Choosing and Placing Your Vanity Table

If you love a unique and different touch to your room, an antique vanity table with mirror can be a great piece of furniture to purchase. People love this table as it can give a classy and luxurious touch. For women, this furniture not also gives a beautiful touch but also functionality. A vanity table consists of some drawers so that women can keep their make-up and accessories there.

Since this table gives you the fine look and great functionality, it would be wise to choose one carefully. The furniture stores offer you antique vanity with various styles, colors and features. It makes you have a wide range of choices but on the other hand you need to make a careful selection. Not all tables fit your need and your room design so you need to consider some factors before making purchase.

Choosing Vanity Tables

Among the plentiful types of vanity tables, the wooden tables are the favorite of most women. It gains more popularity for its everlasting look. A table painted in natural wood color will add classy and elegant touch to your room. Mahogany is one of wood types that has great durability so people love to get furniture made from this wood.

When finding a wooden table, you should always consider the size. A big table will give the luxurious look but you have to keep in mind your room size. If you don't have spacious room to place the table, try to find a smaller one. A big vanity table in a small room will make the room even look smaller. Before going to the furniture store, you can measure your room first to find the right table size.

Placing Your Vanity Tables

To achieve the desired look, your dressing table should be placed on the right space. The dressing table is the spot where you dress up before going to the office. So, this table should be accessible for you. You can place it across the cabinet so you can turn around and see how your look in the mirror after wearing your clothes. This can help you save the time as you don't need to make many steps from your cabinet to the vanity mirror to see your appearance. It is also a good idea to place the table near a window. In the morning, the sunshine will penetrate your window and it will give you better lightning during your make-up session. The key for a good arrangement is just placing the table in the most accessible and comfortable place for you.

5 Guy-Friendly Interior Decor Ideas

A man may look at a room in a completely different way than a woman would. While women are known for their love of shopping and decorating, many men cringe at the thought of interior design and would rather leave a space blank, minimal, and simplistic.

Nonetheless, if you need to spruce up your bachelor pad, you can design your space without making the matter complicated. Check out these guy-friendly interior design tips to get the job done:

1. Start with a basic theme. When choosing a theme for a room, you don't have to go all out. You can select a simple geometric pattern, like squares, plaid, or another print to tie the room together. Or, you may opt for a simple, sleek color combination for a sharp, polished look in black and silver, red and brown, or green and blue, for example.

2. Splurge on furniture. Any interior designer worth their salt will attest to the fact that well-made furniture will help to bring a room together. If you don't want to spend the time designing and decorating, focus on the furniture that you buy to stand out in your space. Instead of hitting up thrift stores and buying cheaper items at IKEA, spend your money wisely on a nice furniture set or gel fuel fireplace that is built to last and can stand the test of time.

3. Don't forget artwork. Leaving walls bare is a major mistake when decorating a bachelor pad. Purchasing several nice works of art will keep your walls from appearing sparse and can change the look and feel of a room. The good news is that art is completely subjective; you can buy any piece that catches your eye to decorate a room, as long as it fits in with the overall theme.

4. Conceal the entertainment center. Believe it or not, the center point of a room shouldn't focus on a massive entertainment center and flat screen TV. Although these electronics are ideal to watch a Sunday football game, entertainment devices, like a DVD player and Xbox, are better concealed within a larger, sleek entertainment unit.

5. Slap on a fresh coat of paint. If you want to spruce up your home with little effort on your part, consider repainting. Breaking out of basic white walls with different tones of colors will show that you put effort into the decoration and design of your home. Once again, color is subjective so you can choose shades that work best for you. If you're not ready to take the plunge into a completely new paint job, consider painting an accent wall in each room to create a fresh vibe.

When it comes to decorating a man cave, interior design doesn't have to be complex. Many times, investing in a nice set of furniture, purchasing an organizational tool like a bookshelf, and repainting walls will help a home or apartment to appear polished and put together. This way, you can entertain friends or a significant other any time you please, without having to feel embarrassed by your sparse digs.

Marmoleum: Excellent Flooring Choice

Have you ever wondered why the popularity of Marmoleum has soared steadily in the past few years? This wonderful flooring is an environment friendly flooring choice as it is made up of natural materials like wood, natural flax and linseed oil. In case the flooring is used in the form of sheets, it has a jute backing. On the other hand, a click floor utilizes the cork for back support. The flooring solution is considered to be the best for people suffering from allergies. As it is composed of natural materials, it does not support bacterial growth on the surface and thus keeps your loved ones free from bacterial infections. In case you are wondering about the presence of toxins in Marmoleum floors, then you will be glad to know that it is free of toxins, formaldehyde and asbestos.

There are a few unique service providers that have already started manufacturing Marmoleum in various colors, styles and sizes. In general, the sheets are 6 feet and 1 inch in width. You can easily order the sheet materials ranging from less than one foot to 105 feet in length. The sheet requires glue application for easy installation on the floor. On the other hand, the tile is readily available in two sizes, namely 13" X 13" and 20" X 20", according to your personal choice. In addition to the sheet and tile, Marmoleum Click is available in two sizes - 12"X12" click tile and 12"X36" panel.

The click has an attached cork underlayment on the back. Although the click panel is much cheaper than the click tile, the tile is much easier to install. In contrast to Marmoleum, Linoleum too is used in various households to add to the beauty of the kitchen. It is possible to turn an ordinary kitchen into a masterpiece by using your creativity. Linoleum is made from recyclable materials like rosin, wood floor, pigments, linseed oil and cork powder. Linoleum is used not only for flooring purposes but also in baseboards, desktops, countertops and trims. This kind of flooring is durable and finds great use in commercial complexes due to the ease of maintenance. This flooring does not develop scratches easily, which makes it perfect for places getting high traffic.

People who are looking for a perfect flooring material for their home can try out Karndean. It is a new floor covering option available in the market. This flooring solution looks similar to natural materials like wood, stone, ceramic, slate and marble. This kind of flooring is installed piece by piece and this gives your floor a handcrafted look. You can use random patterns on the floor to give it a beautiful look. Whether your choice is Karndean or Marmoleum, you can easily buy the right flooring solutions for your needs. It is possible to choose the right flooring for your needs by simply navigating on the Internet.

Popular Adiago Water Features for Your Business

If you are looking to add the perfect piece of art to your business décor, Adiago water features are highly recommended. They go above and beyond your average piece of art, and create a focal point that even an exquisite canvas or carefully crafted sculpture can offer. They will make your space more inviting, comfortable, healthier and of course, beautiful. The biggest decision you have to make is choosing which one is right for you.

Whispering Creek - If you have a short wall, or if you need a small fountain in your entryway to greet people at the door, the Whispering Creek wall fountain is perfect. It may only be 22 inches wide, but it makes a great first impression.

Cascade Springs - This style is just 3 inches wider than the Whispering Creek one, but it is 54 inches high. Optional multi-color LED lighting is available, which is ideal if you intend on adding your logo, which looks exceptional on the silver mirror finish.

Sunrise Springs - Most people are so used to seeing vertical water walls that they forget, or don't even realize that horizontal ones are available. Sunrise Springs is ideal for nearly any space, especially a small waiting room, or placed behind a welcoming desk.

Deep Creek Falls - By far one of the most popular and desirable Adiago water features, Deep Creek Falls is one you buy when you really want to leave a lasting impression. It is massive in size, with your choice from six different materials and three frame finishes. Nine 50-watt halogen lights highlight the gentle curves of the cascading water for a magical display.

Reflection Creek - This is a nice size fountain to mount above a decorative table with brochures or products. It is small, but large enough to get noticed, and the mirror one only weighs 50 pounds of water, in case you are looking for one that is lightweight.

Inspiration Falls - Here is a smart choice for a vertical fountain, and by far one of the most popular for businesses that wish to add their name or logo.

Cottonwood Falls - When one vertical face of Inspiration Falls is not enough, but Deep Creek Falls is just too big, then this one should be just right. Cottonwood Falls is made up of two vertical faces placed side-by-side.

Harmony River - If you have floor space available where guests won't trip over it, Harmony River brings a sophisticated appeal to any space. An empty corner is a perfect location as well. It is available as a center and rear-mounted variety, so where you intend on placing it will play a role in choosing which mounting style will be best for you.

Are Black Quartz Tiles The Best In The Present Day Market?

Black quartz tiles bring majestic appearance to the house and they are famous for their features. All the homeowners prefer these tiles for their natural beauty and it offers a peace and calm to the surroundings you live. This consists of quartz material and 95% of resin blended in the manufacturing process. This makes them stronger and as a hard-wearing material. This makes them suitable for all the areas where there is high traffic. The patterns, texture and shapes are coming according to the new trends so, they are abundantly available in the market. Tiny mirrors are present on the surface which reflects the light in a brilliant way. These mirrors on the black colour add to the beauty and they increase the brightness of the room. They offer a unique shine and radiance which makes all the people happy.

They offer an optimistic feel to all the members of the family. The fresh and hygienic look of the tiles makes them ideal for all the areas. Black quartz tiles are suitable for both the interior and exterior decoration and they give a modern effect to the house. The spectacular fashion of the tiles will look perfect on the walls and floors. The shimmering effect will make everyone happy and they are as the center of attraction of the house. They draw the guest's attention and make them to remodel their home with these wonderful tiles. This increase in popularity is because they are easy to install and they reasonably priced. They look like millions of stars on the night sky. They are suitable for residential, commercial and other public places. They look perfect for the kitchen worktops and backsplashes.

They consist of extremely high quality and the non porous stones, which makes them ideal for all areas. They absorb water in a low rate and the colour does not show dust on the surface. They always look clean and decrease the effort of maintenance. Black quartz tiles are resistant to scratches and stains. They are durable and do not need frequent replacement. You can sweep the floor to remove the dust and rinse the surface which will keep the shine for many years. Use stone cleaners to remove the stains and do not use any acidic solutions on the surface. You can place heavy furniture on the surface and they do not develop any scratches or damages. You can buy the tiles from the online retailers and make sure that they are reasonably priced. These tiles are also available with the special discounts. All these features make them so popular and they are also known as the trend setters in this modern tiling world. So, you can get them and create a stunning and dazzling effect to the house.

Make Those Small Spaces Seem Bigger

In today's ever growing real estate market it's easy to feel down heartened when apartments, houses and spaces in general appear to be shrinking as the price of space is difficult to achieve comfortably. The difficulty of finding a space you love and a space that suits your living requirements are hard to match. Luckily there are some interior design ideas out there to help you feel less inclined towards claustrophobia and hopeful that space can be created in places you wouldn't think possible.

The first thing to recognise is all those wasted or over looked space opportunities that we take for granted. For example, build upwards; tall and slim. Take wardrobes, most are left with spaces on the top between the top and the ceiling. Opting for the floor to ceiling look and hanging things where at all possible will create the illusion of space. Designers advise that if you can see the floor, clutter free, space appears larger than it really is. Another good tip is to build everything in; built-in wardrobes, cupboards and shelves. Again, using all space provided and taking up entire walls and floor to ceiling furnishings will help you achieve this.

Open shelving can create open space for objects and items you don't mind being on display. Be wary not to have too much sitting on shelves as it can look cluttered and you lose the effect. For the less attractive items, it's advisable to keep them under closed storage. There are many spaces such as under the window spaces that are taken for granted. You could try adding a bookshelf or small storage chest that blends in with your theme and other room furnishings. The trick is to make your space look homely, together and natural and closed storage spaces will hide the rest.

Although it's hard to achieve the balance between minimal and essential items of furniture, it is important for creating your spacious home. Ask yourself 'is this really necessary?' use practical pieces of furniture, choose carefully and then you can enjoy what furniture you have knowing the use of them is being fully utilised. For example a coffee table in the middle of a room can take up unnecessary space. Having a nest of tables that fold away or neatly stack in with each other can be used as and when needed. Sofas that are low-lying make rooms appear bigger, as well as a sofa on legs because you can see the floor underneath, which gives the impression of space.

You don't have to feel you are restricting yourself in your home, you have to make it your own but choosing the basics that are functional and practical is a good start.

How to Wash Vertical Blind Louvers

Are the louvers on your vertical blind dirty? Washing them should 'freshen up' your blinds however this needs to be done carefully.

Many vertical blind fabrics are washable, either machine or hand wash. This short guide gives instructions on how to do this.

Please ensure that your fabric is machine washable prior to washing. If you are in any doubt please contact your supplier. If still in doubt you should hand wash only.

Machine Washing A Blind Louvres

Preparation - Before removing the louvers from the headrail unclip the chain at the bottom and remove all of the weights.

To remove the louver from the headrail simply tilt the louver slightly and remove from the hook. Lay the louvers on top of each other on a flat surface - the top hem of the louver should be placed just below the one underneath. Starting with the tops roll all the louvers up together making sure there are no creases and all the edges are in line. If you have a large roll divide this into smaller rolls. Tie the roll to hold it together without distorting the fabric.

Place one roll of louvers into a pillowcase and fasten the pillowcase to secure the contents. Only wash one roll at a time on a woollens wash - no more than 40 degrees with a mild detergent and NO final spin.

Drying - Stand the tied roll on its side for an hour to allow the excess water to drain away. Then undo the roll and hang the louvers to drip dry - you could thread string through the hangers prior to washing to make this easier. Replace the weights while the blind is drying. DO NOT TUMBLE DRY OR IRON

Manual Cleaning By Hand

Remove the louvers as described above and lay separately on a flat surface. Using a mild detergent and damp cloth wipe each louver from top to bottom gently. Do not press hard and do not rub, dry as above and re-hang on the track.

After washing small strands of fibre may appear on the edges of the louvers. Simply trim these off with a pair of scissors.

Whilst the louvers are removed from the headrail you may wish to give the headrail a bit of a 'service' This is simply a light spray into the headrail with a silicon based furniture polish. This will help the louvre carriers glide smoothly within the rail.

Important Questions to Ask Interior Decorators

Hiring an interior decorator is not as easy as just picking a name in a phone book. Your designer must be in tune to your wants, needs and desires. He or she must have the skills for your particular taste. If you prefer perhaps southwestern decorative features or perhaps Swedish minimalism, you must find the right person for the right job.

Interior decorators are people who have an intuitive sense of colour, shape and design. They seem to have a sixth sense about what works well and what simply won't ever work. You should interview several interior decorators before you select the right one for you. Some things you should think about in your selection process and include in your interview should have the following issues addressed:

- What training have you received?

- If they have had no formal training but have an excellent reputation among clients, discuss their previous work and previous clients

- How do you manage your jobs; how are your work teams put together; who is responsible for hiring workers? Settle these and any other issues as soon as they crop up or else you may end up with an unfortunate surprise either in the middle of the job or at the end when you are billed.

- What if I have an issue with the decorating? Or you may ask how much will my preferences and input be addressed or requested? You want to learn if they will work with you for your decorative tastes or against you to "teach" you better taste.

- Will I be informed of costs as they occur so I can address them to stay within a comfortable budget? Some decorators do go crazy with other people's money so you should get this issue cleared up before they even start planning the design.

Hiring a decorator for your home or office is a business situation that needs to be handled up front so as to avoid unfortunate misunderstandings later. Your decorator should put your vision in your home and office, not theirs. You are paying them to paint your canvas for you, so you are in charge of the jobsite and it is your jobsite to manage as you see fit. The decorator works for you so make sure they are aware of it. It also always a good idea to check out a company's website for examples of their past work.

Choosing Bed Linen to Suit Your Personality

In a living room, the focal point can change - it could be the fireplace, the television or a picture window. In the bedroom the bed is always the main event, so choosing bed linen that is not only comfortable, but also beautiful and complementary to the rest of the décor is vital.

The colour scheme you choose for your bedroom says a lot not only about the type of person you are but also about the feeling you wish the room to invoke. Greens, blues and purples are all calming colours and choosing them as your dominant palette will promote a feeling of relaxation that is perfect if you want to make your bedroom a haven of tranquillity. A bedroom is after all predominantly a place for rest and relaxation, so choosing these as your accent colours makes a lot of sense. Reds, oranges and yellows are of course brighter and livelier. They are also mood enhancing colours, so if you suffer from low mood or need your bedroom to be a place you can retreat to when your day needs brightening up these are perfect. Neutral colours or monochrome look elegant, tasteful and classy. A few bold prints add a splash of vivacity whilst retaining an air of sophistication.

You may be lucky enough to be the type of sleeper who can drop off anywhere and snooze for hours, but most of us find it takes a little more effort. The temperature of a bedroom affects how well we sleep. Building up your bed in layers rather than simply throwing one thick duvet cover on top gives you far greater flexibility in terms of the temperature you reach in bed. Add a fitted top sheet, a thin duvet or comforter and a heavier bedspread so you can add or remove layers according to the weather. Not only that but layers allow you to add height and texture to your overall design, resulting in a look that is much more attractive to the eye than a flat expanse of sheet. Layer up pillows at the headboard during the day for a pleasingly textured effect that will make you want to sink back into bed at the first opportunity.

The fabrics you choose can aid your sleep and also make a statement about your personal choices. All natural fabrics are not only better for sleep as they allow the skin to breathe; they also tell people you are environmentally friendly and more in tune with nature. Opt for full cotton for sheets, pillow cases and coverlets with wool or cashmere throws in winter to really get the most out of your bed linen as well as letting people know you are not the type to be fobbed off with second-rate imitations. The new innovations in fabric printing mean you can get the patterns of your choice directly in the weave without compromising on quality.

Interior Design: When Modern Meets Rustic

When home interiors are designed or renovated, they must have the right aesthetic appeal and ambiance fit for an inviting and lovely home. There are a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Nowadays, one design stands out as a popular choice among designers and homeowners, too. When modern meets the old, we have what many interior designer call the rustic modern.

As much as we love the traditional home, it is too common and quite ordinary. It is also quite challenging to put in new appliances, accessories and furnishings into a strictly conventional design. Others who love contemporary styles can completely revamp an old home. For some people, however, this type of design lacks the welcoming charm of a home with its minimal concept. With rustic modern, the new interior can still reflect old designs with traditional pieces. The overall combination is an effective coming together of contrasting pieces that results in harmonious aesthetics and ambiance. Let's take a closer look at some of the basic elements of a rustic modern style.

When renovating an old country home, retaining the beautiful structure and elements would still reflect a historic element and style to the home's interior. It will also be easier for an architect and designer not to reconstruct everything but simply make use of the already beautiful elements and adding in a fresh feel. The natural state of certain pieces like walls, floors, and even lovely old tables and doors creates an authentic appearance.

Exposed wooden beams add a great and stunning effect to your interior space. Contrasting this with a plain white wall and it would be a basic rustic and modern combination. The beams would also create a geometric visual interest. If a country home has a stone fireplace, you can simply add contemporary furnishings, and keep this original structure intact. The central rustic piece combined with non-traditional accessories completes the ideal look we are aiming for.

Even in your own simple home, you can add your own rustic modern feel. You can use a rustic work desk where you can place your laptop or computer and new lighting fixture. The contrast between new technology and old furnishing is a popular element in new designs these days. Combining an old wooden dining table and modern chairs is another popular formula in achieving a holistic and effective contrast.

Another reason why this particular design is popular is because it's practical and cheap to achieve. You don't have to replace all old furniture if you can leave some of the pieces in their natural state and add cheap contemporary pieces. In your own way, you can design your own rustic modern home interior.

Tips for Buying Bed Sheets for Your Bedroom

There were days when all bed sheets used to be white cotton. Back then, people did not have any options to work with. Currently though, people are spoilt for choice. There is a wide range of styles, patterns and colors to choose from currently. As a result, making the appropriate choice can be an uphill task and especially, if you are not certain about what might work for you. The following tips can help you make the appropriate choice.

• Take Bed Measurements Before making your pick, the first thing you need to do is take accurate measurements of your bed. These should cover n both sides as well as the bottom to top. In addition to this, it is advisable to bear in mind the mattress thickness. By ensuring, you have a clear picture of what you need, it become easier to visit your favorite store and make an informed buy.

• Consider the Thread Count Have you ever heard of thread count before? If you have not, it is time to consider it before making your investment. This refers to the threads used per square inch of the weave. The higher it is, the higher the quality and luxurious feel of your selected fabric. To be on the safe side, it is important to confirm the thread count before making your decision. This is especially true if you are looking for great bedroom deals that will give you value for your money. It is advisable to browse through different products and options before making your decision in order to increase the probability of making an informed choice.

• Buy more than you Need When buying bed sheets, it is advisable to buy more than is actually needed. This is for the simple reason you stand a chance of getting great discounts. You can buy these in sets in order to cut down on the costs further. It is considerably easy to find a dealer who offers these in sets if you take time to weigh and consider your options carefully.

• Instructions for Laundering Majority of people do not bother to read instructions for washing these. You should not make this mistake. Make sure you understand these requirements fully before deciding on whether or not to wash them. There are certain products that come with some special cleaning instructions and it is important to ensure these are adhered to. To be on the safe side read these instructions in order to prolong their longevity.

• Choose colors carefully When looking for these bedroom deals, it is also advisable to take in to consideration the patterns and colors. These should compliment the overall look and decor of your place.

A Simple Guide To Blinds

Blinds; what's that all about then? They're the functional covering for our windows, a method through which to block out the prying eyes and cynicism of the outside world and trap in the love and comfort of your home. They keep out the cold and keep in the heat. On the whole, they're pretty useful.

Unfortunately, they also go unnoticed quite often. Think about it; when is the last time you looked at your blinds? Not just glanced, but had a good ol' look, really considered what they say about you and your home. What do you think? Do they give a good or bad impression?

If you answered the former then congratulations, you're content with your interior decor and can stop reading right now - actually, it's best that you stick around just in case. However, if you looked and were overwhelmed by a wave of disgust that your old self could have made such a hideous design choice then stick the kettle on and get comfy - this article is for you.

To understand how to choose the right blinds, one has to take it back to the very basics. Window blinds come in all shapes and sizes and picking the right one for you comes down to a fine balance of personal choice and interior design conventions. Of all the blinds on the market, the most popular by far are roller, vertical and venetian blinds. Each have their own merits and disadvantages.

Roller blinds are possibly the most popular of all three and are certainly the most functional. A flat sheet of material attached, unsurprisingly, to a roller, these blinds are great for trapping heat in and offering full coverage of your windows. They also tend to be the cheapest of the three styles and as such are considered the least 'luxury'.

Vertical blinds consist of slats held together vertically by cords; they can be drawn across the windows entirely or adjusted to let in a particular level of light. Vertical blinds tend to be the preferred choice of blind for patio doors rather than windows, although window variants are available.

Venetian blinds are similar to verticals expect in reverse; the slats run horizontally and are held together by cords running horizontally. Instead of drawing from side-to-side, venetians are drawn up and down in a similar manner to the roller style but can also be adjusted to allow for different levels of sunlight. Essentially, they combine the best of the previous two styles with a little extra which is one of the reasons they are one of the most popular styles of blind available.

There are no hard and fast rules on what particular style is best for a particular rule but generally rollers are preferred for 'utility' rooms such as the bathroom and the kitchen, whereas venetians are usually favoured for relaxation rooms such as the living room and bedrooms. However, the choice is largely yours!

Once you've picked a style, you can work through the plethora of different materials, colours and patterns. Fabric, plastic and wood tend to be the most popular materials, with each offering a different style to your home - wood, for example, is considered quite rustic. When it comes to colours and styles, the world really is your oyster - you'll be hard stretched not to find something you love! And even if you don't, many manufacturers will print a picture or logo of your choice onto your blinds, making for the perfect personalised home decoration!

Sliding Door Wardrobes - Perfect For Christmas

If you are reading this, it's probably because that crazy time of year is approaching again and your home is starting to fill with unwrapped gifts and lots of different kinds of decorations. Yes, Christmas is nearly here!

It's also a time of the year when your house is probably at its most cluttered. Keeping on top of the cleaning and tidying is a challenge at the best of times, but during the build up to Christmas and beyond it can be an absolute nightmare.

Every way you turn every room you enter, there are those piles of gifts, food and decorations but perhaps the worst offending room is the bedroom. Our place of sanctuary now resembles something like Santa's grotto or toy shop, with presents on, around and under the bed. This is in addition to the normal daily routine items, such as washing and clothes that have been draped over furniture because the wardrobes are full.

Well, there may just be a Christmas answer to your overcrowded bedroom. It's quite clear that you are in need of some extra storage space, so why not put something for yourself on the Christmas list? Sliding wardrobes doors in your bedroom could make all the difference, not just at Christmas but for the whole year.

There are multiple benefits of installing these sliding wardrobes and the first is the very practical way in which they open and close. Sliding from side to side means you don't have to take into account space that might otherwise be required for opening and closing the doors. Storage space is the real Christmas present though, as they can effectively accommodate almost anything you need to put away. Hanging rails can be extensive, draws can be as plentiful as you want and if it's shelving you really need then these versatile wardrobes can house plenty of those too.

Any old rickety furniture that you have been desperately using for storage can now be safely consigned to the scrap heap and you will have a lot more floor space all of a sudden. If you are looking for more room to hide those Christmas presents, then problem solved! Alternatively you can move all of those clothes from under the bed into your new wardrobes and put the gifts there instead.

So, you might need to rearrange your Christmas list now, so that sliding wardrobe doors are on the top and hope that Santa has a few surprises up his sleeves.

The Rise of Celebrity Bed Linen

Celebrities have long been more than just people we hear on the radio, see on TV or at the movies. Whether sporting personalities, singers, actors or presenters, celebrities almost always supplement their already rather large incomes with product endorsements. Be it their own line of perfume, an affiliation with a particular brand of football boots or becoming the face of a line of make-up or hair care products, the stars are doing it all. The latest trend amongst the 'glitterati' seems to be having their very own range of bed linen. From home decorating enthusiast Kirstie Allsopp to the pixie queen of pop Kylie Minogue, superstars from around the globe are lending their skills, ideas or sometimes just their names to a whole range of luxury bedding.

With a background in interior design and a name in reality makeover shows, Kirstie Allsopp probably has more of a hands-on approach to her bed linen designs than most. While her designs may be a little too girly for the male half of the species they are certainly tasteful and versatile. Most have a charming country house look that cries out for wicker furniture, open log fireplaces and exposed beams in the bedroom. Allsopp favours flowers for her prints and appliqué, in a range of complementary pastel shades.

The Kylie range is as delicate and dazzling as the diva herself. Sophisticated yet playful, the collection of bed linen from the pint-sized pop princess is as stylish as she herself is. An under-stated yet obvious glamour pervades the designs; from elegant all white sets to pillows and bedspreads inlaid with sequins and diamante for that bit of extra sparkle. A Kylie set of bed linen promises classic neutral colours, bold designs and top quality fabrics for the more discerning palate, one of her bestsellers is the Kylie Kiana Duvet Set with its classy and elegant design.

At the other end of the scale is Katie Price. Price has made an entire career out of selling herself - her name, her face, her body and her merchandise. As with Kylie, the range reflects the personality of the star. Bold prints of hearts and flowers in her trademark bright pink feature heavily. The Katie Price bed linen is relatively cheap, incredibly vivacious and very, very pink.

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen is another celebrity who at least has a background in the area of merchandise he brings out. His designs are bold and bright with plenty of silky fabrics and plush cushions. Ranges entitled 'Midnight at the Oasis', Viva la Diva' and 'Venus Flytrap' may hint at the style Llewelyn-Bowen is trying to achieve, and with a fair measure of success. More 'boudoir-esque' than many other designers, his luxury bed linen sets aspire to more than simply being slept under.

No matter which celebrities you prefer, it seems that you glean a pretty good idea as to what style their bed linen ranges will favour simply by using the knowledge you already have of the persona they portray to the public. If you want your own bed sheets to reflect your personality it seems that the quickest way these days is to pick the celebrity you feel most resembles yourself. If they don't already have their own range of bedding on the market chances are they will soon, so keep an eye out and you too could be sleeping with the stars - or at least under their sheets!

Shabby But Chic

I have written about Industrial Chic a couple of months ago and now I'm going to talk about another type of Chic styling you might have heard quite a lot - the Shabby Chic. Some might question and raise their eyebrows, since when did shabby become chic? But trust me, when done appropriately it might be the perfect style for that house of yours and since it's popular, it might also be the perfect theme of a home you're currently staging.

What is "Shabby Chic" and why is it appealing? Shabby Chic is a variety of interior styling where a piece of furniture is chosen for its aged appearance or wear and tear look. It's said to have originated in Britain and it's reminiscent of the kind of furnishings found in country houses - from faded furnishing paints to worn out linens. You'll even see some interior designers use new items and then distress those items to give it that vintage finish. This is usually done by bleaching fabrics or sanding the top coat to expose the base coat or wood. In my own opinion, it's appealing for different reasons: it could be a reminder of a humble home you used to live in as a child; maybe because it gives you a feel of the countryside; it has this warm, cozy and inviting charm; it's budget friendly (especially if you're home-staging) - you can either recycle what you already have or find pieces in garage sales; or maybe it's just because this style is very easy to achieve. And the list goes on, but whatever your reason may be, if you're looking to have that shabby chic look here are some of the things you can do:

Paint Colors: The easiest paint colors to work with a shabby chic concept are white, tan or cream but do not limit yourself to that. There are other popular colors that work well with this theme like washed out or light hues of yellow, green, blue or even gray.

Distressed Furniture/Furnishings: This could be items that you already had before that has that worn out appearance or buy furniture and depending on your color palette you may create the shabby chic effect (as mentioned above) by simply using paint and sandpaper. Apply a couple of coats, let it dry and then sand down the surface or certain areas of the object only to reveal the paint underneath or its natural material.

Linens: White, cream or fabric printed with soft colored flowers, paisley patterns or even damask patterns work great for this style. But again, fabric colors depend on your color scheme, working around soft hues, light earth tones or pastels may do the trick.

Other Home Accessories: Some common accessories that will help you finish up your look would be wooden frames, wicker baskets or chairs; old chandeliers, traditional perfume or wine bottles, scrolled iron and vintage mirrors. A great thing to keep in mind would be since your using distressed items, try to choose items that are made of natural materials.

So there you go! Try to start your "shabby chic" project and bring out that cozy, vintage country feel to your home.