Home Decorating

For a lot of us, redecorating the kitchen is a frightening prospect. The idea of new cabinets, new appliances, and new floors sounds (and is) incredibly expensive. But, by following a few simple steps, it is easy to decorate your kitchen on a tight budget.

Two classic design styles for the kitchen are:

French Country Design

This style is rather rustic. You should aim for comfortable and relaxed. Furniture should look distressed. The design brings a lot of outside elements to the indoors. Yellows are most predominate, but greens, blues, or reds are often supplemental. Stick with dark wood; that has a heavy grain ,or a whitewashed look. Roosters are very common in French décor.

Tuscan Design

Read the rest of this entry »

Victorian style is a traditional look that is the result of a medley of influences, including classical, Oriental, Gothic and Italian. Victorian style is synonymous with bold color and arresting combinations. Persian blue, deep reds, rich greens, dark plum and wine, terra cotta and darkly stained woods create a warm depth in rooms. If decorating a bedroom, choose from a lighter color spectrum, but keep the juxtaposition of soft blues, soothing greens, pinks and grays striking for maximum effect.

Sundry lighting possibilities were available during the Victorian period and included gas, electric and oil based options. To convey the same historic flavor, sprinkle real candelabras and candelabra style fixtures throughout the home. Pick fixtures with ornate detail and sporting a silver or bronze finish for the sake of authenticity. For variety and to brighten traditionally dark Victorian rooms, select table and floor lamps with metal bases finished in iron, brass, copper or silver, or that are formed from china. While silk shades usually topped off these Victorian beauties, they also used linen and parchment alternatives, which are humane and available on the GREENCulture lighting site for compassionate consumers. Crystal accented chandeliers also fit the bill for lavish lighting in your dining room.

Read the rest of this entry »