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January 29, 2022
View: 563

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The influence of the pineapple fruit is apparent in the enchanting array of decorations available that use the pineapple form as part of its creation. We hear of architectural elements like pineapple pedestals, pineapple brackets and corbels as well as pineapple wall sculptures, and of its use in the kitchen in the form of pineapple napkin holders and trivets as well as bookends to grace your desk and library with hospitality and an air of friendliness and warmth. The pineapple has indeed a colorful history spanning from colonial times and is today heralded as the princess of fruits and credited as the symbol of hospitality and welcome. To give the pineapple as a gift conveys your intention to promote friendliness and graciousness to the recipient. The pineapple began initially as the fruit of the wealthy and guests were revered and charmed when a pineapple was placed amidst their presence in the dining area for that indicated the amount of respect and consideration the hostess besot upon them. Colonial America drew a refreshing and inspiring means in using the pineapple motif in indulging their guests to the table and for a night spent at their home. Fresh pineapples were welcomed and appreciated as an expensive dessert for guests while the thought of spending time in a room heavily decorated with pineapple designs in the bedposts or headboards were considered luxurious and gratifying.

The Origin of the Pineapple: The pineapple fruit may have originated from Brazil and Paraguay in South America where it reportedly received a boost into the European markets through Christopher Columbus who discovered the pineapple fruit in Guadeloupe in 1493. It was nicknamed the “pina” since it looked very much like a pinecone and brought to Spain. Sir Walter Raleigh was also very interested in the pineapple which he affectionately termed as the princess fruit. The interest in bringing this fruit into Europe then began. However, the Europeans were not sure how to grow the fruit and its arrival into Europe only began around the late 16th Century taking the Europeans almost two long centuries to study and grow this much desired fruit. Once in Europe, this delicious fruit eventually wove its way into Holland and England. The English society was very impressed with the first pineapple created by the Royal Gardener, Mr John Rose for Charles II that it also inspired Hendrick Danckerts to paint the picture of the presentation of the fruit in 1675. The much celebrated pineapple was then grown in India and spread to China and in 1777, made available in the Pacific Islands through Captain Cook.

The Inspiration of the Pineapple: The English who were overwhelmed with the lovely pineapple fruit drew inspiration from its looks and unique shape. As a result, the pineapple fruit inspired the coat of arms and was used as an architectural element in pottery and planters. The artistic appeal and decorative effect that the pineapple fruit rendered were significant and the pineapple symbol inspired bed posts, tablecloths, napkins and napkin holders as well as bookends and candle holders. The symbol of this cherished fruit grew to be represented on any form of decorations that were visibly displayed for guests to enjoy and feel welcomed. Even till today, the pineapple fruit raises much interest in states like Virginia, Hawaii and Florida where the use of pineapple themed accessories and gifts are instrumental in highlighting the peace loving and hospitable people who reside within.

The Medicinal Powers of the Pineapple: The pineapple is also credited with possessing healing powers and records indicate that its tasty juice was used for curing throat infections, arthritis, bronchitis and indigestion. The use of the pineapple for the treatment of diseases was however confined to the natives who originally grew them. It is not certain as to whether this fruit was used for any healing purposes in colonial America. Modern studies also confirms that the fruit contains an enzyme known as “bromelain” which may be used in the treatment of heart disease, combating sinus congestion and also be used in the treatment of urinary tract infections. Fresh pineapple is loaded with Vitamin C and speeds up tissue growth and repair. Worthy of note however is that bromelain is contained in fresh pineapple and canning appears to destroy this enzyme but not the Vitamin C content.

The Entry of the Pineapple into the Americas: Colonists began importing this delicious fruit from the Caribbean in the 17th Century and it soon took root as one of the revered and lavish fruits known available to the wealthy. Since it was difficult to bring in this fruit into the country given that the trade routes where this fruit was procured was considered dangerous, it was considered a marked achievement to bring forth such a rare fruit for the guests. That occasion was almost always reserved for the wealthy class to partake and enjoy but there was also occasion when the pineapple was rented to elevate a person’s rank in society for showing the ability in bringing to the table such an expensive fruit for display. The pineapple fruit then eventually began to take on a new meaning as a symbol of warmth and friendliness. It was the crowning piece used for the large displays of food that the wealthy brought forth to the table. The hostess took much pain and trouble in elevating her family’s social status in colonial American society by introducing pineapple displays as it indicated a resourcefulness in engaging a unique display of food for all to admire and share. History records that New England sea captains would impale a pineapple outside their homes on gateposts or on their front doors as a symbol of safe return after returning from perilous trade routes in the Caribbean or Pacific. Today, commercial production of pineapples is credited in the state of Hawaii and Florida where Hawaii is notably one of the world’s largest producers of canned pineapples.

The Use of the Pineapple Theme in Decorating: Even till today, Americans continue to show interest in decorating the home with pineapple designs. Not only are pineapple designs prevalent in the home in places like the foyer and living areas as well as kitchen, they are also visibly displayed in the form of pineapple finials on gateposts or as fountains for the garden. The use of pineapple plaques highlighted with the warm, inviting words “Welcome to our Home” has become a common sight. Virginia still continues to be one of the primary states that ardently displays pineapple motifs and designs in many of their household accessories, still highlighting the pineapple symbol as the highest form of hospitality rendered. The pineapple symbol is also an accent that is strongly welcomed by their hospitality industry where displays of pineapple themed fixtures and decorations on wall papers and furniture, are legendary. Virginia highlights many tourist destinations that imbibe the use of the pineapple into its architectural landscape. The Shirley Plantation highlights 3.5 feet of wooden pineapple constructed in the late 1700s on the peak of the roof line as a show of hospitality and as an invitation to river travelers coming to the plantation. The establishment also highlights the use of beautiful pineapple motifs within its premises.

No one can therefore dispense the historical, social and economic impact of the pineapple fruit which was once compared to the pinecone. While the production of pineapples have fueled the economies for the states of Florida and Hawaii, the symbolic designs and good looks of the pineapple has also led to much inspiration in decorating concepts and designs using unique pineapple themed accessories for the home and garden. The pineapple also continues to inspire the hospitality industry in many of these states which were responsible for providing this fruit to the rest of the Americas, highlighting the deep meaning attached to the symbol of the pineapple.

Written by Romilla D. for Kaviik’s Accents

© 2008 Kaviik’s Accents Inc. All Rights Reserved

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Source by Romilla Devy

January 25, 2022
View: 491

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If you are looking to get the most bang for your buck by investing in a home improvement project, here are 20 design and feature trends to avoid.

1) Inconsistent Architecture

Having your home contain a hodgepodge of architectural styles can be off-putting to a potential homebuyer. For a ranch-style home, featuring columns on the front porch can be just as jarring as a log-cabin-styled home with art deco accents. Each architectural style has its own inherent beauty, so be sure to emphasize these factors. If you don’t, it can be like eating Pickles on ice cream!

2) Oversized kitchens

Hold the rise of celebrity chefs responsible for this one. Kitchens with every appliance imaginable and too much space can be off-putting to perspective home buyers who do not engage in serious entertaining. Unless you are hosting lavish get-togethers with a team of cooks, it may be time to divide the kitchen into segments, like a cozy breakfast nook and a sit down family table.

3) Faux “Old World” Design

By decorating or emphasizing a European style left (for example, the right region of Tuscany has a distinctive and popular style), we may hope to capture the elegance of this area, but bear in mind that unless you are sourcing the materials (and a vineyard to boot), there will always be something inauthentic about channeling Europe in another region of the world.

4) White appliances

If your appliances are white, it’s time to upgrade. White may have been at one time a color of choice to emphasize a spotless home (everything shows up on white!), but that is precisely the problem. Home buyers will subconsciously feel the toil associated with wiping every surface down, or see lingering stains that will never come out. In addition, plastic materials fade overtime, turning into a non-uniform yellow. Instead, choose black appliances, stainless steel, or the latest in “black stainless.”

5) Wallpaper

Wallpaper makes a bold statement in a home. However, that same boldness may put off buyers, especially if the wallpaper is cheap old or common. Any addition, removing wallpaper is a labor intensive process that can also put off potential home buyers, especially considering that the removal of old older wallpaper may damage the walls and create more headaches. Moreover wallpaper can be a source of undetected mold growth. Stick with paint instead.

6) Carpeted Bathrooms

There may have been a time when stepping across the master bedroom and onto an icy-cold tiled floor made a carpeted bathroom seemed like a brilliant idea, but that time is over. That’s what bathmats are for. Carpets and water in the same place is simply asking for mold growth or damage. Some modern homes have heated flooring’s, which is a huge selling point to potential home buyers and far preferable to the hygiene nightmare of a carpeted bathroom.

7) Gaudy Gold Fixtures and Hardware

Metallic finishes can give your home warmth and sophistication, but if you have shiny gold fixtures and hardware consider removing them. Gold carries a needlessly flashy and gaudy look that may appeal to nouveau riche buyers, but most home buyers find it as outdated as the ’80s. Instead, opt to replace these fixtures with warmer metals, such as polished brass or brushed nickel.

8) Tiled Countertops

Your kitchen and bathroom countertops play a huge part in the eye of a potential home buyer. If their tiled, consider removing them. At one time, this trend seemed modern, but the nitty-gritty involved with maintaining tiled countertops can be off-putting. Think about it – what do you do if a tile chips and it needs to be replaced? Are you prepared to clean the porous grout regularly to prevent mold and bacteria growth? It just makes the already-unwelcome chore of cleaning the kitchen that much worse.

9) Cheap Wood Paneling

Wood-paneled homes are beautiful. If you have stunning wooden wainscoting throughout your home, leave it alone. However, if the walls of your house contain cheap wood paneling meant for a church basement bingo game, remove it immediately. Lower quality wood paneling instantly dates your home and screams “cheap” to those looking. Worse, it may imply that the paneling was put up to cover up larger problems, like a lack of insulation or unfinished walls.

10) Taxidermy

Animal heads on display will not appeal to every home buyer, so it’s best to remove that moose head when selling. That said, it may not be a hindrance to a sale in certain regions of the US, where hunting is popular. On the same note, similar items like a bull’s skull strategically placed over a mantlepiece or in a garden, will only be appealing to certain types of home bars. Remember that your goal is to make your home an open template so a perspective homebuyer can envision living in the house.

11) Linoleum Flooring

No one likes walking across sticky linoleum barefoot. Simply put, get rid of linoleum flooring. At one time, it was a popular option, especially in the case of patterned linoleum that could mimic wood or tile flooring. Nowadays, linoleum is almost synonymous with inexpensive apartments and a careless sense of decorating. Instead, opt for flooring materials like hardwood that are not only comfortable, but also visually appealing.

12) Popcorn Ceilings

If a home contains a popcorn ceiling (also known as a “textured” or “stucco” ceiling), it instantly communicates to a homebuyer that it is not been modernized. Popcorn ceilings were popular from the 1950s all the way to the 1980s as an inexpensive, ubiquitous alternative to cover up imperfections and unadorned drywall. To modern eyes, it looks more like a dreary Motel 6 than a warm home.

Removal of popcorn ceilings, like wallpaper, is a labor-intensive affair. So be sure to get it done before your open house. In addition, be sure to look for asbestos, which can make or break a closing if detected by a home buyer or inspector.

13) Glass Mosaic Backsplash

One of the most common trends from the mid-2000s is a glass mosaic back black splash for your kitchen or bathroom. While it may have looked good then because of its relative scarcity, today it is nearly everywhere. Consider replacing it with marble tiling or plain white subway tile to obscure your home’s last appointment with an interior designer.

14) Bold Paint

The first thing that a home buyer sees when viewing a house for the first time is the color – first the exterior and then the individual rooms. Essentially, this first impression of colors sets the stage for the home’s other features, including furnishings, decorations comma and architecture.

If a bold color is applied to the exterior, like a light-pink, potential buyers that like to blend-in may be put off. If a room is too dark, such as dark red; or too bright, such as a chromatic yellow, the features of the home may be muted or unnecessarily hidden as they compete for visual attention. Neutralizing your home is the best option (see “Neutral Colors” below), as buyers can project their own color palette to their tastes without being influenced by your preferences.

15) Converted Spaces

It is a modern notion to have our spaces fit our personalities, lifestyles, quirks, and interests. That works just fine when you’re living there, but you may want to reconsider the current usage of each space that you have re-purposed when it comes time to sell. Having a garage converted for another purpose besides storage and parking vehicle may be fine

for your needs, but home buyers may just want a garage for what it was originally intended. If you’ve converted your garage into a place to run your small business, exercise room, or music practice room, be sure to bring it back to its normal garage-only state to appeal to the largest number of home buyers.

This is especially true for cities that have limited parking. Similarly, a bedroom converted into a small office or storage space can be off putting. This happens because it puts the intended purpose of the room into the mind of a home buyer and that is not your goal when selling your home.

16) Carpeting

Most home buyers prefer hardwood floors when purchasing a home, even if you have recently taken the trouble of installing new carpet. People may assume that the germs, pet dander, and dirt of the previous residents are still present within the carpet. Furthermore, the carpet color choice for the room may clash with their sensibilities or decorating ideas, leading to another item on their mental to do list when the time comes to customize the home.

Hardwood flooring is a happy medium of natural hues and the ability to customize. Should the home buyer want carpet, then all they have to do is install it on top of the wooden surface.

17) Too Much Landscape

There’s been a trend in recent years of introducing the “outdoor living room” to holisticly connect nature with the home. Trimmed bushes in ornate shapes, carpet-like moss walkways, elaborate gardens, and ponds are all visually appealing, but there’s a catch. A property requiring constant maintenance may make potential home buyers hesitate especially if their future finances are uncertain.

This also includes the recent trend of urban farming. While you may enjoy fresh eggs, honey, and chevre daily, others may be put off by the daily upkeep that animals require and the implications about your homes cleanliness, so it’s best to leave no signs that your home was once part of a farm.

18) Hot Tubs and Pools

There may have been a time when a pool was considered a selling point for new homeowners, but many home buyers realize how much of a maintenance issue and eyesore it can be. This is especially true for above ground pools, which tend to take up a large amount of space, create a safety and liability hazard for children and guests, and leave an ugly spot of dead grass when removed.

This is true for hot tubs, too. Hot tubs are notorious as a breeding ground for bacteria, can be difficult to maintain, and removal from a deck or backyard may lead to even more expense down the line (e.g. rebuilding a portion of your deck where the hot tub once was).

19) Whirlpool Bathtubs

Whirlpool bathtubs may once have been considered an item of luxury and a major selling point, but tastes have changed in recent years. Those who have owned or used them may have enjoyed the luxury, but realized how much water they use (between 80-100 gallons) and how much space is taken up that could be used for other bathroom features such as a bigger shower space or a dual-vanity counter.

20) Minimalist Design

Outfitting your home like an urban loft space has long been a trend in interior home design, but this may not be your best option for selling your home. Minimalist design in this style can make homes seem unnaturally empty, without emphasizing the natural personality of the home that’s attractive to home buyers. Instead you should aim to add accents without creating a barren look. Subconsciously, an overly minimalist design communicates to buyers that the home shouldn’t house furnishings and decorations, something that may be at odds with the buyers intentions.

These home improvement tips are written as a guide in selecting new designs and features that will give you the best options of for selling your home for the highest price!

For more information on home improvements and real estate needs, please visit https://trishpappano.com

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Source by Trish Pappano

January 19, 2022
View: 550

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Paper Backed Vinyl

Always read manufactures instructions first.

Most D.I.Y people have never hung the wide width vinyl wall coverings, as also a majority of decorators haven’t, and although the process is quite a lot different to hanging normal width domestic vinyl wall coverings, it’s really not that difficult to hang. As for the professional decorator, who has successful experience at hanging domestic width vinyl it should be a breeze for them.

Tools Decorator shires Straight edge Pencil Tape measure Spirit level Snap of Stanley blade Knife (the larger of the 2 options) 2 plastic spatulas 1x 2″ Paint brush 1x 9″roller with short pile long life sleeve 1x bucket and decorator sponge 1x Squeegee mop or sponge Straight edge Slip Knife

1. Work out where you are going to start from and where you are going to finish, allowing for the pattern, (if any) to be lost in the least noticeable corner.

2. When you have planned how you are going to do the job, from your starting point, measure where your first piece is going, and allowing for wastage around a corner, and for this allow about an inch.

3. Now mark where the vinyl will go, and with a spirit level draw a line from near the top to around half way down the wall.

4. That now is where your first drop will go. Now measure away from the line 2″ (5cm) less than the width of the vinyl to allow for the second drop to overlap the first drop by 2″ and repeat all the way around the room, marking off with the spirit level each time, and number each drop in order of hanging.

5. Now you have the room completely marked out and numbered for each drop and a spirit level line to work to for each drop.

6/Now put a dust sheet or a big sheet of hardboard on the floor and roll out the vinyl and cut to the required length including waste, reversing alternate lengths if recommended and number with a soft pencil on the back, at the top.

7. Now you have all the room marked out and numbered, and all your pieces of vinyl cut to length, numbered in sequence, and laying on your dust sheet or hardboard with the backing paper facing upward and number 1 on top.

8. Now with either a hand sponge or preferably a squeegee mop, wet the back of 2-3 pieces of wall covering and roll each one into a tube.

9. Now paste the wall on the section number 1, cutting in with a brush the paste to the ceiling, corner, above the skirting and roll about 6″ past the spirit level mark.

10. Now get the wall covering tube no 1 and unroll onto the wall up to the line using a plastic spatula to spread in a top to bottom motion (not sideways) and trim the vinyl with a Stanley knife, top bottom and corner.

11. After you have trimmed up, then sponge of with clean water any residue adhesive, and towel off the skirting board of any water to prevent water stains on the skirting

12. Now paste wall section no 2 and repeat. At this point you will have an overlapping joint that needs to be spliced together (see joint cutting). Carry on hanging the wall covering like this all the way around the room bearing in mind (joint cutting).

If you plan out the room and mark out, number, all the walls and pieces of vinyl, then hang the wall covering this way, you will find it easy and a quick process to hang a wide paper backed vinyl and achieve good quality results.

Joint Cutting

There is two ways to splice cut the wall covering,

1. A Slip knife or Joint cutting knife (as some retailers call it). This Knife hooks on to both layers of the wall covering and pulls them away from the substrate as it cuts, so that it does not score it. Cut the join with a stanley knife and straight edge from the ceiling to about 3″ down the wall and 1″ from the edge of the top wall covering then hook in the slip knife and cut the rest of the way down the wall till you get to 3″ above skirting and finish off with a Stanley knife and straight edge again. This is my preferred way and gives a great cut once you have mastered and become familiar with this knife.

2. slide a flexible piece of plastic about 1 meter long (available from the wall covering company) that you place under the join and then cut through both pieces of covering 1″ from the edge, all the way down with a Stanley knife and straight edge and sliding the plastic down as well to protect the substrate behind.

That is the way i would hang paper backed vinyl, as for the fabric and hessian backed vinyls you hang in exactly then same way apart from a couple of differences, just hang as described above but bearing these variations in mind.

Fabric backed Vinyl,

Hang exactly as paper backed vinyl above except, there is no need to dampen the back of the vinyl, just roll into tubes and stick onto the wet pasted wall.

Always read manufactures instructions first

Hessian backed Vinyl,

Hang exactly as paper backed vinyl above except, there is no need to dampen the back of the paper, just roll into tubes and stick onto the wet pasted wall, and when it comes to the joint cutting leave joints as long as possible to cut, wait for the under piece of vinyl of the join to start setting to the wall, and just as it does then pull it up and cut your join as described, and if needed paste a bit more addhesive under the join.

On site where the heating may not be good this can take most of the day, if the join is cut to early it can result in the joint shrinking when fully dried out.

ALWAYS read the manufactures instructions first

Hope these painting tips come in handy

steve at interior paint decorating

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Source by Steve Field

January 17, 2022
View: 462

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Your living room takes up a number of different roles which requires challenging decorating techniques and demands proper planning. You may want your room to cater and entertain your guests, or you might want it to be your relaxing casual space accommodating only your leisure activities for example watching TV, reading or mingling with family members. So before you begin to decorate your living room, plan out your budget and accommodate your planning according to it. This article will present your some economic ways to bring color to your living room and enhance its decoration.

Splash Your Niche

You can add a dash of color and shade by painting a single wall with a bold color. This will change the central point of your room without the help of any expensive or lavish decorating item. Niches and alcoves are perfect places to paint. A splash of some bold color which may be a darker tone of the rest of the walls or be compliment to your general color theme of the living room, is the perfect way to bring a creative change in your living room.

Toss Some Sofa Cushions

You can also add some cushions or pillows to your furniture, which adds color to your solid furniture. Bright and patterned cushions add the right color to your room furniture and also include comfort to your seating.

The Mother Nature effects

You can use the help of green plants or flowers to add not just color to your living room but also personality and fragrance. It adds a good and soothing feeling to your room. However, if you are not fond of plants inside the house or cannot take much care of the plants then you may opt for artificial flowers which only need to be dusted.

Install a Fancy Lamp

For a more classic look, add an interesting, fancy lamp inside your room. You can install electrical components inside some pot or sculpture of your choice which gives exclusiveness and personality to your room. The yellow lights play a soothing role and are immensely seductive.

Color the Floor

You can start to clear the floor by adding a colorful rug in your living room which adds texture and some fun element in the room. Using it on top of hardwood flooring or plain carpets can create an interesting effect. Try to opt for rugs which share the theme of the entire living room.

Artsy personalization

Personalize your family room in an artsy manner by adding a family photo gallery on a plain wall. Frame your photos and place them strategically on the wall to add color and uniqueness to your living room. You can further add decorative objects around the room on shelves, racks or tables. Antique objects, photos, jars of dry fruit or candies may be used.

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Source by Shahid Ashraf

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