Sam Interiors.com

*************Home interior***********

Home interior expresses the personal style and way of expression of the homeowner. A home needs to be decorated and this word of French origin actually means beautification. But it is not only beauty but also expression that one focuses on while designing a home, both interior and exterior.

Architects and interior designers strive to make the<b> home interior</b> a healthy, accessible and environmentally pleasing space where a person feels free to live. Thus home décor is an important matter though it means a generalized category. Some of the basic things that one needs to keep in mind while addressing the issues of home décor are space planning, flooring, lighting, furniture, windows, etc. The real challenge lies in aesthetically arranging all these elements into one complete whole.

The basic décor for the<b> home interior</b> can be broadly categorized into formal décor, contemporary décor, traditional décor, and modern décor. But it must be remembered that home space is space to live in 24 hours 7 days a week and there are space constrains. So it is best to use materials to fit in that space and having a utilitarian value. The choice of colors is very important as it can reflect upon the occupants’ physical and mental condition and play on their emotions. The equally important thing is the lighting as it also has a similar role to that of color.

Rooms are what make up a<b> home interior.</b> So a room should be decorated in such a way that it should look good, feel comfortable and is easy to use. At the same time it should blend well with the architecture. Interior designing is preferred over decorating in such conditions as mere finishes and material looks would not fit the bill for a good and livable interior. The home interior is a thing to be decided on from the very beginning of the construction for a complete picture. Simply designing the room in particular ways can give the sense of space, coziness and usefulness.

A good<b> home interior</b> does not mean that the expenses involved turn the owner into a beggar. The cost factor is an important element that is to be taken into account while planning the designing of a home. The choices are many and each of them can attract the homeowner but the limit should be maintained in the choice. At the same time one does not need to be a miser as some good elements for the home come at a cost.

Finally the <b>home interior</b> should reflect the owner’s style. The interior designer is just the person to help a layman in this direction. The elements must reflect the likes of the person and not the things he does not like. One must be careful that nothing is forced down ones neck which one does not feel easy with.

***********Interior design*********

Interior design is all about making the best use of the space you have to produce rooms that are both beautiful and functional. It is more than just decorating your walls and painting your ceilings, it involves using your creative skills to make careful use of colour, light, touch, sound, and even smell in order to convey an aesthetically pleasing and appropriate “mood” in a room.

Any particular mood you want to create will also have a direct relation to the purpose of the space. For example, a room that is used predominantly for relaxing in will possibly not suit loud colours and bright lights as opposed to a bathroom or kitchen which may benefit from being well lit. Of course there are no hard and fast rules either, it all comes down to what you like and what you feel comfortable with.

Using professional interior designers can be convenient but costly and without careful planning doing it yourself can be a long and tiresome process but the good news is that with a little forethought you can revamp your home with minimal fuss and expense and the results can be even more rewarding.

************How to get started**************

Start with one room first and ask yourself the following questions:
* What is the space going to be used for, what will be its purpose? For example, is it for relaxing, working, sleeping, entertaining, playing and so on

* What is the size and shape of the space you want to transform and what can you realistically do with it? For example, the existing position of a fireplace or doors and windows etc. what can be changed and what cannot

* What would be the ideal mood of the room in relation to its purpose? For this you would need to consider the colours you want to use, the availability of natural lighting and whether you need to artificially create light, the fabrics and furnishings, the sounds, the focal piece and the finishing touches

*****************Finding your style************

The first two are relatively simple to answer but if you are looking for inspiration on how to create the right mood and aren’t sure of your own style then browse through the plethora of magazines available or visit showrooms and identify what kind of colours and fabrics, patterns, lighting and furnishings attract you. Take note when you visit family and friends, look for things that inspire or motivate you, find out what appeals to you, where your eye is drawn, what you like and what you don’t.

You could ask yourself some simple questions too. What is the seating arrangement in the room? What furnishings are there? What is the focal point of the room? What colours and patterns are used and how are they mixed? How does the room actually make you feel? Use your imagination and expand on the ideas that appeal to you, the goal is to create your own space in which you feel totally comfortable, that reflects your taste and individual style.

Remember to consider any practical and safety issues. It may sound obvious but you might not want a light coloured plush pile carpet in your kitchen or a highly polished and slippery floor in your bathroom. Think about what the room is going to be used for and imagine what would be the implications of a particular furnishing or colour etc.

Identify what your focal point will be. Focal points can be anything from an attractive window or fireplace to an ornamental centre piece or even a vase of flowers and mirrors can give an effective illusion of space in any room. Once you have an idea of what you want the room to be like, you can start thinking about what you need to do to create the right mood.

******************How to create the right mood**************

To create the right mood you need to consider the colours you want to use as well as the lighting and together these can help create the atmosphere of the room. A children’s play area for example, would ideally have a lot of natural light and be bright and sunny in its décor whereas a room that is used for evening entertainment may need to have subtle colours or dimmed lighting.
Consider other senses too. What natural sounds can you hear already? Are the birds singing or do you hear traffic? Do you want to add other sounds like water flowing from a small fountain or music for example? Can you smell the countryside or the city? Fragrant flowers, scented candles and incense or bowls of pot pourri can contribute different smells to a room. What about finishing touches? Careful positioning of plants, paintings, and ornamental pieces can all help create the right mood for you.

***************The end result*************

With a little planning and creative use of colour, lighting, furnishings and finishing touches the end result can be extremely rewarding as you transform your space into a home that is both functional and beautiful and that cleverly reflects your own individual style. You never know, you may even inspire someone else to create their own dream home.

**********Kitchen design***********

ARA) - If people in different areas of the country can dress differently, eat differently and talk differently, wouldn’t they also design their kitchens differently, too?

While there are many kitchen trends that hold true from coast to coast, kitchen designers say true regional differences do exist in kitchen design, if you know where to look. “There are certain things that hold true everywhere. In general, kitchens are more often treated like the hub of the family home, and are designed as such, with more expensive furniture-like cabinets, larger and more open floor plans, more windows and display cabinets, and better use of lighting,” says Cathy Hitz, marketing manager for Decora´ Cabinets, a maker of semi-custom cabinetry sold through 1,000 dealers nationwide. “But once you get past those similarities, regional looks can vary a lot,” she adds.

****<h2>Western Kitchens-Trendy and Unique:</h2>********

According to Kathleen Tish, kitchen designer for Kitchen & Bath Solutions in Fountain Valley, Calif., West Coast customers are more likely to try whatever’s bold and new. “My customers are often attracted to trying the newest materials and trendy colors, even in more permanent, pricer items like cabinets. For instance, I designed a showroom vignette recently with vibrant, ‘green martini’ colored solid surface countertops and very modern cabinets that feature a nearly black teaberry finish over oak, which made it look like an exotic wood. I designed it that way to brighten up a perpetually dark corner in the back of our showroom. Since we’ve put it in… I’ve been amazed. People walk to the back to see it first, and we’ve designed several kitchens now with that same cabinet color/finish combination,” Tish says.

In hotter portions of the dessert West, kitchen designs are often dominated by cool tile flooring and cathedral ceilings. While modern looks are growing in popularity, the earthy look of Tuscan kitchen design, with its cool neutrals and tumbled marbles, is also a big seller in the Western States, Tish says.

********<h2>Midwestern Kitchens: Sensible and Beautiful:</h2>************

Practicality and informality rule the day for Midwestern Kitchens, according to Jill Ross, kitchen designer for Drexel Interiors, in Oak Creek, Wis. “Midwestern customers want to create a ‘come on over and bring a dish’ atmosphere in their homes. Finishes are touchable, spaces are open, gracious and unpretentious. And the emphasis on the traditional dominates. I often find myself designing kitchens in new homes that customers have built to look like an 100 year old authentic farmhouse, or in older homes where they want to preserve its period design,” Ross says.
Ross stresses that customers in the Midwest tend to put the emphasis on their island or socializing space, creating a more informal look. Cabinets are less likely to sport exotic colors or finishes, with adventures in color usually reserved for the walls or decorative items. Kitchens often feature a lakeside living, or “cottage style” look, even when the houses aren’t by lakes or cottages, Ross says.

********<h2>Southern Kitchens-Entertaining Elegance:</h2>**************

Southern kitchens also put their emphasis on gathering spaces, which are most likely to be a table or island. But where they differ from Midwestern kitchens is in formality. “Southern clientele are more likely to make their kitchens into entertaining showplaces…it all goes back to the idea of Southern grace and hospitality,” says Bonnie Settle, kitchen designer for Cornerstone Design, in Atlanta, Ga. “You’ll see more showy items — darker woods with more glazes, more mouldings, more intense wall colors and more shiny or gilded accents. And the table is always impeccably dressed,” Settle says.

********<h2>Eastern Kitchens-Timeless and Tasteful:</h2>*************

While modern kitchens are often the choice for upscale city loft dwellers, traditional kitchens still dominate in the East, but with a decidedly different look, according to Glen Lumia, kitchen designer for Creative Design & Construction in Northvale, NJ. “Customers in the east love to use accent color in their cabinets, especially the combination of white or cream cabinets, and with an island with black, red, or even deep cherry cabinets. When they are going for the all-wood look in cabinets, most customers are still using lighter woods with light glazes,” he says.]

Lumia also notes that Eastern customers love the look of beadboard, wainscoting, and columns, to give the kitchen a timeless feel. “Kitchens in the East also tend to put their emphasis on the kitchen hood or hearth, where all the cooking takes place, as opposed to the island. Wood floors, and stone tiles in very traditional patterns are big for flooring, too,” Lumia adds.
Mary Jo Peterson, kitchen designer and writer for Kitchen and Bath Design News, an industry kitchen design trade publication, notes that kitchen design trends are “like politics… trends tend to start on the coasts and spread to the center of the country.”

But what matters most about designing your kitchen is fitting it to your lifestyle, not what your neighbor may be doing.

“Regional trends happen because people in the same area tend to have the same values and lifestyle, and that’s reflected in their homes. Design a kitchen that’s a reflection of you, and you’ll never regret your decision,” Peterson adds.

***********Planning a New Bathroom?************

This bathroom furniture guide aims to provide you with information about choosing the furniture for your bathroom, en-suite and cloakroom.
Fitted, freestanding, vanity or cloakroom; there are a number of different types of bathroom furniture to choose from. When deciding on which type of furniture is best suited for you it is important to consider a number of factors:

·    What is the size and shape of the room?
·    Who uses it?
·    How often?
·    Is it just to wash your hands or is it for all the family to use?

Answering these questions will help you decide on your storage needs. A hectic family bathroom will need plenty of storage space for toiletries, towels, cleaning products and even children’s toys. Bathroom furniture helps remove the clutter, gives all the bathroom necessities a home and hides unsightly pipe work and toilet cisterns.

*******Safety in the Bathroom ********

When planning a new bathroom safety within the bathroom environment is an important consideration. Due to the close proximity of water, heat and electricity there are a number of safety hazards that need to be considered.
Bathrooms are quite often small rooms with confined space; careful planning and the installation of helpful safety features can help to diminish the risk of accidents occurring.

**<h2>Slippery Surfaces</h2>******

Water and condensation cause slippery surfaces. The installation of non-slip mats or surfaces inside the bath, together with the fitting of grab rails at suitable positions could reduce the risk of nasty falls.

**<h2>Water Temperature</h2>*********

Hot water can cause burns and the temperature of the water should be considered carefully. Always put the cold water in the bath first. Consider whether there will be any dramatic change in temperature should other water appliances be used around the house.
When small children are being bathed, they should be supervised at all times. Small children should be seated facing away from the taps to deter them playing with the taps and possibly scolding themselves.

**<h2>Electrics</h2>*******

All light fittings operated from within the bathroom should be fitted with a pull cord. If a light switch is used, it should be situated outside the bathroom.

Any electric heaters should be fitted with fixed and permanent wiring. Electric heaters should be situated out of reach of the bath.
Give careful consideration when using electrical appliances near water. Ensure that appliances are unplugged after use. Should an appliance come into contact with water, always ensure that it is unplugged before touching.

**<h2>Hazardous Products</h2>********

If a medicine cabinet is kept in the bathroom, ensure that it is lockable and the contents secured from small children. All medicines should be clearly marked. Any out of date medicines should be removed and disposed of safely.
Avoid leaving any cleaning materials within easy reach of small children, as they are toxic. Store cleaning products out of sight in a cupboard and install a childproof lock. Razors and scissors should be also be securely stored
There may be other personal risk factors relevant to you own circumstances that need to be taken into consideration.

*****************Please think carefully and plan accordingly!**************************

*******Ligthting*********

(ARA) - The secret is out — lighting is the single most important element in decorating, dramatically improving the look and feel of any room. But with so many options out there, finding that right light may be a little easier said than done. Chances are, you’ve probably wondered, do I have the right sized fixture? How do I install it? How low do I hang it? Will it be too bright or just right?

No question about it, shopping for lighting can be an overwhelming and frustrating experience, and if you start the process before doing your homework, you’ll quickly find yourself in the dark. The good news is, whether you’re giving an old space a makeover or putting the finishing touches on a new one, there are a few simple tricks that can take interior gloom to glow without giving you a major headache.

“Before homeowners even step foot in a showroom, they should first know their budget and come prepared with information about their home and their style, says Bob Doernberg, senior product manager for Kichler Lighting. “Look for pictures in magazines that reflect your taste. Bring in fabric swatches or color chips for areas you’re redecorating, and take a few quick measurements before leaving your home.”

**<h2>1. How can I achieve the proper illumination in a room? </h2>*******

There’s actually a proven formula for calculating the proper amount of light you’ll need, and it’s not difficult — just some basic arithmetic.

*****<b>Formula: Room Length x Room Width x 1.5 = Proper Amount of Watts to Light a Room</b>

For example, let’s say, you have a 12×16-foot living room: 12×16x1.5 = 288 watts of lighting. Therefore, a five-light chandelier using 60-watt bulbs will provide sufficient light for the room. For more concentrated lighting over a task or work area such as a kitchen island, simply multiply the dimensions of the island by 2.5.

**<h2>2. What size chandelier would best suit a foyer?</h2>**********

Always keep in mind that the bottom of the chandelier should be at least 7-feet from the floor. If there is a window above the front door, center the chandelier so it can be seen from outside. If the foyer is extra large, you may also want to include wall sconces for additional light.
To determine the chandelier’s width, simply add the dimensions together. For example, let’s say you have a 12×16-foot foyer: 12+16=28. Therefore, the foyer chandelier’s diameter should be approximately 28-inches in width.

**<h2>3. What’s the best way to light a hallway?</h2>***********

There should be a light every 8 to10-feet. Either flush-mounts or semi-flush fixtures can be used depending on ceiling height.

**<h2>4. What size chandelier should hang over my dining room table? </h2>**********

It’s best to choose one with a diameter equal to one half the width of the table. Here, as in the foyer, room dimensions dictate the width of the chandelier. Also, keep in mind that the bottom of the chandelier should be at least 2 1/2 feet above the table.

**<h2>5. How do I light a dinette area?</h2>***********

Normally, a decorative pendant or a fixture like Kichler’s Chandelette with a down light will do the job. Use a dimmer to soften the light when entertaining and brighten the area for homework or hobby-related tasks. Again, the bottom of the pendant should be at least 2 1/2 feet above the table. Normally 100 watts of light is sufficient for these areas.

**<h2>6. What’s the best way to light a bathroom?</h2>*************

Most bathrooms only have a light fixture above the mirror because that is where the single outlet box is usually placed. The problem: top-mounted lighting casts shadows down on the face, harshly accentuating flaws and making lines look deeper. If you want to see your true self, then you also need lighting on each side of your face. Use a fixture such as Kichler Beauty Wraps, a top-mounted lighting fixture that comes with matching mini pendant lights on each side and only needs a single outlet box to work.

**<h2>7. When do I need portable lighting?</h2>*********
Besides adding a focal point, portable lights can provide extra light for tasks such as reading, homework and crafts and should be used when additional task light is needed. If you’re using a floor or desk lamp, the bottom of the lampshade should be approximately 42-inches from the floor’s surface. Desk lamps should be 16-inches above the work surface, and torchieres, used to light dark corners, should be 66 to 72-inches from the floor. Corners by Westwood Collections can provide similar light but won’t take up floor space as the fixtures easily mount in a room’s corners.

Feel a little more prepared? By using these tips as a guide, purchasing lighting should be a little easier. And, if you still have questions, Kichler’s guide to “Selecting Lighting for Your Home” is available free of charge at Kichler showrooms across the country.
So go ahead, take out that home improvement list and get ready to cross a few things off.

For more bright ideas on lighting or to find a Kichler showroom near you, visit www.kichler.com or call (800) 659-9000.

******Bedrooms******

Whether you’re designing a bedroom for yourself or for a member of your family, take into consideration their likes and interest. A bedroom is a persons private oasis and should be the most comfortable room in a house for that individual.
Bedrooms should be a private oasis in your life. A bedroom should not only be a place to sleep, but a place to read, exercise, relax and get away from the maddening crowd!

When redecorating or renovating your bedroom, you should first go over a checklist of needs and wants.
Who is actually going to be using the bedroom is the first major question. An obvious one, but really think about it. If it’s the master suite will it be shared by two people with different requirements of what the space needs to accomplish? If its a child’s room, do you want the design to take them from early childhood to the teen years? Will your child have sleep-over guests often? If so, you may want to have two twin beds. Can a guest bedroom also be used as a hobby room for a member of your family? Will you need to make a corner of an existing bedroom into a nursery for the newest member of the family?

Below is some information on Beds, Storage, Other Activities, Light Control and Plants.

******Bed ******

Furniture requirements are the next major issue in a bedroom. No matter what other activities you use your bedroom for, the most important is to sleep. The bed should be the first consideration. For two adults, a king or a queen size bed is the most comfortable. A full can be a bit small. For one adult a queen or a full is sufficient, even a twin if you’re tight on space. For a child, I would go with a full or a twin (two twins if you have the space, for sleep-overs). Typical bed sizes are: King 76″W x 80″ L, Queen 60″ W x 80″ L, Full 54″ W x 75″ L, and a Twin 39″ W x 75″ L.
All beds should have a night table within easy reach with a surface to hold books, a glass of water, a lamp for reading, a telephone (except in a very small child’s’ room) and a clock. Those are the basics, but you may want to be able to control the lights from the bed, as well as a stereo if you’re a music lover.

*****Storage*****

Storage is the next issue to deal with. For each person sharing a room you need to allocate a minimum of at least 5′ of hanging closet storage as well as having drawer space. It’s best if you have an open area near clothes storage that is at least 42″ in diameter for space to dress without bumping into something every time. There should also be a chair to sit on for putting on shoes and socks. If there is no room for a chair in the bedroom, the bed will work as long as it’s not extremely high off the floor.

There should be plenty of space between a dresser and a bed to open the drawers and utilize the space comfortably (that means without having to lay across the bed to see into the drawers!).

If you’re short on storage, use the space under the bed. You can have drawers fitted into the area or for an inexpensive option, just purchase large low storage containers at the store. There are some that are made just for that purpose. Perfect for out of season clothes or shoes you only wear occasionally.

********Other Activities*******

Now that we have the basics out of the way, you can have some fun. What other needs do you have for the space. Do you want a corner for exercise equipment or does the thought of seeing it all the time wear you out before you even start exercising? Perhaps a home office area for paying bills or writing that book that you just know is in you? You can always create a small sitting area with a bookcase nearby with all your favorite books. Do you want an entertainment center in the bedroom with a stereo system and a television? If you have a stereo in your bedroom, listen to Beethoven at Bedtime - A Gentle Prelude to Sleep, you’ll find yourself lulled to sleep like a baby

******Light Control***********

Light control is also important. If you like to wake up in a dark room, be sure to install room-darkening shades on the windows. If you like the sun, just use sheers on the windows with light filtering shades for privacy when needed.

*********Plants********

Don’t forget to bring plants into the bedroom. A tall ficus tree with a low wattage uplight underneath it can create wonderful soft shadows on the ceiling and may be the perfect night light for your room.

**********Master bed room********

Courtesy of ARA ContentARA) - A romantic bedroom should please the senses. To enhance intimacy on Valentine’s Day — or any day — the Better Sleep Council offers tips and advice on how to transform your bedroom into a love nest that appeals to each of your five senses.

****1. Touch.*****
The bed is the focus of any bedroom and the most romantic rooms make it as cozy as possible. Luxurious sheets and plush pillows are wonderful, but the real key is a comfortable mattress, so make sure to have one that feels heavenly and caresses both you and your partner.

****2. Sight.*****
Lighting should be soft and filtered; bright lights can detract from the ambience. Use lower wattage light bulbs or those with a soft pink hue. And, for special evenings, nothing adds romance like the warm glow of candles (be sure that lit candles are never left unattended).

*****3. Smell.*****
Gently wiping your light bulbs with a thin coat of perfumed oil can send calming or sensual scents throughout the bedroom. In addition, sprinkling dusting powder on your sheets can make them fragrant and silky. Scented sachets of lavender and rosemary also add to the air of romance.

*****4. Sound.*****
Keep your favorite CDs at your fingertips; soft music is one of the easiest ways to elevate your mood. If it’s noisy outside your bedroom window, hang thick curtains to muffle the sound. A peaceful bedroom retreat is the place to focus on each other, so keep distractions such as the television in another room.

****5. Taste.*****
For a late-night indulgence, place strawberries and whipped cream on a small tray next to the bed. Champagne and champagne glasses also are ideal at the start of a romantic evening at home.

“Evaluate your bedroom, starting with the sense of touch, making sure your bed and mattress are as comfortable as possible. Then, consider the rest of the senses. Because a romantic bedroom can set the mood for the evening, don’t risk having an uncomfortable bed or a noisy bedroom destroy the moment,” says Andrea Herman, director of the Better Sleep Council.

********Decorating  yours child room**********

Decorating your child’s room should be fun and exciting for all involved. The most important thing to remember when planning or decorating your child’s room is to keep the decor age appropriate. You wouldn’t want to decorate your 3 year old daughter’s room in the same style as your 13 year old daughter’s room. That doesn’t mean you have to start decorating all over every few years. What it means is that you should strive to create a room that will grow with your little girl /little boy but is age appropriate. Some helpful tips follow.

Get a feel for what colors your child likes. If they are fairly young show them a box of crayons and let them pick out their favorite colors. Use those colors as inspiration for the child’s room decor. The older child or children can easily tell you what colors they prefer.
Don’t force your style or color likes and dislikes on your children. Despite their young age they are developing their personality’s and their rooms are an extension of it. (Of course if they insist on all black walls and Marilyn Manson posters, it’s reasonable to say No). The lesson here is to set limits but also to give your child room to create their special place in the home.

Use your imagination (ask your child for input) when painting your child’s room. The wall treatments can range from applying a calming and soothing neutral wall color to creating fantastic murals that bring your child’s dreams to life. I highly recommend Debbie Travis’ Painting book for children’s rooms if you want unique and interesting paint ideas. Decoupage is another form of decorative finishes that you can use to create a truly unique and magical child’s room.

Furniture themes for your child’s room can be: whimsical with butterflies and bees, elegant a la French country style, romantic like a princess inspired theme complete with a half crown above the bed, heroic like a firefighter inspired theme for a boy’s room with a fire engine truck for a bunkbed, a charming rustic lodge style complete with log cabin headboard and so many others! You can buy many of these themed furniture pieces or you can create some of them yourself

*************<img src=”image1″>***********

****H2*******Wallpaper that Kids Can Make Their Own …No Kidding!
Personalized Wallpaper for the Pint Sized *********H2*********

(ARA) - “Mural, mural on the wall — Mine’s the coolest room of all!” Want to guarantee your kids will say that? Let them personalize their space (don’t worry; you’ll love it too).

Your local wallpaper store is bursting with clever new concepts for kids, like themed wall murals with your child’s name, posters, cut-outs, wall appliques, growth charts, and borders from NASCAR, Major League Baseball, National Football League and Sesame Street. Whether you’re raising a Little Leaguer or a pint-sized princess, you can surround your little ones with their very favorite things.

All these wallpapers help children make a statement about the things they love the most. “In childhood, we’re not shy about showing off our favorite things at every opportunity,” says John Loecke, a New York City-based interior designer and the former home furnishings editor of Parents magazine. “It’s important to let children proudly express their passions, especially in their bedrooms, the safest comfort zone of all.”

New this month, Completely Kids and Kidding Around with Murals wallpaper books from Village have everything you and your child could want for their walls. Murals that are small or large, poster-size or window-size are offered in themes for infants, toddlers, teens…and everyone in between. Skateboards and race cars, trucks and tree houses, dinosaurs and dollhouses, touchdowns and Tickle Me Elmo — it’s all here, and more.

Personalizing the many murals in these books (a huge hit with the kids) couldn’t be easier. Just choose your murals, your preferred size, your desired name or phrase, and in a matter of weeks you’ve treated your child to a dream come true. Custom sizes are available, too.

If you’re looking to delight and inspire your child, these wallpapers are ideal. Borders for young girls are both adorable and empowering, with teddy bears dressed as doctors, chefs and soccer players. Boy bears are turned out as construction workers, football players and firemen. But these award-winning wallpapers are more than wise and witty. “Our murals, posters and appliques are instantly removable, and custom-sizing means you can use them in even the most awkward spaces,” says Deb Zadnik, design director for Village Wallpaper. “Kids can change their minds quickly, so we’ve made it easy to redecorate without giving it a second thought.”

Finishes For the Open Floor Plan Kitchen

Flooring

When selecting finishes for your kitchen, think durability! No other room in your house is going to receive as much abuse and traffic. Floors should be easy to clean, durable and compliment the living areas that they open up into. If the living area has a wood floor, consider carrying the same floor into the kitchen area. With all the new finishes on the market, a wood floor can hold up well to water and spillage. If you want a flooring that is even more durable, look into ceramic tile. Tile is available in almost any finish or color that you desire. The new distressed sun-washed tiles are ideal because they usually make a wonderful transition from living areas that may have wood or carpet. The biggest down side to a ceramic tile floor in the kitchen is that glassware and plates will most likely break if they are dropped. Sheet Vinyl and Vinyl tiles are a good solution if you’re watching your budget or if you prefer a floor that you can change with your decor every few years without guilt. Vinyl is very easy to maintain and is comfortable and quiet underfoot.

Read the rest of “Planning for a great kitchen” »