Aug 30, 2008

Mirror, A Reflection Of Your Home's Decor

Mirrors make a fabulous addition to any home’s décor. A mirror adds assurance, stability, confidence and flair to a room. Today’s styles of mirrors are far different than they were twenty years ago. They are much more stylish and decorative than ever before.

Mirrors:

1) Add an element of surprise to a room. Select a mirror that can reflect something interesting in a room. Choose an item you would like to emphasize and put a mirror opposite of it. Study the difference in your room.

2) Increase the size of your room. Position a tall, thin mirror in a room to make your ceilings rise and the opposite to widen a room.

3) Place a wide mirror in a room to in effect make your room appear wider. Placed down a stairway, it will add width to a hallway while adding depth to a staircase.
4) Add personality to a bathroom. Gone are the days of the “frameless” vanity mirrors. Replace them with decorative framed mirrors to add personality to your private domain.
5) Improve your personal outlook and posture. People have a tendency to steer away from mirrors; they can actually improve your self confidence and posture.
When looking at a selection of mirrors, pay attention to the beveling. The wider the bevel, the more expensive the cost is to make the mirror. Beveling adds value to the mirror along with the width of the frame.
Before making the decision, keep in mind what you will be using the mirror for. That will depend on the inside size of mirror you need. Most importantly, use mirrors in your décor – both in your office and at home.
Everyone has heard the adage “look in the mirror and smile when talking on the phone; you will have a different inflection in your voice”. This wise saying is important at the office as well as in your home.
Article source : Free Articles Zone

A Well Lit Home

A dream home is the perfect place to get away from it all with family and friends according to Joann Wills, Sea Gull Lighting Products. Lighting fixtures done right can make your home more comfortable and livable. Fixtures can provide the right amount of light for the task at hand.

Understanding the lingo of fixed wire is critical in selecting your lighting. As important as understanding the lingo, creativity is a must. Don’t be afraid to step out on a limb when selecting fixtures. Fixtures create the mood of your home.
Fixed Wire
A light fixture that is permanently installed.Portable – light source that is movable such as a lamp.
Chandeliers
Fixtures that hang from the ceiling. Great for entry ways, dining rooms.
Flushmount
A fixture whose body lies flush against the ceiling.
Semi-flushmount
Uses a stem to keep the body of the fixture slightly away from the ceiling.
Vanity Strip
A multi light fixture about a sink mostly in bathrooms.
Island Light
An elongated fixture designed to be hung over an island or billiards table.
Pendant
A hanging fixture with a bowl and no arms. Light can flow up or down.
Mini-pendant
A smaller version of the pendant usually no more than 10” in diameter.

Ambient lighting should illuminate the entire room. The illumination should be done with layers and a mixture of lighting options. Too much light can cause a lifeless effect. A combination of fixed wire, table and floor lamps should be used to create the desired ambient effect.

A creative friend of mine just hung a smaller chandelier in the bathroom. It is absolutely outstanding and charming effect.
Article source : Free Articles Zone

Accessorize Your Patio and Backyard for Year-Round Entertaining

Warmer temperatures are upon us, and the only question left as we approach summer is whether or not your yard will be up to the task of entertaining family and friends. All-American Pool and Patio reminds you that from a nice patio table and patio chairs to umbrellas, fire pits and more, there are myriad ways to make sure your patio and backyard are primed not only for summer but year-round entertaining as well. Before the parties start, make sure your yard has a good head start.

Wicker, aluminum, and wrought iron patio furniture make for a comfortable and stylish look and feel perfect for backyard entertaining. And with a variety of table tops to choose from including marble, slate, copper, glass, and tile, you'll find the table that reflects yourself and the rest of your home. Of course a patio table is somewhat useless without somewhere to sit, and our versatile inventory of patio chairs with stylish patio cushions create a comfortable environment in which to kick back and relax. Our dining chairs, swivel rockers, and three-seat sofa feature custom cushions in a variety of fabrics, and make patio time with family and friends comfortable and relaxing.

So your patio's up and running, and that's good news. Burt what about the rest of your backyard? Let's see, if you're like the rest of us you've got some grass, or maybe some desert landscape, a few plants and maybe even a pool; nice but a bit pedestrian. Chances are a custom fire pit would spice things up quite nicely. A fire pit serves as a perfect centerpiece for gathering and conversation on a cold winter's night. Best of all they're available with slate, marble or tile tops, allowing you to personalize yours to your specifications and tastes.Wouldn't it be nice if your house was the “go-to” house in your neighborhood? Entertaining is easy if your patio and backyard are up to the task. Take a good hard look at your patio and your backyard as a whole. Is it somewhere you'd like to hang out on a consistent basis? If not, a face lift might be in order just in time for summer. Accessorize your patio, and make sure that no matter the time of year fun with family and friends is always on the agenda.
Article source : Free Articles Zone