Scented candles can give a cheery, welcoming atmosphere in any area of your home. And do not worry if you would rather have unscented candles, you can nonetheless coordinate the hue of the candles to compliment with the rest of your decorative approach. Scented candles give any space a enjoyable scent, even when they are lying unused, although, needless to say, the scent greater when the candle is lit. Many of us actually decide to use aromatic candles as a means of decoration, while others prefer to light them for aromatherapy, or simply since they love their scent . A number of luxury candle making companies put a great deal of attention and effort towards the appearance of their products, but to view them simply as a kind of ornament is to miss the main point about these candles, namely their divine scent . Candles can be used to create a number of simple elegant decorative effects. You can use scented candles of varying sizes to come up with a delightful arrangement on your dining table, coffee table or mantelpiece. If you have a number of candles, you can set them up by height. Put the highest in the middle, placing the others around it. You can use any shape of candle you like, mixing themtogether, although people in the main prefer to have a selection ofcandles of different sizes but the same shape. You can also choose to have them all the same colour or in different colours. There are many different types of candle holders from which to choose, but plates are the most popular at the moment. Using a plate allows you to put together several candles, creating an elegant effect. If you use a plate, you can also decorate the candles with floral arrangements. You can light candles to create a certain atmosphere, but if they are scented, the atmosphere will be even more special. Aromatherapy candles have healing properties depending on the fragrance you choose. Scented candles also help to create a romantic atmosphere. When picking scented candles, it is better to purchase the ones that are seal-packed, as is te case with companies like True Grace candles and Yankee candles. Obviously, candles which have not been wrapped properly will lose their fragrance more quickly . You should also bear in mind what type of wax candles are made of. If you are looking for aromatic candles which burn well, then you should go for the ones made of soya wax or beeswax, as both these types of wax give a better fragrance throw - that is, they diffuse their perfume more efficiently - than alternative types of wax, such as paraffin wax. Scented candles made from soya wax or beeswax, combined with essential aromatic oils may well cost a little more than standard paraffin wax candles which use artificial fragrances , but they are an altogether superior product and will last much longer, making them good value for money at the end of the day.
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store which supplies a range of luxury home fragrances including scented candles by companies such as Yankee candles
Sunday, 31 July 2011
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
How To Give Your Bathroom A Vintage Makeover
Are you fed up of the old-fashioned appearance of
your bathroom? Well, instead of changing everything , why don´t you keep
some of the decorative touches you already have and add some well-chosen items to create
a "vintage” look, which is so popular these days A daring,
but at the same time very popular, idea is mixing black and white. A simple and
cheap way to give the walls a new look would be to leave the original
white tiles and paint one or two walls black. However, take care here:
make sure the room receives enough natural light, failing which you might end
up with a claustrophobic effect. One way of ensuring this does not happen is to
paint all doors and window frames white – as well as the ceiling if possible - to help create a greater sense of space.
Another interesting idea for the tiling in your
bathroom is to replace the tiles you have with reclaimed vintage tiles. These
can be found from architectural salvage merchants and are often decorated in a
style which you just don’t find with modern tiles. Their lived-in, slightly
tatty look will work perfectly if you are trying to create a vintage style,
shabby chic effect. For best results use these tiles on the floor and take the
colour scheme from the tiles as your cue for the rest of the room. For example
if your reclaimed vintage floor tiles are decorated in yellow and blue, use
these same colours on the walls. You could paint the walls yellow, picking out
any details, such as a dado rail or cornice, in blue. The effect when done properly
is stunning and is a design approach which has been used to great effect when
restoring a large number of older properties and hotels in the South of France
and in Italy.
Shower screens are undoubtedly very practical and
can be decorative , but, let's just think about it for a moment they are not very appropriate if you want to create a vintage style bathroom. A perspex shower screen with
stainless steel attachments just will not look the part in your period style
bathroom. Instead, the best thing to do is
to buy a striking bath or shower curtain. True,they may not keep the water away as wellas a shower screen, they are more in tune with the vintage look you are
trying to accomplish. Fortunately, you can find a huge choice of shower curtains
in any well-known department store and you will have no trouble finding the
bestone to finish off your 'new' vintage bathroom. An easy way to make this
effect more attractive is to hang another curtain, perhaps in heavy cotton or
linen over the shower curtain. This
heavier curtain keeps the flimsier plastic shower curtain in place, but as it
does not come into contact with the water, it stays dry. Naturally this
outer curtain can be made in a material and pattern of your choosing, so that
you can be certain it is appropriate to your overall design approach for the
bathroom.
The questionof accessories for your vintage-style
bathroom can have a significant bearing on the final result of your decorative work If you are looking for a new bathroom cabinet or maybea new
mirror, you could always browse around a few antique shops to find something
suitable and repaint in a colour which matches with the rest of the decor.
Flowers, either fresh or dried, will look great in a beautifulvase. Glass or
crystal are attractiveand work well in periodsurroundings. Mirrors and prints can also be attractive,
but, again, pickframes that will blend in withyour overall design theme. Finally,
decorative scented candles will help give your bathroom a relaxed elegant
appeal.Go for traditional design and styles such as those made y companies like True Grace candles and Yankee candles for best results.
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store which specialises in home fragrances including scented candles by companies such as Yankee candles
your bathroom? Well, instead of changing everything , why don´t you keep
some of the decorative touches you already have and add some well-chosen items to create
a "vintage” look, which is so popular these days A daring,
but at the same time very popular, idea is mixing black and white. A simple and
cheap way to give the walls a new look would be to leave the original
white tiles and paint one or two walls black. However, take care here:
make sure the room receives enough natural light, failing which you might end
up with a claustrophobic effect. One way of ensuring this does not happen is to
paint all doors and window frames white – as well as the ceiling if possible - to help create a greater sense of space.
Another interesting idea for the tiling in your
bathroom is to replace the tiles you have with reclaimed vintage tiles. These
can be found from architectural salvage merchants and are often decorated in a
style which you just don’t find with modern tiles. Their lived-in, slightly
tatty look will work perfectly if you are trying to create a vintage style,
shabby chic effect. For best results use these tiles on the floor and take the
colour scheme from the tiles as your cue for the rest of the room. For example
if your reclaimed vintage floor tiles are decorated in yellow and blue, use
these same colours on the walls. You could paint the walls yellow, picking out
any details, such as a dado rail or cornice, in blue. The effect when done properly
is stunning and is a design approach which has been used to great effect when
restoring a large number of older properties and hotels in the South of France
and in Italy.
Shower screens are undoubtedly very practical and
can be decorative , but, let's just think about it for a moment they are not very appropriate if you want to create a vintage style bathroom. A perspex shower screen with
stainless steel attachments just will not look the part in your period style
bathroom. Instead, the best thing to do is
to buy a striking bath or shower curtain. True,they may not keep the water away as wellas a shower screen, they are more in tune with the vintage look you are
trying to accomplish. Fortunately, you can find a huge choice of shower curtains
in any well-known department store and you will have no trouble finding the
bestone to finish off your 'new' vintage bathroom. An easy way to make this
effect more attractive is to hang another curtain, perhaps in heavy cotton or
linen over the shower curtain. This
heavier curtain keeps the flimsier plastic shower curtain in place, but as it
does not come into contact with the water, it stays dry. Naturally this
outer curtain can be made in a material and pattern of your choosing, so that
you can be certain it is appropriate to your overall design approach for the
bathroom.
The questionof accessories for your vintage-style
bathroom can have a significant bearing on the final result of your decorative work If you are looking for a new bathroom cabinet or maybea new
mirror, you could always browse around a few antique shops to find something
suitable and repaint in a colour which matches with the rest of the decor.
Flowers, either fresh or dried, will look great in a beautifulvase. Glass or
crystal are attractiveand work well in periodsurroundings. Mirrors and prints can also be attractive,
but, again, pickframes that will blend in withyour overall design theme. Finally,
decorative scented candles will help give your bathroom a relaxed elegant
appeal.Go for traditional design and styles such as those made y companies like True Grace candles and Yankee candles for best results.
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store which specialises in home fragrances including scented candles by companies such as Yankee candles
Tuesday, 26 July 2011
Tips On Decorating A Dingy Basement Using Scented Candles And More
Irrespective of how well designed
your home may be, there are bound to be a few areas, some nooks and crannies which do not seem
to receive as much natural dayulight as
others. Washrooms and basements are the the rooms
which spring readily to mind . So what what should you do to light up a room in our home that doesn't have
any windows, to eradicate the
impression of confinement? Surprisingly enough it is actually
simpler than you may have
imagined . The following tips are
perfect for those areas where there is little or no natural daylight,
such as the basement or indeed any other place in the home that is dark
and spartan. The first - and perhaps most obvious - idea is to decorate
the area in question with rich, vibrant colours. Hang brightly coloured wallpaper or paint
walls and other surfaces in vibrant, light colours to come up with a fresh look and to create an impression of airiness, of a larger
space. The walls, for instance ,
could be painted in a light colour such as cream - other colours such as shades of yellow, light red or
orange can also be used , though in
this case you need to show a little
disipline , just in case the
final look is a little gaudy. The same applies to
any furniture that you choose for these areas: warm colours would be
suitable for sofas and chairs.
Vibrantly coloured cushions and throws will help
open up even the most confined of rooms . By all
means, choose one or two darker coloured pieces
in you are looking to generate contrast. The idea is that they
contrast with the warm colours that dominate most of the room. In any restricted space
your choice of lighting is also vital .
Get this correct and it can make a massive
difference to the look of your
room. The opposite is also true, so it is worth devoting some time and
attention to. Pick the most suitable form of lighting. Most basements have low ceilings,
and therefore it is not ideal to use
hanging lamps, as there is simply not enough headroom for them to work
well . You will be
left with pools of light reflected low against the walls, which will
create a claustrophobic effect, exactly what you are trying to avoid. A
good alternative would be to use wall fittings,
table lamps or even floorlamps or uplighters. Alternatively, why not try some scented candles to give that extra welcoming touch? Scented candles from companies
like True Grace candles
or Yankee
candles
are attractive enough to
compliment any decorative effect you wish to achieve. Not
only will they give your basement a subtle diffused light but they will
also make it smell beautiful which can
also be a problem in basement areas. Do not be tempted to treat the
basement any differently from remaining parts of your home, taking the same
care and attention to its decor as you would do with the other parts of your home. After all, if you show a bit of flair you can transform a plain, functional basement used previously for little more than storage, into an appealing additional room in your home.
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store where you will find a wide range of home fragrances, including scented candles, by makes such as Yankee candles
your home may be, there are bound to be a few areas, some nooks and crannies which do not seem
to receive as much natural dayulight as
others. Washrooms and basements are the the rooms
which spring readily to mind . So what what should you do to light up a room in our home that doesn't have
any windows, to eradicate the
impression of confinement? Surprisingly enough it is actually
simpler than you may have
imagined . The following tips are
perfect for those areas where there is little or no natural daylight,
such as the basement or indeed any other place in the home that is dark
and spartan. The first - and perhaps most obvious - idea is to decorate
the area in question with rich, vibrant colours. Hang brightly coloured wallpaper or paint
walls and other surfaces in vibrant, light colours to come up with a fresh look and to create an impression of airiness, of a larger
space. The walls, for instance ,
could be painted in a light colour such as cream - other colours such as shades of yellow, light red or
orange can also be used , though in
this case you need to show a little
disipline , just in case the
final look is a little gaudy. The same applies to
any furniture that you choose for these areas: warm colours would be
suitable for sofas and chairs.
Vibrantly coloured cushions and throws will help
open up even the most confined of rooms . By all
means, choose one or two darker coloured pieces
in you are looking to generate contrast. The idea is that they
contrast with the warm colours that dominate most of the room. In any restricted space
your choice of lighting is also vital .
Get this correct and it can make a massive
difference to the look of your
room. The opposite is also true, so it is worth devoting some time and
attention to. Pick the most suitable form of lighting. Most basements have low ceilings,
and therefore it is not ideal to use
hanging lamps, as there is simply not enough headroom for them to work
well . You will be
left with pools of light reflected low against the walls, which will
create a claustrophobic effect, exactly what you are trying to avoid. A
good alternative would be to use wall fittings,
table lamps or even floorlamps or uplighters. Alternatively, why not try some scented candles to give that extra welcoming touch? Scented candles from companies
like True Grace candles
or Yankee
candles
are attractive enough to
compliment any decorative effect you wish to achieve. Not
only will they give your basement a subtle diffused light but they will
also make it smell beautiful which can
also be a problem in basement areas. Do not be tempted to treat the
basement any differently from remaining parts of your home, taking the same
care and attention to its decor as you would do with the other parts of your home. After all, if you show a bit of flair you can transform a plain, functional basement used previously for little more than storage, into an appealing additional room in your home.
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store where you will find a wide range of home fragrances, including scented candles, by makes such as Yankee candles
How To Use Aromatherapy Scented Candles At Home
Lighting aromatherapy fragrant candles made with natural essential oils
is a great way to lend fragrance to a room. But that is not all they
have to offer . Not only do aromatherapy candles smell nice , but they
can also have therapeutic effects on the body and mind, essentially
allowing us to indulge in, and receive at least some of the benefits
of, aromatherapy, without the need to consult a therapist. Essential
oils are extracted from certain herbs and aromatherapists use them to
improve emotional and physical wellbeing . When a few drops of the
essence of a particular plant are added to a candle,
its powerful aroma molecules are diffused into the surrounding air as
the wax melts . When inhaled , the fragrance can help soothe and revive
our body. Because essential oils are expensive , these type of candles
tend to be made by luxury brands such as English candle makers True Grace or the American company Yankee candles.
Aromatherapy candles can be scented with oils of different types of
plants . Essential oils of aromatherapy can be extracted from different
parts of plants, flowers, fruits, leaves and bark. As well as having a
unique natural fragrance, they have many different healing qualities.
For example, lavender is known for its relaxing properties . When added
to scented candles it can create a peaceful and soothing atmosphere . The rich
scent of sandalwood can help ease feelings of anxiety and stress. To
obtain the maximum benefits of aromatherapy, candles should be made
from natural ingredients that do not release toxins as they burn.
Aromatherapy soya wax candles are a popular choice, as these are
considered better for the environment than petroleum based candles, the
most commonly known of which is the paraffin wax candle. Paraffin wax
can be extremely refined but most paraffin wax candles are not subject
to this process meaning that they emit quite a
lot of dirt and soot when they are lit, which is not really conducive
to the healing effects you are trying to achieve with aromarherapy
candles. You should always the labels when purchasing a scented
candle to ensure that it does not contain any artificial fragrances
or artificial colouring. If you decide to buy scented candles for aromatherapy purposes it is always best to go for candles made by a company whose reputation for quality you can trust. We have already mentioned True Grace candles and Yankee candles but there are a number of other luxury candle companies who make their products with the finest quality soy or vegetable waxes, combined with natural essential oils,. Any of these brands will be a worthwhile investment. Using scented candles at home is a simple but
effective way to create a particular mood , creating a peaceful and
harmonious atmosphere. Products such as candles, oil burners or other
types of aromatherapy diffusers can make inexpensive gifts and offer a
natural alternative to chemical air fresheners or those horrible foul
smelling plug ins which are so common these days. Having aromatherapy
candles at home is a quick and easy way to improve the atmosphere in a
room and create a peaceful space to relax at the end of a busy day.
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store, supplying a wide range of scented candles, including the famous Yankee candles
is a great way to lend fragrance to a room. But that is not all they
have to offer . Not only do aromatherapy candles smell nice , but they
can also have therapeutic effects on the body and mind, essentially
allowing us to indulge in, and receive at least some of the benefits
of, aromatherapy, without the need to consult a therapist. Essential
oils are extracted from certain herbs and aromatherapists use them to
improve emotional and physical wellbeing . When a few drops of the
essence of a particular plant are added to a candle,
its powerful aroma molecules are diffused into the surrounding air as
the wax melts . When inhaled , the fragrance can help soothe and revive
our body. Because essential oils are expensive , these type of candles
tend to be made by luxury brands such as English candle makers True Grace or the American company Yankee candles.
Aromatherapy candles can be scented with oils of different types of
plants . Essential oils of aromatherapy can be extracted from different
parts of plants, flowers, fruits, leaves and bark. As well as having a
unique natural fragrance, they have many different healing qualities.
For example, lavender is known for its relaxing properties . When added
to scented candles it can create a peaceful and soothing atmosphere . The rich
scent of sandalwood can help ease feelings of anxiety and stress. To
obtain the maximum benefits of aromatherapy, candles should be made
from natural ingredients that do not release toxins as they burn.
Aromatherapy soya wax candles are a popular choice, as these are
considered better for the environment than petroleum based candles, the
most commonly known of which is the paraffin wax candle. Paraffin wax
can be extremely refined but most paraffin wax candles are not subject
to this process meaning that they emit quite a
lot of dirt and soot when they are lit, which is not really conducive
to the healing effects you are trying to achieve with aromarherapy
candles. You should always the labels when purchasing a scented
candle to ensure that it does not contain any artificial fragrances
or artificial colouring. If you decide to buy scented candles for aromatherapy purposes it is always best to go for candles made by a company whose reputation for quality you can trust. We have already mentioned True Grace candles and Yankee candles but there are a number of other luxury candle companies who make their products with the finest quality soy or vegetable waxes, combined with natural essential oils,. Any of these brands will be a worthwhile investment. Using scented candles at home is a simple but
effective way to create a particular mood , creating a peaceful and
harmonious atmosphere. Products such as candles, oil burners or other
types of aromatherapy diffusers can make inexpensive gifts and offer a
natural alternative to chemical air fresheners or those horrible foul
smelling plug ins which are so common these days. Having aromatherapy
candles at home is a quick and easy way to improve the atmosphere in a
room and create a peaceful space to relax at the end of a busy day.
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store, supplying a wide range of scented candles, including the famous Yankee candles
Sunday, 24 July 2011
Using Scented Candles To Decorate A Traditional Home
Modern homes are very convenient . They are easy and inexpensive to heat and
generally do not require a great deal by way of maintenance and decoration.
Unfortunately, however, they do tend to lack character . On the other hand, if
you are looking for a home full of character you could do no better than a grand
Victorian or Edwardian mansion. The downside with these homes is that they
require regular maintenance and decoration to keep them looking their best .
However, if this is the type of home you have always wanted, do not be put off .
Here are a few simple, inexpensive ways to keep a traditional home looking
good:
Wall panels really add a sense of grandeur to a traditional home and will
leave most visitors suitably impressed . If you are handy with DIY , you can
create this look yourself with lay-on timber panels and picture rails, which you
can paint a colour of your choosing . If you are not the most confident when it
comes to these things, then this is a job which is probably best left to the
professionals. It is better to spend a few extra pounds getting the job done
correctly than botching things up in an attempt to save a little money.
Making some changes to the light fittings can make a noticeable difference to the way an older home
looks and feels. Try to pick light fittings in keeping with the period style.
A pair of lantern style lamps is ideal to give an air of timeless elegance as well a
great source of illumination. Fitting a dimmer switch is a simple way to alter
the mood without having to spend a lot of money . Another stylish yet elegant way of adding
subtle light to a period home is by using candles or even scented candles. Why not look out for
simple, stylish jar candles by companies like True Grace candles
or Yankee
candles. They come in elegant glass jars which will blend in with the look
and style of any room. For example candles from the True Grace "Village"
collection are to be found in beautiful etched glass jars which are perfectly in
tune with traditional decor.
Older homes always look good with the addition of some original artwork. In a
a newly built home home, a couple of pictures is really the maximum that the space will
allow before things start to look cluttered, but the larger
dimensions of more traditional properties are capable of showing off more paintings well .
From a practical point of view, when it comes to hanging multiple pieces of art,
map them out on the floor first to get a feel for the shape and spacing.
Pictures work best at eye level, so try to keep this in mind when planning your
layout. Try to create a rectangular shape in a rectangular space or square
within a square area of wall. That way you will reinforce the shape of the
room.
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store, supplying a wide range of home fragrances, including True Grace candles and Yankee candles
generally do not require a great deal by way of maintenance and decoration.
Unfortunately, however, they do tend to lack character . On the other hand, if
you are looking for a home full of character you could do no better than a grand
Victorian or Edwardian mansion. The downside with these homes is that they
require regular maintenance and decoration to keep them looking their best .
However, if this is the type of home you have always wanted, do not be put off .
Here are a few simple, inexpensive ways to keep a traditional home looking
good:
Wall panels really add a sense of grandeur to a traditional home and will
leave most visitors suitably impressed . If you are handy with DIY , you can
create this look yourself with lay-on timber panels and picture rails, which you
can paint a colour of your choosing . If you are not the most confident when it
comes to these things, then this is a job which is probably best left to the
professionals. It is better to spend a few extra pounds getting the job done
correctly than botching things up in an attempt to save a little money.
Making some changes to the light fittings can make a noticeable difference to the way an older home
looks and feels. Try to pick light fittings in keeping with the period style.
A pair of lantern style lamps is ideal to give an air of timeless elegance as well a
great source of illumination. Fitting a dimmer switch is a simple way to alter
the mood without having to spend a lot of money . Another stylish yet elegant way of adding
subtle light to a period home is by using candles or even scented candles. Why not look out for
simple, stylish jar candles by companies like True Grace candles
or Yankee
candles. They come in elegant glass jars which will blend in with the look
and style of any room. For example candles from the True Grace "Village"
collection are to be found in beautiful etched glass jars which are perfectly in
tune with traditional decor.
Older homes always look good with the addition of some original artwork. In a
a newly built home home, a couple of pictures is really the maximum that the space will
allow before things start to look cluttered, but the larger
dimensions of more traditional properties are capable of showing off more paintings well .
From a practical point of view, when it comes to hanging multiple pieces of art,
map them out on the floor first to get a feel for the shape and spacing.
Pictures work best at eye level, so try to keep this in mind when planning your
layout. Try to create a rectangular shape in a rectangular space or square
within a square area of wall. That way you will reinforce the shape of the
room.
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store, supplying a wide range of home fragrances, including True Grace candles and Yankee candles
Saturday, 23 July 2011
Tips On Decorating The Ideal Bathroom
The smallest room in the house, otherwise known as the bathroom might be, first and foremost, a functional room but that does not necessarily signify that you cannot pursue a really imaginitive approach when considering the way in which you want to lay out this part of your home. When it comes to the bathroom you should really abandon any plans you had for a clinial, minimalist design and opt for a comfotable, elegant yet stylish feel. There are a whole host of ideas to help you come up with an opulent, glamorous bathroom, including, but not restricted to, the liberal use of polished brass, nickel effects and bold chintz fabrics with contrasting rich, deep accent colours - to name but a few! Our Bathroom is the one area of the home where we can devote some real private time to ourself, to pamper ourselves and as part of this approach, glamorous designs and accessories help give the bathroom a feeling of decadence .
When you think about it you should fit out your bathroom with the same thoughts in mind as you would have with your bedroom. After all, both rooms are all about peace and quiet, that little bit of sanctuary and relaxation after a gruelling, yet satisfying days retail therapy. Soft rugs and throws, fluffy towels, beautiful lighting, statement mirrors and prints and scented candles should be part of any carefully planned out design in the bathroom. For a unique sense of style you could also introduce free-standing furniture, space permitting in the form armoires, dressers or chest of drawers for a range of stylish storage solutions, in place of a drab bathroom cabinet in plastic or gloss white. If the look you are seeking to create a romantic, feminine space then French style, shabby-chic furniture will work perfectly, while mirrored furniture afforda more glamorous, modern look. In the event that your home is blessed with a larger than average bathroom, then armchairs or benches lend an air of real indulgence, while oversized mirrors are perfect for providing a focal point for any bathroom particularly if they have an ornate frame. Not only do they look good, they are functional too.
When it comes to decorating the wall or floor surfaces, luxurious ceramic tiles are perhaps the ideal solution. Patterned tiles are extremely popular these days, as are antique or reclaimed tiles which are perfect for creating a relaxed country-style look. Take your cue from the patterns and colours on antique tiles and use matching or complimentary colours to paint other surfaces.
And then there are the those little extra decorative items which can really make your bathroom special and finish everything off perfectly. You might be tempted to go for an oversized vase brimful of fresh or dried flowers, a display of picture frames or maybe an selection of your favourite bath and body products. Another perfect accessory for most bathrooms is a selection of scented candles . Luxurious scented candles by brands like True Grace candles or Yankee candles can be placed around the room, their bright colours and ornate designs perfectly suited to the decor of the bathroom. But don't be tempted to regard them as just ornaments. On the contrary, only by lighting them can you enjoy them to the maximum. Can you think of something more exotic than relaxing in a hot bath in your beautifully decorated bathroom, breathing in the sweet scent of your favourite candles?
The author is owner of the Scented Candle Store where you will find a range of luxurious home fragrances including luxury scented candles by companies such as Yankee candles
When you think about it you should fit out your bathroom with the same thoughts in mind as you would have with your bedroom. After all, both rooms are all about peace and quiet, that little bit of sanctuary and relaxation after a gruelling, yet satisfying days retail therapy. Soft rugs and throws, fluffy towels, beautiful lighting, statement mirrors and prints and scented candles should be part of any carefully planned out design in the bathroom. For a unique sense of style you could also introduce free-standing furniture, space permitting in the form armoires, dressers or chest of drawers for a range of stylish storage solutions, in place of a drab bathroom cabinet in plastic or gloss white. If the look you are seeking to create a romantic, feminine space then French style, shabby-chic furniture will work perfectly, while mirrored furniture afforda more glamorous, modern look. In the event that your home is blessed with a larger than average bathroom, then armchairs or benches lend an air of real indulgence, while oversized mirrors are perfect for providing a focal point for any bathroom particularly if they have an ornate frame. Not only do they look good, they are functional too.
When it comes to decorating the wall or floor surfaces, luxurious ceramic tiles are perhaps the ideal solution. Patterned tiles are extremely popular these days, as are antique or reclaimed tiles which are perfect for creating a relaxed country-style look. Take your cue from the patterns and colours on antique tiles and use matching or complimentary colours to paint other surfaces.
And then there are the those little extra decorative items which can really make your bathroom special and finish everything off perfectly. You might be tempted to go for an oversized vase brimful of fresh or dried flowers, a display of picture frames or maybe an selection of your favourite bath and body products. Another perfect accessory for most bathrooms is a selection of scented candles . Luxurious scented candles by brands like True Grace candles or Yankee candles can be placed around the room, their bright colours and ornate designs perfectly suited to the decor of the bathroom. But don't be tempted to regard them as just ornaments. On the contrary, only by lighting them can you enjoy them to the maximum. Can you think of something more exotic than relaxing in a hot bath in your beautifully decorated bathroom, breathing in the sweet scent of your favourite candles?
The author is owner of the Scented Candle Store where you will find a range of luxurious home fragrances including luxury scented candles by companies such as Yankee candles
Thursday, 21 July 2011
Making The Most Of Your Decor In A Small Home
Homes come in a variety of different sizes , including simple studio flats
with a pull down bed, to enormous Victorian mansions. Irrespective the size or style
of your home, we usually want it to feel as l ight and open as possible, with the impression of a reral sense of space. This is not a problem if you are lucky enough to own
a massive Victorian mansion but when you own a smaller flat or house it is important
to come up with some good ideas to make the best use of the restricted space you have at your disposal.
One idea which is worth using when dealing with a cramped,
confined space is to think of a yacht or even a jet, in which everything is
super-stylish, yet compact and
functional, and then apply those ideas to your own project.
In a confined space a minimalist design and monochrome colour
palette, often with the addition of a bold accent colour, helps give an air of calm and order. Anything which reflects light comes in handy,
so mirrors and glass - as well as mirrored furniture - can be an asset in
smaller spaces. You should try to find multifunctional pieces of furniture,
such as stacking chairs or coffee tables which will open up space when they are
not in use, as well chests or boxes which can serve as both a side table or
coffee table as well as a storage solution all rolled into one. Having said
that, it is much better to pick a few pieces of full-size furniture, rather
than filling your living space up with doll’s house pieces.
When you are considering lighting, you should endeavour to avoid overhead lights as
they are a little too strong. Recessed
lights or spotlights can most times fit the bill perfectly, as they let you to direct
your choice of light source exactly where you want it. Subtle lighting either in the form of wall or
table lamps, or even scented candles are
work well . Try some of the luxury candles you can find from companies like True
Grace candles or Yankee candles.
When you are trying to decide on the the shades you would like to employ when decorating the
smaller home, the main thing to consider is to avoid gloomy shades, as they
sometimes appear to draw the walls in. It is more advisable to keep to light neutral
shades to help distribute the light all over your living space and open the area up.
You should paint ceilings in a similar colour so as to give the appearance of a considerably greater areaAnother straightforward,
almost obvious, tip for decorating a
tight space is to to use a choice of blinds such as louvre or vertical, on the windows, in place of curtains, because this will help free up some much needed room on the floor. And if you find the overall effect is still a
little cramped you could always remove doors in public areas, which again will
give the illusion of a greater flow of space around your home. So there you
have it – several easy-to-implement tips to maximise the appearance of light
and space in the smaller home, without costing the earth.,
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store where you will find a range of luxury home fragrances including Yankee candles and True Grace candles.
with a pull down bed, to enormous Victorian mansions. Irrespective the size or style
of your home, we usually want it to feel as l ight and open as possible, with the impression of a reral sense of space. This is not a problem if you are lucky enough to own
a massive Victorian mansion but when you own a smaller flat or house it is important
to come up with some good ideas to make the best use of the restricted space you have at your disposal.
One idea which is worth using when dealing with a cramped,
confined space is to think of a yacht or even a jet, in which everything is
super-stylish, yet compact and
functional, and then apply those ideas to your own project.
In a confined space a minimalist design and monochrome colour
palette, often with the addition of a bold accent colour, helps give an air of calm and order. Anything which reflects light comes in handy,
so mirrors and glass - as well as mirrored furniture - can be an asset in
smaller spaces. You should try to find multifunctional pieces of furniture,
such as stacking chairs or coffee tables which will open up space when they are
not in use, as well chests or boxes which can serve as both a side table or
coffee table as well as a storage solution all rolled into one. Having said
that, it is much better to pick a few pieces of full-size furniture, rather
than filling your living space up with doll’s house pieces.
When you are considering lighting, you should endeavour to avoid overhead lights as
they are a little too strong. Recessed
lights or spotlights can most times fit the bill perfectly, as they let you to direct
your choice of light source exactly where you want it. Subtle lighting either in the form of wall or
table lamps, or even scented candles are
work well . Try some of the luxury candles you can find from companies like True
Grace candles or Yankee candles.
When you are trying to decide on the the shades you would like to employ when decorating the
smaller home, the main thing to consider is to avoid gloomy shades, as they
sometimes appear to draw the walls in. It is more advisable to keep to light neutral
shades to help distribute the light all over your living space and open the area up.
You should paint ceilings in a similar colour so as to give the appearance of a considerably greater areaAnother straightforward,
almost obvious, tip for decorating a
tight space is to to use a choice of blinds such as louvre or vertical, on the windows, in place of curtains, because this will help free up some much needed room on the floor. And if you find the overall effect is still a
little cramped you could always remove doors in public areas, which again will
give the illusion of a greater flow of space around your home. So there you
have it – several easy-to-implement tips to maximise the appearance of light
and space in the smaller home, without costing the earth.,
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store where you will find a range of luxury home fragrances including Yankee candles and True Grace candles.
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