Uncategorized

Create the ideal outdoor kitchen by paying attention to these characteristics…

Figure Out the Features

The grill is the star, but a stove top, sink and refrigerator add tons of convenience.

Seating Matters

Consider two seating areas: one for casual hangouts and another for al fresco dinners.

Put a Roof Over It

Extend the roof from your house or string up a canvas shade sail. Youll be thankful for the shade when the temperatures soar!

Fire It Up

A fire pit is the perfect feature to gather around as the daylight fades away.

Turn on the Tunes

Speakers that can handle the elements will take your kitchen to the next level.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Handling home improvements yourself can save you money, but it can also be dangerous. When tackling DIY projects, make sure you know what youre doing and follow safety procedures. If you arent confident that you can handle something yourself or dont have necessary safety equipment, hire a contractor.

Dress for the Job
Wear appropriate clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work boots, goggles and gloves. Dont wear loose-fitting clothing that could get caught on something while you are working. If you have long hair, tie it back. If there is a chance that an object above your work area could fall, wear a hard hat.

Prepare Your Tools
Verify that the tools you need are in proper working order before you get started. Make sure blades and drill bits are sharp so you wont have to use extra force and wind up injuring yourself.

Before you use a tool, be sure that you know how to operate it. If you have any doubts, consult a reliable source. Read the owners manual, ask someone to show you or watch an online tutorial. Dont guess or try to figure it out on your own.

Work Safely
Place a ladder on a flat, sturdy and dry surface and ask someone to hold it for you. When working on a ladder, keep your weight centered. Dont lean too far to the side or climb on the top two rungs. Dont climb on a roof if it has a steep pitch or if it is raining, snowing or windy.

Working with electricity and gas can be extremely dangerous. Dont attempt those types of projects unless you know what youre doing. Before working on a circuit, turn off the power. If you need to work on gas pipes, apply a mixture of soap and water to connections first. If you see bubbles, that indicates that there is a gas leak.

If you need to use chemicals, read the instructions and warnings on the label. Ventilate the area and wear a mask when working with chemicals or working in dusty conditions. Dont combine chemicals because that could create toxic fumes.

If you need to move a heavy object, bend at your knees and lift with your legs to avoid straining your back. Ask someone to help you if necessary.

Keep the Work Area Clean
Pick up wood scraps, nails and other forms of trash and discard them. Sweep the floor from time to time to get rid of dust and debris. Keep tools in designated areas and make sure that cords dont get tangled up or strewn on the floor where they can create a tripping hazard.

Put Safety First
Only attempt home repairs or renovations if you know what youre doing. Conduct research or ask for help if you arent sure and keep a fire extinguisher and first aid kit nearby.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

If youve ever wanted to give your home the laid-back feel of life at sea, you may want to consider introducing a nautical theme to your living space. Even if you cant spend every day out on the water, you can certainly recreate the breezy ambience by giving your interiors a touch of maritime style. Following are several tips for giving your home a nautical makeover.

Colors are Key
If theres any color scheme that screams nautical, its blue and white. From an area rug designed with the classic striped pattern to a white couch with blue throw pillows, there are plenty of ways to incorporate this iconic color combination. If youre worried about it feeling a little cold, then adding wood finishes can help to keep your interiors warm.

Rattan and Wicker
Rattan and wicker furniture are having a moment in design circles right now. Although theyve traditionally been used as outdoor furniture, its become increasingly common to bring these natural textures inside. Theyre sure to provide the perfect complement to a coastal color scheme, while exuding craftsmanship and casual elegance.

Get Creative With Accents
Achieving the nautical look throughout your home is all about using the right accent pieces. You can get creative decorating with items that are repurposed from a boat, like mounting oars on a wall or framing nautical flags. Lifebuoys and mounted trophy fish are also popular touches when designing a space thats inspired by maritime life.

Go Big on Built-Ins
Everyone who spends time on a boat knows that built-in features are an important part of the design because they make for an efficient use of space and are secure in the event of high seas. Whether its a simple window seat, a breakfast nook or even bunk beds, working with an architect to add a few thoughtful built-in features around the house will significantly enhance the nautical appeal.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Does your bedroom look blah? When it comes to sprucing up your bedrooms appearance, a little planning can turn a plain old bedroom into a space bursting with visual excitement. To give your bedroom a makeover, start by considering two major elements of interior design: color and layering.

Since your bedroom is a place for repose, choose three colors that work well together and stick to the 60-30-10 color principle”60 percent dominant color, 30 percent secondary color and 10 percent accent color. For your dominant color, think soothing neutrals”a lighter or softer shade of a color whether its sand, green, gray or blue”that has a touch of earth tone in it.

Not in the mood to paint? Add color with bedding, wall decor and other accents. Use bedding to highlight your secondary color with lighter or darker shades and varying textures of fabric, or limit the palette to two contrasting patterns and a solid in sheets, duvet and shams. Reserve bold hues and playful patterns for accent pillows, a bedside throw rug, artwork, vases and lampshades that support primary and secondary colors.

And dont forget layering”a key decorating practice that creates the perfect combination of comfort, warmth and texture. Youll find that most bedroom decorating ideas are in some way related to creating layers around the room.

Ballard Designs recommends considering these four features of your bedroom when layering:

Bedding. Sheets, a soft blanket, bedspread, quilt or duvet, along with a throw and pillows in different shapes and sizes, are all building blocks that help create an inviting, sumptuous bed. Even a headboard fits in the mix and adds to the overall look, especially if its upholstered.

Windows. A simple shade or bamboo blinds under drapes create a soft, layered look while controlling the amount of light in your room.

Flooring. A wool or cotton rug breaks up the expanse of wood flooring or covers up old carpeting while adding an extra layer of color and warmth.

Lighting. Create gentle, restful lighting from multiple light sources. A floor lamp or pair of sconces adds ambient lighting, a bedside lamp provides task lighting for reading and an overhead fixture bathes the room in light when needed.

With these design tips and a little inspiration, youll be well on your way to creating a bedroom that provides both comfort and a wow factor.

Published with permission from RISMedia.