CREATING A GOOD ATMOSPHERE IN UR HOME

Lighting is one of the most important elements of beautifying your home. Effective lighting does not only set the mood but it can usually make people feel and look better too. Unfortunately, this very important design element is sometimes overlooked during the planning phases of decorating your home. Luckily, there are solutions to these problems.

There are several ways you can create an inviting atmosphere in your home using effective lighting techniques such as Tiffany style floor lamps. Here are some of them:
o One popular way is through the use of candles. These ornaments can make a room cozy and romantic at the same time. Candles come in different shapes, sizes and colors. It will all depend on your personal fondness on what design you will choose that will match the room themes. Warm colors are perfect to create an inviting and warm room. Pick shades such as bright yellows and soft greens. If you want your room to be more relaxing, opt for blue hues. On the other hand, if you want to create a romantic feel, pink and red candles are perfect for your bathroom and bedroom.

Although these ornamental pieces are pleasing to the eyes, it is always advised to take the necessary precautions because candles are fire hazards. Be sure to place them in steady candle holders atop fixed furniture in which there will be no possibility of them falling over. Candles are also dangerous when little children are around. Place them on high places where they will not able to reach them. Position them away from newspapers and other combustible materials such as curtains.

o Dimmer switches are also an effective lighting technique. This device will allow you to choose the level of light given out by the light bulb. This is very useful for the living room where other members of the family might want to read and use this light. For the case of creating a more relaxing atmosphere, you can use this switch to dim the light.

o Another alternative is to utilize table lamps, floor lamps and desk lamps. You can purchase these different types of lamp with different heights so you can create an innovative look. These lamps come in different styles, designs and colors in. If you are going for a more sophisticated look, purchase tiffany style floor lamps that match all your other furnishings. These pieces can also be used to spotlight works of art.

o Track lighting is another good method to create a mood. These lamps are positioned along a track on the wall and can be placed above furniture such as a long table or a comfortable sofa. If this set-up does not appeal to you, you can also use table lamps and scatter them on a few tables in a room. Find a style that you like with the lamps and you will surely appreciate the effect it provides.

There are many ways in which you can beautify your home and effective lighting is one of them. You must first determine the mood you want to portray before starting with this venture. Use the various techniques above and you will find yourself enjoying the perfect lighting of your home for a very long time.

COLORFUL INTERIOR DESIGNS

Check out these color decorating tips to get started on decorating your home with a variety of colors. Determine which colors will look best in your home and will complement your mood and personality with the color wheel.

Editors' Picks: Hot Summer Colors from Better Homes and Gardens Magazine The editors who bring you Decorating magazine divulge their favorite color palettes for summer.

what's hot in color Decorating with Black Decorating with Green Decorating with Cool Colors

Experts' No-Fail Color Schemes from Better Homes and Gardens Magazine Take your home beyond beige with these color tips from a few of our favorite designers. 5 Ways to Connect Rooms with Color from Better Homes and Gardens Magazine Do the colors in your home play well together? If not, you might have a missing link. Pops of Color in Kids' Rooms from Better Homes and Gardens Magazine Just say no to white walls and boring neutrals. Bring on the color for kids! Color and Wood Tone from Better Homes and Gardens Magazine Follow these guidelines to select the best colors to complement your wood furniture. Decorating with Neutrals from Better Homes and Gardens Magazine Create a soothing environment with a neutral color palette. Decorating in Pink from Better Homes and Gardens Magazine Shades of pink like fun bubblegum, bright coral, or traditional rose add a feminine touch to any room. Browse our slide show for some colorful ways to use pink in your decor.

Seven Steps to Perfect Paint Colors

Step 1: Get to know yourself

Step 2: Get to know your space

Step 3: Find your inspiration

Step 4: Get in the mood

Step 5: Discover your scheme

Step 6: Find your color

Step 7: Get your paint

1. Get to know yourself

When decorating your home, start the same way a designer would by thinking about the colors and styles you and your family like most. In my book there are two quizzes to help readers "Discover a Colorful You" and "Get to Know Your Stylish Self" but there are many ways to figure out what you might like.

One easy way to discover your true color & style preferences is to create your own style file. To do this simply go through your favorite magazines and pull out pages, pictures and magazine covers with colors that appeal to you. Just go with your first impression and make quick decisions. You'll have time to evaluate your choices later.

Once you have a stack of images to go through see if there are similar colors in the pictures. Are there many bright colors? Mostly neutrals? Predominately cool blues and greens? You will probably find that several of your pictures include similar colors and styles.

The images you react positively to can also reveal not just the colors you like but can also give you clues as to the mood that draws you in. More on mood in a moment.

Discovering what it is you like about a variety of images can inspire you to take a great idea right out of the pages of your favorite magazines and into your home. 

2. Get to know your space

Whether you are beginning with a home full of possessions or one empty room, you need to look closely at both the permanent features and personal items that will remain in the space.

Think about each of the different elements so that you can incorporate them seamlessly into your overall color scheme.

I usually recommend narrowing down your options to a color family or two. By narrowing your focus you will be able to put your energy into finding just the perfect hue in that color family.

In order to decide you need to take into consideration the elements in the room that aren't going to change. For instance the color will need to work well with the color of the flooring or carpet. It will need to complement any furnishings that are in the room or that you plan to purchase. It will also need to harmonize with the colors in adjoining rooms.

While there are many things to consider the good news is that all of them can help you to hone in on the perfect color by quickly ruling out some color families that you know won't work.

Also keep in mind that the color you paint your wall is a backdrop for the room and does not need to match anything exactly so don't worry about finding the exact yellow of the little square in your upholstery fabric and in fact it is often more appealing if it doesn't match exactly but rather harmonizes with the elements in the room.

3.Find your inspiration

You may already have an idea of the colors you want to include in your scheme. If not, then you can look around for something to inspire a fabulous color combination.

Many people suggest that the way to do this is to find a nature photo or piece of art but there are so many places to look for inspiration. I have listed 26 sources with links to post or articles that show how that source inspired a color scheme.

4.Get in the Mood

Before you decide on the exact color you need to define the type of look you ultimately want to create and the mood you want to set.

Sometimes this is easy. For instance if you're painting your daughter's room and she insist on pink and you insist on her being able to sleep you are well on your way to finding your perfect paint color because you know the color family (pink) and have defined the mood (restful, tranquil, dreamy) you want to create. Jump on the fast track and go right to Step 3!

If however you aren't sure what color you want then start by thinking about the mood or feeling you want to create in the room. Is it a family room that you want to feel warm and welcoming? Is it a kitchen that wakes you up in the morning and energizes you for preparing a meal at the end of long day?

For every room you decorate you are setting the stage for the activities and interactions that make up your life. So if you don't already have a vision of the finished room close your eyes and see yourself or your family in the room, imagine how you want it to feel and and capture that with the colors you select.

5.Discover your scheme

Once you have determined the look and feeling you want to create and understand a bit about how color can help you to create that mood you can start to think about which color families will work in your room.

A color family is the most general term for describing colors. Most people think in terms of Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red, Pink, Purple, Brown, Gray, White or Black when it comes to broad definitions of color.

But describing a color exactly requires more than just the general color family. It comes down to identifying three basic characteristics. They are: the color family along with the lightness or darkness, and the brightness or dullness of a color. This may sound difficult but it isn't. If you've ever described something as dark bluish gray or bright tomato red you've hit upon all three without even knowing it. We'll take a quick look at each characteristic so you can recognize what it's all about.

6.Find your color

I recommend three trips to the paint store when selecting your color. One to get all of the swatches that you think might work, the next time to buy some paint to sample and finally a trip to pick up the paint for the project.

I know that for many the only trip to the paint store is to decide on the color and purchase the paint all at one time but considering a rather high percentage of the paint sold is purchased to replace a color that someone didn't like the first time. Add to that all of the people that say they don't really love the color but didn't have the energy, time or money to redo it and I'd say the chances aren't very good your going to be happy with the outcome if this is your approach.

Okay that being said once you've got a color family or two in mind it's time for your first trip to the paint store.

The good news is that rather than feeling overwhelmed with hundreds of choices you have already narrowed your focus to one or maybe two areas.

Take along any reference fabrics or pictures that might help you but this is NOT the place to try to find the exact color. What you want to do is pick up a range of swatches in your color family that are close to what you have in mind to take home.

For example if you have decide on green pick up some swatches that in the paint store look slightly more blue than the color you have in mind and some that are slightly more yellow. Also some that are darker, lighter, brighter or more muted than what you have in mind. You might be amazed at home different the colors will look in your home so don't try to narrow your selection too much while your at the paint store. It is much better to do that at home.

Don't worry about taking too many color swatches. That's what they are there for and better to take a few extra colors than have to make an extra trip back to the store.

TIP: Don't match color in the store even if they have an area with special lighting. The lightening in your home is never the same and you must look at the color in the actual room if you want to get it right.

The painting techniques

THE PAINT TECHNIQUES

Here are some of the effects of the paints that one can create apart from the flat surface, but one should be aware of the effect, one desire to create.

COLOR WASHING: Color washing is among the group of finishes that have their beginnings in fine are, they are often known as broken-color technique. Specifically, it involves the application of thin washes of glaze in which the brush marks are left apparent to give the finish texture and depth. It provides an interesting alternative to flat color and can be used to decorate period or modern, town or country interiors.


SPONGING: Sponging is a modern broken-color technique. Natural sponge, moistened with water or soaked in glaze and used over the opaque base coat to produce a softly mottled effect-either by removing or adding color. Usage of sea sponge creates more interesting textures that normal household sponge.

STIPLING: Traditionally stippling entails the reworking of newly applied paint to create a finely textured, matt finish. A well prepared surface is essential and a steady hand. An elegant effect which adds subtle ageing to a room, it looks good on wood paneling, furniture and frames.

DRY BRUSHING: In this technique, the brush is kept relatively dry as glaze is applied lightly over a base coat to create a cloudy effect. It can be subtle if applied in soft tones with soft strokes or bold if you use hard bristled brushes and strong colors. An easy way to give texture to modern interiors, it is also used to create an aged finish for period settings. It is ideal for highlighting architectural mouldings and because it is extremely resilient, for furniture.

MEDITERRANEAN LOOK: The word Mediterranean gives us an impact of wonderful chalky colors of sun baked, painted house. It gives a very country look kind of the atmosphere. Random brushing and hard rubbing create the characteristic roughness and depth of tone. It can be used on a variety of surface but is natural suited to uneven plaster and textured surfaces.

TEXTURING: There are many different ways to texture paints. The obvious advantage of texturing is that it is a wonderful disguise for imperfect wall. But it can bring character to any surface, or a tough finish to a garden room or exterior wall.

WOOD FINISHES: Paint finishes on wood can be as authentic and fantastic as you wish. Color is the determining factor but with today's wide choice of colors, the scope for experiment is enormous. Paint effects can also 'age' new wood quickly. This is an important period setting, where new wood is often ill at ease. Stairs, handrails, floors and frames can also be aged to add a period feel to any home.

BORDERS: Borders are nowadays becoming very common and people are having a keen interest in them. Painted borders are a neglected way of bringing additional interest to wall surfaces. Borders painted by hand are essentially individual .One can choose color and patterns one wants and can make them as simple or as complex.

Thus paint effects are a wonderful way to express your character and that of your home and the people who live with you. So go wild with you sponges, spatter, stipple and rub down to your heart's content. And when you will rest from your labors, you will find that you have created something that simply can't be found in a pot or plain emulsion paint.

Carpet Flooring

Carpets or rugs as some people use both the words for a simple thing which refers to covering of floor. Carpets have always been in a trend and today in this globalization era carpet or rugs trend has become more prevalent. It is made up of different natural things and the designs which are available in the market are endless and beautiful.

Carpet trend and core material

Today many people are taking care of each and every corner of their house. They want to install all the stylish and trendy things which reflect their own style statement and personality. The materials used in carpets are

• Cotton
• Fibre
• Jute
• Coir
• Seagrass
• Wool

Synthetic fiber carpets are also made which uses metallic fiber and polymer.

Types of carpets

Carpets are available in various styles and designs which uses different material and follow a typical pattern. We will no discuss the types of carpets. There are several types of carpet which we install at our home:

Woven carpets
Woven carpets are produced on a loom which is similar to woven cloth being cut or pile. Woven carpets use different colour yarns and the whole process produces very intricate patterns of designs with beautiful colours. Woven carpets are most common and highly valued for its durability and quality. They are usually made of natural fibers as jute, coir or coconut fiber sisal and wool.

Tufted carpets
Tufted carpets are created by inserting tufts of yarn through a fabric backing. In the tufts machines either single coloured or non coloured yarn is inserting to make tufted carpets. If the yarn used is non-coloured than it will be dyed or printed with a design as a separate process. Carpets can either be cut pile, loop pile or a combination of both. Axminster is one type of tufted carpet used primarily for patterned carpets in multiple colours.

Hooked rug
Hooked rug is also known as handicraft which is handmade and constructed by pulling strips of cloth like cotton or wool through the meshes of very sturdy fabric.

Needlefelt
This type of carpet is very advanced in scientific way. They are manufactured by electrostatic attraction of individual fibers which forms a unique carpet with extremely high durability. This kind of carpets is usually seen at hotels and restaurants and looks beautiful and quite steady. They are sometimes expensive than others.

Flatweave
Flatweave carpets are made by interlocking warp and weft threads. The types of flatwoven carpet include plain weave and tapestry weave. This type is often used in Japan and other countries rather than North American regions.

Cut and loop piles
Cut and loop pile combines both looped and cut fibers. This kind of carpet is available in different variants and the several colours in this carpet can hide dirt and footprints.

Saxony
Saxony carpet consists of tightly twisted cut piles that are headset straight. It consists of two or more fibers that have been twisted together in a yarn, providing soft texture for formal and informal areas. This will show each and every footprint and even marks from vacuum cleaner.

Textured Saxony
Textured Saxony carpets are beautiful and work best at informal areas, due to its soft feel. They consists of tightly twisted and texture headset for medium durability. They also come in multi coloured patterns which hides tracks and footprints.

Velvet/plush
Velvet and plush are slightly twisted and comes in uniform colours. They are very soft and best suited in formal areas for its luxurious look.

Concept of wall to wall carpet

Wall to wall carpet refers to covering of floor with rugs that extends across an entire room. This will increase the charm and interior décor of your rooms and making it more luxurious. Sometimes purchasing carpets is costly and when you have no idea about the carpet you may end up buying cheap stuff. Here are some tips which will tell you what can you do while purchasing your carpet:

• Choose one colour rather than patterned carpeting.
• Choose synthetic fiber rather than wool, as synthetic fiber is cost effective and easy to maintain.
• You can also consider carpet tiles as they cost less and give your carpet longer life. These tiles are designed to interchange from low to high traffic areas.
• More the pile and style, more it costs.

Advantages of carpet

• Carpets are excellent insulators during both hot and cold spells. They act as a shield to prevent cold or heat from radiating up to the floor.
• Carpets increase your home interior décor as they offer your rooms a luxuriant look. Carpeting makes your home lively and colourful.
• Wall to wall carpets are much suitable in colder countries where they provide cosines and warmth which is needed in winters.

Disadvantages of carpet

• Carpets are the biggest source which spreads viral and infections among the children. They attract maximum dust and germs causing infections and other severe diseases.
• They are hard to keep it clean and are not washable.
• It is advisable for those suffering from respiratory disease must not come into the contact with carpets which may prove fatal.
• The ugly stains of dirt or footprints can’t be removed from carpets.
• Wall to wall carpets are not suitable in India and other moderate climatic countries, as they attract a lot of dust and germs.

Laminated Flooring

Laminated flooring is fast picking up the trend in India. This type of flooring is much cost effective than hardwood flooring. As this flooring type was most preferred in west but today Indian homes are getting much interested in installing laminate flooring to give their homes ascetic look.

Lamination and core material

Layered construction of lamination flooring makes it cheaper as compared with other flooring types. The thin layer of laminated flooring on the sub-floor usually made of aluminum oxide which makes the flooring resistant to dents, scratching, burns and other kind of wear & tear. Laminate flooring is easy and nuisance free.

It can be said that it is a type which resembles real wood. Material used in laminate is a synthetic material mixed with natural elements so as to make it similar to natural substance and feel of real wood.

Almost any kind of flat surface is used to laminate for flooring material. Wood is the main core material used in lamination being organic and porous it is valued for its sheen and coziness. Sometimes it’s difficult to maintain wooden flooring but laminating the wood slacks can keep them intact which make them easier to maintain.

Fiberboard is another popular material, being a synthetic it is less prone to rotting than wood. Fiberboard is porous and scrubbing and mopping may only ruin it. However after laminating its durability increases in some way which makes it better to maintain.

Types of laminate flooring

Laminate flooring is of several types such as high pressure lamination and direct pressure lamination. High pressure lamination involves subjecting the whole core material to heated lamination. This type of lamination results in dent and scratch proof flooring. It makes the floor thinner, however it is quite expensive than direct pressure flooring.

Direct pressure lamination involves subjecting the core material at a time under the lower pressures and temperatures. This type of flooring is comparatively cheaper and prone to scratches and dent.

How to install laminate flooring

• Laminate flooring uses unique edge joining systems for installation. Installing laminate flooring is much easier than any other lamination. The tools which are needed for its installation are: a rubber mallet, tape measure, a flooring pull bar, coping saw, utility knife, hammer, nails, laminate flooring, and underlayment pad.
• The first thing to do is to prepare the floor which has to be laminate, as pull out the old stack strips around the room’s perimeter. Remove the baseboard and use the coping saw to cut off the bottoms of door jambs.
• Now roll out the underlayment pad and connect the pieces together with wide clear plastic tape. Just snap the laminate planks together and stagger the joints. While laminating the floor leave ¼’’ clearance at each wall and on the initial wall where you start, use spacers which you pull out before installing the baseboard.
• As you go along you need to use mallet and pull bar to snug things up. You can use your utility knife to trim the snapping connections on the adjoining planks so that they can slide together. Use some glue to fix them together.

Advantages of laminate flooring

Easy installation

Laminate flooring can be easily installed at homes. Earlier in older type of laminate flooring you need to use glue to intact the wooden planks, but now with the coming of newer type of laminate flooring which has click lock design comes with dry glue already on the product. This requires just a swipe of wet sponge to active it.

Durable

Laminate flooring is not prone to dents and scratches making it durable. It has a wear layer underneath which protects it from all the wear and tear.

Used at moist places

Laminate flooring can easily be put into bathrooms, kitchens and other places where moisture remains in intact. But laminate flooring can’t bear standing pool water.

Cleanable

Laminate flooring can be cleaned with a broom or vacuum, you can also mop the floor slightly with easy hand.

Dent resistant

This kind of flooring is easily maintained due to its resistance to stains, dents and scratches.

Disadvantages of laminate flooring

Slippery

Laminate flooring is slightly slippery which makes difficult for a person to move casually on the floor. Manufacturers are trying to develop non-slippery laminate flooring.

Not a real wood

Though laminate flooring resembles like wood which is layered, but frankly it is not wood. Some natural material is used which gives the feel of real wood.

Can’t be refinished

This is the one of the biggest disadvantage of laminate flooring as they can’t be refinished if ever they badly scratched or grooved. It has to be replaced.

Mosaic Flooring

Mosaic flooring is one of the most durable and timeless flooring options which you can install at your homes. Mosaic tiles are beautiful and made up of tiles less than 2 inches. They form a particular design pattern or laid out in single colour. If you want to go for something natural then mosaic tiles would be suitable for you, as they come two different textures mosaic hardwood flooring and mosaic stone flooring both give a natural look to your home or office.

Types of mosaic flooring

There are types of mosaic tiles which are made up of

• Glass
• Ceramic
• Porcelain
• Stone

Mosaic effects can change the feel of your home as they are natural and beautiful.Even the shapes of mosaic tiles are different such as square, hexagonal and round.

Porcelain mosaic flooring is commonly used and found to be most durable as they can be glazed or unglazed. They are usually used in bathroom areas.

Stone flooring is also known as pebble flooring which is usually installed in bathrooms and pool areas. It is naturally striking and stands apart from others.

Mosaic hardwood flooring is another option which is cost effective and sets a distinctive tone for any home or office. Hardwood and shimmering glass lend your home or office luxurious look of elegance and style.

Though it may costs you more depending on the quality material used but each one is custom made by artisan and the impact they create is worth the cost.

Installation of mosiac flooring

Mosaic flooring is easy to install, here are few steps through which you can easily make your home beautiful by installing mosaic tiles.

• Prepare the floor by cleaning the surface where you need to install your mosaic tiles.
• Gently clean the floor with dry cloth to ensure that the floor is free of all dust.
• Before using mosaic tiles apply stone sealer to the mosaic so as to protect the stone during installation. This sealer has to be left for 2-3 hours to ensure that sealer is absorbed by the mosaic tile.
• Now take the plastic protection off the back of the mosaic leaving only mesh.
• Gently buff out the backing of the mosaic to remove some of the excess glue and make sure that the mesh is exposed as much as possible. This buffing can be done with a metal brush and remember not to over buff the surface or you will run the risk of breaking the mesh.
• Clean the debris with a vacuum or broom. After that prepare and apply the thinset over the surface.
• Apply at least 1/8 of thinset and mark 2mm deep canals across the surface, as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Now set the mosaic in place over the thinset slightly giving pressure so that the thinset penetrates deep through the mesh and between some of the tesserae of your mosaic.
• Continue and clean the mosaic surface with a wet sponge to make sure that the excess of the thinset doesn’t accumulate over the mosaic.
• Leave the mosaic and thinset to dry for about 24 hours.
• Prepare a non sand grouting mix and use the minimum grouting thickness which is usually made from grouting less than 1/8.
• Grout the surface of the marble mosaic like any other tile. The grouting color should not be dark or light from the mosaic but an average grout can be used.

Advantages of mosaic flooring

• High fired and durable
• Dense hard and tough
• Mosaic tile comes in a wide variety of colours and textures
• Easy to customize yourself
• Water and bacteria resistant
• Great for do it yourself project
• Low maintenance

Disadvantages of mosaic flooring

• Glazed tiles can be slippery if wet
• Cold and hard underfoot
• Tiles may damage or crack