Good Home Design

Archive for November, 2010

If you are into the Western decorating theme, you can have a lot of fun using it to decorate your kitchen. In fact, you can take one element of the theme and go crazy with it. For instance, one Western decorating idea is to focus on a Western object like some cowboy boots or a cowboy hat. You can even combine elements and use both of them as your central decorating theme.

You can find all types of decor in the Western decorating theme. Try looking for cookie jars or other ceramics that you can sit out on your counter for an interesting effect. Also look for western themed curtains and light switch covers. One fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon is to scour the local antique shops for Western themed decor. You’ll be surprised at the interesting items you can find! You can use browns, red, navy, or cream to pull in the Americana theme to the mix as well.

One great way to pull off the theme is to also look for accents made of unfinished wood. You can often find tables and chairs that actually look like they were made with unfinished logs. These are perfect for a Western decorated kitchen. In addition, you can use photo frames that look unfinished and put pictures of your family or of western mountains and hills in them. You can also find many items made from tree branches or logs as well as items made from deer antlers and items covered in cow hide (either faux or real!)

Another great thing to use is copper or black iron accents. You can get away with either of these. If you have a pot hanger over your kitchen island, you should try mixing both copper pieces and cast iron pieces. In addition, you can even use cast iron skillets or pans as wall decor and hang them accordingly. And don’t forget pot holders, tablecloths and dish towels made with Western theme fabrics.

Try your own Western decorating ideas in your kitchen to see exactly what works for you and what doesn’t. The Western theme is perfect if you love to constantly feel like you are the “Wild West” or in a log cabin. It can look great in any home if you are consistent with the decor. Using Western style accents on the counters, window treatments, floors and walls will help pull the look together and make you feel like you are rustling up grub for your cowhands on a Western ranch even if you are living in a modern city home!

Asian Decor is becoming a more popular form of decoration and concentrates main things in a room while keeping things to a minimal. One of the main focuses of this décor is color. Red is the color used the most because red is believed to give good luck, but, tans, browns, gold’s, and grays are also used in Asian décor. Earth tones are a good way to go in Asian Décor and when wood is used it should be chocolate or burgundy. The colors are the basis of Asian décor and lead to fully embracing the Asian culture in a room.

Another main focus of Asian décor is room dividers that are called Shoji screens. Shoji screens are traditionally made of white rice paper with art symbols of Asian traditions that are attached to bamboo or other types of woods. Room dividers are a main focus because the floor plans of Asian décor are minimal, meaning there is not a lot going on or a lot of clutter. Shoji Screens offer decoration in front of a window or an ugly wall, or can divide a room into more functional and personal spaces. Shoji screens will allow light to diffuse through them, often, making a tranquil space. Using Shoji screens with other Asian influences will give a truly authentic feel to the space.

Window treatments may be as important as Shoji Screens in Asian décor. Window treatments are meant to balance the room, there fore they should be colorful and patterned if the room has a neutral tone, but, the window treatments should be simple if the color palate of the room is colorful. Window treatments could be something as simple as bamboo blinds or textured fabrics with tassels. Also, a Shoji screen can serve as a window treatment if placed correctly, sense this screen allows light to come through.

Along with Shoji screens as room dividers or decoration, Asian décor also uses natural elements to enhance tranquility and energy. Bonsai trees and bamboo is a common in Asian décor. One might also consider adding a rock garden or a water structure, like a water fall or still water with fish. Nature adheres to the simple and tranquil design of Asian décor. Furniture in these rooms should have a multi function, like a futon being a bed and a couch, and should draw out the colors of floor coverings. Asian décor uses anything from mats to wool rugs that have the chosen colors of the walls in them.

It is important to remember not to overdo it in Asian décor. This is a very minimal form of art and a few well chosen pieces will go a long way. Buddhism also has a strong standing in Asian décor, so, a Buddha statue can be just as important as a Shoji Screen. Asian décor focuses on balancing the home, making it calming and tranquil, and encouraging the feelings of peace and serenity. Staying in tune with nature and focusing on staying simple is the key to Asian décor.