Monday, September 17, 2012

Green Interior Design for Luxury Homes

Whenever I interview with a new client, I like to tell them that going green doesn't have to be expensive, sacrifice luxury, or result in a home that says "70's hippie lives here". I also tell them that I won't force anything on them, but I will present the options that include sustainable choices and let them decide from a place of information. Eco-friendly materials and products have changed so much in the last 5 years that often you would never know one just to look at it. As more homeowners request and install recycled glass countertops or dual flush toilets, the industry is getting the message loud and clear - and they are responding by creating more interesting, unique, and beautiful materials for us to choose from.

Choosing locally sourced products and materials for projects is often a popular choice with the homeowners because it saves shipping costs, and helps to integrate the home with the site. It is nice as a small business owner to support local craftsmen and other small businesses. In the case of custom cabinetry, it is much easier and faster to work with a local shop that can measure, install and follow up on the project.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Cheap Home Insurance Online Offers Big Savings

When consumers want to save money by finding cheap home insurance, an online search may be their best option. While many consumers simply accept the insurer provided by their mortgage company, this usually ends up costing them more money than they should be paying. By searching for their own provider, they can generally realize significant savings.

There are, of course, a few strategies that should be employed in this search. Many people simply talk to a few insurers and then accept the policy offering that sounds good at the time. Obtaining the right price for the best coverage entails a more detailed search and comparison process. Thanks to the power of the internet, however, that process need not take as long as some might think.

Homeowners should begin with a general search to locate broker sites dealing with these offerings. At these sites, they can enter their personal and home information once, and receive multiple quotes on the policy coverage they need. This is a great time-saving method that can place a half-dozen quotes or more in the consumers hands in a matter of minutes.

Once the quotes are received, it is important to begin comparing the various terms and rates offered. Keep in mind, however, that these rates may not be the very best offer that the companies can provide. Many consumers fail to negotiate properly, and thus miss out on some of the more effective cost-saving discounts that are available.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Garden Decoration From Junk by Leeann MacKenzie

In recent years, flea markets, junk yards, garage and yard sales, basements and attics have all been recognized as treasure chests. These places are home to antiques, memorabilia and junk. For the people who have a vision of resurrecting cast-offs found in these places, The book Garden Decoration From Junk is one to read before setting out on your quest. The book will certainly brings new meaning to container gardening and garden accessories!

A little imagination, along with the unique suggestions from the pages of this book and your yard will have a character like no other. The operative word here is imagination and after reading this book, you will chastise yourself for throwing out some perfectly good garden accessories. Everything from tin cans to car springs and cutlery can be incorporated into your outdoor setting. Your deck, patio and yard can have unique pieces that will not be found at the local garden and yard decorating centers.

Visualize old garden tools as a support for clematis, scarlet runner beans or sweet peas. Metal containers such as pots, buckets and tin cans housing your herbs. Books and foot wear that have been damaged beyond repair or restoration once again come alive and will become the center of conversation when used as planters.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Moleanos Beige Limestone Tiles For Your Home Interiors And Exteriors

Moleanos Beige Limestone tiles suit contemporary settings and can be used on the floors as well as walls. They can be used in the exteriors of home for paving purposes.They are available in finishes like the flamed, brushed and honed or blasted. The colour of this limestone is very unique and attractive. The beige colour suits many modern interiors with sleek finishes. The beige colour has shell like flecks and markings. This is the unique feature of these stones. This variety of limestone is available from the Moleanos region in Portugal. They are being exported to all countries across the world due to their beauty and versatility. Exteriors like the swimming pool areas, pavements and other wet areas can display the flamed finished surface of Moleanos limestone. Inside the house, honed or polished ones can be used in wet rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, showers etc.

This natural stone has a unique fossilization which results in the amazing texture. The quality of this stone is consistent, which makes it the choice of many contemporary homeowners. The thickness of these tiles can be altered to make it ideal choice for walls and floors. Every supplier has to source these from Portugal and hence the originality and distinctiveness is not altered. Limestone is a naturally occurring stone and hence gives a rustic appearance. Retro look can be created with the natural stones. However, the Moleanos Beige Limestone tiles suit modern ambience very well. The decorators and architects recommend these for modern interiors in homes and offices.