Emphasize Your Decor Style in Seven Easy Ways Written by Julie Dana
After searching decorating books, using trial and error decorating, and growing up a little bit, you have finally found style of decorating that you really love. Your style could be Arts & Crafts, French Country, Asian, or Metro Hip. If you are still searching for your style or want a second opinion on what your general home style really is, try taking fun style quiz on http:/www.thehomestylist.com/. Now that you have identified a décor style, challenging part may now be to implement that style and make it substantial enough so others will notice. There are seven simple elements that will really help you emphasize this great look. 1. Choose a focal point that will reflect your décor style. This signature piece is usually most dominate item you see and sets tone of room. If this piece is not your specific style, room will not look its best. An example could be a beautiful Queen Anne armoire for a Classic Traditional style or a large rustic log mantel for Mountain Lodge look. 2. Use colors that are common to that specific style. Different décor styles are usually shown with a collection of colors that are prominent for that palette. Make sure your room has those colors. For example, French Country is well known for its pretty yellows and blues. Americana Style would not be same without red, white and blue. 3. Collect in a theme that emphasizes that style. Every ones needs a conversation piece or collection that demonstrates owner’s personality and interests. A collection also doesn’t need to be large just 3 to 5 objects. Ginger jars for Asian Décor or cute porcelain teapots to emphasize an English Garden style.
| | Mahogany's Beauty and Durability Makes it Ideal for Deck ConstructionWritten by Mark Donovan
A couple of years ago I had chance to tour several newly constructed Adirondack homes. One of areas that particularly stood out for me while touring these homes were decks. All used Mahogany lumber for both decking and railing systems. The red color and general beauty of Mahogany wood was unique to anything I had ever seen before in decking material.After completing my home tours I went out and researched Mahogany further. First, there are several species and colors of Mahogany, supplied by various countries around world. Not all are same, however. It is species known as American Mahogany that has rich red color that I had observed. American Mahogany comes from West Indies, Mexico, and Central and South America. It is generally viewed as a harder wood that is extremely durable and resistance to moisture and insects. Also, because it is a hard wood it has a tendancy to not split, twist or check. So be sure to ask about species, prior to buying Mahogany. Note however, Mahogany is a little more expensive than pressure treated decking and railing systems, however it is well worth it in terms of quality, looks and durabilty. Since discovering and researching Mahogany, I have built two deck systems using this material. As I had indicated earlier, it is a hard material that as a result, requires a little more effort in its installation. Fastening Material First, use stainless steel nails or screws on both decking and railing systems, as other types will not penetrate this material very well. My preference was stainless steel nails, however pre-drilling holes is mandatory if not using a nail gun. Even with stainless steel nails, they will bend trying to simply nail them into wood. I found that with stainless steel hex head screws that they chewed wood going in and left somewhat of a ragged finish on surface of wood.
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