8:29 PM

Steps to Perfect Your Bedroom


     Determine what your vocal point will be in the room. Decide which wall to place the bed on first and then arrange the other pieces. Angle the bed in a corner for an unexpected look.
  
     Place a nightstand and lamp on both sides of the bed. This adds balance to the layout and provides a place to set a glass of water, books or an alarm clock.
  
     Set a bench or trunk at the foot of the bed. It can provide storage for blankets or sweaters as well as an area to sit while getting dressed.
  
     Create a soft seating area. Place upholstered chairs or a chaise lounge in the bedroom to provide a more inviting and personal feeling in the room.
  
     Always have a mirror in the room. Try a mirror over the dresser or a full-length mirror or cheval, for an elegant vocal point.
  
     Select a chest to store the television and audio equipment as well as providing extra storage. Find a unique accent piece such as an unusual dresser to add interest in the room – find a piece that has an interesting finish, color, material, or size.
 
     Buy the best heirloom-quality furniture your budget will allow. Details to look for include:
  • Dovetail joints: provide lasting strength and reinforcement.
  • Metal on metal drawer glides: the ideal hardware for durability and ease.
  • Finished (sanded and stained) drawers: protect clothing from unfinished wood.
  • Cedar-lined drawers: a special feature for preserving fine clothing.
  • Solid brass hardware: a finishing touch that will last a lifetime.

Information from Anna Hamilton's guide to creating your own romantic gateway.

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9:57 AM

Carpet, Wood or Tile Floors?


     Nice, well-maintained flooring adds great value to a home. For homeowners, it is a challenge to select the kind of flooring that will work best for their homes. The various types of floors come with their own advantages and disadvantages, and in choosing the perfect flooring, homeowners have to consider the following factors: budget, practicality, taste, and aesthetics.
  
     When deciding on the right kind of flooring for the home, the lifestyle of the homeowners should be considered. Plush carpets in light colors will not be appropriate for rooms which are inhabited by children and pets, especially if there will be little time for taking special care of the flooring.
  
     Rooms that won't be used as much could have the lighter-colored carpet and tile where it is best to use carpet or tiles with dark colors and patterns for heavily used rooms. The architectural features and the design of the rooms should also be taken into consideration. One should consider the following: Amount of humidity and water in the room, the possible presence of sunlight that can make certain colors in the area fade, and the presence of vents in the floors for heating and cooling. It is a must that the flooring chosen should work with the room's architectural features and systems. 
  
     There are extensive choices available for all kinds of room features, so homeowners should not feel compromised by the restrictions brought about by other space features. After deciding on the type of flooring that will be most suitable for the home, a homeowner should contemplate on the type of look for it. 
  
     Options for design are limitless, so there will be no restrictions when it comes to nailing down the preferred look. The most common looks that homeowners usually go for are either the warm and cozy look, or the cold, modern, and sterile style. Adventurous homeowners can get experimental and mix and match several design types to achieve a unique, distinctive impression.
Here are the different types of flooring that homeowners can choose from:

1. Hardwood
  
     Hardwood floors are known for their strength and sturdiness. For those with more money to spare, they can opt to have engineered wood flooring, which is created by wood layers added with veneer. However, wooden floors are prone to scratching and gouges, and have the tendency to be discolored or cracked if exposed to a long period of maximum dryness or wetness. It is easy to maintain, though, it only requires dusting and vacuuming, and refinishing is required only every ten to fifteen years.

2. Ceramic Tiles
  
     Ceramic tile flooring adds value to homes because of its durability and wide decorative range. There are several varieties that can suit every need and budget. The bad side is that tile floors can feel cold for bare feet and it may be hard to clean light-colored tiles that have wide seams. But in general, it only requires sweeping and mopping on a regular basis to maintain this kind of flooring. Strength and style are the great qualities of ceramic tile floors and come in minimal costs for homeowners on a budget.

3. Laminates
  
     They are produced to look like an exact copy of wood floors, and they come with a lower price tag. Laminates can be easily maintained, and are also known for their durability. House decorators and builders consider laminate floors as a great option aside from other floor types because of its price and versatility. Damp mopping is the only thing needed for maintenance, and replacement may be needed every ten years.

4. Vinyl
  
     Floors made of vinyl material are affordable, durable and are resistant to wear and tear. There is a great variety available when it comes to choosing vinyl flooring, and you only need to sweep and mop to maintain them.

5. Carpets
  
     Carpeting floors is less expensive than other floor types. Carpet comes in many sizes, shapes, fibers and colors, and is hassle-free to install. To maintain carpeted floors, you need to vacuum on a regular basis, and the carpets need thorough shampooing and cleaning once a year. Average cost of carpets range from one to fifteen dollars per square foot. There will no shortage of options when it comes to choosing the perfect floor for a room. Homeowners will have no trouble getting the type of flooring that will suit their dream house...
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9:55 AM

Buy New Kitchen Cabinets or Reface?


     Does your kitchen already look dark and gloomy? Are there hard-toremove stains all over the place? It may be time to think about remodeling your kitchen and giving it a new look. With the new ambience, redesigning your kitchen can make cooking and meal preparation a fun past time.
  
     Part of redesigning your kitchen is to revamp your kitchen cabinets. You have two options – either you buy a new set of kitchen cabinets or have your current ones refaced or repainted. It is up to you to choose what you think is best for your kitchen.
  
     Here are some advantages and disadvantages of the two to help you in making a wise decision. Weigh your options wisely to help you choose the right one which will give value for your money.

New Kitchen Cabinets

     It can be tempting to buy a new set of kitchen cabinets when you are remodeling your kitchen. It will definitely add a new look to your kitchen. It would give you a feel like you are in a new kitchen because of the new fixtures. Having a new set of cabinets’ means you either buy ready-made ones or have them constructed.
  
     New ready-made kitchen cabinets can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands depending on the size and make of the cabinets. You can also have your new cabinets custom- built which sometimes can even cost more because of the labor cost.
  
     However, new cabinets built today for sale in commercial shops usually have less quality than those built before. New cabinets can also be more expensive and may not be suitable for you if you have a limited budget. You will also need to consider the size of your kitchen and make sure the cabinet you are going to buy or make will fit in.

Re-facing

     Keeping your old cabinets and refacing them may be an option for you if you are working on a limited budget. Refacing your cabinets would mean total clean up, refinishing and changing the doors if necessary. You can even do them yourself because repainting or refinishing a cabinet is not really difficult.
  
     You just need to have the cabinet thoroughly cleaned first with soap and water. Then buy a paint that will match your designed motif or color of your kitchen. Mix different colors of paint to achieve the desired color. If you think the cabinet door is totally ruined, then you may opt to have it changed. One store who will do this is Kitchen Works.
  
     You can also hire a carpenter to do it for you; you just need to buy the materials he will be using. Changing the handles is also advisable if your old ones are rusty. Also, if you opt to just reface your existing cabinet, you need not worry about the dimensions or size of the cabinets because you can be sure that it will fit in your kitchen. There will be no need to cut out pieces of wood or totally reconstruct your kitchen.
  
     Re-facing your cabinets will also give you the same feeling as having a new kitchen since your cabinet doors will look different. The disadvantage that can be seen when you choose to repaint and reface your cabinets is the labor. You can always hire someone to do it for you but it would be more cost-effective if you do it on your own, especially if you are on a tight budget.
  
     Another problem may be that your cabinets are really old, and they may not be able to stand another year or two. Thus, it would be better to have new ones. Kitchen remodeling can be really tedious, demanding and time-consuming.
  
     You have to plan ahead and decide on your options to better facilitate the actual remodeling process. You need to decide on how you want your kitchen cabinets to be. Choosing the right option really depends on you. Each has its own pros and cons. You just need to assess your needs Well to help you make a wise decision.

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9:45 AM

Organize Your Closets


     Are you already fed up with the mess you see once you open your closet? Maybe it’s high time that you take time off to organize it and make it look like a human being is using it. A closet is a space for storing things, usually a spacious cabinet or recessed area that is utilized for keeping clothes and linens.
  
     Different homeowners have different uses for closets. Closets can be small in size in some homes, while in others, the closet is used to store all sorts of stuff except clothes. With lots of things stored in closets, it is inevitable that things can get jumbled up and the closet itself becomes disorganized. Every day we pull out clothes that we are going to use from our closets.
  
     Also, at least once a weak, after the laundry is done, we add these clothes back to our closets. Most of the time, due to our busy schedule or just because of our laziness, we take for granted the way we do these things.
  
     We pull out clothes and accessories in a quick manner and then other stuff gets disarranged. After the laundry, we put back these clothes unmindfully. Thus, we end up having a total mess in our closets. There are a lot of options that can be obtained by homeowners to organize their closets, but first, before they start with the task, it is best to comb through the closet itself and throw out stuff that is not needed anymore. These things must be eliminated immediately from the house in order to avoid the tendency of the homeowner to have second thoughts about disposing the items.
  
     So it is important to purchase closet organizers in order to remove clutter from the closet and to restore order. Before searching for the appropriate closet organizer, the amount of space needed should be considered first. The advantage of buying complete closet systems is that they can be customized and can fit any kind of space. For those with special storage needs, closet systems can be custom-designed. Pre-designed closet organizers will do for those who have basic storage requirements. 
  
1. The very first thing you have to do is to remove everything from your closet. This will give you an idea, in case you have forgotten, of how big a space you have in your closet. Once you see the whole empty space, you can now have a plan in mind on how you are going to arrange everything. Make a mental note on what you want to put where.
  
     If you also have a space for your shoes and other accessories in your closet, make sure they will all be in the right place and well separated. The disadvantage of having shoes scattered all over the floor is that the space can look cluttered, and one pair can't be separated from another. Instead of using shoe bags that hang over the door, shoe racks should be used instead. Do not buy racks that have a slight slant, non-heeled shoes will not stay in place when stored in this kind of rack.
  
     Buy flat racks that have two shelves or more, or shoe caddies that can hold nine to twelve shoes. While your closet is empty, take the advantage to clean it. You can probably rub it down with a washcloth, soap and water. For a more enticing smell, you can use a scented liquid soap to clean your closet. 
  
2. The next thing you have to do is to separate the pieces that you have just removed from your closet. This might be the most difficult part of the task especially if you already have a monstrous mass piled up in your closet. You might even discover things that you thought you’ve lost a long time ago.
  
     When separating the items, it is best to have storage bins at hand to help you do the task easily. You may want to have at least three bins – one to old the things you will be keeping in your closet, the second bin to hold stuff that will be of no use to you anymore and needs to be thrown away, and the third will be for items that you can recycle, donate or sell in your next garage sale.
  
     Needless to say, the only bin that you need to keep here is the one that holds your important stuff and those that you will keep in your closet. These items are your current clothes, underwear, accessories, shoes, and other things that you think you will still be using.
  
     The other two bins can be forgotten for now. You can organize them later, after you finish your main task of organizing your closet. Just keep them out of sight so you will not be tempted to look at them again.
  
3. Now that you have only the essential things that need to be in your closet, it’s time to divide them into categories. Of course, accessories, shoes and clothes should be separated from each other. Your clothes also need to be divided into different types and categories.
  
     Your professional clothes should be placed separately from your casual and regular clothes. Pants, blazers, long-sleeved polos, coats and other clothes you wear in business should be kept together. Identify your casual clothes and keep them together. Separate your underwear and socks from your main clothes.
  
     Once that is done, you can now rearrange them again based on the frequency you wear them. Make sure that each of your pieces are neatly folded or ironed. If you think something needs to be ironed again, especially your professional clothes, do not hesitate to do so. This will make your closet look much better.
  
4. Now that you have divided the important pieces that deserve to stay in your closet, it’s now time to put them back. You may want to use closet organizers from now on like clothes hangers, shelves, and shoe rack. Hang all your pants together, make sure your jeans go together and are separate from your business pants.
   
    Hang your other top wear like polos, blazers, and coats keeping the same kind together. Have those clothes that you frequently use placed on top of the others for easy access. Arrange your shoes in the shoe rack and place them below the hung clothes. You can put shelves on those extra spaces in your closet and place your underwear and accessories on separate shelves.
  
     Drawers tend to be messy, with small stuff like hosiery, socks and office supplies stored in them. Drawer organizers can help owners retrieve their items in an instant. And there are no hassles in installing it too – most drawer organizers are plastic containers and dividers that be easily inserted inside. Items like hats, coats, jackets and scarves are usually just thrown over sofas and chairs because usually, there is no space in the closet for them.
  
     Go through the coat closet. Be certain that each item is used regularly. If there is one item that is rarely used, consider giving it away. Make sure there are enough hangers. There should be only one hanger per each piece of clothing. Hanging one coat over the other can be a hassle when someone tries to retrieve it for use later.
  
     Make sure to buy hangers that are durable. There are hangers on the market that can accommodate up to sixty pounds of clothing but still consume just a small amount of space. This type of closet can be affixed in walls, and can be closed when it is not being used.
  
     It can be used either indoors or outdoors, because weather resistant materials are used to manufacture the hanger. Smaller item like gloves and mittens should be stored in transparent, plastic bags, separate bags for every family member, in order to avoid confusion.

More tips that you might consider are:

1. For more storage space, an additional shelf can be installed between the shelf that is at eye-level and the ceiling. This can be used to store items that are not used as frequently.
  
2. Arrange items according to the season Relegate items of the current season at the front of the closet. During the summer, Gather wool clothing and put them at the back of the closet, then put the summer outfits up front.
  
3. Use specialized organizer for belts and neckties For items like belts and tie hangers, revolving tie racks can be used to organize long items to keep from getting the tangled.
  
4. Install hanging storage for places with small spaces Hanging storage is perfect for those urban dwellers who live in small, compartmentalized condominium units. These organizers are made especially for items like dresses, shoes, and sweaters. They can be attached easily on closet rods, and this is most effective for cluttered closet floors.
  
5. Make use of wicker baskets Wicker or rope baskets are a way to add visual appeal to organizing closets. They come in various colors, sizes and shapes. Baskets are a good option for storing items that are not used often. Everyone wants to have organized closets in their homes. By following the tips above, one can have spic-and-span storage in no time.
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9:42 AM

Cheap Tips for Accessorizing Your Home


     Do you feel the need to fix up your home – maybe brighten it up a bit or add some spice to it? Or are you just in the designing process of your new home? Accessorizing your home, whether you are upgrading or just starting up, is fun to do. This is where you can put your creativity and imagination to good use.  
 
   You might think, though, that buying all those nice-looking home decors might be a rip off. But there’s no need to worry! You can definitely make your home look elegant and classy without spending too much money. When you decorate and accessorize your home, you must consider some of the basics so your finished product won't look like a mess.  
   
     The accessories that you have in mind should match the color and theme of the room where they will be placed. The colors and design should compliment the room and not look like it’s out of place. Here are some tips to help you in accessorizing your home if you are on a budget.  

1. If you want to revitalize your living room, you can just add throw pillows to your old couch to take the emphasis off of it and redirect attention to the pillows. A combination of throw pillows of different sizes and shapes can be a good and inexpensive alternative to having your sofa upholstered.  
   
2. If you are into rugs, new ones can be expensive. An alternative to that is to check out garage sales or shops that sell pieces of older pretty rugs. You can cut them into different shapes and sizes and scatter them around the house to emphasis specific areas. This can also be a good coverup for hard-to-remove stains on the floor.  
   
3. Lighting fixtures are important additions when you are accessorizing your home. It gives the ambience that you want and creates a dramatic effect when positioned correctly. If you don't have enough to spend on expensive lighting, you can buy the inexpensive ones and place them behind a plant or at the back of the couch. It gives a romantic effect to your bedroom or living room.  
   
4. Scented candles are popular nowadays and you can get them for only a few dollars. You can place them anywhere like your living room, bedroom, bathroom, dining table, and kitchen area. Adding them to your room adds a romantic effect and warmth, not to mention the sweet aroma that spreads throughout the house.  
   
5. Plants are another option for an inexpensive home accessory. You can add flowers, orchids and other indoor plants to add color to your room. These plants also make good conversational pieces for your guests. You can find one for about $20. Not bad, huh!  
   
6. An accessory that never fails to impress is a picture. You can hang framed photos or those of your loved ones on the wall or have them lined up atop a shelf. You only need to buy the frames for the photos which can be inexpensive yet look elegant and sturdy.  
   
7. Curtains can add drama to your windows. If needlework is your thing, you can just buy elegant inexpensive fabrics from flea markets and make curtains on your own. Doing this will give you control on how you want your curtains to look. If you think you’re not up to that, you can buy readymade curtains from flea markets, craft stores or home accessory stores. Just make sure that you have measured your windows before buying to make sure they will fit.  
   
8. Remove all the clutter and unnecessary pieces you find in your home. If you want to redesign your home and add new accessories, make sure to get rid of the old accessories that don't match the theme that you want. Just keep a few base pieces and throw the others or recycle them for a different purpose. Keeping your place simple will brighten the ambience and lighten the mood of your home.  
   
     There are different ways for you to accessorize your home without spending too much money. You just need to think out-of-the-box to discover new ways of making your home look cozier. Use your creativity and imagination in decorating each corner of your home.  
   
     If you have the eyes and hands of an artist, you can even make the accessories yourself using recycled materials. Now that’s a real budget-friendly idea! There are several ways to make budget decorating possible, you just need to explore!  
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9:40 AM

Kitchen Design Strategies


     The kitchen is the hub of most of your family activities. It is the laboratory from which come forth the many marveled mysteries housewives and cooks alike whip up. If you are considering designing a new kitchen or are redesigning an existing one, you are surely aware of how important proper design and organization is in the kitchen.
  
     A properly designed and organized kitchen is not only lovely to look at, but is also a wonder of efficiency, convenience, and function. Any accomplished cook will tell you that one of the secrets to achieving culinary success is to have a properly designed and equipped kitchen.
  
     That way, the cook does not waste time with trivial matters such as whether he or she might trip on the cords, or how to get by a cabinet that is in the way, or how to plug in a blender when the outlet is well beyond reach. With the mind fully absorbed in cooking, these things may prove more disastrous than annoying.

Here are a few tips to look at while designing your kitchen:

Space

     The single, most profound element of good kitchen design is space. It’s more complicated than just worrying about having enough space to store your bowls and other utensils. For one, you really have to consider just the right amount of space to move about yet not have to take too many steps to get from the sink to the fridge.
  
     One guideline worked up for this purpose is the ‘work triangle'. The work triangle is an imaginary line starting from the sink, all the way to the cook top, down to the fridge, and back to the sink. The total length of this imaginary triangle should be about 26 feet, with no segment being less than 4 feet or more than 9 feet. This rule of the thumb has many fans, as well as critics. However, it is a good place to start when considering the kitchen layout.

Organization

     You must design ahead of time to accommodate a growing number of cookware, cutlery, and other kitchen utensils. You also have to assign space for supplies such as fruit, vegetables, meat, and others. Make sure the supplies and equipment you need are arranged in an area where they are easily accessible when needed. The supplies that are to be placed in a dry area should be put in such an area.
  
     Make sure the equipment you place in the kitchen is not cluttered about. When moving around in the kitchen, you shouldn't have to go around or hurdle certain equipment. This is not only unsightly, but also poses a danger for accidents and mishaps. You should also arrange the equipment so that doors don't hit them when opened.

Equipment

     Try to simulate your normal kitchen routine. Where do you go? What do you need? What steps do you usually take? Take all of these into consideration when laying out the format of your kitchen. Use this guide to determine where you should place all your equipment. Make sure there are outlets in the areas where you will be needing electricity and that they are not in areas that get wet often.

Architecture

     It would be best if the kitchen doors are wide and not knobbed. Swivel doors can be a viable alternative to doors that have knobs. You will want easy access to other rooms even if your hands are full. Design your walls so that they are protected against the heat and against smoke and other kitchen stains. Consider installing a vent to get rid of the smoke and gases that accumulate during kitchen routines. If you can have your ceiling higher than normal, then that would be a good thing too.

When In Doubt Call the Experts

     A contractor and an interior design expert can also assist you if you need advice on the layout of your kitchen. Make sure you make your intentions and desires known early on so that they can adjust to your needs. You can design your kitchen after your own image and cooking style. However, remember the tips listed here are so that you can have a sure guide towards designing your dream kitchen today.
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