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Vintage Interior Design –The Perfect Nostalgic Look for the Modern World

August 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Article by Charlotte Sneddon

Vintage interior design is a really popular look – and rightly so – it is a really relaxed, traditional style – warm and comfortable in feel, and very easy to achieve – and to live with!

In the loosest sense, a vintage interior design scheme is just a look that is old – traditional, classic styling.

In a stricter sense, ‘vintage’ refers to the 1940′s and 1950′s – an era of hope and new beginnings!

In many ways, the 1940′s and 1950′s were a safer, simpler time – a slower, more relaxed pace of life … you could leave your back door unlocked, while you popped down to the shops! Family and the home were a very important focus to life – and this led to a very comforting and welcoming feel to vintage home decor and interior design.

The vintage era is a period that most people can actually remember – either from their own childhood (or even adult life) or at least from the home of their grandparents. This is a very nostalgic look and feel. It will recreate comforting memories and emotions from childhood – feelings of comfort and safety.

This is an easy, relaxed feel – there are no strict rules to getting your vintage interior design look – only a few simple guidelines to follow:

After the War, people did have to ‘make-do and mend’. They used old furniture, from all different eras – fine antiques and family heirlooms, handed down through the generations, and simpler pieces, that were made over and repaired. So, feel free to mix and match all kinds of traditional furniture pieces in your vintage decorating scheme.

Look out for loads of hand-made goodies too – such as patchwork quilts, made from pretty scraps and fabric remnants.

A vintage interior design style is definitely not an expensive look to try in your home. Scour antique stalls and flea markets for solid, quality items – the slightly worn look will enhance the ‘pre-loved’ charm of the unique pieces.

If you find furniture in different styles and different types of wood, why not try painting all your furniture pieces in white, or a colored paint. Try going for a deliberately distressed look, by applying wax to edges and corners that would wear naturally. Paint over the top, then rub down these areas, and create your own ‘genuine,’ distressed and worn look.

Choose muted and pastel tones for walls and fabric – any color will go, so long as you don’t choose something that is too fresh, modern and bright. Add a little interest with accents of patterned wallpaper, and pretty fabrics for upholstery, slip-covers, throws, cushions and curtains. Look out for pretty, floral designs – particularly those typical 1940′s and 1950′s attractive rose patterns.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns and fabrics – and pile on all the pretty layers – slip-covers, throws, patchwork quilts, crochets and lace will all give you that really warm and comforting, nostalgic feel.

Display period accessories and collections on open shelves, or in glass-fronted display cabinets – look out for pretty ornaments, porcelain figurines, and all types of pretty ceramics and pottery.

This is a really good style for anyone who loves knick-knacks and collections – indulge and display your hobby collection – or start one right now…!

I am sure that you will find vintage interior design really comforting and comfortable look – as well as really easy to live with, and really easy to achieve. Don’t worry about any rules, and just include all your favourite bits and pieces and styles – regardless of era…

Create a home and style that is uniquely yours – stamp your personality on your space, and relax into a comforting, safe space – that makes you feel really good!

More information, and pictures to inspire your vintage interior design scheme.

Check out my website http://www.interior-design-it-yourself.com, designed to show you how you can use professional interior design tricks and techniques, to bring that wow factor into your home.










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A DIY Guide To Updating Your Home Decor

July 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Article by Francesco Pratt

Home furnishing can be difficult without the help of an expensive interior designer. Choosing a style is hard enough, but knowing how to create that style can be even harder! Use these tips to create whichever look you want, furnishing your home in the style that best suits you.

Step #1: Choose a StyleHere are some ideas of different styles you can use to decorate your whole house or just one room.

* Cottage: This home furnishing style calls to mind a cozy cottage tucked away in the country or by the lake. Cottage style means white couches and chairs, or white wicker furniture with floral printed cushions. Pastel colors, soft lighting, and gauzy curtains create the cottage look, as do antique accessories and patchwork quilts. Complete the look with landscaping: nothing says country cottage like a stone walkway and a garden full of flowers and herbs. * Mediterranean: This home decorative style conjures the Italian and French seaside. Think warm yellows and earth tones, as well as simple patterns set off by blue and gold accents. Chunky, natural wood tables fit right in, as do patterns of sunflowers or ships. * Oriental: As the name implies, this style invokes the simple and sleek lines of the Orient. Less is more with this look, so choose pieces like teak and lacquered tables, armoires and coffee tables sparingly. Accessorize with Oriental rugs, silk prints and pictures of dragons or Japanese seascapes. * Traditional: This classic home furnishing style is elegant but not extravagant. Floral patterns look great on your couches, chairs, curtains and pillows for the traditional look, as do plaids and damasks. Heavy drapes and mahogany dining room tables also work well with this look. Put the final touch on your traditional home with accents like china, crystal and framed landscapes. * Victorian: This style will make your house look as beautiful and stately as the mansions of Victorian England. Choose small but elegant couches and wooden armchairs with silk covered cushions in striped or simple floral patterns. Do not be shy with velvet and rich brocades. Porcelain and dried flowers will also help you get this look across nicely.

Step #2: Enhance Your HomeWhatever style you choose, use these elements wisely to achieve the maximum from your decorative style.

* Lighting: Stay away from halogen and overhead lighting, both of which can create harsh light and therefore harsh shadows. Instead, choose lamps with bases that fit your style and taste. Track lighting and sconces also provide nice lighting solutions. * Color: Color is one of the most basic and most effective ways to create any style. When choosing paint, think about practicality as well as décor; bright colors energize and light colors soothe. Creams, beiges and pastels create the illusion of more space, whereas dark, rich reds and blues make a statement. * Texture: Texture is an often overlooked element, yet it is crucial when creating the style of your choice. Textured walls evoke a natural, native, earthy feel. Smooth walls are more elegant, traditional, and will reflect more light, creating a brighter room. Be careful, though, because if a floor is textured with tiles, stone, or wood flooring, it can make the room look small. With a large enough room, however, texturing your floor with tile, wood or stone is an excellent way to instantly create a “look”.

Choose the style and décor that feels right for you. Even if your budget doesn’t allow you to renovate your entire house, choose a few important furniture pieces (couches, tables) that will set the tone for the whole room. Finally, accessorize along the lines of the decorative style you have chosen, and your look with be complete.

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History Of Patchwork Quilts

July 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The article title inspires images of a gaggle of ladies companionably gathered around a patchwork quilt exchanging tidbits of gossip, usually called a quilting bee. Or maybe a housewife all alone, late at night in her pioneer home, laboring over clothing that has long been worn to pieces, sewing the different parts together with love into something that will keep the family warm during those cold winter nights by the fire. Conjured images like this are heartwarming, but the patchwork quilt is really not as old as you may think, in relative terms.

Records of estates reveal few patchwork quilts made before the 1800s, but those that are recorded are valued much more highly than other coverlets. Those made during the 1700s were made with leftover odds and ends.
Because of cheaper materials and fabrics, the Industrial Revolution largely used to promote quilting, playing a large role in promoting their creation.

Patchwork quilting was revolutionized in the mid 1800s when the first sewing machine came into existence, exploding into virtually every home.

Pieced and appliquéd patchwork quilts were a focal point at social events, such as county fairs. Vines, flowers, stars and feathers of every conceivable design were lovingly shown, and prizes were hotly fought over during for quilting contests. The winners were highly revered in social circles.

The Comeback Quilt

Unfortunately handmade items were less popular in the late 1900s as many ladies were more impressed with the ease and convenience of manufactured quilts. However, they are experiencing a huge resurgence during the last few decades. At last, people are attending craft events and festivals, and magazines are dedicated to quilting patterns. Patchwork quilting blogs are all the rage while once again friends are joining to stitch and sew and gossip.

The Care of Your Patchwork Quilt

If you are one of the fortunate few that have had a patchwork quilt handed down to you, take care on storage and care. Never, ever place it in a plastic bag as the material will sweat and ruin. Instead, place tissue free (acid free) paper in between the folds, wrapping it with a cotton pillowcase or sheet. At least every other month take it out and refold it to keep it from getting permanent creases or coming apart, and always store your patchwork quilt away from sunlight in consideration of the dyes.

Award winning online patchwork and quilting shop featuring quilts, patterns, fabrics, jelly rolls, layer cakes, charm packs products and materials.

Linen Lace and Patchwork, Jean Gibson demonstrating how to dress an antique bed. For more idea’s and a huge range of stunning patchwork quilts, bedspreads and bedlinen go to her website: www.llph.co.uk
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Unique Patchwork Quilts

July 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Home textiles that best matches with the complete color scheme and theme of home interiors lend an elegant appeal. These are available in different retail stores at reasonable rates. Adorning the living room with stylish and chic décor accessories creates an aura of luxury and elegance. These are manufactured using state-of-the-art techniques and bears trendy designs and prints. Pillow shams reflecting pleasing designs and prints are available in various sizes and shapes. The collection also bears alluring patchwork patterns and is best in quality and style. Widely used in homes, hotels and resorts, these add a visual appeal to the bed. The entire range in alluring designs and soothing shades enhances the look of pillows and gels up with other fabrics and bed linen. Portraying the creativity of skilled designers and craftsmen, patchwork quilts showcase beautiful patchwork designs in geometrical patterns.

Being an essential bedding ensemble, quilts in variety of sizes are perfect for both single and double beds. Offering a cozy and soft feel, these are available in latest designs and styles with unique classiness. Besides duvet covers in attractive textures, designs, prints, patterns and vibrant color combinations, are perfect for daily use. These are easy to wash and maintain and efficiently accentuates the overall look and feel of bedrooms. These add beautiful accents to the bedroom décor. Portraying one’s aesthetic taste, the wide range is offered in contemporary designs. Ideal for decorative or functional purpose, such duvet covers carry royal sheen and rich embroidery works. The attractive gamut with a trendy look brightens the entire living room milieu. The entire collection of bedding turns the living room into an abode of relaxation and coziness. Enriching living style, these assortment bearing appliqué and block prints in colorful prints and patterns bears a classy look. These are perfect for refurbishing the home décor.

For more information about patchwork quilts and duvet covers. Please visit our website: http://www.pondicherrionline.com/

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