HomeMadeMoves.com

Archive for November, 2011

We purchased a vacation cabin a few years ago, and now spend several weeks during our winter and summer vacations hanging out in northern Michigan. The cabin is situated on a huge lot near a lake, so there are plenty of things for us to do while up there. We can go fishing, boating, water skiing, and swimming in the summer, and go snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, or play hockey in the winter. There are a variety of other families with vacation homes in the area as well, giving our kids lots of different playmates whenever we’re there. No wonder everyone loves going to Michigan!

In anticipation of our next trip, I’m now looking into log home decorating tips to give the cabin a more lived-in look and feel. I didn’t worry too much about dressing the place up before, because I figured we wouldn’t be spending a lot of time indoors anyway.But after making friends with the neighbors, we have been entertaining guests more often than we thought. It’s kind of embarr assing to invite folks over when we barely have enough chairs to seat everyone comfortably, so it is time to institute some changes.

Since I do not have a creative bone in my body, I am lucky that there are so many places to find log home decorating ideas that have worked well for other people. For instance, I was at a bookstore the other day and saw a bunch of books and magazines dedicated specifically to log decorating. These publications featured tons of color photos of beautiful, rustic decor that would look great in our cabin, as well as ideas for accessories such as side tables, lamps, chandeliers, clocks, throw rugs, and more.

Along with magazines and books, I’ve found a whole slew of websites that offer free log decorating ideas online. Again, these sites feature amazingly detailed photos that show how the items actually look in a cabin. I’ve just started looking for inspiration and I’ve already found about 10 different rooms that I want to replicate exactly in my own place. I’m not sure how I’m ever going to be able to whittle down these choices to a select few. All the wooden furniture, floor-to-ceiling stone fireplaces, and luxurious leather sofas have me positively drooling for more! I better watch myself or I’m going to end up spending way too much money!

Next time we head up to our cabin, I have a feeling we’re going to be hauling a trailer full of furniture and accessories along with us. After seeing just some of the log home decorating ideas that are out there, I am convinced that I can turn our plain living quarters into a cozy, comfy retreat that will be a welcome refuge after a long day of play!

If you are a homeowner renovating your kitchen or building your new home then granite kitchen countertops are something that you should seriously consider. Using granite countertops has many advantages that are worth considering. Granite countertops have many benefits aside from their obvious beauty and durability.

The most obvious reason for using granite countertops is their unique and natural beauty. Each slab of granite has its own unique colour and beauty that can add character and appeal to any kitchen. The colours of the granite countertops are so unique and they change as the lighting in the room changes. Each slab of granite is unique. There are a wide variety of colours to choose from for your granite countertops that will certainly complement the color and design of your kitchen.

Granite countertops are also a great choice for your kitchen due to sanitary reasons. Granite is not a porous material so there are no pores that will harbour bacteria and germs. Mold and mildew also do not grow on granite. Granite kitchen countertops are your best option to ensure that the surface where you prepare your meals is safe from any bacteria or harmful germs.

Granite kitchen countertops are very easy to clean mainly because granite is not a porous material. They do not stain easily so all you have to do is wipe it with a clean rag dipped in some soapy water. There is no need to spend a lot of time scrubbing down your kitchen countertops if you use granite. After preparing your meals, all you have to do is wipe them with a clean cloth and you are done with your cleanup. To ensure that your granite countertops are kept in perfect condition, it has to undergo a sealing process every 1 to 3 years depending on how often it is used.

One of the most attractive qualities of granite kitchen countertops is their durability. Their hard surface is almost impossible to scratch. You can put heavy pans in them and even cut your cooking ingredients right on the granite surface. You can even put a hot cooking pot right on the surface and it will not get damaged. Even after many years of use, your granite countertops will remain shiny and scratch-free.

Granite countertops add elegance to your kitchen and not only that; they also add value to your home. When the time comes for you to sell your home, you can command a higher price for it when you have granite kitchen countertops. It may be more expensive than other materials for kitchen countertops but they are a worthy investment for your home.