Archive for January, 2010

Crystal Chandelier Installation Tips

Whenever we hear someone mention the word “chandelier,” the images that immediately shoot up in our minds would be something like this: the rich and famous, tuxedos, large estates and mansions, and elegant ballroom parties. The reason these things come to mind is that these familiar lighting fixtures possess and convey those traits.

The good thing is that these fixtures of elegance don’t have to just belong in a fancy castle, since these too can be installed in your own home, giving any house the air of luxury and elegance. However, since buying crystal chandeliers for your home can be a big purchase, you would need to make sure that you are doing everything possible to get the best and most alluring one.

Buying crystal chandeliers for your home can add to making your home more elegant; however improper handling and cleaning would surely erase its luster and will not give you the elegance and allure you expected.

Chandelier Purchase Tips

It would be good to keep in mind when buying light fixtures like these, is to remember that you’re also buying a status symbol. It also helps to prepare yourself for the expenses required when buying one, since they are not cheap and it would be easy to get caught up in the frenzy of upscale-priced competition.

Though sometimes it could be tempting, just try to buy the ones you could afford. Do not let the reputation that these bring to your home meddle with your own personal sense of style, especially when it comes to size. The best move you can make is to ensure that the chandelier is in proportion with the size of the room.

Unfortunately, bigger is often better. Most often, when a homeowner installs a smaller model, the room itself swallows it up, dwarfing what is supposed to be an impressive decorative lighting fixture. However, don’t get carried away, and do not let the size dictate your preferences.

Crystal Chandelier Installation Tips

Proper Installation of crystal chandelier requires careful consideration to detail. Since chandeliers are often heavier and more ornately designed than other forms of lighting, it is imperative that you properly perform the following steps.

- Verify and check the weight of your new chandelier. If it nearly matches the weight of your current lighting fixture, do not replace the ceiling junction box. However, if the chandelier is heavier than your current fixture, purchase and install a junction box that will support the chandelier’s weight.

- Disconnect the power plug connected to the chandelier. Use a circuit tester to verify the electricity is off.

- Remove the old light fixture. Note how the fixture was installed and mark the wires with tape.

- Attach the hardware from the new chandelier to the mounting strap. If there is no mounting strap, try to install one.

- Screw the mounting strap to the junction box.

- Once you have twisted the wires from the new chandelier to the ceiling wires, twist on wire nuts clockwise.

- Follow the manufacturer’s manual in the installation process.

- If you are installing the chandelier in a dining room or kitchen, make sure the chandelier hangs at least thirty inches above any table you might place under it. Your chandelier should measure twelve inches less in diameter than the width of the table.

Crystal Chandeliers – http://crystal-chandeliers.xon.us

Vanessa A. Doctor from Jump2Top – SEO Company


The Basics Of Modern Bathroom Lighting

Without a doubt, the bathroom is one of the most essential rooms in any house. One essential aspect of a good bathroom is the lighting. Good lighting makes the bathroom a pleasure to use. Now, there are modern bathroom lighting fixtures that can transform any bathroom from drab to fab in no time at all.

Installing modern bathroom lighting in your bathroom can spell the difference between simply adequate to cozy and comfortable. A well thought of new lighting fixture can instantly add style and sophistication to your bathroom. But most importantly, carefully planned lighting will enhance the function of your bathroom tenfold. Modern bathrooms have many functions as evidenced by the basic amenities it has such as vanity tops, sinks, bath tubs, cabinets, and mirrors. You can start you bathroom redesign by taking into account the different functions either in a single bathroom or in a number of bathrooms in your house.

Installing new lighting fixtures in your bathroom is closely tied with its interior design. It can be said that adding the appropriate lights is the finishing touch to the bathroom’s design because it will enhance the room’s ambience, add to its functionality and create a place that is pleasant and relaxing. If you use your bathroom more as a place for relaxation after a long hard day’s work, then using ambient lighting will surely enhance the relaxing atmosphere.

Another type of modern bathroom lighting is ambient lighting which aims to simulate natural light, thus creating a soft and subdued illumination. Ambient lighting can be achieved using different types of lighting fixtures. One of these is the use of cove lighting. You can also use rope lights which are installed behind recessed moldings for a more sophisticated but subdued effect. The goal of ambient lighting is to illuminate the room sufficiently without creating glare, thus the use of subtle lighting fixtures.

Meanwhile, for bathrooms that are mainly used for grooming and hygiene purposes, task lighting and side lighting will be more appropriate. Lights that fully illuminate the face and the body are used here. This ensures that grooming and make up can be accomplished in the proper manner. Shadows and dark areas can make grooming and putting on make-up harder than it is. Thus, strong and clear lights are used in task lighting. A good tip is to install lights along the sides of your bathroom mirror. You can also install side lights that illuminate your face and body without too much glare.

Accent lighting is another type you can use. As its name says, this type of lighting is used to accentuate and emphasize certain features inside your bathroom for dramatic effect or aesthetic appeal. Mini spot lights or flood lights can be used to enhance the look and feel of your bathroom. A trip to your local furniture shop or interior decorator’s atelier can help you pick out what type of modern bathroom lighting to use.


How to Find Decor Items on a Budget

Decorating your home doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. It’s easier than you thing to have a nicely decorated home that looks like you spend thousands of dollars on it, when you really only invested a few hundred. If you’re looking to find décor items for your home on a budget, then here are some tips to consider.

Shop Garage Sales and Flea Markets
When you go to garage sales and flea markets, you don’t always find exactly what you’re looking for, like a wood file cabinets to keep your things organized or a wood dresser for your master bedroom, but you might just come across d écor items that will work just as well in your home. You need to keep an open mind when shopping at these types of places, as you may just find that with a little creativity you can take an item and completely change it to fit your needs. Those of you who are crafty or even just creative can easily take any flea market and garage sale finds and turn them into personal décor items for your home. You do need to make sure that any items you acquire are safe and structurally sound, as these are things that you won’t be able to change or fix.

Shop Seasonal Sales at Department and Discount Stores
If you’re looking to make seasonal changes to the décor of your home, the best way to find inexpensive items is to shop for them after the season, when they typically go on extreme clearance. For example, department and discount stores need to make room for winter and holiday items and thus will clearance out their fall décor items around October or November. You can simply shop clearance sales and then store the items away for the next year. Certain seasonal items can even be displayed year-round as part of your décor.

Trade Your Décor with Family and Friends
If you’re looking for a fresh look in your home, there may be certain items that your friends and family members may be willing to trade with you. This is a win-win proposition, as you are able to get rid of something you may not have a use for anymore and also get a new free item for your home. Just be sure to ask the family member or friend before you take the décor item from them!

Reinvent Your Old Décor Items
Whether you’re simply trying to change the look of a room or you have moved and are trying to decorate your new home, be sure to go through old items before tossing them in the garbage. As with garage sale and flea market finds, with a little creativity you can change up your own items as well. Polish or paint an old vase to look like new, or repaint a picture frame to match the color scheme of your new décor. If you want to stick to your decorating budget, reinventing old décor items is the best way to save money.

If you are trying to decorate your home on a budget, you have to use some creativity to be able to save money. This can mean shopping wisely, or it can mean coming up with some creative ideas on how items can be reinvented. There’s no need to spend thousands of dollars on home décor when by following these simple tips, you can stick to a budget and really save some money.


Crystal Chandelier Installation Tips

Whenever we hear someone mention the word “chandelier,” the images that immediately shoot up in our minds would be something like this: the rich and famous, tuxedos, large estates and mansions, and elegant ballroom parties. The reason these things come to mind is that these familiar lighting fixtures possess and convey those traits.

The good thing is that these fixtures of elegance don’t have to just belong in a fancy castle, since these too can be installed in your own home, giving any house the air of luxury and elegance. However, since buying crystal chandeliers for your home can be a big purchase, you would need to make sure that you are doing everything possible to get the best and most alluring one.

Buying crystal chandeliers for your home can add to making your home more elegant; however improper handling and cleaning would surely erase its luster and will not give you the elegance and allure you expected.

Chandelier Purchase Tips

It would be good to keep in mind when buying light fixtures like these, is to remember that you’re also buying a status symbol. It also helps to prepare yourself for the expenses required when buying one, since they are not cheap and it would be easy to get caught up in the frenzy of upscale-priced competition.

Though sometimes it could be tempting, just try to buy the ones you could afford. Do not let the reputation that these bring to your home meddle with your own personal sense of style, especially when it comes to size. The best move you can make is to ensure that the chandelier is in proportion with the size of the room.

Unfortunately, bigger is often better. Most often, when a homeowner installs a smaller model, the room itself swallows it up, dwarfing what is supposed to be an impressive decorative lighting fixture. However, don’t get carried away, and do not let the size dictate your preferences.

Crystal Chandelier Installation Tips

Proper Installation of crystal chandelier requires careful consideration to detail. Since chandeliers are often heavier and more ornately designed than other forms of lighting, it is imperative that you properly perform the following steps.

- Verify and check the weight of your new chandelier. If it nearly matches the weight of your current lighting fixture, do not replace the ceiling junction box. However, if the chandelier is heavier than your current fixture, purchase and install a junction box that will support the chandelier’s weight.

- Disconnect the power plug connected to the chandelier. Use a circuit tester to verify the electricity is off.

- Remove the old light fixture. Note how the fixture was installed and mark the wires with tape.

- Attach the hardware from the new chandelier to the mounting strap. If there is no mounting strap, try to install one.

- Screw the mounting strap to the junction box.

- Once you have twisted the wires from the new chandelier to the ceiling wires, twist on wire nuts clockwise.

- Follow the manufacturer’s manual in the installation process.

- If you are installing the chandelier in a dining room or kitchen, make sure the chandelier hangs at least thirty inches above any table you might place under it. Your chandelier should measure twelve inches less in diameter than the width of the table.

Crystal Chandeliers – http://crystal-chandeliers.xon.us

Vanessa A. Doctor from Jump2Top – SEO Company


The Basics Of Modern Bathroom Lighting

Without a doubt, the bathroom is one of the most essential rooms in any house. One essential aspect of a good bathroom is the lighting. Good lighting makes the bathroom a pleasure to use. Now, there are modern bathroom lighting fixtures that can transform any bathroom from drab to fab in no time at all.

Installing modern bathroom lighting in your bathroom can spell the difference between simply adequate to cozy and comfortable. A well thought of new lighting fixture can instantly add style and sophistication to your bathroom. But most importantly, carefully planned lighting will enhance the function of your bathroom tenfold. Modern bathrooms have many functions as evidenced by the basic amenities it has such as vanity tops, sinks, bath tubs, cabinets, and mirrors. You can start you bathroom redesign by taking into account the different functions either in a single bathroom or in a number of bathrooms in your house.

Installing new lighting fixtures in your bathroom is closely tied with its interior design. It can be said that adding the appropriate lights is the finishing touch to the bathroom’s design because it will enhance the room’s ambience, add to its functionality and create a place that is pleasant and relaxing. If you use your bathroom more as a place for relaxation after a long hard day’s work, then using ambient lighting will surely enhance the relaxing atmosphere.

Another type of modern bathroom lighting is ambient lighting which aims to simulate natural light, thus creating a soft and subdued illumination. Ambient lighting can be achieved using different types of lighting fixtures. One of these is the use of cove lighting. You can also use rope lights which are installed behind recessed moldings for a more sophisticated but subdued effect. The goal of ambient lighting is to illuminate the room sufficiently without creating glare, thus the use of subtle lighting fixtures.

Meanwhile, for bathrooms that are mainly used for grooming and hygiene purposes, task lighting and side lighting will be more appropriate. Lights that fully illuminate the face and the body are used here. This ensures that grooming and make up can be accomplished in the proper manner. Shadows and dark areas can make grooming and putting on make-up harder than it is. Thus, strong and clear lights are used in task lighting. A good tip is to install lights along the sides of your bathroom mirror. You can also install side lights that illuminate your face and body without too much glare.

Accent lighting is another type you can use. As its name says, this type of lighting is used to accentuate and emphasize certain features inside your bathroom for dramatic effect or aesthetic appeal. Mini spot lights or flood lights can be used to enhance the look and feel of your bathroom. A trip to your local furniture shop or interior decorator’s atelier can help you pick out what type of modern bathroom lighting to use.


Lighting For Residential Interiors

Good lighting is one thing most interior designers agree on. You can have the most beautifully designed room with all the right furniture, colors and accessories but if the lighting isn’t right it will never look or feel good. There is more to lighting for residential interiors than just a couple of lamps and some ceiling cans. Good lighting requires careful thought and appropriate selections. If you understand and utilize the types of lighting you will be well on your way to creating a wonderful environment.
The three lighting categories:

1. Task lighting, which is light for specific functions that depend on good vision.

Reading
Computer work
Homework
Sewing

2. General or ambient lighting is the lighting required to move through a space or to see people and objects. This is not as bright as task lighting.

3. Accent lighting is the focused use of light to bring attention to an object or area. Art or picture lights are accent lighting. This is often used to highlight an architectural feature and commonly used in outdoor lighting (certain trees, water features, or wall washing effects). Accent lighting is used to make a space more interesting and active.

A room with good lighting makes use of all three categories. There are times when one light source does double duty such as in a small entryway where a ceiling fixture is used to wash light over a specific wall to highlight it and is also enough to all allow people to comfortably move through the space. In this scenario more light isn’t needed. It is important to consider your environment so that your lighting selections are necessary but not redundant.

What do you do in a family room? People read and play games, watch TV and have conversations. What lighting do you need? In my family room there is floor or table lamps with 3-way bulbs next to the places people sit to read (task lighting). I have two wall sconces switched at the exit and entry points of the room for general lighting. When the sconces are dimmed, they also highlight texture on their respective walls (accent lighting). For fun there is also a fiber optic installation on the ceiling which can change colors (accent lighting).

Before you purchase any lighting it is important that you think about the tasks you complete in your space, how you move through the space and any items or areas you want to focus attention onto. Now you can use lighting properly to achieve the functionality you need as well as the level of beauty or visual interest you want. You do not have to have a big budget and an interior designer to achieve good lighting. If you cover the three categories above when lighting your rooms you will be on your way to a well designed home that functions and is visually appealing.

Lisa M. Smith is an interior designer and owner of Interior Design Factory, Ltd. She specializes in creating beautiful and inviting residential interiors that are timeless and look collected, not like a showroom. Real design for real people. She produces individualized results using creative solutions and often designs furniture, cabinetry and lighting specific to her customers needs to create interiors that are liveable and tell a story. Good design is for everyone and available in every budget.

Interior Design Factory also has commercial clients who are looking for the same attention to detail as residential clients but to create interiors to position them for future success with a more watchful eye towards budget and design being a good investment.

Hire an Interior Designer Now for only $14.95. Click on website to ask your personal design question. You can even send pictures. Get design advice and answers just for you!

http://www.InteriorDesignFactory.com


How to do Wonders with a Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans are a very personal choice depending on the styles you like or themes that you have. With new technology and more designs coming out, your options are numerous. You can choose from different blades depending on the style or size as well as the finish it has. Your motors will vary depending on the application. When choosing your ceiling fan there are a few basic things to keep in mind. Knowing the size of the room is important so you can pick the right size of fan. Also the height of your ceiling should be measured. Do you want a ceiling fan light fixture or not? Choosing a flush mount or a hanging mount can drastically change a look. Another thing is choosing the style of fan, from a tropical fan, airplane ceiling fan, or rustic ceiling fan for instance. Make sure you have a reversible speed on your ceiling fan for different ventilation options. You may even want a ceiling fan with a heater.

What grade is my ceiling fan.

A specific grade is placed on ceiling fans to help determine what our needs are. The first is the Performance Grade. These fans have larger motors usually tow speeds and very quiet when in operation. Being so durable these fans can be used 24/7 as they are built to last. The next is the Medium Grade ceiling fan priced better for the consumer will give you durability and along with the functionality that your deserve. These fans are great for rooms with heights of up to 12 feet. This fan is designed to be used for 12 hours or less at a time. The next is Economy Grade, and this is when price is very important. The fan’s components are chosen to keep the price low and affordable. The functioning and durability will still be present. These ceiling fans work well in a room with the ceiling eight feet or less and should not be in use for more than eight hours at a time.

Features for ceiling fans

A modern ceiling fan is not the same basic fans you used to choose from when they were first made. Starting with the motor, they are measured in a watt which tells you the power of the motor. Speed and design affect the overall performance of the ceiling fan. The better the design will give you a quieter running fan but will cost more. Always check and see how reliable a fan is by looking at repair records to see how much downtime these particular fans have. Also check on the availability of the ceiling fan parts you may need. I f you want more than a ceiling fan pull, maybe you should check out a ceiling fan remote control which will allow you to operate your fan from anywhere in your room without getting up. Being able to have the right ceiling fan ventilation, you should make sure that you have a variability speed control so that you have the option to move the amount of air you need to.

Daryl plaza is the owner of ceilingfanhandbook a website designed with resources/reviews to help you discover the potential and benefits of your ceiling fans.


Ideas And Solutions For Your Bedroom Decor And Bedding Needs

People are working harder than ever in a stressful work environment.A good night’s sleep therefore is more important than ever. After a hard day’s work you should be entitled to beautiful sleep on your bed in a well decorated bed room. We need to pay more attention to the bedroom. What are things to do to improve our sleeping experience and comfort?
Here are some ideas and tips to improve life in the bedroom. First of all, get a bed that is big enough for you. Ideally get a king or queen size bed for you and your partner. You need a comfortable mattress. There are different types of construction and materials ranging from springs to foam to latex. Choose one that suits you. Next come the bed linen. If you want your bedroom to look like a luxurious hotel room, then you need to pick high quality bed linen. It may cost more but it’s worth it as it can last for decades! How do you determine its quality? It depends on the quality of the fiber and the number of threads woven per inch. The higher the thread count, the softer and more durable. Choose thread count of at least 200. Pure linen is comfortable and cooling. Pure Linen comes from the plant Flax and its white color comes from the plant itself. Pure linen becomes stronger when it is wet. So that is no fear of damaging it during washing. Nowadays pure linen may be mixed with cotton or other synthetic fiber like polyester so that it is crease free after drying. Cotton is also a firm favorite. It is extremely durable and has the best wear resistance among all fabrics. Repeated washings make cotton fabric even softer to the touch. Pure Linen is lighter than cotton and has better texture. Cotton is better for reproducing print designs.
Some people still use bedspread to cover their beds. Bedspreads are kept away at night during sleep. Comforters let you cover the bed during the day with convenience and ease. In the night you can sleep under it and it provides warmth and comfort. You can choose feathers or down. Of course, down is better. Goose down is better than duck down. The comforter keeps you warm and at the same time decorates your bed. Consider getting reversible comforters for more choices of colors and styles.

White linen is a good choice for your bed as it can match easily with your bedroom decor.You can also have matching color schemes with the bed linen matching the walls or the curtains or even the decor of your bathroom. Sometimes , contrasting fabric colors also add an interesting element to your bedroom. Another idea is to have different patterns featuring the same color. For sheer class and elegance decorate your bed with a bed skirt. You can have a loveseat in front of your bed and a little table too. A rug on the floor adds further warmth to the room.
The bedroom is where you seek solace . In your private moment you may want to read a book or watch television. Make sure you have adequate lighting . A table lamp next to your armchair would be ideal.
You would also like ample storage space. Consider installing shelving above your headboard.
Lastly, you can personalize your room by displaying some decorative items like a vase or pictures.

You can find more bed linen at http://www.bedding-sets.com and http://www.beddingsets.net.


Becoming a Successful Interior Design Professional

If you have recently begun a career in interior design, you should
be very excited to be entering
such an exciting field. You’ll find that you’ll earn a lucrative income
but the rates of pay can
vary significantly. Even an entry-level design position can provide
an income that you will be
proud of!

By being an assistant interior designer, you can expect to earn as
much as $20 per hour with the
right design firm. Once you become a certified interior designer,
your income will increase to
$50,000 or more. The most lucrative income is as a partner in an
interior design firm where you can
earn in the $100,000 and up range.

Most interior designers just entering the business will find that
initially clients have to be
sought out and convinced that you are the right person for the job.
Don’t be discouraged! There is
a great deal of competition in the field but you will begin to land
clients and the more references
you provide, the easier contracting new clients becomes.

When the exciting time comes, you obtained a customer, don’t fall
into the trap of always trying to
always bid the lowest. Sometimes interior design clients feel that a
bid that is too low is a sign
of poor work. They will comparison shop and you want to bid
reasonably.

One way to win the client is to offer a good bid with the incentive
that you will be glad to accept
the job at slightly lower than the lowest bid they can obtain in
writing. This can be the key to
winning your first few clients and building your reputation.

Marketing your services is a key to obtaining clients. First, you
must have business cards, a
professional portfolio that contains samples of your work available.
You can then offer your
services through a kiosk at your local mall or find a furniture shop
interesting in showcasing your
services as an incentive to customers to purchase.

Also, starting your own business requires additional steps and
expenses. You’ll need to obtain a
business number and registration so that you can conduct
business. There may be other requirements
as well. Look in the telephone book under Government Listing or
call your local accounting firm.
They will point you in the right direction and tell you what steps
must be taken.

Another great marketing tool is to join the local Chamber of Commerce or other local organization that provides networking opportunities. Trade shows are another
means of marketing affordably.
Also, a portfolio will be valuable tool. The portfolio will also contain
the files of letters of
references. Having references will show that your work is
professional and satisfactory. Also, you
may want to include some references from your friends and family
as well as your instructors from
school.

With hard work and dedication, you’ll find yourself in-demand and
sought out by clients after a
short time. Just remember in the early days that you do have a
great future ahead of you. You can
be a success in interior design!

Valentine Campos makes it simple to learn about interior design with must have articles, reviews, newsletters. To claim your free report that will provide you tips and unique interior ideas, visit http://www.beaninteriordesigner.com.


Can Feng Shui Improve Marriage And Romance

Feng Shui can enhance your love or married life. If your love life is inactive, you will see a change in your luck when this part of the house is activated. If you feel that your marriage needs reviving, this is a sure corner to work on and activate immediately. The section that rules marriage and romance is the Southwest corner of your home. You can also activate the southwest corner in each room, placing fresh flowers there. If you cannot place fresh flowers weekly in the home, artificial or silk flowers will do). You will find that fresh flowers provide much better energy. Never, never use dried flowers or have dying flowers or plants around. Dead or dying flowers have a very negative influence wherever they are placed. Cacti, or thorny or prickly plants, can cause arguments among family members. Luxuriant green plants with large leaves placed around the house bring good energy, but be careful about placing too much green in this corner. This corner is of the earth element, and plants (considered to be wood) are not an inherently beneficial element.

Placing a pair of crystal swans or mandarin ducks or a pair of anything in this section will activate love or romance. Crystal is the primary element for the southwest section, so anything made with crystal would be better. Bathrooms should never be located in this section of the house. A bathroom here is a sure sign of problems in a marriage. If a bathroom is located in this section and you have other bathrooms in the house, use the others and try not to use this one. Place a mirror on the door and keep the door closed at all times with the toilet seat down.

If you find that you have been happy in your marriage until you move to a new location, the feng shui at your new location is probably not as good as your previous one.

Mirrors should never be placed in the bedroom by the side of the bed, at the foot of the bed or over the bed. Having a mirror reflecting the bed is a sure indicator of problems between couples. Mirrors should be placed in the dressing room or bathrooms, not in the bedroom.

Water is detrimental to the marriage corner. As the element for the marriage section is earth, water is the worst element to be placed here. Having water on the right hand side of your front door as you look out is another sign for problems in the marriage. The left side of the door is sometimes lucky for water at the side of your front door, but only if your front door faces north, east or southeast. East is of the wood element and water is beneficial to wood. North is the direction of the water element, so placement in this section is fortunate. Water placed on the west section of the house is very unlucky.

It is very important to place things in your home so that you have a happy home life. One time, I was consulting with a couple that were going through a divorce. The husband had asked for the divorce. While he was gone on a week’s business trip, she called me to do the Feng Shui. In the marriage corner, this section had a large square beam. We covered the post with a picture of a couple walking in a green field. Some homes have this section missing from the house, as sometimes happen in houses with unusual shapes. Their bedroom had a lot of clutter that we cleaned out. The bathroom door from the bedroom was always left opened. We closed the bathroom door and put the toilet led down.

When the husband returned, he told my client that he had changed his mind and did not want the divorce. That was four years ago and they are very happy to this day. So you see how powerful Feng Shui is, and how quickly it can work.

Want to learn more about Feng Shui? http://www.myfengshuilife.com


Copyright © 1996-2010 Montgomery Decor. All rights reserved.
Jarrah theme by Templates Next | Powered by WordPress