Tuesday, December 11, 2007

About Pine Needle Baskets and How to Use Them in Your Home Decor

Your articles can be on anything related to home decor, aromatherapy, old fashioned candle making, decorating, holidays and more that complements your site. In fact, no matter what room that corner is located in, it now becomes your job to enhance it as best as you can, by getting rid of clutter and using decor.

This article is provided courtesy of The Garden Source Network - a large gardening network devoted to helping you find all the gardening materials you need, such as Seeds, Live Plants, Roses, Trees and Beautiful decor. Learning how to integrate Yin/Yang (opposite polarities) and the five elements..FIRE, EARTH, METAL, WATER, WOOD in your office decor, and arranging furniture to empower you...relaxes the nervous system, inspires the mind and calms the emotions. Candles for Your Wedding Decor Consider candles an integral part of your floral displays to add warmth to a sterile reception hall environment. Go through your closet and home to have a good idea of items youd like to add to your wardrobe and decor.

We all need good support structures to help our lives flow with less effort and to remain balanced.Five important life support structures are:? People: family, friends, life coach, accountant, doctor, housekeeper ? Places: your office, desk, car, home? Things: your phone, computer, home decor? Processes: filing system, record keeping, time management program? Inner Environment: your outlook on life, self-esteem level, thought processesExamine these five categories and look at who or what you use to support you in each area. For non-storage spaces that could use a little more decor, consider adding a small bookshelf complemented with a cozy reading chair. Ethnic decor is different. Mount a grouping of two or more baskets on a wall for interesting wall decor.

Birds are nature`s own decor and attracting them to your garden or backyard is easy. And what if you don`t have an unlimited budget to make changes in the fixtures and plumbing Well take heart, there is lots that you can do for very little money that will totally and radically improve the decor of your bathroom. Use those colors as inspiration for the child`s room decor.

Lesley Dietschy is a freelance writer and the creator/editor of The Home Decor Exchange and the Home & Garden Exchange. If you don`t like Chinese decor, you could use my favourite westernized Feng Shui tool -- the Lava Lamp. Be sure to include any personal information about the gift recipients, such as their likes and dislikes, hobbies, or decor styles.

© 2005, The Do It Yourself Home Decorating Network - A large and growing portal of home decorating and decor articles, tips, advice and excellent home decor shopping sections. Home Decor Accessories - How to Create a New Look in a RoomBy Claire BowesApart from complimenting your newly painted walls with soft furnishings and effective flooring, home decor accessories in a room are just as equally important.

Designing With Hardwood Floors By Barry Hutch Hardwood floors are suited to both casual and formal environments; they feel at home with modern or traditional and will compliment the decor of both minimalist and eclectic designs. If your curtain finial doesn`t match the shelf, or you bought it unfinished, simply paint, stain or varnish it to fit your room and shelf decor.

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Everybody is Fixing Their House or Apartment Up These Days. Use That Digital Camera to Capture

If you are planning on owning the property for a couple of years or less, most experts agree that an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) will be your best method of apartment financing. He had bought apartment buildings, paid them off, and now lives off of the income his building bring in month after month.

If you can not, then choose a room that is near the front or back door of the house or apartment. On the other hand, if interest rates are historically high at the time of the loan, you could be stuck paying higher interest than you would have with another method of apartment House Rabbits are Fun and Cute Pets By Mike Yeager House rabbits are a perfect pet for many people, regardless of whether they live on a farm or in an apartment. Should I stay at Annas Or go to my apartment Immediately, I noticed that I felt a strong urge to go to my apartment even though the movers would not be arriving for at least three hours.

Then I wondered what I would do in an empty apartment for three hours. How to Make it Big In Spite of Your ChallengesBy Rene GodefroyImagine for a moment it`s five years from now and you are still making the same income (or just a little more), living in the same home or apartment. One weekend while Jerome was painting the apartment, Keisha noticed he?d removed the ID bracelet. Discover This Fascinating Wellspring of Health and Energy By David Snape Does this sound familiar to you After getting through a long day of work, engaging in obligatory social activities and then doing the upkeep on your house or apartment you may feel

If necessary, move into a new home or apartment. Start an apartment rental newspaper114. In another situation the tenants learned that the apartment owner was in default on his monthly mortgage payments and the lender had begun a foreclosure action.

Some of the more exclusive apartment developments offer shared gym and pool facilities together with garaged car parking and the like.EducationIf you are considering moving to Dubai with family and are interested in finding out about the education system and the availability and quality of schools, one of the best ways is to ask around! Because of the numbers of expats in Dubai there is actually a large number of primary and secondary schools from which you can to choose. How To Conduct A Home Inventory By Kevin Sparks *Quick Quiz* Name the brand and model of the television(s) in your house or apartment. This is where apartment financing comes in.

00 for a large luxury 3 bed apartment with best views, facilities and build standards. Do a pre-closing inspection and personally walk through the empty apartment, house, condo, trailer or doghouse yourself.

How to conduct your home inventory Now that you know what you need, heres how to get started: Systematically go through your house or apartment one room at a time*. There are signs posted through out the complex, theyve mentioned this area of concern in the monthly newsletter, and its in the apartment rental contract.

Monday, October 15, 2007

Window Shutters On A Budget

6 Fast Moving Subject Require a Fast Shutter Speed The shutter is that part of the camera which opens briefly to allow light to strike the sensitive surface of the detector to produce an image. Do not confuse sensitivity of the camera with shutter speed.

When the shutter opens for an exposure, light is allowed to impact on the film or image sensor. The length of time which the shutter is open will have to be increased to compensate. How To Determine Individual Panel Sizes to Order It is best to determine how you will mount your shutters before ordering the shutter panels. If the shutter isn?t open as long, fast shutter speed, then there is less light able to make it to the film and so the scene must be brighter to expose correctly.

Just like a standard camera with film, digital cameras use a lens and a shutter, except instead recording your image on film, it is captured electronically by way of a sensor, which converts it into a digital file. General Basswood shutter characteristics: Does not warp Lightweight yet very strong Uniform grain for a beautiful stain finish Low in resin and tannin which may bleed through finish Renewable resource which is replenished as it is harvested Superio Oak shutter louvers tend to warp. Popular produces a lesser quality shutter.

You?ll need to learn how manipulating the shutter speed, aperture, and focus will have a dramatic effect on your photos. Now do you want to focus on the harbour - or your girl friend Position the square or circle at the centre of the viewfinder over the spot that you want to focus on and correctly expose - take a slight pressure on the shutter release - and keep that pressu Most internal meters will blink on the appropriate aperture for the shutter speed that you?ve set, or the speed you?ve set will blink if your F-stop is correct for the speed.

But she was excellent when it came to focus, lighting, and shutter speed. Photoshop found the camera`s USB connection right away and we were downloadig photos within minutes of plugging it in.On the downside it does have a noticeable shutter lag and it does not do a great job capturing video, small quibbles that do not detract from the overall usefulness and quality of the camera.Even though the Powershot A80 is a joy to use, the real value is the photo quality. The faster the motion the faster the shutter speed needed to stop motion.

Pictures are so much more engaging when you can actually see who`s in them!Make a conscious effort to get up close and personal before you click the shutter. When your shutter opens, light strikes the CCD, temporary electronic changes to the CCD and converted into computer language and recorded on either internal or removable memory.

To obtain the correct exposure for a particular subject of photography, the only thing that needs to be done is to simply lock the exposure by pressing the shutter down halfway on the digital cameras upon a reference object that is about one fifth gray an A proper custom shutter unit needs to be built for each individual window opening to the 1/16 inch.

Friday, October 12, 2007

Door Hardware - the Focal Point of the Home

Did he knock on the door or did he press a bell push Did the bell fail to work Did the visitor find the door closed or was the main door open, with only a screen door between him and the inhabitant Did the person inside respond to the first knock or rin If you walk up close to an image produced from pixels you can actually see the pixel structure which appears as though you are looking through a screen door.

The beetles come in around the screen door upstairs, too, and the next thing you know, I`ve got hundreds of them crawling on the walls and across the ceiling. Why have a screen door latch on your home computer network, when you know there are people trying that door 24/7 If you want to put a digital rottweiler between your home wireless network and hackers, marketers and other cyber-vandals then evaluate a str It`s like having a screen door on your most valuable assets. If you sit too close to one of these sets you will see what is known as the screen door effect, as the pixel structure is often visible at close range.

Talk about stress! As we neared our destination and noticed the flickering red neon sign out front and the rickety wood-framed screen door smack shut behind a few cowboys, doubt set in big time. The first of these is pixelation, or what`s known as the screen door effect.

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Creating Dynamic Window Coverings Without Breaking the Budget

Garry John has produced many home improvement articles including more articles about blinds and window treatments. As previously discussed, a prime factor when considering the decoration is the often-damp nature of the room and so it is advisable to avoid using heavy fabrics as window treatments.

How about a vase of fresh flowers, some new towels, a whimsical piece of art or new window treatments. For summer heat, light-filtering window treatments work better than room-darkening, heavy window dressings.To enhance natural daylight, add daylight-mimicking light bulbs. Changing your window treatments from light summery fabrics and colors to something with a heavier texture and darker color is one quick way to warm up a room for fall. Thus, they are an affordable and practical solution for low-budget window treatments.

These include painting, wallpapering and replacing items like flooring, window treatments, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, light fixtures, cabinet and interior door hardware and appliances. Window treatment tips from innovative Design Psychology can help you sell your home for more money.Real estate market conditions influence decisions regarding window treatments. That way, my fabric doesn`t get stained if the copper should happen to oxidize.To save even more money, I also get creative with the decorative hardware when creating window treatments. From the ceilings to the floor; including the trim, the wall finishes--all the way to the window treatments and the furniture.The careful designer must focus attention on each of these items in order to create the ideal design.

Formal rooms with exquisite window treatments are fun. Although it gives a room an elegant feel, silk is most vulnerable to sunlight.I save money on window treatments by using some imagination and creativity. Compare homes with the same number of rooms is possible, but be sure to allow for price differences due to pools, decks, carpeting, window treatments, etc.

For view windows that don`t need coverings for privacy or temperature control, consider lighting the exterior space and leaving the windows uncovered.Architectural ConsiderationsHouses with lovely architectural details surrounding the windows need window treatments that don`t hide the home?s character. All fabrics are susceptible to sunlight, but many homemakers invest in acrylic, modacrylic, polyester, or another glass-based fabric in order to get the longest life out of window treatments. Okay, so everyone knows how to clean the windows but don`t forget the window runners, check for any leaking that may have occurred during the winter and clean all the window treatments.

It is also easier to do window treatments now while the room is empty. Suppose you make custom window treatments.

Window Dressing from the Outside Looking InBy Jeanette Joy FisherWindow coverings are important to the overall look and feel of a room, of course, but when designing window treatments, don`t forget to take into consideration what your overall design will look like from the outside of your home.As a general rule, window coverings should all be of a similar coloring, which will significantly improve the look of your home?s exterior. Too many patterns on windows will detract from both individuals and furnishings, and small prints in large spaces tend to get lost while adding busyness to a room.Many windows are really no more than picture frames for views, so it?s important that window treatments should complement the view.

Monday, September 3, 2007

Artscape Window Coverings - The Formal And Informal

Author: Albert Lee

The formally treated window covering is conventionally made up of about two to three layers. The initial layer is usually known as the casement curtain and is mounted at the trim area of the window. The common materials used are the lace panel or solid panel that gathers at the top of the window trim. The second layer is comprised of the draperies. These artscape window covering layers function to cover both the window frame and the trim. The third layer is more of optional wherein the addition of the valance is featured. It also goes through the name of cornice. It normally comes as made up of wood material and the covering is either some type of fabric or upholstery.

The Informal Window Treatment and Artscape Window Coverings

The informal window treatment with artscape window coverings is only comprised of two layers. This somewhat enhances the privacy of the household residents. One may opt not to employ the layers at all so that a full view of the outside would be easily enjoyed. More so, if you have less draperies of artscape window coverings to use, there would be lesser maintenance drills to perform.

The Window Drapes and the Lining of the Curtain

Whether you would opt for the informal or formal drape covering or curtains, you still have to determine the kinds of lining that you would like to use. The key factors that you would need to consider are the duration of time that is required for the arrangement and the amount of the natural light that you want to get into your room. The unlined drapes or window coverings typically disperse the daylight. The selection of unlined window covering materials involve the mobile, lace, sheers, silk, cotton, organza, and Muslim.

The Lined Window Coverings

The lined curtains or draperies are equipped with a lot more body that endows deeper and yet softer folds. These elements add more to the pleasing appearance of the artscape window coverings. The lining also strengthens the window covering's resistance to fading and the common sun damages. The most popular lining of the window coverings are color white or off white because they easily blend with the dominant color of the draperies. More so, the artscape window coverings are typically sold everywhere and you too could easily access the manufacturing agents of your chosen design. Why spend more if you could always get the best and practical deals for the artscape window covering?

For tips on choosing window coverings visit http://www.windowcoverings101.com
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_201344_27.html

Friday, August 31, 2007

How To Go From Dreary To Lively Drapes

By John Ca. Baker

First, never overwhelm Is it getting to you staring day after day at the exact same windows that bring absolutely no life to your home?



We’d like to offer some tips that will help you choose and utilize your new window coverings with the makeover of your homes life.



yourself and start more that one room at a time. You’ll be tempted to do this, more so if it’s a new home that you’re moving into, but you must resist. It takes way too much energy to decorate more than one room at time. As well, it will deplete your creativity, making your decorating style boring and not the least interesting. So take your time, and complete one room at a time, and then you can carry on to the next.



Next, you’ll want to assess your needs. The best way to do this is with the old reliable pen and paper, just writing down some quick notes such as window sizes etc. A quick sketch will benefit as well. You’ll want to see if the windows are odd in size, or have mismatched shapes and sizes compared to one another. Would you like less light in the room or more light? You’ll be glad you know the answer to that when you’re picking out your drapes. Do you have a view that you’re not taking advantage of now? Do you get privacy at night or in the day for that matter? Is the room just plain dreary and you’re looking to liven the place up? Go over it with you spouse and family members and consider everyone’s opinion during this task. Just write everything down.



You’ll likely need a little advice or assistance when starting such a project. In that case you can look through various home repair or decorating magazine to get some ideas on what you can do to enhance your homes appearance. They actually have books and magazines on the subject of window decorating so you’ll have tons of inspiration there. As well don’t forget about all of the websites, probably many more than you’ll ever need. Don’t go to crazy and get information overload or you’ll likely end up doing nothing about your windows.



Now that you have you list of needs and wants, prioritize them in order of importance, and begin to devise a plan using your list in that very order. You’ll get nowhere fast without a plan.



So that you’re not overwhelmed by the task, or if you have restraints such as a budget, then take on the task in stages. You can begin with such things as the blinds, shades, and shutters in mind, and move onto such things as the curtains or drapes, and next finish with the rods and decorative hardware.



Now you are very much closer to getting rid of your old dreary windows and replacing them with new livelier ones that will enhance the entire appearance of your home. Enjoy the process and you’ll likely be ready to take on the next home repair project with much more zeal.



About the Author: John C. Baker routinely writes web pages on areas related to drapes and curtains. His contributions on window coverings are published on his site .



Source: www.isnare.com

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Make Simple Curtains and Valance for any Window

Draughts can be identified in a number of ways such as identifying obvious gaps, feeling for moving air around doors and windows and looking out for moving curtains. Luckily, with babies, no one cares that a little boy?s room is done in light greens and yellows, but when they get older their friends might tend to make fun of them if this were still the case.Girls have an option that boys don?t have as they get older, and this is to have a canopy bed, with the curtains hanging on the rods above.

Where will you place the curtains in the windowWill you do them café style or halfway down the window Maybe you only want a small space between the valance and curtain, use your imagination, draw a sketch of the window and do some placements on it to see " "Well," Mom said, "I`m glad my curtains are good for something. Heavy and dated curtains can be taken down to allow natural light in. Using Multiple Area Rugs Should you use one rug or two One rug is the general rule as it coordinates the room together and helps select fabrics for furniture, curtains, etc.

"Mom`s letting you use her curtains to wax the tractor" "Well, I don`t know if she knows I`m using them to wax the tractor. Decorating boys bedrooms with insect-laden fabrics for curtains and other linens is a winner with most guys. Always maximize the potential of existing decor; wash old curtains, re-stain old wood casings, anything that refreshes and emphasizes all the potential of the space and decor of the home. Bernice peered through the gap in the curtains, careful not to move them for fear someone would notice.

Put up some lace curtains and make a scarf from the fabric you use for your table cloth..or maybe you have a plain white table cloth already available. Replace thick winter curtains that keep heat in with light summer curtains that allow breezes through. Fortunately, most shower curtains are very inexpensive, though some of the higher quality models do tend to cost a little more.

They`re not much good for curtains anymore, but they make dandy wiping rags. " "I also heard you used my curtains. Even without a pillow or fluffy blanket in the bed, a baby on their stomach can get stuck face-down and not be able to move their head to the side to get air, leading to suffocation.? Mini Blinds and CurtainsJust as with wall hangers and pictures, it is very important not to ever place a baby?s bed near a window with mini blind or curtains.

" "They`re not much good for curtains anymore," Dad said. Make Simple Curtains and Valance for any Window By Robin Hall Making a quick set of curtains and a valance is something that you can do even if you dont have much sewing experience.

Make ?short? rooms tall using window-to-floor curtains or draperies in contrast to short furniture.Traditional interior design includes MANY alternatives to window coverings that will fit any home. For example, just use a simple leaf outline rather than showing every vein in the leaf as it is depicted in the curtains.

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Show Off Those Curtain Rods

By Ciara McNamara

Curtain rods come in as many different styles and materials as
fabric curtains. They can make or break the appearance of your
window depending on how you hang them and how they are finished
off. Knowing what you can do with the curtain rod will give you
some decorating ideas you may not have thought of before.

Anatomy of a Curtain Rod

To start the curtain rod consists of three main parts. There is
the pole part that holds the fabric, then finials which cap off
the ends of the poles, and the brackets that mount the rod to
the wall. Each part can be strictly utilitarian or add a
decorative element.

Some curtain poles are adjustable. They are made of two parts
that slide into one another so the pole can be lengthened or
shortened. This is a good design feature if you decide you want
to change the appearance of the width of the window by expanding
the window dressing.

The finials are end pieces that can be very ornate and made of
many different materials. Some are made of blown glass while
others are carved wood. The finials need to match the rod part
for a coordinated look. They can be changed out whenever you
want just a little updating to the window’s appearance without
having to change everything.

The brackets on a curtain rod set can be hidden by the pole or
a part of the décor. When the brackets are decorative they can
stick out from the wall and allow two rods to feed through them.
This would be used to create a layered look with sheer fabric
closest to the window and a heavier fabric on top of it.

Hanging Rods to Create New Looks

Many people make the mistake of hanging rods too high or too
low. There really isn’t a wrong way, but perhaps a better way.
For example, if you have extremely high ceilings and the windows
don’t go very close to the top of the wall, you can create
longer looking windows by hanging your curtain rods closer to
the ceiling. You will need more length in your drapes of course,
but it will make your windows much taller.

Likewise, you can create more width to your window by hanging
the drapery wider. You still will not want the edge of the
window to show, so to create the illusion of greater width, you
can bring fabric right to the edge of the window and then go out
as wide as you like. It will appear as if the drapes had been
drawn in part way on a very large window.

Seeing Double and Triple

Curtain rods come in many styles but also have built in double
and triple rods. These rod styles are great for more layering.
You can hang sheers and drapes (
http://www.curtains-drapes-coverings.com/drapes.html ) , or two
different fabric patterns. The layering gives a rich look that
can also serve as insulation for older windows that may allow a
draft to come in.

Curtain rods can be used on more than just windows too. They
can support decorative fabric wall coverings. These types of
drapes that cover an ugly wall and can warm up a room and help
with controlling noise. There really is no limit to the uses for
curtain rods in decorating. Your imagination can put them
anywhere.

About the Author: Ciara McNamara publishes many articles for
http://www.curtains-drapes-coverings.com which is an internet
site for decorating information. Ciara is helping people finding
the best solutions for curtain rods (
http://www.curtains-drapes-coverings.com/curtain-rods.html ) and
home improvement topics.

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Without Drapes is It Curtains?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Karen_Hughes]Karen Hughes

Curtains form the most important part of your home décor. Imagine a house without curtains. It is like a man without clothes or a flower without petals or trees without leaves. It will be an incomplete home. Curtains give your house a furnished look. They dress up your windows and, most important of all, they protect your house from sunlight and looks from unwanted people into your family peace. Curtains come in a variety of fabrics and designs. You can get normal curtains for your house or expensive designer ones. From silk to cottons to satins to nets to lace to nylon you name it and you will get it, in all fabrics, simple to rich, thick to diaphanous, anything that you want.

Shower Curtains

As the name suggests, shower curtains are used in the bathroom around the shower area to keep the water from getting all over the bathroom floor. This helps you to keep your bathroom dry and clean at all times. Different synthetic or natural materials determine the different types of shower curtains. Polyester and vinyl shower curtains are waterproof and inexpensive. If you have a bathroom which is luxurious this type of curtain will not match the décor of your room. Curtains made of cotton and linen looks plush and elegant but they mildew if they get damp. You can combine vinyl with cotton for attractiveness and for utility. Vinyl shower curtains come in every imaginable color, pattern and motif. This makes them adaptable to all kinds of styles from the bathroom of your master bedroom to guest’s room to children’s bathroom.

Popular themes include rubber ducks, fish, sea shells, sail boats, balloons, clouds, or any simple patterned design. The background can be clear, so you can keep an eye on your children when they shower, or it can be an opaque shade. The advantage of vinyl and polyester curtains is that they keep the water inside the tub instead of it splashing onto the ground. Fabric shower curtains are permanent additions to the functions and décor of a bath room. Some are designed to match towels and bathmats. Some textiles have been treated with stain resistors and waterproof coatings to combat moisture, as they are more likely to absorb splashes. Hemp shower curtains provide the best of both worlds: cotton and vinyl, the heavy fabric is made of plant fiber like linen or cotton. However hemp is naturally antibacterial and anti fungal so it resists mildew and soap stains.

Kitchen Curtains

Kitchens have come a long way from the time when necessity and safety dictated that they be located outside the home. Through the years kitchens have evolved based on the needs and demands of the family and today era kitchens must be multifunctional. The most important thing while doing curtains for the kitchen is that these curtains should not obscure the entire kitchen concept. It is important to make sure that the cabinets and counter tops are in perfect coordination with the curtains you choose for your kitchen. When you choose the color for your kitchen curtains make sure you do that on a sunny day to make sure that it gives you the look you want. It is best not to choose synthetic or nylon kitchen curtains for safety reasons. Natural fabric like cotton is usually recommended for kitchen windows.

Window Curtains

A house with big windows and beautiful curtains in bright hues is everyone’s dream. Window curtains come in all materials, colors and textures. You will have a myriad of designs to choose your window curtains from. There are a few things you should keep in mind when you go to select curtains for your window: the color of the curtain should compliment the color of the wall of the room, if your room is small you should go for light colors and if the room is big you should for dark colors as it makes your room look spacious yet compact.

The sunnier side of your house should have thick curtains to block the sunlight from heating up your room too much and on the other side you can always use fabrics like net or lace. The design that you choose completely depends on which room you are doing the curtains in. If it is the kid’s room then you should choose something like cartoons or alphabets or numbers or animals etc. If it’s the master bedroom then the curtains should add to the grace of the room, you can have big motifs or designs and the guest room curtains should be subtle and in warm colors. The design completely depends on your liking but you should also remember that the functionality of the curtain should be maintained.

Country Curtains

Window coverings come in so many different varieties today that it may be hard to decide on what you want. The decision may come down to personal taste but you can help yourself by doing some research on different varieties of window coverings. One popular type of window covering is the roman shade which is also known as country curtains. They are flat shades with dowels slotted horizontally up the back so they can be pulled up into soft horizontal folds. Roman shades give a clean modern look to your window space.

Curtain rods

No matter how good your curtains are, without curtain rods you just cannot put them in place. Curtain rods hold the curtains from the window top and let the curtain fall to its full length. You should first determine if you want to mount your curtain rods on the window casing or on the wall. You can choose the color of the rods to match the color of the wall or the curtains. The brackets that you choose for the rods can range from simple to intricate ones. The choice is completely yours and make sure you choose the best keeping in mind both your taste and your pocket.

Karen Hughes is an interior decor consultant. Get further curtain and drapes
ideas at ==> [http://www.drapes-n-curtains.com]Drapes'n'Curtains - this is your first stop for information about Curtains and Drapes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karen_Hughes http://EzineArticles.com/?Without-Drapes-is-It-Curtains?&id=165313

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Drapes & Curtains = Style and Energy Savings

By Bridgette Bodine

Draperies are the quintessential and classic way to decorate your windows thereby adding elegance and flair to all decors. But, you now have to think about more than just the look of your window treatments. Energy efficiency is a huge issue in today’s energy conscious times. Even if global warming doesn’t scare you, keeping the cost of utilities down is every household’s challenge. Adding drapes or curtains is a practical way to help your home stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Drapes and curtains can significantly lower your energy bills while using fewer of the earths precious resources.

Pacific Gas & Electric states that approximately 16% of all heat in a room escapes through windows. Keeping your drapes or curtains closed during the day also keeps out unwanted heat and sunlight that can fade carpeting and furniture. Opening drapes or curtains on cold days lets extra solar heat into the room and then by closing them at night you can retain warmth. If you want your drapes/curtains to accomplish both style and efficiency, use a thicker fabric and insulate the drapes with lining. In addition, lined drapes will reduce and suppress outside noise. They also last 10-15 years longer than unlined drapes !

Lined drapes or curtains offer more than just thermal efficiency. Lined drapes or curtains hang better for graceful full folds. Pleats and folds hang better with the added weight an insulated lining gives them. The luxurious effect on pleating cannot be matched without lining regardless of the drapery fabric used.

A Drape or curtain style can be dramatically adjusted to fit your rooms needs. For exciting information on energy saving drapes check out sites like (www.factorydirectdrapes.com) and use the free “Virtual Room Designer” to try different stunning drape and valance styles. It allows you to match the wall, flooring, and furniture colors in your home to drape fabrics so you can see exactly how it would look before you purchase it.

Often, the cost of lined drapes and curtains compared to unlined drapes and curtains is minimal if you consider the savings you will receive with utilities expense reduction. Buying direct from the factory or manufacturer will also save you the costly 50-80% mark-up many retail stores and decorators add onto the product cost.

For more information on insulated draperies or to use this free design tool go to http://www.factorydirectdrapes.com

If you would like to use this article in your newsletter or website, permission is granted, as long as the entire article, including the author bio at the bottom and all links, are intact. Notification is desired, but not required, at Bridgette@americandrape.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bridgette_Bodine http://EzineArticles.com/?Drapes-and-Curtains-=-Style-and-Energy-Savings&id=281008

Having Custom Drapes Made

By Gayle Goerdel

When you have custom drapes made for your home, you have the ability to choose the styles and the colors that you want in a drape. While buying ready made drapes may seem like the easier and more affordable way to go, when you go into a store to buy drapes that are ready to hang, you are often faced with making sacrifices because the department store drapes hardly ever have just what you are looking for.

Custom drapes are great when you are looking for a certain style and color in the same drapes. Where as when you shop at the department store for your drapes, you are going to find that they may not have the size you need in the colors that you want. Or perhaps they do not have the color you are looking for in the style of curtain that you are wanting. Which will end up causing you to go home with drapes you are not so crazy about, but yet you need something that will cover your window. Do not settle for less when you are not finding what you want. You can find someone that will make your drapes for you.

If you know someone that does custom sewing, you might want to ask them about making your custom drapes for you. You will be able to choose the fabric as well as the style of the drapes, and get just what you are looking for and wanting to cover your windows. You will be able to choose trims and tassels if you like for your drapes, and can have them made to your specifications. The person that you choose to make your drapes for you, just might want to sketch them out first to be sure that you are both on the same page as far as the style of drapes is concerned.

You might also find that the person that is making your custom drapes will want to come and personally take measurement of your windows. This will ensure that you will have drapes that fit and are the right size for your windows. It will also help if you have a style hanging in your home already that you like, and want the person making the drapes to copy. Any ideas that you can give about the style you are looking for will help them in the process of making your drapes to your specifications. You may even want to flip through some magazines and cut out pictures of the styles that are similar to what you are looking for.

When you have custom drapes made, you have the ability to have drapes like no one else has. Make sure that you choose someone that is a professional custom sewer, and can actually do the job that you are looking for.

Gayle is an independent interior designer in his local community. He had worked in a local fabric store for more than 10 years before starting his own venture. Currently, he specialized further by jumping into the home curtains industry. At his weekly updated website, http://www.anycurtains.com]http://www.anycurtains.com, he shows home owners simple ways to use your curtains to spruce up the look of your interior. Visit the curtain ideas website to learn more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gayle_Goerdel http://EzineArticles.com/?Having-Custom-Drapes-Made&id=279883

Monday, August 13, 2007

Selecting Drapes And Other Window Coverings

By Vince J. Paxton

If you’re thinking of changing the look of your window coverings, there are a lot of things to consider. With the vast array of choices in the marketplace, it’s easy to lose sight of your goals, and become overwhelmed with all the options.



The first thing to think about when planning a change in window treatments is what you’d like them to convey. You can use them to create any mood, from casual to formal. Once you decide what you’d like the feel of the room to be, there are a few more considerations:



1) What colors do I want to use? Bright colors can really change the look and feel of a room, while light pastels can help provide a quiet, serene feel. Consider the size of the room in question. Bolder colors can make a small room appear smaller.



2) What fabrics do I like? Mixing fabrics can be a great way to add interest and depth to your windows. Layering velvet over silk can create a regal, formal look, while a lightweight cotton over gingham can lay the groundwork for a casual, carefree look. Heavier fabrics look great accented with lighter weight fabrics, such as an ornate brocade paired with a sheer taffeta.



3) What patterns do I like? With the wide variety of fabrics available, you can choose from simple, informal patterns on cotton, or intricately embroidered and beaded patterns on silk. You can create visual interest by choosing eye-catching patterns that accent the room. Sometimes patterns that don’t sound like they would complement each other work very well together. For example, you can pair stripes with checks, or even put different patterns together for a fresh look. The key is to find a common bond. For example, wide navy stripes would work well with a pattern sprinkled with smaller navy dots.



4) Will I be able to use window treatments to unify the room? Maybe your windows don’t “match”. Perhaps they’re all different shapes and sizes. They could be at varying heights on the wall. You can use valances and drapes to visually change the heights, widths and shapes of the windows.



You don’t have to make over all the windows at once, and you certainly don’t have to have the same window treatments forever. There will come a time when you’ll feel like you’re ready for a change. You’ll get new furniture. Perhaps you’ll embark on a home repair project, and want to add new window treatments to complete the look. As you get more experience in choosing window design options, you’ll gain confidence that will help you to incorporate new ideas into your home.



About the Author: Vince Paxton published for the most part for http://www.curtains-drapes-coverings.com , a web page with information about curtains . His contributions on window coverings can be found on his website .



Source: www.isnare.com

Monday, August 6, 2007

How To Choose Your Drapes

By John Ca. Baker

A simple makeover of your window coverings can do a great deal to update your interior decorations and improve the entire feel of your property. Changing your drapes or shades as part of a home repair project can have an astonishing impact with very little effort. There are a few things to consider before your begin, and a few of these are mentioned below.



Don’t be tempted to tackle more than one room at a time. We all know the feeling of moving into a new home that you love, but you hate the existing décor. Slow down. You need to consider each room individually to create a really great mood and atmosphere. Taking on the whole house in one go will take too much energy, and your decorations will become dull and uninspired.



Understand your requirements for window coverings. Write down measurements for every window in the house. What do you need the coverings to do? Do you need to create light and space, or do you feel you have too much. Are your windows too large, too small, or at odd levels? The right choice of drapes, blinds or shutters can solve all these problems. What are the practical considerations to take into account, particularly for bathrooms and kitchens?



Seek out ideas and advice from friends, family and on the internet. Whatever the state, or shape of your windows, you can be sure someone has found a great window covering to perfectly suit it. Magazines are also a great place to seek inspiration for truly different and stylish window coverings. Take your time, and don’t just buy the first thing you see. You will have to live with your design choices for a long time so they shouldn’t be decided in a hurry.



If you are unsure about what you want you can build up your window dressing in stages. Begin with a simply colored blind or shade to match the rest of your room décor, and provide the necessary privacy and light control. At a later stage you can add curtains or drapes on a decorative curtain rod. Accessories such as elaborate finials or tie backs will be the final phase.



About the Author: John C. Baker repeatedly writes informative papers on areas similar to drapes and curtains. You might come across his work on window coverings over at http://www.curtains-drapes-coverings.com .



Source: www.isnare.com