Acanthus Leaf-patterned William Morris wallpaper, c.1875. Photot: Britannica.com
Leaves are very much on my mind these days, what with all of the raking, blowing, bagging and mulching that goes along with having a yard full of maple trees. However, a different type of leaf has remained in the forefront of architecture and design since ancient Greeks first used it to adorn the tops of columns: the acanthus leaf.
Photo: 50statesclassifieds.com
What a difference the right tool or appliance can make! For instance, we were late arrivals to the pressure washer party, but now that we have “bellied up to the bar”, we are having a blast… of water.
Last year’s purchase of a pressure washer has made our lives so much easier, in so many ways and so many places.
Photo: Desight
Sometimes a motif gets stuck in your mind and then suddenly you start seeing it everywhere. One classic architectural image that seems to be popping up in everything from tile to textiles is the time-honored Greek key motif.
Slideshow: 10 Trendy Uses for This Classic Motif
Bayside Lighted House Numbers from RPM Hardware
House numbers may seem to be one of the most basic and utilitarian features of your home, and in the past, this may have been true. Today, however, there are a range of fashionable and attractive options that allow house numbers to reflect your own personal style.
House numbers traditionally have been used as the primary address code for homes in the U.S. and Canada, virtually since both countries were founded. Although some historians say that Paris was the first city to introduce house numbering in 1512, other reports state that house numbers were required by Great Britain as part of the Stamp Act of 1765.
Slideshow: 11 Hot House Numbers to Add Curb Appeal
Remote Home System Products from INSTEON
Light switches are a problem in our home. Every single light switch is in the wrong place—or at least it always seems that way to me.
Today’s technology is making my difficulties disappear, however. Remote controls have made light switches throughout our house easy to operate from one single panel by the door. And I can even turn on certain lights from my car, using controls that ordinarily would be used for a garage door opener.
Photo: Lavender & Dash
A classic building material from the late 19th and early 20th century is experiencing a comeback. Fans of Victorian architecture, hardy souls who rehab historic homes, and homeowners looking for that extra-special “something” can all rejoice in the renewed availability of tin ceilings.
Slideshow: 10 Great Looks in Tin Ceiling Tiles
Tin ceilings initially became popular in the United States in the late 1800s, as many recent immigrants sought an affordable alternative to the exquisite but expensive ornate plasterwork used in Europe. The abundance of tin in America—along with the advent of mass production—created a ready market for thin, rolled tin plates that were individually stamped with embossed patterns. Tin ceilings remained popular throughout the Art Deco period before gradually falling out of favor in the 1930s.
Music is one of our greatest pleasures, and thanks to today’s technology we can listen to it wherever and whenever we choose. And that definitely includes the backyard, where innovative options in weather-resistant speakers and wireless technology have made music a natural outdoor feature. Here are some of the latest contenders:
Acclaim 5 Outdoor Speakers from Russound
Photo: SmallNotebook.org
Cleaning green is becoming more important to many people, especially those with allergies, sensitive pets, or children. When we were adopted by our Amazon parrot, for instance, we were forced to reevaluate all of our cleaning supplies to ensure that they were ‘bird-friendly’ (birds are extraordinarily sensitive to chemicals, particularly airborne aerosols). The bottom line is that we now eschew many common chemical cleansers in favor of a variety of techniques based around commonly available household goods.
For most people, environmentally friendly cleaning alternatives are just steps away, within arm’s reach even, hidden behind cupboards or under the sink. Key weapons in your green cleaning arsenal are white vinegar, lemons and lemon juice, baking soda, salt and distilled water. Add an assortment of empty spray bottles, some microfiber cleaning cloths, an old toothbrush and some crumpled-up newspaper, and you’re well on your way to having a clean and green home!
Kenmore Elite Trio Grab-N-Go Compartment
On the surface the new Kenmore Elite Trio looks a lot like many other French Door models on the market today. But inside, the massive refrigerator serves up enough innovative features and smart storage solutions to set it apart from the rest.
Andersen 100 Series gliding window and picture window with SmartSun
Technological advancements have resulted in a new breed of ‘smart windows’ offering consumers enhanced security and maximum energy efficiency.
Leading window and door manufacturer Andersen and technology producer Honeywell have collaborated to develop a state-of-the-art system known as VeriLock, which places Honeywell’s 5800-series of wireless sensors within the locking mechanisms of a select group of Andersen products.
“Windows and doors are a home’s first layer of protection for both comfort and security,” says Holly Boehne, senior vice president of research, development, and innovation at Andersen. “It’s important to make that layer ‘smarter’ for added protection to give peace of mind to homeowners.”
