It doesn’t take lots of money or endless amounts of time to bring some of the ‘beach’ home with you. See some of our simple home décor tips to transform your palace into a tropical paradise fit for any deserving island-lover.

Almost anything that is typical of the sun, sea and sand can inject that tranquil feeling of being on a perfect beach and being soothed by swaying palm trees or an ebbing ocean.

1. Soft fabrics in bold, Caribbean prints can create a tropical feel to drapes, upholstery, throws, pillows, lampshades, table settings, trays, or even bedding. Have a look at Bahamahandprints.com for some exciting tropical print designs in uniquely fresh hand printed fabrics, and an island-inspired selection of home accessories to add to your lifestyle.

2. Bamboo blinds add an earthy, natural element to windows and come in a variety of styles (roller, roman, fold top) that are all fairly inexpensive.

3. What beach is complete without palm trees and there is a fabulous selection of indoor palms to give luscious focus to your tropical themed room. Try out these for size

a. Areca palms – grow to around 6 foot indoors and do best in bright sunlight
b. Kentia Palm – is one of the most tolerant indoor palms and although it does better in bright sunlight, can also tolerate shady conditions.
c. European Fan Palm — this dwarf has silvery palmate leaves and likes direct light to grow to its maximum of around 3 feet.

4. Colours – think natural tones of the ocean, sand and tropical jungle for walls; tans, aqua’s, light greens, creams and bright white with accents in either pastel shades reminiscent of the Colonial era, or bursts of vibrant exotic fruit colours to make featured areas ‘pop’.

5. Shells and drift-wood collected on vacations, then washed and displayed in wicker baskets provide fabulous summery centrepieces. You can even decorate shells with bows, glitter and craft jewels and hang them on your xmas tree!

6. Sisal rugs can do wonders to an otherwise mundane floor covering and come in a selection of natural colour tones.

7. Bamboo, rattan, straw fans are easily available on the market and invoke a humid atmosphere.

8. Plantation style furniture in the typical deep, dark hard woods offer a colonial look to rooms although these rare woods do come at a price these days….a lighter and cheaper alternative would be rattan or bamboo accent pieces so popular to southern porches and so indicative of outdoor living.

9. Table place-settings can add colour and spice to a room, and you have the option to switch them out all the time. Bahamahandprints.com offers a selection of tropical fabric napkins, placemats, pot holders and now a range of laminated trays, bowls and salad servers in bold prints and colours.

10. Soft furnishings that add tropical colours and textures to your space ie. Cushions, throws and lamp shades

Have fun with layers, and accents, and your home could become the tropical paradise you’d previously only visited once per year.

Sonya Alvino is an online marketing agent for Bahama Hand Prints - designers of fabulous bahamahandprints.com resort wear essentials and tropical fabric prints ideal as upholstery fabric, drapery fabric, or apparel fabric. Check out their sophisticated and glamorous collection of resort wear essentals.

Need a new roof? If your living room or kitchen sports large buckets for catching rainy drips, the answer is probably “yes.” Assuming that you are unable or willing to replace it yourself, you will be looking for a reputable roofing contractor to handle the job for you. The question then becomes, how do you find a dependable roofer?

The answer may not be as hard as you think. Here are a few possibilities to consider:

1. Check the telephone directory’s yellow pages. Browse the section called “roofing” for the names of local persons you can call for an estimate. Sometimes the ads will reveal key information about the person, such as location, hours of operation, and specialty areas. You also might find out whether the person accepts credit card payments, and whether he or she provides free estimates. Call two or three names, at least, for an idea of available contractors.

2. Contact the Better Business Bureau. While this organization will not provide a list of names for you to call, it can give you an indication of someone’s response to complaints so that you get an idea of his or her character and reputation.

3. Locate roofer-related organizations. There may be a roofers’ group or construction companies that can tell you what to look for in a roofing contractor, and perhaps recommend a few local names.

4. Ask local home building supply stores. Often they keep a list of specialists they recommend to area folks who are looking for consulting or hands-on help with building projects. Occasionally the store might sponsor a workshop or seminar featuring one of these experts. Attending a session may give you a better idea of the roofer’s credentials.

5. Browse online websites. Building companies and contractors as well as independent roofers are increasingly advertising their skills on the Web by hosting a website. Some offer free newsletter sign-ups or updated FAQ’s that help to answer visitors’ questions.

6. Ask for referrals. Wherever you get the name of a possible roofer for your project, ask for referral letters from clients, and then follow up by contacting these people. You may even want to take a glance at the workmanship.

7. Pay in portions. Never pay for a roofing job (or any type of home construction or remodeling project) up front. You can pay a third or a fourth as a down payment if you really want to, but make an agreement to collect partial payments in two or three intervals. Get a written estimate first, and if the person does not follow this or tries to change the terms of your agreement, report him to the Better Business Bureau or local authorities.

Having your roof done is an important job. Don’t let just anyone tamper with your roof. It is an important part of your home’s structure, and only an expert should tackle needed repairs and updates. For more information, contact your local Chamber of Commerce or building supply store.

For more information about roofing and roofing contractors, visit

Coordinated collections of fabrics, wallpapers, and accessories are the perfect solution for foolproof color scheming and lively pattern mixing, leaving you to add those important final touches of personal sparkle.

Coordinated interior design collections are available in patterns and color schemes to suit every room in the house, from the living room to the nursery. Some consist of a closely related selection of designs that vary only in scale and shade; others are expanded collections that include a variety of patterns on fabrics, wall coverings, floor and wall tiles, rugs, bed linens, and paints. Some manufacturers offer an all-around decorating service so that you can have chairs covered, blinds and curtains made, and bedcovers quilted to order.

Many manufacturers also suggest ways to use their products by supplying brochures full of photographs showing inspirational room settings; or they may provide user-friendly sample books which illustrate swatches of curtain and upholstery fabrics, wallpapers and borders, and carpet in a single color scheme, all put together so that you can see at a glance how the patterns work with one another.

With so much guidance and the nitty-gritty of color and pattern matching already done for you, it’s almost impossible to go wrong. And don’t worry about duplication - with so many pattern and color options available in each group of designs, you are unlikely to go for exactly the same permutation as anyone else, or use it in exactly the same way, even though you may arrive at a similar style. But to avoid any hint of a store-bought look, inject a personal touch by including some of your favorite possessions and pieces of furniture as part of the plan.

Planning a Coordinated Look

A good fabric or wallpaper design can often hold the key to the entire color plan of a room. Look at the pattern closely and you can discover how the component colors relate to each other tonally, in what proportion they are used, which are the background colors, and which the accents. You can then pick out other coordinating elements that you need for decorating and furnishing your room.

Collect samples of fabrics, wallpaper, friezes and borders, paints, and trimmings from a number of color ranges. In theory you can be as adventurous as you want and set up a room scheme incorporating elements from different manufacturers and product lines. In practice, however, it’s wise to be cautious as there are almost bound to be subtle shifts in tone and shade between the colors that just miss the mark.

When you are selecting the patterns that suit your room best, consider their scale. Save large patterns for broad areas, such as full-length curtains, a huge sofa, or vast expanses of walls. Smaller designs usually work better for cushions and blinds, although you may like to center a large pattern on a cushion to add impact to the room.

As a general rule you are often advised to restrict yourself to one large pattern per room to avoid a power struggle between large designs. But if you want to use a wall covering with a large design next to curtains with a related large-scale pattern, try it.

Plain Support

Some manufacturers supply or suggest paint colors and plain fabrics as part of their coordinated packages. Others offer a selection of fabrics and wall coverings that mimic paint effects, such as sponging and ragging, or are printed with a single-color, all-over design, which reads almost like a solid color when viewed from a distance. These subtle effects are known as plains, and play an important integrating and accenting role in any color coordinated scheme. Plain colors are an excellent foil for patterns, especially in a small room, where too rich a mix could overwhelm the space. Used generously, they give a scheme breathing space and allow individual fabric and wallpaper designs to be appreciated.

Plain colors are effective in other ways, too. Used in small amounts in a highly patterned design, they act in the same way as an accent color, providing touches of potent contrast or continuity. By picking out a secondary color in a wallpaper pattern to use as the color for the paint on the woodwork, for example, you can tilt the whole balance of the scheme.

©2007, Kathy Burns-Millyard. Want more great

Many homeowners are burdened with unwelcome house guests every year. It’s not the kind of guests that you’re thinking of, however, as this guest doesn’t enter the home. It invites itself to sit on your roof and causes unsightly discoloration. It’s algae and it effects a lot of homeowners, particularly those who live in areas of high humidity. Algae, however, doesn’t discriminate against those who don’t live in highly humid climates. It will attach to any roof and can be carried through wind, squirrels, birds, etc.

The Copper Concept

The concept behind algae resistant roof shingles is actually quite simple. Copper, which is a main ingredient in this new innovation of shingles, stops algae before it attaches to your home. Homeowners can now purchase shingles that have copper built directly into the colored granules. The copper isn’t visible, but it’s presence is certainly felt by unsuspecting algae as it is unable to survive on your roof‘s surface. With use of these new products, your entire roof becomes an unwelcoming host to algae. Expectedly, these shingles will cost a few extra bucks, but are well worth the extra cost when you factor the expense of algae removal. The copper or zinc present in algae resistant shingles are activated further by rain, which distributes the algae fighting components even further along the roof’s surface. Rain generally promotes moisture on the roof, which serves as a breeding ground for algae. Thankfully, that’s no longer the case thanks to algae resistant roof shingles.

Manufacturers Of Algae Resistant Roof Shingles

Many of today’s top shingle manufacturers offer algae resistant roof shingles, which can be installed by a local roofing contractor. They have access to a wide variety of products, including shingles with attractive colors to compliment your home. A roofing contractor normally gets a discount on these items and, in turn, may be able to pass that savings onto the customer. In many cases, warranties are even offered to cover algae resistant shingles. Always choose a company that stands behind their product.

Locating A Professional

A professional roofing contractor in your area will be able to order, and install, your choice of algae resistant roof shingles. After locating the perfect contractor, ask them for a quote and an expected timeframe. It may be a good idea to get several quotes from different contractors before making a final decision. Knowing that your roof is protected, from unwanted algae, will give you a greater peace of mind and allow your home to remain beautiful and fungus-free.

As

This guide gives you essential information you need to know when choosing and buying a new electric kettle.

Kettle Size

Unless being used for travelling/holidays, an electric kettle for your home should have a capacity of at least 1.4 litres.

Wattage

The higher the wattage of a kettle the more powerful it is and the quicker it will boil. Many kettles have a “rapid boil” function. If you want your hot drinks quickly the go for this.

Additional Features of Electric Kettles

Wide spout

This enables you to fill the kettle with water without the hassle of removing the lid. Look out for a non-drip spout too, an added safety feature.

Cool-touch casing

As a kettle can reach 100 degrees centigrade it is important to look for one that has “cool-touch casing”. This considerably reduces the chances of an accident in the home.

Limescale filters

Water tastes better when limescale is filtered out. Look for a kettle with a removable limescale filter.

Concealed heating element

Whilst making a kettle easier to clean, a concealed element also increases the speed at which the water boils as the heat is dispersed more evenly.

Price

As with most home products, electric kettles have greatly come down in price over the last few years. However, the better models with the features listed above will cost more than those without such features. Buy the best within your budget.

Warranty

Before you purchase your new kettle be sure to check the warranty guarantee, these do vary between models and manufacturers. Choose a model that includes a warranty you are happy with.

As we can see there is a large range and a number of factors to consider when choosing a new electric kettle. Decide which features you want and set a budget. Choose the kettle that has the most number of features you want and is within your budget.

Jim S Smith is a researcher and writer.

Curves in solid wood introduce an element of class and grace in furniture. Sleigh beds offer a design that sets itself apart from the rest for their sheer style and attitude. Sleigh beds come in a sleigh-like form that is reminiscent of royal times, adding a dash of class in any bedroom it chooses to adorn. The headboard of this bed is larger than its footboard and both are curved with their tops rolling outwards. These beds lend a fabulous look to the bedroom with their rich flourishes and twirls; naturally, considering their graceful rolling edges are a far cry from the usual sharp lines and block designs of other bed styles.

Style plays an important role when you decide to opt for a sleigh bed in a bedroom. The right look will bring the room together and perhaps even define the character of the bedroom. Total Bedroom Furniture works hard to offer a vast range in wood sleigh beds from Tropical mahogany wood, with beds constructed of 100% kiln dried hardwood to ensure strength and longevity. Finishes are applied by hand to give a rich look. These beds are supported by a quality framing system, headboard, footboard, 4-slat system (with centre leg supports for queen sleigh beds or king sleigh beds). Sometimes the headboard size determines how prominent the bed will be in context of the room. If you want it to be the centerpiece, a tall headboard is appropriate. If the twin sleigh bed is secondary, a shorter headboard is recommended.

Metal sleigh beds on the other hand lean towards a traditional style. The type of metal used will affect the appearance, strength and weight of your bed. Sometimes a contemporary look can be achieved with a wood and iron sleigh bed. Add to that pewter wooded posts and you make a sturdy yet sophisticated statement. A 54″ headboard and 36″ footboard work well for a perfect symmetry in the bedroom.

Leather sleigh beds are available in many styles. Some offer a sophisticated, luxurious look, while others make a more welcoming statement. Find one that matches the mood you want to create. Material is important on all sleigh beds, but particularly so when it comes to upholstered sleigh beds. Some are wood with upholstered panels. Others offer headboards and footboards that are entirely upholstered. Choose from leather, faux leather and other materials. The color of the upholstery will determine the mood of the room: bright colors will have a warming effect, while darker, paler colors tend to be cooler and calming.

Sleigh beds come in various sizes, including Twin, Full, Queen, King, and Cal King. In the US, Twin is also known as Single (38″ x 75″), Full as Double (53″ x 75″), Queen as Queen-size (60″ x 80″), King as Eastern King (76″ x 80″) and Cal King as California King (72″ x 84″). Cal King size beds, generally for tall people, are typically 12″ wider than a Queen-size bed and 4″ longer.

For more information on choosing the right Sleigh Bed for your bedroom, check out Total Bedroom Furniture’s extensive array of totalbedroom.com/beds/sleigh-beds/ Sleigh Beds and other totalbedroom.com/beds/ Beds

totalbedroom.com Total Bedroom Furniture is the recognized leader in providing top quality bedroom furniture at affordable prices. FREE SHIPPING!

As the name might suggest, the Mini Camera major characteristic is due to its very limited dimensions, making it usable even where space is at premium.
But otherwise it is a completely operational digital surveillance camera capable of taking moving pictures of whatever enters its field of view.

The miniaturization of electronic equipment should not surprise, as it is a constant goal of manufacturers who achieved exceptional success up to the present time and still strive to reduce hardware dimensions by orders of magnitude in the coming several years.

A different success of present day technology can be appreciated in new models of cellular phones of last generation who display an embedded camera. Although generally intended for still views, there are models capable of taking moving pictures.

The definition is barely acceptable for small format images, and these gadgets are not primarily intended for security purposes. However a few cases have been published where, albeit their limited quality, such pictures helped to expose crimes.

It is therefore conceivable that this application will become more and more popular as more people will operate this type of gadgets and will learn to use them for security purposes in case of danger.

Mini Cameras are normally installed in a fixed location as part of a complete surveillance system that can be simple or complex depending on requirements.

As there may be the temptation to hide Mini Cameras and use them in illegal ways,
one should always remember that breach of privacy is always forbidden. This is the governing principle and honest people should not indulge in unlawful behavior. The more so as it should be known that hidden cameras can be easily exposed with a simple search using an inexpensive instrument.

The usual selections can be found in Mini Cameras as in regular ones. Color or black and white are the possible options, depending mostly on the amount and level of available light. In case of full darkness of insufficient light, infrared illuminators, either independent or surrounding the camera, may be required
Wired and wireless cameras are available, the choice depending on ease of installation being weighed against quality of picture reproduction.

The installation of a Mini Camera could be an easier way to become familiar with equipment and requirements of a Home Surveillance System, in order to prepare oneself to more complex and engaging applications needed to upgrade the do-it-yourself system and make it suitable to more demanding tasks.

Elia Levi is a retired engineer.
He built a website to assist with a step-by-step Guide to understand, design, select and set up, all by yourself the best and least expensive Surveillance System for your Home Security. Read more on the subject of this article at
1st-diy-home-surveillance-guide.com/Mini-camera.html Mini Camera.

This is the age of the universal remote control, the mother of all remote controls. Remote controls basically operate on the principle of unique codes that are transmitted from them to the receiving device, which recognizes the code and decodes it.

That is why your T.V., home theater system, DVD player and music system have their own separate remote controls. This leads to the problem of too many remotes, which causes confusion. Now this problem is solved with the universal remote control. You can feed the command codes of all your devices into one universal remote control and use it to control all their functions. Manuals accompanying universal remotes usually list the codes of different brands. Another wonderful invention is the learning remote, which automatically absorbs and stores the codes of other remotes (including universal remotes) and uses them to control their respective devices. All learning remotes are, therefore, universal remote controls as well.

Universal remote controls are super-intelligent, as they are driven by complex and sophisticated software. Imagine a scenario where the entire electrical wiring system of your house is wirelessly connected to your universal remote. Then, while you are sitting on your couch, you can set or reset the security alarm system, direct MP3 music to the speakers of your home theater and transfer your digital photos so that you can see them on your T.V. What’s more, since your entire house is controlled through the universal remote, when you switch on your DVD player to watch a movie, the T.V. will be switched on automatically and even the lights will be appropriately dimmed. Impressive, isn’t it?

All this is already happening in a few homes. Soon the ease and convenience of universal remote controls will be seen in more homes, doing away with the clutter of many separate remote controls and bringing a digital synergy between all appliances to create a truly intelligent home.

e-RemoteControls.com Remote Controls provides detailed information on Remote Controls, Radio Remote Controls, TV Remote Controls, Universal Remote Controls and more. Remote Controls is affiliated with i-Speakers.com Wireless Speakers.

A home security system doesn’t just keep your home and property safe, it also provides peace of mind. Statistics show that your home is three times more likely to be broken into if you have no security system.

Basic home security systems are made up of the control pad, a motion sensor (or possible several), a few magnetic switches on doors and windows and of course an alarm. The switches and motions sensors can be either wired or wireless.

More advanced systems may include video cameras and centralized monitoring by the alarm company. Monitoring gives you an extra level of security because you’ll have trained personnel keeping track of your security system.

One of the main advantages of having a home security system is its deterrant factor. If a potential thief sees the yard sign or sticker saying that your house is protected, or if the alarm is activated while they are attempting to break in, they’ll be less likely to go through with it.

Being the lowlifes that they are, they’re more likely to look for the path of least resistance and will find a home that doesn’t have protection instead.

There are 5 major components that almost every security system should include:

1. Control Panel

This is the control system for the alarm - the “brains” behind it. This is usually installed somewhere like the basement or in a closet, as it isn’t necessary to access it very often.

2. Keypad

The keypad is normally installed somewhere relatively close to the main entrance to the house. It lets you arm and disarm the alarm, as well as control the various other components.

3. Magnetic contacts

These contacts are installed on doors and windows and will sound the alarm if the contact is broken when the alarm system is armed.

4. Sensors

Motion sensors are the most common but there are also body heat sensors available. Again, if the system is armed these sensors will sound the alarm if there is any motion (or heat) detected.

5. Alarm

This is usually a loud siren or clanger and may include flashing lights for even more attention.

John Lenaghan writes about home-security-guide.com home security and other related topics on the Home Security Guide website. For more information visit home-security-guide.com home-security-guide.com

In your home, sometimes you want a furnishing that not only has a lot of class, but will also be functional. Now, you might be thinking that you have to search high and low to find something that fits the bill, but really, you do not. All you need to do is turn to a fabulous console table, which would be a fantastic choice for any room throughout your home.

You might be thinking, how could a console table be an ideal choice for any room in your home. Well, the answer is a simple one, it is because it is a very versatile piece of furniture. It gets that versatility from its pleasant design and elegant beauty. One will usually be about three and a half to four feet in height and will have a table top that is supported by four legs. Sometimes they can be very elaborate and can feature intricate detailing and scrollwork while others can be very plain, but still extremely sophisticated. They can also come with drawers and shelves, which are perfect for both storing and displaying all sorts of items that you might have. While its design is very beautiful, the many materials that it can be crafted from can make it even more appealing to the eye. Some of these materials include wood, metal, glass, and even stone. Each has a very distinctive look that makes for a gorgeous furnishing.

If you are not quite sure where you would put a console table, here are a few ideas. One spot that you could put one is at the end of a hallway. It would be a fabulous way to create a space that is both cozy and inviting. Plus, an even better way to put an exclamation point on the hallway is by hanging a mirror over it. Another place that you could put one is in a living room. Like, on a larger wall. One would be a great way to fill the void and really add to the look of the room. You could hang a picture over it to complete the look and its table top would also be a nice area where you could display any family photos that you might have. Other wonderful place that you could put one include a larger bathroom, a walk in closet, any bedroom, and a fancy dining room area for a nice place to display and store linens, silverware, china, and glasses. Really, one would be a fantastic selection that would fit in any room in your home.

So, in your home, if you are looking for a piece of furniture that is both practical and pleasing to the eye, then a wonderful selection for you is a lovely console table. One would be a great addition to any room throughout your home and through online shopping, you can easily find the perfect one that matches your space and your tastes.

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