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- Posted at 7:48 AM on 9/30/2006 by Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Feng Shui Atrracts Money About the AuthorSam Steven's metaphysical articles have been published in many high-standing newspapers and she has published several books. You can meet Sam Stevens at http://www.psychicrealm.com where she works as a professional psychic. You can also read more of her articles at http://www.newagenotebook.com where she is the staff writer. Currently she is studying technology's impact on the metaphysics. ...Decorating to Sell a House by Meeting Three Key Ne Decorating to Sell a House by Meeting Three Key Needs Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Decorating to Sell a House by Meeting Three Key Needs Author: Julie Dana Specific marketing campaigns are no longer just for automobiles and designer clothes. Targeted marketing techniques are now applied to houses that are for sale. Decorating your house in a specific manner to facilitate the selling of it is an important aspect of selling and marketing your home; this type of decorating is called home staging. The goal of this type of decorating is to strategically style to address the psychological needs of the buyer. The buyer has three major needs when they look at the house.Can I imagine myself (my family) living here?Is this an easy, carefree house to live in?Is this a good value for my money?All décor choices you make to sell the house will reflect those needs of the buyer.The most important tip to keep in mind at all times is that first impressions are critical in every area. The first time a potential buyer sees this house is curb appeal. That first glance they get as they step in the house can sell the house. First impression will happen in each and every room; make that impression awesome!Remove: This area of staging is very difficult for some homeowners because it involves decorating it as a marketable house not as a beloved home. You do not want anything personal on display. This includes removing all family photographs, all toiletries, mail/bill piles, and all special collectibles. All bathroom and kitchen counters need to be cleared expect for only one or two decorative objects. Generally speaking, remove all wallpaper and paint all rooms a neutral ivory color. This meets the need of being able to imagine living there (and not being distracted by who lives there now)Clean: The house needs to be absolutely sparkling clean. This includes washing windows inside and out, shining the kitchen sink, dusting baseboards, bleaching grout around tiles. It also needs to smell clean and fresh. The house can not smell of animals or cooking. Do not have daily housekeeping supplies visible to potential buyers. This includes laundry baskets and dish drainers - nothing to remind people that there will be work to do in this house. You want to meet their psychological need of living in an easy, carefree house.Reduce: This area of staging® is the most over looked area by the do-it-yourself home seller. All closets of any kind - (foyer closets, master bedroom closets, linen closet, pantry etc) must only be half full. And that does really mean only ½ full. Also consider taking out the extra living room chair or extra dresser in the bedroom. Pack up items you can do without for the next couple months. You want to show that the house has lots of space and room to grow. This meets the needs of good value for the money.These three simple but effective decorating techniques can help you market and sell you home for what it is worth.About the AuthorJulie Dana is a professional Interior Redesigner and Accredited Staging Professional. Her company, The Home Stylist, offers online decorating consultations, do-it-yourself decorating plans and real-estate staging.Visit http://www.thehomestylist.com/ to take a fun style quiz, vote on a color poll, and sign up for free decorating e-newsletter. ... Complete your wall decor with Decorative Plates Complete your wall decor with Decorative Plates Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Complete your wall decor with Decorative Plates Author: Johann Erickson Decorative plates are often overlooked when decorating a home. Yet, it's the details that really make the elements of a room come together—and decorative plates are a detail present in most rooms. While there are decorative plates that are solely functional in purpose, most have the potential to add to the ambiance of a room. Think about the following wall plate options:Cover your decorative plates in wallpaper that matches your wall for an understated elegance. You can also use this method to hide outlets on walls that display art. Wood decorative plates are perfect for a room with a country or colonial flair. Metal decorative plates come in a variety of textures and materials. Metal wall plates enhance contemporary, Victorian, and rustic decor.Porcelain decorative plates complement shabby chic, bathrooms, and some Victorian design.Mirror decorative plates can be used on mirrors, mirrored walls, or even as an eclectic detail in a uniquely decorated room.Match your decorative plates with cabinets, doorknobs, and furniture hardware. With the wide variety available, you can also tailor them to table lamps and other light fixtures. Since wall plates come in all shapes and sizes, you can match them to the curves of your furniture placement. Matching will cleverly enhance featured pieces in a room without distracting from their appeal.In addition to decorative plate style, you may want to consider changing the switch itself. Dimmer switches are available as dials, slides, touch pads, and combinations of each. The ability to adjust lighting in each room of your home provides you a way to highlight specific room features or set the appropriate mood.Decorative plates, often taken for granted, are a versatile design element. They can be romantic, sophisticated, sleek, or fun. First decide what you need your decorative plate to do for a room, and then shop for it as seriously as you would shop for furniture, wall coverings, or carpet.About the AuthorJohann Erickson is the owner of Online Discount Mart Please include an active link to our site if you'd like to reprint this article. ... A Hidden Jewel In Home Decorating The Powder Room A Hidden Jewel In Home Decorating, The Powder Room Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP A Hidden Jewel In Home Decorating, The Powder Room Author: Bonnie P. Carrier Typically a small space consisting of just a sink and toilet, you most likely know them by a more common term “half-bath” or “guest bath. Ever wonder where the term “powder room” came from? It’s derived from Victorian times, when women needed to “powder their noses”.Why consider them a jewel when it comes to decorating, also why bother decorating them, it is after all only a bathroom.A bathroom is a room in your home, in fact depending on the number of baths you have it can become a public room, which means from time to time other people besides yourself will be passing through. So why not dress it up, even if guest only use it occasionally make it pretty for you.Due to their size, a complete make over can be done in as little as a weekend and at little cost. This is also what makes them a jewel; being small you can really have fun decorating them, plus by not requiring a big budget you’re able to change the look more often. The following are a few ideas to get started with.Start with the walls. Paint, wallpaper, stenciling what ever treatment you like. With the small size of the room, the cost will be a lot lower.Here is the perfect opportunity to experiment with bolder colors, some type of theme or maybe you’ve been dying to try one of the many painting techniques. Using a theme to decorate the bath can be really fun. If your not sure what to use take a look around your home for inspiration. It could be an extension of a collection you may have or a take off on a vacation. Example of a theme, based on a vacation: Do you love the beach and vacation each year at the ocean? If so here is your inspiration. Use a wallpaper border around the room with shells or boats on it. Hunt around discount stores, flea markets or garage sales for beach related accessories; use a lightweight natural color window treatment. But before you purchase anything new, take a walk around the house, if you love the beach chances are you may already have items that you can use. Add some sparkle with a new light fixture, mirror or towel racks in finishes of chrome, gold and bronze. With limited floor space, look for storage solutions that perform double duty. Shelves with a towel rack provide not only a place to hang pretty towels; it’s the perfect place for extra toiletries and accessories.New flooring can add drama however; if this is not currently in the budget an area rug in a bold color or a geometric pattern will do the trick.Of course a complete make over is not always necessary, sometimes just simple changes could be all that’s needed. How about a vase of fresh flowers, some new towels, a whimsical piece of art or new window treatments. Have some fun - get creative – and turn that often passed over half-bath into something special. Let it become the jewel in your home decorating projects box.This article is shareware. Give this article away for free on your site, or include it as part of any paid package as long as the entire article is left intact including this notice. Copyright © 2004 bonnie carrierAbout the AuthorBonnie P. Carrier is the creator of Savvy Home Decorating. She is the mother to two grown daughters and a very spoiled 4yr old Blue Merle Sheltie named Toby. Having been a homemaker for over 23yrs has provided years of experience in budget decorating and organization. Stop by Savvy Home Decorating -www.savvy-home-decorating.com - for ideas and tips on budget decorating: ... If You Think Mold and Mildew Hibernate During ThePreparing your Home for Showing Preparing your Home for Showing Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Preparing your Home for Showing Author: Adem Martin del Campo Remember that when you are preparing your home for showing to prospective buyers, you are painting a picture, no a work of art. When selling a home you are working on a person's emotions, so be sure to keep that in mind. This will be the place the buyer creates new memories.Organizing your homeThe first place to start is cleaning and organizing. The easiest way to tackle this is to have a plan. Organizing and removing clutter should be the first task. Remove as much clutter as possible. You want to create the illusion of space without looking too sparse. If you have a buffet table with a lot of chatchkies on it, be sure to remove some of them to open up the area. If your living room is cluttered with a lot of furniture remove a few pieces. This will again give the illusion of a bigger room.Cleaning your homeNow that you have organized it is time to CLEAN. Where I like to start is with the bathrooms. Be sure to clean the toilet bowls. This is a good indication of how the rest of the house was maintained.Clean the baths and showers, removing all water stain from the tile, and glass doors in showers. A great way to remove hard water stains on glass and tile is by using toilet bowl cleaner. The hydrogen chloride dissolves the minerals that create the spots (learned this from doing acid washes on pools, and having to clean the tile with toilet bowl cleaner). Some cautions about doing this, be sure to use protective rubber gloves on your hands, and do not let the solution stay on any chrome or brass metal like the fixtures. Extended exposure can remove the finish from the fixture. Simply wipe once with the bowl cleaner on a sponge to remove the water spots, then quickly rinse with water for any metallic fixtures. For the tub, shower, and tile around them, I get a bucket of hot water, and squirt some of the bowl cleaner into it. Next I use a nylon bristle brush to scrub the tile. If you encounter a spot that is stubborn go ahead and squirt some of the bowl cleaner directly on the spot, and scrub with your brush. Once you have scrubbed the entire area rinse with warm water. I just use the removable showerhead to rinse. Next you will want to dry the entire tub and tile with a towel. After everything has had time to dry fully, I use carnauba wax for cars on all the metallic fixtures. After you apply it, let it haze, then buff with a terry cloth towel. This makes your chrome or brass really shine. The same steps can be used on your sink and faucet.Now it is time to clean the mirror(s). I use a dilution of Ammonia in water. Ammonia is what glass cleaners contain to remove streaks. Since you only need a little bit of ammonia it is a lot less expensive than name brand glass cleaners. After the mirror is dry you can use the carnauba wax on it as well.Be sure the floor is clean. If it needs cleaning, I use another dilution of ammonia in hot water. The ammonia removes the oils from your feet and other bathroom grime.Now that your bathrooms are spotless it is time for dusting, and I'm not talking with a rag.DustingNow when I clean I don't conform to the conventional. I dust the house with the vacuum. Yes I said the vacuum. Dusting with a rag only moves the dust. Vacuuming it gets it out of the house. Most homeowners have a vacuum that has attachments like a brush, and an edging tool.Some of the most important areas to remember to vacuum are the corners of walls (great hiding place for cobwebs), the tops of your baseboards, picture frames, and window tracks.I also use the brush attachment to clean my electronics, like the TV, stereo, and computers. Use the brush attachment to dust all your furniture.Clean the WindowsNow it is time to clean your windows. Clean windows (inside and out) again shows that you have maintained the house well since you lived there. Inside the house you can use the diluted ammonia, and clean like you would normally. For the outside it is a good idea to first use the garden hose to clean the outside of the window and the screen. Dirty screens are a no no. Next remove your screens so they can dry. To clean the outside windows I use a squeegee. If you do not have one you will need to do one extra step. Using a squeegee, I get a bucket of warm water with dish soap in it. Use a rag like you would to wash your car, and wash the window. After you scrub it use the squeegee, and be sure to wipe the blade dry after every swipe. Be sure to wipe the edges of the window with a different dry cloth than the one you use to dry the squeegee. This will ensure a perfectly clean window.If you do not have a squeegee, then still wash the window with warm soapy water. Dry off with a separate rag, and then use your diluted ammonia to clean the window like you did inside the house.Now that your windows are clean remember to replace the screens once they are dry.Vacuuming your homeNow that the windows are clean, it is time to vacuum the floor. Everyone loves to see vacuum marks on the carpet. The best way to keep them in tact is to start vacuuming in the opposite corner of the door, so you can exit the room without stepping on the rest of the carpet. This is hard to accomplish in a room like your living room, but do the best you can.Your house is now clean and organized, and almost ready to show.Completing your work of artThere are just a few more things to do before you show your house. First thing you will want to do is open your drapes and blinds, so there is a lot of light in the house. Also turn on the lights in every room, even if there is a window in that room. If you have ever been in a model home you will notice that they do this as well. Lots of light makes the home more inviting and cheery. The final thing you will need to do the morning you are showing your home is bake chocolate chip cookies. Remember you are painting a picture here, and the sense of smell is closely tied to memory. "Oh ya the house with the cookies," it what the buyers will remember.You have now been armed with all the tools and tips you need to make your home the easiest to sell.About the AuthorAdem Martin del Campo is the owner of Las Vegas Home For Sale by Owner, and knows the business of buying and selling homes.Visit his site today: http://www.lasvegashomeforsalebyowner.com/ ... Make Your Homes Style Unique With Mix and Match D Make Your Home's Style Unique With Mix and Match Decor Bathroom+decor Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Make Your Home's Style Unique With Mix and Match Decor Author: Kathy Burns-Millyard You see it all the time in retail discount stores: Color coordinated decor for just about anywhere in your home. And some of the designs are quite pretty. In fact, some people become obsessed by them. They're usually really cute, come in a variety of colors, shades, patterns and designs, and they just plain make decorating easy. There's no guesswork - everything is matched for you automatically. But there's also no unique style. No sense of "you" in the finished style. If you mix and match styles up a bit though, you'll end up creating something that's just right for you, your home, and your style preferences. Here are a few tips on doing that.1. It's ok to start with a "cookie cutter" design style, pattern, or color theme you've found in a general store. These are actually great starting places for getting new decor ideas.2. Try choosing just one or two matching items from the store. For instance, let's say you plan to decorate your bathroom in a sea green color scheme. You'll find plenty of really nice shower curtains to fit this color scheme well, so choose one you like. If you just can't resist... go ahead and get the matching accessories too, such as the toothbrush holder and soap dish.3. Now most likely the ready made design of your shower curtain has traces of other colors mixed in. It's common for instance, to see blues, tans, yellows and oranges in a sea green coordinated bathroom set, because these colors tend to be seen when you're actually at the sea or ocean. So they compliment each other.And this is a key decorating point: Your room colors don't have to match exactly. They should simply compliment each other. So in our sea green bathroom decor example above, it would be perfectly natural to add a set of solid tan colored towels, burnt orange wash cloths, and a throw rug with touches of blue in it. If the blue doesn't seem to fit quite right for your tastes, then try a deep forest green colored rug instead.4. Try different color shade combinations. If you're using primarily green in the bathroom design, try both a light and dark shade as previously mentioned. Test the colors out though, because sometimes one shade doesn't sit well next to another. Sometimes you can tell this instinctively by holding two items of different shades together in the store, but other times you'll need to actually buy the items and test them in the actual room itself. Anything that doesn't quite look or feel right in the overall room design can simply be returned to the store.5. Work with what you have. In our bathroom decor example, the shades of green might not work well if you have pink walls and aren't able to change them when you're redecorating. If you have deep, dark wood cabinets and other accessories, the darker green shades might make the room seem a bit too heavy and dark once you have all of the new decorations in place.6. Don't be afraid to try mixing decor styles. It's ok to have a Southwestern style towel set in the same bathroom as a seaside designed shower curtain for instance, because both styles tend to use earth toned colors.7. Last but not least: If you can't find decor styles you like at regular stores, try shopping around at yard sales and flea markets. Even if you find just one interesting or unique piece that really catches your attention - that's a place to start. You can create an entire room's unique design and decor style by simply working from the color and style of that one piece!Remember that decorating your home is all about you. Your likes, dislikes, and lifestyle are what's most important. So be sure to inject a little bit of your own personality into the decor of your home, and your friends and family will be envious of your unique, stylish look!© 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard. This article is provided courtesy of The Do It Yourself Home Decorating Network - http://www.diyhomedecorating.com - a large and growing home decorating and decor website featuring articles, tips, advice, and popular home decor shopping. ... Installing Ceramic Tile Installing Ceramic Tile Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Installing Ceramic Tile Author: Mark Donovan Ceramic Tile brings a texture, richness and color to a room that Linoleum has yet to truly mimic. Tile floors can be installed in any room, however they are most frequently seen in Bathrooms and Kitchens. I particularly like them in entryways, where they serve as a transition point from the outside to large carpeted or hardwood floored rooms. They make for easy clean up and are impervious to water damage.Tile TypesCeramic tiles come in two basic types. Glazed and Porcelain. Glazed holds up the best for heavy traffic areas and porcelain works well in bathrooms. Porcelain is typically more expensive, so consider your budget and the size of the area you want to tile. Tiles also come in many shapes and sizes. For flooring, however, I would suggest using larger tiles up to 12” x 12”.Underlayment For proper installation the base foundation or the underlayment is critical. Typically it consists of ¾” to 1 ¼” of plywood. Tiling over Linoleum or existing tile is also feasible, as long as it is solid. I also recommend when Tiling over Linoleum that you first apply ring nails or screws 6” on center over the entire area. Tiles can also be installed directly over Concrete. Make sure in all cases that the floor is level and free of dust and debris prior to installation. There are leveling compounds that you can apply before applying tile if necessary.Preparing the SiteBefore actually installing the tile, it is best to lay it out in the room to see how it will look. Pay close attention to how it runs out toward the walls, in the corners and next to cabinets, tubs and toilets. The trick is to lay the tile out such that stubby tiles do not show up in highly visible spots. Once you have completed this, make two marks with a pencil outlining the most centered tile. These lines should be perpendicular to each other. Also take note of the wall that is most visible from all the others. Now remove the tiles. Next draw or snap a line perpendicular to this wall that is in line with one of the marks you made on the floor. Then, draw a perpendicular line to this first line. This second line should be centered with the first line and fairly in line with the second mark you made on the floor. Once you have completed this task, re-layout some of the tiles along the perpendicular lines and observe if they run out in a way that will limit cutting and stubbed tiles. Once this is completed, remove the tiles and prepare for the actual installation.Installing the TileAgain, make sure the area is free of dirt and dust. Next apply the ceramic adhesive or mastic to the flooring, starting in the center, where the two perpendicular reference lines intersect. Apply enough material to cover 6-10 square feet, if no cuts are required. If cuts are required limit the amount of mastic application to about 2-4 square feet. When applying the mastic, first spread it with the flat end of the trowel. Lay it on relatively thick, approximately 1/8” to 3/16”thick. Then turn the trowel around and run the notched edge over it. This creates ridges in the mastic that helps to hold the tile down more securely. The larger the tile, the larger the notches should be. For example, I use a ¼” notched trowel for 12” x 12” tiles.Note: Only make up enough ceramic adhesive for 30 minutes, as this material has the tendency to harden up rather quickly. Once the adhesive has been applied, begin installing the tiles working from the center outward. On larger tiles you should back butter them. Basically, apply a thin coating of mastic to the back of the tile prior to laying it on the floor. This will help ensure a good bond. As you near the walls or edges of cabinets, tubs and toilets, you will need to cut some of the tiles. I highly recommend the use of a Wet-Saw. A Wet-Saw will allow you to make very accurate cuts, both large and small. You will also save money, as you will waste many fewer tiles with bad cuts or broken tiles. Wet-Saws are not that expensive and once you see your finished product you will certainly be installing more tile. Wet-Saws can also be rented as a cheaper alternative.When applying Tiles, you may want to use Lugs. Lugs are effectively spacers that come in various thicknesses. I typically like to have no more than a ¼” space between the tiles. Employing Spacers will ensure uniformity with your tile spacing.GroutingAfter the Tile has been completely installed, allow it to sit for 24-48 hours before applying grout and walking on it. Grout comes in many different colors and is very easy to install. Simply mix the grout with water or a special bonding agent and apply with a rubber trowel. Run the trowel on a bias when going over tile corners.Once the grout has been applied, immediately wipe the tile of excess grout, using a wet sponge and a bucket of water. Wait 30 minutes and again wipe the tiles down of any residual grout. Wait another 60 minutes and repeat. If grout is left on the tiles to dry, you will have a great deal of elbow work scraping it off.Let the grout sit up for 24 hours and it is ready for use and admiration.About the AuthorMe_Donovan@comcast.netwww.homeadditionplus.comOver the past 20+ years Mr. Donovan has been involved with building homes and home additions. Mr. Donovan's formal education & profession have been as an Electrical Engineer & Marketing Manager. ... If You Think Mold and Mildew Hibernate During The If You Think Mold and Mildew Hibernate During The Winter, Think Again! Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP If You Think Mold and Mildew Hibernate During The Winter, Think Again! Author: Peter Chicarielli Please accept the following article submission:Publishing Guidelines: Permission is granted to publish this article in its entirety in print or online as long as the resource box is included without modification and all links are included in print publications and active in online publications. A courtesy copy or link is requested upon publication.Article Title:If You Think Mold and Mildew Hibernate During The Winter, Think Again!Article URL: www.instagoneproducts.comAuthor Name: Peter ChicarielliAuthor E-Mail: intagone@optonline.comWord Count: 548Article Description: If you associate mold and mildew stains with the summer months, you'd be correct. The hot and humid weather provides a perfect environment for rapid mold and mildew growth. The winter however, despite cold temperatures in much of the country is not a mold and mildew-free season by any means. The president of InstaGone Consumer Products, Peter Chicarielli explains how to remove winter mold and mildew stains.****************************ARTICLE*****If You Think Mold and Mildew Hibernate During The Winter, Think Again!If you associate mold and mildew stains with the summer months, you'd be correct. The hot and humid weather provides a perfect environment for rapid mold and mildew growth. The winter however, despite cold temperatures in much of the country is not a mold and mildew-free season by any means. In fact, the development of mold and mildew stains can actually be intensified during the winter. That's because people tend to lock-down their houses to prevent cold air from coming in and heat from escaping. The reduced circulation of fresh air results in a higher concentration of airborne spores which in turn, can increase the likelihood of mold and mildew stains on ceilings, walls or other surfaces.In a warm house, mold and mildew will continue to grow in areas such as basements, attics and crawl spaces. Once the Christmas decorations are put away, emerging mold and mildew growth has a free, undisturbed ride until Memorial Day when the summer gear gets pulled out.The worst-case scenario is mold that silently grows behind a wall, under flooring or above acoustical ceiling tiles. This type of mold growth is usually caused by a leak that wasn't repaired properly, or if it was repaired, the surrounding area wasn't sufficiently dried or treated before covering it with new drywall, tile, etc. If any part of your house has water damage history, it should be inspected carefully.There have been many newspaper articles and news reports about families being forced to move from their homes and school closings due to toxic mold. But despite the media hype, most of the mold people encounter is usually the harmless, gross-looking variety. The jury may be out on what the health effects of certain types of mold are, but the fact is that there is usually a point of origin and mold growth is a fairly slow process. For those concerned about mold and mildew stains, here's a simple, four-step plan that should be followed all year long:1) Inspect - Look for early signs of mold and mildew in places such as basements, shower areas, walls that house water pipes, ceilings, etc. 2) Repair - Fix plumbing leaks, drain clogs, roof leaks or poor bathroom ventilation that can encourage mold growth. 3) Remove - Treat emerging mold and mildew thoroughly with a powerful cleaning product such as InstaGone Multi-Purpose Stain Remover. 4) Restore - Once mold and mildew stains have been treated with an effective cleaning solutions such as InstaGone, let the area dry thoroughly, apply a mold resistant primer and repaint the area. The use of long rubber gloves, non-vented goggles and a chemical respirator to limit your exposure to mold are recommended. If you have an area of mold larger than 3 feet by 3 feet, have severe allergies or have been experiencing symptoms such as headaches and difficulty breathing, it's best to avoid the health risk, and call a certified mold remediation specialist immediately.About the AuthorAbout The Author:Peter Chicarielli is the president of InstaGone Consumer Products, the manufacturer of InstaGone Multi-Purpose Stain Remover and Quick-10 Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner. Mr. Chicarielli is a frequent QVC guest and the author of several articles on stain removal. For more information visit http://www.instagoneproducts.com ... Home Floor Plan Designing for your future Home Home Floor Plan Designing for your future Home Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Home Floor Plan Designing for your future Home Author: Robert Kempe Designing Your Own Dream Home for the New Home Builder:What is your dream home? Do you have an idea of what it will look like? Defining a dream home is very difficult, especially if you have a spouse or significant other that has tastes different than your own. Although you might be able to agree on a floor plan, do you both agree on what the purposes for each of the rooms? My solution to this matter is simple. Brain storm together. Make it fun! After all it’s your dream that you are talking about. Privately each of you collect floor plan ideas from other sources, and prioritize what you like. List the top 10 bedroom floor plans, bathroom floor plans, kitchen floor plans and of course the floor plan layout styles. You can do this by researching these topics: Log Home Floor Plans, Model Home Floor Plans (which, by the way, utilize small spaces very efficiently), Kitchen Floor Plans, Apartment Floor Plans (another very good space effective plan), and various architectural floor plans. Collect your "top ten" sources from each of these plans and then select your top ten out of those. You will have a very comprehensible top ten list to discuss with your spouse or significant other. Keep in mind that you can make any room the size you desire from these plans, but it’s the concept and ideas of the plans that you should be collecting.You both then get together with your top ten lists and discuss why you really like the plans you choose. Make it fun! Make it a party if you want with friends and family, but you need to remember to be open minded and “listen” to the each other since you both have your own pro’s and con’s with each of the plans. Surprising enough, eventually you will agree on a top ten between you. In fact you probably will have extremely similar plans picked out! I did this with my wife and found that in a few hours we agreed completely on our dream home! This was the hardest part! (This method also works in determining baby names and other life critical significant other issues.)Factors to Consider:Probably the hardest factor to consider is financing availability and budget. You need to review your own current budget and evaluate how the new budget will affect your current life style. If you check your credit report and it is not what was anticipated, you might have to adjust your budget or take the necessary steps to clean it up. Since I am not a financial specialist, I would ask you to consult with the credit personnel at your local bank. Once your credit is cleaned up as much as possible, apply for a loan. Apply for the maximum amount you can get. Find out what the monthly payments would be and see if that works in your budget. Make sure your monthly payments do not affect your ability to landscape and buy some interior design items and new furniture. A common mistake most people make is that they put everything in their home but leave out the funds and budget for interior design and landscaping. Always have available financing reserved for future emergencies. Do not put everything in your home and become house poor.Location of your new dream home is also a factor. Does the neighborhood have houses similar to your style? Is there a variety of home styles? Do research on what type of neighborhood it is. Are there neighborhood, city or county ordinances that might affect your lifestyle? Make a list of all the pro’s and con’s of each of your choices of sites, narrow it down to your top 3 to 5 and seriously think about all the factors that might influence your decision. You don’t always want the perfect size or shaped lot if there are ordinances that will effect how you use it. Be careful.Make sure you have no surprises. Ask your real estate agent for a list of permits necessary to build your dream home on the lot you chose. If they will not provide this, then go to your city and county and get the list. Make sure your construction contactor provides all of these permits in their contract with you.Local codes can also surprise a lot of dream home builders. Ask the architect that does the signed blue print on your floor plans to research local codes that may or may not affect your floor plan and dream home design. Homework pays. You can save yourself a lot of money and time if you do your homework up front.If you like this article, you may find other articles written by Robert Kempe at http://www.homedesignfloorplans.comAbout the AuthorI have worked 15 + years as an Industrial construction and Engineering manufacturing project manager and a part time home inspector. My experience in the construction industries has given me insight that many people find valuable. You may find other articles by Robert Kempe at www.homedesignfloorplans.com ... Feng Shui Tips for the Bathroom Feng Shui Tips for the Bathroom Bathroom+decor Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Feng Shui Tips for the Bathroom Author: Fast Feng Shui Newsletter The bathroom has a bad reputation in feng shui, and in some ways this is deserved, as you will discover. But it's not all negative. Comfort, cleanliness, and convenience are key ingredients to good feng shui, and our modern bathrooms provide them all. One of the challenges posed by the modern bathroom is that there's no good place for it in the ba gua* [the feng shui map of a space], which long predates indoor plumbing. We can look at the ba gua and see at a glance that the Family area would be a good place for the living room, that a home office is well-placed in the Knowledge, Wealth, or Career sectors, and that the Marriage corner of the house is a great place for the master bedroom. But where does the bathroom go? The bathroom is a little out of place anywhere, although some locations are more troublesome than others. The thing to keep in mind is that bathroom plumbing has a draining effect wherever it is located. Some very difficult bathroom locations are next to or above the front door and on the second floor directly above the kitchen. These locations are particularly difficult because: - A bathroom in the front hall, close to the door, can drain chi away before it has a chance to circulate through the rest of the house. - A second-floor bathroom above the front door floods the main entry to your home with negative energy. - The water energy in a bathroom above the kitchen will extinguish the hearth's fire energy, and flood the entire kitchen with negative energy. This is potentially damaging to both health and prosperity. The worst location for a bathroom is in the center of your home, where it will destabilize the energy of the entire home. If you suspect that the bathrooms in your house are affecting important spaces, there's no need to panic. Use these simple feng shui remedies to help keep your health, wealth, and happiness from flowing down the drain: - Problem: bathroom in an important feng shui area (wealth, fame, marriage, etc.) Solutions: a full-length mirror on the outside of the bathroom door helps deflects chi so it won't be drained away; keep sink and shower drains closed when not in use; keep the toilet seat/lid down when not in use. - Problem: bathroom in the center of the home Solutions: paint the walls red, and place a stone, large crystal, or other earth-type object (such as a heavy ceramic bowl, vase, or statuette) in each corner to help stabilize the energy; a mirror on the outside of the door is highly recommended for this bathroom location. - Problem: bathroom over the front door or over the kitchen Solutions: hang a faceted crystal in the center of the room; place a three-inch round mirror on the ceiling directly above the toilet to visually reverse the downward flow of water (use double-sided tape to hold the mirror in place); place earth-type objects in the corners of the room to stabilize the energy; add an image such as a bird or tree to the downstairs area below the bathroom to help lift the energy there. Bathrooms are places for purification and cleansing, so a clean, sanitary bathroom strengthens and supports this important energy. A dirty bathroom, on the other hand, emphasizes the negative qualities of this room. If your bathroom occupies any of the more challenging locations described above, it is essential to keep it sparkling clean, tidy, and well-lit. After implementing the necessary precautions described above, you can further improve the chi of the bathroom by making it as pleasant a space as possible. This is where you begin and end the active part of each day, so the more attractive and inviting you can make it the better. Most of us live hectic, stressful lives, and are in serious need of soothing places where we can relax and unwind. A clean, tidy, nicely appointed bathroom invites you to soak your worries away in a hot bath with lavender-scented bath salts. Make this pampering experience even nicer with candlelight, soft music, and a pile of fresh fluffy towels with which to dry off. All-white bathroom decor can seem cold and clinical; add warmth with pastel-colored towels and accessories, colorful scented candles, and attractive artwork. Excerpted from “The Pocket Idiot’s Guide to Feng Shui” by Stephanie Roberts (Alpha Books, 2004) © 2004 Stephanie Roberts *To learn more about the feng shui ba gua and how to use it effectively in your space, click here. Stephanie Roberts is the author of the popular Fast Feng Shui book series, available at Amazon. com and Fastfengshui.com. Subscibe to the Fast Feng Shui Newsletter and receive FR(EE) Feng Shui tips in every issue. Visit Fast Feng Shui.com for details. ... Bathroom Remodel The Plan Bathroom Remodel - The Plan Bathroom+remodeling Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Bathroom Remodel - The Plan Author: David Foy Planning a bathroom remodel? Each home project of this nature can be broken down into 5 distinct steps. Following through each step will help this often confusing process make more sense and produce a better outcome.Bathroom DesignAsk yourself the question - "What will I have when I'm finished". Similar to planning a road-trip, a successful build project begins with an effective vision of what you want. This step is vital even if you intend to hire a professional to complete the job.Choosing hardware and materialsEvery bathroom remodel varies in the level of work and expense involved. To save a bit of cash you may want to consider refinishing a tub instead of replacing it. Often times a refinishing a bathroom tub will cost less than half price of replacing it. Old bathroom vanities and sinks are often the spark that ignites the bathroom remodeling process to begin with. Spend time at the hardware store to get some quick ideas on vanities, tubs and showers.When choosing a vanity, consider:Storage area - is the vanity designed in such a way that you'll be using all the space availableDrawer space vs. cabinet space - take a look at your current "inventory" of stuff - do you need more or less drawers for convenient storageIntegrated sink - a vanity with an integrated sink will make quick clean up a snap.Project BudgetRegardless of whether you are financing your bathroom remodel or paying cash setting a firm and realistic budget will help you make other decisions. Using a professional will provide the best result for the money you spend. You may consider doing demolition and preparation work yourself to save a bit of money.Divide and conquer - (Delegate the work)Prior to starting your project make as complete a list as possible regarding the tasks involved. If you are using a contractor, you may want to discuss with them how you can effectively be involved to help reduce expenses without "getting in the way" of a good job.Start!Although planning is an essential beginning to any successful project, nothing will change until you START the process. So get started already!About The AuthorContractors-Search.com provides articles and information on home improvement. Click here for more details http://www.contractors-search.com/a/publish/index.shtml ... A Hidden Jewel In Home Decorating The Powder Room A Hidden Jewel In Home Decorating, The Powder Room Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP A Hidden Jewel In Home Decorating, The Powder Room Author: Bonnie P. Carrier Typically a small space consisting of just a sink and toilet, you most likely know them by a more common term “half-bath” or “guest bath. Ever wonder where the term “powder room” came from? It’s derived from Victorian times, when women needed to “powder their noses”.Why consider them a jewel when it comes to decorating, also why bother decorating them, it is after all only a bathroom.A bathroom is a room in your home, in fact depending on the number of baths you have it can become a public room, which means from time to time other people besides yourself will be passing through. So why not dress it up, even if guest only use it occasionally make it pretty for you.Due to their size, a complete make over can be done in as little as a weekend and at little cost. This is also what makes them a jewel; being small you can really have fun decorating them, plus by not requiring a big budget you’re able to change the look more often. The following are a few ideas to get started with.Start with the walls. Paint, wallpaper, stenciling what ever treatment you like. With the small size of the room, the cost will be a lot lower.Here is the perfect opportunity to experiment with bolder colors, some type of theme or maybe you’ve been dying to try one of the many painting techniques. Using a theme to decorate the bath can be really fun. If your not sure what to use take a look around your home for inspiration. It could be an extension of a collection you may have or a take off on a vacation. Example of a theme, based on a vacation: Do you love the beach and vacation each year at the ocean? If so here is your inspiration. Use a wallpaper border around the room with shells or boats on it. Hunt around discount stores, flea markets or garage sales for beach related accessories; use a lightweight natural color window treatment. But before you purchase anything new, take a walk around the house, if you love the beach chances are you may already have items that you can use. Add some sparkle with a new light fixture, mirror or towel racks in finishes of chrome, gold and bronze. With limited floor space, look for storage solutions that perform double duty. Shelves with a towel rack provide not only a place to hang pretty towels; it’s the perfect place for extra toiletries and accessories.New flooring can add drama however; if this is not currently in the budget an area rug in a bold color or a geometric pattern will do the trick.Of course a complete make over is not always necessary, sometimes just simple changes could be all that’s needed. How about a vase of fresh flowers, some new towels, a whimsical piece of art or new window treatments. Have some fun - get creative – and turn that often passed over half-bath into something special. Let it become the jewel in your home decorating projects box.This article is shareware. Give this article away for free on your site, or include it as part of any paid package as long as the entire article is left intact including this notice. Copyright © 2004 bonnie carrierAbout the AuthorBonnie P. Carrier is the creator of Savvy Home Decorating. She is the mother to two grown daughters and a very spoiled 4yr old Blue Merle Sheltie named Toby. Having been a homemaker for over 23yrs has provided years of experience in budget decorating and organization. Stop by Savvy Home Decorating -www.savvy-home-decorating.com - for ideas and tips on budget decorating: ... Inspecting a HomePlanning your DIY project Planning your DIY project Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Planning your DIY project Author: Alan Woodbridge Ready to start your first serious DIY project? Read through the checklist below to make sure you are well prepared to start - and finish! - the job:1. Do an overview of the project, making sure that you understand all its requirements. Sometimes imagining that you have been hired to do the job may help you take a better perspective on what it will take to complete the task.2. Be realistic about your expectations. If you are just a beginning DIYer, consider completing a few small projects (like putting up shelves or fixing a garden fence) before attempting a major one. Ideally, for your first big DIY project you should select an area where it will least affect your lifestyle if left unfinished - for example, your basement or outdoors. Don't attempt replumbing the house as your first project!3. Know where to seek help if needed. Your sources might include DIY books and magazines, relevant web sites, and DIY-savvy friends and relatives. If you are about to venture into a completely new territory, you might find it helpful to hire a professional for a few hours and try to learn the essential techniques from them.4. Make a list of materials you need - and buy them all BEFORE you start the project. This will minimize the need for frustrating runs to the store, allowing you to completely focus on the job.There are many online tools available for estimating the quantity of materials (like paint or tiles) that you need for a project - make use of those to save time. Some useful online estimators can be found here: http://www.construction-resource.com/construction-calculator.php. (It is also a good time saving idea to add about 10% to your calculated material requirements to allow for waste.)5. Make a realistic budget. Remember to budget for little things such as nails, screws, hinges etc. The little things, when combined, tend to add up to significant amounts that are often overlooked during the planning stage.6. Make a schedule. Be sure to allow for unexpected delays or having to redo parts of the project. If you project is based outdoors, don't forget to take weather conditions into account. Consider how possible interruptions in the project are likely to affect your daily routines, and plan accordingly. For example, if your place has only one bathroom, you would want to finish any bathroom renovation project as quickly as possible.As with material estimators, there are time estimates available online and in printed sources on how long it takes to complete certain tasks. Again, adding 10% to the suggested time requirement may save you unnecessary frustration.Remember that every project is unique. Think where you are most likely to encounter problems, and allow extra time for figuring out solutions. Some problems are fixed pretty quickly - it is figuring out how to do it that can be time consuming.7. Know what motivates you best and have a strategy on how to stay motivated. It is important to understand what motivational strategy works best for you, and use it consistently. Have a clear goal in mind all the time while you are on the project. Asking yourself two simple questions - "what will happen if I do?" and "what will happen if I don't?"- is one effective motivational technique. This is especially true in the case of DIY, where your actions or lack thereof are likely to have immediate - and tangible - results.8. Last but not least - don't beat yourself when something does not go according to plan, especially if you are just starting out. This includes bad time estimates that tend to be the number one cause of frustration in DIYers. Remember that no job is exactly the same no matter how many times you do it, so you cannot possibly plan for everything. That said, your estimating and project management skills should improve over time. About the AuthorAlan Woodbridge writes about DIY projects, home improvement, and personal motivation. He is a member of the team that runs DIYProjects.info: http://www.diyprojects.info ... If You Think Mold and Mildew Hibernate During The If You Think Mold and Mildew Hibernate During The Winter, Think Again! Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP If You Think Mold and Mildew Hibernate During The Winter, Think Again! Author: Peter Chicarielli Please accept the following article submission:Publishing Guidelines: Permission is granted to publish this article in its entirety in print or online as long as the resource box is included without modification and all links are included in print publications and active in online publications. A courtesy copy or link is requested upon publication.Article Title:If You Think Mold and Mildew Hibernate During The Winter, Think Again!Article URL: www.instagoneproducts.comAuthor Name: Peter ChicarielliAuthor E-Mail: intagone@optonline.comWord Count: 548Article Description: If you associate mold and mildew stains with the summer months, you'd be correct. The hot and humid weather provides a perfect environment for rapid mold and mildew growth. The winter however, despite cold temperatures in much of the country is not a mold and mildew-free season by any means. The president of InstaGone Consumer Products, Peter Chicarielli explains how to remove winter mold and mildew stains.****************************ARTICLE*****If You Think Mold and Mildew Hibernate During The Winter, Think Again!If you associate mold and mildew stains with the summer months, you'd be correct. The hot and humid weather provides a perfect environment for rapid mold and mildew growth. The winter however, despite cold temperatures in much of the country is not a mold and mildew-free season by any means. In fact, the development of mold and mildew stains can actually be intensified during the winter. That's because people tend to lock-down their houses to prevent cold air from coming in and heat from escaping. The reduced circulation of fresh air results in a higher concentration of airborne spores which in turn, can increase the likelihood of mold and mildew stains on ceilings, walls or other surfaces.In a warm house, mold and mildew will continue to grow in areas such as basements, attics and crawl spaces. Once the Christmas decorations are put away, emerging mold and mildew growth has a free, undisturbed ride until Memorial Day when the summer gear gets pulled out.The worst-case scenario is mold that silently grows behind a wall, under flooring or above acoustical ceiling tiles. This type of mold growth is usually caused by a leak that wasn't repaired properly, or if it was repaired, the surrounding area wasn't sufficiently dried or treated before covering it with new drywall, tile, etc. If any part of your house has water damage history, it should be inspected carefully.There have been many newspaper articles and news reports about families being forced to move from their homes and school closings due to toxic mold. But despite the media hype, most of the mold people encounter is usually the harmless, gross-looking variety. The jury may be out on what the health effects of certain types of mold are, but the fact is that there is usually a point of origin and mold growth is a fairly slow process. For those concerned about mold and mildew stains, here's a simple, four-step plan that should be followed all year long:1) Inspect - Look for early signs of mold and mildew in places such as basements, shower areas, walls that house water pipes, ceilings, etc. 2) Repair - Fix plumbing leaks, drain clogs, roof leaks or poor bathroom ventilation that can encourage mold growth. 3) Remove - Treat emerging mold and mildew thoroughly with a powerful cleaning product such as InstaGone Multi-Purpose Stain Remover. 4) Restore - Once mold and mildew stains have been treated with an effective cleaning solutions such as InstaGone, let the area dry thoroughly, apply a mold resistant primer and repaint the area. The use of long rubber gloves, non-vented goggles and a chemical respirator to limit your exposure to mold are recommended. If you have an area of mold larger than 3 feet by 3 feet, have severe allergies or have been experiencing symptoms such as headaches and difficulty breathing, it's best to avoid the health risk, and call a certified mold remediation specialist immediately.About the AuthorAbout The Author:Peter Chicarielli is the president of InstaGone Consumer Products, the manufacturer of InstaGone Multi-Purpose Stain Remover and Quick-10 Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner. Mr. Chicarielli is a frequent QVC guest and the author of several articles on stain removal. For more information visit http://www.instagoneproducts.com ... How To Use Mirrors To Open Up Smaller Spaces How To Use Mirrors To Open Up Smaller Spaces Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP How To Use Mirrors To Open Up Smaller Spaces Author: InsiderPropertySecrets.com Mirrors are great for creating an illusion of space and are an affordable and easy way to open up a room or hallway. Place mirrors on the sides in narrow hallways to make them less claustrophobic.If you have a wall just in front of the entrance then placing a mirror here open this up. A mirror can be a great feature as well so consider investing in a really classy mirror and frame that stands out and complements the rest of the décor.Use mirrors in bathrooms, you can be liberal here especially if the room is small.Make sure you place mirrors in usable heights. It can be quite frustrating and cumbersome if you are forced to bend or jump justto use a mirrorTo read more tips and ways of home decorating and home Improvementvisit http://www.InsiderPropertySecrets.comYou are granted permission to reprint/republish this article on your own Web Site, in your own ezine, autoresponder series, product, bonus items, or any other format as long as it is notaltered in any wayCopyright 2004 By InsiderPropertySecretsAbout the Author~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Home Decorating Secrets & Home Improvement Tips, Strategies & Tactics, Proven To Add Value & Profit To Your Home.http://www.InsiderPropertySecrets.com~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ... Home Decorating For Smaller Spaces Home Decorating For Smaller Spaces Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Home Decorating For Smaller Spaces Author: Bonnie P. Carrier “Big Things Come In Small Packages” We’re all familiar with this quote, it’s normally associated with gifts not home decorating, but it should be.A one or two bedroom house, apartment, condo or townhouse can be just as impressive and grand as something with fifteen bathrooms, Wow, imaging having to clean all those, I have enough trouble with two.One interesting thing I have found from past experience is that decorating a smaller place is actually easier, not to mention less expensive. Whether your currently living in a small space or downsizing – that’s another one of those trendy “buzz” words, which simply means your moving into something smaller – planning how your going to decorate or redecorate is a good idea.You may think because it’s smaller, having large pieces is out of the question. Not true, having oversized furniture is not going to make your rooms appear smaller, what it will do is give a warm inviting feeling. Of course the layout and size of a room will determine how many pieces can comfortably go into it. After all, you may be looking for drama and comfort, but you still need to be able to maneuver around. This also applies to accessories, it’s better to have a few large dramatic pieces as opposed to a lot of small items, which can tend to turn into clutter and dust collectors. The exception to this would be with collections. But again you want to have places to showcase them like glass front hutches, cabinets, bookcases or shelves. Another decorating challenge can be in warming up your new place. This normally can easily be achieved by adding color with paint. Now that’s all fine and good unless you happen to be renting and your landlord say’s “Paint, oh no”. That’s ok; color can be added in a number of other ways. Several examples:·Window treatments·Furniture fabric·Accent pillows·Area rugs·Wall art·Plants & FlowersStorage can be another issue in a smaller space, there just never seems to be enough. If you’re buying new furniture or deciding on which pieces to bring from your current home, look for ones that can perform double duty. For example: ·Instead of the standard coffee table, look for one with a flip top or shelves underneath. Post Comment
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