Color Sets the Mood

You’re ready to take that step and put some fresh color on the walls.  With all the different choices available, which color will you choose?  What shades?  Well, before you make that final decision, consider how colors can actually change your space and the overall mood of your room. RedRed is the color of love.  It is known to stimulate a faster heartbeat, increase blood pressure, and energy.  Designers usually use red as an accent color.  A red wall or red furniture will defiantly get attention.  Red also increases the appetite, which makes it a good choice in dining rooms. BlackBlack is the color of authority and power.  It also makes a great accent color against white.  When used against white, it becomes a very stylish and timeless combination.  Black and white accent pieces are extremely popular. WhiteWhite symbolizes purity and innocence.  It is one of the most used colors in decorating.  This light and neutral hue goes with virtually anything.  White is a great color for bedding or drapes when trying to achieve a peaceful, tranquil space. BlueOne of the most popular colors, blue represents peace.  This tranquil color causes the body to produce calming chemicals.  People are usually more productive in rooms painted in blues.  Blue is a perfect choice for a bedroom or a home office. Green

Green is another relaxing color.  The different shades of green can be used many ways.  Lighter shades of green are great for bedrooms, living rooms, and great rooms.   Dark greens are more masculine, and are popular in professional offices.  Hospitals usually use green to help relax patients.  Mid tone greens are great for kitchens.

PurplePurple represents luxury, wealth, and sophistication.  Dining rooms, bedrooms, and libraries work well with this color.  Lighter shades of purple are great for children’s rooms, and play areas. YellowYellow gains attention and is considered an optimistic color.  It also enhances concentration.  It is a very warm and welcoming color.  Babies tend to cry more in yellow rooms, so it not wise to use this color in a nursery. OrangeOrange tends to warm the room in a friendly way.  There are many shades of orange, and can be used in many rooms.  Burnt orange is extremely popular for living rooms, while lighter tones are great for bathrooms. BrownBrown is known to be reliable, and one of the more popular earth tones.  It is a great accent with just about any color, but is especially nice with blues.  Light browns are a symbol of genuineness.  Most men enjoy browns, so consider this when decorating his favorite space.

 

Let’s Go Green

For many Americans, there is a sincere desire to go green.  However there is a strong lacking in knowledge of how to do so.  It is easier than you think to go green.  Here are a few tips to get you started on your green journey.

There are many things you can do today to start conserving energy.  Start by replacing all of your light bulbs with florescent bulbs.  It may be a little costly to do so, but you will be happy with the end results.  Not only do florescent light bulbs last three times as long as standard bulbs, but they also produce a brighter light.  Make sure all of your appliances have the energy star labels before you purchase them.   Invest in a tank less water heater.  Invest in draperies and shades lined with blackout lining.  Blackout drapes will keep the cold air out of your home in the winter time and keep the heat out of your home in the summer time.  Make sure your panels extend about six inches outside of your window for the best protection.

Eliminate paper waste.  Use cloth dinner napkins and save on disposable paper products.  Opt for dish towels instead of paper towels.  Recycle whenever possible.  Newspaper, aluminum cans, plastic, and glass bottles can all be recycled.

Save on water consumption.  Never leave your water running while brushing your teeth or when waiting to get in the shower.  If you have a leaky faucet, have it repaired as quickly as possible.  You can waste gallons of water in a very short amount of time. 

Going green is a gradual process.  Make one tiny change every week and before you know it you will be living a total eco friendly life.

DCD Fabrications

DCD Fabrications is a drapery workroom located in New Orleans, LA.  We specialize in high end custom window treatments,……swags, cascades, jabots, austrian shades, roman shades, table linens, drapery panels, bedding, and more.  DCD Fabrications is stictly a C.O.M. workroom.  We work with interior design firms, architects, contractors, and home decorators to create beautiful creations.

Wood Blinds an Alternate Window Covering

Are you looking for a way to spice up your home?  If so, wood blinds may be the answer.  To many, wood may not seem to be appealing or charming.  Perhaps one may think of the 60’s and 70’s craze of wood paneling.  However, the new millennium is here, and wood is in!  Wood blinds are a great alternative for window coverings. 

Read More

Home Ownership Sweepstakes

Drea’ Custom Designs has launched there first national sweepstakes.  Enter to win a pair of custom premium silk drapes and a pair of coordinating throw pillows.  One entry per person.  Sweepstakes ends this week on Friday, February 29, 2008.  Winner will be announced on or around March 31, 2008.  Rules and registration can be found at www.dreacustomdesigns.com

Roman Shades

relaxed-shade-1.jpgRoman shades can bring a lot of variety and style to your space.  In addition, they are very useful in providing privacy and insulation.  They are made with a variety of fabrics, and lifts into folds.  A very elegant and classic window treatment, roman shades come in a variety of styles.  Let’s take a look at a few of the most popular styles.

Save with Thermal Window Treatments

With the rising cost of energy, now would be a great time to invest in some thermal window treatments.  Thermal window treatments help to prevent cold air from getting inside your home in the winter and help keep the sun out of your home during the summer months.  This will help cut energy cost year round.  It is important to know the makeup of thermal window treatments before you make a purchase.  We will discuss a few important factors that should help you make your decision.

Read More

French Country Decor

Do you want to take a trip to the countryside of France everyday? If so, the French Country may be the décor for you. The French country style of décor incorporates warmth and comfort with American country décor. There are many elements that derive the French country style. The main elements are rustic, old world, with a touch of elegance. Rustic furniture is paired with fabrics that feature beautiful, earthy colors in a variety of traditional patterns. This décor would work in elegant, old chateaux as well as country homes.

Read More

Mediterranean Living

Mediterranean style interior design evokes the romance and profusion of colors, textures, tiles and carefree like style.  Mediterranean style refers to the design style of the south of France, Spain, Italy and isles of Greece.  One of the oldest areas of civilization, this is a culturally vibrant region.  This region is known for its turquoise waters, sparkling sunlit days, vibrant produce and flowers and the ancient colors of stones and the ruins of civilizations long past.  The Mediterranean house is a domain of the senses, carefree and casual, emphasizing the colors and textures found in the surrounding landscape.  Nature is apparent in the architectural elements.  Developing a Mediterranean style interior design is an easy way to bring a southern European feel to your home.   Read More

Fung Shui Elements

Feng Shui is known as “Kan-Yu” which means “The Law of Heaven and Earth.”    It is an ancient Chinese practice of placement and arrangement of space to achieve harmony with the environment.  This is a discipline with guidelines that are compatible with many techniques of agricultural planning as well as internal furniture arrangements.  Space, weather, astronomy, and geomagnetism are basic components of feng shui.  This can have an effect on health, wealth, and personal relationships. Read More