Interior Design & Decorating Information
Turning Your Childs Room into a Mysterious Jungle
(When designing a child?s room, you want to create an atmosphere that inspires and stimulates them mentally. The room should be interesting to the child, and should reinforce both rational thinking, and creativity. One way to achieve this goal is with a fun science based theme, which will present a topic in the natural world in an exciting manner.)
The Benefits of Laminate Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo, a grass once conjuring up images of Pandas and rickety boats, is now being used to make quality wood floors in many North American homes. Bamboo laminate flooring is both an excellent building material and environmentally friendly; bamboo is easily renewable and matures in only five years. It is durable, strong, hard, and dimensionally stable.
How to Buy Discount Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo flooring is a relatively new alternative to standard hardwood floors. It offers similar and perhaps superior qualities of strength, hardness, and appearance. Using bamboo (which is actually a grass, not a tree), and modern processing, beautiful hardwood floors can be made that offer the added bonus of saving many of the exotic trees and forests that are cut down for standard hardwood floors. Typical bamboo flooring can cost around $6.25 per square foot, plus installation and preparation charges. The range is usually between $4 and $8 per square foot but there are wholesale bamboo flooring companies offering it as low as $2 or less per square foot.
How to Install Bamboo Flooring
Not just food for pandas or the stuff of cheap picnic mats, bamboo is now being processed with modern techniques into beautiful ?hardwood? flooring that beats standard wood floors in durability, hardness, and dimensional stability.
Finding a Bamboo Flooring Supplier
Bamboo, a type of grass that grows all over China and Southeast Asia, has become a fashionable, high-quality alternative to traditional hardwood floors. Bamboo?s 40-50 foot high stalks reach maturity in just five years and renew themselves naturally, making them a great alternative to cutting down trees that can take decades to reach maturity. Bamboo flooring has been shown to be just as hard, durable, and beautiful as standard hardwood floors, making them a great, environmentally friendly way to add beauty and value to your home.
An Introduction to Hardwood Floors
There?s good news about hardwood floors. Because of advanced construction and finish technologies, they are now more stable than they were in the past. There are three types of hardwood floors: engineered, longstrip, and solid. Within these basic types, there are many variations, so it is worth getting information about many products before determining which one is right for you.
Long-Strip and Engineered Hardwood Floors
Longstrip hardwood floors are wide and long, and each plank has 2 to 3 strips of thin hardwood. These planks can be floated, stapled and glued-down. The floors can be installed in all parts of the home and are made up of numerous wood plies that are glued together, using a tongue and groove connection made from soft core. The core is sandwiched between a hardwood finish layer on the top and soft wood ply below.
A Look at Solid Hardwood Floors
Solid hardwood floors should neither be installed over a concrete slab nor below ground level because of high moisture sensitivity. Unsightly gaps appear when moisture dries and the floors contract in the winter heating months. The floors expand and gaps disappear during summers. The wood planks may buckle or cup because of excessive moisture. In view of these facts, enough space should be left for expansion and wood should be acclimated. Nail-down installations are most appropriate for these floors. The possibility of re-coating and refinishing increases the life and appearance of solid hardwood floors. Generally solid hardwood floors are made up of ash, maple, red oak and white oak.
Refinishing Hardwood Floors
The quality of the wear layer determines frequency of refinishing of hardwood floors. Poor quality products can not withstand being refinished even once. The thicker the wear layer, the more refinishing it can withstand. Good quality engineered flooring can be refinished two or three times depending on subfloor?s smoothness and experience of refinisher.
How to Properly Clean Hardwood Floors
Good care and maintenance of a hardwood floor enhances its life and appearance. Solid hardwood floors can be easily cleaned, and a daily cleaning routine is a must in order to protect the floors from grit and dirt that are most damaging problems. They create scratches, dents and dulling in the smooth finish layer of the flooring. Floor mats help in protecting the smooth layer of flooring by trapping dirt. Do not allow water to collect on the floor, as it can warp. Neutral pH cleansers developed for wood floors should be used for best results. Do not drag furniture over these floors. Felt contacts for legs are a must to avoid scratches on the flooring. A vacuum with a brush attachment is the right choice for cleaning the floor. Exposing the floor to direct sun could cause discoloring. Use drapes, curtains, blinds to block direct sun light. Floors should be swept regularly, and dust mops are recommended for dust.
Installing Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors can be secured using various installation methods such as floating, glue-down, nail-down, and staple-down. The ¾ inch solid floors can be nailed down. Adapters are used for thin flooring. The hardwood flooring can be stapled down over wood subfloor. The staple-down method is simpler than nail-down.
The Allure of Exotic Hardwood Floors
Exotic hardwood floors are made up of solid exotic wood that is not grown in North America. These wooden planks are imported from Africa, Australia, Brazil, and the Far East. They are known for distinct coloration and wood grain, and can be bought as solid hardwood plank or engineered wood construction.
The Benefits of Pre-finished Hardwood Floors
Pre-finished floors come with an extended factory finish warranty unlike unfinished floors. The heavy duty finishes are urethane-based. Within a few minutes, a number of urethane coatings can be applied on planks using ultra violet lights. However, you also have the option of unfinished hardwood flooring. The pre-finished hardwood floors have a definite advantage, as clean up and labor is not required and one can choose from a number of wood species. Unfinished floors need sanding and coating after they are secured while pre-finished floors do not.
Finding Cheap Hardwood Floors
A wide range of hardwood floorings are available in the market. While deciding the style and material for the flooring, take into account areas to be floored. You should know the size of the area in square feet, type of subfloor, your preference for pre-finished or unfinished flooring, stain color, whether you want to do it your self or hire a professional, the waste factors that depend on product type, and the room?s shape.
An Introduction to Air Purifiers
Air purifiers have been around in various forms since the 1940s, when the first HEPA filter was designed to protect workers from airborne nuclear material. Since then, air purifiers have been used in hospitals, work sites, and homes to protect against viruses, mold, bacteria, pollen, pet dander, tobacco smoke, dust mites, and a great number of industrial and household chemicals. The people who stand the most to gain from air purifiers are those with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory ailments.
More Articles from Interior Design & Decorating Information:
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
16 |
17 |
18 |
19 |
20 |
21 |
22 |
23 |
24 |
25 |
26 |
27 |
28 |
29 |
30 |
31 |
32 |
33 |
34 |
35 |
36
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
An Inspirational Poster Can Really Help!
An inspirational poster can really inspire us!
Childrens Furniture
Children's bedroom furniture and nursery furniture can help turn a bland and boring bedroom into a fun and cozy retreat. Since there is a wide range of designs and materials available, you can find the perfect children's furniture for your child's bedroom, whether you prefer a whimsical decorating style or practical, sturdy pieces.
The Benefits of Massage Recliner Chairs
Massage recliner chairs are different than traditional home recliners. These innovative chairs offer a wide range of options for massages and comfort. Although they can be rather expensive, many people understand that they are cheaper in the long run and offer an immediate option for a good massage.
Area Rugs Will Add That Special Look And Feel To Your Home
Decorating with area rugs is one of the easiest ways to update, revitalize and beautify your home. Rugs can add dramatic color and design to every room; create a focal point or define areas; add warmth to the look and feel of tiles, stone, or concrete; protect hardwood floors or wall-to-wall carpeting; and tie elements of a room together. You can change rugs when the seasons change and take them with you if you move. It is not surprising that area rugs are of great interest to the do-it-yourself decorator.
Some Things to Think About
Color is probably the most important element in decorating and should top the list of your requirements when selecting area rugs. If a room has a lot of bright colors and looks very busy, choose a neutral color and a subtle design for the rug. If the colors of the room are soft and neutral, you can add a splash of color and interest with a bright rug and a dramatic design. If you want to enhance the color scheme that exists in a room, select a rug that repeats the dominant or accent colors; if the color scheme hasn't been chosen, buy the rug of your dreams and decorate the room around it.
The pattern on the rug must not clash with patterns on the wallpaper, window coverings, cushions, and other fabrics in the room. Dark colors add warmth, and light colors will make the room appear more spacious. The amount of traffic is also a consideration. If there are children or pets, or the rug will get steady use, dark colors and intricate patterns will not show dirt as much or as quickly as light colors.
If you buy a rug for the bathroom, make sure the colors are compatible with the color of the bathmat. (Or buy a new bathmat.) It is also important that a rug in the bathroom not be adversely affected by moisture especially if it will be underfoot when you step out of the shower or bath. Maintenance is an important consideration when choosing rugs not only for the bathroom, but also the kitchen, the hall, or the room of a child. Select designs and colors that don't show the dirt, and are stain resistant and easy to clean.
It is a good idea to add padding under a rug because it will not only keep the rug from moving, it will also extend its life, absorb sound, and make vacuuming easier. If you are placing a rug over wall-to-wall carpeting, choose a thin under-pad coated with an adhesive.
Check the Size You Need
If you want an area rug to cover most of the floor in a room, the same amount of bare floor should be exposed on all sides of the rug, even if the room is an irregular shape or there is a closet or fireplace extending into it. If you are not able to arrange that, try and have the same amount of floor showing on two parallel sides.
When defining an area ? a conversational grouping, for instance ? there should be no more than two feet of empty rug extending out from behind the furniture. A rug used in this fashion will unify the items placed around it if the rug is large enough to accommodate at least the front legs of each piece of furniture.
If you are going to place a large rug in the bedroom, it need not be centered but the same amount of floor should be visible on two or three sides of it. In the dining room, the rug should extend eighteen inches to twenty-four inches beyond the table. An eight- by ten-foot rug will work in most living rooms and dining rooms. A six- by four-foot or a six- by nine-foot rug will be fine if it is for a small area, such as under a coffee table, in which case, the entire coffee table should be on it and all other furniture set back from it at an equal distance.
If you have trouble visualizing what a rug will look like in a room and can't decide what size would be best, use masking tape to define the space. If that doesn't help, cut pieces from a paper roll or lay out bed sheets to cover the area before you decide what size to buy. You don't want any surprises.
Create Special Effects
If a rug is to be the focal point of a room, consider purchasing one with a central medallion, which is a popular design for an oriental rug. If the medallion will be hidden for the most part by a piece of furniture ? the dining room table or a bed, for example ? forget the medallion and select a rug that has an allover design, or one with detail on its borders.
Oriental rugs ? a term which refers, in decorating lingo, to rugs from any Asian country ? are popular in modern as well as traditional homes. Expect to pay more for an imported Persian rug, considered by many to be superior to all other oriental rugs. Tibetan rugs are also a beautiful and popular choice and not as expensive, or you can choose a rug from Afghanistan, Egypt, Pakistan, China, or from many other Asian countries.
If the room has an early American theme, a round braided rug, popular since the early settlement of North America, will probably be very suitable. Using a Navajo rug, with its geometric designs and flat weave, can reinforce a southern or desert theme. If your tastes run more to the comfort and appeal of animal fur or wool, forget the tiger skin and look for a flokati rug ? a hand-woven Greek woolen rug with a thick, shaggy pile ? it may create just the look you want.
Contemporary rugs come in every variety of color, design, texture, size, and price. Don't overlook them when you are searching for the perfect area rugs, even if your house is decorated in a traditional style. Just as a traditional rug can look great in a modern home, a contemporary rug can add to the appeal and charm of a traditional home. Let your creative spirit soar ? and make sure the rug can be returned or exchanged in case you discover your creative spirit soared in the wrong direction.
Cost is a Consideration
The cost of a home rug is closely related to the fiber from which it is made. The most expensive natural fiber will be found in a wool rug; other less expensive natural fibers are cotton, jute, silk and sisal (hemp). Popular synthetics favored for quality rugs are acrylic, polypropylene (olefin), and nylon.
If you are on a tight budget, look for discount and bargain outlets, but be sure the dealer is reputable, there is a wide selection, and check the warranty and the return policy before you buy.
Area rugs are available in a wide variety of styles, and there are sizes to fit every room and prices to fit every budget. Shop until you find exactly what you want.
Great Tips for Choosing Furniture
You're finally going to do it! No I don't mean tie the knot, I mean your finally
ready to buy that new furniture you've been dreaming about. We adorn our
bodies with fashion which makes a statement about who we are. Your furniture
does exactly the same thing for your house. It's your fashion statement for your
home.
7 Tips to Care for Your Antique Furniture
During your spring cleaning, don't forget to think about your
antiques. In this month's column, we'll give you seven tips to help
you care for your antique furniture.
Psychology Of Colors: The Dining Room
Colors affect our minds, our physiologies, and our social interactions. The colors you choose when decorating a room can have an effect on any occasion that you hold there. The dining room is a place of delicate social situations that occurs between the most intimate of relationships. By first considering the psychological effects of the following colors, one can help to make the dining room a more relaxing place to eat and gather.
Incentives for Proper Home Theater Lighting
One of the most crucial elements to consider in building a home theater system is also one of the most over-looked. The lighting used in the room has an incredible effect on the movie viewing experience. It can make the difference between a pleasurable experience and a mediocre one.
Where to Find Discount Wedgwood China
There is not a lot of discount Wedgwood China available, although, given the prices of some of the items in the line, any discount is greatly appreciated. You might not think paying $50 for a plate is a discount, however, depending on the age of the particular item and the supply of pieces, $50 might seem like a discount. You might not think of it but not every design, not every creation from the Wedgwood Company has been a smash hit.
Decorating The Bathroom ? Dress Your Mess For Less
The bathroom may be the hardest room to decorate. Its use and nature make the room decorative uninspiring, and its limited size and necessity of function make it difficult to add very much. Further, making a major change to the room's décor generally requires huge sums of money, when you consider the expense of changing tiled floors or walls, or replacing existing fixtures such as showers and sinks. However, there are a few thrifty things you can do to turn your bathroom from an eyesore into a place of decorative elegance.
Protecting Your Down Comforter
A down comforter is a luxury item that can be enjoyed year after year -- if it is properly cared for. Frequent washings can damage a down comforter. Improper drying can lead to mold and mildew growth. For these reasons, most down comforter manufacturers recommend that down comforters only be washed every few years. As everyone knows, it is next to impossible to keep anything clean for years at a time. Consumers must protect their purchase with a down comforter cover.
A Guide to Wine Racks
It is a cliché that wines get better with age. How a wine ages will depend on how the wine is stored. Wine racks are a simple way to store unopened wines for the short-term.
An Introduction to Wood Stoves
Wood stoves are like small fireplaces. They are inexpensive and can be built into a home or added later. Wood-burning stoves are great for either decoration or for home heating. These small cast-iron stoves have been used around the world for hundreds of years, providing aesthetic beauty and practical warmth wherever they are used. There are a number of advantages to wood stoves. They look great, are safe, can effectively heat an entire house, and are ecologically responsible.
Contemporary Rugs - Home Decorating With Contemporary Area Rugs
Got a room that's crying out for a bright accent or a face lift? One of the quickest, cheapest ways to perk up your living space is with a new area rug. Not just any area rug, though. Today's contemporary designs and styles in area rugs can add a bright splash of color to the décor of any room, from a traditional living room to the most contemporary of Danish Modern living rooms.
The Power of Candlelight
In this day and age, everything is about health and wellness. The products range from nutritional, mentoring/self growth and soy/veg candles. Yes, soy/veg candles because they're virtually soot-free and natural waxes are used to create a healthier environment in the homes of candle lovers.
Pizzazz Your Front Door and More!
Want your front door to really "sing?" Then paint it a color to make it the outside focal point of your home.
A Review of Popular Massage Chairs
With so many massage chairs available on the market, where does one begin to choose the best massage chair? Several online sources are available that give consumer massage chair reviews. Perhaps a good way to begin your search is to use Google for the query "massage chair reviews". This is a good tool to begin your search to finding the best massage chair.
Three Ways to Add Charm and Style to Your Kitchen
I like decorating my kitchen with a cozy, warm, inviting, homey feeling to it. Usually I'm fighting for all the space I can get in my kitchen too. If you'd like to try this style yourself, you need additional space, or if you simply want to create a different look and feel to your current kitchen decorating style: here are a few tips for you to try.
Home Care for the Monsoon
Given that the monsoon season lasts for a few months in India, there are many aspects that need to be looked into while considering home care needs. In fact, it is a good idea to get a professional to do an inspection of your home, old or new, prior to the monsoon and ensure that you find and fix the problems that keep recurring. Once they have been fixed, after the monsoon, you can plunge into the decoration aspect.
An Introduction to Hardwood Floors
There's good news about hardwood floors. Because of advanced construction and finish technologies, they are now more stable than they were in the past. There are three types of hardwood floors: engineered, longstrip, and solid. Within these basic types, there are many variations, so it is worth getting information about many products before determining which one is right for you.
|