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Tapestry wall hangings have been around for many centuries. In the beginning they were all hand woven by master craftsmen. These early tapestries told a story. The stories they told were taken from either great battles between civilizations during that period in time or stories taken from the Bible.

Today tapestries wall hangings are woven works of art that reflect almost every subject imaginable. Although you can still find hand woven tapestries today, many fine quality wall hanging tapestries are machine woven, so mass production can result in substantial savings on your tapestry purchase.

What I am going to attempt to do is go over as many subjects as wall tapestries come in. There are a lot, so try not to be overwhelmed.

Let me start by listing Hand Woven Tapestries first. A good example of hand woven tapestries is an Aubusson. These tapestries named for a city in France are constructed of 100% wool. Hand woven by expert craftsmen, these tapestries distinguish themselves by a rich texture that is unequal to tapestries produced in any other manner. These are truly masterpieces and the quality of construction cannot be compared. With an array of subtle colors and beautiful designs, these tapestries are the best of the best.

Because Aubusson tapestries are hand woven, selection and quantity are limited. If you shop around you will find these wall hangings in subjects such as Plants & Flowers, Landscape, Animal, Tropical / Beach, Cityscape and Still Life. These wall hangings tend to be more available in larger sizes. Be prepared to pay top dollar for these amazing hand woven works of art.

Next, let us explore Jacquard - Woven Tapestries. These wall hangings are woven on the Jacquard looms by skilled weavers using only quality materials that produce amazing designs and scenes. Most of these Jacquard woven tapestries are produced in Europe by craftsmen who have passed the art down from generation to generation.

Because loom woven tapestries can be produced much faster than hand woven tapestries, the varieties and quantities are greater and the supply is much larger. Here the selection of topics or subjects is abundant. You can find Jacquard woven tapestries in such topics as Birds, Children’s, Cultural, Holiday, Military, Patriotic, Portrait, Religious, Plants & Flowers, Landscape, Animal, Tropical / Beach, Cityscape, Abstract, Fashion, Still Life, Food & Beverage and Sport. You can see that by mass producing a quality product that the end result is excellent selection at a fair price.

You may also come across lesser quality tapestries at bargain prices, but remember, you get what you pay for. If an investment in art is what you are looking for, then you must make an investment. If you are just looking for a retro 60’s Hippie Tapestry to add to the decor of your retro 60’s recreation room in your basement, then there are tapestries in the form of The Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, The Doors, Cannabis Sativa, Tie Dye Tapestry and Peace Sign. This Hippie Tapestry category has many topics to choose from. These tapestries are more decoration than art. You can purchase one of these Hippie Tapestries for very little bread, man. They’re groovy, man…

So by now you probably have a good idea of the types and styles tapestry wall hangings are available in. My suggestion to you is if you are searching for a tapestry, shop online. You will find it difficult to find a brick and mortar store with a large selection of tapestries. Depending on what you are looking for, always look for quality construction. Remember, loop hanging tapestries will always have a tendency to ripple the flattest wall hanging tapestry in just a matter of time. My suggestion to you is always get a tapestry with a sleeve sewn into the top back side of your tapestry. The hanging rod will be able to support the full length of the tapestry and your tapestry wall hanging will remain a flat surface.

These woven works of art will add warmth and will liven up any room in which they hang. You have selection in style and price range. Whether this is for fun or for an investment in art, you can’t go wrong by hanging one of these on your wall.

Resources: Barbara Tobiasz is an expert in interior/exterior decorating. Along with her husband Joe, they own and operate Wall-Decor-Concepts.com. For more information on Tapestry Wall Hangings, go to: http://www.Wall-Decor-Concepts.com

If you are like me, then you like to cook. When I am at home I spend a lot of time in the kitchen. When friends or relatives drop by my house we spend most of our time sitting around the kitchen table. In most homes around the United States the kitchen is the main meeting room in the home.

When it comes to setting up my kitchen for style and convenience I try to do everything in an orderly fashion. I have stain resistant tile backsplashes on the walls above my kitchen counters. I have an island counter in the middle of my kitchen floor with a large butcher block cutting board inserted into the counter which can be removed for cleaning.

I have all my counter top appliances (mixer, bread machine, toaster / oven, blender, juicer and coffee maker) strategically placed around the counters with cloth covers over the least used appliances. Everything is in place and ready to use when the time comes to use them.

One of my most treasured kitchen additions is my wall pot rack. It used to be (not so long ago) all my pot and pans were buried in my lower kitchen cabinets. Going after the one pot or pan that I wanted to use was like digging for buried treasure. If I wanted a larger fry pan or pot, I would have to unbury it from all of the other smaller pots or pans stacked above it. This chore got to be old in no time at all.

The solution to my pots and pans storage problem was a kitchen wall pot rack. I knew very little about kitchen pot rack at that time, so I went online and researched what was available in respect to style and options.

Much to my surprise I found out that pot racks come in a variety of styles, sizes, finishes and shapes. This really rocked my world knowing that I had so many choices and that there was a wall pot rack with the exact features to match my needs just waiting to be found by me.

So let me explain to you what my choices were and how I came to my conclusion on the perfect wall pot rack match for my kitchen.

I started out my search by going through what finishes are available to me in a wall hanging pot rack. Among my choices are Antique Brass, Satin Brass, Black Iron, Natural Iron, Brick, Bronze, Rust, Brushed Chrome, Brushed Nickel, Copper, Verde, Polished Brass, Polished Gold, Polished Chrome, Polished Nickel, Rattan, Wood, Stainless Steel, Tans and Browns.

My decision at this point was easy. Because all my major kitchen appliances are stainless steel, I decided to go with a stainless steel finish on my new pot rack.

Next I had to choose a style to match the decor of my kitchen. This took a little while longer to come to my decision. In my search for wall pot racks I found out that the styles for kitchen wall pot racks are Contemporary, Early American, Mission, Old World, Rustic/Lodge, Southwestern, Traditional, Transitional and Victorian. I looked at each style category over and over again. I wanted to be sure that my final choice was right on target.

Then it came to me. I picked out a simple traditional wall pot rack that combined a shelf above with enough space to hang 10 pots and pans on hooks below the shelf. I thought that this was a good idea since having space to hang up to 10 pots and pans is a good option to have. Also, with the shelf above I could have the option to put cookbooks or spices or a potted plant to add to the decor of my kitchen. I had a 4 foot wall space in my kitchen above the dish washer which was the perfect place to hang this 39 inch wide 13 inch deep wall pot rack/shelf.

Perhaps your kitchen is smaller than mine. Maybe you only have the space for a small wall pot rack. Maybe you have 2 small places on your kitchen walls that could hold a small pot rack in each place. Whatever size or shape your kitchen is, this convenient organizer can work wonders for giving you more cabinet space and less work finding the right size pot or pan for your cooking needs. See for yourself what a convenience and attractive addition a kitchen wall pat rack will provide for you and your kitchen.

Resources: Barbara Tobiasz is an expert in interior/exterior decorating. Along with her husband Joe, they own and operate Wall-Decor-Concepts.com. For more information on Kitchen Pot Racks, go to: http://www.Wall-Decor-Concepts.com

Many interior designers consider blinds as the ultimate in minimalist chic and style. Window coverings come and go in the world of design from the popular heavy drapes of the past decade to soft flowing curtains; but recently it has been blinds that have become increasingly popular as a means of covering windows in an elegant manner.

The reason for this increase in popularity is due to the fact that by using blinds designers can dress windows in a way that is clean and uncluttered. When up they bathe the interior in light whilst allowing residents unobstructed views; on the other hand, when down they give the homeowner complete control of how much light enters the room and great levels of privacy.

In most design circles blinds are regarded as hard window coverings. The use of slats or veins to control the light can in some cases give an industrial look; typically the angle of the blinds is controlled by cords that allow the user to tilt the slats in accordance with the light conditions. It is not purely cords however; as blinds are now frequently installed in children’s bedrooms a safer option for controlling the tilt of the blind is now commonplace, this takes the form of a rod that with a simple twist controls the slat angle.

Blinds are extremely versatile due to the types of materials used in their construction. For those who like the natural look solid wood is the perfect choice while those looking for a colder, more clinical style will prefer aluminium or vinyl. Understandably the different materials have corresponding properties making them suitable for certain purposes. For instance; wooden blinds are not suitable for use in rooms where humidity levels are high such as the kitchen or bathroom; in these rooms it is better to use artificial materials as they are less likely to experience damage or warping.

Shades differ from blinds as they considered by designers to be a soft window dressing. They also increase privacy and allow the user to control the light; fundamentally however they differ from blinds in the way that they do not completely block the light and are in most cases made from opaque material. Tilt control is usually more restricted with shades and especially those of the roman variety. That said, modern modular design shades can be installed so that each slat can be controlled individually subsequently increasing the light control of the user.

Deciding on which style of blinds or shades to opt for is largely down to personal preference and the design of the room in which they are to be used. Additionally designers often consider how the property will look from the outside in terms of the symmetry of the facade. Also it is important to consider the amount of light you wish to let into the room; for instance there is little point in installing shades in a bedroom where darkness is imperative for a good night’s sleep. On the other hand, in a room with a fantastic view it is advisable to look at blinds that can be taken up with the minimum of intrusion for the viewer.

Hopefully this article has highlighted some of the differences between blinds and shades and how they are now considered by many interior designers as the window covering of choice. For that chic and contemporary look there really is no other option.

Resources: Interior design specialist Thomas Pretty studies the differences between blinds and shutters and why both can be considered a great asset in any room.

For those who are a first time decorator or the most ardent amateur interior designer blinds should be considered as the ideal window dressing for a contemporary and stylish room. Most people realise the problem of wide open windows, firstly they let in too much light at times, secondly they let heat out continuously which can be extremely expensive in winter months and thirdly an open window gives no privacy whatsoever. The perfect solution to all of these problems are blinds, they give the advantage of complete light control, insulation and privacy.

Blinds also come in a variety of different materials from wood to vinyl depending upon personal preference. In some rooms however the materials used will be limited; for instance in kitchens and bathrooms it is ill advisable to use wooden blinds as in highly humid rooms the material can distort and warp. However for those who want the look of wood in these rooms then faux wood blinds can be the ideal solution, giving the impression of solid wood without the disadvantages.

For consumers however it is often difficult to decide exactly what variety to go for with such a wide array on the market. Fundamentally it is important to look at your own needs and then make the decision after making the following considerations.

First and foremost it is important to study your own needs, what is it that you want the blind to do? Does the blind have to let light in or completely block it? Some homeowners want a blind that will completely blackout a room, especially those who work nights and have to sleep in the day time. Additionally blackout blinds are perfect for children’s rooms where young children need to go to sleep early.

The next consideration is the level of privacy that you will require. Some blinds are able to both allow light in while obstructing the view of anyone outside. This is an extremely personal consideration as some people like a lot of privacy whilst others have slightly more exhibitionist tendencies.

Some homeowners may be inclined to buy blinds in bulk for the entire home. This is usually a mistake however, the type of blind should be decided on a room by room basis taking into account the style of the room, what functions are carried out in that room and the importance of design features in that room. This is where materials are extremely important, for instance fabric blinds can be a soft window dressing in living rooms whilst an office may benefit from a more professional looking aluminium or vinyl blind.

The final consideration is the size of blinds, some homeowners may want a blind that extends past the windows edge although others may prefer to have a blind that fits snugly into the window fixture; the result is more space being saved within the room. Modern manufacturing techniques even make it possible to have blinds fitted within the window panes themselves; this is a brilliant design that allows ultimate space saving as well as minimum cleaning effort.

Hopefully this article has made clear that choosing blinds is an equally important decision to the carpets and paint used in your home. With such a wide variety on the market today the consumer is spoilt for choice but by taking a logical and careful approach to design it is possible to find window fittings that are both stylish and practical.

Resources: Interior design expert Thomas Pretty looks into the uses for blinds around the home and how they can be stylish and elegant additions to any room.

Moroccan home lighting is often very artistic as well as exquisitely intricate. In addition, Moroccan lamps are very functional and extremely attractive too. They come in a wide variety of different styles including lanterns, chandeliers and sconces.

Moroccan lamps can really add to your home decor in an area that is often overlooked in a home and that is lighting. If you really enjoy rich designs, vibrant colors and unique style that look more like an art than a functional piece, you will enjoy Moroccan home lighting.

Moroccan lighting is created by professional artists who have been practiced at the art of creating hand made lamps throughout many generations. The process that is used today is one that goes back hundreds of years. This involves a process of an artist taking pride in his work and not just assembling the piece on an assembly line in a factory.

3 Elements of Home Design With Moroccan Lamps

There are three main elements when it comes to home lighting in the Moroccan light creation. True Moroccan lamps have the following:
1. Star Lamps: If you like the idea of having warmth in the house and the very deep colors that will give both an earthy tone as well as vibrancy, you should consider the stained glass elements of some Moroccan lamps. Star lamps that are Moroccan employ the use of stained glass and are becoming more popular each day. They are often hung like chandeliers and give off a glow that illuminates throughout the house.
You can also find stained glass lampshades that filter out light through wall sconces. If you are looking for the ultimate when it comes to the exotic, take a look at the deep colors and intricacies of the stained glass Moroccan lamps.

2. Henna Lamps: Henna lamps are those that have lamp shades that are made out of sheepskin or goatskin and are painted on by experienced artists who use henna tattooing to create intricate designs. Each lamp shade design is different than another making each individual lamp or lanterns a work of art. If you are looking for a focal point of your home with lighting, take a look at the Moroccan lamps that are made with Henna tattooing.

3. Metal Lamps: You can also find Moroccan lamps that are hand crafted from a variety of metals including wrought iron, silver or other metals. Some of the Moroccan lamps are polished whereas others have a brushed look. Other metal lamps are made to have an antique look. These metal lamps are often used outdoors, especially on patios as well as home entrance ways. The metal makes these lamps extremely durable and the Moroccan design makes them unique.

Home lighting is a very important aspect to the home decor. Many people tend to ignore this very crucial aspect of home decor. Most professional interior designers recognize how important light fixtures are to home decor. When you use these unique fixtures that you can find with Moroccan home lighting, you will not only have a way to light a room, but also a work of art as well. When you get the one of the kind designs that are part of these lamps, you will be getting an eclectic combination of both art and function with Moroccan home lighting.

Resources: Seomul Evans is a Search Engine optimization Expert for leading Moroccan Lighting retailer and publishers of Moroccan Cuisine.

There is a room in every home that becomes the heart and center of one’s surroundings. For some this room might be the family room, library or home office.

In the majority of households today the room that seems to have the most congestion and activities that take place is the kitchen. We seem to gather in the kitchen with laughter and tales of the day. This place does much more for the human sole than just provide a place to fill one’s stomach.

In most home designs the kitchen is the focal point. From most other rooms of the home you are able to see right into the kitchen. Because of this feature the kitchen becomes an important feature of your home decor.

Kitchen wall treatments are the key to decorating this busy room. Different wall treatments can be used to define a space by changing the texture, material or color. Kitchen wall treatments can create a space within a space.

It is best to decide which wall in the kitchen will be the focal point and then treat that space differently from those spaces around it. Experiment with different tones and shades and try varying the depth and texture for a truly unique concept.

A distinctive tile backsplash has the ability to create s focal point in the room. It is usually small and inexpensive. The visual impact you will achieve is hard to compare to other decorating techniques. This area gets so many splatters, so the backsplash is both decorative and functional. You can use ceramic, mosaic glass or stainless steel for easy clean up.

The colors you use in the kitchen can have a profound effect on the mood or ambiance of the room. It is important to maintain balance with your own tastes in order to create perfect harmony.

Using dark colors as accents gives a feeling of warmth and comfort. Colors such as red and orange can speed up your metabolism and make you hungry. Use these colors sparingly since they tend to also cause aggression.

Paint is the kitchen wall treatment that is the easiest to change, clean and least expensive of all. In most homes there are walls that are in less than perfect condition and it is hard to hide defects with paint alone.

There are wall coverings that offer dimensions, warmth and eye appeal with surprisingly easy care.

There are many wallpaper options that run the gamut from contemporary to traditional. There are also tiles that were once strictly used for floors that are now being applied to walls for texture and visual allure.

Wallpaper can drastically change the look of your kitchen. There is self adhesive wallpaper available which is easy to install. Vinyl material is best suited for kitchens since it is easy to clean and very durable. It comes in a vast array of colors and patterns.

Tiles can be more creative and will let you experiment with different tones. Tiles come in many different materials, shapes and styles.

Wallpaper borders can also be used to bring depth to your kitchen. If you do not like borders where the patterns keep repeating try a border that tells you a story.

You can use wallpaper cut-outs and hand painted words that will make your family and friends feel comfortable. This will also be a conversation starter when neighbors arrive for a visit. Wallpaper borders are also not expensive and you do not need any special skills to apply wallpaper borders.

Another idea for the not so perfect wall is wood wall paneling. This decor gives your wall visual interest and one of its advantages is it is easy to maintain. Smudges and fingerprints do not show up easily, so you do not have to worry if somebody drops by unexpectedly.

For a bit of comfort and attractive appeal try wall plaques. This is a simple way to increase relaxation and beauty. If you have an unused wall or nook, make this space into a functional decorative storage space. Try hanging shelves for stylish organization.

You might also try a fancy wrought iron hanger so that you can place your decorative plates along the wall. If your kitchen has a certain theme, you can purchase plates that match or compliment the theme.

Framed family photos or cooking utensils placed just right can give you that pizzazz that you are looking for.

To give you that outdoor feeling indoors, a great idea is to hang metal wall planters. They are a versatile form of art that can transform you kitchen into a room with designer appeal. The metal wall planters can be modified with different flowers and foliage. They never look tired or outdated.

Now all you need to do is grab a pen and paper, make yourself a cup of coffee and sit at your kitchen table. Gaze out at your kitchen walls and let the creative side of you come alive. Let your imagination run wild and in no time you will create the kitchen of your dreams that will fit your personality and charm.

Resources: Barbara Tobiasz is an expert in interior/exterior decorating. Along with her husband Joe, they own and operate Wall-Decor-Concepts.com. For more information on Decorating Kitchen Walls, go to: http://www.Wall-Decor-Concepts.com