DIY Home & Garden

By The Furniture Guy

Firstly, the beauty of natural wood products is incomparable, each grain and cut with its very own look, feel, size, and coloration. Some furniture artists strive to keep their wood furniture pieces uniform, each piece as closely matched in all ways as possible. Others have discovered the beauty in the dramatic contrast of mixed woods and finishes. Reversed grains and distinctly unique patterns can be as beautiful and unique as even the most perfectly executed fine wood pieces. The most wonderful thing about wood is that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and there is literally something for everyone in this wide realm of materials.

It also stands to reason that different tones and styles of chairs can compliment each other, though recent design guidelines suggest that too many wood tones and grains can cause a busy and untied appearance. Outdoors, however, the diversity of the nature surrounding the wood furniture of your patio or deck speaks to the way that wood contrasts blend seamlessly and peacefully. Both ecologically and aesthetically, wood furniture for the yard is a no-lose situation. Unlike plastics or resins, wood can be refinished, refreshed, disassembled and resurrected with great ease for an entirely new look.

Natural materials can take on new lives and shapes easily, and can be made to look like anything you could dream of. Old peeling and faded paint can be removed and a new, rich finish added to a freshly sanded piece. Just the simple act of taking wood from its natural grain to a deep stained finish can change the entire temperature, feel, and ambiance of your back yard or lounge area. If you don’t like the way that it looks, you can strip it right back down and give it an entirely new face within a day or two.

Lastly, but certainly not least importantly, using natural materials for your building and decorating projects will help to keep the planet and the area around you safe from potential chemicals and toxins. Natural materials decompose without emitting poisons, while natural stones offer all of the beauty and durability that you could want for without harming anything around them. Whatever your tastes and preferences, you are sure to find the sustainable products that will please your eye, go easy on your budget, and ensure a safe and clean future for the people and wildlife to come.

Jonathan Gal is a lifestyle expert and owner of YCA Adirondack Chairs, an organization dedicated to fine outdoor living. To find out more about how outdoor innovations are changing and improving the way we live, you are invited to visit: http://www.ycaadirondackchairs.com

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Advantages-of-Building-With-Natural-Materials/1144936

Tags: Furniture by webmaster
No Comments »

By Annie Deakin

The blinds in your home do not need to be forgotten, so you should know what type of blinds will suit your home. You should always put your mind into it and become a creative thinker, however not everyone has the mind that can think of the best suited color or type of blinds for their home. You may find that most blinds that haven’t been changed in one point of time can have led or can contain germs that are harmful.

The blinds in your home have always been the first thing that’s been forgotten in most homes, people often cover them with curtains in order to make them look good in the inside. The inside of your home is nice to see nice colored and expensive blinds, but did you know that they sell blinds that are vertical, colored and designer? Well, check out some on Internet stores that can give you the latest fashions of their selection of window blinds. You will find getting away from the old fashion plastic close blinds can be a good way to lose the dreadful boring fashion.

When you choose your blinds, you may want to check on the best color for your home. If you don’t want to change your blinds to a certain color or to a natural color, you should think of vertical blinds. Much different type of blinds can be bought or found on the Internet.

Vertical blinds are some of the most fashioned blinds that’s out today, which means you should either buy vertical or the regular horizontal ones. Do you want to make sure your home has a good look outside as well as inside? Well, try choosing the right style and you will.

Deciding if you want to use the Internet in order to purchase your blinds can be a tricky decision. It’s all based on where you live and if you have good stores that sell designer blinds.

You will find that there are many companies that sell only over the Internet that have nice different blind styles and along with many colors. You will notice that most blinds you use for your home are made out of plastic, you can change that into wood or fabric.

Do you plan to get a color that stands out in the outside and not just in the inside? Well, you will find that most colors do match outside, however some stores sell exotic colors like neon green or glow in the dark type. You may find that’s a bit much for the inside; however you can find the nice designer type that allows you to have one color on one side and the other on one side.

When purchasing the blinds, you should always make sure they are not the low quality, because of the issue of breaking easily. We all know that most people do forget their blinds, however not many people know how to choose the right type for their home. If you live in an area that has tons of sun and no trees, then you should try to skip out on buying certain blinds and get the ones that cover sun reflection.

Annie is an expert furniture and interior design writer. Her current area of specialism is furniture stores, leather armchair and oak coffee table.

Article Source: Blinds- What Style You Want Your House

Tags: Window Treatments by webmaster
No Comments »

By Mike11

Working from home is a dream for many, and is becoming a reality for more and more people as traditional job structures change, and as an increasing number of internet-based opportunities become available. But working from home can be inconvenient or uncomfortable if your home office feels crowded or cluttered. For the ideal remote work set up, you need home office furniture that’s comfortable, space efficient and stylish. Here are some simple guidelines to help you find the perfect home office furniture for your needs.

Space is the primary issue for most home offices. Often, a home office needs to be multifunctional. Whether your home office doubles as a guestroom, craft room or even a family room, you need furniture that’s versatile and functional. Additionally, your office furniture should never make you feel cramped. Remember, the more practical and efficient your workspace, the more practical and efficient your work habits will be.

Home Office Desks

When you’re shopping for a home office desk, look for models that have additional shelving for a phone, fax, printer and files. Vertical shelving can be a tremendous space saver for every home office.

It’s also wise to choose a desk on wheels. A portable workstation gives you the flexibility to move your desk into the corner or up against a different wall when you need additional space. If you’re a laptop user, consider a convenient laptop caddy. These small, lightweight desks securely hold your computer while providing a comfortable, portable workspace.

Health experts recommend that those who work on computers for long periods elevate their feet using a small stool throughout the day. This helps to promote healthy circulation and prevents aches and fatigue. For your home office, consider using a small, multifunctional stool that has an inside compartment for storage. You can keep CDs, extra pens and other useful office supplies out of the way to prevent clutter.

Home Office Chairs

Office chairs with ergonomic designs are great for your back and can reduce tension and aches throughout your workday. Furthermore, you can find them in a wide variety of styles and designs, many of which have clever space saving functions. Look for ergonomic chairs with back storage pockets and armrest cup holders, for example. You can also create your own customized chair with storage pockets that you can strap on to the side or back of your chair. This gives you even more control over your workspace, and lets you put storage compartments in the most convenient places possible.

Home Office File Cabinets

A file cabinet can provide you with storage for your files, notebooks, and supplies. It can also provide an additional hard surface to work on when you need to maximize your workspace. File cabinets are available in several colors and styles. They can be made of wood, metal, or another material such as fiberboard.

Home Office Storage Solutions

Desk caddies are great for organizing and sorting loose papers, bills, important messages, pencils, pens, markers, letter openers, staplers, paper clips, stamps, stationary and other office essentials. These convenient little tools can help you stay organized and prevent desk clutter, which can make it difficult to focus.

Stackable bins and tote boxes are great space savers and super organizers when used in home offices. As an added perk, these bins and boxes come in a wide array of colors so you can add some personality to your home office.

Wall hooks, over the door hangers and shelves can help keep the things you use frequently from overtaking your working surfaces and the floor. Using your walls for additional storage is a great space saving technique that can make even the smallest spaces feel open and spacious.

A leather or fabric covered bench with hidden storage can serve two purposes in your home office. It can store office supplies and also function as comfortable seating for clients and visitors. There are different heights and lengths of storage benches to choose from. Of course, it’s a good idea to measure your space before making a purchase.

Space saving home office furniture can help you create a serene workspace where you can really focus on important tasks. Whether you need a desk, office chair, filing cabinet or other storage solutions, it’s important to look for the most space efficient products available. Again, making smart use of your vertical wall space can do wonders in this regard. Take the time to shop around to look for the best deals, and be sure to look online for discounts and sales. Make the most out of your work space with functional, attractive, and space-saving home office furniture today

Mike Cole is a freelance writer who writes about decorating, often focusing on a specific kind of item such as office furniture.

Article Source: Space Saving Home Office Furniture

Tags: Home Office by webmaster
No Comments »

By Michael Del Greco

Use of Portable Generators

Some people use emergency generators to provide back-up power. While generators can be used in a safe manner, improper use of a generator can pose significant hazards to you and your family. Hazards include electric shock, carbon monoxide poisoning, explosion and fire.

Prevention of Electrical Shock

• It is extremely important to insure that your generator does not feed electricity back into the power distribution system. You should consult with a qualified electrician to insure that your generator installation is safe.
• Since the generator must be operated outside your home, it is important for it to be equipped with a ground fault interrupter.
• Only use grounded type extension cords that have the rated capacity to handle the given electrical load.
• Inspect all extension cords prior to use and never use a damaged cord.
• Do not run extension cords through water or across wet surfaces.

Prevention of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

You cannot see, smell or taste carbon monoxide (CO), but at high levels it can kill a person within minutes. Carbon monoxide is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned. Know the symptoms of CO poisoning. At moderate levels you or your family can get severe headaches, become dizzy, mentally confused, nauseated, or faint. Low levels can cause shortness of breath, mild nausea, and mild headaches. Since many of these symptoms are similar to those of the flu, food poisoning, or other illnesses, you may not think that CO poisoning could be the cause. Never operate a generator in an enclosed place including your garage or near an open door or window.

Gasoline safety tips

• Always store gasoline in containers approved for the storage of gasoline.
• Never store gasoline in your home. Keep it in a detached garage or tool shed.
• Never fill your generator when it is running or when it is hot. Wait until it is cool before filling.
• Always refuel your generator outside away from any source of ignition.
• When refilling gasoline cans, always place the cans on the ground. Never fill a can that is in the bed of a truck or in a vehicle.
• Never transport gasoline in the trunk of your car.
• Only store a reasonable amount of gasoline. The maximum quantity of gasoline stored should not exceed (10) gallons.

Hazards of Gasoline

• Gasoline vapors burn not the liquid.
• Gasoline will produce sufficient vapors to burn at any temperature above -44 Fahrenheit.
• The vapors are heavier than air and can travel a considerable distance before finding an ignition source.
• Static electricity will ignite gasoline vapors.
• Gasoline is lighter than water. Using water on a gasoline fire will spread the fire.
• Gasoline is poisonous and can be fatal if swallowed.

Michael Del Greco – New Jersey Home Inspector Lic GI 0121, President of Accurate Inspections, Inc, a New Jersey home inspection company.

Buying a home in New Jersey? www.NewJerseyHomeInspection.com has a listing of home inspectors in all counties of new Jersey. New Jersey Home Inspections are performed by the author of this artical Michael Del Greco in Bergen, Essex, Morris and Passaic Counties.

Free-Article-Directory

Tags: Electrical by webmaster
No Comments »

By Hilary Rinaldi

Just because it is going to turn cold in a few months, doesn’t mean your yard has to look dull or lifeless. Believe it or not, there are other plant options that you can use to make your yard and garden look great year round.

“Fall is the best time to start thinking about adding some strong interest and color to your yard while there is still time to get everything planted, and established, before the really cold weather sets in.”

So instead of thinking about plants going dormant, it’s time to start planning and planting a few things that will stay colorful and look good while everything else is brown and leafless. Actually, anything that remains evergreen throughout the winter months may be considered a candidate for winter interest, but I chose some plants that flower, have great structure, or produce berries.

Now’s the time to add some strong interest and color to your yard while there is still time to get everything planted, and established, before the really cold weather sets in.

I have included each plant’s ideal climate zone so you can get an idea of what will do well for you in your area. A brief list of zones is at the end of this article, or you can use a climate zone map.

Many more than 14 perennials could have been listed here, but I wanted to touch on some that are not as widely used, so you can really liven up your garden!

• Viola tricolor – Johnny Jump Up – Zones 4 to 10
  Produces neat flowers with faces in shades of yellow, blue, violet, and white. Flowers in fall and often in winter. Self-seeds readily.
• Rosa rugosa – Rugosa Rose – Zones 2 to 10
  This is a large shrub that grows to 8 feet. Has good fall color. What makes this plant appealing for winter are the large tomato-like hips that are produced after it flowers. The hips are quite a feature and last all winter long.
• Sedum ‘Herbstfreude’ (‘Autumn Joy’) – Zones 5 to 10
  This plant has fleshy leaves and grows to 24 in (60 cm). It has large heads of pink flowers that appear in the fall that eventually fade to copper color and then turn red. So don’t cut them back until the spring to get the most interest from this plant.
• Arum italicum – Italian Arum – Zones 7 to 10
  Grows to 12 inches (30 cm). This is a tuberous perennial with broad arrow-shaped leaves that appear in the fall. The foliage dies back in the summer just as the berries appear, which to me, aren’t worth it. After the berries die, the foliage reappears, remains until the next summer and is lush and green all winter.
• Acorus gramineus – Sweet Flag – Zones 3 to 11
  Native to Japan, it has soft, curved leaves under 12 inches (30 cm) long and about ¼ inch (6 mm) wide. This plant is grown mainly for its foliage, which is sweet smelling. In the winter, it has beautiful texture and pleasing green, white and chartreuse colors.
• Miscanthus sinensis – Eulalia – Zones 4 to 10
  One of the most beautiful and least invasive ornamental grasses, it forms arching clumps up to 12 feet (3.5 m) Other varieties are smaller, but most have fine leaves that have color well into winter.
• Rohdea japonica – Lily of China – Zones 7 to 10
  During the winter months it forms clumps of deep green long leaves that are 8 -18 inches (20-45 cm) long. This plant has bright red berries during winter that contrast the dark green leaves very well.
• Dianthus gratianopolitanus – Cheddar Pink – Zones 5 to 9
  Has neat and tidy mounds of blue-gray, linear leaves that develop into broad mats that are 12 inches (30 cm) or more in width. The low-growing silvery foliage contrasts nicely with other perennials. Flowers will continue until a hard frost.
• Veronica blue – Speedwell – Zones 3 to 9
  Even with the temperatures as low as 9F and several snow days, this plant still has beautiful burgundy foliage and looks great in front of some dwarf pine shrubs.
• Iberis sempervirens – Candytuft – Zones 4 to 11
  Good for rock gardens. Grows 6 to 12 inches (15-30 cm) high with a spread of 18 to 24 inches (45 – 60 cm). ‘Snowflake’ is very attractive with glossy, dark green leaves. Very frost hardy.
• Helleborus – Zones 6 to 9, others 3 to 9
  This genus has tons of choices that are hardy in many climate zones. The Christmas Rose is popular for its mid-winter white flowers, often appearing in the snow. Others have flowers in shades of green, red, and purple. Awesome for winter interest, with its great foliage and flowers.
• Erica carnea – Winter Heath – Zones 5 to 9
  This is a low growing plant usually under 12 inches (30 cm) with very dense branches. Through most the winter and into early spring in has a great display of small urn-shaped flowers that are purple -pink. There are many well known cultivars to choose from.
• Liriope muscari and spicata – Zones 6 to 10, and 4 to 10
  A clump forming perennial with some cultivars having leaves so dark they are practically black. This is good to group with other plants for interest. Good for a ground cover or path edging.
• Ophiopogon planiscapus -Black Mondo Grass – Zones 6 to 10
  An interesting cultivar is ‘Ebony Night’ because it has purple-black stiff leaves that form clumps 10 inches (25 cm) in height, and 12 inches (30 cm) in width. Slow growing, but beautiful when combined with other plants to show off its unusual color.

See Zone Map

Hilary Rinaldi – Hilary Rinaldi is a professional landscaper who has written for gardening publications such as ‘Seed Trade News’ and ‘Houseplant Magazine’. She also has been a professional public speaker and educator in the gardening industry for over 20 years sharing gardening advice and tips to as many people as she can.

Website: Weekend Gardener

Tags: Lawn and Garden by webmaster
No Comments »

By Bob Roy

Just like caring for your fall flowers it is just as important to beware of what the needs are of your garden pond. Most garden ponds are built to give additional beauty to the area. Yes, these are becoming more common.

Some of these have fish which adds another dimension They are relatively easy to care for. In the colder climates there are some important tips I have for you. If you are susceptible to the water freezing you need to read on.

The debris that collects in the garden ponds can give off toxic waste including gases. Like fall flowers these toxic chemicals need a place to go. This is into the atmosphere.

If they can’t escape they become trapped under the ice and can raise havoc with more bacteria being formed. If you have fish in your garden pond their internal systems will begin to suffer and could fail.

Part of fishes protection against disease is a slime protection over the fish including the gills. Toxins and bacteria break this down. You will notice the brilliant colors become dulled. Protecting Your Garden Pond.

In the late fall you should partially remove debris that collects in the bottom of your pond. Removing this will diminish any toxins that will be given off. And the pond will do better over the winter and any fish will survive it.

Does this remind you of what you need to due with your fall flowers?

Do You Have Fish?

You should consider doing several things. First fish will do well if the pond freezes over providing there is a depth of 1 1/2 to 2 feet deep section. They will survive very well.

It will even be better if there is about 2 foot area that doesn’t freeze over. You could use an aquarium oxygenator to help with this. If you have a pump that creates a small fountain it will keep a space ice free.

Don’t over-feed your fish. They don’t need as much food during the winter and the end of fall. Even early spring there no need to feed as much as during the summer months.

Some Experts Say…

…using some natural salt, that is, salt obtained by drying ocean water is good for your garden pond. It seems to help with the slime coating and also get rid of some of the bacteria and fungus that begin in garden ponds. Check with your garden expert to see about the dose of natural salt. This may be a bit controversial but I would err on the side of doing it.

Although the onset of fall flowers should remind you about also taking care of your garden pond. This doesn’t mean there is a great deal of work.

Bob Roy – Robs web site is dedicated to wonderful orchid plants. The website provides a good deal of information on how easy orchid care really is. Whether you are new or an entrenched hobbyist looking for the right orchid for yourself or someone else, you will find what you are looking for here.

Website: Orchids Plus More

Tags: Lawn and Garden by webmaster
No Comments »