Modern Decor Tip: Blend Not Match

by: Bridget Greuel

Are you having a difficult time trying to match the colors of the different pieces in your modern color scheme? Want to know how Interior Designers solve this problem? I'll let you in on the secret...they blend not match. You can do it too. In fact, I recommend it because it will allow you the freedom of being able to incorporate more pieces into the color scheme and it will make your life easier too since you won't go crazy trying to make all of your decor match perfectly!

How do you determine what blends and what doesn't? A good rule of thumb is to stand back and look at the pieces in question together and to go with your gut feeling or (if you don't quite trust your eye for color) seek out a second opinion from a friend or family member with a good eye. This method is especially helpful when you're working with a pattern that may take on one general color when viewed from a distance. I also like to take a close look at each patterned piece to see which colors they're comprised of. Have fun and remember; blend not match!

Bridget Greuel is a designer and writer for Zazzy Art Decor at www.zazzyartdecor.com and Topic Tuner at http://www.topictuner.com. Zazzy Art Decor features modern art and decor shopping and decorating tips.

Cut the Clutter!

by: Jennifer Gove

Is clutter bogging you down? Is it living on your shelves collecting dust and in your closet stealing valuable space, has it wandered down the hall to the kids room and taken over? It’s time to cut the clutter.

What is clutter?

• It is some thing you have had for more then six months and have used one time or less.
• 
  It is too many items crammed into a small space.
• 
  It is mail that is unsorted lying about in piles.
• 
  It is all projects lying about unfinished.
• 
  It is any thing you no longer have use for.

Where does the clutter go?

You should sort clutter into three categories.

• Trash – Paper, broken items or any thing in bad condition.
• Sell – Brand name clothing items or any thing in almost new condition such as toys.
• Donate – Clothing in good condition, toys or any usable item in good condition.

What will I need?

Grab two big boxes and a good sized trash bag. Label one box sell unless you do not plan on selling if not label it donation as well as the other box. Otherwise you should have two boxes, one sell and the other donations.

Getting into the clutter.

Once you have decided it is time to get rid of all that clutter it is just a matter of getting started.

Choose a room determine the clutter hot spots. For example the top of the refrigerator is often a clutter attracting spot. Remove each item and ask your self is this trash? What value or use is this to me? Do I have more then one of these? Sort items into Trash sell or donate. If you decide to keep it designate it a permanent home. Move to each room fine the hot stops for clutter and repeat the process.

Clutter hot spots

Children’s rooms (closets, toy boxes, dressers selves the floor) – broken or out grown toys, worn or out grown clothing, papers from school

Kitchen (counter tops, table, drawers, cupboards, under the sink) – Papers, mail, over abundance of useless appliances, empty product bottles or products that do not work

Bed rooms (closets, dressers, shelves) – Clothing, paperbacks, knickknack

Living or family room (shelves, Entertainment center, drawers) - Books, paper work, mail, toys, knickknacks, magazines, newspapers

Bathroom (Shelves, medicine cabinet, under the sink) Old make up, used products, empty products, old magazines, newspapers

Coat room - make sure all outer wear has working zippers and fastens; toss worn shoes or unworn shoes.

This is not clutter what do I do with it!

Baskets are great for organizing many small related items together in one spot.

Totes are a woman’s best friend store away half your children’s toys and reticulate then every month or so. Put out of season clothing away or blankets.

Shelves give books magazines and knickknacks a place to live.

Laundry baskets make great toy storage for stuffed animals and other big toys. They are also great to leave in a central location for family members to toss things in until they get to putting them away.

The golden rules of clutter

• If you do not use it lose it.
• 
  Build a wardrobe, once you do when you buy new replace the old.
• 
  Every thing has a place if it doesn’t toss it.
• 
  Every thing must have a use if it doesn’t toss it.
• 
  Less is almost always more!
• 
  Less is easier to clean and care for!

About The Author Jennifer Gove If you enjoyed this article please stop into http://www.simplymoms.com or check out the forums at http://www.simplymoms.com/forum for great advice articles and ideas! Jennifer is a stay at home mother who resides in the state of Maine with her husband and children. simplymoms@hotmail.com

Små detaljer gör skillnad

Det här hemmet är stylat av danska Sidsel Zachariassen och publicerat i bl a Sköna Hem. Här finns några detaljer som känns kul, t ex de två enkla svartvita tavlorna på hyllan som på något sätt lyfter hela rummet. Tillsammans med några dockor blir det en spännande dekoration. Den lilla biten köksgolv som sticker ut för in mönster och liv i den strikta miljön.

This home from Sköna Hem with styling from danish Sidsel Zachariassen have a few details that I like. I e the simple paintings in black and white on the shelf lift the entire room, together with some dolls it becomes exciting. The small piece of kitchen floor ads pattern to the room.

Brios lekfulla kontor

För några dagar sedan hade jag möjlighet att besöka Brios huvudkontor i Malmö. De fick för några år sedan 'Guldstolen' av Sveriges Arkitekter för sin uppfinningsrika inredning. Med enkla medel har de lyckats få en lekfull och färgglad miljö. Observera gungorna till besökare i entrén.

I had the opportunity to visit the toy company Brio's headoffice in Malmö. They got a prize from the Swedish Associations of Architects a couple of years ago for the interiors that is both playful and colourful. Notice the swings for visiting guests.

Buying Displayed Furniture

by: Bob Benson

Have you ever just had to have a certain piece of furniture right then – you won’t leave the store without it? If you have ever had such an experience, you have probably been offered the displayed floor model. If you have not had a similar experience, be aware of these issues that might arise when buying a demo, displayed piece of furniture.

Most stores can order furniture for you unless the particular model you want is being discontinued. Or, unless you absolutely, positively plan to walk out of the store with the sofa, recliner, or other piece of furniture that very day.

If you find yourself in either of the above situations, you should be aware of the pros and cons of buying a demo or displayed piece of furniture.

The biggest pro, obviously, is being able to have the instant gratification of immediate ownership. If really, really want a piece of furniture that is on display, try to hold your enthusiasm for the piece until you can talk with the sales person. Ask if there is a discount for buying the floor model. That would be a second pro. If a commissioned sales person can see how desperate you are to own that piece of furniture, he or she might be more likely to hold you to the original price. The best way to proceed is to ask the sales person what kind of price he can give you for that piece. Then, ask what price he can give you on the floor model. With any luck, the prices will show a decrease each time you ask!

If there is no discount for buying the floor model, proceed with caution. Don’t let your urge for immediate ownership of the furniture to keep you from getting the best deal. Back away and think about it. Can you wait another two weeks for a brand new piece of furniture to be shipped to your house? If the answer is no, go back and look at the furniture. Prepare to give it a good inspection.

If it is a sofa or chair, chances are that many of people have tried it out by sitting in it. Look at the seat. Is it worn or showing any signs of wear? Check out the back. Sometimes the natural oils from hair or the back side of necks can rub off on furniture cushions. Look for oily spots on the cushions.

Take a look at the arms. Are they worn? Pay special attention to the cording on the arms and cushions. As people get up or lean back to get comfortable, the cording gets extra friction against it and shows signs of wearing sooner.

Next, check the seams. Are any of the seams pulling apart? This might happen if a number of people have tried out the furniture. As people sit on the cushions, the seams tend to pull. They generally go back in place when the person gets up, but continued use could cause seams to separate permanently.

If you spot any signs of wear, point them out to the sales person. If he still won’t come down off the price, walk on by. Place your order and wait for a perfect model to arrive just for you!

About The Author Bob Benson is the founder of Furniture online. You can check out our website at http://www.my-log-furniture.info. contact@loan-source.co.uk

HP & G

Australiensiska trion Hecker, Phelan & Guthrie har specialiserat sig på inrednings- och möbeldesign för butiker, hem och hotell. Här är några av deras alster.

The Australian company Hecker, Phelan & Guthrie is working with interior and furniture design. Most of their projects are for shops, residence and hotels.

Preventing Fire Damage in the Kitchen

by: Jonathan Meyer

The kitchen is one of the most dangerous rooms in your house as it contains many hazards and a high potential for unintentional fires.

Frying Pans and Deep Fry Pans

Using a thermostat controlled fryer is a great way to prevent deep fry pans fires. Avoid fat and grease build up on the stove or pans because fat and grease can easily catch fire.

Oven and Stove

The oven and range must be cleaned often to prevent grease and food from catching fire. Be careful when you cook and keep pot handles away from the edge of the stove. Don’t wear long sleeves that can hang over the stove and catch fire. Always look on the oven when it is on and don’t forget to turn it off when not in use. Place flammable fabrics, such as towels, away from the gas or electric range. Be careful with flammable liquids such as cleaning materials.

Appliances

The most important safety rule for appliances is to use only appliances that have been tested and approved by a testing facility. Avoid overloading electrical outlets and check for worn or broken wiring on a regular basis. If you find defects be sure to make necessary repairs immediately. It is also very important to keep appliance cords on the counter to prevent them from, accidentally, being pulled down.

Microwave Ovens

A very common mistake regarding microwave ovens is the wrong assumption that items, heated in the microwave oven, are not as hot as items heated in a regular oven or a mini oven. Keep in mind that even though the container does not heat, the content does. Be sure all the vents are cleared of obstructions and that the microwave oven has an adequate clearance for air circulation. Never place aluminum foil or other metals in a microwave oven.

For more information visit www.RestorationSOS.com

Free guides are available.

About The Author Jonathan Meyer is an editorial staff member of RestorationSOS™, a leading restoration services provider for water and fire damages. To learn more about water and fire damage restoration, visit http://restorationsos.com or call 1-877-767-2407. jonathanm@restorationsos.com