Easy Dining Room Makeover

A dining room can be such a fantastic place to entertain, but it can easily be underused if you often eat in the kitchen or in front of the telly instead. Here are a few hints to make it a more special place to spend time?

1) Adding a table cloth and a vase (a pint glass or milkbottle will do for that 'shabby chic' look that is very in at the moment) full of flowers (pick wild ones from your garden/balcony or pick a small bunch of something simple like freesias and gypsophila at your local florist/supermarket) adds instant homely atmosphere to a dining room.

2) Light some candles and turn down the lights to add mood. This doesn't have to be romantic (although it certainly is!) ? it is equally relaxing and a lovely way to end a stressful day at work.

3) Create instant new chairs by covering your existing ones with a pretty disguise. All you need is a couple of old sheets and some ribbon. I would recommend batch-dyeing sheets with Dylon Machine Dye (really easy, just follow the instructions on the packet) to a colour that coordinates with your curtains and carpet, then cutting each sheet in half. Your local haberdashers/John Lewis will stock ribbon ? I'd choose quite wide ribbon in a similar colour, or another colour in your scheme, eg brown ribbon on cream sheets, or gold ribbon on burgundy sheets for a lovely warm look. You'll need about 1 ? 1 ½ metres per chair, depending on the width of the back of the chair. Drape the half-sheet over the chair lengthways, so that the seat and the back are covered, and tie the ribbon around the back of the chair above the seat, so that the fabric on the back of the chair is taut and secure. Tie a knot or a bow at the back, and, hey presto, 'new' dining room chairs!

4) Antique tablecloths and dresses can be cut up to make colourful napkins ? simply cut into squares and hem or overlock the edges to make unique napkins you'll never see anywhere else.

Start making supper time a special time that you spend together as a couple or family ? a place where you have the chance to talk and share the day's successes and disappointments without the distractions of the television, or even the washing-up (at least not until afterwards!). Enjoy!

Emma Cooper Tarry is the founder and owner of I-Candi Designs (http://www.i-candi.co.uk or by calling +44 (0)1227 860886 or emailing emma@i-candi-designs.co.uk.

---

An Informative Review of Popular Adjustable Beds

This article provides a detailed review of popular adjustable beds available for purchase both on and off-line. Prominent adjustable bed manufacturers include Craftmatic, Sleep Comfort, Sealy, Tempur... Read More

The Importance of Waterbed Sheets

Waterbeds provide a unique sleeping experience. They can be great for stress relief and curing insomnia. In order to keep bedding in place overnight, waterbeds require special... Read More

Decorating Kid?s Rooms On A Small Budget

Now if your children are like mine they want to change the style and look of their room about every other week. One way to make them... Read More

Discount Granite Countertops

The beauty and warmth of granite makes it an ideal countertop material for aesthetic and practical purposes in most any kitchen. In addition to its natural strength,... Read More

Home Decorating: Planning Lightning

When you are choosing a bathroom light fixtures or lightning for any room in your home, the first thing to take into account is how that room... Read More

?Too Much Stuff? Syndrome or How Decorating and Organizing Can Help Your Sanity

This area of home life is different from others in that it involves all the senses and to that degree it is successful, engendering varying emotions. Decorating... Read More

Teen Rooms on the Cheap!

How to decorate a teens bedroom is one of the most common questions I receive. Especially for those on a budget, this can seem like a daunting... Read More

Contemporary Rugs - Home Decorating With Contemporary Area Rugs

Got a room that's crying out for a bright accent or a face lift? One of the quickest, cheapest ways to perk up your living space is... Read More

Bathroom Vanities and Cabinets Come in Many Different Styles

Modern bathroom vanities and medicine cabinets come in a huge variety of styles and finishes, from the simulated antique look to sleek modern designs. Your choice of... Read More

A Hidden Jewel In Home Decorating, The Powder Room

Typically a small space consisting of just a sink and toilet, you most likely know them by a more common term "half-bath" or "guest bath.Ever wonder where... Read More

Pot Racks - Make a Statement In Your Kitchen

One of the most beautiful, versatile and efficient accessories that you could incorporate into your kitchen is the pot rack. The addition of a custom pot rack... Read More

The Many Types Of Light Available Today

The Many Types Of Light Available TodayWhat's in a light bulb? For most people, an incandescent light bulb comes to mind when discussing "light". The incandescent light... Read More

A Place For Everything In Your Home

Are there homeless items living in your home? If you're like most families, you have countless bits and pieces lacking designated spaces, so the homeless items are... Read More

How Do You Choose Art for Your Home?

You have just moved into a new home. Perhaps it's your first real home that you plan to invest time and money into decorating and styling. You... Read More

How to Choose Kitchen Sink Faucets

Choosing appropriate faucets for your kitchen sink is as important as choosing the shape and size of the bowl. Faucets come in all shapes and sizes. Avoid... Read More

Granite Tile Countertops

The beauty and warmth of granite makes it an ideal material for aesthetic appeal in home design. Granite has been a popular choice of designers for decades.... Read More

Persian Rugs - Care and Cleaning

You've just invested in a beautiful Persian rug. Even though they are durable, they still need to be properly cared for and cleaned. A well maintained rug... Read More

Choosing Interior Doors

When it's time to decorate - whether it's for a brand new home or redecorating the family manse, one thing that's often overlooked as a 'style choice'... Read More

Mission Style Lighting - Its Timeless Beauty Continues

If you ask most people to tell you about Mission Style lighting you are likely to be met with a blank stare and shrugged shoulders. But, if... Read More

Rustic Log Furniture, How to Find Quality Furniture and a Trust Worthy Seller

The great thing about looking for a retailer or manufacturer of rustic log furniture is there are plenty of sellers out there these days, especially with the... Read More

A Guide to Wood Stove Inserts

A wood stove insert serves several purposes. First of all, they can keep heat from escaping through the fireplace. Wood stove inserts also raise the heating efficiency... Read More

Top Tips for Keeping Your Home Tidy

You've got so much tidying to do, so little time. So what's a person to do? You can either lower your standards and just ignore the mess,... Read More

Why Posters are Great Gifts

Posters make great gifts. They are large but easy to ship, wrap, and give away. They are often dramatic, often reflecting a story of some sort, whether... Read More

How to Build Your Own Cuckoo Clock

Of all the various kits available from hobby stores and websites across the Internet, cuckoo clock kits are very rare indeed. Why is this? Two reasons: one... Read More

A Review of Popular Ceiling Fan Manufacturers

Nearly every residence has at least one ceiling fan. Ceiling fans are so common that many people have difficulty sleeping without one. Ceiling fans appear in bedrooms,... Read More

Japanese Sword: A Great Piece for Any Home

A Japanese Sword is a wonderful decoration to add to any room of your home or office. Many people think that a samurai sword might look out... Read More