How to Start Your Own Art Collection For Your Home

1. DE-CLUTTER YOUR HOME - Before you begin you need to start with a 'blank canvas'; I'm sure if you had booked an art consultant or interior designer to make their recommendations you'd tidy up, so make this your starting point. It is also a fundamental feng shui principle that de-cluttering your environment will de-clutter your mind. If you don't have the time or the job is too big call in an expert.

2. THINK LIKE A GUEST - Now walk through your home imagining you're a visitor or guest so you can understand the logistics of entering your home for the first time and what impression or atmosphere you wish to create. Important areas from a guest's point of view are: the entrance (this is their first impression) the path from the entrance to the main living/entertaining area and an outdoor area if you have one. Look for what you think they would notice: as you enter your home, is it obvious where the kitchen/living areas are from the entrance; are private rooms or areas such as bedrooms 'on show' as guests walk through the house to the living area. Can any outdoor areas be seen from the main living area?

3. DETERMINE ZONES - This time, when you walk through your home again, think from your own perspective and classify it the following zones; entrance (front garden, path, front door, entry) traffic zones (hallways, gardens) formal entertaining (dining room) informal entertaining (family room, games room) function-specific zones (home theatre, kitchen) private zones (bathroom, toilet, bedrooms) business zone (home office, studio). This will assist you to think about where to place art plus what purpose or mood you wish to create in each zone.

4. MAP WHERE YOU WOULD LIKE ARTWORK - List each zone and room and table the atmosphere you wish to achieve and the number of artwork to suit the space.

5. DO SOME RESEARCH - Through your own research you will feel more confidence to make an informed decision when you discuss your needs or view art with an art consultant, interior designer, gallery manager or artist. Plus as you regularly go back to research you will gain an increased knowledge about art and therefore a deeper understanding which will only enhance your appreciation of your collection. To begin:

'Google it' search online about art buying advice and tips
Browse online art galleries
Look for articles in your local newspaper about local artists, exhibitions and galleries
Visit local Art Galleries
Talk to local gallery managers and artists as you meet them

6. LIST YOUR PREFERENCES (STYLE, SIZE, MEDIUM) - Return to your planning chart again after your research to put in your preferences of style, size and medium. Style refers to if the artwork is classified within a broad category such as Abstract, Traditional (landscape) or (figures), Surrealism, Pop Art, Impressionism, Digital Art, Still Life, Realism and many more.

Size mainly described as dimensions in centimetres. Also be aware if the dimensions include framing or not. For an average home artwork around 60 x 80 cm would be considered a medium size and 80 x 130 considered a large size. Obviously this is completely subjective and the best thing to do is get the measuring tape out.

Medium is what the artist used to create the artwork. For example, oil means oil paint, acrylic means acrylic paint, watercolours, ink, pencil, charcoal and many more. Mixed Media is simply when an artist mixes mediums together. For example, some artists bind Acrylic paint and a texture medium (sand) together.

7. SET YOUR BUDGET - A fundamentally important step, however also be sure you're expectations are realistic, your earlier research should assist you in this area. This is important because if you 'blow your budget' then you are not going to view the artwork with a positive frame of mind but rather a resentful one. Also, ask if flexible payment options are available. Most galleries and art consultants offer payment plans over a 3 to 6 month period or an art rental service so you can 'try before you buy'.

8. RAISE YOUR OWN AWARENESS OF INVESTMENT POTENTIAL OF ART AND ARTISTS - When beginning a home art collection it is good to remember you need to live with the artwork therefore it needs to be appealing to you. However you can also begin to consider the future investment potential of the artwork you're purchasing. At the most fundamental level, check the artist is active i.e. is regularly producing new work for exhibitions and awards, have won any awards, received any reviews of note or are apart of art investors collections. This is important if your art collection is later to be considered as part of your investment portfolio and if you decide to on sell any of your collection in the future.

9. LESS IS MORE - Often when you're in the middle of this process and you've found a style or artist you simply love you can become quite excited and simply want more, more, more. While this is great, you also want don't want to 'overdo' it. Simplicity in most things is always a good rule including art. Therefore if you are deciding on three pieces for the one room and you simply can't decide on the final third piece. Then, purchase the two you're sure about and either hire the third or just take some time to think.

10. PURCHASE YOUR ARTWORK - Now you have completed your planning and research which has built up your confidence to go purchase the art that is right for you and your home. Remember you don't have to do it all at once. It can be a gradual process of building up your art collection - a journey you can enjoy. Or if you don't have the time, simply rent a collection and purchase the ones you love and continue to rent until you have all the pieces you want.

You will know when it is right because as you 'live' with a piece of artwork you become familiar with it and will also learn when is the best time of day to view it and the mood you feel when you view it. If you feel the atmosphere you intended to create has been achieved and your collection is a conversation point with your visitors and guests then you know it is right for you and your home. Please note, all of us react very differently to artwork often because of the emotion we are already carrying around in our heads, therefore a reason why art is such a great conversation starter.

ZONE        ROOM             ATMOSPHERE     NO. OF ARTWORK     STYLE       SIZE        MEDIUM  
Entrance    Front garden     Welcoming      1                  Sculpture   50 x 100    Metal 

© 2009 Interactive Arts
WANT TO USE THIS REPORT IN YOUR E-NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE? Yes you can, as long as you include this complete statement with it: Online entrepreneur Fleur Allen publishes the popular quarterly e-newsletter Art Notes. If you're ready to find out more about art and collecting art for your home or office then join the Interactive Arts Creative Community with like-minded people growing their art collections.

5 Basic Steps to Safeguard Your Home and Property

1. Outsmart a Burglar by Thinking like a Burglar

One thing every homeowner should do at least twice a year is take a walk around and inside your home with a close friend or neighbor who is not that familiar with your house. Start outside and ask yourself "how could I break in the easiest way? The purpose of not going around the house alone is that your friend may spot things you'll overlook. Return the favor and complete a survey for your friend.

Besides the obvious "lived-in" look, do not get into a habit of only doing certain things only when you are not home. Chances are good you can tell when your neighbor isn't home. Remember it's a burglar's job to know the same things. Most professional criminals can tell nobody is home at least four or five houses away.

Several obvious things a burglar will notice are always closing the drapes ONLY when you're not home. Having no garbage cans out collection day, or an empty can sitting at the curb are obvious tip-offs you are not home. So are closing up the house as tight as a drum in the hot summer months without the air-conditioner running. Turning on a certain light or two and every other room is in total darkness. The same goes for picking up all the children's toys, taking in the dog, shutting the garage door if you frequently leave it open, and turning off the lawn sprinkler.

Many people before leaving turn on a so called burglar light which is the light over the kitchen sink. You might as well hang a sign on the front door you are not home! If you use an answering machine never leave a message that you are not home. Instead say you can not come to the phone right now or leave a message. If you do not have a machine, turn down the volume on your telephones before leaving so it can not be heard from outside which another dead giveaway indicating nobody is home.

2. Use Burglar Repellents

Crime officials will tell you its true! A dog is one of the best burglar deterrents. Not because it's vicious, but it is heard. A dog with a menacing bark will scare away a lot of burglars, not only because they don't know what kind of dog you have and what risk it would be to them if try tried to break in, but more likely because a noisy dog will create a disturbance and get attention - the last thing a burglar wants!

If you don't have a dog there's nothing stopping you from pretending. A Beware of Dog sign on your fence, a dog house in the back yard, even a loose dog chain or bowl can drive away a potential burglar. Companies that provide electronic dogs who bark none stop if an intruder trips a relay or otherwise signals his presence are effective also as long they are of good quality.

Other electronic devices that are effective besides the typical whole house alarm systems for windows and doors are infrared or motion detectors that sense movement or the heat given off by one's body. Anyone approaching too close will trigger any number of attached devices. The most effective are powerful lights or burglar horns that either flood the area with light or fill the air with a deafening sound without notice. Just like a barking dog, the would-be burglar will usually run away for fear of being discovered.

To be effective, the sensitivity of such devices much not be set too high or stray animals will set them off too frequently which will get you on the wrong side of your neighbors. Also be sure such devices are high enough that they can't be easily turned off or broken
given off by one's body. Anyone approaching too close will trigger any number of attached devices. The most effective are powerful lights or burglar horns that either flood the area with light or fill the air with a deafening sound without notice. Just like a barking dog, the would-be burglar will usually run away for fear of being discovered.

To be effective, the sensitivity of such devices much not be set too high or stray animals will set them off too frequently which will get you on the wrong side of your neighbors. Also be sure such devices are high enough that they can't be easily turned off or broken.

3. Make Doors Safer

Illegal entry through the front door occurs more often than any other points of entry in your house. All exterior doors should be of solid hard wood or steel reinforced. A good door does no good if the door frame is in bad shape or of inferior construction. Pay special attention to the door jams. Most inexpensive and expensive homes combined are made out of cheap pine. It does not take much force to "kick in" the door even if protected with dead bolts, if the strike plate is attached with only a couple of 1/2 or 3/4 inch screws. Secure doors by installing 2-1/2 to 3 inch stainless steel or nickel plated screws in all your exterior door jams.

4. Make Windows Safer

Burglars break windows as a last resort if they can't enter through a door or from other outside means. The preferred method is cutting an access hole or slipping in a thin stiff wire and undoing the locking device. Most double hung windows have cheap locks which should be replaced by heavy duty sash locks or even keyed locks, if you can put up with the inconvenience. An old trick is installing a small eyebolt in either corner. If done correctly the window can't be opened, with the eyebolt in place from the outside. You could screw the window shut by drilling a hole through the frame but it defeats the purpose of having a window, and presents a fire hazard. I recommended not doing this.

The safest windows are glass block. Almost impossible to break through, they of course can't be opened and are not as pleasing to look at. However this is a good choice for basements or areas at or near ground level.

Another good protection is installed roll-a-way electric security shutters, or decorative security grates. The main down side is they can prove to be a serious fire hazard and prevent your escape. Newer models install on tracks or can easily be pushed open from inside to lessen their danger in the event of fire and the thick smoke sure to accompany it.

5. Take Household Inventory

The steps talked about above can go a long way to protecting your home but no matter how secure your residence is, if a professional burglar has targeted your home and is determined to break in, he will still probably succeed in breaking into your home. To aid law enforcement officials and greatly assist in insurance claims you should maintain a detailed inventory of all your household valuables.

It makes sense to "mark" important items with some permanent identifying mark. There are a variety of simple tools you can rent that will engrave serial numbers, a driver's license number or some other unique marking into your valuables.

Remember most burglars sell stolen items in order to get cash, usually for illegal drugs. You'll greatly reduce the chances of someone walking off with your TV, DVD or other valuables if it has a conspicuous ID number that can't be removed, simply because it will greatly reduce its street value and make it too much work to get rid of and sell, and of course it is a lot easier to trace and return the property to the rightful owner.

Today, many people have a video camera. Sweep each room and record the contents from several different angles. Next, take close-ups of really important items. To tie-in, have a family member pose with the valuables. In a clear voice identify each item, the date of purchase, price paid and model and serial numbers. Remember to update the tape or disk every time you purchase something new.

If you don't have a video camera, a regular inexpensive digital camera also works well. Make a companion audio tape to go along with it. It very important that the tapes or pictures be kept off the property or they may be stolen or damaged. Keep them in a safety deposit box at your bank. Now set aside an hour or so and complete the security check list on the following page. Correct weak points as soon as possible and your home and property will be more secure.

Pegasus Kitchen Faucets - Classic and Chic Kitchen Design

If you have decided you need classic and chic kitchen faucets for your home, and need to figure out which ones to install, then it will help to take a look at the Pegasus kitchen faucet collection. The company offers quality kitchen fixtures and invaluable accessories for everyday use. The following is a description of some of the favorite kitchen faucets from this brand.

The first Pegasus kitchen faucet is from their Deco bridge collection. This vintage style faucet is available at around 170 dollars and comes with a two-handle design. The Deco Bridge faucet has four-hole installation which provides an easy but durable hold. The lever handles and spray are matching and made with a reliable material. This one has half-inch IPS inlets and the exterior finish is stainless steel. The spout height is over 13 inches and the aerator clearance is 10.87 inch. Other specifications include a maximum deck thickness of 1.62 inches and a spout reach of 9.75 inches.

The next design is the single-handle Pegasus kitchen faucet that comes with a pull-out spray and is priced at about 400 dollars. This one is from their Marilyn Series II and features a four-hole installation. The faucet comes with matching soap dispenser and lever handle. Other specifications include the optional deck plate of 1/2 inch and 23.25 inch inlets, along with an over all height of over 9 inches. The resting spout reach is up 13 inches.

The Asti pull-down faucet from the Pegasus kitchen collection comes in a brushed nickel finish, and is priced at around 230 dollars. This is from the Livia pull-down series, and is perfect for modern kitchen designs with the sleek lines and contemporary finish. There is also a matching bar faucet that comes along with this one, which is a neat idea.

All of these Pegasus designs are completely classic and tastefully crafted from the best materials.

How Air Conditioning Has Effected Architecture And Its Benefits

Domestic air conditioning means that traditional architectural features such as wide eaves, deep porches, thick walls, high ceilings, attics, and cross ventilation are no longer needed to promote natural cooling. Also irrelevant is siting or landscaping a house that maximizes summer shade and breezes, since mechanical equipment is able to maintain perfect indoor conditions independent of design.

Domestic air conditioning is most prevalent and ubiquitous in developed Asian nations such as Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore and Hong Kong, especially in the latter two due to most of the population living in small high-rise flats . In this area, with soaring summer temperatures and a high standard of living, air conditioning is considered a necessity and not a luxury.

Cooling capacity requirement is dependent on the room size. Generally, room air conditioners have a cooling capacity range between 5500 Btu per hour and 14,000 Btu per hour. Cool Climate Air Conditioning Systems will give total control over the environment at the click of a remote control by providing the exact temperature you require all year round. The costs of running a new air conditioning system may well be considerably less than your existing heating system, providing you with comfort at exceptional value to you and your home. Cooling power figures should be regarded suspiciously. It is best to look at both the input power and the heat transfer figures.

Split air conditioning is now an affordable investment. Most split air conditioning now comes with a heat pump and it is a very energy efficient means of heating during the winter months as well as cooling in the summer months. Split-type air-conditioning system can provide thermal comfort in small and large rooms. Moreover, the solar air conditioning is a newer system where the energy used for processing comfortable air is derived from the collected sun's rays.

Inexpensive Ways to Give the Kitchen a Facelift

Home improvement can be an overwhelming task. The first room that may come to mind is the kitchen. This is the room where families bond over their day or friends come together to enjoy a hot cup of coffee. Even small, inexpensive changes can give the entire room a facelift and create an environment everyone in the family can enjoy.

Painting your kitchen is always the best way to begin your renovation. You can make your kitchen look fresh and new, all by changing the color of the walls. A new color will also provide a different background for your overall décor. Whether you change everything else, or changing nothing else at all, the entire theme of your kitchen will seem brand-new.

If you do not have the time to put into painting, or if you live in an apartment where it is not an option, you can still give your kitchen a new appearance. One possibility which you might like to consider is adding colorful adhesive paper or decals. Adhesive paper is available in a wide range of colors and designs, so you can create an entirely new theme for your kitchen. Whether your preference is for bright colors, gentle pastels, or a specific design, it can make your whole kitchen come alive.

Another nice option for inexpensive home improvement to your kitchen may come as a surprise. Simply changing the fixtures in your kitchen will give it a wonderful new look. One example is the hardware on your drawers and cabinets. These are easily changed with updated versions made from different materials and styles. Depending on your personal taste, there are lots of choices. You can use metals, ceramics, or even plastic. Whether your taste is for sophisticated and classic or modern, your kitchen can have a brand-new appearance.

Everything from your collection of cook books to your spices can be turned from functional to a part of your kitchen's décor. You can easily find inexpensive racks in plain wood, to paint or varnish to coordinate or contrast with the color of your kitchen. When the products you use on a regular basis add to the theme of your kitchen, it will make the room more inviting to your guests and family.

Home improvement does not need to be difficult or costly. Turning your kitchen into the "place to be" can occur even making the smallest changes.