My Home Redux

Basics of Feng Shui

A reader asked for information on Feng Shui. I must confess I know nothing, absolutely nothing, about this. So I did some research.

Forewarning ... this sounds complicated. I pretty much got lost after the concept of Chi.

But you are probably much wiser than I.

Here are two articles.

The first article gives some basic, practical tips that I understood - at least how to implement them if not necessarily how they affected things.

The second article gives a good background on the basics of Feng Shui.

If anyone really understand this or has some good examples, please leave a comment below for the rest of us. Thanks.

Interview on Fixr.com

This interview was done early this year.  Unfortunately, I forgot to post a link. It gives some background into my start in home remodeling and some of the projects.

Read it here.  Also check out their bidding website, www.fixr.com.

I'm an "Expert"

Check this out:  The American Chronicle lists me as a home improvement expert!  How cool is that.

Read the article here.

How Often Should You Seal Your Deck?

What I was promised by those who sealed my deck a few years ago was not true. They said it would last 3 - 5 years. Wrong.

This article gives advice depending on your climate and locale. But unfortunately, for most of us, it's every year.  He does mention that vertical surfaces like railings, spindles, and posts can last longer. That's my observation as well. Mine just need some touch up.  And yes, I see a power washer rental and paint rolling sealant on my deck in my near future.

See the article here and see if your deck can last longer between sealings.

[Editor Note: Photo is from Service Magic Connection.]

Home Improvement Sweepstakes

Two sites contacted me recently about their home improvement sweepstakes. Check them out. Get prizes to organize your garage or create a beautiful outdoor retreat.

Gladiator GarageWorks - organize your garage no matter your life stage

Real Outdoor Living - create a beautiful outdoor decor (open to Southeastern U.S.  residents only)

Good luck. Let me know if you win!

How to Keep Bathroom Drains Clear

I realize this is not exactly a decorating topic, but cruddy sinks are inconvenient. And hey, they wreak havoc on the aethetic good looks of your bathroom.  So instead of spending money on expensive, and potentially damaging chemicals to clean out your pipes, take some simple proactive steps when you're cleaning your bath to keep your drains running clear and clean!

Check out these tips as well as tips on how to unclog a drain. (2 Alka Seltzer tablets work in place of the 1/2 cup of baking soda too.)  See the tips here.

Kitchen Design Style Quiz

When it comes to redoing a kitchen, there are so many questions. What cabinets?  What countertops?  What backsplash?  What sink and faucet?  Color?  Light fixtures?  Hardware?  Just to name a few! But knowing your style and preferences before you start can help go along way. And if you can pull all that together with some sample pictures, you can begin to visualize what you could do with your own kitchen.

Merrilat cabinets has such a feature on their site. Go through a simple series of questions, and they'll define a style and provide numerous pictures to give you ideas. Bathrooms too.  Check out their Kitchen Design Style quiz here.

Tips for Laying out Furniture in a Room

How many times have you (or your significant other or tolerant friends) moved heavy furniture around a room until you figured it was just right?   Or maybe your room just doesn't "feel" right or is awkward to move around?  Could be your just bored with your room but can't afford new furniture?  What can you do?

The simple answer is to do it on paper (or online) before you move the real thing.

Here are some tips about how to figure out how to layout your furniture and good things to remember for a room that's balanced and easy to walk around in.

And here's an article with some recommended furniture layout tools.

Keeping Stainless Steel Appliances Looking Good

Stainless steel appliances are extraordinarily popular right now. But just like the old days when every fingerprint showed on your appliances, especially the refridgerator, so does EVERYTHING show on stainless steel. (An aside, I worked for a steel company first out of college. The leather-patterned steel used on refridgerators was specifically created to prevent this fingerprint problem.) But here's a product to try to help stainless steel look like new - a cleaner kit from Scotch-Brite.  Check it out here; there's also a coupon on the page if you want to try it yourself.

Home Remodeling Story

Every home remodeling job is a unique story. Even a simple bathroom remodel is good for several humorous - and not so funny - anecdotes.  Here's a story of how a couple create their dream house from a rundown and formerly remuddled bungalow. If you've ever done a remodeling or updating job on your house, you'll smile knowingly at many of the "lessons" they share. If you haven't done a project - large or small - pay attention, there are indeed pearls of wisdom here.