Secure Your Home With Outdoor Lightings

Benefits of Outdoor lighting for security

Lights have always been a biggest enemy of burglars. Good outdoor lighting provides safety and security apart from giving warmth and welcoming look to our homes and gardens. Outdoor lighting around our home will make it a safer place to walk after dark, helping to deter crime. Security experts have found that outdoor lights are the most effective security systems available. Outdoors security lighting gets so easily blended with our outside decor that they provide a hidden way of discouraging burglars in further advancing their act. Outdoor light are much cheaper way of providing security compare to other electronic security product like an intruder alarm systems. A motion detecting outdoor security light can even save on energy by providing on demand security lighting needs.

Outdoor security lighting varieties

There are many types of lighting systems on the market that fit to any taste and budget. However Traditional styled outdoor lights with motion sensors are the most popular. Some motion detecting outdoor lights can be controlled for their sensitivity to avoid being activated by any neighborhood dogs and cats and local wildlife. Some other variations are lights that shine dimly all night and turn on brightly when motion is sensed. Also outdoor lights with mini video cameras that records photos on sensing motions are available in the market. Some of us may choose lights with a motion sensor that unleashes a high frequency noise when the light comes on. Then there are Solar-powered lights which use self generated solar power to light up in the night hours and of the same range, LED outdoor security lights which are long lasting and energy efficient. Cost and security objective are going to be the main factor in deciding which type of security outdoor lights works better for your home and family

The process of securing using outdoor lights

Designing and setting up outdoor security lighting should start from your home’s front walk and driveway. Having security lights at the front door is one of the main positions to consider. If possible a motion detecting one could be the perfect one. Or the best could be a combination of simple outdoor light and second with motion detection. The former can be attached to a manual inside switch for you to turn on before opening the door and the latter connected just situated at the entrance of your home gate. If you have a large garden or front way that requires surveillance, you can install large floodlights with motion detectors. Installing low-voltage landscaping lights is also a good idea offering both simple and inexpensive means of securing your home. It enhances the appearance of your home and increases safety. The driveway should have proper illumination other than the small light that sits inside your garage to show the interior when you lift up the garage door and prepare to drive in. Here a motion detecting dim light can be very useful. Also house backyard or basement should not be a dark and isolate space with all the junk and craps hidden there. Instead, consider placing security lights at strategic places to illuminate as much of the place as possible. For example, one set over the junk furniture will not only help discourage thieves from taking them but also make it safer for you to go out in the middle of the night if you need to make emergency repairs. Another light set over your back door will also keep burglars alert over your security methods. Finally a good circuit light drive around the house to light up dim alleyways and discourage loiterers could be advantageous. Try to connect Atlas the front door and drive way light with a small battery powered backup in case of power failure. This option will offer you greater security and safety overall.

Some last minute thought

    To ensure that you are getting the maximum benefit and effect from your outdoor lighting, clean exposed bulbs several times during the season. The wind spreads dirt and pollen that build up on bulbs, causing a light loss of up to 40 percent.
    When choosing outdoor lights, select one that are of quality make and can withstand weathering, harsh outdoor conditions.
    Cut down all vegetation around your outdoor security lights to the point lights can really brighten up the space or person when their facing right in front of it.
    If you have batter operated as backup power for outdoor security lights, be sure to check the batteries regularly to maintain their efficiency and keep them clean and at full capacity.
    Always keep replacement bulbs handy for any un towards failure of security lights.
    You can give a call to your local security officer for more guidance on securing your homes which can provide you with more ideas on outdoor security lights With increasing concerns about home safety sweeping our homes, most of us are looking for many ways to secure our homes and protect our families. Outdoor security lights can prove an inexpensive and effective way to deter the burglars as well as discourage any unwanted visitors

We at For your Home trust that the above quick information will let you think about adding the outdoor security lights in your shopping list.

You can also read this article in our news and article section at;

[http://www.foryourhome.co.uk/quick-guide-in-selecting-the-right-CCTV-security-system/articles/37.html]

We at For your Home love in helping you make better homes and gardens. You are always welcome to visit our home and garden online shop at http://www.foryourhome.co.uk and our outdoor security lighting department at

[http://www.foryourhome.co.uk/home-outdoor-security-lighting/c/1115_1116.html]

Best Camping Out Equipment That Folks Neglect to Take on the First Journey

There will always be 1 or 2 issues you can be neglecting if it is the first moment outdoor camping. Nevertheless the probability of getting the St trip are afflicted by your partially and/or momentary loss could be properly lowered if you utilize the particular record under.

It is good you've bought the best outdoor tents to your first trip, nevertheless would you keep in mind to acquire the plastic sheet for the floors? Every tents could get traveled if they're not really constructed together with a plastic material page, which usually ho are unable to penetrate. You should not obtain plastic material bedding from the thickest good quality, but you should make sure they're solid enough so they is not going to find easily torn through rough and uneven areas.

Discover employed to sleeping on hard terrain after that this is something that might jolt and maybe even traumatize anyone regarding camping out. The very best sleeping-bags as well as tents are not adequate to conceal the truth that the soil is actually difficult and uncompromising. It is going to certainly not come up with a good place to rest upon, however this will not a difficulty in case you carry along with you an air mattress or even resting tote. The former are basically inflatable furniture which are simple to bunch along with unpack, build along with take apart. A lot of them tend to be light-weight so you won't have to bother with receiving put aside while trekking.

Here's another surprise: no air-conditioning product may at any time rival the frosty or perhaps freezing temperatures that Our mother earth can produce. You can have were living in Alaska your existence, yet outdoor camping within the backwoods remains some other matter. Should you be counting on the warmth given by your flimsy tent along with sleeping handbag or camping out cot, you might be only setting yourself up for possible hypothermia.

Starting point about this and also take with you a crisis quilt, which usually other folks refer to as place covers. They're created from lightweight, heat-inducing resources and so are usually big enough to suit a pair of. As a result, it's also possible to think of crisis blankets because the finest excuse pertaining to hugging and also cuddling!

The products be sure that any openings, spaces, or seam problems with your current tent won't cause you to snooze within a moist and also cold surroundings in the evening. Only use the merchandise to close off exactly what helps make your covering subjected to the elements exterior. One can choose from a number of forms thus merely choose which one particular works well with your own covering.

It does not have to be a tremendous 1. Everything stream-lined yet of excellent quality will do. Until you've got a easily transportable toilet along with you or you just aren't being immediately, you definitely need a scoop. First off, you'll need to dig pockets whenever you have to answer natural get in touch with and you're simply not in a modern camp web site. Next, you can stability in your outdoor tents by staking the person of polish lineage further in the terrain by using any shovel.

If you want to live in the shade but nevertheless have the ability to take pleasure in the best thing about woodlands, seashores, along with mountains then be sure you provide some tarps; preferably together with grommets ¨C they're not only good for keeping you in the shade, however, you also can make use of them to maintain lumber dried out.

Final, in no way underestimate the volume of bugs that live inside the woodlands. You could think which pest hits aren't to bother with, but wait until you obtain injured around plus your epidermis actually starts to swell along with hurt!?Be smart about it: deliver pest repellent and rehearse as many of it as being essential.

These are simply many of the camping things that a lot of people often overlook to bring throughout their initial journey. Inquire the expert camping out friends, and they may have something more important to include in their list!

Discuss your own experience and expertise; If you have any tools recommendations for new travelers, you should incorporate the actual opinion area beneath.

Various Choices of Mosquito Repellents Available

Mosquitoes are a real menace for humans as they cause many deadly diseases. Thus protection from these insects is very important. Different types of mosquito repellents are now available in the market that is really effective in keeping the pests at bay.

Whenever stepping outdoors it is very important to use mosquito repellents to keep oneself protected from the annoying pests. Mosquitoes are the most hated pests in the world not only for their buzzing sound but also for their bites. This is because they cause skin irritations that may take days to heal and in the worst cases they may even cause dangerous diseases like Malaria, Dengue and many others. Reports say that each year 300 million people are infected with such diseases and few have even died.

Mosquitoes are tiny insects but they can easily disrupt outdoors activities. The mainly feed on blood as protein is necessary for the development of their eggs. These pests breed on standing water and so their attacks increases during monsoons. Combating these pests is important which is possible through repellents. Various types of mosquito repellents are available in the market. In fact manufacturers are constantly experimenting to fight these pesky insects.

The common type of repellents used that can be applied on the body. They are mostly made from a chemical component known as DEE. It is very effective in warding off the pests through their strong smell and also by covering the body odor of the people. Its action can last for nearly 8 hours depending on the percentage of DEE present in the mosquito repellent. In case of prolonged use they can be harmful as they often cause skin infection, depression, insomnia, mood swings and other problems. So they should be used as per instruction mentioned on the labels. The repelling creams or lotions that are made of natural ingredients like rosemary, catnip, citronella etc are safer. They easily keep the insects hate the pleasant smell of these repellents and thus do not come near the humans. However they have to be applied over and over again as their action lasts only for few hours.

Citronella candles are also very popular repellents. They are made from citronella oil that gives a lemony odor which keeps the mosquitoes at bay. These are excellent products that can keep a home free of the pests. The electronic Mosquito Insect Repellent are equally good in killing and warding off the insects. They release a sort of electromagnetic wave that works in repelling any kind of pests. They either work through pug-in or batteries, thus suitable for camping. A very common repellent are the mosquito coils which emit a smoke that the pests cannot withstand. These coils are very cheap and so everybody can afford them.

Today fighting the mosquito attacks have become much easier as large variety of repellents are available in every store or pharmacies at much affordable rates.

Ideas For Designing a Beautiful and Functional Outdoor Room

When thinking about designing an outdoor room, there are three things that you should consider before making a single purchase:

-How you want to use the space
-What your space actually looks like (size, shape, layout, etc.)
-Your style

In order to have a truly functional and attractive outdoor room, you should really treat it as you would an indoor room. If done properly, outdoors space should be an extension of your indoor spaces, and the feel and style should flow nicely between the two. And many of the same design principles apply to both. The first and most important design principle to consider when designing your outdoor space is the function and purpose of the space. Outdoor spaces are meant to be relaxing, comfortable places to unwind and enjoy. Give consideration to how you want to use your outdoor space when thinking about how to design it. Is it where you want to enjoy outdoor dining, read books, entertain, play games, etc? Consider all of the activities you currently enjoy, or could see yourself enjoying outdoors. These will be important for the second piece of your outdoor room design plan, the space planning. Make a list of these activities.

Once you've decided what your outdoor space will be used for, its time to consider how you will arrange that space to accommodate your needs. Space planning is an important part of designing any room. It is the step where you consider the space you have and how it will best work for you. In this step you have to really consider the size and layout of your space so that you don't waste time, money and energy on furnishings and accessories that don't really work. At the very least, make sure you measure your space so that you know what size furniture can fit within it. Consider doing an actual scaled floor plan of your outdoor space. Don't worry, you don't have to be an architect or designer to do a scaled floor plan. All you need is a good tape measure, some grid paper and a small scale. There are many online tools that can help you create a simple, scaled floor plan of your space and even insert furniture within your floor plan to try out various layouts before making any purchases. Sites like http://www.floorplanner.com/products/personal will allow you to create one floor plan with up to five layouts for free or for a small fee, you can have unlimited access to their services.

When creating your floor plan, don't forget to consider any element (such as stairways and doorways) that could become a problem for furniture placement. I highly recommend taking this extra step as skipping it is where I find that most people have wasted the most amount of time and money in their design projects.

Another thing to consider when space planning is the orientation of your home. If your outdoor space is facing south and does not have mature trees to block the sun, for example, you can bet that your outdoor space will be quite hot and uncomfortable most of the day. You may want to consider investing in some sort of sun protection when designing your space. There are some wonderful retractable awnings and fabric canopies that can add shade and comfort as well as style to your outdoor space.

Another important element to consider is lighting. If you plan to use your outdoor space in the evening, lighting is an important design element that you must take into consideration. Outdoor lighting can be both functional and stylish. Consider replacing your commonplace light fixture with one that is more unique and stylish. Outdoor fans with built in lighting can provide both light and a nice breeze on hot summer nights. There are even outdoor chandeliers that can add a sense of sophistication to any outdoor room. Be sure that any light fixture you purchase is safe for outdoor use and it is recommended that you hire a professional electrician to install outdoor fixtures for your safety.

The final piece to consider for your outdoor space is style. Outdoor spaces truly become outdoor rooms when the style flows nicely from inside of the home out. Consider the way you have designed the inside of your home and use those design elements when working on your outdoor room. Make sure that your colors and furniture styles coordinate so that the space does not feel out of place. Mother nature is wonderful designer and you can always take her lead when designing your outdoor space. Use planters and shrubbery as your artwork, or to divide one functional space from another (for example your cooking area from your sitting area). Coordinate your furniture fabrics with your flowers, or vice-versa. Outdoor rooms can reflect your personality as much as any other room in your house.

Outdoor spaces can be as functional and attractive as your indoor spaces. Use these strategies to carefully plan out your outdoor room and will surely create a space that you can enjoy all spring, summer and fall.

Paola McDonald, Certified Interior Decorator and Owner of Creative Elegance Interiors, LLC

Creative Elegance Interiors is a full service interior decorating and design firm based in Hallmarked, VA and serving Northern Virginia, Washington, DC and parts of Maryland. We work with homeowners to create beautiful, functional, elegant home spaces that meet their and their families needs. We offer everything from custom window treatments, to kitchen and bathroom design, to furnishings and accessories. Our design style is elegant, sophisticated and clean. Our goal is to create home spaces that are beautiful, functional and designed to be enjoyed.

Creative Elegance Interiors, LLC
(571) 331-4801
http://www.creativeeleganceinteriors.com
http://www.creativeeleganceinteriors.wordpress.com

If you would like to use this article as a resource, you may do so by including the information contained within this resource box.

Getting Started With The Right Driving Instructor

If OA€™re brand new to getting behind the wheel and want to make sure that you get the most out of your money in every lesson, then one of the most important things you are going to have to consider is how to make sure you get the best driving instructor. If OA€™re close to Northampton, then you may find when looking for driving lessons, Northampton based teachers are the best option to stick with, and it is usually a good idea to opt for a driving teacher who is close by. Remember, you may find that the less you pay for your lessons overall, the less you will get out of your lessons. As with many things in life, you can find with driving instructors, you do get what you pay for, so here are some tips on qualities that you should look for in your ideal driving instructor.

The first thing you want to make sure that your driving instructor has is patience. It is absolutely crucial that your driving instructor is patient with you from the very start of your lessons. Nobody is perfect or fantastic at driving from the first day they get behind the wheel, and when OA€™re leaning you are bound to make a few mistakes along the way, meaning that you need an instructor that will be happy to put up with your errors and take the time to go through steps with you calmly and effectively. The more uncomfortable you feel with your driving instructor, the less likely you are to want to continue with your lessons. Next, be sure that your driving instructor is reliable. Although you may feel that you get along well with your instructor and should be able to feel comfortable in a car with them, you should remember that they are not your friend. Your instructor should always arrive on time to your scheduled lessons, in a suitable vehicle and in a suitable state of mind for your lesson, ready to show you the works. This also extends to another characteristic you should look for in a driving instructor: punctuality. It is important that your instructor is on time for your lessons, as you may find that you DNA€™t have the time to wait around if they are constantly late, which could mean that you get less from your lessons than you are paying for. You need to be sure that if OA€™re paying for an hour, or two hours with an instructor, you get that full time, on the schedule you agreed with the instructor beforehand.

Out Of The Front Knifes - Best Cutting Instrument That Fulfill All Your Cutting Needs

Knife is cutting instrument made with combination of a blade and handle. Knife is humankind's first instrument. In pre historic age knives is made of bones, rock, obsidian & flint. In todays' modern age these knives are made up of copper, iron, bronze, steel, titanium & ceramics. In today's time knives track either folding construction or fixed-blade style. These knives have different blade patterns & styles depending on countries of origin or makers.

Knives come in several forms, but it generally considered between two types: folding blade knives & fixed blade knives. A modern knife is made by assembling many parts such as a blade, point, handle, grind, edge, hilt, lanyard, guard & fuller.

Today in these modern world there are many factories are set that made professional knife. In these factories many professional worked together to produce an affected knife. There are many web portals that are offer you wide range of knife. They offers some common types of knives such as Bowie knives, automatic knife switchblades, survival knife, throwing knife, rescue knife, neck knife, diving knives, ceramic blade knives and many others.

Automatic Knives Switchblades also have many categories such as Bear & son cutlery switchblades, Out the Front switchblades popular as of knives, booker switch blades; hidden/concealed release button knives, mid-size switchblades, farmers switchblades & flush buttons with handle's surface switchblades.

Of knife open out the front with simple pull of a lever or press of a button. These knives are designed primarily for night guards, police & military. These knives are simple & safe to operate. Of knives come in two type's i.e. single action & double action knives. In single action knives there's no button or lever to retract blade, but in double action knives there's a retract button or lever, to pull back blade. Double action, knives are simple in use in comparison with single action knives, but these knives are little costly than single action knives. Some out of the front knives examples are Daredevil 2 front opening switchblade automatic knife with black handle, baby ace black automatic with black handle, baby ace blue automatic with blue handle& concord automatic dagger double action knife with double edged & black aluminum handle. There are many stores on World Wide Web, so that you can get any of knife from wide range of choice. They also give some discounts to customers on purchasing these of knives.

So if you want to purchase an out of the front knife, then logon to internet & Here menseffects.com you can get many stores for your of knife.

Various Choices of Mosquito Repellents Available

Mosquitoes are a real menace for humans as they cause many deadly diseases. Thus protection from these insects is very important. Different types of mosquito repellents are now available in the market that is really effective in keeping the pests at bay.

Whenever stepping outdoors it is very important to use mosquito repellents to keep oneself protected from the annoying pests. Mosquitoes are the most hated pests in the world not only for their buzzing sound but also for their bites. This is because they cause skin irritations that may take days to heal and in the worst cases they may even cause dangerous diseases like Malaria, Dengue and many others. Reports say that each year 300 million people are infected with such diseases and few have even died.

Mosquitoes are tiny insects but they can easily disrupt outdoors activities. The mainly feed on blood as protein is necessary for the development of their eggs. These pests breed on standing water and so their attacks increases during monsoons. Combating these pests is important which is possible through repellents. Various types of mosquito repellents are available in the market. In fact manufacturers are constantly experimenting to fight these pesky insects.

The common type of repellents used that can be applied on the body. They are mostly made from a chemical component known as DEE. It is very effective in warding off the pests through their strong smell and also by covering the body odor of the people. Its action can last for nearly 8 hours depending on the percentage of DEE present in the mosquito repellent. In case of prolonged use they can be harmful as they often cause skin infection, depression, insomnia, mood swings and other problems. So they should be used as per instruction mentioned on the labels. The repelling creams or lotions that are made of natural ingredients like rosemary, catnip, citronella etc are safer. They easily keep the insects hate the pleasant smell of these repellents and thus do not come near the humans. However they have to be applied over and over again as their action lasts only for few hours.

Citronella candles are also very popular repellents. They are made from citronella oil that gives a lemony odor which keeps the mosquitoes at bay. These are excellent products that can keep a home free of the pests. The electronic Mosquito Insect Repellent are equally good in killing and warding off the insects. They release a sort of electromagnetic wave that works in repelling any kind of pests. They either work through pug-in or batteries, thus suitable for camping. A very common repellent are the mosquito coils which emit a smoke that the pests cannot withstand. These coils are very cheap and so everybody can afford them.

Today fighting the mosquito attacks have become much easier as large variety of repellents are available in every store or pharmacies at much affordable rates.

Disclaimer Policy

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by us. This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post may not always be identified as paid or sponsored content. The owner(s) of this blog is not compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog owners. If we claim or appear to be experts on a certain topic or product or service area, we will only endorse products or services that we believe, based on our expertise, are worthy of such endorsement. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. This blog does contain content which might present a conflict of interest. This content may not always be identified.

How to Spruce Up Your Entryway

First impressions are important, especially when it comes to your house. Interestingly enough, your front door is likely to influence how visitors view the rest of your house far more than the siding, roofing, windows, or any other single element can. A handsome, well-designed entrance also does more to welcome friends and family than a perfect paint job or a lush, weed-free lawn. The irony is that most front entryways are boring portals that merely let people in and out. Here, we'll show you how you can transform an ordinary door into an elegant entryway in one weekend.

The original wooden frame was still good for this project, so we saved time by replacing just the door, not the entire unit. Next, the exterior of the doorway was trimmed with a pair of fluted columns and a stately crosshead pediment. The trim visually extends the doorway from 3- to 5-feet-wide. Instead of using wood trim—and committing to years of scraping and repainting—we opted for millwork molded from durable high-density urethane foam. This lightweight molding comes primed white and is impervious to rot, insects, moisture, cracking, and splitting. Best of all, it looks like handcrafted wood molding, even up close. We finished the entryway with an attractive midview aluminum storm door.

Step 1: Remove old door and threshold

Start by removing the old door from the opening; be sure to have someone hold the unit as you back out the last few screws. Then unscrew the old strike plate from the side jamb. Prepare the sill by removing the adjustable wood strip from the original threshold. If there's no adjustable part, you'll have to chisel the surface flush or cut out the whole sill.

Step 2: Prep for new door install

Sweep the sill clean and apply two thick beads of caulk where the new threshold will sit. Set the bottom of the new prehung replacement door onto the sill and tilt it into the opening. Check that the frame is square and the door is plumb.

Step 3: Secure the new door

Temporarily secure the door by nailing through the predrilled holes in the steel frame and into the wall framing. Use roofing nails, which have large heads.

Step 4: Install door and lockset

Swing open the door and drive long screws through the frame and into the original side jambs and head jamb. Don't overtighten the screws or you'll distort the steel doorframe. To finish, install a lockset and nail on the magnetic weather stripping that comes with the door.

Step 5: Prep for exterior trim install

Tack a straightedge board to the house as a saw guide. Run a circular saw along the guide, cutting only through the siding. Pry off the severed siding pieces and strip away the house wrap or building felt to expose the sheathing.

Here's How to Build a Perfect Path

All gardens have paths, planned or otherwise. A well-designed one keeps your feet dry and provides safe, easy access to your house. A great one does more. Whether it directs you and your guests under an archway of jasmine or around a bend to a reflecting pool, a path that works makes the garden more inviting. A successful path also shapes and defines garden areas as it connects unrelated parts to create a coherent whole. "One of the most important functions of a path is to link the house to the garden visually as well as physically," says Vermont landscape designer and author Gordon Hayward. 

Here's Hayward advice on routing a path, determining its size and choosing among surface materials that include everything from mulch, which you can get for free, to relatively expensive cut stone. 

PLOTTING YOUR PATH

How well a path works depends on how you route it. Hayward suggests starting with the most essential type, the primary path. This kind leads to or from the front and back doors, and often connects with the street or sidewalk.

Hayward advises keeping a path near the house straight to extend the architecture of the building, although this is not a hard-and-fast rule. A straight path is easy to follow and predictable, and produces a formal look, which Hayward believes is appropriate near the house. But you can soften the formality and add interest by planting along the edges of a path once it's completed.

A secondary path branches off from a primary path and usually extends farther into the landscape—perhaps to a vegetable garden or secluded bench. Because a secondary path doesn't see as much foot traffic as a primary path, you can make it narrower and less obtrusive. You can also give it gentle curves to make it more casual and level out a gentle climb. "Be sure curves appear natural and logical, not willy-nilly," Hayward warns. Three ways to do that: Curve the path around an existing tree; set a garden feature, such as a boulder or a shrub, inside it; or follow the dripline of trees—the area that's just outside their branch tips. 

Also consider routing a path to create interesting visual illusions:

•A path that curves and disappears around a corner draws attention to what lies beyond. Use a meandering path to alternately reveal and conceal special plantings, a garden sculpture, a striking view and other features. 

•A straight, narrow path can make a garden appear longer, especially if the end point is hidden. 

•A curving path, or one laid on the diagonal, draws the eye from side to side and counteracts an elongated appearance.

•In a yard dominated by lawn, a stepping- stone path breaks up and adds interest to the expanse of green, and protects the grass from wear and tear. 

HOW WIDE?

The size of a path should relate to its use. A primary path should be at least 48 in. wide so two people can walk side by side. Hayward also suggests that the width correspond to the dimensions of an architectural element of your house—the combined width of the front door and its trim, for instance. "That helps ensure the house and path relate to each other," he says. 

A secondary path is more likely to be used by one person at a time, and should be narrower—30 to 36 in. wide. Narrower still are what Hayward calls tertiary paths, which are the most casual and least traveled. An example is a narrow bark-mulch path leading into a wooded area behind the house. Varying the width of this type of path adds interest to the walk. 

Be sure all paths are wide enough to accommodate your outdoor equipment. For example, a lawn mower or garden cart requires about 3 to 4 ft., while a tractor may need 5 ft. or more. When in doubt, err on the wide side to ensure paths are comfortable, safe and easy to follow. Also be sure paths are at least an arm's length away from walls so people don't have to walk right up against them. 

THE BEST MATERIALS

Choose the surface next. Soft surfaces include a variety of mulches and turf. Hard surfaces, including brick and stone pavers, offer variety and good looks. 

Consider safety, practicality, appearance and cost when choosing a surface material. Hayward's advice: 

•Complement your house. A path that fits in visually is made of materials that blend with the style and materials of the house and surrounding structures. That doesn't mean you can't mix contrasting materials to perk up a path. Mixing also lets you blend expensive materials, like cut stone at $3 to $4 dollars per square foot, with less expensive ones, such as brick, at $2 to $3. But too many unrelated materials in the same area tends to look confusing.

•Think purpose and location. A primary path that sees heavy traffic must be made from a material that's set firmly in place and provides an even, nonslip surface. Loose, informal materials, like crushed stone or bark, are often inappropriate near an entryway because people track them inside. They're also hard to shovel when it snows, though they're fine for a casual tertiary path that leads through a woodland or vegetable garden. 

7 PLEASING PATH SURFACES 

Gravel and crushed stone provide a low-cost, fast-draining surface. These nonslip materials come in a range of colors and sizes, and are also easy to install. Here, a meandering path of gray stones narrows between small boulders to focus attention on the two urns just beyond. Gravel 3/4 in. in diameter or smaller is easiest on feet. Edging is required to keep the stones from traveling, while occasional raking will keep the surface free of leaves and twigs. Gravel is sold in bags and in bulk by the ton or cubic yard. Bulk stone costs less than bagged, although delivery is usually extra. Prices vary by stone type. You'll pay anywhere from $8 to $80 or more for a ton, enough to cover about 100 sq. ft. at a depth of 1 1/2 to 2 in. 

Mixed materials like the brick, ceramic tile and broad stones that compose this bold path, create a unique look. This path is a distinctive feature in itself. Yet the repetition of path colors in garden ornaments, bed edgings and flowers helps all elements work together. More traditional paving combinations include stepping stones and gravel, or brick with pebbles. Test materials you're considering by laying out samples in your garden to see how they work together and with the surroundings. 

Brick can be laid in countless patterns, including the intricate herringbone design that makes up the straight path shown here. It's relatively affordable, requires little maintenance and is easy to work with because of its uniform shape. Choose a basic end-on-end pattern like running bond or stack bond for curved paths to avoid extensive brick cutting. And always use paving bricks, not wall bricks. Besides being solid, paving bricks are harder and more durable—especially in cold or wet climates. For safety's sake, choose bricks with a rough surface. And install a stout steel or plastic edging to contain the bricks and prevent them from spreading and shifting under foot. Paving bricks measure about 2 in.thick 5 4 in. wide 5 8 in. long. Costs range from 45 to 65 cents each, or $2 to $3 per square foot. 

A mulch path, including bark, pine needles or the fresh sawdust shown here, is best for an informal path in low-traffic spots. Mulch provides an earthy, casual look and feel. Choose one that fits its environment—a bark-mulch path in a woodland planting or pine needles through a planting of evergreens, for example. Organic mulches eventually decompose and work into the soil, so you'll need to add more periodically. 

Stone is an unusually elegant path surface. It's also expensive and among the most challenging to lay. You can set stones loose in sand or in concrete with mortar joints, as shown. A mortared path should be done by a pro, because it will crack unless properly installed. Stone, sold by masonry suppliers, is available in irregular shapes or cut to uniform size—typically squares or rectangles sized in 6-in. increments. Native stone is most likely to blend well with the surroundings. Expect to pay $3 to $4 per square foot.

A grass path of uniform width, shown here, gives the feeling of walking through a single garden rather than through two separate areas of the yard. The even green color contrasts with adjacent flowering plants. A grass path is inexpensive and easy to install using seed or sod. But regular weeding, watering, feeding and mowing are required. And even with the best of care, grass struggles to grow in deep shade and high-traffic areas with compacted soil as well as beneath trees that compete for water and nutrients. A grass path can be formed to most any size and shape. Just remember to make it wide enough to mow easily.

PUTTING IT DOWN 

The same principles apply when installing most solid materials, including brick, concrete pavers and cut stone. Whichever material you choose, keep these essentials in mind:

•Most paths, excluding grass and stepping stones 4 to 5 sq. ft. or larger, require a base of coarse crushed stone to stay level for years to come. Soil type and climate determine how deep to make it. A landscape contractor or stone dealer can provide suggestions for your area. In general, figure on a base 4 in. deep in mild-winter climates with well-drained soil, and 5 to 8 in. deep if you live where the ground freezes.

•Improve drainage in heavy, clay soil by placing a 4-in.-dia. PVC drainpipe down the center of the path, enclosed within the gravel base. Drain holes should face down.

•Prepare your path so water drains off the surface. You have two options: Install the path so the finished surface is 1/4 to 1/2 in. above the adjacent grade, or slope the path away from your foundation or driveway 1/4 in. per foot of path width.

•Apply a leveling course—usually 1 to 2 in. of sand—over the base so you can move a stone or brick around until it's nested just right. An optional layer of landscape fabric between the gravel base and sand prevents sand from filtering through the gravel.

•Use professional-quality masonry edging to hold bricks, concrete pavers and small stones in place. Edgings, which are commonly aluminum, steel or plastic, cost $13 to $15 per 7 1/2-ft.-long section. 

•Even if you don't plan on lighting the path now, install electrical conduit just above the base in case you decide to add it later. That allows wires to be retrofitted easily and provides added protection for wires on a low-voltage lighting system. 

Building a garden path is mostly common sense. But it does require some skill and a lot of elbow grease. So don't hesitate to seek advice from pros early in the planning process. Check the yellow pages under landscape architects, contractors and designers. These pros will answer questions specific to your site or handle the entire project. 

Building a Car-Nut's Garage

Fixing up the garage may be last on the family priority list, but it's often first in the heart of those who love the smell of gasoline and the roar of a Chevy small-block V-8. So, don't settle for open two 2-by-four studs, dim bulbs, and intolerable temperatures. Give yourself an automotive playroom that becomes another of your gearhead tools. 

Think about functional upgrades, of course, but also look into options that make your garage a reflection of your personality. Consider flooring materials that can be ordered in bold colors. Investigate pro-style tool-storage compartments. And then turn your garage fridge into a faux gas pump. 

Below are some tips on how to create and outfit your dream garage. But before starting, have the renovation's end point firmly in mind. Will the garage be primarily a place to store and showcase a 1963 Split-Window Corvette? If so, decor and lighting would be priorities. 

If you're Mr. Fixit, are your projects usually minor repairs and maintenance (Bondo missions and oil changes, for instance)? You probably won't need to store too many bulky or expensive tools, if that's the case. If you do major work, like a ground-up restoration of a Shelby Mustang, you will have serious space, power, and climate considerations. Here's a more general discussion about designing a garage. 

Re-doing Garage Walls

You may want to remove most of the existing sheetrock, if any exists, to allow for the proper installation of electrical wiring that can meet your power demands. 

The typical garage is electrically malnourished. You may need the electrical service upgraded to include a dedicated circuit-breaker panel for multiple circuits in order to handle heavy electrical consumption. You might even have a 220-volt circuit installed to power an air compressor or arc welder. Either way, you'll want multiple 110-volt receptacles near the floor and at bench height. And just in case you haven't heard this admonition before, electrical work generally is not DIY stuff. Hire a pro. If you must do this yourself, for safety's sake, read this article, and read this one.

Open walls also make adding new plumbing easier. In case you don't know, a good washbasin is worth its weight in anything that might come through the garage door. 

Insulation is essential for any location that regularly sees frost. With these basics in place, a course of sheetrock will bring it all together. 

And because garage lighting is usually a bare-bones affair, consider upgrading to low-cost overhead fluorescent fixtures is all but mandatory. If you will be putting in time on at a workbench, then mount directional task lights on the wall or ceiling overlooking the work area.

Creating a New Floor

While not casting aspersions, garage floors almost always are the second-dirtiest surface in the world (gas-station bathrooms being No. 1). Sweep up the scraps, dust, and stray nuts and assess the situation. 

Pay particular attention to your garage's drainage. Is the floor regularly wet or damp? Solutions run from the simple (patching the cracks) to the major (breaking concrete to installing a drain). Check out a few TOH drainage stories for help. Find out how to clean any clogged drain. 

Fortunately, there are lots of choices when it comes to making the floor look good. An oil-stained concrete floor should be scrubbed, preferably with a mild, acidic cleaning solution, which can be found sold at hardware stores. Having created a clean pallet, buy a paint formulated for garage floors such as Behr's Part Epoxy Acrylic Concrete & Garage Floor Paint is a widely available finish. For a more resilient and costly alternative, you can move up to an industrial epoxy finish, but it probably will require extensive surface preparation. 

Many homeowners are turning to rubber overlays or composite products to top off floors. There are large mats and rolled sheets in various widths that you can be cut to fit your space. These products clean easily and are generally impervious to petrochemicals, antifreeze, and household cleaning agents. There's also a host of colors from which to choose; Griot's Garage offers a number of roll widths and colors. 

Colorful, interlocking tiles that can be installed wall to wall are available from vendors including; Lock-tile; and the RaceDeck division of Snap Lock Industries.Tiles snap together, making checkerboard or simple designs if you like. Tiles range in size, starting at 12-by-12 inches.

Addressing Doors and Windows

New garage doors are superior at excluding the elements. Choices range from custom-built wooden doors designed to harmonize with your house style to conventional steel doors (which should be double-walled and insulated). Speaking of harmonizing, did you know you can disguise your garage door as just another exterior wall. Here's a deeper discussion of garage-door options. 

On a more functional level, the gap between the standard garage door and its frame are typically quite wide and in need of weather stripping. This is particularly important in regions with high humidity or extreme marine conditions, both deadly to metal surfaces. Clopay, and Raynor offer a wide range of wood and steel doors. 

Windows often are thought of last in designing garages, but they're essential to a working garage, offering both light and ventilation. Narrow awning windows installed five or six feet above the floor offer many space-saving advantages, including preserving valuable wall space for cabinets and work areas. Most garage doors come with windows, too which is a good way to let in additional light, too. 

Garage Safety

Fire safety is needs to be a paramount consideration in building or renovating a garage. After all, we're talking about a room filled with flammable liquids and electric tools. Give serious thought to a sprinkler system should be a high priority along with an alarm and a fire extinguisher or two. If the garage is attached to the house, be sure that the door leading into the residence is solid-core and fire-rated. Read this story about how homeowner's insurance works, especially if you think worrying about fire is for sissies. 

Along the same lines, be careful with carbon monoxide.

Storage in the Garage

Where to put the torque wrenches, hacksaws, and socket sets? One solution is to have storage built to your specifications. If you're after an industrial look, there's the real thing, from Snap-on, which is famous for its red cabinets and storage chests that make most guys weak in the knees. There are also a host of choices from Whirlpool Corp.'s Gladiator GarageWorks, which has designed a new line of wall-storage compartments, workbenches, and floor-standing units with an industrial metal appearance for residential garages. And there's always Sears Craftsman, which has been supplying heavy-duty tool storage to homeowners and pros for decades. Here's a TOH story to help you plan for more storage TOH story. Speaking from experience in addition to a Jetta and a Suburban, my father had squeezed into his two-car garage a gas-powered electrical generator, rolling floor jack, electric arc welder, air compressor, floor-mounted drill press, commercial tire changer, as well as multiple grinders, tool boxes and vices. There are few limits to how much equipment you can store. 

The truly committed can buy four-post lifts. These lifts are designed to facilitate automotive service as well as vertical storage for two cars. Just drive a car onto the lift and jack it up high enough to drive a second car beneath it. Eagle Equipment has a large selection of lifts that can be used in residential settings, some of which can even accommodate pickups and standard SUVs. 

Of course you'll need cold storage. Batteries last longer at a controlled temperature, don't they? Coincidentally, so do most liquid refreshments. One solution is to move the old refrigerator into the garage. But Gladiator GarageWorks has another idea: specially made refrigerators for the spaces that aren't temperature-controlled. The line not only features graphite-gray metal-plate exteriors, but mechanical guts engineered to withstand extreme climate. For your planning purposes, Gladiator's web site states that its smallest refrigerator, the 6-cubic-foot Beverage Box, has room for 170 12-ounce cans. 

On the other hand, if you decide to keep the old refrigerator, you can give it a whole new personality. PWM Enterprises offers what it calls a fridge conversion kit that helps you make the old ice box look like a large commercial tool chest or a very large gas pump, complete with hose, nozzle, face plate, and logos. 

With all these options, there's no reason to limit your automotive doting to designer waxes, rolling two-ton car jacks, and home-entertainment-in-a-car systems. Fix up your garage because there's no rule that says your hobby has to be dirty and uncomfortable.

How to Spruce Up a Worn Out Deck

By the time contractor Stephen Bonesteel arrived on the scene, the condition of this pine deck was bleak. Twenty years of harsh upstate New York weather without a lick of care had turned its once-bright boards a weatherbeaten gray, flecked with slimy algae and black leaf stains. 

Still, even wood this neglected can be brought back to respectability, as Bonesteel demonstrated for This Old House. Over the course of a week, he power-washed and hand-scrubbed the deck back to a semblance of newness, then brushed on a protective coat of semitransparent stain. 

Between refinishings, the best way to keep a deck in shape is with regular broom-washings using soap and water. “Clean it at least once a season,” Bonesteel says, “especially in spring, when pollen provides a food source for mildew.” Then, every three or so years, follow the steps here for a deck that looks - and lasts - its best. 

CHOOSING A FINISH 

Choosing a finish for a softwood deck is a three-way tug of war between aesthetics, practicality, and protection. Favor any one characteristic, and you have to give up a bit of the other two. For example, if showing off the beauty of new wood is top priority, a clear finish is the obvious choice. But that clarity also lets in destructive UV rays, and that means more frequent reapplication (every six to 24 months). By contrast, solid stains offer great sun protection but hide the wood's grain under an opaque film. They have about a four-year life span, but like all film forming finishes, they tend to peel or crack.

The most popular deck finishes are semitransparent stains, which are also the easiest to maintain. They contain more sun-blocking pigments than clear finishes, but not enough to completely obscure the wood grain. And because they penetrate the surface, there's no film to fail. Just recoat as needed, generally after three years.

Step 1: Wash and Wet

• Wait for an overcast day, when evaporation from the deck will be slower. 

•Remove furniture and plants, and trim or tie back any branches touching the deck. 

•Wet down or cover adjacent foliage and siding, and protect yourself with rubber boots and rain pants. 

•Wash leaves and dirt off the deck and railings with a spray from a garden hose or a pressure washer set at 3,000 psi and fitted with a gentle 40-degree fan nozzle. For maximum efficiency, hold the nozzle tip about 18 inches from the 

Step 2: Scrub

•With the deck still wet, put on latex gloves and dip a brush with stiff, chemical-resistant bristles into the cleaning solution.

• Scrub the wood in the direction of the grain. Work in small sections, starting with the top rail, then the balusters, posts, and bottom rail. 

•Tackle the deck boards last, no more than 200 square feet at a time. 

Tip: The soap bubbles will help you see which areas you've covered.

Step 3: Power Rinse

• Wait at least 15 minutes, then rinse off the solution completely using a garden hose or a pressure washer with a 40-degree fan nozzle. Hold the pressure-washer wand no closer than 6 to 8 inches from the wood. The spray should span the width of one board and hit the surface at a 45-degree angle. Move steadily, rinsing one board at a time. 

Warning: Never let the wand halt in one place while the spray is on.

Step 4: Let Dry

•Before stain can be applied, the wood must dry or it won't absorb the finish. Three or four consecutive days without rain is enough time in most climates. (When in doubt, check with a moisture meter; when it reads 15 percent or less, the wood is ready to coat.) 

•Sweep the deck clean before applying stain.

Step 5: Stain the Railings

•Using a synthetic filament brush slightly wider than the deck's boards, apply the stain full-strength in the same order you scrubbed: top rail, balusters and posts, bottom rail, and then the decking. 

•Brush up drips and runs immediately. 

•For an even color, stir the stain frequently during application.

Tip: Finish all four sides of each baluster before moving on to the next one.

Step 6: Stain Deck

•Brush the deck's boards one at a time with long, even strokes, working with the grain. Keep a wet edge to prevent lap marks, and immediately brush out any pools of stain. 

•When you're finished, let the deck dry for at least two days before walking on it or replacing the furniture.

Add home value with a remodeled outdoor kitchen

Homeowners are always wondering what remodeling project will bring them the best return on their investment. Is it a third bathroom, a revamped kitchen, a bigger closet in the master bedroom?

In our opinion, a top selling point when you put your house on the market in Arizona is an attractive outdoor kitchen on your patio. Not just a charcoal grill plus a picnic table; it’s got to be a space that will invite family and friends to visit your backyard and stay a while.

Just to give you an idea of how hot grilling is in America: The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association says that 8.2 million gas grills, 5.9 million charcoal grills, and 280,000 electric grills were shipped from factories to stores last year. Just like America, Arizona is really cooking outdoors.

Of course, fall is a great time to set up that second kitchen outdoors. You might want to consult a designer, a landscaper or a builder. But whatever you do, here are some ideas to remember in building a brand new grilling/dining area or remodeling an old one:

Think carefully about the best possible position for the outdoor grill and the dining table. “You don’t want the cook to grill the steak with the setting sun shining in their face, for example,” says designer Kathryn Prideaux of Prideaux Design in Tucson. “You need to create an environment for your outdoor living space.”

Remember that existing or new “walls” can help you create your outdoor room. Building a backyard kitchen that’s like a floating island smack dab in the middle of your yard may not create the ambience you want. You might want to build a small privacy wall near your house and then put your kitchen up against it. You might want to use a column of a covered patio as the anchor for a counter and barbecue space. Or use a bench built next to an existing wall for some of the seating at your dining table. You also want to make sure that what you build blends in properly with your house and existing hardscape.

Think shade, shade, shade. As every Arizona resident knows, creating an outdoor room that is inviting for family and friends means you need lots of shelter from sun. Possible additions to your plans: umbrellas, ramadas, pergolas, shade sails, misting systems or a cover for your patio. Of course, by the time dinner starts, the sun may have set, so make sure to add extra outdoor lighting so you can see what’s on your plate.

It’s desirable to have a patio kitchen as close as possible to your indoor kitchen. When you are just a few steps away from all your indoor appliances and supplies, Prideaux says, you will end up keeping costs down. After all, if your kitchen is way out there on the other side of the swimming pool, you might need to add more conveniences like a sink, a dishwasher and a small refrigerator. Those amenities can be costly; running gas, electricity and water out to those appliances can be pricey, too.

Be sure to buy stainless-steel appliances, by the way, and make sure they have a safety stamp for outdoor use from Underwriters Laboratories. Put in lots of counter space around the grill for dishes, pots and pans.

Of course, with an outdoor kitchen close to the house, you do need to be careful about where all the smoke and heat will go from the grill. You don’t want it drifting over the dinner table or into your house. You want that kitchen area to vent properly as well so you need to make sure you meet local code requirements about walls and roofing.

Add some zing to all the earth tones. For many of us, a lush landscape in the desert means a couple of saguaros, some Texas sage and a couple of big rocks — interesting but heavy on the beige. So think about adding orange, yellow, blue to the outdoor room. Put colorful tiles on a fireplace or wall; choose colored chair cushions or benches or umbrellas.

You can keep down costs. Build your hardscape in stages. Maybe start with a standalone grill and try it in several spots before deciding to build a permanent grill so you don’t make a costly mistake. Use light-colored pavers for your patio flooring and other low-maintenance materials like concrete and stone for tables, benches and counters.

You can even do some work yourself. Some parts of the kitchen certainly can be built by homeowners. They sell kits for metal cabinets for outdoor kitchens that you can have shipped to you in boxes. Then you assemble the units and stucco them or cover them with another veneer. You can also build units yourself out of masonry blocks and then cover them with stucco.

Some pre-fabricated units can even be shipped to you and lowered into your yard using a forklift. With those, all you have to do is plug them in and you’re ready to roll, says Nathan Angel, in sales with Belgard Hardscapes.

But in all these cases, be sure to get a licensed contractor to hook up the plumbing, electricity and gas lines. You want things done properly and safely.

How my freezing Victorian terraced home sparked a green makeover plan

After experiencing my first bit of proper climate guilt, I'm going to find out how to heat my Victorian terraced house more efficiently

In January, during what seemed like one of the coldest winters on record, I moved home. After almost two years of hunting for the perfect place, then an adequate place, then any place at all with walls and a roof, I had lucked out. A beautiful Victorian terrace appeared on the market not far from where I was already living in north London and my brother and I - who would be sharing the new place with me - jumped on it.

This was the dream: a spare bedroom, high ceilings, a big kitchen, a room just for books and an armchair, even a tiny south-facing garden. And, best of all, it had recently been refurbished and painted so I could move straight in. Given I'm no fan of DIY, this was ideal.

And it was. Well, until the first night. Cast your mind back to the start of this year and you'll recall near-freezing temperatures and winds that could make your bones retreat further into your flesh, anything to stay warm. That first night in the dreamy house, there was a chill in the air. Under my duvet, I shivered, wondering if I'd ever warm up again.

To just slightly mitigate how mollycoddled this makes me sound, consider this: for the past seven years, I had been warmly enveloped in a tiny one-bed flat where the storage heaters kept the place blazing hot even when they were turned down low. It had thick walls, double-glazed windows and, with flats above and below, free insulation all around. The electricity bills were accordingly tiny and I barely thought about the energy I was using or what it might feel like to be cold while asleep. And, no, I've never been camping.

Fortunately, the heating system in the old Victorian terrace was relatively new. So I turned up the thermostat and basked in waves of warmth from the radiators. A week of cooking myself in the house, though, and I began to feel guilty. I was warm but stand next to any of the (beautiful) sash windows and it was easy to feel how much of our heating was just leaking away. The thin windows rattled whenever the biting wind passed by outside; a breeze blew straight through the gaps between our front door and its frame. The kitchen, which we later discovered had no insulation at all in the ceiling, was only warm when the radiator and cooker were both turned up full. In turning up the heating, my brother and I were doing a valiant job of warming the air around our house.

This caused my first bit of proper climate guilt. I had no idea how much energy I was throwing away, how much it cost and, given that I wanted to stay in this house for a long time to come, what impact this heating habit (combined with others like me) would have on the rest of the world.

So we landed here, where I'll be blogging my eco refurb. The first step to greening our house was to find out how energy-inefficient our house really is, using the advice of Green your home's expert panellists Robert Bell at the Energy Saving Trust and eco-home pioneer Russell Smith at Parity Projects. They'll tell me what's wrong with our house, what we've been doing wrong so far in trying to heat it and, hopefully, how to make things better.

Outdoor Spaces Revamp Vegas Homes

Las Vegas’s balmy, sun-drenched days foster a robust outdoor lifestyle. Airy, uncluttered residences have long been in fashion as a result, offering large swaths of glass that bring daylight indoors. Meanwhile outdoor space is increasingly being viewed as an extension of the home. But the very latest in today’s real estate market has taken these concepts one step further and made a blurred boundary between indoors and out a desirable design quality.

“In Las Vegas, outdoor spaces are a part of the home,” says Kristen Routh-Silberman, a luxury property realtor with Synergy Sotheby’s International Realty. “It’s more than a design approach. It’s a lifestyle: outdoor living as indoor living.”

Savvy builders and architects use a variety of tools and techniques to excel backyard living spaces. Glass doors that slide or fold back can accentuate the illusion of uninterrupted space, while indoor flooring that extends outside can further connect the home with its surroundings. Some homes have outdoor living rooms, with oversized furniture and conversation fire pits. Covered patios, screened porches, gazebos, and barbecue islands are familiar fixtures in Southern Nevada, and the backyard has moved to the front stage as a setting for informal gatherings and late-afternoon soirées.

“Bright, cheery places appeal to emotion,” says Rob Jenson, chief executive officer of the Jenson Group. “Homes gain another dimension by going up and out.”

Southern Nevada homes are often oriented to take full advantage of the subtropical climate and surrounding vistas: The better the view, the better the value. Locals and visitors alike have lovingly embraced the southwestern environment for its rugged, indigenous beauty, with Joshua trees, Mojave yucca plants, creosote bushes, and blackbrush plants—plus views of the Spring Mountains, which include Mount Charleston. Sweltering summer heat and dustcarrying winds are a problem local architects, such as Las Vegas–based AssemblageStudio, have learned to address.

“We believe that you can live outside in 110 degree weather and still be comfortable, but the outdoor space has to be done correctly with wind screens and proper ventilation,” says Eric Strain, principal of AssemblageStudio. “The outdoor space is almost a vestibule. It can help adjust your internal thermostat when transitioning from an air-conditioned area to an open-air setting.”

Cleverly arranged desert landscaping can provide sheltering shade that acts as a buffer against the natural elements. Lush, flowering, drought-tolerant trees, plants, and shrubs can additionally suggest an oasis-like setting, or adding hints of water, Strain says, such as arroyos and rivulets, can have a subtle but potent psychological effect that tricks the body into cool-down mode. Other architectural devices for making desert living livable are deep, shaded overhangs, window louvers, and fans.

“We try to screen-direct heat and diffuse daylight into the home,” Strain says. “Or we will place windows away from eye-level, for unexpected views. The effect feels like you’re bringing landscaping into the home.”

Obscuring the line between indoors and out often starts with the glazing: Skillfully placed protective glazing can make a home glow like a lantern at night for a sense of ethereal transparency. Several industry trade tricks can produce this quality as well: Open-flowing floor plans, for instance, allow greater uninterrupted expanses of space that allow daylight to penetrate deeper and further inside a room.

Shelves, reflective hues, and articulated façades can refract and amplify light. Window size and placement, meanwhile, play an important role for achieving an open-air ambience. Clerestory windows, low-lying openings, and skylights can carry light from unexpected angles for uniquely illuminated perspectives that gracefully meld indoors and out.

High ceilings are another device that may lend volume to a room and amplify sunlight for a warm, lustrous feeling that spells “home” for many Southern Nevadans. “People don’t want to feel like they’re inside a dark cave,” Jenson says. “Home buyers really want a ‘wow’ factor with light-filled open floor plans and great views, which add to a sense of space. It’s a quality all the finer homes in Southern Nevada possess.”