• Flexibility As water storage needs change, the number of rain water barrels in a system can follow suit. • Happier plants Rainwater is free of the additives (e.g., chlorine and fluoride) in tap water that plants don’t need or want. Rainwater is also slightly acidic, helping plants access soil nutrients. However, certain roofs can ...

Indoor plants help create a pleasant home environment. Small plants add color and scenery to windows or tables, while larger ones soften and blend with groups of furniture. As a part of the “indoor landscape,” plants create a cool, spacious feeling, even in the warmest weather. A planter with flower is always looking good for ...

Lighting is as necessary to your home as your foundation, yet lighting your home can be one of the most difficult chores to accomplish. Whether you are building a new home or remodeling, a lighting plan is a necessity in any home design process. The task of lighting a home can be overwhelming with today’s ...

If your rental clause is cramping your decorating style as well as your living space, it is time to stretch with some ideas. Make the best use of your existing furnishings and improvise with inexpensive surface solutions you can easily remove and take with you to your next apartment. Be sure to check your lease ...

A long time ago, in Europe, furniture was not like our furniture is today. Most pieces were stuffed with straw or horsehair, and then covered with finely woven textiles. These magnificent textiles were covered with flour sacks and other pieces of woven cloth when they were not in use to keep them looking new. Furniture ...

There is a basic, but fundamental question that always comes up when I’m designing an item for someone or giving them some decorating tips. Very often, the answer is, “I really don’t know.” What is the question? It’s, “What style(s) of decorating do you like?” Do YOU know the answer to that question? If you ...

Structured wiring is a generic term used to describe many different types of residential wiring products that distribute a variety of data signals throughout a home. Signal types such as cable television, telephones, and Ethernet computer networks are common examples. Wiring Options The wires included in a structured wiring bundle vary by manufacturer, but look ...

In the past, many homes were built with unfinished basements and the homeowner used those dark, bare, usually damp spaces for storage, laundry, or large collections of spider webs and dust bunnies. You may have bought one yourself and now, with the high price of new housing, you are looking to expand your current house ...