The Feminine Expression

"Today's renewed desire for feminine expression is matched by the need for individuality. As styles change throughout history many fashion concepts remain the same. Seamlessly through time, High Style (reminiscent of the Carnegie's), is defined not only by the garments you wear but how you accessorize them. Even a very casual day deserves a little sparkle."

This was quoted from a new friend of mine, Michele Eddins, we met at http://zabitatz.com. A great site to hang out and share home ideas and meet some great ladies. Ok, girlfriends, as you can see her creativity reflected here in a few of her pieces....this lady has talent!! Michele contacted me about adding a few pieces of her collection to a designer showcase which I had done, however, timing did not permit it...should I do another showcase I can see many areas to use these pieces for the right setting. Michele, expresses her feminine touch to add to wedding gowns, and in the last photo, adding pearls, ribbons and flowers to a mirror...to be cherished for a lifetime. Now lets not forget about how you can use the other pieces in your home decor as well. Designers, take note, you may already have a client in mind that could use her accessories for that final touch.

The first picture shown with the tassels is my recommendation for a great accent piece as a tie back on a drapery to add a simple touch of elegance to any room, you could even add these to a special table setting around lace napkins. The second photo is a decanter which would be great placed in a guest bath or master bath.

You owe it to yourself to visit her site and discover all of her creativity and the elegance of her special touch.

http://floralcompliments.net/

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Lighting Design

I have already written about the basics of buying bedroom furniture and bedroom furnishing planning. Lets have a look at a more specific issue that you need to consider when it comes to designing that special intimate place for you, your bedroom.

Lighting can make all the difference when it comes to getting the overall feel of your bedroom just right. Lighting can totally alter the ambiance of a room, change how the colors look and dictate the way you feel in your bedroom. Lighting also has a range of different uses in a bedroom, sometimes conflicting, and you need to plan your lighting to make sure all are satisfied.

For example what happens when you drop that hair clip onto the bedroom floor at night? You need good lighting to help you find it, there 's no point in crawling around the floor in low mood lighting struggling to see. Or perhaps you like to read in bed and have poor eyesight, so need good strong light to do so.

But then when you've just come home from a wonderful night out and need warm romantic lighting in the bedroom it 's not so fun if it 's lit up like an office just so that you can see the carpet for finding that hair clip or for reading.

You need to think about your lighting plan before you start putting in your lighting. Yes you need versatile lighting, but it can all be accomplished if it 's properly planned before hand. Anything is possible if designed right.

For instance you need overhead lighting, no doubt. You might not use it all the time, but there will be times when you do need it. But that doesn't mean one light fitting stuck in the middle of the ceiling, it could mean a group of low voltage down lights for example, or lights behind a sculpture. It 's all to do with your needs and likes, and you need to do your homework first. You can ultimately save money by consulting a professional to guide you, by not making costly learning mistakes.

You need a way to make sure that overhead lighting doesn't detract from the feel of your bedroom when you want warmer lower intimate light. One of the best ways to do this is to have the overhead lights on separate switches, preferably with a dimmer included. So you can turn individual lights on or off, or lower, to create the exact right feel for you.

Light color is also important. Different types of light bulbs create different light colors, and the overall effect of your bedroom is heavily affected by the color of the light. For example incandescent bulbs create a different color than fluorescent lighting, or down lighting. Learn a little about the color of the light that you want to create before purchasing, not all types of light bulb go in all types of light fittings.

Use of individual lights is also very important. There are some wonderful floor lamps and also table lamps available, just stunning designs and colors. For example if you think you would like to read while your partner sleeps then a small table lamps next to the bed on the bedside table will be very useful. Or a well chosen floor lamp.

And finally, a small tip. Make sure that light switches that allow you to switch off your bedroom lighting are all reachable from the bed, there 's nothing better than being able to snuggle in and switch off the lights without having to get out of bed once you're comfortable and warm.

So if you're setting up your bedroom and choosing bedroom furniture, or perhaps refurbishing, spend a little time planning your lighting, you'll be glad you did. This lighting design should be applied in every room in your home, your home is a sanctuary, You don't want to feel you are in an office atmosphere. Lately, I have noticed circuit city and other businesses using low lighting, someone caught on that it does create a calming affect, so I am glad to see this trend showing up which makes our shopping experience more relaxing.

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Serious Real Estate

This is some serious real estate folks!!!!!!!!!! Just for your viewing pleasure!!! If you enjoy a LOT of glass and a contemporary feel this simply says, "WOW"

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Our City/Charlotte NC

Charlotte NC

The Queen City, aptly named after the beautiful wife of King Edward, Queen Charlotte, is a vibrant Mecca for those seeking bigger and better things. There are more transplants than natives here, bringing more ideas and money into the city. Though it’s experiencing a boom in terms of population and commerce, Charlotte hasn’t lost its southern charm and grace. Good taste and disposable incomes means a constant turnover of decorating which in turn means Charlotte is flush with great consignment shops, too. With High Point just a couple of hours away, access to hand crafted furniture is readily available making NC a destination for design aficionados.
The city is divided in neighborhoods and assigned numerical designations. But it’s much easier to use names like NoDa, Plaza Midwood, Dilworth, Southend, Ballantyne and Pineville. Each of these areas has vibrant design and art cultures and is worth checking out. The city is catching up to its reputation with respect to restaurants, medical resources and of course the banking capital.
NODA
Short for North Davidson is home to some of the very best art galleries and Friday night art crawls which happen once a month. One of Charlotte’s older neighborhoods, it is experiencing a true renaissance, especially over the past couple of years. An onslaught of new-build lofts and condos means a constant hum of construction here; let’s hope it remains affordable. Home to some great restaurants and music venues, NoDa is a favorite both day and night.
Another historic hood experiencing a major renaissance, Southend is an epicenter of creativity with ad agencies, film and recording studios, art galleries, antique shops, design centers, specialty boutiques and media outlets (Skirt, Charlotte Magazine, Charlotte Post) as well as great places to grab some comfort food. The opening of the Light Rail Transit line will mean more burbanites can easily stop by Southend on their way into town.
HISTORIC SOUTHEND
Another historic hood experiencing a major renaissance, Southend is an epicenter of creativity with ad agencies, film and recording studios, art galleries, antique shops, design centers, specialty boutiques and media outlets (Skirt, Charlotte Magazine, Charlotte Post) as well as great places to grab some comfort food. The opening of the Light Rail Transit line will mean more burbanites can easily stop by Southend on their way into town.

• South End Exchange: this is my favorite spot to trove for antique and reproduction furniture as well as art, accessories, rugs and linens. A unique pricing system (prices drop on designated dates) lets you plan for purchases but means you have to stop by frequently.
• Olde World Reclamation: also on Camden, this shop has antiques and accessories for home and garden. A great selection of stone products give it that well-lived, old world feel, just like the name says.
• Interiors Marketplace: this store has an endless selection of new and old, with well named pedigree pieces. Be prepared to spend some money here. Exquisite accessories for refined tastes.
• Southend Fabric Design: situated inside the marketplace is an excellent place for custom draperies, oriental rugs and select furnishings.

Furniture Solutions: further down on Camden is home to a huge selection of leather sofas, chairs and office furniture. It’s not cheap, but has great quality pieces.

There’s plenty of art available. The place to start is Charlotte Art League: On the main drag where you can buy art, rent space to hang or create art, take classes or browse in this large industrial space. Renee George Gallery: Solo exhibits by emerging and established artists in the contemporary vein. On East Worthington. DoMA Gallery: Fine photography is still affordable for those looking to start a collection. Located on South Tryon. Zoe’s Elf Gift Gallery: Pottery, jewelry, glass and fine art by regional artists. Like the name says, great for gifts…from elves? Located at the back of the building on South Tryon.
Southend has great places for tasty bites including renowned fried chicken from Price’s Chicken Coop on Camden St. Also check out Phat Burrito, Pike’s Old Fashioned Soda Shop and Mr. K’s Soft Ice Cream for great eats and sweets. All spots can be found on the Historic Southend website.
PLAZA MIDWOOD
One of Charlotte’s most historic neighborhoods, Plaza Midwood is centrally located and quickly becoming a place for great food, fashion, antiques and design. The vibe is extremely cool and welcoming.

• Fifteen Ten Antiques: around the corner on Central Ave is full of amazing finds. Antique furniture, glass, china, and artwork from all eras, including a few mid century pieces. Prices are listed but can be negotiated.

No matter when you visit the city it is in continuous bloom, each season there is color everywhere around the rolling hills and communities.

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Why Stage?" A Little Style Works, Just Not Yours"

There are many reasons to stage your home. For example in this photo you immediately feel the ambiance, calmness and freshness as you do when walking into a model home. It is refreshing, clean and well coordinated. We get comfortable in our homes, leaving items out that need to be put away and out of sight and only until a stranger walks into the room do we realize that Oopps, I should have ?? A prospective buyer wants to visualize their items in the room with a clean slate to look at and or how their home will or can look.

Reasons to Stage:

1. A seller listens to a Stager differently than to a Broker.
2. A Stager can help secure listings for a Broker.
3. A Stager is versed in staging techniques to enhance a property. She looks at the architecture of the property and advises how to best showcase this property.
4. A Stager can guide a seller as to how to pack , what to pack , and oversee these processes if necessary, thereby taking the strain off of the seller and ultimately the Broker.
5. According to statistics, Staged Homes sell about 50% faster than un-staged homes.
6. According to statistics, the average difference in selling price over list price is nearly 4 times higher than un-staged homes.
7. Staging costs less than a first markdown.
8. Investing in staging your residence increases the return on one of your most important investments.
9. Whatever the approach, staging homes for market appears to make a difference to buyers.
10. Stagers offer a variety of services – from assessments, rearranging the existing furnishings to creating an entirely new “look.”

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Designer Showcase

Coordinate fabric designed on the pillows to accent the purple and red
Overstuffed chairs and headboard was covered in print to match bed ensemble
Accessories added the final touch using art, plants, statues and personal items
The wall was a faux using a pale yellow and white to soften the room and bring out the pastel yellows in the print and accent pillows
The green and pale yellow silk stripe was used was used for the end table covers and for lining the draperies
View from Master Bedroom into Master Sitting Room
View from Master Sitting Room into Master Bedroom

Master Suite Sitting Room/Not shown in this picture was an antique love seat across from the fireplace which was covered in the pale yellow and green silk stripe which lined the draperies and was used for the table tops. A green and yellow tassle trim added the final touch of elegance to the draperies





I recently had a request to reprint this about a Designer Showcase I did in Columbus Georgia.

I was lead designer in this showcase of homes project. My project was the master suite, consisting of the sitting room, bedroom and master bath. Proceeds went to support the local symphony.

This was quite a large bedroom, I selected this floral print which showcased 26 colors in the pattern. I then used red, green, yellow and purple as my accent colors. A small room could not handle this large pattern, this allowed the room to have a warmer feeling. First I choose a pale yellow and faux painted the walls which were originally white. I added the light fixture, replaced the carpet from a dark brown to an off white bringing out the background of the fabric. The table skirts and drapes are lined in a pale yellow and green stripe creating a garden escape feeling. There was a surrounding patio which displayed a flower garden making this room feel an extension of the garden.

The sitting room sofa was upholstered in the same yellow and green stripe and the floral pattern lined with the same stripe was then carried through on the half draperies which were displayed on a swing rod giving the room a three dimensional look allowing more view to the garden.

When working with a large room, as you can see, color and a lot of it works!!! The room has a clean fresh yet romantic feel with a softness to reflect a mellow yet fun mood.

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Fun with Faux

Hard to believe this is a faux stone wall that was hand painted.....I found this over at bhg along with the instructions http://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/faux-stone-wall/. Other forms of faux stone may be found at http://fauxpanels.com/stone. Although, I feel most wallpapers are obsolete using a stone wall look would also add the look of texture to your room and can be found at http://americanblinds.com/wallpaper. Create the same affect with old newspapers found at this link www.all-homedecor.com/faux/fauxstone.htm . Whether it be stone or a painted faux wall with texture will create interest and add dimension to your decor. Remember to do this with one wall in a room, if you overdo it, it will close the room in, you are trying to achieve an accent or focal point only....like hanging a special tapestry or other works of art.

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Kitchen Elegance

Many consider the kitchen to be the most important room in the house, the family hub where day to day life is spent. When designing a new kitchen it is vital to produce a space that is practical, aesthetically pleasing and comfortable. Part of this design process is to find worktops that are sympathetic to the decoration and provide a feeling of luxury. The sheer variety of worktops out there means that the choice can be extremely complex; hopefully this article will help make this decision easier. The material used for kitchen worktops is the first concern. Popular choices include granite, composite stone, hard and soft woods and the cheaper laminate. Naturally all have pros and cons whilst varying immensely in cost as well as quality. The most expensive of the materials used for worktops is solid granite. The look created however can be considered timeless and ultimately elegant. The main benefits of this material are its strength and beauty although as it is somewhat expensive, many redesigning their kitchen are put off. If price is a large issue but you want a stone look, composites can provide the perfect solution. Modern manufacturing means that all manner of colors and designs are now available in composite, including luxurious black and even worktops that sparkle in the sunlight. Wood should always be considered as the material for worktops for it natural beauty and homely appeal. The types of wood used are wide and diverse including cherry, walnut, beech, iroko and of course, oak. If designing a new kitchen yourself, wood can also be installed without professional services; further reducing the cost of the makeover. Walnut is one of the most sumptuous woods used for worktops. The grain of walnut is so distinctive that many would consider it a design feature in its own right. Along with the warm colouration, walnut should definitely be a major consideration. Cherry is such a dark and richly colored wood that some designers are put off. As an original choice however it is unrivalled, while the deep red may result in a somewhat dark kitchen, as the wood ages its elegance and beauty truly shine through. Oak has been used in kitchen design for centuries for its classical style and strength. Like cherry it will age gracefully and create a kitchen that oozes country charm and warmth. While it may be commonly used, the disparate grain patterns can make oak an original choice for worktops. Iroko is a relatively new material in the world of kitchen design, it is a dark would that offers much. Sometimes labelled the African teak, it is both strong and stylish. Dark woods however are not to everyone 's taste, if a lighter wood is preferable, beech can be considered a great solution. With light grain and an even lighter color, beech can help those who do not like the oppressiveness of dark woods create a kitchen that is light and airy. Laminate worktops, while not as high quality as either the wood or stone variants previously discussed are a far more affordable option. Modern laminates are wonderfully styled with a variety of patterns that can create an original kitchen. Requiring less maintenance than stone or wood, they are also the choice for those who want worktops without the hassles of staining or sanding. The choice of material for your worktops is ultimately your decision. While cost is always a vital constituent of the choice it is vital to remember the importance of the kitchen space in family life at all stages of the decision making process. A happy kitchen means a happy home and the choice of materials can be fundamental in creating a space that is practical and above all comfortable.

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Serene Sounds

This unique fountain channels the essence of the old Greek statues to create a stunning fountain. Shown here with an Aged Limestone finish. Crafted from strong cast stone, you can rest assured that this fountain will be sure to last for years to come. Pump and connections are included. It can be found at http://www.gardenfountainoutlet.com/Cara-Classica-Fountain You can also make your own urn fountain with these instructions: An easy way to create an inexpensive fountain is to convert a garden pot--any size--into a bubbling water feature. Place it on an apartment terrace on in a nook on your patio. Find out how to construct a bubbling urn and make your own small-scale instant water garden. Or, make your own indoor tabletop fountain. At HGTV there is also a link to design your own backyard waterfall http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/gl_design_water_features/article/0,1785,HGTV_3575_1397648,00.html

Relax your mind and enjoy the quiet sounds of nature on the patio or your garden while capturing the serenity of the water in the background.

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Personal Touch of Glass

Creating your own personal coffee table and end tables can be endless....begin by looking around your home for a base you may already have, ie...old books stacked and topped with round glass can create an interesting conversational piece as well as display your collectibles. Select the size for your glass, this will depend on the size of your room. Your base should be the same height of your sofa and or chairs in the room. If you collect decorative boxes and they fit with the theme and your colors, this will make another great conversational piece. If you select a large size for the glass top, make sure you place your base stacks equally for balance.

Another idea for table tops is to use a round metal deco piece. Michael's usually carries these as well as Kirkland's. Choose a piece that doesn't have large holes in the deco, imagine placing a glass on the table top, or place a glass holder large enough to cover an area where a glass may be placed.

I was given a statue of an elephant which had a flat top for example, I painted it black and topped it with a small round glass top and placed a plant on top. It wasn't high enough for and end table, however, it makes a great accent piece placed in a foyer.

I always suggest round table tops because you don't want sharp corners which could be hazardous to children or you own legs. Rectangle shapes may be used if you are making a higher table such as a buffet table. Of course you height will take care of the hazard issues. The base for a buffet may be more difficult but still attainable, such as using large decorative statues which may have a flat area to place your glass for balance. These may be found at pottery yards. Good luck on your personal creations, send me pictures of yours and I will publish them to share your creative ideas.

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Bookcases

Around the world, there are people who love to collect books, besides reading them. To store these books they usually use some kind of bookcases that are specially made just for this purpose. At the moment, sophisticated and elegantly styled antique bookcases are indeed very popular. People who are fond of collecting the antique pieces mostly prefer this style because it adds glamour to your home as well as keep the books safe and well displayed. You can find bookcases in various attractive styles, sizes and colors. Normally, the woods that are being used are oak, mahogany and walnut. You will find a wide variety of antique bookcases with several attractive styles and designs according to the period. You can choose from revolving bookcases to narrow Georgian styles and from adjustable to inlaid bookcases. Antique bookcases are available in various sizes to suit to your requirements. This type of a bookcase has several shelves to provide enough space to store the books as well as collectibles. It has glass doors and metal handles and may be decorated with metal designs.
The style and functions of bookcases may differ from room to room. Keep in mind that whatever you select, it should suit your home decor and serve both decorative and practical value. A built-in bookcase is comparable to the complex as custom built units with doors or just like shelving fixed to the wall. If you build the bookcase to the ceiling, you will get more storage space. Built-in bookcases represent a long-term investment, as they become a permanent part of the home and add to the resale value. Finally, either free standing or built-in bookcases, will add a lovely focal point to your room.

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Patio Dining Elegance

OK, so you aren't in Paris, or maybe you are......as you can see even the simplest touches can create the same outdoor dining experience. It will make you feel like you are in Paris visiting the palaces of Versailles and Fontainbleu, the gardens of Giverney and the cathedral at Chartres, so why not?

Add champagne, the perfect french menu, and music.....Enjoy Paris....or at least the feeling!!!

My son has been on a seven country business trip and one was France, at this link he gives a ride through the Eiffel Tower, short segments but keep viewing, http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisnoessel/2614532384/in/set-72157605838166288/, you can also view all of the photos he took in Paris and the other countries and cities which included... Munich, Moscow, London, Tokyo, Mumbai, Shanghai, Seoul, Beijing

http://www.fineliving.com/

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Color Palettes

Selecting a color palette can be confusing, these samples show if you stay within the same color tones you can add interest by mixing and matching fabrics designs, color and scale.. Furnishings with simple lines invite fabrics that are more complex in color or texture. Most people use two fabrics when decorating a room -- a print and a solid. Add interest and variety by using three or more fabrics in a room with a pleasing mix of color, pattern, scale and texture. First, begin by choosing your focal or main fabric. Be sure it is a pattern that you LOVE!!!!!, it is the main pattern which guides you to choose the coordinating fabrics. Choose a pattern with a minimum of three colors. Choose two more fabrics, each having one or two of the focal fabric colors in their pattern. Vary the three fabrics in contrast. One fabric should be light, one medium and one dark. Change the scale or size of the patterns by choosing one fabric with a large pattern, one medium and one small. Solids fall into the small-pattern category. Using all the same size patterns will cause each one to overpower the other. Of course, fabric decisions will depend upon your room’s ‘design styles’. This means that a particular style will require a specific material pattern.
Be sure to bring home a sample and view it in your home lighting, colors appear different in sunlight or showroom lighting .

Today, fabric companies are offering coordinated fabric sets; which mean choosing matching fabrics is easier and the decision is less confusing.

http://www.housefabric.com/defaultproduct.asp

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Photos to Canvas

My oldest son Chris took this photo during a recent business trip to China...this was on the tour while walking the Great Wall of China.
You can't hang a digital picture up on your wall like a museum painting. Or can you? It is now possible to take cherished images and put these on canvas. The canvas is the same type of high quality material used for oil paintings. This process will be able to preserve your photograph for up to a hundred years. Once the process of putting the digital photos on canvas is complete, the picture can be hung with or without a frame. I prefer the canvas with no frame. Frames are difficult to match it is also a much less cluttered look.
Why is it worthwhile to put these images on canvas? While digital photos are easy to share with people outside your home, these images are not an ideal median for sharing and displaying photos within your home. What is a person to do when he has guests over and his entire photograph collection is stored on his portable hard drive? It is clear that in situations like these, having your files stored digitally is not beneficial at all. By putting your pictures on canvas you can create your own art gallery in your own home. Except the art wasn't made by a famous artists and the subjects aren't foreign. Instead, you are the artists, and the subjects of your "paintings" are whatever you've taken pictures of: friends, family, vacation spots, etc.
The median of photos on canvas offers an elegance of display that simply cannot be matched by viewing them on a computer screen. While the process can be a little pricey (especially when compared with the fact that sharing digital images is practically free), it is important to remember that the canvas photos are constructed by hand to the most exacting standards, using the highest quality material. And these canvases, when kept in museum conditions, are expected to last over one hundred years.

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Creative Photography

I published a post titled, "Hanging Garden", by one of my favorite photography artist. Here is more of her work, I have provided a link to her blog where you can view her gallery of lovely photographs, she is on vacation in France and I'm sure she will return with more beautiful photographs. Talk about a wall collage!!!!!!!

These are nothing less than spectacular!!!!!!!!!

http://is-theblog.blogspot.com/

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Create a Wall Collage

Gather all your framed photos, art collection, deco accent pieces and pictures. Stick to a color pallet to avoid visual chaos. If you are doing all black and white art, maybe paint the frames in different colors. If your art is in different colors, stick to one color frames. Measure out the wall area that you are planning to use for your collage. Measure out the same size on the floor and start laying out your pictures within that area. Play around with different configurations to get a feel for what you like best. You can also make templates of the frames out of Newspapers and tape it to the wall. Be careful leaving to much space between the frames or even putting to close together. I find that leaving about 2” between the frames tends to work best. You want the collage to feel like one art piece, not look like a wallpaper.
If you are brave and want to make the collage look even more interesting mix in 3 dimensional objects to add visual interest. You can also incorporate a clock or a mirror. Start with larger pieces in the center and work your way out. It looks great to mix in one round item with all the frames just to brake up the shapes.
Use a level if you aren't comfortable with your natural visual abilities.

http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/control/search-art?prod=ART

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Dramatics for your staircase

Decorating Rooms with High Ceilings/Tall Walls Iron wall decor and woven wall tapestry offer a myriad of choices and solutions for casual home decorating. When decorating expansive walls in rooms with high ceilings, iron wall decor is an excellent choice to fill spaces above wall tapestry, mirrors and framed art. Doors and windows are also complimented by scrolled iron. It's all about texture, color and theme when you update a room. When decorating for a casual look, consider using wall tapestry to decorate important rooms in your home. Update your casual home decor with wall tapestry in colors that compliment your color theme.
http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/control/prod/~pid=1463114-P

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Design Trends

Design trends for 2008 are running the gamut from “Earth Friendly” to “Glitz and Glamour.” The trend of coming home to a soothing cocoon at the end of the work day continues to expand design offerings to fit the requirements, varied needs and desires of consumers worldwide. Style also plays a huge role in determining color as well as psychological influences. Rooms are being created as an integrated mix that suits the personal style of the customer, with an end result that is an eclectic mix of pattern and color that is a statement of individuality rather than a grouping of matched “things”.
In the psychology of color we see two historical trends colliding. Normally in an election year we see colors becoming brighter and clearer representing the freshness of change. This is where colors have been predicted to go through 2009. However, with recent economic downturns and the continuing war this could be altered. When the economy is headed in a downward direction, or the country is at war, colors tend to move to grayer more somber shades. Stock market bounces as we saw this week could continue the clear, clean bright predication's for colors and chances are that this will be the case.

Also, watch your fashion design trends, home designs usually copy fabric trends.

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Tableaux

If you love the look of wrought iron or leaded glass, but don’t want to replace doors and windows there is a perfect solution – Tableaux faux wrought iron. It’s lighter than real wrought iron so you can hang it like art, use it to decorate transom windows or arches and so much more. Tableaux is right at home decorating doors, cabinet inserts, windows, niches, walls, ceilings, arches, cornices, skylights, sidelights, air conditioning grills, interior gates and shutters.
With 30 designs and eight finishes to choose from, Tableaux faux wrought iron is a great way to add personality to your home. You can even request a design of your own for a look that is all yours. Use it to screen undesired views while allowing sunlight to pour into the room. In homes with large wall spans, Tableaux can add texture and visual interest. This look is particularly great to enhance a Mediterranean style design.

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Silk Trees and Plants

You're staying at a gorgeous mountain resort in the middle of a forest of trees. The large lobby is filled with birch and spruce. It looks great and green and you are excited to be there. Everything in the lobby is lush and green. You go to check in and there is a large bouquet of fresh flowers...but wait. There is no smell and usually you're a little sensitive to live flowers, what gives? Don't be surprised. Commercial decorators have know the wonders of Artificial Trees and plants for quite some time. Hotels and offices don't want high maintenance trees that need constant care. They what set it and forget it convenience that comes with high quality artificial trees. Silk trees are available in nearly any size you can imagine and they are available in nearly any tree variety. With the advances in manufacturing that the silk plants industry has gone through, the quality of these artificial plants has gotten to a point where most people don’t notice. Decorating your home with silk plants is a valuable décor tool. The trees are great for filling empty corners or adding warmth to a poorly lit space. Entryways are perfect for fake trees and can save you $100's over buying expensive furniture to decorate a space you don't spend much time in. You can buy evergreens, foliage trees, tropical trees, fruit trees and flowering trees. You can buy trees that are always in summer or always in fall. If you can't find a tree that is exactly what you are looking for you can have one made for you. Custom built tress are more expensive but they can fill exactly the space and decor you need them to fill. Visit my overstock for great prices at

http://www.overstock.com/

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Mood Lighting

When remodeling and decorating, we usually look for furniture, paint, carpets and decorative items as pictures. However, the lighting can have a big impact on the overall look of a room. The lighting design is responsible for setting the mood or ambiance of a space. With careful design and planning for the type, color and hue of the lighting, the room can be given a different ambiance. The right lighting can set a mood, improve productivity and contribute to people’s sense of well-being. It can transform unappealing spaces into desirable ones. Bright rooms give a positive and optimistic feeling, while darker rooms are more intimate and romantic. Research had proven that light can make big difference in how we feel.

This is simply, sexy, cozy and serene. Placing floor spotlights below plants will create the soft shadows which adds to a calm peaceful feeling.

http://lightingbygregory.com/

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Neutrals/ Purple/Blues/ Paisleys

· Neutrals:
Neutrals are always the safe choice when dealing with color. These combinations are soothing and appeal to those looking for an “uncluttered” feeling. Also look for neutral palettes to pair with metallic accents for an updated blend.
· Purples:
Purples have remained the “new neutral” for over almost ten years, and show no sign of slowing in popularity! This is the color of the mind. Purples will pair with browns for a chic sophisticated combination. Pressing to the forefront are shades of lavender. Soft blue cast lavenders are predicted to be mixed with soft greens for a fresh, clean palette. Think Hydrangeas!
· Blues:
Surprise…spa blue combinations are still in the spotlight! Spa shades are like animal prints they have passed the “fad” stage and have taken their rightful place as a major force in the blue family. Peacock and Turquoise are also making strong fashion statements. Normally, these shades are seen as accents in a color palette, but now they are taking on the primary focus. Blues are being shown in all shades from the lightest sky blues to medium federal and Wedgwood all the way to deep navy.

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Radiant Red

Reds continue to play a starring role in the home fashion color palette. Bright red accents will mix with black and white as we move toward the Olympics. We saw this “world event” influence during the Australian Olympics as well. This is when “mineral” coloration's emerged. Along with true reds, look for a softening in the red family as well to include rich raspberries to soft pinks. Pinks will also mix with the black and white palette as a sophisticated high-end combination. Brown shades of red will mix with chocolate and cocoa to create a homespun look that will influence the American country home style as well as reflecting the “cocooning” and “nesting” instincts. This color combination reinforces a sense of stability.

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Going Green

Green may be the most talked about color of the season! In the past when we talked about green we were talking color. Today it can be color or eco philosophy. As a color family, greens are evolving from classic gray-greens to more yellow hued lifestyle nature coloration's. Green represents life, growth, fertility and financial stability. Soft greens are associated with calming influences. When mixed with blues and aquas, greens take on a soothing tropical note associated with rest and rejuvenation. Acid greens will be seen mixed with purples at the upper end. Even old friends like the ever-popular 1970 trademark avocado is re-making itself but this time the colors are called wasabi or gingko! Green is making its way to the head of the class as the new neutral of the season. From an eco standpoint, green Earth friendly products are not only becoming more in demand they are being offered more readily than ever before! The marketplace has seen a resurgence in linen, bamboo, wood, jute and hemp products for the last few seasons. More ecological materials are being introduced as well from recycled plastics and rubber to used x-rays and tires! Design and color must still be right for consumers to purchase these more ecologically minded offerings, but the demand is there. Cost of eco products is high as these items currently are expensive to manufacture. Earth friendly products are still in the early stages of development and can be thought of similar to organic foods just a few years ago and look how far we have come in this area today. The industry is scrambling to address this category of products because inevitably sustainable green is a long-term necessity.

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Toiles

This refined dining room features a dramatic and elegant wallpaper, Plantation Silk, in a striking red on ivory color scheme. Full luxurious draperies are in Bellagio Silk Taffeta that have been lavishly banded and trimmed, and Silk Road Velvet upholsters the dining chairs.
http://www.fabric.com/home-decor-fabric-waverly-fabric-waverly-fabric-toile.aspx

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