Showing posts with label Design. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Design. Show all posts

Thursday 22 August 2013

How To Choose The Right Rug For A Room

English: Gendje rug from The Caucasus/Caucasian
English: Gendje rug from The Caucasus/Caucasian (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Copyright © 2010-2013 Alycia Hartzell

Choosing the right area rug for a room goes beyond simply selecting a rug that you like. Existing factors within the room will determine the rug you should select. A common mistake many people make is merely selecting the rug they like best, without taking into account how it will work in the room. Factors such as floor color, furniture color, wall color, and the amount of natural light a room receives will dictate what type of rug you choose.

The first and most important variable that needs to be considered is the color of the larger elements in the room. These elements include wall color, sofa color, and drapery color. You should select a rug that complements or enhances this existing palette. In addition, the patterns of these elements will also play a role in selecting the appropriate rug. A general rule of thumb to follow is not to overdo it in selecting an identical pattern. However, you do want to select a pattern that coincides with the current theme of the room. Finally, floor color should be taken into account as well. Lighter colored floors look best with a rug of rich, deeper colors, and the contrast of a light area rug on a darker toned floor is striking.

The amount of foot traffic a room receives, as well as the lifestyle of those using your room, should be considered when choosing the material of your rug. Wool rugs are not only the most popular, but also surprisingly resilient. Most stains and dirt can be easily removed from a wool rug, in addition to the fact that wool provides good durability. Often times machine made rugs consisting of artificial fabrics are slightly easier to clean but don't offer the same durability as wool rugs.

Another important factor to consider is rug size. The existing furniture layout in the room will determine the size of the rug you select. Choose a rug that is large enough to cover the flooring under your major pieces of furniture. For example, in a dining room the rug should cover at least the floor space under the dining room table. You should also leave at least 24 inches of visible floor space around the edges of the room.

Armenian tapestry
Armenian tapestry (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Lastly, natural light plays a significant role in creating a feeling of space in a room. A lack of natural light can be made up for by decorating with lighter colored furniture, walls, and of course area rugs. By following these simple rules and thoughtfully selecting an area rug, you will be well on your way to creating a pleasing look in any space you decorate.


About the Author:
Alycia Hartzell is a seasoned design professional with experience in both residential and commercial interior design. She writes for Domestic Modern - a leading retailer of contemporary rugs. Learn more at: http://www.contemporaryrugmall.com/


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Tuesday 2 July 2013

Building the Perfect Backyard Playground for Your Kids

Combination playground equipment (plastic)
Combination playground equipment (plastic) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
English: Doesn't this playground look like so ...
English: Doesn't this playground look like so much fun? (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Copyright © 2011-2013 Giana Briggs

Every child loves to play at the playground, and nothing is better than having your very own playground in the backyard. It's as exciting to a child as Christmas morning. How do we as parents pick out the perfect outdoor play set for them?

Bringing your child with you to pick it out is key. The excitement of getting to decide which one to bring home can become one of their fondest childhood memories. Plus, you will be able to ensure that it is something they will be sure to enjoy.

Before you head to the store though, you'll need to take some measurements. Looking around your yard, you're going to need to find the perfect spot to put it. Obviously you are going to need a fairly large space, on flat ground. If you're opting for one with swings, you will need to make sure there is adequate room for your little one to swing without running into things like the fence.

Once you've picked the spot and have your measurements, it's time to take them to the store.

It can be a bit intimidating once you get there. There are so many different types of outdoor play sets to pick from. Which one is right for you?

Here's some tips to help you pick the perfect one:

Do you want one that will work for your child as he grows up? Or are you willing to get the smaller set for him now, and get a bigger one meant for older children later.

Different sets have additions that can be purchased separately. Do you want to go with a basic one right now, and add on more parts as he grows?

Material is another big decision. Wood can be much softer and inviting then the newer metal ones, but at the same time carries the risk of splinters and even catching on fire. Metal is sturdy, and will outlast wood when taken care of properly, but can be cold and slippery when the weather is on the cooler side. Not to mention if you are in a really damp climate, it can rust easily and become quite a danger to your child.

Another thing to consider is how many children you have, or will have playing on the play set. Some are designed for only a few children, while others have enough space and additions that plenty of children can play on it.

Picking out a play set for your child isn't as easy as it first appears. There are many different decisions that go into picking out the perfect one to add to your backyard. Once you've decided though, it will be well worth the time and effort to see your little one's face light up at having their very own backyard playground.


About the Author:
Giana Briggs is a mother of four boys. Learn more about backyard playgrounds at: http://backyardfuntoys.com/


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