Decorating Tips

OCTOBER TIPS

GREEN. . . . . . A word that’s popping up again!!!

Remember, I explained “Green” living creates living space that is both harmonious with nature and human health. It encourages recycled, renewable products sourced from environmental companies/suppliers. Well, it can also save you “green” money . . . .

Let’s start with ways to GO ‘green’:

Change a light bulb! Simple! You have probably noticed those wiggly shaped light bulbs, compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL) on the shelf, well, they consume about 75% LESS electricity and last up to 10 TIMES LONGER. By changing one bulb you can save you up to $83 over the life of the bulb.

Unplug anything that ‘glows’ after you turn it off! Example, TV, cell phone charger, computer printer. . . unplug them from the wall sockets and plug them into a power strip. When you leave the room, flip the strip switch to cut off the electricity, could save you up to $200 a year!

Recycle – sell unused cell phones. Go to greenphone.com who buys the phones. You could get back about $35 per unused phone! Or donate them to local charities.

Fix dripping faucets or running toilets! A dripping faucet wastes up to 74 gallons a day, a leaking toilet up to 200 gallons a day. Could save you $30 a year!

I know you will like this – let your grass grow!! Mow up to 2-1/2 inches tall, it makes your lawn have thicker turf and deeper roots, which means less watering. Also, let the grass clippings lay – it adds nitrogen and discourages weed seeds from germinating.

When shopping for new household appliances, choose products with an Energy Star label. From light bulbs (those CFL I told you about) to kitchen appliances. The Energy Star products use about 30% less energy in an average household. Savings of about $570 annually!

Do full loads! When using your washing machine or dishwasher, wait for a full load. Cut back to 2 fewer loads of laundry and 1 fewer load in your dishwasher to save up to 4,500 gallons of water a year!

Now, with your annual savings, do some remodeling or redecorating!

Call GEMINI HOMES, INC. for ideas!

Children vs. Teens

With the ‘Back to School, football season, dog days of summer’ time of year again, why not start a bedroom remodel/makeover for your kids? The age of your child can determine how big a project you might start. This is a great opportunity to spend quality time with your kid!

Younger children need a safe haven for the adjustment of change

with a new school year. Keep their toys within reach and a familiar bed to sleep in. Another year older and moving up a school grade may call for just a change in wall color, bedding and organizing toys. Adding shelves or bins for storage can help with new clutter. What better time to clean out their closet and box up those ‘baby’ toys and clothes. Donate the items to a school resource center or local charity.

Now, for those ‘teens’. . . what a valuable experience to teach about budgeting, planning, and enjoying the fruits of hard work!

Teenagers can tend to drift towards extremes. Suggest a two-color paint scheme or recommend a theme that you both agree on. Devote a corner of the room as a computer nook. Include a small aquarium. Add shelving for display or just storage. Make it inviting for their place to hit the books & get focused on their school work. Throw in a bean bag chair or soft chair to make friends comfortable. Switch their bed to a futon or loft bed with a desk below.

Any new look will encourage your teen to invite friends over and spend more time at home. Back to that bonding thing. . .

When in doubt, utilizing the skills of a design coordinator can certainly help out, probably not a bad idea. . . so call Vickey @ GEMINI HOMES, INC.

　

　

　

　

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