Making Your House a Home! Part 1

Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt

Now that you’ve got your decorating project well underway by placing rugs, ordering upholstery and selecting a color scheme, it is time to add the finish and polish.  Here we’ll touch on ideas and sources for some wonderful window treatments, awesome accessories and charming collectibles, and delightful artwork to add personality and character to your interior.

Window treatments are made to dress the windows, simply framing the view or providing light and privacy control.  They have valuable acoustic benefits, especially in the soaring spaces so popular in today’s homes.  With the vast quantities of glass and hardwood floors found in so many new houses, draperies can be an important softening element against rooms that echo.  In addition, they provide an easy and effective means of bringing some pattern and color to a higher level, thereby balancing the room.  (Otherwise, it can tend to look bottom heavy!)  Be aware that we are talking about fabric based treatments here, not wood blinds or plantation shutters.  While both are an option, they do not offer any acoustical advantage and, in fact, may compete with the profusion of architectural detail prevalent in interior spaces today.

Often window treatments can be used successfully to frame a terrific view or highlight an outdoor feature. For a more tailored look, an upholstered cornice board may be used.  (These are often best balanced by adding side panels for a grounding effect.)  By using simple, stationary side panels with a valance or swag design cost is reduced, and the effect is optimized.  Unique and creative decorative hardware, such as a fluted wood pole or twisted metal rod with delightful finial ends can be incorporated for a more airy feeling.  You can fudge the height of a room, visually lifting the ceiling height, by installing valances and such at least 8” above the top of the window molding if space allows.  If there is very little room between the bottom of the crown molding and the top of the window frame, then mount the valance at the base of the molding.  Make sure that your top treatment is deep enough to cover the top of the window frame so that the effect is maintained.

Remember to pay attention to the type and size of pattern you choose.  In many instances, the fabric will be gathered so that the pattern will be distorted.   Surely you’ll want to consider the wealth of beautiful tassels and trims that can be added to treatments. These can range from whimsical to elegant and serve to personalize your look.  For ready made window treatments, check out some of the bed and bath stores, like Bed, Bath and Beyond, Linens and Things, Home Expo, and The Curtain Exchange.  For a custom look contact your favorite local designer.

On accents and accessories, consider mixing your elements again.  You’ll want to include elements of glass or crystal, a variety of metal finishes, wood tones, stone looks, and even ceramic.  For a more traditional formal feeling, use pairs of objects to create a symmetrical balance.  For a casual, more contemporary mood, work in odd numbers, providing a more asymmetrical look and dynamic. Try to group like objects together for maximum impact.  Always keep your collections together, rather than scattered throughout the house.   Do use bookends, and not the kind from the office superstore!  There are a host of intriguing ones to choose from including fancy ornamental ironwork, globes on stands, any manner of animal (monkeys and elephants seem most prolific), and, of course, architectural features like columns, finials and acanthus leaves.  Avoid running books clear across a shelf, because it is heavy looking.  Create interest by adding art objects and photographs between clusters of books.  Photographs are most effective when grouped by like frame, such as all gold together, all silver, all wood and such.  Vary the sizes so that they can be stacked with tall in the back and smaller in front.

The key to accessories and accents is to make it personal.  Try to get pieces you really enjoy rather than just space fillers.  Be sure to include family mementos and treasures from your travels, even children’s crafts can be shown off.  Display your collectibles, no matter what the item. When effectively presented personal collections add personality and interest.  If you aren’t going to enjoy it, why have it?!  Even sports memorabilia (not just for guys!) can be well arranged and handsomely showcased.

Consider putting decorative accessories on an angle. Placed at an angle, objects are easier to view from all sides, have a greater sense of movement and are less static visually.  Great places to shop for decorative accents are Hill Street Warehouse, Pier 1 Imports, Home Expo, and your favorite local designer who probably keeps special accents on hand for just such an opportunity.

Personalizing your home may seem overwhelming, and you may feel like you don’t know where to start. Just use these steps, take your time and have fun with it.  If you are more inclined to get it all done at once and don’t know where to start, call a qualified design professional.   Their expertise and guidance can be invaluable, and many work by the hour, both consulting and sourcing.  Your home is your castle, your haven, your place to enjoy, so take the time to make it reflect who you are!

Putting A Price On That Collectible

How do you really know that that great item you just found at the neighborhood garage sale is the real deal? In other words, is it really a collectible item or someone else's discarded piece of junk?

What's its condition? Does it look new or used? Clean or dirty? Scratched, torn soiled, or nice, new and pristine? Did your new doll, train or other unique item come with the box or without?

Here's an idea for establishing its heritage: look carefully for any brand names, place of manufacture, trade or any other type of mark. How about when it was made. Some treasures will have a date or at least a year stamped on them. This can help you verify it's true background.

If the item is a doll, is it still in its original box, or does it even have the box at all? When inspecting your doll, look for the above mentioned identifying marks.

Use catalogues, hobby magazines and online groups to help you know the value of your collectible. Online auctions can be a great source to see what similar or the same items are selling for. This is a great indicator of the approximate value of your item. Just remember, you can probably get more for your item if you sell it locally where the prospective buyer can see, feel and touch the collectible.

Finally, be sure to visit the local antique shops and see what they will give you for it. Some areas even have hobby clubs and organizations where you are sure to find help with your item's value.

6 Tips to Discover the Value of Your Collectible Items

Copyright 2006 Monique Hawkins

There are many collectible items people enjoy having in their unique collections. These items include music boxes, antique coins, mechanical music and instruments, antique furniture, and NASCAR collectibles to name a few. There are ways for collectors to discover if their items are valuable. Let's find out how to do so.

1. Always check out the condition of your item first. Look carefully for scratches, tears, dirt, if the item is new, clean, etc. In other words, check the item over with a fine toothcomb!

2. Make sure you have enough light when you check your collectibles. Pay close attention to the name, identification marks, and copyright. Look for imperfections, tears, scratches, and discoloration.

3. If you enjoy collecting dolls, a doll intact in a box raises its value. If the box is damaged or missing, then the value decreases and some are even considered worthless.

4. Visit forums, discussion boards, and other places where collectors gather; get their opinions on your particular collectible.

5. Take the time and visit eBay

If you choose to look into the value of your collectible by visiting an auction site eBay is a good move. eBay has all kinds of collectibles you can imagine. Here are some simple steps to assist you in your eBay search:

-In order to use some of the search function, you must be a registered user with eBay. The registration process is easy and free! So, first, take the time and create an account.

-Search for the category where your collectible is most likely to be listed. For example, starting at "collectibles" would be a good option.

-If you are seeking value for specific collectibles such as antique cars, music boxes, antique coins, etc., check only in the search box for that particular collectible. The search box is a handy tool that helps you find what you need.

-Next, check out the completed auctions box and study the prices and descriptions of collectible items that have been sold.

-Click on individual collectible auctions that you are interested in. You will find a wealth of information such as the price of the item sold, the condition, etc.

-Always keep in mind that eBay prices usually are not the best. At lot of times, the price could be more if the collectible were sold locally. This is because most online auction buyers haven?t been able to actually take a look at the item in person.

6. Other places to look for the Value of Collectibles

There are many other places to discover information on the value of your collectibles. These include antique and collectible stores in your home town, and other online auction sites such listantique.com and anteq.com. MBSI.org and Amica.org are great sites for those interested in mechanical instruments as well as music boxes. Completing research at your local library is also a good source as well as the local hobby clubs in your city.

Finding the value of your collectibles such as music boxes, antique coins, mechanical music and instruments, antique furniture, etc. does not have to be a difficult and daunting task. For those collectible enthusiasts, the process can actually be quite fun! Why not find out the value of your collectibles starting today?

How to Win Your Favorite Collectibles and Other Items at Auctions

Copyright 2006 Monique Hawkins Some people are interested in obtaining more collectible items for their collection. Some are seeking music boxes and other mechanical music. Many others are looking for items such as cars, houses, jewelry, and household items for a cheap price. There is a very inexpensive way to get your favorite items. How? Auctions! You can find auctions in your area. Most local towns and cities have an auction house. You can usually check your local newspaper, which should have a section in the classifieds for upcoming auctions. Another good source is the Internet when looking for auction houses. Sometimes, you might be driving down the road and see a sign for an upcoming auction as well. Your local library is also a resource. Once you find the auction or auctions you are interested in, make sure you check the time it starts. You want to do this because it is important to view the collectibles, music boxes, mechanical music, or other items you are looking to bid on before things get rolling. You will want to carefully assess their condition. So give yourself plenty of time for this. Make sure you also take a notepad and pen to make notes of the items and the top dollar you are willing to bid. You also will be able to find out who the auctioneers and auction workers are. You will want to get to know them since they will have important information about the particular items you are interested in. This also helps them recognize you when you bid and maybe cause them to be more apt to look your way for a bid. Next, you will want to find out where the auction will start and what direction it will likely go. This is necessary because sometimes there may be more than one auction ring if there are many items. Believe it or not, some auctions last for several days! Each auction ring will have an auctioneer, a recorder, and helpers. It is best to figure out how many rings and which auctioneer will be in which ring. Some auctions have multiple estates represented, so don't be surprised if some sections of items may look like they do not belong with particular items. In addition to the auctioneers, recorders, and helpers at an auction, there will also be a payment table and registration table. At many auction these two tables are the same table. It will be necessary to stop at the registration table before the auction starts. You will need to register your name, address, phone number, picture ID, and tax number if you have one. Keep in mind that the auction can be indoors or outdoors, so make sure you dress appropriately. Otherwise, you might be too hot or too cold! You might want to think about taking a snack or lunch since there might not be a vendor available near the auction. Getting a good parking spot is also important so that you can transfer your music box, mechanical music, collectibles, and other items to your vehicle easily. When you are at the auction, you will notice that items will have lot number or description associated with it. This information may not be on the actual item, but the recorder will have it. It will be on the tickets for each of your winning items. It is always is a good idea to keep track of what are your winning bids and what the winning bid was. This way, you can match each up to your ticket when you check out. The items up for auction are usually kept in boxes or flats. The items may be auctioned per box or per item. If need be, you should be able to request a certain item be pulled out of a box to auction separately. A lot of times, however, you can get a better deal and bargain if the item you want is grouped together in a box with other stuff that may not be as desirable. The more expensive item are kept in locked cases with an attendant close by to open the case for inspection of the items. The auctioneers usually will determine beforehand how valuable pieces and will be which items should be auctioned individually. Get yourself positioned so that you can see the items as they are auctioned and so that the auctioneer will readily see you for your bids. Make sure you have your bidder numbered card ready to show the auctioneer when you bid and when you win an item. Sometimes, prior to and during an auction, as people look at the items, some may get moved from box to box. Make sure you pay close attention to what is being auctioned as in some case some things are moved. Depending upon the auctioneer, bidding could start at what the auctioneer thinks the item will eventually sell for. That offer may not get any bids, so in order to get people bidding; the auctioneer will lower the starting bid. If you are really interested in a music box, mechanical music, a collectible piece, or other items, you may want to bid first thing. This quick bid may scare off other potential bidders and you will win the item. Toward the end of the auction, there may not be as many people still at the auction. This is a great time to get some good deals also. If you win, take your things straight to your vehicle. Once you win the bid, the item or items are you possession and you are responsible for them. At the end of the auction, or when you are ready to leave, make sure you take the payment or registration table to pay for your winning items. They will have a list of items or a ticket for each winning item. Make sure the item and price match what you have recorded. It will be much easier to resolve any conflicts immediately rather than later. Follow the above tips and you will be sure to win that coveted music box, mechanical music, collectible, or other item you were looking for!

How to Decorate Your Kitchen On A Shoestring Budget

Copyright 2006 Monique Hawkins Kitchen's can be one of the most expensive rooms in the house to remodel and decorate. However, there is a way to do this without spending tons of money. You can decorate your kitchen on a shoestring budget! With patience, persistence, and a little time, there is one place to find decorative items for mere pennies. Where is this "magic" place? Yard sales! Granted, this will take much more effort than walking into a "Kirkland's? or "Country Treasues's" store at the local mall, but the money spent will be so much less. Plus, some really interesting and unique pieces will be added to your house. It is amazing what items can be found at yard sales that will go with any kitchen décor under the sun. If you love a country style kitchen, search for baskets, pitchers, and pottery. These items can be placed above cabinets, as centerpieces for the kitchen table, or filled with fresh fruit or wildflowers and then placed on the counter. If you love the retro style kitchen, yard sales are fantastic shopping spots. It is easy to find many kitchen items from the 1960's-1970's in good condition. While some are excellent collectible pieces, others can be purchased for sheer fun! Some cool pieces to look for old breadboxes, canister sets, and wall clocks. If you your taste runs back to the 1940's era, finding vintage pieces could be a bit more of a challenge. However, once items are found, they turn out to be well worth the time it took to hunt for them! Kitchens from the 1940's call for vintage linens, which can be used as tablecloths or displayed by hanging from the store. Some of the lines have bright colors and designs which add warmth and cheer to any home's kitchen décor. Since some of these old tablecloths are really collectible items and can be quite expensive if purchased in an antique shop, finding one at local yard sale for mere pennies would be fantastic! When it comes to the modern and contemporary style, most yard sales offer almost new items. If you check out the yard sales in the pricey area of your city or town, you can likely find some expensive items at cheap prices. At times, antique and collectible decorative items can be found at yard sales as well. If you are one who prefers collecting items such as certain types of china, vintage linens, or a hutch, it might help to do some research on the subject. This will help you spot a great piece. Who knew decorating a kitchen in your home could be done so cheaply? Why not start checking out those yard sales today?