Smart Homes October 2012

From The Editor

W PUBLISHER: Vivian-Anne Gittens EDITOR: Aprille Thomas ADVERTISING MANAGER: Paulette Jones WRITERS: Cheryl Harewood, Lyle Jones Sheree-Ann McDonald PHOTOGRAPHY: Dan Christaldi DESIGN/LAYOUT: Randy Phillips – Imageworx ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES: Adrian Bowen – Tel: (246) 430-5519 Email: adrianbowen@nationnews.com Kelly Johnally – Tel: (246) 430-5515 Email: kellyjohnally@nationnews.com PRINTERS: Printweb Caribbean Ltd (246) 434-6719

e’ve reached the time of year when once again the annual entertainers among us open their homes to the numerous friends, family, visiting relatives and others who will for one reason or the other drop by. Parties, brunches, luncheons, limes you name it, it’s time to entertain.

It follows then, as tradition dictates, that it’s time to get your house in order. As one fussy about your castle you’ll be weighing your options.

What’ll it be - a new paint job, a kitchen remodel, perhaps some sort of renovation on the outside, structurally or to the landscape?

If you’re looking for a few ideas on what to do to give the home a little extra pop in the upcoming holiday season, you’ve picked up the right magazine. In this edition you’ll find helpful suggestions on refreshing your home inside and out.

We’ll share do-it-yourself tips on décor, and tell you how to freshen the air inside the natural way. Want to create a sensation in your home to set guests tongues wagging? How about creating a feature wall? Read on for helpful tips.

Taking it to the great outdoors, among other things we’ll discuss lawn care. And, since outdoor entertaining will be one of the desired options, we’ll discuss outdoor upgrade suggestions that are sure to see you looking at your patio in a new light.

We’ll visit a home that offers a taste of life in another world, and offer insights through the eyes of an architect for whom the landscape is his canvas.

In our last edition we visited the “Cave”, the man’s own in-house retreat. This time out we’ll explore the ladies’ version of an in-home paradise.

Read on, and be sure to share your impressions, suggestions on what you’d like to see in future editions, we’d love to hear from you. We believe that you will enjoy this issue as much as we’ve enjoyed producing it for you.

COVER PHOTO: Dan Christaldi

Aprille Thomas

Smart Homes is produced by The Nation Publishing Co. Limited; a subsidiary of The Nation Corporation, which is a member of the One Caribbean Media Limited (OCM) group of companies. For general info email: smarthomes@nationnews.com Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within this magazine is accurate, however, The Nation Publishing Co. Limited cannot be held responsible for any consequences that may arise from any errors or omissions.

This publication cannot be copied in whole or in part without the explicit permission of the Publisher. ©2012 NATION PUBLISHING CO. LIMITED

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EDITOR

Contents

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Perfect Picks

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Building Value In Your Home

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Rocking Feature Walls

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A Functional Splash of Style

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Life and Design

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Living In Another World

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Cushion With Colour

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Water Your Garden Efficiently

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A Woman’s Oasis

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Paradise In Your Backyard

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DIY Air fresheners

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ACCENTS

PERFECT

Picks Faylinn Teal/ Manarin Cushions (Available at Dwellings)

Indoor/Outdoor Lanterns (Available at Gajah Home)

Mango Tangerine Candle (Available at Dwellings)

Fiesta Dinnerware (Available at Dwellings) 6

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Buddha Ornaments (Available at Gajah Home)

REAL ESTATE

Home

BUILDING VALUE First, always protect the character of your home.

IN YOUR Nothing sticks out more than an addition that’s rendered

STORY BY: CHERYL HAREWOOD

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HINKING ABOUT INCREASING the value of your home?

1. again homeownEven if you are not, every now and ers are bitten by the building and enhancement bug.

They want to expand and enhance their properties, whether it’s adding an additional bedroom, constructing a home office, extending the patio or building an entertainment deck. Some choose to build recreation rooms and studies while others add new appliances, fixtures and cabinets to enliven rooms and make their homes attractive to future buyers.

Here in Barbados the bug mentioned is seemingly very contagious, especially when one considers how traditional chattel houses or starter homes are often transformed into “castles” just by adding a room or two, or going one storey up.

Remodelling or retrofitting your kitchen will not only enhance its functionality and décor, it can increase appeal as well as value of your home.

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in a completely different architectural style. .

However, when you decide to stop sinking money into a home and buy a bigger place, how much rehab is too much when it comes time to recover remodelling costs through a home sale?

For example, if you have just spent $4 000 remodelling your living room and did not expand your small bathroom, the chances of increasing the number of interested buyers are slim. With these concerns in mind experts suggest the following tips for those of you struggling to add value to your home.

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First, always protect the character of your home. Nothing sticks out more than an addition that’s rendered in a completely different architectural style. Be consistent. Recognize your home’s character and stay within its framework.

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The most financially rewarding areas to remodel are usually the kitchen and bathroom. Newly redone cooking spaces and cabinets can attract more buyers and many command a slightly higher price for the home than a comparable one on the market. Simple repairs that are made to last will bring you the biggest returns upon sale.

Enlarged bathrooms and kitchens are very popular attractions to new home buyers. In addition, jacuzzis, whirlpool baths and modern showers and fixtures are becoming a big thing these days.

However, be sure to install modest, solid amenities. It is easy to quickly overspend on bathroom fixtures even though buyers are more interested in above-ground living space — not yards and walkway.

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A swimming pool can be a poor investment if installed for the sole purpose of increasing a home’s value. It is rare that a pool’s cost will be recovered in a home sale. It can also be a negative feature for potential buyers with very young children.

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Replacing worn carpets, tiles and wood floors can give your home immediate advantage. Updating paint colours in all areas of your home can also prove beneficial. However, it is recommended that you use neutral colours such as beige, grey and off-white when adding new floor and wall coverings.

Fewer buyers will then turn away because of differing tastes.

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Stay simple with your remodelling and look at your home as though you were the buyer. Chances are that if you find the upstairs bedroom could be brightened by a larger window, potential buyers will probably feel the same.

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Don’t go overboard. Concentrate on improving two or three deficiencies at a time. More than likely, the time and money you spend adding quality to your home will be rewarded with greater profit when the time comes to sell.

DESIGN

People are more concerned with aesthetics than anything else, and while this is of great importance, there are many other factors to consider before taking the plunge.

walls

ROCKINGFEATURE STORY BY: LYLE JONES

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he holiday season is fast approaching, and being somewhat of an entertainer you’re sure to have plenty of friends dropping by. The thing is you’re not feeling very house proud because they’ve seen it all already.

No showpiece to set tongues wagging this year, last year’s remodeling covered everything possible to accent your pride and joy. Or did it?

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Does your home have a feature wall?

Didn’t think so. Adding a feature wall is a great way to create depth and add interest to a room. Makes a great talking point too.

First, choose a wall that holds the focus of the room. In the living room it could be the wall the three-seater runs along. Avoid walls that have windows as they tend to detract from the effect you’re trying to create. In addition, try not to choose any wall that’s too small because it can make the room look cluttered.

Creating a feature wall can be a simple or complex process.

From the simple painting of one wall in a different colour to the others and decorating, to the more complex construction of a textured surface accented with special lighting for effect, the result will be a masterpiece of which you’ll be proud.

When deciding on a colour or pattern to feature consider the kind of effect you want to create. A dark colour will make the wall appear closer to you while a light wall will have the opposite effect. The same goes for large versus small patterns.

The creative do-it-yourself amateur designer might experiment with contrasts using light and dark colours to great effect.

A feature wall is a great way to experiment with colour and bold pattern and if used properly and considered within your existing design, it’s a simple way to make a room look sophisticated, stylish and chic.

Materials are also important. According to one interior designer, “materials like suede, silk or wood add texture and interest. And if you have a dark room or corridor, mirrors or metallic reflective wallpapers … are a great choice. They feel opulent and also bounce and reflect light around the space.”

Some also use tiles to great effect, not to mention photographic images blown up to wall size, if you are looking for something different. Or go 3D: a collection of objects can make a striking wall feature.

Perhaps the idea of a major change would neither suit you nor your budget, however, you can still create a special display in your living-room or main entertaining area by selecting a suitable wall

Previous Page: Taking the 3D effect to the max… .

Raised, intricately shaped white wall panels stand in marked contrast to the brightly painted background wall and colourful furnishings to grab the attention.

A study in options … at top the textured, recessed feature wall complemented by colour coordinated furnishings.

In the middle …. the bold coloured wall provides the perfect canvas for a summetrical display featuring specially positioned picture frames separated by panels perfectly spaced and centred in the middle of the wall. Colour coordinated furniture completes the picture.

At bottom … Texture, lighting, raised mirrors, faucets and wash basins combine to create a feature in the bathroom that mesmerizes …

and hanging a collection of family photos.

Maybe your collection can feature a walk through time chronicling family members’ journey from babes to adults.

Be mindful however, that a feature wall should accent a room rather than overwhelm it, so you need to avoid choosing something that doesn’t fit with the style of the room.

You can create a feature wall in any room of the home, from the kitchen to the bathroom, but interior designers caution against including too many in any home as doing such could result in overkill.

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DÉCOR

Splash of style A FUNCTIONAL

Who says that something functional can’t be trendy.

Backsplash can be built using a variety of materials and rendered in attractive styles.

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HESE DAYS backsplashes are making a huge fashion statement in home décor and design.

People with discerning tastes and the resources to spend usually have great interiors. Most try to give their homes the most modern and stylish look possible. From living room to kitchen, bedrooms and bathroom, everything needs to be perfectly aesthetically great.

This is where backsplashes come in. They have definitely become part of the modern age of home designs.

WHAT EXACTLY IS A BACKSPLASH? It is an architectural feature which is designed to be both ornamental and functional in areas where water is involved. The backsplash protects the underlying wall from water damage, and also provides an easy to clean surface which helps homeowners keep their homes more tidy.

Backsplashes can vary in size, and it is also possible to create your own, as long as you are handy with grout.

In addition to being used around water in places like sinks and bathtubs, backsplashes can also be used in areas where oil and grease feature, like around the stove.

Typically built using tiles – which may be glass, ceramic, or stone – they are afixed to the underlying wall and then grouted. A sealer may be applied, depending on the type of tiles and grout used. When materials splash up out of a work area, they hit the backsplash rather than the wall, and this makes spills much easier to clean up.

Backssplashes are a necessity around sinks and bathtubs. Water can cause serious damage to the underlying structure of a home, and splashing water is inevitable with sinks, tubs, and showers by their very nature. If a splashback is not constructed, the water will penetrate the wall and ultimately cause rot, which can be very expensive to track down and fix. backsplashes also resist staining, which can be quite advantageous.

The solution to keeping the bathroom clean to use backsplashes.

Some people consider glass backsplashes for their style, design and convenience.

However, despite their popularity, you should carefully consider the space available and choose colours that blend with the existing colour scheme when deciding the type of backsplash you intend to have installed.

You should also ensure that it not only looks elegant and stylish, but it is one that incurs low maintenance cost.

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STORY BY: CHERYL HAREWOOD

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/premiumlook

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DÉCOR

Life & Design

STORY BY: SHEREE-ANN MCDONALD

MAKING A SPACE SIMPLY YOU! So you’ve just moved into a space that you simply love, or maybe looking around it is apparent that you need to make some changes. Whatever your starting point is, there is quite a bit of information out there on the internet to get you off and running.

In the midst of popular opinion and trends, never lose sight of the fact that you have to live with this space - day in and day out. If you are about to make an investment to make your space more of what you would like it to be, every cent spent should be worth it. You ought to come into this space with a feeling of satisfaction every time.

WHERE DO YOU BEGIN? HERE ARE THE THREE IMPORTANT POINTS TO CONSIDER. 1. WHAT WILL YOU USE THIS SPACE FOR? What is the main purpose for this space? There may also be secondary reasons for its use that you also need to consider. For example, your bedroom may be your sanctuary to escape from the world, but you may also get inspired to write poetry, in which case a writing desk should be included in your furniture selections.

If it is a child’s room, you may need to facilitate a space for play or homework. Your living room maybe where you entertain a small number of guests, if so, you need adequate seating.

ACTION POINT(S) • Write down a list of all major and minor activities you plan to use the space for.

2. HOW DO I WANT TO FEEL OR WANT OTHERS TO FEEL WHEN WALKING INTO THIS ROOM, HOUSE OR OFFICE? Planning the mood you want in a room does not have to be an “airy fairy” part of your design process.

Magazines and pictures on the internet can really make your life easier. Sometimes a look through can help you decide what you definitely do not want.

Think about these things regarding this space: Do you want it to be formal or relaxed?

Do you want to have a very traditional setting or totally unusual and off-the-wall?

Do you want it to be futuristic looking, or warm and homey?

Do you want persons to feel elegant and refined or

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is this a place where people feel comfortable on your floor?

Do you like the feeling of lots of open space or do you like your ornaments and plants everywhere?

These thoughts help to guide the colours you choose, the look of furniture you chose, the accessories you use, as well as the drapes and floor covering.

ACTION POINT(S) • Get magazine cut outs or picture selections of rooms or furniture from the internet.

• Visit your local paint store and have a look at the swatches. Choose several samples that you like.

• Visit your fabric store and have a look at the materials on display. Most stores are willing to give small cuts of the material so you can remember what the fabric generally looked like.

• Add all of these items to your design folder.

3. BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER After you have decided exactly what you will be using the space for, and the mood or feeling you want it to have, the final touch is to bring these elements together.

Make sure that the colour selections of the main pieces of furniture, wall and floor covering are not conflicting. The colours should harmonize.

There is always room for an element of surprise in a room. For example, an unusual sculpture that you got for a bargain somewhere and refuse to part with. Just make sure that the room is not full of surprises.

Make your furniture relatively the same size. For example, if you look at a book shelf, is it large and overpowering in size compared to the chairs you plan to also put in the room? The sizes of the furniture should also harmonize.

The type of furniture should go together well. For example, a mahogany chair may not go well with a glass top table with chrome legs.

ACTION POINT(S) • Create a budget for every item you will need to complete the space. Do not forget to include the cost of paint or wall covering. Have a detailed list and allocate a cost for everything so that you have no surprises or disappointments at the end.

• If the process seems too time consuming, consider hiring a decorator for assistance.

• Shop!

PATIO With a view such as this, dining on the patio twice the feast.

FEATURE - VUEMONT

STORY BY CHERYL HAREWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY BY: DAN CHRISTALDI

LUXURY, stylish living, surrounded by the beauty of nature in a peaceful setting, inexpressible, breath-taking views and an elegant lifestyle can be found at Vuemont Residences, Mount Brevitor, St. Peter.

LIVING …

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In Another World

here, nestled among the 77 residences featuring both apartments and modern-styled two and three-bedroom villas is villa 276, our featured residence in this edition of Smart Homes.

With its central theme of earth toned furniture and exotic furnishings, Villa 276 presents itself as a contemporary furnished residence.

From the moment you enter its doors and step unto the designed porcelain tiles, after a casual walk up the pathway set in the middle of well- kept manicured lawns and beautifully landscaped grounds with tropical plants lining each side, you’ll experience a new world of architectural beauty. Conveniently designed with an open floor plan, you’ll also come face to face with a cozy living and dining room space, sure to take your breath away. On your left you’ll walk into the spacious Italian-styled kitchen which features a full appliance package, granite countertops, recess lighting and lots of cupboard and storage space.

The dining table also off to the left, and superbly decorated with sea shells, helps to enhance the room’s décor, while a sea-grass designed beige and suede living room suite complete with shades of green, brown and beige throw cushions, add that romantic feel to an already well-decorated and defined room.

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FEATURE - VUEMONT LIVING AND DINING ROOM Classy, stylish, contemporary furnishings, perfectly positioned, accentuate the breezy spacious feel of the living and dining area of the villa.

KITCHEN The roomy kitchen boasts plenty of storage space.

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FEATURE - VUEMONT FEATURE - NEWLANDS GUEST BEDROOM Exquisitely furnished with matching twin beds, the second guest bedroom features an ocean theme.

BATHROOM Hues of gold add to the rich, warm welcoming feeling one experiences on entering the bathroom.

MASTER BEDROOM Spacious, comfortable, well appointed, and with a view to die for… with a master bedroom like this it doesn’t get much better.

OH LA LA! That will probably be your response when your feet touch the floor of the back patio. It’s a setting fit for a king – or queen – for that matter. This patio, extended deck, lounge and outdoor dining area will probably be your favourite outdoor living space. In fact, it is quite safe to say that like most of the villa residences at Vuemont, outdoor living plays an integral part in the lifestyle of each homeowner.

The wooden deck, dining table which seats six, chaise lounge for relaxing, and patio furnishings complete with orange accent cushions, makes this area very special. Another delight of this outdoor living space is the plunge pool that extends off the patio that offers a breath-taking view of the ocean.

WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR? It’s in this setting that you can re-energize yourself after hours of relaxation. You also get to enjoy nature’s best of both worlds – mature dwarf coconut trees, garden views and an exercise trail to your right and a gazebo to your left with a panoramic view of the west and northwest coasts of the island.

This villa’s three bedrooms and two bathrooms can best be described as excellent. Each room carries its distinctive theme well, with the master bedroom and en-suite bathroom continuing the central theme of earth toned bed-linen and soft light-coloured drapery, accentuated with brightly coloured throw-cushions.

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While there is coral stone moulding throughout the villa, the master bedroom, which boasts a king-sized bed, appears to carry this feature best. This main bedroom also leads onto the patio, so imagine waking up to such peace, tranquility and scenic beauty each day.

Twin-beds with skillfully designed sea horses in an underwater setting will definitely conjure up thoughts of swimming in the ocean or relaxing on the beach. Shades of blue and beige furnishings, matching padded headboards and drapery set this room apart from the second guest bedroom, which gives one a sense of royal living.

A bamboo-designed head board is the focal point of this room, which is tastefully furnished with matching side tables, bedside lamps, gold and pastel green drapes which also perfectly match the bed linen and hand-painted prints which adorn the walls.

Along the hallway of this 1 560 sq. ft. villa is a collection of old Barbadian prints by Corrie Scott, one of a number of artists whose creations enhance the appearance of each room.

A Barbadian-owned and managed residential community, Vuemont is a product of the combined craftsmanship of Rotherley Construction Inc. and C.O. Williams Construction Limited.

And the elegantly furnished Villa 276 is an excellent example of modern day architecture – a simple, contemporary villa with all the right furniture, furnishings, class and style.

DÉCOR

CUSHION THE LIVING SPACE

With Colour

STORY BY: CHERYL HAREWOOD

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HECK OUT ANY type of home décor these days and you’ll discover that throw cushions/pillows play a big role in home decoration.

These huggable pieces which come in a variety of shapes, colours and materials can easily be paired with drapes or indoor and outdoor furniture to create a sense of luxury and elegance.

Throw cushions can enhance the look of your home without breaking the bank. Use them as accents or as a focal point in your living room or any room that needs a splash of colour.

Whatever your choice of throw cushions and throw pillows, they can also add a touch of comfort to any room – even when used in the lone chair which has been positioned somewhere in the corner of your living, dining or bedroom.

There is an art to choosing or placing throw cushions. Go for an odd number, like three or five, rather than more traditional pairs. A few big pillows look cleaner than a jumble of smaller ones, which can seem like “too much punctuation”.

As far as shape and size go, square cushions should be 18 to 24 inches across, large enough to showcase a solid colour or a pattern. Oblongs are also nice, since they tend to stand out when paired with square-shaped cushions.

Today, there are numerous fabrics from which to choose – silk, cotton, suede and polyester are popular.

Your choice of fabric is entirely up to you and the décor you want to create, but a limited colour palette and large geometric prints on smooth, tightly woven fabrics, like cotton and linen, work well in a modern environment.

However, if you love having lots of colours, take a tip that applies to all settings. You can pull any colour from a piece of art that’s in the room, the colour of the walls or your living room.

Your patio furniture can also be enhanced with outdoor throw cushions and pillows. Such accessories will go a long way to making your outdoor space feel homey, comfortable and above

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There is an art to choosing or placing throw cushions.

Go for an odd number, like three or ďŹ ve, rather than more traditional pairs. A few big pillows look cleaner than a jumble of smaller ones . . .

There are a lot of outdoor throw pillow styles, depending on your taste. There are regular square pillows, pillows with a ruffle, pillows with fringe or cord and even bolster pillows to support your neck or lower back while lounging around the patio. Just be sure that when choosing throw cushions or pillows for the patio that you choose a fabric that is designed to be used outdoors. Normal fabrics will fade, stain and colours could run. Choosing the right fabric will ensure a long life free of fading, mildew and loss of strength.

Most throw cushions can be easily made. Why not design and create your own, if time allows you to do so.

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LANDSCAPE

WATER YOUR GARDEN

Efficiently STORY BY: APRILLE THOMAS

The most important thing for you to do is to identify your unique landscape situation and find out what type of system will best suit your needs

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he first thing people notice when they see your house is the landscaping— the curb appeal.

Whether you have sturdy, mature trees or a rainbow coloured garden, they will catch a visitor’s eye. One of the concerns homeowners might have is the level of maintenance a lawn or garden requires. Especially if you are a busy person, you might not have time to give your plants the H2O they desperately need.

Sprinkler systems can assist you in the care of your surroundings, while offering several benefits to you. Some of the advantages of owning a system include conserving water by using less than you would if watering by hand; saving you time seeing as they do all of the work for you; and eventually saving you money by cutting your water bill.

The most important thing for you to do is to identify your unique landscape situation and find out what type of system will best suit your needs (this is how you will maximize on savings).

SLOPING BACKYARD If you have a sloping backyard, you may be concerned about the water pooling around the sprinklers and causing unwanted soggy areas. One solution for this would be to find a sprinkler with a nozzle that delivers water at a lower rate, which will allow for a sufficient ‘soak-in’ time.

DIVERSE GARDEN Diversity may be the way you define your plants, and for those of you with trees, shrubs and flowers, you may want to make sure you find a system that caters to all your needs. All of your plants will require

Hurricane, Security & Sun Protection

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LANDSCAPE

Diversity may be the way you define your plants, and for those of you with trees, shrubs and flowers, you may want to make sure you find a system that caters to all your needs.

varying amounts of water and a low-volume drip irrigation system will give you the flexibility to customize your water delivery. You can set up several independent zones and schedule watering as required. This method is also appropriate for gardens where some plants experience more sun exposure than others.

SMALLER SPACES Even homeowners with small yards will want to spruce up their surroundings.

To ensure against your sprinklers watering more of the driveways and sidewalks than your precious plants, you can install variable arc nozzles which deliver precise, even coverage. They are also efficient when dealing with an area of your yard that may have odd shapes and corners.

RAINY DAYS In Barbados we have the ‘dry season’ and the ‘wet season’ but it still seems like we get our fair share of showers year round. Obviously if the rain is falling heavily, you won’t require additional water for your rooted pets. A simple solution would be a rain sensor, which automatically monitors weather conditions and efficiently signals the controller to turn off the system when it rains.

Even though sprinkler systems can be bought and set up as DIY projects, if you are unfamiliar with this type of work it may be best to hire an expert. You want to make sure that your system is set up correctly so that you don’t end up wasting water, because saving water (and money) is the aim of the game.

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DÉCOR

OASIS A WOMAN’S

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STORY BY: APRILLE THOMAS

MAN NEEDS a ‘Man Cave’ because in a typical home setting the woman has control over the kitchen, laundry room, bedroom, living room and just about every other nook and cranny in the house, right? Of course! After all, what woman doesn’t want to wash, cook, clean and take care of the children while her husband is in his sound-proof Man Cave, watching his favourite James Bond movies on a high-definition, 42-inch flat screen TV, mounted on the wall?

Exactly. The battle of the sexes is on, and women are cashing in on their right to their own space. Let’s face it; women are also in dire need of some time to themselves. Some women might choose to drive to a secluded area like a park or a beach to read a book; or maybe to the movies to catch a chick-flick alone; or even for a day at the spa. But why spend so much money on a mortgage every month only to seek solitude elsewhere? You should be able to find refuge in your own home.

Don’t worry if you built your house 10 years ago without a specific room for yourself. If you have any available rooms, they can be repurposed to suit your needs. So grab a notebook and all of your ideas and let’s get started.

Unlike a kitchen or a bathroom, there isn’t any right or wrong

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way to create a woman’s space because there’s no universal functionality of the room. As a woman, your space should reflect your personality and style. This is yours, so make sure that it’s just as unique as you are.

Even though every woman’s space will be different, there are some guidelines that can help you get to that perfect place.

FUNCTION The first thing you should decide on when planning a woman space is the purpose of the room. The easiest way to do this is to make a list of your hobbies or the activities that make you happiest.

Perhaps you’re a big reader, music lover, or maybe sports fanatic (of course you can feel free to have a multipurpose room; your only restrictions will be available space and budget). Incorporating the top three activities that make you happy will go a long way in ensuring that you feel comfortable in your Oasis.

LOOK After you determine what you’re going to be using the room for, you need to visualize the space. As I said earlier, your Oasis should be a reflection of your personal style. If you’re not sure what that is,

Whether built around a particular theme or not, as long as the cave is equipped with all the creature comforts the man feels he needs, all will be will in his world.

Your oasis should reflect your style and your personality. Choose the colours, smells and furniture that best represents you. Most importantly, don’t forget the reason for the space.

Woman’s space theme ideas: Spa Outdoor garden (indoors) Movie theatre Library Art museum Bar Games room Sewing/fashion design room Beauty parlor Shopping lounge

Furniture should be comfortable. It doesn’t matter if you’re designing a spa, theatre or mini basketball court. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time in this room, you need to feel at your best. So don’t skimp on the furniture.

Make sure that your lighting is appropriate for your activities.

Dim lights may work well if you’re creating a movie theatre setting, but not so much if you’re going to be spending long hours reading.

If you want to incorporate both of these activities, make sure that you have lights that can adjust to suit.

Don’t forget to eat! Time can fly when you’re having fun, but it’s important that you don’t get lost in your secret world and forget your health. When you enter your Oasis, you don’t want to have to leave to take a trip to the kitchen. Either prepare meals in advance to take into your Oasis with you, or keep a well-stocked mini fridge.

Some women are happiest in the company of their girlfriends.

If you’re going to be sharing your Oasis, make sure that you have enough furniture and maybe even keep a fully-stocked wine bar.

Maybe you’re a woman who loves action movies. You don’t want loud sound effects to disturb (or attract) others in your household. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time watching movies in your space, maybe you should consider investing in soundproofing your walls.

Lastly, remember the reason for the space. Your room should be like a mini-vacation or getaway. Keep it fresh and updated with the stuff you love and make sure that you make time to enjoy it!

you can do some simple tests. Look for inspiration in magazines.

Do you like modern rooms with straight lines and chrome finishes?

Or do you prefer the older, more traditional style? Next, determine a colour palette. Since this is your room, I’d say go with your favourite colours. Who cares if they’re quirky or odd? Choose two base colours, and then add some accent colours for fun. Please don’t go crazy with the colours, if you need to, consult a colour wheel to see which colours go best together. Mixing random, oddly matched colours may result in throwing the atmosphere of the room off-balance (see next guideline).

FEEL You should be able to pick up on the atmosphere of the room as soon as you enter. Think about your own personality and then see how you can have that translate into your space. Are you a warm person? If so, you might want the furniture in your space to be cozily arranged. Reed diffusers or oil burners with a few drops of vanilla essential oil can help you achieve that cohesive atmosphere. Choosing the perfect lighting is also essential for creating a specific mood in the room. A warm person who is creating a cozy Oasis might utilize heavy curtains to block out sunlight and opt for dim yellow lights.

KEY ELEMENTS Some commonalities may arise when women are designing their spaces and you should all bear these in mind.

5.

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OUTDOOR DÉCOR

PARADISE

In Your Backyard

STORY BY: CHERYL HAREWOOD

At some point we all need an element of seclusion; time to relax and unwind. You also need your own private oasis and can create privacy in a variety of ways.

BACKYARD OASIS: Enjoy the best of the outdoor living in the comfort of your own home by adding features to your patio to create your personal oasis.

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W

HETHER YOU refer to it as a verandah, patio, or porch, creating an outside area for relaxation can add class and comfort to your home environment.

With a little creativity and the addition of a few accessories, an ordinary patio can be transformed into a private oasis. You can have your very own personal retreat where you can spend relaxing moments alone or with someone special.

At some point we all need an element of seclusion; time to relax and unwind. You also need your own private oasis and can create privacy in a variety of ways. There are many types of decorative fence panels available.

You could place these on the perimeter of your patio oasis to enhance its privacy.

If that project seems too daunting, you can simply add privacy screens to make it more

secluded. Large potted plants can be used to create a semi-private patio area. What’s important is that you find a way to make your patio feel like a small world that is totally separated from the activity going on around it.

Your patio oasis requires comfortable furniture, and there are some great pieces at furniture retail stores across the island.

Wicker is still very popular, so is cast iron, but there are various products and designs from which to choose.

While the choice of furniture is certainly a matter of personal taste, you should give consideration to items such as an outdoor daybed, single or double chaise lounge or an ultra-comfortable single chair or love seat.

You’ll want to include some tables so that you will have a place for your drink, the book or magazine you are reading while relaxing.

An outdoor lamp is another possibility, or even a bistro set.

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OUTDOOR DÉCOR

OPEN DECK: Your patio oasis requires comfortable furniture, and there are some great pieces at furniture retail stores across the island.

OUTDOOR COOKING: Adding a built-in outdoor grill makes it that much easier to keep the party outdoors.

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Before you know it, you would have created a convenient location for early morning coffee, a midday meal or an evening drink. Remember that many individuals are going for back patios, but whether it’s to the front or rear of the house, it should provide you with total relaxation.

If there is little or no shade on your patio, you might want to consider using a sail shade to make your patio a more comfortable spot. These shades are durable and attractive. They can add a tropical retreat appearance to your patio area.

Personal fire bowls or candles can also add to the ambiance of your patio, while accenting with subtle lighting will allow you to enjoy your retreat late at night or in the early morning hours. String lights are a possible option for your décor.

You might want to go one step further by adding a water feature to your patio oasis or the surrounding area – like maybe a nearby lawn or garden. The sound of a waterfall will enhance the relaxation experience. The size of the water feature is irrelevant to its benefit. A table top or wall fountain can be just as attractive and provide the same relaxing sound as a large fountain in an outdoor garden area.

Once you’ve created your ideal patio oasis, be sure that you designate time to enjoy your magnificent retreat.

Your mind, body and spirit can benefit from a little time spent relaxing in your secluded oasis.

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ACCENTS

DIY:

Air fresheners STORY BY: APRILLE THOMAS

Y

ou’re having people over for dinner tomorrow and you realize a foul stench somewhere in your house. It may be from your dog running through the house earlier, or the fish you cooked last night. Or maybe your child spilled something. You open the windows and clean the house, but the scent is still lingering! There is no way you can entertain guests like this.

Before you think about cancelling the dinner party, try one of these homemade air fresheners that are sure to do the trick at a fraction of the cost.

TASTES LIKE VANILLA Get a cotton ball and soak it in vanilla extract. Place the cotton ball on a small dish and relax as the warm smell fills your house.

LAVENDER RAYS Get a small jar, like an old jam jar. Poke

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holes in the lid using a hammer and nails (you can get creative here and arrange the holes into a design if you wish). Fill about a quarter of the jar with baking soda. Add six to eight drops of lavender essential oil, and voila! Just give the jar a shake when you notice that the smell is getting weak.

CUP OF HERBAL TEA Crush ¼ cup of dried sage and ½ cup of dried bay leaves. Mix the herbs with 1 cup of witch hazel, place in a glass jar, and cover. After a few days, pour the liquid into a spray bottle and use it every time your home needs a refreshing pick me up.

CINNAMON BUNS This one is very simple. Simply put a pot of water on the stove and add cinnamon sticks. Your kitchen will smell like you’re making a delicious baked treat!

TWO BIRDS, ONE STONE A lemon’s strong, astringent smell not only gives your house a fresh scent, but deodorizes as well! Wash a lemon carefully and cut it into quarters. Place 2 cups of water on the stove and add the lemon quarters. When the water reaches a boil, remove the pot from the stove and let it cool completely. Strain the lemon solution through a fine strainer into a bowl. Stir in ½ cup of baking soda and whisk away until it completely dissolves.

Allow the solution to cool and then pour it into a spray bottle. Use this as often as you like!

LITTLE ROSE GARDEN Roses aren’t just pretty to look at; they’re also lovely to smell. To maximize on this breathtaking aroma, place one layer of rose petals into a glass jar and sprinkle some salt on top. Repeat this until you have several layers and close the lid.

After a while, uncover the lid and let the romance fill the air.

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Underscore® VibrAcoustic® Bath

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