EVERY woman loves her jewellery. But even precious ornaments need proper care. Here are some pointers on how you can keep them shining forever.
WHEN YOU BUY
Don’t accept jewellery in pouches. They will cause gold pieces to brush against each other and result in scratches.
Try and get a cleaning cloth, synthetic chamois or chamois leather to clean gold or diamond jewellery.
Invest in a cleaning liquid.
WEAR IT RIGHT
Try and sit on a sofa/bed while wearing jewellery.
Earrings with complicated links should be worn in front of a mirror.
Put on your make-up before wearing your jewellery, because a coat of powder or rouge could dull your gold jewellery.
Protect your jewellery from hair spray, perfumes and nail polish. Pearls should be kept a mile away from nail polish as the acetone in polish could wipe out the outer coat of the pearl, thus reducing its value.
MAINTENANCE
While cleaning jewellery, use a soft cloth, chamois leather or a cleaning liquid. You can even clean gold or diamond jewellery (open settings, only), by dropping it into a beaker of boiling water into which a pinch of soda bicarbonate has been added. Leave it for half a minute, till the grease and grime fall away, and remove it. Wipe it with a soft cloth.
DO
Keep jewellery in a box with a soft velvet or satin lining.
Keep your items separate from each other in the box.
Wipe each piece of jewellery before and after using it, with a clean cloth.
It you preserve your gold jewellery in your locker, wrap it up in cellophane before wrapping it in cloth and then place it in a box. The cellophane will protect the piece from the iron oxide materials of the locker.
You can bathe with your jewellery on, but after some time, the soap and water can coat it with a thin film, leaving your gold dull.
DON’T:
Jumble jewellery in small containers. Never, ever mix costume jewellery with 22k gold jewellery or 22k jewellery with 24k pieces.
Boil close set jewellery, ‘kundan’ jewellery and heirloom pieces. Use only a soft cloth to clean them.
Use detergent/soap/powder/toothpaste to clean gold jewellery.
Use force while putting jewellery like rings or bangles onto children. As far as possible, pick up adjustable jewellery like bracelets for children. For some children and adults, the body temperature could alter, thus changing the size of the finger.
17 tips to keep gems glowing
EVERY woman loves her jewellery. But even precious ornaments need proper care. Here are some pointers on how you can keep them shining forever.
WHEN YOU BUY
Don’t accept jewellery in pouches. They will cause gold pieces to brush against each other and result in scratches.
Try and get a cleaning cloth, synthetic chamois or chamois leather to clean gold or diamond jewellery.
Invest in a cleaning liquid.
WEAR IT RIGHT
Try and sit on a sofa/bed while wearing jewellery.
Earrings with complicated links should be worn in front of a mirror.
Put on your make-up before wearing your jewellery, because a coat of powder or rouge could dull your gold jewellery.
Protect your jewellery from hair spray, perfumes and nail polish. Pearls should be kept a mile away from nail polish as the acetone in polish could wipe out the outer coat of the pearl, thus reducing its value.
MAINTENANCE
While cleaning jewellery, use a soft cloth, chamois leather or a cleaning liquid. You can even clean gold or diamond jewellery (open settings, only), by dropping it into a beaker of boiling water into which a pinch of soda bicarbonate has been added. Leave it for half a minute, till the grease and grime fall away, and remove it. Wipe it with a soft cloth.
DO
Keep jewellery in a box with a soft velvet or satin lining.
Keep your items separate from each other in the box.
Wipe each piece of jewellery before and after using it, with a clean cloth.
It you preserve your gold jewellery in your locker, wrap it up in cellophane before wrapping it in cloth and then place it in a box. The cellophane will protect the piece from the iron oxide materials of the locker.
You can bathe with your jewellery on, but after some time, the soap and water can coat it with a thin film, leaving your gold dull.
DON’T:
Jumble jewellery in small containers. Never, ever mix costume jewellery with 22k gold jewellery or 22k jewellery with 24k pieces.
Boil close set jewellery, ‘kundan’ jewellery and heirloom pieces. Use only a soft cloth to clean them.
Use detergent/soap/powder/toothpaste to clean gold jewellery.
Use force while putting jewellery like rings or bangles onto children. As far as possible, pick up adjustable jewellery like bracelets for children. For some children and adults, the body temperature could alter, thus changing the size of the finger.
WHEN YOU BUY
Don’t accept jewellery in pouches. They will cause gold pieces to brush against each other and result in scratches.
Try and get a cleaning cloth, synthetic chamois or chamois leather to clean gold or diamond jewellery.
Invest in a cleaning liquid.
WEAR IT RIGHT
Try and sit on a sofa/bed while wearing jewellery.
Earrings with complicated links should be worn in front of a mirror.
Put on your make-up before wearing your jewellery, because a coat of powder or rouge could dull your gold jewellery.
Protect your jewellery from hair spray, perfumes and nail polish. Pearls should be kept a mile away from nail polish as the acetone in polish could wipe out the outer coat of the pearl, thus reducing its value.
MAINTENANCE
While cleaning jewellery, use a soft cloth, chamois leather or a cleaning liquid. You can even clean gold or diamond jewellery (open settings, only), by dropping it into a beaker of boiling water into which a pinch of soda bicarbonate has been added. Leave it for half a minute, till the grease and grime fall away, and remove it. Wipe it with a soft cloth.
DO
Keep jewellery in a box with a soft velvet or satin lining.
Keep your items separate from each other in the box.
Wipe each piece of jewellery before and after using it, with a clean cloth.
It you preserve your gold jewellery in your locker, wrap it up in cellophane before wrapping it in cloth and then place it in a box. The cellophane will protect the piece from the iron oxide materials of the locker.
You can bathe with your jewellery on, but after some time, the soap and water can coat it with a thin film, leaving your gold dull.
DON’T:
Jumble jewellery in small containers. Never, ever mix costume jewellery with 22k gold jewellery or 22k jewellery with 24k pieces.
Boil close set jewellery, ‘kundan’ jewellery and heirloom pieces. Use only a soft cloth to clean them.
Use detergent/soap/powder/toothpaste to clean gold jewellery.
Use force while putting jewellery like rings or bangles onto children. As far as possible, pick up adjustable jewellery like bracelets for children. For some children and adults, the body temperature could alter, thus changing the size of the finger.
Some Tips to Keep Your Precious Stones Sparkling
Not all jewellery can be cleaned with soap and water. Chemicals will damage some of the gems. Use a soft damp cloth to wipe them clean.
Clean them once every two weeks.
Always apply your cologne, perfume or hair spray before you put on those precious gems.
Never clean your jewels in the sink as it could go down the drain. Instead use a small bowl.
A small soft bristle brush will take care of dirt lodged in small cervices.
If you are using off-the-shelf solutions for cleaning, follow the instructions carefully. Take care not to use ultrasonic type cleaners for gemstones. Rinse well, as any cleaning residue may irritate your skin. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to pat dry your jewellery.
Don’t believe when people say toothpaste makes your jewels shine. The truth is, toothpaste is too abrasive.
Never wear your fine jewellery while doing household chores, repairs or gardening.
Never wear fine jewellery when you go swimming. The chlorine bleach can react to the alloys in gold resulting in pitting or discoloration.
Never expose your jewellery to sudden temperature changes. Some gemstones like opal, pearls, coral, amber, turquoise and emeralds are sensitive and might crack.
Store each piece separately. If you put them all in a box, they will scratch each other.
Keep your pearl strand in a soft chamois or flannel pouch. And avoid storing them in plastic bags. The chemicals emitted by them are harmful to pearls.
Clean them once every two weeks.
Always apply your cologne, perfume or hair spray before you put on those precious gems.
Never clean your jewels in the sink as it could go down the drain. Instead use a small bowl.
A small soft bristle brush will take care of dirt lodged in small cervices.
If you are using off-the-shelf solutions for cleaning, follow the instructions carefully. Take care not to use ultrasonic type cleaners for gemstones. Rinse well, as any cleaning residue may irritate your skin. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to pat dry your jewellery.
Don’t believe when people say toothpaste makes your jewels shine. The truth is, toothpaste is too abrasive.
Never wear your fine jewellery while doing household chores, repairs or gardening.
Never wear fine jewellery when you go swimming. The chlorine bleach can react to the alloys in gold resulting in pitting or discoloration.
Never expose your jewellery to sudden temperature changes. Some gemstones like opal, pearls, coral, amber, turquoise and emeralds are sensitive and might crack.
Store each piece separately. If you put them all in a box, they will scratch each other.
Keep your pearl strand in a soft chamois or flannel pouch. And avoid storing them in plastic bags. The chemicals emitted by them are harmful to pearls.
Get your diamonds clean
You can get your diamonds cleaned at home - it does not always need a professional touch. Take good care of them - these are for a start - though you might need to get professional heavy duty cleaning done occasionally. Whatever be the case, regular cleaning will keep your brilliant stones sparkling and bright.
In a small bowl, mix some mild dishwashing detergent with warm water. Whip up some foam and lather.
Dip the item to be cleaned into the solution.
Use a soft toothbrush and gently brush your jewellery and then rinse in warm running water. Pat dry - with a soft, fuzz-free cloth. Remember not to brush the diamonds too hard - you might get scratches on the gold/platinum/silver in which they are set.
Be careful that you don't lose the diamonds when you are cleaning them in a sink - put a stopper in the sink before rinsing them.
Have your diamonds professionally cleaned about once a year.
In a small bowl, mix some mild dishwashing detergent with warm water. Whip up some foam and lather.
Dip the item to be cleaned into the solution.
Use a soft toothbrush and gently brush your jewellery and then rinse in warm running water. Pat dry - with a soft, fuzz-free cloth. Remember not to brush the diamonds too hard - you might get scratches on the gold/platinum/silver in which they are set.
Be careful that you don't lose the diamonds when you are cleaning them in a sink - put a stopper in the sink before rinsing them.
Have your diamonds professionally cleaned about once a year.
Store your jewellery right
So you got your jewellery? You need to store them right - so that they don't get scratched and broken and all messed up! Take good care of them - store them right - and they would look new and last you a lifetime. Here are some hints and tips to help you on your way!
Store your jewellery in cases with soft, lined insides or in soft fabric pouches.
Keep each item of your jewellery separate - this will keep them tangle and scratch-free.
Store silver in pouches and cases - sprinkle a little vibuthi (sacred ash). It will keep the silver bright and sparkling.
Keep your jewellery away from heat and moisture - this can damage some stones.
Make sure you look at your jewellery carefully - check for loose settings, prongs and clasps. Have these fixed at once before it gets worse.
Have jewellery professionally cleaned and polished at least once a year.
Don't expose jewellery (with stones) to perfume, perspiration and cosmetics. This can cause stains and discolouring in the stones.
Store your jewellery in cases with soft, lined insides or in soft fabric pouches.
Keep each item of your jewellery separate - this will keep them tangle and scratch-free.
Store silver in pouches and cases - sprinkle a little vibuthi (sacred ash). It will keep the silver bright and sparkling.
Keep your jewellery away from heat and moisture - this can damage some stones.
Make sure you look at your jewellery carefully - check for loose settings, prongs and clasps. Have these fixed at once before it gets worse.
Have jewellery professionally cleaned and polished at least once a year.
Don't expose jewellery (with stones) to perfume, perspiration and cosmetics. This can cause stains and discolouring in the stones.
The right way to clean jewellery
A lot of us wear a lot of jewellery everyday - and expose it to dust, to sweat and all kinds of irritants that can leave your jewellery looking dull and tarnished. Even if you don't wear jewellery too often, the need to keep them clean cannot be over emphasised. It is the mantra of the day! But before you get into some heavy duty cleaning, make sure that all settings, clasps and prongs are secure. Once you've done that, you're ready to proceed.
For Gold, Platinum and Gemstones
Use a jewellery cleaner- you can buy this at any major jewellery store. Or use mild soap and water. All you have to do is to dip the jewellery in the solution. Leave it there to soak for a couple of minutes or according to specifications on the instruction sheet of the cleaner. Rinse in warm running water. And pat dry with a soft, dry, fuzz-free cloth.
Silver
You can clean silver using the homemade way of rubbing it with tamarind paste or even with vibuthi. Or you can use a silver cleaning solution that is available in jewellery stores. Use a soft cloth and rub well. Or if you are cleaning sturdy jewellery, you could use a soft toothbrush and rub gently. After the cleaning routine, you can wipe the jewellery with a soft cloth.
Did you know that if you keep wearing your silver jewellery, you can actually keep it from getting tarnished?
In general
Get your jewellery cleaned professionally once a year.
Do not use jewellery cleaner on pearls, emeralds, rubies, lapis lazuli, coral and turquoise (porous stones). Wipe them clean with a soft, damp cloth or have them cleaned professionally. Consult a jeweller when you have any apprehensions about cleaning a particular stone at home. Better to be safe than sorry!
For Gold, Platinum and Gemstones
Use a jewellery cleaner- you can buy this at any major jewellery store. Or use mild soap and water. All you have to do is to dip the jewellery in the solution. Leave it there to soak for a couple of minutes or according to specifications on the instruction sheet of the cleaner. Rinse in warm running water. And pat dry with a soft, dry, fuzz-free cloth.
Silver
You can clean silver using the homemade way of rubbing it with tamarind paste or even with vibuthi. Or you can use a silver cleaning solution that is available in jewellery stores. Use a soft cloth and rub well. Or if you are cleaning sturdy jewellery, you could use a soft toothbrush and rub gently. After the cleaning routine, you can wipe the jewellery with a soft cloth.
Did you know that if you keep wearing your silver jewellery, you can actually keep it from getting tarnished?
In general
Get your jewellery cleaned professionally once a year.
Do not use jewellery cleaner on pearls, emeralds, rubies, lapis lazuli, coral and turquoise (porous stones). Wipe them clean with a soft, damp cloth or have them cleaned professionally. Consult a jeweller when you have any apprehensions about cleaning a particular stone at home. Better to be safe than sorry!
Take care of your sparkles
A gentle bath
Prepare a small bowl of warm suds with any mild liquid detergent. Brush pieces gently with a toothbrush while they are in the suds.
Transfer to a wire strainer and rinse under warm running water. Pat dry with a soft, lintless cloth.
Caution: Plug drain holes or cap with a lid to prevent jewellery from falling into the drain.
The soak
Mix an equal quantity of cold water and household ammonia in a cup.
Soak the diamonds for 30 minutes.
Lift out and gently clean with a small soft brush.
Rinse in the solution once more, and drain on paper.
No water wash is needed.
Here are some don'ts
Don't let your diamond come into contact with chlorine bleach when you're doing housework. It won't hurt the diamond, but it can pit or discolour the mounting.
Don't wear your diamond when you're doing rough work or doing the dishes. Even though a diamond is durable, it can be chipped by a hard blow along its grain.
Don't jumble your diamond pieces in a drawer or jewelry case because diamonds can scratch each other and also other jewelry.
Take your diamonds to a jeweler for a "check up" at least once a year. He will check your ring for loose settings and signs of wear.
He'll usually give them a professional "shine-up" too.
Prepare a small bowl of warm suds with any mild liquid detergent. Brush pieces gently with a toothbrush while they are in the suds.
Transfer to a wire strainer and rinse under warm running water. Pat dry with a soft, lintless cloth.
Caution: Plug drain holes or cap with a lid to prevent jewellery from falling into the drain.
The soak
Mix an equal quantity of cold water and household ammonia in a cup.
Soak the diamonds for 30 minutes.
Lift out and gently clean with a small soft brush.
Rinse in the solution once more, and drain on paper.
No water wash is needed.
Here are some don'ts
Don't let your diamond come into contact with chlorine bleach when you're doing housework. It won't hurt the diamond, but it can pit or discolour the mounting.
Don't wear your diamond when you're doing rough work or doing the dishes. Even though a diamond is durable, it can be chipped by a hard blow along its grain.
Don't jumble your diamond pieces in a drawer or jewelry case because diamonds can scratch each other and also other jewelry.
Take your diamonds to a jeweler for a "check up" at least once a year. He will check your ring for loose settings and signs of wear.
He'll usually give them a professional "shine-up" too.
Sparkling ideas
Call them pearls of wisdom or a gem of a plan - but you need to look after jewellery with regular care. Even when you're just storing them away, they could get damaged if not put away properly. The jewellery you wear everyday - do you take them for granted? Or do you take a few precautions to preserve them well? Let's look at a few simple ways to preserve our treasures and keep the shine on.
Did you know that moisturisers, hand lotions, detergents, chlorine and even perfumes could dull your diamonds? Avoid direct contact. Either remove your diamonds and other precious stones when handling these substances - or wear gloves as a precaution.
Your jewellery has helped you look good for the occasion that you have worn them to - and now it's your turn to return the compliment. When you remove your jewellery, wipe them carefully with a soft, moist (but not wet) cloth before you put them away. This will help clean away the sweat and dust collected - and preserve the radiance of the gemstones.
Soft pouches or jewellery boxes are the best things to preserve jewellery in. If you put more than one piece in the same pouch ensure that they are all individually wrapped in tissue paper. This prevents the metal and gemstones jostling one another and causing scratches.
Don't wear jewellery when you are cooking. Exposure to a lot of heat or cold can cause some of the gems to crack and break.
Emeralds, opals and a few other gems are better-preserved if not worn everyday. These gems are brittle and are more prone to wear away.
Contrary to popular opinion - soaps and detergent can cause gold to tarnish. This is because they cause a filmy layer form on the metal. Chlorine is especially harmful and can cause permanent damage to gold. Regular housework can thus spoil the quality of your jewellery. Why not remove them at such times?
Silver jewellery should be polished only with a polishing cloth - or any soft lint free cloth. Even tissue paper and paper towels can cause scratches on silver.
Pearls are delicate gems and should be taken good care of. Using hair spray, moisturiser or perfume with your pearls on - would only cause lasting damage to them. Keep your pearls clean of any synthetic substance. Polish with a soft cloth - and enjoy their luminous beauty.
Ideally, pearls should be restrung once a year. All jewellery should be checked once a year by jewellery to prevent loose stones from falling off.
Did you know that moisturisers, hand lotions, detergents, chlorine and even perfumes could dull your diamonds? Avoid direct contact. Either remove your diamonds and other precious stones when handling these substances - or wear gloves as a precaution.
Your jewellery has helped you look good for the occasion that you have worn them to - and now it's your turn to return the compliment. When you remove your jewellery, wipe them carefully with a soft, moist (but not wet) cloth before you put them away. This will help clean away the sweat and dust collected - and preserve the radiance of the gemstones.
Soft pouches or jewellery boxes are the best things to preserve jewellery in. If you put more than one piece in the same pouch ensure that they are all individually wrapped in tissue paper. This prevents the metal and gemstones jostling one another and causing scratches.
Don't wear jewellery when you are cooking. Exposure to a lot of heat or cold can cause some of the gems to crack and break.
Emeralds, opals and a few other gems are better-preserved if not worn everyday. These gems are brittle and are more prone to wear away.
Contrary to popular opinion - soaps and detergent can cause gold to tarnish. This is because they cause a filmy layer form on the metal. Chlorine is especially harmful and can cause permanent damage to gold. Regular housework can thus spoil the quality of your jewellery. Why not remove them at such times?
Silver jewellery should be polished only with a polishing cloth - or any soft lint free cloth. Even tissue paper and paper towels can cause scratches on silver.
Pearls are delicate gems and should be taken good care of. Using hair spray, moisturiser or perfume with your pearls on - would only cause lasting damage to them. Keep your pearls clean of any synthetic substance. Polish with a soft cloth - and enjoy their luminous beauty.
Ideally, pearls should be restrung once a year. All jewellery should be checked once a year by jewellery to prevent loose stones from falling off.
Re do your rooms - on a non-budget
You want to redo your home - but you know you just can't afford to splurge now. And yet you can't seem to get rid of the itch for a new look. Well, put away your purse, and bring out your creativity. It works just as well - sometimes it works even better! So take a deep breath and get started.
What are the ways we can create a new look - without dipping into our bank balances? Take a look - a new look.
Re-arrange your furniture. You'll be amazed at the difference it can make to your room. Move around a few pieces - put them in different places, at different angles. If you're not happy, move them around till you're satisfied with the result.
Introduce indoor plants into your home. You can have a few strategically placed plants or a veritable tropical paradise! Plants change the very feel of your home. They make it look vibrant and alive.
If you do have a good view - keep your windows wide open and bring in the outdoors. If the view depresses you - put a few plants on your window and leave it at that. Or go in for some cheerful curtains. Block out the dreary and the depressing.
Use your scarves, dupattas and shawls creatively. You can drape a colourful shawl over your staid sofa - and watch it come to life! Dupattas can be twisted or braided together and hung artistically here and there. Eastern prints can add a very ethnic look to your house.
Attractively framed full-length mirrors can add the illusion of extra light and space. Use them effectively.
Personalise your room. Add your very own touch to it. Place a few pictures of your memorable moments, your favourite places - or even a list of the things you aspire to do. You room doesn't need to look spic and span - it needs to be warm and welcoming.
Scent your room well. Not with overpowering perfume - but a fresh scent. Smells of stale food, chemical disinfectants, over ripe fruits or stale cigarettes must be attended to and done away with at once.
What are the ways we can create a new look - without dipping into our bank balances? Take a look - a new look.
Re-arrange your furniture. You'll be amazed at the difference it can make to your room. Move around a few pieces - put them in different places, at different angles. If you're not happy, move them around till you're satisfied with the result.
Introduce indoor plants into your home. You can have a few strategically placed plants or a veritable tropical paradise! Plants change the very feel of your home. They make it look vibrant and alive.
If you do have a good view - keep your windows wide open and bring in the outdoors. If the view depresses you - put a few plants on your window and leave it at that. Or go in for some cheerful curtains. Block out the dreary and the depressing.
Use your scarves, dupattas and shawls creatively. You can drape a colourful shawl over your staid sofa - and watch it come to life! Dupattas can be twisted or braided together and hung artistically here and there. Eastern prints can add a very ethnic look to your house.
Attractively framed full-length mirrors can add the illusion of extra light and space. Use them effectively.
Personalise your room. Add your very own touch to it. Place a few pictures of your memorable moments, your favourite places - or even a list of the things you aspire to do. You room doesn't need to look spic and span - it needs to be warm and welcoming.
Scent your room well. Not with overpowering perfume - but a fresh scent. Smells of stale food, chemical disinfectants, over ripe fruits or stale cigarettes must be attended to and done away with at once.
Training to be an interior decorator
You're always sketching out designs on your scribbling pad. Fabric and texture fascinate you. You undoubtedly have a flair for colour. You know you have it in you to be an interior designer.
Interior designing can be a very creative challenging career - but you need to train yourself for it. It helps if you have the inherent aptitude for it - but educating yourself in interior designing is a must if you want to do well in this field of work. Because there's a lot more to it than colour schemes and pretty pictures.
There's a lot of money involved - your client's money - and you can't make too many mistakes. Even a small mistake could end up costing a lot. If you've settled on a design that really doesn't go well for an apartment /house of that particular size - your client is going to bear the burden for it. A big bill to pay and décor he doesn't care for. And what does that do to your reputation?
Why do you need to necessarily educate yourself for this job? Let's take a look at the different factors involved in interior designing.
There is a lot more to interior design than prettying up houses.
It's about catering to the client's taste even while you provide the beauty and the aesthetics within a certain budget.
Interior decorating goes hand in hand with architecture, and marketing skills.
You need to have a good head for business and budgets. Contract bids need to be drafted and worked out to suit the parties involved.
You need to keep in mind the building's safety code, fire regulations.
You have to know which walls can be knocked down to make for more room, and which walls bear the weight of the building.
You also have to work alongside plumbers, electricians, masons and builders. Your communicating skills need to be excellent.
There are so many consequences, hazards and difficulties to deal with - that you need proper education and training to manage well. Innate interest and aptitude is not sufficient to know how to blend technology with creativity and security.
Interior design courses include art, architecture, technology and design. They also teach you how to blend all the aspects together.
Fresh graduates have to work as apprentices and assistants to senior colleagues before they step out on their own.
Interior designing can be a very creative challenging career - but you need to train yourself for it. It helps if you have the inherent aptitude for it - but educating yourself in interior designing is a must if you want to do well in this field of work. Because there's a lot more to it than colour schemes and pretty pictures.
There's a lot of money involved - your client's money - and you can't make too many mistakes. Even a small mistake could end up costing a lot. If you've settled on a design that really doesn't go well for an apartment /house of that particular size - your client is going to bear the burden for it. A big bill to pay and décor he doesn't care for. And what does that do to your reputation?
Why do you need to necessarily educate yourself for this job? Let's take a look at the different factors involved in interior designing.
There is a lot more to interior design than prettying up houses.
It's about catering to the client's taste even while you provide the beauty and the aesthetics within a certain budget.
Interior decorating goes hand in hand with architecture, and marketing skills.
You need to have a good head for business and budgets. Contract bids need to be drafted and worked out to suit the parties involved.
You need to keep in mind the building's safety code, fire regulations.
You have to know which walls can be knocked down to make for more room, and which walls bear the weight of the building.
You also have to work alongside plumbers, electricians, masons and builders. Your communicating skills need to be excellent.
There are so many consequences, hazards and difficulties to deal with - that you need proper education and training to manage well. Innate interest and aptitude is not sufficient to know how to blend technology with creativity and security.
Interior design courses include art, architecture, technology and design. They also teach you how to blend all the aspects together.
Fresh graduates have to work as apprentices and assistants to senior colleagues before they step out on their own.
Budget décor – tips
You have been allotted a certain budget and you are cracking your brains wondering how to go about it in a planned manner. What are we at Sitagita here for if we can't give you that little push which will start you off on your great adventure? Ready? Here goes!
Begin by making a round of all the good furniture shops. Take note of the current tends and styles. Remember to take down short notes on what you see. Look around for the colours and fabric that appeal most to you. Take small swatches of these if they create a ‘warm' feeling in you.
Join a library and get magazines on furniture and furnishings. Browse through these. Start a small collection of magazines that seem to inspire you with ideas. Create a scrapbook of clippings and keep referring to this when you begin to shop for your home.
Visit second-hand stores and auction houses. After all, one person's trash could well be another person's treasure. Here you might be able to pick up stuff like candle holders, knickknacks, potpourri and many more items like these. Who is to know where you picked them up from? Go through the classifieds in the daily papers. You can always refurbish any item that might be worn out but which has some special appeal for you.
Begin with a fresh coat of paint for your walls. Use bright appealing colours that will give you home a character of its own. This might be the most inexpensive way to begin your décor on a shoe-string. Always keep in mind that colours can create moods – so play with colours for a dramatic effect.
The next step should be to create your own art wherever possible. If you are an artist yourself, consider your problem solved. If you are not, never mind! A collage, attractively put together of all your favourite photographs can also pass for original art. Or, better still, you could buy inexpensive posters of well-known artists and get them attractively framed. A good frame can make anything look classy. These days one can get affordable art in the form of limited edition autographed prints of top artists. Maybe you could start a collection of these. After all, you are on the threshold of a brand new life and you could always graduate to the ‘real' stuff when you are older and better able to judge for yourself.
Most importantly, remember to exercise patience. If sales are round the corner, bide your time and don't rush into purchases that you might be able to pick up at half value a few days later. It will do well for you to take heed of the adage – ‘ Rome was not built in a day!'
We certainly hope we have managed to get you started on your first post-marital adventure of sorts – decorating your new home within a certain budget! Good luck and happy hunting!
Begin by making a round of all the good furniture shops. Take note of the current tends and styles. Remember to take down short notes on what you see. Look around for the colours and fabric that appeal most to you. Take small swatches of these if they create a ‘warm' feeling in you.
Join a library and get magazines on furniture and furnishings. Browse through these. Start a small collection of magazines that seem to inspire you with ideas. Create a scrapbook of clippings and keep referring to this when you begin to shop for your home.
Visit second-hand stores and auction houses. After all, one person's trash could well be another person's treasure. Here you might be able to pick up stuff like candle holders, knickknacks, potpourri and many more items like these. Who is to know where you picked them up from? Go through the classifieds in the daily papers. You can always refurbish any item that might be worn out but which has some special appeal for you.
Begin with a fresh coat of paint for your walls. Use bright appealing colours that will give you home a character of its own. This might be the most inexpensive way to begin your décor on a shoe-string. Always keep in mind that colours can create moods – so play with colours for a dramatic effect.
The next step should be to create your own art wherever possible. If you are an artist yourself, consider your problem solved. If you are not, never mind! A collage, attractively put together of all your favourite photographs can also pass for original art. Or, better still, you could buy inexpensive posters of well-known artists and get them attractively framed. A good frame can make anything look classy. These days one can get affordable art in the form of limited edition autographed prints of top artists. Maybe you could start a collection of these. After all, you are on the threshold of a brand new life and you could always graduate to the ‘real' stuff when you are older and better able to judge for yourself.
Most importantly, remember to exercise patience. If sales are round the corner, bide your time and don't rush into purchases that you might be able to pick up at half value a few days later. It will do well for you to take heed of the adage – ‘ Rome was not built in a day!'
We certainly hope we have managed to get you started on your first post-marital adventure of sorts – decorating your new home within a certain budget! Good luck and happy hunting!
Budget décor – tips
You have been allotted a certain budget and you are cracking your brains wondering how to go about it in a planned manner. What are we at Sitagita here for if we can't give you that little push which will start you off on your great adventure? Ready? Here goes!
Begin by making a round of all the good furniture shops. Take note of the current tends and styles. Remember to take down short notes on what you see. Look around for the colours and fabric that appeal most to you. Take small swatches of these if they create a ‘warm' feeling in you.
Join a library and get magazines on furniture and furnishings. Browse through these. Start a small collection of magazines that seem to inspire you with ideas. Create a scrapbook of clippings and keep referring to this when you begin to shop for your home.
Visit second-hand stores and auction houses. After all, one person's trash could well be another person's treasure. Here you might be able to pick up stuff like candle holders, knickknacks, potpourri and many more items like these. Who is to know where you picked them up from? Go through the classifieds in the daily papers. You can always refurbish any item that might be worn out but which has some special appeal for you.
Begin with a fresh coat of paint for your walls. Use bright appealing colours that will give you home a character of its own. This might be the most inexpensive way to begin your décor on a shoe-string. Always keep in mind that colours can create moods – so play with colours for a dramatic effect.
The next step should be to create your own art wherever possible. If you are an artist yourself, consider your problem solved. If you are not, never mind! A collage, attractively put together of all your favourite photographs can also pass for original art. Or, better still, you could buy inexpensive posters of well-known artists and get them attractively framed. A good frame can make anything look classy. These days one can get affordable art in the form of limited edition autographed prints of top artists. Maybe you could start a collection of these. After all, you are on the threshold of a brand new life and you could always graduate to the ‘real' stuff when you are older and better able to judge for yourself.
Most importantly, remember to exercise patience. If sales are round the corner, bide your time and don't rush into purchases that you might be able to pick up at half value a few days later. It will do well for you to take heed of the adage – ‘ Rome was not built in a day!'
We certainly hope we have managed to get you started on your first post-marital adventure of sorts – decorating your new home within a certain budget! Good luck and happy hunting!
Begin by making a round of all the good furniture shops. Take note of the current tends and styles. Remember to take down short notes on what you see. Look around for the colours and fabric that appeal most to you. Take small swatches of these if they create a ‘warm' feeling in you.
Join a library and get magazines on furniture and furnishings. Browse through these. Start a small collection of magazines that seem to inspire you with ideas. Create a scrapbook of clippings and keep referring to this when you begin to shop for your home.
Visit second-hand stores and auction houses. After all, one person's trash could well be another person's treasure. Here you might be able to pick up stuff like candle holders, knickknacks, potpourri and many more items like these. Who is to know where you picked them up from? Go through the classifieds in the daily papers. You can always refurbish any item that might be worn out but which has some special appeal for you.
Begin with a fresh coat of paint for your walls. Use bright appealing colours that will give you home a character of its own. This might be the most inexpensive way to begin your décor on a shoe-string. Always keep in mind that colours can create moods – so play with colours for a dramatic effect.
The next step should be to create your own art wherever possible. If you are an artist yourself, consider your problem solved. If you are not, never mind! A collage, attractively put together of all your favourite photographs can also pass for original art. Or, better still, you could buy inexpensive posters of well-known artists and get them attractively framed. A good frame can make anything look classy. These days one can get affordable art in the form of limited edition autographed prints of top artists. Maybe you could start a collection of these. After all, you are on the threshold of a brand new life and you could always graduate to the ‘real' stuff when you are older and better able to judge for yourself.
Most importantly, remember to exercise patience. If sales are round the corner, bide your time and don't rush into purchases that you might be able to pick up at half value a few days later. It will do well for you to take heed of the adage – ‘ Rome was not built in a day!'
We certainly hope we have managed to get you started on your first post-marital adventure of sorts – decorating your new home within a certain budget! Good luck and happy hunting!
The Bagua map of Feng Shui
Factors like vaastu and feng shui seem to influence a lot of people who swear by the beneficial effects of following some simple guidelines laid down by the masters of these two practices. Elsewhere in the Home Décor section, we have already given you a few guidelines on vaastu and feng shui that you may refer to if you are decorating your home and would like to incorporate a few changes. Here, we bring to your notice the importance of the bagua map on which the practice of feng shui is based.
The bagua is an octagonal map used in feng shui as a tool to evaluate any living or working space. It is generally used as a guide to harmonise a place and the elements in it. The whole principle of feng shui is based on a belief that each part of the house corresponds to different life aspects – and feng shui believes that there are nine of them in all. Once all these aspects are harmonised within your home and working place, you can take it that each area of your life is also automatically organised.
So what then are these nine aspects that are symbolised in the feng shui bagua? They are prosperity, fame and reputation, relationships and love, family, health, creativity and children, skills and knowledge, helpful people and travel and career.
Money related problems? Then prosperityis the area you should pay attention to. The colour associated with it is purple and the elements you should use are woodand wate
The area of fame and reputation is what you should pay attention to when you want an improvement in this aspect of your life. The colour associated with this is red and the most important elements are fire and wood.
Looking for improvement in relationships and love? Then concentrate on this life area on the bagua when starting or wanting to improve a relationship of any kind. Colour – pink, elements earth and fire.
Another life area on the bagua is family. Harmonise your boundaries by working on it. Colours – green, black and blue; main element – water.
Health is also a life area on the map. Work on this area of your house if you need to improve your health. Colours – yellow, brown and orange. Elements – earth, fire.
The next life area is creativity and children. This should be harmonised if you are having problems with conceiving or when you wish to improve your creativity. Colours – yellow and earth tones. Element – metal.
Want to improve your skills? You have to work on the knowledge and life area of the bagua. Colours – black and green. Element – earth.
The next life area is helpful people and travel. This can be improved by using the colours white and black. Make sure it contains the elements metal and water.
Career is the ninth feng shui bagua life area and this can be harmonised and improved by using the colours blue and white in the corresponding space and add metal to it as the element.
So go ahead and follow the bagua map of feng shui – and you may reap rich rewards! Do let us know if you found this article helpful if you are redecorating your home.
The bagua is an octagonal map used in feng shui as a tool to evaluate any living or working space. It is generally used as a guide to harmonise a place and the elements in it. The whole principle of feng shui is based on a belief that each part of the house corresponds to different life aspects – and feng shui believes that there are nine of them in all. Once all these aspects are harmonised within your home and working place, you can take it that each area of your life is also automatically organised.
So what then are these nine aspects that are symbolised in the feng shui bagua? They are prosperity, fame and reputation, relationships and love, family, health, creativity and children, skills and knowledge, helpful people and travel and career.
Money related problems? Then prosperityis the area you should pay attention to. The colour associated with it is purple and the elements you should use are woodand wate
The area of fame and reputation is what you should pay attention to when you want an improvement in this aspect of your life. The colour associated with this is red and the most important elements are fire and wood.
Looking for improvement in relationships and love? Then concentrate on this life area on the bagua when starting or wanting to improve a relationship of any kind. Colour – pink, elements earth and fire.
Another life area on the bagua is family. Harmonise your boundaries by working on it. Colours – green, black and blue; main element – water.
Health is also a life area on the map. Work on this area of your house if you need to improve your health. Colours – yellow, brown and orange. Elements – earth, fire.
The next life area is creativity and children. This should be harmonised if you are having problems with conceiving or when you wish to improve your creativity. Colours – yellow and earth tones. Element – metal.
Want to improve your skills? You have to work on the knowledge and life area of the bagua. Colours – black and green. Element – earth.
The next life area is helpful people and travel. This can be improved by using the colours white and black. Make sure it contains the elements metal and water.
Career is the ninth feng shui bagua life area and this can be harmonised and improved by using the colours blue and white in the corresponding space and add metal to it as the element.
So go ahead and follow the bagua map of feng shui – and you may reap rich rewards! Do let us know if you found this article helpful if you are redecorating your home.
Room for Feng Shui in your Bedroom?
We spend almost one third of our life in the bedroom! If you think you could do with more peace of mind, improved health, better love life or even improved prosperity, may be you need to take a little help, by improving the Feng Shui of your bedroom. We bring you some simple bedroom tips that may work for you!
Balance in the bedroom
Your bedroom affects you more than any other room in the house, purely because you spend most of your time in it. Your bedroom is all about rest, peace and nurturing. Let your bedroom echo the balance of the five elements.
The colours of the furnishings and paint should be muted and peace giving. Pastel shades like off white, lemon and beige are soft and comforting. In fact, in Feng Shui, green is considered the ideal colour for a bedroom to bring harmony, peace and restfulness.Placing objects in pairs in the bedroom increases marital harmony and balance (eg. candle stands, vases etc.)
Ensure that there is no harsh lighting in your bedroom. The use of dimmers on light fixtures, is highly recommended for it helps control the chi
Avoid placing large living plants in your bedroom. Also, keep sharp metal objects out of the bedroom ( eg. Scissors, knife, gun etc)
Bedtime Story…
Place your headboard against a solid wall, to ground your power. Place your bed diagonally opposite the door so you have a commanding view of the mouth of the Chi and will be in the best position to receive life-force energy as it enters the room. It also provides security. In case your bed is positioned in line with a doorway, hang a crystal between the bed and the door.
Do not place the bed under exposed beams. If it cannot be avoided, then hang a small crystal or mirror to disperse energy. You should not sleep with your head pointed towards the door, for this creates a feeling of uneasiness, about who might be entering the room. The space under the bed should be clutter-free, to encourage free flow of chi
There should be no mirrors opposite your bed or at the side of your bed. Mirrors opposite the bed are known to attract a third party to the relationship and can be the cause for disturbed sleep.
It is advisable to buy a wooden bed. Metal beds are known to conduct electricity and can be a health hazard. It is also advisable not to place anything electrical near the bed, this includes electric blankets, heat pads etc.Feng Shui is not difficult at all! Start slow and learn as you go along. Try following these tips and see if things work for you.
Balance in the bedroom
Your bedroom affects you more than any other room in the house, purely because you spend most of your time in it. Your bedroom is all about rest, peace and nurturing. Let your bedroom echo the balance of the five elements.
The colours of the furnishings and paint should be muted and peace giving. Pastel shades like off white, lemon and beige are soft and comforting. In fact, in Feng Shui, green is considered the ideal colour for a bedroom to bring harmony, peace and restfulness.Placing objects in pairs in the bedroom increases marital harmony and balance (eg. candle stands, vases etc.)
Ensure that there is no harsh lighting in your bedroom. The use of dimmers on light fixtures, is highly recommended for it helps control the chi
Avoid placing large living plants in your bedroom. Also, keep sharp metal objects out of the bedroom ( eg. Scissors, knife, gun etc)
Bedtime Story…
Place your headboard against a solid wall, to ground your power. Place your bed diagonally opposite the door so you have a commanding view of the mouth of the Chi and will be in the best position to receive life-force energy as it enters the room. It also provides security. In case your bed is positioned in line with a doorway, hang a crystal between the bed and the door.
Do not place the bed under exposed beams. If it cannot be avoided, then hang a small crystal or mirror to disperse energy. You should not sleep with your head pointed towards the door, for this creates a feeling of uneasiness, about who might be entering the room. The space under the bed should be clutter-free, to encourage free flow of chi
There should be no mirrors opposite your bed or at the side of your bed. Mirrors opposite the bed are known to attract a third party to the relationship and can be the cause for disturbed sleep.
It is advisable to buy a wooden bed. Metal beds are known to conduct electricity and can be a health hazard. It is also advisable not to place anything electrical near the bed, this includes electric blankets, heat pads etc.Feng Shui is not difficult at all! Start slow and learn as you go along. Try following these tips and see if things work for you.
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