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Here are four sophisticated fireplace designs to warm up any home!

Peninsula Fireplace

Open on three sides (hence the name), this modern design can be enjoyed from virtually any vantage point.

Suspended Fireplace

For a distinctly modern look, a suspended fireplace can hang from the ceiling or be mounted to a wall.

Fire Ribbon

Designed with a gas burner, fire ribbons are often used to create a long horizontal flame that complements any living space with crisp, flowing lines.

Double-Sided Fireplace

A double-sided fireplace can separate tw

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No one wants to think too much about garbage, but its actually pretty important, especially when you move into a new home. Thats because without the right equipment and without knowledge of your towns rules and regulations regarding collection, you can end up with uncollected trash, and a smelly situation.

Know the schedule: Your local townships website should let you know when garbage pickup is in your neighborhood. Its best to put everything out the night before, in case your sanitation workers come very early in the morning. Also find out which holidays affect pickup, and when the makeup day is.

Recycling regulations: Virtually all municipalities have some sort of system involving recycling. Chances are youll have to separate glass, cardboard, and newspaper, but youll need to find out if your town provides receptacles for these or if you need to get your own.

Other rules: Most towns have standards regarding putting your garbage out. For example, if Monday is your trash collection day, you may not be allowed to put your garbage out earlier than, say, 3 p.m. on Sunday.

In the fall, find out when leaf collection is, and if leaves need to be bagged or simply raked to the curb. There also may be limits on the size and weight of garbage cans, and restrictions on the collection of items such as electronics and pool chemicals.

Buy the right garbage can: This may seem simple, but there are a lot of options out there. Obviously, you need a garbage can because putting bags out at your curb is an invitation for animals to invade your trash for food. But wind can knock over cans or blow the lid off, which creates the same situation. Invest in a quality garbage can that is sturdy and isnt easy to tip over, and which has an attached lid.

Special pickup: Lets say you take on a home improvement project, such as installing a new floor or renovating your bathroom. This is likely to create a large amount of trash and debris that cannot be placed in cans. Your town may have regulations as to how to prepare these things for collection, or you may need to rent special bins or receptacles. Otherwise, you may be responsible for carting the materials to your local municipal dump.

Following local trash collection regulations can make your life easier, and help you become a good neighbor.

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Finding the perfect piece of furniture can be a daunting task. Here are some items that can be easily DIYd, even by novice crafters.

Wall Shelves

Rope shelves can be made by painting or staining a length of wood and suspending it with eye hooks from a length of rope on each side.

Coffee Tables

Recoating an existing table with newly patterned wood, a fun fabric or paint and resin for a faux marble look.

Headboards

A simple wood panel, upholstery fabric and buttons can achieve the same effect as a costly tufted headboard. Old pallets can be combined to create a farmhouse look.

Dining Room Tables

Cover an outdated table with reclaimed wood strips, wood stain and a smooth layer of resin for a fraction of the cost of a store-bought piece.

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Most homeowners understand that regular maintenance can help them avoid expensive repair bills, but with work and family responsibilities, its easy to postpone or forget important chores. Sometimes homeowners want to take care of their properties but are unaware of potential dangers and how to prevent them. Here are some of the most common tasks homeowners overlook that can lead to costly problems:

Roof
The roof can become damaged by storms, fallen branches or animals, and you may be unaware of a problem unless the roof begins to leak. Make a habit of inspecting your roof or having it checked by a professional every year. Any problems that are found should be fixed as soon as possible to prevent much worse damage.

Gutters
Gutters should be cleaned twice a year to remove leaves and other debris and to prevent clogs. This is a messy chore that no one likes, but it can prevent roof and siding damage, flooding, mold, and ice dams. If you dont want to clean the gutters yourself, hire professionals, and consider installing gutter guards to cut down on cleaning.

Chimney
If your family enjoys relaxing in front of a fire in the winter, your chimney has probably accumulated a layer of soot and creosote, a highly flammable substance thats produced when wood burns. The chimney should be professionally cleaned to prevent a fire. Even if you dont use your fireplace, birds and other animals may have built nests in the chimney, and they might wind up inside your house.

HVAC System
Heating and cooling units and ducts can become clogged with dust and condensation. Replacing the filters is an easy way to address this issue, but many homeowners forget. You should also have your HVAC system inspected once a year by a professional who can spot problems you might miss.

Water Heater
Sediment that builds up in the bottom of a water heater can lead to discolored tap water. Flushing your water heater is a simple way to remove sediment and protect your family from health problems caused by contaminated water.

Dryer Vent
A plugged dryer vent is a frequent source of high utility bills, and it can also cause a fire. A vent can become clogged with lint, and pests can also build nests there. Removing the vent and cleaning it out with a wet/dry vac can help you save money and prevent a fire.

Refrigerator
Refrigerator condenser coils cool and condense refrigerant. If they get clogged with dirt, dust or pet hair, the refrigerator wont work efficiently, which will lead to higher utility bills and cause the appliance to wear out faster than it should. Condenser coils should be cleaned at least annually.

Make Maintenance a Priority
With everything going on in your life, its easy to put home maintenance on the back burner, but that can lead to unsafe conditions and expensive bills. If you havent completed these important tasks recently, set aside some time to tackle them or hire professionals.

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