Helpful Home Ideas

Assessing Home Security Options in Atlanta

admin — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

As is the case with much of today’s technology, there are many options available when assessing home security atlanta. Given Atlanta’s size and diverse population, there is no standard home security option that is not available here. All of the established national companies operate in Atlanta to provide the kind of security services we see advertised on television. These are fine for many people, particularly those who find comfort in the companies’ longevity and stability. The technology also has been around for a long while, and so has been proven repeatedly in practice. Some of the older services were plagued with occasional false alarms in the past, but improvements in communications infrastructure have served to minimize that issue.

Newer technologies, on the other hand, impress even tech-savvy 20-somethings and are simply jaw-dropping for those approaching retirement age. Newer technologies are set in wireless foundations. We all have seen movies in which the bad guy clips an exterior wire under cover of darkness. When the home security system is wireless, that action is not an option.

A natural extension of wireless home security service is the omnipresent “smart phone” application. At least one wireless service offers an option camera application. The homeowner choosing to install cameras then can use her smart phone to access the camera from any location, for a full view of everything occurring within the camera’s range. Some wireless security systems also allow remote light and temperature control using the phone. An added benefit of some of today’s wireless systems is that the homeowner is the only installer, so there is no total stranger with full knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of the homeowner’s new security system.

Options abound in the Atlanta market today. Home security can be as simple as the homeowner wants it to be, or it can be customized to provide a wide array of security-related services.

Why Being Organized When Shopping Will Save You Money

admin — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Being organized when shopping can definitely save you some money in the process. If you stick to a list, and get the things that are on sale, etc. you will notice that you end up with some extra cash in your wallet every month. Don’t overspend and get things that you do not need. Getting the things that you only need, will save you some money. That is the problem that most people have when shopping. They do not know how to shop, and they are not organized. You can really get a lot out of shopping and being organized regardless of if you are shopping for clothing, or groceries. Sticking to what you need, will hold a huge advantage for you later on. If you do not know how to be organized while shopping, you can always learn some easy strategies to help you out along the way. With the way the economy is, and prices rising in every direction, different strategies will need to be taken if you want to win this battle. There is a solution for every problem. If you ever find yourself over spending when shopping, try being a bit more organized in the process.

Choosing The Right Paint Color For A Large Space

admin — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Picking the right color of paint for large spaces can be difficult. Choosing the right color is going to create a fantastic home decor, while picking the wrong color can create an odd look in the home. It is always important to remember to pick a paint color that is going to match the carpet, floors, furniture, and rest of the home decor plan.

There are also some other tips people should be aware of when trying to choose the right paint color for a large space. One important tip is that spaces that get a lot of natural sunlight, which are normally rooms facing south, can handle a deeper color choice better. Mid to dark tones are popular in rooms like these.

At the same time, rooms that do not receive much natural light, which are the rooms that normally face north, normally look best with a light to mid color tone. This type of color will make the room look brighter and happier. It is nice to have a home color scheme that generally matches with each other. It is fun to add some different colors to a space, but most interior decorators generally say 60 of a home should be the same color.

Choosing The Right Paint Color For A Small Space

admin — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

When choosing the right paint color for a small space the sky’s the limit. Although ceilings have almost always remained white, light colors can be used to create the illusion of height. An accent color, one or two shades lighter than your walls can add the effect of more space. It used to be believed that darker colors tend to close a space in, while lighter, earthier tones will lend to an airier look and feel. Yet, decorators today are making bolder choices with colors in small spaces, such as bathrooms, breakfast nooks, small kitchens even closets. Rich, dark reds and maroons can make the space feel more luxurious and coupled with elegant furnishings make the room feel grand. Earthtone colors like brown, taupe and sage give the space an outdoorsy feel and lend to the feeling of an open area. Also, using an accent color on one wall of a room can create the effect that the room is longer or wider, depending on the room’s shape. When choosing an accent wall it should be the focal point of the room. So when choosing the right paint color for a small space you can allow yourself to be creative.

Homes Goods to the Rescue

www.helpfulhomeideas.com — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0000

If you’re a fan of some of the decorating shows on HGTV like Color Splash, you may notice periodically that the designers walk around retail establishments picking up items of inspiration like vases, pillows, lamps, or rugs; and you may wonder whether or not such a store exists close to where you live. I’ve personally noticed that David Bromstad and his staff shop at one of my favorite stores Home Goods and want to make sure you know about it, too. They have 300 stores nationwide offering “incredible, eclectic, stylish, designer and one-of-a-kind home fashions” at prices that are 20-60 lower than what you’d pay at other home interior specialty stores because the buyers (aligned with TJMaxx) have the talent to scoop up deals from manufacturer’s over-runs as they happen this means that the stuff you see in the stores is as current and fashion-forward as possible. I personally love this store and find myself “hitting it” at least once a week to pick up one-of-a-kind designer pieces that always evoke a lot of ooohs and ahhhs from any visitor to my home. My favorite question is always “who was your designer?” to which I just smile and reply “I did it myself.” Thank you Home Goods

Are you ready to renovate?

admin — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 19:00:52 +0000

When you first moved into your home, your kitchen was phenomenal. You thought those white cabinets and black counters looked great together. As for the refrigerator, it’s been with you since you finished college. Let’s just say those days of takeout and leftovers have caught up with the inside. Now you look at your kitchen and can’t help but say: “it is time to renovate.” So what is the first step? According to About.com, there are four things you should think about before you jump in.Is this a want or a need?What is more important to you? Would you rather give your kitchen a whole new look or is it time to replace that centuries old fridge? Whether you chose one or both of these projects, it’s important to know what your goals are before starting the renovation.Do I really want to renovate?Be sure you actually want to renovate, because remodeling isn’t an overnight process. Consider the money you will have to spend. And don’t forget that if your version of DIY is destroy it yourself, installation teams will occupy your kitchen for weeks, maybe even months. Is all of the hassle worth the end result?What type of renovation is this?How much renovating do you want to get accomplished and how much of a workload is ahead of you? Could you classify your goals as a surface level change, or something more extensive?What is your budget and where can you save money?Always look to save money. Think about your budget and make sure to research what different companies offer. You may find that fridge you love for a better price elsewhere. Try companies like Sears who offer kitchen appliances for great prices.

3 must have appliances

admin — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 11:45:21 +0000

You’ve finally finished decorating, and now, you have the house of your dreams. Next you need to focus on your appliances. That way, when your pets have shed a new carpet or your kids have found the crayon stash, you can make things feel like home again. Not every item is budget friendly, but one thing is for sure: each product will last.A Dyson VacuumDysons are the most expensive vacuums on the market, but they are pricey for a reason. With other vacuums, you’re constantly replacing bags and losing suction. With a Dyson, the cyclone center sucks in dirt and removes clean air at the top. As a result, you have better suction and cleaner floors! No matter which model you purchase, you’ll get the same quality. The vacuums range in price, with a DC14 All Floors Vacuum costing 399 and a DC25 Animal priced at 549. While it is expensive, there’s definitely no better vacuum to pick up all those pet hairs.KitchenAid Standing MixerKitchenAid has been producing standing mixers since 1919. Now you’re not only guaranteed a well made product, but attachments for your every need. Whether you feel like making pasta or ice cream, there’s an add-on for that. The product is an expensive purchase, with a white, Classic Plus costing 199.99, and the Artisan models starting at 249.99. However, with 91 years in the business, KitchenAid has a reputation for its long last products. So as long as you don’t mistreat it, you’ll only spend the money once. Plus, what better way to draw your child away from the crayons than with a cookie?Crock PotPerfect for that long day at work, a crock pot will cook your food while you’re working. So when you get home, dinner is warm and ready to serve. Crock pots are definitely the most budget friendly item on our list. In-fact, you can find an Oval 4 Qt Crock Pot for 19.99 at Target. Affordable and cooks for you? It must be love.

Why we love Ikea

admin — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 17:00:50 +0000

If you’re starting a home decorating project, or you’re just looking for new furniture, you should really stop by Ikea. From furniture for your living room, to affordable wall art for your bedroom, Ikea has everything you need. And the store’s products are well priced, too.If you compare prices with another furniture store, you’d see your savings instantly. Take Ikea’s MALM bed frame, for example. A simple wooden frame and headboard, for a queen bed, will cost you 199. The Metro Black platform bed, which is a similar product from Value City, would cost you 249.99. You could also compare Ikea’s HEMNES coffee table with the Soho Randall from Home Decorators Collection. While the HEMNES is priced at 99, the Soho Randall costs 179. . . on sale.Beyond the great prices, the store gives decorators the chance to build their dream room, rather than just purchase prebuilt models. This means anything you can imagine Ikea can help you create it. However, if you struggle to bring your ideas to life, the store’s show rooms can spark your inspiration. By walking through the decorated models, you can see how your favorite dining set might look in a traditional dining room. You can also admire those black wood countertops against those white kitchen cabinets.When it comes to the entertainment centers, you’ll be amazed at just how creative you can be. From centers that span the entire wall, to others that make a great use of space, you’ll find the perfect entertainment center. And since everything at Ikea is so affordable, maybe you have a little extra for a new T.V., too? Just maybe.Ikea has everything -even the kitchen sink- which means a trip will take you a few hours. But since the store has a caf, you can make a day of your decorating adventure.

Spruce up your Halloween candy display

www.helpfulhomeideas.com — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 18:31:42 +0000

With October quickly approaching, Halloween decorations and candies are filling the shelves. One of the most popular Halloween products is the traditional candy bowl. From a pumpkin shaped dish to a bowl with a clutching hand, you can find them all. While candy plates are both fun and festive, we have suggestion that will put your old candy holders to shame.This year, instead of putting your candy in a traditional dish, spruce up your dcor with a candy buffet. Michaels offers mini potion bottles with creepy labels, as well as various sized Apothecary jars. Place a few gummy worms (or snakes) in the potion bottles, making sure to hang a few off the side. Then mix these potion bottles with two or three apothecary jars filled with gummy body parts, candy corn, and lollipops. Add some fake rats, spiders, and cobwebs around the buffet for that final touch. Your finished product will look like your own version of a witch’s pantry.Granted, this isn’t something little kids could grab from when trick or treating. But a candy display is great for your next costume party, or better yet, your own personal stash of Halloween goodies.

5 ways to showcase your worldly tastes

admin — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 19:37:05 +0000

If you love to travel, why not showcase that passion in your home dcor? From Target to World Market, you can find a variety of pieces that accent your favorite places. And thankfully, you don’t have to damage your wallet in the process.5. Plates and cutleryDinnerware designs can really pull in cultural artistry. Take the Kasbar dinnerware in Walmart’s Hometrends collection. For 35, you get a 16 piece dining set, and the floral pattern looks similar to aboriginal art. Already have the perfect plates? Why not purchase some bamboo cutlery? Bed Bath and Beyond sells a Hampton Forge set for 29.99.4. PillowsWhile a new couch may not be in the budget, pillows certainly are! As part of the Boho collection, Target offers a pillow with Moroccan style embroidery for 19.99. Take a look at World Market’s Mirrored Toss pillows, too. Available in purple, red, and blue, they only cost 9.99. When paired together, the pillows make for a truly Moroccan touch.3. Candles and candle holdersWhether it’s capturing a country’s signature smell, or just finding an interesting holder, candles are a subtle way to showcase your travels. At Target you can purchase a small Canterbury lantern (15.99) that slightly resembles foreign temples. Another popular item is the Buddha candle holder. You can find one at World Market for 14.99.2. ArtworkFrom landscapes to iconic landmarks, wall art showcases where you’ve been and where you’d like to go. Target is particularly good for affordable wall art. Just recently, the store added decals of cultural landmarks. For 14.99, you can buy a decal of the Golden Gate Bridge, or for 16.98, a red, British phone booth. Walmart is another great stop for wall art. Priced at 14 each, you can purchase one of the Neu Home Zen pieces (artwork that features Chinese lettering).1.Decorative artifactsPlay up the places featured on your walls with cultural artifacts. By far the best place to find worldly pieces is World Market. Whether it’s a wooden statue or cultural figures, they are sure to have what you’re looking for: like a Peruvian Alpaca for 14.99 or two Novica Lucky Cats for 21.99.