Cleaning a Flat-Screen TV
Unlike older TVs, with their glass fronts, flat screen models require more gentle care. In addition to regular dusting, you should periodically clean the screen to remove dirt and fingerprints, which will lessen your viewing experience. Turn off the TV and disconnect the power. Make sure the screen is cool. This is more important with plasma TVs, as they throw a bit more heat than LCD TVs.
Dampen a lint-free cloth with clean water (do not use strong chemical cleaners such as alcohol, ammonia-based cleaners, or window cleaners) and wring it out until it is moist and will not drip. Chamois, microfiber, or 100 percent cotton are best. Do not use a napkin, paper towel, or tissue paper, as wood-source materials may scratch the screen. Gently wipe from the center of the screen in circles outward reaching the frame; be sure to clean the corners. Do not rub, scrub, or apply too much pressure. Wipe the case if desired. Use a dry, lint-free cloth to wipe away any moisture on the screen or the case, again using a circular motion on the screen.
You also can purchase special screenwipes, available at most computer stores. These can be used on your computer monitor too.
Hardwood floors take a beating. Here are some simple ways to keep your floor attractive and in good condition.
Winter means dry indoor air, a result of lower humidity outside and blowy heating systems inside. Adding cool or warm moisture to the air by using a humidifier has many benefits: easier breathing, a diminished chance of suffering winter ills such as colds and respiratory infections, furniture and other indoor items will not dry out as much, the air will feel warmer, plants will stay fresher longer, and your skin and throat will not be as dry. The best benefit, as far as I'm concerned, is that moist air helps avoid the unpleasant "zap" you often get from static electricity.
Granite countertops add beauty, functionality, and value to a home. But because granite is a natural product, it requires special care to protect it and keep it looking its best.
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Caring for and protecting for your fine crystal is important and should be done properly. Here are a few tips, courtesy of the experts at 
Oriental rugs traditionally are those rugs and carpets that are both handmade (either hand-knotted or hand-woven) and come from Asia. This includes such countries as Turkey, Iran (formerly Persia), Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, China, Nepal, Mongolia and Uzbekistan. Historically speaking, Persia (now Iran) is considered to be the origin of the most important oriental rugs. Typical Persian rug designs and patterns are geometric. Rugs which are hand-knotted outlast machine-made rugs. One way to determine quality is to study the compactness of the weave. More knots per inch means more labor invested in the rug and commands a higher price.
Most of us use thread count -- that is, the number of threads per square inch of fabric -- as a proxy for quality. And it is definitely important -- just go to any good linen department and give the samples of different thread count a good stroke and scrunch. But it's not the only thing that matters, nor is it what matters most: the quality of the fiber matters more. (You could have a sheet of densely woven straw, for example, and you wouldn't want to sleep on it.) Egyptian cotton is most used in luxury linens because it produces a long fiber, or staple, which means it's easier to spin into smooth, fine yarn.
When it comes to home decor, color can make a big difference. Choose too dark a color and your room can look smaller. Pale walls can be boring and attract dirt. Finding a color you can live with can take time, however. Depending on the amount of sunlight a room gets, it can look very different depending on the time of day, so it is a good idea to look at samples in varying light. Keep in mind that color can affect mood. Light blues and other cool colors can be calming, while vibrant reds and yellows provide energy. One interior decorator tip is to paint the ceiling the palest possible shade of pink---this adds a slight glow to the room that makes everyone look better. If you can't bear pink, try adding just a hint of the wall color into your white ceiling paint for a sense of unity.
The value of an antique is dependent on several criteria, including condition, rarity, authenticity, market demand and age. The U.S. Customs defines an antique as an object one hundred years old or older. When it comes to antiques, especially those that are extremely valuable, it is important to have proof of authenticity. Keep in mind that most antiques are not signed or marked, so there might not be an absolute identifier. A professional or an expert will evaluate characteristics of the object which will help them decide whether or not the piece is genuine. If the piece is signed and marked, it doesn't mean it is authentic, unless there is certainty it was applied at the time of manufacture. There are very talented forgers who have fooled experts. It is not unheard of for a museum to discover, much to its dismay, that one of its pieces is a forgery. More often, however, buyers mistakingly purchase reproduction pieces believing them to be original antiques. Do some homework before you make a major purchase. You might even want to consult with a qualified expert (other than the seller of the item) for guidance on authenticity and value before you commit to the purchase. Lastly, be sure to patronize only an established, reputable art or antique dealer.
A simple way to brighten your living room or library is to clean up the appearance of your bookshelves. First, have a look at where in the room they are located. Valuable books shouldn't have direct exposure to sunlight. Also, look at the lines the shelves create. Would the room look wider if the shelves were opposite the entrance instead of along the side walls? Could you arrange them around a corner with a chair to create a reading nook? Try arranging them by color. You can create all kinds of patterns: a rainbow can be achieved by alternating chunks of reds and blues, lights and darks. Play around with stacking, as well. Lay some books horizontally in stacks to create bookends, or in the middle of a shelf. Decorate the top of a stack with a unique object.
Changing the light fixture is one of the easiest and fastest ways to transform a room. In a bathroom, you can make a dramatic change just by replacing the bulb in a ceiling light fixture and by adding light sockets over the vanity with recessed lighting throughout the room. 
Before you hire an interior decorator, think about the style you are envisioning for your home. It is often best to find a decorator who's style matches that of your own. You can determine this by reviewing the decorator's portfolio of completed projects. Next, figure out what your budget will be as well as your time frame before sitting down with the decorator. Discuss these details with him or her to see if these expectations can be met. Make a list of the various items in each room you want to keep. Ask for a contract that both you and the contractor will sign. This contract should include a description of the project details.
