Myia’s Renovations and Realty

Andy West our expert of the day, writes:

Moroccan Home Décor is an increasingly popular way for people of all cultures and backgrounds to transform their traditional living spaces into places that are full of warmth, depth and character. Often this style stands in stark contrast to the clean lines and sterile feel that accompanies the modern look. Every piece is created with its own unique attributes and form sometimes takes a front seat to function. There are very few straight lines and the overall feeling of a room is one that is soft. Broken lines and curves accentuate the warm colors and soft light to create a setting that not only invites one to sit, but also lean back and relax, put your feet up, and take a deep breath. Continue Reading »

NiC our expert of the day, writes:

I have a bit of a ‘thing’ for older items. I have alot of brass vases, I love collecting candle holders, I adore the pictures by Waterhouse, brass beds, drapes not curtains that gently sweep the floor. Frames of our family, in contradiction, in black frames with the white inserts which give the impression of the picture either deeper or standing out of the frame, completely comfy lounges that arn’t big and bulky. Furnishings which need to be child friendly/proof…lol…

Childrens rooms. Girls, one who likes pink and princesses the other who leans slightly more in the direction of the gothic side. Boys, one who loves AFL, cricket and now golf. The other Lord of the Rings, Star Wars and small toys requiring imagination. Continue Reading »

Alison Blakely our expert of the day, writes:

If you’ve ever been in a decorating “slump”, you’re well aware of feeling the need to do something to an area or complete room, but you’re just not sure where to start. The mere thought of trying to find an idea can put you in a tough place to begin with, but you do have to begin somewhere. Sure, there are all of those shows on cable showing you tips and tricks of the trade that are perfect for the homes of others, but your home is not anything like the ones on TV. Your home is unique, just like you are. Why not start the process where so many end: with decorative outlet covers?

The passing years have seen many different levels of both the outlet cover (sometimes referred to as the duplex outlet cover, to avoid confusion with the plastic safety inserts) and the switchplate cover. For example, many homes in the 1950’s and 1960’s saw wall coverings like wallpaper and fabric placed directly over outlet and light switchplate covers, all in an attempt to conceal what could have been a focal point on a wall. But thankfully that has all changed, and decorative outlet covers are hitting the interior décor market by storm!

While some of the more traditional interior designers are still a bit leery as to the colorful raised and sculpted outlet covers, the up and coming decorators and designers aren’t afraid to enable each room in your home make its own statement- including the details like wood-burned, metal and ceramic, and jeweled copper designs of decorative outlet covers. Most designers will agree that classic filigree and fleur-de-lis patterns are true classics and will remain in the loop for many years to come.

If you just can’t seem to get away from the boring old white outlet covers, why not break into this new trend slowly with a white, ceramic outlet cover with an inlaid pattern or design, or an interesting outside border, or a hint of a scalloped or raised edge around the non-rectangular perimeter. Or maybe you prefer a hand painted, Shabby Chic design (made popular with HGTV’s popular series) white over copper so that a bit of the material’s luminous qualities allow the cover to naturally shimmer.

Got kids? Then the word “plain” can’t possibly be in your vocabulary! What would the kids’ rubber ducky bathroom be without the coordinating duplex outlet and switchplate covers? How could you possibly have a pink princess bedroom with boring, white outlet covers? What good is the finest blue paint job in junior’s room when the bright white cover is staring you in the face? A tiny bit of design or a lot of dazzle can be the finishing (or beginning) touch in any room in your home.

Don VanPelt our expert of the day, writes:

Nothing can add more charm or style to a kids bedroom than a bed specifically designed for a kid or child. Want your child to make a statement about his or her life? Try a spider man or a Disney princess canopy bed. With this statement comes charm, and for surprisingly little money too. This is partly due to the competition from the Internet. With so many people online, manufacturers have designed some very exciting kids beds.

With kids beds comes kids furniture with a specific theme. Your child’s room can now become an adventure, rather than a place for their stuff. Say goodbye to the days when parents disciplined their kids by sending them to their rooms. Can’t do that now, it’s not discipline, I think you’ll find this practice discontinued in the not so distant future. More and more kids are having things taken away, such as TV privileges, computer time, and video game rights. Continue Reading »

Chuck Lunsford our expert of the day, writes:

The actual design of an outdoor lighting system is determined by the site characteristics, the landscape effect desired its function, and the homeowner’s personal tastes.

Most hardware stores and home improvement centers sell low voltage kits with a built-in transformer and a timer which lets you determine when the lighting is activated or deactivated.

The transformers use 120-volt current, which is standard in nearly all households. The transformer then converts the current to 12 volts resulting in a safe and economical power source. Continue Reading »