Abstract Artwork

I came across this wonderful selection of abstract artwork. I hope you enjoy these as much as I did.

All About Entries

It's All About Great First Impressions

When guest cross your threshold what is there first impression of your home? What opinion do they have? What thoughts are going through there heads?

Is the entry inviting? Does it reflect your personal style? Is it a great reflection of who you are that I take pride in my home? If you think it's just a pass- through think again. You have to bring it up to it's design potential if it's not already there.

Here are some quick tips:

The first thing you should look at is the lighting. The foyer is your first chance to make a statement. This is the perfect opportunity to decide how formal your foyer will be.

The easiest and cheapest way to bring any room to the light and add your personal funk to any space is.........

PAINT: You can change any scene with paint and wall covering. Some entries are small spaces so the key to making this space pop is not to clutter it up or using dark colors. If you want to bring in heavy colors try using a wallpaper border.

Focal Paint: Consider the front door as a potential design element. If you have a staircase then of course a great staircase could be a awesome focal point. You can always make your own focal point if you don't have one.

Accessories: Another great way to add drama this space. Is by using accessories if you have walls try some artwork. If you want to make the area comfort add a small bench, table or chair to hold keys. But, remember no clutter.

Reflection of bad energy: Mirrors are a great way to make a small space larger. It also will help to reflect bad energy from coming into your home. A mirror never hurts to see yourself one last time before you step outside.

All About Apartments

Make Their Space Your Home

If your currently and apartment dweller don't worry you can make this rental feel like home. You don't have to own a home to make a home your own.... Your space whether it's rented or not affects your mood and how you live in it.

The key here is to surround your self with things you LOVE. It maybe a rented space, but it should still say "It's All About Me" Living in NY there are more then 100,000 renter- occupied apartments. More and more owners are realizing the benefits of allowing renters to engage in the previously frowned-upon practice of painting and driving nails into the walls.

Owners now realize that when apartments feel like a home the tenant wants to stay longer and it's a selling point when new tenants come to look at the property.

Here are a few bullet points to help you make your apartment a home....

* Replacing standard-issue light fixtures with nice ones you can take with you when you move.

*Use large plants to hide unsightly pipes or stained walls.

*Display artwork that reflects your personality or adds a pop of color.

*Paint the walls in colors you love

*Use freestanding bookcase and hutches that provide a large scale to display space.

Remember even apartments in the same building maybe decorated differently. In small spaces the use of mirrors makes any space look larger. Plants often soften a room and gives any space a cozy feel.

Just the right chair

Looking for the perfect fit? Arm yourself with the knowledge before you shop.

Baby Bear had the right idea: This chair is too hard, this one is too soft, this one is just right....

The fabric can be as funky as zebra print or a wild floral or tailored stripe. The style can be so overstuffed that you sink into it or straight and sleek with just a padded seat. The wood can be intricately carved, tapered and hand-finished.

A perfect chair can mean different things to different people. If your redesigning your space. Research might have already have begun as you tour model homes or looking through magazines.

Tear out pages from magazines or print out pages from decorating Web Sites to provide an idea of your taste and what's available. After you have collected some ideas, take them to a furniture store along with the swatches of wall color, fabric and carpet. Plan on spending some time to find the perfect chair that looks and feels great.

Here are a few different things to think about:

Style: A chair can bring all the colors of the room together. There are chairs that make a statement. Remember if your buying a new chair to fit into a space were there is already furniture the new chair should work with whats already in the space.

Function: What are the plans for this new chair? Will it be used everyday? A perfect reading chair? A chair that will be used everyday must be able to stand up to the test of time it not only has to be comfortable, it has to have great wear and tear.

Scale: The room size is an important factor on this new chair. Small scale furniture gets lost in large room with soaring ceilings. If you have an 80- inch sofa you may not want to go with a chair that is around 30 inches. It just doesn't look good its all about proportions.

Fit: After you pick out the perfect chair don't forget to sit in it! That's the only way you will know it's really the perfect chair.

Construction: The best chairs are eight-way hand tied with proper spring construction. The frame will use hardwood, often maple , and will have double dowels and be corner- glued and screwed. The better the quality the longer the chair will last.

Have fun sitting and shopping!

At Home Spa? I Love My Bathroom

It's all about Bath's! This is one room that should be full of things you LOVE. Decorate with the idea of the pampering yourself attitude. Getting away from the daily stress of life can be as easy as walking down the hall into your bathroom.

Where else can you soothe away the stress of the day and rejuvenate your spirits? What takes a bath beyond practical and makes it luxurious? A GREAT TUB of course, but here are a few other things that can make it luxurious a sparkling crystal chandelier, stone tiles, sconces, body sprays and artist mural. But if you have an excellent view out your bathroom window that does not hurt at all.

Even if your bathroom lacks square footage or if it's an aging bath. You still don't have to give up style. Quick touches are quality lighting fixtures, paint, fabric, shower heads add touches of luxury. If you have a small bathroom it's really an advantage. It takes fewer pieces of marble or travertine tiles to add luxury to this size bath.

A new counter top adds a new twist to old baths. Add more space by replacing sink vanity's with pedestal sinks. Paint Paint Paint. I always say paint is the cheapest way to update any room. Visually expand space by keeping everything in one light color. Paint can add depth to walls with different paint techniques or by using mirrors. Mirrors work magic in small bathrooms by reflecting the light in the space. Run mirrors wall to wall and counter top to ceiling to give any small space the impression of more space. To add more charm to your mirror try framing it out.

Accessories

What delights your eye, makes your heart skip a beat, or brings a smile to your face it's having the things you love. Choosing accessories is your chance to surround yourself with that's important to you and your family it truly makes your space feel like a home.

African Art, Nautical Art, Chinese Art what message do you want your room to send. Imagine a living room without accessories no tabletop accessories no art work just furniture.

Find your focal point: A fireplace, a built in bookcase, a plasma TV hanging on a wall, a fish tank. Or an empty wall is a great starting point. Remember you don't have to accessories every wall or surface. You want the eye to be able to flow. Good decorating schemes mix slow- paced design, don't forget to unclutter your areas so that chi- energy can flow. Know when to stop you can love what you put on display for the whole world to see, but don't display every single treasure you have in you have. Yes, I know you love it all but know when to STOP.

You can always redesign your space through out the year to give your spaces afresh new look. Have fun and if you need any help or advice feel free to contact us.