Tuscan Style Decorating For The Kitchen

by: Lee Dobbins
A Tuscan decorating theme can put some old world charm into your kitchen and make it a warm homey room to gather in. The Tuscan style incorporates warm earth tones along with natural materials and architectural accents to create a time worn look. Although the look is of a centuries old kitchen you can achieve it without having to buy priceless antiques.

Color

The colors mimic those of the Tuscan landscape – rich golds, earthtones and even tones from the sea mingle together for this look of old Italy. Buy some majolica pottery (either new or old) and use those colors to influence your wall and floor choices. Using natural materials like stone, slate, granite or terra cotta for your flooring and countertops will help complete the look. Try some faux painting on your walls to give it the look of antique plaster.

Lighting

Think old world in your lighting and stay away from new or modern styles. Some nice antique looking wrought iron lights will be right in style. It’s OK to also have recessed lighting for your task lights, but choose your pendant lights or chandeliers carefully. Stay away from anything too shiny and stick with muted metals.

Accessories

You can buy accessories like those you might find in a Tuscan kitchen brand new today, or you can scour the antique shops to get real antiques. Look for old pottery bowls and pitchers as well as painted or antiqued wooden bowls. Majolica makes a nice addition to a Tuscan style kitchen and you can buy whole sets of this pottery new today and use it for everyday use. Use lots of decorative jars of oils with peppers and ropes of garlic, peppers and grape vines. Antique look signs with a wine motif can add to the wall decor as can wallpaper murals in the form of Italian frescos and niches. Soften it up with lots of greenery.

Furniture

You want your furniture to have an old world look. Chunky wood tables with chippy or distressed paint go nice. A distressed wooden cupboard (perhaps with chicken wire doors) can give you some extra storage and add to the look if you have the space. Display your majolica or old world pottery behind the chicken wire to authenticate the look.

Decorating a Tuscan kitchen can be a lot of fun. You can get the look with brand new accessories, or if you enjoy collecting antiques, you can scour the flea markets and antique malls for those perfect pieces. Either way, you will be creating a kitchen with charm and character.

About the author:
Lee Dobbins is owner of http://www.a-kitchen-decorating-idea.comwhere you can find lots of ideas for decorating your kitchen. Find more decorating themes at http://www.a-kitchen-decorating-idea.com/kitchen-decorating-themes.html

To Upgrade or Not to Upgrade: That is the Question

by: ARA
(ARA) - You’ve found the perfect neighborhood, selected a home plan you adore and chosen a reputable builder. So you think all the stress and decision making in building a new home is now over? Think again! With so many ways to customize a home today, there are hundreds of upgrade options from which you will have to choose . . . cabinetry, countertops, carpets, faucets, appliances . . . the list goes on and on.

Also, if you are like many new home buyers, you have fallen in love with the model home in your community and hope to add similar upgrades to your own residence. Once you discover, though, the amount of money the builder put into all those extras, you will need to decide which upgrades you really want (and can afford) or whether you should take what the builder provides and consider making upgrades yourself sometime in the future.

According to Laura Jonke, design coordinator with Bob Schmitt Homes, Inc. of North Ridgeville, Ohio, and an American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) member, there are several advantages to upgrading during the building process including customization, financial incentives, resale benefits and convenience.

Customization

One of the best reasons to include upgrades in your building plan is to infuse your own style into the home. Whether you want to give your home a country look or a contemporary flair, the options you select will help convey that style throughout the house. Upgrades also offer the home buyer a better grade of product.

Another reason for upgrading is functionality. The standard refrigerator offered by the builder (often referred to as “builder grade”) may not give you the side-by-side door style you prefer with ice and filtered water in the door. And, you probably will not get that great showering system with the multiple body sprays and large showerhead without incurring the cost of an upgrade.

Financial Incentives

One major benefit of upgrading during the building process is that it allows you to roll the cost of the upgrades into your mortgage loan. Although you may pay more in taxes initially, upgrades can be paid off with your monthly house payment at a lower interest rate than if you sought out a home equity loan in the future. In addition, most builders will include upgrades in your home warranty program.

Resale Benefits

What you choose now may play a big role in determining the resale value of your home in the future. Name brand appliances and popular custom upgrades will appeal to potential buyers. Concentrate on rooms like the kitchen and master bath which buyers “zero in on” when purchasing a home.

“For resale appeal, try to avoid creating spaces that aren’t functional for anyone but your family,” said Jonke. “Spaces should be versatile enough to accommodate a wide range of people and lifestyles.”

Convenience

If you decide to wait and upgrade after you move in, you’ll have to deal with the disruption in your household. It is usually much easier and more convenient to have the builder upgrade items during the construction process and spare you the hassle and headaches of having a house that is torn up and areas that are unusable.

Advantages of Upgrades

Although there are countless areas of your home that can be upgraded, Jonke advises her customers to put money into the most-used areas of the home. Some of the items to consider include faucets, flooring, appliances, countertops, cabinets and lighting.

Faucets

When it comes to faucets, upgrades provide more style and functionality. In the kitchen, consider upgrading to a pullout spout model in which the faucet wand can be extended to easily fill vases and pots or for cleaning purposes.

Moen’s latest kitchen offering is Aberdeen. This faucet has a classic look, but features a unique “pause” button which allows users to interrupt the water flow while moving the spout outside of the sink so there is no mess on the countertop or surrounding areas.

In the bathroom, style is the name of the game. Choose a bathroom faucet such as the new Kingsley that offers traditional styling in a host of finishes -- including new Wrought Iron -- to complement your bath accessories. This faucet and others in the Moen line are built on the M•PACT common valve system which means a number of different trim options will work on the same valve body, allowing for instant upgrades from above the sink.

Floor Covering

Upgrading to a better grade will prolong the carpet’s life. With higher density carpets, the dirt doesn’t break down the carpet fibers as easily, meaning the carpet will be less likely to show traffic areas. Upgrading can also provide more options such as a Berber or textured carpet.

It also makes sense to upgrade the sheet or hardwood flooring in high traffic areas of the home like the kitchen or utility room. Choosing vinyl with a polyurethane coating will provide more of a wear layer and longer-lasting beauty. Flooring upgrades increase the value of the home and provide better longevity.

Appliances

According to Jonke, most people today are asking their builders to upgrade to glass top ranges, quieter dishwashers, and a built-in microwave with a ventilation feature installed over their range. Some new home buyers are also opting for the new GE Advantium oven which uses halogen bulbs for faster cooking.

Countertops

Granite or Corian are the upgrades people want when it comes to kitchen countertops. If the budget does not permit these, Jonke suggests adding a beveled edge to the builder-grade laminate countertops. This provides an upscale look but won’t break the budget.

Another option is to use a laminate countertop, but add a composite sink, like MoenStone Granite. This sink will provide durability, scratch and stain resistance and can be installed as an under or overmount.

Cabinets

Cabinet upgrades give home buyers the option of solid wood doors rather than veneer and also allow for stylish features such as raised panel doors or a Shaker style. Also, cabinets like the Diamond line from MasterBrand provide plenty of functional features inside the cabinet including pullout shelves, lid organizers, cutlery dividers, spice racks and wine glass holders.

Lighting and Technology

Jonke encourages clients to wire for lighting if they are even considering adding a fixture to a room in the future. It is always easier to wire during the building process and then cap it off rather than add a fixture after the house is built. Some upgrades to consider include ceiling fans, recessed or track lighting and under cabinet lighting. Also, wire for the technology age with Internet accessibility throughout the house as well as cable, fax and surround sound capabilities.

Universal Design

Universal design no longer has to bring an institutional look into your home. The growing population of seniors will appreciate the new stylized elevated toilet seats, tub grips, transfer benches, decorative grab bars, and tub and shower chairs from suppliers like Creative Specialties International. Finally, a safe and functional home can benefit from today’s style options.

For more information about Moen products, contact Moen Incorporated at 25300 Al Moen Drive, North Olmsted, OH 44070-8022, call toll free (800) BUY MOEN (289-6636) or visit its Web site at www.moen.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content

About the author:
Courtesy of ARA Content

Top Tips for Keeping Your Home Tidy

by: Keith Kingston
You’ve got so much tidying to do, so little time. So what’s a person to do? You can either lower your standards and just ignore the mess, or you can think smart and keep your house tidy with little effort.

Unfortunately there is no way to avoid housework. But you can keep your house clean and sparkling in less than 30 minutes a day, if you just get organized.

The very first thing you need to do is gather all your cleaning supplies and place them in one spot, organized neatly. I do mean “all” your cleaning supplies, the
glass cleaner, the furniture polish, the wax, the cleaner, the dusting cloth – all of it! Next organize it in groups that make sense as to how you would use it. So if
you’re going to do the windows you just have to grab all your window supplies, or if your cleaning the bathroom, you’d grab all the bathroom supplies. Use the old
KISS formula – “Keep It Simple Stupid.” Don’t make extra work for yourself.

Next place a clothes basket in every room where dirty clothes might land. Then train your household members to drop their dirty clothes in the hamper, and not on the floor. If it’s in their room, it should be as easy to use as the floor. If you’ve got kids, get creative, with a hamper that’s their favorite cartoon character or action figure. Make it fun!

Assign duties to other members of your house. Kids, even younger ones, can be good helpers. Give them tasks that they are capable of completing. As an incentive you can reward them. You can take them to a matinee or give them a treat if they complete their chores. If they get an allowance make them work for it. No kids, then you’re on your own, unless you have a modern day husband
who participates in the household chores.

Be logical in your cleaning. There are two strategies that work well. With the first, you do a thorough cleaning once or twice a week. You choose a task, then start at one end of the house and move completely through the house until that task is done. Then start your next task. You’ll save valuable time by not jumping from one task to the other.

The second strategy is favored by working woman and men, because it takes less than 30 minutes every day, and you don’t have to look forward to cleaning house on your days off. With this strategy you do one room at a time, and set time limits as to how much time you’ll spend in each room.. So lets say the kitchen gets 8 minutes, Bathroom gets 5, bedrooms get 5 each, and on and on, depending on how many rooms you have. You can adjust the 30 minutes up or down, but it should never be more than 45 minutes.

In the kitchen, wipe down the stove, fridge and dispose of any food that needs to be tossed. Wipe down the counter tops and the sink. Empty the dishwasher. Sweep the floor and give it a quick mopping.

In the bathroom pick up dirty laundry and toss in the hamper, wipe down the tub, shower, and sink. Clean the toilet last. Mop the floor if it needs it.

Bedrooms just need the beds made, dirty laundry picked up, and clothes put away. A quick dusting and vacuuming every third day is sufficient.

Tidy the living room, pickup books and “stuff” that are lying around. Wipe off tables. Dusting and vacuuming every second or third day is sufficient.

By doing laundry amongst other activities, you’ll save yourself more time. Throw a load in while you’re watching TV or making super. Fit it into other activities, so you’re not faced with ten loads at the end of the week.

Get organized and cleaning your house will become a breeze. You’ll have less stress worrying about it and more free time to enjoy the things you like to do!

About the author:
Keith Kingston is a professional web publisher. Check out his reviews at http://www.vacuum-cleaners-now.com

Top Ten Items To Keep Your Home Organized

by: Steve Wilcott
Even the most frugal person I know will occasionally splurge on an item that will help her keep more organized.

Here are some of my favorite organizational tools for the home.

1) Lazy Susan
Thanks to the soul who invented this little item! They're cheap, and help keep spices, bottles, and condiments neatly arranged and at your fingertips. Use them in the pantry, in cabinets, on the kitchen table - they're absolutely life savers when it comes to staying organized.

2) Plastic Basket for Lids
Plastic containers - a double edged sword! One the one hand they keep me organized and save tons of time in the kitchen, especially. But searching through ten thousand lids that don't fit can drive a person nutty. I use a plastic basket for all my lids so they're in one spot when I go looking.

3) A Triple Swing-out Towel Holder
Put these under your kitchen and bathroom sinks to save space and keep your sink area uncluttered. Use it to hold towels, cleaning rags, trash bags, etc.

4) Place a few strong adhesive hooks in the laundry room - these can be used for hanging coats, clothes, etc. Hooks are great to hang up mops, brooms and other cleaning supplies, too.

5) Plastic Baggies with Zipper Locks
How did our ancestors survive without them? Baggies are perfect to store small toys, puzzle pieces, and any little items that go together in one spot. The two-gallon sized ones are my favorite.

6) A Labeler
These don't have to be expensive to work. And having containers and shelf spaces labeled is a great way to help children keep their items organized, as well as yourself. Do yourself a favor – use a labeler for a week, and you'll wonder hoe you ever lived without one.

7) A Compartment Tray for Your Junk Drawer
Occasionally, I actually open my junk drawer to search for something! Having miscellaneous items in little compartments of the tray will save you time and frustration when you go searching.

8) A TV Remote Holder
How much time have you wasted looking for this little item? Make or purchase a holder for your remote, or put velcro on the back and stick it someplace near the couch.

9) Laundry Sorting Bin
Less than ten bucks, these bins help keep your dirty laundry organized, so that when you're ready to wash the whites, they're all in the same spot. No more digging through a giant hamper to find the right clothes! This makes laundry time so much simpler!

10) Two-tiered Spice Racks
These cabinet organizers save time and hassle in the kitchen. How many times have you searched for the oregano - behind the cinnamon, no - the nutmeg...Wait -where was the nutmeg? You get the idea.

These items are by no means all the great organizing tools out there, but they're my choices for time saving and hassle free living!

About the author:
This article courtesy of http://www.patio-furniture-guide.net

Tiles are the foundation stone for your stylish bathroom!

by: Mike Yeager
Tiles can increase the value of any home. Ceramic tiles, mosaic tile, floor tile all add an extra quality to your home. Tile can be found throughout a home from the kitchen, bathrooms, and even the flooring. Tiles are widely available in most home improvement stores and also in specialty stores throughout the company. Finding the right tile for a home with the right color, design, and even pattern can seem overwhelming. But, the results of this project can be beneficial for years to come.

Ceramic tile is one of the strongest that can be purchased. It comes in many colors and textures as well as designs and patterns. Mosaic tiles, or tiles that form a pattern once laid properly are an elegant element that can be added to a home. Mosaic tiles also offer a wide range of selection.

Bathroom tiles add quality as well as extra security. They can protect drywall and paint from water damage if properly installed. Floor tiles provide the same level of protection. These tiles are usually easy to clean and maintain. While normal mopping and washing can be effective, often an extra measure to keep them up to standard is to scrub the grout and edges with a brush. Elbow grease being the best cleaning product. While this does not have to be done each time the tile is cleaned, doing it regularly will improve the look of the tile overall.

Proper installation is important when adding tile to a home. If done improperly, the tile can often break or chip away. Consider hiring a professional so that the tile lies smooth and even and looks its best. When choosing the tile, do not forget to choose a grout that will benefit it. Grout, or the substance that is used to fill in the cracks between tiles, comes in many different colors and qualities. Again, this item is widely available at home improvement stores.

Tile, whether mosaic tile or ceramic tile, can enhance the quality of a home. It is an added investment into a home and should be done so with the overall supervision of a professional.

About the author:
Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.a1-bathroom-4u.com

This is why people Should consider Granite Countertops!

by: Mike Yeager
Granite countertops are among the most beautiful things you can add to your kitchen. Kitchen countertops gain a beautiful glow from these pieces of art. They are made in nature and, once harvested by people, are refined into beautiful kitchen countertops that will add value to any kitchen. They come in many colors, colors that are made in nature and of true iridescent quality.

Of course there are other options beyond granite countertops. Other choices include anything from concrete countertops to corian countertops to laminate counter tops. Whatever choice you make for your solid surface countertops, take some time to research your options. Many of these choices are expensive investments in your kitchen. Learning some about your options will benefit you in the long run.

Some information about each of your choices is here. Corian countertops, also known as DuPont, are a blend of natural materials and acrylic polymers that together create a smooth, clean, seamless work space. It is available in 90 colors and will need to be specially ordered. They also boost of their nonporous surface that is easy to clean and stays new looking for years. Or, if you want something more art like, look into concrete countertops. Basically in any shape or style you can imagine, they are what their name suggests, made out of concrete. It is a completely different look then the granite or corian. Here you are only limited by your imagination.

Yet another choice is laminate countertops. This is the most common kitchen countertop available. It is synthetic, made up of colored plastics. It is available in many colors and even patterns and finishes. It is easy to upkeep and tends to be less expensive then the others mentioned.

Lastly, while considering your choices, choose whatever fits your budget and tastes. With so many choices and options available, it is definitely worth the investment of time in choosing kitchen countertops that you will love for a lifetime.

About the author:
Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.a1-kitchen-cabinets-4u.com

Which Lamp should you choose?

by: Mike Yeager
With all the lighting choices out there, you may want to reconsider just purchasing a lamp for your lighting needs. Whether you are looking for interior lighting or outdoor lighting, you can find many options pretty easily. Lighting fixtures have become more then just a means for gaining light. They are stylish and fun. They can be useful, but also are decorations for your home. There are many types to choose from as well.

Some things to consider when choosing lighting are what your needs, tastes, and desires are. You will want something that will fulfill all these elements. Let us talk about outdoor lighting for a minute. Outdoor lighting can be many things. It can be posts or landscape lighting. You can outline the path to your home or put spot lights on certain points within the landscape. You can choose from many different styles and types, colors and designs. Solar or not. Bright or faint.

Home interior lighting is also quite versatile. If you are looking for kitchen lighting, you will want something that is bright and will cover the entire surface. While you may also want to add a dimmer switch in your dining area. The bathroom lighting can be relaxing and soothing by using subtle lights and lighting fixtures. In hallways, track lighting is a good option as it is many lights that can be pointed in any direction.

With so many options, it is easy to see why the average lamp isn't used as much any more. Now, that is not to say that lamps aren't part of your homes interior lighting scheme. There are many stylish, elegant, lamps that will fit into your plans. But, it is to say that they are not the only thing out there anymore. Now, to find these great types of lighting, try checking at local home improvement stores and even lighting specialty stores. Or, if you would rather check out your options at home, check online at the numerous online retailers.

There you can order hard to get items or specially designed items. There is no excuse, therefore, to not knowing what your options are. Trying new and exciting things will benefit your home for years to come.

About the author:
Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.a1-lighting-4u.com

Which KitchenAid products are right for your Kitchen?

by: Mike Yeager
KitchenAid is a popular brand of appliances. They are known for their kitchenaid mixers, but also for their quality. Any appliance you are interested in, you should consider replacing with a kitchenaide. From washers and dryers to built in warming draws, kitchenaid has it all.

If you are planning to design a kitchen and want to use state of the art appliances, consider KitchenAid. You may want to consider a built in refrigerator with high tech temperature control and energy savings. The kitchenaid dishwashers offer top of the line cleaning and sanitizing as well as sleek, stainless steel design. Very professional.. Then there is cooking. The cooktop, or range, is also top of the line with commercial like style. It has cast iron burners and large dials. Or you could choose the cooktop that is made of ceramic glass-what a look that would be! Then there are the built in ovens. 30 inches wide and very accurate temperatures. Maybe two ovens would benefit your kitchen! And don't forget the ice maker or compactor either! Both amazingly new and improved appliances! The warming drawer, too, is a mark of genius in itself. It is an appliance that will keep food at the right temperature until your ready to serve it. And it comes with a set of the perfect sized pans!

As you can see, Kitchen Aid products are innovative and high quality and range in style and convenience. This has yet to touch on the counter top appliances. Kitchenaid appliances include coffee makers, espresso machines, waffle bakers, coffee mills, frozen dessert makers, and toasters. And the Kitchen Mixers speak for themselves. Lasting years and years and delivering superb service, they will not disappoint the beginner or the advanced chef. With so much at your finger tips, you will find what you are looking for and more. It may inspire you to build a kitchen just for your new appliances!

About the author:
Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.a1-kitchen-cabinets-4u.com

When it Comes to Doors, Homeowners Want Privacy, Light

by: ARA
(ARA) - What do homeowners want in window and door blinds? Ease of maintenance and operation, privacy on the main living floor and window and door treatments that enhance their lifestyle and the look of their homes.

These are the research highlights gained by ODL, Inc., Zeeland, Mich., when developing the company’s newly-enhanced ODL Add-On Enclosed Blind that can be added on to fiberglass and steel doors.

“We really listened to homeowners,” says Keith Early, ODL product manager. “Homeowners do not want to dust or clean blinds, they don’t want blinds flopping around when a door is opened or closed and they don’t want exposed cords that children can get tangled up in. What they do want are blinds that are easy to operate and are enclosed between layers of safety glass.

“The enhancements to our add-on door blinds accomplish all these goals -- plus they’re now 15 percent larger to maximize doorlight viewing area. And, if a homeowner wants, they can also paint the frame of the unit with acrylic latex enamel paint to accent the interior of the home.”

The ODL Add-On Enclosed Blinds offer consumers the option of an add-on door blind that increases energy efficiency within the home and allows fingertip controls for privacy and light flow. Sandwiched between two layers of tempered safety glass, the lightweight aluminum blinds do not swing or bind, and there are no exposed cords which means increased safety in the home. New fingertip controls running up and down the left side of the unit allow people of all heights (including children!) to easily open, close and tilt the blinds to any level to encourage either maximum light flow or total privacy in the home.

Available as interior additions to steel and fiberglass full-view doors, the blinds are fast and easy for even novice DIYers to install. The installation process is totally screwless and can be completed in just minutes. The units come in six different sizes to fit half doors, full doors, half sidelights and full sidelights, and feature a five-year limited warranty.

“These sleek blind units can enhance the look of any door in the home,” says Early. “Homeowners find them most appealing when added to kitchen doors, patio and deck doors, garage access doors and on sidelights connected with front entryways. Basically, any location where a consumer wants to easily control privacy and light flow, that’s the ideal place for adding on an ODL Add-On Enclosed Blind. Also, homeowners wanting to gain even more privacy to their decorative glass in the home will benefit from this add-on blind.”

Detailed installation instructions and product information are available to homeowners by calling (866) ODL-4YOU (635-4968). For general information, visit www.odl.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content

About the author:
Courtesy of ARA Content

Warming up the Bath

by: ARA
(ARA) - Of all the rooms in a house, family members most often find themselves trekking to the bathroom to begin and end their busy days. In today’s bathrooms, we find only the most standard of conveniences in an environment that demands solitude, efficient use of space and the desire to maintain a level of comfort. According to a study by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), people are looking for larger, more luxurious bathrooms creating an aura of calm and peace.

With the cooler months looming around the corner, there are some savvy products and design solutions for any size bathroom that offer a simple approach to improving your bathroom’s needs, while giving your family a sense of comfort in a room not-less traveled. Many of these ideas were featured by top designers in the 2003 NKBA National Design Competition.

Towel Warmers

Whether it is a small, medium or even a large master-suite bathroom, towel warmers add a versatile approach to displaying your fabrics, while offering an added benefit to keep your towels warm and dry. Most major manufactures of bath products offer towel warmers in their product lines and they can easily be purchased at many local retailers and dealers.

Heated Tile System

If you prefer the look of tiled flooring in your bathroom but can’t get past the idea of stepping on that cool floor during the coldest of days, installing a heated tile system provides a desired level of comfort not to be overlooked. These systems can be easily installed by an NKBA professional when performing even the most basic bathroom renovation.

Insulating Windows

Windows in the bathroom often add to the appeal of inviting natural light into your sanctuary, but they also add to an unseen problem that is often overlooked. Probably the best location for losing heat from your bathroom, windows can conduct precious heat from inside right out into the cool air. This is especially a problem for those in older buildings with single pane windows. The easiest way to stop this free flow of your heat to the outside is to install a window insulating kit. These kits can be purchased from a number of local retailers and dealers and can be installed by an NKBA professional.

Temperature Control

To improve the safety of your shower area, installing pressure balances and control valves can minimize the scalding effect on children and adults of all ages. Pressure balance and control valves will prevent your faucet from spitting out water of extremely high temperatures in the event that cold-water pressure fails. This can happen if a sink or washing machine is being operated throughout the house while you are taking a shower.

Spa/Steam System

One of the more trendy developments in bathroom design is a spa/steam system. According to a study conducted by the National Kitchen & Bath Association, more than two-thirds of the respondents (66 percent) stated these style systems to be a hot bathroom idea. A system such as this can create a luxurious spa-like environment without leaving the confines of your home. An NKBA Certified Bath Designer will be able to design a retreat that matches your desires and budget.

For more information on bathroom remodeling, contact the National Kitchen & Bath Association at (877) NKBA-PRO or visit their Web site at www.nkba.org. Let an NKBA professional add value to your investment by applying their experience and expertise to the job.

Courtesy of ARA Content
About the author:
Courtesy of ARA Content