5 Steps to Successful Picture Hanging

When you first move into a new space, or when you redecorate a space you already live in, choosing the right artwork for the walls is one of the best parts of it all. One of the things many homeowners enjoy is decorating with realistic, eye catching and inspirational works of art photography. With their warm, natural colors and striking composition, these works of art make exceptional photos for decorating.

Too often, however, our artwork sits waiting to be hung because we are intimidated by the process. There are ways to guarantee picture hanging success. Here are just five of the most valuable.

1. Sometime ahead of picture hanging day, assemble all the artwork you want to hang. Decide which style of hangers you will be using for each one and make a list of supplies. Visit your local framing, hardware, or craft store and purchase everything you need. There are a few things to keep in mind when deciding which type of hangers to use. Heavy and large pieces of art and objects like mirrors should be hung with mirror hooks. Smaller photos for decorating can be hung with wire and eye hooks on the back. Picture hangers are packaged according to the weight they will support, so be sure to buy the right size.

2. Your next step is to think through your arrangements and placements of all the pictures you are hanging. Be certain of how and where you want them before you begin. This would be the time to arrange paper templates of your artwork and get everything just right.

3. The next step is the tricky one, and one that many people debate over. Do you measure out where your artwork goes, or do you just put it where you like it. The choice is really up to the individual. If you have used paper templates then you only need to mark where the template is to know the location for your hanger.

4. Now that you have the picture hook in the right place, hang your art and see how it looks. Straighten and level all pictures, either by sight or using a small level. If a picture is a little too high or low, you can fix it by adjusting the wire on the back a bit.

5. The final little touch that many people overlook is adding the small rubber or plastic bumpers to the corners of your pictures to keep them in place. We all know how annoying it can be to have a picture that we have to constantly be straightening. These little bumpers make that a problem of the past!

Now there is nothing left to do but stand back and admire your picture hanging talent, except maybe to get online and start searching for your next awesome piece of nature photography!

Creatively Decorate Using Floor Lamps

When it comes to setting the mood or atmosphere in a room, not only does proper illumination add to the allure of your personal space, but also the sources of light. While table lamps and ceiling lights serve a functional purpose, floor lamps are expansive in the many different ways one may decorate their space and showcase their creativity. Whether you choose an antique selection to brighten your den or side with a traditional Victorian fringe design for the bedroom, the never-ending possibilities of a floor lamp shine through in the mind-boggling variety in choices.

Antique Lamps

There is a certain elegance and intrigue associated with displaying an antique floor lamp. In home design, the mystery and unknown past of such an item is enough to spark the imagination, as well as provide a delightful conversation topic when family and friends visit. Today, there are manufacturers that strive to recreate this very look by emulating flowery, ornamental approaches towards antique furniture, which allows homeowners to match their lighting sources with other elements of their décor.

A few common features of antique lamps include the stained-glass lampshade, brass finishes, and intricate designs. When one is interested in truly decorating their home with antique floor lamps, genuine specimens may cost quite a bit, such as French antique lamps carrying a price tag of more than thousands of dollars. Usually, an antique or antique-styled floor lamp is selected because of its look and fit within a setting, rather than bringing light into the room.

One-of-a-Kind Pieces

Floor lamps are also known to serve as a work of art, as some artists fashion one-of-a-kind pieces that sometimes depict odd, creative, or unusual displays. Some of the unique possibilities of artsy floor lamps include planetary designs, sculpted wooden figures, wild animals, and abstract images. Artistic floor lamps may also use unusual objects to construct the base of the lamp, such as animal antlers, petrified wood, branches, or heat-treated metal. They may rise in the air like an ivory torch or bring the look and feel of fantasy with fairies decorating their base.

Some floor lamps are fashioned with a specific art movement in mind, such as colorful Art Deco pieces. Artists may also hand craft their samples and hand paint customized detailing on the outside of the shade to add characteristic touches for home and/or office use.

Regional Flair

Floor lamps are sometimes used to represent or pay homage to regional pride, as seen in Southwestern selections showcasing characteristic elements added to a lamp, such as images of cacti and rattlesnakes. A New York City-themed floor lamp may showcase a silhouette of the Empire State Building. Cozy wilderness scenes of Colorado and other rustic locations may utilize the image of wild critters, such as the grizzly bear or bald eagle.

Create a Mood

Floor lamps allow individuals to create a mood within their home or office that becomes the focus of the space when one enters the room. A gateway to the past may come alive with a Victorian-style street lamp displaying the soft, burnt orange glow of a custom crafted glass lampshade. Perhaps, the theme of your living room is Oriental – a solid hardwood floor lamp with a Chinese raw lacquer finish with mother of pearl and metal chrome accents will fit into the décor. Color also helps create a mood, such as the vibrant shades of red in Asian-style floor lamps.

Mix and Match Color Bulbs to Match Lampshades

The unique part of purchasing a floor lamp is that you may change lampshades to the base of your favorite lamp, just as you can match different colored light bulbs to create varying effects within a room. Depending on the time of day and other outside factors, various lampshade colors transform light into an array of shades, but red, blue, green, and even yellow lights can establish the atmosphere into a controlled setting, such as a romantic environment to a room set aside for contemplation, withdrawal, or reflection.

Entrance Floor Mats - Helpful In Reducing Expensive Floor Upkeep

Entrance floor mats are used outside the entrance of homes and commercial establishments. High class entrance mats for drying wet feet and for scraping snow and dirt off of the bottom of your shoes before it enters your building or home. They defend your flooring thus lowering maintenance costs in your resource. An assortment of designs, colors and fabric provides you a good variety to choose from. You can also have these mats custom built with color combination of your pick. You can even have catchy wordings adorned on them.

Quality entrance mats are essential for reducing dangerous and potentially costly slip and fall hazards. They will also extend the life of a vinyl ceramic tile and flooring areas reducing expensive floor care upkeep like carpet cleaning or floor refinishing.

In general, entrance floor mats can be broadly categorized into absorbent mats and non absorbent mats. As the term suggests, absorbent mats are used in areas where there are chances of a liquid spill. Absorbent mats are fabricated of turfed textile with a rubber backing. This guarantees that the liquids absorbed by the mat are not passed on to the floor, thus safeguarding the floor from liquids. The absorbent quality of the mats guarantees that the moisture does not spread around the entrance. This makes the region safe and skid proof.

Non absorbent mats are used in regions where there are small chances of a liquid spill. These mats have an exclusive fingertip surface that scrapes dirt off shoe bottoms. They are exceptionally slip-resistant even when wet. The long lasting rubber compound stays flexible in extreme cold and does not give way in extreme heat.

Maintenance of these mats is quite simple. Simply hose off or pressure wash to remove wreckage that lodges in the mat during usage. These mats are ideal for external use, where there is direct exposure to the harshest weather conditions.

Most offices and commercial institutions use logo mats for their entrances. This serves the objective of familiarizing people with the company name and logo. Custom logo floor mats are a big publicity prospect.

Entrance floor mats are manufactured from coir, polyester, rubber, nylon and other materials. A combination of more than one material is used to utilize the benefits of several materials.

Having top quality suitable entrance mats make maintenance of the interiors trouble-free. So investing in a tough and durable entrance mat is a must.

Creating Zen at Home in Stressful Times

We are all aware that these are stressful times, no matter where you live or what you do for a living. So, what can we do to make life a little easier?

One key word is Zen.

No, you don't have to sit in a room, surrounded with candles, repeating the latest Gregorian chant, unless you want to. But creating a Zen environment is still a simple process with great results.

Incorporate Zen into your decor:

You don't have to completely embrace a Feng Shui lifestyle to create a relaxing environment.

* Use accent pieces to tie the Zen feeling into your home decor. Try traditional wall plaques with nature-inspired images such as trees, mountains, lotus blossoms or images that evoke serenity and gentle relaxation.

* Incorporate earthy and neutral tones with furnishings and flooring.

* Create as much natural light as possible by avoiding heavy window coverings.

Declutter is the answer: Your interior decorating efforts can create a sense of Zen at home in a number of ways, starting with the old adage, "A place for everything, and everything in its place".

* Only have one thing in one space - your computer desk is for the CPU, monitor and printer only. Pens and one or two books for reference are the exception.

* Buy a bookshelf and use it for just for books. If you have too many, use a library-style system for categorizing and alphabetizing titles.

* Create a workable file system where you can access what you need within 30 seconds. Place incoming faxes and letters with corresponding files as they arrive.

Creating Zen in just 15 minutes a day:

Have fun with this one. Buy an egg timer at the dollar store and for only 15 minutes at a time, tackle the often-overwhelming task of decluttering.

* Take one room, or even one corner of a room, and clear away all unnecessary items. You will feel better, guaranteed.

* Tidy up the kitchen while you are boiling the kettle for tea (or coffee). If the kitchen is already clean, spend the boiling time tidying the living room.

* Throw away any outdated bottles or questionable products in your fridge. Remember: when in doubt, throw it out.

Find some time for yourself:

Beyond having a physically clean environment around you, taking time for yourself is another key to living a Zen life.

* Take a 20-minute walk. You can choose to listen to music, inspiration tapes or just the natural sounds around you.

* Make lists for things you have to do, and celebrate crossing them off when completed.

* Meditate for 10 to 15 minutes each day.

* Be thankful for all the positive things in your life now, and the things to come.

Easy furniture arrangement tips

Practical and Stylish Furniture Arrangement Tips

• Don’t place any large items of furniture directly in front of you as you step into a room - You don’t want to be greeted by the huge side of a wardrobe when you enter your bedroom



• Always consider the view - the space you see immediately on entering the room - and what you see as you turn from the door, to look at the main part of the room, or at the main focal point. Make sure the way is clear!


• Don’t place large items of furniture where they might stop doors from opening, or closing, fully - your room will just end up looking small and cramped.


• Don’t place any large items of furniture in front of the windows - they will block the light - and stop you from getting close to the window to admire the view (.... or just check what the neighbours are doing!). One exception to this furniture arrangement ‘rule’ is - it can be nice to have a low backed sofa in front of a window. It feels so good to take a seat, and just watch the world go by! This idea works especially well if you have a bay window.


• Don’t just arrange your furniture along the walls around the edge of your room. You will end up with a room that looks like a doctor’s waiting room! I appreciate that in a small room this can be difficult to avoid - in my tiny lounge I have no other option than this furniture arrangement - and to be honest it looks just fine - lovely and cosy!


• The above point is important, though, for larger rooms - here try to divide the room with furniture. Try dividing eating and sitting areas, in a living/dining room, with tall or low open shelves, decorative folding screens, hanging bead door curtains - or simply use the seating itself - eg. the long side of a sofa. - If the back of your sofa is not very attractive, use a bookshelf, sofa table or ottoman in front of it.

• f you want to use such a furniture arrangement, to divide a room in this way - do consider using furniture like open shelves, bead curtains or fretwork screens - furniture that is not solid! You will still be able to catch a tantalizing glimpse of the other part of the room, beyond!


• Consider the size and scale of your room - and choose the size and scale of the furniture to match. So, in a large room, choose bold or solid pieces - in dark colors or dark woods. Dainty pieces may look like dolls’ house furniture! In a small room, choose smaller pieces of furniture - in pale colors and pale woods.


• If you are decorating a small space, try transparent furniture - particularly if you like a modern style - tables and chairs in clear plastic or strengthened glass are practical and stylish! They help make the space feel larger, as it appears there is nothing there!


• Also consider mirrored pieces of furniture - (as long as you are sure you can keep the sticky fingermarks off) - they are beautiful in more traditional schemes, and reflect light around the room wonderfully - making your room feel light and spacious.

• For true professional interior design style, keep the theme or style of all the furniture in a room similar (or even in your whole house). For example - Use all traditional, or all dark wood, or all modern glossy white. Avoid a mish-mash of colors and styles (unless going for a boho look) - but, don’t go too far! You don’t want your room to look like it just fell out of a fitted furniture catalogue. Inject some of your own personality and style - a beautiful traditional heirloom can look wonderfully ‘designer’ in a modern styled room - equally, an ultra-modern piece, in a traditional setting, lets the world know you are not an old fuddy-duddy, stuck in a style rut - you still have your finger on the pulse of interior design style!


• Consider storage, and items which you use frequently, in your furniture arrangement plans. If you use a piece of furniture often - keep it in the central focus of your room’s furniture arrangement. Items you don’t need very often can be relegated to far flung corners of your room.


• If you are decorating in a small space, think about how cupboards will open. Is there enough room to open the cupboard? and bend down to put something in? Consider using fitted furniture, and sliding cupboard doors. We have sliding wardrobe doors in our smallbedroom - it is the only way we can get the bed, and some chests of drawers in there! If you choose mirrored, or glass, sliding wardrobe doors, it can bounce a lot of light around a small room too.

Children's Bedroom Decorating Ideas

Is it time to put away the nursery bedding? Is your child growing out of his or her baby theme? Here are some ideas to help you and your child decide how to decorate their bedroom.

First, get your child involved in decorating their bedroom. By this time you will know their likes and dislikes, such as colors or themes. Your child will want to be surrounded by decor that they enjoy, and you will want to give them a space that is multi-functional as well. Begin by choosing things that they will grow into, such as the bedding and the furniture. This will save money over time so that you won't have to change the colors and theme for a long time to come.

Here are some ideas for decorating your child's bedroom;

Bedding- When it comes to bedding choices, buy something that is good quality that will last for years to come. I recommend finding good quality bedding and buying it when it is on sale. That way you still have something of good quality, and you will save yourself a lot of money. Again, choose something they can grow into. Bedding that has patterns with characters that they like when they are three, may not be something they will still enjoy at age seven or eight. Bedding with patterns such as plaids, stripes, sports, animals, or floral's are great choices when it comes to having something for years to come. Then you can find other decor to coordinate with the bedding.

Color- Choose colors that coordinate well with the bedding, that also give it some contrast. For example, my son has a patchwork quilt with shades of blue, green, and yellow. I painted his room a nice shade of blue to pick up the several shades of blue in his quilt, and his curtains are a green gingham pattern, which also coordinate with the bedding, but contrast well with the color on his wall. Whatever colors you choose, find several colors that coordinate well, so you can have the room nicely decorated, and make it fun for your child!

Wall decor- Remember, this is your child's space, so have wall decor that is personalized. Using wall letters to spell their name is a great way to start. You can buy them online, or go to your local craft store, and find letters that you can paint yourself. You can also find pictures that can be personalized by the company that sells them, and that keep with the theme of your child's room. For example, if you choose to have a ladybug theme, you might find prints with that theme online, and they can add a name for a small fee.

Something else to keep in mind when it comes to wall decor, is finding decor that won't damage the walls. I recommend wall decals. They simply stick to the walls, and if your child gets tired of them, they peel right off the wall and won't leave any sticky residue. You can find different types of wall decals at stores that sell bedding, or online art or poster stores.

Shelves also provide a nice space to add decor such as photos, trophy's, or other memorabilia. You can even find shelves that have a place underneath with hooks for hanging hats, baseball bats, or jackets, which hang securely to the wall.

Pictures that keep with the theme are easy to find or do yourself. Sometimes you can find framed art that is part of a collection for a specific theme, or you can do it yourself. For example, if you are going with a jungle theme, you might be able to find a poster with jungle animals on it, and find a frame that will fit, and frame it yourself! Or you can use a good quality paper, and make a picture from your wall decals, or paint one yourself (if you have that talent), and then frame it.

Organization- One thing is certain in a kids room, and that is that it will get messy. That's just a part of being a kid. But you will want to provide some ways to help them keep it organized. Stand alone bookshelves are a great space for their books, toys, stuffed animals, or their art supplies. Place baskets, totes, or boxes on the shelves to keep these items separate. Having a toy box, or toy bins is a must to keep the space organized as well. You just can't neatly organize all of their toys, and the toy box will make it easier for clean up with certain toys.

Just remember, your child's bedroom is their very own space which will be used for many purposes, so make it multi-functional. It's not just a place to sleep, but to play, read, or study. You can provide that space for them, not only for many purposes or conveniences, but by giving them a fun colorful space that they will enjoy and grow into.

The Design of a Child's Bedroom

Most child's bedrooms are a plain room, with a small window, closet and a door. But they should be more interesting! A kid's room should be an exciting place, and a place that allows your child to change the appearance or function of the room over time, as they get older. Here are some tips to help you get started:

INCORPORATE ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS

Built in shelves add detail and important storage space to a child's bedroom. The shelves can be used to store books and things the child collects over the years. It's also a place to display important items, awards, and trophy's the child may have won. And don't skip on architectural detail just because it's a child's room. Trim around windows and doors should match other trim in the house for continuity.

ADDITIONAL SLEEPING SPACES

Consider a built-in window seat. This can be a place to read when their child is young, or, if it's large enough, it can be a place for a friend to sleep. Kids love to have sleepovers with their friends, but it's often challenging to find room for a friend to sleep. A trundle, which is a bed that incorporates another slide out bed below, is a wonderful solution to sleep two kids in one room on regular comfortable regular size mattresses. There are also ottomans and chairs that fold out into a small bed that would be suitable for a child.

DESIGNING STORAGE SPACE

Kids collect a lot of belongings that need to be stored. To make a kids bedroom appear larger and be more functional, install a closet system that incorporates drawers that can replace a dresser in the room. If you can get all the child's clothing into the closet, then the rest of the room can be used for a desk area, a play area, or other uses.

WORKSPACE

If the bedroom is small, consider a bunk bed arrangement that incorporates a bed above a desk. This arrangement allows for sleeping above, and homework, craft projects, or computer work on the desk below.

CREATE VOLUME

If the opportunity allows, consider vaulting the ceiling to create some interest. But keep the scale appropriate to the room size. A small bedroom with an extra tall ceiling may appear strange and out of scale.

ALLOWING NATURAL LIGHT IN

As with other rooms for living, kid's bedrooms should have large windows for natural light. A room with good natural light will more likely be used for things other than sleeping. A nice bright room will be used to read and play, do homework and other projects. Also keep in mind that a window (or door to the exterior) will also be required by building codes for egress during a fire or other emergency. There are size requirements for the opening, so check your local codes.

With a little creativity,planning, and design you can create a wonderful kids bedroom that a child can grow into, adapt and modify it as necessary over time.

Decorating Your Home With Bamboo

Has everyday living begun to lose its magic? Are you ready for a change? Have you ever dreamed of taking an extended vacation on a tropical isle? Before you pack your bags and book those tickets to Bali, you may want to consider a less drastic (and less expensive) option. Perhaps all you really need is a change of scenery. In fact, you may not even need to step outside your own home! Perhaps the solution is right at your fingertips. All you may need to do is take down those old curtains and replace them with the natural, tropical beauty of bamboo blinds.

Bamboo blinds have been a fixture in traditional Oriental homes for centuries. In the West, they have come into fashion as window treatments. In the East, bamboo blinds have not only been used as window shades but also as room dividers or partitions. These are hung like wooden waterfalls, marking the border between one room and another. They also hang from doorways in place of solid wooden doors.

Bamboo evokes images of delicate stalks waving gracefully in exotic locations throughout the Orient. The mystique deepens as one discovers the symbolism associated with bamboo in different parts of Southeast Asia.

In India, the bamboo is regarded as a symbol of friendship. Its durability represents eternity, tradition and longevity in Vietnam. In China, its pliancy, tensile strength, evergreen properties and swift pace of growth are associated with youth and longevity, suppleness and flexibility, strength and endurance, and luck as well as quick achievement. It also symbolizes luck in Thailand. The Japanese view bamboo in an entirely different light. It is used as a barrier against evil spirits in this Land of the Rising Sun.

Bamboo is an intrinsic part of the creation myth in Philippine folklore. According to Philippine oral tradition, the first man and woman emerged from a bamboo pole that had been split by a Philippine bird after a grand battle between the elemental forces of the Sky and the Ocean. Malaysian legends tell of a similar tale in which a man sleeping under a bamboo plant dreams of a beautiful woman and, upon awakening, finds her when he breaks open the bamboo stem.

Recently, the magic of bamboo has extended its influence from the realm of mythology to the arena of history. It was chosen as a symbol of peace and unity by two warring factions in the Islamic region of Mindanao in the Philippines. Who knew such magic existed within the slender reeds of bamboo blinds?

Bamboo blinds not only link us to the past but also connect us to the future. Multi-award-winning architect Michael McDonough has been passionately promoting bamboo as the design solution for the next century. Far from being a relic of ancient history, bamboo is showing signs of becoming the hottest design material of the future.

As a matter of fact, it has sparked growing interest within the hardwood industry. Bamboo flooring is an alternative favored by designers today. Bamboo is also turning up in furniture, basketry, and even bedding! Unlike other trends that come and go, bamboo holds the potential for becoming a classic because of its sustainability and environment-friendly nature. Bamboo blinds blend right in with the current focus on bamboo housing materials. Their magic, like the bamboo itself, is eternal.

Home Decorating - Asian Inspired Home Decorating

With gorgeous fabrics, vibrant colors and rich textures, Asian-inspired home decor captures the imagination like nothing else. Walking into a room that has been decorated incorporating the Asia theme is like walking into a world filled with royal grandeur. This majestic look comes at a price so be prepared to pay high decorating bills if this is your choice in home decor. However, the end result will be well worth the price you have to pay.

Because Asian home decor relies so heavily upon rich fabrics and deep, dark colors it may not always be a good idea to have the whole house done up in this theme. In fact doing up the entire home in this theme can be quite overwhelming. Far better to focus on doing up just one or two rooms using this theme so that it creates a focal point of interest.

Asian Decor in the Dining Room

The dining room is a good starting point. Drinking tea is an important part of the Asian culture. Japanese or Chinese tea pots or tea cups would fit in very well with the Asian home deco theme. Bamboo table mats, chopsticks and chopstick holder, all make great enhancements at any meal setting.

Asian Decor in the Bathroom

Another room that you can incorporate the Asian look in, is the bathroom. Asian decor has a lot of relaxing accents, which can be used in the bathroom and which serve the purpose of washing away the stresses of the day; think candles, waterproof calligraphy, figurines and other assorted Asian artwork. A fountain in the bathroom, even a small one, would tie in all the Asian decor elements for a look that is fabulous yet relaxing and soothing. Plenty of storage room is a must as the Asian look is clean and uncluttered.

Asian Decor in the Bedroom

However, if you love your dining room and bathroom look good as they are but you still want to incorporate the Asian theme in at least one room, the bedroom is a great choice. Rich highly embroidered fabrics set off with delicate rice paper window coverings to give you the necessary privacy, framed calligraphy or Oriental art and candles everywhere can transform your bedroom into a romantic Asian haven. Replace all harsh overhead lights with indirect lighting and wall scones to give the room a truly sensuous look. An intricately carved Asian screen makes a wonderful addition to any Asian bedroom. It enhances the room with its sheer artistry and is also functional as it can be used to keep cluttered areas and piles of clothes hidden away.

While it could take a fair amount of time and money to incorporate the Asian look into your home, the stunning end results are definitely worth it. While shopping for your Asian home decor theme, keep in mind that it is worth buying the most expensive fabric you can afford. Cheap Asian fabrics can look tacky and gaudy and will detract rather than enhance your overall home decor.

Asian Spa at The Fullerton in Singapore

Located on the edge of the Marina Bay, fronting the mouth of the Singapore River and flanked by the historic Cavenagh and Anderson Bridges is the Fullerton Singapore. Formerly known as the Fullerton Building, it was originally built in 1928 and was once home to the General Post Office, the Chamber of Commerce and the Singapore Town Club amongst others. In 1998, work commenced on transforming the building into a 400-room luxury boutique hotel, retaining the authentic details of its Palladian architecture and classical Doric columns. The Asian Spa at the Fullerton, designed by Hirsch & Bedner and managed by SpaCare International Pte Ltd., opened its door to rave reviews in Feb 2001.

As I set foot into the Asian Spa at Fullerton, my spirits were immediately uplifted. The use of dark wood, chic furnishings and soothing tones imparted a sense of Zen and serenity. I was greeted warmly by the spa manager, Maria who gave me a tour of the facility. At about 10,000 square feet, the Asian Spa felt intimate and personal with 11 treatment suites (3 for ladies, 4 for men, 2 for hydrotherapy and 2 for couples), a cozy relaxation lounge, female and male locker rooms, a steam bath and a sauna room. The swimming pool and gym are managed by the spa and take up another 10,000 square feet. The Asian Spa menu features a good balance of Asian and European treatments, the latter exclusively using the Phytomer range of marine-based products. The spa is managed by Spacare International Pte Ltd.

My first treatment was “Dream Bath of Flower Petals”. After changing into a swimming costume, I was taken to a dimly-lit hydrotherapy room. The gigantic tub was filled with water warmed to 38 degrees Celsius, strewn with fresh rose petals and orchids, and sprinkled with blended relaxing oils of lavender and marjoram. I floated in the water massaged by air-jets with eyes closed, ears immersed and skin lapped in the warm embrace of “bubbling” water. The pressure was not imposing and felt extremely comfortable. The 20-minute stress-busting soak was sheer bliss and made my body feel a few pounds lighter!

The next indulgence was the Traditional Lulur Wrap. A ready-blend of rice powder and flower extracts was mixed with natural yoghurt, fresh lime, fresh lemon and water to form a smooth but thick “curry-like” paste. This was then applied to my entire body, left to dry for 5 minutes, then rubbed off to polish and exfoliate. This hedonistic treatment was a skin softening elixir and certainly beat the best designer moisturizing body creams money can buy!

Getting my vote for the ultimate in “magical” spa experience was the Ocean Mud Back Treatment. Following a back rub-down, contour serum was smeared on my back to tone the skin. Room temperature water was added to ocean mud powder to form a paste. This paste, which did not feel hot initially (I swear!), was applied onto a piece of gauze lined with soft foil (to trap heat), then placed directly on my back. About a minute later, I felt a warm, sizzling and “bubbly” sensation on my back as the self heating mud started causing a frenzy of blood circulation - Maria later explained that that it was the magnesium salt in the ocean mud that caused the self-heating. While waiting for the mud to complete its job of relieving bodily aches and removing water retention, I enjoyed a replenishing hand treatment. Watching my hands “frozen” in wax after immersing them in warm paraffin was great fun!

The Asian Spa is an ideal sanctuary to retreat from the hustle and bustle of Singapore’s fast paced life. Most of the treatments here (with the exception of facials) can be completed with 45 to 60 minutes – great for busy executives! As I drove away from the stately Fullerton, I wished my office were located in the financial district of Raffles Place. “Ouch”, but the parking fee was expensive!

How To Decorate Small Spaces In Your Home

Size matters. And before you get any wrong idea about what this article is all about, let me burst your bubble right now. Read on and realize why....

For some people whose apartments come in those shoe box sizes that barely admit a bed, the big problem is whether or not you can fit all of your things inside without having to throw away some of them. If this isn’t problem enough, you’d also have to make sure that you’ll be living in a space that’s both comfortable and nice to look at. Don’t pack your bags and go home to mom and dad just yet. This might still be a miracle home waiting to materialize! Trust me, I’ve lived in my own little mouse hole, and I know just how Jerry must have felt! But no, size doesn’t matter. There’s still hope for you to achieve the space you’ve been salivating for! We will begin the list with the tiniest of spaces offered to humans and we’ll be moving up to the slightly more movement-friendly ones.

First on this Guinness list is the studio type of apartment that’s equipped with a room and a bathing area – yes, this one tops the list among the smallest and hardest to design. Because you might feel a tad bit closed up, the idea should be to offer a variety of spaces, no matter how small it may be. Don’t match the whole area. Instead find clever ways to give distinct divisions to it. You can divide your whole space by using screens. Most screens come in durable wooden frames having sheer light fabric to give the room that breezy feel while it suggests some privacy. You can scour yard sales in your locality or browse through flea markets to find screens on sale. Because if they’re not on sale, you might end up missing money for the rent!

If you’re out of luck finding screens, another viable idea would be to use fabric instead. It comes in a variety of colors and textures, and aside from providing privacy, the fabric screens you will have also make for very interesting design accessories! You can use poles or clotheslines to hang the fabric effectively. Most fabric shops usually offer discounts for their off-season items and you can bargain for cheaper buys. If you want to save more cash, you might want to try buying remnant fabric. To make your so-called curtains you need to sew all these small pieces together to create an eccentric-looking quilt! Place antique pins instead of new ones to give the living space a more homey twist to it. Find a fabric that can be versatile enough to allow you plenty of choices for home articles. After dividing your nook into a sleeping quarter, a dining area and a living space, its now time to shop for items to complement your newly furbished walls!

If you have a bigger apartment that has three or four separate bedrooms then decorating won’t be so hard. Although this can still pose some difficulty because you have to see to it that your kitchen, dining area and living room still blend in a way. It would probably be a good idea if you focus on a color scheme to connect these three separate spaces. To do this you must buy fabrics in complementing shades along with accessories with a similar motif to be able to pull it all together. For instance, I focused on black and white for my color theme. My dining area might contain a white dining table with an exquisite jar in a warm red color. To bring this color scheme to my living room area, which may have darker or lighter hues of red in it, I can place a couple of paintings with red frames that make them stand out against the wall. Having a sofa in red inevitably ties up the whole look in style!

If you have a minute space to decorate, you may easily feel hopeless about the whole idea, especially if you brought along a whole truckload of things! The key is to use practical yet nice storage items like wicker baskets which hold your stuff and double as side tables as well. You can keep using these storage baskets even if you have to move to a bigger pad later on.

Remember, a little ingenuity and a small space makes for a very interesting combination!

Quick Room Makeover

Are you interested in giving one of your home’s rooms a new look without breaking the bank? There are some easy ways to do this without spending too much precious time – or money! The one element that could be applied to all the following rooms is simply paint. Painting one wall of a room in a dramatic color is probably the least expensive, simplest way to change the look of a room and it gives you direction for acquiring room accessories to go with the new color. Choose a bold, dramatic color that will show off your room’s new look.

Bedroom Makeover

One of the easiest ways to spruce up your bedroom is a new bedcover. Whether you choose a duvet, bedspread, matelasse coverlet, handmade antique quilt, knitted blanket or other type of bedcover, this is traditionally the centerpiece of your room and you will want it to make a statement. Replacing this one item, and perhaps adding new curtains, may be the least expensive and easiest room makeover you can do in a bedroom. Also look at the room’s details – a new lamp, area rug, bookshelf, trunk at the end of the bed, or silk flower arrangement are just a few ways to brighten up a boring bedroom.

Bathroom Makeover

The bathroom is one of the easiest rooms in the house in which to create a fresh look because it’s smaller than most other rooms. Fresh paint, new towels, a new shower curtain or new area rugs are inexpensive ways to change the whole look of the bathroom.

Here are some more tips for renovating your bathroom with little money or effort:

- The ugly tub

If you don’t have the time or money to replace a nasty old tub, cover it up! Cover that nasty old tub with an enclosure that will make your bathroom look brand new.

- Fresh coat of paint

It is truly amazing what a fresh coat of paint will do. Choose a bathroom color that will be serene and peaceful while you relax in the tub. Shades of cream, yellow, beige or sage green add an element of relaxation. Try painting the ceiling a pretty shade of sky blue to bring the great outdoors inside.

- Towels & Rugs

A fresh set of towels and washcloths, including a dressy-looking fingertip towel for display will instantly give your bathroom a brand new feeling. Coordinate the towels with a new bath area rug or two and you’ll have an instant makeover! A fresh curtain can do wonders as well.

- Accessories

It’s the little things that can make a big difference in your freshened-up bathroom. A wicker or metal shelf featuring a key focal point like a hanging ivy plant or antique teapot add a whole new interest in the room. A new set of toothbrush holder, cup and soap dish can make the room feel brand new.

- Light It Up

Candles are a must for the laid-back loo. Choose colors that match your towels or rugs, and scents that force you to breathe a sigh of relief. Turn out the light… there’s nothing like a candlelit bath to melt the stress of a hectic day.

You can even treat yourself to one of those wire bath shelves that go across the width of your claw foot tub and feature a book and wine glass holder. Don’t forget the CD playing softly in the background, and an inflatable pillow for your head. Bring on the chocolate truffles!

Living Room Makeover

If your living room is the first room in the house that your guests, friends and family see when they enter, you’ll want the room to be organized and attractive. The simple addition of a few fresh potted plants can be one of the easiest, least expensive ways to make this room more inviting. New curtains can transform a room and can be purchased inexpensively on eBay or at a discount retailer. Candles, a framed photo display, new pillows or throw, or a new lighting fixture are other ways to create room appeal without spending a lot of money.

Whether you are eager to make your guests feel welcome or welcome family members for a special event, these are some ways to give a fresh look to a room. Of course, sometimes decluttering is all a room needs!

African, Asian and Island Decorating Styles

There are a lot of reasons that people choose to decorate with an ethnic flair, some are paying homage to their homeland, their ancestral home, a past encounter and some are just surrounding themselves with a culture that they love. Whatever the reason, ethnic interior decorating is a very popular trend and creates more drama and eye appeal than many traditional styles.

• African Decorating. This decorating style can give emphasis to native African culture or to the safari elements or a little bit of both. Which ever way you lean, there are some common elements. Look for rich woods with large, stylized details, no fancy scrollwork or intricate carvings. The fabrics are bold, featuring many textures, and animal prints are always welcome. The color palette should be warm and earthy with a focus on rich browns, golds and black used as an accent color. Lighting is soft and warm, evoking a comfortable yellowish glow. Use your accessories to emphasize your particular bent. Both cultural and safari elements can be found as inexpensive replicas in stores such as Pier One, Pottery Barn, IKEA and many others, but look for bona fide pieces while on holiday.
• Asian Decorating. Asian interior decorating is a catch all for many different ethnic regions and is called by many different names, but lumped together these styles have many common themes. Whether you’re going to follow Feng Shui or wabi-sabi or if you’re going to ignore the rules entirely, there is one common element in Asian decorating schemes, it’s a sense of peace, tranquility and care. Asian interiors are well thought out and each element is carefully placed to increase a sense of harmony within the home. Look for furniture made of bamboo or black lacquered wood, incorporate ceramics and stone into your room. Asian pieces often feature intricate detailing and carved woods, try not to overwhelm the room with these pieces, but treat them as an accessory or accent instead. Look for rich deep tones that lean into the reds and oranges with blacks and golds throughout. Freshen and add interest with floral inspired whites and greens.
• Island Decorating. Imagine a tropical oasis and take your inspiration from that image. Island interiors feature heavy, dark woods with neutral colors and touches of gold used to emphasize these statement pieces. The fabrics in an island home are natural with cottons, raw silk and even mosquito netting adding texture to the room. Look for accessories that feature natural island elements; palm trees often play into this decorating style quite well, as do playful monkeys. Accessories can be a bit “overdone”, so feel free to keep collecting. Add additional visual interest by popping in accent colors that are nature inspired.

African, Asian and Island ethnic decorating schemes offer the homeowner a chance to express a side of themselves that’s probably not evident in their everyday life, a true oasis from the world outside. By sticking carefully to the decorating style of choice you’ll impress guests with your taste and depth of personality.

Asian home decorating and heritage

Every culture in the world has its own traditions and decoration is the foremost amongst them. Asia being in the East has an entirely different culture as compared to the west, so it’s but natural that the decoration would differ. Asian home decoration has a taste of orthodoxness; as compared to the west.

The Asian home decoration of the renaissance era could beat the contemporary decorations. However, it’s the way one sees it, some prefer Asian home decoration and some prefer its European counterpart. Nonetheless, the way a place is decorated speaks volumes about the person.

The taste the upbringing; everything is reflected through decoration. The education of a person is also evident through decoration. Even if a person copies from elsewhere, the heritage of person becomes conspicuous.

Asian Influence on decorating

Australians have finally come of age with the new knowledge and confidence to mix styles together when selecting furniture. Eastern furniture is a perfect choice in giving your modern home or apartment that interesting eclectic look. This look really is wonderful in that it will never really date and you will find that over the years it will continue to fit into nearly any house you may move to. The perfect balance of Ying and Yang.

The pieces that fit so well into our current contemporary lifestyle tend to be pieces such as the TV cabinet or the “Wedding Cabinet” as it is traditionally known. This is the perfect example of using something traditional to house a modern day appliance. I know we now have fabulous Plasma and LCD TVs but for those of us that hate the look of a big black screen in the living or bedroom ( eg me) this is a perfect solution. You have choices to conceal the unit and also choices for those that still love to show off their new screen and to display your TV and hold your DVDs and CDS.

The fabulous colours of the black or Chinese red lacquer look amazing or for a warm look the elm is beautiful. They will often have large metal fittings in brass. Whilst antiques can be beautiful they are not always as functional as this. These newly made cabinets combine antique design with a more sensible price tag and usefulness.

Of course you can also add a few other pieces such as a coffee table or hang really large paintings of an Emperor and Empress on the wall.

Keep mixing, glass coffee tables can also float into the room adding yet another element and another dimension to this look.

Instantly the room is transformed, giving the impression that the home owner has traveled the world collecting interesting pieces over the years. Mix this with a stylish modern sofa and a few other large contemporary artworks and viola …you are far from boring, you will probably be considered an interesting stylish decorator!

Tips decor - The Ying and Yang of Interior Design

Who says you would need a salary's worth of savings to explore the tranquil mysticism of Asia? With a few renovations and some bits and pieces here and there, you can transform your own living spaces with a look that reflects the calm mood of a Thai spa or a minimalist-inspired Japanese home. Although various cultures contrast, these different Asian countries come together with similar design schemes. It's a usual practice nowadays for people to embrace the key elements from each cultural area. They arrange it together in a blend that is truly and spectacularly Asian and truly unique at the same time.

Now before you begin chasing after silk draperies and Chinese jars, there are some teeny-weeny details you should think about first.

Will you swear to trim down all the excess clutter in your home? Are you willing to denounce your chaotic space for something relatively free of unnecessary "stuff"?
Are you into smooth furnishings? How about upholstery and windows minus all the fancy trimmings? Remember in Asian decor, there's no room for plush Victorian-inspired bed covers - less is more every single time.

 And another thing, brace yourself for an explosion of green, blue and beige along with several surprise streaks of glittering gold or blood red pieces. These are the popular colors that dominate Asian styles. Are you a Barbie-fanatic or a huge Barney fan? Then you might want to reconsider because Asian designs are not known for their affinity for pinks or purples.

So you think you can handle these major must-do's? If so, then let's begin capturing the essence of a warm and relaxing Asian-inspired retreat, beginning with these simple steps.
Firstly, do away with all the trappings and trendy furnishings that you already have. You need a space that is relatively spacious and simple. Be ready to give all your beloved lacy table-tops away. Next, provide a clear setting for your design by painting your walls in hues of beige or bamboo green. Instead of blinds, why not use bamboo to shade the room from too much sun? Hand-woven mats and Asian rugs can also take the place of your regular carpet too.

Once this is done, you can now begin incorporating other stuff to complete your Asian theme. However, you might find this a bit difficult too because there are different styles and cultural designs to choose from. You can go totally Chinese or pick something that has an Indonesian vibe to it. It depends entirely on your preference. Decide on a particular kind of Asian style that best reflects who you are. Remember, guests should not walk into your home feeling as if they are in a section of the national museum. Make sure your personality echoes throughout your home design. Still confused? Don't fret, it's quite alright to combine themes from those styles you feel comfortable with.

When it comes to giving your bedroom the Asian treatment, here are some useful tips. Instead of a fancy headboard why not utilize a bed frame that is lower than your usual preference. It would also be nice to experiment a bit. Discard your flower-printed bed cover and replace this with a simple quilt. Then throw in a couple of pillows with Asian designs to complete the look. A plain little bench in the corner of the room can also serve as a table top for studying or other purposes. You can also add some candles or fortune plants and bamboos to enhance the mood for meditation. To compliment this set-up, an Oriental painting or exquisite scrolls pinned up on the wall would pretty much do the trick.

With regard to your living room or dining space, there are a couple of suggestions I'd like to offer to make these rooms feel undoubtedly "Asian". To start, why not discard your usual sofa set for something that has straight simple lines? An alternative dining setting would also involve having a low table with several plus-size cushions in place of your regular chairs. While you go about with your home make-over session, adapt several Feng Shui principles as well. To avoid ruining the Asian vibe, camouflage those electronic gadgets behind a nice piece of furniture that will double as an entertainment center in the living room.

Japanese interior design made from natural, organic materials

The Japanese room is famous for its clean lines and uncluttered appearance. While there is furniture in a Japanese room, you will not find very many pieces. The colors of Japanese interior design are subdued, giving preference for soft colors that are quietly restrained. Comfortable and elegant with Japanese Living room with minimalist and contemporary design. Oriental home decor is a way for one to decorate their home with Asian inspired pieces.

Individual bedroom style

Furniture and other items in the bedroom are what defines this room as a bedroom, each one with its individual style. A regular bedroom can contain one bed, single,double or queen sized. One or more dressers and also a nightstand. There will probably be a closet (small or big, depending on the size of the room) and there could also be also a carpet. Nowadays, built-in closets are very popular bedroom decorating ideas, more in America than Europe.
Today it is very popular that a master bedroom is connected to a bathroom and toilet which is called “en-suite.”

New Trends Modern Bedroom Design Inspiration

Bedroom has traditionally been designed to be more enclosed and private. Enveloped spaces with solid walls means less natural light and more restraint design. New trends in modern bedrooms breaks these tradition by letting more light in with large clear glass windows and better ventilation. These new directions in bed room design makes it look more spacious and delightful. Traditionally solid walls are used to divide the master bath and the main bedroom. This is done mainly to provide privacy between the attached bathrooms and the bed. Recent trends in modern bedroom designs breaks away from this tradition by using glass partitions as dividing walls. Glass partitions are not only sturdy but also stylish. For privacy within this glass walls one could use venetian blinds or frosted glass which still allows light in without loosing privacy.

The State of the Modern (Glass) Bathroom

What makes a modern bathroom especially “up to date?” There are a lot of trends in modern bathroom vanity designs, and the “top trend” tends to change with a surprising amount of frequency. In previous posts, we’ve talked about the importance of a “minimalist aesthetic” in modern bathroom design. From the bathroom cabinets to the vessel sink, with modern vanities, simpler is certainly better. In this post, we will discuss modern material considerations, and why some materials (like glass) seem to be more popular than others.

A simple modern glass vanity

Maintenance is a primary concern for many modern vanity shoppers. The great thing is, modern bathroom cabinets are usually made from sealed woods, and the sinks are often made with tempered glass or stainless steel. These materials are far easier to care for than, say, marble. Most of the time, you won’t even have to bother with material-specific cleaning solutions; warm water and standard house soap is generally sufficient to clean a modern bathroom vanity.

Modern bathroom cabinets featuring glass sinks are very popular, and justifiably so. Despite what you might think, modern glass vessel sinks are actually tremendously resilient. This is because they are tempered to modern specifications: a glass sink today is very thick and sturdy. Additionally, since it is so meticulously tempered, it doesn’t pose a severe safety hazard if it does actually break. Rather than fracturing into large, sharp, and hazardous pieces, a tempered sink will generally shatter into small and far duller glass splinters. Of course, the best case scenario is that you avoid having your modern bathroom vanity break.

Of course, I would be remiss if I discussed modern glass vanities and didn’t talk about their aesthetic appeal, because bathroom cabinets with glass sinks have such appeal in spades. Glass is a celebrated material that is used in everything from chandeliers and dishware to vanities and entertainment centers. Glass seems to have a decidedly “cutting-edge” feel to it, and it can make a room feel sleeker and cleaner. All in all, for an air of contemporary class and sophistication, you really can’t go wrong with modern glass vanities in your bathroom.

Adding Asian Design Elements to Your Home

Whether through the minimalist interiors and natural hues of the Japanese decorating style or the bright colors and lucky figures of the Chinese, Asian homes are designed to be places of calm and serenity. Every item is chosen and placed with the aim of creating a sense of tranquility. If you admire the traditional Asian style of home decor yet are not prepared to redecorate your entire home, there are many simple and inexpensive ways to add Asian elements to your rooms.

There are several characteristics typical of Asian interior decorating. Japanese design uses colors found in nature, such as grays, tans and greens. The Japanese take a minimalist approach to design and refrain from using too many decorative objects. Objects from nature, such as smooth stones or water in miniature fountains are often used as decorative elements, and futons and paper shoji screens are popular furnishings. The Chinese, on the other hand, are attracted to bolder colors, such as red and mustard yellow. Figurines of mythical creatures are commonly displayed in Chinese interiors. Chinese furniture is often executed with lacquer finishes or with darker woods. While Japanese and Chinese are two of the best known, other Asian cultures use design elements that can easily be combined with western styles, such as a Korean chest or Balinese chair.

Using Asian inspired textiles is one way to add Far Eastern touches to your home. Look for fabrics with Oriental calligraphy, which can be used for place mats, napkins or tablecloths. Chinese silk with a design of delicate flowering branches can be turned into dramatic throw pillows or table runners. Asian fabrics can also be used as lovely curtains or wall hangings. On the walls, hang framed prints of Asian landscapes, perhaps featuring majestic mountains rising up behind pagodas. Prints showing women and men in traditional dress are easy to find and look wonderful in a room with an Asian theme. Wall plaques with Oriental calligraphy work well, and a framed piece of Chinese embroidery adds an elegant touch. Look for objects at flea markets, such as old trays, which can be hung on the wall to add interest. Decorative objects with an Asian flair can be used to create a stunning effect. Small snuff bottles delicately painted with blossoms are pretty accessories, and items made with cloisonne, such as vases or trinket boxes, are easy to find. You might also choose to display large porcelain vases and ginger jars with Oriental designs. Figurines of animals carved in jade or rosewood or figures of Buddha can be used to add Asian influence to a room. Lacquered boxes can be both decorative and functional, if employed to store small items. Bamboo plants or tiny bonsai trees add life to a room, but bare branches in an attractive vase can make an inexpensive and striking arrangement. A vast number of options exist for those seeking to add Asian influence to their decorating schemes. Before buying, take a look at decorating books and magazines for ideas. Visit stores and go online to see what types of Asian influenced items are available. With a little work, you soon will have that touch of Asian style in your home.

Decorate Your Dining Room With An Asian Inspired Theme

Deep reds and golds inspire appetite and good conversation so what better way to decorate your dining room then with an Asian inspired theme!

Even if you don't have a professional designer you can get an Asian inspired look in your dining room by changing little things, for example adding a wallpaper border and coordinating your tableware and serving dishes to give an exotic Asian look to the room. Don't be timid to change things like your floor coverings, lighting, decorative accessories and wall color in conjunction with your table and chair set and sideboard.

Decorative items are key to pulling your Asian inspired look together. Even if you can't replace any other items - you can get a new look by changing the decorative accessories! Focus on shopping for tableware, serving dishes and table cloths and runners, in colors and patterns that match your Asian look. You'll be amazed at how easy and economical it is, and what a huge difference these changes make! You might want to include a rice paper folding screen or Shoji doors combined with Asian style potted plants and you could even try some exotic knick knacks like geisha girl figures or anything with an Asian look to add some punch to your dining room. Adding more touches such as a beautiful silk kimono hung on the wall can make your room look like it was done by an interior designer.

Flooring can make or break your decor, but if you can not pay for new flooring in your dining room then you can mask your existing floors by using small rugs with an Asian flair. If you are lucky enough to be able to afford new floors, check out dark hardwood floors or bamboo flooring. Accent them with oriental rugs or bamboo mats for an authentic look. An important factor when decorating your dining room with an Asian inspired look is your wall color. For this look the colors can really enhance the feel - you should consider adding reds and muted tones with contrasting woods either as wallpaper or paint. Try using a deep red paint on the walls, or you might consider a lighter colored paint or wallpaper in plain pattern. You don't have to get too fancy or spend a lot of money and if you don't want color on the walls, you can always cover the walls in a neutral palette and put the color into your flooring and accents. You don't have to buy a coordinating table and chair set, sideboard, and hutch but the dining room should have plenty of sleek and elegant furniture.

To really showcase the Asian theme, try furniture with a black lacquer finish or a quality rattan set. Window treatments can have a large effect on your Asian inspired design theme. To put together a magnificent look in your dining room try hanging silk drapes with or without embroidery or silk fabric valances with sheers. For a less formal look, you could try bamboo shades that roll up. Lighting is an important element in your home and the dining room is no exception. To compliment your Asian inspired decorating style, you will want to keep in mind the style of the fixtures as well as the type. When you are incorporating an Asian style, you would want to take a look at making use of plain overhead lighting with accent lighting with silk or puffed paper shades, crystal chandeliers or exotic lamps but try to shy away from anything that has a country style.

One decorating area that is often ignored when decorating your house is the wall space. Even the ugliest walls can be made to look good with great accessories and wall art. Try adding Asian silk paintings hung in vintage frames or block prints to your dining room walls to enhance the exotic appeal of your Asian Interior Design. You can even add a nice Asian folding screen in the corner with a large oriental plant in front of it for depth and appeal.

Getting a nice Asian look in your dining room can be as basic as just buying new decorative accessories or as involved as doing a total room remake. Either way, attention to the fine details and making sure to coordinate your accessories and furniture will help you accomplish a wonderful new Asian inspired style that will make dining at home a new experience!

Adding Charm To Your Home With The Asian Decorating Style

Decorative Accessories are to your design style what jewelry is to an outfit, and your Asian decorating style is no exception. This decorating theme works well with oriental influenced accessories which help reflect the colorful and exotic appeal of Asian influence. Your Asian decor will really be fabulous when you add chosen complimentary knick knacks, pillows and artwork.

Wall art adds drama and depth to any design theme, but you will need to know how to hang it well for the best effect. You are going for the center of the artwork to be at eye level. If you are hanging a grouping of photos, prints or paintings, then lay them out on the floor first to determine how they look best. Placing Colorful Asian prints in bamboo, bright red or black lacquer frames can help to add zip to the Asian decorating style.

Knick Knacks can really provide a unique look to any room design, no matter what the decor. To enhance your Asian home decorating, think of using knick knacks with a colorful and exotic style. Decorating with asian style figures on black lacquer shelves or providing simple flower arrangements in unassuming vases or bowls. You can inject your own distinct personality to the interior design by selecting accessories that reflect your personality. Contrary to what you may believe, you don't have to spend a bundle to get wonderful decorative pieces. Shopping at thrift stores, garage sales and flea markets can yield ideal items for a lot less.

Decorative pillows are another item you can use to spruce up your decor. You can come up with a use for pillows in any type of room even the bathroom and kitchen. Pillows can be a charming compliment to the bedroom when piled against the headboard. Pillows on your sofa or chair will help give a sense of the Asian home decorating feel to the furniture. Pillows can add softness to the bathroom and kitchen - imagine using one on the hamper or on a kitchen chair in a corner. For this style of interior design, pillows that are done in rich red and gold silks will look perfectly.

Additional accessories that can help add to the ambiance of Asian influence include an indoor water fountain, an Asian room divider, and Asian figurines in glass domes. When selecting your decorative pieces, however, you should be certain that they are in keeping with the interior design and also have some sort of coordinating qualities with each other. Don't stray to far from your design style or you can end up with a confusing design approach.

Adding Asian folding screens, kimonos and painted lacquer accessories to your Asian decorating style will be a great way to help the room be fabulous. It's imperative, however, that you have a vision of the kinds of pieces you seek so you can stick to shopping for just those that suit. When picking out accessories, proportion is vital so be sure you stick with items in the sizes you need. Select your decorative pieces carefully and your room design is sure to look fantastic!