Homes are now fast becoming spaces that serve a variety of purposes; right from being a comfortable place to stay for the inhabitants to a party venue. People are proud to show off their homes since they are painstakingly decorated to attract the attention of guests. Out of the various accessories used to decorate a house, candles are extremely popular and add that refining touch making the house look warm and welcoming.

History of Candles
Candles were used extensively in the times before electricity was discovered, as they were the best and probably the only source of light available then. Even today candles are important for religious purposes and also as a means to evoke tender feelings in a home.

What type of candles should you choose and how to place them?
Candles should be chosen according to the place that will be decorated. If a small table is the object of decoration, then one may buy large candles in different colours to create an effect that spreads more light around the table. Similarly if the candles are to be arranged closely then small, colourful candles can be used for better effect.

Accessories Complementing Candles
A variety of accessories are available to enhance the look of candles when decorated. Candle holders and stands, candle wall holders can be used if there are kids around and you need to prevent mishaps. Candles are also available in various sizes and shapes, scented candles are very popular to be used on special occasions.

Decorating with candles for a party
A party at home being very special for the owners, it is important to go through the details of arranging the same carefully.
• Select candles according to the occasion
• Place the candles in the desired spaces to create the correct effect ensuring that they emit just the right amount of light.
• Test them beforehand to avoid last minute hassles. This ensures that all candles will burn nicely and last till the party lasts.
• Try different colour schemes to get the desired effect. For example, for natural light around the place, it is good to use big, white or plain candles that give out maximum light.

Other advantages of using candles
• Candles can help save on energy when used to light up a home for some period of the day.
• They are also great stress relievers as the view becomes beautiful.
• Scented candles have a variety of fragrances to offer that are pleasing and soothing at the same time.
• They are an exquisite way to decorate a place, available in reasonable price ranges along with expensive designer ones.

Types of candles
•Votive candles
These are the plain, white candles used in religious ceremonies that look serene and tranquil.
•Container shaped candles
These are made by pouring wax in to containers of various shapes and sizes and are also available in different colours.
•Taper Candles
These are shaped such that they taper towards the end giving them a beautiful look. These are also available in various colours.
•Pillar candles
These are straight and solid looking. Pillar candles have a firm base due to which the need for stands is eliminated.
•Floating candles
These are now very popular and are used for decorative purposes along with flowers.

How to make beautiful candles at home?
You will need a container, mould, cotton threads and of course wax/ paraffin to make candles. You can also use gel to make candles.

•Prepare a mould or simply buy the ones available in the market and apply oil in the interior part. You can use any durable container as a mould, anything made of metal but not plastic.
•Melt paraffin or wax using a boiler that contains water below and facilitates easy melting of the wax. Make sure that it does not burn or smoke. During this stage, add the colours that you want. Using crayons in the powdered form is the best way to colour candles.
•Prepare cotton wicks either scented or normal ones, if scented then dip them in perfume before putting them up to dry.
•Pour the wax in to the mould after removing it from the water container and place the wick dipping it right inside so that the entire candle can be used fully.

Candles are as primitive as human beings themselves and exude mystical magic in a home. That is precisely why they are becoming more and more popular as articles of decoration.

Are you moving into a new house, and do you want to do it up well? Are doing some basic remodeling? Do you want your living space to be the envy of all the neighbors? Well, then, look no further, in this article, we shall tell you all about home improvement and interior, and give you loads of decorating tips and suggestions.

A home should be so much more than a place where you cook, sleep, and hang around in. It should be a space which welcomes you back at the end of the day, a place that you think of even when you’re far away. So many of us throw our hands up in despair when the process of remodeling rears its ugly head, but remember that it doesn’t have to be so difficult. With a little thought, creativity, and research, decorating can be easy, and even fun. And with just a little effort, you can transform your living space into something fabulous!

For instance, let’s take bedroom decor. That’s a room where you need class, sophistication, and distinction. You also have to decide your budget. So what can you do to make your bedroom unique? We suggest turning your junk items into decorative items – for instance, use your old glasses as candle-holders, and turn your old blankets into cushion covers. You could also add a major architectural element – for instance, a fireplace in the bedroom adds a touch of elegance. But don’t do that if you stay in a really hot place! You could also put lots of cushions, of different sizes and shapes, on your bed, and add a wall hanging near the headboard. This brings attention to the bed. Do scour the antique shops and garage sales, as well as flea markets, for unique yet quirky items that you can pick up. Sometimes, one finds great stuff, and you could pick up items as varied as claw foot bath tubs and terracotta tiles. It’s advisable to stick to a theme, while remodeling. So if you’re going for the heritage-look-theme, stick to old antique stuff.

The bed of course, must catch your attention. There are many kinds that you could go for – adjustable bed, sofa bed, iron bed, air bed, water bed, etc. Flooring, too, plays a major role in the décor. You could consider marble flooring, bamboo flooring, laminate flooring, wooden flooring, vinyl flooring, or linoleum flooring. Among mattresses, there are also many choices – air mattress, memory foam mattress, and latex mattress.

You see, the main function of a bedroom is to offer you a sense of solace and comfort at the end of the day. You should come back to it, after a tired day, to feel a sense of respite. So remember that a little investment can go a long way in making you happier. You’ll feel great, more joyful, and at peace with your surroundings. Now, while redecorating your bedroom, you can afford to let your personality shine. So you can characterize your bedroom with lots of things. What specific things make you happy? Think about those, and try to incorporate those into the décor. Don’t go overboard, and cram the room with everything, though. It’s also important to figure out a color scheme – that sets the tone for the furnishings, lightings, and accessories. Color is very important to give a sense of proportion and balance. For instance, you could paint the wall behind your headboard a deep, rich color, and paint the adjoining walls a light, summery color. This would create a very dramatic effect, and your bedroom would definitely stand out.

Another thing you need to understand is that colors create impressions. For instance, if you have a small room, and want to make it appear larger, then paint the walls a pale shade – this gives the impression and feeling of spaciousness, and the light rays are reflected instead of being absorbed. And if you want to give the impression of a warm, cozy bedroom – then go for dramatic shades – warm colors like blue, dark green, etc. go a long way in making your bedroom look really livable and welcoming.

Next up, you need to think about the lighting. We advise you to make the most of the natural light – there’s nothing like it. Of course, you will need artificial light too. Many people do great decoration, but don’t pay attention to the lighting – and that’s a major mistake. In any redecoration, lighting is one of the most important elements. First, look at how much natural light you get in the bedroom, and for how long. Depending on that, you can play on the sunny atmosphere by going for a cooler color scheme. And if you don’t get too much natural light, a warmer color palette will help you eliminate the feeling of coldness.

Bedding is another major element. You get bedding in different shapes and sizes, and even designs. A wide range is available – right from custom-designed outline-quilted bedspread to sophisticated duvet covers, so you need to know what works best with your bedroom. Do not go for excess. Often, going overboard with pillows and cushions will make your bedroom look like the inside of a padded cell! So content yourself with going or multiple pillow shams, and decorative accent pillows. So make sleeping an enjoyable experience with choosing the right bed sheets. Measure your bed in advance, and then get pillows and sheets that fit. You must also look at the Thread count per inch, to know how many threads are there in a square inch of the sheet material – usually, anything over 250, and fewer than 400 is comfortable and soft, and also durable. Also, look at what kind of material you would like – silk, cotton, linen, etc. Flannel is a well-loved option nowadays, satin is expensive, but totally worth it.

So there you go, you have many amazing guidelines for decorating or remodeling your bedroom. And remember, it doesn’t have to be difficult; it can be an easy and fun process if you put a little thought and creativity into it.

Next up, regarding home improvement and interior; let’s talk about the children’s bedroom. You need to create a room for them that will nurture their imagination, and create their sense of belonging. You might be overwhelmed by the range of options available, but with some basic techniques and designs, you can create a room that your children will not want to leave. First, you need to create a room that is multi-purpose. Your child will not just be sleeping there, but will also be playing, and doing his homework. So you need to incorporate a study area, a sleeping area, and a playing area. And if you have some space left over, you might even have a small seating arrangement. Do get your kids’ involvement – they will be brimming with all sorts of ideas and suggestions, and perhaps you could take a few. If your child is old enough, he might be extremely involved in the process, might suggest themes, colors, and designs.

There are lots of themes available for a child’s room you just have to decide any one theme. If your son likes football, you could have a theme on that. If your little girl likes dolls, you could go for a Barbie theme. Other themes include underwater theme, pirate ship, meadows, or even a jungle theme. You could take inspiration for a theme from a magazine, or a TV show, or even something you see around you. The idea is to be creative and innovative, and make your children’s room stand out, in terms of interiors. Once you’ve selected the theme, you should decide the colors and the furniture, with that theme in mind. Don’t go overboard, however, you shouldn’t drive yourself into bankruptcy – your child will have a great room, but won’t be able to go to school! So chalk out a budget, and stay within the limits.

Wallpaper murals are the rage nowadays – you could have one in your kid’s room. They create a focal point, and accentuate a particular space. One primary advantage is that they’re extremely easy to install, and many options are available. Moreover they are not seemed to be too expensive. When it comes to furniture, you can check out the stores – do take your child along, he might give good suggestions. When it comes to choosing fabrics, choose something that’s durable, because your child will be playing in the room, so you need to go with something that is rough, and wear-and-tear. Choose wood that matches your own furniture, and choose styles that go with the overall décor and theme. You could accessorize the room with a kid’s rocking chair, a rocking-horse, or even small sofas. Do be sure to check that the furniture is sturdy. You can have a small seating arrangement with a table and chairs – where your child and his friends can color, eat, or look at books.

Today, there’s a huge industry dedicated solely to children – furniture of all sorts, linen, etc. For instance, you can buy Spongebob towels and perhaps a wardrobe with a Calvin and Hobbes pattern! The selection is really vast, so you need to look around. Spend lots of time in the room checking out lighting. If there is harsh sunlight in a particular spot at a particular time, chances are your child might wake up, and start fussing. So you need to be practical, and take your time to do the perfect decorating.

Baby’s room decorating can be tons of fun too. In fact, it’s one of the added joys of bringing an infant home. The process can start months in advance, and can provide a great past-time during your pregnancy. Furniture essentials for a baby’s room include a crib, a bassinet (or cradle), a chest of drawers, a changing table, a mobile to hang over the crib or bassinet, a rocking chair, and perhaps a toy chest. When it comes to buying a crib, make sure the posts have a reasonable distance between them, or a newborn might slip through them and fall. If it’s a second-hand crib, make sure the paint isn’t lead-based, as this could harm the baby if he chews on it. Avoid halogen lamps as they bring too much heat.

A lot of parents complain that it’s impractical to go all out with the decoration of a baby’s room – they spent thousands of dollars choosing color schemes, themes, and accessories, as well as furniture. They say the kid is too young to understand it, and by the time the child is 2 or 4 years old, and actually old enough to appreciate the colors and patterns, usually he wants to have his own say and choose his own stuff. And there goes a new redecoration! You can stay grounded, and not spend too much, by simply painting the room with nice light colors, and then using accessories to give a baby-feel to the room. You don’t need to go for elaborate murals, furniture, or painting. So don’t spend money on expensive wall-to-wall carpeting or rugs, which the child will say he doesn’t want after a couple of years, instead, use lamps, framed pictures, and stuffed toys, which the kid will love, and will want even when his room is redecorated. So keep safety and comfort in mind, and think about how the space will be used in the future, and then you can go ahead with some great decorating!

However, making your kids’ room look great doesn’t just end with decorating. You need to figure out ways to control the clutter, because let’s face it, kids are pretty darn messy. You put away everything neatly, they go in and play, and then it seems like a tornado just passed through. So what can you do, for clutter-control? You need to figure out a personalized organizational system, so that your child’s room is clean and tidy. Sort through his things, go drawer by drawer, and get rid of stuff that’s not needed. Outgrown clothing or out-of-season stuff should be removed. Install the shelves at your kid’s height, so that he can reach it, and hang up stuff. Keep separate drawers for socks and under-garments. Keep toys in a chest, books on the shelf, and show your child how to clean up. In fact, the sooner you start showing him how to clutter-control his room, the sooner he’ll learn and become neat. You can also make use of labeling, and label shelves to show your child what goes where. So it’s important that you show your little one how to maintain the room, so that you don’t find yourself crying to high Heaven because of the mess.

And what other strategies can you use, for your child’s room? You should make storage a priority – children tend to accumulate lots of stuff, so put in wardrobes, cupboards, shelves, etc. You might also put in wicker baskets and containers for an added effect. The window treatment should ideally be simple, avoid long drapery which children can stumble over and hurt themselves. Shades, short curtains, and blinds are more safe options. Go for versatile fabrics. Try to get a night-light, if your kid is afraid of the dark. Go for washable walls, because kids tend to draw on them, so you need to get something that washes off.

Now let’s talk about the kitchen. It’s definitely one of the most important rooms in the house. Today, kitchens are a multi-million dollar industry, with modular kitchens, architectural elements, crown moldings, great appliances, and stylish hardware available and crying out for you to buy them. So you need to think about certain stuff, when it comes to decorating your kitchen. For instance, remember that a classical kitchen should have oak wood. You can also go for an open kitchen, which gives a great stylish look – a kitchen that is part of the living room, or the dining room, gives the feel of a utilitarian work-space. And if you’re going for a contemporary kitchen look, then use fine-grained wood like maple or cherry. However, you also have the option of mixing and matching wood finishes, and textures, to give a more interesting look to the kitchen. When it comes to the shape, you can zero in on the U-shape (which is traditionally preferred), but even the L-shape, the island-shape, and the gallery-shape are popular.

If you want lavish dining, then silver and gold dinnerware will do the trick, and for common use – you can go for stainless steel crockery and cutlery. You should also have a glass cabinet to show off your best china, and glassware that may have been handed down to you by a previous generation. Make sure you are making the best use of the space available – because you will need to put all in the same space such as gas stove, a gas cylinder, oven, microwave, coffee-maker, dishwasher, toaster, etc. Managing of the space is very important.

Your kitchen counter should be durable, and easy to clean. You can go for granite, marble, or slate – even mosaic tile is a great option. All of these will give a unique look to your kitchen. You also need lots of storage space in the kitchen – rollout shelves, vertical tray dividers, drawer inserts, pullouts, and of course recycling bins and appliance garages. Kitchen flooring, if it’s a bold color – can be quite expensive on the pocket, so if your budget doesn’t allow it, you can go for neutral colors, which are more traditional and cost-effective. Do take care of your lighting, because you shouldn’t be cooking in dim light – you might put in pepper instead of salt!

When it comes to the kitchen walls, go for neutral colors like light green or beige, which will give a refreshing look. Jarring colors shouldn’t be put into the kitchen. You can also use mirrors to capture natural light, this will help in light distribution. For a more unique feel to the kitchen, you can have a shelf full of cookbooks. This will not only make a nice display, it’ll encourage you to try new recipes – and who knows, you might not find that Moussaka difficult to prepare! You can also put a couple of potted plants – they soften up the room, and give a touch of elegance in a kitchen. Also, accessorize your kitchen with dish towels, canister sets, pot holders, and salt and pepper holders.

And finally, just a few quick words on the bathrooms. You can make them functional and stylish, with a nice funky color scheme – in fact, there are special paints that inhibit the growth of mold, and prevent damp. Go for nicely-designed cabinets and a vanity unit, and make good use of the space available. Accessorize with bath mats, brightly designed shower curtains, and towels. And lastly, don’t forget to keep your bathroom clean. A messy bathroom looks far from elegant, and dirty. Plus, it leads to mold and damp.

You see, decorating can be a lot of fun, only if you put a little effort into it. Some creativity is required, you shouldn’t be afraid to play around and consider new ideas. Simple changes can add a dramatic look, and personalizing your own space will make you really want to come back to your home at the end of the day. You must remember to stay within the budget, and look around for new tips, ideas, and suggestions – often magazines and books can give you great stuff, and even the Internet is a plethora of information. So you can make your home where the heart is.