Showing posts with label Home. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Home. Show all posts
Using Garden Stools to Add Culture and Character to Your Home
0 comments Posted by ariya at 2/21/2012How many times have you visited someone's home and thought, "this place looks familiar." From the standard granite and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, to the tried and true beige Pottery Barn sofa, our homes can easily turn into boring look-alikes devoid of any unique, differentiating design elements. While most of us are too timid to go for a drastic change (say, a tangerine accent wall or expensive art installation), there are small ways to imbue your home with character and style.
Garden stools are a great way to set your interior apart and add intrigue. Available in an endless array of punchy, bright colors, garden stools have so many uses! Try placing one in the corner of a neutral room. The color and unique shape will draw the eye outward and make the space seem larger. Make sure to choose the color based on what is personally visually appealing to you and try to incorporate that same color in corresponding accent pillows and decorative throw blankets.
Another interesting way to use stools inside is by placing them next to a sofa or chair and using them as a side table. The flattop and low profile is ideal for small interiors that need more petite furniture and accents. You may want to consider having a piece of glass cut to fit the top if you will be using the side table as a place to rest drinks or other items.
Since there are so many Asian inspired stools available for purchase, we suggest using this variety in any room that needs an injection of culture and style. Guests will think you procured the stool in a market in the Far East and you will love the way the shape and color of the stool adds depth and an exotic flair to your interior.
We would be remiss if we didn't mention the most common application for garden stools....in the garden! First, make sure that your garden stool is all weather appropriate. While an item may be called a 'garden stool,' it may in fact, not be weather proof or able to stand up to the elements in the region where you live. Once you choose a stool that can handle the weather, place it, or a cluster of 2 or 3 of them, in your garden or on your deck. The stools create instant seating and a place to rest and enjoy the nature and scenery that's right outside your door. Hopefully we've inspired you to use garden stools as another design element in and out of your home.
Garden stools are a great way to set your interior apart and add intrigue. Available in an endless array of punchy, bright colors, garden stools have so many uses! Try placing one in the corner of a neutral room. The color and unique shape will draw the eye outward and make the space seem larger. Make sure to choose the color based on what is personally visually appealing to you and try to incorporate that same color in corresponding accent pillows and decorative throw blankets.
Another interesting way to use stools inside is by placing them next to a sofa or chair and using them as a side table. The flattop and low profile is ideal for small interiors that need more petite furniture and accents. You may want to consider having a piece of glass cut to fit the top if you will be using the side table as a place to rest drinks or other items.
Since there are so many Asian inspired stools available for purchase, we suggest using this variety in any room that needs an injection of culture and style. Guests will think you procured the stool in a market in the Far East and you will love the way the shape and color of the stool adds depth and an exotic flair to your interior.
We would be remiss if we didn't mention the most common application for garden stools....in the garden! First, make sure that your garden stool is all weather appropriate. While an item may be called a 'garden stool,' it may in fact, not be weather proof or able to stand up to the elements in the region where you live. Once you choose a stool that can handle the weather, place it, or a cluster of 2 or 3 of them, in your garden or on your deck. The stools create instant seating and a place to rest and enjoy the nature and scenery that's right outside your door. Hopefully we've inspired you to use garden stools as another design element in and out of your home.
To many people a garden shed might be little more than an outdoor dumping ground for odds and ends of garden tools or household items they can't store indoors. Little more than an eyesore, the shed sits in the garden at odds with both its surroundings and its owners. Research has shown that up to 70% of people use their sheds as a junk room.
Just a little imagination and inventiveness, however, can turn the humble garden shed into a positive asset, providing an extension to your living space that's as attractive as it is useful. Using garden sheds to get the most out of your home takes a little money but reaps large rewards.
Garden Produce
Give your vegetable garden a head start and save money in the process by using a section of the shed as a potting area. Arrange a bench, or shelf, beneath the window to catch the most light, and use the area to bring on seeds, repot houseplants, or divide garden shrubs. The warmth of the shed will offer vital protection to seedlings until they can be planted out in the vegetable garden, and you'll have the satisfaction of growing from seed.
Summerhouse
Sheds come in all shapes and sizes, and if yours is large enough you could turn it into a summerhouse or a crafts area. Paint the shed in a pale, summery shade and adorn it with hanging baskets. Place colourful planters by the door and soften its edges with mature shrubs.
The kids will welcome somewhere to play out of the weather and it'll give you a place for messy craft activities, such making papier mache, that won't leave your kitchen in a tangle. Alternatively, your summerhouse can be a convenient garden area to prepare cold drinks or store summer snacks. If you run an electrical cable down the garden, you can install a small fridge or set up a television. Transporting some of your activities out to a suitably equipped garden shed expands the use you get from your home, allowing to more fully use the available space.
Home Office
Dividing work hours and leisure hours is a constant thorn in the sides of those who work from home. Having a home office that's detached from the house provides the solution since the physical act of entering or leaving the workplace marks the beginning and end of the working period. Make sure the roof is secure and the interior walls are lined and weatherproofed, secure the door with a sturdy lock and provide some form of heating, and your garden shed is ready to be kitted out with a desk, cabinets and drawers.
Just a little imagination and inventiveness, however, can turn the humble garden shed into a positive asset, providing an extension to your living space that's as attractive as it is useful. Using garden sheds to get the most out of your home takes a little money but reaps large rewards.
Garden Produce
Give your vegetable garden a head start and save money in the process by using a section of the shed as a potting area. Arrange a bench, or shelf, beneath the window to catch the most light, and use the area to bring on seeds, repot houseplants, or divide garden shrubs. The warmth of the shed will offer vital protection to seedlings until they can be planted out in the vegetable garden, and you'll have the satisfaction of growing from seed.
Summerhouse
Sheds come in all shapes and sizes, and if yours is large enough you could turn it into a summerhouse or a crafts area. Paint the shed in a pale, summery shade and adorn it with hanging baskets. Place colourful planters by the door and soften its edges with mature shrubs.
The kids will welcome somewhere to play out of the weather and it'll give you a place for messy craft activities, such making papier mache, that won't leave your kitchen in a tangle. Alternatively, your summerhouse can be a convenient garden area to prepare cold drinks or store summer snacks. If you run an electrical cable down the garden, you can install a small fridge or set up a television. Transporting some of your activities out to a suitably equipped garden shed expands the use you get from your home, allowing to more fully use the available space.
Home Office
Dividing work hours and leisure hours is a constant thorn in the sides of those who work from home. Having a home office that's detached from the house provides the solution since the physical act of entering or leaving the workplace marks the beginning and end of the working period. Make sure the roof is secure and the interior walls are lined and weatherproofed, secure the door with a sturdy lock and provide some form of heating, and your garden shed is ready to be kitted out with a desk, cabinets and drawers.
Labels: Garden, Garden Sheds, Home, Sheds
How to Plant a Vegetable Garden - Planting a Healthy Vegetable Garden at Home
0 comments Posted by ariya at 6/16/2011If you want to learn how to plant a vegetable garden you are making terrific decision. Planting a year around vegetable garden will allow you to grow enough fresh vegetables for you and your family that you will soon have fresh and organic vegetables on your table daily. Whether it's to save money or to avoid genetically modified vegetables at your supermarket, planting a veggie garden provides countless benefits.
One of the first things you need to know when looking to learn how to plant a vegetable garden is making the most from your the space you have available. You will be surprised how many fresh vegetables you can grow even with limited space for a plot. If possible try and stay away from any trees which can steal nutrients away from your vegetables.
Vegetables need plenty of sunshine, look for an area that receives plenty of morning sun. Preparation is the key to learning how to plant a vegetable garden you can be proud of. One of the secrets to growing a great garden is soil preparation, it is critical.
With soil preparation you must remove all weeds, avoid any weed killers and remove them by hand. You must test the pH level of your soil, anything around a reading of 6.5 is ideal. If you are unable to test it yourself head over to your local gardening store for testing.
Having your soil pH either too high or two low will restrict nutrients to your vegetables. garden lime is commonly used to bring up low pH soil levels. Dig the soil over and look to get to depth of about 30cm (12").You should allow 4-5 weeks before you begin to plant any vegetables.
Now you might be asking what vegetables you can plant? This will be dependent on climate zone so speak to your gardening store about the ideal vegetables for your area. You can pick up seedling for a great price and begin planting after your soil preparation.
The key to learning how to plant a vegetable garden from scratch picking the right vegetables that you can rotate year around to help eliminate pests and disease problems.
Organic fertilizers such as animal manure and garden composts are fantastic for providing nutrients to your vegetables as well as improving soil conditions and structure. Organic fertilizers help retain moisture which is very important. Watering your garden is important but try to ensure it doesn't become waterlogged and allow for proper drainage.
One of the first things you need to know when looking to learn how to plant a vegetable garden is making the most from your the space you have available. You will be surprised how many fresh vegetables you can grow even with limited space for a plot. If possible try and stay away from any trees which can steal nutrients away from your vegetables.
Vegetables need plenty of sunshine, look for an area that receives plenty of morning sun. Preparation is the key to learning how to plant a vegetable garden you can be proud of. One of the secrets to growing a great garden is soil preparation, it is critical.
With soil preparation you must remove all weeds, avoid any weed killers and remove them by hand. You must test the pH level of your soil, anything around a reading of 6.5 is ideal. If you are unable to test it yourself head over to your local gardening store for testing.
Having your soil pH either too high or two low will restrict nutrients to your vegetables. garden lime is commonly used to bring up low pH soil levels. Dig the soil over and look to get to depth of about 30cm (12").You should allow 4-5 weeks before you begin to plant any vegetables.
Now you might be asking what vegetables you can plant? This will be dependent on climate zone so speak to your gardening store about the ideal vegetables for your area. You can pick up seedling for a great price and begin planting after your soil preparation.
The key to learning how to plant a vegetable garden from scratch picking the right vegetables that you can rotate year around to help eliminate pests and disease problems.
Organic fertilizers such as animal manure and garden composts are fantastic for providing nutrients to your vegetables as well as improving soil conditions and structure. Organic fertilizers help retain moisture which is very important. Watering your garden is important but try to ensure it doesn't become waterlogged and allow for proper drainage.
Labels: Garden, Home, Plant, Vegetable, Vegetable Garden
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