Designs For the Perfect Garden Sheds Today

Designs For the Perfect Garden Sheds Today

Gardens are not only for lawns and household play fields, but can also be perfect locations for storage sheds wherein one can just basically stock unused household stuffs in the shed. As part of the entire house exterior, it is only but proper that garden sheds will also look presentable and in-relative to the house's design.

In order not to be a total complete eyesore, garden shed designs should be well-planned. Shed plans should be in harmony with the available space in the garden as well as the design befitting the house's style. Furthermore, garden shed designs should serve its purpose to the owners in general.

The following are some basic tips on how to build your garden shed:
• Space. Before one make his/her own storage building plans, one has already the estimate of the space where the garden shed will be placed. Aside from the space available, decide also which part of the garden it will be located. Make sure that it will not be located somewhere near the main road so as to avoid blockage of the pathway in the future.

• Layout. On a piece of paper, have a layout of your garden shed designs. One needs not to be an architect or engineer for this matter; a basic design of the garden shed - such as how it looks like - will do since this will only serve as a guide to the carpenter or designer in building the shed. If one is really very intricate about it, he/she can hire a designer or architect to make the storage shed plan.

• Materials. In the storage building plans, also include the kind of materials which you like for your garden storage shed. Most of which are made out of wood as woods are deemed as perfect materials for a garden storage shed. Aside from the fact that woods are cheaper, it can also blend well in the environment of a garden wherein shades of green and earth colors fill the area. It is advisable, however, to put wood treatments in certain parts of the garden storage shed. This is to prevent pests or house bugs in getting into the woods.

If you cannot do it on your own, find someone who is learned and skillful in carpentry and designing storage sheds. Look for highly qualified individuals who can construct your garden storage shed. This does not only entail a sturdy garden storage shed output, but also a saving from time and materials used.

Basic Garden Shed Designs
Common garden shed designs today include the A-frame type and barn-style sheds. There are also many other styles such as pet barns, saltbox greenhouse, playhouses, cottages, pool cabanas, or a miniature version of your own house. Outdoor storage may be fitted with a porch and other accessories. When looking at garden shed designs, check what each rmanufacturer has to offer.

For a garage shed where you intend to park toy vehicles, bikes, motorcycles, and even cars, there are shed kits that come in various sizes available. In choosing, you would of course have to tally the number of vehicles in the household. Usually, garage sheds are also designed to house auto repair tools, parts, supplies, and cleaning equipment. Since garage sheds are valued for their interior quality, exterior designs are usually minimal and simplistic.

Outdoor garden shed designs for vehicles need to have strong foundation. You may choose from concrete, concrete block, pressure-treated lumber, brick, or plywood sheets to support the entire structure. The roof height must give adequate room for people to move in and out while the doors may be single, double, or roll-ups. Garden shed designs may include windows to encourage proper ventilation inside the shed.
Another of the most popular garden shed designs are those for constructing potting or greenhouse sheds. Just like garage sheds, outdoor structures for plants need good ventilation because of sprays, fertilizers, insects, and soil. It is a good idea to erect a potting shed near a water source for better plumbing capabilities and maintenance. Greenhouse sheds may include a work bench, hooks for which to hang garden tools, and shelves.

If you are planning a shed to serve as a nursery for seedlings and young plants, as well as a greenhouse for orchids and foliage, you might want to look at larger garden shed designs. You can have the roof be made of either plastic or glass. The best flooring for a custom greenhouse is concrete. Hooks may also come in handy for baskets and ladders. Electricity is also a must for potting sheds as well as plumbing fixtures.
Depending on the type of outdoor shed you wish to have, you may opt for accessories to make garden shed designs even more interesting. Items such as skylights, cupolas, alarm systems, motion detectors, and storage units may be bought separately from shed kit manufacturers or your local home and garden store. You may have shelves installed or purchase storage containers to better organize items to be stored.
Garden sheds are very popular among neighbors throughout the nation. In fact the demand for garden sheds has spread fast from coast-to-coast. Today, there are many garden shed designs on the market to decide on; the problem is choosing which one to use.

Finding the right design is important; it may depend more on the landscaping of your backyard, the style of your home, what windows to use, what accessories to add, and the space available to build a garden shed than anything else.

Sheds are used for storing garden tools, lawn movers, gardening supplies, equipment, surplus items, outdoor projects, tillers, and even the children's toys. There are many designs available with step-by-step instructions, videos, and even workshops to assist you in building a shed of your own.

Building a garden shed today is easy once you have chosen a design that meets the needs and desires you are seeking. With a solid design or blue print, you can build a durable shed that will last a lifetime.
The key to building a great shed is in the planning. It will also be more cost efficient if you have a solid design that you know you will enjoy.

Many people go to Lowe's or Home Depot, buy their timber, equipment and tools and start building without a plan in place. This may turn into a real catastrophe and end up costing them much more than they anticipated.

The goal is to first understand what kind of soil you are building on to make sure you have a solid foundation to work on. It is wise to check with the city ensure no city or county building ordinances are going to hinder your project.

Next, if you want to have electricity, water, and air-conditioning it is important that you build next to an access point that will allow you this luxury.

The foundation may be constructed of cement if you want a more permanent location but if you think you may move in the future, it is best to build a garden shed that will allow you the flexibility to move it later.
With a pre-built shed you are limited to existing choices on design and functionality. However, they are pre-cut and simple to put together if you don't have much knowledge in this field.

Common garden shed designs have domes and windows to improve the air quality and lighting. Today they have wider door entries as well to allow enough space for larger equipment items.

Garden sheds usually have shelves for storing pots. They also have pegs for hanging garden tools and yard tools. Sometimes they even include indoor potting benches. Drawers and bins where you can keep small hand tools, gloves and other small items are also commonly found in garden sheds.

When building your shed, do not rush as this can cause errors. Keep a concise plan and stick to it. Measure twice, cut once. Have a list of all the parts, tools, and equipment you will need to complete the project.
Remember that your garden shed design can also be customized with decorations, accessories, and colors to change the mood and look of your shed. There is much to consider when building a shed but you can have the garden shed of your dreams with little time and effort.

Finally, if you don't have the right equipment or experience, make sure you find a neighbor that can assist you that has experience in this field and one that may even have a nail gun, an air hose, an electric saw, and that's good with a hammer.

Building your own shed will give you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that you built something you can be proud of and enjoy for years. Once you have planned ahead and you are ready to build, just get started and enjoy new garden shed designed just for you.

A garden shed is a great idea if you are looking to store extra items or tools. They can also be very useful because not only do you get extra storage space but you can keep all of the things you need to maintain your lawn and garden all in one convenient place. If you check around you will find that there are all kinds of shed designs available that are both easy to construct and budget friendly.

Here are some helpful tips to assist you in choosing which shed design is right for you. First decide if you want to purchase a pre-made shed or if you want to build your own. Pre-made sheds can be more expensive but then you don't have the hassles of constructing your own. Although with a pre-made shed you are somewhat limited to the design and functionality. If you choose to construct you own shed, you get total control over both the design and the functionality.

The next thing to consider is, what you will store in the shed and what kind of function it will serve. Make sure you choose a garden shed design that provides you with the appropriate amount of storage pace you will need. So really think it through before making your choice.

Planning ahead is the best way to achieve success. Choosing a garden shed design that addresses all of your needs really comes down to the actual planning. Be prepared for any problems and challenges that can arise and things will go much smoother. Take your time and don't rush through the project because this can cause mistakes and create more problems. Keep a concise plan and stick to it. A good rule of thumb is "measure twice, cut once". Make sure that you have on hand, a list of all the parts, tools and equipment you will need to complete the project.

Garden shed designs typically incorporate wider doorways to make it easier to push larger equipment, like tillers and mowers in and out. Some designs have one wide door while others have two smaller doors that conveniently open together to make a larger doorway. Aside from wider doors, garden sheds quite often have cupolas and windows for better ventilation and light. The larger the windows the more light you have so you avoid the cost of adding electrical lighting. Garden sheds also usually have shelves for storing pots, garden accessories and other lawn and garden tools. Sometimes they even include indoor potting benches, drawers and bins to keep small hand tools, etc..

Just remember your garden shed design does not have to be plain or boring. There are many ways to customize the look of your shed. Color is one of the quickest and easiest ways to change the look and feel of your shed. Adding decorations and accessories is also a good way to spruce up your shed. Although there is a lot to consider when buying or building a garden shed, with a little time and effort you will soon have the garden shed of your dreams.

7 Tips to help you choose the right garden shed design.

1) Decide if you want to build your own shed yourself instead of buying a ready-built shed. Obviously a ready-built shed is faster, but it can cost more, and it limits you to someone else's design. What's great about using your own garden shed plan is that you have control.

2) Work out the volume of what you plan to store in your shed and what you want the space for. Don't skimp on size; you'll only regret it later. The secret to getting what you want is to choose a well-designed garden shed plan. But however good your plan is, expect challenges and problems. Then when they come you wont' be.

3) Give yourself plenty of time to build your shed and don't rush it. This way, you maker fewer mistakes.

4) Make a list of all of the tools, parts and equipment you need to complete your project. Measure twice, cut ONCE.

5) Remember, follow the shed instructions always. They've already gone to the trouble to troubleshoot all the problems and work out the design.

6) Many garden shed designs show wide doorways, either one large door, but usually two. This makes it great to move items such as mowers in and out. Apart from wide doors, many designs show cupolas and windows for better light and ventilation.

7) Garden sheds usually incorporate shelves for storing pots, garden and yard tools. You can even put in potting benches. Extras such as drawers and bins for storage of small hand tools, gloves, etc are really useful.

Garden shed designs don't have to be boring or unimaginative. It's easy to personalize the final look with a some paint and a few finishing touches. With a little elbow grease, you can build yourself a shed that compliments your home and yard, and enriches the value of your home.

Wooden Garden Shed Designs and Plans - Things to Consider in Building One
Ever feel like there' simply shortage of space where you can properly store your gardening tools and equipment? Brace up, it may be high time for another addition to your yard. I'd suggest you get started looking over some wooden garden shed designs and plans.

If you have an inherent talent for building stuff and tinkering around with your hands, there's no reason why you can't build a garden shed yourself. But I do suggest you use wood as your material because it is a lot easier and cheaper to use wood. Not to mention, it would blend right in your yard with your garden.

If you go over different wooden garden shed designs, you'll find that aside from the construction process, there's a whole lot more that goes into building a shed. That's what we're going to discuss below:

Location
First thing you need to do is to find an ideal location for your shed. An ideal location would have to be somewhere where it's not very obtrusive in your garden. Also, make sure that the area is not somewhere where the water drains. Muddy or wet grounds would make a bad choice for the location of your shed. The soil can easily shift, and once it does, the shed could easily disintegrate as well.

Additionally, make sure that the shed is not built on property lines or you may face some trouble with your neighbor in the future. Above a septic tank is also a bad choice. It would have not provide a solid ground for a shed.

Size and Budget
Another thing you need to consider is the size of the shed you're going to build. How much space you have available in your yard as well as your specific need would have to be kept in mind in deciding on the specific size of your shed.

Additionally, once you've decided on the size of the shed, it is just as important to calculate how much you're going to spend for the project. Paying a visit to your supplier and getting a quote would be a good idea. Of course, you will need a complete list of materials to do this.

Wooden Garden Shed Designs
Aside from functionality, you also have to consider aesthetic value in choosing the right wooden garden shed design. Something that would add character and blend perfectly in your yard would be the perfect shed design.

Obviously, you can only choose the perfect designs once you've gone over several shed designs. And that is something I strongly suggest you do. A garden shed after all does not only serve your purposes, it has to accentuate the beauty of your home as well.

So, if you're in the process of going over wooden garden shed designs, I suggest you check out this really helpful resource here:

Projects for Woodworkers: Garden Shed Designs
Gardens can be filled with colorful flowers and trees or delicious fresh vegetables lovingly grown by you and your family. No matter the style of your garden, it requires tools and equipment to keep them growing and healthy. If you've been storing those things in your garage or under the back porch, if may be time for some kind of storage unit to be placed in the garden itself.

If you like to work on outdoor projects, deciding on a garden shed design that can take care of gardening tools and supplies while giving you a space to work can be a dream come true. A shed for your garden is not only a functional solution to a storage problem, but it is a fun project your can do yourself.

Before moving ahead with putting a garden shed on your property, first ask yourself a few questions:

Pre-made shed or build your own? Pre-made sheds are fast and easy, and saves a lot of time; but it is a lot more expensive. Also, you are limited to standard sizes and styles. When you build, you can choose the style, the size, special options and detailing that you want.

What will you be storing in your shed, and what do you plan to use it for other than storage? Choose a garden shed design that gives you enough room for everything you need to do.

What about a plan? Start with a set of blueprints and instructions, and move along step by step. Set out the tools and supplies you need before you start work. That way you will save time by having everything at your fingertips. Make sure you have all the materials, parts, tools and equipment you need before you start.

Doors are a very important element in garden shed design. Choose a wide or double door to allow large equipment, like mowers and tillers, to fit through it without a problem. Cupolas and windows provide ventilation and light. If the windows are large enough, you won't have to add electricity to your shed - though you may want to anyway as it can come in handy. Add some shelving and hooks for yard tools and accessories. Lastly, putting in drawers or bins will give you additional storage for small hand tools and gardening gloves.

A garden shed should reflect the style of your home or garden. Customize it to take care of what you need. Paint it to match the house or leave the wood natural so it blends into the landscape. You are the boss. Though a lot of time and effort goes into building something from scratch, your garden shed can be one you will enjoy for years to come and well worth it.

Garden Shed Designs - Build Your Shed With Step-By-Step Instructions

Here's what you must consider building your own shed:

1. Decide on the type of the shed
Free shed designs can either be made to be permanent or movable. If you think in the future that you might need to move this to another site or you wish to do a landscaping and you need to relocate it, settle for the mobile garden shed.

2. Know what size you need
Garden shed designs are similar to storage building plans; they have their own separate standard sizes. Standard sizes are your basis and determining factor on what size you really need. You can change the size according to your own preference and needs.

3. Decide on your flooring
A simple garden shed design can be a small structure that only needs simple flooring. If you opt to do something that is permanent, you still need to have a good and sturdy foundation but not as elaborate as a free storage shed plans concrete foundation.

4. Decide on your wall
Assemble your walls in a prefabricated style so you can easily attach this on the sides surrounding the floor going all the way up. Make sure that frames and attachments are complete and properly attached.

5. Determine your roof design
After the frames of the walls are attached, you can start attaching the roof. A garden shed normally consists of a simple flat roof slightly leaning to either side to avoid accumulating water during the rainy season.

6. Know your door size
Make sure you have the right door size. Others make the common mistake of building too small doors that prevent bigger tools and equipment from being stored inside.

7. Sealing it right
Do not forget to seal especially your roofing. This will prevent leakage during the rainy season. Your woodworking storage should be dry and clean inside to protect the things you store.

Building your own shed is easy. Just follow the steps above and you'll be working like a pro. One of the best things you should consider when getting your own shed plan is its ability to be expanded.

Garden Shed Design - Wood Or Metal?
Are you thinking about getting a garden shed? There are a few things to consider first. First of all, wood or metal. The second thing is, do you buy or build it yourself? You can learn from my mistakes, keep reading and find out the best option for you.

When I first decided to get a new garden shed I made the mistake of ordering a 'build it yourself' premade metal shed. It took me about a day to construct and I knew right from the start it probably wasn't going to be the shed I wanted.

after I had built it I tried to convince myself that it would do the job. The sliding metal doors made such a horrible noise when closing them and even though I had bolted the whole thing down to the ground it still didn't feel very safe.

It wasn't until a few days later I noticed that some of my tools and equipment were wet. As I looked up at the roof I realised it was damp. Condensation. The whole roof was covered with condensation which didn't disappear until late afternoon by which time as soon as the sun had gone down it was already starting to come back.

I put up with it for a couple of months until I finally made the decision to pull it down and get a wooden shed. The original reason I didn't get a wooden shed was because of the price. Metal sheds seem to be so much cheaper, I now know why.

Being a keen DIY person there was no way I was gonna buy one. I invested a little bit of money and downloaded a whole load of plans from the Internet. After choosing the right plans I took them to my local lumber yard where they gave me a quote from materials. It wasn't much more than the original metal shed I had wasted my money on.

A few days later the shed was built and it is now my pride and joy. All my tools are safe and dry and I've got a load of room to spare. The best thing is people can't believe that I made it myself. It's great to show off my DIY skills!

In conclusion, forget about getting a metal shed. They're just a waste of money. Nothing beats a good old-fashioned wooden shed and building it yourself is definitely the way to go.

It's so much fun and you get to show it off to all your neighbours and friends once you have completed it!

Information just like this will help you to make the perfect shed.

The Hello Kitty

The Hello Kitty Toaster Is Adorable And Functional

The original Hello Kitty was introduced into the world in 1974 as a decoration for a purse, and now we have everything from a Hello Kitty Toaster to Hello Kitty bedding and jewelry.

The Sanrio Company wanted a character that would appeal to pre-teen girls and Ikuko Shimizu was asked to come up with an idea for such a cartoon character. That was nearly 40 years ago, and although Kitty has neither aged nor grown, the Sanrio Company certainly has.

My granddaughter has everything Hello Kitty, her attire is predictable and has been since she was very small, usually pink with a smattering of Hello Kitty somewhere, even if it's in the form of a coloring book and a purse. At home her mother has bought just about everything Hello Kitty there is, and there was a brand new Hello Kitty toaster in the kitchen last time I visited.

It's cute as, well, a kitten I suppose, and sits on the countertop looking cheerful which is more than can be said for my standard plain white thing. It doesn't even cost a lot more than a normal toaster, but it has a built in way of producing toast with Hello Kitty on it. You will have to feed your kids white toast though, the imprinting doesn't work well with brown bread for some reason - it's not actual printing of course.

The other cool thing about the Hello Kitty toaster, apart from the price, is that it's made really well. I have heard of people who have been using theirs for years and it's still as good as new. Too often these novelty ideas are produced more for looks than anything else, but the two-slice Hello Kitty Toaster is a fully-functioning and durable piece of art that may encourage your kids to eat something before they leave the house in the morning.

Of course all things baking is very pertinent to little Hello Kitty, she loves to make cookies, and her mom is famous for her apple pies. Kitty probably knows that her famous Hello Kitty toaster is large enough to take thick slices of toast and bagels (although you won't get the Hello Kitty imprint on those!) and when you use it, everything comes out just purr-fect.

I wonder if my granddaughter will ever grow out of this fascination for Hello Kitty? Right now she is nearly nine years old and is going through a very quiet phase that worries me - she doesn't say much and has a very strange, blank stare when you speak to her. I guess we will have to see if the proverbial cat still has her tongue by the time she gets interested in boys. Dear Daniel, Kitty's boyfriend needs to start making a few more appearances, being on safari in Africa must get a bit boring at times.

I'm sure when real boys start showing up at my granddaughter's door she might start talking - maybe enough to offer them something for breakfast or at least a snack from her Hello Kitty toaster.

Hello Kitty Coloring

I can recall vividly my father introducing me to coloring in sheets as a hobby, and now I am doing the same with my child. Never mind how the world changes, our children nowadays love to color in just as much as we did when we were young. Kids love to show off what they can do by using their paints on the coloring sheets you give them.

In my household using Hello Kitty coloring pages is one of my kids most cherished activities. I think this is great as it is so low cost and easy to keep them entertained. Few activities for kids are as stress-free, that's for certain. In the modern busy world, this hobby is a calm oasis. Personally I enjoy the quiet moments that coloring brings. It is a welcome break from all the music and shouting that is so common with youngsters. Hello Kitty coloring pages especially continue to be one of the most popular and demanded by little ones of all ages, especially with young girls!

Hello Kitty was created by designer Ikuko Shimizu in 1974 and her first appearance was later that year on a coin purse. Today her products are seen in sixty countries of the world and she is a cultural phenomenon.

This cute felines real actual name is Kitty White, which is something only the most enthusiastic fans know. Most fans don't even realise that she is a twin with a sister is called Mimmy. You can only tell them apart by the color and placement of their bows. Kittys is red and sits on the left hand side of her head. Mimmy likes a yellow bow and shows hers on her right. Kitty resides in London, despite being a far eastern invention. Her house is a little white house with a red roof and she lives with both her parents. She attends classes where she can see her best friend, a small mouse named Joey. The company that made her is called Sanrio and although they have made over 400 characters it is only Hello kitty that has really made any success. This is even more incredible when you realise that Kitty has no mouth whatsoever! It is believed she does not need one as she speaks with her heart.

Kitty has not got older or grown-up in the many years since she first arrived, but her popularity has constantly increased. Many famous celebs have been seen carrying her merchandise, such as motorcycles, fax machines, bicycles, cellphone cases, alarm clocks, diapers and much, much more. So it is a happy, positive and popular Hello Kitty that your kids will enjoy seeing on their coloring pages. It is amazing to see that when your little ones know the character so well they can then try to use the correct colors to fill in the page. Your child will see benefits in many ways if using coloring pages. Let me tell you about a couple of these.

Here's an idea, ask your child to make up a tale about what is happening in the scene and fire up their imagination. You will also find that little moments of praise from you can really all add up to a kids sense of self worth and confidence in later life. This is a fantastic way to help your little ones learn their colours, shapes, and verbs for items such as hair, dress, legs, chin etc. As your children work, help them pick up the correct names of things they are working on, like chin, cars, pets etc. Oh, and this is a fantastic way to teach colours to your kid.

Family time can be difficult to get in the modern world but this is a great activity that everyone can be involved with. Make sure to display their finished works around the home and show off how proud you are of the kids. A great room to show off their pieces in would definitely be the den or even the stairs. Be sure to get your little ones to sign their work. All practise at writing their names is good! Things to do with kids are so expensive these days that it is great to find how cheap coloring sheets really is. Hopefully we have proved to you that this is a fun activity that your young kids will enjoy. And by using Hello Kitty sheets you will be certainly be a very cool parent.

Coloring pages do not take much ink to print and A4 paper is not expensive at the store. Grab some pencils and your kids have everything they need. But no matter what cartoons your child enjoys you will be able to find coloring sheets for them online. Download some pages from a web site and get started today!

Hello Kitty Erasers

Have you ever found one of your favorite characters in the form of an eraser? This is one way that people have found out about the world of Japanese erasers and Hello Kitty is an example of this.

Ikuko Shimizu originally created Hello Kitty and it is produced by the company Sanrio. It was produced in the United States in 1976, two years after being created in Japan in 1974. Considering that you can find Hello Kitty in video games, on different types of accessories, and in supplies for school, it's no surprise to see it on erasers. You can even see Hello Kitty in a theme park called Sanrio Puroland in Tokyo! Not surprisingly, the theme park is one of the most popular attractions in Japan.

There are all kinds of Hello Kitty erasers - everyone wouldn't guess that there are scented Hello Kitty erasers available. Fortunately, the scents are things like pudding, banana, orange, peach, strawberry, soda, and grapefruit and not actual kitties. There are even silly putty erasers that are scented that can be shaped and played with like a toy, in addition to their use as an eraser. The types of Japanese erasers are pretty much unlimited.

It is amazing how many different things are available under the Hello Kitty theme. There are Hello Kitty shoes, night lamps, floral arrangements, Pez dispensers, dog collars, tarot cards, guns, and reading lights. There are even Hello Kitty pianos and teeth in the shape of Hello Kitty's face.

Best of all, there is a Hello Kitty house in Shanghai! The entire exterior and interior have a Hello Kitty theme. There is no doubt that several girls could call this their dream house. One would feel like she's walking into a fairy tale house.

Hello Kitty erasers inside are pretty much a certainty.

From what I've seen there aren't any Japanese eraser themed houses available, but there must be a small town of them assembled somewhere...

Nursing Home Activities

The Importance of Nursing Home Activities

Many people think a nursing home is a nasty, soul-less place where residents either lie in bed or sit endlessly in a rocking chair, waiting out their days until the inevitable happens. The reality - at least in a good nursing home - is far from that. Many people enter a nursing facility when they have lots of life in them yet, and look forward to years of fun and companionship, with daily activities to keep both their bodies and brains active.

In fact, studies have shown that regular stimulating activities help half a decline in depression among nursing home residents, staving off dementia and keeping their spirits as well as their bodies alive. Activities are vital to keeping up residents' mental and physical well-being, and even staff and visiting family and friends can take part - willingly - in the activities a good nursing home provides.

If you are looking to find a nursing home for a loved one who's still capable of loving life, it's important that you discover what types of activities are on offer - and how often they are available. In fact, nursing homes that take Medicare or Medicaid patients have to have a designated activities director to get the proper funding. But how well they carry out their job is something you will have to assess yourself...

"I think the residents I talk to who tell me there is nothing for them to do but sleep, eat and read the paper are looking for purpose to get up every morning," writes Vicki30CNA on the allnurses.com website. "They do not look forward to the next day as they all run together. And our residents that are not as able get little to no stimulation besides toileting and shower. A few fold bibs every AM and see it as their 'job', but that job takes them a half hour. Then what, they tell me. I hate to see their last years months days so empty and without purpose. "

If you want to avoid this from happening to someone you love, read on. A wide variety of activities should be on offer at every nursing home, so make sure this is the case when considering a nursing home. Some residents may enjoy going out for lunch several times a week, shopping or visiting the local art gallery or cinema. Others will prefer on-site activities that stimulate their hearts and minds.

It might be a good idea to have a chat with the nursing home activities director to see what's available. Here is just a handful of activities that a good nursing home should willingly provide...

Self-Starting Activities

Great as they require little preparation and can be planned by the residents themselves. They include:

Gardening. Depending on residents' scope of mobility and interest, gardening can be as rigorous or as gentle as they want it to be. If there is a real garden that's fantastic, if not then hanging baskets, small pots of herbs and indoor cactus or orchid collections can still keep the interest going.

Arts and crafts. Even older residents enjoy making something - especially when they feel it's going to a good cause. Knitting blankets, making baby clothes or entering art or photographic contests can keep people busy and help them make a contribution to society at the same time.

Games. You might think bingo is the most popular nursing home game - and you're right. But there's more to competitive games than just bingo. How about bridge, mah-jong, canasta or chess - the sky's the limit. One-on-one games are great for encouraging closer relationships among residents, and group games are also good for fostering a sense of community.

Musical-based activities. Don't limit the fun to sing-alongs - you may even have professional musicians among the residents, or you may discover some hidden talents.

Volunteer-led Activities

Nail care, Bible study, hair salon day - all you need is a volunteer with a skill - and the time to make a difference in someone's life.

School groups. It may sound cliched, but young people have a lot to learn from oldsters. This can take the form of Granny teaching little Albertine to knit, or visiting a school once a week and reading to the little ones. Many schools, in fact, encourage people from the outside - assuming they have been police-checked - to help kids who need a little bit extra with one-to-one reading or math exercises.

Local community groups. People who have a special talent often enjoy visiting nursing homes on a regular basis and sharing their skills. This can be giving residents massages or reflexology sessions, teaching them a special aspect about gardening, or giving a talk about growing orchids.

Scout groups. Often, scout troops visit nursing homes - gathering together to do something fun such as bake chocolate-chop cookies or build a birdhouse. The two groups can learn from each other and make use of each other's skills and talents.

Local charities. People from charities often give their time to older people, whether that means preparing outings or having a Pet Therapy day when the local vet or employees from the animal shelter bring animals to visit.

Nursing Home-Led Activities

Themed events, such as birthdays or religious celebrations. Some creative residents get together with staff to plan events such as Hawaiian nights, Chinese New Year celebrations or Halloween or Thanksgiving festivities. Friends and family can be invited to join in - perhaps even residents of neighboring nursing homes as well.

Outdoor activities such as barbecues, picnics or a stroll through a park or garden center. In some cases volunteers may be called on to help residents with mobility issues.

A bit of culture. Going to the theatre, opera, museum or cinema can take some planning, but its worth it. Again, volunteer helpers and drivers may be necessary.

Alternative therapies. Everyone can benefit - as long as they're not too invasive. Massage, yoga or Tai Chi can help residents have fun, get fit and relax.

Keeping people as happy and healthy as possible for as long as possible. both physically and mentally, should be the goal of every nursing home. Activities should be varied and interesting, suited to the different abilities, needs and interests of the residents. They should be not only fun but worthwhile, enabling residents to form new relationships, develop new skills, and keep up their fitness levels.

"We have a 'senior prom' in May, where the local single Marines escort our residents (wheelchairs and all) for dancing and food, writes CoachCathy on the allnurses.com site. "We have gowns and suits donated by the local thrift stores. Local hair parlors come and do the hair and nails. Everyone has a blast.

"And we had a Winter wonderland theme last December - we made snowmen with diaper boxes painted white - and had a snowman decorating contest. The residents had an indoor snowball fight (with cotton balls). It was so much fun!"

Nursing Homes

Nursing Homes and For-Profit Hospices: Potential Partners in Crime

When most people think of hospice care, they think of a person in the very last stages of life going home to die in peace and reflection with the comfort of family and friends around them - as the benefit was originally intended. The reality is that many hospice patients spend difficult and agonizing years "dying" in institutional nursing facilities under the profit-driven watch of dispassionate corporations.

Inspector General Warnings About Fraudulent Nursing Homes & Hospices

The Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS-OIG) recognizes and warns that the intersection of nursing facilities and hospice care raises serious concern for fraud and elder abuse. According to a report by HHS-OIG a number of "potentially illegal practices" have been identified in "a hospice's access to nursing home patients," including circumstances where "nursing home operators or hospices may request or offer illegal inducements to influence the selection of a hospice."

Hospice Care in Nursing Homes: the Double-Billing Conundrum

While it may seem counterintuitive that federally and state-funded healthcare would pay a for-profit corporation simultaneously to provide institutional nursing care and hospice care - that is exactly what happens in many cases. For duel-eligible (Medicaid and Medicare) patients who are certified as terminally ill with less than six months to live, corporations are permitted to bill the taxpayers twice: first for 95% or more of the cost of staying in a nursing institution and second for a flat daily rate for hospice care - even on days where no hospice nurse visits the patient. The patients targeted by such arrangements comprise the nation's most disenfranchised and most vulnerable citizens: the elderly poor, the category of patients who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. The potential for profiteering upon such vulnerable patients is exacerbated when the nursing home and hospice are owned by the same company - one company potentially can multiply its payments by billing Medicare and Medicaid for both nursing care and hospice care without supplying any additional services or absorbing any additional costs, all on the taxpayer's dime and to the patient's potential detriment.

Potential Patient Harm

It may seem beneficial to the patient to potentially get additional services while in the nursing home - but this is not always the case. If the patient is receiving adequate nursing care in the facility, then hospice care may be superfluous and even potentially dangerous. Because hospice patients must agree to forego any curative treatment, patients who are not truly terminal whom the corporation wrongly certifies as hospice-eligible may not get the important medications, treatments, therapy, and nutrition that they need - even though the taxpayers are being billed twice for the patient's care. Many hospices even consider dietary supplements like Ensure to be curative treatment and will withhold them from their patients. (It's no coincidence, though, that such dietary supplements are also expensive and cut into the corporation's bottom line). Conceivably, if a nursing home patient is inappropriately admitted to hospice, then the otherwise non-terminal patient could slowly starve to death while the company withholds dietary supplements and bills Medicare and Medicaid twice for the patient's care.

Illegal Kickbacks in Nursing Homes & Hospices

The profit motive for nursing homes and hospices to treat a patient as terminal rather than curative is obvious - it is also potentially criminal. Congress has made most quid pro quo arrangements between nursing homes and hospices and other cross-referring corporations a crime, and the reasons and policy served by outlawing such conduct has been expounded upon by HHS-OIG:

Because kickbacks can distort medical decision-making, result in overutilization, and have an adverse effect on the quality of care patients receive, they are prohibited under the Federal health care programs. Under the anti-kickback statute it is illegal to knowingly and willfully solicit, receive, offer, or pay anything of value to induce referrals of items or services payable by a Federal health care program.

Among the most troubling instances of potential kickbacks between hospice and nursing homes to influence the referral of patients observed by HHS-OIG are:

• hospices offering nursing homes remuneration for referrals in the form of: free goods and services or below market value goods and services to the nursing home or payments to the nursing home for "room and board" or other additional services above the normal Medicaid coverage
• hospices referring patients to nursing homes in exchange for the nursing homes referring other patients to hospice
• hospices providing free or below fair market care to skilled nursing facilities with the understanding that the patient will be referred to hospice after the skilled nursing benefit expires
• hospices offering free or below fair market nursing and support staff to nursing home

How to Avoid Being Victimized By Nursing Home and Hospice Fraud

Before agreeing to submit to hospice care in a nursing institution or to subject a loved one to institutionalized hospice care, proper assurances should be requested from both the hospice and nursing home provider that none of the above scenarios exist and that no other potentially improper relationship exists. If the hospice refuses to provide its service in the home and insists on an institutionalized setting, patients and their loved ones should consider an alternate provider. Red flags should rise over any hospice and nursing home that are owned or controlled by the same corporate entity. Ask about the corporate structure: if it seems complicated or complex or difficult to determine or if there is an obvious quid pro quo among the providers, then consider alternatives. Ideally, hospice should permit the patient to spend the last days among loved ones in the nurture of the home; while this is not always an option depending upon the patient's condition and home environment, it should never be the case that a patient or their loved one is forced to make a decision without knowing all of the facts.

Medicare Rewards Whistleblowers: Report Nursing Home and Hospice Fraud

If you have knowledge of an improper relationship between a hospice provider and a nursing facility, then you should seek the counsel of an attorney. You may have rights and remedies as a whistleblower under the federal or applicable state false claims act, which mandates that corporations submitting false claims for payment to Medicare or Medicaid repay three times the amount of the false claim plus penalties, attorneys' fees, and interest - including a reward of a percentage of the recovery to the whistleblower depending upon the extent of his or her involvement in prosecuting the case.

2011 James F. Barger, Jr

Jim Barger, Jr. is a nationally recognized trial lawyer who handles complex federal litigation, particularly qui tam cases under the False Claims Act. Jim achieved his first seven-figure civil result within two years of practice and his first eight-figure civil result within five years of practice. One of the most often cited legal scholars on qui tam and False Claims Act litigation, Jim's writing in some cases has actually shaped the law itself. He has been cited by state legislators in adopting state False Claims Acts, by other attorneys in court pleadings litigating False Claims Act cases, and by scholars in legal treatises and law reviews such as Alabama Law Review, Boston University Law Review, Cardozo Law Review, Columbia Law Review, and others. In 2009, Jim Barger represented nurse whistleblower Nancy Romeo in the largest Medicare Hospice case in U.S. history resulting in a record return of nearly $25 million.

Frohsin & Barger, LLC
One Highland Place
2151 Highland Avenue, Suite 310
Birmingham, Alabama 35205

nursing home

Average Nursing Home Costs

The average cost of nursing homes varies to such an extreme that it is necessary to break the issue down into subsections. There are nursing homes, residential homes, dual registered homes and specialist Dementia care homes. The four different types cater for different needs and consequently will have different average costs.

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes will have facilities for personal care, but with an added dimension of medical care too. These homes will have their own qualified nurses, which obviously pushes the price up. Studies have been conducted to suggest what the average costs are for nursing homes. For a standard nursing home privately it would cost around $36,000 dollars annually. For partially private, it would be a little less, but still significantly pricey. There are nursing homes available which are at least partially state funded, but they are available only to those who truly cannot afford to pay for their own assisted living costs.

Residential Homes

Residential homes are a type of nursing home where personal care is provided, but without the need for expensive medical treatments. In these homes the costs are slightly less, but as they provide round the clock care, they are still expensive. Dependent on the area you live and the type of home you choose, the costs can be up to $75,000 per year. This is a significant impact on even well established retirement funds. Medicare or Medicaid will only be able to offer you so much assistance, and you must therefore assume that you will be paying the majority of these costs yourself.

Dual Registered Homes

Dual registered homes are designed for elderly couples who want to stay together, but have different levels of medical needs. These establishments will often have a set number of beds which are marked as 'residential' and a set number for 'nursing'. These are more complex to run, and must provide two levels of care, which does impact on price. However, it is difficult to get an 'average' for these kinds of establishments, as the costs will vary depending on the needs of the couple in question. Again, the costs will also vary depending on whether you are in private or partially private care.

Dementia Care Homes

The final type of nursing home I will cover is the dementia specific care home. These homes specialize in the care of people who have mental rather than physical impairment. This can include dementia, Alzheimer's and a variety of other mental conditions. These establishments are quite expensive to run due to the level of care needed to ensure that the patients are monitored at all times. Due to the nature of these conditions, it is more likely that you can get state help. They should be able to perform an assessment on your relative to see if you are entitled to help in the costs of their care. The average costs of this care vary, but in the UK the average is around £25,000. In the US the figures are similar at around $50,000.

The Art of Modern Interior Design

Modern interior design has become the key words when looking to revamp your home, and more people are looking for inspiration than ever before. The basic concept is where creative and technical solutions are applied to a structure, room, or building to create an enhanced environment.

Many people feel that it is simple, however, there is a very methodical, and time consuming process behind it. It is a creative process that takes skill, time, research, and understanding. Although this type of design came from the basics, the imaginations and skills have advanced a great deal.

Interior design stretches back decades, and although there have been many different designs and styles applied, the core elements always remained the same. It is believed that the Egyptians were in fact the first culture to apply interior design to their homes. They were skilled at applying different textures, colors, and materials to their homes and huts.

The tombs that their noble ones were placed in were highly decorated in beautifully crafted furniture and covered in gold and gems. The modern interior design concepts have grown from all of the many years of different styles, and influences. The wealthy were often distinguished by the elaborate interior design that they would have.

Many of the Roman's would spend hours choosing the perfect wall hangings to be displayed. People began to realize how important the interior of a home was, and that it represented the owner and their wealth. As the years went on, and interior design began to influence many homes, the Italian Renaissance began to shape modern interior design. Many homes would be shrouded with luxurious beautiful pieces.

Themes are often used in modern design, and the Italians mastered this with their expensive pieces from the Orient. Towards the end of the seventeenth century, homes would become shrines to beautiful pieces of artwork and amazing design. Rooms would have individual themes and designs very similar to the concepts of the modern design today. As pieces of furniture and interior items became more affordable average people could style their homes.

However, often they would not understand the concepts of modern interior design, and some got it very wrong. As more people struggled to perfect the concept of interior design others realized they had a talent, and an eye for creating amazing homes. Some people began to use their skills to help home owners create their visions. Slowly modern interior design was recognized as a profession, and this enabled people to establish their careers.

Even today there are specific periods throughout history that have remained popular, and these are often Greek, Roman, French, and Gothic. All of these are used today, and in the right setting each, and every one has a unique place and style. Today more and more interior designers are creating unique and stylish designs.

With the use of modern technology, computers, and design packages, creative designs are becoming used more often. Modern design is not as extreme as people think, and it is often the use of the lines, and shapes that make it modern. One person's concept of modern is usually entirely different to another, and you need to ensure that you work closely with the designer.

Although it does change depending on the era the basics are very similar. Clean lines, lack of clutter, and single block colors are now very popular, and many designers are using this style. Nearly every single color on the spectrum can be used, and depending on the designer that you use will depend on the style of your house.

There is nothing to stop you creating the perfect design yourself, and if you are creative this can be the perfect way to create your own haven. There are many different websites, TV programs, and books focusing on the different designs that can be used. Although these can be used as a guide you still have to like the concept.

There is no point in applying the such design if you do not actually like the colors or overall concept. A style may look incredible in one home, however, may look very bad in yours, and you need to consider your taste. Modern interior design can mean several different things, and if done well it will enhance any area in your home.

Green Interior Design

Green Interior Design - More Than a Trend in Today's Office

Description: Green interior design should be a focal point for all offices today as the business world begins to critically examine its effect on the environment.

When we talk about contemporary office decorating, it's likely that our discussions center on the latest color trends, the hippest furniture, and only the most stylish accessories. After all, businesses must exude a look of professionalism that can only come from contemporary design features. And the harsh reality is that the office that looks like it's stuck in the last decade is likely also earning last decade's profits.

However, as we begin discussing decorating ideas for a new and modern office, we have to root our conversations in the contemporary reality that considers the state of our environment. "Going green" isn't just a trend that offices should adopt to attract clients with a good image. Instead, it's a philosophy that companies need to put at the center of many business decisions. When it comes to office design, putting the environment as the focal point for decision making is a must. But, beyond implementing recycling programs, what can offices really do to go green?

Refurbished Office Furniture: It's inevitable that offices need a facelift every few years to keep a modern and fresh look. However, purchasing new office furniture can not only be costly, but can also pose a huge toll on the environment. The more new furniture we buy, the more old furniture we eventually have to dispose of. Although recycling programs and thrift centers will certainly take old furniture, offices can lessen their waste by refurbishing, and therefore reusing, this furniture. Refurbished furniture can give the office a new look that fits the latest trends and styles.

Sustainable Materials: Because green interior design is a positive trend in today's corporate world, many furniture and design manufacturers are creating new and innovative products that are made from sustainable materials. Offices can find furniture made of nearly 100% recycled core materials that not only reduce waste but also eliminate toxic emissions. However, an office's furniture collection is certainly not the only focus for use of sustainable, recycled materials in the workplace. Offices should consider green building when any renovation plans begin. Major projects such as the installation of recycled hardwood floors to minor projects such as adding bamboo cabinetry can all be met with a green eye.

Energy Efficiency: Critically examining an office's energy use is a smart way to not only cut its carbon footprint, but to simultaneously save money. Small changes such as switching to energy-efficient light bulbs will decrease office energy bills over time. But, of course, there's more that offices can do than just changing light bulbs. When it's time to shop for a new break room refrigerator, consider going with an energy-efficient model. Similarly, talk to all employees about the often overuse of common office appliances such as the printer (does that email really have to be printed?).

Green Design Agencies: If going green in the workplace feels a bit overwhelming, take a deep breath and relax. Certainly, there is a lot to know when it comes to green interior design, but there are also professionals who make this subject their career. For a number of reasons, offices should leave remodeling or new design projects to the professionals. And, in today's contemporary office, professional design agencies should have some green experience on their resumes. The very first planning meeting that an office has with its green interior design agency should establish the overall environmental principles that a company wants to implement. To accomplish these goals, a design company will help determine just how a company needs to change its existing behavior to conform to its contemporary image.

The failure to go green in today's business world can be compared to the inability to begin using email in the office years ago. In only a few short years, those companies that neglect to critically examine their environmental impact will be left in the dust as green businesses quickly jump into the lead of the business world.

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Adult Nurse Costume

The adult nurse costume is one of the most popular pieces of fantasy lingerie. This lingerie costume is a perfect choice for fantasy play at home or for a Halloween party. The nurse costume has become one of the most popular lingerie costumes among women. This outfit is a great mix of a nurturing and caring woman who also just happens to be a sex kitten, which is probably one of the top reasons why many women dress up as nurses both at home for their partners and for costume parties.

You will want different styles of the nurse costume depending on where you are wearing it. You may want a very sophisticated look if you are going to a party, whereas you may want a much more alluring appearance if you are wearing the costume at home for your partner. Since there is not a "nurses guide" to help you create your outfit, how do you know exactly how to put your perfect lingerie costume together?

I suggest looking at pictures in a magazine to get an idea of the appearance you are going for. You'll find a lot of styles varying from a naughty nurse to the scary, creepy nurse. How do you know which one's right for you? First, ask yourself what you're most comfortable in. Are you okay with guys ogling at you when you wear the sexy nurse costume? Or would you rather creep them out instead and go as a zombie nurse?

By now you should have some idea of the look you will be going for while wearing your adult nurse costume. And although there is not a published book on how to complete your nurses costume, I have some ideas for you that are sure to make your costume complete.

• For the head, you should have a white nurse hat which you can make or buy. Be sure to top it off with a red and white cross. You can wear it with your hair in an up-do or on top of a wig.
• For the body, wear something white with a hint of red. How sexy the costume becomes is all up to you. Some ideas are to wear a white bodice that has white or red accents on it. You can wear a white mini skirt with a white petticoat- the perfect choice if you are wearing the costume for your partner. Or a very form fitting white dress will also work perfectly.
• For your legs, you should wear a simple white stocking. Don't wear anything black, unless you are going for the creepy nurse appearance. If you want to appear sexier, you should wear white fish net stockings.
• For your feet, your best bet is a pair of ultra-high, white shoes. If you want to look extra hot, wear a white pair of pointy stilettos or a pair of white heeled boots.
• To complete the outfit make sure to have some nurse supplies, such as the stethoscope or a medical kit. You can use the medical kit as a purse as well, if you are wearing your adult nurse costume to a party!

So there you have it, a sexy nurses guide to help you look even hotter (yet modest) when dressing up in an adult nurse costume. Remember, this is just a guide and it doesn't necessarily mean that you have to follow everything- customize your fantasy lingerie costumes and make them your own!

Today's Home Interior Designs

Old Trends Becoming New Again in Today's Home Interior Designs

Do you want to know about new home interior trends for 2009? Maybe you're preparing your house for sale, having a new custom home built, relocating to a different office complex, or simply desire a change of scenery. There are a lot of different styles, themes, and tastes when it comes to interior design. Now that builders are offering their clients so many customizable options, there are some clear trends emerging. Open floor plans continue to be popular, along with energy efficient designs, and practical ideas that are tasteful.

Homes during the 1800s and into the early 1900s were special. Large family homes were actually designed to section off the house into separate distinct areas. For one example, the house would have servant's quarters located on the bottom floor near the kitchen, while the family's quarters were all located upstairs. Just off the parents' master bath was an en-suite bathroom, while a powder room was located downstairs. Oftentimes, the children's quarters were located down a hallway in their own separate area of the house, to allow the parents some degree of privacy and reprieve. There might have been a carriage house for guests or in-laws. This home interior trend is popular again for 2009, with two or three bedroom suites and extra bathrooms being more popular. Most buyers prefer that children's bedrooms are on one side of the house while parents and in-law rooms reside on the other, allowing a space favorable for restful refuge. Located in an isolated part of the home are the secondary suites, usually 300 to 400 square feet in size and containing full bathrooms and occasionally sitting rooms.

Family spaces will continue to be popular through 2009, according to experts. Rear living, meaning that the family room and kitchen are located to the back of the house, is gaining in popularity. This allows the parents to prepare food and still keep an eye on the kids playing in the family room or entertain guests and still be able to take care of things in the kitchen. A lot of modern designs have less walls in common rooms with an "open concept" feel. Conjoining rooms with half walls are good for kitchens, dens, and dining rooms. Moreover, Americans began to adopt the European idea of outdoor living areas; so today we find houses with their own outside kitchens, pizza ovens, fire pits, chandeliers, artwork, and comfortable furniture on a covered patio.

Home interior designers usually look to create a sense of timelessness. Blue and greens are popular in rooms like bedrooms because they offer a calming feeling. As the center of the home, the kitchen often gets bright hues, from designers, like startling splashes of yellow, red, and orange. There is a lot of versatility in living rooms; you can go with dark and elegant or modern and white. Bath design often seeks to create the feel of a "home spa", incorporating crystal blocks to allow light in, using rich browns accented with pastel colors and tiled flooring in relaxing shades. A custom design will pull all of the rooms together for a unified feeling.

ropa interior

Check Out the Hollister Brand of Superior Quality Products

Hollister is an American clothing brand launched by Abercrombie and Finch for the age group between 14-18 years. The clothing is available only at their site and Hollister officials stores. At one time the brand was rated as the number-one among the teenage population in the United States. The logo o the brand is that of an eagle in flight.

The Hollister brand brings out jeans, T shirts, outerwear, jackets, sweatshirts, innerwear for men and a collection of fragrances, shoes and accessories. Their clothes are classified as "Dudes" for men and the women's line is known as 'Betty's".

The Hollister brand jeans is especially popular with a whole rage on offer like Classic Boot, Vintage collection, skinny legging jeans, slim straight, Cali flare etc.

There are flip flops, beach totes, belts and even some items of jewelry available. They have cosmetics also like lip balms and gloss. The Hollister stores are made to look like cabins and the interior rocks with music, the latest perfume fragrance and dim lighting.

If you are to order online, the Hollister Company has a Global shipping privilege. The charges vary according to the order size, destination and delivery time. There is a provision for refund or exchange of products bought. But this clause does not apply to Hollister products bought from other shopping sites

Their gift cards may be purchased and used in the stores as well as at the online store. But they cannot be redeemed for cash. When you order on the site, they provide you with a list of sizes separate for Dudes and Betty's.

Look out for discounts and sales at the Hollister outlets, in fact there are separates at the back of each store where lower priced products are kept.

The History of Interior Design Styles

The History of Interior Design Styles and Wall Decals

From work to home, we experience everyday within a space that we have created. We move through life with elements surrounding us, that create a mood for us and at times these elements draw out overwhelming emotions.

Since ancient times, living spaces have been adorned with objects of beauty, vases, furniture and art. No matter what culture, the human race has embraced interior design to create space.

Mention of ancient times, Tutankhamen's tomb was decorated with vases and jewels that led to the elaborate décor of churches and cathedrals in Europe. Intricate with colored glass depicting faith, and delicate carved pews, themes populated places of worship.

Leaving a prominent mark on interior design today, the Romans desired a lifestyle of comfort, and utilized interior design to show their wealth. The Romans lavishly covered walls with mosaics and murals, and commissioned artisans to create unique pieces of furniture.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the church gained power politically as well as religiously, and believed that self-expression didn't belong in the creation and design of buildings. Inside, beauty was replaced with wood paneling and furniture that lacked detail.

Soon, a rebirth happened in Europe known as the Renaissance period that brought beauty back to buildings and their interior. It was a time of science intertwined with art that influenced and still influences the way we design today.

Interior design is truly a lifestyle. It is an idea that combines elements of personal influence. From simplistic, streamline furniture with black and white images, to oak furniture with delicate intricacies and Victorian paintings, interior design expresses individual tastes.

Today, our lives are fast-paced with little time. Economically, our budgets are tight, but we still desire the creation of a space. Vinyl wall decals are a perfect choice to decorate and enhance any living space. With an array of shapes and colors, choices are unlimited.

Wall decals are also easy to apply with little mess. They are durable, one-sided adhesives that can be applied in minutes. A whole room can be revamped in less than an hour, and cheaply without the purchase of paint, paint supplies or wall paper. They also give the appearance of paint or stencils to avoid the appearance of "cheapness".

You can accommodate your style with the variety of vinyl wall decals on the market today. For a "pop art" look, circle and square shapes in an array of colors can be mixed and matched to complement the interior design of any room.

Classic wall decals like birds can add a dreamlike quality to a room that adds relaxation as you admire their ascension.

Your children can input on the design of their room with vinyl wall decals. Again, the application is easy, and with your assistance, they can create the space that inspires them.

Our choices are endless when it comes to interior design. We can thank those artisans and pioneers that generated and idea, and made it come to life. From ancient times, the importance of creating a mood has stayed with us today.