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It doesn’t matter what kind of decor you want to use in your home, that decor can look either good or bad depending on whether or not common design principles are followed.

If you’re thinking of decorating a room or your entire home using Tuscan decor, there are several principles you have to consider. Tuscan decor is like any other decor - there are certain principles that have to be followed to ensure that the room looks attractive and balanced. There’s good decorating, and bad decorating, never mind what kind of decor is used!

Before you start acquiring your various antiques - pottery, rugs, vases, glass jars and so on, and the necessary furniture and wall and window treatments - you must plan the decor out following the principles of good decorating.

Space
How big is the room you intend to decorate? You don’t want to have too much furniture in the room so that it appears crowded. Space also applies to the WINDOWS - depending on their size and location, you’ll use different kinds of shutters, curtains or draperies.

Line
Horizontal lines create a different impression than vertical ones. They create a sense of “breadth, width and size”, whereas vertical lines tend to add “height, dignity and formality.” Diagonal lines attract attention, but tend to be more disturbing than not. And finally, curving lines are “romantic and feminine.” Take a look at the lines of your windows - A-frame, bay, bow, casement, clerestory (a shallow window set near the ceiling), corner, dormer, double, picture or ranch, to see if you can tell the difference between the different styles. Depending on the types of windows you have, you’ll want your window treatments to match.

Texture
When it comes to decor, the texture of the walls is all-important. Tuscan walls are usually textured - rough and coarse, to give the appearance of hominess and age.

Proportion and scale
No matter what kind of furniture and accessories you place in your room, they should all be of the same proportion and scale, so that one item does not dominate the entire room.

Color
The use of color is the most important single element in decorating a room. Consider how much natural light enters the room, how large it is, and who will be using it. The Tuscan decor emphasizes “earth” tones such as brown, tan, beige and gold, but “sky” tones of blue are necessary as well, to echo the Tuscan earth and sky.

By following these general design principles with the specific principles of Tuscan decor, you can create a room that will be friendly, cosy, and that evokes the rustic atmosphere of peasant Italy.

Adam Peters
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/principles-of-design-inform-tuscan-deacutecor-161914.html

Your windows open your home to the outside world as well as give the later a good peek at the treasures that lies within. Other than considerably adding the aesthetic appeal of your New York home, it also works to maximize the comfort and functionality inside. With a properly installed window, the benefits are numerous from proper ventilation, enhanced look inside and out, optimal heating and cooling; thus making them beautiful as well as cost-effective.

When looking for windows to replace your old and dysfunctional ones, or for the construction of your new home, the options are many. Your choice of window type will depend on the overall look you want to achieve, personal preferences and needs, and the area where they are to be installed. Enlisted are several of the most popular window types:

Awning Windows

These types, which resemble deck or store awnings, are the cranking kind with top-hung hinged sash that swings outward. The design makes them very useful in rainy seasons, keeping the fresh air in and the rain out. This choice is ideal for home areas where privacy is needed while allowing some light and breeze in. They come many style and sizes to answer to your budget and taste. They can also be used in combination with a fixed window or alone.

Casement Windows

These are another set of cranking windows that are side-hung and fully open outward, easily permitting natural light and fresh air into the House. These are appropriately placed above sinks or appliances and other hard to reach areas. Like awning windows, casement windows shut tightly when cranked close, making up for an energy efficient choice.

Double-hung Sash Windows

These comprise the traditionally styled WINDOWS which have two sashes or parts inside a frame that overlaps to some extent to allow sliding up and down. Their standard design that does not need additional space to be opened or closed makes them ideal for high traffic areas like patios, walkways, and others.

Bay Windows

Bay windows are designed to jut outwards through multi-panels arranged in different angles. The panels on either side can be opened to provide ventilation. They maximize both the light that comes in and offer varying angles to the views outside. These types are also great additions to add space to any room.

Jalousie Windows

Also known as louvered windows, these types are formed by a series of glass slats held by metal chips that can be closed and opened in the same way as shutters. The amount of light and breeze to be let in can be controlled through manually rotating the metal clips. Though these can offer great ventilation, they cannot be shut airtight.

Picture Windows

Like the term indicates, these types offer an uninterrupted framed-like picture of the view outside. Being fixed – not having moving parts, they are superb in taking full advantage of natural lighting but do not let in any other elements, making another set of window needed for ventilation. They can also accommodate a good number of creative treatments like colored or leaded glass, custom shapes, and other artistic designs. They make up for charming decorative addition as well as excellent weatherproofing and insulation.

Eugene Makeev
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/types-of-windows-to-choose-from-747583.html