Posted by: puppy77 on: April 5, 2009
Now is the time to update your home and make a statement with modern rugs. They can add a splash of colour, a touch of class and transform your home.
If you have any sumptuous wood panelling in the hallway or traditional wooden furniture occupying the majority of the rooms in your house, modern rugs can be a nice addition to the dark space. Many modern rugs are brightly coloured and they can lift a dark room and make the area more welcoming. Equally, neutral coloured rugs in a dark space can reflect the light and give the impression that the room is bigger than it actually is.
Perhaps you have a light and airy space that you think could benefit from a bit of floor decoration. If this is the case, there are plenty of modern rugs out there to choose from that will look great in any light, spacious area. Make a big impression with a large rug and think about your colour themes. If you have a splash of red in the sofa, I suggest finding a rug that complements this and ties the colour theme together.
Modern rugs are great for bringing your home bang up to date, so why not take a look at the superb modern rugs selection from E Rugs? You’ll be sure to get value for money and find the best choice. Click here: Modern Rugs
Posted by: puppy77 on: March 5, 2009
One has to wonder if the current economic climate is going to have a detrimental effect on the value of antiques. For some years now, the price of antiques has been dropping considerably, and in particular, the value of antique furniture is the hardest hit.
Antiques in the UK used to be a really profitable market, and one of the only things you could rely on to give you a return on investment. There were countless antiques programmes and even a show dedicated to antiques valuations (The Antiques Roadshow), but these days everything seems to have died down. The Antiques Roadshow is still going but i don’t think it has the same fanbase that it used to have.
The value of antiques could indeed be depreciating. Heavy wooden furniture is not appealing to buyers anymore as more and more people look to the modern and contemporary side of furniture in which to decorate their homes with.
Do you like antique furniture or do you prefer modern pieces? Let me know
Posted by: puppy77 on: March 3, 2009
Have you longed for an improved bathroom space and for something that can add some real glamour to your home? Well, now you can revamp your bathroom and make it something very special in a few simple steps.
If you have a white bathroom, add a splash of colour to give it some vibrancy; some life. Do this by getting a red plant and stick it on the windowsill. Your bathroom will have a focal point in the room and make it look elegant.
Place a seagrass rug on the floor of your bathroom – this has a very “holidaying” feel to it and it will look inviting to people that walk in to the room. These little extras can really make all the difference.
Get the bathroom lighting sorted; add a stylish lampshade to the ceiling light and create some mood lighting to really give it some definition.
Finally, think about the window area. Make this a real feature by adding some colour and a really nice pair of curtains can frame the window and give it some “chocolate box” character. Alternatively, put a blind with a scalloped edge and make the bathroom look effortlessly stunning.
Now you can add some bathroom glam in a few very simple steps!
Posted by: puppy77 on: February 6, 2009
Finding radiators online might not be as hard as you think. If you want some rather snazzy stainless steel bathroom radiators then the best place is to look online. The high street cannot match the choice and affordability, so thats why you are sure to find a better deal online.
Radiators Online – I Love Stainless Steel Bathroom Radiators!
My friend has just bought her radiator online and has opted for a stainless steel bathroom radiator to add a stylish, modern touch to her newly refurbished bathroom. These days, its all about the chic, contemporary feel in bathrooms, and stainless steel bathroom radiators are effortlessly timeless.
My friend has chosen a stainless steel radiator in a “Wave” shape. These are very popular and this particularly style of radiator take up quite a large amount of space on her bathroom wall. However, the key thing with these modern and funky radiators is to make them a feature, not something to hide away. Stylish radiators are the new designer room accessory. Modern and contemporary is a theme that many people are upgrading their bathrooms to, as old and dated bathroom suites are rapidly becoming an unfavourable choice with homeowners. These stainless steel bathroom radiators like the “Wave” design are popular with young homeowners in particular who are looking for something unique and stylish to match their contemporary decor. Check out the funky “Wave” stainless steel radiator below:
Very funky stainless steel "Wave" radiator
It’s Easy To Buy Radiators Online…
My friend swears she can get the best choice of radiators online and agrees that the high street does not have a good selection. So, not only can you buy radiators online, but you can also choose from a vast range of funky radiators from cast iron to stainless steel radiators, whether they are for your bathroom, living room or bedroom.
If you are looking to buy stainless steel bathroom radiators then check out a great selection of radiators online at HeatandPlumb.com. You can click through to their website by clicking the link below:
Posted by: puppy77 on: February 3, 2009
If you’re looking for bathroom bits, then you’re probably looking for a few choice items that you can update your bathroom with. Try looking for tealights which will help create a romantic, sensual atmosphere. Perhaps the bathroom bits you want are just basic items, like a mirror, toothbrush holder or soap dish. All these little bathroom essentials can help make your bathroom much more homely. Bathrooms can often feel quite cold and clinical, so soften the atmosphere by adding a few bathroom bits that will really make your bathroom something special.
Posted by: puppy77 on: January 29, 2009
If you feel you need to brighten up a room in your house, then take a look at a great selection of posters and frames from All Posters.co.uk
From black and white prints to funky stylish modern pictures, you can find it all at All Posters, plus they always have regular money saving offers on, so take advantage today! Just click here: POSTERS AND PRINTS
Posted by: puppy77 on: January 21, 2009
If you are thinking of re-designing your home, or just looking for some home furnishings design ideas, then here is a great tip for you:
You can transform a room with just a few simple accessories, like a few scatter cushions or a new rug…make sure they have some colour in them because it will brighten up any living space. Perhaps you have a tired old couch…just add some cushions and your room will be transformed!
Posted by: puppy77 on: January 14, 2009
If you are thinking of how to re-decorate your home and you want to adopt a particular style, then why not try shabby chic? But, for those not sure what it is, here’s a definition:
SHABBY CHIC – a look reflecting casual and relaxed lifestyles. Emphasis is on a soft touch, neutral colors and often a puckered, washed or unfinished look.
(Source: http://www.justfabric.cn/Fabric-Glossary.html)
Definitely try and make your home more chic boutique rather than tired and fussy; shabby chic is the perfect style to make any home look French in character, with an English charm.
I love shabby chic because it is rather feminine in its styling, and it can look particualy good in a bedroom.
Check out some fab shabby chic furniture below:
http://www.dooleysfurniture.com/
What is shabby chic? Its the perfect addition to any home!
Posted by: puppy77 on: January 6, 2009
It came as sad news when i heard that The Pier, the store of home furnishings galore, has gone into administration. I was a fan of their reasonably priced furnishings and their great selection of goods.
Well, i was in there a month ago and it had just been announced that the Pier had gone into liquidation. Everything was on sale so i bought a few bits and as i queued up at the till, i saw a few customers arguing with the sales staff. They were complaining that items they had paid for had not been delivered to them and now they were being told they couldn’t have them, obviously because all the assets in the warehouse were now tied up and unable to be shipped.
I think its a real shame when customers don’t get what they ordered and paid for, especially in these sad credit crunch times, but taking it out on the sales staff is not right either. After all, they are losing their jobs when the stores close and are having to worry about how to pay their rent / mortgage. I felt sorry for the staff having to take the brunt of the customer’s complaints. I think people forget who they should be complaining to. Go to those higher up, not the sales staff at the checkouts.
Anyway, when it comes to home furnishings, it doesn’t look like The Pier will be the port of call for many visitors anymore. Still you can always look online and try and pick up some bits on eBay.
Posted by: puppy77 on: January 6, 2009
When you think about furnishing your home, you might be considering cheap home furnishings. The thing is, from experience, cheap is not always best. You usually get what you pay for, and if you want something to last you a long time, opting for something a bit more expensive will inevitably be a better investment. Plus, with home furnishings, the last thing you want is for your visitors to come over and “comment” on your choices looking too cheap. Cheap home furnishings will not only look cheap, but they will quite often be impractical.
However, lets not put Sale items into this category. If you manage to bag an expensive item at a sale price, then all credit to you! This is a great way to get the best at a more affordable price. With the January Sales in full swing, be sure to take advantage.
Cheap home furnishings can be great for the interim, say, if you are living in rented accomodation and dont want anything expensive in the home. However, some people decide to “upgrade” when they buy their own home and opt for home furnishings with a higher price tag.
Posted by: puppy77 on: November 21, 2008
I thought you should all know about this really great modern furniture site called the Regency Shop – they sell really cool unique furniture and if you like things just that little bit different then you will love their stuff.
My faves are the hanging bubble chairs – something you might associate with the swinging sixties, but today, they are considered retro and ultra cool
This chair is on sale at the moment – only $895!! So fab – put it in your living room where its really airy and spacious. Team it with a funky fake fur rug underneath for a really classy feel
You can buy this hanging bubble chair HERE.
Posted by: puppy77 on: November 13, 2008
If you want to improve your home and you’re thinking about what the options are, it might help to know what furnishings actually are.
Here’s a great definition of “Furnishings” from http://www.brooklynexpedition.org/structures/glossary_latin.html
“Items used to decorate an interior space and make it comfortable, including furniture, tableware, linens, and decorative objects.”
With this in mind, it should be noted that there are different types of furnishings that you need to be aware of. These all come under the umbrella of “Home Furnishings”:
Awnings
Blinds
Carpets
Electrical
Fabrics
Curtains
Pillows
Cushions
Furniture & Upholstery
Hard Flooring
Basically, anything you put into your home, office etc are classed as “furnishings”. Even when you paint a room or simply add lighting, you are furnishing it.
There are so many furnshings you can get that it is hard to know when to get…and when to stop! This is why people end up cluttering up their homes. Furnishings can be essential (like a carpet, for example) but they can soon take on a whole new meaning when you start buying the smallest of items to put on the mantlepiece, that you in fact don’t really need.
Posted by: puppy77 on: November 13, 2008
If you are looking for modern bedroom furniture, then you are obviously wanting your bedroom to be a fine example of contemporary chic. I love modern bedroom furniture because it makes your room look fresh and up to date. Antique furniture in a bedroom can often look heavy and dark, which isn’t always favourable when trying to sleep! I find dark furniture can give me a headache!
To look for modern bedroom furniture then you will need to know what style of room you are aiming for. Are you wanting to keep it all white? Maybe you want creams and chocolates which complement each other beautifully. I found some fab pictures of what modern bedroom furniture should really look like.
Modern Bedroom Furniture 1:
Image source: http://absolute-bedroom-design.blogspot.com/2008/09/modern-bedroom-furniture.html
Although this bedroom has dark furniture in it, it works very well contrasting against the pale floor and bedding. There is also lots of light streaming into this room which lifts the dark wood and makes it all tone in very well. I really like this modern bedroom furniture – it is very Japanese in its approach.
Modern Bedroom Picture 2:
Image source: http://www.nevillejohnson.co.uk/product-portfolio/bedrooms/modern-bedroom-furniture.aspx
This is a gorgeous example of a modern bedroom, yet it still combines a classic, almost “rustic” look. This looks like somewhere i would definitely want to go to sleep! Very cosy. Notice how the oak wood complements beautifully with the bedding. If you are going to look for modern bedroom furniture then you absolutely need to make sure you think about the bedding colours too.
Posted by: puppy77 on: November 3, 2008
When it comes to shabby chic furniture, i think it is crucial to make sure it looks authentic. By this, i mean make it look like it is genuine old French boudoir-esque furniture, rather than something you have cobbled together yourself.
I love shabby chic furniture that ends up being the centrepiece of the room. Take a chaise longue for example. The chaise longue is a rather classy and unique piece of furniture that looks fab under a Bay window, so when the light hits it you can really love and appreciate the beauty.
I love this chaise longue from Lucy’s Locket – they have some fabulous furniture at great prices and this is a gorgeous example:
So, when it comes to shabby chic furniture, being unique and individual is key in achieving that much-desired French chic boudoir feel! You don’t see the French with Argos furniture!
Posted by: puppy77 on: October 27, 2008
If you’re looking for some great contemporary art images, i found some great stuff while snooping around the Internet
I love contemporary art in my house. We have a white and black theme going on in most rooms, so i find contemporary art has so much more vibrancy that i love that splash of colour on a wall. For example, white and black furnishings and then a red picture on the wall will really set your home alight!
I love this black and white living room picture from Gemmy design’s blog.
I think the contrast of the black and white looks fab, but if it was me, i would probably add a really striking contemporary art picture where the black and white one is. I am loving this red rose picture from Ikea:
Posted by: puppy77 on: September 30, 2008
I love shabby chic furniture, and i try and fill my home with as much as possible! I like the French feel it creates, and i think it looks particularly good in the bedroom.
Stamp is available from http://www.blockheadstamps.com/
Posted by: puppy77 on: September 30, 2008
To buy antiques, it is important that you don’t present yourself as an amateur. The sales staff in the antique shops will immediately catch onto this and could catch you out with your patchy knowledge. It is not possible to know everything about antiques, but it is possible to research the era you are looking to buy from and also know what value that item holds. There are manuals online which can help. It is also worth heading down to an auction to get an idea of what price things are going for, so when you walk into an antique shop, you know if their items are overpriced.
Don’t try and outsmart the sales guy in an antique shop. If your knowledge is better than his, don’t blatantly attempt to prove it. Try and be subtle in your approach and take in what the sales guy is saying to you, comparing it in your own mind with what you already know.
It is important to inspect the item you are interested in. Check all sides, and if the item is an ornament of some sort, pick it up and look at the bottom. Check for any cracks / restoration and also ask the sales guy if there has been any restoration. He might lie, so be vigilant with your own eyes.
I knew a couple who were interested in Black Forest Bears, from Bavaria. They date from the 1800s / early 1900s and are very collectible. The couple visited their local antiques shop where they saw one priced at £6,000. Although they loved it (it was a huge wooden bear umbrella stand!) they simply couldn’t afford it, but they were asking the antique shop owner loads of questions about it. He was saying there are many fakes around today, and £6,000 was a very reasonable price for that particular item. He then informed my friend that he knew of another antique shop owner a few miles away who had a Black Forest Bear umbrella stand, and he managed to sell it to a couple for £10,000. Turns out, it was fake, and the owner knew it, but it was such a good replica that the buyers still to this day believe it is real. Don’t be fooled; do your research, and remember not to always trust the antique shops! They are there to make a sale. Think about it; maybe they got duped into buying something they thought was a genuine antique, which then turns out it wasn’t, so they decide to sell it on in their shop. Its easy if it works.

This Black Forest Bear umbrella stand is available from danielsantiques.com and the price is undisclosed.
Posted by: puppy77 on: September 30, 2008
If you are looking for some fine antique shops, just come to the UK. Nearly every town and city has a few antique shops scattered around, so there is always the chance you will find a lovely antique piece tucked away in the strangest of places!
Posted by: puppy77 on: September 10, 2008
You might be wondering why you would want to buy an art reproduction.
Art repros are great and a lot cheaper than buying the original thing. The real deal could probably cost hundreds of thousands but with a repro, you get the same thing, just a lot less expensive! And who has to know?
As an avid art fan, it may be that you regularly visit art galleries to drool over your favourite pieces. Why not bring them into your home? At Fabulousmasterpieces.co.uk you can do just that. They feature many art reproductions from all the greats, such as:
Claude Monet
Gustav Klimt
Vincent Van Gogh
Paul Cezanne
William Bouguereau
Turner
An art repro also makes a great gift for a loved one. One of my favourite paintings of all time is Van Gogh’s Irises from 1889. For colour and diversity in your home, this picture would make a great addition. It can be bought from Fabulousmasterpieces.co.uk for the very reasonable price of £197! In 1987, Irises became the most expensive painting ever sold when it was sold for $54,000,000. Interestingly, the winning bidder couldn’t afford it, so it is now housed in the Getty Museum in Los Angeles.
Admittedly, if you are going to opt for a purchase of such a timeless classic like Irises, then visitors to your home will realise that it is not an original. Nevertheless, they wouldn’t expect it to be, so the comments you receive will most likely be “what a great repro that is; almost looks like the real thing!” to which you will feel content in the knowledge that a fine piece of art reproduction has drawn the eye and invited positive comments.
There are many sites online offering value for money art repros; just shop around until you find what you want. Videoposters.co.uk is another great place to pick up some beautiful art reproductions.
Posted by: puppy77 on: August 28, 2008
If you want some great art shopping to do, then why not check out your local art events and exhibitions for original pictures that will brighten up any home.
If you live in the North Yorkshire area, make sure you visit the Pavilions of Harrogate on Friday 5th December, as there is the Bailey Fine Art & Antiques Fair taking place. While you’re in Harrogate, there’s always the famous Betty’s Tearooms where you can enjoy a spot of lunch!
Art shopping can be an enjoyable experience and there are many places where you can pick up some great pieces, just look online for more inspiration. I found this great site selling original art, design and crafts.
Here’s 2 art shopping tips for all you art lovers out there:
1)Remember it is usually more cost effective to frame any pictures yourself.
2) Try the price comparison websites if you want a good deal.
For more tips, visit painterforum.com
Also, don’t forget to try your nearest TK Maxx for some rather fancy art and design, for nestling amongst the vast array of fashions is a rather good little ‘Home’ section which is great for all your art shopping needs.