It would be obvious to assume that the sudden boom in Patio Furniture sales was due to the hot new trend of building “Outdoor Rooms” that originated on popular Home and Garden TV shows and in Outdoor Decor Magazines. But there’s another less obvious explanation as well. Patio Furniture peices like the Garden Bench, Porch Rocker, Athena Adirondack Chair, Classic Adirondack Chair, Adirondack Loveseat, and Picnic Table are more and more being adapted for use indoors, particularly in Cottages and Cabins.

Perhaps the most versatile indoor/outdoor peice is the Garden Bench. The Garden Bench has long ago been adapted for use in cottage entranceways near the hat and coat rack. And more recently, there is a trend towards dressing up Garden Benches for use in Cottage sitting rooms using painting and stenciling techniques and adding designer pillows.

Similarly, Porch Rockers are being used inside Cabins and Cottages. Though many people choose to stain or paint their Rockers, many designers are recommending that you leave them unfinished for an indoor rustic look as the Cedar wood ages naturally.

Perhaps the most surprising recent development is the use of Athena Adirondack Chairs, classic Adirondack Chairs, and Adirondack Loveseats indoors. Many designers are creating sitting rooms in cottages and cabins using these Cedar Patio Furniture peices by adding pillows and sometimes upholstering the chairs with cushions and exotic fabrics.

Finally, the latest Outdoor Furniture peice to go indoors is the Cedar Picnic Table. Whether it’s the Oval Picnic Table option or the Round Picnic Table set, people are now using them indoors in country kitchens and cottage breakfast nooks.

With slight adjustments (and sometimes none at all), Patio Furniture can be used indoors in ways that you perhaps never considered. One thing’s for sure, wherever you decide to use your Cedar Patio Furniture - indoors or out - you are limited only by your imagination.

You can find a complete line of Cedar Patio Furniture at http://www.GoCedar.com. Your Patio Furniture is shipped free to home and cottages throughout the Continental USA and Canada.

Kevin Snook is the Editor of Patio Furniture Info site http://www.GoCedar.BlogSpot.com. He also owns and operates Cedar Patio Furniture retails site http://www.GoCedar.com

Rugs are a great way to decoratively cover a floor. Whether you have carpet, tile or hardwood, a rug can protect your floor and add a designer’s touch to it! Since rugs are more interchangeable than the base flooring, you can change the rugs and change the whole look of a room. It’s a great way to vary your interior design.

My favorites are Persian rugs. I love the intricate designs. In fact, they are so pretty that I don’t always put them on the floor. Yes, there’s a big one in the living room and another runner in the hall, but my favorite is a small round multi-colored Persian rug in deep red tones that I hang on the wall in my bedroom. It’s always been just too beautiful to walk on. Cream-colored fringe on the edges hangs down so nicely from the rug!

Early American designs are a favorite of many. There are hooked rugs and shirred rugs and braided rugs. The hooked rugs, in particular, have very intricate designs with various scenes pictured on them. Shirred rag rugs are a creative use of strips of fabric sewn together in a coil or in rows. Everyone knows the traditional braided rugs. They are also coils, but these are made of braids. They can be one color or multi-colored. Look at Rugs Direct.com for some great examples of all three kinds, as well as others.

Of course, the rug of all rugs is the bearskin rug! Honestly, I’d rather have a fake. I don’t want some bear to die so he can decorate my floor. But I’m happy to have a good imitation in front of my fireplace. I do spend time on it with my beloved. We pour wine and set out some cheese and crackers and lie back to enjoy the evening in front of the fireplace. Now that’s the way to get the best use out of your rug!

There are many rugs ideas on the internet. Browse Cyberrug.com and see!

About the writer

Jenny Mettarod is an interior designer. She loves to help people improve the look of an older home or redecorate after the children have grown and gone.You can read more articles about rugs at Shehady Rugs

Most people find home decorating an excruciating task that should only be handled by a pro. But there are some who find it very challenging, since it gives them a venue to push their creativity to the limits. If you are one of these few people, you certainly need lots of home décor ideas in order to make your home decorating task a success. But choosing the right home décor ideas can be tough; especially if you do not know what style you want for your home. That is why it is important that you first walk through design sites and shops that can be helpful to you. As you make your way through different stores, either online or local, you will come across lots of home décor ideas. These can include art pictures, mirrors, light fixtures, flowers and plants and area rugs and textiles.

Art pictures can add personality to your home. A portrait floral picture, for example, can give the illusion of height. Not only that - art pictures can also absorb noise and help change the room’s shape illusion, if placed at the right position. Mirrors are great in creating the illusion of space. If you have a dark room, you can hang a decorative mirror near a window so that light can bounce off the mirror into the room. This gives your room a more natural much-needed light.

Light fixtures are a nice way to set the ambience of your room. By using different types of lighting, your room can have different moods. For example, if you want a sentimental mood, you can have dim light fixtures.

If light fixtures set moods, flowers and plants add color to your home. They blend very easily with room accents and you can change them any time. You can have attractive plant pots and containers for your plants and flowers, and if you are allergic to flowers, you can have silk flowers instead.

The first four home décor ideas appeal to the sense of sight more. But the area rugs and textiles are for your sense of touch since these add warmth and texture to your home. These are effective at softening wooden or hard floors and they add patterns and contrasting colors into the room.

Wood bar stools are one of the most popular types of stools on the furniture market. You’ll find them all over the place in people’s homes, businesses, restaurants, inside and outside. The versatility and flexibility of these great home furnishings is simply unmatched. Let’s look at why this is.

The nice thing about wood bar stools is their strength and durability. They are considered the most versatile of all the different types of bar stools. Since metal stools have a hard time fitting into most decors other that really modern wood will be your best bet. The nice thing is that they are simple to change should your décor change. Since most of us like to change our minds, you can’t always count on your current color and décor themes to be the same. So the smart thing to do is buy good solid furniture that will last longer than you current moods.

Wooden bar stools will always fit in around your house no matter what changes take place. A simple padded cushion added to the seats can make a world of difference. Maybe even an update of upholstery from your current ones is all that you need. Wood can also be painted or re-stained to help change their look and feel. You’d be surprised how much a fresh coat of paint can do for you. It’s very easy to give your wood bar stools a makeover!

Since wood is a natural product there happens to be a number of different species available that can be suitable for furniture. These include cherry, maple, oak, bamboo, mahogany, teak etc. You do need to use some sort of harder wood or the products won’t last.

In the traditional styles the deeper and darker wooden stools work really well. Their rich feel with their detailed backs and leg designs add to the comfortable settings of a traditional home. These great stools along with some sort of a seat pad in a dark fabric can really add some punch to any room.

If you’re looking for more of a modern wood look you’ll find many to choose from. They’ll be very clean in terms of their lines and shape. The simple looks fit in nicely with big open and bright rooms. They work well with bright bold colors, even blacks or whites. Almost all of these styles will have a hard seat, as most padded cushions don’t blend well with the clean simpler feel.

The country look of wood bar stools brings an entirely different feel. A lot of these are painted or stained with a two-toned look. What that means is the stools have two different colors on them. Usually they’re a dark and a light contrast. These offer a soft warm feeling that invites you to sit in them. You can use hard or padded seats depending on how country you’re trying to go. They work great in any country home.

We’ve found that wood bar stools are the best way to go when you’re looking for good quality comfortable seating that will stand up to the test of time. Increase the lifespan of your bar stools by choosing wood. You’ll be happy you did.

Article courtesy of Comfortable-Bar-Stools.com, where you can get the answers you need about bar stools, decorating, furniture styles and more. Check out wood bar stools…for more on these and other bar stool favorites.

Whether you decide to hire a Interior Redesign professional or drag your furniture around yourself, rearranging your furnishings is the most immediate course of change. Try to keep an open mind. Your sofa does NOT have to be placed against the longest wall. Consider repositioning all your large upholstered pieces.

Changing or rehanging artwork on the walls will go a long way in creating a new feel for your space. Try laying your wall groupings out on the floor before actually taking a hammer and nails to the wall! If the grouping is going behind the sofa, lay your pattern out on the floor in front of it. This is a great way to visualize the new look and not cause unnecessary damage to your walls!

Treat yourself to some fresh flowers or a new live plant! After this long winter it is a welcome introduction to spring. Every room should include a living plant to feel warm and inviting. Unless you are like me (and kill them) then buy a nice silk. Speaking from experience, Jo-Anne Fabrics carries a beautiful assortment!

My mother in law rearranges her room every spring and fall. She also changes her curtains seasonally. It makes her “feel good” and can do the same for you!

Julie Rieman is an accomplished instructor in the arts of faux painting and interior redesign. She offers two and four day classroom or online interior redesign training. If you live in the Twin Cities area, you can invite Julie into your home for a personalized consultation. For more information about any of her decorating services and training opportunities please visit http://www.allaboutredesign.com and http://www.allaboutwalls.net

One common problem many homeowners run into is a sewer or septic odor in their bathroom. It may not be strong, it may not be constant, and it may only occur occasionally but it can be annoying and/or embarrassing when it does happen. Often the first inclination of the homeowner is to attempt to use a cleaner or deodorizing agent to stop the odor. While this may mask the problem, it usually will not address it. One important note for homeowners with septic systems - be careful of what chemicals you put down your drains - bleach and other cleaners can harm the normal operation of your septic system - check with a professional first.

Every drain in your home plumbing system should have a trap installed as part of the line. This is simply a curved section of pipe that “traps” water in it. If you look under your sink you should see an example of a trap. This will usually be a straight portion of pipe from the sink connected to a curved section that dips down and then back up before connecting to another horizontal section where the water exits. If you were to look inside your wall you would see a “T” section where the pipe goes down to your septic/sewer and up to an external vent.

The purpose of the trap is not to capture jewelry or other object dropped down the drain as many think but to hold water to prevent sewer/septic gas (and odor) from entering your bathroom. Every time you use the sink, shower, or tub some water collects in the trap blocking the gases and odor. If a component of your bathroom is not used frequently (i.e, the bath in a guest bathroom) then the water can evaporate and allow some gases to escape back into the bathroom. The good news is that this is very simple to prevent and/or fix. The solution: pour water down the drain. If you keep the trap full of water by running the water periodically you should not have any problems with odor. If this was the cause of your problem then the odor should dissipate in a short period of time once there is water in the trap.

Another possible cause for odor is the build up of slime, mold, hair, etc in the tailpiece (the portion of pipe that comes out the bottom of your sink) or overflow of your sink. The popup stopper in many bathroom sinks and tubs can also build up this “gunk”. Use a small flashlight to check and see if you do have any buildup. If you do, clean the buildup out (remember to use a cleaner that is safe for your sewer or septic system) and see if that addresses your odor problem.

If the odor persists, it could indicate a more serious problem and you may want to consult a professional - they will have the tools to correctly diagnose and fix your problem.

Ray Breitenbach writes for Simple Home Repairs. Please visit for more information on how to perform you own basic home repairs.

Electric radiant floor heating systems are heating systems designed for use under carpeting, area rugs, tile, stone, and laminate wood floors and have been used in Europe, South Africa, and Australia for over 20 years.

Radiant heat does away with the age-old problems of cold rooms by offering easy-to-install zone heating. You can choose to either have radiant heat installed by a professional installer or DIY with their plug-n-play portable system for under area rugs. Concentrating on the advantages of floor heating (heat rising), radiant heat offers comfort from the ground up, heating the room evenly from floor to ceiling.

The product is designed to solve zone heating problems one room at a time without adding the expense or mess of adding additional ductwork and/or baseboard heating units. The ultra thin heating mat that can be assembled and installed by floor installers or do-it-yourselfers, is perfect for whatever your situation. It appears that homeowners, flooring dealers, and builders agree, as sales have already started to expand, and the line has been taken on by several high-end flooring retailers and builders alike.

What makes electric radiant heat so unique is its installation flexibility. Manufactured in multiple size heating mats consisting of looped heating coils sandwiched between 4 layers of polyester for the carpet and area rug product, the resulting system measures less than 1/16″. The ultra thin construction makes the heater thin and flexible enough to be installed between a carpet and its pad or under laminate wood without impacting floor height. Installers simply follow the easy to follow installation instructions provided with each system when placing the mats. Once in position, the leads from each mat are either connected to a 120-volt electrical circuit and 7-day programmable thermostat or simply plugged into a wall outlet. A qualified electrician should be used for final electrical connection if the system is to be hard-wired.

Beyond the installation and radiant heating benefits, radiant heat owners will find their systems to be 100% maintenance free and extremely economical to operate. With no moving parts to wear out or filters to change, the system virtually operates itself once the thermostat has been programmed. Simply set the thermostat and forget about it. Equally impressive is the system’s average cost of less than a dollar a day to warm a 16′ x 20′ room for a full 10-hour cycle. The radiant heat fills the entire room with warmth from the ground up, eliminating the cold air zone close to the floor, which is created by traditional heating systems.

Studies show that heating is the largest energy expense for most homeowners, accounting for almost two-thirds of annual energy bills in colder areas of the country. Radiant heat’s ability to warm a home from the ground up produces evenly heated rooms that are not only more comfortable to live in, but are more energy-efficient to maintain at the desired comfort level. In addition, radiant heat also reduces the levels of dust, pollen, and mold spread by conventional forced air heating systems, making your home a healthier place to live.

Individuals interested in obtaining additional information on the only UL-listed plug-n-play electric floor heating systems, or radiant heat for under ceramic tile, stone, hardwood, and vinyl installations, may contact Speedheat at 1.800.430.2690, by email at info@speedheat.us, or on the web at http://www.speedheat.us.

Thinking of building a new home or complex? Will you use an architect or a building designer?

Both are involved in the design of buildings - their appearance, layout, structure, and so on. But what’s the difference?

The simplest difference is a legal one. To be called an “architect” in NSW, you have to be registered with the Board of Architects of NSW. The title “building designer” can be used by anyone designing buildings.

But that’s hardly even scratching the surface. Brian Basford is a building designer and treasurer of the Building Designers Association of NSW. He suggests that building designers are generally less expensive, and mostly involved in less flamboyant buildings. “It’s horses for courses. Most architects probably wouldn’t want to design a single bedroom extension for a pensioner, whereas I’ve done a lot of that.”

Brian also stressed that there are quite often overlaps between what architects do and what building designers do. There’s no simple rule. “But no matter what the job, good building designers and good architects both produce quality work”, he says.

Architect Gary Kurzer agrees that architects are more likely to be involved with more distinctive, “up-market” buildings. But not because of cost. “Architects work to your budget just like building designers. The real reason is that architects are a little more likely to stretch the boundaries and challenge convention.”

According to Gary, you should generally choose an architect if you want more than just a literal translation of your brief. “My clients normally have a rough idea of what they want. I take that idea and transform it into something they love, but could never have imagined themselves.”

The most important thing is knowing what you want from the service, and choosing someone that suits your job.

And whether you choose an architect or building designer, remember, qualifications are no guarantee of quality. Always ask to see previous examples of their work. Ask for references from previous customers. Ask to see their qualifications. Ask how long they’ve been working. Do they have professional indemnity insurance? Are they a member of an accredited body?…

In the end, it’s like anything else… there’s no substitute for common sense.

Thanks to Gary Kurzer, Architect, 0411044448, and Brian Basford, Building Designer.

FAQs

Q: Are architects and building designers the same thing?

A: No. Architects must be registered with the Board of Architects of NSW.

Q: Will I get a better design from an architect?

A: Not necessarily. The only guarantee is a minimum level of qualifications. Architects must have a Bachelor of Architecture degree (5 years) as well as the demonstrated ability to deal with clients and satisfy their requirements. Generally this means at least a couple of years experience in an architect’s office.

Q: Are building designers more in touch with builders and other trades?

A: Not necessarily. Architects are trained to deal with and manage all aspects of the building project. It all comes down to the individual’s experience and abilities.

Q: Are Building designers “would-be” architects?

A: No. Building design is a recognised profession with its own national body (the BDAA) offering 3 levels of accreditation based on experience and quality - but registration isn’t compulsory. Many building designers have the qualifications to register with the Board of Architects but they choose not to because they don’t think the name “architect” is worth the ongoing cost of registration.

Q: Are architects more expensive?

A: Not necessarily. An architect will work to your budget like a building designer. They can do anything from a simple design to very complex interior and exterior detailing to superintendence of the building process. Your building costs and ongoing running costs may also be less. For example, find out if your architect is incorporating cost-saving measures into the building process. They may also design to take advantage of natural lighting, ventilation, heating, cooling, etc. which will save you less in electricity.

Q: How do I tell if they’re really an architect?

A: Call the Board of Architects of NSW - (02) 93564900 or visit http://www.boarch.nsw.gov.au/f_consumer.html.

Q: How do I look for an accredited building designer?

A: Call the Building Designers Association of NSW - Sydney (02) 49264855 or visit http://www.bdansw.com.au or http://www.bdaa.com.au/index.htm.

Q: Where else can I go for further information?

A: http://www.architecture.com.au - Royal Australian Institute of Architects

http://www.bdansw.com.au - Building Designers Association of NSW

* Glenn Murray is an SEO copywriter and article submission and article PR specialist. He is a director of article PR company, Article PR, and also of copywriting studio Divine Write. He can be contacted on Sydney +612 4334 6222 or at glenn@divinewrite.com. Visit www.DivineWrite.com or www.ArticlePR.com for further details, more FREE articles, or to download his FREE SEO e-book.