Home-Improvement:Interior-Design-and-Decorating Articles

Home-Improvement:Landscaping-Outdoor-Decorating Articles

Home-Improvement:Bath-and-Shower Articles

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Modern Wall Decor - Modern Wall Decor With A Twist

Modern Wall Decor - Modern Wall Decor With A Twist

Modern wall decor theme is one of the easiest ways to wall decorating of any type. When it comes to designing interiors with modern theme, one thing must be kept in mind that in a "modern or contemporary" design theme, simplicity is the key.

This of course does not mean that anything, which is simple, is got be modern. But in modern design theory instead using all sorts decorating accessories, the interior design or the built form itself is assumed to be beautiful and a piece of art.

In normal circumstances a wall decor theme can be considered as painting it or applying large wallpaper with the desired theme. But in modern wall decor themes, the wall itself is considered a modern piece of art and hence there is no more requirements of adding decorating ornaments to the wall for the purpose of decorating.

So how can use the modern wall decor theme in interior design?

There are many easy ways to do this. If you start looking a wall as a piece of design itself, many options are easily available such as shape of wall, thickness of wall, wall finishes, openings in a wall, height of wall, increasing or decreasing height of wall along the length.

A simple square opening in a wall can also be a decor theme. An opening will instantly break out the visual constraints in a closed room and open up more visual possibilities that are beyond the wall itself.

Further interior lighting can be used with great effects in modern wall decor themes. Many qualities and types of interior lights are available to create the exact look you are trying to achieve.

I hope this article was helpful for everyone.

Want more amazing modern 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.

Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Mediterranean Tapestries For Sophisticated Wall Decor

Mediterranean Tapestries For Sophisticated Wall Decor

Mediterranean designs are popular around the world for their cozy and casual style. Since the Mediterranean area is known as sunlit days, vibrant flora, and clear waters, these elements are present in these designs.

Many people around the world want to imitate the designs for their own homes because, unlike other European-styled houses, the Mediterranean houses are carefree, as if the home is just a cozy vacation house, where they tend to highlight the landscape surrounding the area, with nature as the main architectural element.

Vibrant colors like orange, yellow, and deep red are used to reflect the area's famous sunset. Other commonly used Mediterranean colors are lavender and deep purple (to evoke the ambiance of a field of flowers) and light shades of green (to evoke the rustic feel of a countryside).

These fabrics are earthly and rough, although its roughness is balanced by using several water-based designs and elements, such as fountains and lavebo. The accessories are also colorful but still rural. Light pine furniture is common in houses, again adding to that country-feel these designs evokes.

Using Mediterranean tapestries is a great way to achieve this rustic ambiance. The tapestry will share the same qualities that the style and look has -- colorful, cozy, casual, and rustic. It also adds to the fabric's rough texture. While any wall hanging can add to the texture of a Mediterranean house, these fine woven goods would not stand out compared to other European tapestries.

Instead, it will add flavor and compliment the whole design. Using wall art and hangings is so inexpensive. Instead of buying several furniture pieces and repainting an entire area of the house, one can simply hang wall decor in a room and it will already have the much-need ambiance.

A room's anchor or focal point can be enhanced by the work-of-art, especially if that particular room is big and lacks and distinguished factor or area. For smaller rooms, however, a Mediterranean tapestry piece can make it appear larger. This is because an image of relaxing landscapes with warm colors such as yellow and green -- colors that are said to be soothing to the eyes and have relaxing effects.

Because of the wall hanging, it would seem as if the room is bigger because the design is depicting a much larger scene or landscape, creating an illusion similar to what mirrors to do in interior designs. Enjoy.

Regardless of space, Mediterranean tapestries will fit any kind of room, any kind of home, any kind of design. Enjoy viewing a variety of styles and sophistication while considering great Mediterranean Tapestry Hangings for your wall decor. Changing up your home decor with beautiful tapestries can turn your room from dull to exceptional in the blink of an eye.

By Maridee Hanselman

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Holidaying in Brittany and Normandy

Holidaying in Brittany and Normandy

Brittany is a place of rugged coats, small islands, fantastic views, quite beaches and all along the coat, old cobbled street towns can be found. The people of Brittany are also quite different to the rest of France. With regular flights to Brittany from England as well as Ferry links it's an ideal holiday location.

Brittany is home to a green and abundant countryside, high sea cliffs and some of the quietest beaches in all of France. Many quaint old towns are found throughout the region all with a colourful past like Rennes, Dinan or Saint Malo, known as the old pirate's nest. The Morbihan and the Menhirs of Carnac are two spots that should defiantly not be missed during your trip to Brittany

Nantes is the largest town in the region and is found at the southern tip of Brittany. The city has a long and rich history and today is considered the most important city in all of western France.

Normandy is a beautiful part of France, which has so much to offer tourists. Normandy is awash with old historic towns, sandy beaches and of course the world famous Mont-Saint-Michel.

The capital of Normandy is Rouen, a picturesque old town. Ideally you will need two good days to take in all the wonders the town has to offer. A trip to Giverny is also a must see for any art fans. Giverny was home to French painter Monet, here you can still walk through his garden which inspired many of his paintings, this truly makes art come to life.

Honfleur is a pretty harbour town and has been and continues to be a great inspiration to many artists, professional and armature alike. Bayeux is of course home to the famous Bayeux Tapestry depicting William the Conquerors victory over King Harold and the successful Norman invasion of England. It's a must see for anyone with even a slight interest in history.

Both regions make fantastic family holidays, but they also cater for those looking for adventure or are just lovers of fine food which can be found in almost every town and village in the region.

This article was written on behalf of Skybus who provide Flights to Brittany

by Ben Binding

Sunday, October 19, 2008

A Curtain Call to Your Senses

A Curtain Call to Your Senses

Lets be honest, there is nothing more comforting than drawing the curtains for a cosy night in when the colder months set in. Our love of curtains transcends mere decoration, they comfort us in an indescribable way, they have always been with us, they represent our history, and in all our happy memories of family at home they are there in the background, protecting us.

There are few pleasures equal to the feeling we get when throwing back the curtains on winters morning to be met with the sight of perfect, untouched, pure white snow. It is and enduring and iconic image because we have all experienced at least once, it is something you do not forget.

Understandably it is the snowfall that grabs our attention, but the visceral power of the scene is provided by the dramatic reveal as the curtains are pulled aside. It is no coincidence that curtains are so heavily tied to the theatre in our consciences, they do indeed have an air of mystery and add drama and flair to all they adorn.

If we are completely honest with ourselves- and we should be- we have all curled a drum roll off our tongues and sang "TA- DAAA!!" as we have pulled back our curtains at some point.

However so far we have only satisfied our sight. We have five senses, and a truly successful home should try to satisfy as many as possible- if you are now wondering what would be best to cement your shortbread bricks in your confectionary home, jam or treacle, I congratulate you on maintaining the connection with your inner child but I fear you have gone too far and that home and contents insurance is, for you, a paramount concern.

What I mean in reality is that our homes should help us do what we are here to do which is experience as much as possible. Besides simply looking beautiful, they should provide us with a rich tapestry of sounds, textures and smells. This all adds up to a more tangible and evocative and therefore more satisfying home life.

The feeling of satisfyingly thick velvet between our fingers and the swooshing noise as the curtains are pulled across their tracks all with the smoothest and most effortless glide, added to the instant invasion of sunbeams which reach all corners of the room as the new day is revealed to us, all add up to a real experience rather than just an action. This is the way all days should begin.

It may seem some and trivial, even incidental but if we strive to increase the number of such supposedly small moments in our homes they will add up to something very real indeed.

When choosing furnishings for next home project, take the time to weigh up just how many of your senses are excited and satisfied by each item you choose. This level of careful consideration will prove in time to be massively rewarding. You will have a home that interacts with you on so many more levels, one that awakens your senses and heightens your awareness to the world around you. Not so trivial after all.

Terry's Fabrics is in the business since1973 and provides a number of home accessories for convenient and affordable living with variety of curtains available for your home.

by Rakesh Gaikwad

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Religious Tapestries: Weaving Faith with the Arts

Religious Tapestries: Weaving Faith with the Arts

For centuries people have searched for ways of expressing their faith through the arts and tapestry is one method of providing a vehicle for their inspiration. The passion for art, entwined with the spirituality of religion has ensured these works have retained their popularity from the middle ages to the present day.

Spirituality through the ages Religious tapestries have continued to appeal through time. When one acknowledges the tremendous ways in which spiritual matters test faith and affect the heart and soul, the drama and vividness of the work is realised.

The beauty of a religious tapestry gives a glimpse of what life beyond that on earth might be and has delivered hope in uncertain times when belief in religion may have been tested. The Glory of Christ, designed by Graham Sutherland in Coventry Cathedral is such an example.

Adorning the altar area of the rebuilt cathedral the tapestry was intended to inspire those citizens of the city who experienced some of the most destructive bombings in World War 2 and is now the focus of a Peace centre.

Visions of Faith Tapestries with a religious or spiritual theme are available in different forms and approaches to faith. This reflects the diverse way in which spirituality is expressed by believers, and in using art a belief can be expressed powerfully without words.

Many tapestries have a base in Christianity, however others are more abstract, using different forms to express belief. Legend, angels, mythology and other concepts have been used to express spirituality. Tapestries representing Christian beliefs continue to be popular for those interested in using them in home décor. One example is, "Be Not Afraid", based on a reproduction by the American artist Greg Olsen.

The use of light in guiding the way and Christ reaching out to help a child demonstrates the core value of faith and the essence of Christianity itself. Similarly themed tapestries include the Crucifixion, the Trinity and the Last Supper. Religious tapestries have also been adapted from the great paintings of artists such as Michelangelo, Tom DuBois, El Greco and Fra. Angelico

Less definitive perspectives on religion can also be tastefully incorporated into interior design. An example might be Mary Baxter St Clair's perspective of the Messenger of Love, showing an angel offering gifts of roses to symbolise love. Delicate colouring allows spiritual beliefs to be incorporated into a modern home, blending with the décor, and at the same time imparting a powerful message through art.

Timeless connections Tapestries with spiritual or religious themes are likely to remain popular for years to come, finding a place in the hearts and homes of many. Faith often evokes strong feelings, and the art expressed through tapestry has the power to enable people to affirm and connect with spirituality, in ways that sometimes cannot be expressed through the spoken word. A faith based tapestry is a beautiful work of art that allows that spiritual connection to be made in a sincere yet powerful way.

Copyright © The Tapestry House, all rights reserved.

This is Free-Reprint article from The Tapestry House. Our terms are: Please leave copyright statement intact Please publish author info including links Please do not use the article in unsolicited emails Please keep all links intact and "as is" - no embedded keyword advertising

Angela Dawson-Field writes on a number of subjects for the Tapestry House including the religious tapestries . In her spare time she sources products for The Tapestry House

Friday, October 10, 2008

Exquisite Tapestries Made From Broadloom Carpet

Exquisite Tapestries Made From Broadloom Carpet

We all know that tapestries are rich in history, but did you know that tapestries date back as far as 3rd century BC in Greece? This form of textile art has a modern counterpart in the form of Carpet Sculpture. With recent advances in technology carpet sculpture has emerged as an attractive option for tapestry collectors and admirers.

Unlike woven tapestries, the medium of a carpet sculptor is broadloom carpet. The differences between the two methods are akin to a comparison between a flat two-dimensional plane and a depth oriented three-dimensional plane.

The common two dimensional tapestries are produced on vertical looms, whereas the three dimensional broadloom tapestries are produced through a sophisticated inlay process on horizontal table-top surfaces.

The 3-D effect is only established when the details of the tapestry are carved and beveled by a well trained carpet sculptor who uses a special high speed carving tool. This carving style can reflect simple clean lines or more advanced bas-relief like effects.

There are numerous carpet styles that can be integrated into a broadloom tapestry, these range from short dense pile heights to the thicker plush styles. Furthermore the style can have a loop element or even a patterned design. Often a tapestry will reflect a few broadloom styles within the whole composition.

This versatility in design makes the broadloom tapestry an attractive choice for wall hangings as corporate art pieces or in residential interiors. They are particularly suitable for large scale applications. The scaled up versions can be installed in panel sections that are seamed together invisibly. Smaller Tapestries can be professionally mounted and hung like a traditional tapestry.

Inspirations in tapestry designs can originate with a photograph, a style of art, or a unique theme like horse racing, golfing, or a landscape setting. They can even reflect a story or a family history.

In wrapping up this article, we have seen a fascinating glimpse into the evolving world of modern textile art. Broadloom tapestries have taken on a new 3-dimensional look that captures the attention of art enthusiasts and expresses a depth never before seen in tapestry making.

Russell Webb, your friendly expert Custom Carpet Maker. If you're ready to discover the creative and exciting world of custom carpet sculpture, and have fun doing it, then why not request more information at http://www.custom-area-rugs.com/services.htm

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Different Types of Embroidery and Cross Stitch Needles

Different Types of Embroidery and Cross Stitch Needles

There are many different types of needles to use in embroidery and cross stitching. Quality and size vary greatly, so try several different needles to find which one you are the most comfortable using. To help you get started, I have written up some basics to keep in mind when choosing which needles to use and when to use them.

Types of needles:

The most common needle used in cross stitching is an embroidery or tapestry needle. Other needles exist, such as beading, chenille, quilting, and milliners needles, and each type has a specific use. Here is a brief description of each type of needle.

  • Tapestry needles - They have a blunt point, which pushes aside evenweave fabrics instead of piercing them, and a large eye to accommodate several strands of thread.
  • Embroidery needles - Much like a tapestry needle, except that the tip is sharper, the needle is thinner and the eye is smaller than a tapestry needle. They are easier to use in cross stitching when you are doing French knots, as the needle is able to pierce the fabric easier than tapestry needles.
  • Petite tapestry needles - Are shorter in length than tapestry needles, which makes stitching faster since there is less of a needle to pull through the fabric with each stitch.
  • Double-eye tapestry needles - Are needles with two eyes and are especially useful when using different types of floss or two or more colours (known as blending colours).
  • Beading needles - Are used for adding beads. The needles are long and thin because tapestry needles are usually too large to add beads to cross stitch projects.
  • Chenille needles - Are used in ribbon embroidery because they have a long eye and sharp points.
  • Quilting needles - Are quite short and have a small, round eye and a sharp point. They are perfect to do short stitches quickly and precisely.
  • Milliners needles - Are the best needles to use when doing French and Bullion knots. They are very long, with small round eyes, as opposed to the long oval eyes of a tapestry needle.
  • Quality:

    Look for high quality needles and threads, as this will make for a more enjoyable stitching experience and produce a higher quality finish. Poor quality needles are harder to thread because they have a rough eye that will actually pull and fray your thread. Poor quality thread will fray easily, making it hard to thread through the needle and giving your finished piece a fuzzy appearance.

    Different needle sizes:

    On higher count fabric, you need a smaller sized needle. Kind in mind that the larger the number size of the needle is, the smaller the actual needle will be. For example, a size 26 tapestry needle is smaller than a size 24 tapestry needle. The higher the count of the fabric, the smaller the holes in the fabric, therefore you will need a smaller needle. As a guideline, use a size 24 tapestry needle for stitching on an 11 or 14 fabric count; use a size 26 for fabric with a fabric count of 18 or greater.

    I hope you have found this information helpful. For more helpful cross stitch tips and tricks, please visit http://www.beautifulcreations.ca and remember to check out our free patterns while you are there.

    By Joanne Jones

    Tuesday, October 7, 2008

    Floral Tapestries - Traditional or Contemporary?

    Floral Tapestries - Traditional or Contemporary?

    Everyone likes a bit of nature in their homes. And what better symbol of nature is there than flowers? People have always tried using flowers in several different ways to perk up the interiors of their homes, and we must say these flowers do a whole lot of good to the homes. Floral tapestries are the best examples of people's attempt to bring a symbol of nature into their homes.

    There are some excellent innovative designs with the tapestries too. Special favorites of people across the world are the collages which contain several types of floral motifs in various sections throughout the tapestry. For people who want something brazenly unique, there are several floral tapestries of the abstract art form too.

    It is important to select a proper positioning for the floral tapestry in the room. Ideally, people hang the tapestry on the best wall of their room, and use lighting to maximum effect. Visitors should be able to see the tapestry as soon as they enter the room -- hence, it is a great idea to hang the tapestry on the wall opposite to the entrance of the room.

    It is certain that nothing adds to the effect of the room as much as the floral tapestry does, and that is the reason why it must be used as the prime attraction within the room.

    Lighting is quite important too. As the floral tapestries are always created with interesting colors, it is important that the light must be bright and white -- the incandescent lighting or the mood lighting that is used in several homes nowadays just won't do any justice to the tapestries. The lights must be positioned so that the illumination falls directly on the tapestry and not through a sideways angle.

    You must note that you get all accessories to go along with the theme of your floral tapestry and you must find and purchase them. There are special tapestry rods and even hooks to go with the floral pattern. Remember that if you get a floral tapestry and your rod doesn't go with it, then the overall effect may be spoiled.

    One more thing to consider is the knobs that are used at the ends of the rods. This is a very special area for any tapestry, and with floral tapestries there are some breathtakingly beautiful designs available.

    With the right kind of floral tapestry, the right accessories and the right kind of lighting, you can be sure that your room will simply look gorgeous. Select everything with patience and care, and get ready for all those compliments from your guests.

    Alex Hanson writes on how floral tapestries can make a beautiful statement in your home decor. European Tapestries are famous for their floral motif's and take on a more traditional and sophisticated style. If you are thinking along a contemporary theme, you will find the koi fish tapestries are a nice modern wall hanging to enhance your wall decor.