How to Create the Illusion of Space
by: Dan The Roommate Man
By positioning mirrors in the right places, you have the power to make any room appear larger. Whether you live in a loft, or a four bedroom house, you can follow these tips to make small areas more comfortable.
- If you are living in a loft, you probably might have pillars throughout the room. Mirror them and they'll seem to disappear.
- If you want a hallway/stairway to appear wider: stagger mirrors on either side.
- If you want a hallway/stairway to appear longer: a mirror at the end will double its length.
- Make sure mirrors reflect only things you want to see more of. Do not place a mirror directly across from a laundry basket, or any cluttered/generally dirty area. Instead, you might want to place it across from a source of light, a favorite painting, or a window.
- You can multiply candles, flowers, etc. by joining together several mirrors with butt hinges and placing them behind the objects on a mantle or table.
- Consider replacing dark closet doors with sliding mirrored doors to open up a space.
In living color...
The colors you choose to decorate a room contribute more than anything to the feelings you associate with it. Remember the following when choosing a color scheme:
- The best color for opening up a room is bright white.
- If bright white makes you shudder, try adding a few drops of your favorite color for a tinted, warmer look.
- If that's still not your cup of tea, try beige or light grey
- Bright colors like yellow and white seem more inviting & open because they reflect light
- Dark, dramatic colors like maroon and forest green seem more intimate because they absorb the light
- Always check paint stores for mistinted paint. You might find an unusual color that appeals to you, and you'll get it at a discounted price.
HELPFUL LINKS:
- Peekaboo defines paint terms (hue, tint, etc.)
- UDA Home Design helps you choose which paint colors will be best for you.
- Paint and Decorating Retailers Association's site lists paint-related links.
Move it or lose it...
To make a room appear spacious when it isn't, you need to minimize your posessions. If you're moving from a large home into a smaller one, take this into consideration:
- Purchase dual purpose furniture (fold out couch, futon, flip out bed, coffee tables with storage underneath, etc.)
- Put unneeded furniture in storage, or ask your friends/relatives if they could borrow it until you need it again
- Get rid of clutter. Unless you are sentimentally attached, you don't need many nick nacks. They will only make your rooms appear smaller.
HELPFUL LINKS
- More advice on creating space
Remember...just because you live in a small space doesn't mean it has to feel that way
About The Author
Since 1989 Dan The Roommate Man has helped 1000's of people find roommates. Need help? Contact him at 800-487-8050 or www.roommateexpress.com
|
Hair Removal by Electrolysis - Is it Right for You?
Hair Removal by Electrolysis - Is it Right for You?
by: Clive Chansa
Electrolysis is a permanent hair removal technique that works by destroying individual hair follicles so that hair can no longer grow. Here's how it works. Being careful not to puncture the skin, a slender probe is inserted into a hair follicle. Once inserted, an electrical current is passed through to the end of the probe, at which point a chemical reaction takes place. The reaction causes the salt and water molecules located in the follicle to change into lye which loosens the hair and causes permanent damage to the follicle base. The loosened hair is gently pulled out with tweezers. This process is repeated at every follicle where hair is to be removed.
While this process has the best track record for permanency, electrolysis can be painful and expensive. And because it's tedious, this method is not recommended for large areas of removal. In addition, numerous treatments...
Hair Removal by Electrolysis - Is it Right for You?
Candles > Hair Removal by Electrolysis - Is it Right for You?
How To Create The Perfect Backyard Barbeque
How To Create The Perfect Backyard Barbeque
by: Dakota Caudilla
Planning the perfect barbeque is easy. Just follow these five easy steps towards creating a memorable barbeque.
1. Because good company is what makes or breaks a successful backyard barbeque make sure you organize your guests first. Send out invitations or call as much in advance as you can to guarantee that the people you want to come will be able to come.
2. Choose a theme and decorate the backyard and your home to suit that theme. Match tablecloths and napkins. Add candles and fresh flowers. A backyard barbeque needs a theme to induce a fun mood amongst guests and to make it memorable.
3. Plan the menu. Check to see what your guests are bringing and cross those items off your list. Make a list of what you need (don't forget insect repellent) and do all the shopping the day before so that ingredients are fresh and so that the morning of your backyard barbeque...
How To Create The Perfect Backyard Barbeque
Candles > How To Create The Perfect Backyard Barbeque
Spring & Home Decorating - A Fresh New Look
Spring & Home Decorating - A Fresh New Look
by: Bonnie P Carrier
Open Windows ? Curtains fluttering from a warm breeze ? The air smells fresh and clean ? Buds on the trees are beginning to open ? Tiny flowers are popping up threw the ground ? Finally that little bird with the red breast is back
All of these can only mean one thing ?Spring? has arrived.
Those days of blustery storms and frosty drafts have come to an end.
With spring comes a renewed burst of energy. Having been shut inside for months we now want to get up, get going and do things.
This presents a marvelous opportunity for home decorating, a chance to give the inside of our homes a fresh clean look to match the emerging new look outside.
You now want to think light, bright and breezy, exactly like a beautiful spring day.
The following are a few ideas to help get you started.
Hang a wreath covered with pretty silk flowers on the front door. This...
Spring & Home Decorating - A Fresh New Look
Candles > Spring & Home Decorating - A Fresh New Look
Home Decorating: Where Are My Surfaces?
Home Decorating: Where Are My Surfaces?
by: Keller Hawthorne
Many of you probably remember visiting your grandma's house as a child. I can still see how my grandmother had decorated her home. Every inch of surface and space was filled! The mantle, the kitchen counters, and of course the floor. She was a self-proclaimed pack-rat! When you walk into a home drowning in "stuff", it immediately bombards you and creates overwhelming vibes. So, how do we show every little nick knack we love, without going overboard?
I have a very strict rule with myself that every surface in my home should be clean and almost completely cleared. I enjoy showing off my candles, vases, and other items. However, I have learned when it becomes too much. As a teenager I had covered every inch of my dressers and desk with decorations. My bedroom had become more of a showplace then a home. My decorations were nicely placed as sort of a retail window display, but I could never...
Home Decorating: Where Are My Surfaces?
Candles > Home Decorating: Where Are My Surfaces?
50th Birthday Party Ideas For a Sensational Celebration
50th Birthday Party Ideas For a Sensational Celebration
by: Dee Schrock
Is a 50th birthday party coming up and you're at a loss for ideas?
Here are a few tips and ideas to help you get started.
You can create your own invitations by drawing 50th birthday theme such as "50" or over-the-hill gag themes.
A great themed 50th birthday party is 60's memorabilia. Have beanbag chairs handy for a groovy gathering.
Share old stories about the guest of honor.
Be sure to include items such as a "magic bus", peace signs, and candles luminating the room.
Wear your flowered pants, John Lennon glasses and peace sign, or go all out with your leisure suit.
Don't forget your hippie wig!
Have the guest of honor wear a birthday crown or Happy Birthday hat.
Be sure to complement their outfit with an "over-the-hill" cane
Serve your food of choice on these tie-dyed party plates and tableware.
Candles > 50th Birthday Party Ideas For a Sensational Celebration