is considered a symbol of the possibilities your life has to offer you. The door should open at least ninety degrees to fully allow positive opportunities to ?ow to you. The door should be set in the east, west or north, and should ideally be one shutter.

 Other Vastu Tips for Bedroom

• Upon entering, your bedroom, the ?rst thing that you should see is something that gives you the feeling of peace and serenity. This could be a photograph, a sculpture, a painting or even ?owers.
• Do not place a mirror in front of the bed. It can disturb your sleep. You throw off stress during the time yousleep and a mirror will hold the stress and re?ect it back to you when you wake up once you sit up in bed. If you have a mirror,then cover it at night for a more restful sleep.
• Try not to sleep in direct alignment with sharp corners.
• If your bed is directly underneath an exposed beam or in a slanted room, it will be dif?cult to have peaceful rest. Exposed beams or slanted ceilings are symbols of oppression as they create a cutting effect. One remedy for this is to hang bells from beams or slanted ceilings.
• Avoid placing the divine idols in the bedroom.
• Upon getting up from bed erly morning, the right foot should be placed on the floor first.
• If you study in the bedroom, the east side should be used.

modern-cane-furniture

Cane Furniture for Home Decoration

Aesthetically designed, simple yet comfortable, cane furniture has not only gone designer but are some are quite expensive too. It just needs the right cushioning for the cosy and comfortable effect. Cane can actually make up for luxury furniture when done tastefully.  People are gradually making a conscious effort to bring nature indoors and use natural materials for decorating interiors. By choosing natural material like cane for the home, you can easily create a warm and relaxed setting which compliment your décor and surroundings. From offices to homes to restaurants to shops, it is being used in each and every place. Cane furniture, natural in its appearance, lends a very modern and trendy look to the entire décor. The durability, low weight, easy maintenance and environmental-friendliness of the furniture further add to its charm.

Cane Furniture Advantages

Cane furniture has a lot of advantages such as follows:

• They do not weigh as heavy as the solid wood furniture.
• They are sturdy and durable.
• They are easy to handle.
• They are portable.
• Requires less maintenance.
• Safe with children and pets around.
•  Eco-friendly
• Can be used inside and outside the house
• Cane furniture gives an earthy look.

Cane Furniture Designs

Cane furniture gives a very cosy, stylish and elegant look to your drawing room.  The love seats and twin seater will adorn your living room with some colourful looking cushions and bolsters in beautiful bright covers.

Cane furniture set

living room cane furniture

From small seaters to dining sets, cane seems to find a place in everything.

cane furniture dining set

The round shaped stool and c-shaped stools look great as ottomans or low seats both inside and outside in your gardens or deck.

cane-furniture-ottoman

Cane furniture looks just beautiful in your garden or patio or by the swimming pool side.

patio-cane-furniture

What about the single-seater cane swing? Placed in a balcony, they are most comfortable.

cane swing

Contemporary-Floor-Lamps

Materials

A wide range of materials are used in the making of floor lamps with varied fabric options for the shades. The materials are wood, fiber, plastic, metal, paper, stone, glass, textile etc.

Modern Floor Lamps

Light Source

• Incandescent
• Fluorescent
• Halogen
• LED
• Xenon

modern-floor-lamps-lights

Additional Features

All contemporary floor lamps are available with convenient features like dimmers and other light sources, directionality,  making them ideal for creating a mood, lighting a task , armed floor lamps which feature adjustable arms, floor lamps with tables and arc shape floor lamps- all making a design statement…

Floor Lamps Style

Floor lamps are available in a variety of styles, which include contemporary, transitional, traditional and stained glass. Besides the styles, they are also available in varied finishes (bronze, nickel, etc.) which helps you find the perfect lamp to fit the style of your home. You can easily find a lamp that will accent the decor of your home perfectly.

floor-lamp-style

Buying Guide for Modern Floor Lamps

There are many factors that make a good floor lamp , which are needed to be considered while buying or browsing online for floor lamps:

• A Sturdy Base: You can judge the sturdiness of a floor lamp by simply looking at the base and comparing it to the shade it is supporting.
• The Shade: Depending on your purpose for buying a floor lamp, you will want to consider the style of the lamp shade and how it will affect the light it shines. Opaque, clear or shade that point light directly downwards will offer the best task lighting, while deeper colored shades or shades that point upwards are better for accent and ambient light.
• Light Bulb: Floor lamps are compatible with a variety of light bulbs. Because lamps are often used for reading or writing, it is helpful to get a light bulb that you prefer to use for these kinds of tasks.
• Style: Floor lamps come in a variety of style to match your home décor. The key style factors to consider when shopping is metal finish, shade, and color and the overall style sense such as whether the lamp is traditional, modern, rustic or tiffany style.
• Height:  It is a great idea to measure how high your ceiling is before choosing a lamp height. Make sure the lamp isn’t very close to the ceiling that it ends up heating a small discoloration in the ceiling. Beside the height of the lamp, floor lamps generally can fit easily beside chairs, behind couches or by the bedside.

Let the contemporary floor lamps illuminate your home with both light and style. They are wonderful accents that create inviting spaces and complement your home with great modern design. You will definitely find one that suits every style home and every budget.

]]> http://best-home-decor.com/contemporary-floor-lamps/feed/ 0 http://best-home-decor.com/best-indoor-plants/ http://best-home-decor.com/best-indoor-plants/#comments Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:36:37 +0000 admin http://best-home-decor.com/?p=962 Want to brighten your home and life? Well, get indoor plants for your home. Indoor plants can make your space more welcoming, beautiful to look at,  besides cleaning the air and even improving your mental health.  The only thing to keep in mind while keeping indoor plants at home is to make your plants feel comfortable in your home as they would be in their natural habitat.  Check out in this photo gallery some of best houseplants that you can keep in you home. Also find out how to take care of these plants:

Photo Gallery on Best Houseplants

Zebra Cactus

This is not a cactus in the real sense of the word. It has plump green leaves adorned with spiraling white ridges. This is a great indoor plant as it lives for many years. Average room temperatures from spring to fall are perfect for this cactus. The plant needs bright, indirect sun. In winter, a south-facing window is fine. Water the soil thoroughly only when the whole pot is truly dry.

zebra-cactus

Succulents

Succulents as indoor plants can withstand a great deal of neglect and mismanagement.  Put them near a window to make sure they get enough sunlight. Other than that, succulents don’t need much attention.

succulents

Spider plant

This is considered to be an all-time favorite houseplant. It can  reproduce itself and hence you can have a good collection within a short time.  The spider plant is also a good air freshener. It can naturally detoxify your home.

spider-plant

Polka dot plant

This is a very easy-to-care-for plant. It looks adorable and gives a great companion for your other small indoor plants. Some direct sun will enhance its color and let them sit outside in bright sun from time to time. The polka dot likes average warmth, moist soil and moist air. Mist the leaves often and repot your plant every spring.

polka dot plant

Philodendrons

They are seen in all shapes and sizes. They need to be watered and fed moderately. They will wrap around an entire room on a beam or a wire and display their shapely leaves. You can either place them in a terrarium, or give them something to climb on. Keep these plants in a room with average warmth and with indirect sunlight. In the winter, keep the soil just a touch moist. During spring, summer and fall, mist the leaves and water regularly and thoroughly.

philodendron

Peace lily

The peace lily grows well out of direct sunlight and in a warm room. Peace Lily plants are proven to improve air quality. Keep the roots moist and mist the leaves frequently. Peace Lilies bloom in mid-winter. They are good indoor plants for winters.

peace-lily

Ming aralia

Ming aralia requires moisture and warmth,  bright, indirect light. So keep the plant  in a room with plenty of natural light. The plant’s roots must be kept moist so water frequently from spring to autumn and less often in winter. Feel a few inches down into the soil to determine if your plant needs watering.

ming-aralia

Jade plant

Also called a “money tree”, this plant brings in good luck. It has a long life. Water your jade plant with the “drench and drain” method, allowing the soil to dry out before completely soaking the root system again. The best part about a jade is watching it grow huge and healthy under your care. Easily grow a separate plant by cutting off a stem below the node and planting it directly in moist soil..

Indoor boxwood

Boxwood is a great way to add greenery indoors. Place it next to a glass door or in any sunny room as it requires partial sunlight. Put mulch on top of the soil to help retain moisture. Water it once a week or when the soil begins to feel dry. Prune the tree to maintain its shape.

indoor-boxwood

Cymbidium sarah jean or ‘ice cascade’

This hearty plant is actually an orchid which can be grown by anyone and not simply skilled gardeners. The cascading white flowers will generally bloom from December to February and will look best in a hanging pot. Keep the soil most but not wet, reduce watering in the wintertime, and mist the leaves occasionally.

cymbidium

Cyclamen

This is a drop-dead gorgeous plant, both in foliage and flowers. Buy a plant that has at least some unopened buds to get a longer blooming period.

cyclamen

Crown of thorns

Crown of thorns has long been a favorite houseplant because it bears abundant flowers without much attention. It will be fine in a bright spot with indirect sunlight. Keep roots moist and let the surface soil dry out before watering again. With enough light, the 3-foot stems can bear tiny red flowers almost all year long. When buying, look for a bushy, glossy plant with a symmetrical form.

crown-of-thorns

Clivia miniata

Clivia pops with clusters of orange, red, or yellow blossoms in early spring. It loves cool temperatures. In winter, it is best to keep Clivia plants in unheated rooms. To prevent wilting, give moderate watering from spring to fall and less often in winter. To enjoy a full season of flowering, look for a plant with buds but no flowers yet.

clivia

Bromeliads

This colorful group of jungle natives happen to love artificial light, making them perfect for the home or office. Most bromeliads bloom once a year if the climate is sufficiently warm and moist. Make sure that your plant has good drainage and don’t overwater it; bromeliads have tiny root systems and are easily drowned.

bromediads

Boston fern

The Boston fern acts as a natural humidifier. It is a very graceful plant. The best way to care for your fern is to simulate its native tropical woodland. Hang it by an east or north-facing window as ferns like moderate indirect light. Water very often and keep the soil moist but not soggy.

boston-fern

Amazon elephant ear

Huge, arrow-shaped leaves, ridged edges and bright white veins are perfect indoor plants for beauty.  The elephant ear gives an air of the spectacular.

elephant-ear

African violet

The African violet, or saintpaulia, can flower throughout the year and fits neatly on a desk. Keep it near a southern facing window, especially in winter. Wait until the surface of the dirt is dry then water directly at the roots of the plant.

african-violet

Aloe vera

This is known as the “healing plant” for its first-aid benefits, grows very easily. Since aloe thrives without needing much care, it’s a perfect choice for busy or absent-minded plant lovers. In the winter, give your aloe good exposure to light and don’t water very often. Let the soil dry out completely before watering. Come summer, it can be set outside and left to its own devices.

Aloe vera

Read More http://www.ivillage.com/house-plant-care-guide/7-b-421152#ixzz1kSCxAEzi

Invite spring and summer with soft floaty fabrics and sheer gauzy draperies. Switch to heavier fabrics in winter and fall  to add a layer of insulation around windows. Give a welcoming look to you guests by framing your windows with shimmering fabrics.  Drapery panels can be light, romantic and soft , it can be contemporary or crisp or it can be very heavy and gorgeous The choice is entirely yours. They can filter light through or block light out completely. The styles van be formal or casual, can be pleated or straight. They are just perfect for decorating a room.

drapery style

Styles of Drapery Panels: Choose your Drapery Style

There are lots of drapery styles to choose from:

standard_pinch_pleat

goblet_pinch_pleat

european_pleat

grommet_style

ring_top

rod_pocket

tie_top_style

tab_top

Draperies for Home Decoration

Drapery panels  add a modern element to a casual or contemporary design. Whatever you choose, whether draperies in pinch pleated style or grommet style, in silk or sheer, in light prints or bold print fabric,  draperies are an elegant solution. Setting a curtain drapery in your home is a great idea to liven up your entire home. In addition the curtain drapery also contribute the décor and the style of your home. The lengthier a drape is the dressier and classier it seems. The shorter curtain drapery provides the typical effect and informal mood. If you want a formal look, the curtain drapery should specifically just touch the bottom.

drapery-curtains

Types of Fireplaces

• Traditional Fireplace: Nothing can beat the beauty of the traditional fireplace. They are the traditional immovable wood or stone or brick, cement, or ceramic fireplaces  that are built directly into a wall under a chimney.  These  fireplaces have their own unique charm and are still seen in use in the old homes of America, Europe, and Royal houses and palaces. In modern homes today, we find these wall mounted fireplace in dens, living rooms, even bedrooms
• Modern Fireplace: The traditional fireplace is considered by many as simply an item of decoration. Their appeal is mostly aesthetic and nostalgic (for looks) rather than practical (for warming a large living area).  Some people like them just to look at and to fill up a blank space in a wall, but rarely use them because of the work involved in acquiring fuel and keeping them clean. But to provide warmth and comfort in a cold wintry day, modern homes are seen with free-standing and centrally located gas fireplaces, gel fireplaces, wood burning fireplaces, and electric fireplaces.

Styles of Fireplace Mantel

The key to a beautiful fire place is the mantle. The beauty of the fireplace is enhanced by the look of the fireplace mantles, fireplace shelf and screen. They are available in various styles and materials. From wood, stone, brick to ceramic tiles, their availability in a wide assortment of colors and sizes and shapes, the fireplace mantles highlight the look of the fireplace area and also the room. If you plan to update the decor of your room, then changing the mantle design is a good option. Look for uniquely styled fireplace mantel designs. Paint or stain your new mantel. Fireplace mantel designs range from intricate detailing to sleek, modern designs. The creation of a magnificent fireplace is a substantial project. The first stage is designing the perfect fireplace mantle. This part of the overall look of the fireplace is important as it is the main focal point

Fireplace Photo Gallery

fireplace-mantel-design

fireplace-mantels-designs

modern wall fireplace

Canvas Prints

Instead of oil painting where the images are painted using oil colors in canvas, there are canvas prints commercially available. High-street retailers and home-improvement stores, such as Ikea, sell larger than life canvas prints to be used in home decoration or in hotels and resorts. Canvas prints are often used as a cheaper alternative to framed artwork .

Styles of Canvas Paintings

• Abstract Painting
• Modern Painting
• Animals & Birds
• Floral and Botanical
• Tropical and Coastal
• Cuisine
• Figurative
• Nature & Organic
• Black and White Photography
• Color Photography
• Still Life
• Vintage
• Landscape Canvas
• Sunset Canvas
• Pop Art Canvas
• Country, Rustic and Western etc.

Advantages of Canvas Paintings

Canvas Paint Designs