Reducing your carbon footprint goes far beyond recycling, solar panels and choosing non-toxic paint and flooring. The decor that you use in your home can also be environmentally-friendly as well. Today, designers are creating stunning pieces that are actually beneficial to your living space.

• Bamboo – This raw material exploded in popularity many years ago and has not lost its novelty. This renewable resource not only makes beautiful products, it grows back fast! Fresh bamboo shoots are always a great idea to bring any room to life as well.

• Recycled Glass – What else is there to do with recycled wine bottles, windshields and dinner plates besides make them into something spectacular. This glass is broken up into tiny pieces and then concrete holds it together. What you get are recycled countertops, tables, vases and more, made from materials that would have otherwise ended up filling landfills.

• Recycled Aluminum – Many manufacturers are recycling industrial scrap metal, soda cans, etc., to use as backsplashes, countertops, accent furniture, art and even sculptures for your garden.

• Cork – This is quickly becoming a preferred choice in flooring and is expected to be a material found in home accents in the near future. It’s durable, comfortable, water-resistant, contains no formaldehyde binders or PVC and is a renewable resource.

Other sustainable materials include environmentally-friendly ready mix concrete, recycled paper and natural plaster. Whether you’re considering paving your driveway, remodeling or redecorating, there are now an abundance of choices available to make a contemporary home, GREEN!

In the autumn and winter months the cold weather outside puts the effectiveness of our central heating systems and their limits sharply into focus. It’s therefore wise to make sure your heating provision is up to scratch in preparation for this period. One option you may not have considered before is luxury underfloor heating.

Rather than being a modern concept, underfloor heating in fact dates back to Roman times when homeowners piped hot air under their homes to help keep their homes more cosy. These heating systems can sometimes be known as radiant heating systems and need to be installed by qualified plumbers. The system works by using either hot water or electric heating units under the floor to evenly distribute heat throughout a room. In hot water (wet) systems the water running under the floor in pipes uses water from a central boiler to heat the room. It can therefore be programmed in much the same way as a conventional central heating system.

Many people believe that underfloor heating can offer homeowners significant energy savings because of the way it operates. Because the heating comes from the lowest level in the room and hot air rises, this type of heating works more effectively at a low level that may otherwise be difficult to warm. It also heats throughout the room more evenly rather than emanating from a fixed centralised point as a radiator does. This means you are less likely to crank up the temperature – and the energy used – to warm up a colder corner in the room. Underfloor heating also boasts a reduced energy requirement compared with the use of water-heated radiators. Pipes for underfloor use require water heated to around 113-149° F (45-65° C) compared to the 176° F (80° C) needed by radiators. This type of system will comfortably warm a floor to 77-82.4° F (25-28° C) and it has been estimated that it could make homeowners energy savings of around 15 to 40%.

Other benefits of underfloor heating relate to space and convenience. A room without radiators on the walls looks larger and less cluttered and is also easier to decorate. In addition, underfloor heating can help reduce the moisture content of a room, which can be of particular benefit to asthma sufferers who may suffer problems caused by dust mites, which can thrive in damp environments.

Home insurance is one of those things in life you have to have. Whilst most of us will never need to claim upon our home insurance policy, it is worth having for peace of mind should anything happen. There are a number of frequently asked questions with regard to home insurance, here are a few of those answered.
The first one being what types of home insurance quotes are there? With home insurance there are two types of cover you need to have, buildings insurance and contents insurance. Buildings home insurance covers the structure of your home and any permanent fixtures on there. The easiest way to discover if anything is covered by buildings insurance is to think: if you were moving, would you take it with you? If not then it is covered by your buildings insurance. This covers such items as in built wardrobes and kitchen cupboards. Contents insurance on the other hand covers all your possessions – that is, everything you would take with you should you move: beds, TVs, even towels.
The next one question that is frequently asked it “Do I need home insurance if I have a mortgage?” Buildings insurance is a compulsory purchase if you have a mortgage and you usually need to take it out at the same time you take out your mortgage product. It used to be that you had to take out home insurance with your mortgage, but with so much competition in this area that you can get a great deal if you shop around.
“Do I need buildings insurance if I rent a property?” is often asked. If you rent a property then it is the landlord’s responsibility to take out buildings insurance. However it is advisable to take out contents insurance to cover your possessions, and if you are renting a furnished property it is important you take out cover that includes any items belonging to your landlord.

The Museum of Modern Art is located in Midtown Manhattan, NYC. It has been described as one of the most influential museums of modern art in the world. Not only does the MOMA contain modern art from artists such as Jackson Pollack and Vincent Van Gogh, it also shares over 300,000 books about architecture, drawings, paintings and sculptures. The Museum of Modern Art originally opened 7 days after the Wall Street Crash in November of 1929. With this said, I felt very privileged to have been able to have this experience. I attached one photo of the modern furniture I ran across.

You don’t have to do an entire remodel on your bathroom to create a spa atmosphere. Adding a few essentials to your decor and hiding the clutter will ensure that you find tranquility whether you’re soaking in the tub or just trying to escape the chaos of a busy home.

Choose a Theme

Spas will rarely have mismatched towels or a confusing theme so you may need to purchase a few new essentials. A natural garden, blue lagoon or Asian theme are just a few ideas to get you started.

Add a Little Nature

Vases with fresh flowers, a hanging fern or some bamboo are all fabulous ways to bring nature into your bathroom. These living things breathe life into your space and promote a calming environment.

Pay Attention to Detail

You don’t have to spend a fortune on decor. Roll a few towels and place them in a basket, add a small table with a tabletop fountain and make sure that you place a few soy candles around the room.

Eliminate Clutter

Spas are simplistic and so should your bathroom be. Instead of having things laying around your sink, tuck them away somewhere. There are simple storage solutions available to accommodate even the smallest bathrooms. Remember, a spa is a peaceful place. If your eyes come to rest on a pile of towels on the floor or an assortment of hair products laying around, the entire aesthetic of the room is compromised.

The way a room is laid out can have a huge impact on not only how aesthetically-pleasing it is but on how comfortable it is to be in too! Creating a balance between furniture, accents and the flow of traffic can leave you with a harmonious room.

• Control the Flow – People and pets need to be able to find their way through the room without obstacles or tight, undesirable squeezes. Keeping seating where it won’t interfere with doors and electrical outlets is crucial. Also, take into consideration recliners that may become fully extended or leafs that might be added to tables.

• Have a Focal Point – Every room needs a focal point. In homes with a fireplace, the mantle usually takes over, a contemporary bedroom has a platform bed, etc. The eyes can become lost and exhausted if left to travel aimlessly throughout a room and never reach a focal point. Wall fountains, eye-catching wood burning stoves or even large aquariums all work well.

• Scale – The furnishings need to be reflective of the size of the room. You simply cannot have over-sized furniture in a small space. Choose clean lines and create balance to make the room appear larger.

If you feel a little lost in your room or something is just not quite right, you may just need to rearrange a few things. When the layout of your room is perfect, you will know right away. Sometimes it helps to leave, go get a coffee and then see how you feel stepping back into the room for the first time to determine what is throwing the space off balance.

If you have decided that your home could use some skylights, be prepared to make some pretty big decisions. The main purpose of these strategically placed windows is to provide natural light which can also amount to some additional heat. This could be beneficial in the cold months but a disaster in the summer unless you add some type of shading.

Skylights have come a very long way through the years. Today they are available in several designs and from different materials. The main types are fixed, ventilating and tubular with all varieties having the option to be modified to include shades, screens, tinting and thermal insulated glass.

• Fixed Skylights – The sole purpose of these skylights is to provide natural light. They are ideal not only for your primary living space but for attics and workshops where extra illumination could be appreciated.

• Ventilating Skylights – These types of skylights provide light as well as ventilation. When they are open, they create an updraft which freshens the air in the home. These can usually be operated with a wall switch or remote control.

• Tubular Skylights – This is the newest variety of skylights that is quickly becoming very popular. They’re small in size, average about two feet across and are ideal for smaller spaces. Some have baffles which direct the light out through the tube so even though they’re not as large as traditional ones, they still provide an abundance of light.

Skylights aren’t like painting your wall where if you don’t like the color you can just redo it. This is a fairly detailed install so take the time to research styles and make sure that you will love the ones that you choose.

The bed is always the focal point in a contemporary-style bedroom so proper positioning is everything! While a minimalistic platform bed was once only available in a few styles, today you can find them in a wide variety of colors, some open underneath, others closed off. They typically do not have a headboard but if there is one, it’s usually quite basic.

So, with how simple these platform beds are, how do they demand so much attention? It’s all about the position in the room! A bed in a contemporary room can be placed in the room’s center but most people find they appreciate the security of a wall behind them. When placed against a wall, it should be a large solid one that can house a nice piece of art. It really should never be positioned under a window or in direct line with the door and you absolutely do not want to have a bed under a beam. It is suggested that the weight of a beam overhead can cause headaches and disrupt sleep patterns.

Draw More Attention

If you really want to zoom in on the bed, turn tall dressers or shelving so they are positioned kiddie corner, this allows them to be on an angle facing the bed. As a last tip, contemporary styling is minimalist but it is all about balance so if you have a lot of sharp lines including your bed, dresser, television, etc., consider adding a round nightstand, piece of art, rug or even a bean bag chair to bring an equal balance to the room.

While the picture above might be a little bit over the top, stainless steel is almost a no-brainer when it comes to kitchen appliances. Sure, you have other options, but why not go for the classic yet modern, sophisticated yet stylish, stainless steel?

It’s always in fashion, and it will, nine times out of ten, match whatever decor you surround it with.

So what is it about stainless steel that is so appealing?

First, it is a sophisticated material. Your oven, refrigerator, dishwasher and, yes, even your garbage bin will enjoy a glean of sophistication when you choose to have them done in stainless steel.

If you are able to get all of your appliances – the large and the small – in stainless steel, your kitchen will have a posh, unified look that will verge on the ultimate in style.

Stainless steel is a clean look, one that makes its surroundings look neat and organized as well. The crisp lines and reflective surface would be a luxurious addition to any home.

Although stainless steel will make your appliances stand out more than if you chose to conceal them, they’ll stand out with a bold, beautiful punch. Stainless steel is the material of bold designers who want to accentuate their stylish flair.

If you’re looking for a way to bring together your kitchen in sophisticated, timeless, yet ultra modern style, stainless steel is the way to go.

A Sears promotional code can save money on all stainless steel appliances!

Regardless if you are working with synthetic or natural light, it has the ability to energize not just your home but the people in it as well. Brilliant touches of radiance can invigorate your home instead of letting dark spaces create a dismal mood. These easy tips will bring light to your space to add cheer to your day.

• Welcome the Sun – Sheer window treatments, like sheer Levolor Blinds, provide brighter color by allowing natural light to fill the room. Thoughtfully placing mirrors where the light will be reflected will add a bright, positive energy to your space.

• Avoid Clutter – Ottomans and storage benches are ideal for hiding blankets, magazines, etc., when not in use. Also, avoid adding too much furniture or art to a room. Too many objects in a room can cause it to appear smaller and darker.

• Make Use of White – While white may not be the color you immediately think of when you picture contemporary design, small hints of it can certainly go a long way in brightening up your space. Fluorescent bulbs used in white accent lamps will offer you a more natural feel with your lighting while white moldings, shelves and picture frames can add just a hint of contrast in a darker room.

Light plays a key role in your mood and overall appearance of a room and should be treated as a primary decorating element, not an afterthought!