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Home Designs for a new decade
During unsettling economic times, people tend to get 'back to basics' by cocooning more with their families, avoiding high-ticket expenditures and looking for ways to repurpose and re-use existing items. Next year's home decorating trends clearly reflect this comfort-focused and cost-conscious mentality by emphasizing soothing color palettes, natural materials, environmentally friendly products, and 'old made new again' furnishings, wall murals and textiles.
Save money prepare your heating and cooling system for winter
Getting ready for winter often means changing to warmer clothes and taking stock of mittens and hats. But it's also a good idea to prepare your home's heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system for winter, too - especially if you want to keep energy bills down...
Home exterior colors reflect style, personality and environment
Building or renovating a home is a decision-filled process. Some decisions, such as location, size and layout, tend to be more family needs-based than desire-based. But other decisions are based primarily on preference and offer the opportunity to express a homeowner's design style. One such decision that can cause particular anxiety for people who are building or renovating is choosing an exterior color....
Update your kitchen fast with six projects
With the amount of time you spend in your kitchen, why settle for out-of-date features and decor - especially since it is easy to give your kitchen a 180-degree makeover? Try these six simple projects, and in no time at all you'll have a kitchen where you will want to spend more time....
Don't trash that banana peel - composting is easy and green
Recycling is certainly not a new concept. In fact, gardeners have been using one form of recycling - composting - for about as long as people have tilled the soil. Composting is a cost-effective, eco-friendly way to give your garden a boost.
Debunking the myth of the 'leaky' skylight
Why is it that homeowners who wouldn't hesitate to cut a hole in the wall where they want a new window think twice about cutting a hole in the roof for a skylight? For many, the answer is simply "fear of springing a leak."
Yet the same modern technologies that ensure windows keep water out are at work in modern skylights...
Residential Solar Systems - Reduce Home Energy Costs
Residential solar systems are crucial if you are planning on reducing the energy costs in your home. In a time when the prices of petroleum and coal are increasing, it is only but wise to start using renewable power sources such as solar energy to help power up our homes. Besides, it is the responsibility of every citizen of the world to help in the preservation of the environment for future generations...
Celebrate a new look for your home in the New Year
Each year about 70 percent of Americans make a New Year's resolution and most soon forget they ever made one. Time for a change? Why not resolve to give your old house a new look in the New Year? Start the new decade with a new attitude about your home's makeover...
Wood is looking good this winter
With winter rapidly on its way, the government is asking you to think about cost-effective and environmentally responsible ways to heat your home. In fact, it is encouraging eco- and cost-conscious families to consider efficient wood stoves or inserts by offering a 30 percent tax credit, up to $1,500, for the purchase of a 75 percent efficient biomass-burning stove in 2009 and 2010...
Tighter Homeowners Budgets Lead to Energy Efficient Remodels
With more Americans downsizing their household budgets, larger-scale renovation projects are out and frugal remodeling is in. And when it comes to saving money, experts say home improvement projects that increase energy efficiency are among the best investments to deliver paybacks -- now and in the future....
Dress up your home with festive live plants
From harvest festivals to tailgate football parties, the colorful fall season is in full swing. Crisp air and cooler nights signal the holidays are right around the corner.
If you're looking for ways to add a festive and unique touch to your home, think live plants. Rather than rummaging through basements and attics for holiday decorations or buying yet another centerpiece...
A healthy home can add to healthy energy savings
We may be riding an economic roller coaster, but one fact is certain: the weather is about to get cooler. And who wouldn't like to save a few bucks on heating bills this winter?
When it comes to winterizing your home, the fundamentals still apply:
Inspect the attic for proper insulation....
Stay warm and healthy, keep heating bills down
With the return of colder weather, you may be hesitant to turn on the furnace again - especially if you want to put off winter's high energy bills. And, as you start shutting the windows to keep out the cold, the quality of your home's indoor air can make it hard to keep the family healthy, especially when flu season kicks in and allergies act up. But whatever the weather, you have the power to control the world inside your home. Here are some steps you can take to ensure total home comfort and energy efficiency this season...
When going 'green' don't forget the fourth 'R'
Are you doing your part in helping to "green" America? We all know the three "R's" that we should be practicing each and every day - reduce, reuse and recycle - but did you know about the fourth "R," which helps you accomplish the other three? This "R" will not only cut down on your individual carbon footprint but will also save you money on your green home improvement projects.
First time homeowners: Clean house naturally with inexpensive improvements
You narrowed the long house-hunting search down to your favorite option, made an offer the homeowners couldn't refuse, and are well-positioned to take advantage of that $8,000 first-time home buyer federal housing tax credit. All that's left to do is move in..
Preparing your home for winter? Don't miss 4 important steps
As you button up your home for winter, you should take four important steps to ensure you save energy, money and stay toasty all season long.
When the temperature drops, we often grab a blanket to help stay warm. Adding insulation to your home is like wrapping it in a warm blanket. Insulating areas such as attics, basements and crawlspaces can make your home more comfortable and lower your energy...
Stylish, sustainable fall interior design ideas
When you think of the colors associated with fall, green doesn't necessarily come to mind. Environmentally speaking, however, it should. There's no better time than now to lessen your home's impact on the environment and change the way you decorate and live. So, why not go green this fall? It's not nearly as difficult to become earth-friendly as you might think....
Avoid common mistakes when the heat goes out
The phrase 'you don't appreciate what you have until it's gone' can apply to many things in life, but it's particularly relevant when the heat goes out on the coldest day of the year.
In these situations, most homeowners will do practically anything to restore the indoor comfort level of their homes as quickly as possible - whether it's paying for a quick fix or replacing an entire ...
Labels to look for when seeking sustainable goods
From plumbing to produce, companies are doing all they can to make their products greener. But, trying to pick the truly green products from the crowd can be an overwhelming decision for the average consumer.
According to the Web site ecolabelling.org, there are more than 300 green labels - featuring everything from cosmetics and seafood to bird-friendly coffee. If you're new to the ...
Have a warmer winter with more money in your wallet
Winter's chill is supposed to take place outdoors, but too often drafty attics, fireplaces, windows and open vents let cold air into your home. This wastes energy and can cost you big money in higher energy bills...
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