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Home & Garden Renovation Guide
frequency depending on location . If the deck is adjacent to trees and shrubbery , leaves and pollen will settle on the frame , so washing is required to keep it looking sharp .
If your home is made of stone , you may opt for a patio that is a continuation of the stone look , but this also works well with a wood frame or brick home . Patios work best in yards that are level , while a deck can be placed pretty much anywhere , including a hilly or uneven lawn .
Homeowners are especially keen to add fire features to their outdoor area , functioning as a gathering point for both family and guests . Traditional wood-burning fireplaces not only add physical warmth and beauty , but emotional warmth as well . Contemporary homeowners are opting for very modern linear gas fireplaces , with smooth , clean lines to mirror the style of their home .
For those homeowners who don ’ t have the space for a traditional fireplace , firepits or tables make a great feature , with some creating a beautiful flame that glows through crystal rock . They ’ re available in three different heights , with a lower coffee-table height , dining table , and bar height . Homeowners also have the option of selecting wood- or gasburning firepits .
Outdoor Kitchen Splendor
When the summer heats up , the prospect of slow-cooking a roast or searing some ribs is just not as appealing when you know it ’ s going to heat up your house and drive up your air-conditioning bill . Take a tip from our pioneer ancestors who baked their bread and cooked their meats outdoors to maintain a cool house . This simple idea can really help keep your home comfortable during the dog days of summer , while saving you money on energy costs .
With an outdoor oven and grill , barbeques can be a spontaneous dinner idea , rather than a major event that must be planned days in advance . The grilling process gives steaks , chicken , fish and pork a wonderful smoked flavor , while reducing the overall fat content .
And it ’ s not just meats that can benefit from grilling . Bell peppers , onions , zucchini and tons of other vegetables take on a wonderful flavor when tossed lightly with olive oil , wrapped in foil and cooked on a grill .
With an outdoor kitchen , grilling is not just for summer either . With a covering for rainy days and outdoor heating available , it can be used virtually year-round . Although just a simple oven and grill can change the way you live , a sink with running water and a fridge can really make cooking outdoors convenient .
For entertaining , the outdoor kitchen offers a way to spend time with your guests while preparing the meal . There ’ s also an entire line of in-ground sound equipment and specially made outdoor TVs . The televisions are completely waterproof , and three times as bright as a normal TV so they can be viewed even in strong direct sunlight .
In the Comfort of Your Own Home Office
Are you one of those lucky individuals able to work from home ? The world just seems like a nicer place when you ’ re dressed in your pajamas , doesn ’ t it ? But work is still work . You need a place that ’ s organized , designed well , and in which you feel comfortable . Chances are , you may also need a degree of privacy to do your best work .
One of the most overlooked factors in productivity is lighting . Many studies demonstrate that natural lighting is best whenever possible , and results in more productivity among workers and a more positive attitude toward the work itself . Lighting can have a profound effect on your mood and can even influence your hormones . A good overview of this subject is provided by Andrew Jensen , a business growth , efficiency and marketing consultant , at AndrewJensen . net .
If placing your home office in an area with windows is not possible , try the soft lighting of a lamp instead , and try to avoid harsh fluorescents . Adding a silk plant or two , along with a picture of the outdoors , will help transform a windowless area into a more inviting space . Warm colors such as reds , yellows and orange will also help warm up an otherwise dark office area such as a basement .
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