A house full of antiques makes it look classy and historic. However, buying antiques usually means that you need a bigger budget than usual. However, we were able to get some tips on how to get antiques without breaking the bank from Home Decorating Reviews.
So where do we find good antiques on the cheap? Online classifieds are the first p[lace you should go to. Another thing you can probably do, is to check out the thrift stores or garage sales for possible antiques. They usually sell these things but are in need for repair, so you need to shell out some dough for that one.
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At my house, people sit around the TV set all day long and watch soap operas while sipping their mid afternoon coffee. However, there’s something missing in the middle of the room. A table; specifically a coffee table.
When I mention it to them, they’re afraid that it’ll take up too big a space in the living room and that it might cause accidents with little babies and children running around the house everyday. It’s a good thing then that I read this article at Home Decorating Reviews on coffee tables. Here are some tips from that article:
The table should be half the length of the couch and even with the couch cushions
For limited spaces, a round table is advisable
If there is enough space, go for a square table
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Has this ever happened to you? You go to a store and look around and the sales person greets you. That’s ok, customer service is supposed to be good, right? However, this person keeps on trailing you and then gives you comments on how it’ll look good with you sitting on it, or sleeping on it, etc. Now this person’s stepped over the line and is now very irritating. How do you escape?
Here’s some suggestions:
Without ducking behind the microfiber sofas, you need a plan to escape the sales team.
You can start by being very clear about your intentions right as you walk in the door.
Let them know that you’re simply looking around and that if you are bothered, you will not be buying from the store.
While this sounds a little harsh, it will guarantee that you get some privacy.
Another tactic is that you can use is to simply ignore the sales person when they come to talk to you.
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The dining room is where you’ll be spending quite a lot of time eating. Therefore the looks of the whole thing should be more formal than the living room or den. It should be seen as comfortable as possible and at the same time show off the best that your home can offer.
If you have a large dining room then you have leeway in doing what ever you want with it: add a china cabinet, extra room for chairs and tables, as well as space for those party buffets. However, it’s much more challenging if you have a small dining room. The best that you can do there is take out things that don’t need to be there and stay with the bare essentials.
The bedroom is one of the more important part of the house. This is the place where you usually rest and do other “private” activities, so it’s a wonder why other people’s bedrooms look shabby while the other parts of the house, like the kitchen or the living room, look so spankin’.
The bedroom is one of the most important rooms in your household, but surprisingly, many people overlook decorating it and keeping the room lively, yet relaxing. Remodeling it doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult; small changes like moving the furniture around, painting the area above your bed, adding a solid blanket to your bed, or adding a creative headboard can add excitement to your bedroom, yet also provide a calming influence so you can relax and rest in your bedroom more easily.
Listed below are just some tips we gathered from an article we read a few moments ago:
- Arrange your furniture
- Paint the room
- Add draping
- Add a solid blanket on the bed
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The color legacy in Mexico and Central America predates the Spanish influence. It is seen mostly in the painted structures of the Aztec and Mayan civilizations, and continued through the Spanish colonial period, as shown in its bright blue haciendas, deep reds and rich ochres, and could still be found in the bubbly greens and bright pinks that are used today to decorate. For the interiors, these deep and rich colors are muted, that reflects the original decors using the natural pigments and dyes. Their traditional color combinations include ruddy earth colors teamed with dark blues, and intense yellows teamed with muddy browns.
The home is a private sanctuary away from the chaos and hectic pace of the outside world. Traditional houses were built of natural, organic materials, like clay, straw, paper, wood and stone. They also bring into play natural light, water and foliage, and is seen even in today’s design.
Japanese interior decoration is characterized by not so obvious refinement. Use of highly decorated or vividly colored items is always done with restraint, and follows the concept of yin and yang. Light and space is balanced. Light is likely to be diffused, and living and sleeping spaces are adaptable, using moveable screens.
Southwestern – comes from the American Indian and Mexican motifs; simple, minimum furnishings, and nature colors, and heavy textures and weaves
Victorian – lavish and eclectic furnishings; use of marble for tabletops and rich colors full of patterns and decorations
Contemporary – minimal abstract and geometric patterns; accessorized by dramatic pieces
Traditional Country Cottage – diverse mix of American, English and French country styles; lively and relaxed ambience and use of pastel colors
Traditional/Classic Elegance – Eighteenth Century theme; but not as serious and formal and may use any color scheme
Transitional Style – blend of contemporary and traditional; originates from Eclectic style; practical
Most furniture styles were descended from their original design. Following is a brief description of each known style.
Eighteenth-Century English – Formal, refined style; dark woods had inlaid designs and has rich varied colors
English Country – Overstuffed furniture, with cozy ambience; uses floral chintzes, oriental accessories with a mixture of patterns and colors
American Country – rustic furniture with primitive air; warm colors with plaids and checks
Country French – similar to English Country, but has French influence; with a little more curves and ornate carvings
Eclectic – a little of everything, anything goes; style and theme are held together by keeping the colors constant
Determine your budget.
Be aware of your family’s needs.
Know the family lifestyle.
Know your preference for style of furnishings.
Have a choice of color scheme.
Prepare a scaled floor plan of furniture you intend to buy.
Select a furniture piece for your focal point.
Allow for a solid or tone on tone fabric for large upholstered pieces.
Think of using pattern, stripe, plaid for smaller upholstered pieces.
Consider ordering extra upholstery fabric for a stool, bench, pillows.
It is okay to mix woods and accent with metals.
Buying classic and not trendy styles would be better.
It is best to buy from reputable stores with good service policies.