When you are remodelling a room, one of the big challenges is deciding which window treatments will suit it best. There are a huge number of options out there but the first question you need to answer is whether you would prefer blinds or curtains.

The answer will depend a lot upon the purpose of the room. For example your living room will probably benefit most from curtains as they will give it a softer and warmer atmosphere. In contrast your kitchen will probably do better with wooden Venetian blinds as they will give you a lot of light and space as well as being less vulnerable to moisture and mould.  To help make the decision easier I’ve composed a list of the pros and cons of the different types of window treatment below.
Having said that if you choose blinds that will add another layer of complication as there is a large variety of styles and materials. Slatted blinds such as Venetian and vertical blinds are typically composed of overlapping slats made of plastic, aluminium or wood. Venetian and mini blinds are made of horizontal slats whereas vertical blinds (as the name suggests) are made of vertical slats thought vertical blinds rarely seen within the home.

Roller Blinds do largely what they say. They are made out of a fabric sheet that rolls up out the way when not in use. They are great for bedrooms in urban areas as they can be made out of blackout fabric ensuring that external lights don’t disturb your sleep. Roman blinds look similar to roller blinds but are either made of tightly woven slats or contain slats within the fabric meaning that they fold up rather than roll.

Slatted Blinds (Venetian and Vertical blinds)

Pros:

• Slatted blinds stack when drawn, ensuring that they take up less space.
• They offer the greatest degree of control over external light.
• They will fit in with a wide variety of different colour schemes without much work.

Cons:

• They require frequent cleaning and dusting.
• The slatted design allows light to get through even when fully closed.
• They don’t retain heat very well.
• The individual slats and the lift cords can break very easily.

Roman and Roller Blinds

Pros:

• Can be used to block all light.
• They take up the least amount of space.
• They don’t require regular cleaning.

Cons:

• Difficult to clean unless the fabric is coated with wipe down surface.

Curtains: Curtains can frame the window to create a striking and sophisticated effect as well as drawing attention to the view. The Fabrics they are made of come in a variety of thicknesses, from see through net curtains which offer little more than decoration to heavy drapes.

Pros:

• Curtains are aesthetically striking and can give the room an air of sophistication.
• In winter curtains provide the best insulation.
• They come in a wide range of colours and patterns.

Cons:

• Curtains take up more space than blinds.
• In rooms like bathrooms and kitchens there is a risk of mould and staining due to the moisture in the air.
• Kids can hide behind large curtains.

I hope this guide helps anyone trying to redecorate choose their window treatments. Done well both blinds and curtains can add a lot to a room.

Author Bio
This is a guest post by Daniel Frank a UK blogger writing on behalf of wooden Venetian blind specialist wooden blinds direct

If you have any elderly or disabled living with you or are regularly visited by someone who is, then making your home easily accessible will make their life safer and easier. Whilst accessibility might seem to only be an issue for people suffering serious disabilities, you will be surprised at how much of a difference it can make. For example I’m sure many families have struggled with getting a pram or furniture through a narrow doorway fronted with steps.

Simple Steps to Improve Acccessibility
There are a number of trip hazards that you may not notice or be aware off. In particular throw rugs which can catch or slip under people. They can be simply taped down to prevent slippage but still be easily moved for cleaning. This step is particularly important if you have anyone with a walker or a wheelchair which can easily be caught by a rug.

If you use chairs with arms then it will make it easier for people with less strength to get in and out of them. They are also safer as they allow people to lower themselves onto them if necessary. Similarly placing cushions on low chairs will provide a simple and effective step for making them easier to get in and out of.

In the kitchen you can buy large handled grips for tableware will help make life easier, particularly for people with arthritis or other conditions which can reduce the strength of their grip. Similarly double handled pots and pans can be lifted without placing as much stress on the wrist joints as single handed pots. The not only means they are easier to lift but reduces the chance of spillages.

Replacing door knobs and tap handles with longer handles makes turning them easier. (Who hasn’t struggled with a stiff tap?) Similarly large handles which allow you to insert several fingers on drawers are easier than knobs or ones which only insert a small number.

Some more complex steps
You can make your bathroom safer by placing non slip tape and grab bars near the toilet and shower to help prevent slippage. In addition walk in baths and hand held showerheads make bathing far easier for people with disabilities.

For more serious mobility problems a reconditioned stairlift will provide an affordable option if you or people you live with find it hard to climb the stairs, and is safer than getting a second hand stairlift.

Wheelchair ramps come in many forms depending upon what you can afford, but an aluminium portable ramp should not only make accessing the home easier for people in wheelchairs but also help other people who might find the steps hard to manage such a people using walkers. In general it’s recommended that ramps have a slope which rises 12 inches for every foot.

The costs don’t need be prohibitive despite the initial set up. There are a variety of organizations such as The Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs which offer grants so as to allow people with disabilities to afford technology to allow them to do tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible.

Author Bio
This is a guest post by Daniel Frank, a UK blogger who is interested in disability issues. He is currently writing on behalf of Stannah Stairlifts who provide a range of products including reconditioned stairlifts

Congrats! You are looking to make a lifestyle change…a healthy household. Many people have made this decision for years. Some successful. Some, not so much. However, I think it’s important to change more than our diet if we want to succeed.

If you are looking for a healthier lifestyle, you probably already know to cut out the soda, salt, and other bad-for-you items. However, are you aware that there are ways to prep your kitchen better in order to help you reach and maintain your goal?

A great quote by Hippocrates says it best; “Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity.”

Having the right tools and ingredients stocked in the kitchen could benefit a household in two ways. First, if I spend the money on something, I’m not going to waste it. And second, having it all in the kitchen is convenient. For example, if I spend the money on groceries, or a special item like an all Clad pan. I’m going to make sure I use it. And, if it’s there and ready to use, it makes cooking easier.

The Fridge

No time like now to clean out the refrigerator. While you are doing it, throw out all old items that shouldn’t be used any longer. Hopefully, some of those items are processed meats and cheeses. I said ‘hopefully’, because I don’t like to waste food.

Start replacing these items with fresh food such as veggies, yogurts, fruits and nuts. However, I won’t say to get rid of butter, mayonnaise, and other fats, because they are needed at times for making dishes that can still be relatively healthy, or enjoyed in moderation.

The Pantry

Just as you do with the refrigerator, remove all old items that you won’t be using. Fill the void with the healthy items such as whole wheat flour in place of white, or pretzels in place of chocolate bars. If it’s a non-perishable item but you still won’t use it, donate it to your local food bank.

Stock up on a nice variety of dried spices and herbs. Spices are a great way to add a lot of flavor, without calories. If you will use them before they go bad, get fresh herbs and store them in the refrigerator. Anytime I can use fresh, I will for depth of flavor.

The idea is to furnish your kitchen with healthier alternatives, as long as you will use them.

The Right Stuff

Take your kitchen to new heights with all the proper tools. Cooking healthier can actually be a lot of fun, especially if you have the right equipment to make it easy. Here are some that I am considering, or already have:

• Immersion Blender. You can make flavorful and healthy soups and smoothies.
• Non-stick Frying Pan. This will allow you to ‘fry’ without all the oil or butter.
• Zester. A zester is great for zesting fresh lemon rind, especially on fish.
• Garlic Roaster. Roast your own fresh garlic for great taste in meals.
• Meat Thermometer. Enjoy flavorful and moist meats cooked at just the right temperature.
• Scale. Weigh your portions to know what your intake is.

Do some research on various tools to help you with healthy cooking. Anytime I get a new kitchen tool or ingredient, I like to experiment by trying new dishes. For example, when I get my new all clad stainless cookware set, I plan on doing a lot of experimenting!

And, speaking of experimenting…

Cookbooks and Other Sources

To keep on the path of eating healthy, it’s important to have a variety of healthy recipes and ideas. One source is a traditional cookbook, and there are plenty of them out there for cooking healthy. You can find them with certain ethnic styles such as Italian, or just a general healthy cookbook. I love a good cookbook, almost as much as a good novel.

Another way to find good recipes, and one that I particularly enjoy, is the Internet. You can find recipes for just about anything on the web, with details of the recipes, as well as reviews. There are also free websites that allow you search their database for hundreds of recipes, based on keywords. Some will even let you contribute recipes and store them in your free account, all while adding up the nutritional information for you.

In Closing

The key to reaching a healthy lifestyle is to live like you already have one. Have the healthy foods in the house, and get rid of the temptation that will tempt you too much. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy something ‘sinful’ once in a while, as long as it’s in moderation in both portion size and frequency.

Soon, it will all become habit and you will feel and look your best…for life. You will also be teaching your kids how to take care of their health, which is worth it all on its own.

Signs of a Good Year

Home Improvement projects often show up high on homeowner’s list of New Year’s resolutions.  But without proper planning it’s easy to spend too much or hire a disreputable contractor.  Then the home improvement project that should bring you joy turns into a home improvement nightmare.

Here’s a list of five New Year’s resolutions that will help bring you peace and joy in the New Year:

1. I will do my research online weather I am hiring a home improvement contractor or doing it myself.

2. I will not pick the first home improvement contractor that shows up in a Google search or has the best looking website.

3. I will ask for and check at least three references.

4. I will check with the local contractor’s board or licensing agency to see if there are any complaints against the home improvement contractor AND see how it was resolved.

5. I won’t make a decision until I have attended my local home and garden show and met the home improvement contractor I am going to hire. Here is a list of the best home and garden shows in North America: http://www.hgsei.com/

Remodeling a kitchen, or other space, has a thousands of puzzle pieces to fit together. That's why a good, professional kitchen designer comes in handy. (Photo from Susan Serra, The Kitchen Designer)

You can find anything on Twitter! Yesterday we featured resources for kitchen cabinets. Today, in part 2 of our kitchen series, we’ll continue with professional kitchen designers who can help you realize your remodeled kitchen vision. Each of these experts  has an amazing website packed with ideas.

1. Susan Serra, CKD, CAPS, @SusanSerraCKD, has a very thorough blog to help do-it-yourself homeowners design their perfect kitchen. She also offers one-hour consultations to cover topics like kitchen design and planning, conflict resolution with hard-to-design around space, best kitchen products and materials or just help un-stick you so you can move forward.

2.  Kitchen Designer, Pam Rodriguez, @PamDesigns, has a degree in interior architecture and says she’s “all about the details” when she designs her fabulous kitchens and baths for homeowners. Her kitchen designs can be taken to any architect or kitchen remodeler for installation.

3. @SusanPalmer, Certified Kitchen Designer, CBD, has more than 25 years in the kitchen design industry. Her projects in Hawaii and California have been profiled in multiple kitchen and bath publications. She’s also been a kitchen design judge in local and national design award programs. Susan Palmer Designs currently has two showrooms in Honolulu.

4. @DebraToney, Associate AIA Principal and Design Specialist, is a Colorado-based kitchen designer who approaches projects with an eye for architectural integrity. In 2008 she opened Debra Toney Kitchen and Bath Studios because she believes in “Thinking globally, by producing European Style cabinets locally.” Her green building products reduces the carbon footprint associated with shipping cabinets from out of state or overseas.

5. Jamie Goldberg, AKBD, @JTGoldberg on Twitter, writes regularly on kitchen design and remodeling. She’s an NKBA-certified kitchen and bath designer, which signifies that she met the qualifications and upholds the standards of the leading professional association in the kitchen industry.

To read more of our finds for home, garden and green living, follow us on Twitter!

Originally posted 2010-10-14 07:00:30. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

It is often said that planning is the most important part of a home improvement project, and this is never truer than for a home remodel. Because the kitchen is such an active, complex, multipurpose area, a remodel demands a great deal of foresight.

Though a kitchen remodel may be at the top of your wish list, it shouldn’t necessarily be first on your to do list. Kitchen remodels can be very expensive and disruptive, and in some neighborhoods, you risk investing more in the project then you will gain in value if you sell your home.

If you plan to stay in your home for only a short time, or you just want your kitchen to have a fresh look, your best option may be to reface the cabinets, replace worn-out countertops, or simply paint the walls. If you do decide to remodel, make sure you will be creating your new kitchen in a sound structure. Most home improvement experts recommend updating your home from the ground, starting with the systems that make your kitchen function. It’s much more difficult and costly to replace plumbing, heating and wiring after renovation, and a failing system that is left in place can seriously compromise the new kitchen you have worked so hard to create. Sometimes people put in new sinks and cabinets and then six months later they have to pull the walls apart to put in new plumbing because the old pipes sprang a leak. Even if the systems are not worn out, it is good to update them whenever a kitchen remodel calls for opening a wall.

Kitchen remodel possibilities

A kitchen remodel can cost under $10,000 for a simple facelift to tens of thousands or more for a major remake. The scope of your project should depend not only on your budget but in how you plan to use your new kitchen. If you don’t particularly like to cook, a simple kitchen may serve you better than a culinary cathedral with 12 foot ceilings and a restaurant style range. On the other hand, if your family includes an avid chef or two, a spacious well- scaled kitchen with all the trimmings will pay you back in pleasure and convenience.

The major kitchen remodels

If your existing kitchen is cramped, the configuration is awkward, or natural light is lacking, a major remodel might be the only solution. Though a major kitchen remodel is expensive, it’s often a better investment than a minor upgrade if you intend to stay in your home more than a few years. An ambitious renovation allows you to create a carefully designed, solidly constructed space exactly suited to your needs; the chances are good that it will endure for as long as you remain in your house. While you may redecorate or update it as the years go by, your kitchen will continue to function efficiently and meet your needs.

If you want just a little more elbow room, you may be able to get it by bumping out along one wall. A bump out, typically 3 to 5 feet wide, can give you enough room for an eating area or island, and it offers the opportunity to add windows that will bring in more light. A more affordable alternative is to add kitchen space without changing your houses footprint. Non-load bearing walls can be removed easily, and it even load bearing walls can be replaced by beams and other structural support. You can annex a little used adjacent room to create a spacious area for cooking and eating, or combine your kitchen, family, and dining rooms into a great room.

Even if you’re happy with the size of your existing kitchen, you may have other goals they warrant a major remodel. Structural changes such as moving doors, adding windows, altering the ceiling, and changing the floor plan in a way that involves reconfiguring plumbing and wiring are major changes. Even new cabinets – which typically account for close to half the cost of a major kitchen remodel – will place you in that category.

Kithcen makeovers

If you’re satisfied with the basic size and layout of your kitchen, you can focus on the simple improvements that won’t break the bank. For an average cost of about $6000-$15,000, a minor kitchen remodel typically includes new paint or wall covering, additional lighting, countertops, flooring, repainting or refacing cabinetry, plus one or two new appliances.

A minor remodel can make a dramatic difference in the way the room looks and functions. For example, a well planned lighting scheme can utterly transform a space that is drab or difficult to work in, and any budget can accommodate handsome hardware that will bring a touch of class to refurbished cabinets. Replacing old appliances with new ones can cost relatively little if you look for updated models without all the bells and whistles.

However, don’t settle for a makeover if your priority is a kitchen design that will last a lifetime. If your budget is limited, consider remaking your kitchen in stages. “Solving the problems that demand structural and mechanical solutions, and then plan to add finishes and new appliances when you can. In the meantime, make creative use of inexpensive materials such as off – the – shelf ceramic tiles, paint, and plastic laminates.

By the year 2030 there will be 70 million baby boomers over the age of 65, more than all age groups put together.

It’s the primary driver behind Congress’ struggle to reinvent health insurance. But closer to home, families we all know are quietly seeking solutions from what is being called the Aging-In-Place Initiative.

Aging in Place can best be described as home redesign for the elderly and the people who care for them. And it’s a design movement that’s gaining traction because of the current stressed economic conditions.

Most of our grandparents grew up living with a grandparent–and they didn’t question the tradition. But our generation has always had assisted care facilities and nursing homes to take care of our elderly loved ones while we went off to work and cared for our offspring. The 90′s term “sandwhich generation” describes the phenomenon that many baby boomers are all too familiar with: our kids are not yet out of the house, but now mom and dad want to move in with us, too.

Aging in Place is a fast-growing trend, and like all trends, entire industries are springing up to accommodate this niche. For example, the NAHB Research Center has an entire room-by-room checklist of modifications homeowners should incorporate when creating a comfortable space for an older person. First, there’s such a demand on senior living spaces, especially those with dementia-related illnesses. Alzheimer’s facilities, for example, are building long waiting lists because the illness now affects and kills those as young as those in their 40′s, 50′s and 60′s.

Here are just a few of their Aging in Place suggestions for the bathroom:

• Contrasting color edge border at countertops
• At least one wheelchair maneuverable bath on main level with 60-inch turning radius or acceptable T-turn space and 36″ x 36″ or 30″ x 48″ clear space
• Bracing in walls around tub, shower, shower seat and toilet for installation of grab bars to support 250 – 300 pounds
• Fold down seat in the shower
• Walk-in tub or shower
• Adjustable/ handheld showerheads, 6′ hose
• Tub/Shower controls offset from center
• Shower stall with built-in antibacterial protection
• Light in shower stall
• Toilet 2 ½” higher than standard toilet (17″ – 19″) or height-adjustable
• Design of the toilet paper holder allows rolls to be changed with one hand
• Wall-hung sink with knee space and panel to protect user from pipes
• Slip-resistant flooring in bathroom and shower

Myra Katz, a long-time interior designer who used to apply her talent to bank interiors, is now certified to offer Aging in Place design services in St. Louis, MO. This year she launched Alzheimer’s & Dementia Home Solutions in response to changes in the economy and the growing demand for health care applications at home. It was a natural fit.

“Aging in Place design is not design as we think of it,” she said. “Instead, we apply our health care and senior living design experience to the residences of patients with dementia-related illnesses, allowing them to be safer and more independent in the supportive environment of their own home for as long as possible.”

Myra said focusing her new business on aging in place design is like coming full circle for her. Her father was a builder of multi-family developments in St. Louis County, and he felt strongly that the elderly should never feel displaced. So even before there were senior living communities, his properties were designed so seniors could live as independently as possible.

“There were always party rooms and guest apartments for visiting family members, Myra said. “One high-rise property even had a restaurant on site and has since been converted to an upscale senior living facility. We always had grandparents living with us when I was growing up, as did many of my friends.

“Designing healthcare and senior living facilities, along with starting Alzheimer’s & Dementia Home Solutions, is my way of making a difference. It’s like a calling.”

Myra believes it’s important to stay a step ahead of Alzheimer’s Disease, so as the condition progresses, design companies like Alzheimer’s & Dementia Home Solutions are able to address the new needs and suggest additional solutions to lengthen the older person’s golden years at home. For example, falls are the number one cause of death for seniors, Myra said, so caregivers must also pay attention to safety as it pertains to:

• Memory Impairment
• Mental & Visual Perception
• ADL (Activities of Daily Living)
• Incontinence
• Loss of Motor Skills
• Wandering

Myra’s recommendations can range from the simplest safety and security devices, lighting and finish changes to addressing accessibility issues or preparing drawings for a first floor room addition.

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. In preparation for the largest number of seniors ever, an Aging-In-Place Initiative is expanding in cities across the country with plans for communities to become more “senior friendly.” For more information, check out the National Aging in Place Council and the Aging-In-Place Design Checklists from NAHB’s Toolbase Services.

Originally posted 2009-10-16 09:00:01. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Home improvement loans are borrowed funds used to repair, update, or remodel your house or property. Home improvement loans can take different forms—a home equity loan or line of credit is based on the equity you have earned on your home. Personal loans or personal lines of credit can also be secured specifically for home improvements. These loans, however, do not require you to tap into your home’s equity. Home improvement loans are not used for new construction, but rather for work on an existing structure.

What Kinds of Projects Can Be Funded With a Home Improvement Loan?

Home improvement projects generally fall into one of three categories: maintenance, updates, or remodels. Maintenance projects are undertaken to maintain already existing aspects of your home. Examples might be repairing or replacing a roof, repainting, or fixing a water leak and related damage. Home improvement loans are also used to update systems or rooms in your home. Perhaps your furnace has gone kaput or your plumbing is outdated. Or maybe your kitchen needs to lose that 70s look! Update projects might include replacement windows, new heating or cooling systems, new cabinets and appliances in the kitchen or new fixtures in the bathroom. Remodeling projects are often the most extensive and expensive of all home improvement projects. These might range from changing the interior walls of your home to adding square footage in the form of new rooms or even a conservatory.

What is the best use of your home improvement dollar?

Ultimately, each home owner must decide for him- or herself what will bring the most value for the money. If you are planning to remain in your home long-term, home improvement funds are best spent on the projects that will bring the most comfort and enjoyment to you as the homeowner. However, if you are looking to increase the value of your home with a future sale in mind, adding square footage, updating kitchens and/or bathrooms, or improving curb appeal are the most recommended uses of home improvement funds.

Getting a Home Improvement Loan, Step-by-Step

Each situation, even different lenders, will require a slightly different arrangement of these steps, but the basic process will be as follows:

1. How much do you need? Take the time to assess the work you’d like to have done on your home. Contact contractors in your area and get project estimates. If you’re doing the work yourself, make a list of materials and estimate your costs. Be sure to figure contingency funds into your budget—these are funds to cover unexpected costs. For a simple project, 5% should be sufficient, but for more complex projects, up to 20% is recommended.
2. Gather your paperwork. No matter what lender you end up using, they will all require documentation. Typically you will need the following: proof of income sources; proof of employment, if applicable; tax returns from the last couple years; credit history; and documents to establish your debt-to-income ratio.
3. While you’re at it, check your credit reports. You don’t need any nasty surprises while you’re sitting there waiting to sign papers. Be proactive and check your credit reports first. That way, if there is an error you can take care of it prior to making your loan application.
4. Do your homework. There are all kinds of lenders out there—most reputable, but some not. Shop around and make sure a potential lender is legitimate. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t be embarrassed to take extra time to read the fine print—check it with a trusted professional if something seems fishy. Better to appear a little uptight than be the victim of fraud.
5. As mentioned in the first paragraph, there a several different options for funding your home improvement project. You’ll need to decide what type of loan will work best in your situation; you may be able to choose a home equity loan or line of credit or a personal loan or line of credit.
6. You may be able to get pre-approved for a loan, at which point you’ll have a pretty good idea of the amount you’ll actually be able to borrow. If the amount is less than you’d planned, you may need to re-evaluate and prioritize your project list.
7. Last but not least, make sure you can make the payments before you sign on the bottom line. Even though banks are more reserved about lending money these days, they still may offer a bigger loan than you can comfortably manage. Only you know what you can really handle—be honest with yourself! Also, if you are taking a home equity loan, it’s wise to leave at least 20% equity in your home so you have a reserve in case of emergency.

What Are the Current Home Improvement Loan Rates?

The best answer—it depends. Home improvement loan rates will vary by lender and type of loan. Loans based on the equity in your home sometimes have lower interest rates since they are tied to some collateral, while loans not tied to your home’s equity or other collateral often have higher rates because they are a bigger risk for the lender. Your interest rate will also depend upon your credit score and your debt-to-income ratio.

Getting a Little Back—Home Improvement Tax Credits

This paragraph must start with a disclaimer—we are not tax professionals. Seek the advice of a tax professional before claiming any tax benefit on your return! With that said, we will point out that you may be able to reap tax benefits from your home improvement project. You may be able to write off all or some of the interest in your home equity loan. Also, the Federal government, as well as some state and local governments offer tax credits for certain projects. These credits usually support projects that improve energy efficiency or add green energy sources to your home.

Victorian House Finish Rejuvenator restores wood to avoid the cost of replacement.

The cost of replacing, or simply refacing, kitchen cabinets can be cost prohibitive. But with the kitchen at the heart of most homes, how can a homeowner keep it looking its best?

Doris Jean of The Victorian House of Skiatook, Oklahoma, says to consider a product like Victorian House Finish Rejuvenator to restore kitchen cabinets and other wood products to their original beauty.

“In these economic times, our products are more valuable than ever,” she says. “If a customer can save the wood in their homes instead of replacing it, they’ll save money.”

Victorian House Finish Rejuvenator was invented nearly 30 years ago for the use in restoring antique wood furnishings. Not only is it useful for antiques, but it can also remove dirty, greasy spots from wood furnishings and floors as well as restore lighter, faded areas to their original luster.

“One situation I recall was a husband who had pressed his trousers on the dining table,” Jean says. “Of course, there was a large white area from the heat of the iron on the tabletop, also known as the ‘pizza box’ effect. He said his wife was about ready to divorce him. He bought and used the finish rejuvenator and reported that we had saved his marriage.”

Kitchen Cabinet Restoration

“Not every customer wants to spend money on new cabinets or wood floors when the wood can be saved,” Jean says. New, updated countertops usually look great in the kitchen, except when paired with dull, aging cabinetry. “For around $50, you can bring the original color and shine back to the cabinets and woodwork, and the kitchen looks new again,” Jean says. The product also works well on scratches in wood floors, and the results should last for years, not weeks, Jean says.

“Miracle in the Blue Bottle”

Jean’s rejuvenator has been called a “miracle in the blue bottle” for its ability to restore wood to its former beauty. “I remember a customer from one home show very well,” Jean says. “She came up the aisle with our familiar blue bottle under her arm. Of course, I was thinking she had a complaint, but she stood quietly while I explained how to remove grease from the cabinet doors in the kitchen. I finished talking and asked if she had a problem, and she promptly said, ‘No, I just wanted to make sure I got the right product.’”

Other Uses Besidses Cabinet Restoration

Jean says Victorian House Finish Rejuvenator has been used in museums as well as a castle in England. She recalls the story of a customer who enlisted his young son to help clean his office.

“He sprayed Lysol on the woodwork,” she says. “You can imagine white spots on dark woodwork, and they didn’t disappear. After talking to one of our representatives at a show, he was able to remove the white spots and bring back the original shine.”

Although the Victorian House Finish Rejuvenator is Jean’s top-selling product, the company sells other products for restoring wood as well as brass and copper. The company demonstrates its products’ uses at the Builders St. Louis Home and Garden Show.

Other Kitchen Articles:
Planning for a Kitchen Remodel

Originally posted 2010-03-14 10:00:04. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

The Builders Home & Remodeling Show Returns to the St. Charles Convention Center – with FREE Admission and FREE Parking

The 31st Annual Builders Home & Remodeling Show, produced by the Home Builders Association, runs October 14-16 at the St. Charles Convention Center. Attendees can visit 200 companies in more than 300 booths on two levels. The show saves you time and money and is the place to find information, products and services for your home, all under one roof.

When summer comes to an end, it’s time to start thinking about those fall and winter home projects. The Home & Remodeling Show is a great place to plan, prepare and get started! Save time by visiting multiple manufacturers in one day. Save money by taking advantage of show specials and learning about the latest energy-efficient products and technologies.

Improve your home, inside and out, with help from national and local celebrity experts. Attend a variety of seminars at the Home Idea Stage. Jeff Holper, The Mole Hunter will help you rid your yard of moles and other pesky creatures. Scott Mosby, KMOX Home Answer Man will share information that will help you make your next home project a success. Thompson Price, of Thompson Price Kitchens, Baths, Home outlines options for your kitchen remodel with his seminar “Good Better & Best – How Different They Can Be.” And Dan Hechler of Hechler’s Hearth & Home will help you make your fireplace more efficient.

Do you have a piece of art or an antique that you have always wondered what it’s worth? Bring it to the show for a free appraisal by Dr. Lori, certified art and antiques appraiser, art historian and museum curator. As she evaluates objects, Dr. Lori shares secrets that antique and art dealers just don’t want you to know. You’ll have fun even if your treasure is trash!

Unlike most art and antique appraisers, Dr. Lori has a Ph.D. in art history and does not have an interest in buying people’s objects, thus ensuring an honest, ethical, and accurate appraisal. With more than 100 events and in-home appraisals, Dr. Lori reviews approximately 20,000 items a year. Appraisals take place as part of Dr. Lori’s presentations – one appraisal per person on a first-come, first-served basis. Dr. Lori can appraise from a photograph.

Attend floral design seminars full of fun, innovative ideas presented by Walter Knoll Florist’s world-class design team at the Walter Knoll Holiday Floral Stage. Learn how to create fantastic floral decorations for the fall and winter holidays that will impress your guests and make your home festive and attractive. You could even be chosen to have a hands-on floral experience!

The Home & Remodeling Show is always a fun destination for the whole family. Don’t miss the
3rd Annual Mills Apple Festival, presented by Mills Apple Farm for fun fall festivities. Enjoy FREE samples of apples, apple pie and cider. Purchase “made from scratch” apple pies, turnovers, cookies and other delicious treats – plus a variety of apples fresh from the orchards in Marine, IL. There will be FREE pumpkins and pumpkin painting for kids 12 and under while supplies last – as well as games and temporary tattoos!

Shop for great bargains at the Building Products Warehouse Sale. Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County, a local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, has a retail store in St. Peters. The Habitat for Humanity ReStore sells new and used home improvement merchandise to the public at deeply discounted prices. They are bringing a mini Habitat ReStore to the Show, so visitors can shop for great deals on home improvement merchandise. Items may include doors, cabinetry, appliances, sinks, and smaller items like nails, screws, tile and light fixtures. The merchandise is great for the average home owner, rental property owners and contractors of all levels. All proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County.

Do you have questions about your project or your home in general? The Home & Remodeling Show has the experts who can help. Visit the Mosby Solution Center, an area of the show where some of St. Louis’s top companies come together under the umbrella of Scott Mosby. Get answers to those nagging questions from a variety of home experts all in one place. And visit the Home Advice Stage, where guest speakers will present useful information to help homeowners maintain, improve, and live safely in their homes.

The Home & Remodeling Show is your chance to see more than 300 booths featuring the latest products and services for your home all under one roof! More than 200 companies can help you find what you need to get those home projects done.

Show hours are 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 14 and Saturday, October 15 and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 16. Admission and parking are FREE. For more information, visit http://visit www.STLHomeShow.com.