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Archives for January 2013

Decorating Trends For 2013 Focus On The Male Influence

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2013 decor

These days, more men are staying home, as women become the breadwinners. This is bringing change to home décor with a focus on comfort.  Comfort is the key. Designs are both cozy and comforting on all levels.

Decorating for Men

Men’s taste is having a strong voice in décor in new and revolutionary ways. Kitchen designs are more rustic, homey imperfect and textured. Inversely, technology is no longer hidden in the living room. Large screen TVs are now central and proudly displayed. Computers and electronic gadgets are everywhere, haphazardly mixed with the Victorian and art deco accent pieces. Overstated dark, dusky and vibrant colors are coming in.

Speaking of Colors…

Men are even influencing the types of colors we choose in our homes. Powerful and vibrant color pallets are replacing understated sleek and basic neutrals. Colors like yellow and blue are being used as neutrals instead. Black, white and beige are still around, but now used as accents instead of anchors. Here is a sampling of colors staking claim in 2013:

  • Dusky blue – a new neutral
  • African violet – excitingly powerful new accent color
  • Sea Green – soft and gentle background color
  • Shades of Turquoise – blues, greens and turquoise are all popular room colors
  • Pale lemon yellow – popular as a background neutral
  • Poppy red accents – used sparingly as an accent

A Flashback with a Twist

Today’s decor pulls heavily on the past two major economic recovery periods. We are seeing a strong revisiting of the1880s and 1890’s with strong hints of both art deco and the Victorian influence. The furniture and overall feel or our new decor era also seems borrowed from the late 1940s and very early 1950’s. In fact, we see a powerful correlation between the decor of the three great economic recovery periods. Modern history has gone through this cycle three times and an obvious pattern is emerging.

Metals

One good outcome of the new trend is a move away from Chrome as a primary metal color. Chrome and silver are out! In are warm metallics. Texture is also back. The new metal can be intricately sculpted or roughly hammered, but not polished and sleek. Look for these trends in metals:

  • Textured metal
  • Brass
  • Copper
  • Gold tones and gold leaf
  • Rose gold
  • Gunmetal

Vintage and Antique Furniture

Partially because of the historic echo, but more likely because we are longing for real furniture at an affordable price, we are abandoning the cheap sleek foreign furniture in favor of antiques and replicas. Today, America is reclaiming quality by choosing used furnishing with curves and fine lines.

Print Fabrics

Fabric prints are very reminiscent of bygone days, but with a boldness unseen in the past. We are seeing photo realistic CG, detailed animal and floral prints with painting quality detail. Look for these types of prints in 2013:

  • Bold graphic prints
  • Animals, particularly dogs and elephants
  • Big floral prints with a historic feel
  • Photo realistic CG prints
  • Menswear prints
  • Tribal prints

Home is where the heart is and today’s new interior designs definitely have heart. They are warm, inviting, friendly and soft. They speak to the need for a place where comfort is king, where sharp, stark spaces are banished to where they belong: the office.

Attached Images:
  •  License: Royalty Free or iStock source: http://www.morguefile.com/archive/display/181189

Jessica Bosari writes about home improvement and décor for online roll up blinds seller Super Blind Smart. 





Taking the ‘Pane’ Out of Styling Up Odd-Shaped Windows With Window Treatments

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Hexagonal windows, arched windows, skylights, windows with sloping top, and bay or corner windows lend a unique architectural detail to a home. However, the same unique details that make them interesting are also what make them challenging to decorate. Since window coverings don’t come in unusual shapes, it can be quite confusing for an average homeowner to know what type of window treatment to use or how high the treatments should be placed.

If you happen to be one of those homeowners whose home is fitted with odd-shaped windows, chances are, you are facing the same problem. Don’t worry, though, there are ways you can deal with odd-shaped windows and successfully dress them up with treatments. Read on to learn how.

Corner windows

If your windows meet at the corner and there is very little space in between, the best solution is to attach a track on the ceiling or the wall a few inches above the window frame. Use a sheer curtain panel as your treatment and tie them back to the outside edges of the windows. If you will set the track on the wall above the frame, make sure to cover it up with a top treatment such as a valance or swag so that it will not detract from the look of the treatment. If ceiling-mounted, however, the track will be camouflaged by the curtains so you don’t have to add a top treatment.

Arched windows and palladian windows

Having a hard time trying to figure out what to do with your arched windows or palladian windows? You can spend a lot of money for custom fixes or simply attach the curtain rods across the square parts of the windows, leaving the arches exposed. Then, use Roman shades, drapery valance, or sheer panels to cover up the remaining portion of the windows. Keeping the arches open ensures that the room will receive regular stream of natural light. However, if you want to decorate the arches as well, you can have a semicircular fabric treatment customized.

Hexagon windows

Hexagon windows are usually used to add an eclectic touch to the space. However, just like other odd-shaped windows, they can be a bit challenging to decorate. The best way to treat hexagon windows is to outfit them with cellular shades or with plantation shutters. Most companies that provide such type of window treatments can customize the pieces to fit your hexagon windows like a glove. Keep in mind, however, that the more custom the blinds are the price gets more expensive. So, if you’re a bit tight on budget, you may choose to leave your hexagon windows untreated since they are already an architectural beauty on their own.

Dormer windows

Although dormer windows function more as structural additions protruding from the roof surface, they are a great source of light and ventilation for the top rooms of the home. To dress up dormer windows, treat them like casement windows. Just mount the curtains outside of the frames or use mini blinds to spiff them up. Another option is to use soft fabric and shirr it onto an oval rod, and attach the beginning of the rod’s slope away from top portion of the windows. Then, shirr the bottom of the treatment in another oval rod and integrate the piece at bottom of the window to make an angled window treatment.

This home improvement advice was penned by Ericka for www.stylerite-blinds.co.uk. Aside from writing helpful posts about home organization, repair, decorating and maintenance, Ericka is also fond of sharing her knowledge about gardening.

8 Ways to Stay Warm in Your Apartment

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Snowy VonApartments are great for many reasons—like 24-7 maintenance, trash and snow removal, and often cheaper or included utilities. However, when it comes staying warm, you often have little flexibility with heat. For instance, newer buildings can lack in insulation. And if you live in an older building, the quaint architectural features allow the chilly air to seep in. While curling up next to a cozy fireplace may not be an option for you, there are some simple things you can do to stay warm this winter.

Drafty windows

Older apartments especially tend to have single pane and drafty windows. This can result in a 100-300 percent increase in your electric bill. To eliminate drafty windows, tape over the cracks along the edges of your windows or install some simple shrinkwrap insulation.

Layered curtains

Using heavy fabrics or layered curtains over your windows is also a great way to prevent drafts. Not only will your apartment look trendy, but they will also keep the room a couple degrees warmer. Curtains can be expense; check out a discount department store like TJ Maxx first.

Bake something

Get in the kitchen and start cooking up a storm! Not only will the aroma of baked goods fill your apartment, but the heat generated from your oven will feel nice too. For more warmth, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or tea.

Snuggle under blankets

Snuggling on the sofa with a quilt or a fleece blanket makes for a relaxing afternoon. As for the evening, you could add a blanket or mattress topper under your fitted sheet. This will make your bed a far more cozy and warm place to be.

Take a hot shower

Not many things feel better than a hot shower on a cold winter day. For extra warmth, toss your a couple towels in the drier. The warmth will feel great on your damp skin.

Use a space heater

A space heater is a great way to turn the heat up in your apartment while keeping heating costs down. But be very mindful of your space heater. Keep it away from flammable items like curtains and furniture. And never go to sleep with your space heater on.

Wear warm socks

If you’re anything like me, you hate having cold feet! One of the best ways to keep warm during the wintery months is by warming wooly socks. I also tend to layer my socks when I venture outdoors. Fleece socks are great too.

Keep doors closed

While it may seem obvious, keeping bedroom and closet doors closed is a great way to keep heat in. With the exception of cabinets with pipes during a freeze warning, this will helpful in regards to your heating bill.

Attached Images:

Jackie Ryan is a freelance writer living in NYC. Jackie recently installed heated floor mats outside of her apartment, which has helped to reduce the possibility of slips and falls during the wintery months.

Keeping Man’s Best Friend Afloat: Boating Safety Tips For Dogs

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There’s nothing better than taking your four-legged friend out with you on all your nautical adventures. Dogs are perfectly capable of managing on water, but it’s important that you think carefully about their welfare, especially if it’s their first time aboard. Here are a few key safety tips to consider when introducing your faithful companion to your vessel.

 1.    Introductions are important
Dogs (like people) need time to adjust to new experiences. If you want your pet to be comfortable onboard, then it’s important to give them access to the boat before you set off on your first trip together. Set aside a day before your planned voyage and let your dog explore the boat whilse it’s still moored. Think about the unique experiences a boat presents and how sensitive your dog is to sound and movement. Make sure you turn on the engine so that he/she knows what it sounds feels like to be on a working vessel – if your dog is sensitive to loud noises this is especially crucial. You also need to know what you’ve got to look out for!

 2.    Water, water everywhere
Having enough drinking for your pet is always crucial and never more so when you’re aboard your boat. Dogs lose a lot of water when they pant so it’s important that you have ample provision to keep them hydrated. It can be very difficult to keep a bowl of water onboard, especially if your vessel is small, so it’s worth experimenting with different methods. Some dog owners use a tub with high sides but as this is not really practical if your dog is on the smaller end of the scale, it is worth teaching them how to drink out of a water bottle so that they can have refreshment whenever they need it. There are plenty of how-to videos on youtube to help you with this particular task!

 3.    Donning the Life Jacket
When you’re boating with man’s best friend, this is the most important pet accessory of all. However, as anyone who has tried to put a hilarious Halloween costume on their dog will attest, not every dog is receptive to being clothed. So, just as it’s important to get your dog used to the sights and sounds of the boat, you must slowly introduce the concept of the life jacket ahead of time so that you’re not faced with an endless battle on the day of your voyage and you don’t want to be constantly worrying that your dog will shuck off its life preserver at the worst moment. Be patient and kind as you are whenever you teach your dog something new – give them time and reward and eventually they’ll adjust.

 4.    Remember sunscreen
This is easily forgotten but it’s especially crucial for dogs with a light coat. Provide as much shade as you can on your vessel, but also take the precaution of talking with your vet and find out which sunscreen is most effective for use on your dog. Their skin burns just as easily as ours!

 5.    Think about the bathroom situation
This can be tricky as I can rapidly turn into a safety issue for not only our dog but also for everyone else on board – slipping is a real danger and should not be ignored. If your vessel is large enough,  you can train your dog to use a specific portion of the boat to urinate and defecate. However, it’s definitely advisable to take your dog to empty its bladder before you board and to pack as many doggie bags as you can carry.

So there you have it. If you’ve never sailed before and you spot a used boat for sale then this could be your (and your pets’) greatest journey yet. Remember, with just a little preparation, you and your dog can have all the nautical fun without any of the worry. Happy high-seas adventuring!

Attached Images:

Sam Wright has two strapping canines and is himself a salty sea dog who works with www.ybw-boatsforsale.com/

The Ideal Pair Of Shoes For Holiday Festivities

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My daily existence often feels like an 18-hour sprint, so I opt for shoes that comfortable and functional. I hope for stylish, but comfort always wins out when I am confronted with the chaos of my days. Therefore, a special pair of sexy shoes is a necessity when the holiday party season arrives. Although I may bargain hunt or reuse wardrobe elements to create fashionable outfits for the wide range of holiday get-togethers, I do splurge a bit on festive, fashionable footwear that can accessorize any of my holiday looks. This holiday season’s elegant shoe choice is Zara’s black pumps with metallic platform.

Crafted from 100 percent goat leather, these black pumps are sleek and elegant, but the 5 ½ inch heels also make them sexy and graceful. The gold metallic platform shines and shimmers, and the gold chain detail between the leather and the metallic platform is stunning and distinctive. The ideal marriage of basic black and beautiful bling makes these pumps fashionable and easy to pair with a number of holiday looks.

Formal Attire

My new Zara pumps are the perfect pairing with this winter’s luxurious fabric trends, such as leather, fur, and velvet. For the most formal affair of the holiday season, Victorian-inspired velvet is elegant and warm: a black or emerald green velvet floor-length maxi skirt topped with a white silk pleated top and a pashmina wrap or a lacy camisole and a tuxedo jacket. Trimmed with gold jewelry and the pumps’ gold platforms peeking out from under the skirt, this ensemble is sophisticated and chic, and the pieces are versatile in any wardrobe.

Upscale Evening Wear

For a gathering where a black tie is a bit too more formality, choose the perfect little black dress as the foundation. Jackets are ideal layering pieces, and this season’s runways are filled with jacket options. Choose military-inspired, quilted, velvet, sequined bolero, studded leather, denim, or faux fur in any color of the rainbow. If you are not in the market for a new jacket, scour the closet for something that can be upcycled. For example, my favorite layering jacket this season was pulled out of the back of my husband’s closet. After a trip to the tailor’s for a few alterations and a visit to the dry cleaner’s for a bit of freshening up, this velvet plum 3-button is a soft and luxurious addition to my holiday wear.

By rolling the sleeves once or twice, the white and purple paisley print becomes an accent and my look is a little less formal. After I slip on my black Zara pumps and don black and purple jewelry with gold embellishments, all the elements of this ensemble come together stylishly.

Informal Gatherings

Most of the holiday celebrations this season will be less formal, but I am not going to give up my chic shoes. These pumps pair well with denim, dressing up a pair of dark-wash jeggings or skinny jeans. With a bright cranberry or crimson sweater or silk tunic and some vintage pearl jewelry, the Zara pumps add a touch of sophistication to my look. Likewise, these pumps provide a shapely lift when I slip on a pair of flared denim trousers and a button-down blouse, a look that can take me from my day at work to an evening holiday celebration with friends.

Whatever your social calendar holds this holiday season and beyond, a great pair of pumps can elevate your fashion choices. Treat yourself — Happy holidays!!

Abigail Hess is a fashion consultant, a mother of four, and a writer for Uncomfortable Foot.  She loves following the latest fashion trends and shopping for great deals at local retailers.

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