You can give your floor boards a new finish in order to make them look as good as new instead of just covering them up with rugs or carpet.
Wooden floor boards can be a great way to give the whole home or just a few rooms a bit of character and they can look extremely good too. You may have had floor boards in the rooms instead of carpets for a while, but over time they may have become a bit tattered or worn. Various things can contribute to the floor boards rotting or looking tattered such as spills, animal accidents or it could even have been from just general wear and tear. Whatever the reason, it can leave the person wanting to just cover it up because it can look very untidy.
If you are someone who is thinking about just getting carpet to cover it up, you should really think about this seriously. It is all so easy to just put a rug or carpet over it, but why not see if you can do something about the floor boards instead? With a bit of effort you could have the floor boards looking as good as new. If you are a dab hand with this kind of thing then it could only need either a bit of sanding or refinishing to have the floor boards looking great. Also the best bit about it is that it should only take a few days at the most and it could be a lot cheaper than getting in carpets or rugs.
Preparation is the Key
Why should you get rid of the character of the room just because it needs a bit of work? Once the floor boards are treated properly they could look as good as new. It will obviously need some preparation before you start, for instance, the room will need to be off limits and have no furniture or anything else in there whatsoever. You need to sand the floors whether it is done by hand or by using a drum sander in order to get the job done. Once the floors have been sanded, you will obviously need to get rid of all the saw dust and everything else that is on the floor boards.
The whole process of preparing the floors can be a bit time consuming so you will need an element of patience when doing this. However, once it is done you can then apply the wood stain to the nicely prepared floor boards. After you have stained the floor you will want to seal it, which adds an extra protective finish on top of it.
Treating the floor boards instead of covering them up is an extremely good option to try. You should not cover them up just because a bit of hard work is needed because with a bit of time and effort they can look just as good as new.
November 30, 2008
Wood Furniture Care: Don’t Just Cover Up Those Floor Boards - Treat Them!
Wood Furniture Care: What Is In Your Products?
It is important to look at the instructions for any products that you use as part of your wooden furniture care routine. That way you will help to keep the furniture safe as well as keeping it clean.
It can be an exciting time getting wooden furniture for the house as it can help to add charisma and personality to any room. There are so many great benefits to using wooden furniture in the house as it really does add something special. The best part is that there is such a wide range of different wooden products to choose from too.
Do you know About Proper Wood Furniture Care?
The furniture can be an expensive thing to get in the first place so you are ideally going to want it to last as long as possible. To ensure that this happens you need to know exactly how to look after it properly and one thing that needs careful consideration is the type of products that you use on the wooden furniture in order to help care for it. Also, it is worth keeping in mind that some products may be harmful to your health, so you should always do your research.
There is a lot more to caring for your wooden furniture than just cleaning it with any old cloth. You need to take the time and effort to get all of the right equipment to make sure that you do not cause any damage and that you help to protect the furniture for as long as possible. The wrong use of products and using things such as rough cloths etc could scratch or damage the wooden furniture in the long run.
Another method that you can use is to quickly clear up any spills with a cloth or anything else that may be of use. This prevents the spill or leak from soaking into the wood and causing water damage. Water on laminate flooring can cause it to expand and it can make it start to rise up. If you have a wooden table then you can use things to prevent spills and leaks such as using place mats and pads for plates and cups to stop things from getting on there. If you use candles then use something to put underneath such as a plate, tray or anything that you want in order to stop wax from getting onto your furniture.
If you get some tough stains on the table then make sure that you read the instructions and if there is anything that you are not sure about then you should look for an alternative. It may seem like a lot of bother but it helps to keep your furniture looking as good as possible without causing damage. Also, something that will help is to keep any wooden furniture away from direct sunlight to avoid it getting damaged from the UV rays.
There are quite a few different potential hazards that can cause damage to wooden furniture, so with a bit of consideration and care you can help to keep your furniture looking as great as possible for many years to come.
Wanna Find Out What Is The Best Shower Water Filter? Check This Out!
The best shower water filter in the market is known for powerful, affordable and easy installation. By choosing the best shower filter, make sure that you get the clean and safe bath so that during the severe summers you can enjoy your shower.
A shower with clean and pure water cleans your body from germs and bacteria. Today, shower filters are very important because they keep your body from various diseases and skin related problems. There are some things to consider when buying the best shower filter in the market.
As the experts say your body gets enough chlorine and many other infected chemicals by the pores of your body and the best shower water filters minimize these chances. Best shower water filter is the best known method to solve this problem. The best shower water filter eradicates almost 90% of the chlorine from water and thus has the shower water filter installed at home.
In one of the latest surveys the best shower water filter obstructs the immergence of various diseases like cancer and lung diseases. They also keep your hair nutrient intact and give you glooming and silky hair. It is known that only best shower water filter works because of the weather and the climate.
The shower water minimizes the chlorine in the water and keep in mind that the skin never cracks. It is very hard to choose the best shower water filter because there are many others with variety of features. Some of the best shower waters still fails to eradicate different chemicals like lead, iron and many more.
The best shower water completely cleans all of the dirt with an ease and give you pure water for the bath.
Shower water filters are very good for asthmatic patients. It removes the harmful and poisonous substances from the water and keep in mind that you have enough oxygen during showering. The main USP of the shower water filter is that they are easy to afford and are at a very good price. Internet is one of the main sources to buy shower water filters.
Blue World Pool: a gift that can not be ignored
Getting up in the morning, going out for work and then the same hectic schedule…….How do you manage to balance this hectic schedule? Life in this fast paced world seems to be so hectic that we do not even time for ourselves. It seems that our health, our personal leisure, nothing really matter to us as we tend to get so engrossed in our daily hectic lives. Well it is not really very difficult to balance our hectic lives…all we need to do is give ourselves some time and analyze what can really help us to relax and to maintain a balanced life. I guess blue world pool can be the best answer.
One of the easiest ways out in balancing your hectic life is by getting a swimming pool installed in the backyard of your house and then you are bound to have a gala time and enjoy yourself to the fullest. But then getting a swimming pool installed is not an easy task and you will have to be aware of many things while getting the swimming pool installed. But if you want to go in for one of the best swimming pools then you should give blue world pool a try. Not only does a blue world swimming pool helps you in having a nice, relaxing swimming session but it also allows you to spend quality time with yourself and your family. Moreover if you get a blue world swimming pool installed, you will be assured that the blue world pool dealers will make sure that you as a client do not get involved in any sort of a fraudulent deal or a transaction.
As I already mentioned installing a swimming pool is beneficial for you, your family and friends in more than one ways. So the best option for you is to install a blue world pool and trust me I can assure you of a great experience with it. See, now I will tell you in how many ways you can benefit from a blue world pool…. it goes without saying that if you have a swimming pool at your house you and your family will inevitably, get to spend more time at house in the pool instead of going outdoors. You can even give a nice swimming training session to your child if he does not know how to swim. They will simply love you for this and also love the blue world pool... So instead of heading to an exotic location this summer, stay home and teach your kid how to swim. Surely no vacation can be exotic or wonderful enough to temp you from spending time with your kids.
Blue world pool is a renowned and reliable brand of swimming pool installers and the swimming pools that they offer customers are thoroughly hygienic and assure you a wonderful time with your loved ones. In fact getting a blue world pool installed in your backyard also gives you another reason to stay fit and fine as you can always go in for the water exercises that not only help you to remain fit and fine but also helps you to relax.
Home Improvement With UPVC Windows
UPVC windows can be the ideal way to make a good impression when people visit your home. You can choose from sash windows or casement windows and have a range of features. Here are some reasons why PVC may be the right material for your new house windows.
PVC, called vinyl in North America, is a strong and durable material and it has become a popular choice for modern windows and doors. Most people now replace old house windows with UPVC windows and may include those as part of a package to modernise the house, with doors and a conservatory also included.
There are several reasons to install windows of PVC when considering home improvement projects. The fact that they are weathertight is a major factor when remodelling. Double glazed UPVC windows consist of a membrane between two sheets of glass (hence the alternative term 'double glass windows'). This protects against heat loss and means that your heating bills will be lower once your new windows have been installed.
These windows also have security features such as a tight locking mechanism which makes them harder to break into than traditional windows – at least if it's a question of picking the lock. And many modern vinyl windows can be left ajar in the locked position so you can have both airflow and security.
When it comes to choosing new windows for your home, PVC or vinyl wins out over wood in many ways. In addition to the additional insulation that such windows provide, PVC requires considerably less maintenance than wood. There's no need to sand and paint every couple of years. Instead, soap and water should maintain a good finish for a decade or more.
One of the choices you will face when deciding on new windows for your home is the type of window you should select. These are likely to be either sash or casement. Sash windows are the windows that slide up and down and may have a locking mechanism at the top of the sash. Some sash windows are single, sliding one way only, while others are double, with both top and bottom panes able to move.
Casement windows are popular when it comes to UPVC windows. These are the windows that are hinged on the side and open inwards or outwards. Sometimes these windows can swing in several directions, to allow a fire exit or to increase the flow of air. Many companies that specialise in windows offer casement windows.
There are other options for using windows to dress up your home. In sunny areas, consider a slight tint to reduce the glare while keeping the light flowing in. You could also consider stained glass panels or leading to make your house windows stand out. And don't forget that you can also include clear or frosted glass panels at the side of a window fitting. Although these will not open, they will increase the amount of light coming into a room and make it a bright and pleasant environment. Whether you go for sash windows or casement windows, UPVC windows will be a beautiful and energy saving addition to your home.
November 29, 2008
Organizing Your Home - Getting Started On Organizing Your Home
While some home-organization gurus will tell you to start in the kitchen, I’m going to advise beginning in another area. The kitchen will be the third place we attack and this doesn’t make it less important, but I will explain why I’m starting elsewhere.
First, if you look around your home, you probably see lots of clothes. Am I right? You’ve got clothes in closets, you’ve got clothes in piles (meaning to put them away and not having time, eventually just pulling them out of the pile and wearing them), and you’ve got clothes in laundry baskets. You might even have rumpled clothes in the dryer or (heaven forbid!) the washer. If it’s the former, the clothes are only rumpled. If it’s the latter, they’re probably rumpled AND smelly and (potentially) mildew-y. Yuck! Somewhere in this Mt. Vesuvius of laundry, dirty, clean, or otherwise, is your home. And I’m guessing that if you have a laundry room, you keep the door closed, as there are multiple Mt. Vesuvii piling up in there. If you don’t have a laundry room but have a laundry closet (with room for the washer, dryer, and some shelves), I’m betting you haven’t seen the top of your dryer for weeks or even months. It’s covered in rumpled clothes and towels, right?
Have you guessed where we’re starting? That’s right! The laundry area of your home. And here’s why: if you get your laundry room cleaned and organized, you’ll be much more apt to actually DO the laundry that plagues you and helps your home to be disorganized. And because you won’t want to undo the work you’ve done in the laundry room, you’re more likely to fold the laundry when it’s done, and put it away. There’s something that’s a breath of fresh air about a straightened laundry room—sort of like when you walk in to a closet where everything is hanging neatly.
So start with small steps:
1) Can you see the floor? No? Then pick up what’s on the floor and put it in laundry baskets. If you don’t have enough laundry baskets to accomplish this, then just sort the things in to piles outside the laundry room. I make piles of light clothes, whites, darks, and towels/rags.
2) Can you see the top of the dryer? If not, put the excess clothes in the aforementioned piles. Grab one rag to dust and have two plastic grocery bags—one to collect junk, and the other for later. Dust the dryer from the lint-leftovers and use a little window-cleaner if it doesn’t come off readily. Don’t neglect the area where the “start” button is—that can be grimy, too!
3) Can you see the top of the washer? If not, repeat the steps in #2, using the window cleaner if necessary.
Okay - now you’ve got your washer & dryer cleaned off. Congratulations! Let’s continue to take small steps in the laundry room….
4) Now take a critical look at your supply-shelf(ves). Do you have empty bottles or boxes lying around from spent detergent and/or fabric softener? Clean those out. Use that grocery bag that you’ve put excess dryer lint in and pitch those empties. Then organize what’s left. If you need to add things to your shopping list, now is the time—now you know what you’ve got and what you need to buy. When you organize your supplies, I recommend putting the detergent and any liquid softener above the (gasp!) washer. Make it easy to reach. Put the dryer sheets over the dryer—why reach more than you have to? If your shelves are higher than you’d like, use the top ledge of your washer & dryer to hold supplies! I’ve never seen a washer and dryer that don’t butt up to a wall for the electrical plugs they need. So use that space to your advantage. Put the detergent box or bottle on the top of the washer, along with whatever other washing supplementals you have. Put the dryer sheets on the top of the dryer so you don’t forget and end up with a load of static cling!
5) If you have wire-shelves above your washer & dryer, you’ve got a built-in place to hang a trash bag. Use that extra grocery-sack and cut one of the handles in half. Then tie those two ends around some of the wire-shelf and use the bag to collect dryer lint and empty containers from your emptied laundry supplies. When it’s full, cut it down and put it in the trash and put up a new one.
6) Now look at your floor. Does it need sweeping? If so, grab a broom and sweep. It won’t take you more than 5 minutes and you’ll feel much better about your room and your work—especially if something you’ve just washed falls on the floor as you’re transferring stuff to the dryer.
7) Congratulations! You’ve done the preliminary work of organizing your home—you won the battle in your laundry room! Take a 15 minute break and enjoy this victory. Then start the task of doing the excess laundry that you’ve been collecting—one pile at a time. When the first is done, swap it out immediately to your dryer or to hangers, if that’s more appropriate. Take it one pile at a time—in other words, small steps! Soon, you’ll find that it really only takes 5-10 minutes to fold warm clothes from the dryer and put them in laundry baskets, ready to transfer to the appropriate rooms, closets, and drawers. The rewards are huge here—keep up on it (one load every day) and you’ll win the war against the Mt. Vesuvius of clothes in your home.
iCoil Mattress Miracles
What's the big deal about iCoil and why should you care?
If you were looking for a mattress that would last a lifetime, no matter what the brand name, you'd only have one simple question to ask, but before we get to that question, consider what you're up against as a mattress shopper.
If you've been bed shopping, lately, you are surely aware of the myriad of different mattress materials that are being used.
Years ago, even before all these choices, I remember being confused, myself, with trying to wrap my mind around everything I was being told by the salespeople in different stores I would visit.
Today, the job is even more daunting with air, water, latex, gel, memory foam, iCoil and springs of all kinds making up the market, it's really confusing for you, the consumer.
In spite of the vast array of mattress %materials% available, it's a well known fact that a whopping 75%-80% of Americans still prefer sleeping on spring mattresses.
With this in mind, you might want to spend a couple of minutes with me, educating yourself on the difference in springs and what that means to you.
Bonnell springs are the most common kind of springs that mattresses are made with, so let's take a look at them.
The bonnell spring mattresses are made by securing all the springs together as a unit and then surrounding them with a stiff wire, to make a perimeter around the mattress. By tying all the springs together, what you get is, essentially, one great big spring.
Not only does this design transfer motion from one person to another, it makes for a very unyielding material.
If you end up bending a portion of that perimeter wire, your mattress will be permanently bent there.
I had a friend who tied his mattress to the roof of his car, while moving, and the wind lifted the front half of the mattress up and bent it. It was really funny looking when he laid it down, because it stuck up 3" off the boxed spring on one end.
There's brand new technology called iCoil that I've been studying into and it's far and away the most ideal design in mattress springs I've seen yet.
These iCoils are so precision-made that they can be compressed, rolled and placed into a take home box. Once you arrive home, with your real mattress in a box, you open the box and the mattress slowly returns to it's exact size and shape.
The manufacturer did this to make it possible for you to buy an extremely high quality mattress without creating a black hole in your wallet.
The latest technology is applied to every product they produce. You don't sacrifice any quality even though you are paying far less.
No other mattress springs were able to pass this test.
The pocket springs never returned to anywhere near their original size and shape. The bonnell springs performed worst of all.
In fact, remember my friend with the bent springs? Well, the bonnell spring mattress that was rolled up, did the same thing. It remained rolled permanently after being unpacked. It reminded me of a giant roll of chicken wire.
Having iCoil inside your mattress is the only question you need to ask when you're shopping. I'll bet you had already guessed that.
Do you want a graphic illustration of what I'm talking about? Check out a cool video showing a 30 ton steam roller vs. iCoil. You can see it at http://www.sleeprevolution.com. Once there, look for the Durability Feature Video. I think you'll agree, after seeing their video, that this cutting edge technology is in a class all by itself.
Find Out How You Can Make Any Room A Luxurious Home Theatre With Plasma Lift Furniture
If you are a free spirit and don’t want to be tied down to an ordinary home theatre room, it’s time to see how TV lift cabinets are paving the way for home theatre experience in any room. Why have to give up a bedroom, study or home office for a home theatre?
With hidden TV cabinets you can hide your Plasma TV safely in any room surrounded by a luxurious handcrafted cabinet that is visually exciting and guaranteed to lend a dynamic aspect to the room.
What kind of person are you? If you’re a lounger who loves to watch TV in bed, snuggled in your comforter with your favorite snack you will love plasma lift furniture at the foot of your bed. By day an elegant piece of furniture with a deep rich finish. By night with the push of a button on your remote control an exciting home theatre rises for your very special experience. Or if you choose, you can move to your sitting area on the other side of your bedroom and with another push of the button swivel your TV in that direction.
Are you a meat and potato kind of guy who loves to watch their favorite sports program in the living room? It’s time to surround your new Plasma in a ‘sporty’ TV lift that will make you a hit with the guys. The guys come over for the big game you push a button and your brand new plasma rises from a sleek, rich cabinet. Then you show off a little more by swiveling your new TV to the left and then to the right. You top off the whole experience by turning on your controls with your remote that uses infra red technology.
Perhaps you’re an intellect who likes to watch your favorite program in the study. Your elegant Plasma lift furniture is of traditional design. The old world craftsmanship of your new cabinet looks perfect with your other classic furniture. You push a button and your TV rises smoothly and quietly using its rack and pinion mechanism that will work reliably for many years. Hidden TV cabinets are fit for a king!
Now if you are the lady of the house and you love to utilize your dining room, you will be elated to find out that you can own the most elegant buffet, custom made to order, a luxurious finish and with unlimited attention to detail that is a TV lift. You’re working on a craft project but it’s time for your favorite Soap. Don’t stop what you’re doing! Just push a button and watch your LCD rise from your buffet and watch your show. You can be ‘Queen for the Day’ with your plasma lift furniture.
Secure Your Home Before It’s Too Late
Due to an increase in crime rates, security has become an important issue to be dealt with. For this purpose, there are many surveillance cameras that have come up. They ensure the safety of our treasured possessions, whether we are in home or in office. Installed in homes, these cameras are usually used to keep a constant watch on people and also on items kept at home. Placed at a hidden place they can keep a record on movements of the people trying to damage the property and running away. Thus, the culprit can easily be caught by way of these cameras installed in the home. With this, the cases of thefts or robberies in a home can easily be solved by making use of these cameras.
These are also a great help for kids care at home. Any kind of offensive acts on the part of a child can be traced through these spy cameras and necessary actions can be taken. Also, in the absence of parents, any unwanted activity by a babysitter can be recorded. It may be small thefts or any carelessness towards the child.
Infact, spy cameras have given a tremendous contribution for whole family watch. Senior individuals and pets in the home also need to be looked after. So in the absence of family members, it can be ensured that they are safe.
The security cameras are generally small in size and can be connected to a monitor without any wires. Moreover, the improvement in technology has brought down the rates of these cameras thereby, making them available at cheaper prices.
There is a large variety of surveillance cameras available in the market. Dome cameras, smoke detecting cameras, smart cameras and hidden cameras are among the others. While purchasing a home surveillance system, it is advisable to go for the systems that include features, such as lamp timers and motion sensors that can be used with wireless cameras.
Untruly, CCTV surveillance cameras are a good option. They come with a variety of features like they have better quality and high resolution cameras. However, it may be a bit expensive and may involve an increased maintenance cost as compared to other hidden cameras.
These security cameras can either be wired or wireless but wireless cameras definitely have more benefits than the wired ones. They are easy to install and have an edge over the wired surveillance cameras.
When You Really Need It Clean: An Introduction To Pressure Washers
We all know that keeping our tools, homes, and vehicles clean not only beautifies them, improving their appearance, but also helps to keep them working properly as well. But what do you do when they get REALLY dirty - perhaps with months - or even years - of dirty, grimy build-up? In these situations, traditional cleaning methods just won't cut it! That's where pressure washers come in.
Pressure washers make use of water, and pump it at a very high level of pressure, which is sprayed on the surface that is dirty. The water literally 'blasts' the surface clean.
A typical pressure washer will come equipped with a water pump, a hose and a trigger gun with nozzle. Many of the most popular models are very easy to transport - making them ideal for use around the shop and around the home. Pressure washers developed for most non-professionals (people like you and me) pump water at normal temperatures and can be plugged into any electrical outlet. Professional models are also available that heat the water to a high temperature to allow for the easy cleaning of surfaces with a heavy build-up of grease, oil and road grime.
Safety Issues With Pressure Washers
Because they force the water out of the nozzle of the trigger gun at such a high pressure, you must never treat pressure washers as a 'toy' or 'squirt gun.' It is possible that you could injure yourself if you do not operate a pressure washer according to the manufacturer's safety guidelines. If the water stream hits the skin, it can cause bruising and can even strip the skin from the bone! If the water hits the eyeballs, it could cause serious injury or even blindness. Objects on the surfaces being cleaned by a pressure washer can be knocked loose and come flying off at great speed, with possible injuries resulting. In addition, you can burn yourself if you are improperly using a professional model that heats the water.
Where and How to Use Pressure Washers
Around the home and shop: driveway cleanup, decks, roofing, undercarriage of automobiles and other vehicles, cleaning car engines, walkways, pools, concrete basement floors.
Industrial and commercial uses: concrete road surfaces, dirt and soot removal from old buildings, bus stops, train stations, shelters and other public places, removal of graffiti, cutting and etching of metals.
Types and Manufacturers of Pressure Washers
Most pressure washers are either of the electric or steam type. The electric pressure washer uses an electric pump to force the water out at high pressure. The steam type uses the power of steam sprayed out at high pressure to clean the dirty surface. It is also possible to purchase a refurbished pressure washer - these can save you lots of money, particularly for the industrial models.
Some of the most popular manufacturers of pressure washers are Karcher, Husky, Campbell Hausfeld, Craftsmen, Durabuilt and DeWalt.
On Trends, And How Much Should You Consider Them Into Your Decorating Plans
As it happens with the fashion world, the interior design and decor world is fragmented by more and more rapidly changing trends. Global competition makes it harder for manufacturers to stay on top. The internet allows for small, ethnic laced manufacturers to enter the global market bringing to your fingertips the authentic, hand crafted version of the decorative piece the big retailer mass produces to spruce up their out put.
While this offers the consumer a good pool of choices, it also creates fatigue on the part of the consumer. This sentiment is accentuated by the ever-changing trends. For example, an undecided consumer will start searching for the perfect decorative piece for, say, the wall behind the living room couch. After searching for two months, they will come up with a set of very different options. Unable to take a decision right away, they will set it aside for two more months, only to come back to their search and discover they are faced with an entirely new set of options.
After going trough this cycle a few times they will either buy on impulse, and become unhappy with the choice shortly there after, or give up all together, and feel utterly incompetent and unhappy. The ones buying on impulse will try keeping up with the trends for a while, and eventually give up just like the second category, too tired to continue.
The manufacturer will continue to change the product as often as it deems necessary, for as long as there is a new wave of consumers ready to take the place of the recently fatigued ones. While following the trends is somewhat seductive, one should always keep in mind that they are meant to soon become obsolete. So buy the small inexpensive accessories you can easily change, if you want to keep up with the trends, and for the large expenditures consider the staying power of any style.
House Plans
Be your own designer, architect and conceptualize your dream home! Conceptualizing your own home gives an added advantage of handling everything and designing it just the way you want it to be. But, sometimes deciding for the house plan becomes more tough than easy, as creativity and vision plays an imperative role. Being your own architect gives you a winning edge over house plan designs.
If you find creativity an uphill task, you can always browse net and find some amazing ideas for your house plans. Browsing net for house designs will provide you with ample of designing techniques. Or if you are lucky enough you will find some free house plans, which will serve your purpose. One can always browse through designs provided by some experienced as well as budding designers. After some viewing, you can make your choice about colors, texture and styles to choose from. Once you select your choice of design or in other words once you have selected a 3d image, it will set the wheels in motion. You saved yourself time and lots of effort that could have gone wasted, but not anymore now.
It makes one feel so relieved when one thinks about the time and labor saved. Therefore, browsing on net for a few house plan ideas is worth giving a try. While you imagine about your future abode don’t forget to make a checklist of the following:
1) Check for the cost: In case you are planning to buy a house plan, don’t forget to check the cost as the price may exceed your limit.
2) Craftsmanship and design: Always analyze the design feasibility with the land characteristics. Ask question such as what will the final outlook be like? Is it feasible with the overall design?
3) Utilization of space: We all know the importance of space and how effectively it can be utilized leading to a good design.
4) Quality plays a vital role. Inquire about the material being use, quality of wood being used etc.
These are some of the quality checks that one should take into consideration. Make sure that all the factors compliment each other.
How To Create An Indoor Herb Garden
The use of fresh herbs for cooking is becoming more popular now than it has been for along time. Our forbears knew both the medicinal and culinary powers of herbs but it is only recently that fresh herbs have regained their popularity with home chefs. That combined with the fact that many of us are now apartment dwellers with no gardens mean that an indoor herb garden can be both decorative and useful.
Herbs will grow better in a pot rather than a box and glazed pots are better than clay as the soil will not dry out so quickly. For the same reason a plastic pot can be just as effective but whether glazed or plastic there is one point to be careful of when using non-porous pots. On no account should you over water your herbs because they could become waterlogged and subsequently rot.
One option is to have an attractive container, which will hold a number of 5 inch porous pots. I have even seen someone make a herb garden using pots placed in a large antique fish steamer.
If you go to your local garden center they should be able to advise you on the best soil mix for your herbs. These days it is easier to use a commercial preparation rather than earth as you can be sure that it will be disease free.
When it comes to potting your herbs drainage is important. If you are using non porous containers place a few pieces of broken china or brick to aid the drainage.
Partly fill you pot with your potting mixture, make a hole for the herbs root and gently place it in the pot. Then you can pack more of the mixture around the herb and top up to about 1/2inch from the top of the pot. Sprinkle some water on the pot and keep it in the shade until the herbs begin to appear.
So what type of herbs should you grow in your indoor herb garden? It really is down to personal taste but some of the ones I would consider growing are Chives, Lemon balm, Mint, Rosemary, Sage, Tarragon and Thyme.
Once your herbs start appearing they only need light and water. Providing it is not in direct sun light a window shelf could be an ideal place for your herb garden or failing that anywhere that it is reasonably light. Herbs do not need a lot of watering and once a week should be adequate for most condition. If the soil feels dry then it is time to water. At other times you can use one of those water spray cans just to give the leaves a wetting if you wish.
An indoor herb garden can be both decorative and functional. They also have the added advantage that many herbs give off a delightful aroma so there will be no need for potpourri or air fresheners.
Changing Trends in Patio Furniture
Furniture trends today are global, with influences from all around the world. Furniture today has an international language, from Asia, Australia, Europe, Africa, and America. The international trends express sophistication to tropical luxury. This extensive influence brings with it both flexibility and simplicity resulting in the modern and contemporary designs. Contemporary is now a commonly used word to convey simplicity of form. The new contemporary furniture designs are modern, minimal, smooth lines, uncluttered, un-fussy, light, and clean.
For patio or garden there are plenty of materials used but teak has always been related with patio furniture because of its unique qualities. Most of the garden or park furniture found in England is made of teak. Teak furniture has been the preferred choice as garden furniture since decades because of the unique characteristics of the teak wood. Teak garden furniture blends the style and design of your patio or garden with the practical durability and resistance to the harsh weather conditions and nicely constructed teak furniture lasts for generations. The designs offered by teak furniture manufacturers were mostly English designs most often called classical designs. These classic designs somehow do not fit in modern contemporary homes. More and more people were getting bored with the teak patio furniture mostly because of its designs. This made teak furniture makers to follow the new demand and adjust itself to the changing trends in the market place.
The good news for teak furniture manufacturers was that there are no hard and fast rules that must be adhered to when it comes to the latest furniture styles. Modern teak furniture should have the ultimate expression of form and function. This made teak furniture makers to manufacture products, which are simple in form yet functional. These new products of teak furniture were welcomed warmly by almost all teak lovers who wanted to have modern designs, which fits with their other home furniture. This gave rise to huge demand for modern contemporary patio furniture.
The most recent trend is to use a diverse blend of designs, with a strong international influence of ideas and options sourced from all over the globe. One of these trends is products made of stainless steel and teak. Stainless steel like teakwood is a long-term investment, as it takes less upkeep and lasts longer. It is fairly lightweight for the amount of strength it provides and is very easy to clean. It is available in a number of shades and styles, making it an aesthetically pleasing option. And, because it is corrosion and rust resistant, it has a much longer lifespan. In addition, stainless steel is 100% recyclable. 50% of new stainless steel is made from recycled stainless steel. This makes it a very environmentally friendly material. It can also be resold as scrap metal, adding that benefit to the investment.
Other outdoor materials like wrought iron, aluminum, synthetic wicker, sling fabrics, marble and stone are also blended with teak. These products have given ultra contemporary look to the teak patio furniture. However the sleek, simple and contemporary designs out of solid teak are still preferred by lot of teak lovers.
It is very important to study carefully before purchasing any of these products because of the difference in materials used. There are hundreds of synthetic wicker producers but only few reliable, proven brands. The stainless steel should be of specific grade for outdoor use and always look for Grade 304 or 316. The anodized or power coated aluminum is the right option for outdoor and one should pay close attention to materials used in any of these products.
November 28, 2008
Top 5 Advantages Of Teak Garden Furniture
As warm weather approaches, you may find yourself searching for garden furniture. What is a backyard barbecue without garden furniture – after all, where would your guests sit? Though there is a wide variety of patio furniture, none is as beautiful as garden furniture made with teak. Why is teak a great material for garden furniture? Well, there are some distinct advantages, such as these:
Advantage #1 – Durable and Strong
Teak has many advantages over other materials used to make patio furniture. The first and most significant advantage is that teak is a strong, durable and beautiful hardwood from India, Thailand or Malaysia. This exotic material was first used in the Middle Ages as a shipbuilding material, so it had to be strong to endure the long voyages at sea.
Advantage #2 – Waterproof
After the ships were decommissioned, the boats made with teak material were still salvageable, since teak did not rot or rust, even when joined with metal. This is one of the reasons that teak is such a great material used to make garden furniture. So, if teak could survive long trips on the harsh ocean, image how well it will stand up in your garden—without rusting or rotting! These waterproofing advantages are what make teak garden furniture an exceptional choice for your garden furniture.
Advantage #3 – Low Maintenance
Garden furniture can be extremely high maintenance. Some materials attract dirt and grime more than other materials however, not teak wood. Teak, on the other hand, is very low maintenance, making teak garden furniture a great buy. If you are looking for a low maintenance material for your garden furniture, teak wood is the way to go.
Advantage #4 – Long-lasting
Since most people can’t afford to buy new garden furniture each year, another distinct advantage of teak garden furniture over garden furniture made from other materials is that it is extremely long-lasting. Teak garden furniture is so strong that it can stand the test of time, making it extremely cost-effective.
Advantage #5 – Stylish
If you’re looking for sleek and stylish garden furniture, look no further than teak garden furniture. To keep teak’s original color, all you have to do is use teak oil annually. Or, if you prefer, allow the color to change naturally over time. With so many finish choices, there is sure to be at least one shade and style to suit your garden furniture needs.
If you’re anxiously awaiting the warm weather season and especially looking forward to purchasing teak garden furniture, don’t forget the advantages that teak has over any other material—you won’t be disappointed. Durable and strong, waterproof, low maintenance, long-lasting and stylish, teak garden furniture should be your first choice when you shop for garden furniture.
Can You Update Bedroom Furniture Decor While Keeping It Classic?
Are you comfortable with your bedroom furniture? Do you feel that it can last you another ten years, but see that the colors are fading or that the surroundings are less than satisfactory for the 21st century? How can you update the furniture and bedroom decor in your home so that it brings you into the modern era without doing away with all of your classic objects? Here are a few places you can start to maintain your style and still make it appear more modern.
Start Small.
Don't ditch your furniture or knock out walls. Start with small changes. For example, you can update a room by simply adding a few accents, such as a throw rug to bring more color into a room full of earth tones. Pastels and earth tones are very classic colors, and adding splashes of bright reds, golds, greens, and blues can update the area without getting rid of the furniture style. To bring the room together, add matching throw pillows so that the splash of color carries over to the couch or bed (depending on the room).
Stop Thinking Big.
Classic style doesn't have to mean huge and imposing furniture, and it certainly doesn't have to include expensive antiques. Go to a modern furniture store and choose a design that mimics the old Victorian bed your grandmother had but is much smaller in size. Remember, the original designers of classical furniture were often working with much larger rooms than you'll find in a home now, and trying to stuff furniture this size into a single room will make it feel cramped or even be difficult to maneuver in. Also, faux antiques can look very real without costing a great deal of money.
Look for the Design.
Rather than looking for furniture that matches the original classic style that you like, shift your focus to what it is about that style that pleases you. For instance, do you like your classic couch and loveseat because of the size of the units, or is it the design on the material? Perhaps you like the material itself, or you like the intricate carving on the wood of the arms of the unit. Whatever it is that you particularly enjoy, you can most likely find that element implemented into a more modern design. You can do the same when it comes to window dressings, kitchen hardware, and restroom accessories.
Learn to Compromise.
You may not find exactly what you are looking for when you go shopping for new décor or furniture because you have the idea in your head that you must have a specific color and style. If you find something pleasant that is a shade off, this can still be a good addition. As an alternative, you could always recover the furniture or sand and refinish any wood. If you can't seem to find furniture you can easily locate other elements to update your room without giving up your clearly classic sense of style.
Carpet Installation - Adding Borders To The Perimeter Of A Room
Adding a border color to the outside perimeter of a room can really add a touch of class. Experienced carpet installers are generally familiar with the steps involved. It's fairly straight forward. You may be new to rug fabrication, if so, then here are two quick and concise step by step techniques that are guaranteed to get the job done.
In this case we'll imagine that you are installing new carpet in a 12' x 12' room, you are also going to add a complimentary 12" border around the perimeter.
Beginners technique - keep reading for a more advanced technique.
Step 1. Precut your borders, 4 @ 12' x 12" in., prep and clean floor. Install tackless strips and padding.
Step 2. Drop your carpet, install & powerstretch.
Step 3. Measure from the wall 12" - cut through & mark on each end of the carpet. Mark the backside.
Step 4. Flip back the carpet, just enough to cut the 12" strip & remove with your straight edge.
Step 5. Repeat on wall #2.
Step 6. Put your borders in place on walls 1 & 2.
Step 7. Using a seaming iron, seam borders to the main carpet, wait a few minutes.
Step 8. Use a kneekicker to re-install the carpet on walls 1 & 2.
Step 9. Repeat these steps for walls 3 & 4.
While there is some wasted carpet involved with this technique, it's still the easiest & fool proof way to get the job done.
Advanced Technique-
Step 1. Precut your borders, 4 @ 13" x 12', prep and clean floor. Install tackless strips and padding
Step 2. Cut field carpet to size - 10' x 10'. Place field piece into center of room.
Step 3. Layout your borders and seam to the field piece with a seaming iron, wait a few minutes before installing.
Step 4. Install with a power-stretcher. Be careful, gently stretch the carpet until you have 1" excess to trim.
This approach requires more precision during the installation. The benefits are that you have no wasted carpet. The overall Install can be faster as well.
Quick Tips-
Tip #1-
Some rooms may have several 'jogs' or 'legs' that interfere with your nice straight borders. For example: a doorway, or sliding door, or connection to another room can force your border 'out or in' a couple of inches or more. Make it easy on yourself. Don't bother making adjustments that small. Imagine the field piece within the room to be as straight as possible. Your borders will then vary slightly in widths as they absorb the 'jogs'. It looks better too!
Tip #2 -
Pre-fabricate and bevel multiple borders before installing. It's always easier to produce these custom rugs in your workshop prior to going 'on-site'. Do as much pre-fabricating as possible. If you are comfortable pre-fabricating the whole project and the rooms are not too large, then doing so can save you time and increase your profits. Go for it.
November 27, 2008
Shelves And Benches Are Helpful Greenhouse Accessories
There are some greenhouse accessories that you can live without. Some of these items could even be considered luxuries and are used mostly to enhance the greenhouse. Shelving and greenhouse benches are greenhouse accessories that are necessary for gardeners to make the best use of their greenhouse space.
Shelving is generally something that you attach to the interior of your greenhouse walls or they lay on top of built in framing. These are not the same things as greenhouse benches, which are free standing and can be moved throughout the greenhouse.
Benches and shelving do have some things in common. Both can help you organize the greenhouse. Making good decisions concerning the use of these greenhouse accessories will allow you to function efficiently while you are gardening. Shelving and benches are used in combination to give the gardener choices as far as working, storing things and providing areas for the flowers and plants.
You can use benches and shelving for growing plants, flowers and vegetables and use the undersides of the benches for storing your pots and tools. You could also use this area for additional room for your plants.
Some greenhouses come with the benches included and others have shelving and benches available as options. Before you purchase benches and shelving for your greenhouse you will want to take some measurements and do some careful planning. Whether you have a very small greenhouse or one that has lots of room you will want to take some time to figure out the best use of the space and coordinate the placement of the shelves and benches.
Be aware that when you use shelving and want to have plants on the lowers shelves you will have to take shadows into consideration when you have a greenhouse with clear covering. Shadows caused by upper shelving can delay plant growth because the plants will not receive as much light when they are on the lower shelves. If you have a greenhouse with translucent covering that provides diffused light, then you won’t have to worry about shadows, so you will have much more room to spread out your plants.
Look for shelving and benches that are well made and are built to last. Find shelving and benches that are easily cleaned and have holes for drainage and air circulation. Without drainage, your plants will sit in pools of water which can be a breeding ground for disease.
Shelves and benches are greenhouse accessories that help the greenhouse gardener use space to the fullest.
Relax and Chill Out In A Swimming Pool Installed By Blue World Pool
Looking for a wonderful place to rest, relax and chill? Then, Blue World Pool is the perfect solution for this. One way to chill out is to get a swimming pool installed from the Blue World Pool dealer. Getting a swimming pool installed is not a tedious job. Feel free as the dealer will undertake all your burdens of installing a swimming pool for you. Blue World Pool is a reputed manufacturer and has extreme expertise in installing swimming pools for its clients and customers. The services provided by the professionals are fabulous. You can contact them at any point in time to acquire their superb service. Installing a pool is just the beginning. There are many things to talk to your Blue World Pool dealer about in regards of maintaining the pool.
You need to contact a reputed and recognized dealer of Blue World Pool to get a better deal. Then you will be less venerable to frauds and being cheated. Sometimes, there have been instances when dealers have duped customers. The professionals at Blue World Pool cater to give you satisfactory service and consequently there are no chances to any fraudulent or even scam. Purchasing a swimming pool is an important financial decision and it’s entirely your responsibility to choose an accredited dealer. Since, you are investing big money in this, you must call a known dealer. Choosing a genuine and authentic dealer will let you experience a hassle free service. Blue World Pool knows what its customers need and require. And with this in mind, it caters services accordingly for you.
Blue World Pool professionals install swimming pools for you to enjoy with you family, kids and friends. Blue World Pool is reputed in offering satisfactory services to its clients. After getting a pool installed you can enjoy all the fun at your own sweet home. When you are tired from your work schedule, you can enjoy a rest period in your swimming pool. Shortly you forget you your anxiety and shed your workload. Exercising using water activities makes you feel easy and fresh. Swimming is one pathway to relief. You can play sports like water polo, pool basketball and many others with your lovely kids and spouse. You get spelled by finding all these wonderful ways of enjoyment. It seems like you are enjoying an exotic holiday at your own place without traveling to far off places in search of a relaxing source. Swimming keeps you fitness level high and mentally peaceful.
Blue World Pool is a fantastic place to spend your precious time. You get to indulge in many activities to relax yourself. Kids find it an exciting place to be in. They are fascinated by water and love to play many water related games. Consequently, your child learns to swim and it makes them fit too. Swimming is a good exercise from the health aspect. Being healthy is what every individual wants and it is beneficial for long survival. Getting success is co-related with healthy body and soul. You get a sound sleep and cheerful life for yourself and your family. This is what Blue World Pool delivers.
Country Home Decorating – How To Include A Country Touch To Your Home Today
How do you add that “country touch” to a decorating style? Since the “country look” has evolved over the years and taken on a wider variety of characteristics, it can add a special touch to decorating from rural to contemporary. Here are a few ideas to give your home a “touch of country” and retain that feel of tradition.
Add a little extra luxury in your country home decorating such as pampering guests with a serene bedroom furnished with a high-quality mattress and specially-selected cotton sheets that feel good against the skin.
A layered look in fabrics gives a tranquil feel to a room. Country home decorating makes use of patterned fabrics, florals, and stripes as well as eyelet. They complement one another and provide a special touch in any room.
Another idea is to add blue and white checks on cushions and pillows to give that country appearance. Blue denim is also an icon of the country home decorating style. It is a traditional, timeless American classic that gives a relaxed, comfortable feel to a room.
Quilts, quilts, and quilts— what a wonderful way to add that country touch to your décor. There are countless patterns from which to choose that will harmonize with your country decorating idea.
Old and new photographs are an outstanding addition to your country home décor. The space above a staircase is a place to display your photos for your own enjoyment as well as for your family and guests. Make sure the staircase is out of the direct sunlight.
Take time from decorating to relax in a hammock for an hour or two—what a true country experience!
As you can see, these are just a small number of the unlimited ways to add a touch of country to your country home decorating ideas.
For ideas on keeping your home organized, download a free copy of the ebook "The Essential Guide to Organizing Your Home". This ebook has many practical, easy-to-use tips to make home organization a reality. Go to http://www.lynnshomedecor.com/f/Opt-in_Pages.html for your free download.
Biggest Home Improvement Mistakes For A Real Estate Investor
As a real estate investor it is sometimes a good investment move to make home improvements to any real estate properties that you purchase. There are several mistakes that commonly occur involving home improvement and real estate investing, and by knowing what these mistakes are you can save a lot of money and aggravation. Let the mistakes that other real estate investors have made be your guide on what to avoid.
The first mistake that some real estate investors make is to buy a property in a bad location or for more money than the house is worth. No matter how many home improvements you make on one of these properties it is unlikely that you will recover a decent profit or even your investment back. Always consider both of these factors before deciding to invest in the property and make home improvements.
A big mistake that many real estate investors make when they are doing home improvements is not knowing or finding out about the building codes in their area. Some investors do not obtain the necessary permits that are required by the city where the real estate investment property is located. This is one of the biggest mistakes, and it can cost you plenty if you make it. The building inspector is there to make sure that the home improvements are safe and done properly. If there is a permit required and you neglect to get one, you may be required to tear down any work that was done, get the permit, and then start from scratch.
Under budgeting for the home improvement project is another common mistake made by real estate investors. The old saying was to take the costs and triple them. That is an exaggeration but not by much. Most investors do not make a full detailed budget of what is needed for the home improvement project down to the last nail and staple. By being realistic and budgeting for all possible materials you will have a more realistic budget and are a lot less likely to go over budget. You should also plan for any unexpected eventuality that could occur and plan for it in the budget as well to avoid any unexpected and costly problems.
The single biggest mistake that real estate investors make is trying to save money on home improvement by doing projects themselves when they are not qualified. There are some projects that should have a licensed contractor or repairman on them. Many home improvement projects can safely be taken on by an amateur and turn out beautiful, but some projects like a new roof or any other extensive renovations should only be done by experts. This is because there are many safety issues involved in these projects, not just for the person doing the job but also for any tenants or owners who live in the house.
By avoiding these mistakes you can save a lot of money on your real estate investment. Know the value of the property before you purchase so you do not pay too much, and make sure that the location is decent. Make sure that your budget is realistic and that it takes into account every possible piece of material and cost. Also make sure that you factor in any possible unexpected cost or problem. The biggest mistake to avoid is to know when you should call for professional help and when you can safely do the home improvement project yourself.
Copyright © 2007 Joel Teo. All rights reserved. (You may publish this article in its entirety with the following author's information with live links only.)
November 26, 2008
Getting Your House Organized
In this modern world, when distant populations are connected by computers and modern communications, when we are all aware of so many possibilities, we seem to have less time and space to enjoy the abundance around us. Today it is common for both spouses work outside the home. Everyone comes home exhausted from work at the end of the day, needing to tend to children and pets, to produce a nourishing meal for the family, to exercise for the allotted time, and to maintain a marital relationship. The last thing you want to do is get your house organized, but it may be the clutter in your house that is slowing you down and helping to make you feel tired.
IF you spend significant amounts of time looking for items that have been “put in a safe place,” if you struggle to clean your house because of the clutter, if you avoid having friends over because of the mess, if you would be embarrassed for your employer to drop by your home unannounced, you are in danger of letting the clutter take over your life. It is time to take on the task of getting your house organized. When you are finished, you will discover that you have much more free time at the end of the day. Basic tasks are simplified when you know where all the tools are. Everyone is happier when homework and bills aren’t misplaced in piles of clutter. And it is amazing how quickly a house can be cleaned when it is only necessary to clean the house, instead of having to pick up the mess in the house and then clean it.
If the task seems overwhelming, if you can’t think about organizing the entire house at once, take heart and start small. Begin with an area that will make a true impact on your life from the beginning—your clothes closet. If your closet is cleared out and arranged efficiently, you will be able to spend less time finding clothes to wear when you are getting ready for work in the mornings. Because your wardrobe will be organized, you will be able to dress more quickly and attractively. And when you shut that closet door in the morning, you will know that there is a small part of your house that is neat and clean. Just knowing you have made a start will give you the motivation to clear another section, until you have finished organizing the entire house.
Spend an hour in your nearest hardware store to get some cluttered closet help. There, you will find lots of ideas for how to organize, along with supplies for adding an extra shelf or closet rod if necessary. Also, pick up some paint. One of the first things you will need to do for this project is to empty the closet of everything. This is an excellent time to wash the walls, repair or replace fixtures and shelves, and repaint.
Another source of cluttered closet help is a book on how to sort through and organize your wardrobe. All your clothes should be in view. Make a pile of clothing that you haven’t worn in two or more years. These items may not fit, they may need mended, or dry-cleaned they may be out of style, or they may be worn out. If it is an item that you would wear if it were fixed, and that goes with other items you are keeping, put it in a pile for repairs. Otherwise, give it away. If your closet is small, consider storing off-season clothing in another closet or storage container. Keep your fresh, new closet for the clothing you actually will wear now.
At this point, you may sort in any way you want—by color, by type of clothing (i.e., pants, blouses, and jackets), or by style (i.e., professional, casual, or dressy). This is a good time to utilize some of the many new closet organizers available now. You may want to invest in hangers for belts and scarves, special pants hangers or suit hangers. If space really is at a premium, consider an over-the-door hanger or a hanger that can handle multiple items. There are closet organizers for every article of clothing.
When you are finished, immediately discard the pile to be given away, take the pile to the cleaners, and sit down to mend what is left. Congratulate yourself on a job well-done! You have taken the first step on the way to getting your house organized.
Low Voltage Outdoor Lighting Is Safer And Eco-friendly
Low voltage outdoor lighting is a safer and more energy-friendly solution. It also looks better as overly bright lights don't always look that good.
Outdoor lights are exposed to rain and snow which always presents a risk of electrocution no matter how careful you are. The higher the voltage the more harmful the injury, with the most severe result being death. Low voltage outdoor lighting virtually eliminates this risk. At this low level you may feel a little tingle but nothing that could bring harm or death.
Low voltage outdoor lighting is also more eco-friendly because it uses less electricity. For much of the time outdoor lighting is not meant to help us see more clearly in the dark, rather it is an aesthetic element design to make your house and yard look more elegant in the evening hours. Houses do look more beautiful when they are lit up at night, but if it is not providing lighting to see better, then it really is a waste of electricity, especially in these days of global warming. Low voltage outdoor lighting is a wonderful solution.
In addition, most low voltage outdoor lighting is solar powered so it is completely run on renewable energy. You can have beautiful lighting and not increase your eco footprint.
Low voltage outdoor lighting is also a safe and low-cost way to increase the security of your home. It is quite certain that criminals are much less likely to enter a well-lighted area. Lights that automatically come on at dusk are a great way to protect your home.
Finally, you should carefully consider what kind of style you want for your low voltage outdoor lighting. For example, are you looking for a rustic look. Maybe you live in an urban setting and want to bring a taste of the country into your yard. Or, maybe you are looking for an antique feel to bring your yard back to an earlier time period. Or, maybe you like the look of brass fixtures.
Regardless, be sure to take care in choosing which style you want so you are not stuck with something you don't want. Lights are one of those things that even if you can get your money back, you may be too lazy to do so.
Low voltage outdoor lighting is a low-cost, eco-friendly and physically safe option for bringing nighttime beauty to your home.
Moroccan Furniture And Home Decor
Interior decoration is one of the most fascinating topics that concern with our homes. Every one wants to live in a beautiful home. Infact, we all try to give our homes a special look and feel so that every member of the family feels special. As a result, various themes and decoration styles have been inculcated to all types of contemporary home decors for that special feel. One such home decoration theme is the Moroccan style. The style comes from the Mediterranean country Morocco, which has a vibrant and beautiful history. Infact, the Moroccan style is as vibrant as the place of its origin.Moroccan furniture and home décor is being used nowadays for giving the house a vibrant and dramatic look. The style is almost synonymous to seductiveness and charm that is clearly reflected in its colors and decoration style. The house that uses the Moroccan style for decorating is richly decorated to give a royal and elegant look.
Moroccan décor involves the use of rich and vibrant colors like red, yellow, blue and their shades for the wall texture. Use of such colors gives the walls a look of the old world, which was full of natural warmth. The colors that are most preferred are creamy yellow and the beautiful all time favorite lavender. The colors are usually applied over a base of a neutral sand paint. The walls can also include columns, cornices and moldings. The rooms also include the use of various accessories that are bright in color but also have an old metallic touch. These include mirrors with beautiful designed frames and light shades that can be placed on the bedside tables or hanged from the ceiling. But make sure that these lights also have metal shades molded in beautiful designs or cloth shades that are bright in color and compliment the wall texture. Apart from these, the rooms can be decorated with showpieces that give an antique look. The main purpose is to give the whole room and its atmosphere a unique laid back antique appearance.
The doors and windows are constructed in arched shapes. The windows are also fitted with wooden slides. These wooden slides and doors are engraved with beautiful engravings. They are usually dark in color like black and tan with a lot of shimmer that can easily reflect backlight giving the doors and windows a unique look. Moroccan furniture style is unique with rich engravings. All furniture, tables, chairs and armoires are engraved with rustic designs. These designs are also colored with rich colors like red, yellow and blue. The mosaic of colors can also be found on the floors that have mosaic designs made from colorful tiles. The predominant color used for floor tiles is terracotta red. The mosaic is also used for decorating small fountains that can be added in the interiors of the house.Moroccan décor is incomplete without the use of large size pots, vases and decoration pieces made from terracotta. Infact, pottery is an integral part of Moroccan décor.
The furnishings are also rich in color. The material that is usually used for furnishing purpose includes rich cloth material like silk and crape. This gives the furniture a larger than life royal look. But it is not necessary to furnish every furniture piece. Infact, chairs can be decorated with colorful engravings that easily compensate for the absence of furnishing. The style is simply irresistible and can be easily incorporated in one’s lifestyle.
Home Improvement And The Real Estate Investor
Investing in real estate can be a very lucrative investment if it is done properly. Whether you are investing in a brand new home or an old fixer upper, all houses will gain value if you spend the necessary time and money making sure that the property is maintained. Some people may feel that improving the home is not required since they are only going to sell it anyway, but that line of thought will cost you money in the end. Your investment will gain tremendous value if you are willing to repair and remodel whatever is needed before you sell the investment property.
Some real estate investments may only need a little spring cleaning and a few minor repairs, while other investments may need to be completely redone. Properties that need more work usually cost less to purchase because of the amount and the extent of the work needed. Even properties that need a lot of repairs and renovations can be terrific investments, because their value increases significantly more than the cost of the repairs and home improvements.
Most real estate investors do not realize the importance of making home improvements. Even simple things like painting the walls or weeding the lawn and putting down a good grass seed can raise the value of your investment. You can ask for and get a much higher price for real estate if everything is in great condition. Even houses that are in good repair should be thoroughly cleaned from the top to bottom, including gutters and eaves troughs. When you are considering a property to invest in, it is a good idea to do a very detailed inspection to evaluate all repairs that need to be addressed, whether they are minor or major.
It is important that you keep all receipts for any labor and materials you purchase to repair and improve your real estate investment. When you get ready to sell your investment you will have a record of all the money you have invested in home improvement for the real estate. This will allow you to show an increased value of the home due to the home improvement. It will also enable you to sell your real estate investment faster for a larger price. In a buyer's market, the repairs and maintenance of your property may be one of the biggest sellers. No one wants to buy a home to live in and then have to take the time and money to do a lot of maintenance or repairs.
Home improvement is very important to real estate, whether you are just trying to flip a house to make a profit or you have rental property with tenants. By improving the property you will greatly improve the profit you will make from your real estate investment. A lot of real estate investors do not think about home improvement, and it costs them in the form of lower sales prices and lower monthly rents.
Copyright © 2007 Joel Teo. All rights reserved. (You may publish this article in its entirety with the following author's information with live links only.)
Precast Concrete Fencing Improves the Quality of Your Home
There are few things that can help you justify a home's attraction from the outside, and precast concrete fencing (http://www.artisanprecast.com/concretefencewallsblog/) is one of them. Standing tall and firm, concrete fencing gives homes a decorative design while allowing homeowners to complement any home style. With hundreds of styles and designs to choose from, precast concrete fencing is the way to go.
Concrete fencing is made of modular components, which allows it to be manufactured and fit for any yard. It is this type of versatility that has made it so quickly adopted across the United States. Whether you are looking for a mid-size fence or fencing to spread across the perimeter of the yard, there are many possibilities from which to make your choice.
Many other types of fencing are generic and bland, which makes this quality and type of fencing a beauty. It is customizable, giving you the ability to select the color that suits your house best. Not only is the color customizable, but the design can be customized to match already existing architectural structures.
Because of how precast concrete fencing is constructed, it can also protect your home from any kind of fire dangers. If your home is in an area that experiences high seasonal fire risks, this type of fencing can be a real boon to the safety of your home. If you look at popular home magazines like Fine Homebuilding (http://www.magmall.com/prod-FHB01.htm) you will get an idea of how good of an idea it is to have this type of protective fencing.
As for the maintenance that you have to take care of precast concrete fencing, there is little to none necessary to keep it in optimal condition. There is no painting or staining generally like other kinds of fencing require. This can take a load of labor off of your back while still allowing you to confidently stand next to your house. You will also find that this fencing does not pit, corrode, splinter, rust, peel or crack.
After all of these benefits, what is amazing is that they are considerably less in pricing compared to other kinds of fencing. With just a fair amount of labor and maintenance required and a plethora of options to choose from, precast concrete fencing is a great way to protect your home and add design at the same time.
Is a Precast Concrete Wall The Best Option For Noise Reduction?
There is an increasing demand for reducing noise within internal areas such as restaurants, homes and office buildings. Believe it or not, the kinds of wall or fence material you use can have a huge impact on whether or not noise is deterred. One of the building type of materials that is subject to many differing perspectives is that of precast concrete.
There are many types ofreports that we will be previewing in our new concrete fence wall blog (http://www.artisanprecast.com/concretefencewallsblog/) that have shown that any kind of concrete wall simply echoes the noise and can potentially increase it. However, there has been research that has shown that precast concrete provides the highest sound transmission loss value when compared to other noise wall products. This research has shown that the noise reduction from these barriers requires a considerably smaller footprint compared with earth beams.
One feature of precast concrete is that it can be manufactured and inspected prior to installation, which can reduce yours or a contractor's construction timeline. You will find an extensive selection of textures and finishes with precast concrete and because it is produced in a controlled environment, it is constructed with a high quality and uniformity.
Another benefit of using precast concrete for noise reduction is its responsiveness to corrosive agents. It is designed to and formulated to provide an economical and durable finish. They can easily be adjusted to account for various levels of exposure to corrosive agents such as salt, that way they can react and hold up stronger.
The reason it is capable of adjusting so easily is because precast concrete barriers have a low water-to-cement ratio. By utilizing this low ratio, higher strengths and lower permeability are objetives that can be attained. With air voids within the concrete, there is more opportunity for freezing water to expand. In essence, this minimizes the potential for scaling and deterioration of the concrete.
When researching offline, you will find contradicting arguments over whether or not precast concrete is the optimal material to use for noise reduction. There have been considerable arguments for both cases, but it is hard to go against the research stated above. It is up to you to decide whether or not precast concrete is the best option for noise reduction, and doing further research can better bolster your decision.
November 24, 2008
The History of Water Gardens
Take any major historical civilization, any major human development such as the Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution, or even the present-day concerns for the environment and conservation, and examine their effect on the art of garden design at the time - and what do you see as the major focal point in the center of the resulting gardens? Water.
The city states that sprang up over 5,000 years ago in the Near East around the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers, and also, of course, around the Nile in Egypt, probably gave rise to the art and practice of horticulture as we know it, for growing food and for social amenity value. Water was naturally important in these baking hot areas for the irrigation of crops, but here the ruling classes, which were synonymous with the high priests of the current religions, had the luxury of water channeled directly into the confines of their own palace grounds for the purposes of stocking fish and plants in pools, or the watering of trees.
By the ninth century BC, with the rise of the Persian Empire, the concept of the garden had evolved into that of 'paradise' on earth. In the dry stone landscape that is now Iraq, small enclaves of civilization sprang up that were totally reliant upon a meager water supply that very often had to be channeled several kilometers from the base of a mountain.
By the Sassinid period of the Persian Empire in the third century AD, the garden had taken on a wholly symbolic form. The perfection of God's creation could only be represented symbolically, and as far as gardening was concerned, the irrigation channels remained, dividing the garden into four quarters, meeting at right angles in the center: this represented the universe that was divided into four parts. A tree, and then later a fountain in the center represented the Tree of Life.
During the fourth century BC in the equally refined Greek civilization, we find another very self-conscious type of philosophical man, reflecting on his place in the universe. He felt superior to nature, and made models of his gods in his own image as he developed the art of the sculpture.
The Greeks did very little to develop the art of gardening, although certain grottoes and holy places may have been tended as natural gardens, accessible only to an elite or a cult of the resident god or oracle. The concept of the grotto would continue through Roman times, re-emerging constantly right through to the present time.
Carpet Installation Tips: Top 5 Insetting Shortcuts for Custom Rug Fabricators
When insetting design elements into wall to wall carpet it can be a challenge doing the work 'on-site', so why not plan ahead and save yourself the hassels and headaches associated with this type of installation? Here are a few tips.
As an experienced custom rug fabricator, I have been exposed to some tough on-site job requests. Admittedly, there are some projects that will demand your time 'on site' that you just can't get around with a good shortcut. You just have to grin and bear it.
I always prefer to do the bulk of the fabrication at my workshop. This of course, helps me minimize the on-site time that I spend on a job - and keeps me off my knees! Working on the floor, as any installer can testify, is a grind. It's really tough on the knees and body.
My workshop has large 4' x 8' tables (some linked together to create really big surface areas) that allow me to stand upright and do my work. I have anti-fatigue mats that run the perimeter of the tables and cushion my feet against the cold, energy sapping concrete. Personally, I'd much rather work in my own environment listening to music at high volume levels than working on-site.
Tip #1
Find a good carpet installer if you aren't experienced in installation. As a trained rug fabricator, it isn't necessary to be an installer too. Find the best installer that you can, plan your strategy for the project. Be there for the installation. Bring all of your gear and extra carpet. You want to be prepared for any last minute adjustments.
Tip #2
Have a clear understanding of your carpet cuts before you begin. If the whole house is facing a complete installation then this is especially important. If it's just a room that you're working on, then it's no big deal because you're ordering just enough carpet for that room.
Tip #3
When adding multiple borders around the perimeter of a room, you can pre-seam and pre-bevel the borders prior to installing. For example, if you have 3 borders, then seam/bevel the 3 borders at your workshop. Then seam once to the main field and bevel once 'on-site'. I suggest mitering the corners of your borders as you install, this is more professional and hides those corner seams better. Even single border projects can be beveled prior to seaming (it is faster).
Tip #4
Prefabricate any design details that you possibly can. Example: Your client wants a few roses in each corner of the room. You can do the bulk of this work prior to going on-location, If your design is properly planned. If you're really prepared, and the rooms aren't too large, then you can prefabricate the whole room and install it in one piece, but be careful here because you do need to allow for power-stretching and trimming.
Tip #5
When insetting into existing wall to wall carpet. Do your research first. Examine the existing carpet closely. Is it in very good condition? Is it a good quality? You want the answers to these questions to be YES. You don't want to waste your time working with old and tired carpet.
These are just a few tips for successful inset installations. If you do a quality job then your customer will love what you're doing and appreciate the beauty that you are adding to their home. They'll love you even more if you come in, quickly do your job, and leave a small footprint.
Working on-site doesn't have to be a chore. As you can see here, planning ahead is the key. Save yourself valuable time and money by being prepared. Do as much prefabrication OFF-site as you can.
Swimming Pool Owners. Why Did Your Swimming Pool Go Green?
Summer is in full swing and the heat is turning up. For millions there is no better way to combat the heat and have lots of fun and exercise than to go for a swim. And with the wide variety and low prices of swimming pools manufactured in recent years, many of these people only have to visit their own backyard for a swim. Unfortunately, many of these would-be swimmers approach the pool and realize that the water has turned green. This problem will certainly put a damper on what would have otherwise been a fun day.
So what is it that turns a swimming pool full of clean, clear, cool water into a yucky, swamp-looking mass of nastiness? Green swimming pool water is almost always caused by green algae. Green algae enters the pool by various means including wind and rain and begins to multiply very quickly, especially on warm, sunny days.
Green algae is allowed to thrive in swimming pool water because of a chemical imbalance present within the water. This chemical imbalance can be the result of heavy rainfall, long periods of hot weather, improper filtration, or improper chemical treatment.
While there is no direct threat to swimmers from green algae, it can harbor other organisms that can be harmful such as various species of bacteria. Another potential safety hazard is that green pool water makes it difficult to see under the water. This can be a problem if there are any objects in the pool that can cause harm or if someone needs to be rescued. While these are important reasons not to swim under these conditions, the bottom line is that it is simply unpleasant swimming in a pool full of green algae.
Other than safety issues involved with a swimming pool full of green algae, there are other concerns as well. If not treated, green algae can clog pool filters and the pool’s plumbing. This will increase the level of maintenance to the pool, which is more costly and time consuming.
Swimming is supposed to be a fun activity enjoyed by people of all ages. As long as the water is clean and clear, it can be a great way to enjoy the summer heat and get some great exercise. But when the pool water has turned green from the presence of algae, any hopes of having fun are quickly dissipated. And while green algae is not an immediate threat, it can cause problems for swimmers and equipment alike.
November 23, 2008
Learn How To Make Solar Power Work for You
There has never been a better time than now to take advantage of the numerous benefits of solar power. Many states have made solar power affordable, cost effective, providing a 10% return on investment and in many cases solar power will pay for itself almost instantly.
The utilization of solar power has never offered more benefits than now. Not only can the installation of solar power pay for itself almost instantly, but given the current world political climate and the threat of terrorist actions to disrupt cheap oil supplies make it very prudent.
Many states offer a 10% return on investments to encourage its use. The simple fact is that installing a solar electric system in your home is now cost effective for the first time. And you’ll sleep better at night knowing that you have now become part of the energy solution as world oil supplies continue to dwindle.
In the state of California the cost of solar power in 1978 was well over $300 per watt. Today, with incentives offered by the state, that price has now dropped to less than $6 per watt- a staggering 98% reduction in cost of solar energy.
In addition to the reduction in cost of installing a solar power system, your home’s value increases $20 for every $1 reduction in annual utility bills- this according to the National Appraisal Institute.
Therefore, installing a solar power system in your home costing $16,000 would increase you home’s value by $17,520. That’s a net gain of $1520 the day you install the system.
On April 25, 1950 Bell Laboratories introduced the first silicon solar cell. Bell called its invention “The first successful device (solar cell) to convert useful amounts of the sun’s energy directly into electricity.” The NY Times heralded it as “The beginning of a New Era, leading eventually to the realization of one of mankind’s most cherished dreams-The harnessing of the almost limitless energy of the sun for uses of civilization.”
99% of the world’s energy comes from sunlight or solar energy. Everyday enough free sunlight energy falls on the Earth to supply our energy needs for 4-5 years at our present rate of consumption. At the equator, the Sun provides 1000 Watts per square meter on the Earth’s surface.
The amount of solar energy we take today in no way diminishes the amount we can take tomorrow or any time in the future.
Is Your Home An Open House For Thieves?
A recent look into the security of our homes has shown that many homeowners are almost leaving the door open and the welcome mat for thieves to enter their homes. It seems that many home owners are not taking even the most basic of steps to ensure that their property is safe and secure.
Even those who have taken precautions to ensure that their property is secure lapse, with those who have fitted such security features as alarms forgetting or, in some cases, admitting to not even bothering to activate them. A staggering fact is that 1 in 5 of all homes that are burgled are done so when the occupants are at home, yet despite this fact there are many homeowners that leave the back door unlocked while they are in another room.
The burglars themselves have admitted that the majority of home owners leave themselves prime targets and make their job so much easier. They say that home owners do such things as leave the windows wide open allowing them easy access, along with leaving keys near to letterboxes and so within easy reach for them to just unlock the door and walk in.
With crime rising it is essential that home owners don’t make it any easier for thieves than it already is and to be aware that they are making themselves prime targets. Currently Britain has one of the highest rates of crime in Europe.
As the rate of crime is so high while it is essential that you ensure you do everything you can to keep the thieves out, it is also essential that you have adequate insurance should, despite your best efforts, you do become a victim of crime.
In order to determine the amount of cover which you need you should take your time and make an inventory of the items in your home and this will bring you to a rough figure. Of course you will have to take into consideration whether or not the policy will cover any items of particular value and take extra cover for these if need be. Always make sure you understand what the policy covers and doesn’t and also check the many exclusions that are hidden in the small print of all policies.
