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Design and Decor


Quick Pick!

Documenting Your House During Construction

Design and Decor, Electrical and Lighting, Plumbing, Quick Picks Published 05/09/2008 by Ben Erickson

Documenting the construction process when building a new house can be a valuable resource for future renovations. Photograph every wall and ceiling after the plumbing and wiring have been roughed in but before the insulation and drywall are installed. Include a yardstick in the photo to allow you to gauge distances and label each picture on the back. Also, photograph and mark on your survey the location of outside wires and pipes that are buried.

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Quick Pick!

Eco-Friendly Cast Iron Grates

Design and Decor, Lawn and Garden, Exterior, Quick Picks Published 03/28/2008 by Ben Erickson

Eco-Friendly Cast Iron Grates

Cast iron grates from Iron Age Designs are not only functional and beautiful but are made using mostly recycled materials and qualify for LEED green building credits. Grates come in over a dozen designs with sizes to fit most standard applications from drain and tree grates to wall registers for heating ducts. Made in the United States, Iron Age Designs can produce custom patterns and sizes as well, with no order considered too small. In addition to cast iron, grates can also be made from aluminum or silicone bronze.

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Quick Pick!

Green Home Features on the Rise

Design and Decor, Kitchens and Baths, Green Living, Quick Picks Published 03/13/2008 by Jenn Lingle

A recent survey conducted by the American Institute of Architects, indicates a decline in homeowner demand for lavish high-end amenities in kitchens and baths. This was accompanied by a growing interest in environmentally friendly features, such as sustainable flooring and water saving toilets. Designs and products that improve accessibility for the elderly, like no threshold showers and handheld showerheads, were on the rise as well.

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As Seen On Today's Homeowner

(649) Specialty Ceilings

Attics and Basements, Design and Decor, Interior, Today's Homeowner Published 02/27/2008 by Danny Lipford

(649) Specialty Ceilings

From vaulted to tray to coffered, it seems like the sky’s the limit for ceilings these days. Specialty ceilings can add a distinctive design element to a room and make it feel larger than it really is. And when it’s time to sell your home, custom ceilings might be just the thing to make your house stand out from the crowd.

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Testing Wall Anchors and Picture Hangers

Design and Decor, Interior Published 02/14/2008 by Ben Erickson

Testing Wall Anchors and Picture Hangers

Whether it’s a priceless work of art or a collection of family photographs, it’s important that what you hang on your walls stays put. While attaching directly to studs provides the most security, they are often not located in the ideal spot, and screws and nails provide little support in drywall alone.

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Quick Pick!

Peel and Stick Message Boards

Design and Decor, Quick Picks Published 01/30/2008 by Jenn Lingle

Families are on the go more than ever these days. Between school activities, business travel, and doctor appointments, it’s almost impossible to keep up with it all. Peel & Stick Dry Erase or Chalkboard sheets from Wallies® might be just the answer. These self-adhesive sheets are easy to apply and make an attractive alternative to standard message boards. They’re perfect for the kitchen, home office, or child’s room. Heck, even a “man cave” workshop will find them handy.

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As Seen On Today's Homeowner

(645) Courtyard Conversion

Decks and Patios, Design and Decor, Doors and Windows, Heating and Cooling, Today's Homeowner Published 01/29/2008 by Danny Lipford

(645) Courtyard Conversion

While this covered courtyard featured a beautiful brick fountain, it was hard to keep clean and received little use during the hot summer months along the Gulf Coast. To remedy these problems, the homeowners decided to enclose it by adding a fireplace flanked by glass doors.

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Hanging Pictures Right the First Time

Home Improvement, Design and Decor, Interior Published 12/11/2007 by Jerri Farris

Hanging Pictures Right the First Time

Framed paintings and photographs add a splash of color to a room and give it a unique personal touch, but some homeowners are reluctant to tackle the job for fear their walls will end up resembling aged Swiss cheese. With the right hardware and know-how, you can approach your next picture hanging project with confidence.

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As Seen On Today's Homeowner

(642) Parade of Homes

Design and Decor, Today's Homeowner Published 11/12/2007 by Danny Lipford

Parade of Homes

Whether you’re planning to build a new home or simply renovate the one you’re in, there’s no better place to see the latest trends than a parade of homes. You’ll find everything from innovative new products and improved construction methods to unique furnishings and cutting edge interior design.

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As Seen On Today's Homeowner

(638) Today’s Addition (Part 2)

Design and Decor, Today's Homeowner Published 10/15/2007 by Danny Lipford

Today’s Addition (Part 2)

The exterior of our master addition is almost finished, with the brickwork, eaves, and gable now complete. Inside, the Uponor radiant floor heating system and Merillat cabinets have been installed. Next, the existing deck was tied to the addition, and the decking that had been removed to accommodate construction was put back down.

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