The Features of Bar Stools

Bar stools have many options in terms of style and design. Here are just a few to consider:

Arm Rest
Arm rests give a more majestic or old fashioned vibe to the chair. It can make it more comfortable for people to rest their arms. However, it can make it a little awkward to talk to people next to you.

Back Rest
Bar stools can have a low or high back rest, or no back at all. Having a backless bar stool can make it a bit uncomfortable for people with back and posture problems.

Swivel
Swiveling makes it easier for people to talk to whoever they want to talk to, though it’s slightly more expensive than stationary chairs.

Upholstery
Upholstered stools can really add a classy vibe to the atmosphere. They tend to be slightly more expensive, so it does come down to how much you’re willing to invest.

If you choose to get upholstered counter bar stools, then the question becomes whether you want a soft and plushy barstool so people can rest, or just a slightly cushioned bar stool so that your guests are more comfortable than if it were just a plain surfaced bar stool.

As you can tell, there are quite a few options to choose from. What are your preferred features?

-M

Things to Keep in Mind when Buying a Baby Crib

Buying a baby crib is an important decision in raising your baby. Your baby’s going to be spending a lot of time in his or her crib. How much full sleep he will have, how much color is in his childhood, his safety, are all affected by the crib you choose. Here some things to consider before choosing a crib:

Price
Have a figure you’re willing to spend in mind. Note that price often reflects the quality of the design and manufacturing, however, there are still great baby cribs available in lower price ranges.

Style
There are many styles of baby cribs to choose from such as: convertible crib or not, finish, size, design, etc. Don’t forget that the style itself should match the bedding as well as the overall interior design of the nursery.

Safety
Safety is a huge concern when it comes to selecting a baby crib. First of all, check to see if the crib you’re planning on purchasing has the appropriate certification and that it meets national safety standards. As an added tip, check product recall sites when researching your crib purchase.

Return Policy
Knowing that you are purchasing a crib from a store with a decent return policy will allow you to freely make your decision to purchase without having to worry about making the wrong choice.

What else would you keep in mind when buying a baby crib?

-M

Contain Your Shelf: Bookcase Decorating Ideas

You don't have to be an avid reader to own a bookcase. Bookcases are a stylish and decorative storage solution that can fit almost any room of your home. Because they come in a wide range of sizes, a low-profile bookcase in a hallway is a functional yet trendy way of managing clothing items like mitts, hats and scarves. Or how about a corner bookshelf in the kitchen as a handy place to store those cookbooks you use the most? Dust off your ideas about those dusty bookshelves in your local library; when decorating with bookcases, the possibilities are endless.

Decide on the Location

Decide on the location of your bookcase. Measure the area where the bookshelf will be going. Especially if it will be in a high-traffic area such as a hallway, living room or family room, check to make sure that the bookcase will not impede traffic floor, be in the way of opening/closing doors, etc.

Decide on the Purpose

Choosing a focus or purpose for your bookcase might also play a part in the style, size and type you end up buying. Bookcases equipped with baskets provide easy and effortless storage solutions for a front hallway or a living room. In a basement room or family room, bookcases with baskets or cubbies are ideal for storing crafting supplies, games or toys.

Bookcase Decorating Tips

Place baskets or organizer trays in one or two shelves of a bookcase in a guest bedroom.

Have a bookshelf you no longer use? Paint it a different color and repurpose it. Who can't use extra shelving in a laundry room, the garage or on an enclosed porch or sun room?

Bookcases make a great economical alternative to a china cabinet or a curio. Use one in a living room or dining room to display collectibles.


- E.L.

TV Armoires for the Bedroom

For most of us, watching television is one of our favorite ways to unwind after a busy day. It is inconceivable to miss even five minutes of NCIS, The Good Wife or Bones. You like watching TV as much as anyone else. But when it comes to the bedroom, you would like to draw the line and leave the television behind in the living room or the family room (where it belongs). What if you're like a lot of us (me included!) who have a partner who likes to watch the late night movie in bed?

What do you do? Compromise with a TV armoire. While it will be on in the room when you want to read quietly or even drift off, an armoire will at least be out of sight when not in use. And maybe your partner will be inspired to use headphones...it could happen. If this decor design solution appeals to you, here are some tips for buying the perfect TV armoire for your bedroom.

TV Armoire Size and Height

TV armoires are designed to hold smaller-sized televisions, typically any type of television, from a CRT TV to a flat screen, 34" to 37" in size, but the actual size of the armoire can vary. Make sure that it will fit the space it's intended for.

You will want the television to be the perfect viewing height when sitting up in bed. The viewing height of the television will largely depend on the height of the armoire's TV area in relation to the height of the bed. Make sure that the shelf the TV will sit on is adjustable.

TV Armoire Doors

So that you will be able to comfortably view the TV screen while sitting in bed, select a TV armoire with 270 degree doors. These types of doors allow you to fold them against the sides of the armoire, out of the way. Another option is pocket doors, which typically slide into the body of the armoire cabinet.

TV Armoire Features

A television armoire will not only hide away the television when it’s not being used, it will also give you more storage options. Give some thought to what kinds of features your TV armoire should have in order for it to be the most useful to you.

Some manufacturers offer a TV/wardrobe armoire specifically designed with both uses in mind. These dual purpose TV/wardrobe armoires have features that allow them to be used as a wardrobe or a TV armoire and can easily be converted back and forth from one use to the other.

Common TV armoire features include wire management, adjustable shelves, pull-out trays for DVD/CD storage and cubbies and/drawers.


- E.L.

Classic Headboards for the Bedroom

Classic headboards are headboards that have a timeless appeal and never (ever) go out of fashion. Style doesn't matter: they can be ultra modern; have a cottage country flair; or possess a stately and formal traditonal elegance. Opting for just a headboard in a smaller sized master bedroom, guest room or second bedroom is a functional way to make the space appear larger, but a classic headboard will give yourbedroom furniture a touch of style and breathe new life into your décor.

Upholstered Headboards

Upholstered headboards can be made from any number of fabrics. They can also be crafted of other materials such as leather, rattan, wicker and vinyl. An upholstered headboard typically adds visual interest to a bedroom's interior design. Especially if you enjoy reading or watching television in bed, it can also function as a backrest.

Metal Headboards

I don't have any proof, but I'm willing to bet that metal headboards have been making a comeback since Bob Dylan first sang "...lay across my big brass bed." Bob Dylan aside, metal headboards, depending upon their decorative detail, can have an Old World charm. There is something about a brass, gold or antiqued bronze metal headboard for a truly classic appearance. If your bedroom furniture is more modern or contemporary, select a metal headboard that is made of polished nickel, aluminum or chrome.

Wood Headboards

Classic wood headboards, particularly when they have rich, warm finishes, give any décor a vibrant and luxurious feel. Because it is made of wood, wood headboards are generally strong and extremely durable. Especially when they include curvy profiles, curving lines and carved decorative details, wood headboards, they can be stately and formal in appearance. For a variation an a classic wood headboard theme, select one that includes metalwork for a relaxing Old World atmosphere.

- E.L.

Home Theater Furniture for your Media Room

No doubt you have spent a small fortune on your television, sound system and all the other important pieces of equipment you need in the process of setting up your home theater. When choosing the right furniture pieces for your media room, resist the temptation to skimp now. You will want home theater seating that is ultra comfortable to last through a showing of any or all of The Lord of the Rings movies. You will also need media storage that looks as good as it is functional.

No Reflective Surfaces

When buying media room furniture, try to avoid anything shiny or has a reflective surface. This includes things you might not immediately think of us being shiny such as a leather sofa, home theater chairs or even wood tables. Avoid media storage pieces made of metal and select finishes that are matte or antiqued instead of ones with a high polish.

Big Comfy Chairs

Consider what kind of home theater seating you would like. Recliners especially designed for a home theater or a media room include "movie watching" features that aren't usually a part of standard recliners such as cup holders, hidden storage or collapsible trays. When purchasing group home theater seating, give some thought to whether you would like a 2-seat, 3-seat or 4-seat configuration. Depending on the size of your media, you may want two rows instead of one. Keep in mind that any chair levers or recliner mechanisms should work smoothly and silently.

But you don't have to stick to classic home theater seating. A sectional sofa that provides maximum viewing may be an ideal way to furnish your media room. No matter what you choose, above all, home theater seating should be comfortable.

Other Media Room Furniure Considerations

If you are not using a projection system of some kind, what will you be doing with the television? A TV wall mount is an option. When mounting the television to the wall is not an option, select an entertainment center that will be large enough to accommodate your TV as well as a DVD player and any other piece of audio or video equipment you will require.

Media storage should fit your lifestyle and personal preferences. If you like everything tidied away, then any media storage you select should include hidden storage solution options.

- E.L.

Planning a Media Room

Now that the holidays are over and while the weather is still chilly or downright cold, this might be a good time to plan a media room or a home theater. With its cold temperatures and blustery weather, January is a month that inspires creative ways to nest, keep warm and hibernate in style. If a home theater or media room sounds appealing to you but you're not sure where to begin, here are a few ideas.

Location: The ideal place for a home theater is its own room. But if you don't have the space for a dedicated media room don't despair. You can easily incorporate one into a family room, living room or a basement room.

Purpose: You might think this is a no brainer, but before you get too far along in your medio room planning, decide what the main purpose of the media room will be. If you're only using the room to watch television and movies, then a home theater interior design plan will be more useful to you. However, if you want a comfy place to listen to Coltrane or your kids want their own spot for gaming, then you will need to accommodate these activities in your media room plan.
Focal Point: The television, of course will be the focal point of your media room, home theater or media area. Measure the width of the TV's viewing screen. Home theater furniture such as recliners, the sofa, etc. should be positioned double width of the TV's viewing screen. For example, if the screen is 47 inches wide then any home theater seating should be at least seven feet away from the television for an optimum viewing experience.



Lighting: You will want to be able to see the name of the title on the DVD but have the option of dimming the lights when the movie is about to begin. Adjustable overhead lighting such as track lighting or canned lights are ideal for a home theater or a media room.



- E.L.

How to Choose an Accent Mirror

Like accent tables, accent chests and accent chairs, accent mirrors add that little extra something to the rooms of your home. Because everyone uses them regardless of which room they are in, an accent mirror is also an easy way to increase the room's functionality. But as with other pieces of accent furniture, in order for accent mirrors to have the desired effect and create maximum impact, it helps if you know what to look for.

Size

When choosing an accent mirror for a specific room or area such as a second floor hallway or a foyer, location will play a big role in the shape and size that you select. Naturally, you will want it to fit the intended space so that it looks "right;" not too big or too small, so scale is important.

Shape

While we might not give it a second thought, the shape of an accent mirror definitely makes a statement, defining the room it is in and lending an air of sophistication that would otherwise be missing. A rectangular decorative mirror draws attention to the height of the wall and by default, the ceiling. Round accent mirrors tend to make the mirror itself the center of attention. Whereas oval decorative mirrors put the focus on the frame and the spaces between the other elements in the rooomthat surround the mirror.

Style

Traditional style accent mirrors have an impressive look and feel that is typically formal or stately. A traditional decorative mirror is often very ornate, with metal scrollwork or wood carvings.

A contemporary style decorative mirror has a clean, streamlined appearance that is both inviting and stylish. A smart contemporary accent mirror may have a round or elegant oval shape with a textured frame.

Transitional accent mirrors merge the best of traditional and contemporary décor elements together. Corners are rounded; lines flow; and traditional decorative accents are softened and not as elaborate.

- E.L.

Easy Ways to Fit Exercise into your Daily Routine, part 2

While many women know that an exercise program would help them feel healthier, have more energy or even lose weight, sometimes it's difficult to change previouse non-exercising habits into fitness conscious ones. In part 1, we explored two ways to sneak exercise into our busy schedules. If one of your New Year resolutions is to exercise regularly, here are some more ideas for ways you can (almost) effortlessly incorporate some type of exercise into your busy routine with minimum effort but big payoffs.

Multi-Task Your TV Time

If you don’t want to miss the morning news or your favorite television show, put your time in front of the TV to good use. Multi-task your TV time with an exercise bike or the Phoenix Health & Fitness Power Rower. Working out in front of the TV isn’t like “really” exercising. Keeping your mind engaged while keeping fit prevents you from focusing on aspects of your workout that might discourage you such as thinking about how long you’ve been exercising, how tired you’re feeling and how you should be catching up on paperwork. Many types of exercise bikes and models of rowing machines can be folded away when not in use, which is a bonus for maintaining a room’s uncluttered and cozy atmosphere.

If exercise equipment, no matter how user-friendly, doesn’t appeal to you, even exercising in the commercials will pay off in the long run if you get yourself into the habit on a regular basis. Doing leg lifts, crunches and mild stretches while the ads are on will get you moving and loosen muscles.

Step It Up

Stepping units are conveniently portable and easy to use. They can be used virtually anywhere in your home, so you can watch baby, keep an eye on the kids or tune into your favorite soap while getting a little exercise. A stepping machine like the Phoenix Health & Fitness Denise Austin Mini Stepper Plus also has the added benefit resistance handles for working upper body muscles at the same time as giving your legs a workout.

How about just doing housework or working in the garden? Health professionals advocate 10,000 steps a day to keep you active and promote general well-being. The Timex Ironman Pedometer not only keeps track of how many steps you’ve taken, it also tracks how many calories have been burned.

It doesn’t have to be high-tech or complicated. By making the most of what “spare” time you have, fitness is at your fingertips. It just requires a little creativity, consistency and motivation. And the best part is it doesn’t have to take a lot out of your day.

- E.L.

Easy Ways to Fit Exercise into your Daily Routine, part 1

Many women know that they would greatly benefit from a regular exercise routine, particularly those of us who want to feel healthier, lose a little weight or get back into shape after having a baby. For a lot of us, finding the time in our hectic schedules to exercise is a constant struggle. And for busy new moms or moms with more than one child, it can be even more of a battle. But it doesn't have to be, with a few simple tricks and low-tech pieces of fitness equipment. Without even realizing you’re “exercising,” you can sneak fitness into your everyday routine before the love handles sneak up on you. This two-part series will give you some ideas as to how to begin.

Exercise at Your Computer

You can exercise at your computer while searching online for parenting tips or working from home. Replacing your office chair with an exercise ball is an excellent way for getting some exercise without really trying. Unlike sitting in a chair, an exercise ball is relatively unstable and requires balance in order for you to remain seated upright. Attempting to maintain your balance forces your spine into proper alignment.

Since you are constantly shifting position, you’re burning more calories than you would in an office chair, even one with wheels, which essentially does the work of moving for you. Sitting on an exercise ball for a full work day can actually burn up to 350 calories. Even if you don’t burn that many calories or are not seated at the computer desk continuously for eight hours, it will still contribute to your overall fitness.

An exercise ball has other benefits as well. Not only will it improve your balance, but while you’re maintaining your balance on a regular basis, you are strengthening your abdominal muscles (abs in fitness-speak). Using an exercise ball instead of a regular desk chair promotes good circulation, allowing blood to flow freely to all parts of your body. And of course, the best part is the cost: an exercise ball is much (much) cheaper than a regular office chair, especially an ergonomic one.

If an exercise ball seems too bouncy for you, consider the Power Systems Ball Chair. It provides all of the advantages of a standard exercise ball, but it has a rolling base, giving you the mobility of an office chair with all the benefits of the fitness ball. Whichever one you choose, an exercise ball is just plain fun and can help you get your work done while keeping you fit and energized.

Run When You Walk


Taking baby for walks is important to the child’s development, not only in terms of fresh air but also introducing them to the world around them and stimulating their little minds. Since you will need a stroller anyway, select the Kolcraft Jeep Overland Limited Jogging Stroller. Baby gets to sit safely in comfort while you jog down the street and around the block, getting into shape.

If jogging full out for any period of time seems a little intimidating, plan to alternate between jogging and walking. By choosing to walk and jog for specific intervals, for example two minutes of walking then switching to two minutes of jogging, you not only ease yourself into an exercise routine, you are also making it interesting. If it’s too hard, not fun or just plain boring, you won’t stick with it.

Come back Thursday when I'll be sharing more ways to sneak exercise into your daily routine in "Ways to Fit Exercise into your Daily Routine, part 2."

- E. L.