Decorating is most often done upon moving into a home whether it is purchased new or already established but it can also be done whenever the mood hits or one has outgrown a particular design. When decorating or re-decorating a room, the first question that should be asked is: What is the purpose of this space?
The purpose of a space may not simply be a functional purpose, it might also be what feeling or mood the room should emit. For example, the purpose of a dining room might be to provide a place to gather and eat a meal. This is true. But, the purpose might also be to make the extended family feel welcome and inspire conversation. Or the purpose of a bedroom might be to provide a place to sleep, but it might also be to provide a peaceful sanctuary from the hassles of everyday life. The secondary purpose of a room may vary
once the purpose of the room is decided; the next step is to find the pieces of furniture and accessories that will match that purpose. However, if the piece is made of synthetic materials, has a very unorthodox shape or color and is real cheap (or worse, way over-priced), it is probably not worth the money. One or two pieces such as this may be a fun and whimsical addition to a room--they can be traded out at any time--but an entire room like this will have to be redone sooner than later. Investing in quality pieces will save time and money and offer a higher resale price when changing them out.
The garden themes can be changed seasonally and the pieces can be stored in a dry place and reused in the following cycle of the seasons. A very practical way in curbing your expense, yet offer a periodic changed look.
A good place to find various types of these home and garden items that are theme oriented on the internet is at Family-eStore.com. They offer a good selection of items or gifts for you or for you to buy for someone else, to help you or your friends to decorate or redecorate with. They also offer very competitive pricing and you will also have a good feeling in helping someone else because they donate 10% of all their sales to various charities.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Planters Accent Your Home and Garden
The right planter in the right setting brings style, function and beauty to any indoor room or outdoor location. Planters can be used as a unique focal point or a graceful accent in any garden, patio, porch or room. The secret is finding the perfect planter - one that reflects the owner's personality and surroundings while maintaining lasting durability.
Planters come in a large variety of shapes, sizes, designs, materials and price points, which makes some planters a better choice than others. In today's market, the unlimited assortment can also create unlimited indecision. Knowing a few useful tips can simplify the decision-making process and help consumers purchase plantersthat will bring years of pleasure.
Considerations Before Purchasing A Planter
o Location (shade, sun, extreme weather)
o Maneuverability
o Size, Shape, Style, Color, Finish, Texture
o Drainage Hole and/or Self-Watering Options
o Durability & Longevity
o Artistic/Decorative Impact
o Reflect Personality of Owner/Home/Surroundings
o Materials (Learn the advantages and disadvantages of planter materials such as clay, terracotta, concrete, metal, wood, resin, fiberglass, etc.)
o Storage Concerns
A great way to get started is to purchase a matching set of various sized planters ranging from three, five or seven in total. Five containers used in a corner of a patio will help define your entertainment space. This grouped planter display can provide privacy and help tie in your overall outdoor living area. Don't be afraid of using bright and vivid containers such as oranges, iridescent blues and reds. These colors can help liven up outdoor spaces.
Combining plants is a fun part of container gardening. Try mixing and matching different plants such as annuals, tropicals, perennials, trees, shrubs, vines and vegetables. Before planting, arrange the new plants in or around your container while they are still in their small pots to see how they fit best. A good rule of thumb is to plant the tallest upright foliage plant in the center. Next, plant the shorter and more compact flowering plant to the side of the center, near the edge of the planter. Leave enough space between these plants to allow for growth. Finally, place plants with trailing or semi-trailing growth habits around the planters' outer edges leaving enough space for adequate spreading and trailing.
A word of caution: Also remove new plants from their nursery pots with care. Never remove them by pulling on their tender stems. Gently loosen or untangle the bottom inch of each plant's roots before carefully spreading them out in your planter. This helps give young plants a better start. Additional potting mix can be added to ensure the soil covers the roots of each plant. When your planting is finished, the soil should be at least an inch below the rim of the container.
Planters come in a large variety of shapes, sizes, designs, materials and price points, which makes some planters a better choice than others. In today's market, the unlimited assortment can also create unlimited indecision. Knowing a few useful tips can simplify the decision-making process and help consumers purchase plantersthat will bring years of pleasure.
Considerations Before Purchasing A Planter
o Location (shade, sun, extreme weather)
o Maneuverability
o Size, Shape, Style, Color, Finish, Texture
o Drainage Hole and/or Self-Watering Options
o Durability & Longevity
o Artistic/Decorative Impact
o Reflect Personality of Owner/Home/Surroundings
o Materials (Learn the advantages and disadvantages of planter materials such as clay, terracotta, concrete, metal, wood, resin, fiberglass, etc.)
o Storage Concerns
A great way to get started is to purchase a matching set of various sized planters ranging from three, five or seven in total. Five containers used in a corner of a patio will help define your entertainment space. This grouped planter display can provide privacy and help tie in your overall outdoor living area. Don't be afraid of using bright and vivid containers such as oranges, iridescent blues and reds. These colors can help liven up outdoor spaces.
Combining plants is a fun part of container gardening. Try mixing and matching different plants such as annuals, tropicals, perennials, trees, shrubs, vines and vegetables. Before planting, arrange the new plants in or around your container while they are still in their small pots to see how they fit best. A good rule of thumb is to plant the tallest upright foliage plant in the center. Next, plant the shorter and more compact flowering plant to the side of the center, near the edge of the planter. Leave enough space between these plants to allow for growth. Finally, place plants with trailing or semi-trailing growth habits around the planters' outer edges leaving enough space for adequate spreading and trailing.
A word of caution: Also remove new plants from their nursery pots with care. Never remove them by pulling on their tender stems. Gently loosen or untangle the bottom inch of each plant's roots before carefully spreading them out in your planter. This helps give young plants a better start. Additional potting mix can be added to ensure the soil covers the roots of each plant. When your planting is finished, the soil should be at least an inch below the rim of the container.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Travertine Tiles For Home And Garden Decor
Travertine is one of the most famous stone products for use both in the home and in the garden or yard. This classic Roman stone has been utilized for construction and tiling for thousands of years. Indeed, the Coliseum in Rome is in fact composed almost entirely of travertine not marble as many people think. Travertine is a sedimentary rock that was formed by the evaporation of water in pools of hot springs. When the water evaporated it left behind layers of minerals and these minerals are what give the stone its beautiful shades. The main hues of travertine tiles range from soft browns to dark mahogany and fiery red. Many accenting colors can be found in each tile depending on the addition of different minerals during the formation process.
Travertine tiles are used for many purposes in the home. The stone makes a very wonderful flooring and is quite common in foyers. When used on the floor the tiles require a seal coat so as to shield against staining. As the rock is sedimentary it generally has small pores and air pockets which permit the staining material into the structure if the surface is not closed. These stains are almost impossible to remove to keeping up on the sealer every few years is very important. The surface on these floor tiles will wear well as these are rather hard and tough. Other common uses in the house include as countertops or worktops and back splashes as well as trim and accent pieces. If the tiles are applied to the wall, which works well because they are so much lighter than marble, then they are not required to be sealed. But you definitely will want to use filled tiles on the counter or work top. A filled tile, like its name suggests, has all the holes and voids filled with a material that matches the color of the tile. This stops bits of food from being trapped in the face and causing a health problem. Another quite nice use is to tile throughout the bathroom.
A travertine tile shower gives you the very stylish look of an old world Roman bath. Again a sealer will be required if the cut tiles are placed on the floor or shower walls. In the garden, Travertine paving stones are quite famous as backyard floors as well as pavers throughout the garden to maintain ones feet dry. Being made of stone the pavers will be fine, but they do require to be covered from moisture in areas with cold weather because if the water filters in and then freezes, it can break the tiles. If you are planning a renovating or remodeling project Travertine tiles are worth your attention.
Travertine tiles are used for many purposes in the home. The stone makes a very wonderful flooring and is quite common in foyers. When used on the floor the tiles require a seal coat so as to shield against staining. As the rock is sedimentary it generally has small pores and air pockets which permit the staining material into the structure if the surface is not closed. These stains are almost impossible to remove to keeping up on the sealer every few years is very important. The surface on these floor tiles will wear well as these are rather hard and tough. Other common uses in the house include as countertops or worktops and back splashes as well as trim and accent pieces. If the tiles are applied to the wall, which works well because they are so much lighter than marble, then they are not required to be sealed. But you definitely will want to use filled tiles on the counter or work top. A filled tile, like its name suggests, has all the holes and voids filled with a material that matches the color of the tile. This stops bits of food from being trapped in the face and causing a health problem. Another quite nice use is to tile throughout the bathroom.
A travertine tile shower gives you the very stylish look of an old world Roman bath. Again a sealer will be required if the cut tiles are placed on the floor or shower walls. In the garden, Travertine paving stones are quite famous as backyard floors as well as pavers throughout the garden to maintain ones feet dry. Being made of stone the pavers will be fine, but they do require to be covered from moisture in areas with cold weather because if the water filters in and then freezes, it can break the tiles. If you are planning a renovating or remodeling project Travertine tiles are worth your attention.
Better Homes and Gardens Magazine
Today, "Better Homes and Gardens" magazine is one of the most popular home magazines sold. For years it has been showing people everything from how to get clutter out of a house to which plants can be grown in doors. It also has shown countless recipes and quick-fix meals. Various crafts have also been show cased.
History
This magazine actually started off under the title of "Fruit, Garden and Home" in 1922, and was published by the Meredith Corporation. This was a family and home service magazine. Then in 1924 the name was changed to "Better Homes and Gardens". When it first hit the newsstands one could buy it for $.10 a copy. The price for a subscription for a year was only $.35
Several years later in 1930 to be exact, a cookbook under the same name of the magazine was published. Building Ideas was published as a special interest publication under "Better Homes and Gardens" in 1937.
Then in 1978 a real estate service was launched under the Better Homes and Gardens name. Also the Australian version of the magazine was published. A quilting magazine under the Better Homes and Gardens name came out in 1993 offering even more information for people on home activities.
Circulation
The latest circulation figure for this magazine is a whopping 7,688,000 people. Now that is quite a following!
Content
Since early in the publication of the magazine the content has been based on the home and its garden areas. Included in the topics for the home have even been craft ideas people can make on their own. Also various ideas on home décor have been included to help one decorate their house. Tips on planting seeds and taking care of plants are even included in one current issue of this magazine.
From a 1940's information on how easy ironing was then to January 2010 article on how to cut down the clutter in the house among other things, this magazine strives to be of help to people. This magazine has had recipes on various items from cookies to bread puddings.
The recipes are all kitchen tested to make sure they work. This magazine has offered even a food guide in the past. It is quite a job to plan meals for a family and magazines like this one make the job much easier.
In the July 1963 issue had an article "How to Stay Young and Look Great". It seems like the public does not change in what they need to read since many articles are written today on that same subject. In 1965 an issue came out showcasing which campers were the latest on the market.
History
This magazine actually started off under the title of "Fruit, Garden and Home" in 1922, and was published by the Meredith Corporation. This was a family and home service magazine. Then in 1924 the name was changed to "Better Homes and Gardens". When it first hit the newsstands one could buy it for $.10 a copy. The price for a subscription for a year was only $.35
Several years later in 1930 to be exact, a cookbook under the same name of the magazine was published. Building Ideas was published as a special interest publication under "Better Homes and Gardens" in 1937.
Then in 1978 a real estate service was launched under the Better Homes and Gardens name. Also the Australian version of the magazine was published. A quilting magazine under the Better Homes and Gardens name came out in 1993 offering even more information for people on home activities.
Circulation
The latest circulation figure for this magazine is a whopping 7,688,000 people. Now that is quite a following!
Content
Since early in the publication of the magazine the content has been based on the home and its garden areas. Included in the topics for the home have even been craft ideas people can make on their own. Also various ideas on home décor have been included to help one decorate their house. Tips on planting seeds and taking care of plants are even included in one current issue of this magazine.
From a 1940's information on how easy ironing was then to January 2010 article on how to cut down the clutter in the house among other things, this magazine strives to be of help to people. This magazine has had recipes on various items from cookies to bread puddings.
The recipes are all kitchen tested to make sure they work. This magazine has offered even a food guide in the past. It is quite a job to plan meals for a family and magazines like this one make the job much easier.
In the July 1963 issue had an article "How to Stay Young and Look Great". It seems like the public does not change in what they need to read since many articles are written today on that same subject. In 1965 an issue came out showcasing which campers were the latest on the market.
Home and Garden Tools
Garden tools are a gardener's best friend (besides his garden, of course). Garden tools can do more than just help a gardener weed his garden. Garden tools are available in the market and these can also be purchased online through internet. Playground slides are great equipments for the children to have great fun. Garden tools are very helpful in getting the work done efficiently. It makes the work easier to be completed. Without the garden tools you have to use some other method of how you want the job done.
Garden tools are any tool that can be used in the practice of gardening, which is related to the practices of agriculture and horticulture. Gardening tools are a necessity if you want to be a successful gardener.
Plants require numerous trace elements for our healthy growth and equilibrium. Even microscopic amounts of trace elements have an important function in a healthy organism, including human beings. Plant Feeder takes care of your plants while you are away. Slow feeding ensures plants don't get too much water.
Plants such as foxgloves (Digitalis species) can be harvested and sown straight away either in trays or in drills taken out with a draw hoe. Once these starts growing remember either to prick them out or thin them so that they have room to develop. Planting the right flowers is never easy, garden project gives you a few ideas and suggestions on what performs the best in gardens.
Garden tools are needed by a gardener for his/her practice of growing and maintaining plants and trees. A gardener needs a wide variety of tools. Garden tools are as necessary for a gardener as hammers and nails are for a carpenter. Make sure that you have the right garden tools.
Garden tools are any tool that can be used in the practice of gardening, which is related to the practices of agriculture and horticulture.
Garden tools are manufactured keeping in mind the expected durability, versatility and weathering standards that the modern gardener desires. Gardening tools make the whole endeavor exciting for the novice and very easy for the seasoned gardener. Garden tools are stacked in one corner; theres a pile of paint cans in another; the kids bikes are parked in front of the cars; and your work bench -- well its under those boxes -- you think. A lot of people try to make their garages more user friendly by putting up peg board for the tools, hanging the bikes from hooks in the ceiling to get them out of the way, and building shelves along the walls to stack things on. Garden tools are available, but bring work gloves. Lunch will be available for those who can work until noon.
Garden tools are any tool that can be used in the practice of gardening, which is related to the practices of agriculture and horticulture. Gardening tools are a necessity if you want to be a successful gardener.
Plants require numerous trace elements for our healthy growth and equilibrium. Even microscopic amounts of trace elements have an important function in a healthy organism, including human beings. Plant Feeder takes care of your plants while you are away. Slow feeding ensures plants don't get too much water.
Plants such as foxgloves (Digitalis species) can be harvested and sown straight away either in trays or in drills taken out with a draw hoe. Once these starts growing remember either to prick them out or thin them so that they have room to develop. Planting the right flowers is never easy, garden project gives you a few ideas and suggestions on what performs the best in gardens.
Garden tools are needed by a gardener for his/her practice of growing and maintaining plants and trees. A gardener needs a wide variety of tools. Garden tools are as necessary for a gardener as hammers and nails are for a carpenter. Make sure that you have the right garden tools.
Garden tools are any tool that can be used in the practice of gardening, which is related to the practices of agriculture and horticulture.
Garden tools are manufactured keeping in mind the expected durability, versatility and weathering standards that the modern gardener desires. Gardening tools make the whole endeavor exciting for the novice and very easy for the seasoned gardener. Garden tools are stacked in one corner; theres a pile of paint cans in another; the kids bikes are parked in front of the cars; and your work bench -- well its under those boxes -- you think. A lot of people try to make their garages more user friendly by putting up peg board for the tools, hanging the bikes from hooks in the ceiling to get them out of the way, and building shelves along the walls to stack things on. Garden tools are available, but bring work gloves. Lunch will be available for those who can work until noon.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Preparing Your Home and Garden for Spring
As the cool winter begins to subside, everyone is looking forward to the coming of spring. Spring means lighter and warmer days. Nevertheless, you cannot fully enjoy spring if you do not prepare your home and garden for it. Preparing your home and garden for spring means a lot of work, so it is important to evaluate the work ahead in order to accomplish them in time. Start by checking the outside of your home and check out doors and windows. It is also a good idea to check out your exterior wall as well and find out if there are cracks, holes or leaks due to the cold season.
It is necessary to review your major home ventilation, hating and air-conditioning systems. Before the climate changes, make certain that filters are replaced or cleaned and the air conditioner in good condition. Clean windows, ceiling fans and clean the fireplace. Do not forget to check the emergency systems in your home such as the smoke alarms, home alarm, carbon monoxide alarms and fire extinguisher and make certain they are in good working condition. Check other areas in your home as well, like the roof, clean the gutters and remove twigs, leaves and branches on the roof.
Prepare your garden for spring since winter could definitely affect it. Winter has frozen your plants, trees, destroyed plants, flowers and left your garden in a kind of mess. The first thing you should do is to find out when winter ends officially so you can begin rehabilitating your garden. Remove twigs, dry leaves and other items that could mean obstructions on your garden. Clean the entire are with a rake and prepare your garden tools. Make sure they are sharp and ready for use. Start buying bulbs, seedlings and garden decorations.
Cultivate the soil so it will be ready for new plants to be planted. Prepare your walkways and areas adjacent to your landscaping. Make sure to replace old and cracked garden hoses and remove tree limbs and debris from the sidewalks. If there is no more snow in your area, it is a good time to begin planning your spring landscaping and lawn maintenance. Pressure wash paver and concrete areas that have turned dirty during winter and power wash brick walls, vinyl siding and the vertical surfaces in your home if necessary.
By preparing your home for the spring is rewarding today and still rewarding three months from now. Remember that your home goes through many changes due to climatic changes and as it ages. Spring preparation and maintenance is good for every homeowner. Furthermore, it is more important if you plan to sell your home soon. Homebuyers want to make certain that all home systems are well-maintained and taken cared of before they purchase. If you are unsure, consider hiring a professional home inspector. A home inspection covers your home from top to bottom. So, what are you waiting for? Prepare your home now because the warmer climate is just around the corner. Time to go outdoors and enjoy the sun.
It is necessary to review your major home ventilation, hating and air-conditioning systems. Before the climate changes, make certain that filters are replaced or cleaned and the air conditioner in good condition. Clean windows, ceiling fans and clean the fireplace. Do not forget to check the emergency systems in your home such as the smoke alarms, home alarm, carbon monoxide alarms and fire extinguisher and make certain they are in good working condition. Check other areas in your home as well, like the roof, clean the gutters and remove twigs, leaves and branches on the roof.
Prepare your garden for spring since winter could definitely affect it. Winter has frozen your plants, trees, destroyed plants, flowers and left your garden in a kind of mess. The first thing you should do is to find out when winter ends officially so you can begin rehabilitating your garden. Remove twigs, dry leaves and other items that could mean obstructions on your garden. Clean the entire are with a rake and prepare your garden tools. Make sure they are sharp and ready for use. Start buying bulbs, seedlings and garden decorations.
Cultivate the soil so it will be ready for new plants to be planted. Prepare your walkways and areas adjacent to your landscaping. Make sure to replace old and cracked garden hoses and remove tree limbs and debris from the sidewalks. If there is no more snow in your area, it is a good time to begin planning your spring landscaping and lawn maintenance. Pressure wash paver and concrete areas that have turned dirty during winter and power wash brick walls, vinyl siding and the vertical surfaces in your home if necessary.
By preparing your home for the spring is rewarding today and still rewarding three months from now. Remember that your home goes through many changes due to climatic changes and as it ages. Spring preparation and maintenance is good for every homeowner. Furthermore, it is more important if you plan to sell your home soon. Homebuyers want to make certain that all home systems are well-maintained and taken cared of before they purchase. If you are unsure, consider hiring a professional home inspector. A home inspection covers your home from top to bottom. So, what are you waiting for? Prepare your home now because the warmer climate is just around the corner. Time to go outdoors and enjoy the sun.
A Rock Wall Fountain Accents Home and Garden Living
A rock wall fountain offers a timeless appeal that may be designed in either a very structured or more free flowing style. These fountains may be extremely large and feature nooks and crannies or may be smaller, with some designed for use within the home, providing the relaxing, meditative sounds of the water as it flows.
Structure
The rock wall fountain may be built almost entirely of stone held in place with mortar or if designed for indoor use it may be constructed of stone or stone veneer placed on a cement board backing which has been placed on a wooden frame or built into a wall. The options and designs vary a great deal and are often very uniquely constructed to the owner's wishes. The types of stone used include brick, large or small stone and rocks, as well as cultured stone or a combination of these.
They may be built to appear as natural outcroppings or waterfalls or they may be designed with a modern look and of all evenly sized stones. The varieties and styles are endless. More than one fountain may be featured in a large rock wall fountain which is used at an entryway or for a back yard wall. There may be various concrete cast designs which spout water, or may have an even gentle flow of water across the entire face. Recessed niches either behind the water or set into an area of the wall that is dry may be used to display plants or other items.
Designing a Rock Wall Fountain
When designing for interior or exterior use consider the surrounding structure and design. A uniquely designed rock wall fountain built into a retaining wall and featuring three evenly placed gargoyle heads with spouts where they water flows into a solid structure with rocks which resembles a brick raised flower bed suits an estate home well.
A home with a country feel may desire a rock wall fountain which has outcroppings to place plants and a mix of rocks which may be found locally with overhanging shelves of rock, forming cascades for the water to flow into a pond. Interior designs may encompass an entire wall or may be built into a frame a few feet wide which has the water trickling down the face of the rocks or stones into a rectangular shaped catch which returns the water to the fountain.
The best place to begin when designing or choosing a rock wall fountain for either indoor or outside use is by looking at images online. The vast number of styles available is astounding and the images will fuel creativity and imagination which will lead to increased satisfaction with the finished product.
Shopping for Rock Wall Fountains
Many precast and preformed models are available and may be offered through local garden centers. These often are versatile enough for use both in the house and out. If purchasing a large custom built rock wall fountain a local mason or construction company would be an excellent place to begin. Building supply stores feature stone and masonry products for the do it yourselfer.
Structure
The rock wall fountain may be built almost entirely of stone held in place with mortar or if designed for indoor use it may be constructed of stone or stone veneer placed on a cement board backing which has been placed on a wooden frame or built into a wall. The options and designs vary a great deal and are often very uniquely constructed to the owner's wishes. The types of stone used include brick, large or small stone and rocks, as well as cultured stone or a combination of these.
They may be built to appear as natural outcroppings or waterfalls or they may be designed with a modern look and of all evenly sized stones. The varieties and styles are endless. More than one fountain may be featured in a large rock wall fountain which is used at an entryway or for a back yard wall. There may be various concrete cast designs which spout water, or may have an even gentle flow of water across the entire face. Recessed niches either behind the water or set into an area of the wall that is dry may be used to display plants or other items.
Designing a Rock Wall Fountain
When designing for interior or exterior use consider the surrounding structure and design. A uniquely designed rock wall fountain built into a retaining wall and featuring three evenly placed gargoyle heads with spouts where they water flows into a solid structure with rocks which resembles a brick raised flower bed suits an estate home well.
A home with a country feel may desire a rock wall fountain which has outcroppings to place plants and a mix of rocks which may be found locally with overhanging shelves of rock, forming cascades for the water to flow into a pond. Interior designs may encompass an entire wall or may be built into a frame a few feet wide which has the water trickling down the face of the rocks or stones into a rectangular shaped catch which returns the water to the fountain.
The best place to begin when designing or choosing a rock wall fountain for either indoor or outside use is by looking at images online. The vast number of styles available is astounding and the images will fuel creativity and imagination which will lead to increased satisfaction with the finished product.
Shopping for Rock Wall Fountains
Many precast and preformed models are available and may be offered through local garden centers. These often are versatile enough for use both in the house and out. If purchasing a large custom built rock wall fountain a local mason or construction company would be an excellent place to begin. Building supply stores feature stone and masonry products for the do it yourselfer.
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