Archive for September, 2009

Your Eco-Friendly Bedroom

Sunday, September 27th, 2009

Thayer Allyson Gowdy

Thayer Allyson Gowdy

Maybe you never considered making your bedroom more eco-friendly.  There are several benefits to designing your bedroom using green principles.  The environment in your room will be healthier and you just may get a better night’s sleep.

Here are some suggestions for eco-friendly products for the bed from Sunset magazine:

  • Bedframes and headboards made from sustainable woods like bamboo.
  • Matresses that contain wool, which is naturally fire resistant, and don’t need to be treated with chemical fire retardants.
  • Pillows made from natural, untreated fibers like wool, cotton and kapok.
  • Linens made from organic fabrics are chemical-free and pesticide-free.
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    Custom Framed Art

    Sunday, September 20th, 2009

    somename

    One of the best ways to add some interest to a room is with custom framed art. You can express your taste with your choice in artwork, and it’s also a great way to add color and visual interest to walls. There are many online stores that offer thousands of art reproductions, from classic to abstract. Framed photographs are another choice, and you can also frame your own original art pieces and share them with your family and friends. Your rooms will be more inviting with beautiful framed custom art pieces on the wall.

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    Add Value to your Home with Traditional Crown Molding

    Sunday, September 13th, 2009

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    The Modern style in home decorating dominated in the middle part of the 20th century. Many decorative features of earlier times fell out of favor, including the use of architectural trim like crown molding. Beginning about 30 years ago, the Traditional style in decorating came back into favor, and crown molding once again became popular. Today you can find molding in many styles and sizes. Most homeowners consider the installation of molding to be a good way to add value to their home.

    Installation of crown molding is a good do-it-yourself project, providing you understand how to measure and cut the molding. This helpful YouTube video explains How to Cut Crown Molding:

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    Beautify your Pool with a Deck

    Friday, September 04th, 2009

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    An inground swimming pool is a great feature for any home.  One way to get the most out of your swimming pool and to add value to your home is by adding a pool deck.  A well-designed pool deck complements the home and yard.   Choosing the material is the first step in pool deck design.  There many types of materials available, including:

  • Stone, which is at the high end of pool deck materials.  Sandstone, granite and marble with rough hewn finishes are beautiful choices for a deck.
       
  • Ceramic tiles, which can be used to form stunning mosaic designs.
       
  • Concrete, which is both affordable and versatile.  Concrete can be colored and finished to imitate more expensive materials.
      
  • Wood, which is one of the most inexpensive materials for decks.  When wood is used for a pool deck, it should be treated with a sealer to create a non-slip surface.
        
  • When deciding on the shape and size of your pool deck, take into account existing landscape in your yard and the path of the sun.   Then think about how you’ll be using the deck.  If you plan on doing a lot of entertaining, make a space for deck furniture and a grill.  Once you’ve made some basic decisions about your deck, it’s time to find a professional pool designer to create a final design.

    Keep in mind these important pool safety tips when using your pool.

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    Mark Austin Homes