Closets: Design and Inspiration
When looking for a new home, one of the top priorities for each bedroom is whether or not there is enough closet space. Having enough storage can make a big difference in how spacious, relaxing and calming your bedroom feels. Here are a few examples of how to make any closet feel fabulous!
photo courtesy of myhomeideas.com
Adding a large mirror to the far wall of your closet is one of the easiest ways to add depth to your closet space. The beautiful gold detailing on the mirror frame picks up on the glamorous feel of the sparkling chandelier.
photo courtesy of pinterest.com
These expansive drum pendant lights add a bit of drama to this bright and airy walk-in closet. The windowpane cabinets help create organized storage space that still looks very stylish.
photo courtesy of fabhousewife.com
Plenty of mirrors and natural light makes this walk-in closet a dream come true. A small bench and ottoman are a good idea, if you’re fortunate to have the space, for folding your clothes, laying out some outfits or just taking a second to pull on your boots.
photo courtesy of twoellie.blogsot.com
This combined closet and bathroom makes excellent use of space, providing plenty of storage, lighting and space. Built-in shelving allows you to customize your storage to fit in perfectly with the size of your closet.
photo courtesy of designindulgencies.com
Black painted cupboards and a modern chandelier makes this closet very chic and dramatic. Recessed lights help brighten any dark corners.
photo courtesy of apartmenttheraphy.com
The crisp white French doors on this closet are a wonderful option for closets that do not offer much space. The doors open up without taking up much room outside of the closet, and allow full access to the lower drawers inside.
photo courtesy of pinterest.com
A brilliant light like this pendant light can make all the difference in how luxurious a closet feels. The mirrored center table helps add a bit of glitz to this lovely closet, as well.
photo courtesy of tobifairley.com
This fabulous closet is big enough to live in. The soft lavender color is perfect against the white in the rest of the room and the gold mirror frame. The wallpapered ceiling is a lovely accent that would help brighten even a modestly sized closet.
Author Bio: I’m a writer for Arcadian Lighting, with a background in English literature, art history and a bit of French. Every day I get to discover beautiful, inspiring interior design ideas and light fixtures, and then get to share them with blogs and websites like Home for Her. When I’m not searching for the latest inspiring interior designs, I enjoy yoga, hiking, photography and traveling to new places.
Home Renovation: How to Reduce Dust in Construction
By Kathryn Haley
One of the biggest concerns people have before beginning a renovation is the amount of dirt and dust that will be created. The idea of having their home covered in a layer of dust keeps many from starting. If you have allergies or health issues need to be extra careful.
Although you can’t eliminate all dust and dirt during a renovation, there are things you can do to reduce the amount of dust that is created and control its spread throughout your home. So whether you are using a contractor or doing the work yourself, here are some tips for reducing dust.
1/ Seal Room
You can purchase rolls of thin plastic that you can seal off the work areas with. Hang the plastic in doorways and openings and tape it to the door frames. Make sure it is a tight seal, especially when sanding drywall.
2/ Cover Ducting
Be sure to seal off the floor vents and cold air returns in the rooms you are renovating. Once dirt and dust get into the vents it will spread throughout the house when you turn the system on. It will also require you to pay to have them cleaned out. Simply close them and seal them with plastic and tape.
3/ Use Dustless Drywall Compound
If you have ever had drywall work done you know the dust gets everywhere and lingers in the air for days. I discovered this product the last time I did a major renovation and it really works. Instead of going airborne and staying airborne, the dust falls to the floor and stays there. It is available at Home Depot and other home improvement stores and it is a must if you are doing drywall work.
4/ Wear layers
You probably won’t be able to get hired workers to wear them, but if you are doing the work yourself, buy some painters overalls and wear them. They are very inexpensive, you can find them at the dollar store, and they will protect your clothes and help you control the dirt.
Wear them when you are doing drywall sanding or any other dusty task, and then remove them before leaving the room. That way you keep the dirt and dust in the room and you don’t track it throughout the house.
5/ Cut Materials Outside.
Yes, it is more convenient to set up saws near the room being renovated, especially if it is upstairs. However, cutting tiles and wood in the garage or backyard is an easy way to minimize saw dust and tile dust.
6/ Make Cleanup Easy 
Another great product that makes clean up and containing dust and dirt easier is Rosin paper. Cover your floors with the paper and tape it in place before you start renovating. Once you are finished you can simply roll up the paper with the dirt and dust inside and throw it out. An added bonus is it protects your tile or hardwood flooring from damage as well.
Let’s face it, renovations are messy. There is no way to do a renovation and not have some dirt and dust. However, if you follow these tips it will much easier to control the dirt and reduce the dust.
Do you have any other tips to help keep renovation dust under control? Let us know in the comments below.
Buying Antiques For Less: How To Buy Antiques and Save Money
Some people have a passion for antique furniture. Designs and trends that have gone out of fashion are represented in the old pieces. Antique furniture has more value than new one. With the economic situation not quite rosy, investing in antique furniture seems like a bad idea. Yet, some people prefer antique rather than any other furniture. It is quite possible to stick to your budget while indulging in your passion. Here are some ways in which you can save money on antique furniture.
Ask Your Acquaintances
If you know someone among your family and friends who has purchased antique furniture, ask them where they bought it from. In most cases, people who buy antique furniture have knowledge of the best places to buy from. You can ask them about where you can find antique furniture for a reasonable price. They will guide you in the right direction. Asking people you trust is better than relying on the expertise of a total stranger.
Explore and Browse Around
There are a number of shops that sell antique furniture. You can also visit the flea markets and bargain stores that have old furniture pieces. The more you explore, the wider the range of prices will be for you. You will have a fair idea of how much cash you would have to pay to acquire the furniture you are looking for. You have to be patient because it might take some time before you find furniture for the best price. Keep your patience and efforts up and you will finally find the best place to shop for antique furniture.
Go Online
There are several online stores that sell antique furniture. It is a good idea to go online and research about the antique furniture available for sale there. More often than not, online stores offer a better price than the brick and mortar ones. Also visit stores such as eBay where people are selling their second hand things. You might be able to find just what you are looking for at the right price.
Auctions
Attend auctions where furniture is being sold off. Chances are that you may find a good piece of antique furniture which attracts no other buyers. If you are able to come up with a good bid for it, you can take it home. Avoid the high profile auctions because investing hundreds of thousands of dollars in antique furniture is hardly a good idea. If you are looking to save money on antique furniture, attend foreclosure auctions and other small scale events.
Package Deals
Sometimes buying one piece of antique furniture might be expensive but not if you buy the whole set. Some dealers are looking to clear out their inventory and are likely to offer a better price if you are buying more than one piece. Keep your options and your wallet open and you might be able to find good deals where you can save money on antique furniture.
These are the ways in which you can save money on antique furniture.
Chris specialises in french furniture. He loves to browse around to find a great piece. At the moment, he is looking for a unique french provincial bed
Colour Trends 2012: Pantone Color of the Year Revealed
Well it’s that time of year…the new colour for 2012 has been unveiled and like last year it is a bold choice. Here is the Pantone press release.
Dance into the New Year with this vivacious and appealing reddish orange – Tangerine Tango PANTONE 17-1463.
The 2011 color of the year, PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle, encouraged us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor. Tangerine Tango, a spirited reddish orange, continues to provide the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward.
“Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”
Tangerine Tango for Interiors and More
Energize interior spaces with Tangerine Tango patterned home accessories. Pillows, bedspreads and tabletop accessories in this high-impact hue add spice to any room. Or incorporate Tangerine Tango appliances and personal electronics for an unexpected pop of color. Looking for an inexpensive way to perk up your home? Paint a wall in Tangerine Tango for a dynamic burst of energy in the kitchen, entryway or hallway.
What do you think….will you be using this colour in your home? Let us know by leaving a comment.
You can read the full press release at http://www.pantone.com
Winter Wonderland – Decorating Ideas for a White Christmas
I love white Christmas decorating ideas! There is something so elegant and sophisticated about an all white theme. Even if you are a frugal shopper, learning how to decorate for Christmas on a budget, really isn’t that hard!
I found this little adorable snowman at a discount home decor store. He has such a happy face! He resembles vintage Christmas decorations, which always make me nostalgic.
Choose Christmas accessories that appeal to you and make you feel joyful. Every time I walk in the room and look at this little guy, he just makes me happy.
Here I hung three grapevine wreaths above the bed. I changed the bed linens to all white, and added a silver reindeer on each of the bedside tables.
These decorative wreaths were easy to make. I spray painted the grapevine wreaths silver, and then added silver, white, and pale lavender wreath decorations.
This amazing decorated Christmas tree is from The Bachman’s Holiday Ideas House of 2010, and was showcased on Rachel Le Grand’s blog Nestfullofeggs.blogspot.com
I love how the packages coordinate with the colors in the tree.
This is such an easy idea, and just goes to show you that white Christmas decorating ideas can be affordable.
Whether you use real greenery or artificial sprigs, adding some large ornaments and white pearl picks is all you need to replicate this look.
Artificial snow on the floor wouldn’t work in my home, but another idea would be to lay a white tree skirt down under the pot instead.
Wrap your presents in white paper, and white ribbon to continue your white Christmas decorating theme. Place a white tree in a silver or white bucket, and then use pillow batting to place around the base of the tree.
To add a delicate touch of color, light blue mixed in with your white Christmas decorations gives a soft winter look. A pale blue mixed with the silver and white create a mini winter wonderland. Here is another example of incorporating blue into your white Christmas theme.
How simple is this idea? Silver painted sticks placed in a glass vase embellished with silver ornaments. Gorgeous!
I love a white Christmas table setting. It is easy and elegant. Simple white dishes, silver chargers, and glass hurricane candle holders, all put together make this table lovely. A bowl with unique ornaments always creates a stunning centerpiece.
Most of the items you purchase to create White Christmas decorating ideas can be used throughout the winter season. I hope you enjoyed these ideas, and I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.
Article Source: http://www.decorating-ideas-made-easy.com/index.html
Winter Maintenance: How to Keep Your House Warm
By Glenn Duxbury
As the winter season approaches and things start cooling down outside, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your home for the season. Beyond the usual preparations for temperature change and worrying about a drafty home, it’s also important to consider the fact the winter season means spending a lot more time indoors.
In winter, the furnace (or other heat source) is the heart of your house. Before anything else gets done, make sure you check your filter. If it’s old and dusty, you can either clean it or replace it. If your house /town home runs on forced air, you should spend the money to get the ducts vacuumed. Getting rid of the previous year’s dust, pet dander and other dangerous build-ups, instead of blowing them around your house for another season, is well worth the investment.
Next, make sure you’ve got a good and working carbon monoxide detector & smoke alarms on all levels. If you’ve got such already, make sure they work – you don’t want to endanger yourself or your family with faulty safety equipment.
You’ll also need to take humidity into account. Check the de-humistat connected to the main Bathroom fan is set properly and the fan is clean. If clogged, you can clean it with a vacuum or replace it entirely – especially if excessively NOISY and you cannot stand it. If you live in an apartment with radiators or electric heat, those can be vacuumed of accumulated dust.
Now, before you start sealing up your home for the season, you might want to give your house or apartment a really good cleaning. Get into those small, dusty areas and scrub them well, this way you can start your indoor season with a fresh, clean environment.
Keeping warm in the winter means ensuring you keep the heat inside. This means weatherproofing your doors and windows, plus the attic hatch cover.
Speaking of the attic, is the level of insulation sufficient ? Is your attic healthy (dry and clean) ? Anything living up there ???
For doors, there are a few things you can do to keep the draft from winning the battle for heat:
1. Install a sweep along the bottom of all your exterior doors. The sweep screws into the door and it has an adjustable rubber edge that makes a seal, which stops the draft from coming in under the doorway.
2. Apply “sticky foam” (like tape) to the inside edges of the door trim, sealing up the doorway against the winter winds.
3. Purchase weather-stripping which screws onto the outside edge of the doorway.
For windows:
1. Purchase temporary, removable caulking. Make sure you read and follow the instructions because, when the spring comes around, you don’t want to ruin your walls and/or window panes when you remove the caulking.
2. Use removable draft seal, which is also like tape. Simply tape up your windows in the winter and peel the tape off in the spring.
3. Finally, the old standard plastic (apply by blow-drying) is also an option. If you don’t want to seal up your windows, you can always avoid window drafts are by making use of window coverings like heavy drapes or blinds.
Now, don’t seal up all of your windows! Make sure you can still open one or two of the best which have a good seal when closed because even thought it might be cold, it’s still important to get some fresh air inside.
Now your space will be warm for the season, why not make it cheerful?
Buy some potpourri or beeswax candles (which naturally keep areas dust free) and ‘green up’ your space with some plants, which add some much needed oxygen to any home.
Keeping a warm, comforting and energy efficient home is one way to beat the winter doldrums!
On the outside:
1. Clean debris out of gutters.
2. Have roof checked to ensure no leaks.
3. Bring snow shovels to an easily accessible place near your house door
(i.e. not the crawlspace or the detached garage).
4. Purchase chemical de-icer or salt to have on hand for walkways and driveways. Remember – salt is for pavement and chemical de-icer is for concrete. Never place salt on concrete!!
5. Have your furnace and gas fireplaces serviced if not already done. Change or clean your furnace filter.
6. Turn off your hose bibs (outside taps) and remove hoses to storage. If your hose bibs are not frost protected, either install a heat tracer wire on your pipes or wrap with a cloth or towel to protect them from freezing.
7. Ensure you have working flashlights and candles easily accessible for those unexpected power outages.
8. If you have a wood burning fireplace you should have your flue cleaned and checked prior to using it this winter. Ensure your smoke damper is closing properly – against excessive heat-loss. Also remember not to burn Xmas wrap in your fireplace. This is a major cause of chimney fires.
It is always wise to purchase the items that are necessary, early – so you do not get so surprised at the hardware store after the first snowfall when they have sold out all snow shovels and de-icer.
Glenn Duxbury & Associates- Building Inspection and Consulting
“Uncovering Tomorrow’s Surprises, TODAY !”
604 524-2502 http://www.glennduxbury-inspections.com
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