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Loft Living: How Stairs Can Save You Space

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Lofts are well-known for their modern style and their industrial look; but what really sets them apart from other living spaces is their lack of space. Even though most have an open floor plan, it can be hard to make it a livable space without crowding it with furniture and decorations. The key to loft living is to keep everything minimal.


To maximize space in your loft, there are two main things to take into consideration. First, you should focus on your furniture and decor. You only have so much space to work with, so it is important not to let it clutter. When you get caught up in decorating, you lose a lot of functional space. Second, you should consider stairs to maximize your loft space. It might seem like something that would take up too much space, but they can also be very functional and actually add space to you loft.

Furniture and Decor

Furniture should be multi-functional. Sofa beds are huge space-savers and still give you that modern, minimal look. To add to that, an ottoman can function as your coffee table and store your bedding as well. There are certain pieces of furniture that are a necessity to have, so you can’t forego some furniture. But to make it functional is important to save yourself space.


When it comes to decor, it will seem counter intuitive, but think big. Instead of having little trinkets and decorations to fill in space, go for bigger accent pieces that will stand out and make the loft open up. A few bold pieces will really complete the look and feel of the space without taking over and making you feel cramped. There are many ways to decorate without overwhelming.

Stairs

Believe it or not, stairs are a wonderful addition to lofts. They can function in unique and stylish ways that will give you more space and add to the lifestyle of loft living. For instance, a metal spiral staircase will fit in with an eclectic industrial loft and make the entire space seem bigger. If money and design allow, you could even add a loft space above a kitchen or living area with a simple staircase leading up to the level increasing the livable space.


In a studio loft, you might not have as much room to work with, so stairs might not work as a functional unit, but you can easily find great ideas on how to use stairs as a shelf or decorative piece. In a loft, creativity creates space, and space creates more room to live. Depending on the style and features of your loft, stairs can add to the.


Loft living is always fun and a unique experience, but decorating can sometimes be challenging. When decorating and designing the layout of your loft space, you have to throw out every impulse to decorate in a traditional manner. To make a loft livable and comfortable, it is important to have ideas in mind and know how much space you have to work with so you aren’t overwhelmed. Thus, instead of planning and filling “rooms,” think of decorating “spaces.” Think minimally, look for functionality, and do not forget that less is more, but bigger is better.

Eichler-Inspired Affordable Prefab Home

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Eichler-Inspired Affordable Prefab Home
Inspired by post-war real estate developer Joseph Eichler, who built more than 11,000 affordable modern homes in California during the 1950s and 1960s, Simpatico Homes founder Seth Krubiner envisioned a plan for 21st-century modernist homes. Swatt Miers Architects was called upon to design prototypes for the low-priced prefab homes which are energy-efficient and sustainable. The long and narrow shape of the houses can fit 30 by 100 foot urban lots. The custom modular-homes can be interchanged to suit individual customers.












Developer: Simpatico Homes
Architect: Swatt Miers Architects

Elegant Art Deco Design Of The Allerton Hotel Chicago

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Elegant Art Deco Design Of The Allerton Hotel Chicago
The Allerton Hotel in Chicago, Illinois is a designated historic landmark originally built in the 1920s. An interior renovation designed by Hager and Associates transformed the hotel into a modern style luxury hotel with an art deco flair, paying homage to the style of the Jazz Era.






















Elegant Contemporary Home Renovation In Toronto

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Elegant Contemporary Home Renovation In Toronto
The renovation of this five bedroom home located in the exclusive neighbourhood of Rosedale in Toronto, Canada was designed by McGill Design Group. The old house was transformed into an elegant contemporary home with classic interior decor. The main floor furniture by Plum Furniture and Design Solutions provides a fresh colourful touch to a light backdrop.
















Via: Freshome
Interior Design: McGill Design Group

Elegant Home In Paradise Valley

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Elegant Home In Paradise Valley
This elegant contemporary home located in Paradise Valley, Arizona is set on a south facing desert hillside. Designed by Swaback Partners and David Michael Miller Associates, the house is both casual and dramatic. The interior design features colour scheme and natural elements that match with its architecture and its surrounding landscape.



















Via: HomeDSGN

Elegant Home In Port Melbourne

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Elegant Home In Port Melbourne
This elegant contemporary home in Port Melbourne, Australia sits on a long narrow lot. Designed by Matt Gibson, the three-bedroom home features soaring ceilings and open floor plan.














Via: realestate au

Elegant Loft in Historic Hollywood Broadway

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Elegant Loft in Historic Hollywood Broadway
This elegant loft apartment in the exclusive historic Broadway neighbourhood in Hollywood, California is located at a Mills Act approved building. The corner unit shares no common walls and features a gourmet kitchen, designer bathrooms, hardwood floors and high ceilings. Residents of the building can also enjoy the rooftop swimming pool with spectacular views of the Hollywood Hills.

























Via: Sunset Team

How to Organize Your Garage in 5 Easy Steps

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If you are lucky enough to have a home garage, you probably use it for more than just parking a car. Garages are considered by many to be a place to put all those things that don't fit neatly inside the main house. Over time the garage holds more and more stuff until it gets way to cluttered. When that happens the tendency is to just ignore it and pretend the clutter doesn't exist. But, it is better to face your garage clutter and do something about it once and for all. You can free up more space and enjoy it more by following a few tips.


Hauling and Sorting

To begin the organization process you first need to know what is in there. Haul out everything and create several piles. Make piles for individual categories such as window screens, tools, holiday decorations, clothing, memorabilia, pottery, toys and other items. Once you have it all in separate piles it is time to sort through each item and determine its value. Give away or throw out items that no longer have any practical use or sentimental value. Everything else is going to require storage.

Clean It Up

Clean out the garage. There is probably dirt, debris and cobwebs all over. Wipe down walls and sweep the floor. This prepares the garage for its new makeover.

Improve the Decor

Before you begin the organizing process take time to consider how to spruce it up and make it look really nice. You can do anything these days to a garage. It can be plain or fancy. A simple way to improve its decor is to paint the walls. Use bright colored paint for more vivid impact. You can also redo the flooring, add posters, decorative wall art or new lighting.

Create an Organizing System

Organization is key to getting the most use from your garage. Select a system that includes storage shelves, racks, cabinets and containers. Install shelving strategically so that it is neat and practical.

Label and Arrange

To keep better track of stored items print out labels and apply to storage containers. You could also make label plaques to hang in each section. Place items in storage containers and arrange the containers on and around the installed shelving. You now have an organized garage.

You can read more about the best storage tools to use for garage organization by visiting a garage friendly online shop.

Efficient Studio Apartment Living In Paris

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Efficient Studio Apartment Living In Paris
Living in a tiny studio apartment can be a challenge. This 130 square foot micro apartment in Paris, France has a clever design which makes living in a tiny space extremely efficient. Located in the Montparnasse neighbourhood in Paris, the studio was previously a master bedroom of a large apartment. The owner decided to create a separate studio for rental purpose. Architects Marc Baillargeon and Julie Nabucet designed a split-level floorplan to divide the space. The kitchen and bathroom are on the upper level. Every inch of space is used including the stairs which double as storage, and can be tucked away under the platform if necessary. A bed with wheels can be easily rolled in and out of the platform under the kitchen, and it can also be used as a sofa during the day.












Via: Wired

5 Tips to Keep Your Home Warm and Heating Bills Low This Winter

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Heating and cooling costs take a large chunk of the family home budget. It is therefore imperative for homeowners to find ways of bringing down the cost as temperatures go even lower. Common sense tells us that this cannot be done if family comfort will be the price asked in return.

Consider these 5 tips that will help put your heating facilities to better use:

Setting the temperature - A high of 68 degrees in temperature is generally ideal for the home. It can be lowered during bed time or when you are out of your home. It is a fact that lowering of the thermostat by even one degree can result to considerable savings in heating cost.

Pay attention to home insulation - The less efficient home insulation is, the more the heating facilities need to compensate. Proper home insulation is really a matter of great consideration whatever the climate since it will be the cooling system which will work double time during summer. Updating insulation may incur cost but it is a cost easily justified by the expected savings in heating and cooling costs.

Address points of entry and exit - It is much more difficult to keep the outside coldness from getting into your home if there are ways that it can get in even with the heating facilities working at their best. The main concern here is to check if the home is suitably sealed. Doors and windows that will not lock in place are common problems. Homeowners should also look into other possible air escape points including fireplaces, vents, electric outlets, floors, walls, ceilings, and plumbing openings. Homes can be weatherized by caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows. Draperies and curtains on the south-side windows can be opened to let sunshine in during the day and closed during the night.

Maintain heating facilities properly - This is no rocket science. If you want anything working in its maximized capacity and capability, it is necessary to maintain and keep it in good condition. This would necessitate annual servicing that would include regular filter replacement of furnaces. It is common for changing to be done once a month during heating season.

Make sensible modifications to conserve energy - Even with the inescapable need to use heating and cooling facilities, there are ways around losing control with energy costs. Heating bath water for example can be done with a reduced temperature without feeling less comfortable. Shower heads can be installed with water constrictors or changed with a slow-flow model to facilitate water conservation. Older model heaters placed in cold areas can also be wrapped in blankets that can readily be bought in hardware stores.

For homes located in places where the use of a heating and cooling facilities are necessary, it is best to have access to reliable service providers to ensure year- round comfort in your homes. We do not leave practical necessities to chance especially in our own homes. Take note of these tips to make your heating facility work for you and your family for that is how it is supposed to be and not the other way around.

As a blogger and marketing specialist, Briana Cameron understands the importance of saving money with your heating and cooling. That's why she consults professional HVAC specialist in Barrie when writing about furnaces, air conditioners or water heaters.

A Step by Step Guide in Buying Made to Measure Curtains Online

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For first timers, it is definitely not an easy task to buy made to measure curtains online since most of the job must be done by the buyer. In the United Kingdom, many people have learned to buy made to measure curtains because most of them find it very convenient to buy curtains that are made exactly how they want it.


The only problem is that most of the buyers don’t know how the process really works, especially those who wanted to buy at Kurtinz. If you want to buy made to measure curtains online, here is a step by step approach that you can consider.
Step 1:Choose the Colour of the Design

When you go to the website of Kurtinz, you can easily see that there are filters made to help you decide easily. You should first choose the colour of the design that you want to be embedded into the curtain. You will find a list of colours there including black, yellow, blue, brown, gold, pink, purple and more.


You have to remember that once you have chosen a colour of the design, all the other colours on the list will disappear and the number of results below will be narrowed down. It will only show the designs with your chosen colour.

Step 2:Choosing the Pattern

You will only find 8 types of patterns in the list including babies, checks, children, floral, plain, spots, stripes and toile. After choosing the colour, the next step to narrow down the result is to choose the pattern that you want for your curtain.


After click a specific pattern, there will be fewer results and it will be easier for you to choose a design that will fit your style.

Step 3:Choose the Type of Fabric

You will find 9 different fabrics on the website. If you don’t have any idea about these fabrics, it is better to search and read about them first. Do not simply click on a specific fabric and proceed to the next step without knowing anything about it.


Always remember that the fabric can also bring out the beauty of the curtains so you need to choose carefully.

Step 4:Entering the Dimensions of the Curtain
Made to measure curtains are popular because they allow you to build your own design with the size that you prefer.

You need to input the pole or track width as well as the required drop. You have to remember that when you are measuring the pole width, do not start at the tip of the pole. Start measuring from the pole lock. As for the drop, it will depend on the size of your window.

Step 5:Select your Heading

For the heading, you will choose from pencil pleat, tab tops and eyelets. Make sure to choose carefully before you proceed to the next step.

Step 6:Choose your Preferred Lining

You can find the different linings available with a description so you can base your decisions there if you don’t know anything about this.

Step 7:Add Matching Accessories (Optional)

This is optional. You can add accessories or you may proceed without choosing any. Most people decide to consider matching accessories, especially if they want their house to look good.

All these steps are not really hard to follow so you can easily get your made to measure curtains online without any hassle.

Kitchens for Luxurious Living

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Kitchens for Luxurious Living

Building the dream home is exciting. Even more exciting is deciding how to set up the mind's eye of the home-the kitchen. This is where the family tends to congregate, the parties tend to congeal and important conversations take place. With many decisions facing the homeowner when planning the kitchen, here are some add-ins to turn an average kitchen into special.




Laminate Benchtops

Laminate benchtops are functional as well as stylish for any luxury kitchen. They come in a myriad of colors and finishes as well as different patterns to fit into the chosen decor. They are heat, bacteria, scratch and stain resistant as well as extremely durable. Most premium grades of laminate benchtops come with a fifteen-year warranty making them a perfect investment for the home.

Kitchen Benches

Kitchen benches are quickly moving into kitchen mode such as the line of lovely window benches for use during meals to accommodate two or three extra guests. Move the table during the rest of the day to use as extra seating or as a reading area. Benches are versatile and let the kitchen take on new life with a little ingenuity as well as being a great space saver. Benches built with under-seat storage offer an extra bonus.

Induction Cooktops

Even the best chefs need a little extra help such as from an induction cooktop. This type of cooking allows a more precise temperature with an easily controlled thermostat that heats up quicker than traditional stovetops. Most have bridge function so two individual cooking areas can be combined into a larger space to accommodate larger pans such as griddles and pasta pots.

Built-in Refrigerators

The height of luxury living is a kitchen equipped with a built-in refrigerator. Customized to fit right into the loveliness of the kitchen cabinets, it becomes another functional appliance while adding to the style of the new kitchen.

Designing the kitchen as a focal point is a choice well worth considering when planning your new home. The kitchen's potential for efficiency as well as style depends on a few special luxury items to include in the planning. Imagine the brilliance of a high gloss laminate benchtop surrounding the induction cook top as the family sits around the table on a custom made kitchen bench. The kitchen can indeed be the heart and soul of any home with special features pulling it towards luxury.

Features of an Efficient Home Security System

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A good home security system should be easy to install, use and should be effective too. Choosing a security system should not be hard at all. It should be easily accessible, should use less energy, should have video surveillance, wireless channel, and should not be harmed by weather.



What one should look for in a home security system?

Remotely accessible


A security system cannot be effective if it is hard to access it. When an intruder gets access in someone’s home, that person should be able to get to the security system and sound the alarm. An even better instance is if the system can detect the security breach through the motion sensors. Some thieves are smart in that they are able to surpass the system and can get into the house undetectable. In distress, the victim has can remotely sound the system’s panic button through their phone or tab instead of going to a central place to sound the panic button.


Use less energy


The security alarm is supposed to be on at all times. It is not supposed to be treated just like any other appliance that can be switched on and off to save energy. When some people travel they turn off their electrical appliances and some of them even switch off their alarm system. That is not a good idea at all because the security system is supposed to be functional even when there is not one in the house. Thus the best home security system is one that does use a lot of energy. There are security systems that are built to be operational round the clock and do not run the electricity bill high.




Have a video surveillance


A lot of homes are broken into and the perpetrators are never caught because there is no evidence to link them to the crime. The best home security systemshould include video surveillance so that the owner of the home and law enforcement officers may be able to see who went in and out of that home. Some crimes are inside jobs and that is why at times people are not caught. The video surveillance will make sure that everyone who goes in and out of the house is caught in the camera. If something gets lost then the video footage will be able to show who stole or invaded the privacy of other people. Another advantage is that the home owner will be able to see the video footage, not only via a computer but through a smart phone and tablet too.


Secure through wireless channels


Wireless security system is less cumbersome compared to having a security system through a landline. The thing with landline is that the cable can be destroyed thus tampering with the effectiveness of the security system. Another thing about a wireless security system is that the company does not have to be close by to connect to the particular home. As long as the security system is up it can be accessed anywhere. The system can be visible through a phone, computer and tablet. Whenever there is an intrusion, the mentioned electronic gadgets can be used to see what is going on.




Not affected by weather



The weather can be so severe in that it can even cause power outages. Security systems have back up battery as energy reserves whenever this happens. Bad weather conditions can attract burglars because windows and doors can be shuttered. Whenever there is such an incident, the security system is able to detect this and send the distress signal to law enforcement via the security company. It is at this time that the security system is needed the most and it would be really unfortunate if it is not working. 

Luxury Rooftop Kitchen and Patio in Fargo, North Dakota

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This impressive outdoor space in downtown Fargo, North Dakota has everything that you could want in a patio. This is not a traditional patio, though, as it’s located on a rooftop with a stunning urban view.


Basalt, ipe wood, raw steel, and recycled glass were used for their durability, and come together to create a space that’s ideal for outdoor entertaining. The lit-up screens and native prairie plants were incorporated into the design to create a touch of warmth. The homeowner likes to refer to the overall effect as “urban prairie”.


This North Dakota rooftop haven was designed with entertaining in mind, and is equipped with a fully functional outdoor kitchen. The focal point of the outdoor kitchen is the Kalamazoo hybrid fire grill, which cooks food with any combination of gas, wood or charcoal. If you love to cook, hybrid grills allow you impressive cooking flexibility; from a flavorful wood fire, the convenience of a gas flame, or a searing hot, dry charcoal fire.


Modern furniture complements the urban location of the patio--a contemporary dining table and outdoor couch provide seating without sacrificing style.


A modern fire pit was installed to provide much-needed warmth on chilly Fargo nights, and doubles as a second seating area for guests.


The high performance outdoor kitchen, city views and modern design elements were carefully incorporated to make this rooftop oasis an entertainer’s dream.

Author Bio: This is a guest post by Arianna on behalf of Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet. Visit kalamazoogourmet.com to find out more about our hybrid grills.

Photo credit: Dan Koeck http://www.dankoeck.com/

Four Unique Spiral Staircase Statements

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An updated look using a classic design

The spiral staircase has been a staple of elegance, adding class to any home. Because of this, the spiral staircase has been created in the same fashion over and over again. Although it has been a success for many, it is not the best choice for someone looking to create a modern, fashion-forward look in their home.

Unique Spiral Staircase
If you are looking to add this expensive-looking touch to your home, but want to avoid the overused designs and techniques, try these ideas to add an updated look to the classic elegance of the traditional spiral staircase.

Take it outside

The most common place to build a spiral staircase is front and center in your foyer. These looks adds drama to any home, but if you are looking for a less common location, try using it outside of the home for some added curb appeal.

Spiral Staircase


Avoid the old apartment building look by using a more expensive material, like wood or stone, and use it as a focal point for the front of the house. This will draw the eye to the elements of your home and make people passing by stop to take another look.

Work with something new

Adding unusual or unexpected texture creates visual interest in any interior design plan. Using unconventional materials will make your guests stop to take a second glance at a normally over-looked spiral staircase.

Spiral Staircase Design


Don’t be afraid to follow trends when using this method. Popular materials in interior design today include cork, stainless steel and bleached wood materials. Incorporate your personal style with a favorite trend to create a look that will never go out of style for your home.

Less is more

More and more modern spiral staircase looks are being created by using this idea. Some simple deconstruction of the modern architectural design adds intrigue to an outdated concept. A common example of this is the floating staircase look, but you can take this a step further by adding clear glass steps and asymmetrical railings.

Luxury Spiral Staircase Design


Other ideas to make the illusion of your floating staircase more fantastic include incorporating the surrounding paint colors and patterns, so the staircase blends into the wall, or cutting out support beams to create a sense of fluidity. If you really want to push the envelope, you may need to work directly with an architect to create a one-of-a-kind, but still functional spiral staircase.

Tie it all together

Instead of making your spiral staircase the stand-out focal point of the room, which they most commonly are, make it blend in with the overall design on the room. New design ideas for this include incorporating a common color or design used throughout the home.

Modern Spiral Staircase
This could be a simple as a quick paint job to your old spiral staircase, adding the modern crown molding that you just added to your living room or even modeling a new spiral staircase after the architecture exhibited throughout your home. Simple, recurring touches can take a statement like the spiral staircase from overbearing to majestic.

5 Vacuums Under $200

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The vacuum cleaner market offers a large number of options with a variety of features and builds to meet the diverse needs of cleaners everywhere. A good vacuum will speed up cleaning, get to hard-to-reach areas, and attack dirt in otherwise impossible things to clean. You don’t always have to pay top dollar to get the cleaning power you want. There are many affordable options that will do the trick and leave you eager to do chores.

Tiny but powerful

The Bissell Poweredge Pet Hard Floor Vacuum Cleaner comes remarkably under budget. Not only does it deliver good value per dollar, it’s also very efficient for its size. The Bissell is a stick vacuum, which means it’s designed for cleaning hardwood floors. This model also accommodates light carpet and rugs.

Many stick vacuums are cordless, which enhances maneuverability. Unfortunately, that means that you have to charge before cleaning, and there’s a time limit for how long you can clean without recharging. The Bissell has a 20’ cord which cuts into how far you can vacuum away from an outlet, however you can clean whenever you like for any length of time. The cord neatly recoils into the vacuum.

Listed online for around a quarter of $200, this is a good buy for pet owners and non-pet owners alike.

Nature’s vacuum

The Hoover WindTunnel T-Series Vacuum Cleaner is an upright vacuum, which means it sides on power and capacity in the trade-off against being compact. It works best on carpet, and there’s even a pet-friendly version to remove loose hairs from beloved pets.

It’s bag-free. There is no hidden cost in the future purchase of bags. Empty the canister and wash it using soap and water for an environmentally friendly option.

The WindTunnel technology generates miniature cyclones controlling the space around the air that’s sucked into the vacuum. Sometimes the air around a vacuum will blow dirt away, so that some dirt is captured and others are pushed elsewhere. The three-channel cyclone on the Hoover carefully leaves surrounding areas undisturbed until its cleaning.

With a limited two-year warranty, the Hoover is an example of a fully-loaded vacuum that comes well within budget.

Portability is key

Cordless vacuums are suitable for cleaning small areas at a time. For a small apartment, you can clean without worrying about charging time. The Hoover Linx Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner is a popular model that features a long battery life which also indicates when it’s low on charge.

The ergonomic design makes the Hoover more of a wand or extension of the arm. Controlling it is easy and natural, especially since it’s so light. The sleek shape is easy on the arm and on the eyes.

Don’t pay for the brand

The Shark Professional Navigator Upright Vacuum Cleaner is a respected model among cleaners in-the-know. Shark is not as well established as a vacuum brand than its competition on the market. Although some brand names are flashy, you can be sure that you’re paying for the appeal of owning one. As such, you’re paying significantly less for a vacuum that will do the job at a fraction of the price. You’ll struggle to find a Dyson under $200.

There is nothing revolutionary about the Shark, but it certainly delivers as a functional vacuum without all the gimmicks. At such an affordable price, it surprisingly comes with all the basic accessories of costlier alternatives. Features include:
  • 25’ power cord
  • microfibre pads
  • bag for storing accessories
  • dusting tools
  • pet hair power brush
  • stretchable suction hose
Without the high profile of other vacuums, the Shark has won the positive reviews of users, over 400 on Amazon, in fact. If you’re on the market to buy an affordable vacuum, see for yourself what others are saying.

If it’s handy, you’ll use it

Typically, handheld vacuums aren’t very costly. They’re smaller so it makes sense to pay less for it. The Eureka Easy-Clean Handheld Vacuum Cleaner is compact, but it can be as powerful as a stick vacuum with the reach. Despite having an updated version, called the Eureka RapidClean Step Handheld Vacuum, it has proven itself to be tried and true as an important cleaning supply for cleaners everywhere.

The key innovation of the Eureka is specifically targeted to homeowners with carpeted steps. Dirt is notably visible on light-coloured carpet, and can distract from the comfort and looks of a beautiful home. The brush roll can be flipped to vacuum vertical surfaces of stair steps, sucking up dirt and lint lining your stairs.


Jeffrey Wallace is a an ardent social worker. He is very enthusiastic about knowing more on the latest developments in the field of education and is also a technology enthusiast. He is a regular blogger and his blogs are mainly about education and latest technologies. In this blog he has written about some good quality yet low priced vacuum cleaners. This may come handy to the women who has to take up the tedious task of house cleaning. He can be followed on twitter at https://twitter.com/Jeffrey05206236

Tips for choosing the best home security system

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Tips for choosing the best home security system

Choosing the best home security system is kind of a very difficult job. You have to ensure yourself that you are selecting a good and reputable firm which is customer friendly and it offers an excellent after sale services as well as reliable security systems.

Home security systems are available in various budgets so that everybody at different financial state can afford it. The best home security is one which not only makes you satisfied about your home security but also creates a terror of being caught among burglars and stops them from entering in your house. There are many different home security systems available. You can know more about these security systems by reading protect America reviews.

Ways of selecting a good home security system

- Before purchasing a home security system do some research and then consult all the sellers of home security system within your budget and also check the products quality. Always try to get your home security system from the legitimate firm only.

- According to the construction and location of your house decide the kind of home security system you really need. Always check that what type of security system would be better for your house that is either a standalone or a central monitoring system is required.

- Always look for the product’s features, after sale service, costs, reputation and warranty. For this you can consult other consumers of the product for the references and reviews. So you can easily decide which firm you can trust for their products. Enquire about the product’s reliability and responses. Also ask for the contracts of the products that whether they are straightforward or not, is there any hidden clause too, etc.

- Mostly the home security system firms send their representative to go through your house and compile your security needs. After this you can easily select the security system under your budget. Being professional he can correctly advice you that how much security and what security products are needed.

- You can always ask your friends and relatives for the best home security firm’s recommendations and reviews. Even they can enquire about the security products under your budget if they have a contact with these firms or with any of the representative of the firm. Always ensure that the security system you want to purchase provides you with the regular service as well as it comes with the power back up facility to work properly in the case of power cut.

Home security systems are on demand nowadays. As the number of burglars is increasing and the theft cases are rising having a home security has become a necessity of every working individual. Always go for the good quality security products. Never compromise with the quality in this case as it will charge you much if it doesn’t work in time. Protect America reviews gives you much more information about the home security systems and their firms.

How Your Patio Blinds Control Weather And Privacy

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Those with a patio might enjoy the vast open area that provides them with a chance to enjoy life and be refreshed. The question in many people’s minds is why you might have considered using blinds to close the patio off. The reason to use the best patio blinds is more than one.


Privacy

Of all the reasons you can think about, privacy is the main one. If you live in a place where your neighbors are very close to you, enjoying yourself or unwinding in a private area is very important. You do not want them to keep spying on you all the time. Patio blinds can also be used to ensure sunlight is kept out, especially during the day when the sun is always hot in summer. At such a time, your home could be seriously hot. As you go shopping for the best patio blinds you might want to be as extensive as you can. The blinds are not a permanent fixture since you can adjust them as required.

Vertical patio blinds

You can get patio blinds in vertical or horizontal slats. As you make use of vertical slats, the idea is keeping them open and pulling the closing mechanism or cord to close them from the top to bottom or as far as you might want. It is also important to note that cleaning a vertical blind is very easy. Patio blinds can be vinyl or fabric made and it depends on your choice. In case the vertical blind is not your choice, a pleated shade is a good choice. They are usually pulled down or up to block the glaring rays of the sun or for privacy purposes. Pleated shades operate in a unit and cannot be separated.




Horizontal patio blinds

The normal horizontal blind is also common and available for individuals who might want a reliable covering for their window. They are provided in various designs and colors and can be bought in various widths as per the size of the patio door while it is also easy to customize the height. You will also find a number of different colors you can select from for additional customization.

You will find some people with a unique taste going for bamboo materials to create blinds. Such blinds are a better option if regular blinds are not available. They are capable of fitting a patio door or window. Rather than use some sort of a mechanism to have them shut or open, they can be rolled up. Bamboo blinds can outlast others by far. Those who love simple designs are in luck because bamboo blinds have a natural wood appearance.




The patio door

Lots of people are in search of the patio door, especially if they want sunlight to stream in during the better part of the day. A major drawback of a patio door is that even some chilly cold can be allowed to enter. If you add some patio blinds, you can control the entry of cold in your home. When you are at home, especially at night, you need privacy to ensure no one is spying on you or your home. It is very important to have some patio door during the hot summer months to allow some refreshing cool breeze enter your house. Similarly, with every patio door there is a patio blind that fits it wholly.

Read more about various types of blinds and tips on taking care of them on Oz Outdoor Blinds website.

What to Know About Looking After a Home

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Looking after a home may seem difficult as old age approaches. Even changing a light bulb can be hard work, let alone keeping the decor clean and in good order. However, a house in good condition is more comfortable to live in and easier to keep clean so it is important that a home is not allowed to slip into a state of disrepair.

Maintaining the decor in good order

While a householder is young or in middle-aged, keeping the home in good structural and decorative condition should not be too difficult, but as they get older this may become more problematic. Those who have always employed decorators will be able to continue doing this, finances permitting, but those who have done the decorating themselves may struggle to cope with ladders and moving furniture. Even painting may become too difficult. This may be the time in life to consider having help to keep the home looking good. There may be young family members who are able and willing to help, but if this is not the case then the homeowner may have to consider employing someone.


Before employing someone to do some decorating or basic repairs, it is worth asking around among neighbours for recommendations. It is important to find not only someone who can carry out the work to a good standard, but also someone who is trustworthy. Some elderly people may not be able to afford to employ someone, but there may be a local repair scheme available. Check for details of local Home Improvement Agencies or Care and Repair Schemes who may be able to offer advice or even assistance with decorating, repairs and gardening. There may also be local groups such as community groups and churches who offer help.

It is not just the condition of the home that is important. When furniture and other items were first put in the home it was to suit a different lifestyle. Now it may be necessary to rearrange rooms so that everything is in easy reach. A phone in more than one room is a good idea.


Lighting levels may need to be increased as sight deteriorates. A bedroom in an attic may be moved to the first floor, grab rails may be installed around the bath or on steps up to the front door. Even rearranging where crockery and cooking utensils are stored to make them easier to reach can make a difference to someone's independence.

Building insurance

Once a mortgage is paid off, there is no longer a building society requiring that building insurance is taken out. However, it is still important that insurance is renewed. See ageuk buildings insurance for information on the importance of building insurance and choosing a good policy.

A home is very important to an elderly person as they may spend more time there than ever before. It needs to be comfortable and easy to keep warm. It is good to make preparations in advance of old age and then be aware of the agencies who are around and able to offer help and advice.

Shopping for Office Chairs Online

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When it’s time to purchase chairs for your home or corporate office you can save lots of time and trouble by buying online from a reputable furniture dealer such as Homelement.com. Online shopping offers several advantages, including convenience (you can make your selections from your computer rather than having to travel from store to store) and the ability to easily browse through large inventories. Whether you’re looking for a contemporary style or a traditional professional office look, you’ll discover a great selection of office chairs from name brand manufacturers at Homelement.com.

Executive Chairs

Executive chairs not only allow you to work long hours in comfort, they symbolize the hard work you’ve put in to become successful. While you sit in your luxurious executive chair, you might feel as if you’re a Starship Commander, serenely confident that you’ll get the job done. A beautifully styled executive chair lets your colleagues, clients and employees know that you’re the person in charge!



The Coaster 800142 Office Chair available at Homelement.com offers the comfort and style of a high-quality executive office chair in a beautiful leather-like vinyl design that’s both durable and attractive. Rich features include a handsome nail head trim, wood base, tuft seat and back with gas lift. Plush 19-inch seat depth takes the stress and strain out of long hours at work. Priced below $450 the Coaster 800142 Office Chair is a smart buy for the professional looking for quality, style and value.

If you want to outfit a couple of offices with high quality executive chairs but have tight budget constraints, you’ll want to check out the Coaster 800082 Office Chair. This attractive, sturdily constructed chair offers both comfort and style at an unbelievably low price. This high back executive chair features a durable black leather-like vinyl finish, convenient gas lift and 18-inch seat depth.

Modern Office Chairs

If you’re looking for something different from staid, traditional office furnishings, you’ll find a large inventory of contemporary office chairs at Homelement.com that will add a dash of style to your surroundings. And you don’t have to sacrifice comfort and durability.



The eye-catching new Zuo Modern Bon Bon Office Chair - White offers an irresistible blend of comfort and ultra-chic styling. The sturdy base is manufactured from chrome steel to provide excellent stability and high durability. The Bon Bon Office Chair - White - Zuo Modern comes with a 5 wheeled rolling base which offers convenient mobility. It also features a convenient height adjustment mechanism and will swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to easily reach everything on your desk. The soft white leatherette finish with tufted buttons adds to the comfort and style of this attractive chair. Its high density, padded seat allows you to comfortably work for long hours.

Casual Office Chairs

If you’re looking for a casual office chair at an affordable price, consider the ChintalyImports Mesh Back Swivel Tilt Hydraulic Chair. This sturdy, comfortable chair combines rugged construction, superb quality and a contemporary casual style.

Whether you’re outfitting your office or decorating your home, you’ll find the best deals from name-brand manufacturers at Homelement.com.
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