A Guide To Counter Lighting For Your Kitchen

If you’re just getting started with a kitchen remodeling or a few small updates, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. Should the countertops be granite, quartz, Corian, Formica or wood? What about the flooring – tile, hardwood, or laminate? When you move onto lighting decisions (often one of the last considerations a homeowner makes), you may be ready to throw in the towel and go for anything your contractor recommends.

Hold that thought! Under cabinet lighting is poised to bring out the colors and details of your countertops and backsplash, complement your wall color, and add warm ambiance to the entire room. It’s not the type of decision you want to slough off. And besides, once you know a few basics, it’s an easy choice. Read through the two considerations below and you’ll be ready to choose kitchen undercabinet lights that are perfect for your home.

Fixture Styles. This determines how the light will be distributed on your counters. If you have little time and energy in your hands to consider one aspect of your under cabinet lighting, let this be your choice. Now, picture your ideal kitchen with your favorite appliances, cabinets, wall colors, and most importantly, beautiful lighting. Hone in on those countertops: Is the lighting concentrated in mini-spotlights along the counters, creating a dramatic effect? Or is it distributed evenly for a more subtle glow?

You are analyzing the difference between puck lights and linear lights. Puck lighting results in the spotlight effect that comes in the form of small, usually circular light fixtures that shine down in pools of light on the counters. Linear undercounter lights are the opposite, with long, slim, low-profile light fixtures that are meant to light in a uniform manner. You may also encounter light strips in your search for under cabinet lighting. These are similar to linear lights but often don’t have the glass diffuser. Therefore, you see a bit more of the individual light bulbs with light strips than you do with linear lights.

Light Source. Now that you have decided whether you will go for puck lights, linear light fixtures, or light strips, it’s time to pick out the light source. Options here are LED, xenon, and fluorescent. You may also find halogen and incandescent under counter lights, but those light sources give off so much heat that it’s better to avoid them. That heat output can do a number on perishable food items you are storing in the cupboards above the lights, or fruits and veggies sitting out on the counters below. Fluorescent light fixtures get a bad rap for light quality because the older styles do not render colors accurately and have, unfortunately, made their way as permanent staples in office lighting. Don’t let that fool you! Modern fluorescent lights are available in a variety of color temperatures and provide high-quality light output that flatters your countertops and your complexion. If you go with “warm white,” you’ll be surprised by how well it emulates incandescent light bulbs. You can also opt for “neutral white” or “cool white” if you’re not a fan of the yellowish shades. The best part about fluorescent under cabinet lighting is that it’s incredibly efficient.

Xenon is the light source that many people aren’t too familiar with. Here’s the scoop: Xenon is a type of incandescent lighting which simply uses a bit of xenon gas inside the glass envelope of the light bulb in order to lengthen it’s lifetime. This one’s a beautiful choice for under cabinet lighting as it gives off an attractive warm light and it’s fully dimmable. Xenon does produce some heat, however not as much as halogen or incandescent lights do. Still, if you’re looking for a light fixture that’s cool to the touch, avoid xenon lighting.

Finally, the pinnacle of energy efficiency: LED under cabinet lights. Yes, they’re a little more expensive to purchase but their lifetime is downright impressive. You won’t have to purchase replacement light bulbs for years with LEDs, hence you can save money for the rainy days. Most LEDs aren’t dimmable, but some light fixtures have two levels of brightness. Many LED under cabinet lights give off a brilliant white light while others have a few options for color temperature, similar to that of  the fluorescent lights described above.

About the Author

Emily Widle is a blogger for Pegasus Lighting, an online retailer that sells a variety of unique lighting products for your special needs, including puck and linear under cabinet lighting.

How To Remove Carpet Stains

Removing carpet stains can be a bit tricky. For different kinds of stain, there are various ways of getting rid of them.

Here are a few tips on how to remove carpet stains:

• Treat the stain with table salt. One of the most effective ways of treating stains caused by fruits, juices, and wine is to treat the stain with table salt. Spread a small amount of salt on the stain because this will absorb the moisture and coloring on the carpet.
• Use a cleaning solution. The next step is to saturate the stain using a cleaning solution. After letting the salt stay for several minutes, spray the cleaning solution on the carpet and leave it on for several minutes. Use a brush to remove the stain from the carpet. Apply the spray again if necessary. Remove excess moisture with a rag or towel. Use a vacuum cleaner to dry the carpet.
• For water-soluble stains, use a cleaning solution. Simply mix ¼ teaspoon of nonbleach detergent with 32 ounces of water. You can also use white vinegar instead of the detergent. For other water-soluble stains which are hard to remove such as blood, mix one tablespoon of ammonia and one cup of water. However, this is not applicable for carpets made of wool.
• Use a paper towel to remove stains caused by oil, fat, and wax. Just put the paper towel above the carpet stain and then iron it. The stain from fat, wax, or oil would easily stick to the paper towel.
• Use rubbing alcohol to remove stains caused by paste or glue. For stains caused by glue, simply moisten a towel or cloth with rubbing alcohol and then press this on the stained portion of the carpet. Then, gently wipe this off and repeat the process until the stain is removed.
• Use ice to remove stains caused by chewing gum or wax. Get some ice cubes to cool the gum or wax. Once the stain is frozen, use a spoon or knife to remove the stain. You can blot the carpet with a towel or vacuum the broken pieces before they soften.
• Use a vinegar solution to remove stains caused by urine. First, use a damp cloth to absorb the urine. Then, mix one part of white vinegar with one part of water. Spray the mixture or blot it on the portion stained with urine. Then, put on a mixture of nonbleach detergent and water to clean the area.

So next time your carpet gets stained, there’s no need to worry. Using these tips, you can have them removed in no time.

For more tips, visit MyGetRidOfGuide.com, a website that can offer several solutions to your most unwanted problems.

 

How to Design Your Dream Green Kitchen

You might be hesitant to completely overhaul your kitchen for a number of reasons. For one thing, it will put the most popular room in your house out of commission for at least several weeks (more likely months). And in this economy it seems a bit ill-advised to undertake such an expensive project in home renovation (especially considering the state of the housing market and the poor odds of recouping costs on a sale in the near future). But even beyond that there are all kinds of environmental considerations to take into account. What happens to all the materials that get hauled away? Do they get recycled or receive a one-way ticket to the city dump? And no matter how you look at it, the materials you purchase to replace cabinets, counters, flooring, fixtures, and so on are going to have an impact. So how can you create the kitchen you’ve been dreaming of while still reducing your carbon footprint? Here are just a few design tips to help you out.

1. Hire a green designer. With the demand for environmentally sound products and services increasing every day, the green building industry has grown accordingly over the past several years. Eco-minded consumers like yourself now have many options when it comes to selecting contractors and designers that specialize in creating interior spaces that are geared towards greener living in every aspect of their inception. So rather than hiring a company that will do whatever they have to in order to cut their own costs (at the expense of the Earth) look for alternative service providers that share your sensibilities where the preservation of the planet is concerned.
2. Skip natural stone and wood. There is almost nothing worse you can do during the building process than choose newly manufactured wood and stone. Not only are you doing serious harm to our atmosphere by denuding the forests that supply our oxygen and reduce our carbon debt, but the mining and lumber industries are notorious for the massive pollution, waste, and overall damage to the landscape that is left in their wake. So take advantage of the many incredible faux options that are on the market these days or at least select sustainable materials like bamboo if you have to have everything new.
3. Look for reclaimed and recycled options. For the homeowner that is looking to go to green extremes during a kitchen remodel, reclaimed and recycled materials are a great option. You can find gorgeous hardwoods (complete with the luster of age) for flooring and cabinetry, natural stone like granite and marble for your counters, and even antique fixtures for your kitchen when you seek out vendors that deal in reclaimed items (and many offer refurbishing). You may also want to look into recycled glass counters or recycled wood cabinets, as well.
4. Reuse whenever possible. If your cabinets are in good condition (no sagging or structural issues) and they’re extremely functional, there’s no reason to replace them. You can easily upgrade through re-facing or adding paint, stain, or hardware. And if you already have energy-star appliances that are running efficiently, think about keeping them and possibly replacing just the panels to match your new kitchen décor.
5. Recycle your old kitchen. Everything from the fridge and freezer, to the cabinets and hardware, to the Venetian blinds can be donated to charitable organizations or sold off to vendors that specialize in refurbishing. So don’t hesitate to look into options that keep discarded items out of the landfill and help someone else to create their own dream green kitchen.

About the Author

Sarah Danielson is a freelance writer and part time student. In her spare time she likes to go hiking and help with an animal rescue out of Los Angeles, California.

Color Design for 2012

Any Texas Longhorn fan would be excited to see more orange in their life, even if that orange shade happens to be called Tangerine Tango instead of Burnt Orange. Interior design color trends for 2012 are an intriguing combination of classic neutral colors (shades of gray, white, and tan), vibrant shades of orange (a la Tangerine Tango), and various shades of precious stones (turquoise, for example).

Owners of downtown Austin condos or home owners in any other city where trends reign supreme, have levels of options regarding how much remodeling and redecorating they want to do in order to remain trendy. From simple basic changes to changing everything about an entire room, these new colors are the key to a trendy look.

Basic Changes

Homeowners who follow trends are well aware that the trends change as often as teenage girls change clothes. Those choosing to remain trendy with the least amount of effort (and cost) should create a neutral base and accent with trendy colors. For example: a living room with eggshell walls, khaki seating, and black tables could be accented with Tangerine Tango lampshades, throw pillows, and candles; a bedroom with black and white designed walls and silvery fixtures might accent with turquoise linens. You can create a new look with just a few items and very little work simply by changing out your accent pieces.

Intermediate Changes

Other homeowners may desire a bit more change than just accents. They could look into purchasing some chairs or a rug that boasts the warm, vibrant colors of 2012. New artworks for the walls that contain the new colors of choice ties in the walls without requiring you to paint an entire room.

Change It All

And, there are always those who choose to go big or go home. In this case, they go big at home. They will gut a room and start from scratch: new paint, new rugs, new furniture, and new accents. Texasfans, get excited! This is when burnt orange comes into play for condos in downtown Austin. While Tangerine Tango may be the top color of 2012, all shades of orange are considered trendy. For an all out trendy room, consider using a variety of shades of orange rather than an overdose of one shade. Another option is to use a combination of the color trends for the new room. Flip the Basic Changes plan on its head. Make the furniture and the walls the bright warm colors, and the accents the classic white and khaki shades.

Looking to redecorate the kitchen instead of a living room? The same ideas apply. Accent with a bowl of tangerines or some ruby colored plums, change the dish towels, placemats, and napkins. Find a modern light fixture that has all the latest colors: neutrals, precious stones, and of course, oranges. Or if you’re feeling bold, trade out your appliances for those displaying the colors of 2012.

5 Ways To Save Money When Remodeling Your Kitchen

It’s time to make some improvements in your kitchen. However, you’re thinking about the costs of remodelling it. Remodelling can be a bit expensive, especially if you’re having a tight budget at home. But there are ways you can save money when you decide to have your kitchen improved. Sounds too good to be true? Here are five ways you can do it:

1. Plan ahead. Before you begin anything else, try to think of a plan on how you want to have your kitchen improved. Evaluate your current situation and think of the things which need to be improved. Ask yourself, “what are the most important aspects that I have to prioritize for remodelling my kitchen?” Then, make a list of the things you need to repair or remodel. This will keep you on the right track. When you plan, think of the items you need to buy and those you can simply reuse or get from other sources.
2. Set a budget and stick to it. After planning how you want your kitchen done, set a budget and be sure that you stick to it. Refer to the list of items that you made earlier and try to make a budget estimate for your expenses. If you think you don’t have enough money, try to think of alternative ways or simply disregard the items which are not really necessary. This will enable you to keep track of your money and avoid spending on things which are not really needed for your kitchen remodelling project. Remember, you don’t need to buy everything.
3. Do it yourself. If you really want to save more money in remodelling your kitchen, you can actually do it yourself instead of hiring people to do the work for you. Labor costs can be expensive but if you do it yourself and ask the help of some friends, you can definitely save more money. Just be prepared with the materials and supplies you need beforehand.
4. Re-use old furniture and materials. Instead of buying new furniture and materials for your kitchen, why not look around your home and simply reuse your existing furniture and supplies? This will make you save more money instead of buying everything new.
5. Buy cheaper supplies and materials. Another way you can save money when remodelling your kitchen is to purchase materials at a lower cost. You can avail of coupons and discounts on items or simply buy second hand furniture and materials which are still in good condition.

Remodelling your kitchen can be done at an affordable cost. You don’t need to use up your money for that alone. Invest wisely.

This is a guest post written by HowtoGetFinanced.com. Here, you will find all sorts of advice when it comes to your finances.

Creating A Budget For Your Kitchen Remodel

Kitchen remodeling can be quite a confusing process when you first get started. You know what needs to get done but you have no idea how to price it out. The first thing that you need to do is figure out exactly how much you can afford to pay to remodel the kitchen. Set a price first that you’re not willing to go over no matter what.

During the kitchen remodeling process you’re going to fall in love with some things that you really can’t afford. If you don’t have a firm price set in mind, you’ll definitely end up going over what you can truly afford to pay. Then, you may not be able to enjoy your kitchen as much due to the guilt. Establish a firm maximum price and then decide to stick to it.

Establishing A Budget

Where does this price come from? Definitely not from the quotes and estimates that you’re going to gather up. It’s going to be determined according to how much of a loan you can afford to take out, how much money in savings you have set aside, or how much you can pay in installments if you find a company that is willing to take payments this way. This is how you first determine your final costs.

Collecting Quotes

After this, you’re going to be looking for quotes. At this time, you may find that you simply cannot afford to remodel your kitchen right now. That is fine. Simply put the project on the back burner and then get back to it when you can really afford to do something with your kitchen. If you go ahead with your plans anyway, you’ll end up spending too much money or you’ll settle for second best for your kitchen and won’t be truly happy with the result.

If you do see that you can go ahead with the project once you start gathering quotes together, then carry on with it. Get quotes from at least three different companies for different areas of the kitchen. For example, if you’re planning on doing a full kitchen renovation, get three quotes for flooring, three quotes for kitchen cabinets, three quotes for plumbing, etc. You’ll find a big difference between all of these three quotes and you’ll have to compare them to find out which one gives you the most value for your money. It’s not always the cheapest one that will give you that.

Using A General Contractor

You should also get three separate quotes from general contracting companies that can handle the whole job. Again, there will be a wide variation from one estimate to the next and you’ll have to compare these.

Next, you’ll want to compare prices between the separate quotes and the general contracting quotes. Is it going to cost you more to get everything done separately using different companies or more?

Once you have done everything above, you’ll have to look at the estimates and compare them to your budget. If the estimates that offer the best value fit within your budget, then everything is good to go. If not, you’ll have to see if you can rearrange things so that you don’t end up breaking your budget. At this point, you’ll know with full certainty whether this kitchen renovation project can be accomplished now or whether it’s something that you may need to put on hold for a little while longer.

Lucas Jenkins, webmaster for www.affordablehomeremodelingideas.com, wrote this article. He has many more home improvement related articles such as this one about small electric kitchen appliances at his website.

4 Quick Tips For Eco-Friendly Pest Control

1. Use Traps

For the majority of pests, including ants, roaches and rodents, there are traps that can get rid of them while being harmless to the environment. These devices are preferable to insecticide sprays and powders for many reasons. For one, they are scalable, meaning that you can purchase exactly the number that you need to control the problem without having leftover pesticide that you either have to store or properly dispose of. Also, they are reusable, and can be reset and replaced as many times as you need until the problem is under control. Lastly, they do not leave any toxic residue, unlike some pesticides, making these devices safe for children and pets as long as they are hidden, so that they are not accidentally triggered by anyone other than the targeted pests.

2. Consider Non-Toxic Bug Killing Powders

There are two main types of pest control powder that are non-toxic to humans and other mammals, but incredibly toxic to insects. The most popular of these is diatomaceous earth, which is made up of the fossilized remains of small plankton-like creatures called diatoms that lived many millions of years ago. Its chemical structure on a microscopic scale is such that it is highly abrasive to the protective exoskeleton of insects and will kill them through dehydration after they come into contact with the substance. The second type of organic pest control powder is known as boric acid, and it works in much the same way, by damaging the pests’ protective covering and leading to their dehydration and death. Both of these powders have a similar toxicity to table salt, that is to say they are completely harmless to mammals. So you can employ them wherever you need some extra pest control help.

3. Encourage Natural Pest Predators

This is something that escapes most people when they’re trying to think of how to deal with pest issues, but it can be one of the best, most eco-friendly, and lowest cost options for pest control that there is. For instance, if you’re dealing with a mouse or rat problem, having a cat around your property can do wonders for decreasing the population. And even leaving some bugs that you might think are pests, such as spiders, can drastically reduce the number of actual pest insects such as crickets and flies. Spiders in general are not a problem, as most of them do not bite and even fewer of them pose any threat to humans, so leaving them alone to eat more annoying insects is a good strategy for reducing the problems you might face.

4. Don’t Make Pests Feel At Home

The main reason people get infestations in the first place is that they have unknowingly rolled out the welcome mat for these bugs or rodents. Things as simple as garbage that hasn’t been taken out regularly enough or food that might have fallen under an appliance can be a huge attractant for pests of all kinds. Making sure to concentrate on keeping a very clean home will go further than most other pest control efforts, and what’s more it doesn’t cost anything. The most important measures that you can take are cleaning up messes right away, taking out trash every night and keeping it in sealed containers, and keeping food sealed away either in the fridge or in airtight canisters.

By following these 4 tips, you will have the upper hand over pests, all without the potentially harmful effects of pesticides and other products. Good luck!

About the Author

Sam Gerald is a writer specializing in pest control topics, particularly the greener options for getting rid of annoying bugs such as bed bugs. To learn more please visit Do My Own Pest Control.

How Much Does A Professional Organizer Cost

Are you tired of all the clutter and mess in your office or home? Do you hardly have time to fix everything up? Well, if you badly need to have your office or home organized as fast as possible, then you will definitely need a professional organizer to help you accomplish it. Professional organizers aren’t just lifesavers. They can assist you in making a personalized plan and create strategies on how to organize and fix your space minus the hassle and effort on your part. Professional organizers can handle just about anything you need- from time management to organizing your things and keeping control of your belongings.

Highly trained and highly skilled organizers can effectively assess your organizational style so that they can suggest strategies and techniques on how you can cope with everything. How much do professional organizers cost? Actually, there are some professional organizers who charge by the hour, depending on the tasks they’re set to do. The rate would vary of course depending on the qualifications of the organizer, the difficulty of the task, the risks involved in the work (if any), the time frame set for accomplishing the task, and so forth. There are a lot of factors to consider.

More experienced organizers charge higher rates than first timers or new ones. The range for hiring a professional organizer by the hour is between $35- $150. Some would include packages like a whole day of organizing which could cost as much as $500. On the other hand, there are professional organizers who cater to clients through phone or face to face conversation. They offer services by teaching or instructing clients on how to effectively organize. This type of service runs between $55- $100.

Other professional organizers may also charge a fee by the task instead of per hour. The rate for on the job organizing varies as well. Take note that aside from the fees charged by hour or by the task, professional organizers may also charge extra costs for organization products and resources. For example, they may buy items for your home or office such as trash cans, garbage bags, etc.

Also keep in mind that some professional organizers would end up deviating from the estimated cost. That of course would depend on the factors such as longer working hours. If you want to make life easier for you and if you have the money to spare, the best thing is to hire a professional organizer to help you. This way, you can spare yourself from all the burden of organizing.

About the Author

This is a guest post written by the writer of HowMuchIsIt, a website that states the price of just about anything.

Tips On Cleaning Up Your House Exterior

Just as with the rooms inside your home, the exterior of your house can wind up becoming dull, messy or weathered. Since the exterior of a home is exposed to the elements and, perhaps, is seen less by its occupants, it can be easy to allow this area to stagnate and eventually result to the building appearing unattractive. Freshening up your home’s exterior may take some time but when you end up with a brighter, cleaner, more appealing property, it’ll be worth it.

The first step should be to clean away any rubbish and waste that has accumulated outside. Sometimes this is simply a case of picking up discarded packaging, cigarette butts and so on, and taking them to the bin, while in other cases, you’ll need to remove items such as rogue tree branches that are encroaching on your patio from your garden. Use a power washer to clean any paving slabs around the rubbish bins and pull up any weeds that are ruining the look of the place. Take a mop or vacuum cleaner and remove any cobwebs or other debris that have appeared on things such as your acrylic house signs or in corners near drain pipes. Also, consider changing your house sign if needed, or putting one up if you haven’t got one yet. House signs instantly add worth and uniformity to the aesthetics of your house.

If the weather is reasonable, you may want to get outside and give the exterior of your house a lick of fresh paint. You could just use a new coat of the same colour or you could opt, instead, for a new shade to help spice things up. Ensure that you’ve carefully considered the surrounding area, though, before you choose your new paint since you’ll want to fit in, to some extent, with what’s around you. For example, picking a really bright paint may make your house look brash if every house near you is painted in very low-key colours. Some climates also suit certain colours more, such as light colours and hot weather. Also, discuss the colours you’re choosing with others in the household and reach an agreement before you start to make any radical changes.

If you’re having trouble with foliage, try clearing leaves away before they turn and cut down any dead branches you come across. This will help you make room for new plants, which will present a brighter home exterior when they grow and blossom. Trim any shrubs or bushes down to size  near your house’s entrance to create a neat impression.

A big job will come in the form of cleaning your home‘s outside walls. Luckily, you only need to do this a few times eack year at most, but it does mean your home’s exterior will be free from the dirt and debris that has slowly built up and so will be much cleaner as a result. A power washer is useful for this task, so ask a friend to borrow one or else rent a unit. You can use this power washer to attack the dirt across the entire exterior of your property.

About the Author

Our guest blogger today is Zoe, an avid design blogger and freelance copywriter who loves to share her knowledge through content on the internet. Currently, Zoe is writing for house sign company House Name Plate. Tweet your thoughts on this article to @bloggingstyle.

Eco-Conscious Cleaning Options For Your Home

There is currently so much press about being eco-friendly and companies know that green products are bound to sell. Because of this, it’s getting harder and harder to trust labels marked with words like “natural” or “green”. Conflicting information and confusing chemical laden labels might find you feeling overwhelmed when it comes to cleaning products for your home. But the truth is that some very basic household products are really all that you need to keep your house clean and germ-free, without all the confusion.

Baking Soda

One of the most useful household items to clean and refresh your home is Baking Soda. Many people are surprised to learn that baking soda is a non-toxic, multi-purpose cleaner that is extremely inexpensive. While baking soda can’t clean everything, it’s been a reliable cleaning agent for an extremely long time. Before companies began to market high potency, dangerous household cleaners with huge warning labels on them, our grandmothers were using baking soda for more than just baking cookies. Use baking soda to clean out clogged drains or to get the muck off your good pots and pans without using a harsh agent. Adding baking soda to your wash can make your colours stay better and your whites brighter. You may already know that baking soda keeps your refrigerator from smelling, but you can also use it to remove stains and spills.

Vinegar

Another wonder substance for cleaning is vinegar. Also extremely reliable and effective, vinegar can clean nearly anything for mere pennies per use. Vinegar is again non-toxic, making it an excellent choice for families with young children. Use vinegar for countertops and tables, as it kills most bacteria and germs which can cause illness to your family. Vinegar and newspaper is well known for being a foolproof window cleaner that leaves an amazing streak free clean. You can even rely on vinegar to clean extremely dirty areas such as the bathroom, and you may find that your home stays cleaner for longer.

Lemons

Because of the acidity in lemons, they also make an excellent cleaning agent. Many people find lemons to be more refreshing a scent than vinegar, and therefore prefer it. These amazing fruits are antibacterial and antiseptic, and can be used to wipe down countertops, tables, or even as a substitute for bleach in your white linens. The oils from the rind can also be used to polish wooden furniture.

You do everything that you can to keep your family safe, including changing your cleaning routines to ensure their protection. With these natural cleaners, you never have to worry about accidental poisonings in your home. But remember that these cleaners alone aren’t enough to guarantee your safety, and that you should always have adequate rental insurance to protect your home from unexpected issues.

This guest post is from Allison with RentersInsurance.com.