Baldwin Entrance Hardware

Baldwin introduces Entrance door hardware products  finished beautiful soft finishes. Baldwin locks, durable and strong, provide maximum security that lasts. American born, producing items of quality craftsmanship and classic good taste Baldwin has successfully set new standards of quality in its products. Baldwin's use of hot forging gave the brand a competitive edge from the start and has since become the industry standard.

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Picking out the perfect fan for your home can be a confusing task, however, here at Bulx.com, we want you to love every aspect of your home. Our latest sale we are offering exclusively is for members only, and for a limited time. Create a cool, breezy ambiance in your home with our latest sale of fans. Thoughtfully designed, these practical fans will help break the heat on even the hottest days.

Space Saving Floor Fans

Currently, we have three space saving floor fans on sale.  One of our modern looking designs is the Patton 14 inch, 3 speed, high velocity floor fan. This fan is delicate enough to cool a small apartment & powerful enough to impact a large workspace, offering optimum performance, no matter the situation. This fan is crafted from all - metal construction & creates a flowy, windy experience on even low speeds. Some features include a tilted adjustable head that allows the airflow to go in any direction, and a sturdy steel base to hold the fan in place. Check out more of our latest flash sale fans on sale.

If you are looking for fan to fill a larger room with a breeze in your home or office, The Holmes high-velocity power fan is the perfect high-powered fan. Its slim profile will keep it out of sight while you control the fan's 3 speed settings, sleep and breeze modes, timer, and a 12" fan blade from anywhere with the remote control. All of these features will help keep you relaxed in any room, whether you are cooking near a hot stove or lounging around, watching TV. This fan also features a high-tech, aerodynamic wind-tunnel design, which all help to deliver a powerful stream of air, while its unique, motorized, oscillating grill helps deliver fresh airflow throughout the room. If you are looking to save money on your Air Conditioning bill this summer, this fan is the perfect alternative.

Looking for something with a modern, sleek touch? The Bionaire Mini Oscillating Floor Fan is the perfect selection. This space saving fan will give you a modern, high-end look on a budget. Plus, it will perfectly match your metallic accessories- like that hip chrome vase on the table near your Eames chair. Two speed settings are included, making it easy to adjust to your comfort level. You can sit back & relax knowing that this fan will be right at home in your chic, modern apartment.

Why Choose a Window Fan?

Looking for an air conditioner alternative this summer? There are numerous benefits to purchasing a window fan installation over an air conditioner. First, if you are looking to save a hefty amount of money on your electric bills, we recommend using energy saving fans over air conditioners. Energy saving fans consumer far less electricity, saving you money while still helping the environment.  Another reason we recommend purchasing an energy saver fan is the fact that AC's are only effective in insulated and enclosed areas. Fans can be used in rooms that have a lot of windows, and have the choice of using one in open or closed rooms (such as a balcony, gardens, etc.) Our wall unit fan that is currently on sale that acts as an air conditioner, while saving money, is the Holmes HAWF3095-U Window Fan. This fan has a digital thermostat display, a programmable timer, and 3 speed settings, all helping you keep the perfect level of comfort.

Pedestal Fans - Larger Fans for Larger Needs

Living spaces seem to shrink in square footage, while prices continue to rise. Fight expensive summer living on all fronts with the Holmes PX405PED-U, a 20 Inch 3 Speed CVT Performance Pedestal Fan that delivers 35 percent more cooling airflow than your typical fan. It also features oversized knobs and controls,  large wheels for easy transport, a powerful GE motor, a pivoting fan head, and high-impact housing to resist damage and corrosion. This pedestal fan is tall & thin, so it won't take up any more precious space than you need it to. You can also get rid of your A/C after purchasing this fan. Now you'll have all the extra room & money you need to afford those scuba diving lessons you've been dying to take.

Currently on sale for a limited time is the Holmes HASF1650-U 3 speed 16 inch stand fan. Designed to efficently cool larger areas both indoors & outdoors, this fan is the perfect choice for our customers with a deck or patio. Planning a deck party this summer? This fan includes four blades which measure 16" in diameter, producing powerful air movement that will keep your guests cool. Its metal construction with classic retro styling compliments any outdoor furniture and decor. The fan also features 3 different speed settings, an oscillating fan head, and adjustable tilt. Additionally, it uses 80% less energy than a room air conditioner so you can confidently & comfortably move the party inside, so you can save money without having to sacrifice that cool summer night breeze.

No one wants to stand all the time. Take a seat & relax- the Holmes HASF-1515 16" three speed oscillating floor fan has an adjustable height from 46" to 26". Now you can chill out on the couch & still feel that powerful breeze from its oscillating head & choice of 3 speeds. Also a pedestal fan, the HASF-1515 won't take up a lot of room. Keep it stealthily hidden in the corner, adjust its height according to your preference, & prepare to be chilled!

Upgrade your lighting situation without emptying your wallet.  Huge savings now active for chandeliers, pendant lights and more.  Styles available to fit  in with any decor.  You can view the live sale here.

Now active is the Peerless Kitchen Faucet sale featuring a selection of kitchen faucets sure to inspire an upgrade.

You can view the live sale here.

Today's sale features framed fine art by artists Ken Bailey, Howard Behrens, George Botich, David Dauncey, Art Fronckowiak, Sung Kim, Haixia Liu, Barbara Mock, S. Sam Park, Viktor Shvaiko, Karl Soderlund, and Leonard Wren.

Each piece measures 32" by 26" by 1.5". Stunning Fine Art Lithograph, press mounted to refined art board and coated with semi-matte protective film. Shields against scratches, fingerprints, liquids and UV fading. 2” black, wood grained composite moulding. Comes ready to hang. Made in the USA. Dust and clean with a damp cloth.

We are offering each at a 50% discount. You may view the live sale here.

Seasonal artwork (whether for Valentine's Day, President's Day, or National Cheesecake Day) is a great way to add interest to a space without committing to a permanent color palette.  Just the thought of painting a wall something other than "off-white" is enough to send some homeowners into a panic.

So for all the self-proclaimed "chromophobes"  out there (fear of color), we promise this approach will help keep your walls neutral while adding an interesting accent through the changing seasons.

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, we wanted to spread some love with a handful of our favorite holiday-inspired prints:

Copyright 2011 - Chun Eunsil (http://www.chuneunsil.com/)

Korean-based Chun Eunsil's use of pastel colors and animal motifs bring a touch of whimsy and fantasy to the season. Most recently, a number of these fun prints have been made their way to elegant iPhone covers.

Copyright 2011 - Meg Hunt Illustration / AngryBlue

We especially love these sophisticated prints from Meg Hunt (left) and AngryBlue (right). The color palette in Meg's "limited edition letterpress print of lovely Alice from the Lewis Carroll classic Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" just screams Valentine's Day, and there is something magical about sitting under a giant mushroom. "The Hive" is a signed and numbered new print from AngryBlue that (abstractly) touches on Valentine's Day themes: honey & hearts.

Copyright 2011 - Kate Spade (http://www.katespade.info/)

Send one of these beautifully designed e-postcards to your loved one via Kate Spade's "bmine" site. We especially love the use of text as a graphic element in the chalk board-inspired layout. And while these aren't technically available as prints, the colors and layouts are great inspiration to create your own piece.

How do you spruce up your home throughout the year? What are some of your favorite places to buy seasonal art?

This morning, I was honored to appear on a quick spot for FOX28's Good Day Columbus morning show.  I didn't have enough time to share these five tips for a successful room makeover, so I've included an expanded explanation of the process below. I hope the viewers of FOX28, and all of our BULX members across the country, find these tips helpful.  And thanks again to Jill and her team for having me out and sharing BULX with the world.

5 Steps to a Successful Room Makeover

• Step #1: Start an Inspiration Board (or Folder)
  The most obvious places to look for redecorating ideas are in publications that specialize in kitchen, bedroom, living room, and bathroom makeovers.  But don't paint yourself into a box (pun intended).  Inspiration can come from anywhere (like here, or here, or here - for example).  Consider the mood you would like to create in your soon-to-be-remodeled room and then come up with a list of words or images that help evoke that emotion.  My favorite place to start is with a photograph I've taken myself. I will then pull colors, textures and styles from that photo to start compiling a list of paint swatches, fabrics, carpets, tiles and furniture styles that best represent my photo.

• Step #2: Set Your B.E.T. (Budget, Expectations, Timeline)
  Humans are historically bad estimators, which is why many projects take longer and cost more than we initially expect. (The Big Dig in Boston ran $10 billion dollars over budget and years past its estimated completion date!)  The more in-depth a project, the more you need to plan for unexpected problems and costs.  For this reason, it's always a good idea to set your:
  • Budget - Because most people don't know how much projects will cost, setting a maximum budget at the offset is a bad idea.  This method promotes spending the entire budget up front and allows no room for error. If (and when) unexpected issues arise, your well-intentioned budget is now shot. Keep in mind: the bigger the job, the greater chance for error.  My recommendation? Set your budget low (approximately half to three-quarters of your max) and commit to hitting that number.  If you don't run into any issues, use the leftover money to pick out something nice for the space!
  • Expectations - Remember this important point: things always get worse before they get better. The fastest way to get the best results is often to start from scratch. No, I don't mean tearing out the cabinets and removing all the drywall. But prep work such as moving furniture and de-cluttering a space will make a huge difference.  Don't expect to get everything done right away.
  • Timeline - Once you have set realistic expectations of the project, make an itemized "to-do" list and estimate how long you think each task is going to take.  Then multiply those times by two. Remember when we talked about  Experienced Once you have created your to-do list, put those items into a schedule.  Remember, things will almost always cost more and take more time, so build that in.  Similar to your budget, take

• Step #3: Work Big to Small
  Once you have a vision and a B.E.T., you are ready to get to work.  To avoid wasting time and energy, always remember to work "big to small."  Keeping a broad view on your project will prevent you from focusing on minute details before they become necessary. This rule applies to any stage of your makeover, whether you are painting a wall or picking out wallpaper. Remember: start with big ideas, and work your way down from there. For example:
  • Painting - Consider covering large areas with a roller before switching to brushes (trim).
  • Sanding  - Start with the coarsest grit sandpaper (60-100) before trading it in for the 800.
  • Decorating - Select your wall colors first, then move on to furniture, then fixtures, then artwork, etc.

• Step #4: Document Your Progress
  As nice as it is to sit around and sip lemonade while you admire your handiwork, most of the fun (and learning) happens along the way. So be sure to document your work by taking lots of pictures ("before", "after" and especially "during"), keep your notes and drawings, and write down any challenges you come across or lessons you learned.  If you're tech savvy, consider starting a blog to document your transformation. Not only is a blog a great way to track your progress, but it can become a great resource for other people who hope to do the same thing.

• Step #5: "Remember Ralph"
  Ralph Waldo Emerson, the American essayist and poet once wrote: "Every artist was first an amateur."  Simply put, you need to start somewhere - and sometime. So why not at home? And why not right now?
  • Commit to Start - Most of the anxiety about remodeling or redecorating comes from the fear of the unknown. But you'll find that once you've started - it's not nearly as scary (or as difficult) as you would imagine.  Which ties into my final point...
  • Get Your Hands Dirty - Don't be afraid to try new things, especially cosmetic fixes in your home. Paint is about the easiest way to test the waters, and a new color in a room can make a huge impact.  Remember, there is no right or wrong way to decorate.  Trust your own instincts and let them drive your design choices. The most important thing is that you end up with a space that you love in the end.

I can't wait to hear about all of the BULX Members who take these tips and transform one (or more) of the rooms in their home into a space they love. Which room do you plan on tackling today? I would love to hear your plans and see your progress, so leave a comment below.

Until next time,

Looking to transform one (or all) of the rooms in your home from drab to fab? Here are some of the hottest trends we foresee in 2011...

Overall Color Palettes:

Use these cohesive palettes to create a common theme throughout your home.

• Neutrals - such as Tans, Khakis, & Creams.
• "Light as Air" - such as Silver, Off-White, and Butter Cream (see image #1, below).
• "Grey & Black Are Back" -  monochromatic colors that create a versatile base to work from.

Accent Colors:

Once your overall color palette is selected, use up-and-coming accent colors to create a mood and visual interest within each space.

• Soothing Cool Colors - such as Grey-Green, Sea Mist, Cucumber, Sunlight.
• Warm Accents – such as Brick, Burnt Umber, Dandelion, Magenta
• Yellows – From Bright Gold to Soft Milk

Patterns:

Variety is the spice of life, so why not mix things up? Mix and match patterns to create contrast, or create consistency by repeating similar patterns within a room.

• Organic prints – such as floral, rock formations, or bodies of water.
• Geometric – such as Bauhaus reproductions, stripes, or any graphics using linear or geometric shapes.
• "Text As Texture" – single letters or paragraphs used to fill space (see image #2, below).

Natural Materials & Textures:

Different materials can give the same space a very different look an feel. Here are some of our favorites.

• Wood - warm up a room by letting the grain of natural wood show through in floors, furniture, shelving, and décor (see image #3, below).
• Stone - used on tables, natural tile options, mantles, or accents (such as drink coasters & picture frames).
• Plants - bring the outdoors "in" by using potted versions of local (or exotic) to spruce up a space.

What trends do you love?  Or what have we missed that you would like to see in 2011?

Humans first learned to control and use fire as a heating source some 400,000 years ago.  But it wasn't until we moved our hunter/gatherer traditions indoors that the fireplace became a staple of the modern homestead.

For centuries, the fireplace was the heart of the home: a source of warmth, protection, and nourishment (food).  Today, fireplaces range from purely decorative to strictly functional and come in a variety of shapes, styles, finished, and heating sources.

Below is a roundup of some of the most unique options available today...

Traditional/Wood Burning: Many homeowners prefer the nostalgic feel of a natural wood burning fireplace in their home.

Gas Fireplaces: A modern take on the wood burning variety, these units utilize a natural gas line and realistic looking replica logs to create a cleaner burning option.

Image Credit: Materials Marketing Stone & Tile

Modern: Brands such as EcoSmart and BioFlame use bioethanol fuel, a natural biofuel derived from corn, sugar can, and similar crops. As a result, it produces no harmful gases, soot, or smoke when burned - just water vapor and natural heat.

Image Credit: FastFireplaces.com

Gel Fuel Fireplaces: Gel fuel brands such as FireGlo help create the perfect ambiance for your decorative fireplace or gel burner. An alcohol based gel fuel, FireGlo provides genuine flames and even a realistic crackling sound. They are soot-free, odor-free, and can be burned safely in any size room. Each can typically burns for 2-3 hours, and can be reused until empty.

A variety of gel fuel fireplaces are available through on BULX through December 22, 2010.

What is your favorite way to warm yourself on a cold winter day?

The primary goal of decorating a room or an entire house is to elicit an emotion. Most homeowners want to be relaxed and comfortable in their home, but other spaces are intentionally designed to be exciting, serene, sophisticated, inspiring, and more.

When it comes to decorating their own space, most homeowners don't know where to start.  This post is an introductory guide on where to start to create an original space you love.

As cliché as it sounds, finding inspiration for your home starts from within. Because we all have different associations with the sights, sounds, scents, and tastes we encounter every day, the interpretation of these experiences will never be the same.  The key, then, is to identify the things that you like (or don't like) and use them to

Some of our favorite sources of inspiration come from...

Nature, such as trees, wildlife, flowers, foliage and landscapes.

Other architecture, particularly urban planning sketches, modern buildings, or classical references.

Art, such as illustrations, digital art, sculpture or paintings...

and the water.

This is by no means an extensive list, but it should give you an idea of where to start.

Steps to Decorating Your Own "Emotional" Room:

1. Decide what emotion(s) you want to feel when you enter a room (serenity, excitement, happiness, formal/informal, nostalgia, relaxed,
2. Write down some places or memories or themes that you have the most positive associations with.
3. Jot down some descriptive words or items that you most commonly associate with those emotions (" bright colors" or "fast music" for excitement, "English library" for formal, "grandpa's old-fashioned radio" for nostalgia, etc.)
4. Visit Google Images or Bing Images and type in some of the phrases you have written down.
5. When you find an image that you like, save it into a folder on your computer.  Use the images you save to extract ideas for:
   1. Color - for your walls, furniture, fixtures, and accent pieces
   2. Texture - smooth vs. textured, plain vs. patterned, one-time vs. repetitive, fine vs. rough
   3. Style - which architectural styles do you like the most?
   4. Decorative Elements - which images could be used as accent pieces to help fill your space?

In future posts, we will work to translate these inspirational images and concepts into actual spaces.

Until next time, what inspires you the most?  Where else do you go to find ideas for your home?

Here's to loving your home,