The Light Bulb Effect is not a standalone battery operated bulb – it’s actually a cleverly designed wax candle and holder. The blub-shaped candle burns down the center, preserving its round shape. The candle is design by Helbert Ferreira and Remi Melander of System Design Studio. These are the most eco-friendly light bulbs ever.

In areas where winter freezes are uncommon, now is the time to add some color to your winter garden. Pansies and snapdragons can be planted now and will blossom right through springtime. Start with plants in 6 packs and 4-inch pots, and you’ll see them gain in size throughout the weeks of cool weather.

Other suggested flowers for cool weather include perennials such as candytuft (Iberis), cyclamen and English daisy.

For more suggestions, see Sunset.com

Many home decorators, crafters and do-it-yourselfers have longed for the ability to design a piece of fabric that exactly matches their vision. Thanks to digital technology, it’s now possible to order a custom-printed fabric in an amount small enough for a single pillow at a reasonable price. Two websites, Spoonflower and Karma Kraft, have streamlined the process of uploading a digital design, previewing the fabric and ordering the correct amount. Spoonflower offers a variety of cotton fabrics for printing, while Karma Kraft offers silk and linen in addition to cotton. Karma Kraft also provides a sewing service which will turn a custom-printed fabric into a pillow, bag or purse. Basic printing at both websites starts at around $20 per yard.

Let your creativity take over and imagine the possibilities when decorating with custom prints in your home!  This YouTube video from Spoonflower explains the entire process:

The New Year is a great time to get organized. Chances are that your kitchen cabinets are cluttered and there may even be some outdated foods. The best way to start with kitchen cabinet reorganization is to empty everything out and give the shelves a good cleaning. When replacing the dishes, think about how they’re organization. When plates and bowls are stacked, it can be hard to get the dish you need. Think about using portable shelf organizers to create different levels for storage. Move the items that you don’t use on a daily basis to higher shelves.

Before replacing food items in your cabinets or pantry, check for expiration dates and discard expired items. If you can’t remember how long you’ve had an open package, it’s a good idea to toss it. Next, go through and group similar food items together. If you have lots of cans and small bottles, use organizers to store more in less space. Group like items together in the cabinets. For example, put coffee, tea and cocoa together. You’ll save time and money with well organized cabinets that put the food item you need at your fingertips.

For more tips, see this article on the HGTV website.

Avoid letting the gloom of the winter months into your home.  By following a few simple lighting tips, you can keep your home bright, warm and inviting.

For people who work at home, a quiet place to work is a necessity. Journalist Martha Mendoza spent years trying to work in an improvised space in her laundry room.  Then she decided to remodel an old backyard potting shed. With the help of carpenter David Aguirre, she now has a detached office that allows her to focus on work while still being near her family. When work time is over, she can leave her work in her office and give all her attention to her husband and four children. 

Read more about this potting shed makeover in Sunset Magazine.

If you’d like to start the New Year with a fresh look for your home, think “repurpose” instead of “replace.” Refinishing or applying a coat of paint can freshen up a tired piece of furniture. Instead of redecorating with new furniture, save money by shopping at garage sales and thrift stores for hidden treasures that can give your home a distinctive look. You’ll also be helping the environment by recycling .

Giving the walls of a room a fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to freshen the look of a room.  In order to get the best possible results, it’s important to do the correct prep work ahead of time. 

For a step-by-step painting demonstration, see this YouTube video.

There’s still time this year to complete home improvements that will make your home more energy efficient and qualify for a 2009 tax credit. U.S. homeowners can receive 30% or up to $1500 in federal tax credits for qualifying improvements. Installing an Energy Star Appliance is an example of the type of improvement that qualifies for the credit. Total credits of up to $10,000 can be earned if multiple improvements are completed.

Examples of qualifying improvements include new windows, doors, non-solar water heaters, insulation, and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning). The biggest credits are for sustainable energy equipment, including small wind turbines, geothermal heat pumps and solar energy systems. For these improvements, there is no cap on the 30% credit for costs. The sustainable energy credit applies to new and existing homes and to new home construction, and will be in effect until 2016. To find out more about solar energy for the home, see this earlier post.

Many state and local areas offer additional tax credits. To find out what’s available in your area, check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency.

 
Now that summer has passed and the weather is turning cold, it’s time to think about patio heaters.  Many parts of the country stay warm enough in the fall and winter to allow patio use, and a patio heater can take the chill off.  Patio heaters have become an important patio accessory and there are a variety of styles and price ranges available. 

These are some of the most popular type of patio heaters:

Check out this YouTube video about Outdoor Propane Patio Heaters.