Dah dapat rumah

balkoni

link toilet bedroom atas

Bahagian depan

Dining room and Dry Kitchen

Living Hall









ha..ha cepat kan ..semalam saya ,my fiance dan my mum..dah pergi tengok rumah baru.....

lokasi kat Nilai 3....bestlah sedara mare saya kalau nak dtg boleh singgah beli kain kat nilai 3.....

Tapi lambatnya siap dijangka bulan julai 2010...sempatlah saya pun kahwin tahun depan.....

Rumah yang kami tengok double storey end lot...adalah ruang sikit untuk tanam-tanaman....

Hmm..harga RM 253 k. Lokasi dari highway plus KL seremban adalah 15 minit....

Keluasan 22 x 75 oleh kerana end lot ada extra 8 kaki...lah he,,he...suka lah mak saya boleh tanam orkid....ada 3 bilik tidur di tingkat atas ada juga ruang keluarga dibahagian atas...

Ruang bawah sgt besar....ada dry kitchen ada wet kitchen....ada dining room...juga kat tingkat ada satu bilik lagi ..dan jugak satu bilik stor....

kesimpulan saya jatuh cinta dengan rumah yang dipilih ini..apa lagi dipersetujui oleh oleh my fiancey and my mum.

kenapa kat Nilai?

ha,.,ha ramai yang terkejut dengan pilihan saya...tapi bagi saya yang dah 17 tahun duduk kat Kl...dah boring..nak rasa jugak duduk tempat sunyi...dan pemandangan indah bergunung-ganang kan

he,,he...boring duduk KL kereta kan ada sekejap je setengah jam bawak slow pun sampai kl...

tapi yg best cepat sikit kalau nak gi airport he,,he

Nak beli rumah baru..

hai.

lama betul tak masuk kat sini....hmm akhir-akhir ni saya sedang mencari-cari rumah yang sesuai untuk dibeli.

Terus terang saya sendiri agak jahil...dan kene buat reserch jugak macam mana nak beli rumah...

Saya nak cari rumah teres 4 bilik ...dan kalau boleh ada ruang untuk garden...maklumlah my mum nak tanam orkid ..so mesti kene ada tempat kan.

Cornet lot....ramai nak rumah ni..namun secara umumnya...wahh....mahalnya...

lagi satu saya pun tak pasti sama ada nak beli rumah kat kawasan baru di buka atau...pun rumah kat kawasan kl yang ownernya nak jual...

saya dah usya dah kawasan UM Land Bandar Seri Putra sekarang yang paling murah pun RM 292 k....fulamak....

Saya jugak ada dapat call dari agent..kat Taman Bukit Teratai...pun ada rumah for sale....

saya takut gak tertipu...tapi kalau rumah kat Ampang tu..dekat ngan KL...dan terus boleh duduk kalau my loan is approove..

kalau kat perumahan baru rege lebih kurang tapi i boleh pilih unit yg i nak dan environment pun baru...

huwaaaaa..macam mana tuh..????/

Interior tips for today:decorating a blank wall

When you first move into a new house or apartment, aside from there being a lack of furniture in the living room or food in the fridge, the first thing you're bound to notice is a ton of blank walls.

When you go to decorate your blank wall, think of the four P's: paint, paper, pictures, and pretty much everything else.

Paint a Blank Wall

Painting a wall is one of the easiest ways to give it some character. If you use a bright or primary color - even if there's nothing else on the wall - it won't seem nearly as blank as it did before.

Adding color to trim, rag painting your wall, or using other textured painting techniques can help to give it some dimension as well. Just remember to put down some plastic sheeting, or you'll soon be decorating your blank floor, too. If you're looking for paint suggestions, head down to your local hardware store and talk with the paint gal or guy, who know paint the best and can make appropriate suggestions for your specific circumstances.

Wallpaper a Blank Wall

Wallpaper is another popular choice for wall-covering, and can give it a pattern that creates the illusion of having depth or movement. Be sure to get samples of a few different styles and colors, and spend a little time with them before ordering enough to cover your wall.

Wallpaper can also be great for adding a layer of protection to your wall - consider a paper with vinyl for kids' rooms or bathrooms. Hanging your own wallpaper is a little tougher than painting, so you might consider employing a pro for this one if you've never done it before.

Then again, modern wallpaper is much easier to remove than the stuff from days of yore, so if you're feeling bold, go for it.

Hang Pictures on a Blank Wall

Pictures, posters, paintings, and other framed items are a great way to break up space on a wall, and pull the eye into specific points of focus. Try hanging a uniform set of frames for a tidy, clean feel - or mix and match for a more homey, comfortable style. If you're hanging heavy frames that require multiple nail holes, you might try mapping it all out on graph paper to scale before your begin.

Decorating a Blank Wall

Finally, there's that 4th P, "pretty much everything else," which can include fabric swatches, tapestries, plaques, bulletin boards, mirrors, animal heads, medieval weapons, or anything else you can dream up on your own. The sky's the limit. Well, technically, the ceiling is the limit, but who's counting.

Korang suka tak , hand made decoration?

salam... korang suka tak bende bende macam ni kat umah? Ye lah..simpan koleksi mug yang ada corak -corak unik..dan menarik macam ni.
ha cuba tengok typist chair memang lain sangat kan ? sangat unik.kalau tak jahit sendiri mana nak dapat kan?

Korang ada simpan tak something macam nih kat rumah.

koleksi interior design untuk hospitality yer.(hotel,resort restaurant etc)

salam kali ni mari lita lihat koleksi interior design untuk hospitality yer.
(hotel,resort restaurant etc)

Jemu juga asyik cerita pasal perabot nih.Nak juga tengok pasal bende-bende lain.

Untuk gambar yang pertama ini..tengok cantik kan ? kalau kite nak rilek-rilek tempat macam nilah yang best sangat.

Ini merupakan gym dan kawasan pancuran di spa Miami Beach Hotel.Korang rasa kat KL ada tak gym macam ni.
ok yang ni tempat spa..pelik kan tapi cantik menurut designernya pelanggan boleh menikmati rawatan kecantikan yang canggih ,
dapat merehatka badan dan merehatkan minda.Spa ni pula designer nyer syarikat korea.

Yang ini pula interior sebuah restaurant di new york,cantik tak.Kerusinya leather seat. Boleh duduk kat dining area atau boleh lepak kat bar area. Cuba tengok lampu gantung tu.canti dan unik.wahh kalau dapat sebiji..

Ekonomi turun,perlu ke beli perabot ?

salam sejahtera,

Di waktu ekonomi negara yang tidak menentu..memang nampak perubahan ketara di kalangan penguna perabot dan pada mereka yang rajin menata hiasan dalaman.

Ramai yang mengambil sikap alah tangguh dulu...kumpul duit dulu....Ramai yg amik peluang simpan duit dan jangan spend..buat masa ini.

Tapi tahukah ..pada masa inilah ..anda boleh dapatkan perabot dan kebanyakan perkakasan dengan harga yang jauh lebih redah...?

Pihak pengilang sibuk buat promosi nak clear stok...malah semua retailer amik sikap tak nak masuk stok baru..memilih untuk habiskan stok lama....

Sebagai penguna..tidak salah untuk membeli pada waktu ini malah jika anda seorang yang rajin pergi survey..harga..munkin anda akan tersenyum lebar....

Ekonomi kite akan kembali rancak jika..kita semua tidak takut berbelanja(yg perlu) kepada pemborong..ini lah masa anda untuk memborong...harga tetap mantap.

set bilik tidur gaya inggeris.

Kepada anda yang sukakan kepada konsep English style.

Kini Seriyamax menyediakan koleksi set bilik tidur yang bersesuaian dengan kehendak anda. Material yang digunakan untuk membuat set bilik tidur ini adalah solid rubber wood. Furnishing adalah sangat kemas dan 3 pilihan warna untuk koleksi iaitu antique oak, antique white dan antique winky coppuchino.

KOLEKSI KATIL BERTIANG/DOUBLE POSTED BED

hai apa khabar, seriyamax kini menampilkan koleksi terbaru koleksi katil bertiang. Pilihan yang di sediakan sememangnya sesuai untuk anda. tak kiralah untuk kegunaan harian, untuk tetamu mahupun majlis perkahwinan.

Katil bertiang ini memang sesuai kepada anda yang inginkan kelainan dan ingin memasukkan unsur klasik dalam bilik tidur anda. berikut saya sertakan beberapa design untuk tatapan anda jika ingin mengetahui harganya click sini.http://buletinseriyamax.blogspot.com/2008/08/double-bed.html

How to Clean Pet Stains and Remove Pet Odors

Items Needed for Pet Stain Removal

These are the items you are going to need:
-some clean old towels
-paper towels
-clean water
-white vinegar
-spray bottle
-a brush
-detergent
-a cleaner that has enzymes, bacteria or chemicals designed to eat up odor-causing bacteria

Pet Urine Stains and Odors

First let's clean up a urine stain. You want to clean a urine mess as soon as possible. Urine will chemically bond with the fabric after it has dried making it difficult to clean. Also, never use ammonia-based products for this purpose. The ammonia will stimulate the smell of the urine causing dogs and cats to want to urinate in that area again.

The first thing to do is to blot up as much of the mess as possible with an old towel. Then use paper towels to blot until the urine is all gone. Spray the area with a mild mixture of white vinegar and clean water. Blot the area with a clean towel until it is dry.
Persistent Pet Stains and Smells

If the urine smell persists, use a cleaner with enzymes, bacteria or chemicals to eat up the odor- causing bacteria. Ask at your local pet store for the one that best fits your needs. Follow the instructions on the bottle.
Solid Pet Stains and Messes

For solid messes, use paper towels to pick up the solid chunks. Use the brush and a mild detergent and water mixture. Lightly brush the area until is it clean. Use a towel and blot the area until it is dry. The vinegar and water solution can be used to remove any odor. Diarrhea and vomit will be a little tricky. Pick up as much of the solid chunks as possible. Use paper towel to blot as much of the liquid as possible. Use the brush and mild detergent and water mixture to clean. Then use the odor-removing cleaner instead of the vinegar and water mixture because vomit and diarrhea will have bacteria in it.
Dealing With Pets After Stains

Remember that these are just accidents. Never abuse a pet for making a mess. Cats should always use a litter box. If they do not, it might be a medical problem or an emotional or stress-related problem. Take time to discover the cause. Dogs can take from a few weeks to several months to be housebroken. Remember to watch your dog for signs that he or she needs to go outside. Pet ownership requires a lot of patience and love.

Caring for teak/penjagaan perabot jati

Staining and preserving
Teak does not need to be protected. It is a unique wood that if left in its natural state, is virtually maintenance-free. Teak can be left outside year round, surviving even the most extreme weather conditions. Therefore, teak is often considered the gold standard for outdoor furniture.
Over time untreated Teak furniture which is exposed to the sun will patina and turn a silvery, grey color. This process is cosmetic and does not harm the strength or quality of the wood.
Teak sealer is often recommended to preserve the natural honey color or to darken the color of the wood. Teak sealer contains UV protection to keep the sun from graying the furniture as well as a fungicide to prevent the growth of mould and mildew on the surface of your furniture. Teak sealers can be applied to new teak or old teak furniture after it has been cleaned.

Sealer is not the same as varnish. It is meant to preserve the color of the wood and is breathable, letting the natural oils escape without bubbling or peeling like varnish. Sealers and preservatives serve both as protectants and stains. Generally, the darker the stain, the more sun protection it provides, and the less often it needs to be reapplied. For furniture with an ageing varnish that is peeling, cracking or bubbling, it is recommended that you sand this finish off and use a teak sealer or just let the teak stay bare.

Applying the preservative is straightforward. On the first application, the wood should be allowed to stand in the sun for a week or two to allow the wood grain to open. A coat of teak sealer should be sprayed on and rubbed in with a rag. Two coats should be aplied in this manner, to all surfaces, top, bottom, sides and between any slats. The area underneath the furniture should be protected with a drop cloth or newsprint as most sealers will stain concrete. After the first application, teak sealer should be reapplied every year by cleaning the wood with mild detergent and water and spraying and rubbing in a coat only on the surfaces that get sun.

After the furniture is sealed, very little care is needed to preserve the finish. Occasional washing with soap and water will remove normal soil. Oils from foods, wine, coffee and some condiments will penetrate the sealer and may leave a stain. To avoid this, a teak clear coat can be applied to the table top to improve stain resistance.

Teak is protected by its own natural oils that migrate to the surface of the wood and make the wood virtually impervious to water. As such, the use of varnish, water sealers, and oil on Teak furniture is not recommended. Products such as varnish and polyurethane will peel and chip and are difficult to remove without vigorous sanding. Oiling teak will not prevent the wood from graying,and often results in mold and mildew growing on the furniture (which usually shows up as black dots or patches.) Removing mould and mildew on the surface will require washing the furniture with bleach and soap followed by sanding.
resources wikipedia.com

Teak Furniture./perabot jati

Teak is used to make outdoor furniture, boats, and other things which require resistance to the elements. Teak is used for outdoor furniture because of its natural durability in extreme weather conditions and because of its relative rarity. Being more expensive than most other woods, teak furniture has become something of a status symbol. Not only is it common for a teak bench, chair, or table to last 70 years standing out in the elements, it is also common to pass down such furniture to future generations as an heirloom.

Kinds of teak furniture

Tables and dining sets
In places and seasons where eating outdoors is common and pleasant, it is common to find wooden dining tables and chairs in gardens, backyards, deck areas, patios, pool yards and sun rooms. Teak is an excellent material for this application, because it will not be broken down in the sun like plastics, it is less prone to the elements like other woods, it is lighter and cooler than iron, and will not easily bend or break like tubular metals.

Benches
Benches are perhaps the most common use of teak other than marine applications. Found in parks and shopping districts, benches need to be weather resistant, which is why teak is a popular material for benches.

Sun loungers
Teak is popular for chaise loungers and other recumbent seating because it is more durable and better crafted than most plastic loungers and will not get hot in the sun like metal loungers. Since these chairs are heavy, they often have 2 or more wheels for easy transport from place to place.

Adirondacks
Adirondack chairs(also known as Muskoka chairs) are comfortable with their high backs, their contoured seats and their wide arm-rests. The arm-rests provide ample room for food and beverages for comfortable meals while reclining with no table required, making them popular with outdoor cafésand bistros as they offer seating and a small place for food without the need for a table.

Umbrellas
Teak is a popular and traditional wood for the frames of large umbrellas like shade umbrellas and market umbrellas. While teak provides the durability, weather resistance and lightness needed for such an application, metals like aluminum are definitely more popular and generally a cheaper choice.

Deep seating
Known for large cushions and similarity to living room furniture, deep seating patio furniture is becoming more and more popular in places with warmer climates. With landscaping and outdoor décor being such a popular trend, furniture to sit in and enjoy the space has followed suit.

resources wikipedia.com

How To Clean A Ceiling Fan

Ceiling Fans are great for moving warmer air to the floor in the winter and lifting the warm air to the ceiling in the summer. However, dirty blades can cause your ceiling fan to wobble. So today I'm going to show you how to keep your ceiling fan balanced by covering a couple of different tips to keep your fan wobbling at a minimum.There are two types of maintenance you need to do to keep your ceiling fan running smoothly:

-Weekly dusting, to prevent dust from building up

-A more thorough cleaning of the blades, which should be done about every two months

Lightly Clean a Ceiling Fan Weekly
For weekly dusting of the fan blades, you will need a ceiling fan cleaning brush. It has a long pole with a light feather-like duster attached to the end of it, so you can dust the blades without having to climb up a ladder each week.With safety in mind, turn off the ceiling fan first. While standing under the fan, lift the pole up toward the fan blades, making sure that the dusting brush is lying evenly against the blade, and with a light sweeping motion, run the duster along each of the blades.
Thoroughly Clean a Ceiling Fan
Now, if you havent cleaned your ceiling fan in a while, you will need to do a more thorough cleaning of the blades, and this should be done about every two months. For this type of cleaning you will need a tall sturdy ladder, a roll of paper towels, and a bottle of all-purpose cleaner. After turning off the ceiling fan, position a tall step ladder beneath the fan in a place that will allow you easy access to the blades. Carefully climb the ladder and rotate the fan blades until one of the blades is within easy reach.To avoid getting cleaner inside the motor, spray all-purpose cleaner onto a paper towel. Wipe away dirt and dust from the top of the fan blade with the moistened paper towel, then use a fresh paper towel with cleaner and wipe the blades surface to finish the cleaning process on each blade. Continue this process until each blade is clean.

How to Prevent Fires in the Home

Check Electrical Outlets and Power Cords
First, double check all of the electrical outlets in the home to make sure that none of the outlets are overloaded with power cords. Next, double check each of the power cords plugged into the wall to ensure that the cords don't have any rips, tears, or frays, as old and worn out power cords can easily create fires.
Store Candles in a Safe Place
As you work your way through the home, scan each room for candles and matches. If you do have candles out, never leave a candle burning in the room unattended or near any type of cloth or paper materials. Also, make sure that matches and lighters are stored in a safe, high, or out of the way location where children can't reach them.
Be Careful With Burning Cigarettes
For those of you that smoke, beyond the best tip, which is to never leave a burning cigarette unattended, remember to never keep ashtrays near upholstered furniture or curtains, and never smoke in bed.
Use Space Heaters Safely
Next, always plug space heaters directly into the wall socket and not into an extension cord. When using space heaters, double check that all heaters are placed in a safe, out of the way location where they are less likely to be kicked, tipped over, or positioned where they can create excessive heat on the surrounding walls or furniture. When using a space heater, never place damp shoes or clothing too close to the heater because the material can become excessively warm and catch fire when left unattended. Always unplug space heaters that are not in use.
Store Flammable Materials in a Safe Place
When storing flammable materials, such as paint thinner, paint cans, or other flammable materials, keep these items as far away as possible from open flames in waters heaters and gas stoves.
Check Smoke Alarms
Never leave cooking food unattended on top of the stove, and always remember to turn off the stove and unplug kitchen appliances after you have finished cooking. Finally, double-check that smoke alarms are placed high on the wall or on the ceiling near bedrooms and on every level of the home. Test the batteries every month and remember to replace the batteries at least once a year.
Keep a Fire Extinguisher in the Home
Although only a few states now require fire extinguishers in the home, it is highly recommended that you keep a Residential ABC Class fire extinguisher near the kitchen in an easily accessible location.

Feng Shui in the Bathroom

In feng shui, bathrooms have a reputation for being a challenge because they drain energy. But that doesn't mean they shouldn't have good feng shui.
Bathrooms Drain Energy
The reason behind this reputation is the fact that bathrooms stand to drain energy, as well as easily accumulate low vibrations that can later spread throughout your home. However, there is no reason why you shouldn't enjoy good feng shui in your bathroom. All you need are some good feng shui tips and a little bit of effort.
Keep the Toilet Lid and Door Closed
Tip number one is to always leave the toilet lid and bathroom door closed. This will keep the energy from draining as well as keep the bathroom energy from spreading to other areas. The best feng shui colors to paint a bathroom are fresh white, gentle gray, or aqua blue colors.
Introduce Quality Air Into the Bathroom
Good energy cannot exist without good quality air. If you're lucky to have a window, keep your window open most of the time for clean and fresh air. If you do not have a window, have a good ventilation system. A good way to improve the air quality in your space is to use essential oils. You can use an electric diffuser or a candle one.
Display Soothing ItemsDisplay images and items that have a soothing, relaxing energy. We have the word "spa" that suddenly sends a relaxing message. We have little findings from nature, little soaps in very cute shapes. The big jar contains baking soda, and the other big jar contains sea salt. And you know a bath with sea salts and baking soda is one of the most energizing baths for you.
Have Different Levels of Lighting
Be sure to have different levels of lighting in your bathroom. If you cannot have different levels of lighting, install a dimmer switch. Of course, candles are a wonderful feng shui lighting option.

Caring for Antique Furniture

I would like to share with you today some things that you can do at home to care for your antique furniture and maintain them over the long term.
I am going to give you a few simple things that you can do that are inexpensive, that will help bring your furniture back to life.
Wipe Down the Antique Furniture
One of the first things we do once we bring a piece in, usually from an outdoor market or another antique shop, we wipe it down and we use a special furniture wax. It's a European furniture wax that comes in different colors. And what I have done here is, here's an example of a piece of furniture, and this was the original finish. You can see it's very dusty and dull. It's even got some paint marks on it.
Apply Wax to the Antique Furniture
What I did was I just took some very simple 4-0 steel wool and that's four zeros. You don't want it to be too harsh, otherwise you'll ruin the finish. And then some of the furniture wax that we have. It has a beeswax compound, and it comes in different colors. So, even if you have some gauges or scratches, you try to pick a color that matches your piece best, and it blends it right in.
Refinish the Antique
The bottom part here is an example of something we did in a darker finish. A darker oak. Up here is a golden oak. And here is the original. So you can see you don't have to refinish a piece necessarily when you buy it to bring back its original patina.
Ways to Maintain the Antique Furniture
For ongoing maintenance you should apply wax every 3-4 months, or as needed. It will help your wood last longer. Things you also need to consider are never spray any aerosol cleaners directly on a finish. This will over time eat away at the finish and cause permanent damage. What you want to do is take a rag and spray it directly into the rag, and then wipe it onto your furniture to keep that shine.
Consider Your Climate
The other things you need to consider is what is your climate? a lot of the heat is steam heat, it pulls all of the moisture out of the air and that can do tremendous damage to wood furniture. So you want to make sure that you have a humidifier going.Extreme heat can cause damage to wood furniture.
Ways to Fix Stuck Drawers
The one thing we've probably all experienced is sticking drawers, and it can be very frustrating but there are some easy remedies. One is if you've just bought a piece of furniture out in say a flea market that might have been very damp and it might have been out there for a few days. Just let the piece dry out for a little bit. Maybe one or two weeks to make sure.
Soap or Sand a Stuck Drawer
If the drawers still sticking, if it's a slight stick, you can use a bar of soap. It's as simple as that. However, more serious sticks might require some sanding. And usually if you remove a drawer, you'll be able to see where the wear is on the side of the drawer. If you take some sandpaper , which you can get at any hardware store, and just start sanding that area and that should solve your problem. But just do a little bit of sanding at a time and then put the drawer in. Just do a light sand and try it and then repeat the process until the sticking has stopped.

Feng Shui Bedroom Tips

The bedroom is the most important room in your home. However, it is often the most overlooked one. Here are some basic feng shui tips to create good energy in your bedroom.
Objects to Avoid in the Bedroom
The bedroom is the place for sleeping, relaxing, and sexual healing, so remove the TV, computer, exercise equipment, and any other work-related materials.
Bedroom Feng Shui and Air Quality
Open the windows often to let in fresh air, full of oxygen.
Bedroom Feng Shui and LightingAt night, candles are the best lighting for a bedroom. If this is not practical for you, use a dimmer switch to adjust the levels of lighting.
Best Bedroom Feng Shui Colors
Best colors for the bedroom at the so-called skin colors, and we know skin colors range from pale white to rich, chocolate brown tones.
Feng Shui and Your Bed
Your bed should be the biggest piece of furniture in your room, and it should be balanced on both sides. To bring balance ot your bed, have two nightstand tables, not one. They do not have to be identical. In this case, we used two different night tables that compliment each other. One has more of a masculine energy, the other has more of a feminine energy.
Good Feng Shui Headboards
In feng shui, good headboards are very important. Best feng shui headboards are made from wood or upholstered materials, like we have in this case. An upholstered headboard gives you two complimenting energies: the strength of the wood with the softness of the upholstery.

Feng Shui Bedroom Tips

The bedroom is the most important room in your home. However, it is often the most overlooked one. Here are some basic feng shui tips to create good energy in your bedroom.
Objects to Avoid in the Bedroom
The bedroom is the place for sleeping, relaxing, and sexual healing, so remove the TV, computer, exercise equipment, and any other work-related materials.
Bedroom Feng Shui and Air Quality
Open the windows often to let in fresh air, full of oxygen.
Bedroom Feng Shui and LightingAt night, candles are the best lighting for a bedroom. If this is not practical for you, use a dimmer switch to adjust the levels of lighting.
Best Bedroom Feng Shui Colors
Best colors for the bedroom at the so-called skin colors, and we know skin colors range from pale white to rich, chocolate brown tones.
Feng Shui and Your Bed
Your bed should be the biggest piece of furniture in your room, and it should be balanced on both sides. To bring balance ot your bed, have two nightstand tables, not one. They do not have to be identical. In this case, we used two different night tables that compliment each other. One has more of a masculine energy, the other has more of a feminine energy.
Good Feng Shui Headboards
In feng shui, good headboards are very important. Best feng shui headboards are made from wood or upholstered materials, like we have in this case. An upholstered headboard gives you two complimenting energies: the strength of the wood with the softness of the upholstery.

How to Safely Use a Hammer

When humans first invented tools, one of the first tools they invented was the hammer, and we've been smashing our thumbs with it ever since. It doesn't have to be that way.

Proper Hammer Hold

First you need to hold the hammer correctly. Imagine you're shaking hands with it. Make sure you grab the hammer low on the meaty part. If you grab too high, you're going to have problems. If you choke up too high, you lose leverage and control.
Hammer Accidents and Safety

You know talking about the grip on a hammer may seem silly, but by some estimates over 50,00 Americans a year visit the emergency room due to hammer accidents. Eye injuries are also very common when using a hammer so please use your safety goggles.
How to Hammer

To set that nail, grab it low between the thumb and the forefinger. Give it a couple of quick light taps and pull your hand away. Now to finish driving that nail, keep your eye on the head and go to town.
Using a Claw Hammer

A claw hammer is also designed to pull that nail. Simply hook the claw under the head and pull it out. Hammers come in all shapes and sizes.

How to Use a Jigsaw

A lot of home do-it-yourself projects require cutting. The jigsaw is one of my favorite saws. It's versatile, a decent one can be inexpensive, and it's user friendly.

How to Use a Jigsaw

Using the jigsaw is as easy as 1, 2, 3. Number one: learn how to release and install your blades. This one has a twist knob on top of the saw that releases the blade. To install a new blade just reverse the process. Number two is the variable speed setting. This one is located on the trigger. Turn this dial and you can set the saw to run fast or slow. Number three: pull the trigger and start cutting. This is called the foot. Put it flat on the work surface, pull the trigger and let the blade do the work.

Using a Jigsaw

The great thing about the jigsaw is that it makes straight cuts and it makes scroll cuts as well. Just like with any power tool, read your owners manual and pay attention to the safety recommendations.

How to Choose Exterior Paint Colors

Choose Paint Colors That Compliment the Roof
Begin with colors suggested by your roof. Your house doesn't have to match the roof, but it should harmonize. Also consider other features you don't plan to paint, such as masonry or vinyl windows.
Coincide the Colors With Surrounding Houses
Choose colors that coordinate with buildings around you.
Consider Matching Outdoor Paint With Interiors
The colors you've used for interior room may suggest ideas for colors outside your house.
Use a Historic Paint Color Chart
If you're painting an older home, you may want to select colors from a historic color chart. Or you can try to find out what colors were used on your house before you moved in. According to old photos my house was painted dark green and white. For a while, it was boring beige vinyl siding.
Try Painting With Various Shades
Most houses use at least three different colors: one for the siding, and two or more for trim and accents such as doors, railings, and window sashes. Darker colors are great for accenting recess spaces and window sashes. Lighter colors will highlight details that project from the wall's surface. Don't be afraid to experiment with color combinations. You can use a virtual painting program to preview your house colors. Or, you can photocopy a sketch of your house and try different color combinations.
Test the Paint on Your House
Before you buy gallons of paint, test a spot to see if you like the color. Be sure to look at the colors at different times of the day.
Choose Paint SHEEN
You thought you only had to pick colors? Sorry, in addition, you'll also have to decide on the sheen of your paint. Glossy, semi or soft gloss, or flat. I like to use a glossy finish for columns and window sashes and a soft gloss for siding. It's so easy to clean.

How to Make Container Candles

Many candle makers get their start making container candles - they are fun, pretty easy, and you can use any variety of containers to store them. See how to get started in container candle making.

Many candle makers get their start making container candles. They are fun, pretty easy, and you can use any variety of leak proof and fire proof containers: from nice glass vase type containers, to bowls, to glasses, or even what we are going to use today, simple jelly jars.

Container Candle Supplies

For this project, you will need:
fire proof, leak proof containers
candle wax that is appropriate for container candles
appropriate wicks for your blend of candle wax and size of container
color and/or fragrance oil (optional)
Candle Making Equipment

Some basic candle making equipment:
melt pot
scale
standard double boiler set up
set of chopsticks or candle making wick bars
hot glue gun and some straws
Set the Candle Wicks

The first thing to do is to set your wicks. An easy way to do this is to hold the wick inside of a straw, add a dab of hot glue at the end of the wick, and just press it into the very center of the jar. Next, set your wicks up with your wick bars or (if you are using a set of chopsticks) your chopsticks, and then put them into the oven no warmer then 150 degrees. If you do not want to use the oven, you can warm up the jars with just a standard heat gun. They do not need to be super hot, just warm.
Weigh and Melt the Candle Wax

Next you will want to weigh out your wax. For each of these 8 oz jars we are going to put in about 7 oz of wax. Container wax is really sticky stuff, so you will need to use a knife or even a spoon to get it apart. Once your wax is weighed out, put it into your double boiler set-up to melt. As the wax is melting, stir it gently with a chopstick being careful not to spill it into the double boiler.
Add the Fragrance Oil and Color

While your wax is melting you can weigh out your fragrance oil. I am using about 1 oz of fragrance oil per pound of wax. There is about 2 pounds of wax here, so that is almost 2 oz of fragrance oil for these 4 candles. When your wax is completely melted and gotten to about 180 degrees, add your fragrance oil and stir it well. This is also when you would add your color if you wanted. I am going to use a few drops of blue colorant for these candles. Make sure to stir well.
Assemble the Container Candles

Let your wax cool down to about 160 degrees. Then, get your wicks and jars either out of the oven or heated with the heat gun, and then you are ready to pour. When you are done, put the candles close together, and then wrap a towel around them so that they cool slowly. Leave them to sit and cool, and we will come back to them in a bit. When the candles are done, trim the wicks and then they are ready to go.

Cool Down With a Ceiling Fan

Add Style and Save Energy

Summer is the time when everyone is looking for ways to keep cool in their home. A ceiling fan is a great addition to a room, looks stylish, and is much more energy-efficient than air conditioning.

In some areas you'll really need air conditioning, which helps remove humidity from the air and keeps the whole room or home cool.

But when you just need to keep one room cooler, a ceiling fan just might be the answer. Keep in mind that a ceiling fan just moves the air around, but lots of times, that's all you need to really make a space more comfortable.

You can go into any home improvement center, hardware store, or even discount store and see a variety of styles and sizes in a wide range of prices. There are some things to consider before you actually buy a ceiling fan, though.

Read on to learn some basic information about buying the right ceiling fan for your home and room.

As you shop, look at different brands and compare features such as the size of the motor, the pitch of the blades, and the quality of the finishes on each surface. Speak with a knowlegeable salesperson and choose the one that meets your needs.

Power Requirements

No special electrical power is required beyond what is in most homes. If your home is not wired properly, you might need an electrician to install a circuit box in the ceiling where you want the fan to hang. It is possible to plug a fan power cord into a wall outlet and hang the fan with chain from a U-hook in the ceiling. But a stable installation directly in the ceiling is preferred.

Ceiling fan power outlets can be installed in new homes during construction. It's a good idea to add ceiling bracing during the construction to bear the weight of a new fan. If you're not planning to have a fan installed right away, the power will be there, ready to go when you're ready.

Installation Considerations

Some ceilings need to be braced to support the additional weight of a ceiling fan.

If you're installing the fan outside on a covered porch or patio, be sure all the components are weatherproof.

Power Controls for Your Fan

There are different ways to control a fan's operation. A wall switch will be the master control, with a pull chain, wall control, or remote control to adjust the speed of the fan.

Remote controls a wonderful convenience, especially for a fan that is hung high. You'll have no hanging chains and you can control the fan from a distance. Some fans include the remote with the purchase. If yours does not, you can select a separate add-on kit at a reasonable price.

What Size to Buy
You should buy a fan that is the proper size for your room. The larger the room, the larger the fan. For a room up to 50 square feet, choose a 29" fan. Choose a 36" fan for a room up to 75 square feet, 42" for a room 10' x 10' or 100 square feet, and a 50" to 52" fan for up to 400 square feet.

Where Will You Hang the Fan?

Is your new fan just for cooling or will it be a focal point of your room? There are so many fans on the market that you'll have to decide if it will stand out as a decorating element or blend with the ceiling.

Usually a fan is hung in the middle of a room for best air circulation. But for safety reasons, you should not hang a fan directly over a bed.

A fan should generally be hung so that the blades of the fan are fron 7' to 9' above the floor.

If you'll be installing the fan outdoors on a porch or patio, be sure that you choose one that will withstand any weather it might encounter. Ask about specific models made for the outdoors.

Should You Add Lights?

If your fan will hang in a dark room, a light kit will help to light the room. Look at different light options and select glass globes or bulbs that will give the desired illumination and blend with your room's decor. If you have a low ceiling, you may not be able to add lights.

Decorator Choices

To enhnace your room's decor or enrich your decorating scheme, select a motor housing finished in white, polished or antiqued brass, brushed steel, bronze, copper, wood grain, verde gris, orbronze.

Choose contrasting blades covered with metal finish, faux wood looks, woven bamboo, fabrics, or plain paint. Some fan blades are reversible, allowing for two looks on the same fan. You might want to change the look with the seasons. You can purchase replacement blades if they become dingy looking.

Special Touches

Before installing the fan, think about adding some custom touches to your fan. Paint a design or stencil a pattern to enhance your room's decorating scheme. But keep it simple.

You'll be amazed what a difference a ceiling fan makes in your room, and after you've had one for a while, you'll wonder how you lived without one.

Baby room: Practical But Not Pricey

You can't walk through a baby store or home center without seeing all the amazing and wonderful things that parents-to-be just must have before the new baby arrives.

Movie stars' nurseries are displayed in magazines for all to see and you're wondering how you'll be able to afford an adorable baby's room for your little one.

Everything is very expensive, layettes are custom-made and walls are painted with one-of-a-kind murals. The list of must-haves is endless from clothes to furniture, and accessories to toys. It's enough to break any budget.

I'm here to tell you to resist the temptation to think that your baby has to have everything new. Most of the things will be used for a very short time. Save your money for things that will last longer. And use your personal talents to create an one-of-a-kind nursery for your little one.
There are ways to find everything you'll really need, and some of the things you really want, and still have money left over.

You'll have fun finding things and realize that you've been very sensible about your new baby's gear.

Above all, think safety.
Though you don't need to do everything before the baby arrives, it's a good idea to have a list of safety issues that need to be addressed when you get your baby gear. Whether you buy the most expensive products or borrow from friends, you should not ignore current safety regulations. Older items, borrowed or picked up at garage sales, might not meet current safety standards. They are no bargain. Pass them up and get items that are safe for your little one.


You really can furnish a beautiful baby's room on a small budget.
The best way to save money on nursery furnishings is to accept gifts from other new mothers. Many parents are happy to pass along things that their baby has outgrown or doesn't need anymore. If you have a friend or relative with a baby 3 to 6 months older than yours, they'll be the perfect one to ask. Things will be up to date and their child will have no use for the items. An infant bassinette or cradle is useful for only about 3 months. After that, their baby will be in a crib.

Next, if things are not offered as gifts, ask to borrow the main items you'll need. You might have a friend with a 3 year old who doesn't need the crib anymore. They'll be particularly happy to have you store the crib for a few years or until they need it again.
Lots of people have baby items that they just don't know how to get rid of. They might not be ready to totally give them away, or they might think they'll use the items again. Maybe they don't want to go to the trouble of having a garage sale. Ask them to pass the items your way. You'll be able to make good use of them.

Buy Used
Garage sales, flea markets, and consignment stores are a great place to buy slightly-used pieces. You'll be able to save a lot of money over new retail and maybe even have higher quality than you'd get otherwise.
You can often negotiate prices to fit into your budget. Because most people do buy new baby items, they're often little used and near-new.

Don't just look at baby items. You might see a great chest of drawers or an antique rocking chair that would be perfect for the nursery. Look at the basic structure and stability of the piece. You can always refinish or paint it to go in your particular space.

Remember to look for clean, practical clothes and toys. Most will be only slightly used, as children outgrow things so quickly.

Customizing Accessories

Home decorating accessories can take on a designer look with just a few special touches. Read here for some ideas.

• Use a glue gun to attach beautiful braid to the to and bottom edge of a lamp shade.
• Hang a colorful tassel on the handle of a china cabinet.
• A pretty wired French ribbon tied to the base of a lamp adds color and is a treat for the eye.
• Glue fringe or braid to the top edge of a waste basket to help make it an acceptable accessory for a bedroom or living space

Easy ways to coordinate fabrics or wallpapers

Do you love the look of coordinated fabrics and wallpapers? You can get a more professional look if you follow these tips:

• Keep the background colors the same when coordinating patterns (for example all white or all ivory)
• Repeat colors in each pattern
• Include a mix of pattern sizes: large, medium, and small
• Add plain or textured fabrics for more interest

Coordinating Family Photos

When you're ready to hang family photos, you'll have much better results if you unite the look somehow. One good way is to have all the photos scanned and printed in sepia or black and white. Then have them matted the same and frame them in similar colored and styled frames. This will unify the look of photos from different decades, or even centuries, and make them look like works of art.

How To Clean a Mattress

We all like to get our sleep, and rely on our mattresses to provide us with a clean comfy place to nap. What happens when your mattress gets dirty? How do you prevent dust mites and other allergens from interfering with your rest? What routine maintenance does a mattress need?

Every six months, flip your mattress over.
To provide even wear, flip the mattress so that the top is now on the bottom, and turn it so that the foot of the mattress is now at the head. Depending on the size of your mattress, this can easily be a two person job.

Cover the mattress, to protect it and extend time between cleanings
Consider purchasing a mattress cover to protect the surface of your mattress. Choose a washable cover that is easy to remove and replace on your mattress. Some covers are even designed to reduce dust mite allergies, and reduce the need to vacuum your mattress.

Remove dust from the mattress surface.
Dust, dander, and dust mites build up in your mattress. Even those of us without allergies can begin to notice dust and dirt in our mattress. Vacuum your mattress using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner. If someone does have allergies in your home, you may need to vacuum more frequently and/or purchase mattress covers.

If the mattress surface becomes dirty or soiled, use an upholstery shampoo.
Following the directions exactly, use an upholstery shampoo to clean dirt and soil from your mattress surface. Or, mix a mild detergent with water until suds form. Apply the dry suds only to the soiled area using a sponge. Wipe the area with a sponge that has had warm water wrung from it. Allow the area to dry thoroughly.

Tips:
Do not allow the interior padding of the mattress to get wet.
If it's warm outside, you can dry a mattress quickly outside. You can also use a fan blowing across the mattress surface to insure that it dries quickly.

What You Need:
Vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment
Upholstery shampoo
Mattress cover

Mild detergent
Water
Sponges
Fan

Tips for Buying a New Mattress

With so many different types of mattresses on the market today, buying a new mattress can be a lot of fun, but there are a few things to consider before making a purchase. So today I'm going to cover some of the key things to consider before purchasing a new mattress.
Mattress Sizes
The first thing you must do is determine your price range and stick to it. Mattresses come in many sizes ranging from a Twin size to a King Size. When determining the size, measure the area of the room where you will place the bed to determine the most realistic bed size that is appropriate for your room. Always make sure you will have enough space to walk around the bed once it has been setup in the room.
Mattress Comfort Levels
Next, determine your comfort level. Comfort levels range from a 1, or a hard mattress, to a 10 rating, which is a soft mattress. This can only be determined by lying down and trying out the different comfort levels.
Mattress Materials
Next, determine the quality of material and the name brand you want for your mattress. Most mattresses come with an upholstery layer, or padding, and then an inner spring coil unit. Since there are literally 100s of options on the market, when it comes to determining the comfort level, quality of material, and named brand of the mattress that you want, keep in mind that the higher quality and more padding you purchase, the longer the life of the comfort level.
Testing Mattresses Before Buying
Finally, go to different retailer show rooms so you can lay down on the varying types of mattress materials to finally make your decision. After all, if you are going to spend a third of your life on your mattress, trying them out is the only way to truly determine which mattress is right for you.

Choose a Beautiful Color Scheme for Your Wedding

It's Your Day to Pick Your Favorites
Every detail of your wedding should reflect your favorites, from gown to shoes, flowers to food.
The color scheme you select will set the tone for the day and the events surrounding your wedding. You can also add sophistication or simplicity through the colors you select.
Generally, your color scheme will often carry into the attendants' dresses, table settings, and flowers. See our choices for some wonderful color schemes for weddings.

All White and Green
In weddings, as in life, white is not white and green is not green. Each color has a wide variety of hues from which to choose. But the color combination is a winner and gives you lots of choices, from pure white to ivory to the palest of pinks. If your gown is ivory, it's best to select fabrics for napkins and tableskirts, as well as flowers, in a complimentary shade.
If you've selected a snow white dress, choose snow white flowers.
Some choices for white flowers are iris, sweet pea, peonies, orchids, lilacs, camellias, daisies, and carnations. For a softer hue, look for roses, tulips, freesia, or lily of the valley.
When selecting greens, you can go from a fresh lime green to the deep green of camellias or leatherleaf ferns. If you want a brighter green, look for leaves from citrus trees, fresh grasses, or green berries.
Pink and Red With Green
Use pastel or bright pink flowers and add accents of red. Or go the other way around--red flowers with accents of bright or pale pink. Add tones of lavendar or purple from hydrangea. For texture and an loose look, use berries in deep shades of red with green foliage.
Soft Blush Tones
Create an elegant statement at your wedding if you choose pale blush colors for flowers and accents. Colors can range from soft pink to soft peach and ivory. Add touches of pearl to accent. Roses are a good choice to enhance a blush color scheme, as there are a myriad of hues of soft-toned roses. Your florist can direct you to the best varieties.
Red is Always Romantic
Red roses say "I Love You" and are very appropriate for weddings at any time of the year. Especially in the winter, red looks wonderful with berries and pine greenery and black or red gowns on the attendants. Red is also found in tulips, peonies, gerbera daisies, ranunculus, carnations, lilies, and camellias.
Nothing But Pink
For a very romantic and feminine celebration, pink is beautiful. Choose one shade of pink or use many shades from brights to pales. Roses come in a wide range of pinks, or try ranunculas, sweet peas, camellias, hydrangeas, foxglove, snapdragons, dahlias, and bright gerbera daisies.
Purple, Lime Green, White
For a dramatic, lively look to your day, choose colors with real punch. Purple, lime green, and bright pinks look crisp and fresh! Hydrangea, roses, lilacs, hyacinth, iris, pansies, stock, delphinium, lisianthus, lavendar, and mums grow in shades of purple. Limey greens will add brightness
Yellow
Summer brides might choose flowers in happy shades of yellow. Remember to choose a range of yellows that has enough contrast to the shade of bridal gown. Spring blossoms include tulips and daffodils. Happy daisies, sunflowers, freesia, ranunculas, dahlias, zinnias, daylilies, buttery roses, and alstromeria offer an array of yellow blossoms. Add a touch of blue hydrangea and beautiful greens for extra interest and texture.
Green Pairs With Any Other Color
Using an array of greenery from plants and flowers and some or a few flowers in shades of green, you have the foundation of a beaufiful color scheme. You can find shades of light greens in tulip leaves, ivory, hosta, hydrangea, orchids, and green parrot tulips. Find silver greens in eucalyptus. Dark green tones are in ivy, leatherleaf ferns, rose leaves, camellia leaves, and magnolia leaves. Leave the greens alone or add subtle shades of your favorite colors.
Shades of Blue
Blue has long been one of the favorite colors for interior decorating, so it just seems natural that brides would want to include blue in their wedding color scheme. This would be especially appropriate for outdoor weddings where the sky or water would be an important element in the setting. Add the cool, serene tones of blues with cornflowers, hydrangea, delphinium, iris, or agapanthus. Use shades of pink or add bright greens for interest.
Passionate Purple
Purple bridesmaids' dresses look elegant and regal, but beware! Dark purple flowers can get "lost" in a dark room. Choose flowers in brighter, lighter shades of purple so that they show off as you want. It might be a good idea to "test" the color before you make the final decision to have purple as a dominant color in your decor.
Black and White
For the ultimate in sophistication, dress the bridesmaids in beautiful black gowns and the men in handsome black tuxedos. The bride can wear snow white or any shade of ivory or candlelight. Add sparkle if desired, or stay with the simple elegance. Flowers can be all white or any tone that enhances the sophisticated look. Table decorations can be silver or gold, or any color of the rainbow.Beautiful dresses and flowers can be found in so many colors that you're bound to create a color scheme that expresses your personality. With everything coordinated, you'll have a beautiful wedding celebration.

Free Online Design Software

Envision Your Ideal Living Space
Many home decorating projects can be done without much advance planning, like changing the paint color in your living room. But if you want to make a more substantial change, such as remodeling your kitchen, you really shouldn’t start until you have a floor plan drawn up.
For decades, architects and engineers have been taking advantage of computer aided design (CAD) for drafting and planning beautiful homes. But for the non-professional, CAD programs often seem too technical and difficult to learn. So instead you might spend hours drawing a rudimentary sketch on graph paper, erasing what didn’t look right, redrawing, and repeating. Often!
Fortunately, now there is a wide variety of easy-to-use home design and decorating software to choose from.
These programs and online tools make it fun to plan and actually envision changes to your home’s design. And you can do it all without having to move a single piece of furniture!
No software program is perfect for every project, and some are more user-friendly than others. So it’s a good idea to spend some time looking at the various options. You may find that one program is just right for helping you measure and layout big furniture items. Another may be better for your kitchen project because it has a greater variety of cabinet choices. Whatever software programs you use, you will likely find that they are an efficient tool for planning and designing your space.
If you don't want to purchase design software, how about trying some of the free online programs? They're fun to use and just may prepare you for purchasing a more powerful program.

• http://www.artifice.com/ click free 3D.This is a free download suitable for "simple home design projects". If you want more, you can purchase expanded versions of the software on CD-Rom
• Google SketchUp-Click for a free download of this powerful tool for creating, viewing, and modifying 3D ideas quickly and easily
• http://seemydesign.com/ - This online resource allows you to choose from a selection of paint and wall finishes, furniture styles, and flooring. See your home with various colors and decorative elements.

Top 10 Trends In Home Design

Tomorrow's homes are on the drawing board and they are nothing like the places you may recall from your childhood. New materials and new technologies are reshaping the way we build. Floor plans are also changing to accommodate the changing patterns of our lives. And yet, many architects and designers are also drawing upon ancient materials and building techniques. So, what will the homes of the future look like? Watch for these important home design trends.

1. Earth-Friendly Home Design

Perhaps the most exciting and most important trend in home design is the increased sensitivity to the environment. Architects and engineers taking a new look at ancient building techniques that used simple, bio-degradable materials. Far from primitive, today's "earth houses" are proving comfortable, economical, and rustically beautiful

2. "Prefab" Home Design

Factory-made prefabricated homes have come a long way from flimsy trailer park dwellings. Trend-setting architects and builders are using modular building materials to create bold new designs with lots of glass and steel. Prefabricated, manufactured housing comes in all shapes and styles, from steamlined Bauhaus to undulating organic forms.

3. Adaptive Reuse in Home Design

New buildings aren't always entirely new. A desire to protect the environment and to preserve historic architecture is inspiring architects to repurpose, or re-use, older structures. Trend-setting homes of the future may be constructed from the shell of an outdated factory,or an empTy warehouse.

4.Healthy Home Design

Some buildings can literally make you sick. Home designers are becoming increasingly aware of the ways our health is affected by synthetic materials and the chemical additives used in paints and composition wood products. The most innovative homes aren't necessarily the most unusual; they are the homes constructed without relying on plastics, laminates, and fume-producing glues.

5. Storm-Resistant Home Design

Every shelter should be built to withstand the elements, and engineers are making steady progress in developing storm-ready home designs. In areas were hurricanes are prevalent, more and more builders are relying on insulated wall panels constructed of sturdy concrete.
6. Flexible Floor Plansn in Home Design

Changing lifestyles calls for changing living spaces. Tomorrow's homes have sliding doors, pocket doors, and other types of movable partitions allow flexibility in living arrangements. Dedicated living and dining rooms are being replaced by large multi-purpose family areas. In addition, many houses include private "bonus" rooms that can be used for office space or be adapted to a variety of specialized needs.
7. Accessibile Home Design

Forget the spiral staircases, sunken living rooms, and high cabinets. The homes of tomorrow will be easy to move around in, even if you or members of your family have physical limitations. Architects often use the phrase "universal design" to describe these homes because they are comfortable for people of all ages and abilities. Special features such as wide hallways blend seaminglessly into the design so that the home does not have the clinical appearance of a hospital or nursing facility.
8. Outdoor Rooms in Home Design

An increased interest in eco-friendly architecture is encouraging builders to incorporate outdoor spaces with the overall home design. The yard and garden become a part of the floor plan when sliding glass doors lead to patios and decks. These outdoor "rooms" may even include kitchens with sophisticated sinks and grills.
9. Abundant Storage in Home Design

Closets were scarce in Victorian times, but over the past century, homeowners have demanded more storage space. Newer homes feature enormous walk-in closets, spacious dressing rooms, and plenty of easy-to-reach built-in cabinets. Cathedral ceilings are becoming passé because families tend to prefer usable space below the roof. Garages are also getting bigger to accommodate the ever-popular SUVs and other large vehicles.
10. Eastern Ideas in Home Design

Feng Shui, Vástu Shástra, and other Eastern philosophies have been guiding builders since ancient times. Today these principles are gaining respect in the West. You might not immediately see the Eastern influences in the design of your new home. According to believers, however, you will soon begin to feel the positive effects of Eastern ideas on your health, prosperity, and relationships.

Tomorrow's Houses
What will the homes of the future look like? Will we continue to see Cape Cods, Bungalows, and assorted "McMansions"? Or will tomorrow's houses seem very different from those being built today?

How To Light a Room for Sex

Light has a huge impact on mood. Most people have heard about the connection between lack of natural light and depression, but in more subtle and immediate ways, lighting can help cue different moods and it can help us relax and focus our attentions

Every space is different, take the time to experiment.

Invest a little time playing with the light in your room. Each space is going to be different, the furniture that's in the space, how it is positioned, the size and angle of the walls, the height of the ceiling. There are very few absolutes in lighting; it depends on what you're going for.

Consider the sexual mood you are trying to set.

Are you going for a frenetic night of animalistic abandon in a club atmosphere? Or a slightly mysterious, titillating French brothel from the 20s? Or a cozy lair, comfortable enough to make even the most uptight let go of their inhibitions? What lights you use, and how you use them will depend on the sexual tone you are trying to set

When you're lighting for sex, dimmers are always good.

Consider installing dimmers on any overhead lights. This isn't hard to do (as long as you have some good safety instructions, and make sure you flip the right breakers), and will make a world of difference.
When you're lighting for sex, fluorescent is always bad.

Many fluorescent lights contain mercury, a toxin you just don't want in your bedroom. Fluorescent lights are not stable - they rapidly flicker on and off, and though it is not necessarily perceptible to the eye, for many it causes headaches and fatigues the eyes. Also, it just doesn't look good.

Don't spread light all over the room, light specific points.

It's better to use lots of localized points of light. Grab whatever desk lamps, or reading lights you've got and play around. Point them at the wall, into a plant, or at a painting. Lights that illuminate specific points of focus are great for making a room look beautiful. You can use this technique both to draw attention to parts of the room as well as hide corners that are filled with junk.

You don't need to spend a lot on special lights.

Put a light on the floor, aim your desk light at a photo, try turning the TV around to face a white wall for a colorful moving effect. Play with what you've got, and get creative about what you own that lights up.

Light your room for sexy bodies.

If you've ever been in a change room with bright overhead fluorescents and close quarters you know how unflattering some lighting can be on our bodies. Consider trying to light from the side – it really helps to highlight the shape of the body – it is the primary way to light professional dancers.

If you want it bright, experiment with different sources.

Just turning the overhead light on is boring. It floods the room in a predictable pattern and offers little nuance. If you want it bright use a portable work light (they have cages so they can be knocked around a little, they have an insulated handle and are easy to move around - careful though, the unshielded metal bits can get really hot). You can buy them at most hardware stores.

Candles set the mood beautifully.

Candles of course are great - if you are like me and prone to falling asleep before extinguishing all fire hazards – use tea lights in a little candle holder – try red glass ones that throw a really nice flickering glow around the room, paper shades are great to soften incandescent light bulbs. (again, dimmer will go a long way to creating a warm and sultry atmosphere).

Create beautiful shadows on your walls.

Experiment with using your lamps to make shadows on the walls. Aim a light at a wall through colored glass and you may get beautiful patterns, but even better, position a light so that the moving shadows of you and your partner are projected larger than life onto the walls around you. Shadow play can be hilarious and very sexy.

How To Modernize and Update the Lighting in Your Home

Bring more light to your home with these tips. From bulbs and switches to fixtures and lamps, simple changes will help to brighten things up.

Install dimmer switches on as many lamps and light fixtures as you can. In the bathroom, you can really create a soothing mood for bathing. A bedroom becomes more romantic. You'll have control over the intensity of light around your home and save energy at the same time.

For dark corners, use metal can up-lights. They can be purchased in a variety of styles and only need to be plugged in, with the light directed at the dark area. These are small and work great in a potted floor plant or on the top of a chest or armoire. Be sure to camouflage the fixture and just enjoy the light.

Install under-cabinet light strips in the kitchen, desk area, or workroom. The light will shine directly on the work area and make any task easier. Switch them off when you leave the job.

Add a decorative lamp to a bookshelf. It will not only break up the long line of books, but make it easier to find what you're looking for.


Place a small decorative lamp on the kitchen or bathroom, tucked into a corner. (Be sure to keep it away from any water!) It can serve as a night light but also be decorative.

Be sure that every room in your home has a light connected to a dimming wall switch at the entrance. You'll be able to turn it on when you walk into the room, then adjust the lighting as you find your way.


If your table space is limited, install a reading light on the wall near the bed or lounge chair. Reading will be a pleasure!

Remove boring ceiling fixtures and install can lights around the room. While you might need to bring in professional help for this one, it will be well worth it! You can direct the light to artwork, reading nooks, or work spaces.

Light your artwork with small fixtures attached on the top. There are many styles designed just for lighting art. Find them at a local home center, attatch it to the frame of the art, and plug in to the wall.

Install a dimming wall switch to control the light and fan on a ceiling fan. For even more convenience, purchase and program a remote control to turn the light or fan on and off.

Install a motion sensor on outdoor light fixtures to control the light when people walk too close to the house. Or, at a dark hallway or staircase, or in the garage or attic so that you never have to enter the space in the dark.

Add a light sensor to an outdoor light. You'll have light whenever it's dark outside, but the light will go off at daybreak.

Tips:
Use a lamp, up-light, and ceiling fixture all in one room. The layers of light will add interest and provide numerous lighting options.

Be sure to keep the light bulbs clean with frequent dusting. The light will be cleaner, too.

Top Decorating Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1.Choose Furniture That Doesn't Fit
You wouldn't wear clothes in a size that's baggy or skin tight, so why would you choose furniture that doesn't fit in your room? Before you shop for furniture, whether you're buying new or at a garage sale, measure your space, think about where you're going to put the piece, and write down notes.Resist the temptation to buy a too-big sofa, thinking you can put it on an angle if it doesn't fit. Write down the measurements an stick to it.
It's just as bad to buy pieces that are too small, thinking you can add more pieces to fill the space. Plan out your arrangement, think it over, and then find the pieces that are just right.
2.Use Too Many Patterns and Prints
Don't pick up just any fabric or piece of furniture you like, thinking you can work around it. Plan your color scheme, select a main pattern, then find coordinating stripes, small prints, and plaids that enhance your choice.
Follow the Rule of 3: Select one main pattern, usually a large print. Then find one small, coordinating print and one stripe or plaid. Then call it quits. If you need another fabric, think about using a solid-colored texture or interesting weave instead of another pattern or print.
3.Float a Rug in the Middle of the Room.
The elements in a room should be connected, both visibly and physically. A rug on the floor adds color and a connecton between pieces of furniture. The rug should be tucked under the front legs of chairs, sofas, and tables.
A rug placed in the middle of a room, unanchored, poses a safety hazard. It would be easy to trip on an edge or corner of the rug or slip and slide if the rug moves
4.Push All the Furniture Up Against the Wall.
You may think that a room will look larger if the middle of the floor is open, without furniture. But the opposite is true. Unless you're going to have a dancing party in the middle of your room, move the furniture into groupings in the center.
Arrange a sofa with a table behind it, away from the wall with a walking space behind. Show off the back of the sofa and arrange decorative items and a lamp for reading behind it. Move chairs out of corners and you'll have a more open, airy look in your room.
5.Put Out All Your Collectibles
Whether you collect knick knacks from travels like ash trays or salt and pepper shakers or fine pieces of sculpture or one-of-a-kind hand-blown glass, you shouldn't put everything out at one time.
Do your best to select only the most important pieces, either in monetary or sentimental value, and get rid of the rest. If you can't bear to throw the pieces away, put them away and rotate the items on display. Less really is more!
6.Decorate With Family Heirlooms Whether You Like Them or Not
Just because your grandparents chose to decorate in Victorian style doesn't mean that you have to. If you want to use something that was handed down, select one special piece and use it as an accent in your home. But get rid of the rest of the pieces that you don't want. Your space should reflect who you are, not who the people are who went before you.
7.Put Decorative Pillows Everywhere
You can buy pillows in every size, shape, color, and texture. But just because you can doesn't mean you should. Pillows are great accessories to use to add interest and softness to a space, but they should be functional, not just decorative.
It's almost a natural that you'd use a decorative pillow on a sofa or at the back of a deep chair. Several on the top of a bed would be logical too. But don't place pillows on furniture that you have to take off to sit down or lie in bed. Make pillows decorative, soft, comfortable, and, above all, useful.
8.Protect Your Furniture With Slipcovers
Slipcovers are wonderful for covering up worn fabric or patterns on fabric that are out of style or don't go with your decor.But any slipcover should be decorative and add to the piece, not distract from it.
The worst of the worst are clear vinyl slipcovers. You might be tempted to choose one to protect the beautiful silk fabric on your furniture. But they just look awful. There's no question about it and you should avoid them at all costs.
If you must cover a piece of furniture, choose a slipcover in a color that resembles the upholstery you're covering. Hopefully it will blend with the space and no one will really notice. Remove the cover whenever you have guests and replace it for everyday activity.
9.Hang All Your Artwork and Mirrors at the Same Height
You've probably heard the rule about hanging art at eye level. That's all well and good, but people's eyes are not at the same height. Think about it: a 6-foot person's eyes are higher than those of someone sitting on a chair.
please read previous post about How High to Hang Art that will guide you through the process of deciding where to hang pictures and mirrors so that they create a focal point on a wall and enhance the space instead of detract from it.
10.Use 100 Watt Bulbs in All Your Lamps and Light Fixtures
Of course you'll want to have a good light for reading, but the other lights in your room should be selected for specific tasks or to create a mood.
Choose your lighting to match the function of the space. For the kitchen, you might want recessed lights or a small lamp in the corner of a counter. You'll need a good lamp over your desk and maybe track lights over your computer and work space.
For total light control, install dimmers on all your wall light switches and on lamp cords.
11.Choose Dining Room Chairs to Look Good, Not for Comfort
Not! A dining room is a place for people to gather, visit, and enjoy each other's company. The dining chairs should fit comfortably around the table. But the most important thing they should be is inviting, giving guests no reason to get up and move out. Create a welcoming room and your dinner will be a time to remember.
12.Decorate With the Trend of the Day
Even If It Doesn't Match Your DecorIt's fun to be up to date with trends and fads, but your home is not the place to be "au courant" every season. Decorating and furniture are expensive investments and you can't expect to change colors and styles with the calendar.

Choose trends you really like and decide how you can get the look without spending a lot of money. There are ways to incorporate decorating trends into your decor without making a total change. You'll save money but not be left behind the decorating curve.
Some, in fact most, rules are made to be broken. Choose the rules you'll follow wisely. The things listed here are absolutely not to be done.

What Not to Do When Decorating

1.Don't Let Someone Make Choices for You.
Your home is your personal space.Don't let someone else tell you what you should do. If you need help, ask for suggestions. But when the time comes to make decisions, they should be yours. It's your home and you should feel comfortable with the choices.
2.Don't Paint First.
You can buy paint in every color under the sun. In fact, you can have paint mixed in any imaginable color you might want. Choose fabric, carpet, and upholstery first.
3.Don't Choose Paint From a Paint Chip.
A small chip of a paint sample might look great in the fluorescent light in the paint store. But a whole wall of it might be overpowering. When you've decided on a color, purchase a quart of the color and paint a small section to see how the color looks in the room with natural light. If you don't want to mess up the walls, paint a piece of cardboard and tape it on the walls in the room where you plan to use the color.
4.Don't Decide on Colors in a Store.
Never buy fabric, flooring, or paint on your first visit. Ask for samples of paint and carpet and swatches of fabric so you can see what they look like in your home. Check them out in natural light and in the evening with lamps.
5.Don't Settle for Blah If You Love Bold.
A gallon of red paint doesn't cost any more than a gallon of white. You get my point! If you love color, find a way to use your favorite colors in your home. Choose colors that express your personality and coordinate with things you love
6.Don't Make Your Favorite Color the Main Color.
If you love red, you don't have to choose it for your walls. Instead, choose a more subtle shade to provide a background that will let items in your favorite color really "pop."
7.Don't Ignore the Psychology of Color
Don't think that you can create a relaxing sanctuary in a room with red walls. Blue and green are more calming and relaxing. Choose red and orange for play rooms or family rooms where the action is. Select a color scheme to create the atmosphere you want in the room.
8.Don't Forget Color Undertones
Not all blue is blue. Not all whites are the same white. Look beyond the main color to see if the hue is light or dark, crisp or dull. Choose coordinating colors with the same intensity.
9.Don't Force a Color Scheme
Don't "make" things match. Just because you have a red print sofa doesn't mean that it will coordinate with any red stripe draperies. Choose your color family, identify the major pieces, decide what you have that will have a place in the room, and then recover, repaint, and coordinate all the elements. Find another place for or get rid of anything that doesn't fit your plan.
10.Don't Ignore the Focal Point of Your Room
Not every room has a focal point, but if yours does, make it important. Arrange the artwork and furniture around this important element.
11.Don't Let Your Furniture Hug the Walls
Don't arrange the chairs, sofa, and tables all around the room unless you have no choice. Make groupings of furniture for conversations and pull pieces into the center of the room for a warmer feeling of comfort.
12.Don't Build Barriers
Don't put a chair in front of a door or a table in an obvious traffic area. Leave room for easy access and movement within the room.
13.Don't Settle for Cheap
Don't choose a piece of furniture because of a pretty cover or fun color. First, see if it's well made, has interesting details or classic lines. If it does, you can always recover the upholstery in a fabric you choose or refinish the frame.
14.Don't Invest in Trends
Don't break you budget on pieces that are trendy. Trends come and go. You'll want to spend your precious resources on pieces that will last for a while. If you are attracted to crystal studded or fur-covered furniture, experiment with a less expensive crystal embellished lampshade or faux fur throw.
15.Don't Keep Mismatched Furniture
If you inherit or end up with a lot of pieces that don't match, find a way to tie them together in your decorating scheme. Paint odd wooden furniture frames to match or recover pillows and upholstery with coordinating fabrics.
16Don't Be Extravagant on Useless Pieces
If a piece doesn't serve some function and won't last for years, put your money back in your wallet. Save your funds for the necessities unless you just can't resist.
17.Don't Keep Things Because You Think You Should
Don't feel obligated to keep a piece you've inherited. If it doesn't appeal to you or it doesn't fit your space, either fix it or get rid of it. After all, it's your home. They'll understand!
18.Don't Allow Ugly Anywhere
Of course, ugly is in the eye of the beholder. But don't think you can learn to like something if you really don't. Get rid of it!
19.Don't Display Every Personal Treasure
Don't overcrowd your home with collectibles. Make each piece be important. If it isn't or if you don't have room, store them away and change your collection from time to time. You'll be glad when it's time to dust!
20.Don't Forget the Details
Don't just paint the walls and put the furniture around the room. Learn about details that make your decorating style unique. Find interesting lamps, arrange books neatly, add decorative pillows to furniture, and include fragrant candles and flowers

Select the Right Size Chandelier

Lighting in your home can set the mood, create an atmosphere, and add drama. While chandeliers have traditionally hung over dining tables, they're now used frequently in luxurious and elegant bathrooms and custom-designed kitchens.
To get the right size lighting fixture or chandelier there are a number of things to consider, including the dimensions of the room, height of the ceiling, diameter of the chandelier, and what will be under it.

Men and Women and Buying Furniture

The special day of love has just passed and there's nothing at all that you don't agree about, right? This may be a great time to go furniture shopping!
If you share your home with someone of the opposite sex, you've probably had an encounter with the Mars vs. Venus factor in home decorating. He's thinking "comfortable, sturdy, and functional" while she's thinking "floral, pastel, and pretty". Get some good tips on how to handle the different opinions so that these two divergent views don't collide into into a major catastrophe!
Keep in mind that men and women come from different life experiences and their needs and likes are different. Find ways to resolve the differences and end up with furniture that you both like.

Hints and Tips for Hanging Art

Art can be anything from tapestries to paintings, textured panels to prints. The cartoon prints on the wall in this bedroom are hung together so that they almost serve as a visual headboard for the bed. It's an effective way to display art and create an interesting focal point for the bedroom.
If you're not sure how high to hang art or in what type of groupings, you're not alone. This article will give you good tips on how to relate your artwork to the room or furniture, how to hang it alone or with other pieces, and how to light it for the greatest benefit.

Recruit Your Kids to Help Get Their Rooms Organized

Get the Clothes Under Control
Start by spending time with your child and have them try on all of their clothes. Children grow so fast that it may be discouraging to see that something you got for a Christmas gift no longer fits. But there's no sense keeping something that will never fit again. Don't forget shoes, socks, underwear, and jackets. Collect outgrown clothing in a bag, make a list, and donate the outgrown items to a charity.
Next, put together outfits by coordinating colors and patterns. If some shorts fit great, be sure there are a couple of shirts that match.
Help your child make a "to buy" list of the items needed in the right colors colors and sizes. If you have time, why not add more shelving or hanging poles in the closets before you put things back? If you're really ambitious, how about a total closet makeover, with shelves, drawers, lighting and hanging bars?
Your child can:

• Try on clothing.


• Make outfits.


• Fold and sort clothing by category -- shorts, tank tops, white socks, etc.


• Replace neat piles onto shelves or bins in the closet.


• Help take outgrown clothing to a charity drop-off location.

Sort Through the Toys
Is your child's room overflowing with toys? Serious sorting might be in order.
Begin by getting out all the toys. They'll think this is fun. Put everything into the middle of the room. Make piles! What's old or outgrown? Put any unneeded items in a bag for charity.
What's indispensible? Do you have room to get it in order. If not, think about building extra shelving or adding boxes or other storage to a closet. If there are a lot of things that your child just cannot part with, you might need to use every inch of space in the room to find a place to put them.
Once your child has decided what stays, evaluate how the remaining items can be stored. Purchase storage boxes, baskets, or free-standing shelves. Or put a basic chest of drawers in the closet for games, doll clothes, or craft supplies.
Be sure to label all boxes, and put like items in each box. Keep paints separated from doll clothes, or cars from tea sets. You'll find that it's much easier for your child to put things away if everything has a home and is well labeled.
Your child can:

• Select broken toys to toss or fix.


• Pick out unused toys to give away.


• Locate parts and pieces that belong together and sort them into containers.


• Store like items together (games, Legos, doll clothes, and so on).

Get Books and Papers Under Control.Get the Books Onto Shelves
Can you really ever have too many books? Some children's books are real treasures, with memories of quiet "read-alouds". These are books you will definitely want to keep. But there might be some titles that have no sentimental value.
Collect the books that don't need to be saved. Some may just be too immature for your child. Collect the give-aways in a bag and donate ones in good condition to a nursery school, library, or child care center. Treasured "keepers" can be put out of reach or packed away.
Put the books that your child still reads and wants onto bookshelves for easy access. Decide how they'll be sorted, either by author, story, or title.
Your child can:

• Decide which books to keep.


• Sort the books alphabetically by title or author.
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• Decide where to put them on shelves for reading later.


• Choose his or her favorite day care center or library to receive the reject books.


• Sort and Organize All the Paperwork

I'll bet you can't bear to throw away even one paper that your child brought home from school. If your child is past 1st grade, that's really a lot of paper!
Choose a color for each child. Buy pocket folders and make labels for each one. Label one folder for each school year (Sara: Grade 1, Anne: Grade 2, and so on).
Use these colored folders to store the most wonderful artwork, A+ papers, school announcements and program notes that you have collected. They may not seem to be the work of a genius, but you'll be happy to have them after only a couple of years when you want to go down memory lane!
Your child can:

• Go through school papers and choose favorites to keep.


• Put all papers from one year in the appropriate file folder.


• Using photos or a special paper, create a cover page for each year's folder.


• Be sure to add pictures of their school, the teacher, best friends, sporting activities, awards, and plays. Remember artwork, and even computer disks with copies of pictures, poems, or essays they've written.

Once you and your children have gotten everything organized, you'll all be surprised how much more fun your time together is. If you have a chance to do something on short notice, they'll know just what clothes to wear. When you have time to read a favorite book, you'll know right where it is. And when you want to look back on the fun school years past, the papers and photos will be in the right place! Have fun!

Streamline Your Closet

Get Organized the Pain-Free Way!
Is your clothes closet bursting at the seams? Do you hate to throw anything away because, after all, you might want it sometime in the future?
The following idea is not new. In fact, it’s a tip that keeps coming up. But I certainly think it is helpful and bears repeating. Why didn't I think of it years ago?
If only you could wave a magic wand and actually see into the future – so that you could know which clothes you’ll wear and which you’ll never put on again.
Well, in a way you can. Here’s the next best thing to being able to predict what you’ll wear -- and what is just cluttering up your closet needlessly. And the best thing about this method is -- it’s free! Oh, and it’s painless; and you don’t have to make any decisions; and it takes about five minutes max.

OK, it actually takes a year.
Here’s how it works.
Pick a day that’s coming up soon that you’ll remember like Merdeka Day, New Year Day, or your birthday. When that day arrives, turn all your hangers backward in your closet. There, that’s it.
Well, not quite. Each time you wear something, hang it back up the right way – not backwards. And voila! After 12 months you can tell at a glance what you haven’t worn for a whole year. Look at all those backward hangers. Then be brutally honest. If you haven’t worn it the past year, do you really think you’ll wear it the next year? Probably not, so pass it along to your local charity and let someone in need enjoy it.
Of course, this doesn’t work with those few things that you need, but not often. For example, you might have a few party clothes such as an evening gown or a tuxedo. You know that you may wear only them once every few years, but they are handy to have when the need arises.
For the rest of your clothes, if the hanger is still backward after a full year, it’s a good bet that it’s time to pass the garment along.

Decorating Tricks to Make a Small Space Look Larger

Make Choices for More Room

Some people live in a small apartment because that's all they can afford, and they're grateful for it.
Some people live in a small apartment or home because they're tired of taking care of a larger place and want to "downsize."
Others just don't want a large home. Small is beautiful! And easy, and practical, too!
But no matter what your reason for living in a small space, you'll undoubtedly have to make some compromises in your decorating, get really organized, and make some adjustments to your lifestyle in order to make everything fit and not feel cramped.
If you're looking for a cozy, intimate space, you're in luck. By using soft, snuggly upholstered pieces, dark, warm tones, and dramatic lighting, your tiny corner can become a wonderful private space.
But if you really feel the need to stretch out in your small space, you can make some decorating changes to make the area look and feel larger without moving any walls! With color, furniture arranging, and interesting lighting, your space won't feel so cramped.
See if some of our tips will work for your small space.
Clear Out the Clutter
There's nothing that makes a small space feel cramped more than having too much stuff.
Work out ways to get collections out of view, organized behind doors, table skirts, or on shelves. With things neatly arranged and out of sight, the space that is in view will feel orderly and open.
Open the Way
With furniture and accessories blocking the view into a room and out to open spaces, a room will look cramped. By moving furniture out and away from walkways, you'll open up the space and make it feel larger. You can also choose short pieces of furniture like an ottoman, an armless, open chair, or a low table, and place large, tall pieces along a wall rather than out in the open space. If you can see the floor, the room will look larger.
Chooser Soft, Light Hues
Whereas dark, warm colors make a space feel cozy and intimate, light, cool colors make a space feel open and airy. For optimum effect, select soft tones of blues and greens.
Use a Monochromatic Color Scheme
Choose colors that are in the same color family and use tone-on-tone woven upholstery fabrics, textured wall finishes, delicate tonal drapery fabrics. Cool colors and delicate warm colors on most surfaces give the room a more open look.
Coordinate Wall and Furniture Colors
Contrasting colors tend to break up a space. Pieces of furniture are less interrupting and tend to blend with the space if they're colored to match the wall color.
Let in the Light
Any room will look larger if it's well-lit, either by natural light or artificial lighting. Get rid of heavy draperies and open up the windows to let the light of the outdoors into the space. Add more lamps or install track lighting or recessed lighting
Tips to Fool the Eye
Here are some more things you can do to make a small space at least feel larger, even if the floor space stays the same.
See-Through Space
By using materials that you can see through, anything beyond will appear farther away. For a tiny bathroom, I got rid of an opaque glass shower enclosure and substituted a clear, frameless one. The room is the same size looks bigger. Now we can see all the way (an extra 3 feet) to the wall at the back of the shower.
You can also use glass or lucite for tabletops. With a sturdy base of wood, stone, or metal, the space around the table will open up the view beyond.
Reflective Surfaces
You might not like the look of a mirrored wall, but you have to admit that it always makes a room look larger. Instead, use a large framed mirror on a wall or stand an oversized framed mirror against a wall.
You'll get the same room-enlarging effect as a mirrored wall, but with more style. The space and the light will be reflected for a more open feeling.
Top a coffee table or side table with a piece of beveled plate mirror or have a chest of drawers or bureau covered with custom-cut and installed mirrors.
Believe It or Not, Bigger Is Better!
Use a few large, simple pieces of furniture or accessories in place of several smaller pieces which would make a small space look cluttered. With open space and large blocks of color, the room will appear to be more calm and comfortable.
Keep the Upholstery Plain
Select plain colored upholstery for furniture instead of bold plaids, stripes, or prints. Use texture for interest and stick to neutral tones if you can.
Airy, Light Fabrics
Sheer fabrics allow light to pass through window treatments, bed skirts, table covers, and furniture slipcovers. If you want something other than plain colors, find soft floral vines or simple stripes to keep the look simple.
By following some of these simple rules about decorating a small space, your home will feel comfortable, not cramped. You'll have an intimate space that suits all your needs.

Hiasan dalaman: taste tinggi tapi tak cukup budget ?

Tak pe..berapa pun budget anda itu tak penting.tapi macam mana anda belanjakannya. So saya akan kongsikan sedikit tips untuk anda.

1.Harga yang tepat

Gunakan material yang tidak mahal dengan mewahnya dan gunakan material yang mahal sebaliknya.Gunakan fabrik kapas untuk slip cover dan table skirt dan fabrik yang agak berpatutan harganya untuyk bantal-bantal dan langsir.so antara harga kain yg mahal dengan kos tempah jahit yang mahal pililah kos jahit yg mahal itu. sebab tukang jahit yang bagus boleh membuatkan langsir(contoh) anda yg dari kain murah nampak seperti hasil yang bernilai tinggi! Sebanarnya nilai langsir itu boleh di tambah keeleganannya dalam aspek jahitannya,rambu-rambanya.macam mana boleh jimat kan?

2.Decorative art.

okay cuba buat karya anda sendiri , potong je gambar kat dalam majalah dan letakkan dinding sebagai hiasan. tetapi ia tidak semudah itu ye...gunakan daya creativity anda dalam membuat framenya. Tukarkan sebuah gambar biasa menjadi sebuah karya seni yang ulung.Bende murah pun dah nampak sophistikated...he..he..

3.Berjimat dengan fabrik

Tak payah beli baru sekiranya apa yg ada sekarang masih bagus ,cuma ubah suai contoh nya..tukarkan langsir lama anda kepada lapik meja makan.naik tarafkan nilainya seperti yg saya cakap mula-mula tadi melalui kualiti jahitan dan aksesori tambahan.Gunakan apa yg ada .kalau kerusi makan anda nampak usang pakai lah slipcover so nampak lain sikit,Buatlah skirt kat table anda tapi pastikan warna padan dengan dinding jgn main hentam saja ye.

4.faktor size dan ukuran

kalau nak beli perabot,nak nampak mewah jgn beli banyak tapi beli sikit dan kalau boleh beli yg size besar.Fokuskan kepada bahagian focul point so anda tak payahlah masukkan banyak elemen di dalam rumah.

5.Informasi

pembeli yang bijak mesti ada pengetahuan yang banyak.Bayar sedikit untuk dapatkan khidmat nasihat pakar hiasan dalaman dapat menjimatkan wang kita untuk jangka masa panjang..

6.Cat rumah anda sendiri

dapatkan buku panduan mengecat. cuba try apply beberapa cara mengecat. Rujuk balik post yang lepas unutuk pelbagaikan cara nak cat.

7.upgrade perabot anda yang sedia ada.

contoh ,cat semula kabinet hiasan anda yang dulu bewarna hitam kepada putih, tentu nampak lain sikit.

Sebenarnya, banyak lagi cara nak berjimat dalam menghias...gunakan imaginasi anda dan tukarkan bayangan anda menjadi realiti.

Hiasan dalaman: menghias bilik tidur anak lelaki.

sebenarnya decorate bilik anak anda adalah yang paling menyeronokkan.Selalunya ibu bapa seperti and sibuk memikirkan apakah tema yang anda nak buatkan? Atau pun anda sedang menunngu kelahiran bayi..tentu anda mahukan sesuatu yang berbeza bukan.Banyak tema yg sesuai untuk anak lelaki. Tema yang tepat dan menentukan arah dan inspirasi yang dapat anak anda adaptasi semasa dia membesar.so mari kita mulakan , saya akan kongsikan beberapa tema untuk informasi anda.
Tema kehidupan serangga.

jarang bukan? tapi di barat benda ini dah biasa. Serangga seperti katak,lebah,semut dan reptilia adalah kehidupan semulajadi yang menarik minat kanak-kanak lelaki. Okay, anda boleh memilih bed sheet dan langsir yang ada gambar serangga -serangga ini. Botol koleksi serangga, frame gambar serangga ,wall paper dan fabrik. Penuhkan rak buku anak anda dengan rujukan mengenai binatang. Patung katak yang lembut..ular ke...he..he..byk di pasaran. lampu ker...Munkin tema ini dapat meransang anak anda untuk discover dunia luar.
Tema binatang kesukaan.

Mesti anak anda sukan binatang kan, tak kiralah ..kucing ke..,burung...atau iguana..gunakan binatang peliharaan membuatkan anak anda lebih "lekat" di rumah. Pastikan anda gantungkan banyak gambar anak anda dan "teman" barunya itu di biliknya dan pastikan binatang itu terjaga dengan baik terutama tentang aspek kesihatan dan kebersihan.
Tema taman permainan.

tema ini membolehkan anda enjoy dalam menghias bilik kerana anda dan anak anda pun boleh terasa keseronokannya.Ini adalh kerana anak anda dapat betul-betul bersronok dengan biliknya.Cuba anda bina taman permainan kecil...contohnya..landasan keretapi..longgokan alat permainan seperti robot..teady bear...set lego...papan gelungsur plastik...hai byk lagi...sebenarnya..anda boleh bayangkan...so cubalah cari di kedai perabot ...tertentu sahaja....Dibahagian dinding pula cuba lukiskan mural yang cantik dan menarik..
Tema safari

Aha..untuk kelihatan seperti alam safari cuba cari kertas dinding yang banyak gambar binatang berwarna-warni.catlah di dinding dengan warna biru,,ivory atau apa pun color di bahagian border wall paper.Buat bantal dan cadar yang ada gambar binatang seperti singadan cuba cari patung harimau dan letak di satu sudut. Di satu sudut lain pula ,letakkan butterfly net, binokular dan topi mengembara di dinding.So kalau anak anda ada melukis gambar binatang apa kata anda framekan dan gantung di dinding...menarik..
Tema hutan.

Gunakan wall paper bertemakan hutan atau pun kalau tak nak serabut gunakan karpet yg ada ciri-ciri hutan..ha..ha..jungle boy..macam tarzan pun boleh...boleh letakkan gambar haiwan..atau pun patung-patung lembut..seperti burung atau ular...di katil..

okay...nak cuba tak...apa salahnya..untuk anak tersayang...

Hiasan dalaman.Idea dekorasi bilik anak gadis anda.

Semua gadis cantik sangat gemarkan warna yang cantik-cantik. mereka gemar menghias,meilih kain yang berbunga-bunga,bercorak,ada gambar binatang atau pun cartoon kegemaran atau pun rama-rama.Anda boleh,lekatkan bunga-buangaan plastik mahupun hiasan replika rama-rama di dinding yang sudah di cat dengan warna accent yang pastinya padan dengan kertas dinding dan fabrik yg telah anda pilih. jangan lupa pula dengan langsir.

Tema Lautan

kalau anda tinggal berhampiran pantai anda boleh gunakan tema lautan dalam menghias,gunakan warna biru laut untuk dinding, warna pasir untuk lantai, dan warna seakan awan di siling. pilihlah kertas dinding bertemakan lautan, potrait dan lukisan,atau perabot yang warna-warni. wow..mesti anda boleh terbayang-bayang bayu yang bertiup dan bunyian ombak.
Tema Bintang-Bintang.

Tema bintang 2 satu pilihan yg bagus dan kira favauritelah. Senang kalau nak cari wall paper,perabot dan fabric yg berbintang-bintang ni.Sebenarnya budak lelaki pun boleh guna tema bintang.Warna yag boleh di pilih juga banyak terutama bright dan pastel color.anda boleh menghias bintang-bintang di dinding dan siling.Pilihlah perabot yg bersesuaian.
Tema Cahaya bulan.

Cuba ciptakan suasana kelembutan cahaya bulan . warna siling pilih warna midnight blue dan lukiskan bulan dan bintang kecil-kecil mengelilinginya. Gunakan pelekat yang boleh bersinar dalam gelap tu...Gunakan perabot berwarna cream vannila atau pun putih.Letakkan hisan gambar pelangi untuk menyeri dinding .Gunakan langsir yang ada gambar bulan dan bintang di atanya..wah pasti menarikkan.
Tema Bunga-bungaan.

warna oren,kuning,hijau ,dan pink,adalah warna yang sesuai dengan tema bunga-bungaan. Jadi anda boleh pilih fabrik berbunga yang mempunyai warna-warna begini..Anda boleh juga pilih wall paper yang menonjolkan bunga-bungaan dan hiasan ini amat mudah di dapati dikedai.
Tema Sinaran mentari.

Cuba anda buat mural di dinding, gambar matahari sedang terbit. gunakan warna kuning matahari untuk bedsheet dan langsir.Gunakan karpet berwarna hijau rumput dan cat siling berwarna biru langit cerah.selalunya,kanak-kanak akan rasa lebih bersemangat bila bangun tidur di waktu pagi.
So , cuba anda cuba untuk bilik anak anda. semoga berjaya.

Hias rumah anda dengan konsep kasual

Fokus utama konsep ini adalah keselesaaan.

Untuk permulaan, konsep kasual agak detail sedikit,terutama dalam pemilihan elemen texture fabric dan pemilihan aksesori, soft upholstery,pencahayaan yang minima dan gaya susunan.

Konsep kasual sebenarnya adalah cara yg paling sesuai untuk menyerlahkan sentuhan peribadi anda , kalau anda ada idea sendiri,anda boleh curahkan idea itu. kalau anda seorang yang suka modified barang-barang lama ,seperti contoh,sebuah almari dapur anda modified jadi sbuah rak buku antik....cara dekorasi kasual ini boleh di suai padaikan dengan style french country dan amarican country.

Dengan adanya casual style dalam rumah,kite sebenarnya rasa lebih relax. Kita boleh masuukan elemen kasual ini di mana-mana saja ruang rumah tak kira di bilik tetamu, dapur mahu pun bilik mandi. Ia pasti memberikan keselesaan.
Cuba gunakan tip-tip ini

.Perabot yang sesuai adalah jenis yang ringkas,lembut,ringan dan selesa. Upholstry biasanya oversize dan slipcover.Biasanya kalau orang buat upholstry pada perabot contohnya sofa ke kerusi ke.. warna yang biasa digunakan adalah warna yg neutral seperti gray,beige atau putih semama mereka rasa..warna ini dapat memberikan kesan lembut apa kata cuba warna yang bertona gelap seperti navy blue,rust,olive,forest green,atau purple.

Untuk menambahkan kesan accent apa kata tambahkan,rambu,butang,riben atau sulaman.

warna yang kontra dapat memberi kelainan di dalam ruang.

Konsep kasual memerlukan susunan hiasan anda adalah secara mendatar dan melintang,panjang dan besar.Anda boleh gunakan meja makan yang besar di ruang makan, menambah kabinet hiasan di satu ruang.

Pemilihan material item yang sesuai adalah elemen dekorasi daripada rotan dan iron/besi. kalau ada brang antik juga boleh di sesuaikan, sebab tu saya kata tadi kalau almari lama atau kerusi lama jgn anda buang cuba decorate balik,munkin hasil yang baru lebih bernilai dan anda boleh jimat untuk cari barang yang baru.....

Adakah konsep kasual ini sesuai dengan hidup anda?

Panduan konsep untuk hiasan dalaman rumah anda.

Pilih warna dan tema yang dapat mnyerlahkan gaya hidup anda.

tak kira lah ,anda nak design sebuah bilik,atau pun seluruh rumah,atau resort mahu pun istana. Anda akan merasakan pandua-panduan ini amat berguna untuk anda.

Panduan yg akan sy tunjukkan ini adalah menjurus kepada apa yang anda suka dan apa yg anda tak suka dan anda akan tahu tentang elemen yang dapat memberikan bilik atau rumah idaman anda.kalau anda masih belum tahu tentang apa style ygn sesuai dengan anda atau pu anda mcm blerr tak tahu mcm mana nak teruskan so anda patut terus bersama saya dan belajar sikit demi sedikit.Mula-mula anda perhatikan dulu,style traditional yang boleh anda lihat di sekeliling anda dan cuba tengok-tengok trend dekorasi yang terkini. Apa kata anda try beli majalah dekorasi yang popular di pasaran Malaysia macam IMPIANA atau pun ANJUNG SERI.

munkin apa yg anda tengok tu bukanlah bende yg baru tapi seronok gak try pilih fabrik,tema, dan elemen yang anda suka. nanti,boleh anda suai padan kan dengan style yg anda pilih nanti

Berikut adalah konsep dan tema yang memang dah popular kat negara barat dan semakin popular kat negara kita. Bawah ini ada senarainya,saya akan jelaskabn satu-persatu dalam post yang akan datang.okay,sekarang cuba tengok apa yg sesuai dengan anda dan mampu membuat teman-teman anda kagum sambil berkata."wow..cantiknya rumah kau" he..he..he..
Standard
konsep kasual,konsep formal,konsep kontemporari and konsep tradisional
Pengaruh dari seluruh dunia
konsep French Country, konsep Tuscan, konsep Swedish and konsep Paris Apartment
Konsep warna
Black and White, Chocolate Browns ,Floral Themes and Denim Blues
Sebenarnya adalah banyak lagi konsep, tapi sukar untuk saya jelaskan pada anda kerana kebanyakannya tidak relevan dengan culture negara kita .

How do you feel about color?

When it comes to selecting colors for your décor, ask yourself these questions.
They can help to steer you in the right direction.
Do you like lots of color or subtle tones?
Are you uplifted by a bright color scheme?
Are you inspired by the colors of nature?
Does a neutral palette seem dull or serene?
Which colors remind you of a favorite place (the ocean, forest, or desert)?
Do you feel calm and rested around blue?
Do dark colors make you feel cozy or claustrophobic?

Di harap tips tersebut dapat membantu anda dalam pemilihan warna. Tips ini saya dapat dari sebuah buku hiasan dalaman dari barat.

TIPS HIASAN DALAMAN: MENYUSUN PERABOT.

1.OK ,mulakan dengan melukis gambarajah ruang bilik yang hendak di susun dengan perabot.Pastikan keluasan rumah dan ukur perabot anda supaya kita boleh tahu kat mana paling sesuai untuk kita letakkan.

2.ok,sy dah pernah cerita pasal "focal point" kan. So sekarang anda decide kat mana focal point anda.kerana kat situlah perabot anda harus di tumpukan.

3.ok semasa susun perabot anda pastikan anda buat laluan utama dan laluan kecil. Ukuran yang ideal untuk jalan utama memerlukan 3ft hingga 4 ft ,manakala laluan kecil pula sekurang-kurangnya 2 ft sahaja. Anda kene ingat mesti ada space kalau nak tarik kerusi ataupun nak buka drawer,semua aspek ini cuba masukkan dalam plan anda.

4.Kalau anda nak buat set sofa anda tempat paling sesuai untuk berbual-bual so susunkanya agak dekatantara satu sama lain supaya senang nak berborak.

5.Letakkan sofa di ruang tengah dan jgn sandar ke dinding,ini adalah untuk mengelakkan ia nampak terlalu ringkas nanti nampak macam ruang menunggu di hospital pula.

ok 5 tips diatas,adalah tips yang paling asas. maka langkah yang seterusnya anda boleh masukkan elemen hiasan dalaman berdasarkan konsep yang anda pilih. okey Berkenaan dengan konsep terdapat lebih sepuluh konsep yang boleh anda pilih. Untuk itu di harap anda bersabar untuyk post yang akan datang.

TIPS PERABOT: APA ITU SOLID WOOD ?

Apa yang dikatakan kayu solid, kalau di barat lebih popular di panggil kayu keras(hard wood).

solid wood sebenarnya datang dari pokok-pokok hutan.Antara jenis kayu yang selalu di gunakan untuk membuat perabot adalah kayu jati(teak),kayu meranty(mahogany),kayu nyatoh(maple) oak dan walnut. Jenis yang sebut tadi memang sudah sinonim dalam dunia perabot. Namun ,keaslian dan kehalusan kayu -kayan ini agak mahal.

Namun anda tidak perlu risau,sekarang anda mampu memakai produk kayu solid dgn harga rendah dengan adanya teknologi kayu getah(soli rubber wood). Solid rubber wood sekarang amat popular di Asia dan pasarannya semakin meluas di pasaran eropah. Malah bila anda perhatikan harga di Malaysia jauh lebih murah dari di barat. Bukankah kita beruntung?

Produk perabot yang di hasilkan oleh kayu solid biasanya lebih berat dan tahan lasak ,maka ia akan dapat bertahan lebih lama.

kebiasaannya ,kayu meranti dan kayu jati nampak lebih traditional berbanding kayu getah.

Tips hiasan dalaman: "focal point"

Cuba create "focal point" di rumah anda.

Kadang-kadang kalau anda masuk ke dalam rumah, ada satu sudut yang anda terasa nyaman dan tenang memandangnya. Sudut itu di panggil "Focal point".Kalau bilik anda ada tingkap yang menghadap kearah taman kesayangan anda,dan anda selalu memandang ke arahnya itulah "focal point" anda.Ok,kalau anda tidak ada sudut itu tidak mengapa .

Disini ada sedikit tips untuk membentuk "focal point" anda. Anda boleh menambah perabot atau hiasan ini ke rumah anda.

1.Sebuah kabinet hiasan yang besar,so anda boleh letak koleksi keluarga anda di dalamnya.

2.Kabinet antik atau unik, warisan turun-temurun.

3.Sebuah meja kopi atau console yg boleh anda letakkan koleksi menarik anda di atasnya..

4. Apa kata anda letakkan sebuah cermin dinding yang besar.

5.Gantungkan gambar keluarga,koleksi,atau lukisan, payung atau topi di dinding rumah anda.

6.Letakkan sebuah rak terbuka yang besar so anda boleh susun macam-macam barang kesukaan seperti buku dan koleksi patung.

Sebab utama kita wujudkan "focalpoint" adalah sebagai daya penarik rumah anda. so saya pasti tetamu tak jemu-jemu merenung koleksi anda itu.selamat mencuba.

Element dekorasi rumah anda.

Semasa menata hiasan dalaman rumah anda .

Berikut adalah element yang perlu di ambil kira.
1.Accessories and Accents: contoh: bakul,lilin, jam,pinggan mangkuk,frame gambar,lampu antik dan bayk lagi.

2.Perabot

3.kesenian.contoh,potrait,lukisan,labu sayung

4.Hiasan lampu.

5. Warna.

6.Produk berharga dalam rumah.contoh:Build in cabinet,peti ais besar

7. Decorative molding (see picture)

8.Bunga-bungaan.contoh: bunga plastic,bunga hidup,vas

9.fabric. warna ,pattern,dan cetakan pada fabric dapat menyerlahkan suasana kediaman.

10.Dinding dan ceiling

11.Penjagaan tingkap.

12.lantai.contoh: rugs,carpet,lantai kayu,lantai buluh,lantai batu,lantai kontkrit.

Saya akan terangkan satu-persatu dalam post yg akan datang.

PANDUAN BELI PERABOT (2) JIMATKAN WANG ANDA !

Ini adalah shopping guide yg kedua saya sy sediakan untuk anda. Anda boleh lihat yang pertama dalam post yg lepas ok.

Well, kalau anda merancang nak berpindah ke rumah baru ataupun apartment tentu anda perlukan perabot yg banyak. so saya akan beri beberapa tips, untuk jimatkan wang anda.

Kalau anda plan untuk nak pakai lama, so elakkan pakai perabot yg terlalu murah sebab nanti baru satu dua tahun dah kene beli baru.Maknanya ,daripada kayu kompress baik anda beli solid wood aje.Ada byk kebaikannya kayu solid , antaranya kalau pindah ia agak lasak dan tidak mudah longgar atau rosak. daya ketahananya agak tinggi.

Kalau anda menyewa rumah , dan tidak plan untuk tinggal lama boleh beli yng compress wood, sebab memang dah funsi nya untuk short term.

Ada beberapa keadaan yang kalu boleh di elakkan ketika membeli perabot;

1: sewa perabot. memang jrg lah tapi biasanya org merantau ada juga yg sewa ni.

2: perabot second hand: memang murah tapi berbaloi ke ?

3: beli terlalu banyak.kalu rasa nak beli dining set, focus pada itu saja .jgn pegi usha bende lain pulak.

Kalau nak mengelakkan tersalah beli maka cuba anda selidiki tentang kualiti perabot dan senarai harga perabot yang berpatutan. Spend sikit masa untuk window shopping kat beberapa kedai.kalau boleh start sebulan lebih awal.Kalu tak de masa cu ba brows kat internet. Anda juga boleh layari website saya untuk makluman. http://www.seriyamax.com/.

Di malaysia masih kurang option untuk membeli-belah perabot secara on line, ini di sebabkan faktor pengangkutan dan juga tahap kepercayaan terhadap seller oleh buyer masih rendah. Kebanyakan , customer nak tengok dulu barang baru beli. Tapi , keadaan ini adalah normal.

Untuk pengetahuan anda harga dalam website adalah jauh lebih rendah daripada di kedai. sebab tu kat web site tak boleh nak minta kurang.Cuba layari http://norarobert.lelong.com.my/. Ada banyak perabot yang sedang promosi.

Cuba cari kedai yang terus dari kilang. Buat masa ini ,banyak kedai yang ada kilang sendiri dan barang tentu jauh lebih murah kan.Anda pasti dapat banyak pilihan dan stock pulak banyak.Jgn lupa kadang-kadang barang promosi ni dia tak temasuk kos hantar dan pasang.

aha ..kalau anda sorang rajin dgn keje-keje kraft ada kedai perabot yg menjual perabot yg belum siap varnish atau pun boleh ubah suai atau pun D.I.Y. Perabot begini biasanya lebih murah.dan anda pasti rasa seronok kerana ada sentuhan anda dalam membina perabot.

Anda kenelah peka mana tahu ada promosi perabot berhampiran anda.Kadang-kadang kedai perabot ada buat jualan gudang dan penghabisan stok. Ok saya sebagai pekedai, kedua jenis sale ini bukanlah semata-mata nak clear stok lama, kadang-kadang stok kita dah lama tak jalan sebab tu kita offer, selain itu kita nak perkenalkan produk kita yang baru kadang-kadang pulak sekarang trend orang pakai kerusi wrought iron..kite pun offer product wrougth iron.Kedai perabot memang mengikuti perkembangan semasa. dan saya ia penting untuk buyyer dan seller.

Ada juga kedai perabot yang jual defect item, yg terosak sedikit. so murah sikitlah.Oh saya memang tak galakkan ini. kerana perabot yg sikit damage boleh jadi besar dengan mudah lainlah kalau anda sedia menanggung segala risikonya.

ok sy rasa thats it for now.

masturah

Macam mana nak maintain sofa kulit anda.

Bila anda mempunyai sofa kulit pasti anda ,pasti anda mahu ia kelihatan sama seperti mula-mula anda beli sofa tu kan.sofa kulit ni memang mahal harganya,sudah tentu anda menjangkakan ia boleh di pakai lama sesuai dengan harganya .Berapa lama ia boleh bertahan bergantung kepada cara ia di buat dan macam mana anda menjaganya.
Banyak orang menyangka yang semua kulit adalah sama, so munkin anda ingat cara jaga seat kulit dalam kereta sama dengan sofa kat rumah. sama sekali tidak boleh.
Jangan gunakan sabun yg berasaskan minyak kerana ia boleh menegangkan kulit itu dan lama-lama kelamaan ia tidak nampak seperti asal dan mudah terkoyak. Sabun yang berasaskan minyak ini boleh juga membuat color kulit itu pudar. Sebenarnya menjaga sofa kulit anda mudah dan simple.hanya gunakan kain dan air sahaja,kalau ada kotoran degil gunakan air suam. Tiga bulan sekali anda sapukan pelembab kulit sofa ke atasnya(ada jual di hardware). hmmm..selain itu di kedai juga ada jual penghilang kotoran untuk sofa leather,cuma jgn guna terlalu banyak, kuli memang sensitive dengan chemical.
So dengan mengamalkan tip sini anda pasti dapat maintain cantik je sofa kulit anda.
selamat mencuba.

MENGHIAS RUANG MEJA MAKAN

Menghias ruang meja makan seharusnya menjadi tugas seisi rumah jadi tak pe kalau sedikit formal. Ruang meja makan boleh kelihatan lebih elegan berbanding ruang tamu dan dapur. Apa yang penting keluarga anda rasa cukup selesa dengan pilihan anda. Dekorasi ruang dining yg bagus memang pada hiasannya tetapi ia adalah juga tentang makanan. keseimbangan dua perkara ini dapat menghasilkan kombinasi yang menarik dalam hiasan dalaman.

Design ruang makan.

sudah tentu kita mahu mempunyai design yg terbaik , apa yang anda boleh buat ialah bergantung kepada size ruang yang anda ada.

Kalau ruang anda luas , anda boleh meletakkan kabinet di ruang makan dan menambah sedikit dekorasi untuk mencantikkan ruang. Contohnya ,kabinet pinggan mangkuk atau pun sebuah console table panjang beserta cermin.

Kadang -kadang kita terasa susah untuk menghias ruang meja makan kita yang sempit, tetapi kita mampu melakukannya dengan mengunakan kreativiti kita. Kalau boleh jgn letakkan cabinet di ruangan tersebut sebab susah pulak nak lalu nanti.katakanlah anda mempunyai kerusi dan meja berlebihan simpan saja dulu dalam stor, cuma keluarkan masa ada tetamu datang sahaja.( gunakan table cloth untuk cover meja anda dan buatkan sarung yg cantik untuk kerusi anda,supaya tetamu tak perasan yg itu sebenarnya kerusi dan meja extra). hiasan yg rasa tak berkenaaan dgn ruang makan elok jgn letak ini untuk membuat kawasan lebih luas sikit dan tak serabut mata.

Pilih perabot.Pilihlah dining set yg sesuai dengan konsep hiasan dalaman rumah anda. adakah anda suka yang glass atau pu kayu. dari jenis kayu juga bayk pilihan sama ada modern atau pun klasik. Apa yg penting keselesaan, cantik namun tak selesa hati rasa tak tenang pula. Pastikan dining set itu sesuai dgn bilangan dan keadaan keluarga anda.kalau ruang sgt terhad jgn lupa sediakan kerusi lebih untuk di simpan.

Lampu.Samaada ruang sempit atau besar, anda boleh memasang lampu gantung di bahagian tgh siling. Tetapi kalau ruang sempit jgn pula pakai lampu yang besar,nanti nampak kelakar pula.
ok ini cuma basic interior yg boleh anda cuba sendiri, anda boleh try padankan dgn dinding dan konsep anda yg sedia ada. semoga berjaya yer...

Menyerlahkan suasana dekorasi kamar beradu.

Sebenarnya saya banyak menulis tentang bilik tidur..atas permintaan ramai saya akan berkongsi pendapat dalam sudut hiasan dalaman pula.Bilik tidur adalah ruang paling peribadi bagi kita,seharusnyalah. Ia adalah tempat yang romantik, selesa untuk tidur dan berehat. di samping itu bilik tidur dapat menghidupkan suasana yg ceria dan menenangkan untuk kita yang sentiasa membayangkan bilik itu adalah syurga kita.
Fungsi katil dalam dekorasi bilik tidur.ok,selalunya di bahagian tengah bilik kita letak katil. Keutamaan anda mestilah tilam tetapi jgn ketepikan kepala katil. Jgn ambil mudah factor psychological dalam mendapatkan tidur yang nyenyak. Perasaan dan gambaran katil anda biasanya boleh kita rasakan bila kita bangun dari tidur. kalau bangun tidur sakit belakang ,alamak ai...tensionnya...munkin patut tukar tilam. kenapa kabinet kepala katil (headboard bookcase) penting, kerana ia bukan sahaja untuk dekorasi tapi untuk kemudahan anda. anda boleh buat tempat sandar kalau nak baca buku...nak simpan buku..kan.tempat letak air...senang nak capai.ok kat malaysia..kurang di jual yang dah siap tapi kalau anda ke kedai perabot bolehlah tengok-tengok set katil yg style macam ni. Kat seriyamax ada dua tiga jenis anda boleh view key...
Idea dekorasi bilik.kita beralih dari kati ke dinding pula.Rasanya warna dinding anda sekarang menarik tak...biasanya,,putih standard...putih itu suci ?...tidak lagi.. pilihlah color yang sedap dipandangan mata anda...apa kata anda..pilih warna dinding dan warna siling secara berlawanan..pilih sendiri color anda..saya tak boleh cadangkan...sebab kalau tersalah anda yg pening kepala..Kalau anda ada menonton iklan ceria TV3..perasan tak warna dinding bilik dalam rumah tu...colourfull kan...nampak janggal?..sebenarnya..tidak..apakata anda cuba dulu.
Pencahayaan juga sangat penting. pilihlah lampu yang sesuai dengan keperluan anda. Semestinya anda tidak mahu memasang lampu yg 'cantik' tapi bila guna..anda rasa pening..cadangan saya , anda perlu ada lampu utama untuk menerangi keseluruhan biik. lampu di tepi katil untuk anda membaca.lampu di meja study..untuk studylah...lampu sudut..ha..kalau anda takut gelap boleh nyalakan lampu sudut secara malap. pilihlah bentuk lampu sesuai dengan konsep dekorasi anda.kalau klasik jgn pulak pasang lampu ala disko...habis ..lari...
Fabrik pun tidak kurang pentingnya,terutama dalam aspek langsir dan cadar.kalau nak kan keselesaan yg maksimum keluarlah duit lebih sikit beli set cadar yang berkualiti..agar tidur kita nyenyak dan selesa..tidaklah panas..bab langsir pula fabric sebenarnya tidak begitu cerewet..apa pun boleh asalkan kene dgn gaya kita dan yang penting..mudah di urus.kalau boleh jgn terlalu simple dan jgn terlalu serabut.
Merancang budget untuk dekorasi bilik.Merancang budget adalah idea yg baik untuk projek dekorasi rumah. dengan adanya budget dapat membantu kita focus tentang keperluan dan apa yg paling penting untuk kita.selalunya, kita boleh buat sendiri tapi kadang-kadang kene panggil org buat..hah..duit tuh..Apa pun cara anda nak decorate..inilah masa untuk membentuk syurga anda. ruang yang selesa untuk anda. bagi yg dah berumah tangga pasti anda mahu pasangan anda merasakan bilik anda itu pun syurga untuk mereka. ok good luck.

Landscaping

Design landscape yang baik mestilah dibuat dengan teliti untuk mendapatkan hasil yang terbaik dan mestilah mengambil kira setiap langkah dengan teliti dan jelas.

Sebelummerancang landscape, adalah sangat penting untuk memilih apa style yang sesuai dengan rumah dan gaya hidup anda.Apa yang penting tentang design landscape ialah gunakan dengan apa yang anda ada.Contohnya, anda boleh gunakan pokok-pokok sedia ada dan outdoor furniture yang tinggal untuk di dekorasi semula mengikut design yang baru.Dan anda boleh memilih untuk membuang atau menambah apa yang patut.

• Sila ambil kira factor-factor ini ketika memilih landscape atau gaya taman.
  apakah keadaan taman anda ? samaada ia kawasan yang di sinari matahari atau terlindung.
• Apakah aktiviti yang anda nak buat kat taman anda itu ?
• Siapakah yang akan mengunakan taman anda ? adakah anda mempunyai anak dan haiwan peliharaan?
• Adakah anda perlukan taman yang kurang penjagaan atau anda memang suka menjaga taman anda?
• Apakah gaya landscape yang menjadi pelengkap rumah anda?
• Apakah gaya landscape yang boleh menonjolkan gaya hidup anda?
  

Saya akan tunjukkan beberapa style landscape. anda boleh aplikasi kreativity anda dan masukkan element2 kegemaran anda untuk menjadikan ia kelihatan seperti design anda sendiri.

1. Gaya ala inggeris.

Gaya ini banyak mengunakan pokok-pokok renek dan pepohon yang tumbuh melata. anda boleh juga masukkan bunga-bunga kecil yang tubuh secara merayap diatas tanah. anda boleh menyediakan seakan pintu gerbang dan biarkan pokok tumbuh merayap padanya. selain itu anda boleh menyediakan sebuah kolam atau air terjun kecil sebagai elemen pelengkap. tambahkan set garden seperti 2 buah kerusi rehat dan sebuah meja bulat kecil bewarna putih sebagai ruang rehat.

2. Gaya Oriental Landscape.

Gaya oriental banyak menggunakan element air,batu-batuan dan tumbuhan. Anda boleh katakan konsep ini ala-ala tradisional japanese zen garden.Anda boleh mengunakan set kolam atau air terjun yg agak sedehana besar lengkap dengan ikan hiasan berwarna-warni. anda boleh menyusun batuan sungai di sepanjang jalan.

3. Gaya Woodland Landscape.

Gaya ini sangat sesuai untuk mereka yang tidak punya masa untuk menjaga dengan teliti taman mereka.ia memberikan kesan natural dimana membiarkan tumbuhan tumbuhan tumbuhan dikawasan berkayu.

4. Gaya Formal Landscape.

Style ini sangat rumit dan memerlukan penjagaan rapi.namun hasilnya sungguh menakjubkan. gaya ini di susun atur secara simetric,garisan lurus dan bentuk geometri yang tepat di samping tumbuhan sentiasa di kawal serba-serbi penjagaannya.

5. Gaya Informal Landscape.

Gaya ini dibuat tidak memerlukan ketepatan anda boleh buat style melengkung atau bulat.tumbuhan yang di gunakan tak kisah apa-apa yang menjadi pilihan anda.ini adalah pilihan terbaik kalau anda anda mempunyai anak-anak yg menjadikan taman anda tempat permainan mereka.

6. Gaya Taman rama-rama..

Banyak jenis rama-rama dan species burung yang akan singgah ke taman anda . Apa kata anda tambahkan beberapa jenis bungaan atau tumbuhan yang menjadi sumber makanan kepada haiwan ini sebagai daya penarik.Ciptakan kawasan yang terlindung dari tiupan angin kencang.

Di harap tips ini dapat membantu anda.

Dekorasi perabot pejabat. Office furniture.


Kebanyakan pemilik perniagaaan melihat bahawa perabot mereka sebagai alatan pejabat semata-mata dan jarang yang betul-betul menitik beratkan soal dekorasi dan kesesuaian dengan konsep syarikat mereka.Sebenarnya anda boleh menjadikan ruang pejabat begitu selesa dan sedap mata memandang untuk anda dan juga client anda.
Ada juga sesetengah pemilik perniagaan mengunakan dekorasi dalaman untuk menjaga hati client dan menjaga kedudukan sesebuah syarikat itu. Tentu client anda berasa selesa dan kagum apabila duduk di atas kerusi kulit yang sangat lembut untuk di sentuh. Client juga sangat selesa dengan kelengkapan perabot anda kerana ia mencerminkan tahap profesionalisma anda yang sudah tentu mengambarkan keuntungan yang telah anda capai selama berapa lama anda dalam perniagaan tersebut.

Pemilihan perabot untuk pejabat mestilah di buat dengan teliti . Anda boleh memilih kerusi yang straight di bahagian belakang semasa berbincang di meja runding dan menawarkan kerusi yang lebih selesa selepas berbincang seperti sofa kulit yang gebu dan kalau ada stool yang boleh meletakkan kaki tentu lebih selesa.

Situasi harian pejabat yang mengunakan perabot pejabat yang dah outdated tentu mengambarkan syarikat yang asyik rugi sahaja. Factor penyebab kerugian boleh di kaji semula dan rupa bentuk ruang pejabat juga perlu di ambil kira.

Produktiviti pekerja juga bergantung kepada keselesaan mereka. Perabot yang rosak boleh menganggu pekerjaan mereka kan . Selain itu banyak model terbaru kelengkapan perabot pejabat yang boleh efficiency pekerja anda.

Contohnya , seketari memerlukan sebuah meja yang mempunyai extra ruang kaunter yang sesuai dengan design yang padat dengan compartment yang relevan. Munkin description yang saya beri terlalu detail,tapi maksud saya , ia seharusnya mempunyai ruang letak yang mencukupi dan mudah di capai. Ruang menyimpan yang teratur dan mudah di buka. Ruang kerja yang padat ini membolehkan setiusaha anda bergerak dengan lebih pantas dan mampu menyiapkan banyak tugasan dalam satu masa. Bukan kah itu menguntungkan anda ?

Dengan mengunakan konsep dekorasi terkini,( anda boleh berbincang dengan designer anda untuk konsep yang anda suka) ia sebenarnya dapat membantu meningkatkan productivity syarikat dan tidak perlu menambah budget untuk furniture setiap tahun. Pekerja baru sudah tentu boleh ngam dengan design office yang terkini kerana ia tentu lebih selesa.

almari sliding

ok ramai yang tanya saya pasal almari gelungsur ni. ye memang betul kalau beli yang dah siap kat kedai memang lagi MURAH daripada kita upah orang buat.
memanglah kita boleh pilih compartment apa yang kita suka tapi di kedai pun boleh jugak.
pilihan di kedai kalau yang murah RM 1 K memang tak banyak yang boleh kita susun atur bahagian dalamnya tapi bawah RM 2 K kita boleh customize sikit-sikit...ok lah tu..kerana ia dah cukup lengkap dan standard. contoh gambar yang saya tunjuk ini. adalah almari 3 pintu siap tambah upper top.sizenya dalam 8 ft panjang . cuba tengok susun atur bahagian dalamnya. sudah complete bukan ? siap ada cermin lagi.
so munkin anda nak tahu berapa harga nya. harga RM2.4 K ...sahaja. kualiti nya baik dan boleh bertahan lama. railnya adalam aluminium dan pintu takkan mudah tercabut.
ada banyak selection in term of size, ada 5 ft lebar. 6 ft lebar, 8 ft lebar and 10 ft lebar.
gambar yang panjang tu ,menunjukkan pilihan pintu yang ada.
harga untuk 6 ft (2 pintu)RM:1800
harga untuk 8 ft(3 pintu) RM: 2400
harga untuk 10 Ft (4 pintu) RM : 3000

TIPS MEMBINA KABINET DAPUR - ANJUNG SERI MAC 07

lima bentuk asas kabinet dapur.

• L - sesuai untuk ruang dapur berkonsep terbuka dengan ruang makan.
• U- tempat menyimpan ,dapur,dan sink di gabung dalam kabinet siap dipasang
• galeri- kabinet di bina saling menghadap dan sesuai untuk ruang sempit
• pulau- menampilkan meja kerja berasingan dan sesuai untuk ruang luas.
• lurus- juga sesuai untuk ruang sempit.

Tip hiasan dinding - di adaptasi dari IMPIANA JUN 2007

1. jika memasang kertas dinding ,elak corak keterlaluan . sebaiknya pilih warna natural dengan corak ringkas.



2. kumpulkan semua barang hiasan dan asingkan mengikut jenis, warna atau konsep. letakkan barang mengikut kumpulan untuk memberi kesan lebih tersusun.



3. jgn hadkan hiasan dinding pada bingkai gambar,lukisan dan cermin sahaja. boleh juga mngantung pinggan lama.



4. pasang rak dinding kecil untuk menghias sudut sempit,di atas rak ini boleh di letakkan lilin aneka warna atau cenderahati.



5. berhati-berhati ketika membeli barang hiasan di ruang pameran, barangan munkin cantik ketika di kedai namun janggal bila di padankan dengan keadaan dan hiasan rumah.



6. jgn buang perhiasan lama yang meningalkan kenangan pada diri , contohnya lukisan ketika di bangku sekolah atau gambar ketika kecil.gambar lama begini lebih berharga jika di bingkaikan.



7. pelbagaikan hiasan dinding di rumah.hamparan kecil mampu menarik perhatian tetapi cepat mengumpulkan dan tampak kusam.perlu rajin membersihkan supaya ia sentiasa tampak baru.



8. jika anda meminati lukisan tetapi tidak mampu membelinya,hasilkan lukisan sendiri,ia akan lebih bermakna.



9. kalau cat dinding berwarna gelap,pastikan hiasannya berwarna cerah.



10. minimumkan hiasan dinding untuk mengelak tetamu merasa serabut.



11. apabila meletakkan gambar,pastikan kedudukannya pada paras penglihatan mata.



12. pilihan perabot moden or tradisional juga di harus di ambil kira supaya dapat mengimbangi kesimbangan lukisan dan gambar yang di gantung.pastikan size gambar tidak melebihi 70% kelebaran dari perabot di ruangan itu.



13. untuk tampak kasual dan menarik cuba mengantung nya secara melintang.ia dapat membantu supaya ruang nampak lebih luas.



14. untuk nampak ruang tinggi,gantung secara menegak.

Eric leong pakar hiasan dalaman

Eric Leong adalah nama yang tidak asing lagi dengan dunia hiasan dalaman dan merupakan hos dan penyeri rancangan kegemaran ramai, Casa Impian. Pengalaman lebih 10 tahun dalam bidang hiasan dalaman membolehkan Eric Leong menjadi seorang pakar dan konsultan dalam bidang yang digemarinya itu. Langkah mengacarakan Casa Impian adalah langkah berani Eric kerana Casa Impian adalah rancangan pertama seumpamanya yang menyentuk aspek hiasan dalaman.
Dalam masa sekejap sahaja selepas dilancarkan, Casa Impian mula meniti di bibir peminat hiasan dalaman dan pengubahsuaian ruang. Dalam rancangan tersebut juga Eric memberikan sentuhan ajaibnya dalam membuat ubah suai serta ‘make over’ yang membolehkan sesebuah rumah atau ruang yang kelihatan bosan menjadi begitu mempesonakan. Ini membolehkan Eric Leong mendapat jolokan ‘Malaysia’s Most Favourite Interior Designer’.
Eric juga mempromosikan gaya hiasan dengan anggaran belanja (budget) yang sederhana melalui segmen ‘Decor bersama Eric’. Dalam segmen tersebut, Eric menunjukkan bagaimana untuk menguasai susunan dan hiasan bunga yang memberi kesan menarik kepada hiasan dalaman.
Selama 6 musim rancangan ini ke udara dengan sambutan hangat daripada segenap lapisan masyarakat di Malaysia. Rancangan tersebut tidak putus putus menerima permohonan supaya rumah mereka diberikan sentuhan istimewa oleh Eric untuk memberikan kejutan kepada pasangan dan ahli keluarga yang lain. Casa Impian kini sudah masuk musim ke-7.
Dilahirkan di Johor Bahru, Eric membesar dan menerima pendidikan awal di sana sebelum melanjutkan pelajarannya di Singapura. Eric memegang ijazah dalam dua major iaitu hiasan dalaman dan pengajian perniagaan.
Selain dari mengacarakan Casa Impian, Eric juga menulis di ruang kolumnya dalam majalah Home Pride & Living Taste dan mencurahkan pengalaman, nasihat dan tunjuk ajarnya dalam bidang hiasan dalaman. Beliau juga seringkali menjadi untuk menjadi ucapan oleh syarikat korporat dan outlet termasuk MPH, KLCC, Interior Design Exhibition, Mid Valley dan pelbagai lagi.

SET BILIK TIDUR PENGANTIN

Alam perkahwinan memang indah. dan sememangnya persiapan ke hari bahagia memerlukan penelitian yang mendalam..terutama kamar beradu.

bagi mereka gemar suasana moden set almari gelungsur menjadi pilihan.

so hari ini saya akan berkongsi sedikit pengalaman saya berkenaan set almari gelungsur.

set jenis ini memang tengah dan sangat popular sekarang ini. harga nya pula bermula serendah rm 499 shaja.. ups..nanti dulu ia juga boleh mencecah hingga ribuan ringgit bergantung pada kualiti nya.

tak kira apa color pun set ini memang sesuai untuk mereka berjiwa moden terutama yang berkarier kerana set macam ni nampak lebih teratur an tidak berserabut.

apa perbezaan set murah dengan yang mahal. pertama kita tengok bahagian almari. cuba tengok ketebalan kayu. nipis atau tebal. jenis kayu tak jadi masalah even bukan solid wood boleh tahan lama dan lebih cantik. kalau you pakai set kayu solid pun design nye sangat limited dan tak variety dan nampak 'tua'.

kalau dapat board tebal harga munkin rm 1.5 k keatas dan saiz almari mestilah 5 ft lebar. kalau yang nipis kebanyakan rm 1 k kebawah pun elok jugak tapi bukan long term uselah kerana board nya lebih ringan dan senang tercabut pintunya. di ulangi tak sesuai untuk long term. long term menas more than five years longer.

dua gambar yang kat atas tu itu yang bagus punye...tapi ada satu set rm 599 tu ha..nipis punye tapi ok gak.

selain ketebalan board ketahanan pintunya penting, pastikan ia mengunakan rail aluminium jika tidak pintu anda mudah tersekat dan rosak kadang -kadang lipas pun masuk.di tepi pintu akan ada satu lapisan kain untuk menghalang serangga masuk ke dalam almari anda.

selain itu pilihlah almari yang bahagian dalamnya sesuai dengan anda..bahagian shelf ,laci, penyangkut. ada brand yang boleh custome made ada yang dah ready made. of course ready made lebih murah...dalamnya pun dah standard.

hmmm katil dan dressing table pulak ikut harga lagi mahal lagi banyak features..contohnya dressing table lebih besar banyak drawer..datang dengan tv rack lah...long mirror cabinet..lahbagi katil pula cuishen headboard lebih tebal atau lebih cantik dan munkin di sertakan dengan drawer.

kalau anda budget rm 3000 kebawah untuk set seperti ini maka lebih baik anda jalan aje kat kedai perabot untuk memilih set yang anda berkenan..kerana dengan harga seperti ni anda sudah boleh mendapat set yang lengkap dan cukup berkualiti.tetapi hati-hati memilih kedai.

kalau and memilih untuk build in sendiri set yang munkin harga 2 k kat kedai boleh jadi sampai 6 k kalau custome made...so pk lah dulu....

tetapi set bilik tidur sliding memang sangat cantik dan moden . nampak kemas, unik dan organize.

PANDUAN MEMBELI KELENGKAPAN UNTUK RUMAH SEMPIT

Jawapan yang biasa diberikan: “Ketika di kedai, ia tak nampak sebesar ini!” Petua pertama: Jangan terburu-buru. Sesal dulu pendapatan, sesal kemudian tidak berguna! Paling penting, rancangkan terlebih dulu apa yang anda ingin lakukan, dengan membuat lakaran, disertakan ukuran tepat dan lokasi semua pintu dan tingkap.
Bawa lakaran ini bersama apabila anda ke kedai perabot dan minta pembantu kedai atau jurujual memberikan ukuran tepat perabot yang anda inginkan. Terlebih atau terkurang 10 sentimeter sekalipun boleh membawa perbezaan besar seperti membolehkan anda membuka pintu dengan betul atau sebaliknya, menyebabkan laluan terhalang dan sebagainya
Tanpa perancangan, memang mudah untuk melakukan kesilapan membeli perabot yang terlalu besar untuk ruang kediaman anda, kerana ruang kedai yang besar boleh menjadikan perabot tampak lebih kecil.

Apakah yang perlu anda fikirkan apabila melengkapkan ruang pangsapuri yang sempit?

Pertama sekali, pastikan bentuk ruang kediaman anda. Pilih perabot yang memberikan lebih fleksibiliti untuk membolehkan anda menggunakan sepenuhnya ruang yang ada tanpa menimbulkan kesesakan.

Sebagai contoh, anda tidak perlu membeli sofa dengan susunan biasa tiga dan dua tempat duduk, sebaliknya anda boleh memilih sofa dengan susunan 3+1+1 tempat duduk kerana ini memberi anda lebih fleksibiliti.

Kini, semakin ramai pelanggan zaman lebih cenderung memilih perabot berasingan bagi menggantikan set perabot sedondon, untuk menampilkan gaya individu dan tersendiri. Tentukan terlebih dulu tema ruang kediaman anda, sama ada sentuhan Zen, campuran rotan dan anyaman, atau gaya retro kulit yang lebih maskulin.
Perabot tersendiri lazimnya bukan saja lebih kecil daripada set biasa yang seragam, malah tampak kurang tersergam dan kurang memerlukan ruang. Ia juga membolehkan anda memperlihatkan kelainan dan gaya anda yang unik.
Adakah ruang yang kecil bermakna anda terpaksa mengurangkan perabot dan aksesori?

Tidak semestinya! Ia hanya bermakna anda perlu merancangkan dengan lebih teliti dan menimbangkan segala pilihan yang ada. Pilihan anda mestilah praktikal dan memberi keselesaan kepada seisi keluarga.
Bagaimanapun, jangan menyemakkan ruang kediaman utama anda dengan perabot berlebihan semata-mata untuk menyimpan barang-barang. Cuba maksimumkan penggunaan ruang yang kurang digunakan untuk menyimpan barang dan pindahkan semua barang yang tidak penting ke dalam bilik ini.

Apakah muslihat dan petua yang perlu anda ketahui untuk memanfaatkan sepenuhnya ruang terhad yang anda miliki dalam pangsapuri?
Penggunaan ruang secara berkesan amat penting. Sebagai contoh, untuk bilik tidur, anda boleh menjimatkan dengan mewujudkan ruang simpanan secara menegak, dengan penggunaan kotak atas atau almari pakaian hingga ke siling untuk memaksimumkan ruang
Jangan biarkan ruang bawah katil kosong dan berhabuk kerana tidak digunakan. Pilihan katil dengan ruang simpanan di bawahnya memberi anda ruang simpanan yang sama besar dengan tiga almari pakaian tanpa perlu menambah perabot lain.
Satu lagi cara lama untuk menggunakan ruang bawah katil ialah dengan meletakkan laci simpanan barang. Pilihlah set bilik tidur yang menggabungkan ruang simpanan dengan reka bentuk perabot yang praktikal lagi menarik
Pemilihan perabot yang betul bukan saja boleh membawa perbezaan yang besar kepada rupa dan gaya ruang kediaman anda, bahkan membolehkan anda mencipta suasana lapang tanpa menjejaskan keperluan praktikal
Perabot kontemporari pada asasnya direka bentuk untuk kediaman bandar dan ruang yang lebih kecil. Bahan moden seperti kaca dan aluminium yang digabungkan dengan reka bentuk kontemporari menghasilkan perabot yang cantik dipandang mata, kukuh dan praktikal, tanpa menambah kesesakan yang sering dikaitkan dengan perabot dengan reka bentuk tradisional.
Lampu dan aksesori lain juga penting dalam semua bilik. Gunakan lampu secara kreatif untuk mencipta ilusi ruang yang luas. Terangkan sudut gelap dengan cahaya lampu yang menghala ke atas. Cara ini juga berkesan untuk menerangi siling yang gelap

Peraturan paling penting dalam pemilihan kelengkapan atau aksesori untuk ruang kediaman yang kecil ialah kesederhanaan. Jangan lari daripada tema. Kurangkan kesesakan untuk mewujudkan lebih ruang dan memberi keselesaan

Jangan serabutkan tingkap dengan hiasan langsir yang keterlaluan. Langsir warna gelap atau bercorak berat tampak mengongkong tingkap dan mengecilkan ruang. Pilih fabrik ringan atau voile atau kasa separuh jarang untuk menyerlahkan tingkap dan membolehkan cahaya masuk ke dalam bilik

Bila menggunakan cermin untuk menambah visual keluasan ruang, apakah perkara yang perlu diteliti?

Penggunaan cermin adalah cara yang baik untuk memantulkan cahaya ke sudut lebih gelap dan menjadikan ruang tampak lebih besar. Bagaimanapun, pastikan silauan cermin sentiasa di tahap minimum dan sudut cermin tidak mendedahkan longgokan atau simpanan barang ‘tidak rasmi’ yang mungkin berselerak di belakang sofa.

Adakah warna membantu menjadikan ruang dalam rumah tampak lebih luas?

Penggunaan warna secara betul boleh mengubah gaya dan suasana dalam rumah. Bila memilih warna, sentiasa sesuaikan dengan jumlah cahaya yang masuk ke dalam mana-mana ruang dalam rumah anda.

Warna keras yang menambah perwatakan kepada bilik yang terang boleh menggelap dan mengecilkan ruang dalam bilik yang kurang cahaya. Warna keras sesuai digunakan sebagai penyerlah, manakala warna lembut pada permukaan besar seperti dinding, cadar dan upholsteri memantul, bukan menyerap cahaya, dan memberikan ilusi ruang yang luas.

Ia juga bagaikan mencipta kanvas kosong yang membolehkan anda menyuntik warna dan reka corak menerusi kelengkapan atau aksesori dalam bilik.
Gambar warna terang dan menonjol pada dinding, dengan kusyen tabur dan ambal kecil akan menambah sentuhan peribadi dan memberikan imbangan yang betul antara minat dan keperluan untuk mencipta ruang yang tampak dan terasa besar dan selesa.

Apakah warna yang pantang digunakan dalam ruang kecil?

Tiada pantang larang dari segi warna. Anda hanya perlu memilih dengan berhati-hati supaya tidak mendatangkan kesan kesesakan dan kesempitan ruang.
Dengan beberapa petua di atas, anda pasti dapat melengkapkan rumah impian anda dengan perabot dan aksesori yang selesa, kemas dan menarik.

TIPS BELI PERABOT 1

Membeli perabot memang bukan sesuatu yang susah.. Bila kita tidak mempunyai pengetahuan yang cukup baik dengan hiasan dalaman, maka boleh jadi perabot kita nampak terlalu biasa malah menjadi tidak sedap mata memaandang.
Langkah pertama yang dilakukan adalah memerhatikan ruangan kecil yang masih ada untuk kita isikan dengan perabot. Perhatikan warna dinding, keluasan, tinggi siling, aksesori ruang serta hal-hal lainnya yang berkaitan dengan tema yang dipilih, miserly tema klasik, atau mediteranean, simple, tradisional, bali dan sebagainya.
Ruang yang besar boleh diisi dengan bermacam-macam jenis perabot. Dalam sebuah ruang yang besar, Anda boleh membahagi ruang kedalam beberapa ruang yang tertentu. Ruang yang besar boleh memberikan banyak pilihan untuk penataan hiasan. Tetapi jangan lupa, bila terlalu banyak ruang yang kosong, akan nampak 'dingin'.
Untuk ruang yang sempit (ruang 3 x 3 meter adalah ruang yang cukup sempit), gunakan perabot yang ringan dan kecil. Perabot kecil bisa memberikan kesan lengkap pada ruangan tersebut. Ruang kecil juga dapat memberi kesan besar bila jumlah perabot sedikit dan terdapat objek dinding yang cukup besar (disini maksud saya merupakan lukisan atau foto yang memenuhi salah satu dinding).
Perabot boleh dipadankan dengan warna dinding. Idealnya, warna perabot adalah warna yang senada dengan cat dinding. Bila tembok ruangan berwarna krim, padankan warna perabot berkisar dalam warna monokrom krim atau yang senada.
Gunakan warna asas dan boleh juga menjadi warna yang lebih pastel atau lebih gelap. Sebaiknya untuk hasil yang maksimum, Anda boleh menggunakan khidmat interior designer untuk menghias ruang Anda.
Untuk pemilihan tema, sesuaikan dengan karakter diri atau keluarga Anda. Sebuah tema mencerminkan kepribadian pemiliknya dan hiasannya pun haruslah tetap. sebagai contoh; bila anda adalah orang muda yang sibuk dan praktikal, adakalanya Anda lebih menyukai desain yang ringkas. Tentunya tidak lucu bila Anda mempunyai sebuah kerusi klasik pada ruangan dengan gaya ringkas.

MENGHIAS BILIK TIDUR ANAK

Kita akan melihat bagaimana dekorasi bilik untuk anak anda. Bilik ini boleh dilengkapi dengan berbagai barangan dan hiasan yang khusus bagi perkembangan seorang anak remaja.
Sekiranya anak anda meminati alat muzik mungkin anda boleh meletakkan di satu sudut khusus untuk anak secara tidak langsung dapat menghiasi bilik ini, juga di tambah dengan sebuah computer di atas meja belajar, untuk menjimat ruang anda boleh memilih meja belajar yang sekaligus boleh berfungsi sebagai meja belajar.
Anda boleh memilih warna krim untuk dinding mungkin untuk anak lelaki warna krim kekuningan lebih sesuai,anda boleh lari dari kebiasaaan dimana parents lebih cenderung memilih warna biru terang.
Di samping itu jika anda mahu konsep ringkas untuk anak anda mungkin anda boleh memilih katil single yang simple dan memilih bed sheet yang ada karakter cartoon untuk menghidupkan suasana.
Untuk tidak nampak terlalu ringkas , anda boleh memilih set katil yang berbentuk kereta F1 ke..sudah tentu color nya berwarna merah terang..atau pun colorfull ini akan menimbulkan suasana ceria untuk anak. Jika anda mahu dua atau tiga anak tidur bersama, set-set katil seperti ini juga datang dalam bentuk double decker dan bunk bed.
. Dengan meletakkan computer, creativity anak-anak dapat di cungkil dengan lebih baik dan mereka dapat mengunakan pelbagai program yang dapat menambahkan kecerdasan minda mereka. Anda juga boleh meletakkan rak buku untuk anak-anak meletakkan buku-buku dan permainan.
Anda juga boleh memilih untuk memilih warna yang sama untuk bilik anak anda dengan warna dalam bilik lain dalam rumah, jika umur anak anda masih kecil ini tidak menjadi satu masalah. Bila mereka semakin dewasa biasanya dekorasi bilik mereka perlu di ubah sesuai dengan keinginan anak yang lebih pandai memilih apa yang sesuai dengan citarasa mereka. Biasanya anak-anak anda akan memilih warna-warna yang lebih berani dan melambangkan keperibadian mereka.

SITI MASTURAH RODZMAN

Memilih perabot untuk bahagian luar rumah.

Adakah anda merancang untuk memadankan perabot anda yang sedia ada dengan yang baru?
Atau beli aje yang semua yang baru ?

Di mana pula anda ingin meletakkan perabot
anda itu? Adakah di balkoni,. Tepi kolam renang atau pun di tengah laman.Dan kalau ada anak-anak lebih baik pilih yang lebih tahan lasak.

Pastikan perabot outdoor anda yang sudah di pilih itu tahan kepada cuaca seperti hujan,angin dan matahari. Perabot rotan amat senang rosak akibat cuaca seperti ini dan perabot kayu pula mestilah di jaga dengan kaedah yang kalis cuaca lah. Product daripada plastic memang pilihan terbaik tapi selalu nampak kurang menarik. Kalau besi pula akan terasa panas apabila hari panas.. hmm..untuk pencegahan kalis cuaca and boleh membeli alat rawatan ini di kedai hardware sahaja.

Kalau anda mencari perabot yang sesuai untuk berehat-rehat di taman . anda boleh mengantung buaian jika anda anda pokok untuk mengantungnya. Kerusi taman amat sesuai di letak di tepi kolam renang atau di laman rumah.Atau pun set buaian daripada kemasan wrought iron (besi tempawan ) juga amat popular sekarang ini. Set buaian wrought iron ni amat tahan lama dan tahan karat.

Pintu gerbang daripada pokok menjalar amat cantik untuk dekorasi taman anda. Kalau anda suka berpiknik dengan keluarga di luar. Apa kata beli satu set kerusi garden yang lengkap dengan kerusi dan meja . di sini saya masukkan beberapa contoh set untuk tatapan anda.
Bayangkan keseronokan berpiknik sambil makan-makan dan berbual sesame keluarga.

Warna dan gaya juga amat penting untuk outdoor furniture . Bayangkan, sebuah kerusi batu (tarazo) di kelilingi batu-batu dan pasu-pasu kendi bewarna tanah dapat memberikan impresi yang berbeza daripada set dari kayu jati yang sememangnya sudah biasa di Negara kita ini. Dari segi warna pula ,kalau dekorasi anda seperti kerusi taman atau buaian di cat putih sudah tentu perbezaan nampak begitu berbeza berbanding yang di cat hitam.

Akhir kata, pertimbangkan dulu budget anda. Perabot taman memang sama mahalnya dengan perabot di dalam rumah. Barang yang mura tidak semestinya selamat dan bertahan lama. Kalau anda ingin set taman anda bertahan di taman selama sepuluh tahun tak apelah kalau berbelanja lebih sedikit.