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These details are essential to any Mediterranean-style abode…

Stucco Faade

A stucco faade along with a low-pitched roof outfitted with terracotta tiles is a popular exterior theme.

Natural Materials

Natural materials are the norm, such as hand-carved wood doors, limestone floors and warm earth tones.

Arched Windows & Doorways

Gentle curves and soft angles are a prevalent part of the aesthetic, particularly in doorways and windows.

Exposed Beams

This architectural detail makes any room feel more spacious and distinguished.

Tiles Galore

Mosaic tile backsplashes, terracotta tile floors and even tile countertops help capture authentic Mediterranean style.

Iron Accents

Wrought-iron light fixtures, railings and gates further the Old World aesthetic.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

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

Published with permission from RISMedia.

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.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

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.

Published with permission from RISMedia.