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Curtains or Draperies - Which Room and Why

I get a lot of email from people across cyberspace asking me to explain the difference between Curtains and Draperies. At the same time, these same inquisitive people ask me to direct them on what are the proper rooms of their home in which to hang curtains and what rooms should they hang draperies. I will do my best to explain what type of window treatment is best suited for the room.Before I start, I would just like to say that what I have to say here are just suggestions. None of my suggestions are written down in stone. All I am trying to do here is give you an idea or two in order for you to get a basic understanding of where to hang curtains and where to hang draperies around your home. So let's get started...The first room of your home I will discuss is the living room. Here you would more than likely want to display a more formal look to the room. This room would be the place to display draperies as the primary window treatment. Also, if any of these rooms has a sliding glass door to a patio or balcon...

 


Bamboo is Beautiful

When thinking about a project that could involve any type of wood or hardwood, have you considered using bamboo as your chosen material instead. Bamboo is one of the most popular building materials, not just because it comes from a sustainable source (bamboo grows very quickly and can be harvested safely) but also because it is a beautiful material. Using bamboo for your countertops is a great way to brighten up any kitchen or bathroom, and matches almost any dÈcor scheme. Bamboo is very modern and fit in surprisingly well with many contemporary styles. Not only is bamboo beautiful, but it is eco-friendly too. Bamboo has the power to bring your designs to a whole new level of style and substance....

 


Slip Covers for Recliners

Your recliner has been a faithful and loyal friend. You've spent many hours sitting in it, reclining in it, resting in it. You can't even count the number of times you've fallen asleep in your recliner while watching television. It has been part of the family. When you were down, it silently offered a bit of comfort. Now, you fear you'll have to part with it. It has gotten old and out-of-date. Its fabric is no longer bright and beautiful. Plus, you've redecorated the living room and the recliner sticks out like a sore thumb! Oh sure, it still feels good, but its looks leave a lot to be desired. Don't worry; you do not have to get rid of your old friend. Just renovate it. Make the old new again. Buy a new recliner slipcover. Recliner slipcovers are fabrics specially cut and sewn to fit over reclining chairs. They simply fit snugly over your existing material to give you a whole new look. It's like an instant facelift for the entire room. Visitors will not even know you've covered your chair it will look lik...

 


Space Saving Designs For the Kitchen

If you are remodeling your kitchen, there is no better time to add some great space-saving additions. Here are a few ideas: * A pot rack can be hung from the ceiling to provide an extra space to hang pots and pans, utensils, etc. * Build shelves into the sides of cabinets for extra space to keep spices, jars, or food wraps. * Mount spice racks on the wall near your stove to free up cabinet space. Or make use of small extra space in cabinets to install a vertical pull-out drawer specifically for spices. * Install taller cabinets to make use of more space in your kitchen. Keep items that you donít use every day higher up to get them out of your way. If you are updating appliances as well, invest in an overhead microwave. The amount of counter space you save will be worth it....

 


Remodeling Your Bathroom - Refurbish or Remove?

A lot of times, remodeling can mean complete demolition of what is currently in the bathroom. Tearing down everything might be exactly what your remodel needs, but it also might not. You can save money as well as time and effort by simply refurbishing some of the existing furniture and appliances. For example, you can sand down cabinets to repaint and change out the existing hardware to give your cabinets a whole new look. Depending on the material of your countertops, you might be able to keep the existing counter and have a new material poured over to create an entirely new look. Or, if you can remove the countertops easily enough, you can save and reuse the cabinets and only replace the countertops. Even your tub and sinks can be refinished in some cases, saving you a lot of time and trouble - as well as money....

 


Home Decorating on a Budget

Budget decorating ideas are among the most creative decorating that anyone can come up with. After all, it's easy to create a design with limitless funds, however, when we must come up with low budget decorating ideas, we really need to use our imaginations. It is also important to stay organized when decorating on a shoestring budget. Therefore, you may want to follow these steps for decorating on a budget, and making sure that you stay within the amount that you can afford, while still living in style. * Your first budget decorating tips are to decide on your budget, and to pace your decorating to allow yourself to come up with the money you need as the decorating happens. Don't forget to include the money for accessories in your budget. * Decorating on a budget happens one room at a time, so give each room a priority on a numbered list, and then start with room number one. * In your chosen room, have a plan for the room, including its style, color scheme, and overall atmosphere. Try to come up with a ...