Three Tips for Choosing a Cupola for Your Home

Cupolas have been decorating the big forts to churches, homes in high tech societies, town hall buildings, and barns for many centuries. A cupola is an architectural addition to the home installed at the rooftop. It is an enclosed dome-shaped structure with openings.

Earlier, the cupola was installed for ventilation and illumination of the area beneath it. However, as the time passes, it also starts serving decorative purposes. Nowadays, cupolas are more famous for its artistic looks than functional use. A large variety of shapes and designs of cupola are out in the market, so many so that one can get confused easily which one will suit best for his or her home.

Choosing the right size and shape of the cupola is very important because if you don’t get right, then cupola might not serve the desired purpose. Therefore, we have laid down the three tips which you can follow for choosing cupola for your home.

Here are the tips:

Size

Too large or too small cupola, in either way, can disturb the looks of home. Therefore, choosing the right size of the cupola is very important. The general guideline to choose the size of the base of the cupola is that it should be minimum one inch of the cupola to every one foot of the unbroken roofline. This thumb rule holds good for a barn and small structures.

For multi-story building, the base of cupola should be 1.5 inches of cupola per foot of the unbroken roofline. However, if your rooftop is large, you can double the width of the cupola base for every foot of the uninterrupted roofline. Also, there is no hard and fast rule of installing one cupola for the rooftop. You can also choose the two smaller cupolas than one large cupola.

Shape

The shape of cupola has a great impact on its visual effects. Most popular shapes of cupola include round, hexagonal, square, and octagonal. Cupola has three parts- Base, Mid-section, and Roof.

Base and mid-section of the cupola generally follow the same shape pattern. However, the design of the roof of the cupola can vary a bit. It can be in the shape of a dome, pyramid, or bell. Louvers or glass windows make the mid-section of the cupola. It allows light and air to pass to the area beneath it.

Material

Cupolas are exposed directly to the harsh climatic conditions. You do not want to climb up to the rooftop for repairing the cupola every now and then. Therefore, choosing a right material of cupola is very necessary. Fortunately, you have a lot of options available to choose from. Cupola made of metal, vinyl, marble, and wood is the most popular one.

Metal Cupolas

Cupola made of aluminum and copper looks very attractive. Copper cupola looks just elegant, traditional, and authentic. It is strong, durable, and requires little maintenance, and lasts for years. Aluminum cupolas also have the same properties and can be polished to any desired color.

Vinyl Cupolas

Vinyl cupola gives the metallic finish but not made of the metals. It is impervious to water and can easily withstand harsh weather easily. It does not need any maintenance work and less expensive than metal cupola.

Wood Cupolas      

Nothing can replace the natural charm and finishing of the wood cupola. It is made of cedar wood and needs to be treated with chemical solutions to make it water resistant and pest resistant. Wood cupola requires little maintenance and care, but its charming looks compensate for that.

Marble Cupolas       

These are made of marble and almost maintenance free and last for a lifetime. Marble cupolas are the perfect choice for adding an element of elegance to your rooftop.

These are the three tips for choosing right cupola for your home.

The Bottom Line

The cupola is the center of attraction of the rooftop. It can make or break the looks of home. And once installed, lasts for years. Therefore, it is necessary to choose the right cupola for your home.

Decorative Lanterns to Enhance the Beauty at Outdoors

Among new generation decorative lighting accessories, the use of lanterns is all the rage among homeowners for illumining their outdoor and indoor. Most irresistibly, the subtle rustic appearance of lantern has been a glamour symbol for almost all occasions, be it weeding reception, new year party, a romantic candlelight dinner or simply to bring in a relaxing ambiance in your exterior. Available in wide variety of styles, shapes, colors and finishing, the feature oriented lanterns for sale are available online to boast your home during festive or add to year-round charm.

Choosing the Right Set of Lanterns

With increasing popularity of the lighting tool, the industry has been swarmed with infinite range of patterns, whereas being a potential buyer you need to imagine the best matching lanterns for sale while opting for. When it comes to your exterior, you should think right from the top i.e. using lanterns especially designed for cupolas to the entrance compassing staircases, balconies, roof railings, terrace garden to backyard, lawn and so on. There are plenty of functional to simple lantern lighting patterns which can be used as regular illuminating fixture to elaborate the decorative look of your outdoor. Points to consider while buying lanterns include:

Designs: To name a few among the most popular design approaches include Victorian, Moroccan, Asian sets and others. With modernization, nowadays they are designed exclusively to illuminate yards, staircase railings, open terrace, entryway, or cupolas.

Sizes and Shapes: Lanterns for sale are available in comprehensive shapes and designs including rectangular, round, square, cylindrical, octagonal, and oval. Equally, from small to big sizes of lanterns for gateway or patio are widely available.

Materials: Materials used in lanterns are of various types and qualities. Obviously the best bargain is choosing accessories that are having copper finished structure while bronze, nickel or glass finished fireproof items are also good choices. Since the lighting tools to be used mainly for outdoor, consider they’re protected with all necessary feature making them resistive to all weather conditions.

Why Buy Lantern?

Curb Appeal 

A well-lit abode looks inviting, loved and being cared for. Illuminated homes in the neighborhood draw special attention of the people while featured lighting boosts its curb appeal to a great extent. Apart from changing the mood of the ambiance, lanterns for sale illuminate the setting including walkways across the pool, driveways, decks, staircases with their delicate lighting flame and make them appealing. Cupola lantern lighting not only accentuates your astonishing cupola however, keeps the dwelling from looking it shaded, and makes it striking. By changing the colors of the bulbs in different seasons especially during festive times, you can add flair and make it whimsical.

Safety

With a series of great looking lanterns you can ensure safety of your guests, visitors, as well as family members from sudden falling at night with well lit entryways, walkways surrounding the lawn as well as stairs. Equipped with one or more bulbs and led lighting with diffusing features, lanterns for sales are available in all purpose lighting varieties.

Security

Security is a major concern not only for your property, family members as well for visitors to your home. Outdoor lighting tools makes your home and loved ones secure by discouraging burglars to enter into the property, which has become essential nowadays. A great option to have security plus eliminating your electricity bills is to use sensor lighting and timers which get activated or turn on/off on arrival or as per schedule.

Lawn Featuring

For those outfitted with impressive landscapes with water courses, flower beds, mulch as well as flower baskets, and planters on the walkways fenced with rambling vines can wonderfully boost the look of the lovely lawn with various outdoor lighting accessories. No denying, outdoor sculptures, terraced gardens, and lawn water features widen opportunity to boost their magnificence with various lanterns for sale. Equally, with cupola lighting that often appears like a beacon, you can help your guests to spot your farmhouse in countryside which has been prepared for a grand celebration party.

Know How to Choose the Variety of Planters You Need for Patio Container Décor

Container gardening can be a simple and fun way to beautify your patio with ease. Patio container décor doesn’t require excessive planning or work. With simple ideas, you can create a patio design that can be a relaxing and joyous place for your whole family and guests.

Here are some ideas to choose the right containers to decorate your patio beautifully.

Muted and Vibrant

Use plain terracotta or clay pots in their natural shades with colorful flowers to create a beautiful patio. Pink bougainvillea in big terracotta planters on one side of the patio can uplift this entire space.

If you wish to plant white flowers, choose clay planters in vibrant colors such as brilliant yellow, blue, red, orange, and green. If you have bright furniture patio, it is better to keep the rest of the accessories muted in neutral shades. A mix of muted and bright shades can create contrasts that can look amazing at any time of the day.

Another way to utilize this combination is to fix deep watering stakes with colorful designs in neutral-colored planters with white flowers. The deep watering system will keep your plants hydrated perfectly while adding a touch of vibrant charm to the patio setting.

Support System

Patio is the ideal place to use planter stands, tables, pallets, or strings for container placement. Arrange a rectangular table on one side of the patio and arrange small clay planters on it. You can even tie small herb planters directly on the patio railing. It is also a good idea to use some hanging baskets on the patio with colorful flowers. Ferns look particularly nice in overhead containers.

Keep hanging planters lightweight and secure them properly. Hang them on the patio ceiling in a way that the planters are not directly over the seating area. Better yet, hang the containers right outside the patio on the ceiling extension.

Rough Edges

You can create an illusion of a wild garden on the patio with a rather systematic approach! Use cement planters with rough edges on one side of the patio. Fill them with small flowering plants, overflowing grass, and vines. Allow the foliage and flowers to freely flow outside the edges of the containers.

You can also use whitewashed containers to create a similar effect. Ensure that you use plants with small flowers only; otherwise it can be difficult to create a wild garden look. You can even plant flowers of different colors in one oversized container to create a look of wild flowering plants jostling for space with each other.

Metal Sparkle

Use of metals for patio container décor is so ideal. The shine of the metal works wonderfully with white or any bright shade on the patio walls.

Take one oversized metal container and use it to plant several different kinds of blooms together. It will help you create a centerpiece that won’t cost you much. You can use bucket-shaped containers as well alongside a few ceramic ones for a perfect mix-and-match look. Place a few wooden elements around for added measure. A combination of different materials around a small area will help you create a rather interesting corner on the patio.

Cozy and Comfortable

Use wicker planters as cozy décor elements on your patio. Line them up nicely along the patio edge or on the stairs leading up to it. Plant flowers in warm hues such as red, yellow, and orange in brown wicker containers for a truly cozy corner for you to enjoy anytime of the day. It is a look that works really well if you have wicker furniture on the patio with bright-colored cushions.

Wooden crates can also help you create a snug patio setting. Wood adds warmth to any setting. Simply use one or two alongside the wicker baskets.

Rustic Sophistication

Buy planters with wrought-iron bases for colorful flowers on the patio. For a sophisticated patio container décor, use these planters alongside other metal accessories such as lampshades or tables. A lampshade with stained glass pieces placed in the corner can augment the look of the metal elements in your patio planters. You can also use ornate glass tables and accessories in the corner.

Entrust the Task of Installing Garages to Practiced Builders

Garages– Contact a Specialized Builder

Fauquier is a pleasant as well as lively-area, and living here will be pleasing to all. The place lies adjacent to counties like Clarke, Prince, Culpeper, Loudoun, Stafford, Warren, and Rappahannock. Besides, the area is just one hour driving distance away from Washington DC. Because of these peculiarities, many people build their houses here. Hence, supplementary construction works such as fixing sheds and garages for various uses are very much common here. These can be for storage purposes, library, study room, garage, etc. In any case, for installing garages in Fauquier, it is vital that one should approach a specialized builder, who has practical experience in the related works.

Garage Cost – Garage Building Cost Estimating

Cost calculation garage installation depends on various aspects that are likely to vary along with the rolling of time. The task of installing a garage entails different subtasks. The entailed tasks consist of analyzing the need, preparing the site (this includes the demolition of any existing obstacles like structures, trees, etc.), designing the garage in line with the given specifications, digging, foundation works, carpentry works, roofing, flooring, insulation works, fixing the doors, windows, ventilation, eaves, and the related electrical and plumbing works. While preparing an estimate for a garage building, you will have to calculate the cost needed for each of these different tasks. Moreover, it is also wise to put another 1% for the miscellaneous expenses that are par for the course of any construction work. If you have more than one vehicle, you will have to shell out more money for building the garage. Extra space means extra materials, labor, and the allied costs. For holding two vehicles, you will need a garage that has a width of at least, 20 to 28 feet and a length of 15 feet. In fact, the length and width of the garage depends on the vehicles you possess. For storing the accessories, you will need additional space.

The cost of the various materials will change every now and then. Therefore, practically it is prudent to contact a builder for getting a quote, and it is easily possible in our time. You will just have to enter the websites of the builders and apply through the method meant for the same. It is also advisable to contact various builders; this is the practical way to check the services provided and the cost of the competing companies. You can choose the best option. Good customer service is a vital point to consider while selecting a builder.

Garages – Benefits of Hiring Professional Builders

Remember, if you prefer to have a durable garage, it is important that the materials used must be of good quality. Besides, the workmanship must be supreme. Hence, you must select a specialized and reliable company for the garages installation.

1. The company will take care of the mandatory official paperwork. You will not have to worry about these procedures.

2. The garage will comply with the state and local codes, and hence, there will not be any legal problems.

3. If you need any financial assistance, the company will arrange it from reliable financing companies.

4. You will get the structure, precisely created in line with the specifications given by you, at your place.

5. Company technicians, who will accompany the structure, will fix the same at your premises.

6. There will be professional after-sales support.

7. You can do the whole process in a cost-effective way.

Find a Reliable Builder to Build Garages

You must not overlook this factor, as the quality, usability, and durability of your garage solely depend on this. In this internet-age, it is very easy to locate a dependable builder, who is familiar with the garage construction processes of Fauquier. When you search by using a keyword like ‘garages in Fauquier, which is perfect for the purpose, you will be able to see a lot of companies. However, you must pick a company that has the relevant experience and professional expertise. Of course, the reviews of the customers will give you an idea regarding this.

How to Use Ceiling Fans with Modern Décor

If you think a ceiling fan can look dated in your modern home, then think again. Contemporary ceiling fans are designed to perfectly match, boost, or enhance modern-style homes.

It is easy to underestimate the value of a ceiling fan as a decorative element. But if you are using one for cooling a room, why not use the ceiling fan in a way that also adds to your modern and comfortable home’s décor? Whether you want to use a ceiling fan for its practical uses, as a decorative element, or may be for both utilities; its placement can help you define and enhance any room’s style.

Here are some ideas to use ceiling fans with modern and contemporary decorative styles.

• If your modern décor has a lot of steel or metal elements, you can choose ceiling fans in nickel or chrome finishes. For example, Minka Aire ceiling fans in brushed nickel with silver blades in really simple styles are perfect for homes that feature clean and simple metallic accents.

• For industrial-style décors, you can select ceiling fans in metal finishes with long blades. With high ceilings, you can use fans with really large blade spans. If your living room is not large, you can use smaller fans in chrome finishes that feature unique designs such as retro elements, etched details, or wire components on the body.

• If subtlety is not something you want in your design accents, boost your modern décor with a contemporary fan style with one or two blades in striking white or metallic color.

• Do you have a monochrome theme going in your living room? If yes, then a ceiling fan in chrome and black with an etched light fixture can look really fantastic. If you want something simpler, select fans with three blades in black or white with or without light fixtures.

• Pastels feature very prominently in many modern decorative styles. White ceiling fans are ideal to use with pastels to really complement the décor and not to take away from the soft colors. With pastels, it is important to maintain the balance of colors in a space otherwise the design theme can appear shabby.

• For minimalist décor or living rooms with subtle colors and sleek furnishings; you have the opportunity to really augment this space with the use of a ceiling fan in a really dramatic design. If you choose a reputed brand of ceiling fan, you won’t have any difficulty in finding flamboyant or striking designs that can complement any décor. For instance, with Minka Aire ceiling fans; it is easy to add a bit of theater to any space with designs that include multiple turbofans or blades of different sizes.

• Transitional décor is fluid with a mix of elements from traditional and modern styles. It offers the perfect opportunity to go all out with your ceiling fan choice without any restrictions to match the décor. Choose designs with metal etchings, pull chains, halogen lights, or whatever styles strike your decorative fantasy.

• With décors in earthy tones, use ceiling fans in deep shades of brown with or without metal ornamental designs. You can choose from cocoa and bronze finishes to even black fans with understated elegance.

• If your rooms feature bold colors, use white or black ceiling fans with three or five blades for maximum effect. The trick is to complement the loud color palette and not take away from it. Colors that invoke a fresh feeling such as leaf green, sunflower yellow, and azure look best with white ceiling and design elements. If your rooms have a crisp, fresh look to them, use white in abundance with fixtures and accents.

• For rooms with an airy feel or spaciousness; use fans in sleek designs that are modern yet classic.

When it comes to adding a ceiling fan to your home, treat it like any other design element that also has practical uses. Select a ceiling fan after you have finalized other elements for a space. Use your imagination to install ceiling fans to suit your own sense of style.