Saturday, December 13, 2008

modern wallpaper decor " Decadence "

Decadence

A sophisticated, vivacious collection of fashionable feature wallpapers. Including oversized florals, '60s graphics, an elliptical motif and a chic bar code stripe, Decadence is the ultimate designer statement.
















modern wallpaper decor " National geographic "

National geographic

The National Geographic range was inspired by nature. It provides a unique, authentic experience that inspire and stimulate a sense of wonder and excitement about the world.





















Thursday, December 4, 2008

Store More in Your Kitchen

Storage Tips 16-20
16. Store shallow items, such as cutting boards and platters, upright. Even narrow spaces next to your range or your sink can be used in this manner. Use dividers to separate items for easier retrieval.



Store stuff neatly in an

under-the-sink organizer. Image

is courtesy of Snaidero USA.




17. Put unused space to work. Incorporate shallow drawers into the toe-kick space below lower cabinets to hold a folding step stool, dustpan, or newspapers for recycling.







Pots and pans are easy to access

hung above an island. Image

courtesy of Enclume DesignProducts, Inc.



18. Fill in the space under a cooktop with a tilt-out tray for spices and roll-out trays for pots and pans. Or, slide in a movable cart with shelves to accommodate cooking equipment.
Store stuff neatly in anunder-the-sink organizer. Imageis courtesy of Snaidero USA.



19. Wrap storage around plumbing lines and ductwork. A wire unit fits around the water lines and drain pipe under a sink, a handy spot for cleaning supplies. (Avoid storing food items in areas that may get too warm.)





Keep things out of the way -- but

handy -- in side shelving on anisland.



20. Add shelves or niches to the end of a cabinet run. The side of an island or cabinet is a prime spot for storing cookbooks and displaying kitchen collectibles.


Store More in Your Kitchen

Storage Tips 11-15

11. Adjust shelves to fit specific contents. Choose adjustable shelves that can be as widely or closely spaced as necessary. Professional organizers recommend measuring your stacked dishes to determine the shelf height your dishware requires.



Measure stacked dishes to

determine the required shelf space.

Image courtesy of SieMatic Corp.




12. Make the most of between-shelf spaces. Wire baskets that hang from shelves let you fill unclaimed "air space" with more food items, dishware, or linens.


13. Retrofit cabinets with tray dividers, slide-out bins, and plate stackers. Bins are especially useful for containing and organizing small items, such as tea bags, spice packets, and gelatin boxes.






Spare cabinet space with cup hooks.

Image courtesy of The Container Store.


14. Avoid stacking or nesting items that fit badly together, such as cups with handles. Use cup hooks that attach to the bottom of an upper shelf, and pull out for access.



15. Keep things conveniently out in the open. Pot racks make use of space above an island. Keep in mind that pots displayed on a rack look picture-perfect only when they aren't used much.





Continued on page 4: Storage Tips 16-20

Store More in Your Kitchen

Storage Tips 6-10

6. Store spice bottles one deep, on their sides with labels visible, in shallow drawers, instead of stacking them, says organization consultant Ginny Scott of California Closets in Portland, Oregon. The best location for spice storage is below a cooktop or to the side of your range. The flavor of spices stored above a cooking surface may be adversely affected by the heat.



To retain flavor, store spices


away from a direct heat source.




7. Claim shallow storage spaces. It's easier to see what's on hand when items aren't hidden behind each other.


8. Divide your drawer space. Adjustable inserts help organize flatware and other items inside your drawers. When designing custom drawer space, specify shallow drawers to store utensils one deep for easy viewing.







Make the most of shallow

storage space.






9. Choose full-extension pullouts. Drawers and trays that extend fully allow the use of back corners without having to reach deep into cabinets to retrieve a pot or small appliance. You may prefer drawers because they save having to first open a set of doors.
Save precious space with a doorstorage rack. Image courtesy ofMerillat Industries.



10. Attach racks to the inside of cabinet doors to boost storage options. Be sure to allow enough clearance within your cabinets for racks that tidily stow paper products.




Save precious space with a door
storage rack. Image courtesy of
Merillat Industries.




Continued on page 3: Storage Tips 11-15

Store More in Your Kitchen

Control clutter with these effective tips.
Storage Tips 1-5



So much stuff, so little room. Stuff you need, such as food and pots and pans. Stuff you collect, such as pottery and cookbooks. Stuff that seems to multiply overnight, such as bills, recyclables, and rubber bands. Fortunately, there are plenty of solutions to help you store your stuff -- and quickly retrieve it. Check out the following custom cabinetry ideas, easy-to-install products, no-install containers, and tips about organizing that will help whip your kitchen into shape.

1. Bring the pantry closer to you. A pullout pantry system has wire shelf sides that prevent items from falling out and allow easy viewing of the contents. Pullout pantry systems, especially those that extend into toe-kick space near the floor, must be installed perfectly level and plumb to operate smoothly.



2. Take cabinets to the top. If you're planning for new cabinetry, choose designs that reach the ceiling rather than those topped by a soffit. Although high-rise storage is more difficult to reach, it can conveniently conceal infrequently used items.



3. Specify upper cabinets that rest on the countertop. Shelves positioned between your shoulders and waist require no reaching to store stacks of dinnerware.



4. Shift dry goods into airtight, stackable containers. Often, packaged food products can be stored more compactly when transferred from their packaging into stacking containers.



5. Install a wire wall grid to keep kitchen tools handy. Turn a bare section of wall into a hook-and-hang center. For more storage, add accessories, such as spice racks and cookbook holders.



Continued on page 2: Storage Tips 6-10

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

10 Ways to Refresh with Color

1 -Nature's Palette



This nearly neutral room stays warm year-round with touches of sunny yellow, watery blue, and grass green. The sedate background is a smart long-term choice since the room can be updated in a snap with just a change in accessories.



2 -Warm and Cool Mix



Creamy yellow is paired with steely blue in this cozy yet sophisticated kitchen. Notice the pleasing rhythm that's created as the eye moves between the yellow upper cabinets and the island? The kitchen would be far less fetching if the cabinetry were a uniform color.



3 - Fresh Take




Red, white, blue...and pink? Sometimes the reward is worth the risk! Avoid creating pleasant but predictable rooms by taking a chance on a wildcard color now and again. Here, red and pink mingle in the accent pillows, and the blue trellis-patterned wallpaper makes an interesting backdrop for the pink headboard.



4 -Soft Spoken




Fresh color doesn't always mean bright color. This living room evokes a warm and welcoming mood with plush, familiar furniture and a subtle -- and surprisingly sophisticated -- palette of grayed pastels. The geometry of the classic white paneling accentuates the curvy shapes and hushed colors of the furnishings.



5 -Accessorize the Bath




Many people don't think of decorating their bathroom beyond a few guest towels. This oversight can result in a white tile cell with a clinical feel. Luckily, a white background pops with virtually any color. This modest little room is transformed into a charming sanctuary with a casual mix of quaint textiles and a romantic gilt mirror.


6 -All Mixed Up




Aqua, orange, lime, and white -- only the most fearless decorator would attempt that scheme. But some color combos look way better than they sound, if applied with a deft touch. Here, all the colors are united in the terrific rug, and the white furniture and simple window shades give the eyes a place to rest.


7 -Draw the Eye




Painting one wall an eye-catching color is a fast and effective way to create a focal point. Here, the sweet fuchsia color could have turned sickly if applied to the whole room. By limiting the violet tint to one wall and contrasting it with the complementary yellow headboard, the bed takes center stage.



8 -It's All in the Accessories




Wouldn't this colorful nook be a happy spot from which to launch your day? Looking closely, the space is really very neutral, with white and beige furniture, and walls that just whisper of yellow. The vignette's outgoing personality stems from the fresh blue, red, pink, and green accents strewn across the surfaces.



9 -Limelight




Imagine this room with exactly the same furniture and accessories -- except the bed frame is stained brown or painted white. Sure, the bedding is still chic and there's the stylish striped bench, but the space would have no oomph, no attitude. Sometimes all a room needs is one bold stroke of color for it to morph from dreary to dramatic.



10 -Fresh and Crisp




The sharp, classic combo of blue and white is a perennial crowd-pleaser. The addition of lemon yellow with twists of lively green gives this charming nook a fresh and modern point of view. The daring mix of color and pattern is grounded by soft walls, a wood floor, and clean white accents.