Should I Use An Interior Designer? Or Do It Myself?

Some people have a preconceived idea about interior designers. Some think "a designer is not for me" out of a sense of inverted snobbery. Others think that a designer will rack up huge expense and that they will end up with something that the designer likes rather than a home they want.

And for this reason most people will attempt to remodel or redecorate a room themselves, hence the booming DIY or Do-it-Yourself trade. Sadly the outcome is dull, ineffective, mundane or even worse.

Here are a dozen or so reasons why you should talk to an interior designer.

Cost

An interior designer can save you money. "No way", you say, "what about their fees?" It is true that many designers charge a (typically) 10-15% fee on the overall cost of a remodelling project. But it is only the total cost comparison that really matters.

* Designers usually have trade accounts and so can get materials and furnishings cheaper than you can

* A good interior designer will avoid serious style errors (e.g. badly mismatched fabrics, paints & furniture) which you would eventually regret and redo at additional cost.

* If your designer project manages as well as designs you will save valuable hours in your busy schedule. No need to take time off from work to manage tradesmen in your home or to await deliveries, or to give up valuable weekends or holiday, sacrificing your golf clubs for a paint brush.

Time

If you want to do your own decorating or remodelling, you need time, a lot of friends willing to volunteer their time, or you need to pay tradesmen to come in. If you do not want to live in a partly completed house for months (who honestly does?) then a quick job needs professional project management. To completely revamp or remodel a lounge, for example, you need to coordinate, painters, electricians, curtain makers & fitters, furniture makers or suppliers, carpet suppliers/fitters. And you will need someone to add the finishing touches to the room with pictures, lamps, artwork, plants and so on.

If you have the time and dedication to do this on your own you will have the satisfaction of having completed a project all by yourself, but time is often not as available as you might imagine. At Art from the Start we have seen far too many partly completed projects often years after they started; half finished bathrooms, lounges with wiring hanging out of walls, kitchen with old & ill fitting flooring and so on. These have all started with the initial enthusiasm of a typical DIY project but failed to reach a clear goal.

Quality

When you engage a professional interior designer you are buying into their experience and knowledge. Try asking them "How many homes have you worked on?" and then ask yourself the same question!

Any reputable designer will show you examples of work and provide you with customer testimonials. Ask for references, prior clients you can phone to get an honest opinion on your potential designer.

Most designers will be properly trained in their profession (not all, so that is a key question to ask before you hire) and therefore have a strong grasp on all aspects of design, decorating, furnishing etc. You might feel comfortable slapping on a few coats of paint or re-arranging the furniture but are you so sure about everything else?

If you need other trades such as electricians, plumbers, carpet fitters you will probably turn to Yellow Pages or Google. On the other hand your interior designer will be working with and managing these people on a regular basis and will have selected a good support team around them.

Style and Vision

Did you know that 9 out of 10 people cannot visualise a finished room design when all they can see is an empty shell of a room or an architect's plans? Fortunately people with this skill often become interior designers!

A good designer works with the client to help them visualise the final design and then works back from the goal to build the plan. A good designer will work with the client to help them unravel what they really want, even if they outwardly have never articulated their thoughts. Often the designer acts a mediator between couples who have distinctly different opinions about decor and who may have differing degrees of assertiveness.

By contrast most people undertaking DIY projects look at a room incrementally from the starting point, so perhaps taking one step at a time (dictated by available time & budget) without each being part of a coherent master plan. Not surprisingly the end result of a sequence of DIY projects and a project led by an interior designer are quite different

Yet another reason for hiring an interior designer instead of relying on Do-it-Yourself!

Electric Fireplace - What Are These Fireplaces All About?

Almost everyone who experiences cold weather knows what a fireplace is, but not everyone has gone beyond the classic, smoky wood burning fireplace. With today's problem of global warming, it would be helpful to the environment if we began looking for other fireplace options. Luckily, with an electric fireplace, anyone can enjoy a fireplace without the environmental hazards. It's making for a great option.

An electronic fireplace, is a practical and efficient energy source that will heat your home, while at the same time, instill the warm atmosphere of a classic fireplace without the hassles. These electric fireplaces have different designs, sizes and motifs to match the interior design of any home.

The electric fireplace is really a great addition for your home, with different modes that can be adjusted (with a click of a button) from a quiet romantic glow to a roaring flame for cold nights; it also has a realistic sound, and is safer than a classic wood fireplace. With so many advantages, many of you may be wondering, "how does it work?"

Most electric fireplaces use a "fan forced heater" to spread warmth throughout a room. These heaters work by using electricity to heat large metal coils within the fireplace. A fan is then used to direct the heat from the coils outwards, thereby heating the room.

Fan forced heaters work in a very energy efficient manner, allowing heat distribution over a large area. The heaters inside of the electric fireplace also provide heat instantly as soon as they are turned on, with no delay for heating elements to warm up. These heaters are also quiet because of its silent fans.

So what's the deal with an electric fireplace? Why is it better? How practical is it? An electric fireplace produces the same amount of heat as a wood powered fire, without the smoke and risk of flying sparks. Unlike gas or wood fireplaces, electric units require no venting, so you don't need to worry about getting a built-in chimney or duct system.

A lot of electric fireplaces are also portable, giving you the freedom to rearrange the interior designs of your room easily. What is also outstanding is that it looks and feels so natural that your guests will probably be unable to tell that they are not experiencing a conventional fireplace.

There are a lot of other ways you can use electric fireplaces; it can also be used to heat a smaller home, office or apartment. It also lessens your expenses because you don't have to pay for firewood or chimney cleaning bills. If you haven't checked out an electric fireplace yet you should take a serious look at these units if you are considering adding a new fireplace in your home.

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Should You Replace Your Kitchen Appliances When Remodeling Your Kitchen?

Day by day, there is a large percentage of people in the United States who want to remodel their homes. Most of the common reasons for a kitchen remodeling project are simply to upgrade. The average homeowner is likely to enter their kitchen, at least eight times daily. As time goes by, you might find your kitchen to be dull and no longer looks attractive or brings out excitement. If this has happened to you, it probably time for change. The change can be easily done with a kitchen remodeling project.

There are some homeowners who might only want to change around one or two things, like their lighting and floor tiles, but there are more who want to change everything. If you really want to make your kitchen look like a brand new kitchen, you will probably want to replace a lot of things. A large remodeling project not only includes a large amount of work, but also a good bit of time, and a whole lot of your money.

Other than the fact that a kitchen remodeling project is almost always worth it, you might still find yourself unhappy with the end result. One of the reasons for that is because of what we want to view as a buyer when we are done with the project. We often compare kitchen remodeling with just kitchen fixtures, such as flooring, lights, countertops, cabinets, and sinks. More and more as you change the fixtures or structures in your kitchen; you might still be reminded of your old kitchen, especially if you are leaving the same kitchen appliances. That is why it might also be a good idea to replace your kitchen appliances as part of your next kitchen remodeling project.

As stated before, replacing your entire kitchen might make it seem as if you are really getting a whole new kitchen. You should also consider new appliances, you might also enjoy the new style, and since your current kitchen appliances are probably really old.

Whether you want to buy a new dishwasher, refrigerator, toaster, oven, microwave, or blender, you will discover that you have a lot of appliances to choose from. A lot of the previously mentioned kitchen appliances come in more than one color; so, whatever color or design you are wanting, you should easily be able to locate it. Matching your new kitchen appliances to your new kitchen decor or theme, after the remodeling has been complete, is the best way to get the perfect kitchen.

As you can tell, there are a lot of different ways you can replace your old kitchen appliances when remodeling your kitchen. Even though there are a number of benefits to doing so, you do not have to if you don't want to. The decision is completely yours to make. If you do make the choice to remodel be sure and accurately choose the pieces that you are going to put together and make your kitchen look better then it was before you decided to remodel.

If you don't buy the right pieces first it's just going to make it harder and longer for you to get the kitchen you really want. So just take the time and look for the replacement items you really desire. If you can't find the items you want just move on to the next step in your plan and continue to remodel your kitchen so you can keep moving in the direction of a picture perfect kitchen. After all aren't you going to remodel everything sometime anyways?

4 Bedroom Decor Ideas That Can Revive Your Rooms

Building or renovating your bedroom is the most practical and beneficial activity you can do with your home. Instead of hiring professionals, why not decorate your bedroom and see the changes transform right before your very eyes?

The idea is to incorporate all the elements you have ever wanted in your bedroom without having to go through all those expensive costs that professionals bring. Here is a list of perfect bedroom decor ideas for homeowners who have always wanted to change their rooms, but were afraid to try.

1. Block party

Why not put a little more light into your bedroom without having to open it up to the world by building glass blocks? Change or replace boring windows with beautiful glass blocks. You can also build two glass block sidelights to create more drama.

With glass blocks, you really do not have to open you bedroom and worry too much on being seen from the outside. You can definitely enjoy the daylight and save more energy with glass blocks.

Besides, with the elegance and sophistication that glass blocks bring, your bedroom can look good so you can feel good as you retire each day.

2. Blinds that matter

Use Venetian blinds. Venetian blinds make a room look airy. They do not just serve as great cover-ups and alternatives to curtains but they can also make a room breathe easier. Bring fresh air into your bedroom, literally.

Fling open the windows, roll back the Venetian blinds, and let the light in without having to bare-open the window at full-blown. Theirs is no better way to welcome wind and the sun with limited look than what Venetian blinds can do.

3. Rugs crazy

Bedroom decor ideas may come in many shapes and sizes. Bright, colorful rugs will definitely liven up your bedroom floor and create a new focal point. Choose one with lots of texture you can sink your toes into.

4. Pastel colors

Pastel colors will always make your room bright and sunny. Adorn your bed with lightweight, ethereal fabrics in pastel colors.

Bring new life to your bedroom with crisp new linen in fresh pastel shades. These bedroom decor ideas will surely make a hit in your room.

Home Improvement Remodeling In Michigan

Our homes are our sanctuaries and not just a mere roof over our heads protecting us from the elements. Our homes our also our single biggest investment and one of our most cherished dreams or desires. The condition and the overall environment of our home, influence our life on a daily basis. Home improvement remodeling in Michigan can help us improve our home environment while improving its market value.

If you decide to opt for renovating your home, then you need to be prepared to consider that home improvement remodeling are both part of the same process. While home repairs at a still small level make your environment safe and comfortable, home improvements, remodeling and renovations are more complicated.

There are a few factors, which can help you, determine if you should opt for remodeling of your home or not. One main factor that can influence your decision is the duration of time you intend to stay in the house. If you intend to stay in your home for more than a decade, then you need to figure out how the home improvements will improve your lifestyle and add to your comfort. If the duration of stay in shorter, then you need to consider the impact of home improvement remodeling in Michigan on the resale value of your real estate.

What you need to remember while considering renovation is the value addition it will make in terms of comfort, and day-to-day enjoyment of the home during the time that you continue to live in the house.
In addition to your comfort, you will also be able to increase the amount your house is worth. Take into consideration that the money you might expend to remodel your house will also increase its value, so it is always a good idea to remodel.

Awning Trailer Accessories

If you're traveling this summer and you realize that the heat gets you down, one attractive way to fight that is by adorning your trailer with awnings! Awnings make great sense on your house or recreational vehicle, and they'll be great on your trailer as well.

There are lots of reasons to get an awning put onto your trailer, and all of them will benefit you!. Even a small awning will extend the reach of your trailer and this can make all the difference when you settle down in a camp ground. By opening up the awning, you'll give yourself some extra personal room at the campsite as well as a breezy little area to hang out in.

Awnings are also an eco-friendly way to control the temperature of your trailer. When you're parked and have the trailer sitting still with it's awning snapped up, you'll find that the awnings benefit the trailer much as they would a house. The awning provides shade that stops direct sunlight from entering the windows and also ends up cooling the air that comes in if you leave the window ajar. With the awnings up, you'll create a much cooler campsite in general.

Many options are available to you if your trailer lacks awnings to begin with. By going to any home improvement store in your area, you should be able to find a wide variety of options. If they are not readily available, you should be able to order them, and, depending on the service, get them installed as well. If you are willing to be a little patient and spend a little bit of extra cash, you'll be able to choose the color and trim if you wish. You can get awnings that will enhance the attractiveness of your trailer as well as help it moderate the temperature.

There are a variety of awnings to choose from. You can get an awning with a domed, curved shape, or one that simply snaps out. No matter what your taste is, you can find an awning that complements it!

Awning for your trailer do require a little bit of care, but it is relatively minimal. Before starting your vehicle, snap the awnings down or otherwise secure them so they don't open when you head down the road. After that, all you really need to do is store them correctly and occasionally clean them, which is something you can do with a soft brush and mild soap and water.

With a variety of different awnings to choose from and so many advantages, fitting your trailer with an awning has never been easier. Fit your trailer with one today and start reaping the benefits!

Bathtub Bliss- Making Your Bathtub The Most Relaxing Place In Your Home

A luxury bathroom allows the bathtub to be the best place in your home for times of relaxation. How does a luxury bathroom promote this relaxing bathtub atmosphere? There are some simple ways to achieve this luxury mood that can be applied to any bathtub.

Bath products go a long way in creating a luxury bathroom atmosphere. Bath salts, bubble baths, and other aromatherapy products help give bathtubs a relaxing mood. Choose products that have scents promoted for relaxation such as lavender, or choose bath products that have scents that you personally find relaxing. For example, the place I am most relaxed is the beach so I choose products that have the smells of the ocean such as seaside breeze.

Candles are another way to add luxury to your bathtub area. If you have sensitive skin and are not able to use scented bath products, you can still have an aromatherapy experience by using scented candles around the bathtub area. Candles also look extremely decorative by the bathtub, especially when you choose to place them in candle holders that are complimentary to the bathroom design, color, and style.

Purchase a bath pillow for your bathtub. Bath pillows are made of soft, quick drying material, often soft foam covered in terry cloth. They are made for being used in a bathtub, so no need to worry about them getting wet.

Add jets to your existing bathtub for a relaxing whirlpool Jacuzzi experience. Jets do not have to be permanently installed in a bathtub for you to gain this luxury. Portable whirlpool jet unit systems are available to put into a bathtub while you are relaxing, and then they can be removed when your bath is over.

What About a Kitchen Remodeling?

The real estate industry tells us that the most valuable thing you can do the increase the resale value of your home is to remodel the kitchen. The great thing about this is that you will also get a great deal of enjoyment out of a newly remodel led kitchen that is now more attractive and more practical to use. Most people spend most of their at home time (apart from sleeping) in their kitchens. We cook, we do homework and pay bills, we eat and sometimes we just relax there. Give yourself the gift of a well designed, beautiful and practical kitchen that will be comfortable for you and welcoming to family members and guests. It doesn't have to cost a fortune to achieve this. Using good, practical designs and shopping carefully for materials and fixtures, you can create the kitchen of your dreams without spending a fortune. And the small investment you make in a new kitchen will yield many times over in profit when you sell your home.

Think about how much time you spend in the kitchen and you will realize how much you will benefit from remodeling it. Talk about quality of life issues! Making the surrounding where you spend the most time will definitely enhance your quality of life.

But even if it is worth a fortune to have a new and improved kitchen, it doesn't have to cost one. Make a list of what you think needs to be done, such as improved cabinets, new furniture or appliances, etc. Perhaps you can save money by having your kitchen cabinets refaced instead of replaced?

Perhaps you need a new stove, but the refrigerator is in good condition. Perhaps all the kitchen table and chairs need is repair and re-varnishing. These kinds of projects can make it fun to have a new look in your kitchen.

One of the best ways to save money in your kitchen remodel is to shop on line. Think about exactly what needs to be done and then check it out on line. Kitchen cabinets can be spruced up with just the addition of new handles. You'll find thousands of choices on the Internet. Interesting accessories can give a new look to a kitchen and you will find many products to change the look of your kitchen. Ordering on line is fast and easy and items are usually delivered very quickly right to your doorstep.

The convenience of on line shopping combined with the bargains you can find will mean you will have a new looking kitchen at a reasonable price.

The best thing about all of this is that you will start to enjoy your new kitchen right away, and keep enjoying it for years to come, both for its comfort and beauty and for knowing that you have added a great deal of value to your home.

Fall Decorating For Great Home Interiors

For a great fall look, you need to add accessories to your home. You will need to add interest to the fun for the holidays feel of fall fun by using fall themed accessories. Buy good quality accessories such as pillows, artwork and knick knacks that suit your Fall décor to finish the decor.

Wall art adds drama and depth to any interior design, but you have got to know how to hang it well for the most perfect impact. Individual artworks should be positioned so the center of the piece is at eye level, not so that the tops or bottoms of the frames are even as some individuals think. If you have many paintings to use on one wall, lay them out on the floor first to locate the smartest arrangement. Making use of picture of pumpkins and scarecrows for the season will help to add charm to the Fall decorating style.

Decorative pillows are another thing you can use to spruce up your design theme. If you were under the impression that pillows were merely for the bedroom, think again, they can provide a pleasing touch to any room including the bathroom, dining room, living room and kitchen. To bring a fall décor aura to your den or living room, adding pillows to your chairs or sofa can really work great. In the bedroom, compliment them to your design theme but select patterns and fabrics that are all different with one coordinating element. In the kitchen or bathroom, a pillow put strategically on a chair or hamper can add a charming touch. Add a comfortable appeal to your room décor with pillows that have orange and black prints.

When shopping for knick knacks for your home design be sure to purchase ones that compliment your room design and also bring in your individuality. To enhance your fall décor, make sure you choose pieces that have a fun for the holidays style. You might try paper mache pumpkins here and there or providing black cat figures around the house. Using accessories that reflect your personality will add a touch of your own individuality to the room design. Try shopping at thrift stores or garage sales for those unique items that won't take all your money.

You could also accessorize with colorful leaves, witches, and hay to create the style of Fall fun. You want to select pieces which go with your overall decor. Don't stray to far from your interior decorating scheme or you will end up with a mixed up room design.

Enhancing your Fall decorating style with pumpkins and fall leaves can help add charm. You want to be certain, though, that you don't go out acquiring things wily nily or you may end up with a disorganized mess. When using accessories, proportion is very important so be sure you opt for items in the sizes you need. Choose your items with care and your room is sure to look great!

Fun Family Home Decorating Project - Window Well Diorama

Is that a diorama in your basement…or is that a dinosaur in your casement? That could be the opening line of a Dr. Seuss book, or it could be a silly rhyme you make up while having some family fun.

Here's a terrific home decorating project the whole family can participate in. It's not expensive, it will just take an hour or two, and the results are a standout conversation piece with long-lasting decorating value.

You literally can make a diorama in your basement if you are lucky enough to have one or more of those big window wells in your basement. (First you have to be lucky enough to have a basement. If you don't have a basement, read the end of this article.)

The big egress window wells are eyesores—who wants to look at that much galvanized metal or concrete? But those big window wells are just what you need for this project.

You can make a diorama out of the deep well by lining the curved window well with a decorative scenic liner to make the backdrop and then by customizing the foreground with whatever materials you choose—landscape materials like rock or mulch, driftwood, boulders, figurines or sculptures, water features, and artificial or potted real plants. If you have a window well grate covering the opening at the top, you could even hang items down from the grate using clear fishing line. Think about flying birds, insects, and pterodactyls! Or how about jumping dolphins, whales, or fish! Each person in the family can contribute to the project by adding an item to the scene.

That scenic backdrop serves two purposes—it covers up or camouflages the ugly metal or concrete window well, and it provides a gorgeous scene to enjoy.

You can find just what you need to make the backdrop at http://windowwellscenes.com/. Do you want a colorful perennial garden right outside your window? Or maybe you would like a serene waterfall. You might wish you had a mountain or river view. Or perhaps you'd like to live on a golf course. There are beautiful and impressive scenes of a woods, canyon, lake, and countryside. If you're into sunrises, there's a gorgeous one available. Paradise awaits with the dramatic ocean scene with lots of sand and palm trees. Add a miniature beach chair and beach umbrella or a bucket and shovel, and you're there.

Every one of the scenes could make an impressive focal point in your basement. Just make your choice, collect the items you want to add, and you have the makings of a great family decorating project. You will have a great time together!

Oh yes—if you don't have a basement or you don't have window wells, these huge scenic panels make great one-piece wall murals. Since they are waterproof, they can be wiped off if anything splashes on them. Just staple or tack the panels up on the wall. Trim them out with wood molding, and they will look like huge framed art on the wall.

Your family can still have fun adding things to the pictures like plastic bugs. Now where is that hot glue gun?