May 22, 2013

Rain chains: a style alternative to downspouts

beautiful rain chains | Home Fashion MagazineIf you are tired of looking at the ugly aluminum rain gutters that are attached to the sides of your home or simply enjoy the relaxing and soothing sounds of water, you might want to consider replacing those downspouts with a beautiful yet functional rain chain.

What is a rain chain?

A rain chain has one primary purpose and that is to funnel water from rain gutters into a ceramic pot or other catch basin at the foot of the chain. But it can provide so much more by creating a beautiful water feature that produces the soothing sounds of water and can also water your garden at the same time.

Feng shui and rain chains

Simply stated, feng shui is the ancient Chinese art of balancing energy through five different elements and this balance is believed to insure good health and fortune for all who practice it. Translated, the words feng shui mean wind and water; both elements that are associated with good health. When placed properly, the sight and sound of water running through the rain chain just might improve your personal health and wealth cycle and who doesn’t need a little help in that area!

Rain chain styles

Rain chains are available in many different styles.
• Link chain is the most common style and consists of connected links of varying sizes that allow the water from the gutter to pass through the links and deposit it into a ceramic pot, water feature or directly into the ground below. This simple style provides a clean look to your garden but can create quite a bit of splash as the water passes through.
• To avoid a lot of splash, a cup style rain chain might be a better choice. These cups are available in a variety of sizes and designs. For example, bell shapes, scalloped edges and varying cup sizes can be found.
• Themed designs such as sunflowers, butterflies, hummingbird and grape clusters are just a few of the many custom designs that are available. These add that extra special personal touch to any garden.
• Several finishes are available including copper, brass and aluminum. These metals will develop a lovely patina over time that enhances the overall look of your rain chain.

They are easy to install, simply attach them to the hole where a downspout would be installed and let them work their magic. But rain chains can also be hung from a tree or outside column where they can funnel water from sprinklers or a natural source such as rain.

Install a rain chain today and you will immediately begin to enjoy the added ambience that running water, natural metal and unique designs will provide. They make a thoughtful housewarming gift for the new homeowner, gardener or anyone who appreciates and enjoys the relaxing sight and sound of water.

Discover the translucent beauty of onyx tiles

kitchen, and bath onyx tiles | Home Fashion MagazineIf you are in the process or building or remodeling an existing kitchen or bath and are looking for a unique countertop and/or backsplash material, onyx may be the answer.

Onyx is a semi-precious gemstone that is the only known translucent stone on the planet. At first glance, you might confuse onyx tiles with expensive marble. However, hold the onyx up to the light and you will discover the difference! The light will reveal beautiful color and striations similar to those found in marble that have been formed over millions of years. While black onyx is probably the most familiar, the earth offers a wide selection of colors including white, gray, pink, green, honey gold and even a rusty shade of red. Like many natural products that come from the earth, onyx is believed to have certain “powers” that can help with sleep disorders, reduce stress and eliminate negative energy. It is also the birthstone for the month of August, and the preferred anniversary stone used to celebrate 10 years of marriage.

Most stone products, including onyx, are available in large slabs. However, a more affordable home decor option might be onyx tiles. These tiles can be cut into several different shapes and patterns to suit your needs such as:
• A basketweave pattern that will enhance a cottage or country kitchen
• A modern grid pattern that will fit right into a contemporary or even a craftsman style kitchen or bath
• Mosaic patterns are a nice way to use several different shades of onyx in one area

Onyx is a soft and porous material that may chip or scratch easily. For this reason, it is important to determine the amount of use a space will receive before installing onyx tiles. For example, if you have a busy household in which kitchen countertops receive a great deal of wear and tear, onyx tiles may be best used as an attractive backsplash to countertops in a more durable material such as granite or concrete. In the bath you may want to avoid onyx tiles in those areas that will require a great deal of scrubbing with harsh chemicals. Instead, consider a beautiful half wall or backsplash that can really become the focal point of the room; especially if it is properly lit to show off the translucence of the stone.

These beautiful tiles can also be used in commercial applications such as bar counters, decorative wall coverings and indoor planters as well as outdoor kitchens, pool houses and other areas that would benefit from the beauty and translucence of onyx tiles.

5 ways to add sparkle and shine with mirrored accents

mirrored accents | Home Fashion MagazineIs your home looking a little dull? Are you attracted to shiny metal objects? If so, you may want to consider adding some sparkle and shine to surface areas with mirrored accents and decorating ideas such as these:

1. Lighting: The obvious purpose of sconces, lamps and other sources of lighting is to illuminate a room. But you can double the effect with a fixture that features a mirrored base, shade or background. These shiny fixtures add a touch of glamour to a bedroom, sitting area, dining room, entryway or powder room.
2. Furniture: Don’t overlook your furniture when it comes time to add a bit of sparkle to a room. It is possible these days to find tables, night stands and chests of drawers with a mirrored finish. They can be sleek and modern or have an aged patina that might fit better in a traditional or eclectic space. A mirrored coffee table, for example, will brighten up any living room and not only reflect the light but also reflect your prized collectibles, flowers and books that are displayed on top of the table. Mirrors in the master bedroom are always romantic and it is possible to increase that affect with mirrored bedside tables or chest of drawers.
3. Accessories: There are many, many different accessories available today that feature a shiny mirrored finish. These include candlesticks, candelabras, lanterns, bowls, bookends, vases, trays, votive holders and frames. These decorative items will add a subtle hint of shine and reflection when they are placed on a bookshelf, table, mantle or sideboard.
4. Mirrors: We all know that wall mirrors can enhance a room’s décor by reflecting a beautiful view, making a dark room appear brighter and a small space appear larger. Why not double the drama with a wall mirror that features a frame of mirrored tiles or other reflective surface? A grouping of small mirrors will also add drama to your walls and is a nice alternative to traditional artwork.
5. Transform furniture: You can play hide and seek with water spots, cigarette burns and other minor surface damage with mirrors. Simply place a mirror that has been cut to size on top of a table, night stand or other surface that has seen better days. Voila! You instantly turn an eyesore into a trendy piece of furniture that is not only attractive but durable and easy to care for. Mirrors can be cleaned with a swipe of a cloth and will not stain.

Mirrored accents and furniture will brighten a dark space, reflect light and provide a bit of sparkle and shine to many areas of your home.

Chinese buffet: a multi-functional piece of furniture

Chinese furniture: hall chest, buffet, breakfrontCombine the timeless beauty of Asian design with a functional piece of furniture such as a buffet or breakfront and you have a classic combination that will enhance any home’s design.

The purpose of a buffet is to provide storage for table linens, dishes and flatware in the dining room. The top provides additional space for serving dishes during a meal or celebration. Many buffets offer specialized features such as a lined silverware drawer, hanging units for stemware, expandable tops or surfaces that can handle heat such as a marble or granite top.

However, if space in your dining area is limited or you need a piece that is multi-functional, a small chest of drawers, hall chest or breakfront will serve the purpose just as well. These items will not have the special features of a buffet but they will provide needed storage and serving space. To protect the finish from damaging hot pots and moisture, place protective pads under the dishes or elevate items on a cake plate or tiered stand.

While buffets and chests come in many different design styles, Chinese design will add a touch of Eastern flair to your dining room regardless of your design preference. The simple lines work well with traditional furniture and the glossy black finish enhances a contemporary space. To achieve this eclectic look, seek out those pieces that feature elements of Chinese design that include:

• Shiny brass accents such as door hardware and hinges.
• A beautiful and glossy black lacquered finish
• Simple lines
• Ornamental accents that include carvings, inlay and other decorative touches
• Artistic designs that celebrate the Chinese culture such as pagodas, cherry blossoms, bonsai trees, birds and flowers

Your buffet can be used as a space to hold additional dishes during a sit down meal or it can be set up to handle a full buffet. For added visual appeal, vary the elevation of dishes by using tiered cake plates or stacked dishes. You can also “hide” bricks, books or boxes under the tablecloth to create different elevations for your food display.

A Chinese buffet is the quintessential multi-tasker. You will enjoy the beauty of its unique cultural design and also appreciate the additional storage and serving space it provides during the holiday season or anytime you are entertaining a large group of people.

Warm up a contemporary home with modern rug designs

contemporary, modernism rugs | Home Fashion MagazineHomes that feature contemporary or modern design can often appear cold and uninviting. Warm up these chilly spaces with a modern rug design that becomes artwork for your floors.

The birth of a design style

A quick history lesson shows us that contemporary and/or modern design was born out of the Modernist movement that took place during the late 19th and early 20th century. Familiar names such as Picasso, Miro and Matisse, along with architects, writers and designers rebelled against the traditional and conservative values of the time that were expressed in architecture, literature, art and design. This revolt led to the experimentation with design that resulted in avant garde buildings, abstract art and the use of geometric shapes and bright colors that we associate with contemporary design today.

Warm up a contemporary space with rugs

A modern or contemporary home often features smooth surfaces, straight lines and the use of reflective finishes such as metal and glass. While beautiful to look at, these interiors can appear cold and lifeless. The simple addition of a contemporary rug on the floor visually warms the space, adds a bright pop of color and introduces the geometric shapes that are associated with modernism.

These rug designs might include a collection of colorful circles that add movement and softness to the sharp angles of a modern home. The primary shades of red, blue and yellow, softened with a light shade of gray, add a real punch when placed against a stark white background. An abstract artist such as Dutch painter Pieter Mondrian introduces us, through his contemporary paintings, to graphic lines and colorful cubes or blocks of color. This artwork can be interpreted and woven into a contemporary rug design that will enhance the linear design of many contemporary homes. If you are looking for a simple design that will not compete with your art collection or beautiful furniture, a simple border rug will work. Border rugs are most commonly found in rectangular and square shapes and feature a solid color border surrounding a contrasting solid color interior. For example, a black border might be placed against a white background for a crisp black and white contrast. The options are endless…bright red border against a yellow background, green border with a black background; the choice will be determined by your own personal design preferences.

Elements of contemporary rug design

When it comes to choosing a rug design for your home you will want to look for specific elements of contemporary design that will allow you to remain true to your design style and, at the same time, add comfort and color to your home. Modern design elements include:
• Bright saturated colors
• Bold and graphic lines
• Geometric shapes and patterns such as circles, triangles, squares and rectangles
• Stark contrast in pattern and background i.e. bold colors against white or white patterns against a black background

The addition of a contemporary rug to your home’s interior design will visually and physically warm the space, absorb sound and create a comfortable spot to rest your weary feet.

Sophisticated and plush faux shearling

plush, faux shearling fur home decorThe luxurious look and feel of faux shearling will add a touch of sophisticated comfort to your home.

What is faux shearling?

For those of you not involved in the sheep farming business (and that is probably most of us) shearling is the pelt of a sheep or lamb that has been treated and closely trimmed to create a uniform look to the fur. Due to its warmth and natural ability to shed water it is commonly used to make coats and outerwear as well as those popular après ski boots we are all familiar with. For those who are mindful of animal rights or prefer something a bit more affordable, faux shearling is available. This is a man-made product designed to replicate the look and feel of genuine shearling without the high price tag, destruction of animals or costly upkeep required with genuine leather and hides.

How to use faux shearling in home decorating projects

While most often associated with clothing, this warm and inviting product has made its way into the home decorating business. Faux shearling will add a cozy look and feel to many areas of your home.

• Bean bag chairs for kids and adults are even more fun when they are made out of faux shearling. And since this faux product is made out of acrylic and other man-made fibers it is durable and washable.
• Faux shearling throws and quilts will add a rustic look to a family room or bedroom and keep you warm on those chilly winter nights.
• If you are decorating a vacation home or just like the look of a rustic cabin, use faux shearling to sew comfortable accent pillows for your sofa and chairs. Use the “fur” side as trim for the pillow or create a reversible pillow with fur on one side and leather on the other side.
• To add a surprise touch to your décor, upholster a chaise, chair or ottoman in faux shearling. It is available in solids as well as animal prints and will provide the ultimate in sophistication and comfort.
• A custom area rug made out of plush shearling will keep those floors warm in the early morning hours.

Faux shearling products are cozy, comfortable and sophisticated at the same time. So, regardless of whether your own personal design style is contemporary, traditional, rustic or eclectic, go ahead and upholster a bench, sew some throw pillows or create fun bean bag chairs for the kids.

Reach for the sun and the moon and the stars with unique wall art

metal wall art | sunburst and starburst home fashion designsInvite the sunshine in or let the night lights sparkle with wall art that features unique sunburst, star and abstract designs.

Metal wall art

While oil paintings and a family photo gallery are lovely ways to decorate your walls, you may want to consider unique metal wall art as an alternative. These pieces are available in a variety of shapes and sizes such as stars, sunbursts, snowflakes and flowing or geometric abstract designs that will add dimension and movement to your walls.
• When hung over the mantle, metal wall art will add color and texture to a fireplace. A flowing abstract design will soften the hard surfaces and edges of the fireplace and provide something that is pleasing to the eye.
• Add interest to a guest room or master bedroom with unique metal pieces hung over the headboard or dresser. A pretty starburst mirror will reflect the light and act as artwork at the same time.
• Metal wall items can be grouped together with photos or other interesting pieces to create a unique gallery effect in a hallway or on a large wall. For example, homeowners in the lone star state of Texas often feature a star in their homes. Group a collection of family photos together with a metal star to celebrate your home state or hang a star with a grouping of photos of the star quarterback or equestrian in your family.

Mirrors and clocks

Why hang an ordinary rectangular mirror on your wall when you can choose a framed mirror in unique shapes such as starbursts or snowflakes? An ordinary gallery clock becomes a unique piece of art with a face framed in metal. These unusual mirrors and clocks are not only attractive but they are functional as well.
• A fun sunburst mirror in the entryway makes it possible to take that final look before you walk out the door to make sure your scarf is on straight or your hair is combed. It also offers a friendly greeting to your arriving guests.
• Teenagers love unusual items. You can kill two birds with one stone by hanging a unique mirror that has been framed with a “cool” abstract metal design in your son’s bedroom. This not only acts as artwork in the space but just might encourage him to take a look in the mirror and maybe tuck in his shirt or hike up his pants. (Are we asking too much?)
• A grouping of unique metal framed mirrors is an affordable way to fill the space on a large expanse of wall. Celebrate the winter with snowflake shapes or combine the sun and stars in your little one’s celestial bedroom. The reflection of light will also brighten up a dark hallway, utility room or powder room.
• Add a bit of sunshine to your kitchen with a sunburst shaped gallery clock.

The next time you are in the market for artwork for your home, consider adding uniquely shaped metal wall art and clocks as an alternative to paintings and photographs.

Drum up some decorating excitement with drum shaped home accents

Drum Shape Home Accents and Decorating | Home Fashion MagazineHome decorating trends come and go but one design trend that remains popular season after season is the drum shape.

By definition, a drum shape is round and may taper to a smaller diameter at the bottom of the item. This space friendly shape can be found in many different home décor items including:

Side tables: a drum shaped accent or side table can be squeezed into small areas where a rectangular or square shaped table might not fit. The rounded lines of this shape visually softens any hard edges the room may have while providing a spot to place a cup of tea, a pair of glasses or the latest novel that has captured your attention. These interesting tables, also referred to as a garden stool, can be used indoors or outdoors. They are commonly made of durable materials such as ceramic or concrete and may feature unusual patterns, carvings etc.
Lamps: A drum shaped lamp or lamp shade is the perfect accent for any interior space. A contemporary room would benefit from a glossy black shade to accent a lamp with a crystal sphere while a chubby ginger jar lamp topped with a cream linen drum shade would work well in a traditional setting. It is important to select the correct size lamp shade. Like Goldilocks, if it is too small the lamp will look silly and if it is too large it will overpower and hide the lamp base. A good rule of thumb is to choose a shade with a height that is roughly ¾ the size of the base. For example, if your base is 12” high you would choose a shade that is 9” in height. The width, or diameter, of the shade should equal the distance from the bottom of the lamp base to the bottom of the light socket; a 15” lamp base would require a 15” diameter shade. The bottom of the shade should be wider than the base of the lamp and should completely cover the light switch.
Decorative accessories: Decorative accessories would include items like vases, candle holders, canisters, baskets etc. The drum shape of these items fit nicely on a bookshelf or placed atop a coffee table or entry way console. The rounded shape introduces a touch of softness to square rooms and hard edges found in most homes. These items can be used on their own as artwork or as functional items to hold flowers, kitchen utensils, pencils and other household items.

Next time you are searching for just the right accessory or accent piece for your home don’t overlook the unique drum shaped tables, lamps and lamp shades that are available.

The Many Faces of the Poppy Flower

The poppy is a flower with many different personalities. In 1903 it was named the state flower of California where hillsides and fields come alive each spring with bursts of red, orange and gold blooms. The book, “The Wizard of Oz”, certainly made poppies famous as the flower that put Dorothy and her friends to sleep. In Tuscany the surrounding landscape literally bursts with red poppies in May and June and, on the dark side, in several third world countries poppies are grown and used to create opium for illicit drug trade. However, poppies are also the subject of many decorative items for your home.

Tuscan décor

Tuscany is a region in Italy that is known for the colors of the earth, sun and sea where fields of colorful flowers that are fed by the warm sunlight grow to meet the edges of the Mediterranean Sea. If you have visited Tuscany or you simply dream of living in the Italian countryside one day, you can recapture the feel of the area by incorporating the surrounding colors and designs in your own home. This would include touches of wrought iron, earthy shades of terra cotta, red, gold and brown, simple floral designs that include poppies and sunflowers and finishes that are made to look time worn and aged.

Artwork

Poppies are a popular subject matter for artists. Their simple shape and delicate design can be drawn against a stark white background to allow their beautiful color to pop or an entire field of poppies can appear in a landscape painting.

Hang these colorful pieces of art above a fireplace in the living room, on the walls of a nursery or playroom to inspire creativity or in the laundry room to cheer up a dreary space.

Home décor

The bold and saturated colors found in most species of poppies will provide a bright “pop” to many different interiors. For example:

• In an all neutral or contemporary space, use throw pillows that feature colorful poppies as accents on chairs and sofas. The design will be highlighted against the white, black and gray colors often found in modern interiors and are guaranteed not to put you to sleep!
• A beautifully framed landscape painting of poppy fields will enhance the color and design of an Italian villa or a home that is decorated in a traditional manner.
• The simple design and bright colors of poppies make them a popular pattern for bedding that will delight many teenagers.
• Like all cut flowers, poppies will last only so long in a vase of water. To prolong your enjoyment of these colorful flowers, create an arrangement of silk flowers and place them in an urn or vase for a touch of Tuscan springtime all winter long.

Regardless of whether you are looking to simply brighten up the interior of your home or introduce a bit of the Tuscan landscape to your interior decorating, the simple design and cheerful color of poppy flowers make them versatile enough to be incorporated into many different design schemes.

Beautiful and Edible Kale Planters

kale plants | Home Fashion MagazineKale: a leafy green or purple plant from the cabbage family that is chock full of vitamins that include beta carotene, iron, vitamin C and calcium. Not just for eating, kale produces a colorful and beautifully shaped plant that will enhance many areas of your home and garden.

In the garden

The many varieties of kale can be planted in the garden either to harvest or used as an ornamental plant.

Ornamental greenery will add color, texture and varying heights to your garden. Ornamental kale, often referred to as a flowering cabbage, produces colorful leaves in brilliant shades of red, lavender, pink, blue and white. When planted in the ground, they provide a lovely low lying plant that can be placed in between other plants or used as a ground cover. These beautiful plants are also edible; just be sure to wash off any pesticides or harmful chemicals before you prepare them for a meal.

Kale is a hardy plant that can be grown throughout the year and many varieties do especially well during the winter months. It can be planted directly into the ground or in convenient pots. Group a collection of potted plants around the entryway to your home or to add color to the deck during the winter months. These potted plants make delicious and healthy kale readily available for meals, to use as a garnish or for table decorations. Just step outside your back door and pluck a few leaves!

In the kitchen

As we mentioned, kale is a wonderful source of important vitamins such as iron and vitamins A&K and in some cultures is a very popular dietary supplement. There are many different ways to use kale in your kitchen.

• Add kale to salad mixtures for additional nutrition and to add texture and color.
Kale can be cooked and used in stews and soups.
• In southern states Kale is often braised or fried along with other greens such as collards and turnips to create a healthy side dish.
• Add kale to other Asian ingredients and vegetables for a delicious stir fry.
• Sneak a little bit of healthy food into macaroni and cheese or mashed potatoes by adding diced kale to these dishes. The kids will never know they are eating something that is good for them.

There are several varieties of “winter kale” that will survive a winter frost and actually tastes sweeter after a thaw.

Combine the nutritional value of kale with the beautifully shaped leaves and variety of available colors and it is possible to have healthy food and colorful plants in your home and at your fingertips throughout the year.