Home Lighting Holiday Tips

‘Tis the season of putting up those Christmas lights! And there are plenty of ways to have a lot of really nice lights and decorations up without it looking tacky and just being an eye sore to the public. You want to have cars slowly going by your home admiring the light display you have created and not slowing down because they cannot believe the light catastrophe you have made as though you were trying to contact people from outer space because it is so bright!

First you want to make a note of what kind of home you have. An old Victorian home should be decorates a little bit differently from a modern one story or 2 story home. If you have that older home then you want to think elegance and class. Do not just waste electricity blinding your neighbors putting lights up on every single fixture you have. And remember that too many things in the yard being clutter and are visually disturbing. In many cases less home lighting is more.

If you have that one story home then you may want to consider lights around the roof line and along your fence and walk way. If you have a 2 story home you may even want to put them along the porch railing as well. Search for pictures of decorated homes so that you have something to look at and refer too. You may even want to check out your neighborhood to see what they typically do if you are new to the area. Candles in the windows always make for nice home lighting decor as well as wreathes on the door.

When putting up the lights be sure to have a latter that is sturdy and someone else there to help you. It is really should be a 2 person job. Make sure that all the lights are working correctly before you put them up. Also be sure to check to make sure that the wires are not frayed and if they are replaced them rather than fixing them. Better to be safe in this case. Also you want to make sure that they secured on by a fastener. When you are completed get a second option to see if it looks nice. If you have columns you may want to string lights with some holiday green garland and wrap them around the poll. These are also great for porch railings as well. For this peel and stick fasteners work great. Happy Holidays!

Adding Value To Your Home – Top 10 Tips!

Here are 10 things you need to know before you embark on a costly project:

1. It may not be worth it: Make sure that the amount you are spending is proportionate to the overall value of your home and other property in your area. In other words, don’t spend £50,000 on a new kitchen if your house is worth less than £500,000. You will not get the money back. Check with a local estate agent.

2. It is always going to be more expensive than you think: Few projects come in on budget and get done on time. Builders tend to give optimistic quotes rather than worst case scenarios. Build in a margin of error. For a ‘ball park £30,000” read £50,000, instead.

3. Some Improvements like home extensions or kitchen extensions add more value than others: Expanding the actual size of the property is the best way to add the most value. A loft conversion, a rear extension or side extensions, or even digging out the cellar gives you more space. But modernising the kitchen and the bathroom (in that order) should also be high on the priority list.

4. Bad DIY will reduce the value of you property: Remember the sins of the 1970s. Avoid stone cladding and removing period features such as fireplaces and decorative plasterwork. Make sure any home improvements are in keeping with the age and style of the house. uPVC windows and laminate floors may work well in a new flat but can cheapen a Victorian home. Adding an extension that occupies the entire garden is also bad news.

5. Never lose a bedroom: It may be tempting to turn a small bedroom into an extra bathroom or even a dressing room. But you could lose out. Although more estate agents now market homes according to their square footage, especially at the top end of the market, the number of bedrooms is still the preferred indicator of the size of a property for most people.

6. Buyers are unlikely to pay more for eco-features: Sad but true. Although making your home more energy efficient will save money on heating bills, it will not necessarily boost its price. However, in a slow market a property which is well insulated and has a new condensing boiler will have the edge over one which doesn’t.

7. Put in central heating: Most properties now have full central heating. But adding some where there is none boosts value.

8. Park the car: Turning the front garden into a parking space is neither environmentally sound nor attractive. But a property with off-street parking does carry a premium of 6 per cent over similar homes, especially in built-up areas.

9. Invest in a skip: The cheapest and most effective way to increase your living space might be to decrease the amount of clutter in your home. You may not need to build that extension after all.

10. A kitchen extension project will possibly drive you and your neighbours mad: Make sure you understand the size and scope of the project yourself and be upfront with your neighbours. Living with builders can be disruptive, noisy and dirty. Be realistic about the time frames.

You can read loads of articles like this at Prestige Renovations which is a high quality building renovate costs comparison site.

Helpful Tips for Buying Dining Room Furniture

Your dining room is the welcoming center of your home, a place where you share your hospitality with friends and loved ones, and a gathering spot for those nearest and dearest to you. Choosing dining room furniture begins with an understanding of the functions you want your room to perform, as well as a determination of the style you’d like your room’s design to reflect. While certain simple styles are at home in most décor, other styles are better suited to dining rooms that reflect specific styles, like Victorian or Tuscan.

Once you’ve determined which style you’d like to feature, you can start making furniture selections that will bring your design choices to life.

At the heart of the dining room is the table, offering a place for food, games and even more mundane tasks, like paying bills or doing other paperwork. The key is to choose the table that can suit your needs and reflect your unique sense of style.

For a traditional dining room, the Queen Anne Expandable Table offers a single leaf extension that allows you to seat more people for big family gatherings. Pair it with Versatility Side Chairs for a more casual accent, or Rita Espresso Side Chairs for a more upscale, metropolitan feel.

For small dining rooms, a round table is a good choice, taking up less space than a square-cornered table to allow for unhindered movement. The Riviera Round Table meets the needs of smaller spaces stylishly, with its uniquely curved legs and dual-tone finishes. Combined with comfortable padded seating, you’ll have a dining area that doubles as a pleasant conversation nook, as well. Choose the Microfiber parson Side Chairs for comfort and a surface that is easy to keep clean.

Of course, not all families make full use of a formal dining room on a regular basis. In those cases, combining the dining function with another function makes sense. One of the most common alternative uses for the dining room space is as a home office. Most dining rooms can be designed and furnished to allow the space to be easily converted form home office to dining space, and furniture choices can aid in the transformation.

The Spring Extendable Dining Table is a good choice for dining spaces doing double duty as a home office. A hidden mechanism lets this table easily convert from a small, four-person table to an extended eight-person table, freeing up space for other work as well as providing a more casual dining area for families or couples.

The Aristo Two-Door Buffet is another great piece for double use. Offering two solid doors, this server can store more than extra dishes; it’s a great place to stow files, office supplies, and even small electronics.

When using your dining room as a home office, be sure to select chairs that will be comfortable for long periods of sitting. If you prefer the look of wooden dining room chairs, consider adding an occasional chair that can also do double duty as a work chair. The Sloping Bi-cast Leather Chair is an ideal choice, and its slim lines and neutral design mean you can combine a pair with traditional wooden chairs for a cosmopolitan flair.

If your dining room is large enough, consider adding a bar-height table and stools for a convenient place for snacks, breakfast or just a place to relax with a cup of coffee. A bar-height table and stools, like the Nova White 3-Piece Counter Height Dining Set, is also a great place for kids to do their homework, or for an impromptu craft activity.

Having an extra set of stools on hand means you can change the look of your dining room easily. For a Victorian flair, consider the Clifton Extension Leg Adjustable Height Stool. The scrollwork back combines with a softly padded seat to offer style and comfort. Combine it with the Gabriella Pub table to complete the Victorian theme. Or go retro or mod, with the Tabouret 30-Inch metal Barstools or the height adjustable Modern Barstool, offered in silver or black.

Another bar-height option with a warmer feel is the Newport Black/Cherry Pub Table. Once again, combined with different styles of stools, this table can lend itself to a wide variety of dining room styles, from Mission to country to loft-style. The York Faux-Leather Nailhead Swivel Barstool, in either cherry or espresso work well with the dual-tone finish of the pub table, or add a splash of color with the Sonata Square Bar Stool or the Igloo Swivel Microfiber Barstool.

Your dining room can serve more than delicious food; by choosing the rights types of furniture, it can also serve as home office space, a spot for kids to do schoolwork, and a relaxing spot to sip a cup of tea and work on the Sunday crossword puzzle, quickly becoming the welcoming heart of your home.

How to Restore & Decorate a Victorian Style Bathroom : Restoration Tips for a Claw Foot Tub

Learn how to restore a claw foot tub in a Victorian style bathroom in this free video.Expert: Betty Ingham Contact: www.thehairypotters.com Bio: Betty Ingham and her husband Ben purchased and have fully remodeled and restored a 100 year old Victorian home from top to bottom. They also own a custom stoneware pottery studio, The Hairy Potters. Filmmaker: kyle saylors

Bedroom Furniture Decorating Tips – the Canopy Bed

If you’re bored with the current look in your bedroom, a stylish option is available that dates back to the 15th century. This look will add an air of nobility to even the drabbest of rooms while acting as the focal point and centerpiece of your bedroom furniture. This cure for your ailing bedroom décor is the classic canopy bed.

For the uninitiated, a canopy bed is a decorative bed somewhat similar to a four-poster bed. A typical canopy bed usually features posts at each of the four corners extending four feet high or more above the mattress. Ornate or decorative fabric is often draped across the upper space between the posts and a solid swath of cloth may create a ceiling, or canopy directly over the bed. There are a wide array of canopy beds, ranging from the more formal traditional styles to today’s sleek, modern designs, made with clean lines and a simpler aesthetic. If you’re interested in a canopy bed, chances are good there is one out there that is perfect for you.

One might think that early canopy beds were only made for the wealthy. The fact is canopy beds have their roots with the common man. The canopy bed came into existence more from utilitarian means than that of extravagance or decadence. In fact, the earliest incarnations were probably beds of common people seeking an additional layer of shelter beyond that of a less-than-impenetrable thatch roof. Canopy beds with curtains that could completely enclose the bed were used by lords and noblemen in medieval Europe for warmth and privacy, as their attendants often slept in the same room. Until the 16th century, these beds, even those of the nobles, were fairly plain and understated. During this period, carved work on the headboard and posts became popular and more ornate canopy beds followed.

Today’s canopy beds generally fit into one of two categories: traditional or contemporary. Most of the traditional canopy beds will have a Victorian aesthetic, with either metal rod frames or intricately carved wood frames and posts. These throwbacks will also often feature ruffled, pleated elaborate draping, sometimes with rather heavy cloth. In contrast, contemporary canopy beds generally employ a cleaner, simpler design. Wood, metal, or a combination of the two is used in the construction of modern canopy beds, which usually have little to no detail on the foot and headboards and often feature sharp, geometric designs.

Bedroom Furniture Decorating Tips – Unify your Look

Does your bedroom furniture invoke the feeling of a yard sale of flea market? Do you have mismatched pieces like a pale birch nightstand and a dark mahogany dresser? If so, it may be time to unify the look in your bedroom by investing in a new bedroom set. Imagine your bed matching the nightstand, which matches the dresser, which in turn matches the chest and armoire. This complete, unified look can be yours for far less than you think.

Bedroom sets or suites have become immensely popular over the past ten to twenty years. Consumers no longer have to pray one manufacturer’s cherry finish will match another’s, or put in the legwork (or web-work) of making this happen. These bedroom sets ensure an exact matching finish with another benefit—matching hardware as well. Handles and knobs are an important part of a piece of furniture’s overall look, as they work to offset the finish of the wood by adding a contrasting color and texture. With a new bedroom set, these pieces of hardware all work together so you don’t have an old copper handle clashing with a shiny silver knob.

A great thing about these bedroom sets is that no matter what style or era of furniture you’re into, you can find it. These new bedroom furniture sets are available in traditional styles like colonial, cottage, and Victorian, as well as more modern looks such as Scandinavian and Asian-inspired. Your choice of wood finish is also almost completely limitless. Everything from the palest pine to the darkest shade of espresso, and everything in between is available.

As I said in the opening paragraph, you can get a new bedroom set for far less than you think. In many cases, a set including a bed, dresser or chest, a pair of nightstands, and a mirror can be had for around $2000. Options are available for all price ranges on the Eco-Furniture website.

Tips for Buying Antique Furniture

Buying furniture is just like buying a piece of artwork. The first criteria is to buy something you will enjoy. And full enjoyment of your new furniture means considering your taste, your lifestyle and, of course, your budget

• Discover Antique Furniture

• Identify Antique Furniture & Reproductions

• Research Antique Furniture

Discover Antique Furniture

Before purchasing antique furniture, consider first how the pieces will match your home. If your décor is contemporary, adding an ornate Victorian object might not create the effect you want. Also, think a bit about what your style is and what design periods can help you create the look you like. Then have some fun, mixing and matching your favorite styles.

Identify Antique Furniture & Reproductions

True antique hunters search for beautifully preserved objets d’art, armed with pins, magnifying glasses, and levels. Many other home decorators aren’t as concerned about a piece’s history or authenticity, opting for quality reproductions that are more affordable. Both approaches are fine. Your challenge: making an educated decision based on what’s important to you.

Research Antique Furniture

Becoming knowledgeable about antique furniture takes research, even if you’re focusing on only one aspect of this wide-ranging subject.

Establish value: Many collectors prefer specific eras, styles, and makers, while others have more eclectic tastes. In either case, an authentic piece’s value is most influenced by its condition, rarity, and history.

Get an expert opinion: A trained eye is more likely to find an undervalued treasure (or a clever masquerade) than a novice. Stay informed about trends in the antiques market by consulting important trade publications.

Consider practical matters: Carefully review the size and weight of each antique furniture piece you consider purchasing. Shipping furniture can be a pricey proposition. To reduce these costs, search for shopndeal sellers in your region. Also, look for sellers who use blanket-wrap shipping services.

How To Decorate Your Home Victorian Style : Tips on How to Decorate a Victorian Style Home

From clocks to mantels, learn tips and advice on how to decorate an oldVictorian style home in this free video clip. Expert: Betty Ingham Contact: www.thehairypotters.com Bio: Betty Ingham and her husband Ben purchased and have fully remodeled and restored a 100 year old Victorian home from top to bottom. They also own a custom stoneware pottery studio, The Hairy Potters. Filmmaker: kyle saylors

How To Decorate Your Home Victorian Style : Tips On Restoring A Staircase In A Victorian Style Home

Learn tips on the steps to take to restore an old, painted staircase in a Victorianhome in this free video clip. Expert: Betty Ingham Contact: www.thehairypotters.com Bio: Betty Ingham and her husband Ben purchased and have fully remodeled and restored a 100 year old Victorian home from top to bottom. They also own a custom stoneware pottery studio, The Hairy Potters. Filmmaker: kyle saylors

Tips For Creating Antique Bathrooms to Suit Your Budget

The bathroom is usually seen as the most practical room in the house as well as being a room for people to escape from modern life in. This means that your bathroom has to be functional so that you can keep yourself clean but also give you a sense of serenity when you need it; in the case of winding down after a hard day and just needing some “me” time. Some people don’t always like the clinical look of modern bathrooms and for those of you who don’t you can always go for the antique effect in your bathroom.

You don’t have to do a total overhaul to get that antique look in your bathroom. You don’t have to be an antique expert either when it comes to down to it. A total novice can create an antique bathroom without too much effort. With a little imagination, you can easily turn your bathroom into a space of old-fashioned quaintness.

Keep in mind that anything considered to be an antique is usually more than 100 years old. However, not all collectible items are considered antiques. Also, not all antiques are collectible items – it’s just how things work out. If you have ever watched the Antique Road Show on TV, you’ll have seen a lot of people with items that have been in their families for over 100 years but are pretty much worthless.

It’s possible to get your hands on antiques without paying insane prices too. You can go down the route of looking for genuine antique items which can and will cost quite a bit of money. But you can also get replica antique items that look the part without costing the earth. A lot of hardware stores (online and offline) have items like soap dishes, door handles, mirrors, vanities and shelves that can create the antique look you’re wanting to create at home. Even adding a few items like these to your bathroom can start the antiquing process. Some places even sell these items in matching sets.

You can also turn your modern bathroom into an antique one by purchasing antique mirrors. How much you are willing to spend depends on your budget and just how badly you want to create that perfect look in your bathroom. You can shop for antique mirrors online or in high-end stores. Sometimes a great antique mirror is all that you need to transform your bathroom.

Another aspect of creating an antique bathroom is what paint you’re going to use. Look at pictures of the décor using the Victorian era or other similar areas and you’ll have an idea of what colors were used. You could also consider some faux painting techniques to artificially age or weather your bathroom décor to give it a more authentic antique feel to it. Getting your paint scheme right is critical to your antique bathroom looking just right.

If these ideas for antique bathrooms are not enough, consider the fact that many companies are making fixtures that have an antique look in order to satisfy this customer trend. You can buy new antique pieces without worrying about the problems that you might have with authentic antiques or the cost involved with genuine antiques. The cost of maintaining antiques makes using modern replicas more practical and cost-effective.

« Previous Page — Next Page »