Design Tips

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Design Tips

LED lamps are the new wave in lamps. Lasting 10 times longer than incandescent, no mercury like CFL’s, the color is almost as good, lumen output is close to the same and some are dimmable. So why aren’t we buying them? Mostly the answer I hear is because they are expensive.

Lets take that argument and look at it. As a rule in technology everything usually gets cheaper every year, BUT it only drops approximately 5 -10 percent per year. The energy savings for one LED lamp is approximately 80 percent over conventional incandescent. If you are one of those that would like to wait for the cheap price you will be missing out on 5 to 6 years of 80% savings. The amount of money saved over the next 6 years well outweighs the cost if purchased now and you will still have 10 to 15 years life left on the bulb. You will never recoup the loss. These lamps are ideal for homes with the lower 8′ or 9′ ceilings because the heat from LED lamps is far less, saving money with airconditioning cost also.

Another way you may want to use LED lamps is for your landscape lighting. Here the saving has to be worked on a little differently. Looking at a traditional landscape job, if you use 150 watt transformer to light up trees for example, you would normally only be able to use 6 – 20w spots. With LED you can use up to 15 heads on the same transformer, making a layout of some jobs easier and more dramatic in it’s effect. Your savings would be 150 watts over using traditional heads. Note; beware when purchasing 12v LED lamps, you need to make sure of the type transformers you have either electronic or magnetic and buy the correct lamp.

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Courtesy of Statewide Lighting, http:www.statewidelighting.com

To match to this merchant and receive insider savings, go to www.isearchdecor.com.

Tags: lamps landscape lighting LED LED Bulbs Lighting |

Old World Tuscan Decorating

Saturday, July 31st, 2010

When deciding how to bring changes into one’s home décor, it is often wise to look to other cultures and their customs. One of the excellent places to explore is the Old World Tuscan era. The beauty of their architecture and the interior of their homes is known and coveted throughout the world.

Tuscany, Italy is well-known for its colorful designs and use of natural colors. Bringing the outdoors inside is a technique they have developed, especially in their use of the colors which are inspired by the flowers and other flora. When combined with natural woods it makes a statement all its own.

When entering a Tuscan home, one is immediately greeted with bright, rich colors. The green of the trees, the blue of the sky, the orange of the fruit, the brown of the dirt, the yellow of the sun, the red or wine, and many other natural colors are interwoven to produce outstanding designs delightful to the eye. The furniture shaped from natural woods and accented with throw pillows reflecting the flora of the area, presents a soft, rustic design that is aesthetically pleasing to everyone entering the space.

The walls of old Tuscany homes were originally built of natural materials, such as stone. Later this developed into the use of stucco which is still found in many homes today. The interior walls of the house using this material combined with a faux finish technique provides an interesting and unusual texture and appearance.

The kitchen is one of the main rooms of the house and has a large table to accommodate the entire family. The sink is usually stone or porcelain. Marble, tile, or granite are used in the kitchens and produce a striking look to the counters. Cupboards in the kitchens, unlike American homes, have no doors or just have chicken wire in order to display special dishes or articles. Pots and pans are hung on wrought iron hooks above the stove for easy access.

Adapting the Old World Tuscan design to the American kitchen would require some re-think on the mind of the homeowner. While many might not like the idea of cupboards without doors it could be adapted by having doors with see-through glass. Stone sinks are available and, with modern development, are not difficult to keep clean, but enameled sinks would also be acceptable. Counters with colorful tile, brightly colored curtains, bright and attractive ornaments with a long wooden table would complete the picture. If the kitchen is small, the table could be in an adjoining room with a large arch between the rooms.

If desiring to incorporate the Old World Tuscan design into other American rooms, many of the original Tuscan ideas could be used. Using the bright colors for pillows and other materials, beautiful rustic furniture, and nature pictures or other decoration, together with neutral colored walls, a striking effect can be achieved for any room in the house.

Tuscan furniture should be simple and rather rustic. Any furniture, on which a person will be sitting, needs to look and be comfortable. It should give the appearance of being used and enjoyed for a period of time. Old World Tuscan design not difficult to achieve and can create a distinct appearance for the modern homeowner.

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iSearchDécor is the nation’s premier, no charge, on line, real time, matching service for consumers who seek the perfect match to local home décor hidden gems (unique home décor stores and experienced home service professionals). Visit us for all of your home decor needs at www.isearchdecor.com

Tags: home decor Old World Tuscan |

Revitalize a Home By Recycling

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010

People today are more conscious of their budget than ever. There are many recycled products on the market today that are cheaper than buying traditionally manufactured home décor, but for those who would rather not spend any money, many items around the home can also be recycled into new, trendy, and elegant pieces that add an aesthetic appeal to any home.

By looking for materials already in the home that can be repurposed, one can have everything they need to work with and it will cost very little to repurpose it. For example, by looking for things that are worn out, out-of-date, or have been hidden in an attic or basement for years many times all the materials required are right at hand. With a little insight and creativity any piece that’s ready to go in the garbage can find a new use again.

Let’s take that old coach, for instance, since it’s probably seen better days especially if it is in a family room. Since formal living rooms are used less often, a simple refurbishing job can bring it into style in a way appropriate for the formal space leaving the sturdier living room sofa available for the family room.

Updating this piece of furniture can be accomplished in several ways. First is to determine if it’s still structurally sound, but just worn out. As long as springs are poking through and the wood isn’t broken, it’s an easy fix. Most come with detachable cushions which are easy to recover. By taking apart the old covers, one has a template from which to work. Simply cut out the pieces of the new material from the patterns made, sew them together, and slip the old padding back in. Within hours you can transform a sofa or chair to look like new. By adding accent pillows, any differences in color or fabric pattern from the original can be easily disguised and it didn’t cost more than a few dollars.

The same can be done with refinishing coffee tables, side tables, dressers, almost anything. With a littler sanding any old piece can take on a new appearance and, by adding decorative molding, the entire look can be changed. If looking through decorating magazines one will find two predominant trends; Old World and Contemporary. Old World has the advantage of allowing for a variety of pieces that, when mixed, create an eclectic, but well put together look. Contemporary, on the other hand tends to be minimalistic. Therefore, knowing beforehand how you want your spaces to look when you’re finished is important.

For those without money to spend on remodeling, recycled products can save you money in the long-run as well as help the environment. For example, roofing and floor tiles are now made out of old rubber tires. They wear better, last longer, and have a tendency to be more durable than their ceramic or stone-based counterparts. Additionally, many amazing bargains can be found at flea markets, garage sales, thrift stores, and even from family and friends who have items they don’t really want, but don’t know what to do with.

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Tags: home decor recycling revitalize |

Creating An Interior Design Plan

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

Most people understand that the space in which they live reflects much about the characteristics of the person or people living there. As a result, every element in each room is important. Some may wish to present an image of elegance and class while for others the great outdoors is the most important part of their lives.

Any interior design changes need to take the entire home into consideration. The theme in rooms may vary, however if the colors, furniture, and accessories flow from one room to the next, one will feel a smooth transition when moving from one place to another. It would be out of place to go from a softly painted and decorated living room, for example, to a dining room that shouts with red paint. This would immediately jar a person’s senses and any feelings of harmony would immediately be lost.

To alleviate these kinds of problems, detailing any changes to be made in an Interior Design Plan will ensure a cohesive space that all can enjoy. Here are some tips that should be remembered in any plan:

Create a graphic of the space to be changed as well as all adjoining spaces. Some room shapes are sometimes rather odd. This presents a challenge as to how to correctly fit furniture into the room as well as how to maximize storage, emphasize architectural features, and enhance lighting. The most common are those with angled corners in only one part of the space. This is a challenge, but many very attractive rooms have been developed by concentrating on this unusual shape. By understanding that each element will need to be addressed during the project, fewer unexpected problems will arise.

Deciding on the design style will help clarify your vision. Although the theme in rooms may vary, for many, the style is part of who they are. Perhaps you prefer Old World, contemporary, country, or eclectic. By understanding your style you will be able to carry the concept from room to room creating a feeling of harmony and cohesion.

Experiment with colors, arrangements, and accessories that make the most of the space. This can be easily accomplished by cutting out furniture from index cards that reflect the scale of the room on the graphic created earlier, then adding pictures of the accessories to be included. By moving them around on the sample graph it’s easy to see when a cohesive look comes together. To add punch, go through magazine and cut out pictures of items that can be added. Spaces can also be shaded in with colored pencils so it’s easier to see which rooms need to be painted and what combinations go best together. Remember that larger rooms look smaller if furniture is centered in the room. To make a room look larger, create spaces that serve different functions. For example, in a family room you could create a reading nook, game center, and conversation pit. The three designated spaces visually add space that isn’t really there.

Decide what you can afford to spend and how long you will need to pay for things along the way then be prepared to stick to it. It may mean you need to make pillows instead of buy them, but in the end you’ll have a beautiful home and won’t have to go into debt to get it. Remember that the paint and arrangement of furnishings will have the biggest impact so start there. Be sure and add 20% for things that are unexpected since, in any remodeling project, the unexpected will happen.

Create a project schedule that is not only realistic, but flexible. Just like with budgeting the unexpected will happen. To say you’re going to finish by the end of your vacation then work yourself until you’re sick just to accomplish that goal is unrealistic. Additionally, just as in budgeting, the unexpected will happen so be flexible if the finished project doesn’t get done by the end of the time allotted. It is better you enjoy the project as well as the process than to become frustrated and discouraged during it.

Home redecorating and remodeling can be great fun, especially if the whole family is involved. It doesn’t happen all that often so you should create a plan that will ensure it is enjoyed by all involved.

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Tags: interior design plan |

Quick Tips for Sprucing Up the Home

Sunday, July 18th, 2010

When you do not have the time or the money for an extensive decorating overhaul, there are a few quick things you can do to improve your home’s overall appearance.

#1. Declutter. Ask yourself what is really important and what can be gotten rid of. Some things can be tossed in the trash. Other things can be sold in a yard sale or given to a non-profit organization.

#2. Paint the walls. A can of paint can do wonders. With today’s modern paint rollers and other things, this is not a difficult thing to do. An investment in an inexpensive paint sprayer makes the paint go on easier but one does need a little practice. Appropriate paint drops for covering the floor and furniture is needed.

#3. Address the floors. If it is old tile or linoleum it can easily be replaced with self-sticking tiles. These go on very easily and anyone can produce a professional looking job. If they are wooden, one might need to go the extra mile, sanding and re-staining. In many cases, they simply need a good cleaning and a synthetic finish. Rugs, if they cannot be cleaned, they need to be replaced. A good rug cleaner, however, can do wonders.

#4. Replace window coverings. Curtain and shades become faded and ragged over a period of time. Roller window shades are inexpensive and can be obtained with prints and other decorations. Numerous types of pre-made curtains are also available, and when combined with a beautiful rod will bring a new look to any room.

#5. Add fresh flowers. Nothing cheers up a home like fresh flowers. Flowers add beautiful color to any decor, and they also add a wonderful aroma throughout the house.

So, with a little bit of work and imagination, one can quickly have a home that is pleasant to look at and can be enjoyed by the entire family.

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iSearchDécor is the nation’s premier, no charge, on line, real time, matching service for consumers who seek the perfect match to local home décor hidden gems (unique home décor stores and experienced home service professionals). Visit us for all of your home decor needs at www.isearchdecor.com

Tags: home decor home improvement |

Travertine Tile? Porcelain Tile? How to Choose.

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

Many people are choosing to remodel their homes which usually includes installing new flooring. Travertine and porcelain are two types of flooring that are very popular in Arizona. How does one choose between travertine and porcelain? Here are a few differences that will hopefully help you in the decision making process.

Travertine is a natural, rustic product that is made of stone. As a result, colors and textures vary significantly between batches making them more difficult to match should one need to be replaced at a later date. The variations are due to the iron content as well as the impurities in the limestone from which it is selected. If one opts for porcelain instead, they will often find a smoother texture with a better variety and consistency in colors since it is a manmade product.

The porous nature of the materials is one of their biggest differences. With travertine, if left untreated it will stain if it becomes wet regardless of how much or little liquid it comes into contact with. As a result, some experts say travertine should be re-sealed no less than two times per year in order to keep it looking new. Porcelain tiles, on the other hand, are made at a high-density level, making them almost impervious to staining through everyday use. It is especially good to use in high traffic areas of the home.

Travertine and porcelain are collected, produced, and maintained in completely different ways. Whereas travertine is collected from a quarry and finished in such a way as to allow its use in multiple ways, porcelain tiles are made from mixtures of clay that are fired and then either glazed or unglazed. Many of the newer designs are also hand-painted making them excellent accents in kitchens, halls, and baths.

Next to price, one of the most important aspects of tile selection to consider is maintenance. Not only is travertine susceptible to staining, but to heat as well. It can also scratch easily as well as chip. Additionally, acid, vinegar, and oils can cause irreparable harm. Porcelain, on the other hand, can be cleaned with mild soap that is not abrasive and soiled spots can be removed with window cleaner.

Of course one of the most important concerns is the cost. As expected, travertine is more expensive due to the cost of quarry collection, cutting, and processing. There can also be higher installation charges for travertine due to the need for a substrate which is stronger than that required for porcelain.

When weighing the differences between travertine and porcelain it may seem like the best decision would be to go with porcelain. However, realtors tend to agree that travertine adds value to any home so choosing between the two needs to be made with purpose in mind.

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iSearchDécor is the nation’s premier, no charge, on line, real time, matching service for consumers who seek the perfect match to local home décor hidden gems (unique home décor stores and experienced home service professionals). Visit us for all of your home decor needs at www.isearchdecor.com

Tags: flooring porcelain tile travertine |

Cleaning and Care of Leather Furniture

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

One of the most beautiful and comfortable furniture coverings in the world is leather. It not only wears well, but is also aesthetically pleasing, and hardy. As a result, it can fit in with a variety of decors, but needs special care and cleaning in order to preserve its lustrous quality. Although leather furniture was once only affordable for the wealthiest customers, today it can be found in a variety of price ranges, colors, and styles making it more affordable to the masses.

Whether one has a full sofa set, recliner, wing-backed chair, ottoman, or other furniture covered in leather, there are certain things that should be kept in mind when caring and cleaning these pieces. It must be remembered that leather is a material that comes directly from cow hide or lambskin. In its natural form it would soon become dried up once removed from the animal, but with the processing and technology available today as well as with proper care, it can last a lifetime.

One of the best characteristics of leather is the fact is breathes. This makes is cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Because it is a natural product, however, it is very sensitive to direct sunlight as well as heat. Just like your skin burns and changes color when in the sun too long, so will leather furniture even though it has gone through processing to preserve it. Therefore, it should be kept away from windows and doors which are uncovered at times during the day.

To care and clean furniture depends on its use. Lightly used furniture can be wiped with a soft cloth weekly to keep it clean, but heavily used furniture will require more care. Vacuuming with a brush attachment will help remove any dirt, dust, and flaky skin cells that may adhere to the product. It’s important to remember leather is porous and if not vacuumed or wiped weekly and thoroughly cleaned at least three to four times per year these elements can work their way into the material and become almost impossible to remove.

One of the most important things to remember is that spills need to be cleaned up immediately. This may require use of a spot cleaner as well depending on the ingredients contained in the liquid or food. One should blot the stain first and rubbing will not only rub it into the leather, but may also spread it. This could result in a permanent stain that can ruin the overall look of the furniture as well as devalue it. Manufacturers recommend various cleaning products to use with their furniture so it’s important to check labels in order to ensure that the cleaning supplies used will produce the best results.

Leather furniture also needs to receive an application of preservative after deep cleaning. This will help keep it soft and subtle and will help preserve the natural oils that diminish over time. Without this extra step, leather will crack. Additionally, it is more sensitive to sharp objects than many woven fabrics so sitting with pockets full of keys, pens or pencils, or any other item that may puncture the fabric should be avoided.

Leather furniture is elegant, comfortable, and luxurious. It is suitable to a variety of decors and is well worth the price paid. If care, cleaning, and protection is completed on a regular basis it will serve a family well for years to come. Once one has experienced the luxury of leather they will never go back to traditional fabrics.

iSearchDecor offers a FREE online matching service connecting consumers looking to decorate or remodel with unique, locally-owned “hidden gem” home decor stores and service professionals The online system provides a perfect match to home decor stores and service professionals that have exactly what each consumer is looking for. Consumers enjoy insider savings from each merchant and receive a map to each location. There are over 200 categories to choose from. Visit www.isearchdecor.com

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Shopping Local

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

Shopping Local Saves You Money And Helps The State’s Economy All At The Same Time

Published in Chandler/San Tan Magazine – May/June 2010 Issue

By Alicia Guerrieri, Founder, iSearchDecor

More and more residents of the valley are realizing it is time to stay put in their homes due to the current market conditions in real estate. We call this group, the “stay-at-homers”. Many are realizing that now is not the time to move unless absolutely necessary. As the result, folks are looking for ways to beautify their homes without breaking the bank.

Have you ever stopped to think about the dollars you can save by turning to your local merchant for your furnishings and home services? Ikea and Ashley Home Furniture are terrific stores with phenomenal products, but have you ever considered what it means to our state when you buy from a locally-owned business? Not only can you save money by supporting your local merchants, but you are also supporting the state programs and services funded by the dollars generated by your purchases. “When you shop at a locally owned business, 45 cents of every dollar stays in Arizona – versus only 13 cents of every dollar spent at a national chain”, says Local First-Arizona, a non-profit organization working to strengthen communities and local economies.

A new way for residents of the valley to find the perfect match to local home décor hidden gems (unique home décor stores and experienced home service professionals) is through a new online, free, real time, matching application for consumers provided by iSearchDecor. iSearchDecor is a locally based company that, at no charge, provides an easy way for consumers to venture out of their immediate vicinity and find local hidden gems that one may have never found on their own. Many people tend to go to the same places over and over again, or aimlessly drive around not knowing where to go. With iSearchDecor, instantaneously, consumers can receive targeted information on where to go for exactly what they need in home decor. A map is even provided for quick reference.

How can a consumer save money by shopping with local merchants?
1. Locally owned businesses are typically small businesses with limited marketing budgets that depend on word of mouth marketing and referrals to generate new business. This can leave more dollars available for tremendous savings back to the consumer.
2. Locally owned businesses can be more inclined to work with a consumer on pricing by providing special deals and incentives based on the volume of purchases made. Typically a decision can be made very quickly because the store owner is immediately available to work with you.
3. Additional dollars can be saved by using the iSearchDecor online matching application. Consumers who utilize the service receive “special” insider savings as offered by each merchant in the iSearchDecor network.

Look to a local merchant first for all of your home décor and home service needs. By supporting them, you are also supporting your community and your state.

Alicia is the CEO and Founder of iSearchDecor. iSearchDecor offers a FREE online matching service connecting consumers looking to decorate or remodel with unique, locally-owned “hidden gem” home decor stores and service professionals The online system provides a perfect match to home decor stores and service professionals that have exactly what each consumer is looking for. Consumers enjoy insider savings from each merchant and receive a map to each location. There are over 200 categories to choose from. Visit www.isearchdecor.com

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Decorating on a Budget

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010

“The home is where the heart is” is a term that originated many, many years ago. It is just as true today as when it was originally quoted. The home is where the family gathers. It is where memories are made and where one comes at the end of the day. It is important, therefore, that this “heart” be so welcoming and attractive that the family, as well as visitors, feels comfortable and welcome.

Today is not an easy time for many people. Some have had to give up their homes or have a much reduced income. It is important to remember that a “home” is still a “home,” no matter where. There is no reason that the home cannot be comfortable and attractive even if it is a lot smaller or a lot different than one has previously gotten used to. It is usually up to the woman of the house to make this come about, even though the money may be scarce. Following are some suggestions which, it is hoped, will be helpful in this regard.

Clean the house. Be sure that clothes, toys and other items are picked up and put away. Be sure the floors are mopped, vacuumed or whatever and magazines or books are properly stored. Is the bathroom tub, shower, wash basin clean and the counter cleared?
Look at what you have. Do you have too much furniture crowded in a small space? Is it really important to keep that old throw rug that has gotten ragged over time? Do you have to have that old chair just because it’s been there a long time? Get rid of what you do not need by having a yard sale, using Craig’s List on the internet, or donate it to a charity.
Do you have a chair that needs recovering? It takes time, but it can be done fairly easily. Check the thrift stores or store remnants section for material. Carefully take off the old covering and use it for a pattern. Cut out the new material, sew along the same seam lines as the original, and replace it on the chair. You might have to purchase new tacks or brads to secure the edges.
Do the pillows on your sofa look like they came over on the Mayflower? Again, go to the thrift stores for fabric and make new covers. Fabric in the thrift stores and at yard sales is really inexpensive.
Do you need new curtains? Again, hit the thrift stores and yard sales. Curtain panels can be picked up for $1.00 each and can give an entirely new look to a room. Drapes are also available and usually go for $2.00 each or less if you buy the set.
Attractive decorative dishes and framed pictures are available for practically nothing and can give a beautiful look to a room.

A beautiful and welcoming home is at your fingertips and you can make it happen. And throughout your family’s lifetime, they remember, with pride, the beautiful home you made for them when times were difficult.

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A Modern Contemporary Look

Sunday, May 2nd, 2010

MODERN CONTEMPORARY

Modern contemporary design is becoming more and more popular in today’s home design. It reduces the home’s contents to a more minimalistic concept. This style is known for doing away with lots of pictures on tables and walls, heavy drapery, collections of knickknacks, as well as magazines and books that are often in abundance. The idea is to achieve a plain, but outstanding room design.

The kitchen, for example, does not have the multiple items sitting on the counter as has probably been seen in your mother’s and grandmother’s house. Instead, everything is out of sight. A kitchen might be designed in black and white with red and white accessories. The colors are whatever appeals to the homeowner, but the main idea is to keep things more or less stark in an attractive way. There is no limit as to how the kitchen can be designed. At times the design of the tile makes the entire room leap to one’s eyes with its attractiveness.

If choosing the red and white kitchen design, for example, the tiles could be arranged in diamonds, with strips on the sides. The backboards could be enhanced with columns intermingling colors. A single picture of a cook on a white wall would be a very attractive accent. Shining copper or stainless steel pots hanging from hooks would make a visually appealing focal point.

A modern contemporary living room would be very attractive using various types of woods, highly shined with unique shapes. These tables might have a single carved figurine to carry out the wooden theme. The modern sofa would fit in very well if the color coordinated with the rest of the room. If the walls, for example, were a light shade of brown a sofa with contemporary stripes or other solid design would be very attractive. A flowered couch is not recommended.

The focal point of the living room could be any one of a number of things. On choice might be an up-light shining against the wall where a tall statue stands on a pedestal. This light is approximately 6”x12” or larger and has a beautiful design. This would also be outstanding for lighting a blank wall. A large picture which blends with the rest of the room is also very good for this purpose.

Heavy drapes do not fit in with modern contemporary design. Many people opting for this style, omit curtains altogether and some simply use a simple drape. However, if the window is one that would be too available for someone to observe what is going on in the room, Venetian blinds the same color as the walls might be an option. There are many different styles and colors that rarely detract from the concept one is trying to convey.

The bathroom is a place where one can really reveal a modern contemporary theme. The space is usually not very large so one can really reduce the non-essentials. Be sure that everything such as toothbrushes, bars of soap, and decorative items usually found on the bathroom counter are out of sight. For soap to wash one’s hands it is possible to purchase a very modern designer dispenser that will fit the theme. Tile is always good in a bathroom and an intricate design could be made in any colors that are pleasant to the eye. As for features, some are now going for the vintage claw foot bathtub and pedestal washbasin. Even though this is considered outside the genre of modern contemporary design, it is a style that is hard to top.

Whatever choice is made, if you prefer a simplistic and minimalistic style you might want to consider a modern contemporary theme for your home.

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iSearchDecor: Your Guide for Where to Buy

Design Tips

Design Tips

LED-Now or Later?

Old World Tuscan Decorating

Revitalize a Home By Recycling

Creating An Interior Design Plan

Quick Tips for Sprucing Up the Home

Travertine Tile? Porcelain Tile? How to Choose.

Cleaning and Care of Leather Furniture

Shopping Local

Decorating on a Budget

A Modern Contemporary Look