Do you live in a House or a Home? This probably sounds like a silly question, but it really is a question that we should sit back and ask ourselves. If you are anything like me, I’m often so caught up with the everyday stresses of life that my house often becomes a nothing more than an after thought. On the flip side, for some, your house may be so showplace perfect that it truly is not a home. What is the difference between a house and a home, and does it really matter?

A house is simply a structure that provides a roof over your head. It offers water, heat, appliances needed to store and prepare your food, space for belongings and valuables, a bed for rest, and most likely a TV for entertainment; basically all of the necessary conveniences for a comfortable life. Living in a house maybe okay for some, but I think we all deserve a place to call home.

A home is so much more than a house. A home is a reflection of you. A keeper and creator of memories; It is a place that you are thankful to come home to; where you can laugh, relax, cry and share special times with friends and family. A home provides a place to play and another for quiet contemplation. A home is for lively gatherings and private conversations. It’s a place where guests feel welcome and one that you can’t wait to get back to. A home says, this is who I am and what I love.

The good news is that creating a home is something that all of us can do. Terence Conran says this; Home is the heart of lifeHome is where we feel at ease, where we belong, where we can create surroundings that reflect our tastes and pleasuresMaking a home is a form of creativity open to everyone. After all, it’s your special touch that uniquely makes your house a home. Think back to homes that you have visited and what you liked about them. What made them special and what do you remember about them? Homes that I remember best are those that reflect the personality of those who lived in them. My childhood home had bold and happy colors; purple, red and gold. There are lots of family pictures, exotic items from travel adventures, and a few special pieces from my parent’s childhood homes. It’s a home that reflects their personality, heart and passions. My home (which is always a work in progress) is done in welcoming warm tones of yellow and gold; you’ll find a painted quote on a wall by Mark Twain about following your dream, candles in every room, and kids are always in and out. It can be a lively energetic place or a cozy place to curl up and read.

One home I remember visiting years ago was an old farm house. The owners had numerous treasured farmhouse antiques, but what I remember most about this home, is that almost everything had a story. A quilt on the wall was made by a great grandmother. The walls of a guest room featured a very old christening gown and several outfits that were handed down from generation to generation. Hung next to the garments were pictures of children from several generations, each of them wearing the same special garments that were handed down throughout the years. What a great way to share history, create conversation and re-live memories.

Yes, a house provides you with a roof over your head and a place to sleep at night, but a home is so much more. It tells amazing stories, embracing both laughter and tears; it provides a place to unwind, breathe a little easier and energize for what tomorrow may bring. As Dorothy once said, “there is no place like home”. Don’t we all deserve a home?

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The style of your interior depends for a great part on the decoration on the walls. Using the right picture on the right place can make your room look bigger. I experienced this for myself when I came in this business. I do sell reproduction paintings, you know.

Actually, I came in the reproduction painting business because I was amazed about what one painting can do to your living room. Let me explain. I had an old painting on my wall that looked very nice. But, there was something missing. I decided that I had to replace it. I always wanted a Van Gogh, but I knew I would never be able to buy one.

After a few months I discovered that there was a business that did just what I was looking for. I bought a reproduction painting from them, and this is the way my own business started. I was overwhelmed by the artistic talent of the reproductionist who captured the realistic impressionism of Van Gogh. So I decided to work together with these guys.

I figured out they use the same techniques the old masters used. With several painters who are specialized in one artist, and only reproduce work of that artist. There are specialists of Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, Gauguin and a lot more impressionists.

Since I started this business I feel like helping other people realize there dream. They are affordable for everyone. You can already buy a “real” Van Gogh for as less as 120 USD. This is not too much for a beautiful lasting post-impressionistic piece of artwork. If you are searching for this kind of timeless house warming painting, go and check out my website at http://www.repropaint.com

About The Author

Clark Vansteensel

http://www.repropaint.com

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With the high prices of contractors these days, lots of people are doing their own home improvement projects. This is a great way to save money, but one area the average homeowner may be lacking in is knowledge about basic safety rules that should be observed for any home improvement project.

Common safety practices include wearing protective clothing like gloves, masks and eye wear, reading labels and adhering to manufacturers instructions and discarding any waste products in the proper manner.

It makes sense to use gloves, earphones, glasses and masks if you are repairing or improving the home including the use of chemicals such as paint. Thus, purchase a work kit including work gloves, goggles, hearing guards and particle masks before starting any project that could cause you harm.

Safety is critical in any home improvement or repair project that you are attempting yourself. Therefore, if you are starting a project which has risks, like using chemicals, be sure you read allthe instructions carefully before you begin. Once you finish the project remember to wash your hands thoroughly for removal of any residue which can linger on your skin. If you are using paint then try using regular salad oil to remove paint, or stains from your skin.

Electrical work can be tricky and you may want to call a professional. At the very least, check the components of any electrical parts you are trying to repair for labels or markings and read them completely before starting your project.

If you are repairing, electrical outlets be sure to mark the wires before putting in the new component. Usually, the wires are already marked, however sometimes the markings wear off. Therefore, when you figure out which wire goes where you should mark it before putting the plate cover back on. Also, make sure you shut down the breakers to that outlet and that your skin is dry before starting to work on anything electrical.

In addition to safety measures, you also need the right tool for the job or you will find yourself getting very frustrated and maybe even doing damage to the project or yourself. Some common tools include paint brushes, rollers and edgers, painters tape, screwdrivers, hammers, drills, joint putty, pipe wrenches and so on.

For the best results when painting it is a good ideas to buy the ‘natural” bristled brushes. These work better with paint and go on in a nice smooth coat. When the brushes are not in use put them in a safe area and remember to clean them as recommended for the type of paint you are using so that they will last a long time. Other tools that you are not using should also be kept in a safe area. If you are using sponge paintbrushes for decorative painting or touch-ups throw the brushes away once you are done so that they do not get mixed up with your household sponges!

Safety in home improvement projects is not difficult provided you read and follow directions on any product or tool you are using. Most any purchases made come complete with guides, which instruct you how the job is done. Making sure that you read all instructions before installing, repairing or improving the home can help you stay safe.

It might seem like extra work, but putting safety first can help you avoid problems later on. The last thing anybody needs is to start a home improvement project t save money and end up paying high hospital bills as the result!

Lee Dobbins writes about home improvement and remodeling, read more articles on home improvement at http://www.dailynewz.info

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