Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Outdoor Lighting Options

One of the easiest ways to get your home noticed is by installing exterior lighting. A few outdoor-lighting upgrades also provide an inexpensive way to boost your home's overall value. An added bonus is that a well-lighted home becomes a less-than-desirable target for prowlers.

If your home has a deck or a patio, you've got a party waiting to happen. But summer days can be so hot! Your best bet for outdoor summer entertaining is a late-afternoon or evening deck party - when your guests can relax and enjoy your hospitality, minus the oppressive mid-day heat. And the best way to extend the life of your outdoor gathering is to ensure the fun doesn't peter out when the sun goes down. The best way to accomplish that is with attractive, functional outdoor lighting.

Outdoor lighting doesn't just mean overhead porch lights anymore. Think creative! Think innovative. Think low-to-the-ground lighting to illuminate brick pathways and guide your guests' steps along drives and walkways.

Think inventive lighting options - perhaps in festive or whimsical complementary accent colors - to highlight particularly attractive landscape details... like the evening-blooming primroses gracing your garden.

Think striking. Nothing sets off a decorative outdoor detail (an exquisite door wreath, or an unusual shrub or tree, for instance) quite like the singular focus afforded by a well-placed spotlight.

Think romantic. Subtle outdoor lighting can give that moonlight dip for two in the pool or hot tub an extra touch of cozy ambiance.

But it's important to remember outdoor lighting isn't just inventive, striking or romantic. It's also practical and safe. It seems that not a week goes by that we're not hearing about another tragic home invasion. One of the easiest ways to prevent your family from being another heartbreaking statistic is to ensure you've got adequate outdoor lighting - to keep would-be home invaders from targeting your home in the first place.

For superior exterior visibility, invest in lighting along walkways, front and back porches and the garage. Consider installing lights along the rear of your home, as well. Prowlers won't go to a well-lighted area; and if you live in a wooded area, there's no better way to keep skunks and raccoons at bay.

If your busy schedule has you returning home after dark, a few timer-activated spotlights trained on your garage and all your entryways will prevent you from ever returning to a dark house; and they'll help eliminate potential threats to your safety. Motion-activated lighting provides another low-cost solution.

Whichever exterior-lighting option(s) you decide on, you're certain to love your home's new look - not to mention the enhanced feeling of security you and your loved ones will experience.

Measuring Crystal Chandeliers

The common concept of the masses regarding crystal chandeliers is that the home is a big factor to one's home. It is said that the crystal chandeliers give life to people's home. In some homes they spend big amount of money for their home's elegance and crystal chandelier is one important factor of one's home. It is as important as candle on a birthday cake. So when choosing a crystal chandelier you must be really knowledgeable and know your craft, because choosing one can be real tricky at times. It is important for you to be able to at least measure up some spaces on where you plan to put your crystal chandelier. The first thing you'll need to figure out is what size you need. There is a rough guide to fitting a chandelier to your room size - for each foot of your room, figure 2" of chandelier. Measurement is very important because it factors many key information for placing your crystal chandelier.

For example, if your room is 14' x 16', a 30" chandelier would be the appropriate size as well, be informed that there are different size when it comes to crystal chandeliers so you better be up well-informed about your home's basic measurements. Here are some measurements that I think would help you a lot when it comes to deciding for your home. A table that seats 4-6 people will have a 20" - 24" chandelier. For table that seats 6-8 people will fit a 25" - 29" chandelier and a table that seats 8-10 people have to fit a 30" - 36" chandelier. The size is very important you have to give it a definite attention for you to be able to determine if it fits or not.

Another important thing to consider for picking crystal chandeliers are its dimension for your home, it is very important to see if your wall is high or low to avoid having some conflicts on it when you put it. Buying a big chandelier for a low ceiling may be a little out of character, buying a small chandelier for a high ceiling will make it look like its too small and the details will be hard to see at all. There are more to consider on owning a crystal chandelier than just owning one. People have to be aware of what it can be in you home, it isn't just another décor in your home, it serves as lighting and a good décor as well. It has a lot of work not just for external look and appearance.

So when considering a crystal chandelier for your home be more aware and be more knowledgeable in considering a chandelier for your home. Doesn't just be one of the people who buy it for elegance and style; rather be one of those smart owners who purchase them for their functions. Measurements are very important and knowing your home is very important, don't waste time, effort and money for nothing. Be smart and be informed. Have a glamorous home and take advantage of its functions.

Monday, March 31, 2008

Bedroom Decor

Bedroom Décor

When it comes to bedroom décor, you should think more about it then you may have realized. There are many sleep disorders out there, and you might be surprised to know that how you decorate your bedroom and what you put into it might make a difference in how you sleep. Though a sleeping disorder might have a different root of origin, the colors you choose and the stuff you surround yourself with might make a difference in how much sleep you get and how well you sleep in general.

When you choose a color for your bedroom decor, you should always go for something low key or darker. Don’t get bright sunny colors or your walls will stimulate you and you won’t sleep well. Bedroom should be for sleeping and sex with your mate. Everything else should be done elsewhere. This might help your sex life as well. You should choose colors like dark reds or perhaps even blues. You can offset with white accents for some brightness, but you want to keep your bedroom décor on the muted side and it should not be something for the whole family.

When planning the accessories for your bedroom décor, keep it simple. You don’t want family photos and your child’s artwork hanging in there. Your sex life might suffer if you have mom and dad smiling down at you from your last family portrait. You love your children but reminders that they are in the house might also put a damper on your intimate moments. The bedroom décor is one thing that you might want to go at as if you were still a childless couple. You can put the family stuff all over the rest of your house if you want to, just leave it out of your bedroom.

Also remember to keep your bedroom décor very sparse. Don’t have anything in there that might look cluttered. Keep clean lines and soft surfaces. Anything that reminds you of work or chores will keep you awake because you are aware that it is sitting there undone. If at all possible, don’t have a computer in your bedroom, and never leave clothes sitting out. Make sure you have an adequate clothing hamper in your bedroom. If you keep your bedroom décor simple and demur, you will get better sleep, and as a bonus, you might also find that your sex life improves as well.

Bedroom Decorating

One Saturday morning a few weeks ago I was lying in bed with the flu. I had been in bed for 24 hours and was slowly starting to feel better. As I was looking around the room I decided that it was time to do some bedroom decorating. We had done a major change in the bedroom two years ago. The change had involved stripping wallpaper, painting paneling and changing the carpet. The project had been so time consuming that we were pleased to get everything back in the room and be done.

Now that time has passed I am realizing that we still needed to do some bedroom decorating to complete the project. The walls and flooring were an excellent start, but the room still needed some added details to give it that finished look. There is a difference in bedroom decorating and basic painting, we needed to decorate.

When I was feeling better I told my husband that we needed to do some bedroom decorating. He reminded me that we had just done a major revamping. I explained that I was not talking about painting again, but rather trying to create a feel to the room. He was concerned that I was going to go with a theme room. He remembered the themed bedroom decorating I had done for the children when they were younger. I think he had visions of having nursery rhythms stenciled on the wall. He did state that he does not like stenciling. I assured him that I was not going to go with any themes and that I would not be stenciling.

We have recently added a computer and desk to the bedroom area so we had rearranged some furniture to accommodate this. The addition of the home office space to the room has changed the look of the room. I decided that I needed to add to this area of the room to make it more efficient to use and to tie it into the bedroom decorating. I started at an office supply store to see what was available for shelving and other organizational supplies. I did not feel that any of the products would compliment the bedroom decorating so I went to a furniture store. At the furniture store I found a desk top organizer that was very attractive and would also be helpful. I also found a decorative shelve to place above the desk to arrange frames with photographs. This shelf gave the business corner a warmer appearance. I also purchased decorative pillows that could be placed on the desk chair when it was not in use. The pillows complimented the ones on the bed. By adding these simple items the office area looked like it belonged with the rest of the room.

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Home Maintainence And Improvement To Keep Car working

It is surprising how many car owners allow their vehicles to fall into disrepair even though the car is their only mode of transportation, as well as a huge purchase. Being neglectful of the car causes some rather large problems and often times results in the purchase of a new one as repairs can get far too costly. Keeping the car, not just in working order, but in good working order, is just plain smart and healthy for all parties involved.

The thing is, a car that runs well is just a smart idea. The potential for accidents, breakdowns, and major mechanical failure is drastically reduced when the car is in good condition. Not only is this so, but a car in good condition easy on the eyes, ears, and the passengers. Simply put, a car that is sputtering and vibrating is far less desirable than one with a smooth ride and a quiet purr. The task of maintaining the car in good working order may seem a daunting one, but most of it is just common sense and practical steps that any owner should implement.

The first step is done even before the car is in your possession. Buy a car that has a record for reliability and dependability. Understand that all cars are not created equal and if you have specialized needs and performance requirements, purchase a car that can meet or exceed these. Research and ask questions before putting down the money for that car. A car with a good record will pretty much guarantee, but not all the time, that few repairs will be needed as long as the car is kept tuned and in check which brings us to another way to keep the car running well.

Service the car as often as required or as needed. Whenever a problem does arise do not hesitate in taking care of the problem. Some issues can be addressed by the owner while some, unfortunately, need the attention of a mechanic. The Owner's Manual is a great resource that allows you to know when and what needs to be replaced or looked at.

Basic issues that can be handled by the owner and which will improve the car's condition and keep it in working order can be anything such as replacing the air filter which can improve the gas mileage. No matter what year, results such as this are beneficial. Follow the recommended guide lines for changing oil as this will always help the function of the engine. There will be a noticeable difference in the performance of the car if you wait too long to change the oil. Tires are often overlooked yet easily taken care of and should always be inflated properly to avoid flats. These alone will improve the car's working order along with immediate care and attention of all other issues that arise. Other tips include having a friend drive the car as they will be able to spot problems that you may be used to and not aware of. Keep the car clean and take pride in it as this gives you cause to keep up with repairs. The way you drive will also affect the car's condition. Drive gently and with caution to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.

It is relatively easy to keep the car in good working order as it comes down to you. How much you care and how much you put into the car will mean a lot. Just be cautious and attentive to the car's needs and respond accordingly when an issue does arise as this will pretty much guarantee a car that works great.

Home Maintainence Made Easy For All Seasons

Here's a handy home maintenance checklist for this fall. It includes some items most homeowners tend to overlook. For your convenience, print this out and keep it where you will see it.

The furnace filter should be replaced every three months. An easy way to remember this is to perform the inspection on the first day of spring, summer, fall, and winter. Or the first of each quarter (January, April, July, October).

Inspect the ducts, filters, and heating equipment. It may be best to clean and vacuum vents, ducts, and other heating components. Use a certified HVAC professional, if necessary. Many offer discount specials during the fall season.

Open and close the fireplace damper to ensure that it is operating correctly.

Clean the fireplace of ashes if you have not done this since last winter. A good New Years Resolution would be to always clean the ashes in a timely fashion.

Clean the interior of the chimney. Don't want to get covered with soot? Leave the dirty work to a chimneysweep. If you can't get Mary Poppins, try the yellow pages.

Install a top screen on your chimney to keep out debris and animals. Even raccoons have been known to fall down chimneys!

Check the levels of your propane or oil tanks. You will most likely need to replenish the supply.

Inspect and repair all pipes. To prevent freezing problems in colder climates, drain and shut off the outside faucets.

Clean gutters and downspouts. You don't want little "trees" growing in your gutters next spring.

Inspect the roof for loose shingles. Hint: If you have some extra roof shingles left over from your roofing job, immediately store a few in a not too noticeable area outside where they will be exposed to the elements. They will weather along with your roof shingles, and if you do need to replace an occasional shingle in the future, they will blend in very nicely with the rest of the roof

Check for leaks around roof vents, skylights, and chimneys. You may want to hire this out to a professional who is properly certified and insured.

Pressure wash and seal the deck. One coat should be sufficient.

Check for cracks in concrete and seal appropriately.

Inspect your foundation walls and seal any small openings. It's amazing how rodents and insects can squeeze through even the smallest holes, especially those where pipes or wires enter the house. Proper sealing also protects against moisture damage and heat loss.

Protect outdoor items such as patio furniture, grills, and hoses. The best protection is inside storage in a basement, garage, or shed. If this is not possible, wrap or cover them securely. Remember to drain the hoses first.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Home Improvement With Natural Surroundings

Who does not love to spend moments in the lap of nature? Won't it be great if nature comes inside your home and you can take a seat there whenever you wish? You can actually make this happen. A slight make over makes your patio a place of tranquility and serenity where you can rest.

Perhaps you tried different home improvement ideas, but never thought about the patio or the courtyard. These are the spaces in your home where you can confine the nature indeed. With retractable awnings you can connect to the outer world and make your patio a great place in reality. With a properly designed patio you can still feel the pleasure of outdoors when you are at home.

Some benefits of using Retractable Awnings:

Retractable awnings bring you a series of advantages. That is why retractable awnings have started to gain popularity all over the United States. Unlike fixed canopies, you can fold and unfold retractable patio awnings as per your convenience. You can put a shade over your patio in the daytime and remove the hood in the evening when it is soothingly cool outside.

Thus your retractable awnings let you create the atmosphere that you cherish. Just pull the shade when the sun is high and have a chat with your friends there. The heat does not matter anymore. And once the sun sets, you can unfold the screen to let the cold breeze pass around and comfort you. Hence your patio awning helps you create an outdoor ambiance with enough protection and privacy.

Different types of fabrications and weaving mechanisms make your retractable patio awnings suitable for the theme of your home. You can always choose your sun control screens based on the place where they are going to be installed. If you are going to install the screen to cover your patio, consider the patio accessories too while selecting the pattern of the retractable patio awning. Be careful while picking the color from the swatch. It is better not to choose a dark color so that heat and sunlight are refracted by the canopy and you get double protection from heat and sunlight.

You can also talk to retractable awning manufacturer whether or not you can get screens tailored for your needs. Awning manufacturers often work together with architects and interior decorators to prepare the most appropriate awning that adds to the beauty of your home.

Tips for Patio Awnings installation:

People use patio awnings for sun control, to keep the place cool and protect it from rain. Hence the awning should be installed in a fashion that prevents sunlight. The direction of sunlight does not remain same all the year; so talk to your awning company about the finest placement of the awning.

The awning should be installed angularly so that it can work as an umbrella during rainy seasons. The degree of inclination also matters. Consult an expert to know about the right angular measurement of your patio.

What else you need apart from Patio Awnings:

Once you have made the roof think about the patio furniture and accessories too. These things are essential as they complement your patio awning. Thoughtful selection of plants and planters, proper arrangement of furniture, placing antiques, keeping an aquarium and many other patio accessories make your courtyard look more natural.

Protection Of Roofs From Ice Damming

Well, here it is winter and lots of snow in the Midwest. The ice damming is now becoming a big problem as roofs are covered in heavy blankets of snow. Some would say, this is just a picture perfect look for the Christmas holidays upon us, even the pretty icicles that are hanging down. Looks nice, but highly dangerous and destructive for you and your house. When to much snow is on the roof it becomes very heavy. This may be too heavy for the roof supports and cause possible breaking of these supports.

Now, ice damming can lead to water damage on the inside and outside walls of a house. When the outside temperatures rise the snow melts and goes towards the gutters and mounds the ice and starts creeping up the roof. Many houses through the years have put in ice and dam shields to protect their homes from ice damming. Those that do not have this can still have this ice melt and get into their homes walls. When the water gets into the walls it leads to damp dry wall or the break down the dry wall all together. This then can lead to excessive moisture in the walls and structure from the ice damming. We now know how destructive ice damming can be.

The ice damming comes from air flow in the attic areas of a home. Many times not enough insulation in the attic area allows heat to escape into this area and warms the roof causing the snow above to melt when it shouldn't. You will see that many roofing professionals will tell you this a leading cause of ice damming. One way to help eliminate and control ice damming is to make sure you add a needed layer of insulation. You will see how this will help and also help your heating costs in the long run. The added insulation does not allow large amounts of heat to escape, therefore not heating the roof causes the snow to melt at a much slower rate. You might think, well is it not good to get the heavy snow off the roof by melting it faster? No, as the water hits the gutter area it cools and then becomes ice. The ice can then mound and creek up the roof line getting under the roof covering and then into the attic and walls.

The pitch of a roof can slow the ice damming also by not allowing the snow to stay on the roof. Even houses with low roofs can have less snow on it, but this is where people need to help their house and the ice damming. People need to hire people to remove the snow or buy roof rakes, which are a modified snow shovel for your roof and do it yourself. You need to get the snow 2-4 feet up from the gutter. This process will help to slow or eliminate the ice damming.

Some houses that have done the above and have a low pitch roof, may add roof and gutter heaters. These systems don't allow the water to freeze again and then it runs off the way it should. This way not allowing the water to refreeze causing an ice dam.

These tips should get you and you ice damming in the right direction. If you are in the Midwest, greater Milwaukee area, drop me an e-mail and maybe I can help you with your individual problems on your house. Even if your not in this area, feel free to leave me an e-mail and I will try to help you also.