Toxins in Our Homes

Posted on February 21, 2012 by GrangerDavis

Toxins in Our Homes

Every home is filled with unseen toxins. Vile little things abound that we cannot see, smell or touch. Once science began to discover that these toxins exist, people became more aware of what causes indoor allergies and in more extreme cases, such as toxic mold, can cause death. So what as a consumer, can we do to prevent these toxins? Once upon a time, the buzz phrase ‘cleanliness is next to godliness’ was enough, but not any longer. With the advent of so many synthetic substances being used in our clothing, furniture and other normal household items, clean just isn’t good enough. Today we have to begin looking for non-toxic options. We need to read labels and find out the manufacturing processes of those companies who supply our goods. We need to look for and support those companies who provide alternatives to foreign imports from countries that do not have our good health in mind. Where to start? Begin by looking at the floors in your home. Hardwood and laminated floors that are secured using formaldehyde glues will off-gas for a number of years. Carpets and the padding beneath can be a silent abode of molds. Look at your furniture. Is it all imported from south of the border of from somewhere from the Orient? NAFTA is a great idea in theory, but unfortunately, world trade sometimes means the world’s health concerns also. Not all countries have the EPA and FDA standards that the United States has. This can mean more off gassing from the assembled products they produce. Does this mean to have a safe home, you have to throw everything out and start over. No, but armed with awareness, the next purchase you make for your home can be safe, non-toxic and environmentally friendly. This means, simply, a step in the right direction for a toxin free home.

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Treat yourself and your windows.

Posted on February 20, 2012 by GrangerDavis

Treat yourself and your windows.

There are many styles of curtains, shades, valances and other window treatments that you can use to dress your windows. Dressed windows add to the charm of your house and make it look gorgeous. The key is to keep things in balance rather than overpower the space with too many contrasting colors. Window treatments can cost a mint these days, especially if the person doing the decorating would like to find something which is not only practical but also aesthetically pleasing. You can create your own window treatment with ideas from the internet, your local library, a craft shop or even book stores. All you need to do the job are a few supplies and a little patience, and if you know how to sew then it’s an added advantage. Custom Treatment By custom treatment we mean the traditional way of doing up the window dressing. Custom window treatments may range from the traditional Victorian, Adirondack or country to contemporary modern or just plain challenging. You might like custom made roman shades to coordinate with your bedspread or a tailored pleated valance that lends itself to multiple fabric combinations. Balloon shades can be used as a valance or a fully functioning shade. Swags and cascades can make your window look classic or casual. Draw drapes or stationary drapes are timeless solutions appropriate to any décor when installed with the right decorative hardware. Upholstered cornices can enhance any drapery while wood cornices can do the same for valances. Whether it’s a gathered panel with valence, lace panels, and stationary drapes or European style sheers teamed with cotton lace it will create an ambience in your room that you will simply love. Bay Window Treatment A window which is three sided or more and protrudes from the outer wall of a house is called a bay window. Far too many people cover up their bay windows with curtains. Graceful and romantic bay windows are windows that everyone likes to have in their house. Very few people know the exact way to treat a bay window. If the view from such a window is outstanding and privacy and light control are not a matter of concern then this wonderful window should be left uncovered. If a bay window features handsome window frames, consider playing them up with individual, inside mounted café curtains, shades or blinds. Roman shades with contrast branding are tailored and traditional. Put simple shades or blinds on closely spaced windows, then add a continuous valence and a series of shallow swags. Plan carefully so the top treatments conceals the under treatments when they are raised. For bay windows with a little space between windows, flank the entire wooden area with a pair of panels and top the treatment with a cornice. No matter what you do the ultimate aim is to make it look appealing. Designer Window Treatments As the title suggests, this has got every thing to do with a designer who is simply going to dress up your window. This is going to be one expensive affair but the ultimate result will just keep your eyes fixed on the beauty of your window. With this type of treatment everything may depend on the person designing your window treatment. Right from fabric to style to color, all of it will be different and outstanding. Not everybody can afford to do designer window treatments but if you are one among those who can, be ready to get loads of compliments for your windows. Kitchen Window Treatments Your kitchen window should be done in such a way that it coordinates with the color and style of your kitchen cabinets. Use window treatments that control light, it is also important to choose a window treatment that is easy to clean. Near gas ranges select a window treatment that cannot blow near the flame and become a fire hazard. The many kinds of treatments include roller shades, bamboo or wood shades, blinds, shutters, curtains and draperies. Some of these will be much easier to clean than others. Do consider the window hardware and placement so that it will not interfere with the window treatment.

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Tropical Home interiors

Posted on February 19, 2012 by GrangerDavis

Tropical Home decor

Who wouldn’t love to have their home give the feeling of warm and inviting climates like Jamaica or the like? We all would for the most part with the exception of those few people who actually like the horrible cold weather. This is why the tropical home décor trend is becoming so popular these days. Now you may be asking what tropical home décor exactly is and that is not something that is easy to answer. There are so many things that have the tropical feel to them that there is more than any one person could possibly use or want. But there is a very nice and highly popular line of products that are being made that provide the tropical feel while still remaining very tasteful and conservative at the same time. This has made the market for tropical home décor a booming industry as the multitudes of people are lining up to adorn their homes with this popular style. There is nothing more pleasant than a room that exudes a warm and inviting feeling and that is exactly what the tropical home décor lines do. There is so much to choose from that no matter what your current home décor system is that there is something that will fit in perfectly. Perhaps you are looking to completely over haul the home décor of your home. That is even better as there is more than enough to choose from that will completely change the look of the home and then add that feeling that can only come from tropical home décor. Of course there are some considerations that need to be made. If you are planning an over haul then you need to decide if you are changing the furniture along with the décor items and then also you must consider the color and standards of each and every room. The last thing that anyone wants is to have some décor come into their home that just does not work. The biggest problem is that most often you find that it looks great at the store and then you get it home and find out that it is completely wrong all the way around. This can pose a disaster feeling especially if you cannot return the item. Make sure that you check everything before making a major purchase and that includes the color and style of the room and furniture. Some very original tropical home decorations can be found at http://www.art-ickles.com which sells unique handicrafts brightly colored with tropical themes.

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Tropical Kids Rooms Decor

Posted on February 18, 2012 by GrangerDavis

Tropical Kids Rooms Decor

Just like the rest of the home, we like to make sure that our kids rooms have the proper décor that fits with their personal style and desire. Thanks to some well minded retailers there is now a whole line of tropical kids rooms décor that will be sure to bring bright colors and a festive feeling to the entire area. Because of the surge in tropical décor, the new lines of tropical kids rooms décor is fantastic to say the least. No matter the age or gender of the child you are sure to be able to find what you need with the choices that are available. Not only that, the newest lines are durable and high quality that will help ensure that you get the most for your money with the lasting products. It is always difficult when trying to decorate a child’s room as they tend to be very hard on just about everything that they own. This means that parents need to find items that will hold up to the child and create a lasting environment for them without breaking the bank at the same time. Tropical kids rooms décor brings to life the colors of the room and adds an air of excitement that any child will love. The room will be alive with a busy tropical scene that will foster the imagination and allow for the child to be free to wonder about the décor. Nothing could be finer. One of the finest and most popular products at this time is the great wall hangings that are new to the tropical kids rooms décor line. Unlike posters and framed pictures, these fabric wall hangings are durable and highly colorful to say the least. There is a wide array of styles and colors for you too choose from that are sure to make any child the talk of the town. These wall hangings do so much for the room that you will wonder how you ever did without them. Check out the full line of tropical kids rooms décor and you will see that it is perfect for nearly any child. There is nothing that you can not do with the variety of items, styles and colors that are available. Any room in the home that is occupied by a child is sure to be brighter and much more appealing with any of the fine tropical kids rooms décor items that are currently available. Some very original tropical kids rooms decorations can be found at http://www.art-ickles.com, which sells unique handicrafts brightly colored with tropical themes. The baby bedding quilts, bumper pads, pillow covers shown in this website are of top quality, 100% hand made with the best American fabrics.

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bathroom mirrors to reflect

Posted on February 17, 2012 by GrangerDavis

Try using bathroom mirrors in your bathroom to reflect objects of interest

Bathroom mirrors are available in many different shapes and sizes. With, or without a frame, round, oval, rectangular, or in a special shape. For small mirrors, decorative wall brackets on each side will illuminate both sides of your face evenly. You can also mount a wall bracket across the top of the mirror. Fixtures equipped with incandescent bulbs behind glass or plastic diffusers provide the most flattering light. One of the most important functions of bathroom mirrors is to reflect light, both natural and artificial. When reflecting a window, mirrors can bring the outdoors in. Bathroom mirrors lighten, brighten and add drama to a bathroom with decorative mirrors. Choose from extendable, lighted magnifying bath mirrors as well as oval, round, square/rectangular or unique size mirrors. They come in a variety of finishes and prices. Bathroom mirrors are an important element of bathroom design that can completely alter the look of the room. Mirrors can be used to reflect a favorite object in the room, increasing its presence. The style of the mirror, vanity and lighting should all match. Traditional styles look best with framed mirrors, especially in an oval shape. Contemporary designs look good with unframed, circular and/or beveled mirrors. Matching the mirror frame to the vanity cabinetry gives a uniform look. The vanity size will determine the size of the mirror. The bathroom mirror should never extend beyond the vanity over which it is hung. If sidelights are used with the mirror, the outside edge of the lights can slightly exceed the vanity below. In the bathroom, mirrors are an important element of any bathroom design that can completely alter the look of the room. In small bathrooms, mirror lights will illuminate the entire room, but in larger bathrooms, an additional ceiling fixture is needed for general lighting.

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Bathrooms Into In-Home Spas

Posted on February 16, 2012 by GrangerDavis

Turning Bathrooms Into In-Home Spas

It may be the busiest room in the house, but for many people, it’s also the most relaxing. Designers say the latest trend in homes is to create luxurious living spaces out of bathrooms-and a new study indicates that homeowners may be on to something. On behalf of German bathtub manufacturer Kaldewei, the Rheingold Institute of Cologne, Germany, found that bathing brought about psychological changes, and concluded that a relaxing bath in the evening was calming and helped people “wind down.” So how do you transform your bathroom into an at-home spa? One way is through aromatherapy. Try these recipes for a luxurious bath: Fortune and Harmony Add 4 tablespoons each of honey and cream to warm bath water with 5 drops of jasmine, 3 drops of orange, and 2 drops of vanilla. Dream Bath for the Soul Forget stress and tension with a combination of 4 tablespoons of honey, 3 drops of lavender, 3 drops of rosemary, and 2 drops of violet oil. Revitalizing Soak Boil a cup of lavender flowers and strain through a sieve into bath water. Add 2 drops of peppermint oil, 5 drops of everlasting oil, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of cream. Of course, all the sweet aromas in the world probably won’t help you relax if your bathroom isn’t comfortable-and a good place to start is your bathtub. Kaldewei, Europe’s #1 in baths, makes luxurious bathtubs that are guaranteed for 30 years. The bathtubs are manufactured from a steel enamel that resists damage from cleaning chemicals, abrasions, impacts and scratches. The resistance to scratches helps eliminate bacteria buildup, and the bathtubs can be cleaned by simply wiping them down with a dry cloth-meaning you can spend more time relaxing in the bathtub and less time cleaning it. The bathtubs also resist the long-term damaging effects of perfumes and oils, making them particularly well-suited for aromatherapy.

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Turning Your House Into A Garden

Posted on February 15, 2012 by GrangerDavis

Turning Your House Into A Garden Home

If you’re like many homeowners, you have a blossoming desire to bring the outdoors in-and to expand your living spaces onto porches, decks and courtyards. Carefully planning the style of windows and doors in your home is an important step in creating a seamless transition from the inside comfort of your home to the natural beauty of its surroundings. “Transitional spaces between the home and garden invite residents to spend more quality time outdoors,” says award-winning garden designer and host of the public television program “P. Allen Smith’s Garden Home,” P. Allen Smith. He says regardless of your neighborhood or the type of house you have, you can use the windows and doors in your home to take full advantage of what nature has to offer. Smith suggests planning your home in a way that maximizes your views, increases natural light and provides easy access to outdoor entertaining. When he recently built his own garden home retreat, he focused on these areas and used windows and doors made by Marvin Windows and Doors. Here’s a closer look: • Bi-fold doors, which open up accordion-style, provide a vast opening that maximizes the amount of warm, natural sunlight in a room and perfectly complements outdoor entertaining. • Frame stunning views of landscapes with large picture windows. Marvin offers a Venting Picture Window that provides the unique combination of unobstructed views and cross-ventilation to bring in the fresh air. • Sliding patio doors are a traditional option when planning a backyard deck or courtyard. Choose a four-panel door for a greater expanse of glass and a larger opening. Also look for top-hung panels for smooth operation and dual-point locks for security. “For several years now I have been touting the idea of the garden home, a place that blurs the lines between indoors and out, expanding our living space into the garden and our garden into our homes. My garden home retreat is my expression of this concept,” said Smith.

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Tuscan Decorating Ideas

Posted on February 3, 2012 by GrangerDavis

Tuscan Themes and Decorating Ideas

Tuscan theme Tuscan décor provides a place to relax and can use it as a place for entertainment. It is a way to decorate the place through plants or fruits or something which make feel green. For a Tuscan décor the main point to be considered is to provide green everywhere. One can use the runaway potato vine for covering the wall. This potato originally is planted in a couple of tubs and when it spreads out, the roots are cut and the vine is snipped, the potato plants fall away. This makes the wall ready for a water blast and then it is painted with an acrylic Murawash in stone. Hidden meaning Tuscan theme is not just decorating the place with plants. It is meant to give the place a shade of colors which makes the place feel living. We have come across the shades which makes the place look dull. Giving life to a place through colors and other decors is called to be Tuscan theme. This theme can also be applied for wedding ceremonies which makes the ceremony look decent and a good one with a Florence texture. Everything in a wedding when is designed with the floral theme in mind it makes the place look like wedding place. Who can design it? One can design the kitchen through the Tuscan theme giving it an overview of the sun. It can be anything related to sun i.e. it may be a sunflower designed in the dishware, or it can be the walls which are yellow in color to give it a feel that it is affected by sun or one can provide a window which lets the sun come in during the day time. Tuscan world is related to the old word. So everything which is antique can use for the purpose of designing the place with the Tuscan theme. So while designing a bedroom or a living room it can be the design of a pillow cover or a the design of the bed cover or the window cover or the door cover which is inspired by the Tuscan theme which makes the place look antique and since every antique things are good looking or in other words we can say that every old things are gold so the place decorated that way are also inspiring and good looking. Tuscan decorating ideas A home may be decorated using a beautiful Tuscan landscape or may be by contemplating any of the below mentioned ideas. Brick and stucco are generally what a Tuscan home is generally built of. Simplicity and modernity are two adjectives that describe a Tuscan home very aptly. The window dressings are simple and bold in character. The main objective behind a Tuscan home is comfort, convenience and a compact arrangement coupled with affordability and beauty of interiors. A veranda forms an inexpensive way to decorate your Tuscan home. Grape wines are planted at the base of every post of the roof of the veranda. The look exudes comfort and coziness. It makes the area look more spacious and elegant. The stairs are aptly placed and it provides privacy for the people living in the house. It gives it a cottage kind of an arrangement to the home. The kitchen is generally of a measurement of 10 by 16 feet, with a couple of closets at one end, and a back porch which is located behind the pantry and to its other end stands the back door. Tuscan landscapes: The fertile and serene parts of Tuscany in Italy provide for ample beautiful and simple decorating styles and patterns. Adding a touch of Tuscany to your house is definitely going to be a pleasurable experience. Such antique Italian ceramics are popular sources of the traditions of Tuscany. The ceramics depicting the charm of Tuscan landscapes are found commonly in every farmhouse and villa. Some examples of Tuscan landscapes are the casa Colonica and stile Rustico. Casa Colonica: It is a simple block shaped structure made of stone with a roof. Such landscapes are found in abundance in and around the Tuscan countryside. It was once considered a privilege to be the owner of a farmhouse or a villa in Italy. Stile Rustico: This is the landscape that goes with the Italian idea of a quiet and serene existence. The color scheme depicts the rich soil and soft greenery, beautiful hills and the charming olive trees are inspired from the peace of the Tuscan landscapes.

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Furniture and Fabrics

Posted on February 2, 2012 by GrangerDavis

Update your Furniture with New Fabrics

If your furniture is starting to look old and dingy, perhaps it’s time to try giving it a makeover with some new upholstery fabric. Overtime, fabric can start to fade or get damaged. Instead of buying all new furniture, reupholstering furniture can save time and lots of money. Whether for indoor or outdoor patio furniture, there are many options to make your furniture new and beautiful again. Outdoor patio furniture upholstery fabrics have come a long way. They are now made with UV blockers that help keep out the suns rays and greatly reduce fading. The materials used are also naturally stain resistant. Another great thing about patio fabrics is they do not promote the growth of mold and mildew, an often common problem with outdoor patio furniture fabrics. Simple cleaning with soap and water will keep outdoor patio furniture fabric clean. Indoor furniture has a great range of fabrics available. Upholstery fabrics can be chosen in all types of materials. Some are just prints, while others can be woven, double woven, tapestries, damask, silk, chenille, and many, many more. These types of fabrics vary greatly in price, with very intricate fabrics becoming quite expensive. Both types of material offer lots of variety. Indoor fabrics have numerous materials and designs to choose from. Outdoor fabrics also come in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can get a definite match for your room or patio. There are so many options for fabrics, so be sure to shop around when selecting a new look for your furniture. Look for a fabric that suits your needs, whether it be low maintenance for outdoor furniture, or timeless elegance for indoor furniture.

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Using Bamboo To Decorate

Posted on February 1, 2012 by GrangerDavis

Using Bamboo Blinds To Decorate Your Home

Bamboo blinds are excellent and classy way to decorate your home. In oriental culture bamboo has been always used at homes as partitions, window blinds to allow cool breeze to come in. bamboo blinds or bamboo shades provides a relaxed and cool look to any room. It adds to the ethnic ambience and charm of your interiors and definitely environment friendly.

The distinctive grass weaves; the natural colors and fine bamboo selection used in the manufacture of finest bamboo blinds gives an elegant and inviting look. In tropical countries in Asia like India and Indonesia, in olden times people used roughly cut bamboo woven together which could be rolled up and down using thick ropes. This was essential to keep the scorching sun out and the torrential rains during the monsoon period.

Bamboo is extensive used in building houses, fences, bridges, utensils, paper, toys, musical instruments –bamboo flutes, furniture and floors. In interior decorations, bamboo has been used for centuries to accent houses and gardens. The Chinese believed that bamboo brings long life, and in India, it is a mark of friendship. Japanese used it around their places of worship to ward off evil spirits.

Today this traditional art form of bamboo blinds have evolved into a classy style statement that has its own elegant look as well as functionality and exceptional reliability. Now bamboo and bamboo based products are a great rage in the Western world. Different varieties of bamboo blinds, shades and floors have found their way into some of the blue chip companies and sprawling villas worldwide.

Bamboo blinds are catching up as the latest trend and fashion in hard window treatments. They add that eco-friendly flavor and special touch to home décor. This versatile natural product can compliment the interior furniture, which incidentally could be made in bamboo too. Bamboo blinds in their stained or varnished to embellish their natural look are more preferred than artificially colored bamboo blinds.

Bamboo blinds are relatively easy to clean and maintain. Just dust them regularly with a clean cloth and use wood polish or just plain soap and water when necessary. The cost depends on the quality, the brand and the shop from where you buy. Typically a bamboo blind of 27 x 64 inches in a walnut stain or other stain of your choice without varnish may cost upwards of $60. If you plan to buy some unique or unusual stains then it may cost more.

The natural appearance of bamboo blinds and shades are retained with the grain and color irregularities visibly enhancing the natural look. Depending on the shade you choose, it can change the décor of your room to exotic, rustic or even casual in appearance! Whatever the style bamboo blinds seems to be growing in popularity and people are slowly opening their eyes to this all new natural beauty and elegance of bamboo!

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