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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.





Create Your Own Elemental Serenity with a Water Fountain

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Water fountains have been a part of mankind since ancient times. We need it to live, we bathe in it, and we cook with it. Water is essential, and it is a precious resource without which there literally would be no life on Earth. It is no wonder that it touches us on such an elemental level. What better way to enjoy such a fundamental part of life than to have a fountain as a part of your home? Inside or out a water fountain can complement even the smallest space.

Initially fountains were meant to be functional, but even the ancient Assyrians decorated the basins they carved to hold water. They served a purpose, but they were beautiful as well. Today there are thousands of different types of fountains that are available to enhance any space inside or outside of a home.

There are a wide variety of indoor fountains. On example is the table fountain. These come in a variety of sizes, from the very small to those large enough to serve as a show stopping centerpiece. There are numerous styles, something to complement any sort of décor. The pleasant and musical sound of falling water can add that special element that every room needs.

Also available in indoor fountains are wall or floor fountains. These range in size from three to eight feet, and also come in a wide variety of styles, even lighted. Just as the smaller table fountains these dynamic water features can add to a room’s overall atmosphere. Nothing sooths and relaxes like the pleasant sound and healing moisture of water.

For the gardener or outdoor enthusiast there are fountains for the garden or patio. From the classic styles to the utterly unique there is a fountain to please anyone. One particularly popular style is the outdoor sphere fountain. These are often found in public gardens or parks where thousands of people can enjoy them. Another popular type is the traditional bird bath fountain. Many a hobbyist has spent hours observing their favorite species playing and bathing in these beautiful fountains.

Of course, there are also the traditional pool and plumbed fountains. These large fountains are also often found in public spaces such as parks and commercial gardens. Hotels, restaurants, and large shopping centers also use these types of fountains to enhance otherwise dreary or boring spaces. Some of the most beautiful sights in the world are fountains, such as the Trevi Fountain in Rome.

Every child, at one time or another, has dropped a coin into this type of fountain and made a wish. The tradition is almost as old as the fountain itself. Although no one knows exactly where this practice began, making an offering of coins to water has long been a part of human culture. Today there is not likely to be a public fountain or pond anywhere that does not have a few coins on its bottom. Give yourself a little piece of the magic with your own special fountain.

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About Author

Loren has written this article on Fountains and how they compliment interior and exterior of any house. Water fountains from Soothing Walls are very well known and high quality

How to Transform your Bedroom into a Retro 70s Pad

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Decorating your bedroom with a retro edge is a great way to relive a vibrant era without having to splash out on Apple’s long anticipated i-TimeMachine. The 1970s was renowned for its psychedelic, Hendrix-inspired colour schemes and design patterns so why not infuse these into the bedroom for a funkylicious look. Here are a few design ideas to aid you in your 70s retro transformation.

1. Colour schemes

Colour schemes are your most important concern when portraying an accurate retro appearance. You may have all the right assets in the room but if your colour scheme is wrong then you are going to be left with a room which more accurately represents a charity shop basement. The most prominent retro colour has to be cherry red. This is a perfect colour for furniture, bed sheets and any other cloth fabric you may have in your room. The other two close contenders for your retro palette are mustard yellow and avocado, great for accessories, carpets and wall designs.

2. Flooring & Carpets

Shag bedroom carpets are quintessential when recreating a 70s presence. Be sure to follow your bold colour schemes preferably opting for browns and mustard colours. By all means, acquire as many rugs as you desire, as a retro look supports all sizes and shapes including miniature shag rugs in front of chairs or parallel to your bed. Geometric shapes with contrasting colours are always the best choice for retro carpet designs.

3. Furniture

A modern day bedroom may not be the ideal room for having much furniture, other than your bed and side cabinet, however this isn’t necessarily the same case here. Dressing tables were a common asset for the bedroom in the 70s, complete with a large retro mirrors and lamps. You could also have one or two chairs within the bedroom giving options to all types of design. Beanbag chairs are a key component of the 70s as well as bubble chairs. Think about straight, asymmetrical lines when choosing your furniture as these were common factors inspired by the era’s space age preambles.

4. Accessories

You can never have too many accessories in the bedroom despite their probable impracticalities. Charity shops, car boot sales or even your grandma’s attic will be the best places to acquire all types of retro accessory items. Keep in-mind objects that scream retro such as vinyl cases, classic 70s posters, and if you want to go for the old-time classic, then why not add a lava lamp to the bundle.

From wall art to bedroom carpets, creating a 70s retro theme for your bedroom couldn’t be simpler. Do you have a bedroom which pays homage to this decade? Tell us about how you managed to recreate the ultimate retro bedroom look.

Sam Hudson is a writer, blogger and musician based in West Yorkshire, UK. He enjoys writing on a variety of topics from interior design to lifestyle and his work can be found on a number of websites.

How to Make a Small Bedroom Stylish

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A small bedroom doesn’t have to limit your decorating abilities. There are so many ways you can turn that small bedroom into a stylish retreat. Whether you create an accent wall or choose the right furniture, the room can be just as beautiful as a large master suite. The following are just a few tips on how to make a small bedroom stylish.

Create an Accent Wall

A great way to add interest to a small bedroom is to create an accent wall. This is easily done by placing the bed’s headboard on that wall, but to jazz up the wall, you’ll want to paint it another color or add high-quality wallpaper that makes it stand out. Because you’re decorating such a small room, you can afford to spend more money on high-quality, unique touches.

Add Trendy Colors and Finishes

Colors and finishes make the room. In a small bedroom, chances are you will only need one gallon of paint. To make the process easier, choose a paint that has the primer and paint all in one. This ensures you’ll only need one coat. Decorators recommend neutral colors in small bedrooms, but don’t be afraid of dark colors. The myth is that it makes the room appear smaller, but a color cannot change the size of a room. In fact, dark colors can be very cozy. Adding a bright white trim can also make the room more stylish. When it comes to metallic finishes brushed bronze or brushed stainless are very hot right now.

Buy Furniture That Fits the Room

If you can afford to purchase new furniture, purchase pieces that fit the room. Furniture that actually fits the size of the room will instantly make the room feel larger because you’ll have more space. While you may want a king-sized bed, a queen will probably be a better fit. Of course, you can always keep the king if you’re willing to omit extra dressers and storage pieces.

Make the Room Inviting

A small bedroom doesn’t have to be a turn off, by adding an accent wall, you’re already on the way to making the room more inviting. By adding a few of your favorite accessories, fluffy bedding, and different types of lighting, you can make the room truly inviting.

Cut the Clutter

Last, but not least, as you put the room back together, take the time to cut the clutter. Place items in three piles donate, throw away, and keep. Remember, the fewer things go back in the room, the more inviting and stylish the room will be.

Don’t overlook decorating your bedroom because it’s small. Take the time to add the perfect touches so that the room is stylish and inviting.

About the Author: Bok Dunnaway and his wife spent a great deal of time searching for the perfect Manhattan apartment, but that mean small rooms. They purchased a modern bedroom set and have worked hard to make their small space into a home.

New Bathroom Technology For The Modern Home

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Technology has infiltrated every aspect of home design. State of the art kitchen appliances, home theaters, sophisticated timing systems that turn house lights and air conditioning units on or off and elaborate home audio systems are just some examples of technology that has influenced the overall atmosphere of the home. Not to be overlooked, bathrooms are now rising to meet the standard of technology set elsewhere in today’s modern home. Listed below are 10 of the most inspiring innovations trending in contemporary bathroom design:

1. Hidden televisions:

A flat screen TV cleverly hidden behind a special mirror is a cutting-edge innovation in bathroom technology. The unseen TV is only visible when turned on. At all other times, it appears as a beautiful mirror. This is a great way for users to keep up with the news or their sports teams even while getting ready for the day.

2. Digital water temperature:

The digital thermostatic valve, or DTV, electronic control system is a high-tech way to control water temperature and settings in the bath or shower. Most DTVs allow users to set and save their personal preferences for temperature, and it procures this information when each person is showering. Some models even allow users to turn the shower on from another room via remote control.

3. Towel warmers:

The towel warmer gives users the ability to heat their towels on a warming rack while they shower. When they step out of the shower, there is a warm towel waiting to make their transition from hot shower to cold room more comfortable.

4. Mirror defoggers:

Another common annoyance people face after showering is a fogged mirror. Mirror defoggers are just the solution needed for this frequent occurrence. Special mirrors with defoggers built-in mean that they will stay fog free even in very steamy bathrooms.

5. Heated floors:

Walking across cold bathroom tiles in the morning or after a shower is unpleasant. Thankfully, electronic under floor heating is now available. It comes in a mesh style that goes directly under the bathroom tiles. Thermostatic controls give users the ability to maintain the floor temperature they prefer. In addition, they often have timers that turn the heaters off or on automatically according to programmed settings. This enables users to wake up to a warm bathroom floor each morning.

6. Luxury shower heads:

The latest advancement in shower head technology is large shower heads that produce a rain-like effect. These shower heads are installed in the center of the shower and are aimed directly down. They often have several settings that include differing types of rain-like water flow from drizzle to down pour. Some even have massage settings and colored lights that shine within the falling water to create a beautiful effect. These shower heads are sure to have users singing in the rain.

7. Toilets and toilet seats:

Innovations in toilets and toilet seats are astounding. There are now tankless toilets that rely on electricity to flush. Moreover, some companies are designing their toilets with touchless technology that means users never have to open or close the lid with their hands thanks to sensors that automatically shut the lid after use. There are even some models that incorporate all the aforementioned features and have heated toilet seats and lighting within the toilet bowl for midnight trips to the bathroom.

8. Touchless faucets:

Another great addition to the technologically advanced bathroom is touchless sink faucets. These sensors on the faucet sense a user’s hand underneath the spout and turn on. The touchless faucet is a great way to minimize the spreading of germs especially in bathrooms that are used by multiple people.

9. iPod dock toilet tissue holder:

In the high-tech bathroom everything gets revamped even the toilet tissue holder. There are now moisture resistant toilet paper holders that double as an iPod dock, charger and player. Speakers are built right into the sides of the holder to project the sound outward.

10. Bathtubs:

Last, but certainly not least is the high-tech bathtub. Now available are tubs integrated with luxurious massage jets that users can control via controls located on the side of the tub. There are also some models that come with built-in TVs, digital thermostats, iPod docks, DVD players, radios and colored lights that create a beautiful effect in the water.

In a society that demands the very best when it comes to technology and design, bathroom innovations are now increasing to meet this requirement. The 10 technological inventions listed above make bathrooms just as high-tech as any other room in the house.

Attached Images:

Eric Blair writes about interior design and spicing up any bathroom with the proper use of unique oval wall mirrors.

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