Today, Inuit art has gained international recognition as a valid form of contemporary fine art

When many people consider sculptures as home decor, the thought comes to ancient Roman or Greek mythological characters like Apollo, Venus or Zeus. Others think about abstract contemporary fine art sculptures that are sometimes difficult to interpret. 

Since there has been a trend in recent years towards a more natural look with more earthy color tones for interior decorating, Inuit art from the Canadian Arctic north can fit in nicely as part of home decor.

Most subjects used in Inuit art tend to be focused on the observations that the Inuit people (formerly referred to as Eskimos in Canada) make of their Arctic surroundings whether the pieces are soapstone sculptures or prints of drawings. 

We often see Inuit art depicting Arctic wildlife including polar bears, seals, whales and walruses as well as lifestyle scenes involving family or hunting. The Inuit have been carving stone sculptures for thousands of years but it was only introduced as fine art to the modern world on a significant scale during the 1950s. 

Today, Inuit art has gained international recognition as a valid form of contemporary fine art.

Colors of Inuit sculptures tend to be polished shades of blacks, grays, browns, greens and whites. Inuit artists also tend to utilize relatively neutral colors for their art prints which work well with all color ranges of today's more natural styles of interior decorating. 

Adding an Inuit sculpture on an end table, mantle or shelf gives a living room or office that gallery touch. An Inuit art print on the wall of a hallway or corridor also works the same way. Since the majority of people especially outside Canada have never seen Inuit art before, such artwork in a home will often end up as conversational pieces with guests.

There are Inuit stone sculptures to suit almost every price range and budget at about $100 to several thousand dollars for large, intricate pieces. Most can be purchased at galleries located in major Canadian cities but there are now a few galleries located in the USA and Europe that specialize in this form of art. Not surprisingly, the latest retail source of Inuit art is on the internet. 

This development is especially useful for those who are not located near an Inuit art gallery. Check out some examples of Inuit art either in a gallery or online and imagine how a piece or two can be part of your home's interior decorating.

READ MORE

There are some common sense things you can do to cut your energy costs and keep your homes and businesses cool at the same time

The cost of air conditioning just seems to keep going up and up. This year is no different. We like the cool comfort of dryer less humid air and we are willing to pay for it. However, there is no reason to just give your money away to the utility company. 

Older homes are typically thought of as energy wasters. However, newer homes from the 70’s and later also have issues when it comes to energy efficiency. More often than not there are mature trees surrounding the older homes. 

New construction generally stands in a flattened area with new landscaping. If you have ever lived in this new construction, you know immediately that there is a difference in the temperature of your rooms because there is no shade.

Check the thermal envelope of the home. If you are asking what a thermal envelope is, it is everything that protects the indoors of the home from the elements and the outdoors. This includes the wall and roof assemblies, insulation, air/vapor retarders, windows, weather stripping and caulking. 

If you are considering buying a home or you just need to remodel and improve your existing home, know as much as you can about the shell and what is protecting you and you will be ahead of the game when it comes to lowering utility costs. 

There are some common sense things you can do to cut your energy costs and keep your homes and businesses cool at the same time. 

• Have your utility company come out to do an energy audit. They will do a walk through and determine where you have wasted energy or leaks in your home 
• Check your attic, garage walls, and basement to make sure you have the proper R values for insulation. If you don’t add some, it’s usually quite easy 
• Have your central air conditioning unit serviced yearly, and have them plug any leaks that may occur throughout the year. Keep your unit outdoors clean and clear of debris, shrubs, etc. 
• What is the age of the furnace? Furnaces that are less than 12 years old can save you 25 – 40% on your utility bills 
• What is the age of your hot water heater? This appliance is the second most energy waster in the home. Newer models will also be more efficient. 
• Install a programmable thermostat to keep the temperature cooler or warmer when you are not at home. These thermostats are great in winter and summer 
• Install blinds or heavy drapes. They keep the warm air in and cold air out. 
• Put in double paned windows and clean out all air ducts 
• Install a ceiling fan in every room of the house. You can rotate the fan blades in either direction in winter and summer. Moving and circulating air helps you feel cooler even when the air is not “conditioned” 
• Make sure shrubs are trimmed for proper ventilation 
• Plant a tree for natural shade around your home. Properly positioned trees can save you up to 50% on your utility bill. If you live in a trailer house, shade trees can save you up to 75%. 
• Clean all air filters regularly 
• Apply a reflective light coating on your roof. Dark dull colors will absorb heat and your home will be hotter. 
• Check electrical outlets for leaks, and if you have them put in foam insulation 
• If you have recessed lighting, you may have a lot of leaks of energy 

Make sure you are cooling your home with the proper size of air conditioner. If you have the wrong size, it won’t be energy efficient either. If you follow some simple ideas, you will be cool and comfortable in your home in the summer and warm in the winter.

READ MORE

Soon, your home will exude the warmth and hospitality you want

No matter what you call it or how many of these rooms you have, organization is necessary to make it a welcoming haven for your family.

Walk in to this room as a visitor would. Notice the small details that you’ve overlooked in daily living. Do you see clutter? Your guests do, too. 

To make this room inviting, we’re going to reduce the number of *things* in this room and make it more homey.

1. What did you see in terms of clutter? Magazines and newspapers all over? Toys? Shoes lying around? 

Start with several laundry baskets (empty, please!) and put things that don’t belong in this room in the baskets. 

The idea is to send things to different areas of the house in these baskets and make your de-cluttering that much easier. Throw away the newspapers and old magazines.

If you’re just not going to have time to read them, get rid of them. Why have them hanging around making you feel guilty? 

Put toys in the basket that will get them to their owners’ rooms.

Shoes should be kept in the room where their wearer lives. Now that you’ve done that (and delivered the baskets to the appropriate locations), go back and look at this room as a visitor sees it. Better? 

If not, keep going in small stages and steps.

2. If you look at your furniture, do you see fingerprints and dust deep enough to write a ransom note in? Do you even see the top of your furniture? 

If you can’t answer the latter question, don’t worry about the former one. 

Take care of the flat surfaces first—we call this The Law of Flat Surfaces. This Law is defined by the idea that flat surfaces collect papers, no matter what the surface is: tabletops, armoires, desks, or floors. 

If you start with clean flat surfaces, you’ll be more likely to keep them clear—a little every day. 

Once your flat surfaces are clear, give them a once-over with a furniture polish (if appropriate) or glass cleaner (if appropriate). Run the vacuum—don’t worry about getting the edges and moving furniture—just vacuum the places you can get easily. 

Chances are if you can’t reach the areas easily, no one has been able to deposit large amounts of dirt or tracks back there, either.

3. Can you see your TV through the dust and fingerprints? 

If not, give it a once-over with the rag and some glass cleaner. Same with your stereo cabinet.

4. Now look up. Do you see cobwebs in the corners? 

Not a huge deal—grab a feather duster and knock ‘em down. That’s that!

You’ve tackled your family room and/or living room—congratulations! Keep moving along, taking baby steps every day. Soon, your home will exude the warmth and hospitality you want.

READ MORE