Archive for December, 2011

Hottest Home Design Color for 2012

Thursday, December 29th, 2011

The Boston Globe recently profiled some of the top interior design trends for 2012, based on new furniture and fabrics being shown at the Boston Design Center.  One of the top trends is a royal color – purple.  While some people may think that purple is an eccentric choice for home design, it’s actually a versatile choice.  Because it’s a combination of blue and red, it can be combined with almost any other color.  It also works well with neutrals like white and gray.

For more information about decorating with purple, visit the Boston Globe website.

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How to Winterize Your Windows

Tuesday, December 20th, 2011

During the colder months of the year your home’s drafty windows may be causing you to spend more money on heating.  Here are some suggestions for winterizing your windows:

  • Apply self-stick rubber weather sealing to window frames to keep cold air out.  This is a cheap solution but may come with a high price tag if the sealing leaves residue on your window frames when removed.
  • Use a window insulation kit to insulate your windows with shrink wrap plastic.  This is a cheap, effective solution but some people are not happy with the cloudy look it can give windows.
  • Install cellular window shades or heavy layered curtains to block drafts from your windows.  Cellular shades insulate while still letting in light, but they may not block drafts as well as curtains.
  • See a demo on how to shrink wrap your windows in this YouTube video.

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    Anywhere Fireplace

    Saturday, December 10th, 2011

    Nothing can compare with the ambiance of a warm crackling fire in a fireplace.  Unfortunately, not every home is equipped with a fireplace – a problem that the makers of Anywhere Fireplace have made it their goal to solve.  This wall-mounted enclosure burns bio-ethanol liquid fuel made from renewable plant resources.  The Anywhere Fireplace is free from smoke, gas, soot and ash. 

    If you’ve always dreamed of having a fireplace, this smokeless fireplace is an eco-friendly alternative.  Find out more on the Anywhere Fireplace website.

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    Mark Austin Homes