by: Aldene Fredenburg
If you're looking for a rustic living experience, log cabins - either individually built or from a prefab kit - are a great choice; but they do present some unique decorating challenges. Most often the interior walls around the perimeter of the home are constructed of the same rough logs as the exterior; so what do you do to define your d?cor, or to provide a new look to a home that's become boring to you?
Drapes on the windows are always an easy option, but don't stop there. Quilts or other fabric wall hangings can add interest while establishing a color scheme; add enough large quilts in your choice of designs and the bare log walls will fade into the background. (Wall hangings can also do double duty by helping to minimize drafts common in log homes.) Carefully chosen artwork can also help define the d?cor; a group of small paintings can complement the log walls, while a number of large canvases can completely redefine the d?cor, creating any look you want within the home. To add more softness to a room, toss afghans over the sofa and chairs, and add some colorful and comfy pillows. Rugs on the floors contribute warmth, texture, and more color.
Folding screens can redefine the space within a room while adding some decorative touches, and come in an amazing variety of designs, from wood and paper shoji screens to wrought iron screens augmented by colorful fabric panels. Also, consider adding plants - hanging plants on the windows, decorative trees placed around the room on the floors - the bigger the better.
A ficus tree or airy palm can add a touch of refinement to the rustic surroundings. (Dieffenbachia are great, but don't use them if you have pets or small children; their leaves can be toxic if ingested.)
If you have a brown thumb when it comes to plants, think about investing in a variety of high quality artificial versions, available in home d?cor stores and import stores. Good quality artificial trees and other potted plants are indistinguishable from the real thing-except, of course, that you don't have to water them, and they don't die. Everything from the standard ficus and palms to exotic choices like cherry trees and Japanese maples will allow you a lot of creative flexibility when designing your home d?cor.
Major purchases like sofas, armoires, and beds will also have a sizable impact on the look of a home. Log furniture will obviously fit in with the rustic look, but also consider other approaches. Japanese furnishings will fit in well while providing a very different look; Shaker furniture is also a great choice. Again, soften the look with afghans and quilts in the living room and bedrooms, and pottery and other dishware in warm tones for the kitchen and dining areas.
Having a log home with wood interior walls isn't nearly as confining as it might appear in terms of decorating. With some creativity and planning, you can choose from an almost unlimited number of comfortable, functional, and attractive decorative styles.
About The Author
Aldene Fredenburg is a freelance writer living in southwestern New Hampshire and frequently contributes to Tips and Topics. She has published numerous articles in local and regional publications on a wide range of topics, including business, education, the arts, and local events. Her feature articles include an interview with independent documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and a feature on prisoners at the New Hampshire State Prison in Concord. She may be reached at amfredenburg@yahoo.com.
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Don't Let These Common Diseases Eat Your Roses
Don't Let These Common Diseases Eat Your Roses
by: Ron King
After working hard to grow a beautiful rose, you job is half done. Now you must protect it to maintain that beauty.
Roses can be weakened during the winter dormancy and become susceptible to disease when the growing season begins. Even among roses that survived winter unscathed, spring rains, and summer heat and humidity can open the door to a variety of infections.
Here is a summary of the most common diseases which pose a threat to your roses.
Rust
Rust is an orange powder, which appears on the undersides of leaves and will spread to other parts of the plant.
Powdery Mildew
This is a fungus disease that produces a white powder along the tops and bottoms of the leaves and along the stems. If untreated, the plant?s growth will be stunted, and the leaves will die and drop off.
Blackspot
The disease appears as circular black spots on the plant's...
Don't Let These Common Diseases Eat Your Roses
Beds > Don't Let These Common Diseases Eat Your Roses
Vacation in Italy - Private Holiday Homes versus Hotels
Vacation in Italy - Private Holiday Homes versus Hotels
by: Milan Matchev
Vacationing in Italy is a dream come true for so many Americans.
Those who have Italian heritage often wish to see where their families originated.
Those who have no Italian lineage still look upon Italy as one of the foundations of Western civilization. Rome, Venice, Tuscany, Florence, Umbria, Chianti, San Gimignano, Siena, Orvieto, Todi, Assisi, Spleto and Montepulciano
are all legendary to those of us raised in the ?new world? and for many are simply places we?ve read about in our school books, or seen on television or in the movies.
Many Americans, sadly, know little of the geography of Italy, but do appreciate the food. After all, pizza and spaghetti are considered as American to us as apple pie and hot dogs.
But only on a trip to Italy can a person really appreciate this magnificent country, home to Leonardo da Vinci, Michaelangelo,...
Beds > Vacation in Italy - Private Holiday Homes versus Hotels
How Exactly Do Septic Tanks Work?
How Exactly Do Septic Tanks Work?
by: Scott Leahy
A sewerage drain field and a septic tank make up a small scale sewage treatment system. A septic tank is basically a rectangular shaped underground receptacle for wastewater. It is watertight, made of concrete, and consists of tanks that are divided into chambers. The first chamber has twice the volume as the second and the majority of the organic solid matter, referred to as sludge, gets settled here. The second chamber further purifies the wastewater.
The septic tank collects wastewater from toilets, showers, sinks, etc. Due to the absence of a current the sludge quickly settles down to the tank floor. Anaerobic bacterial digestive activity on the sludge leads to the generation of methane and carbon dioxide; the sludge is stabilized and does not rot anymore. Particles of stabilized sludge stay settled, some may float to the top as scum.
A septic tank should be constructed such that there...
How Exactly Do Septic Tanks Work?
Beds > How Exactly Do Septic Tanks Work?
Shipping Is Big Industry Worldwide
Shipping Is Big Industry Worldwide
by: David Arnold Livingston
Shipping has become a commercial enterprise for transferring or transporting of goods, cargoes and other materials from one location to the other through the sea by ships. Shipping is a vital part of the economy not only of certain countries but the whole world as well. Each country has its own standards and policies regarding shipping. For efficiency of shipping, some countries have special naval ships to make sure that the lawful goods will be successfully transported to the supposed location. The "merchant navies", as what it is called are made from tough durable materials to ensure the safety of the goods as they traversed through rough and huge waves. The merchant navies are carriers of international goods intended for shipping.
There are various sea vessels involved in shipping. It may include box boats or container ships, bulk carriers, tankers, ferries, cable layers, dredgers...
Shipping Is Big Industry Worldwide
Beds > Shipping Is Big Industry Worldwide
Have You Tried Beds Like The New Style Waterbeds?
Have You Tried Beds Like The New Style Waterbeds?
by: Hazel Prechtel
Waterbeds are a very popular bedroom option because they provide such a gorgeous sleep and total rest for the entire slumber. Waterbeds are a revolution in sleeping because as soon as you lie on a waterbed you will notice a big difference from your normal bed. A waterbed feels a lot different from your traditional inner spring mattress style bed.
In any event though, the waterbeds of today are not the wavy, sea sick style waterbeds that you might perceive them as. Waterbeds have changed for the better and are now a very popular bedding option. Today's waterbed is totally comfortable and completely shapes your body - structure and size - so that you get the optimum slumber. When you lie on a new modern day waterbed you will find it to be so comfortable that you will not want to move. It quite simply is far more luxurious than a standard inner spring bed.
With the recent...
Have You Tried Beds Like The New Style Waterbeds?
Beds > Have You Tried Beds Like The New Style Waterbeds?
Camping In A RV For Fun And Pleasure
Camping In A RV For Fun And Pleasure
by: Sintilia Miecevole
Camping for most people means a tent and sleeping on a mat on the ground. If that doesn't really appeal to you, then camping in an RV is what you need. It is the ultimate camping adventure.
RV's come in many sizes and shapes. They start with campers that fit in the back of a pickup truck. These can have full kitchens, beds, a shower and toilet in them.
Next there are van conversions called Class B motorhomes that are basically a cargo van converted into a camping vehicle. These can have a raised roof for more head room. They also contain the same amenities as the truck camper.
Next up is the Class C motorhome. The front end looks like a pickup truck, but the similarity ends there. There is a sleeper extension over the cab and the back end looks like any motorhome you are probably familiar with. Basically a cargo box with windows, but much prettier. The Class C has all...
Camping In A RV For Fun And Pleasure
Beds > Camping In A RV For Fun And Pleasure
Challenge Yourself: Travel Alone
Challenge Yourself: Travel Alone
by: Eric Odom
Now let?s be honest, this isn?t going to be easy.
I find traveling alone to more of a mental workout than anything. When you travel with a few friends or a significant other, you have several other people encouraging the hard decisions to be made in one direction or another. When it is just you, you have no ?yeah let?s go there? or ?I want a beer in Ireland?. It?s just you.
You have to make the decisions. You have to buy the plane ticket and plan everything from scratch. You?ve got to hit the search engines and find the information, you?ve got to figure out exactly how Europe works and you are going to drive yourself mad wanting to know what a youth hostel is. Traveling alone isn?t as easy as it sounds.
Ok, so are you scared yet? You shouldn?t be.
Actually, I was only kidding. If you slow your mind down and just understand that a truly unique journey does not begin when you...
Challenge Yourself: Travel Alone
Beds > Challenge Yourself: Travel Alone
Wood Vs. Metal Loft Beds (Bunk Beds)
Wood Vs. Metal Loft Beds (Bunk Beds)
by: Donna Somerkin
If you are in the market for loft beds or bunk beds, a major choice is wood versus metal. Depending on the overall look and size you desire, you will want to choose a differently constructed bed. Although both materials are both sturdy and safe, many individuals choose either metal or wood when searching for the optimum bed to fit the room.
Most older bunk beds are made of wood, and are generally easier to make safety modifications and enhancements. Also, the price of wooden bunk beds may be more economical, especially if you are shopping at second hand stores or using a bed previously used by a friend or family member. Furthermore, wooden bunk beds can be easily repaired, painted, stripped, or stained to create a completely different look for differing tastes.
Metal bunk beds are usually made of tubular metal and thought to be a classic kid?s type of bedding. How many times have...
Wood Vs. Metal Loft Beds (Bunk Beds)
Beds > Wood Vs. Metal Loft Beds (Bunk Beds)
Odds Comparison ? Increasing Your Winnings
Odds Comparison ? Increasing Your Winnings
by: Nigel Kerry
After being in sports betting for about 23 years you have come to see many things such as a hairy chimpanzee putting down the winner for a horse race 10 times in a row, leaving me with a severe insomnia problem. I have also experienced the amazing growth of the internet and especially seen the difference it made to the sports betting community.
When I started out on my sports betting journey in...
horse Log Cabin Living: Soften the D?cor with Fabric, Artwork, and Plants Odds Comparison ? Increasing Your Winnings
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Log Cabin Living: Soften the D?cor with Fabric, Artwork, and Plants shoes Beds
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