What’s Old is New at Universal Furnishings and Offerings
“You never know what’s inside a U.F.O.,” jokes Leonardo Ramirez. It is this type of otherworldly mystery that partly inspired the name of his store, Universal Furnishings and Offerings, or simply U.F.O. What is definitely not a mystery is that Ramirez has fashioned a unique space that provides more than a traditional storefront. Providing unique >> Read More…
Water-Wise Plants and Design for Your Landscape
Arid or Xeriscape landscape does not have to be hot, boring, sparsely planted or just gravel-covered areas that look bleak. We call these designs water wise. A good landscape designer has the human environment or microclimate of your home uppermost in thought. The designer should first look at trees—also known as the “upper story”– to >> Read More…
Time to Plant Roses and Other Flowers for Spring Color
Planting roses or maintaining those you have yields many years of beautiful bushes when cared for properly. Flowers add such a blast of color and fragrance that is worthwhile as you enjoy your own landscaping or entertain. Now is a great time and perfect weather to enjoy the easy steps outlined. If you are tired >> Read More…
Adding Color to Your Landscape
Blooming shrubs and trees are an amazing addition to home landscapes. Your yard is a living, changing environment and blooming plants refresh and brighten the area as the seasons change. Adding color to your landscape adds drama, interest, and excites the senses and emotions. Color combinations can evoke tranquility or excitement, or bring to mind >> Read More…
Fall is for Planting
Fall is a time for planting and now is the time to get busy with your yard and garden. This is the time of year when lawns are over seeded with rye, irrigation schedules get changed and fall bedding plants should be installed for color that will thrive throughout winter. Lawn TransitionYour Bermuda lawn will >> Read More…
Lighting Adds Benefits to Outdoor Landscape
It’s your castle. It’s where the heart is. It’s where family and friends are always welcome. It’s your home. Why not showcase it with dramatic accent lighting that not only highlights the character of your home and landscaping but makes steps, walkways and driveways safer as well? A professional illuminologist or lighting expert can work >> Read More…
Water Features for a Cool Look and Feel
For the past few months I have been featuring a series of topics on designing your dream landscape. The month of June provides information on keeping cool with ponds and water features. Landscape Water Features: Water features can have one of the greatest impacts on your landscape. They emit a very pleasing sound that >> Read More…
Home Trends in 2007
Americans are spending more time at home and are spending their time and money to make their homes comfortable, efficient and beautiful. Just look at how many do it yourself and home makeover shows are on television and cable television and the growing popularity of home-improvement stores such as Lowe’s, Expo and The Great Indoors, >> Read More…
Mixing Styles Together in the Kitchen
Though an eclectic design looks easy to accomplish – a little bit of this and little bit of that, it’s actually one of the most difficult looks to successfully achieve. What is eclectic? It is a vibrant, individual style that doesn’t adhere to any one major style or rule. It is a comfortable mix-and-match attitude; >> Read More…
Holiday Home Decorating and Care
With the onset of December and the pending holidays later this month, giving some care and attention to the outside as well as the inside of your castle can add that extra holiday pizzazz. At this special time of year: clutter should get cleaned up, holiday decorations will get unboxed and set out, while others >> Read More…
