Home Improvement – Designing a Beautiful Home

Archive for October, 2010

If you are looking for information on different bathroom designs and styles, today is your lucky day. You have currently stumbled upon an article filled with information about the various possibilities in bathroom design that you could do or you could choose from. Just in case you’re looking for ideas, everything you need to light up that bulb is here on this article.

Bathrooms have been here for quite a while now. From its humble beginning as a mere set up of bathtubs in front of a living room fire and using buckets to fill it with water, now it has become sophisticated as well as high – tech for some homes. Long ago, bathrooms can only be afforded by the wealthy and those who were a bit privileged, nowadays, it has become a necessity which very human being must have in their homes, no matter how huge or little it is, as long as there is a bathroom. Different homes have different bathroom design as well. Ranging from traditional styles and up to the modernized design of some modern houses. Designs are speaking out for yourselves so you should take time to design it properly and plan it wisely to avoid the unsightly and horrible looking bathrooms that are uninviting and revolting to step foot on.

A bathroom design may come in different types and we are here to discuss some of the most popular designs that are existing today so you would have an idea on what to design your own bathroom to make it look good.

Traditional – it may be an Edwardian or a Victorian design or maybe just the standard white colored bathroom. This type of bathroom looks great on villas and cottage type bathrooms. If you’re the traditional type, this one’s perfect for you.
Country – this bathroom design is probably the easiest to create and should blend well with the right type of house. This is best coupled with floral wallpaper designs, high beams and basin frills bath canopy. To add to the overall feel of this design type, use cast iron baths and deep ridged sanitary. It would also look nice with rustic – colored tiles or wooden floors plus to cap it all up, put a high – level cistern with pull chains to complete the set.
Shabby Chic – this is a weird blend of neglect and style and is one of the designs that are difficult to create since everything is accurately inaccurate. Shabby Chic designs are perfect for Continental Houses, French Chateaus and Spanish Villas. Overall, it totally looks like a heavy mismatch of style and bathroom stuff. The pipes and plumbing are preferred to be exposed. If your bathroom is a hand – me – down from a previous owner of the house, this is the best design for it. Neutral colors with a few dark hues are perfect for this design.
Modern – now this bathroom design is my favorite. It is perfect to do this on bathrooms that are limited in space. The idea is to maximize the space available, which is ideal for condominiums and apartments. Fitted bathroom suites, fitted vanity units, storage units and cabinets are what it’s all about. Furniture is preferred to be hung on the wall and chrome and stainless steel are perfect for taps and towel rails.

Basically, these are the available designs for bathroom that is common with people. So, now you have the opportunity to choose what’s good for you and what fits your bathroom.

Although it seems so at start bathroom remodeling in no nuclear science. Now that you know the options you can start choosing your direction and look further into your chosen style.

If you need more inspiration, information, ideas or cool tips visit us now => http://bathroomscentral.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Lanback

Feng Shui Elephant Trunk

What I would like to do in this article is to go over some of the various items, symbols, charms, amulets, talisman and objects that one can use to obtain Sheng Ch’i and good luck. The art of Feng Shui certainly has a large number of unique and beautiful items that can be used for this purpose. Many you may be aware of already. Some might surprise you. Feng Shui Elephant Trunk

The Lucky Symbols for Feng Shui Sheng Ch’I that I have listed are in no particular order. It is just a random listing with a brief description of the item. I am sure there will be some items that I did not include that may have been on your list. Here are my top 20 Lucky Symbols for Feng Shui Sheng Ch’i.

*Dragons – There are many different dragons that can bring you good luck, protect you, and provide you with good fortune. The nature of the dragon you select will determine the best placement.

*Three-Legged Moon Frog – This 3 legged frog would have a coin in his mouth and often is sitting on a pile of coins. Inside you main entrance facing into the home he will bring you luck and prosperity.

*Chi Lin, the Dragon Horse- With the body of a horse and the head of a dragon this Chinese Unicorn will protect you and bring you prosperity. Place him near the main entrance or the dining room or living room for best results.

*Feng Shui Fu Dogs, or Imperial Guardian Lions – You display these fine animals in pairs, one male and one female. They will protect your home and are symbols of family wealth.

*Fuk Luk Sau – The Three Star Gods will bring you luck, health, prosperity, and longevity. Place them up high in your living room or dining room.

*BaGua Mirror – this is a round mirror mounted into an octagonal frame. You never use in inside the home and is only used outside above the entrance door when there is negative Chi present.

*Ox Symbol or Statue – Placed in the southwestern corner of your home it will bring you wealth energy, prosperity, and abundance.

*Carp or Koi (Gold Fish) – The Carp or Koi can be substituted for with gold fish. 3 Gold Fish in a small fish bowl or even artwork displaying Carp or Koi will bring you luck and prosperity.

*White Lucky Cat – With the right paw raised it brings you good luck and with left paw raised it brings you money. There are many cats of different colors and designs that bring good luck and prosperity.

*Mystic Knot (Endless Knot) – This is a powerful item that can give you longevity and good luck. Its design represents the infinity symbols (6) and is found in many forms including jewelry and amulets.

*Buddha Statues – There are many Buddha statues that bring good luck and fortune. The Laughing Buddha is my favorite but there are several that can be used for protection, prosperity, good luck, and even fertility. They are usually very beautifully crafted and a great addition to your home. Feng Shui Elephant Trunk

*Dragon Tortoise – With a coin in his mouth and sitting on a pile of coins this animal that is a symbol of longevity will also bring you good luck and prosperity.

*Crane – The Crane can bring you health, longevity, prosperity, and good luck. One must remember with all birds used in Feng Shui that we do not used caged birds as that would be bad Chi. You can use artwork depicting the bird in a free state.

*Elephant – The elephant is considered a strong good luck, prosperity, wisdom and longevity symbol. It should have its trunk raised and should be displayed high on a shelf or mantle.

*Wealth Bucket – You need to fill the metal bucket with coins and then place it in the northwest corner of your home or office. It is not displayed in the open but instead is put away in a cabinet or drawer to be effective.

*Coins & Crystal Balls – There are so many different good luck charms made from a combination of different styles of Chinese Coins and/or Crystal Balls, often tied together with red ribbon or string and may include red tassels. There are dozens to choose from.

*Golden Pigs – Usually placed in pairs this symbol will bring good fortune and joy to the home. These are especially useful when establishing a new home or business.

*Indoor Plants – Live plants kept healthy placed in the southeast corners will increase wealth.

*Rooster Figure – A Rooster in the office will help eliminate a lot of “Office Politics” and allow it to run smoothly. An unusual item but very effective. It will help give you good luck in the office.

*Arowana for Abundance – When this rare tropical fish swims over treasure it brings good luck and prosperity. It is usually a very unique and colorful figure to display.

That concludes my top 20 Lucky Symbols for Feng Shui Sheng Ch’i. I had to condense the coins and crystals as there would have been 20 variations of that sector alone. Then there were many other items that did not make my top 20.

With that in mind, good luck, good fortune and Sheng Chi! Feng Shui Elephant Trunk

There are many factors you have to keep in mind when considering the designs and the outlay of your house. By following some simple and basic design principles, you can create an atmosphere in your home that oozes personality, creativity and a cosy feel as well. You can even visit some display homes if you want to get a better idea of what to do and what not to do.

So, here are some basic designs to make your home feel more modern and comfortable.

1. Balance out your Room It is very important that you balance out your room in the best manner possible. Balance in a room indicates the visual distribution of items in it. You can create a balance by having a pair of objects on either side of the room or at least make sure the items are of equal height, weight or size. A pair of floor lamps on either side of the bed is a good example of this. Make sure that one side of your room isn’t cluttered and the other empty. Move things around until you get the right combination.

2. Bring Harmony into your Room

Make sure that everything you include in your room looks like it has fit into a certain mould. Yes, you could definitely have a piece or two of eclectic nature, but creating a unified environment ensures that the whole room comes together. You can do this by having a particular common colour, texture, theme or even style running throughout the room, as well the entire house.

3. Repeat some Elements

By this I mean you could repeat some element or style throughout the entire house. For example, a pattern on the wall, wallpaper, a certain colour, etc. This generally ensures that your home has a lovely rhythm and flow all over.

4. Focal Point

A great way to add some fun and pizzazz to a room or an area of the house is to create a focal point. You can do this by adding a water feature, like a pond or a waterfall, in the living room or even out on the patio. A fireplace, lovely staircase or even lovely French doors or windows can be great focal points.

5. Get some Variety In

By this I mean you should experiment with some lovely artwork, vases, centrepieces, etc. You can even experiment with bold coloured sofas or even bright cushions, or a contrasting throw over the sofa. You can even experiment with a vase containing the same coloured flowers; it has quite a stunning effect. Not only this, these days we have all the options to build our custom homes to suit our style and living.

6. Stick to the Proportions

One of the easiest ways to make a room look like an overkill is to stuff it with objects that are not in proportion with its size. Think, is the bed too big for the room? Is the sofa looking too stuffy and cramping the space? Is the painting or the light fixture too large for the wall? Once changed, all these things will transform your room and won’t look awkward anymore.

7. Pay Attention to Details

The details are everything. Some things might be very small and you might think that it does not warrant your attention, but that is not so, as these things are some of the most important. So, you should pay attention to things like crown moulding, cutlery, cabinet hardware, door knobs, lampshades, etc. It is these small details that make an ordinary room and home and transform into modern and contemporary homes that reflect luxury as well.

These design tips are brought to you by Glenvill, which is a premium luxury home builder and has an in-house interior design team. For more information, please visit them at www.glenvill.com.au

Interior Design

Interior design is a profession that allows one to explore their inner most creative talents. Not only does it include the areas of furniture location, appliances and carpeting, but also it weaves in the structural designs as well, and embraces the elements of functionality and abstracts. A career as an Interior Design decorator is very lucrative, especially if you are self employed. Many interior designers’ creations are one of a kind and are considered priceless. But just as with all jobs, there are codes and regulations that someone must comply with in this trade in order to maintain the environment. If you are one of the successful interior designers, you will love seeing your work not only in progress but in use as well.

When an interior design project is started, the designer will begin by gaining some information from their client as to their likes and dislikes about the room in question. Some questions might include what colors the clients likes or prefers for that particular room, or what type of furniture styles they love. From the information gathered, the interior designer will return to the client with ideas they have sketched and gathered for them to choose from. Many designers spend countless numbers of hours searching for the right material to construct the window dressings or bring back to the client swatches of carpet or tile for them to choose from.

The design process is systematic in that it starts with a plan and follows through many steps to the completion. Interior designs can be seen not only in the homes of many people including celebrities, but in hotels, schools, hospitals, theaters, restaurants, and even in malls. Everywhere you turn you will find the remnants of an interior design professional.  Some designers go as far as even building abstract units to be included in a room and then covering the unit with either paint or some coordinating fabric. For example, instead of using a typical headboard for a bed, they will instead build a headboard, possible secure it to the wall in a way that looks 3-D and cover the unit with coordinating fabrics or paint. Some even build units on the ceiling to make the room come to life with art work.

Interior design artists will take into consideration all styles of art from Louis XV, Feng Shui, Mid-Century, Modern and even Art Deco when looking a project. The final style chosen will melt over onto the coloring, fabrics, flooring, and even the furniture chosen for the room. There are many books on interior design for those that opt to venture out on their own and try their creativity in interior design but for those that don’t have the time or patience, there are numerous famous interior designers who are ready to heed the call.

Feng Shui Principles Bedroom

One of the most popular new techniques for designing a bedroom is to use Feng Shui principles. There are many reasons that these are such popular new choices when redecorating. Basically it is thought that you can make sure that your soul is well nourished and healthy by focusing on the energy that is around you.

Feng Shui is a must for anyone who wants to feel more relaxed when they are in their bedroom. Since the bedroom is the one space in your home that is completely personal and intimate you can see a lot more happiness with new energy being in this space. The bedroom can also feel more relaxed and intimate by using these tips.

Your bedroom will be more relaxed and sensual if you apply Feng Shui techniques. One of the best things to do to make yourself fall asleep is to make sure that your bedroom space has things placed in the right way. This will give improvements in your soul, body, and mind.

It is important that you choose your bed placement where you will be facing the right direction in this type of practice. You never want to put your bed directly in front of your entryway into your room. It is best for the bed to be diagonal to the door in the place furthest away from the door. Feng Shui Principles Bedroom

Many believe that if your bed is directly in front of your doorway that you will be open to too much chi which could cause you to have health problems. With the proper bed placement you will get the appropriate levels of chi in your life to be happy and healthy and for your body to be in harmony. If you want to take life head on then you should make sure that your bed is placed directly along a wall.

Make sure that you simplify your bedroom as well. It is thought that having a computer in the bedroom could further complicate things. Since both work and sleep are not compatible energies by bringing something to do with work into your sleeping space you will notice that you are not able to sleep as well as if you did not have it in there.

In addition make sure that your bed has all windows to the right when possible. By having the window to the right you will find that you are able to have positive energy when you awake rather than negative. This can really help you to have the best days possible from the moment that you wake up.

There are so many different Feng Shui principles that will make the bedroom space that you have the best possible space. Colors are also important when trying to find a way to relax. There are so many other sides to Feng Shui but these are the ones that will help you to get the best benefits possible. Feng Shui Principles Bedroom