This guide aims to highlight the finer aspects of home décor to help you decide on the starting points o f a space and where to look for the special effects,
Some popular home décor accessories include,
Area Rugs : You can break any neutral theme of color with rugs, and they also make an interesting focal point in any space. Get a realistic picture of the foot traffic before you decide on a type of rug. Also, measure the area you wish to cover; you can also use rugs to divide a space. For instance, you can have rugs in your living area, smaller dimensions for coffee area, and bigger ones to cover rest of the space. The theme can be complimentary, as also contrasting to add a punch. Normally, designer décor accessories are accents to your overall room and should be used carefully in line with the color scheme of a room. The accent colors should be repeated at least thrice in the room to balance and highlight. The time you have on hands will help you decide on the time you can devote for maintenance of a rug. So get a real picture. Following are a few popular rug types.
Manmade fibers: As against natural fibers, synthetic ones such as acrylic, polypropylene, olefin, and nylon can be used in heavy foot traffic zones as they are easy to clean and are relatively cheaper.
Wool rugs: You get woolen rugs in different patterns, colors and prices. They are more expensive and handmade rugs and carpets are one of the most popular home décor accessories to add a desired touch of class and sophistication to any room. The quality depends on the wool used and per sq. inch knots that determine the finesse. You also get machine made rugs in modern patterns that is comparatively cheap. Almost all good quality rugs come with a care manual.
Cotton rugs: Light and easy to clean, cotton rugs or durries are popular for its combination of motifs and warm color tones. They are easy to maintain and can be washed with ease, though not as durable as woolen or synthetic rugs.
Jute rugs: An aesthetic fiber, jute rugs look natural and appealing in most spaces. They are not easy to maintain and may fade over a period of time, the fiber is weak and needs to be protected from long exposure to moisture.
Sisal rugs: Another popular choice, sisal rugs are comparatively durable than jute rugs. Most ideal for high-traffic areas in the home like the living room, entrance lobbies etc.
Fireplace Accessories: Candles and Candle Holders
A creative décor accessory, candles can warm up a room tastefully. Above the fireplace, as also on the mantel and side table, you can add different shapes and lengths of candles arranged in different holders to add an artistic accent to the living room. Fireplaces become the focal point for most homes and you can highlight the area with a variety of accessories like picture frames, candles, family memoirs. Scented candles also do wonders to any room and help you relax. You get candle holders in different material and interesting shapes, right from classy silver candle stands for formal look, to glass, crystal, wood and brass stands that look warm and inviting.
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Picture frames : You can add drama to any wall and room with carefully framed pictures. Change the feel of a place from formal, warm to casual and friendly with a frame. Usually, gold frames bestow a room with a formal appeal and sophistication. For rustic feel that goes with the theme in cottages and country homes, you can use wooden frames that look unfinished. For a modern touch, you can use lacquered frames in bold colors that compliment a room theme. Pictures can add a personal and artistic element to a wall, mantel, or table. You can frame your art work, and also display a collage of art for larger wall space. It is important to hang or arrange a frame at an average eye level.
Vases and Bowls : This is one of the most common décor items and carries great power to transform the way a room looks if you choose the right color, size and shape for a space. To break the monotony, and to add a resting eye place, vases should be refreshing, complimenting the overall décor theme. Easily used to break a neutral color scheme, you can get bold with a contrast, or get even with a complimenting color and shape. Ceramic, crystal, metal and even glass vases and bowls can spice up a décor like few things.
Clocks : Clocks are not just the routine thing for homes. Apart from the olden value of grandfather clocks, you can dictate your personal style with these timeless classics. Get creative and hang clocks in dining areas, kitchen and lobbies to add a personal statement to any space. Now you get clocks in every imaginable styles and a wide array of contemporary designs. Then there are hand-painted clocks with intricate woodwork, and offer a great combination of style and sophistication.
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Lights : Well, one of the most dramatic home décor accessory, you can play with lights to lift up or fashion moods from the scratch. Lights can be used to create a desired ambience throughout the home.
Floor lamps: Use floor lamps in different shapes and sizes to enhance the aesthetics of a room.
Table lamps: Use table lamps to light your living room, study area, bedrooms, dining room, and family room and entrance lobby.
Desk lamps: Desk lamps are typically 12 inches to 20 inches high and are used to light a specific work area.
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Pillows : Bed pillows or throw pillows make an important furnishing item. A throw pillow in complimenting shades or combination of shades can allow an interesting focal point in a room. For regular bed pillows, you get a wide variety of bed pillows that allow your groggy head to get a restful sleep every night. It is worthwhile to invest in a good pillow, some general guidelines for buying lasting pillows,
a) As a general rule, you should try to replace a pillow every six month to two years
b) The life of a pillow depends on the material it uses. Check with the manufacturer to know about the quality and normal life span of the pillow.
c) You can test a pillow to see if it is in shape,
Place the pillow on a flat surface by folding it in half. Put a shoe on the top. If the shoe bounces away and the pillow regains its original shape, your pillow is in good shape. If the shoe stays, it probably has lived its life and it’s time to change.
Before you buy, do not forget to,
• Inquire about the material used for the filling. If it is a down pillow, you can be assured of its softness and warmth.
• Buckwheat hulls is another natural filling that is considered resistant to breakage and weathering.
• Memory foam pillows also known as contour pillows are great too. Made by mixing different chemicals, they are resilient and provide complete support to the neck and head for a restful sleep.
• Hypoallergenic pillows are made with materials that minimize the possibility of allergic reactions.
• Body pillows are long ones designed to reach your feet from head.
