http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/fighting-the-hot-summer-odors.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/fighting-the-hot-summer-odors.html Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:22:40 -0500
-Candles-
Candles are not a secret; in fact you probably have some in your house right now. And while candles are pretty user friendly, the biggest problem the average consumer will run into is shifting through the sheer volume of candles available. With so many different companies offering candles and accessories, the biggest mistake you can make when purchasing one for your place (besides leaving it unattended while lit- that's a big no-no) is not taking the time to take a whiff of the product. Seems basic enough, but you have to remember that not all vanilla candles smell the same. With dozens of different companies offering the same scent, chances are there are going to be different nuances in the smell. Sometimes a candle can smell so sickly sweet that just being around it will make you feel sick. If you're ordering the candle online make you sure trust the company and have some experience with the smell. If you normally hate peaches this might not be the time to experiment.

-Reed Diffusers-
Here is something you may have not thought of. When we think of scents and sticks we usually think of incense. The problem with incense, though, is that they can be a little messy and the smell can sometimes be… how to put this… a bit collegiate. Reed diffusers, on the other hand, look elegant, don't leave a smoky, sooty mess and smell sophisticated. They work like this: there is a bottle (usually colored glass) that is filled with scented oil. A few reed diffusers are then inserted into the bottle and the scent is slowly released into the air. No fire, no smoke, and a good smell to cover up that liter box that has been sitting in the sun all day.

-Room Deodorizers-
Chances are you already have one of those sweet smelling deodorizing sprays in your house. But while many of us rely on a scented room deodorizer spray to cover up a smell with something called "Spring Rain" or "Vermont Forest", why not try a deodorizer that doesn't just cover up smells but instead actually deodorizes them out of the air? There are a lot of companies offering odor canceling room deodorizers and while they might cost a little more than the typical smelling sprays they can be totally worth it for anyone fighting odor throughout the day.

You can check the internet for more information on these products and they available through most chain stores as well as specialty stores and via the internet. Good luck and remember: pick something that works for you.

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Kim Green's choice for making areas smell nice have always been reed diffusers as they work extremely well!

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/getting-the-most-from-restoring-old-furniture-heirlooms.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/getting-the-most-from-restoring-old-furniture-heirlooms.html Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:47:08 -0500
If you've ever been that person, you surely know the feeling that rushes back as you remember the day it was handed down to you. The proud feeling that you were remembered or the touching embrace as you hugged the frail person who cared for you as a child and has now realized that you are the rightful caretaker of the items that mean the most to them in life. Whether it's that old bassinet, or a well worn hutch, the desire to see it preserved will begin to haunt you until you give in and start the process of restoring that beautiful piece of art.

Where do you begin to start the process? This item is one of great importance to you and you want to ensure it's properly restored to its rightful luster. The process of restoring furniture can be a rewarding one but success is dependent on the degree of restoration, the particular piece you are restoring and the education level you have with restoring.

The right place to begin in the process is to determine what the value of the piece is. This is not crass but a 200 year old antique worth $10,000 is not all that uncommon to show up in a forgotten attic and when it happens it's best to seek out a qualified artisan that is skilled in the art of restoring valuable antiques. If anything, a qualified artisan can assist you with the best process to take to ensure the piece stays as valuable as it can. If the item is not as valuable as that colonial antique you can likely seek the assistance of your local wood worker supply store. This writer has relied on friends at Woodcraft for countless assistance over the years.

If you want to go at the process alone you'll find that the hours you spend on that beloved piece will melt away and they usually end up being the most rewarding hours you'll spend as an adult. You'll often become one with the furniture as you relive all of the memories that make that piece of furniture so important to you. With countless online resources aimed at first time restorers you'll find numerous places more then willing to help you make all of the critical decisions on what to do.

Also, keep in mind that the patina that a price of furniture obtains over the years can be a large part of the character and removing that character can all but ruin the real appeal of an heirloom. Before you pick up that paint stripper think to your self. Does the actual wood and glue mean the most to you or does the wear and tear caused by years of love mean more to you. Answering that question should tell you what steps you should take before you proudly display that heirloom where the world can see it!

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Kimberly Green has inherited many beautiful family heirlooms and has recently refinished 2 bassinets that have been in the family for years.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/restful-refuge-tips-to-create-a-cozy-bedroom.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/restful-refuge-tips-to-create-a-cozy-bedroom.html Fri, 19 Jun 2009 06:17:09 -0500 Texture plays a key role in making the bedroom cozy from the perspective of linens, carpeting, rugs, fabrics, walls and furniture surfaces. Textures can vary from soft to coarse, patterned to nubby, and shimmering to flat. Focus on textures that reflect your style and what makes you feel serene. However, adding a variety of textures can add dimension to your room. The most interesting decorative approaches often include a wide variety of textures meshed together in one cohesive approach. There are a variety of ways to incorporate texture from furniture styling to a throw on the bed. Some designers recommend using soft chenille or cotton fabrics for the duvet cover or coverlet. And, a must for some, is crisp sheets, which provides that "hotel-like" feel. Another element to keep in mind is the texture used for the floor. Avoid tough surfaces like sisal, which can feel like the equivalent of walking on sandpaper. Soft surfaces or rugs add to the coziness of the bedroom.

Color is also a key element in the overall feel of your room, primarily because it is most often linked to an emotion response. Warm colored rooms automatically seem warm, regardless of the contents or accompanying designs or furniture. However, don't be afraid to use cool colors. Cool colors can be warm and cozy if done in a soft or deep color and accented with a warm neutral tone or warm stain color for wooden accents or furniture.

Balance is the third element of style that is fundamental to creating a cozy space. It entails a point and counterpoint approach to designing a room. For example, if your tastes tend to be modern or transitional, you might consider adding a sleek piece of furniture and contrast it with a textured fabric with a warm color. In spite of how sleek or contemporary you may like your spaces to be, adding enough detail in the right balance can add warmth to the typically sterile feel of modern styles.
Regardless of what elements you decide to incorporate, the most important element is that you feel as if you can retreat to your bedroom at the end of the day. Some designers recommend having lots of down pillows for propping up in the bed. Another suggestion is to have a chair or ottoman in the room (and not for the purpose of throwing laundry on to). Having a chair creates a nice relaxing place to curl up and read or relax. Adding a bright light next to this chair also prevents from having to have bright lights throughout the room. In doing so, you can have various levels of soft lighting in the room, creating a more romantic and intimate feel. If you lack the space for a chair, an alternative suggestion is to have swing arm lamps on each side of the bed, which frees up space on night stands for a book or glass of water.


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Ki lives near Shoal Creek. He started working with Austin real estate after graduating from UT. He maintains a website where potential buyers search for Austin homes. It also has information on mortgage rate trends.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/table-lamps-get-what-you-want-buy-online.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/table-lamps-get-what-you-want-buy-online.html Sun, 24 May 2009 19:18:08 -0500
1. Buying a table lamp online gives you the chance to save money. You may not receive your lamp right away, but waiting a few days is well worth the money.

2. More styles available online. If you want your home to look good, and you probably do, you need to choose the best table lamp. When you shop online you will have access to hundreds of table lamps with each one offering something unique. Can the same be said when shopping at a local store?

3. Size. In addition to style, you will come across many sizes of table lamps when you shop online. Believe it or not, you will find everything from five inch table lamps to those that are five feet. This selection makes it easy for you to find the best size for your home.

When you shop for table lamps online you will get what you want. In addition to saving money, an online store offers more in terms of style and size. If you want to get the best of the best, you have to use the internet to compare everything that is available.

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http://mytablelamp.com offers a wide variety of affordable quality table lamps and lighting. We currently have the types of lamps divided into the following categories: Art Glass, Bases, Boutique, Buffet, Classic, Contemporary, Desk, Mica, Mission, Rustic, Tiffany, Unique, and Wood. We also provide the ability to search for lamps by text search, price, and the height of the lamp.
We are dedicated to customer service and your shopping experience. This means making sure each transaction is a pleasant experience. You can relax when purchasing from us because we use PayPal to ensure that your information is kept secure. Please visit our Privacy and Security Policy as well as our easy Return Policy for more information.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/table-lamps-and-how-to-use-them.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/table-lamps-and-how-to-use-them.html Sun, 24 May 2009 19:18:06 -0500
The most obvious use is to bring light to any room. With a table lamp you do not have to mess with adding a new light fixture, or finding a way to bring additional light through any available windows. Instead, you can set your lamp up and get exactly what you want.

Believe it or not, table lamps are used for more than how much light they give off. It is also important to note that these lamps can also be used for decoration. How would a table lamp look in the corner of your bedroom? How about in your living room? With so many table lamps to choose from you should be able to find one that is the right color, style, and size.

All in all, table lamps are great for bringing light into your home. And to go along with this, they can be used for decoration as well. Are you going to purchase a table lamp (or several table lamps) for your home? It would definitely be a good idea!

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http://mytablelamp.com offers a wide variety of affordable quality table lamps and lighting. We currently have the types of lamps divided into the following categories: Art Glass, Bases, Boutique, Buffet, Classic, Contemporary, Desk, Mica, Mission, Rustic, Tiffany, Unique, and Wood. We also provide the ability to search for lamps by text search, price, and the height of the lamp.
We are dedicated to customer service and your shopping experience. This means making sure each transaction is a pleasant experience. You can relax when purchasing from us because we use PayPal to ensure that your information is kept secure. Please visit our Privacy and Security Policy as well as our easy Return Policy for more information.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/baby-furniture-how-to-keep-baby-safe.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/baby-furniture-how-to-keep-baby-safe.html Sat, 16 May 2009 12:40:45 -0500
First check the corner posts on the crib. The best option is corner posts that are flush with the headboard and footboard. At most, they should extent 1/16" above the top. They should not be long enough for clothing worn to get hooked on.

Check that the mattress support hangers can be completely secured to the frame by either bolts or closed hooks. Regularly check the crib's hardware to make sure none of it has loosened something that can happen with a child bouncing on the mattress.

If you'll be using bumper pads, check them out carefully to have the following features: tie or snap in place, fit all the way around the crib, have straps/ties in each corner, in the middle of the sides along the open rails and should also have ties at the top and bottom edges. (Be sure to remove the bumper pads when your child can stand in the crib. Otherwise they might use the pad as something to step on if they want to climb out of the crib.)

Once you get the crib and mattress home, discard all plastic. Never use any part of the plastic, including the bag covering the mattress, as the plastic could cause suffocation.

Because of the potential of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), use a firm, flat mattress in the crib and lay your baby on their back. Instead of using a blanket that can get wrapped around the baby, use a one-piece sleeper with legs and arms.

When arranging the baby furniture in the nursery, keep the crib away from any window. Any windows that have blinds or draperies also have cords that could cause strangulation. And the screen of an open window is not strong enough to prevent a child from falling out.

If you put your baby to bed with a pacifier or teether, never tie it around their neck. When you are ready to put your baby down to sleep, there should be nothing around their neck and that includes bibs and necklaces.

Make sure the side rail is fully locked when raised. Put the mattress in its lowest position once your child can stand in the crib by itself. Remove any and everything that they could possibly stand on to try and climb out including any stuffed animals or toys.

Climbing out anyway? Then keep the side rail down. It's a lot less further to fall than if the side rail is up.

And finally, keep in mind that any baby toy/mobile/gym that stretches across the crib is wonderful for your infant but can become a strangulation hazard once your baby gets older and more active.

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Kimberly Green is a mom and has researched, in depth, baby safety when buying baby furniture

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/the-ultimate-closet.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/the-ultimate-closet.html Sat, 02 May 2009 16:58:42 -0500
The Reach-In Closet: The most common type of closet is the reach-in variety complete with a wooden rod and its hangers- nothing overly fancy. The first step to organizing a closet that is of particular importance in this instance is to inventory the items you wish to store in your closet. One of the keys to consider is how much hanging space you need and how much room you need for shoes. It used to be that closed needed larger long hanging sections for women's dresses and gowns, but today the dynamics of wardrobes are changing and double hanging sections are becoming more dominant. By adjusting a long hanging section to a double hanging section, you can ultimately add 3 feet of extra space for drawers, cubbies and amenities for storage.

One concern with reach-in closets is the type of doors on the closet. Often sliding doors need to be measured carefully so that all drawers and pull out shelving clear the door when closed. Another pitfall to shelving units in a reach in closet is to remember there is only limited space above the bulkhead of the closet door and pending the depth of the closet you can add hooks for robes and belt racks. It is important to consider from a strategic perspective where to place shelving.

The Walk-In Closet: Moving beyond the average reach-in closet, the modern home style is that the larger master suite closets are big enough to house a chest of drawers and other furniture, which saves room in the master bedroom. It is common for people to cut down on furniture in the master bedroom and relocate it to the master bedroom closet. Today's closet systems in large master suites are very elaborate and often allow the homeowner to visualize virtually all items stored in the closet in one glance. Closets have become basically rooms with a view. It is also common to have an island centered in the master closet to hold items such as tilt-out hampers, sliding belt racks and tie racks, lockable jewelry trays, shoe cubbies, shoe racks and shelves, among other things. Some islands also store luggage and fold away ironing boards. In today's modern closets, a well designed space can transform into a huge amount of optimized space with several amenities.

Space Savers: Whether your close is large enough to get dress in or an reach in to store personal items, a number of space saving accessories are available on the market today that relieve overwhelming closet disorganization by creating designated spaces for your items. How you design your closet should be based on your need and how you think you can be utilize the space. Pull-out drawers, fixed shelving and hanging baskets are essential to close organization, particularly because of their ability to help organize small miscellaneous items.

Additional amenities that make finding things easier include sliding belt tie racks, valet rods to hang dry cleaning, slanted shoe shelves and shoe towers. In addition, deep shelves for storing sweaters and handbags are helpful organization tools. Many space organizers also find it helpful to label enclosed and open containers for ease of identification


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Inside Realty works with buyers and sellers in Dallas Texas. Their website has information on the Dallas real estate market. They provide buyers a free search of Dallas homes for sale as well as updated market information on their Dallas real estate blog.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/accent-lighting-for-your-home.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/accent-lighting-for-your-home.html Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:00:17 -0500
The bathroom for example is one room that usually only has one light bulb that is not placed in the right spot do any good. Accent lighting can be used around the bathroom mirror just over the sink to make it much easier to see when you apply your makeup or shave.

Another area for accent lighting is in the living room. There may be times when you want the room to be well lit and other times such as watching TV, or have a romantic evening, so you can use a dimmer switch to change the brightness.

Accent lighting with chandeliers and lamps is much better now days than ever before. Chandeliers and pendants are manufactured in many different shapes and forms. In these modern times you can use modern or contemporary types to empathize any room in your home.

Accent lamps for a child's room can make an impact on how they regard lighting. By using string lamps and lamps that have a ball of energy showing electricity shooting out of it would be an awesome sight for anyone. These types of accent lighting will also look very good in the den area or the living room.

Corner areas are usually quite dark or at least not as well lit as the rest of the room, so these are great places to put an accent lamp. There are many types of accent lights that can be used in corners; however, some accent lighting is made for larger areas.

The patio and porch can use accent lighting either to brighten them up or having a low illumination point. You should have an idea of just what effect you want to use the accent lights for before you purchase these items. Landscape lighting is becoming very popular these days. As people are now lining their driveways with rows of accent lights that not only looks great from the street, but help to escort people from the car to your home's door. People are using accent lighting to focus on flower beds and even new shrubbery. Motion accent lighting is being used more often now as people are trying to light up the car garage or the yard if something moves, but they are also trying to lower the light bills.

Accent lighting will add value to your home if you ever put it up for sale on the real estate market. It makes a big difference in the appearance of your home.

When you choose any type of accent lighting, you want to make sure that it fits each rooms color and other room décor. Hanging lights can be very important for accenting a room. Many people install ceiling fans that have a chandelier type of accent lighting.



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If you're looking to accent your home, then give accent lighting with table lamps a try at www.MyTableLamp.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/improve-your-home-lighting.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/improve-your-home-lighting.html Mon, 20 Apr 2009 07:52:10 -0500 lighting for your home overall.

Switch from cool and warm bulbs to Rare Earth (RE) bulbs. RE bulbs will give you a better overall look, and will help you achieve that flow that you want within your lighting. Secondly if you switch from magnetic ballasts to electronic, you will be able to get rid of one of the biggest problems - the flicker and hum that accompany many different types of lighting. This is often one of the biggest concerns with lighting, and simply switching these out will help you.

You can fix the way that you are lighting. Adding paint to your lighting tools will help you by allowing you to have your lights play off softer colors than the basic white. Also, if you put more lights on ceilings and walls, you'll find that your ambient lighting is better. Lighting up the ceiling helps to make the room seem bigger, and lighting the walls helps the walls to look warmer and more welcoming.

Something else that you can do to improve your lighting is to let daylight do its work. By opening up a room to daylight, you get that fresh and natural light during the day, and you don't need to worry about creating artificial light for most of the time you are in the room. Another tip is to look at the architectural details that you might find in the room, as well as the artwork that you have, and then emphasize those things with accent lighting. This helps you to tie the room together with your lighting, which can make everything else much clearer.

Consider the space itself. You need to think about who will be using the space, and what they'll be using it for. Having enough lights to cook with is something completely different than having a soft light to read by in a bedroom. Once you've decided what types of things the users will be doing, you'll know better what type of lighting you can have in the room and how it will work for you.

Lastly, you should know when you are going to need help. Many lighting situations are just too difficult for you to do on your own, and hiring someone who knows what they are doing with lighting problems is always a great way to make sure that you are getting the lighting experience and design that you need.

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If your shopping around and looking to buy a table lamp, then look no further. MyTableLamp.com offers a wide selection of table lamps at everyday low prices. You can shop for lamps, by style, height, and price.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/the-various-types-of-lighting.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/the-various-types-of-lighting.html Mon, 20 Apr 2009 07:22:39 -0500
1. Task Lighting
Task help you to perform specific tasks like reader, knitting, general office work, etc. Table lamps are typically the best choice for task lighting because they can provide focused illumination on an area. For instance, a chandelier is usually not going to be good for reading. A lamp however, can better light an area and won't be in a position to cause a nasty shadow or glare on your activity. A table/desk lamp is also portable in case you need to adjust its position.

2. Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is generally in charge of creating the mood or a room. I helps to focus attention and drama within a room by illuminating items such as paintings, sculptures, plants, fireplaces, etc. Recessed lighting, track lighting, or wall sconces are often used to provide accent lighting. Portable lamps such as torchieres and small accent lamps can also be used to feature certain areas of your room. Don't afraid to move accent lamps around and experiment.

3. Ambient/General Lighting
Ambient lighting encompasses the rest of the lighting within the room. This is usually from ceiling lights, floor lamps that shine on the ceiling, and excess light from table lamps and accent lighting. A good recommendation is to use 3-way lighting whenever possible so that you can easily achieve different levels of illumination just by adjusting the lamp. Dimmer switches also offer a fabulous way of controlling the level of ambient light in the room.

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If you need task lighting for your home office, then look no further. MyTableLamp.com offers a wide selection of desk lamps. With everyday low prices, MyTableLamp.com is a great place for all your table lamp needs!

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>