Archive for February, 2011

HGTV Dream Home 2011

Friday, February 25th, 2011

Ever since 1997, the Home and Garden TV network has hosted an annual sweepstakes that gives away a fully furnished, custom built dream home that is valued at more than $1 million.  Starting January 1, viewers are invited to enter the dream house sweepstakes online.  The house is then awarded in a March telecast.

Dream homes of the past have been built in idyllic locations across the U.S.  This year’s Dream Home is a ski lodge located in Stowe Vermont.  In addition to the home and all its furnishings, the prize package includes a 2011 Acadia Denali and $500,000.  Despite the cash prize, most of the past Dream Home winners have been forced to sell their prize home due to tax bills. 

Tour the HGTV Dream Home for 2011 in this YouTube video and read more about it on the HGTV website.

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Easy Bathroom Makeovers

Wednesday, February 16th, 2011


Remodeling a tired-looking bathroom doesn’t have to cost a fortune.  If you make the right choices, a little bit of money can go a long way.  Here are some bathroom remake tips that won’t break the bank:

  • New shower and sink fixtures are one of the easiest upgrades.
  • Install updated light fixtures.
  • Add texture to the dry wall for a dramatic change.
  • Replace dated tile in shower and bath.
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    For more budget-minded bathroom remodel ideas, read Bath Makeovers Under $2000 at the Better Homes and Gardens website.

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    A New Look at Treehouses

    Friday, February 11th, 2011

    Some people never outgrow the dream of living in a treehouse. The book New Treehouses of the World, by Pete Nelson, provides a glimpse into the some of the most unusual and creative treehouses from around the world.

    Author Pete Nelson is a treehouse expert and owner of TreeHouse Workshop, a Washington company that builds custom treehouses and conducts workshops to help others design and build their own treehouses.

    He also operates Treehouse Point, an environmentally-friendly treehouse retreat center.

    Learn more about Pete Nelson’s treehouses at the Treehouse Workshop website.

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    5 Tips for Creating a Home Gym

    Thursday, February 03rd, 2011

    Surveys by fitness professionals have found that most people have a better chance of staying in shape when they have a home gym.  Whether it’s a dedicated fitness room or a corner of a basement, garage or bedroom, a home gym is the most convenient place to work out. 

    Here are 5 tips for creating a home gym that will inspire you to work out more:

  • For a cardio workout, treadmills, stationary bikes and ellipticals are the most popular home fitness machines.  Position cardio equipment in front of a window or TV to help relieve boredom.
  • Add some free weights for strength training.  A weight stand is a good way to organize and store weights.
  • Paint the walls with a favorite color that will make you feel energized.  Provide plenty of light.
  • Decorate the walls with motivational posters.
  • Make sure your fitness space is well ventilated.  Add a fan if it heats up during the summer months. 
  • Visit Home-Designing to see pictures of some inspirational home gym designs.

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    Mark Austin Homes