If you’ve ever bought a brown-colored piece of furniture, such as a couch or love seat, and then placed it on top of a soft blue rug – but couldn’t figure out why the pairing just isn’t working as well as you thought it might – chances are you could use some pointers about decorating with warm and cool colors. Especially if you’d like to add some pizzaz in your home life rather than settling for non-threatening beige everywhere. Here’s some of what you need to know, courtesy of … [Read more...] about Decorating with Warm and Cool Colors
Fabrics
Creating a Southern-Styled Sanctuary
People born or raised in the South often profess a special fondness for their region of origin, from stories about the incomparable Southern cooking to social customs that are particularly localized. It’s fairly easy to get a sample of old-time Southern cooking in many areas of the country. What’s harder, though, is to create the kind of unique Southern living spaces that call to mind the comforts of home. Here are a few ideas from This Old House for adding some Southern touches to your home’s … [Read more...] about Creating a Southern-Styled Sanctuary
Throwing Around Dollops of Color
One underused method of adding a splash of color to most any room is the thoughtful use of throw pillows. Rather than regard these small but effective design elements as afterthoughts and obligatory accessories, consider how coordinating them into the design can make the whole scheme sing – just as an artist’s single splash of color can seem to unify an otherwise elaborate backdrop. You can begin to generate ideas for your particular environment by browsing through Cushion Covers and getting a … [Read more...] about Throwing Around Dollops of Color
Do Thermal Drapes Help in Summer?
It’s one thing to hang thermal drapes during the colder months. The curtains, which are often Custom Made and lined on the back with a special fabric that helps to insulate the window space, can be very effective at keeping out drafts of cold air. However, thermal drapes can also be very effective during warmer months, helping to prevent hot air from outside from being drawn in to your living space, thereby reducing the benefits of air conditioning; the cooled air from your home can also leak … [Read more...] about Do Thermal Drapes Help in Summer?
Removing Blackout Lining from Draperies
One way to give your older Blackout Curtains a makeover is to remove the lining (assuming that you no longer need it to keep out light or to ensure privacy). Of course, you should consult the manufacturer for any warnings before attempting to achieve this effect; once you’re sure that you’d like to proceed with the removal of the lining, follow this general guide, thanks to SFGate.com: Carefully take down the curtains from the rod and place them on your work table with the liner side of the … [Read more...] about Removing Blackout Lining from Draperies
Drape Ideas for the Home Office
Telecommuting – or working via an Internet connection while in a remote location, such as one’s home – has become more desirable and practical these days. Self-directed workers can often be more productive while working on their own schedules and in their preferred environments. Companies don’t have to add another person to a crowded office or supply many standard work tools – which can be a real money saver in the long run. While some stay-at-home workers might believe that it’s possible to … [Read more...] about Drape Ideas for the Home Office