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Month: August 2019

Ways to Incorporate Art

Ways to Incorporate Art

  • Hang paintings. Paintings, small or large can easily be added to any room. Paintings can be added above the sofa, on small walls, on the ceiling, above the mantel of your wood or gas fireplace, above the bed, or grouped together with other paintings on a large wall. They can drastically change the look of a room by adding texture, color, or shape. Whether a Van Gogh or a favorite piece you or a loved one has created, paintings can easily add character and a personal flare within the house.
  • Install a wood, electric, gas fireplace. Wood, electric, and gas fireplaces all add beauty and charm to a room. It is easy to find mantels and surrounds that match your décor. You can also find electric and gas fireplaces that offer a variety of log set and sculpture designs, flame styles, and decorative liners. All of which add an artistic touch to any room. Decorative safety gates for your gas fireplace or tools for your wood burning unit are also considered art pieces that can easily be added to the room. Wood and gas fireplaces placed outdoors help enhance the beauty of the exterior of your home.
  • Utilize photographs. For some, photographs are the most important pieces of art a home could hold. They preserve memories which can bring deeper meaning and feeling than other pieces could. Photographs can be displayed in frames, on magnet boards, or in decorative photo albums. Photographs can be placed on a shelf or other flat surface, on the wall, and above the mantel of your gas fireplace. With the use of modern companies and smart printers and devices, photographs can also be displayed on decorative items such as candles, throw pillows, blankets, mugs, vases, canvases, or metal surfaces.
  • Add a few sculptures. Sculptures come in so many varieties that you are sure to find at least one piece that will compliment your home’s interior. A simple sculpture can be a stunning art piece that catches the eye of all in the room. Because sculptures come in all shapes and sizes you can easily incorporate them throughout the home.
  • Change or accent the architecture. Walls, arches, high ceilings, tall doors, and wide entryways are only a few items that architecturally add an artistic touch the room. Base boards, paneling, crown molding, cabinets, cupboards, doors, painted walls, gas fireplaces, hanging fixtures, pressed tin ceilings or walls, rugs, and wall décor can all help accentuate the architecture of the home. In doing so, the architecture becomes the focal art of the room.
  • Incorporate coordinating furniture. The variety of textures, colors, styles, and various designs of furniture can make each piece one of art. Furniture can also greatly complement other items, such as your gas fireplace, cabinets, or architecture in your home, making it come together as one grand masterpiece. Custom designed furnishings will make a big impression on those who enter your home. They will also create a unique and personalized touch to the room in which they are in.

 

Choosing Modern Fireplace Screen

Choosing Modern Fireplace Screen

Choosing the right type

Fireplace screens are used to hold in the fire. If you want to give that elegant and classy feel, accessorize it with the perfect modern fireplace screen. It will not only give your fireplace a makeover but will also have an effect on the entire room.

Choosing the right type of fireplace screen is very important. To do this, you need to consider the design of your fireplace. The screen should not appear out of place. It should match and should look like it is part of the whole thing. Also, you need to consider its size and shape. If you get to see the different pictures of fireplace screens, you will realize that the size and shape is very important. Also consider the material if you want to make sure that the screen is durable.

Matching the screen with it

As mentioned earlier, it is very important to make sure that the screen fits the type of fireplace you own. There are tabletop fireplaces, floor fireplaces or wall-mounted fireplaces. The type of modern fireplace screen should match with your fireplace as not all screens can fit all types. It is also important that the style and design of the screen fits the theme of your fireplace and the entire space that the fireplace is in. This is not really all that hard since there is already a wide range of choices available to choose from. You just have to consider the fireplace you own so you do not end up buying the wrong one. It would make your room very cozy and very elegant. Try to add these pieces for a more artistic setting that will enhance the room’s beauty.

History of Egyptian Rugs

History of Egyptian Rugs

Each year there are only a few rugs and carpets that make it over to the American Oriental rug market featuring the traditional Egyptian style. For this reason, Egypt is unfortunately not described as a rug and carpet producer.

Despite the low quantity of rugs produced, they are viewed as some of the most intricately designed and highest quality rugs on the market.

Ancient Egypt artifact recovery digs have found hand looms that date back to 2400 B.C. However, contemporary Egypt weaving styles stem from a much more recent design era.

The most recent style of Cairo rug weaving actually dates back to the 16th century. The rugs woven in Cairo provide beautiful, entrancing color palettes in addition to their unique, ancient design motifs. However, by the middle of the 17th century, Egyptian carpet production seemed to cease all together, and it was nearly impossible to find traditional them anywhere on the market.

Then, post WWII, authentic rug production started up again in Egypt in 1952 as several companies refocused on creating authentic Egypt styled carpets. These companies currently employ thousands of weavers who want to learn the beautiful art of Egyptian rug and carpet weaving.

Still, only a small percentage of the rugs and carpets produced by them actually make it to America.

Typically, Egyptian or Merino wool or silk is used in authentic weaving patterns. This material is then dyed using synthetic dyes and machine-spun pile. Although the styles include Persian knot-tying and weaving techniques, the graphic design and layout associated with these styles differs from other Oriental rug styles on the market.

Typically, Egyptian designs and motifs feature geometric patterns and intricate floral designs. These designs are very complex and feature a wide variety of colors that can complement any living space.

Egyptian carpets are difficult to find, and they can be rather expensive. However, a rug of this quality and beauty is a great asset to any living space. Though Egypt is not typically well-known for its rugs, the rugs are beautifully well-crafted and depict the best qualities of rug weaving that every carpet producing country has to offer.

Select A Good Scaffolding Company

Select A Good Scaffolding Company

You need to first do a bit of homework. Check the company’s accreditation and protection records. Go online and check the website and always listen to reviews or feedback on the people you are planning and entrusting to do the work on your home or workplace.

Some online sites will help with finding reliable scaffolders. The company will need to make sure all their staff are fully qualified and have the necessary certificates to carry out this type of work.

You must employ the right staff and company to carry out this work as in the wrong hands it can be dangerous and potentially life threatening. Scaffolding accidents mainly occur when people are not experienced or trained properly to use the specialised equipment. These range from incorrect operating procedures, people falling, materials being dropped and environmental conditions which only qualified scaffolders will know how to deal with. A lot of the accidents can be avoided, you need a reputable company who deal with many jobs like this so they can carry out the work safely and efficiently. The equipment used must be of good working order and the tools need to be correct, poor equipment and inexperienced staff is just an accident waiting to happen.

The scaffolding structure should be checked weekly and always inspected after extreme weather conditions or when any alterations have been made or damage has occurred. A qualified and experienced person in the construction industry should properly inspect all the materials used in the construction that their staff will be working with. It is a straightforward task which can reduce minor accidents from turning into major ones. In high winds scaffolding should never be used due to the risk of it being blown over, safety measures should be taken to ensure that no persons walk underneath incase of collapsation in high winds.

Don’t fall for the best advert, go by word of mouth and recommendations. Happy customers will give good reviews, however the bad ones will appear as well so make sure you pay attention to this. Online groups and forums can help you with this. Remember you don’t need to choose the first company that pops up in an advert in a local paper, get online, get researching and most important get quotes.

Cowhide Rugs

Cowhide Rugs

Many Different Decorating Uses

Cowhides have a variety of uses in the home. A large rug can be used as an interesting and eye-catching area rug that feels extremely pleasant to walk on. Cow rugs also make a great focal point when they are put on a wall as a wall hanging. Smaller cowhides create cozy and warm throws that add a country air to a room.

Durable and Long-Lasting

Since cowhide rugs are made of leather, they are extremely durable and tough. The rugs do not easily tear, and the hairs do not shed. Cowhides are designed by nature to protect cows from tough weather and outdoors conditions, so children and dogs cannot destroy it. With proper care, a cowhide rug should last long enough to become a treasured heirloom.

Clean and Hypoallergenic

The hairs on a cowhide lie flat against the leather, so the rug will not trap dust and other allergens. The organic curing process ensures that cowhide rugs are not soaked in unpleasant chemicals. Since cowhide does not hold onto dust and almost no one is allergic to cows, they are an excellent and hypoallergenic option.

Easy to Take Care of

Vacuuming or brushing your animal skin occasionally will be enough to keep it in perfect condition for years to come. Many owners do not even bother with this, and they just shake it clean outside occasionally. Cowhides are water resistant, so liquids cannot soak into the material and stain. Instead, almost all spills on a cowhide can be easily cleaned up with a damp cloth and some mild soap.

Nature Through Indoor Plants

Nature Through Indoor Plants

You must avoid plants that have yellowish leaves, wilted foliage, brownish leaf margins, and those that bear spots and blotches. You must make sure that you do not purchase plants with leaves that are torn or have been polished with leaf shines. Try to look for plants that have new flowers and leaf buds because they are usually of high quality.

After purchasing indoor plants, it would be better if you transport it in your space personally. This will ensure that you can take care of the plant because you now own it. Aside from that, you must be aware of the two seasons within the year that may damage the plant: the hot summer and the cold winter months.

When transporting indoor plants during summer, make sure to avoid placing it in a car with its windows shut because the temperatures may change, this sudden change in temperature can destroy the plant in no time. Make sure that you shade the plant from direct sun while it is inside the car.

Transporting indoor plants on winter months proves to be risky because of the invariable temperature. If it is unavoidable for you to transport that plant during these months, make sure that you wrap it carefully before taking it out of the store.

You can wrap the plant with a newspaper or thick paper bags. Bear in mind that the span of time you will use in carrying the plant to your car can damage the plant if the temperature is not right. Inside the car, make sure to place the plant in front seat area of the car before turning on the heater (TIP: do not place the plant inside the trunk because it’s too cold).

In case, of an extended trip, make sure to arrange the plant properly so it will not be frozen or damaged by cold weather. Since many plant foliage are damaged to a large extent due to changes in temperature, make sure to maintain the warm environment for the indoor plants.

Decorating Kids Room

Decorating Kids Room

What is this solution you ask? Wall decals of course! Painting, wall paper, new bedding; it can all add up quickly. However, if you choose neutral colors and solid prints, you can easily add and change wall decals to create a whole new space without having to break a sweat, or your bank.

You can also choose from a variety of colors and styles of decals. Maybe you just want a simple quote, you can do that! Or maybe you want something a bit more drastic, you can do a mural! Most companies will even let you upload your own image and will print it out for you making your space all the more personal.

Decals can also be layered to create more interesting images and allow you to customize your decal even more! If you’re afraid you aren’t creative enough to design your own decal sets, most companies will have “kits” with an assortment of decals such as flowers or dinosaurs. Whatever your child likes, chances are you’ll be able to find it one way or another.

Decals aren’t just for children’s rooms either; they’re great for rental properties, businesses and more! Pre-cut self-adhesive wall stickers are easy to install and remove, making them a great option for those with ever changing taste. Decals are also VERY durable. We all know kids can get a bit rambunctious, but you won’t have to worry about them damaging wall decals.

Decals are made from waterproof vinyl with great adhesive which makes them last for years to come. Depending on the type of decal you order, they will either peel right off the wall when you’re ready to change things up, or for those with a more industrial adhesive you’ll need a little help from a heat gun or blow dryer. Whichever you choose they will easily remove from the wall without damaging your paint or leaving sticky residue behind. I personally suggest the more industrial option if you are planning on keeping them around for a while merely for the fact that the weaker adhesive is more likely to lose its stickiness over time and may result in your decal falling off.

Deck Railing Ideas

Deck Railing Ideas

Cleaning

In your quest for deck railing ideas, don’t overlook the obvious. Sometimes, all it takes to bring that luster back out is to give it a good cleaning. This is especially true of metal balusters that have attracted rust over the years or wooden rails that have collected moss and mold. This stuff isn’t just going to wash off with the rain, no matter how much you might wish it would. In fact, the rain is probably what’s causing half of your trouble. Set aside a weekend, grab some appropriate cleaning products, which may consist of nothing more advanced than some bleach and water, and get to work. By the end of your cleaning, you won’t even recognize it as the same porch.

Bring In The New

If you built your patio a long time ago or you were at the mercy of an unimaginative contractor, it may be time to consider seriously updating your rails and balusters. This is where you can go nuts with deck railing ideas, a subject many manufacturers have made their stock and trade. You might be surprised at how many options you have. One of the most exciting things you can do is invest in post covers which can completely transform your posts into another architectural style. You may also want to consider looking at custom rails that can fit seamlessly into your overall construction while still giving you something unique and stylish.

Lighting

While adding in a lot of lighting isn’t going to change the way your patio looks in the daytime, it can utterly transform the area after dusk. Get creative and look at some of the deck railing ideas out there in regards to lighting. The Internet is filled with pictures for you to browse. That way, you can see what creative homeowners have done with lighting. The best part of using lighting to change your patio is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to make a big difference.

Poured Limestone

Poured Limestone

Very durable

The limestone will resist agents of damage such as ants and weeds. In case you live in an area where ants will tend to be a problem after you use the limestone it will seal all areas where ants may penetrate the floor. It will also cover the area completely and avoid cases where weeds will develop on the patios where you will have used it.

Non-Slip

In case you will like to build a pathway where you will not like your family members to slip, then you can go for the limestone. The material will ensure you achieve an area that is nonslip. Apart from being nonslip, it is cool to look at. You will have attractive accessories in your home which anybody who will come across them will appreciate.

Maintenance Free

In case you will not like to carry out regular maintenance which is costly, then you should go for limestone. The material will stay attractive in your home without any extra cost. The low maintenance required will lead you to saving a lot of time at the long run. You will also enjoy saving your money as well.

Increased Property Value

In case you will like to sell your home later, then installing home accessories using limestone will lead you to adding more value to your home. The home will have a modern look which any potential buyer who will come across it will be ready to offer high value. Considering the cost of installing the limestone is low, you will be assured of using less money but you will add great value to your home.

Largest Range of Patterns

You will not be restricted on the number of patterns which you can achieve after you decide to use limestone in your home improvement; the material comes in different colors which can be worked to produce different designs in your home. You will just have to inform your contractor the type of design that you will like to achieve and the contractor will come up with customized designs in your home. In case you have a certain color which you will like to have in your home improvement, you should inform your contractor and he will incorporate the color easily after he decides to use the limestone.

Effectively Improve Your House

Effectively Improve Your House

Doing so can wear out the bristles of your broom. Rather, keep the broom lifted off of the ground so that the bristles stay intact and maintain longevity. You should also hang up your mop so they can properly dry, thus, preventing mildew.

Everyone knows the importance of planting trees for the future. This can work for increasing the value of your home’s property too. Some will say that each tree that reaches full growth increases the value of your property by as much as one-thousand dollars.

If your attic is huge, add a new dormer window to increase its usefulness. This will improve the look of your house from the outside and give you much more attic space inside. Your property value will rise, and you will end up with more usable space without having to spend a lot.

One of the best times to develop a renovation budget is at the first of the year. This serves two purposes. First, you don’t have as much money to spend this time of year, so it is perfect for planning. Second, since you are financially tight this time of year, you will plan to be as budget-friendly as possible.

A contractor can be a great resource when you want to choose a home improvement project that will make your home worth more. The contractors know what improvements will increase the most value.

Give the bubble in your old vinyl floor covering a shot! If this problem is visible in your home, you can cut it and get rid of the problem. This flattens the bubble temporarily. To keep the floor from coming back up, you will need to add some glue under the slice to secure the vinyl to the floor. Use a syringe to inject the glue to the old vinyl floor tiles.

If your suburban tract housing lacks distinction or visual interest, why not add a pergola? This can create a shaded garden area in your yard. If you enlist a few friends, you can purchase a pergola kit and have it done in just a few days.

There are two main ways that you can make your ceiling look like it is higher than it actually is. You can paint stripes on your wall or add a tall floor lamp. This will give something for the eye to marvel at. Your eyes will be focused on following the lines which will make your ceilings appear higher than they actually are.