A room isn’t complete without an appropriate window dressing and yet many people leave this fundamental point until a room is nearly finished making their selection somewhat limited. It’s advisable to include the window dressing from the beginning of a redecoration or room make-over project so that it’s not let as a lose end or after thought. There’s plenty of different style, colours and designs of readymade curtains available, visit website of Terrys Fabrics to view their huge choices.

It’s also advisable to visit website to gauge the amount of choices open to you. Take a look at interior design blogs for inspiration; you’ll see there are various different ways to hang curtains, as well as information which can help you decide on the length and heading style you should use to compliment the style and décor of your room.

Other aspects you’ll have to consider is colour, cost, size and style. Visit website to narrow down your options so that you’re not overwhelmed. Using a mood-board is a great way of gathering all the information you need in one place. You’ll then be able to decide which patterns, colours and styles work well within the room.

1. Colour

Decide on a colour which can blend seamlessly into your colour scheme. If you haven’t chosen a colour scheme you can always select colours which are within the curtains, this way you’ll be sure that your window dressing will compliment your room. Neutral colours are very versatile; the latest soft whites, creams and tans are always good choices. Pops of contrasting bolder colours can be used as accents if you wish.

2. Cost

Don’t overlook cost; although many readymade curtains are inexpensive you shouldn’t have to make compromises on style due to being on a restricted budget. Only include affordable curtains on your mood-board and place more expensive ones on a ‘wish list’ so that you can change the curtains when funds are available without having to completely redecorate the room. If the curtains aren’t lined you may also wish to factor this into the cost. Linings will help the curtains to hang properly, they’ll also help to keep your room warm in the Winter and help prevent heat build-up during the Summer.

3. Style

Heading styles of readymade curtains are basically 3 types. Pencil pleat, eyelet and tab top. There are slight variations within these groups. Pencil pleats are perfect for a traditionally styled home; eyelet curtains provide a modern touch, while tab tops offer a more relaxed and informal style. Eyelet curtains and tab top curtains can only be hung from curtain poles; pencil pleats styles can be hung from traditional curtain tracks or curtain poles using the appropriate hooks and rings.

4. Size

Choosing the correct size is of paramount importance and can change the whole dynamics of a room. The latest interior design trends favour full length curtains. For traditional and modern styles the curtains should graze the surface of the floor. For a more dramatic and sensual look opt for curtains which are deliberately too long and pool into soft puddles onto the floor. If you choose the extra long size ensure that you choose curtains which are made from a fluid fabric such as silk, satin or lightweight cotton blends.

As you can see there’s plenty to think about when choosing curtains; follow the above steps and you’ll find the whole process much easier. More information on curtains and fabrics for your home on the go is available online at www.terrysfabrics.co.uk.

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Article Author: The best Fabrics and Curtain Warehouse in UK.  We now have a large range of readymade curtains and curtain fabric to compliment our already extensive window blinds and curtain poles collection. In addition to our online offering we have exclusive products and expert staff at our stores in Staffordshire and Stockport, come and see us.

Plumbing tips aren’t hard to come by, but plumbing tips from the experts are. Mr. Rooter^® Plumbing has dedicated the space below to answering your questions with knowledge that comes from years of experience.

Preventive Plumbing Tips
One of the most important plumbing preventive maintenance steps you can take is to share the plumbing information you know with everyone else in the house. Do your family or house mates know where the shut-off valves are located in case of a plumbing emergency? Do they know how to operate a backflow valve? You may need to give those in your house a crash course in plumbing preventive maintenance to cover your bases when you are on vacation or out of town.

Teaching non-plumbers to let the taps trickle during a freeze warning, operate the shut-off valves in case of leaks, or adjust the toilet float to fix a constantly running toilet can save you a visit from the plumber and prevent damage to your plumbing system.

Are you hiding your jewelries inside your closet? If so, burglars might get your most valued possessions easily as they know that this is one common place where homeowners hide their precious stash. In this article, we will list down the most uncommon places where you should hide your valuables.

1. Underwear Closet or Underwear Pieces

The master bedroom is one of the places where thieves know homeowners hide their jewelries and money in the personal vault. However, the underwear closet must not be part of their thinking. Commonly, they would access the bedside drawers first, then dresser drawers and then the main closet where clothes are contained. They could probably think of the underwear closet for small pieces of jewelry and gold, so the way to do it is to designate some underwear pieces which you don’t wear and stack in whatever you fancy.

2. Shoe Boxes

There are plenty of places to search for valuables but the least common is the shoe box. Who would want to smell awful odor coming from used and worn-out shoes? Even burglars would not dare to hunt gold in those steep places. So you are safe to slide your expensive stuff inside a pair of shoes, put a sock to block it, and don’t worry about the smell later on. What matters more is that they are safe in there.

3. Kid’s Playroom

The kid’s playroom is usually one area in the house that is full of toys and large colorful decorations. Burglars would get lost as if they were dreaming when they hunt for expensive items worth to rob inside. Also, they would not assume that kids would have the money and valued items since adults take charge of their placement. If ever they still attempt to break in the kid’s playroom, make sure that you have arranged the search spots in a way that would bring chaos and confusion to their finding.

4. Old Kitchen Appliance

You may not have any home security systems installed, but another sneaky tip is to hide your bills and important stuff in old kitchen appliances. Have a coffeemaker that you’re not using for long? Hollow them there and make use of screw drivers and wire snips to secure. You can also use the freezer, if the thing you’re hiding is not sensitive to cold temperatures. Wrap a plastic around it or place it in a plastic bowl for burglars to view it as food. It can also be at the bottom of a kitchen counter or shelf.

5. Mounted Lighting or Lamp

Who could have thought that your jewelries and money are located on your lighting? There is no one who can ever think of that, except your dear family members who live inside your home that are informed. Robbers are practical and they know that their actions must be quick. They would not have the time and patience to find a ladder and use it to get to your mounted chandeliers nearing the ceiling. If you don’t have those types of lights, opt to insert your belonging in a lamp which has a hole.

Conclusion

These five unusual places can be your best bets when it comes to practically hiding away your valuables. Play a game of hide and seek with the thief, and you can be successful at hiding only when there’s more time spent in his finding. You can then take your chance to call the police for help and bring the criminal where he’s supposed to go—to jail.

Author Bio:

+Lara Chamley is head of security at one of Melbourne’s luxury apartment villages. She conducts a yearly talk on home security and has recently started a business training.

from www.supercircuits.com

Home security is a big issue these days and more and more people are beginning to take it a lot more seriously than they have ever done before. In these tough financial times, the crime rate often soars as more people struggle to survive and that is why burglary and home intrusion rates often peak during periods of austerity.

There are however, some simple and fairly inexpensive ways in which you can protect your property as well as the safety of yourself and your family, without the expense of installing pricey alarms and CCTV equipment.

Pets, and especially dogs, are great at detecting and alerting you to possible intruders, however, not everyone wants to keep a dog in their home, so for that reason you can purchase an electronic guard dog. This neat little box of tricks is basically a motion sensor that you can place or install either inside or outside of your home. When it detects movement, it will emit a realistic barking sound that will hopefully scare away potential burglars.

Another relatively new device to have emerged onto the home security market is the fake TV. This little device tricks people into thinking that you are at home watching television, when in fact you are out or away on vacation. The device emits a glow that is meant to mimic the glow of an LCD TV, fooling prowlers into believing you are in fact at home. The device can be set to come on at a certain time each night or when it gets dark, so if any burglars have been making note of your routine, they will be tricked also.

To prevent your windows being smashed and broken during a burglary or an earthquake, you can install window film which is shatter resistant, making it harder for burglars to smash their way into your home. They are easy to install and all you need to do is to stick them to the inside of the window, plus they can help you to heat your home during the colder months as they stop cold air currents entering through your windows.

Many home intrusions happen when burglars force their way into a property when the door is opened, so in order to prevent this from happening, why not install the latest in high-tech security peep-holes to your front door. Instead of a standard peep-hole which can give a restricted view of what is going on outside your front door, the high-tech version allows you to monitor the outside of your home at a touch of a button. Giving you a panoramic view of the outside of your property, and some even come with a zoom function.

Motion sensors that are fitted to floodlights outside of your home are another good design feature that you can install to make your home safer. Burglars love the dark, it helps them to hide and remain undetected whilst carrying out their illegal activity that is why you need to have a system that floods your garden with light whenever motion is detected.

Temperature sensors are an excellent way to protect your property as they can have a dual function. Although, they are primarily used to detect the heat of a fire, the more expensive models can also be used to detect the rise of temperature in a room caused by body heat. These systems can be expensive however, and for those people on a tighter budget, pressure sensitive mats are an ideal alternative. These work by setting of an alarm whenever anybody steps on to them, of course this means that they will need to be placed somewhere where you might think a burglar may head to, such as near an expensive piece of electrical equipment or a safe.

Shutters and security grills are another good way of securing your property, especially if you have a garage of other outbuildings on your premises, these can make the task of breaking into your property very difficult indeed for any burglar.

Home security need not end with burglar alarms and cctv cameras. There are plenty of alternative or additional devices which can be put into use in order to improve your home’s security and help lower the risk of a break in.

Jim Dalton has many years of hands on experience in the safety and security industry. His particular area of expertise lies in home surveillance systems. Jim’s writing has been featured in many online publications and blogs.

By Carson Arthur, TV Show Host and Outdoor Expert

When the warm weather arrives, every homeowner has an inventory of outside chores:  cutting the lawn, weeding the garden, washing windows and cleaning the eaves are at the top of every list, including mine.   This year however, I’m adding some new ‘must-do’ items to make the outdoors more enjoyable.

1. Top dress the lawn.  I’m taking top-dressing a step further and reseeding my entire lawn this spring!  Every July when the hot weather hits, I have yellow patches in my grass.  I’ve been told slugs or hot dry weather are the culprits.  The truth is…most of our lawns are Kentucky Blue Grass which naturally goes dormant in the heat.   To combat this, I will add a second variety of seed, a rye fescue, because it stays green all season long.  Do this by adding a 2-kilogram bag of seed to a 20-pound bag of top soil, mix them in a wheelbarrow, and spread across your existing grass.  The ‘seed-to-soil’ contact is what makes this work!
2. Remove the Mold.  As an allergy sufferer, getting rid of the mold that forms in damp, warm weather is extremely important.  Washing the outdoor cushions is only one part of the equation.  Mold can form on decks, furniture, siding and eaves troughs.  I use a two-step process to effectively remove the mold. First I wash away all the surface dirt, grime and mildew with a product called Concrobium House & Deck wash. Not only is it safe around the plants, so I don’t have to cover all my shrubs, it doesn’t contain bleach so it won’t damage the deck. I also have old stains that are deep in the wood so the second step I take is to use Concrobium’s Mold Stain Eraser product that removes just the staining without damaging the wood. I also love that it doesn’t require any scrubbing. Now my siding is spotless, everything made of plastic looks new again and I can finally get rid of those mold spots on my wooden deck.
3. Wash the Salt.  I never use salt outside my home but it still gets tracked onto the path and driveway from city streets and sidewalks.  Salt damage to plants and grass happens as the snow melts or as rain carries the deposits into the yard.  This build up in the soil can be very damaging and can increase after every winter.  One of the best ways to remove the salt from damaged areas is with a mild vinegar-water solution.  A half teaspoon of white vinegar to one litre of water makes a great rinse for removing salt from concrete or asphalt.  I use a stiff bristle boat mop to make the job quick and easy.
4. Mulch Late!  Mulching in the spring is very important but most people do it too early.   I’ve always tried to mulch when the snow melts to conserve water by keeping the ground moist.   Unfortunately, this slows growth in my gardens.  Mulch acts as an insulator, protecting the plants from the elements.  However, if you spread it before the soil is completely thawed the mulch keeps the ground colder for longer!  The best time to mulch is when the ground is 5-7 degrees C.  You can measure ground temperatures by completely burying a thermometer in a re-sealable bag.

Our time outside is short in Canada so everyone wants to be outside as much as possible.   My tips will help keep your spaces looking their best all summer long!

A dining room is a personal space, radiating warmth, intimacy and positive vibes, especially at mealtimes. Lighting design plays a major role in transforming a normal room with a dining table, sideboard and cabinets into an elegant environment that balances function with aesthetics.

The modern-day dining room is a multifunctional space; the lighting therefore, must be well-planned to suit the specific requirements of each function. A layered lighting plan that combines task lighting, accent lighting, decorative lighting and ambient lighting with appropriate controls, is most suitable for a dining room.

Here are seven lighting design ideas that can help you create the dining room of your dreams.

Begin with the chandelier

A chandelier is the focal point of the dining room lighting plan with all the other lighting fixtures playing their respective roles relative to it. Size, style, positioning and number of lights are all factors you will need to consider when investing in a chandelier. Sizing a chandelier for dining room is pretty simple with the general rule of thumb being to select a chandelier width not exceeding two-thirds of the width of the dining table.

Position the chandelier centered to the table to get a symmetrical effect in the dining room. It may not be possible due to factors such as the shape of the room or the placement of cabinets and sideboards to place the dining table right in the center of the room. Alternatively, instead of a single large chandelier, you can install three mini-chandeliers in a row along the length of the table to achieve a distinctive appearance while also serving a functional role by providing illumination.

The chandelier style has to complement your chosen decor theme in the dining room. Heavy, ornate chandeliers with antique finishes will go well with traditionally-styled dining rooms featuring timber floors and wall paneling.

Contemporary dining room decors can be matched with AF lighting 9 light contemporary chandelier featuring clean and simple lines.

Task lighting

One should aim for pleasant and comfortable glare-free illumination at the dining table. Chandeliers with uplights usually serve an ambient lighting function, while those integrated with downlights can provide suitable lighting on the table. Pendant lamps hung on either side of the chandelier will ensure that guests along the entire length of the table have sufficient lighting. Recessed ceiling lights can also be considered to provide additional light.

Accent lighting

The main function of accent lighting is to highlight specific features of the dining room decor such as wall art, buffet or sideboard, glass cabinets and planters. Recessed or track lighting can be used for the purpose. Wall sconces can highlight both the artwork as well as the wall color. Uplighting and downlighting techniques can also be applied for wall art while backlighting is effective for objects and plants. Recessed downlights on the ceiling can be used to accent the dining table and other furniture in the room.

Ambient lighting

Ambient lighting sets the mood for the occasion and by its very definition should not be bright. The dining room chandelier with an uplighting design is perfect for mood lighting. However, fixtures such as low voltage recessed lights, cove lights and wall sconces can also play this role suitably.

Cabinet lighting

While designing the dining room lighting plan, it is important not to leave the perimeter of the room in the shadows. Glass cabinets in the dining room can add to the overall charm when fitted with linear lighting along the underside of the shelves to light up collections.

Table lamps

A lamp placed on either side of the buffet or sideboard in the dining room serves to illuminate the serving area. Table lamp shades can be matched to the furnishing color theme used in the dining room. The size of the lamp is an important factor, and must be scaled to the dimensions of the sidebar.

Dimmer

A dimmer switch allows you to adjust the brightness of any lighting fixture to suit the purpose of the occasion, going from bright and functional for everyday dining to soft and intimate dinners in a trice. Smart dimmers allow illumination levels to be programmed for different ambiences, helping to set appropriate lighting at the press of a button.

GoldenAgeUSA.com stocks a comprehensive range of dining room chandeliers along with a wide selection of wall sconces, pendant lights, table lamps, under-cabinet lights and track lights to create the ultimate dining room lighting design plan.

From GoldenAgeUSA.com

Chandeliers signify elegance and create an incredible sense of style in the room where they are hung. The surroundings are instantly beautified in their presence and the decorations also look more stunning. Chandeliers are also capable of throwing pleasant light effects in the entire room, which seem to soothe the eye and pleasantly affect the mind.

However, if you do not choose a chandelier carefully, then it will probably fail in creating the effect that you require. For instance, if it is your entry way that you want to light up, then choose a foyer chandelier. Or if you want to beautify your bedroom or kitchen, then a mini chandelier should do the job pretty well. In case you want to transform the look of your living room, then go for a large chandelier which should be just the perfect choice for your massive den.

Modest Styles or Sophisticated Ones
Large chandeliers are available in many styles that vary in their design, color and shape. Designs such as glass arm, cascading chains and ornate metal are a favorite among people. If your living room has an extremely high ceiling, then a glass arm design is a good choice. Just make sure that the structure is divided into several levels and is equipped with enough bulbs to create the required amount of light.

Three layers are a popular choice with the topmost lay comprising of 6 bulbs, the middle layer comprising of 8 bulbs and the base layer comprising of 12 bulbs.

You can also go for basket-shaped chandeliers if you do not fancy layers very much. Another alternative is the waterfall design that features several overlapping rows of crystals, one below the other. This many crystals give off a sparkly light and are capable of taking the limelight in your living room.

Less Crystals or More
The crystals that are hanging off the chandelier structure can both enhance and spoil the look. True, this may seem surprising because many people are up for too many crystals so that the sparkles are prominent. But the fact is that the number of crystals which a chandelier should have depends a lot on the design it features.

The antique brass styles that comprise of several arms look best when they are adorned with the fewest possible crystals. On the other hand, the waterfall design should have as many crystals as possible.

Bright Glow or Subtle Lights
The number of lights which you need in a large chandelier is actually related to how much light you need in the room. Obviously, if you need a dim light, then a few lights would be enough, but if you need a radiant glow, then your chandelier should be such that many bulbs can be fixed on to it.

Other than the number of lights, the types of bulbs which you use also play their part. Crystal bulbs that bear a clear glass covering add more sparkles to the chandelier. Bulbs with frosted coverings give off a somewhat dimmer but pleasant light that does not create shadows in the room.

From GoldenageUSA.com

The dining room is one of the most important rooms in the house. Every time you have guests over, they are likely to be seated there. The beauty of the dining room matters a lot. It shows that you are modern and sophisticated.  Creating a good first impression is vital for maintaining a positive image in society. It also gives your home a refreshing feel. But how do you select the perfect chandelier? One that is just right fits perfectly and dazzles the onlookers. In order to select the best chandelier for your dining room, you need to follow some simple instructions.

Here are a few tips to guide you in this regard…

Consider your Home’s Architecture
The first thing that you need to consider is your home’s styling. Is it modernly designed or is it a classic style? This will have an impact on the type of chandelier you choose. But remember that in order to keep up with the latest trends, you will have to redecorate every couple of years.

Size Matters
Don’t forget about the importance of sizing. Consider your dining room space before you go look at chandelier collections for dining room.  The width of a dining room chandelier should be about a foot less than the width of your table at its widest point. A perfectly placed chandelier ensures the beauty of your dining room.

Look for Perfect Illumination
The lighting should be powerful enough that it illuminates the entire room. However the light should not be too bright or too dim, it has to be perfect. If your chandelier is not working up to its optimum levels then consider maintenance. A good idea for a chandelier would be a Maria Theresa chandelier or a crystal chandelier.

Positioning is Key
The positioning of the chandelier is very important. It could make all the difference when it comes to making an impression. Place the chandelier over the centre of the table and not the centre of the room. It will look much nicer and create a vibrant look.

Decorations are Important
Before decorating your dining room, you should know that often the most expensive or best chandelier won’t suit your house. So don’t just choose one that is popular, have a look at the interior of your house and then decide. Even the lighting options have a lot of variety. They range from frou-frou to austere, from whimsical to ornate. Remember that chandeliers are very affordable and you just definitely consider redecorating every now and then.

Ask Expert Advice
You may also talk to lighting experts with regards to your home’s decorations. They will be able to give you a better idea of which chandelier is most suitable for your home. You will be surprised to know that you can still make your dining room dazzle without spending too much money.

Conclusion
A chandelier is more than a lighting fixture. It is a work of art and a fashion statement. Every homeowner should proudly decorate his dining room by selecting the perfect chandelier.

From GoldenageUSA.com

Tips to maintaining large chandeliers

A chandelier of any size attracts attention, regardless of its setting. Large chandeliers therefore, not only quickly become the topic of conversation but also inspire awe among guests visiting your home. Given the interest that chandeliers can create, you need to maintain their sparkle by keeping them clean.

In general, a chandelier of large size is hanged to impress – and it requires as much effort to maintain its awe-inspiring appearance as it does to select it in the first place. A well-maintained chandelier is more than just about the appearance; homeowners can also benefit from significant energy savings and reduced maintenance requirements in the long term.

Cleaning a large chandelier need not be challenging, and can be tackled as a DIY task. Some safety precautions, a tall step ladder, common household cleaners and a whole lot of patience, and you will have a gleaming, sparkly chandelier at the end of the day.

Switch off the chandelier: Safety is an important part of chandelier maintenance. Turn off the power to your chandelier at least an hour before cleaning to allow the bulbs to cool off sufficiently. When the bulbs are cool, cover each with a plastic bag and secure with a rubber band or twist tie.

Protect your floor: Place old towels or absorbent sheets on the floor to collect any drips or dust from your cleaning. The towels will also prevent any damage to crystals if they are accidentally dropped during cleaning. For additional protection to the floor, cover the sheets with newspapers.

Dry cleaning: Regular dusting and dry-wiping of chandelier components such as the crystals, glass drops, beads and bulbs as well as the arms and frames will go a long way in reducing elaborate and time-consuming maintenance. Use a soft cloth to wipe down each part. You could also use a hair dryer on low speed from above to blow down on the chandelier parts and remove stubborn dust particles from the crevices.

Wet cleaning: Wet cleaning can be carried out without taking the chandelier down. Prepare a mild cleaning solution from vinegar and water (1:3) or dish soap. Cleaning solutions specifically formulated for chandeliers are also available in the market. Just ensure you do not use any harsh detergent as it may damage the crystals and the metal components. Avoid using ammonia-based cleaning solutions on brass, chrome or gold-plated chandeliers as they may tarnish the metal parts.

Spray and wipe: Since the bulbs have been bagged, you can safely spray the mild cleaning solution on the chandelier parts. Take the chandelier by sections and clean the crystals, drops, beads and arms. Try not to rotate the chandelier as it may loosen the fixings. After letting the cleaner soak through the grime, use a soft cloth to wipe down the part till dry. Ensure there are no water spots on the crystals.

Removing deep-seated grime

To remove dirt that does not come off with wiping, you may have to take down the crystals, glass drops and beads and clean them separately in the sink or a basin, before wiping them dry and placing them back. Given that a large chandelier may have hundreds of components, it’s best to work by sections.

Cleaning the bulbs: Remove the bags from the bulbs and carefully unscrew each bulb from its socket. Wipe down each bulb with a slightly damp cloth to remove any dirt. Ensure the bulb’s metal base is completely dry before putting the bulb back. Blow out the dust in the sockets before fitting the bulbs.

Disassembling the chandelier: If you are planning to take your chandelier apart before cleaning, ensure you have the original assembly drawings with you. Additionally, take photographs of your chandelier before disassembly to use as reference when you are putting it back together again.

Give it a day: Let the chandelier completely dry out for a day before switching it back on.

For more home lighting ideas, visit www.goldenageusa.com/blog