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.

Reasons to Consider Metal Frame Beds Over the Wooden Alternative

When buying a bed you have a lot of options, and because a bed is quite a large investment you should put good thought into your purchase to make sure you don't make a bad choice or buy something you may regret a few years down the line. As regards bed frames, your main choices are wooden and metal frames, so how do you decide which one is right for you? Wooden frame beds can be a very good choice depending on your circumstances, but metal frame beds also have a lot to recommend them, so read on to see why they may be the better choice.

More durable than wood

A metal frame bed may cost more than your standard wooden frame bed, but for the price you get a product which is much more durable and longer lasting. Wooden frame beds may have a tendency to snap or break under a lot of stress, but metal ones don't have this problem. There may also be an issue with screws or joints coming loose in cheaper models, but metal ones avoid this.

A great look

Metal frames can give your bedroom a great, fresh look. As many of these frames include a headboard and footboard, they can be placed anywhere you like. When highly polished, a metal frame will make your room look great.

Many different styles

Metal frame beds can come in very different styles, with designs carved into the metal, different colors and different shapes, from a four poster to a headboard to an overhang, so you will be able to find something to suit you.

Environmentally friendly

As these frames are made of metal, no trees are cut down to make them, so you don't have to worry about the affect of your purchase on the environment.

Brandon K. Detrick designs bedroom furniture and informs through his articles where to get the best deals on bed frames sale. For more interesting information, you can check out BedFramesForSale.org.

Make A Mural - Scrapbooking Rub-On Transfers For Your Walls!

If you are an avid scrapbooker, you have probably discovered rub-on transfers. You may be pleased to know that there are companies that are manufacturing these transfers in a larger format so you can decorate your walls! Imagine rubbing a mural onto your wall almost like a tattoo. This is scrapbooking for your walls!

A lot of these companies are coming out with mural elements, so you can individually express yourself just like you do on the pages of your scrapbooks. Designs like wrought iron, mosaic tiles, and vines are amongst the choices that are extremely flexible. Flowers can adorn furniture or walls and they are so thin that they incorporate into your wall and you simply paint over them to remove. Designs can even be layered. Some of these new companies specialize in children's murals, but a few are popping up with both murals for kids and decorative accents, trompe l'oeil and murals that will bring your creativity to a new level throughout your home!

Imagine creating any size faux wrought iron headboard for under $50.00 with wrought iron elements and then intertwining ivy with the headboard. No two creations will be alike, as the elements can be arranged in a myriad of ways. Create a frame for a mirror using a "mosaic" border and then frame it further in wrought iron. For the children, create a flower curtain of Gerber daisies, or scatter them on a dresser. Let beautifully patterned butterflies flutter across the walls or create a colorful accent with a bunch of balloons in a child's playroom! For a Tuscan accent, transfer a window vista of a vineyard to your wall. Make your wall look like it has crumbled to expose a section of brick...these are but a few of the types of designs now available in transfer murals.

Faux finishes, mural painting and stencils require artistic skills and messy paint. Dry rub on transfers are as thin as paint and simply rub off the transfer paper and onto your wall with all the detail and dimension of the original artwork. They are not a vinyl sticker, but a very thin wall transfer, almost like a tattoo for your wall.They are semi-matte, not shiny like a sticker and they have no edge as they are as thin as a coat of paint. You can decorate almost any hard surface...walls, ceilings, floors, glass, mirrors etc.

These transfers are also very affordable. They are but a fraction of the price of hiring a custom mural artist and you get to customize the design on your wall. Simply cut out the elements, arrange and rub on your wall. It is as quick as creating a scrapbook page! Some designs are meant to be combined and others are stand alone, but this is a great new decorating tool that comes to us from the scrapbook world. If you are a scrapbbooker, you will love these new over-scaled transfers that will allow you to be creative with the walls of your home. You can search for companies that sell this product using key words such as transfer murals, or wall transfers.

Wall Dressed Up
http://www.walldressedup.com
Carol Reynolds

Think You Look Like Your Mom?

Maybe when you look in the mirror you see a resemblance of your Mom looking back at you. You probably see more than just sagging or fullness under your eyes; you most likely see jowls, pouches, a downturned mouth, spongy skin, the dreaded wattle, sagging cheeks and more in the mirror.

These conditions - sagging facial features - make us look old and tired.

It is not unusual that a family resemblance is apparent because when aging strikes our faces we definitely have a tendency to remark that this must be hereditary because our Moms or even our Great Aunt Hilda wore the same look when they were a certain age.

Aging in our faces is sneaky; it seems that wrinkles, sags and bags can appear almost overnight. It is true. It is not uncommon for a wrinkle to seemingly appear out of thin air.

Seeing a new wrinkle upon arising may be a result of improper sleeping. These wrinkles that look so cute on a four year old when they awaken from a nap are surely disastrous when they are on the face of a forty year old. The realization that you have created this hideous crinkle may have you feeling hopeless and ready to succumb to the surgeon's knife.

Do not despair as there are natural remedies for aging that will not require recuperation or spending your children's inheritance.

Sleeping on a flat, mushy pillow can wreak havoc on your face, especially if you have a tendency to sleep mostly on your side. Same goes for those of you who sleep on your stomach. If you want to enjoy a wrinkle free face without under eye bags and sags, you might want to elevate the head of your bed by placing one inch thick books under the legs of your headboard while sleeping on a large, thick buckwheat pillow.

Bags and puffiness under your eyes can also indicate that you are using too much salt in your diet. Sodium seems to be hidden in many pre-packaged foods so if you awaken in the morning seeing puffiness you may have consumed salt laden goodies or eaten Chinese food or enjoyed certain vegetable beverages that are well known for their high sodium content.

Drinking water seems to have a positive effect on your face and especially your brain. Drinking purified water is a real boon to better health. According to the Mayo Clinic, water is a vital component to flush toxins, carry nutrients to our organs and provide needed energy to enjoy life. If you are short on water, your brain may act sluggish due to dehydration, you may feel dizzy and experience chills and even vomiting.

Exercise is another positive step that keeps you looking younger. The choices are wide and varied: walking, bicycling, Pilates, karate, Kung Fu, tennis, softball, volleyball, surfing, jogging, kick boxing, Jazzercise, weight training. According to Jackie Silver, author of 'Aging Backwards', "Exercise is the fountain of youth!" It is likely you agree.

Our bodies appreciate the rush of endorphins when we complete a strenuous workout. The sense of completion and satisfaction usually shows up on our faces as a beaming, broad smile. We feel euphoric...vital...young...until we look in the mirror and wish that our faces looked as young as we felt right now.

Alas, your face needs exercise just like your body does. Without it, the once vibrant muscles, the youthful, unlined facial skin is unavailable to you.

Even when you are meticulous and extremely careful about your face, including using the finest skin care, it is inevitable that your face will appear tired and elongated as your skin loses its firmness and its youthful contour. Exercise from the neck down isn't enough to sustain or maintain a youthful face.

A pro-active approach to a younger face is not about having surgery or injections; rather, a younger face is possible when you use facial exercise to stop the sagging and to maintain the uniqueness of your face.

Just as exercise changes the shape and contour of the body, specialized facial exercises, using your thumbs and fingers, will gently begin to soften stressed faces while lifting and toning the hidden muscles that support the skin. If the facial muscles are not exercised, the skin is continuously dragged downward by the elongation of the muscles.

This downward slide is what makes faces look old and that is when you see the resemblance of your mother, your aunts and others who are older than you.

If you are serious about learning the secret to a youthful face, begin a facial exercise program in earnest to lift, tone and tighten those sagging facial muscles.

Cynthia Rowland is widely recognized as an expert in all natural facial fitness with over thirty years experience in health & beauty related fields. She has appeared on The View, NBC 4, Fit TV, HGTV and other popular shows. This author, speaker and television personality is leading the crusade to keep men and women looking vibrantly younger through natural techniques without spending their children's inheritance.

Cynthia Rowland

http://www.cynthiarowland.com

Cabin and Rustic Decor - The Log Cabin Look

It seems the rustic cabin and lodge look decorating theme has gained much popularity these days.

Picture yourself here: A rustic log home, standing amongst the pine trees, it's steep metal roof dripping with dew from the mornings crisp air, a swirl of smoke spiraling up from the chimney, the birds chirping in the trees, the morning sun rising over the distant hill. A slight breeze blowing, just enough to put the wind chimes into a soft soothing motion. The smell of pine trees, the meadow alive with newly opened wildflowers, in yellows, whites and purples, the sky a crystal clear blue, a hint of wood smoke in the air. You're sitting in your comfy chair, gazing outside upon this majestic beauty, a crackling fire dancing in the stone fireplace, your sipping a steaming mug of hot cocoa, the golden honey tones of your log home, giving you a feeling of warmth, serenity and comfort.

For those of us who are fortunate enough to live this lifestyle, there is no greater feeling. For those of you who merely dream this lifestyle, there is hope. You don't have to live in a secluded forest or nestled next to a remote lake to give the inside of your home a warm cabin feeling.

Not only are we seeing log homes becoming more and more popular, we are also seeing more and more contemporary homes decorating with the cabin décor theme.

There is NOT just one perfect decorating style for a home. Your style should be whatever makes you feel comfortable and secure. You want a place to unwind, a comfortable hang-out, a place where you can feel at ease. Carefully consider your lifestyle and habits, as this will play a great role in your decorating theme. Incorporate what you like in your decorating.

Do you long for the cozy cabin feeling throughout your home, or do you just want one or two rooms that reflect that rustic cabin charm?
There is one item that plays a major role in the rustic cabin feel, this item being wood. Oh, the joy of wood! Bringing Mother Nature's beauty into your home. There is an abundant variety of beautiful wood products to choose from, some of the most commonly used for interior decorating are: Pine, aspen, maple, hickory, alder, cherry, oak, weathered barn wood and red cedar. Wood flooring can generate that country feeling, wood ceilings and wood walls add warmth and coziness to your home. And then, we have the furniture and accessories, coffee tables, end tables, dressers, dining room tables and chairs, desks, kitchen cabinetry, log beds, rustic rocking chairs, and the list goes on and on. Wood, with its distinct splendor, gives a feeling of warmth throughout your home.

Other important aspects of cabin/lodge decorating are color, texture and lighting. Introducing color and texture is essential. I have found that there are no boundaries here. I haven't found a color that does not compliment the woodsy surroundings in a log home. Anything goes, from the pale hues of sage green, buttery yellows and powder blues to the dramatic forest greens, rich purples and deep reds.

Accentuate your home with colors you love. Add braided area rugs to the floor, lay Indian blankets across the backs of furniture. Brightly colored quilts can be folded at the foot of beds. Include rustic touches by adding colorful plush pillows. Gather a bucket of pine cones and fill your wicker baskets. Strategically place pottery on tables and next to furniture. Place vibrant colored placemats on the dining room table. Add handcrafted items throughout your home. Scour estate sales and garage sales for antiques and items from past eras. Think beyond framed art to decorate your walls, anything on the walls can be a captivating display. I have a seven foot aspen log on my bedroom wall above my headboard. I peeled, sanded, finished it with a low gloss varnish and then added some greenery and pine cones. It looks remarkable. Curtains and window coverings can also help to enhance the lodge feeling, and can be handcrafted at a fraction of the price if you have your own sewing machine. Choose materials of different textures and colors and design your window coverings to compliment you decorating theme. Walls can be painted in a variety of colors. One wall in an otherwise white room can be painted in a deep dramatic color, to give warmth. Plants and flowers are great accessories, whether real or artificial, these can add splashes of color throughout your home. Remember, colors create moods, so let your imagination soar.

And now we move on to texture. You can create a rich mix of textures and incorporate visual interest throughout your home with various materials. Something that has always been admired among the cabin lovers is the look of stone. Whether natural or manufactured, stone creates a warm welcoming space. Some of the most widely used are: Marble, slate, granite, moss rock and river rock. If you are fortunate enough to have a massive rock fireplace that extends from floor to ceiling in your great room, then you are one of the lucky ones, so just keep putting wood on that fire (you think that stuff grows on trees). However, the massive stone fireplace is not the only option to enjoying a warm fire. Wood burning stoves come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and generate a huge amount of cabin ambience, while giving off large amounts of radiant heat. If you don't have the massive stone fireplace, but long for the look and feel of stone, there are several less expensive ways to add this distinct look to your home. Adding a stone backsplash in your kitchen will add drama, or a slate entryway at your front door can really bring out the rustic feeling when your guests enter. Marble countertops can give your kitchen that special country feeling.

Another form of adding texture to your decorating is with the accessories you choose. Select accessories that compliment your decorating theme. Include fabrics of all different types, colors and textures. Animal furs, antlers and leather also bring out the rustic feeling. I'm not suggesting that you need to overload your home with taxidermy and wildlife themes, but a rabbit fur on a coffee table, an antler candle holder as a centerpiece for the dining room table, a pair of leather chaps hanging from a peg on the wall or a ratty old straw cowboy hat placed upon a corner table always brings out the country cowboy in all of us.

Last, but not least is lighting. Lighting plays a huge role in any decorating theme. Lighting is basically divided into two categories, natural lighting and artificial lighting. Natural lighting is the light that we receive from our windows and is critical to our homes, as is artificial sources of lighting. First we'll talk about natural lighting. Windows, windows, windows. Big windows, small windows, floor to ceiling windows, half moon windows, a grand wall of windows, windows for viewing sunrises and sunsets. An abundance of glass, letting that wonderful golden sunlight in, all year long. We can enjoy an endless supply of warmth and brightness, and it's absolutely free.

Now I will focus on artificial lighting. Artificial light plays an important role when it comes to home décor. Rare is the rustic home that doesn't feature some pretty remarkable lighting accents. Lighting adds to the appeal of a room and can enhance overall brightness in your home. First you need to consider how much natural light you have and then consider how each room is used. Lighting can be a challenge when deciding where it will be placed. You may want a combination of lighting schemes in a certain room to make it bright and cheery, and in another room you may desire softer lighting with more of a romantic atmosphere. There are hundreds of choices to choose from when shopping for rustic lighting. You can select from various styles, shapes and sizes from an extensive list of electrical lighting manufactures or you can design your own creation and custom order from a vast list of handcraft woodworkers that design beautiful wood creations. So the first thing to do is to decide what works best for your decorating theme, your light fixtures should compliment their surroundings. Rustic lighting, such as, metal wall sconces and fine handcrafted aspen or pine table lamps and floor lamps are the perfect lighting sources to compliment your rustic decorating theme. A chandelier can make a bold statement in your grand entryway. Elk antlers and deer antlers have become very popular with decorative lighting, and look awesome with cabin décor. High ceilings are very common in today's homes, and this is just the spot for a massive chandelier to light up your great room. Track lighting can illuminate a specific area. Handcrafted aspen table lamps are a favorite of log home owners who cherish the classic cabin look. Place handcrafted aspen table lamps on your end tables. Set an aspen floor lamp next to your comfy chair for your overhead reading light. For an added touch of charm, you can furnish your lamps with handmade lampshades.

Another lighting suggestion is candles. Colorful candles, candles of every shape and size, aromatic candles in every scent imaginable. Candles in each and every room. Not only do candles give off a soft romantic glow, they also come in a variety of scents and aromas to heighten the senses and create a warm welcoming space. Oil lamps are also a great lighting suggestion and do the same as candles, but their lighting is brighter and lamp oil isn't scented, however, I found that it does come in vibrant colors of blue, red, clear and yellow.
The overall beauty of your home can be significantly enhanced with the appropriate lighting.

Have fun with your decorating, and just remember, you home is more then just a place to live, it a place in your heart. Do what makes you feel good, get creative, incorporate a piece of yourself, add a touch of your lifestyle, and the results will be nothing less then spectacular.

About The Author

Cindy Clark is the owner of
http://www.imagineitwood.com
Visit this website for cabin décor and
rustic lighting ideas for your home

Cindy Clark is the Owner of Imagine It Wood

Please visit my website at http://www.imagineitwood.com

How A Headboard Slip Cover Can Change Any Bedroom

Have you been looking for a way to change the decor in your bedroom without spending big money on new furnishings? Well, a headboard slip cover can do just that at a fraction of what new bedding would cost.

No matter how dull or old your current headboard is looking, putting on a new slipcover can brighten it up in an instant.

In fact, it only takes a couple of minutes to slip a cover over any upholstered headboard and you will love the results!

Headboard slip covers are a great way to change things around. You can pick any style and color of cover you wish. Material choices are also endless.

The cost of these slip covers are so economical that you can have more than one and change your decor through out the year. This is especially nice with the change of seasons. You'll feel like an interior designer has been in your bedroom with these covers.

Another great idea is to consider making your own custom headboard slip cover. It is not as difficult as you may think when you look at how it works. The slipcover fits over the headboard sort of like a pillowcase fits over your pillow.

All you need to do is take the measurements and buy the material. Sew it together and slide it down over the headboard and you're done. You can add some ties at the bottom if you wish, but it isn't necessary.

One last thought is to go ahead and use the same fabric to make a couple of pillow slip covers at the same time. It is a perfect compliment to your headboard slip cover.

By the way, you can find out more about a Headboard Slip Cover as well as much more information on all types of slip covers at http://www.AllAboutSlipCovers.com