Learn ideas and tips on how to decorate your living room in an African theme by adding carvings in thisfree interior design video. Expert: Denise Robinson Bio: Denise Robinson resides in Austin, Texas. She has designed sets for both TV and film for 12 years in California. Denise has used many flea market findings to cut overhead and budget cost for films. Filmmaker: Dana Glover
I gave my home that great, southwestern look by adding ceremonial drums to my rustic decor. I was so impressed with the authentic, rustic feel that the Native American drums brought to my home, that I began learning about the history and the significant role they play in Native cultures. If you are like me, you have probably seen how meaningful ceremonial drums are to the Indian culture but do not know their significance in tribal ceremonies or how exactly they are used.
Every tribe is different in how they use ceremonial drums but one similarity between each tribe is that the Native drums are very symbolic and part of the main focus of the ceremony. Throughout my research, I have come to find that learning about these drums truly grants you a great appreciation of the Native American culture and their customs.
One interesting fact about Native American drums is that they are considered sacred by the Native people. They are used in Indian ceremonies to call on the Spirits and to connect with their creator. Each drum is believed to carry a spirit within that is drawn out with the beating of the drum.
Since the drum is thought to connect the people with the spirit world and guide the a healer in helping his people, you will find that they are commonly used by the healers to enter the Shamanic journey where he connects with the Spirits and receives healing powers.
Also, as you study the importance of ceremonial drums in today’s culture, you will find that Native Indian drums play a significant part in the preservation of Native American tribes such as the Tarahumara.
Making and selling these rustic style drums allows them to earn a living, through selling and trading their cultural hand crafts, and helps them spread the knowledge and traditions of their culture to those who purchase them. The beautiful art of drum making is passed down through the generations and is a means of survival for many Tribes and cultures who rely on their art to make a living.
Now days, Native Indian drums are not only used in Indian ceremonies such as Native American drum groups and as Native American musical instruments. The popularity of the drums for other purposes such as in school music classes, as canvases for Native American art projects and southwestern paintings, has also grown in recent years.
Some types of ceremonial drums are also used as rustic style furniture and western decor, such as the larger powwow drums and pedestal drums that are used as rustic, decorative tables. If you love the great style and sound of Native drums, you can easily buy them online and in stores that sell southwestern, western and rustic home decorating items.
However you decide to use your ceremonial drum, whether for drumming purposes or in interior design, you will definitely be drawn to the rustic charm and western style of ceremonial drums.
To provide a complete wildlife touch to your home settings, wood curtain rods are the best decorating items. Not only the rods add to the beauty of the homes but they also hold the curtains in a unique way. It is because of the perfect fittings of the curtains in the wood curtain rods that the curtains flutter softly and gracefully to give a pleasing aura to the rooms.
Technical specialties of wood curtain rods
The wood curtain rods are made of walnut, teakwood, mahogany, oak or other hardwood that make them durable. The rods usually have a tobacco finish and the finials of the rods are available in either small or large sizes. The wood rods are available as either smooth rods or as fluted rods. While the smooth rods are usually of 1-3/8″ diameters, the fluted rods are of 2″ diameter.
The rods in general are available in three different lengths of 4″, 6″ and 8″. These are the curtain rods for normal sizes but if it is a non-standard window frame, then you cut down the rods to specific sizes and then use them accordingly. However, if you need longer than the normal length rods, then use pole connector screws to get the necessary length.
Different types of wood curtain rods
The wood curtain rods are available in different finishes like historic white, burnished gold, natural white, weathered white, honey maple, matte black, gold, warm oak, gold leaf, lacquered natural, pewter, cherry and piano white. You can choose one of these curtain rods that will best suit the style and furnishing of the rooms.
Brackets in the curtain rods are very important, for they actually hold both the light and heavy curtains. The wood curtain rods are advantageous, as they allow the usage of different types of brackets like ring brackets, flat brackets, cup ring brackets, double ring brackets, centre support brackets, end caps, extension brackets and ceiling brackets.
The wood curtain rods are truly durable and with their variety of designs they simply give a different yet aesthetic touch to your home décor ideas.
Using fabric to decorate a room is an inexpensive way to add color, pattern and charm. Use fabric to soften a room, add romance, and give a room a finished feel. Fabric can be used in any room style, and on any budget! Follow these great guidelines for using fabric in home decorating without breaking your budget!
1. Inexpensive sources for fabric for decorating a room include using flat sheets from discount stores, quilts and tablecloths from yard sales (or your own linen closet!) or the discount table at any fabric store.
2. If you want to add pattern to a room with fabric, here is a no fail guideline. Use a solid, and stripe, and a small-medium scale pattern. Let each of the three fabrics share at least one color. Finally, distribute the pattern throughout the room following the 60/30/10 rule…Use your primary fabric, (usually the solid) in 60% of the room, the next fabric in 30% of the room, and the last fabric throughout 10% of the room.
3. Heavy pinch pleat draperies are long since passé. Use lighter rod pocket curtains to soften your windows. Twin flat sheets can fit most average windows with nothing more than a rod pocket sewn in! Make sure the curtains draw completely clear of the windows to let the most possible amount of light into the room. Also, consider hanging the curtain rod near the ceiling line instead of right above the window…it adds height and dimension to a room, making it look larger!
4. Simple throw pillows are easy and cheap to make, and can even be changed out with the seasons! Use them to add comfort to any room in your home…even the outdoor ones! Add a simple throw, and any corner of your room becomes a hideaway.
5. Stitch up placemats, tablecloths, and runners to soften the hard furniture in the room. If you don’t sew, you can use iron on hem tape to make your creations. It’s inexpensive, and can be found in the sewing aisle of any discount store, or at your local fabric shop.
6. Use existing fabrics such as pretty quilts and unused sheets to create layered table covers. It adds instant romance to any room! Check out thrift shops and yard sales, or learn to make them on your own. Do a google search and find dozens of sites ready to help you learn to sew and quilt.
7. Use cheap muslin to add natural and romantic statements in a room. Twist and wrap yards of muslin around a curtain rod and let drape to the floor for a wonderful organic window treatment. You can simply tie a knot in the end to finish. If your budget is really pinched, you can use muslin to make your window treatments, then just add borders of your favorite fabric to save on yardage.
Use creative sources for fabric, develop a plan, and add romance, color and style to any room using fabric!
You will find that it is very important that you not only learn how to give your home some style, but you will also want to give you home a clean fill. You find that cleaning and organizing is just part of cleaning. You will be able to do a lot for your home when you simply take the time to just figure out where everything should go.
You will want to keep in mind that there are a lot of people, who have stylish articles or objects in their home, but they clutter and then the whole aspect of being stylish is lost. You will need to figure out what it is that you lack in organization and then try to decorate your home so that you can fill your needs and so that your home can be spotless and shiny.
You will find that there are a lot of things that you can do when it comes to organizing, however, you will have to learn to take it a step at a time. You will want to make sure that you consider all of your options and that you take in mind the prices. There are a lot of different ways that you can organize yourself, but you will also find that there are some expensive space savers and hide-a-ways that you may not have the budget for all the great ideas that you can install in your home. You will want to make sure that you keep in mind that the budget for your home decorating will need to include what it will take to clean and organize the place.
You will want to go to Lowes or some other hardware store and see what you can get in organization units. You will want to think about closet space savers to closet organizers. You will also be able to find a lot of other organizers to incorporate in the home. You will just want to make sure that you check the prices of such organizers because they can get a bit pricey.
You will find that once you have organized and sort through some of the garbage and items that once where in the middle of a room, you can then begin to think about the way that you can home decorate. You will then want to think about paints, furniture, and other aspects of home design so that you can make a good looking home turn into an amazing looking home.
Whether it is watching a movie as a family, playing a board game, or sitting quietly reading on your own, one of the most frequented rooms in the home is the family room. This room, more commonly referred to as the great room, is one of the rooms in the home that guests initially see, and it can form a lasting impression. With this in mind, family room decorating should mirror the homeowner’s lifestyle. It should also project a homey, comfortable, and livable image. After all, this is the room where everyone spends so much of their time day in and day out. So, why not make it the best room of the house with family room designs? With a combination of imagination, good taste, great family room furniture and accessories, any family room can be transformed into one that exudes style and warmth. Here are some tips on how family room decorating can create an inviting place and a welcoming impression on guests.
Reorganize the Furniture
Lifestyle or taste should determine the focal point of the family room designs. If there is a warm, cozy fireplace, why not rearrange furniture around it so everyone can enjoy it? Or if there’s a large media center and this is the focal point of the room, furniture could be set around that. Nothing like viewing the latest in DVD entertainment on a large screen TV while nestled in a plush sofa. When rearranging family room furniture, also consider the traffic of family members and guests going back and forth. Does the arrangement of the furniture allow free movement and flow? Does it give an uncluttered appearance? A great home decorating idea is to arrange furniture in off-square angles. This makes the room warmer and more casual. And instead of placing a large sofa directly against the wall, why not place it a foot or so away from the wall and add a neat accessory such as a lamp?
Color Matters
When considering family room decorating, it’s important to know that colors have psychological impact on people and their moods. When applied in the family room designs, remember colors can intimidate, invite, or irritate. If you’re looking for inexpensive home decorating ideas, the use of color is an inexpensive way of enhancing a room, because it only involves painting or wallpapering walls and placing a few coordinated accessories. The room should be warm and pleasing, and one of the warmest and most relaxing colors is blue. Blue offers several hues and it’s one of the most flexible colors around. Also coordinate carpets and walls to match.
Mirror, Mirror
Create space and depth by adding a mirror on any wall. The mirror should reflect something pleasing to the eyes. If there is a lot of wall space, add a small painting on either side of the mirror.
Add Smaller Furniture
To create a “lived-in” look, utilize small pieces of family room furniture. These can be a small bench or a low sofa table. Add magazines, journals, and newspapers under the table. Placing flower vases, baskets and small plants on a table also creates beauty and helps to liven up the room.
Lighting
Lamps can also accentuate the area. Second to color, light is a primary tool for creating a mood and setting the tone. Have fun and add unique lamps and other lighting to serve as conversation pieces.
Homeowners need only combine creativity and their own good taste to create a space for intimate and inviting family gatherings. By incorporating accessories and comfortable, yet stylish furniture, one can create a living area that is inviting, relaxing, and elegant — all at the same time!
Wether you are purchasing a new home and decorating it for the first time or redecorating your existing home designingcents.com is your one stop for all your cheap home decorations and design needs. The living room is often the room most used by families and when it comes time to decorate it there are a few minor points to keep in mind.
Focal point:
This is a usually the largest object in the room. This can be a large piece of furniture, such as a nice curio cabinet, a fire place or other such object that can become the center piece or focal point of the room and the starting point for the style of room.
At designingcents.com you can leisurely browse through our catalog for a wide selection of cheap home decorations and accents to accentuate the decor and expand the focal point of an living room.
Paint Ideas and Designs:
A fresh coat of paint or new painting technique can refresh or even totally change the style of a room. It is good to keep in mind the color of the home decor and use a color that compliments your style.
Area Rugs:
A nice area rug is a cheap home decoration that can do wonders for a room. It can serve to break up and to update an area without breaking the bank.
Pictures and Mirrors:
Adding a large picture or mirror on the main wall of the living area can also add size and dimension to a living room while still remaining with in a budget.
Lighting:
A room’s lighting can set the mood and style to any room. If the living area has a large chandelier of a certain style or time period for example, it can set the tone for all of the decorations that follow. Updating a room’s lighting with a few candles or a couple new lamps is a great way to change a room’s style and is as easy as purchasing a couple of cheap home decorations for designingcents.com.
Coffee or Sofa Tables:
Adding as little as one or two new pieces of furniture can update a room’s style and can be as simple as purchasing a new coffee or sofa table.
Plants:
Plants are a wonderful addition to any room and add warmth and a simple way to bring a bit of the outside in to any room. A large plant can become the focal point from which to start or a just a few hanging plants in the window can do wonders for the style and feel of your living room.
Rearranging the furniture you already have:
Sometimes a change can be as simple as moving the furniture you have around. Use your imagination and experiment with different ideas. A small room can be made to appear large by the placement of furniture or a large room more welcoming by placing pieces in sets and breaking up the room in to areas.
The most important thing when it comes to decorating your home on any budget is to trust yourself and your instincts and the best place to start to get your imagination flowing is designingcents.com where you will find everything you need in cheap home decorations that offer both style and ideas for the budget conscience. Come back soon and often to browse our catalogs or to read one of our many articles that will entice your imagination and please your wallet as well.
People who live in warm sunny climates (yes, I’m one of the lucky ones!) have an abundance of sunshine, greenscapes, flowers and warm, tropical air to enjoy every day. We also have many local home decor choices when it comes to tropical or Florida style decorating, so if we choose to bring the outdoors into our homes, it’s quite simple.
So what do you do if you don’t live in my area of the world and want to bring some of that tropical sunshine into your home decor? Or, you may reside in a warm climate, but want to do something more creative than palm tree pictures and place mats. Whatever the situation, you can create a beautiful tropical home decor that uniquely expresses your lifestyle.
First, determine what room or area of your home is going to be part of this decorating project, and then decide what your budget is going to be. It is critical that you address these two important points before doing anything else. If you are decorating on a budget, which most of us are, that will dictate your approach to this tropical transformation.
Tropical colors can be bold and beautiful, in shades of blue, green, coral, turquoise, purple and yellow, so if you love color, this is a great decorating style for you. Conversely, you can create a beautiful tropical decor with soft colors as well, so there is no definite ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ path for you to take when it comes to color choices. I’ve had success with the following color palette, and although it is different than the color schemes mentioned above it worked very well. The walls of the guest bedroom were painted a medium shade of bronze-brown, floors were bamboo wood, window treatment was a simple off-white sheer tied back with a delicate silk leaf greenery, ceiling fan with faux bamboo paddles, simple palm tree sketches with brown frames on the walls, slim silk palm tree in the corner and a taupe iron bed with bedspread in cream, green and brown with a muted palm tree pattern. The understated theme of this room did not shout ‘tropical style’, but the color and accessory combinations worked very well in my Florida style home.
You may decide to bring the tropical atmosphere into the room in a big way by using a bright, bold color on the walls of your room. Or, you may opt for a muted shade on your walls and use the bright colors for accents in the room. Remember that the tropics includes naturals, including trees, trees and more trees, so a beautiful, realistic looking silk (or real if your green thumb and location will allow) palm tree or something similar will always look great. Bear in mind that you really do get what you pay for with silks, so choose the best that your budget will afford.
Accessorize thoughtfully and creatively, trying to avoid the types of commercial and over-used pieces that you probably see elsewhere. Look for a unique lamp that has a tropical feel. Remember as you shop to look online, for there are many great sources for tropical themed rugs. Choose carefully because one unique area or entry rug could potentially become the focal point of your tropical theme. Or, you might find artwork with a standard tropical theme, but the framing or artistry makes it stand out as unique and unduplicated.
Window treatments can include plantation shutters, wood blinds, lightweight fabrics and fun print valances, depending upon your style preferences. Avoid heavy, dark draping styles, as they are contrary to a tropical decor.
The same thought is applicable to the overall feel and look of the room. The upholstered furniture does not have to be wicker and white, but it should have a light overall ‘feel’ and appearance. For example, if you are striving for a tropical look to your room’s decor, a navy blue and hunter green plaid sofa will probably not create the feel you are seeking. A sea foam green sofa with a combination of cream and coral accent pillows will take you in the tropical, or Florida style, direction.
Determine your tropical color scheme and how you will apply it to your room, shop for unique and notabl (not necessarily expensive!) pieces, include natural textures, refrain from over-accessorizing, and you will be on your way to creating a beautiful Florida style decor, no matter where you live.
Many college students are faced with similar problems when it comes to starting the school year. Aside from adjusting back to their busy academic schedules, they also have the task of decorating their dorm rooms and maximizing its space without breaking any university rules.
All dorm rooms are basically the same; it allows two or more people to share a space which inevitably makes it feel tight and overcrowded. Most dorm rooms should not even be considered as rooms because of how small they are. This is why it is essential that as a college student, you know how to efficiently maximize your space and decorate it to reflect your personality without spending all of your tuition money. There are many different approaches you can use and here are some of them.
•   Dorm rooms can become generic so it is up to you to incorporate your own style into it. Choose a theme or a set of hues that can harmonize with your furniture and possessions.
•   Use up every space available in your room. You can do this by thinking vertically. Shelving and hooks are a good way to store items and other belongings and get them off the floor. There are shelf brackets available which can be practical at the same time a decorative piece.
•   You bed will probably be the focal point of your room so you might as well make it look appealing. Purchase sheets and throw pillows that will complement everything else inside your room. As this furniture can take up a lot of space, consider buying a loft bed for you and your roommate instead of a twin bed.
•   Always choose items and furniture that are multifunctional or dual purpose. For instance, a study table with hidden storage compartments underneath is a good idea.
•   Aside from throw pillows and sheets, a colorful throw rug will brighten up the mood of your room.
•   Over-the-door storage units are an inexpensive and great way to store items such as shoes, bags and school supplies. Not only will all these things be within easy reach but you will also be able to clear out some space from your closet.
•   Utilize your closet in the most efficient way possible. You can put your dresser in the closet to provide more floor space. You will usually need clothes for different types of season so store them accordingly. Make use of closet hangers which can add extra rows of hanger space. Invest in vacuum bags wherein you can store out-of season clothes to buy storage space.
•   If you still need more storage areas then think about adding storage bins. Because this method can take up a lot of space, make sure that you pick out bins that can harmonize with your overall dorm theme.
There a lot of ways that you can utilize to make your dorm room appealing and appear to be larger. Whether you will be using wall shelves with shelf brackets or buying loft beds, remember that you owe it to yourself to make out of the space that you are given. Being trapped in such as small space is not a way to live especially if you want to
When I helped my daughter move into her first college dorm room, I wasn’t prepared for how tiny her room would be! Floor space was definitely scarce, and it was obvious she would have to come up with some creative storage solutions.
Decorating a dorm room can be tricky, because obviously your roommate will want to have a say in how the room is decorated. Whether you are moving into a dorm room for the first time or you are looking to re-decorate your existing dorm room, hopefully these decorating tips will give you and your roommate some creative ideas to give your dorm room a great new look that you both will love.
Vacuum sealed space bags are great for transporting clothing to college. You can purchase these inexpensively at Walmart or on eBay. You won’t believe how much you can get into these bags. I don’t recommend the extra large bags, because they are quite heavy when full and difficult to carry. These bags can be stored under a bed or stacked in the closet.
Small storage ottomans or benches can provide seating and storage areas, and are easy to move around and fit into small spaces. They are great for storing blankets, pillows, hats, gloves, and a great place to stow away book bags or back packs.
Buy some decorative hat boxes in varying sizes for distinctive storage. Shaker boxes also make great storage. Both of these types of storage can be purchased inexpensively on eBay.
Hard case suitcases can be stacked up to create coffee or end tables, and used for storage. Most of these can be spray painted.
Hang a shoe pocket organizer in a closet or on the back of a door to hold small items (cosmetics, hairbrushes, CD players, pens, pencils, socks, underwear, etc.).
Stackable plastic crates and bins can be used to store things like books and snacks.
Baskets are easy to find and can be used to store many items. Most of these can be spray painted to match your decor.
Chalk board paint can be used to paint on many items to make them into a chalkboard message board.
Dry erase boards on the back of the door are handy for communicating with friends and roommates and making notes to yourself. You can also get a dry erase calendar at an office supply store to keep track of your busy schedule.
Picture frames can also make great message boards. Just remove the glass and replace it with cork, a fabric covered piece of cardboard (use tacks to attach messages), or a piece of dry erase board. Most picture frames can be spray painted.
Area rugs can add a note of individuality to a room. They can also help warm up the room and help soundproof it.
Before you get started decorating, make sure you look over all the dorm room do’s and don’ts in your college handbook. Many college handbooks are available on the college’s web site.
It’s also a good idea not to buy all your accessories before you actually see the dorm room for the first time. Dorm rooms are all different, and you want to make sure all your furniture and accessories will fit in the room. Thrift stores are usually numerous in college towns, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding extra furniture after you get there.
Many of the great dorm room decorating ideas in this article were submitted by a CreativeHomemaking.com message forum member, Carmellyn, and two great home decor sites http://www.home-decorating-room-by-room.com and http://PebbleZ.com.
