среда, 1 июня 2011 г.

Home-my-Home

Home-my-Home


Укротите ваш Landscaping с правильными подрежа методами

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 04:45 AM PDT

Теперь, когда landscaping вашего дома правоподобн получающ адекватние дозы солнечного света и воды, вы можете скоро найти с некоторыми overgrown заводами на ваших руках. И если вы предпочитаете, то что ваш ярд не походить джунгли, мы составлял немного подрежа подсказок для того чтобы помочь вам правильно уравновесить и сформировать ваши заводы. Согласно подрежа направляющему выступу опубликованному программой выдвижения AgriLife Техас A&M, фактически более лучшее не подрезать ваши валы и shrubs чем подрезать их неправильно. Если вы не используете правильный метод, то вы правоподобны для того чтобы ослабеть или деформировать завод. Перед вами начните? Держите цель подрезать в разуме: «Вспомните что подрезать удаление или уменьшение некоторых частей завода которые необходимы, которые не более длинние эффективные, или который никакой пользы к заводу,» как написано Дуглас Welsh и Everette Janne. «Оно сделан для того чтобы поставить дополнительную энергию для развития цветков, плодоовощей и лимбов которые остают на заводе.»

Нутряной домашний украшая тип Дзэн!

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 02:16 AM PDT

Zen decor became a trend not so long ago but it appears to have stood the test of time and seems to be here to stay. People enjoy the calmness of this unique decorating style and enjoy their home life more after a busy day. Going Zen is the easiest way to de clutter, get organized and turn your home in to a relaxation zone.

Pure Zen style with natural stone and bamboo flooring!

Zen home decorating is not really about minimalism, it is more to do with harmony, relaxation and balance. The terminology ‘Zen furniture’ is a misinterpretation, there is no such thing, Zen is simply a special way of arranging your home.

Simple comfort along with earthy colors are welcoming!

The first step towards a Zen paradise is to de-clutter. Look around your living space and make a list of all the furniture you never use and include ornamental items and wall art/accessories. Take away everything on the list and recycle or hold a garage sale.

Less is more here with clever rug overlapping!

Re-arrange your furniture and keep the walls clean and uncluttered. When painting choose earthy tomes, and sky blue hues, deep greens, lilac and of course white.

Clean and uncluttered with sky blue hues bring karma!

Little hints of nature against the dark wood blend in well!

Zen decorating is about bringing nature inside and using natural elements like, stone, wood, metal, earth, fire and water.

Lovely mix of natural stone and wood against the bamboo flooring!

You could add a small fountain to your living space or a water featured piece of photographic art, like a wave or waterfall. Glass objects work well and also the odd figurine, also a couple of plants is a must when creating Zen doecor but don’t over do it – With Zen ‘Less is More’.

Cosy fire with a water feature with simple flowers and lamp represent peaceful relaxation!

If you don’t have a fireplace then create a focal point by grouping together lots of candles for a relaxing warm ambiance. Metal lamps compliment Zen decor as do metal artefacts. One rule is to never use plastic!

On entering this home the Zen atmosphere hits you straight away with the subtle ceiling lighting!

Bamboo flooring and furniture also play a big part in Zen decor, not only is it sustainable but it’s also durable and really versatile. You can use bamboo in lots of ways from decorating walls to creating a lamp.

A gourmet kitchen with all mod cons and again no clutter!

Turn your bathroom into a spa experience!

Everyone needs a touch of Zen in their home and not just in one room, to offer peace of mind throughout all your home. Follow these simple tips to transform your home into a delightful haven to enjoy on your own or entertain in style with hints of Asia.

Do you have any great tips for transforming a home in to a Zen paradise?

Source: formaonline.com

Конструирующ и строящ патио DIY

Posted: 31 May 2011 12:00 PM PDT

Photo: tyo

Every March, I get antsy about working in the yard. On a warm day, I go outside and take an inventory of existing gardens, plants and walkways. I draw a plan for each major area, then start writing down what I would like to do in each.

Here are a few of my ideas. Some of these I have executed, some have been started, some are still on paper, and some are ongoing, but they are all DIY – do it yourself.

  • flower beds around the foundation
  • patio out back
  • patio out front
  • raised bed vegetable garden
  • walkways
  • fencing
  • plant shade and fruit trees
  • shed/carport combo
  • enlarge the parking area

It's easy to get overwhelmed with summer projects, since there is a short window of time to do them. My solution is to make a priority list. What do I really want most?

How to prioritize DIY patio and yard projects

Sometimes my wallet will determine this, but this year, I need to finish the back patio. It's been on the list for a couple of years. So far, I have cleared the grass and sage and planted a few shrubs around what could be the perimeter. I know, it sounds backwards, but that definition helped me decide the placement, size and shape.

The purpose of this patio is to make a sunny, wind-free spot in spring. It is already a lovely shady spot in summer. It needs to be far enough out from the house to make it feel like another room and big enough to accommodate a walkway, a dining table and chairs and a chaise lounge.

So far, you can see my train of thought, and you can apply that yourself.

Map out patio and yard projects with running lists

Make a list of potential projects. This might change every year. If you are doing one in phases, it will show up on your annual list until it's done. Make lists and draw pictures. Sometimes working things out on paper answers questions you didn't even ask. A drawing could help out the folks where you buy your materials, too.

Have a budget in mind

Figure out which patio and yard projects you want to take on, staying within your budget. If you need financing, see how much you qualify for. That will determine the scope of the project. Maybe you can get enough money to knock several out at once!

Know your needs

What are you trying to accomplish? Take all family members and activities into consideration, including pets.

Research patio and yard building materials

Once I had a rough size, I started researching surface materials. A patio surface should be durable, low maintenance, have good drainage properties and match the style of your home. Stone should be local so it is adapted to your climate. Common materials are:

concrete – easiest and least expensive, can be dressed up with a color tint, stamping, scoring or inlay; low maintenance
flagstone – local for me; darker shades absorb heat, so a buff color would be more appropriate; good drainage
tile – not so much a DIY project for beginners, better installed by a professional
stone pavers – low maintenance; good drainage
brick – warm, traditional look; aged brick for casual feel, new for a more formal yard
crusher fines – excellent drainage; inexpensive; works well on walkways, too

Photo: gardengirly

Preparing your outdoor space for DIY patio projects

No matter which surfaces you choose, the initial prep work is pretty much the same. You will have to:

  1. Determine where the patio will be. Stake it out.
  2. Remove sod and soil. Depth will depend on the surface material (see below*).
  3. If an edging is being used, put it in place. A wood edge is necessary to pour concrete. A border up against a flowerbed or lawn can be the surface material or something contrasting.
  4. Cover the area with landscape fabric as a weed barrier, and secure it with landscape pins.
  5. Lay the surface material from the high end to the low end. Research the specific material for details on cutting, laying and filling, since each has its own requirements. I don't have the room to cover them all! Consider planting low ground covers between stones to cool them and soften the look. Leave small pockets for planting.
  6. Get some patio furniture, and enjoy!

Establishing a solid, drainage-friendly patio base (*)

The base will be 4" of compacted gravel, which will be covered by 3" of compacted sand for a covered patio. If your base will be exposed to the elements, skip the sand, and use 7" compacted gravel for better drainage. Good drainage = no freeze/thaw damage!

Level the base, creating a gentle slope away from the house to keep water moving out and away. A 1" drop for every 8' is the minimum and is barely noticeable. Place the surface a bit above ground level, again for drainage. Rainwater must move away from the house and the patio! I can't stress that enough! With these figures and knowing the thickness of your surface material, the depth of the area can be determined.

My Patio

I decided on crusher fines for my little patio. When these small particles of crushed rock are wet down and compacted, they create a concrete-like surface, yet water and air move through it to eliminate puddling, run-off and erosion. Crusher fines are inexpensive, durable, and definitely a DIY project. I can also create walkways around the house that will match the patio for continuity.

I will surround the patio on three sides with native shrubs and flowers. The fourth side will be the entry at the end of a walkway from the house. When I'm done, I'll be going to yard sales for some 'new' outdoor furniture. I will cross this project off my DIY list and move on to the next one!

Designing and Building a DIY Patio 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. Natural Stone Patio Pavers
  3. Deck and Patio Round-Up!

Уменьшение пыли в вашем доме

Posted: 31 May 2011 09:00 AM PDT

Reducing dust in your home is a great way to prevent allergies, keep machinery running properly, and to ensure that your home looks presentable for you, your friends, and family this spring season. There are many things that you can do to make this an easy process, and one that will be able to help eliminate dust after you have cleaned surfaces.

The following is a short list of successful tips and ideas that have worked for homeowners and spring cleane5rs alike.

When dusting, use a dusting spray that guarantees that there will be no residue left behind. When dusting with just water and a paper towel, the dust will collect on the surface again, defeating the purpose of your work. The same applies to dusting sprays that do not dissipate. They will only make the surface sticky.

Dust reduction by anti-static cloths, anti-grease solutions

Dust with rags that have been neutralized from static electricity. Static electricity promotes two things, the first being dust deflection. The dust will not settle because the charge is essentially repelling the dust, keeping in the air. The second is that there will not be any streaking because there are no solvents being used. An oily surface like a rag used with an oil-based product not used in conjunction with a dusting spray will have a tendency to leave streaks. Those streaks then attract dust via a sticky film that is left behind.

Instead of waxy, oily, store-bought products, why not try and mix a bit of lemon juice into a water bottle, to cut the grease caused by finger and handprints?

What To Avoid When Dusting

When you are dusting your home for spring time, remember that sticky surfaces have a tendency to attract not just dirt and dust, but also insects. This is another reason to avoid using products that coat your household surfaces and will not dissipate, or inexpensive dusting solutions that will leave a waxy coating.

Don’t wear shoes in the home. Wearing shoes throughout the home tracks in dirt and grime. This dirt and grime can get very dry and have the potential to create dust by breaking up and becoming airborne.

Remember to take care of the details as well as the more obvious surfaces in your home. Don’t forget to protect machinery like computers, DVD players, cable boxes and so on, by making sure they are kept clean. The dust can enter into the small vents and become harmful to the circuitry located within. This can cut short the lifespan of that particular item, resulting in a costly replacement down the line.

What and Where To Dust

There are many areas of the home that should be dusted on a regular basis in order to eliminate allergens in the home. Here are some forgotten areas that are in common areas of the home that cause the most dust related allergies:

  • Any flat surface. An obvious one, but necessary. Side tables, coffee tables, credenzas, china cabinets; they all need a good dusting on a regular basis. Even flooring can attract dust, of course. This is when a dry, or damp, mop can be your best friend.
  • The top of shower rails. We go to the shower to get clean, yet most of the time we are surrounded by dust at the top. Take care of this with a wet towel and cleaner.
  • Above kitchen cabinets. This is another area that is often forgotten. While cooking there are allergens floating around that can possible get into the food you eat.
  • Around the bed. Cleaning the surfaces around your bed can be a great way to help you sleep better. If you find that you are waking up in the morning with allergy-related headaches, consider taking another look at dust hot spots.
  • TV and computer screens. If you value clarity, then you know how important this is. This is not to mention how much dust you breathe in when you’re surfing, or watching.
  • Bookshelves. This is dust’s favorite locale.
  • Corners between ceilings and walls. This is a common area where cobwebs can gather if these areas are forgotten.
  • Window blinds. This is another area that is often forgotten, but can amass considerable layers of dust in places known for airflow. Reduce dust on your blinds, and you reduce dust in your home overall.
  • Fan blades. Not only can these areas also amass dust, but they can spread dust around. Keeping them clean helps to reduce dust all around.
  • Lampshades and lighting. These are surfaces that many take for grant, yet can become a haven for dust.
  • Figurines and sculpture. With intricate patterns and nooks, dust often finds a home on the surfaces of your beloved keepsakes, heirlooms, and pieces of art.
  • Vent grills. Your grills are the access points of air flow. Once again, if you reduce dust here, you’ll help to reduce it everywhere else too.

Filter inspection, cleaning, and replacement

Replace HVAC filters for vents for cooling and heating units in the home. Dust can collect in these filters throughout the year, especially in intake vents. If your filter is clogged, residual dust and debris trapped in the system can become loose and be introduced into the air. This is a major allergy culprit that most people do not realize. Seasonal inspection and replacement of filters, and the cleaning out of vents and ducts is a vital part of reducing dust in your home.

Reduce dust, boost health

Reducing dust is more than a spring cleaning ritual. It’s a way to make sure that your house is free from allergy-causing airborne particles and dust mites all year round. When you remove dust regularly, you help to improve the very air you breathe when you spend time in your home. And good air quality, of course, is a vital part of good health. So, reducing dust just isn’t about breathing easy when it comes to an attractive interior!

Reducing Dust In Your Home 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. A Spring Cleaning Game Plan
  2. Spring cleaning checklists
  3. How To Make Spring Cleaning Fun

Комментариев нет:

Отправить комментарий