A good home theatre room is more than a big screen, state of the art audio and video equipment and comfortable seating. If you want to recreate the magic of the film theatre, you need to plan the décor with the theme and ambience of cinema in mind. Put up posters of classic films and film stars to bring the world of cinema alive.

Use lighting that will create the ambience of the movie hall. Fix dimmers on the lights. Arrange your seating to achieve the intimacy of the theatre. And choose curtains, carpets and upholstery to complement it all. You can now settle down with your popcorn!

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Plan Your Own Wet Bar

Creating your own wet bar can be a very satisfying experience. You need to start by first identifying its location in the house. Then decide how many people you would like to accommodate around the bar. Next, select a theme, a mood, the look and feel, keeping in mind that it must be warm and welcoming, a place to relax in.

Plan for a fridge, since it will be handy for storing ice and ingredients, as well as for chilling beer and wine. Make space for a wine rack and dispensers for bottles. Ensure sufficient shelf space and fittings for different types of glasses, and bar tools and accessories.

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The Efficient Home office

With more and more people choosing to work from home, the need for an efficient and utilitarian home office has risen. A well planned home office can be accommodated even in the smallest apartment. However, all home offices have some things in common these days, such as a computer, fax machine, printer and copier, internet connection and so on.

Plan your work space so that everything is within reach. Arrange for sufficient storage space for all your office supplies. Ensure all electrical connections and outlets are concealed while being conveniently placed. And last but not the least, choose a comfortable chair for yourself, since you will be spending a lot of time in it!

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Rocking Chairs for Your Home

Rocking chairs are the most comfortable chairs to sit on. These have legs mounted on curved bases (rockers) which enable a smooth rocking motion. Indoor rockers are usually made of wood and wicker and have cushions for comfort, as well as to facilitate matching with curtains and upholstery.

Outdoor rockers for patio, porch, garden, terrace, etc are usually made with wood, plastic and aluminum, and aren’t always cushioned. Rockers for children are normally made of wood or fiberglass and are often in the shape of animals like horses. Another type of rocker is the glider which is more contemporary in style and has multiple uses.

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Plants to Brighten Your Home

Indoor plants can make a great deal of difference to the environment in your home. They add color and brightness, in addition to moisture, and also convert carbon dioxide into oxygen. However, you need to make certain arrangements prior to bringing plants into your home.

Base your selection of plants on the availability of light and range of temperatures. Do you have direct sunlight or diffused light? Which are the areas that will provide adequate light and fresh air? Decide on the placement of plants in order to complement the color scheme and décor of the room. Try to keep the plants away from draughts that might dry them out.

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Plan Your Own Bathroom

In its own way, the bathroom is a sanctuary. It’s a place you want to relax in, and would like it to be warm and welcoming. When planning a bathroom, you need to decide on the color scheme that should ideally be calm and soothing. First decide on the fittings before you accessorize. Plan the storage space, such as cabinets, with utility in mind.

Try to choose a full length mirror fitted with a bright light over it. Also add low incandescent lighting when you want to have a relaxing soak in the tub. And finally, choose bath linen and shower curtains in colors that will complement the color scheme of your bathroom.

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How to Plan Your Baby’s Nursery

The arrival of a new baby is always exciting and you would naturally want to plan the nursery down to the last detail. You’ll find a wide range of nursery furniture and furnishings to choose from these days, within your budget. Ideally, choose a décor and color scheme that is gender-neutral.

Choose a theme before you decide on the furniture and accessories. Select a crib that can convert to a toddler’s bed and a full-sized dresser that will have long term use. Plan for plenty of storage space for baby’s toys, clothes and linen. Keep safety in mind while selecting paints and fabrics, opting for non-toxic materials.

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Flooring Solutions for your Home

For visitors entering your home, the first thing they step on is the floor. So your choice of flooring is pivotal to the first impression made on your guests. Is it smooth or textured? Shiny or matte? In colored or neutral tones? These are decisions you have to take based on usage – which room is it for? Will a lot of people walk over it? Will there be a lot of wear and tear?

You will need to choose tough flooring for kitchens and bathrooms, which are non-slip, durable and easy to clean. While bedrooms and living rooms should have warm rugs and carpets. Try to maintain continuity through intelligent use of color.

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Carpets for Your Home

Carpets not only possess decorative value but also provide warmth in cold weather. You have multiple choices these days and should select one based on your specific need and décor objectives. Carpets can be made from either synthetic material or woolen yarn sewn to a backing. The most durable material for carpets is Nylon. It is long-lasting and will survive the daily wear and tear of a family with children and pets.

The choice of carpet will depend on which room it’s for; how much traffic there will be; and the color scheme of the room. Keep in mind that any change in décor will necessitate a change of carpet. Hence, choose a neutral color and pattern.

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Adding Color to your Room

There’s more to adding color to your room than just painting the walls. Of course, it always helps to paint one wall in a vibrant color like a red, blue or green. But you can also add color to your room by using different design elements. Bring neutral shades to life with touches of bright colors in the cushions and rugs. And try curtains with geometric patterns in contrasting colors.

Play around with accessories that will create splashes of color. Vases in primary colors or crystal bowls full of fruits. How about a large painting or poster that echoes the colors used in the room? Experiment with light and shade; white and bright; or even plain and printed.

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