Home Design And Decor

Interior Design And Decorating - For the intrepid interior designer and decorator there are many career choices. Some people prefer working as a general interior designer and decorator. Others prefer to specialize in one kind of interior designing and decorating such as southern home interior decorating or perhaps the western interior decorating theme.

Office interior design and decorating has lots of different specialties for example: blue print drawing, hallway design, lobby decorating etc. It is important to remember the goal of designing and decorating an office that would make the the clients and employees environment feel more at home than insted of a work space.

If you choose to a specialized field of interior design and decorating there are some downsides you need to be aware of. Most important to remember if you limit your scope for a certain shecailized area of interior design and decorating, you are also limiting your number of clients.

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There are also upsides to specializing in one particular area of interior design and decorating. Due diligences will be an asset in helping you make a name for yourself and perhaps become one of the top few interior designers and decorators in your specialized area of expertice.

Interior design and decorating is a specialized career with many opportunities. If you have natural creative and artistic talent this is a great way to express your personal creativity. ~Anthony Benjamin~ http://www.mysecretsites.info
By: Anthony Benjamin

About The Author Anthony Benjamin is an avid world traveler, lover of nature and animals. He loves to write and share his wealth of information and adventures in his writings. His favorite place to retreat and write is his summer home, secluded high on a mountaintop in the Great Smoky Mountains. A visit to his website is a true delight: http://www.appalachian-treasures.com

Home Security 101 The Basics Of Securing Your Home

First things first, the problem of home burglaries and home invasions is an ever increasing threat to all American homeowners.

In the latest year that statistics were released, 2004, the Bureau of Justice reported that:

* Nearly one out of six homes was violated by a burglar.
* Three fourths of all crime was property related.
* In nearly 90% of all burglaries, the burglar gained entry into the house or other building.

This is something to remember: property crime occurs every 3 seconds, a home burglary every 15 seconds.

That's the bad news. The enormously good news is that almost any expert in the field will tell you that 90%-that's right 90% of all burglaries can be prevented.

So if the odds are so good that it will happen to you and it is such a preventable event-what is it you have to do to stop the burglars?

Let's start with the basics. There are several simple things that can be done to make your home more secure in the face of almost certain intrusion from a burglar. TIME, LIGHT, NOISE-they are the biggest enemies of burglars.

As a matter of fact, homes with a security system have far fewer break-ins than those that don't. This is not an all inclusive list but one that if followed will certainly go a long way toward making your home more secure.

1. Take a critical look at your house from the outside. Look at your home as a burglar would. Is your house well lit maybe with motion activated spotlights? Are there hiding places near doors and windows? If you can spot a potential weakness in your home?s ?look? you can bet a professional burglar can exploit it. Remember that LIGHT is a burglars? enemy-darkness a friend.

2. What could slow down a burglar from entering your home? Simple home security devices such as locks on doors (deadbolts are best) and windows, bars, grates-items that are visible from the exterior of the house will not only act as a deterrent but slow down an intruder should he decide to try to enter. The more time it takes to break into a home, the more discouraged a burglar will become. TIME is the enemy of the burglar.

3. How noisy can you make it if someone gains entry? NOISE is also the enemy of the burglar. There are many home security alarms activated by doors or windows opening or by motion. The sound of a barking dog, real or recorded, are very effective and will scare most burglars away.

LIGHTS, NOISE AND TIME-they are the three biggest enemies of an intruder. If you implement these home security tips to fortify your house you may well avoid a lot of potential break-ins. Implement these home security tips and you will be able to sleep better in a more secure home.

To find out more about some effective home security devices check out the links below.

Jack Krohn is the #1 author of Home Security Articles in the country according to EzineArticles. He owns SECURITY SOLUTIONS a one stop resource that provides solutions and answers for all your self defense and home security problems.
By: Jack Krohn

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How to Creatively Decorate Using Floor Lamps

When it comes to setting the mood or atmosphere in a room, not only does proper illumination add to the allure of your personal space, but also the sources of light. While table lamps and ceiling lights serve a functional purpose, floor lamps are expansive in the many different ways one may decorate their space and showcase their creativity. Whether you choose an antique selection to brighten your den or side with a traditional Victorian fringe design for the bedroom, the never-ending possibilities of a floor lamp shine through in the mind-boggling variety in choices.

Antique Lamps

There is a certain elegance and intrigue associated with displaying an antique floor lamp. In home design, the mystery and unknown past of such an item is enough to spark the imagination, as well as provide a delightful conversation topic when family and friends visit. Today, there are manufacturers that strive to recreate this very look by emulating flowery, ornamental approaches towards antique furniture, which allows homeowners to match their lighting sources with other elements of their d?cor.

A few common features of antique lamps include the stained-glass lampshade, brass finishes, and intricate designs. When one is interested in truly decorating their home with antique floor lamps, genuine specimens may cost quite a bit, such as French antique lamps carrying a price tag of more than thousands of dollars. Usually, an antique or antique-styled floor lamp is selected because of its look and fit within a setting, rather than bringing light into the room.

One-of-a-Kind Pieces

Floor lamps are also known to serve as a work of art, as some artists fashion one-of-a-kind pieces that sometimes depict odd, creative, or unusual displays. Some of the unique possibilities of artsy floor lamps include planetary designs, sculpted wooden figures, wild animals, and abstract images. Artistic floor lamps may also use unusual objects to construct the base of the lamp, such as animal antlers, petrified wood, branches, or heat-treated metal. They may rise in the air like an ivory torch or bring the look and feel of fantasy with fairies decorating their base.

Some floor lamps are fashioned with a specific art movement in mind, such as colorful Art Deco pieces. Artists may also hand craft their samples and hand paint customized detailing on the outside of the shade to add characteristic touches for home and/or office use.

Regional Flair

Floor lamps are sometimes used to represent or pay homage to regional pride, as seen in Southwestern selections showcasing characteristic elements added to a lamp, such as images of cacti and rattlesnakes. A New York City-themed floor lamp may showcase a silhouette of the Empire State Building. Cozy wilderness scenes of Colorado and other rustic locations may utilize the image of wild critters, such as the grizzly bear or bald eagle.

Create a Mood

Floor lamps allow individuals to create a mood within their home or office that becomes the focus of the space when one enters the room. A gateway to the past may come alive with a Victorian-style street lamp displaying the soft, burnt orange glow of a custom crafted glass lampshade. Perhaps, the theme of your living room is Oriental ? a solid hardwood floor lamp with a Chinese raw lacquer finish with mother of pearl and metal chrome accents will fit into the d?cor. Color also helps create a mood, such as the vibrant shades of red in Asian-style floor lamps.

Mix and Match Color Bulbs to Match Lampshades

The unique part of purchasing a floor lamp is that you may change lampshades to the base of your favorite lamp, just as you can match different colored light bulbs to create varying effects within a room. Depending on the time of day and other outside factors, various lampshade colors transform light into an array of shades, but red, blue, green, and even yellow lights can establish the atmosphere into a controlled setting, such as a romantic environment to a room set aside for contemplation, withdrawal, or reflection.

In conclusion, the many uses and d?cor ideas regarding floor lamps are quite vast, as homeowners may choose from a host of inviting and exciting selections on the market. Today, an assortment of contemporary, traditional, hip, artisan, and antique lamps expand the possibilities of floor lamp interior design.
By: Des Smalls

About The Author Desmond Smalls is the owner of http://SnSLamps.com

Parents Working From Home Myth 2 Theres Plenty of Time

The Truth: There are very few worker who are able to choose their own hours from home. It might be that they are telecommuting, and their supervisor requires they keep office business hours, or it could be their job or business requires calls and presentations over the telephone. Either way, it's important to know what hours you can work, and if you've committed to those hours, try not to deviate from them.

The Solution: Create a schedule and stick to it as much as possible. Creating a schedule sounds easy. If you're telecommuting, you'll need to justify the hours you spend, as well as what you were doing. This will also tell you, if you're working as a freelancer or on your own business, how much your time is worth. With a schedule, you'll have some guidelines...something to send to your boss, show to your childcare worker, and tape to the front door for when friends come to call.

You may need to arrange childcare for certain hours that you plan to be home and working: your boss may require it, or you might discover it's impossible to interview people with your toddler running and screaming through the house. Knowing what your timetable looks like will show you where you can spend quality time with your kids while work hours are spent diligently.

In addition, friends and family often believe working from home means available while at home. With a schedule and a chat, you may prevent hurt feelings.

Your schedule will also keep you honest. Most people working from home know the temptation to "just pick up the living room," or "finish breakfast dishes." When you're supposed to be working, be working. Don't let the house cleaning or laundry call to you. Don't throw a load in when you start working unless you're spending your 'break' time folding it.

But before you start feeling hemmed in by your schedule, think about how to create one (if you have the freedom to create your own...some may not.). You know what your needs are. Make a general schedule to prevent interruptions, but then look at the work you have to do. It may be that, without distractions from the office, you're able to do much more in a shorter time. If so, create your personal schedule based on tasks. When you finish certain tasks, take a break. But be sure you know what needs doing each day. If you finish early and want to take a long break or finish up early, be sure you've done at least as much as your boss expects you to. Sometimes telecommuters are expected to outperform their on-site co-workers.

By: Kim Paluch

Table Lamps Can Make Your Home Decor Feel More Elegant

Just bought a new house and want to now live your dream of decorating it into the most beautiful house of your imagination? Or, its just that you now really want a new look! If yes, then you must plan the decoration step by step in such a manner that every nook and corner of your house compliments one another.

Perhaps, the first thing that you will need to decide upon is the color of the paint for your house. But, do you know that all colors need their share of lighting to liven up. Well, yes, this is a fact and table lamps are a cheap and magnificent way of livening up your abode. Many-a-times, impulsive buyers, to make their dream home come true, indulge in quick shopping and pick up table lamps from any store that they come across. Most of the times such buyers base purchases going only by the lamps' looks. However, for effective lighting, there are many other factors you need to consider other than the looks.

The first thing you must consider while buying a table lamp is that - whether it suits your taste and goes well with the shades of your house to make it vibrant and colorful. The lamps' size and shape also matter. The table lamp that you select must reflect your personality, ooze comfort, easy to operate and maintain, and most importantly suit your budget. You must also check the material of the table lamp and ensure that it suits the size of your house ? it will be ridiculous to place a huge table lamp in the corner of a small house, where every nook and corner must be utilized effectively. You need to also pay attention to the placing of the table lamp. If it is made of glass or any other breakable material, keep it in safe place that is away from the reach of children, if there are any in your house. Depending on the purpose of the table lamp, its power must be chosen. For instance, for study purposes the lamp must be of minimum 60 watts, whereas for decorative purposes it can be much lower.
By: Des Smalls

About The Author Desmond Smalls is the owner of http://SnSLamps.com.

Wall Sconces Are Unique And An Elegant Addition To Your Home Dcor

A wall sconce is a type of lighting fixture that uses a wall for support, and directs light upwards. It does not have a base on the ground, but is instead attached to a wall. Wall sconces can either contain an electric lighting fixture, or contain stands for candles of all shapes and sizes. They are typically used in hallways or corridors to provide light to areas that may need it, but also add a decorative touch to any home. Even though a wall sconce must be installed, they are very simple to add to any room. They are mounted to almost any wall, and sometimes may require minimal electrical work. Wall sconces that use candles only require mounting, which is a much simpler way to add a beautiful accent anywhere in your home. Wall sconces work great for those who do not have much space, since you don?t need a table or floor space to place them. They fit directly on the wall almost anywhere in a home, but can still provide enough light for areas that need it. Wall sconces come in a variety of different styles and sizes, which makes it very easy to find one that will fit almost any d?cor. Wall sconces work great for either indoor or outdoor use, and can be installed in a number of different ways. Wall sconces are great for those who are redecorating their home, but can also be placed even when not redecorating. They are much less expensive that buying wall lamps, and can be much easier to install. Wall sconces take up only a small amount of room, making it possible to hang up pictures and other decorations along with your lighting fixtures. Wall sconces can be installed in a number of different rooms, including hallways, bathrooms, bedrooms, and even kitchens. You can use a wall sconce to set a certain mood in a room, no matter what mood you are looking for. You can keep your bathroom feeling peaceful with a wall sconce, or even bring some excitement to your bedroom. Because you can use either candles or light fixtures, you can find something that will work in almost any room in your home. Because wall sconces can direct light in a number of different ways, it is easy to get enough light just by attaching one to your wall. They can be used to provide enough light to a dark hallway, or you may just want to add a little decorative touch to your boring wash room. No matter what you are looking for to improve in your home, wall sconces are the way to go. You will find wall sconces in a number of different colors, styles, and sizes, which makes it easy for almost anyone to find a wall sconce that will fit in with their personal d?cor.
By: Des Smalls

About The Author Desmond Smalls is the owner of http://SnSLamps.com.

What To Consider When Decorating Your Home

Home decorating for many people is about designing a living space into a personalized environment where you feel at ease and at home. Home decorating is an wonderful way of taking an out dated space and transforming it into a bright, happy atmosphere. It is not only about designing, organizing your living space, painting and manual labor. It's about accessorizing your living space which makes home accents just as important, if not more so. Decorating your home is something you can do with confidence. Decorating on a budget can be exciting if you approach it creatively. Decorating living space to living space, and acquiring a few pieces at a time makes decorating your home less stressful and takes the strain off your wallet. Decorating your living space should be a fun experience when you use your home decor to show your personal style and taste. This also assist in making your life at home more comfortable. Decorating is a exciting, creative way to show some of your interests and tastes, as well as those of your family. It?s always best to plan ahead of time, before you actually start a home decorating project, whether large or little, it?s a good idea to understand what is involved and to think about how it will be completed. Before you engage in decorating your living space, you should envision exactly what you want people to experience once they walk into the living space. Most home interior design is varied in style, with a selection of traditional and contemporary furnishings, meshing new with the old. You should carefully choose furniture that suits your family and arranging the pieces in a way that coincide with the home decorating theme. Home decorating can involve a variety of different hues, fabrics, furniture, flooring and accessories. Once you researched such things as color and how it can be applied, room proportions and planning, you'll see yourself designing new ideas for your home decorating. Design comes from within and is a reflection of your personality. Before you start to decorate, remember that most likely never is a living space decorated in one style. Most home interior design is assorted in style, with a blend of traditional and contemporary furnishings. Accessories, are usually not something that is easily copied exactly, thus, more than anything else, accessories add personality to a living area. Accessories add character to your home. whether those accessories are art work or accent pillows, try accessories that show a interesting detail and stylish decor. By purchasing the most genuine accessories, you will be able to transform your living area design to look like it was decorated by a professional minus the high cost. To highlight your interior design display a variety of home accents like stuffed animals, artwork and photos in frames. Home decorating is often seen as a desire however, it should be an exciting experience. It is of interest to anyone who wants their living space to look beautiful. Decorating your home is a memorable experience and one that will be cherished for many years to come.
By: Natasha Hopkins

About The Author Natasha Hopkins is an avid decorator and the owner of http://www.myhomedecorstore.net. She believes that it shouldn't be difficult to find bathroom furniture and accessories so she is quickly putting together a collection of furnishings for your home.

Exterior Copper Detailing Is Solid Gold In Home Sales

Home sellers find that exterior detailing, including copper weather vanes, copper planters, and Brass doorknockers provide eye-catching curb appeal that draws potential buyers. Copper weathervanes and other exterior details also add a touch of welcoming elegance and a perception of added value that can help keep sale prices high.

Even in a seller?s market, it?s important that any for-sale home stand out from other choices on a buyer?s list. ?A buyer may visit several realtors and look at up to two-dozen properties in one day,? explains businessman Russell Cazeault. ?That means it?s critical to make a good and lasting impression. Exterior detailing like copper weathervanes, copper wind chimes and copper planters are an affordable way for home owners to say ?Welcome home? to prospective buyers.?

Cazeault has been helping homes makes a good impression for 18 years. He is president of the Cape Cod Weathervane Company which offers a vast selection of decorative copper details and cooper accents for home exteriors. ?Our traditional Cape Cod copper weathervanes are hand-crafted by master artisans with unsurpassed quality and attention to detail,? says Cazeault with pride.

The company also offers a line of nautical weathervanes and has recently added Cape Cod Address Plaques to its product line. Copper weather vanes, brass door knockers, and cast aluminum address plaques are ?functional as well as artful,? says Cazeault. ?This makes them an addition to the value of any home.

Command High Prices With 10 Low-Cost Fixes

Cazeault admits that copper weathervanes may not immediately spring to mind as an incentive for buyers. In fact, when it comes time to ready a home for sale, most owners grab their ladders and paint brushes, purchase lumber and tools, and make plans to do a little fixing up. Before long, ?they?ve spent all their evenings and weekends and all their money making interior changes that may never be seen because the exterior wasn?t inviting,? explains Cazeault.

According to Cazeault, the best way to ?grab eyeballs? is with his Top Ten Quick Fixes To Improve Home Sale Prices. ?These are things any homeowner can do that provides noticeable improvement. And each item takes no more than a few hours ? many less than an hour.?
By: Ruby Ann Stevens

About The Author Ruby Ann Stevens is a native Cape Codder and freelance writer on Home Improvement and Business subjects. In this article she interviewed Russell Cazeault from the Cape Cod Weathervane Company.http://www.capecodweathervanecompany.com

When Selling A Home It Pays To Perk Up Where You Park

Realtors in a nationwide survey say replacing your garage door prior to listing your home can increase its demand and help you reach your asking price. This may largely be due to homeowner demand for more storage space making three-car garages a typical standard and a major design focal point.

If you are thinking of upgrading your home?s garage appeal you may want to consider something more than a standard steel panel door. According to ?Professional Builder? magazine, designer garage doors are one of the "50 Must-Have Features for Today's Home Buyers."

?We had a seller last fall who replaced existing 70s style flush panel garage doors with carriage house style doors and it changed the entire look of the house,? adds Garrett. ?It sold for full asking price the first day on the market and the owners made a profit. The interior had been upgraded -- but it was the exterior that the buyers fell in love with at first sight.?

Here are some additional garage door changes that might take your home to a new selling high:

1. Give your garage door a new layer of paint. Nothing says welcome home like a cheerful front entry. It?s an easy affordable way to freshen up a paint scheme without having to repaint the entire exterior.

2. Add new stylish lighting fixtures. Light up your doorways, driveway and walkways. Better to have more lights at lower wattages than one, very bright one. Angle spotlights to highlight trees and bushes, creating a dramatic nighttime effect. Solar lights that charge during the day are easy to install yourself.

3. Use mulch ? Rather then leaving your garden messy and unkept mulch makes landscaping and garden beds look tidy, crisp and well maintained.

4. Plant lots of flowers. This is always money well spent because it adds charm and life to any exterior. Even if you have never planted flowers you will find it is easy to do. Bringing lots of new colours to your garden will bring a new life to your home.

5. Re-surface your driveway. Instead of a black top or smooth concrete, consider stained or stamped concrete patterns. This can do wonders for curb appeal.

Article courtesy of http://www.RenovationFinder.com., the ultimate home improvement guide.

Find a local contractor for your new renovated driveway at http://www.RenovationFinder.com

About The Author Brian Bileksi from http://www.renovationfinder.com. RenovationFinder.com is a comprehensive online renovation directory that lists thousands of home renovation professionals from all over North America. RenovationFinder.com provides a comprehensive, user friendly resource that unites homeowners and contractors for all their home renovation needs!

Decorating your home with Tiffany lamps

Iridescent stained glass?beautiful designs?deep, rich colors?these are some of the ways to describe the ever popular Tiffany lamps that bring unique beauty into our homes. Tiffany lamps have had their very own style through the years. They attractively adorned homes during the seventies and still do the same today. These brightly colored lamps add an unexpected dimension to any d?cor.

Created and designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, these lamps can be used in any or every room of your home to create a warm and inviting atmosphere to your home. Unlike his father who was in the jewelry business, Louis Comfort Tiffany desired to bring beauty into the home and Tiffany lamps were the stunning result of his creativity. Tiffany loved the rich jewel colors of blood red and blues found in the Byzantium mosaics. He was able to find a way of adding the color to his glass (so it was actually in the glass) instead of having to paint it on at the end. He began by using discarded glass pieces from stained glass panels to create unique designs. The Tiffany lampshades were then created by fitting hand cut glass pieces into copper foil enclosures. Since copper is very strong, Tiffany was able to design unusual and beautiful shades for his lamps.

Tiffany ceiling lights are excellent for lighting up an entire room. Tiffany lamps come in all sizes as well. Lamps for the bedside table, desks, buffets, and even wall sconces are available. There are even styles of Tiffany billiard lights that conveniently hang above your billiard table and look classy at the same time. Tiffany floor lamps are perfect for those spaces that are smaller, but need a good light source. Tiffany chandeliers add instant elegance to any dining area. Wisteria blossoms, lily designs, the sun and moon, dragonflies and peacock feathers are designs often found in Tiffany lamps and can be matched to country d?cor or a more elegant home design. During the daylight hours, a Tiffany lamp serves as an ornamental piece, but at night it adds warmth and a bit of magic to your home. At night, a Tiffany lamp can reflect diamond shaped or coin shaped designs against your wall, adding a coziness to the room. Reading by a Tiffany lamp is wonderful since they have a bright, yet soft, light. Many Tiffany lamps have stylish lamp bases that are curved like a swan?s neck or remind you of a flower stem. Simpler lamp bases are often made fashioned with a mahogany bronze finish to further compliment the hues of greens, plum violet, merlot, and gold in many of the tiffany lampshades. Wrought iron is another stunning accent to some Tiffany lamps.

Tiffany lamps can be placed in a kitchen, a recreation room, a dining room, a bedroom, a living room or even a bathroom and each area will appear more inviting. Tiffany lamps add a touch of elegance and class to any home?s d?cor and can match just about any color scheme.
By: Des Smalls

About The Author Desmond Smalls is the owner of http://SnSLamps.com.

Window Locks Close a Window of Opportunity for the Burglar (newhome)

Window glass, like any other glass, can be smashed of course. But if you were a burglar would you want to break in to a home by breaking the window? Likely you would not want to do that. Breaking glass makes noise, very distinctive noise that is likely to attract a lot of unwelcome attention. And then there is the risk of cutting yourself, if you were a burglar you would not want to cut yourself and lay yourself open to being identified by your DNA. Although intruders do break windows, they prefer to climb in through an open window. Often the burglar does not even have to open the window himself because a surprisingly high number of us leave our homes with a window conveniently open, a real gift for a burglar. Where windows are closed and locked it is often with very flimsy and poor quality locks. In fact many older windows are fitted with latches not locks, and these present no problem at all to the burglar. Even good quality window locks are not expensive. It will not break the bank to have the extra peace of mind knowing that good window locks protect your windows. Some types of window lock do not lock with a key but are secured by a thumb turn. These do a good job in preventing your windows from being opened from the outside unless, of course, the burglar takes that risk in breaking the glass. He can then reach in and operate the lock. By opening the window he lessens his chance of cutting himself when he climbs in. Window locks that lock with a key are the best way to secure your windows, but the key must always be kept somewhere close to hand and all members of your family must know exactly where it is kept. You do not want any member of your family trapped in a blazing room to be hunting for the key. In fact if the window is a designated escape route you may be prevented by your local building code from fitting key operated window locks. Another advantage of locks for upper story windows is that they prevent children from opening windows and falling out. Quality window locks that are visible from outside offer the advantage that the burglar can see what he is up against. If he can see that the locks may thwart him, or give him a good deal of difficulty, he may just decide to leave your home alone and look elsewhere. It may be necessary to fit more than one window lock to each window depending on the size. The larger the window the more the strain the lock will have to resist if the window is forced. Do not neglect small windows. Intruders can get in through incredibly small windows and some in fact use child accomplices to climb in for them. Don't be tempted to forget about your upper story windows because the burglar won't, forget about them that is. Burglars do use ladders, often obtained from neighbors gardens, to get in through upper windows, so be sure, fit window locks. Close that window of opportunity for the burglar, fit good window locks all round and likely the burglar will go elsewhere.
By: Martin Underwood

About The Author Martin Underwood writes about all aspects of home security. He is a regular contributor to http://www.surveillanceforsecurity.com The site that presents reviews and information about the best in home security, personal security and vehicle security.

Can One Mans Trash Really Be My Bedroom Decor Treasure (newhome)

You've probably never thought about recycled furniture as home decor. In fact, you might be disgusted by the thought of someone picking up your old furniture when you set it out on the curb for trash pickup. However, if you think about it, furniture is recycled all the time, with pieces being sold in garage sales or sent to Goodwill and other charity services for those who are less fortunate. If you are working with a small budget, a garage sale or a second hand store can actually be a great place to find your newest bedroom furniture item or decorative piece for the foyer. Actually, if you think about it, all antiques are technically recycled, but because they often have a ridiculously high value attached to them, people don't see them as used. The same can be said of some second hand furniture, which you can even update yourself if you want to make it "like new", still costing much less than a new wrought iron bed or wood dresser. If you spend a Saturday or Sunday shopping garage sales and yard sales in your area, you could probably furnish an entire house for the cost of one or two new pieces, and just because the units you buy don't match doesn't mean you can't work with them. For example, maybe you buy a TV armoire that is in nearly perfect condition at one yard sale, but it is a shade of brown that doesn't match your living room at all. At the next garage sale, you find a great storage ottoman, but it is olive green, which not only clashes with your current living room d?cor but also with the couch you just bought. You can go to a fabric store and purchase enough fabric in the color of your choice to recover both items or to even create simple slip covers that can be removed and washed for both items. Overall, with the cost of the two pieces used and the material, you've probably spent less than you would have on just the ottoman had you bought it brand new. The same is true of wood furnishings. Perhaps you need to get an additional nightstand for your bedroom, and everything you have so far is cherrywood. Yet, at a second hand store, you find a piece that is the same style as your current shelving for a very low price that has an oak finish. It is quite easy to buy some sandpaper and apply a coat or two of cherrywood finish to a sanded unit, and the cost difference from buying a new unit is definitely worth the time. So, next time you start thinking about how crazy some people are for buying used bedoom furniture, think twice about how crazy you may be for turning down the opportunity to purchase something that you can update yourself and save an outrageous amount of money. As the old adage says, one man's trash really is another man's treasure.
By: Ben Weissman

About The Author Ben Weissman writes articles about Affordable Modern Beds, Discount Bedroom Sets and Interior Design. You'll find more Decorating Ideas at http://www.home-and-bedroom.com . Make your bedroom into a personal retreat!

Wood Furniture Care Looking After Wooden Floors in Your Home

It can be a great investment to any home by installing wooden floors, whether you have new floor boards laid, have old ones renovated or whether you have laminate flooring. It helps to add warmth, character and personality to any room that it is in but depending upon what option you take, it can cost a lot of money. That is why looking after the wooden flooring in your home is extremely important. By ensuring that they are properly cared for, they will look as good as possible for as long as possible. Accidents happen all of the time whether you drop some sauce or other food onto the floor, or if you spill some water on it and forget to mop it up. Things easily happen and without sorting it out, it can eventually turn into a problem for your wooden floors. The reason is dirt and grime may not seem like a problem, but if it is left it can cause marks, scuffs and scratches because it could get dragged around. Applying Proper Wood Care Techniques to Your Wooden Floors If things are spilled onto the floor then there is no problem usually, depending upon what it is. Most stains are easy enough to get out, whilst others may need a bit more work and because of this it will determine what type of product you will need to use. However something that you need to do is to find out what wood care products you can get to help to clean your floor. Not all products will be safe to use and without finding this out you could easily cause damage to the floor. To determine what product you will need will depend entirely upon what type of finish is on the flooring. One type of wood finish would be either varnish or shellac, which is mainly used in older floors. If you have a varnish or shellac finish then you just need a simple dust mop as well as regularly sweeping and vacuuming up. If you do have any spills you should try and mop them up as soon as possible. By applying this simple form of cleaning then you are protecting the floor as much as possible by giving it the proper care that it needs. Something that you need to keep in mind on most wooden floors is not to use a soaking wet mop as this can easily cause serious damage to the wood. It can cause discoloration as well as maybe causing the wood to warp, so that is why it is not a good idea to use a wet mop. Overall by taking the time to find out about what type of finish is on the wood and by taking extra care, you can ensure that the floors are kept in good condition. It is not hard to look after your flooring and you should find that it will look as good as new for years to come if you give it the proper care which it deserves.

By: Adam Peters

About The Author Adam Peters is the copywriter of http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com . Find more publications about furniture care at http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com/magazine/wood-furniture-care.html

Advice on How to Choose the Best Cordless Tools in Todays Crowded Marketplace

The indispensable cordless tools, how did we ever get along without them? If your cordless tools are more than a few years old maybe it is time to take a look at the new breed of tools available.

The most noticeable advancements have been in the battery life, charging time, ergonomics, and torque. If your cordless tools are more than a few years old, maybe you should consider taking a look at what's new in the market. Over the years it's been my experience that when it comes to cordless tools, you actually get what you pay for! This does not mean you need to purchase the most expensive tool on the shelf.

So maybe you have decided to take a look for yourself? There are many factors to consider when it comes to cordless tools. Will it be used all day long or only once in a blue moon? If you are a homeowner and only use cordless tools around the house for minor projects and repairs, there is no need to buy the top of the line tools. However as I stated before you actually get what you pay for, with this in mind I would strongly recommend staying away from the cheaper tools.

Let's just pretend you are driving past the local Mega-lumber/roofing/tool store when you suddenly remember you have been wanting to stop in and check out a new cordless drill. You arrive in the tool aisle and you see a 25 ft. long shelf, three levels deep, with nothing but cordless drills. Aqua blue, black, bright orange, light green, putrid green, red, yellow, amongst others which I can not identify. Where does a person start?

Here are a few ideas to help get you started. Ask your dad, brother, brother-in-law, co-worker, father-in-law, or local handyman. Still do not have an answer, then please read on.

Battery strength is one of the most important factors when choosing any cordless tool. Be wary when evaluating battery strength, higher voltage batteries are not always the best. The type of battery plays a big factor in how the drill will perform over a period of time Nick-Cad (Good), Lithium-Ion (Best). Amp/hr is where the cheaper tools fall on their face 1.4 (bad) 2.4 (good).

Chuck size is another factor in determining the purchase of a cordless drill. For the average homeowner a 3/8" should be fine, however for heavier work a 1/2" drill should be considered.

Torque means how hard can the drill twist, the higher the better.

Weight of the drill can actually give you a good idea of how well its built, after all, steel gears are heavier than plastic ones.

Color can also tell you quite a bit about a drill, specifically, where it is manufactured. Aqua blue (Switzerland), red (Czech), yellow (Mexico), and sometimes the name will even give it away, Nissan etc.

Aqua blue is my color of choice. I realize there is no comparison between a watch and a cordless drill, but by the same token, there is no comparison between a Swiss watch and a Chinese watch either.

I purchased a cordless tool combo-kit of the 18-volt aqua blue variety in the late summer of 2006. The bag contained a quick 30 minute charger, two 2.4 amp/hr batteries, sawzall, circular saw, flashlight, drill, and a jigsaw. I took it home and fully charged the batteries as the manufacturer recommended. Within a couple of days I had to drive approximately 1,500 3" screws in treated lumber. My new aqua blue drill performed this task with room to spare, something that would have sucked the blood out of my yellow drill. As of this writing I have no complaints about my aqua blue tools, and would recommend them to everyone.

As far as I know there are no longer any cordless tools manufactured in America and until such a time my hat is off to the Swiss and aqua blue!
By: Rickie Bell

About The Author Rickie Bell of this article has 28 years experience working in the highly competitive housing market of the west and southwest suburbs of Chicago as a carpenter. His job titles have included Master Roof Cutter, Apprentice, and everything in between. Most of his experience is in the high end custom home marketplace, including all aspects of fine homebuilding. For more information go to my website.