Arizona Doors and Windows - So Many Options Are Available To Improve Your Home

Author: Joel Mclaughlin

Even better than a fresh coat of paint on your house is the look of a brand new Phoenix Arizona front door. Nothing stands out on a house more than the front door, and you undoubtedly want your home to leave a lasting impression of elegance and charm on your neighbors, friends, and passersby. There are many materials from which your new front door could be created, so no matter what your style, you’re likely to find exactly the door you want for your home. Traditional wood continues to be a popular favorite, and many are including artistic glass pieces in the center to add a touch of refinement. Metal doors are even more sturdy and durable than wood, and therefore make a popular choice among many, especially parents. Fiberglass is growing in popularity as a beautiful material from which doors can be created as well, and for those who love the environment, recycled materials can also be used to furnish the new entrance of your home.

Windows are another wise investment that will add beauty to the look of your home. There are so many windows styles to choose from that you may actually want to try some new styles altogether, rather than just replacements that will update your old windows. One of the most popular types of window that many people like is the awning style. This beautiful window opens upward to replicate the look of an awning above your window, so it’s a must-have on the front portion of homes for many consumers. Conventional casement windows also continue to be popular, but more and more people are looking into specialty and custom Phoenix Arizona windows as well. Since these windows are offered in a variety of shapes and sizes, it probably won’t be difficult for you to find a style you like. But just in case it is, custom designed windows are also an option that you can easily consider.

Besides the simple fact that your new windows and doors will be beautiful and eye-catching to the entire neighborhood, you can also save money on your monthly utility bills when you buy windows and doors that are energy-efficient. When windows and doors are energy-efficient, it basically means that your home will remain at a moderate temperature year-round despite what the weather man may have in mind. You can also purchase windows and doors with added storm protection included right in the materials. If you live in an environment where the weather is less than ideal or the elements are severe and damaging to the exterior of your home, you can take comfort in these types of storm protection materials. They can protect your front doors from the wear and tear of salty sea air or battering rain. They can also help keep the sun’s powerful rays from penetrating so greatly through your windows, so the beautiful red chair you have next to the bay window won’t be turning a dull pink color anytime soon.

About the Author:

Joel McLaughlin
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Italian designs

Many homeowners today still perceive European kitchen designs to be chunky and expensive. However, this is not true with Italian kitchen designs. Designs from Italy has always been in the forefront. Every year, Italian kitchen designs are showcased in International exhibitions all over the world, and they have received excellent feedback. Let's take a look at some of the reasons why this remains to be true today.


Reason 1: Sleek and streamlined designs.


Italian kitchens are well known to come in sleek and simple designs. For this reason, you can expect Italian designs to be more contemporary and modern looking. Of course, there are also traditional designs available if that is your preference. Most homeowners still prefer the simple but practical approach that Italian designs offer.


Compared to other European designs, which are mostly custom made, Italian designs are much simpler, and definitely less costly. A homeowner can even bring the entire kitchen along to a new home. It helps to have materials that are generally lighter. But there is another factor - its modular structure.


Reason 2: Modular structure.


The homeowner can bring the kitchen along when moving because the different parts of the kitchen can be easily taken apart, and easily fitted back again. You can't do that with a custom fit kitchen. Due to the modular structure of Italian designs, many homeowners end up saving a huge amount of money in installation fees.


Reason 3: Voids under cupboards and benches.


This is a unique characteristic of Italian kitchen designs. Voids are built-in deliberately to create the illusion of a bigger kitchen. This is possible because of the minimalist approach that Italian designs adopt. The next time you come across an Italian design, take a step back and observe closely. Most likely, you will see that the kitchen appears larger than most others.


Reason 4: Thinness is key.


Bench tops, cupboards, table tops, etc. are all created thinly. Having thin furniture in the kitchen means a few things. Firstly, everything is a little lighter and are therefore easier to handle. Secondly, this creates a modern look and feel that you can't achieve with thick materials.


Reason 5: Easily integrated with kitchen appliances.


No kitchen is complete without the right kitchen appliances. Such appliances include huge items like hood, stove, fridge, and other small items like kettles, utensils, etc. The goal here is to maintain a consistent look throughout the whole kitchen. For example, since this is an Italian kitchen, don't go around putting bulky items in the kitchen. In the midst of the simplistic design, those items will surely look out of place. Consult your kitchen designer on the right type of appliance to buy for your new kitchen design. Your designer probably already has a few ideas in mind. All you need to do is to choose the design that you like best. Kitchen appliances that go best with Italian kitchens are those that adopt a similar approach - minimalistic, simple, and contemporary looking.

About the Author:


Contact us on our website if you are looking for modern italian kitchen or italian kitchens.

Interior Decorating With Wood Blinds and Shutters

Author: David Kraft

Adding wood blinds or shutters to a room's interior is a great and popular way for homeowners to add a sense of warmth and elegance. Both options will help to add sun protection to any room and will add privacy and additional insulation from heat or cold. You can't go wrong with either choice, and ultimately the decision comes down to what you like the most for your home.



Available in a wide variety of colors, finishes, and sizes, wood shutters have withstood the test of time and are a staple of modern interiors. Plantation shutters differ from traditional shutters in that their louvers are a bit larger and have a more contemporary look. Both plantation and wood shutters are extremely easy to clean, adding to their appeal.



Shutters come in painted or wood stains in both wood and faux wood styles and will enhance nearly any room. If you have odd shaped windows, do not fear - shutters can be purchased in custom shapes to fit a wide variety of window shapes. Finally, shutters are the only window treatment considered an improvement to a home that ads value to the house by the IRS, so they truly are an investment.



Shutters can be found in different variations to fit a wide array of window styles as well as personal preferences. Shutter openings can be split vertically in the middle of the shutter or in multiple vertical panels. They can also be split horizontally, allowing independent control of the top and bottom of the window. Although shutters look like a simple DIY project, you are likely best served by hiring a professional to install them, ensuring proper leveling and attachment.



Similar to wood shutters, wood blinds are a bit less expensive and are normally available in the same variety of materials, colors, and finishes. When installing wood blinds or shutters, pay attention to make sure that the finish matches the trim of the window to create consistency. Like shutters, wood blinds can be bought with different sizes of slats to get the interior look that you want.



If you are looking to add visual appeal and warmth to doors or windows, you can't go wrong with wooden blinds. They can be mounted inside or outside of a window casing and are available in custom sizes to fit most windows. They can also be mounted vertically or horizontally to get the look that you want.



The truth is that you cannot go wrong with either wooden blinds or shutters. In the end, it comes down to what kind of personal preference you have. Both will add visual appeal and will give you more light and insulation control. Both can be custom fit to most windows and are available in a number of colors and finishes. For an even better look, enhance your blinds or shutters with fabric window treatments. This is especially important in rooms with a lot of blinds or shutters as the fabric can help to break up all the wood.

About the Author:
David Kraft is a freelance writer with many areas of interest and specialization. For more information about Denver Plantation Shutters please check out his Denver blinds site.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/interior-decorating-with-wood-blinds-and-shutters-811168.html

Selecting Living Room Curtains

Author: David Beart

It is time to select your living room curtains and you are in a panic. You have visited all the stores, viewed all the choices and still don't know what to choose. As with all design decisions, there is no right or wrong choice. But there are some guidelines that might make selecting your living room curtains a little bit easier.



Style is one of the first things to consider. This will be determined by the style of furniture you have chosen, the size and shape of your windows and even the architecture of your home.



The most common style of curtain is the pinch pleat drape. Fabric is gathered at the top of the drapery and "pinched" together creating a pleat. It is then attached to a curtain rod with a small metal clip at the back of the pleats. This treatment offers a full and luxurious look but can be expensive due to the amount of fabric needed.

A less expensive option is the tab top curtain. In this style a tab of fabric simply loops over the curtain rod allowing the drape to hang to the floor. This look offers a casual and relaxed feel to a room.



A contemporary version of the tab top drape would be the grommet top. Large grommets are placed at the top of fabric and a rod is woven through. A grommet is a hole in the fabric surrounded by a metal ring. Using this style in your room will create a clean and contemporary look.



If you have a beautiful view from your windows and/or privacy is not an issue, hanging stationary panels might be a good choice for you. Panels of fabric are gathered together on a short rod and hung on either side of the window or door. They are not functional but add color and softness to a room.



Rod pocket panels are a very inexpensive window treatment. A pocket of fabric is created at the top of the curtain and a rod is slipped through and attached to the wall. They are generally held open with a tieback of some sort. This can be a matching piece of fabric attached to rings on the wall or something more decorative.



Adding a "topper" to your curtains is something you will want to think about. This can be a simple ruffled valance that covers the rod to a more elaborate swag scarf look. Perhaps a tailored box cornice is more your style. Or maybe you want the beautiful wood or metal rod to show. This decision will be based on the type of curtain you have chosen and the overall design style of your living room.



All of these styles are available off the rack, reducing the cost. But if you are looking to add creativity and uniqueness to your room there is nothing more beautiful than selecting living room curtains that have been custom tailored for your home.



Budget is something we can't ignore. As with all things, the amount you are able to spend will determine the type of curtain you choose.



A curtain purchased off the rack that is unlined can be very inexpensive. They are ready to hang and offer an immediate solution to any light or privacy issues you may have. However, they are often poorly made and will have to be replaced often. The color and pattern choices are limited.



Conversely, curtains custom made for your windows in a fabric chosen by you and properly lined can be very costly. There can be a long delay in getting these made, leaving you without window treatments for a while. But the end result will be curtains that give your room a unique look and the custom workmanship, including lining, will allow you to enjoy these curtains for a long time.



Lining your curtains is something to consider.



If you live in an area that is prone to lots of cold weather you may want to add a thermal lining to your curtains. While this will add to the cost, it can reduce the amount of energy used in your home as well as add life to the curtains by protecting them from the sun.



If you are fortunate to live in a sunny area, adding a cotton lining to your curtains will protect your fabric from the harsh rays of the sun. It can also help reduce the amount of sunlight entering the room, thereby protecting furniture and carpet from fading.



However, living in a sunny area can make it difficult to sleep during the day. The bright light can create problems if you work nights or have a baby in the house. Often the light coming into the room can make it difficult to watch television. For these reasons, you may want to consider a blackout lining. These opaque linings keep out any unwanted light and while they will add to the cost of your living room curtains, the extra sleep may be worth the extra cost!



Lastly, appearance is something to take into consideration. Lining adds body and weight to curtains, allowing them to hang properly. Your home will have a uniform look from the outside if all your curtains are lined.




Window treatments can be a costly addition to any home but taking time to make the right choices when selecting your living room curtains will save you money in the long run. The end result will be a beautiful living room you can enjoy for years to come.

About the Author:
David Beart is the owner of the Professors House. Our site covers cat information, household finances, family forums, recipes and other household issues.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/selecting-living-room-curtains-807503.html

Tuscan Home Decorating Ideas

Author: Joey Pebble

Tuscan decorating is inspired by the Tuscany region of Italy. In the time of the ancient Roman Empire, people would escape from big city life in Rome, by going out to live in the hills of central Italy, where things were calmer and more peaceful.

There people would live simpler lives, more in touch with the natural world around them. It is these elements of peace, simplicity, and natural weathered beauty, which are the cornerstone marks of Tuscan decorating.

Natural stone is probably the most common element associated with this decorating style. Slate is especially Tuscan, with its natural clefting face, which resembles the rocky hills and mountains found in the Tuscan region. A weathered, worn, comfortable look is also often associated with this style, and most natural stones actually get more beautiful the longer they are weathered and worn.

Marble is another type of natural stone which is often associated with the Tuscan style. Rich marble floors were a hallmark of wealthy roman homes, and the beauty of the polished glistening material is still prized in homes today. Tumbled marble drink coasters are another popular stone item for this particular trend.

Other Tuscan stone decorating elements include cobblestone pathways, sandstone lined windows, and marble arches. Terracotta is also a popular material, and is most often found in roofing.

Part of the draw of Tuscan decorating is the philosophy of durability over glitz. Those who moved away from the city of Rome were tired of all of the pomp and fanfare of city life, and were instead interested in well made, weathered, and worn objects, that could stand up against the ages.

Copper and distressed hardwoods are also signs of Tuscan Decorating. Copper pots, kettles, and bowls can be mixed and matched with hardwood furnishings to create a look which blends naturally with the earth.

The colors used in a Tuscan decorating all get their cues from nature, and the earth. Deep browns, rich greens, and burnt oranges collide, with sunset reds, to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that just feels like you are at home.

The Tuscan decorative style was born of people’s desire to escape from the flash and glitz of the big city, into a quieter, simpler, more peaceful world. This was true for those who lived in the ancient roman capital, and it is true of us today. Even as the world gets faster and brighter, people still just want a little piece of serenity in their homes.

About the Author:

This article brought to you by Joey Pebble, a designer of rustic slate wall clocks, chess boards, and natural stone decorative accessories. His line of home décor products is noted for the beautiful natural stone features which are the centerpiece of every work.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/interior-design-articles/tuscan-home-decorating-ideas-799737.html

Enlighten Your Home For a Lesser Load

Author: Terry Henman

Short of redecorating once a fortnight, the most visually impacting and cost effective way of creating adaptable space in your home is strategic use of lighting. What was once a mere afterthought, given consideration only out of necessity, lighting is now rightly recognized as a key feature to rank alongside the brand new settee or the fitted kitchen. Proper use of lighting can add drama and life, it can soothe or invigorate, in other words it is powerful enough to determine our moods. Lighting floods every inch of a room in whatever you want- a summer day, an gentle glow, a starry night, a spotlight to aim at anything you please. Can your settee do all of this?



A centrally placed pendant which gives only the option of solar flare bright or pitch black night, no longer meets the needs of the modern homeowner. A far more sensible option is to install spot lights over the main areas of a room or where specific tasks are undertaken (e.g. kitchen work surfaces, breakfast bar, settees, paintings or doorways). The spotlights should be fitted with the ability to be switched on or off independently and a dimmer switch should be used in place of traditional one. Not only will spotlights lead the eye around the room, directing attention to the areas you want to be seen (and away from areas you might not!) but they will help define separate areas therefore making your room appear larger. The dimmer switches will allow complete control over the mood of your home meaning the same light can provide a reading light, an ambient mood or a romantic setting.



Although highly adaptable, ceiling spotlights alone cannot make an area truly multifunctional. Mid and low level lighting such as plinth lamps , stick lamps and- for the more adventurous- floor-set up-lighting, all add another dimension to the atmosphere of a room and can instantly transform a space. Table and floor lamps are much less formal and intrusive than conventional ceiling lighting and help create intimacy by effectively lowering the height of a room. Floor-set up-lighting (basically spotlights upside down) creates much more of a bar vibe and transforms a room by lighting it from an unusual position. Again the effect is much less overpowering than ceiling lighting and when placed along the perimeter of a room, they allow you to navigate your way around without spoiling nights in with a movie!



Remember, it is not solely during evening hours that the lighting you choose will have an effect on the look of your home. Even when switched off, a well chosen floor lamp can add style and interest to an otherwise minimal space. For example, an original or modern remake of a design classic such as the Arco lamp by iconic 1960's designer Verner Panton, immediately creates an air of retro cool and provides a striking focal point for a room. Alternatively, a chandelier (for those lucky enough to have high ceilings) placed over a dining area adds decadence to any dinner party and adds to the sense of occasion whilst lowering the light and helping avoid that cavernous feel.




Creativity is key- be brave.

About the Author:
Terrys Fabrics retail in curtains, fabrics and floor lamps.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/enlighten-your-home-for-a-lesser-load-784380.html

How To Make Your Kitchen Look Great

Author: R Govindan

The kitchen space is of primary décor interest in every household. It plays host to guests and friends all around the year. Few appliances like wooden cabinets, stainless steel instruments and granite countertops can push the simple tone of every kitchen and give it a classy look. Marble countertops are made from natural stone blocks quarried from various regions. Granite and marble are natural stones which are formed due to high temperatures below the crust of
the earth. Hence kitchen countertops made form the above material can withstand chemical abuse from staining and thermal abuse. Sealed granite counters are resistant to fading and discoloration.

Marble countertops are incorporated in spaces like bathrooms, fireplace and the pubs. The widespread use of granite countertops has made them more affordable. Granite slabs can be custom made and rendered with seamless verities. They can also be used in the kitchen as the pastry slabs. Granite color is unique and it blends well with aesthetic aspirations of modern architects and designers. It can be a collage of the darkest hues. Kitchen countertops are available in subtle variations of colors and styles. Black and blue granite counters are considered the classiest ones amongst them. Brown and beige kitchen counters can work with a host of appliances and designs. The dark ones work perfectly well with the light colored constructions and vice versa. The color of granite or marble counter should approximately match with that of the kitchen cabinet. The granite flooring for newly built homes is an excellent value addition. The color of the granite slab should be a close match for the overall design appeal. Granite countertops are available in many designs and the companies proudly display a wide spectrum of choices to their customers. You can access the information about the origin and names on their websites.

Marble counters are metamorphic rocks in their composition. They contain calcium carbonate and a variety of minerals. They can also be used with the surface tiles and on the windowsill. The high quality finish of natural stone can add opulence and luxury to your furnishings. Granite countertop is an excellent purchase from the home buyer’s point of view. Granite counters are natural and safe on the environment. The inclusion of natural stone countertops could enhance the green value of the kitchen space. Marble countertops with professional sealing look new even after decades. Natural stone counters are resistant to microbial growth of molds and
mildew.

Go ahead and make your kitchen look great!

About the Author:

Marble City Company is the leading marble, granite kitchen countertops installation and fabrication company in the Bay Area, California.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/kitchens-articles/how-to-make-your-kitchen-look-great-778895.html