Is Shabby Chic Cottage Style your style Lets take a look. If you can answer yes to at least 4 of these questions than it is indeed.

Is your color palette a combination of whites and creams mixed with soft pastels

Does your heart melt at the site of vintage inspired floral fabrics

Do you enjoy going to flea markets to find one of a kind vintage treasures

Flowers, primarily roses, can be found in your home almost everywhere you look, including your artwork

Do you consider vintage or vintage inspired chandeliers romantic

Do you enjoy making your home a comfortable place where all feel welcome

Shabby Chic Cottage Style is a distinct style. It allows you to mix old vintage treasures, perhaps family heirlooms, with newly found treasures. Washable slipcovered furniture allows for stress free comfort.

Our motto is, "You can never have enough pillows." Creating an inviting atmosphere is a snap by decorating with an abundance of floral pillows. Place several of them on your sofa, window bench, and/or wood chairs to soften them.

We believe that the finishing touch for any Shabby Chic Cottage Style home is in the lighting. A great find would be a vintage chandelier dripping with prisms crystals. Paint it white and get a fresh new look that dazzles any room. Decorate with the things you love.

About The Author

Tina Bauer

For more Shabby Chic Cottage Style tips, or to locate Shabby Chic Cottage Style products, please visit www.notooshabby.com.

not_too_shabby@sbcglobal.net

A Berger lamp is different from other types of air fresheners in that a Berger lamp actually eliminates the odor, instead of just masking it. Also, a Berger lamp actively cleans the air, also something normal air fresheners don

Mention metal patio furniture and you probably think of the light, fly-away aluminium loungers of your youth or that half-ton cast iron table and chair set on your neighbours lawn.
But metal outdoor furniture has come a long way. Heres a quick primer on the available types and their care.
Construction Methods
Metal is fashioned into furniture in one of three main ways: extrusion, casting, and welding.
Extrusion forces melted metal through long pipes and forms long narrow tubes of metal, sometimes solid, but often hollow.
Casting metal involves a form, or cast, shaped like the finished product. The molten metal is poured into the form and then the form is removed when the metal has solidified. Cast pieces are almost always solid.
Forging, a process in which metal is heated and hammered into shape produces the type of furniture known as "wrought" metal. It uses pipes and various solid pieces of the metal and joins them together by welding or bolting.
Common Materials
The most common metal outdoor furniture is made from iron or aluminium, although the use of steel, especially stainless steel, is growing.
Iron is a chemical element that is naturally malleable and rusts easily. Vintage pieces, usually in black or dark green, can be found at premium prices and must be carefully maintained to prevent further rusting. Modern reproduction pieces will usually have a rust-resistant finish or coating that protects against chipping, scratching and corrosion. There are a variety of finishes available such as primer and paint, powder coatings and galvanizing. They are available in a range of colors and styles.
Since iron is heavy and solid, it is well-suited for windy spots where light furniture might be blown away. Dont expect it to be highly portable, though. Well-cared for, iron furnishings can last for 100 years.
Much of the iron furniture available today is wrought iron, rather than cast iron. When youre buying wrought iron, look for pieces made with solid metal rather than hollow tubing, and that are welded, rather than bolted, together. Generally, the better furniture is North American made.
Iron furniture requires more maintenance than other types of metal furniture. Clean it regularly with warm soapy water and then dry it thoroughly. Wax the smooth surfaces and apply mineral or baby oil to textured surfaces. Oil springs and moving parts once per year. Immediately touch up any scratches or rust by lightly sanding the spot with a fine steel wool. Then apply several thin coats of metal paint, letting each coat dry well before applying the next. If youre using a spray paint, apply with short light stokes.
Aluminum is a silvery, lightweight and easily worked metallic element that never rusts. Much of the early aluminum furniture from the 1960s was made from hollow-core extrusion tubing. Such furniture was extremely lightweight but not exceedingly wind-stable. Such pieces are still available today and are best used around a pool area. Cast aluminum is better used in outdoor dining or sitting areas.
Whether youre looking for extruded, cast or wrought aluminum items, there are a few items that indicate a quality piece. As with wrought iron, joints should be welded preferably full-circumference welds rather than bolted. If bolts are used, for example to connect webbing, they should be made of aluminum or stainless steel. Otherwise they will begin to rust even though the main frame does not.
Best quality aluminum pieces have a powder-coated finish, which determines the final color of the piece and the durability of the metal. Powder coating is a process in which colorful polyester powders are applied and then baked onto the frame.
If youre buying aluminum furniture with vinyl webbing or straps, look for vinyl that has been processed with mildew inhibitors and ultraviolet stabilizers. Any wooden pieces mounted on aluminum frames should be treated with a finish to guarantee durability.
Suntan oils, human perspiration, car exhaust and salt spray can all eat away at the powder coating on aluminum furniture. To ensure long life, clean your aluminum furniture twice a month with a solution of mild dish detergent and warm water. Rinse well. You can then apply paste car wax to any smooth finish frames.
Steel, a hard tough metal, is an alloy of iron and various small percentages of metallic elements. The alloys produce hardness and resistance to rusting. Galvanized steel has been plated with zinc; stainless steel has been alloyed with chromium and is virtually immune to rust and corrosion.
Before the production of aluminum furniture in the mid 20th century, steel furniture was common, dating from popular French-made items manufactured in the later half of the 1800s. American companies used solid steel until the Second World War when the heavy military demand for steel dictated the use of lightweight tubular hollow steel in outdoor furniture. Vintage steel sets can still be found at flea markets.
If youre looking at modern steel furniture, be sure the product is either stainless or powder-coated and that any hardware used is also rust-resistant.
Metal outdoor furniture in its many shapes and designs can be a wonderful addition to your outdoor living space. Choose wisely and enjoy!

About The Author

Debbie Rodgers, the haven maven, owns and operates Paradise Porch, and is dedicated to helping people create outdoor living spaces that nurture and enrich them. Her latest how-to guide

With all the lighting choices out there, you may want to reconsider just purchasing a lamp for your lighting needs. Whether you are looking for interior lighting or outdoor lighting, you can find many options pretty easily. Lighting fixtures have become more then just a means for gaining light. They are stylish and fun. They can be useful, but also are decorations for your home. There are many types to choose from as well.
Some things to consider when choosing lighting are what your needs, tastes, and desires are. You will want something that will fulfill all these elements. Let us talk about outdoor lighting for a minute. Outdoor lighting can be many things. It can be posts or landscape lighting. You can outline the path to your home or put spot lights on certain points within the landscape. You can choose from many different styles and types, colors and designs. Solar or not. Bright or faint.
Home interior lighting is also quite versatile. If you are looking for kitchen lighting, you will want something that is bright and will cover the entire surface. While you may also want to add a dimmer switch in your dining area. The bathroom lighting can be relaxing and soothing by using subtle lights and lighting fixtures. In hallways, track lighting is a good option as it is many lights that can be pointed in any direction.
With so many options, it is easy to see why the average lamp isnt used as much any more. Now, that is not to say that lamps arent part of your homes interior lighting scheme. There are many stylish, elegant, lamps that will fit into your plans. But, it is to say that they are not the only thing out there anymore. Now, to find these great types of lighting, try checking at local home improvement stores and even lighting specialty stores. Or, if you would rather check out your options at home, check online at the numerous online retailers.
There you can order hard to get items or specially designed items. There is no excuse, therefore, to not knowing what your options are. Trying new and exciting things will benefit your home for years to come.

About The Author
Mike Yeager
Publisher

http://www.a1-lighting-4u.com/

mjy610@hotmail.com

A bathroom light fixture may be just what the doctor ordered to brighten up a dark and gloomy bathroom. House lighting is important in every room in your home, but especially in the bathroom. House lighting using too few lights in any room, especially your bathroom not only makes the bathroom look gloomy, but also may be a potential health hazard. On the other hand, too many lights may make your bathroom seem harsh. Fortunately, a bathroom light fixture will provide your bathroom with the perfect amount of light.

There are many bathroom light fixture styles to choose from, including Modern, Craftsman, Tiffany, Classic, and many others. Regardless of what lighting style you choose, be sure that it will be able to adequately light the bathroom. Also be sure to choose a bathroom light fixture that will be easy to clean, so bathroom maintenance wouldn

Bathrooms arent just about the basics but are about the bathroom accessories! Bathrooms have become places to relax and unwind. They are not just for doing your business and leaving. People have spent time in designing a place to find peace and quiet! And the bathroom accessories that you have in there will help accomplish this!
Yes, bathrooms have toilets and bathroom sinks. Yes, there are reasons that we need these spaces in our homes beyond for the point of relaxing, but these rooms can be stylish and elegant or fun and relaxing just the same. Some might think, a toilet is a toilet. Go into any home improvement store and find the aisle of toilets. Yes, there are many to choose from. Its not just about which works the best. No, its about how the look and feel. There are lots of different options even for toilets!
Now consider the other bathroom accessories that you can customize to your liking to create the bathroom of your dreams. For instance, bathroom lighting fixtures. Bathroom light fixtures come in many options. Some may be bright and seem simple while others may be funky and fun. In different colors, shapes, styles these can add an added touch of sophistication or style. Or, maybe adding lighting that is dim and smooth as opposed to bright. This can create a great atmosphere for relaxing.
Other bathroom fixtures to think about are bathroom faucets and bathroom sinks to think about as well. In every aspect of the bathroom, you will find different styles, shapes, and colors all to help make the bathroom of your dreams. Many options can be put together to show an overall style of the bathroom. Many can carry the same theme throughout the bathroom as well. So, there are many things you can do to create a great bathroom.
Adding bathroom accessories will help you create the bathroom of your dreams. A place to come home to, to relax and find peace and quiet.

About The Author
Mike Yeager
Publisher

http://www.a1-bathroom-4u.com/

mjy610@hotmail.com

The style of your interior depends for a great part on the decoration on the walls. Using the right picture on the right place can make your room look bigger. I experienced this for myself when I came in this business. I do sell reproduction paintings, you know.

Actually, I came in the reproduction painting business because I was amazed about what one painting can do to your living room. Let me explain. I had an old painting on my wall that looked very nice. But, there was something missing. I decided that I had to replace it. I always wanted a Van Gogh, but I knew I would never be able to buy one.

After a few months I discovered that there was a business that did just what I was looking for. I bought a reproduction painting from them, and this is the way my own business started. I was overwhelmed by the artistic talent of the reproductionist who captured the realistic impressionism of Van Gogh. So I decided to work together with these guys.

I figured out they use the same techniques the old masters used. With several painters who are specialized in one artist, and only reproduce work of that artist. There are specialists of Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, Gauguin and a lot more impressionists.

Since I started this business I feel like helping other people realize there dream. They are affordable for everyone. You can already buy a "real" Van Gogh for as less as 120 USD. This is not too much for a beautiful lasting post-impressionistic piece of artwork. If you are searching for this kind of timeless house warming painting, go and check out my website at http://www.repropaint.com

Clark Vansteensel

http://www.repropaint.com

About The Author

Clark Vansteensel

http://www.repropaint.com

The first discovered carpet dates back to 1480 BC in the form of an Egyptian Fresco of handloom. Ever since, carpets have made their mark in most tastefully decorated hearths and homes. Carpets also provide an added measure of warmth and insulate against extreme heat or cold. And because a carpet is usually the foundation of decorating, covering a large quantity of the surface of our living spaces, it is an important consideration in the overall scheme of color and texture. It can provide simplicity, casualness, softness and livability; or it can provide pizzazz with vibrant color and heavier textures for making a decorating "statement." Using a carpet can be one of the easiest ways to personalize an environment - its color can be a neutral foundation "in the background," or it can be a vibrant focal point. Therefore, to find the right carpet lifestyle that fits your home, think about the way you live and the overall feel you want your home to have and you

If you like to cook, or even if you just do it from necessity, having a homely, organized, and modern kitchen is probably important to you. Although, the traditionally kitchens are still out there, there are so many new, modern elements that can add luxury and class and convenience to any home. Kitchens have changed with the way humans have changed in the last few years. We have become more demanding of our time and having less of it to spend cooking. Many of us are on the move, always busy, looking for time saving methods. Then, there are those of us who are more interested in having a stylish kitchen, rather then workable. Others, prefer the look and feel of a country kitchen. With so many options out there and so much to consider, it is easy to become frustrated.
Consider your options and your needs when remodeling or even building a kitchen. Your options for kitchen equipment will be the first priority. What do you need and want in your kitchen Do you want state of the art appliances or will ordinary models do Do you want two ovens as opposed to the standard one Dishwasher What type of refrigerator will you want Side by side, drawers under the counter Maybe a larger freezer section Also to consider is the amount of work surface you will need. Maybe a center island would provide extra room for preparations Would you like a breakfast nook Do you want all of your dining area to be in the kitchen or do you have a dining room How many people will you plan to serve on a regular day If you have children, you will want to ensure their safety in regards to appliances and counters.
Yet another thing to consider is space. How much space you have will depict what you have room for. Cabinets and pantry style storage is important as well. Perhaps you like modern style kitchens. An option for space here is to use more of a mobile kitchen. From the entire work surfaces and cooking surfaces to just appliances, many things within the kitchen can be mobile. Manufactures make products that can literally pick up and go at a moments notice.
Once you have your kitchen needs and appliances set, consider the style you are going to decorate it in. Maybe a country kitchen is the look you like. If so, adding some rustic items to your collection would add charm and a relaxed feel. A big farmers table and chairs would be an added touch. Is the space you are working in outdoors Outdoor kitchens are also a big hit these days. Just about any type of appliance and cookware can be made to work outdoors. Grilling is the most thought of outdoor cooking style, but it is far from the only.
There are many stores that specialize in kitchens as well. Kitchens Etc and KITCHENS are two. These places offer an immense amount of options for whatever style you are looking for. Some carry large appliances as well. Small utensils, cookware, even decorations can be found in just about every make and model. You can shop these store online if you cannot find one near you. They make a great way of adding to or helping to remodel any kitchen. Definitely a place to start when looking for ideas of what you want your new kitchen to look like.

About The Author
Mike Yeager
Publisher

http://www.a1-kitchen-cabinets-4u.com/

mjy610@hotmail.com

Over the last 22 years that I have been involved in the security alarm industry, I have seen quite an evolution. Changes have not only taken place in what type of equipment is available, but also in how the consumer buys and use