Home & Garden

Runways and driveways have long been the inspirational source for home furnishings and decorating color choices.  From glass-like blues, botanical greens, dramatic black and white and whisper soft pink, color directions will drive towards individual self-expression, glamorous living experiences or an increasing awareness of important environmental causes.
Go Green: Green as a subtle backdrop to reflect an enhanced eco-consciousness, green will be representative of the growing environmental movement.  Mid-tone hues of fern, palm, pine and sage will be used on their own or coupled with clear blue or aqua to create a living space that conjures up a sense of outdoor-friendly living.  Sandy tans and warm browns can be intermingled to complete that earthy and eco-friendly feel.

If love is free, why are we shelling out money to over-priced and over-crowded restaurants on Valentine’s Day?  If you’re trying to spend a romantic evening with your sweetheart, it’s difficult to make a connection when 50 other couples are talking over you.  Why not re-create a suave restaurant right in your own home.  No reservations, no crowds, no over-priced menus and no waiter to tip.  It’ll be just you, your Valentine and the only table for two at your very own restaurant: your home. 

You can count on the reality that your home repair or improvement project is going to go over budget.  On occasion things go remarkably well and a project is actually completed for less than the projected costs.  In most circumstances, however, the project winds up costing more as we typically underestimate the costs. 

Green, green and more green. The word has really become quite important today in the perspective of increasing danger of global warming.  We need to protect our resources and ensure that a minimum is wasted, and better if the wasted ones are recycled as well.  So the entire focus is on saving the natural resources, be it the construction of your bedroom or renovation of the bathroom. Government and some private organizations like green building association are working towards it and helping residential communities, Realtors, and individuals.

Natural light is one of our most valuable resources, however is frequently under utilized in the home, especially in the sun drenched Southern states. The sun’s natural rays are an important tool for bringing a home interior to life, and just as importantly, it doesn’t cost a dime. 

Every house has a story; every room a long history.  At the very beginning of design is the structural façade of the building.  Alongside the layout, window placement within the structure also functions as a key role.  They are a permanent feature of the room.  Windows also create the lighting for the room, thus helping to determine the best color palate.  Many in today’s world would tell you the focalization of any room should be centered on a furniture piece; yet, the real key lies in utilizing the windows for both functionality and design highlights. 

Homeowners Referral Network, providing free contractor referrals to homeowners, is celebrating their 5th anniversary.  Bonnie Stauch, owner of the popular referral service, is well established with over 1,000 clients that select HRN to hire licensed, insured and experienced contractors. 

Home maintenance services benefit all homes.  Keeping your property in top shape will save you money in the long run.  A home maintenance professional can help you with time consuming home maintenance jobs, leaving you more time to enjoy your home and more time to enjoy life.

“Wow, what a beautiful garden!” How often have you expressed this view after observing the wonderful vista in front of you? Do you long to create the same magic in your own home garden so that you become the envy of your friends and neighbors? Well, here’s how:

Long ago, there were traditional rules for picking out china such as only brides select china, china has to be fine and match everything, plate settings, glass ware, flatware, etc., and sets should be only eight place settings.  Times sure have changed.  Now, it’s really stylish for non-brides to purchase more than eight settings of casual china in fun colors and patterns.  Just read these china buying rule breakers below, so you can get some ideas on your next china purchase.

In this time of economic challenges, it’s extra important to maintain your home.  Save money by making sure everything is serviced and working properly; you don’t want little problems to become big expenses.
Paint- Make sure there’s no cracking around trim, for example, windows and doors.  If your home is weathered or chipping, repaint it and be prepared for the summer months.

As we launch the second half of the 2008-09 school year, the Hart District has many accomplishments of which it can be proud, and some exciting challenges.

The arrival of the New Year signals the beginning of summer-flowering bulb planting season.  Gladiolus, dahlias, lilies, freesia, cannas, and many other summer blooming bulbs should be planted now.  A little time spent in the garden this month will ensure a wealth of color all summer long.

We are well into the New Year and if getting organized is one of your goals, don’t let organizing “myths” deter you.  If you are tired of your cluttered home/office, missing appointments and feeling “stuck,” and want peace of mind and less stress, let’s attack some myths about organizing.

When doing exterior or interior painting, an important decision is the quality of paint to be used.  Top quality paints are designed to produce the best-looking and longest-lasting results.  And even though quality paints may cost a little more, they provide a smoother, more uniform appearance, and can last more than twice as long as ordinary paints — so they are really more economical in the long run.  Here are some of the specific benefits of using top quality paints, compared with using economy paints:

What should your earthquake preparedness kits contain?  If you live in a region of the world that is susceptible to these natural disasters, then being prepared is an unpleasant fact.

With the mandatory removal of automatic water softeners throughout the Santa Clarita Valley there are many issues for homeowners to address.