Stop Giving Away Your Talent, It’s Time to Get Paid For Your Interior Design Advice

February 5, 2012 at 8:29 am • Posted in interior design educationNo comments yet

Speaking of time,

Time is the one thing we never seem to have enough of, and you can’t ever make more. So based on the laws of supply and demand, your time is extremely valuable. If you’re a creative woman who has a passion for home decor and a knack for decorating, I am willing to bet that you have already been working as a decorator. Chances are you just haven’t picked-up a paycheck. Do you often help your friends shop for their home, or tell your mother-in-law how to rearrange her furniture? Have you ever had someone compliment you on your house and tell you they would love your help with theirs? This is exactly what a decorator does, so why not become one yourself?

Remember, not everyone has a gift for design. In fact most people don’t have an eye for details and they can’t put colors together in pleasing combinations. Others may have the talent but don’t have the time it takes to pull together a beautiful room. I love to shop, and I enjoy the opportunity and responsibility of shopping with other people’s money. If this sounds at all interesting and you have an entrepreneurial drive, being a decorator can be a fantastic home-based business.

You need to understand that your talent has value! What may come easy to you, can seem like an impossible task to others. What most people haven’t grasped yet is that this concept is what embodies a professional, “Making the difficult look easy and making the impossible, look attainable.” People are willing to pay for things they can’t do themselves. In fact, you’ll be helping them more than you can imagine. For this, they will be extremely grateful. Grateful enough to pay you for your time and possibly a percentage of the project. You need to decide what your time is worth and create an invoice to simply collect your paycheck.

How you charge for your time depends on a few important things. First things first, do your research and find out what the going rate is in your area. Don’t forget to find out how long your competition has been in business and what type of design they specialize in? Do they charge hourly or by project? Are you really comparing apples to apples?

Secondly, what type of designer would you like to be? Are you going to be a re-designer, someone who rearranges the furniture your client already has? Would you like to design a plan for someone’s room and let them do all of the leg work, like suggesting paint colors and floor plans? Then you offer consultation based services, and you are simply paid for your advice and your taste. For this, I would recommend charging a slightly higher hourly rate or a flat fee based on the room size, or square footage.

If you plan on actually purchasing the furniture for your client, this would make you a product driven design consultant. You should be charging an hourly fee and a percentage of the products you use in the space. This money can either be a service fee you charge the client, or a designer discount offered by the supplier of the product. There is so much extra work involved in tracking special orders, you must charge for the additional responsibility and liability involved in this type of design. Find out what other designers charge and make yourself competitive.

Next up, how experienced are you? If you’re just starting out in this wonderful world of design, then giving your clients a discount can be a great way to build up a base clientele. When I was first starting out I charged $35 an hour for shopping and consultation and $25 an hour for drafting time. Now, that was back in 1992 and thanks to inflation, things have changed a bit. I can now charge three to five times that, depending on the client. If I’m working with a homeowner I charge at a different rate than if I was coaching a store owner or corporation. I also charge extra for rendering, drafting, site visits, and training. If I were just starting out today, and I was a beginner, I would charge at least $50 an hour for my shopping time. Be sure to let them know that they are receiving an introductory offer and as your popularity grows, so will your fees!

My best advice is for you to think it through carefully and do your homework. There isn’t any one RIGHT way to charge for design time and there’s a fine line between underselling and undervaluing your services, or charging too much and scaring off potential customers. Being a designer can be the best business in the world, if you have a plan, and set your mind to really get paid for your natural talent.

About the Author

Whether you are just starting out in the design world, or have years of experience, Chelsea Coryell can help you create the design business of your dreams. Drawing from over 20 years of experience as a professional designer and sales coach she can help you Renovate Your Revenue today by visiting http://www.designforaliving.com where you can download a free video series now.

Advantages of Wood Flooring

February 4, 2012 at 9:53 am • Posted in interior design educationNo comments yet

The wood floors have many benefits that are not available in other types of flooring. This adds style and warmth to a home. The wooden floors really appeal to the aesthetic sense of many people. The home can simply transform into a beautiful one by making use of these . These have hardly been out of fashion and many homes that have these wooden floors are thought to be unique and worth admiring. Installation of wooden floors may cost much more than buying a carpet but these floors last much longer if they are maintained properly. Moreover, the wood floors can help to transform a house completely that needs renovation.
The solid wood floors are very durable and quite resistant to the daily wear and tear that happens to the floors when people are living in a house. Unlike the laminated or the man made floors, the wooden floors are warm and can hold the warmth. These wood floors are best for homes present in areas with cold climate. The wooden floors do not feel cold to the bare feet and therefore good for the colder climate areas. In addition, this hardwood floor is good for people who suffer from different types of allergies. The wood floors cannot be the breeding grounds for mould, mildew or the dust mites. In addition, keeping the hard wood clean is easier than the carpet. Vacuuming or the damp mopping are enough to keep these hard wood floors clean and tidy. Wood floors are even more helpful at home where frequent cleaning is required, due to the children and pets present at home.
Hard wood flooring can be bought finished or pre-finished. Pre-finished flooring is more convenient because it does not need any sanding. Therefore the time is saved when prefinished flooring is bought. In addition, one is not required to clean the sawdust when pre-finished flooring is required. As the wood is already finished, no drying time is even needed. The floor varnishes and lacquers require half a day to dry up in order to continue work or walk on the surface.
Many wooden floor installs prefer to use the unfinished wood for the purpose of flooring. It is because the unfinished wood gives a uniform seal to the project. It makes it easier to confirm that all joints are properly sealed before the finish is put on the surface of the floor. The uniformity of surface seal prevents the wood flooring from the harmful effects of moisture. Moisture is actually a major enemy of wooden floors and it is important that proper measures are taken to guard against moisture, when these wooden floors are being installed. However the unfinished wood takes much more time, expense and labors, but the results of using the unfinished wood are worth the trouble. Moreover, there are certain other advantages of making use of the wooden floors. There are a variety of surfaces available that can be used to give several different looks to the wooden floor.

About the Author

Visit hardwood floor NJ, wood floor refinishing NJ

With Contemporary Bathroom Vanities, One Can Bring In A Pleasant Experience

February 3, 2012 at 2:23 am • Posted in interior design educationNo comments yet

A person have to keep in his conscience certain basic facts while thinking to purchase Contemporary Bathroom Vanities. An important point about this matter is the cost of the bathroom vanity that one selects. If you have only limited finance for purchasing the bathroom vanities, you have to go around many shops to find out, if a shopper can sell it on a discount price. There are many shops in the city who give, 20 to 30 percent discounts on the sale price of the unit. These concessions are put on their website also. This discount sale is normally allowed only during the festival seasons
New models in the modern bathroom vanities occupy short area in the bathroom. So, there would be ample space available in the bathroom. The modern bathroom vanities are made of wood, metals, glass and stone. To find a modern bathroom vanity in the city, is a easy job. They are exhibited in the department store, bathroom furnishing store and furniture store. Many modern or contemporary bathroom vanities look very simple from a distance. These look like a table. When you are nearer to it, they would be fanciful

In the modern or contemporary bathroom vanities, artistic decoration or carvings are not normally seen. The modern or contemporary bathroom vanities cost less than the antique or traditional bathroom vanities. Many manufactures are deploying modern machines to make the modern or contemporary bathroom vanities. By this process, a good many varieties produced in a short time. A modern or contemporary bathroom vanity is designed ornamentally also. This technique is done to the edges only
The expert designers believe that the art and style of the modern or contemporary bathroom vanities are simple and good. For a compact bathroom a free standing modern or contemporary bathroom vanities are fixed in the walls. These can be fixed by making holes in the walls. This work can be done, properly by a plumber. A modern or contemporary bathroom vanity consist of a sink and also a base cabinet

The base cabinet is just below the sink. One more advantage for the free standing bathroom vanity is that it makes plumbing work easier. So, fitting the free standing bathroom vanity may cost you lesser than the regular bathroom vanity. The width of the free standing bathroom vanity can range from 20 inches to 50 inches. You will have to take the right measurements before you set your foot to search for the modern or contemporary bathroom vanities. You have to make the right choice when you are selecting the right kind of bathroom vanity sink

The bathroom vanity sinks are available in various colors like white, dark brown and black. The sellers exhibit these colored sinks for one’s choice and selection. These sinks bear the appearance of mosaic material. These sinks are usually made from ceramic tiles wood, stainless steel, and stone. As per the size of the bathroom, and the needs of the owner, his financial budget and also his life style, a modern or contemporary bathroom vanity can be selected
If one does not possess a clear idea or knowledge of a modern or contemporary bathroom vanity, it is good to see through the advertisements contained in standard magazines. Photocopies of the Contemporary bathroom will help one to know of the style and décor settings. Before selecting the modern or contemporary bathroom vanity, one must note down the size the bathroom. It is also necessary to know as to how many family members that would be using it. Only after these are taken note of, it is safer to select a suitable modern or contemporary bathroom vanity for your bathroom

It is a known fact that a popular brand of the modern or contemporary bathroom vanity that has a good selling market. For full information on this aspect, one can see the website in the internet or an advertisement in a local newspaper. There are interior décor magazines also which give information regarding one’s needs. Certain brands of the products survive for a long time or, while others withstand for a short period only. Considering all; these factors one should buy a modern or contemporary bathroom vanity. Yet another variety available for sale in the market is a modern double bathroom vanity. After careful consideration and selection, makes it one to feel that he has achieved something good to enjoy for a long period

About the Author

Article by Bill Robinson of ModernBathroomVanity.com, a website with the largest selections of contemporary bathroom vanity and black bathroom vanity for your household needs.

How to Choose Interior Painting Contractors in the Bay Area

February 2, 2012 at 5:27 am • Posted in interior design educationNo comments yet

Turning a house into a home may require the skills of an interior painting contractor in the Bay Area. It takes the right colors, placed in the right way, to give each room the perfect feel. The staff at Custom Painting Inc. wants to help you make the perfect matches for all of your paint needs. They will give you the tips and pointers for making decisions that will brighten up the corners (and all the walls) of your home.

Choosing the right painting contractor may take a little time. You may even want to put in some effort visiting other sites where the contractor has worked or is working. The effort you put into finding the right interior painting contractor in the Bay Area will pay off in the end when you get the job for your home that you need.

Choosing the Right Interior Painting Contractor in the Bay Area

Step One: Do the initial research. Use the internet or the yellow pages to gather a list of potential contractors in your area. Make notes about their location, their history, or any other information you may be able to gather through those sources.

Step Two: Use the names to find reviews about the companies. Contact the Better Business Bureau or just do a search on the internet for the company by name. Add the word review to your research and you may be able to find comments or posts from past customers.

Step Three: Let the information that you gather from your searches help you narrow down the number of companies on your list. Put a star next to the interior painting contractor in the Bay Area that you think you would most like to have complete your project.

Step Four: Contact the company and ask for an initial consultation. Find out basic information during the consultation about pricing, timelines and services. You may also want to ask for a list of past clients that you can contact for referrals or to view completed jobs.

Step Five: Continue down the list for two to three more names. Compare the information received from all of the searches and consultations and then make your decision.

Painting a home can be an ordeal especially when you are living in it while the renovations are taking place. Following these simple steps will help you choose the interior painting contractor in the Bay Area that will make the experiences as quick and painless as possible.

About the Author

Custom Painting Inc., a full service painting company in California that also provides custom moldings installation, and interior painting services, Bay Area. By hiring Custom Painting contractors you have nothing to worry but just look forward to having beautiful interiors. Contact us to set up an appointment to discuss your painting project.

Space Saving Ideas For small homes

February 1, 2012 at 5:02 am • Posted in interior design educationNo comments yet

There are ideas which can be great help for your space saving tips. The idea here is to transform your cramped kitchenette into a cozy and comfortable little room worthy of your next culinary masterpiece.

First you will need to consider all the space available around your kitchen. Are you really using the space it to its fullest. First of all you will need to clear all the things that are in the kitchen to clear out everything and take out the things you don’t really need. For example when the last time you used juicer in the kitchen was, don’t remember right! Then toss it out. How about that scratched-up pan that is turning out Teflon flecked cheese omelets? Not worth the space! You might be surprised how much space you free up by simply giving your kitchen gear a good sorting through

Once you have taken away most of the unnecessary things, consider the layout of your kitchen. You have to be very logical to where to keep things. Try to jug your cooking utensils and oven mits near the stove. If kitchen Is sharing with other partners, you may have to consider the traffic to the minimum while you are busy cooking. Best use of the space is to keep the most used utensils in the kitchen and one that are very sparingly used should be kept away to some other place.

Multi-tasking Cabinets

Cabinets could be your best options to keep things tidy and spacious in the kitchen. In a small kitchen you got to use them in most effective way. For some installing cabinet’s maybe problem for then recommended to go for the lazy susans and dividing trays. Trays and shelves within the cabinet allow keeping everything in order. If you have low ground cabinets that you just find a little hard to use, installing some roll out shelves is the answer. In a nutshell, don’t let any space go waste. Even try to utilize high shelf over the refrigerator to hold your serving plate you don’t often use.

Appliance Solutions

Most of the appliance companies have realized the importance of space saving and now they are designing the products that are truly space saving. Try replacing old utensils and appliances and get more space savvy gadgets.

Create the Appearance of Space

Use interior designing tricks to create illusion of space. Give kitchen a very bright and airy feeling by installing plenty of lighting- light installed under your cabinets are great way to add more light without wasting any inch of the space.

About the Author

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Luxury furniture and designer homeware in South Africa

January 31, 2012 at 7:19 am • Posted in interior design educationNo comments yet

South Africans are savvy consumers who are not afraid to experiment with design influences, seeking out the best international inspirations and local styles to create home interiors that, at their ultimate, are on trend and timeless. The best luxury furniture and designer homeware transforms space, creating an energy and atmosphere that is a joy to inhabit and express your personality.

The greatest design choices are always the ones that reflect your personal style. That doesn’t mean sticking with what you know. It’s being fearless about trying new things and finding inspiration that resonates with you. Luxury furniture is not an end in itself: the right furniture will enhance your living space.

There are as many different ways to stamp your identity on a room as there are rooms to decorate. In some instances you might want to make a dramatic statement with an iconic furnishing, or coordinate a number of furnishings that subtly express your taste.

Within your home, your options are similarly varied. Do you want to extend a theme throughout the house, perhaps with understated variations from room to room? Or indulge in contrast, perhaps achieving an eclectic bohemian effect?

Some prefer the stark purity of minimalist chairs and tables, others the sumptuous comfort of designer leather sofas and chairs. Some will audaciously combine both.

Design details

Arranging a room is about organising space. It’s also about attention to detail. Designer homeware, astutely arranged, adds texture and colour to a room, draws attention to the room’s best features and sets a mood.

Maximise your use of space with mirrors and lighting. Lighting is integral to creating an atmosphere; moreover, the light fittings themselves can be objects of great sculptural beauty.

Possibly even more than furniture, the interplay of designer homeware is paramount – wall art, sculpture and exquisite carpets blending harmoniously or strikingly clashing.

Form and function

Choosing between style and function is becoming less of a concern. More than ever it is possible to find quality furniture and homeware that is designed to make life easier while looking great.

Shelving made from pale natural woods, slatted teak bathmats, natural stone soap trays, reading lights that substitute as objets d’art; there is no reason why buying the things you need should not overlap with purchasing the objects you really want.

Choosing luxury furniture in South Africa

The best way to choose furniture is to see it in context. It may not be practical to move fifteen different couches into your living room, but you can go to a luxury furniture store that replicates a home environment.

A luxury furniture warehouse is the best place to see how furniture works in space and with other pieces.

The great thing about browsing is that you don’t have to enter the store with any preconceptions about what you want. You can walk through and see how different furniture interacts in different environments, and take inspiration from the store designers’ expert arrangements.

About the Author

Weylandts is renowned for offering innovative luxury furniture and designer homeware in South Africa. Find and compare exquisite furniture at Weylandts stores throughout South Africa.

Newel Posts: More than Just Focal Points

January 31, 2012 at 3:16 am • Posted in interior design educationNo comments yet

Newel posts have traditionally been the focus of staircases. These are the bigger posts located at the bottom of the stairs and the landing. Their primary function is to support the hand railing. In older homes, newel posts were the focal point of the stairway and were often elaborately decorated.

Staircases are an important part of architectural design because they serve both a functional and decorative purpose. The kind of staircase you choose to have in your home can speak loads about your character and serve to highlight the architectural theme of your home. Staircases are usually found in entranceways, so these are often the first things guests see.

Before you happily start drawing up your new design, you have to understand the parts of the staircase first. We have the basic tread, which is the step of the staircase. Between each tread is the riser, which is responsible for the height. The normal height for risers is around 6 to 8 inches.

The next part is the balusters, which are the vertical posts that are attached to the banister and handrail. The post sits at the beginning of the handrail. Spiral staircases have a central pole to stabilize them.

Remember that designing a staircase is not just about designing or selecting the focal point or the newel post. It is also about considering the needs of the people living in the house. Having children, pets, and elderly people can affect your decision. For example, if you have a lot of elderly people living at home, you may want to lower the rise to make it easier for them to go up and down.

If you are putting in a new staircase, then space is also a consideration. You may want to get slimmer balusters and a wide post or forgo the newel post at the top of the stairs and place the rail directly into the wall. There are a lot of design possibilities!

If replacing a broken banister or adding a handrail as a safety feature is your primary goal, then adding a newel post will give your handrail a longer life.

Keep quality and durability in mind when selecting a newel post. Think on whether you want a round (turned) one or a square post. Newel tops can also be rounded or carved. But their most important function is to provide sturdiness for the handrail and something to hold when going up or down the stairs.

There are a lot of different newel styles that can fit with your home, ranging from good quality Amish designs to expensive designer newels. You can choose to match the newel post to balusters or put it in as a contrast to achieve a certain effect. Less expensive newels may need to be maintained using furniture polish and wood oil. Choosing the best kind of newel post for you will definitely pull your staircase design together and give your home a great look.

About the Author

If you’d like to get more information about Newel Posts you will want to visit our site at: http://www.finishcarpentryhelp.com/Newel-Post.html

Pat Fisher is a professional carpenter and woodworking craftsman. For more information on finish carpentry and household carpentry projects and plans, visit http://www.finishcarpentryhelp.com.

All About Chairs

January 29, 2012 at 3:46 pm • Posted in interior design educationNo comments yet

You may not notice it but the chair is one of man’s friendliest inevention. When we are working, we sit down so that the tension is lessen. The chair holds all of our weight especially when we are tired. This is because the chair can give us a some kind of a therapeutic effect.

All these years we buy a chair without considering its function or advantages. There are different types of chairs and more types have come out to cater to the demands of the growing population. The different types of chairs and their advantages all serve our particular needs.

For the home, there is the baby high chair which is a big help for the family. It protects the baby from falls and allows parents to move or do other chores. The baby high chair may be made of wood, plastic, or metal.

Sofas are another type of chairs and these can be in different materials and in different styles and designs. A sofa can be wood cabin type, a modern metal or plastic type. A leather or cloth can be used to cover the entire sofa. In places where the climate is cold, leather sofas are ideal and cloth covered sofas are ideal for places where the weather is warm. Sitting in a sofa is very relaxing. We can have a great conversation with our family or perhaps just enjoy and relax while you watch your favorite TV show.

Then there is the traditional single-seating chair which comes in different styles and names. This allows seaters to have ample distance for conversation. These usually have broad armrests that relax the arms. The back of this type of chair strongly supports the torso. Nowadays, this single-seater comes in molded plastic. Molded plastic chairs are lightweight, easy to move and easy to clean.

Rocking chairs and wicker chairs are great for your patio or den. Rocking chairs allow one to relax or perhaps holding a baby while you rock her to sleep. These chairs, though informal, are great in your patio. If you want to have a homey effect, use a wicker chair. These are lightweight compared to the other chairs.

Then there’s the folding chair, usually made of wood. It is easy to store and doesn’t use much space in storing. A more modern type of informal chair is the bean bag. It moves and conforms to the body as it moves and soothes it, too. All these types of chairs have their own advantages to fit your body or lifestyle needs.

About the Author

A leather chair can add some drama into your home and make you see it in a different way. A brown leather club chair with an orange throw pillow on it could be a nice accent while it brightens up your mood.

Large Wall Fountains – Perfect Addition To The Walls Of Your Rooms

January 28, 2012 at 5:56 am • Posted in interior design educationNo comments yet

Water fountains are widely preferred by many individuals for decorative purpose. You can add a touch of serenity to your living rooms and outdoor spaces with different types of water fountains. Water fountains are widely known for their relaxing powers. You can enjoy a calm and peaceful environment with these exclusive establishments. You can also reduce your mental stress with these naturally modified accessories. Water fountains are available in many sizes and designs in the market.

Large wall fountains can help you in enjoying a tranquil atmosphere in your living rooms and dining hall. You can beautify the walls of your living rooms in a dramatic manner with creative wall cascades. Wall water fountains are brilliant art pieces by which you can enhance the looks of your home interiors. Wall water cascades are of many types. Some of the most popular types of large wall fountains are listed below.

1. Nojoqui Falls Large Wall Fountains
They are the most popular types of wall fountains by which you can add visual appeal to your living rooms, guest room and dining hall. Nojoqui wall water cascades are made from good quality materials like marble, stone, ceramic, steel, copper, aluminum and earthenware. You can add life and energy to your dull indoor spaces with these exclusive establishments. Nojoqui wall water springs are large in size and you must select a perfect location for installing them.

2. Summit Falls Wall Fountains
Summit wall fountains are pretty expensive because they are made from natural materials like ceramic, stainless steel and copper. They can be maintained easily. You must always fix your budget before buying them for your home and office spaces. You can also decorate these accessories with small LED bulbs. Summit falls wall water springs are the perfect art pieces by which you can add serenity to your personal rooms and drawing rooms.

3. Deep Creek Falls Wall Water Cascades
Deep creek wall water springs are available in many designs and sizes in the market. You can also buy them online. Deep creek wall water springs can be the brilliant addition to your home and office spaces. You must install these establishments at proper places. You must also install them carefully and if you are facing any problem, then you can take the help of professionals.

4. Large Marble Wall Fountains
Large marble fountains are made from natural materials like marble, ceramic and stone. They are available in many designs and sizes in the market. You must take proper care of these establishments. You can also improve the efficiency of these equipments with regular lubrication practices. Many individuals buy them for promoting their business. You can create a lasting impression on your clients and employees with these majestic master pieces.

Large wall fountains are the perfect accessories by which you can enjoy a natural atmosphere in your living areas. You can also enhance your concentration power with these creative art pieces. I am sure that you will have a great time with these naturally inspired establishments.

About the Author

Large Wall Fountains will turn any home into a calm atmosphere. The natural sound of water trickling down a water fountain surface is relaxing and calm the mind and body. For more details please visit:Outdoor Water Fountains.

Quilted Bedspreads Add Warmth, Texture and More

January 26, 2012 at 9:23 pm • Posted in interior design educationNo comments yet

While quilted bedspreads may be considered too old fashioned to include in a bedroom ensemble, the fact is that these relics of yesteryear go a long way toward making a bedroom feel cozy and inviting. And today’s quilts can look very lively, modern and sophisticated too.

What are your associations with these covers? Do you immediately think of log cabins and “olden times”? Are you a fanatic or someone who wouldn’t be caught with one of those “dowdy” quilted bedspreads in your room?

Interestingly, quilts hold great power. Toss one over a chair or across a bed and you get an immediate payoff. Depending on the style, you import bold color, a sense of tradition and history, a feeling of coziness, a welcome layer of texture or other qualities. And with the big selection of oversized king quilts available today, you don’t have to forego the benefits they bring to a room’s décor simply because you have a deeper king sized mattress.

So what kinds of quilted bedspreads, lap-sized versions and other similar textiles can be found? And what exactly constitutes a quilt anyway? Inquiring minds want to know.

Buying Quilts
You can purchase vintage quilts that have been passed down a few generations or you can buy something brand new. Hand quilted bedspreads are available but so are low-cost machine-quilted varieties. Small quilted masterpieces created by a favorite aunt or neighbor can be found in homes across the country and around the world, and very large oversized king quilts are also available now in droves: huge, soft, warm and ready to envelope the biggest beds out there. Here are some things to consider if you plan to bring the power of the quilt into your home.

  • If you decide to go the vintage route, consider how much wear and tear an older quilt might be subjected to. Often, these heirloom pieces are best displayed away from direct light and only very gently used. They don’t do well in the washing machine and so may be best saved for strictly display purposes. A glass-fronted dresser full of stacks of vintage quilts can impart substantial charm to space.
  • If you purchase a quilted bedspread, consider the fabric used and the batting, which is the filling that gives quilts their texture. 100% cotton fabric and batting is available and if preferred by many for its natural look and feel. Quality quilts are made with quality fabrics that won’t run in the wash (red bleeding into white can quickly ruin a quilt).

What Makes This a Quilt?
A quilt, by definition, has been quilted. In other words, a “sandwich” of fabric, batting, and more fabric is held together with stitching that covers both sides of the quilt. Quilting may be done by hand or by machine. Hand quilting is more “authentic” and creates a more traditional looking quilt, whereas machine quilting produces a more uniform-and often a more intricate-effect.

A quilt can be made of a pieced top. This is where more than one piece of fabric is combined into a larger quilt-sized layer. Piecing a quilt was at one time done by hand, but most quilts are pieced by machine today. An infinite number of traditional and modern patterns and designs can be found with pieced quilts, from a standard “log cabin” design to a “crazy quilt” design to something akin to a painting by Monet or even Kandinsky.

A quilt can also be made of two pieces of fabric, neither of which have been pieced. This type of quilt also has a batting layer between and is then quilted. The effect is simpler and in some cases quite modern looking.

Shop Around
You can find quilts in local quilt shops, in Amish country, and in places far and wide. A great way to see what’s out there is to explore online. You’ll find great selections and great prices. If you’re not sure about a quilt that you’re interested in, contact the seller, who should be more than happy to answer your questions and help you find the right quilt-or quilts-for your home.








About the Author

Helen Frankin writes about all of the good things that make a house a home, including quilted bedspreads, sheets and other linens. She has looked online for oversized king quilts and found some great possibilities for her new big bed!