Monthly Archives: September 2009

A Decorator’s Guide to Ceiling Fans

September 24, 2009

Ceiling fans come in a variety of styles, materials and colors. Their purpose today has vastly changed from the times when they were used for the only purpose of keeping cool. In the early 1900s they were considered as a means to cool homes. Now ceiling fans are used to circulate the air and help make homes more energy efficient.


Outdoor Ceiling Fans

The outdoor ceiling fan can create a nice breeze on those evenings or nights when the heat and humidity would otherwise force you indoors. They’re a decorative, functional piece of equipment used for the purpose of creating a breeze so spending time on one’s deck or patio can be done without any discomfort.

Any ceiling fan for outdoor use must meet rigid specifications with regards to electrical safety. Therefore, you can opt for one of two UL listed fans—the damp fan that can hold up under humidity or weather conditions that are damp or muggy and the wet fan that can function in similar types of weather as well.

Indoor Outdoor Ceiling Fans

The indoor outdoor ceiling fan can be placed in the home to provide a cooling breeze indoors or outdoors and comes in many styles, materials and colors to accommodate the area in which it’s used to complement the surrounding décor or motif.


ceiling fansStyles

Because of the vast assortment of styles, ceiling fans can be placed about anywhere inside as well as outside the home. You can choose from models that are Victorian, tropical, traditional, rustic, designer, and contemporary or are made of carved wood. Some have dual motors for more choices with regards to blade speed defined in revolutions per minute or “rpms”. Others are Energy Star rated which means they help reduce gas costs. Then there are the “hugger” model indoor ceiling fans that are used in houses with lower ceilings.

Finishes

In addition, ceiling fans are offered in a great number of decorative finishes. Some finishes include rust, antique brass, black, brown, bronze iron, copper, off-white, white as well as primary colors as red, yellow, blue or green.

Choosing the Right-sized Fan

Naturally, consideration must be given to the size of the fan as this determines the amount of area you want the fan to provide ventilation or air circulation for the interior or exterior of the home. How do you determine this? Base your decision on the following general guidelines.

(1)   If the square footage of your area is 20 to 110 square feet then you’ll need to acquire a ceiling fan with a blade span of 24 inches to 42 inches;

(2)   If the square footage is 110 to 150 square feet, then you need a fan with a 44 inch to 48 inch blade span;

(3)   Square footage of 150 to 280 square feet requires a fan blade span of 50 inches to 56 inches;

(4)   If the square footage encompasses 300 to 400 square feet, then a 58 inch to 62 inch fan blade span is indicated; and

(5)   If your room or area is larger than the foregoing dimensions, you’ll need to use a couple fans to provide the needed coverage of ventilation.

Also, knowing the height of your ceiling is important when picking out your fan. For example, if your ceiling is under approximately 7 ½ feet, you’ll need a hugger type fan. A sloped ceiling requires a sloped ceiling fan if the degree of the slope is about 30 to 45 degrees.

Generally the pole length for a downrod (used for providing better air circulation with regards to the fan’s placement) is about 6 inches for a 9-foot ceiling or 12 inches for a 10-foot ceiling with the length increasing depending on the height of the ceiling where the fan is placed.

Hunter and Hampton Bay Outdoor Ceiling Fans

Hunter outdoor ceiling fans as well as Hampton Bay outdoor ceiling fans offer a wide range of fans that are dependable and reliable. The Hunter Company has been in business for over 120 and is an excellent brand to look at when perusing the Internet. Alternatively, Hampton Bay works exclusively with Home Depot and is a premier company to consider if wish to purchase your ceiling fan at a brick and mortar location.

You will be impressed with both companies’ lines so give them your consideration when deciding on a purchase.

Price

Ceiling fans offer a great deal in the way of energy efficiency as they circulate the air inside the house in order to make better use of the heating and cooling elements. Therefore, the money you spend will be savings in other areas down the road. Most small fans are priced at around $100 while mid-sized models come with a price tag of $200 to $300. Any fans with a width of 58 to 62 inches or more generally are priced past the $300 range. Nevertheless, given their versatility and usefulness, your money will definitely not be wasted by buying one.

Give thought to the above overview. It can save you time when making a ceiling fan choice.


Creative Commons License photo credit: agingdragqeen

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How to Incorporate Garden Lights into your Landscape

September 10, 2009

Independence Avenue SE Patio Lamp, Library Of Congress Adams Building (Washington, DC)One of the best things you can do to enhance the appeal of your garden is by adding garden lighting. Garden lights can spotlight particular features of your garden such as an ornamental tree, statuary or a water feature. You can create a sense of drama, elegance or serenity depending on how you plan the layout of your landscape lighting.

Step One: Determine your Theme

There are as many different kinds of gardens as there are gardeners and each of us has a particular kind of style or a way of doing things. To get the most mileage out of your garden lighting, decide in advance what kind of theme or look and feel you are going for. Knowing in advance the type of look you want will help you narrow down your choices and arrive at a selection of lights much faster. When thinking about your theme, consider the overall style of the light, the material it is made from and the type of light it casts such as LED or Halogen.

Step Two: Identify Key Areas

Take a walk around your garden with a notebook and pen and jot down the key areas of your landscape that you would like to highlight. Statuary, water features and ornamental trees are common things to spotlight with garden lighting. Also make a note of any pathways or stairs you would like to illuminate. Consider placing a garden light or two near outdoor seating or dining areas.

Step Three: Decide on the Type of Lighting

Once you have identified your key areas, decide which types of landscape lighting you will need. There are several types:

  • Path / Spread Lights
  • Deck Lighting
  • Specialty Lighting
  • Accent / Spotlights
  • Water Lights

A good garden lighting plan will include lights from several categories. Each manufacturer has a slightly different definition of which lights fall into each category. If you stay with one manufacturer, it is likely you can find all of your lights in the same style which will give your garden a unified look.

It is also a good idea to determine which type of lights you want, whether low voltage lighting or solar garden lights. You also want to decide whether you want LED or Halogen light bulbs. One of the best ways to narrow your choices is to visit a neighborhood home improvement store, look at the types of lights and note your preference for LED or Halogen. Take a look at their solar garden light selection and get a feel for whether that style is something you’d prefer.  Also note their prices. Then return home and start your comparison shopping, since great deals can be found online.

Step Four: Select and Install your Lights

Once you have a good idea of the type of lights and the number of each type that you need, comparison shop. There are a number of very good online dealers that offer good prices on a wide variety of garden lighting and more of them are carrying solar garden lighting. When you receive your order, check each light over carefully inspecting for scratches and scrapes. Also plan on installing everything relatively soon after you receive it so that if there is a problem you can contact the retailer within their return window.  Low voltage lighting can be installed easily, but most manufacturers recommend having a professional install the transformer.

Summary

Garden lighting is the finishing touch on a beautiful garden and will extend your enjoyment of your garden into the evening hours. By carefully planning the areas you would like to feature you will build a solid lighting plan that will make shopping for your garden lights faster and easier. When your lights are installed, wait until evening and grab a cup of coffee and a loved one and sit on the patio to enjoy your beautiful, well-lit garden.
Creative Commons License photo credit: takomabibelot

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Outdoor Rugs: An Essential Part of Any Garden Decor

September 10, 2009

bohemian palette3Families are spending more and more time outdoors, enjoying nature from their deck or patio. Just as carpeting makes a home more comfortable and enjoyable, outdoor rugs bring a large measure of comfort and design to the outdoors. This article will cover the types of outdoor rugs, the different materials they are available in and how to find the right outdoor rug for you. We will also discuss the care of your outdoor rug so you can get years of enjoyment from it.

Types of Outdoor Rugs

Outdoor rugs are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and materials.

  • Outdoor area rugs – This type of outdoor rug is designed to cover a large area like an entire patio or a large section of deck. Area rugs can be used to delineate one area from another with a visual separation. Area rugs have an added advantage that they can also reduce noise if you’re like me, where loud footsteps or the scratching of pet feet are often heard. An outdoor area rug can be a good starting point when you are beginning to design your patio. They are available in a wide variety of colors and patterns to fit any style.
  • Indoor Outdoor Rugs – Huge improvements have been made in recent years in the manufacturing of indoor outdoor rugs. Polypropylene is spun and the threads are woven as you would do to make a traditional indoor rug. The result is a high-wearing, weather resistant carpeting that can be used indoors as well as outdoors. Maintenance on an indoor outdoor rug is simple – in most cases you can simply hose it off. In high traffic areas, or areas with pets these kinds of rugs are a great choice indoors. Outdoors they provide all the benefits of an indoor rug as far as comfort, style and design options with the added benefit of weather resistant properties and easy maintenance.
  • Outdoor Rug Materials – Most outdoor rugs and indoor outdoor rugs are made from weather resistant polypropylene. These rugs are a great choice for outdoor use because there is no worry that the elements will damage the rug. Other material types available are bamboo rugs which are long-lasting and are naturally anti-bacterial. You can also find handmade outdoor rugs, these tend to be more expensive and more likely to be damaged by the elements.

Care of Outdoor Rugs

One of the best things about outdoor rugs is their low maintenance. As a general rule, if your outdoor rug becomes soiled, you can simply hose it off. For really dirty rugs, a small amount of dish soap and sponges can cure most problems.  These are general guidelines – always try the care directions the manufacturer has provided first.

If you decide to store your rug during the winter, be sure that the rug is dry before rolling it up and placing it in storage.  Although polypropylene is mildew resistant, it doesn’t hurt to take an extra step in ensuring your rug will be ready to go when you bring it out the next season.

Shopping for Outdoor Rugs

The most important thing to consider when purchasing an outdoor rug is the purpose you wish it to serve. Will the rug be primarily a door mat for cleaning feet before entering the house or are you looking for a large area rug to provide comfort and style to the whole patio area? Knowing your designated purpose in advance will make shopping for outdoor rugs much faster.

Summary

Outdoor rugs bring the comfort of the indoors outside to your patio or deck. Make sure to include the addition of an outdoor rug into your garden decor plan and you will be rewarded with stylish, natural beauty under foot all year long.

Creative Commons License photo credit: coco+kelley

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Garden Decor

September 10, 2009

bohemian palette6Your garden and landscape sets the tone visitors arrive and it is also the view that greets you when you return home each day. Just as you decorate your home with furniture, pictures and other accessories, garden decor can bring new life to your outdoor spaces.

When planning your garden, the things you put in your garden can add as much to it as the plants and flowers themselves. Consider the following categories of outdoor garden decor when you begin your garden planning this year.

Planning Your Outdoor Garden Decor

Your garden most likely already has a certain structure. Lawn in some areas, flower beds, trees and shrubs are common areas in most yards. You may have a deck or porch – and a driveway and walkways as well. The purpose of lawn and garden decor is to get the most out of the appearance of your yard as possible.

  • Theme - When planning any kind of decorating project, whether inside or outside, it is wise to think about the theme. Themes can be centered on a very specific thing – a beach theme for example, or they can be centered on a feeling like serenity or elegance. Themes can also be based on a color scheme, like the photo above. Whichever way you go, decide in advance what kind of theme you are going for and for each element in your garden ask yourself “Does this fit my theme?” Having a theme will allow you to unify your garden and create a truly pleasing space.
  • Balance & Harmony – When placing garden decorations, keep balance and harmony in mind. Small groupings of similar things, typically in threes can create harmony and you can create balance by taking a step back from you landscape and looking at it from a distance. If one area seems more accented than another you can rearrange until you find a good balance.
  • Budget -One good strategy is to set out a yearly budget for outdoor decorating. Seasons change and so should your garden. One of the great things about garden decorating is that you can do it slowly, over time. Each season add a little. Even with landscape lighting you can start small and build a little at a time until the project is complete.

Types of Garden Decor

There are several major categories of garden decoration – the best decorated gardens utilize several elements and pull them together in a cohesive whole using a general theme. Consider each of the following categories when planning your garden:

  • Outdoor Furniture – From outdoor dining sets and chaise lounges to garden benches and outdoor bars, outdoor furniture plays a big part in home and garden decor. When planning for your outdoor spaces, consider where you want to spend time relaxing, dining, socializing and observing and plan your furniture accordingly. Outdoor furniture is available in several types of materials and styles.
  • Architectural Elements – Adding architectural elements to your lawn and garden décor can add structure and drama. Gazebos, arbors, decks, fencing and other major structures are all examples of architectural elements.
  • Magic Water Fountain Light at Night GardenWater Features – A fountain, birdbath or other similar water feature adds an added dimension to your garden decor – the soothing sound of running water. The beauty of water cascading down a fountain or reflecting the tranquil sky above is what makes water features an integral part of so many landscape designs.
  • Garden Decorations – Stepping stones, gazing balls, statuary and sun dials are but a few examples of garden decorations that you can incorporate into your landscape. The wonderful thing about these kind of garden decoration is that you can change it often and easily. A wind chime in the spring can be replaced by a set of sleigh bells on the door around the holidays.  Garden decorations are available in a huge variety and can fit any garden theme.
  • Landscape Lighting – One of the most important parts of a garden is the landscape lighting. Lighting can add drama, highlight special features of your garden, add to the safety and security of your home as well as extending the usefulness of your yard.  Low voltage landscape lighting is one of the most popular types.

Summary

Your garden can be as simple or elaborate as you wish.  A well planned and decorated garden makes a statement about the gardener and can showcase the beauty and creativity of your outdoor oasis.

Creative Commons License photo credit: coco+kelley

Creative Commons License photo credit: epSos.de

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Landscape Lighting

September 10, 2009

Patio LanternsBenefits of Landscape Lights

Have you ever taken your family for a drive during the winter holidays to see all the houses magnificently decorated in strings of holiday lights? Although a seasonal example, it is just one of the ways that our impressions of a home can be impacted by lighting. Why not take the time to create a year-round landscape lighting plan that will having you smiling each time you pull into your driveway?

Benefits of landscape lighting are in three primary areas:

  1. Beauty – Outdoor lights can create an ambiance and elegance in your yard that cannot be created any other way. By selectively highlighting certain areas and leaving other areas in darkness you can create drama and add an entirely new dimension to your landscape.  You can choose lighting fixtures that compliment your garden design and add to the overall beauty of your yard. Landscape lighting also can add a great deal to the resale value of your home.
  2. Extending the usefulness of your home – Having landscape lights allows you to spend more time in your yard. A late-evening dinner on the deck is just not the same without landscape lighting. Imagine sitting on the deck, coffee in hand, talking with loved ones while gazing at your garden, beautifully lit for evening enjoyment. There is something serene and elegant about evening lights that draws you outdoors to enjoy them and the natural beauty they are enhancing.
  3. Security and Safety – One of the most important, yet overlooked aspect of outdoor lighting is security and safety. Having well-lit paths help homeowners and visitors navigate the property more easily. Lights can be put on timers to turn on when you arrive home from work, making unloading the car full of groceries an easier task. Flood lights on motion sensors can help avoid accents as well as help cut back on crime.

Landscape lighting offers a wide variety of benefits that will truly maximize your enjoyment of your outdoor living space.

Landscape Lighting Power Sources

  • Low Voltage Landscape Lighting  – Most landscape lighting is of the low voltage variety. This type of power source is easy to install and easy to maintain. The lights can be installed by a homeowner, although most manufactures recommend that you have a professional install the transformer.
  • Solar Landscape Lighting – Solar landscape lights are becoming more and more popular. A small solar cell powers the lights, providing inexpensive and environmentally friendly lighting year-round. These types of lights are generally more expensive to purchase, but the cost will quickly be recouped since you will not have to pay for electricity.

Types of Landscape Lights

  • Path and Spread Lights - Path and spread lights are designed for use along pathways, or where you need a wide arc of light that points toward the ground. These types of lights come in a truly huge variety and will match any kind of garden or landscape design you can think of.
  • Deck Lighting – Deck lights typically attach to your deck or the side of your home in some fashion. They provide ambiance for a porch or deck setting and are available in a wide variety of styles. You can install deck lights on steps, railings or siding just as an a few examples. These types of lights will add a great deal to the ambiance of your deck and will allow you more flexibility in outdoor dining and social events.
  • Specialty Lighting – There are lights created specifically for lighting statuary, potted plants and other specialty situations. There is even statuary with built-in lighting. Garden ornaments often have a lighting aspect to them and can create a variety of moods from elegant to whimsical.
  • Water Lighting – Water features are a dramatic element in any landscape and it is important to give them the attention they deserve with proper lighting. There are a variety of water lights from underwater lights to spotlight and accent lights that are water resistant.
  • Accent / Spotlights – Accent and spotlights are used to call attention to a particular feature of your landscape or garden. These are also occasionally referred to as up-lights. A good use of accent lights is to place them at the base of trees to create interesting shadows, or use a spotlight to call attention to a fountain or statuary.

A well thought-out landscape lighting plan will use a combination of the types of landscape lights available to get the most pleasing effect possible.

Types of Bulbs

  • LED Bulbs

LED landscape lighting is relatively new. Although it is an energy efficient lighting source, there is no set standard to the type of bulb you can purchase. Make sure to look at the lumens output on the bulbs to ensure you are getting a bulb bright enough. As a point of reference, a 60 watt incandescent bulb puts out about 850 lumens of brightness. LED lights also tend to be whiter than their Halogen counterparts, so take that into account when planning your landscape. You can get a warmer LED light – the warmth of the light is typically rated by a Kelvin – the higher the rating, the cooler or bluer the light is. If you are looking for a cool light, something in the 5000K range will be suitable, for a warmer light try something in the 2700K range.

  • Halogen Bulbs

The vast majority of landscape light bulbs on the market are halogen. They produce a bright, intense light, they are energy efficient and they typically have a warm light quality. Bulbs can be expensive and you have to be careful not to touch the bulb itself when you install them.

The best way to decide which type of bulb is right for your setting is to see a few side by side and compare.

Summary

Every homeowner owes it to themselves to get the most out of their landscape by adding dramatic landscape lighting. Landscape lighting projects can be created to fit any budget, and with low voltage landscape lighting, you can add a little at a time as your pocketbook can afford it. Landscape lighting truly is one of those things where, once finished, you will ask yourself “Why didn’t we do that years ago?”

Creative Commons License photo credit: Ian Muttoo

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