Home Improvement |
Summer living: creating the perfect attic bedroom
(ARA) – For many people, the attic is an oversized junk closet. It’s a space where all of the “I don’t know
what to do with this” items go and seem to disappear for years. However, homeowners forget that a
finished attic can be usable living space. And, whether you’re trying to increase the appeal of your home
before selling, or simply adapting to a growing family, an attic bedroom can be an
excellent upgrade to your home.
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Easy ways to create fast, functional, fun outdoor ‘land-escapes’
(ARA) – Adding useful space, enjoyment, appeal and value to homes, outdoor living spaces continue to be a popular home improvement project. While the economy slowly recovers, many budget-conscious homeowners are looking for simple, cost-effective ways to transform their homes’ exteriors into inviting outdoor “land-escapes” that can be enjoyed year around.
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Inexpensive ways to bring spring into your home
(ARA) – Spring is a time of new beginnings. Flowers and plants are blooming, the sun is shining and the weather is finally getting warmer after winter’s chill. So why not bring some of spring’s beauty into your home so you can enjoy it day after day?
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The land of make-believe: Creating playful kids’ rooms on a budget
(ARA) – Most parents can relate: Redecorating your child’s room often turns out to be far more challenging than freshening up the decor in other areas of your home. After all, kids have their own personalities and tastes – and what you like might not mesh with their ideas of the world’s coolest bedrooms.
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Five surprising facts about fireplaces
(ARA) – When it comes to creating ambiance and warmth in a home, nothing can beat a fireplace, especially during this time of year. But are you aware that the right fireplace or stove can also help reduce your heating costs? Or that your existing fireplace’s efficiency can be boosted significantly by installing an insert, and for less money than you might think?
Here are five facts about fireplaces and stoves that may surprise you.
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Tips to protect your home from severe weather
(ARA) – When people think of winterizing their homes, most often their heating bills spring to
mind – along with insulation and weather stripping. The winter months bring not only high energy bills, but also an increased chance of certain kinds of damage to your home and its contents.
A few precautions can help protect you from serious losses and disruptions this season.
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Don’t trash that banana peel – composting is an easy, eco-friendly alternative
(ARA) – Recycling is certainly not a new concept. In fact, gardeners have been using one form
of recycling – composting – for about as long as people have tilled the soil.
Composting is a cost-effective, eco-friendly way to give your garden a boost.
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Stay warm and healthy, keep heating bills down
(ARA) – With the return of colder weather, you may be hesitant to turn on the furnace again – especially
if you want to put off winter’s high energy bills. And, as you start shutting the windows to keep out the
cold, the quality of your home’s indoor air can make it hard to keep the family healthy, especially when flu season kicks in and allergies act up. But whatever the weather, you have the power to control the world
inside your home. Here are some steps you can take to ensure total home comfort and
energy efficiency this season.
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Snuggling up to a stove this winter?
(ARA) – As the mercury drops and days get shorter, you may be snuggling up to a wood-burning stove to keep your tootsies toasty. With today’s economy, alternative heat sources may become more popular as penny-pinchers try to minimize gas and electric bills.
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Fall decor trends feature rustic charm with homespun elegance
(ARA) – The air is becoming crisp, colors are changing and cozy sweaters are starting to make their way back into your wardrobe’s rotation. Autumn has arrived, and its natural beauty shines radiantly to warm the heart and inspire fresh crafting ideas.
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How to redesign your home to suit your personality
(ARA) – When guests enter your home, what they see is a reflection of who you are. What do you want that reflection to be? It’s a seemingly simple question, but one that goes to the core of your personality.
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The lighter side of nature-inspired home decor
(ARA) – If the words “nature-inspired decor” make you think of muted wall hues or overwrought floral fabrics, it’s time to rethink your take on this hot design trend.
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Ceiling fans can save you energy all year long
(ARA) – Gas and energy prices are rising again, and that means Americans must tighten their belts even further. You don’t need to dread hot summer temps and high air conditioning bills when you have ceiling fans in your home.
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DIY tips for creating a beautiful patio and yard in less time
(ARA) – Summer is the season for DIYers to complete outdoor home improvement projects, but even
the most enthusiastic homeowner wants to make the best use of time so he or she can still enjoy the
beautiful summer days.
Here are some common patio and landscaping projects and time-saving tips for completing them more easily, with better results…
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Tips to turn your rental space from bland to grand
(ARA) – Moving into a new rental property and wondering how much your landlord will allow you to decorate to make it feel like your own? You’re not alone. According to a recent Apartments.com survey, 90 percent of renters will decorate when moving to a new apartment; with 81 percent decorating within the first three
months of the move.
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Let Mother Nature be your guide for summer entertaining
(ARA) – As the cost of an evening out continues to grow, so does the trend of staying home to entertain family and friends. If you’re a budget-conscious consumer, you don’t have to spend a fortune to dazzle your guests; experts say you can get some of the best summer decorating ideas from Mother Nature.
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