Concrete is one of the oldest and widely used construction materials and possesses many inherent qualities which can be used to benefit the client, designer and contractor.
From functionality to design versatility, concrete delivers a complete package that makes it a great material for your homes driveway, patios and sidewalks. Additionally you can have bars, BBQs, chairs and stools, benches, waterfalls, trees and even imitate CORAL, all these made from concrete.
There are many benefits for using concrete for your next project which include: Exceptional durability, flexibility of shape and form, heat/cold resistant, simple and easy maintenance, functionality and concrete is environmentally friendly.
One of the best ways to improve the appearance and value of your home is Stamped concrete.
Stamped Concrete is concrete that is patterned and/or textured to resemble brick, slate, flagstone, stone, tile, wood, and various other patterns and textures. Stamped concrete is commonly used for patios, sidewalks, driveways, pool decks, and interior flooring. The ability of stamped concrete to resemble other building materials makes stamped concrete a less expensive alternative to using those other authentic materials such as stone, slate or brick.
There are three procedures used in stamped concrete which separate it from other concrete procedures; the addition of a base color, the addition of an accent color, and stamping a pattern into the concrete. These three procedures provide stamped concrete with a color and shape similar to the natural building material. It also is longer lasting than paved stone, and still resembles the look. Depending on the size of the job, the average driveway takes approximately one week to finish.
Article brought to you by: www.Mrstampconcrete.com
(CBS) MIAMI - The Miami Dade Police Department has fired a sergeant and two officers and suspended three others without pay in what is considered one of the worst incidents of delinquency in the departments history, CBS Miami reports.
The accusations vary against each officer, but they include: failing to respond to emergency calls, pretending to be on calls when they werent and falsifying police records, according to the station.
The officers-- an entire squad assigned to patrol a large area of Kendall, Fla. -- were followed and caught on surveillance video by Internal Affairs in 2010, but it wasnt until September 2012 that they were ultimately disciplined, the station says.
According to CBS Miami, one of the fired officers, Dario Socarras, is accused of ignoring armed robbery and residential burglary calls so he could meet his girlfriend in a mall parking lot. Socarras was caught on surveillance video on two different occasions kissing and cuddling his girlfriend in a parking lot as other officers were forced to respond to emergency calls for help.
Socarras also allegedly misled a crime victim into believing he was going to fill out a report about stolen items, but instead told dispatchers no crime had occurred. He even gave the victim a phony case number, CBS Miami reports.
Socarras, along with Sgt. Jennifer Gonzalez and Officer Jose Huerta were fired after an internal police panel reviewed their actions.
In total, the internal investigation reported 134 violations of departmental rules and procedures.
Investigators claim Gonzalez went shopping when she should have been working. In one case, surveillance video captured a store clerk helping her load her goods into the squad car. Investigators also allege she would spend hours visiting her parents when she should have been on patrol or supervising other officers in her squad.
According to the station, Huerta was criticized for not immediately responding to a call where a 5-year-old child was locked inside a vehicle. Huerta would allegedly claim to be tied up on a call on several different occasions when in fact he was free to respond.
Perhaps the most egregious incident of all involved all three of the fired officers. According to the station, Socarras was dispatched on an emergency call in which a 5-month-old child was unconscious and in need of medical attention. Socarras reportedly told the dispatcher he was "en route." In reality, he was out drinking coffee with his supervisor, Sgt. Gonzalez, and Officer Huerta.
The other three suspended officers, Jeffrey Price, Fabian Owens, and Ivan Tomas, are also accused of various violations including failing to respond to the scene of an emergency call. All three received suspensions ranging from five to 20 days for their actions, the station reports.
According to CBS Miami, Gonzalez is planning on appealing her firing. Socarras and Huerta are also trying to get their jobs back.
Provided by www.CBSnews.com
o often we focus on the metropolitan side of Miami as a source for dining entertainment. As a result, we neglect to consider the suburbs, especially when its close and convenient. The recent opening of Devon Seafood & Steak will leave you feeling you are in a chic area of town. One of the latest restaurants to open in the Palms at Town & Country mall in Kendall, Devon is a neighbor of Cadillac Ranch, Blue Martini, Carmines, and Outback. This lively corner of The Palms at Town & Country Mall attracts attention, and now, has a lot to shine bright about. Devon takes advantage of the pleasant lake-side view inspiring an emotional feeling of luxurious water front dining. Drive by and you will take immediate notice of this fabulous restaurant by its contemporary look and appeal. You will also perceive the high traffic this new establishment and its neighbors promote.
On a recent Friday night, My family and I made reservations at 8pm to see what the hype was all about. To my surprise the seafood-and-steak restaurant was pleasantly busy. This place is huge and it was buzzing with guests filled with smiles and contentment. Upon entering, you are succumbed by an energy reserved for a Vegas restaurant. Modern textures combined with wood tones fill you with a welcomed feeling. The bar area blends flawlessly with the outside, becoming one open area overlooking the lake. This space is part of a formula that equates a nice dinner by the water or the perfect ambiance for cocktails. If you prefer, choose a couch in front of the fire for drinks and romance. Beyond the bars glass shelves is a glimpse of the dining rooms action. The treats that dance around beyond the glass is a constant reminder of the food being served.
We were seated on a large booth in the main dining room. The booths are slightly elevated allowing a clear view to see and be seen, a la South Beach. The elevation also provided a clear view of the almost-open kitchen, which is concealed by decorative accents. The dcor is contemporary American, with vivid art placed across the dining rooms light wooden walls. You are promptly introduced to baked biscuits and homemade citric honey butter. The ambiance is comfortable filled with hints of music and conversation. An adequate balance of sounds provides a cocoon for you and yours.
Our server had a complete understanding of the menu and the restaurants forte, which he explained is seafood. Our server informed us that they procure the freshest available seafood direct from the most reputable sources, in a multitude of locations, based on the days catch. The availability of premium fish determines what makes the menu every day no matter what corner of the world it came from.
Nothing compliments a good dish like a good wine. Devons extensive wine and liqueur list realizes the needs of all types of connoisseurs. The display cellar claims to showcase over 600 wines and champagnes, including rare and collectable selections from the finest wine-producing regions in the world. You can enjoy your BARRAMUNDI from New Zealand with a white of your choice.
Devon is not open for lunch, but I hear the brunch is a hit! And, get this, kids under the age of 4 get complimentary brunch and a menu that offers an unlimited number of made-to-order Belgian waffles and cinnamon fritter desserts. For the mature seafood lover, you can indulge on the cold seafood display, which includes assorted smoked fish, oysters on the half-shell, and cocktail shrimp among others. Moreover, enjoy the carving station as well as the sushi and sashimi, all offered for just $27 per person. Just add $5 for cocktails and champagne and you are ready for an afternoon nap.
The rewarding thing at Devon is choosing from all the selections. With an extensive menu that contains soups, salads, appetizers, chilled shellfish, crab, lobster, USDA Prime steaks, seafood entres aside from the fresh fish of the day, and sides, youll welcome a few cocktails back to select just an appetizer. Cocktails are all priced at $10, while food ranges from a low $2.50 for oysters to a high $45 for a 16-ounce Kansas City strip. My outing encompassed my wife with my two young girls and we all said we would come back.
If you've checked shelters and rescue groups and still haven't found "the one," here's what to do The Humane Society of the United States
So, you've decided to get a dog. You're prepared to feed, exercise, train, clean up after, work through problems with, and love a dog every day for the next 10 to 20 years.
You've evaluated your lifestyle and know exactly what sort of dog you're looking for (e.g., a high energy dog to go running with, or a more sedate dog to lounge on the couch with), and you know that you need to seek out your desired characteristics in an individual dog, not a breed, because a breed is no guarantee of temperament or likes and dislikes.
Start at a shelter or rescue group
One in every four dogs in animal shelters in the United States is a purebred, and mixed breed dogs also make great pets, so start your search there. Not only are you likely to find a great dog, you'll also feel great about helping a homeless dog find a loving home. Most dogs lose their homes because of "people" reasons, such as cost, lack of time, lifestyle changes (new baby, divorce, moving, or marriage), or allergies, and not because of something the dog has done.
Say you've checked out the purebred rescue group for your breed, but still haven't found "the one." You don't want to buy a puppy from a pet store because you know that most of those puppies come from mass breeding facilitiesbetter known as puppy mills.
In the end, if you've decided to buy a dog from a breeder, you'll want to support one who has their dogs' best interests at heart.
How to ID a responsible breeder
Responsible breeders don't sell their puppies to the first person who shows up with cash in hand. Too often, unsuspecting people buy puppies from puppy mills, or sometimes neighbors who breed their dog to make a little money or simply because they have a dog "with papers." Too often, the result is puppies in poor health or with temperament problems that may not be discovered right away.
A dog who has genetic health problems due to poor breeding practices or who develops significant behavior problems due to a lack of early socialization can cost thousands of dollars to treatand result in grief and heartache as well.
Avoid the pitfalls
Download our "How to Identify a Responsible Dog Breeder" [PDF] checklist and take it with you as you visit different breeders. If the breeder you're working with doesn't meet all of the minimum criteria listed, The Humane Society of the United States advises you to walk away. Remember, your dog will likely live 10 to 20 years, so it's well worth investing some time now to be sure you're working with a responsible breeder who breeds healthy, happy dogs and keeps them in clean and humane conditions.
You can also check the PupQuest website, which is run by licensed veterinarians and warns against the health problems with puppy mill dogs.
Get a referral
You can find responsible breeders by asking for referrals from your veterinarian or trusted friends, by contacting local breed clubs, or visiting professional dog shows. Remember, a responsible breeder will never sell her dogs through a pet store or in any other way that does not allow her to meet with and thoroughly interview you to ensure that the puppy is a good match for your family and that you will provide a responsible, lifelong home.
Always visit where they were born and raised
Always personally visit a breeder's facility before buying a puppy. Find out where your puppy was born and raised. Take the time now to find the right breeder and you'll thank yourself for the rest of your dog's life.
Brought to you by:
Cutler Bay Animal Clinic 786.309.9022 18966 S. Dixie Hwy. Cutler Bay
One of the biggest nuisances faced by pet owners is unwanted hair in their homes. Nearly every dog and cat - regardless of their age or breed - sheds. Some breeds have more hair or thicker undercoats and will shed in higher quantities, but virtually all dogs and cats will shed hair. While we cannot stop a dog or cat from shedding, we can help reduce the amount of loose hair, and also effectively remove the hair so it doesn't create a problem in our homes.
Animals shed to get rid of old, damaged, or extra hair. Animals grow a heavy coat in the winter to help insulate themselves and then shed the extra hair in the summer. However, dogs will also shed broken or damaged hair, and if their skin is irritated from conditions such as allergies, they will also shed excessively. This article will give tips for keeping your dog's skin and hair healthy to reduce shedding as well as effectively removing the hair.
Brush your pet! Regular, even daily, brushing is the best thing you can do to keep your home free of hair. Brushing will also make your pet's coat softer, cleaner, and less likely to shed.
Feed an appropriate pet food. A pet's coat is often a reflection of what they eat. Feed a high quality food with good digestible protein sources.
Feed a fatty acid supplement like Vitacoat Plus. Giving Vitacoat Plus to your dog keeps his coat healthy.
Cover your furniture and car seats. Upholstery is a magnet for pet hair, and removing pet hair from furniture or car seats can be a tedious task. If you allow pets on your furniture or bed, you would be wise to invest in a few furniture throws. Throws will keep your furniture looking (and smelling) better, and make your home more inviting to guests. Car seat covers are also an excellent investment and are highly recommended.
Control allergies and fleas. See your veterinarian to make sure your pet is getting proper allergy relief. To prevent itching and scratching from fleas, use Bio Spot Defense Spot On or Advantage II to prevent and control infestations.
Vacuum often. Be diligent in your vacuuming efforts. Frequent vacuuming is the best way to keep your home hair free.
Bathe your dog occasionally during the summer. A clean dog will have a healthier coat. A gentle oatmeal shampoo once a week or so will clean without drying the skin and rejuvenate a lackluster haircoat.
Have regular checkups. Many diseases can affect the skin and haircoat. Regular visits to your veterinarian will help identify problems early, and provide more effective treatment.
Use the right brush. Slicker Brushes, Shedding Blades, Matbreakers and Love Gloves each have a specific function and work best on the type of coat they are designed for. Most pets need more than one type of brush to remove all of the dead hair.
Remove hair from upholstery and your dog's bed as soon as possible. Hair that is newly shed is easier to remove before it works its way into upholstery fabric. A Tape Roller is one of the best tools for removing hair.
Remember that routine brushing and grooming are an important part of every pet's care. By paying attention to your pet's diet and following these tips, you can significantly reduce the amount of pet hair in your home, on your furniture, and in your car.
2009 Drs. Foster and Smith, Inc. Reprinted as a courtesy and with permission from
DrsFosterSmith.com (http://www.DrsFosterSmith.com) Free pet supply catalog: 1-800-323-4208
Upscale Furniture Consignment Gallery has expanded! The very unusual pieces curated by the owner Rita Schwartz, makes this South Florida store a MUST when decorating your home or apartment.
The store whose retail space has now been doubled to 6,000 square feet, boasts antique items as well as contemporary pieces. With its spacious new gallery you will not only find all your basic furnishings: sofas, dining sets, coffee and end tables, etc., but also the extras that personalize your living space: chandeliers, table lamps, paintings, sculptures, etc. All one-of-a-kind pieces that will enrich any dcor.There is also an in house floral designer, Carolina, that will custom make an arrangement if you dont see the exact fit for your home.
Theyre newly renovated showroom is cause to celebrate and they are having a fabulous Grand Re-Opening sale! With up to 50% off on ANYTHING with LEGS! That includes dining tables, coffee tables, end tables, occasional tables, chairs and anything you can think of that has LEGS.
Miami-Dade County Public Schools are beginning an in-school pilot program to educate fourth graders on nutrition, physical well-being and the appreciation of cultural diversity.
The program is in partnership with the nonprofit Common Threads.
The obesity program is one reason Miami-Dade Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, whos been superintendent for four years in Miami, was honored at Common Threads annual World Festival in October for his work fighting childhood obesity in schools.
Miami-Dade schools have a plan for a pilot program in select schools that will include 20- to 40-minute interactive lessons. The content incorporates Common Core State Standards in math and English.
The program is known as Small Bites. Fifteen lessons are incorporated into the regular school day once or twice a month.
The idea is to give teachers an innovative way to support the Common Core while teaching students how to live longer, healthier lives.
Linda Novick OKeefe, Executive Director of Common Threads, called the obesity issue a growing public health concern.
"Miami-Dade County Public Schools has long demonstrated a strong commitment to innovative educational programming," OKeefe said, "and we look forward to working with Superintendent Carvalho in the expansion of our programs through this in-school pilot."
Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control:
Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years.
Overweight and obesity are the result of "caloric imbalance"too few calories expended for the amount of calories consumedand are affected by various genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors.
Overweight and obesity are associated with increased risk for many types of cancer.
Obese youth are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. In a sample of 5- to 17-year-olds, 70 percent of obese youth had at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Schools play a particularly critical role by establishing a safe and supportive environment with policies and practices that support healthy behaviors. Schools also provide opportunities for students to learn about and practice healthy eating and physical activity behaviors.
Common Threads was created in 2003 to educate children on nutrition and physical well-being. The nonprofit organization also provides after-school programming for kids ages to 8 through 12 years old.
More at http://stateimpact.npr.org
T
With its high sides, awkwardly placed faucets, slick bottom, and hard surfaces, the standard bathtub is a prime cause of bathroom injuries. Seeking a safer alternative, many concerned families are replacing the old tub with a new Safe Step Walk-In Tub. Designed and built in the U.S. with a lifetime warranty, every Safe Step Walk-In Tub features the most advanced technology and design for safety and comfort:
Easy entrance with short, 4-inch high step up.
Comfortable 17-inch ComfortSeat built in.
In-line heater maintains water temperature.
Easy-Reach Delta
Gentle Jet hydro-massage system with
10 water jets, 16 air bubble jets.
"Best in the business" lifetime warranty on tub and door seal.
"Ease-of-Use Commendation" from the Arthritis Foundation.
Installation by expert, insured installers included.
Designed to fi t in the same space as the existing tub, the Safe Step Walk-In Tub is not only safer, it's also more soothing because ten strategically placed water jets and 16 air bubble jets surround sore muscles and joints with deep, therapeutic relief. You can even add exotic fragrances for aromatherapy benefits. Now that's relaxation!
You can't fi nd a safer walk-in tub at a better price.
If a safe and relaxing bath sounds good to you, call us now. No matter where you live in the United States, one of our friendly, knowledgeable associates will answer your.
1
A legendary spice of Greek mythology created by Aphrodite: the goddess of love and beauty who gave it to man to make his life happier. In fact, "oregano" derives from the Greek phrase, "joy of life".
The Roman's, who later conquered Greece, tasted oregano and thought that it was good and as the Roman Empire expanded, the herb was cultivated with ease throughout Europe and much of Northern Africa where it was used to spice meats, fish, and even as a flavoring for wine. In the middle Ages, Oregano was one of the few seasonings available to give variety to food. Later it found its way to Asia probably via the spice road through the Middle-East, from where, like other condiments, arrived into America. Oregano was little used in American cuisine and it came to popularity when Italians immigrated to the United States, mainly during the 19th Century. Along they brought the aromas and flavors of this herb that enhanced the taste of succulent pasta dishes, savory stews and soups and delightful flat breads called "pizza" which eventually became America's favorite.
Ancient physicians discovered that the herb had beneficial effects and prescribed it as an anti-bacterial. Hippocrates (father of medicine) used it as an antiseptic. During the Medieval period, doctor's prescribed it to relieve fever, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, and itchy skin. People would even chew the oregano leaves as a cure for rheumatism, toothache, indigestion and cough suppressant. Today's researches indicate that oregano is also an excellent antioxidant and various companies sell it in capsules or extracts which support both the immune and circulatory systems, and can be useful for various skin conditions.. Fresh oregano is also a source of fiber and is loaded with vitamins and nutrients, but we would have to eat it in large quantities.
This savory spice not usually used in sweet dishes has a pungent smell and a strong taste; it is one of the few herbs that is stronger dried than fresh so it can easily be over-done. This spice goes well with meats, poultry, and fish; all kinds of vegetables, especially with broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini etc.; with all types of tomato sauces, and of course just about with any pizza. Other ingredients that go with oregano are basil, garlic, parsley, sage, thyme, cumin, pepper, celery and onions. Oregano can be effectively combined with olives and capers. It harmonizes with hot and spicy food, popular In Central and South America. Oregano turns any concoction into a delectable treat; so experience "the joy of life" by regularly adding some Oregano to your cooking!
Savory Chicken Stew
2 to 3 pounds meaty chicken pieces
2 stalks of celery
2 yellow onions
1 green bell pepper
2 carrots
1 14.5-ounce can whole tomatoes; undrained
2 crushed cloves garlic
tbsp.
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon black and sweet peppercorns
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. butter
cup dry red wine
Salt and pepper to taste.
5 to 6 servings.
Cut vegetables in big chunks. Skin and wash chicken; pat dry. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. In a large pot melt the butter with the hot oil, and brown chicken on all sides. Remove and add vegetables to the drippings until just tender. Return chicken to the pot, pour in the tomatoes and season with the rest of the ingredients. Pour in the red wine; bring to a boil (medium-high), and immediately reduce to simmer for 30 to 35 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink. If you like Italian serves it with PASTA; if you like LATIN, add capers, green olives and serve it with rice!
For more details visit: www.resourceliving.com
If you would like to sponsor this page please call 786-271-2974.
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Why is chocolate dangerous for your dog?
Both milk chocolate and dark chocolate contain toxins called methylxanthines in the form of caffeine and theobromine. Caffeine is a well-known stimulant. Theobromine, a bitter, colorless chemical, increases urine production, relaxes blood vessels, and stimulates the heart. Methylxanthines are also found in coffee, tea, cola, and cocoa bean hulls (landscape bedding).
Just how much chocolate is too much?
Ideally, your dog should never consume chocolate. Mild symptoms occur with the ingestion of 9 mg per pound of body weight of either caffeine or theobromine. Severe signs occur around 20 mg/lb. Seizures and possible death can occur after ingestion of 27 mg of theobromine or caffeine per pound of body weight. Since milk chocolate contains 58 mg/oz of theobromine, a dose of less than 1 oz of milk chocolate per pound of body weight could potentially cause death. Less than 0.1 oz of baking chocolate per pound of body weight could be lethal, and less than 0.075 oz per pound of cocoa could be toxic. Usually the more bitter the chocolate, the higher the level of theobromine.
What should you do if your dog ingests chocolate?
First, call your veterinarian, who will evaluate the situation and likely provide instructions on how to make your dog vomit. If possible, note the type of chocolate and estimate the amount eaten. If your regular veterinarian is unavailable, seek emergency care.
How will your veterinarian treat excessive chocolate ingestion?
If a trip to the veterinarian is required, he or she may induce more vomiting in your dog to continue expelling the chocolate from his system. Your veterinarian may also flush out your dog's stomach and administer activated charcoal to absorb remaining toxins. Your dog may receive IV fluids to prevent dehydration and increase urine production, since some toxins may be reabsorbed from the urinary bladder. A urinary catheter may also be required. If your dog has a fever or seizures, your veterinarian will also take steps to treat those conditions. Throughout treatment, your veterinarian will closely monitor your dog's heart rate and rhythm, and give heart-stabilizing medications if indicated.
What is the prognosis for dogs who've ingested too much chocolate?
Dogs treated within 6-12 hours of ingestion usually recover with hospitalization and aggressive therapy. However, if enough methylxanthines are absorbed, chocolate ingestion may lead to coma, cardiac failure, or death.
If you think your pet has been poisoned...
Contact your veterinarian or one of the following Animal Poison Hotlines:
ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center
1-888-4ANI-HELP - (1-888-426-4435) $65 per case*, billed to your credit card only. Free follow-up calls at 1-888-299-2973.
*Calls involving a product covered by the Animal Product Safety Service are free.
Pet Poison Helpline - 24-hour service available throughout North America for pet owners and veterinary professionals who require assistance with treating a potentially poisoned pet.
1-800-213-6680 ($35.00 per incident). Staffed 24-hours a day.
The median sales price of Miami's coastal residential properties rose 20.9 percent in the second quarter of 2012, compared to the same period in 2011, according to a report from Douglas Elliman Florida. Miami's average sales price also jumped 17.7 percent in the same period.
But while Miami prices have been trending upwards for some time, these recent gains reflect a more complicated picture.
There were two major reasons for the price jump, according to Jonathan Miller, whose firm, Miller Samuel, prepared the report: reduced inventory and a decrease in distressed inventory coming to market.
"The sharp drop in inventory is one of the reasons why I would characterize the market as stable or better than stable," said Jonathan Miller, whose firm, Miller Samuel, prepared the report.
Through the second quarter, distressed inventory represented around 40 percent of all sales a significant turnaround from a year and a half ago, Miller said, when distressed inventory represented a market share of almost 60 percent.
And it was that shift that contributed in part to the price increase, said Douglas Elliman Florida CEO Vanessa Grout. "For now, it's pushing pricing up there is a direct correlation to that," she told The Real Deal. "Because if you simply look at non-distressed market prices, prices are up modestly so it is sort of an artificial gain."
But part of that price jump was caused by the recent penthouse boom in South Beach, which led to a few mega-sales partially distorting the data.
"We've had some real anomalies, especially this year," she said, pointing to the $25 million purchase of a Continuum condo in May. "There were some really crazy sales happening recently, and that's going to skew the averages."
There are some fundamentals supporting Miami's gains, however.
"It's relatively positive," Grout said. "We have less inventory on the market, and the number of closed sales is up majorly."
Miami's residential inventory has fallen 28.2 percent in the last year, while closed sales have decreased, both signs of a tightening market, Miller said.
Miller and Grout warned that prices could take a hit as more distressed inventory comes onto market, particularly with lenders ramping up their foreclosure processing activity in recent months.
The robo-signing scandal of late 2010, which led to a large-scale freeze on foreclosure processing activity by lenders, may have contributed in part to the drastic shift in distressed market share, Miller said, inventory that still looms over Miami's residential sector.
"The catch is that we may start to see more distressed inventory appear on the market in the next few months," Grout said.
Article Courtesy of http://trdsofla.com/N6zeBq
When decorating your home, you may want to fill it with everything you love. You may love old and new, hard and soft, ethnic and regional, as well as minimal and cozy. Mixing all of those styles together in one room will most likely end up looking odd, so you should consider using one style in your home. Here are some tips to consider when determining your decorating style to have a cohesively well decorated home:
Everyone is Included
Work with all the members of your household to come up with your home's decorating style. Most men will not feel comfortable living in an all pink house while most women will not feel comfortable living in a home that is filled with all black leather and chrome. Having one decorating style for your home should be agreed upon prior to decorating.
Form Follows Function
Functionality must be considered when determining a decorating style. If you have pets or small children, a style consisting of small fragile items, white carpet, or items that collect finger prints may not be the best solution.
Favorite Things
When deciding on your decorating style, collect your favorite decor items from your home and photos of homes you may have collected over the years. What items make you happy? What items do you feel are most beautiful? What items compliment your lifestyle? What works with your home's architecture, climate, and location?
Blended Style
You don't have to have one decorating style for your home - you can have a blend of two styles that work together. If one person likes beach style and the other likes modern, find a way to combine the two to have a clean lined style with beach accents. Some of the most successfully decorated rooms use combined decorating styles to create a one of a kind space that is unique to that home.
Separate Rooms
If you absolutely love different decorating styles and must have several different ones in your home, consider using different decor styles in different rooms of your home, as long as the rooms are separated by a door. You can have different bedrooms with different personalities as long as the main open area of your home has one decorating style.
Sponsored By: JC Decorations ; For great ideas and advice in determininng you decorating style visit: www.jcdecoration.com