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Flat rooftops can offer great opportunities for conversion into attractive entertaining or relaxing areas, but contemplating a vast expanse of drab concrete or asphalt and envisaging how to attack such a problem, can be a rather daunting prospect.

Two important points need to be considered at the outset. Firstly, any objects on a roof top which are not securely fixed, need to be of sufficient weight or size that they will not move or blow away in strong winds.

Secondly, if there is a waterproof membrane on the roof, extreme care must be taken that the membrane is not punctured or damaged in any way. You will probably need to consult the building owner before placing any objects on the rooftop to ensure you are not faced with any potential liability issues.

The most important thing that then needs to be decided is what to install on the surface. If there’s a waterproof membrane, then your choices are rather limited as it’s obviously not possible to lay conventional porcelain tiles.
You could however lay interlocking plastic or rubber tiles although they would need to be of sufficient weight and securely joined so as not to blow away in strong winds.

One of the best options may be to cover the area with interlocking wood deck tiles. These tiles are generally manufactured using the same high durability lumber species as traditional decks but have wood slats screwed to an integral plastic base with inbuilt connecting tabs. The weight of the tiles and the gaps between the wood slats ensure the tile are generally unaffected by strong winds (except in areas prone to tornados or hurricanes). The tiles are typically available in 12″ x 12″ modules and are laid by just snapping the tiles together (see for example http://www.ezydeck.net). The gaps between the wood slats and the plastic mesh base also allows water to drain freely away so that pools of water do not lay on the rooftop.

The plastic bases of these tiles have multiple “feet” which distribute any load evenly over the surface below. A geotextile could be laid under the tiles as an extra precaution against membrane damage or if the building owner required extra assurance that the tiles would not damage the membrane.

Some manufacturers produce tiles in a variety of different designs, so it is possible to create borders, centerpieces, feature areas etc. to suit your individual preference. Or you could use different designs to divide the area in to several sections depending on how you plan to use the rooftop.

As well as the wood tiles, porcelain interlocking tiles are also now available which can provide additional opportunities for creativity in designing the total rooftop landscape. These tiles are designed to interlock with the wood tiles, so for example you could have a dining area paved in the ceramic tiles where tables and chairs are situated, surrounded by wood tiles.

If possible, try to divide the area into “rooms” by using a row of tubs with bushy plants, some trellis, modular fencing etc. With the addition of some large pots, attractive plants, and maybe a few favorite pieces of sculpture in strategic spots, that forsaken roof top can easily become an attractive and useful relaxing an entertaining area.

About the author:
Malcolm Kay is the CEO of Intex Pacific Pty. Ltd. an international supplier of landscape materials including modular decking tiles. For more information see http://www.ezydeck.net.

[tags]decks, decking, home improvement, do it yourself, home remodelling, deck building, patios[/tags]

If you are looking for an easy, inexpensive way to revitalize your bathroom, consider changing your shower curtain. Though we often take them for granted, shower curtains are at the center of a bathroom’s d

Do you have a small bathroom to remodel?

Would you like to have a gleaming new bathroom but you’re afraid that your tiny toilet just isn’t big enough to turn into the ceramic heaven that you want?

Get to know your bathroom and spend time designing your new one

Before you write off the idea completely why not sit down with a few sheets of square graph paper and try out a few different ideas. Measure your bathroom accurately then draw it to scale on square paper so that you can see exactly where everything is.

When you’ve got an accurate drawing of your bathroom as it is now it’s time to start dreaming about the bathroom that you would like to have. Put your current bathroom drawing aside and get a blank piece of graph paper. Draw the outline of your bathroom on this sheet of graph paper. Now take another piece of paper and draw accurate scale drawings of the things that you want to get into your new bathroom.

Cut out the shapes that you’ve drawn and try to arrange them on the outline of your bathroom. Because you only have a small bathroom you might need to be creative, especially if you want to get more into your new bathroom than you had in your old one.

An example of a small bathroom remodeling project

I recently remodeled my own small bathroom to make it more inviting and to add a shower cubicle to the room so that we didn’t have to shower in the bath. The remodeling ideas all started when I dropped something into the bath tub and cracked it. I wasn’t popular for doing that and I wasn’t looking forward to the project but I love it to bits now it’s done. You can read all about how I did it in the article Idea for Remodeling a Small Bathroom.

Ideas to help solve the small bathroom problem

Put a radiator high on the wall

If you have a radiator taking up wall space consider putting it higher up. This could free up space for a sink or toilet.

Place the bathtub in the middle of the room

If you are limited in where you can put the bathtub by pipework and uneven walls then think about putting it in the middle of the room away from all the walls. This doesn’t work all the time but it might be an option for you.

Redesign the layout of the bathroom

Use your squared paper and cut-outs to test different layouts. It’s amazing how many ideas it can give you.

Use a shaped shower cubicle

You can save space by using a shower cubicle with curved sides in place of a square one. It will probably cost a little more but if space is a premium then it could be worth it.

Install a sliding door

A door that doesn’t need space in the room to open can give you more options.

Use wall mirrors

Mirrors can only give the impression of space but they are very effective at doing just that.

Install storage cupboards

Providing plenty of storage space up high means that the floor won’t get cluttered with cosmetics, towels and cleaning materials.

I hope that you can see that even a small bathroom can be transformed into a dream if it’s designed and planned well. Remember to take a look at how I remodeled my tiny little bathroom and added a shower cubicle while I was at it.

Get free squared paper to print out and help you design your dream bathroom Free Square Graph Paper for Bathroom Remodeling at http://www.bathroomsremodeling.this-info.com

[tags]small bathroom, small bathroom remodeling, bathroom remodeling, do it yourself, home improvement[/tags]

Window coverings are one of the most overlooked parts of a home’s decor. Having the right window covering ideas for your room can really add a look of luxury or that warm inviting feeling. Each room in your home has its own special character so be sure to keep it that way by using appropriate window treatments.

The window coverings you choose do not have to be expensive to get the desired look you want. Remember that the most obvious decorations in your room that will stand out besides the decor of your room are the window coverings. There are so many different options such as blinds, sheers, and curtains that can change the dynamics of any room. Many of the choices you will make can alter how bright or dark your room will appear, as well as how much privacy you will receive.

The coverings you choose for your window will ultimately influence the general decor, so make a wise choice. Do you want a contemporary look - then country curtains are probably something you shouldn’t be considering. But if you do like the shabby chic look or the old country decor, then maybe some delicate lace sheers accompanied by some floral drapes will help you achieve that look and give your windows an attractive warm appearance.

If it is a simple, clean look you want, a set of blinds may accomplish that goal. There are so many options when it comes to blinds such as wood, faux wood, plastic or even aluminum each having its pros and cons. Wood can give you a rich warm look but can be quite expensive, an option may be to go with faux wood blinds as an alternative. They are considerably cheaper and practically maintenance free and look just as good as the real thing.

When it comes to ideas for window treatments there are many options available to you. Window shades, shutters, blinds, and curtains are some of the most common and are all available in a variety of styles and colors. There are also beaded curtains, window valances, drapery panels, sheers, swags, vertical blinds, Venetian blinds, Roman shades, and bamboo shades. There are more to windows than just the coverings too, you also need to consider the rods you want. When combined with valances you can create a room that is stunningly beautiful and spectacular.
For more ideas and information on how to create a spectacular room with different ideas visit window-coverings-galore.com

Chris is the author/publisher for http://www.window-coverings-galore.com
Please visit her site to discover a wealth of information on window treatments for your home and which style is best suited to your type of decor.

[tags]window coverings,window covering,window,coverings,window curtains,shades,blinds,curtains,shutters[/tags]

For the past several years I have seen the emergence of a new trend called ‘Lifestyling’. Lifestyling encompasses many elements on gracious living, extravagant and memorable entertaining, architecture, home design, and tips on where to live comfortably in spaces large and small, with less effort or clutter than you can imagine. In fact, this trend has effectively blurred the lines of traditional titles and professions. New ideas and new inspiration have created new sales to the tune of over 70 million dollars for one large company.

But haven’t good ideas for living always been around? The answer is yes. Certainly there have been people in the past that shared tips and ideas through books and magazine articles on how to entertain, or make a special recipe; they were mostly focused on one area. Lifestyling gurus help you capture all the pieces and put them together graciously and quickly. Collectively, they promote ideas on living, entertaining, decorating, gardening, fashion and design. The focus of some of the ideas is glamorous while others are much more practical. In fact, some of the ideas are not really “new” at all, just regenerated information with a twist. Today, Lifestyling books contain the complete picture. Add to that the convenience aspect. We can obtain many of these ideas in articles, books, websites, TV and video. Product endorsements and specialized lines are also available to top Lifestylists. Can you see why the opportunities are endless?

Who are the Lifestylists?

Unless you’ve been whisked away to an island without TV, Internet access or a newspaper, you can’t escape the ideas and publicity generated by Ms. Martha Stewart. Hands down, Martha is the most well known Lifestylist out there. Whatever your take on her style, or where her career is currently headed, she has created a multi-million dollar industry all to herself.

You may also be familiar with other Lifestylists like Susie Coelho, Carolyne Roehm, Sheila Bridges, Katie Brown and Colin Cowie to name a few. These Lifestylists were former fashion models and business owners, interior or furniture designers, caterers or event planners. Whatever their background, the ideas and information contribute in large ways to this new industry. In an era when fast food and fast pace reign supreme, and etiquette and formal parties have fallen off, they have brought the idea of homemaking and fabulous entertaining back into style.

Standing out within a proven trend

All of the ideas are not perfect for everyone. In a world where we are embracing our diversity and individual contributions, there is no doubt that the current crop of Lifestylists can stand a few more ideas. We are all becoming conditioned to receiving large amounts of information at a time. Think about how a consumer might question the value of a cookbook with just recipes over a book that explains how to shop, prepare, serve, decorate and entertain all in one book. Which do you think might capture more interest? Are your services just as interesting?

Are you capitalizing on this trend?

We are all guilty of focusing on our core competencies. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. But once you’ve become efficient or obtained expert status in one area, it’s time to expand your offerings. If you want to expand your offerings by turning what you do into a lifestyle brand - think big and think differently. Thinking of yourself as a complete brand is worthwhile to you, your clients, and your current revenue.

Look at ways you can naturally and effortlessly expand what you do. For example, I hired a caterer recently to provide food for a shower I was throwing. It would have made my life much easier if he had offered to provide complete event-planning services as well. It is a natural expansion. Even If he doesn’t know a thing about planning those events or did not have the staff to do so he can easily team up with event planners that do.

Riding the trend requires a different way of thinking. Caterers are not just providing food; they become consultants in entertaining. Decorators don’t just decorate; they style a room around a style of life.

Can you do it too?

Of course you can! Begin where you are with what you have.

• Take note of the new trend and think about what compliments your current services;

• Think about how to make your client’s life easier by providing more ideas, value and assistance in executing those ideas. If you don’t know how to do something different, seek out the information and learn it, or

• Team up with other professionals that add something complimentary to your core service;

• Reinvent your title to match your new service offerings;

• Educate your client with the information you have, but have not used and;

• Strive to provide something unique in your market.

About The Author

Lise Richards is the founder of the Artistic Lifestyling program, which helps design trade professionals, capitalize on the Lifestyling trend. The Artistic Lifestyling program is available through a licensing agreement and is expanding throughout the United States. For more information, about expanding your design and decorating services, email her at LiseRichards@ArtisticLifestyling.com

director@centerofcreativity.com

[tags]home design,interior design,home interior,home decor,home improvement,art,arwork[/tags]

Whether you need heat in winter or air conditioning in summer, you run the risk of throwing away money on utilities. You need not do this by making painless home improvements.

Home Improvements - Get Your Envelope In Order

Your house is an enclosed structure designed to keep rain, cold, heat, wind, snow and so on out. In contrast, all of those things want in. If you are not careful, Mother Nature will rob you blind. Yes, I am talking about the thermal envelope of your home.

The thermal envelope refers to the protective pocket around your living space. Much like wearing gloves in the snow, you want the envelope to provide a complete insulation barrier between you and the elements. If there are gaps or weak areas, your hard earned money is flowing out of them. Upgrading or maintaining your envelope can save you a bundle.

Insulation can be a killer when it comes to your envelope. Most developers build homes to the minimum requirements because they are focused on profits. Insulation is noted by R values, a method of determining how resistant the insulation is to transferring heat. If you check the walls of your house, an R-11 value will most likely be present. This is bad. R-11 is the minimum required. Upgrade to R-20 or R-30 in the walls and R-70 in the ceiling and floor areas. The temperatures in the house will become more consistent because the heat transfer will stop. This means the house stays warmer for longer in the winter and cooler for longer in the summer. The change will be dramatic.

Windows can be a killer, accounting for as much as 25 percent of your energy loss. The answer is relatively simple. Install Energy Star approved windows and get those frames into shape.

Doors are another area that can kill you. The issue is not so much the door itself, but the framing around it. Make sure your doors are flush to the frames. Installing small seal pads along the inside of the doorstops can make a major difference because they cut off air flow. Of course, the downside is the door doesn’t make much noise when you slam it in anger, but you will just have to tough it out.

Upgrading your envelope can make a major difference in your utility bill. If you can save $100 a month, you will save $1,200 a year. If you live in the home for 10 years, that is an easy $12,000.

Rick Chapo is with SolarCompanies.com, a directory of solar energy companies. Visit us to read more solar power articles.

[tags]home improvements, insulation, doors, windows, energy, utility, bills, heating, cooling, frames[/tags]

Do you have a space in your backyard you would like to fill with a water feature? Most home-owners would like a large pond, but don’t want it so big that a child or dog could fall into. You also probably don’t want to dig a 3-foot hole either- recently, you may have discovered that your “backyard dirt” can actually substitute as modelling clay, and it has a similar composition as concrete. Maintenance is also another issue- do you have the time to nurture your pond, to keep the water clean, keep debris from falling into it, and to periodically clean the filters and pumps? Or would a 800 gallon pond quickly turn into a cesspool and attract nasty glares from your neighbours?

If you’re like most home-owners, you would prefer a small maintenance-free and easy-to-install pond. A small pre-formed pond is probably the ideal solution for you. Unlike liner ponds, preformed ponds already come in a pre-defined shape. Mini preformed ponds are typically 2-3 feet wide/long, and 1 foot deep. They are especially low-maintenance since the volume of water is only in the 30 gallon range, it is quite easy to periodically empty the water and to refill your pond.

Mini-preformed pond kits, such as Algreen’s 30 gallon kit, sometimes include a small watercourse to add the trickling sound of water to your backyard. They typically also the pump and pre-filter that is required to circulate the water, and to pump the water to your watercourse. The pump is an essential part of any water garden, because, without proper water circulation, your pond will rapidly transform into a breeding ground for mosquito larvae.

In addition to the pond, the watercourse, the pump, and the equipment included in a mini-pond kit, all you will need is:

1. A carpenter’s level.
2. Sand, to backfill your pond. In addition to backfill, the sand will also provide adjustable flooring for your pond shell, which will come in handy when you are trying to level your pond.
3. A shovel, to dig your hole.
4. A garden hose, to fill your pond with water.
5. A space in your backyard that is relatively close to your house, to maximize its impact. Be sure to consider the slope of the land and to ensure that the pond avoids rainwater runoff.

Optional backyard water gardening supplies include landscaping rocks, aquatic plants, fish, and a fountain and/or spitter.

As you can see, water gardening can be made relatively straightforward with a mini-pond kit! For further information and tips about water gardening, please go to GardenSM.com.

More information about the 30 gallon mini-pond kit can be obtained at http://www.gardensupermart.com/buypond/c229211p16771003.2.html

[tags]mini pond, small pond kit, preformed pond, pond kits, water garden, backyard pond[/tags]

Many people dream of owning a massive kitchen with every possible feature to aid food preparation imaginable contained therein. Seating room is also a common desired feature that many people simply do not have the space to provide in their kitchens. Though it may take some extreme and consequently expensive renovating, creating the kitchen your dreams is quite easy. Since the project may be rather demanding, hiring a contractor may be a wise decision. If you consider yourself a handy individual and are confident in your abilities as a carpenter, then you can certainly go about this project by yourself. Keep in mind that remodeling your kitchen can an enormous task and you may require a little help throughout, thus you should not be too proud to accept help when it is offered. With the aid of another person or group of people, the job will simply take less time and likely be of much better quality.

Those unsure of exactly what they wish their new kitchen to look like may benefit from doing a little research. Viewing home and garden magazines, browsing the internet and attending seminars held at hardware stores and the like, are excellent ways through which one can formulate ideas about the design of their new kitchen. Attending seminars in particular can be rather advantageous as it is likely that you will be able to see up-close how to go about doing certain things, such as installing cabinetry and counter tops.

For those who simply cannot develop their own kitchen concept, consulting an interior decorator or designer can be quite beneficial. Not only will this individual work hands-on with you develop an appealing kitchen design that may incorporate elements from several designs, but they will also be able to offer tips on how to keep the area looking fresh, new and stylish.

If you need House and Home information or have articles on House and Home issues, visit our House and Home section for more in-depth resources. Free website content.

[tags]Kitchen Design, Kitchen Cabinet Design, Kitchen Design Ideas, Kitchen Design Software[/tags]

If you own a home, do it yourself projects undoubtedly occupy many of your weekends. Mail order plumbing makes plumbing upgrades cheaper, particularly if you plan ahead.

The Internet has given rise to so many new and, frankly, odd things that there seems to be no end to it. One of the hugely popular areas that have arisen is the area of home improvements. You can see practically anything online, shop for the best price and have it delivered to your door. This, of course, fits in with the American motto of give me convenience or give me death! If nothing else, you avoid the mobs at the local hardware store each weekend.

There are a vast number of sites offering mail order plumbing products. Products range from complete pieces for renovations, such as entire plumbing systems for bathrooms, kitchens and so on to more isolated components. The sites allow you to see a completed project [so you can groan later when yours doesn't look like it] and often provide detailed instructions on installation. Of course, the downside is there isn’t anyone to actually talk to when your project starts to look like abstract art.

You can also order individual plumbing parts off of sites. If you do this, be careful! Matching parts you need to those on a site can be a bit sketchy. First of all, there is no guarantee the site used the correct photograph for the part. What you see may not be what you get. Second, you need to know exactly what you need including sizing and accessories. Third, you have to wait for the parts to appear. You can find tremendous pricing for non-emergency projects, but major leaks usually need immediate attention.

There are two primary reasons to shop online for your plumbing needs. First, you can click around to find the best price. Second, you can always find what you want, even if you have to hunt through a few sites. This can be particularly advantageous if you have a unique situation which none of the local stores have parts for. There is always some online store specializing in the esoteric.

If you are looking for good prices, planning ahead and know exactly what you want, give online plumbing sites a try.

Rick Chapo is with SolarCompanies.com, a directory of solar energy companies. Visit us to read more articles on building your own home.

[tags]plumbing, mail, sites, internet, projects, products, sinks, kitchen, bathrooms, prices, pricing[/tags]

The curtain rods are available along with finials, which in turn are available in several designs like wrought iron, wooden, crystal, glass, ceramic, copper, brass with adjustable telescopic rods and competed with brackets and rings. The high quality of the curtain rods proves to be sturdy, durable and quite easy to install.

There are varieties of curtain rods available in the market today, all of which serve a different purpose.

Following are the different types of curtain rods:

Caf