We decided to build our
home from scratch a few years ago and my father informed us at the time that we were actually building it
along the wrong lines . He Works as a gardener and
greenkeeper so he is a bit of an expert at telling the direction in which the
sun rises and falls, as well as the path it takes at any given point during the
day. Stupidly, I did not
take his advice. I was adamant that one of the features I wanted in the new
house was a kitchen which faced to the front of the property. Now that we have been in the property for
some time I have to grudgingly accept that my Dad was right and I was wrong.
Because we had built the property effectively back to front,
the kitchen and living room tend to be cold and dark during the day, while the
bedrooms at the rear of the property get bathed in sunlight during the day when
they are never being used. Now we are as big fans of scented candles and home fragrances in general as the next person but we began to grudge having to use what should have been a bit of treat just to lighten up the dark recesses of out home. People naturally seem
to gravítate to the kitchen and, even even if we put he heating up full blast in the living room, we all just
sat around talking on hard
kitchen chairs.It was cold dark and uncomfortable, the exact opposite of what we had visualised our kitchen would be. In our minds eye the kitchen would be the heart of the home. It is a bit of a cliche, I know, but we had really hoped that it would become a warm comfortable gathering place where friends and family could enjoy a cup of tea and a piece of cake, or maybe even a full scale meal. Instead it was miserable and gloomy.In fact there were times it was so bad that we needed to light up some perfumed candles by our favourite makes such as Heyland and Whittle or Yankee candles not just for their fragrance, but to give the room a bit of light.
Finally we took the plunge and resolved to erect an extensión to create a new
living room and sitting room area with an integrated kitchen and dining area perfect for family get togethers. The one essential was that the extensión
was situated to the rear of the house to benefit from the sunlight and also to
give direct access to the garden, for those summer days when we could dime al
fresco. We made use of our solid alder wood kitchen and all the
appliances, with the addition of new granite worktops, my husband is
good at DIY and we had the help of his two carpenter brothers so
we did not have to spend too much on
labour or personnel. We laid decking outside the new patio doors
and wrapped it around the property so that it joined up with the existing deck
at the front of the bungalow. Now we we have a great place to sit and enjoy the sun and we enjoy the views of the
back garden, no longer needing to burn scented candles all day long.
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store which supplies a wide range of candles including Voluspa candles
Sunday, 9 October 2011
Give Your New Kitchen The Natural Look
When I finally made my mind up to give my home –
and my kitchen in particular - a
makeover, I had a very definite
image in my mind of the way I wanted my new kitchen to look . I am really fond of the idea of
using natural materials like wood and stone in the home. I decided to make circular holes in the wall and floor cabinets we had picked out because I did not like the handles that came with them and could
not find any suitable replacements. The result was that
these small holes became the handles. And the units I chose for the wall and floor was influenced by the
elaborate 3-D floor tile, which you can find in many places in
Italy. One One idea I really wanted to
introduce into my new kitchen was the use of marble worktops from Carrara also
from Italy. I was brought up in Liguria, near Carrara, and there, everyone uses
the local marble in their kitchens. Aesthetics were not the only consideration, especially
for a room such as a kitchen which has such a functional side I enjoy trying out new recipes in the kitchen, and my husband
loves to eat, so that
made it essential to get good quality appliances such as a cooker and cooker
hood. The oven has six burners and a grill that you can
put your choice of meat or fish straight on top of to grill.
Possibly the most surprising
side of the makeover is that when we acquired our home
it was a shop, so we
basically had a blank canvas to create a space that reflected our wishes
perfectly. As part of the project to transform the shop into a home, the room
that was once the shop's office was stripped out and fully plumbed and wired to
become a kitchen. A large window was put in the back wall and glasses panels
were put in the roof to flood the space with light. when we were deciding on lighting we also elected to
fit both overhead lights and LED strip lights below the
kitchen units. When we we have friends over for
dinner in the kitchen we can dim the overhead light and fill the kitchen with subtle lighting from the strip lights,
to which we can add
the soft light from our favourite perfumed
candles created by manufacturers
such as Yankee candles and True Grace candles. These are just two of my personall favourite choices - there are however litterally hundreds ogf different brands of scented candles and reed diffusers out there. The best idea is probably to experiment with a few to find the one or two that you really like and then stick with those choices for the future. Either way home fragrances are a simple but elegant way to add a certain something to your home without breaking the bank. And if you do not like candles, again don't despair. If you are not a fan of scented candles but love to have youe home smelling great then the remedy is simple - use a reed diffuser instead. These are the latest thing in home fragrance, with all the scent of a candle but with much more convenience. They really come into their own in a situation whete you cannot afely leave a candle burning. Typical examples would be when you are out of the house or if you want to fragrance a room which is unoccupied for a long time. Another great advantage of diffusers is that they can be used safely around children and pets. Leaving a lit candle in a room where children are playing is not sensible because as they enjoy themselves there is the risk - however slight - that the candle could be knocked over and cause a fire.
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store which supplies a wide range of scented candles including Voluspa candles
and my kitchen in particular - a
makeover, I had a very definite
image in my mind of the way I wanted my new kitchen to look . I am really fond of the idea of
using natural materials like wood and stone in the home. I decided to make circular holes in the wall and floor cabinets we had picked out because I did not like the handles that came with them and could
not find any suitable replacements. The result was that
these small holes became the handles. And the units I chose for the wall and floor was influenced by the
elaborate 3-D floor tile, which you can find in many places in
Italy. One One idea I really wanted to
introduce into my new kitchen was the use of marble worktops from Carrara also
from Italy. I was brought up in Liguria, near Carrara, and there, everyone uses
the local marble in their kitchens. Aesthetics were not the only consideration, especially
for a room such as a kitchen which has such a functional side I enjoy trying out new recipes in the kitchen, and my husband
loves to eat, so that
made it essential to get good quality appliances such as a cooker and cooker
hood. The oven has six burners and a grill that you can
put your choice of meat or fish straight on top of to grill.
Possibly the most surprising
side of the makeover is that when we acquired our home
it was a shop, so we
basically had a blank canvas to create a space that reflected our wishes
perfectly. As part of the project to transform the shop into a home, the room
that was once the shop's office was stripped out and fully plumbed and wired to
become a kitchen. A large window was put in the back wall and glasses panels
were put in the roof to flood the space with light. when we were deciding on lighting we also elected to
fit both overhead lights and LED strip lights below the
kitchen units. When we we have friends over for
dinner in the kitchen we can dim the overhead light and fill the kitchen with subtle lighting from the strip lights,
to which we can add
the soft light from our favourite perfumed
candles created by manufacturers
such as Yankee candles and True Grace candles. These are just two of my personall favourite choices - there are however litterally hundreds ogf different brands of scented candles and reed diffusers out there. The best idea is probably to experiment with a few to find the one or two that you really like and then stick with those choices for the future. Either way home fragrances are a simple but elegant way to add a certain something to your home without breaking the bank. And if you do not like candles, again don't despair. If you are not a fan of scented candles but love to have youe home smelling great then the remedy is simple - use a reed diffuser instead. These are the latest thing in home fragrance, with all the scent of a candle but with much more convenience. They really come into their own in a situation whete you cannot afely leave a candle burning. Typical examples would be when you are out of the house or if you want to fragrance a room which is unoccupied for a long time. Another great advantage of diffusers is that they can be used safely around children and pets. Leaving a lit candle in a room where children are playing is not sensible because as they enjoy themselves there is the risk - however slight - that the candle could be knocked over and cause a fire.
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store which supplies a wide range of scented candles including Voluspa candles
Surprise Your Friends With This New Idea
For
a great way to impress friend or family who pop in for a chat or a cup of tea this week then why not give some thought to trying out your own original flower display. We have come up with a
really novel and attractive way to display your choice of flowers on a cake
stand of all things!
The great thing
about this idea is its versatility – it looks just stunning in any room of the
house although with the food connotation it is probably at its best in the
kitchen or perhaps the dining room. It just goes to show you can have your
cake and eat it!
The first step in preparing your display naturally enough
involves a visit to your favourite flower shop where we are sure you will be
most impressed with the vast range of flowers and plants on offer. There are simply masses to
pick from – if you are in
luck there may still be a few of the summer roses still remaining or something
like a hydrangea would also make a great choice. If you are aiming for a slightly more old fashioned look you might might want to opt for something such as lisianthus – the choice
is yours – just try to go
for something with an attractive colour to show off your display at its best.
You will be able to pick up~ can find ~ can come across a cake plate in your local hardware store, general store or
baking supplies outlet. They are often very decorative
and will make a fantastic focal point for any room, whether you use it to display flowers or
not. If for any reason you are unable to find a suitable cake stand, then you can show off your arrangement on an upturned cylinder vase which will raise it~
keeps it off the table, showing all your hard work off in the best possible light. And when you have completed your arrangementa fantastic tip to really set the effect off splendidly is
to place it on a table or console alongside one or two of your favourite aromatic candles. The flicker of the candles against the glass of
the cake plate creates a lovely effect
. Go for scented candles in the same
shade as your flowers and try to choose the best
you can afford. Producers
worth looking out for include Heyland and
Whittle as well as the market leaders Yankee candles. Or if you are not fond of
scented candles another fantastic idea would be to sit your display beside one f
the modern reed diffusers which are so popular these days. You will not get the
soft glow of the light from the candle flame but they have a very striking almost
eastern style about them which will help draw the eye to your attractive
display. The other benefit that a reed diffuser has to offer is that it will
continue to perfume your living space continuously, unlike a scented candle
which will only work when the candle is lit.
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store which supplies a range of scented candles including Yankee candles
a great way to impress friend or family who pop in for a chat or a cup of tea this week then why not give some thought to trying out your own original flower display. We have come up with a
really novel and attractive way to display your choice of flowers on a cake
stand of all things!
The great thing
about this idea is its versatility – it looks just stunning in any room of the
house although with the food connotation it is probably at its best in the
kitchen or perhaps the dining room. It just goes to show you can have your
cake and eat it!
The first step in preparing your display naturally enough
involves a visit to your favourite flower shop where we are sure you will be
most impressed with the vast range of flowers and plants on offer. There are simply masses to
pick from – if you are in
luck there may still be a few of the summer roses still remaining or something
like a hydrangea would also make a great choice. If you are aiming for a slightly more old fashioned look you might might want to opt for something such as lisianthus – the choice
is yours – just try to go
for something with an attractive colour to show off your display at its best.
You will be able to pick up~ can find ~ can come across a cake plate in your local hardware store, general store or
baking supplies outlet. They are often very decorative
and will make a fantastic focal point for any room, whether you use it to display flowers or
not. If for any reason you are unable to find a suitable cake stand, then you can show off your arrangement on an upturned cylinder vase which will raise it~
keeps it off the table, showing all your hard work off in the best possible light. And when you have completed your arrangementa fantastic tip to really set the effect off splendidly is
to place it on a table or console alongside one or two of your favourite aromatic candles. The flicker of the candles against the glass of
the cake plate creates a lovely effect
. Go for scented candles in the same
shade as your flowers and try to choose the best
you can afford. Producers
worth looking out for include Heyland and
Whittle as well as the market leaders Yankee candles. Or if you are not fond of
scented candles another fantastic idea would be to sit your display beside one f
the modern reed diffusers which are so popular these days. You will not get the
soft glow of the light from the candle flame but they have a very striking almost
eastern style about them which will help draw the eye to your attractive
display. The other benefit that a reed diffuser has to offer is that it will
continue to perfume your living space continuously, unlike a scented candle
which will only work when the candle is lit.
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store which supplies a range of scented candles including Yankee candles
Natural Materials Create A Stylish Kitchen
When it
came to redecorating my home , I had a clear vision of the look I wanted in my new kitchen . I'm really into
materials and details . I came up with the
idea of making circular holes in the plywood units we had made because I didn't
like any handles I saw . The holes basically became the handles. And my choice of white units and their simple
design was influenced by the
elaborate 3-D floor tile, which you see a lot in
Italy. One feature I really wanted was marble worktops from Carrara also
from Italy. I come from Liguria, near Carrara, where
it's the most common material to use in the kitchen. The makeover wasn't all about style,
though I love to cook
, and my husband
loves to eat, so another priority was to get good practical equipment . The oven has six burners and a chef top that you can cook straight on top of to grill. Probably the most impressive aspect of the makeover is that when we bought our home
it was a shop, so we started from scratch to create this unique space . As part of the project to transform the shop into a home, the room
that was once the shop's office was stripped out and fully plumbed and wired to
become a kitchen. A large window was put in the back wall and glasses panels
were put in the roof to flood the space with light. In terms of lighting we also decided to
fit both overhead lights and LED strip lights under the
kitchen units. When we entertain in the kitchen we can dim the overhead light and fill the room
with diffused lighting from the strip lights,
supplemented by our favourite aromatic
candles from companies like Yankee candles and True Grace candles. These are just two of my personall favourite choices - there are however litterally hundreds ogf different brands of scented candles and reed diffusers out there. The best idea is probably to experiment with a few to find the one or two that you really like and then stick with those choices for the future. Either way home fragrances are a simple but elegant way to add a certain something to your home without breaking the bank. And if you do not like candles, again don't despair. If you are not a fan of scented candles but love to have youe home smelling great then the remedy is simple - use a reed diffuser instead. These are the latest thing in home fragrance, with all the scent of a candle but with much more convenience. They really come into their own in a situation whete you cannot afely leave a candle burning. Typical examples would be when you are out of the house or if you want to fragrance a room which is unoccupied for a long time. Another great advantage of diffusers is that they can be used safely around children and pets. Leaving a lit candle in a room where children are playing is not sensible because as they enjoy themselves there is the risk - however slight - that the candle could be knocked over and cause a fire.
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store which supplies a wide range of candles including Yankee candles
came to redecorating my home , I had a clear vision of the look I wanted in my new kitchen . I'm really into
materials and details . I came up with the
idea of making circular holes in the plywood units we had made because I didn't
like any handles I saw . The holes basically became the handles. And my choice of white units and their simple
design was influenced by the
elaborate 3-D floor tile, which you see a lot in
Italy. One feature I really wanted was marble worktops from Carrara also
from Italy. I come from Liguria, near Carrara, where
it's the most common material to use in the kitchen. The makeover wasn't all about style,
though I love to cook
, and my husband
loves to eat, so another priority was to get good practical equipment . The oven has six burners and a chef top that you can cook straight on top of to grill. Probably the most impressive aspect of the makeover is that when we bought our home
it was a shop, so we started from scratch to create this unique space . As part of the project to transform the shop into a home, the room
that was once the shop's office was stripped out and fully plumbed and wired to
become a kitchen. A large window was put in the back wall and glasses panels
were put in the roof to flood the space with light. In terms of lighting we also decided to
fit both overhead lights and LED strip lights under the
kitchen units. When we entertain in the kitchen we can dim the overhead light and fill the room
with diffused lighting from the strip lights,
supplemented by our favourite aromatic
candles from companies like Yankee candles and True Grace candles. These are just two of my personall favourite choices - there are however litterally hundreds ogf different brands of scented candles and reed diffusers out there. The best idea is probably to experiment with a few to find the one or two that you really like and then stick with those choices for the future. Either way home fragrances are a simple but elegant way to add a certain something to your home without breaking the bank. And if you do not like candles, again don't despair. If you are not a fan of scented candles but love to have youe home smelling great then the remedy is simple - use a reed diffuser instead. These are the latest thing in home fragrance, with all the scent of a candle but with much more convenience. They really come into their own in a situation whete you cannot afely leave a candle burning. Typical examples would be when you are out of the house or if you want to fragrance a room which is unoccupied for a long time. Another great advantage of diffusers is that they can be used safely around children and pets. Leaving a lit candle in a room where children are playing is not sensible because as they enjoy themselves there is the risk - however slight - that the candle could be knocked over and cause a fire.
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store which supplies a wide range of candles including Yankee candles
Thursday, 6 October 2011
How To Keep Your Lampshades Looking Good
There are masses of lampshades available, made of many different materials and coming in different shapes, sizes and styles. You can go for small lampshades which will look good on a bedside lamp or perhaps for a wall light, or larger, more ornate lampshades which work best for the central ceiling light in a lounge or bedroom. They can be made of a whole host of different materials , from inexpensive polyester lace effect to expensive hand pleated silk. But what is the best way to clean them? And do they actually need that much in the way of cleaning \ is it really necessary anyway?
Lampshades are one of those things that you dont really appreciate are dirty until you get up close to them. When you do see them close up you will see the dust and dirt which has gathered around them, the more so if you have a lamp shade which is pleated or features a number of ruffles or folds as many ornate designs do. However, if your lampshades are looking a bit on the grubby side and in need of some attention, there is no need to panic as it's very easy to clean them.
Needless to say the best way to clean a particular lamp shade depends on what it is made of. Lampshades which are made of soft textiles like silk, linen or cotton can be cleaned using a vacuum-cleaner to remove any surface dust. Use a soft brush attachment to ensure that you do not damage the material which can often be quite fragile. If there are hard to remove pieces of dirt or dust a good thing to use to try to dislodge them is a toothbrush, but you should use this very gently so as not to damage the shade. If marks remain after brushing and vacuuming the shade a more thorough clean may be required.
You may wish to take your lampshades to the dry cleaner for this, particularly if they were costly . If not, there are two other ways to clean your textile lampshades. You could use a foam cleaner which you can find at most local stores. It is recommended to try any such cleaner out on an hard to see area of the lamp shade first, to ensure that there is no colour run or any other damaging effects. Simply spray a light film of foam on the shade, agitate it with a clean cloth or sponge, before wiping off. This should remove most stains but if you are still not happy with the results you could call on the services of a carpet and upholstery cleaner. Again, though, this is only really merited in the case of particularly expensive shades.
In the case of paper shades, the best thing to do is to clean the shade using a suitable dry cloth. This should be enough to get rid of the dust but it should be done on a regular basis . Daily cleaning would be ideal, but given that we all lead busy lives, perhaps weekly or fortnightly is a little more practical . Either way, regular attention will yield the best results. If you notice that your paper shade has some stains, particularly greasy stains or marks, a good tip is to sprinkle some talcum powder on the area and remove it using a soft brush or a toothbrush as mentioned above.
Finally, if your lampshade shade is made of parchment, then removing marks and stains can be a little more complicated . The job is not really that difficult - it simply requires a little time and a degree of care. You will need to use a very soft damp sponge. You may choose to add some mild multi-purpose detergent, though this is not always required . After cleaning the shade, put some drops of liquid wax onto a damp cloth and then rub the shade gently. This is a special kind of wax - not the wax you would associate with scented candles by brands like Yankee candles. This process is ideal for keeping parchment lampshades in perfect condition. And there you have it - simple easy to follow steps to keeping you lampshades looking good.
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store which supplies a range of candles including brands like True Grace candles
Lampshades are one of those things that you dont really appreciate are dirty until you get up close to them. When you do see them close up you will see the dust and dirt which has gathered around them, the more so if you have a lamp shade which is pleated or features a number of ruffles or folds as many ornate designs do. However, if your lampshades are looking a bit on the grubby side and in need of some attention, there is no need to panic as it's very easy to clean them.
Needless to say the best way to clean a particular lamp shade depends on what it is made of. Lampshades which are made of soft textiles like silk, linen or cotton can be cleaned using a vacuum-cleaner to remove any surface dust. Use a soft brush attachment to ensure that you do not damage the material which can often be quite fragile. If there are hard to remove pieces of dirt or dust a good thing to use to try to dislodge them is a toothbrush, but you should use this very gently so as not to damage the shade. If marks remain after brushing and vacuuming the shade a more thorough clean may be required.
You may wish to take your lampshades to the dry cleaner for this, particularly if they were costly . If not, there are two other ways to clean your textile lampshades. You could use a foam cleaner which you can find at most local stores. It is recommended to try any such cleaner out on an hard to see area of the lamp shade first, to ensure that there is no colour run or any other damaging effects. Simply spray a light film of foam on the shade, agitate it with a clean cloth or sponge, before wiping off. This should remove most stains but if you are still not happy with the results you could call on the services of a carpet and upholstery cleaner. Again, though, this is only really merited in the case of particularly expensive shades.
In the case of paper shades, the best thing to do is to clean the shade using a suitable dry cloth. This should be enough to get rid of the dust but it should be done on a regular basis . Daily cleaning would be ideal, but given that we all lead busy lives, perhaps weekly or fortnightly is a little more practical . Either way, regular attention will yield the best results. If you notice that your paper shade has some stains, particularly greasy stains or marks, a good tip is to sprinkle some talcum powder on the area and remove it using a soft brush or a toothbrush as mentioned above.
Finally, if your lampshade shade is made of parchment, then removing marks and stains can be a little more complicated . The job is not really that difficult - it simply requires a little time and a degree of care. You will need to use a very soft damp sponge. You may choose to add some mild multi-purpose detergent, though this is not always required . After cleaning the shade, put some drops of liquid wax onto a damp cloth and then rub the shade gently. This is a special kind of wax - not the wax you would associate with scented candles by brands like Yankee candles. This process is ideal for keeping parchment lampshades in perfect condition. And there you have it - simple easy to follow steps to keeping you lampshades looking good.
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store which supplies a range of candles including brands like True Grace candles
Wednesday, 5 October 2011
The Advantages Of Employing An Interior Designer
The first time I bought a new home from a builder, I found that although there was some consultation on things like choice of
floor tiles and other small items, the overall finished effect was more what
the builder’s designer liked, rather than something to my own tastes. Having lived with this somewhat imperfect situation for a few
years I took the plunge and decided it was time to
redecorate my bedroom and ensuite, as well as
the the remainder of my
property, and I consulted an interior design specialist
to come up with something different and to manage the work.
The kind of home I live in was designed
for young single professionals – or professional couples – and unfortunately
they tend to look a little cold and sterile. They do not really have those elusive individual
touches that can make a home so inviting. My intention was
to stamp my character on the place~ my home ~ my flat~ my apartment and and create a radically different look. So much so that in fact the interior designer
had to try to keep some of my more outlandish suggestions and ideas back from
the finished project. The biggest
issue we needed to tackle was how poorly the original architect and designer
had used the available space. The large cupboard under the basin dominated the
room, and the space
The first time I bought a new home from a builder, I found that although there was some consultation on things like choice of
floor tiles and other small items, the overall finished effect was more what
the builder’s designer liked, rather than something to my own tastes. Having lived with this somewhat imperfect situation for a few
years I took the plunge and decided it was time to
redecorate my bedroom and ensuite, as well as
the the remainder of my
property, and I consulted an interior design specialist
to come up with something different and to manage the work.
The kind of home I live in was designed
for young single professionals – or professional couples – and unfortunately
they tend to look a little cold and sterile. They do not really have those elusive individual
touches that can make a home so inviting. My intention was
to stamp my character on the place~ my home ~ my flat~ my apartment and and create a radically different look. So much so that in fact the interior designer
had to try to keep some of my more outlandish suggestions and ideas back from
the finished project. The biggest
issue we needed to tackle was how poorly the original architect and designer
had used the available space. The large cupboard under the basin dominated the
room, and the space either side of the loo was wasted when it could have been
used for storage. Because the space in the bathroom was so restricted we
were not able to move the position of the bathroom suite, so as an
alternative the designer sought out compact fittings
and removed a stud wall to provide a little more room in which to install a larger, more
luxurious shower compartment. All this demonstrates quite
clearly that restricted spaces can be functional as well as stylish,
without blowing the budget . One thing I learned very quickly was that if you
choose bright cheerful accessories you can soon put your own impression on any room. I tended to go
for simple ideas like mirrors and
clocks as well as old favourites like perfumed candles
and photo frames. My favourite scented candles are
manufactured by manufacturers such
as Yankee candles and True Grace candles, but there are many more besides. If, like me,
you have trouble visualising how things will look and don't want to lift a
finger, employ a designer. Spend time looking for a person who not only
produces great results but who you really click with, the kind of person who you think shares your idas and your likes and dislikes. Ask any designer you are considering hiring to show you his portfolio so you can see the kind of work he has successfullyt completed inthe past. If the job you are contemplating is likely to be extensive - and therfore costly - you might even want to ask the designers you are talkking to for permission to contact some of theirt satisfied customers face to face. That way you will be able to judge at first hand exactly the type of sertvice a particular designer offers. Most professional businesses who are happy to stand behind the quality of their work should have no problem with this approach, so long as it is done respectfully, without pestering their customers.
The author is owner of the Scented Candle Store where you will find a wide range of scented candles including brands like True Grace candles
floor tiles and other small items, the overall finished effect was more what
the builder’s designer liked, rather than something to my own tastes. Having lived with this somewhat imperfect situation for a few
years I took the plunge and decided it was time to
redecorate my bedroom and ensuite, as well as
the the remainder of my
property, and I consulted an interior design specialist
to come up with something different and to manage the work.
The kind of home I live in was designed
for young single professionals – or professional couples – and unfortunately
they tend to look a little cold and sterile. They do not really have those elusive individual
touches that can make a home so inviting. My intention was
to stamp my character on the place~ my home ~ my flat~ my apartment and and create a radically different look. So much so that in fact the interior designer
had to try to keep some of my more outlandish suggestions and ideas back from
the finished project. The biggest
issue we needed to tackle was how poorly the original architect and designer
had used the available space. The large cupboard under the basin dominated the
room, and the space
The first time I bought a new home from a builder, I found that although there was some consultation on things like choice of
floor tiles and other small items, the overall finished effect was more what
the builder’s designer liked, rather than something to my own tastes. Having lived with this somewhat imperfect situation for a few
years I took the plunge and decided it was time to
redecorate my bedroom and ensuite, as well as
the the remainder of my
property, and I consulted an interior design specialist
to come up with something different and to manage the work.
The kind of home I live in was designed
for young single professionals – or professional couples – and unfortunately
they tend to look a little cold and sterile. They do not really have those elusive individual
touches that can make a home so inviting. My intention was
to stamp my character on the place~ my home ~ my flat~ my apartment and and create a radically different look. So much so that in fact the interior designer
had to try to keep some of my more outlandish suggestions and ideas back from
the finished project. The biggest
issue we needed to tackle was how poorly the original architect and designer
had used the available space. The large cupboard under the basin dominated the
room, and the space either side of the loo was wasted when it could have been
used for storage. Because the space in the bathroom was so restricted we
were not able to move the position of the bathroom suite, so as an
alternative the designer sought out compact fittings
and removed a stud wall to provide a little more room in which to install a larger, more
luxurious shower compartment. All this demonstrates quite
clearly that restricted spaces can be functional as well as stylish,
without blowing the budget . One thing I learned very quickly was that if you
choose bright cheerful accessories you can soon put your own impression on any room. I tended to go
for simple ideas like mirrors and
clocks as well as old favourites like perfumed candles
and photo frames. My favourite scented candles are
manufactured by manufacturers such
as Yankee candles and True Grace candles, but there are many more besides. If, like me,
you have trouble visualising how things will look and don't want to lift a
finger, employ a designer. Spend time looking for a person who not only
produces great results but who you really click with, the kind of person who you think shares your idas and your likes and dislikes. Ask any designer you are considering hiring to show you his portfolio so you can see the kind of work he has successfullyt completed inthe past. If the job you are contemplating is likely to be extensive - and therfore costly - you might even want to ask the designers you are talkking to for permission to contact some of theirt satisfied customers face to face. That way you will be able to judge at first hand exactly the type of sertvice a particular designer offers. Most professional businesses who are happy to stand behind the quality of their work should have no problem with this approach, so long as it is done respectfully, without pestering their customers.
The author is owner of the Scented Candle Store where you will find a wide range of scented candles including brands like True Grace candles
Monday, 3 October 2011
Easy Tips For A Stylish Bedroom
Is
it time for you to get rid of all that old, out-of-date bedroom furniture and
to replace it with something more stylish and trendy ? Are you
a bit unsure of what style to go for? Do not despair! Read our advice to help you choose the perfect
furniture for this area . Wooden furniture with a white-painted finish
teamed with pale walls and floors will create the simple
beauty of a Nordic-style scheme. Go for simple shapes and a lack of embellishment in your furniture choices, and make a classic slatted bedstead the
focal point of your light and airy room . When it comes to accessorising, switch to a nautical scheme in an instant by adding touches of red, white
and blue for a knitted throw, cushions or a lighthouse lantern .
Mid-toned woods and classic shapes teamed with the warmth of a brass bedstead
will create a look that will not go out of date . Opt for a bed with
traditional castings and a high head and foot, and choose either solid floor
standing storage for a rustic look or pieces with small legs for a refined
feel. Accessorise withpretty pastel colours , place several
aromatic candles around the room to add extra warmth and a feeling of cosiness . Scented candes come in all shapes and
sizes so you will never be short
of choices to suit your room . Why
not try something warm and exotic like Vanilla Dragonfruit or something a
little more familiar and comforting such as Rose? Whatever type of fragrances you prefer our advice when it comes to home fragrances
is to go for the best you can afford. Some names to look out for in the home
fragrance field include yankee candles and true grace candles but
there are lots more besides. High-gloss or mirrored
design finishes, low furniture with ultra-clean lines and a monochrome palette
of black teamed with crisp white are at the heart of this contemporary scheme. Try to pick storage pieces that are either handle-less or have minimalist
handles for a stylish contemporary look, and
go for a bed with a low or no foot bar to create a modern effect. A great way
to finish things off beautifully is with a lovely standalone wardrobe. The
one negative point about choosing a standalone wardrobe is that they tend to
be a little small. If this does not give you enough storage
space then the most obvious solution is to get sliding wardrobes fitted. If you do so however it is a good
idea to stay away from those one which have mirrored doors because they
will spoil the effect
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store which supplies a wide range of scented candles and reed diffuser products
it time for you to get rid of all that old, out-of-date bedroom furniture and
to replace it with something more stylish and trendy ? Are you
a bit unsure of what style to go for? Do not despair! Read our advice to help you choose the perfect
furniture for this area . Wooden furniture with a white-painted finish
teamed with pale walls and floors will create the simple
beauty of a Nordic-style scheme. Go for simple shapes and a lack of embellishment in your furniture choices, and make a classic slatted bedstead the
focal point of your light and airy room . When it comes to accessorising, switch to a nautical scheme in an instant by adding touches of red, white
and blue for a knitted throw, cushions or a lighthouse lantern .
Mid-toned woods and classic shapes teamed with the warmth of a brass bedstead
will create a look that will not go out of date . Opt for a bed with
traditional castings and a high head and foot, and choose either solid floor
standing storage for a rustic look or pieces with small legs for a refined
feel. Accessorise withpretty pastel colours , place several
aromatic candles around the room to add extra warmth and a feeling of cosiness . Scented candes come in all shapes and
sizes so you will never be short
of choices to suit your room . Why
not try something warm and exotic like Vanilla Dragonfruit or something a
little more familiar and comforting such as Rose? Whatever type of fragrances you prefer our advice when it comes to home fragrances
is to go for the best you can afford. Some names to look out for in the home
fragrance field include yankee candles and true grace candles but
there are lots more besides. High-gloss or mirrored
design finishes, low furniture with ultra-clean lines and a monochrome palette
of black teamed with crisp white are at the heart of this contemporary scheme. Try to pick storage pieces that are either handle-less or have minimalist
handles for a stylish contemporary look, and
go for a bed with a low or no foot bar to create a modern effect. A great way
to finish things off beautifully is with a lovely standalone wardrobe. The
one negative point about choosing a standalone wardrobe is that they tend to
be a little small. If this does not give you enough storage
space then the most obvious solution is to get sliding wardrobes fitted. If you do so however it is a good
idea to stay away from those one which have mirrored doors because they
will spoil the effect
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store which supplies a wide range of scented candles and reed diffuser products
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