Thursday, March 27, 2014

Keep the home fires burning safely



Keep%20the%20home%20fires%20burning%20safely During crisp, cold evenings, a warm blanket and well-equipped fireplace are all you need for a cozy night in.

However, a fireplace brings more than comfort. According to Fire Prevention Canada, fire kills over 400 people a year nationwide with residential fires causing 73% of those deaths. With winter around the corner, it's important to be aware of fire prevention and what your insurance policy offers.

"Fireplaces create a nice setting for homeowners to relax with loved ones," says Wayne Ross, insurance expert at Aviva Canada. "Unfortunately, they can also add to serious fire risks, but taking simple measures can help avoid traumatic situations."

Ross offers the following pointers to ensure that your fireplace remains a place of enjoyment in your home:

1. Get it ready: To avoid fire and smoke damage make sure that the damper opens and closes properly. If your chimney hasn't been cleaned in a while, call a chimney sweeper.

2. Remove flammable materials: Clear the area next to your fireplace of all flammable items including newspapers, carpets and fabrics. Even a small spark of fire can quickly spiral out of control.

3. Stay equipped: Install smoke detectors throughout your home. Time is of the essence when dealing with fires and a smoke detector can help avoid major disasters.

4. Fireplace accessories: Invest in a few tending tools. These can be used to rotate logs, ensure oxygen flow and clean up ashes-small steps that go a long way in fire prevention.

5. Check your insurance policy: Know your insurer's guidelines and coverage so there are no surprises if you need to file a claim for damage. For example, many companies only cover fire damage if fireplaces are installed professionally.

Following these simple tips will ensure that your fireplace only leaves your family with pleasant memories this season.



More information is available from your insurance broker or online at avivacanada.com.





Courtesy of Newscanada



Affordable decorating tips to take your home from ho-hum to high style



Affordable%20decorating%20tips Feeling uninspired in your space? Updating the decor in your home is an easy way to add more color, style and personality to rejuvenate your residence. Whether you're making a few updates, like new artwork or wall colors, or renovating an entire room with a completely new look, decorating should be fun, not stressful. With a few simple tips, you can up the design ante in your home without breaking the bank.

Decorative painting for design

Painting can consist of much more than simple strokes of one color. Take things to the next level with decorative painting. Create different patterns on your walls with textured rollers to achieve an artistic design. Sponge and fabric paint rollers provide unique patterns to give your walls a one-of-a-kind look. Low in price and high in design, using textured rollers is a great option for redecorating on a budget.

Painting stripes in your room is a refreshing way to update your current color scheme. A sequence of wide and narrow stripes in complementing colors is a stylish option. To achieve crisp, clean lines between each stripe, painter's tape will get the job done. It will also help toprevent paint bleed, leaving precise lines and keeping the transition between your colors looking sharp.

A plethora of plates

Artwork is a great way to change things up and give any room a boost. Expensive traditional framed pieces of artwork aren't your only option anymore. Instead, create an eclectic art piece with plates you already own, or find them at garage sales and antique stores. Opt for various sizes and shapes and attach each one to your wall with plate hooks. You can cover an entire wall, or focus on a smaller area - but before you get started, be sure to lay out your design on the floor first. This way, you'll achieve your desired look, without extra nail holes on the wall from hanging as you go.
Perk-up hallways with runners; rooms with rugs
While re-energizing your home, the hallways may seem a little drab. Add a pick-me-up to your walkway by hanging portraits with funky frames along the walls. Add a runner along the length of the floor for a touch of pizzazz. Runners come in a multitude of lengths, patterns and colors - not to mention price ranges. Updating the flooring will keep your feet cozy and help to diminish the sound of footsteps during the night.
Affordable%20decorating%20tips If you have a space you want to update, but a full room makeover isn't in your budget, consider an area rug to spruce things up. If the color in your room is dull, the rug can add visual interest and a pop of color, serving as an aesthetically pleasing addition. Area rugs also help to break up the space of a larger room and can add grandeur to a small space. A new rug will also protect your pre-existing carpet, vinyl and hardwood floors, keeping them looking newer, longer.

Opt for accents as design elements

No home redecorating project is complete without a few perfectly placed accents. These interesting items stand out from your primary colors and furniture pieces, offering a fresh look to any space. Accent pieces - like chairs, frames or vases - will spice up a monotonous color scheme, while harmonizing with everything else you may already have in a room. Consider a bright beanbag chair for your child's bedroom, a bold lawn chair on your patio to enthrall while entertaining or a lamp base in a complementary color on your console. Keep in mind accents are meant to speak for themselves; so there's no need to have another elaborate piece in the room to pair with an accent piece. Just one affordable piece is all it takes.

When the redecorating bug bites, embrace the opportunity to freshen up your home inexpensively. With a pinch of creativity and a dash of design inspiration, you can easily make over any space into one that's perfect for you.
IMAGE CAPTIONS:
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Caption 1: Create different patterns on your walls with textured rollers to achieve an artistic design.
Caption 2: Painting stripes in your room is a refreshing way to update your current color scheme.




Courtesy of BPT