How To Decorate A Small Room And Achieve Big Results

By Richard Boyston

Living in a small space can be suffocating when it's overcrowded with clutter. Yet small spaces feel sterile and cold when they are decorated in a minimalistic style. So how do you decorate a small space with minimal clutter and maximum style? Follow these simple tips to transform your small room.

The right choice of wall color can do wonders for making a small room appear bigger. Light colors create an impression of more space. This is because lighter colors reflect and do not absorb light, which make the room look bigger. If you want to make your walls look broad to not have the "closing in" feeling one can get when a room is small, paint the crown molding and trim a lighter shade than the walls.

Displaying a mirror can also give an illusion of a larger space. You can make it as the centerpiece of your room or as a wall covering by using mirrored tiles.

Since your room is in light color, make up for the lack of bold hues through your accessories. Choose colorful wall hangings, flowers, pillow covers and curtains.

Area rugs are great additions to the colors in your room. Place them strategically so they don't consume too much space. A round area rug to cushion your coffee table makes a nice picture. Small rugs in your bathroom and under your kitchen sink are functional and decorative. You can match the colors of your rugs with your other furnishings or you can choose different shades but those that complement the rest of the room.

Last, arrange your furniture to take advantage of every square inch of your room. Play around with the furniture arrangements until you find a lay out that you like. Consider placing your sofa at an angle to add interest to a boring space. Add custom shelves to the corners or high on the walls. Storage ottomans are a great solution for small spaces. You can use the ottoman in place of a coffee table and you'll get storage for Afghans or books in the process.

A small room is not hopeless. In fact, small rooms look more hip as most materials are custom-made or arranged in an untypical fashion. Decorating a small room can be a challenge but imagine how fulfilling it is to finally achieve the perfect look that makes a small space look bigger than it actually is.

About the Author:

Discover where Home Design experts do their shopping for rugs, and discover their favorite Dynamic Rugs Tiranga Collection.

Wisconsin Cheeses

By Ian Kleine

Wisconsin is known for its world-renowned art of making cheese. Cheese, being one of the greater things in life, and probably the next best thing to sliced bread (forgive me for the pun). Wisconsin has have had at least over more than 160 years in cheese making history, and within those time, had developed the craft into an art and an esteemed profession. With the evolution of time and the progress of technology, the state has developed over six hundred new varieties, tastes and styles of cheeses.

Wisconsin, in the olden times, was a stage set for dairy making. The last Ice Age had left lush grazing fields for cows and other fodder creatures to graze on. The fresh grass, good sun, and the cool climate produced large volumes of fresh, delicious milk. Wisconsin is said to adapt the title as the nation's 'heartland' because of this image.

Crops of wheat, hops, and other grains supplemented the state's development and economy; but milk was still closest to the heart. The cows produced milk in abundance that most farmers were at a worry on what to do, since milk did not do well with preservation methods back then.

To preserve milk, they decided to employ cheese-making as an option. From selling perishable milk, to long-lasting, more profitable cheese; this was the start of the small-scale invasion of cheese makers. Other than milk preservation, large-scale and commercial production was really out of the question for the simple dairy farmers of Wisconsin.

It was in 1921 that Wisconsin, after so many years of trial and error, of development and failures, of recipes shared and handed down from generation to generation; the state was the first one to establish a grading system for cheeses. Grades that were based according to the type, variety, and quality of the cheese. Quality assurance had secured Wisconsin a spot in the cheese market of the United States by then, the state having at least almost three thousand commercial cheese factories by that time.

About the Author:

Going for a trip to Wisconsin? Why not make it worth the trip? Wisconsin craft shows. Visit Wisconsin craft fairs, that's what I use to check up on mine.

Have A Fireplace Anywhere

By Lisa Condrey

Fireplaces are functionally indispensable d?cor to any home. People all over have switched over from admiring the good old wooden fireplaces and started embracing the eco-smart electric fireplaces. Why not for the many benefits these electric fireplaces offer over the traditional wooden ones? Anyone these days will love to have smarter electric fireplaces than the messy wooden ones.

If we look at some plus points that come with the electric fireplaces, first and foremost the electric fireplaces will not have any residues or mess to clean day to day as they will not use wood or gas to generate heat. One doesn?t need to have concerns of fumes or fire. As the electric fireplace is installed, you can simple switch it on and enjoy the coziness of a winter evening. They will generate uniform heat and you can switch it off when you don?t need heat. This means there is no concerns of over heating and problems thereof.

Electric fireplaces are cinder proof and there will be no air pollution and fear of carbon monoxide escape into your ambience. Thankfully, you don?t have to fell trees when you opt for electric fireplaces. They also generate uniform heat unlike wooden fireplaces.

Electric fireplaces make optimal use of energy through efficient conversion of total electric energy to heat energy. Electric fireplaces are equipped with thermostat; implying saving on electricity bill while heating requirements are optimally met.

Installation of electric fireplace is quick and easy too. There are two types of electric fireplace systems depending upon the method of installation. A free standing installation that calls for placing the hearth and base against any support (a wall is the necessary support system in most cases), the firebox is placed on the hearth and then a mantel is used as cover around firebox. In accordance to one?s preference and interest, allied fireplace accessories can be added.

It?s this firebox that encloses the electric logs and the heating coil. There are many sizes of coil and the logs. Recent electric fireplace systems have flame simulations to simulate a real fire place and also come with remote control options.

Electric fireplace system adds to our feel good factor as it helps us to Go Green and become responsible citizens. With time, popularity of electric fireplace system has increased greatly and more homes are getting warmth under these.

In case you have plans of building a new home or renovating an old one you switch to electric one. Mind you, they can be very appealing with just some add-ons and sprucing up with fireplace accessories that can reflect style statement of your d?cor.

About the Author:

If you are interested in an Electric Fireplace Inserts or would like my information about pellet stoves check out our link.

Crafts and Home Accessories

By Mara Hernandez-Capili

It is fun to shop at craft fairs. People who usually come at craft fairs look for interesting bits to give away as presents for their friends, colleagues, peers or loved ones. Some people however, come at craft fairs in search for decorating items to furnish their home with.

What I will teach you now are different crafts that can be excellent accessories for your home. Candles can be bought at craft fairs and are instant dcor boosters for your homes. They come in different colors, sizes and shapes. Candles are popular accessories as they provide instant boost of dcor in any spaces. Candles are suitable to place on top of your living room coffee table, as a dining table accessory (placed on top of a table runner), or as a bathroom dcor.

Beautiful pillow cases from flea markets are also excellent pieces to beautify and decorate your home. Flea market finds are generally cheap because they are either second hand goods being sold by their previous owners or bargain items from shops. Have fun redecorating your home this spring season through matching floral pillowcases and slipcovers on your living room sofa or bedroom sheets. Try it with matching floral area rugs also purchase from craft shows.

Quilts are popular crafts items that could give instant designer boost on areas such as bedrooms and living rooms. Here is interesting information about quilt: it is also used to document history or a special occasion in ones family. Quilts like these are displayed and hanged at walls. Craft fairs or craft shows feature decorative quilts for the homes use and they are almost always handmade.

Decorative frames can give a wall an instant identity. Hand made frames are very easy to make as it will only require a playful imagination and the right material or resources to begin with. You too can make your own low-budget but elegant picture frame. Just cut up a nice image from a used newspaper (Such as landscapes, birds) and paste it onto a thick card stock. Cut them out and glue onto a thick card stock which is a shade or two darker in color. Make sure that you leave at least an inch border on all sides. Finish by placing on a cheap picture frame.

About the Author:

Mara Hernandez-Capili is a writer and a researcher on events in Travel and Leisure. Visiting events such as the Wisconsin craft fairs will open ones spirit on the beauty of the world beyond home's borders. If youre staying in Wisconsin, the author suggests checking out the Wisconsin craft shows for entertainments to make your stay memorable.

An Electronic Reading Innovation: The Kindle 2

By Lisa Condrey

Amazon first released the Kindle on 2007, which quicky swept avid readers and critics alike off their feet with its revolutionary, sharp display and a sleek design that was both lighter and thinner than most paperbacks. Amazon once again struck gold with a new generation of the Kindle with a plethora of new features and content.

The Kindle 2 allows its user to download and read electronic books easily and efficiently. It uses an electronic paper display that does a very good job stimulating an actual paper display. This new version of the Kindle features a 3G connection with no monthly fees or service plans that allows you to download books directly from your Kindle, anytime, anywhere.

Reading e-books on the high-resolution electronic paper display is a very easy task; the screen does a great job of stimulating an actual paper display. Best of all, the Kindle offers a 3G connection with no monthly fees or data plans so you can buy books right on your Kindle without the need for a computer.

An entire Amazon store is dedicated to Kindle content. Many Kindle books are $9.99 to download, but the prices can vary greatly, and if you time your shopping right, you can get in on a very lucrative sale. With over 250,000 books in the marketplace, you?ll never get tired. And the downloading process is anything but tedious. The 3G connection allows you to download right to your Kindle; you won?t even need a computer.

The Amazon marketplace dedicates an entire section to Kindle books, offering around 250,000 books. Usually, a Kindle e-book goes for $9.99, but the prices vary greatly and there are a lot of sales.

The Kindle doesn?t just read Kindle books. It can view other formats as well, like PRC, HTML, MOBI, DOC, and a lot more. PDF files are even able to be formatted, though their quality afterwards it not guaranteed. Amazon doesn?t just offer books for your Kindle but newspaper and magazine subscriptions that are updated automatically.

MP3 files are also supported as well, allowing audiobooks, podcasts, and even music to be played. Music and book enthusiasts will greatly appreciate this feature and so will many students.

The original Kindle now sells for $275.00 on Amazon.com and the new version is $359.00. Yes, it may seem a bit expensive at first, but some people definitely think it?s worth it. The Kindle might not be a good investment, however, if you rarely read.

The first books were recorded on papyrus by the Ancient Egyptians. Currently, books are the most popular medium, but the e-book is steadily catching up, especially with revolutionary devices like Amazon?s Kindle.

About the Author:

Lisa loves her Kindle 2 it's an amazing way to read ebooks.

Finding Time to Relax at Tennessee Craft Fairs

By Rick Amorey

The farm can be a tiring place. Many people who have not experienced it cannot comprehend the difficulties associated with it; even if the fields are just a few steps from home, you should have the strength of mind required to avoid just lounging away in the comfort of your home. Working in a farm requires discipline.

But even so, it doesn't mean that there aren't any down periods for fun and relaxation. Once the day's work has been done, people can go about doing their different crafts and hobbies. While some of the younger sets prefer to play games instead (as youngsters are wont to do), I prefer to just kick back, stretch and go about my hobby of making crafted items.

Woodcarving has a special place in my heart. To me, it's a very satisfying hobby; even though it takes a couple of days to finish something. A piece of wood always has something within it, which I release with my carving knife, if I put my mind to it. It's rewarding, because I do it because I want to, and not because it's something required.

Furthermore, working on wood relaxes me; I do it in the comfort of my rocking chair as I watch the sunset. By working on my crafts, I relax the muscles that have been working for the whole day and the skin that has been scorched by the sun, all while doing something worthwhile. If you check my shelves right now, you will find many of my best crafts lined up there.

Sometimes, I get the opportunity to display my goods to the rest of Tennessee. Whenever a craft fair or festival is scheduled to happen, I quickly find out about it online and immediately secure a booth for myself. The money I get from selling wooden items is a nice bonus, plus I get to share my arts and crafts with the world at large.

About the Author:

Do you believe that you are the best craftsperson in the world? Then prove it now and go to one of the Tennessee Craft Shows. Strut your stuff, and maybe you can be the best at the Tennessee Craft Fairs.

Car Insurace For Seniors

By Arnold Nemesis

Drivers who are entering the age of fifty have many benefits when it comes to auto insurance. Most insurance company will offer cheap auto insurance rates due to the fact that

You have been driving a vehicle your whole life and that experience can lessen your insurance cost.

You are included in the majority of drivers who exercise safe and defensive driving.

They also don't drive too much compared to people who are 30-45 years old.

Most senior citizens like to live away from the busy cities. They tend to relocate on rural areas where traffic is less thus reducing the chance of a car accident.

Despite the fact that you're a senior citizen and your car insurance is cheaper compared to the other age group, it's still not a reason for you not to look for cheaper car insurance rate. There are still numerous car insurance discounts only a senior citizen can benefit. When you reach the age of fifty, you should examine your policy and see if you can qualify on a discount a car insurance company is offering.

Drivers entering the age of 50 can lower their insurance rate by

Enroll on a Mature Driving Course - in some states, it is mandatory for car insurance company to provide 10% discount or more for mature drivers who finish this course. Although the discount will last for 3 years tops, the mature driving course is very affordable and it only takes a day or two to get certified again.

The 55 and Retired discount - it says it all, you can reduce your car insurance cost depending on what a car insurance is offering, but most of the time it should not be below 5% off.

Low mileage discount - most people who achieved the age of maturity will or may drive less. Check to see if you are eligible for a low mileage discount.

About the Author:

I'm 52 years old and I'm enjoying the rewards of Cheap Auto Insurance and so can you. Visit here to get more car insurance information: Cheap Auto Insurance

When it Comes to Value, These 4 Discount Flooring Suppliers Will Leave You Floored

By Toby Johns

Among the most impactful elements in a home's design is its floors. The choices you make for flooring in your office or home environment set the mood and create the atmosphere. Your floors reflect the style and taste of its inhabitants. When you choose the right flooring, quality and taste will reflect itself in the interior.

Among the many flooring choices that are available, cost is an area in which there is much flexibility. With so many types of flooring at a variety of price points, you're bound to find the ideal flooring to enhance your decor while fitting within your budget. However, it is important not to rely solely upon cost as the basis of your flooring purchase decisions.

Four top-quality flooring brands are the highlight of this article: Bruce, Wilsonart, Tarkett and Mannington. These brands, highlighted on the Discount Flooring Suppliers website, have top-notch repuations among flooring professionals. Whether you're in the market for laminates and tiles, or natural and exotic woods, you will find that these brands, and the companies which manufacture them, carry an exemplary reputation in the flooring industry. The companies are also well established for their corporate growth and customer satisfaction through the years. On that note, let's review each of these brands in more detail:

Bruce Flooring

For over a hundred years, Bruce has provided flooring that demonstrates affordable elegance and exceptional craftsmanship for active people and their active lifestyles. Combined with more than a century of customer-centric experience, Bruce employs the most technologically-advanced innovations in the industry today. Capturing the natural beauty of the wood is a standard for Bruce, and the company consistently demonstrates its ability to produce flooring products that are cherished for their timeless beauty and unmatched quality.

Wilsonart Flooring

One of the well-known leaders in decorative flooring products is Wilsonart International. Products from the Wilsonart flooring line fit the needs and demands of consumers and interior designers alike. Since their beginnings in Temple, Texas in 1956, Wilsonart, has grown to become an industry leader in decorative laminate flooring.

Tarkett Flooring

Ease of installation, durability and consistent and superior quality are all characteristics of Tarkett flooring products. Tarkett produces a wide range of sustainable flooring like artificial turf, wood, laminate, linoleum, vinyl, rubber and other sports surfaces. In 2007, Tarkett manufactured over 347 million square meters of flooring surfaces. As you would expect, Tarkett products are engineered to high standards and are fully covered against manufacturer defects as per their warranties.

Mannington Flooring

For over 90 years, Mannington has been providing homeowners with flooring that has been nationally recognized as a leader in product and design accomplishments. A leader in operational excellence and environmental stewardship, Mannington identifies themselves as the only manufacturer in the US offering residential and commercial flooring solutions in hardwood, vinyl, porcelain ceramic tile, luxury vinyl tile and plank, laminate, commercial carpet, commercial resilient, advanced composite flooring and performance backings, all from a single source.

Whether you're shopping for economical laminates or the elegance and beauty of natural wood flooring, you will find that the price and selection of flooring products in today's market will meet your needs. Every year, new advances in flooring technology produce products that are increasingly durable, natural in appearance and of superior craftsmanship and quality. Among the many choices in flooring brands, the products from Bruce, Wilsonart, Tarkett and Mannington offer a myriad of flooring solutions that fit and enhance any decor.

About the Author:

Got flooring? If you're in the market for the latest new flooring products, be sure to visit the Discount Flooring Suppliers site. Contributing writer, Toby Johns, reviews discount floors and the 5 flooring suppliers who provide the most value for the buck.