White Interior Design

Light locations has got bolder with their recently purchased all-white-property which is a studio cum event space. Known for purchasing some of the hottest properties in town, Sophie Hitchens has raised the bar ten times higher for her competitors.

White is such a flexible color, the renters will have no dearth of ideas. White being the only color in the room can be conjoined with other colors of furniture of other colors, depending on the usage of the space. If this place is an art exhibition room it can have pictures, murals and antiques adorning the walls and the shelves provided. If this is a Yog studio, it would be a runaway success for the amount of sereneness and positivity the white color can bring out in a person.

This property by Light Location’s is a smart purchase and we are sure it will rent out like hot cakes!

Shopping for a New Home? Check Out the Kitchen

(NewsUSA) - Buying a home is the largest investment most people will ever make, so it’s no surprise that such a big decision may seem daunting. There are, however, some simple guidelines that can help you find a home that you will be happy with for a very long time.

A recent study conducted by Merillat, a leading manufacturer of cabinetry, examined what consumers think about when they’re purchasing a home. The study found that the kitchen sways more minds than any other room, followed by the great room and the master bedroom third.

“The kitchen is the gathering place for special occasions, family functions and day-to-day activities, which is why it is so important for prospective buyers to ensure their new kitchen will meet the needs of their family from a design and functionality prospective,” said Paul Radoy, manager of design services for Merillat.

Try creating a checklist to help you decide whether a kitchen is right for you. Ask yourself these questions:

1. Do I like the layout of the kitchen? Consider the kitchen from an overall perspective, and keep all the items that will require storage in

1. mind.
2. Does the kitchen look comfortable? Do I feel good when I’m in it? You should feel at home right away.
3. Does the kitchen help facilitate frequent casual interactions with family and friends? Consider the views into the surrounding rooms, like the living and dining areas. Can you easily associate with family and friends?
4. Is the cabinetry durable and well-built? Is the finish on the cabinetry smooth and consistent? Investigate the cabinet interiors to determine whether they’re covered with a durable water- and stain-resistant material or a lower-quality product. Make sure that the color of the interior complements the exterior.
5. Does the kitchen have visual impact or a good focal point like an island, cooking grotto or other unique feature? Islands are a useful feature that many homeowners desire. When examining an island, identify the tasks or storage functions it serves to decide whether it will meet your needs.)
6. Does the kitchen have adequate storage space and built-in features to accommodate my possessions? Merillat’s study found that, after remodeling a kitchen, many homeowners find that they didn’t include enough storage features. Make sure you don’t overlook features, like drawer organizers, pull-out trays and lazy Susans.

To more learn about kitchen design and storage features visit www.Merillat.com.

Lockers: Not Just For School Anymore

(NewsUSA) - Remember the days when you were in school and you had a locker to store your books, boots, lunch, jacket and anything else you could make fit? Well, the same, durable lockers you used back in your school days are available for home and office use.

The most popular, widely used lockers offer maximum space for hanging clothing and other belongings. Each locker has a convenient shelf for placing hats and other small articles. The hooks on the top, back and sides allow you to hang clothing, backpacks and other items. Garages, mudrooms, basements and even bedrooms are great places to have a locker or two if you want to organize your stuff in a trendy manner.

If you have school-aged children, lockers for backpacks and coats can help them stay organized at home as well as at school. After all, lockers are basically shelves with doors and hooks. Children can place their school items in their lockers when they arrive home, reducing the risk of misplaced folders and notebooks. Vibrant storage lockers also provide
an eye-appealing solution to messy rooms. Children can use lockers to house their toys or to store their sports uniform and paraphernalia.

Shelving.com and its sister site, TheShelvingStore.com, have been providing lockers to their clients for over 50 years. They recommend choosing lockers that reflect children’s personalities. Bubblegum pink lockers are popular with girls, while boys often choose marine blue or salsa red. But children can enjoy other colors as well. A child with a sunny disposition might like dandelion yellow, while purple grape might appeal to a Barney the dinosaur fan. Mix and match colors for added flair. For example, many University of Michigan fans choose to decorate with blue and yellow lockers.

You can also encourage children to decorate their lockers. For example, children can put mirrors in their lockers, decorate them with magnets or glue or tape posters of their favorite athlete or band to the door. Pictures of friends and family can also give a locker personality.

You don’t need to transform your child’s room into a locker room — mini lockers are perfect for night stands, inside closets, dorm rooms and other smaller spaces. So, if you want to store it, stack it and secure it, then give consideration to the tried-and-true storage solution you used in your school days — the locker.

Coordinating Home Decor Inside and Out

(NewsUSA) - Coordinating décor throughout the home is well known to homeowners. Everyone aspires to a home that flows seamlessly from one room to another, integrated in look and feel by paint colors, flooring and window treatments.

A relatively new aspect of coordinated home décor is evolving today. Homeowners are being encouraged to coordinate their sense of style from inside the home to outdoor living areas. As the size and sophistication of decks, patios and outdoor rooms grow each year, outdoor spaces are serving as extensions from inside the home.

“All of the wonderful appointments used in outdoor spaces have blurred the distinction between inside and outside living areas,” said Gina Wicker, creative director for the Sunbrella brand of performance fabrics. “With a tastefully decorated home, you feel as if you have walked into another room when you step onto a deck or patio.”

The latest generation of Sunbrella performance fabrics is the single most important element needed in achieving coordinated
décor inside and out. These new fabrics are not only fade resistant, durable and easy to clean, they are also soft, comfortable and luxurious.

“You can use the same performance fabrics to upholster your sofa in the family room and to cover the cushions on the adjacent patio,” Wicker said. “When you work from a family of performance fabrics, it’s easy to coordinate colors, patterns and textures inside and out.” Wicker offers these tips for creating seamless décor inside and out:

* Color continuity. Colors should flow naturally from interior to outdoor spaces. By working with a performance fabrics collection such as Sunbrella, you can select the same or complementary fabric colors.
* Integrated living areas. Rooms that are adjacent to outdoor spaces should be decorated as a single, integrated living area. Upholstery, window treatments, rugs and throws from the same performance fabrics group create an integrated look and feel.
* Awnings. Awnings allow you to open window treatments to enjoy the view without heat gain from the sun. Color coordination is a snap when you use Sunbrella awning and furniture fabrics, which are all based on a common color palette.

For more information on creating seamless décor, visit www.sunbrella.com.

Keep Germs From Invading Your Home

(NewsUSA) - If your home is your castle, you need to defend it from the invading hoards — of germs, that is.

Family members can pick up germs, such as disease-causing fungi, protozoa, bacteria and viruses, anywhere and at any time. Germs can be transfered from work, your child’s daycare or a cough from a stranger on a bus. And once one family member becomes ill, the whole house may very well succumb to infection.

You can’t disinfect the whole world, but you can take steps to keep disease from penetrating your home’s borders. Luckily, one of the best ways to stop germs is also one of the easiest — wash your hands with soap and warm water for 15 to 20 seconds frequently throughout the day. Teach children to wash their hands for the correct amount of time by asking them to scrub for as long as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday”
song twice. If you’re not near a faucet, use hand-sanitizing wipes or gels to clean your hands.

Take care not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth — it’s an easy way to transport germs from surfaces like door knobs and keyboards to the areas of your body that are most susceptible to invasion. Instruct your children to avoid touching their faces, but do remember that kids will be kids — they’re going to wipe their noses and rub their eyes sooner or later. You can, however, kill germs in the eyes or mouth before they cause sickness. Try using a non-alcohol anti-germ spray, such as McClyns (www.mygermspray.com). The gentle formula can be sprayed into the eyes, nose, mouth or any other entry point, such as a small cut or abrasion, to kill more than 60 pathogens by 99.9 percent. Using the spray after sitting next to a coughing co-worker or after your kids come home from school will keep germs from crossing your threshold.

If someone in your home does get sick, make sure that they stay home until they’re no longer contagious. That way, you won’t unwittingly cause others to bring germs into their own homes.

Carpets Help Insulate Homes

(NewsUSA) - In today’s economic climate, Americans are trying to stretch their pennies by making their homes more energy-efficient. Green homes save money and help the environment, but if you have already invested in energy-efficient appliances, what else can be done?

Many homeowners don’t realize that their flooring choice can be a contributor to a home’s energy-efficiency. Unlike other forms of flooring, carpet provides insulation. Installing wall-to-wall carpet keeps your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, while also lowering your energy costs.

Recently, tests carried out at the Johns Manville Technical Center Thermal Labs confirmed that carpet and pad increase R-value, or the measure of thermal resistance, compared to other flooring materials. The higher the R-value, the better a material resists heat transfer. Carpets, with their higher R-value, are better able to keep heat within the home.

Researchers tested the carpets, both with and without cushions
against three common types of flooring — laminate, ceramic tile and engineered hardwood. The result? Carpets insulate up to 17 times better than hard surface products.

“Carpeted floors provide insulative properties in the home,” says Rick Ramirez, vice president of sustainability for Shaw Floors. “In addition to its energy-saving aspect, the warmth and softness of carpet create a more comfortable living environment. Plus, carpet offers sound dampening benefits, which contribute to a quieter home.”

Homeowners can make their homes even more efficient by following these simple, yet highly effective, steps from the California Energy Commission:

* Adjust the temperature accordingly. For every degree you lower your heat in the 60-degree to 70-degree range, you’ll save up to 5 percent on heating costs.
* Reduce hot water temperature. Set your water heater to the “normal” setting or 120 degrees F, unless the owner’s manual for your dishwasher requires a higher setting.
* Get with the program. Installing a programmable thermostat can save up to 15 percent on energy costs.

To learn more about the insulation benefits of carpet, visit www.shawfloors.com/saveenergy.

Enrich Your Home and Environment With Legal, Domestic Hardwood

(NewsUSA) - More Americans might be driving hybrid cars and recycling, but their hardwood kitchen and living room floors can be just as critical to climate change.

No one knows exactly how much illegal hardwood enters the United States, but estimates range from $250 million to $375 million worth per year — much of which is used for high-end flooring.

Most illegal hardwood comes from tropical rain forests, delicate ecosystems with high biodiversity. Tropical hardwoods protect the soil — removing them prevents other plants from growing and allows rain to strip away nutrients from the soil. Studies have shown that rain forest deforestation accounts for 18 percent of greenhouse gases.

In December 2008, the U.S. government amended The Lacey Act, its oldest wildlife protection statute, to discourage illegal hardwood imports. According to the amendment, anyone involved in the import, purchase or sale of illegal wood is subject to one to five years in prison and $100,000 to $500,000 in fines per violation.

The U.S. Customs Service monitors suspicious cargo, but too much wood is imported into the U.S. to catch every illegal shipment. However, consumers can take steps to avoid the purchase of illegal hardwood
Shaw, a company that supplies easy-to-install hardwood products, provides the following tips for Americans looking to enrich their homes with gorgeous hardwood without destroying rain forests:

* Look for hardwood that is made in the U.S. Choosing American-sourced wood not only supports the country’s economy, it helps to ensure that the hardwood is legally harvested from managed forests, which are a truly renewable resource.
* Beware of exotic wood products. Woods like Brazilian cherry or mongoy are much more likely to have been harvested illegally than non-exotic woods.
* Do your homework. Ask questions before purchasing your floor to make sure it is from a retailer that sources its hardwood products from a trustworthy, legal distributor.
* Consider domestic species of hardwood. Although woods like hickory, oak, birch and maple are grown in America, advanced staining techniques allow these species to have the exotic looks many homeowners desire without the risk of purchasing illegally harvested products.
* Look for eco-friendly laminate products. Shaw’s Luminiere collection mimics exotic woods like Ipe heartwood and teak, but doesn’t require any illegal harvesting. Better yet, the laminate uses 98 percent less newly harvested wood than most hardwood products and features a high-density-fiber core made from recycled wood.

For more information, visit www.shawfloors.com.

Tropical Decorating - Creating a Tropical Canvas Paradise

Generating ideas for tropical decorating a casita, or small cabin, nestled within Finca Laurel, a tropical farm in the mountains of Santa Barbara, Costa Rica requires no more than a walk around the grounds. Beautiful flowering trees and sweet perfumed tropical plants provide plenty of inspiration.

An affordable option when considering home interior decoration is that of cotton canvas material. Painting designs onto canvas with acrylic paints offers up brilliant hues of color. With three different variations of plumeria in bloom, the decision as to what to create for the tropical design was made quite easily.

But first things first; what color to paint the interior? Although there are various tropical themes such as Hawaiian and Caribbean, the sub tropics of Costa Rica’s mountains are a little more subtle. The goal is to create a calming and peaceful tropical interior ambiance within the casita reflecting the abundant flora.
Drawing from the fruits of the farm a pale banana yellow color was selected for the walls, providing light and warmth. Trim of blond wood around the doors and windows and kitchen are consistent with a natural look allowing color to be incorporated without be overwhelming for a tropicalhome decor theme.

So here comes the fun part: creating the tropical design and colors for a canvas wall hanging, thereafter the design will be used for several pillow covers, cushions and a canvas rug or two. Using pencil the design is free-hand sketched onto the canvas; a palette of acrylic paints is mixed and tested on a strip of the canvas material to match the different colors and hues of plumeria. For the background color of the wall hanging, more mixing and testing until the perfect shade of green works well with both the blooms and the wall color.

After the paint has dried, a thin coat of varnish is applied to help protect and give the canvas wall hanging a sturdy “hand.” The finished edges have been mitered and sewn, and the tropical wall hanging art is now ready for a simple wood frame. The wall hanging becomes the focal point of the main room of the casita. To expand on the tropical design, the obvious next step is to use these colors with different designs on other home interior decoration items.

Tropical decorating can be created easily with simple touches such as canvas wall hangings, hand painted pillow and cushion covers and a canvas rug or two. It works well to consider the natural surroundings; use those colors and design to create your own special tropical interior.

Laurel invites you to subscribe to her monthly newsletter for more design stories, lots of photos, interior decor tips and decorating ideas.

Cheap Decorating Ideas to Beat the Recession

Find out how to get a luxury look for your home on a budget. Cheap decorating ideas to make the most of your home…

Well, with the recession looming, we are all looking at our spending and cutting out all those unnecessary luxuries. Why spend more than you really need to, to get what you want?

If you are interested in interior design and making your home look good, you will be pleased to learn that the recession doesn’t mean that you need to ignore the look of your home…

There are definitely ways of making your home and household look fashionable and beautiful without spending a fortune. Cheap decorating ideas and inexpensive interior design techniques don’t need to mean that your house looks like a cheap jumble sale, either… There are plenty of nifty little ideas and tricks you can try, to get a luxury look for a budget price.

It is very important that our homes look nice - this isn’t just vanity, or wondering what the neighbours will say. Your home is your refuge from the outside world - it is your place to relax and retreat. It is your place to be yourself. In these times of recession, as we spend more and more time at home, and less on going out, the home and the family will become more and more important to us - and will become more and more important to get a home where we feel comfortable and that reflects our personality.

As house prices plummet, we are thinking less and less about improving our homes to move. Our homes are becoming what they really should be - our sanctuary - and the ideal place to reflect our own personality. Why not take this time to think about how your home could reflect your personality, and how you could feel more comfortable in your own home. Forget
those years of bland, inoffensive neutrals…. What’s your favourite color? Would it work in your kitchen, lounge or bedroom? Would it make you feel happier at home?

Decorating your house to your own personal tastes, can allow your lovely house to become a loving home. Getting creative and inventive with your interior design ideas (and your budget) can really allow your personality to develop and shine through in your décor.

Inexpensive interior design ideas aren’t just about buying items on the cheap. Cheap decorating ideas are far more than that - it’s all about thinking creatively: re-arrange a room, discover hidden treasures in lofts and cupboards, create your own, try those curtains in the kitchen, instead of the bathroom. Your only limits are your imagination…

Don’t look at the recession as an end to your interior design plans. Think of it as an opportunity to get a more creative and personal look to your home. An interior design that you have conscientiously planned, imagined and created for yourself will become far dearer to you than any you could have bought from a shop - and you never know, it may just end up being your perfect scheme.

Find out more about cheap decorating ideas you can try this weekend, and how to get the inspiring ‘Interior Design on a Budget’ E-book for only $1.

Check out http://www.interior-design-it-yourself.com for a website designed to help you use professional interior design tips and techniques, to bring that wow factor into your own home.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charlotte_Sneddon

DIY and Money Saving Tips For Kitchen Remodeling

Admittedly, a homeowner will need some form of carpentry experience or a handy gene to carry out some of the tips listed below, but finding a way to make it happen will be worth it for any savvy homeowner running low on a budget for kitchen remodeling costs.

Tip 1: Order and Build Your Own Cabinets

The quickest way to save in excess of $10,000 during a kitchen remodeling project is by ordering cabinets direct from a wholesaler. Most wholesalers can be found online and will ship free cabinet door samples to help with the decision making process.

The homeowner must then construct their own layout plan and order the necessary cabinets and accessories (i.e. crown molding, accent pieces) to make the plan happen. The cabinets will then be shipped in pieces to the home, in which the homeowner can follow the directions and put them together. The cabinets will finally need to be mounted and hung on the wall, where they can be touched up with colored caulk and wood filler for a finished look.

Tip 2: Avoid Commercial Home Improvement Stores for Countertop Installation

Love the look of granite or marble but can’t seem to stomach the prices offered by commercial home improvement stores?

One of the easiest ways around this kitchen remodeling budget issue is to consult with local quarries or granite manufacturers that work in-house to build and install the countertop all in one shot. You can typically save up to $10
when dealing directly with the source.

Tip 3: Add Extra Money to the Remodeling Project by Scrapping Old Appliances

When buying new appliances, most homeowners will be given the option to have old appliances hauled out to the curb or taken away by the delivery person. And while this is generally a matter of convenience for most people, the homeowner is missing out on the ability to earn a few hundred bucks by hauling the appliances away for scrap metal themselves.

The homeowner would simply need to find a truck and deliver the unwanted goods to a local junk yard. There the appliances would be assessed for their value and cash would be given on the spot. It’s a very quick process and an easy way to put money aside for other costly projects in the home.

Tip 4: Scour the Clearance Section of Flooring Stores for Discontinued Materials

Finally, for those looking to install stone or marble flooring as part of the kitchen remodeling project for a fraction of the cost, consider scouring through flooring stores that have a closeout room or clearance department.

It can take a few weeks to a few months to find something that fits the design plan, but the extra work will be pay off when cases of beautiful marble or granite tile turn up for half the price. However, be sure to meticulously calculate the amount of tile needed for the space in advance, as discontinued items are often non-refundable and the homeowner will be unable to order extra materials if needed.

Naples kitchen remodeling company, Eurotech Cabinetry is known for their unique designs that can give your home a different look. You can order and build your own kitchen cabinets in Sarasota Florida. For tips on remodeling kitchen, visit http://www.eurotechcabinetry.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Stratton

Accentuate Your Home’s Architecture With Wood

(NewsUSA) - The newest trend in home renovation is to add updates that are true to a home’s specific architectural tradition, whether it’s Old World Mediterranean, English Tudor, Craftsman or Victorian.

Wood features are especially important in drawing attention to your home’s architecture. Because wood is a flexible and durable material, it is commonly used to achieve a cohesive look that accentuates a home’s architecture and blends its focal points.

There are plenty of options for homeowners in the market for architecturally correct elements made of wood. Here are some examples.

* Windows: Regardless of their style, windows are the focal points of a house. Real wood windows help add indelible character to a home. One manufacturer, Jeld-Wen, offers windows with AuraLast wood that provide 20-year protection against wood decay, water absorption and termite infestation. These durable windows are available in a variety of designs.
* Doors: The front door defines the character of a house. When replacing a front door, select one

* that reflects the home’s architectural design. For example, a knotty alder Craftsman door, distinctive for its thick wood plank design, complements many rustic architectural styles, from Mission to Old World. An entry door with stained-glass sidelights and a transom conveys classic Victorian design. To protect against the elements and call attention to the front door, install an overhang and lighting that projects the same look and feel.
* Molding: Installing molding is an easy way to give rooms a finished appearance and capture a unique look. Select heavy, detailed molding to convey traditional English design. For a more contemporary feel, use clean-cut, simple molding and trim.
* Flooring: Hardwood flooring anchors the decor of any room. An antique oak plank floor suits a variety of architectural styles, from French Tudor to Mediterranean, while birch flooring has a more casual look, with clean lines equally at home in classic or contemporary architecture. Hardwood floors require little work to maintain and can be customized with perimeter trim designs.

Nothing evokes a home’s vintage charm like real wood design elements. For more information about which wood window and door products best suit the style of your home, visit www.jeld-wen.com.

Top Home Remodeling Trends

For many homeowners, remodeling offers a chance to improve their lifestyle. From bigger bathrooms and kitchens to greener living spaces, here are some of the latest trends in home remodeling and design options.

Lavishly expanded bathrooms. Master bathrooms are becoming an in-home oasis where people can go to and relax. Standard showerheads are being replaced with oversized rain showerheads, and those with the funds to do so are equipping showers with body sprays, steam showers, solid surface shower walls, and heated tile floors. Concrete flooring is additionally on the rise due to its reasonable cost. Stained concrete maximizes in-floor radiant heat and is a durable, easy-to-clean flooring solution that can refresh and update an entire look.

Larger, more functional kitchens. The kitchen is no longer just a place to prepare and eat meals. Today, it is also a place for gathering, doing homework and crafts, paying bills, and more. Kitchen remodels have expanded to include the addition of computer desks, comfortable seating areas, fireplaces, and huge islands. More and more mid-priced homes are opting for commercial-grade stainless steel appliances, and Viking stoves and Sub-Zero refrigerators are no longer only to be found in high-end homes. When it comes to cabinetry, maple and hickory are neck and neck with cherry wood in popularity, and the simple, sleek lines of Mission, Asian, and Shaker design can be found throughout the kitchen. Darker finishes are also a frequent choice for cabinets, with black and merlot the most popular.

Going green. The clunky solar panels of twenty years ago have been replaced by sleek integrated solar power systems that are capable of handling all the power needs of a house. More homeowners are looking to solar technology as a viable option, and it is even being
integrated into the design of new homes. Some entire communities are cropping up with solar power as an available upgrade, and home remodelers can also add it easily. Sustainable living is proving to more than pay for itself, which makes it an even more desirable option for homeowners.

Neutral, down-to-earth colors. As homeowners continue to look to their homes as a place of refuge, natural and muted earth shades are being used in the home, making an appearance on walls, floors, and even cabinetry. Soft green tones, such as sage, have recently become a popular choice, particularly as an accent color on kitchen cabinets. The days of highly polished granite or porcelain tile are over, and flooring and countertop choices are also muted. In their place, soapstone and honed granite, as well as quartz countertops with matte finishes, are quickly becoming the standard choice of homeowners.

Decked out laundry rooms. The days of having an isolated laundry room in the basement are over as well. Filled with color and the best appliances, laundry rooms are becoming something of a status symbol. Families are spending more time in these larger laundry areas, doing more than just washing, drying and ironing. This room is now a place for completing messy chores, crafts, and gardening projects.

These are just five of the many hot trends in home remodeling. Before you begin any project in which you are unsure of where to start, don’t hesitate to call a professional to give you design tips and construction management services.

Finer Point Renovations (http://www.finerpointrenovations.com) has earned an excellent reputation for quality craftsmanship and customer service over years of home remodeling in Metairie. Rachel Spohn is a freelance writer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rachel_Spohn

Decorating a Bathroom - Tips For Budget Minded Decorators

Have you ever walked into someone house and been impressed …. Until you used the bathroom? People do not realize how important decorating a bathroom really is. You see, the bathroom is not just a place to take a shower and use the facilities, it is often how your entire home is judged by visitors.

The starting point of any bathroom is to decide on a theme or color. The first item you are going to have to purchase as the focal point is your shower curtain. Don’t buy one of the cheap ones either, get the dual shower curtains with a nice cloth design on the outside and a thick vinyl liner on the inside. You can choose a solid or a multi colored one, but whatever color scheme you decide on, patterned curtains look much better.

Your next purchase will be to get towels and rugs. These should match the dominant color of the curtain. If you have a multi-colored curtain, you can draw one of the background colors out, but keep in mind when we get around to painting, you will have to choose one of those colors as well.

Towel racks sometimes have to be added when decorating a bathroom. You should ALWAYS have racks in the shower, on the back of the door, by the sink and if space permits
you can also put one over the toilet. This is more decorative than anything else, but it is definitely a nice touch.

Now that you have all of that, you can decide on your paint. As we stated earlier, you can pull a mild color out of the shower curtain or use a light neutral color. You do NOT want to use the main color of the curtain because there will be no definition in the bathroom, everything would end up as one color and run into each other.

Now you can make sure you have all the small accessories. Things like a tooth brush holder, soap dispenser, comb and hair brush holder, tissue holder and trash can. Now you are just about ready to wrap this baby up.

You have painted, put down rugs, towels and all of the accessories, now you have to add your personal touch. Maybe it is a bouquet of flowers, some scented candles or a nice picture on the wall. Whatever it is, that special touch will let everyone know that not one detail goes overlooked in your home.

Get more tips on decorating a bathroom as well as ideas on decorating your entire house at Perfect Home Decor

Survey Finds Granite Countertops Still No. 1

(NewsUSA) - By overwhelming majorities, American adults prefer granite to any other countertop surface for their dream kitchens, and believe granite countertops increase home resale values, according to a new national survey’s findings.

The survey of 2,021 U.S. adults aged 18 and over was conducted in October by Harris Interactive on behalf of the Marble Institute of America (MIA). It asked respondents which countertop they would most want in their dream kitchen. At 55 percent, “granite countertops” was the most popular choice, followed distantly by “synthetic stone” at 12 percent.

Asked how much they agree with the statement “granite countertops increase the resale value of a home,” 90 percent of respondents strongly or somewhat agreed.
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“After months of inaccurate reporting and questionable research aimed at raising doubts about granite, it’s gratifying to know consumers believe granite countertops are as safe as they are beautiful, practical and durable,” said MIA President Guido Gliori.

In fact, 84 percent strongly or somewhat agreed with the statement “Granite countertops are among the most safe, beautiful and durable kitchen counter surfaces on the market today.”

“The survey results show consumers’ preferences for granite countertops are virtually the same across all regions, genders and age groups,” Gliori said.

For more information, visit www.usenaturalstone.com.

Survey Finds Granite Countertops Still No. 1

(NewsUSA) - By overwhelming majorities, American adults prefer granite to any other countertop surface for their dream kitchens, and believe granite countertops increase home resale values, according to a new national survey’s findings.

The survey of 2,021 U.S. adults aged 18 and over was conducted in October by Harris Interactive on behalf of the Marble Institute of America (MIA). It asked respondents which countertop they would most want in their dream kitchen. At 55 percent, “granite countertops” was the most popular choice, followed distantly by “synthetic stone” at 12 percent.

Asked how much they agree with the statement “granite countertops increase the resale value of a home,” 90 percent of respondents strongly or somewhat agreed.
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“After months of inaccurate reporting and questionable research aimed at raising doubts about granite, it’s gratifying to know consumers believe granite countertops are as safe as they are beautiful, practical and durable,” said MIA President Guido Gliori.

In fact, 84 percent strongly or somewhat agreed with the statement “Granite countertops are among the most safe, beautiful and durable kitchen counter surfaces on the market today.”

“The survey results show consumers’ preferences for granite countertops are virtually the same across all regions, genders and age groups,” Gliori said.

For more information, visit www.usenaturalstone.com.

Interiors and Home Remodeling in a Credit Crunch World

Home improvement or remodelling is one of the best ways of adding value to your home as well as improving its functionality. If you cannot move home because of tough economic conditions then it is worth remembering the adage “Don’t Move, Improve”.

That said, you need to be prudent with your budget, and in the current economic climate perhaps doubly so. Therefore, before you splash out on the latest gee-whizz gadgetry for your home let us steer you in the right direction.

Decide your budget - and stick to it

Before you even contemplate improvement work decide your budget limit - remember you need day to day things like food, clothing, heating etc. And don’t take on extra debt that you cannot realistically service from your income.

Practical jobs

Make a list of practical tasks that could reduce the cost of running your home, such as energy efficient light bulbs, repair dripping taps, reducing heat loss and draughts, putting timers or motion activated sensors on outdoor lighting. If you can change to a cheaper supplier for electricity or change to a cheaper source of heating then add this to your list.

Are there rooms that you rarely use? Make sure the radiators or other heating have zoned thermostats so you can drop the temperature in these areas in winter to around 12 degrees rather than 22 centigrade. If you do this for guest rooms you can turn the heat up before guests arrive.

Low cost improvements

There are three routes to working on a budget.

1) Look for bargains or big sale discounts when you shop around for materials, price compare on the internet (but always factor in carriage costs).

2) Seek out second hand items and repair/refurbish. This gives new life to old and can be particularly effective with furniture. Take advantage of other people who are not as prudent with their money as you are.

3) Undertake labour yourself rather than paying a tradesman. Unless you are undertaking structural, plumbing, plastering or electrical work most work in the home can be undertaken by the moderately competent home owner. If you have doubts or if the job is too big why not team up with friends to undertake a project - then have a party to celebrate the completion! Don’t forget to reciprocate when your friends need help.

Practical value-for-money improvements

Painting: perhaps the easiest way to rapidly and cheaply make-over a home. The tools are cheap. Most of the work can be undertaken by anyone with free time. It is worth noting that shopping for “budget” paint is often a false economy. If you hire a professional decorator most of the cost will be labour, not materials, so if you do it yourself the job becomes very cost effective.

Exterior painting shoul
not be skimped even in the credit crunch since the paint is there not just to look nice; rather it should be protecting wood from the weather.

Wall decor: pictures, prints, clocks etc can be picked up cheaply and can look good without breaking the bank. Second hand pictures can be refreshed by re-framing; this is best done by a professional if you want the best result but because it is a quick job it will not be too costly.

Lighting: look for table and wall lamps in the sales from the big superstores (Home Depot, Walmart, B&Q etc) but if you are careful you do not have to sacrifice style for economy. You can even re-use and revamp existing lamps by purchasing new shades and brighter bulbs (energy efficient of course!).

Wooden furniture: if you have natural wood you can easily refresh it at low cost. Sanding, then waxing or polishing the wood will give it a new life. You can even stain/dye the wood to a new shade. All this can be done at low cost without the cost of hiring a contractor.

Floors: wooden floors are easy to revamp and often you can then give them a completely new look with a new feature rug. Carpets are trickier to do economically. New carpets are not cheap and if you are fitting awkward shapes or up staircases you will need a professional. We would suggest that you keep your existing carpet but hire a high quality carpet cleaning machine to remove ground in dirt and smell. If the carpet is damaged or thread-bare or badly stained your best credit-crunch option is to invest in a rug to disguise the problem.

Windows: once you have repainted your window frames and the walls invest in new window dressings. You can achieve great results for curtains by using lower cost fabrics made up with more exotic headings combined with lining and interlining to give a more sumptuous feel. At same time the thicker curtains will reduce draughts and heat loss. If you are able to make your own curtains so much the better. You might something good amongst ready made curtains but rarely will they be the right dimensions and rarely will they be interlined. One other option would a curtain exchange, where you could pick up a bargain that at most would require dry-cleaning and maybe hemming up to fit.

Finally

These are just a few practical tips that will help you revamp your home on a tight budget. If in doubt look at design magazines for style inspiration, then make a shopping list, watch for sales, collect discount coupons and get on first name terms with your local thrift store!

You will be amazed at what you can achieve.

Bronia Suszczenia is co-founder and Creative Director of Art from the Start Ltd a firm of interior designers in Yorkshire England. She has also recently established Fabric Gallery and Interiors a retailer of quality curtain fabrics, curtains and blinds in York England.

New Trends in Paint Colors For 2009

Tired of the same old color schemes? These three fresh new color combinations are the perfect way to give your home a contemporary new look.

Heather and Chalk

Purple is a big trend for 2009, but deep tones can be overwhelming, so follow our tips to help you get it right

Go for soft heather purples balanced with creamy off-whites. These soothing colors are easy to live with and cobined with light wood, work well to create the perfect country scheme.

Use your curtain fabric as a starting point for your color scheme. Choose a floral-print fabric with vintage-style purple blooms and then co-ordinate this with your wall paint.

Choose chunky, waxed oak furniture and an aged leather armchair to achieve a timeless look. Then add a big sofa piled with cushions that you can really sink into.

Pick out the heather tones with purple accessories and use wool and cashmere cushions and throws to add a luxurious feel.

Slate and Coral

Be bold with fiery coral, cooled by slate grey and arctic white; this scheme is as modern as they come

Grey is a soft and calming color, perfect for creating a relaxing living room. It’s a practical choice for a modern interior and it can be easily livened up with bright coral and accents of white.

Layer tones of grey in the furniture, carpet and some accessories, then pick a punchy statement shade of coral for the walls.

Keep shapes
and patterns simple and pick up on the coral from the walls with the cushions, accessories and curtains. Compliment the color scheme with a fabric which mixes in a touch of grey, too.

A few quirky items in pure white, such as a clock and table, will stand out and lift the scheme.

Duck-egg Blue and Rose

Duck-egg blue is a classic choice and combined with pink it creates a contemporary, elegant look.

Cool duck-egg blue and warm rose pink make a perfect colour combination for an elegant living room. Keep this mix fresh by adding an Oriental twist.

Paint the walls in this soft blue shade then choose flooring and upholstery in warm neutral tones, before adding the vibrant shade of pink.

Follow the Eastern theme by combining chinoiserie-print curtains with embroidered cushions and dark wood furniture and flooring. Ornamental bridcages and orchids complete the look.

Give the rose accent more impact by keeping accessories, such as picture frames and ceramics, neutral.

You can find more information on interior design and interior design ideas at house to home, helping you create a look you’ll love.

Five Common Carpet Myths Debunked

Fact: Carpets come in patterns ranging from traditional hounds tooth to exotic zebra, and in stylish colors like chocolate or mint green. Many consumers use a mix of carpet, hardwood and tile in their homes.

Myth 4: Carpet emits harmful chemicals that cause health problems.

Fact: Carpet is one of the lowest emitters of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) among household furnishings and building materials. Shaw carpets meet the industry’s highest VOC standard, the Carpet & Rug Institute’s Green Label Plus program.

Myth 5: Carpet is bad for the environment.

Fact: Floor manufacturers now provide many eco-friendly options for environmentally conscious consumers. Shaw carpets made of Anso or EverTouch nylon can be recycled at Shaw’s Evergreen Nylon Recycling Facility, where they are broken down and remade into new carpet fiber. The process helps turn carpet into a renewable product and keeps carpet waste out of landfills. In fact, Shaw has collected 178 million pounds of post-consumer carpet since 2006.

For more information about Shaw’s various carpet and hard-surface flooring options or to view the company’s online product catalog, please visit www.shawfloors.com.

Designing the Home of Your Dreams, California-Style

(NewsUSA) - Each year, many proud homeowners set out to increase the “dream” appeal of their homes - a task that can be made easier and more exciting with inspiration from the annual HGTV Dream Home. The 2009 home, located in beautiful Sonoma, Calif., is full of ideas that can help you amp up the dream quotient of your existing home. Investing time and love in your home can prove to be a rewarding experience whether you’re dreaming of a wine-country Victorian home, a Manhattan high-rise or an inviting log cabin. Here are a few tips:

* When choosing a color palette for your home, look at the colors in your area. Do you live in a desert or by the beach? Using color to connect your home to the outside environment will create a

* more natural feel.
* Identify the strengths of your home, then play them up. If you see natural focal points, make them pop with eye-catching art.
* Consider how you will use your home. Plan spaces where you can have fun with family and friends along with secluded places in which to relax.
* If you have a home office, and clients visit often, consider creating a separate entrance to maintain privacy in your home.
* Think about things you really love and are passionate about and include them in your home. Find a space for what makes you happy.
* Use your rooms. If you never use the formal dining room, turn it into an art studio or office so you can enjoy all of your home.
* Give yourself the luxury of a fabulous master bedroom. This is the ultimate DREAM and you can find inspiration on air and online at HGTV.

For more information on how you can enter for a chance to win the HGTV Dream Home visit HGTV.com/dreamhome.

Linda Woodrum has served as HGTV’s Dream Home designer for the past 12 years.

Upgrade Your Lighting With These Simple Tips

(NewsUSA) - When it comes to home decorating, lighting proves just as important as paint color. Quality lighting allows residents to perform tasks without eyestrain and creates a warm, comfortable feel.

When lighting a room, remember that you will need more than one type of light. You will need to use general lighting, or overall illumination, and task lighting, which helps you perform tasks like reading or cooking without eyestrain. Many homeowners also use accent lighting to spotlight paintings, shelves or other areas of visual interest. Using all three types of light will help homes look more attractive.

The American Lighting Association offers these tips for Americans looking to update their lighting in the different areas of their home:

* Use light to create an attractive living room. To make a focal point, consider using recessed downlight above the fireplace mantel. The light will make stone and brick surfaces look more intricate. Place floorlamps behind arm chairs to provide light

* for reading or other activities. Highlight paintings with low-voltage, tungsten-halogen picture lights, which shine white light directly on the painting.
* Brighten up your kitchen. A large ceiling light will provide adequate general lighting but might not let you see into cabinets or on your stove range. Add supplemental lighting where you need to perform specific tasks. Track lights over the stove and the sink, for example, will help you see when your onions are browned and when your pots look clean.
* Create an elegant feel in the dining room. Use a chandelier above the dining room table to provide functional light and to highlight any centerpieces.
* Use light to create a calming bedroom. Use wall sconces, chandeliers, fanlights or downlights to create enough light for you to get dressed, then add additional lights near your vanity and in your closet. Consider installing swing-arm wall lamps on either side of your bed. The lights will provide enough illumination for reading but won’t take up space on your nightstand.

For more information, visit www.americanlightingassoc.com.