Your décor not only sets the mood for your room it also has the ability to make your room feel cozier or formal, larger or smaller. Why not use a floor mirror to create the illusion of space?

Creating the illusion of space – it’s all about the placement. By placing the mirrors in the right place you can make your room appear much larger. These tips will make your small area feel roomier.

1. If you have a hallway or stairs that you want to appear wider stagger floor mirrors on both sides.

2. If you are in a loft that has pillars mirror them and they will suddenly disappear creating the illusion of bigness.

3. To make your hall appear longer put a mirror at the end of the hall.

4. Make your candles or flowers appear to be much more abundant by placing hinged mirrors around the object such as on a table or mantle.

5. Make sure the angle of your mirrors reflects only the good things. Avoid clutter, the laundry basket, the toilet, or the kitchen sink to name just a few unwanted views.

6. Try to place your mirror or mirrors so that they collect a source of light and perhaps reflect your favorite item in the room or the window.

7. Replace your dark closet doors with floor mirrors. They are functional and will make the room appear much bigger.

8. Your bathroom can be made to appear larger by hanging a floor mirror at the base of the tub or on the back of the door providing it doesn’t reflect the toilet.

9. A foyer looks wonderfully inviting and much larger with a big mirror to greet visitors.

10. Consider using more than one mirror in a row to rely give impact.

Remember color can also play an important role in creating the illusion of space. Combine mirrors with your room colors and you’ll successfully achieve your illusion. Here are some color tips to consider.

1. Bright white – there is no other color that can as effectively give the illusion of large. But of course white isn’t the color choice for everyone.

2. Tints – can’t stand white then add a warm tint.

3. Beige and gray will keep a room looking larger.

4. Bright colors reflect the light creating an inviting environment. Yellow is a great choice!

5. Go dramatic – One wall as a feature done in a dramatic dark color can create quite an illusion. Ruby red, forest green, maroon are all great choices.

Another way to create the illusion of grandeur is to get the clutter out. All of us are guilty of collecting to much stuff. Trouble is that stuff lands up cluttering our rooms. Try to remove extra furniture from your room and pack up the knickknacks. A few are okay but if you don’t have the space it’s time to store that collection.

There are many different styles of mirrors to choose from and there’s no better selection than what some of the online sites have to offer. The question is are you ready to make your home feel bigger? Why not have some fun experimenting with your floor mirror décor?

Janett has worked as a home interior decorator for more than 10 years, so she knows the importance of a well placed mirror in your bedroom or your bathroom. Janett will give you a list of answers to questions on mirrorguide.com mirrorguide.com, in order for you to find the best mirrorguide.com contemporary mirrors that is best suited for your room.

In most homes in North America, unless you live in a warm, sunny part, you will find three types of furnace systems, the conventional furnace, mid- efficiency furnace, and high-efficiency furnace. With some homes, you will also find a wood furnace or an outdoor wood furnace. Here are a few tips on maintaining your furnace throughout the year. If you have a forced-air gas furnace, there is a thermostatically-controlled gas control valve that feeds through a manifold to a series of burner tubes. Your furnace ignites by an electric spark or constant-flame pilot ignition system. The furnace blower then heats and circulates the air that was warmed in the heat exchanger above the burners.

It is important that the air is warmed inside the exchanger without allowing any deadly carbon monoxide, that is usually odorless into the supply ducts. You will find that on most models of blower and burner chambers, there are individual access panels or a single large panel. The operation of your furnace is regulated by the gas control valve, a remote thermostat and ignition system. In addition to having a technician service your furnace is important to not store anything around it, no flammables near it. Keep the air filter clean, make sure the gas burners have a clean blue flame, and that there are no unusual sounds when it starts or runs. Make sure that there are no leaks coming from it or unusual odors and that the thermostat is functioning properly. If you have electric radiant heat, it is still a good idea to follow similar safety precautions.

Here are some of the tasks performed by a licensed heating technician. They check for hazardous debris in the chimney or flue, safety test for carbon monoxide, ensure the furnace filter is cleaned and reinstalled, check the operation of your thermostat and its safety controls, clean the motor and fan, check blower operation, and check the gas pilot safety system, cleaning it as well, if required. All belts are checked for condition and tension and any necessary adjustments made. The burners are cleaned and set for proper combustion and ignition, and the gas piping is checked as well. Remember to have your furnace overhauled once a year to ensure good clean and safe operation.

By Terry Price

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When you are using solar heat, it is a good idea to regulate the amount of heat you are using. Just like the thermostats utilized in traditional home heating systems, solar heating thermostats are available. These thermostats will allow you to turn the heat up or down, and also set the temperature, so that your home will regulate itself, just like traditional thermostats. This is important for many reasons. Read on to learn more.

Some people think that when you use solar heating, you can’t regulate the temperature of your home. But that simply isn’t true. If you have a solar heating thermostat, it’s essentially the same as traditional heating methods. You should regulate your home temperature for many reasons. Of course your comfort is number one, but just because solar heating is free, doesn’t mean you should waste the energy you get. If you run out, you may have to tap back into the traditional grid. And if you save up enough energy, you’ll always have extra during the months or even years that you find you need a little more energy then usual.

Did you know that you can save up solar energy for later use? You can! And in some areas, you can sell surplus energy back to the power companies. Not only does a solar heating thermostat help you regulate the amount of energy you are using, it also gives you the chance to see how much you have collected. This is also very useful if you are trying to use solar power exclusively. Knowing how much energy you have reserved will help you decide how much to use so that you don’t ever have to rely on traditional energy methods again. If this is important to you, consider investing in a solar heat thermostat with these extra features.

Solar heating thermostats are available in a wide variety of prices. Some basic manual thermostats are available for under $20. Other, more advanced digital models can set you back hundreds of dollars. It all depends on what your personal needs are. If you are buying a new set of solar heating equipment, you should check to see if a thermostat is included. Many companies these days are offering them in the package.

Learn the pros and cons of solarenergyadvantages.org/” target=”_blank solar energy – Solar Energy Advantages is your source for information on solar panels, solar powered clothes dryers, solar fountain pumps, home solar plans and information on how solar power works and can benefit your home and family. One of the ways that you can use solar heat without spending too much or converting your entire home to solarheatexchanger.info/active_vs_passive_solar_heating.html” target=”_blank solar powered heating is with a solar heat exchanger. These are available for a wide variety of uses including heating swimming pools, sheds, solarheatexchanger.info/solar_heating_thermostats.html” target=”_blank solar heating thermostats and hot water heaters.

Buying a chandelier or fireplace screen in wrought iron can make a statement of elegance for your home. Buying the right screen for your fireplace can help it esthetically and keep the dirt contained. Some people choose to have multiple screens so they can change their household décor seasonally as well with some screens for casual use and others that come out for special occasions or holidays.

Why buy a fireplace screen in wrought iron?

Whether you use your fireplace or just want it to look nice, a screen is a very important aspect of the display. Wrought iron is a great option for fireplace screens and other items around your house such as a wrought iron patio set or wrought iron pot rack or even a wrought iron chandelier. Wrought iron is so strong and durable and with a small amount of care will look like it’s new for many years, even generations.

Warmth exists in a room that has a hearth and that’s true even if it’s not in use. Some people merely use their mantel to display treasured items or fill their fireplaces with wrought iron candle holders. Screens can be iron with smoked glass or complete iron gates or other varieties as well. Wrought iron is so versatile; there are many options and many styles to choose from.

What about a wrought iron chandelier?

Accessories an surround your fireplace screens to help bring out the great look. Matching fireplace tools, a matching set of candlestick holders for your mantel and even a matching chandelier for the room can all add to the look of the room and you can even buy a screen that rotates.

Light fixtures, fireplace covers and other iron accessories can be available in many styles. You can have ivy patterns, scrolls and many styles that are done in sections or mesh or panels. You can even have your initials custom scrolled into your design and it can even be an item such as pewter or bronze that’s integrated into the wrought iron design.

Wrought iron and elegance

Wrought iron painted, or finished can add elegance and charm to your home whether it’s in the form of the gates leading onto your property, your accessories throughout the home, items such as fire place gates or screens and even your chandeliers. The shapes and styles are wide and the look never goes out of style.

Andrew Caxton is the author of many articles on different web publications, with subjects like fireplaces published online for wrought-iron-guide.com wrought-iron-guide.com . Find more publications about wrought-iron-guide.com/chandelier.html wrought iron chandelier at his website.

In ground spas are spas that blend with the landscape and are situated in gardens or back yards. They are fixed to the ground and can be an integral part in the pool area. There are various shapes and sizes of in ground pools available with manufacturers.

Designed with contoured seating, these spas offer maximum comfort. There are numerous jets that are used as hydrotherapy tools. Plumbing connections are simple and easy to install. Most of the modern spas can be remotely operated. There are filters attached to these spas that are compact and effectively remove all contaminants.

Blowers are fitted to control the heat of the water and to keep the plant operating at proper temperatures. All procedures can be operated through spa side buttons. The temperature of the water can be controlled. In cold countries where there are chances of freezing, heaters are used to keep the water warm.

Most of manufacturers offer trouble shooting back up. Service is provided for maintenance of the equipment. Some of the products also have a limited warranty.

Spa prices have come down considerably, and it is possible for almost anyone to have one installed in their home. The spas are made out of acrylic material that is very sanitary. Tubs can be easily cleaned and come with instructions on how to clean them.

The spas are electrically operated; therefore, a professional electrician can help with installation. Plumbing has to be done with a lot of care, as the slope and land type play an important factor for water flow. The filtration and purification plants are placed a little away from the actual tub. The company evaluates the requirement of excavation if necessary.

Spas-source.com Spas provides detailed information on Spas, Day Spas, Health Spas, Spa Vacations and more. Spas is affiliated with e-HotTubs.com Portable Hot Tubs.

Before installing a water feature you need to ask yourself several important questions first:

What is your budget? How much can you spend on the entire project? You could spend $3,000 on a water feature and find out you still need an additional $1,000-1,500 for plants and amenities, such as a deck, gazebo, walkways, fish or
landscape lighting in the pond, waterfall and lawn. Other possible extras are a biological filter, auto-fill for pond, skimmer, back-flushable bio-filter, and more.

How big is a water feature? If you are building your own, then structurally size is not that big an issue! I would charge the same price for a 3-foot high waterfall as I would for a 5-foot; the same for a 3 by 5-foot pond as a 4 by 6. There is only a $200 difference in cost between the 1,000 and 2,000 square feet of concrete shell surface. Your main concern about size should be space, not cost. How much of your yard can you sacrifice? Even if the space between your house and the property line fence is limited, a water feature can be incorporated.

Small ponds 1½ to 3 feet deep can facilitate a sump pump located within the pond. Even though a sump pump is inexpensive, it consumes much more energy than an above-ground pump. A pond any deeper than 3 feet requires an exterior pump for better accessibility and maintenance, and at a higher cost. But they pay for themselves in a short period of time with the energy savings. Also, larger ponds require greater filtration, more cleaning and maintenance.

The size of the waterfalls will determine the size of the pump needed. The higher the waterfalls, the bigger the pump needed to supply the water and the greater the cost for electricity. Height creates head pressure which requires more energy and is the major factor in operating cost.

How much entertaining will you do? Will you need a deck? If so, how big? You might consider placing a pond next to an existing deck. Many people do just the opposite, they build a pond and then construct a deck beside it. In this case, you can take advantage of an existing deck and construct an open stairway (stair bridge) to
span the pond. This affords unique access to the opposite side.

Will you have adequate room for table and chairs? Do you want a spa? Or a fire pit or barbeque? Enough lawn for games? Where do you spend most of your outdoor leisure time? That is the area for your waterfall! The waterfall will bring you the most enjoyment, therefore it should be located closest to the area where you
plan to spend most of your time out of doors.

Do you want to see or hear the waterfall from indoors? Consider adding an exterior patio or French doors to your house to access your water feature area. Do you wish to have fish and other aquatic creatures? Long term, a properly maintained nitrogen cycle costs less than maintaining a pond that uses chlorine and other chemicals. Fish, plants and proper bacteria are needed for healthy pond and nitrogen cycle. Once properly established, a healthy fish pond is virtually maintenance free.

Are you willing to remove or replace certain trees or bushes to enhance the waterfall and pond? Some trees have very aggressive root systems that can literally move concrete as they grow, causing cracking and upheaval. Certain trees can
contribute a great deal of debris to the water feature that fouls the water and may cause premature failure of the filter system.

What type of rock do you want? A commonly used rock is cobble stone. However, because of the round shapes, water rolls over the surfaces and creates a minimum of sound or visual effect. In contrast, irregular, angular, sharp-edged
granite or similar rock creates turbulent conditions similar to white water as it flowsover the edges. The greater the “white water” the more sound is produced. Also, a side benefit is the aeration of water which benefits fish and discourages the production of algae. However, do not attempt to match the color of rock with the decor of the house, brick and other features of your home. Stay natural – contrast is good!

What about electrical supply for the pump and equipment? In 20 years I have never seen the electrical costs for supplying power to the equipment site exceed $1,200, and the average is less than $400.

What about a water supply for an automatic water leveling system? Water is very accessible in any household and getting it to the water feature site is a minor expense. Simply tap into an outside water faucet.

There are hundreds of questions that arise in the course of a water feature project. It is best that most of these questions are answered prior to commencement of construction, it could save you hundreds of dollars by avoiding mistakes.

Look before you leap and research before you weep. Happy koi, peace and joy.

Douglas C. Hoover; CEO of Aquamedia Corp, master Waterfall Builder,architect, engineer, freelance writer, author, designer & builder of over 1,900 waterfall and ponds in CA (26 years). Invented the AquaFill electronic water level control system for ponds, pools, fountains & spas

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Believe it or not, using shower water filters is probably more important than using drinking water filtration, as our bodies take in many more times the amount of harmful contaminants through our skin than we do from drinking a glass of unfiltered tap water. It sounds crazy, but it’s scientifically proven.

Most tap water, whether it comes from a municipal water system or from a well, contains some level of contamination. Some contaminants are fairly harmless, and your body can handle them naturally. Others, such as synthetic chemicals like the ones used in herbicides and pesticides, can be very harmful to your health, not only through drinking, but through showering.

In fact, showering in unfiltered water exposes your body to more contaminants than drinking a glass of that same water. This is because skin absorbs moisture, and with it any accompanying chemicals. Plus, warm water opens the skin’s pores, allowing even more absorption to take place. Using a shower water filter in your home will protect you from contact with and absorption of unhealthy, toxin-filled water.

Water passing through a shower filter also has cosmetic benefits such as improving skin and hair texture. Chlorine present in most tap water has a drying effect on skin and hair, and well water is often full of heavy minerals that can weigh down and discolor hair, ruin the effects of hair treatments such as coloring and perms, and can discolor clothing in the washing machine.

Since water enters the home at one location and then courses through pipes to each of your sinks and showers, you might think that the best way to filter your water is at its point of entry. However, it turns out that some harmful chemicals in household water come directly from the home’s piping, so it’s most effective to use a water filter at each point of use in the home. If you install quality shower water filters in each bathroom, you can be sure that the water that you and your family use to bathe is as safe as possible.

When shopping for a shower water filter, you can use documentation called a Performance Data Sheet to find out what types of contaminants and at what levels the filter is certified to remove from your water. This information should be made readily available by reputable companies selling quality shower filtration systems. Also look for multi-stage filters that can remove chlorine and balance pH levels. Lastly, look for certification from one of the more stringent states such as New York or California.

Installing a filtration system that includes water-filtration-guide.com/shower-filters.html shower water filters in each bathroom in your home is the best way to protect yourself and your family from unnecessary exposure to contaminated water.

Martin Spencer is a health researcher who has been studying water filtration for over 25 years. He is a regular contributor to water-filtration-guide.com Water Filtration Guide, a site dedicated to various methods of treating and purifying water. Find out where to get a water-filtration-guide.com/shower-filters.html high quality shower water filter on our site.

If you prefer a simple yet elegantly designed room, traditional table lamps are your best choice for accessories. These lamps emit dim, soft and even sensual light, making the ambiance more relaxed and romantic.

Traditional table lamps are available in different styles and designs. One of the most popular traditional table lamp designs features antique bronze and ivory cackle finish on metal resin, and have shades made of silk. Other popular table lamps are those finished in vintage brass, antique gold, marble and wood. Sizes vary and bulbs used are typically 3-way, with 150 wattage. Prices will depend on the finish of the product.

Many people also like a vintage brass finish on traditional table lamps. This kind of texture goes very well with a soft semi-transparent shade, preferably in muted colors that do not take attention away from the beautiful brass. Some people also go for traditional table lamps that are whitewashed. You can add a hardback linen shade with trim to add character.

And of course, there are traditional resin lamps with a rust finish and a dark copper tone. Like wooden traditional lamps, they work well with contemporary wicker shades.

Traditional lamps can cost anywhere from about $90 to $150 on average, depending on the designer and the materials used. The more intricate the design (if the wood is hand-carved or if there are complex etchings on the metal, for example), the higher the price.

Make sure the design of the table lamp will jive with the rest of the things inside your room. Designers these days advise people to refrain from putting matching lamps on two bedside tables. Try putting two absolutely contrasting traditional table lamps instead – it will give your room more character and make it look less formal.

e-TableLamps.com Table Lamps provides detailed information on Table Lamps, Contemporary Table Lamps, Traditional Table Lamps, Pool Table Lamps and more. Table Lamps is affiliated with z-Antiques.com Antique Furniture.

Finding and financing fixer-uppers is only the beginning of the investment process. Whether you’re planning on renting or reselling a home, it first needs a thorough cleaning. Here are a few tips that can help you make short work of your next cleaning project.

If you encounter lots of scuff marks on the kitchen floor, try making a paste out of baking soda and a little warm water. It works as well as products costing hundreds of times more!

If you find the house’s sinks and bathtubs are full of ugly stains, soak paper bags with bleach and leave them in the sink or tub overnight. You’ll be surprised at the results.

If the house smells awful, and a lot of fixers do, you can make a homemade deodorizer spray by combining one teaspoon of lemon juice, one teaspoon of baking soda, and two cups of hot water. Once the mixture is complete, put it into a spray bottle and then use it to refresh the house, just as would use any commercial deodorizer spray.

Carpets are nearly always a problem when attacking a fixer-upper, and in order to make the most profit from the house, you’ll want to save the carpet if at all possible. Here are a couple ideas to try before you yank out old carpet.

If it’s smelly, as it often is, you can make your own carpet freshener very inexpensively by mixing one cup of borax, one cup of cornmeal, and ½ cup of baking soda. Then sprinkle the mixture onto the carpet and gently rub it in with a cloth. To get the maximum effect, leave the mixture on the carpet overnight. When you vacuum the carpet the next day, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much fresher it will smell.

If the carpet is stained, you can make your own heavy duty (yet cheap) stain removing compound by first sprinkling baking soda on an inconspicuous section of carpet. (In case the carpet isn’t color fast, you want to run a test where it won’t show.) Then pour on a small amount of vinegar. don’t be surprised at what happens next, because it’s going to bubble like there’s no tomorrow! Allow the mixture to dry, and then clean it up with a vacuum cleaner. Another common household product, spray window cleaner, also removes stubborn spots from carpet. The carpet should now be spot-free!

You can do an amazing amount of cleaning without having to spend a huge amount of money–by simply combining various easily-available and inexpensive ingredients.

Copyright © 2006 Jeanette J. Fisher

jeanettefisher.com Jeanette Fisher, interior design teacher, teaches real estate investors how to transform fixers into buyer’s dream homes. free ebook: The Truth about Making Money Flipping Houses doghousetodollhousefordollars.com doghousetodollhousefordollars.com

Your couch is ugly and out-dated. Your loveseat looks raggedy, with threads hanging in spots. Just the sight of your old-fashioned living room makes you depressed. You’ve already been to the furniture store and there is no way you can afford a new set. What on earth should you do? You could consider slipcovers.

Slipcovers are an inexpensive way of giving your furniture — and your room — a makeover. A slipcover is a piece of fabric, specially made to fit a particular type of furniture. You simply place it over your existing couch, loveseat, chair, or whatever, and instantly, you have a whole new look.

Slipcovers can be made of most any fabric. Though you can use any fabric you want, it is best to pick a sturdy fabric that can withstand regular use. Good, strong fabrics include canvas, denim, linen, chintz, and ticking. Any one of those fabrics could create a slipcover able to handle even the most rambunctious children.

Slipcovers can be elegant or whimsical, elaborate or simple, flashy or understated — all depending on the materials used. Whatever your decorating goals, they can be accomplished with the right slipcover.

Slipcovers are available in a wide variety of colors and fabrics. Florals, stripes, checks, solids, and plaids are always popular choices. If you have a particular fabric you are trying to match, such as a tablecloth or curtain, you could even have the slipcover custom made.

Better yet, you could make it yourself. If you have some basic sewing skills, slipcovers are a relatively easy project.

Slipcovers are inexpensive enough to be changed regularly. You can change them as the season — or your mood — changes. With a little bit of cash and decorating savvy, you can make over your entire home. A carefully chosen and well-cared for slipcover can offer you years of enjoyment.

e-slip-covers.com Slip Covers provides detailed information about sofa, futon, chair, and recliner slip covers, plus custom and discount slip covers, and advice on how to make a slip cover. Slip Covers is the sister site of e-duvetcovers.com Duvet Covers Web.