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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).

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Posted in Furniture, Tips/Advice, interior design, remodeling

How to Make Better Use of Space in a Small Bathroom

Thursday, November 3rd, 2011

As a family grows, the bathroom seems to shrink. A small bathroom can easily become cluttered and untidy, and finding a home to store toiletries, towels and other accessories can become a challenge. When space is limited, some creative thinking is needed to make a bathroom both aesthetically pleasing and functional. It is possible to make the bath area seem much bigger by making simple changes in design and storage options.

Visual Appeal

Making the bathroom look bigger is easier than building onto it, especially in an older home. Try the following ideas to create the illusion of more space:

• Survey the bath, and remove objects that can be used in other places or are just creating clutter.

• Paint all of the walls, doors, and cabinets in similar shades, the lighter the better.

• Add mirrors, or mirrored tiles, in several places to reflect opposite walls.

• Add extra light sources in shadowy corners.

• Install metallic tiles running horizontally around the room so that the eye is almost following an arrow.

• Inset tiles in a diamond pattern to make the ceiling seem higher.

• Consider a slender pedestal sink or a hanging vanity.

• Think about installing lighting strips under the toe-kick areas of the cabinets in the bathroom to serve as a night light and to give the illusion of more room.

Small Bathroom by respres

Storage Surprises

Even if a complete bath renovation is not possible in the next few years, space in the bathroom needs to be used as efficiently as possible. Creative storage solutions can make a real difference in the usability of a bath, and the following are all excellent ideas:

• Use the spaces between the wall studs to make recessed shelving to store bath linens or toiletries. Recessed medicine cabinets will not take usable area from the rest of the room.

• Consider tossing the clothes hamper and building a laundry chute into the wall.

• Either hang the bathroom door so that it opens into the hallway or bedroom or use a pocket door instead.

• Add several hooks on the back side of the bathroom door and on the wall behind the door.

• Roll towels and wash cloths so that they fit into a smaller storage area.

• Build storage units in any useful corner or stack baskets for storage.

• Use the space above the toilet by adding shelving or a floor to ceiling storage unit.

• Install wire shelving in convenient places near the tub or shower to hold razors, shampoo, and cleansers.

• Insert drawer dividers to keep hair clips, cotton swabs, or cosmetics neat and orderly.

• Replace a standard tub with the corner variety to gain additional space.

• Make a wall of towel bars and display all of the prettiest designs as a form of artwork.

Some of these ideas are quick and easy to implement; others may require a professional. All of them will improve the cosmetic appeal and usability of a tiny bathroom. Because it is one of the most frequented rooms in the home, changes made in the bathroom is will be appreciated by the entire family.

Mike Genner writes for a team of plumbers that issue gas safety certificates and has used some of the ideas above when renovating his family bathroom.

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Posted in Bath Transformations, Design, home improvement

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.

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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.

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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.

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Posted in Cleaning, Environmentally Friendly, Tips/Advice, home improvement

Top 5 Trends for Saving Money During Remodeling or Building

Sunday, October 30th, 2011

home improvement doesn't need to break the bank

Today’s economy has made it essential for those who are planning building projects to consider every cost advantage they can find. Making sure they save money but also build without losing quality is key and of course maintaining their own unique style is important to them as well. So how can you have it all? Well it’s not easy, but if you plan your home remodeling or building thoroughly then you will be happy with the results both financially and aesthetically.

1. Building Plans
Having land or a lot that can be built upon without having unnecessary costs for tree removal and land clearance will of course save thousands of dollars. In addition, if the property is already water and sewage connection ready that will keep more of your money in the bank. Before beginning the building project obtain the city and county building permits necessary for where you live. Read the regulations for building height and weight and check for any other building requirements for the property you are building on.

2. Type of Building
It has been proven that a two-story structure building or home will save hundreds of dollars in construction materials. A two-story will still provide the same living space as a ranch constructed home, and it can be built on less property. Of course, you will want to keep your dream design in mind, but you may be shocked to realize that with just a little modification, your dream home can be much less expensive as a two-story structure.

3. Designing the Building Plans
Pre-planning on your part will provide cost savings too. Consider the size of your furniture, walking areas, window placement and door size when deciding the floor dimensions. Having a large piano would require the area to be larger. Essentially, try and think of many of the pieces of furniture you already own and see if they can fit in your new living space. Aside from the cost of building, furnishing can be one of the most expensive parts of any home. If you can plan before your home is ready, you may find use for some of your current pieces and may also be able to pick up less expensive pieces when you come across them.

4. Purchasing Building Materials
Use the ‘Keep It Green’ for material cost savings while also helping to have an environmental minded building or home will protect the world. Use recyclable construction materials whenever possible. Consider reusing cabinets and home fixtures whenever possible and remodeling or refinishing with new paint and surfaces. Essentially, the less new products you consume for your new home, not only will it be less expensive, but it will also be better for the environment as well.

5. Contracting The Construction
Any time you can do some of the construction yourself, money will be saved. You want to save money but the most aspect is that you don’t lose quality on construction. Compare contractors in the area and get references when possible. Another suggestion is to actually visit some of the building projects they have worked on. The visit will allow you to see firsthand the quality of workmanship.

These are the top five essential suggestions that can keep more money in your pocket. With a little pre-planning you’ll have less surprise re-builds or additional costs. Of course that means fewer headaches or mistakes made and when completed you’ll have a beautiful, quality built building that you can be proud of.

Janelle Williams is a money saving diva who enjoys saving money on home improvement and many other aspects of life. She is also a contributing writer for CouponCroc, a site which offers a variety of savings and Asos discount codes to make life more affordable.

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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.

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Posted in Tips/Advice, home improvement

Turn Your Patio into a Personal Haven

Thursday, October 27th, 2011

patio_decor

Turn your indoor or outdoor patio into an entire additional room with creative decorating ideas. By adding an outdoor fireplace or patio heater you can create a spot to spend time in during the colder fall and winter months instead of only being able to use your patio in the summer. The most usable patios are enclosed – if yours is open, you may want to install an awning or at least put up a large patio umbrella for cover. Before furnishing and decorating your patio, make sure to clean it so that it will look its best.

Choose a theme and design the patio around that style of decor. For example, for a tropical theme, opt for bright aquas, oranges and yellows along with images of palm trees, colorful birds and the ocean. For a Mediterranean theme, find tapestries, pillows and pottery in deep purples, greens and golds. You’ll also want to design the patio around its main function – if you’re going to be entertaining, you’ll need lots of seating space and surfaces for drinks and plates, plus a miniature bar. If you want a quiet reading nook, you’ll need plenty of light and quite, serene surroundings. If your patio is large enough, you can section off areas for different things – one section can be used for sipping morning coffee and flipping through a newspaper and another section can be just for the kids.

Lay area rugs on the floor and add seating to create an inviting lounge area. Adirondack chairs, a bistro set, rocking chairs, a porch swing, hammocks or even a couch will add charm and functionality. Keep oversized pillows nearby so guests can plop down on the floor to talk or read when there’s a crowd. Illuminate the area with hanging overhead lamps, candles, tiki torches or string lights. Anything that provides soft light, like Chinese lanterns, is perfect for patio lighting. Remember, you don’t have to run to the store to buy brand new furniture – use what you’ve got and update it with a new coat of paint. You’ll be surprised at the facelift you can give your old furnishings.

Mix color, scents and natural foliage by adding potted plants, herbs and flowers to your patio. Create more floor space by hanging plants or placing them on tall, thin stands. When choosing plants, make sure that they’ll survive and thrive on the patio – check out how much sun and shade they need. Plants can also be used to section off your patio if there isn’t an outline of the area. For a spin on basic plants, purchase a topiary in the shape of your choice (they’re like bigger, better Chia Pets). Place bird feeders, bird baths or fountains around to add to the natural vibe.

Add the element of sound to your patio. Wind chimes can sound beautiful – just make sure that they don’t get in the way of relaxation. If you’d rather use your patio to get some shut eye, install a sound system and play CDs with natural sounds, like soothing running water. A stereo can also be used to play music when you have guests over.

About the Author: Samantha Reynolds writes for Patioshoppers.com, the leading e-tailer of outdoor rugs, Christmas holiday decor and other unique patio goods.

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Posted in home improvement

Makeover Shows – How do they Fix up Homes So Fast?

Wednesday, October 26th, 2011

Modular House

If you’re a fan of reality TV and home shows, you’ve probably wondered how the producers manage to work their magic, fixing up homes in just a couple of days, and spending next to nothing in the process.

The secret to the success of the makeover shows isn’t anything magical, it’s simply that they have the formula for decorating down to a science. They know exactly what they need to do, and they’re ruthless and efficient when they do it. It also helps that they have some great contacts, so they know which company is the best to order made to measure blinds from, and get to hear about any sales going on long before the average member of the public.

Giving your own home a make over

If you want to make over your own home, you’ll need to be strict with yourself. The decorators used by the makeover show companies don’t have any attachment to the homes they’re working on. They throw out all the clutter, they work fast, and they are capable of seeing the big picture.

Makeover show producers are professionals, and they don’t tend to make mistakes. They know that it’s a better idea to get Roman blinds made to measure than it is to just order a standard size off eBay without checking that it will fit. They calculate wallpaper needs precisely (accounting for repeating patterns) instead of buying a couple of extra rolls and hoping for the best. They don’t buy things just because “they look great” without thinking about where those items will live. In short, they have enough experience to avoid the most common mistakes.

Two heads are better than one

You’ve probably noticed that make over TV shows tend to have more than one designer. Sometimes, the designers are “competing” against each other, but they usually work together at least for part of the show to come up with a common theme. If you’re looking to revitalize your home, why don’t you work with a friend? Even if you don’t like all of their ideas, they’ll be able to give you some inspiration, and perhaps a reality check. You might think that those polka-dot made to measure blinds will look awesome in your modernist room, but your friend will be able to tell you if they’re a step too far.

Price everything, and stick to your budget

Sometimes, the TV show producers cheat a little. They give prices that include paint, wallpaper, furnishings, and expensive materials, but they don’t count the wallpaper paste, the paint brushes, the ladder, and other tools that you may or may not have in your home. This is part of the reason why viewers struggle to replicate the successes of the TV shows – they’re meant for entertainment, not as a decorating guide, but it’s easy to forget that and be taken by surprise when the figures don’t add up.

So, if you’re trying to decorate on a budget, price everything before you buy, and don’t be tempted to spend extra to chase a TV show dream. It’s not worth getting into debt for oak flooring and a plastic 1960s chair!

This post was written by James Harper on behalf of Moonshadow Blinds, suppliers of made to measure blinds and Roman blinds made to measure. James writes on subjects relating to home improvements and DIY.

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Posted in home improvement

Top Five Ways to Increase Your Home’s Value

Wednesday, October 26th, 2011

Home Value

Negative equity is something that all homeowners fear. Fortunately, it’s possible to protect your property investment with a few judicious home improvements. Investing money up-front to improve your home will not only serve you well while you live there, it will pay off when you come to sell. Even if you’re on a limited budget, it’s possible to make minor home improvements that will entice buyers into paying more for your home. Hopefully the following tips will give you some ideas for easy home improvements that will make your home fetch more on the market.

Go Energy Efficient: Check your home out from top to bottom. Fit draft excluders (a cheap and cheerful upgrade), change your light bulbs to energy efficient ones, and check out your loft insulation. These simple improvements will save you money in the short term, and increase your home’s potential value on the market too. More expensive energy savers include double glazing and cavity wall insulation, although in certain areas you may qualify for a grant so make sure you investigate all options fully.

Install a water filter: How much do you spend on bottled water and replacement jug filters? A water filter will save you time and money in the long term. It’s only a small luxury, and it doesn’t cost much to install, but it’s a big hit with many home buyers.

Sort out your garden: First impressions count. If your garden is overgrown, messy, and unkempt, then buyers will have a negative impression of your home before they even step inside. Create a positive first impression, and they’ll be more receptive when they take the interior tour.

Upgrade your boiler: Old water heaters use big tanks, and cost a lot of money to run. Tankless water heaters (such as a combi-boiler for example) are more energy efficient, and offer instant hot water when you want it. This saves money, is better for the environment, and is more convenient too.

Consider a loft conversion: If your home is a little small, why not get a loft conversion? If may be that a dormer loft conversion would allow you to stay in your home rather than selling it to move somewhere bigger. Even if you still move, a loft conversion should pay off in increased home value when you move, and could speed up the sale of the house too.

Some of the above suggestions are quick and easy jobs that can be done in a day or a weekend. Others, such as a replacement boiler or a loft conversion, may take longer, but they’re well worth it.

Be aware that not all home improvements are an instant increase in home value. If you opt for a lot of upgrades on your home (for example a conservatory, loft conversion full insulation, and new heating), you might push it too far beyond what other homes in the area have in terms of upgrades, and you could end up making your home less desirable to buyers. Check with an estate agent for a rough idea before you spend too much money on home improvements.

This post was written by James Harper on behalf of Buckley Loft Conversions, the experts in loft conversions Birmingham and loft conversions Staffordshire. James writes on subjects relating to home improvement.

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Posted in home improvement

Giving Your Bedroom the Feel of a Swanky Hotel – On a Budget

Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

Hotel-Room

Do you love staying in luxury hotels? Does returning home after a holiday hit you hard because you hate your own bedroom? If so, these tips will help you to turn your home into a local luxury hotel that you’ll look forward to returning to each night.

The magic of hotels

A huge part of the appeal of a luxury hotel is that the room screams quality. It’s spacious, clean, and comfortably furnished. To recreate that feel, all you need to do is invest in some comfortable furniture, and get rid of any clutter in the room. Your bedroom is a place for rest and relaxation. You don’t need exercise equipment, entertainment gear, or anything other than a bed, wardrobe, and dressing table in your bedroom.

Designing for luxury

Luxurious doesn’t have to mean expensive. If your existing furniture is getting a bit tattered, replace it with something simple, but high quality. Budget beds of the kind sold by most mattress discounters are just as good as the beds offered at most hotels, but hotel beds feel nicer because they’re freshly made with clean linen every day. If you had a maid making your bed every day it would probably feel luxurious too!

Again, simplicity is key with the rest of the furnishings. Give yourself plenty of space to hang up clothes, lay out your cosmetics, and get ready on a morning. Clutter makes rooms feel smaller, so try to avoid it as much as possible. Simple, clean furnishings are the order of the day.

Luxury hotels spend a lot of time concentrating on lighting. They usually offer a general room light, strip lights, and focused lights around key areas – e.g. reading lamps near the bed, and lights on the dressing table too. Lighting is one area where it is worth spending extra money, so the funds you save by investing in budget beds and simple tables can go towards high quality functional and mood lighting for your room.

Keeping the hotel atmosphere

Sadly, most people can’t afford cleaners and maid service for their own home. If you’re not a millionaire, then you’ll need to do your own cleaning. Instead of making a monumental effort once every few weeks, try building some time into your daily schedule to keep the room in hotel-like shape.

It takes a housekeeping worker at a hotel approximately 12 minutes to clean a hotel room and the en-suite bathroom. If you emulate their working pattern and spend a few minutes each evening tidying up your room, you’ll be able to keep on top of the clutter that inevitably builds up.

Once you get into the habit of doing a little work each day, it will quickly become second nature, and you’ll gradually get quicker at performing the tasks you need to do. The thought of adding to your housework list may not seem appealing right now, but if you give it a try you’ll probably find that you’re more relaxed, and much happier, in a clutter free, luxurious environment. This is one piece of work that’s definitely worthwhile.

This post was written by James Harper on behalf of The Original Factory Shop, the mattress discounters and budget beds supplier. James writes on subjects relating to homes including interior design tips.

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Posted in Design

Make Your Entry Door the Focal Point of Your Home

Thursday, October 20th, 2011

Front Doors

The exterior door of your home is the perfect focal point for the front of your house, particularly if you pay close attention to the design, materials of the door and the accessories you place near it. By creating a beautiful front door, you’re not only making your house aesthetically appealing, but you are also giving passers-by and guests an introduction to your taste and style.

Materials

Exterior doors come, on average, in two choices of material: steel and wood. Steel doors are perhaps the most readily available and cost effective. Wood doors can lend a traditional, classic look to your home if stained in a rich color.

Whether or not you choose an entry door with glass panes or windows is simply a matter of personal taste. Windows in your front door can add visual appeal as well as allowing light to enter your home, a great choice if you have few windows in your front room or foyer.

Color

If you like bold color, the front door offers you a great opportunity to add a splash of color to your home. You obviously don’t want to paint your house bright violet but why not use it for your front door? If you live in the city or in a section of row houses, painting your front door a vivid color is a great way to make your house stand out from the rest.

If subtlety is more your style, paint your front door in a pretty pastel. Light greens and yellows look lovely on an entry door and are nicely understated. Consider colored stain for a wood door and give it a coat of polyurethane to protect it from the elements.

Accessories

You can decorate your door with beautiful wreaths and greenery, doorknockers, and even mail slots. Wreaths are a great accessory as they can be changed with the approaching season. Hang a grapevine wreath to welcome fall, a poinsettia wreath for winter and change to a dried flower wreath in the spring.

Installing planters, benches and/or wall hangings alongside your front door will make it eye-catching. Planters are as easy to change with the seasons as wreaths and offer a plethora of decorating opportunities.

Another look that we love: bold house numbers installed on the entry door. If you have a front door with a flat panel, use it for big, bold house numbers. Paint them in a contrasting color to make them stand out and add ‘No.’ before them for a touch of creativity.

If you have steps leading to your front door or porch, use them to your advantage. Planters going up the steps or situated at the base of the steps welcome guests to your home in an inviting way. Pumpkins and corn stalks in the fall look gorgeous when lined up on your porch steps.

No matter your style, get creative with your front door. It’s often the first place that people are drawn to when looking at your home. Whether it’s a bright splash of color, a more subtle tone, great accessories or a combination of decorating ideas, giving attention to your entry door will make your home stand out from the others on the block.

Jonathan Freedman is a security consultant who also writes for Qualified Hardware, one of the oldest Commercial door hardware companies in the country. Check out http://www.qualifiedhardware.com/ for a complete selection of commercial door accessories, from door hinges and closers to locks and alarmed exit devices.

Check out this article for a look at some creative doors!

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