The Secrets to Renovating the Attic

modern interior design

What's increasingly tougher? Building a house or renovating with interior design ideas? If this is planned properly, you will be able to succeed in both. Aside from that, here are a few other things you will need to make sure everything goes smoothly.

To start, realize what needs to occur to the attic? You must have an idea of what will this be converted into. Do you want to make this into a extra bedroom, a playroom for the kids, a gym or an office? When you have figured that out, it will already be easy to get the right tools and equipment.

A renovation should not cost you an arm and a leg. In order to prevent this from occurring, always keep in mind you budget constraints. Naturally, homeowners who are able to do it themselves will be able to save hundreds of dollars. If you are stumped by a small problem, try looking for information about this online or on television since there are shows that can teach you a thing or two so you can carry on with your work.

But if you are inexperienced and you want this done right, it is best to hire a professional. Keep in mind that obtaining the services of someone who's livlihood is decorating will cost money.

You can try and save some dollars by canvassing around and calling up different contractors. Is the most inexpensive contractor the answer? No because if they are just starting out, you are not sure if they can do a good job or not.

So, you don’t make the mistake of hiring the wrong contractor. You final decision on who to hire should be based on experience of workmanship rather than the price of a quote.

You should call up their previous customers and ask questions. If you are satisfied with your background check, then you can consider them as someone you can hire for the renovation.

But going back to the issue of your budget, if the contractor is asking a certain price and it has exceeded your budget, the best thing for you to do will be to find ways to save money. You can do so by installing cheaper but still durable appliances, recycle some of furniture in the room by repainting it so they look once again or have the work done in phases. This may take longer than what you anticipated but at least you are working within your limits.

If you stick to the plan and your budget, you will be able to complete the renovation of your attic. It's unfortunate that those who do not plan ahead of time, hire the wrong contractor, spend wisely, end up with a project that's incomplete.

Surely, you don’t want to happen to your attic or any room in your house. So, before you do anything, think about what you want to turn the attic into and get ideas from residential interior design magazines or online. Some people follow exactly what they see while others make some slight modifications.

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to attic renovations. The important thing is that it you are happy as it shows your personality so forget what other people say and just go for it.

Locating Girl's Baby Bedding is Not As Hard As You Think

One of the first things you'll probably think about when you're having a little girl is what should her nursery look like. The focal point of the room will be the crib, so it is vitally important to choose the right crib set for your little girl. Nowadays the online selection for baby is so massive that you can find even the most obscure styles.

Boys' nurseries are cute, but they simply cannot compare to the level of cuteness you find in a girl's room. We've all coveted an uber-feminine nursery at some time or another; having a baby girl gives us the excuse to finally make it a reality.

Admiring the styles of Victorian nurseries? You're going to want something very intricately designed, most likely in white or a light shade of pink. There are many other traditional style to consider, like hearts, paisley, or pink and sage patchwork baby bedding.

If you're considering the ever-popular princess theme, try very pink and very frilly bedding. Bow or ribbons are great, too - but keep safety in mind. If you're looking for a simple way to get a princess theme, try Disney. Their Disney Princess line includes everything you could possibly need to decorate the nursery, so all you need to do is just go shopping.

Floral designs are another classic, and are readily available. There is a wide variation in floral designs that you should be aware of, though. Some are extremely modern and minimalistic, while other are very elaborate with heavy embroidery and embellishments. Floral designs offer huge flexibility in colorings, which makes them a great choice for "unusual" color schemes.

A great choice to build an interest in reading is to use characters from books and fairy tales for your daughter's infant bedding. No matter what character you're looking for, whether it's the Wiggles or Little Bear, you're sure to find it somewhere online. If you're looking for a theme with longevity, this is a great one to choose. Since your daughter will come to know the characters as she grows up, the room will gain meaning over time.

Plan ahead if you want to have more kids - a girl's bedding set won't work well in a boy's nursery. The standard colors for gender neutral crib bedding are brown, yellow and green, but there are tons of other options as well.

Tips On Interior Design Classes.

 

Joining an interior design class will be challenging, and at the same time, good fun. There are many career opportunities in interior design, this has led to more interior design schools opening in many cities. You can now find interior design classes at universities, high schools and community colleges not forgetting schools that specialise in interior design. You can even find interior design classes being offered on the Internet by various schools. Many of the interior design classes that you will find available will lead to a degree, diploma certificate. Gaining one of these can lead to a career in interior design education or with an interior design company, the career decision is up to each individual student.

 

You will find interior design classes are usually very interesting, with most of the material taught being reasonably easy to apply and also very practical. One good way to practice what you have learned, is to repaint the rooms in your house, change the furniture around, this'll make your room very different and probably more appealing. One of the most important subjects taught in interior design classes is around the area of color. A student will be taught how to use colors in a balanced, appealing, and effective way, such as painting the furniture, changing the carpet, and painting the walls. It's really amazing how the appearance of your living space can be changed and improved by the proper blending and use of color.

 

Which interior design class to choose?.

 

Individuals who are interested in interior design can choose classes that cover many different subjects. Students can choose from subjects such as, how to decorate your walls, furniture design and placement, doors, and floor coverings. Let's take walls as an example, they can be removed, entirely redesigned, they can be painted, you can put wallpaper on them or they can be left in their original state. By changing the walls you can change a room or the whole property in amazing ways, the possibilities are endless.

 

One subject that is part of most interior design classes is the architectural study of houses, the idea being that by studying modern houses or even Victorian houses will help the students be creative, and give them a feel for the style of interior design that will complement the architectural qualities of individual houses. A budding interior designer really does need to know this, and this is why this type of class is added to an interior design class. Students will also attend classes that will teach them how to work with clients, helping them with their ideas and interior design projects.

 

So What Can Interior Design Professionals Actually Deliver?

So what is interior design and how can it help you?  Interior design is a much misunderstood profession.  It's likely that wherever you live you have TV programs of interior designers moving things around in rooms and changing décor.  So the question you might then have is: is the work of an interior designer merely the art or the act of decorating a room? How is interior design different from mere rennovation? 

Most of the time decoration of a house or a room is what you might consider as purely rennovational or merely surface-level. This might involve house painting, placing new carpets or in the greatest detail it might stretch to plastering. However, interior designers often go well beyond this.

The designer may be responsible for changing window panes and carpets, redoing floors, painting even re-doing wiring and plumbing.  He may have to purchase precise fittings, perhaps within the kitchen or the bathroom. See a detailed explanation of this at the office interior design london site. He (or often she) may have to purchase new furniture and accessories for example cushions and various other types of ornamental furniture in keeping with the client's desired look. Have a look at the tub chairs site for examples of furniture models used to create a special look.

The designer will typically be working with client's concept and the client will have completely different ideas to the professional interior designer himself.  The designer will take a basic idea or a specification from the client and his task is to turn it into a completely finished package which might be a completely new "feeling" within a room or even several rooms within the home or office. 

So finally, the interior designer in his role has to not just paint walls but he also has to create an entire finished "feeling" that is in harmony with the client's idea about what he wants, either in one area or even throughout the house.

Getting the Most out of Your Candles

Have you ever had a candle that just doesn’t last?  Before you can even get any great use out of it, you have spilt wax down the sides, a broken wick and a black stain across it.  There seems to be nothing that can be done to get it lit again and it can be pretty frustrating since it only seems to occur when you purchase the really expensive candles. 

Usually, when a candle begins to break down, it’s probably because you aren’t caring for it properly.  I hear the groans from the back but what your mother has always said to you is true, “If you want something to last, then you really need to take care of it.”

But really, how do you care for your candles?  Don’t you just toss them into a drawer and pull them out for those special occasions.  I would love to say sure, since it is the easiest way but unfortunately, easy isn’t always the best way.  Sure you can throw them in a drawer but don’t expect a very nice candle to be pulled from the drawer for one of those special occasions. 

To keep your candles looking great and to get the most out of them, there are a few tips that you should follow.

The Candle Snuffer:  Don’t sniff at this little trinket.  It is a candle lover’s best tool and you can buy one that is fairly inexpensive while still looking expensive.  If you aren’t sure what a candle snuffer is, it is a bell shaped tool on a long handle.  The hollow bell fits over the candle and extinguishes the flame.  It’s simple and candle snuffers have been around for a long time. 

But why are they so important in getting the most out of your candles? It’s simple; candle snuffers keep the wicks from being damaged.  Blowing on a candle, or worse, extinguishing them with your wet fingers, can damage the wick.  A damaged wick means more difficulty keeping the flame.

Cool Storage:  If you are a person that only brings out candles for special occasions, there are a few ways that you should store them. 

First, make sure you store them individually.  Wrap each candle in a sheet of white tissue paper to avoid the colors to bleed into the candle.  If you are storing scented candles, place them into their own plastic sealable bag.  This will keep the scents fresh and will keep them from blending together.

Next, place them in a cool, dark area.  Make sure the space is not damp since this can also damage them.  Candles should always been stored flat to ensure that they do not bend.  Also, if an area is too warm, the candles will begin to melt and will become misshapen.

Keep those Candles Tidy:  When you are trying to get the most out of your candles, it is best to keep them tidy.  Remove excess wax that has dripped down the sides, or if you are using a jar candle, place the jar inside a sink of hot water to melt the wax on the side of the glass. 

Keep the wick nice and tidy and always trim down your wicks to ¼ inch in length before each use.  Make sure you cut the wicks when they are cool since a hot wick could stretch and tear. 

Also, never burn your candles for longer than 4 hours.  If you are having a full romantic evening, simply replenish the candles every 4 hours.  This will keep your candles looking beautiful and will keep down the amount of soot that accumulates on the candle itself. 

Lastly, try to keep the candles out of direct light.  Prolonged time in light will make the colors fade and your beautiful candle will no longer look bright and new.

Just following these tips should ensure hours and even months of enjoyment with your candles.

Easy Home Decorating Ideas

For most people getting a lot more stress from their work, coming home is a massive relief at the end of an especially busy day. In an ideal world, the home is a sanctuary where people can relax and recharge. Because of this, most people are always on the lookout for simple home decorating ideas that would spruce up their space.

One factor that people need to know when it comes to refreshing the decor of their homes is that they do not need to spend a massive amount of money to brighten up a space. They just have to use a bit of thought to do a bit of magic on an otherwise plain decor.

On of the simplest home decorating ideas is to use color to liven up a room. A fresh coat of paint in a great colour would already do amazing things for a room. For those who are a bit shy with using color, they can start by painting only one wall with a vivid color. When they have grown used to the idea of decorating with bright colors, then they can go ahead and paint all four walls next time. Not only is this decorating idea fairly easy, but it is also inexpensive.

Another one of those inexpensive home decorating ideas is to use a variety of curtains. Curtains can be changed from time to time, and can most certainly change the look of a room. Experimenting with different fabrics and colors already does a lot. Again, one does not have to spend a lot for achieving several looks.

There are so many different home decorating options that would definitely bring life to a dull space. There are many sources of inspiration including the internet, TV shows and magazines. At the end of the day, one shouldn’t be afraid to mix and match style ideas, because doing so would create a unique and personal space.  So whether you are decorating your bedroom or bathroom you should just give it a go and see how it works out.

Painting a Room Without Tears

Enjoy your home improvement projects, there is certainly no need for tesrs

If You Want To paint your home and you have never tackled this sort of home improvement before.Read these few useful tips before you start. Many friends will give you advice as you proceed.

Pale colour schemes will enhance the space in smaller rooms. More intense colours can be used in larger rooms without making it feel smaller. Similarly, if the room does not get too much light, then, lighter colours in an eggshell paint will help to reflect light and brighten the place. Try not to use white, though, it tend to look cold and clinical - and it very quickly becomes grubby. Using eggshell finishes means that it can be easily freshened by wiping down. Very useful if you have young children.

Having chosen the colours you are going to use (No mean feat with all those colour paint charts to choose from), now you must decide whether to decorate the walls yourself or get a contractor to do it for you. Painting the walls is an easier route if you are doing it yourself. It is also a lot less expensive than wallpaper so if you find you hate the finished product it is less of a disaster.

The key to a good finish is preparation-preparation-preparation. Clear the space of as much furnisher as possible before you start. Cover the rest with at least two layers of cloth. Make sure you adequately protect any floors and carpets. All surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned in order to remove the accumulated grease and grime. Next fill any small holes or cracks in wall with filler, several layers may be required for larger holes. The filler will usually shrink as it dries. Give it 24hours to fully dry, then rub it down thoroughly with sandpaper  so it is very smooth. Next, use sandpaper rub down all the woodwork. Make sure the woodwork is smooth and dust free, where possible cutting right back to bare wood.

Now start at the top and work downwards. Start with the ceiling, and make sure it is fully dry before moving on. Next place masking tape at the very edge of the ceiling so that you get a very straight line when you paint the walls. Do not leave the masking tape on for to long, it will be difficult to get off without damaging your newly painted ceiling.

When painting large areas, it is quicker and gives a better finish if you use a roller rather then a brush. To get good coverage and depth in the finish, you may need to use several coats when using a roller, even so the roller will use les paint that a brush, it will dry faster, go on much faster and therefore, even though you are applying more than one coat it will still be faster.

Now for the woodwork. Again, the walls should be masked where they meet the woodwork. Then apply an undercoat using a small paintbrush. The undercoat will help the top coat to adhere better and will therefore last longer. It also gives a much smoother final finish if the undercoat is lightly sanded. It is normal to use gloss paint on woodwork. This washes easier and takes the considerable amount of touching that woodwork gets. Trying to paint too thick a coat can produce a poor finish. Multiple thinner coats are always better. Always make sure that the paint is dry before applying the next coat

If for any reason you have to stop painting for a while, wrap your paintbrushes tightly in clingfilm. .It prevents air getting to them and will stop them drying out. Even after you have thoroughly cleaned your brushes, it is still useful to wrap your brushes. There are always occasions when you need to make good you decorations after disasters, so always keep any left over paint

Always open windows slightly before painting the frames. Paint will securely glue the windows permanently shut!  This also applies to doors. When painting doors, the rule is that you paint those parts of the frame that can be seen when it is open. Or in the case of an inward opening door, when it is closed.  

One last thing. Take your time. Take enjoyment from the pleasure of watching the transformation of your room. Home improvement should be enjoyable.If you find you have hated every minute of it, then next time you want a rooom painted, save up to pay somebody else to do it for you. If you don't enjoy the process, then you will tend to rush and skimp the work and the end result will not be so good.

Before You Decide On A Crib Set: Planning Your Baby's Room

The crib is the center of every nursery, and the bedding is vital to making your crib look perfect. If you're looking for a special kind of crib, try shopping online. Be prepared that someone may find your choice of baby bedding ugly. This doesn't mean it is ugly, but different people have different tastes. You should also remember that with even an inexpensive crib set costing over $100, it's important to keep your budget in mind. So before you start your search, try to have an idea of the theme and price range you're looking for.

It's important to plan ahead. If you're having more kids, you can save money by planning for it now. For instance - are you having a girl? Then you've probably chosen a girl baby bedding set, covered with frills and pretty pinks, or maybe something trendier (but still very feminine), like a Pixie Stix bedding set. But you're not guaranteed to have another girl, and that girly baby bedding is not going to look so great in a boy's nursery. Before you dump a lot of money into a crib set, unless you have a big budget, it's much smarter to pick a gender neutral bedding set that you can use again and again. Bedding sets can get as expensive as you're willing to spend, so plan a budget ahead of time and stick to it no matter what. Your baby is going to treat her bedding the same no matter how much it costs, so why exactly are you spending that extra money?

Baby stores, even the large ones like Babies R Us, usually can't offer the range of choices that an online-only store can, particularly when the ecommerce site is strictly focused on selling baby bedding. Department stores often carry only one or two brands of bedding, while online retailers may have upwards of 20 different brands on their sites. With lower overhead and frequent free shipping promotions, shopping online is generally cheaper than a trip to the store.

The offline store does have one big advantage over the online one, though - you can thoroughly examine and feel the bedding before you buy it. That means when you find a bedding set that looks soft and cuddly, you can't really be sure until you buy it. There is just no way for an online retailer to mimic the effect of putting your hands on the bedding set and feeling it for yourself. You might want to look online for baby bedding ideas, but you should be aware that the range of choices is staggering and you may get overwhelmed by too many options. Try to have a general idea of what you want and how much you want to spend before you start looking.

Interior Decorating Tips

If you have a home, you will want to have it look the way you decide. You want the decoration and feel to reflect how you feel inside, be it contemporary, traditional, modern, or simplistic. Your house and its internal feel should mirror who you are. It would be difficult to imagine yourself coming home to a home that does not reflect anything about you. Below are some interior decorating ideas to show the best of your flare without ruining your home.

Tip 1: Personalize

When you are selling a house, any realtor will advise you to take away any personality from it. Take down family pictures, children's photographs, and personal paintings. Keep the colors and the designs refined and classic. But when you are living in your own home, you want to personalize it and make it your own. Home decorating ideas come in handy when you are designing your house, but you don't have to have specialist skills to do a first class job with your home design. One thing you can do to put your own stamp on your home is to design a unique painting. You can glue bits of fabric to a canvas, get your children to paint or make you a picture, or paint your own contemporary art work. The main point is that they do not have to look professional, just interesting.

Tip 2: Do Every Room

Although it may take you a long time to complete it, make sure that you re-designyour entire home. There may be some spaces that you do not use frequently, like a work area. Even so, when you are in that room you will want it to be a nice inviting space. A office design that is comfortable and pleasant may make you work harder and be more relaxed in your home office. If you paint each room except that room, it will stick out like a sore thumb. Plus, you will not be as comfortable in there as in the other parts of the house and you may even avoidthe space. But if you do some home decorating in there, it will be a nice place to spend your office hours.

Tip 3: You Don't Have to Use Paint

Interior decorating can be done without changing the color of your walls. There can be any number of reasons why you would not want to paint. Perhaps you are renting and are not allowed to paint. Or you could have a lot of furniture in the room and you are not able to move it to paint. You could even be disabled and not have the ability to paint. Whatever your reason, know that you can find great furniture and wall pieces to decorate your home without touching a paint can!

Following these basis tips on interior decorating ideas will show you how you can change the look of your home easily.  You don't need to spend a lot of money, but with a little time and effort you can have the beautiful home you desire very quickly.

If you looking for more interior design ideas, take a look at Interior Design Top Tips

Beautiful Wax Sculptures Made Easy

There is something infinitely beautiful about a well shaped candle.  People will pay top dollar for this works of art and I have often found that many people will avoid using them since they are so exquisite. 

If you do use the sculpted candle, you are left with a melted mess, trying to figure out exactly what to do with it now.  Sure you can melt it down to make more candles but why don’t you melt it down to create another sculpture. 

I am not a big fan of abstract art but I have come to really enjoy these wax sculptures.  They are easy to make and you can make them with older children, under supervision.  Actually, the first time I made an abstract wax sculpture, I was only 13. 

They are very easy to make and you only need a few items to create a beautiful work of art.  You don’t even need candles!

What you need:

·         Wax – This is the most important item for making a wax sculpture but I have used everything from store bought wax to old crayons.  Remember that some colors will mix together creating a muddy color but others won’t.

·         Double Boiler – Since you are melting wax, it is best to use a double boiler or a metal bowl in a few inches of water.  Adding a pot of wax to a direct source of heat can cause fires or at the very least, may burn the wax and ruin the pot.

·         Colored Dye – This is optional and sometimes you can just play around with the colors that you have in the crayons or old candles. 

·         Metal Pie Plates – The disposable pie plates work best for this type of project

·         Kitchen Sink – The deeper the better.

Directions:

1.      Before you begin melting the wax, it is important to prepare it.  Remove any wrappers from crayons, and cut out any wicks from the old candles.

2.      Once everything is prepared, fill up the kitchen sink with cold water. The colder the better.  Fill it as deep as you can but make sure it won’t spill over the sides when you submerse your arms.

3.      Melt the wax at medium low on the stove in a double boiler.  If you want to make sure the colors do not blend, use a few double boilers, each with a different color.

4.      When the wax is melted, carefully pour between 2 or 3 inches of hot wax into a pie plate as it rests on the surface of the water.  Play with different levels of melted wax.

5.      Quickly spin the pie plate slightly and then submerge the plate.  The candle wax will billow up into long streaks and you will create a wax sculpture.  Make sure to wear rubber cloves, the longer the better, since the wax is still hot as it is forming.

6.      Pull out of the water and carefully pour out the excess water. 

7.      Remove from the pie plate and if you do not like it, simply remove and place back into the pot to melt. 

Playing with the depth of the wax and how you submerge the pie plate will give you a large range of sculptures you make, from jagged ice sculptures to billowing trees to delicate fairy mushrooms.  Most of the sculptures will have a flat space where a glass votive or tealight can be attached to be used as an intricate sculpture.

8.      Make them long lasting by spraying them with a sealer.

And that is it.  These little sculptures will have guests talking and you will have lots of fun trying to outdo yourself every time.

The Soothing Effects of Aromatherapy Candles

The ancient Egyptians first used the power of scent to heal over 3,500 years ago. They would burn fragrant woods and herbs, believing the smoke rising into the air would carry with it their hopes and prayers to be answered by the ancient gods.

Today, the use of aroma to heal is deeply entrenched in the art of aromatherapy. It is now one of the most popular forms of holistic medicine. Used not only to help soothe and relax, there are now documented benefits of aromatherapy in helping control chronic disease and illness.

Aromatherapy is most often described as the use of plant oil essences to achieve physical, psychological, and emotional healing. This art takes on many forms, such as the use of massage and applying essential oils to chakra points. Candles also play a prominent role in this healing art, which helps teach the body to achieve internal balance. Aromatherapy reduces stress and strengthens the immune system, providing lasting health benefits. Candles are perhaps one of the easiest and least expensive ways to discover the healing powers of scent in the comfort of your own home.

Candles used in aromatherapy come in special combinations of fragrances designed to achieve specific goals. Eucalyptus is used to energize, while lavender is used to calm. Taking in these scents alters the psychological state, allowing the body to follow suit.

Enjoy Sweet Dreams

If you have difficulty falling asleep, try lighting a few of these scented candles before bedtime:

·        Chamomile - Long used in teas to promote sleep, chamomile has a sweet, fruity aroma. In addition to helping you achieve a peaceful slumber, chamomile is said to have properties that promote psychic awareness and hone intuition.

·        Lavender - An aroma that promotes inner calm and peace, lavender has a fresh, floral scent. It will free you from emotional stress, promote inner stability, and can even be used to relieve headaches.

·        Patchouli - This rich aroma has long been connected with love and passion. Not only can it ignite your inner fire, it is known to have properties that help you achieve rest.

·        Sandalwood - Bring on those sweet dreams with the sweet, woodsy smell of sandalwood. Perhaps its clairvoyant properties will help you see into the future, while it’s calming properties help you dream the night away.

·        Ylang-Ylang - This scent known to enhance love and relationships will surround you with an intoxicating mixture of sweet, floral, and fruity aromas.

Lighten Your Mood

Many scents have been known to ease depression and relive anxiety. Try one of these if you find yourself with the blues.

·        Sage- Powerful for removing negative feelings, this earthy yet fruity herb will clear your mind and cleanse impure thoughts from your system.

·        Frankincense - This spicy, woody fragrance frees your mind from impure thoughts, releases you from destructive habits and obsessions, and has protective qualities.

Tighten Your Focus

Perhaps your thoughts are wandering or you cannot remain focused on a task or assignment. Burn one of these candles at your desk to help improve your concentration.

·        Bergamot - This citrusy yet floral aroma provides mental clarity, as well as protective qualities.

·        Peppermint - Another aroma known to increase intuition and psychic awareness, this famous scent is strong and minty.

·        Basil - A sweet, slightly medicinal-smelling herb that promotes overall well-being

·        Lemon - This citrus scent not only will clear your mind, but will call upon protective spirits to aid you.

Reduce Stress

If you just need to relax and unwind, light one of these scented candles while enjoying a hot bath or some quiet music.

·        Jasmine -Exotic and floral, this scent promotes psychic cleansing, assists with creativity, and has powerful qualities for attracting love.

·        Geranium - Providing qualities that promote success and well-being, this floral yet slightly fruity scent will relax your mind and spirit.

·        Apple - The aroma of this sometimes-tart, sometimes-sweet fruit brings relaxation and peace of mind, as well as aids wisdom

If one of these is not quite your cup of tea, here are some of the protective or spiritually enhancing qualities of some of your other favorite scents:

·        Cinnamon - Increases your spiritual awareness, focus, and concentration.

·        Citronella - Attracts friends and neighbors, while repelling unwanted insects.

·        Clove - Protects from evil spirits while enhancing memory

·        Musk - Long associated with passion, this strong scent also boosts self-confidence and strength.

·        Rose - The deep, floral smell of roses brings tranquility, inner peace, and harmony.

These fragrances have long been found in spas, combined with soft music to provide the client with a feeling of total peace and relaxation. You can achieve the same experience in your own home by following suit and filling it with scent.

Combine these fragrances together to achieve the mental and physical balance you are looking for, or to gain the spiritual awareness you desire, and allow the healing benefits of aromatherapy to work for you.

Use scented candles, fragrant oils, or wax burners and transform your home into a soothing, healing place of refuge.  Allow yourself to indulge in the total relaxation of mind and spirit, and then feel the healing essence fill your body as you reach a heightened level of tranquility and well-being.

After all, if it worked for the ancient Egyptians, it may be able to work for you too.

 

Soy Candles: A Source of Endless Fragrance

Two months ago, after a long discourse at the breakfast table on the many wonderful aspects of soy candles, my 13-year-old son accused me of being a soy candle head, as in dead head. What had got me started was the soy milk e had been drinking for breakfast, and having recently discovered soy candles in a big way, my mind was understandably full of how this wonderful material was so much a part of our lives – food, drink, and now candles!

 

Whatever my son might say, however, I can’t stop gushing about soy candles and their unique properties, and you, dear reader, are now in my line of fire. Not only are soy candles longer lasting, they also hold a fragrance better and do not produce unsightly deposits of soot. And when I say long lasting, I mean it, because the average 14 oz wax candle will last you about 70 hours, give or take five, while a soy candle will last all of 100, if not more. That’s almost 50 hours more, and not at significantly higher prices either.

 

If you’ve been following these articles, you’ll know about my friend Charlene Dewitt, the one who is an aromatherapy expert. Well, inevitably, it was Charlene who introduced me to soy candles, and one of the first things I noticed was the absence of soot. All those who have spent time cleaning blackened and grimy candle jars, walls and even ceilings know what a menace soot can be. With soy candles, because they are natural, the jar remains pristine, and the walls and ceilings unsullied.

 

Now I come to the most important reason for using soy candles. Various studies have revealed that traditional wax candles emit carcinogens into the air. Now, as we all know, carcinogens are cancer-causing toxins that also cause other health problems. Mostly, researchers are trying to prove that anything that emits carbon dioxide when burnt, such as wax candles and charcoal, will release carcinogens. Though it is too early to comment on this issue, soy candles certainly do not produce carcinogens, which means they are healthy, too!

 

All in all, it is no surprise that soy candles are gaining in popularity, considering they were only launched in 1991, and their discovery is credited to a certain Michael Richards, who found out by trial and error that mixing soybean oil with palm and coconut oils produced a perfect wax. He added a small amount of beeswax to the mixture to improve it even further.

 

Today, it has been conclusively proved that 100% natural soy wax does not contain petroleum or other environmentally unsafe ingredients. And it is much less expensive than other natural waxes like beeswax.

 

So I end my rave. Go ahead, call me a soy candle head, but remember what I’ve told you the next time you buy your candle supplies!

Timber Blinds: The Natural Option

Timber blinds provide the perfect opportunity to bring a natural look to any room in your home. A modern way to “go green,” choosing timber blinds as your window covering can transform any room with a feeling of warmth and sophistication. There are many benefits that can be gained through the use of timber blinds, and they are available in a huge variety of colours, woods, and styles to meet the needs of any homeowner. A look at the benefits and style that timber blinds offer, makes it clear why they are the natural option for any home.

Materials and Colours

Obviously timber blinds are made of wood, however you do still have a choice in the materials that make up your timber blinds. Available in many different types of wood, timber blinds still allow consumers to have some say in choosing what is best for their home. The most common type of wood used to make timber blinds is cedar, however basswood, bamboo, and others can be found as well. Each type of wood has its benefits and creates a unique look, so determining which kinds of wood would work best for you is important when choosing timber blinds.

Just like the various types of wood, timber blinds come in a variety of shades as well. From light coloured wood, to dark cherry stained and natural wood, timber blinds can be purchased at a retail location or custom made to match your home. Timber blinds make excellent window treatments by themselves, so choosing a colour that will accent your home is essential. If you plan to place curtains or draperies over your timber blinds, it is best to find a shade of timber blind that will work best for you.

Benefits and Styles

Most timber blinds come in a venetian style, although they are occasionally seen in other styles of blinds such as roller and vertical. Venetian timber blinds provide for full coverage of your window however, and also offer an ease of use not seen in many other styles of timber blinds.
There are many natural benefits of using timber blinds. Since wood is a natural insulator, timber blinds will keep your home cool in the summer and warmer in the winter. Timber blinds also help to block outside disturbances and noise as wood helps to insulate the windows of your home. The warmth and screened light that timber blinds provides is hard to match with any other type of blind, and radiates an air of comfort and elegance.
Unlike vinyl and metal blinds that can bend and become damaged easily timber blinds are very durable and can last you many years if cared for properly. Fabric blinds can often become faded and stained after years of use, but timber blinds that are made with a protective coating keep their shine and colour while remaining fully functional.

Care and Maintenance

Timber blinds do not require an enormous amount of care and maintenance, but they do require some attention to keep them looking their best, and to ensure that they remain functional. If timber blinds are not open and closed often and remain in the same position for an extended period of time, it is important to open and close them every so often to keep them from becoming stiff or stuck.

Every so often timber blinds will need to be dusted. Since they are made of wood, they will collect dust, but a simple swipe with a duster or rag will clear the debris away quickly. Depending on what type of wood or stain was used to make your timber blinds, special care of the wood may periodically be required, such as oiling or cleaning. Checking with the manufacturer of your timber blinds will help you to learn how to properly care for them.

Timber blinds are the natural option when it comes to window coverings, and provide your home with natural benefits and warmth as well. From keeping out noise, to insulating your home and saving you money, the benefits and beauty that timber blinds provide is almost unmatched. Available in a wide variety of woods and colours, timber blinds can be made to match the interior of any home for a natural and elegant look.

About the author:
Kevin Knight is an expert in window blinds and coverings. He is the owner of Custom Blinds, a custom made blind company located in Perth, Australia, which offers over 25 years of experience in the blinds industry. Dedicated to providing consumers with the latest and highest quality window blinds products, the team from Custom Blinds go out of their way to provide fast and friendly service to their many loyal customers.

Styles of Roller Blinds - Which Options to Choose?

Roller blinds are a great way to modernise your windows while highlighting the interior style of your home. There are a variety of different styles of roller blinds available, and the different fabric and colour choices offer endless possibilities when it comes to decorating. Made from stiffened fabric, roller blinds are easy to maintain and care for, and can be operated with a pull cord or remote. Exploring all of the different styles of roller blinds can help you to work out which style would work best for you.

Light Control and Privacy

There are different styles of roller blinds, and they all produce various types of light and privacy control. If you are looking for ultimate privacy and want to block out all light, then black out roller blinds are best. These thicker fabric blinds are made with 100% light blocking material that don’t allow any light in when drawn down, they also do not allow anyone to see into your home.

For the best of both worlds, consider a new day/night style of roller blind. These newer style blinds are a two in one system that provides a light filtering blind for the daytime, and a privacy black out shade for night. This allows a warm filtering of light to enter your home during the day, and lets you relax in absolute privacy at night-time.

Many styles of roller blinds also offer a balance between the two. Plain roller blinds are made from various types of material and allow a filtering of light all day long. Lace and sunscreen roller blinds allow you to still keep your view outside while filtering light. These types of blinds do not provide much in the way of privacy however, so they are best suited to rooms in your home where privacy is less important such as the kitchen or dining room.

Interior Design and Decoration

Exploring what kind of look or style you want to add to the rooms of your home can also help you decide which style of roller blinds you want. There are various types of fabrics that roller blinds can be made from, and you can even match the material and colour of a roller blind to the furnishings of your home.

Envelope, castellated, and eyelet roller blinds all provide a variation on regular rollers, and create a unique look with their varied shapes and accents. Envelope roller blinds have an envelope shape at the very bottom of the blind for a sophisticated valance look when the roller blind is pulled up. Castellated roller blinds have scallops at the bottom of the blind, which are reminiscent of the top of a castle. Eyelet blinds offer small metalwork circles at the bottom of the blind for added detail and a different look.

Different textures are another way that you can enhance the look of your home with the addition of roller blinds. Textured weave roller blinds give your blinds a 3D appearance that form a deep contrast to flat coloured walls. Sheer roller blinds offer a venetian look and texture to your home. These blinds have a strip of sheer fabric in between two strips of solid fabric, and can be adjusted with a pull cord to open and close the slats just like a venetian blind. When you determine what kind of look you want to create with roller blinds, you are one step closer to choosing the style that is best for you.

Colour and Care

Roller blinds are notoriously durable, but even durable blinds need care and attention every once in a while. Before you choose the type of fabric and style for your roller blinds, you may want to think about how you can clean it, how much care it will require, and how often. Some fabrics are beautiful, but difficult to clean and maintain. If you don’t have much time to spend on roller blind care, you will want to choose a fabric that can be easily wiped down and maintained.

Colour is very important when choosing roller blinds that are perfect for your home. Different colours lend themselves better to one style of roller blind than another. For example, lighter colour s can be used with black out roller blinds, but you may want to consider a darker colour for a more dramatic effect. Match the colour to your interior, or choose a colour that will make a statement while contrasting your current interior colour scheme.

With the many different types of roller blinds and the variety of features that each provides, choosing the right style for you can often be a daunting task. If you take the time to explore all of the various styles and what they can do for your home, the decision becomes easier to make. Choosing the right style of roller blinds can give your home a modern and elegant look, while keeping out light and providing a level of privacy that you are comfortable with.

About the author:
Kevin Knight is an expert in window blinds and coverings. He is the owner of Custom Blinds, a custom made blind company located in Perth, Australia, which offers over 25 years of experience in the blinds industry. Dedicated to providing consumers with the latest and highest quality window blinds products, the team from Custom Blinds go out of their way to provide fast and friendly service to their many loyal customers.

Goose Neck Floor Lamps Are Back In Style

If you are seeking something very unique in a floor lamp but do not know quite where to begin, then why not consider goose neck floor lamps.These wild lamps are usually placed behind your sofa and then it comes up from the floor and curves over the top of the couch. 

 

And some of those same models are still crazy looking today. And they still fit great in a cool 1980s bachelor pad. But these lamps have come a long way in design since then and you will be surprised to find one, two or even a few that will compliment any room in your house.

 

For a classy tone with floral accents and soft colors, you might want to look for some torchiere style goose neck floor lamps. This style of lamp has the appearance of an upside down Tiffany style lamp with the soft lighting and the frosted glass torchiere shades. Quite often this style has three separate lights and you can turn on one, two or all three at a time to get the level of lighting and mood that you want.

 

For a contemporary look, you should consider some brass or gunmetal adjustable style goose neck lamps or maybe even a sunlight floor lamp. These lamps will stand out and make a great statement in any of your contemporary rooms and you can always simply adjust the neck of the lamp to shine the light wherever you like. These floor lamps will also work well if you want to show off one of your pieces of art.  Simply set the lamp near the piece and adjust the neck to spotlight the painting or sculpture.

 

If you have quite a bit of furniture in a particular room, or perhaps just a large sectional sofa, and need additional lighting but do not really have a space to put a lamp, then goose neck floor lamps are definitely the answer for you. You can easily set one behind your couch and angle it to beam the light right where you can sit and read. And this style of lamp are not only great for saving space in your home, but they look great as well.

 

Do you have one of your children going away to college? There are some really nice goose neck floor lamps that will light up any dorm room. There are those that have colorful shades and crazy shapes. There are those models that have anywhere from one to seven lights, each of them with a different colored shade. These types of lamps are also great space savers as well, and they look really cool and so your co-ed will love them.

 

Soy Candles 101

A Candle Made of Soybean Oil?

Yes you read that right! Soy candles are made from hydrogenated soybean oil which is called soybean wax. They are easy to make, and a lot of people find soy candle making a great hobby. They are made by using different dyes and fragrances to create the perfect candle, and a lot of people consider the soy candle to be the best choice when buying or making candles.  They are easy to clean up if spilt and are virtually the fastest way to make a candle.

 

Soy wax is possibly the safest candle wax of today, and is made from one of the most popular plants. Soybeans are used for everything from oils, to animal feed made from the remaining husks of the soybean plant. Soybeans are increasingly popular in China and other Asian countries, where they are used for food in all different kinds of recipes. 

 

The History of Soy Candles

The wax from the soy candle was founded by Michael Richards in 1991. Because of the growing demand for candles, Richards was looking for a cheaper way to make an environmentally safe natural candle that would burn slower than regular paraffin wax or bees wax. After many tests on different plants he found that soybean oil was the perfect candidate for the perfect candle.

 

Nowadays, soy candles are manufactured all over the world and are a popular candle because of their strong scent and the fact   that they are environmentally friendly. Since soy wax candles will burn at approximately 100 degrees F the scent is spread quicker throughout the area. The average soy candle lasts about fifteen to seventeen hours giving them a much slower burning rate then other candles.

 

100% Non-Toxic

Another great thing about soy candles is that they are completely non-toxic, compared with paraffin wax which has small amounts of toxicity which burns black. Although you should never burn many candles in a small enclosed room, soy wax is much less harmful than regular wax and is safer for the environment. Soy wax is also easily removed from clothing and other materials with soap and water, compared with paraffin wax which is not easily removed from carpet or any other material. A lot of natural candle makers claim to be “soot free” but in reality they are not.  Not even soy candles are really and truly soot free, although they do produce at least 90% less soot. The fact that soy wax is non-toxic has made it increasingly popular among people who are more aware of keeping the planet earth clean and healthy.

 

Candle Safety

You should always practice proper candle safety when using any type of candle whether it is soy candles, paraffin, bees wax, or any other candle. Always keep candles away from pets and children, after all anything containing fire or anything that will burn, should be kept out of reach of children and pets.    Keep wicks trimmed and never leave a candle burning for more that five hours at any time. Be sure to place the candle in a properly ventilated room, and never use more that one in a small space. Even though soy wax is non-toxic you should practice these safety measures, to keep you and your family happy, healthy and safe.

Gel Candles Demystified

Before I say anything else, I have to tell you that gel candles are invariably better looking than traditional wax candles. That is not surprising, considering the fact that their unique nature means that gel candles need not be completely solid in appearance. So they can be translucent and multi-colored, and offer ample scope for ornamentation. For instance, some manufacturers embed small colorful items like seashells and beads within the gel to come up with an exclusive look, or there are others who add swirls of color to their gel candles, creating a lovely work of art.

 

From experience, I have also found that gel candles last nearly twice as long as ordinary wax candles. Only a couple of days ago, as I was browsing through the stock at my regular candle-supplies store, I heard a woman place an order for 20 gel candles. When she caught me looking at her, she explained, “They’re for our mountain cabin. We didn’t want to spoil the ambience with electric lighting, and these candles each last at least three evenings!” In the case of aromatic gel candles, of course, this means longer-lasting light and fragrance.

 

However, some people still have a few misgivings about gel candles, primarily, I suspect, because they burn at much higher temperatures than wax candles. My answer to all these people would be, adopt certain safety precautions, follow manufacturer’s instructions, and you’ll be fine! Besides, most respectable gel candle makers take great care to ensure that the glassware that contains the gel is strong enough to withstand the high temperatures and doesn’t crack, because not only does a gel candle produce high temperatures, but it does so for a longer time, since it burns much longer than a wax candle. Having said that, one of the basic precautions to use with gel candles is not to move a lighted or just snuffed out gel candle. Wait until it has cooled before you pick it up.

 

The other supposed drawback of gel candles is that they cost a lot. In reply, I would say that the price is entirely justified considering the durability of the candles. 

 

Because they are easy to make, and supplies are abundantly available, gel candles have also become a great favorite with amateur candle makers. That is how I started out making these candles at home, and in no time at all, they had become a rage among my friends and acquaintances. The logical next step for any amateur candle maker is to set up a small business in gel candles, and in fact, such businesses are now burgeoning, as a casual online search will tell you.

 

Estelle Rodriguez of Sacramento is a 36-year-old single mother who runs a small gel candle business that employs three people. We have friends in common, and the last time I saw her, Estelle complained that such was the popularity of her supplies that she was almost afraid of new orders coming through and was seriously thinking of shifting her home-based ‘manufacturing unit’ to larger premises and taking on more staff.

 

However, if you do start making gel candles at home, please be sure to adopt all the required precautions such as those to protect your skin. Also, make sure you use the right kind of glassware.

Candles as Gifts: Spreading the Light

Long before I began making candles of my own, I was famous among friends and family for giving away candles as gifts. It became something of a running joke, but I honestly felt – and still do – that candles make the most wonderful gifts because of their simple elegance, usefulness, and uniqueness.

 

Today, I am glad to see, more and more people share my views. Through my candle connoisseur friend Charlene, I have got to know a wide cross section of people who have a love of candles in common. One of them is Josip Kukolj, who immigrated to the US from Belgrade about 20 years ago and brought his candle-making enterprise with him. Back then, says Josip, candles were strictly something you saw in posh restaurants and homes where the power supply was not always uninterrupted. “In the last five years,” Josip told me, “my business has grown by almost 60%, and the overwhelming majority of orders are for gift candles.”

 

From a one-room unit in Lincoln, Nebraska, Josip’s business now occupies the entire ground floor of a building downtown, and he is considering a separate unit to meet his online orders. So it is hardly a surprise that web sites selling candle gifts have mushroomed rapidly in the recent past. In fact, had I not been too scatterbrained to run a business, I would have considered putting my stuff on sale!

 

Obviously, aromatherapy candles have overtaken traditional candles in the popularity stakes owing to their fragrance and beauty. Besides, rather than traditional candles, people are increasingly opting for gel and soy candles, which not only look better than wax candles, but also last longer and offer more scope for experiment. They are also non-polluting and produce no soot, which makes them cleaner options as well.

 

One of Josip’s best-selling items is a pineapple scented set of six soy candles, embedded with seashells that enhance their beauty. Among my friends, I have observed a marked preference for my lemon scented, green-tinted gel candles. Plenty of suppliers also offer such innovative items as floating candles, which make for great outdoor decorations. Then there are the spa candles, which are ideal for lighting next to your bath!

 

Most suppliers include stylish holders and jars along with the candles. That means in addition to beauty, you get great value for money as well! So the next time you buy a gift, why not try candles? Wouldn’t it be much better than a book your friend may never read, or a perfume s/he may never use?

Candle Holders: Problem of Plenty

Recently, a friend brought me a pair of really wonderful Celtic-themed metal candleholders from Wales, where she had gone on holiday. On a trip to Los Angeles, however, I spotted candleholders that looked almost exactly the same at a fairly obscure candle supplies store, so evidently Celtic themes candleholders are obviously quite common in the country, though I don’t have the heart to tell my friend so.

 

That brings me to the popularity and increasing variation of candleholders in the market today. Even a few years ago, a candleholder was something you used to stick a candle in, period. These days, candleholders are home decoration items in their own right, quite apart from whether you wish to burn candles in them.

 

Inevitably, my fondness for candles has now grown to encompass candleholders as well, and I catch myself browsing the Net to find unusual designs in candleholders that I might want for myself, or as a gift.

 

During my searches, I have discovered that the pillared style is still the most popular when it comes to candleholders, though there is nothing traditional about their designs any longer. Typically, most candleholders are made of metal, wood, or glass. For example, I ordered the most beautiful set of frosted glass pillared candleholders the other day, which I am quite sure I will not burn a candle in. However, they are just perfect for the mantelpiece and besides, frosted glass protects the wood as well.

 

When made of metal, candle holders bear extraordinary carvings, while wooden candle holders can be used as the perfect accessories to your wooden furniture. The best thing about candleholders today is that they can accommodate candles of almost any shape, because they almost always have a fairly wide base and can hold oddly shaped candles very well. Also, there are candleholders that can securely hold more than one candle at a time, so you get great value for money.

 

Speaking of money, candle holders are wonderful as budget gifts too, because they are relatively inexpensive, which means you can buy quite a few without overstraining your wallet. I remember gifting a wrought iron candle holder set to my niece a few months ago. You wouldn’t believe how good it looks as a centerpiece in her new home, even though I say so myself!

 

These days, I find myself very taken with quirky candle holders shaped like flowers, dolphins, and even cows! I found a lovely set of pewter dolphins the other day, and have added them to my wish list. And I have my eye on a set of copper dandelions. Now let’s see…

Give Your Home a Tuscan Touch

Among the many styles of home décor the Tuscan décor that recreates an old world Italian charm occupies a special place. This is a home décor style that is inspired by nature. Stone, wrought iron, hardwood and marble are made good use of in Tuscan style home décor. If an inviting and tasteful old-world style is what you seek in your home decor then you can consider proceeding with giving a Tuscan touch to your home.

 

A characteristic of the Tuscan home décor is making sure that nothing looks too new, too modern or too sleek and shiny. In Tuscan home décor the feel of outdoors are incorporated in the styling done indoors. A reflection of your inherent passion for associating with nature and the earth is observable in the Tuscan style of home decorating. The forgotten days of the old come alive and becharm you via the décor style adopted.

 

Giving Tuscan touch to home setup

 

Here are some tips for you to help transform your home the Tuscan way-

 

• It is common to use terracotta tiles on the roofs of Tuscan style homes. These give an earthy feel. The windows are framed by sandstone and wooden shutters and are deep set.

 

• An airy feel is what is sought to be achieved by adding Tuscan touches to the home. Keeping-in with this, wooden beams, plastered ceilings and uncovered windows ought to be featured in the home.

 

• White or soft gray colors are added to walls with accent colors and natural woods or stone added to create an interesting feel. To this Venetian plaster may be made use of (applied) to add texture. Faux painting techniques can also be advocated for delivering a well-worn look.

 

• Wide wood planks, stone, terracotta bricks or clay tiles are selected for giving the Tuscan look to floors.

 

• While doing up your home the Tuscan way outdoor spaces are to be accorded much importance. A decorated patio can be set up. A Tuscan home may also be surrounded by sandstone bricks.

 

Furniture and accessory items in Tuscan style home

 

Wood furniture- armoires or cupboards etc. finished with a varnish allowing the natural wood color to become prominent are the befitting furniture for homes done up in the Old Italian way. Furniture with wrought iron accents also fit in worthily. A long, wooden table that can permit dining of the entire family together is also an appropriate selection.

 

Presence of plenty of open shelves and cupboards that display ceramics, pottery etc. is typical of homes with Tuscan décor. Patterns reflecting nature and fabrics like tapestries etc. go well with homes touched up the special old-world Italian way. Articles like statues, old clock, stained glass, wall sconces for lighting and wrought iron hangings fit well with the Tuscan home style.

 

Tuscan home décor accessory items may be usually obtained as Italian style ceramic pieces. However, in case some hand made items can be chanced upon then it is all the more better to make good use of them to create a more genuine, natural feel.

Creating a Home Bar

Not much effort is needed to set up your own home bar yet this does provide you with the joyful experience of enjoying drinks sitting in the bar at any time as per convenience in your own home. Though there are ready made home bars also on offer it is the home bar as created by you that holds greater significance. Your lifestyle, budget, time and home improvement skills determine whether you can create your own bar at home or secure a readymade one.

 

Going about with creating home bar

 

The objective of creating a home bar is to mix cocktails faster and in a smarter (more capable) manner so that an enjoyable party can be ensured. While proceeding with setting up your home bar you need to get hold of certain tools that are needed for creating cocktails- the very drinks of choice for enjoying which the home bar is being created. A number of these tools are already in your home, at the kitchen. The rest need to be purchased.

 

Cocktail glassware is to be the first to be purchased since any home bar is incomplete without a collection of select cocktail glassware in which the drinks and cocktails of choice are to be served. To hold the cocktail glasses solid brass stemware holders are to be suitably chosen. Quality cutting sets made of steel, sugar and salt rimmers that can keep the home bar neat and tidy should also be brought in. Similarly important is the introduction of a good looking napkin dispenser. Fashionable serving trays may also be kept to help serve at parties and larger get-togethers arranged in the home bar.

 

Securing bar supplies for home bar

 

Bar supplies for sprucing up the bar should include unique ice crushers to bar blades, cocktail shakers and ash trays too. Use of hygienic knives of superior quality for cutting bar fruit is also very important. These should have sharp edges in order to facilitate slicing of lemons and limes for drinks as also for preparing a garnish for cocktail. Alongside all these the making of arrangements for adequate storage facilities for holding and keeping fresh the drinks are necessary too.

 

A must-have for every home bar is perhaps a fine coffee or espresso machine. It is of crucial importance to maintain a coffeemaker that brews well. Trying out various models of coffeemakers at a given price range to decide upon what to select is important.

There may even be glass washers purchased as home bar supply. Persons in a hurry will find this especially useful. The glass washers (particularly the ones with taller brushes) help keep glasses well cleaned.

Bamboo Flooring as an Eco-Friendly Choice in Home Decor

New Meaning To Green Thumb?

 

In today’s world we constantly hear about such things as global warming, carbon footprints, deforestation. We also hear about “going green” and being “eco friendly.” So, what does this all mean? With the loss of so much of our old growth hardwood forests we are seeing a heavy increase in lumber prices. As the timber is lost, so too is an important part of our planet’s fragile ecosystem. Trees are nature’s way of cleaning the air so that we have plenty of oxygen to breath. So, where does bamboo fit into all this?

 

When someone installs hardwood flooring in their home or business they are contributing to the deforestation process. By making the choice to use bamboo you are actually helping to conserve those hardwoods that would have normally been used. This is what “going green” means. It is the choice to use materials that have a greatly reduced impact on the environment. Bamboo is one such material.  With over one thousand species of bamboo found throughout the world, bamboo can be considered one of the world most renewable resources.

 

What Makes Bamboo Green?

 

Many species of bamboo grow quite quickly. Some are ready for harvest within four to six years. Past this point the quality actually begins to degrade. This is much quicker than the decades that hardwoods take to mature. What makes bamboo grow so quick? Bamboo is actually not a type of tree at all. It is really a type of grass. Even though it is a grass there are species of bamboo that can grow up to four feet a day! This means that the time between harvests is greatly reduced allowing for a much quicker harvest.

 

Another benefit to bamboo can be seen when harvesting it. Bamboo forests are actually made up of a few plants that grow underground through a series of nodes. Once you harvest a bamboo plant one or more new shoots will begin to grow. This means there is no costly or time-consuming process of replanting required. This also means that no fossil fuels will be used to replant the bamboo thereby lowering the harvester’s carbon footprint. Doesn’t it feel good to know that you would have a hand in helping reduce the amount of pollution being released into the environment?

 

Ready To Go Green?

 

Now that you know some of the benefits when making bamboo flooring your choice of flooring material, you are all set. Make the choice to go green and help to make the world a more enjoyable place. Help to conserve our beautiful and majestic hardwood forests. Be sure to spread the word to any of your friends that are considering a hardwood floor as well. If we all pitch in and do our part we can soon have the world in a much better condition. So, whether you do the work yourself or have a contractor install the floor for you, make sure that you ask for the most eco-friendly flooring material of all; bamboo!