Guest Post - Green Solutions for a Perfect Backyard Getaway

Outdoor space informs the appearance of your household and exterior design is just as important as interior design. While you do not have as much elbow space to get crazy with the appearance of your yard as you do with the interior, there are still countless creative solutions to create a captivating oasis of comfort. In the day and age when eco-friendly living has become ubiquitous, some especially nifty tricks have become quite prominent and, if you are interested to learn more about them, here are some green solutions for a perfect backyard getaway.

Ditch the exotics and go native

If we are to discuss green solutions for a beautiful backyard, we first have to mention one of the most reasonable, cost-effective and energy-saving methods to create a sustainable paradise behind your house. This, of course, entails going native with the plant life. Exotic plants and trees might look beautiful, but they are usually expensive due to import costs, and this goes without accounting for the resources you’ll have to waste to sustain its exuberance. The best thing you can do is choose an assortment of local plants that are robust, easy to maintain and which are adapted to your particular climate, soil, parasites and microorganisms. Every region in the world has its own unique and gorgeous floral biome, so start the research and knock yourself out.

Create a vertical garden

Vertical gardens can add a level of astonishing beauty to your backyard’s lush assembly of greenery, and even though your instincts may tell you that this might require too much work, it is actually fairly easy to set one up. All you need is at least one vertical garden unit which you can hang on an arbitrarily chosen section of the backyard wall. Of course, the best vertical garden units are also easy to rearrange whenever you are in the mood to mix things up a bit, and you’ll want this modularity in case some renovation needs to be done on your home’s exterior. Vertical gardens are a good way to camouflage some visually unappealing parts of the house and they serve as a completely natural and eco-friendly insulator of temperature and sound.

Sustainable wood for organic appeal

Wood is a precious resource, so if you require some panels and planks to create sturdy outdoor elements such as back porch, gazebo, water barrel or a compost bin, you should probably take a chance with the closest retailer that deals in recycled/reusable materials. Then you can finally assemble these elements with a clear conscience and have a sustainable yard with wonderful organic appeal. Rain-collecting barrels are not only useful in a tried-and-true eco-friendly way, but they are also a nice piece of ornamentation with bucolic charm. The water from the said rain-collector can be used to water the plants mentioned above. Finally, a compost bin is a must in a sustainable yard and a good visual reminder of how much you can do to aid in the natural processes of your immediate ecosystem.

There was a time when eco-friendly options to create a harmonious yard were few and far between, and while the world of sustainable landscaping has become particularly prominent lately, some of the best solutions were actually always there – the local plant life being the most convenient example. The point of it all is that, with some knowledge of what is deemed ‘green’, you can easily rely on your own instincts and creative flair to assemble the yard that you have always wanted. You do not have to sacrifice your vision for eco-utilitarianism.

Author Bio: Amelia Atkins is an author at Smooth Decorator and a fresh architecture student. The love for architecture and design runs in her family and she knew what she wanted to do from a very young age. You can often find her with a notepad in hand, just looking at the clouds, dreaming about the next skyscraper. Twitter / Facebook.

Guest Post - 15 Best Eco Office Innovations

Companies all around the world are doing their part to go green. Some use energy-saving techniques, while others participate in recycling programs and use office supplies made of recycled materials. Many companies even allow telecommuting and remote work options to save on costs.

Some companies take this a step further and create entire office spaces that focus on beauty and energy savings. They are like paradises – except you are expected to do some work. Read on to learn more about companies that are taking eco-friendliness to a whole new level.

Google. The technology giant is known for its eco-friendly workspaces and has inspired other companies to follow suit. Google uses sustainable materials in its buildings, as well as clean air and natural light. The company’s Mountain View campus in California received the City of Mountain View’s first-ever LEED Platinum certification. Google offers green commuting options for employees, as well as a variety of other cool perks.

Apple. The computer company’s campus in Cupertino, California is on track to create an environment that functions like its own city. Much of the asphalt has been turned into a green hideaway that helps promote creative thinking. The company is building its own energy plant and plans to shun cars and all forms of carbon emissions altogether.

Adobe. The technology company has three LEED Platinum certified buildings in San Jose, California. These green buildings are highly efficient and feature bathrooms with automatic flush valves and waterless urinals. The buildings are also smart, allowing employees to monitor to control and monitor the lighting, thermostat, and more.

Twitter. The social media company has created a sustainable space that is not only green but fun as well. No changes were made to the building itself, so staff went about making modifications to the indoors. The decorations are eco-friendly, and the furniture and paint are non-toxic. The logo and desks are made of reclaimed barn wood, and there is a concrete table made of recycled aggregates.

Nike. The apparel company’s European headquarters in the Netherlands offers many eco-friendly elements. The roof collects rainwater, which is used for toilets and gardens. This practice alone saves at least 4 million liters of rainwater annually. The basketball and tennis courts are made of recycled shoes – about 8,000 of them, to be exact.

Audubon Center. You can’t ignore the Audubon Center, which was the very first LEED Platinum building in the United States. The building functions off the electrical grid, thanks to solar energy. The space uses water conservation and locally used materials

Bank of America Tower. This New York skyscraper is not only super tall but also quite energy efficient. It produces net zero carbon dioxide emissions and was the first skyscraper to receive a LEED Platinum rating. The building is made of recycled materials. Floor to ceiling windows produce heat and natural light. Complete with low-flow fixtures and waterless urinals, the building also has an air filtration system that creates clean air for the city.

Banner Bank Building. Here’s another energy-efficient bank building. This Boise, Idaho mid-rise building is surrounded by seven acres of land to help it function efficiently. Storm water is collected and reused, while water conservation systems keep water use in check.

California Department of Education. This building has the distinction of being the first state office building to be LEED Platinum certified – as an existing building. The building was already green but has been enhanced to save much more energy. The building increases water efficiency and uses cool roofing to keep heat at decent levels. The employer encourages its employees to use alternative transportation.

Sun and the Moon Altar. This office building in China is the largest solar-powered building in the world, at 75,000 square meters. Modeled after a sundial, this office space has solar hot water and a special insulation system that results in 30% less energy consumption.

Except. A worldwide sustainability cooperative based in Amsterdam, Except created something truly unique by turning an abandoned shipyard into what is known as the “Crystal Forest.” This energy-neutral office is filled with hydroponic modules that use chlorine-free rainwater to produce food indoors.

Selgas Cano. This architectural firm in Madrid, Spain has an office literally located in the middle of a forest. This long, rectangular office has a window that extends all along one side. This allows employees to enjoy the scenery outside. They can watch the seasons change and watch the squirrels and other wild animals pass by.

One Westminster Place. This building overlooking London’s Thames River is as beautiful as it is green. The glassy exterior reflects sunlight in multiple colors. The glass, which allows employees a gorgeous view of the river below, also collects energy to save on electricity and costs.

BP. BP has gotten a bad reputation for its involvement in oil spills, but, ironically, the company’s refinery office in the Netherlands is surprisingly energy-efficient. The office is located under a man-made dune, which is helpful in insulating the office. This saves on energy costs while offering protection against explosions.

The Bow. Known as the most popular skyscraper in Calgary, Canada, The Bow takes up two blocks of space. This iconic building boasts mountain views and sky gardens. It’s also set up to capture daily sunshine. The position and shape of the building help it manage variable wind patterns during the winter and summer months.

Beautiful, sustainable workplaces offer many benefits. Unlike cubicles, they reduce stress and promote creativity. Architects are taking going green to new levels and creating workspaces that make employees feel good, mentally and physically. With increased productivity and fewer absences, the health benefits speak for themselves.

Author Bio: Tania Longeau serves as the Head of Services for InkJet Superstore. Tania oversees a team of Operations and Customer Service Reps from the Los Angeles headquarters. Before joining InkJet Superstore, Tania was a team leader and supervisor working for one of the biggest mortgage and real estate companies in the country. She is a happily married mother of one who enjoys spending time with her family and reading in her leisure hours.

Guest Post - 5 Captivating Renovations to Bring Your Family Room To Life

Are you tired of looking at the same old family room? Not exciting or glamorous as it once was? Maybe it’s time to renovate that old space into something you and your family would enjoy.

There are several different ways you can go about doing this. It doesn’t have to be a major project or cost a lot of money, it can be a simple renovation or facelift.

Here are 5 things you can do to bring your family living room to life!

1. Change The Flooring

2. Change Your Ceiling Fans and Lights

3. Rearrange your furniture

4. Update your windows

5. Repaint your walls

Consider New Flooring

Your family room may look dull because your floors are worn out or scratched. Marble or tiles can become scratched and scuffed, or the grout lines become darkened over time.

Changing the flooring can not only have a big impact on the appearance of your family room, but it definitely increases the value of your home. If you want more lighting or natural lighting into the room, change your flooring to lighter floors. You could also use smaller pieces of tile to illuminate the space.

You should also experiment with different layouts. Don’t be afraid to use different styles and get creative. You can transition flooring between rooms to add some flare.

Change Your Lights and Ceiling Fans

Old fans and lighting fixtures may be making your family room bland. Chromed parts can crack and tarnish after a while, and canvas lampshades can start to yellow over time. Moreover, a ceiling fan can make your family room look very dull if the fan wobbles or makes squeaky noises.

You don’t have to buy a simple ceiling fan, there are different styles and functions of fans you can choose from:

• Energy star ceiling fans

• Dual motor ceiling fans

• Remote controlled ceiling fans

• Damp and wet ceiling fans.

Replace your lights and ceiling fans to an updated style of your choice. Switch to LED bulbs, these cost 50% less than CFL lights. Play around with the lighting, add ambient, accent, and task lights.

Rearrange Your Furniture

Changing your furniture could potentially open up new spaces and improve traffic flow for your family and guests. It may also free up outlets that you didn’t know were there.

For example, you could change your furniture into a formal and balanced type of look. This includes two small sofas facing each other and a coffee table in between them.

You could also go with a casual and balanced look, by placing the matching chairs opposite from each other and the larger sofa in between them.

If you have a big family or a lot of guests, a versatile seating for your family room would be best. You could also go for a minimal and comfortable look or a retro party pad look.

Update Your Windows

Worn out or warped windows can make your family room look aged. If you want more daylight coming into the room, increase the size of your windows.

Go all out, update the window frames and curtains to dramatically improve the look of your family room. If you want the family room to feel taller, get curtains that are tall enough to cover the top and bottom of the windows. Also, add extra fabric width so that the pleats are evenly distributed when the curtains are closed.

If you are looking for a different style, consider a casement window. This allows for adequate ventilation and a central view of your yard.

Repaint Your Walls

Changing the color of your walls could really bring your family room back to life and even heighten your mood. Pick a color that best suits your family.

Play around with patterns, who says it has to be a simple coat of paint? Sponging, rag rolling, and dragging could really add special effects to your family room.

You could also go with waves, they are eye-catching and let you use more than two contrasting colors. Instead of using two colors, add three using a stripe design to your family room.

You can also go for abstract designs that induce a mood or create a design of something you love. Ombre designs offer a lot of flexibility, it can eliminate the boundaries between the ceiling and the walls, and eliminate straight angles.

Conclusion

There are many other ways you can update your family room. These examples are just easy ways to get you started. You’ll be on your way to a new and improved family room that you and your family will be sure to enjoy. Happy renovating!

Author Bio: Isaias Valencia is a blogger who loves to write about DIY home renovation and home organization. He believes recycling and upcycling should be considered wherever possible in any home remodeling project. Stay up to date on his latest projects at Smart Remodeling.

Guest Post - 10 Best Plants for Backyard Privacy

Your backyard is a multipurpose part of your environment. It should be a place for fun, solitude, recreation, peace, and gathering with friends and family. Perhaps you eat meals in your backyard. Maybe you have a backyard pool. How you use your backyard will impact how much privacy you will need and what type of privacy.

Step 1: Survey your backyard.

First, take a look at your backyard. What surrounds it? Does your neighbor have a multilevel home with an unobstructed view into your entire yard from his upper floor? Does the deck you built for your above ground pool put you in clear sight of all your neighbors?

Then, take a look at your landscaping. Are there existing plantings, trees, or shrubs that can be incorporated into the new landscape or provide a starting point to build from? What hardscape exists in your yard? This includes any paved paths, patios, decks, a pool, a hot tub, retaining walls, and garden sheds.

Step 2: Make a plan.

The next step to improving your yard and providing privacy is to draw a plan of your current yard as close to scale as possible. Include a compass so you will know what areas are likely to be shady and where your yard is in full sun. Put everything on your drawing from the info you gathered. This map is for both long-term and short-term planning.

If the retaining wall is serving no purpose and you want it gone, still put it on your plan with a notation to remove. If the shed is great but not in the current location, put it on your plan in its current location with a notation to move it and where you want it to be in the future.

Next, make notations of what surrounds your yard. If you have a view of a mountain range or the lights of the city at night, and that is important to you, put it on your plan so you don’t forget and plant a tree in the middle of your view. This is also where you note the neighbor’s house that overlooks your backyard pool and patio.

Step 3: Prioritize your to-dos.

Now that you have a plan for your yard as it is, it’s time to make two lists. The first list the things you want to be changed right away. Maybe you just had an above ground pool installed, and you need to complete the installation with landscaping. Next, you want privacy from that nosy neighbor we’ve been talking about. Just picture your spouse and you lounging in the pool with your floating drink holders, relaxing the stress of the day away, and you see your neighbor peeking out of his upstairs window. Definitely not ideal.

Second, list your long-term goals. If you are a golfer, your dream backyard might include a practice green. Even if you can’t have it installed right now, the future location needs to be planned for. Maybe you want to have a small orchard with apple and pear trees. It might make more sense to plant the fruit trees to provide privacy. If you plan on a family in the future, how will that affect your plans for your yard? The more information you have to start with, the more likely you are of having your backyard turn into the private retreat you envision.

Step 4: Start transforming your backyard.

First, decide if you are going to hire a landscaper or if this going to be a DIY project. Many garden centers will discount or even eliminate the fee for the landscaper’s plan if you spend a certain amount on the plants at their garden center. Once you have met the amount, the plan is yours, and you can purchase the rest of your plant materials anywhere or take advantage of sales.

The advantage of hiring a professional is the knowledge they have of what grows successfully in your area, what the mature size of the tree or shrub will be, and what fits with your level of skill and desire. If you like a more formal look, and you are ready to prune your shrubs regularly throughout the year, the plant selection is likely different from the person who is willing to water occasionally, but that’s it. That person may be better off with a planting style which is more informal and natural.

If you’ve decided this will be a DIY project, check out your friends’ and neighbors’ yards. If a tree or shrub does well in their yard, it should do well in yours. If someone’s yard really appeals to you, try to achieve the same look in your yard.

In the north, your pool and patio are under two feet of snow during the winter, so a shrub that loses its leaves in the winter might be acceptable. In the south, the plants and trees you choose need to provide privacy all year round. Here are some suggestions for plants that will be attractive and provide privacy. Check with your local garden center to see if these plants will thrive in your climate and zone.

Euonymus. This shrub grows tall and full and can have green leaves or variegated. It can also be pruned if preferred.

Red Twig Dogwood. This shrub can be left natural or be pruned. This shrub is loved in the north, as it drops its leaves in the fall and shows off the bright red branches against the snow for winter interest.

Holly. This is a dense tall shrub that will provide privacy as well. Holly is evergreen, so it is a good choice if you need a year-round barrier. There are numerous varieties of holly, and some have a softer leaf than the traditional sharp tough leaf.

Arborvitae. Arborvitae is a columnar evergreen that makes a great choice for a year-round privacy hedge, This is an easy-care shrub that can grow in less than optimal soil, and it will remain cold tolerant. Different varieties are available which will determine the height of the plant and how closely together you should plant them to create a privacy screen.

Maple trees. This is a beautiful tree for the backyard. If you have a backyard pool, plant this tree well away, as it will drop its leaves in the fall. Maple trees also come in many varieties, and the leaves are thick on the trees. The added bonus of the maple is the fabulous fall color of the leaves before they drop.

Ornamental grasses. There are multiple varieties of ornamental grasses available to add a more unconventional bit of privacy to your pool. The added bonus is that they are not messy. The gentle drape of the leaves over the edge of the pavement also helps to soften the look of the pool deck.

Areca palms. These palms are great as hedges. They are easy to control, and they give your yard a more tropical look—perfect for backyards in the south.

Podocarpus. Also known as Japanese yew, this is a very low-maintenance shrub that grows all different sizes, including 50 feet tall, making a great privacy screen. Note: This shrub should only be used in dog- and cat- free homes, as it can be toxic to them if they like to chew on plants.

Royal Poinciana. This tree is also known as the flame tree because of the bright red flowers in May and June. Some consider this the most beautiful tree in the world, and it deserves a spot in the southern backyard.

Schefflera. Light and leafy, this is a fast-growing plant that makes a thick hedge. Best of all, it does well in shade or sun.

There are thousands of trees and shrubs to choose from. Check with your local garden center for advice on which plants do best in your area.

Author bio: Chris Hoffman is the founder of Backyard & Pool Superstore currently based outside of Dallas, TX. Backyard & Pool Superstore is an e-commerce leader in backyard, pool, spa, grill & patio products. Before starting Backyard & Pool Superstore, Chris has had 10 years of retail, construction, manufacturing and distribution experience in the swimming pool & spa industry. When Chris isn’t working, he moonlights as baseball coach, dance recital standing ovation specialist, husband, and German Shepherd enthusiast.