Home & Garden Club

Gardening in and of itself is an art form. And the art of fine gardening is just that, an art. Fine gardening may mean many things to many people, but to me fine gardening means more than just a garden. It encompasses all that’s good and graceful in gardening and combines them to make one garden that is the epitome of all your dreams.

My enjoyment of fine gardening comes not only from the finished garden but from the endless hours that I spend designing and planning the actual garden, from the moment I first have the germ of an idea, to the moment I place the last sapling, and plant the last flower. All I want, all that I can be, should show through when first a person steps into this land of fine gardening, a place of peace and calm where a person can meditate on the finer things in life.

Therefore, a water feature, ideally one that will make a continuously soothing gurgle, with a small stepping-type of waterfall-cum-pond, placed on lovely slabs of flat rock with a hint of moss growing on it. A nice water lily or lotus to give off a contrasting color, and perhaps a fish or two. A few ferns and leafy rain-forest type plants placed around the pond, and I’m finished with this stage of my fine gardening.

Ideally I would love a big tree to stand in a corner of the garden, with a luscious velvety dark brown trunk that I can just about span with my arms, overflowing with vibrant green leaves spilling onto the ground in heedless abandon. Since I might not always get what I want, I’ll settle instead for a few saplings that will one day fulfil my wish.

Since green is my target for the moment, I’d also see about laying a lovely shady lawn that you can sink your bare feet into when taking a turn about your garden.

I love the idea of a Zen garden, but prefer colors and lots of plants, so I would incorporate this feature into my fine gardening efforts by placing a path, naturally made out of rough hewn stone, zigzagging in a leisurely course through the garden.

And to finish it all off I’d have a little alcove, unseen from afar, that afforded the curious visitor a wide-angled view of the whole garden, with a sun shade, and a low-lying bench with a few plump cushions strewn carelessly about, and all of it surrounded by a profusion of welcoming flowers.

In the distance I would set about placing a few boulders, pleasing in stature and color to the eye, surrounded perhaps by a few flowers.

And amidst all this fine splendor I would walk amongst my heartfelt efforts of fine gardening and sigh in satisfaction and peace. For what more is there to gardening, than the art of fine gardening.

In contrast to the smaller living rooms that many of us grew up with, great rooms are perhaps one of the most exciting innovations in modern home design. Their open floor plans not only offer flexibility, but also a more efficient use of space.

They also come with a few interior decorating challenges. Many great rooms, particularly those in larger homes, feel more like an empty warehouse than an alternative to the traditional living room.

While too much space is never a problem, filling that space can be a real challenge. The proportions of the room can be overwhelming and furnishings that look right at home in an apartment or smaller home can look minuscule in a great room.

Some clever decorating tricks can help you warm up these larger rooms. Here are the top 5 tips on how to decorate a larger living space.

1. Settle on what the room is for, and then create living spaces around this.

Doing this will help you create either one space, or a ’series’ of spaces to allow the room to fulfill this role. For example, if the room is to entertain, you can to create one or a few furniture groupings so guests can choose which setting to be in. If on the other hand, your room is for more than one function, you may want to create a space for each purpose. For instance, you may want to add a sofa and armchair grouping around a large screen television on one area of the room use the other area for more intimate gatherings.

2. Use large wall art to create a sense of atmosphere.

Large pieces of art such as paintings or wall art tapestries, are a unique way of creating a presence in any room including that large room. You feel as if you have walked into another world when surrounded by great works of art, as the wall art gives a focal point for the room and draws you into the picture. The entire feel and atmosphere of a room can be influenced by the use of large wall art.

3. Use pieces of furniture that will enhance a large room.

Great rooms will often require larger pieces of furniture than smaller living rooms. Use larger or wider sofas and armchairs, and coffee tables to fill the space. You can also use other ‘feature’ pieces of furniture such as a chest of drawers to fill an area next to a wall that require decorating. See which space needs filling in and then see which piece of furniture would suit that particular space.

4. You can be bold in your decorating ideas and scale.

Great rooms can benefit from expanses of color to make the space appear more intimate. You can compliment these with patterned curtains and soft furnishings to create a visual connection. You can use larger pieces of artwork, pottery or furniture than you would be able to, in a smaller area.

5. Try different arrangements of furniture.

When you have the space, try to arrange the decor and furniture in different ways. For example, try keeping the furniture away from the walls to create an intimate space in the center. You can experiment and arrange furniture in different positions to achieve both coziness and the freedom of enough open space, at the same time.

So there you go.

You now know the top 5 interior decor tips when it comes to decorating a large living space. By following these simple guidelines, you can create a great room that has the right balance of intimacy and open space for you. Take your time and use your imagination, and you’ll achieve the interior decor feel that you’re looking for.

If you’re looking for a great houseplant, you should definitely consider the Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum). They are easy to maintain, and look great as well. The biggest issue to think about to care for them properly is the amount of water they get. Over or under watering can be harmful to them. They are more tolerant than most other plants though, so it is a great plant if you are new to gardening or if you will not have a lot of time to care for the plants. They can even tolerate root bound well. These plants live for a very long time.

Spider plants have dark green leaves with yellow stripes, and speckles. The leaves are long and narrow. They grow quickly to have plenty of foliage.

It is simple and easy to water Spider Plants. Just remember to not water them too much, or the plant can get root rot. The ideal amount of watering will allow the soil to remain moist most of the time. It should be allowed to dry out occasionally. The plants can go several days between waterings.

If the tips of the leaves are getting brown or spotted, the water may have too much chlorine or fluorine in it. This will damage your plant, and to solve your problem you should switch to using collected rainwater or purified water (not mineral water).

Spider Plants can also tolerate a wide range of sunlight amounts. Indirect sun is best, but they can handle hours of direct sun if they are exposed to it. Ideally, they will receive reflected light in an area with moderate temperatures (around 65 degrees F during the day and down to 55 degrees at night).

Another thing that spider plants are tolerant about is fertilizer. As long as they aren’t receiving way too much or way too little, they will do just fine unlike the dwarf umbrella - schefflera arboricola. An example of an amount that will work is a liquid NPK mixture every three to 4 months during the growing season. You do not need to apply any in the fall and winter.

In summer, the growing season, the Spider Plant will produce small, white, star shaped flowers. The stalk of the plant grows to over three feet in length. It will be necessary to add a stake if the stalk is leaning or bending.

Because of the long stalks, the Spider Plant looks very nice in a hanging basket. The plant grows quickly, so after a couple years, you will probably have to divide it and split it into multiple pots. If you don’t repot a large spider plant, the roots are strong enough that they can crack even a clay pot.

If you are looking for a house plant that’s easy to care for, the Spider Plant is a great option.

Step 1. A little inspiration is in order

You can begin by choosing an inspiration piece to help you get started. From this inspirational piece, you can choose your color palette, determining your primary and secondary (accent) colors. This is an insider trick that professional interior designers and decorators use, and it works! By using a “Tuscan look” painting or photograph, pottery, or textiles (such as an area rug or tapestry) you will have a starting point upon which to build your room. This “trick” will give you a personal Tuscan color palette.

Step 2. Declutter - clear the way

To set the stage and prepare your home for your new Tuscan style, consider a good purge of clutter. Clutter is the antithesis of Tuscan design. Pack away, sell, or give away anything that does not meet the simplicity and functionality test!

Step 3. Consider your options

Remember that the goal is to layer your home with welcoming Tuscan decor elements. Your plan should be to create a feeling of warmth, charm, and simplicity in every room of your home. Your “tool kit” will contain your vision of your Tuscan home, those lovely Tuscan colors, some well-chosen Tuscan furnishings and accessories, and determination and perspiration (which might mean a paint brush and a trowel!).

Step 4. Choosing where to begin

If your family/living room and kitchen are “open concept” and/or connected, this offers the perfect opportunity to instantly recreate your home in the Tuscan style. Beginning with a smaller, less visible room, though, provides an opportunity to “experiment” with wall treatments and furnishings, and a bedroom can be less expensive to redecorate than a family room or kitchen.

Step 5. What furniture, lighting and accessories will you need?

Functionality is key, as is rustic style to Tuscan decor. Think of wood, wrought iron, ceramics… “simple and sturdy” rather than “fine and ornate”. It is not necessary (and indeed is not desirable) to fill your room(s) with items that “match”. They must, however, be functional pieces, and may even serve more than one purpose. A bench, for instance, may open up for storage. Quality and durability are key.

Step 6. Taking a Tuscan style inventory

Consider what Tuscan design elements you already have, which ones you want to keep and which ones you would want to replace (for instance, you may already have stone or wood flooring, which you adore, but a Victorian kitchen table which could “find a new home!”).

Step 7. Choosing your colors

Select your favorite colors from your Tuscan inspiration piece or from a Tuscan color palette. Start with decisions about walls - which can transform a room faster than anything else - whether a paint treatment, a texturizing treatment, or a wall covering. If you want a plaster-like finish on a “plain” wall (very Tuscan!) you might choose a texturizing treatment (e.g. faux finish) or use some of the new textured wall coverings. Some of these finishing techniques require either a professional painter/wall hanger or a determined zeal!

And before finalizing your color palette, look at the function and mood of the room and the exposure you have (your natural light sources) before choosing the “warm” or “cool” colors of your Tuscan color palette.

Step 8. Creating a plan

Advance planning will provide you with the opportunity to determine how much you will spend on the project (establishing a budget) that is vital for avoiding the stress that is sometimes associated with redecorating projects.

Decide on the scope and timeline for the project, and whether it will be done incrementally or all at once. Will you be going it alone, using professional contractors & designers, the help of friends, or a combination?

Be realistic - It will likely cost more than you think, so also be conservative. Set out a budget and fit things into it. You can always add elements later as your finances and inclination allow.

Step 9. Roll up your sleeves and get started!

Maximum impact, right away, will be achieved by beginning with walls so consider a paint treatment, a texturizing treatment, or a wall covering. Alternately, flooring (if this is part of your overall plan) will also create tremendous instant impact. If budget is a consideration, remember that Tuscan design allows (in fact encourages) that we use and elevate humble materials. Antiques and pieces of salvaged ironwork become decorative art; well-worn wooden chairs are cherished for their rustic simplicity. Look at furniture with a new “old” eye.

You’re now ready to move forward and start transforming your home into a little bit of Tuscany!

Interior design is about creating a harmonious space to live in, about creating exciting and functional environments in your home. You don’t have to be an interior designer to know that designing a bathroom deserves as much attention as designing all the other rooms. Today, many people choose luxurious bathroom fixtures: massage showers, whirlpools, hot tubs and so on. Massage showers and hot tubs are the most frequent fixtures used in the modern bathrooms.

If you’ve ever wondered what a hot tub is, the simplest definition comes from ancient times when the tubs were made of wood and their purpose was water treatment. Wooden hot tubs are still used in some spas and resorts, for the special touch they enhance the interior design with a certain “je ne sai quois” reminding us of long-forgotten times when there were no modern bathrooms and people had to bath in wooden tubs. Just remember: no matter how cool the wood hot tubs might look, they are extremely difficult to maintain, so choose something to really ease your stress and not something that will double the work in your home.

While some spas still use wooden tubs, there are many private spas that use specially designed hot tubs and whirlpools to create a relaxing atmosphere for their clients while still using the healing power of warm water. It is a known fact that warm water helps not only to reduce stress, but also to ease sore muscles and aches.

Would you like to design your own modern bathroom, a spa to relax and forget about your daily routine? Would you like to have something like this in your very own home? Could you? Yes, because modern bathroom fixtures were specially made to be affordable, functional and, above all, comfortable.

Interior design is an art that will allow you, even when you live in a small apartment, to transform your narrow bathroom into a real health spa. Sure, you’ll not be able to fit an oversized hot tub into a tight space, but there are plenty of manufacturers who design hot tubs especially for users like you! You’ll just need to look for some small, two-person hot tubs and you’re done. Sure, if your bathroom is too small for a hot tub, or any tub for that matter, you could always choose a massage shower.

Many manufacturers design modern hut tubs and whirlpools to fit in most of the narrow bathrooms that still use small old tubs. The materials vary from molded plastic to acrylic and quarrycast. Quarrycast is a mineral crystal composite, a new material developed by Victoria & Albert Baths, to enhance your bathing experience: it’s warm to the touch, keeping the water in your hot tub hot for a long time; it has a naturally high gloss finish and it can be colored with the dye of your choice, maximizing the interior design options in your bathroom.

If you choose a hot tub for your bathroom, you don’t even have to worry about installation troubles. What you’ll need is a hose and a power supply and you’re done. Sure, when what you need is an in-ground hot tub for your garden, the job might get a little bit difficult, but not impossible and, above all, worth your time. Besides, outdoor spas are easier to maintain and cheaper, but if you want to install a hot tub indoors, make sure you use a good ventilation system, as a tub increases the humidity inside your bathroom and that might lead to mildew. Remember this advice and you’ll do just fine!

The past century witnessed the evolution of the function and interior design of the traditional kitchen. It has magically transformed from being a mere service area into a multi-functional room which is central to the family’s activities.

Updating the interior design of a kitchen requires a considerably huge budget. Would you believe that five years ago, remodeling an average kitchen can go as high as $26,000? No wonder the National Kitchen and Bath Association consider it to be one of the most expensive remodeling projects undertaken by American homeowners!

Don’t despair even if you among the thousands (and perhaps even tens or hundreds of thousands!) of people inspired by the pictures of ideal kitchens featured in glossy magazines but don’t have enough funds to undertake a remodeling project. There are several ways to furnish your kitchens with that modern interior design without going broke!

Truth is, updating the interior design and improving the functionality and value of the kitchen do not always need to be expensive. You will be pleasantly surprised at the number ways in which you can cut costs!

Practical Fix-It-Up Ideas

If you are currently financially strapped in, you may consider updating your kitchen’s look rather than undertaking a major remodeling project. You may want to consider these low-cost fix-ups in updating the interior design of your kitchen.

Update your lighting. Installing modern lighting fixtures are one of the surest, fastest and most economical ways to boost a kitchen’s look and value.

. Halogen lights directed towards the ceiling bounce off to provide indirect working light. They also come with a dimmer so you can adjust the lighting intensity to fit your needs. Brighten it up or tone it down, how you set it is completely up to you!
. Consider installing task lighting. Task lighting mounted to provide efficient lighting in the countertop, the sink and near the cooking area makes preparing dinners a breeze!
. Provide accent lighting. If you want to highlight unique architectural designs, your antique china collection or any items of interest, you may do so by installing accent lighting. This will surely bring the interior design of your kitchen into focus!

Play with paints! Another surefire hit in cutting kitchen remodeling costs is by modernizing its look by splurging on a fresh coat of paint.

. Hesitant to paint stained wooden cabinets? There is absolutely nothing to be afraid of! Painted wooden cabinets are just as good and as efficient as stained ones. Plus, painting them up allows you to get the color and finish that you want for a fraction of the cost!
. Old kitchen appliances can also be given a smarter look. Appliance refinishing companies and automobile repainting shops can indeed give your range, your dishwasher and your refrigerator a brand new appeal!
. Get artistic with your walls! You can get creative and spend your energy in painting your walls for that updated look. Special painting techniques such as sponging, mottling and rag-rolling can definitely work wonders!

Install new moldings. Installing moldings can transform an otherwise unappealing kitchen into a visual delight. What a great and economical way to improve the interior design of your kitchen!

Put sparkle into your kitchen! Heightened visual interest can be achieved by simply installing new knobs and pulls on your cabinets. You may pick anything from the wide choices available since they come in almost all materials and styles imaginable. Cabinet knobs and pulls are available in glass, resin, metal, rubber, stone and wood.

There you have it, some of the most affordable ways to enhance your kitchen’s visual appeal and functionality! Now, do you agree with me that updating the interior design of your kitchen does not necessarily have to be such an expensive project after all?

Home Decor always starts with some basic design rules that we need to follow in order to achieve the best results. I think most people would agree with me about the backdrop (or background) elements for home design.

1. Paint Color(s)

2. Window Treatments

3. Flooring

4. Furniture

These four elements set the base, or backdrop for your decor needs. Before we get into choosing color schemes, textures, patterns, etc… we must address these four elements of design, and this is where the renter is at a disadvantage to a home owner.

Most landlords already supply two or three of these elements. Paint color(s), Flooring, and often it is the landlord that chooses your Window Coverings. Let us first address paint. Most landlords supply the paint color and they take a dim view of renters using any paint color other than that which they have supplied. Most landlords paint their rentals in off-white colors. This may not be your favorite color and many renters would certainly like to choose their own paint colors, but most renters would also like to get their security deposit back when they move out, so most often you are stuck with the choice that has already been made for you. This does not have to be a horrible thing, as off-white will usually work with most any home decor. Some landlords will let you paint in other colors as long as you re-paint it back to off-white before you move out. Perhaps they will allow you to paint one accent wall which can help greatly. Check with your landlord before you decide to change the paint. If they say no, it is not the end of the world. You simply have to pick your design colors from other sources than the paint.

Most landlords also supply the Window Treatments. Most rentals that I see have been supplied with shades or blinds that are neutral colors. Here also, most landlords do not want you to remove or replace what they have supplied. Although, most landlords will not mind if you use curtains or draperies to add to the existing window treatments, so here is an area worth asking about. Always check with your landlord before you start attaching window coverings to their property. Some landlords will not allow you to nail or screw anything into the walls. Most that I know do not mind, as long as you fill the holes in when the window treatments are removed. Now you can use texture, pattern and color for your windows to compliment your home decor style.

The next consideration will be your furnishings. Most renters already have their furniture, or at least some furniture. Many time the furniture you have may be hand-me-downs. If you do not have your furniture yet and you are on a budget, consider shopping at thrift stores or yard sales. You can usually find some great bargains and if the furniture is not the right color or does not have the right texture, you can always use paint or stain to change the color, and slip-covers can be found for sofas, chairs, etc.. and this will still allow you a good amount of latitude for your home decor.

That leaves us with the Flooring. This is often the most aggravating part, because the flooring is almost always supplied by the landlord, and most landlords don’t care how it will tie in with your home decor needs. No matter how ugly the color is, or how old and worn the flooring is, you are pretty much stuck with it. I have had many clients who have tried to get their landlord to change the flooring, and almost always, they will not even consider it. Even when the tenant offers to pay for part of the cost. This can be frustrating, but changing the flooring is not your only solution, so don’t give up just yet. This is where area rugs can be a wonderful option. Area Rugs come in all shapes, sizes, and colors and although I usually suggest that a person find their rug first before choosing other decor items, you can easily work the other way around and choose a style and color that matches your decor. Use an area rug to cover that old dirty carpet or add warmth and color over any type of hard-surface flooring. It is best to invest a little bit more for a good quality rug (many wool fiber rugs can be found for the same price or slightly more than the cheap ones you find at the chain-stores). The great thing about a good quality rug is that you can take it with you when you move, and a wool fiber rug can last a lifetime with proper care. Also, most patterns will never go out of style, if you choose a more classic or traditional pattern.

Just because you don’t own the home you are living in does not mean you have to give up on style and decor. There are a world of possibilities, even for those who rent or lease, to make your apartment a real home. Check out our web site for an area rug to cover an ugly worn out floor, or just to add the right colors to balance your design needs.

What type of window treatments you select for your home is limited only by your creativity, ingenuity and of course the amount of money you have put aside for the project.

Windows perform several different functions. They ventilate your rooms, provide natural lighting and by giving an outside view; enlarge them. The best window treatment is multi-functional as well as decorative. Draperies and curtains afford privacy, add beauty to the room and complement the décor of your home.

In order to choose the perfect window treatment you must decide what you want to do with the window. Does the window provide a lovely view that deserves to be framed like a piece of art or is there a brick wall or unsightly scene beyond the glass panes that you want to conceal? Are there structural elements surrounding the opening that you would like to minimize, or are the windows in the room different sizes that need to be standardized? These are all common decorating problems that can be camouflaged and corrected with the proper window treatment.

How much do you want to spend on your window decorating project? How much time do you have to get the job done? Determine these facts before you start to shop for ready made selections or fabrics and drapery hardware. If your time and budget is limited and you aren’t dealing with windows in odd sizes, large discount stores are your best bet. Most discount stores carry a large selection of curtains, valances and draperies in standard sizes. If you can make their stock inventory work for you this is the best way to save time as well as get cheap, good quality window treatments. Try to avoid the process of having your curtains custom-made or special-ordered because labor costs can get out of hand in a hurry.

If time is not an issue and you are the crafty sort that likes to sew, making your own window treatments might be an inexpensive route to take. Here are some ideas on how to get cheap fabric for your homemade curtains. Take time to shop for last-of-bolt or end of season closeout sale fabrics. Buy extra flat bed sheets to make bedroom curtains that will perfectly match your comforter. Oversized Turkish towels might be less expensive than buying terry cloth by the yard. The only sewing necessary would be that needed to make your rod pockets.

Don’t forget to book some time with your husband help you properly install your brackets and drapery rods. If you can skip paying a professional handyman, your dollars will stretch even further.

Garden offices are specially designed offices set up in a person’s garden. It provides a very convenient work atmosphere for people who want to work from home. With your home just a stone’s throw away you get to experience the same comfort as working from home without the usual distractions. New mothers, a person suffering from disability, a person whose main office is very far away or even a person who just wants to work from home would be benefited from having a garden studio at home. A Garden office or lodge blends in beautifully with the garden and actually makes it more attractive. Even the materials used are eco-friendly. Not only can you use the garden office for work, but can also convert it into a guest room or an extra bedroom as and when required.

The dazzling range of garden offices offered by gardenlodges.co.uk is one of the most comprehensive available in the market. The flexible modular design of the structures allows you to customize the office according to your needs and also get it attuned to your beautifully manicured garden; thus solving adequately all your garden designing needs. The garden offices of gardenlodges.co.uk are built is such a way that you can stay and work in them throughout the year without any problems. A very negligible amount of heating is required and the same goes with air conditioning. Consumption of electricity is also minimal. Eco-friendliness is highlighted during the construction of the garden offices. The materials used and the technique, both put stress on that fact. Provisions to add a bathroom or even a kitchen allow you to use your garden office as a mini-home.

The garden offices available at gardenlodges.co.uk are constructed keeping with the standards of the British Building Regulations. Each garden office built by gardenlodges.co.uk is done following a careful study of the site conditions, and after taking into consideration other aspects like garden fencing. They are also carefully insulated and double-gazed. Environmental factors are also considered during construction and eco-friendly larch cladding is used to finish the construction. Cedar roofing shingles are used not only for protection but they also mellow as the years pass. Excellent soundproofing is provided that allows you to not worry about sound escaping out and extra care is taken to provide unrestricted passage of natural light.

Of course, we all know that having a garden hose is necessary for anyone who has a garden or shrubs and plants around their home. But, not everyone knows what to be aware of when it comes to buying a new garden hose. Here are 3 quick tips you should know before shopping for your next hose.

1. Buy a long enough hose.

Always be sure that you buy a garden hose that is long enough for your needs. I know that sounds pretty basic, but you would be surprised at how often I hear about folks who try to save a couple of dollars by purchasing a shorter hose, only to discover they can not water the plants in the back of their yard. This is one case where having too much hose can be a good thing. You’ll save yourself some frustration of having to go out and spend more money on buying more hose.

2. Buy a quality garden hose.

Spend a little extra money on a good quality garden hose. You will be much happier for it in the long run. Prices can vary widely, but generally you will be looking at $30 for a quality 50 foot hose.

Another thing to keep in mind is that cheap garden hoses will only aggravate you over the course of a summer. They constantly kink up, leak, and cause other unnecessary problems as well. Look for at least a 6-ply rubber hose, but an 8-ply hose will be your best bet.

3. Look for other features.

Any high quality garden hose will come with a warranty. But, be sure to look at other features as well. Things like burst strength and the quality of the couplings are items that can really make a difference.

Having a good quality garden hose will make your outdoor watering much more enjoyable. Keep these tips in mind when you are shopping for your next hose.

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