Best House Floor Plans

Although painting seems like a straightforward task, several design tips and tactics assure perfect paint job. That’s why Best House Floor Plans has published the following design tips maybe prove helpful:

Cover everything. Prevent paint splatters and extra work by covering everything: wall boarders, trimming, floors, windows, the ceiling and others. Use a blue or green painter’s tape.

Design tip: Use the color of psychology to select a good hue for designing a room. As for selecting a complementary paint color, a well known design tip is to match lighter colors to smaller spaces, creating an illusion of a large room.

Spackle it. Prior to painting the walls repair any imperfections in the wall, filling in holes.

In situations where the walls are in bad condition or preparing for a significant color change, apply primer prior to painting.

Design tip: For walls with surface marks and novice painters should avoid high gloss paints. Since glossier paints are unforgiving on imperfections, use on small surfaces.

Paint a smooth application.  For a professional paint job, dip the bottom half of the bristles into the paint can. Do not wipe the paintbrush on the side of the can. Left handed painters should start in painting in the right corner of the wall, working toward the floor.  Right handed painters should start  on the upper left corner.

Wash paint supplies. To protect and ensure the continued use of paint brushes, wash immediately after use. Cover remaining paint cans with a plastic bags, storing in a cool and dry space. 

Design tip:  Give a room depth by introducing  an accent color, different from the rest of the room’s décor.

Although many interior designers have a knack for integrating a number of colors, the best design tip is to maintain a continuity of color.

Hot design ideas are those aesthetic furnishings and artwork that exude a sense of timelessness. Best Home Floor Plans went exploring new hot design ideas for any home floor plan. Here are the findings:

Certain hot design ideas begin with the path leading up the walkway, incorporating an eco-lighting solution. Using the Hampton Stainless Steel Solar Walk Light as an example, the outdoor light source is a high efficiency LED, defined in a stainless steel slender form, with clear, fluted plastic lens (for only $3.88).  For additional, eco-friendly, walkway lighting, Home Depot has a slew of energy saving (green) outdoor lighting fixtures.

Makeover the kitchen with lucid counter space. Give the kitchen an easy facelift with tinted-glass countertops. These hot design ideas are the latest trend in kitchen surfaces. From the cut of the countertop to its color, counter-space is a customized order for any home floor plan. To ease the schematics of the new workspace, three critical steps are essential to the selection process: 1) Measure current counter space dimensions. 2) To determine which surface space best serves the needs, create a list, describing the various uses of the kitchen workspace.  2) Set a budget and shop.  (Don’t forget to update kitchen fixtures to match the new countertops).

Garden tubs accessorize the restroom

In the restroom, garden tubs are just one of the hot design ideas, making a comeback. To take this restroom to another level, add an alcove and /or canopied space.

Don’t let an outdated deck/patio deter outdoor time.   A peeling deck, rickety railings, and drab patio furniture are a call for an exterior restoration. Also, excessive splits and soft spots in the wood may be a sign of rotting wood or the need for a complete new deck replacement. For those ambitious do-it-yourselfers, ample hot design ideas on deck floor plans are featured at Home Floor Plans and More.

For additional hot design ideas, please visit Home Plans and More.com.

Wood floor maintenance exceeds taking a mop and wax to cherry, walnut or ash hardwood flooring surfaces. From the first step in the home to a regular cleaning regimen, wood floor maintenance begins at the door.

Shoes attract tiny particles similar to sand. These diminutive elements scratch the hardwood floor’ surface and finish.

Stiletto heels and a cat or dog’s nails can leave dents, scratches and mars in hardwood flooring.

There are two options for preservation and to minimize wood floor maintenance. One suggestion entails the removal of shoes or simply placing a doormat to capture those tiny particles. Also, have the pets nails or paws clipped,

Wood floor maintenance does not require a lot of water. Since excessive amounts  cause hardwood flooring to expand and then crack, use moderate amounts of water for cleaning.

Wood floor maintenance is not restricted to cleaning and dusting. Sometimes stubborn marks render stain removal merely impossible. Because bleach has been found to weaken wood, many hardwood floor specialists do not recommend the process. Using bleach to remove a stain should be done with prudence. This Old House provided a comprehensive overview on using bleach for hardwood floors.

Since certain types of throw rugs are comprised of scratchy, wool backings.

According to the World Floor Covering Association, floors with urethane should not have wax applications. The same rule applies to floor cleaner that leave a filmy residue.

What do beer baking soda aspirin white vinegar and aluminum foil have in common? These staples multitask as green house cleaning remedies. Solving more household chores than their original purpose, the aforementioned roster also does duty as sticky removers, natural pesticides, stain removal and other green house cleansing tasks.

An aspirin is not just for headaches. It doubles as a perspiration assassin. Dissolve two tablets of aspirin in half a cup of warm water, and then pour onto the deodorant stain(s). For the best results, allow to dry overnight. Then wash. (Only works on white cotton t-shirts and white button down shirts).

Want to give rusty chrome a shiny facelift? Then, take a piece of aluminum foil; add several drops of water and wad into a ball. Rub the aluminum on the chrome object. 

While this may not seem like a green house cleaning remedy, it sure works like one. Bid adieu to toilet stains with two tablets of Alka-Seltzer. Simply, plop three tablets into the toilet and let sit for 18-22 minutes. Take the toilet brush and briskly scrub the toilet and flush. 

Remove residue from the grill. Lay newspaper outside, and then spread the grill rack(s). Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda on the grill rack, allowing to soak overnight.  

While, most agree beer is preferably imbibed, it also doubles as a slug repellent. Here’s how it works: 1) Take a shallow container. 2) Plant the object in the dirt up to the rim. 3) Then, fill the receptacle with beer. (Daily, remember to change the beer to dispose of the slugs).  

Aside from food preparation, white vinegar reigns as a sticky price tag, windshield sticker and other adhesive labels prone to leave a film. Simply, brush on a layer of vinegar onto the gummy substance. Let sit for five minutes and wipe. (Repeat the process for stubborn spots). 

For additional green house cleaning tips, please visit Home Floor Plans and More.com.

Heating, lights and electricity contribute to the outlay of maintaining the home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that the average household spends $1500 each year on energy costs. During the winter months, utility bills can mount to unknown expenditures. Throughout the home, there are several simple tactics to reduce every day costs.

Change the bulbs. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that lighting accounts for 20 percent of the electricity bill. Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) bulbs. Although, the bulbs are slightly costlier than standard bulbs, the savings reduces the electricity bill overtime.

Control the temperature.  When the home is vacant for several hours, reduce the temperature five to eight degrees. Thermostats, which can be controlled from remote locations, are a surefire way to cut heating costs. The EPA recommends that by replacing thermostats with Energy Star qualified programmable gages with four-temperature settings, homeowners can recoup $100 in annual energy costs.

Power down. Battery chargers, computers and other unused electronic appliances contribute to the overall power load.

Quarter off rooms. Extra rooms, demanding infrequent traffic should be closed to  reduce drafts and entrap warmth.

Time it. To avoid unnecessary power loads, place lights on timers. 

Protect it. At doors, windows and other drafty entryways, affix weather stripping.

Replace filters. Ensuring the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems means replacing dirty air filters with clean ones.

Select ENERGY STAR. Instead of buying new standard appliances, opt for Energy Star qualifying products, such as home electronics, lighting, heating and cooling equipment which have passed a series of energy efficiency assessments.

Additional Green Energy Tip  Resources:

• FAQs About Going Green
• Green Conservation Tips
• Efficiency Facts

Winterizing the home is a chore that no one likes to do. But, it goes far in conserving on the energy bill, shutting out chilly temperatures and reducing the carbon footprint.  Best House Floor Plans compiled a short list of winterizing tactics to keep the home buzzing with warm efficiency:

Plastic wrap

Cover windows and storm doors with a sheet of plastic, designed to maintain insulation.

Caulk

If certain areas of the home are drafty or feel cooler than other rooms,  investigate the source of the chill. Windows and doors are notorious for developing miniscule cracks, which impede the energy efficiency of the home.  Caulk cracks around doors and windows.

Drainage

Be sure to insulate any exposed pipes and drain all backyard hoses The aforementioned steps can prevent pipes from freezing. In case of an emergency situation, in which the water mains have to shutdown, it’s a commonsensical idea to reacquaint yourself with the location.  
 

Furnace

About every three to four years, have the furnace duct cleaned. To assure clean air quality, do not forget to change the filter to the furnace, monthly. Also, shop around for a special blanket to keep the hot water heater functioning properly.

Insulate

In the northern states, where winter temperatures plummet below freezing, extra insulation is beneficial for the prevention of ice dams around downspouts and gutters. Consider insulating any overhead crawlspaces and attics.
 

Fireplace

While fireplaces render ambient warmth, there are several safety steps to heat up the winter season. Hire a contractor to inspect the hearth’s brick and mortar as well as the damper. During maintenance, have the contractor clean the chimney. (Remember to store firewood in a dry space, outdoors).

On a final note, make sure that carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are in working order. At House Plans and More.com, read additional details pertaining to winterizing the home. 

Related topic:

• Child Proofing

Facts, tips and tricks on organic home gardening.

Organic home gardening is not as arduous as it sounds. It wasn’t very long ago that the thought of organic home farming was unfathomable. These days, green enthusiasts are not the only people taking on organic home gardening. In this segment of Best House Floor Plans, we’re reviewing several benefits and tips on cultivating your own organic food garden.

Why Organic Home Gardening?
Sustainability and self-sufficiency are the most redeeming aspects of organic home farming. Compared to the price of purchasing organic foods at the grocer and farmer’s markets, the overall savings are substantial. If one compares the taste of organically grown vegetables to vegetables harvested using pesticides and other chemicals, produce from organic home gardening is more flavorful and richer in nutrients – sans the chemical residue.

Traditional Farming vs. Organic Home Farming
Nevertheless, there is an overwhelming disparity between organic home gardening and traditional farming. Home organic gardening entails polyculture; where as, farming involves the process of cultivating a single crop or monoculture.

Polyculture presents several advantages. For starters, medleys of crops are grown on a single piece of land, attracting a variety of soil microbes. Additionally, when a variety of vegetables are cultivated in the same land, certain crops serve as natural pest control.

Devising an Organic Home Gardening Plan
Plot the right spot. Considering the type of crops, choose an area conducive for all of your vegetation.

Select the right crops. Not all crops grow in all climates or grow in confluence.
That’s why it’s important to conduct a little research about the types of vegetables you plan to cultivate in your organic home garden.

Fertilize wise. Organic home gardening relies on soil fertilization. Composts, manure and a method referred to as green manuring add nutrients essential to harvesting a prolific vegetable garden.

For additional tips on organic home farming, visit the online magazine, Organic Gardening.

Related Articles:

How To Start  A New Organic Garden

What is Organic Gardening?

My Organic Gardening Tips

Which influences the most dollars and sense: the fitness club membership or the at-home -gym? Obviously, the latter offers the most cost savings. Home workout centers serve multiple purposes: substantial savings, a conveniently located personal fitness club and a constant motivational reminder to exercise.

Increasingly, Americans are jumping on the health bandwagon. Whether it’s eliminating trans fat from the diet or exercising five days a week, getting fit is not limited to joining a fitness club.

Here are a few tips for creating your very own home gym:

Designate a room or area in your home.
If you don’t have an extra room to accommodate the home workout center, consider the den, basement or extra space in your bedroom. For safety purposes, try to set up equipment where there is minimal foot traffic. To alleviate the workout boredom, partition off a 7” X 7” area close to a window or the television.

Minimize clutter
Larger rooms can accommodate the all in one gym. Generally, these home workout contraptions are statuesque and require the same area as two treadmills. Given the height of these home workout centers, they’re not recommended for rooms with low ceilings. Be sure to measure ceilings and room space to create an open exercise environment.

Shop for a deal.
Workout equipment ranges from $200 to thousands of dollars.
To assure the ultimate savings, research fitness distributors who offer financing, or who sell used fitness equipment.

Regardless of where you set up your home workout center, remember to select equipment that offers a full-body workout.

Homework out equipment ideas:
•    Yoga mat
•    Dumbbells
•    Free weights
•    Bow-flex
•    Pilates contraptions
•    Treadmill
•    Elliptical machines

Related Articles:

Workout and Exercise Equipment at Home

How To Plan a Workout Room at Home

How To Paint A Workout Room

Before You Buy Home Fitness Equipment

Making décor updates around the home does not necessitate hiring a contractor, adding a new room or shopping for a cool floor plan. Curtains introduce an element of drama, punctuating an interior’s features. Best Home Floor Plans went searching online for inexpensive home design tips with curtains.

On our first stop, we checked into the House Floor Plans and More. It was here, that we learned about the fundamentals of designing with curtains. Below are a few highlights of the information we gleaned from our interior design research:

Luminosity and privacy
Curtains, blinds and other window treatments should be sheer enough to ensure privacy without compromising luminosity.

Aesthetics and style
As style is a subjective issue, for obvious reasons the best home designing tip with curtains should be in congruence with the rest of the room’s décor. Organic materials, simplicity, luxury, grandiosity and eco-friendly characteristics topped the list of style alternatives.

Function
Regardless of aesthetics, it’s important to consider who uses the room and how. For instance, a home office with western sun exposure might require darker curtains or window treatments to prevent a computer glare.

At the oh, so popular HGTV, we found two easy DIYs. One of the home design tips instructed how to make the most from the remainder of curtain material. The technique is so easy that a 10-year old could pull off this design technique.

We found another home design tip to be even simpler. The concept substitutes regular drapery hardware for the hobbyist’s tools. For example, in a golf enthusiasts bedroom or den — rather then hang curtains, using a standard rod, the end-user would use a golf club in its place or whatever instrument that concurs with the room’s theme.

In the next installment of home design tips, we’ll be reviewing how to select a design theme for the bedroom. Until then, have a splendid time designing with curtains!

Related Articles

Replacing Curtain Rods Make for a Quick Decor Fix

Making Curtains Without Sewing

Curtains Make a Difference!

Do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement projects need not evolve into a horrific nightmare. This week, we’ve compiled a few DIY home design considerations and we reviewed three popular do-it-yourself home improvement Web sites. With the right resources and exacting how-to guidance, you can be sure that your next renovation is one that you can gloat about.

DIY Considerations
Before you start perusing the millions of sites with do-it-yourself home improvement ideas, and are too carried away, there are several practicalities to consider:

•    What needs repair right away?
•    Realistically, how much labor can you handle?
•    How much money is available for the do-it-yourself home improvement budget?
•    Can the family live through the construction chaos?
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