The Denver Foundation Receives HUD/USDA Secretaries’ Award

Washington, DC and Denver, Colorado (PRWEB) October 22, 2014

Across the nation, community foundations, private foundations, and corporate giving programs work to improve neighborhoods and the lives of the people who live in them. Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Council on Foundations announced the 2014 winners of the Secretaries’ Award for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships.

The Denver Foundation earned the award for their outstanding partnership with the public sector. The Foundation made significant improvements in housing and neighborhoods, transportation, sustainability, and economic development in urban communities in the Denver Region. The awards were presented at the Council on Foundations’ Fall Conference for Community Foundations in Cleveland on Wednesday morning, October 22nd.

“These foundations understand that strong communities connect families with the promise of living the American dream,” said HUD Secretary Julián Castro. “Powerful outcomes occur when the philanthropic and public sectors come together to solve problems, enhance neighborhoods, and expand opportunity for others. I commend these honorees for their deep commitment to serving the common good.”

“USDA is proud to partner with foundations on worthy development projects that are improving the quality of life for rural residents and providing them with new economic opportunities,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. “The work that foundations undertake often complements the work that our employees are carrying out at the local level. Congratulations to the foundations that have been recognized for their exceptional efforts in 2014.”

Vikki Spruill, president and CEO of the Council on Foundations, said: “I’m proud to offer my congratulations to the winning foundations. Their work serves as a model for others in the field. Philanthropy works across sectors to engage communities in meaningful development and productive action. I am grateful to Secretary Castro and Secretary Vilsack for their leadership in recognizing the impact of foundations across the country, I look forward to continuing our engagement with them in order to push for still greater collaboration.”

“We are excited and honored to be receiving this award,” said David Miller, president and CEO of The Denver Foundation. “Through the Transit Oriented Development Fund, Mile High Connects has created a national model for public/private partnerships and is leading the way with innovative collaborative relationships dedicated to equitable transit and community development.”

The Denver Transit Oriented Development Fund has been a true partnership from its inception and would not be possible without commitment, investment, and support from public, private, and philanthropic organizations. Initially closed in 2010, the Fund is a combination of $ 13.5 million in loan capital from the City & County of Denver, Enterprise Community Partners, the MacArthur Foundation, the Rose Community Foundation, the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, First Bank, the Mile High Community Loan Fund, and Enterprise Community Loan Fund that, when blended together, provides favorable acquisition financing terms that allow the Urban Land Conservancy (ULC) as sole borrower and equity investor, to acquire land and improved property in proximity to public transportation access in the City and County of Denver.

The Secretaries’ Awards were given to place-based funders for completed or ongoing initiatives that are executed in partnership with a local, regional, or federal government agency.

###

HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available at http://www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov. You can also follow HUD on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or sign up for news alerts on HUD’s Email List.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay).

An active philanthropic network, the Council on Foundations (http://www.cof.org), founded in 1949, is a nonprofit leadership association of grantmaking foundations and corporations. It provides the opportunity, leadership, and tools needed by philanthropic organizations to expand, enhance and sustain their ability to advance the common good. With members from all foundation types and sizes, the Council empowers professionals in philanthropy to meet today’s toughest challenges and advances a culture of charitable giving in the U.S. and globally.

The Denver Foundation is a community foundation that inspires people and mobilizes resources to improve life in Metro Denver. In 2013, the Foundation and its donors awarded more than $ 50 million in grants. The Denver Foundation has three roles: stewarding an endowment to meet current and future needs for Metro Denver, working with community leaders to address the core challenges that face the community, and managing more than 1,000 charitable funds on behalf of individuals, families, and businesses. For more information, visit http://ift.tt/1A5DdXF.

The post The Denver Foundation Receives HUD/USDA Secretaries’ Award appeared first on Inspired Spaces Designs.

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Interior Design You Won’t Find Anywhere Else

Most people find interior planning quite intimidating. The key is to learn everything you can on the subject to take the mystery out. The tips contained here can help inspire you to create a space that is both functional and stylish.

TIP! When it comes to interior design, it helps to take advice from high-profile designers with a grain of salt and follow your own instincts. You can create a space that you will like living in if you trust yourself and your interior design knowledge.

Choose the mood you want for your room before you actually start designing its decor. Moods could range from exciting and outrageous to calm and soothing. Picking a mood before you begin will help inform the decisions that go into planning for the space, and will create a more cohesive feel in the end.

Invest in great artwork for a classy look. A painting can serve as a focal point, especially if it matches your design elements. A beautiful painting provides helps to focus your mind on the look of your space, and it can really get you started on your decorating endeavors.

TIP! Keep up with the newest style trends when working on your home’s interior design. You never want your home to look out of date and behind the times.

It is essential that you select the appropriate color scheme when you redesign any room in your home. You want the colors to compliment each other and not clash. Overuse of bold colors can create a room that is too loud.

If your space is small, pick furniture that has multiple uses. For example, you could use ottomans rather than actual chairs or sofas. An ottoman used in this way can provide extra seating or a table surface in a cramped area. If you use some things that can be decoration and also you can use you can make the best of your room.

TIP! Keep your room as uncluttered as possible when you are making changes to your interior’s design. If you have too much stuff in too small a space, it is going to appear cramped.

Pay attention to small details. You can come up with a great new look by changing around different color patterns and adding new elements to a room. One method of doing this is to select cabinetry hardware or throw pillows that incorporate a specific theme instead of focusing on larger elements of a room.

Cabinet Doors

TIP! If you are framing a picture, use creativity and imagination. They can have a big impact on the overall look of the space.

Replacing cabinet doors is a great way to spruce up a tired kitchen. Among other options, you can change your cabinet doors to glass doors to make them more vibrant. Finish off your look with some decorative accents inside the cabinets for a great feel in your space.

A good tip for anyone doing interior planning is to invest in high quality paint so the job gets done right. Quality paint will last longer, has better coverage and will save you time and money. A fine paint brand can help you feel confident that the job is done correctly.

TIP! Before you start to redecorate your favorite room, take a few minutes to consider the main function of the area. Think about the amount of people that will occupy the room and what their purpose will be.

If you have floors that are made of tile, stone or concrete, the use of stylish area rugs will make your room seem cozier and warmer to your feet. To minimize wear in high-traffic areas, you should regularly rotate and reposition each rug. By changing angles or moving the rugs, you can easily extend their lives.

When designing a room. pick a style that suits you. This will help you to feel comfortable with the place that you are living in. If you want a ship theme in your room or fancy pillows, get them. You can always get new stuff if you decide you truly don’t like it.

TIP! If your floors are concrete, stone, or tile, you can lay down some area rugs that give your rooms a cozy feel. Make sure you turn your rugs every now and again so they stay evenly worn.

One thing that you should think about is to add mirrors in your home if it is small. Mirrors will make any room look bigger and better. Put a little money into some attractive mirrors in order to enhance your interior spaces.

Try putting together a collection of artwork. Collections are just items of three or more. For example, you could showcase three or more interesting figurines, artifacts or architectural elements. If you’ve got three pictures, that makes a collection. Create a grouping of your objects, making sure they coordinate with the surrounding items for a pleasing effect that is sure to draw attention.

TIP! One of the most common complaints about rooms is that many are simply too small. Using light colors can help make any space appear larger.

Just because your last design was a stack of beer cans does not mean that you can’t make your home look great. However, the key to being successful at home decor begins with knowledge. Thanks to the tips provided above, you are now armed with the knowledge to transform your home into a work of art.

The post Interior Design You Won’t Find Anywhere Else appeared first on Inspired Spaces Designs.

from WordPress http://ift.tt/1zpa7fW

via IFTTT

Less Fails, More Fab: Home Improvement Ideas

For many of us, our home is our most valuable asset in terms of our financial security. In addition to being the place where we spend the majority of our time. Having a home that is well maintained and attractive can increase our financial stability, as well as our psychological peace of mind.

Do you need to fix a hole in your wall made by a nail or screw. Create a divot in the wall with the rounded end of a screwdriver by pressing it into the screw hole. Next, use spackle or drywall compound to fill the divot. This will give you a nice smooth wall surface.

Always keep the big picture in mind when embarking on a long term home improvement project. Your budget may dictate that you break up a project into several smaller, more manageable pieces, but take care that the finished product doesn’t look like a hodgepodge of unrelated, poorly thought out elements.

Put a stop to your squeaky floor by using construction adhesive. You may have to work in tight spots but your efforts are well worth it. You just need to run a bead of glue down the floor joist seams to help secure the sub-flooring.

Use carpet samples to carpet a whole room! Retail stores often throw away their samples. Cut each sample up into smaller pieces and tack or glue them into place for free floor covering. Cut them in identically sized pieces for a tile effect or cut them in irregular geometric shapes for an abstract look.

Give vinyl flooring a shot to get rid of any bubbles. It is a simple way to release all of the air. This gets the floor flat again. Inject glue into it to hold it to the floor after you have cut it. There are syringes that are already filled with glue for jobs like this.

If you are interested in changing the look of your bathroom, this space could be the perfect choice for your next home improvement project. Give your bathroom an extra special touch by installing radiant floor heat and a light-tube, which gives the space the appearance of having natural light. Both features come with instructions that are easy to follow.

You can see now that there are very simple steps that you can take right away to increase the overall worth and appearance of your home, even if you are operating on a shoestring budget! Put some of these suggestions into practice for a more attractive and manicured home.

The post Less Fails, More Fab: Home Improvement Ideas appeared first on Inspired Spaces Designs.

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via IFTTT

Furniture Secrets And Advice To Get The Most For Your Money

It doesn’t take long to read this article, but the rewards are great. You will be shocked when you realize how these tips alter your shopping behaviors. When it comes to furniture, nothing will stand between you and the pieces you need, so start reading and learning right now.

Before purchasing a piece of furniture, always open drawers and doors. You should not purchase a piece of furniture if the drawers do not open all the way and close evenly. Make sure the doors stay open and close properly. You should also check the knobs or handles to make sure they are properly attached.

Before rushing out to buy furniture, make sure that you measure the doorways in your home. It would be a shame to pay a lot of money for furniture that is not able to fit into your home. While some movers will remove doors frames to get the furniture inside, others will insist on taking it back to the store.

When you are looking to purchase furniture, think about buying it from a large chain store that has a clearance section. Often big retailers have lots of items to choose from in their clearance areas. In many cases, the furniture you’ll see here is top quality stuff, but you can pick it up for bargain-basement prices.

Are you interested in buying a leather couch? Make sure you purchase furniture that is actually made out of leather. If the salesperson described it as a leather-like or a leather match piece, then the sofa or the chair is not made from actual leather and might not last very long.

Choose the right fabric for the location and use of your furniture. If a piece of furniture is going to face heavy use and traffic, do not buy a costly or delicate fabric, as you will replace it sooner than you like. Save these pieces for less used rooms that are for guests or show.

Do some measurements before you go shopping. If you pick a couch that is going to barely fit in your living room, you’re going to have a problem. Make sure you have some measurements of your living spaces so that you can properly gauge whether a furniture piece can fit comfortably in your house.

With this advice fresh in your mind, ready to tackle the furniture world, get out there and get started. Shop as if you are buying something important and you will end up with exactly what you need. The more effort you put into implementing these tips, the bigger your reward will be.

Find More Furniture Articles

The post Furniture Secrets And Advice To Get The Most For Your Money appeared first on Inspired Spaces Designs.

from WordPress http://ift.tt/1zpa8k4

via IFTTT

Interior Design Tips That Can Save You A Lot Of Money

Are you thinking about changing up your home living space by adding new furniture but aren’t sure what fits well in your space? Interior design can be tricky for some people, but the tips in the article below will show you how to choose the right furniture for the space that you are living in.

Interior design is made easier with a software program. There are many programs that will allow you to take a picture of your existing space and create your look inside of that picture. This is a great way to visualize the changes in the space before making them happen.

Start buying art from your favorite artists or make some yourself to save some money. You may not be into art at all, but even just a simple painting could make a room look great. Paintings can be a great starting point to how you’d like to decorate the rest of the room.

A great way to liven up an otherwise boring or complicated space is to create a point of focus in the room. This focal point will become the highlight of the space, and everything else that’s in the room will work to support the focal point. Focal points to think about working around include fireplaces, windows, artworks and stately pieces of furniture.

Have a theme in mind. Is there a specific color scheme you rather enjoy? Do you have a fondness for retro furniture? Deciding on a theme before you even begin your planning phase can save you a lot of time and effort. Make sure you know what you’re going for before you start planning for it.

Placing all the artwork in the room at eye level allows it to be shown to its best effect. Art that is either too low or too high just doesn’t look good in a room and shows you don’t have style.

If you are decorating, look at all the current trends and give them a shot. Don’t get stuck in a time warp. When visiting a friend or family member, take notes on how they are designing their home.

As stated in the article above, it is not all that complicated to pick out furniture that goes well with the space you are living in. The tips you read here should be a great starting point to help you figure out some great ideas that will work in your own living environment.

Related Interior Design Articles

The post Interior Design Tips That Can Save You A Lot Of Money appeared first on Inspired Spaces Designs.

from WordPress http://ift.tt/1vIWr45

via IFTTT

The Denver Foundation Receives HUD/USDA Secretaries’ Award

Washington, DC and Denver, Colorado (PRWEB) October 22, 2014

Across the nation, community foundations, private foundations, and corporate giving programs work to improve neighborhoods and the lives of the people who live in them. Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Council on Foundations announced the 2014 winners of the Secretaries’ Award for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships.

The Denver Foundation earned the award for their outstanding partnership with the public sector. The Foundation made significant improvements in housing and neighborhoods, transportation, sustainability, and economic development in urban communities in the Denver Region. The awards were presented at the Council on Foundations’ Fall Conference for Community Foundations in Cleveland on Wednesday morning, October 22nd.

“These foundations understand that strong communities connect families with the promise of living the American dream,” said HUD Secretary Julián Castro. “Powerful outcomes occur when the philanthropic and public sectors come together to solve problems, enhance neighborhoods, and expand opportunity for others. I commend these honorees for their deep commitment to serving the common good.”

“USDA is proud to partner with foundations on worthy development projects that are improving the quality of life for rural residents and providing them with new economic opportunities,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. “The work that foundations undertake often complements the work that our employees are carrying out at the local level. Congratulations to the foundations that have been recognized for their exceptional efforts in 2014.”

Vikki Spruill, president and CEO of the Council on Foundations, said: “I’m proud to offer my congratulations to the winning foundations. Their work serves as a model for others in the field. Philanthropy works across sectors to engage communities in meaningful development and productive action. I am grateful to Secretary Castro and Secretary Vilsack for their leadership in recognizing the impact of foundations across the country, I look forward to continuing our engagement with them in order to push for still greater collaboration.”

“We are excited and honored to be receiving this award,” said David Miller, president and CEO of The Denver Foundation. “Through the Transit Oriented Development Fund, Mile High Connects has created a national model for public/private partnerships and is leading the way with innovative collaborative relationships dedicated to equitable transit and community development.”

The Denver Transit Oriented Development Fund has been a true partnership from its inception and would not be possible without commitment, investment, and support from public, private, and philanthropic organizations. Initially closed in 2010, the Fund is a combination of $ 13.5 million in loan capital from the City & County of Denver, Enterprise Community Partners, the MacArthur Foundation, the Rose Community Foundation, the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, First Bank, the Mile High Community Loan Fund, and Enterprise Community Loan Fund that, when blended together, provides favorable acquisition financing terms that allow the Urban Land Conservancy (ULC) as sole borrower and equity investor, to acquire land and improved property in proximity to public transportation access in the City and County of Denver.

The Secretaries’ Awards were given to place-based funders for completed or ongoing initiatives that are executed in partnership with a local, regional, or federal government agency.

###

HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available at http://www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov. You can also follow HUD on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or sign up for news alerts on HUD’s Email List.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay).

An active philanthropic network, the Council on Foundations (http://www.cof.org), founded in 1949, is a nonprofit leadership association of grantmaking foundations and corporations. It provides the opportunity, leadership, and tools needed by philanthropic organizations to expand, enhance and sustain their ability to advance the common good. With members from all foundation types and sizes, the Council empowers professionals in philanthropy to meet today’s toughest challenges and advances a culture of charitable giving in the U.S. and globally.

The Denver Foundation is a community foundation that inspires people and mobilizes resources to improve life in Metro Denver. In 2013, the Foundation and its donors awarded more than $ 50 million in grants. The Denver Foundation has three roles: stewarding an endowment to meet current and future needs for Metro Denver, working with community leaders to address the core challenges that face the community, and managing more than 1,000 charitable funds on behalf of individuals, families, and businesses. For more information, visit http://ift.tt/1A5DdXF.

The post The Denver Foundation Receives HUD/USDA Secretaries’ Award appeared first on Inspired Spaces Designs.

from WordPress http://ift.tt/1zpa6Zs

via IFTTT

Interior Design You Won’t Find Anywhere Else

Most people find interior planning quite intimidating. The key is to learn everything you can on the subject to take the mystery out. The tips contained here can help inspire you to create a space that is both functional and stylish.

TIP! When it comes to interior design, it helps to take advice from high-profile designers with a grain of salt and follow your own instincts. You can create a space that you will like living in if you trust yourself and your interior design knowledge.

Choose the mood you want for your room before you actually start designing its decor. Moods could range from exciting and outrageous to calm and soothing. Picking a mood before you begin will help inform the decisions that go into planning for the space, and will create a more cohesive feel in the end.

Invest in great artwork for a classy look. A painting can serve as a focal point, especially if it matches your design elements. A beautiful painting provides helps to focus your mind on the look of your space, and it can really get you started on your decorating endeavors.

TIP! Keep up with the newest style trends when working on your home’s interior design. You never want your home to look out of date and behind the times.

It is essential that you select the appropriate color scheme when you redesign any room in your home. You want the colors to compliment each other and not clash. Overuse of bold colors can create a room that is too loud.

If your space is small, pick furniture that has multiple uses. For example, you could use ottomans rather than actual chairs or sofas. An ottoman used in this way can provide extra seating or a table surface in a cramped area. If you use some things that can be decoration and also you can use you can make the best of your room.

TIP! Keep your room as uncluttered as possible when you are making changes to your interior’s design. If you have too much stuff in too small a space, it is going to appear cramped.

Pay attention to small details. You can come up with a great new look by changing around different color patterns and adding new elements to a room. One method of doing this is to select cabinetry hardware or throw pillows that incorporate a specific theme instead of focusing on larger elements of a room.

Cabinet Doors

TIP! If you are framing a picture, use creativity and imagination. They can have a big impact on the overall look of the space.

Replacing cabinet doors is a great way to spruce up a tired kitchen. Among other options, you can change your cabinet doors to glass doors to make them more vibrant. Finish off your look with some decorative accents inside the cabinets for a great feel in your space.

A good tip for anyone doing interior planning is to invest in high quality paint so the job gets done right. Quality paint will last longer, has better coverage and will save you time and money. A fine paint brand can help you feel confident that the job is done correctly.

TIP! Before you start to redecorate your favorite room, take a few minutes to consider the main function of the area. Think about the amount of people that will occupy the room and what their purpose will be.

If you have floors that are made of tile, stone or concrete, the use of stylish area rugs will make your room seem cozier and warmer to your feet. To minimize wear in high-traffic areas, you should regularly rotate and reposition each rug. By changing angles or moving the rugs, you can easily extend their lives.

When designing a room. pick a style that suits you. This will help you to feel comfortable with the place that you are living in. If you want a ship theme in your room or fancy pillows, get them. You can always get new stuff if you decide you truly don’t like it.

TIP! If your floors are concrete, stone, or tile, you can lay down some area rugs that give your rooms a cozy feel. Make sure you turn your rugs every now and again so they stay evenly worn.

One thing that you should think about is to add mirrors in your home if it is small. Mirrors will make any room look bigger and better. Put a little money into some attractive mirrors in order to enhance your interior spaces.

Try putting together a collection of artwork. Collections are just items of three or more. For example, you could showcase three or more interesting figurines, artifacts or architectural elements. If you’ve got three pictures, that makes a collection. Create a grouping of your objects, making sure they coordinate with the surrounding items for a pleasing effect that is sure to draw attention.

TIP! One of the most common complaints about rooms is that many are simply too small. Using light colors can help make any space appear larger.

Just because your last design was a stack of beer cans does not mean that you can’t make your home look great. However, the key to being successful at home decor begins with knowledge. Thanks to the tips provided above, you are now armed with the knowledge to transform your home into a work of art.

The post Interior Design You Won’t Find Anywhere Else appeared first on Inspired Spaces Designs.

from WordPress http://ift.tt/1zpa7fW

via IFTTT

Less Fails, More Fab: Home Improvement Ideas

For many of us, our home is our most valuable asset in terms of our financial security. In addition to being the place where we spend the majority of our time. Having a home that is well maintained and attractive can increase our financial stability, as well as our psychological peace of mind.

Do you need to fix a hole in your wall made by a nail or screw. Create a divot in the wall with the rounded end of a screwdriver by pressing it into the screw hole. Next, use spackle or drywall compound to fill the divot. This will give you a nice smooth wall surface.

Always keep the big picture in mind when embarking on a long term home improvement project. Your budget may dictate that you break up a project into several smaller, more manageable pieces, but take care that the finished product doesn’t look like a hodgepodge of unrelated, poorly thought out elements.

Put a stop to your squeaky floor by using construction adhesive. You may have to work in tight spots but your efforts are well worth it. You just need to run a bead of glue down the floor joist seams to help secure the sub-flooring.

Use carpet samples to carpet a whole room! Retail stores often throw away their samples. Cut each sample up into smaller pieces and tack or glue them into place for free floor covering. Cut them in identically sized pieces for a tile effect or cut them in irregular geometric shapes for an abstract look.

Give vinyl flooring a shot to get rid of any bubbles. It is a simple way to release all of the air. This gets the floor flat again. Inject glue into it to hold it to the floor after you have cut it. There are syringes that are already filled with glue for jobs like this.

If you are interested in changing the look of your bathroom, this space could be the perfect choice for your next home improvement project. Give your bathroom an extra special touch by installing radiant floor heat and a light-tube, which gives the space the appearance of having natural light. Both features come with instructions that are easy to follow.

You can see now that there are very simple steps that you can take right away to increase the overall worth and appearance of your home, even if you are operating on a shoestring budget! Put some of these suggestions into practice for a more attractive and manicured home.

The post Less Fails, More Fab: Home Improvement Ideas appeared first on Inspired Spaces Designs.

from WordPress http://ift.tt/1zpa8kc

via IFTTT

Furniture Secrets And Advice To Get The Most For Your Money

It doesn’t take long to read this article, but the rewards are great. You will be shocked when you realize how these tips alter your shopping behaviors. When it comes to furniture, nothing will stand between you and the pieces you need, so start reading and learning right now.

Before purchasing a piece of furniture, always open drawers and doors. You should not purchase a piece of furniture if the drawers do not open all the way and close evenly. Make sure the doors stay open and close properly. You should also check the knobs or handles to make sure they are properly attached.

Before rushing out to buy furniture, make sure that you measure the doorways in your home. It would be a shame to pay a lot of money for furniture that is not able to fit into your home. While some movers will remove doors frames to get the furniture inside, others will insist on taking it back to the store.

When you are looking to purchase furniture, think about buying it from a large chain store that has a clearance section. Often big retailers have lots of items to choose from in their clearance areas. In many cases, the furniture you’ll see here is top quality stuff, but you can pick it up for bargain-basement prices.

Are you interested in buying a leather couch? Make sure you purchase furniture that is actually made out of leather. If the salesperson described it as a leather-like or a leather match piece, then the sofa or the chair is not made from actual leather and might not last very long.

Choose the right fabric for the location and use of your furniture. If a piece of furniture is going to face heavy use and traffic, do not buy a costly or delicate fabric, as you will replace it sooner than you like. Save these pieces for less used rooms that are for guests or show.

Do some measurements before you go shopping. If you pick a couch that is going to barely fit in your living room, you’re going to have a problem. Make sure you have some measurements of your living spaces so that you can properly gauge whether a furniture piece can fit comfortably in your house.

With this advice fresh in your mind, ready to tackle the furniture world, get out there and get started. Shop as if you are buying something important and you will end up with exactly what you need. The more effort you put into implementing these tips, the bigger your reward will be.

Find More Furniture Articles

The post Furniture Secrets And Advice To Get The Most For Your Money appeared first on Inspired Spaces Designs.

from WordPress http://ift.tt/1zpa8k4

via IFTTT

Interior Design Tips That Can Save You A Lot Of Money

Are you thinking about changing up your home living space by adding new furniture but aren’t sure what fits well in your space? Interior design can be tricky for some people, but the tips in the article below will show you how to choose the right furniture for the space that you are living in.

Interior design is made easier with a software program. There are many programs that will allow you to take a picture of your existing space and create your look inside of that picture. This is a great way to visualize the changes in the space before making them happen.

Start buying art from your favorite artists or make some yourself to save some money. You may not be into art at all, but even just a simple painting could make a room look great. Paintings can be a great starting point to how you’d like to decorate the rest of the room.

A great way to liven up an otherwise boring or complicated space is to create a point of focus in the room. This focal point will become the highlight of the space, and everything else that’s in the room will work to support the focal point. Focal points to think about working around include fireplaces, windows, artworks and stately pieces of furniture.

Have a theme in mind. Is there a specific color scheme you rather enjoy? Do you have a fondness for retro furniture? Deciding on a theme before you even begin your planning phase can save you a lot of time and effort. Make sure you know what you’re going for before you start planning for it.

Placing all the artwork in the room at eye level allows it to be shown to its best effect. Art that is either too low or too high just doesn’t look good in a room and shows you don’t have style.

If you are decorating, look at all the current trends and give them a shot. Don’t get stuck in a time warp. When visiting a friend or family member, take notes on how they are designing their home.

As stated in the article above, it is not all that complicated to pick out furniture that goes well with the space you are living in. The tips you read here should be a great starting point to help you figure out some great ideas that will work in your own living environment.

Related Interior Design Articles

The post Interior Design Tips That Can Save You A Lot Of Money appeared first on Inspired Spaces Designs.

from WordPress http://ift.tt/1vIWr45

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The Denver Foundation Receives HUD/USDA Secretaries’ Award

Washington, DC and Denver, Colorado (PRWEB) October 22, 2014

Across the nation, community foundations, private foundations, and corporate giving programs work to improve neighborhoods and the lives of the people who live in them. Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Council on Foundations announced the 2014 winners of the Secretaries’ Award for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships.

The Denver Foundation earned the award for their outstanding partnership with the public sector. The Foundation made significant improvements in housing and neighborhoods, transportation, sustainability, and economic development in urban communities in the Denver Region. The awards were presented at the Council on Foundations’ Fall Conference for Community Foundations in Cleveland on Wednesday morning, October 22nd.

“These foundations understand that strong communities connect families with the promise of living the American dream,” said HUD Secretary Julián Castro. “Powerful outcomes occur when the philanthropic and public sectors come together to solve problems, enhance neighborhoods, and expand opportunity for others. I commend these honorees for their deep commitment to serving the common good.”

“USDA is proud to partner with foundations on worthy development projects that are improving the quality of life for rural residents and providing them with new economic opportunities,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. “The work that foundations undertake often complements the work that our employees are carrying out at the local level. Congratulations to the foundations that have been recognized for their exceptional efforts in 2014.”

Vikki Spruill, president and CEO of the Council on Foundations, said: “I’m proud to offer my congratulations to the winning foundations. Their work serves as a model for others in the field. Philanthropy works across sectors to engage communities in meaningful development and productive action. I am grateful to Secretary Castro and Secretary Vilsack for their leadership in recognizing the impact of foundations across the country, I look forward to continuing our engagement with them in order to push for still greater collaboration.”

“We are excited and honored to be receiving this award,” said David Miller, president and CEO of The Denver Foundation. “Through the Transit Oriented Development Fund, Mile High Connects has created a national model for public/private partnerships and is leading the way with innovative collaborative relationships dedicated to equitable transit and community development.”

The Denver Transit Oriented Development Fund has been a true partnership from its inception and would not be possible without commitment, investment, and support from public, private, and philanthropic organizations. Initially closed in 2010, the Fund is a combination of $ 13.5 million in loan capital from the City & County of Denver, Enterprise Community Partners, the MacArthur Foundation, the Rose Community Foundation, the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, First Bank, the Mile High Community Loan Fund, and Enterprise Community Loan Fund that, when blended together, provides favorable acquisition financing terms that allow the Urban Land Conservancy (ULC) as sole borrower and equity investor, to acquire land and improved property in proximity to public transportation access in the City and County of Denver.

The Secretaries’ Awards were given to place-based funders for completed or ongoing initiatives that are executed in partnership with a local, regional, or federal government agency.

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HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available at http://www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov. You can also follow HUD on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or sign up for news alerts on HUD’s Email List.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay).

An active philanthropic network, the Council on Foundations (http://www.cof.org), founded in 1949, is a nonprofit leadership association of grantmaking foundations and corporations. It provides the opportunity, leadership, and tools needed by philanthropic organizations to expand, enhance and sustain their ability to advance the common good. With members from all foundation types and sizes, the Council empowers professionals in philanthropy to meet today’s toughest challenges and advances a culture of charitable giving in the U.S. and globally.

The Denver Foundation is a community foundation that inspires people and mobilizes resources to improve life in Metro Denver. In 2013, the Foundation and its donors awarded more than $ 50 million in grants. The Denver Foundation has three roles: stewarding an endowment to meet current and future needs for Metro Denver, working with community leaders to address the core challenges that face the community, and managing more than 1,000 charitable funds on behalf of individuals, families, and businesses. For more information, visit http://ift.tt/1A5DdXF.

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Not Every Contractor Is Knowledgeable About Every Home Improvement Job

Small changes such as a new coat of paint can do wonders for your interior. Learn to pay attention to details such as curtains, rugs and decor. If your home needs a fresh new look, try using the following advice.

When building your own home through use of a contractor, add a clause to the contract that gives the builder a bonus for finishing on time and on budget. This clause will encourage your builder to do a good job in the time allotted, and can save you a lot of headaches due to missed deadlines and extended budgets.

When it comes to home improvement, consider adding more fans to your house to help during the warm months. This is important because running fans will cost considerably less than air conditioning, and provide a cooling benefit as well. Remember also that a fan only provides cooling benefit when you are in the room, so turn it off if the room will not be occupied.

Windows and doors make a perfect home improvement project. You can add an indoor window box or change out your old patio doors for French doors. It is often possible to find good deals on these types of materials at the home improvement store. You won’t have to spend a lot of money to make a dramatic change.

If you’re thinking about putting down carpeting for your home, make sure to choose carpeting in dark colors only. Light colors such as beige, white, or light brown tend to pick up dirt and stains, making your carpeting appear cheap and used. Opt for colors like dark green or dark brown to hide what shouldn’t be seen and prolong the life of your carpet.

To see a return on your home improvement project, consider converting existing space into a new living environment for your family. Making an attic into a bedroom or finishing off your basement will earn you extra money when reselling your home because you are utilizing something that is already available to create a desirable feature.

Making pillows more decorative in a teen’s room is pretty easy. Go get some old clothes like a pair of jeans, some old concert t-shirts or anything with a cool design and fasten them around the pillows, then sew them on. This will enhance their room with a bit more flavor and personality.

You can easily update the look of your home by doing some simple interior decorating. If you try new colors or materials you will create a whole new look. Remember the home improvement advice from this article!

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In Need Of Furniture? Read This First

Sit on back and relax. This article is going to take you on a shopping journey like no other. In fact, it is going to change your outlook on furniture shopping forever. As you begin to read it, absorb all that it offers you. The more you learn, the better your shopping trips will become.

Ask friends and relatives for recommendations. Everyone has bought furniture at one time or another, so it’s important that you check with people you know, who can give you a place to start. That way, you can hit the ground running and make your search go more efficiently, getting your furniture much quicker.

When purchasing a sofa, seek out one that is made very well and long-lasting, rather than deciding solely on comfort. Springs provide the best support for cushions. Serpentine springs are an option, but if possible, try to get a piece with eight-way springs. Test out the springs by using your hands to feel them. If they are located near one another, and they feel firm, you can be fairly confident in your purchase.

When you think about buying a single piece of furniture, think about how it will fit in with the rest of your decor. It’s one thing to see a flamingo side table out while you’re shopping, but it’s another thing to bring it home and try to make it work with everything else you have. Think carefully before you buy.

Check Craigslist for deals. There’s often a lot of furniture that’s given away for absolutely nothing, other than your expense to pick it up! That’s a huge deal. Why do people give furniture away? They’ve decided to upgrade, and it can cost a lot of money to hire someone to get rid of the older piece. Take advantage of these situations.

Believe it or not, it is much cheaper to purchase furniture at the end of the month. Most furniture companies make decisions toward the end of the month on which lines of furniture they will continue to use and which they will get rid of. The ones they are trying to get rid of are sold at a greatly discounted prices.

That was easy, wasn’t it? Nothing to worry about anymore when it comes to shopping for furniture. You know what it takes to make your trips easy, plus your bills much smaller. You understand how its done, so get in your car, drive to the furniture store and start saving today.

Find More Furniture Articles

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Hints And Tips For Interior Design

Are you searching for creative ways to spruce up your home but are lacking in interior design knowledge? Relax, there is no need to worry because making one’s home look updated is not that complicated and rather simple. With just a few easy home design tips, you can turn a boring home into one that dazzles. Continue on for some wonderful interior design tips!

Figure out what mood you’re trying to set and use that as the basis for your color choices. If you want it to be relaxing or calming, consider using light and cool colors like blues and greens. Your color choices and your choice of furniture should all be based on what you’re trying to accomplish with the look and feel of the room.

Use your own photos as artwork. As a cheaper and more personal way to adorn your walls, use photos that you’ve taken. Either have prints made and frame them or use one of the many photo-to-canvas providers to have your photo made into a gallery canvas. If you are more tech-savvy, you can alter your photos in software to make them look even more like artwork.

When redesigning a room, work to make the color scheme in the room cohesive. Having a wide variety of clashing colors will create an unpleasant feeling, and having a dull, bland palette will do the same. Use both bold and neutral colors, and work to integrate them together to create a more pleasing space.

Make sure you have all the storage space you need. You’ll never get a room that looks like it came out of a magazine if there’s clutter everywhere. Look for attractive containers covered in a fabric that matches the rest of the room. When you make storage a part of your design, it’s easy to make a room look fabulous.

A great interior design tip is to start going hunting for antiques. You don’t have to pay a fortune to get some interesting antiques. You can always go to local stores and try to barter with them. Who knows, you might end up with something that will spark many conversations.

As stated in the article above, not everyone is a creative genius but it is not that complicated to come up with great ideas to give your home an entirely new and updated look. With a few simple tips you learned here, you can incorporate this knowledge and apply it to your own living space to give that nice fresh look that you have been seeking.

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TheHardwareCity.com Now Stocks a New Superior Quad Invisible Sealant

Issaquah, WA (PRWEB) September 25, 2014

TheHardwareCity.com is continually expanding its online home improvement super store with the latest products. This month the store added two products from OSI’s new “Tougher than the Elements” brand. Following extensive research and development, Henkel and OSI released the Quad Sealant series. Now available at the online hardware store is the OSI Quad Clear Invisible Window, Door, and Siding Sealant.

The OSI Quad Clear Invisible Sealant provides many of the same benefits as the original OSI Quad Max Sealant but in a different appearance. The clear product can be applied around fine building materials, such as stone and brick, for an aesthetic application. The air and moisture barring material adheres to numerous kinds of building materials without the need for primers, including vinyl siding, stucco, roofing, gutters, PVC trim, wood, glass and much more.

The UV and water-resistant sealant will preserve its properties and appearance since the elements are unable to yellow or crack the product.It can be applied in any weather condition, including freezing temperatures, extreme heat, rain, or snow. Because the new OSI Quad Sealant series allows for application during any time, it will help contractors meet tight schedule demands. With 3x stretchpotential, the product is permanently flexible, allowing movement of surrounding building materials without compromising its performance. The clear or invisible sealant may also be painted.

Contractors and homeowners can purchase the new sealant at a discounted price through TheHardwareCity.com.

About TheHardwareCity.com:



TheHardwareCity.com assists customers in choosing the best tools and products for home improvement projects. The experts at the company are available for live chat and offer great customer service. Most products are available for a price less than retail because the hardware store attempts to cut costs and save its customer’s money whenever possible without sacrificing quality of product. Since its establishment in 2007, the store has grown continually and is now one of the largest online hardware retailers. To view more about the company, visit http://ift.tt/1cVNkBH.

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SharperImage.com Introduces Exclusive New Massage Chair

Farmington Hills, MI (PRWEB) November 13, 2014

SharperImage.com has announced a new, exclusive addition to its assortment of Human Touch massage chairs, and it’s the company’s most affordable model ever.

The Human Touch® iJoy® Active 2.0 Massage Chair delivers advanced home-massage technology with a low introductory price of just $ 399.95. The innovative cataloger recently unveiled the chair on its web site and on the cover of its new Holiday 2014 Catalog, in homes now.

The Human Touch® iJoy® Active 2.0 Massage Chair features a sleek, contemporary design and a compact footprint that fits virtually any decor and any room size. Yet, it delivers the same type of advanced massage technology found in larger, more expensive models.

To experience the luxury of the Human Touch® iJoy® Active 2.0 Massage Chair, the consumer need only sit back and use the handy tethered remote to access three automatic massage programs that restore and recharge the neck, shoulders and back. Advanced FlexGlide™ orbital technology emulates a true therapeutic experience, with kneading, rolling and stretching of sore, tired muscles. It even adjusts to the width of the user’s back, for whole body healing.

This compact, stylish chair is made of durable SofHyde, which replicates the look and feel or real leather, and comes in either an Espresso/Gray or a Bone/Gray color combination.

“Sharper Image is known as the premier destination to buy Human Touch Massage Chairs,” said Darcy Lindamood, SharperImage.com Vice President of Marketing. “And we are especially delighted to announce this exclusive massage chair at a special introductory price of only $ 399.95.”

“The Human Touch® iJoy® Active 2.0 Massage Chair is perfect for large and small homes, apartments and even dorms,” Lindamood said. “This is high-tech massage at a low introductory price, so it makes a great holiday gift.”

To learn more about The Human Touch® iJoy® Active 2.0 Massage Chair, visit SharperImage.com or the Sharper Image 2014 Holiday Gift Guide.

About SharperImage.com



SharperImage.com offers consumers an engaging way to find the latest home electronics, air purifiers and other lifestyle products. SharperImage.com continues the tradition of fun, innovation and excitement that Sharper Image originated in 1977. Relaunched in 2010, SharperImage.com and the Sharper Image catalog are owned and operated by Camelot Venture Group. Please continue to visit our site and follow us on social media for the newest products, trends and special offers.



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More Contemporary Home Decor Press Releases

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Ringling College of Art and Design Announces Plans for New Post-Production Facility and Soundstage in Newtown, Sarasota, Florida

Sarasota, FL (PRWEB) September 19, 2014

Ringling College of Art and Design today announced plans to build an approximately 30,000 square foot professional Soundstage and commercial post-production complex in the Newtown neighborhood of Sarasota, Florida.

The new Soundstage and post-production complex will be located on land comprising almost a complete city block extending south from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way to 25th street and running east to west between Central and Cocoanut avenues. “This is an exciting day for Newtown and Sarasota,” said Sarasota Mayor Willie Shaw. “We have long sought having a greater economic and strategic community partnership with Ringling College and we are thrilled that a project of such potential economic benefit will be located in the neighborhood. We see this as a catalyst to inspire others to develop along the MLK corridor.”

This entire public-private initiative will be a major impetus to advance the College’s academic mission and provide economic development to the City of Sarasota, the County of Sarasota and the entire region. Consulting on the project is director Roman Coppola, who was the College’s 2014 commencement speaker and is working with Ringling College students on several projects.

The innovative project was the brainchild of Ringling President Dr. Larry R. Thompson and Semkhor’s David Shapiro, who with Ringling College co-founded the College’s Digital Filmmaking Studio Lab. Mr. Shapiro and his business partners, BHS Properties, are investing in this project and working with the College to build the complex.

Semkhor and BHS Properties, a group comprised of business professionals with long-standing and significant ties to the region – including Brad Baldwin, Eric Howell, Higgins Gayheart and JB Baldwin – are building the complex in conjunction with Ringling. The first phase of the project will be done by Ringling College, beginning with the demolition of the existing structures on the property by locally owned Ducon construction.

Construction is slated to commence in 2015.

The approximately 30,000 square foot state-of-the-art professional Soundstage and film and television post-production complex is tied to the College’s academic needs and is expected to attract a broad range of commercial production. When complete, the College will conduct filmmaking classes and the College’s students will work on any commercial productions that use the complex. David Shapiro will work with the College to operate and manage the commercial aspect of the facility, helping boost regional economic development and providing professional-level experience and connections for Ringling students who will learn by being part of those commercial productions.

The reputation of Ringling’s filmmaking program continues to grow as evidenced by the college being named to The Hollywood Reporter’s Top 25 Film Schools list three times in the past four years. “This new facility significantly expands the depth and breadth of our film program while also attracting professional production opportunities that provide the real-world experience and industry engagement that has enhanced employment prospects for so many of our Ringling graduates,” said Bradley Battersby, department head for the Ringling College Digital Filmmaking Program.

Ringling College’s efforts to accelerate Sarasota’s economic development as an entertainment production hub received initial support from the County with the provision of a $ 1.75-million Financial Incentive Grant originally approved in October 2010. This grant was to assist the College with the building of a professional post-production facility on the College’s campus. The Grant was reapproved by the County last spring and allowed for payment of “expenses related to the construction of a stand-alone Soundstage and post-production facility and the purchase of necessary post-production equipment.”

“We are excited to support Ringling College in bringing a professional film and television production facility to the heart of Sarasota,” said Sarasota County Commissioner Carolyn Mason. “This symbiotic collaboration of public and private interests brings together Ringling’s proven ability to develop and generate top-tier talent with ongoing entertainment industry engagement at the highest levels.”

The new complex will include an approximately 25,000 square foot Soundstage and 5,000 square feet of space for post-production facilities such as dubbing bays, professional editing suites, and a Foley (sound effects) stage, offices, classrooms, a private screening room and data-centric storage capabilities allowing multiple personnel to work on the same production at the same time from various locations.

Mr. Shapiro first became involved with the College in 2010 with partner, Sarasota entrepreneur and Producer Sam Logan, as co-creators of the Ringling College Digital Filmmaking Studio Lab. The Studio Lab created a new model for film education expanding upon the College’s excellent academic focus by incorporating industry expertise through its series of filmmaker lectures, classroom experiences, and real world experience working alongside experienced filmmakers, along with providing much needed economic development to Newtown, the City, and the County.

“Because of the launch of our Digital Filmmaking Studio Lab in 2010, we have seen a significant increase in applications to the academic programs and we are attracting increased attention from the professional film industry, which offers a dynamic benefit to our student body and our community,” stated Ringling College President Larry R. Thompson. “As a result of the Studio Lab students have worked on productions with Werner Herzog, Forrest Whitaker, Anna Paquin, Matt Dillon, Paul Schiff and others. The new facility will expand our ability to bring in content production opportunities from initial preproduction to final post and give our students a look and experience at real world entertainment production.”

The Soundstage and post-production facilities will provide a vital academic link to the Studio Lab with the availability of students working alongside professionals. The economic benefit will come from helping to catapult Sarasota into a viable option for film and television programming producers. Ringling’s Soundstage and post complex will be a tremendous complement to the available student and professional talent pool in our area and be a major impetus for growth and redevelopment in the Newtown community. The facility will be available for rental at costs far lower than exist in major film studio hubs such as New York or Los Angeles, providing a cost-effective alternative for film production.

According to David Shapiro: “The Sound Stage is the natural next step in the growth of the Ringling College’s Studio Lab and will allow the region to work more closely with top-tier filmmakers, entertainment talent and local artists. This will only enhance Sarasota’s thriving artistic community and help achieve long-term economic development goals.

Shapiro went on to say: “These facilities continue the experimentation of the Studio Lab’s effort to integrate real word productions with a top-tier academic setting. Central to the effort is a focus on providing a way for Ringling College students, and other residents, to have access to cutting edge technology and processes so that a large local talent pool develops – the key to creating a sustainable industry here. Working with Ringling, Dr. Thompson, and the community, has been inspiring and the reason why we are throwing ourselves into this effort. Sarasota is unique and will become a valuable part of the media and entertainment industry. We are very fortunate and thankful to be a part of this.”

Previous projects on the Ringling campus has included a post-production master class by Director Werner Herzog of “Into the Abyss,” and actor wife-husband team Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer’s CASM Films Sarasota-filmed independent film “Free Ride.” Ringling and Semkhor expect to be announcing additional post-production projects in the near future.

Soundstage Site Location



The 30,000+ square foot complex will be sited on land that virtually includes all property extending south from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way to 25th street and running east to west between Central and Cocoanut avenues, with the exception of the two city owned lots – situated on the corner of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way to the east at Cocoanut and to the west at Central.

Summary



Ringling College first developed its academic filmmaking program in 2008. In collaboration with Semkhor since 2010 the College has provided enhanced learning across all disciplines by connecting industry professionals to the classroom and providing professional level experiences to our students and young graduates. “With the addition of the Soundstage/post production complex, student education will now provide an unbridled opportunity for enhanced economic development focused on the film and entertainment industries,” said Dr. Larry R. Thompson. “Every year, our most promising and well-prepared students are recruited by the top employers in the world and leave our area seeking work and professional accomplishment. The many coordinated elements of our growing academic program with the Studio Lab component and now this new complex are laying the groundwork with which to retain some of our best and brightest talent and to help us drive the entertainment production economic engine in our region.”

About Ringling College of Art and Design Ringling College of Art and Design is a private, not-for-profit, fully accredited college offering the Bachelors of Fine Arts degree the following disciplines: Advertising Design, Computer Animation, Digital Filmmaking, Fine Arts, Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interior Design, Motion Design, Painting, Photography & Digital Imaging, Printmaking, and Sculpture, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in the Business of Art & Design. Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the picturesque 48-acre campus enrolls nearly 1,300 students from 44 states and 50 countries.

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Not Every Contractor Is Knowledgeable About Every Home Improvement Job

Small changes such as a new coat of paint can do wonders for your interior. Learn to pay attention to details such as curtains, rugs and decor. If your home needs a fresh new look, try using the following advice.

When building your own home through use of a contractor, add a clause to the contract that gives the builder a bonus for finishing on time and on budget. This clause will encourage your builder to do a good job in the time allotted, and can save you a lot of headaches due to missed deadlines and extended budgets.

When it comes to home improvement, consider adding more fans to your house to help during the warm months. This is important because running fans will cost considerably less than air conditioning, and provide a cooling benefit as well. Remember also that a fan only provides cooling benefit when you are in the room, so turn it off if the room will not be occupied.

Windows and doors make a perfect home improvement project. You can add an indoor window box or change out your old patio doors for French doors. It is often possible to find good deals on these types of materials at the home improvement store. You won’t have to spend a lot of money to make a dramatic change.

If you’re thinking about putting down carpeting for your home, make sure to choose carpeting in dark colors only. Light colors such as beige, white, or light brown tend to pick up dirt and stains, making your carpeting appear cheap and used. Opt for colors like dark green or dark brown to hide what shouldn’t be seen and prolong the life of your carpet.

To see a return on your home improvement project, consider converting existing space into a new living environment for your family. Making an attic into a bedroom or finishing off your basement will earn you extra money when reselling your home because you are utilizing something that is already available to create a desirable feature.

Making pillows more decorative in a teen’s room is pretty easy. Go get some old clothes like a pair of jeans, some old concert t-shirts or anything with a cool design and fasten them around the pillows, then sew them on. This will enhance their room with a bit more flavor and personality.

You can easily update the look of your home by doing some simple interior decorating. If you try new colors or materials you will create a whole new look. Remember the home improvement advice from this article!

The post Not Every Contractor Is Knowledgeable About Every Home Improvement Job appeared first on Inspired Spaces Designs.

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In Need Of Furniture? Read This First

Sit on back and relax. This article is going to take you on a shopping journey like no other. In fact, it is going to change your outlook on furniture shopping forever. As you begin to read it, absorb all that it offers you. The more you learn, the better your shopping trips will become.

Ask friends and relatives for recommendations. Everyone has bought furniture at one time or another, so it’s important that you check with people you know, who can give you a place to start. That way, you can hit the ground running and make your search go more efficiently, getting your furniture much quicker.

When purchasing a sofa, seek out one that is made very well and long-lasting, rather than deciding solely on comfort. Springs provide the best support for cushions. Serpentine springs are an option, but if possible, try to get a piece with eight-way springs. Test out the springs by using your hands to feel them. If they are located near one another, and they feel firm, you can be fairly confident in your purchase.

When you think about buying a single piece of furniture, think about how it will fit in with the rest of your decor. It’s one thing to see a flamingo side table out while you’re shopping, but it’s another thing to bring it home and try to make it work with everything else you have. Think carefully before you buy.

Check Craigslist for deals. There’s often a lot of furniture that’s given away for absolutely nothing, other than your expense to pick it up! That’s a huge deal. Why do people give furniture away? They’ve decided to upgrade, and it can cost a lot of money to hire someone to get rid of the older piece. Take advantage of these situations.

Believe it or not, it is much cheaper to purchase furniture at the end of the month. Most furniture companies make decisions toward the end of the month on which lines of furniture they will continue to use and which they will get rid of. The ones they are trying to get rid of are sold at a greatly discounted prices.

That was easy, wasn’t it? Nothing to worry about anymore when it comes to shopping for furniture. You know what it takes to make your trips easy, plus your bills much smaller. You understand how its done, so get in your car, drive to the furniture store and start saving today.

Find More Furniture Articles

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Hints And Tips For Interior Design

Are you searching for creative ways to spruce up your home but are lacking in interior design knowledge? Relax, there is no need to worry because making one’s home look updated is not that complicated and rather simple. With just a few easy home design tips, you can turn a boring home into one that dazzles. Continue on for some wonderful interior design tips!

Figure out what mood you’re trying to set and use that as the basis for your color choices. If you want it to be relaxing or calming, consider using light and cool colors like blues and greens. Your color choices and your choice of furniture should all be based on what you’re trying to accomplish with the look and feel of the room.

Use your own photos as artwork. As a cheaper and more personal way to adorn your walls, use photos that you’ve taken. Either have prints made and frame them or use one of the many photo-to-canvas providers to have your photo made into a gallery canvas. If you are more tech-savvy, you can alter your photos in software to make them look even more like artwork.

When redesigning a room, work to make the color scheme in the room cohesive. Having a wide variety of clashing colors will create an unpleasant feeling, and having a dull, bland palette will do the same. Use both bold and neutral colors, and work to integrate them together to create a more pleasing space.

Make sure you have all the storage space you need. You’ll never get a room that looks like it came out of a magazine if there’s clutter everywhere. Look for attractive containers covered in a fabric that matches the rest of the room. When you make storage a part of your design, it’s easy to make a room look fabulous.

A great interior design tip is to start going hunting for antiques. You don’t have to pay a fortune to get some interesting antiques. You can always go to local stores and try to barter with them. Who knows, you might end up with something that will spark many conversations.

As stated in the article above, not everyone is a creative genius but it is not that complicated to come up with great ideas to give your home an entirely new and updated look. With a few simple tips you learned here, you can incorporate this knowledge and apply it to your own living space to give that nice fresh look that you have been seeking.

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TheHardwareCity.com Now Stocks a New Superior Quad Invisible Sealant

Issaquah, WA (PRWEB) September 25, 2014

TheHardwareCity.com is continually expanding its online home improvement super store with the latest products. This month the store added two products from OSI’s new “Tougher than the Elements” brand. Following extensive research and development, Henkel and OSI released the Quad Sealant series. Now available at the online hardware store is the OSI Quad Clear Invisible Window, Door, and Siding Sealant.

The OSI Quad Clear Invisible Sealant provides many of the same benefits as the original OSI Quad Max Sealant but in a different appearance. The clear product can be applied around fine building materials, such as stone and brick, for an aesthetic application. The air and moisture barring material adheres to numerous kinds of building materials without the need for primers, including vinyl siding, stucco, roofing, gutters, PVC trim, wood, glass and much more.

The UV and water-resistant sealant will preserve its properties and appearance since the elements are unable to yellow or crack the product.It can be applied in any weather condition, including freezing temperatures, extreme heat, rain, or snow. Because the new OSI Quad Sealant series allows for application during any time, it will help contractors meet tight schedule demands. With 3x stretchpotential, the product is permanently flexible, allowing movement of surrounding building materials without compromising its performance. The clear or invisible sealant may also be painted.

Contractors and homeowners can purchase the new sealant at a discounted price through TheHardwareCity.com.

About TheHardwareCity.com:



TheHardwareCity.com assists customers in choosing the best tools and products for home improvement projects. The experts at the company are available for live chat and offer great customer service. Most products are available for a price less than retail because the hardware store attempts to cut costs and save its customer’s money whenever possible without sacrificing quality of product. Since its establishment in 2007, the store has grown continually and is now one of the largest online hardware retailers. To view more about the company, visit http://ift.tt/1cVNkBH.

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SharperImage.com Introduces Exclusive New Massage Chair

Farmington Hills, MI (PRWEB) November 13, 2014

SharperImage.com has announced a new, exclusive addition to its assortment of Human Touch massage chairs, and it’s the company’s most affordable model ever.

The Human Touch® iJoy® Active 2.0 Massage Chair delivers advanced home-massage technology with a low introductory price of just $ 399.95. The innovative cataloger recently unveiled the chair on its web site and on the cover of its new Holiday 2014 Catalog, in homes now.

The Human Touch® iJoy® Active 2.0 Massage Chair features a sleek, contemporary design and a compact footprint that fits virtually any decor and any room size. Yet, it delivers the same type of advanced massage technology found in larger, more expensive models.

To experience the luxury of the Human Touch® iJoy® Active 2.0 Massage Chair, the consumer need only sit back and use the handy tethered remote to access three automatic massage programs that restore and recharge the neck, shoulders and back. Advanced FlexGlide™ orbital technology emulates a true therapeutic experience, with kneading, rolling and stretching of sore, tired muscles. It even adjusts to the width of the user’s back, for whole body healing.

This compact, stylish chair is made of durable SofHyde, which replicates the look and feel or real leather, and comes in either an Espresso/Gray or a Bone/Gray color combination.

“Sharper Image is known as the premier destination to buy Human Touch Massage Chairs,” said Darcy Lindamood, SharperImage.com Vice President of Marketing. “And we are especially delighted to announce this exclusive massage chair at a special introductory price of only $ 399.95.”

“The Human Touch® iJoy® Active 2.0 Massage Chair is perfect for large and small homes, apartments and even dorms,” Lindamood said. “This is high-tech massage at a low introductory price, so it makes a great holiday gift.”

To learn more about The Human Touch® iJoy® Active 2.0 Massage Chair, visit SharperImage.com or the Sharper Image 2014 Holiday Gift Guide.

About SharperImage.com



SharperImage.com offers consumers an engaging way to find the latest home electronics, air purifiers and other lifestyle products. SharperImage.com continues the tradition of fun, innovation and excitement that Sharper Image originated in 1977. Relaunched in 2010, SharperImage.com and the Sharper Image catalog are owned and operated by Camelot Venture Group. Please continue to visit our site and follow us on social media for the newest products, trends and special offers.



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Ringling College of Art and Design Announces Plans for New Post-Production Facility and Soundstage in Newtown, Sarasota, Florida

Sarasota, FL (PRWEB) September 19, 2014

Ringling College of Art and Design today announced plans to build an approximately 30,000 square foot professional Soundstage and commercial post-production complex in the Newtown neighborhood of Sarasota, Florida.

The new Soundstage and post-production complex will be located on land comprising almost a complete city block extending south from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way to 25th street and running east to west between Central and Cocoanut avenues. “This is an exciting day for Newtown and Sarasota,” said Sarasota Mayor Willie Shaw. “We have long sought having a greater economic and strategic community partnership with Ringling College and we are thrilled that a project of such potential economic benefit will be located in the neighborhood. We see this as a catalyst to inspire others to develop along the MLK corridor.”

This entire public-private initiative will be a major impetus to advance the College’s academic mission and provide economic development to the City of Sarasota, the County of Sarasota and the entire region. Consulting on the project is director Roman Coppola, who was the College’s 2014 commencement speaker and is working with Ringling College students on several projects.

The innovative project was the brainchild of Ringling President Dr. Larry R. Thompson and Semkhor’s David Shapiro, who with Ringling College co-founded the College’s Digital Filmmaking Studio Lab. Mr. Shapiro and his business partners, BHS Properties, are investing in this project and working with the College to build the complex.

Semkhor and BHS Properties, a group comprised of business professionals with long-standing and significant ties to the region – including Brad Baldwin, Eric Howell, Higgins Gayheart and JB Baldwin – are building the complex in conjunction with Ringling. The first phase of the project will be done by Ringling College, beginning with the demolition of the existing structures on the property by locally owned Ducon construction.

Construction is slated to commence in 2015.

The approximately 30,000 square foot state-of-the-art professional Soundstage and film and television post-production complex is tied to the College’s academic needs and is expected to attract a broad range of commercial production. When complete, the College will conduct filmmaking classes and the College’s students will work on any commercial productions that use the complex. David Shapiro will work with the College to operate and manage the commercial aspect of the facility, helping boost regional economic development and providing professional-level experience and connections for Ringling students who will learn by being part of those commercial productions.

The reputation of Ringling’s filmmaking program continues to grow as evidenced by the college being named to The Hollywood Reporter’s Top 25 Film Schools list three times in the past four years. “This new facility significantly expands the depth and breadth of our film program while also attracting professional production opportunities that provide the real-world experience and industry engagement that has enhanced employment prospects for so many of our Ringling graduates,” said Bradley Battersby, department head for the Ringling College Digital Filmmaking Program.

Ringling College’s efforts to accelerate Sarasota’s economic development as an entertainment production hub received initial support from the County with the provision of a $ 1.75-million Financial Incentive Grant originally approved in October 2010. This grant was to assist the College with the building of a professional post-production facility on the College’s campus. The Grant was reapproved by the County last spring and allowed for payment of “expenses related to the construction of a stand-alone Soundstage and post-production facility and the purchase of necessary post-production equipment.”

“We are excited to support Ringling College in bringing a professional film and television production facility to the heart of Sarasota,” said Sarasota County Commissioner Carolyn Mason. “This symbiotic collaboration of public and private interests brings together Ringling’s proven ability to develop and generate top-tier talent with ongoing entertainment industry engagement at the highest levels.”

The new complex will include an approximately 25,000 square foot Soundstage and 5,000 square feet of space for post-production facilities such as dubbing bays, professional editing suites, and a Foley (sound effects) stage, offices, classrooms, a private screening room and data-centric storage capabilities allowing multiple personnel to work on the same production at the same time from various locations.

Mr. Shapiro first became involved with the College in 2010 with partner, Sarasota entrepreneur and Producer Sam Logan, as co-creators of the Ringling College Digital Filmmaking Studio Lab. The Studio Lab created a new model for film education expanding upon the College’s excellent academic focus by incorporating industry expertise through its series of filmmaker lectures, classroom experiences, and real world experience working alongside experienced filmmakers, along with providing much needed economic development to Newtown, the City, and the County.

“Because of the launch of our Digital Filmmaking Studio Lab in 2010, we have seen a significant increase in applications to the academic programs and we are attracting increased attention from the professional film industry, which offers a dynamic benefit to our student body and our community,” stated Ringling College President Larry R. Thompson. “As a result of the Studio Lab students have worked on productions with Werner Herzog, Forrest Whitaker, Anna Paquin, Matt Dillon, Paul Schiff and others. The new facility will expand our ability to bring in content production opportunities from initial preproduction to final post and give our students a look and experience at real world entertainment production.”

The Soundstage and post-production facilities will provide a vital academic link to the Studio Lab with the availability of students working alongside professionals. The economic benefit will come from helping to catapult Sarasota into a viable option for film and television programming producers. Ringling’s Soundstage and post complex will be a tremendous complement to the available student and professional talent pool in our area and be a major impetus for growth and redevelopment in the Newtown community. The facility will be available for rental at costs far lower than exist in major film studio hubs such as New York or Los Angeles, providing a cost-effective alternative for film production.

According to David Shapiro: “The Sound Stage is the natural next step in the growth of the Ringling College’s Studio Lab and will allow the region to work more closely with top-tier filmmakers, entertainment talent and local artists. This will only enhance Sarasota’s thriving artistic community and help achieve long-term economic development goals.

Shapiro went on to say: “These facilities continue the experimentation of the Studio Lab’s effort to integrate real word productions with a top-tier academic setting. Central to the effort is a focus on providing a way for Ringling College students, and other residents, to have access to cutting edge technology and processes so that a large local talent pool develops – the key to creating a sustainable industry here. Working with Ringling, Dr. Thompson, and the community, has been inspiring and the reason why we are throwing ourselves into this effort. Sarasota is unique and will become a valuable part of the media and entertainment industry. We are very fortunate and thankful to be a part of this.”

Previous projects on the Ringling campus has included a post-production master class by Director Werner Herzog of “Into the Abyss,” and actor wife-husband team Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer’s CASM Films Sarasota-filmed independent film “Free Ride.” Ringling and Semkhor expect to be announcing additional post-production projects in the near future.

Soundstage Site Location



The 30,000+ square foot complex will be sited on land that virtually includes all property extending south from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way to 25th street and running east to west between Central and Cocoanut avenues, with the exception of the two city owned lots – situated on the corner of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way to the east at Cocoanut and to the west at Central.

Summary



Ringling College first developed its academic filmmaking program in 2008. In collaboration with Semkhor since 2010 the College has provided enhanced learning across all disciplines by connecting industry professionals to the classroom and providing professional level experiences to our students and young graduates. “With the addition of the Soundstage/post production complex, student education will now provide an unbridled opportunity for enhanced economic development focused on the film and entertainment industries,” said Dr. Larry R. Thompson. “Every year, our most promising and well-prepared students are recruited by the top employers in the world and leave our area seeking work and professional accomplishment. The many coordinated elements of our growing academic program with the Studio Lab component and now this new complex are laying the groundwork with which to retain some of our best and brightest talent and to help us drive the entertainment production economic engine in our region.”

About Ringling College of Art and Design Ringling College of Art and Design is a private, not-for-profit, fully accredited college offering the Bachelors of Fine Arts degree the following disciplines: Advertising Design, Computer Animation, Digital Filmmaking, Fine Arts, Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interior Design, Motion Design, Painting, Photography & Digital Imaging, Printmaking, and Sculpture, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in the Business of Art & Design. Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the picturesque 48-acre campus enrolls nearly 1,300 students from 44 states and 50 countries.

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