Home Decoration

A rose speaks the language of love! In fact, roses have been associated with the beautiful feeling of love since ages. Whether you want to say ‘I Love You’ to your beloved or ‘Happy Birthday’ to your friends or ‘Happy Anniversary’ to your parents, a bouquet of roses, red, white, pink or yellow, seems to be the perfect accompaniment. Though there are so many varieties of roses in market, the ones that have been grown by you, in your own home; will always have a special significance attached to them. For learning how to propagate rose, from cuttings, check out the tips mentioned below.

How to Propagate Roses
Somewhere around late summer or early autumn, select a healthy rose cane for propagation. Make sure that the cane is around one to two feet in length.
Cut off the cane from the point that is just above an outward facing bud.
Remove all the leaves and twigs from the cane and if possible, the thorns also.
The cane should then be cut into lengths of 6 to 9 pieces. Try to ensure that the bottom of each piece is as close to a leaf node as possible.
If you want, you can use a natural rooting hormone at this point of time. Chop willow twigs and soak them in a bucket of water overnight. Thereafter, dip the ends of the cuttings in it and let them sit overnight.
Next, plant each of the cuttings in a separate pot, which has enough good quality potting soil. You can also put a bit of sand in the bottom of the hole, for drainage.
While planting the cuttings, make sure that at least 2/3 of their length is under the soil.
Spray some water on the cuttings and well as the soil. Then, wrap the pots with a plastic bag and secure.
Keep the pots outside the house, in such an area that receives enough sunlight, but not directly. In other words, the sunrays should never ever fall on the pots directly.
Check out condition of the pots on a regular basis and make sure that the cuttings are always moist, but not wet.
In around a month’s time, you will notice the cuttings growing roots. This is time when you should take them out of the pot and plant them in your garden, at a temporary place. In this case, ensure that the place where you are planting the cuttings does not receive the rays of the midday sun.
By the following summer, your cuttings will have grown to quite an extent and almost become plants. If you notice the appearance of flower buds, make sure to remove them immediately. This is because, right now, the young plants need all the energy for growing strong.
In most probability, your plants will be well rooted by the following autumn. This is the time when you should lift them out of soil carefully and replant them in their permanent location.

Almost all of us have numerous items in our home that are rarely used in the day-to-day life. Some of the things are seasonal, while the others are just used once in a month or say, once in a year. Though such items are important for that particular period, they are, as good as, waste at other times. Nevertheless, they occupy major storage space in the house, leading to space shortage in case of other things. The best solution in such a case is to build a shed within the premises of your house, where you can store the items that are used either infrequently or just outdoors. With the information given below, know how to build wooden storage shed.

Tips on Building Wooden Storage Shed 

• Before you start building a storage shed, you need to decide on the exact location where you want it to be. Remember that the shed should always be on level ground and at such a place that is easily accessible from your house, garage or workspace.
• Make sure that the location you have selected for the storage shed does not make it stand over underground cables or pipes. If by any chance, the cables or pipes get faulty, you will have to spend lot of time, money and effort in getting them repaired.
• Now, the next thing that you will be required to do is deciding upon a particular shed plan. While doing this, keep in mind the amount of space that will be consumed by the things you plan to store in the shed. Always add some extra space, for future needs. Most of the home improvement stores have ‘do-it-yourself’ guides for shed plans.
• After deciding on the plan, you need to make a list of all the materials and parts that will be required for building the shed. The usual items include tools like saws, hammers, measuring tape, rafter squares and levels. You will also need materials, including wood, hinges, doors, roofing materials, etc. Lastly, make sure to buy a pair of safety goggles for yourself.
• Following the plan of the storage shed, build it from the ground up. The first thing to be installed should be floor decking. It should be secured to the ground, with the help of stakes or foundation blocks.
• Next, start working on the walls. After that, go for the door and windows, if you are planning to add any. The roof of the shed should be added the last, after the rest of the structure has been properly secured and fastened.
• If possible, build your storage shed from a prefabricated kit. It will especially be helpful if you are attempting something like this for the first time. Though the kit will be a bit expensive, it is the best for beginners

Imagine a home with a unique rustic décor set amidst a contemporary setting! Well of late, a lot of people residing in the urban areas have taken up decorating their homes the rustic way. The color scheme, furniture, lightings and even architecture in some homes are designed in a way that it emanates a rustic feel. In this article, we have discussed ideas whose incorporation can help you to provide your living space the same rustic feel.

Use of Texture

Diligent use of texture, especially in case of furniture made out of wood, is the easiest way to imbibe a rustic look to a living space. Be careful about going overboard if you have absolutely no idea how rustic furniture should look like. In this case, you can take advice of a professional designer. You are required to pick some very traditional looking furniture items like bent willow chairs and old oak table. Having an ethnic wooden almirah will also look nice.

Cushions and Pillows

Use cushions and pillows in your house, which will help soften up the texture and also provide contrast to the rustic décor. Cushions and pillows can be used on the bed, sofa, chair, swing and other such furniture pieces. You can use cushions and pillows bearing forest themes, log cabin or any other rustic images for adding a rustic feel to the place.

Use of Traditional Handicraft Items

For decorating a house in a rustic style, what can be a better idea than using art and craft items that have been made by rural artisans? In this, you have ample options no matter in which part of the world you live. For example, you can hang sea-shell encased decorative mirror on the wall, keep iron / brass figurines on shelves, decorate wall with a rug or handmade painting. A swing kept on the porch is a great idea.

Rustic Lightings

Right kind of lighting in a rustic style home decoration is very pertinent. If you reside in colder regions, then install a fireplace in your house. In warmer regions, you need to use lighting that will blend in easily with the rest of the rustic décor. You also get metal and wooden lanterns from the market, which you can hang in specific corners of the house. Keep nice candles for use during special candle-light dinner party. Chandeliers can be hung from the ceiling.

Give Each Room a Unique Rustic Feel
Different corners or divisions of the house can have their own unique rustic touch. For instance, use antlers for a pot rack in the kitchen. Use table linens that look traditional. Small pieces of logs can make neat trivets. In the bedroom, the use of carved wooden bed and its headboard will provide the right rustic look. There can be a simple wooden table and chair in one corner.

There is nothing more enjoyable than painting rooms for kids and see them smile wide when their fresh new room is ready! Kids have a unique imagination and sometimes, their ideas may bowl you over. They should also be made a part of the task of choosing a room color as they may have a certain image in mind that you won’t. With kids around, you won’t have to worry about creativity! However, if you still require ideas, we have given below a plethora of them to help you choose the right color for kids’ rooms.

Traditional Colors

The traditional or conventional colors include pink and blue. Ideally, girls are associated with pinks and boys with blue. So if you have a little girl, consider warm shades of pink like baby pink for the walls and a slightly darker shade for the door or windows. You can have pink pillows, matching pink bed sheets with cute graffiti on them. Likewise, if you have little boys, consider doing up their walls in baby blue and the doors in a shade lighter than cobalt blue. Get dark blue pillows and co-ordinate them light blue sheets.

Warm Colors

Warm colors for kids’ rooms are also a good idea to paint the walls with. Warm colors belong to the red side of the color palate and can be used as lighter shades of colors like orange and red. These colors tend to provide warm, intimate and relaxing atmosphere in the room and make a person feel comfortable and pampered. Take care not to use these colors in bright tones as they have a tendency to excite or stimulate or even make a person aggressive.

Cool Colors

Cool colors are basically found on the blue side of the color palate. They are called cool colors since they have the ability to cool and calm down a stressed out kid. Try not to use these colors in dark shades as that can have adverse effects on the kid. Darker shades tend to depress the person and also drain out energy. Use colors like blue-green, light blue, baby blue, light violet and even a combination of blue and white. It will cool down your kid to a great extent and make him/her cheerful.

Neutral / Ground Colors
Neutral or ground or muted colors are also an ideal choice for painting a kids room with. These colors are natural colors and provide a sense of well-being, comfort and relaxation. These colors are found in nature and include shades like grays, browns, beige, light yellows, muted yellow, creams, etc. If your kid is a bit hyperactive, consider painting the room in one of these shades and you will yourself see the calming effect

A home reflects the personality of its inhabitants. For instance, a contemporary décor reflects that you believe in living as per the changing times, while the castle look exhibits your taste for luxury and extravagance. If you are one of those who prefer simplicity and beauty of nature, then southwest style interior decoration is what will woo you. It is all about bringing the nature inside, through the use of natural materials, like clay, wood, wrought iron, cotton, wool, etc. The essence of a southwest home décor is an uncluttered and modest, yet inviting, look for the house. To know how to go about decorating your house as per this style, check out the ideas given below.

Southwestern Style Interior Decoration Ideas

Colors
The first thing that you need to keep in mind, in context of southwestern home décor, is about the colors in the house. You can easily blend a number of colors for the purpose. A good example is matching the greens of cactus plant, with pinks and reds from its flowers. Just close your eyes and imagine a sunrise or sunset. What do you see? Shades of coral, purple, brown and blue? Go on and incorporate theses shades throughout the house, in wall colors, fabrics, accessories, and so on.

Textiles
The right textiles can help you impart the perfect southwest look to your house. Make sure to have textiles with motifs based on American Indian cultures, native to the region. Rugs, blankets and table runners, in diamond patterns and cotton and wool fabrics, will work pretty well. You can also use rugs and blankets made by Navajo Indians. In order to avoid the look of clutter, fuse together patterned and solid textiles. You can complement rugs, with large and colorful patterns, with upholstered furniture, having much smaller pattern or solid color.

Materials
Make sure to give due emphasis on the materials that you plan to use in your house. The furniture should be all wooden, with such a polish that gives it a rustic look. Completely avoid ornate carvings and keep the detailing simple. If you are planning to use accent furniture, keep the color palette natural. Try to use as much leather, suede, cotton and wool, as possible, especially in case of upholstery and rugs. Use slate and terra cotta for walkways and river rock, turquoise and other stones for accent décor.

Accessories
Accessories can help impart the perfect look to any house, be it any type of décor. Make substantial use of hand-painted tiles and clay pottery, along with art in the form of sand paintings. Vivid rugs, as wall hangings, make the room look colorful. If you can, get images of gecko lizards and Kokopelli, a fertility deity. Infact, you can buy a number of items with these images on, like wrought-iron wall hangings. You can also try wrought iron for other accessories and have armoires and cabinets in the house.

Southwestern Home Décor Tips
For the purpose of accessorizing, always make use of natural adornments. For example - a glass vase filled with rocks, a large bowl filled with water and rose petals, etc.
Always make sure to use such materials and items that exude simplicity and comfort.
Southwestern look is all about bringing nature, indoors. For the purpose, make use of plants such as cacti and succulents, in a room.

One of the most hassle-free fabrics that are available in the markets is fleece. It comes in a variety of weights and is a breathing fabric. It is the ideal fabric to make blankets from, to keep warm and cozy on chilly nights. A no-sew blanket can be the ideal gift to your family, more so when you make it yourself. Yes, even if your sewing skills are close to non-existence, you can easily make fleece blankets! Wondering how? This is where we come in the scene. Given below are easy step-by-step instructions that will tell you how to make no sew fleece blankets, right at the comforts of your home. So get down and start making blankets and give them away as gifts for Christmas! Your family will love it!

You Need:
Two 2-yard pieces of fleece or two fleece blankets
Sewing Pins
Scissors

Instructions

Place in front of you, the two pieces of fleece or fleece blankets on top of each other with the noticeable right side facing out.
Pin the sides together with sewing pins or safety pins, keeping a distance of 4 inches from the edge.
In case you are using readymade blankets, cut off the woven edges with a sharp pair of scissors. Cut it neatly with precision, making sure that the edges of both blankets are cut evenly.
From each corner, measure a 4 inch square and cut it out. Then cut four-inch long strips going all the way around the blanket. Be sure you leave an inch between the cuts.
The strips that you cut from the top piece should now be tied with the matching strips you have from the bottom. This will give the blanket a fringed look. Your no-sew fleece blanket is ready

 Bonsai is the popular technique of creative miniaturization of trees by planting them in containers. It is an art that incepted in China, whereas the name ‘Bonsai’ was born out of the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese word ‘Penzai’. In present times, the term ‘Bonsai’ is used informally in the West to describe all dwarf or miniature plants. But Bonsai plants are not dwarfed genetically! They can be created out of almost any type of tree or shrub. They stay small because of confinement in a pot as well as systematic pruning of crown or root. Read this article to learn the technique of growing a Bonsai plant.

Technique of Growing Bonsai
There are different ways of growing a Bonsai tree or plant. Normally the plant is directly purchased from a nursery stock, but one can also grow a Bonsai from seed through a process called ‘Misho’. Growing a Bonsai out of a seed is time and effort consuming, but it allows the planter to control the Bonsai’s pattern of growth right from the start. The small size of the Bonsai tree and its foliage is maintained by regular pruning. Copper or aluminum wire wrapped around branches and trunks holds the branches of the Bonsai plant in place till it lignifies or converts into wood. In some cases, you can also add fertilizer to the soil of the Bonsai plant.

Watering Bonsai
The process of watering different Bonsai plants varies. Some Bonsai require watering with a fine hose, some Bonsai do fine with automatic watering systems, while some others just need to be immersed in water for a short time. Again while few Bonsai species can stand periods of relative dryness, few others need near-constant moisture. If you water too regularly or let the soil remain wet constantly, then this might cause the root of the Bonsai plant to rot. Even too much or too little of sunshine and wind are known to adversely affect the Bonsai.

Repotting the Bonsai
Bonsai plants need to be repotted and its roots pruned from time to time. When these two things have to be done, depends on the growth and age of the Bonsai plant. It is generally during the initial growing stage of the Bonsai plant that the repotting is done. The frequency of repotting and root pruning of the Bonsai plant lessens after they become more mature. This keeps the plant from becoming pot-bound and also supports the development of fresh feeder roots. In the process, the Bonsai too gets to absorb moisture more efficiently.

Wiring Bonsai Plant
The wiring of the Bonsai is done to grow the plant into an attractive shape. But the point to be remembered is that wiring is not required for all types or species of Bonsai plants. Some Bonsais are very fragile and wiring is not advised to be used on them. Timely trimming of the branches and twigs is adequate for such plants. How to apply the wire on the Bonsai plant correctly takes some time to master because of the technical aspect of what the wire does and how it does it. Wrong wiring of the Bonsai can kill the plant.

Tools Needed for Growing Bonsai
You will need to use special tools for growing and taking care of the Bonsai plant. The most common tool is the concave cutter, which is used to trim away the flush without leaving behind any stub. Some other tools required for growing the Bonsai plant include branch bending jacks, wire pliers and shears of varied sizes. Anodized aluminum or copper wire is employed to provide shape to the Bonsai plant branches and hold them till they become set.

Pot and Containers for Bonsai Plant
The pot or container in which the Bonsai plant is to be grown is equipped with tiny holes. These holes allow the extra water to run out. Normally each hole in the pot is covered with a mesh or a plastic screen to keep the soil from escaping along with the extra water. The pots or containers for growing the Bonsais come in varied shapes, sizes and colors. Containers that have straight sides and sharp corners are more apt for growing typical Bonsai plants, whereas oval or round containers are good for plants having unusual shapes.

Pillows and cushions are indispensable for any house décor. They can be put to a wide variety of uses in your house. You can place them in your drawing room, on sofas and settees, or on your bed. Pillows spruce the interiors of your house by adding color and vibrancy to it, as their covers are available in diverse shades and patterns. These days, zippered pillow covers are very much in use. A zipper gives a neat finish to the pillow, without even displaying the opening. In case you wish to vent out your creativity, sew an easy-to-make pillow cover all by yourself. Sewing a zippered pillow cover does not require much material or time. If you want to surprise people with your craft, get ready to sew a pillow cover, following the directions given below.

How to Sew Zippered Pillow Cover
Place the zipper right side down on the right side of one long edge of a rectangular fabric.
Paste the zipper to the edge of the fabric with a zig zag stitch, along the sewn edge.
Turn the fabric, exposing the front of the zipper.
Top stitch, next to the fold by the zipper tape.
Now, sew the second piece of the fabric to the zipper, ensuring that the ends of the fabric line up evenly on the zipper tape.
Place the back pieces with the zipper on top of the pillow front piece.
Fold the second back piece, to create a zipper flap. However, the back pieces should be of the same size as the front piece.
Press and pin the flap fold, to hold it in place.
Stitch the flap in place, by sewing on the zipper tape.
Hem the ends of the zipper flap.
To prepare the Front Panel, join the Front & Back Panel
Open half the zipper.
Match the edges of the back and front wrong sides and then seam them together.
Turn pillow on the right side out, push all corners and press.
Now, place pillow in pillow cover.

Not everybody has a fire place in his home, but the one who has should consider himself lucky. If others are boasting of the appliances they have, to ward off the winter chill, let us tell them that a fire place serves as an enduring architectural element in the house as well. You can add a personal touch to the mantle by decorating it creatively. It is one of the most prominent structures in any room and instantly catches the eye. Thus, an intricately decorated mantel not only enlivens up you room, but also shows your nose for innovation. One of the easiest and exclusive ideas to garnish your mantel is adorning it according to different seasons. For some interesting fireplace mantle decoration tips, read on.

Mantle Decoration Ideas
Spring - The season of spring is synonymous with greenery and vivacity. Decorating your mantel with tall grasses is a wonderful idea. They not only bring life to your room, but also create an outdoor illusion in the interiors. For this, you can use a geometric shaped vase or a distinctive urn, fill it with grasses and place it on one end of the mantle. On the other end of the mantle, you can place candles sticks in different heights, to balance the arrangement. For the rest of the mantle add some fresh flowers or greenery, in bright colored containers.
Summer - Summers are usually bright, with a lot of light and sunshine. To create the same ambience, you can fill fresh flowers in pretty glass bottles and bowls. You can even leave some of them empty. Flower petals in transparent bottles and bowls are another great idea. For a peppier look, make use of containers with few colored pieces or even ceramics in pastel colors.
Autumn - A dreary autumn look has its own charm. For this, you can use outdoorsy naturals, such as twigs, eucalyptus, or curling willow, in earthy or sunset colored containers, highlighting the effect. Terre Cotta is another good choice for decorating the fireplace mantle. Merge some warmly colored autumn leaves throughout the arrangement.
Winter - For winters, you can go for a decoration that either depicts warmth or cold. For instance, crystal snowflakes provide a cool yet elegant touch, which can be further teamed with Christmas ornaments, adding to the holiday and festival feel. A bowl filled with pine boughs, dotted with pinecones, creates a classic look. For a touch of warmth, add some candles or accessories on a strip of cozy fabric

There is one main problem when selecting plants for a small sized garden. You will have to pick out just a handful few from a long list of plants and trees you love. This task is easier said than done, especially if you are an avid gardener. So in order to zero in on the plants that will best adorn your garden, begin by creating a basic framework for plant selection. There are certain plant features you will have to keep in mind while choosing plants for a small garden.   

Color Preferences

When choosing plants for a small-sized garden, restrict your plant choices to just two to three colors. Selecting just two to three different types of plants will also do. So even if you pick just three different plants, you will want to pick three of each that makes a total of nine plants. Now try positioning these plants neatly in your garden.

Quantity

Incase you want your small garden to appear ready and full the very first year, then you will have to position the small plants close to one another. Another option is to purchase bigger mature plants, with which the look of your garden will get an instant makeover. But if you have the time and patience, then let your small garden grow steadily.     

Texture and Form

In order to provide your small spaced garden some depth, you will require a little variation in the texture and form of the plants you grow there. Since you will be growing just a handful of plants in your garden, pick those that have a long-term appeal. You can choose those plants that have good leafage and are variegated.    

Making the Final Draft

There is no such thing as a final draft when planting a garden. This is because as seasons change, you will keep introducing changes in the plants and overall arrangement. A garden is never finished. But it often helps if you can visualize your garden. Make a sketch of how you want your garden to look. The arrangement of plants, color synchronization, creative use of the vertical space – these are aspects people highlight in sketches before the creation of the actual garden.