Original Paintings Will Bring New Life To Your Home

Decorating should be fun and should reflect your personality and style. If you are planning a new decorating project, what you plan for you walls will be important. Original paintings will be a great addition to your home.

There are some things you should know if this is the first time you have bought original paintings. Buying what you love is the best advice anyone can give you. You will probably keep you paintings for the remainder of your life. If you make your decisions based on what matches the colors you have chosen, you might decide later that you made a bad choice. You will have to look at the painting every day, so it is important that you really love it.

The options abound for purchasing original paintings. You might want to go see what your local art galleries have to offer. They usually have a lot for you to look at. Directors at galleries know all about art, and can help you make your decision. But keep in mind that what you buy at a gallery will be at a premium price. Galleries ask their artists how much money the artist would like to make on the artwork. After that amount is determined, the gallery doubles the amount. So you are actually paying twice the amount that the artist wanted for the painting.

An art fair is an excellent place to see and buy original paintings. You can find an art fair in most cities and towns. Some art fairs are only held annually, but some will be held every month or every weekend. At an art fair, you will buy artwork from the artist. There is no middle man to deal with. This has more of a benefit than just price. By buying the painting from the artist, you will be giving the money directly to the person who created the artwork.

But that is not the only way to buy from an artist directly. Online auction sites have become very popular venues for artists to sell their art. An auction site will give you a very large selection of mediums and styles to consider. They are also an option for getting an excellent deal.

Other online sites exist to buy artwork. Regular galleries often have a website too. There are also very large websites that are dedicated to selling artwork exclusively. Many also sell photos and posters. They are very similar to galleries. The artwork is selected by people who are professionals of the art world. They manage what art is sold, and are experts when it comes to art.

For any online art purchase, you should ask for a certificate that will prove authenticity. These certificates certify that the painting is original, not something that has been copied. A certificate will also be a great benefit to you if you believe the painting might be sold in the future

You can never go wrong when buying original paintings for your house. They will look great on your walls and will be something you can pass along to future generations, who will love them as much as you do.

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How to Choose an Online Gallery and 5 Tips For Selling Your Art

When looking for an online art gallery it is a good idea to have some kind of question checklist. Here are some questions you might consider. How much will the gallery cost to run? Is there a commission I have to pay on my art sold? Will I get enough traffic and how much art can I display? Will I be given my own personal art website and biography page? Is it difficult to set up? Can I check my client traffic statistics. Is there a free trial period so I can see if I like the system?

Five Tips for Selling Your Art Online

1. Presentation - Present your art in the most professional way possible. Ideally, showcase your art in an online gallery.

2. Traffic - Even if you have the most beautiful art in the world in your gallery, you will have little success selling your work unless people know where you are. Market your art through free ads, paid ads if you like, pay-per-click ads, blogs, forums and articles. Write "how to" articles about art, which is a great way to generate traffic to your site. Also, have business cards made up and distribute them in as many ways possible.

3. Critiques - Oouch! - If you're way too sensitive and thinned skinned, get over it. Criticism is one of your best money-making friends. Why? Because you want to find out what people like and don't like about your art so you can fix it and make your art more salable. Go out of your way to get criticism of your art by asking friends, strangers (safe strangers!), forum groups, art teachers, art professors and even art appraisers if you want to spend the money.

Leonardo da Vinci asked for criticism from a man off the street. He asked the man what he thought of his "Last Supper" painting, which was not yet finished. The man said he really liked the chalice cup. I believe Leonardo readily removed the chalice from the painting because it was not supposed to be the focus of the work. Leonardo was wise enough to appreciate and receive objective criticism which helped finish his masterpiece.

4. Constant Improvement - Creating your art should be a constant learning process, ever improving because the more knowledge you have of the laws and rules of art the better your painting skills, hence greater financial return on your art. To what is needed to improve your artistic eye and skills. Look at great art and try to see why their colors, their lights and darks, shapes and compositions work so well. Take an art class. Read art "how to" books. Grow in your knowledge of what makes great art.

5. Pricing - Too High, Too Low Check out your competition, art similiar to your own work. What are their prices? Get opinions from people about your art pricing. Remember, be thick-skinned for they are only helping you decide on the correct pricing for your art. Test your pricing. If it sells too quickly (how wonderful!), perhaps you could raise the price. If it is not selling, then your pricing is probably too high. Test, test, test. Oh, you might consider having prints made of your originals because it would give you a whole new extra pricing market. Some people would rather pay for a print than to pay more for an original.

So, hopefully the art gallery question checklist and the tips for selling art online will help you get your art selling. Enjoy your divine gift, the unique ability to express yourself through art.

All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Author: Philip C Jones
http://www.choosegallery.blogspot.com

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Cheap Home Insurance Tips To Help You Save Money

Your home insurance premiums are worked out sue to certain factors. The only way Ii can explain how to save money and to use these factors to your advantage is to tell you about them. I will be able to tell you what you need to know when looking for cheap home insurance throughout this article so that you can save money as other people do each day.

The first factor that can affect home insurance is the zip code area that you live in. The insurers look into the area to see whether the crime rates are high, and if they are this can put you at a disadvantage insurance wise if you compare your rates to someone who lives in an area with lower crime rates.

Can you believe that even heating your home plays a part in the amount you will pay for your insurance, well the reason behind this is that if you use radiators and electric heating you are less likely to have a house fire, thus make a claim due to a house fire than if you were to heat your home by an open or gas fire.

When you own your home, or are paying for your mortgage it is your responsibility to cover any building insurance. This is important as you never know what could happen, whether it is storm damage or accidental. If you are renting your home the responsibility of repairing the homes exterior is down to the landlord therefore this is one cost you will not have to worry about.

You may want to have extra coverage for items, besides if they are damaged by fire or stolen, and a way to do this is by getting accidental coverage and old for new replacement coverage which will mean that if a child falls and breaks something or a pet. Even if the item breaks down out of warranty you will not have to foot the cash to replace it.

The valuables that you wish to insure will also depend on the amount so it may be better to have your valuables kept in a safety deposit, which some banks will provide, or you could ensure that the valuables and any large sums of cash are locked away in a safe, which will mean you are taking extra precautions, as will having your house fitted with a burglar alarm and having locks as well as anti-break glass fitted to windows and doors.

The last but maybe most important way to reduce the amount you pay on your home insurance is to shop around. This is because there is a lot of competition amongst the many competitors. In the past there were only a few to choose from but with more and more people offering insurance, including the places you buy your food, you will find that you are able to get a great price to suit not only your needs but your pocket too.

Looking online is a lot easier than it would be to phone around individual companies and taking out other forms of insurance, such as car and pet insurance will bring your premiums down even further.

Author: Matt Prellie

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Make Your Own Children's Furniture

A child-size dinette set is something that every child should have so that they can enjoy snacks or sharing meals with other children seated at furniture that is just their size. It will provide them with a chance to interact with other children and learn socialization skills while providing them with a special place that is just their own when they are alone. Parents and grandparents alike enjoy giving children these furniture favorites but if there is a craftsman in the family, you can make it an even more special for them.

Hand crafted wood furniture is a special gift for children because it was made especially for them and because it can be handed down to their own children years down the road. If you don't have the pattern you need to make a dinette set for your child or grandchild, just go online and you will find lots of styles for free. Just download the directions and the supplies needed and you will be ready to bring out your creative side for someone special. Here are some tips to consider when looking for the right pattern for your project:

Consider the finished dimensions and compare them to those that are already made and the ages they are appropriate for. It is easy to lose site of dimension when making items for children.

Consider making four seats even if the pattern only calls for two. These will be needed if the child wants to entertain others during big family dinners. Also consider the extra wood and attachments you will need.

Consider what the set will be used for. If it is going to be a work station in the child's bedroom, there are patterns that will accommodate those needs as well. You will find round, square, and odd-shaped patterns.

Keep comfort in mind. Wooden seats look cute but cushions can make them look even more like the real thing while adding comfort.

Stick with seat patterns that have backs on them, but only those that come half-way up the back. Those that have the straight, full-length backs aren't comfortable and force the child to sit unnaturally.

Consider what tools are needed before you get the pattern. Some details may require special tools that you don't want to have to buy. Get the downloadable PDF plans for your set if it is an option. The simpler you make it on yourself, the better the results are apt to be.

If you want to add decoration to the furniture once it is completed, stick with stencils. They are available in any type of pattern you might want and they add a personal touch without taking away from the natural look of the wood.

If you want to personalize it, stick with putting the child's name on just one of the seats. That creates a seat that is just for him/her and allows other children to feel like the seat they have is their own.

Let you children have the enjoyment of their very own kids tables and chairs. See their smiles stretch from ear to ear, playing and socializing with their very own kids table and chairs.
http://www.kids-table-and-chairs.net

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Expensive Isn't Always Better

The following are helpful tips to avoid shelling unnecessary bucks out for a good piece of furniture.

Know what its actually worth

The best thing to do when purchasing or planning to purchase a particular piece of furniture is to go around and ask its value. A little research would benefit you especially if you are being charged more than the item's actual cost.

However, knowledge is your best friend if you know the item's value. This way, you do not risk of ever getting to pay way over a product's actual cost. This additional information would do you good especially when purchasing furniture during auctions where the threat of being overbid in such a competitive environment could easily make one purchase something so conveniently, the price of which could actually be a lot less.

Know brands, know quality

It is best that you have access to information on brand-name furniture. This also helps in not overpaying on something just because it carries this brand name. If you see other people go gaga over something just because it has this name brand stitched on it, do not be carried away by their enthusiasm. It would be wise to forego this particular purchase and settle to look for others.

Be in control

Do not let your impulsiveness get the best of you. Control your spending habits. As much as possible, try to avoid any type of purchase that will probably not fit your wants or needs in the immediate future.

Think about it, if you feel you just have to buy a used furniture - a vanity table perhaps -- - because it only costs twenty dollars (from its original price of $100) but it ending up not being used, you are better off buying a new piece of furniture that will be used fairly well.

Think twice, thrice, and so on

Before making that actual purchase, try to deliberate for more than 24 hours, or better yet 48 hours, before deciding if you really want to purchase it or not. Major financial investments require sound thinking and a clear head.

If you think another person's point of view would better serve you in your decision-making, go and ask. Money should be used wisely and not wasted.
All in all, furniture that is well paid for is money well spent and time that is best utilized for enjoying the fruits of your hard-earned labor.

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Interior Decoration

What it is all about
Someone who gives shape to your most beautiful dream (your house) is an interior decorator. They are responsible for designing the most fine-looking homes; offices etc and make our surroundings look beautiful as they can look. Interior decorators understand what you want, after that, they imagine it and then create it. This profession is rightly associated with females as it is requires a sensitive approach. But these days, a lot of men are also getting into this business.

To become a successful interior decorator, one not only needs a creative hand and sound imagination but also some education in this field i.e. pursue a diploma/degree course in interior decoration. Basically, these institutes teach aspiring students to give the right direction to imagination and play an important role in

An interior decorator can earn lot of money. One just needs to become a pro in the field.

There are various ways to become a successful Interior Decorator. Following are some of the useful steps that need to be followed to become one:

First step is eye training:
It is important to have a good eye for design, to get into interior decoration. In simple terms, after having a close look at a room, one should be able to instantly judge what's good, what's, bad and what need to be improved to give that room a stylish makeover. The interior decorator needs to train the eye consistently. This can be done by studying and analyzing what people will like and call a good design. One should also regularly browse through some of the beautifully decorated rooms and various designs available in famous magazines. Besides that, one can certainly give a good amount of training to eyes by regularly visiting various furniture showrooms, art galleries, historic homes and houses available for sale.

Second step is to educate oneself:
An Interior Decorator should be very well versed with all the different elements involved in decorating a house including planning space, using color, light, furniture, styles of decoration, wall coverings, floorings, accessory utilization, window treatment etc. One should also know some basics on decoration via interior decoration courses or by constantly educating through various websites, books and speaking to product retailers dealing in home decoration.

Third step is Practice:
It is rightly said that practice makes a man perfect and this statement is also true with interior decoration. Most interior decorators are able to get a lot of visibility from the excellent work done in the past. Of course, this does not mean that one should stop practicing. Like any other profession, in interior decoration as well, one should always keep on learning and practicing in order to get the best of his / her talent and skills.

Fourth step is volunteering:
All those who are beginners in interior decoration must always volunteer for servicing others. It is one of the best ways to get excellent work in the future. You can volunteer to work for your friends and family who is your best judge. Don't take any fess from them as it will give you a lot of initial recognition among them.

Fifth step is to have a portfolio:
To showcase the work to prospective clients, it is very important to prepare a portfolio. It can be the best example of your experience, so make sure that it is perfectly made.

Sixth step six is to get into a Job or business:
Job: To be a star interior decorator, it is actually very important to take up a job of an Interior Decorator as soon as possible after the interior decoration course. Practice and experience in this field have a lot of significance.
Business: Some people work the best independently, for them the best option is to start up a business. This gives a different kind of exposure as it involves independent working and the all the credit can be directly received.

Seventh step is to establish a relationship:
Establishing a good relationship with suppliers or all those involved in the development process is of utmost importance. This not only helps in getting some good references in the future but also in broadening network. Offering discounts to the clients is also good idea.

For all those who are looking forward to get into interior decoration, it's time to start working on that and take the initial initiative of getting in to the right interior decoration institute.

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window panes are a threat to our birds

Simple methods to prevent the senseless death bird

Who has not ever been or even several times myself experienced or reported by other fellow human beings get? It has a beautiful new conservatory of his house built and beautifully decorated with plants and furniture, and in spring you will find the first dead bird out in front of the disc lie.

This happens not only at the winter gardens, all no bigger glass panels, for example in office buildings, schools and factories but also the large balcony in the house can contribute to death for our birds are. Such windows are for the birds very poorly identified as an obstacle, since it is usually always clean.

Remedy this very simple means, such as curtains and blinds, larger windows, or window decorations. Also very popular are so-called bird sticker, which simply stuck on the discs are. One knows this bird sticker, for example, from bus stops or public buildings such as hospitals, offices or shopping centers. Here, these stickers also used indoors, at glass doors or windows. Here, you do less to protect the birds, but rather the benefit of humanity, because clean glass doors and panes of us can even be overlooked and result in injuries caused by collision. In larger farms and factories with large production buildings or offices, hotels, hospitals and retirement homes, where there is also glass doors in the corridors as an intermediate has doors installed, such protection even in the OSH guidelines prescribed.

In our modern architecture, more and more glass in new buildings built, which is visually and technically very good lighting effects, but it also creates new barriers dangerous for humans and animals. It is therefore advisable that even before the start of a new house with the theme of welfare and risk avoidance is important. And how easy it is dangerous to defuse sources of accidents, you can at the examples above clearly.

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Southwest Decor

5 Top Ways To Create The Perfect Look

Are you getting ready to use Southwest décor in your home but need some tips on how best to achieve your goal? If so, we can help. The great thing about this particular look is that it is a beautiful blend of Native American Indians and Spanish. As a result, you end up with tremendous options, each with amazing shapes, sizes, patterns, and colors. While the southwest look is rustic, it is also a casual elegance. With the use of earth tones, as well as reds, oranges, yellows, greens, and blues, you will end up with a comfortable space where people love to gather.

A house decorated with a southwest theme, usually radiates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The style fashioned after the west, brings with it a calm and relaxed feeling. Nature is most often included and the history it evokes could be written in volumes. Choose your room's elements carefully, in order to create the perfect southwestern ambiance necessary, to capture the true meaning of the rustic southwest. For an easy beginning to your project, consider these five ways you can incoporate southwest decor into your finished goal.

1. Walls - The walls in your southwest room can speak very loudly about the true intent of the room's design, so choose your paint color carefully. volumns so. If you like the rustic look of a southwestern style, consider purchasing pre-mixed stucco to give your walls an authentic feel. A textured wall gives your room an authentic feeling and provides an unusual canvas on which to build and add color to the environment in your room.

2. Art - In order to give your southwest room a feeling of authenticity, be sure to include Native American and western art pieces. There are many options available. Of the most popular choices are wall art made of metal, paintings produced with sand, terra cotta tiles decorated with unusual designs and simple paintings of Native American Indians.

3. Cactus Garden - If you have outdoor space, you could create a gorgeous cactus garden placed outside the door or window, bringing some of the southwest nature inside. You don't have to own a large and massive yard in order to create an interesting cactus garden. Simply use the space you have available indoors and design an area which hosts small types of cactus.

4. Accents - Color will work wonders in your southwest decor and can point the room towards a western, Spanish or Native American theme. Fantastic examples would include using a shade on the table lamp which is made of rawhide and painted with a unique western design. Or you may wish to add throw pillows with lots of stunning colors such as red, turquoise and green or add a lovely woven serape over the back of your sofa.

5. Flooring - Don't forget the floor when considering how to decorate with a southwest theme. You may wish to consider having your floors finished in wood or tile, but even if you prefer carpeting, it can be a soft touch and look nice with your decor. You always have the option of using many different smaller hand woven Indian rugs with brillant patterns and colors, or perhaps, your room would be better suited by placing only one larger rug, as a center focal point. Each and every Native American tribe such as the Hopi, Zuni and Navajo, is proud of their unique ways. The artistic patterns used in their crafts, reflect their natural heritage and should be chosen carefully in order to achieve the look you want in your southwestern decor.

Author:Craig Chambers
Get "The Rustic Southwest Decorating Guide" a popular free download with room by room tips and ideas to help you. You can also get discount coupons and special offers on southwest decor from Mission Del Rey. http://www.missiondelrey.com

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How To Build A Chicken Coop?

If you are looking for chicken coop plans on the internet, then you are probably looking for the perfect way to make a chicken coop. However, there are basic things you need to be aware of in order to pick the best plans that will suit your precise situation.

One of the largest obstruction when sustaining a chicken coop is cleaning it. Some people do not make their coops with ease of this in mind, and suffer the consequences later on. But you can understand from their mistakes, and make certain that your coop will be easy to clean in the future. One very important aspect is to make sure the floor of the coop is sloped downward toward the main door. When you wash the inside of the coop, the water will certainly drain outside, instead of gathering in the center.

Do not skimp on the size of your chicken coop. Chickens that live in tiny coops resort to aberrant pecking and even cannibalism. You do not want this! As a rule of thumb, you should allocate about 4 square feet per chicken. So if you have a coop holding 10 chickens, 40 square feet will be plenty of room for your chickens to grow, feed, and produce.

It is important that you construct your chicken coop with protection in mind. Both weather and predators can wreak havoc on your coop, so make it with these points in mind.

Build the coop on a high area with generous drainage and place it facing the sun. In the event that it rains, this location will not only make certain that the coop does not get flooded, but that it dries quickly when the sun comes out.

Build your doors with appropriate strength mesh wire. Believe it or not, this step is one of the most customary blunders people make when building their coop. Without the proper toughness, your mesh wire will succumb to even the tiniest of killers, allowing them easy access to your chickens.
Author:David Smiths

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Home Interior Trends of Today

Do you want to know about new home interior trends for 2009? Maybe you are trying to get your home ready for sale, building a new customized home, relocating to a brand new office complex, or it could be that it is just time for a change of scenery. There are a lot of different styles, themes, and tastes in interior design trends today, allowing customers to choose from many options that are customized by builders. This year, the popularity of open floor plans will continue to grow, together with the tendency of homeowners to incorporate energy efficient features in their homes, but in an aesthetically pleasing way.

Houses in the 1800s to early 1900s were special, such that the house designs of big family estates were internally divided up to make distinct environments. For example, the servants' rooms were usually found on the first floor near the kitchen, while the family's bedrooms were almost always upstairs. An en-suite bathroom was found by the parent's master bedroom, with a powder room located downstairs. The parents' desire for privacy and a quiet retreat usually meant that the children's rooms were situated down a hallway in a separate part of the house, away from the master bedroom suite. A carriage house might have housed guests or in-laws. A trend in home interiors that has increased in popularity, returning for 2009, means that homes today have a second or third bedroom suite with additional bathrooms. Buyers prefer their master bedroom on one side of the house and the kids' bedrooms on the other so that they have a quiet retreat. Found in a part of the house, set apart from the main areas, are secondary suites, usually 300-400 square-feet, containing occasional sitting rooms and full bathrooms.

Family spaces should continue to be popular through 2009, according to home interior experts. Today having the family room and kitchen to the back of the house, referred to as rear living, is becoming the norm, so that mom can cook and watch the kids playing in the family room or she can keep an eye on the kitchen but still entertain guests in the living room. A lot of modern designs have less walls in common rooms with an "open concept" feel. Half walls that join dining rooms, dens, and kitchens are popular. Moreover, the European idea of backyard living rooms has finally arrived in America, bringing with it such amenities as full outdoor kitchens, brick ovens for pizza and bread, fire pits, chandeliers, even artwork and comfortable furniture all beneath a covered overhang.


Home interior designers usually look to create a sense of timelessness. Blue and greens are popular in rooms like bedrooms because they offer a calming feeling. Many times designers employ bright hues in their kitchen interior designs, such as startling splashes of yellow, red, and orange, as they are often centers that are very busy. There is a lot of versatility with living rooms from white and modern to elegant and dark. Bathrooms are designed to feel like a spa with light coming through crystal blocks, rich browns with accents in pastels, and peaceful hues on the floor tiles. A custom design will pull all of the rooms together for a unified feeling.

About the Author:
When Camella Trevors was redecorating her home she researched Valencia interior design specialists. She found Tami Smight, who revitalized her home using stunning fabric designs for her custom Canyon Country sheers, window treatments, and bedding.

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Pool Safety for the Summer

Owning a pool and having children can be a dangerous combination if you do not take steps to insure your children’s safety. Most parents know a few safety tips, especially when it comes to fencing off the pool. However, there are many other dangers that you need to watch out for if your children are to remain safe and still have fun in the pool this summer.

Fences - By county law, most U.S. citizens are required to put a fence around their pools, especially if a small child lives in their house. Make sure that the gate in the fence remains locked at all times when you are not using your pool, and make sure the keys to the gate are in secure location. Try to install a fence that is six feet high or higher because most children see fences as challenges and will readily practice their climbing skills to get over one. Make sure yours is tall enough to prevent that. You can find your communities’ fencing requirements at your local county offices.

Alarms – A door alarm is a great way to make sure that your children are not sneaking into the pool, especially if you have a small child in your household that likes to try doorknobs. There are many good wireless door alarms that will do the trick, insuring that no one goes into the backyard without you knowing it. Another great device is a pool alarm. Poolguard alarms are currently the best on the market, according to Good Housekeeping Magazine. They make a loud beeping noise if anyone or anything falls into the pool. Best of all, normal surface tension from wind or fallen leaves does not set it off.

So, if your child, one of the neighborhood kids, or the cat next door falls into the pool accidentally, they can be fished out and saved in no time.

Pool Covers – Pool covers are very important, and yet they can be very dangerous as well. Hard pool covers that completely cover the pool like a shell are the best. However, soft covers are less expensive and the most common. Watch out for these, as children can fall onto them and get tangled up, unable to get out. Also be careful with electric or automatic pool covers. More than one story has been told of a child accidentally hitting the cover controls and becoming trapped in the pool underneath the cover.

Leafy Plants - Leaves might not seem like a big problem, especially if they provide shade to an otherwise sun-blasted pool area. However, small wet leaves can be slipping hazards for children and adults alike. Trees with small, slick leaves and some forms of flowering plants are not good for your pool area, not to mention the fact that these trees will wreak havoc on your pool filters.

Wooden Block – One good idea, especially if you live outside the city, is to place a medium-sized wooden block in your pool when you are not using it. Make sure it is large enough to float and to support a few pounds of weight. The wooden block will ensure that small animals that fall into your pool will be able to climb back out without assistance and before they drown.

Pool Toys – Always have a safe place to store your pool toys. From larger floaties to small plastic rings, there are many different kinds of pool toys and each of them can be dangerous underfoot. Make sure that toys are placed in a storage device of some sort in the pool area or store them in the house or garage. Also, never store your pool toys in the same area as your pool chemicals. Chemicals can easily transfer onto the toys, which will create a poisoning hazard for your children.

Pool chemicals – Many people keep their chlorine tablets, PH balance kits, and other pool chemicals in the pool area. However, you should always make sure that these chemicals are secured. Just putting them in a storage box near the pool doesn’t count; that box must have a lock on it for true safety. After all, how many children wouldn’t want to see what’s inside the big, plastic box? A much better decision would be to keep all pool chemicals in the garage or shed. This will keep them out of your children’s reach and yet still close at hand.

While most of these things are common sense oriented, they are things that are often overlooked. It is always good to make sure that your pool area is safe, especially if you haven’t used your pool in a while. So, before the weather gets too warm, make sure that your pool area is a fun and safe place for the ones you most cherish: your children.

About the Author
Gunter Walderon is a successful business executive and, when he researched out the best Beverly Hills pool contractors for his estate, he found California Pools. After visiting several Hollywood pool builders, he was the most impressed with the quality and workmanship of the Pasadena pool contractors, especially their sculpted gunite pools and spas.

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A few things you should know before you buy Home Insurance

If you plan to purchase any type of home insurance policy this year. Whether it`s a building or contents policy. You must understand one thing. That the insurance companies have to make a profit to survive.And they are not going to pay out unless they have to.

When you bought your last insurance policy you were probably enticed by an advertisement on TV or in a newspaper,it probably implied that if you took out their insurance policy you would sleep safely in your bed at night, without a worry or care in the world. Why because you are insured and nothing can go wrong. Can it?

Well,it all depends. Advertisers will often push the law to the limit.Implying that only their insurance policy gives you full cover. However the most important document is not the advertisement, but the insurance policy document and you must study it carefully,and pay no attention to all the advertising hype.

So do you have to read the small print. Unfortunately yes, I know it`s boring and that life is to short, but by spending ten to twenty minutes studying it, you may save yourself from a lot of disappointment in the future.

Things to remember, if you want to make a successful claim.You must inform the insurance company of any changes in your circumstances. This could be things like a new lodger or pet in your home,or even changes in the area where you live, such as a new youth club in the neighbourhood, Also remember to keep all your insurance documents and paper receipts for any household goods. As you may need them for a future claim.

Always make realistic claims, don`t claim for a Rolex if you own a Timex, insurance companies will always pay out for realistic claims, but if you over-inflate your claim it will arouse suspicion, and your claim may be rejected as fraudulent.

Always disclose past insurance claims, or if you have had previous criminal convictions, otherwise they will accuse you of withholding important iinformation. Check excactly what you are covered for. You may have to pay extra for sheds, greenhouses and fences, or any valuables over a certain value. Even so called comprehensive insurance, does not cover every single thing. If it is not mentioned in the policy then it is not covered, if you are not sure exactly what you are covered for, get them to clarify it in writing, not on the phone, as in the event of a claim you will have no proof of a call.

Finally. If you complete the claims form, answering all of their questions honestly and truthfully, then the insurance company will not have an excuse to deny your claim. Always do a bit of research before you buy. And visit an unbiased insurance information website such as http://www.findukinsurance.com for lots of hint and tips.

E.D. Mealing is the co-author of the website http://www.findukinsurance.com It`s the insurance information website to visit for expert insurance advice about choosing the best insurance policy to suit you and your family .With handy tips and hints from expert contributors from all areas of the insurance world.

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Modern Bedroom Furniture Ideas – Platform Beds

I grew up with traditional looking furniture in my parent’s home. It blended in well with their own home décor of wall hangings, art and other home accents. When it was time to move out onto my own with my wife and start my own family, I was hoping for furniture that could help reflect my own taste and style as well as my wife’s. We liked furniture with clean lines and contemporary design. So we began our search for modern bedroom furniture.

Modern furniture presents you with some interesting choices in the way of bedroom décor. The most modern concept in beds is referred to as a platform bed. These beds incorporate the idea that your bed doesn’t require an old bulky box spring but can instead be more open by having a foundation built into the bed that consists of slats or panels. These will provide ample support for your mattress and will help to open up the look of your bed.

Bedroom furniture made with modern styling can incorporate many new design elements to better make use of their unique designs. Modern platform beds may feature lift up storage which allows you to lift up the supporting frame and mattress on your bed to reveal storage beneath. Because platform beds don’t use box springs it allows for more space beneath the bed. This space helps to accommodate storage areas as well as under bed storage drawers which essentially give you a chest of drawers beneath your bed.

Many modern platform beds present more space beneath the bed since they don’t use box springs. This will help to open up the look of your bedroom with a less cluttered look. Still, other platform bed models will present lower profile designs which open up wall space. These beds will feature side rails or headboards which stay lower to the ground because the bed’s design and the absence of box springs. You’ll also find that modern platform beds still incorporate traditional materials such as wood or metal into their designs. However newer model features may integrate glass as well as fabric or upholstery into bed designs.

Other modern design elements in platform beds include integrated tables that float or align with the headboard of your bed. This provides a more unique design that creates a contemporary look for your bedroom by introducing new design elements into your décor that aren’t static. Other case goods like dressers, chests and mirrors also can be made with a modern flair which will bring together your bedroom with matching pieces.

Platform bed structures feature your typical side rails, headboard and footboard. The primary difference with beds made for mattress/box springs is that those beds use a wood or metal support system that consists of 2-4 cross pieces with minimal support across. Mattress/box spring beds are designed with the intent that a box spring be placed over the top of the frame which is typically close to the ground. Platform bed frames will sit higher up off the ground and will feature slat support systems with around 10 or more slats and center support rails or legs. Some platform beds may incorporate masonite or solid paneling as well.

Modern bedrooms start with the bed. Platform beds are a great way of achieving a cleaner, contemporary look by having a more open design beneath the bed. No box springs are needed with platform beds and these beds feature a built in foundation of slats or panels. These designs also give way to integrating under bed storage, glass headboard designs or even fabric or upholstery around the bed or in the headboard. Add matching case goods with these beds and your bedroom will feature contemporary styling that will blend in with your modern décor. Consider a platform bed when designing your new bedroom.

P.Pendleton is a furniture professional who writes for several online furniture websites. He continues to work with other furniture professionals in promoting new trends in modern bedroom furniture and platform beds.

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Enjoy the variety of hand made beds

We all love decorating our homes and we all keep searching for some unique art and craft pieces for the same. Some collect ethnic art pieces, some are ardent collectors of antique pieces , and some are fans of good paintings. But there is one more piece of art which is unique and beautiful for your bedroom.
Those are Handmade Beds like Handmade Fourposter bed or Heirloom beds. Not everyone can or has the means of owning a handmade bed. These beds create a powerful visual impact on the viewers and its beauty make them stop in their steps.
These are used as a centre piece for your bedrooms, with this you wont require other antique pieces for your bedroom. These Heir loom Beds are an antique, which are passed down for generations through family members. And to make them last till generations, you need to choose a manufacturer who pays equal attention to detailing and quality as well.
Each piece is hand carved by generations of the finest carvers who utilise traditional hand tools and raw materials and are made from high standard wood. These are generally available in a range of bedsteads, four poster beds, testers, and other bedroom furniture.
Handmade beds are very popular in United Kingdom and many people from as far as Spain, Italy, Arab Emirates, specially come down to United Kingdom to take home their best quality handmade beds.

Handmade beds are carved out of wood of highest grade and generally different types of Mahogany and teak woods are used. But when browsing for a website of handmade manufacturers you need to be careful about what quality and type of mahogany wod they are using as not all mahogany woods are good.
If they are using Lauan Mahogany Red or Blanc, also known as Philippine Mahogany, then do not opt for them but search for a manufacturer who uses mahogany of Swetenia or Khaya family.
True Mahogany are those which comes from the trees of Swetenia, which is in South America.
Also do not go for French or English or American Oak as they are light woods.
Swietenia macrophylla, usually known as Brazilian mahogany, but is also known as American mahogany or Big Leaf mahogany.
Brazilian mahogany occurs naturally in a broad band across the southern paert of the Amazon rainforests, stretching from north-eastern Bolivia and the Brazilian states.
These are the best grade woods which should be used by a good and reputed handmade bed manufacturer. Also beware that the manufacturer are not using the quick and cheap wax finish, as they provide less protection and are high on maintainance.
It is always better to first go to the showrooms of the manufacturers you selected online and inquire and inspect their quality, detailing, finish, craftmen, raw materials used and wax used by them.Also inquire about shipping and other charges.

For more insights and further information about heirloom beds visit our site http://www.heirloombeds.co.uk

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Home Decorating Ideas - Apartment Decor Tips

Are you moving into an apartment and aren't sure how to go about decorating? It's not difficult if you know what questions to ask and the important decisions that need to be made

First, find out from your landlord if the walls can be painted, and if you need to obtain permission for the colors selected. Then, make sure you can hang artwork, etc. on the walls - most of the time this is not a problem. Your landlord may state that you must return the apartment to the original state when you leave. Just keep that in mind and enjoy decorating the apartment!

Before you start your apartment decorating, assess what you will be bringing into this residence. Some folks will have an abundance of furniture and others may be starting with no furniture at all. Your goal with furnishings is to have enough in the rooms that you will spend time in, to be comfortable and to express your unique lifestyle. If you don't have much furniture, don't worry about furnishing rooms that you may not use. It's better to have two or three rooms that are finished and comfortable for you than to spread your furnishings amongst all the rooms, and none of them look complete.

Wall color can make a huge difference in the overall warmth and effect a room has on its occupants, so painting the walls a color other than 'apartment white' is highly recommended. Even if you use an off-white shade such as Bone White or Navajo White (standard off-whites no matter what brand of paint you select), you will create a welcoming atmosphere for you and your family or guests. If you really love color, select something that is bold and colorful for the walls and have fun with it!

In the living area, try to place your furniture in a conversational grouping, avoiding flattening each piece against the walls if possible. Even if your living room is not large, try this approach. It reinforces the feeling of warmth and coziness, and in an apartment that can be a challenge! You might also want to use area rugs along with the furniture arrangement to create a feeling of separation between the living and dining areas if they are combined into one space.

Now, what kinds of things, people or places make you happy? These are the things to put on your walls. What is meant by that is to have artwork, pictures, etc. around you that will make you feel good. It doesn't have to be expensive, your selections just need to be an expression of what you enjoy and want to have around you. Is the budget very limited? Then go to a resale shop or discount store. You may be surprised at what you can find at a very reasonable price. Put away the pictures that you don't care for - don't hang them. You apartment decorating goal is to get true enjoyment from what is around you. Take your time and find something that you love. It's better to have just a few accessories that are a true expression of you and your style than to just hang some pictures to have something on the walls.

An apartment decorating project might be the perfect time to explore a design avenue that is new for you, whether it is a color, a theme or a particular style. Have you always wanted to have a bright yellow guest bath with sunflowers and sailor blue accents? Why not give it a try now? Use this residence to experiment and explore your unique lifestyle decorating expression. Or, maybe you've always wanted a black and white living room...what better time than now to experiment with decorating style, themes and colors.

Ultimately, if you create a style (not necessarily with expensive 'things', but with your creativity and resourcefulness) that expresses who you are and what you love, your apartment will truly become your home.

About the Author:
Candi Randolph is the owner of Simply Designed located in Fort Myers, FL, and author of Ten Simple Steps to Design Success, a simple and easy to understand guide with home decorating ideas and interior design tips. Please visit Great Home Decorating for home decor advice, tips, articles and help for all styles and budgets.

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Tips for Hosting a Children’s Birthday Party

Every child dreams of having the best birthday party ever. It has got to be as good if not better than those their friends have hosted recently. Unfortunately trying to plan a party like this can be every parent’s worst nightmare. The guest list is likely to be huge as your son or daughter will want to invite everyone they know, and if they are at school then they will want to invite everyone in their class, so that means at least thirty children if not more !

So first you will need to come up with a venue. This is not usually too difficult as there are lots of small local community halls which can be hired fairly cheaply. However, if you hire a hall then you are going to need party food, and some form of entertainment. Being realistic it’s unlikely you would be able to cater for this many children, and even with help would probably struggle to keep them entertained for the whole duration of the party. Of course, you could hire an entertainer, or a mobile disco and a caterer to supply the food, but this all starts to add significantly to the cost. It also gets complicated having to contact all these suppliers separately.

In which case you would probably better off hiring a party organiser or an entertainment company who can organise and supply everything you will need. This need not be as expensive as it sounds. If you contact them early a good company will allow you to pick and choose the services you require from what they have available, so you will only pay for what you really want.

By spending a little time researching companies it is possible to find ones that will have vast databases of entertainers to suit any type of party. Reputable organisations will have met and worked with these entertainers prior to recommending them will also offer guarantees, so you have peace of mind knowing that you won’t be let down at the last minute and have a room full of disappointed children to cope with.

The services cover children’s entertainers, DJ’s, Bouncy Castles to name just a few so there really is something that would suit a child of any age from a tiny tot right through to a teenager. So why not
Author: Alistair Summers

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How to Let Your Creativity Shine when Designing a Nursery

The act of selecting baby nursery decorations is a thrilling part of having a newborn baby. Even though there are so many different decisions to deal with and so many ideas to think about, the endeavour is thoroughly entertaining because you're creating a room specifically for the newest member of your family. To assist you, there are some helpful nursery decoration ideas to keep in mind when creating a fun and welcoming environment for your baby.

Let's start first with color scheme, probably the major decision in creating your baby nursery decor. Whether or not you know the gender of the baby, there are other questions to ask yourself before choosing colors. For instance, will the baby be sharing a room with another sibling? Will the color scheme be appropriate as the child grows or do you plan to change it frequently? In making color choices, rely on the primary colors and choose tints and shades of red, yellow and blue. Secondary colors of green, violet and orange, blended neutral tones and pastels also work well to stimulate a newborn.

In addition to the color scheme, you can also choose to do a nursery theme as a baby nursery decoration. Depending on how often you plan to change the room's theme, you might want to consider a classic one, such as Winnie the Pooh, animals, or the alphabet, that will grow with the child, rather than a baby theme. You can also create a baby nursery decor that is based on a nursery rhyme, fairy tale, or popular children's book. Choose a scene from the work and select nursery decoration items that reflect and complement it.

Accenting the room is where you can let your creativity shine. Among the nursery decoration ideas that complement a baby nursery decor are murals, stencils, borders, or wall paper. These work well presented in a patter or placed free form throughout the room. Murals, in particular, are a wonderful baby nursery decoration because they add dimension to the room and create a lively atmosphere.

When accessorizing the baby nursery decor beyond the basics of a crib, changing table and bureau, consider incorporating some personal touches like family heirlooms or special accessories. Some baby nursery decoration items that will grow with the child and have special meaning are knick knacks, framed photos, or artwork with inspiration quotations.

It's also important to incorporate baby nursery decoration pieces that add a touch of warmth and personality to the room. Things like clocks, memory boards, personalized shelves and decorative photo frames are great nursery decoration items that nicely bring the room's look together. Decorative pieces also complement the color of the room or support its theme. As you go along, you can switch around or bring in new baby nursery decorations to give the nursery a new appearance.

Through your use of colors, accents and accessories, you can create a one of a kind nursery decoration masterpiece that will provide a warm, inviting and nurturing environment for your baby for years to come.

About the Author:
Bethany Bien absolutely loves being a mom; decorating nurseries and offering valuable advice on baby nursery decorations. Since you'll be spending most of your time in the nursery - for quite a while, it's crucial to make it safe, cozy and really welcoming. You can look over her extraordinary selection of beautiful items for your baby at=> http://www.BethanyBaby.com

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3 Tips To Choosing Your Perfect Bed

When you’re out shopping for a new platform bed there are a number of things to consider. In this article we’ll go through the steps of choosing that perfect bed for your room. Choosing the right size, construction and style can make all the difference in your bedroom décor. Let’s take a look at some of the things you’ll need to consider before making your choice.

The first thing to consider is the size of your bed. The size of the bed can make a difference in your bedroom both in the comfort of your sleep space and in the amount of space used throughout the room. The larger the bed the more space that is needed so consider carefully what your bedroom can accommodate. King and California king size beds present the largest size in beds and if your room is large enough these beds will do the job for you when a large sleeping surface is required. Queen and full size beds are the next sizes available. These are typically the most popular sizes to work with in a bedroom as they are still large enough to sleep two people but take up less space than a king size bed. Twin size is the smallest size available and is usually reserved for smaller bedrooms. Twin beds work best for one person and can be used in small bedrooms or dorm rooms due to the fact they take up such a small amount of wall space.

Sometimes you might need a smaller bed like a twin or full size but need the length of a queen or king bed. If this is the case then you’ll want to consider extra long beds. Extra long beds or XL beds as they are also called offer you the width of a standard bed can give you the length of a queen size. These beds are great for taller adults or young adults looking for a bed to fit a smaller space. The advantage of the twin extra long bed is that it is a 39" x 80" size bed versus the 39" x 75" size of a standard twin bed. The same can also be said for a full extra long bed which measures 54" x 80" versus the standard full size bed which measures at 54" x 75". These beds can provide a great alternative to other sizes if you’re looking for something more unique.

Once you have the size of your platform bed figured out the next thing you’ll want to decide on is the construction of the bed. Platform beds are generally offered in two materials. Wood platform beds, are available in both domestic and import models. The domestic wood beds are made in the United States and will often be made from oak, ash, maple, hickory or any number of other North American woods. Import beds are made overseas typically from tropical hardwoods or rubber wood which is a common hardwood found throughout many of the Pacific Rim countries. Domestic woods will offer you a traditional look with rich wood grains and finishes that compliment many of today’s stains and wood trim found throughout homes here in North America. Import woods offer an exotic look that typically will have very unique grain or will be void of grain all together. You’ll have to do some research into these various styles to determine what you’re looking for in your new bed.

After you have chosen the size and construction for your new platform bed you’ll need to determine the style of bed you’re looking for. In the world of furniture, there are three main styles of furniture. The first is traditional bedroom furniture. Traditional beds and furniture feature old world designs that make use of wood as a primary material and will feature ornate and decorative designs. There are many sub-categories to traditional bedroom furniture that include arts and crafts, mission, Amish and Stickley designs just to name a few. The second style is called modern or contemporary. Modern bedroom furniture feature clean lines and often bring different materials together such as glass, wood and metal to create original designs. The third and final main category of bedroom furniture is called transitional. These furniture pieces provide a crossover between traditional and modern designs. If you’re not quite a traditional or modern design person, the transitional line of bedroom furniture may be the perfect choice for your home.

In this article we’ve looked at the different choices you’ll need to make before choosing a new platform bed or bedroom set. Finding the right size bed is a great first step and you’ll want to pick from twin, full, queen, king or extra long bed sizes. You’ll also want to decide if you want the a domestic bed made in North America from common woods found here such as oak, ash, hickory and others that will give you a traditional wood grain look. Or you may want an import bed made from exotic tropical hardwoods with a more unique look. Finally you’ll want to choose the style of bed or bedroom set for your home that fits in with your unique style. Choose from traditional, modern or transitional furniture to meet your bedroom décor needs. I hope this article has provided you with some direction when making your choice in new bedroom furniture. Ultimately it comes down to finding the furniture you love as well as furniture both you or your family can enjoy for many years to come.
Author : Philip Pendleton

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Antique lighting A great way to decorate your homes

It takes quite a bit of planning to make a house habitable and decorated to one's tastes. A person would have to buy the right kind of furniture and lighting fixtures to create an ambience to suit his or her preferences. Some would be interested in modern themes and designs whereas others would be interested in decorating their homes with period pieces and antique lights. The right kind of antique lighting can make an area even more beautiful and special. Individuals wanting to give their apartments and living areas a different look are going for antique lighting fixtures that resemble the ones being used in the 19th century or the 20th century.

And how can a person go about buying the right kind of antique lighting pieces? There are a host of wall lights, chandeliers, and ceiling lights in this category that can make your living areas and homes special and it is often difficult to select any one. One important consideration while choosing period fixtures and antique lighting pieces are their size and length. The antique lighting pieces were generally hung lower than the ones that we see today. The size of the fixtures should be such that it fits our area perfectly and adds to its aesthetics.

One can choose from reputed brand names in antique lighting such as Tiffany. The stained glass lights from Tiffany are well known for their unique design attributes and high-end craftsmanship. The Tiffany lamps with heavy bronze bases and hand designed glass shades are no less than works of art and much in demand.

Then, there are the Victorian lighting pieces in antique lighting that are also a great buy and come with a loyal clientèle. The designs incorporate a lot of detailing and the polished brass give out a rich sheen. One can choose from Victorian chandeliers and wall scones; these period pieces are authentic reproductions of the Victorian era and are often meticulously handcrafted to perfection.

From floor lamps with shades and black chrome chandeliers with crystals to Victorian wall lanterns and ceiling lights with unusual and dramatic elements, the choices in antique lighting that are available would take your breath away. And the best part is that you can get to benefit from some very attractive deals and offers and save considerably as you go all out and buy as many antique lights as you want to.

So, whether you want an amazing pair of old French wooden wall lights that dates back to circa 1920 or are more interested in tiffany lamps or period style lighting, there is help close at hand. Quite a few online providers have come up in recent times that are into designing and marketing of different types of bespoke lighting systems, tiffany lamps, and art deco lighting for clients from across the world. You too could make the most of their services and ensure that you get the best antique lighting for your needs.
Author:Stephen Neal

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Get the Best and Fresh Ideas for Interior Designing of Any Kind

Interior designing is an exciting activity to do. This challenges the artistic side of yours to come up with a beautiful design that everyone will love. There are interior designers that are trusted when it comes to this activity but then it is much exciting if you alone will design. Actually, it is not really hard to do an interior designs, all you need is your imaginative mind and let your artistic enthusiasm flows. Interior designs are applicable in different areas, locations and occasions. You can do designing at your room, the whole house, your car and even at your own office.

interior designing ideas are not really hard to find. There are lots of guide that made available for you to access and try at your own cost. When doing interior designs, you need to consider the preference of the owner. And since you are the owner, think what kind of theme you want at your place. Most common themes are classic and modern themes. When we say classic, do you have things, or designs that reflects the past? If you don’t have, well you better prefer for a modern themes with high-tech gadgets and accessories of yours. Think of the colors that you love and find good color combinations. The designs depend on the taste of the owner, so you better know what you really want to see.

You don’t have to be a professional to come up with the ideas. Although professional designers know best, still it is possible for you to make it on your own. There are many reading guides that you can use and have professional ideas and make it by yourself. interior designing guide are available in magazines and in different media sources that you will surely enjoy. This guide is great help for you to decide what you should consider and what to use for a cheap but appealing interior designs.

If you have your own office, well you better read building interior designing guide. This guide is a great help to lessen the cost of finding professional interior designers. Well, interior designs are also made for a car that is why there are interior car design guides to make you love your car more. And with this guide, you add an appeal for the convenience of your car. And when you get home, well you should also consider home interior designing. You will not just inspire by the designs you can make, you can also get the attentions of your neighbors. So, avoid the hassle of thinking what to design go for the guides and enjoy your pride of interior designing.
Author:Alicia

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