Household Tips

Ant Control:

• Spread some ground cinnamon where you think the ants are coming in to the house.
  
  
• Basil repels flies and mosquitoes. To deter ants, use catnip. Sprinkle it in their paths.
  
  
• Make a mixture of 2/3 cup water, 1/3 cup white vinegar, and 2-3 Tablespoons dish soap. Spray where the ants are marching.

Natural Mosquito Repellents:

• Splashing plain rubbing alcohol on yourself and allowing it to dry will deter mosquitoes from biting you.
  
  
• Rub Vick's Vaporub® on your pants and legs to ward off ticks.
  
  
• Use half vanilla (has to be pure vanilla) and half water and for a mosquito and tick repellent.
  
  
• Dab lavender oil on your pulse points; it smells great on you but repels insects.

For Mouse Control:

• Place USED kitty litter from a litter box in small tubs in several places around the garage. Mice think... "it smells like a cat--must be a cat - I'm outta here!".
  
  
• Buy a mesh/net laundry bag that you would use for washing nylons and 5 boxes of moth balls. Put the moth balls in the bag and hang it in your garage near the door to get rid of mice, birds, and bugs.
  
  
• To prevent mice from gaining entry to your garage, stop up any openings with steel wood pads. Mice will not chew through these!
  
  
• Sprinkle ground cayenne pepper around the garage (inside & out), and especially near entry holes. Pests don't care for the smell of it.
  
  
• Mice hate the scent of peppermint extract. Simply sprinkle *pure* peppermint extract on the items in your garage you don't want the mice in or on.

(Source : www.thefunplace.com)

Muoi (1)

Planted bathtub with a great bathroom design
(Source : www.From Muoi movie)



BATHROOM TILE

	Your bathroom tiles can set the tone for the whole space. A dynamic flooring pattern flooring pattern or a deep wall color can make the difference as you remodel your bathroom. Obviously, a nice bathroom needs a tile floor. Tile is a premium product and as such represents an impressive upgrade over any other floor. The only disadvantage is the cold feel. No body likes to walk on a cold floor in the morning. There are several steps you can take to make sure you install the perfect tile or stone in your bathroom. Use warm-colored floors. Use the softening effect of warm-colored floors to offset the cool looks of fixtures. Paint the walls a warm color (soft gold, warm russet) to counteract the 'coldness' of tile, flooring, and porcelain fixtures. Be conscious of color: color can greatly affect the human psyche: it can induce feeling and set the mood. When beginning a design, it is important to find out what colors calm you. Begin with a neutral base, such as beige. Brighter colors can be brought in through accent tiles and accessories. (Article source : www.abathroomguide.com)

The Martian Child (2)

A nice kitchen ? That's what i like.. and this movie show me one..
(Source : From The Martian Child movie)

KITCHEN DESIGN TIPS

Planning a kitchen design, whether a remodel or new construction can be a Herculean task filled with many more decisions than you ever thought possible. To complicate matters, people sometimes buy into myths about kitchen planning that can cost you the look or function you really desire. Here are some common misconceptions on kitchen design and planning.

The dishwasher location: Conventional wisdom says if you are right handed then it belongs on the right side of the sink. Simple,right? Wrong! It can be on either side but most people become used to it on one side or the other and that is just preference. I like to put it where it works best for the design and accessibility to storage. And while on the subject, please disregard the raised dishwasher idea that came and went as fast as platform sneakers. Raising a dishwasher sounds good in theory but think about how silly it would look and function having the counter right next to your sink raised 6 inches or so? Sort of like, hmmm, platform sneakers!

The trash pullout next to the sink: If you are dreaming of a well appointed kitchen, place this nifty feature high on your list of “must haves”. But, don’t be locked into placing it by the sink which is the default location of most designers and architects. Place it where you are doing the most prep work…where you need to swoosh scraps and debris. A bonus is to put it close enough for other people to access it without bothering the cook’s flow of work.

Marble counters won’t work: Yes, heavy sigh ,it is more maintenance than some other materials. So is a foreign import car. Does not keep people away from them does it? Marble has been around for centuries and is a classic choice. It is a beautiful, organic and living material than can be used in kitchens or bathrooms .Honed is best for not showing acidic etching and yes, it does need to be resealed periodically. And that is as easy as wiping down your tops after a meal. Don’t be a wimp. If you love it, use it.

Raised bar hides “the kitchen”: If you prefer a raised bar on your island over a single height island, usually this is just personal choice, although some designs work better one way or the other. Just don’t say it is because it hides anything in the sink or on the cooktop. How much can you hide behind 6 inches? Make the decision based on what works for the space not because you think you are fooling anyone into believing your dirty dishes are not really in the sink.

Break out of the work triangle: Simply, kitchens have evolved into a multi-dimensional aspect of the home. We do not live as we did in the ’50’s when the work triangle was determined to be the arbiter of all good kitchen design. Better, contemplate the ergonomics of how you move about the space. To quote my favorite designer, Johnny Grey, “The working triangle is a very limited and out of date concept”. A point to point path is good common sense but today you are better off thinking of dedicated work areas and targeted storage. Basically, what are you doing and where? And who might be in the space with you?

Flooring: The chicken and the egg debate. What goes in first? The floor or the cabinetry? Put the floor down first in almost every application. There. I said it. Let the feathers fly!. Insist on this if you want a well executed kitchen plan with no transition issues that molding has to try and cover. And, if you are in the middle of a remodel right now and you are keeping existing floors…bet you wished they were underneath your cabinets don’t you?

(Article source : www.kitchendetails.wordpress.com)

The Martian Child (1)

This house design is one of my favourite. Check this house out, you'll find a pool, great rooms designs, etc
(Source : From The Martian Child movie)




HOW TO MAKE YOUR POOL WATER FRIENDLY

Global warming is no longer regarded fiction. As the temperature rises the thought of going for a cooling dip in a pool becomes more and more tempting. The only problem is that with the rise in temperature comes the loss of available freshwater, dam levels are dropping and water restrictions are in place. The socially responsible thing to do if you own a pool is to make sure you conserve your pool water, that your pool is “water neutral”.

Here are 10 tips to help make sure your pool isn’t a strain on water supply and that it is “water friendly"

1 Install a pool coveer – it will dramatically reduce evaporation and make substantial water savings. Consider also installing a shade cover to further reduce evaporation.

2. Install a pool dedicated top up water tank, connected to your guttering to harvest rainwater. Check with your local water authority for details on government rebates.

3. Regularly check there are no leaks in your pipe system or pool. If in doubt call your local pool association member to check it out.

4. When purchasing your pool or spa consider a cartridge pool filter which does not need backwashing and can save thousands of litres of water a year. If you have a sand filter, ensure you only backwash when necessary.

5. Always keep your pool water correctly balanced to avoid having to empty polluted water.

6. Install a rainwater diverter which will divert water to the pool via a garden hose any time it rains, usually costing as little as $20.

7. Do not overfill your swimming pool as this will waste water and hinder filtration.

8. Ensure that the pool is kept free of any dust, leaves or debris which can cause problems with filtration. Check the pool after any storms to clear any debris.

9. Discourage rough play. Bombing and splashing water onto the pool deck increases evaporation and wastes water. Keep pets out of the pool.

10. Conduct an audit on your home and replace any water inefficient showerheads with Triple A water saving showerheads which for a family of four can save an estimated 30,000 litres annually the same amount it takes to fill an average pool.

(Article source : www.completehome.com.au)

Closer (1)

Your attic si your bedroom ?
It's O.K, theirs too..
(Source : From Closer movie)

DECORATION TOUCH IN ATTIC BEDROOM

The color palette is a chief consideration when designing your attic room. To create the attic room feel bigger by using colors which reflect equal brightness, or using a monochromatic color palette. We can use a moss green color palette, or if you desire more color you can paint with hues of purple, blue and green that all show the same tone and intensity. You can also add depth to a room by painting the wall opposite the entrance a deep intense color. One trick for making your room appear larger is to paint the walls a hue which appears to make them recede - grayish or blue gray hues are often used for this. However if that sounds too bland, don't worry because cool colors such as purples, blues and greens also recede so you can use your attractive colors without making the room feel cramped.

Use furniture sparingly and try smaller items. Instead of having bureaus, try using under bed storage which will make it seem more spacious while still allowing for plenty of storage for clothing. One thing you can do to add interest is to mix in a few larger scaled items, like a big cheval mirror, which not only add character but will actually make your attic bedroom feel like it is bigger than it actually is.

Think of features you could add to your design theme which will help to make good use of space in the attic room. A minimalist or Zen like design style could work better as it will be less cluttered hence making the room look more spacious. No matter what you decide, remember to be certain that you like it, this should be a cozy, comfortable space.

When decorating a small attic bedroom you should also think about things like the placement of your furniture and accessories. Utilizing the principals of Feng Shui in your attic room can help bring harmony to your home. Making sure doorways are clear of furniture can help make it seem bigger. Plus, if you can focus the eye on the larger pieces like a big mirror, it can help make the room feel more open.

Try to be creative and your feeling outside the box - anything you can do to add interest to your attic bedroom will be sure to take your guests mind off of the small size of the room and onto it's charming appeal!

Because I Said So (2)

Simple and still have an exotic look, good reference for your living room
(Source : From Because I Said So movie)



SMALL LIVING ROOM DESIGN TIPS TO FOOL THE EYE

If you have a small living room, chances are you also have small furniture and fixtures to match. But this doesn't have to be your final resort if you do have a small living room. Designing a small living room may be a challenge, but it is quite fulfilling when you see the finished product of a small living room design that fits your small space and lifestyle.

1. Use lighter shades of green, blue and yellow for your walls. These lighter colors or pastels help open up the room and give it a more airy feel. If you want a cozier feel to your living room, use darker shades of red, blue and brown.

2. To help further open up the room, use mirrors and glass table tops. Mirrors reflect light and give the illusion of a larger room. Make sure that the mirror reflects a view or an ornamental item to enhance the room. Use glass table tops to give your small living room an open feel, rather than using hard wood table that further shrinks the room.

3. Avoid using heavily printed upholstery for your seating and sofa. Use light, monochromatic colors that match. Avoid mix and match of colors as well, as it makes the room look smaller and tight.

4. Use light gauzy and filmy fabrics for your window treatments. These fabrics let natural light pass through and adds more personality to your living room. Do not overdo and avoid using heavily printed fabrics in a small living room design.

5. If you want to accessorize your small living room, choose the items that will compliment your furniture and fixture. And make sure these items are also functional to help you keep the room spacey and clutter-free.

6. Choose the right-sized fixtures and accessories. Do not over-decorate your small living room; instead, look for items that will help make the room look bigger. Choose reflective items such as a good-sized glass-top coffee table, a wall mirror and a few functional items that add style and class to your small living room design.

(Article source : www.ezinearticles.com)

Because I Said So (1)

Do you love to cook.. and need a kitchen with a complete storage? Watch this movie, and find out how Mandy arrange her kitchen..

(Source : From Because I Said So movie)




FAUCET TYPES

1. Single control kitchen fauchet without deckplate.
2. Single kitchen fauchet with deckplate or single kitchen fauchet with sprayer on deckplate.
3. Two handle kitchen fauchet.
4. Two handle kitchen fauchet with sprayer.
5. Single control kitchen fauchet with deckplate and sprayer.

No Reservation

This is actually a good reference for apartments with balcony with giant windows to see through from the family's room.. Ah, for exact look, just watch the movie and pay attention when it reach this scene..

(Source : From No Reservation movie)

HOW TO LOOK OUT FOR A BALCONY COLLAPSE

It's critical to ascertain whether your balcony was built properly. One way is by checking council records for proof of building approval. Another way is by having it checked out by a structural engineer or a specially-trained architect. The following tips may also be useful:

Timber Balconies

1) Identify the species of timber. Oregon may not be appropriate for external structures. It is distinguishable by a broad softwood grain pattern and by a pinkish colour when fresh surfaces are exposed, like during a split, for instance.

2) Observe for any compression or deformation of the structural members.

3) Test the timber by probing with a sharp object like a screwdriver. Decayed timber may feel soft and spongy.

4) Gain access underneath using a ladder. Check connection points at the beams with a screwdriver for deterioration. Timber generally rots where two pieces of timber join together. Examine brackets and bolts to make sure they are not rusted.

5) Make sure the timber balcony is properly fixed to the house or that the members run into the house.

6) Check base of timber posts for rot and again check brackets and bolts for signs of rust.

7) Posts need to be securely anchored into the ground and not just bolted into the paving.

8) Check handrails and vertical balustrade to make sure they are not rotted and unstable.

Concrete Balconies

1) Look for signs of deflection. If the balcony leans, there is a problem.

2) Examine the underside of the concrete balcony. Rust stains on exposed steel reinforcing are signs of a serious problem.

3) Check handrails and balustrades to make sure they are not rotted, loose or unstable.

4) The presence of spalling, where chunks of concrete are flaking off, may be a serious problem and needs to be inspected by an expert.

The Brave One (2)

I like the drawer and love the brick wall and the curtain :)
(Pict : From The Brave One movie)




CURTAIN - INS AND OUTS

There are only a few simple rules to follow here; the length of the hung curtain should be to the floor or the windowsill. Anything in between looks rather odd.

There is a trend today of puddling curtains, this is where they are made longer than the height required and “puddle” on the floor, this requires a skill in fabric selection, so that they sit well. It is used commonly in living rooms and bedrooms.

With puddle curtains on a hand drawn track, make sure that the width of the curtain is not excessive as they become heavy and difficult to draw back. They are also prone to picking up all the fluff from your floor, so a little bit more attention is required to keeping them looking smart.

The top of the curtain (the heading), for all curtains can be at ceiling height, above or at the top of the window frame or flush with the window reveal.

It all depends on the space that you have. Do keep your choice constant in your home as it can look very odd if some curtain heads are fixed at different heights to others, especially when you can view through from room to room.

The finished length of ceiling to floor curtains should leave a 10mm gap, so that they don’t catch the floor and are easy to draw back, the gap for finishing at a windowsill only requires 5mm.

For safety reasons, never cover radiator heaters with curtains, look for another solution, either stop the curtains short of the heaters or use a blind as an alternative style of window treatment.

(Article source : www. architectaria.com)

Heroes (1)

For those who love books, this could be your reference to have your favorite books stay near even in your bedroom

(Pict : From Heroes movie Serial)

Interior Designing Tips: Bedrooms & Dens

● When interior designing your bedrooms, make sure the rooms are cozy and restful in appearance. Avoid bright colors like orange. Bright colors won't induce you to sleep. Neutral, pastel and warm colors are best suited for bedrooms.

● If you are starting your interiors from scratch, you can start by choosing fabrics first and base the color of you wall from it, then you can select furniture that compliments the color of walls and the fabrics that you are going to use.

● Save on expensive wall decor, go through magazines, art books or even your child's art work at school and have the picture framed. Not only will you save, you will have a unique picture that is not found on commercial home decor stores.

● Consider an extra cabinet or storage space inside your bedroom or den, they are areas that usually invite clutter. It is important to always have your room neat and clutter free.

● Use warm flooring on bedroom floors like wood and carpet. Don't use ceramic tiles, marble or granite on bedroom floors. It is not pleasant to get out of bed in the morning and step on a cold floor. If a cold flooring material is already installed, put an area rug beside the bed.

● If you can, use the same fabric, design and color of the bedcovers as with the curtains. The room will have that "Interior Designed" look.

● If your room is small, use mirrors on the walls. It gives the room an illusion of space (If you are a Feng Shui believer, see the tips on mirrors).

● For bedrooms and specially dens, put an exhaust fan on the ceiling or wall farthest from the window. It will suck-in the cold air outside and keep the air inside the room fresh and cool. This can even save you electricity bills by not using your air conditioner during cool months.

● Some of us wants our bedrooms to be dark even late in the day specially when we sleep late. Thus some of us put up very dark curtains. Deep colored curtains against a light colored wall comes very strong. It is better to have your walls a shade darker and the curtain a little lighter to lessen the contrast. An alternative is to use two layered curtains instead one that is very dark.

● Aside from the typical center light on the middle of the ceiling, use lampshades, pin lights and up lights for mood lighting. These type of lighting gives dark and light patterns of light in the room.

● 1/3 of you life is spent on your bed. Invest in a good mattress, pillows and cotton or linen sheets -they absorb perspiration better.

● The bedroom is your private space, among all rooms in your home, your bedroom's look and atmosphere should be the most relaxing and reflective of your personal taste and style.

(Article source : www.phillipineinteriordesign.com)

EuroTrip (1)

A nice spot to relaxing in the afternoon and still at home..

(Pict : From EuroTrip movie)




OUTDOOR ROOM

Creating a room outside makes great sense for both our climate and lifestyle, but its popularity also stems from the modern move toward smaller building lots and the continual search for new ways to make our houses ‘live larger’. Creating the illusion of space has been a driving force behind home design since the mirror walls of the ’80s gave way to the uncluttered aesthetic of contemporary design today. So it’s a natural progression that we’re now applying contemporary design principles to our backyards to turn this often-underused space into carefully designed and differentiated ‘rooms’.

This year the trend is set to continue, with manufacturers getting in on the act, developing more stylish and durable products that enhance the comfort and convenience of backyard entertaining. The result is outdoor living spaces comparable in design and construction to those indoors.Needless to say, furniture plays a major role in creating outdoor rooms and contemporary furnishings are ideal as they tend to not distract from the true focal point, your garden.

Modern shapes in furnishings are easily adaptable to the outdoors as contemporary design is largely based on the relation between organic and constructed forms, so its clean, simple lines are ideally suited to blend with the natural environment.In this season’s contemporary outdoor products, outdoor kitchens are looking beyond the barbecue to a full-service cooking centre. Dining settings are getting larger and simpler, with the traditional wrought-iron two-seater replaced by chic, practical designs in stainless steel, timber and glass that can fit the whole family. And there’s a vast array of comfortable and stylish pieces for lounging by the pool, which offers a new take on the old deck chair.

Careful landscaping will help to clearly define the function of each section in a garden through the use of plants, lighting and paving. A raised lawn amid a sea of natural stone paving, for example, can provide a platform to look out over the wash-lit water feature or sparkling mosaic-tiled pool. More intimate areas for enjoying a quiet morning coffee can be created with a cosy two-seat setting hidden behind a wall of bamboo or large potted ferns. Differentiating spaces for different purposes can make a small yard seem larger.

When designing your outdoor area, carefully plan the style of the setting to complement the existing interior and architecture of your home so the one flows naturally into the other. Position furniture with an eye toward the best view. Contracting a landscape architect or designer can be a good idea but, before you call anyone in, decide what you want out of your new space, how much you’re willing to spend and what problems need to be fixed in the process of building your garden. Otherwise, strike out on your own inspired by the latest furniture designs and ideas shown here and start enjoying the freedom that comes with living au naturel!

(Source : www.completehouse.com.au)

The Devil Wears Prada (1)

This is because I love to have a creative room to designs things..
So I love this reference's scenes

(Pict : From The Devil Wears Prada Movie)




TIPS TO DESIGN SMALL HOME OFFICE

1. Use corners.
2. Consider foldaway desks.
3. Prioritize equiptment and supplies.
4. Use colour and lighting tricks

Alvin And The Chipmunks (1)

The kitchen is kinda small, but its enough for you that are single
or the young married couple with max 1 children, maybe ?
Figure it while you watching the movie

(Pict : From Alvin And The Chipmunks movie)




TIPS FOR KITCHEN'S IMPROVMENTS

1. Nothing too dark, nothing too light.
Add some ornament / accesory colour, like red, orange and yellows.

2. Great lighting fixtures or have a sunshine ceilling.

3. Cheap but great flooring, such as linoleum, tiles or bamboo and cork. No Carpet !!!

4. Inexpensive laminates for the countertops.

5. Painted cupboards and drawers.

6. Stainless steel sink and faucet taps could be a good investments.

7. Updated appliances.

8. Kitchen Island for some extra work space.

9. Tidy, clean and inviting kitchen eat area. No too many chairs.

A Good Year (2)

Can you imagine, you are sitting at that chair drawing or just laying down enjoying the relaxing afternoon on your off days with a glass of wine maybe anywhere u likes, front yard or back yard of your house ?.. gosh..
you have to watch this movie to know what I am talking about ..

(Source : From A Good Year's movie)




BEFORE YOU APPLY FOR YOUR MORTAGE

1. Two years of tax returns with W-2s.

2. Your Social Security card.

3. Bank and credit statements for the last three months.

4. Current employer information and verification — an employment contract or letter from your employer will probably be required. If you are self-employed, have three years of professionally prepared financial statements or tax returns available.

5. Most recent pay stub showing year-to-date earnings.

6. A list of investments, pension plans, 401k’s, etc., and any other investments.

7. If you choose to include income from child support and/or alimony, bring copies of court records of cancelled checks showing receipt of payment.

There are various fees associated with getting your mortgage, from escrow fees to loan processing fees to title insurance to flood reports. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples if you are shopping around for the best rate. Some financial institutions offer lower interest rates, but charge higher application and processing fees. Don’t be afraid to ask your mortgage broker to put any and all costs on the table before you proceed to apply for your mortgage.

(Complete article can be found at : www. europeanhouseplans.com)

A Good Year (1)

The front yard from A Good Year movie, I love the table and the chair..
and the house.. is so European.. wow




TIPS IF YOU WANT TO BUILD A HOUSE

First thing is, you have to realizing your dream with financing, choosing the fit land, and how to build your dream house

This time, I would like to share some tips I had about financing because this is one of the most important steps in the building your new home. With an adequate budget, your construction project won't fail. FINANCING IS ONE OF THE MOST CRITICAL PHASES OF YOUR BUILDING PROJECT.

What to do :

1.Figure out how much you can afford to spend and how much building your new home is likely to cost (don't forget to budget for landscaping such as decks, patios, windows treatments and furnishings). If you plan to act as general contractor, you will have to obtain a construction loan and a home mortgage. If you have good credit with your bank, you may be able to secure both loans from the same bank. If not, you may have to deal with two different lending institutions.

2. Add at least 10%-15% contingency to the total cost in order to cover the unforeseen changes, additions and upgrades that inevitably occur.

The first loan you should get is the home mortgage, because without long-term financing it will be impossible to get a construction loan and you should consider some important terms you should become familiar with such as Mortgage Payment-to Income Ratio, Total Debt-to-Income Ratio, and Loan-to-Value.

FYI, lenders may use one or combine those methods to find are you qualify for your mortage or not.

(Complete article can be find at : www.europeanhouseplans.com)