Valentine’s Day: Surprise Him With The Perfect Man Cave

Valentines Day: Surprise Him With The Perfect Man Cave

ALLPICS MAN CAVE LOVE Valentines Day: Surprise Him With The Perfect Man Cave

Ladies, are you stuck wondering what to get your main squeeze for a Valentine’s Day present? While you could go with the usual dinner out, candy, and cards, why not surprise him with a gift he’ll cherish for years to come? Man caves are all the rage these days, and turning an unused space into the den of his dreams will not only add value to your home in the long run, but it will give him a space to indulge in his manly passions like belching, scratching, shouting at the TV during the game, or cheesing off his friends during a marathon video game tournament.

The Man Cave: His Ticket to Paradise

Designing and installing the trappings for your honey’s very own space to relax, hang with his buddies, or just horse around is one of the best gifts you can give. It can also be one of the priciest. According to Bloomberg.com¹, the average cost of putting together the lair of his dreams can be between $5,000 - $10,000.

Fortunately, with the right plan and resources, it doesn’t need to break the bank. You’re a smart cookie, or he wouldn’t be with you, right? Right! There are smart ways you can give him a space fit for a king without spending a king’s ransom. Just follow these tips, and voila-man cave paradise.

1) Set a budget.

Though the average cuddle-bug’s budget for Valentine’s Day is approximately $130.97², the cost of putting together a decent man cave is probably going to be higher than that. Set a realistic budget and stick to it. Try to plan out what you really want to accomplish and research the costs. By having a budget in place, it will prevent you from spending more than you intended to.

2) Pick your space.

Man caves are just like men-they come in all shapes and sizes. There are options to turn just about any space into a great den for your guy. What about carving out a space in the basement? With just the right touch, maybe that unused utility room could have possibilities. A junk room can be turned into a jewel. Wherever you choose, cordon it off with a sign that says “no man’s land” during your refurbishments so he can enjoy the surprise on V-Day.

3) Decide on a theme.

Think about what your partner likes to do and what his passions are. Is he a sports nut? Would he like a bar installed to entertain and impress his buddies during the big game? Maybe he just needs a cozy space where he and a friend can spend hours destroying the universe on a game console. By designing the space around his likes and interests, you’re sure to knock his socks off on Valentine’s Day.

4) Get the walls right.

Investing in the right wall coverings can make efficient use of your space. It can also act as a sort of acoustic-sponge. Football, basketball, or X-box, men are noisy creatures. If he has any special memorabilia, get it framed and hang it creatively around the room. Prominently showcase posters of his favorite rock band or sports team. For a homier motif, look at online art houses for classic paintings, country art for sale, or landscapes.

5) Go second-hand and gently used.

There’s no need to buy all new stuff for your guy’s burrow. A quick trawl of the Internet will prove that. Try looking on sites such as Craigslist for people getting rid of furniture for cheap or even free. You’ll generally need to pick these items up, so be sure to bring a burly friend to help with moving. If you start your search early enough, you can find tables, chairs, TV’s, bars, and even pool tables going for practically nothing.

6) Get creative with design features.

Your man will want access to all of his favorite stuff in his cave, so start planning out some design features to house it all. For example, shelving for treasured CDs and records near his stereo console will help keep these items off the floor and the cave in some semblance of order. Be sure you include places for knick-knacks and enough tables for snacks and beers during the game.

Nothing says “I love you” like a new nest for your favorite Neanderthal. Once he picks himself up off the floor after fainting from shock, he’s likely to brag to all of his friends how you’re the greatest partner ever. You’ll not only reap the rewards of being the ultimate gift-giver, but you’ll also get to reclaim the TV in the family room for your own shows. Yep, you’re one smart cookie.

Writer LaGeris Underwood Bell wishes all a romance-filled Valentine’s Day. She encourages smart cookies every where to fill their honey bears’ burrows with economical posters, country art for sale, and favorite keepsakes that will make the space special.

Photo credit #1: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tranztec/3895155879/

Photo credit #2: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lovemaegan/5121739494/

Photo credit #3: http://www.flickr.com/photos/89119745@N00/7485123990/

¹ Bloomberg.com

^{2 CNN.com}

Tags: home decor, man caves, Valentines Day

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Center Stage! How to Showcase Your Valuable Artwork

ALLPICS ARTWORKS Center Stage! How to Showcase Your Valuable Artwork

Center Stage! How to Showcase Your Valuable Artwork

Interior design is the art of making the inside of your home look grand. When you are working on decorating your home, one of your major concerns will be on how to display your valuable art.

You have gone to great lengths to purchase or preserve this artwork; it deserves a place of honor on your walls. However, you’ll want to display your art in a manner that is both complimentary to your home’s interior and to the artwork itself.

3 Great Ideas To Display Artwork In Your Home

Select the Best Frame

Even if your artwork is currently framed, you can opt to have the piece placed in a new frame that best compliments your room.

Purchasing a quality frame is critical. They can be found in higher-end retail framing shops, or on the internet. Companies like Artismo provide handcrafted frames in many different styles.

Feeling bold, or really want the piece to stand out in the room? Select a frame that contrasts with the room’s finish. This will make the artwork become the center piece of the room.

If this is an older piece of artwork, while you have it out of the frame, take the opportunity to have the piece professionally cleaned or restored.

Highlight with Lighting

It’s always been a common practice to install lighting to showcase a special piece of artwork in the home. Creative lighting will not only enhance the beauty of the artwork, it will also set a mood for the room.

Make sure, however, that you are careful with how you place the lighting to reflect on the painting. While you do want it to enhance the beauty of the work, you do not want it to cause damage. Oil paintings can fade over time when exposed to harsh lighting, so make sure you light the piece with soft, indirect light.

Sunlight may have a detrimental effect on your art over time. You should always refrain from placing a painting in front of direct sunlight.

Complimentary Accessories

One of the easiest ways to make your favorite piece of artwork stand out is to use complimenting accessories in the room. For example, if your painting is of flowers, why not add items such as throw pillows with similar floral patterns to your sitting area. You can be very creative in this manner.

This also allows you to change the appearance of the room easily without having to change your painting.

There are other little things that you can do that will help showcase your artwork. If the piece is from a famous artist, why not place a book about the artist on a coffee table or on a shelf near the painting. You may also want to have a small plaque inscribed with relevant information about the painting that all can read.

To preserve the artwork, make sure that you avoid heating and cooling vents and that you place it out of reach of little hands. If you live in an area where there is a lot of dust, consider adding a glass cover to the artwork so that it will remain in perfect condition.

Using artwork to decorate your home is an age-old tradition. Displaying it in a manner that compliments your home and your tastes is quite easy, especially when you use these easy suggestions.

Nadine Swayne is a freelance writer who has often redecorated for family and friends. Artismo provides quality framed artwork perfect for enhancing the design of any home.

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Photo credits: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aloha75/9219428594/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wonderlane/3468285947/

Tags: framed artwork, home decor

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Decorating 101: 5 Tips for Finding Your Inner Sofa Style

ALLPICS SOFA Decorating 101: 5 Tips for Finding Your Inner Sofa Style

Decorating 101: 5 Tips For Finding Your Inner Sofa Style

Your sofa is the center of your living space. It’s the area where you entertain, congregate as a family and relax on a rainy afternoon with a good book. Finding the ideal foundation for your living space can bring the rest of your home together when you plan right. The following are important tips for finding your inner sofa zen.

1. Determine A Budget

Before you go on a shopping spree, you need to determine the amount of money that you have to spend on your sofa. You’ll find an assortment of affordable options in many styles and prices when you shop online. The online furniture business has grown widespread because of the prices and selection. Many local retail establishments are limited in what they can offer the consumer, but you’ll find an online resource to have a host of colors, styles and fabrics to choose from. You will also find the prices to be significantly lower than what you would find at your favorite department store.

2. Choose Your Materials

The type of material will dictate the comfort and amount of time you want to linger on your new sofa. Leather, fabric and wood sofas are the most popular and come in an assortment of colors and materials. A wooden couch may sound harsh, but you’ll adore its design when paired with a comfy cushion.

Leather is a bit more costly, but it can be soft and luxurious when you entertain guests or sit and watch your favorite T.V. show. Depending on the type of leather that you select, you need to keep in mind that it will require additional care and maintenance. One of the most affordable options is fabric, and you can find the textures and styles customized to fit your home’s interior.

3. Pick A Sofa Shape

Once you’ve determined how much you’ll use the sofa, you’ll want to take on the task of shape. A sofa that has an exact purpose such as strictly being used to relax should have plush cushions and pillows. Sectionals are ideal to fit an assortment of individuals in your living space and can have additional reclining sections for added comfort. A rolled arm or Lane Benson sofa is the perfect compliment for a more formal setting.

4. Measure For Sofa Size

The placement of the sofa in your living space will determine the size of your sofa. There are a number of online designer apps that make it easy for homeowner’s to set up a room on their cellphones or computers.

5. Consider Color and Patterns

Before you pick the color or pattern of your sofa, you need to take into consideration your wall colors and other accessories in the room. A neutral colored sofa can be accented with patterned throws, pillows and other home furnishings. If you go for something patterned and bold, you can accent in solid accessories.

A sofa can last you anywhere from ten to 20 years, so you’ll find it important to choose something that’s affordable and made of good quality materials. Whether you use it as a place to gather as a family or entertain, your sofa should have the above important features.

Being in the market for a new sofa inspires Nadine Swayne to write this article. At Sofasandsectionals(dot)com, you can choose from stylish leather sectionals or classic Lane Benson sofas. They offer a wide variety of furniture that will fit your style and home personality.

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinkrejci/8049482840/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wicker-furniture/8286195560/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/medvjek/8705984324/

Tags: home decor, sofas