Home Decor - A Chef's Kitchen

If you truly love to cook, you might want to design a chef's kitchen in your home.  You will want to have an abundance of counters, with a large, study table (preferably butcher block) that can double as a work table and a dining table to be used for the casual meals or informal dinners.

The counter nearest the table should be used as a bar and serving station.  It's a good idea to install a second sink at this location, since it will keep your family and guests away from the main sink you are working with. Your cabinetry should include a niche for your microwave and garages for your small appliances and tools.

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A six burner range with stainless-steel cabinets on both sides can be stocked with your spices and oils. Traditional cabinets should surround the room on three sides. Organization in a room of this size is extremely important.

Home Decor - A Chef's Kitchen

Basic white with bright color  accents will spice up the look. Specialty appliances like a fully equipped espresso bar,  built-in coffee makers, warming drawers, under-counter beverage centers and wine storage units are great fun  for those with the space and money.  A double oven, multiple refrigerator/freezer drawers, and even a cook-top with a separate range will make cooking for large parties a breeze in your upscale kitchen.

Have an indoor herb garden on your windowsill. What can be sweeter than picking your own parsley, rosemary, dill, chives, basil, thyme, mint etc. whenever you need seasoning for your masterpieces?  And what a lovely scent it will leave in your  kitchen!

Home Decor - A Chef's Kitchen

Lisa is a freelance writer with a specialty in Internet content and SEO articles. She has written thousands of articles, hundreds of ebooks and thousands of website pages and related content. She has also authored her own books and works as a consultant to other writers, Internet marketers and Internet businesses.

Professional wordsmith for hire: gamer, wife, mother, entrepreneur, published poet, co-owner of game guides company ([http://www.liti4.com]), public speaker and Internet business consultant. You can learn more or follow Lisa's blog from her website: http://www.freelancewriter4hire.com

Easy Halloween Crafts With Your Scrapbook Supplies

Couldn't resist the cute Cosmo Cricket Matilda Halloween scrapbook collection? Got a ton of orange and black cardstock from years past? Wondering if your Halloween patterned paper is multiplying while your back is turned? Then I've got the answer for you. Here are four fun and easy Halloween craft ideas you can create with your scrapbook supplies:

1. "Tricks or Treats" Sign. One of the most popular Halloween craft posts on my blog was the cute "Tricks or Treats" sign created from a square of corrugated cardstock, Halloween letter stickers and embellishments, black paint, and some cute ribbon. Here's how: Tear one flap off a moving-sized cardboard box. Rip some of the covering so the corrugation shows. Paint the edges with a bit of black paint, making sure not to be too neat! Add the letter stickers to spell "Tricks or Treats" and then embellish with your favorite stickers, die-cuts, and rub-ons. Punch two holes at the top to thread the ribbon through, and then tie a knot or bow and hang from your front door to greet the little hobgoblins that come to visit.

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2. Trick-or-Treat Bags. Take a stack of brown paper bags, pull out your Halloween stamps, stickers, and ribbon, and go to work! Personalize bags with alphabet stickers or stamps, die-cut jack-o'-lantern shapes, or just add a bit of ribbon to create a cute treat holder for your favorite Halloween visitors, or for a class party favor. And speaking of class parties, this craft makes a great craft for older and younger students alike.

Easy Halloween Crafts With Your Scrapbook Supplies

3. Halloween Banner. Cut rectangle or triangle shapes from Halloween patterned paper, pink the edges with pinking shears, and attach to a length of ribbon long enough to reach across your mantel. Die-cut large letters to spell "Spooky" or "Happy Halloween," and then attach a letter to each patterned paper panel. Next, embellish your banner with stickers or glitter, and you've got a fun decor item to use year after year.

4. Halloween Frames. Just last night I spent a whopping five minutes to put together what may be the highlight of our Halloween decor! Take a black frame, remove the back and take out the matting and glass. Cut black-and-white patterned paper to fit, insert into the frame, and replace the backing, leaving the glass out. Then take a glue gun and attach a Halloween novelty item like a large plastic tarantula or skull to the patterned paper.

Easy Halloween Crafts With Your Scrapbook Supplies

For more creative holiday scrapbooking ideas and inspiration, visit Lain Ehmann's blog at http://www.layoutaday.com. Through scrapbooking videos, tutorials, projects and inspiration, Lain helps her readers make their scrapbooking fun, fast and fabulous!

Home Decor - Buy, Sell, and Make!

It won't be difficult to find the "hottest" home décor trends out there right now. Sometimes, though, you find yourself financially and stylistically limited. Some of those "in" color schemes or themes may just not appeal to you. Ironically, maybe you can't afford the furnishings you actually want in your home. Actually, wood furniture does not always have to be expensive (or old) for it to play a vital role in the overall feel of your house. You don't always have to go antiquing or spend huge amounts of money just to decorate or furnish your house.

First off, there's always an option to BUY second-hand furniture for home-décor. Purchasing second-hand furniture may present a risk but the benefits far outweigh this. Most of the time, people simply donate their perfectly usable furniture to charities or thrift stores. They even sell them in simple yard or garage sales. Always be on the look-out and you might be surprised if you find a cedar chest that looks exactly the same as the incredibly expensive one you've been salivating over at the magazine you recently read.

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With your purchasing comes your selling. Try to sell furniture that you rarely use anymore or the ones which feel out of place in your house. This serves a double purpose --- more space for new furniture that is more appropriate for your home and more money to buy them! Also, selling might help you create a network of other home décor aficionados who can give you tips in buying and selling furniture and at the same time guide you in figuring out the overall look and feel you want to go for. Just post on your local classifieds or join online forums and you'll be surprised at how much people are willing to help.

Home Decor - Buy, Sell, and Make!

Lastly, maybe you can even try to make your own furniture! Of course, this is not an individual job but maybe you can ask help from your children or your husband. It can be a time-consuming project but this is customization at its finest. You get to make furniture that is tailor-fit to your same exact needs. You can have as many drawers as you want on your bedroom dresser and even color it as obnoxiously as you want. What's important is that you're making the furniture that fits well with your intended home décor theme. There are various books on craftsmanship and/or carpentry that can simplify things for you. Don't be afraid to look at home décor magazines, too, for ideas on style and functionality!

As you can see, you don't always have to conform to current home décor trends that are immensely hyped by the media. You can make your own trend that is more tailor fit to your idea of how your home should look like. Who else is the better judge but the individual living in the home, right?

Home Decor - Buy, Sell, and Make!

To see beautiful photos of the furniture mentioned in this article, please see Erik Schimek's bedroom furniture website. This website features bed frames, armoires, cedar chests, bedroom dressers, nightstands and organic mattresses.

Erik Organic is an independently owned family business whose goal is to assist our customers in creating a safe and healthy home. Our organic furniture is created with safe organic fabrics, natural batting, solid wood construction and low VOC wood finishes.

Decorating a Room with Disney Cars Room Decor

With the popularity of the recent Disney Pixar Cars movie, chances are that your little boy is wanting Lightning McQueen, Mater, and all their friends to now grace every surface of his bedroom. Decorating a room with a Disney Cars room décor is fairly easy and inexpensive. Merchandise is available all over the web and if you are lucky, you may also find an item or two in the stores. Because of the popularity of the movie, all Cars merchandise has been extremely popular so I have learned that when you find an item you want that isn't sold out, you have to move quickly and buy it.

So what is available for decorating a Disney Cars theme room? Well first, you will have you choice of a couple of beds. A Disney Cars toddler bed is available as is a Lightning McQueen Race Car bed that comes in a twin size. You will also be able to find Disney Cars toddler bedding and twin size bedding sets.

Decor

It doesn't stop with just beds and bedding though. The amount of Disney Cars room décor available extends to wall art, room decals, lamps featuring Lightning and Mater, and even dresser knobs featuring many of the movie's key characters. You will also be able to find Disney Cars furniture pieces including toy boxes and table and chair sets for your Disney Cars theme room.

Decorating a Room with Disney Cars Room Decor

So if your little boy has been dreaming of a Disney Cars themed bedroom, you will have no trouble coming up with enough Disney Cars room décor to create the Lightning McQueen room of his dreams!

Decorating a Room with Disney Cars Room Decor

© Copyright Rebecca Johnson, All Rights Reserved

Rebecca Johnson is the mother of a three year old son who is a Disney Cars fanatic. She owns a website about decorating rooms for babies and young children. Visit it for more information about decorating a Disney Cars theme room including the best places to find Disney Cars room décor.

Home Decor Parties - A Great Home Business

If you're looking for a business that

o you can start and run from home

\"home Decor\"

o requires a minimum start-up cost and

Home Decor Parties - A Great Home Business

o provides you the opportunity to work your own hours

o has the potential for you to earn as much as you want

check into becoming a consultant for a Home Decor company.

How A Home Party Business Works:

As a consultant with a home decor company, you start by purchasing a sales kit that has everything you need to hold your first party, or first several parties. You will also receive training from another consultant or manager in the company - usually the person who sponsored you.

The basic idea behind this type of business - known as direct sales, or direct selling, is that you recruit people who are willing to hold a home decor party in their home and invite guests - neighbors, colleagues, friends and family members.

During the party, you pass out a catalog and show the products that are in your sales kit, and take orders. You might also do a few simple product demonstrations - for example, show how to combine silk flowers with candlestick holders, or show how well different items in the catalog can be combined to create customized decor.

You also invite other guests to schedule a party in their homes at a later date, offering incentives such as free or reduced merchandise or "hostess-only" gifts that they can earn by holding a party.

Why Home Party Businesses are So Successful

These types of home shopping parties are very popular, especially for newly married, 30-something women, who are looking for ways of making their homes more attractive and welcoming, but have little time to shop or learn more than basic skills in home decorating. Plus, everyone loves going to a party, where you can relax, get together with friends and have a good time.

Home Party Companies

Two well-known home decor companies are "Home Interiors" and "Southern Living Home Party." According to their Website, Home Interiors has over 100,000 Decorating Consultants, and is the largest direct seller of home accessories in North America.

Southern Living Home Party offers individualized WebPages to each of their consultants and royalties (an additional commission) for every consultant who signs up as a result of your recommendation.

To find more home party companies, search on the Internet for "home décor parties" "direct selling opportunities" or "home décor party plan business."

Is a Home Party Decor Business Right for You?

Even people who say they don't like selling often do very well with this type of business, especially if they choose a company with a solid reputation, a good training program and quality merchandise.

According to Helen Huppert, a director with Southern Living At Home, she started her business as a way to get out of the house once a week but soon realized she could contribute to her family's monthly income. One of the things she likes best about running her own home party consulting business is that she knows she's not alone, that she's part of a team who is committed to her success.

It's important that you take a realistic look at your personal attitudes and likes and dislikes. If you're someone who doesn't like to get up in front of people and talk, or if you think you won't be willing to put in the time it takes to make phone calls and get parties lined up, this might not be the best business for you.

On the other hand, if the issue is simply that you're not sure of yourself, or you are shy, this might be exactly the type of business you need to build your confidence and increase your self-esteem. By letting your sponsor or trainer know about your misgivings, and letting her know what training you might benefit from the most, you'll increase your chances of success.

What to Watch Out For

Before choosing which home décor party company you want to work with, do some Background research on the company first. Ask your sponsor questions, and if possible, get the contact information of other home décor consultants as well and talk to them as well. Check with your local better business bureau, state attorney general's office and local Chamber of Commerce.

As with any home-based business opportunity, owning your own home décor consulting business, you need to investigate the offer and the company seriously, and make an informed decision. But once you make the commitment, dive in with both feet and prepare yourself to have a wonderful time meeting new people, earning additional income and maybe even winning some great prizes. Before long, you'll find that you've mastered new skills, and will be well on your way to being a successful business owner doing something you love.

Home Decor Parties - A Great Home Business

Want to make more money with your home party business? Pick up your free home party software by clicking here http://www.HomePartyProfitSoftware.com

Western Bathroom Decor Ideas

Often, the bathrooms in our homes get little or no consideration when it comes to decorating. That's too bad because there are plenty of western bathroom decor ideas that can make a big difference. After all, the bathroom is usually where we're at right before bedtime and where we spend time in the morning getting ready for the day. So, why not add a few decorative touches to remind us of something we have a fondness for?

Our favorite decor ideas for the bathroom are ones from the western, southwestern, lodge, and rustic styles of home decorating. For example, western style decor might include items related to western scenery or settings, cowboys and cowgirls, or horses, as well as rodeo and ranching activities. The Southwestern style might feature desert scenes, red rock canyons, cactus, or Native American designs. Nature and wildlife are common themes for the lodge and rustic styles.

Decor

Most of the things we use as part of our bathroom decor ideas are common items for the bathroom, but they're done in a certain decorative style. These common items include shower curtains, towel bars, robe hooks, tissue holders, soap dishes, lotion dispensers, toothbrush holders, waste cans, and so forth. There are also wallpaper borders, vanity lights, switch covers, along with cabinet pulls and knobs that are done in your favorite decorating style.

Western Bathroom Decor Ideas

If your home has more than one bathroom, you might have one for the master bedroom, one (or more) for the other bedrooms, and perhaps a guest bathroom or powder room. If that's the case, you might want to use one of the best bathroom decor ideas we know of - simply get a few items that reflect the hobbies and/or interests of the person(s) that uses each of the bathrooms the most. Then, decorate the guest bathroom or powder room to match or complement the rest of your home.

If you're a horse lover, you'll be able to find a wide variety of shower curtains with a horse theme. You can choose all kinds of scenes, from a horse grazing in a lush meadow to a group of wild mustangs running freely across the open range. You can easily find other bathroom accessories and accents that feature a design or depiction of a horse.

Are you a cowboy or cowgirl at heart? You can get a toothbrush holder, lotion dispenser, soap dish, and more, all with a matching design that features a depiction of a western character. Towel bars are available that make it seem like a pair of cowboys are holding a rope for you to drape your towel over. Some types of western light fixtures have a cowboy silhouette in metal art.

Perhaps you have a deep appreciation for nature and wildlife. You can express your feelings with rustic style bathroom accessories and accents that bring a touch of the outdoors into your room. Whether it's plant or animal, you'll have lots of choices. You can get decor items with designs or depictions of acorns, pine trees, pinecones, elk, deer, moose, bears, ducks, geese, or trout.

No matter which bathroom decor ideas have the most appeal for you, the best part is that getting a desired look or creating a theme is easily accomplished without spending lots of money. Most of the accessories and accents for the bathroom are affordable and have a very practical purpose, so why not get them in your favorite style? The difference it makes as you start your day can certainly make you glad you did!

Western Bathroom Decor Ideas

AnnaRae Mills loves informal home decor; especially the western, rustic, southwestern, country, and lodge styles. She has dozens of great decorating tips to share with you. Plus, see more than 375 pictures that show why casual home decor is more popular than ever. Go to http://www.Western-Home-Decor.net

Home Decor Themes - Your Style

If you want your home décor themes to show off your personal style and impress all of your visitors, you can find great ideas for home décor themes online. The internet offers a wide selection of possible home décor themes to choose from, and with the right home décor themes, your home can really be a place you enjoy, as well as one with the style and class you can be proud of.

· Bathroom home décor themes:

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As few items of merchandise as there are for your bathroom, those items may be exactly what make your bathroom stand out. You can coordinate your bathroom décor so that it looks great and feels welcoming for your guests. The home décor you choose for your bathroom is going to be very important for the overall look of your home. If you want to go with anything from fishes to disco home décor themes for your bathroom, you are sure to find great ideas online, so have a look around.

Home Decor Themes - Your Style

You can coordinate your guest bathroom décor nicely as well, so that it looks great and feels welcoming for your guests.

When you select home decor themes you have many things to consider, from the color of your trashcans to curtains to bedspreads etc., and of course, the particular theme you are going for. The home décor you have in your bedroom is very important, because you want your bedroom to be a comfortable environment especially designed for you to relax and unwind. Some people have bedroom home decor themes such as winter-type colors and designs for the colder months, and then separate bedroom home décor themes for the warmer times of the year.

For example: In autumn you can use a home decor themes such as a bedspread with autumn leaves and pillows in autumn colors. Perhaps you can pull out some specifically autumn-like trinkets to set on your dresser or nightstand. You can change the home décor theme in your bedroom as often as you like--some people even change simple things like bedspreads, sofas etc, four times per year to suit the style of the season.

· Kitchen home décor themes:</p>

You spend a lot of time in your kitchen. So you want to have home décor themes for your kitchen that make you feel at home, comfortable and proud of the beautiful re-decoration around you. There are all kinds of home décor themes for your kitchen--depending on the kinds of styles you like best.

There are many options when choosing home d&eacute;cor themes for your kitchen--from different types of lighting that best suit your home décor theme, to wall boarders and easy stencils for the walls, to clocks, and so much more. Many people like to go with a bright, colorful motif in their kitchens, and then there are other people who want their kitchen home décor theme to be very elegant and luxurious. Everyone choosing a home décor for the kitchen should be sure to choose kitchen home décor themes that are something to be pleased with, something pleasing to the eye.

· Living home décor themes:

The living room home décor themes available to choose from include virtually everything you could want for your living room--from color design to rustic motifs. Such home décor themes can be trendy, simplistic or luxurious, depending on the type of living room that you want to design. Many people like home décor themes that have to do with color themes, themes such as collectors items, for example: a living room home décor theme that includes more than anything else little hand-made African instruments and African-style trinkets and statuettes on display, and there are many more kinds of home décor themes for your living room--all depending on your personal taste.

· Patio and garden home décor themes:

Furniture and other items you will need for certain home décor themes for your patio and/or garden are also available in casual, unique, luxurious, abstract, and even vintage designs. You can go with patio or garden home décor themes such as Victorian themes, modern art accessories, rustic designs and much, much more just for you.

§ Patio home décor themes

Enjoy the outdoors this year with a great outdoor home décor theme that best suit your needs and in which you can relax and unwind. Home décor for your patio is very important if you enjoy and make use of your patio at home. There are many types of patio home décor themes that range from plants in pots and beds, to the rustic look, to the relaxing, lounge-about beachside look and more.

§ Garden home décor

Your garden is also very much a part of you home and aside from what you plant in your garden to make your garden look stunning, there are also pieces of garden décor that can add a home décor theme that is fragrant, beautiful touch, and fits a certain category such as a Japanese garden, a Victorian garden or a garden with religious home décor themes to the beautiful garden you already have, or if you are just getting started designing your new garden. Add garden merchandise such as archways, gnomes, little picket fences, and more to create the most beautiful home décor themes in your indoor or outdoor garden.

The home décor themes you want will, of course, be exclusive to your ideas of what you want your home yard, and garden to look like--i.e. your personal preferences in home design. What looks great to one person may be unimpressive to another. You want home décor themes that you adore and can be proud of. And, hopefully, you will design home décor themes that your friends and family members will love too! So there is a lot of looking to be done.

But remember, your home décor themes should be the best home décor themes to suit you no matter what different kinds of personal taste others have. After all, it's your home.

Home Decor Themes - Your Style

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles on home decor please visit Home Decor Ideas or visit Redecorating Ideas [http://www.decormatters.com].

Rustic Country Decor - How to Decorate Cottage Style Homes

Rustic country decor and how to decorate cottage style homes are extensions of American country style decorating. In addition, traditions are borrowed from French, English and some Swedish country looks. Rustic country decor can be defined as coarse, charmingly simple, unfussy, unfinished and yet with endearing qualities. Rustic country decorating includes the use of natural woods, aged surfaces, rough finishes and simple lines. Cottage style homes are comfortable, modest, quaint homes that can be made of thick stone or log wood.

Floors in rustic country decor and cottage style homes are made with stone or wood materials. Wooden floors were traditionally constructed with boards that were bare and simply waxed and hand-polished (high-gloss varnishes did not exist). Sometimes the boards were painted with light colors. If you like floor coverings, use oriental rugs and throws for visual warmth and color. Rustic country decor is about handcrafted objects, simplicity, furnishings that you enjoy and connecting back to nature.

Decor

Rustic cottage furniture is commonly made with pine and perhaps painted with hand-painted designs such as flowers, birds, animals, country scenery or leaves. Use ladderback chairs, rocking chairs, benches, wicker furniture and Windsor chairs. A large rectangular table made of pine is a good option for your kitchen or dining room table. To give your furniture a rustic look, brush a coat of paint on the furniture piece, then rub most of the paint off. After it dries, apply wood stain unevenly for an older weathered appearance. It will be perfect and rustic looking!

Rustic Country Decor - How to Decorate Cottage Style Homes

Baskets can be used to store wood, pine cones, flowers, plants and needlework. Brass candle holders, oil or kerosene lamps, sconces, hurricane lamps, tin lanterns, recessed ceiling fixtures or a vintage wrought-iron or metal chandelier provide successful lighting for rustic country decor and cottage style homes. Colors used in rustic country decor or cottage style homes are neutral tones ranging from white to bone, earth tones, red barn, blues and greens.

For rustic country decor in the kitchen, use open shelves, hutches, buffets, plate racks and cupboards for storage. Often, country kitchen storage is crammed with stoneware pots, plain glazed earthenware and glass jars. Kitchen pots should be made of copper, steel or cast iron -- cookware tends to be large and plain. Use open shelving in the rustic country kitchen to display plates, dishes and dinnerware collections. Natural woods, light colors and bright fabrics work great for window treatments. Adding a rustic butcher block island creates a wonderful visual effect as well as provides useful functionality.

A rustic country decor bathroom has neutral tones or soft colored walls, antique-looking lighting, and wooden antiques or antique reproduction cabinets and vanity. Knowing how to decorate cottage style homes and bathrooms can result in creating a calm and elegant atmosphere. Clawfoot tubs, pedestal sinks, country style antique brass faucets and old-fashioned country cabinets provide the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to spend time there. Plain white towels are recommended instead of patterned or bright modern patterns. Use wicker or wire baskets to keep your sponges, loofas and shampoos handy near the tub or shower.

Understanding how to decorate cottage style homes means including items like quilts, antique furniture or reproductions, flea-market pieces, trunks, chests, armoires, stenciling, wallpaper, adirondack chairs, flower wreaths and bistro chairs. These types of elements give cottage style homes the kind of rustic country decor that is simpler, very personal and warmly inviting.

Whether in a seaside setting, an urban environment, a countryside location or a wooded mountain retreat, cottage style homes are cozy and unassuming, combining the past with the present. Read all you can find and learn what creating the rustic country cottage means to you no matter where it's located. Enjoy expressing your personality and showing what the definition of home means to you.

Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing

Rustic Country Decor - How to Decorate Cottage Style Homes

David Buster is VP of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of http://www.yourdreamloghome.com - visit the website and learn more about rustic country home decor and design, rustic kitchens and bathrooms, log cabins, fireplaces and firewood and much more.

Traditional Russian Christmas Ornaments and Decor

Russian Christmas ornaments come in almost every shape and design imaginable; making any Yuletide décor more festive. Many Russian Christmas ornaments are made from durable plastic, but many are still hand made and hand painted in delicate wood and blown glass. Some are designed not to grace your tree but to beautify every room in your home with traditional images of the Christ child and Holy Family, keeping the true spirit of the season alive in eye-catching adornments that will become heirlooms in your family.

Ornaments popular around the world are also popular in Russia, including angels, Christmas trees, snowmen and, of course, Santa Claus. They come in many sizes and painted in every color of the rainbow. Many of the ornaments are uniquely Russian: Pieces patterned after the famous nesting dolls or "matryoshkas" or the Snow Maiden of Russian literature. The magnificent onion-shaped domes of Russian Orthodox church steeples, like Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow, are also popular. Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcraker" will always be the traditional performance of the season and nutcracker Christmas ornaments are a perfect reminder of that beloved classic.

Decor

Taking their cue from the fabulous Faberge Easter eggs, some Russian ornaments are eggshell shaped and painted in minute detail with Grandfather Frost, angels, rabbits and snow-covered dachas. Even a whole village might find itself hanging among the needles in miniature.

Traditional Russian Christmas Ornaments and Decor

Whatever your personal preference in Christmas tree decor, a Russian ornament will add a distinctive flavor to your Christmas scene that family and friends will remember. In fact, don't be surprised if their next tree looks a lot like yours did this year!

Traditional Russian Christmas Ornaments and Decor

Related resources: Learn more about gifts and collectibles [http://www.cookiejarsetc.com] or view other related sites and resources listed in our gift directory.

Primitive Country Furniture and Decor

Primitive country furniture brings a harmonious balance into your home with the rest of your decor. These hand-crafted, rustic, and pre-aged furnishings provide warm and welcome comfort to your family and your visitors. For decades the cabin decor, Adirondack, and mountain lodge styles have been known as the least imposing and most comfortable styles available to the country decorator. Primitive country furniture will blend nicely with other similar decorating styles such as the ones listed above and even Arts and Crafts, Mission Movement, French Country and Craftsman furniture. Now, through the incomparable woodworkers of the Amish communities, you too can recreate the surroundings of the great outdoors in your own country home. Your furniture will be understated with simple classic lines.

Cloth and paint colors are neutral or in early Americana colors. The primitive furniture and pillows will be cozy and overstuffed. In the old days, many primitive country furnishings were made from twigs, branches and other natural elements - so look for earthy colors and uneven tones. Primitive country furniture series has tables, chairs, desks, armoires, nightstands, dressers, benches, beds, and thick wood coffee tables. You'll find them painted, raw, aged, or in artisan hand crafted, old fashioned, traditional designs. The primary feature of this style country furniture is the use of materials from reused pieces, barns, and posts. Planks are old, or fashioned to appear vintage or antique. Some primitive furniture has been created and decorated with bark, branches and twigs. Each log and twig is especially chosen for their shape and texture - right down to the decorative trim. The chunky wood styles of primitive country furniture lend themselves easily to armoires, wardrobes and big tables. Big chests and trunks also double as an innovative coffee table or bench for the foot of the bed.

Decor

In the double drawer wardrobe you'll find much more than a closet. Plain oval dining tables with benches make excellent primitive country dining sets. The wooden wall cupboards, wardrobes, plate racks, and hutches give your dining room a comfortable, country style. Or, place a rectangular work table in your kitchen, and use antique kitchenware for your cooking and serving - this brings back memories of an old farm house, doesn't it? Use traditional lighting and chandeliers for a truer experience - with those roughly finished cupboards and racks nearby the kitchen experience will be rustic, homey, warm. There are many different ways obtain primitive country furniture, and they aren't all expensive! Buying used furniture and roughing it up to age it, or overstuffing and recovering larger pieces are two easy and inexpensive alternatives.

Primitive Country Furniture and Decor

This repurposing of existing furniture is also good for the environment. Just because your existing piece of furniture isn't working for you today, doesn't mean that it can't be changed to work for you in the future. For instance, a friend of mine was given an ugly outdated, veneer covered entertainment unit. It was large and just what she needed for her dining room to display her plate collection and cookbooks. We spent 1/2 a day sanding, painting and aging the piece and today everyone asks where they can get primitive country pieces just like hers! Country decor is possible with all the rooms of your house. You can decorate your home wholly or partially in the country style.

So take a look at your existing furniture with a creative eye and consider some of the ways below to changing it to suit your style: Paint, then sand and stain. You won't believe how different a piece of furniture can look once sanded, painted and stained. You can even change the style of the piece. A cheap wooden Ikea table turned into a beautifl primitive country coffee table (years after use) with a thick application of crackle paint and whitewash finish. Outdated dressers can also change. Change the hardware. A few vintage, restoration or antique handles, hinges or pulls can turn a piece of wood furniture into a rustic masterpiece. Similar to painting, staining and sanding, old glass balls or brass handles add primitive to any previously country furnishing. One of my favorites is to re-upholster or re-cover a sofa, chair, loveseat or footstool. Thick primitive fabric is now easier to come by than ever before (or just look for muslin) to update a piece of furniture.

If you don't think you have the skill to re-upholster a piece, shop around for some country slipcovers - instant change. Buy antique or vintage pieces. Besides being environmentally friendly, those deals fit right into primitive country decor. Rather than spending 00 and more on a new couch or dining set, why not shop around for something similar, but gently used? Primitive country furniture is available at affordable prices and will lend that welcome air to any room of your home. Country decor reduces the modern air to most homes and apartments - enhancing the peaceful and authentic nature of your home and your family members.

Primitive Country Furniture and Decor

Eric Klein has been working with many home owners throughout the years on obtaining the best furniture for the best price based on client taste and style. Today he shares his information and favorite websites with everyone for free online at http://www.primitivecountrydecor.com.

Country Home Decorating - Country Style Home Decor the Way Life Used to Be

What is the lure and appeal of country home decorating? Maybe it's the desire to escape the rush and demands of a hectic lifestyle. It could be the need to return to a time when life was simpler, perhaps even happier. The necessities of rural life are what influence today's country style home decor.

Country home decorating can be defined as a style featuring rustic simplicity and tradition. Home decorating country style is viewed as welcoming, unpretentious, friendly and practical. Country style home decor is flexible enough to include timeworn antiques, reproductions, crafts and handmade products all together. Country furniture is usually made by craftsmen and has a sturdy, rugged appearance. Country style furniture seldom uses delicate designs. Country home decor may feature unfinished beams, floors with natural finish, rough bricks and unpainted or undulating plaster walls.

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Here are recommendations for specific rooms when country home decorating:

Country Home Decorating - Country Style Home Decor the Way Life Used to Be

Country Kitchen Décor - use open shelves, buffets, plate racks and cupboards for storage. Country kitchen storage is usually crammed with stoneware pots, plain glazed earthenware and glass jars. Country kitchen pots should be made of copper, steel or cast iron -- country cookware tends to be large and plain. Country kitchen cabinets that are made of aged surfaces, natural materials, rough finishes and round knobs will keep the country style. Open shelving in the country kitchen is perfect to display plates and dinnerware collections. Kitchen cabinets or kitchen furniture made of pine or perhaps even painted can be a beautiful key element in the country kitchen.

Country Kitchen Countertops and Floors - country kitchens countertops have ceramic tiles or even hand painted tiles, slate or marble. If you want to use laminate materials, go for plain colors for coverings. Terracotta tiles, brick, stone and wood are very popular in country kitchen floors. If you decide to add some antiques to your country kitchen, they don't have to be perfect -- even chips and scratches will add to the charm and un-restored look of the antique. Adding a bit of wear and tear to maintain the country flavor is fun and it works!

Country Dining Rooms - dining rooms are once again popular. Many years ago, meals were eaten in large country home kitchens. Today, the kitchen continues to be the hub of the home and the place where you can have less formal meals. However, when entertaining guests, a dining room is the place to be. Country style dining rooms can have a large rectangular table made of pine, oak, walnut or mahogany with wooden chairs or old benches that are similar in style and material. A corner cupboard, plate racks, dresser or sideboard will provide perfect storage and serving area for the dining room as long as they match the style and the materials of the table and chairs.

Country Bathrooms - the characteristics and styles of country bathrooms take us back to our simple life and roots. A bathroom with neutral tones or soft colored walls, antique looking lighting and wooden antiques or antique reproduction cabinets and vanity will give the country bathroom a calm and elegant atmosphere. Clawfoot tubs, country style antique brass faucets and old-fashioned country home decorating cabinets will give your bathroom the kind of atmosphere that invites you to spend time there.

A country bathroom should have wood, ceramic tile, linoleum, vinyl or natural cork floors. To have carpet in the country bathroom is not appropriate. Wood and brass accessories are perfect materials to use in a country style home decor bathroom. Plain white towels are recommended instead of patterned or bright modern patterns. Use wicker or wire baskets to keep your sponges, loofas and shampoos handy near the tub or shower.

Country Home Furnishings - decorative items associated with country style home decor include adirondack chairs, Windsor chairs, fresh or dry wild flowers, vintage baskets, quilts, yellowware bowls, blue and white ceramics, wicker or wire baskets, floral tapestries, linens and paintings, wool blankets, duck decoys and teddy bears. Floral patterns and candleholders also remind us of the country-style life.

The colors used in country home decorating are neutral tones ranging from white to bone, earth tones, red barn, blues and green which are the most appropriate colors for country style. Stenciling and wallpaper are frequently used in country home decorating. Stenciling originally was cheaper than wallpaper. Stenciling can be used around windows, in areas where the walls meet the ceiling or on the floors. Oftentimes, stenciling is even used on furniture. Done correctly, stenciling adds a great deal of charm to a country home decor.

While country life in the old days was often very difficult, it's now possible to recreate the pleasures and peace of a nearness to nature without having to endure the adversity and hardship of everyday rural life. In general, the knowledge and abilities needed to create a country style home are achievable by nearly anyone. Read all you can. Inspiration will come if you understand the basics for creating a country style home decor that provides the look and feel of the way life used to be.

Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing

Country Home Decorating - Country Style Home Decor the Way Life Used to Be

David Buster is Vice-President of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of http://www.yourdreamloghome.com - visit the website to learn more about home decorating and remodeling, home plans, kitchen design online, bathroom design and decor tips, home storage, fireplaces, log cabin rentals and more.

Kirkland's Home Decor - Find Everything Your House Needs

Kirkland's home decor store is indeed one of the most inspiring accessory stores around. It has a broad selection of distinctive merchandise for the discriminating buyer, coupled with affordable prices to keep the average homeowner happy. Their stock consists of framed art, picture frames, lamps, candles, mirrors, accent rugs, and garden accessories.

A leading specialty retailer since 1966, Kirkland's was co-founded by Carl Kirkland, who is still currently the Chairman Emeritus. They opened their first store in Jackson, TN, and with over 340 stores in 37 states they have put Kirkland's home decor on the map. Home decor at Kirkland's is ever-changing, and offers you value and style at extremely attractive prices for both gift-giving and accessorizing your own home.

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Kirkland's even has a designer advantage for interior designers looking for the best for their clients. The home decor at Kirkland's helps to create stylish and sophisticated looks on a budget that almost anyone can handle. Designers who buy at Kirkland's can now receive a 10% discount on all client related purchases, providing they spend over 0.00 per year. This would hardly be a difficult task with the selection that Kirkland's has to offer.

Kirkland's Home Decor - Find Everything Your House Needs

Kirkland's Holiday Home Decor

Apart from everyday accessories, Kirkland's offers much more - its seasonal stock is extensive and covers all major holidays. Kirkland's prides themselves on offering the latest looks with inspiring styles. For Christmas, you can find themed trees to inspire you with new decorating ideas, and suggestions for coordinating gifts that you can buy for a special couple.

Warm candle light, lamps, and other lighting are always popular during the holidays. Kirkland's home decor section offers a huge selection of holiday candelabras, votive runners for your fireplace, or red hurricane candle holders for your holiday needs. For the younger clientele they have plenty of Santa Claus knick knacks, reindeer ornaments, and lots of fun Christmas decorations to enthuse even the littlest buyer.

Kirkland's home decor also has plenty of amazing holiday selections for Halloween, New Years, Fourth of July, and Thanksgiving. Their huge choice will give you numerous options for your decorating style. Whether you prefer whimsical or sophisticated, you are nearly guaranteed to find what you are looking for at this store. The home decor at Kirkland's, both for the holidays and everyday decorating, is inspiring, creative, and unique.

Kirkland's Home Decor - Find Everything Your House Needs

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Office Decor - The Sports Theme

Too many in the office the idea of gearing up for office décor may seem a little bit humdrum or boring. Choosing the right items in colors may enhance your work greatly. This article will focus specifically on private home office décor - and some possible ideas you may use next.

What Is Your Favorite Sport or Team?

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Do you have a favorite college or professional sport that you are extremely passionate about? If you're looking to add both value, and personality to your home office, this may be the perfect solution.

Office Decor - The Sports Theme

Autographs Are Great

You may consider purchasing some autographed jerseys of your favorite players that are framed. These types of office décor items not only will add some personality to your room, but they can also become quite valuable in time - thus making it a great investment. The key when buying any autographed memorabilia is to make sure that you get certification for verifiable proof that you're getting what you paid for.

Baseball Is Very Popular

One the most popular home office décor themes might be a baseball theme. You could get a couple of jerseys from some your favorite players with a couple of autographed balls and bats. Although this could set you back several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the team and the players it could be money well spent.

Cheer up Those Gloomy Days

We are all prone to have our down days when we're working in the office. A home office is no exception to this rule. If you're wanting to spice up your office look and feel. You may want to consider a sports office décor theme.

Office Decor - The Sports Theme

If you need more helpful Home Decor information try visiting http://home-decor-helper.com, a website that specializes in providing helpful home decor tips, advice, and resources to include Office Décor.

French Provincial Style in Home Decor Explained!

Originating in France in the 18th century, the French provincial style emerged from the styles that were popular in Paris at the time; however, it is less ornate and features simply carved pieces of furniture with few decorations. This is probably the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear 'French provincial' and 'furniture style' in the same sentence. However, the term is much more comprehensive and spans over a longer period of time, bringing together a wide range of trends which combined in different ways in different parts of the country to create what today stands for one of the most desired furniture styles in the world by those who are fond of the simplicity and elegance that the French created several centuries ago in their lovely country.

The characteristics of the French provincial furniture can be summed up in the use of different kinds of solid wood, depending on the region (oak, walnut, elm, apple, pear, cherry and sometimes mahogany). The simple design and carved decorations that these long-lasting pieces of furniture were endowed with contrasted with the intricacy of the Parisian style, making them more suitable for the simple homes and daily life of the farmers, hence the less polished finishes and the more functional meaning of the design.

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The discreet ornamentations peculiar to the French provincial furniture style had a lot to do with the daily life of the rural family. You can notice several symbols engraved on these pieces, according to which part of life was more representative for the family. Shells stood for fertility, while flowers and fruit symbolized divine grace. Prosperity was represented by wheat, grapes or coins, while the artistic endeavours were indicated by the presence of musical instruments. Let us not forget about love, which appeared in the shape of a heart, a dove or an arrow.

French Provincial Style in Home Decor Explained!

For esthetical purposes, many contemporary house owners have chosen to return to the natural materials that furniture has been made of for many centuries and decorate at least part of their homes with French provincial items of furniture and objects. They are quite in fashion and will bring a special kind of elegance to any room. Just as a few centuries ago there lived dedicated craftsmen who built high quality French provincial furniture, there are now designers and manufacturers of provincial style furniture in many parts of the world. They are in charge of bringing the special French country air into the modern home and will do a very good job too.

French Provincial Style in Home Decor Explained!

Discover the French Provincial Style best interior decorating practices. Visit our Aspley store for inspiration and ideas about making your home looking like French and country at the minimal effort!

Traditional Christmas Tree Decor

The two most traditional styles of christmas tree décor are Country and Victorian. The Victorian style of christmas tree décor is definitely more expensive than the Country style, which can be created from cheaper decorations, fabrics and materials. On the other hand the Victorian style is older and is very well suited to the corner christmas tree or the tall slim artificial christmas tree.

The country style of christmas tree décor is definitively American and actually didn't come into style until the 19th century. The look of this tree is rounder and fuller than the Victorian style. It incorporates the chubbier look of a natural pine. However any kind of fir tree is used as a Christmas tree in the United States.

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If you like the look of the chubbier country style christmas tree but it is too big to fit into your space, then you can consider buying an artificial corner tree that looks like a pine. It is the fatter, squatter girth that you are looking for when you shop for this and christmas tree decorations online. However remember that for the tree to be truly rustic it should be a real one! You can get a real tree delivered to your door in time for xmas at http://www.hammacher.com.

Traditional Christmas Tree Decor

The key to creating your own country style christmas tree décor is to think in terms of the traditional colors of red and green. For a truly authentic effect don't use tiny twinkling mini lights, rope lights or fiber optic lights to light up this tree. Nothing will do but the old fashioned, vintage style red, green, blue and yellow egg shaped lights. At the very least try to use red and green lights.p>

The christmas tree décor for a country style tree is quite rustic. The materials that are used to decorate this type of tree are usually made of wood, tin, stuffed toys, velvet, ribbon, glass and tinsel.

Wooden ornaments can include items such as miniature sleighs, replicas of food and carved figures of Santa and Elves. Shiny red painted wooden apples are especially associated with this country style. When shopping for Christmas decorations online or at the mall, remember the glass christmas balls that you choose should be red and green in color. They should also be shiny rather than frosted metal to accomplish the look.

Tinsel, both in the form of garlands and icicles are also very much part of the traditional American country style christmas tree décor. You can buy furry looking tinsel garlands in white, red or green and wrap them around the tree in a spiral. Silver tinsel icicles should be hung in clumps at the ends of the boughs.

Velvet red bows and plaid ribbon bows tied to the boughs also give an xmas tree that old country feel. Plush toys such as teddy bears or stuffed santas can also be hung from the tree by a thread as a decoration. You can find a lot of these types plush or rustic style wooden ornaments when shopping for christmas ornaments online.

This type of tree also incorporates homemade baked goods in its décor. Ginger bread men and teddy bears make a nice compliment to the color of the dark green branches of the xmas tree. Popcorn strung on a garland is also a very traditional country look.

Traditionally the topper for this type of tree is a Christmas star of some sort. The classic home-made version is a cut out star made out of cardboard and wrapped in tin foil. However you can find all kinds of different versions of the xmas star when you go shopping for christmas decorations online - everything from the blinking electronic contraptions to stars made of feathers and tinsel.

By contrast, the Victorian style of christmas tree décor looks best on the tallest tree that you can find. This English style of tree decorating originated with Queen Victoria at the turn of the last century. The taller and slimmer the christmas tree the better.

Certain types of christmas tree confiers definitely suit the Victorian style more accurately than others. The taller slimmer trees include the spruce and the balsam fur. Victorian style trees are not as spindly as the rounder American style trees and show very little white space through their branches. Also the color of Victorian trees tend to have a bit of a blue tint to their green branches. Keep this in mind if you are shopping for an artificial or corner christmas tree.p>

Victorian christmas tree décor tends to be very detailed. The main topical theme is angels, birds, animals, portraits and musical instruments. Decorations can be conical, spherical and globular. These types of decorations are commonly made of tin and glass. The idea here is quantity. A Victorian christmas tree is allowed to look more cluttered so the idea is to hang it with as many tinier decorations as you can.

The color scheme of Victorian xmas décor is also a little different from the American style tree. Although red and green can play a part colors such as gold and silver should be much more predominant. Pink, blue and lavender ornaments are also much more common on a Victorian styled tree than an American country style one.

Crystal drops, similar to the ones you see hanging on chandeliers, hung on evergreen branches are also part of traditional Victorian christmas tree décor. You can buy plastic versions of these in craft stores and attach them to the tree with wired gold ribbon.

Victorian trees, like the American country style, also tend to be generously draped in tinsel and bows. Ribbons in gold, silver, pink and lavender distinguish the tree as being more English, rather than American in style.

The lights that you hang on a Victorian style tree should look like miniature candles. There are many sites that specialize in novelty christmas lights that look like white wax candles in candle holders. One of these is [http://www.hammacher.com.If] you decide not to go with the candle holder lights as a theme, tiny blue and yellow lights simulate the glow of true candlelight when hung in this tree.

Another common component of the Victorian tree is fake snow. This stuff, called "flocking" comes in a spray can. It is used to frost the branches of the tree so it looks like it is covered in a sifting of freshly fallen snowflakes.

You don't have to be English or American to prefer one kind of style of christmas tree decor over another. What this all boils down to is a matter of personal and perhaps how high your ceiling is and whether or not you can squeeze a fatter tree in your space. However if you buy a corner christmas tree that is artificial, none of this will be an issue.

Traditional Christmas Tree Decor

For more information on Christmas trees, visit http://www.o-christmas-tree.com/christmastrees.htm - a year-round resource for all your christmas tree and decoration needs.

Bedroom Wall Decor - Creative Bedroom Wall Decor Ideas

The interior decorating and decor of a bedroom largely depends upon it's function. There are mainly 4 types of bedrooms in a typical home plan.

1) Master Bedroom

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2) Teenager Bedroom

Bedroom Wall Decor - Creative Bedroom Wall Decor Ideas

3) Kids Bedroom

4) Guest bedroom

All these bedrooms have their own decorating considerations. When it comes to wall decor for bedrooms many people think that either painting a wall or applying wallpaper on them is the only option available.

But these two techniques can be combined together for an altogether different look as well. It is not always necessary to apply the same paint to all the walls. Try finishing walls with contrasting colors or a combination of wallpaper and color on the same wall.

If your bedroom receives ample amount of direct sunlight, then you can very creatively make use of shadows for decorating purposes on wall. First observe the wall that receives direct sunlight and then you can "obstruct" the entry of sunlight using a mild steel grill or stained glass painting so that the wall receives interesting shadow patterns. The beauty of this is that since the direction and intensity of the sunlight changes constantly, you will have an ever changing wall decor piece made for you, free of cost.

Another idea is to instead of using picture frames on walls, how about painting the picture on the wall itself. Of course if you live in a rented house, you will have some limitations, but it can be done.

Another options for bedroom wall decor is faux finish plaster or even tile cladding using rectangular or square tiles. Even multicolored tiles can be used for the entire wall to create a mural of your choice. Thus a bedroom wall can be easily treated with little creativity for big results without spending big money.

Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya

Bedroom Wall Decor - Creative Bedroom Wall Decor Ideas

Want more amazing bedroom wall decor ideas? visit my website http://www.ModernWallDecor.net to explore some great wall decor themes that can transform your home into a stunning interior masterpiece.

Home Decor - Create a Trendy Kitchen in Gorgeous Teal and Lime Green

Create a trendy kitchen in one of this years hottest color schemes, Teal Blue and Lime Green! It's easy to pull off this hot new trend when you follow the tips and tricks outlined in this article.

The biggest concern that people have when considering this color scheme for their home decor, is "how do I pull this off, without it coming across busy and overpowering". This can be achieved by finding the correct balance in your home decor. You're not going to want to make everything in the room teal blue and lime green, the key is to incorporate those colors into a neutral base color scheme.

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First you will want to start with a light color base on your walls. This can be achieved with a color of fresh white paint but I think that you can achieve a much more polished room design by choosing a faux wallpaper in a white or light cream. A metallic sheen wallpaper would set a fabulous tone for this room decor theme.

Home Decor - Create a Trendy Kitchen in Gorgeous Teal and Lime Green

After you have your base layer completed it is time to bring color into the room. This can be done by using a bold stripe window treatment with dominant colors of teal blue and lime green. You can balance the strong visual lines of the window treatment by adding solid elements in the kitchen such as the back splash and the cupboard. The color scheme is carried throughout the room with small accents such as the cushions that atop your kitchen stools.

You can create an interesting visual focal point in your kitchen by designing your own kitchen island. This can be done by using two shelving units with a work surface placed across the top. This is a much more cost effective option for developing an island in your kitchen and you won't have to pay for custom woodwork.

A faux slate tile flooring in a dark charcoal shades provides the perfect balance for this bold and trendy kitchen design and gives the room a fun modern look.

Home Decor - Create a Trendy Kitchen in Gorgeous Teal and Lime Green

By the way, if you've enjoyed this article and are interested in increasing the value of your home with wallpaper [http://www.usawallpaper.com], be sure to take advantage of the great savings at USA Wallpaper

From Tammy Billings, the Wallpaper Home Decorating Blog Author, Interior Designer and Owner of [http://www.usawallpaper.com]

Fireplace Mantle Decorating Ideas

The fireplace is the focus of a room and attracts a lot of attention. If you have a fireplace you might have decorated the mantle with a loadful of your favorite decoration pieces till the dust collects and the whole place looks quite overdone and eventually neglected. Instead of cluttering the place, you can go for a combination of selective pieces that go with the room décor, and you can always keep rotating the displays regularly.

While choosing the decoration pieces, make sure they are sized appropriately, neither too big nor too small for the mantle. Match them to the room décor and the color scheme of the room so that they don't look out of place. Make sure these items are non-inflammable if your fireplace is functional. Avoid books, kerosene oil lamps, wooden décor, etc. You can display a centerpiece on the mantel, which would be the focal point of the decoration scheme. This could be a piece of art, flowers in a vases or a mirror.

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For creating a balance, arrange equally sized items in small groups. Don't arrange them all in a single row; instead go for the three dimensional look. This can be done by placing the centerpiece toward the front and other items toward the end of the mantle. Or arrange them in groups of threes in the form of a triangle. Display framed photos, decorative vases and pots, ceramics, royal bone china plates, etc. You can dress up your mantel with a mantel runner and decorate it seasonally with lights and glittery baubels during the winter holidays.

Fireplace Mantle Decorating Ideas

Fireplace Mantle Decorating Ideas

For more home decorating ideas, I am there to help you at my Interior Design Blog.