How to Create a Room Your Kids Will Love

(ARA) - We all need a space of our own, no matter our age. Children can thrive when there is a place in their home that nurtures their imaginations and their sense of belonging.

But the children's furniture and home décor industry is a multi-billion dollar business with such a staggering variety of choices that parents may feel overwhelmed. You may be tempted to let your child live with white walls and beige carpet until he is old enough to tackle the redecorating on his own. But a few of the same principals and techniques designers use can help you create a room your child will love.

* Consider how the room will be used - Children's bedrooms have become multipurpose, like most spaces in our homes. It's likely your child not only sleeps in her room, but plays and does homework there as well. While a bed is the essential focus of any bedroom, keep in mind that you may need to incorporate play space, a study area and maybe even a seating area into the room as well.

* Get your child involved - By the time they've mastered speech, most kids are able to tell you what they like and don't like. How involved your child can be in the decorating process will depend on his age and level of development. A toddler may be able to tell you he likes blue but purple is "yucky." An elementary school child may be able to express a preference for a theme or style of bed. A high school student can be fully involved in the planning and execution of her room remodel.

* When it comes to a theme, keep compromise in mind - Maybe your child wants an underwater theme like the one he saw on a home improvement show, complete with the prow of a pirate's ship mounted on one wall. You, however, want something that will grow with him and not break the bank - or your back - to accomplish. Compromise is needed and can be as easy as placing a wallpaper mural of a sailing ship on one wall of your child's room.

* Adapt current design trends - Wallpaper murals are a hot design trend, with many home improvement shows using them to create focal points or accents in nearly every room of the house. They're a great option for a children's room because they're easy to install and offer thousands of images that will fit virtually any design theme you choose. Lowes home improvement stores across the nation sell kid-friendly wallpaper murals by Environmental Graphics for under $100. Designs range from the sports themed like the stands of a baseball stadium as seen from the field, to jungle animals and underwater seascapes. To learn more and view kid-friendly mural options, visit a Lowe's store near you.

Designing a child's room can be fun for the whole family, and a great way to spend some quality time with your child. Following these basic principles can help ensure the experience will be rewarding, and the room something your child will love for years to come.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Save Money: Hire an Interior Designer for Your Remodeling Project

Although an interior designer may not have an architectural degree, there are still many highly talented interior designers who can greatly influence the outcome of your plans and contribute to the success of your home remodeling projects. Unlike many architects, interior designers usually spend most of their time on home remodeling projects or the design of new homes — they do not normally work on commercial projects. This expertise in home building and remodeling projects allows many designers to provide you with the benefit of their focused experience, and the fact that they've probably worked on more homes than an architect who is also doing a lot of commercial work.

When looking for a good interior designer, some are certified with professional licenses, and some are not. The professional certified designers have accredited study in their area of expertise, in addition to all of the experience they've acquired as an interior designer. For example, the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) the oldest and largest organization for designers, sets professional standards and provides accreditation and education. ASID members are qualified by education, experience and examination, and adhere to a strict code of ethics and professional conduct, according to their Web site, where you can search for a local designer.

Homeowners may need to hire an architect for complex or unique designs, or when special building products are incorporated into the design. An architect can help you remodel your home to just about any specifications. While an interior designer can certainly help you get that unique creative look that reflects you and your family's personality and tastes, they typically do not work with out-of-the-ordinary or super exotic designs. If you want your house remodeled out of plexiglass and shaped like a spaceship, you're better off with an architect.

If your expectations are reasonable and fit somewhat into the footprint of your existing home, an interior designer can work wonders and save you money, too. On the lower end, a designer's fees can range from 1.5-3% of the cost of your remodeling project. On the other hand, a licensed architect may charge 10-15% of the total cost of the project. With the help of an interior designer, you can save quite a bit of money, while still enjoying all of the benefits an experienced professional can bring to your project.

Ten Tips for Small Spaces

By Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan
Author of Apartment Therapy: The Eight-Step Home Cure

All of us are really small space lovers. While McMansions rule the suburbs, and those with means build estates and ranches, us city folk aspire to the perfect perch.

Why? Because we are drawn to the warmth and buzz of urban life.

We are cliff dwellers. We long to be close to one another and feel the rhythm of the streets. We want to be right on top of it all, close to our friends, near the energy. If anything, we want a view, we want sunlight, and we want location, location, location. Space we are willing to give away.

But because perches are short on space we are all -- both high and low -- forced to be creative when building our nests. Here then, is our starter list for our fellow cliff dwellers. Feel free to add your own.

1. Remove your interior doors (use curtains instead on closets and doors).

2. Replace your big refrigerator with a smaller, undercounter model. It’s more than enough room.

3. Treat yourself to a really good, sturdy small vacuum (we love Meile).

4. Use track lighting aimed at walls to free up floor space and create an expansive feeling.

5. Install lighting inside closets so you can see what’s in there. They will be easier to maintain and you will gain the feeling of more space.

6. Clean your windows often so that more light comes in and your view is not blocked.

7. Buy quality cookware, tableware, and linens. Small luxuries, such as table top fountains, go a long way.

8. Go wireless, transfer all your music to your computer and sell your CDs!

9. Use full spectrum light bulbs to energize and enliven your home.

10. Have lots of dinner parties. People actually socialize better in small spaces. And, as an added bonus, apartment dwellers who entertain take better care of their homes.

Copyright © 2006 Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan

The Basics of Using Patterns in Home Decorating

Pattern refers to the way colors lines and textures are arranged in an object. While the word pattern generally refers to something which repeats itself, such as a checkerboard, in decorating terms it can just refer to the layout of design elements, and can be quite chaotic, such as in a floral pattern.

In decorating, patterns can be used for several purposes.

- You can use it to create a focal point in a room.

- You can use it to create a theme throughout a space

- It can add interest to an otherwise dull space

- Or you can use it to reproduce a particular historical style

Traditional patterns are generally taken from historical decorating schemes. Chintz is often associated with English decorating, while calico patterns have a strong association with country style. Contemporary patterns are being designed everyday, but are usually based roughly on traditional ideas.

Picking Patterns

When choosing a pattern, some people start by falling in love. If you find a furnishing with a certain pattern that you adore, you can make it the basis for an entire room, or home. The pattern itself should suggest complimentary patterns to use, and the colors within it will tell you what colors to use in background pieces.

Other people prefer to have a plan. Maybe you are trying to recreate a traditional look, or maybe you are trying to achieve a specific ambience. Whatever your goal, you should remember the following tips when panning your strategy.

- Small rooms should use smaller more intricate patterns, which will fill the space with more interest

- Large rooms should use grand patterns, that stretch out throughout the space and keep the room in proportion

- Use your patterns to add interest to places that lack architectural features.

- Make sure your pattern is matched to the style of the houses architecture. If your home is a grand old Victorian you don’t want to create a confusing décor with contemporary silver geometric lines.

You can use some patterns on everything in a room, the walls, furnishings, floors, and accessories. However the room will be immersed in the very particular ambiance created by the pattern, so be careful of overwhelming yourself with anything you won’t love for a long time.

Traditional pattern decorating is done with a single pattern, being matched against a solid background. In this way a boring white room is given vibrant life by a series of brightly upholstered chairs.

Mixing patterns with different colors and with other patterns can be a little tricky. You have to both create harmony between all of the different colors, and create contrast to give the space interest.

- Mixing patterns is tough! Start with just one or two, decide how you feel about them together, and then add more.

- Try to maintain one dominant pattern, and let the others act as support.

-Use patterns which have a single consistent color that runs through all of them

When working with patterns, many people find it useful to use a board, and samples of the various patterns, to get an idea for how they feel together. You can use samples of cloth from the store, matched with paint chips, and magazine clippings. Set several patterns up together, and then leave them on the board for a couple of days, so you can see how you really react to them.

The most important thing when using pattern is to be willing to change your mind. If a pattern doesn’t feel right, or stops feeling right after a time, then you have to get rid of it. Patterns can create powerful feelings in a space, and you have to pay attention and be aware of those feelings in order to control the ambience of the room.

Courtesy of the artists at PebbleZ.com

Feng Shui Works for Kids Too

(ARA) - For years, people have been rearranging their furniture, re-painting their walls and removing clutter in the hopes of changing their life through Feng Shui.

Feng Shui (pronounced "fung shway") enthusiasts believe the way your home is arranged can affect how you feel, as well as the energy that you attract in your life. In other words, home design can actually help to create good luck or bad luck.

But What About the Kids?

According to Certified Feng Shui Practitioner Dr. Katherine Grace Morris, Feng Shui can also be practiced in kids' rooms to encourage balance, relaxation, success and even encouragement.

"To balance a child's life, I'd first look at what is in his or her room and what is going on in the child's life," Dr. Morris says. "The room and the child are part of a system, so they need to be examined together. Does he have trouble focusing? I would then make the bedroom especially soothing, with soft fabrics, sounds of nature and task-specific lighting."

Dr. Morris explains that Feng Shui for a child's room focuses on improving balance and security in their life.

"I would create a room which provides a sense of safety and coziness for the child," she says. "Have the head of the bed against a wall to create a feeling of security. Make sure the child can turn on a light before entering the room and turn on a light with ease during the night."

Keep clutter to a minimum. Storage bins for toys, electronics and books are best for keeping everything neatly tucked away. An armoire is useful for hiding distractions, especially electronics like a TV or stereo.

"A child needs rest, just as adults do, so I would moderate the stimulation level of the room so that it is sleep-conducive when bed-time rolls around," Morris says. "Very bright colors should be avoided for this reason. Having storage places or bins to put away toys and crafts when play time is over helps signal the brain it's time for sleep.

"Architecturally, I would also be mindful of the angles of the walls and ceilings. If the eaves are sloping, do not put posters or put the head of the bed under this section, as it will accentuate the feeling of downward pressure."

Advice for Parents: Three Recommendations
Morris gives three suggestions for parents when using Feng Shui in their child's room:

1. Sleep in the room
"I suggest parents fall asleep in their child's room to get a sense of their child's experience of the room. Notice what you see in the shadows, what you hear in the dark, what you smell and feel. What do you see first thing in the morning? What do you see just before turning out the light at night? If your child is having difficulty sleeping, it may be because light from the street is disturbing him, or the morning light awakens her too early. This problem is easily overcome with room darkening shades, or heavily-lined curtains."

2. Put it into words
Morris recommends: "Ask yourself how you feel being in the room. It should be a one-word answer and not a description of how you like or dislike the curtains or the carpet."

3. Teamwork
Depending on your child's age, Morris recommends letting them help with the decorating.

"If the child is old enough, I would involve him or her in the process. Hang pictures at the child's eye-level so he or she is not forced to look up at everything. Be aware of the messages you are sending with the content of the pictures," Morris says. "If the child is too young, become hyper-attuned to what the child sees, hears, smells, and feels in the room and make adjustments where needed."

Decorating for a Boy or Girl
The rules for Feng Shui are the same for boys or girls. Since each child is different, Morris suggests paying close attention to the individual child's goals and dreams, and less on generic stereotypes of what a boy's room or a girl's room should look like.

"A girl's room will differ from a boy's room, based on the cultural preferences connected to gender -- for example, pink for girls' rooms and blue for boys' rooms. Feng Shui starts with the individual and his or her interests and challenges, regardless of gender," Morris says.

"If a girl wants to be a competitive athlete, I would focus on the same area of the Bagua [a map used in Feng Shui that maps nine zones within a room and their coordinating nine areas of life such as prosperity, health, creativity and knowledge] to map her future dreams and goals area, as I would for a boy. If the child has any awards from competing, I would place them in this section of the room. Feng Shui is not governed by style, but rather by creating a supportive environment for the individual."

For more Feng Shui tips and guidelines, or to ask your own Feng Shui question, visit the DesignTalk blog at http://designtalk.homevisions.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Decorating using Feng Shui and interior design tools for apartment - home - studio or dorm.

Curtain Rods and Finials

In our eternal pursuit to draw attention to the forgotten or scorned decorating accessories, we turn the spotlight onto one of the most neglected pieces of the home – the curtain rod! We hope that you won't have to cover your eyes when you draw back the curtains and behold a warped rod. Possibly, there's an absence of those ornamental extremities – called finials – at the end of the rods. Fear not because there are many ways to improve upon these necessities of window treatments.

From this day forward, make the curtain rods and appropriate finials a necessary decorating accompaniment of your window treatments. Their value can be equal to that of the curtains.

While the rods are needed in order to support the drapes or curtains, sometimes the finials are (gasp) forgotten! But in recent years, finials have grown increasingly popular and so more and more are sold attached to the end of the rod instead of screwing onto it. First, let's look at how to improve upon an ordinary curtain rod. If your client is not interested in replacing it, there are many alternatives. Along with being incredibly inexpensive, do-it-yourself rods allow for greater personalization of the space. Though it's easy to get wrapped up in the perfect aesthetics, in the end (and the beginning) it's the idiosyncratic taste of the client that the space should mirror. There are many ways to create an individual style. Use a very basic rod with simple ball finials and paint the unit a color that contrasts with the curtains and matches the bedding or wallpaper. Alternatively, you could cover the rod with the same fabric as the curtains, which would simplify the window treatments by creating symmetry. Other ways to dress up curtain rods are by wrapping a vine of plastic flowers around it or a feather boa for an over-the-top look. Now, for those who are not so crafty, there are beautiful wooden, wrought-iron, and glass finials. Though they come in many different designs, most of them can be grouped into four types. There is the hook, the onion (or ball), the swirl, and the dagger. Metal or wrought-iron finials fit perfectly in a mature setting such as a master bedroom, a den, or a study. (Of course, we strongly recommend not placing the dagger style in a child's room, but that goes without saying.) The wooden pieces appeal to clients with more traditional tastes. Because there are a variety of finishes, they can be matched with other wood finishes in the room, whether it is that of a coffee table or entertainment console. Glass finials come in wonderful floral, geometric, and painted designs. Often, they are sold separately from the rods. Though they generally run more than the others do, they will invariably last a lifetime. Also, you're never stuck with a certain style, because you can always take them off and put new ones on. For an inexpensive alternative, take out the paintbrush and create your own design on a plain ball. Gloss finishes will help to create a professional look. When choosing which finials will work best on a particular window, there are a few things to take into consideration. Match the size of the rod to that of the window. Simply, large windows should be accompanied by large rods. Imagine a small window with an enormous curtain rod over it that extends far beyond the window frame. That wouldn't look balanced. Also, the hangers that hold the rod should be nailed outside of and above the window frame. Curtain rods and their finials can do more than add elegance and style to a drab set of curtains; they can bring harmony into a room. They can uplift the aesthetics of a bedroom. When that happens, the design of the entire living space benefits, all because of the "little things."

–Lauren Ragland Sheffield Institute of Interior Design

Window Treatments & Hardware - How to decorate your windows with style!

Here are some tips on choosing window treatment hardware.

• Determine if you want the window hardware to stand out or be "invisible". Rods and finials might be more prominent in a formal room while a contemporary room calls for clean lines and an uncluttered look.
  
• Consider the function of a window treatment as you choose the hardware. Draperies that close will require easy sliding rings or a draw cord system. Stationery decorative panels can be gathered onto a rod or hung from tab tops or ties.
  
• Layer your window treatments for the most flexibility. For example, place blinds next to the glass for privacy and light control, then add decorative curtain panels for color and style.
  
• Use two rods or a double rod to accommodate a layer of sheers and over drapes, or drapes and a valance.
  
• Look for rods, finials, and hardware in styles and colors that will enhance the look of your decor and the window treatments.
  
• Contemporary homes will find that chrome rods, glass finials, metals, iron, and cable systems will fit well with that look.
  
• Newer wire systems are perfect for very wide windows and for contemporary rooms where furnishings and accessories may be minimal and straight lined.
  
• Match the hardware to the style of your draperies and your room. Choose sturdy larger diameter rods for heavy draperies. Sheer panels and lighter silks will look more appropriate on thinner lighter rods.
  
• Carved dark wood, gilt touches, and traditional shapes work well in formal, traditional, or period rooms.
  
• Scale is another important consideration. Reserve heavy cornices and finials for larger rooms with high ceilings. Keep the scale lighter for smaller spaces with low ceilings.
  
• Iron, black wrought iron, and rustic metals might be used in country interiors, rustic rooms, and some themed rooms in Tuscan, Spanish, and other rustic styles.
  
• Country styles can be accented with pine, iron, and simple wood rods.
  
• Add height to a room by installing drapery hardware well above the window frame, or even up along the ceiling line. The longer fabric panels will add a tall line to the rooms.

From Gloom to Glow: 7 Secrets to Shopping for Lighting

(ARA) - The secret is out -- lighting is the single most important element in decorating, dramatically improving the look and feel of any room. But with so many options out there, finding that right light may be a little easier said than done. Chances are, you’ve probably wondered, do I have the right sized fixture? How do I install it? How low do I hang it? Will it be too bright or just right?

To get you started, follow these helpful tips from the industry experts at Kichler. They’ve just completed a handy guide to help you find your way through the maze and make the hunt for sparkle and shine as easy as 1, 2, 3 … almost!

1. How can I achieve the proper illumination in a room?

There’s actually a proven formula for calculating the proper amount of light you’ll need, and it’s not difficult -- just some basic arithmetic.

Formula: Room Length x Room Width x 1.5 = Proper Amount of Watts to Light a Room

For example, let’s say, you have a 12x16-foot living room: 12x16x1.5 = 288 watts of lighting. Therefore, a five-light chandelier using 60-watt bulbs will provide sufficient light for the room. For more concentrated lighting over a task or work area such as a kitchen island, simply multiply the dimensions of the island by 2.5.

2. What size chandelier would best suit a foyer?

Always keep in mind that the bottom of the chandelier should be at least 7-feet from the floor. If there is a window above the front door, center the chandelier so it can be seen from outside. If the foyer is extra large, you may also want to include wall sconces for additional light.

To determine the chandelier’s width, simply add the dimensions together. For example, let’s say you have a 12x16-foot foyer: 12+16=28. Therefore, the foyer chandelier’s diameter should be approximately 28-inches in width.

3. What’s the best way to light a hallway?

There should be a light every 8 to10-feet. Either flush-mounts or semi-flush fixtures can be used depending on ceiling height.

4. What size chandelier should hang over my dining room table?

It’s best to choose one with a diameter equal to one half the width of the table. Here, as in the foyer, room dimensions dictate the width of the chandelier. Also, keep in mind that the bottom of the chandelier should be at least 2 1/2 feet above the table.

5. How do I light a dinette area?

Normally, a decorative pendant or a fixture like Kichler’s Chandelette with a down light will do the job. Use a dimmer to soften the light when entertaining and brighten the area for homework or hobby-related tasks. Again, the bottom of the pendant should be at least 2 1/2 feet above the table. Normally 100 watts of light is sufficient for these areas.

6. What’s the best way to light a bathroom?

Most bathrooms only have a light fixture above the mirror because that is where the single outlet box is usually placed. The problem: top-mounted lighting casts shadows down on the face, harshly accentuating flaws and making lines look deeper. If you want to see your true self, then you also need lighting on each side of your face. Use a fixture such as Kichler Beauty Wraps, a top-mounted lighting fixture that comes with matching mini pendant lights on each side and only needs a single outlet box to work.

7. When do I need portable lighting?

Besides adding a focal point, portable lights can provide extra light for tasks such as reading, homework and crafts and should be used when additional task light is needed. If you’re using a floor or desk lamp, the bottom of the lampshade should be approximately 42-inches from the floor’s surface. Desk lamps should be 16-inches above the work surface, and torchieres, used to light dark corners, should be 66 to 72-inches from the floor. Corners by Westwood Collections can provide similar light but won’t take up floor space as the fixtures easily mount in a room’s corners.

Feel a little more prepared? By using these tips as a guide, purchasing lighting should be a little easier. And, if you still have questions, Kichler’s guide to “Selecting Lighting for Your Home” is available free of charge at Kichler showrooms across the country.

So go ahead, take out that home improvement list and get ready to cross a few things off.