Walls, cushions, throws and the like are the ideal places to begin decorating a house and improving its ambience. Effective interior design is about transforming an interior space into a viable and effective setting for a wide range of possible human activities. Designers in the past expected to see their magic work in buildings as part of a slowly evolving process. But nowadays their various approaches are being used to quickly and effectively create luxury interiors, and the walls and other areas where prints can be used are an important element of this.

Walls

Apart from a range of different accessories, walls can benefit enormously from canvas prints. These represent an excellent, cost-effective interior design option and are also easy to maintain, with the modern printing methods used to produce them resulting in high durability.

Canvas prints carefully positioned will instantly capture the attention of someone entering the room and should have the effect of putting them at their ease and feeling right at home. There’s a huge choice on the market because of the high demand of this simple and effective interior décor solution, and whether you’re after Chagall and Picasso originals or cheerful reproduction, canvas prints they can transform a room instantaneously.

Colour palette

Pay careful attention to the room’s colour palette when making your choice of which contemporary prints to hang or use on furnishing like throw pillows. You shouldn’t consider more than a couple of bold colours that set each other off, or you’ll end up clashing, not complementing. Get hold of a colour wheel from the local DIY store and make sure that you don’t select more than two colours that are opposite each other on it. If you go for too many of these so-called complementary colours your room will end up looking overwhelmed, though you can diminish the jarring effect somewhat by including shades of light grey or white in the room’s colour scheme.

Size

The average room can be effectively enhanced with only three prints, in small, medium and large sizes. They should only use the colours on the chosen palette, although their shapes and styles may differ and they don’t need to match. In the case of a palette of lavender, white, brown and marigold, for example, you could choose a small print of lavender and marigold spirals with a white background, or a large one with a lavender sky and foreground subjects in brown.

Foci

One of the prints will be the main focus for the room, and this does not necessarily have to be the largest one. The room’s biggest print could be on a throw pillow or bed skirt rather than on the wall. One of the remaining two prints will then be the point of secondary focus and the last one will be used for adding minor touches. The primary print can be reserved for something like curtains or a wall-hanging, a rug or the upholstery on a couch. Smaller items of furniture can then be covered with the medium print, and the smallest used as a trim.

Accessories

These should be chosen to reflect the curves and colours of the prints, such as bird pictures that resemble the printed ones or a shelf decorated with complementary spirals.

Author Bio:

David Bell is a freelance writer and blogs about travel, interior design, online marketing, telecoms and small business solutions. Follow him on Twitter @DavidBellWriter

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The design and layout of the house is the first consideration in choosing the style of furnishings that would go in each room. A regular kitchen would require a sink, countertops, cupboard or storage, and cooking appliances like stove or oven, refrigerator, coffee maker etc. Other appliances or furnishings like kitchen table may be added depending on the available space. Homes with open spaces usually make use of kitchen islands that allow at least two people to cook at the same time. This furnishing is perfect for cooking with family members or guests.

For the dining area, the basic requirements are table and chairs. Aside from the dining needs of the family, the size, style and finish are also commonly considered in choosing a dinner table. Those who want to make their dining rooms look more special can put wall decors or additional furnishings like a china cabinet. Table accents and meal props should also be available. Accessories like table runners, center piece, place mats, coasters, and table napkins. Homemakers can invest in a few sets of these accessories for special occasions or mix and match them to create a unique dinner theme for guests. Dinner will not be possible without a complete set of tableware. China and silverware are often reserved for formal dinners but one can also find some great looking and affordable dishes for everyday use or for casual gatherings.

Image credit: furniture.trendzona.coma

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Use the Right Materials

The materials that you choose to build your deck are everything. Not only should you look for wood and materials that look good and that will fit into your budget, but you should also look for wood that is meant to last and that is easy to take care of.

Use the Right Deck Plan

Attempting to build a deck from scratch without a good plan is a recipe for disaster. Even if you think you can draw out your plan yourself, you are probably better off using a pre-made plan that was created by someone with a little more experience. It shouldn’t be hard to find a deck plan that matches your needs and wishes, however, because there are a ton of books, magazines and websites out there that offer these plans. Once you have chosen the one that you want, make sure that you have a clear copy that is large enough for you to work with. Also, consider making several copies just in case you lose your deck plan while you are in the middle of your project.

Invest in a Few Tools

Although you might be used to getting by with the bare minimum of tools when doing small household projects, you should make sure that you have all of the tools that you need before you start building your deck. It might be worth your while to invest in these tools if you think you might use them again in the future, or you can look for a tool rental company or a close friend who might let you borrow a few things.

Don’t Ignore Your Railings

Railings are not only used for safety, but they can also be used to add an aesthetic appeal to your deck as well. Therefore, you should take a bit of extra time in planning your railings. You can look at different styles and building materials to come up with the railing that will look best on your deck and alongside your home. Any good steel fabricator will be able to help you out with this.

Plan for the Future

Before you start planning and building your deck, think about what you will be using it for. Making enough space for a garden, swimming pool, hot tub or grill and outdoor dining set can help ensure that you will actually get plenty of use out of your deck and that it is properly built for your outdoor living needs.

Written by Allan Stevenson

Image credit: archadeck.com

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Stay near Home to Shop

Shopping local is one way to shop green. Buying from local shops or online can have a large impact on the environment since you will not have as far to commute, which will mean using less fuel to pollute the world. In addition, if you are shopping for food, you can buy fresh produce and vegetables from a local grower to prevent getting the added chemicals that are used for processing packaged foods. Since local products will not need shipping to a shop near your home, it will save more pollution as well. However, if you must travel out of the area for your shopping, you can carpool with others to save on fuel and pollution. (Image credit: eats.gmirage.com)

Recyclable Containers

When shopping, look for items that are in recyclable containers or packages. For instance, glass containers are recyclable, and glass can be recycled many times making it an eco friendly product. Some packaging will be labelled with a recycling sticker to inform you that it is an acceptable container for recycling. In addition, some plastic containers are easier to recycle than others are. Therefore, labels can offer you information to help you choose the right product.

Forget Buying Pre-packaged Foods, Buy Fresh foods

Pre-packaged foods are processed with chemicals to preserve the flavours. Fresh foods are healthier and processed with fewer chemicals. If you can locate organic produce, you will have a better food choice, and eco friendly foods are less harsh on the environment. For instance, it takes many resources to package, process and ship food to the shops. Some packaging is made too large for the products, and this wastes resources that could be used for other things.

Use Reusable Bags

Too many plastic bags are thrown away each year, and these bags can be harmful if not disposed of properly. Therefore, using recyclable or reusable bags is the eco friendly way to shop. You can take your own tote bags to the shops to carry your items home in, and these bags can be used more than once. You can find shopping bags in different sizes to fit your lifestyle. Some are compact enough to fold down and store in a woman’s purse or a man’s pants pocket, which allows you to have a bag when you need it for shopping.

Buy in Bulk

Buying in bulk will save on the resources it takes for packaging items. Individually wrapped packages will take more materials to prepare, and these materials can make an impact on your earth. For instance, for less waste and packaging, you can buy juice in large containers for the kids, instead of the individual bottles.

It is simple to make these lifestyle changes when shopping, but it can make a huge impact on the earth’s future. Therefore, you need to find eco friendly ways to shop to save the earth’s environment.

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The best way to enhance a garden or the landscape of your home is to add a water feature. If you want to make your home stand out, then water features are a great option. There are many types that you can add to a backyard or garden. Water features that are installed in a garden provide you with many benefits. Water features can easily be installed by landscaping service or on your own as a weekend project.

Visual Appeal

Water features, such as a fountain, can add visual appeal to your landscape or garden. If you have your yard and garden well maintained, then a water feature is a great addition. The colors of flowers and the green plants can be an interesting visual aspect of your landscape. A water feature will draw the eye to a specific area of your garden and can provide a different prospective. If your garden is missing some type of focal point, then consider adding a water feature.

Attracting Visitors

All types of wildlife will be attracted to a water feature added to your garden. This includes all types of birds, butterflies, salamanders, and even frogs. The water feature provides a source of water and allows wildlife to prosper. Gardens with a water feature can offer sanctuary for all types of animals. A new water feature will help your garden by attracting insects that spread pollen and help flowers to grow. You will also be able to take many interesting pictures.

Enriching Landscape

A water feature added to your garden is a great way to enrich your landscape. You can choose to install a simple bird bath, a circulating fountain, and even a pond with fish. The flowers that you plant around the water feature provide an updated look to your landscape. This is a great way for you to add a touch of class to an otherwise simple looking home. Water features may be found online or at any local home improvement store in your area. They can be made from plastic, metal, and even concrete.

Health and Wellness

The calming effects of a water feature are beneficial for relieving stress. Individuals are able to relax in their own backyard instead of traveling to a local park. A water feature can help lower blood pressure and to improve mental health. The smell and sounds coming from a water feature are a great way for you or any visitor to your home to enjoy being outside with nature. This is a great way to spend quality time out in your garden.

Relaxing Atmosphere

The addition of a water feature to the backyard of a home or on a garden can be relaxing on a weekend or after a long work day. Families are also more likely to spend time outside on sunny days if water features are present. The soothing sounds from a fountain or pond provide a calming effect. Nature sounds will give homeowners a reason to enjoy a garden or other outside area.

- Written by Kelly Brookes

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Electronic devices are already considered as necessities of a modern lifestyle. Household appliances, personal gadgets, business equipment and industrial machines make use of electronics to perform tasks more efficiently. However, people should also bear in mind that the environment pays the price for the convenience offered by these devices. Giving them up without any alternative is definitely out of the question, but electronic users should at least make responsible choices in disposing their e-waste to protect the environment.

Three common culprits for the accumulation of e-waste are television sets, computers, and mobile phones. These are day to day tools that are often discarded for newer models. In the case of mobile phones where manufacturers dish out new product versions every year, it is likely for users to change models once a year too. There are some consumers who simply recycle mobile phones for cash so they could afford the new phone models. For those who are looking for an eco-friendly way to dispose their electronic devices, recycling for cash is probably the most practical option that one can get.

Just like mobile phones, television sets and computers can also be recycled for cash. However, the chances of finding established retailers for used mobile is easier than that of the other two. Nevertheless, one shouldn’t be complacent in selling their devices to just about anybody. People who really want to make sure that their devices will also be disposed properly need to choose establishments or retailers who are known for environmentally sound practices. There are recycling organizations that buy used mobile phones and re-sell their refurbished version to those who cannot afford brand new phones. Another sound option is to donate electronic devices to schools or institutions that need them. For instance, old desktop computers can be donated to local community colleges that lack funding. However, one should make sure that their devices are still functional or can easily be repaired without spending much.

Last but not the least is to send it over to accredited e-waste facilities or organizations that are certified to handle e-wastes. Most communities have recycling facilities in their locale or at least information on the location of e-waste pick-up points. There are also manufacturers who have a recycling program for their outdated products. These programs usually involve taking back non-functioning products from their consumers and repairing or refurbishing them for other uses. Consumers can look out for such programs and purchase their electronics from these manufacturers for a hassle free and environmentally sound disposal of e-waste.

Image credit: digitalart/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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The summer months can be relentless when it comes to heat, and unfortunately it can be very costly to keep cool if you don’t employ energy efficient tactics for keeping your home at a habitable temperature.

Here are 5 great ways to survive the summer months while minimizing both your sweating and your power consumption.

Shading the Home

Keeping the sun from blaring through your windows during the summer is important if you want to keep the heat out of your home on hot, sunny days. Even with fans or air conditioning, you’ll be fighting a losing battle and wasting precious energy if you’re trying to compete with direct sunlight.

Keeping curtains closed makes the house feel dark and enclosed, and doesn’t effectively combat the heat. Instead, providing shade outside the home so that the sun is reflected before it gets to your windows and walls. Awnings, shade sails or a fence installed where the sun causes you the most trouble will help keep your home cooler.

Better yet, plant deciduous trees/shrubs in front of your house to block the sun in the summer. They will lose their leaves in the colder months, meaning the sun won’t be blocked in the winter, allowing you to make the most of the sun’s natural heat when it’s cold.

Fans

Ceiling fans, whole house fans and even pedestal fans are a much more energy efficient way to keep the house cool in summer. If placed correctly they do more than simply circulate hot air; they can draw in cooler air and push hot air out of the home.

Insulation

Installing insulation in your home reduces heat flow, keeps your home cooler and will allow you to minimise your energy usage in both summer and winter.

Insulation can be installed in ceilings, walls and floors for best results, helping keep the heat outdoors and in the attic rather than heating up the house without resistance. It will also keep the air cool inside if used in conjunction with a cooling system, meaning far less energy must be used to keep the temperature lower in the house.

Windows

Most windows have only a single sheet of glass to separate the inside from the outdoors. This gives very little protection against heating of the home in the summer months. Instead, you can opt for double glazing to be installed in your home – this means windows are comprised of two sheets of glass with a space enclosed between. This space creates a gap of air that insulates the home, providing effective protection against heating during summer and heat loss in the winter months.

Much like insulation, this can save homeowners lots of money on power bills and creates a much more energy efficient home.

Upgrade your Air Conditioning

Newer models of air conditioner are far more energy efficient than old systems. Upgrading your system, or at the very least, your compressor, will cost you money now but save you more in the long run, as older systems can be very expensive to run and will drain lots more power.

If you can’t afford an upgrade, have your system checked to make sure there are no holes or separated joints in your ducts, or any leaks or blockages. You can also add insulation around ducts to minimize lost air and wasted power.

Each of these approaches will help you get through summer with as small an impact as possible on the environment and your power bills. When used in conjunction, you’ll be optimising your energy efficiency and keeping your electrical expenses to a minimum.

Written by Emma Jane
Emma is a new mom of two twin boys and has recently built their family home in Brisbane. She recommends Coral Home for the best house plans Brisbane builders have to offer.

Image credit: bossshade.com.au

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Insulation

Insulation will keep your house cool in summer and warm in winter. This keeps heating and cooling costs down, it increases your houses energy efficiency. Insulate your walls and floors for the best effect. Be ecofriendly by using hemp, sheep’s wall, wood fibre, recycled paper and straw. These substitutes are equally effective as any man made insulation.

Windows

Windows and doors account for 20% of the heat loss from a house. Installing double glazed windows reduces this loss; it reduces this heat loss by a third. This will in turn reduce your power bills every year. Living in Australia you should also consider the summer months when it comes to windows. Consider their positioning; they should be positioned where they are more likely to receive better breezes. Hot hair rises so highly positioned windows can make a big difference.

Solar Panels

This is not a new trend but it is becoming more available to those of us with a moderate income. The use of a renewable energy to heat your home is a fantastic way to make your home sustainable. Solar panels are a great way to save money and power; it’s a step forward to becoming self-reliant. Solar power utilises the sun to produce energy. We have plenty of sun in Australia why not take advantage of it? You can choose to just rely on your solar power to heat your water or to power your home, there are options. There is a government fund scheme that will assist with paying for the solar panels, the government’s way to not only encourage but motivate people to go green.

Efficient Toilets

Toilets waste lots of clean drinkable water. Old models toilets can use up to 12 Litres of water per flush; water efficient toilets do the same job with less water. There is an easy switch that can be made to low flush or water-efficient toilet. Dual-flush toilets use 3 Litres. There is a design that re-uses the water used to wash hands in a basin. Another option is to integrate your rain water tank to your toilet. You still get the features of a normally functioning toilet without the guilt.

There are so many other eco options out there for your home; you just need to start your search. Take the leap today to be innovative and leave a good imprint on our environment. Lots of big builder such as Metricon Homes are jumping on the band wagon.

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Dye It

The ever popular method of tie-dying is still the fate of many old t-shirts. If you aren’t sold on this look, there’s still a great range of other options you can try when it comes to fabric dyes. Has your favourite black shirt faded? It’s easy to dye an old shirt darker, and this is a simple way to give your old shirts a fresh new look. Cotton is the easiest fabric to dye, with synthetics taking a little more work. Just remember if you’re dying a light coloured shirt darker, the thread of the seams will almost always remain the original colour, so be prepared for this.

Bleach Solutions

If dying isn’t your thing, or you have some old dark t-shirts who won’t absorb the dye, you can consider bleaching them instead. You can achieve a range of interesting patters and effects with similar methods to tie-dye. Experimentation is the key, as the results of bleaching can be quite unpredictable. You will get a variety of colours and patterns when bleaching, but this is part of the appeal. You’re guaranteed to end up with something unique that’s for sure!

Slice it Up

There’s nothing more satisfying than taking to some old shirts with a pair of sharp scissors. Adding some artificial cuts and slices to your shirts can take them from drab to edgy in a matter of seconds. How carried away you get is entirely up to you and the kind of style you want to achieve.

Beading and Embroidery

Creating your own unique designs with stitching and beading is a great way to revitalise old shirts. From funky buttons and ribbons to personalised embroidery, there’s no end to what you can achieve with a bit of effort. Have no fear, if you’re not too great with a needle and thread, there are plenty of great iron-on patches and transfers that you can use to revamp your old shirts instead.

Up for Adoption

If all else fails, don’t throw away your old shirts. You might not love them anymore, but there might be someone out there who will! You can try selling them on eBay, which is a great way to earn some extra money. If you don’t want to spend the time selling them online, donate them to your local Lifeline or Salvation Army services so your old shirts can have another chance at life while helping those in need. Once you’ve cleared everything out, consider designing your very own personalised t-shirts so that you know you won’t ever get sick of them.

These are just a few simple and easy ways to revamp the old shirts in your cupboard. Your imagination is the only limit when it comes to adding some creative flair to your preloved garments, and with a bit of time and effort, you can create something truly unique. Get those neglected shirts out of the bottom of your cupboard and give them the makeover they deserve!

Brough to you by Vistaprint. Connect with Vistaprint on Twitter.

Written by Emma Jane

Image credit: marquand.net

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1. Chopping board

A chopping board or two is a must. As well as being hygienic it will also prevent your kitchen work surfaces from becoming damaged. It is a good idea to have at least two: one for raw meat and one for vegetables to avoid cross contamination. These may sound fairly mundane, but with a bit of creativity you can turn even kitchen boards into an interesting element of your kitchen’s aesthetic.

2. Vegetable peeler

Whilst it is possible to peel fruit and vegetables with a knife you have to have proficient knife skills for this to be quicker and easier than using a vegetable peeler. There are different types so find one that works well for you.

3. Knives

Unless you are a professional chef you don’t really need a whole range of different knives. You can get by with two: a large chef’s knife for chopping fruit, vegetables and large chunks of meat or fish and a small paring knife for delicate jobs such as de-boning chicken or thinly slicing fruit.

4. Kitchen scales

If you follow recipes then you will need to be able to accurately measure out ingredients. Kitchen scales need not be expensive and will help ensure that the effort you put into preparing and cooking a meal pays off.

5. Thermometer

If you regularly cook meat then a food thermometer is a good idea. As well as preventing overcooking it will accurately measure the internal temperature of food and help make sure that a high enough temperature has been reached to kill off any nasty bacteria such as E.coli. They’re also especially handy if you’re a fan of duel fuel cookers.

6. Big spoons

Large spoons have a variety of uses. Whether it’s a wooden spoon for stirring or cake making, a slotted spoon for scooping foods such as poached eggs out of liquid or a large ladle for dishing up, a good selection of big spoons is essential for any kitchen.

7. Spatulas

Large and small spatulas will also come in handy and make tasks such as mixing, spreading and even lifting easier. Make sure you use heat resistant ones with hot food.

8. Tongs

A good pair or tongs has many uses too. From picking up meat to turn it, lifting potatoes out of a roasting tin or even tossing salad, tongs can be much simpler to use than a fork and don’t leave holes in your food.

9. Sieve

If you bake then you will often need to sieve flour. A sieve also comes in handy for straining vegetables, rinsing the starch off of rice or washing fruits. And, of course, catching the bits if your gravy is lumpy.

10. Whisk

A hand whisk can often help if you’ve made a lumpy sauce (use a plastic one if you’re pans are non-stick). And for whisking eggs.
Whilst there are plenty of other kitchen utensils and gadgets on the market you won’t go far wrong with the above. And, with the right equipment in place, you’ll find it easier to make all your favourite recipes and new ones too. (Image credit: Carlos Porto/FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

Lloyd is a freelance blogger and writer. He is currently working on behalf of Range Cookers.

Image credit: frontporchgiftshop.com

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