Get bedroom decorating ideas, and the best in bedroom furniture, bedroom decor and bedroom design. Decorate your bedroom to get the space, furniture and look you want.
Evaluate your bedroom, starting with the sense of touch, making sure your bed and mattress are as comfortable as possible. A well-designed bedroom should be a place where you can escape and find peace. Use what you have already; just rearrange your furniture and accessories using professional interior design trade secrets, tricks and tips.
For easy bedroom decorating ideas, discover incredible ways to give your home a fresh new look, all for under $50! You don’t need to spend a fortune to give your home a new look.
Personalize
your comforter by adding instant pattern and color to the bed. Leave a stack of recent magazines and favorite books for relaxing and reading in bed, place a candle on your nightstand and blow it out along with your reading light when you’re ready to sleep!
Only your imagination and preferences limit the possibilities for bedroom decorating ideas. You will find great pleasure not only in the beautiful results, but also in the togetherness of the design process. Your bedroom should be a place where you can get away from it all.
About The Author:
Roger King is a successful author and publisher of http://www.1st-home-decor.com Bedroom decorating ideas to showcase your homes.
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Bathroom Vanity Mirrors are an integral component of the bathroom vanity. Mirrors are often included in vanity sets. The most frequently asked question when purchasing a mirror for a bathroom vanity is: should it be a medicine cabinet as well? Clearly this depends on where the bathroom is located and how it will be used. However if a medicine cabinet is required, a home designer does not have to compromise style or aesthetic lines. Today’s market is filled with options that hide hinges, fixtures, handles and metal edges. Glass Medicine cabinets, for example, are an elegant inclusion to any designer’s plans. One popular option in shoreline homes is the rust proof anodized aluminum interior. A mirror that doubles as a cabinet can be visually pleasing as well as functional and sturdy.
A distinctive mirror with elegance and charm, either contemporary or traditional, can be easily acquired regardless of cost. A fine example of a more traditional mirror might be a French decorative wall mirror with original gilt finish and glass. This mirror would include a typical French decoration with a central maiden’s head and ribbon and swag decoration,
c.1870. If you purchase an antique mirror you may want to replace the glass, as old glass tends to be cloudy and specked. Antique mirror designs come in a wide array of sizes and shapes combining artistry and craftsmanship of times past, and adding warmth, interest and drama to any bathroom vanity.
If a more contemporary or simple approach to decoration is your goal, then mirrors crafted of hardwoods with few design elements are an excellent choice to complement the traditional modern bathroom vanity or the cool contemporary bathroom vanity set. Frameless mirrors with triple and double doors can add style and interest over a basic white sink or top. The combination of glass and chrome adds a modern touch to any bathroom setting. Bathroom vanity mirrors have the potential to integrate a wide variety of materials present in other vanity components, such as unique woods, aluminum, or glass, creating a truly original and complete bathroom design.
Bathroom Vanities Info provides detailed information on discount and contemporary bathroom vanity cabinets, sinks, tops, mirrors, lights, and more. Bathroom Vanities Info is the sister site of Shower Curtains Web.
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Roman shades are a simple and elegant window treatment to block the sun or prying neighbors. Nicer than plain plastic shades, but less expensive than ornate window shades, Roman shades provide the perfect start to a beginning home decorator.
Roman shades can be purchased from home improvement or department stores, or they can be custom made by in interior designer. The cheapest way to decorate your home with Roman shades is to make them yourself. Get ready to refresh your math skills!
To make Roman shades, first measure the window you壇 like to put them in. Measure the height and width of the window from inside its frame. Or, if you want the shade to cover more than the window, measure the height and width of the surface the shade will cover. Your shade will probably need to be between 45 and 54 inches wide.
Before you shop for your fabric, you値l need to calculate the number of dowels and the amount of fabric you値l need. To figure out how many dowels you will need, divide the window height by six to nine inches, which will be the space between each dowel fold. You値l need to find a number that goes evenly into your window height. For example, if your window height is 64 inches, divide by six. You値l then need eight dowels for eight pleats. Each dowel needs 1.5 inches, so multiplied by eight, you値l need an extra 12 inches of fabric. You値l also need an extra six inches of fabric to mount the shade, meaning you値l need 18 extra inches for this example. Add this to your window height to get your final height. Add two inches of fabric to your window
width. Now you have the size of the fabric you need. Whew!
Next, the fun part: selecting the fabric of your shade. Shades without busy patterns are the easiest to work with because you won稚 need to make sure the pattern blends seamlessly with each fold. If your window gets southern light, consider picking a near-shear fabric. This will produce a warm, soothing light in your room. Take a picture or your room, fabric swatches of your furniture, and a paint sample of your room when you shop. You don稚 want to finish making your Roman shade to discover it clashes with the rest of your room!
While you are out buying your fabric, buy the rest of your supplies:
Drapery-lining fabric. You値l need an extra 0.25 inches to cover the mounting board.
Blind cord
Window cleat
Quarter-inch diameter window dowels, 0.25 inches smaller than the window width
A wooden mounting board, 0.25 inches smaller than the window width that痴 1×2 inches.
Half-inch diameter shade rings
Screw eyes
Staple gun
Chalk or air-soluble marker
Yardstick
The easiest way to make a shade uses lots of pictures and few words. Find instructions at a home improvement store or for free online to make your own Roman shade. Find patterns that make the type of Roman shade you want, whether it is flat, pleated, or with a sunburst. You値l probably need a sewing machine to make the Roman shade quickly, especially to attach the lining to the fabric. With patience you can make your own Roman shade.
Roman Shades Info provides detailed information about bamboo, fabric, discount, and custom Roman shades, as well as advice on how to make Roman shades, and more. Roman Shades Info is the sister site of Shutters Web.
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It is important to monitor your pet’s weight, especially since many of us see our pets day to day and don’t notice weight changes unless they are drastic. Using pet scales is the best way to monitor your pet’s health, and there are a variety of pet scales on the market.
Seca Pet Scales offer both mechanical and digital pet scales at affordable prices. The Seca 345 has a unique folding feature for the on the go user. The Pet Scale Model 725 is one of Seca’s most durable and versatile pet scales. The Model 727 by Seca includes useful features such as hold and tare for better accuracy. Seca’s top of the line Pet Scale 728 PC has incorporated a proprietary damping system to factor out variations caused by movement; revealing the animal’s true weight every time. This is especially handy, because many animals are fidgety when put on a pet scale. The last of the medium size pet scales is the Model 334. This pet scale
offers a much larger weighing platform and a carrying handle for added convenience, and is a popular choice in the world of pet scales.
The Seca Pet Scale Digital Model 334 offers maximum safety and accuracy when weighing animals. Although the Seca 334 pet scale’s weighing tray is much larger and more comfortable than trays of other scales, it requires amazingly little space. The large, clear liquid crystal display and practical handle make daily weigh-ins easy. The Seca 232 ruler, an option offered with every Seca digital pet scale, measures animals easily from fourteen to thirty two inches. The Seca Pet Scale 334 is a good choice that is also affordable.
Detecto and Health-o-Meter also make a wide variety of pet scales with digital displays and weight lock-in features for fidgety animals.
Scales Info provides detailed information about body fat scales, digital scales, and industrial scales, as well as baby and pet scales, and more. Scales Info is affiliated with Business Plans by Growthink.
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Right now one of the most popular shows on television is, “Trading Spaces.” If you haven’t gotten an opportunity to watch this show, the object of the game is to decorate one room in someone else’s house with a budget of a $1,000. The decorator’s truly struggle to accomplish this so you know it is hard when even they, trained professionals, are having problems creating the room of the homeowner’s dreams.
Do not despair just because your money is limited- you can still create a warm and inviting home frugally. When people come into our home and see our front room (the only room we have decorated since we are relatively new homeowners) they always comment on how beautiful our drapes, furniture, and whole look of this room is. Do you think I disclose that we put the furniture together ourselves and that the whole décor came compliments of Target? No way! Never divulge the sordid details, just simply bask in the glory and let them try to recreate your look. Here are a few tips for creating an inviting home on a budget.
· Watch television shows, read books, and look through magazines to gather inspiration for creating a stylish home. Although many of the things you look at are completely out of your budget, you can try to recreate it with lower costing materials and a little creativity. Some great looks can be found on www.potterybarn.com, www.pierone.com , www.ikea.com, and www.marthastewart.com.
· Paint is the cheapest way to really change a room. One thing I have learned is to never be afraid of color- bright colors can really liven up a room. Be wary though with small rooms because this can make the rooms look smaller and closed off. In smaller rooms use softer and lighter colors- yellows, light green, lavenders, and white/off-white.
· Getting your home organized will make your house look well-kept. To find out some great ways to get your home as well as yourself organized, go to www.organizedhome.com . This site is wonderful for learning how and what you need to do to clear out the rubbish in your home. With different styles of baskets to organize your items it not only makes the room look cleaner, but it also adds to the décor.
· Target, Kmart, and Walmart all offer great items for your home at a much lower cost. Target has fantastic drapes, tableware, towels, pillows, and furniture for your home. Kmart offers incredible linens, drapes, and sheets from the Martha Stewart line. Walmart offers great fabrics for those do-it-yourself projects in making pillows, drapes, and linens.
· To add pictures to your walls, look through old art books or photograph books. Buy a cheap frame to put it in and you will have beautiful artwork for a fraction of the cost.
· Rearrange your furniture in your home. Try to find new ways to break up a room or to make the room more open and inviting.
· Light a candle and put potpourri in a bowl. This really warms up a room, not to mention adding a beautiful smell to the air.
· Find slipcovers for your couches. Doing this is a lot cheaper then buying a new sofa and when you get tired of it you can take the covers off. These are especially nice if you have little children because it is a great way to preserve the quality of your furniture. The slipcovers are easier to clean because you can throw them in the wash, unlike your couch. A couple of great places to look for nice slipcovers are www.kohls.com and www.surefit.com.
· Want something in particular in your home, but can’t afford it? Hit www.ebay.com and bid on it. Ebay always
has great things for your house not to mention beautiful antiques and collectibles which make your home more unique.
· Buy large pillows to use as extra seating. These are great for when you have a large group over and not enough seating. Don’t invest in more seating; just buy big beautiful pillows for your guests to sit on.
· Go to the garage sales, but go early. Those who wait do not get the deals that the early risers get. Don’t underestimate the Salvation Army and Goodwill either because you can find some interesting and beautiful things for your house.
· Learn one craft that will aid you in decorating your home. Several of the fabric and craft stores offer wonderful classes for learning crafts such as sewing and floral for a very low cost. By learning crafts you can make things yourself at a lower cost or you may be able to make money off of this to afford you more luxuries in your home- you just never know.
· Hit your local Dollar Tree for some great buys on things to make your home more inviting. You might laugh at this one, but you would be surprised what ends up at that store. I have bought beautiful mugs, baskets, and stationary for a buck a piece and no one knows that I spent so little money. Try to think outside the box and go to the stores that are normally not known for quality houseware. This is where you get the real deals.
· Purchase all different types of blankets and put them under your end tables or drape one on your sofa. They make your guests feel cozy and invited especially on those cold winter nights.
· Put a book or two on your coffee table that can be a conversation piece, but don’t overdo it. People tend to get carried away with this and then you lose the beauty of the furniture underneath. One or two books are nice, but four or five looks like clutter.
· If you buy the do-it-yourself furniture or have a piece that looks like it needs a face-lift try replacing the knobs on those cabinets and drawers. A beautiful brushed silver knob or ornate gold knob can make the item look entirely different.
· Replace your old plastic curtain rods with sterling silver or gold rods. Target and Kmart have some really beautiful ones with different styles of ends (leaves, fruit, glass) that really add that special touch.
· Try a theme room, but don’t get carried away. Remember that whatever theme you chose you will have to live with it for a long time. Go for classic themes that seem to withstand the ages. If you choose to pick a theme for the room do hints of it throughout rooms, but don’t make the entire room one big theme. Just give your guest’s hints of it.
I hope these tips will offer you some insight on decorating your own home. My advice to you is that you start small and with one room at a time. Do not get carried away with redoing your whole home or you will feel overwhelmed. Concentrate your efforts on one project until you are completely satisfied and then begin thinking about another project.
Amy Allen Clark is a stay-at-home mother of a two year old son. She is founder and creator of http://www.momadvice.com Her web site is geared towards mothers who are seeking advice on staying organized, living on a budget, and for those seeking work-at-home employment. The author resides in Granger, Indiana and her hobbies include reading, writing, and cooking. Please visit her web site for more information on these various topics for mothers
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Wood blinds offer nature’s rich, subtle colors and unique textures. They were the most widely used blinds once upon a time. But fewer people could afford wood blinds as wood prices rose rapidly.
Wood blinds are making a strong comeback in recent years because of the natural and timeless beauty of wood in their décor. They are available in both solid colors and wood tones ranging from light tones such as natural finished to deep wood tones such as mahogany. The most expensive blinds (roughly eight times the cost of aluminum blinds) are 100-percent wood.
Most wood blinds are available in a variety of slat sizes from 1-3 inches. The one and two-inch slats can be painted or exposed oak, maple or cherry to match your furniture, flooring or wall paneling. Wood blinds should be used in a stable temperature and humidity controlled environment to
receive the full benefit of the long lasting durability of real wood blinds.
Real wood requires more attention than faux. The operating mechanism can be cord. But many families prefer the safer lift technology that requires a soft touch. Wood blinds are generally 2-inch slats because the wider the slat, the less light that can come through. Many people opt to use a valance or cornice to add needed layers.
Sandblasted wood blinds, even if painted, display the beauty of the wood’s natural texture. Fabric tapes in a variety of materials and colors can be added to complement the blinds and other elements of your environment.
Mini Blinds Info provides detailed information about vinyl, discount, wood, faux wood, custom, and aluminum mini blinds, plus advice on cleaning mini blinds. Mini Blinds Info is the sister site of Wood Blinds Web.
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Do your kitchen walls have the blahs? Are they still builders beige? Of course, you know that adding color to the walls is the best way to improve the look of your kitchen, yet you are afraid to take the plunge. Perhaps you fear the color will be too bright? Maybe you are afraid it won’t match that new table? Or perhaps the thought of preparing the kitchen for painting has you tired already?
While you’re debating the work involved you are missing out on one of the basic elements of design that can change the entire look of your room for under $50. Your tired furniture can become new again and a mismatched room can have designer flare! So, how do you choose the right color?
The first recommendation is to choose a tinted neutral. Why is that? Instead of choosing rich, deep colors for your first project, you will likely feel more comfortable with a neutral such as beige or gray which will not date the room or create a jarring palate that you will easily tire of.
However, when you go to your local home improvement store you will be faced with a sea of color swatches – hundreds of versions of basic beige and gray to choose from. So before you go, consider these steps to choosing the right color for you.
If you like the feel of a warm and cozy room – think of fireplaces, brown leather and sunsets – then you’ll want to
start with a beige tone.
Now, consider your furniture and accessories. What colors do you see? If you have a lot of black or navy you may wish to choose a beige with orange or pink undertones to keep the look warm. If you have browns or reds in your furniture, select a cooler beige with ashy tones to avoid ‘overheating’ your room.
If you prefer a cooler, airy look – chrome, glass and shades of icy blue – then select gray tones. Some stores will have a ‘true gray’ color swatch which you can use to compare with their designer selections. On comparison you will notice that each gray has undertones. Some will have blue or lavender tones, others may have green or even a hint of pink.
Using the same guide as stated above, identify the main colors of furniture and accessories in the room. Use green or pink toned greys with cool toned furnishings to avoid it from feeling like an ice box. Use blue or lavender undertones in rooms with warmer colored furnishings.
If you are really torn between beige or gray, than the easiest color to work with is green. Keeping it in a muted tone will make it very easy to live with, and will work with most color palates.
Painting rooms with color will bring the finishing touch to your home – don’t you deserve it?
Lee Dobbins writes for A Kitchen Decorating Idea Guide where you can find hundreds of kitchen decorating tips.
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Set the stage for your beautiful room decor with a smart flooring choice. And no matter what flooring material you choose, it should be serviceable for your lifestyle.
Cleanability, durability, longevity and moisture and allergen resistance are the hallmark of good flooring. Flooring sets the tone for the look and feel of a room.
But beyond appearance, the choice of flooring material should be based on how a room is used. For example, a room in which there is persistent foot traffic needs a hard floor whereas the kitchen floor needs to be soft on the feet while you dish out a gourmet meal!
Which brings us
to the fact that there are two main types of floors: raised floors that are wood framed, and floors built on concrete slabs.
Choose the right flooring option.
One just has to go through interior decoration catalogues to know the wide choice of flooring options available today. And there choices aplenty! Laminate flooring, hardwood flooring, bamboo flooring, cork flooring, vinyl flooring, rubber flooring, tile flooring, armstrong flooring, pergo flooring and what-have-you!
Choose with care.
Always take expert opinion. And see how a carefully planned floor can add style and value to one of the country’s finest homes – yours!
About The Author
Mike Yeager, Publisher
http://www.a1-interior-design-4u.com/
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Football, back to school, the changing of the leaves, these signal the advent of fall and a great time to spruce up the home front for the upcoming holidays. Here, from the floor up, we offer creative, cost effective ways to and enliven your home. Check out how rugs, throws, pillows, accents and accessories can provide a quick, easy, and best of all, inviting, makeover.
Floor Finesse
Rugs are a cost effective way to dramatically change a room’s mood. By adding rich jewel tone color, in shades of burgundy, greens, navy, golds, whether over hardwood, tile, or wall to wall carpet, rugs are truly artwork for the floor! They’ll add a welcome warmth taking the edge off the cooler weather due soon. Rugs also anchor groupings of furniture and provide acoustical benefits (especially in vaulted spaces). Over wall to wall carpet they can help guard against stains and dirt buildup. Always use the appropriate padding because it adds a longer lifespan to the rug. There is even a sticky-back pad, specifically for use on rugs on wall to wall carpet, to avoid the tendency to shift and “creep.” One of the hottest currently on the market is a line from Egypt called Gabbeh. These are velvety underfoot, wear like iron, and are available in a host of patterns and colors.
Terrific Textures/Thrilling Throws
Once you’ve covered the floor, move to dressing the sofa and chairs. One suggestion is to add fluffy acrylic or velvety chenille throws for an element of cuddle to any upholstered piece. Available in plaid, paisley, floral or solid tones they invite you to curl up and get comfortable. They also offer a wonderful texture and can be fun with long fringe or made reversible for a change in mood.
Pillow Power
Pillows are a simple way to maximize your decorating dollar, get them double sided (maybe a seasonal motif on one side) for more versatility. Corded, fringed, plain or patterned, styles add personality to a room and provide an added bit of flair. A chair may only need one, a sofa three or so depending on size. Don’t overdo it, because they’ll wind up on the floor when you sit down!
Natural Wonders
When it comes to accessories, take advantage of natural motifs. Accents in metal, wood, glass, and ceramic depicting leaves, twigs, acorns, and animals are easy to arrange and add interest and charm. Painted metal is a hot decorating element today and can be found in a wealth of shapes. For example you could include a pineapple finial in a bookshelf, an obelisk for a cocktail table, or a pair of verdigris candleholders entwined with wrought iron leaves poised on a mantel. Combine your materials and textures to create a balance. For a more casual dynamic feeling, stick with odd numbered groupings, for more formal and elegant style use pairs of accents.
A Welcome Glow
Candles have become ever popular accent today. Look for texture like beeswax, and subtle colors ivory, gold, bronzes and coppers to add a gleam. Available in a wide range of hues, scents, shapes and sizes – you can mix and match to suit your taste. Remember to vary the heights and use odd numbered groupings for a more eclectic and
festive feel. Include an array of shapes too, cylindrical, square, triangular, and round are among the most popular. Avoid placing candles on the same surface where there is a lamp – good rule of thumb is to avoid using candles where you have another light source. Use scented candles sparingly and with care so as not to compete with each other. Many are made without scent, particularly for those persons who may be allergy sensitive.
On Top of It
Tabletop accessorizing is no longer restricted to dining tables but now includes mantels, sofa tables, end tables, cocktail tables, and even bookcases. Nature’s bounty in all its glory, can provide many interesting decorating options — gourds, squash, Indian corn, leaves, dried mushrooms, moss, berries, even a smattering of coins — to create a table top treasure. Cornucopias can be had in a terrific variety of materials, from basketry to metal/wire, and made to deliciously overflow atop a table or mantel. You can find delightful pieces like glass or paper maché gourds, pumpkins and peppers, mixed with fall leaves — real or faux — to add color and interest to any setting.
Picture This
Now that you’ve softened the floor, dressed the sofa, and decorated the table it’s time to add inspiration to the walls. Consider creating your own works of art by taking photos of fall imagery and framing them in handsome wood or elegant metals. Most home furnishings stores carry a wide selection of framed prints — landscapes, still lifes, Impressionist visions, abstract contemporaries, and portraits — for every taste. Special cards and notes you have received can also make a lovely statement as a framed memento. Don’t forget children’s artwork to add color and whimsy. By using ready-made, standard frames you can change out the work as often as new pieces are brought from school! You can also frame up a host of non-paper elements; try a family heirloom quilt hung on a wall, or a needlepoint scene crafted over several months, elegantly framed. Perhaps you have collectibles that would benefit from shadow boxing, like tickets and programs from shows or sports memorabilia. Make it personal and flexible to suit your mood and the changing seasons.
Wrapping It Up
With the tips provided here you should have a great start on making over your home for the fall season and holidays ahead. Even just a few small changes, such as adding some new pillows, or introducing a fresh accent can transform a room. With Halloween just around the corner, get a jump start on creating inviting tabletops, welcoming seating groupings, and heart-warming picture collages, which will carry you through Thanksgiving and the holidays beyond.
© 2005 Melissa Galt
Melissa Galt, Lifestyle Designer, Speaker, & Author, is the owner of Melissa Galt, Inc., a full service interior design firm based in Atlanta. She has been decorating clients’ homes all over the Southeast for more than a decade, making their interior visions come true. She speaks to audiences nationally , on how to use design as the catalyst for “creating the life you’ve always dreamed of”. Melissa is the creator of Design Destinations, a free monthly guide to designing your signature life. To sign up for her FREE monthly newsletter, visit http://www.melissagalt.com/
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Does your home have a fireplace that you are currently not using very often? Or are you thinking about adding a fireplace, faux or real, to one of the levels in your house? If so, here are some ideas for decorating your fireplace to bring out its natural beauty and charm.
How you decorate your fireplace will depend in part on the room where it is located. A bedroom fireplace may look quite different from one in the family room or den. Part of your decorating decision will be based on the room and its tone. For example, your bedroom fireplace should have a cozy, intimate look with a décor that is special for the occupants of the room. If one or both spouses like cats, use cat-decorated accent pillows with a matching throw for a rocking chair on the hearth. Add a coordinating mantel runner, and you have a total look, especially with a nearby wall picture or two of a related theme.
A living room fireplace can become the focal point of the area. Accompanying floral arrangements sitting in an unused fireplace center or on either side of the hearth add a warm touch. Fireplace tools, like tongs, a brush, and a poker for stirring the embers come in many designs and styles to match the room’s decorating scheme. You can get a Mediterranean, early American, or French provincial style to suit the mood of your living room. Adorn the mantel with period antiques or accents to add color and design.
Some people even have kitchen fireplaces on which
they cook or hang decorator pots and kettles. Baskets hanging on the mantel and pewter urns across the top help to make that type of fireplace inviting and attractive. A cat, ceramic or otherwise, adds even more charm.
During the holidays, a fireplace offers the perfect place to hang Christmas stockings or holiday greeting cards. Some families stack gifts on the hearth or arrange Christmas decorations for a magical display area in keeping with the holiday spirit. Children sometimes put out a plate of cookies and a cup of cocoa for Santa. A wreath above the mantel is a nice seasonal touch.
When you arrange a fireplace in your den or home office, it could look semi-formal, with paperweights, books, and quill pens for effect. But it also may have accents like your favorite coffee cup, a planner, and an afghan quilt draped over a nearby rack when you stretch out on the leather sofa for a snooze or to catch up on your reading. Photos or busts of famous people and admirable mentors can round out the various types of décor you may want to include in your personal workspace area fireplace.
Your fireplace serves as the heart of any home, and particularly the room that it occupies. Use your creative talents to devise a decorating scheme to make your fireplace a showcase of the things that are special to you, as well as those that make a visitor feel welcome.
Fireplace Decorating Ideas and information of all types can be found at The Fireplace Directory
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