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It’s easy to create luxurious spaces when you have unlimited funds. For most of us, however, the phrase “money is no object” is not in our vocabulary. Champagne and caviar style CAN be achieved on a beer and pretzel budget. All it takes is a little imagination and creative resourcefulness to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary!

Whether your home is a castle or condo, mansion or module, use these tips to turn your living space into a showplace - without breaking the bank!

Details Make a Difference: Transform your home from builder basic to handcrafted custom with the addition of architectural trim work. Install or upgrade trim and moldings such as door and window casings, crown moldings, wall treatments, picture rails, base trim, etc. A quick trip to the lumberyard or home center will enlighten you to a variety of options and styles. Such architectural detail not only adds character and charm to a home but also conveys an image of quality and wealth.

All The Trimmings: Just as simple moldings can transform hard surfaces - fabric, trimmings, beads, tassels and fringe can make store bought soft furnishings look more expensive. Create “designer” window treatments by adding contrasting trim to ready-made window panels. Attach bullion fringe to a tapestry fabric remnant for an elegant throw. Make real fur pillows for an old mink stole. Use yards of sheeting in coordinated prints and solids to fashion curtains, table skirts, duvet covers and shower curtains. Hot glue bead trim to lamp shades for a touch of whimsy and sparkle.

Off the Walls: Think you can’t afford an original masterpiece? Create one-of-a-kind works of art from everyday objects. An old china plate, mismatched silver spoons, rusty keys, embroidered hankies, pressed leaves, post cards, pages from a book or calandar - almost anything you can think of - can become a unique piece of art when matted and framed. The local craft store carries a variety of picture frames and pre-cut mats to fit any decor. Unify mismatched items by keeping the mat and frame the same size and color. Add prominence to a small object by framing in a shadow box. For the greatest impact, group several like items together on a single wall.

Mix Don’t Match: Nothing shouts humdrum like a room full of matchy-matchy furniture right off of the showroom floor. Don’t be afraid to mix flea market finds or family heirlooms with a few new quality pieces. Although finishes and furnishings should relate to each other, they do not have to match or be of the same era, quality or price. Combine high and low end design pieces gathered over time for a style that looks rich, expensive and uniquely you.

Remember, true decorating satisfaction comes from creativity - not cash. It’s not what you have - it’s how you use what you have that makes the difference between rooms that fall flat and rooms that feel fabulous!

Nanette Catarinella, owner of Room Styles Interiors, is an interior decorator, award winning
re-designer, home staging specialist, speaker, author and career trainer. For more information, please visit her web site at: http://www.roomstylesinteriors.com

[tags]interior, decorating, design, style[/tags]

Home gardening is a wonderful pastime that the whole family can enjoy. In addition, gardening has become an increasingly popular hobby for people of all ages. Currently, studies show that in the United States, eight of ten households take part in some type of home gardening endeavor. Based on these statistics, gardening is one of the most popular outdoor recreational activities in the nation.

Typically, when people start planting their garden, they start with flowers. In addition, most people will pursue planting roses. The novice garden does not realize that roses usually take the most time and effort as compared to other flowers. With such an enormous array of flowers to choose from, it is best for the novice to start of with easy care plants and flowers.

Vegetable gardens have become quite popular too. A vegetable garden can bring a sense of pride and accomplishment when you place those fresh vegetables on your dinner table. The list of vegetable plants is endless, therefore when planning your vegetable garden choose the right vegetable for your growing climate. For instance, cool weather crops would be green beans, zucchini, and cucumbers.

Many gardeners will consider planting fruits as well. In a warm climate, you could plant watermelons, and trees such as apricots and peaches. A berry garden is also fun, planting strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. These types of berry gardens are easy to care for and take less space than a traditional vegetable garden.

Herbs are another favorite for the home garden. If you have limited space, you can grow your herbs indoors in a sunny window. The most often used herbs for cooking are basil, thyme, oregano, parsley, and cilantro. These herbs are easy to grow too.

Landscaping your yard is another form of gardening. There are different types of grasses and shrubbery to decorate your yard. Decorative rocks, ponds, and statues are also included as a form of landscape gardening. Landscaping your yard is not limited to plant life. As with a garden, your lawn and shrubbery need upkeep.

As mentioned earlier, gardening can be fun and educational for the whole family. In addition, what a delight to see the flowers bloom and harvest the vegetables. However, as with anything else, to be a successful home gardener takes work. Plants need to be weeded and watered. Do not get discouraged if the flowers are not as brilliant as expected or the beans did not do so well. Research the plant in question and then try again next planting season, eventually you will have a wonderful garden.

For more information about a home garden or gardening in general, visit these sites Home Garden and Garden Info Center

[tags]home garden,gardening,landscape[/tags]

The bed is the centerpiece of any bedroom. Beds range from straw-filled to extravagant and rich. The early civilizations had beds that were beautifully decorated. Egyptians slept on couches that had legs shaped in the form of animals. These couches were covered with ivory, gold or paint. Since the Greeks used couches for both dining and sleeping, they were made to accommodate both. As time passed the beds became larger and ornamental. The nobility and the wealthy had elaborately decorated beds referred to as state beds. These beds were hung with silk, velvet or other fabrics. Beds often served as symbols of social rank and wealth.

Today, a simple frame that can support a mattress is preferred by most. A wide variety of beds are available to suit varied styles and different budgets. To decide what kind of bed fits your bedroom and budget, determine the style, design and size of the bed that you are looking for. The size of the bed should be in proportion to the size of the bedroom.

Some beds have a headboard and footboard that curve upward almost shaped like a sleigh. This bed fits well in a bedroom with a low ceiling. There are four-poster beds that have canopies that can be closed at night. There are elaborate beds made of iron or brass. Some beds have upholstered footboards and headboards. These beds are designed for comfort allowing you to sit back and read.

Some beds come equipped as two beds in one. There is a second bed attached under the main bed that can be pulled out when needed. When storage is an issue, the ideal bed has a mattress that is supported by a platform with provision for drawers and space for storage. Named for its designer, space saving “Murphy beds” fold into a wall unit when not in use. Other types of beds include bunk beds, air beds, water beds and beds specially designed for children.

The bed is the most important feature in a bedroom. Do your homework before choosing one. The correct size and the style can definitely transform your bedroom into a beautiful space.

Bedroom Furniture provides detailed information about bedroom furniture, antique bedroom furniture, bedroom furniture sets, cheap bedroom furniture and more. Bedroom Furniture is the sister site of Air Beds.

[tags]bedroom furniture, antique bedroom furniture, bedroom furniture sets, cheap bedroom furniture[/tags]

If you are planning a bathroom remodeling project, then installing a shower curtain rod would be a fairly routine task. However, have you ever considered decorating with shower curtain rods in places other than the bathroom? If you are working to a strict budget, or you are simply looking for new and innovative ideas, the functional bathroom rod that usually holds up the shower curtain can be transformed into a stylish feature for any room.

Using shower curtain rods in the bedroom as part of your interior design scheme is becoming a popular choice. Curtains or draped material is perfect for hiding an ugly wall or cupboards with old or broken doors. If you buy a pressure rod, this will simply twist to the correct size to fit your room and enable you cover up that eyesore with some attractive cloth. This style of rod is not suitable for really heavy fabric, so if velvet is your thing you may look into installing a rod that has to be mounted securely in the wall.

An alternative location for shower curtain rods in the bedroom is above the bed. If you fix two rods over your bed you can hang a piece of sheer fabric between the two, letting it dip in the centre, and then flow down to the floor either at the back of the bed or to the sides. This forms a classic canopy for your bed, which can alter the whole look and feel of your bedroom.

Do you have shelves or a pantry area in your kitchen that just looks messy, no matter how often you tidy it? Why not curtain that off by installing a shower curtain rod and hanging some light, colorful drapes? To achieve a really professional effect, make sure you co-ordinate your curtain material with the other soft furnishings in your kitchen, or this will look out of place.

Your sunroom is designed to catch the sun and heat up, that is what it is there for! However, there are times when the sunroom can be just unbearable, and some way to shade the area is useful. If you install two pressure rods, one at either end of the overhead space, you can hang a piece of lightweight material between the two, offering not only a soft and stylish look to your room, but a little relief from the heat at the same time.

Of course, just because you can use them in other parts of the house, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get creative with the curtain rods in your bathroom. One new style shower curtain rod is an S shaped rod that allows you to install a shower fitting in an old fashioned stand alone bathtub. You can also buy rods that hang on chains and so give the appearance of floating over the bath. If you want to have a bit of fun with your shower, choose interesting patterns or colors, and try different ways to fix your curtain to the pole. Colorful clips and beads can take the place of dull plastic circles.

Basically, anywhere in the home that you want to hang material, you can do so with a shower curtain rod. These are much cheaper and just as effective as any other curtain pole, and with a little imagination can be used to give a stunning effect.

Being really passionate about bathroom remodeling, John C. Baker published various reports on the matter. Through his reports such as http://www.curtains-drapes-coverings.com/shower-curtain-rods.html, the writer expressed his deep knowledge on news related to shower curtain rods and interior design.

[tags]curtain rods,[/tags]

If you are looking for a weather resistant, durable outdoor furniture, teak outdoor furniture might be just what you need. It’s natural wood look makes it a perfect accessory to any outdoor room and it’s relatively easy care/cleaning needs make it perfect for families who don’t have a lot of extra time to worry about cleaning their outdoor furniture.

Teak comes from South East Asia and is a hardwood tree. It is a dense wood that contains a high oil content which contributes to its durability. It is best known for its use as trim and decking on boats, but it makes an awesome material for outdoor furniture as it is able to withstand the elements.

Some people choose to treat their teak furniture with oil, wax or lacquer. Other people choose to let their teak furniture weather and turn to a silver grey, which is its natural state when it is not treated. Either way is a personal preference.

If you choose to treat your teak with oils, you can use teak oil. Treating your teak furniture does not make it last longer. It is more making the furniture appear like a brand new piece of teak furniture than anything else. Teak oil should be applied at least once a year in order to maintain the “new” appearance. Many people recommend that you begin treating your furniture after a few years to prevent cracks from forming.

Before you apply oil, you need to clean the furniture with soap or water. Teak oil should never be applied over dirt or dust. Once the furniture is completely dry, you should apply a light coat of oil. Using a soft cloth is best, but a soft brush can be used as well. Wipe off all excess oil. Be sure to soak the rag or brush in water afterwards as it can pose a fire hazard otherwise.

Teak furniture that is allowed to weather naturally should be cleaned every year. Use soap and water and apply it with a soft rag. Be sure to rinse the furniture completely after washing it. You can also clean it with a pressure washer, provided that you don’t use it at full pressure since that can cause damage to the furniture. In addition, teak furniture that has already been treated requires washing as needed.

It is hard to beat the durability and easy maintenance of teakwood furniture. A few hours each year is all that is required for its upkeep, which is definitely a plus since we want to spend our time outside relaxing on our furniture, not cleaning it. This feature alone makes teak furniture perfect for anyone who loves to relax in the outdoors.

I enjoy writing and creating websites. For more of my websites please visit my embroiderydesigns, archetectural house plans and enciclopedia websites.

[tags]furniture care,teak furniture,teak furniture care,interior design[/tags]

Roses have many uses in the home garden, both as standalone bushes and climbers and as part of an overall landscape of plants and flowers. The newest thinking in landscape gardening is to combine roses with other types of native plants and flowers, and roses certainly lend themselves to a striking place in the garden.

Roses are also wonderful when used to enhance and highlight areas of the home or surrounding landscape. For example, climbing roses can be trained to grow up and over a trellis or to highlight and enhance a bare wall or garden shed. In addition, a spray of yellow roses growing against a brick or stone home can be a beautiful addition to the landscape.

Landscaping with roses is one of the best ways to add beauty to the home, and even to enhance its value. Before you can landscape effectively with roses, however, it is important to determine just where roses will fit in your landscape, and how best to use them. Landscaping with roses is not difficult, but it is important to plan properly before the first rosebush goes into the ground.

Planning for next spring’s garden should begin the winter before the garden is to be planted. Planning early allows you to determine the best location for the roses in the garden, and to research the varieties that are most likely to thrive in your climate.

It is also important to ask yourself what you want to get out of your roses. Roses can be used for many different reasons, from providing an attractive ground cover to providing a dramatic backdrop for a beautiful home.

Planning is also important in order to prevent rose specific problems. There are, for instance, a number of pests and diseases that are specific to roses, and it is important to take steps to prevent those problems before planting your roses. It is also important to ask yourself how much time you have to devote to growing roses, since some varieties are harder to grow than others. If your time is limited, it may be best to stick to hardier, easier to grow varieties.

It is also important to choose roses in colors that will best highlight your home and exterior landscape. For instance, a spray of white roses can be quite striking against a dark colored home, just as red roses can beautifully compliment a white exterior.

It is also important to examine your landscape and determine which roses will work best where. For example, hybrid musk roses grow well even in less than full sun, so they are often used in shady areas. It is important to note, however, that hybrid musk roses do not do as well in colder climates. It is important to take your own climate into account, as well as sun and shade considerations, when planning your rose landscape.

Visit Gardening Information website and learn gardening tips. You will also discover which gardening tools match the tasks in your garden.

[tags]garden, gardening, roses, landscaping[/tags]

Basil, (Ocimum basilicum), has been around for a long time and was originally named by Theophrastus (you know, the guy who co-founded and then replaced Aristotle as head of the Peripatetic school of philosophy back in 323 B.C.) There are indeed 35 species in the Basil family of plants, ranging from annuals right through perennials and into shrubs. The one I’m interested in though is a tender annual here in zone 4 and is perhaps the most important culinary herb in my repertoire. I’m going to ignore for the moment the other Basil members including O. tenuiflorum, the Hindu Sacred Basil. Sacred Basil is used quite extensively in India during funeral rites as an emblem of good luck and is also used in anti-malarial fumigation. Other species such as O. kilmandschaicum (Camphor Basil) are mostly used for medicinal purposes when treating stomach aches and colds.

Let me give you some easy growing tips. The first is that the seed is extremely easy to germinate. Sow thinly in a warm spot (it doesn’t grow well in cold soil). You can abuse this seed in other ways but do keep it warm if you want to see it grow. Barely cover it with soil. If you cover it too deeply, it will not germinate well. Keep moist - not swampy. Water with warm water to really bring the seeds along. Grow in as much sun as you can provide. That’s it. It’s easy and as long as you keep the seeds and developing seedlings warm, they’ll be fine. Sow indoors approximately four to six weeks before you want to plant them outside or alternately, sow outside after the soil has well warmed up. Once the plant is twelve to eighteen inches tall, harvest regularly all summer to keep new tender growth being produced.

Doug Green, award-winning writer of 7 gardening books answers gardening questions in his free gardening newsletter at http://www.simplegiftsfarm.com

[tags]basil, herb gardening, windowsill herb garden[/tags]

While gardening can be a very rewarding hobby and lifelong learning experience, a garden can be a dangerous place. There are many dangers lurking in the garden including animals and hidden dangers.

Some animals seem harmless but if provoked they can lead to human harm. Being aware of these dangers and knowing how to remove or avoid these dangers provides some security.

Pests in the Animal World

Many animals just happen upon the gardens and either use it for a food source or they are predators searching for unsuspecting prey.

Snakes

Snakes help control a number of pests including but not limited to rabbits, moles and voles, caterpillars and some insects. But they can also pose a danger when they are mistreated and mishandled especially the venomous snakes.

Some snakes will immediately try to get away from any human encroachment. But a few will aggressively defend themselves and their territory.

There are snakes all around the world. They live in many environments including deserts. While the majority of snakes are smaller than six foot some can get very large such as the Anaconda in South America and the Reticulated Python in Africa.

Even the non-venomous snakes can pack a punch. Generally, reptiles such as the snake have bacteria build up in their mouths. When they bite a victim or enemy, the bacteria can get transferred to the bite area and can cause infections.

Snake Control

Most snakes avoid humans and will try to get away. Letting them get away is the best bet. Avoid snake contact. Most of the time, getting rid of snakes only invite trouble with their prey. Their prey end up being destructive pests such as rabbits, gophers and moles. But removal of these pests can deter snakes as well.

There are professional services that can safely remove any snakes and are usually labeled animal control services. Some specialize in just snakes especially in areas prone to snake habitats.

Mammals

Mammals There are many mammals that can visit the garden. Rabbits, deer even raccoons have been known to visit the garden for the occasional meal.

The most common mammals that visit the garden are deer, rabbits, raccoons, groundhogs, moles and voles, skunks and opossums.

Deer

Deer can eat vegetation such as lettuce and peas and other common garden plants. They can become a nuisance to these plants devastating an area in little time.

Usually deer are very wary of humans and loud noises. But if in rut season, or mating season, some deer have been known to attack humans.

Rabbits

Rabbits aren’t usually much danger to humans only to the garden. As with any wild animal, they can be dangerous and harmful if they are handled improperly, are sick as with rabies or if cornered or with offspring, they might fight fiercely.

Raccoons

Raccoons eat just about anything including those yummy plants from the garden. Raccoons generally come out at night and look for easy meals. They mostly dig in the garden looking for earthworms and grubs. But this digging in the garden can harm your garden plants.

They generally won’t come around if there is a lot of noise, but some raccoons have become so used to city noise and human activity that it hardly seems to bother them. They will become fierce if they are cornered or have offspring.

Groundhogs

Groundhogs love to eat the vegetation around the garden and will sometimes devastate a garden area as much as any animal could. They are generally timid creatures and very wary of human activity and noise. But again with any wild creature they can be fierce when fighting for their lives or the lives of their offspring.

Moles and Voles

Moles and voles work underground destroying roots and soil beneath the garden. A cousin to the mole is the shrew. There is a shrew in North American that is considered a poisonous animal. It has a bite that can make a human sick but it is not generally fatal.

Skunks

The skunk is recognizable by its smell. Like the raccoon, it digs in the garden for earthworms and grubs. It can be fierce when fighting. The spray can linger on the body for many days and it can temporarily blind anyone caught in the eyes.

Opossums

These seemingly timid creature can occasionally show up in the garden. They too can dig up the garden and while this can be great for other pests it can lead to plant damage.

The opossums have a mouth full of about 50 teeth and can be fierce when confronted.

Mammal Control

Some of these mammals while not inherently dangerous could become dangerous if bothered. Deterring these mammals is the best way to be rid of them. Putting a scarecrow in the garden or using pie pans tied up on a string set around the garden should provide enough deterrent for the most skittish of the mammals.

But sometimes traps and bait are necessary. Live traps are best to remove the creature safely and without harm to the natural environment.

Some areas have pest control groups that can come out and assess your garden area and needs. Then they can provide pest removal services.

While poisons are not recommended as some animals are protected by federal regulations, certain sprays and chemicals can be used to deter these unwanted menaces. Garlic sprays, pepper sprays and other smelly sprays help keep the distance between the pest and garden.

Katina Mooneyham is the contributing editor for Little Gardeners (http://www.gardenandhearth.com/LittleGardeners.htm) at Garden and Hearth.com. She has written various articles on gardening mostly about gardening with kids. She maintains a blog on gardening at http://littlegardeners.blogspot.com.

[tags]dangers in the garden, animals, gardening, gardens, pests[/tags]

The effect a bright, clean, tasteful shower curtain can have on your bathroom d

There are simple home improvements you can make that will add a lot of
interest and appeal to your home. You would be surprised at how a new
lighting fixture, chandelier or wall sconce can dress up your home. New
door handles and hardware can also make quite an impact. Old rusty handles
can give the impression of an old or dated home. It’s a simple technique to
spice up an old door. Painting is a sensational way to dress up a room,
cover up old wall stains or change the entire look of a room dramatically.
Go from simple to stunning with just a stroke of the paint brush. Try
something bold, subtle earth tones or just a new coat of an old favorite.
It’s sure to brighten up any room. And sometimes you will find going from
wood to white trim can give an old house a new facelift!

Don’t forget about the outside of your home. It is the first impression
your home portrays and can help increase not only the value of your home,
but the entire neighborhood. If all homeowners in your community kept up
with their landscaping, it will make your neighborhood more appealing.
Plant new flowers, pull up old or over grown shrubs, trim trees and even put
down new mulch. A day of hard work outside could change the look of your
home overnight. Also on the exterior of your home is lighting, a new coat
of paint and you can even paint your mailbox and put new numbers to improve
the look. These small projects may seem simple, but can add charm and
sophistication to an otherwise boring home.

Larger projects would include new bathroom vanities, new flooring such as
tile, wood or carpet, and retiling your bathroom shower stall. Once these
items look worn or dated, it can bring the value of your home down quickly.
Your local home improvement store sells books and often offers seminars on
how to do these larger projects yourself. The savings and sense of
satisfaction of a job well done can really pay off! Our homes are our
biggest investments. Does yours need a little elbow grease?

Bob Lipply is a top Real Estate Broker Associate in the Tampa Florida Real Estate area.
He and his team have been helping families relocate to Florida and on the selling end get top dollar for their homes with great success. Lipply Real Estate also specializes in Clearwater Real Estate visit his website where you can search the MLS for up to date available homes for sale.

[tags]home improvement[/tags]