Family Life or How to buy Tableware

Pottery

Family Life or How to buy Tableware
Author: Elen Meerovich
For someone who appreciated the finer things in life,who wants everything to be just right, the luxury and elegance of Spode and MInton is for you.They have something for every stylish dining occasion,whethere formal or relaxed, with friends and family.

If you want your home to be beautiful make sure to add a value to this one with beautiful Spode and Minton Porcelain Sets. Timeless-Elegant.Superior quality and never go out of style You'll get absolutely what you want.

The History of Spode and Minton

Josiah Spode I,
1733-1797

Josiah Spode, a former apprentice of the great Staffordshire potter, Thomas Whieldon, and continued by his son Josiah Spode II. Josiah Spode I established a factory in 1761 in Shelton,and another in the town of Stoke in 1764.

He built up a highly successful business, first in cream ware (a delicate cream-colored earthenware) and later (from 1784) in pearl ware (fine white-glazed earthenware) transfer-printed in blue; his son, also trained as a potter, ran the firm's warehouse in London. Josiah Spode II led the development of bone china, which became the standard English porcelain body from about 1800 onwards.

Spode's two famous contributions to the Pottery Industry were the perfection of transfer printing in 1784 and the development of fine bone china in about 1799. (although bone china is a porcelain it is always referred to as bone china) The successful development of bone china by the Spode factory at Stoke-on-Trent (around 1770-present - the exact date the factory was stared is not known), for wares of outstanding beauty and economy in the Regency style of the early 1800s, ensured its preeminence among commercial producers.

Spode's nearest rival was Minton (1796-present), outstanding in the Victorian period for its "art" porcelains. Among Spode's chief followers in producing bone china for the mass market were Davenport (c. 1793-1887); Wedgwood for a short period between 1812 and 1822 (Wedgwood later re-introduced bone china production, and they continue production today); Ridgway, New Hall, and Rockingham. A host of lesser concerns served the expanding middle-class market.

Spode created many of his patterns after Chinese designs, he developed a highly effective method of transfer printing with blue under glazes. He also experimented with a transparent but durable bone china, arriving at a formula that is still used. His son Josiah Spode II, 1754–1827, took over the pottery factory in 1797. He is credited with having introduced feldspar into Spode ware and for producing pottery of a high technical excellence. Spode remained at the forefront of bone china and stone china production until 1833, when the factory was acquired by William Taylor Copeland and Thomas Garrett: it remained under their names until 1847, when Copeland became the sole owner.

Tomas Minton
1765-1836

Thomas Minton founded his factory in 1793/6 in Stoke-upon-Trent. Minton was Spode's nearest rival.

He was famous for Minton ware - a cream-coloured and blue-printed earthenware majolica, bone china, and Parian porcelain; his factory was outstanding in the Victorian period for its "art" porcelains. He also popularized the famous so-called Willow pattern.

Herbert Minton, 1793–1858, succeeded his father as head of the firm, and to him was due its development and reputation. He enlisted the services of artists and skilled artisans.

The first products of the Minton factory were blue transfer-printed wares, but in 1798 bone china (porcelain containing bone ash) was introduced, with considerable success. Until 1836, when Thomas Minton died and his son Herbert took over the business, the factory's staple products consisted of useful and unpretentious tablewares in painted or printed earthenware or bone china, following the typical shapes and decorative patterns of the period; figures and ornamental porcelains were made increasingly from the 1820s. In the 1820s he started production of bone china; this early Minton is regarded as comparable to French Sèvres, by which it was greatly influenced. Minton's was the only English china factory of the 19th century to employ a Sèvres process called pâte-sur-pâte (ie: painted decoration in white clay slip instead of enamel before glazing). Minton also produced Parian figures.

The Minton factory was the most popular supply source in the 19th century of dinnerware made to order for embassies and for heads of state and the factory is still producing to the present day as part of the Royal Doulton Group. Herbert Minton, one of the outstanding entrepreneurs of the 19th century, introduced new techniques and methods of production and established Mintons reputation for both industrial enterprise and artistic excellence.

A. W. N. Pugin, Sir Henry Cole, and Prince Albert were close associates whose designs were used by Minton. The painter and sculptor Alfred Stevens, the French sculptors Hugues Protât and Émile Jeannest, and the painter John Simpson were also employed there.

In 1845, Herbert Minton took Michael Daintry Hollins into partnership, and the tile-making side of the business became known as Minton Hollins & Co.Herbert Minton's successful experiments in making encaustic tiles during the 1840s had set him at the forefront of a huge industry supplying the needs of institutions, churches, and domestic interiors all over the world. Later, he was a leader in exploiting industrial techniques for producing printed and painted tiles, and for the rest of the century the firm produced tiles in a vast array of styles, many of them designed by leading artists such as Christopher Dresser, Walter Crane, John Moyr Smith, and William Wise. Relief-moulded tiles were introduced to the Minton range from the 1860s. Minton produced some of the finest examples of Parian ware, a marble-like unglazed porcelain body developed during the 1840s and used most successfully for sculptural pieces. John Bell, the American Hiram Powers, and Albert Carrier de Belleuse were among the sculptors who produced statuary for Minton; scaled-down models of larger pieces by contemporary and past sculptors were also produced in Parian, and sometimes the material was used in combination with glazed and painted bone china for display pieces.

The French ceramist Léon Arnoux became art director at Minton in 1849 and remained there until 1892. Among his achievements were the development of Renaissance-inspired ceramics such as inlaid earthenwares, pieces painted in the style of Limoges porcelain, and the richly colourful majolica, first shown at the Great Exhibition of 1851 and used for all kinds of objects from large garden ornaments and elaborate display pieces to dishes and jugs for the table. Marc-Louis Solon introduced the pâte-sur-pâte technique to Minton, having developed it previously at Sèvres. This laborious process involves building up a design in relief with layers of liquid slip, each one having to dry before the next is applied. Using this technique, Solon and his apprentices modelled diaphanously clad maidens and tumbling cherubs on vases and plaques with a skill that was unmatched at any other factory. After Herbert Minton's death in 1858, the firm was run by his nephew Colin Minton Campbell, a similarly dynamic and innovative director. Oriental decoration preoccupied Minton from the 1860s onward. Highly original pieces, both in earthenware and bone china, evoked Chinese cloisonné enamels, Japanese lacquer and ivories, Islamic metalwork and Turkish pottery. In 1870, Minton's Art Pottery Studio was established in Kensington, London, under the direction of the painter W. S. Coleman, in order to encourage both amateur and professional artists to decorate china and tiles for Minton; although popular and influential, the studio was not rebuilt when it burnt down in 1875.

Minton's output of distinguished ornamental wares continued unabated to the end of the 19th century and beyond. From 1902, a range of slip-trailed majolica wares represented Minton's contribution to Art Nouveau. Minton's ability to pursue these often expensive technical and artistic challenges is a tribute to the success of the tablewares which have been the firm's financial backbone throughout its history. As part of Royal Doulton Tableware Ltd., Minton is today able to fulfill sumptuous special commissions while still producing the tablewares that ensure its economic success.

http://www.aroundourhome.com/porcelain.htm " target=new>http://www.aroundourhome.com/porcelain.htm

http://www.aroundourhome.com/Minton_porcelain.html " target=new>http://www.aroundourhome.com/Minton_porcelain.html

About The Author

Elen Meerovich. Raised two children. Housewife.
Email: ...

Family Life or How to buy Tableware

Pottery

Family Life or How to buy Tableware
Author: Elen Meerovich
For someone who appreciated the finer things in life,who wants everything to be just right, the luxury and elegance of Spode and MInton is for you.They have something for every stylish dining occasion,whethere formal or relaxed, with friends and family.

If you want your home to be beautiful make sure to add a value to this one with beautiful Spode and Minton Porcelain Sets. Timeless-Elegant.Superior quality and never go out of style You'll get absolutely what you want.

The History of Spode and Minton

Josiah Spode I,
1733-1797

Josiah Spode, a former apprentice of the great Staffordshire potter, Thomas Whieldon, and continued by his son Josiah Spode II. Josiah Spode I established a factory in 1761 in Shelton,and another in the town of Stoke in 1764.

He built up a highly successful business, first in cream ware (a delicate cream-colored earthenware) and later (from 1784) in pearl ware (fine white-glazed earthenware) transfer-printed in blue; his son, also trained as a potter, ran the firm's warehouse in London. Josiah Spode II led the development of bone china, which became the standard English porcelain body from about 1800 onwards.

Spode's two famous contributions to the Pottery Industry were the perfection of transfer printing in 1784 and the development of fine bone china in about 1799. (although bone china is a porcelain it is always referred to as bone china) The successful development of bone china by the Spode factory at Stoke-on-Trent (around 1770-present - the exact date the factory was stared is not known), for wares of outstanding beauty and economy in the Regency style of the early 1800s, ensured its preeminence among commercial producers.

Spode's nearest rival was Minton (1796-present), outstanding in the Victorian period for its "art" porcelains. Among Spode's chief followers in producing bone china for the mass market were Davenport (c. 1793-1887); Wedgwood for a short period between 1812 and 1822 (Wedgwood later re-introduced bone china production, and they continue production today); Ridgway, New Hall, and Rockingham. A host of lesser concerns served the expanding middle-class market.

Spode created many of his patterns after Chinese designs, he developed a highly effective method of transfer printing with blue under glazes. He also experimented with a transparent but durable bone china, arriving at a formula that is still used. His son Josiah Spode II, 1754–1827, took over the pottery factory in 1797. He is credited with having introduced feldspar into Spode ware and for producing pottery of a high technical excellence. Spode remained at the forefront of bone china and stone china production until 1833, when the factory was acquired by William Taylor Copeland and Thomas Garrett: it remained under their names until 1847, when Copeland became the sole owner.

Tomas Minton
1765-1836

Thomas Minton founded his factory in 1793/6 in Stoke-upon-Trent. Minton was Spode's nearest rival.

He was famous for Minton ware - a cream-coloured and blue-printed earthenware majolica, bone china, and Parian porcelain; his factory was outstanding in the Victorian period for its "art" porcelains. He also popularized the famous so-called Willow pattern.

Herbert Minton, 1793–1858, succeeded his father as head of the firm, and to him was due its development and reputation. He enlisted the services of artists and skilled artisans.

The first products of the Minton factory were blue transfer-printed wares, but in 1798 bone china (porcelain containing bone ash) was introduced, with considerable success. Until 1836, when Thomas Minton died and his son Herbert took over the business, the factory's staple products consisted of useful and unpretentious tablewares in painted or printed earthenware or bone china, following the typical shapes and decorative patterns of the period; figures and ornamental porcelains were made increasingly from the 1820s. In the 1820s he started production of bone china; this early Minton is regarded as comparable to French Sèvres, by which it was greatly influenced. Minton's was the only English china factory of the 19th century to employ a Sèvres process called pâte-sur-pâte (ie: painted decoration in white clay slip instead of enamel before glazing). Minton also produced Parian figures.

The Minton factory was the most popular supply source in the 19th century of dinnerware made to order for embassies and for heads of state and the factory is still producing to the present day as part of the Royal Doulton Group. Herbert Minton, one of the outstanding entrepreneurs of the 19th century, introduced new techniques and methods of production and established Mintons reputation for both industrial enterprise and artistic excellence.

A. W. N. Pugin, Sir Henry Cole, and Prince Albert were close associates whose designs were used by Minton. The painter and sculptor Alfred Stevens, the French sculptors Hugues Protât and Émile Jeannest, and the painter John Simpson were also employed there.

In 1845, Herbert Minton took Michael Daintry Hollins into partnership, and the tile-making side of the business became known as Minton Hollins & Co.Herbert Minton's successful experiments in making encaustic tiles during the 1840s had set him at the forefront of a huge industry supplying the needs of institutions, churches, and domestic interiors all over the world. Later, he was a leader in exploiting industrial techniques for producing printed and painted tiles, and for the rest of the century the firm produced tiles in a vast array of styles, many of them designed by leading artists such as Christopher Dresser, Walter Crane, John Moyr Smith, and William Wise. Relief-moulded tiles were introduced to the Minton range from the 1860s. Minton produced some of the finest examples of Parian ware, a marble-like unglazed porcelain body developed during the 1840s and used most successfully for sculptural pieces. John Bell, the American Hiram Powers, and Albert Carrier de Belleuse were among the sculptors who produced statuary for Minton; scaled-down models of larger pieces by contemporary and past sculptors were also produced in Parian, and sometimes the material was used in combination with glazed and painted bone china for display pieces.

The French ceramist Léon Arnoux became art director at Minton in 1849 and remained there until 1892. Among his achievements were the development of Renaissance-inspired ceramics such as inlaid earthenwares, pieces painted in the style of Limoges porcelain, and the richly colourful majolica, first shown at the Great Exhibition of 1851 and used for all kinds of objects from large garden ornaments and elaborate display pieces to dishes and jugs for the table. Marc-Louis Solon introduced the pâte-sur-pâte technique to Minton, having developed it previously at Sèvres. This laborious process involves building up a design in relief with layers of liquid slip, each one having to dry before the next is applied. Using this technique, Solon and his apprentices modelled diaphanously clad maidens and tumbling cherubs on vases and plaques with a skill that was unmatched at any other factory. After Herbert Minton's death in 1858, the firm was run by his nephew Colin Minton Campbell, a similarly dynamic and innovative director. Oriental decoration preoccupied Minton from the 1860s onward. Highly original pieces, both in earthenware and bone china, evoked Chinese cloisonné enamels, Japanese lacquer and ivories, Islamic metalwork and Turkish pottery. In 1870, Minton's Art Pottery Studio was established in Kensington, London, under the direction of the painter W. S. Coleman, in order to encourage both amateur and professional artists to decorate china and tiles for Minton; although popular and influential, the studio was not rebuilt when it burnt down in 1875.

Minton's output of distinguished ornamental wares continued unabated to the end of the 19th century and beyond. From 1902, a range of slip-trailed majolica wares represented Minton's contribution to Art Nouveau. Minton's ability to pursue these often expensive technical and artistic challenges is a tribute to the success of the tablewares which have been the firm's financial backbone throughout its history. As part of Royal Doulton Tableware Ltd., Minton is today able to fulfill sumptuous special commissions while still producing the tablewares that ensure its economic success.

http://www.aroundourhome.com/porcelain.htm " target=new>http://www.aroundourhome.com/porcelain.htm

http://www.aroundourhome.com/Minton_porcelain.html " target=new>http://www.aroundourhome.com/Minton_porcelain.html

About The Author

Elen Meerovich. Raised two children. Housewife.
Email: ...

Discover Thailand's Priceless Beauty

Ceramics

Discover Thailand's Priceless Beauty
Author: Yanapat Jaenjira
The Benjarong is Thailand's priceless contribution to Asian pottery. Once the prized possession of royal palaces and upper-class Thais, it is today, the pride and perfection of ancient Thai craftsmanship.

But what exactly is the Benjarong and why does it possess such magical qualities with sheer beauty and serenity? Read on to unravel the history and making of this ancient masterpiece.

History of the Benjarong

During the early Ayutthaya period (1350 – 1767), Thai craftsmen made a somewhat crude multi-colored earthenware known today as the Benjarong – a term based on the Sanskrit words panch, meaning five, and rang, meaning colors, thus literally referring to the 'five-colored.' The style of painting multi-colored enamels on a white porcelain base was influenced by the Chinese Ming dynasty, and by the 17th century, the Benjarong became an exclusive household possession of rulers and high nobility – marking a period where high quality Benjarongs with unique Thai designs were produced. Colored enamels added over the glaze were fused to the surface in a descending scale of temperatures. The Benjarongs were also decorated with swirling flame-like motifs and Thai-style thepanoms, or celestial beings. These were made exclusively for the royal household as utilitarian items, such as rice bowls, stem plates and covered water jars. Shortly after, artisans applied 12 or 18 carat gold onto Benjarongs to enhance their appearance.

The Making of a Benjarong

The making of the Benjarong is a long and arduous process requiring great patience and complete dedication. A prolonged heat treatment is required after the object is made, and once again after the hand painting is done. The drying process of the hand painting cannot be accelerated by using a fan or blower, as this prevents the colors from fusing into the ceramics.

The process:

1.The ceramic ware is hand made into the specific size and shape desired.
2.The ceramic ware is heated at over 500 degrees for over 6-7 hours.
3.A few hours is spent on polishing the baked ceramic ware to smoothen the surface.
4.A thin layer of glaze is applied onto the smoothened ceramic ware.
5.The ceramic ware is heated once again to give it a glazed and polished surface.
6.A craftsman then hand paints some designs onto the polished ceramic ware.
7.Every color needs to be completely dried in order to apply a new color, taking from hours to days to complete.
8.The finished hand painting on the ceramic ware is left to dry for another 6 hours.
9.The painted ceramic ware is heated once again at over 500 degrees for 5-6 hours, as this ensures that the colors are fused into the Benjarong.

The Benjarong today is one of the most popular types of ceramics in Thailand. Known to be the most exquisite for its hand painted designs, it is of little wonder that these masterpieces are exclusively produced by only the most talented and highly skilled of Thai artisans.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Sawaddee Khap! My name is Yanapat Jaenjira; you can call me Pat. I am the founder of Royal Benjarong . My team and I have plans to launch an online store to promote Thai culture and conveniently provide the best quality Benjarongs available. Please take 30 seconds to fill up the Benjarong survey below. We appreciate your precious contribution and hope to serve your needs in the near future.

...

Discover Thailand's Priceless Beauty

Ceramics

Discover Thailand's Priceless Beauty
Author: Yanapat Jaenjira
The Benjarong is Thailand's priceless contribution to Asian pottery. Once the prized possession of royal palaces and upper-class Thais, it is today, the pride and perfection of ancient Thai craftsmanship.

But what exactly is the Benjarong and why does it possess such magical qualities with sheer beauty and serenity? Read on to unravel the history and making of this ancient masterpiece.

History of the Benjarong

During the early Ayutthaya period (1350 – 1767), Thai craftsmen made a somewhat crude multi-colored earthenware known today as the Benjarong – a term based on the Sanskrit words panch, meaning five, and rang, meaning colors, thus literally referring to the 'five-colored.' The style of painting multi-colored enamels on a white porcelain base was influenced by the Chinese Ming dynasty, and by the 17th century, the Benjarong became an exclusive household possession of rulers and high nobility – marking a period where high quality Benjarongs with unique Thai designs were produced. Colored enamels added over the glaze were fused to the surface in a descending scale of temperatures. The Benjarongs were also decorated with swirling flame-like motifs and Thai-style thepanoms, or celestial beings. These were made exclusively for the royal household as utilitarian items, such as rice bowls, stem plates and covered water jars. Shortly after, artisans applied 12 or 18 carat gold onto Benjarongs to enhance their appearance.

The Making of a Benjarong

The making of the Benjarong is a long and arduous process requiring great patience and complete dedication. A prolonged heat treatment is required after the object is made, and once again after the hand painting is done. The drying process of the hand painting cannot be accelerated by using a fan or blower, as this prevents the colors from fusing into the ceramics.

The process:

1.The ceramic ware is hand made into the specific size and shape desired.
2.The ceramic ware is heated at over 500 degrees for over 6-7 hours.
3.A few hours is spent on polishing the baked ceramic ware to smoothen the surface.
4.A thin layer of glaze is applied onto the smoothened ceramic ware.
5.The ceramic ware is heated once again to give it a glazed and polished surface.
6.A craftsman then hand paints some designs onto the polished ceramic ware.
7.Every color needs to be completely dried in order to apply a new color, taking from hours to days to complete.
8.The finished hand painting on the ceramic ware is left to dry for another 6 hours.
9.The painted ceramic ware is heated once again at over 500 degrees for 5-6 hours, as this ensures that the colors are fused into the Benjarong.

The Benjarong today is one of the most popular types of ceramics in Thailand. Known to be the most exquisite for its hand painted designs, it is of little wonder that these masterpieces are exclusively produced by only the most talented and highly skilled of Thai artisans.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Sawaddee Khap! My name is Yanapat Jaenjira; you can call me Pat. I am the founder of Royal Benjarong . My team and I have plans to launch an online store to promote Thai culture and conveniently provide the best quality Benjarongs available. Please take 30 seconds to fill up the Benjarong survey below. We appreciate your precious contribution and hope to serve your needs in the near future.

...

Decorating on a Shoestring Budget

Pottery

Decorating on a Shoestring Budget
Author: Amy Allen Clark
Right now one of the most popular shows on television is, "Trading Spaces." If you haven't gotten an opportunity to watch this show, the object of the game is to decorate one room in someone else's house with a budget of a $1,000. The decorator's truly struggle to accomplish this so you know it is hard when even they, trained professionals, are having problems creating the room of the homeowner's dreams. Do not despair just because your money is limited- you can still create a warm and inviting home frugally. When people come into our home and see our front room (the only room we have decorated since we are relatively new homeowners) they always comment on how beautiful our drapes, furniture, and whole look of this room is. Do you think I disclose that we put the furniture together ourselves and that the whole décor came compliments of Target? No way! Never divulge the sordid details, just simply bask in the glory and let them try to recreate your look. Here are a few tips for creating an inviting home on a budget.

• Watch television shows, read books, and look through magazines to gather inspiration for creating a stylish home. Although many of the things you look at are completely out of your budget, you can try to recreate it with lower costing materials and a little creativity. Some great looks can be found on http://www.potterybarn.com " target=new>www.potterybarn.com , http://www.pierone.com " target=new>www.pierone.com , http://www.ikea.com " target=new>www.ikea.com , and http://www.marthastewart.com " target=new>www.marthastewart.com .

• Paint is the cheapest way to really change a room. One thing I have learned is to never be afraid of color- bright colors can really liven up a room. Be wary though with small rooms because this can make the rooms look smaller and closed off. In smaller rooms use softer and lighter colors- yellows, light green, lavenders, and white/off-white.

• Getting your home organized will make your house look well-kept. To find out some great ways to get your home as well as yourself organized, go to http://www.organizedhome.com " target=new>www.organizedhome.com . This site is wonderful for learning how and what you need to do to clear out the rubbish in your home. With different styles of baskets to organize your items it not only makes the room look cleaner, but it also adds to the décor.

• Target, Kmart, and Walmart all offer great items for your home at a much lower cost. Target has fantastic drapes, tableware, towels, pillows, and furniture for your home. Kmart offers incredible linens, drapes, and sheets from the Martha Stewart line. Walmart offers great fabrics for those do-it-yourself projects in making pillows, drapes, and linens.

• To add pictures to your walls, look through old art books or photograph books. Buy a cheap frame to put it in and you will have beautiful artwork for a fraction of the cost.

• Rearrange your furniture in your home. Try to find new ways to break up a room or to make the room more open and inviting.

• Light a candle and put potpourri in a bowl. This really warms up a room, not to mention adding a beautiful smell to the air.

• Find slipcovers for your couches. Doing this is a lot cheaper then buying a new sofa and when you get tired of it you can take the covers off. These are especially nice if you have little children because it is a great way to preserve the quality of your furniture. The slipcovers are easier to clean because you can throw them in the wash, unlike your couch. A couple of great places to look for nice slipcovers are http://www.kohls.com " target=new>www.kohls.com and http://www.surefit.com " target=new>www.surefit.com .

• Want something in particular in your home, but can't afford it? Hit http://www.ebay.com " target=new>www.ebay.com and bid on it. Ebay always has great things for your house not to mention beautiful antiques and collectibles which make your home more unique.

• Buy large pillows to use as extra seating. These are great for when you have a large group over and not enough seating. Don't invest in more seating; just buy big beautiful pillows for your guests to sit on.

• Go to the garage sales, but go early. Those who wait do not get the deals that the early risers get. Don't underestimate the Salvation Army and Goodwill either because you can find some interesting and beautiful things for your house.

• Learn one craft that will aid you in decorating your home. Several of the fabric and craft stores offer wonderful classes for learning crafts such as sewing and floral for a very low cost. By learning crafts you can make things yourself at a lower cost or you may be able to make money off of this to afford you more luxuries in your home- you just never know.

• Hit your local Dollar Tree for some great buys on things to make your home more inviting. You might laugh at this one, but you would be surprised what ends up at that store. I have bought beautiful mugs, baskets, and stationary for a buck a piece and no one knows that I spent so little money. Try to think outside the box and go to the stores that are normally not known for quality houseware. This is where you get the real deals.

• Purchase all different types of blankets and put them under your end tables or drape one on your sofa. They make your guests feel cozy and invited especially on those cold winter nights.

• Put a book or two on your coffee table that can be a conversation piece, but don't overdo it. People tend to get carried away with this and then you lose the beauty of the furniture underneath. One or two books are nice, but four or five looks like clutter.

• If you buy the do-it-yourself furniture or have a piece that looks like it needs a face-lift try replacing the knobs on those cabinets and drawers. A beautiful brushed silver knob or ornate gold knob can make the item look entirely different.

• Replace your old plastic curtain rods with sterling silver or gold rods. Target and Kmart have some really beautiful ones with different styles of ends (leaves, fruit, glass) that really add that special touch.

• Try a theme room, but don't get carried away. Remember that whatever theme you chose you will have to live with it for a long time. Go for classic themes that seem to withstand the ages. If you choose to pick a theme for the room do hints of it throughout rooms, but don't make the entire room one big theme. Just give your guest's hints of it.

I hope these tips will offer you some insight on decorating your own home. My advice to you is that you start small and with one room at a time. Do not get carried away with redoing your whole home or you will feel overwhelmed. Concentrate your efforts on one project until you are completely satisfied and then begin thinking about another project.

About The Author

© 2003-2004 Amy Allen Clark. All rights reserved.

Amy Allen Clark is a stay-at-home mother of a two year old son. She is founder and creator of http://www.momadvice.com " target=new>http://www.momadvice.com . Her web site is geared towards mothers who are seeking advice on staying organized, living on a budget, and for those seeking work-at-home employment. Please visit her site to sign up for her free monthly newsletter filled with more great tips to help simplify your life.

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Country Home Accessories

Pottery

Country Home Accessories
Author: Lisa French

Country home décor is the most sought after home interior and it's no wonder since country décor invites a casual friendly lifestyle.

Make sure you carefully study the specific style, and color scheme then carefully coordinate the colors of each element of your country décor.

Although the kitchen is primarily a working area little touches can make a big difference:

Pie safes or glass door cabinets can be used for displaying antique china.

Hanging potted plants from the ceiling or placing them in the window.

You can also display:

• Cookbooks

• Wooden spoons

• Bowls or baskets of fruits or vegetables

• Vases of fresh flowers

• Pottery

• Old tin canister:

Pot racks are great for hanging:

• Copper pots

• Baskets

• Dried herbs

You can add a touch of country to your bathroom simply by adding:

Old glass jars, which are great, for holding cotton balls, Q-tips, or a fresh flower.

Decorative baskets, a galvanized pot, or a wine rack used in the bathroom are good for holding towels.

Baskets and pots can hold magazines, books, towels, oils, soaps, shampoos, sponges, and lotions.

Shelves can be used to display a collection of:

• Knickknacks

• Candles

• Potpourri

Don't forget you can hang pictures or display your kid's artwork, in the bathroom.

You will want your living room to have a comfortable lived in look that will always make your friends and family feel welcome.

Some charming accents can be displaying:

• Beautiful hand made quilts

• Throw pillows

• Rugs

In your living room you can also arrange:

• Candles

• Potpourri

• Plants

• Flowers

Be consistent in your choice of home interior color, styles and materials so as to avoid a patchwork look that is indicative of bad planning.

About The Author

Lisa and Charles French would like to invite you to visit their site at http://www.decorating-country-home.com " http://www.decorating-country-home.com

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