Interior design and home decorations

New mydeco is coming soon

2011-11-03T06:04:00.001-07:00

New mydeco site will be launched very very soon!

In new version you will see another approach for furniture presentation. While other retailers are trying to make high quality photos of furniture, mydeco modelling it in 3d in the most realistic view.

Hundreds of models, hundred thousands of 3d rooms will be available for you to look and use! mydeco do everything which is possible to help you create a house of your dreams!!!

go to http://invite.mydeco.com/, invite friends and waiting for the launch!!!

Choosing sofa

2011-09-22T17:30:00.000-07:00

First of all we should identify what for we need sofa? This is common question, but answers could be different. Someone need it for seating, someone for sleeping. For someone very important what other people will say about it. Well, generally we used to seat, sleep and rest. Therefore we should pay special attention for its style, quality and comfort of seatings.

First of all sofa should fit to your interior design. For example, in case of classic interior with wall units sideboards, chest of drawers and book shelves it's better to use sofas and chairs with puffy shapes with wooden armrests and decorative ornaments. From the other hand for modern styled interiors it's better to use light, elegant pieces without superfluous decorations.

The first thing you should think about is what for you need it? This is a common question, but there are a lot of different answers. Someone need it only for seating and someone also for sleeping. For someone very important what other people will say about it's style or will thye mention how much it cost.

Well, in general we use it for all to seat, to sleep and to rest. So very important be careful in chosing style, checking quality and comfort. First of all sofa should fit to room interior design. For example, in case of classic interior with wall units sideboards, chest of drawers and book shelves puffy shapes with wooden armrests and decorative ornaments will be more natural. From the other hand for modern styled interiors it's better to use light, elegant pieces without superfluous decorations.

Sofa's styles

Without a doubt, you will be choosing a sofa basing on own preferences. The classic styled sofa with wooden frames and upholstery will fit any room. And of course the style can follow the latest trends in Hi-Tech. The main thing is to chose the sofa so it will look fine in your room.

Before choosing sofa, you need to understand what exactly do you need - 2 or 3 sitter sofa. The 2 sitter sofa will be rather small if you're not living alone. So that's why 3 sitter's sofa is the most recommended solution. Otherwise we can recommend you a combination of 2 sitter sofa with several chairs. And for sure the sizes should exactly fit the room, or it will be pain otherwise! Also you should not trade the comfy for the style in any case.

The range of available sofas is huge, but if you will know more about your future purchase, then it will be easily to make a decision.

When you will be choosing the sofa, you should be very attentive, with material selection. Remember that the quality of it's materials will determine how long will it serve.

Upholstery with Teflon protects from liquids, dust and dirty, more of that it's easy to clean. So, sofa with Teflon is perfect for big family where are a lot of children and pets.

Chenille is most expensive and elite material for sofa. It is soft and warm for skin, also usable with high quality.

Tapestry isn't fancy but look nice. Mostly, it consist of synthetic fibre, therefore it is usable and durable. This upholstery has huge selection of colors and ornaments, so it's easy to have sofa that meet your interior style.

If you need elegant sofa, then jacquard is what you need. It is also very expansive but look is chic.

Fibre is a new material which appeared not a long time ago. The fabric sofas upholstered with this material is very practical and efficient. Teflon coverage is the most typical way of fibra usage. Beside the steadiness from different liquids, dust, etc., this fabric has very good durability. If you will chose a fibre sofa, you will never worry that it could be burned by sun or will fade.

You should act with all responsibility when choosing the leather sofa. First of all the leather must be well dressed, otherwise it can crack after some time of usage. Also it's very important to control the quality of touch-ups.

Maybe there will be some models with unfasten pillows, but they will probably cost more. Leather sofas are not cheap anyway, so manufacturers, take responsibility for the products quality, and don't try to economize. For example, even back sides of sofas are made from the material of very good quality (same as front sides).

Air permeability - is a very useful feature of every sofa. It allows you to breath when contacting the upholstery. All these things are usually listed in specifications, which helps you to chose.

So now it is your decision what your sofa should be, what style and material you will chose!

Poll

2011-08-31T02:29:00.000-07:00

List of Business directories

2011-08-01T15:17:00.000-07:00

Directory World
Business Services Directory

Kids room! It's time to play!!!

2011-07-01T04:24:00.000-07:00

Room for kids is quite important room, so it must be designed properly. There must be enough space for play and cosy place for sleep. Also there must be carefully selected colours, wallpapers and other stuff.
Here is my version of kids room. I divided is on two parts, the first for sleep, the second for play. The play part includes many toys, a table set and other stuff for playing.
The most interesting in this room is wallpapers. I used only light and cheerful colours. So the room looks very light and funny. It is intended to bring happy and smile to kids.

Top view:

Post your design projects here!

2011-06-30T07:22:00.000-07:00

I've found a nice forum which calls 'Design out cast forum'. Here you can post and share your design projects for free, without any restrictions. It is a bit new forum and need our help to become live. So, let's help them!
Add you design project here: Designoutcast.com/forum/

Turkish living room design

2011-06-30T06:54:00.000-07:00

Top view of my created in 3d tool Turkish living room.

I used as much as possible elements which reflect Turkey nationality. Here you can see Turkish rugs, red pillows, lots of candles, two ancient trunks and specially styled for this room, handmade, floor lamps.

Kitchen lighting ideas, pictures

2011-06-20T01:51:00.000-07:00

Collection of kitchen lighting ideas

1. Abyss Spot light

The lights have fantastic and cosmic design. It's LED strip holders will add interesting feature to your kitchen. These spots are good addition for modern and hi-tech interior designs.

2. Plum plate spotlight

This spotlight looks like tree fresh and juicy apples, hang down from ceiling. The Glamor plums could be turned to different directions to highlight exactly what you need.

3. Sama ceiling light

The Sama lightings were created in 2004 by Gregorio Spini. Unfortunately I couldn't find any information about this designer. The only thing I know is that he creates divine thing for interior!
So, the Sama lightings are available in two colours and two sizes. Sama spot have interesting shape and design but it could be more interesting and stylish if you will hang about 6 or 8 lights on your ceiling in some curved line.

4. Lisa lighting

If you want to add gold and rich elements to your kitchen then Lisa lights exactly what you need! Simple shape but fine colour.

Also please check several interesting versions of lightings for your kitchen.

All pictures was taken from mydeco.com

The living room. How to furnish the living room in small sized flat.

2011-04-26T01:39:00.000-07:00

Furnishing the living rooms was never been an easy thing. This room is always used by owners to present their flats, to show their wealthy, and style. But in case of small sized flat this task becomes even harder, because you have to share the space with all the family, you have to unite absolutely different places. This is a small and hope not useless guide to do this.

The bedroom, home office or even the kitchen are personal zones of your flat. So when you're decorating them, you usually create some subjective design based on your own preferences. But this is the solution when you're furnishing the living room, as it will became the center of your flat, some kind of presentation hall of all your flat. So the living room is a special place to show, and it's design will be talked over between your guests. It will show them your level of wealthy, style of live, and your personality.

Living room functionality slightly changes when it comes to small-sized flats. In the case it can't be only used for meeting people, or maybe some other kind of "pleasant doing nothing", and often becomes the headquarter if your flat where your family will be learning, working or even sleeping. So in case of small sized flat the process of living room furnishing is not so easy as it was before (for large sized flats), because now you have to divide it in functional zones each one of which should be independent functional unit. And sometimes all these units are contradicting each other. Some examples are: kids and parents, games and studying, work and meeting people, etc.

So the main task which should be solved by living room planning is making all these places in the way they can coexist in one place. And from the other hand this place should look like a home for anyone of your guests.

The living room is traditionally the lightest room in all your flat, so if you don't have enough light in it, then you should build extra window, or, for example, create a special glass door.

How to create zones in your living room

1. If your living room is used for some process very often, then you should plan a special place for this process to avoid frequent unfolding for this kind of work process. The working place should not block any entrance, or be on a communication line.

2. Communication zone. If your living room has several doors, then it's better to separate the paths from one door to another. Also it's better to leave some place near the window. You should follow simple rule: The most used parts of the living room should be easily accessible. So don't block this space!

3. Zone of free space. In small sized flats, you should use any possible (and sometime impossible) way to enlarge the free space. The main aim is to group your furniture, so it's placed in the way that to use it you will have to turn to the wall. So this way your working place will share the free space of the room.

Massive furniture can be formed as a peninsula placed in the middle of the room. It will allow easy access to it from 2 or 3 sides.

To make your flat visually larger, the furniture is often divided in several complex groups. This way of grouping helps to decrease free spaces between the units of furniture and as the result will hide all narrow passages, so all free space will be combined in one unit, making your room visually larger.

Which furniture is in fashion now?

2011-04-26T01:34:00.000-07:00

How to chose best furniture? How to be on the top of the fashion. How to feel the latest trends, and be cool? This short article gives some review of the latest trends in the furniture fashion. Reading it, and especially reviewing already made design examples, can give you additional inspiration, while furnishing. Don't hesitate to try, don't be afraid to realize the most incredible dreams of yours!

Have to say that it's impossible to highlight one main trend in furniture fashion at the moment. Even the most prestigious companies, which are considered to be fashionista are moving in diametral opposite directions.

mydeco offers the best selection of stylish furniture in the US.

But there are some trends, where furniture fashionistas are working. Natural materials are in fashion again nowadays. But they look like artificial materials, like plastic and glass, and almost don't have their natural look anymore. Some good example is wood which was covered by several layers of lacquer. From the other hand manufacturers are trying to mask plastic, so it looks more natural, for example they are adding natural materials (glass, pebbles, chips, etc) inside it.

Valuable sorts of timber with beautiful texture are in fashion as usual.

Warm tints of brass and bronze are dominating among metallic materials. Forged metal with engravings are used more and more often.

Sacking, dense jacquard, brocade and actually anything that gives furniture more soft look is dominating among textiles.

Also absolutely different shapes of furniture are more popular now. For example cabinet furniture became light and transparent.

From the most recent trends we can highlight abundance of open shelves, alcoves and also domination of glass. Such decoration makes parts of the furniture more visible, and adds some charm to the whole room.
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Soft furniture is becoming lower and more volumed. The sizes the of seating places, backs and armrests are growing. Chairs shapes are becoming more useful and functional, there are some trends when chair shapes are becoming very unexpected.

Sofas are becoming longer at the expense of sofa's backs headrests and armrests. But despite it's huge sizes soft furniture is still elegant.

Also huge amount of hidden useful thing is another interesting feature of modern sofas. Some examples are side tables, folding shelves, built-in bars and lamps.

Shapeless soft furniture is also became very fascinate, sometimes is looks like it has lost it's clear delineations or it looks plastic. Such pieces of furniture are placed without straight order, and usually give some additional personality and uniqueness to the flat.

Actually furniture is very personal thing, so it always depends on who is choosing it.

Creating zones in small flats

2011-04-26T01:27:00.000-07:00

Even small flat can be very functional, and fit all your needs. So all you have to do is divide your space in several smaller pieces. It can seem very simple.. and it is! There are several small but important rules which will help you with this process. This article will give your some ideas to follow, and some to think of. Really interested in feedback!

You should always consider the geographical (skyline) location of your flat during the zones planning. For example, the bedroom or sleeping zone should be placed in the east side of your flat. And if you will follow this advice, you will be waken up by sun rays each morning, and they will give you their energy for the whole day.

Living room should be placed on the west side of your flat, so when dusk is falling you will have ability to watch the sunset, without having to turn on electric lights.

It's a common practice to share zones in small flats. For example, in living room it's common to share the rest and guests zones, in bedroom it's common to share sleeping, working and sometimes sport zones. So thats why furniture of these zones should fit its specific needs.
Living room.

For living room it's better to allocate space for rest zone, zone for meeting people, zone for TV

Bedroom

In the bedroom you can allocate zone for rest and sleep, for work (in case bed room is combined with study)

Kitchen

Kitchen can be divided into several zones. Particularly cooking zone, meeting zone, eating zone, etc.

Study room

Can be divided into reading zone, working zone (zone with the table).

How to furnish your room. Simple advices to make it better?

2011-04-26T01:22:00.000-07:00

You have to know main rules of Furnishing the room. Furniture should take only 30%-50% of the room's space. About placing furniture for room, and how to decorate it started from visual focal point. What is visual focal point?

Furnishing the room can look like a difficult puzzle sometimes. All needed "ingredients" are near, so all you need is to place them in decent places.... But still nothing decent comes from it... But why?! The main reason is that you have to know main rules of this process! And it's not complicated at all, believe us!

1. The main thing when furnishing the room is to avoid overdoing it!

Professionals say that furniture should take only 30%-50% of the room's space. Can add only that 30% is a good proportion, and 50% is on the edge of overhead. The freedom of the movement and overview makes positive effect on the whole room's presentation in general, and it's interior design particularly. So this is the main rule of the furnishing anything, and following it helps to create comfortable atmosphere in the house, believe me!

2. Start with main thing.

Just think how this room will be used. Start furnishing from placing the main piece of furniture for this room, and then decorate it as visual focal point of the room. For example, for living room it will be soft furniture, in dining room - place where people will eat, in bed room - bed, in study - working table, in bathroom and in the toilet - bathroom equipment, in the kitchen - gas stove and sink.

Sofa is visual focal point of living room.

Dining table is visual focal point of dining room.

Bed is focal point of bedroom.

Table is focal point of home office.

Oven is visual focal point of kitchen.

3. Cabinet furniture - is the most massive and large so you should organize everything in a way when it can be easily and quickly accessible.

4. The furniture should not block the way out.

5. If you're open space fun then I can recommend you to place all furniture near the walls in straight lines.

6. If you're furnishing a big room, and also you want to have some personal zones in the room (and also in case of high ceilings), then you should divide your room into several smaller zones, using different pieces of furniture. The most useful items for zones creation are writing tables, and other frame based furniture.

7. If your rooms is small

If your room is small then you should use small furniture, to relieve the top of the room, and increase the volume. Also you should not think that small amount of furniture will make you room look isolated or inhabitable. Well placed decor (vases, clocks, flowers and other unique combinations from candles and souvenirs) will help to fill the space, will make it more bright and also will add uniqueness to your flat.

How to arrange furniture in room? Furniture disposal

2011-04-26T01:15:00.000-07:00

How to disposal furniture in room? Choose or find out where is room focal point. It could be any object. Consider furniture sizes and proportions between furniture units. If you can't afford yourself to buy new furniture, then you can achieve harmony inside the room using fabric covering. How to deal with some architecture lacks?

To arrange furniture in room correctly you'll need:
1. find out where is focal point of your room - architectural feature;
2. understand sizes of your furniture and then place it in its places;
3. hide architectural defects.

1. Room focal point

Here the Red couch is room focal point. All other units was paced relative to it

Focal point it's architectural feature, often it's object around which arrange all furniture and decorations in room. Big room could have several such points. In ancient times interior was organized around fireplace. Now we often comeback to this tradition. Fire give room warm, comfy and elegant.

If you can't find focal point in room, then create it yourself. It could be any object, which you notice first, when entering a room. Look around you and might notice largest furniture piece or artwork or something interesting to look at in your room. It could be bright carpet, floor lamp, elegant chandelier or other accessory. In bedroom it will be bed, for sure. After choosing the focal point organize all your efforts to keep and highlight it.

In bedroom bed is room focal point, for sure

2. Furniture sizes

Consider furniture sizes and proportions between furniture units. First of all arrange the main furniture pieces over room focal point. Try to combine small and large units but keep the balance between them. Very small accessories should be grouped in one place. One big piece of furniture such as couch, two seater armchair or wardrobe visually increase space in small room. Distribute all high and heavy pieces evenly in room, do not put them together along one wall. If hang picture, sconce or mirror above low object it will give room more high. Also try decorate with nice screen.

If you can't afford yourself to buy new furniture, then you can achieve harmony inside the room using fabric covering. For example, if your wooden chairs looks more light in comparison with heavy sofa, then you can use cover with frill for your chairs, it will make them more "heavy". The easiest way to combine furniture of different types is to use neutral colors: white, wooden, "natural twigs". Also do not forget that rooms is built/designed/furnished for people, so they should feel comfortable inside. That's why you should leave at least 0,9-1,2 meters of free space near the door. Also distances between different pieces of your furniture must be at least 80 cm.

3. Architectural defects

Almost every place has some architecture lacks.

Flatness of the wall can be broken by big amount of windows or doors. Your room might look like a cardboard box or be very long so you feel yourself like in tunnel inside.
If your room is narrow and long, then you can visually shorten it via placing wide piece of furniture on the one of it's sides. Side wide bookcase or extra-long bed with side tables can solve the problem.

See, wide bookcase make room wider

Square rooms looks better when furniture is placed in the middle of the room, but not near walls. Furniture placed diagonally, visually widen the space.

If unused alcove in the wall disturbs you, then place there embedded book shelves, folding table or bench. This will help to make this place less focused, and it will be more useful.

In case when there are many doors in one room, then you should paint walls, doors, door cases and all other wooden decoration in same color. It will distract attention from them, so no one will be focused on the doors quantity.

In case of small windows, you can use inconspicuous curtains on them. The focal point of such rooms must be created using decoration technics.

Inconspicuous curtains will hide small windows

If you can't find any way to hide some architectural luck of your room, then place visual focal point of such room in a good distance from the place you want to hide.

Earthquake in Japan - 2011

2011-03-11T00:28:00.000-08:00

The U.S Geological Survey is reporting that a magnitude 6.3 earthquake has hit off the coast of Honshu, Japan's main island.

The earthquake hit at a depth of about 1 mile below sea level. Honshu is the largest island of Japan, and is home to both Tokyo and Yokohama. According to Reuters, the quake was centered 126 miles from the city of Sendai.

Must watch video:

Amazing video about tidal wave

Video from News: Strong 8.9 earthquake in Japan, tsunami hits North East

This is a developing story. Check back for more details.

Resource

Japanese Girl's Day

2011-03-03T02:54:00.000-08:00

March 3rd is Japanese Girl's Day called hina-matsuri. Is a day to celebrate girls' happiness and healthy growth in Japan. Japanese celebrate it about 900 years!!! It's very ancient tradition which goes deep in Japan past.
This holiday is famous by set of hina dolls and props, which usually display in side the house.

Usually the set is consist of king and queen, also their maids and musicians and it is always covered by red carpet. Hina-matsuri in stand from February to 3 March. And after, it should be taken down soon after the end of the celebration, otherwise the girl might have to wait to get married for a long time.

There are some photos of public hina-matsuri stands. It's huge and gorgeous!

This tradition girl's suits on this Day.

International Writers' Day

2011-03-03T01:51:00.000-08:00

'In time of division between countries, International PEN is one of the rare institutions to keep a bridge constantly open' Mario Vargas Llosa

In 1986 year during the 48 congress of International PEN Club was announce The International Writers' Day. Since that times, all members of PEN celebrate this day, every year.

Additional information:
- PEN Club was founded in London in 1921 year, by Mrs. C.A. Dawson Scott initiative. The name of the organization was created from the firsts letters of the following words: Poets, Essayists and Novelists.
- The first President of the club was John Galsworthy.
- Today PEN clubs work in 130 countries all over the world.

Official website: International PEN

Bread shoes

2011-03-02T01:27:00.001-08:00

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Bread shoes by uniquedesign

Japan Bloom Fair 2011

2011-03-01T01:54:00.000-08:00

18th Jan 2011 in New York was organized a big fair of cutting flowers. It was only one day but visitors were so excited by plenty of flowers and colors, so they wouldn't forget it for a long time!

The inside had a fantastic look, in spite of winter outside. The participants prepared a huge amount of different sample showcases, included small and big bouquets in vases, decoration entirely made from flowers. I guess the visitors have never seen so much flowers before!

This event was organized to promote Japanese flowers abroad. The main idea was to support overseas floral designers so that could use more Japanese flowers in their work. It was more commercial project than just show event. But everyone was excited and enjoyed that fully.

Here are several nice pictures which was made there

Sample showcases (above)

A pretty rose hat box arrangement. Good idea for Valentine's Day present (above)

A kind of Eustoma (above)

Blushing shade Roses (above)

Pretty Sweet pea (above)

Initial name of event: Naniwa FEX in New York / Japan Bloom Fair USA 2010

What are the 3 most necessary things in any bedroom?

2011-02-28T06:20:00.000-08:00

I found an interesting competition on mydeco, which called Pass It On. So, I'm going to write a post on given topic and I hope to win a prize!!!
I decided to write about 3 the most important or necessary things in my bedroom.

I can't live without bed, for sure. So, the first thing which I need in bedroom is bed. But, for me, also, really matter what kind of bed I have or where I'm going to sleep. I don't like extra-soft mattresses, I prefer tough. Also size. I don't like small bed, but I'm really enjoy of large, even king-size bed! I feel myself gorgeous in it.

The second thing is chair. Why chair? Well I think it's quite functional, you can seat on it, put your closes there, or put other thing like watch or cup of coffee in the morning.

The last, the third is mirror. Yeah, I can't go out without checking my appearance. People used to judge by appearances, it's a fact, so I should look at least tidy!

This blog post is part of the mydeco.com ‘Pass It On Bedroom series’, a collaborative blogging project.

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening

2011-02-28T02:47:00.000-08:00

I was looking for some info about shade garden and I found a good web site about gardening -
A Guide to Northeastern Gardening

There are many useful information about maintaining garden, growing plants and looking after them. Also they provide many advices on garden design...
The owners of the site is running a business in landscaping. As far as I know they have good experience in work with clients, and got many nice feedbacks from them!

£50 prize for the best blog post

2011-02-25T09:06:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, mydeco launched new exciting project called Pass-it-on.

The competition is aiming to attract as much as possible bloggers.The idea is to collect thoughts of the most respected and trusted bloggers regarding to key topics of mydeco.
This is a funny competition, which gathers personal experience rather than knowledge of some topic.

Also it's a good place to promote your blog, as mydeco is high trusted site, with the good traffic. Moreover, the participants could get a link from this site for free! :)

New Google's office in London

2011-02-25T01:17:00.000-08:00

New Google's office has really unusual design for the first shot, but when you look more closer you will see that all things there was done to create atmosphere of health and well-being.

This design was made by famous Scott Brownrigg architecture firm. They decided to add many interactivity to the given workspace to enhance and foster creativity of office staff.
Joe Borrett and Jane Preston from Google was working together with the Scott Brownrigg Interior Design team. They decided to add some special features to the office, such as, iconic elements of Brighton Beach, brightly coloured timber beach huts, massage and spa treatment centre, Asian Fusion and Sushi restaurant and so on. By the way, the restaurant is free for all office staff. I wouldn't mind to have such feature at my office too!!!

Well, New workspace has many options and places to enjoy and have fun. But I don't know is it good or not.... Sometimes a plenty of colours can confuse people or disturb. So, before to make such big changes maybe better to ask your staff?

Blog all about India

2011-02-18T03:36:00.000-08:00

I've never seen before so many information about India as at An Indian Summer blog. To be honest Indai is really unusual country for me. But I would be happy to visit it. It has many interesting places and things to see, like Buddha.

Joanna Goddard a great journalist and perfect mother

2011-02-18T03:11:00.000-08:00

Joanna is a magazine writer and she has her own blog http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/. In spite of that fact that she is working now she also looking after her baby. She has a son, I found several nice posts and funny pictures here Toby's life.

So, please treat Joanna's blog with most adorable comments and feedback!!!

Uncommon but exciting blog

2011-02-18T02:16:00.000-08:00

Today I was searching for some info in Internet and I stumbled upon this really nice blog http://www.desiretoinspire.net/.
I was impressed by it's unusual way to talk about usual things :)... I think you understand me when you will visit this site.
Usually such blogs inspire me to create more interesting posts on my own blog.

A happy story about My orchid

2011-02-14T01:57:00.000-08:00

I have an orchid at home. It was presented to me on my Birthday. But soon after that I had a baby and while I was absent (about 1 month) it withered a lot...
I was afraid that it wouldn't bloom ever. But I was carrying a lot about it. I decided to start from replant. So I bought a new a bit bigger pot special for orchids also special mix and carefully transplant it.
After that I did good watering and left it for a few days. I was excited, it was like miracle it became alive! And yesterday I noticed a new sprout, so I'm waiting for flowers.
Here are photos:

So, I'm really happy that even after big drought my orchid start blooming again!!!

Growing tomatoes become fashion

2011-01-31T12:42:00.000-08:00

Last time become fashion to grow vegetables at home in decorative pots. For example, a little red tomatoes look pretty good on a terrace.

amazing, but garden vegetables, which grow in pots at home are look like toys, so small and tidy. Usually they are grown for decoration, not for food. However, why not to eat one or two fresh tomatoes, which smell so tasty!!!

To grow tomatoes at home is quite difficult task for novice. You must follow many rules and condition to prepare soil, seed trays and so on. Important to keep seeds in warm place, with temperature about 75-80F. Also you must be more than carefully when you will transpalnt seedlings to the permanent pots.

So, maybe it's better to start from growing tomatoes at vegetable patches and next year try it in the pots?

What is the name of the flower?

2011-01-27T08:30:00.000-08:00

Handmade Frames for Photos

2010-05-26T04:44:00.000-07:00

Interior decoration could be different either figurines, fancy china dishes or even flowers. But what could be more pleasant then decorate your home or flat with own photos in beautiful frames. They could be used instead of paintings on the walls.

Most simple way is go to the shop or online store and buy frames you wish. But what could be more exciting to create your own frames? Think about materials you'll need for it and start to art.

For example, you can paint wooden frame with watercolors. Write some cheerful words that associated with photo.

Simple wooden frame could be decorate with seashells, which you brought with you from vocation on the sea. Take glue and stick them to the frame. Also you can cover it with silver or other color spray paint in bottle. Believe me, it will looks great.

Plastic frames also good. They are light and easy to decorate. Stick to them paper flowers, stars or hearts, it will look perfect.

One more tip for you. Try decorate frame with dry flowers. Glue them to the frame and cover with hairspray and you'll get most amazing frame you've ever saw.

The photos are bright moments of your life, which deserve to decorate walls in best frames. When you decorate with your family photos you give your home warmth, love and beauty. So, good frame it's not only perfect decorations but also focal point in the room.

Create your own message on Message Tape

2010-05-05T06:22:00.000-07:00

That's should be most unusual way to leave your message everywhere you want. All you need is to colored off the dots.

The tape was created by SUCK UK. It's producer of unique, quirky and expertly designed furniture, lighting, interior products and accessories in UK. Message tape was created for people who like to be different and unique, who want to make accent on their lifestyle.

This cool and gadget I found at mydeco - online store not only furniture but art also!

Magnificent Wall and Ceilings paintings at your home

2010-04-27T09:33:00.000-07:00

If you want to make your home special, attractive and beautiful then decorative painting is best decision for you. Wall paintings could add any emotions to your habitation or even renew historical atmosphere. Using Wall and ceiling paintings you could make room space wider or bigger, even change it's geometric forms.

Wall paintings could be main element of your interior.

It could change room design from static to varying, depending on your feelings.

Paintings is most spacial and unusual decorations of any interior.

Interior designers 'toolbox'

2010-04-25T01:37:00.000-07:00

It might look effortless on TV or in magazine, but when it comes to making your own home a place that delight you, you'll quickly discover there are lots of things you need to know that require skills and trainings. Although architects and interior designers have special knowledge that could help you.

What's needed is a look inside the architect's 'toolbox' - the principles architects use to sculpt space and light, to imbue their creations with a sense of order. So they turn basic square into footage and volume - exceptional living space.

Space

First of all there are principles having to do with space - with how volume can be shaped, molded and divided to give you a particular kind of spatial experience. For example, most of homes have ceilings that are all one height. There might be a cathedral ceiling in the living room, but other than that, the ceiling are all a standard 8 ft. 9 ft. high - which can be pretty monotonous. The principle called Ceiling Height Variety explains how you can vary the heights of parts of room, as well as the heights of parts of rooms, as well as the connections between space, to define one activity place from another, without resorting to solid walls. This results in a house that's more open from place to place but that also has a greater sense of intimacy to it. So the whole house ends up feeling more comfortable.

One of the most important things to understand here is that we experience space not so much by quantity alone, but by the interconnections between one chunk of space and another. When space is divided into discrete but visible areas, our senses tell us there's more there.

Light

The second category in the architect's toolbox is light. In many ways we take light for granted. We put windows and skylight into the interior of a house. And we scatter light fixtures around to provide artificial light for the places and times of day when and where daylight isn't available. But if you've been to a truly beautifully designed building, you may have noticed that the lighting gives the structure an almost transcendent quality. It not enlivens the space but somehow draws attention to the surfaces of the building in a way that makes you want to explore it more.

Light is great animator of space, and when placed with an artist's eye, it can make even a simple square room into a place you'll enjoy being in. It doesn't require a big budget to transform a very plain structure into a visual feast, just by understanding where to locate windows and light fixtures for maximum effect. For example, if you place a window or skylight directly adjacent to a perpendicular wall, the entire space is flooded with daylight, giving it a brighter, cheerier feel. This is the principle called Reflecting Surfaces, and it's a valuable tool in enlivening even the simplest of structures.

Order

The third category is what architects refer to as order. This simply means the way in which the elements in a design are arranged to give it an identity all its own. The room shown below, for example, illustrates a couple of principles relating to order. In terms of Alignments, the room is symmetrically organized around it's center line. There is also a distinct Rhythm to the space, created by the beams in the ceiling. And finally the room has a signature pattern - a set of small squares that form part of the lattice on either side of the window bay - that appears not only here but also in various places throughout the house. So it's a house that has a Theme and Variations. Most houses are lacking features like these that tell you, as you move from room to room, that tell you, as you move from room to room, that they are all parts of a singular whole. But a house that's a Home by Design has some underlying organizational features that help identify it as all one thing, no matter where you are in the house.

Resource:
Sarah Susanka HOME by DESIGN

Chair that mimics the mask!

2010-04-21T10:22:00.000-07:00

Nemo chair was designed by Fabio Novembre. It has specific shape and simple white color. It's idea is to hide and to show face in the same time...

The Chair is tall enough to hide human. It could make any room creative. The design was created to be used outside and inside alike. If you wish to give your room a theatrical look, then NEMO chair is the ideal pick!

Fabio Novembre uses furniture design to tell intense and fascinating stories in which the protagonist is often the human figure (or parts of it). This human figure is capable of becoming abstract and universal, able to propose a mythicized beauty as occurred in Greek art where heroes (assuredly “dark and hairy”) took on proportionate and divine features in sculptures. In 2008, Fabio Novembre brought a mysterious reclined lady to life on the Divina lounger, and so with this new piece it is with all the more reason that Fabio seems to state the possibility of “anthropomorphic design”.

The most incredible clocks

2010-04-19T10:22:00.000-07:00

Little collection of most unusual and geek clocks. It could be perfect present for your friend or funny gadget in your home.

Pop Quiz Wall Clock

This clocks create for all math geniuses. To know what time is it now you should do a lot of calculations. So, test your knowledge when telling the time!
This clock imitate chalkboard. It made from beautiful matte black powder coated metal disc.

Ninja Clock

This clock has nunchuck minute hands and a ninja swinging into action as the pendulum. Looks like a giant ninja throwing star or shuriken. If you like martial art then this clock for you!

Early Bird Alarm Clock

This alarm clock differs from other alarms by it's tender wake up birdsong. You'll like the gentle sounds of birds that remind about nature, countryside and summer holidays.
Early Bird Alarm Clock was created by designer Chris Ng.

Toast Clock

This tasteful timepiece looks like a giant toast, that is stuck to the wall. It suit to any kitchen style. Really funny, isn't it?

Cocktail Clock

The clock was designed like a jaunty cocktail glass. It's swinging pendulum is shaped like the stem of the glass and little second hand looks like green olives is stuck into it. Cocktail Clock is great feature for modern kitchen design.

Tape Timer Kitchen Timer

This aluminium kitchen timer has unusual way to telling a time. The green tape marked from 0 to 60, where each graduation is one minute. To set a time you should just pull out the tape to the required length of time and then it will slowly retract into the box. When it will be hidden completely you will hear the ring.
Designed by Joseph Forakis the Tape Timer very compact and easy to use on any kitchen.

Kitchen Cutlery Clock

This kitchen clock will be perfect accessory for your dining room. It's created from 12 spoons and forks fanned out around the sleek clock face. Fancy, isn't it?

Those incredible clocks you can also find on Neatoshop

Fresh grass in your bathroom

2010-04-16T08:38:00.000-07:00

People talk that walking on fresh grass make your healthy. Don't you feel yourself more brisk after that? So, this is a reason go to the nearest park, take off your shoes and prance around! :) Or... you can enjoy greens just in your bathroom. The Moss Carpet for bathroom get soft greens to your feet!

It made from imputrescible foam called plastazote, includes ball moss, island moss and forest moss. Don't worry, the mosses will thrive due to humidity in the bathroom. But, be sure there are no insects inside!!!

Useful sources

2010-04-13T09:11:00.000-07:00

Here are some useful sources for you

1. Veterinary Software
2. Medical billing Software
3. Hitang - Submit Your Site
4. Submit url
5. Education Directory
6. Web Directory

Top 10 thing you need for camping. Best recommendations.

2010-04-12T12:06:00.000-07:00

If you used to camp, then following tips and recommendations will be really useful fro you.
Actually, it's great to take a break from city life and go to camping trip. But as any other things in your life camping should be planned good.

So, there are some essential things you should carry when you go on camping trip.
1. Camping tent

Tent is most important camping gear for you, it protects you from heat and rain weather. I'd recommend you to pay attention on tent accessories as well.

Read more about What Are The Best Camping Tent Brands?

2. Vacuum flask

Flask will keep any liquids cold or hot for a long time. Better to take solid stainless steel flask, because it has vacuum bottle inside and it's not going to break if it bump thing. You can take one from Amaroni at mydeco online store, here camping accessories

Interior design of 55 blair road house

2010-04-12T06:10:00.000-07:00

The concept of 55 Blair Road house is light open plan living. It's interior design combine nature and contemporary style in one. The combination of metallic elements and soft colors within the house create an exciting spatial relationship throughout.

Architects: Ong and Ong Pte Ltd
Designers: Camilo Pelaez Nino, Linda Qing, Ryan Manuel
Team director: Diego Andres Molina, Maria Arango
Location: Singapore
Year: 2008
Sources:
55 Blair Road / Ong and Ong and
55 blair road – Ong and Ong

Mow chair - sit on greenery

2010-04-09T07:57:00.000-07:00

Mow Chair designed by Lebanese architect Fadi Sarieddine present really green seating for you. Don't you remember how it was in your childhood when you was seating or rolling on grass together with friends?

So why do not comeback to that times and again seating on grass and maybe drink a cup of tea or thinking of something closer to you heart? Could you imagine that you it could be done just in your home. Inspired by greenery, Mow Chair made from natural wood and land with grass. It was done just for this purpose! You can use it as furniture or... in door plant pot as well.
So, the next time when you feel like rolling on grass, Mow Chair is right here to give you the bliss of sitting on green grass.

About different styles in interior design

2010-03-31T05:47:00.000-07:00

We can argue for a long time about what is style in interior design. Well, the basis of any style is idea. Interior design is not just a combination of designer's techniques, but it is also a reflection of human spirit. That's why so easy influence on it. This is the reason why you can't find really clear realization of any of interior styles in all over the world. So, the personal experience, professionalism, architect knowledges and good taste determine what will be style in interior design.

Today styles divides on two: Historical and Contemporary.
Historical in other words eclectic style is implementation of elements of 'historical' architects.

Ancient Egypt
Egyptian buildings embodied the Eternity, e.g. Pyramids in Giza. The most of forms are simple and rectangular. There are a lot of symbolic wall paintings, which drawn in single line style. Walls, piers and columns decorate with hieroglyphics and ritual scenes in typical Egyptian manner. Most used colors are red, green, yellow, blue, black and white. A modern implementation of this style reflect deep philosophy of ancient epoch and create atmosphere of mystery.

Ancient Egypt interior style

Ancient Egypt chair

Ancient Egypt table

Ancient Greece
The most important elements of this interior style are columns and sculptures. All components based on one shape, even one idea. This is principle of Ancient Greece style called System of Order. The wall are decorate with paintings and bás-reliefs. Floor made in mosaic, later it were covered with carpets. Furniture shapes are simple and laconic. Later the shape of furniture of ancient Greek become a basis for other interior styles. Greek style combine figured and floral ornaments with geometric elements. Main features of the style are an idealization, symmetry and static.

Ancient Greece styled living room

Ancient Greece sculpture

Ancient Greece styled living room

Ancient Rome
The ancient Romans learned a lot from Greek. They started experiments with Greek System of Order. They combined it with Italian arch and cylindrical body. Romans heritage in design astonish everyone by its unusual and perfect beauty. Magnificence and wealth go thought all their architecture. The distinguishing features of the style are often use of arcade, decorative paintings, which imitate marble and sophisticated furniture shapes. In the ornaments often use symbols of powerful, weapons, animals, army force and so on.

Byzantine style
The style relating to Christianity. It's style of wonderful Constantinople. The distinguishing feature is spirit superiority under body. The dome, in the centre of architecture, symbolize The heaven. The decorations are famous Byzantine mosaics, bright colours and luxurious carpets.

Romanesque
Romanesque epoch - presents harmony in all things, characterized by smooth lines and shape of arches, majestic in decorations and asceticism in furnishing. The use of monumental defences elements are typical for this style - stone arch, massive walls with many embrasures and so on. Interior is minimum - bed, mainly with bed curtains; rough chairs with high back, made from wood; trunks, fasted together by metal plates and other. At the same time it finish with fabrics and carpets. The most common element is fireplace with hood. The feature of Romanesque is ornaments of leaves and tendrils in doors and walls decorations.

Gothic
The style include different psychological states of human and elements of mysticism, but looks refined, at the same time. Gothic architecture it is coloured stained-glass window, lancet arch, huge windows from the very floor, play of light and accented vertical lines of all elements. The style is characterised by special compatibility of colours and materials. The main element of architecture is fireplace with pyramidal hood. Gothic style features are walls decorated with fabrics, paintings and mirrors in expansive golden frames, carpets, tapestry and curtains. The interior decorations include marble, stone and metal (mainly iron or bronze). The furniture is massive, made from dark wood with fillet (mainly vine leaves, ivy, clover, trefoil).

Baroque
Baroque means seashell with wonderful and fancy shape. This is not just interior design style, this is life style. It is full of emotions, theatrical, impressive, pompous style of Louis XIV epoch. The main features of the style is plasticity and dynamic of walls, they lost the Gothic reliability and monumentality but become fancy and curve lines. Design become more magnificent and majestic. The characteristics of Baroque interior design are bright colours, play of light and shadow, sophisticated curved elements. The decorations include bright inlay, gilded moulding and painted ceiling, beautiful fireplace, bed with canopy, mirrors from floor to ceiling hight, many bás-reliefs, sculptures and vases both indoor and outdoor. Also Baroque style features are using of candelabras, candlesticks and majestic chandeliers.

Rococo
This is the most cozy and intimate style in the history of art. It embody boudoir, frivolous and carnival. Sophisticated and feminine become continuation of Baroque. Most used techniques are so that break general architecture of building: mirrors, huge paintings, smoothing angels between walls and ceiling, often use of oval in rectangular compositions. Interior is decorate with fretworks and moulding, flowers garlands, seashells and cupids. Also decorate with bronze, pictorial pictures, tapestries, erotic and pastoral pictures, mythical subjects, asymmetry. The style feature is mirrors. Big and small, in gilded frames, they are always main element of decor. The furniture are always sophisticated, elegant and fanciful. Lines are always smooth and colours are more pastel then in Baroque. Gilding in combination with bright colours makes sophisticated and majestic effect.

Classicism
This is style of conservative and solid people. The main characteristics of it are symmetry, beauty and constructivism. It is often recognized as ideal and universal style. The central element is column with accurate and straight lines. The walls are smooth with pronounced structure. All elements made from expensive and high quality materials (wood and stone). The decorations present paintings in minimalism style, sculptures, pictures, moulding and big vases. The ornaments describe antique world and floral motifs.

Add Comfort And Style To Your Room With Cushions!

2010-01-13T00:34:00.000-08:00

As adults, when we get the chance to settle in for a good movie on a big comfortable couch or love seat we certainly cherish that time. But what is it that makes this time so appealing? It cannot just be the great movie because if that was so we would not care if we were on comfortable cushions or on the hard floor. It has to be the soft cushions on our couches and love seats.

When it comes time to get a new set of living room furniture you will see that comfort ranks very high on the important list for your new furniture. You would like to have a very stylish looking living room set but if it is not comfortable then forget it.

You can pick out some pretty throw pillows to add some flare to a set of living room furniture. These cushions come in a wide variety of designs. You can get very simple looking cushions or some pretty wildly designed cushions. It will all depend on what you are looking for.

If you love to decorate for the seasons of the year then you will surely enjoy purchasing holiday themed cushions. You can have a Santa Clause cushion for the Christmas season and a large shamrock for St. Patrick's Day. There are pillows for many different occasions so you will be able to find one for your needs with ease.

Finding embroidered pillows with personal messages and giving them as gifts is a great idea. Your loved ones will show their personalized cushions off to everyone that comes into the area that they are in. They can say 'I love you' or 'Thank you!' or just about any other message that you could want.

Some of the more unique looking pillows have strands of beautiful colored beads hanging from different spots on the cushion. If you are looking to purchase a cushion that is comfortable and that you can lie down on then this type of cushion may not be the right choice for you. These cushions are created to make a statement and a cushion like this surely will.

The dining room is a place that should look beautiful. The cushions on your kitchen table chairs should be stylish and should make a statement. In most cases you can pick out a nice design that you love and cover the cushions on the chairs with it. When you are done with the update, take a step back and see how awesome just changing your cushion covers has made your dining room look.

Some people use cushions to add comfort to an older set of living room furniture. If your couch or love seat has lost its bounce over the years then adding some comfortable cushions may be the answer. Purchasing a new set of furniture may be too expensive so make do with your older set and dress them up with new pillows. Your guest will feel more comfortable on your older furniture if you have extra cushions on them.

The choice you make in the cushions that you display will say a lot about you as a person. You may choose to go with the soft, neutral looking pillows or possibly the uniquely strange beaded pillows. Either way is great. It just shows people a little about the stylish side of you.

Roman Blinds in your home

2010-01-12T09:25:00.000-08:00

If you want to update your windows with clean and sophisticated blinds, Roman Blinds are the way to go. You can choose to use them by themselves or with top treatments or curtains. Fit them to your window however you want them to hang. These blinds are normally made with light or medium weight fabric and have a lining.

You are going to need the following materials: Fabric of your choosing, lining, wooden or plastic dowel strips in width minus 1. 25 inches, plastic rings that are about 0. 5 inches in diameter, wooden or brass acorn, nylon cord, Velcro that is the width of the blind, wall cleat, wooden Batten about 1 inch x 1 inch the width of the finished blind and 4 screw eyelets.

Attach the wooden batten or track where you want it to go. For a blind that hangs inside the window, attach it underneath the window frame. For blinds that hang outside of frame, attach it to the top of the frame or above.

Use the sticky side of the Velcro, attach it to the front edge of the wooden batten.

To know how much fabric and lining you need, measure from the top part of the track, or batten, to the desired length. Make sure to allow enough fabric for hemming.

For the width, measure the length of the batten or track. Include any seam allowance in your measurement. Add an additional 1inch for the seam.

Cut the fabric and lining to your measurements and add an additional 2 inches to the width and hem.

Place your fabric with the lining, wrong side facing you. Smooth out all wrinkles. Pin them together. Sew down the sides and along the bottom 1 inch from the edge.

On the bottom corners trim the fabric. Add another row of stitching. 25 inches from the trim. Add a dowel between the two sets of stitches.

Take out all the pins and turn the blind right side out. Iron the blind.

With the lining showing, pin the layers.

Take a pencil and draw a line 2 inches from the top edge. Mark out sections between 8 to 12 inches, in equal portions, through the remaining length. Mark a half section at the bottom. Draw lines at the marks across the blind.

For the dowel pockets, cut strips of lining 3 inches wide and as long as your blind. If it is possible use strips from the length, this will provide for better wear. For each pleat, cut 1 strip. Fold the strip in 1/2 width wise. Sew one end 0. 5 inches from the edge. Turn right side out and iron.

Pin the folded side of the pockets 0. 5 inches above your marked lines and from the side of the blind. Sew the pockets along the marked lines.

Place a dowel into each pocket and sew the ends closed.

Attach the plastic rings by hand sewing them to pocket edges. Make sure to place them 2 inches from each side and about 8 to 16 inches apart. Turn down 1 inch to the wrong side at the top and iron.

Attach the other part of the Velcro, with pins, to the top of the blind on the wrong side. Fold over to close the fabric.

Attach the Velcro pieces together.

Attach an eyelet above each ring and 1 at the bottom on the side that will have the string to open or close the blind.

Cut 3 sections of nylon cord and knot each piece to each bottom ring. Run the cord through the lines of rings and eyes on the batten. Take all three cords to 1 side of the window.

Trim the cords to where they are even. Thread them through the acorn and tie them in a knot. Place a cleat at an easy to reach height on the side of the window and attach it. Pull the blind up and wind the cords around the cleat in a figure 8 to keep it in place.

Children's room designs

2010-01-12T08:38:00.000-08:00

I want to show you interesting solution for designing an interior of room for your kids.

This room will be great for your little girl.

If you have young boy and girl but only one children's room, this design will help you to share space between them.

This room is look very creative. Seams like it was combined from different rooms.

This very universal room. It can be cool not only for a boy, but also for a girl.

This children's room have great combination of purple and green colors. It will be very well for girl with romantic character.

No doubt this is girl's room. Pink color symbolise:

- Unconditional love
- Romance
- Friendly
- Kindness
- Femininity
- Frivolity
- Hypersensitivity

So, why not?

This is real kinder garden, isn't it? Very beautiful colors for kids.

This kid's room designed in sweet and warn colors. So, your little girl will have good mood everyday!

Thanks mydeco.com, shop for furniture for those designs!

History of Japanese holding screens or deviders.

2010-01-12T06:51:00.000-08:00

In Japanese house there are some special screens, or as the Japanese call them – Shoji screens! When one see this screen you perfectly know where he is and what a style of this room is.

History if these screens started at the times of Han dynasty (200BC – 200AD). They were made from paper, rice paper. They were seen at the most honorable and glorious events. There are a lot of variations of Shoji screens, some of them: fusuma and tobusuma.

Earlier such screens were used as partitions, brightly decorated with native paintings. They were rather heavy and made mainly from wood. They served many functions, being used as back stages while dances or performances, for tea ceremonies, to separate one room into different spaces. There were even different types of folding. By the way, despite there gentle and even subtle look, these screens are really durable and strong, it is achieved through the usage of unique technique.

With the development of trade between eastern and western countries, different objects from the East began flooding our countries. They were not just exotic and unusual, they were practical and durable. They brought light into our flats and homes. And they became popular, very popular. But we use them as decorations, beautiful details. We perfectly understand – they make us happy, they bedazzle us. It seems impossible, but somehow they create relaxing atmosphere and help to hide from the busyness of the outside world.

There exists another view onto Shoji screens, for a long period of time, they were used as objects, supporting walls. They have a wooden framework with a transparent rice paper on it. Often they are used together with special Shoji lamps.

As to my mind, the increasing popularity of Shoji screens and Japanese furniture at all, can be explained by its extraordinary calmness, simplicity, even peacefulness. They give us a feeling of tranquility and help to get rid of every day deals, work etc. They give us a calm oasis in the middle of big city hustle and bustle. I am fond of oriental furniture and their style! One day I would like to visit Japan!

Create your room in Japanese style

2010-01-12T06:17:00.000-08:00

Japanese sukiya style rooms called, "washitsu" with tokonoma and hand crafted tatami mats that can be used for any occasion, from Japanese tea ceremony (about Japanese green tea video) or for bedrooms and living room. Authentic Japanese interior design with careful eye to details, tokonoma room is a reflection of traditional Japanese design.

Traditional Japanese architecture style, creative interior designs and exterior designs that bring the authentic atmosphere of simplicity, tranquility, style and grace in design into the modern age while maintaining the traditional architectural concepts of Sukiya styled architecture of Japanese interior and exterior design.

The Floor

Seen from the garden, the interior floor of the traditional Japanese house appears to float about one to two feet above the ground. Built of bamboo, planks of cypress and cedar, and organized with the delicate arrangements of tatami mats, the floor behaves like a piece of furniture. The floor invites sitting. Lounging directly on the floor of a traditional Japanese house has been described as living in a large piece of furniture. The floor is not a place in which walking around is encouraged.

In traditional Japan, it was considered bad manners to sit near a wall. In the west it is considered bad manners to sit on the floor.

Tokonoma is a traditional Japanese style alcove interior room design reserved for the display of Japanese wall-scrolls and art objects. Tokonoma is very important in the formal Japanese tea ceremony. Tokonoma is one of the essential component of Japanese tea house or Japanese interior room design.

Tatami mat

The tatami mat consists of a thin layer of tightly woven rushes on top of a coarser mat of straw tightly bound with cords. The upper mat is sewn to the lower one with twine.

The mats are ideal flooring in that they are not too soft to walk on nor too hard to lie down on.

Since the mats are used for sitting or resting, tatami proportions are loosely based on the size of a person. Although tatami mat sizes vary around Japan, the dimensions are usually human size, approximately three feet by six feet.

When the designer of a traditional Japanese house first begins drawing up plans for the building, she first determines how many tatami mats will be needed to cover the floor. By designing different layouts, the final configuration of the mats will determine the shape and size of the house. In this way the architecture employs a unit of measurement that is standardized and originates from the proportion of a person.

Walls that Move

Between the posts that hold up the roof there are a number of partitions, or walls, that move. These partitions act as doors, windows, gates, and walls.

The act of moving these partitions creates a flexible space- a bit like office partitions in an office building. Made of bamboo, cedar or paper, they temporarily divide spaces. When closed they act as walls; when open they serve to link two spaces together.

The sequence of spaces or the path you take through the interior of a traditional house depends on the arrangement of the 'moving walls'.

Shoji

Japanese shoji screen is made of paper, fabric, or glass on a wooden frame. Shoji screens are used as a room divider, or for windows or doors. All of Japanese shoji screen is handcrafted and designed to fit in with the natural interior design.

Shoji for bathroom

Japanese shoji screens are very popular in many homes seeking to adopt the Japanese style of minimalist design. Unfortunately, traditional shoji screens are expensive and today's economical homeowners are always seeking less expensive Japanese shoji construction techniques.

Furniture

We have begun to see how the traditional Japanese house is similar to a very large piece of furniture, especially the floor and the tatami mats.
What use, then, would smaller furniture like chairs and tables have in the house?

It's a question of HIERARCHY. Some furniture is more or less important, larger or smaller.

Imagine, a whole house with only a low table, some chests for storage, and a simple shelf on which to read or write. No couches, easy chairs, bunk beds, dressers, or coffee tables. In the traditional Japanese house, there is no need for chairs because everyone sleeps on tatami matts which are really part of the floor. They're furniture themselves!

Belongings are stored under the floors behind moveable panels and the kitchen is a sunken well in the floor.

Tea ceremony prepared room

The traditional house does have a few pieces of portable furniture such as low, laquered tables and chests, all designed to be easily moved. The portability of the furniture is necessary because the spaces are used for many different uses.

The furniture, can be carried into a space as required. Since one may eat, sleep, and receive guests in the same space, the furniture is brought in and taken away to suit the needs of the moment. The opening and closing of the the moveable walls which are called fusuma and shoji, can transform the simple interiors, and the placement of these few pieces of furniture can establish the rhythms of daily use.

Colors in room decorating. How to choose?

2010-01-12T03:24:00.000-08:00

The application of color in any artistic endeavor — including home decorating and furniture selection — can be tricky and sometimes downright frustrating. That’s one way interior designers earn their pay.

Your common sense and experience go a long way while selecting the colors for furniture and rooms, of course. But no matter how good your instincts, it helps to know a bit about how color works.

Here are some tips on selecting colors for furniture, walls, accents — and even the light itself!

1. Some smart furniture shoppers keep a color wheel in their purses. You never know when a professionally designed restaurant, lounge, museum, office or retail store will offer some on-the-spot lessons in color selection. That knowledge can be a big help in dealing with custom furniture craftsmen. (Read our report on color wheels and furniture shopping.)

Color wheel

2. One approach is to begin a room with the rug. Use the dominant color on the rug for your wall paint. Then use a less prominent color on the rug to inform your choice of upholstery.

Design is call 'Strange Angles'

Design is call 'Circles'

3. An area rug can make big changes in color dynamics at a reasonable price point. Be sure to deal with a merchant who allows multiple take-homes or at least workable swatches.

4. A good way to matching existing elements and new purchases is to work with less obvious colors, not the dominant ones of the room or furniture.

Design is call 'Brownie.......'

5. Paint manufacturers and fabric makers often sell sample kits to encourage the proper choices for the home environment. Any store selling high-quality paints should be able to give you an exact match working from a piece of fabric.

Room designed with fabric

6. Try to make your colors “flow” from room to room as you move about. That doesn’t mean contrast is bad, but the rooms should feel as if they come from the same planet!

7. Of course, you could always go with contrast, using upholstery or rugs to dramatize the wall color. The choice of colors should always proceed from your design goals for the room or house.

8. Spot colors (adding accent colors in items such as pillows or candle holders) can be quite effective in making furniture work in a room. Use the color two or three times in order to integrate the piece.

Furniture size and color: The size of furniture has a direct effect on the resulting look and feel of a room. The bigger the piece, the more the visual impact from its upholstery, stain or even accent pillows. Smaller rooms often do better with larger pieces of furniture, such as elegant couches and sofas, in order to cut clutter. But the resulting dominance of your bigger pieces of designer furnishings must be taken into consideration.

The color of light: Remember that colors are sneaky when exposed to different lights. You’ll want to consider how a room subtly shifts its colors as light changes throughout the day. Think of how clothing can look one way in your bedroom and quite another in the bright sunshine.

Your indoor lighting’s “color” is an essential consideration. This refers to how warm or cool the light source appears to be. Yellowish white light is typically warm while blue-white light is cool.

Big windows is good solution for this room. It bring

indoor warm light

View all design elements under your room’s lighting color, if possible. This process can be as complicated as building a light box to carry about while shopping, or as simple as bringing home some fabric

Upholstery texture and color: Texture also plays a role in color appearance. Choosing a flat weave (satins, for example) or a pile weave (velvet) for upholstery, pillows or curtains will have a noticeable effect on how that color plays out in your room.

How Many Decorative Uses For A Chair

2009-12-22T06:55:00.000-08:00

The chair is a decorative tool just as much as it is a useful one. Something as simple as a place to put your seat can transform a room into something totally new and unique, especially if you go about it creatively. You can tap into your creativity through the placement of the chair or the decorative aspects of the chair. You can certainly pair them together, but it really isn't necessary.

Chairs and tables tend to be a natural pairing. Yet once again it is not really necessary. You can use just about any type of chair as a piece by itself as a stand alone decorative accessory if you have a good idea.

A good idea isn't always found in tradition or in the usual decorative ideas. The size of the room, the type of room, and the other decorative factors play a role in determining whether your decorative idea is a good one.

Living rooms generally have some sort of seating available. Most of use couches or loveseats but don't discount the value of single chairs. Stuffed chairs make great, stylish, space saving decorative pieces that are useful as well. Small apartments or rooms that are a little devoid of extra space can be decorated very nicely with stuffed chairs.

Let's not forget the comfort of a great chair. It can feel like a warm hug wrapping around you, supporting you in a great way that keeps you happy for movie night just as it keeps you reading your favorite new book. Setting up a small area that is just perfect for reading a good book can be just the ticket to really make your decorative tastes stand out while adding a bit of nuance to the room. The convenience of having the perfect place to kick back and read a good book is priceless.

Egg Chair Leather Arne Jacobsen 1958 at Artdeco design shop

Ripple low rocking chair white at Dwell

Vintage Leather Armchair at Not on the High Street

Dream Velvet Armchair at Graham and Green

Bedrooms, guest rooms, and even the kids' rooms can be enhanced with the right chair. Whether you go for the modern look or the regal look of Victorian furnishings, the right accent chair can pull together a room in a whole new way.

One chair, two chairs, or five chairs can easily be set up throughout a room to draw your creative senses. You can use chairs that compliment each other or you can use those that match each other. What matters most is that you select a style that you like and you give yourself some decorative permission to play around with the look a little bit.

There is nothing like pulling together a look and creating something special simply by adding a new piece. While most people look toward the corner of the room to set up a chair there are more options than just the one empty corner. You can create a room that is well balanced without keeping it perfectly in check. Don't be afraid to try new things and to work out new room arrangements when it comes to how to set up your furniture. Have some fun with it and find something that works well for you.

Home Decorating. The Basic Know-How On Furniture Items

2009-12-22T06:22:00.000-08:00

People think of a house as nothing more than the constructed structure made of raw materials like cement and metal bars. Although this serves as the foundation of the house, it is the ones contained within the four walls of the house that matter more. It is their presence after all that makes the house into a home. This pertains to the people occupying the house as well as the furniture that these people use in their everyday lives.

Pieces of furniture are used for the purpose of making a room or any other living space fixed enough for people to occupy. Most furniture items are built for the purpose of being useful. Their use is the main purpose of their existence. A sturdy line of kitchen cabinets is made to store the sets of spoons, forks and knives safely and neatly.

Despite the importance placed on the furniture's use, we cannot also discount the fact that it is also important how a piece of furniture looks on its own as well as in a certain setup. When getting inside a room or office, the whole look has a certain appeal to it. The different items inside the room including the furniture and other decorations play the part in achieving the aura and complete look that suits the theme of the said room.

The initial step lies on the basic and most fundamental part of decorating. This may seem to be a really easy thing to do, but the different options available today make the whole process complicated and sometimes too time-consuming. This is all about choosing the theme for the whole house, office, room or any space for that matter. Some themes may not be very applicable to certain spaces. A ruggedly handsome effect does not suit a modern suit and tie organization. It is in this same way that certain horse-and-buggy themes do not work in the high-tech offices.

In residences, the theme is usually encompassing the entirety of the house. However, there are also new attempts to make peace with all the designs and themes in mind. In some houses, the different rooms come with different sub-themes under the overall look for the whole house. The technique falls on being creative and not limiting oneself.

With the theme already set, it is time for the details. The furniture and decorations to be chosen should fall within the theme that has been decided earlier on. In this part, great amount of patience should be made ready for the task ahead. Shopping for furniture is not a piece of cake. The best way to go at this is by having a list of all the furniture needed for the entire space to be decorated. This is most helpful for a more organized task and is time efficient as well.

A good way to start shopping is through online sites (Shop for furniture) and print materials that focus on house designing. Since they come with images of the said furniture, it is easier to have an image of the furniture as to how it is going to look for real. It is, however, not highly suggested to purchase the furniture from such sources if one's budget is limited.

The best places to get furniture items at good prices are from backyard sales. Most of the time such articles are of good quality but only rid of because of a new preferred item. Above it all, one should take the effort to read more about furniture in order to get the best out of the options available at hand.

Mydeco.com

The History Of Furniture Condensed

2009-12-17T09:19:00.000-08:00

In order to understand the changes made to furniture over time, you must first know what furniture is. According to the dictionary, furniture is any movable article in a room that render it fit for living or working. Furniture is good for a number of things including storage, sitting, reclining and providing a flat surface perfect for eating or writing on.

Ancient furniture came about after the the retreat of the last ice age. Ancient furniture started coming about when the hunter-gatherer communities began to acquire the skills of agriculture. There is evidence of ancient art still surviving to this day, but ancient furniture was made of wood. The furniture had rotted away long ago. Our knowledge of ancient furniture comes from the surviving art from that time period.

Ancient Egyptian furniture is almost the only surviving example of ancient furniture. Egyptians believed that all their possessions could be taken with them into the afterlife. The Egyptian furniture was preserved in the sealed tombs of the dead. Almost all the chairs were concave. And all furniture that had legs usually had animal feet on the bottom of the legs. Egyptian furniture is often times what inspired future furniture styles.

Tutankhamuns Chair

The history of Greek furniture can be traced back to Egyptian furniture. Greek furniture styles were stylish, simple and elegant. There were carvings in the wood of the furniture, but it was never over decorated with designs. The Greek houses were never over cluttered with furniture. Furniture was made for comfort instead of decoration. Yet, all of their furniture took on a beautiful and elegant look.

Greek Bedstead with a table

Greek furniture

Chair

Roman's did not have much furniture in their homes. Romans usually preferred to have space and simplicity instead of a lot of furniture. Instead of having a lot of furniture, they usually had mosaics and water features to make their home beautiful. Today, there is a lot of furniture that we take for granted and that the Romans did not have. They did not have mirrors hanging on their walls. They did not have desks or dressers. No mantles and hat racks. They didn't have curio cabinets or book shelves. Their main furniture was a bed or couch, chairs or stools, tables and lamps.

Interior of an ancient Roman house

American settlers made furniture based on their experiences. They were trying to experiment and find out what suited them best. They were building their own homes and learning to grow their own crops. Some of their furniture was based on that of the homeland. But a majority of their furniture was made just to suit their lives.

Many different cultures furnished their homes in different ways. Some cultures and countries had a great impact on how furniture is today. Other cultures preferred to not have a lot of furniture at all. These are only a few of the cultures that have had a great impact on furniture making and artistry.

Furniture is and always will be a testament to how life used to be in different parts of the world. It gives us an overview of the way how ideas were conceived in different times, in different parts of the World with regard to acquiring comfort living.

Decking Begins With The Best Materials

2009-12-16T07:07:00.000-08:00

Adding a deck to your home is an excellent way to increase its value and add comfort. The materials that are available to do your decking project now come in a large variety of options. The best materials for your project for creating your deck will take a little knowledge to allow you to make the best decisions of choices that match your desired budget restraints. In a moment we will discuss some of the most sought after options in decking materials, the choices that will match your budget and what to look for.

Probably the most popular choice is the pressure treated or PT Yellow Pine. This is a wood that will last on your deck for around fifteen years if you treat it with a water repellent every couple years. On an average the price per square foot of this wood is between ten and fifteen dollars in order to have this constructed for you or around two dollars if you just buy the wood.

The downside to this particular wood is the chemical that it has been treated with can for some individuals cause health issues. To avoid this you can look for PT pine that comes from a factory that only used a water repellent to treat the wood.

Another very popular choice in wood for your deck is either Redwood or Cedar. Both of these types of woods are naturally resistant to both insects and rot. Because of this distinct feature of these woods they do not have to be treated with any chemicals to preserve them. When used to make a deck they are expected to last a good twenty years and really do not need to be treated.

The pricing of these types of woods can run between eighteen and twenty-two dollars per square foot to be constructed or around five dollars to buy the wood. The cost will accelerate as the grade of the redwood increases. The downside to these types of woods for your decking is that they are very expensive and just may not be a good fit to your budget. Also, the cedar sapwood is not good if used in areas where there is a lot of moisture.

Another very popular wood is the resilient tropical hardwood. The strength of this wood is double that of oak and the lifespan is usually about forty years. To have your deck constructed with this wood the average cost is about twenty-two dollars per square foot or around five dollars to buy the wood. The wood is so hard that is will need to be pre-drilled to install it before the nailing can be done. It is also rather costly so it may not fit within the average budget.

Plastic wood composites are also a popular choice for building decks. The wood is a combination of thirty to fifty percent plastic that has been recycled along with the fibers of wood. This is a very low maintenance wood because it naturally resists insects, UV rays and rot. These types of woods are found under a variety of different brand names. Having the decking installed using one of the composite woods averages about twenty dollars and three dollars per square foot to buy. Possibly the down-side to these kinds of woods is that they actually have the look of plastic and over time the colors tend to fade. Some joist spacing may be necessary which adds to the pricing.

Using vinyl decking materials are low maintenance and the pricing varies considerably. They do tend to be expensive and may not fit the average budget.

What Materials Can Be Used For Decking?

2009-12-16T06:32:00.000-08:00

When most people think of decking materials, they think of timber. Timber has been the most common decking material used for a long time, but there are alternatives to timber today, as well as a choice of timbers suitable for decking.

With more than 80% of houses having a deck of some description, it is not surprising that there is great demand for a choice in decking materials. The most common timber used for decks is pine or one of the pressure-treated pine products. Pine is readily available, reasonably priced and easy to work, making it a good choice for DIY enthusiasts. However, a deck made of pine will need to be replaced in ten years or so, while some of the more expensive timbers will last a lot longer.

While other timbers like cedar, mahogany, redwood or ipe may cost more initially, the fact that they are more stable and resistant to shrinkage means they outlast pine several times over. Added to this are the beautiful good looks of the high-end timbers, just another reason why they continue to be a popular choice.

Cedar is a decking timber that can last up to 30 years. Western Red Cedar weathers to a magnificent deep color and the Port Orford varieties are paler and allow for variations in stains. Cedar has good insulating properties, making it an excellent choice if the deck is located above a room.

Redwood has a natural deep brown/red color that becomes deeper as it ages. It looks good on a deck because it has a tight grain and is quite knot-free. It is resistant to splintering and weathering and can last for 30 years. Being lightweight but strong, it is a good choice for those who want to build their own deck.

Ipe is also known as Ironwood, and it is found in South America. It makes a good decking material because it is durable, low maintenance, doesn't shrink, twist or splinter and lasts about 25 years. It can cost more to install because it is very strong, heavy and difficult to work. It can be left unstained so it will weather to an attractive grayish silver color.

Mahogany comes in a variety of colors from white, through yellow and brown to a lovely dark red. The Meranti mahogany from the Philippines has the range of colors, but it is not as durable as the mahogany from South America and the West Indies. The American mahoganies have the traditional rich red color and are longer lasting, so make sure you know what species of mahogany you are buying.

All timber decks will require regular maintenance to keep them looking good and to extend their life. Timber surfaces should be treated with a quality sealant every two years. These synthetic sealants contain UV blockers, algaecides and mildewcides to protect the deck and prolong the life of the timber.

Other materials that have become popular for decking include composites that are manufactured from a combination of wood fibers and plastic. These decks don't need staining or painting, and the boards don't splinter. Regular maintenance involves scrubbing to remove mildew. There are plastic decking boards in tongue and groove with wood grain to prevent slipping, and aluminum boards that are easy to clean but could dent.

How To Be Creative With Floor Tile

2009-12-14T04:50:00.000-08:00

When it's time to tile a room in your home, I'm going to share with you how to be creative with floor tiles. You will need to think about a color, or colors of tiles you would like, as well as the size of tile you need. If you are thinking about laying the tile yourself, I'll show you who to talk with about that too. The last two things is what material do you want you tile to be and how much do you want to spend buying tiles.

If you go into a specialty floor tile store, you will see several colors. It's nice to pick a color before you go and buy tile as that's an important decision. You can buy one tile at a time in different colors to see if you like the look. Then pick your final tile.

There are a variety of tile sizes. It really depends on what you like. You have the 2 foot by 2 foot tiles, they are large, however they look beautiful in a room. There is also a 12 inch by 12 inch tile. You can put both down in the same room. For example, you can put the larger tiles down in the middle of the room, and use the 12 inch tiles around the large tiles. That would be a unique look for your room.

Have you ever thought about what a tile of made with? One great example would be a terracotta clay tile. These tiles are handmade in Mexico, and are smaller than a standard 12 inch by 12 inch tile. They are as beautiful as they are strong. Ceramic tiles are painted on top, and the color is only on the surface. They are durable and can handle a lot of traffic.

Let's move on to the porcelain tiles. A lot of people loves this type of tile. They have a shiny surface, and the color of this tile is throughout the entire tile. One drawback with having these tiles, is the fact that they are slippery. You must use extra caution when walking across a porcelain floor. I must say they are nice tiles.

Depending on the quality of the tiles you are buying, the price varies. A travertine tile will cost about 5 dollars a piece. A ceramic tile will cost less than a dollar per tile. These prices are based when shopping at a lumber store. If you go into a store that carries only tiles, the price will be much higher. In order to save some money on the purchase of your tiles, look at the sale ads, you will find tiles on sale.

Have you thought about installing the tile yourself, you can do it. Check out the classes about installing tile at your local contractor store. They will teach you everything you need to know about laying tile. Best if all, you can tell all your friends you did it yourself. One tip I can give you is this, measure your room, mark the exact middle of your room, and place your first tile in the middle of the room. You tile will be nice and straight when you use this trick.

An easy way of figuring out how many tile you need is using math. You need to measure your space. If your space measures 30 foot by 40 foot, or in other words 30 x 40 equals 1200 square feet of tile that you need to buy. You do this same thing for any space that needs to be tiled.

Now you not only know how to choose a great tile, but you know the materials that you like in tiles. If you are not a construction type person, but want to learn how to lay tile, please look into the free classes that the contractors stores have available. These classes are great for the beginner. And they are very detailed, also you can actually lay tile in the class, so you have hands on experience.

Shopping For Curtains To Redecorate

2009-12-04T08:51:00.000-08:00

What to redecorate a room in your home, you may not need to change all of the things in a room. Adding curtains will change the look of a room quickly. Buy lighter curtains to make the room look bigger. Or darker ones if you want to have a room look a bit smaller.

Yes you may have some rooms in your home that are too big, and look bad because of the space that is left open. If you don't have enough furniture to fill up the room, add in darker curtains. Taking away the light from the room will have it seem smaller. Not something that many people will think of, but it will work.

What color are you going to pick when you redecorate? Well if you don't want to change the whole room around you need to choose a color that is already there. But you can still be creative when you go to get curtains to redecorate with. Even going as far as making some of your own if you want. It's very easy to accomplish and you can choose any type of material to make those curtains with.

One choice that people have made in the past is a material that may be similar to a throw that is on some furniture. You only need to find that material and buy enough so you can make the curtains. Once they are completed you hang them up, some people will never even know that you made them yourself.

If you want to get a modern look into the room, think about adding a curtain that is plain, or maybe has some sort of modern geometric design on it. You can even add in an area rug to bring that look out even more if you want too.

Curtains are often overlooked when people redecorate a room. They may not even change them out, but leave the same ones up that were there before. But you shouldn't do that, you need to change those curtains up and add in some more life to a room. Experiment with different types of curtains, colors and textures both.

It's amazing how much a textured curtain can really add to a room. You may think that people don't notice a curtain as they walk into your house. But in many cases they will, and when you change them up with something unique they will be sure to comment on the change. So try a material that you wouldn't normally try if you make your curtains. Or buy one that is a different type of texture.

Making your room and curtains unique and have them stand out. Pick a color that is something that will add to the room. Or take away some of the space if you want too. Remember a darker color will help block the light out and help the room look smaller. While a lighter curtain will bring in more light and help to make it look bigger, as long as the room isn't crowded with furniture.

Style: Christmas tree extravaganza

2009-11-12T08:08:00.000-08:00

Festive fun

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a fabulous tree. But don't opt for traditional green again. Try pretty pink, snow white or moody metallics - something to keep everyone merry.

Snow white

A pure white palette adds glamour and frosty fairytale enchantment. The White Company uses illuminated accessories to bring warmth to this pared-back decorating scheme. Set your Christmas tree against a white wall, and team with candles, glowing fairylights and sparkly crystal accessories to soften the setting.

Golden glitz

The Duchess Cream Christmas Tree from Focus will add decadent glamour to your living room. The rich shades of gold work especially well with a neutral colour scheme.

Double take

Who says you have to stop at one Christmas tree? If you have a prominent fireplace or wall feature then create symmetry by placing identical trees either side.

Classic colours

A traditional tree will never fail to move with contrasting shades of red and green. It has already been fitted with 200 lights and a secured base to keep it firmly upright. Festive decorating made easy.

Delux monochrome

Bring contemporary sparkle to your tree with black and white decorations made of tassels, feathers and jewels. Their bold outlines look great set against silver tree branches. Although designed for the festive season, they also look charming from door knobs, windows or even your handbag for year-round decoration.

Rainbow brights

This White Christmas Tree makes the perfect blank canvas on which to be creative and play with vibrant candy tones of flamboyant red, blue, green, yellow and purple. Its slim shape looks sleek and the glossy pine-effect branches add a reflective quality that dazzles in both natural and artificial light. Go wild.

Pretty in pink

Little girls will be thrilled with this pink-themed Christmas tree. Fluffy fairy lights, sparkly snowflakes and glitter angels are combined with pink and lilac shades for the ultimate in pink chic. Mums and daughters can have one each to decorate in tandem!

Peacock shades

The 5ft curved needle tree from Marks & Spencer is dressed with rich, velvety tones of blue and purple, adding a little peacock-shaded decadence to any room. Worried about buying fake? Good news, a real tree will be planted for every artificial tree that Marks & Spencer sell. Also available in white.

Oriental elegance

These eastern-inspired hanging decorations will give your tree an exotic air. In black, red and gold, the Decorative Chinese tassel, deserve to be the centre of attention so don’t overcrowd.

Christmas coming! Bring gifts to the room!

2009-11-12T06:48:00.000-08:00

Take a look at some best traditional Christmas rooms, for inspiration on how to decorate your home this year.

This room is already decorated with classically festive deep greens and reds, but he has added the matching stockings and gifts that traditionally inhabit the bedroom come Christmas dawn.

This room is a festive delight! The dark holly leaf greens and vivid cherry reds create a Christmas wonderland that is perfect for relaxing in.

You can just smell the roast dinner cooking in this warm and inviting blushing red kitchen.
The already festive walls are exaggerated with more red decorations, and given a green focus with the sparsely decorated tree.

This living room is full of fun board games, gifts and drinks, but the real attraction for the family members is the traditional festive colours.

This room still feels wonderfully seasonal without the usual garish decorations, because the traditional green and red is sprinkled on a snowy white background. This is the perfect room for opening all those presents in!

How to decorate your Christmas table

2009-11-12T06:05:00.000-08:00

A smartly laid table can have just as much impact on your guests as the food you serve up. Escape the heat of the kitchen and follow expert advice to create a striking setting for the most important meal of the year.

1. Strong foundations

Restaurant designer David Rockwell says ‘I like a crowded table because it feels celebratory and like a cornucopia. I'm not a fan of tablecloths – unless you are on holiday. I prefer to use a table runner and great mats instead.’ This cut–out felt runner from Cargo highlights the natural finish of a wooden table for a retro look. Pair with simple white plates to complete the festive feel and accessorise with napkins and place mats.

2. Get personal

Make your guests feel at home by adding personalised touches to the table, like place cards and home–made crackers filled with thoughtful goodies. This Ruby Range from Marks & Spencer makes the job easy. Then create some mischief by arranging guests to spark off conversation, friendship – or even a little romance...

3. Plate up

Polly Dickens, creative director at The Conran Shop, recommends choreographed disorder for the crockery, ‘Make sure it’s glamorous but not formal – the best looks are mixed together.’ These glossy red lacquer underplates from Debenhams will add some festive glam and make a striking contrast to your chinaware.

4. Get the edge

Polish, polish and polish some more! Your cutlery should shine like Rudolph’s nose. Make sure you've got enough for the big feast. Stock up on simple but durable designs like this Marseilles set from Dibor.

5. Stay fresh

Bring in the garden for natural Christmas chic. ‘Cluster small blooms in a handful of mini vases, or put one at each place setting. For a splashy look, fill lofty, narrow vessels with towering stalks or leafy branches that spread upward,’ advises Marion McEvoy, former editor-in-chief of US Elle Décor.

6. Set the mood

Scatter tealights around place settings to add a warm glow to your festivities. These pretty beaded tealight holders from Graham & Green will make the light dance across the table. Cheap and chic.

7. The little extras

Decant sauces, preserves and brandy butter in pretty dishes like this leaf bowl and spoon from Crocus. They'll add another layer of interest to your table top and create the look of a truly decadent feast.

8. Crowning glory

The centerpiece of the table should express your creativity. ‘Make glorious piles of golden fruit, biscuits, cinnamon and goodies on a tiered platter,’ suggests Priscilla Carluccio, owner of award–winning store Few and Far. Tina Tsang’s Blaue Blume cake stand is a design must–have. Fill it with edible treats and nostalgic childhood decorations.