Properties, Homes & more

This is final part of the series of articles on how one can utilize the inexpensive Styrofoam Ceiling Tiles as an innovative home decor. In Part 1, I explained what Styrofoam tiles are, their properties, and what make them so eligible for creative home decor. In Part 2, I gave a brief step-by-step approach on installing Styrofoam tiles.

In this article, let’s see how one can transform a plain looking ceiling into a fantastically beautiful one with the user of Styrofoam tiles! Here are some of the examples:

Please click on respective images to view larger image.

If you would notice, with the help of Styrofoam Ceiling Tiles, you can transform the dull, plain, (mostly) white ceiling into something totally hep… something which completely reflects the personality of the owner… something which not only makes the dull ceiling beautiful but also make it look trendy and stylish… something which is truly yourself… something which will attract zillions of jealous looks towards your “inexpensive yet classy” home decor!

In my earlier article, I discussed about how easy and inexpensive Styrofoam Ceiling Tiles are. You can buy these tiles from a local reputed hardware store. However, I am not sure if you would get authentic Styrofoam tiles from local store, or even at a mega mall. To buy most authentic Styrofoam Ceiling Tiles, I would suggest you should logon to DecorativeCeilingTiles website and buy directly from them. This way you would be completely sure that you are buying from a trusted and reliable merchant.

Let’s discuss how you can install Styrofoam tiles all by yourself. Before you begin installation, you will need:

• A wallpaper knife - (or a box-cutter knife) to cut the ceiling tiles
• Mastic - to glue the tiles to the ceiling
• Caulk - (of matching color or clear) to fill the existing gaps between the ceiling tiles
• A couple of gloves - to keep your hands clean, while working with the caulk
• A caulking gun - to apply the caulk
• A sponge or a wet rag - to wipe off the excess caulk(always make sure to rinse it)
• A straight edge- as a guide to cut the ceiling tiles(metal ruler)

Please note that all the above materials are usually available at the local hardware shop. Also you should exercise utlost caution while handling these tools and while cutting or trimming tiles.

Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Finding the middle of the ceiling - your starting point: To lay tiles evenly, you should start your work exactly in the middle of the ceiling (Hint: very often your ceiling lights or fans are located exactly in the center of the ceiling).

2. Putting mastic on a tile: On the back of a tile, put a half-inch to one-inch thick layer of mastic. The thickness of the mastic on the back of the tile depends on the surface on which you are putting the tiles. If the surface is too porous, for example popcorn ceiling, you might need to add some extra mastic. On the other hand, if the surface is flat, you may need to reduce the quantity of the mastic.

3. Laying the first tile.

4. Proper gluing.

5. Parallel rows.

6. Applying caulk: After all the tiles are finally glued to the ceiling, you will need to fill existing gaps between the tiles with caulk. Even if the seams are almost invisible, it is still recommended to use caulk, for it helps to make your ceiling look seamless and solid. Do not allow the wet caulk to remain on the surface of the tile before smoothing it, as it dries quickly and will be difficult to remove.

You can find much more detailed instructions here.

In my final article on Styrofoam Ceiling Tiles, I will show you how a plain looking ceiling can be transformed into a beautiful one with the help of Styrofoam tiles!

I am starting this series where I will list down all the latest trends, innovative approaches, creative ideas in the field of Home Decor. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to send them me. You are also most welcome to write your Guest Entry on this blog - please contact me for more details.

The WALLPAPERS have literally stormed the world of home decor in the last decade. There has been lot of research and development in the field of Wallpapers since then. Now we have wallpapers that are so creative and innovative that you simply can’t take your eyes off them. At the same time, these are quite expensive also.

Move on from Wallpapers to STYROFOAM CEILING TILES. Yes, the age-old tiles are back in all-new shape and form. If you are remodeling your home and need more insulation, you should opt for Styrofoam ceiling tile. If you have high power (i.e. electricity) bills and you believe that the cool or warm air is escaping from your home, you must use Styrofoam tiles. With their usage, you will be able to immediately spot a clear difference in the “retention capacity” of your home.

The Styrofoam ceiling tiles are very inexpensive. If you are on a tight budget, this may be the answer for you, if you are needing a lot of tiles for your ceiling. Not only that, these tiles now come in so many different shapes and forms, you will simply fall in love with them. You will get that great tiled look that you want, as well as a ceiling that is brand new and still have money in your pocket. Installing these tiles is not at all hard. Once the tile is installed, unless you already know that it is Styrofoam, no one else will be able to tell the difference! So you can easily pass it off as an expensive home decor!!

In my next article, I will discuss where one can buy Styrofoam ceiling tiles, how to install them (D-I-Y type instructions) and a few samples. Let your suggestions flow…

It’s all in the name of good faith! Wise old men said centuries ago that a person’s happiness rests on the good things he has in his home or place of work. Probably every family in our country has a Ganpati figurine in the house that is a sign of prosperity and good luck. Now-a-days, the trend is to have Feng Shui artifacts. It means wind and water. It is rapidly becoming a standard practice for creating the ideal and balanced environment to live in and work.

Feng Shui specifically comprises of four aspects: building, environment, people, and time. Most “masters” and Feng Shui books only utilise the first two aspects - building & environment - and miss the other two important factors - people & time.

It is an ancient chinese study of the environment that is natural and “built”, and has been practiced for thousands of years. It is a blend of architecture, interior design, Chinese mathematics and common sense. In its most accurate form, Feng Shui analyzes specifically how a building and environment supports the people and how a certain time period affects the house and its occupants.

If properly applied, Feng Shui recommendations can result in improvements in the life of the individuals who occupy the property. There are many places where Feng Shui articles are available. Now even stores like Lifestyle are also stroing Feng Shui figurines like Three Wise Men - its presence is said to ensure wealth, authority, respect, long life and good health; Laughing Buddha - a symbol for prosperity, success and financial gains in the work areas; Dragon and Turtlehead Dragon among others.

The sale of these artifacts is going really strong because they are the best way of ensuring good luck. These collectibles are priced very affordably in the range of Rs. 120 to Rs. 2,000 - according to the size & material used. You can also place Figures and Fountains in porcelain thus enhance the beauty of your living rooms. You can use Wind-chimes, available in ceramic and aluminium. In my next post, I will discuss more about Feng Shui and how one can utilize this philosophy to bring in cheer to one’s life.

Finding inspiration for interior design can be tricky. Going to the usual stores often leaves you feeling uninspired and one of the crowd. Sometimes it takes looking a little bit further to find design that truly inspires and invigorates the left hand side of your brain.

One of the best places to find inspiration is from the thousands of blogs that are dedicated to design and interiors. Many famous interior designers and industry professionals like to maintain blogs to log their creative inspirations. For those of us that do not live in the World of design these blogs are a great place to start in order to quickly get up to speed on the latest trends and developments. Often you will find that there are styles that you were not aware of and ways of styling a living space that you had not considered before. Often the high street sofa store do not cover new and breaking styles of sofa so it is always worth checking other places before it is too late.

Interior design blogs will also give you ideas on how to style rooms. Practical tips outlining the do and do not’s’ can come in very useful. Things like spacing, colour, and practical advice can make all the difference to your success.

When looking for sofa and interior blogs make sure you follow blog rolls rather than simply relying on search. Many bloggers do not make an effort to get search visibility so it is always advisable to check out the blogs that are popular within blog rolls. Many bloggers are also willing to have dialogue with you and may be able to help if you have any specific questions.

Once you have looked at many sofas and taken plenty of time looking at blogs, I would strongly advise that you print out your favourites and make a collage. A collage will provide the visual stimulus that will help you decide which style suits you best. After taking in to account other factors such as price and sizes you will be ready to choose the sofa of your dreams. Good luck!

For more info about sofas, you may visit the sofa information section on sofasofa.com.