The Key Ingredients In Contemporary Kitchen Lighting

Posted on April 8, 2010 by The Home and Garden Guru

You’re no doubt familiar with the principles of interior lighting layouts, namely that lights are grouped into one of four broad categories: ambient, task, decorative and accent lighting. But how are these four categories most commonly and effectively applied to achieve a pleasing result in a typical kitchen?

The first and arguably most important, yet least noticed, type of lighting you need in any kitchen is ambient light. This gives a soft background level of illumination that in effect provides a lighting platform for everything else. It is usual for kitchen lighting designs these days to deliver this through a grid of recessed spotlights in the ceiling, preferably controlled by a dimmer switch to adjust the level for different effects and moods.

With the background lighting sorted out attention turns to supporting the primary purpose of a kitchen: preparing food. This demands task lighting and far and away the best solution in a kitchen is concealed under cabinet lighting that brightly illuminates the countertops and thus the area where your hands are, but without shining in your eyes or being distracting. Hob lights perform a similar function for that one specific area.

Decorative and accent lighting are somewhat optional and depend on your particular kitchen layout and the way you use it. However, if you have a table, breakfast bar or kitchen island then there is a really obvious and highly effective way to enhance it. Modern pendant lighting for kitchens offers a huge choice of different styles and colors from which to add personal decorative touches to the lighting scheme.

Accent lighting in kitchens is typically done using wall wash effects (LEDs are superb for this), picking out certain features with discreet spotlights and tracing lines around plinths and covings etc. In the latter case, again some really cool contemporary effects are easily achievable using LED strip lights. Another cool effect if you have glass shelving is to set a bright light at the back of the shelf in line with the plane of the glass so that it shines through the edge – the color depends to a degree on the light and glass composition, but is generally a very striking green.

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Alternatives to Solar Panels for Suburbanites

Posted on April 7, 2010 by The Home and Garden Guru

As more and more Americans are hit by the current economic downturn, many are turning to alternate forms of power to reduce utility bills and cut cost. Solar panels are often the first solution that comes to mind, but homeowners are often daunted by the thought of large panels taking up yard space or sitting on the roof. If the concern over size doesn’t give a pause, the thought of dealing with strict HOA guidelines may deter many suburbanites.

The days of large panels taking up lots of space are numbered. Now, homeowners can replace roofing tiles with solar panel tiles. This new system blends with your current roofing tiles, creating an almost seamless look sure to please the HOA guardians. These are sleek and colored to resemble the look of most roofing tiles, even terracotta tiles; often only the sheen gives any indication of a difference in material.

Depending on the amount of solar tiles installed, homeowners can either use the solar power to supplement regular utility usage, or depend solely on the tiles and sell any extra power generated to the local utility. This would also be a simple way for a local company to begin the transition to becoming a green company. The system is designed to take wind loads of up to 125 mph and snow loads of 200 lbs, allowing for installation in harsher climates.

With the variety of rebate programs offered on the local, state and national level, the cost of such a system could be minimal. After just a year of utility savings, the initial output of funds would prove to be a wise investment both economically and environmentally.

In a few markets, homebuilders are even offering solar panel tiles as an option during new home construction. While this has not become a fast moving trend, the benefits to both the environment and the wallet will continue to accelerate interest.

Thanks to innovative green companies, any homeowner can reap the benefits of solar power.

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Use a Zebra Rug for your Jungle Theme

Posted on April 7, 2010 by The Home and Garden Guru

In today’s decorating world, anything and everything goes! You can have a totally contemporary living room, a Victorian bedroom complete with an antique canopy bed and still pull off a specialized jungle room. If you are into such decorating techniques as palm trees and jungle animals, then a zebra rug would be an absolutely perfect touch.

Can you picture a beautiful, area size rug for your den or basement playroom that has a scene of one or more zebras? The color combinations that you would have to work with are unlimited. Let’s say the zebra rug is basically the black and white zebra with a background of trees. Picture a red leather sofa or love seat as your main seating area. Black highly polished side tables and coffee table would complete the look.

If you love whicker, a brown whicker set with green and white cushions would look fantastic. I would bet that you can find throw pillows and even window covering with zebras, or other jungle animals to add to the look.

The zebra is an interesting animal and people are always fascinated by them. A zebra rug would make a basement den come alive with color and interest. Think of the background colors of the rug and pick one or two for accessorizing.

Search the stores and internet for a zebra rug and other accessories. I think a small rug by the door in the same tones would look great. A long runner with a herd of zebras would make an interesting rug for a hallway. Little kids love animals of any kind. Think how much fun your little ones would have playing on a zebra rug. They can play pretend jungle and be safe inside on a nice soft rug!

Throw caution to the wind once in a while in your decorating color and style. Get yourself a zebra rug and you will enjoy the look!

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Should You Buy A Rubbermaid Shed?

Posted on April 7, 2010 by The Home and Garden Guru

If you are in the market for a new shed, you may be inundated with the many different types that you can choose from.  There are wood ones, metal ones, aluminum ones and some made from various plastic composite materials.  Of course, the various types of shed also come with a wide variety of price tags as well.  While out shopping, it’s very possible you’ve come across Rubbermaid sheds and wondered if they were worth buying.  Here’s some info about them to help you make that decision easier.

There are numerous benefits to choosing one of these sheds, in fact.  The variety of styles offered by Rubbermaid are made from polyethylene construction, which is a rugged and durable plastic like material.  What this means is that they will not be subject to the wear and tear that can happen to sheds that are made from wood, such as deterioration from water and insects.  They also won’t require any type of continual maintenance or upkeep like wood models require.  This is a definite benefit because most homeowners don’t want to be bothered having to deal with the maintenance of something like a shed, which is just used for storing items.

Another benefit is that unlike sheds that are made from metal or aluminum, the polyethylene material that Rubbermaid uses will not dent or rust.  This can be very beneficial, especially if you have a few kids that love to throw wayward baseballs or Frisbees, since this material will not be bothered by a few bumps and bruises.

Rubbermaid also makes a large selection of styles and sizes, so you can find a shed that is made to meet your needs.  They offer some very small models to house just a few things as well as rather large choices that are as big as any other sheds you will find on the market.

So, if you are looking for a relatively low cost shed with many benefits, you very well may want to check out sheds made by Rubbermaid.

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Ottoman Beds

Posted on April 7, 2010 by The Home and Garden Guru

Ottoman beds are one of the best inventions ever! Do you have limited room or nowhere for guest to sleep when staying the night? Then this is the thing for you. You can buy them in leather, suede, and even corduroy. They look like any ordinary ottoman but when you take off the cushion there is a bed inside, simply unfold and you have a extra bed for guest.

You can purchase these in all sizes, the smaller one’s are great for one guest and they go all the way up to king size and that is great for couples spending the night. Do you have family night where you get movies and have popcorn? what better way to relax watching television and laying in the bed? They do have weight limits so you may want to check what the weight limit is for the one you purchase.

Your child have a friend spending the night? No problem, most Ottoman beds come on rollers so you can push them from room to room with ease. You can purchase these at almost any furniture store and they are also offered online at several sites.  This would even work in kids rooms, now days kids have so many games, television, computer desk along with everything else they collect. You can purchase a couple of these and and the kids can use them to sit on through the day to play video games then at night they can unfold them and have a bed for them and their friends.

Some of ottomans are lightweight and others a little heavier, it’s according to what size you need and purchase. You can buy an ottoman slipcover that comes in various sizes and colors that will match any decor you may have in your house and they also vary in price.

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How to Keep Your Swimming Pool Cost Down

Posted on April 7, 2010 by The Home and Garden Guru

If you own a swimming pool, or are thinking of building one, then one of the biggest issues on your mind is how to keep your swimming pool cost down. Whether or not you have an outdoor or an indoor pool, this is by far the most common concern amount both current and potential homeowners. In this article we will discuss a few different options that may help you in lowering your costs – both from an upfront and backend perspective.

Keeping your costs low upfront

If you are building a pool, there are a few things you can do to keep the costs down. First of all, remember that you need to do a full cost-benefit analysis of all your options, as spending a little extra now may make a ton of financial sense in the long run. That being said, one thing you can do to keep the cost of swimming pool low starts with the pump system and pool design. Many people go with the traditional thought that bigger is always better, and thus spend a lot more on a pump than is needed. Don’t do this, as it will cost you more upfront and in the long run in terms of electricity costs.

Keeping the costs low after you have built the swimming pool

This is an area where you can really save some money. One tip is to make sure you are not ‘over circulating’ your pool – many times people aren’t even using their pools but have their pumps running all the time. If you don’t use your pool, find an alternating schedule so that you only circulate and pump for a few hours in the day – you will use less chemicals and less electricity this way.

Finally, keep your pool water clean. Nothing is worse than having to empty your pool water, or having to shock the pool every weekend because you let the water/chemical levels get away from you. You should check your chemicals every day (and if in high use, check several times a day) to make sure your levels are correct and you will save a lot of money.

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The Importance of a Correctly Fitting Shower Screen Seal

Posted on April 7, 2010 by The Home and Garden Guru

Having the proper shower screen seal can prolong the life of your shower and keep water inside the shower area instead so it doesn’t ruin your bathroom floor. It is often these small items that make a big difference when doing a bathroom renovation. When redoing a bathroom, most home owners focus on the large items, like the modern sink or the measurements of the new tub; or perhaps on what color scheme they would like to use. But it is important to make sure your shower and shower door are installed correctly to avoid problems from happening as time goes on. With out busy schedules, many people opt for a quick shower over a leisurely soak in a tub or sink. Today’s showers are utilized more often than ever before which is why proper function is so important.

Shower screen seals save the bathroom floor from water that could run out of the shower when you use it. Shower doors come in many different designs and materials like etched glass and there is a seal designed to fit each one. You can purchase a seal that is designed to accommodate your particular shower door or you can buy a universal sealing kit that can be used for any door. The kit will have a set of instructions on how to use it with your door. Remodeling your bathroom gives you a much bigger return on your investment than any other room in the house except for the kitchen. Renovating your bathroom will increase the resale value of your home immediately. The bathroom is also one of the most heavily used rooms in the house so your family will still be getting the benefits of a remodel for many years into the future. When you’re planning a bathroom renovation, small items such as shower door seals should be as important as your new color scheme as a proper seal will protect your investment. Keep your bathroom looking beautiful by installing a proper shower door seal when you redo the room so that your hard work doesn’t go down the drain.

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Corner Hutch Furniture and Glass Shelving

Posted on April 7, 2010 by The Home and Garden Guru

In order to keep a home looking neat and organized, you will need the right tools. Having the right type of furniture and storage units will make your life a lot easier. Not many people actually enjoy having to clean up their home but it’s something that we all have to do every now and then if we want to prevent living in a dump. There are a variety of options that you have when it comes to furniture that will help make the job of keeping your home looking nice easier so let’s take a look at a couple of them.

The first type of furniture is the corner hutch furniture. These types of furniture can vary depending on what you are looking to store. You can get a hutch for a desk for example to give you more storage room to hold your books and other items. You can also get a hutch for the kitchen. Theses are basically cabinets that with a glass shelf that you can use to store your dishes as well as decorative items. Using corner furniture can help you save a bit of room since you will be take up space that normally isn’t being properly utilized. This is especially important if you are limited in space.

Another type of storage unit that you can buy and install is glass shelving. Shelves are pretty common to begin with but if you want to make your room glisten a bit, getting glass shelves could be a good option. Before buying shelves, you will first want to plan out how you are going to install them first especially if you are going to install floating shelves.

The point of having any of these things is to help make your life easier. Organizing and cleaning the home is something that we all have to do and having the right tools will make the job a lot easier which means you will be more enticed to actually get the job done.

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Your Guide To Bedding Sets

Posted on April 6, 2010 by The Home and Garden Guru

It might be hard to believe but the fact is that there are so many options on which bedding set you can get. Since this is a big part of how your bedroom looks, you need to make the right decision on which one to get. This is something that you will presumably be using for quite some time so it is worth taking that effort to decide which one is best for you. This article will tell you about some things that you need to consider when buying a bedding set.

The first factor is the color and the style of your bedding set. Ideally, it should follow the overall theme and decoration of the room that you will put it in. To illustrate, say your bedroom has a summer feel to it but your bedding set has a leopard print design, the decors will clash and the resulting look will not be good.

There are people who would opt to get the bedding set first and then start decorating the bedroom to fit the style. This is also a good idea, so long as you have a general feel of how you want the bedroom to look because this will prevent you from just buying anything you see that you like and eventually not having anything that matches.

Another factor in buying your bedding set is to set a budget for it. There are so many options and along with this are varying price ranges as well. There are some bedding set which are inexpensive, usually around $50, while some go for as much as $2,000. Set the budget beforehand as this is also a good way of limiting your options. A great way to save money is to get a set together with a comforter, such as a queen bedding set.

If you are choosing bedding sets as part of a redecoration project for the entire room, make sure that your budget for the bedding set fits in the budget for the whole redecorating. Set aside some money in case you need extra pillow cases and extra sheets.

Of course you need a bedding set that fits the size of the bed. Before you go shopping, you need to check the measurements, especially that of the mattress. This is especially important if you’re looking for a memory foam topper or other mattress cover. Otherwise, you will end up having to go back and forth just taking back the items that you purchased. You want your bedding set shopping to be stress-free so be prepared before going to the store. You need to find out the length, width, and depth, of the mattress and the pillows.

Buying your bedding set involves choosing from a wide range of materials. The material of the bedding set will also determine how much they cost so you need to consider this in making your budget as well. The sheet prices are based on the thread count, the higher the pricier.

Most people opt for cotton bedding sets. Cotton itself comes in different kinds. There is Egyptian cotton which is the most expensive but also the best kind. The standard cotton bedding sets are the cheapest and these are ones usually bought. There are also bedding sets that come in silk, chenille, and flannel.

Your bedding set can reinforce or distract from the theme of your bedroom so plan everything beforehand to keep your theme intact.

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Eco Friendly Kitchen Cleaning Supplies Options

Posted on April 6, 2010 by The Home and Garden Guru

The kitchen is where food is stored, prepared, and eaten, so it’s important that this room is clean. When you clean your kitchen, you usually use bleach or other harsh chemicals. When you stop to think about it, essentially, all you are doing is replacing the harmful germs with dangerous chemicals. You might as well put poison on your counter tops. However, you can clean green. There are eco friendly cleaning supplies that will clean your kitchen safely and efficiently.

You don’t have to go to a specialty store to find eco friendly cleaning products. You can find green cleaning products almost anywhere. “Green” products are in demand as consumers begin to calculate their impact on the environment and studies confirm the connection between cancer and toxic chemicals, such as the ones found in common cleaning products. Store shelves are packed with products that claim to be “green,” “eco-friendly,” and “biodegradable.” But any product can claim to be eco-friendly, but a true green product is non-toxic, biodegradable, and made from completely natural materials. Carefully read labels and look for seals that prove the certification of these products.

You don’t need to run to the store; eco friendly kitchen cleaning supplies may already be in your home. Alone or combined, vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice are excellent natural cleaners. These typical household items are not only effective, but safer than even the most natural store-bought cleaners. Even “green” cleaners sometimes have hazardous warnings on the bottles, which means they contain harmful chemicals. But vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice are safe to use around children and pets and can be used on counter tops, sinks, floors, wood, and tile.

There are many options when it comes to cleaning. With environmentally friendly cleaning supplies, you not only clean your kitchen safely, but you also minimize your ecological footprint.

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