MarvinWindows's blog
Winter Prep: Start on the Inside
By MarvinWindowsLonger nights, colder days, leaves on the ground and footballs flying through the air. Fall is a busy time with kids returning to school, sports and activities getting underway, and all-important winter preparations needing to be completed around your home.
In colder climates the process of heating and maintaining your comfort level can be very expensive, which is why you as a homeowner need to take these steps to stay on budget.
First and » READ MORE
Green Alternatives for Unclogging Drains
By MarvinWindowsA reader at green-home blog Re-Nest asked the community for some green alternatives to the drain-cleaning chemicals found in Drano. The chemicals tend to work pretty well, but for good reason, some people prefer a gentler, safer or more natural approach. 
The questioner claims to have tried a common earth-friendly approach -- baking soda and vinegar -- to no avail, but many commenters said that combo, along with some boiling-hot water mixed in » READ MORE
Basics of feng shui
By MarvinWindowsAt MLuxe, we're all about helping you find ways to make your life at home more enjoyable. For many folks around the world, the ancient art and science of feng shui (pronounced "fung-shway") is a great way to bring about more happiness and enjoyment.
But what is it? How does it work? What can you do about it? To get some answers, we asked Rodika Tchi, a feng shui consultant and the About.com Guide to feng shui. Here's what she had to say, and be s » READ MORE
Vacation Houseplant Care
By MarvinWindowsWe all enjoy vacations, but it is important to remember to make plans for our houseplants for the time that we are away so that we can return home to healthy plants rather than a heartache. Here are a few tips that you may find effective. 
If you don't plan to be away too long, you can help conserve moisture by placing the plants in a location out of the direct sun. This will slow down the growth of the plants and reduce the amount of water they » READ MORE
Eco-Options to Consider for Your Home
By MarvinWindowsIf you are remodeling or building a new home, chances are you’re considering some type of green element or option. Some facts about what is green: First, all that lumber used to build your home is a renewable resource. In fact, there is the same amount of forestland in North America now as there was 100 years ago. Most of the wood used in construction is grown in managed forests; it’s a crop that gets harvested about every 30 years. So you can » READ MORE
An Update on Style and Design Trends
By MarvinWindowsHere's a round-up of some quick bits on a variety of home style and design trends. This information was culled from the most recent myMarvin Trend Update. Hopefully you'll find something interesting or inspiring here. If you do, you can read the full newsletter and sign up to receive these updates in the future here.
Home design
Libraries
During these anxious economic times, consider a return to the classics. One of the most popular rooms in larg » READ MORE
Easy Steps to Being Greener
By MarvinWindowsThis story from The Good Human blog proves that homeowners don’t have to install solar panels or spend a fortune to be more environmentally friendly on a daily basis. There are some very small changes you can make that will go a long way toward a greener life. 
- Office paper and envelopes: Buy 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper products. They’re available everywhere and they are actually a little cheaper than the virgin paper version.
How to Misuse Paint for a Great Effect
By MarvinWindowsFor today's how-to post, we have a great -- and simple -- demonstration from the Remodeling Guy, Tim Layton, who is on a "quest to find the best ways to completely ignore the 'manufacturers recommended use' section on your average paint can." Be sure to check out his post for more photos. 
He has a few posts in this series, but this one creates perhaps the most interesting effect. By violating the most basic rules of painting -- using exterior pa » READ MORE
Trend: Decorative Glass Tabletops
By MarvinWindowsToday's post is a contribution from Erin Casey, co-owner of Rudy Art Glass of York, Penn., which fabricates decorative, architectural glass for both commercial and residential installations. Rudy Art Glass markets its high-end glass products to architects and designers worldwide. Recent large-scale projects include the Detroit Metro Airport renovation and the Atlantis Dubai.
Working so closely with architects and designers on their projects duri » READ MORE
Home Design Trends: Conversation with Architect Mark Burgess
By MarvinWindows
Architect Mark Burgess is a founding partner of U+B Architecture and Design Inc., a Minneapolis-based architecture and design firm. U+B does commercial interiors and residential construction, additions and renovations.
The firm designed the Spoonriver restaurant in downtown Minneapolis and is currently handling master planning and design for the Assoufid development in Marrakech, Morocco. The project includes 80 luxury villas, a five-star hotel a » READ MORE
MarvinWindows
From: Minneapolis / St. Paul
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