Design element: firebox patterns

Sep 14, 2010 Posted Under: Home Design Tips  

The house we are building is now being framed, so many of the concepts that I have thought about in the abstract are requiring a firm decision in the very near future.  Individually they are small decisions, but cumulatively they number in the hundreds, and each decision makes a contribution to the overall aesthetic and function of the house.  One such decision that we had to finalize this week was the pattern of the firebrick in the fireplaces (the firebrick is the ceramic material that lines the inside of the firebox).  Yes, a small thing, but given that I have posted about mantels and fireplaces frequently on my blog, it is one that I have great interest in. Back in 2008, I professed my admiration for a herringbone pattern in the firebox, as seen on my favorite cover of Veranda.  This beautiful firebox features a herringbone pattern with the fire bricks in a slightly larger size.  Interior design by Suzanne Kasler.

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A Very Cubed Kitchen

Sep 11, 2010 Posted Under: Home Improvement News  

The Kit – Cub Kitchen is a very well thought-out plan and covers almost all the basic requirements of a kitchen space. It adopts the cubicle form and houses a fridge, microwave, sink, cutting table, modular storage cabinets, garbage bin and an electrical cooking top. What’s unique about the cabinets is that just below the sink are 2 dedicated as water tanks, one that feeds the sink and the other to collect the gray water. Now if we are careful in using green products for cleaning the dishes, I’m sure the water can be recycled to good use. Tedious labor but very rewarding! What makes this modular kitchen effective is the choice of materials in its construction: aluminum and wood. Durable and easy to maintain, the two cubes can either be placed as a traditional straight seamless counter, or given an elective bend. Whate

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Grandparent’s Day is almost here!

Sep 10, 2010 Posted Under: Gardening Notes  

Sunday, September 12th is National Grandparent’s Day. Each year, Grandparent’s Day is celebrated the first Sunday following Labor Day. The idea for celebrating Grandparent’s Day was dreamt up by Marian McQuade, according to the official Grandparent’s Day website. Marian was a housewife from West Virginia who hoped to bring attention to the elderly population, especially those living in nursing homes or assisted living and not near their families. In the United States, it was officially recognized and celebrated by President Jimmy Carter in 1978.

Grandparent’s Day is a great occasion, reminding grandchildren to celebrate the special relationship with their grandparents.

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How Long Does Paint Last?

Sep 9, 2010 Posted Under: Home Design Tips  

Paint can last for years if the top of the can has not been opened. Many times paint will outlast the life of a can if it has been rusted. You also need to be careful if you shake a rusted can as it’s possible it could easily break which would create an unfortunate mess!

If a can has been opened it won’t last for more than two years and for latex even less. It’s always a good idea to save leftover paint for touchup jobs and we recommend writing the date on the lid so you know how long it’s been since it was used.

After two years its best to dispose of the paint properly. Latex paint will probably freeze and the pigments in the oil paint will settle and a skin will form on the top.

Hanging On The Drying Rack Chair

Sep 7, 2010 Posted Under: Home Improvement News  

This is such a clever idea, especially if you live in a small apartment and need to stash up on multifunctional gear. Here’s Lean, a chair with rails for its back…nothing path breaking so far; but drag it to your radiator and hitch it to lean onto it, and hey! you have a stand to dry your clothes! Super neat and super useful, especially if made with the right kinda materials. De

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