Thursday, July 9, 2009

Home Exterior Design

The intent of home exterior design is two-fold. On the level of aesthetics, home exterior design provides an external and sophisticated compliment to the architecture of a house. By integrating Nature and man-made structures, the home interior designer creates a framework into the usefulness of the home interior can be expanded into the world beyond without compromising the beauty of the landscape. This is very important, because the functional elements of the outcome must blend effectively with indigenous vegetation, manicured lawns, outdoor decorations, and fountains in order to create an environment that is suitable and comfortable for quality outdoor family time and home entertainment functions. Only a few companies in the world of landscaping, such as Houston's Exterior Worlds, provide this sophisticated blend of natural harmony and human creature comforts for the discriminating homeowner who is seeking a living experience beyond the norm.

Home exterior elements vary widely based on several important factors. The lifestyle of the homeowner is first among these. At the end of the day, what the resident plans to do outdoors provides our team with a great deal of information on what we can build for them. Careful analysis of the house and surrounding landscapes also plays a key role in helping us shape the specifics of a home exterior design plan. Landscaping itself forms the foundation of this plan, and acts as a framework where structures and activity centers can be blended with pockets of indigenous vegetation, gardens and manicured lawns, and large, stately trees that rise prominently in various locations within the yard.

Some of our most popular home exterior designs include, but are not limited, to the following elements

Screened-in rooms

These are ideal for parties, family gatherings, and even important, formal events. They can be equipped with anything from fine furnishings to extend a living room outdoors, or be outfitted with an entertainment system and an outdoor bar as an open entertainment area that provides convenient exposure from insects and other pests during outdoor events.

Outdoor kitchens with garden elements included

People that enjoy grilling for large groups love these open-air structures that can include everything from smokers to refrigerators. There are a number of ways that they can be designed, as well. Some can be built out of hedges, while others can be simple gravel areas open to the elements.

Pools and Patios

Many people fail to realize that pools and patios are actually exterior design elements just as much as they are home entertainment areas. Many also realize after the fact that it is much easier to have a pool installed or a patio built as part of a larger, more comprehensive design plan than it is to attempt working directly with a pool specialist or carpenter. These professionals are more used to working with general landscape contractors like Exterior Worlds and can much better serve the resident when a well-developed schematic is shown to them by an expert who speaks their language.

Arbors, Gardens, and Shade Structures

Much can be done with the simplicity of a group of trees or an ornamental garden with a fountain. Outdoor tables and benches can be placed around these areas to create gathering spaces for mingling guests. Landscape path lighting can be installed that creates walkways for people to takes short walks along winding trails that increase an illusion that the property is much bigger than it really is.

Indeed, almost all elements of a home exterior design will create a feeling of freedom and expansiveness by strategically positioning a variety of structures and conveniences in convenient locations around the property. When done correctly, it can make a property to look as large as 2 ½ to 3 times its normal size-much the way adding furniture to a room makes it look larger. The amazing range of options that this science offers to the homeowner makes it one of the most customizable design disciplines practiced. With so many natural and structural elements to work with, virtually anything can be created within the boundaries of safety, comfort, and proportional harmony that will provide lifestyle and entertainment to today's eclectic homeowner.



July 9, 2009
By Jeff Halper

Jeff Halper is passionate for Landscaping and wants to share infomation about that passion. At Exterior Worlds you can read more about Home Exterior Design or Landscape Design
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/home-exterior-design-824701.html

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Moving Containers: How They Will Make Your Next Move Easier

Moving in 2008 has plenty of options. There are a number of different moving containers to choose from and a number of different service options as well. All of these options are great because they let each family adjust their moving plans to fit their schedule and needs.

One of the most popular areas of discussion is moving containers. These can take on many different forms; however, you usually will see your belongings and materials loaded up and transported in one of the following:

1. Moving Pods

2. Rental Moving Trucks or

3. Moving Vans

Moving Pods are one of the newest forms of moving containers. These portable on demand storage (pods) units are great because they tend to have a square shaped or rectangular structure that works great for easy loading of your belongings. Its other advantages are it can be housed at your location outside because it is weather resistant and it is level to the ground which means it is easier to load your items because of no ramps.

Rental Moving Trucks and Moving Vans are popular moving containers because you load it up and then you can drive to the new location. This is different than Moving Pods where these would need to be loaded on a trailer or track and hauled to the new location. Although the loading of Rental Moving Trucks and Moving Vans is more challenging than pods, the ability to actually drive your items is valuable to many families.

However, even after you have decided on the moving container to use. You still need to decide on what role you want to play in the loading, unloading and shipping of your belongings. There are services available that can do all these services for you or only certain parts. This is great for families as they can choose the level of service that will work for best for them and their budget.

Everyone is probably familiar with the full service options so I will talk about some of the other services you may be less aware of:

1. Moving Labor Services and

2. Self Pack Moving Companies

Moving Labor Services are provided by companies who will do the packing, loading, unloading and even the driving in some cases. This is great for those who are physically unable to load the boxes or would prefer to spend their time doing other things. These moving labor services are performed by professionals that have gone through criminal background checks and are required to do thorough inventories of your items. This means you can rest easy knowing that your family and belongings will be safe and protected.

Self Pack Moving Companies are companies that provide you with a moving pod that you load up by yourself. Once done loading, you lock the pod and the moving company will come by and load and ship it to the new location for you. These are great for families on a budget or who don’t mind doing the heavy lifting of loading their own belongings. In addition, you have the added piece of mind of knowing your items are protected because you added the padding and loading by yourself.

All and all, you and your family should have no difficulty finding moving containers and moving services to meet your needs.



May 27, 2009
By: Frank Miller
For more information on Moving Containers. Also, try visiting http://www.movingcontainersetc.com to get some solid moving tips and information on different moving containers and services.
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/moving-and-relocating-articles/moving-containers-how-they-will-make-your-next-move-easier-527797.html