interior-decorating-ideas.com

(ARA) – When juggling the demands of work and family, busy homeowners often reach for the ease and convenience of mass-produced decor to create an atmosphere that reflects their own personal style. However, this “one-size-fits-all” approach to home decorating can often lead to lifeless rooms that weren’t created so much to be lived in as they were to be looked at. Experts agree that avoiding a cookie cutter motif is easier than you may think.

During his recent turn on Bravo’s “Top Design” reality television series, Chicago interior designer, Erik Kolacz repeatedly demonstrated the importance of infusing personal tastes into the design of your home. “Regardless of whether you’re reworking a family heirloom to fit your decor or browsing the aisles at Target, in the end you have to live in your home,” says Kolacz. “Be patient, and stick to what appeals to you, and you can’t go wrong.”

Kolacz suggested that one of the easiest ways to work personal style into home decor is through thoughtful choices in unframed artwork. “Utilizing the skill and expertise of a custom framer makes a huge difference in how well a piece will fit into your space,” says Kolacz. “When choosing a custom framing professional to assist you, look for a framer that asks questions about where the piece will be and not just the piece itself.”

As the owner of The Designer’s Wall Gallery in Birmingham, Mich., Bonnie Palizzi concurs. “There are so many things a professional custom framer can offer to enhance your art as well as complement your interior design,” says Palizzi. “A custom framer should be thinking about several things before they even suggest a design, including the art, the space where it will hang and the personality of the room.” Palizzi even goes so far as to offer home visits to her customers, but acknowledges that this is not always a possibility. She suggested that one good way to ensure that the framing size will fit is to request a paper template that can be used to “test-out” the space. “There’s no better way to make sure that what you and your framer have designed will really work than to have a visual to hang on the wall that you can step back and take a look at,” says Palizzi.

Consider a few of these additional tips from Palizzi for creating a unique home environment that matches your distinctive style:

1. Remember that the frame and mat should complement the art, not compete with it for attention. “You want to pull the eye to the art, not the framing,” says Palizzi. “The frame and the matting should never be the focus.”
2. Size your piece to balance with the architecture in the room. “In a room with high ceilings, a solitary piece should be large enough not to get lost in the extra space,” says Palizzi. You can create a larger look by using a larger mat design. “Crescent offers matboards in a variety of textures and colors that make it very easy to achieve this without sacrificing the integrity of the art,” says Palizzi.
3. When framing, consider the room color and the particular space where the piece will be hung. “The eye will naturally go to the darkest spot if the room is light, and vice versa,” says Palizzi. “Your framing should create a balance with the room’s decor.”
4. Don’t make the mistake of limiting framing to canvas or paper artwork only. Palizzi has framed everything from silverware to fishing lures to musical instruments. “You might be surprised at how many things a custom framer can work with,” says Palizzi. “And, often, these kinds of pieces make the most beautiful statements.”

Finally, Palizzi recommends choosing a custom framing professional that guarantees your satisfaction with the finished piece. “If for some reason you find that the piece doesn’t fit with your space, the advantage of working with a custom framer is that most are willing to do whatever it takes to make sure you’re happy,” says Palizzi. “They’ve also got the advantage of having high quality materials that come with their own guarantee available to them. For example, Crescent’s 100 percent cotton RagMat matboards are guaranteed safe next to any artwork for life. You can’t beat that!”

For more information about custom framing, visit www.crescentcardboard.com or contact a professional framer in your area.

(ARA) - The written form of language has always had a primal power to move us. From carvings in caves to alphabets on hand-stitched samplers to the word “welcome” on a doormat, we’ve historically surrounded ourselves with a certain amount of typography in our homes. Now leaders in the home decorating industry say that interest in “interior typography” is soaring to new heights.

Mary McPhail, cofounder and creative director of WonderfulGraffiti.com, built her entire company around the art of lettering for home interiors. “I think personalization of anything is an important trend right now, and in a nation of 277 million households, everyone’s looking for ways to make their homes one of a kind.”

The centerpiece of McPhail’s Web site is a virtual wall that lets you customize your own typography in the form of Wonderful Graffiti. The ultra-thin, matte vinyl text mimics the look of printing on walls. It transfers easily to hard, smooth surfaces yet peels away completely without harming the underlying finish. Your lettered design is delivered to you, exactly as you designed it on your virtual wall, pre-positioned on a single sheet of transfer paper. Tape the sheet of transfer paper into position, rub down the text and peel away the transfer paper. Only the individual letters remain.

Wonderful Graffiti expanded their concept of interior typography this year with three new media: BlankCanvas is a collection of semi-customizable artists’ canvases featuring unconventional monograms and type designs in black and white. The Graffiti 3D collection offers a variety of three-dimensional letters in enamel, Lucite or metal. Graffiti Ghost is a semi-transparent vinyl transfer material for more subtle lettering effects.

“All of our wall decor is fun to work with,” says McPhail, “but if you want to integrate typography into your home, you can do it just as effectively with stencils, paint, paper, ink, markers, chalk, embroidery — whatever tools you’re most comfortable using.”

Are you brave enough to write on your walls?

We’ve all been taught since toddler-hood that writing on anything besides paper is “bad.” If it’s done at all, it’s only by artsy-craftsy types. What will the neighbors think? And what about resale value?

McPhail says to take a deep breath and open your mind. “Once you give yourself permission to let go, you’ll discover that the possibilities for ‘writing’ on your surroundings become exhilaratingly endless. And while you could begin by stenciling an inspirational quote on a wall or a child’s name on a bedroom door, why stop your thinking there? Imagining beyond what first comes to mind is the really fun part of decorating with typography.”

Think favorite recipes. Borders that tell stories. Poetry. Inside jokes. Motherly advice. Political statements. Even holiday greetings.

McPhail points to endless examples of how beautifully designed text can be integrated into a room’s design. You can put it to work welcoming guests, showing the way, organizing chaos or inspiring the kids. Or use typography to add an element of emotion anywhere in the house, whether it’s an upbeat phrase on your bathroom mirror to kick-start your day, a definition of family, a spiritual message that wraps around you and your guests at the dinner table, or a few sweet nothings to create a romantic mood in the bedroom. McPhail says that what her clients really gravitate to, though, are ways to personalize their spaces, say with a family monogram, or a sentiment that ties into a special interest like travel or fine wines.

For more information, log on to www.WonderfulGraffiti.com or call (877) 557-5675.

Lacrosse Technology 16 Inch Atomic Metal Analog Metal Wall Clock

Brushed Metal
Updates for DST Dimensions: 16″ Diameter
Atomic time with manual setting
Automatically sets to exact time
Accurate to the second
Automatically updates for daylight saving time (on/off option)
4 time zone settings
Simple operation: insert 1 “AA” alkaline battery Specifications:

More Wall Clocks …

When it comes to your home, you want it to feel like it is a special place for you and your family. Even if you are single, you want your home to feel like a place where you can relax and express your personal style. There are many ways you can make your house into a home, and one great way is by finding some great wall decorating ideas that are fun, but decidedly you.

Wall decorating ideas are everywhere; you just have to find what suits your style and your budget. There is something out there for every price range, and you can find wall decorating ideas in the strangest places. Just last week, much to my shock, I saw something amazing on the wall of a McDonalds near Washington DC. If I could find something like it near me, I would gladly hang it on my wall.

When it comes to decor, you have to decide if you like simple or complex. Simple wall decorating ideas might be as simple as finding the perfect wallpaper to adorn your walls. It may also mean finding a great paint design you can do yourself. Many home improvement stores have classes to teach you different painting techniques, and quite often these are free. You may also find decor mirrors, wall fixtures or unique lighting pieces there, and they may be all you need.

Other places to find wall decorating ideas are home magazines or home shows on television. There are millions of things you can do, and you may just need to search until something catches your eye. Don’t stress about it too hard. You’ll know it when you see it. You may also find great wall decorating ideas by finding a painting or wall hanging that you fall in love with instantly. This can help you decide what colors you love, and what theme you may wish to use.

If you have a larger budget, you can consult with an interior designer for wall decorating ideas, especially if you have a large wall opening. They can do a room for you, or simply help you decide what you might like, and give you some ideas to get you going. At times, all you need is a color and an idea, and you will find yourself with the perfect looking room. If an interior decorator is not your speed, you might want to search online for ideas, or steal ideas from your favorite movie or television show. The possibilities are endless.

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Need to find a Zen moment in an otherwise hectic day? Plug in this soothing tabletop fountain and let the sounds of nature drown out the buzz of a busy office, whining children, or the honking of traffic. The fountain’s attractive design blends into any home or office decor. The plastic platform holds a scattering of polished river rocks, and sends water cascading over the sides to create a naturally pleasant white noise that enhances concentration or brings on relaxation and sleep. The fountain operates via an installed durable electric water pump, and offers several speeds so you can adjust the water flow to fit your mood. A light can also be turned on for evening relaxation sessions for a more dramatic effect. The EnviraScape fountain measures 11 inches wide by 7-1/2 inches high by 11 inches deep and is easy to set up using the included instructions. HoMedics covers this fountain under a 1-year limited warranty. –Cristina Vaamonde

Customer Reviews: Read 25 more reviews…

5 out of 5 stars No motor noise! none! February 9, 2006
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I also do not have the pump suctioned to the bowl, and with the pump setting on medium, plus a careful arrangement of rocks, I can create any level of water sound I’m in the mood for, and I have to lean so close to the fountain I’m practically drinking from it before I hear any motor noise.

This fountain does have a not-so-pretty side, so I put it on a bookshelf underneath a window. I guess it might not work as a centerpiece, but 3/4 of it is very pretty to look at, and it came with two good size bags of rocks, plenty if you leave the ugly side alone.

Also, even if you overfill this fountain there’s almost no splashing and no leaking out of the bottom either. I have it running all day long at work (up to 10 to 12 hours at a time), and it’s very consistent, I only have to add filtered water occasionally. I’ve gone through MANY fountains, and this is the best one out there, more than worth the price.

5 out of 5 stars Lovely fountain to aid sleep or just watch… March 19, 2006
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

First off, my fountain is quiet…I have excellent hearing and bought it to help sleep and it does this well. I had no real problems with set-up, despite the fact that I read the instructions only after assembly! There is a bit of splatter after many, many hours of running, but adjusting the pump to about 1/3 between the “-” and “+” setting fixes most of that. My room humidity stays about 45% and at that level you need to add water every two days or so. Mine is visible from over 180 degrees and it looks nice from all sides. I found there were plenty of stones supplied, despite others problems. Oh, and please fellow-shoppers, unless you have bought one or have used one of a friends, it isn’t helpful to rate a product based on speculation.
All considered, a fine product!

5 out of 5 stars Great value! January 12, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

This is a nice little fountain, not too difficult to put together if you’re fairly handy, good tabletop size, amazing price. The only thing that drove me bananas was that they put stickers on the slate pieces to match up to the construction diagram, and the stickers wouldn’t come off easily. But, I just put a few of the little rocks that came with it on top of the sticker residue and it looks fine. Just be sure to keep it clean or it won’t run properly. Oh, and this is definitely a corner unit - the back doesn’t have any decoration.

5 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT March 14, 2006
0 out of 2 found this review helpful

works extremely well and brings such peace into my busy office. i give it out as gifts.

5 out of 5 stars Simplistic, relaxing & easy on the mind…. June 30, 2006
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

My third attempt at purchasing an indoor fountain. I love this fountain. Extremely easy to put together. Some reviewers feel it splashes water, however, if the rocks & slates are placed properly, the waterfall flows smoothly. This fountain relaxes me. The combination of soothing light & rippling water create an inner peace. There are plenty of rocks for decorating, however, if you want more, go outside & find some rocks! I added some oriental jade pieces for a little spice. I am back to purchase another fountain! Highly recommend this fountain.

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This beautiful wrought iron cross wall hanging measures 29 inches tall, and 17 inches wide. Featuring wonderful scrollwork, with a wagon wheel medallion in the center, this cross has fleur-de-lis finials on all 4 tips, and has an antiqued verdigris finish. It looks great on any wall, and makes a great housewarming gift.

Wrought Iron Cross

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TINKERBELL Decorative Wall Stickers (set of 4) . Self-stick, removable, and reusable Jumbo Wall Stickers are the easy way to decorate your nursery wall and they won’t damage your walls! It’s so quick and easy , just peel and stick! Jumbo Size: 4 sheets , each 18″ X ” 10″ , 25 stickers. Decorate in minutes!! Easy to apply. Works best on clean, smooth, dust-free surfaces. Licensed product.

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This wall mirror elaborately carved leaves and flourishes of this handsome wood frame recall the work of Far Eastern artisans. A dash of the exotic brings drama to any corner! Wood. 13″ x 3/8″ x 19 7/8″ high.

AllPosters.com is the world’s #1 seller of posters, prints, photographs, specialty products and framed art. We’re dedicated to bringing our customers the best selection of high quality wall décor that is perfect for their home or office. Browse our catalog of over 300,000 items that include entertainment and specialty posters, decorative prints, and art reproductions. Whether you’re looking for your favorite movie or music poster, a framed Monet reproduction, or a print of the Eiffel Tower you will find it at AllPosters.com. Visit our Amazon store today at www.amazon.com/allposters to find Special Offers and search by subject category or artist. AllPosters.com provides unmatched service with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We ship internationally to over 80 countries. Decorate your home today with your favorite pictures.

5 out of 5 stars map of middle earth poster shines! November 10, 2006
I love how this looks in a frame on my wall! I bought it as a side gift along with the boxed-set of books for my husband’s birthday. I highly recommend putting a little money into a 24″ x 36″ frame. This print is worthy of a nice frame but looks great in a regular poster frame. I highly recommend this to anyone who is a fan of The Lord of the Rings books and/or movies.

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