пятница, 29 апреля 2011 г.

Home-my-Home

Home-my-Home


Построьте ваши собственные коробки окна

Posted: 29 Apr 2011 10:40 AM PDT

Моя бабушка, падкий садовник, имеет кровати завода совсем вокруг ее дома. Но одна из моих любимейших памятей ее коробок окна, которые были ы на ее окнах дома передних и были разлены сверх с ярк покрашенными цветками, обычно гераниумы. Коробки окна идеально для цветков, трав и других более малых заводов, и могут немедленно добавить приветственное восклицание и цвет к экстерьеру вашего дома. Положительная величина, если вы находите не доходя на площади скотного двора, то поддерживая коробки окна идеально путь получить вашу садовничая починку. Конечно, вы можете купить коробки окна на разнообразие розничных торговцах. Но где потеха в том? Мы составляли просто проект коробки окна который вы можете сделать на дому, тогда для того чтобы заполнить с вашими любимейшими заводом или цветком. Детальные описания проекта имеющиеся на дому и садовничают идеи.

Дом Клэранс: William и резиденция Kate новая королевская

Posted: 29 Apr 2011 05:04 AM PDT

It’s being called the wedding of the century–the royal wedding of England’s Prince William to Kate Middleton. And as the countdown begins for the impending nuptials, excited royal watchers are eagerly awaiting the big day. But we here at Fixr.com are more excited to see where the royal couple will be living once they become man and wife. Well, it now appears the newlywed’s love nest will be right where Prince William is currently residing–Clarence House, a little home known as the royal mansion which is valued at a mere $76.68M. Now before we show you some smashing photos of this royal residence, here are some little known facts about the historical home of the future King and Queen of England:

  • Clarence House has been used as the Royal residence for over 170 years.
  • The house was commissioned by William IV who became known as the Duke of Clarence before he inherited the throne in 1830.
  • Clarence House was designed by architect John Nash and was built between 1825 and 1827.
  • The house is a four story building and is faced in pale stucco.
  • Prince William and Princess Kate will not be lonely living at Clarence House as it is also the official residence of William’s father Prince Charles and his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall. Not to be forgotten is William’s brother, Prince Harry who also has a suite of rooms here.
  • Clarence House was also the home of Queen Elizabeth’s mother affectionately known as “Queen Mum” from 1953 until her death in 2002.
  • Parts of Clarence House is opened to the public during the summer months and features a look at the many works of art and furniture collected by the late Queen Mother.
  • Prince Charles spent £1.6 million of his own money towards the £6 million refurbishment of Clarence House before he moved in back in 2003.

So now that we’ve given you some of the historical facts, here is a look at this most exclusive of residences. Tally ho!:

Exterior of Clarence House


Exterior of Clarence House in 1874

Floor Plan of Clarence House

Clarence House floor plan

The Horse Corridor

The Horse Corridor at Clarence House

The Garden Room

The Garden Room at Clarence House

The Garden Room at Clarence House

The Morning Room

Morning Room at Clarence House

The Morning Room at Clarence House

Painting of Queen Elizabeth at age 7 in Morning Room at Clarence House

Closeup of portrait of Queen Elizabeth at age 7 in Clarence House

Dining Room

Dining room at Clarence House

Place setting from Clarence House's dining room

The Lancaster Room

The Lancaster Room in Clarence House

The Garden

The Gardens of Clarence House

Now we want to hear from you: are you looking forward to William and Kate’s wedding?

Новое уравновешивание окна Andersen устанавливает в 5 минуты плоско

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 04:34 PM PDT

Вы прочитали что право: 5 минут плоских. Позвольте мне объяснить. Наши друзья на Andersen Windows и дверях дали нам lowdown на их самом последнем развитии в замене окна. Какое they’ сделанному принимают внешнюю установку уравновешивания окна, процесс который нормально принимает часы для того чтобы завершить, и уменьшил ve и время и стоимости труда с новым уравновешиванием экстерьера Andersen. По-существу, it’ s новаторская snap-on система уравновешивания которая устанавливает в 5 минуты или. Эта система исключает измерять, резать, mitering и фильтровать отверстия ногтя. Для владельцев дома, это значит более быструю, pain-free установку, и для контракторов, способность принять на больше работ на более быстрой побежке. Не только то, но уравновешивание Andersen внешнее: Работы с большинств архитектурноакустическими типами и цветами Приходит от исправленной деревянной and/or сверхнормальной опилк Режет цены установки для владельца дома Продукт также сделан из материала Fibrex, который Andersen описывает как “ революционная смесь совмещая прочность и стабилность древесины с характеристиками низк-обслуживания vinyl.” Окна винила известно низк-обслуживание и durable, котор нужно boot. Но Andersen требует что Fibrex-основанное уравновешивание окна делает винил лучше как в плотности, так и в сопротивлении к жестковатым температурам погоды. Уравновешивание Andersen внешнее работает для Andersen серия, 400 серий и 200 серий Windows и двери патио. Вы можете заканчивали связь их вебсайт для больше информации, включая потеху визуализируете твое инструмент который custom-designs ваше уравновешивание нового окна.

Revitalizing ваша деревянная палуба в весеннем времени

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 12:00 PM PDT

Camuru hardwood wood deck

Regular seasonal maintenance for your wood deck is one way to guarantee that it will last a long time, and remain beautiful. One of the best way to make sure this happens is by maintaining an annual regimen of cleaning and sealing.

This is by far the best way to ensure a quality deck. If not, the deck can begin to warp, splinter, and crack. In some species like cedar, the color you’ll have is gray, which can look quite distinguished, if that’s your taste. But, for others, the wood can begin to take on a dated and tired look.

There are ways to bring that old deck back to life, if you want it to look like new. And there are things you should do just to make sure your deck remains to be a haven, and not a hazard. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Getting ready to preserve your wood deck

Take inventory of your wood deck before you begin the preservation process. Depending on the condition of the wood, there may need to be repairs made before preserving. Some of these repairs include:

Replacing broken off nails

If the head of the nail has broken off, this can cause injuries and hospital visits. Take a tour to make sure that there are no jagged edges present.

Replacing damaged deck boards

This is important if boards are split or warped beyond repair. Replacing damaged wood deck boards will prevent injury and tripping hazards. It’s also a means to make sure that your deck continues to look great.

Replacing or repairing weathered handrails

Handrails that are severely weathered can cause splinters and injury. For some older types of preserved wood, they contain arsenic, which is a known carcinogen. It is important to protect yourself and your family from this hazard. If sanding is necessary, it might be wise to use an industrial hand sander with a high-grit paper, and then gradually work down to a smoother paper for a finer finish. This will prevent additional splinters while preserving the piece already in place.

Spring cleaning your wood deck

The next step after taking care of the repairs is to make sure the surfaces of the deck are clean. If not, sealant can seal in oxidizing dirt that will prevent the wood from being fully protected. For hardwood wood decks, power washing is a great way to help preserve your deck as this prevents dirt, mold, moss, and seasonal debris from breaking down the wood. After power washing, old graying decks can look like new.

Sealing your wood deck

The next step is sealing your wood deck. Allow your deck to completely dry before preparing for sealant. Once dry, do one last sweep, making sure there is nothing that is hiding in corners or behind joints. Take one last assessment of the wood to make sure there are no more repairs that need to be made. At this point you should be ready to seal the deck in order to preserve it for the year.

Choosing your wood deck sealant

It is best to choose a sealant that will work for your particular climate. If you have high sun, or a lot of moisture, make sure you pick a deck sealer will protect your wood deck from these extreme elements. Also, while you are choosing your perfect wood deck sealant, this is when the springtime decorator can add some input. Many of these sealants come in an assortment of colors. Follow the instructions for the sealant for best results, and consult with your local retailer on which products work best for your specific type of wood deck.

This is a good time to pick and choose the perfect solutions for your deck. And of course, it’s a great time to start enjoying your deck, and your life outdoors this spring.

Revitalizing Your Wood Deck In Springtime is a post from: BuildDirect. We cover a variety of home improvement products including laminate flooring, hardwood floors, bamboo flooring, tile, decking and more. We also offer a wide range of info on interior design, housing trends, home how to, green building and living, and more.

Related posts:

  1. Wood Deck Maintenance Checklist
  2. Repairing Wood Siding Best Practices
  3. How To Choose The Best Deck For Your Local Climate

Держащ наш зеленый цвет домов - варианты толя

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 09:04 AM PDT

By Herbert Norton

Looking for a way to reduce your energy costs? If you consult your local energy company, you will likely receive a brochure explaining how to wrap your pipes, put a blanket around your hot water heater, plugging cracks and holes through which drafts can flow, and adding reflective coatings to your windows. No harm in any of that, and it's a good start. But for homeowners, there is a better place to start – start at the top, with your roof.

Why start with the roof? For the same reason that your mother tells you to wear a hat outside in snowy weather – just as most of your body heat is lost through your head, most of your home's heat is lost through the roof. Heat rises.

Likewise, your roof is the part of your home that is most exposed to the sun, so the question of whether your home will absorb the sun's heat or reflect it back into the atmosphere is decided right there – on the roof.

Homeowners don't like to mess with their roofs, and for good reason – roof work can be expensive. But there are a range of options, and if you are considering an ecofriendly option such as installing solar panels, you may qualify for state or federal tax subsidies that will help to defray the cost. (To find out what subsidies exist in your area, check the Interstate Renewable Energy Council's Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency, DSIRE, or try this calculator).

If you are considering making your roof a part of your home's energy efficiency plan, you will need to begin by answering the following questions:

  1. What material do you want to use for your roof?
  2. What color should your roof be?
  3. Do you want to add solar panels or solar shingles to your roof in order to capture solar energy for electricity or to provide heat for water?

Materials

These days, homeowners have many roofing materials to choose from. Most Americans (about 75 percent) go for cheap asphalt shingles – but cheap is the best that can be said of asphalt as a roofing material. It doesn't insulate well, it is generally not recyclable at the end of its life, and its life is not long.

On the other end of the economic spectrum, affluent homeowners will often choose wood shingles, such as cedar shakes, or slate. These options are all natural, insulate well, and are expensive. But cedar often comes from old-growth forests and slate is a non-renewable resource. Moreover, wood shingles will swell and shrink over time, producing cracks and resulting in moisture damage. Clay tiles are more durable and are made from a renewable, sustainable material, but they are so expensive that most homeowners can only manage to use them as accent materials along the edges of roofs.

Somewhere in the middle, you have metal roofs. Metal roofs insulate well, they have high solar reflectance (meaning they stay cooler in the summer), they last a long time, and they are frequently made from recycled metals (and can be recycled themselves at the end of their lives). But they can be somewhat expensive.

Nowadays, there is another option: recycled roofing materials. Believe it or not, you can now make your roof from recycled plastic, carpet, or tires. You can also opt for reclaimed or sustainably grown wood.

Make Your Electric Meter Spin Backward

If you want to generate electric power on your roof, or at least collect enough heat to warm up water, you may want to start with a basic metal roof. A standing-seam metal roof can work well as a base for thin-film photovoltaic panels. You'll be following in reputable footsteps – President Barack Obama is adding solar panels to the White House roof this year, as is Texas Governor Rick Perry.

Solar panels can be expensive – most solar panel systems cost at least $2,000 to $3,000 to install, and many cost more, depending on the system and the particular circumstances at your home. Solar panel systems pay for themselves within a few years, but that doesn't help when you are trying to scrape together the money for the installation.

There is also another solar roofing option – solar shingles. Solar shingles may be an ideal solution if by chance you have a roof that is already shingled, but is losing shingles in (preferably) a south-facing location where you can free up 300 to 400 feet of roof space. If you need to replace shingles anyway, you may as well replace the old shingles with matching solar shingles (they are designed to blend in with the asphalt shingles that most American homes use). Like solar panels, solar shingles can be connected to your local energy grid, so that if you produce excess electricity, it can go back into the system and your electric company can reimburse you for it. By absorbing heat from the sun, solar shingles can also reduce the amount of heat that your home absorbs, so you may find that you do not need to run an air conditioner as much in the summer. Don't expect to go entirely off-grid with solar shingles – shingles do not store solar energy (unless you have also added batteries to hold stored energy, but adding batteries can add as much as $10,000 to your shingle installation costs), so you will need your regular electric grid at night. Homeowners who choose this option find that the solar shingles pay for themselves in about 8 to 10 years, while they last for 20-40 years (depending on climate and maintenance).

Solar panels and shingles not only pay for themselves over time by allowing you to sell power back to your electric company, but they add to the value of your home. According to a recent study by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 72,000 California homeowners who added solar panels to their roofs saw their home values rise by an average of $17,000 when they put their homes on the market. Consequently, you may be able to roll the cost of installation over into your mortgage.

Caution

Unless you are a roofing contractor yourself or have equivalent experience, don't try to install your own roof. Find a contractor who is experienced in the kind of roof that you plan to put in place. If you are adding solar panels or solar shingles, you will also need an electrician. Be aware, as well, that if you are replacing a roof that was originally installed between 1940 and 1975, you may need to hire someone to do asbestos remediation. Finally, don't forget to check your local building codes (or better yet, work with a contractor who is intimately familiar with them). Be sure, as well, to check with your homeowner's insurance company to find out if the change in roofing materials will affect your insurance premiums.

Do your homework and use common sense. If you can find a contractor and a roofing system that you are happy with, chances are that you will be very pleased with the results.

About the Author

Herbert Norton is a roofing contractor that started a website on roofing in the winter months to help educate his clients. Roofery.com has extensive information on many different types of roofing shingles, such as slate, tile, solar and metal shingles, to help consumers make an educated decision. Recently Herbert has been researching the “greening” of asphalt shingles, which are not normally eco-friendly.

Сбывания ярда и как иметь их

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 09:00 AM PDT

Yard Sale: a key de-cluttering strategy. Photo: Dano

I love spring cleaning! Well, not so much the cleaning part, but the de-cluttering part. To get rid of things I don't use gives me a feeling of freshness and a sense of openness to the house and yard. I also love knowing someone else can make use of my old things. One of the best ways to de-clutter is to have a yard sale. Recycle your stuff!

There are a few guidelines to having a yard sale. I learned this through trial and error, so I'll save you time by sharing what I know.

Start by Cleaning and Sorting

Go through your closets, cupboards, attic, garage and shed and wherever you have things stashed. Decide what to repair, refurbish, replace or sell. My general rule of thumb is to sell or give away anything I have not used in a year. Some of you probably have decades of accumulation, so take baby steps. You can have more than one yard sale! It's important to be honest with yourself when you do this. Examine your lifestyle and your needs. De-cluttering will be very easy if you are truthful.

Go through your clothes

Figure out what fits and what you actually wear on a regular basis. If clothes are too small and will never fit again, get rid of them. See what is worn out and needs replacing. Do a complete inventory, keep what gets used, and put the rest in a box for your yard sale.

Inspect your furniture

Again, ask yourself what you use. Did you buy new furniture and put the old in the garage? If you're never going to use it again, sell it.

Go through your entertainment stash

A lot of music and movies are digital these days, but there are still people with cassette players, CD players, VHS players and video cameras. Maybe they have tapes and no player, or a perfectly working player and no tapes. Sometimes collectible movies and music are only available in those formats. Pass on what you will probably never use again, because someone else will want it.

Clean off your bookshelves

What have you read that you are not going to pick up again? What do you refer to on a regular basis? How about magazines?

Do you have knick-knacks that just collect dust? Aside from intentional and maybe valuable collections, knick-knacks are pointless. I ditched all my trinkets a long time ago in the name of simplicity.

Think ‘outdoors’

Do you have gardening items, tools or outdoor furniture? Spring is when people are thinking summer outdoor living, so give them what they are looking for.

How to Hold a Yard Sale

Now that you have gone through your belongings and know what you want to get rid of, get it ready for sale. Give yourself at least a week to do this.

Make sure everything is clean

You will get a better price if it doesn't look like your items have been sitting in the cellar or shed for ten years. Make things presentable and touchable with a little dusting.

Determine prices

This is completely subjective. Price things to sell, but leave a little room for buyers to bargain. That's the fun of a yard sale – the dickering. Know the lowest price you will take, then pad that figure to leave room for dickering.

If you have valuable items, do some research on eBay and craigslist to see what people are willing to pay. These sites are good barometers for the second hand market.

Mark everything clearly

When you get busy, you won't have time to answer questions about how much something is. You know how annoying it is when you're in a store, and you can't find a clerk to find out what something costs? Don't lose customers, because they can't find a price.

Buy price tags or stickers at a stationery or business supply store. You can also buy masking tape and just tear off small pieces to stick on your items. This is much cheaper.

Decide where to hold the sale

You want people to be able to see it from the road, and you also need room for parking. Be sure people can get around your items easily.

Decide how you are going to display your smaller items

Obviously, furniture and boxes can go on the ground, but you will need tables for smaller items.

photo:besighyawn

Put an ad in the paper, put up flyers, talk to your friends, and tell them to talk to their friends. The evening before the sale, put up signs at nearby intersections, the end of your street, and most important, at your house. Use fluorescent poster board and balloons.

Go to the bank, and get small change

Savvy yard salers will have small change for you, but many people go to the ATM that morning and get a bunch of 20s. Be sure you have $50-100 in small bills and quarters. Wear a fanny pack or have large pockets. Once in a while, take the big bills into the house to make room for more.

What you don't sell, donate

Take extra books and magazines to the library. You can deliver small items to places like Goodwill, the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, churches or a battered women's shelter. Sometimes they will come and pick up larger items.

Most of all, have fun!

The weather is warm, people are happy to be out and about, and they share your enthusiasm for recycling. I have made lifelong friends at my yard sales, since we already have a common bond.

Once you count your money, go to some yard sales to replace items that were worn out (remember how you sorted your things as a first step?). Don't over shop! Finding great deals on second hand things does not give you permission to buy what you don't need! If you do, you'll be de-cluttering again next year for another yard sale. Think simplicity, and you'll be successful.

Yard Sales And How To Have Them is a post from: BuildDirect. We cover a variety of home improvement products including laminate flooring, hardwood floors, bamboo flooring, tile, decking and more. We also offer a wide range of info on interior design, housing trends, home how to, green building and living, and more.

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Сдержанное прожитие пансиона!

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 05:00 AM PDT

National award winning Texas based Architects Poteet have further advanced San Antonia in sustainable guest room architecture. Usually better known for their delicate approach to reforming buildings and their enthusiastic outlook on modern design, here they have achieved a unique result in using recycling to create a new independent structure!

This particular cool idea originated from an experiment that a client wanted to pursue. the client herself lives in a reformed former industrial warehouse in downtown San Antonio.

The finished result is a totally functioning guest room with a shower and a toilet, and a colling and heating system. The whole glass and steel side lifts up so guest can enjoy the diginous landscape. The non-living side is used as a storage shed.

The focus was mainly on how to further sustainable architecture and make an impact to revitalize the importance. The container itself is recycled and being re-used, to reduce heat build up and increase airflow the roof was slightly raised from the container top, the plants also to provide needed shade.

The insulation used was foam spray which is the most cost effective energy efficient system available, and the floors and walls were made from natural plywood bamboo. Wire mesh has been placed at the rear to encourage vines to grow around it!

Roof irrigation collects the grey water and the toilet has been constructed as a composting deposit.

A totally different take on being at one with nature!

Nestling in to it’s new environment!

Recycled telephone poles are part of the foundations and old tractor blades were used to fix the outside lights to. The deck was made from low CO2 emissions by using HVAC equipment pads for the frame, made from old soda bottles, a great industrial solution!

320 sqf of unique architecture, has been made from a standard 40 foot old container used for shipping purposes. It is totally dedicated to being green and sits in the grounds of the clients reformed warehouse. It has a play house feel too being painted in bold blue, the colorful furnishings used and being amongst nature, I am sure this structure will get some attention from younger guests and family.

Source:

Вахта тенденции: Древесин-Посмотрите плитку

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 04:45 AM PDT

Для взгляда, отделка и стойкость, твёрдые древесины трудны для того чтобы побить. Но что о использовании твёрдых древесин в комнатах которые больше одеты к другим типам материалов, как ванная комната? Спасибо увеличивая наличие древесин-смотрят плитку, вас могут расширить взгляд древесины повсеместно в ваш весь дом пока пользующся льготами настила плитки. Потребительский спрос пробуждал больше компаний плитки расширить их предложения в конструкции которые передразнивают взгляд и текстуру древесины. И хотя твёрдые древесины прочны, специально если правильно загерметизировано и поддержано, плитка может стоять до тяжелых влаги, скрестов и пятен более лучше чем древесина, делающ им ideal для зон вод-прональных и высок-движения повсеместно в ваш дом. Компании как Daltile вводят древесин-смотрят линии плитки которые обращают сосредоточенное внимание деталь. Серия «террасы» Daltile отличает деревянными зерном и узлами, так же, как плотное соединение grout для того чтобы создать реалистический и подлинный взгляд.

10 полностью спокойных ванных комнат

Posted: 27 Apr 2011 04:55 PM PDT

Наши контракторы никогда не перестают изумить меня. Разнообразность эти профи приносят к конструкции ванной комнаты просто удивительнейша. От самомоднейших ванных комнат к эклектичным и переходным ванным комнатам также, they’ re держа владельцев дома счастливым с remodeling качества. Взгляните на некоторой из их недавней ванной комнаты remodels ниже. Вы можете найти больше в нашей штольни идей, или получите, что в контакте с контракторами CalFinder сразу поговорить оценку и сделать эскиз к вне некоторые идеи. 10 полностью спокойных ванных комнат #1 – Сверстница но переходная ванная комната с самомоднейшими шкафами и кром-заканчивают оборудование #2 – Самомоднейшая ванная комната при ливень ый черепицей в успокоенном естественном камне #3 – Uber-современно remodel с богатыми деревянными акцентами панели и стеной ливня стекла #4 – Эклектичная ванная комната отличая шикарной мебелью довольно чем традиционные элементы #5 – Стильная ванная комната с шикарный акцентами золота и азиатским культурным влиянием #6 – Превосходный пример переходной ванной комнаты #7 – Дзэн-minimalist и oh-так-спокойная гавань #8 – Симпатичная самомоднейшая ванная комната в белых плитке и камне #9 – Просто но мощная минимальная ванная комната #10 – Дзэн-роскошь на свое самом точном с круглым выдерживая ушатом и богато украшенный декором – Что ваши фавориты от этого собрания? Что вы большая часть правоподобно для того чтобы выбрать для вашего собственного дома? Препятствуйте мне знать в комментариях!

Выбирать мебель патио

Posted: 27 Apr 2011 12:00 PM PDT

Patio furniture helps you to establish a comfortable and welcoming outdoor living space for visits with friends and family, meals and alone time, too. Choosing the right patio furniture can extend the value of your space, and increase your enjoyment of it.

Select types of patio furniture

It is important to pick patio furniture that will not only meet your practical needs, but also cater to your tastes and style. There is a wide variety of materials and textures to choose from when choosing patio furniture including:

Wicker and ‘loom’ patio furniture

Woven materials like wicker come in many colors to suit your outdoor living spacesl. They usually require cushions for the chairs, and are long lasting and durable. They provide a nice detail that is perfect for areas that are shaded or breezy. The sets that are available include chairs, side tables, large tables and rockers. Many of the items can be sold separately, so that you have the option to put together a set that is best for you.

Wrought iron patio furniture

This material is offered in a multitude of color choices, as they are usually powder-coat paints over metal. This means that if you cannot find a color that is perfect, you can special order a set in the right color for your needs. You can find any piece imaginable for your patio in this material, and depending on the style or brand, you can have it as ornate or simple as you would like.

Wood patio furniture

Wood is a great material that is used for outdoor use. The wood is usually teak or bamboo, so it is highly resistant to weather and moisture. The colors can range in the stain used, and like the metal, can be ordered to specifically match your needs. The nice part about wood is that you can have pieces that interchange or expand for different events. For example, the tables can expand, and chairs can convert into serving buffets.

Plastic

These sets tend to be appealing because of their cost-effective nature, but many offer a nice look mixed with glass or metal. These sets also come in a wide variety of looks and colors, and can easily be purchased as an all-inclusive package.

How to choose patio furniture

When choosing patio furniture, it is important to think about your needs and the area where you are going to place the furniture. This means that if you live in a desert area, wicker may not be able to withstand the heat and dryness, while living in very wet climates can be hard on metal and wood.

The next step is to determine what pieces you need. If you do not do a lot of entertaining, this might be an easy task; but if you enjoy company, it is important to make sure that there is enough seating, and places to eat to make your guests feel comfortable. Sets of patio furniture come in many sizes, including table length, and the number of chairs. Almost all sets include the option for more chairs, and additional side tables. This is a great plan B if you find that later on you need more room for your guests.

How to place patio furniture in your space

It is also important to make sure that you have enough room to place everything. Measure the patio area or deck area that you are going to be placing the furniture in, so that you know how much you can fit. There is nothing worse than getting the set that is perfect for you home, only to find out that it is too large, or that you could have included more pieces. Be fully prepared for spring, by making sure that all of your measurements are correct. This is a great way to kick off the season in a stress-free manner.

If you would like to get ready for spring when it comes to outdoor surfaces, BuildDirect offers free samples.

Choosing Patio Furniture is a post from: BuildDirect. We cover a variety of home improvement products including laminate flooring, hardwood floors, bamboo flooring, tile, decking and more. We also offer a wide range of info on interior design, housing trends, home how to, green building and living, and more.

Related posts:

  1. Easy Patio Surfaces For Spring
  2. Decorate Your Deck For Outdoor Entertaining
  3. The Ultimate Patio Lantern Guide

Новое состязание на странице BuildDirect Facebook: Полюбите ваш ярд!

Posted: 27 Apr 2011 11:02 AM PDT

Высоко каждое! Как упомянуто на нашем питании Twitter вчера, и конечно через нашу общину Facebook, we’ re состязание весны на нашей странице Facebook! It’ s вызвал ‘ Полюбите ваш ярд! ’ , или возможно более точно, “ Полюбите ваше, ваши родители, друзья, ярды соседей! ”. По-существу, мы хотим увидеть что впечатляет вас вне там в мире напольных жизненных пространств, ли it’ s ваш космос или то из кто-то вы знаете. Мы хотим увидеть палубы, pavers, патио, сады, структуры сада как gazebos и pergolas. Мы даже хотим увидеть ваши балконы, где you’ ve клал вниз с блокируя плиток палубы, и перил. Возможно you’ ve получил характеристику холодной воды. Возможно you’ ve создал путь сада используя естественные каменные pavers. Все, что угодно впечатляет вас, мы хотим увидеть изображения! Представьте ваши первоначально изображения к состязанию. We’ ll выбирает финалистов. И вы ванты получают, что голосуете на победителе. Представьте ваш pics к 10-ому мая! We’ выбор ll финалисты 11-ого мая. После этого, вы получают, что голосуете на победителе, который будет нарисован 18-ого мая. Победитель будет послан роскошная установленная мебель патио: Удача! Мы can’ ожидание t для того чтобы увидеть ваш pics! Войдите в теперь! Приветственные восклицания! Роб. Новое состязание на странице BuildDirect Facebook: Полюбите ваш ярд! столб от: BuildDirect. Мы покрываем разнообразие продукты включая прокатанный настил, пола домашнего улучшения твёрдой древесины, bamboo настил, плитку, decking и больше. Мы также предлагаем широкий диапазон info на дизайне интерьера, расквартировывая тенденции, дом как к, зеленое здание и прожитие, и больше. Родственные столбы: BuildDirect ‘ Полюбите ваше Floors’ Состязание! Победители состязания лета BuildDirect: См. выигрывая видео! Начинать Landscaping план для вашего ярда

Когда--И как--Использовать распаровщик ковра

Posted: 27 Apr 2011 04:45 AM PDT

Если вы имеете carpeting в вашем доме, то вы вероятно никакой незнакомец для того чтобы запятнать обрабатывать посмотрено с непредвиденными расслоинами и messes. Хотя бы как только год, однако, хорошая идея испариться чисто ваши ковры, которые помогут извлечь грязь и твердые частицы, также, как увеличивайте жизнь вашего ковра. Положительная величина, глубокая чистка извлекает прессформу, mildew и другие аллергены, которая могут улучшить качество воздуха внутри ваш дом. Что чистка пара? Пользы пара более чистые двигатель горячей воды глубоко очистить ковер, после этого вакуумируют ковер, извлекая большое часть пакостной воды. Ваш уборщик пара может вызвать для добавления разрешения чистки к воде--советуйте с руководством по эксплуатации для деталей. Рента или покупка? Вы можете купить уборщику пара, но если оно что-то, то вы думаете что вы будет использовать на годичной основе или, вы можете хотеть рассматривать арендовать одно. Для высоких зон движения, вы можете испариться чисто каждые 3 до 6 месяца.

Выразительное зодчество в холмах Голливуд!

Posted: 27 Apr 2011 04:24 AM PDT

The Stone Ridge residence just off the infamous Mulholland Drive in Hollywood was a renovation task in itself, not to mention the clever though out finishing touches which give it a show house appeal. Actually in it’s old life it was used as just that but not for selling similar property it was used for Luxe Magazine and the West Hollywood Avenues of Art and Design. Assembledge+ Los Angeles Architects and Billy Rose from Rose and Chang who famously represent superb design and architecture were the brains behind this vast renovation.

Safe and sound in a gated and guarded community!

This huge renovation focused on opening up the structure and the surrounding landscaping to become a residence with stunning views of the San Fernando Valley. The property is very secure, being in a gated and guarded community, a great celebrity selling point.

Sitting pretty on an acre and a half of beautiful landscaping and indigenous nature!

The huge glass windows allow the infinity pool to be part of the view, where lazy days can be spent enjoying the view, and also cosy evenings entertaining around the outside fireplace.

City lights at night create a party mood!

The poolside by day becomes somewhere to chill or hang out with friends!

Cool down with a view!

As you enter through the 5 foot wide timber door the wall texture is noticed straight away by the wide paneled timber stairs, and signifies the need for a gallery type atmosphere. There is also a bar and reception area, ideal for gatherings before a party or dinner.

Waving wall adds an arty gallery feel!

The interior of the house is dominated by organic stone and wood which against the huge red brick facade balances perfectly. The neutral palette gives the home a contemporary feel, and the arty pieces with oriental influence offer a zen type ambiance.

Rich organic design and clever lighting adds warmth to the high gallery style ceilings!

Open plan dining with tons of light, and some unique organic wood furniture to compliment the contemporary theme.

Organic dining in style!

The elements of design here project a comfortable yet rich statement incorporating a great focus on attention to the smallest details.

Detailed elements in every room, even down to the subtle spot lighting in the ceiling!

Throughout this home floor to ceiling windows offer different views!

The space has been used generously for the residents, as informal dining and lounging has been catered for.

Modern and comfortable with touches of personalized artefacts!

The huge kitchen is the hub of the home here with a family room and eating area for more informal dining. For wine lovers this area also houses the walk in wine bodega, making this space enviable and totally unique.

Generous cook and eat in kitchen!

Everywhere you go in the house light pours in!

Altogether the house has 6 bedrooms including a master suite with an add on private lounge, 2 baths, and 2 closets!

Just one of the 5 luxury guest suites, including oen of the 7 other bathrooms!

Private guest apartment play room/study a kitchen and own entrance!

Cool marble against the smooth glass makes the natural wood a contrasting focal point!

Wow not just any home theater, this is a party theater room. Taking over the ground floor it also has it’s own kitchen, this is true celeb style living! A snip at just under 15 million dollars for 12,000 sqf of pure luxury and 1.5 acres of surrounding land. This is said to be the most luxurious estate of it’s kind to be on the real estate market right now!

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Создайте ваш собственный компост для более зеленого сада

Posted: 26 Apr 2011 09:00 AM PDT

Are you looking to make better use of your yard waste, and even your kitchen waste? Well, composting is a practical and easy way to do just that.

But, what are your options? Home and garden expert Jessica Ackerman provides a basic overview here.

***

Composting image courtesy of SuperFantastic

If you’d like your garden to be just a bit “greener” than it normally is, why not try making your own organic compost? Composting is a great way to deal with yard waste, allowing you to put it to good use instead of paying to have it sent to the landfill. As a result, your garden will be healthier and greener, and the environment will be “greener”, too. Plus you’ll have more “green” left in your wallet. If you’ve never tried making compost before, here are some tips to help you get started.

Choosing a Composting Method

There are plenty of ways to make compost, ranging from a simple heap or pile in your backyard to a specially designed composting bin. If you don’t mind waiting between six months and two years to use your compost, you could use a basic enclosed bin. However, composting units designed to allow you to mix and tumble the compost can really reduce composting time. You could also simply create a pile of material in a corner of your yard. If you choose this method, you’ll have to turn the compost occasionally, using a pitch fork, to provide it with proper aeration.

Beginning the Composting Process

Once you’ve selected your preferred method of composting, you’ll want to choose a location for your compost bin or pile. In most cases, a corner area of the yard that is in close proximity to the garden is the best choice. A location that gets some sun will help heat the compost, allowing it to decompose more quickly. If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain, you might want to build a small shelter over your compost pile to keep it from getting overly wet.

You can improve the quality of your compost as well as reduce the processing time by adding your yard waste materials carefully. Grass clippings can add nitrogen, but you should mix them in with “brown” materials such as dried leaves, straw or small branch clippings to add the necessary carbon. By doing so, your compost will decompose faster with less odor. You can also add shredded newspaper to your compost pile, as well as coffee grounds and kitchen vegetable scraps.

However, you should never add fatty materials such as animal products to your compost bin. Likewise, you should never add pet waste, to avoid unpleasant odors and the possible spread of diseases. If you are starting a new compost pile, you can get the process started right by incorporating some aged manure, blood meal, alfalfa meal, cotton seed meal or compost starter into the mix.

Maintaining and Using Your Compost

As your compost ages, be sure to turn it every couple of weeks in order to keep it well aerated. Don’t pack the composting materials down too tightly, as this will keep it from decomposing properly. When your compost has fully decomposed, you should be left with a dark material that looks and feels a lot like fertile soil.

To use your compost, simply spread it onto the soil and work it in, ideally a couple of weeks before planting. You can also soak finished compost in a bucket of water, creating a nutrient-rich “tea” that you can use to water your garden or household plants.

***

Thanks, Jessica!

Jessica Ackerman is a freelance writer and works for WallDecorandHomeAccents.com, where she shares her wealth of knowledge on decorative wall crosses and huge wall vases.

Cheers,

Rob.

Create Your Own Compost For a Greener Garden is a post from: BuildDirect. We cover a variety of home improvement products including laminate flooring, hardwood floors, bamboo flooring, tile, decking and more. We also offer a wide range of info on interior design, housing trends, home how to, green building and living, and more.

Related posts:

  1. Preparing Your Garden For Spring
  2. Planning A Garden Path
  3. Water Garden Features: Is That a Backyard or a Water Park?

Decking Eco шикарный бортовой!

Posted: 26 Apr 2011 05:09 AM PDT

This Eco chic decking becomes an easy extension from the indoor dining area thanks to the large glass sliding doors. Whether it’s large groups, intimate dining or formal or casual this side deck offers an urban chic dining experience.

Classy siding adds urban chic to this green home!

The natural cedar cantilever is distributed over part of the deck for shading, ideal for those scorching summer days. The glass dining table adds an industrial touch where the wicker chairs add elegance and comfort.

The cantilever add’s interest and shade for those hot summer days!

Fresh fruit adds a touch of color, and the lemons fit with the summer vibe. The Idea is to add touches of what would normally be inside, making the transition of dining and eating outdoors a more natural thing to do.

Lemons keep with the summer vibe!

A little spot to dream and laze! This cosy corner is marked off by the natural cedar ground mulch and the hammock is securely supported by these 2 Vanderwolf pyramid pine trees, which are stunning garden specimens that are evergreen and resistant to disease and insects, so you can relax with piece of mind.

Somewhere to chill and contemplate!

The weather proof accessories not only add comfort but they add to the chill out vibe, and were sourced locally! The synthetic turf is 100% recyclable and stays green all year round, it’s also pet and kid friendly made from part organic and non-organic compounds.

Lazy days and Sundays in comfort!

The foliage and grasses were chosen as they are drought tolerant but also complement the oak and pine trees. Unbelievably the stepping stones once had another life as part of an airport runway.

Re-born runway provides stepping stones!

English oak forms a natural barrier all around the garden during summer and the fall offering privacy. The colors are attractive and reflect the interior of this home. Adding texture are elegant grasses, and that if cut back early on in spring will last throughout the winter. This garden will have something to offer all year round.

Ornamental foliage adds texture and color all year round!

The building materials are all eco friendly and include synthetic limestone that has been scraped for an attractive effect, and fiber cement cladding for the facade that is 50% recycled with fly ash and pulp from professionally managed sustainable forests. Solar panels were installed and offer 75% of the power to the home.

Sleek silicone solar helps to create 75% of the power!

Enjoy cooking with this super natural gas grill made from stainless steel and covered in a synthetic limestone which is 80% less heavy and much easier to work with. The grill has temperature control, steel grates and a fixed rotisserie burner that works similar to a spit roast for succulent roasted meat.

You can almost smell the aromas this grill will create!

At dusk the setting becomes more dramatic, the impression here is somewhere to watch sunsets, have quiet conversation, enjoy cocktails with friends or relax and listen to some favorite jazz.

As daylight disappears this deck transforms into a dramatic place to entertain or simply relax to the sounds of the evening bird song and enjoy the sunset!

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Eco-Friendly толь режет ваши общего назначения счеты

Posted: 25 Apr 2011 05:44 PM PDT

As you may have heard, CalFinder’s all about saving you money. To that end, we’re happy to share a guest post from Herbert Norton of Roofery.com. The focus? Better-insulating roof + eco-friendly materials = money in the bank. Take it away, Herb!

Greening Your Roof

Going green can do more than save the environment — it can save you money in the long run. So why not start at the top? Green roofing is a thriving industry and the options now vary from recyclable shingles to rooftop gardens.

Green roofs can add an aesthetic appeal to your home, maximize energy efficiency and save you the pains of high energy bills. Follow these tips to choose the best green roof for your home and environment.

What Should You Look for in a Green Roof?

Before delving into a new roofing project, there are several variables to consider in the search.

A green roof should be:

  • Dependable
  • A barrier against the elements
  • Highly insulating to cut your energy bills
  • Aesthetically appealing

The biggest consideration when choosing a green roof is environment. You’ll want a roof that performs best in your climate. For example, if you live in an area with harsh winters and cold temperatures, look for a resilient roof that can hold up under snow, and probably a roof darker in color so that it will absorb heat rather than reflect it, keeping your heating bills low.

Aside from color choice, an important greening feature is roofing durability and life span. Replacing your roof every 10 years or so is a huge cost to you and to the environment, as it requires manufacturing more roofing materials regularly. Another way to green your roof (and to save a lot of shipping costs) is to buy locally. The farther the shipping distance, the worse the carbon emissions and the greater the environmental impact. With these basic guiding principles in mind, consider the different types of green roof.

Natural Clay Tiles

A tiled roof can be a great energy efficient option. Clay tiles are the greenest tile of them all. They are excellent energy-savers in warmer climates, since they are usually light in color to reflect the sun’s rays, and provide greater air circulation to naturally cool your home.

A drawback is that clay tiles are very heavy, so before you install them consult with an engineer to evaluate whether your home will need extra structural reinforcement. Fiber-cement composite tiles are made from recyclable materials but are very durable. Since these tiles aren’t as heavy as cement tile, they don’t require any extra structure reinforcement, and can be installed as is on your home. Check out some more recycled tile options here.

Recycled Synthetic Shingles

This traditional roofing material can be a great green option. Although standard asphalt shingles are a cheap roofing option, they only last about 15 years, making them one of the least green roofing materials. An better option is recycled synthetic shingles, which are made from a mixture or plastic, rubber and wood waste.

The synthetic shingles are much lighter than asphalt and can last up to 50 years, three times the lifespan of asphalt. The synthetic shingles also come in a variety of styles, mimicking cedar shakes, slate or even clay tiles. The synthetic shingles are also comparable in shape and size to asphalt, so it is easy to replace asphalt with synthetic.

Biodiverse Green Roofs

Rooftop gardens are gaining in popularity in cities, but they are also a fantastic green roof option for any suburban home. A green roof is a vegetated rooftop covering that insulates your home, while the vegetation helps absorb carbon dioxide.

Although commercial green roofs often sport trees, bushes, and irrigation systems, a green roof on your home only calls for 2-5 inches of soil to support small plants, grass and shrubs. The lower-scale green roofs don’t require much maintenance. Depending on your home, you may not need any extra structural reinforcement to support the green roof.

Herbert Norton is a roofing contractor that started a website on roofing in the winter months to help educate his clients. Roofery.com has extensive information on many different types of roofing shingles, such as slate, tile, solar and metal shingles, to help consumers make an educated decision. Recently Herbert has been researching the “greening” of asphalt shingles, which are not normally eco-friendly.

Photos via Flickr

На положении на выставке индустрии кухни и ванны (K/BIS)

Posted: 25 Apr 2011 12:51 PM PDT

Мы возглавлены к Лас-Вегас для выставки индустрии кухни и ванны (K/BIS) которая самая большая торговая выставка кухни и ванны в стране. Достаточные раковины, шкафы и приборы для того чтобы сделать вашу головную закрутку. Вы можете последовать за нашими опытами на K/BIS на Twitter и Facebook по мере того как мы будем уточнять на быстрой и злющей побежке, и если вы на выставке, то вы можете найти мы завтра 26-ое апреля на 1pm на салоне мультимедиа где Тимоти будет говорить на панели блога конструкции которая включает Сьюзан Serra конструктора кухни, Крис Phillips терапии квартиры, Меган Arquette бунгала 8 пляжа и Erika Пауэлл урбанских интерьеров Грейс. Это новая панель для K/BIS и они делают пункт для того чтобы обнять социальные средства и блоги поэтому вы можете последовать за каждым новые версии выставки на Twitter используя #KBIS hashtag.

Планировать путь сада

Posted: 25 Apr 2011 12:00 PM PDT

Garden paths are a great strategy when you’re trying to create zones and efficient traffic flow an outdoor space just as you would in an interior. A garden path can also help you to direct foot traffic around your property in general. The elements that are included when planning a garden path complement the visual effects of your home, helping to tie the design elements, and colors that you love together. Including the materials that are long lasting, and have a fresh look for your springtime goals all year around is the best approach. And it’s easy to accomplish!

Garden path elements to consider

Here’s a list of features you may want to include when you’re thinking about garden paths, and about your outdoor living space in general.

Pavers that provide foot traffic flow with style

Quality garden pavers come in many different types of shapes, colors and sizes. The beauty of creating a garden path is that many of these materials can be combined to create a unique walking surface. The nice thing about combining elements is that the “imperfect” nature that garden paths can take adds character and charm. This can include tumbled or brushed paver surfaces that suggest a well-worn, lived in appearance.

Borders for garden beds

Tasteful borders along your garden path make a decorative means of separating garden beds from established walkways. It also makes trimming and landscaping easier with the elimination of an edger, and use of a weed whacker instead. Borders create a nice buffer between hard-scape and soft-scape surface, which is a great way to have a diverse collection of plants, stones, and other accessorizing elements.

Colorful floral species to flank your path

The right choices in local flora will create the kind of contrast between all of the surfaces in your outdoor living space that bring visual variety; the lush greenery against the tasteful stonework of your path, in turn in contrast to, say, a wood deck or interlocked deck tiles. Make sure to look at the level of sun that the plants need, so that you can place them in a good spot along your path.

Grasses between the garden path stones

Planting short grasses in between stones can also be a nice touch. Adding grasses to your path can always provide a nice and soft touch that contrasts the harder surfaces of stonework. Think back to castles and old pathways that offer a romantic and lively touch. Grasses such as perennial fountain grass provides a large fluffy and billowy look that needs very little maintenance.

Garden art & water features

This is a tasteful element that you can add to your path by having nice little touches throughout the walk. Examples of garden art can include fountains and other water features like aquatic plant water features in urns, concrete sculptures, flags, bird baths, and decorative seating areas like stone or wood benches, depending on the size of your path.

Garden furniture & structures

Sometimes, the most important thing a garden path can do is provide a little journey to a comfortable destination on your property for your and for your visitors. Creating a sheltered area for garden furniture, perhaps including a smaller scale patio away from a main deck and connected by your garden path can add character and continuity to your outdoor living space.

Sheltering structures like pergolas, complete with creeping vines for natural canopies can allow you to enjoy sitting in a sheltered patio with that book, or with that glass of wine, whether when enjoying those May flowers, or feeling cosy in those April showers.

Garden path lighting

When entertaining at night, you can dress up your path will lights that will help to set a mood that is ideal for guests and springtime evening gatherings.

Getting your garden path plan together

Garden path plans come in a variety of forms, like that of an English garden type of look that tend to have curves, cutouts and sometimes stairs. Other plans include more 90° angles. It depends on your taste, and of course the shape of the outdoor space you’re working with.

Begin the measuring process of the whole space with your trusty tape measure, and decide which areas will be taken up by the path, and by where the path will direct foot traffic. Determine which elements of your space is immovable, and how the course of your path will be in relation to them. This will help you to determine how much square footage you’ll need to cover with paving stones or pea gravel, as well as considerations like how wide you want your garden path to be.

Garden path materials options

Next, you need to pick out your materials. You can obtain free samples from retailers such as BuildDirect to help make your decision. This is the fun part, and you are able to pick and choose all of the supplies that you will use during this project. Keeping in line with the springtime theme, you can choose natural stone, which comes in natural colors including slate, reds and earthy browns. There are also many different types of stone that can used including:

  • Mulch
  • Cobblestone
  • Flat stone pavers
  • Slump stone
  • Loose stone such as gravel, or pea stone
  • Veneer-covered concrete

The nice part with the stone choices is that they can be mixed and matched for visual pop, and the border pieces available can either match or contrast the flat piece choices.

Garden paths define your property

Garden paths are intended to create a focal point when it comes to foot traffic in your yard that also provides a welcoming atmosphere for you and your visitors. Installing a hard-scape surface in your can be a great way to connect your interior to the outdoors, and in turn from your main deck to other areas of your outdoor space.

There are practical considerations here in terms of keeping visiting children out of sensitive areas of your property, like garden beds and seeded grass areas for instance. But, a great advantage of a well-planned garden path is about visual continuity. When a design element covers both the practical and the aesthetic, you know it’s a great investment, and a great way to raise the value of a property in all kinds of ways.

Planning A Garden Path is a post from: BuildDirect. We cover a variety of home improvement products including laminate flooring, hardwood floors, bamboo flooring, tile, decking and more. We also offer a wide range of info on interior design, housing trends, home how to, green building and living, and more.

Related posts:

  1. Water Garden Features: Is That a Backyard or a Water Park?
  2. Outdoor Living Space Planning: Extend Your Life Outside!
  3. Planning An Outdoor Kitchen

ReadyMade кассета: За местами

Posted: 25 Apr 2011 11:30 AM PDT

Этот год наш интерн, Лорен Chorpening государственного университета Айова, имел уникально возможность посетить офис Meredith ReadyMade в Дес Моинес, Айова которое нет далеко от ее кампуса в Ames. Она получила путешествие направляющего выступа кулуарное популярной кассеты/вебсайта DIY и сидела внутри на редакционной встрече по мере того как они решало доли ART Лорен крышки ее опыты в ее собственных словах ниже. Спасибо ReadyMade! Я имел уникально и чудесную привилегированность путешествовать ReadyMade офисы в Дес Моинес. Вся ReadyMade команда была приветствующа и полна смеха. Эта кассета имеет различную работу динамически чем даже другие издания Meredith через здание. ReadyMade разделяет между Дес Моинес и нью-йорком поэтому изменениями офиса часто, в зависимости от кто на положении Дес Моинес. День я посетил был нетипов как Андрю Wagner, главный редактор, Liz Армстронг, он-лайн директор и Caitlin Thornton, он-лайн ассистент, было всем посещая от офиса нью-йорка.

Нужна алтернатива к твёрдым древесинам? Попробуйте переклейку!

Posted: 25 Apr 2011 11:15 AM PDT

Хотя ковер все еще составляет большинство сбываний настила, вы не можете отказать славолюбие--и распространимость--полов твёрдой древесины. Прочный материал делает его большой для разнообразие комнат, и с древесинами имеющимися в широкие диапазоне цветов и текстур, вы можете типично найти что вам нужно для выполнения взгляда вашего дома. Оборотная сторона? Твёрдые древесины могут быть дорогими. Вы могли хотеть рассматривать эту остроумную алтернативу: переклейка. Наш друг на Curbly, знаток DIY, предупрежденный нам к настилу переклейки. Как твёрдая древесина, переклейка приходит в избыток цветов и текстур. И вы можете всегда красить или пятнать его если вы не можете найти точно, то что вы ищете. Одно из преимуществ переклейки самых больших своя цена. Вы можете типично справиться вся комната для фракция цены твёрдых древесин, делая этим идеально выбор для бюджет-сознательного DIYer.

Характеристики сада воды: То задний двор или парк воды?

Posted: 25 Apr 2011 09:00 AM PDT

One ingredient can take a simple backyard and turn it into a peaceful getaway – water. From waterfalls to water gardens and streams to ponds, adding a water feature to your backyard allows you to get away from it all by simply stepping out your back door.

Gorgeous Waterfalls

When you step into this backyard you'll feel like you're in your own tropical paradise. Why take a trip to Fiji when Fiji can be brought to you? Tim Bowman with Florida Falls designed this backyard escape. Although the grass hut-covered seating areas, hammocks, gorgeous stonework and inviting pool are pleasing to the eye, the waterfalls are really the focal point of this outdoor living space. The multi-tiered waterfalls look and sound authentic, providing instant relaxation to even the most stressed-out person.

Peaceful Water Garden

Florida Falls doesn't just design waterfall-filled backyards; the company can also build you your very own water garden. This water garden features several ponds that are connected by small streams. You and your visitors can relax in the seating area at the middle of this tranquil backyard paradise and stay warm thanks to the fire pit.

Backyard Waterfall at Night

Although waterfalls are a popular pool feature, you can have a backyard waterfall without the cost and maintenance hassles of a pool. The New York-based designer of this water feature, Backyard Tropicals, really took the time to make sure that the waterfall was the focal point of this backyard day or night. The accent lighting highlights the gorgeous falls and rocks used to create this backyard water feature.

Desert oasis water feature

What better place for an outdoor water feature than in the middle of the Arizona desert? These homeowners don't have to wait for the rainy season to create a watery outdoor oasis, they have one year round thanks to the DIY Network. After carefully removing the cacti and other prickly plants from the space, the team got to work creating a waterfall and pond that looks just as natural as the desert surrounding it.

Backyard stream water feature

If you love the idea of a backyard water garden but tree roots and other obstacles prevent you from drilling down, create a simple backyard stream instead. This homeowner created a 45-foot long backyard stream with two small waterfalls on a flat, wooded lot. While this backyard stream may not have the instant wow factor that some of these other examples do, the soothing sounds of trickling water will make any backyard a tranquil oasis. An added benefit to this stream is that it could be tackled as a weekend DIY project.

Japanese Water Garden

This minimalist backyard gets a Japanese water garden-inspired upgrade. The garden now features a new waterfall, stream, koi pond and native Japanese plants. Now the homeowners have a little piece of Japan right in their backyard.

Buddhist-inspired Japanese garden

If you like the idea of a Japanese water garden but want that wow factor, check out this spiritual garden created by a Buddhist monk. The water garden features ponds, streams, waterfalls, sculptures, fountains, quiet sanctuaries and more.

Water Garden Features: Is That a Backyard or a Water Park? is a post from: BuildDirect. We cover a variety of home improvement products including laminate flooring, hardwood floors, bamboo flooring, tile, decking and more. We also offer a wide range of info on interior design, housing trends, home how to, green building and living, and more.

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Самомоднейшие домашние офисы

Posted: 25 Apr 2011 05:32 AM PDT

If you’re one of those people lucky enough to be able to work at home, you probably know how important it is to have a separate space in your home dedicated to your work. A proper home office will help you be more organized, keep you focused and encourage your creativity. And as you will see, we’ve found some beautiful examples of the latest designs in home offices. First however, here are some practical tips on how to make your home office a space you can be proud of :

  • When setting up a new office space, think about the size and shape of the room you’ll be utilizing and how you plan on furnishing it. Consider arranging your work area in an L or U shape so that you’ll have all your important items close by.
  • Thoroughly plan out your work area. Look at the room that you’ll be working in and decide where in that room you think you’ll be the most efficient. For example, if you prefer natural lighting, then place your desk near the window. If however, you think sitting by the window will be too distracting then place your desk on the opposite side of the room.
  • Choose your home office furniture wisely. This is furniture that you’ll be spending most of your day in so it should be comfortable (though not too comfortable or else you’ll be tempted to doze off) and sturdy. Also be sure to choose proper cabinets so that you’ll have enough room for all your files and assorted necessities.
  • Have a space for visitors. If you plan on having clients come over occasionally, make sure there is a seating area for guests. Even though you’re working at home try to keep your home office as professional as possible. Clients will not want to walk past your sleeping baby or messy kitchen so plan your home office accordingly.
  • Have fun with it. Even though you will be working in this space, a home office doesn’t need to be blah. Add some of your personality to the space like family photos, artwork and window treatments that expresses your style. A home office does not have to be boring!

So now that we’ve given you the particulars, here are some amazing examples of modern home office furniture that will look great whether you’re upgrading your office at home or planning a home office addition.

Need to bring work home? Who cares! Not when you can have an elegant office like this one designed by Paul Raff Studio. This home office makes great use of a usually overlooked area–the space underneath the staircase. With its tucked away privacy, you’ll get loads of work done and feel cozy and comfortable doing it!

Home office design by Paul Raff Studio

Home office design by Paul Raff Studio

This next home office is minimalism at its best. As designed by Valcucine, all office necessities have been pared down to provide ample space and loads of room for creativity. Way cool!

Home office design by Valcucine

Home office design by Valcucine

Home office design by Valcucine

Home office design by Valcucine

Really, REALLY short on space but still need to set up a home office area? Well, do we have some furniture for you. Designed by MisoSoup, this home office is crafted from a single piece of wood which can be mounted against any spare wall in your home. Featuring a combination computer desk and shelving system for files, we think this piece is the ultimate in design and functionality.

Home office designed by MisoSoup

Home office designed by MisoSoup

Home office designed by MisoSoup

Sometimes having an offiice in your home is just not practical–too much noise and not enough privacy. Well, the OfficePOD can fix all that with its precisely as the name states, office in a pod. The wood, metal and glass pod is a prefabricated office featuring a chair, desk and cabinets that can be set up in your backyard. How clever!

Home office by OfficePOD

Home office by OfficePOD

Home office by OfficePOD

Sometimes working in a home office is just not possible. Sometimes you have to bring the home office with you. Well, thanks to NICK+BEAU of Openaire, you can do just that. On the outside it looks like a simple messenger bag. On the inside however, is a woodgrain workstation and seat which allows you to comfortably sit anywhere and get the job done! All you need is your coffee and you’re good to go!

Mobile laptop desk and chair designed by NICK+BEAU

Mobile laptop desk and chair designed by NICK+BEAU

Mobile laptop desk and chair designed by NICK+BEAU

Mobile laptop desk and chair designed by NICK+BEAU

Now we want to hear from you: would you consider having a home office?

Хозяин игр Афиныы к конструкции 2011% греческой!

Posted: 23 Apr 2011 03:25 AM PDT

Athens is host to an exciting contemporary design event called 2011% Greek Design located at M Art Space, Manolioudakis from the 7th of April to the 25th. The stars of the show are 18 top of their game Greek designers who are all joining together to present their latest innovative designs. This event is the hub of Greek award winning talent.

The meaning of design is to plan or draw the look and function or works of a building, an object or a garment before it is produced. Design is all about improvement, and making our world better.

Dieter Rams famous for his ‘less is more’ design approach created his own design rules over 20 years ago, that still hold their power today!

Innovative – good design must be totally advanced and original

Useful – a product must be competent and practical

Aesthetic – appreciate beauty and pleasure

Understood – the finished result must be clarified

Unobtrusive – not conspicuous

Honest – accept the value of what the product is (don’t over power or over value)

Long Lasting – avoid trend, and products will avoid being antiquated

Thorough – regard to every detail

Environmentally friendly – it is important to contribute and recycle wherever possible when creating something new.

Design is difficult to understand as not all of us appeal to the same. We all have individual taste, so how do you know it’s good design? Good design can’t be specified, it has too many elements which is why Dieter created his ’10 design commandments’ above.

2011% Greek Design hopes to promote ingenuity, diversity, evolution, advancement, modernity, and offer inspiration to visitors while proving the significance of Greek design.

Eighteen designers working in Greece and overseas have created together a complex collection of design elements, colors and concepts. Their concepts and talent are aimed to make our world function better and be better.

These designers have created a kaleidescope of a show!

Aesthetically appealing yet useful!

Objects with a humorous approach!

The participating designers are Evothokia, WE DID ID, CTRLZAK, Niki Styliano, Sakis Stritsidis, Sergios Potiadis, Spyros Drakos, GREECE IS FOR LOVERS, Christina Skouloudi, George Vavatsis, Afrodite Krassa, BRAINSTORM, Yiannis Ghikas, Kleo Xirou, Zaxos Stathopoulos, Apostolos Porsanidis, Giannis Mamoutzis, and Dyonysis Skalos.

If you are in Athens this is a must see these artists at play!

Source:

Насколько можете вы сохранить с зелеными Remodeling налоговыми скидками?

Posted: 22 Apr 2011 11:23 AM PDT

Happy Earth Day, folks! In honor of the 41st anniversary of this greenest of holidays, I’d like to share a breakdown on energy-saving home improvements, and the federal tax incentives that make them affordable.

Indeed, remodeling tax info looks complicated on the surface. But fear not! I’m going to help you take advantage of every federal tax break available before they expire. Let’s get started.

Tax Credits for Basic Home Improvements

Some federal incentives have ended for 2010, some have been extended through 2011, and certain credits last all the way to 2016. Many of these projects are also pretty standard for home upkeep. Things like installing new windows, insulation, and a better air conditioning or heating system all qualify for federal tax credits.

For upgrades made in 2010, you can get $1,500 back, or 30% on the first $5,000 spent. For improvements in 2011, the credit decreases to $500, or 10% of the first $5,000 you spend. This requires IRS form 5696 and receipts from your purchases.

State rebates may also be available. Find out what improvements cost in your area by clicking here.

These credits will be available in most cases until 2016, and most apply to both first and second homes. In the Non-Business Energy Property Credit, the overall credit caps at $500 for approved energy-efficient improvements, but within that blanket cap, certain green remodeling projects have their own caps, such as more efficient windows and doors, better insulation, and roof improvements.

Homeowners can still deduct 10% of the purchase price of materials, but the cap is set at $200 for these types of deductions. Certain appliances, however, such as an upgraded hot water heater or an energy-efficient heating and cooling system, can earn a $300 tax credit.

Solar Panels, Wind Turbines and Geothermal Rebates

The second green tax break for homeowners is a big one. The Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit is a 30% credit off the cost of clean energy systems, including home solar panels, wind turbines, geothermal, and fuel cell systems. There is no cap on this credit, and installation and labor charges are also included in the credit, except for fuel cell upgrades.

To qualify for the credits, homeowners would be wise to get estimates quickly before they expire, and to investigate what rebate programs currently exist in their state.

Important Information on Green Tax Credits

Keep in mind that for any green home improvements, you should do careful research to verify a manufacturer's tax credit certification statement before purchase and installation of certain appliances or energy technology systems.

When it comes to replacement windows and HVAC, only certain Energy Star products and appliances are approved for qualification. Other eligible home improvements include certain window films, duct sealants, pigmented metal roofs, and asphalt roofs with cooling granules.

New additions to the tax credit plan are biomass stoves and ground-source or geothermal heat pumps. A solid source for more information is the Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP) website, and the Department of Energy offers a helpline, at 1-800-dial-DOE, for consumers with questions about green tax incentives.

Most states have their own incentive programs in place, but with many states experiencing severe budget shortages, much of what was previously available in rebate programs has been reduced or cut completely.

In 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act was put forth to stimulate energy efficiency practices in the green economy with expansion of existing home energy credits, which directly increase refunds or reduce a total tax bill.

Photos via Flickr

Счастливый викэнд пасхи, 2011!

Posted: 22 Apr 2011 10:00 AM PDT

Высоко каждое! Это как раз примечание к всем читателям блога, абонентам, члена общины BuildDirect Facebook. Спасибо для настраивать внутри! Я желаю каждому счастливый викэнд пасхи, 2011! фото: Andreas Marx. Оно я, или эти зайчики смотрят бит угрожающий? И счастливый день земли, слишком! Приветственные восклицания, Роб. Счастливый викэнд пасхи, 2011! столб от: BuildDirect. Мы покрываем разнообразие продукты включая прокатанный настил, пола домашнего улучшения твёрдой древесины, bamboo настил, плитку, decking и больше. Мы также предлагаем широкий диапазон info на дизайне интерьера, расквартировывая тенденции, дом как к, зеленое здание и прожитие, и больше. Родственные столбы: Верхний настил отклоняет на 2011 Читатели настила с новым годом деревянные! Счастливый Hanukkah 2010 от BuildDirect!

Конструируйте результаты спонтанности в усаживая словотолковании - в процессе

Posted: 22 Apr 2011 03:09 AM PDT

Vanja Bazdulj finished her Faculty of Architecture in 2008 in Slovenia, her home country and worked as an architect for 18 months. She became inspired to go into design on a smaller level so went on to do an MA in furniture design at The Cass in London. These amazing furniture items are a result of her deep thoughts regarding human imperfections.

Concepts derived from the imperfections of humans!

These innovative hand made items have an unfinished look that projects an unpredictable aesthetic power that allures you to explore the finer details.

Aeshetic appeal draws you in!

Going against the rules with a hint of child’s play!

The seating is derived from individual sheets of preserved wool felt and held in place by rope. The colorful aspects of the wool felt and rope enhances her ingenuity by adding a touch of playful experimenting.

Eccentric or crafty and cool?

The results are industrial design spontaneity at the highest level, as she allowed her creative mind to steer away from it’s usual architectural behavour in favor of something totally unique.

Design spontaneity results in unique elements!

Not surprisingly she has called this project ‘Rough and Ready’ as she used materials normally so out of context with each other giving an ambiguous interpretation. She has questioned the usual methods and tried to impose a different way of how we see the things around us!

Presenting her passion for changing interpretations!

Vanja’s ‘Rough and Ready’ furniture items of chairs and stools will be presented at the Ventura Lambrate design fair in Milan from the 12th – 17th April 2011 along with Designersblock. The Ventura Lambrate is an organisation originally founded by the Netherlands Organisation in Design, and Designersblock have produced over 50 design events including architecture, illustration and design from 33 nations and over 1600 individual industry representatives.

Colorful aspects add character!

Vanja’s furniture is for sure to offer a high dose of design inspiration to all! It’s versatility could enhance a minimalist area as a focal point or compliment a shabby chic, vintage or Mediterranean style home. Adding to the fact the wool felt is water resistant these pieces would liven up any out door space!

Vanja has stayed on at the ‘Cass’ in London famous for it’s art, design and media department to continue her designs. It’s in an ideal location just on the fringe of East London in a vibrant area full of art and illustrators workshops, galleries and full of high level students at the top of their game! A great place to be inspired and live and work, where she can continue to invent alternative design solutions and create them into unique structures.

Как использовать Zero косилку поворота

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 02:17 PM PDT

Усаженные косилки вы видите на вашем домашнем центре при 2 ручки смотря на один другого нул-поворачивают травокосилки. Славолюбие нул-поворачивает косилки продолжается поднять по мере того как владельцы дома будут более образованный к как они действуют и как использовать их. Типичные косилки катания управляются как раз как автомобиль. Вы увидите стандартное рулевое колесо, место и торгуете вразнос. Экстренные характеристики на косилке катания могут включить регулируемое сиденье, подготовляют остальные, наклон и выдвигать рулевое колесо, управляя света, держатели чашки, силу DC и держатели чашки и на хранении. Нул-поверните косилки имейте меньше accoutrements но они компенсируют его в общей характеристике. Характеристики как zero степень поворачивают радиус и верхние скорости до 9mph делают нул-поворачивают косилки руководитель когда это прибывает в быстрый и эффективный косить.

Альтернативные земные заволакивания в задних дворах Низк-Обслуживания

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 12:00 PM PDT

Having a low-maintenance backyard is a great way to have a property you can be proud of, without using a lot of water and without having to spend a lot of time you’d otherwise rather be spending on other interests.

There are many options available for saving time and natural resources. And believe it or not, you do not necessarily have to sacrifice that lush green effect in the process, if the look of a green lawn is important to you. Traditional grass lawns incorporated into traditional landscape plans are notoriously thirsty. In many dry climates where excessive water use is a concern, it is all of our responsibility to make sure that we are taking care of our environment.

Low-maintenance backyard alternative ground cover options

Ornamental grasses

Ornamental grasses are a great way to incorporate plants into a yard that requires low-maintanence. They grow to a nice height, need little attention and add a spice of color to your yard. This is also a creative way to incorporate different types of plants into your yard. There are more than 30 different types, and the beauty is that when they get too big, you can take a weed wacker and cut them to size.

ornamental grass photo: "Jerry"

Ivy

Ivy is a fast-growing, easily maintained alternative ground covering for your low-maintenance, water-efficient backyard, or even frontyard. It is perfect for those areas of your yard which require cover, but may prove difficult when it comes to mowing. Ivy is easily pruned, versatile, and naturally resiliant as ground cover. And it provides that low-maintenance lush look you’re after.

Ivy ground cover photo: wintersoul1

Artificial grass.

That’s right, green grass is available for yards that need to be low-to no-maintenance. The grass is actually a high-grade indoor-outdoor carpet that has been specifically designed for yards. This means that there is no mowing or watering, and the grass is guaranteed to stay green without fading. There is no rolling or bunching, and the firm backing means that there will never be a weed that pops up, and tearing will not occur. Just make sure that you have adequate drainage and aeration.

This is a great way to have that lush lawn, in both look and feel, while doing your part for the environment. Most of these lawns are also made of recycled products, making your yard a double take for eco-friendly appreciators.

Water-retaining plants common to your area

Plants such as salt brush, rubber plants and cacti are all in abundance in an areas where there is little water. The beauty of these plants is that they come in many different varieties, adding more texture and green to your yard. The rubber plants and cactus will even bloom during spring, allowing you to enjoy flowers.

In general, naturally occurring plants to your area, which may or may not include the ones listed above, require only natural rainfall for survival. Do some research and find out some of the unsung species perfect for ground cover and other landscaping additions to your area. This way, you’re creating a low-maintenance backyard that’s truly your own.

Cacti photo: etgeek

Making the choice for low-maintenance, and ecologically sensitive

Making the choice for a low-maintenance backyard is a great way to save you time and money. The idea of conserving water is a fantastic way of helping your environment, but it also eliminates the need for a costly water bill every month. The lack of care that many of these plants need is a great way to re-prioritize your time with you family and friends. Plan on entertaining in your yard without the hassle of spending a full day getting it ready first.

Take the much-needed time, money and effort and do something for yourself instead. Take the time to investigate what a low-maintenance backyard complete with alternative ground coverings can do for you in your own local climate to help you save water, money, and time.

Alternative Ground Coverings In Low-Maintenance Backyards is a post from: BuildDirect. We cover a variety of home improvement products including laminate flooring, hardwood floors, bamboo flooring, tile, decking and more. We also offer a wide range of info on interior design, housing trends, home how to, green building and living, and more.

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  2. Developing a Landscaping Plan For Your Yard
  3. Ground Slate Daggers…

Газируйте вашу лужайку для более лучшего роста

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 09:45 AM PDT

Одна из наших любимейших вещей о весне как все внезапно будет зеленым. Вы замечали то? Она кажется как один день вы заметите малые бутоны на валах, и после этого немного дней более поздно, BAM - зеленый цвет везде! И то включает лужайки--сочный, зеленый ярд добавляет некоторый талант к вашему дому? Если ваша лужайка смогла использовать немного больше жизни, то вы могли хотеть попробовать газировать ее. Домашнее улучшение конструкции имеет информативную статью о газировать лужайки. Одна из верхних подсказок? Рассматривайте штепсельную вилку или аэратор сердечника в отличие от аэратора спайка. Если вы имеете трактор John Deere, то вы можете купить аэратор штепсельной вилки который прикрепляется к трактору. Если вы не хотите обстреливать вне деньги для одного, то хотя, вы можете также арендовать аэратор. Прежде чем вы газируете вашу лужайку, убеждайтесь что оно имеет некоторую влагу, которая поможет аэратору более лучше для того чтобы прорезать почву. Ждите до тех пор пока после его не будет идти дождь, или дайте вашей лужайке once-over с шлангом сада.

Легкие поверхности патио на весна

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 09:00 AM PDT

There are a multitude of improvements that you can apply to your existing patio, or if you are installing a new patio area without the need for professional contractors. Some of the most effective improvement can be done DIY, and all can be done in a weekend. So if you’re looking to spruce up your outdoor living area, get ready to gear up for spring, and to transform your patio area into your own personal haven.

Patio materials options

There are so many different types of materials to choose from for patio basics, and creating your new area. Here is a quick list of the types of products you may see that are available for your project.

Interlocked decking tiles

These tiles are the perfect solution for covering up an old and tired patio. Interlocked deck tiles snap together with no tools, are easy to cut and trim, and then can be easily taken up moved if needed. They are stained with a natural finish that is reminiscent of golden oak. These tiles are very durable, and can be installed in a weekend.

Traditional stone pavers

Whether slate, travertine, granite, sandstone, natural stone pavers add class to any space, and remain to be one easy, go to way to create structure to any outdoor living space whether its as a patio expanse, a pool surround, or a path. Stone pavers are intended to be a permanent installation, and are mounted in an even layer of sand. Making sure the sand is hard and compacted, place the slate stone in a nice fashion that leaves about an inch worth of space between each one. Fill in the spaces with more packing sand, and voila, a new patio.

Stone pavers are also just as varied in their shape and sizes. Any type of stone will offer subtle color variations that will give the area character and uniqueness. The mix and match color possibilities are perfect for your designer’s eye. would be a great way to introduce other materials like metals, different colors of wood, and even when decorating with plants.

Interlocked stone pavers

Much like the wood deck tiles, interlocked stone pavers are manufactured to be installed very easily, with minimal tools and experience. The real stone is mounted on a plastic backing, much like the wood deck tiles, and can be laid down on any flat, dry surface, like an existing patio or concrete slab.

Getting your new patio ready

Before you begin to get your patio ready for use, you need to make sure the area is well prepared. Before installation, make sure that the entire space that will be used is cleared off, level and that the sand base you’ve laid for pavers has been completely compacted. This will make the installation process much smoother. Plan the design, and when you do, make sure to include sufficient area for tables, chairs and other accessories like a BBQ. This will ensure that you have an adequate area to have friends and family over in a comfortable setting.

When planning the area, and if you’ve got a larger space, also consider planning for traffic and space for those cases that may require you to include more seating, tables or other items to accommodate a larger group or party. When designing with events in mind, it’s always better to make adjustments for more people, rather than having too little space once your project is completed.

Enjoy spring on your patio

Spring is a great time to enjoy being outdoors. With the mild weather, beautiful days and blossoming flowers, there is no better place to be than outside. Completing a nice patio area is a great way to extend the relaxing spaces from your home.

And once you’ve established some of the elements of your outdoor living space that you can do yourself, think about building out from there to the next level. Bring your outdoor living space to life with an awning. This is a great way to provide a nice shaded covering. Including durable fabrics is a fantastic way of adding textures and accentuating the materials you’ve used for your patio.

Have a stationary structure, like a pergola or a gazebo for shade can make those lazy days perfect for rest in the yard. Think about incorporating comfortable and stylish patio furniture, too, to make your outdoor living space an extension of your interiors. And for cool evenings, a stone fire pit may be just the thing to add spring and summer evening ambiance.

Whatever the scale of your projects, enjoy your patio this spring!

Easy Patio Surfaces For Spring is a post from: BuildDirect. We cover a variety of home improvement products including laminate flooring, hardwood floors, bamboo flooring, tile, decking and more. We also offer a wide range of info on interior design, housing trends, home how to, green building and living, and more.

Related posts:

  1. The Ultimate Patio Lantern Guide
  2. Choosing Patio Furniture
  3. Pressure Wash Your Deck For Spring

Kohler раскрывает линию Faucet ванны Toobi

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 04:45 AM PDT

Чувствовать неожиданный позыв redecorate ваша ванная комната? С новым Faucet ванны Toobi от Kohler, ваш faucet может получить в redecorating духе, слишком, спасибо заменимые покрашенные вкладыши которым «позвольте предпринимателю персонализировать их космос в уникально, шаловливом путе,» согласно Kohler. В настоящее время имеющеся в белизне льда, фантомной черноте и зеленом цвете весны, вкладыши смешивают плавно с конструкцией Toobi самомоднейшей которая соотвествует «новый потребительский спрос для персонализации и для множественных вариантов цвета в потехе, стильный путь,» говорит Kohler. Форма faucet самомоднейшая позволяет воде полить через тонкий, открытый spout, которому Kohler говорит качества воды самые интересные «изначальные: очищенность, транспарант, мерцающее отражение и успокоенный звук.»

Холодный конкретный фасад делает удар в Мадрид!

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 02:52 AM PDT

On the outskirts of Madrid A-Cero architects have just completed The Moka House, giving it a total reform! Not only did they totally change the home, they also made a new impact on the surrounding landscape and skyline by working with concrete on different volume levels.

Working with concrete to create different volume levels!

The layout is spread over three levels, and when planning the main living areas they took into consideration the slight surface gradient and adapted the rooms to enjoy the stunning views! The facade is all concrete giving it a smooth finish with a futuristic image sitting against the landscape and skyline.

Enticing us from the outside! But we’ll have to wait!

The ground floor living areas on one side are linked with small stairwells running through the office, bedrooms, living and dining area. On the other side the closets, pantry, bathrooms and kitchen fit together accordingly!

Smooth and sleek with a futuristic edge!

The design team included a sports area, swimming pool and TV chill out zone which are all connected to the basement and garage directly. Sports area’s continue outside with a padel tennis court accessed by a pedestrian walkway.

Exclusive private quarters for distinguished guests to enjoy!

The exclusive upper floor areas were designed to give guests privacy away from the family rooms, with total sense of luxury. There quarters include 3 bedrooms with bathrooms linked to a private office/library!

Making a grande entrance!

The exterior pergulos were structured from steel and then weighted down with pure solid concrete!

A new impact on the skyline and landscape as well as a new home!

A-Cero have delivered a welcome change from the normal starkness of modern contemporary and managed to overcome the harsh angles concrete normally leaves by achieving an architectural masterpiece with a smooth aspect. The major key to the interior design was focused on using the space to view to stunning local scenery!

Thanks to the slight gradient, all living areas now have stunning views!

A concrete facade becomes cool and contemporary!

Clever lighting adds atmosphere at night fall!

Could this be the future of concrete or just a craze!

The team played with volume and concrete to form this unique, statuesque residence with a stunning back drop and have proven that being creative with concrete can result in a clever cool contemporary result, that sits attractive in its space.

See below how the master plan came together! And what is actually beyond the exterior! We are kept in suspense for now to see inside for real!

Цен-Франтовские причины обменить вне ваше неработоспособное Windows

Posted: 20 Apr 2011 04:07 PM PDT

На часть II в нашей серии выхода по энергии, we’ d любит отличать некоторыми довольно удивительно данными на стоимостях сбережений для замены окна. Результаты должны быть к ваш любить (и ваше wallet’ s также!). Прочитано дальше, и доля. Насколько можете вы сохранить путем заменять старое Windows? Устаревшие окна, в частности если вы живете в холодных или влажных климатах, то бедствие произношения по буквам для ваших счетов энергии. В действительности, старые, пропускающий влагу окна могут быть ответствены для как много по мере того как 25% из вашего в настоящее время надутого общего назначения счета, согласно EnergyStar.gov. Но there’ упование s пока. Много установителей окна которые we’ ve работал с, специально те в Окленд и графство Alameda, Калифорния, сообщает лучш-чем-средние сбережения на замене окна в западном штате. Контрактор Майкл пасха восточного залива, на пример, говорит что большинств владельцы дома на западном побережье видят возвращение 93% на их облечение в новых окнах и дверях. И оно doesn’ стоп t там. От засушливого, солнечное Феникс, Аризона к Нью-Джерси и зябкое восточное побережье, замена окна сохраняют наши владельцев дома минимум 15% на стоимостях энергии. Сравнивать цены на новом окне Так чему можете вы сделать уплотнение поднять габарит вашего дома? Начните путем щелкать здесь для того чтобы сравнить стоимости сбережений на новых окнах. Более лучшее информированное вы ваших требований к климата, потенциальных сбережений и варианты эффективности окна, более скоро вы можете сделать решение которое работаете для вас. И don’ t забывает о кредитах и скидках федерального налога на energy-efficient установках окна. Если вы заменили любые окна в прошлом году, то вы можете получить налоговую скидку 30% из цены установки на это year’ возвращение s. Вы можете также получить другую скидку для установки в 2011, до 10% из цен установки. Получите начатой путем хватать немного предварительных подчетов или исследовать типичные цены окна. Преимущества твои, котор нужно насладиться на декады для того чтобы прийти.