Blog

Archive for the ‘Tips/Advice’ Category

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

How to Make a Bathroom Safer for an Elderly Person

Wednesday, November 16th, 2011

Many baby boomers are now facing decisions about the best way to care for aging parents. While most elderly people wish to stay in their homes, this possibility must be weighed against any safety issues involved. One of the most dangerous rooms in the home is the bathroom, where the majority of slips and falls occur. When an aging parent begins to show signs of needing help when sitting and rising, or if they have been diagnosed with balancing problems, it may be time to consider renovating the bathroom to make it safer for them.

Issues That Need to be Addressed

It is necessary to look at the current bathroom through the eyes of someone who may have joint stiffness, visual perception issues, muscle weakness, and unsteady balance. It is also wise to think ahead to a time when a wheelchair or walker might be needed. The following checklist provides a list of problem areas to be reviewed:

• Is the bathroom equipped with a walk-in tub or shower?

Walk-in tub

• Are there sturdy handrails beside the commode and bathing areas?

• Is there a seat in the shower or tub for resting?

• Does the shower or tub have a non-slip surface?

• Does the sink allow for wheel chair or walker access?

• Are the light switches and towel racks low enough to access from a seated position?

• Does the faucet have a thermostatic control to prevent scalding?

• Is the flooring completely level in the bathroom and of a type that will not become slippery when wet?

• Are there sharp edges that need to be smoothed or covered with edge guards?

Ways to Save Money

If many of these safety changes have to be made, it will take some time and money, but preventing a loved one from having a bad accident will make all of your efforts worthwhile. The following are ideas for renovating in some areas without straining the family budget:

• Consider reconditioned or second-hand items, but make sure they have been inspected for safety before purchasing.

• Put a list of your needs on Free Cycle in case someone needs to get rid of the very items you need.

• Peruse the sale bins at home improvement stores.

• Check for items at the local salvage store or thrift shop.

• Ask a local agency on aging if any community organizations do projects for the elderly, such as widening doors or installing electrical components.

Before beginning a bathroom renovation project for an elderly family member, it is a great idea to consult friends and co-workers who have completed such a project. They will be able to supply valuable information about the best brands to buy and the best businesses offering good deals. They may also share concerns about items that they wish they had included in the remodeling process. This information could prevent you from making costly mistakes in your own remodeling project.

Rachel Wilcox believes that bathroom adaptations are essential to enable people to continue living safely in their homes as they age. She also thinks adaptations in other areas of the home, such as stair lifts, can make a real difference to the lives of elderly people.

No Comments » Tags: , , ,
Posted in Bath Transformations, Tips/Advice, home improvement

Creating a Luxury Showering Experience

Wednesday, November 16th, 2011

shower head

Time spent in the shower should be enjoyable, relaxing and cleansing. In some homes however, showering is a dreaded task for a variety of reasons. A common cause of shower-phobia is the varying temperature – not being able to find the perfect balance between scolding hot and freezing cold. Another is the power of the water flow, a strong flow that beats down on the skin can be incredibly invigorating in the morning. Many showers however, fall short of this expectation and merely provide a feeble flow of water which doesn’t feel as cleansing.

If your showering experience is more of a chore than a pleasure, it’s time to give your bathroom a much needed makeover. If you strive for a luxurious home then the bathroom can be a great place to start. It’s the ultimate place for pampering and relaxation if you design it correctly. Follow these shower tips to ensure you never leave the bathroom deflated after an inadequate showering experience.

Ventilation

Showering can be such a pleasant experience that you just don’t want to get out! The steam that fills the air in your bathroom however, can damage its appearance as it can be the perfect breeding ground for unsightly mould and mildew. In order to enjoy your shower without worrying about the dreaded mildew, you need to ventilate sufficiently.

Extractor fans which can be operated by a switch are one of the most common ventilation supplements to the window. You generally switch them on before you jump in the shower and turn them off when you’ve finished. Some extractor fans continue to run for a set time after being turned off so you can leave the house without worrying about electricity waste. This can be an incredibly convenient ventilation method as leaving the windows open when you leave the house isn’t the best security mechanism.

Shower Heads

Power showers are notorious for wasting copious amounts of water, and with energy bills being high and global warming becoming an increasing concern, it’s seemingly possible to indulge in the perfect shower. Consequently, eco-friendly shower heads are being continually improved and manufactured to simulate the gush of a power shower using less water. This can help you to achieve the ultimate showering experience without adding to the shocking effects of climate change.

Curtain or Screen?

If your shower is situated above the bath you may realise you’ve compromised on the quality of your showering experience because it doesn’t have its own enclosure. Shower curtains are an absolute no-go in luxury bathrooms. They fail to keep the heat in as well as a shower screen or enclosure does and curtains often flap around as the shower spray beats on its surface, which can often result in water spraying all over the floor. Not only can this potentially ruin your bathroom floor, having a shower curtain stuck to your behind whilst showering isn’t the most pleasant experience.

Shower screens can help to restrain the water much more effectively than a shower curtain (plus they don’t stick to your rear!). They’re much easier to maintain too, a simple wipe down can prevent them from deteriorating or gathering mould. Plus, aesthetically they’re much more appealing and often transparent, or at best translucent, creating the illusion of space as light passes through.

Creating the ultimate showering experience can encourage you and your family to practice high standards of personal hygiene. As winter approaches, many people shy away from the thought of a shower and opt for a bath. With a luxurious shower you needn’t be drawn in by the prospect of a bath, you can happily take a shower instead – which is great for both convenience and the environment.

Written by Stephanie Staszko on behalf of Solar Choice and Solvis Energy Solutions who are dedicated to installing solar panels in a bid to combat climate change.

No Comments » Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Bath Transformations, Tips/Advice, home improvement

Highlight Your Countertops and Tables This Thanksgiving

Wednesday, November 16th, 2011

Thanksgiving is a time for togetherness and the joy of spending time in the company of loved ones, friends and family. Food may be the highlight of your table or countertop; however, with some simple decorating ideas you can draw attention to both your feast as well as your home. Popular decorations include:

Going Natural

Look to nature for easy and classy ways to enhance your table or countertop. Consider using pumpkins, gourds and faux leaves either as your centerpiece, or as a garnishment around your countertops. Take it a step further and personalize a small pumpkin for everyone in attendance.

Not only do pumpkins and gourds make great centerpieces, but flowers do as well. Creating a floral centerpiece of red, orange and yellow flowers mixed with berries and miniature pumpkins can really highlight your Thanksgiving feast.

Natural Decorations

Be Mindful of Your Color Scheme

Choosing a proper color scheme is a vital step in setting your Thanksgiving pallet. Choose colors that will match your centerpiece and keep from taking away from your tables or countertops. This doesn’t mean you need to go out and buy new plates or placemats if you’re trying to pull off the perfect Thanksgiving since white dinnerware is always classy and you can garnish each plate with a simple colorful napkin.

Be Out of the Ordinary

For those looking for a way to highlight your Thanksgiving table in a way that all your loved ones will remember, try being out of the ordinary, especially with your centerpiece. A easy, memorable centerpiece could include family photos throughout the years. A photo centerpiece is classy and a great way to bring up past memories and stories.

Another out of the ordinary decoration is the rarely seen candy corn bottle. This is easily done by taking some clear glass bottles, such as a classic soda bottle, and filling it completely with candy corn. You can also attach letters to each bottle and spell out fun Thanksgiving words or captions.

Less is More

Whatever you plan on going with, it is important to remember that less is more. A Thanksgiving table doesn’t have to be over the top or gaudy, it can easily be a huge success with simple decorations paired with a few fall elements.

Highlighting your counters and table can be simple and inexpensive with these do it yourself decorations. Be sure you Thanksgiving is one to remember and above all, enjoy the time connecting with family and loved ones.

Matt Polsky is a personal finance blogger and content manager for VA Mortgage Center and USDA Loans.com. VA Mortgage Center is the nation’s leading dedicated provider of VA home loans, while USDA Loans.com is a company dedicated to the development of rural areas.

Photos thanks to rfduck under a creative commons license from Flickr.

No Comments » Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Fun Ideas, Tips/Advice, interior design

How to Winterize Your Home

Wednesday, November 9th, 2011

Fireplace

Now that fall has arrived in full force and temperatures are dropping all over the country, it is a good time to think about winterizing your home for the upcoming season. The things you do now will help your home remain in top shape through a period of harsh conditions and bad weather. This is especially important for people who live in the coldest regions, but everyone can benefit from doing at least a few things to prepare their home for winter. Here are some things to do to winterize your home this year.

Fireplace

If it hasn’t been done in a while, have a chimney sweep clean it and remove soot. Place a screen at the top of your chimney to keep out animals. Make sure that the fireplace damper opens and closes properly, and keep it closed when the fireplace is not in use to keep out cold air. Inspect the mortar for disrepair. Stock up on firewood, and store it in a dry place that is not right along the outside of your home.

Furnace

Have a professional check your furnace and clean the ducts. Buy filters now and mark your calendar to remember to change them monthly. Remove any items that could catch on fire from the outside of the furnace. If your home is heated by a hot water radiator, open the valves until water appears, then close them, to bleed them out.

Weather Equipment

Remove gas from your lawnmowers. Check that your snow blowers are tuned up and working properly. Make sure that you have snow shovels and rakes that work well and aren’t too worn. Stock up on bags of ice for melting snow now.

Plumbing

2009-03-03 Frozen Pipe

Be prepared to prevent your plumbing from freezing. Make sure you know where your water main is in case you need to shut it off. Drain your garden hoses. Insulate any exposed pipes or portions that run in unheated areas. Turn off the shut-off valve in your air conditioner. Also, if you aren’t in your home for an extended period of time like for vacation, don’t turn your heat off completely. Leave it on to at least 55 degrees.

Windows and Doors

Snow window

To prevent cold air from coming in your home, weatherstrip your doors and caulk your windows. Replace any cracked glass. Take out your summer screens, and install any storm windows.

Roof and Gutters

Check the condition of your roof, and replace any broken or worn shingles or tiles. Clean out your gutters, and use a hose to flush them completely of dirt and rubbish. Consider putting extra insulation in your attic.

Outside

Properly store and cover your patio furniture, grills, potted plants, and the like. Seal your driveway and wood or brick patios and decks. Make sure that your trees are trimmed and limbs are not in danger of falling onto power lines or your roof.

In Case of Emergency

Make sure that you are also prepared in the event of an emergency. Check your supplies and keep on hand bottled water, nonperishable food, pet food or baby formula if necessary, blankets, flashlights, batteries, and a first aid kit. Make sure that your smoke detectors are working properly.

Terry Ford lives in the Pacific Northwest and writes for Grammarly, the most accurate grammar checker on the web.

No Comments » Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Tips/Advice, Uncategorized

The Cheapest Renovations You Can Do To Your Home That Have The Biggest Impact

Tuesday, November 8th, 2011
Cabinet hardware on display in a home store. F...

Image via Wikipedia

When it comes to the value of your home, performing small renovations can have a big impact. There are several key areas that will make a big difference in the sales potential of the property. It will also ensure that the current inhabitants are living in comfort and can enjoy a pleasant atmosphere. The most important areas of the home that can be greatly impacted by a renovation are the kitchen and bathroom. It is not always necessary to spend a lot of cash on these renovations. Most can be accomplished for under $1,000 by the do-it-yourself homeowner. The renovations that can have the most impact need not be time-consuming or done by a professional.

Curb appeal home is another important factor in the value of the home. For those who wish to sell their home quickly, it is amazing what a difference an attractive car in the driveway can make to the perceived value of the home. Those on a budget can visit used car search engine websites that allow for the quick finding of a suitable vehicle. The kitchen of most homes receives a lot of traffic and is often the focal point of the home. This is where people gather together and prepare meals. An outdated and messy kitchen is very off-putting and can instantly ruin the look of the home. Fortunately, it is very easy and inexpensive to completely overhaul this much-used hub of the home.

Refinishing or re-facing the cabinet doors is something that will dramatically change the look of the kitchen. The cabinets are left in place and only the doors are changed. This can be accomplished by going to a hardware store and purchasing new doors, or simply stripping off the old paint and putting on a new coat. Another part of the kitchen that is often worn out from much use is the counter-tops. This will require a bit more work, but the talented DIY-er will be able to easily accomplish this task. The desired material for the surface is up to the homeowner and there are many styles to choose from. Changing the floor by either putting in a new style of linoleum or installing tiles can give a contemporary look to any kitchen.

Painting the walls a more attractive and modern color will add eye-appeal and make the atmosphere more inviting. Simple measures like putting attractive new appliances on the counters and changing wall-outlets and door knobs can create a new look for very little financial outlay. The next area of the home that should always be up-to-date is the bathroom. It is easy to change the vanity and sink. Many large hardware stores carry kits that can be quickly installed. The walls should be painted with a flattering color and accessories replaced with newer versions. Shower curtains can be replaced, as well as towels and soap dishes. Putting in new flooring will add a modern look. The bathtub can receive a new coating and may not need to be replaced. These seemingly small improvements will have a huge impact on the home.

No Comments » Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Countertop Overlay, Tips/Advice, remodeling

Furniture Arrangement for Beginners

Friday, November 4th, 2011

Without a doubt, the arrangement of your home’s furniture can be a make or break portion of the overall look and feel you are aiming for. Even if you have found the perfect pieces of furniture, catchy accessories, and gorgeous wall colors, a poorly organized furniture scheme can ruin an entire room. Whether you are a new home owner or are simply hoping to rearrange your existing furniture, there are several guidelines to follow which should help you in creating the most effective and pleasing arrangement.

Although it seems obvious, it bears mentioning that you must first and foremost consider the physical properties of your room. Where are the doors? Do they open inward or outward? Are the windows high enough that furniture can be placed under them? Which walls have the most space to accommodate furniture? These are just a few of the questions you should ask yourself before you start arranging your furniture.

Living Room with Sofa

Image courtesy of Wonderlane (CC by 2.0)

Arranging your Living Room Furniture

More often than not, it is a good idea to consider your largest piece of furniture as the focal point of your arrangement. Therefore, in the living room, it is recommended that you start with the sofa and work off of that. It’s best to place the sofa against the wall with the most surface area, for two reasons. First, the largest wall obviously has the most space to accommodate the sofa. Second, placing the sofa on a large wall can help make the wall look smaller and add continuity to the room.

Once you have found the best place for your sofa, you can move on to other seating items. At this point, it is important to consider the traffic patterns of the room. If the room connects to two others, consider the path which you would walk in order to pass through. You want to keep traffic lanes open and as natural as possible. For a point of reference, most doorways are approximately three feet wide. This is a good standard for the width of your traffic lanes, but you can make them a bit wider if you like.

bedroom

Image courtesy of roblisameehan (CC by 2.0)

Arranging your Bedroom Furniture

In the bedroom, your bed is the major point of focus and requires careful consideration. The most visually appealing place for a bed is in a centralized part of the room. Again, if this can be done by placing it against the largest wall, then you should certainly consider it. Many people adhere to a rule of thumb that the bed should not be in the path of the doorway. For some, this creates a somewhat cumbersome look. Of course, there is also the possibility that you may want to be in bed (and out of sight) with the door open.

As you are considering your furniture arrangement, always think about the purpose of the room and what the object of focus is. Family rooms typically revolve around fireplaces or the television, so keep these aspects in mind when planning your design. The best arrangement is the one that makes you and your family feel most comfortable and doesn’t interfere with the natural flow of traffic in your home.

This is a guest article by Jürgen Heidenreich. He owns a German website with information on different types of sofas, which include corner sofas (praktische Polsterecke) and XXL sofas (riesige Megasofa).

No Comments » Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Furniture, Tips/Advice, interior design, remodeling

Five Unique Ways to Fix Up Your Picture Frames

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011

Nobody likes a bare wall. Whether it’s a pop of color paint or a display of funky mirrors, we love to liven up our homes with all types of unique décor. And sure, incorporating our favorite framed photos of our best friends and family gatherings is a necessity, but sometime your walls need a little sprucing up that even a lovely black and white photo can’t fix. Instead of spending loads of money re-doing your décor, give your picture frames a creative makeover for instant appeal. With embellishments and unique subject matter, you’ll prove that pictures aren’t the only things worth a thousand words.

1. Centerpiece a scarf.

Scarf frame

Got a couple of old fashioned or bold patterned scarves you’re not using? Try framing one or a couple for an eye-catching piece of artwork. Silk scarves can be a little difficult to frame (they tend to want to bunch up or wrinkle easily), so make sure any creases are ironed or steamed prior to placing it in the frame.  Stylish fashion can be worn by your walls, too!

2. Construct a collage.

Magazine_Collage_by_Alley9

One of my favorite hobbies, magazine collage-ing is both a therapeutic craft and a way to modernize your frames. Collect a couple of magazines and try clipping a monochromatic design with words and pictures or opt for an abstract geometric pattern like the one above. A beauty-themed collage is perfect for the bathroom and a cocktail theme adds a whole lot of sophistication to your bar area.

3. Showcase sentiments.

Framed Cards

The holidays are on their way, and what better way to showcase some of your favorite Christmas cards by framing all of those meaningful messages? Framing cards and mementos not only adds a decorative flair to your hallways and kitchen (framing old recipes are the perfect touch for above your counter tops!), but also trigger the happiness you felt from receiving and collecting those precious keepsakes.

4. Zoom in.

xgh

Have a favorite photo or piece of artwork you just can’t get enough of? Try getting it enlarged at your local photography or print studio and cut it into a grid for a chic twist on the traditional. This usually works best with identical or similar frames and offers a fresh, sleek alternative to a large framed poster.

5. Nix the pics.

lsj 073

If all else fails, try this elegant alternative: ditch the photographs and paint your existing frames one color (neutral hues look best on bold walls and bright hues look best on light paint). Add a classic centerpiece—such as your monogram—and alternate frame sizes for a Martha Stewart-worthy dining room.

Looking for more ideas? This photo post offers endless amounts of photo and frame creativity. More Design Please is a blog that always impresses me with its innovative photo design findings, too.

Explore, embrace, and enhance your walls to match your moods and interests. Good luck and happy decorating!

Author Bio: Molly Borter loves trying out the latest decorating and DIY projects for her home. When she’s not sprucing up her walls, she works as a content writer for the Affordable Style Network and blogs about trends in stylish aviator sunglasses and 2011 fall/winter fashion. 

No Comments » Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Design, Fun Ideas, Tips/Advice, Uncategorized, interior design

Fire Prevention and Furnace Safety

Monday, October 31st, 2011

October is officially known as Fire Prevention month. Created to remember the Great Chicago Fire tragedy that occurred in 1871, October is now used to help educate people on fire prevention and safety. A furnace can be very beneficial and enjoyable when it is running how it should. However, if a furnace isn’t running properly, the effects can be life threatening. Carbon monoxide is released when incomplete combustion occurs or when the supply of air is limited. When large amounts of carbon monoxide are released it can cause flu symptoms, disorientation or even death. As the cold weather starts to roll in, try to emphasize fire and furnace safety to your family and friends.

926069_71760689

Safety Tips

  • Make sure all furnace controls, shutoffs and equipment are in proper working condition before you use them. Check them at the beginning of the season before it gets too cold.
  • With more and more electronics in our everyday lives it is common to find extension cords in a home. Be aware that these should not be placed near a furnace. With such a high current, the cord could melt and start a fire.
  • Make sure you inspect the walls and ceiling around the area in which the furnace is sitting. If discoloration of the wall occurs or the wall is hot, a professional will need to look at it to prevent further damage.
  • Make sure that the room in which the furnace sits is properly ventilated. It can produce deadly fumes when the ventilation isn’t good.
  • If your furnace should need repairs and maintenance, make sure you get professional help. Don’t try to fix a furnace if you are not accustomed to doing so.
  • Don’t store gasoline, paint thinner, clothes, papers, decorations or any other combustible materials near a furnace in order to prevent a fire.

iStock_000009800151XSmall


Energy Efficiency and Heat Conservation

The comfort of your home doesn’t have to be jeopardized in order to be energy efficient. In fact, you can save money and energy all while helping the environment. Following a few simple tips when it comes to being energy efficient in your home will have many long and short-term benefits.

  • Be sure to change your furnace filters. Dirty filters can stop the airflow and increase energy demand. When you have clean air filters, the furnace doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home warm. It is safe to replace these filters every few months during the cold season.
  • One of easiest ways to conserve energy is to cover all of the places where air can sneak in. The more heat that can escape, the more air that can come in, and thus the furnace must work harder to keep your house warm. Sealant, door protectors and even towels can help limit a draft.
  • Consider hanging curtains in your home. They can keep the heat in, allowing you to keep and conserve a living area warm. The more heat you can conserve, the less you will need to use, which in turn helps our environment.

This guest blog was written by Alabama Propane Exchange, a locally owned and operated provider of propane in Mobile, Alabama. Specializing in residential and commercial propane exchange and propane tanks for forklifts, Alabama Propane Exchange ensures top notch service with quality products.

No Comments » Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Cleaning, Environmentally Friendly, Tips/Advice, home improvement

The 12 Essential Tools That Every Homeowner Should Have

Friday, October 28th, 2011

Every home should have a basic set of tools. From putting up shelving and pictures to replacing washers and fixing guttering, a basic tool-kit will allow you to tackle the majority of home repairs that may occur throughout the year. Tools can be expensive, and good tools don’t come cheap, but it’s worth spending the money as quality tools that are purchased early in life will be much more cost effective in the long run. A good quality tool will last a life time and a poor quality tool may only last for a few jobs before it needs replacing.

As with everything in life, having a good selection of tools at your disposal is important. Despite what you may think, you don’t need three different types of drill for basic home repair tasks, instead a dozen or so carefully selected tools will equip you for most eventualities. Here we take a look at the 12 items that should be bought to make up a basic and serviceable home tool kit. There will be times when you need to buy additional tools from outside of this list, and these should be bought as needed.

1 | Hammer

No home is complete without a hammer, and a claw hammer is advised for the basic tool box. Hammers come in many different options. A steel or fibreglass shaft with a smooth head is perfect for home use. Choose either a 16 or 13 ounce hammer, depending on what feels comfortable, with a claw to enable you to pull nails and aid in demolition.

Photo: tiffa130

2 | Tape Measure

A tape measure is an essential part of just about every DIY job. From finding the centre of a wall to hang a picture, to measuring floor area to calculate material requirements, a good tape is invaluable. A 16 foot tape is the shortest that I would recommend as measuring areas in the home can be tricky if your tape measure is too short. It’s fine to buy longer if you feel you need it. Reliable brands such as Stanley will last you for many years.

Photo: wwarby

3 | Handsaw

For the majority of jobs around the home a circular saw is over-kill. A handsaw is a simple and elegant addition to any home tool box and is essential for any woodwork that you are carrying out. From fencing to putting up a stud wall, a decent hand saw will last you a number of years. The 12 inch Stanley FatMax is a reliable and fast working saw that will give you a good straight cut. Of course the more you use it the blunter the blade will become, meaning that you will need to replace it over time.

Photo: Noel Feans

4 | Screwdrivers

A good set of screwdrivers including 1/4 and 3/8 inch flat heads and No.1 and 2 Philips heads will cover most home jobs. Screwdrivers are great for anything that requires a screw (obviously). Flat-pack furniture, shelving, woodwork, plumbing, and electrical jobs all require a good screwdriver from time to time. Avoid battery screwdrivers. If you want a battery screwdriver you’re better off getting a drill with the appropriate attachment and heads.

Photo: comedy_nose

5 | Adjustable Wrench

You could go down the route of buying individual wrenches, but a good quality adjustable wrench is all that you should need for a basic toolbox. A 10 inch or 12 inch adjustable wrench is a good starting point and will give you enough leverage to loosen stiff and stubborn nuts.

Photo: pfarrell

6 | WD-40

Never underestimate the usefulness of WD-40. A can of hydrocarbons and pure magic, WD-40 has many useful applications around the home. From stopping squeaks and creaks to loosening rusted or corroded nuts and bolts. If that wasn’t enough, WD-40 can also be used to clean the tools in your toolbox, meaning that WD-40 is an absolute must have item in any home.

Photo: ATWJ

7 | Pliers

There are many different types of pliers, but for a basic toolbox needle-nose pliers are the most appropriate. These are ideal for any electrical work that you may be undertaking, from rewiring a plug to connecting a light switch. Needle-nose pliers allow the user to work comfortable in small electrical boxes and can also cut wire.

Photo: Admond

8 | Rotary Drill (Mains Powered)

This is absolutely the only power tool you need to have for a home tool kit. One with a 13mm chuck will allow you to attach a variety of drill bits. Variable speed, reverse function and side grip are additional features that will also help you to get the most out of the tool. A corded drill will also be light to use then a bettery equivalent and won’t need charging, especially important if you don’t use it for a few months. You won’t have to incur additional costs either such as replacing the battery when it looses its ability to charge.

Photo: cogdogblog

9 | Spirit level

A spirit level is essential if you are building, putting up shelving or levelling kitchen cabinets. Buying one with both a horizontal and vertical bubble tube will allow you to check if a surface is horizontal (level) of vertical (plumb). A standard carpenter’s or mason’s level is ideal for home use and one between 90cm and 120 cm will allow you to cover most occasions when a spirit level is required.

Photo: ahisgett

10 | Retractable Knife

A retractable or trimming knife is another essential bit of kit for any toolbox. These can be used for a huge number of different cutting and trimming tasks. From cutting cord and rope to trimming wood and plastics, a retractable knife is an exceptionally useful tool to have at your disposal.

Photo: Public Domain Photos

11 | Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Yes I know it’s a boring one, but PPE is essential to provide you with a safe working environment. Safety glasses, gloves, ear defenders, steel toe-caps, dust masks, hard hats, etc. Some of these items may not be necessary to every one, but at the very least a good pair of gloves, safety glasses and ear defenders should be part of your toolbox.

Photo: S. Diddy

12 | Toolbox

Once you’ve got all the essential tools that you will need for the years to come, you will of course need somewhere to put them. A toolbox is not only a good place to store your kit, but can also save you time on a job as you will not waste time searching for various tools that are scattered around the house. Toolboxes come in various shapes and sizes. Metal, plastic and canvas are all available and personal preference and capacity should guide your purchase.

Photo: Robert S. Donovan

Alex is a new homeowner who has found Stanley and DeWalt Tools to be among the best available when buying tools direct from online retailers.

No Comments » Tags: , ,
Posted in Tips/Advice, home improvement

Mix-Up Your Decor with Geometric Patterns

Monday, October 24th, 2011

Many decorating trends are fleeting—gone just as quickly as they appeared. While in the case of shag carpeting, this was probably a good thing, we are fortunate that there are some exceptions. One such exception is geometric patterns.

Geometric Bedroom

Geometric prints have been used in Indian and Southwestern decorations for decades, and more modern versions became especially popular in interior design in the 60s. Today, geometric prints and patterns can be used to add a contemporary touch to rooms using stylish geometric artwork or painting, rugs, and accessories. They can also be used to create a focal point in a more rustic space by way of Indian or Southwestern prints.

Because these patterns are typically bold and attention-grabbing, only a few pieces are necessary. So for decorators on a budget, geometrics are perfect way to spice up current design without breaking the bank! Read on for a few tips on how to incorporate the patterns into your décor.

1. Start Small

A little goes a long way with these bold patterns. So begin with a throw pillow or two in the living room and a few decorative plates in the kitchen. Be sure to maintain a balance when using geometrics. Mix classic shapes with the more modern style.

Geometric Patterns in Kitchen

Here, geometrics are used sparingly—in the stool cushions and in the stars above the sink. The clock offsets the sharp edges of the stars, while the cushion covers are bold, the white of the rest of the room keeps them from taking over (see tip #4).

2. Pick the Right Patterns

Some geometrics are easier than others to incorporate into design: hexagons, diamonds, stripes, and the Greek key pattern. Patterns with curves, like concentric circles or waves will keep things on the softer side. For example, a honeycomb throw or a zebra print rug will keep the décor from becoming too rigid.

3. Color Is Key

When incorporating geometric prints, be sure to pick colors that are in the same subtle color family to keep them from competing with one another. In a kitchen or bathroom this may mean picking your prints based on either your granite counter top or the cabinetry—whichever is more reserved in color. If you’re working with a busy print, color is especially important. Neutral colors will keep the pattern from taking over.

Geometric Rug

The zig-zag pattern in the rug works because it’s in the base colors—white and navy. Stick to the neutral colors (as opposed to the baby blue or yellow here) to keep your geometrics under control.

4. Stay Grounded

Geometric prints and patterns add flair and style, but may confuse your eyes if they’re all over the room. Use some solid color pieces to ground the patterns and keep the room from feeling too busy. Refer to the kitchen picture above for an example of this. The white counter tops, floor, and cabinetry provide the perfect backdrop for loud geometric prints.

5. Experiment

Bottom line, using geometric patterns is going to require some experimentation to learn what works in your space. Once you’ve mastered level one of geometric prints, try layering with different patterns, like floral. Stay within with your color palette and go wild!

Guest author Maggie Voelker is a fashion writer in Indianapolis, IN for a discount sunglasses provider specializing in aviator glasses. A recent college graduate and apartment dweller (read: poor and under the control of a landlord), Maggie must restrict her interior designing to cutting pictures out of magazines and giving advice to readers.

No Comments » Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Design, Tips/Advice, home improvement

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »