Sunday, May 30, 2010

Summer's About Here and It's Time For New Ceiling Fans!





If you've been following this blog, you're already familiar with my ongoing remodeling project. And if you're familiar with remodeling at all, you understand that it never seems to end. Sigh.... Anyway, with summer right around the corner, I thought it would be the perfect time to upgrade my ceiling fans. However being in a remote location prevents me from just running down the street to a local lighting store. This mean I do a LOT of online shopping. I've found that not only do I love the convenience of having whatever I like delivered to my door, but there is a very large selection at my fingertips.


So in my quest for the perfect ceiling fans, I surfed onto shoppremier.com Not only did the site and images load fast but there were several different ways to shop. I won't go into it here, you just need to check it out yourself. They have over 2300 ceiling fans! Actually, they have a large variety of other lighting needs too, including parts and light bulbs. I was also pleasantly surprised that their prices were very reasonable. If it has to do with lighting, they have it. Even table lamps! How cool is that?


Okay, speaking of ceiling fans, have you ever been a little befuddled as to which way to direct the air? I've researched for sometime, and it seems that what it comes down to is to have the air directed downward during the summer, and upward in the winter. Which direction the blades turn will depend on which direction (or pitch) the blades are turned. While this seems simple enough, it took me quite some time to figure this out. Some “authorities” said the fan needs to turn clockwise (it would look counter clockwise if you stand underneath the fan and look up), but that didn't work for me. It seems the fan blades were angled differently. Soooo basically, just have the air blow down...like how you want the temperature. In the winter, you want the temperature up, so just set the fan to draw the air upwards.


Now if you have very tall ceilings, it may not be such a great idea to run a ceiling fan at all during the summer. The reason for this is that heat rises, and if you have ceilings that are over 10 feet tall, all that hot air is sitting at the ceiling level. Why would anyone want to blow that downward and onto themselves? Just a crazy thought. That hot air would be blowing downward into the living area of air and the a/c would have to work twice as hard to cool that big of a room......hmmmm.


Anyway, I'm posting a few of my personal favorites of the ceiling fans......


Namaste & God Bless,

Angelica

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

It's All About Purple










The Color Purple. Aside from being a wonderful movie, the color was once a symbol of royalty and status. For thousands of years, only the elite could afford purple fabric to wear. And for ions, flags bearing the crests of kings were proudly displayed. And in 2010, it is the hottest color for interior design.


In my research, and with this season's hottest decor trend colors being soothing lavenders and comforting plums, I came across a LOT of interior designs using various shades of purple. Quite honestly, so many of them were just amazing. There really is no limit where interior design is concerned and this year, purple has sparked the creativity of so many wonderful designers. This has taken design and décor to new levels.


However, actually using the color purple used to tighten the gut of even the most experienced of traditionalists. But rest assured, that it really isn't difficult at all. If however, you are still a bit leery using purple, there are several things you can do to update your home décor without completely remodeling. Try using neutral colors for walls and on larger pieces of furniture, then add purple accessories. This could easily be done by adding throw pillows, pictures, draperies or vases. This way if you want to change your décor in a year or two, it's very easy to do. If you're feeling a little more daring, try painting one wall. Painting even one wall can make a big difference in a room. Complete the look by adding the accessories.


As with most décor, it truly is about color and mood. If you happen to look at examples online, you'll notice that there are several different looks. Some are more formal, some are modern. Some of the examples have just a touch of purple, while others are completely saturated. Ask yourself what you feel when you view each picture. Does it appear relaxing? Is it playful? Perhaps it seems moody, or maybe luxurious? But the most important question to ask yourself is “What mood do I want to create in this room for myself, family and visitors?” These are questions that should help you to determine which hue would be best for you. For instance, if you are looking for a soothing environment, electric purple on all four walls would most likely not be recommended. However, a muted plum on a focal wall with complimentary accessories may be better suited.


So if you're looking to update your décor in this season's latest trend, consider various shades of purple. It's a wonderful change outside the interior decorating box and it's very suitable for any room inside or outside the house.