How to design the perfect entertainment center on a budget...

Avant-Garde Home Furnishings, LLC présents


How to design the perfect entertainment center on a budget...

Proper Size and Placement..


Believe it or not, the proper size and placement of your digital entertainment pieces can not only have an effect on the aesthetic of a room, it can determine how much you actually enjoy sitting on the couch watching that movie you’ve been looking forward to seeing. These tips will help you set up an entertainment center that will be enjoyable and will compliment the room.

• Size – The biggest television is not always the best one. In fact, a screen that is too large for a space, especially one you are forced to sit too close to, will compromise visual quality.

• Wall Placement – When hanging a flat screen don’t judge the height based on standing there looking at it. Sit on the chair you will normally spend your time in and you will notice that the screen needs to be hung much lower for you to be comfortable.

• Hiding Wires – Nothing ruins an elegant room faster than wires hanging. If you are concealing wires in a wall, make sure that they have a UL-rating so there is no potential for a fire hazard. Don’t want to tuck your wires in your wall? Use wire guards, they stick to virtually any surface and you can paint them to match the color of the wall.

To ensure that your digital entertainment center doesn’t distract from the room, keep DVD players, gaming systems and remote controls tucked away neatly out of sight.

Whether you're creating a separate room, or remodeling your living room for a new TV set up, a home entertainment center can be quite costly without proper planning. If you want to make the most out of what you have or you plan on buying a completely new system, learn the basics of what it takes to create a well-rounded home entertainment center on a budget.

Buying a TV

Your TV is the centerpiece of your home entertainment center. It is the big ticket item, the main attraction, and probably the most expensive thing on your home entertainment list. Before bargain hunting for the best priced TV available, here are the most important TV options to consider:

• Type: Are you looking for a 3-D, LCD or plasma TV? If you're trying to save money, you want to avoid the 3-D TV at the moment. Plasma and LCD TV's are similar in picture quality, but plasma TV's tend to be more affordable when compared to LCD TV's of similar screen sizes. However, plasma TV's only come in larger sizes, and if you are willing to sacrifice size for cost, smaller LCD TV's are the most affordable.
• Size: The size of your TV will depend on how far away you plan to sit from the screen. For a home entertainment center in an average size living room, you will most likely be positioned about 10 feet from the TV. According to most retailers, a 42 or 43 inch screen would be optimal at that distance. If you think you need a little more space away from the TV, a 47 inch screen would be optimal at distances between 11 and 15 feet.
• Display format: When considering the right display format for your TV, think of the 480i formats of the standard, analog TV's of the past. Now that you have your point of reference, the three most common display formats are 720p, 1080i and 1080p. While one can argue that the differences between 720p and 1080i are very subtle, it's all a matter of what is important to you. You can go for cost over quality and buy a TV with a 720p resolution, or you can shell out a bit more for a better quality in a 1080p.
• HD (high-definition): High-definition TV's are the only way to go, don't try to save money by buying a non-HD TV. HD TV's are a must-have item for your home entertainment center. Fortunately, you can nab one for as low as $600 with some smart shopping.
• Wide-screen: A 4:3 aspect-ratio might work for a smaller TV in the bedroom, but if you're building a home entertainment center, do yourself a favor and go with a wide-screen format.

If you're still a bit confused on the options or can't decide on what TV you want to purchase, here is a great TV set up for a budget home entertainment center that you should be able to find for under $800:

• Type: LCD
• Size: 47 inches
• Resolution: 1080p
• HD: Yes
• Widescreen: Yes

Budget Audio

If you thought purchasing a TV was complicated, wait till you start looking into an audio system for your home entertainment center. Your audio setup is just as important as your video setup, and you want to get the best sound quality possible, at an affordable price, of course. The general rule most retailers will tell you is your audio equipment should make up half of your system's budget, and your video should make up the other half. Here are the key things to consider when shopping for an audio system on a budget:

• Surround sound: True surround sound is a must for any home entertainment center, whether you're on a budget or not. A regular stereo setup or virtual surround won't cut it if you're trying to re-create that movie theater experience.
• Speaker channel: A 5.1-channel system is the best setup to go with for a home entertainment center on a budget. With this setup, you will have a total of five speakers: front left, front right, front center, side left and side right.
• A/V receiver: A good audio-video receiver is necessary to bring all the audio and video components of your home entertainment center together. Make sure the A/V receiver you choose can support common audio formats like Dolby Digital Surround, DTS or Dolby True HD.
• Subwoofer: A subwoofer is necessary to reproduce low-pitched audio frequencies. In other words, you need it for the bass. Here's a quick tip: Place your subwoofer by a wall for added effect or in a corner for even better effect.

Now that you have an idea of what you should be looking for, here are some tips for getting an audio system for under $1000:

• Home Theater in a Box (HTIB): An HTIB is probably the most affordable option you can go with if you're looking to buy everything to complete a 5.1-channel, surround sound system for your home entertainment center. HTIBs come in a packaged set, with all the audio components you need for your home entertainment center, and they range from $300 to $800 for a decent set.
• Package speakers: A complete audio package like an HTIB makes it hard to upgrade or mix and match other components in your audio setup. If you want more flexibility, try to look for speaker packages. This will keep the main sound components uniform, while you look for other options for you're A/V receiver and subwoofer. This may be a bit more expensive than an HTIB, but shouldn't cost you more than $1000 for a complete audio setup.
• Don't be afraid to mix and match: Many retailers will try to convince you to buy audio components of the same brand to avoid differences in sound characteristics. However, most people aren't sound experts and will be unable to hear these differences. If a little mixing and matching will get you the most affordable audio set up for your home entertainment center, then do it.
• Save on the cables: Many sound experts will tell you that the differences in performance between a name-brand cable and a cheap, generic cable are slim to none. Save a few bucks and by yourself some cheap cables for your audio setup.

The Other Components

You've got the sound, you've got the display, now it's time to think about the other components that will complete your home entertainment center:

• Cable vs. satellite: Your choice depends on your particular preferences. Consider HD availability, number of channels, number of TVs in your house, and package deals like the addition of high-speed internet. Whether you opt for satellite or cable, look to spend $40 per month on average.
• Blu-ray or DVD: Blu-ray players are going for $100. Buy one. If you'd rather spend that money elsewhere since you're on a tight budget, DVDs still get the job done and there are plenty being dumped into the $5-bin at most major retailers.
• Game consoles: Again, it's all a matter of personal preference and price. On a tight budget, a used or refurbished console by any manufacturer can be found for as low as $100.

Shopping Tips

• Look for used or refurbished items for your home entertainment center.
• TVs and other big-ticket items that are used as display models in retail stores can be purchased at a fraction of the original price. Items like A/V receivers, speakers, DVD and Blu-ray players are the best display room purchases since they see less abuse than TVs or game consoles.
• Check garage sales, classified ads and online marketplaces for good deals.
• Major retailers specializing in electronics offer the best deals on the day after Thanksgiving, also known as "Black Friday." If you don't feel like camping outside a store for a new TV, check for similar deals from online retailers around that time of the year.
• Visit websites like www.couponmountain.com regularly to find discount coupon codes if you plan on purchasing anything for your home entertainment center from online retailers.
• You don't need to purchase everything at once. Stretch your budget and upgrade your home entertainment center one piece at a time.

Please be cable free..

You’ve invested a fair bit of time and money into your home theater, so you no doubt want it to look its best. While simply having that gorgeous black flat screen TV mounted to the wall or on a black glass shelf is stylish enough, you’ve also got to pay attention to the details if you want the room to maintain its clean, organized look. And that means gathering up those bundles of audio and video cables.

Hiding your home theater cables is not as complex as it might seem when you first stare despondently at that mess at the back of your TV. It just takes a few small tools, a little effort, and an eye towards the moment when your home theater is complete.

You can get cable ties from your local electronics store, in black or white, and use these to tie your cables in a bundle. You’ll want to tie them every few feet, and then run the bundle along your baseboard. You can tack it to the corner, but be sure you don’t pierce any of the cables themselves.

For the more daring (and for an even more concealed look), try hiding the cables under the carpet. Lift up the carpet at the edges, and tack the cables down underneath, just along the baseboard.

Or, if you aren’t really a do-it-yourselfer, you can get a professional to hide your cables inside your walls and along the floor.

It just takes a few small tools, a little effort, and an eye towards the moment when your home theater sound systems are complete.

It might seem like a lot of work, but trust us: an organized, clean home theater will be a much better environment for your next family movie night.


Be Thrifty, Not Cheap

While you may want to cut costs to tighten your budget, it's better to spend the extra money on major items that aren't regularly replaced like the TV. Aside from your system's cables, you don't want to save money by purchasing cheap items or components. Check customer reviews, and look for top-rated items that are affordable. Look at a home entertainment center as an investment, and make sound purchases that you won't regret. You don't want to shell out $500 for a low-quality flatscreen, only to replace it later with a $900 LCD TV that you wish you had purchased in the first place.

A few new items available at Avant-Garde Home Furnishings you might want to consider.....

JVC

HD D-ILA Front Projector THX Cert 

Retail Cost $ 8,000 - AG Price $ 6,000

LG Electronics

60-Inch 1080p 2D Plasma TV with Pentouch Touchscreen Black

Retail - 2,000.00 - AG Price - 1,500.00

Sharp

169 HD Projector with HD2DMD Chips

Retail $ 8,200.00 - AG Price $ 7,200.00

JVC Home

3D Enabled 3-Chip Full HD D-ILA Front Projector

Retail Price $ 11,000.00 - AG Price $ 8,000.00 

LG

65 3D LED LCD 240Hz Smart TV WiFi

Retail Price $ 6000.00 - AG price $ 4,000.00

...and many more deals like those above.. Just visit AG Electronics and see for yourself..


Great tips for your home entertainment center..


AG Home Goods

All about trends...

Avant-Garde Home Furnishings, LLC présents


All About Trends...


Today I am sharing with all of you trend spotlights.. Things such as minimalism, pattern choices, sunrise, sunset tricks, building you oasis in your home, and black is back.. I know many of you will appreciate the tips..


Enjoy the pics and post...


Benefits of Minimalism....

Design aficionado will know that minimalism is a growing trend among modern interior designers. But why is minimalism so popular? For those who might be unfamiliar with the term, minimalism is a design concept that strips things down to their bare essentials – a chair will just be a chair, not a chair/cup holder/sculpture. Minimalism seeks to bring out the core of our interiors, enhancing their functionality while minimizing the unnecessary details and flourishes.

Some people have argued that along with stripping design of its “extras”, minimalism also strips it of its style. Without the little details that makes every piece unique, how can you create an inviting, beautiful space? We’re here to tell you that minimalism can achieve just this, if the right balance is achieved. Here are three benefits of minimalism that we think you’ll love, even if you only incorporate it into one room or add minimalist elements slowly to your home.

1. Reduced clutter and more peace of mind. Minimalism is all about trimming the fat of the often excessive modern design trends. A fully minimalist room will naturally be clutter-free, as clutter is hidden by chunky cabinets and concealed closets. Along with less clutter, a minimalist room will give you a subtle peace of mind, as you survey complete Zen in your surroundings.
2. Minimalism is money-saving. Depending on how you incorporate minimalism into your home, you can save hundreds of dollars on the little accent pieces that you don’t buy. No more throws, pillows, or wall art that you love and then leave a few weeks later.
3. Simply space. Minimalism will free up the space in your home, making it look larger and more inviting. You’ll love walking into your living room and taking a sweeping look across a wide-open space.

Sunrise, Sunset

The sublime awe that we feel when we look at the sun setting or rising on the horizon can be incorporated into our everyday experiences with a little interior design know-how. Golden edged blues, deep purples, incandescent yellows and oranges all can be used to recreate the natural feeling of a sunrise or sunset. It’s not just about colors, either: you can use different textures to throw some reflections across your room, to add that uncanny glow. Nothing can compare to waking up to a real sunrise or sitting with your significant other watching a sunset, but this feeling can be incorporated into your home if you work with the colors and textures found in nature.

Textured Fabrics

The recent developments in interior design show a love of fabric – but not in the ways we’re used to. In the past, modern design used fabric as an accent color or pattern. Adding some animal stripe throws or rich burgundy pillows seemed the natural way to incorporate fabric into otherwise leather- and chrome- heavy rooms. However, now we are seeing a resurgence of fabric for the love of fabric. Using a variety of fabrics to enhance the textures in your room is a great way to stay ahead of the design curve. Off-beat fabrics such as burlap and floral sheer linen can be just the accents you need for success.

Chrome is back..

Ah chrome. In the 50s and 60s, this was the ultimate modern material. Anything with a bit of chrome simply radiated technological advancement, superiority, and innovation. Now, we’ve all gotten over chrome as a symbol of modernity, and instead have incorporated it into interior design as an accent, a subtle nod to its brilliant shine. Consider using chrome in a tasteful display, as it frames your loveseat or adorns your dresser’s knobs. Chrome accents are a great way to add some vibrancy to a room that feels a little lifeless, but don’t go overboard. You can even find pieces that meld chrome and aged wood or other more natural materials, for a jarring, but attractive, combination of the old and the new.

Building your own oasis..

Sometimes interior design trends are more of an idea than any particular style. In today’s busy world of deadlines, gadgets, family demands, commutes and the like, there is an increasing demand for an area of calm. As an individual, you need to design your living space to act as an oasis of serene, uncomplicated being. However you want to approach this, whether it is by taking elements of modern and minimalist style or by collecting items from flea markets, your home should be a haven where you can relax, feel safe, and unburden your body and your mind. You don’t have to follow any interior trends to build an oasis, so ask yourself what makes you feel comfortable and start to spread that attitude into your home.

Hope you enjoyed the tips..

AG Home Goods

Buying a Bed, additions for your space, and creating a modern-traditional bathroom

Buying a Bed, additions for your space, and creating a modern-traditional bathroom


Today I am sharing with all of you how to pick the perfect bed for your space, how to accent pieces or furniture to your space, and how to create a modern-traditional looking bathroom in your Space. These tips should help many of you that in need of tips in any one of these areas... 


Enjoy the pics and post.....


BUYING A BED

Buying a bed is a large and significant purchase and one that will hopefully give you years of comfort and lots of good sleep. During a seven-year lifespan, you will spend around 20,000 hours on your bed, so it is important to take some time and put some effort into making sure you buy the right bed for you. With so many options on the market you may feel overwhelmed with the choice. Here are 5 top tips that will help you to make the right decision when it comes to picking the perfect bed for you.

Think About Your Priorities
Think about what you want out of a bed and decide on what your priorities are. Factors to consider are the price, access to your bedroom, storage, turning the mattress, standard or electric beds, comfort of the headboard, any health issues, overall size and shape, materials and colour, getting in and out of bed and any other personal needs or desires you may have.

Try Out As Many Beds As Possible
Visit a bed showroom and take the time to try out as many beds as possible. If the bed is for two, you will both need to try it out simultaneously, as it will need to suit you both and be comfortable with you both on it. Wear comfy clothes and remove your outdoor gear before getting on the beds. Lie in a normal sleeping position for several minutes and try turning too. You should be looking for comfort and correct support for your build and weight, not just firmness.

Bed and Mattress
Remember that a bed is a base and mattress working together and should therefore be considered together rather than as isolated items. This is not always possible, however and you may have to select a single or a double mattress, and bed base separately. Ensure that they are well matched, the mattress is the correct size to fit on the bed base and that you are happy that the elements go together. Not all bed sizes are standardized and even with the same name such as ‘King Size’, you may find that different manufacturers make a King Size in different dimensions.

Think Big
Quite simply, bigger beds are more comfortable, especially if you sleep alongside a partner. Having room to stretch out, turn over and curl up without disturbing your partner is key to getting a good night’s sleep. With a bigger bed, you are much less likely to disturb one another, making your bed a more restful place to be and aiding in a quality night’s sleep for you both. Even if you sleep alone, a larger bed makes it easier to roll over in the night without waking or reaching the edge of the bed.

You Get What You Pay For

As with most things in life, you get what you pay for when it comes to beds. This refers to both the quality of the product and the service. Spend as much as you can possibly afford when buying a bed, as you will spend a large proportion of each night lying on it. The more you can afford, the better the quality and your bed should remain comfortable for a long time.

ADDITIONS FOR YOUR SPACE

Now it’s the New Year, you’ll want to accessorise your home accordingly. One of the most popular current trends is moving toward green energy and gadgets and furniture that will allow you to do that will be the focus of this article, with a few ‘cool’ things thrown in too.

• New induction heated ovens are being developed, which, for those unfamiliar with the technology, use magnets to heat pots for cooking rather than traditional gas.

• Espresso machine with biometric capabilities? Though this may sound like a sci-fi fantasy, it is now a reality; each member of the household can program their ‘favorite’ coffee, and then simply place their finger on the machine’s scanner to prompt the machine to consult their coffee profile and make their drink.

• Electric radiators: traditional methods of heating are not as productive as some people think and electric radiators are one direction in which you can move to reduce your heating bills and carbon footprint. Not only that, but they look stylish!

• Mushroom packaging: thought it doesn’t sound particularly appealing, an alternative to polystyrene (a burden on the environment) has been produced that involves shaping fungal mycelium (baby mushrooms) into boxes. These boxes are biodegradable and, as they are stopped from growing fully, free from allergens and unable to ‘go off’.

• A good old fashioned plant: what better way to make your home green than to add a few flowers and plants? Though not ‘new’, they are perennial and can be bought to suit any existing décor and personal tastes. My personal favorite is a conifer tree.

MODERN TRADITIONAL BATHROOMS...

Want in on a secret? Trendiness isn’t necessarily what’s “new”. Right now, a growing trend in interiors, especially in bathrooms, is giving everything an antique glaze.

Antique bathrooms can be subtle in their approach, or they can be a complete blast from the past.

Take cabinet styles for instance. You can create an antique look simply by adding a distressed finish to your current cabinets, especially if they are made from wood. Just be sure to safely apply the varnish and coatings to be sure to preserve your cabinet.

Cabinets can also be completely redone to get that antique look. Think beautifully, ornate, carved wooden shelves lining your walls, in either a rich brown or light neutral.

If you want to just dip your toes in the water of antique bathroom style, you can try upgrading your fixtures to reflect the dated-but-trendy look you desire. Rubbed bronze is always a good bet when going for the antique look.

Other accessories can give that antiqued feel too. Try adding a detailed, vintage, framed mirror above your sink. Going to anything gilded in gold or bronze can get you just the effect you’re looking for.

When redesigning your bathroom in the antique style, try to purchase sturdy, good quality pieces. Although flea markets and vintage shops can offer great finds, don’t be afraid to really test out the merchandise before buying. If the pieces are truly antique, you don’t want to buy them just for their style only to find out that they have no substance when you get home.

There you have it.. Good IDEAS AND TIPS..

AG HOME GOODS

How to make an office with very little space...

How to make an office with very little space...

Today I am sharing how to create an office with very little space in your home and without the need to use an entire room for your special place or small home office..

Enjoy the pics and post...

Your little corner...

Whether you want to hide that desk you have in your living room, create a little privacy area or make an office for your kids to study, you can easily do it even if you don’t have an extra room available. You don’t really need much space or a lot of furniture and supplies. Generally, a small desk, comfortable chair and of course, a gorgeous lamp to spice up the area is about all you need. Small cubicles are so easy to create anywhere in the house that if you have several people in your home, everyone can have their own private getaway to do homework, read, study, pay bills or simply escape!

Closet

The easiest way to create an office is with a walk-in closet. Yes, closet space can be hard to give up but if everyone can move their coats out of the hallway closet then you’re all set. Paint the area white or another light color and make sure there’s proper lighting. Closets offer a great deal of privacy. There are plenty of small desks available and you can even hang a cork board, calender or whatever else you want on the walls. The best part is, any mess is hidden with the door!

Under the Stairs

Many homes with multiple levels, have a cubbyhole under the stairs that is the perfect private area to turn into an office. Treat it the same way you would a closet and if you want a little extra privacy, buy a nice screen or hang a tension rod and a curtain to make yourself a door.

Corner of the Room

If the other two ideas just aren’t an option, section off a corner of a room and create a desk area. You can either make yourself a fabric room divider and hang it kiddie-corner or use two so your office area is square. Alternatively, you can use a room screen here as well. This is really ideal in kids rooms or dorms, especially if two people are sharing a space. A little privacy goes a long way.

Everyone needs their own personal space, a place to put their belongings that they know will be safe and things won’t get moved around. Of course, this can often turn into a mess so hiding these areas is always a great idea!

An Ideal Desk...

Work becomes smooth. The trig desk does what every desk hopes to do: it makes your work day a little bit sweeter, a little bit smoother. With a glassy finish and a minimalistic perspective, the trig desk allows you to focus on your work with no distractions. It beautifies your office by adding a touch of icy calm which will be reflected in your work. Constructed from glass and titanium finished steel, there is no other desk that is more delicate yet sturdy. The tempered glass surface sits atop a white backdrop that will purify both your office and your mind. You can purchase the trig desk at CB2.com for $149.00.

Another suggestion..

The height of dining fashion. Judging by its thin frame, you might be a little incredulous at the thought that this sidecar high dining table is versatile enough to act as a dining place for two, a desk, a buffet, storage or a cocktail bar. Take a closer look, and you’ll see the style and functionality of this table ensure that it is all these things, and more. It is a modern piece of furniture that promises plenty of leg room, storage for wine, cutlery or office papers, and a white hot style that will catch the wandering eye whether it is up against a wall or freestanding as an island. You can purchase the sidecar high dining table at CB2.com for $399.00.

Accessories...

Make your desktop an industrial landscape. The hard lines, smooth surfaces and aluminum material that compose these Aluminum Letter Trays are what makes them so stunning. They will give any desk a sense of no-nonsense business. Each set of two comes with four connectors to stack the trays directly on top of one another or to set the top tray back slightly so that the lower tray is more easily accessed. The bottom of the trays have an ASF non-slip textured substance to ensure they stay firmly in place. Your letters and important documents will never get lost in the shuffle again. The Aluminum Letter Tray from Design Within Reach is available for $120.00 per set of two.

A more fancy desk...

The oval office desk. The Sasha Desk is contemporary and functional, designed with a mixture of youthfulness and sophistication. It features a leather writing surface that offers padded, but stiff, support for your work. The front drawer is adorned with a chrome and leather handle, and opens out to a storage space for pens, pencils, paper and any other writing utensils you’d need. The desk is constructed from dark brown vinyl and is finished with a rich java coating. The tapered legs and lower, half-moon shelf combine to give this desk some personality and round out the piece. You’ll find theSasha Desk by Sitcom Furniture at nikkoSHOPS.com for $699.00.

A desk for your wall....

Don’t let your work tie you down. If ever there was a way to rise above all of the papers, clutter, and other office mess that pervades your workspace, this floating Lax Wall Mounted Desk is the perfect beginning. It uses light, natural materials to create an open, flexible look. The walnut wood and white powdered aluminum doors are complimentary to the floating appearance of the desk itself. The added upper cabinet will only increase the image of a floating, carefree workspace. This desk can be used as a display shelf for living room accessories and media as well. The Lax Wall Mounted Desk is available at Spacify.com for $720.00.

A small desk that is very modern....

Simple and fresh, the home office just became stylish. Herman Miller introduces this Sense Desk as part of his LifeWork furniture set for the home. It is designed to be the workstation that you feel comfortable enough to send out personal emails from, yet professional enough to pay your bills and do assignments for your boss. The layout is ergonomically sophisticated, and its technical, thin lines are adjustable for anyone’s height (including children). The desktop cabinet uses horizontal space and drawn out lines to store your papers and media. This desk is available with a white laminate top or a walnut veneer top to meet your visual needs. The price of this desk starts at $949.00 and goes up with different additions. You can find the Sense Desk along with the other LifeWork furniture at HiveModern.com

There you go ideas on how to turn any empty corner into your home office..

AG Home Goods