Home Kitchen

Which do you prefer for cooking, gas or electric?

There are many factors that can affect whether you prefer gas or electric. One is, as mentioned above, you can determine what type of range you grew up using. One important factor could be the cost of a stove. Electric stoves tend to be a bit taller than gas stoves. There really isn’t enough of a difference in purchase cost to make much of a difference. The amount really wouldn’t be enough to rule out one over the other. One factor that could make a difference for some people is the operating costs of the stoves. In most areas it is cheaper to use gas or natural gas than the cost of electricity.

An important factor, in my opinion, is the performance of the stove. Which stove works better for you individually, gas or electric? When you turn the burner on a gas stove up or down, it usually responds more or less instantly to that setting. When adjusting the burner on an electric stove, the stove does not respond instantly at all. It takes time for the burner to adjust, when turning it down or even turning it off. This may take some getting used to if you are used to the quick response of a gas stove. Another performance issue, between gas and electric cooktops, is that with an electric cooktop charring, flaming, and toasting are all things that cannot be achieved.

Another issue, especially if there are small children at home, is the safety of the chosen stove. Gas stoves have open flames; there is also the risk of a gas leak. Carbon monoxide detectors should be in place in a home that uses a gas stove. Electric stoves are generally considered safer. There are no reported fires associated with electric stoves, but they are much less numerous than fires associated with gas-powered stoves. There are also other stoves for electric cooking now such as smooth top stoves.

Finally, there are a few different little things that can help make up your mind. One determining factor is whether the home you are buying or living in supports gas or electricity. If you are renting, you may not have the option to replace the current stove in the home. If you are building and natural gas is not available, it may not be economically practical to run propane so you can have a gas stove.

Gas stoves can have an odor when you turn on the burners, also if the kitchen is small they tend to heat the kitchen. They are not as easy to clean, for the most part, as an electric stove. In a power outage, an electric stove will obviously not work, while your gas stove will continue to work. Even if you have an electric ignition, the burners can be lit with matches or a lighter. Electric stoves consume more energy than gas stoves. As mentioned before, they can’t really compete with the high heating efficiency of the gas stove.

Hopefully this will provide some insight and insight into the gas vs. electric stove debate.

Home Kitchen

Save electricity in the kitchen with a compact oven

Of all the rooms in your home, the kitchen and laundry room probably consume the most energy. Let’s face it, a lot of electricity is used in those two rooms. The first step to making these rooms more energy efficient is to purchase Energy Star appliances and buy only what you really need.

An often overlooked way to save energy in the kitchen is to use a smaller oven. These are often called toaster ovens, but that’s a bit of a misleading name. Larger professional toaster ovens do much more than toast bread and can save up to 50% on energy costs each time you use them instead of a conventional oven.

To get the most out of one of these smaller ovens, you want to make sure you get one that is large and powerful enough to replace your conventional oven most of the time. Look for a high power and an oven that is large enough to cook a frozen pizza.

Some of the other features that are important to have in a toaster oven are a broiler and a quality bake function.

You won’t save energy if you don’t use the oven, so make sure you get one that’s functional and attractive enough that you’ll enjoy using it. One of the smaller features that goes a long way towards this is a crumb tray that is deep and easily accessible for cleaning. I’m not sure why, but many of these types of ovens are built with crumb trays that are very hard to reach and then get dirty very quickly.

So when you’re looking to save money on your kitchen electric bill and want to make your kitchen more efficient, consider a countertop toaster oven along with other energy efficient appliances.

Home Kitchen

All about reinforcing bars and their applications

If you’re not completely familiar with the construction industry, rebar may seem like an unusual concept. Most would generally assume that steel reinforcing bars are like the commonly used set of bars that are placed to set and shape a construction along with concrete.

However, the concept of rebar is much more than that. Not only are they more rounded than other steel bars, but they are made from carbon steel and formed with ridges that help anchor the concrete in the event of tensile forces. Freestanding concrete, while strong enough to withstand compressive forces, has the potential to crack from tension forces and that’s where reinforcing steel bars come into the picture.

These deformations or ridges in the bars help to shift the load between the steel bars and the concrete. Where concrete, by itself, provides compressive strength to the building material, these bars provide the required tensile strength that prevents the material from crumbling under pressure.

Although the use of rebar in the construction industry dates back to 1968, plain rebar is still preferred in situations where the steel may slip. These reinforcing bars are created by hot rolling different types of steel materials. Most of these bars are made from new steel billets, but some also use scrap steel and even railroad tracks for rolling.

Rebar can be segmented into a variety of categories ranging from carbon steel bars and welded wire cloth to stainless steel rebar and galvanized rebar. Commonly known as reinforcing steel bar, these bars are available in a variety of grades with numerous specifications. According to the specifications, they are used depending on their resistance, composition and percentage of elongation.

Measured in fractions ranging in thickness from 1/8 inch, sizes can range from #3 bar to #18 bar. The designated grade for the bar is the same as its minimum yield strength. For example, a steel bar designated grade 40 will have a minimum yield strength of 40 kilopounds per square inch. The most commonly used grade for concrete construction is 60. For concrete constructions that have relatively low stress, such as sidewalks, the use of grade 40 steel bars is preferred, while for heavy-duty constructions such as plants and bridges , grade 75 steel bar is used.

However, for any construction, it is essential to correctly determine the capacity of the equipment, since the measurement of the bar varies according to the type of construction. Although it provides the required strength to the concrete, one must focus primarily on the base slab; unless the slab is properly placed to support the concrete, it will not serve its purpose.

Home Kitchen

How to Get a Cheap or Free Computer Monitor That’s Great

A personal computer is no good without a good monitor. Sure, computers are great at crunching numbers, but most of the time we’re surfing the web, dealing with emails, looking at photos or videos, and that requires a decent monitor. Many computers come with a monitor, but you may want to upgrade, and very often the great deals on computers come without a monitor. How can you get a really good monitor for cheap, or better yet, for free?

Now anyone can spend money on a monitor and buy whatever they want, and if you’re short on time and big on money, this is a reasonable thing to do, but there are plenty of monitors out there that won’t cost much.

First of all, the older monitors use CRT or cathode ray tube technology and are big, bulky and heavy, but many of them have large screens and absolutely wonderful graphics quality. Once you get the heavy beasts in place, they absolutely move. You can often get them for free! Yes, it’s pretty amazing, but people ditch the perfect monitors for the latest and greatest, that might not be the best quality! In my town you have to pay ten bucks to the landfill to get your monitor removed! So where do you find one of these monitors? Searching online locally is the best bet. Try Craigslist and Freecycle.org, for example, and you might find someone giving away a great monitor for free or selling it dirt cheap. Works; I did and got a rather heavy 24″ monitor with years of life and absolutely wonderful video quality.

Modern monitors use LCD or liquid crystal display technology and are also called flat panel monitors. Its biggest advantage is not the quality of the video, but the size and weight. They are thin and light. They can also cost quite a bit, but you can find decent ones online for around $100. Of course, you can also search Craigslist and eBay for used ones, and refurbished models are a good bet too; try some of the major vendor websites like Dell Computer.

I like to search Amazon for LCD monitors that are selling at a deep discount. You may need to look around a few times, but this often means the monitor has been discontinued and they are throwing out what few they have left at a very low price.

Home Kitchen

Advantages of Choosing Large Pepper Mill Styles

giant pepper mill Pepper mills are kitchen appliances that some of us can’t afford to miss. They come in small and large sizes. The main function of any pepper mill is to grind fresh peppercorns. If pepper is your best food seasoning ingredient, then you should eat it fresh. It is tasty and irresistible. Therefore, you need to save some money to buy your own pepper mill. The decision to buy a large pepper mill is a good one when you need large amounts of ground pepper.

Perhaps you are thinking of opening a restaurant or already have one. In such a commercial environment, small-sized pepper mills are unreliable. This is because time is of the essence both for your clients and for you. Therefore, you must find a way to provide enough freshly ground pepper for each customer who needs it. Now you know the answer, to buy a giant pepper mill.

First, it allows you to grind a large number of peppercorns at once. In this case, it will take longer before you can refill the device than with a small-sized pepper mill. Large pepper mill models can be made of different materials. These materials include wood, stainless steel, aluminum, iron, copper, brass, and silver, among others. You should decide the items that match your tastes and preferences.

Wood styles can complement different types of walls, ceilings, and floors. They are very stylish, attractive and affordable. Large stainless steel pepper mills are durable, rust-proof and reliable. They can be a bit expensive, but they are good for commercial uses. If you want to find out more about these grinders, read the customer reviews. Many of these reviews exist on the Internet.

Another important detail to take into account are the shapes and colors. Many of the styles that you can find today are very attractive. You can choose the best colored pepper mills, but make sure they can complement your kitchen or dining room decor. Pay attention to the style of finish as well. Attractive and stylish colored pepper mills are good for everyone. However, the color is not as important as the performance of the item.

Be sure to choose a large pepper mill that has a good working mechanism. Many of them do not have a complex mechanism of work. In other words, you need to choose a device that is easy to use. Most grinders can last a long time if you just maintain them properly. First, you have to clean them with a damp cloth and mild soap. Just wipe the grinders gently and dry them with a fluffy towel. Never immerse your pepper mills in any liquid, including water.

If you choose a wooden mill, you should polish it from time to time. This would keep the item looking good and attractive all the time. If you opt for the large stainless steel grinders, you will enjoy their easy maintenance. Cleaning them with a damp cloth cannot cause rust. Now is the time to make your peppercorn grinding job quick and easy. All you have to do is choose the most suitable large pepper mill. Make sure it matches your daily needs and meets your eyes.

Home Kitchen

Design a conscious home

Design a Conscious Home: Bring mindfulness into our lives by decorating our home with energy balancing techniques enriched with ancient spirituality, striving to live more mindful lives and evolving in unison with Mother Earth. Become aware of yourself and how you interact with the universe that leads you with its signs, welcoming us and enveloping us in a huge bear hug. Be aware of yourself, live consciously, improve your being and how you relate to the world. Let’s start our journey to live a more conscious life.

So now a question: Does your home consciously improve your life? Or block you?

Our abodes and homes interact with every aspect of our lives and the decisions we make. They can increase stress or, when designed with conscious intent, nourish us and magnify our connection to the world. To live a fuller and more positive life we ​​have to feel the positive interaction with the world around us.

Conscious living becomes even better when we create a Conscious Home. A home that is connected to our energy fields or aura and is a reflection of us and our life gives us the care we need. Knowing the different energy fields and how they are connected to the environment and the universe gives us the tools we need to create balanced interiors that inspire our minds and connect our spirit with the Divine.

Creating a mindful home starts with knowing yourself: what calms you down, what drives you, and what stresses you out. You can create a space that supports you, brings you joy, and inspires you to excel. Decorating beautifully improves your quality of life. By surrounding yourself with the five elements of nature: earth, water, fire, air and ether, your living space will come alive. Create a defined space with the beauty and enchanting energy of your beautiful self. The ancient doors of the ancient Indian Havelis carry the energies of the old days, each inscribed with ancient symbols of the sundial and lotus flowers, elephants and vines, bringing the earth and energetic elements into your home. Studded with iron and brass, they balance the electromagnetic field by grounding negative ions into the earth. Handmade cabinets and sideboards with these old doors are also used for the same reason as well as being unique and one of a kind.

Once you create a space, feel the flow of energy. The interiors must engage the senses and enrich the soul. The five senses of sight, smell, touch, touch, and hearing should feel balanced, but how do you incorporate each into your design? Colors play a vital role in sight, so colors continue to calm and relax like blues and greens. Jaipur old blue gates were used to bring the calm and tranquility of the water as Jaipur is a desert city. He plays with nested water features against a backdrop of Krishna and Ganesha wall sculptures, using water as a tool to bring peace and prosperity.

De-stress with lush potted plants that bring out the earth element. Keep your desktop neat and organized, enhancing the flow of harmony and peace.

Personalize your living space with pillows and throws, soft sari drapes, and pashmina throws. Wall art that gives you a tingling feeling when you see it, use it in your design. Select furniture that tells stories and reflects on you as a person, use it as inspiration to propel you towards your goal in life.

Finally, create a space that enhances your daily meditation and prayer practice. Take advantage of your spiritual being, prana, make your home a sanctuary and connect it with the Divine. The beautiful universe and its sacred elements raise your vibrational energies, deepening your connection and enhancing your spiritual growth, allowing the path to the heart to become vividly clear and evolve the person in you to become who you are.

A conscious home will give you joy, peace and prosperity. You will smile when you enter your home, you will feel relaxed and safe in its peaceful tranquility, and every moment will lead you to the expansion of a blissful life.

Home Kitchen

The do’s and don’ts of house hunting

Mark Nash, author of 1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home, gives homebuyers home runs and punches when looking for a home. It may not be obvious that what he wears when he looks for a house can affect what he pays for a house. Years of showing homes and introducing potential buyers to home sellers, the way buyers project themselves fashionably makes quite an impression.

First impressions of real estate agents and home sellers are all they have when evaluating potential buyers. If you appear well-groomed, low-key, and wear clothing appropriate for your home’s price range, you might be paying less than the tattooed, big-haired, over-jeweled, and ripped-jeans buyer you’re competing with in multiple bids for the same home. Buying a house is a business transaction, so think about business clothes when buying a house.

Women

-The pants are fine, but make sure they are not low riders.

-Get rid of t-shirts, tanks, and tank tops. House hunting is not a vacation.

-Skirts are great. The minis send the wrong message.

-Wear comfortable but presentable shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking, climbing stairs, and going in and out of transportation.

-Forget about high heels. Spiked heels on shoes can easily dent bamboo and other softer hardwood floors. Also, if you went into the yard to take a look at the roof, you could end up aerating up your lawn.

-Leave the animal prints for when you’re in a disco. Busy or fussy fashion styles can be distracting and not make everyone’s top ten fashion list.

-Simple jewelry and limited quantities accentuate your business outlook. Skip the bling, otherwise you could end up paying more for a house, because sellers think you can afford it.

-Simplify makeup, hair and manicure styles to appeal to most people. You won’t get a better deal because sellers love your fabulous acrylic nails.

-No fur coats, ever. It’s an outlandish, political statement that could cost you a house or an extra $10,000.

-No low cut or revealing look. Very rarely do homebuyers get a gender discount.

Men

-Check that the soles of the shoes are not covered in mud before entering any open house. Many homebuyers never made it to the kitchen after walking on a freshly cleaned carpet in dirty shoes.

-No jogging, gym clothes, bike shorts or bathing suits. Unless you’re trying out the workout facility in a condo building on your second visit.

-Business casual pants are best, but if you must wear jeans, make sure they are clean and not ripped.

-Open-necked shirts work well, but real estate agents and home sellers don’t need to see your polished or not-so-polished chest or four gold chains.

-Think twice before wearing more than one earring. If we were all equal, life would be boring.

-Skip the tank tops and muscle shirts and no showing elastic waistbands on your underwear, please. You can activate Mr. Houseseller, but Mr. Houseseller may not appreciate it.

-Limit the exposure of tattoos, they are fashionable, but not for everyone. The same goes for checkers in this case.

-Wear simple patterned shirts with matching plain pants. Remember that red denotes power.

Don’t dress too much to impress. Leave the cufflinks and French cuff shirts at home.

Both

-Coffee “cups to go” are not a fashion accessory. Coffee easily spills onto carpets when climbing stairs or opening cupboards and cabinets when touring properties.

-Baseball caps are for bad hair days. Plus, they send the wrong trading message by buying the biggest asset you’ll ever own.

-Wet umbrellas should be parked outside the front door, not on hardwood floors or entryway tables and chairs.

-Wear slip-on shoes when touring the open houses. You may be asked to remove your shoes out of cultural respect for the owner, inclement weather, or newly installed floor coverings.

-If you don’t want to take your shoes off buy and wear blue disposable surgical booties-or ask your agent for a pair.

-You must wear socks or stockings. No sandals, period. If you are asked to remove your shoes, homeowners may not necessarily want your feet bare on their floors.

-Cell phones. If you need to make or receive a call, please go to a place where you will not disturb others at the open house. Never negotiate a home purchase contract into a different property contract while you are looking at a house.

-Carry bicycle and motorcycle helmets with you. Ask before parking them on any surface.

-Shorts are okay if they are close to the knee. No ripped or too tight styles.

-Dress for the season. Don’t wear shorts in snow or black wool in August, even if it’s your best househunting outfit.

-Remove sunglasses when inside buildings. People expect some eye contact.

-Be careful with perfume. Lots of people are allergic to it nowadays and they could be the owners of the house you fell in love with.

-Put cigarettes, cigars and pipes out of sight. They’re not exactly a popular fashion or political statement in 2006.

Children

-T-shirts, pants, shoes and socks are required.

-Diapers are not in fashion.

Home Kitchen

Design Solutions for Like-minded Lifestyles: Merchandising for Millennials and Boomer Buyers

With the purchasing power of Millennials reaching its peak and Boomers still maintaining a strong presence among consumers, the demands and desires of these two generations are hot topics in home construction. The Boomer population is projected to drop from 74.9 million to 16 million by mid-century and the Millennial market is currently at 83 million and entering its peak consumption years. So these are two groups to pay close attention to.

The good news is that these dominant generations have very similar needs! Highlighted below are four influential factors that affect the lifestyles and purchasing choices of both Millennials and Boomers.

Factor one: ease of life

Millennials and boomers are at a stage in their lives where they want to focus less on “things” and more on themselves. This minimalist approach has traded the “keeping up with the neighbors” mentality for a lifestyle that allows them to “have more fun than the neighbors.” To address this desire, here are ease-of-living features to consider when building homes for Millennials and Boomers:

• Quality over quantity. These discerning generations are looking for a home that has a smaller footprint with well-designed spaces.

• It is important that the “lifestyle triangle” of a home is carefully designed. This is the flow and function of the kitchen, dining room, and great room.

• Have you previously planned the personalization of the space? Instead of a pantry off the kitchen, these buyers may want the flexibility of installing a laundry room or technology center. Giving them the ability to modify a floor plan is a standout selling feature for both Millennials and Boomers.

• Low maintenance selections are a must! Consider solid-surface countertops that won’t chip or stain (quartz, quartzite), large-format tile, and easy-to-maintain flooring (luxury vinyl, laminate, wood-look tile).

• Natural lighting, produced by strategically placed large windows, allows a smaller space to appear larger and provides plenty of light.

• By layering artificial light sources (overhead, recessed, lamps, under/over cabinet), millennials and boomers have well-lit spaces even on cloudy days or at night.

Factor Two: Experiences

As Boomers are proving to be healthier and wealthier than previous generations, they are gravitating toward spending their hard-earned money on experiences rather than material goods, just like today’s Millennials. As this “age of experience” is driving the demands of these two generations, homebuilders must rethink their products to highlight this growing lifestyle trend. To satisfy the desire for “experiences over things,” address the following when building homes for Millennials and Boomers.

• For these two target markets, the kitchen has become THE place to experience food, drink, entertainment, and friends. Create a kitchen Millennials and Boomers are sure to gobble up with features like a large island with seating (possibly a double island), a “messy kitchen,” and storage ideas like beverage centers, wine cabinets, pantries, and cabinet systems.

• Millennials and Boomers crave the experience of an outdoor space where they can relax, retreat and entertain. (Notice the entertaining theme?) Carefully market outdoor areas as “livable” square footage with additions to accommodate kitchen/dining, lounging, and entertaining. Windowed walls, as well as a continuation of flooring and styling, create a seamless flow from interior to exterior spaces.

• A home, like a community, must address technology as a key demand for Millennials and Boomers. After all, they want to be able to “publish” their countless experiences!

• A spa-like master bath is a haven for owner’s relaxation and retreat. It’s all about the shower, storage, and potential add-ons such as a spa glass, no-step entry, linear drain, rain and handheld showerheads, as well as plenty of natural and artificial light.

• For these dominant generations, the comforts of the community are just as important as the actual home. Features like location, catering kitchens, fitness, public and private spaces, outdoor living, and community activities produce a social environment where experiences can thrive.

Factor Three: Organization

The saying “smaller, but smarter” has never been more true for these buyer profiles, as they gravitate towards a home with thoughtful function and ample amounts of storage. These shoppers are drawn to the “age of experiences,” and the organization helps them fully embrace this adventurous trend. To satisfy the desire for organization, it is important to consider the following characteristics.

• The more storage, the better! Features such as walk-in closets, pantries, and attic and garage storage allow these homeowners to hide their “stuff” and focus on themselves. Cabinet systems, as well as an abundance of shelving, within these spaces create a variety of clever storage capabilities.

• Millennials and Boomers don’t want wasted space. When it comes to extra storage, it’s important not to overlook the unused nooks and crannies. Whether it’s an under-stairs bookcase or even a small pull-out cabinet for storing spices, these thoughtful design details are standout sales items that truly resonate with these shoppers. Places to focus on these creative storage ideas are high “drop zone” spots, such as the owner’s entry and laundry room, as well as kitchens and bathrooms.

• Mops, vacuums, blenders, juicers, tennis rackets, bikes: Millennials and boomers have plenty of items that need a “place to call home.” Even designating an area for your four-legged friends to sleep, bathe, and eat is a unique selling point that appeals to these dominant target markets. Be sure to think about how they live when determining storage spaces.

Factor four: individuality

Millennials and Boomers don’t want to miss out on the chance to show off their unique taste and smart style, especially when hosting friends and family. It is important to stay on top of current trends and offer them to these buyers. See how individuality can be achieved by focusing on the following characteristics.

• In a consumer world dominated by designs seen on Houzz, Pinterest and HGTV, Millennial and Boomer shoppers are drawn to a wide and up-to-date variety of selections. As trends continue to rapidly change, these discerning demographics want the next “cool” thing. With this in mind, builders need to be more style-savvy than their consumers and reevaluate selections each year.

• Today’s Millennial and Boomer dream is a relaxed yet elegant sanctuary that speaks to space efficiency and livability. Flexible multi-use spaces can accommodate the diverse priorities of these two generations while allowing them to highlight their preferences and personality. Whether it’s a man cave in the basement, a craft room in the loft space, or simply a bonus room that can act as a study or guest suite, flex spaces greatly appeal to these buyers’ aspiration for individuality.

• Well thought out marketing can truly “sell the dream.” By understanding the desires of millennials and boomers, project location, and overall budget, interior marketers can create a home design that excites potential buyers. These target markets want clean, simple products with added pops of color. And, by emphasizing flow, function, and flexibility with furnishings, a model’s marketing can be the most prominent selling feature that allows these buyers to visualize how the home meets and exceeds their expectations.

As Millennials enter the market in significant numbers and Boomers continue to spend a lot of money on housing, the comparable needs of these dominant demographic groups are the primary drivers in home construction. Do not miss the opportunity to address the demands of these two generations by recognizing and acting on the four guiding factors: ease of life, experiences, organization and individuality.

Home Kitchen

Staging Tips That Help Homes Sell More For The Best Price

The idea is all about exterior appearance, presentation, and preparation, with the goal of selling a home faster and getting a higher market value. Try to make your home memorable so that it stands out in the buyer’s mind. Increasing your home’s curb appeal, removing clutter and dirt are top selling ideas for your home. Here I will discuss staging tips that help homes sell the most for the best price.

Also clean your home windows efficiently. Polish the floor, wood, deep clean mirrors, remove cobwebs, clean kitchen appliances, dry clean curtains, shampoo carpets, dust blinds and wash all windows in your home. You can hire a cleaning crew to make your home shine. Make your home free of unpleasant odors; try to use good quality air fresheners to create pleasant scents.

Removing extra furniture from your room can give it a brighter, larger look. Bathroom and kitchen counters should be clean. Apply the 50% rule that can help you eliminate clutter in your home. Clutter makes houses appear disorganized and smaller. Have you noticed that expensive houses can be sold quickly due to their comfortable and neat layout?

Pay special attention to the front exterior. Buyers will pay more for energy efficient and green, such as blown-in cellulose insulation, dual-flush toilets, tankless water heater, energy-start-rated low-E windows, programmable thermostats, sealed ductwork, solar systems, and automation systems. of home.

Make your home look bright and spacious. Better to change light bulbs, re-carpet your house, and use neutral colors to give your home a great look. Try to convey an image of neutrality. Give a lot of light from different sources. An interior designer advises combining a variety of lights, such as ambient lighting, accent lighting, and task lighting. These are stylish and functional.

Strategically pricing your home right is the key decision to sell. An easy but important technique for pricing your home is to spend the day looking at your competitors’ homes.

Buyers pay special attention to bathrooms and kitchen. An updated kitchen and bathroom can add tremendous value to your home. However, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It is best to buy all new cabinets and save money by buying pre-made cabinets. You will need to update hardware such as your cabinet door knob as it will not add any value to your kitchen. You can also trade in an item, like an outdated microwave or stained sink, for newer stainless steel models.

Home Kitchen

Tips and ideas for decorating country houses

Farmhouse decorating is generally referred to as a “rustic” decorating style and can be created whether you live in a cabin-style home, mountain retirement home, or modern city apartment. Your home is your castle and you can create the look and feel of a country house no matter where you live.

Cottage-style homes are often made of stone or logs and offer a comfortable “home” feeling and are generally simple, charming, and unpretentious in their decorating style. You’ll want to incorporate the use of stone and natural woods, such as pine, which can be unfinished, aged, weathered, and hand-painted with designs such as birds, animals, country landscapes, flowers, or leaves.

Rustic country decor is all about handmade objects and furniture that connect with nature. Rustic country decor can start in the kitchen with a large, aged and weathered rectangular pine table, along with ladder-back chairs. Antique wrought iron or metal tabletop candle holders are appropriate for lighting a rustic decor, as well as hurricane and oil or kerosene lamps.

Vintage wrought iron or metal hardware is an excellent idea for decorating a country house and is available in many different styles and finishes. Use cabinets and pantries with open shelves and dish racks to display colorful dishes and dinnerware collections in earth tones, off white or blues and greens, glazed china and glass jars.

Add a rustic butcher block island and simple-lined copper or cast iron pots and pans. Another popular country house idea is to stencil decorating themes like roosters, hens, apples, or cows onto vintage wooden shelves, the edge of the wall, or a rocking chair in the corner of the room. Use lots of baskets to store fire logs, pinecones, and sewing.

Country-style living rooms start with bare or waxed hardwood floors or stone materials paired with floor coverings like wool oriental rugs for warmth and texture. Add a warm bedspread or “throw” on the sofa, stencils on the walls, and decorations of flowers and wreaths.

Gingham patterns create a country home feel and can be used for window treatments, dining room chairs, upholstery, and wallpaper. Wreaths make a nice rustic decoration on a wall or door and can be found in many colors and materials such as pine or branches. You can make your own by shopping at craft supply stores and choosing from many different color schemes.

Add rocking chairs, Adirondack chairs, trunks, chests, and antique or reproduction furniture. You can find cheap and inexpensive antique furniture at garage and yard sales, flea markets, thrift stores, and consignment stores.

The country-style bathroom will have a clawfoot tub and pedestal sink with antique brass faucets and rustic antique cabinets and hardware. Use lots of baskets to store your towels, sponges, and shampoos. Your rustic-style bathroom should create an atmosphere of calm and serenity. Don’t forget the candles for a calming and relaxing bath after a long day.

Rustic farmhouse or cabin décor includes elements that are more simple, personal, comfortable, warm and inviting and can be created to express your personality no matter where your home is located.