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General Article

Green as Can Be

May 27, 2020 Comments Off on Green as Can Be

Being eco-friendly isn’t just about driving a hybrid car, buying sustainably grown foods or sorting your trash for recycling. It’s about really considering the consequences of your actions, even the ones that aren’t immediately apparent. Not all green products are as eco-friendly as you might think, and here are just a few examples.

Home

There’s a lot that you can do to make your home more environmentally friendly. Oklahoma City OK certified green home builders can tell you that it’s not as easy as it looks. A house with solar panels may reduce carbon emissions, but what if the timber framing was not sustainably sourced? Is it better to use a super efficient insulation that may create pollutants in its manufacture or a more eco-friendly insulation that doesn’t work as well and increases wasted energy on heat?

Car

There are similar concerns with cars. An eco-friendly car probably has more electronics and the production of electronics can create a lot of pollution and waste. But a car without those electronics uses more fossil fuels and puts more CO2 into the atmosphere.

Food

Even with food, sometimes it feels like you can’t win. There’s a lot of evidence that the meat industry contributes significantly to climate change, but a vegetarian diet may not be the solution. The farms that produce the bulk of vegetable produce consume water in areas ravaged by drought.

It can be frustrating to say the least, and some naysayers will use this as a reason to give up on eco-friendly products completely. That’s not at all the point. Having a green home or car and being environmentally conscious when you’re buying food absolutely will help save the environment. Every little bit helps. The point is that the methods available right now aren’t perfect, but they can be improved upon, if only we take the time to consider the ramifications of our choices.…

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General Article

Checking Before Buying

May 27, 2020 Comments Off on Checking Before Buying

Buying a new home is exciting, but also comes with a lot of responsibilities. The processing of choosing one is something that can be extremely hard and frustrating. There are so many things you need to think about and keep an eye out for. Here are four major things to check before buying a new house.

Water

Whether it be the water inside the home or the lake in the backyard, anything concerning water needs to be checked. No matter the water system, make sure you do what it takes to ensure it is safe and reliable. If the house has a well, look into well testing Naples FL to see what you need to do.

Electric

Your home runs off electricity, so you should check to see if it’s working before moving in. Test each outlet and have a professional come in and check the wiring. Faulty electrical paneling is not only dangerous but can be expensive to fix. It’s not a project that can be left to get fixed sometime in the future.

Foundation

A house doesn’t exist if there’s nothing for it to be built on. While it may take a professional to site the specifics, you will be able to see if the foundation of the home is good or not by looking for large gaps or cracks. Other house issues like sticking doors and slanted floors can give you an idea of what it’s like as well.

Windows

While it may seem like an easy fix if they aren’t good, windows can be extremely problematic in a home. Make sure you check to see what the frames and glass look like when touring the home. It’s easy to fix something that’s dirty but replacing windows can cost a lot of extra money.

While some things are easy fixes, other things will take a lot of time and money. It’s best to know these differences before buying a new place.…

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Basement Renovations

Timeless Classics – Making Antique Furniture Work For Your Home Design

May 26, 2020 Comments Off on Timeless Classics – Making Antique Furniture Work For Your Home Design

Interior design trends over the years have grown and developed. Though classic design will never go out of style, the modern and sleek look of contemporary interiors has largely dominated the industry. There is also the introduction of cross-cultural influences that widened the interior design field even more.
With the variety of styles to choose from, antique furniture sometimes looks and feels out of place in a home. Heirloom pieces, in particular, could be difficult to part with, especially if inherited from relatives and holds a particular sentimental value for the family. The dilemma is this: how do you make antique furniture a part of your overall look and design? Is there any way to make an heirloom piece blend in with your contemporary home? Before you decide to sell your antique piece or bury it in storage, consider some ways into making that one-of-a-kind and special piece a part of your home.
Some pieces do not hold any real monetary value at all, but more of a sentimental and memorable piece for the owner. If this is the case, consider giving it a refurbished look with a simple paint job to match the rest of your home’s color scheme. You could also strip down dated pieces to modernize its design. For pieces that hold an investment and historical value, you could use the design of the antique furniture and make it the centerpiece of the room. Ornate pieces can be balanced with and highlighted by keeping the rest of the room simple in order to draw attention the careful detail that went into the crafting of your antique furniture.
Another way is to use antique pieces in surprising ways. Pair an ornately carved chair with a simple wooden desk and use it in your office. Use a chandelier in your powder room to make for an interesting space for your guests. Breathe contemporary design into an old lamp with a quirky lampshade for a unique and eclectic addition to your living room. Use your grandmother’s antique china for everyday meals and make each day an elegant and special dining experience.
Aside from their value, the craftsmanship of antique furniture is without question, incomparable. Antique pieces are worthwhile investments and their seemingly unsuitable design can be creatively incorporated into your home’s design with a little creativity and imagination. Take care of your antique furniture and they will continue giving a distinct touch to your home for many years to come.…

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Basement Remodeling

Furnishing Your Home With Moroccan Furniture

May 25, 2020 Comments Off on Furnishing Your Home With Moroccan Furniture

For a home or office that is exotic, intriguing, welcoming, and stylish for anyone who visits, Moroccan furniture can achieve these effects. Some of the most popular home decorating items right now are Moroccan furniture, Moroccan lamps and lanterns, and bedding. The biggest reason for this is because of the unique look and feel that the stunning patterns and colors used in Moroccan home decor will bring to your home. If you are willing to shop around some you will find Moroccan home decor items with prices that can fit in any budget.
Choosing Moroccan home decor means making a statement with your home. This style provides elegance without causing a loss of personality. Utilizing Moroccan home decor and Moroccan furniture can really reach out set the mood that you are aiming for with your guests, making them extremely comfortable. Moroccan furniture also has the advantages of being extremely durable and sturdy, which means these pieces will last for many years while staying in excellent shape without any signs of wear and tear.
Patterns And Colors Used In Moroccan Home Decor
Moroccan furniture and Moroccan lamps can include a number of exquisite patterns and gorgeous colors. The colors used in these lamps are comforting yet exotic. The artisans in Morocco use the colors found in their natural surroundings for inspiration. This means you will find colors that include grain, blue, red, orange, yellow, brown, and purple. The patterns and colors used are combined with wool, wood, silk, and leather so that a very dramatic effect is seen. Some common patterns seen with Moroccan furniture and home decor include flowers, designs which swirl, and many geometric shapes. All of these are combined into one piece of Moroccan furniture or one Moroccan lamp.
Essential Moroccan Home Decor Items
Moroccan lamps and Moroccan lanterns are necessary to finish off any Moroccan home decor. Hanging exquisitely from the ceiling and adding beauty and elegance to any room, Moroccan lanterns normally have frames which are wrought iron and that contain stained glass fragments in many patterns and colors. The oldest type of Moroccan lantern, and one of the best known, is a type called the Djamae Moroccan lantern. This lantern looks rustic and includes a shape which is semi-oval. The glass used is colored green, amber, and blue, as well as clear, and these lamps are exquisite. Moroccan lanterns also come in other styles as well, as these can include the Moroccan Chandelier, Anelka,
Dareh, Alwan, Blue Samaka, and Maroc.
If you want to take the Moroccan home decor even farther you can include Moroccan furniture in the form stools, tables, and chairs, as well as mirrors, rugs, doors, ceramics, and ceiling tiles.
Floor tiles can also be used for a beautiful Moroccan decor in any hallway or foyer. Moroccan floor tiles can be found in many different patterns, and make an excellent accent in any area of your home or work space. These tiles can be found in packages which may include anywhere from a single tile up to six tiles. The cost of each package will vary depending on the tile type and number of tiles in the package. Moroccan floor tiles are very attractive and really stand out in any room where furniture is minimal. For a bedroom with Moroccan home decor simply install the desired number of Moroccan floor tiles, and then place your bet with some fellows, a few nightstands, a room divider, some Moroccan wall sconces, a Moroccan lamp or lantern, and an armoire. A couple of paintings or rugs in your bedroom will soon become your favorite room in the house.
Moroccan furniture and Moroccan home decor and accessories can help you create the look you want, whether this is exotic and luxurious or simple and comfortable. Moroccan decor does not have any set rules, and you are only limited by your imagination.…

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Renovation Costs

Bright Ideas For Lamps and Lamp Shades For Frugal Home Decorating

May 23, 2020 Comments Off on Bright Ideas For Lamps and Lamp Shades For Frugal Home Decorating

It’s not the light of the lamp that brings out the best in illumination, it’s the lamp and lampshade. Here are some simple frugal home design lamp ideas to give that old lighting standard a new look. Let’s start with the shade: Did you know you can paint most any fabric and paper shade with either a commercial spray paint or a home made spray paint application? The home made formula consists of 1 part paint (latex or craft) to 10 parts water. Measure the parts based on the size of a standard plastic spray bottle. All you need to do is choose your color and apply it in one or all of these decorative applications.

– Tape off diagonal lines or stripes with painter’s tape. -Create some basic stencils creating your own designs or browsing your local craft store. -Instead of spraying on paint, apply the paint with a sea sponge to give it an entirely different look.

Be sure your shade is dusted before you get started so the paint will adhere solidly. All paint aside, another way to give that shade a fresh designer look is to apply dark paper silhouettes to the inside of a lighter shade. Create a seasonal lamp shade accent by changing the shape as appropriate. For example, place stars or Christmas tree silhouettes during the Holiday season. Rabbits or egg shapes will look just right for Easter. Simple floral leaves, stems, and any shape you might need can be downloaded from free click art web sites.

Be sure you don’t allow the loosely tacked silhouette which is taped to the inside of the lamp shade be too close to the light bulb. Now let’s take a look at the base of your lamp. Here is where creativity is unlimited. It’s simple to create a lamp base out of almost any sturdy 3 dimensional shape:

Yard Sale Vases

Large Soup Mugs

Bowls turned upside down

Terra Cotta pots

Books That have been glued together in a horizontal stack

Wooden boxes with your decoupaged touch

Teapots

Antique Bottles

Anything!

Most of your home made bases will need a hole drilled at the bottom or on the side to run the cord down and through. Unless you have an old lamp shoved in storage somewhere that you can take apart and reinstall to your new lamp, you will need to purchase an inexpensive store lamp kit. This kit provides all the hardware and electrical parts you need to put your lamp together.

The other tried and true frugal home design option to resurrecting a lamp is to paint the base. Here again the choice of application is really up to you. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Guild

Decoupage

Etch

Stencil

Add colors that accent wall art

The most important point to remember when planning to paint your lamp, is to buy paint that is suited specifically for the the type of object; glass paint for glass, metal for metal, etc. Whatever you do, these simple frugal home design lamp and lamp shade ideas will bring fun, fresh and noticeably new, illumination to any room in your home.…

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General Article

How To Care for Your Antique Rug

May 23, 2020 Comments Off on How To Care for Your Antique Rug

Antique rugs are intricate works of art that grace many of Atlanta’s most stunning homes. It doesn’t require much time and effort to keep them looking their best. Here are some suggestions to help maintain the condition and beauty of your rug.

Keep it Clean

The most exquisite rugs usually consist of durable fibers. Using a suction vacuum once or twice a month can provide a safe and thorough cleaning. For spills or stains, carefully blot the rug with water and keep any wet areas off the floor until they are dry. Never use commercial cleaners or chemicals, which could cause colors to run.

Get Repairs

If your rug has stains, tears or holes, don’t be overly concerned. A specialist in antique rug repair Atlanta GA can skillfully handle many different kinds of damage. Proper restoration can extend the longevity of a rug for decades.

Moth Control

If your rug has survived long enough to make it into your home, you can rest assured that it is very durable. However, most antique rugs consist of pure wool or silk fibers and can quickly become ravaged by moths. Professional cleaning is mandatory to prevent further damage.

Avoid Sunlight

Like many antique furnishings and paintings, antique rugs should avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading. Be sure to use window shades when the sun is at its brightest.

Store Carefully

If you need to store your rug for any length of time, roll it in a breathable material in a low-humidity environment. Ideally, you will not store your antique rug for many months at a time. If you can’t avoid this, be sure to unwrap it occasionally to be sure it is still intact.

Caring for antique rugs requires surprisingly little effort. With proper care and maintenance, a beautiful rug can remain in your family for many generations.…

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Renovation House

Why Is the Kitchen the Heart of the Home?

May 22, 2020 Comments Off on Why Is the Kitchen the Heart of the Home?

Many people would have heard the saying that the kitchen is the heart of the home. But why is this? There are many reasons why the kitchen is considered the central or core area of the house. In whatever sized property, including a large country house or a small apartment flat, the kitchen is probably the main area of the house and one of the most used and practical areas of the property.
Here are four reasons why we think that the kitchen is and always will be the heart of the home:
1. This is where the food is. Human beings generally flock where there is food. The kitchen is the area of the home which contains all of the food, in ready-made containers or in separate ingredients ready to cook into a wonderful meal. Cooking or preparing food is something which will take place every single day and perhaps several times a day, especially if there is a family in the home. Having people working in the kitchen makes it an important and much-needed area of the home.
2. Many people have kitchen/dining areas combined. This allows a larger space where family and people can gather in a social capacity. Having this social space means that the kitchen is always going to be the centre of the home. Having a dining and kitchen area means that the larger space gives way for families to come together whilst food is being prepared and then eat it all together around a table, which many people believe is a dying tradition in the UK but really is just as popular as ever when the dining and kitchen area can be combined.
3. Modern gadgets make a kitchen a fun place to be. There are many modern gadgets which can make a kitchen feel far more exciting adds a personal touch to the home. There are traditional gadgets such as microwaves, can openers and toasters, but we are talking eccentric gadgets. This includes kitchen tools which have been designed for sheer practicality and fun. Many people have iPads or other notebooks in a kitchen which allows them to follow recipes in real-time in their kitchen whilst they cook.
4. The kitchen allows multipurpose use in innovative and contemporary design. There are many things you can do in the kitchen, not just cooking but also cleaning, making drinks and even talking on the phone. Kitchen installers can create beautiful spaces you to work in. Kitchen installer can use your style and budget to develop a space which you really enjoy spending time in. Sometimes the kitchen is also attached to a garden, allowing for a very practical space indeed.…