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Of all the styles of architecture and decorating around the world very few have taken the best of all the others and made it a little bit better in quite the way that the style often referred to as “French Creole” has managed to do. The truth is that while this style of architecture that New Orleans is famous for is really heavily borrowed from many other cultures and yet uniquely New Orleans at the same time.

Creole architecture for many brings to mind intricate wrought iron work, long shutters (to cover the windows during hurricanes originally), huge windows and doors (these were designed larger than typical homes in other parts of the country in order to create breezeways for the wind to come through in the sweltering hot summer months), and bright colors that you aren’t likely to find in most million dollar neighborhoods. This style of architecture and home décor is also famous for huge balconies-also with wrought iron railing.

The amazing thing about the Creole style of home decorating is that there is no one identifiable feature that labels a design style as decidedly Creole. Lagniappe is a term that people here quite often in and around New Orleans. For those who do not know, it means “a little something extra”. From an extra donut to a freebie bookmark and many things in between, that little something extra has a long history in New Orleans from the architecture to the music there always seems to be a little something extra that you couldn’t get anywhere else.

The interior design style of the Creole is also very similar. Some consider it gaudy but the locals consider it that little something extra and it is. You may find a little Gothic style, a little bit of Jazz, and a whole lot of Mardi Gras in one room and it s quite all right because you are getting all that and just a little bit of lagniappe too. Home decorating in Creole country is an art form that defies logic and yet makes perfect sense for the rich culture and heritage that it encompasses.

For those that need a little inspiration who would love to incorporate a little Cajun or Creole spice into their living spaces, perhaps the following suggestions will prove to be helpful.

1) Red peppers. Nothing says spice quite like a red pepper. There are all kinds of items you can find with red peppers in them these days from wallpaper borders to hand blown glass peppers, jar toppers, pot holders, kitchen towels, strings of lights for patios-even kitchen canisters decorated with red peppers. There are all kinds of options available to incorporate this theme into your home or one room of your home.
2) Music notes. Most people cannot think of Cajun country without thinking of the music that calls this great section of the country home. Music notes are a great way to symbolize the music that made New Orleans famous.
3) Mardi Gras Masks. Many people find that New Orleans symbolizes Mardi gras in their hearts and minds though New Orleans is not the birthplace of Mardi gras. The masks are a way that people from around the country can bring the ‘spirit of New Orleans’ home with them and decorate their homes with that attitude that can only be referred to as Creole in many hearts and minds.
4) Food. Believe it or not the food is as much a part of the Creole home as any other design element. For this reason a French Creole style kitchen is often the way to … Read the rest

Homeowners are famous for renovating and redecorating. It there’s a space in their home that needs a new look, out comes the color swatches and home decorating magazines. It doesn’t matter which space you decided to decorate, a bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen or even a home gym. Home decorating can make improvements to any area in your home. Decorating your home gym is probably not at the top of your list but why not add some life to the room which is meant to be motivating and full of energy.

If thinking of decorating your home gym, you might first of all consider the purpose of this room. A home gym is a space used to exercise, work-out and recharge your batteries. This area is intended to be motivational and used by energetic people. With these factors in mind, decorating your home gym should enhance the space, add to the environment and improve the room’s appearance.

Decorating your home gym may require some thought and imagination. This task could be difficult for you if the home gym is not one of your favourite rooms in the house. If you’re not an active person or interested in using your home gym, finding ways to improve the space may not really interest you, at least not as much as decorating your kitchen would. If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas for decorating your home gym, you may want to seek advice or flip through a few home decorating catalogues.

Picking a theme for your home gym may be challenging. It’s not exactly a spot to put a fancy, slip-covered country chair.  Simple colors won’t likely fit your home gym. Decorating your home gym ought to breathe life into the space. Using bright colors and lots of lighting might improve the atmosphere, adding energy to the room. When decorating your home gym you might want to choose a modern theme. Using vivid colors and trendy furniture would definitely make the room feel alive.

Deciding on accessories for your home gym might be interesting. Pretty flowers and fancy ornaments won’t bring anything to your home gym. This is a space created for working on your physical strength and appearance, not meant to be quiet and serene to work on your spiritual strength. When decorating your home gym remembering the room’s purpose should be able to help with ideas for accessories. Clocks make nice additions to home gyms. When working out people are constantly timing themselves and their progress. A good stereo system might be considered when decorating your home gym. Listening to music, loud lively music, helps set the mood when exercising. A television is a must in your home gym. Watching your favourite television program is a great distraction when you are using stationary exercise equipment. You get all caught up in the program and before you realize it, you’ve peddled the exercise bike for thirty-five minutes.

Although initially you may have been a little apprehensive about the idea of decorating your home gym, once you get involved in the project and get your creative juices flowing, you’ll be surprised at what you can accomplish. With help from other sources like home decorating magazines, this project may be just the motivation needed to entice you to use your home gym on a regular basis.… Read the rest

Let’s talk about home decorating theme now. I’m sure you’ll love this design and great theme. Yuup…yuhoo…yummy…Let’s do it guys! But first take a look at this articles first! There are many things you can do to bring Old Glory front and center within your home that do not require you to drape your furniture with the American flag or having the flag hanging in every window. In fact, most would frown on that particular practice. One thing that can be said without fail though is that nothing can change the overall impression a room gives as completely as a bucket of paint and a brush.

In addition to many quilts there are also plenty of throws and blankets that can bring these colors front and center in almost any room of the home. In addition to walls, furniture can be painted in order to match the walls and other colors you’d like to incorporate into the room. There is nothing quite like walking into a home that has its full patriotic splendor shining for all the world to see.

Candles are another great way to display your patriotic spirit. Red, white, and blue candles are made in many wonderful styles, sizes, and fragrances. You should be able to find something appropriate in this color combination if you look hard enough. More importantly, fragrance is a great (and often overlooked) way to add another dimension to your home decorating endeavors. Whether you simply like the look of patriot blue or you feel that you are a true American through and through there are very few wrong reasons to incorporate the red, white, and blue that represents America into your home décor. Have a nice dream on designing your own home and office. I love to see a great design from special person.… Read the rest

Christmas is an extremely busy time of year. By the time you get you shopping done, gifts wrapped and your cookies and cakes baked, it’s likely you don’t have the energy left to put into extravagant decorating. Although less than energetic, you still want your home decorated for Christmas. After all, Christmas is just not the same without lights and decorations.

Decorating your home for Christmas doesn’t have to be stressful. There are many things you can do and items you can use to dress up your home for this wonderful season. One suggestion when decorating your home for Christmas is using ribbon. If you have a decorating theme for Christmas, regarding color, choose ribbon to correspond with your theme. You can tie ribbons to all sorts of items in your home such as chair backs, wreathes, basket handles, stair railings and even doorknobs. Ribbons and bows are very festive. A good idea is to choose ribbon which can be easily untied and retied. This way you can reuse the ribbon another Christmas season.

Using holiday tableware is nice when decorating your home for Christmas. Search your home for anything Christmas, plates, bowls, mugs, glasses, any piece of tableware that has a Christmas theme. Make sure to use these items each and every meal, every day throughout the Christmas season. Another good idea is to buy a few pieces each year. In time you’ll have enough tableware to serve the entire community.

Lighting is important when decorating your home for Christmas. During the month of December turn off your lights. Make use of your candles in every room of your home. Place candles on the dining table, on the coffee and end tables in the living room and perhaps place a nice scented pillar candle in the bathroom. Don’t just put them there for decorations but also make sure to light them each night. If you have a fireplace, make sure to light it and enjoy it. A fireplace creates a cozy atmosphere which is nice when guests are visiting.

Decorating your home for Christmas should always include a Christmas tree. After decorating the tree with your homemade ornaments and strung popcorn, use the leftover branches to make arrangements for your home. Put the greens in a basket or bowl, add pinecones, bows and ornaments. Use the branches to make swags to hang over doors throughout your home. Take the evergreen sprigs and place them around your home, on windows, on a bookcase shelf or on a ledge. Evergreen branches and sprigs certainly reflect Christmas. Not only do they look nice but they spread a lovely aroma throughout the home.

Christmas is a time for celebrating. It’s a time to pull out all the stops. Snow is always nice for Christmas. When decorating your home for Christmas, why not use snow, artificial snow to add a sparkle to your home. Sprinkle it on the dining table, the hutch or the fireplace. Use ornaments which reflect light and hang them around your home, from doors or even indoor trees and plants. This will definitely look dazzling at night as the candle light flickers off the ornaments. Decorating your home for Christmas shouldn’t be a dreadful task but a delightful experience. One thing to remember when decorating your home for Christmas is not to over-think your plan. Keep it simple because simplicity is elegant and beautiful.… Read the rest