Inground Pools

Concrete

For homeowners who wish to have a fully customizable model, concrete is the way to go. The homeowner can design the shape and size based on their needs and preferences. Designers can provide decorative accents, such as etching, to provide a customized pool. Also, concrete models will last a long time.

The drawback to concrete is the cost. They are more expensive primarily due to the type of materials that are used to construct them. There is also a lot of time-intensive labor required to install them. Adding in customization or intricate design work will also add to the expense.

Vinyl

Vinyl models are another option to consider. These inground pools are installed by placing a steel frame in the ground. It is then covered with a strong plastic cover. For those homeowners who want to customize the shape but do not want the expense of concrete, vinyl is a comparable option. They are significantly less costly than other … Read the rest

Home Improvement

Benefits Hiring Pool Cleaning Experts

Find a company that promises exceptional quality to its services and is confident enough to offer a hundred percent money-back guarantee. So if you are looking for a pool cleaning service in your neighborhood, make sure that you engage a company that prioritizes quality. In making quality its priority, a pool service company would be backed by its thorough checklist as well as by its team of highly trained employees.

It takes pains to make sure that its employees are trained and tested on both chemical and equipment information and that they continue to stay current on all new information and technology advances in the area of pool services. The checklist mentioned above ensures that clients never need worry about adding chemicals or salting their pool. The service includes an extensive tracking program that keeps all chemical results from every visit.

Such data are essential in taking the proper measures that will keep your pool looking its best as well … Read the rest

Home Improvement

Unique Cubes Solve Clutter

Tackle Clutter with Cubes

One of the trendiest methods of getting organized is through stacking wire storage cubes. Available in several colors, wire cubes are perfect for both residential and commercial needs. Wooden cubes are also popular, but the high visibility that wire cubes offer can make them more desirable. Being able to see the objects stored enables you to quickly find what you are looking for.

Versatile and Convenient Organization

A wire cube storage system is the perfect solution to all of your storage needs. These cubes can literally be used in any setting, from the office to the home, few other products can compare to the versatility and simplicity that these stacking and expandable wire cubes offer. Even retailers find these metal cubes perfect for their needs. Wire cubes are easy to put together, they are lightweight, stackable, and can be used to create a storage system of any size.

Cube Storage Options

Though the wire cubes are … Read the rest

Interior Design and Decorating

Dollhouse Decorating

Keep this in mind if you want your room box to feel airy and spacious, or as I like to put it, “think about the invisible.” Create as much unused space as possible in your miniature. This doesn’t necessarily mean less furniture, but being more selective in choices available, in whatever time period you are working.

For example instead of having a sofa that has a skirt all the way to the floor, have one that has the legs visible, so that you can see underneath. That’s the “invisible” part. You don’t see the bottom of the sofa. You only see the seat and back, but your mind knows there is probably empty space under there. Sure enough. Hold the box at eye level and you can see all the way to the wall. This gives the illusion of a small block of a space being used rather than a large block.

The same is true of tables, which should … Read the rest

Interior Design and Decorating

Organizing Personal Coffee Bar

You first want to start with clearing off your space. Take a look around for items that are displayed on your counter-space, yet you rarely use. If you have small appliances that you only use once or twice a month, it is a good idea to put them away in your pantry or cabinets so that you can make space for your every day appliances, like your Keurig. (For the purpose of this article, I will use Keurig as an example because it’s such a household name, and nearly everyone I know has one)

The beauty of having a Keurig is that there are so many items on the market that complement your coffee maker, that it is nearly impossible not to have a dedicated area, in your kitchen, where you can find everything quickly, and be on your way.

There are several different styles of Keurig cup holders in the market today. Some are vertical, while others look like … Read the rest

Home Improvement

Select and Install Grommet Curtains

First step – selecting the curtains

There is always a lot of confusion while selecting the right curtains for your windows. The good thing about the grommet style is that there are not many variations in terms of design and style, and that makes it easy for you to select the right curtains. However there are enough options for you to choose the best fit for your interiors. The designs may vary from contemporary to country and many more. There are also the color variations which you can decide based on your preferences and the interiors of your house. Likewise cost is often an issue and the curtains could be chosen based on the personal preferences while considering the affordability factor. Discount curtains are easily available on the internet and can be a very good option for those who are looking to save some money. Selecting the best curtains for your windows may take some time but it is essential … Read the rest

Home Improvement

Black And White Cowhide Rugs

The Look of Cowhide

All types of floor coverings that you add to your space can help to control the noise volume in a home with wood or stone floors. However, the area rugs that you choose to use in your decorating efforts will play a major role in the overall look of a home, and because of this, you do want to consider the benefits of a cowhide rug with a black and white design. Cowhide rugs are often associated with rustic homes with a country western look, but they can also be used with gorgeous results in homes with a modern look or even a traditional look. The black and white hue of traditional cowhide rugs makes them ideal for enhancing the look of many homes. Your room may have minimal use of colors, and the unique pattern of cowhide coupled with the textile element of this material will enrich the style. On the other hand, your room … Read the rest

Home Improvement

Add Color To Space

There are many ways to combine colors to create a balanced and pleasing design. In general, it is best not to use more than three colors in a space. Plan to use one color primarily in the space, one color for more than half the remaining balance, and use the third just as an accent.

Wall color is an easy and inexpensive way to redecorate a room. Just changing the wall shade can dramatically alter the look of the space. Your choice of hue can make the room appear larger or smaller. For example, a small room can look larger if you use a white on the walls. Likewise, using a dark color such as chocolate brown on your walls can make a room seem smaller and cozier.

Before you jump in with a bold shade on your walls, try it out in smaller doses, such as with pillows or accent pieces, to make sure you like it, before you … Read the rest

Interior Design and Decorating

Pros and Cons of LED Lights

LED Lights – Pros

  1. LEDs use 90% less energy than traditional bulbs and as such are the most efficient. As a result LEDs can sometimes pay for themselves relatively quickly through energy savings.
  2. They last a long long time. Depending on which ones you buy and how frequently you use them, they can even last 25-30 years.
  3. They brighten almost immediately when you flick the light switch.
  4. They are less of a fire hazard because they have lower radiated heat.
  5. The light bulb is durable and more resistant to shock and vibration.
  6. New technologies are giving users an element of creativity – they can be easily programmed to do fun stuff.
  7. No UV rays

LED Lights – Cons

  1. This market is currently self-regulated and as such their quality can be inconsistent.
  2. Brighter LEDs are becoming increasingly available, however it can still be difficult to find those with higher wattages.
  3. They can produce a cooler bluish light which isn’t very attractive.
… Read the rest
Interior Design and Decorating

About Wide Open Spaces

Open spaces deliver challenges and opportunities simultaneously. Here you are, moved into this new and better home that is open from the front door to the kitchen!

What to do?

On the up side, you can choose your dining area. Get creative and see what area feels like a relaxing space; one that has the best view and some access to the delivery of the food will create an easy flow and feel natural.

This floor plan typically defines the builder’s idea of the dining area by the placement of the chandelier. That’s not a game changer; three screws are all that anchor the existing light to the space it currently. You can move it and add a new light that better suits the new use of the space.

Lighting is easily changed from room to room if you love the one you’re with; or with a replacement if you don’t.

A note of caution; before you rush out to … Read the rest

Home Improvement