Have you noticed these round floor cushions on design blogs and in magazines? They’re popping up everywhere. Seen in living rooms, bedrooms, family rooms and even in outdoor living spaces, these cushions are called poufs.  The pouf style that is most popular right now comes from Morocco.  Ideal for lounging, the Moroccan pouf softens the hard tile floors typical of that country. They can do the same in your home for hardwood floors, too.

The pouf is a versatile piece in that it can be used as an ottoman to put your feet up, extra seating, or a place to lounge.  Traditionally made of leather, the pouf comes in a rainbow of colors including metallics. The bright colors and simple patterns on the pouf mean they can work in a number of rooms and décor styles.  Poufs can be right at home in more traditional rooms and contemporary rooms. Their soft shape makes them great for children’s play areas and bedrooms.

Because of the popularity of the Moroccan pouf, you’ll now find poufs made from different materials. You can find non-traditional poufs that are multicolored and made of patterned fabrics. Knitted and crocheted poufs add great texture to a room.  The knitted poufs have the look and softness of a beloved sweater—great for snuggly winter decorating.

Poufs can be easily moved and stored under tables or consoles, making them even more versatile.  Their portability means you can move them from room to room and even outdoors as you need them.

Would you like to exercise regularly but find it difficult to make time for it? Well, one help is to exercise at home rather than having to run to the gym.

Aerobic exercise is the easiest to fit in. Add a walk to your routine three or more times a week. Once around the neighborhood – with your dog if you have one –will improve your aerobic capability. Add time and speed as you get into better shape.

For strength training, pick up a few free-weights or wrist and ankle weights. Often the package will include some basic exercises. If not, check online or pick up a book or magazine.

Yoga is the best option for improving flexibility. This exercise is manageable for people at any level of fitness. Pick up a DVD or book on the basics to get started. This is one skill where taking an occasional class can improve your form and capability.

Be sure to determine a good location at home for both yoga and strength training. In front of the couch can work well, especially if you can see your TV/DVD from there. Just move the coffee table to the side and you will probably have enough room to stretch out.

If your living or family room has carpeting, just add a beach towel and you are ready to start. If you want more cushioning, or if you have hard surface flooring such as wood or tile, pick up a yoga mat like those shown in the photo. For a small cost you can be comfortable for any floor exercise.

No excuses anymore – start exercising and make a commitment to your health and well-being. You can do it!

Marmoleum is a type of floor covering that is manufactured for both residential and commercial use. It has been around for centuries but it has never been as popular as it is today because of the immediate call for saving our environment. Marmoleum is an organic combination of jute, rosin, wood flour and linseed oil. They are mixed and pressed together then dried in order to produce tiles or sheets.

In general, marmoleum floors are durable even though they are fairly soft and comfortable to the feet. It is not hard to maintain because it is very easy to clean and does not absorb spills, and stains. It is also anti-static therefore it does not attract dust making it the best floor material for people who have allergies and asthma.  Because of its linseed oil component, it oxidizes and kills germs giving it its anti-bacterial characteristic.

Marmoleum is actually a very versatile material. It is primarily used as a floor covering and is usually a substitute for the traditional linoleum used in bathrooms, kitchens and hallways. Hospitals and schools usually choose this material due to its low maintenance and anti-bacterial properties. Marmoleum can also be used for countertops since it does not harbor germs and bacteria and is very easy to clean.

Most importantly, marmoleum is an eco-friendly material. Since it is made from all-natural products that grow back very fast, it is highly biodegradable and recyclable and does not have so much impact on ecology.

Beautify your home. Save your health. Save the earth.

For 2011, Moroccan interiors are still trending hot and this staircase and its ensemble do not disappoint. The interior element used as the focal point here is all about shape and contrast. The bright yellow backdrop of the zigzag staircase creates a brightly-hued canvas for a myriad of shapes, materials and styles.

The Barley Twist leg of the English pub table set against the geometric shape of the stairs might have many interior designers running the other way, but the contrast works well with the legs softening the harsh edges above. The Moroccan style chair with its intricate carvings and curvaceous back with cane inset playfully adds many circles and spirals into the mix with wonderful results.

Mixing woods is another way of adding contrast and the designer of this room used it to their advantage. By pairing the medium wood stain of the pub table with the dark wooden chair, they highlighted the patina of age in the chair exquisitely. The light stairs play off the tile baseboard and the lightness of the chair’s patina as well.

Finally the three bottles sitting atop the table introduce a cylindrical shape, which gives a sense of smoothness to the already visually busy room. The green in the glass is a nice compliment to the yellow and seems very organic and natural, which also helps create unity among the contrasting elements.

Implementing the same strategic use of interior design elements and principles which never go out of style can really bring a design together which may have seemed haphazard and chaotic when done without understanding of these tools of the trade. The tools are easy to use once you’ve practiced. Next time you look at an interior design photo or an actual room think about what may have been in the designer’s mind when the created the décor. Can you identify use of shape, contrast or unity?

Applying Basic Feng Shui Ideas to your Home: Part 2 – Corners and Curves

Many people have heard of Feng Shui, but most of us haven’t explored its concepts. Although the practice involves many steps and years of study, there are valuable insights anyone can apply to a home.

Feng Shui means “the wind and the water” and focuses on the placement of furniture and accessories to create an energy-filled and inviting environment. You may have noticed that some rooms are naturally welcoming, where party guests tend to gravitate. Other rooms feel uncomfortable. According to Feng Shui, the placement of furniture and other home items affects the movement of “chi” or the living energy of nature. Even small changes can make a room more pleasing and enjoyable.

One fundamental of Feng Shui is avoiding sharp corners and edges, or compensating with curves. Have you ever walked into a commercial office and found the reception area cold and unfriendly? Often the furniture has sharp corners and there is very little soft material in the space. To Feng Shui adherents, these sharp corners and edges create “poison arrows,” or inauspicious energy. To compensate, furniture and accessories with rounded edges or plants can help eliminate the poison arrows. Think about it, adding a few plants or circular ottomans would warm up a commercial space, and make it feel more welcoming.

Take a look at your home, particularly your entry way and living room. Are there only sharp corners and lines, or have you softened your space with curtains, plants and pillows? Do your chairs and sofa invite sitting, or discourage it? Does your home have a welcoming energy? If not, think about what you can do to change the chi in your space – creating the kind of positive energy that makes living more enjoyable.

By Cheryl Frink

As homebuilders and designers we study emerging trends in order to meet the needs of today’s homeowners. The current economic setbacks have given rise to a new trend we’re calling Home-steading. Instead of going to a movie we are hosting movie nights at home. Instead of going on vacation we are creating a a 5-star master retreat in our bedrooms. Instead of eating out we’re eating in. We are seeing more open floor plan designs, great rooms, and kitchens with work islands and eat in bars. In response to this trend Chateau Interiors & Design has created a Home Enhancement Program as a way to help customize your existing home.

Chateau’s Home Enhancement program for your home

This new trend is all about the personalization of your space. What are you passionate about and what does your home say about who you are? Throw pillows and accessories are an inexpensive way to add some personal style. A small investment can have a big return on style and design. Later when you are ready to change the look just change out the accents and the room looks new again. If your home is looking tired and you want a quick facelift try using paint. Paint is an inexpensive way to transform the  look and feel of any room. Blues are a hot fashion trend and there are many shades to choose from. Add some crystal accents with bold colors for some panache. A little sparkle can showoff  your Lux and Glamour style.

Get Inspired by the Professionals

Model home tours are a great way to see the latest trends in home furnishings, color, and design. Gather your friends for a fun free way to spend time together. Take notes on the things you love and try these ideas in your own home. Don’t be afraid to work with professional designers. Our designers can help you determine the scale, color, and products that are right for you. We can save you time and money. Whether you need a color facelift or major reconstructive surgery let our designers help enhance your home. Home-steading is fun staying home for.