FIREPLACES

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Fireplaces are installed for many reasons. Some use them for recreational or entertaining purposes; some for a backup heating system or decorative enhancement. Fireplaces being used as supplemental heating will get the most use and a higher quality (and more often than not, more expensive) unit. Higher quality fireplaces are the best choice because they will offer greater efficiency and usually are more attractive.  Fireplace designers recommend low-end, builder-grade fireplaces for occasional or recreational fires, such as entertaining or family gatherings. If you anticipate using it once a week or more during the winter, choose a higher-end model that will last for years because replacements are costly and time consuming.

Before purchasing your new fireplace here are some questions that will help you decide what kind of fireplace you want:

            What features do you want?
            Can your home accommodate the required venting needs?

Do you have adequate space for the fireplace and the needed framing and hearth required by the model?

What hearth and surround design do you want to use?

What style of mantel meets the clearance requirements?

Shop at a business where fireplace knowledge is available.

Wood-burning Fireplaces

Wood-burning fireplaces put the most restraint on the design. The chimney system must run vertically, clear the roof by local code which is usually 3 feet. These systems can be more dependent on the roof pitch and the home design. They should be placed near a door to the outside. This makes bringing in wood and taking out ashes easier. There is a greater requirement for the hearth to protrude into the room and for side and top clearances. Choose high-end, energy efficiency fireplaces which have tightly sealing doors for long burn time, more heat and cleaner burning, and upgraded designs for high heat output or it could lose more heat than it produces. Open-front, decorative fireplaces are banned in some areas that are prone to air quality problems.
A good supplier of firewood and space to store it is needed. The type of wood to be burned and how it is stored and cared for greatly affect wood burning. A wood-burning fireplace is best left to the professional to install.

Gas Burning Fireplaces

Gas burning fireplaces offer a convenient, realistic flame at the touch of a button. It has remote control devices. Many have thermostat controls to adjust the flame or turn it off or on. Venting options allow installation in any room on any floor. There are a variety of styles, sizes, designs and venting options. Every model from every manufacturer is different. Check the installment requirements carefully. These fireplaces are designed to burn natural gas or liquid propane (which can be stored in a tank somewhere else on your property). Installment requires the services of a licensed plumber or HVAC technician. Check the local building codes before running gas lines and installing. This is also a job for the pros.

Electric Fireplaces

Electric fires are very popular now. They have 100% efficiency, require no venting and can go anywhere in your home. Designs run from small to large, traditional to contemporary. Most include a heater that provides plenty of warmth for small areas. There are no special requirements and can be done by do-it-yourselfers.

Plan Your Project

Draw on a piece of paper the accurate measurements. Create a template on the floor and wall to visually see the amount of space needed for installation and how close furniture will be placed. Get the proper permits from your local planning and building department. After the final inspection sit back and enjoy your new fireplace. You have just made a great investment in your homes value.

Your Garden-of-Eden

You can add value and beauty to your yard by putting a patio cover over it. Patio areas enjoy great popularity with most households because they provide an extra space for seating guests and relaxing in the evenings. If you too love to spend leisure time in the garden, make the most of it by selecting the best patio cover.

The chief purpose of patio covers is to shade you from the sun in the hotter months.  They also provide protection against sudden bursts of rain when your guests are enjoying themselves in a backyard party. They could be either an extension of your main roof or as a separate structure. Or you could choose a canvas or vinyl roll-out awning. They serve the same purpose.

First of all, decide how much coverage you want. Secondly, the patio cover you are opting for should match the style of your house. Thirdly, it must also match the theme of your garden.

It is not wise to shield off the entire sunlight from your garden area. For partial coverage opt for weatherwood slats, often called open-grid awnings. They offer some sunlight or moonlight but you have some protection from the elements. For full coverage, regular roofing is a better idea. If you have to match the patio cover as an extension of your roof, it should be made from the same material and the same color.

Insulated patio covers are best for winters because these can support a heavy load of snow.   These are also good for tackling heavy rainfall.  Generally these insulated covers come with a warranty against paint peeling, chipping, fading and discoloring. Metallic patio covers do not usually peel or chip but they do fade. These are also not the best choice in an area with frequent high winds. However, next to open-grid or lattice awnings they are relatively inexpensive.

Similarly, you can enhance the look of your garden by touching up your lawn with colorful rocks, pebbles, stepping stones, garden gnomes, plants and trees. There are so many things you could utilize in this space. Some of them are birdhouses, tree houses, decorative dog houses, tree swings, porch swings, wind chimes, hammocks, outdoor fireplaces, chaise lounges, patio dining sets, umbrellas and fountains. You are only limited by your imagination. So make your garden area your own Garden of Eden. 

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Choosing a New Dining Room Set

Choosing a new dining room set can be daunting.  The first thing to consider is where you will put it.  Some people put it in the kitchen.  Some put it in the living room.  Others have a large formal dining room in which to put it.  Where you place it depends on whether it will be used primarily for the family or for entertaining.  The amount of space you have available and the cost of the set are also considerations.

If you are putting the new set in the kitchen, a small dinette with a small table and a few chairs may suffice.  If the area is very small, a bar table and stools might be preferable.  These could work in the living room as well.  Either of these furniture choices can be as inexpensive or expensive as you desire.  Just make sure you get quality merchandise.

A formal dining room set is preferred when you have the use of an entire room, especially if you like to entertain.  Formal dining room sets can be rather expensive but if you have the budget for it, there is no better way to entertain.  This set usually consists of a table large enough to seat a minimum of six people; has six or more matching chairs and a matching buffet or credenza.  If you have the space, a china or curio cabinet or a wine rack would also be convenient pieces.

When dealing with a large group of people, table space becomes an issue.  It takes a lot of food to feed a large party.  And that's where the buffet (or credenza) becomes very useful and a cabinet with a wine rack would keep the wine available also.

In a formal dining room setting, the shape of the table is important.  When entertaining more than four or five people, a rectangular table is generally a better fit than round or square ones.  Rectangular tables don't have as much dead space in the center.  Square and circular tables certainly have more room for a centerpiece, but a large centerpiece may block your guests' view of each other and hinder conversation.

Whether you are going for classic, contemporary or country, you want your new dining room set to be comfortable.  Wood, glass and metal are the most common materials for tables and they all look great.  If you want your set to last a long time or possibly be passed down to the next generation, good heavy hardwoods are the best choice.

When shopping for furniture, choose something that appeals to you.  Furniture, whether for the dining room or any other room in your home, is a big investment.  So choose carefully and choose well.  Furnitureandyou.com

Bathroom Furniture

Whether you are building your bathroom from the ground up or just upgrading and remodeling, there are several different things to consider. There are bathrooms now that feature see-through fireplaces, exercise equipment, televisions and radios, small refrigerators and saunas. Your bathroom is the place where you can relax after a long day at work. Bathroom furniture can keep clutter at bay and also give the room an organized look.

Bathroom vanities, which usually consist of a table, mirror and a chair or stool, are a great place for storing your toiletries (combs, brushes, powders, perfumes...). The only disadvantage of these is the space they require. Vanities can come as decorative or plain, as expensive or inexpensive as you like.

Bathroom cabinets are another option if you need more storage space. They can be freestanding and full length or come in the form of shelves installed on a wall or over the toilet. Whether made of wood or metal they add functionality and depending on the design you choose can add to the look and feel of the room.

You may opt for a freestanding bathtub or a walk-in or a claw-foot bathtub. In any case, your bathtub is not only a place to wash but also a place where you can totally withdraw from the world and be totally self-indulgent, even if for a little while.

A bathroom mirror is an important part of your bathroom. It helps you prepare your appearance for the image conscious world. It also brightens the room by helping expand the lighting. Whether you choose a round mirror, rectangular mirror, a decorative mirror or a plain mirror, it plays an important roll in the design of your bathroom.

Bathroom sinks and fixtures come in a very wide variety of colors, shapes and designs. They can be in-set; sit on top of the cabinet; freestanding on a pedestal; or wall mounted. Sinks are no longer just for washing. They play a big part in the look and feel of your bathroom. They can make your bathroom a showplace.

Other bathroom furniture items are magazine racks, wall shelves and toilet paper holders. All serving the purposes they were designed for and providing more functionality and ways for altering the nuance of your bathroom..

There are so... many things to consider in building, remodeling or redecorating your bathroom; so many things to choose from. It can be mind boggling! But remember when making your choices, the bathroom is not just the room where you do your business anymore. It is also your own personal hide-away.

Buying Your Home Furnishings & Decor on the Web

The Internet has made buying home furnishings & decor items easy. What once was an arduous process is now as simple as pointing and clicking.

Buying furniture online can be tricky so you need to be careful when doing so. You have more stores to buy from, more selections and more prices to compare. It also has some disadvantages. You can no longer see or touch the piece up close; or see how it would fit with the furniture you already own. But buying online can be done simply and successfully if you keep certain things in mind.

Find out if the website has a local warehouse or store. Doing this may give you the opportunity to see the piece(s) in person, as opposed to just a picture. Before going to a store, take measurements to make sure the furniture will fit where you want it to go. Online furniture stores usually have the measurements stated in the description of the furniture.

Take the time to look at as many websites as you can to compare both prices and pieces available. Also make very sure you understand shipping costs which can be inflated to bring more income to the store. Some sites include shipping fees in the price of the furniture. Some do not. This could be why some stores seem to have higher prices on their furniture. If this is the case, the site will advertise "Free Shipping." Then there are some stores who cannot quote an up-front shipping cost until they have the delivery location. Some modes of delivering merchandise (UPS, FedEx, truck transportation) have different rates on the same item going to different ship-to locations. In this case, emails may need to be sent (both ways) to determine the fees and IF this item is still something you really want to purchase. You may find the same piece on two different sites but if one has free shipping, you may have already saved yourself some money.

A big advantage to buying furniture online is the delivery factor. A local store may charge you a delivery fee. Online stores know they have to deliver it so it is covered in the price of the product. This helps if you are unable to transport the furniture home yourself. And to make it even more convenient, you may be able to choose the delivery date or even the time.

Local stores tend to be more expensive as they have the overhead to pay for as well as the cost of the furniture itself. So compare diligently. Buying online can save you money, time and mental exhaustion if you do your homework first.

Selecting Your Bedroom Furniture Set

Before you even start shopping for your new full bedroom furniture set, whether you are in the market for a chest of drawers, bunk beds or a TV armoire, think about what size of bed you'll need; how large a bed your bedroom can accommodate and get ready to lie down and test out a lot of different ones before you make your decision.

Your bed should be sturdy and well constructed so that it supports your weight effortlessly and doesn't wake you in the middle of the night with squeaking. Beautiful oak is the perfect material for a durable sturdy bed that will give you years of good nights' sleep.

Most people replace their mattresses about once per decade but if your mattress isn't giving you a good night's sleep, it's probably time to make a change, no matter how new your mattress may be.

Size is the first thing you'll need to think about. Other than the size of the mattress itself, make sure to allow for a little extra room for your headboard and foot-board. These alone can add anywhere from 4 inches to a foot on either end of wood beds. Comforters, blankets and quilts can add a few inches to either side, so allow for a little extra room here as well. If you're unclear about how a new bed will fit into your room, use graph paper and sketch it to see what sizes of bed will work well. You'll want to allow at least 2 feet on either side of the bed to allow for easy changing of linens and just being able to comfortably get around the room. You can measure the dimensions of a bed and lay masking tape on the floor to get an idea of how much room the bed will take up.

Standard bed sizes are: California/Western King: 72" x 84"; Eastern King: 76-78" x 80"; Queen: 60" x 80"; Double/Standard/Full Size: 54" x 75"; Extra long Twin: 38-39" x 80"; Twin: 38-39 x 75". Remember that these sizes may be slightly different from manufacturer to manufacturer.

It's a good idea to try out a mattress before buying. If you share a bed with someone, make sure that they come along to try it as well. Wear comfortable clothes and prepare to try several before you come to a decision. Give yourself enough time to really get a feel for each mattress. Try sitting and lying on the bed and try out comfortable positions which you find yourself in while reading or working in bed.

Always examine the cutaway samples and the labels to determine the construction of the mattress. Innerspring is the most commonly seen. This consists of springs covered with upholstery and layers of padding. Check how many coils are used, how many layers of padding are present and from what material they are made from. The more coils there are, the longer the mattress will stay in good shape. A double should have about 200 coils; a queen 375 and a king 450-600. These should be covered with several layers of upholstery, at least one layer of foam padding and a quilted pillow top. Mattresses used to almost universally be 9" thick. That has changed with many mattresses being as thick as 16". But thicker doesn't always mean more comfortable.

Try out different mattresses before deciding. Remember that an extra deep mattress may limit your choices of linens.

Always look for a warranty. Many manufacturers and retailers allow for a test period. If you decide the mattress isn't what you want, you can exchange for a different one. Keep in mind that delivery charges may still apply, however.

When looking at bed frames, one thing to look for is if the frame has slats which fit property into the frame and will properly support your mattress and box springs. If you want a bed which doesn't use box springs, you'll want a frame which has a solid base instead of slats.

For storage, and so that your belongings are in easy reach when you are getting ready for your day, you need a chest of drawers, night stands and depending on the size of your room possibly a TV armoire. There are also over-sized pieces in different styles that offer several storage options besides drawers such as doors or shelves. Night stands are perfect for storing personal items or items that are best at close reach because they usually sit bedside. Whatever your preference the most important parts of any of these units are the drawers. If they were constructed poorly from materials commonly used in mass-production, chances are they will break easily, especially if they are stuffed or forced closed.

Make shopping for your home furnishings & decor items a pleasant experience. Go informed and prepared.

Arranging Your Living Room

If you are thinking of buying new furniture for your living room, you should make a rough layout and decide how you want to arrange it. Most people think of it as a brainstorming chore. But at Furnitureandyou.com, we give you some simple and easy tips you can use to position your new home furnishings and decor pieces to suit your own style.

A living room is a space to which other rooms are connected. And one needs to pass through it to get to those other rooms. So keep an unobstructed pathway. Also it is important to keep a "circulation" space for your family members.

The following are some simple tips you can follow when creating a layout for your sectional sofa, console table(s) and book case(s).

1. Make a sketch of your living room on paper. Remember to show the following things in it:

* Locations of doorways and windows,
* The directional swing of the doors,
* Minor column projections (if any),
* Position of staircase or fireplace (if any).

2. Draw lines starting with the entrance door to all other doors and windows.

3. Now you can position the furniture pieces and decide where you want to place your decor items and wall hangings.


You can create as many combinations and arrangements as you like. Remember, you can modify the travel path also. Be as creative and innovative (or not) as you like.

So follow these simple steps for positioning your new furniture. Your arms, legs and back will thank you for it.