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Posted By Houston Decorator on March 12, 2010

A rose comforter can add a refreshing garden feel to your room. This style doesn’t have to look outdated or old. It can work for a nursery or a master bedroom. Here are a few tips for decorating with a rose comforter.

You can really incorporate a rose comforter into the overall theme. This has a very country feel to it. You could even just go with a quilt instead of a traditional comforter. This is perfect for the late summer months. During the winter months you could fold up the quilt at the foot of your bed and use it with a white down comforter. This allows you to change up the look of your home inexpensively and meet the needs of the seasons. It is also a very different take on a traditional rose comforter.

Make it elegant. Rose comforters don’t have to be juvenile. Instead, find a comforter with a tone on tone pattern. The roses might be part of a jacquard design. If you keep this in a soft blue or gold it will feel very French. This way you’ll be able to get an elegant hotel feeling while at the same time bringing in your favorite pattern.

Go all out. This is the perfect pattern for a kid’s room or even your very own bedroom. The key is to just pick the items that you love while changing it up a little bit. You could go for a matlese look where it will just be a tone on tone sculpted rose. This can be very elegant and you can get it in a bright white. If you want to really be daring then go with a pink.

Look for craftsmanship. Rose comforters are a dime a dozen. You can even find them in different hotels. However, yours can be different by just going with quality. You might want to find hand embroidered roses that will really give a high end touch to your piece. Just by spending a little bit more money you’ll be able to get a piece that lasts and really change up how you think about floral prints.

Go with a fun or funky color. This can really change up how you feel about roses. It allows you to go with almost any color palette under the sun. For instance, in a teen’s room you could try a hot pink and orange comforter. In a master bedroom you could go for a more contemporary gray and white theme. This allows you to get the focus on the beautiful curvature and lines of the flower instead of it just being a cliché.

Learn more about rose comforter. Stop by Sara Gilmore’s articles where you can find out all about polka dot decor.

Category: Interior Decorating & Design | No Comments »
Tags: home, interior decor, interior design, rose comforter

Posted By Houston Decorator on March 11, 2010

With the coming fall and winter just around the corner it may be time to think about buying that Patio heater you have been putting off. You are starting to find more and more outdoor patio heaters across the nation from your local restaurant to your neighbor’s backyard. So what kind of heater should you get for your backyard? Were here are a few tips on what to look for when picking them out.

Electric patio heaters are some of the most popular and most common found in the neighborhood backyard. They range in many different sizes and can fit almost any need that a person is looking for. You can buy the box style patio heater or get a center piece for your table. They even have them as fake fireplaces with an open flame that looks pretty real. It all just depends on what you’re looking for and if you’re wanting it to hang or to sit on the ground. The down side to an electric patio heater is of course the fact that you have to worry about it getting wet and possibly need a special outlet installed for it. Another downside which is a small one is that most put off an orange glow that can make everything have an orange look at night.

Propane patio heaters are another common choice among people when looking for something to heat their patio. They normally come in a ground stand that either stands tall and produces heat down towards people who are standing or sitting underneath or they are the box style that sits on the ground. With a gas patio heater you have to refill the tank or have it hooked to your houses main supply to keep it fueled. Some people find it as a pain having to do this so they choose to go with an electric one. You will though find this as a more popular option with restaurants that have patios because you get an open flame and different smell. The downside to these types of heaters is that you have to worry about it being windy with most of them. The wind can cause your flam to go out were you don’t have to worry about it with an electric one.

Overall you just need to determine what your need is and how much space your trying to heat. Make sure you select a patio heater that will accommodate what you are needing it for and will get the job done. You can find many styles online or some at your local hardware store.

If you would like to learn more about Patio Heaters please follow the highlighted links to my Heater Blog.

Category: Patios & Decks | No Comments »
Tags: different patio heaters, patio heaters, patio tips

Posted By Houston Decorator on March 11, 2010

A dryer is an essential appliance in your laundry room. Owning one makes it easy for you to do your laundry since you do not have to wait for clothes to dry while hanging up. When it comes to dryers, you will definitely want to look at the Electrolux appliances brand. In fact, this company has been trusted by a lot of people for many years, and especially when it comes to their clothes dryers.

The Electrolux dryers are devices that allow you to load large quantities of laundry in one sitting while you wait until it dries your laundry. A normal load can take up about 45 minutes to dry, leaving you an ample time to do other things that are also equally important. Having said this, an Electrolux dryer is one of the best appliances that can help a busy mom’s life seem a little organized. On the other hand, what is great about the Electrolux dryer is that they are very convenient to use. They can be operated with the touch control system and also offers different settings.

Now, most people know about the basic principle about how most dryers work. However, what most of you might have no idea about are the different types of dryers from Electrolux. Thus, here is a complete review of the different dryers that are available for this brand. Hopefully, this will help you decide which one is perfect for you.

Electric Dryer:

The flagship dryer of this particular brand, electric dryers operate in 240-volt current. They produce heat from electricity so that your clothes will dry immediately. Most dryers of this brand operate on such power requirement. Operation of these appliances usually cost more in the long run unlike gas dryers although they do cost lesser initially.

Gas Dryer:

In contrary with the electric dryer, a gas dryer initially cost more than the other type. However, you can save more on your electricity bills in the long run since you are using gas to dry your clothes up.

When it comes to choosing your own dryer, it is important that you will be able to decide which type of dryer best fits your needs. To do this, you need to consider some factors like your floor space as well as your budget. After all, dryers of this brand do cost a lot of money.

Mary has been writing articles for over 4 years. Please visit her latest website reviewing home products such as Electrolux Appliances, with reviews of the Electrolux dryer line, as well as other Electrolux appliances for those who love great home products.

Category: Appliances | No Comments »
Tags: clothing dryer, electrolux clothes dryer, electrolux dryers, electrolux electric dryer, gas dryer

Posted By Houston Decorator on March 10, 2010

An outdoor patio is the ideal spot for relaxing and rewinding after a hectic day. Even though landscaped lawns and gardens do provide relief, it might not be possible to spend your time there during daytime in weekends. The ideal answer for all these problems is the outdoor patio. Patio offers several advantages like exposure to Mother Nature, pure wind and air. Hence, patio canopies had been gaining in popularity of late. Made-to-order canopies are available in all cities and towns, though the delivery time could vary between three and four weeks from date of ordering.

Outdoor patio could be arranged either as front area home patio or as backyard patio, depending on the free area available around the built-up area of the house. Outdoor patio would protect you from the rays of sun, rain, snow, and other natural hazardous elements. Modern outdoor patio canopies are equipped with roof tensioning, water proof materials and the other required supports to prevent water buildup on the canopy. Further, most of the modern patio canopy materials are fireproof, UV and waterproof to give you maximum protection and safety.

Outdoor patios need not be limited to separate areas. Swimming pools, large outdoor areas in the front, sides, or backyard areas could be fitted patio canopies to protect them from the natural elements for using them as relaxation areas. Many companies offer steel-structured patio canopies with lot of flexibility and retracting ability. You would be able to extend the patio canopies or retract them when you do not need them, like when you wish to take a sun bath and tan yourself to a beautiful golden hue.

On the other hand, you might be the type that is allergic to the rays of the sun and your patio canopy might not be able to prevent sunlight from entering into the patio area in the mornings and evenings. If you have such a problem, you would do well to install patio window shades or blinds all around the patio. This would help you to control the light effect in your patio to the maximum without any adverse effect. The patio window blinds come in many colors and you could create a patio that is completely unique. You could even change the color blinds from time to time, since they are not too costly. When people visit your home after some time, they would be really surprised and impressed by your outdoor patio design change.

Another advantage with these patio window blinds is that you could lower them and raise them, since they have a clutch system for easy operation. When you use your imagination to use your outdoor area as home patio or backyard patio, the options are plenty. You would be surprised how much you would be able to achieve without spending too much on your patio. An outdoor patio canopy of 10′x10′ size with powder coated steel frame would cost around $300, which is not much, when you consider the time that you could spend outside your home in clean air. Install your outdoor patio and enjoy your free time in a leisurely fashion.

If you are seriously looking to transform your patio into a comfortable, inviting spot where you and your family and friends will love to spend time, you may read on our useful and easily applicable patio ideas.

Category: Patios & Decks | No Comments »
Tags: outdoor patio redecorating, patio decorating tips, Patio ideas

Posted By Houston Decorator on March 10, 2010

If you have older cabinets in your kitchen and can’t afford to replace them or they are simply cabinets you want to keep, there are many ways to update them to make them look newer and fit the style of your décor. You don’t need to have a ton of time or money to do so. Check out some of these decorating options to update your kitchen cabinets.

Add New Hardware to the Kitchen Cabinets
Choose new hardware, for a very simple and inexpensive way to update your kitchen cabinets. By adding new pulls or handles, you can really change the look of a cabinet. Cabinet hardware doesn’t take long to install and it’s also inexpensive. Unique handmade or hand-painted cabinet pulls will really spruce up your cabinets and add a creative touch to your kitchen décor.

Paint the Kitchen Cabinets
It’s easier than you think to paint kitchen cabinets. You may not even have to sand them before painting, depending on the style and color of your old cabinets. To get the best coverage and make the job easier overall, be sure to remove the doors and paint them on a flat surface.

The great thing about choosing a new color is that you can completely change the look of the room. By simply painting the cabinets, you can quickly take a country kitchen and turn it into a modern one. Since painting usually only takes a weekend, by Monday morning you can sit back and enjoy a kitchen that looks brand-new.

Take the Doors Off the Cabinets
Another way to instantly update those kitchen cabinets is to take the doors off some of the units. You can use this space to show off what’s inside those cabinets or showcase a collection that enhances your kitchen’s theme or style. Exposing just a couple of open cabinets can change the entire look of the room, so don’t feel that you have to take off every cabinet door. If you do decide to take doors off, however, be prepared to keep the inside of the cabinets clean and organized. And before you remove the doors, you need to be sure that you are willing to show off the items inside. For example, a collection of plastic cups will not make as wonderful of a kitchen accessory as antique china.

Replace the Cabinet Doors
A great way to update your kitchen and have cabinets that fit with the style you’re going for is to replace your kitchen cabinet doors. These days, there are many different types of kitchen cabinet doors available. For instance, you can find doors that have designs built in to them. There are also doors that have windows. If you’re going to replace your cabinet doors, you want a cabinet door that matches the theme and style of your kitchen. This will make the cabinets cohesive with the rest of the room. Before you pick out your doors, make sure they’re going to fit properly by taking careful measurements  of your cabinets.

If you’re looking to take your kitchen from old to stylish and new, try one or more of these ideas for updating your kitchen cabinets. Any of these renovations can dramatically change the look of the kitchen without costing you thousands of dollars. Once you decide which option will work best for your cabinets and your kitchen, you can start updating your look.

About the Writer…
For over forty years Leon Tuberman has helped people with their home furnishings and interior decorating needs. He is the owner and operator of popular furniture store in California. They have a large inventory of handcrafted Amish built solid wood furniture for your bedroom, home office and living room. Are you looking for a wood filing cabinet for your office or a wood dining table for your dining roomthen they probably have everything you need.

Category: Interior Decorating & Design, Kitchen Remodeling | No Comments »
Tags: Cabinets, decorating, interior decorating, interior design, Kitchen Cabinets, kitchen decorating, kitchen imporvements, kitchens

Posted By Houston Decorator on March 10, 2010

Water-electronics analogy
Basic terms in electronics can be illustrated with water delivery system:
Water pipe = electric wire
Water flow = current flow
Water pump/tower = power supply
Water Sprinkler/tap = electric load

In order to deliver water in the pipe to the sprinkler, a water pump must push the water from one edge of the pipe to the other edge. As long as the water pipe is thinner, less water can flow in a time unit. This is exactly how the electronic circuit works, as long as the wire is thinner, less current can flow in a time unit. We will learn soon about a component in the electronic circuit called “resistor”, this component resist to part of the current flow through it. The analogy to “resistor” is a valve that adjusts the water flow in the pipe.

Ohm’s law
First and most important law in electronics is ohm’s law. This law is a formula that represents the relation between voltage, current and resistance as followed:

R = V/I

R = resistance
V = voltage
I = current

Playing with the formula can show another two representations:

I = V/R

V = I*R

We can see by ohm’s law that when resistance rises, the current is reduced. If we will measure the resistance of a resistor in the electronic circuit and the voltage between its two terminals we will be able to calculate the current that flow through the resistor with ohm’s law.

Resistor
Resistor is a component with constant and known resistance. The resistor includes two terminals that connect to the electric circuit. Resistors are manufactured on a large range of resistances as requested in each section of the electric circuit. The resistance of the resistor is defined during the manufacture process and usually marked on the resistor package with letters or color stripes code. The main function of the resistor in the electric circuit is to adjust currents and voltage in places where it is connected. Resistor in the electric circuit is marked with the letter R.

Want to learn more of the electronics hobby and build electronics circuits on your own?

visit: http://www.theelectronicsbook.com

Category: Electrical | No Comments »
Tags: electronic kits, electronics basics, electronics tutorial, learning electronics

Posted By Houston Decorator on March 9, 2010

Many people have come to realize that providing outdoor lighting around their home can not only provide for safety and security but also aide in enhancing the beauty of the exterior of their property. While there are many practical uses for exterior lighting and the way in which it is used, one way to help you get the most for your investment is through outside party lights that not only serve to adorn your patio but provide the other functions of outdoor lighting as well. By providing adequate lighting on your patio, you will not only be able to host gatherings of your family and friends, but will also be able to enjoy your patio anytime throughout the year and not waste half your investment because darkness runs you inside the house.

When undertaking the lighting of your patio, it is best if it can be included in the overall lighting of the exterior of your home. By including the safety and security of your property as a whole, you will also serve to provide for the additional lighting required for hosting of parties or other events during the evening hours. Think about how your guests will arrive at your patio and you will see that lighting paths, walkways and steps not only provide decoration, but also let your guests negotiate their way around your property in a manner that will help them prevents falls or other mishaps. Path lighting can easily be accomplished through the use of low voltage or even solar powered units if you prefer.

There are many types of lights that help to accentuate certain focal points around your property that again not only decorate but provide for a certain measure of security. For instance, if you do not have an obvious path or walkway leading to your outdoor patio, rope lights can be used to designate a walkway leading your guests to the party area. These lights are actually contained in flexible plastic tubing that allows you to bend and manipulate them in any way you choose thus making them a wonderful choice for many lighting projects.

Spotlights and floodlights have been commonly used for years in the outdoors to light areas for safety and security. Now these lights are being used to highlight special landscaping features such as the specimen tree that is the focal point of the landscape. Spotlights and floodlights are also used as up lighting in the flower beds and near the house in order to show off the wonderful architectural features of the modern homes of today.

All of these different lighting fixtures tend to serve as both functional and decorative elements in a lighting plan and are an integral part of providing outside party lights for your patio, as well as, the rest of your property. If you are unsure how to begin when considering outdoor lighting for your property, take a ride around town late one evening and notice the many ways in which people use lighting in modern day landscape and I am sure you will come upon many ideas that will help to make your home the envy of the neighborhood once darkness encircles your property.

“To learn much more about outside party lights, please visit http://outdoorpartylights.blogspot.com/ where you will find this and much more about outdoor party lighting.”

Category: Lighting | No Comments »
Tags: exterior lighting, Outdoor Lighting, outside party lighting, outside party lights, path lighting

Posted By Houston Decorator on March 8, 2010

There are many great OmniMount speaker stands to choose from, but the most popular two are the OmniMount Gemini and EL0, which we will describe below. All in all, this is one of the favorite speaker stand brands, which beats many of their competitors both, by price and value.

OmniMount Gemini

This is probably the most favored model. They are affordable and attractive. The units have 4 interchangeable base inserts, making it easy to match them with most designs (you can match with your television stand or anything else in the room). They also have a beautiful finish. These stylish and functional stands can accommodate any large bookshelf speakers. The wires are hidden in thick tubes, and plastic caps will hold the wires at the base. They are easy to assemble – they come with one of the easiest to follow instruction manuals. All you need is a screwdriver and pliers (for the wires).

These stands have carpet spikes included, a wide base, and wide speaker platform, making them sturdy and safe for your speakers. The weight of bookshelf speakers creates a steady base, and the stand will not wobble. They can handle the weight of some of the heaviest speakers. Their height can be adjusted either to 25″ or 32″ from the floor (the recommended height for bookshelf speakers is 30-33″).

OmniMount EL0

This is the second popular option for front/surround speakers. It’s a floor-standing mount with an attractive high-gloss black finish; it’s made of tempered glass (base) and steel. This unit is also easy to assemble. It has an adjustable height. It’s stable on carpet with its rubber feet and a large glass base. It has a cable management system to accommodate a 14 gauge wire. These OmniMount speaker stands have 3 mounting options.

If you’re looking for OmniMount speaker stands you should probably visit the website I personally use to do all of my own speaker stands shopping. It’s kind of like a hidden secret and I don’t know how long it’ll be live so make sure you check it out right now to get some killer savings: http://www.woodspeakerstands.com/omnimount-speaker-stands.html

Category: Audio & Video | No Comments »
Tags: omnimount speaker stands

Posted By Houston Decorator on March 7, 2010

Woodworking projects are fun and often addictive, however that does not mean that you can overlook the planning aspect of it. Whatever DIY Woodworking project you might take up, there are always a few tips and tricks that you can use to save time or make the construction more beautiful or even just make it sturdier. Here you can find more on how you should be cutting plywood, which is perhaps one of the most widely used woodworking material there is.

Cutting with a table saw: The first challenge that you are most probably going to face is getting a full ¾” Plywood on to the table. You will need an extension or a second table as support so that the plywood sheet can be adjusted properly. Because of the sheer size of most sheets of plywood, pushing them into blades can be difficult and this is the reason why the first cuts are usually rough ones. Once you have cut the sheet into smaller manageable parts, you will have an easier time cutting them. Also remember that when you are cutting with a table saw you should cut with the best face pointing up.

Cutting with a Circular Saw: Circular saws are cheap and affordable; however they are also notorious for a blowout which is why cutting a straight line is going to be a little harder than you expected. Most cuts made from circular saws have to be reworked later. However if you were to use a saw guide you could overcome this drawback.

Cutting with Sliding Table Saws: A sliding table saw is a standard table saw with a sliding table built into it. A sliding table is wide platform which runs along the blade of the saw. Using such a configuration makes cutting the plywood a lot more accurate and also requires a lot less effort from you.

Also remember that plywood tends to chip a lot when it is cross cut, also remember to use the right kind of blade no your saw; there are many kinds of blade configuration based on the number of teeth, width angle and rake. If you are hobbyist then a standard table or circular saw assisted with a shop made saw guide is an excellent low cost solution for cutting plywood. If you use a lot of sheet styled wood, then a vertical panel saw or a sliding table saw is the best way to go.

Woodworking is an Exciting and Engaging Hobby!

You can find over 14,000 Woodworking Plans for any Conceivable Woodworking Project Over Here.

Alternatively, You can read more on how to start into woodworking and also check out some great resources at my page on DIY Woodworking Projects.

Category: DIY | No Comments »
Tags: basic woodworking tips, cutting plywood, diy woodworking, tricks cutting plywood, woodworking tips

Posted By Houston Decorator on March 6, 2010

You have decided it is finally time to update the look of your kitchen. Perhaps there is nothing that is really wrong with your kitchen cabinets and you just want to change the overall appearance of the kitchen. Painted kitchen cabinets are a great way to update your look in a relatively easy and inexpensive way. You can give your kitchen a new fresh look but still keep a little something in the savings account.

Choosing a paint color, such as white, is a great way to open up the look of your kitchen. White paint can make any room look more open and spacious. If you are plagued with a small, dark kitchen then this might be a great solution. Even for those of you who are blessed with a larger kitchen, white painted kitchen cabinets can even improve the look and feel of a more roomy kitchen. However, not to worry if white cabinets are not really in your kitchen remodeling plans.

There are some other improvements you can do in addition to painting the cabinets. For example, you can replace the counter tops, change out the cabinet doors or even remove them all together. Other less expensive options that will still give your kitchen a refreshing new look are to replace the existing hardware, such as hinges, knobs and handles. More ideas like upgrading sink and faucet fixtures can drastically change and improve the look of your kitchen. Just picture your new looking kitchen complete with freshly painted kitchen cabinets, stainless steel sink and updated cabinet hardware.

The great thing about doing kitchen improvement projects such as these is that they are not too terribly expensive nor are they too complex. This is a great project for a do it yourself kind of homeowner. In most cases, the existing cabinets will just need a good cleaning and sanding to prep them for the painting process. If the existing cabinet finish is in good shape, it is not usually necessary to chemically strip them down prior to painting. However, prepping the existing cabinets to be painted is one of the most important steps, if not the most important. This is the foundation to which you will be applying your paint. You want your painted kitchen cabinets to last longer than they have already lasted. It is important to keep in mind, that any surface painted or not, will chip or ding if it is hit hard enough.

If you are not sure that taking on painting the kitchen cabinets is a good place to start for you, don’t worry. You and your family should plan on looking at these cabinets for a long time to come, so there is no shame in hiring a professional. Even when hiring someone to help, it is often a less expensive alternative compared to staining or installing new cabinets.

Brad Foster writes about kitchen cabinets at http://www.economykitchencabinets.com

Category: Cabinets | No Comments »
Tags: designs, diy install, manufacturers, metal, organizers, painted, ready to install, refinishing, unfi