Wall Decals - The Perfect "Stick-on" Design

They've suddenly become the rage and for good reason. It used to be that wall decals or wall stickers, were sold primarily as an alternative to permanently alerting a child's room for the sake of kid decor. There were wall sticker options for all sorts of children's room themes. But, the market has since expanded and wall decals have grown up. Companies are springing up with collectives of visual artists, creating walls decals or wall tattoos that are as artistic as they are functional.

How can a wall decal be functional, you ask? Well, most of them have been engineered so that they are removable and reusable. So whether you have a phobia to commit to any one home design approach, or perhaps you want to stage your home for sale, but don't want to invest vast sums into wall art- well, here is where wall decals can offer some practical value.

These decals are easier than paint in that they only take minutes to put on, they do not damage the wall and are, as mentioned, removable. They are usually sold as multi pack packages, that contain various decals- all part of the same theme. In this regard, you have some creative input as to how you'd like to arrange your decals. Prices generally range from $12- $165, so these creative additions can be done on any budget.

There are so many options out there that range from sophisticated art designs, to video game inspired graphics. Many companies are coming up with irreverent wall furniture. So, you can't afford that incredible head board and all you have is an uninspired futon? You can now paste an elaborate gothic inspired headboard tattoo onto your wall. Who needs reality, when fantasy can dance about your walls?!

Of course, now more than ever, there are even more kid friendly options for wall decals. The fact that your children change their design whims on a monthly basis may not be so much of a problem any longer. Instead of sucking it up, and painting your child's room that unbearably garish pink, you can sit down with her, and order some decals that suit her tastes. And, if next year, she's all about black- well, then she can save up her allowance and buy some black decals. (and thank-goodness you can avoid painting the room black...)

Really, the wall decal generation can satisfy a lot of whimsical design ideas that could otherwise turn out disastrous- or at the very least expensive, time consuming, and permanent. Here is your chance to play, and with very little risk. All that your really putting on the line, is the cost of the decal. And even then, if you don't like them in one room, simply try them somewhere else.

Although decals can easily be applied on painted surfaces they shouldn't be used on wallpaper, tile or paneling. Before applying, surfaces should be clean, dry and smooth. Just set-up, plan your design and stick to your heart's content.

Virginia Wherland is an experienced Minneapolis real estate agent. Virginia and her team can help you find the property you need in the Chaska real estate market. Get more information at AssociatesRealty.net.

Bedroom Feng Shui Tips

In feng shui, the bedroom is considered to be the third most important part of the home (after the main door and the kitchen). It is also a place where we spend most of our time in for sleep and rest. Having good feng shui in the bedroom helps us get a good night's rest, that is essential in maintaining good health.

The best shapes for bedrooms are squares and rectangles. These are the most stable of all shapes and they promote a healthy flow of chi. Avoid irregular shaped and circular rooms, as they are not balanced.

The bed should be placed against a wall for good support (with the headboard against the wall). It is inadvisable to have the bed 'floating' in the middle of the room. Sleeping with the headboard against the wall ensures that you will receive good support in whatever you do.

You must also never place the bed against a window. The window is where a lot of Yang (active) energy flows into the room, and this constant flow of Chi may affect your sleep at night. If you have no choice but to place your bed in this manner, cover your window with thick and dark curtains.

The bed should never be located directly in front of, or in view of any door. The door is where the flow of chi enters your room. Having the bed in direct confrontation with the flow of chi will cause restlessness at night. If moving your bed is not an option, place a screen stand in front of the door. Make sure that the screen is as high as the door.

Sometimes, the basement of the house is converted into bedrooms. Generally this is not a good idea especially with basements that has no windows or natural ventilation. Such areas are excessively Yin that is akin to a tomb.

Another feng shui tip is to not to sleep right above your kitchen, especially above the stove. Having the bed immediately above the kitchen stove will cause moodiness and petty irritations.

Bedroom doors should never face each other. This confrontational position will cause the inhabitants of the respective rooms to have misunderstandings amongst themselves.

These are just a few feng shui tips for your bedroom. Look out for the next installment coming up soon!

For more practical feng shui tips visit - http://fengshuimania.blogspot.com

Your Royal Majesty - Feel Like a King or Queen in a Canopy Bed

Canopy beds, which were first created to help keep beds dry from leaking roofs, have been changed quite a bit over the last several centuries. From incredibly ornate to pared down and minimal, canopy beds have managed to stick around as a versatile bedroom furniture piece. And it doesn't hurt that these beds make you feel like royalty the minute you lie down in one.

Forget that these four-poster boudoir beauties come in an array of designs, ranging from traditional to modern. Ignore the fact that it's grand and stylish, fitting in to all types of already decorated bedroom furniture. Stop observing its inherent romantic qualities and how it resembles a piece of furniture from a far away time. Now take another look-doesn't that look fit for a king or queen? Imagine yourself as royalty, without the hassle of looking good for the public or the constant barrage of photographers. Just go to sleep and wake up refreshed, ready to guide your lowly subjects with quiet dignity and grace.

Despite how much you might feel the sudden desire to wear a tiara more often, the canopy bed can be a bit much for some. Not because of the imperial side effects, but because of the ornate detail work or the classic vibe it gives off. In a bedroom full of contemporary furniture, a traditional looking canopy bed isn't going to seamlessly fit in. However, there are plenty of modernized, sleek canopy beds available, with slimmer posts and less curvilinear detailing.

The other thing to keep in mind when shopping for a canopy bed is the size of the bedroom, as well as how fanciful you want your bed to look. A canopy bed takes up more space than a platform bed, so if the bedroom is small, you may need to look around for a bit before finding one that will fit in with the dimensions. As far as adding your own touch to the décor, hanging light fabrics or curtains over the side of the bed take the canopy bed from regular to royal in no time. The draping serves as a way to create privacy and as a way to keep light out at night. They're also handy for keeping mosquitoes and other bugs at bay, especially if you live in a humid climate.

Even though royalty did not create the canopy bed, it certainly has that feel to it. Perhaps it's the highly wrought headboard designs or the drapes hanging from the four posters. Either way, get into a canopy bed and you will be practicing your parade wave and for your adoring fans in no time.

For a wide selection in canopy beds and bedroom furniture, be sure to visit Eco-Furniture.com

Elegant Furniture For Your Bedroom

The Bedroom Furniture is the most important feature of your room. Beautiful furniture can lend beauty and elegance to your bedroom. Bedroom Furniture should reflect the attitude, personality and your nature. Nowadays, Bedroom Furniture comes with an exquisite headboard with gold trimmings, and nightstands with vertical mirrors, stools, dressing tables, end tables, benches etc.

Fornisca offers Baltic pine bedroom furniture range that is a combination of classic and contemporary style gives a touch of timeless elegance. Our stylish and elegant bedroom Baltic pine bedroom furniture items are made from solid wood in smart design and beautiful colors. The beautiful style and solid wood means that each piece of our bedroom furniture is unique and will fit into any bedroom setting in any home. All of our bedroom furniture exudes character and warmth and feels gorgeous. Some of our products are:

Baltic Pine Double Bed:
The Baltic Pine double bed will fit neatly into both modern and traditional settings. Features a classic yet modern design, with smart headboard in natural colour and made out of solid pine. The natural brown finish adds a touch of class to this bed frame making it perfect for any bedroom. The Baltic Pine Bed Frame has a slatted timeless design that is available in different sizes to suit individual needs.

Baltic Pine 3 Drawer Bedside:
Baltic Pine 3 Drawer Bedside has a contemporary feel and will bring style to any bedroom. This smart Drawer Beside manufactured with solid pine in elegant design and drawer bases. Baltic Pine 3 Drawer Bedside is finished in natural wooden colour that gives a classic look to your bedroom. Features 3 drawers, round wooden handles offers maximum storage. With stylish design and natural colour, it's a versatile bedroom collection with timeless appeal.

Baltic Pine 4 Door 6 Drawer Wardrobe:
The Baltic wardrobe is simple but modern in design, with a warm wood effect and round wooden handles. The Baltic 4 Door 6 Drawers Wardrobe is the perfect place for your clothes, and thanks to bottom drawers they can all be neatly stored away. Attractive as well as practical, Baltic wardrobe is made from solid pine with a natural finish, and with eye-catching wooden handles that give a time-worn look to its exterior.

Baltic Pine Dresser and Stool:
Baltic Dressing Table is fantastic furniture item with a substantial top surface and plenty of storage space, is perfect for your bedroom. Made from solid pine, with an attractive and natural finish, and provide a classic traditional pine look. The simple design with eight drawers this dresser is a perfect match with any type of interior. Baltic Pine Dresser comes with beautiful and comfortable stool.

Baltic Pine 7 Drawer Chest:
Baltic Pine Drawer chest is ideal for use in a small space and with seven large drawers also offers ample storage. The traditional and natural Drawers chest is always a popular choice and will look great in any type of bedroom. Baltic Pine Drawer Chest made from pine in natural finish with a slim line design so fits in smaller spaces. Its seven drawers will give plenty of storage space and the top is also ideal for displaying personal items.

If you're looking for beautiful and stylish bedroom furniture that are easy to live with, you'll love our Baltic bedroom range. At fornisca we provide a great variety of bedroom furniture with good quality and an unbeatable price. Try out our quality bedroom furniture products for you at Furniture Store Ireland.

Adam David has written many articles for fornisca, leading Online furniture store in UK. They provide exclusive collection of bedroom furniture including Baltic Pine Double Bed

Make a Loose Headboard Cover

Material

YOU WILL NEED...

Paper for template
Plain linen

Dressmaker's chalk

Step 1

Make a paper template the same size as the headboard. Cut out two pieces of linen larger than the template. Pin the template to one piece of linen and, using dressmaker's chalk, draw a line 2.5cm (seam allowance) outside the edge of the template. Unpin and repeat for the second of linen. Cut out along the chalked lines.

Step 2

Cut a strip of fabric for the gusset, the length of the top and two sides, plus 2.5 cm all round. Make a length of piping, using linen on the cross, to the same dimension as the gusset. Place front panel right side up and pin and baste piping around sides and top edge, lining up the raw edges.

Step 3

Cut out eight 30 by 6cm strips of fabric for the ties. Fold in half lengthways and machine together the open sides. Turn inside out and iron flat.

Step 4

Pin the gusset to the front panel, right sides together, so the piping is in between the two pieces of fabric.

Step 5

Slip two ties between piping and gusset, one about a quarter of the way up from the bottom of the panel and another three-quarters of the way up. Pin in place. Repeat for the other side. Baste and machine-stitch layers together, using a 1.5cm seam allowance. Place back panel right-side down over gusset, piping and ties, aligning raw edges. Pin the corresponding ties in place. Baste and machine-stitch together leaving a 1.5cm seam allowance.

Step 6

Pin, baste and machine a 2cm hem along the bottom edges of the cover. Overlock all raw edges to prevent fraying when laundering. Turn to the right side, press, and slip over headboard. Tie bows at side.

You can find more information on diy advice and diy ideas at house to home, helping you create a look you'll love.

Creative Window Displays For Retail Stores Without Spending a Fortune

As a retailer, your window display is your first chance to capture your customers' attention. From their point of view, if your window is interesting, chances are that your store will be too. The problem is that retailers don't want to spend a lot of money and time on window displays because they have to be changed fairly often. But keep in mind, retail windows are seen anytime day or night and are one of your most important and effective advertising tools.

Retailers are always looking for fresh ideas to satisfy their needs without the big expense. Keeping a display window simple is the name of the game when your end result is to sell your product. Usually a retailer sets up a front window display with a backdrop to set your front window apart. Retailers often use wallpaper or fabric for their backdrop, but we have found a fresh, new product called rub on mural transfers. Rub on transfers add a simple, clean and finished look to any backdrop. If you are not familiar with mural transfers, go online and see what these companies have to offer in the way of designs. Mural transfers can be rubbed on to just about any surface: walls, boards, screens, tiles, or even glass. The possibilities are endless and the result is colorful, fully detailed designs that look hand painted. The other fun part about working with these transfers is that you can design how they are arranged for your individual display.

The cost for these transfers is not overly expensive and some mural transfer companies have beautiful designs for about $40-60. Imagine graphic ornamental butterflies as a backdrop for a children's boutique clothing line, bright colorful balloons for a children's shoe store or how about a "faux" wrought iron headboard to show off your beautiful bed linens. Some of these companies have architectural elements, trompe l'oeil designs, mosaics, dangling Gerber daisies, borders and frames which can be configured to your own space. Mural transfers are great for displays inside your store as well. Remember that hiring a custom muralist or faux finisher might not be in your budget. By using mural transfers, you are able to provide a creative and customized solution for your store at a fraction of the price.

The eye catching graphics might be just the thing to show off your product without over shadowing it. Mural transfers are affordable, easy to apply, and do not make a mess which makes them an excellent solution. With a little creativity and effort, this could be your most dramatic window display yet!

Sue Klassen
Wall Dressed Up
http://www.walldressedup.com

Wall Dressed Up Blog
http://www.walldressedup.wordpress.com

Where to Find the Seaworthy Furniture You Want For Your Child

If you haven't really gone looking, you may not realize that there are sleeping quarters for children that are designed to look like pirate ships or speed cruiser. If your little one always gives you a hard time when it time for lights out, then this may be the key to ending your frustration. Your little sailor will love sleeping under the stars and sailing off to dreamland when he has his own ship to bunk in!

Online is a great place to start looking even if you intend to purchase the furniture from a store. This will help you to know what is available and what features will work best for your needs. There are a variety of styles available in those that take a crib mattress for the tiniest sailor to the double size mattress for the older child. Some features include nautical accessories like portholes, captain's wheel, and anchors. Others have trundles underneath for sleepovers and most of these have the option of using the area as storage instead of using an extra mattress. Many of the twin-sized styles have a toy box made into the bow (foot) and the headboard may have decorative features, bookcases, and/or lights.

These pieces of nautical furniture are sold in a variety of wood as well as in different finishes. Prices vary greatly between brands with the highest in quality usually being the most expensive. They also vary as to the coordinating pieces of furniture that are available. Some have nightstands and dressers with the same finish and matching hardware so that you can complete the look of the room.

The great thing about having one of these pieces of furniture in the center of your child's room is that there are so many things available to decorate the rest of the room with a matching nautical theme. With a simple search you will find a mariner's rug that will help guide him on his voyages and make his quarters snug.

You can choose linens and accessories that feature popular themes like lighthouses and they will emphasize the significance of the ship in the middle of his room! You will also find lamps, toy chests, rockers, and night lights featuring sea creatures and sails and anything that you can imagine!

There is also lots of artwork to hang on the walls that will carry over the theme to every part of the room. If your little one is more of a fisher that a sailor, then find some lodge-style decorations to make him feet at home. Whatever his personal taste may be, whether he likes fishing for bass or cruising to look for the dolphins, every imaginable creature from the water is alive on the internet!

Not only are you going to have the right piece of furniture to make your little one happy to go to sleep, but you will have more storage space and a neat, easy to make-up piece that he will want to look its best!

Ship Ahoy! Boat shaped or boat designed bed, nothing could stand out more than kids boat beds. There are many interesting and different designs and sets to choose from. For more information on kids beds furniture please visit our site.