Decorative Know How - Faux Marble In Six Easy Steps by: Louise Alderson

Home decorators looking for something a little different are often faced with expensive products and time consuming solutions, making many of us opt for more everyday options like wallpaper and basic paint finishes. However one lasting favorite offers an inexpensive solution that can be used almost anywhere and mimics that most ancient and noble of finishes - marble. With the right approach, and a little patience, you can recreate marble on almost any surface using basic paints and glaze. Tools For The Job For a pale marbling effect you will need: 1) Undercoat or eggshell paint for the background (dependent on surface) 2) Artists oil paints in umber and varying shades of grey (for the veins seen in marble) 3) Translucent glaze to create a natural sheen for the finish 4) Brushes - household paint brushes, a soft flat artists brush, soft makeup brush, natural sponge, lint free rags 5) Glass paper and white spirit Mixing The Paint The marble effect is created by applying layers of tinted glaze, veins and mottling over a white or pale basecoat. You then work in gradual variations of tone to the background color by dabbing on artist's oil paint or tinted eggshell paint. Use the brushes and natural sponge to break up the color of the basecoat. You need to mix the paint in the appropriate ratios. For an opaque glaze, good proportions to work with are: - Three parts oil based scumble - Five parts of white eggshell - Two parts white spirit. Mix the paint with the glaze then add the white spirit to give a creamy consistency. You can create a more translucent glaze by tinting it with stainers or oil paints and then add equal amounts of white spirit. Six Easy Steps 1) Rub down the surface to be decorated and apply undercoat (on wood or metal) or eggshell (on walls) in a suitable color. A well-prepared surface will be free of splinters or flaking paint. The paint effect will look better if you take care over this stage. 2) If necessary, apply a further coat to act as a base coat for the decorative finish. Tint it slightly with grey oil paint and use a sponge to create lightly mottled areas. 3) Using artists' oil and an artists brush start to create a random trellis of diagonal veins across the surface. Traditional colors to use are burnt sienna and dark grey on pale marble and whites and greens on black backgrounds. 4) Strengthen some of the veins with darker colors, and then soften the effect by brushing over the surface with a soft feather or soft brush. 5) Use a natural sponge to create variations in tone, lifting off color or applying more color where needed. 6) To create the natural luster of marble apply a translucent glaze, with a light umber tint. In some patches, add extra coats of glaze for a natural effect. Finish by applying a coat of clear gloss varnish followed by a coat of satin varnish to give the surface added sheen and greater depth. Luxurious And Opulent Creating your own marble effect is as easy as following the directions above. The cost of the paint is minimal but creates an expensive looking effect. Marble has long been used as a luxurious and opulent building material, leaving a unique finish that can be easily mimicked with a little effort. The real beauty of this technique is that because the materials are inexpensive it allows you to try different colors and finishes to match your decor. Experiment with different shades and tones and try varying the depth of the veins to really bring the work alive. With a little practice, and some patience, you might be amazed at the results. About the author: Louise Alderson combines her hands-on experience as a real estate developer with her love of interior design and textiles, and is the author of a number of popular articles on home decor and home accent tips. Visit The Tapestry House online at: http://www.thetapestryhouse.com/ Circulated by Article Emporium

Baby Boomer’s Demand Alternative Style by: ARA

(ARA) - This is a story of passion and passionate differences, experienced by couples facing the strategic and often wrenching shifts taking place on the home front. One aspires to live in a home filled with the warmth, beauty and romance of a log home, while the other agonizes over the concept. Why are people drawn to log homes? According to surveys, nine out of 10 people who choose a log home say they made their decision because they liked its distinctive look. Given the weight of the aesthetics, why do so many couples agonize over the details? For some, a little research can give pause. That’s how it was for John and Katherine Overbee, who had long dreamed about building a log cabin as a retirement home. “We backed off a little,” he said. “Unless you have a lot of time and money, the intricacies of solid log construction can be worrisome.” Even with all their uniqueness, there are basically two different types of solid log home construction: handcrafted, the most extreme log home, which may take years and millions to complete; and the milled D-log, in which the top, bottom and one side of the log are milled flat. With both methods, one log is stacked on top of another to form a wall, and then the roof is built off the walls. Proper allowances must be made around windows, doors, stairs, and cabinetry to allow the log walls to settle through the years. “I love the look,” says Katherine. “But it seemed like everyone we spoke with has had problems.” The problem is the way cold air finds its way through the solid log wall. “During the first three years the log walls can actually shrink and settle,” John says, as he shows how he held a piece of paper by a log wall and watched it move from the air infiltration. “If a guy likes to caulk there’s less of a problem,” he adds with a smile. So . . . should you go out on the limb? For many, like the Overbees, building a solid log home was not a logical decision. The solution came when the couple discovered a hybrid form of log home construction. It was more than two decades ago when David Janczak, founder of Wisconsin Log Homes, began testing new-energy-efficient designs and introduced the Thermal-Log building system. To eliminate heat loss and stop the settling problems, Janczak designed a super-insulated, 6-inch thick-framed wall. Just as important, he also originated the precut half-logs with full log corners. In essence, he created an entirely new category of log home construction. The insulated log home construction not only satisfied John but also gave him the peace of mind to build the home they dreamed about. “I absolutely love it,” says Katherine. “We’re at home -- it’s a place of peace.” Just under 2,000 square feet, it’s a home of pleasures for Katherine and John. “We were surprised at how well this space accommodates our daily activities,” Katherine says. The people at Wisconsin Log Homes suggested they look carefully at their lifestyle and how they really live. “We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to work with a team of people who want to help you build your dream home,” says John. “They guided us through every step of the process.” He credits Wisconsin Log Homes for making their home a better place to live. Katherine admits that she did get ahead of the process when she selected a 3,666-square-foot floor plan within 10 minutes of paging through Wisconsin Log Homes planning guide. The 144-page catalog is filled with color photos and over 100 floorplans but most importantly, helpful building information to guide people in a logical sequence. Upstairs, two bedrooms flank the bathroom. The loft doubles as an office. The open downstairs contains a kitchen, living and dining room, plus the master bedroom. Just off the dining area is a cozy room that Katherine uses as her art studio. The Overbees were also delighted when they discovered that Wisconsin Log Homes had a Design Center and an in-house interior designer for creative support. Working with an open floor plan, it was important to integrate the kitchen. Wood flooring connects the kitchen with the living and dining space. Lighting, cabinets and unique furnishings complement the elegant yet rustic log interior. “It all came together so nicely and it’s so beautiful. The end result is a home that emphasizes who we are,” Katherine says. “Friendly, relaxed, nothing fancy, nothing extravagant. It fits us like a glove.” Oh, one other thing: It wasn’t the large floor plan that Katherine loved, it was the large custom-tailored window wall -- it makes a striking statement and frames a special view from the great room. If you would love living in a log home but have concluded that the intricacies of solid log construction are depriving you of your dreams, then perhaps you should contact the people at Wisconsin Log Homes. And if your choice is this hybrid form of half-log construction it will not only satisfy, but also delight you. For more information about designing and building log homes, call (800) 678-9107 or visit www.wisconsinloghomes.com. Courtesy of ARA Content About the author: Courtesy of ARA Content

A Fireplace Screen for decoration and protection! by: Mike Yeager

An essential part of a fireplace at your home would be a fireplace screen to channel and control the smoke that accompanies the fire. Décor and budget are the two most important considerations while purchasing a fireplace screen. You might just want to sit down with your interior design consultant to work out the details of your purchase. Fireplace screens typically have three components and can be transparent or opaque. Screens come in materials that are metal as well as glass; they cater to a simple look as well as a more floral appearance. So the question lies not whether you something is available or not, but whether your purchase of a glass fireplace screen or a decorative fireplace screen enhances the feel of your home. The question that one should ask while purchasing a fireplace screen is whether it integrates into the personality that your home represents. Once the design and the budget aspects are thought through, all that is left is the shopping for the fireplace screen. Now, if it is a first time purchase it always a good idea to visit a few showrooms and get a good idea what is available. There is nothing comparable to actually handling the material you are going to use to enhance your own home. The first time around, you might also want to have your interior decorator accompany you to these places, and if you trust them enough then you could just delegate. If, however, you want to order from the land of the web you might want to keep in mind your experiential learning.

Add Some Pizzazz to Your Powder Room! by: ARA

(ARA) -- It’s a room with a toilet and a sink. Maybe a window, if you’re lucky. The average size is a tiny four feet by five feet. And if it can’t get any worse, it’s probably the most frequently used room in your house -- especially for guests and visitors. Yes, it’s the powder room . . . also known as the half-bath or guest bath. While for years this has been a miniscule room, often forgotten when decorating, today’s builders are actually allocating more space to the powder room. In addition, powder rooms in many newer homes offer such upscale features as high-end cabinetry, pedestal sinks, ornate accessories and sophisticated lighting. Whether your powder room is big or small, this is a space where you can let your expression show. Because its size is typically smaller than other rooms in your home, it allows you the opportunity to be a bit more creative and daring. Plus, you can make a significant decorating impact with little time and expense, and change the look often to keep it fresh. A Little Room That Makes a Big Impact The name “powder room” actually descends from Victorian times. Bathrooms were often called powder rooms because it was the place where ladies retired to powder their noses. These spaces were tastefully decorated and full of charm. Today, the powder room is equally as significant to a home’s décor, if not more so. In fact, its design has become so important that the National Kitchen & Bath Association has added a powder room category to its annual design competition which provides a barometer for what’s hot in the design industry. But, sprucing up the powder room with a stylish flair isn’t a challenge left only to interior designers. Thanks to the popularity of numerous do-it-yourself decorating television shows, more Americans than ever before are trying their hand at stylish decorating themselves. In fact, a recent survey conducted by Creative Specialties International, a division of Moen Incorporated; and Rooms of America, a consumer research organization, found that more than 75 percent of respondents said that decorating themes are “important” in the powder room. What does that mean to manufacturers of bath-related products? According to Mark Savan, vice president and general manager of Creative Specialties International, “Consumer style preferences are our number one consideration when designing new bath accessory collections. We take these survey results seriously and even conduct our own focus groups to further substantiate consumer preferences.” Relying on this extensive research, Creative Specialties International recently introduced four new bath accessory collections designed to reflect the styles used in today’s bath. Sold under the Inspirations brand, the Stockton, Danbury, Sage and Avery collections each fall into one of three design categories -- traditional, contemporary/casual or country. The Stockton, Sage and Avery collections are available in chrome and brushed nickel; while the Danbury collection is available in chrome and popular oil rubbed bronze. Each product creates a stunning look for a guest bathroom. “In talking with consumers, we’ve found that many are really looking to make a statement in their powder room -- and can be a bit more experimental with their decorating,” adds Savan. “That’s why our new collections feature a more stylish, contemporary design -- to meet the demand for more on-trend styles. In addition to the style of the accessories, our new collections also feature exceptional finishes, such as brushed nickel. The result is a product which blends well in many of today’s fashionable powder rooms.” Take a Walk on the Wild Side As homeowners experiment with different decorating trends, it’s important to remember that a powder room is a great area to try more dramatic decorating ideas and come out of your shell a bit. Just because your family room is decorated in a contemporary theme doesn’t mean your bathroom has to reflect that same style. Perhaps you’re an attorney by day but enjoy gardening on the side. Why not paint the walls in a sage green and use accent pieces such as colorful flower pots filled with live or silk flowers. Or hang a beautiful wreath made of dried flowers as a focal point, and surround it with framed water-color paintings of vibrant gardens. If you’re thinking of something a little more dramatic, the following are a few other decorating ideas to give your powder room some extra pizzazz: Viva Italia! Add a bit of Tuscan style to your powder room -- and you’ll be ahead of the curve -- using a trend that many interior designers predict will be one of the most popular decorating themes next year. Personified by items that are rustic, warm and inviting, a Tuscan room typically features items that look like they have been there forever, used by countless generations. To achieve this look in your guest bath, use warm, golden colors such as yellows, oranges and browns. Faux finishing techniques are ideal when painting in a Tuscan theme, as they duplicate the sun-washed walls and crumbled porticos seen in Italy. Since Tuscan homes often have tile roofs, accessorize the walls in your powder room with mosaic tiles, or add a detailed tile backsplash behind the sink. Providing the perfect finishing touch to the bath, add Italian-made ceramics to the powder room by placing plates or decorative vases on a decorative glass shelf. Or, add a feeling of casual comfort with pewter or copper picture frames and candlestick holders. If you’re looking to add a signature piece with old world appeal, install a towel ring from the Danbury collection in oil rubbed bronze -- it adds classic style to a traditional accessory. Finally, we all know that Italians love to eat and entertain -- so why not place a bowl of fresh lemons or homemade biscotti next to the hand towels. It’s a small touch that your guests will be sure to remember. Retreat to the Spa We all love to be pampered, especially when we’re far from home. Why not give your guests the “spa treatment” when they are visiting your powder room? Start with cool colors, such as light blues, greens and purples on the walls. White accents are the perfect addition to provide a calming effect. One of the best amenities in visiting a spa is the luxurious, fluffy towels. Feature these beautiful items, perhaps with your monogrammed initials, on a simple, yet stylish towel bar. An ideal choice would be an 18-inch towel bar from the Sage collection from Creative Specialties International. Offering smooth, rounded edges with clean lines and understated accents, the Sage towel bar coordinates well in a variety of bath decors. Complete the spa look with small items that make a big impact -- such as aromatherapy candles in coordinating colors. Or, place a small CD player in a corner of the powder room and play mood relaxing or nature-inspired music. Finally, place a basket of lotions, scented hand soaps and a small hand massager in the corner of the counter top. A Touch of Sophistication Who says a powder room can’t have a sophisticated style? An elegant décor is a perfect way to spruce up a half-bath -- especially if it is located off a formal living or dining room. Start with rich, deep colors on your walls, such as red, burgundy or navy. Another popular choice is chocolate brown, which many designers are calling “the new black.” Next, put an extra emphasis on lighting, as it can have a major impact on the overall feel of the room. And just because it’s a powder room doesn’t mean you have to be limited to a boring overhead ceiling fixture. Instead, be a bit daring and use spot or track lighting, wall sconces or even small table lamps set on the countertop or the back of the commode. Or, why not hang a small chandelier as the primary light source -- perhaps in a coordinating style of another fixture in your home? Whatever lighting you choose, increasing the number and variety will add drama to its appearance. To add a sophisticated touch to the sink area, many homeowners are turning to the past for inspiration by installing pedestal sinks. Another dramatic option used by top designers includes mounting the sink bowl on top of the counter as if it were a large bowl on a table. Furthermore, granite, marble and Corian countertops aren’t just for the kitchen anymore -- they make the perfect addition to a powder room, thanks to their intricate designs and rich color options. Finally, don’t forget about the accessories and small details. Mirrors don’t have to be limited to simple squares on the wall -- add a bit of drama by framing them with beautiful molding or draping them in rich fabrics. Carry on the elegant theme by installing a Stockton double towel bar filled with thick, luxurious hand towels. And bring a touch of warmth to the room with a beautiful rug. But instead of traditional bathroom rugs, try a small oriental rug, which can bring all of the colors of the room together with one piece. Final Words of Wisdom When it comes to sprucing up your powder room, it doesn’t matter whether you decorate in a country, contemporary or traditional style. Just remember to have fun and try new things. Your powder room can be an extension of your personality, expressing your special interests. Create a statement and if things don’t pan out, try again. For more information on affordable bath upgrades, or accessory products available from Creative Specialties International, write 25300 Al Moen Drive, North Olmsted, Ohio 44070-8022; call toll free (800) 882-0116; or visit their Web site at www.moen.com. Courtesy of ARA Content About the author: Courtesy of ARA Content

A Change in Season Reflects a Change in Mood by: ARA

(ARA) – Change is in the air. Fall is here and winter isn’t far away. It’s one of the busiest times of year for interior decorators. “The reason we’re so busy is people really get energized in the fall,” says Thomas Pheasant, an award winning interior designer from Washington, D.C. “The change in temperature serves as a signal to start focusing more on the indoors to get ready for winter.” Pheasant says one of the best, and easiest places to start, is in the room where you spend a majority of your time: the bedroom. “You don’t have to start moving furniture all over the place to change the look of the room,” says Pheasant. “Changing your bedding and curtains is often all it takes to make a dramatic difference.” Pheasant says the same colors you see on the trees outside --- orange, gold, red, brown and olive green -- have great appeal indoors. “They really set the mood of the season, especially when combined with paisley and velvet textures.” The bedroom isn’t the only place where bold color and texture changes will have a quick and noticeable impact. You can also set the mood of the season by putting some dried leaves or branches on the coffee table, and colorful pillows and a slip cover on your sofa. A seasonal bowl of apples on the dining room table, along with slip covers on the chairs, will also make a big impact. So where do you start if you want to bring the fall “look” into your own home? “Start with materials. The kinds of fabric or color you choose can really change the attitude of the room,” says Pheasant. “Velvet and damask are formal patterns that are more appropriate for fall and winter. Linen, paisley and leather are more modern and better suited for spring and summer.” Pheasant recommends you take his ideas to an interior designer for help implementing them. “Mistakes are expensive. Professional designers have resources available that most people do not. Hiring someone can make your life so much easier,” says Pheasant. If you ultimately decide to take Pheasant’s advice, pieces from his collection of furniture and accessories are sold at Baker Furniture and over 200 other independent dealers throughout the country. Log onto www.bakerfurniture.com for access to a retail store directory. Courtesy of ARA Content About the author: Courtesy of ARA Content

150,000,000 year old story of Limestone by: Edward Green

Limestone is a type of sedimentary rock. It is chemically made up of the mineral calcite (calcium carbonate). Limestone is formed by the deposition of calcium carbonate on the floors of water bodies. Limestone is one the most widely known form of sedimentary rocks comprising about 10% of the sedimentary rocks.  The colour of pure limestone is white or almost white. But you would find that various limestone’s generally exhibit different colours because of the presence of impurities such as clay, sand, organic remains, iron oxides etc. It is more prominent on weathered surfaces. Limestone's are also found in varied forms because of the difference in the way it has been formed. So, you may get limestone’s that are crystalline, elastic, granular or dense. Limestone finds wide-spread application in the construction sector. You would find Limestone being used in architecture. Its ready availability and the versatility of the rock that allows it to be easily cut into blocks or more elaborate carvings make it very desirable for architects. It is also very durable and generally remains unaffected by exposure. The flip side is that it is very heavy and that’s why it is practically not possible to use it in tall buildings. Its cost is another detrimental factor. You would find that limestone used in humid climate remains unaffected, but it is very much vulnerable to acids. If a limestone structure is situated at a place where acid rain is frequent, you would find that the limestone undergoes heavy weathering destroying its beauty and shape. LIMESTONE MAINTENANCE & CLEANING Limestone is one of the most porous natural stones in nature. This high porosity makes it more susceptible to absorption of oils, dirt and grime than other natural stones. You would find it absorbing stains very easily. Most of the times it even absorbs stain from the dye in many grouts. So, before you grout the stone, an appropriate Impregnator must be used as a release. This allows you to have the best possible construction site protection. Application of impregnators doesn’t change the natural look of the stone. What the impregnator does is that it resists grout dye absorption, quickens up the removal of grout residue and during construction it also protects the limestone from stains. Liquid poultice can be used to clean the surface. Generally, poultice available in the markets are safe for almost all type of marble floors. You can make use of a Marble Floor Machine, a brush and a wet vacuum to clean up the floor. If the area that you have to clean is very small, you can achieve your purpose with a hand brush otherwise you need an automatic scrubber for larger areas. If you find that your marble gets exposed to oils and greases, you would surely need an added protection. You will find a chemical generally termed as Pre Treat that is applied to the limestone surface after grout removal. The use of this added protector before using impregnator makes the porous surface of the limestone much more resistant to staining materials, especially oils. About the author: You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter on your web site as long as the byline is included and the article is included in it's entirety. I also ask that you activate any html links found in the article and in the byline. Please send a courtesy link or email where you publish to: admin@marblemasteruk.com Edward Green owns and operates the highly successful Marble Master Ltd company. Marble Master specializes in Restoration and Refinishing of all types of natural stone and consultancy services to Architects, Restoration Companies and Interior Designers.http://www.marblemasteruk.com

5 Most Popular Styles of Christmas Ornaments by: Catherine Spelling

Traditionally Christmas ornaments were bulbs of all the same color which were placed randomly throughout your Christmas tree. Over the past few decades, Christmas ornaments have developed into elaborate pieces of art which are delicately planned out and placed throughout the Christmas tree. Currently there are many types of Christmas ornaments to choose from and the creativity and uniqueness of your Christmas tree will highly depend on the types of ornaments you choose. Below you will find the 5 most popular styles of ornaments for your Christmas tree: 1. Illuminated - Christmas ornaments which light up are becoming extremely popular. Christmas lights have been popular for a long time, so there's no reason to wonder why illuminated Christmas tree ornaments are becoming so desired. Illuminated Christmas decorations are generally quite high in price. They can range anywhere from $5 to $20 a piece. 2. Mobile - Mobile Christmas tree ornaments are unique and add a whole new element to any Christmas tree. This type of ornament adds an element of movement to your tree, something all Christmas trees lacked before now. Ornaments have the ability to move up and down, side to side and all around. Mobile Christmas tree decorations are said to bring Christmas trees to life. They are also quite expensive and are usually found in the same price range of illuminated Christmas ornaments. 3. Musical - Musical ornaments, along with illuminated and mobile ornaments, are the newest form of Christmas ornament on the market right now. Many ornaments play Christmas songs and carols for everyone to enjoy. Fortunately most also come equipped with on/off buttons which can regulate the sound when you don’t want the music playing. These usually cost in the same vicinity of mobile and illuminated ornaments. 4. Homemade - Homemade Christmas tree ornaments are a sure way to ensure your Christmas tree is one of a kind. This form of ornament is personal, thoughtful and an ornament which is likely to be cherished forever. Homemade ornaments are often made by children for their moms and dads, but there are also a number of moms and dads who make ornaments at home and sell them for low prices. Regardless, homemade Christmas ornaments are one-of-a-kind are cost considerably lower than the other types. 5. Bulbs - Christmas tree bulbs will forever remain in style because they give your tree the traditional look which all trees should have. Christmas bulbs usually come in packs of about 10 and the bulbs tend to be the same colors and shapes. They are distributed as evenly as possible throughout your tree. These ornaments cost slightly higher than homemade ornaments, however they cost considerably less than any other form of Christmas tree ornament. Plus, you can always decorate them yourself. There is an unlimited selection of Christmas tree ornaments available on the market and the choices you make will highly affect the overall appearance of your Christmas tree. Each individual family will have their own preference and no two Christmas trees will ever look the same. That’s a good thing because, like people, if they all looked the same they would not be as fascinating to look at. About the author: Catherine Spelling is a retired interior designer who now uses her decorating talents to make holidays an eye catching event. She is a freelance writer forhttp://www.christmaslightsanddecorations.com - a site that offers tips for Christmas decorations, picking out Christmas trees, tips for choosing Christmas tree toppers and more.