Romantic touch with colours

Adding an air of romance to your home can be done with colors that are poetic and enchanting. These colors range from charming, comfortable country colors to fanciful hues. We can always use these kind of different color hues to define our decor theme. Romantic and luxurious atmosphere, we can always establish on a wall or by a fabric furnishing, piece of furniture or may be with an accessory. Here we have got some real romantic, colorful rooms just for you and just imagine the pleasure you can have by owning one of these rooms in your home.

A Fun and Functional Kids’ Room: “e” by Nidi Design

The lighted letters on the wall of this “e” room by Nidi Design say it all: “Play.” Nidi, an Italian design firm, has fans all over the world in kids — and their parents — because of its innovative, fun, and flexible designs. This room has everything: a space for work, in the clean-lined white desk and chair — and yellow-lined “cubes” on the wall for handy storage of books, papers, art materials, or whatever else strikes a child’s fancy. It’s got room for sleeping, with a neat platform bed covered in removable, washable fabrics that make staying neat a breeze. It’s even got space for self-expression, with a wardrobe from the Graphic collection surfaced in a way that lets kids jot notes, messages, or draw right on the “wall.”

Color? Of course; neutrals kids can love — blueberry, lemon, and gray — “bounce” off pure white with just the right amount of energy for creativity, but not too much for relaxation. And these colors aren’t just reserved for fabric accents — an open storage “tray” in blue has handy white legs, a clever match with the bedside table in the same hue, but sporting a white drawer. And, finally, there’s Nidi’s unique and very playful touch: walls with pockets! What could be handier in a kid’s room than having a wall with its own place to “stash” things that may not fit well anywhere else, such as the arrows for an archery enthusiast? The answer? No one else does it quite the same way. This is “play” — with style.

 

 

 

 

 

Avoid Homework Wars-How to improve your child's after-school routine

Does your child have a problem finishing homework within a reasonable amount of time? Do you have to survive a battle each night? If your child has learning or attention problems, it's likely you have faced such challenges. Adopting these strategies for managing homework effectively can help.

The purpose of homework

Homework gives your child a chance to practice what she's learned in school. It's not supposed to teach new concepts or skills. But often, it's the kids most in need of practice who find homework hard to do.

First, make sure your child understands the assignment and the directions for completing it. If she's having problems with this, schedule a teacher conference to develop a communication system. It might be a homework sheet that the teacher reviews with your child, then sends home for you to sign.

Where is it done - and when?

 For some kids, a small desk where supplies can be stored is best. For others, the kitchen table is perfect. Wherever your child works, check to see that she's sticking to the task, especially if she has problems with concentration.

 Right after school is a good time for some kids to start homework, because the assignment is fresh in their minds. Others need a break before they can tackle more schoolwork. Sports or a parent's work schedule can interfere with a routine. With your child's input, develop two plans: one for the typical day, and one for unusual events. Write the plans down.

 If your child usually resists homework, make sure it doesn't follow an interesting activity, such as playing a computer game. Instead, transition from fun activities to activities that are less enjoyable, and also less difficult, than homework. For example, ask your child to bring in the mail, then ask her to set the table. This is called "behavioral momentum": getting your child to do relatively easy tasks before asking her to do something challenging. Resistance is less likely if the momentum of compliance is built first.

How much time should it take?

If your child has problems focusing, writes slowly, or needs extra time to understand concepts, homework can take a lot longer. No wonder she protests or tries to delay! Be sure the time she devotes to homework is appropriate. Some schools expect 30 to 45 minutes per night in the early grades, one hour in late elementary school, and two hours by middle school. If your child takes longer than the school expects, speak with her teacher about accommodations.

How can parents help?

•Reassure your child that everyone makes mistakes; they are an important part of learning. Ask your child what she finds hard or confusing, and listen to her ideas for making homework easier.

•Break assignments into smaller parts so your child won't feel overwhelmed. For a young child, fold worksheets in half. Have older students highlight sections of the assignment in different colors.

•Communicate progress with a chart. Draw a star when each portion of the homework is finished. When it's all completed, give a high five or a hug.

•Let her choose a fun activity when she's finished.

Bedroom Design for Children with Special Needs

Bedroom design for children with special needs requires some additional care and consideration to make the room as functional as possible. Whether you child has a physical disability or suffers from asthma or allergies, some relatively minor adjustments can make their bedroom a special place where they get a break from the strains they may face in their daily lives.

Physical Disabilities

 If your child is in a wheelchair, make sure you lay out the room in a way that lets them maneuver easily.

When designing a bedroom for a special needs child with a physical disability, your foremost concern should be accessibility. Your child should be able to easily reach their shelves, open their drawers and closets, and maneuver within the room. First, start with some common sense adjustments:

•Invest in long, horizontal shelves instead of tall, vertical ones for storing books and toys. You can either buy horizontal shelves, or simply place vertical shelves you already have on their side.

•If your child has a problem turning door knobs, replace traditional knobs with door levers. If the levers are too hard to use, consider placing the door on swing hinges so you child only has to push the door to open it, or a pocket door that slides into the wall.

•Move light switches down to a level your child can reach. A motion sensor light will help a child who cannot operate a standard light switch.

If your child is in a wheelchair, you need to be sure they can easily move around in their room in their chair, and get in and out of the room by themselves. Consider this when you layout the room - a 36 inch aisle is usually required for a wheelchair to pass easily. The doorway should be at least 32 inches wide for a wheelchair or walker to get through. Make sure the door does not block access to the room when it swing open - you can swap a right swinging door for a left one, or vice versa, if this is the case.

Make sure the tables and desks in your child's room are tall enough and deep enough to accommodate a wheelchair, and that your child can sit there comfortably. Investing in a table with adjustable legs may be worthwhile, so it can grow with your child.

Asthma and Allergies

If your child suffers from asthma or has severe allergies, protecting them from environmental concerns is of more concern than accessibility. To keep their rooms allergen free, consider the following steps:

•Pull up carpeting and stick with a hardwood floor. Carpets trap an enormous amount of dust that vacuuming cannot adequately remove.

•Use a dehumidifier to keep the moisture in the air low, so mold and fungus cannot grow. Keep the heat down as low as possible in the winter.

•Seal your child's mattress in a plastic cover.

•Keep furniture and decorations minimal - anything with fabric will hold onto dust, and the more surfaces there are, the more surfaces to breed allergens.

•Keep family pets out of your child's bedroom.

•Install an air purifier in the room.

Visual Impairments

If your child has a visual impairment, keep the room as clutter free and organized as possible to help your child navigate the space. Set the bed in a direct path to the door so your child has easy access day or night. Stick to wall-to-wall floor coverings to avoid corners that could curl and catch at feet from an area rug and hang hooks on the backs of doors at shoulder height so your child can easily keep things up off the floor.

Try to lay the room out so that there is a natural place for everything that your child can learn to navigate in time. Don't be afraid to add in some tactile elements as well, such as furry throw pillows or velvet drapes that will allow your child to enjoy the decor in her own way.

Autism

Design your autistic child's bedroom with his special needs in mind. Children can fall all over the spectrum and be bothered by different colors, lights, sounds or stimuli. Some design tips that may work for many children include:

•Using heavy, immovable furniture that is bolted to walls.

•Using lots of low shelves for toy storage that will minimize climbing or frustration.

•Use easy-to-access bins for sorting and grouping toys.

•Consider a platform bed that is low to the ground in case of falls.

•Use blackout curtains to help control the level of light in the room.

Purchasing Decor for Children with Special Needs

While many items may be easily adapted to your child's needs, there are several resources available that may cater to exactly what you need, including:

•eSpecial Needs

•Sweet Dream Bed

•Jenx

•Adaptive Mall

•Able Play

Things to Keep in Mind

Aside from the additional considerations that you need to keep in mind, there is no need to approach bedroom design for children with special needs differently that you would designing any child's bedroom. As soon as your child is old enough, involve them in the process of decorating their bedrooms. For a special needs child, this takes on special significance for two reasons. First, your child can communicate to you the needs they have, the problems they face within the room design, and the things that could make their lives easier. Second, your special needs child's bedroom should be a place where they can escape their problems and truly be comfortable - giving them a hand in the design process will ensure they get the haven they deserve.

COOL OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT AREA DESIGN IDEAS

Cool outdoor area is the must have if you live in a private house. Depending on your needs that area could serve different purposes which mostly do the same to entertain. They could also be entertainment area as for only your family as for your friends. Any outdoor area usually has some seating places, some table where you can eat. It usually is protected from the sun and is quite private. Here is our roundup of cool outdoor design ideas that are gathered to help you to create your very own place to spend time outside of the house.

 

WALL MOUNTED LIGHTING FIXTURES FOR YOUR HOMES

Even a simplest place in your home can be added some thrill and magic through the use of lights. Lights are always a great way to add some dramatic spice to your interior. A good thing about lights are that these are one of those elements of a house’s fixtures that can be used everywhere and the large range of classy designs offered by hundreds of brands have made it far easier to choose your own way of lighting that depicts you very own taste. So here you go for some lights that will turn your bare walls into such interesting stuff that people will like to turn their heads towards them for admiration…

ARTURO ALVAREZ EMOTIONAL LIGHT

 The first design of light is named as ‘GLUC’ and seems to have bubbles joined together. The second design named as ‘Kites’ will look perfectly cheerful in your house.



AXO LIGHT

 This light is also a wall light that is in somewhat oval shape with a hole inside and has LED lighting system. It will look superb in any part of your house and even outdoors.

 

 

4.  SANTTA & COLE

 This light is what we call some really smart and creative innovation. This light slides over a reflective two toned slab so that you can change the position of the light on the colour your mood goes with.

5.   OTY LIGHT

This one is a modular square version of wall mounted variety and with this you will for sure don’t need to place any decorative item on your walls as they are the décor in themselves.

6. FLOS

This light is also truly a jaw dropper with a design that is in a ring shape tilted away from the wall and throws light on it.

7. CLASSIC LITE

These are in linear shape that throw their soft light upon the walls and thus creating a mesmerizing ambiance.

 

 

CELEBRITY BLOGGER PEREZ HILTON SHOWS OFF 3-WEEKS OLD SON...

Happy Dad

The millionaire blogger welcomed his son through a surrogate just three weeks ago and he's already showing him off in the media. He's setting up interviews and organizing magazine photo shoots with the infant who was born a premature. The photo shoot above was for LA Times. Cute baby!

Setting up kids friendly kitchens

When most parents plan a new house or a major remodel, they spend a lot of time on the kitchen, trying to make sensible choices from the staggering number of cabinet door styles, countertop materials and appliance models available.

In most cases, though, little thought is given to who will be using the kitchen. Will it just be Mom and Dad, or will the whole family be cooking together? Making a new kitchen user-friendly for kids is surprisingly easy.

Child-friendly materials

For countertops, experts recommend engineered stone, such as Silestone or Zodiaq brands, because it is nearly impossible to scratch or stain and it’s easy to keep clean.

For cabinetry, finish is more critical than style or material, A darker stained wood is more forgiving because it tends to conceal dirt, dents and bruises. Lighter cabinet colors are more revealing and show dirt, but consideration for more natural light would make a smaller room feel larger.

For flooring, I recommend linoleum because it is shock absorbing; fragile dishes accidentally dropped on it are less likely to break. Slate and tile are harder; things dropped on them do break.

The lack of shock absorption in tile and slate can also be hard on the parents. If you cook dishes that require you to stand for long periods at the stove, you may find your legs beginning to ache.

 

Counter height

If you want your children to help with the cooking, you might want to consider a lower work surface. Standard kitchen counter height for adults is 36 inches; kids need a work surface that is about six inches lower.

When ordering new cabinets, you can incorporate a section of lower counter into its design, and this will make some cooking tasks easier for you long after your kids have grown and left the nest.

A lowered counter should not add to the cost of a new kitchen, because most cabinet lines offer both 30-inch- and 341/2-inch-high cabinet boxes,. In any case, a lower counter is ergonomically advantageous for adults, too, because an adult’s arms will be straight when leaning over it. This allows adults to use their entire upper body strength to knead dough or mix ingredients and put more weight on the rolling pin for pastry dough or pizza crust.

A lower counter is handy for tall appliances and toasters, when blenders and food processors are lowered, it’s easier to peer in and see if the food is blended or minced.

 

Counter size and location

Cooking and eating areas are typically separated in most homes. But for teaching kids to cook, integrating the two is advantageous because most of what kids learn about cooking and healthy eating is by observation.

Cooking together will be a family activity some of the time, but they are watching you every day, A social area within the kitchen also helps to reinforce the idea that cooking is not merely providing nourishment but is also “a wonderfully social activity,”

If you plan to use the counter for eating and casual socializing as well, you’ll need one that’s at least 48 inches wide with a depth of 26 inches — “Enough,” Grey said, “to feel like you’re sitting at a table and not a shelf. This is especially important when the lowered counter faces into the kitchen. You need to have a space in front of your face to talk to people, whether they are sitting next to you or standing at the sink across the room.”

Storage

Store everything you don’t want your children to use high up; store everything you want them to use lower down. A practical way to separate the two is a floor-to-ceiling, 12-inch-deep bank of cabinets,.

To make it easy for them to help with chores such as unloading the dishwasher and setting the table, rearranged the contents of their cabinets. Items normally stored up high, such as dishes and glassware, were kept in the lower cabinets, along with the cookware that his children used. Also rearranged the drawers of a drawer base, moving the silverware drawer to a lower position so that his kids had easier access.

Organising space for the kids

Pretties on Display

Everything needn't be stashed out of sight for a room to be organized. A toddler's favorite frocks hung on satin hangers add a sweet touch to this little girl's room.

Playroom Perfected

This toddler's playroom is kept neat with an expansive bookcase filled with colorful bins. Toys and books each have their own designated spot, making after-play cleanup a snap.

Show It Off

Let's face it: Kids are natural collectors. So, it only makes sense to give them somewhere to stylishly display their stuff.

Room to Grow

Built-in bookcases add handy storage and display space for boyhood treasures while an aviation theme and queen-size bed will work for many years to come.

Built-in wall units are especially helpful in small spaces; a single wall with built-ins can replace toy boxes, bookcases, desks and trunks to create a room that is more open and clutter free."

Built-in cabinets, shelves and cubbies house stuffed animals, art supplies and toys in this little girl's room. When she grows up, the same storage will come in handy for shoes, bags and school supplies.

How do you motivate children to do their homework?

The best "punishment" for not doing the work is their grade. You need to make it very obvious that they are the ones who are in control of their own studying, and that if they don't work hard enough to pass, you are going to be sad when they fail, but you are not going to step in and do any of the work for them.

Be careful about threats and punishments to get your child to do homework. They may be less motivated to do it. It is almost better to not make them do it, let them fail for a brief period, and let them learn the lesson by themsevles. Then, if after say, five weeks, they still haven't learned a lesson, it's time to intervene.

• Have a set time each day when they must sit down and do schoolwork. This means no tv, no internet, no cellphones, no loud music (soft music is OK but no iPods or earphones because they do turn those up too loud and distract themselves). If they do not have homework that day (or if they claim that they don't), they still have to spend that time studying - have them read over their textbook and write down an outline of what they read into their notebook, or have them write out the important terms and definitions from the chapter, or have them recite what they have learned out loud to you. So long as they are spending that time studying, they'll learn something.
• Get a big family calendar. Write down every assignment's due date on this calendar - also include things like extracurricular activities, important events, and whatever else they need to plan ahead for! With a big visual cue in the kitchen or family room, they cannot say they didn't know something was due, or they forgot to study for a test.
• Bribe them! It's not as bad as it sounds - just as you work for a paycheck, kids need something to work for. If your kids are not motivated by the desire to get a good grade, then you have to come up with something else as a motivation. The only thing to watch out for here is the temptation to use "negative motivation" and take away something fun whenever they don't do well - that's not what I'm talking about, and it doesn't really work well anyhow. Psychological studies have proven that rewards help you change your bad habits faster and more permanently than the fear of punishment. Come up with some sort of reward with your kids - it could be a special movie night, or a small monitary reward for each good result, or a family trip - whatever they would want badly enough to work at their homework and "earn."

(2) - Don't think 'bribe', think 'positive reinforcement'. For most kids today computer, TV, X-box or Ipad time are major motivators so agree with your child that for each hour of completed homework time theycan have 30 minutes of 'media' time. But of course you have to monitor their performance - both in achieving the homework tasks and not over-running their reward time. If they've only earned 30 minutes 'media' time and the programme they are watching is 40 minutes then you have to turn it off (or record the rest) and get them back on task.


Rewards don't have to be this fancy though - studies have shown that even acknowledging someone works effectively as positive reinforcement, so a comments like, 'Well done! I'm really proud of you. That looks really good. Was it hard? Aren't you clever! Which part of it did you find hardest?' will motivate your child and strengthen their relationship with you

Family-Friendly Living Spaces

Family living rooms fulfill many needs. With multitasking amenities and customized storage, these organized living spaces are perfect combinations of lovely and livable with room to grow

Style doesn't have to trump storage. Creating a sense of togetherness is simple when kid-friendly features blend with livable style in your home's gathering spaces. Here's how to make a living room store everything and work for your family.

Storage Bench

Pack two functions into one with a storage bench. A cushion on top provides a place to sit, while cubbies below can be used for books or bins full of toys, games, or crafts supplies.

Console Cabinet

In an open living room floor plan, consider a console cabinet an essential piece. Position one behind a sofa that "floats" in the middle of a room and you'll have a spot for lamps to illuminate the seating space, a surface for placing drinks, plus plenty of storage.

Tiered Coffee Table

While the surface of a coffee table offers plenty of function, get even more from this living room staple by choosing a tiered model. Stack books and magazines on the shelf below, and use baskets both on and underneath the tabletop to corral other items.

Built-Ins

Invest in built-ins to give your living room architectural presence as well as an organized appearance. Frame a doorway with shelves, or consider cabinetry around a fireplace.

Nesting Tables

Nesting tables, usually in sets of two or three, stack together but can be pulled out for extra tabletop surface as needed. They take up less floor space -- ideal for small rooms -- but still offer room for storage.

Console Table

Like its cabinetry cousin, a console table adds storage but provides a different look. Baskets or bins can be lined up beneath for additional storage.

Hutch

Hutches, pie safes, cabinets, and armoires are stylish storage additions for more formal or traditional living rooms. These handsome pieces bring substance to a space while providing plenty of concealed storage for organizing necessities.

Coffee Table with Drawers

Drawers stacked beneath the top of a coffee table can conceal all sorts of items such as board games, remotes, magazines, and more. Since these pieces tend to be a bit more bulky than leggy, open coffee tables, they work best in larger or more open spaces.

Skirted Table

Turn a simple table into a storage gold mine with the addition of a skirt. For a DIY version, first cut and hem a piece of fabric to size. Then place hook-and-loop tape around the top edge of the table and attach the skirt. Slide storage bins or carts beneath the table.