Southwest Style Decorating Tips

Written by Kathy Burns-Millyard


When you think ofrepparttar Southwest, what do you think of? Deserts, cactus, saloons? Well, Southwest style decor can actually combine these visions into a single decorating style. If you're wanting to use a Southwestern decorating theme in your home, a living room or den is a great place to use it. The bright colors and patterns are conducive to conversation.

When you are looking to use this style, you first want to think about what colors you want to be most prominent. Reds, oranges, yellows, and greens are traditional Southwestern colors. You may want to paintrepparttar 137499 room a deep turquoise and use throw rugs, maybe even some from a nearby Native American reservation, forrepparttar 137500 floor. Colorful rugs can also be used as wall hangings. Many reservations still make these types of rugs by hand, so you can purchase authentic rugs at a reservation or online. The rugs are generally striped, and you want to use one that has allrepparttar 137501 major colors in your room on it.

After you choose a wall color and some throw rugs or blankets with your colors, then you can begin looking for furniture to either match those colors, or fitrepparttar 137502 overall decor theme you're creating. You may find that this is your biggest challenge. My suggestion would be to find a slipcover that would match your colors so that you do not have to purchase a new couch, and if you ever want to redecorate you will just need a new slipcover. Tan colors work well if you use brightly colored pillows or you could choose a red or yellow slipcover for your sofa and chairs. Dark woods look good in a Southwest style room; you will probably want to distressrepparttar 137503 wood so that it looks older, adding a more authentic touch to your room. Rustic, cabin-style furniture and accessories tend to go well withrepparttar 137504 Southwest Style decorating theme too.

How to Deal With Contractors

Written by John Mussi


Not everyone is aware of how to deal with contractors. Imagine that your Home Improvement Loan has been granted. What do you do next? Do you rush out and findrepparttar first available contractor and offer them your cash? Not a good move.

Whether you're planning an addition for a growing family or simply getting new double-glazed windows, finding a competent and reliable contractor isrepparttar 137498 first step to a successful and satisfying home improvement project. Take your time to consider all your options. Do not rush into any agreement that you may later regret.

Your home may be your most valuable financial asset. That's why it's important to be cautious when you hire someone to work on it. Home improvement contractors often advertise in newspapers orrepparttar 137499 Yellow Pages. However, don't consider an advert to be an indication ofrepparttar 137500 quality of a contractor's work. Your best bet is to find a contractor that has been used successfully by friends, family or colleagues. Get written estimates from several firms. Don't automatically chooserepparttar 137501 lowest bidder.

Above all, be wary of contractors who will:

solicit door-to-door offer you discounts for finding other customers

just happens to have materials left over from a previous job

only accept cash payments

does not list a business number inrepparttar 137502 local telephone directory

pressure you for an immediate decision

offer exceptionally long guarantees

ask you to pay forrepparttar 137503 entire job up-front

Interview each contractor and ask:

How long have you been in business? How many projects like mine have you completed?

Will my project require a permit?

May I have a list of references? Will you be using subcontractors on this project?

What types of insurance do you carry?

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