Is your front door visible from the street? Do you have a walk or path that meanders from the street to your main entrance? If you answered no to either of these questions, your front yard could use some Feng Shui fixing.

Feng Shui’s fundamental premise is that Chi energy or ‘Breath of Life’ connects Heaven, Earth and Man. Chi energy exists in and all around our environment and flows just as wind and water, hence, the translation of Feng Shui as ‘wind and water’.

Feng Shui applies to not only the interior of the house, but the way the house sits on the lot, its relationship to the street, the topography of the land and the elements that make up the landscaping.

As Chi energy ebbs and flows around a house, it is greatly influenced by how well the architecture is sensitive to the site and the landscape elements around it.

The front entrance of a house is the “mouth of Chi” and represents our relationship with society also informally known as the “curb appeal”. Entrances, front doors and pathways should be inviting and welcoming to attract positive Chi. If the front door is hidden from the street, it could be that the architecture has hidden it, or that simply there is too much shrubbery blocking the view.

Blockages, barriers and clutter can interfere with the flow of Chi and reduce the amount of benefit you would otherwise get from a free flowing path. An architecturally “hidden” front door needs special enhancements to draw in the Chi energy, such as lighting the path or hanging a wind chime at the entrance.

Fountains are very effective in enhancing the flow of positive Chi as water symbolizes the flow of wealth. A clear still pond brings calmness, tranquility and clarity of thought. Fountains and waterfalls are essential elements in gardens because they bring movement, sound and positive energy to a space. They also enhance the front yard curb appeal by adding a focal point. Water, as one of the “five elements” of Feng Shui, brings a key component to any garden. When the other four elements of fire, earth, metal and wood complement a space, the garden is balanced and will evoke good feelings, comfort and a sense of connection to nature.

In Feng Shui terms, nature is balanced by the cyclical interconnections of the five elements: wood, water, fire, earth and metal. Too much of one element or the lack of an element can be felt energetically. For instance, too many green shrubs (wood) can be balanced with fire (red or spiky plants) as fire burns wood. Too much fire can be balanced using water (water puts out fire).

When each element is represented by either its physical form (i.e. water) or symbolically through its corresponding shape or color, a feeling of harmony can be sensed. This feeling of balance is what makes an outdoor living environment enjoyable to be in and appealing to the eye.

Often times, when a garden is tired and neglected, or just seems “blah”, a few Feng Shui cures may be all that is necessary to revive the energy flow, achieve balance between the elements and create an enjoyable space that you can call your special Feng Shui garden.

So how does your garden measure up? Is the front entrance blocked with clutter? Can you see the front door from the street? Do you have all five elements represented within your front garden? If not, apply some of these principles and your garden will open up and receive the Chi energy that was being blocked, enhancing its beauty and balance.

Have you ever thought of fitting an automatic gate for your house or your garage? This will definitely be an expensive decision. On the other hand, you shall enjoy benefits of switching over to such gates for a long long time. Take a look at the benefits of having a gate that can be opened with a flick of a switch.

It does not matter whether it is sunny, snowing or raining cats and dogs. You need not step out of your car to open the gate. This may seem like a small thing until you get totally drenched before your important meeting just because you had to manually close the gate.

Secondly, you can park your car in your garage and move directly into your house. There is no need to waste time locking the gate. You can have that fancy set up where you can move from your car into your comfy sitting room by just passing through a door.

You can save your gate from wear and tear once you bring electronics into the picture. The entire system will work out very smoothly and you just have to flick the switch and forget the rest.

Good quality gates are made to last. Hence, all you need to do is manage the heavy expenditure. Once this is done, the gate shall work well for you and your family for a very long time.

All said and done, there is no denying that these gates are very cool and trendy. You probably have seen these gates in the movies and can now own one yourself.

Contact us at Delux to know more about our automatic gates.

Balcony or deck railings are used for more than just safety reasons. They are also excellent for adding a decorative touch to your home. Balcony railings with the right designs can turn a simple railing into an elegant item in the home. One very popular item used on balconies is a deck and railing planter. Plants have become a large part of home décor today, whether they’re real, silk or artificial plants. A deck and railing planter will add a touch of beauty for your outdoor deck or your indoor balcony.

Balconies are usually found in the upper floors of the home. If you have a window in one of the upstairs, this is a perfect place to have a deck with a balcony. The window can be turned into a patio door that leads to an outdoor balcony. Because of the height, it’s extremely important that he balcony be strong, durable and well secured to your home. You’ll also need some strong railings to avoid any accidents. Many people tend to lean against railings so its’ important to make sure the railings are strong enough to withstand this pressure. Even if they’re decorative balcony railings, they need to be sturdy.

Type of Balconies

There are a few different types of balconies, with them being classified into three different types: false balconies, faux balconies and true balconies. A false balcony is on the outside of the window and extends out 4 to 6 inches, usually outside of a French window. Decorative balcony railings are of suitable height so that they have the appearance of a real balcony. Of course, the size of false balconies does not allow enough room for a person to walk around on the balcony. A faux balcony is strictly for decorative purposes and is used to enhance the architecture of your home. They are not much more than railings placed outside the window of your home. A true balcony has a deck that extends at least 36″ from the window of the home and is supported by braces that are bolted to the outside of the home. French windows are the most commonly used windows that use balconies. A true balcony is large enough for people to walk around. Many homeowners have decorative balcony railings with items like a deck and railing planter.

Balcony Material

Metal is the most often used material in balcony railings. The decks of balconies are also made of metal because of its strong content. Because of the height, you’ll need the strongest material you can get for your deck, as it will be holding a lot of weight. For this purpose, metal is the chosen material by most. In addition to the strength you get from metal, you can also put in exquisite designs on metal balconies. Decorative design work on balconies adds to the elegance and décor of your home.  Durability is another reason why metal is so good for balconies. Metal is resistant to rust and corrosion so that your metal balcony will last a long time.

Feng Shui is an ancient school of design, of Chinese origins. This design theory is based in the placement of objects in a room, in order to achieve a proper flow of energy or chi, as it is called by the Chinese. Finding a perfect balance and flow in a room can be difficult for those who do not understand the principles of Feng Shui; however, the following tips can help you to get a basic grasp on the ideas behind this type of design and create a comfortable living space that allows energies to flow properly through your home.

- Mirrors in smaller spaces can create the illusion of space and make a tiny room feel more open and inviting. Mirrors also symbolize reflection in Feng Shui, so placement of mirrors is important. Look at the things that are being reflected in your mirrors, naturally, and see what kind of image they present. Avoid placing mirrors in front of clutter or other undesirable things. The reflective properties will “double” these ideas, creating problems.

- Avoid dark areas in your home, particularly in hallways and walkways. Choose light colors for rooms without any natural light and place artificial light sources where needed. Dark spaces can be places for bad energy or evil to fester and develop. Positive chi cannot flow through these dark areas, so they are best avoided.

- Seating is extremely important in Feng Shui, but not the amount or design of the pieces. In this design theory, where the items are facing is what is the most important. Chairs, couches, and other seating options should never leave occupants with their back to a door. In the ancient beliefs, this arrangement will keep unwanted negative energies from sneaking up on you, unsuspected.

- Color is one of the most complicated aspects of Feng Shui. Each color represents one of five elements, and each of these elements must be used with care in conjunction with the other four. Each of these elements has a directional position where it is best used in the home. Fire colors should be used in the south areas, metal in the west, water in the north, wood in the east, and earth in the northeast and south west.

- Clear, open pathways are important in Feng Shui, so that chi can flow freely. Open walkways through a bedroom, living space or hallway will make the room seem to be more open and comfortable, plus will leave a better feeling of balance.

One of the most important things to remember when decorating, whether you are using Feng Shui or simply rearranging your furniture, is that the comfort of those using the spaces is of the utmost importance. Assure that everyone can be comfortable and happy and you will find your living spaces not only more beautiful, but also more pleasant to be in as well. Feng Shui design can bring a wonderful level of enjoyment to the décor of your home, if done properly.

A pergola could really be something that can make your yard go from dull to fantastic in no time. You could try to build it yourself, but it’s better to get a professional to make this structure for you. You could try to save money by doing it on your own, but if you’re not a perfect builder or a professional by trade, you might end up screwing things up. Do not be duped into building a pergola with your bare hands, because there are professional pergola builders can make it with a greater ease and lower cost.

If you are not sure what a pergola is, there are lots of pergola designs you should really check out. A good constructed garden pergola can help you marginalize your back yard and will help make an artful addition to your yard while not constraining the any outdoor space. It has no walls, it has no major roof, and it is not made to protect you from the rain, but it’s absence of walls really makes it quite the lovely piece for your home. There are many different pergola designs and depending on how they are built can filter the sunlight to make a cooler area to relax in. There are many materials that you can build with but the most popular is a cedar pergola. Your house and yard usually dictates what you should use.

If you are not that savvy with a hammer and nails, you should not try to build a pergola. Some people have actually regretted putting in a good patio or deck because it is just too space consuming. For those that own a home and have a pool, a good cedar pergola is perfect for another part of the yard. They are perfect for parsing the sun and creating a nice picnic. Yes, you can enjoy the breeze, enjoy picnic style lunches, and so much more.

If you are not interested in building a garden pergola, deck pergola or patio pergola you can get a our professional consultation to estimate to measure out how much it would cost to not only build you a nice one, but also tell you how long it would last. Nothing lasts forever, but there are people that invest into making home improvement a future for them and their children. There are many different homes that will go up in value if you simply add something so simple in your back yard. If you haven’t really put in a lot of money into improvements, you are in luck, because now is the time to put something nice for yourself and your family. You cannot go wrong with something so unique and awe inspiring, and you will miss out if you aren’t careful. Don’t sleep on this opportunity, as there are so many things you can improve on in your home, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Contact us now at Delux

If you’re looking to improve the look of your home, then all you have to do is add some bronze railings to the staircase or the deck. These railings are certainly an eye opener inside or outside your home and can be used at both. Bronze is absolutely an amazing metal and has been used for many centuries for many things. Today you can see it in people’s homes where it adds both beauty and value. Before you buy bronze make sure it will match the décor of your home. There are many uses for bronze metal in today’s world and one of these uses is railings.

The list for bronze uses just goes on and on. Some people have their gates made out of bronze. A garden gate done in bronze adds a regal air to your home. Some people use it for fencing, plant stands and many other things, such as your patio furniture. Bronze is a metal that last over the years and stands up well against weather and the elements.

Bronze can change your home from simplicity to elegance inside or out. Use it on your spiral staircase inside your home and see how it gives the impression of castle like feeling. Other people just use bronze on their front door while other will do as much as they can in their home with bronze and this sometimes includes their patio furniture. The beauty that it adds to your home is unbelievable until you see it.

If you have a flower garden, then surround it in bronze and let the railings make your garden that much more special. Place it on your front door and give your home a lift by having it there. This wonderful material knows no bounds from large gates to the small planter it can be anything you want.

Wooden porch railings can give almost any home that touch of elegance that you are craving. Wood railings are the more traditional choice over metal and other kinds of materials.

Wooden railings also offer numerous benefits over other kinds of railings to the homeowner. Below you will find some of the most common reasons that designers and homeowners choose this particular kind of railing.

• Nothing else can enhance a home like beautiful wooden railings.

• Due to the popularity of wood for railings, the supplies to make them are easy to find and they are not very expensive.

• Wood railings are easy to take care of and they can be easily made to fit the color and style of your home to enhance your home rather than detract from it.

• Wooden railings help to bring the inside and outside of your home together and they hold up well to weather and other wear and tear.

• Detail is easy to add by cutting balusters in different shapes.

Why Are Wood Railings Popular?

The most obvious reason is that wood railings are less expensive to purchase or make yourself. They are easy to make and you can find the materials easily at your local home improvement store. If you are buying a ready made wood railing, then you will find that it is easy to install. Wood railings can be weatherproofed for added durability and they are easy to maintain and take care of. They easily painted and hold the paint well for some time. They also don’t rust, which could be a problem with wrought iron if you are not careful.

Some people enjoy the look of wood railings more because these railings can be made in any style that you want and desire for your home and, in most cases, wood railings are handcrafted, which is a benefit to some consumers. They are easy to make and secure yourself, too.

There are things that you can use to accessorize your wood railings on your porch, too. These items include:

• Wicker chairs

• Porch swings

• Furniture and rocking chairs made of wood

• Natural plants and trees

There are numerous materials that you can choose from in your railings, including stone, brick, metal, or concrete. It is possible that the materials can be combined to make your railings, too. If you are looking for a way to add character to your traditional house, then wood railings are a good choice.

For the most part, stairs go unnoticed even though we use them day in and day out. This wonderful mechanism we call “automatic-pilot” allows our bodies to function in ways that require little or no thought or attention – climbing and descending stairs. And then there was Feng Shui.

Just like putting on a needed pair of glasses, Feng Shui brings into focus spatial conditions we may not see or perceive as an opportunity or potential problem.

Believe it or not there are several factors when considering the Feng Shui of your staircase, especially since its function is to move the vital life force called chi (aka energy) from one location to another (i.e. 1st floor to 2nd floor and so on). Although they exist both indoors and outdoors, our focus will be primarily on interior spaces. So let’s consider the following characteristics of stairs: the shape, location, size and views.

Shape of Staircase Design

There are quite a few shapes to consider: straight, split, L-shaped, curved and spiral. Although each serves a purpose due to spatial considerations and constraints, there are those that do the job best and those that can harm individuals both physically and financially.

Often straight stairs do the job well. They efficiently move you and chi unobstructed to the next level. Where we find problems are when this staircase is aligned with the front door. This reveals loss of money and requires our immediate consideration. First, if you’re looking to purchase a home, put this home towards the bottom of your list! Second, if you cannot change the location of the stairs (which most of us can’t or won’t) then consider putting a divider between the last step and the entrance or, at minimum, a carpet to slow the chi flow down, discouraging its immediate exit.

As for split and L-shaped stairs, these can help chi meander in a more natural flow, instead of rushing. The drawback here is that often times they are hollow (that is there’s no riser or backing to the steps) causing energy to leak, reducing the chi that is reaching that next floor. The obvious correction then is to place risers between the stairs while a secondary, although not as effective, choice is to place potted plants beneath the stairwell to help lift the chi.

A grand curved staircase can be both elegant and beautiful. It channels energy between spaces in a pleasant and inviting way. But a spiral staircase is considered very inauspicious especially in the center of a home. Much like a corkscrew hurting the heart of the home, this configuration can negatively influence the heart and blood pressure of the occupants. It is simply best not to have a spiral staircase in your home.

Location of Staircase

As indicated, you do not want staircases leading out the front door or back door for that matter. It is also highly undesirable to have stairs in the middle of your dwelling. In fact, early on in my studies while I was still in corporate America as a Project Manager, I had a colleague who had stairs that half aligned with the main entrance and the other half was tucked in (in other words, when you walked into his house, you could see half of the staircase only). Within 6 months of moving into his new home with his wife and children, he was fired! Not only did he lose his job and income, he also divorced, causing him to split his income!

Let this be a guide to us all. The best location for stairs is tucked into the home, away from the entrance and sharing an exterior wall of the home ~ like the sides, back or front (as long as the orientation is proper).

Size of Staircase

When I say size I mean width, depth, vertical incline and landings. Obviously the best size is proportional to the space ~ not too big, not too small. Typically depth is not an issue unless using a non-standard depth which interferes with the cadence of one’s footstep ~ this can become a structural nightmare for some. But how about too narrow? This can lead to feelings of constraint, claustrophobia and lack. The incline should certainly not be too steep as this lends itself to a safety issue, which then can easily turn into a financial issue! And finally, landings should be spacious. I’ve been in homes where the steps are not only on a steep vertical incline but once I reached the top, the landing was so small I felt like I would fall backwards down the stairs! It didn’t feel comfortable to say the least. Others that had a wall no more than 3 feet from the top step felt offensive and imposing. My suggestion would be to make sure there is plenty of lighting and be certain not to block the pathway.

Views from the Staircase

We’ve already touched upon the inauspicious view of the front door at the bottom of the stairs. But what about the railings? When we don’t “see” one, we feel uncertain and insecure, even if we never use it! There’s something very important about the subliminal messages we receive when a side railing is installed. So make sure you have one. Also, many household members like to “store” items on the stairs as a reminder to take something upstairs. May I suggest otherwise? No matter how you slice or dice it, it is obstructing the chi flow, creating stagnant energy. Something we never want to see!

So there you have it! I bet you never thought staircases could be so interesting and so important to the vitality of energy on different levels of your home (or business) and carry so many influences on your life physically and financially! And of course, there’s always more! So if you’re in the process of designing your home or buying a new home, consider two things: 1.) The tips shared here today and 2.) A professional Feng Shui consultation.

Those crop circles that keep popping up in the news every so often are somewhat interesting, but hold little value to the home seller or buyer. However, this short article does have added value to the home buyer that really wants to sell their home.

Getting a home inspection before you buy a house is a small yet smart investment compared to the actual cost of your house. It could save you hundreds even thousands of dollars in repair bills if you set up a plan for a home inspector to evaluate your house from the roof to its basement and foundation.

The inspector will usually perform a visual inspection of the house on its exterior first. It would be wise that you attend and accompany during this walk through. A thorough report will be prepared on the physical structure of the house and the state of various systems within it.

Normally, the exterior of the house comes first before its interior. On the exterior, your residence will be evaluated as to its wall cladding materials, flashings, and trim. Entryway doors and windows will be checked especially for condensate on double-paned windows. A representative number of doors and windows is the usual fashion.

Balconies, patios, decks, and railings will similarly be checked. Garage door and their operators will be inspected if they will automatically reverse or stop when meeting an object of resistance for safety reasons. Driveways leading from garages will also be observed.

Stoops, steps, eaves, and fascia of the building will also be assessed, along with lights and exterior receptacles. Retaining walls, drainage, grading, and vegetation in the landscapes will be reviewed in relation to their general condition and effect on the main building.

Next would follow the inspection of the interior regarding its ceilings, walls, floors, steps, and stairways. Inner balconies and railings will also be checked. A representative number of doors and windows will again be evaluated, this time as viewed from the inside looking out.

Any existing concerns or possible signs of deterioration will be covered by a home inspection. Related problems like any abnormal and harmful penetration of water into the wall and through the foundation will be looked into. The same applies to standing water or forms of infiltration. Any sign of mold and moisture on wood or any unusual condensation on building components will be stated. All of these factors are considered matters of safety.

When making an investment as big and costly as a home, there is no room for leaving loose ends unattended and taken for granted. An independent home inspection with an evaluation from the objective standpoint of a qualified home inspector should be a standard procedure for every homeowner who is prospectively seeking out a family home. It should likewise be a standard process for any seller who wants a better selling condition and desires to avoid possible problems with a buyer in the future.

It is in your best interest as a buyer and that of your family, your collective safety, and your finances that your house should have a preliminary home inspection, whether its structure is newly-constructed or previously existing. You will have nothing to fear and be apprehensive about within the four walls and corners of your new home.

Cutting corners might only leave you with a house in a state of crumbling along with your dreams. Peace of mind and unshaken confidence can only come from having your dream house evaluated through a certified home inspection.