Friday, October 15th, 2010
Decorating or redecorating a bedroom is a time consuming and frustrating experience. Knowing what we want and finding the perfect bedding ensemble isnt always a perfect fit. Today, consumers have more bedding choices other than the traditional quilts and bedspreads of yesteryear. Textile companies have answered the needs and desires of consumers by creating comforters in various thicknesses and also introduced Matelasse Coverlets and Duvet Covers in diverse styles, assorted fabrics, and color ranges. We see beautiful luxury, designer bedding collections in magazines and day dream a moment before discarding them as too expensive. But when given the facts its easy to see that luxury bedding and linens are actually a better return on our investment due in part by manufacturers crafting bedding geared towards home owners who simply want the best available. Bedding that highlights the room, feels fantastic and will hold up to everyday use throughout the seasons, surpass our expectations on comfort and provide years of enjoyment. While it is true that quality bedding can be purchased off store shelves, the savings are minimal yet comfort, quality, selection and value may be compromised.
Bedrooms are used today for more than just sleeping. Its a quiet retreat where we can curl up with a good book, look through magazines, work, watch television, or simply have fun, playing and spending time with family. Bedroom dcor and all thats within can and does affect our mood. Quality fabrics, rich colors, textures and softness provide us with a comfortable place where we can peacefully sleep and wake up refreshed.
In order to achieve the perfect bedroom important elements need to be considered; such as creating a bedroom that feels as good as it looks, knowing what style we want to accomplish, taking into account what activities will take place, and of course ones budget.
Taking time to think about colors that make you feel good and complements other furniture in the bedroom should be a prerequisite to purchasing designer bedding. Keeping an open mind on the use of color often times has a pleasant ending. While you may dislike green using it in subtle shades or hues can enhance the other furnishings in your room and pull the look together. Flores, stripes and checks with greens, tans and burgundy will give a country feel, while various shades of blue, white and other soft colors merged with large print floras and stripes will give your bedroom a seaside touch. Bold colors and geometric shapes are a good choice for a modern flair while clean lines create a contemporary theme.
For couples, decorating a bedroom together can be a major issue, she wants something with flowers and he wants a solid bedspread, after all its just a bed, a place to sleep. In order for this to work, compromises need to be made to help ensure both individual style choices interconnect seamlessly. Start by deciding on a color palette that is suitable for both. Once this issue has been resolved consider using a duvet with a simple pattern, add a Matelasse Coverlet, often a solid colored tone-on-tone cover with texture. To satisfy her desires pull the look together by using decorative pillows in various sizes, shapes, fabric prints and textures, after allits the attention to detail and all the decorative touches that matter most.
A Simple Explanation of Thread Count
One of the biggest mistakes people make when purchasing luxury bedding and linens is buying solely on thread count. However, what you may not understand about thread count may lead to disappointment. So what exactly is thread count? Thread count is simply how many threads (warp) lengthwise and (weft) widthwise are woven into one square inch. While many retailers advertise high thread count linens at wonderful prices your expectations may not be met when the softness and quality are not found. A thread count of 200 can be a better purchase over a 600 count when quality grade fabrics, a better finishing process and a low weave count is used (one thread woven over one thread is better than two threads woven over two threads). Not only will the linens have a softer feel they will also last longer making you a happy consumer.
Monday, August 30th, 2010
While few things are as lovely and fragrant as real flowers and plants, artificial flowers and artificial plants do have their advantages in some situations. If you are planning an event, or need to send a remembrance, sometimes artificial flowers and artificial plants make the best sense.
When many people think about artificial flowers and artificial plants, they think of those awful plastic arrangements found gathering dust on discount department store shelves. But things are quite different today and realistic silk orchids or flowers have replaced the tacky plastic flowers and plants of the past.
Weddings
Artificial flowers and artificial plants can be great for extending a wedding budget. Silk flowers can be used in place of real flowers, and with a drop of scented oil applied in the very center, most people can’t tell the difference between the two.
Silk flower wedding arrangements are also perfect for high traffic areas where real flowers would take a bruising. Artificial flowers and artificial plants make perfect pew decorations. Guests may accidentally brush up against them as they are seated, but the petals will look as lovely as ever. You never need to worry about silk orchids or flowers wilting.
Scrapbooking, Crafting, and Cake Decorating
Artificial flowers and artificial plants are the perfect way to add floral accents to scrapbook pages and crafts. For example, a copy of the wedding invitation is usually saved by the bride for a keepsake. Silk flowers, whole or with petals and leaves separated for convenience, can be used to decorate the pages of a scrapbook or keepsake frame.
You can also decorate a cake with realistic silk flowers that are far more beautiful and dramatic than piped frosting creations, and you can save them afterward in a keepsake box.
Bereavements
Sending flowers in times of sorrow is a time honored tradition, and real flowers are both lovely and fragrant, but they fade away all too soon. Many families have a custom of offering bereavement floral arrangements to friends and family as a poignant remembrance of a loved one’s passing. Silk flower arrangements make a lasting gift that will bring back fond memories of absent friends and family for years to come.
Artificial flowers and artificial plants made today are just as beautiful and nearly identical to the real thing. If you want the beauty of flowers in your life, why not add some permanence with lovely silk flowers and plants.