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Before buying garden furniture – Think location!

admin — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 23:55:58 +0000

In the words of Phil and Kirsty, it is most definitely all about location, location, location! OK, so they were talking about houses, but the same is also true when it comes to both interior design and garden design. And, in terms of garden furniture, before you buy, you should always be thinking location, location, location! You don’t want to spend a considerable sum of money only to find that your newly purchased outdoor garden furniture simply doesn’t ‘fit’ with your garden or style of home. Homeowners need to first think about the choices involved and make the purchase with a little careful planning.

We always advise our customers to think about what the garden furniture will be used for and the available space, before even thinking about features such as material and design. Think about things like who will be using the furniture and how many guests are likely to be invited around during the warm, summer months. For example, if you’re lucky enough to have a nice large outdoor space, and you like entertaining, then you need to be looking for a garden furniture set with plenty of different seating options in order to create a relaxed welcoming feel.

A city apartment or small house with a patio on the other hand, will benefit from a sleek table and chairs, while a parasol can also be a great investment for homeowners with gardens which receive a lot of sun. There are a lot of choices to make when it comes to your patio furniture and I’d recommended going online when it comes to actually buying the garden furniture, do a little research and don’t just limit yourself to what’s available in the local garden centre. Choosing the right garden furniture for your garden space is a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

At Lazy Susan we blog a lot about the different types of garden furniture, but with this post I wanted to try and help people choose the right garden furniture and make it last. As the garden and patio are becoming increasingly important areas of the home, so too is your garden furniture. People are now demanding stylish furniture that can withstand everything the British weather can throw at it.

It is always a worthwhile exercise to do a little research before buying any garden furniture. If you choose the right set from the off, it will bring you style, enjoyment and most importantly longevity. The first choice you need to make is between fold away furniture and solid furniture that can stay outside over winter. If you want your garden furniture to be a permanent part of your garden then it is best to go for heavy furniture made from hardwood, aluminium or wrought iron (just make sure it is protected with a rust proof paint). It is well worth spending the money on the heavier more durable materials as this will be much more cost effective in the long run.

Getting the right design and material will make all the difference. The best materials will work in harmony with the materials already present in your garden. Try to avoid any materials that will jar with the balance of your garden. You don’t want sleek contemporary aluminium garden furniture if you live in a small cottage in the Cotswolds. If you love your garden, then you’ll definitely want to ensure that you’ve got the best quality furniture available for when the summer months arrive.

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Buying the right garden furniture can initially appear daunting as it is tricky to know which style you can buy or which material you need to consider choosing. Thanks to the web there are presently more places than ever to buy your garden furniture. If you look online you will usually find a considerable number of internet stores offer gardening products at a far reduced rate in comparison to their offline counterparts.

Whether you planning to entertain outdoors for a large number of people or are simply looking for a place to sit and relax with close family, choosing the right garden furniture can be a little tricky as there are so many designs and styles to choose from, especially when you start looking online. As I mentioned above… What will you use your garden furniture for? Who will be using it? Think about what you will use your garden furniture for, are you planning to have lots of BBQ’s or large parties? You may just want want a simple bistro table to sit at and drink morning coffee with your partner?

Think carefully about what and who will be using your outdoor furniture set as this will play a crucial part in the size of table and number of seats you require. If you have a large garden you can choose whether to have one large dining area or create several smaller seating areas around your garden that will enable you to catch the sun at different times of the day. If you have a young family and you want to create an outdoor dining area for you all to enjoy a BBQ during the summer, then consider a large rectangular table with stacking chairs. This way, if you can store additional chairs in the garage without taking up too much space and bring them out if you have family or friends over.

At Lazy Susan our bistro tables are extremely popular and are great for intimate outdoor dining or just sitting and relaxing with a book alone on a sunny weekend. If you enjoy having morning coffee with a friend outdoors in the sun this type of table and chairs is the perfect solution. A Bistro set is also a great option if you only have a limited amount of outdoor space. If you plan to entertain lots of family and friends in your garden, then it is definitely worthwhile investing in a large outdoor table and chair set. At Lazy Susan you can purchase large tables with up to 12 chairs included and you always have the option of purchasing additional chairs for the set if required. If you do need to buy a large amount of outdoor furniture, then please check that you have sufficient storage space in your garage or shed to put any extra seating when it is not being used.

Another area people struggle is with the choice of materials and what’s best for them and their home/garden. There are many different styles of garden furniture available in wood, metal and wicker/rattan. Only you can decide which type of material will compliment and fit in with your garden. We are a little biased, but the benefit of buying metal garden furniture is that it is extremely durable and virtually maintenance free. Plus cast aluminium garden furniture can be left outdoors all year round. And don’t forget those all important garden furniture accessories. Invest in a parasol to provide shelter and shade whilst you dine outdoors, as there is nothing worse than trying to read a book or eat food with the sun shining in your face. Outdoor cushions on your outdoor seats are a must too, as they will not only provide comfort but will dramatically enhance the appearance of your garden furniture.

Once you’ve purchased the garden furniture, you have another little location, location, location dilemma… Where in the garden should the furniture go? You need to find a place to put it and he temptation can be to situate the garden chairs, garden tables and other such items next to your house. Not only is this convenient but it may also make sense from an aesthetic point of view. Be a little strategic and stop and think about the best position for your new garden furniture. Do you want sunshine, shade, a place where you can sit and watch the children play?

Whatever you do, don’t just position your new furniture next to your house by default as this may mean you fail to get the maximum use from it. If people ask Lazy Susan, we will always advise them that the best place for your garden furniture is the part of your garden that gets the most sunlight. Obviously, this only applies within reason, if there is a flower bed or garden shed in the way, then clearly you can’t pop your garden furniture there. However, if there is a flat clear space that is not occupied by other things, then you should consider creating some decking or a small patio there on which to place your furniture.

By doing this, you will ensure that you are able to get maximum use from the pieces of furniture. There is nothing worse than sitting outside in the shade watching sunlight stream down to another area and not being able to enjoy it. This is particularly true here in Britain, where often it is too cool to enjoy being outdoors when there is no sun. So, before you go ahead and place the products, make sure you take into account where the sun will hit your garden. For example, If you tend to use your garden furniture in the evening or for morning coffee and the papers, then position your garden furniture accordingly.

Things To Think About When Buying A Kitchen Sink

admin — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 11:05:15 +0000

Every day, millions of homeowners enter their kitchen. Unfortunately, not all of those individuals like what they see. If you are unhappy with the way that your kitchen looks, it may be time for a little remodeling project. Actually, it may even be time for a big remodeling project. When it comes to kitchen remodeling, you will find that, as a homeowner, you have an unlimited number of options. If you choose to do so, you could remodel everything, right down to the kitchen sink.Speaking of kitchen sinks, there is a good chance that you if you are unhappy with your kitchen, you may want to purchase and have a new kitchen sink installed. If that is the case, you will have to find one that peaks your interest. When searching for a new kitchen sink, you are urged to check out one of your local home improvement stores. There is a good chance that there is at least one kitchen sink that you may want to have. Although there is a good chance that you may find the kitchen sink of your dreams at one of your local home improvement stores, there is also a chance that you may not. If this is the case, you may want to think about shopping online. Regardless of where you shop, it is important that you keep a number of things in mind. Perhaps, the most important thing to keep in mind is the sink size that you need. If you are simply replacing a kitchen sink, you may find it a little bit more difficult to find a kitchen sink. This is because your kitchen counter already has a pre-sized space for a sink. If you purchase a sink that is too big for that space or even too small for it, a small kitchen remodeling project may turn into a fairly large one. That is why it is important that you take sink sizes into consideration. However, if your kitchen remodeling project includes new kitchen cabinets and new countertops, you may not have to be as concerned with sink sizes.In addition to the size of a kitchen sink, it is also important to consider the style. The majority of kitchen sinks come with two basins, but it is also possible for them to only come with one. When choosing a kitchen sink that only has one or two basins, you may want to examine your needs. If you do not have a dishwasher, you will need to wash your dishes in your kitchen sink. When doing dishes, it may be easier if you have a two basin kitchen sink. Although two basin kitchen sinks are more convenient, you will likely find that the one basin sinks are more trendy and, somewhat, more attractive.Speaking of being attractive, the style of a kitchen sink not only includes how many basins it has, but it also includes the color. While most kitchen sinks come in a stainless steel color, there are other kitchen sink colors. Other popular colors include white, granite, biscuit, and almond. In all honesty, the color of a new kitchen sink may be more important to you than whether it has one or two basins. If you are also remodeling other parts of your kitchen, like the floors or your countertops, it may be a good idea to make sure that your new kitchen sink compliments your other repairs or at least matches them.

Stop and Think Before You Hire Austin Kitchen Remodeling Contractors

admin — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 13:06:57 +0000

Should you be looking on a regular basis, with regards to your house, a person method would like to consider redesigning your own kitchen area.With regards to kitchen area redesigning, there are lots of home owners that question the reason why they ought to actually trouble. Should you are one home owners, you might want to take some time in order to understand the most typical indicators that you’ll require or even may benefit through your kitchen area renovated. In the event that the situations, pointed out plus a, relates to a person within, anyhow, it might be time and energy to begin the next do it yourself task; the kitchen area redesigning task.Possibly, the obvious indication you’ll want to redesign your own kitchen area is actually if it’s slipping aside within anyhow. To a lot of home owners, slipping aside signifies various points, however, essentially, this means in case your kitchen area sounds like if it’s within very bad high quality. If you see openings inside your wall space or even threshold, kitchen area cupboards that aren’t correctly functioning, kitchen area counter tops which have big gashes included, or even protrusions inside your kitchen area ground floor tiles, it might be time for you to redesign your own kitchen area. Whenever a kitchen area offers something incorrect by using it, it’s not necessary to just get worried along with the look of this, but additionally the actual security. That’s the reason it is necessary which you, a minimum of, repair any kind of difficulties inside your kitchen area, in case you do not intend on carrying out a big redesigning task.Because earlier mentioned, a different one the countless indicators which you may want to possess your own kitchen area renovated is actually if you’d like an alteration. Around many householders adore their own houses, it may obtain very dull to check out the same, everyday. The kitchen area redesigning venture is actually the ultimate way to enhance your lifetime, plus your house. If you don’t possess the period, the actual knowledge, or even the cash required to redesign all of your kitchen area, you might want to simply concentrate on a specific some of it, like your own cupboards and so forth.Cash is an additional indication that you might would like or even have to redesign your own kitchen area. Selecting in order to redesign your own kitchen area is not only a large choice, it’s a costly one. Although some home owners must have their own kitchen areas renovated, there are lots of that can’t afford to take action. If you possess the cash, you’re advised in order to redesign your own kitchen area if you have the opportunity, particularly if your own kitchen area happens to be within poor form. Regardless of whether a person lately arrived to some cash or even preserved using the expectation associated with having the ability to manage the kitchen area redesigning task, you have access to begin whilst you’ve still got the opportunity. Regrettably, cash is occasionally tough to hang up onto. That’s the reason in case your purpose ended up being to redesign your own kitchen area, ensure that you stay with your own initially purpose; you are able to advantage numerous methods through doing this.Despite the fact that all these factors might affect a person, you might still end up being asking yourself whether you need to truly redesign your own kitchen area. Possibly, it’s a good idea which you remember to consider your final decision. The choice to redesign your own kitchen area is really a big one; it’s one which shouldn’t be manufactured with an impulse.

Bed mattress futon – I think I’m turning Japanese, I really think so!

admin — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 05:17:01 +0000

It is a true fact that most people who sleep on bed mattress futon are not aware that bed mattress futons were first invented by the Japanese. Over many decades, the Japanese have slept on bed mattress futon placed on their floors. This is because they do not see that it is necessary to have an bed with a frame, box springs and headboard. All of these early bed mattress futon were actually consisted of thin mattresses, small pillows, and a blanket. Every morning, the bed mattress futon could be rolled up and stashed in a closet. Today, bed mattress futon units are as popular in western countries as they are in Japan and has very much become a comfort item.

To understand bed mattress futon deeply, we should know that in its most basic form, the bed mattress futon is a plain cotton mat that is nimble and thus easily folded. bed mattress futon is the English spelling of the Japanese word which describes their bedding system. This is referred to as “shikibuton” or floor cushion where the person sleeps and the “kakebuton” or known as comforters in the western societies. The floor mat is the part of the bed mattress futon system which has been assimilated into the American bed mattress futon idea.
During the late 1960s, most bed mattress futon were hand-made by small industry merchants. Currently, people can still buy the handmade equivalent but most bed mattress futon are already streamlined and made in manufacturing facilities have the capacity to produce thousands of bed mattress futon units in a single day. Numerous traditional innerspring mattress manufacturers have also invested in machines to produce bed mattress futon, and quality have been nothing shorter than excellent.
Modern bed mattress futon units are made from various materials like cotton, wool, polyester, foam, latex, and even innerspring units so that customers can get various levels of bed mattress futon comfort from firm to soft. Some bed mattress futon come with frames and in order to appreciate the value of a good quality bed mattress futon frame, all we need to know that it needs to be easy to operate, sturdy, and most of all durable. A quality bed mattress futon is vital to your experience in using a bed mattress futon. Most bed mattress futon will feel the same, however, the trick is to identify those manufacturers who dare to back their bed mattress futon units with extensive warranties that can range up to 10 years. These are off product clues you need to be aware off.

To be creative with your bed mattress futon, you can dress them up with the many choices of high quality futon covers. Many bed mattress futon retailers offer covers of anything from a solid twill to a dual layer oriental tapestry. The reason behind the high demands for bed mattress futon units is because of its simple functionality and versatile comfort. Having a bed mattress futon will enable you to transform your living room with it’s beautiful design into an extra bedroom with a comfortable futon bed.
Finally, it is also apparent that bed mattress futon have been a common in university dormitories and other urban living quarters for many years. bed mattress futon units are stylish, convenient, and versatile to own. bed mattress futon can blend into nearly any setting. Besides being light weigh and simple, bed mattress futon provides sleepers with a cheap comfortable place to rest and relax.

Home Interior Design Is It As Challenging As You Think?

admin — Thu, 13 May 2010 17:09:01 +0000

House redecorating is just not the easiest job for most people. A few people don’t find it naturally easy to accomplish home interior design, and in some cases seemingly simple such things as selecting colours can be quite challenging. However, thanks to a variety of technological advances as well as advancement within diy painting and also decorating, even the most lost home owner may realistically do their own home interior design.Technological Advances In Diy Home Interior DesignTechnological improvements are making it simpler to accomplish your own home interior design and not have to pay a professional a lot of money to do exactly the same work. Many do it yourself stores such as Home Depot and also Lowes provide on line paint buying guides that allow you to virtually paint your property on the computer. It is possible to put different colours and also textures together and actually see exactly how they look before you do the home interior design. Additionally, Lowes supplies a unique colour matching program. You’ll be able to bring in any piece of colour to the store and using a special machine, they’re able to produce a paint which matches the color exactly. Which means that if you discover an amazing piece of furniture and want to have it be the focal point in your room, now you can find paint that matches it perfectly.Advancements In Do it yourself Home Interior DesignIn addition to technological advances, other advances have been made in do-it-yourself home interior design. Instead of needing to pick the paint colours for ones property from a thousand different paint chips, these day there are pamphlets offered by nearly every place which sells paint with compatible colours. These kinds of pamphlets have got pages with several dozen colors which go effectively together on each page. Instead of taking a look at a paint sheet with 4 shades of the same colour, you can see what yellows go with what blues, and also what browns go with what greens. There is no longer any kind of excuse for the non color oriented person to be unable to carry out straightforward home interior design.Decorating Your HomeEven with the painting made simple with home interior design, you might still be leery to actually decorate your house. Do not be afraid to try brand new things in your house. If you use neutral colors upon your walls, make certain that you make use of some colour in the decorations in order to make the room pop. The majority of stores which sell house furnishing sell items in sets, so even if you do not really feel at ease selecting individual pieces, you’ll be able to still have an superb home interior design by using items that you bought in sets.Anybody can design their home beautifully!

Country Dining Room Furniture May Give You More Options Than You Think

admin — Sun, 02 May 2010 18:00:37 +0000

When thinking about a country dining room, you probably picture blue and white checked table clothes, but country styles are much more broad than you might think. Designers have taken the typical country style and given it a twist. A country dining room can now mean many different things.
From cottage country, modern country, French country, eclectic country, rustic, and the old tried and true, the options for this décor are limited only by your imagination. A country dining room provides a true opportunity to express your individuality and create a space that will speak to your heart. Let’s explore a few simple steps to assist you in establishing the country dining room of your dreams.
Cottage Country is a popular design that draws from the beauty of small countryside vacation homes. It represents a light, airy, and cozy feel that is inviting to the senses. To achieve a cottage country dining room, choose a palette of very light colors. In fact, white is becoming a very popular cottage country look. You should incorporate minimal amounts of furniture with simple lines into your room. To accessorize your room use salvaged items, such as old discarded window frames, which offer the perfect touch for this look. Try hanging one of the frames on the wall or use it as a serving tray. This décor also affords the opportunity to display treasured collections in simple groupings. Avoid dark fabrics or anything that will feel stuffy and hamper the effect of this airy design.
Modern country is a twist on the traditional. Combining a contemporary feel with the charm of an old standard, modern country is an excellent way to avoid the cold feel of some modern rooms. Walls should be painted white, allowing the color of the wood to shine through. Minimal accessories should be used incorporating simple antiques and reproductions. The typical country elements should be sparse and used only to add punch to the room. Integrate neutral colors into the design through slipcovers, rugs and curtains. Thus, creating a sophisticated yet relaxed setting for your guests to dine in.
Another very popular style today is French country. This décor brings to life all of the colors of the French countryside. Neutrally toned plastered walls and an authentic feel to this look, however painting your walls in a light color and stenciling fleur-de-lis will also add the desired affect. Natural stone or tile floors are a pleasing addition and echo the feel of French country homes. To complete your French country dining room combine a dining set and then add elements of the décor, such as toile curtains and wheat stalks. If you are very daring try accenting your dining room set with gold paint around the rolls on the legs and top edges of the table and buffet. Then accent the room with gold-rimmed glass vases filled with fresh flowers.
A fun way to merge touches of different country dining room styles that are appealing to you is through Eclectic country décor. Although caution should be taken to ensure the outcome isn’t just a mish mash of designs, this is a creative way to throw the rulebooks out the window. The best way to achieve this style is by combining similar aspects of different styles to create a cohesive look. For instance, combining the airiness of a cottage country dining room with the warmth of a French country design. Any dining room table can be integrated into this décor with the right touch.
The tried and true country dining room is a great way to showcase those treasured knickknacks. Start by painting or papering your walls with a light neutral color to allow your esteemed belongings to shine. Then choose a set with a buffet to display some of your collectibles. Some cushions will add a nice touch and some color to your look. Then group your pieces for display establishing one grouping for the focal point. The end result will be an attractive room filled with endless conversations about your many prized possessions.
The rustic style is a great way to blend the old with the new. This country dining room boasts wood floors and wood furniture. The furniture should be very simple. For those with a sense of adventure, try a faux finish on your walls to create an aged look. Many home supply and paint stores offer advice and even lessons to assist you in establishing the look you want to achieve. Then the fun begins as you select the accessories for your new rustic country dining room. Old butter churns, washboards or even an old mining tray and just the right touch to this area. Many people with children or pets appreciate this design, because distressed items, which show less wear and tear, are ideal for this look.
Now that you know some of the basic steps to creating your own country dining room, start planning your new look. Just keep in mind, these are only guidelines; you should embellish them with your own personality. Your country dining room should reflect your individuality and the things that bring you joy.

What To Think About Before Doing Small Kitchen Renovations

admin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 06:10:28 +0000

One time or another every homeowner has had the thought to give their kitchen some sort of renovations. Many people who own their houses have thought about it more then one time. If you are thinking about small kitchen renovations then maybe like most people you have thought only about the main features of the kitchen. There is more to a kitchen that can be renovated then just the floor, walls, and cabinets. However there are many other items that will also benefit from a renovation in your kitchen. Maybe you should think about buying a new dining room set if your set is in the kitchen or if your kitchen and dining room are combined. If you happen to have your table and chair set in your kitchen it will be one of the main focal points of the room.When doing small kitchen renovations you must consider a new countertop. When you are looking to replace your countertop you must pick a countertop that can handle a lot of abuse and also one that will match any colors that you would choose to put in your kitchen.When you are changing your countertop you may also opt to change the kitchen sink as well. When you select the kitchen sink you may pick something totally different such as one that has a double sink, single sink, bar sink, the options are in fact endless. Also why not choose to change the faucets while changing your sink or you may just change the faucets to change the look of the sink area.While renovation your kitchen you could change your cabinet doors. Many cupboards are designed that you only need to change the cabinet doors to upgrade the look of your kitchen.Home Repairs And Small Kitchen Renovations – Click HereKeep in mind the next time you think about renovating your kitchen that you need to think about more then just flooring, walls, and cabinets.

What to Think About Before Doing a Kitchen Renovation

admin — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:09:04 +0000

One time or another every homeowner has had the thought to give their kitchen some sort of renovation. There are many homeowners who have had the thought many times. When looking into kitchen renovation many people only think about the main features of their kitchen. There is more to a kitchen that can be renovated then just the floor, walls, and cabinets. However there are many other items that will also benefit from a renovation in your kitchen. Maybe you should think about buying a new dining room set if your set is in the kitchen or if your kitchen and dining room are combined. Your table and chair set usually are a main focal point in either your kitchen or your dining room.When doing a kitchen renovation you must consider a new countertop. When you are choosing a countertop be certain that you are selecting one that can handle the abuse and one that can be used with many color schemes in case you decide to change the color of your kitchen down the road.If you happen to be changing your countertop you may as well change your kitchen sink too. There are many different kitchen sink styles that are available, check with your plumber or your local hardware store. If you happen to be changing your sink it is a must to also change your faucets too.When you are renovating you might choose to only change your cabinet doors. A lot of the cupboards are designed that you can change the cabinet doors rather then change the whole thing and this will bring some life to your kitchen.Keep in mind the next time you think about renovating your kitchen that you need to think about more then just flooring, walls, and cabinets.

Bathroom Lighting – Think Outside the Bath Bar

admin — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 06:08:12 +0000

When most people think of bathroom lighting, an image of a standard, wall mounted fixture above the mirror pops into their heads. While this is a very common form of bathroom lighting, itâs definitely not the only option out there. Ceiling fixtures, such as flush and semi-flush mounts in addition to larger pendants and even wall sconces are all options that can go a long way to making a decorative statement in your bathroom.

Most bathrooms are small enough that only a single fixture is needed to supply an ample of light. One option that is underused in the bathroom is the ceiling-mounted fixture. A multitude of beautiful flush and semi-flush mounts are available that would work wonderfully in any bathroom. Gone are the days where ceiling lighting meant a boring circular or square glass shade that worked better as a dust catcher then an eye-catcher. Look for smaller fixtures that werenât necessarily made for the bathroom, as this, as well as keeping an open mind, will open up a world of possibilities for your bathroom lighting.

There is no rule or ordinance that states you can only use one type of lighting fixture in your bathroom. Especially in larger bathrooms, it often makes sense to mix a few wall sconces with a nice ceiling fixture or group of pendants, if your ceiling height permits. The point here is to look at your options and add some creativity and ingenuity when the situation permits it.

If a bathroom vanity works well in your bathroom, donât be afraid to embellish it by adding a wall sconce on either side. A small ceiling fixture, in conjunction with your vanity or bar is also a great option to add some contemporary flair to your bathroom. Make your bathroom lighting your own by adding some originality and extra thoughtâdonât settle for the standard bathroom bar.

Einstein’s Theory of Interior Design Trends, I Think

admin — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 09:08:07 +0000

“Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Albert Einstein

Having just completed a post about interior design trends, I feel like I should take a minute to qualify some things before everyone runs out to heat their driveway and yank out their spiral staircases and bamboo flooring.

Proper interior design and decor is about great ideas, innovative thinking, being fun, being new, and only those designers that are interested in your own opinion will give you a comfortable and personable design. Yes there may be plenty of talented “freaks” out there, and they can easily dress up your home in styles they are comfortable with imposing on your sensibility. However the best decorators and designers will never force a trend on you, nor will they try and convince you that their style brilliance is better than your own idea. The truly talented designers cater to your specific needs and your own personal trends – not the current magazine issue definition – but trends based on your own personality.

A good designer will take his/her time and try to inspire people to empower their own lives through the home design, not offer a cookie-cutter version of a photo spread or TV show. You will notice if you visit my site, I have yet to include those massive photo spreads you see on most design and remodeling web sites. Of course there will be tons of pictorials to come, but I really felt it necessary to start this site by showing that ideas for design and decor come more from what inspires you on the inside, not strictly from visual stimuli. One should strive to be the sort of designer that can translate what people want into their own story, as told throughout the entire home environment. You can’t get that from pictures of a stranger’s home being flashed in your face by a lazy or egocentric designer. When you are looking for a design partner, or perhaps deciding to do things on your own, keep this in mind.

The trends that you should be gravitating toward are your own trends and styles. Whether or not it’s current or “artsy” makes no difference if the design chosen makes you feel uncomfortable in your own skin. Ask yourself these questions… What is it that makes you tick? What colors make you feel relaxed? What styles and symmetry really, really leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed? There simply is no rigid set of rules when it comes to designing. It comes from within, as it should. The best designers in the world are those who know exactly how to get that inner voice of yours to speak – through careful and collaborative design choices.

A good way to look at designing is to pick what’s right for you, have a foundation for your core idea (what you wish your outcome to be) and then connect the dots. To help facilitate this technique many people use whiteboards – complete with photos of furniture options, paint swatches, photos of the empty rooms. Once the board is populated they will set to arranging and pinning various decor and design items wherever they look the most appropriate. This can make for a very useful blueprint in your decorating and designing choices. I’ve even seen examples of decorators that will take a life-size print of furniture and fixtures and proceed to spread it throughout an empty room. Quite elaborate I admit, but useful none-the-less.

Nowadays with technology being ridiculously freaky and amazing, most forgo the traditional whiteboard for more efficient and easily manipulated design software packages. At Interior Living Room we have many recommendations for software that can really help you get the most out of what you want. In a previous article I detailed one of my own personal favorites. That software does have a slight learning curve but it can truly give you some brilliant design ideas and it’s not going to cause an economic crisis should you decide to buy it.

As you can tell by the title of my blog, my absolute favorite room to design is without a doubt the living room interior. The reason for this is simple really. The living room is exactly as the title implies. It’s the room you live in. To me this is the one room that most tells your story. It shows how you want your most comfortable space to look and react to your movement; it shows how you like to wind down; and it shows your friends and guests the things you hold dear, along with the decor you find most attractive.

The best advice I can offer? OK. In a nutshell, once you have the living room interior space defined to your own specifics, use that room as the inspiration for the rest of the home. Too many times people will cause their homes to become inconsistent – thanks to the vast amount of choices in designs and decor available. I’ve seen homes wherein each room has it’s own mutually exclusive theme, and that’s not gonna win you any free tickets to the “Designers R Us Convention”. Plus it’s bloody confusing for your pets.

Not only do style inconsistencies make you and your guests feel confused and uncomfortable in your home, it all but destroys the concept of your home being one cohesive habitat. It becomes nothing more than a building full of separate rooms, joined only by walls and electricity. While this may appeal to some, a true “home” is a synergy of style and function that should correlate one common theme, and that theme can only come from one place, your personality.

So I guess the point is that while it’s only prudent to keep an eye on current trends it is much more important that your trends come from within, from your own gut instinct. Something that may look stunning in a magazine or pictorial may not make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. It should always fall on the shoulders of the person living in the spaces, not by the designer and decorator. And if you’re the designer and decorator, remember to stick to a common theme. And all that, of course, means that Einstein could have been a brilliant interior designer.

Peter Gibson is an interior design expert of 20 + years that regularly writes for Interior Living Room and Vintage Vinyl Records.

He is a very accomplished author on the subject of interior design and an avid vintage vinyl collector. He has written for many publications and penned 2 best selling novels. His design works include the redesign of a popular New York recording studio, redesigns and upgrades of countless homes, and he renovates challenging older condo/ apartments as a part of his charity work abroad.