Some Tips for More Effective Lighting

Lighting can cost you as much as 20% of your electric bill; you can find substantial savings by focusing upon energy efficiency. And don’t forget that while you’re saving money on your electric bill, you’re helping save the environment!

• Use compact fluorescent bulbs wherever possible. This relatively new kind of bulb may be more expensive, but is three to four times more energy efficient and may last up to ten times as long.
• Instead of brightly lighting every room, use task and accent lighting to light the specific areas of each room that you use.
• Turn off lights when not needed.
• Use one large bulb instead of several in areas that require bright general lighting.
  When possible, use natural light from windows and skylights.

Choosing the Right Paint Color

When it comes to decorating, choosing paint color can really be a challenge. While you may feel that there are so many choices you're bound to find the right one, you may end up feeling that there are so many choices you don't know where to start!

The tips here will really help you if you feel stumped by this important choice:-

• Be Patient
• Coordinate Decorating Samples
• Really Study the Colors
• Tried and True Formula for Colors
• Trim it Out
• Choose the Paint Finish for the Job
  

Teens Room

Teen rooms can be a real challenge. The mosr important thing to remember whe decorating or redorating a teen room is to keep an open mind and listen to your teen's thoughts regarding her own space.

Elements of the simple and using trendy accessories to enchance not overpower the room.

• Update your teen's furniture with a coat of paint or other decorative touches.
• Turn a small table into a cool make-up vanity by painting it to match the room's decor.
• If your teen opts for a deep color on her walls, acccent the room with a few bright accessories to bring a sense opf warmth to her space.
• Use colorful bed linens to bring decorative elements together.
• Looking for a little height and drama? Think vertical stripes in vibrant colors.
• Don't affiliate worn out wall-to-wall carpeting instead opt for a low maintenance painted floor with throw rugs.

How to Lengthen the Life of Your Flower Arrangement

• Keep the vase filled (or floral foam soaked) with water containing a flower food provided by your florist. Flower foods make flowers last longer but it is important to follow the mixing directions on the flower food packet. Most packets are to be mixed with either a pint or a quart of water. Flower foods should not be diluted with more water than is specified on the packet.
• If the flower food solution becomes cloudy, replace it entirely with properly mixed flower food solution. If possible, re-cut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife. Be sure to use a sharp knife or clippers that will not crush the stems. Immediately place the stems into solution.
• Keep flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or on top of televisions or radiators. (Appliances like televisions give off heat, which causes flowers to dehydrate.) Most flowers will last longer under cool conditions.

Flower Arranging Tip

Cut floral wire and make it into a ball.

Place floral tape inside bottom of vase.

Put the wire on top of the tape to secure cut flowers.

Creative Floral Displays

Toothbrush Holder Vase
Enclosed toothbrush holders are perfect for arranging small flower displays. Add water to the cup half of the holder, replace the top, and slip flower stems through the toothbrush holes.
Crate and Carry-All Planters

Old toolboxes, milk bottle carriers and other interesting carry-alls are suitable containers for small potted plants. Mix a variety of plants or plant colors in each partition of the container for a dazzling springtime display.

Dress Up Your Bath

5 Ways to Dress up Your Bath, in a Flash, for Little Cash!

Often the bathroom is one of the most overlooked rooms in the home when it comes to decorating. We tend to see it as a utilitarian space, even though we spend quite a lot of time here. Tips on turning your bath into a relaxing and soothing to retreat yourself and your guests, without spending a lot of cash.

• Paint the whole room, including the ceiling a deep, rich color. Even though this is a small room, a deep color on the walls allows them to fade away, and at once makes the room cozy and seems more spacious.
• Get rid of the clutter! If you can’t get most of the makeup and shaving cream under the sink, pick up a few baskets and corral them in.
• Make sure there is a hamper. If you are short on space, use the kind that hangs on the back of the door. A large drawstring bag would work for this also.
• Dress up that large frameless mirror. Hang swags of fabric from cup hooks to hide and soften the edges of the mirror, and to give it a "frame". Or actually use cut lengths of 1x4 lumber, and attach them to the wall over the edges of the mirror to simulate a real wood frame. You can paint or stain them as well to coordinate with your cabinets.
• Speaking of cabinets, how about giving them a quick redo.
  Paint them black for a sophisticated look, or white with sponge painting for a country theme. Try any of the hot faux finishes. You can even paint the Formica counters. Just clean well and use a special primer first such as BIN. Then seal with 4-6 coats of polyurethane after the paint dries. Should last for years!
• Lastly, add some detail to the room. Sew fabric edging to your towels, add a shell for a soap dish, and stitch up a pretty shower curtain to cover that vinyl one. If you have natural light in the room from a window, add a plant or two.

Tips On Decorative Lighthing For Beautiful Home

One of the most beautiful, elegant and dainty form of lighting is chandelier lighting. A chandelier of the right kind and size can add a whole new dimension to a room. There is no doubt that a chandelier light adds to the elegance of a room. For the chandelier lighting to have the right impact on the room and its décor, the chandelier light must be hung properly. Here are a few tips to follow while hanging a chandelier light:

• A chandelier being hung in the dinning room must be placed in the middle of the dinning table and the room.
• It is best to buy a chandelier that is about a foot smaller that your dinning table.
• It must be placed at a distance of at about 48 inches from the edges of the room.
• If your ceiling is 8 feet high then the chandelier should be hung about 30 to34 inches above the dinning table.
• Light from the chandelier bulbs that are just above a person can be hot and uncomfortable.
• Do not use bulbs with high wattage, as they will cause excessive heat.
• Use a wall dimmer to control the intensity of light and to set the mood.
• Placing a chandelier in a lobby or foyer is an excellent way of demarking the interior of the house from the exterior.
• While fixing a chandelier in the foyer hang it at a height that it illuminates stairways clearly.
• Chandeliers hung in the lobby can be broad and longer than ones used in dinning rooms.
• Conceal the wire or chain of the chandelier with some pretty fabric. Use fabric that is thrice as long as the chain and it will give the chain a beautiful bunched up appearance.

Feng Shui Tips

DO's for Kitchen Feng Shui

Use your stove as much as possible. The stove represents your ability to maximize your potential. The more often you cook, the easier it will be to take advantage of opportunities for health, wealth and romance.

Keep fresh food out for people to enjoy. Displaying healthy food lets people know that your kitchen is a place to be nourished and nurtured. A bowl of fresh fruit will support your emotional and physical health.

Feng Shui Tips

Create a welcoming feeling at the entrance to your home.Placing flowerbeds or flower arrangements in ceramic pots around your front door gives everyone who walks in a feeling of welcome, especially if they are beautiful and well-tended. De-clutter your front door area, making sure all dead plants are removed and that garbage cans are not placed in this area. If animals appeal to you, place images of two lions or dogs lying down the most traditional are Chinese fu dogs on the left and right of your front door. The resting gesture of the animals reflects that you are both open to visitors and also protected. This is a fun and safe symbol for the front of your home.

Improving The Mood of Your Home: Using Scents

Great tips on how to help your home influence your mood!

Essential oils are used to scent the rooms in your home.Essential oils are scents that have been distilled from the elements of a plant (including the leaves, flowers, stems, roots, and bark). These oils tend to be clear or amber in color and contain a highly concentrated aroma. Unlike perfumes and room sprays, essential oils are completely natural. Specific essential aromatherapy oils are designed to help your body and mind in specific ways. For instance, relaxing oils include vanilla, sandalwood, and lavender, while uplifting oils include lemon, orange, and peppermint.

Essential oils can be used in a number of ways to help scent your home:

• Dilute the oil using tap water and spray on your sheets, upholstery, and carpets.
• Place a few drops of oil on an unscented candle. When the candle is lit, it will heat the oil and allow it to scent the whole room.
• Simmer essential oils on your stovetop. Just add a few drops of oil to a pan of water and simmer.

Pot Pourri is a natural way to uplift your mood and senses. Pot pourri is made up of a mixture of dried flowers, spices, and other aromatic smells. Pot pourri mixtures are often placed in decorative bowls, vases, or baskets to provide a wonderful smell and visual appeal.

Bedroom Feng Shui

Tips for Things to Avoid

Remove or cover any mirrors in the bedroom during sleep.A bedroom mirror that reflects the bed creates the most serious problems. A single person is less apt to attract a romantic partner in fact, the mirror doubles his or her solitude. A couple with a mirror reflecting the bed is more apt to attract a third person who may disrupt their relationship. People with depression and related stress and health issues also are affected by a mirror reflecting the bed because it disturbs sleep. In all these cases, cover the mirror at night during waking hours it's fine to uncover your bedroom mirrors.

Remove any water images from the bedroom.Water creates an energy field of too much emotion. When people have water in their bedroom, it can also create problems in their relationship including lack of passion, because the water cools down the fire. It can also interfere with concentration for students and cause emotional problems for children. Remove any water images or fountains and place them where life is more active in your home. For similar reasons, it's not a good idea to have an aquarium in a bedroom. If you can't move it, at least cover it at night.

Three Principles of Room Décor

Every room needs to be decorated, keeping three things in mind:

• Harmony of all the décor ideas that are to be used in the room to create a perfect visual and aesthetic balance.
• Its functionality and uses.
• The mood, vibrancy and energy level of the setting that you want in the room.
  

The style to be followed, furniture to be kept in the room, storage area and cabinet design in the room, furniture and furnishings of the room and layout and seating arrangement of the room, all are decided upon and judged according to the above said three principles.

Master Bedroom With A Masculine Feel

Functionalities Decided Upon:

• Quiet retreat for complete relaxation and sleep.
• Comfortable reading area.
• Romantic enough for couples.

Things That Can Help You To Achieve The Above:

• Window to provide natural light and proper ventilation of air.
• A pair of bedside lamps to supplement the light to allow for reading in bed.
• Bookshelves behind the headboard to keep books and family photos.
• A bench, low dresser or a hope chest at the foot of the bed not only adds the style to the bed but also is quite functional. Sprinkle rose petals on it for instant romantic makeover of the bedroom or keep a laptop computer on it to keep in touch with your office and lady love at the same time or even drop the robe or lap blanket on it while changing clothes.

Mood of The Room:

• Masculine.
• Restful.
• Modern.
• Demure.

Accessories That Can Help You To Achieve The Above:

• Leather headboard in a dark solid color that darkens the room.
• Using simple solid neutral colors for the sedate mood.
• Plain sisal carpet in a light color to brighten up the room a little.

To achieve harmony:

• Avoid all clutter and useless products in the room.
• Neutrals make the room look demure and restful at the same time working as the unification factor, though you can use some accents in bright colors such as red and green for dramatic touches but subdued to the level that they don't disrupt the harmony.
• Classic furniture and contemporary furnishing work well for the room as frills make it look feminine.

Small bathroom design tips

When renovating a small bathroom you want to try and give the illusion of space. Consider the following.

• The illusion of height
  Vertical lines add height to a room by drawing the eye upwards. Tiles that are extended to the ceiling can make a small bathroom feel larger. Painting a vertical stripe or using a similar wallpaper pattern is also a good idea.


• Another way to draw the eye upwards is by lining the edge, or ‘crown’ of the ceiling with a border; perhaps a cornice, or a patterned tile around the top of the walls.

Lights and mirrors

• Mirrors are a great way to add depth, width and length to a small room but be careful not to over do it, one mirror is generally enough. The mirror will also help to distribute light throughout the room.
• Clear shower screens as opposed to opaque gives the illusion of more space and light. A fully frameless shower screen doesn't create any visual barriers at all and can work brilliantly in a small bathroom.
• Make use of natural light. A skylight will solve problems if the room is oriented away from the sun.
• Illuminating the perimeter of the room will make it seem larger, and also get rid of dark corners. A good idea is to place shelves on the walls near the ceiling and fit lights underneath them.

Colour

• The key word is ‘simple’. For example, don’t use a busy wallpaper pattern, as the room will seem smaller and more cluttered.
• Light coloured walls, floors and décor can make a room seem larger. We suggest using pastel tones, neutrals or whites.

Tiles

• Larger tiles create a sense of space, as do rectified porcelain tiles. Because of the way they are made, rectified porcelain tiles are identically-shaped, meaning narrower grout lines and less visual fuss.
• The feeling of space can be generated by more visible tiled floor. This can be produced with floating cabinets and a pedestal or wall mounted sink. The vanity unit on the other hand, takes up a lot of floor space and is best avoided.

Storage, sinks and baths

• Pedestal basins are a great way of adding space, as they don’t sit atop a bulky structure. However, when choosing one of these basins, keep in mind your storage needs, and look for one with a bench.
• Make sure you include adequate storage as clutter only exacerbates the problems of a small bathroom. Exposed shelving, recessed cabinets and floating cabinets are a good option, with the latter leaving more exposed floor space.
• Placing your windows near the ceiling will free up wall space for your storage needs.
  Placing the toilet in an alcove will make efficient use of a small bathroom, and above the toilet is a great place to fit a shelf, too.
• If you want to include a relaxing bath then head for a small but deep model.

Doors

• A sliding door gives more room than a normal hinged door, and can be hidden in an in-wall cavity for a clean look.
• If you are using a hinged door, don't clutter your walls with towel racks. Hang them on the back of the door instead.

Tips for creating a children's bedroom

Future planning is the key to creating a functional and fun children's bedroom that can grow and change as your children do.Tips on how to create the ideal children's bedroom.Use these tips to create an entire room or change one element, such as flooring, walls, bed, storage and wall coverings.


Flooring

• Flooring should be a soft, impact-absorbing material such as carpet or a rug.
• Carpet should be woollen rather than nylon and avoid shaggy versions – they are hard to keep clean and a sure-fire germ breeding ground.
• If you have a hard floor that needs to be covered with rugs, the same rules apply, short-weave, woollen varieties are best. Always use an anti-slip underlay.
• Experiment with bright colours and patterns.

Walls

• Consider the walls a blank canvas that will be added to over the years.
• Choose a wash-and-wear paint variety that makes cleaning spills and marks easy.
• Consider painting a large area with chalkboard paint. This provides children with a creative space where they won't get into trouble for writing on the walls. As they get older, you can easily paint over it to match the remaining walls– after all, it is just paint.
• Have removable hooks on hand to hang the kids' artwork, height charts, a mirror and photos. Try to avoid hammering anything in permanently as their tastes will change.

Bed

• Think long term when you are buying beds – gimmicky racing car beds are fun for a year or two but they will be outgrown quickly.
• Ensure bunk beds are secured to the wall and have protective guardrails on all sides.
• Put beds next to a wall rather than in the middle of the room or under a window. This allows more play area and there is no danger of little ones climbing out the window from a bed.
• Use patterned and themed quilt covers and pillows to decorate beds. These can be interchanged as your children get older. It is a good idea to choose machine-washable fabrics, especially for younger children.

Storage

• A good storage system is the key to maintaining a tidy and organised children's bedroom.
• Divide items into such categories as ''used everyday'', ''used every other day'', ''used occasionally'' and ''seldom used''. Then store accordingly. For example, place most used items on easily accessible, open shelves and seldom used items at the top of cupboards.
• Use boxes and crates to store toys. See-through ones are best so children can see what is in them. Use colourful labels with symbols or pictures.
• Drawers are better than shelves or cupboards as they are easier to reach and organise.

Other furniture

• Stools are handy. They can be used as a step up to bed and for reaching high shelves around the rest of the home. For example, in the bathroom when cleaning teeth and washing hands. Just make sure they are stored safely away to prevent children climbing out windows and getting into things they shouldn't, such as the medicine cabinet.
• Make room for a desk and chair. This can be a spot for drawing and artwork at a young age and for homework and study as children get older. Consider the ergonomics of the area. It is a good idea to buy a good quality chair that is height-adjustable. Again, make sure you have plenty of shelving and drawer space at the desk area for stationary and books.

Window coverings

• Curtains and blinds are another element that can be interchanged over time as children get older. Choose bright colours or cartoon prints for young children. They might like to choose their own as they get older.
• Be aware of blind and curtain cords. These can be a safety hazard to toddlers.

Feng Shui Tips

Every area of a house can be viewed uniquely according to Feng Shui theory, with some rooms being more important than others just based on the amount of time spent in those locations.

TIP: BEDROOMS

One of the most important Feng Shui tips... Bedrooms should be sacred spaces where an adult or child can retreat and regenerate. We spend roughly one third of our lives in our bedroom, so maintaining balance and serenity in this area is essential.

TIP: MAIN ENTRANCE

Sometimes called the �chi gate,� the main door is like the mouth for the house. It is the gateway between the world and the privacy of the home and air currents literally enter and exit at this point. The positioning of a main door can determine the fortune or misfortune of the occupants.

TIP: SIDE ENTRANCE

Many people enter their home through a back or side door out of convenience. Garage entrances are very common as well. If this is the entrance used more than the formal front door, then the energies at this side entrance will affect you more. This does NOT however change the orientation of your house.

Cozy Home Décor

Interior Designing is all about creativity and imagination. The basic elements that we use to play around with the mood, look, personality, character and overall environment of our rooms, kitchen, bathrooms, garden, backyard, garage and home, in general, are described below:

• Fluorescent and halogen lights look harsh and are too bright for coziness and warmth in the room. Use soft incandescent lights instead.
• Direct the light to attract the attention to visually appealing focal point in the room such as down lighting as from lamps shades of table lamps or up-lighting for attracting the attention to the family photos and portraits on the walls.
• Make use of variety of textures. Soft and fluffy pillows, cushions and throw blankets make the room look cozier while baskets and hardbound books arranged neatly in book cases make the room look more sophisticated and ethnic. Black chrome armchairs, metallic round chairs, modern irregular-shaped tables and large mirrors make the room look too formal.
• For the cozy room décor, use textured furniture as sleek furniture makes the room look quite formal.
• The use of more patterns makes the room appear smaller and cozier. In a small room, use patterns sparingly.
• Throw rugs add instant warmth to the room and are great for those who are renting.
• Dark warm-toned colors on walls, furniture or furnishings make room look smaller but cozier.

Homemade Sand Candles

Quick and Easy Sand Candles

Materials:

rubber gloves
large bag of fine craft sand
food coloring
inexpensive pillar candle
spray adhesive
plastic tub

Steps:

1. Put on rubber gloves, then mix together sand and food coloring with your hands.
2. Hold the candle by the wick, then apply spray adhesive and roll into the sand

Sand Candles

Materials:

store-bought sand
water
large bucket or tub
glasses, jars, bottles, shells or other decorative items
1 lb. paraffin wax
1/3 lb. beeswax
double boiler
thermometer
crayon in color of choice
wicking with metal-bottom tabs
wooden skewer
pencil
small paintbrush
potholders

Steps:

1. Melt paraffin and beeswax in a double boiler (that is no longer used for cooking). Do not exceed 180 degrees. Add a crayon to color the wax, if desired.
2. Dampen sand with water.
3. Make the sand mold by placing a layer of damp sand at the bottom of a large bucket or tub.
4. Place glass, jar, bottles or shell into the large tub and cover with dampened sand, making sure to leave enough space to remove the item from the sand . Remove the glass, jar or bottle from the sand.
5. Place wicking into the sand mold, winding excess wick around a wooden skewer.
6. Very slowly pour the wax into the sand mold, making sure that the wick stays straight and upright. Let the wax stand overnight.
   
7. Remove the candle from the sand and brush off any excess with a small paintbrush.
8. Snip the wick off to about an inch.

Creative Floral Displays For Home

Fresh flowers and live plants always add a nice touch to any room.Try these creative ideas for displaying flowers and plants throughout the house.

Tin Can Planters and Vases

Recycle tin cans by using them as pots and vases. Place a potted plant inside the tin can top, pot and all, or re-pot the plant into the tin. If re-potting, add a layer of small rocks in the bottom allow for drainage. To display fresh-cut flowers, place a narrow glass jar inside the tin, fill it with water and then place a few flower stems in the jar.

Wineglass Vase

Make a creative statement by displaying a single blooming stem in a patterned wineglass. Fill the glass with glass pebbles and then insert one dramatic bloom. For flowers with smaller stems, use a raffia ribbon, bear grass or other ornamental grasses to tie the flowers together so they stand in the center. Position one of these creative vases at each place setting for dinner party guests.

Demitasse Cup Vase

Enhancing a table setting by placing a single stem of a Gerbera Daisy in Italian espresso or demitasse cups. Use gold or silver markers to write the name of the dinner party guest on the cup.

Tips on hardwood floor

Hardwood floors have to be taken care of properly, or they will begin to look very ragged. Though they can take a lot of abuse, there are some things you have to watch out for. You should never wash hardwood floors with a mop, and for the most part, you should never use any kind of detergent while washing them. You may damp mop your floors, but you should only do it when necessary. When taken care of properly, you only have to do this once or twice a year.

Prevention for wood floor

DIRT and GRIT : Dirt, grit and sand are your hardwood floor’s worst enemies.

They act like sandpaper on the finish, causing scratches, dents and dulling. Place floor mats at entrances to trap dirt and prevent damage.

WATER AND OTHER SPILLS : Standing water can warp a poorly finished hardwood floor and can damage the finish. Simply wipe up all spills as they happen.

HARD CLEANERS : Avoid oil soaps. They can build up and create problems when it’s time to put a maintenance coat on the floor. Instead, neutral pH cleaners made specifically for wood floors are recommended.

FURNITURE : Lift the furniture to move it avoid dragging. Felt contacts under the legs will help prevent scratches.

DENTS : Vacuum with a brush attachment don’t use vacuums with beater bars.

SUN : Direct sun can discolor your hardwood floor. Close curtains and blinds or add sheer drapes to protect from the sun’s intense UV rays.

Regular Care

SWEEP : Brooms with fine, exploded ends trap dust and grit effectively.

VACUUM : Canister vacuums with special bare floor attachments are the surest way to get rid of all the dirt and dust.

DUST MOP : Use a good dust mop one with a 12- to 18- inch cotton head and a special dust mop treatment. Spray the treatment onto the mop head 12 to 24 hours before dust mopping.

Spot Removal

• For chocolate, grease, juice, cordials and wine - use lukewarm water and a non-abrasive cleaner (such as, ammonia and water) or Pergo Floor Cleaner.

• For tar, markers, crayon, lipstick, oil, shoe polish, ink, nail polish and cigarette burns - use acetone/nail polish remover or denatured alcohol.
  

• For candle wax and chewing gum - let harden and scrape carefully with a blunt plastic scraper.

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