The Insider

Winter White Hot Décor

insider — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 12:38:00 GMT

One of the most exciting, current trends in interior design is minimalism. Clean, sleek elegance and unique, simple lines come together to create a stunning setting.

Ridding of extra clutter and adding crisp, carefully appointed pieces can easily transform any room into a fresh, zen living space. No other hue successfully and easily achieves this fresh elegance like white.

Homeclick can now be your resource for inspiration! On offer are a wide variety of white contemporary and retro-classic furniture and decorative pieces that are a perfect combination of design and function. Check out just a few of our favorite, uniquely stunning pieces that would surely add splendor and aesthetic pleasure to any modern décor.

Zuo Jupiter Bistro

A cute and funky table, Jupiter comes in a bistro style for use serving two seats. It is made with an ABS plastic body and a tempered clear glass top.

East End Imports Gloria Barstool

The Gloria Bar Stool is classy but simple - perfect for entertaining guests at your home bar or the kitchen counter. The Gloria Bar Stool features a low-key design that brings true style.

Monarch Specialties Hollow-Core Modern Bookcase

Add some pizzazz to your living space with this 55" high hollow-core bookcase! This modern, rich white finish bookcase has ample room for displaying pictures, decorative pieces and even books. Its sturdy structure and innovative features will definitely add visual appeal to any décor.

Monarch Specialties Leather Look Modern Accent Chair

Lustrous in fashion and exquisite in comfort, these modern white leather-look chairs are the perfect addition to your living room, bedroom or any space in need of contemporary style. Chrome metal legs and simple upholstery complete the contemporary appeal of this piece.

Zuo Plush Ottoman

This versatile ottoman is contemporary and compact, upholstered in leatherette that stands up to high traffic. Understated chromed steel tube legs complete the plush ottoman.

Cyan Design 16"H Glacier Vase in Gloss White Glaze

Bring your home a touch of elegance with the medium glacier vase by Cyan Design. Artfully crafted in resin and gloss with a white glaze finish, this piece is the perfect contemporary style addition to any room.

White elements, in either interestingly blended textures or smooth surfaces, have the potential to help achieve balance, versatility and a fresh "wow factor" in any living space. Homeclick helps you to be your own designer, without the designer price tags.

Space Saving Fitness Equipment for The New Year

insider — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 11:24:00 GMT

Space Saving Fitness Equipment for The New Year

You may have said it before, but this year it's serious. It's time to get in shape! One of the best ways to get in shape is to create your own home gym. This gives you the flexibility to take on workouts that fit your schedule, whether long or short.

Homeclick's fitness department offers up everything from complete home gyms to weights and yoga gear. While some of these options are perfect for those with an extra room to set up in, many of us are a little shorter on space. The following are some of our favorite items we'd like to recommend to our friends who are serious about getting in shape, but have limited space for this year's fitness fun.

Rip 60 Trainer

This workout package trains using the method of suspended rotation, which uses straps to keep your muscles constantly engaged while you strengthen your stability and balance with each move. The versatile system is adjustable for all levels, and can be attached to set up nearly anywhere.

It comes with all of the equipment you need, as well as 8 workout DVDs to help you perfect your form and keep you motivated.

Weider X-Factor Door Gym

This total-body training system also attaches to any door. The unique design uses resistance bands to promote explosive movements for a total-body workout.

Maha 5 Piece Fitness Set

This compact set will get your new year of resistance training started. It comes with a resistance band, rubber-gripped speed rope, hand grips and its own case, which makes it excellent for traveling. It's also a great deal at just over $30.

Space Saving Dumbbells

As you become stronger through your training, you'll need an array of weights sizes for different exercised and to keep you challenged. If you want to start weight training, but don't have space in your workout area for a large set of weights, adjustable weights are a compact solution to solve your dilemma.

The Maha Fitness's colorful adjustable dumbbells are neoprene coated for extra grip. Available in 11 pounds and 22 pounds, they can be easily adjusted in one pound increments.

Pro-Form's 25lb double dumbbells come in a set of two 12.5 lb. adjustable weights, allowing you to quickly go from 2.5 lbs. per handle to 12.5 lbs. to customize the intensity of your workout. They have cushioned handles and come with a storage tray.

Pure Global Fitness Multi-Purpose Workout Bar

This workout bar is small yet effective. It fits in most doorways, and has 8 padded grips to help you do the best pull-ups and hanging crunches. It can also be used on the floor to guide you to perfect push-ups and sit-ups.

It can hold up to 250 lbs., and easily installs in seconds without damage to doorways or walls. Instructional workout guide is included.

Meet Our Most Popular Pellet Stoves

insider — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 12:31:00 GMT

The United States Stove 5500.

The days are quickly getting shorter and cooler. Many of us welcome the autumn weather as a relief from the oppressive heat of the summer, and look forward to days of snuggling up next to the fire. With environmental concerns and rising heat costs, pellet stoves have become increasingly popular over the last few years.

Going Green - The wood pellets used in these stoves are made from a renewable source of compacted sawdust and wood shavings. They are an extremely efficient, easy to use carbon-neutral heating source.

Homeclick now carries pellet stoves and pellet stove inserts from six leading manufacturers including Breckwell, Hudson River Stone Works and United States Stove Company. The following stoves are our current top rated.

United States Stove 5500

This high capacity pellet stove with ignitor can heat up to 1,750 square feet. It comes with easy to use electric controls with an LED display. It can burn for 60 consecutive hours on fuel capacity and has a large viewing window so you can enjoy its ambiance.

Big E Pellet Heater and Furnace.

Big E Pellet Heater and Furnace

Next up is The Big E, capable of heating up to 2,200 square feet. It also has easy to use digital controls and boasts an 81% fuel efficiency.

The Eco Aire Window Pellet Unit

Built much like a window air conditioning unit, this model can heat up to 750 square feet with pellet fuel. It is a great space saving option perfect for mobile homes, studio apartments and garage workspaces.

Eco Aire Window Pellet Unit.

Pellet stoves are a great addition to a home, and will save you on heating costs, while still giving you the lovely warm feel of a fireplace. Many of them also carry an energy tax credit, saving you even more cash come April, so be sure to check the fine print for all of the details and benefits.

To learn more about what kind of stove or fireplace would best suit your home, check out our resourceful guides for Heating and Cooling as well as the EPA Guidelines for Residential Fireplaces. May all your days and nights be cozy.

Holiday Entertaining: Wine Decanters from Ravenscroft

insider — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 11:43:00 GMT

Pictured: A-pear-itif decanter.

The holidays are here, and will them come eating, drinking and merry-making. If you are a wine lover, investing in a wine decanter is a classy way to make sure you and your guests get to enjoy the true flavors of your holiday wine picks this year. Homeclick now carries a range of decanters from Ravenscroft Crystal. Their 129-year-old European factory has been producing lead-free crystal for the most exclusive brands of the world. These decanters are a perfect addition to holiday entertaining, and make a wonderful gift for the wine and spirits lovers on your list.

Why decant?

When you pour your bottle of wine into a decanter, it allows the sediment to separate from the wine, taking away possible bitter tastes. It also mixes with oxygen when you are pouring it in, which opens up the bouquet and unveils the complexity of your wine. It is also a beautiful way serve the wine and enjoy its colors.

Monticello Imperial Decanter

The stoic and enduring style of this decanter is named after Thomas Jefferson's estate in Charlottesville, Virginia, and is meant to resemble a rolling hill. It is made from lead-free European crystal, and is a beautiful, classic piece that would make a wonderful gift for the wine and sprits lover on your list, or yourself.

Crystal Bishop Decanter

With a stopper like a bishop's hat, the beautiful lines on this piece of crystal glassware can't be beat. It's the perfect vessel for decanting your favorite spirits.

Cabernet Decanter

The wide spout and broad base of this decanter allow maximum aeration of wine. It also has a deep indentation on the bottom called a punt, which help give a more stable pour. This is an elegant and affordable piece for under $40.

Crystal Duck Decanter in Cobalt Blue

And for something truly different, check out the Crystal Duck Decanter in Cobalt Blue. While this can be used to decant wine, it is often used for pouring water in beautiful style.

More Decanting Tips

If you are decanting a younger bottle of wine, it is best to let it sit for 20 minutes or longer to open up and allow the flavor to develop. If your bottle is more than a few years old, it probably contains more sediment, and should be decanted just before serving. If you can, allow your bottle of wine to stand upright and allow sediment to settle for a few days before serving. If this is not possible, another suggested method is to open the bottle on its side over the decanter, and watch closely with a light along the bottle neck to make sure the sediment is left behind.

Happy holiday entertaining, and may your wine be always divine!

Holiday Gifts from Homeclick

insider — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 12:36:00 GMT

HOliday ideas for your
HOney at
HOmeclick

The holidays are right around the corner. Shopping for the hombre in your life is no easy task. Let's face it, naughty or nice, he deserves something extra special under the tree this year.

Most of us have a need for a personal retreat space. Does your guy have a dedicated, self-contained nook where boys can be boys without leaving the premises? How about helping him outfit a man cave to call his own. If he already has staked out territory for a 'mantuary,' perhaps adding some luxury swag will show him a little extra love.

Taking into consideration his interests and personality will ultimately govern what indulgent essentials you might choose. Here are just a few examples of creative gift ideas from the spectrum of unique personal products offered in our Homeclick Collections.

Coaster Furniture Cleveland 19"D Bar Unit with Chrome Trim and Shelves

This stylish Coaster Bar Unit offers a cool retro style with chrome plated tables, chairs, and bar stools to create a unique 1950's diner appeal.

If retro doesn't suit his decor, check out the variety of bar styles ranging from contemporary to classic:

Summit 24" Built In Beer Dispenser with Stainless Steel Door, Towel Bar Handle and Three Taps

This Summit Beer Dispenser lets you accommodate all tastes with three different drafts from a triple tap tower. Half, quarter, and mini kegs can be used inside.The unit can be installed in 24" spaces, under standard counters, or used freestanding.

Hillsdale Furniture Ambassador Game Table in Rich Cherry

The Ambassador Game Table features a rich cherry finish, supple brown leather, a rectangle back chair and transitional design elements. The multi-functional offers a flip top table that allows for a dining surface on one side and a game surface complete with chip trays and drink holders on the other.

HeatWave Sauna 1 Person Carbon Infared Sauna (pictured at top)

If it is refuge and relaxation he seeks after long hours at the office or a grueling workout, nothing releases toxins and helps one decompress like a sauna. The HeatWave Sauna is super easy to assemble!

Sports Memorabilia

If you've got a sports fanatic on your hands, check out our Sports Memorabilia.

Unique, one-of-a-kind collectables from Joe Montana Autographed NFL "Duke" Football to an Authentic Piece of Brick from Wrigley Field.

Keeping your main squeeze happy and young at heart is a gift that keeps on giving to both of you. No doubt, he'll consider you the coolest chick on this side of the North Pole!

The Coolest Seats for Scholarly Kids

insider — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 12:14:00 GMT

Now that the kids are back to school, we'd like to take this opportunity to point out some very cool designs in children's seating. There's nothing like a hip design that was made especially with you in mind, and we hope these stylish chairs will give your young-ins a reason to get excited about getting back to the books.

Baby Wire Children's Chair

These awesome chairs by Zuo are great for the kids' room, and also suit every living space where children play. The base is made from chrome steel and the cushion a flexible, high-resilient polyurethane. Comes in a set of 2, also available in pink.

For the full size version of this chair, click here.

Baby Spire Chair in Transparent Red

Based on Zuo's popular Spire chair, this chair fits in every child's room in need of modern, classic style. With a light-weight seat made from ABS and chrome steel base, the Baby Spire serves the function and design. It is also available in white, green, orange and transparent blue and clear.

For the full size chair, click here (available in red, white, black).

The 2 Piece Adjustable Height Rolling Chair

These colorful adjustable study chairs from Powell Furniture are also a great buy. They have durable casters for easy moving and a gas-life type adjuster to make them the perfect height for growing kids. They are available in a rainbow of colors, sure to go great with any kid's study space. Shown above in green apple and chrome.

And for when all the studying is done, check out some of these ultra-comfy recliners. They are made by Flash Furniture in perfect kid-sized proportions in several styles and many colors. Some even have drink holders and hidden storage compartments.

Bistro Tables

insider — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 11:48:00 GMT

A bistro table can transport you to a cafe in Paris faster than you can say "espresso."

I often daydream over a cup of coffee or tea and find myself on the streets of Paris and my other favorite faraway places. The narrow streets, the bustling crowds, the sidewalks lined with small tables filled with people having what seems to be very important and passionate discussions. I finally decided that my daydreams would be better served with a little bistro table of my own.

Bistro style tables are great for small outdoor spaces and can be used for 2-4 people depending on the occasion. It’s perfect for your morning coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner al fresco or a nightcap and great conversation.

Bistro sets are a nice way to give your front porch more usable space, add a welcoming touch, and provide more curb appeal. And while they are great outside, they are also wonderful for using in indoor spaces, such as small breakfast nooks. Homeclick has a great variety of bistro sets ranging in styles from metro to islander. If you are looking for a great big addition to a small space, here are some of our favorites.

This cast aluminum set is perfect for your outdoor patio.

Alfresco Home Margarita Daisy Mesh Bistro Table and Chairs Set

These ultra cool dining sets are built to last with a galvanized powder-coated finish that is resistant to rust. They are made with an intricate retro design and are available in green apple, blue hawaiian, blood orange, black tea, and cocoa bean. The tables can also be purchased separately.

Bay View Cast Aluminum Bistro Set

Another weather-proofed favorite, this set’s classic design fits well with any style from antique lover to modern.

Cyan Design Bird Bistro in Muted Rust

Made with iron and glass in a muted rust finish, this table takes its inspiration from nature with botanical lines and a lovely little bird.

Cushions add to the lounge factor.

The Ponte 30" Round Bar Bistro Table

This lovely table has a gorgeous mosaic top in vibrant green colors. The tiles are hand-set, grouted and sealed for a long life and durability. Perfect for gazing.

Boca Rattan’s Bistro Coco Cay Collection

Made with Urban Mahogany, this set features super comfy stools with arm rests and cushions for extended lounging.The glass table top is a spacious at 36” across.

Hillsdale’s Brookside 5 piece set with Marin Barstools

This 36” round table can be matched up with four different styles of chairs to give it your personal touch. Its elegance and comfort will add class to any space.

A Sheet Load of Great Deals

insider — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 12:15:00 GMT

A Sheet Load of Great Deals

When you are tired after a long day, there's nothing better than being greeted by a nice crisp/super soft set of sheets on your bed. Here are some finds to help you stay cozy in bed this summer while keeping a sensible budget. Here are some of our favorites for under $60.

Get That Color Pop

Orange you glad you bought a new set of sheets? (Sorry, couldn't resist.) This set of strikingly orange sheets from Jenny George brings a happy color your way, ensuring cheerful wakenings. With a 200 thread count, these cotton-poly blended sheets are priced to sell starting at just $30. In twin and double sizes, they are perfect for the kids' or guest rooms. They are also available in a range of sizes and colors from teal to lime green to zebra print.

Go Microfiber

Sometimes referred to as "tee-shirt sheets," microfiber sheets are fabulously soft and designed to never wrinkle or pill – how can you go wrong with that? Microfiber sets from Southern Textiles are a great deal starting at just $44.95.

Show Your Team Spirit

The folks over at Sports Coverage have microfiber sheet sets that will help you support all of your favorite teams. They are a great buy for that someone special heading off to the dorms this year, starting out at $48.95. It doesn't matter if you're team won the Super Bowl or won only one game last season, their logo is going to look good on your bed. Buy across all the seasons so you can swap when the NFL ends and NHL or NBA starts to heat up.

Bold Patterns

Make a statement and let the bold patterns prevail with sheet sets in pink plaid or blue stripes from Chic Home. These sets are made from 100% cotton and have nice deep fitted sheet pockets. They are all yours at $55.

As you can see - you don't have to stretch too far for a little splurge on new sheets this summer. For under 60 bucks, you can be sleeping pretty! If you are looking for a little something extra, be sure to see the rest of the bedding department, where there are always great deals and marked-down items to be found.

Picnic Time

insider — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A picnic set makes a great gift for those romantic couple friends of yours.

Welcome to summer, Homeclick friends! We love this time of year, and all of the fun we can have outdoors. We also love to enjoy a meal or two al fresco on these beautiful summer days, and have found just the right items to help you make those meals all the more special. Whether it’s tailgating or picnics on the lake, you’ll be relaxing in style this year with our great selection of coolers, picnic blankets and cushions, basket sets and more. Here are some of our favorite finds.

A traditional picnic basket never goes out of style. With its easy to carry handles and stable base, access to your favorite treats is kept simple. Modern technology has sweetened the deal with insulated liners that keep things cool.

If you are looking for a great gift for a couple (perhaps for a wedding you are attending this summer), a lovely handmade picnic set would make a sweet, romantic gift. The Picnic Plus Copley picnic basket for 2 (shown above) is one ideal choice with its hand woven willow basket, ceramic plates, stainless steel flatware, wine glasses and a removable insulated cooler section. It also has a strap on top to carry a favorite folded blanket and glass votive candle holders for the perfect touch. Don’t miss some of the other great styles as well, such as the gorgeous eco-friendly options and sets for 4 or more friends to join in the fun.

Picnics are not just for baskets, though. For some occasions, the traditional basket might not be as practical. If you are heading out on a bike to the park for the day, a tote bag style might be a better option for you. Many of these picnic totes also make great shopping bags for your trips to the market. Their insulted designs will keep your need-to-be-chilled items happily cool, avoiding the tell-tale melting ice creams of summer shopping expeditions.

An insulated design keeps items chilled.

Cooladio!

Ok, perhaps you knew this item would materialize some day, offering you chilled beverages and music at the same time, but alas, you didn’t think of it first. This handy backpack/carrying bag will be the life of your next small picnic or perhaps biking adventure with its line in for your mp3 player powered by 4 AA batteries. The insulated cooler is leak proof, stylish and has nice padded back panels and straps. There are several styles available, as well. How cool is that?

And for when things cool down just enough to get cozy, grab a fleece blanket cushion from Picnic Plus. It offers two and one functionality as a warm blanket for when you need it that zips up into a handy cushion. It’s a must have for all day events that sometimes end in a chilly evening.

We hope that some of these items will help you to enjoy the summer even more while is lasts. Savor the great food, have a fun and safe time, and stay away from the ants! Oh, and don’t forget to check out the sale section for the best deals.

Raindrops Keep Falling

insider — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Raindrops Keep Falling

Rain Chains (Kusari-Toi 鎖樋) have been widely used around homes and temples in Japan for hundreds of years. They are a very popular and convenient alternative to downspouts for draining rain from the gutters to the ground. The rain can drain into a barrel, basin or ceramic pot, and then be used for many things around the home and garden. They are a beautiful water-feature that will make a great addition in any yard or garden.

Rain chains come in many shapes and sizes including bronze cups, grapes, watering cans, pails, loops, terra cotta pots and many other designs. The fundamental design (as seen above) is a series of objects are linked together with a hole in the bottom of each. The water will run down each one in a straight path and end up in a basin or container. If you like, you can also stake the last object into the ground and surround it with rocks or a wooden tub with plants. And in the winter, the beautiful ice crystals that form on the chain will glisten as they melt in the sunshine.

Here's a sneak peak into some of our favorites.

Double Link Rain Chain
(from Good Directions)

This lovely chain of linked copper double circles is hand-crafted and will develop a natural patina over time.

The Lily Rain Chain
(from Achla Designs)

A contemporary design with five copper lilies linked together. The nine and a half foot chain will delight you with its soothing rain sounds where it cheerfully hangs from your roof.

Umbrella Rain Chain
(from Good Directions)

This adorable rain chain will help dissolve your rainy day blues with its linked umbrellas.

Rain chains are a great way to add an interesting note to what for most homes is a rather boring system of water management. Find the right style for you, and you'll be happy when it rains!

Great Garden Games

insider — Fri, 25 May 2012 11:50:00 GMT

Summer is nearly here, and it’s warm enough for sure for those classic summer garden games that have been loved for generations. Great for most ages, they are a great way to enjoy the fresh air and relaxing time with the whole gang at your spring and summer get-togethers.

Sundress and lemonade not included.

Croquet

Tracing back to the mid-18th century, this popular pastime took England by storm, and games today still carry that nostalgia with them, with images of fancily-clad players on perfectly manicured greens. Its roots go even further back to the early 1700’s as the game of pall mall (ball and mallet), which was played with generally the same concept.

Why not carry on the tradition at home now with your very own set? The 6-player classic croquet set from Franklin sports includes wood mallets with custom knurled heads, six balls, nine all-weather wickets, two stakes with protective caps, a steel hammer to set up the course, and a classy carrying case to take it to the park or your next picnic.

Hit that shuttlecock!

Badminton

Hailing from the same mid 18th century era in British India, the game has been around for quite some time, and was originally played with balls of wool. It has been an Olympic sport since 1992, if you are keen (and super competitive with the kids), perhaps you’ll discover a fledgling future Olympian in your midst.

One of the great things about it is how lightweight it is and easy to set up. This classic badminton set comes with 3 cork-tipped shuttlecocks, 4 graphite rackets, poles/net/stakes, a hammer for set-up and a carrying bag to keep pieces from straying when you’re not playing. Pack your tea sandwiches and get ready for the big match.

Surf's up!

Beach Fun

The Beach Paddle set from picnic plus is a must-have for this summer. With a sweet $10 price tag, you get 3 games in one. The paddles themselves have games built-in, so you can play paddle ball, Parcheesi or chess with the included pieces – how cool is that? And if it gets really hot, you can also use the paddle to fan yourself.

Horseshoes is another classic favorite and easily portable game for your summer picnics. Other games you might consider are bocce ball, tetherball and tossing games like the super portable Fold n’ Go Washers or Fling shots, which are especially good for tailgate parties.

If you are from the Midwest, you’re probably familiar with the resurgence of the beanbag toss game, also referred to as “corn hole.” Many avid fans of the game spend loads of hours making and customizing their own sets. For the creative minded, check out this gallery for inspiration.

Keep the fun alive with some friendly competition and have a great summer ahead!

The Art of Air Circulation – Fanimation

insider — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:18:00 GMT

Fans can make drastic improvements on the temperature control of your home, whether the seasons are warm or cold. The great thing for us today is that there are so many cool designs to choose from, adding one does not have to be boring by any stretch of the imagination. One of our favorite designers, Fanimation Ceiling Fans, was born out of Pasadena, California, and offers charming old world styles with a sleek, modern edge. Here are some highlights from their collection of innovative and striking designs

The Levon fan has unique and artistic look with its 8 angular blades. It also boasts energy star ratings for efficiency, which will bring you savings over the years. It has 3 speeds in forward and reverse, and can accommodate sloping ceilings with ease.

The Arden standing portable fan (pictured at top of page) has 3 speeds, artist tri-pod style walnut legs, and oscillates, making it a great movable addition to any space. The screen is also available in different metal finishes.

One of Fanimation’s most amazing designs reminds me of a favorite café I used to frequent back in college, where I’d lovingly gaze at the ceiling and watch the blades rotate, imagining I were hanging somewhere tropical with the Hemmingway crowd. The Palmetto II Tropical Specialty Fan is made in antique brass and other classic finishes, and can be extended up to 45 feet. It is also adjustable in that you can vary the number of blades and fan sections you’d like. A gorgeous splurge indeed.

If the Palmetto is a bit out of your budget for the moment, or too large for you house, be sure to check out another true favorite: the Fargo 4 Speed Banker/Poker Table Fan. It not only looks amazing, but its design assures that your papers/cards will not get blown away, hence the name. It has a globe frame and horizontally rotating blades, which draw the air in from the top and leave you with a nice, calm, cool breeze. It’s portable, and has a handle and rubber feet to

keep your furniture protected – how sweet is that?

Fanimation has some seriously fun products, so be sure to check out the rest of their designs, too. If they are not exactly what you have in mind, you should definitely spend some time perusing the rest of our extensive ceiling fan/table fan collection here at Homeclick.

Bungalow Love: Turn On to Arts & Crafts Lighting

insider — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:00:00 GMT

An old Arts & Crafts style bungalow.

The Arts and Crafts style movement of the 1920s inspired a lengthy era of beautiful home construction, quality workmanship, and artful design that carried over from the Victorian and Edwardian eras with a focus on a more modern simplicity. Thousands of neighborhoods around the country sprang up during this decade with advances in building techniques and the accessibility of electricity for homes. This period style of home is admired by many, and many people spend years making sure they are lovingly restored to their former glory.

Whether or not you live in a craftsman style home, the details they are famous for can be wonderful accents to many designs you have in mind for your own living space.

Homeclick carries an array of lighting items from switch plates to lamp posts that will add the perfect touch to fit a lovely Arts and Crafts feel in your home. Here are some of our favorites.

Let your home lighting show off its style.

Light the Way

We offer outdoor lighting options such as flush mounts, hanging lanterns, scones, and even offer a lamp postlight if you are in search of a dramatic look for a large yard. The lantern styles come in several colors make a perfect welcome next to your front door, and go well with nearly every type of architecture out there. See Maxim and Trans Globefor special offers on now.

Finishing Touches

Replacing an old switch plate (or even a new one for that matter) with something tastefully decorative is a great way to make a simple change to a room. Our collection of Craftsman style switch plates will make all the difference, and you'll enjoy seeing them in use on a daily basis. They add authenticity and beauty to your sweet little bungalow, or even to your modern townhouse. Check out the great deals on rocker switches and outlet combos for up to 4 switches in several colors including bronze, pewter, and aged bronze.

And while we know it has nothing really to do with lighting, you should still pop over to the cabinet hardware department and try some of the Craftsman knobs and pulls on for size.

One you're tired from a long day of home upgrading, you can turn out the lights and kick back to relax in front of a Craftsman style fireplace from FMI. Whether you want to go big or small in your changes at home, give this clean, beautiful style a chance for a great lesson in architectural history.

Bon Voyage: New Luggage at Homeclick.com

insider — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 14:11:00 GMT

The classic roller luggage option will never go out of style.

If you have had enough of home fix-up for a little while, and ready for a little get-away, Homeclick wants to help you have a happier journey. There are many great new products worth checking out in our new and growing luggage department.

With great names like Samsonite, Victorinox, Benzi, Heys USA and many others, the cyber shelves have been loaded up with amazing products that will stand the test of time and last through years of your travel adventures ahead.

Airline luggage restrictions are tighter than ever, so some of our most popular products are carry-on luggage pieces and duffel bags. These versatile travel companions are a must-have for anyone planning a long or short trip these days. Our new luggage department also carries smaller bags for day-trips and staying organized. From ticket organizers to trunk storage, there’s something for every trip, whether it be by car, train or plane – or maybe even just your next day hike or commute to work.

Traveling in Style

When it comes to luggage style, Heys USA wins the trophy for unique luggage pieces that you are sure to spot as soon as they come your way on the carousel. They offer sets in various vivid colors, animal prints, polka-dots, skulls, stripes, you name it! That lime and zebra print set you’ve always wanted? We’ve got it - in high gloss and several colors, actually. These sets really are fun, and even better, they are high quality, fully lined and come with a 7-year warranty. They also make standard colored luggage if you are one of those stay-under-the-radar travel types.

For more quality luggage sets with spinner wheels and lightweight hard shells, Benzi is another great name to go with. They offer some standard and interesting patterns as well, and are very affordable. They make backpacks and briefcases for guy and gals, and even have a cool silver set that looks a

bit like it’s from the future. Victorinox is now in our luggage roster, and offers bags of every shape

Super Bowl Champs!

and size. With more than 100 years of design under their belt, they never disappoint. A popular item is their Altamont adventurer backpack available in red, black and moss.

Staying Sporty

We’ve added sports-themed luggage from Avalon, including this cool Giants wheeling hybrid for fans of this year’s Superbowl champs, and trunk organizers for those on the move. Samsonite also makes a golf bag spinner that is perfect for golfers on the go.

Day-trippin’

And once you’ve hit your destination, you know you’ll be in need of a small bag to take on day trips and about town. If you are like me, you don’t really need an excuse to buy more gadgets or bags, but the bags made by Baggillini are hard to resist. From shoulder bags to messenger totes, backpacks and laptop bags, you will certainly find something to make your busy life easier. They’ve got ticket organizer wallets to keep important documents as close to you as possible, rolling totes that are carry-on size and offer easy access to your most needed items, and carrying totes for every occasion. Most of their items are made from water resistant material, which is an excellent feature for serious travelers.

Bon voyage from your friends at Homeclick!

The Secret to Great “Antique” Finds

insider — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:56:00 GMT

Do you love the beauty of antiques, but not the endless searching in country warehouses for the perfect piece? Sometimes when you do find the perfect looking piece, you only come to find out that it is so old that its rickety drawers won’t open for you, or its legs are wobbly, or has hinges that are sad and sorry.

A great solution to this problem is checking out some of the lovely reproductions that can be found out there from places like Authentic Models. Sure, we’d all love to inherit Grandpa’s travel trunk from the 1920s that is still in perfect condition, but the truth is, we cannot all be so lucky as to have these things make it through the generations. Sometimes, even if we do, they just might end up in the hands of our bratty older sister.

There are really fantastic pieces out there that have that old look, but are actually new. The solid Library du Jour bookcase has all the details of a French antique, as does the library ladder. There are also crafty modular units that allow you to re-invent your own antiques by combining drawers, cabinets, desks and shelves to suit your needs. How cool is that?

Now’s your chance to take things into your own hands and shop comfortably from home find to reasonably priced antique reproductions for your home like the Bombay Box and stylish steam trunks. And while you are at it, check out some of their other products that run the spectrum from games to lighting and decorative models.

Game Changing Team Gear

insider — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:15:00 GMT

Go Pats!

Go Giants!

The Super Bowl is just days away! Now is your chance to cash in on some great deals before the football season is over. The sideline pillows shown above are currently 50% their normal price at just $18, so get them while they’re hot! They will serve you the wonderful dual purpose of providing extra comfort for game watching while also being a perfect item for grasping, punching and throwing in times of suspense/frustration.

Let everyone at the airport know who you support.

You can also show your support for your favorite team with a great travel bag from Athalon. This Green Bay Packers 21” wheeling hybrid carry on is a great consolation prize for fans this year, and is the ultimate getaway bag with a wide opening for easy packing and sturdy in-line wheels. It’s on sale for 33% off right now, so it’s a perfect way to show your year-round support.They also make extremely cool golf trunk lockers, wheeling golf travel bags and heated boot bags in team designs.

Whether you are supporting The Giants or The Patriots this year, you’ll be able to find some really cool items to deck out your den in our different departments. There are items available for all your favorite NFL teams including comforters, shower curtains, pillows, sleeping bags, BBQ aprons, luggage and other memorabilia. Be sure to check out more from Sports Coverage and Steiner Sports. And of course, may the best team win!

Brighten Up Your Home in the New Year with Decorative Pillows

insider — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:06:00 GMT

Just a handful of new decorative pillows can transform a room.

It’s amazing how much just a little bit of color can change a room. This is what is really great about decorative pillows. They can add a touch of accent to a room that really brightens things up or makes the atmosphere feel more festive, modern, relaxing, sporty, kitschy, folksy, princessy – whatever you are after! At this transitional time of year, I think it’s great to have a little “out with the old, in with the new” attitude. I like to rearrange the furniture, do a deep clean, and reward myself with a new accent or two at home to change things up. Pillows are a super easy addition to most rooms that can make a surprising difference, so you should think about giving them a try!

There’s a really great, diverse collection of decorative pillows at Homeclick from Imax Worldwide (not to be confused with the movies, though you could take one of these for behind your back next time you go there). Imax Worldwide imports home and garden accessories from 12 different countries, using styles and textures creatively mixed with fashion trends to make beautiful designs for every kind of home. This shines through in their pillow selection.

Top cushy insider picks:

The Palais Rectangle

This flamenco-inspired embellished pillow in dramatic, deep colors will warm any room with a sense of passion. 12x18 inches.

Gold Fontella Felt Rose Pillow

This hand-sewn pillow full of intricately formed petals is like comfortable origami for creative daydreamers. Also available in purple and red.

Set of 3 Adalyn Bird Pillows

These super cheery, chirpy birds will brighten any room from nursery to lounge to the kitchen.

These are just a few of our favorites to get you started, but we know you’ll have fun browsing through the rest of the collection on your own.

Happy New Year to everyone!

Getting Cozy for the Holidays

insider — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 21:32:00 GMT

It happens every year. There are suddenly only 12 days left until Christmas! Time to get in gear and finish up that online shopping while you still have time to ship. Here are some more gift ideas that work well for almost everyone on your list. For purchases over $39 before midnight tonight, the shipping is free, so now is the time to make a move from right there in the comfort of your own home!

Almost all of us in North America are learning first hand all about the season’s chills this week. A cold spell, with plenty of snow for lots of us has been sweeping the land, and if this keeps up, it will be a very white Christmas for many of us. What better way to share love and friendship with someone you care about than a cuddly warm blanket? We’ve got lovely throws in loads of styles that will bring a warm smile (and lap) to anyone. Check out the fun and whimsical Jubilee throw from Woven Works complete with pompoms, the country style Utah Clay throw from Daniadown, Pamela Kline’s classy La Boheme or the glamorous Faux Fur also from Woven Works. We also have a great selection of full-sized blankets and quilts along with other bedding and accessories to chase the cold gloomies away.

Another favorite gift idea to share the warmth with someone who enjoys a relaxing night in is the unique personal fireplace. These table top accessories can really add coziness to a room as a modern and interesting alternative to candles, and less work than a real fireplace for those who don’t have the space or the energy for the full-on home hearth. Much like a gas lamp or lantern, they run on gel fuel and are a great conversation piece for any room.

There are so many great gifts to be found on Homeclick right now, so get clicking tonight before midnight Pacific time, save yourself some cash, and be at ease knowing your holiday shopping is finally finished! You just might find a little something for yourself, as well.

Brand Profiles: Crosley

insider — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 20:34:00 GMT

This week, our spotlight is on Crosley, a maker of seriously stylish things that make great holiday gifts!

Founded in 1920, the Crosley company was very influential in the mass marketing of radios for the home. Wanting to buy a radio for his son’s birthday, Powel Crosley, shocked by the $130 price tag (that’s $1380 in today’s dollars!), decided to make his own. After successfully building a working version for only $35, he quickly saw the potential for a much more affordable radio on the market for everyday people.

Today, The Crosley company is staying true to those vintage styles, but with the new available technologies offering great sound and convenience, offering stylish and portable radios and turntables that allow you to play all audio media and with some, even convert them to digital formats with USB hook-ups for the modern world. Their new reintroductions also include a line of telephones that would look great in any home for an added touch of nostalgia.

You now have one more reason to keep that landline after all, and it’s the radio classic red wall phone. This design is a tribute to designer Henry Dreyfuss, whose designs were breakthrough for their time, using accurate face measurements of 2000 people to determine the average length between the ear and mouth make the phone handset much more comfortable for people to hold. Seems like easy logic, but at the time, it was a major improvement for these relatively new devices. This phone has the cool rotary style look, but offers that nice, new-fangled push button technology we so love. Another colorful choice is the pink princess phone, modeled after a design that was very compact for its time in 1959, and so pretty in pink! Lastly, though there are many other styles to check out, is the kettle classic desk phone, inspired by European phones from the 1930’s. This phone looks fabulous placed pretty much anywhere and fits in with any décor.

Another item that looks great in any room is the Solo Radio, a beautifully simple AM/FM radio with auxiliary in/out so that it can become even more.

If you are looking for a way to get all of those vinyl records back in action, Crosley has reintroduced some great styles that will let you reclaim the nice warm sound of your favorite record playing, which is especially sweet during the holidays. The Autorama record turntable is available in red, chrome or black and features an AM/FM Radio and a 3-speed turntable. Or, you can modernize your listening with the sleek Radio Revolution turntable. This fun battery powered gadget is tiny and has no cords, but includes a USB hook-up, making it perfect for the record lover to take it on the go and dazzle friends.

And at last, you can enjoy and digitize all of that vinyl collecting dust around the house with the Crosley Composer CD Recorder. This stereo has it all with AM/FM receiver, cassette player, CD player and recorder, and a remote control. Get ready to have some fun and make those mix tape/cds for friends that you have been meaning to for the holidays this year!

To go one better, you can match up these radios with one of the Crosley entertainment stands, available in a range of really cool retro designs to hold all those records you finally dug up. The Manchester is perfect for the retro Danish Modern look, while the Bardstown is more of a classic look with its glass cabinet. These are a perfect way to display these great pieces and to store all those records.

All of these items make unique and memorable gifts, and are a great way to add a bit of fully-functioning nostalgia to any home.

The Golden Age of Air Travel

insider — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:49:00 GMT

Air Travel has come a long way over the last 200 years. It has gone from the lofty twinkle in the eyes of a daring few such as Montgolfier Brothers in the 1780’s with the first hot air balloon flight and Wright brothers in the early 1900’s with the first airplane, to the hum-drum daily commute for some business people and military jets that can fly upwards of 700mph.

The nostalgia of the golden era of flight and world travel lives on in the universally loved images and artifacts that remain awe-inspiring to many of us today. Authentic Models has a line of handcrafted models and globes to make any room or study in your house a place for dreaming up your own life’s adventures.

Going through time, you can have a piece of history for yourself, starting with the Royal Aero or the Travels in Blue hot air balloon models with classic striped balloon styles in a range of colors. Did you know that unmanned hot air balloons date back to possibly as far back as the first century AD when they were used for signalling? Follow this link for more on the interesting history of balloon flight.

The next items up are from a long line of dirigible history. The zeppelins of the Industrial Age were a vision of the future, floating magically above the sky. Made from recycled airplane aluminum, you can have a small model for the desk, or dream big with a tribute to the infamous Hindenberg, whose tragic end sadly marked the end of passenger airship travel.

Landing you safely back in more recent history, their small passenger plane models embrace the independence of modern air travel for both civilian and military use. The Red Jenny, Dixie Clipper and the Spirit of St. Louis are all waiting to swoop your thoughts a world away.

Keep your dreams in flight with all of these great decorating ideas, and others such as maps, globes and all those little things you pick up along your life’s journey. And, to be sure you never lose your way out in the field, check out the compass/magnifier compass, the perfect companion for the true explorer. Well, that and your GPS device if the nostalgia is too much for you! As humans, we were born to be curious and ready to explore. All of these things are a reminder of just how great and small our wondrous planet is all at the same time.

Under the Covers: More on Blankets

insider — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:17:00 GMT

Now that the winter solstice has officially reached our calendars, and the thermostat starts to settle in to dropping lower temperatures until spring, it’s a great idea to think about having a few extra layers of blankets and throws on hand. They are essential for guests, your bedding rotation, and for those cold nights in front of the television or curled up next to the fire with a good book.

Choosing blankets for the bedroom can be a little confusing when it comes to sizing and matching the rooms decor, but if you’re just looking to add to your mix of blankets and have ones available for other occasions, it can be fun to have a few to choose from, which will allow you to interchange them from time to time and make cozier use of your other rooms.

To get the best fit for your choice of blanket or throw, regular sizes are generally around 50” x 60”-70” for a throw, twin size beds are about 66” x 90”, queen or full/queen are usually 90” x 90” and king size beds are in the range of 110” x 90”. Of course sizing varies from each manufacturer, but these measurements are pretty standard, and are a good approximation of what you’re covering. Also, depending on the materials used, weave and construction will determine then quality of warmth retention and wicking ability. For example, natural fibers like wool or cotton are excellent at insulating heat and are absorbent, drawing moisture away from the body, keeping you feeling dry and warm. Synthetic fibers such as acrylic blankets and throws are less absorbent and don’t wick away moisture as well as most natural fibers, but they can be a lot more affordable and do still offer excellent heat retention.

At Homeclick, we offer an excellent variety of blankets and throws constructed from natural and synthetic fibers as well as in blends of fibers in a wide array of sizes, weaves and design styles, making it easy to find the right fit for your bed and lounging settings. And, as an added bonus, we’re currently offering a 10% discount on all of our home decor products, so your wallet can stay comfy too.

The Straight Flush

insider — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 22:16:00 GMT

Whether you’re planning a bathroom remodel, upgrading your new home, or don’t want to sink any more money or time in repairs for an existing toilet, choosing the right plumbing hardware can help bring your throne back into the zone. There are many varieties of styles and features to consider, but working your way from their performance specifications and size towards materials and color finish is a good method to use.

When choosing the right toilet for your install, some of the first things to consider are the types of flushing options: gravity, vacuum assist or pressure assist. The standard model we all know, the gravity toilet, simply fills the bowl with water discharged from the tank and then flushes the water and waste. With federal regulations mandating no more than 1.6 gallons per flush, more gravity toilets have been designed with vacuum assist technology. Instead of only water flushing the contents, it also creates an air pull behind the trap. The third of these, the pressure assisted toilet, is easily recognizable by its boisterous flush as it uses pressurized air to help force water into the bowl and down the drain. It’s very effective in water conservation but can be noisier than the other flushes.

Another good point to keep in mind is that regardless of which mechanical flush design you choose, price has less to do with performance than other features, sizes and finishes. For example, whether a one piece or two piece toilet, they flush the same way – it’s just manufacturing the one piece that is more expensive. So after deciding what your basic bowl type needs are, it can just come down to a wide variety of styles and finishes to match your décor.

Homeclick.com offers a wide variety of options from various manufacturers as well as advanced search options to make comparison shopping by particular features and price ranges easy. We also have a dedicated buying guide for toilets, where you can read up even more. And of course, lastly, be sure to check out the great buyer’s specials happening at the Outlet!

Fireplace Alternatives: Gas Log Sets

insider — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:42:00 GMT

A lot of homes have fireplaces that go unused or are merely decorative, while the central heating does the job of keeping the dwelling warm and comfortable. Having a working fireplace can be a chore with keeping kindling ready and the mess involved with cleaning up the ash as well as labor of hauling wood into your home to keep a steady supply of fuel. A gas log set is a convenient way to convert your wood fireplace into an auxiliary, occasional heating source that allows you to heat as often or even more than you would with the use of wood, but without the hassle and mess.

Gas log sets come in two basic configurations: vented and un-vented. At Homeclick we offer both, but the most popular ones by far are the vented gas logs. Whether you choose vented or un-vented, you should have a licensed plumbing or heating contractor do your installation as this is not the best job for do-it-yourselfer. The installation cost can vary, but should run around a few hundred dollars. Some states, such as California and Massachusetts, do not allow the use of un-vented gas appliances.

Homeclick.com has almost two hundred vented log sets available from top quality name brands like Petersen Real Fyre, Golden Blount and Monessen. One of the first considerations in choosing a gas log set is about how much heat you’re expecting. Vented gas logs can range between 40,000 and 120,000 BTUs, so they can really throw off some heat. Another consideration is to size the unit properly with your existing fireplace. You’ll need at least a 2” to 6” clearance around the nominal dimensions or your log set. Lasty, some aesthetics such as the shape and look of “logs” may be a factor for you, so it’s a good thing there are many to choose from.

The median price range for a vented gas log set is between $300- $1000, and with our 10% off deal for all fireplace purchases over $199 , the only heat you’ll feel is from the warm glow of your new log set. Now you can get ready to ring in the new year with cozy, warm style!

Seasonal Wares: Stocking Stuffers & Gift Gems

insider — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:39:00 GMT

Finding the right gift for everyone on your nice list, or even your naughty list if you’re a generous sort, can leave the holiday cheer tarnished with a little less tinsel to spare. There are also the numerous parties and end of year get-togethers that can leave you impulse buying for want of not arriving empty handed. Yet with a little foresight and a quick click through Homeclick.com’s home décor tab, even a Grinch can find room in his or her heart and budget to have a few back-up gifts ready to pull from your own Santa’s satchel.

Of course during the holidays eating and drinking is cause for what most season revelers resolve to lose a few pounds in the New Year, but that doesn’t mean you can indulge your Christmas cookies, eggnog or other sundries on any old plates or stemware. Homeclick.com has an assortment of holiday themed sets of dinner plates, assorted glassware, serving dishes, tea sets and more culinary accoutrements to add flair to your tabletop or stand-up party. Further, if there are more adult beverage connoisseurs amongst your guests, a few bottles of wine or booze might end up in your cupboard, so having proper stemware to serve from will add sophistication to your setting. There are also seasonal tablecloths, napkins and placemats to add to your table dressing.

Another popular holiday tradition that helps set a festive mood is the use of candles. There are a good variety of styles and sizes of candle holders that make for a great holiday gift idea for almost any household. You can also shed some light on the season by stopping by our Outlet where there are a good supply of buyer’s specials of home décor table and floor lamps. There’s even a holiday special for an additional 8% off for any items in the home décor tab at Homeclick.com, so you can still play Ebenezer without being a geezer.

Whatever gift ideas you have, there’s always a creative way to make the most of your budget while getting the sentiment of appreciation for yourself that you’ve tried to bring this season’s cheer to others. Happy shopping and happy holidays, we’ll toast to that!

Hosting Troubles Go Down the Drain: Bar Sinks

insider — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 21:09:00 GMT

Whether hosting a party or the usual family & friends gathering, most people tend to cluster where the food and drink are being prepared. As an added focal point in your kitchen, the extra utility and charm of an additional sink is great for functionality, convenience of food preparation, and conversation. A bar sink can complement your primary sink and add a division of tasks between your heavier chores, like pots and pans, and your finer dishes, glass, stemware and accessories, allowing you to better manage and enjoy your hosting and toasting. It also handily allows for more people to be working at once, putting all those guests to work if you so choose.

Generally, a bar or prep sink assists your standard kitchen sink with culinary prep work, hors d’oeuvres, fruit, vegetables, ice for beer, wine and other mixology. When selecting a bar or prep sink there are many creative and useful choices such as commercial grade or utilitarian models, traditional or modern styles, and ones made from a variety of materials such as stainless steel, copper, and Siligranit (80% natural granite, mixed with acrylic resin).

The most common ancillary bar or prep sink is the stainless steel tub with faucet. In that category alone, there are a myriad of models with drop-in or under-mount installation offering varying capacity, number of faucet holes or tubs, and distinctive shapes to accommodate your counter space. The average length is in the 15-20 inch range (10-20 inches wide and 6-8 inches deep). Most bar sinks are specified with a single faucet hole, but are also available with two or even no faucet holes as an option.

Whether you’re planning a complete kitchen remodel or just a counter top and cupboard change out, adding a bar or prep sink can add a great combination of utility and entertaining ease to let you focus on your family and friends while worries of the kitchen chores go down the drain.

The Homeclick Outlet: How to Find a Great Deal

insider — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 21:04:00 GMT

Sometimes the best deal can be the one you just happen to stumble upon. There are so many factors and decisions to home improvement and upgrades that can make any additional project seem dizzying with all the other unexpected repairs and current do-it-yourself weekend plans you have penciled in. Whatever you choose, home improvements don’t have to be lavish or budget-busting ordeals. It may simply be a matter of coming across a good deal with a great product that you can make fit your needs and add style to your living space. Homeclick has a tab you should check out called The Outlet, where you’ll find a lot of great deals waiting for you to make a home improvement impact while staying budget friendly.

For example, a simple modernization or small upgrade to some of your bathroom fixtures or hardware can make it more easily accessible, comfortable and modernized. You’d be surprised at the difference a few new towel bars, lavatory sink and an over the mirror vanity bar lighting fixture can make to really change your bathroom.

If the previous blog entry: Outdoor lighting: Getting Started got you thinking, why not get your design/build ideas off the ground by checking out some of the outdoor fixtures currently available at Homeclick’s Outlet pages. There are few outdoor wall mounted sconces and pendants with classic styling and great value offered.

In fact, a longer look at Homeclick’s Outlet pages show a great deal of lighting products on offer from chandeliers, mono-point pendants, ceiling fans, wall sconces, table lamps, and floor lamps, all for a great value that could safe you some cash and get your interior design skills brighter and create ambiance to your space.

So don’t let your budget concern or grandiose floor to ceiling remodel ideas keep you from taking the first step to a better home. Simply browse for a great value and give yourself a fun project.

Curb Appeal

insider — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:11:00 GMT

Whether you’ve just closed the mortgage deal on an old Victorian home, signed a lease on an urban loft space, or would like to add personal style or flair to your current abode, there are a few simple items that can help give your residence’s façade a lasting first impression.

Of course your friends and family need to be able to find where you live, so a stylish, inexpensive, custom address marker is a great place to start. Once you’ve selected a design that suits your exterior, there are many different options available that can match or complement your color scheme. Often there are multiple selections of background and letter colors that you can use to accent your home front. One key consideration to ponder is that address markers are custom ordered items and are non-returnable, so make your decision carefully.

Another decorative distinction that can set you apart from the Joneses is an architectural mailbox. Most mailboxes come as either wall or post mounted so you can switch it up if you’re not doing an upgrade reinstall. As with the address markers, mailboxes come in a variety of designs and color finishes to work with your color scheme. There are also models which feature locking access doors and outgoing mail flags.

Finally, when greeting guests at your home, what better way to help spell out welcome than an actual doormat that does just that for you?

These three inexpensive and functional exterior accessories: mailboxes, address markers and doormats, can help give your home nice finishing touches or just-moved-in freshness. They’ll help you greet the neighborhood and elevate your curb appeal.

Games for the Holidays

insider — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:43:00 GMT

This holiday season, don’t just sit around and eat cookies and drink nog, get your game on!

Everyone loves a little friendly competition, and it can bring the fun to your holiday gatherings. If you are the type to sit back and relax with a board game, check out the amazing updated classics offered by Authentic Models. Famous for their artfully done reproductions, they’ve got venetian tic-tac-toe, chinese checkers and dominos. And for when everyone else heads home, and you’ve still got some

game in you, check out the marble solitaire games, dating back to the French Revolution, available in several versions made with beautiful glass-blown handmade pieces. These gorgeous games are a great table centerpiece and make great gifts as well.

And if you’ve got some more space available in your entertaining winter wonderland, why not take it up a notch and really get the blood moving with some more physical games like darts, foosball, ping-pong or table hockey. These allow for a great night of fun all year long, and will give everyone a memorable experience, and a reason to get excited for your next gathering. Maybe you can even team up those bickering family members to get them to work together or battle it out once and for all in the game arena!

Homeclick Top Search: Bath Faucets

insider — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:24:00 GMT

If you take a look at the top searches listed on the header of Homeclick.com’s front page you’ll see that bath faucets are a permanent fixture (pun intended) among the items most often sought after on our site. That’s for a good reason. We carry hundreds of high quality brand name faucets for most bath applications with a variety of colors and finishes to suit your décor. Although there are lots of configurations and style choices to consider, it doesn’t have to be difficult to choose what’s best for you.

A smart way to shop for a new faucet is by starting off with the type of configuration your sink requires. Generally, the two most common configurations are center-set or single-hole (handles and spout are in one base) and widespread (handles are separate from the spout). The general mounting configuration is either wall mounted or counter/sink top. A good next step to take is considering the valve type you will need. As the valve is what actually controls the flow of water, the type of valve technology will help determine quality of flow and longevity of the hardware. Compression valves are common but usually wear faster and require maintenance sooner than, for example, ball valves which more precisely control the mixture of hot and cold water and maintain a smoother stream.

Once the basic mechanical specifications are selected for your application, finding the right style and finish comes down to your own design scheme and personal style. Some standard finish options for warming tone bathrooms might be a nice brushed copper or oil rubbed bronze. For sleeker and brighter décor chrome or stainless steel might be a cooler match.

It may be a good idea to consider changing out your sink and faucets at the same time, but if you’re already happy with your existing sink and are just upgrading your faucet take extra time to ensure a proper sizing and fit so they work compatibly with each other.

After a few basic pointers it’s pretty easy to get a handle on choosing the best faucet for you.

Brand Profile: Napoleon – Quality Fireplaces

insider — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:21:00 GMT

Homeclick.com offers a large array of elegantly engineered and state-of-the-art Napoleon Fireplaces which are designed to provide you with comfort at the touch of your fingertips. With Napoleon Fireplaces you can rest assured that you will enjoy a lifetime of instant ambiance with reliable performance year after year.

Napoleon Fireplaces grew out of a small steel fabrication business, Wolf Steel Ltd., launched by Wolfgang Schroeter in 1976 in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. Since the first wood stove rolled off the production line over 30 years ago, Wolf Steel’s commitment was to be a distinctive and quality brand that merged innovation with value. The original stove featured a solid cast iron two door design produced in a modest facility. By 1981, the name brand “Napoleon” was born, and with it, the first single glass door with Pyroceram high tempered ceramic glass – a first in the industry. With even more innovation for Wolf Steel and Napoleon Fireplaces following over the next few years, the demand for Napoleon wood stoves grew beyond Ontario and into the rest of North America.

Napoleon works with its customers designing features that are cutting edge and leading the way with innovative patented technology: eco-friendly wood burning products, realistic natural gas burning fireplaces, and some of the North American market’s most advanced industrial technology. Their advanced engineering and design, manufacturing techniques, outstanding quality and superior warranties distinguish Napoleon from the rest of the market.

If you’ve read our most recent blog post, you also know of the great tax incentive available for qualifying biomass burning appliances. There are a few excellent models available from Napoleon that meet the requirements for this tax credit. A good example is the model 1100 Deluxe EPA wood burning stove – a pedestal stove that’s compact and has a dynamic appearance with performance to match, as well as high tech low-emissions efficiency. Remember when purchasing, as with all fireplaces and stoves, you should also be aware of your local municipality’s fire safety codes and restrictions so that you meet any requirements.

The Reviews Are In!

insider — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:09:00 GMT

At Homelick.com we’re not just one dimensional web factory outlet. Along with our knowledgeable and friendly customer service staff, we have over 25,000 product reviews as well as thousands of five star rated items to help assist in your home product buying decisions. There are over one thousand customer reviews of some of the premiere home shopping brands we carry for tableware and bathroom products, over five-hundred reviews for the kitchen, home-décor, appliances and housewares, as well as hundreds of reviews for bath, lighting, outdoor products, fireplaces and other items across our family of brands.

As we’ve recently highlighted in one of our blog posts, the best reviewed products by far are the bathroom products by Toto, with their Drake model toilet as the top-of-the-line rated, reviewed and purchased item. But there are many other great products that also have multiple five star ratings with more than enough reviews to highlight why you should feel confident in purchasing.

For example, the Weber model number 1421001 Performer Charcoal Grill with Gas Ignition has 40 reviews with an average rating of 4.8/5 stars! Scrolling through the reviews you can easily notice that there are multiple respondents highlighting the various pros of this great grill unit with almost no cons listed. By simply looking through the reviews you can get a great idea of how high quality and great value can be had with just a little browsing around the Homeclick site.

Another excellent example of the power of using reviews and rating to help with your shopping confidence is the Insinkerator model number H770 instant hot water dispenser. Like the Weber grill, it has a 4.8/5 stars rating with excellent reviews stating that the item is easy to install, and is an excellent value as well as a very high quality plumbing product.

We could cite hundreds of examples like these, but don’t take our word for it. Start clicking away through the reviewed products that pique your interest and see for yourself why shopping smart with homeclick is a fun, rewarding and budget saving way to make your home a place you love.

Aw, Dry Up!

insider — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:34:00 GMT

How to Choose a New Clothes Dryer

While summer is still around, you can enjoy the freshness of clothes line-dried in the breeze, but soon it will be time to take all that laundering back indoors. Get ahead of the game and start your research now to make the best choice with your new appliance.

The first things you need to think about when choosing a new dryer are size and space. How big of an area do you have available for your new appliance, and how big of a dryer do you actually need? If space is not an issue, dryers sizes should be chosen based on the load size you feel you will most commonly use, and should more or less match the capacity of your washing machine. For smaller spaces, compact and stackable dryers are a great option. There are even portable models that can be placed pretty much anywhere.

Next, you need to decide between electric and gas for your power source. Electric dryers tend to be cheaper, but in the end, using gas as your energy source will give you a savings in your monthly operation costs, so it evens out in the end. If you don't already have a gas line installed, this can be costly, so in such cases, an electric dryer may be the way to go. If you decide to go with the electric dryer, operational costs will vary depending on how often you use it, and sometimes depending on the time of day, since prices can be lower during off-peak energy times. Lastly, keep in mind that most dryers require a 240V power source to operate, as well a means to exhaust the hot humid air while in use, so it is worth checking your laundry area to make sure you that you have a sufficient plug and proper ventilation before you begin your shopping.

Extras such as drying racks, moisture sensors and gentle cycles are pretty standard with most new dryers these days. Further options to consider are all off the little extras such as quiet modes, interior drum lights, electronic control panels and advanced settings that can keep your clothes wrinkle-free. If you are really ready to splash out on a your new appliance, there are also extra-large capacity models, energy saving models and ones in stylish and fun colorful choices.

We've got some great deals on dryers right now, so be sure to check out our rebates and promotional section when you finally make your decision!

Warming Up to Electric Fireplaces

insider — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:32:00 GMT

It's true – there's nothing better than curling up with a nice warm cup of coffee or cocoa on a chilly day in front of a roaring fire. And chances are, you already have the cocoa and the chilly day! But what about the fireplace? Many of us keep a fireplace in mind as a 'someday' addition to our lives. We tell ourselves, "If I ever build a house from the bottom up, I'll include a fireplace and all the other luxuries I'd love to have." But there is no reason to wait for this distant 'someday' when it comes to enjoying the comfort and warmth only a fireplace can bring. They can actually be quite a bit more affordable than you might think.

Electric Fireplaces bring a few very impressive perks, not the least of which is their ease of installation. Consider this Napoleon Casaloma Fireplace, which provides the rich look of traditional masonry without your having to hire a mason or lift a finger – apart from plugging it in, of course! With your choice of mantel types, traditional flat or corner-cut, this is a smart and economical solution for spaces of all sizes. It's also important to consider that if you rent your home or apartment, or are likely to sell soon, this is an investment that you can take with you. No structural changes are necessary whatsoever, which means no cleanup, no potential damage, no permanence, no problem!

Another important advantage of many electric fireplaces is that they provide year-round pleasure. This beautiful Classic Flame Electric Fireplace will not only look stunning through the summer, but can also bring the flame without the heat! One of the incredibly unique advantages of electric fireplaces, many people choose them for this reason alone, as it allows you to enjoy the ambiance and atmosphere 365 days a year, truly stretching your investment.

To 'add fuel to the fire', HomeClick.com is currently running a sale on our entire line of Electric Fireplaces. Don't miss out!

Tips For A Terrific Thanksgiving – And We Aren’t Talking Turkey! (Part II)

insider — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:49:00 GMT

Tips For A Terrific Thanksgiving – And We Aren't Talking Turkey! (Part II) Thanksgiving is one of our favorite holidays here at HomeClick – we love to celebrate the day with delicious food, cherished family members, and our closest friends. Hosting Thanksgiving dinner isn't always the most simplest of meals to prepare, but watching your family and friends' faces light up when they taste those delicious candied yams and fried turkey makes all those hours spent at the supermarket and in your kitchen worth it! In Part One of our Thanksgiving tips blog series, we posted five tips to help make Thanksgiving dinner preparation much smoother, and we're back again with five more Thanksgiving tips, honed from years of Thanksgiving dinner experience!

1. Let the smell of an Autumn harvest greet your guests. Imagine your guests walking into your home and being greeted by the invigorating and scrumptious scents of cinnamon apple, pumpkin pie, sugar cookie, vanilla buttercream, and more. There's no need to set out pumpkin pies around your home; simply purchase Autumn scented reed diffuser oil or scented candles. Your guests will be able to embrace the gorgeous scents of a crisp Fall day and all the delicious food scents we associate with the season.

2. Thanksgiving decorations do exist, we promise. It can be difficult to find Thanksgiving decorations between all the spooktacular Halloween décor and shimmering holiday displays, but there are ways to decorate for Thanksgiving. Visit your local craft store to find pretty faux Fall leaves, and scatter them throughout your dinner table and buffet tables, beautifully framing your dinner spread and appetizers. Be sure to also search through the Halloween décor section for decorations featuring pumpkins, corn husks, and scarecrows without the spooky Halloween theme.

3. Toast to a perfectly chilled bottle of wine. You're proud of that exquisite wine you researched and purchased, and can't wait to toast to health and good fortune with your fellow adult Thanksgiving dinner guests. Only problem – your wine wasn't properly chilled! Wine can be quite the fickle beverage, making Wine Cellars a popular option to ensure your bottles are stored in a dark, temperature controlled environment. Wine cellars may technically be appliances, but they make for a beautiful addition to your home décor and quite the conversation piece. Consider it an investment that will reward you with superior tasting wines for years and years.

4. Don't let your guests leave empty-handed. Your dinner guests may wave off your invitation to take leftovers home, but chances are they're just trying to be polite. Purchase at least one plastic food storage container for each family that comes to dinner, and ask them to fill it with whatever they'd like to take home. Reassure them that they're only helping you clean up, and your own family couldn't possibly eat all those leftovers!

5. The music makes the mood. By their very nature, families can be a bit dysfunctional. You all love each other, but all those personalities in one room can sometimes cause Thanksgiving to become a little stressful. Purchase relaxing, holiday-themed music mixes to play softly in the background during dinner, dessert, and coffee. Your guests will likely feel in a more festive, cheerful mood and ready to have a pleasant Thanksgiving dinner.

Most importantly, we want you to enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner! Sure, carefully planning dinner, cooking all the scrumptious dishes, and spending time with your guests can be a bit daunting, but as long as you're smiling, your guests will have a wonderful time. After the dishes are cleared and there's not a morsel of pumpkin pie left, email us and tell us all about those memorable Thanksgiving dinner moments, and we might just highlight your Thanksgiving story in a future blog post!

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at HomeClick.com!

Tips For A Terrific Thanksgiving – And We Aren’t Talking Turkey! (Part One)

insider — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 20:25:00 GMT

Thanksgiving Day is just around the corner, and we couldn’t be more excited. This special day’s purpose isto remind us to bethankful for all the wonderful people, places and things in our lives, while being surrounded by those we love most (and amazing food) – sign me up! And while the day after Thanksgiving officially begins the hustle and bustle of the Holiday Season, Thanksgiving Thursday exists in sharp contrast to that crazy day full of mad shoppers and 5am traffic jams. This day is a day of enjoying a good football game with some good food and great company. Even if you do have to wear that sweater from Aunt Clara while you do it!

We've put together a list of tips to help you have the happiest Thanksgiving you can. Let us know which you like best, and if there's anything we missed! And look for Part Two of our tips in a few days…

1. Give yourself extra time to actually do the grocery shopping. While it is true for most of us that making a list and sticking to it helps saves us money (and empty calories from impulse junk food buys!), for holidays there is inevitably something you're going to forget. Even if you make a relaxing playlist on your iPod and just let yourself float around the store taking it all in, chances are the number of things you forget will be drastically reduced. It's tricky to remember everything when you're sitting at home, but when you see the flavored coffee creamer your best friend loves, it not only clicks that you need that, but that you're also low on coffee and filters. Let yourself wander every aisle, really thinking about everyone who'll be there, and what individual needs they might have. You're going to run out in a rush to grab those things anyway if you don't remember them, so you're better off buying them while you're in the store you shop in regularly with the best prices!

2. Make sure all your appliances are working correctly, from the Garbage Disposal to the Microwave. If something you need isn't up to par, now is the time to repair or replace. Consider the age and cost of the item when deciding which route to take. If your Refrigerator is a gold or green color, chances are it's on the older side! And while simple problems like a broken door handle are an easy fix, if something major is wrong with an older appliance it's usually very expensive to repair as many parts are no longer produced.

3. Wash your linens. No, not all of them, I'm sure most of them are clean! But think of all the sheets and towels you'll need for visiting guests, and have them freshened a few days beforehand. Also, be sure to open the windows (even for just a half hour) in rooms that haven't been used in awhile, particularly if you'll be cleaning the rooms and stirring up some dust. Once your guest room is refreshed and stocked with clean linens, you can close the door behind you and keep it that way until guests arrive! Move from room to room making a mental checklist of 'finished' rooms, and you'll feel like you're accomplishing quite a bit as everything comes together. When Thanksgiving arrives, you'll want to devote your time to cooking and chatting, not rushing to pull pillows from the washer and hoping they dry by bedtime.

4. I know we said we wouldn't be talking turkey, but just for one tip, we have to – Thanksgiving is nicknamed "Turkey Day", after all! Most of us will be cooking this delicious bird come Thanksgiving, but how we cook it is where there's some definite room to mix things up a bit. If you haven't tried fried turkey yet, you are doing yourself a major disservice! While it is easier to fry a few chicken breasts, frying turkey is worth the extra work. And with pot kits specifically designed for such an endeavor, like this popular Fire Magic Turkey Fryer, it's easier than ever. And when you aren't using this pot to deliver your family a fried turkey, you can conveniently cook crabs as well.

5. Make sure everyone has been invited. This may seem simple enough, but it's easy to assume that Aunt Betty told your cousins that you'd be hosting a dinner this year, and for that to have slipped Aunt Betty's mind completely. This can easily end in hurt feelings, you're not seeing everyone you'd like to for Thanksgiving, and just a bunch of general drama and stress. With free invitations and evites available from many web sites, if your family and friends are internet-savvy, take advantage of the option to invite them all together. It will also allow everyone to see who's invited, let them post messages to each other about what they'll be bringing, wearing, etc, and just get excited about the upcoming Holiday. The real fun comes in finally seeing each other in person, but having an opportunity to let the excitement build as more people confirm that they'll be there, and post a funny story or two, is always welcome!

Smoker and Fryers: Turkey Time

insider — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:32:00 GMT

As with most preparations for Thanksgiving turkey time, we usually go with the old standby roasting method and only give a passing thought to trying our hand at maybe smoking or even frying the holiday bird. Breaking away from tradition can be a little challenging, but the reward can be worth it. Smoked turkey can be so much more flavorful and tender than roasting in the oven and dropping the Thanksgiving Butterball in a fryer can save you more time for watching football and perfecting all your side dishes and desserts.

At Homeclick.com we offer a good variety of quality smokers and affordable fryers to add to your culinary hardware. One great deal is the Brinkman Smoke’N Grill charcoal smoker and grill – model #810-5301-6. At under $80 this little might is just big enough for a good size turkey, is reviewed as durable, easy to use, efficient and also great for summertime spare ribs and other delicious smokables you’d like to try. There are more advance smokers in the $300-$500 range with the best reviewed being the Bradley 4 rack smoker – model BTDS76P. With the benefits of digital technology, this smoker lets you control temperature, time and how much smoke you want. It can be used for hot or cold smoking, slow roasting or even as a dehydrator. This Bradley smoker can pretty much do anything you could want from an electric smoker. Just browse the reviews and see for your self!

Frying a turkey might not be what you first think of when Thanksgiving comes around, but it can result in the most tender, juicy turkeys you’ve ever had cooked up in a fraction of the time it takes to roast in the oven or cook in your smoker. You can get a quality fryer from $45-$180 depending on size and accessories. A great model to check out is the Bayou Classic 32 quart stainless steel fryer kit – model 9195. You can fit a bird of up to about 25 pounds and cook it to a seared golden brown in short order. You can even inject your spices into the body of the bird to help seal in flavor.

No matter which way you cook your Thanksgiving turkey, it’s always a great experience with family and friends so why not try something new and different with a smoker or fryer.

Hosting Guests for the Holidays

insider — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 20:41:00 GMT

Whether you enjoy having guests or prefer to enjoy solitude in your home, it’s inevitable that the holiday season brings family and friends together, and that some of them just may be in need of your overnight hospitality. The holidays also bring about some merriment that occasionally leads to making sure your loved ones are safe from taking to the roads after one too many egg nogs, hot buttered rums or wassail. You don’t need to open a bed and breakfast or have the accommodations of a luxury hotel to ensure your guests have a pleasant stay. Just remember a few easy pointers and select a few key items to set up a comfortable guest room for your company.

One of the easiest and most impacting preparations you can do is as simple as clearing the surfaces. Resist the urge to have figurines, candles, flower vases and other such filigree on the end tables, nightstand or top of dressers. You want your guest to have a place for their belongings. Also, if you can have a space available like a small table or even a chair where your guest can set their overnight bag or suitcase so they don’t have to stoop to the floor for their items or use the bed as staging space. Another easy accommodation is to have hanging space available in the closet with a few loose hangers. Leave the closet door open so they know that the available open space is for them. Further, it should almost go without saying that a thorough cleaning of the room is in order, and be especially cognizant to disinfect door knobs and light switches as the cold and flu bugs seem to spread fast and easy when multiple guests stay over during the winter season.

Having enough linens is also an essential preparation for overnight guests. Depending on the possible length of your visitors stay, you’ll want at least a change of bedding including sheets, pillow cases and extra blankets. Also be sure to have extra bath towels, washcloths and maybe a few basic bath necessities such as new toothbrushes, lotion and basic toiletries available to your guest. A good idea is to prepare a small storage bin or basket with these supplies so you don’t have your guest rummaging through your drawers or feeling they have to ask you for every little thing.

Finally, having a stocked pantry with bottled water and snacks available, especially if there are kids staying over, is a great way to keep everyone happy and at ease. You don’t have to wait on your guests hand and foot or feel like you’re running a hotel, but a few basic accommodations can make you a memorable and gracious host. This can be a holiday gift to your family and friends that may last longer in their memories than other gifts you may have gotten them.

Fireplace Accessories: Home and Hearth

insider — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 21:26:00 GMT

Just moved in to a new home with a fireplace or have an existing fireplace that you’re just now getting cleaned and ready for the winter season? Maybe you have a friend or loved one who has a fireplace and you haven’t quite gotten their Christmas gift fired off your list. Well you can get stoked about a few great ideas to fit your budget and share in the warmth of your fire tools and accessory needs with an assortment of items from our line of quality fireplace products.

A great first item that is both decorative and functional is the fireplace screen. These screens make can make a bold statement to your current décor while providing spark and popping ember protection for your kids, pets and nearby furniture. The most important factor is getting your sizing correct, then you can select from various designs such as single panel, bowed, folding and fan type screens among others. At Homeclick.com we have over one hundred fireplace screens available between $50 and $300.

Another great gift idea or upgrade to your current fireplace kit is of course a freestanding tool set. Generally the toolset comes with a pair of tongs, poker, shovel, broom and stand to hold these tools. The finish is usually black iron, brass, bronze or stainless steel and come in a variety of styles. Wrought iron black is the most common, very durable and can provide years of use. Like the screens, there are over one hundred tool kits available between $50 and $300.

A few other budget conscious fireplace items that are really handy to have are a good pair of hearth gloves to protect your hands, a set of bellows to stoke and blaze your fire, and coal or ash buckets for clean up.

Keeping fire safety in mind and adding a few tools and accessories to your fire keeping arsenal can make your winter warming sessions cozy, clean and safe.

The Chandelier – Luxurious Luminance

insider — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 20:43:00 GMT

As a lighting fixture unlike any other, the chandelier has centuries old provenance dating to medieval times that expresses a beauty and style as well as status and prestige. The word chandelier comes from the French “chandelle,” meaning a light fixture attached from the ceiling. They were generally used in medieval places of assembly such as churches, abbeys, castles or other wealthy palaces and estates. The original fixtures were often the form of a wooden cross or ring with spikes for placement of many candles, then suspended with a rope or chain. By the 15th century the chandelier became more complex and artistic forms were found in homes of nobility and the rising merchant class, supplying night time illumination and advancing its symbol of luxury and affluence. By the 18th century with the advances of metal casting, glassmaking and cheaper production of lead and crystal, chandeliers became more affordable. Continuing on into the 20th century with electric illumination, as well as furthering artistic styles, the chandelier has managed to maintain its prestigious allure while being accessible to almost any household. Today, chandeliers are usually installed in a dining room to provide sparkling ambient light while creating an artistic focal point.

With so many options and styles to choose from, selecting the best chandelier for your space can be a daunting task, but Homeclick’s easy selection tabs can help. You’ll first want to assess your measurement requirements, which we’ve divided by fixture height, length and width. A few general pointers- you’ll want your fixture suspended at least seven feet off the floor unless directly over a table in which case around 30” above the table top is ideal. Further, the chandelier should be about 12” narrower than the width of the table top. You’ll also want to take extra care that you mount your fixture to a stud in the ceiling and use heavy hardware for larger fixtures. Also, your wattage range for the lamps should be somewhere between 200 to 400 total watts. You may want to consider adding a dimmer switch as well, for light that perfectly suits your mood.

Lastly, don’t forget to check if we have a promotion available, new products, or something special waiting for you in the Homeclick outlet.

When It Rains, It Pours: Choosing Your Next Shower Head

insider — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 21:29:00 GMT

There are many so many varieties of shower heads available out there to choose from, that researching your next upgrade just might leave your head spinning! With options ranging from your standard wall-mounted spray with a few spray/pressure options to rain-style/downpour showers to full-on multi-jetted adjustable super showers, you can choose start your day with a simple scrub-up or a full spa experience.

Many people go for basic, inexpensive standard shower head models that offer good pressure as well as a few settings at the turn of the head. These basic models are easy to install on your own, and come in a wide variety of styles and prices. If one of these is what you’re after, be sure to have a look around at which models are top rated and most popular for a little extra insight.

Rain/downpour style shower heads are usually larger, and provide a gentle, consistent flow of water from above. This wider span of water spray can be soothing, as well as invigorating with the right amount of pressure. They are generally not as adjustable as other types of showers, so be sure that you are fully satisfied with its performance before deciding this is the one for you.

Hand-held showers have the advantage of being more adjustable, allowing you to rinse off more easily and efficiently, and can also be great for versatile family use, including kids and those with mobility problems. Ones used over a bathtub can also be especially handy when there is a need for washing the family pets.

If you are really ready to splurge, shower panels are one way to really splash out, giving you an all-in-one unit that includes options such as multiple adjustable heads and jets alongside a height-adjustable hand-held unit. If you are looking to just add one extra lower jet/head, body sprays can also be installed separately, and are often adjustable as well.

If you decide to go with a shower that has multiple heads, it is important to make sure of the following things:

- Your hot water tank has a large enough capacity to contain the necessary hot water to power the system which will be using more water than a normal single-headed shower.

- Your water system is powerful enough to provide the desired amount of pressure. Standard showers usually require 30psi, multiple heads may require 45-50psi.

- Your drain can handle the amount of water being supplied all at once.

- The heads must be installed on a pressure balance loop to make sure the pressure and temperatures remain consistent from each when used simultaneously.

One last thing to consider when you’re buying a new shower head is the type of water you have. If you commonly get mineral deposits in your show/bath, be sure to get a shower head that is easy to clean. Some especially have rubbery or plastic nozzle parts to make this job simpler for you.

Lighting Up with History: Search Light Lamps from Authenic Models

insider — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 20:29:00 GMT

Authentic Models was founded over 40 years ago in Amsterdam. During those years since, they have been in constant search of unique objects and artifacts to add to their collection of replicas to produce and sell, and they’ve got some really amazing lamps. Like most of their collection, they are inspired by exploration, maritime history and cartography. These lighting fixtures are modeled after search and spotlights from history, and can really add something special to the home of anyone with a little sense of adventure.

Check them out!

The 1940’s Navy Destroyer – in heavy cast bronze and aluminum, mounted on a surveyor’s tripod.

English Coast Guard Patrol Light – signal lamp from the 1930’s hand-crafted of brass and aluminum and mounted on a rosewood tripod.

Half Mile Search Light – accurately reproduced on mahogany tripod, this light is adjustable and can be angled to light up areas specifically.

The Marconi Spotlight Morse code lamp – my personal favorite, this lamp is modeled after one likely used on a French 1930’s battle ship. It is complete with louvers for sending Morse signals to shore, which can now be used to dim the lights in your lounge.

And last, but not least is the Cadillac 1930’s Headlight lamp. It’s made from this classic car’s headlight , and is finished off with bronze art deco accents.

All of these lamps are so unique and interesting, they make great conversation pieces for your home, and are perfect for shedding a little special light on your down-time daydreaming.

Garbage Disposals: Cutting Your Waste Down to Size

insider — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 20:37:00 GMT

In the ever advancing green social consciousness, how we deal with our waste and ecological footprint is something everyone should be taking into personal consideration: management and responsibility for their own output of waste. Composting is becoming a very popular and accessible alternative for a lot of urban dwellers that wasn’t available in the past. However, not everyone has adequate access or time to properly manage this task. Food scraps account for approximately 10%-20% of household waste, and that waste has the most adverse effect in our landfills where it eventually decomposes and generates methane gas, a highly potent greenhouse gas. If you’re not composting, or your city doesn’t provide for local composting bins, your next best bet is the proper use of a home garbage disposal installed in your kitchen sink.

The general idea behind the garbage disposal is having your food scraps shredded into such small pieces that they can effectively be disposed of as liquid then processed through your municipal waste treatment plants. While composting is the better option since adding to your municipal waste treatment plants output is a lesser of adverse waste situation, the effective use of a garbage disposal can take a huge burden from the worst options of landfill, incinerators or effluent disposal systems.

A few simple pointers for how to choose the right garbage disposal for your application will help you get started. You’ll want to make sure your plumbing is up to task if this is a new install. If you’re replacing an existing unit, sometimes buying the same brand will allow you to drop the new unit in using the existing mounting bracket. Another concern is that if you have a septic tank, it may need to be emptied more frequently. Selecting the right power for your application is also a major consideration. Lower power models, around ½ horsepower, can handle smaller bones and softer waste such as carrots and corn kernels, but if you have heavier needs you may need a ¾ to 1 horsepower model to reduce the chance of wear on the blades or clogging of your plumbing trap.

The Insinkerator brand is by far the most popular and top rated, but we also carry fine brands such as Waste King and Kindred. So remember, composting is really the best option for your food waste, but having a good garbage disposal effectively cuts down on landfill waste and makes kitchen prep and clean up a lot easier.

Three Cheers for Beers: Summit Appliance Beer Dispensers

insider — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:24:00 GMT

If you’re a regular Joe or Jane six-pack you probably don’t mind drinking a beer from the bottle. You may even keep chilled glasses for your special favorite brews. Yet even the most casual drinker sans teetotalers can appreciate the pour and taste of a freshly drawn draught beer like from your local public house, bar or restaurant. Well, now you can have that same pub experience in your home with a high quality beer dispenser from Summit.

Summit Appliance brand has been a leading supplier of compact, specialty refrigerators and freezers for over forty years. Based out of New York, Summit is a private, family owned business with no outside investors who strives to keep much of its production in-house and in the USA. They are committed to being on the forefront of quality control, customer service, packaging, lean manufacturing, assembly, safety and warehousing. The combination of their New York City roots and national customer base gives them a unique look at the appliance challenges presented by smaller kitchens.

As an authorized Summit Appliance dealer, at Homeclick.com we offer 36 models of beer dispensers ranging from built-in units to free-standing and outdoor models, so there’s sure to be one that fits your needs and budget. One great example of a high quality and versatile unit is the model SBC490 24″ freestanding beer dispenser in black. A budget conscious portable model that can accommodate half, quarter and mini-kegs, the SBC940 has an adjustable thermostat, automatic defrost, and can be converted to a refrigerator with adjustable shelves. Another great similar model for a built-in application is the SBC940BIBRSTWIN with brass door and dual tap. This unit brings the boldness of brass and two spigots for different pours of your select brews. Like its smaller stand alone unit model SBC490, the built-in twin tap can accommodate half, quarter and mini-kegs and has an adjustable thermostat, automatic defrost, and can be converted to a refrigerator with adjustable shelves. And to further sweeten the deal, with Homeclick.com, there’s free shipping on both of these as well as the other models from Summit.

You don’t need to be a master brewer or home brew aficionado to appreciate a freshly tapped keg of your favorite beer when you can have one of these quality beer dispensers and enjoy an experience of the pub in the comfort of your home.

Finishing Touches: Art & Light

insider — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 21:32:00 GMT

Whether moving into a new home, looking to add a touch of style or revamp an entire room theme to help make your abode the place of your dreams, a good place to start and let your imagination take flight is our Home Décor tab. Maybe you just want to add some flair to your already existing design plan. There are several categories listed under home décor to get your creative ideas flowing towards an effective design plan or a finishing touch that fits your personal style and help bring your interior dream into a reality.

Having a plan and making it happen can often be at odds with each other as well as your budget. A good way to start your project is by getting organized and making a floor plan or sketch of how you’d like the room to come together. Sometimes just a small idea or the right type and placement of home décor can bring about a drastic difference without having to alter your design layout or scheme.

A good example might be looking at your wall space to see if there are open areas for a decorative element such as wall art or maybe a painting to match your color scheme. Another easy way to add the illusion of depth and light to your space from your walls is the proper placement and use of mirrors. There are hundreds of different sizes, shapes and styles of mirrors available made from various materials and finishes ranging from $50-$1000.

Another excellent way of enhancing function and ambiance in your space is with the placement of auxiliary lighting. Accent lamps, table lamps and floor lamps are a great way to add design elements to your room while providing an extra layer of lighting to help set a mood or balance to your lighting plan. Similarly to the mirrors, there are hundreds of options for lamps from antiqued finishes to contemporary designs ranging from $50-$500. For an even added bonus, there are currently four pages of buyer’s specials listed at the Homeclick Outlet under home décor.

So even if you already have your room laid out with furniture placement and your overall interior design complete, there can always be room for a few finishing touches to add creative depth and style to match your home décor.

Top Product: The Drake from TOTO

insider — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 20:51:00 GMT

When you click in to Homeclick.com you’ll easily spot and regularly see TOTO toilets under our top searches and highlight window. That’s for a good reason. TOTO Ltd, based in Kitakyushu, Japan, is the largest toilet manufacturer in the world. Founded in 1917, TOTO has produced high performance, smartly designed plumbing fixtures for residential bathrooms to commercial restrooms. By listening to market demands, supplying innovation, and embracing water and energy conservation with efficient, sustainable toilets, they continually exceed industry standards. TOTO’s premier line, the Drake, has an average 5 out of 5 stars in over hundreds of reviews, and models are most often available on buyer’s special or at the Outlet.

The top four rated and most popular Drake models, with over one-hundred 5 star reviews each, range from around $200-$300 on buyer’s special. Homeclick also offers free ground shipping on items over $199, so the value for quality has a great balance. The top selling model (number CST744S) is an elongated two-piece toilet that has a sleek design and is water efficient, durable, and can be used for a variety of home installations such as master, guest or children’s bathroom. Common amongst its 99% review approval are comments regarding the easy installation, powerful flushing and having no instances of clogging. One negative found with the model CST744S is that it cuts down on your reading time.

Another top four buyer’s special is the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant, model CST744SLR, which is an elongated two-piece, installed so the top of the seat is 17” from the floor. An ADA fixture is a good investment as most of us have someone in our lives who is elderly or has special needs. One note though, this model doesn’t come with a seat, so be sure to click to add optional seat selection when ordering.

These top selling TOTO toilets also receive the highest ratings with ANSI/ASME and CSA testing at independent laboratories. So whatever your residential bathroom remodel needs are for upgrading, you won’t go wrong with any of these high quality, precision performance toilets.

Sauna: Good Health with a Side of Luxury

insider — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 20:24:00 GMT

If you’ve ever been to a health club or other sports and recreation facility that has a sauna, you already know the great feeling of body and mind relaxation after a good sweat session. You may think that these rooms are mostly for commercial applications and more of a luxury item, but there are also several small, prefabricated sauna rooms available for residential use. Since these models are modular, free-standing and self-contained, the great news is that they require little mechanical ability to assemble and install.

There are various positive health benefits to be gained from saunas, such as improved circulation, elimination of toxins, and skin cleansing. Regular sauna use can lessen the incidence of the common cold and temporarily relieve associated symptoms as well as provide relief of minor muscle aches and pains. While these benefits are great for most, any persons with heart conditions or high blood pressure should consult their physician before considering buying a home sauna unit.

Most cultures around the world have a version of the Finnish sauna, from the ancient Roman bath’s thermae, Swedish Basu, Japanese Mushi-Buro to Native American sweat lodges, because of the great combination of therapeutic benefits and social or spiritual rites. The word “sauna” has become ubiquitous with these kinds of sweat rooms. And another interesting fact: the word sauna is most commonly pronounced saw-na, though the more correct Finnish pronunciation- sow-na.

Choosing the right size sauna for your home install and budget is easy with a little research. Homeclick.com offers sauna rooms exclusively from Steamist – a company with a rich 50 year history, of which 40 years have been focused on residential steam baths and saunas. These sauna room packages come framed, insulated and pre-wired, so can be assembly completed in a few hours. Steamist prefabricated saunas range from 4’x 5’ to 8’ x 10’ and can be disassembled; moved and reassembled on any hard floor. Saunas, unlike steam rooms, offer a dry heat around 10-15% humidity with a temperature generally ranging between 165-180 degrees Fahrenheit. Sauna room construction is usually cedar or redwood and dependent on size, specialized doors, and hardware. Dependent upon your capacity needs, the price can range between 4-12 thousand dollars; a great value in the long run considering the daily relaxation available to you, as well as the health and social benefits.

Brand Profiles: Kohler

insider — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 21:21:00 GMT

Since 1873 in America’s Wisconsin heartland, the Kohler Company has forged one of the oldest and largest privately-held companies in the United States. Although they have grown to include a powerful portfolio of design driven, craftsmanship constructed, innovative brands in the furniture, tile and stone, back-up power systems, and award-winning hospitality and world-class golf destinations, their claim to fame is of course Kohler kitchen and bath design.

Almost 140 years ago, Austrian immigrant John Michael Kohler purchased an iron works and steel foundry supplying the Sheboygan, Wisconsin area with farm implements as well as castings for furniture making and other ornamental craft iron. His breakthrough came when he perfected the application of enamel to a cast iron horse trough creating the company’s first bath tub. Kohler has been a renowned name in the plumbing fixture business ever since. Shortly after the enameled bath tub, Kohler would also trademark his “Bubbler” which became so popular that the generic copies his competitors made would become the standard drinking fountains we know today. Kohler is still one of the only manufacturers of traditional cast iron bath tubs, but over the decades has developed an impressive and extensive residential and commercial line of high quality waterworks.

As an authorized dealer, at Homeclick.com we offer a wide selection of Kohler products from a huge array of Kohler’s line of bath and kitchen hardware and accessories to home décor and lighting fixtures. Because of our great relationship with Kohler, you can frequently find some of their best products on special, such as our current discount for any Water Sense fixture. There are also great values to be found on Kohler products on our “Outlet” tab. So, between Kohler’s excellent plumbing products that define gracious living, their expansive collections of designs, and Homeclick’s accessible website and knowledgeable customer service, you might have a difficult time deciding which great deal and beautifully crafted plumbing fixture to choose.

Pot Fillers: The Ultimate in Cooking Convenience

insider — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 16:28:00 GMT

Making their way into residential use, pot filling faucets are moving into more and more homes as an added convenience for the home chef. They can be mounted on the counter (deck mounted) or right on the wall (wall mounted), depending on the location of the easiest plumbing access.

With their articulating arms, they can be installed near the sink, or most ideally near your cook top so that you can fill your pots or add water to things that are already cooking without any lifting or moving away from the stove, allowing you to give more attention to whatever delicious concoctions you are working away on. Most of these faucets fold out of the way when they are not in use, which is a great space saver. While they are primarily meant to use over the stove top, if installed to be able to reach the sink as well, they can also be great for washing veggies and similar tasks, too.

Available in all different colors, sizes and styles, there are plenty to choose from. Sizes range from shorter spouts such as the Country Kitchen 8″ Spout Reach with cross handle by ROHL, which comes in a variety of finishes to ones over 20″ such as the 31041 model from Grohe with a jointed spring spout. Other models out there, such as the KWC Sytema Pot Filler have additional features such as shut off valves at both ends, giving you extra control.

There are finishes and styles to match any kitchen. You can add a little bit of French flair to your kitchen with the Royale from Herbeau, or for a different vintage modern look, check out the Decohaus line from Whitehaus. There are also loads of traditionally modern styles such as the Navaro wall mount model from Elkay.

These faucets have a relatively easy installation process, and can be a great addition to your home, adding great value to your kitchen!

Brand Profile: Authentic Models

insider — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:34:00 GMT

Bringing History and Nostalgia to Life

There are always certain items in our house or lifestyle that appeal to our curiosity and add an element of classic style and sophistication that focuses on the eclectic and aesthetic. Authentic Models (AM), founded in Amsterdam in 1968, provides a collection of furniture, artifacts and accessories inspired by the age of exploration, maritime history, cartography and more. Their items bring that nostalgia to life. Their products appeal to the discerning and curious, and elevate their functionality to a storytelling in the making with you as narrator.

One such unique example is the AM Travel Version Roulette Wheel. There’s something calming and intimate about playing table top games that create lasting memories and brings its participants closer together. You can create the feel of Monte Carlo in your cabin or den with a few friends. This model, simplified with less numbers, still allows for gambling fun and adds a spin to your night of cards or simple dice games of chance. With its artisan quality, it can also become a fun heirloom in the making.

Maybe you’re planning a long weekend getaway? You can have few of your favorite bottles of wine at your cabin or beach house arrive securely in style and outside the cardboard box with an AM Six in Box Wine Transport. This sturdy, handled, brass cornered wooden case is made to travel well and has a warm, rich look and soft polished finish. When not traveling or transporting your wine, you can use it for housing collectibles, documents or other treasures.

Another storage element from AM with a little more room and a nautical theme is the AM Large Sailors Chest. A perfect addition to your cabin, beach house or den, you can stow away all your sailor’s treasures and tools. When it’s secured with your booty, you can use it as a coffee table, bench or stand at the end of your bed to hold your travel wares. The rustic seaside style with knotted handles can bring a charming nautical look inspired by maritime history without looking out of place amongst a variety of other décor.

With just the simple addition of an artifact, game, fixture or antique in the making among your collection of standard wares, you can create a story within your living space and lifestyle. The unique items from Authentic Models offer an originality and timelessness that bring nostalgia to life.

Home Décor for the Boys: Game Room/Den

insider — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 16:13:00 GMT

When talking about most home décor and interior design, it’s often that case that most households leave the more feminine faction in the driver’s seat. Not that the masculine members don’t have an opinion or ideas, it’s just that they’d probably defer on decorating particulars, and if involved, would probably prefer more comfort and accessibility than frills and fancy. Taking this into consideration, it’s easy to provide a balance to your living space by incorporating a few key things that will help to make a good multi-use room that might also act as a nice little retreat for the men in the house.

A good starting sketch is to develop a main focal point with a few ancillary highlights. For example, would this room be strictly for leisure/gaming fun and sport viewing or maybe a library/den for solitude and relaxing? Whatever your focal point, you’ll generally want your furnishings to be sturdy, oversized, comfy, and able to provide a relaxed usability that will make it feel OK to put your feet up on the coffee table. Solids, stripes and bold patterns in primary colors or earth tones are generally a good palette guide.

After you’ve decided on the space’s main use, there are a few great items that can really bring your new living room together. For example, a wood burning stove can add to the masculine mystique of your space, and unlike your central heating, these enable heating in more specific spaces. Add a sheep skin rug to the floor and imagine yourself right into a James Bond scene. For more details, check out our handy and informative guide to selecting the right stove for your needs.

Another possible highlight to your new den may be a free-standing or built-in beer dispenser. These great appliances let you enjoy beer as it was meant to be served – on tap from a keg. Draught beer from a keg not only tastes better than from a bottle or can, it’s also more cost effective, and there’s less to recycle. They also make a great “water cooler” area in your room for game breaks and halftime intermissions.

Finally, there are an assortment of game room accessories such as a chic bar, billiards ball/cue holder and dartboard cabinets to add a sporting touch to your design project. Just be sure to let the girls still come and hang out sometimes, too.

Sporting Fun

insider — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 15:29:00 GMT

As the summertime draws closer to fall, football season almost kicks off, major league baseball teams start jockeying for the play-offs, there’s still time to give your game skills a sporting chance with the addition of some gear appropriate to your sport passion or for fun as cross training. Also, with school time just around the corner, you can get a head start on your child’s physical activity continuing from summer vacation with a few sporting items on hand in the garage to take to the local park or in the yard after school.

Most schools have extracurricular sports and athletic departments that manage soccer, volleyball and sometimes basketball teams for the girls. Football, basketball, baseball and in some regions, hockey are available teams for the boys to give a chance at their gamesmanship. For whatever reason, soccer seems to be very popular with young girls in the United States through high school while boys that are athletic tend to drop soccer in favor of football or basketball. Whatever age or interest your child has, having quality gear on hand only makes them better when they hit the field. For example, a beginning soccer player, regardless of gender, can get a kick out of having a pop-up goal to shoot at. Made from soccer goal netting the Franklin Sports 5766S Junior Goal sets up and breaks down quickly and is easy to transport. Throw in a soccer set with ball, pump and shin guard socks and your little striker is ready to tear up the pitch.

Maybe you have a larger family and want everyone to get in on the fun. With Franklin Sports 5-A-Side Flag Football Set you can field 10 players on the backyard or local park grid-iron for a no-contact fun way to play football. With a football, adjustable belts, and vibrant yellow and red flags you can get a game going in no time. Maybe you have a wide receiver in your family. Another football on hand with a pump as well as some tacky touch receiver gloves would make great addition to your flag football outfit.

Another great addition to your sport gear collection is a quality basketball and pump. Basketball only really needs a decent ball, a pair of court shoes, and a local park with backboard and rim. The skill is all in the time you put in to it. With Franklin Sports 11378 Ball and pump, your only limit is your time on the court and how many shots you practice.

Whether you add gear to your footlocker or trying out a new sport for fun and cross training, it’s great to be able to get quality gear at a price that won’t leave you in foul trouble. The only question left is – do you have game?

Home Decor Basics

insider — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 21:09:00 GMT

Whether you’re moving into a new house or need a change in your current home setting, there are always a few new items that you can add to your space to create comfort, serve a utilitarian function and/or express your individual style. You don’t need an interior designer to get started with your home or apartment interior design project, but you should have an idea of your ideal living environment and how to keep things within a reasonable budget.

The two biggest room changers to refresh and update your living space is painting and rearranging your furnishings. These two tasks fortunately go well together. Whether or not you decide to repaint, finding the right balance of furnishings is always key to any layout. Here in the great online world, you can find a variety of room layout design ideas and floor planners to assist you in getting the most out of your existing furnishings placement. Alternately, you can do it the old fashioned way with a measuring tape and pad of paper. The general idea is to make the room and its furnishings balance so that there is a good flow as well as an ease of use and comfort.

Another aspect of home decorating basics is finding just the right item for a particular space to add function or flair to bring other furnishings together. A good place to start is Homeclick’s Home Décor tab. There are nineteen sub categories of accessories that will fit a variety of styles and uses. Something as simple as a new pair of bookends will tidy up your shelf and add a touch of style, or a magazine rack similarly to task can make a subtle, yet refreshing upgrade. Mirrors are another easy addition that can create the illusion of space in a smaller room, and when placed opposite a window, they can bring more natural night into play. Artistic picture frames are another great way to make a stylish statement in your room and add a personal touch with portraits or prints of your family and friends.

No matter how large or small your planning for home décor changes, there’s always a little something more that can add a finishing touch that brings a room’s function and ambiance neatly together.

Good Look for a Book

insider — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:25:00 GMT

Displaying anything of significant amount can be a challenge, and probably the number one collection in most living spaces is books. Even if you’re not a bookwork or bibliophile you probably have store of books or at least one filled bookshelf in your office or living room. Even if you’re a modern, tech savvy person with a Kindle or e-book reader you still probably have some sort of memorabilia in bound paper pages that you want to display as keepsakes, use as reference or occasional relaxing on a rainy day.

Having the right piece of furniture can help that cause and make better use of your library whether it’s extensive or minimal. If you’ve ever moved, you know what a chore it is packing and lifting boxes of heavy books. It’s a good idea to shed some of the dead weight from your collection to allow better access to the books you do have. You can find a good used bookstore to sell your unwanted reads or donate to your local public library or charity shop for others to enjoy. The books that you do decide to keep shouldn’t be stored in a box in your attic or basement. Displaying your book collection portrays a design feature of your space to your guests and to yourself about who you are, where you’ve been, and a degree of culture that speaks farther than artwork or the color of paint on your walls. If a picture is worth a thousand words, a bookshelf filled with a mix of classics, modern paperbacks off the New York Times bestsellers list, and other favorites is worth a lifetime of conversations.

Having a stylish way to display your books is simple once you’ve managed your collection down to the lifetime keepers. After that, choosing a good book case makes their display a design feature in your room. For your more valuable or older books, a glassed case is an excellent furniture addition, allowing visual display yet a clean secure home for your library’s best. A more fun, light display that you can use to rotate your coffee table book selection is the use of a narrow library ladder style shelf. This piece can hold a small piece of artwork with a small group of books to create a theme in any room. You can even add a book case with its own distinct style, such as the Captains Gig to bring a design element more than just your shelved books will portray.

However you decide to maintain and display your library just make sure that you don’t get too wrapped up in treating the process like the Dewey Decimal system and give your collection an opportunity to bring an element of design to your space and express the culture you’ve developed over the years of owning the bound treasures.

Brand Profiles: Jacuzzi – Truly Water That Moves You

insider — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 20:13:00 GMT

There are few name brands that reach the pinnacle of innovation and define an entire market where their name itself comes to be ubiquitous and recognized as the generic term for the industry of products that they create. Names like Band-Aid, Kleenex, Aspirin and Zamboni all have become synonymous with not only their products, but their competitors and generic knock-offs as well. Jacuzzi, for over fifty years, has been a name that established itself as both inventor and innovator of modern day hot tubs and whirlpool baths.

It doesn’t sound so profound, the idea of soaking in hot water for therapeutic purposes, stimulating blood flow and relief of certain ailments, but once you start, you’ll wonder how you’ve done without. The use of hydrotherapy has been around since the time of the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations for both therapeutic and social experiences.

The Jacuzzi brothers, Italian immigrants to the United States in the early twentieth century, were machinists who through their skill and experience as manufacturers of aircraft propellers and hydraulic pumps developed a submersible bath tub pump to help alleviate the chronic pain of a young family member who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. This first model, the J-300, converted any standard tub into a therapeutic home spa. This combination of innovation, ingenuity and compassion were the beginning of a niche market that would make Jacuzzi a household name. Today the Jacuzzi Company manufactures a variety of self contained, fully integrated whirlpool baths, showers, toilets, sinks and spa accessories for residential, hospitality and high-end spa installations.

Homeclick is an authorized dealer of Jacuzzi and offers a full product line that can fill most of your specification needs. That quality of Jacuzzi products and the invigorating, relaxing spa treatment you’ll enjoy makes it so worthwhile. If you’re considering even a modest upgrade to your bath, shower or mixed use wet location, the installation of a whirlpool or one of Jacuzzi’s other fine products makes any home an oasis.

Back to College: 2 Must Have Appliances

insider — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 20:16:00 GMT

Making do with limited time and financial resources as well as living in smaller accommodations such as dormitories or shared campus housing situations has always been part of the college life experience. Considering how much time is spent in your campus quarters, it’s important to be equipped with a few essential appliances to allow for greater time management and overall convenience. Consider it an educational investment, because a compact refrigerator and microwave oven can be amongst the best college purchases outside of books and essential class supplies.

While some dormitories come equipped with a mini-fridge, and most rental units do have a full size refrigerator, a compact refrigerator is an essential item if not supplied in the room. Cramming for an exam, staying up late, or pulling an all-nighter without juice, cold sodas or sandwich fixings is a sure way to crash and not be prepared come test time. Also, if you move off campus to a shared living situation, it’s great to have as an extra convenience for your weekends – making sure you have enough room for your beer!

Sometimes cold snacks and sodas aren’t going to cut it. Having a microwave oven gives you the ability to rapidly prepare hot meals or reheat leftovers from the fridge. This can really help economize time and budget so you can get all of those class assignments complete while saving a little time for fun and relaxing. There are great budget models as well as quality top brand models by GE and Whirlpool in the $250 range that have enough power in a compact size to do a lot more cooking than just left over pizza and hot pockets or noodle soups.

Whichever models you choose, you may want to budget them both out based on your capacity and cooking needs, then see if your new dorm, suitemates or housemates want to split the cost. This way it can be more affordable and everyone can benefit from the convenience. Then, at the end of the school year when everyone is headed out for the summer, they can easily be moved out with you or sold to the next round of incoming students.

It’s In The Bag!

insider — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 16:57:00 GMT

As always with the Homeclick Blog, we’re excited when we see new products or categories on Homeclick.com. So, while researching the site to bring you another insightful blog entry on some great home and lifestyle products we were thrilled to see a new line under outdoor living of luggage and travel items. We were even more pleased that all the new products are from Victorinox. If that name sounds familiar, it should. You’ve seen it for years with the white cross on the red background for the original Swiss Army Knives. Emerging from Karl Eisner’s cutlery workshop in 1891, it remains to this day an icon recognized the world over as a symbol of quality, functionality and continued success.

Victorinox products are conceived, designed and built to accompany us all through life with a built-to-last style. Whether you’re a business class flyer looking to upgrade your travel gear with a new laptop bag and briefcase or carry-ons, an explorer wanting a sturdy duffel bag or backpack, or just a vacationer adding some travel accessories, you’re sure to find functional fit to your travel needs in this new offering at Homeclick.com. There are even some stylishly designed totes for the day tripper as well as a few messenger bags for those urban excursions. Another fantastic item worth mentioning is the Werks Traveler 4.0 20” Extra Capacity Carry-On. Yes, it does come in red but we like the Emerald and Black. This lightweight constructed suitcase has a spacious interior for functional packing capacity, advanced ergonomics for ease of use and comfort giving you an iconic design with progressive style for an unparalleled travel experience.

With so many more high quality travel products, like all the great travel accessories, it’s almost tempting to plan another trip just so you can use your new Victorinox products. Switzerland is beautiful this time of year.

Diamonds in the Rough

insider — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 15:22:00 GMT

If you’re a frequent reader of this blog you know that besides our love for outdoor merchandise, especially grills, we also enjoy bringing to light some of the best deals available at Homeclick.com. One of the best clicks for deals is of course our Outlet where items are listed with incredible savings. Of course, as the saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, so there are a few, shall we say, unique items that for reasons maybe other than an updated look or remodel by the vendor have made their way to the bargain table. Not that most of these items aren’t fantastic products at a great value, but a few definitely stand out of the norm and have the shabby chic or ugly duckling look who’s beauty can be in the eye of the beholder at an incredible price.

By far, the most items available at the Outlet are lighting fixtures. There are over 1600 different fixtures for you to choose from industry leaders like Kichler, Progress Lighting, Maxim and more. One of those unique items we mentioned above is the ET2 Uovo 1 light Egg Table Lamp. Such a unique design can add a great accent touch to your room or a fun conversation piece. And with a list price of $141 but a sale price of under $40, it’s a great value. Another table lamp by ET2 is the 1 Light in Orange Glass. One look at this simple design and most people under 40 will instantly think of the magic mushrooms from Mario Brother’s video games. With an original list price of $255 and a sale price of under $70, you’re sure to feel the super-size boost it provides to your décor and budget as another great conversation piece.

A great item in the Outlet that may actually not be warranted as due to be reduced is the retro 70’s styling of the Crosley Radio Tech Turntable. It sure seems that vinyl has made a decent resurgence with the hipsters, and of course every garage sale and grandparent’s house has a few 78 or 45 records. Why not let the collection play out for some fun instead of collecting dust? With its mirror plate face and retro wood sided styling, it’s sure to add some kitsch to your mix. And for around $50 it’s a fun alternative to have on hand that won’t skip out of your groove.

Yet another eye catching lighting fixture, this time a pendant from Trans Globe is the 5 Light Pendant in Antique Bronze. This contemporary downlight with unique colored glass sides can be a great accent piece to your foyer, entry hall or studio. At first glance it may be a click away but after a little time the colors and textures of the fixture seem to grow on you while helping draw in other colors that may be in your design scheme. With 52% off list price, it’s an amazing deal too!

Having fun, bold and colorful items in your décor can bring a new look to a tired space or balance out an uneven palate of color or texture. Having gotten them for a great deal makes them even more invaluable to your best design plans.

Your New Heat Wave BFF: Portable AC

insider — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 19:25:00 GMT

Temperatures have been scorching this past month, with heat indexes I don’t even want to mention for fear of leaving readers with heat exhaustion just thinking about it, so let’s just talk about keeping cool… Unfortunately, energy costs are also on the rise, and luxuries like central air can send your bill through the roof. For this reason, single-room air conditioners are the way to go for most of us in the climates that give us super hot summers, but not an all-year heat fest.

A great way to go is to have the window AC in the bedroom for a decent night’s sleep, but unless you want to spend your entire day in the bedroom (fine for some, I suppose), you may want to take advantage of a new type that is becoming more popular, so you can suffer less throughout the day and maybe accomplish things in other rooms: portable air conditioners. You still need to have a window not too far away to exhaust out the stuffy hot air, but these units allow you to roll them from room to room to keep cool where you need it at the moment. This is a perfect solution for people who are working from home, or staying at home with the kids all day. It also saves you from having to have a big window unit in all of your rooms, which leaves it hard to let the fresh air in on the cooler days, and they much easier to install.

Great units like the Frigidaire FRA123PT1 have an 8.7 Energy Star rating as well as air filters to purify the air while they keep you cool. This one also has a remote control for easy use, and a quiet mode to help you sleep more peacefully at night.

To learn more about what air conditioner would be best for your home, you should also consult our buying guide section. This guide explains different types for cooling systems and gives vital information about BTUs and what amount of power you need to most effectively cool your living space without using excess energy. And if you do decide you are ready to take the plunge into coolness today, you can even take advantage of free shipping so as to not break a sweat!

Good luck and stay cool!

Bathroom Upgrade with Accessories

insider — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:18:00 GMT

Adding a fresh new look to your bathrooms doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor of changing out vanities, sink or toilet fixtures and total design theme. Simply giving your bathroom an accessories makeover can give you a clean, newly remodeled look without flushing your budget down the drain. Working with the existing fixtures does give you a slight limitation as you’ll need to consider your tub, toilet and sink’s color to best accent or contrast the design scheme. If these fixtures are of a neutral color it’s easy to add exiting new colors with accessories that can create a bold new look. There are also small, easy installations that can add to the functionality of your bathroom while adding a decorative touch.

The biggest splash of color, a design statement that can be added to a full bathroom, can be made by choosing a new shower curtain. Although Homeclick.com offers the largest selection from Sports Coverage, unless you live in a dorm room or are updating a recreation area bathroom, it may be best to select something like Sherry Kline or other more traditional and contemporary designs. You’ll want to incorporate the size and color into the whole design scheme, so as to not make too much of a focal point that it distracts from your design. When considering a new shower curtain, it’s also a perfect time to upgrade your shower rods and curtains hanging hardware to add even more style and an element of design features to your new look.

After choosing a shower curtain, another color upgrade that also adds texture is having new mats and rugs. You can pull some of the colors from your new shower curtain to add depth or match the walls or bath fixtures to help blend in with the shower curtain. There are no right or wrong matches, but a general guide to follow is using darker colors for a traditional look and lighter colors for a contemporary feel.

Another great design upgrade is changing out your existing hardware and adding a few items that you may not have, but will add to your bathroom’s design form and function. Matching the design and finish of towel bars, robe hooks, bath shelves, toilet paper holders, soap dishes and more accessories can create a unified look that gives your space a cleaner, more sophisticated feel. Even adding a new wastebasket or hamper can bridge the design colors and textures between your bath fixtures and new shower curtain and accessories.

The best tip to remember when updating your bathroom is that there are no rules other than to use your imagination. So try new patterns and finishes, even put accessories in unique positions or mount items together like a robe hook and towel ring. Decorating with accessories is a cost-effective way of changing the look of a room in a matter of minutes.

4 Great Budget Friendly Outdoor Items

insider — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 15:15:00 GMT

Sometimes a few finishing touches to your outdoor lifestyle space can make a big impact, especially when you can get them for a great deal. One way to further enjoy your patio or back yard is by extending the comfortable use time past dusk into the evening. Of course you’ll want to be able to accent your environment with the brightening up of lighting and keep the evening chill off with a heating source. You can do both with just a little clicking at homeclick.com even with a thin budget.

There are hundreds of options to choose from when considering a heating source for those cool, breezy nighttime gatherings. But without having to burn money while you’re at it, having a small, portable, wood burning firepit can provide enough warmth to get you and your guests out in the starry night while staying cozy. For around $150 you can add to your table top the Well Traveled Living 60262 stainless steel patio heater. Perfect for outdoor entertaining, this stainless steel table top patio heater provides warmth (10-25 degrees nearby) while adding ambience to any outdoor table top setting. Small propane tank to fuel is not included, but easily purchased and refueled at local home supply stores.

If you prefer a traditional wood burning experience, the Well Traveled Living 02115 Cast Iron Rim Stone Finish Fire Pit is a great value at around $150. Featuring the look of natural stone, this fire pit comes complete with a 30” black porcelain enamel fire bowl, dome fire screen with high heat paint and a wood grate. Also included is a screen lift tool. With either the table top propane heater or the firepit you’re sure to have a quality product at a great price from Well Traveled Living.

Another way to keep the outdoor mood into the summer nights is with the use of ambient lighting from outdoor lanterns or landscape lighting. For a really cost effective lighting addition, Whitehall and ACHLA Designs offer Tea Lanterns that can hang or be secured to posts or table tops for a glowing accent that’s easy to maintain and friendly on your wallet. One 5 star review notes: “I’ve got it hanging on the back porch with the bird feeders. It adds to the calm, soothing area I have set up for morning coffee and communing with nature.”

For a more permanent installation that’s still easy on the pocketbook, check out the large amount of outdoor lighting available at Homeclick.com’s Outlet. From landscape, outdoor flush mounts, pendants, post lights, step and brick lights, there’s sure to be a great value that can fit your garden, walkways, gates or patio.

With just a little time investment clicking through some of the great values available, you can make a great visual impact with outdoor lighting that you can enjoy into the thin hours or summer nights next to your patio heater or firepit for an amazing outdoor experience in the comfort of your own backyard.

Retro Riders for The Kids

insider — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:18:00 GMT

Visions of bygone days and the love of cycling always bring to mind the Schwinn, Murray, Roadster and other gloriously designed bikes of the 50’s. These bicycle makers are still making bikes today, in updated modern styles as well as retro styles for cruisin’ the streets of summer.

Here are our top 3 styles for rollin’ with fine nostaglia this summer:

Schwinn Quad Steer Wagon: you might remember either getting pulled in one of these or steering your way along while being pushed by a stick under the back bumper by some kindly adult. Another favorite varation is the Roadmaster Woody Wagon, with higher sides for safe travels.

The Roadmaster Dual Deck Tricycle: The classic all-steel model, complete with steps on the back for taking on a kid sister passenger. Add some streamers for the handles and you are good to go. If you want a more modern angle, check out the Schwinn Folding Tricycle. It’s lightweight construction makes it easy to transport for a fun day out at the park or extended vacation. It can even be used indoors, as the wheels will not scuff up your floors. Modern technology is good for something!

Walkabout Seated Scooter: While this isn’t the most retro of kiddie vehicles, it is versatile and won’t leave you carrying home the kid and the scooter at the end of the day, since they can just scoot along in comfy seated style.

And if retro isn’t your thing, we’ve got loads of other kids’ bikes available, as well as those for the older crew.

Outdoor Lighting: Getting Started

insider — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 20:58:00 GMT

Don’t retreat indoors from the dark and let your home and landscaping disappear when night falls. Adding sophistication to your homes exterior and some accent to your landscaping to create an oasis, compliment your lifestyle, or to enhance security can be easy with the use of outdoor lighting. Beautifully specified outdoor lighting can portray your style and add value to your home. Before you start, here are a few important factors to consider before beginning your design/build outdoor lighting project.

There are many different types of fixtures for various functions, so a good starting plan is to layer your project for each different application, which will help mix and match your utility and ambiance. Are you trying to illuminate high traffic or activity areas to create a focal point? Maybe you want to add some path lighting, graze a wall to create a dramatic accented effect or subtle nighttime picturesque glow among your plants and trees. How about security? You could placing a few flood lights around your perimeter.

Map out your lighting plan, and sketch your working area to get a feel for spacing and coverage. As you get deeper into your design you may want to consider flexibility and letting the project take on a few phases. This way you can better budget your actual needs and allow for the inevitable changing elements of your outdoor area. Less sometimes really is more since strategic placement of higher quality fixtures will last seasons longer than inexpensive models, and will let you get a better feel for your outdoor environment.

The most important thing regardless of which types or styles of outdoor lighting you choose is to have your artistic concept mapped and thought out. Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer, or hiring a lighting designer and electrician, getting started with your vision lights your path to making your home beautiful day or night.

Made for the Shade

insider — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 14:04:00 GMT

Whether you have a large back yard, small outdoor area, or even just a patio, heading outside to enjoy a summer day while still staying cool in the shade is a breeze with a fashionable and functional patio umbrella. At Homeclick.com we offer over thirty different models from California Umbrella. California Umbrella Company has been making high end patio umbrellas for over fifty years. Their standards in engineering and innovation as well as their ability to provide fashionable designs give you a quality product that you can enjoy for years to come and with a great price that makes the shady deal on your patio, not your wallet.

Patio umbrellas are constructed with many different materials and a few basic designs. The most common is the market patio umbrella with a center pole that supports the umbrellas shade. The shades come in varying sizes and shapes (most commonly round) and approximately a nine foot canopy. Choosing the best one for your space is pretty easy for standard shading applications. One note to consider is that if you’re planning on using your umbrella with a table, make sure that the umbrella hole diameter properly fits the pole.

One of the most popular models is the SLPT908 9’ Market Umbrella with push tilt. For around $80 you can get the classic design aluminum framed with an easy open crank and push button tilt mechanism that offers a wide range of fun colors for the octagon shaped shade. Their Olefin Pacific Blue is a calming yet cheery color option for this shade.

Another great design that can save a little space while still providing a great shade area is model BA908 9’ Cantilever Deluxe Crank Umbrella. The cantilever is an offset design where the pole is off to the side allowing a little more accessible space to your shaded area. With a strong 2 inch diameter aluminum pole, a stainless steel cable crank system, and a standard base with pre-drilled ground anchor holes, this tough design will stand up to the rigors of use. With a large variety of colors to choose from, you’re sure to have a dramatic element added to your backyard afternoons. We like the Sunbrella, a spun polyester Palm, but the enhanced protection from the Sunbrella AA fabrics will look lovely and last for years.

For larger tables you need an umbrella with the right size and coverage. The GS1188-s 11’ x 8’ Rectangular Market Umbrella is a great canopy and frame option. The all-aluminum frame provides a lightweight and strong support for the canopy, and the steel cable used to lift the canopy provides added resilience. Just like the cantilever model above, there’s a wide variety of color options to match your outdoor décor. The Sunbrella Pacific Blue is a striking color that would look great next to a poolside or fountain element in your yard.

With some simple sizing options and so many beautiful colors to add a splash to your yard or patio, the only choice you may have is whether one umbrella will be enough for your table or lounging summer days.

Summer Chillin’

insider — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 16:05:00 GMT

What could be better for the summer than a weekend BBQ lasting into the night, enjoying the long days out on the patio with friends and family? How about all that plus perfectly chilled bevvies at your fingertips? The perfect compliment to your outdoor feasting this summer could be an outdoor fridge.

If you have luxurious amounts of outdoor space available, you could just go all out and get yourself a full-sized fridge to have all of your food and beverage needs standing by (and to make me very jealous). But, if you lack loads of space, and still enjoy a chilled beverage within reach on a hot day, there are loads of smaller options available, some made especially for your outdoor needs.

There are small conventional style refrigerators with very precise temperature and humidity settings, and there are also ones that have built-in taps for kegs, to keep your beer at the perfect temperature. These outdoor refrigerators are made extra sturdy to withstand the ambient temperatures of the great outdoors. Some even come with keys to keep your most beloved beverages in lock down! Alternatively, if you are wanting the convenience of just having a mini-fridge handy, but you don’t want to spend the extra cash for the outdoor rugged features, you could opt for a less expensive indoor version, as long as you have a sheltered area to keep it in.

Just need ice? You could splurge and get an outdoor icemaker, as well. Just think, on a lovely day, you’ll never have to enter your house again. Unless you want to. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!

Trash Talk

insider — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 20:52:00 GMT

Garbage disposals are a great addition to any home with a sink (and we are guessing that could be yours)! These little babies help keep your kitchen drains from getting clogged up, and make cooking so much easier. It’s great to not have to worry about every little bit of food that escapes into your drain while you are preparing food or doing the dish clean-up. They are so common and inexpensive these days that you really don’t realize how much you miss them until you don’t have one, so sad…

There are two kinds of garbage disposals: continuous feed and batch feed styles. The continuous feed disposal is the most common, and allows you to operate the disposal with the simple flick of a switch of push of a button on the wall. Batch feed disposals require a special sink stopper to be put in to allow the mechanisms to operate, which is a good safety feature, since it is impossible to have your hand near the blades while it is running, but can be less convenient. Either one will help to make your life easier.

When used in cities, where composting food waste may be less of an option, garbage disposals can also help to lessen the amount of waste that is ending up in landfills.

Another way you can lessen the bulk of your household waste is with trash compactors. They can reduce the volume of your trash by up to 75%. They are also great for recyclables, compacting them to make them easier to transport to your local recycle center. Oh, and remember: for safety reasons, never put glass into the trash compactor!

Cooking in the Great Outdoors

insider — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 20:14:00 GMT

As regular readers of the Homeclick blog may know, we love writing about grills. However, it seems that there’s a little more to summertime menus and outdoor cooking than just throwing your favorite steaks, chops, burgers, sausages and chicken over a hot flame. Part of bringing your best culinary skills to enjoy cooking in your backyard, on a camping adventure, tailgate party or any other time heading outdoors for more than a picnic bring along meal, means having the flexibility to prepare foods that aren’t suited to your grill alone. Having an outdoor stove next to your grill gives you that versatility to augment your grillables with sides and sauces or other fare that turns a simple grill out into an outdoor feast.

When choosing an outdoor stove, it’s a good idea to know what scenario you’ll mostly be using it for. If you’re doing some hiking or camping into rougher terrain, portability and weight is a key factor. You may want to consider a specialty store for extra light camp gear and fuel. However, for most other backyard or easy access camping applications, the amount of burners and heating output are the primary features for consideration. Another note is that the LP fuel containers must be purchased separately.

For a versatile, sturdy outdoor stove that can handle all your outdoor stovetop needs, the Camp Chef EX-60LW Universal 2 Burner is the outdoor appliance champ. With two 30,000 BTU/hr commercial grade cast burners, three sided windscreen and removable legs for portability it can handle it all on the go or in your backyard. According to one of the 5 star reviews: “It’s the greatest machine to use outside of the kitchen… A must to own and use for Tailgating during football season, wouldn’t leave home without it. I just love how accessible it is to use for cooking.”

Maybe you only have need for a single burner that’s more compact then a stand-up table cooker. The Camp Chef SHP-RL Maximum Singer Burner brings the heat like no other for its size. This compact, lightweight, single burner stove has an amazing 60,000 BTU/hr high pressure output that can take care of your cooking needs in a flash with its needle valve temperature control. Easy to set up and transport, the even heat distribution allows for a variety of cooking scenarios and its high output can heat and boil water rapidly as well as be used for a back up cooking source during emergency situations.

Whichever stove fits your outdoor cooking needs – tailgating, camping, backyard fun or anytime the weather draws you out from your kitchen, you’re sure to get some great results and maybe even expand your culinary prowess.

Wet and Wild!

insider — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 16:56:00 GMT

One of the greatest summer memories and occasions to look forward to are the times spent splashing and playing in your local lakes and rivers or on your trips to cool off along the shores of your favorite waterways. At Homeclick.com we’ve recently added 4 new brands of sports water equipment and recreational floats. Whether you want a towable raft or water sled for your boat, floating trampoline or aquatic water park, there’s sure to be a fun toy to keep you afloat and make a splash with your family and friends.

If you are fortunate enough to own a boat you can’t go wrong with one of the water sleds or towables from Island Hopper. One of their best models is the S.U.T. 6 passenger towable that is three products in one! I can be a water trailer – load up all your gear and head out to your favorite hidden cove or where you can unload, anchor it and turn it into a large platform to relax and play. If you want more action, un-anchor the S.U.T. and it becomes a six passenger towable. This patent pending product is the last towable that the commercial or recreational user will ever need to buy.

For something a little sportier for the boat enthusiast but still able to give twice the fun, see the Mambo Duo Towable from Rave Sports. This towable tube is able to handle any speed or rough water you can throw its way! The upwardly swept wings provide excellent stability in all water conditions. With the largest cockpits on the market, and extra tall neoprene backrests, you’ll feel secure on what may be one of the best tube rides you’ll ever experience.

Still, you don’t need to own a boat to have a blast on the water. For a family friendly product that’s good for kids of all ages, Island Hopper has a new padded water bouncer called the Turtle Hop. The Turtle Hop water trampoline sets up in minutes and is easy to transport. Constructed of sturdy 30 gauges PVC material with electronically welded seams, groovy green turtle graphics, independently chambered head, arms and feet provide a stable platform without shelling out big dollars.

Even for the weekend water warrior with limited space and budget there are still options to enhance your summer enjoyment on the waves. For under $30 Rave Sports Chillin’ River Float Tube is a compact floater with cool graphics, a high, comfortable backrest, recessed cup holder, docking clips, and mesh bottom, you’ll be Chilln’ the day away. Just make sure to get two so your buddy can go get more drinks.

With over 160 models to choose from you’re sure to find the best water sports water equipment and recreational floats to keep you splish-splashing away all summer long.

Picnic Kitsch

insider — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 19:23:00 GMT

With summer officially upon us and outdoor activities heating up as we spend more time outdoors, what better way to kick back to enjoy an icy cold beverage or snack than out of a retro classic picnic cooler? At the Homeclick Blog we love seeing new products added to our product pages. And just in time for summer is a stylish, fun accessory from American Retro that’s sure to make a splash at your next small gathering or intimate picnic.

No, these aren’t the multi-use, large plastic Igloo coolers with luggage handle and wheels. Not that there’s anything wrong with owning the standard giant cooler, it’s just that sometimes a smaller tool for the right task works so much better. And that’s exactly what the retro coolers bring to the picnic table, a lifestyle product with function and pizazz. Just imagine driving with the top down on a sunny day with your sweetheart to a shady out-of-the-way place and strolling down to a patch of grass with a blanket under one arm and a retro cooler with a few cold drinks, snacks and sandwiches for a quaint picnic. It’s almost like you’ve walked into a Norman Rockwell painting.

American Retro coolers at Homeclick.com are high quality reproductions from yesteryear. They’re exact replicas of the classic models from the 1940’s and 1950’s so you know they’re built to last with quality steel, refrigeration type insulation, scratch-resistant, lead-free powder coating and chrome corners, chrome handle and a chrome locking bar. There’s even a built-in bottle opener on the side. There are currently 4 models to choose from and as with similar quality reproductions, these are offered in limited production runs so once they’re sold out that really is the end of them.

Of the 2 available, we really love the Coca-Cola Classic red picnic cooler. The enameled red glossy paint and unmistakably recognizable, iconic scroll embossed in white of “Drink Coca-Cola” harkens the classic nostalgia of some of the best Americana. But if you’re really a Pepsi drinker at heart, we’ll forgive you and recommend one of the other fine editions.

Finial Touches

insider — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 19:51:00 GMT

In addition to weathervanes, there are some other finishing touches that can be added to your rooftops for a little bit of unique flair. Cupolas and finials are a couple of eye-catching examples of these, and they can be mixed and matched to either add subtle detail or go all-out and make your roof-scape look like a castle.

Cupolas, while adding a nice decorative touch, can also serve a functional purpose. They are used for venting, and provide a natural flow of warm, moist air in an upward direction through slatted sides. This flow of air flushes moisture out of the building, and helps to prevent moisture related problems that can cost homeowners thousands of dollars.

Historically, cupolas were used atop the minarets of mosques to help control extreme weather conditions inside these highest points of the towers, and they can be traced back to at least the 9th century. These openings in the towers allowed for the air to flow upwards towards the high ceilings and regulate the temperature inside. This allowed the beautiful minaret towers to be useful, while still maintaining their height and impressive presence in the skyline, now with additional artistic style. This architectural element became an inspiration not only throughout the Islamic world, but also continued into Europe in the 18th century, and further carried over to the new world in early America, where they became a standard embellishment to many homes and buildings.

Finials have also been around for ages, and are pretty much strictly for decorative purposes. They are available in stone, woods, and metals, and can be placed on any rooftop areas or turrets where you’d like to add a little flair. They can also embellish the tops of your weathervanes and cupolas for a very regal look.

All Decked Out

insider — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 20:45:00 GMT

For your outdoor surfaces that need a little love, it’s simple to eco-snazz up your patio or deck with a quick and easy installation of modular wood or stone interlocking deck tiles. These tiles are very easy to install, as they can be put in without adhesives or grout over a solid, smooth surface. They are also reusable, and can be re-installed in different areas, or easily changed around for a different look, since they can just be unsnapped and re-snapped into place elsewhere. Deck tiles are a great way to give your patio a full make-over without a need for contractors.

There are different styles and sizes of tiles to choose from, and most of them come from ecologically mindful growers. There’s teak, which has a rich golden color, and is known for its durability. There is also Brazilian eucalyptus, which has honey and rose highlights, and when kiln-dried is between 10-20% stronger than old growth teak. You can also choose from ipe, another extremely durable wood, other composite woods, or from various stone tile surface looks. Some porcelain tiles have even been coated with a layer of fine silica sand for extra safety and slip resistance. All have been made to withstand the great outdoors.

The tiles are great because they can be installed over any flat surface area such as old tiles, concrete, or even indoors in bathroom and spa area for a nice finished look. They are resistant to everyday wear and tear, as well as termites and other insects, and their natural oils make them water repellent and great for exposed areas. They also have plastic feet to keep air flowing underneath and prevent rotting or rusting, even when joined with metal.

In general, most tiles cover one square foot, but you can get packs that have random sizes as well as edge pieces. So, all you’ll need to do is calculate the area you’d like to cover to see how many tiles you need. Once you begin laying tiles, you will see they interlock easily. The tiles can also be cut with a jigsaw if you need work around things such as pipes, posts, etc. You can then use finishing edge pieces if you’d like to cover up the connection tabs on the edges of your surface. Finally, to increase longevity, you can always add a protective coating once a year or so to rein in the fading effects of those pesky UV rays.

Tools of The Trade

insider — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 20:40:00 GMT

Being an online retailer is more than just offering a supply house of goods for you to click through pages of home improvement merchandise. At Homeclick.com we strive to bring a variety of resourceful tools to make your shopping experience easier and for you to become a more educated consumer. Of course this blog is one of those tools where you can become inspired to start a home improvement project, appliance upgrade, decorating touches or lifestyle additions. We also have an outstanding and knowledgeable customer service staff who can expertly guide you through the specification and purchasing process. But another great way to shop for the best products from one of the quality name brands we offer is to look through our comprehensive list of buying guides complied by our researchers to assist you in making the home of your dreams a reality.

One great example, and timely too as were just getting in to summer weather, is the hammock buying guide. It’s a great read on how to properly specify for your applications weight restrictions, size and mounting, differences in materials, craftsmanship and design as well as price point. There are even links for keywords directly to the items in question to make shopping that much easier. If that doesn’t bring you visions of swaying in the breeze on a secluded tropical island just think about it in your own back yard!

Another set of guides to make your summer sizzle, and of course our favorite products are the BBQ grills. The grill guide gives you the lowdown basics of what your outdoor cooking skills and backyard needs demand. And the grilling accessories guide makes sure that you have just the right tools to have a safer, easier and tastier outdoor culinary experience. There’s also a detailed guide for outdoor smokers for those of you with advance cooking skills and serious BBQ aficionados.

Of course there are more outdoor living guides as well as buying guides for other categories such as appliances, home décor, lighting, and kitchen and bath. No matter what inspiration strikes your fancy there’s sure to be buying guide, blog post, or friendly customer service voice to help bring your home improvement ideas under your roof or in your yard.

Fan Club

insider — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 20:32:00 GMT

So, you’ve accessorized and diversified your cooling needs with a few portable fans to help stave off the long days of summer heat and keep your central air conditioning usage to a minimum. But, you still could use a little more powerful whole room breezing and air flow in a permanent installed fixture. Well, then maybe you should consider the classic, cooling comfort of the fantastic ceiling fan.

Like its smaller variant, the plug-in portable fan, the ceiling fan does not cool air, but moves it so that it creates a “wind chill” effect which helps keep you cool while consuming far less energy than your central air conditioning system. However, unlike the smaller portable fans, ceiling fans often incorporate lighting, and add a decorative feature as well as support air conditioning heating systems with multiple speeds and reverse action motors. During the summer months, the fans blade rotation should be counter clockwise for a downward flow of air. In the winter months, the reverse action, generally on a slow speed, can pull the cool air up, forcing the warm air that stratifies near your ceiling, down to into your living space.

An important aspect to consider when choosing a ceiling fan is selecting the right size for the room. For adequate coverage, the span of the blades helps determines the size of the space’s needs. A good rule is around 30” blade span for a room that is approximately 10ft x 10ft, 40” blades for 12ft x 12ft room, and a 52” blade span or larger for 20ft x 20ft rooms. Also, for optimal circulation, the blade height should be in the 8-9ft range above the floor. Extension down rods can be used for higher ceilings.

Once you’ve selected the right ceiling fan for your decorating, lighting and space needs, its year-round use and ease on your energy budget will help keep your indoor temperature control a breeze and make a great addition to your living space.

Forecast Calls for Summer Showers!

insider — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 16:41:00 GMT

There are some products that on first thought seem a luxury that you wouldn’t necessarily budget or plan for when making home improvement upgrades, that is until the practicality and convenience come to mind. An outdoor shower installation is just such an example. If you have a swimming pool or hot tub then an outdoor shower is an almost must-have accessory for your recreation area.

Rinsing off the highly chlorinated water from your pool or spa immediately after use can help reduce the irritation and dryness in your skin and scalp, as well as other myriad problems, especially if you’re going to stay in the sun after swimming or hot tubbing. Yes, there are trace amounts of chlorine in your house water as well but minuscule compared to what it takes to disinfect your pool. You can even add a chlorine shower filter to your indoor and outdoor showers if skin issues are an advanced health issue for you.

Further, if you are an avid gardener and get down and dirty into your work, having an outdoor shower can really cool you off to continue working during extra hot days and keep you from tracking dirt and through your house for cleanup. It can even help you out when it’s time to give Mac or Maisie their bi-monthly doggy shampooing.

There are a few specifications to consider when deciding on which outdoor shower is best for your application. An easier installation is of course a wall mounted cold water model only. This requires less plumbing and their cost is more budget friendly. If however you’d like the added line of hot water or free standing, that will require budgeting for your plumber. Other features can include hose bibb, drinking fountain or foot shower. At homeclick.com we are authorized dealers of Outdoor Shower Company – an American company devoted to designing and manufacturing outdoor stainless steel showers that are durable and attractive. We offer 16 of their best range of models, from a simple wall-mounted cold water shower, a free standing cold water shower with hose bibb and drinking fountain to a free standing hot and cold water hand spray with hose. There’s sure to be a design that fits your needs and keep your outdoor recreation or work clean and cool by your garden or pool.

You’re So ‘Vane…

insider — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 19:31:00 GMT

I bet you think this post is about you. But we really know it’s all about the weather, everyone loves to talk about it. And this blog update is about weathervanes.

There’s evidence of weathervanes all the way back to the first century B.C. Before anyone had barometers, they relied upon the direction of the winds to predict weather. They eventually made their way to viking ships in the 9th century, and from those ships to the rooftops in Scandinavia where they can still be seen. Since those beginnings, they’ve landed on many a rooftop over the ages. These days, they are really more used as decorative purposes, but it’s interesting to think about how important they were in bygone days.

It’s true that these days you can simply hop on the internet and find out the weather report for anywhere, but there’s something great about understanding weather and how it works, and how it will effect you, and how historically all of this made a big difference in people’s everyday lives. A change in the direction of the wind could mean a storm was coming, which was crucially important for agriculture and travel safety by both land and sea.

For a weather vane to work properly, it needs to be mounted on the highest unobstructed point of a building. Keep in mind that tall trees or other buildings can effect the accuracy of the weathervane’s reading. It must also be perfectly balanced so that its pointing arrow can spin freely. The instrument has two parts: the first is the fixed directional markers, which you adjust according to where it is placed, and indicates N/S/E/W. The second part is the free-spinning aerodynamic pointer that points in the direction of the wind. The pointing end of the vane is narrower at the arrow and wider at the back to allow the wind to flow equally along both sides, causing it to point towards the source of the wind. Once you’ve installed your weathervane at home, you can keep track of local wind trends and weather patterns, and soon you’ll become a forecasting expert using just nature and some educated guessing.

Animals, nautical vessels, nature themes and loads more styles are all available to adorn your rooftop. With so many to choose from, a weathervane can help you get back in touch with natural science, and is a lovely addition to the tip-top of your abode.

Fan-fare

insider — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 20:16:00 GMT

Before the mercury begins rising above normal, and the heat of summer has you compromising between the cooling comforts of your central air conditioning and its pinch on your electric bill, why not bridge the gap on your budget and cooling needs with a portable fan?

Portable fans are an excellent energy-saving alternative to air conditioning, and can help keep your home or office temperature pleasantly accommodating during the swing seasons (spring and fall) or summertime when conditions don’t call for a walk to the thermostat. For example, typical portable fans can use between 30 to 200 watts, a significantly lower amount of energy than air conditioners. Further, an efficient fan can circulate or change the air in a room within a minute or two.

Consider your breezy needs to help choose the right fan, or fans, for your space. Do you just need a little air moving around your desk while you’re working? Do you want a whole room circulated? Are you trying to exchange stale hot air for fresh outdoor air?

A few common types to consider are the floor fan, stand-mounted fan, and table fan.

Stand mounted fans are an excellent choice for versatility. They usually come in varying speeds, operate with oscillation, and can be positioned in the open for a general flow of air or in front of a window to help circulate fresh air in.

Table fans also come in varying speed control and oscillating operation, but generally with less wattage to keep what’s on your desk from blowing away. They also come in some very nice retro styles to make a design statement while keeping it cool.

Floor fans are the larger purpose portable air circulators. They can cool an entire room, vent a workspace or garage, and are very efficient for the amount of airflow generated.

When choosing a portable fan this summer, first determine what your temperate comfort range is and then select the right model to help alleviate your air conditioning usage while still maintaining your cool.

Something in the Air

insider — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 16:52:00 GMT

With summer around the corner and the thermometer hitting higher and hotter temperatures, trying to find a cool place to chill out can be a challenge if you don’t have whole house central air conditioning. Sure you could drive to the local mall or your favorite watering hole, but relaxing at home in your favorite room with a refreshing, cool wind from a small room air conditioner might just be the breeze you please. Outside of your budget, choosing the best unit for your room is based on your square footage and maybe a few extra pointers to make it just right.

The determination of power to cool your room is measured in BTUs which you may remember from middle school science class. It’s basically the amount of energy an air conditioner or heater needs to cool/heat a certain amount of space. For example, an 8000 BTU/hour capacity air conditioning unit can cool an area of approximately 350 sq. ft., 12,000 BTUs can cool a medium room of 500 sq. ft., and 24,000 BTUs can cool a large room of up to 1500 sq. ft. You can find a conversion chart on-line once you calculate your exact square footage. You’ll also need to take in a few other room specifications to maximize efficiency. If your room has little natural light you can reduce capacity by 10% and conversely, if you have a very sunny room you may need to increase capacity by 10%. Also, if you frequently have more than 2 people in the room you’re trying to cool, you’ll want to add 500 BTUs for each additional person. Also, kitchens have a lot more heat to offset, you’ll want to increase the capacity for them by 4000 BTUs over your square footage requirement.

At Homeclick.com we carry a good variety of air conditioning units from Freidrich, Frigidaire and GE ranging from $300-$500 for smaller units up to $2000 for higher output and features. With the median price range from $500-$1000, you can find a unit that will be able to cool a good size room in your house while being friendly to your budget. Even friendlier, Freidrich is currently offering $25 and $50 rebates on select units.

Tip: Our expert Mechanical Contractor recommends setting your thermostat to desired cooling when occupying room but not to shut it off when you leave for short trips or work. Instead, increase the thermostat temperature to higher than your cooling setting, but under the outside temperature. This will allow the unit to turn on occasionally when you’re gone and keep the room easier to regain your occupying setting upon return. It may sound like wasting energy to have it run when you’re not there, but it actually keeps the items in your room cooler and makes it easier to return to cooling temperature, putting less strain on the unit and your energy consumption by cooling an overheated room.

Kohler Deco Toilets

insider — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 20:27:00 GMT

While recently browsing around in our vast bathroom department, I found some of Kohler’s interesting toilet models to be worthy of their own feature. Who could not be impressed or at least intrigued by the idea of a Turkish inspired golden throne of their very own? They are currently offering a range of decorative versions of some of their toilets (don’t worry, they are functional as well) to please the pickiest, or maybe the most eccentric, decorators.

First off is the English Trellis, inspired by the English countryside and hand-touched engravings. It is not alone in its floral design category, as also on offer, the Briar Rose. Next up is the Whistling Straits, featuring panoramas of this golf course near Lake Michigan done in the style of British Painter Douglas Adams. My personal favorite, complete with available matching sinks, bidets, and even wall tiles, is the Ankara, which is inspired by the art of a 14th-century Turkish ship unearthed near the Euphrates. Its filigree pattern and blue colors would make an interesting and tasteful addition to a newly remodeled bathroom. Most of all, I love its matching pedestal sink.

Kohler started out in 1873 as a foundry manufacturing farm equipment. In 1883, a horse trough got an upgrade with some enamel and feet to become a finished bathtub, and their plumbing business was born! Over the last 125 years or so there isn’t much bathroom territory they haven’t covered, and now they are adding these interesting patterns to the mix.

In addition to these designer stylish toilets, Kohler boasts a wide range of standard bathroom plumbing necessities and other fixtures such as sinks and tubs. They also offer amenities such as cabinets, lighting, mirrors, vanities, and accent pieces/accessories from antique style to traditional and modern that coordinate with their different lines of bathroom suites.

Fun on Wheels!

insider — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 16:46:00 GMT

At Homeclick.com, we are constantly looking at new items to add to our line of home shopping products that help make your lifestyle match your dreams. And for the summer season we have a few new exciting items in our sports and fitness category that you just might want to have for a fun spin in the sun. Whether you want to go for a ride about town on a cruiser or urban bike, trail ride on a mountain bike, have a run with the babies on a jogging stroller, or watch the kids have a blast on a pedal go-kart, there’s sure to be some fun on wheels waiting for you to saddle up.

Maybe you’re already a bicycle enthusiast and have an awesome bike that you have tricked out to personal specifications, but sometimes you just may want to have a leisurely ride with a friend that’s not really an avid rider. The cruiser bikes are a great way to pedal around for a casual, comfortable ride. You can even add a basket for grocery or farmer’s market runs, maybe to pick up returnable bottles and cans or even to shuttle a picnic lunch to your favorite place in the park. There’s even a tandem bike for those romantic rides on a bicycle built for two. Or, to keep granny involved in the family bike outings, an old school tricycle with the back seat basket. It’s even a quality name brand she’ll remember- Schwinn!

Not quite in to biking, or maybe you have young children that are too small for a bike seat or unsafe to BabyBjorn on your bike? Homeclick.com now has 18 new models from InSTEP of their best range of quality and affordable jogging strollers. They come in a variety of colors, single or double passenger (sorry triplets), fixed wheel for easy inline running, or swivel wheel for you hot rod mommy and daddies. Of course if you still can’t bear to leave the bike behind, InSTEP also offers bike trailers for the little ones.

So, what about the kids who are a little bigger and more daring? You can be the envy of all the parents in the neighborhood when your little boy or girl are cruising around the yard in a pedal go-kart. Berg Toys have some fantastic designs from a John Deere tractor to a pretty in pink Buddy go-kart. For 25 years, BERG Toys has become the ultimate go-kart expert. Their go-karts, in all shapes and sizes, are sold in more than forty countries. From Australia to America and from Africa to Europe: children around the world have so much fun with their products, day in-day out, and the quality will last for years of use.

No matter which wheels you fancy, there’s sure to be some fun in the sun this summer with a ride that will keep you active and bring your family and friends healthy amusement.

Get Fired Up!

insider — Sat, 28 May 2011 20:21:00 GMT

So, you’ve finished your backyard barbecue or garden party but aren’t quite ready to retire into the comfort of indoor space? Well gather your family and friends around the warmth, glow and charm of a real fire in your own self-contained, free standing fire pit or chiminea.

The chiminea, as the name suggests, is an enclosed, pot-bellied, large-mouthed front loading, outdoor fireplace with a chimney. These efficient, easy to manage and clean, safe, stylish fireplaces are a great way to keep warm and toasty in your garden, backyard or patio while sharing stories with friends or romancing under the stars. An ancient Mexican design, the chiminea was originally constructed from clay, but quality and affordable modern models are made from cast aluminum, iron, copper or stainless steel. One of the best features of choosing a chiminea over a fire pit is that the vertical chimney over the fire source drafts for a more efficient burn and vents the smoke up and away from those sitting nearby, saving your eyes from tearing and clothes from getting too smoky.

The fire pit helped spawn the cultural growth of humanity, has been the place of gathering, sharing and creating lasting memories since antiquity. There’s something calming yet primal watching the orange and red flames dance and swirl. You don’t need to dig up your yard and circle stones around to enjoy this ancient experience, as modern portable fire pit “bowls”, “boxes” or “rings” allow you the ease and enjoyment without the fuss, stress or mess. Fire pits come in a variety of sizes, distinct styles and offer features such as spark screens, cooking grates, rain covers and wheels for portability.

Unlike the chiminea which is more contained, the fire pit is more accommodating for huddling and marshmallow roasting type fun.

As long as you still keep safety in mind and keep adequate fire safety equipment on hand, the chiminea and free standing fire pit can make your garden or backyard a camping-like experience with all your creature comforts of home close by.

Wrapping Up Some Gifts!

insider — Sat, 28 May 2011 16:41:00 GMT

Even though it’s Memorial day weekend, and bringing you to our favorite BBQs, outdoor furniture and other backyard living products is definitely appropriate (especially with our Memorial day sale of 4% off purchases of $199, 6% off purchases of $499, 8% off purchases of $999), we thought to also point out that, unofficially, this weekend marks the beginning of wedding season. Of course there are always birthdays and other events in the summertime that also call for gifts, so we are going to show you a few ideas to help keep you from last minute, poorly thought-out gift wrapped dilemmas.

One of the most common trains of thought for wedding gift ideas is that the new couple will be building a home together. What better way than to start somewhere like Homeclick.com where everything we sell fits into that category? A quick look at our home décor page and the sub category of gifts show some easy ideas for the newlyweds that aren’t too personal, and are not destined to become an esoteric oddity that ends up re-gifted or on a yard sale table in a few years. One excellent idea for example, is a lovely set of Champagne flutes. Throw in a good bottle of bubbly, and the couple can celebrate their New Year’s Eve, anniversary or other special occasions with style and class from the gift of your glass. Ravenscroft Crystal has a few styles, but we especially like the classic European Luxury set of 4. Made of brilliant lead-free European crystal with a whisper light hand and mouth feel, it’s the perfect precision tool for the privilege of Champagne.

Other smart gift ideas that can be used for years without spending a fortune are picture frames. We all know that after every wedding there are hundreds of photos from the official photographer to all the friends and family snapping shots. What better way to help the new couple display them than with a lovely frame? While there are quite a few single photo frames, for a wedding gift we like the collage or frame sets styles to display more than one photo from the day’s ceremony or reception.

And if you think our gift ideas aren’t what you’d consider to be great wedding gifts, and you want to give something that is a little more classic, sorry, but we are all out of toasters.

What’s the Deal?

insider — Wed, 25 May 2011 15:57:00 GMT

Sometimes when shopping for home décor or do-it-yourself projects the best deal is the one that’s on the table. A great way to get your home improvement plans off the ground is to sneak a peek at the best deal around and fit it into your renovation or upgrade when the bargains are found. At homeclick.com we make it easy with our Homeclick Coupons, Promos & Deals page ready for you to peruse and choose the best fit for your home and budget.

Occasionally, a deal is so good it makes it to our home page’s front feature scroll, just like the 40% off deal going on now for Price Pfister faucets. If you can pforgive their pfun tagline “the Pfreshest Ideas in Pfaucets” you’ll find some incredible values with a large selection of the latest designs and modern plumbing technology. These include the highest quality kitchen & bar, tub & shower, and lavatory faucets, as well as their bath and kitchen accessories line. Founded in Los Angeles, California over one hundred years ago, Price Pfister is an industry leader with a history of product longevity. Take a minute to click through their products we offer simply divided by kitchen (faucets & accessories) or bathroom (faucets, showers, plumbing & accessories).

If you’re not looking to change out some plumbing fixtures now, maybe we can help shed some light and turn you on to another great deal. Right now you can get 15% off Progress lighting, 10% off Monte Carlo lighting and ceiling fans, or 10% off any other lighting brands. With thousands of products to choose from among these lines, you’re sure to find something to brighten up your lifestyle.

If faucets and lighting don’t get the water flowing or light up your inspiration, how about an 8% discount off some high quality, large ticket appliances? You can get this discount for AGA appliances or 8% off any other appliance brand we carry with a purchase over $699. From dishwashers, cooktop ranges refrigerators and more, there’s sure to be an upgrade that will make your kitchen look and perform with greater style.

Still not sold? Well, we’ll throw in the kitchen sink! That’s right; you can take 10% off Franke kitchen sink and faucet products. With sleek, craftily designed fixtures that function like a dream and a good value, you won’t be throwing money down the drain. Don’t forget to use your coupon codes when checking out!

Wine Cellars: Keeping Wine Fine

insider — Wed, 25 May 2011 15:48:00 GMT

So, you don’t have a chateau in the South of France, villa in Tuscany or hillside vineyard estate in Napa Valley? Well, don’t let that stop you from enjoying your favorite wine’s intended tempered palate and bloomed bouquet by keeping your select bottles in a home wine cellar. The term “cellar” in modern wine aficionado’s parlance is simply a catchall which includes a wide range of specialized refrigerated cabinets for proper wine storage. These wine cellar appliances offer a varying range of bottle capacity, single or dual temperature zones for different types of wines, and come in a variety of colors or finishes. Also, they can be installed either above cabinet, as an architectural built-in, multi-use model or be a freestanding wine cooling unit.

Just keeping your whites in the fridge and the reds in the cupboard at room temperature might seem easy enough but standard refrigerators can be too cold for white wine and most people keep their houses warmer than the ideal “room temperature” for red wine.

Here are a few basic factors that you should consider to select the best choice for your needs.

First, you should carefully consider size: specifically the size of your space in conjunction with the size of your potential collection. Don’t limit yourself to the smallest bottle capacity at the start as you’re likely to fill any gaps in the available wine cradles as your collection grows. Also, you want to factor in whether your goal is for long term vintage storing or keeping your freshest wines at the correct drinking temperature ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Another option to consider for a larger collection is a unit with a vibration control compressor which keeps your delicate wines’ taste and quality intact. There are also models with double paned, tinted glass doors which offer UV protection, ones with alarms for over/under temperature, power failure and door ajar conditions, and even ones with locks to keep your collection secure.

No matter which cellar you choose, based on casual usage, limited space, enjoyment on a tight budget, or for an extensive collection with advanced features, a wine cellar can greatly broaden your appreciation of your favorite vintage without taking a second mortgage for that French chateau or Italian villa.

Go Green with Pellet Stoves

insider — Thu, 19 May 2011 18:59:00 GMT

Pellet stoves, which can efficiently warm your home as well as or better than other more conventional heaters, are some of the cleanest burning heating options today. They come in different styles and finishes, so they make a warm, lovely centerpiece for any living space.

The fuel for these stoves are in the form of inexpensive pellets, which can be purchased at your local hardware store, and are made up of compressed, recycled waste chips and sawdust. So, not only do they use a sustainable, eco-friendly fuel source, they also keep this waste from ending up in landfills. They can also brag to have the lowest emission of any of the other fuel burning home heating systems, even natural gas. And because of their low smoke emissions, they meet the highest possible air-quality standards.

These stoves are equipped with pellet hoppers that automatically feeds a stream of pellets into the stove to keep the heat going. This ensures that the heat remains consistent, which can also be controlled by remote and thermostat. The hopper can usually hold over 50 pounds of pellets at a time, which usually lasts for 3 days of continuous heating, depending on the area you are trying to heat. Some models offer hopper extensions, to even further minimize your refill efforts.

Pellet stoves do require a little bit of effort, though. They require installation and a small amount of electricity to make sure the fans and blowers can function. You’ll need to have a back-up electricity source in case of an outage, so the fans can keep the smoke moving in the right direction. Many people use a battery, but often the stoves themselves have their own back-up power system so you don’t have to worry. The other bit of work required is refilling the hopper when needed, and clearing out the ashes when necessary, as with wood burning stoves (just not nearly as often). The pellets come in three quality levels, depending on the type of wood they are made from, and how much ash they produce. Higher quality pellets made from harder woods burn longer and make less ash, so that means less clean-up for you.

With the long-lasting benefit of an efficient heating source for your home, pellet stoves can be a great way to help reduce your home heating bill, and will add a nice little green touch to your lifestyle. To find out even more about pellet fuels, you can also do some reading over at the Pellet Fuels Institute website. And if you make the switch now, you can take advantage of some of our special promotions and rebates!

Product Spotlight: The Marvel Dual Zone Wine Bottle Cellar

insider — Thu, 19 May 2011 15:53:00 GMT

So you live in The City, you make good money, you have a good education, you’re cultured, you know your wines, but you can’t find a townhouse, apartment, or condo that comes with a clay earth cave to turn into a proper wine cellar? Well, that’s because there aren’t any! If you want a wine cellar in New York City, you have to push commuters off the Subway platform to do it, and ditto that in Chicago or any other real major city. Well, finally, science has come to the rescue of the urban connossieur of the grape.

Marvel’s Dual Zone Wine Bottle Cellar is the Queen of the flee when it comes to wine storage. This model boasts a microprocessor-controlled temperature feature for its two separate compartments (one for the reds, one for the whites) that can be locked in at any temperature you like between 40 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. It really cools off quick for those last minute dinners or dates when you need a good Chardonnay in a hurry. The discreet blue LED display shows up even when the lights are low. It remains discreet unless there’s a problem in which case the on-board sentry system goes into action and notifies you if there is a temperature issue, or a door ajar, etc. And if there’s a power failure, a visual alarm will go off.

Inside this beauty are six white maple faced wine racks, with slots for 24 bottles in one compartment and 20 in the other. They all slide out with the door at 90 degrees, and if you don’t like the color, the shelf fronts also come in black or stainless steel. The whole unit builds right into your cabinetry under a counter, allowing a dramatic reveal from below when presenting a bottle, the kind of pizzazz that impresses guests. It has a a self-closing door that is also UV protected, dual paned, tinted, and keeps harmful light away from your precious bottles. The whole inside is also vibration protected so none of the sediments in your reds will rustle, and your bubbly will stay bubbly. There is an optional door lock as well, in case you have curious kids, or toddlers. The inside is high gloss black, elegant inside and out, and the cabinets can also come in black with an ebony interior.

The cellar’s lighting is settable to showcase and stay on, or make like a refrigerator and only turn on when you open it. It even has an integral Sabbath mode. It has an ultra powerful compressor and forced air system, and all of this wonder only needs a 115VAC, 15AMP circuit connected to its low profile cord to keep it humming along. If you happen to slosh a little red wine on it after a few bottles, or a crowded scene provokes it, worry not one wit. Stainless steel cabinets make it a towel wipe cleanup and no stains are even possible. The motor in this thing also lasts a lifetime, as does the commercial condenser design, which is not only durable, but also delivers more air flow. You can even get it in left hinge or right hinge door models to fit it into any kitchen no matter if it’s a galley-sized efficiency in a ski lodge or a spacious condo kitchen on the Upper West Side.

This lovely little wine cellar is the perfect choice if you have even a modest wine collection that you want to keep in top shape.

Outdoor Living with Homeclick.com

insider — Sat, 14 May 2011 15:40:00 GMT

One of the most fun topics we enjoy bringing to you when writing the Homeclick Blog is the category we’ve titled: Outdoor Living. It’s not like we get seasonal depressive disorder or get tired of talking about our number one purchased item (the toilet), but it’s just an exciting time to be able to open your indoor space to expand your square footage of living area into your backyard, patio or property. The nicer weather sure is a great way to inspire your spring clean and help give you some ideas of what outdoor items can really enhance your lifestyle and make for a memorable summer vacation without leaving the comfort of home.

If you’ve clicked through our blog’s archives and are still not finding the exact inspiration you were looking for, maybe take a closer look at the twenty-four categories of outdoor items that can accessorize or create an entire new dimension of outdoor living to you home.

From previous posts you know how much we love BBQ grills for fair weather events, but a great partner for the outdoor cooker is the fire pit or chimnea. These budget friendly, self-contained fire places can take the chill off a spring or summer evening and add a glowing ambiance that keeps you and your guests circled around as late into the night under the stars as you’d like. For a more grand enclosure, or more heating power, we also carry outdoor fireplaces and patio heaters, so the options are there for your best or more modest application.

You can also really take to heart bringing the indoors out, with the addition of an outdoor television or refrigerator. These all-weather designed appliances offer protection from rain, dirt, insects and temperature changes, and with blue skies or starry night as your ceiling, your lifestyle can have a dramatic change in the better weather months.

You don’t need to drop a large budget to make some pleasantly useful additions to your outdoor space. A nice sun shading umbrella or a hammock can whisk away the week’s stress with a gentle breeze and a swinging nap. It all comes down to taking that first step of looking around your space and finding a niche that can use an upgrade then clicking your way around Homeclick.com and putting us to the task of making your outdoor space a place you love as much as being inside your home.

The Great BBQ Debate

insider — Tue, 10 May 2011 19:06:00 GMT

With summer just around the corner and outdoor activities filling your weekend calendar, the anchor of such outings is of course the grand American ritual of the Barbecue!

The basic design of the traditional BBQ grill varies, from the most commonly used charcoal grill, propane gas or electric grill, to smokers and rotisseries. Choosing the best grill to match your needs can be challenging, but a few basic pointers can make your grilling experience enjoyable and raise your reputation as grill master.

The charcoal grill is one of the oldest and most basic styles of grilling. Using charcoal briquettes as the fuel, it can be just as versatile as the more advanced gas or electric models. With just a little grill skill it can cook with direct searing heat for your best burgers, steaks and chicken, or indirect convection heat for roasts, fish, veggies, or even rotisserie and smoker type fare. The flavor from the charcoal grill is outstanding and can be further enhanced with adding a few chips of mesquite, maple or hickory wood. Although the charcoal grill can be a bit messy and take longer to start, once you get cooking, the results will make it all worthwhile.

The premiere, powerful, speedy and easy to use gas grill holds unmatched classic utility with no fuss clean up. Most gas grills tend to be larger contained units that have multi-tiers with an in-hood warming shelf/slow cook tray, side burners, stainless steel work surface and tool holder, as well as other features. These types of grills get their power from natural gas or via a small refillable liquid propane gas cylinder. The precision ease of the gas grill’s quick starting and variable heat allows for preparing several types of meals at once. Although the lack of smoky flavor, less portability and occasional nuisance of refilling the tank are a hindrance, the gas grill’s ease of use and versatility make it the backyard king.

The best bet for whatever grill you choose is to determine how often you will cook on it and for how many people. Or better yet, get one of each to cover all your BBQ needs.

Cozy Up with Outdoor Patio Heaters

insider — Tue, 10 May 2011 18:54:00 GMT

Not quite ready to abandon your barbecue grill, patio party or backyard hosting? Just because the sun sets on your day doesn’t mean your outdoor activities need to head indoors. A great way to keep your patio, deck or back yard fun going in the chill of the summer evenings, or even year-round use, is to cozy up around an outdoor patio heater.

The best way to start considering the heater that’s right for you is to have an idea of how much heat and area you need to cover, or how many people will be sitting in the effective range of radiant heat. Depending on your space, consideration of mobility should also factor into your choice. Having multiple heaters properly spaced can accommodate for larger gatherings and offer greater flexibility for other events.

Outdoor patio heaters come in a variety of sizes, styles and installations. There are freestanding heaters as seen in outdoor cafes and restaurants, built-in, wall mounted or hanging units (like in parks and other outdoor venues), and even stylish table top models. Some of the most common types of patio heaters either burn natural gas or propane fuels or are electric. A unit that’s self contained and portable, like many of the umbrella shroud propane models, offers versatility of use and can even share the same fuel source as your gas outdoor grill. For limited space and budget, the gas or electric table top models are adequate coverage for smaller needs and can blend into the décor. For larger heating demands, built–in units offer great power and heating radius, but lack the versatility of the portable models and require installation.

Regardless of which type of unit you decide upon, or multiple models to suit your needs, these outdoor heaters allow you to keep the warmth up when Mother Nature cools down, and help you to make cozy use of your outdoor space.

Digits for Your Dwelling

insider — Sat, 07 May 2011 15:26:00 GMT

How many times has a delivery driver missed your house and you got your pizza in more than 30 minutes? Have you gotten many packages that were not for you? If there was an emergency, would the authorities find your house easily, or have to hunt around the neighborhood for you? This may seem like a silly question, but does your house have a clearly marked address visible from the street? Can it be seen or is it blocked by bushes, trees, window boxes, or porch pillars? If you have a good clear marker, none of these problems will ever bother or worry you again. Here are several options to consider.

#1: Where I come from, 4 numeral addresses are the norm, but this Brass Accents plaque model also comes in 3 and 5 numeral styles. It’s a big reflective metal square with big, clear, block numbers, so if someone who maybe doesn’t see so well anymore, like the grandparents maybe, is looking for your house, this will clearly guide them in. It’s made of brass, so it won’t rust, but it will take an occasional polish. This baby can take whatever nature throws at her. In another 20 years, this will be a nostalgic classic. You see it everywhere. It’s solid, dependable, gets the mission accomplished, and looks good forever with no hassles.

#2: A little more posh, but not overly fancy, this elegantly shaped Hampton Standard wall plaque is made in a massive array of styles and materials from terra cotta with mocha letters to antique brass, copper, or bronze, pewter with silver letters, even and sage with ivory letters, so there’s no chance you can’t find one that suits your building. Line 1 holds up to 5 digits and line 2 holds up to 17 characters, so you can be a little creative if you want to without losing any stylishness. It’s sleek, modern and conservative, but it’s still a little fun.

#3: It’s fancy country manor time with the Whitehall 1130 Woodland Wren Standard 2 line wall plaque. If you have a garden, a big front yard, an expansive lawn, or driveway pillars, this is the one for you. On this model, a beautifully wrought pair of wrens ensconced in leaves sits above your up to 5 digit address and 17 character address name. Made in the same range of variety as our last selection, you can not fail to find a match for your home. Weatherproof, classic, stately, yet modest, this will keep your parents and your boss happy, and the kids will always have the birds in their memories.

#4: I particularly like this one, the Whitehall Dragonfly. Although it only comes in a one line model, it is available in all the material and style variations as the other Whitehall plaques, so, again, it’s guaranteed to please. Dragonflies on either side point to your address, and are encased in a graceful arch. Mounted within a stern rectangle of very organic feeling metal, it will last and last, and forever be a relaxing counterpoint to the stresses of the world when you come home. It says peace and calm.

#5: The country classic, this Whitehall Flying Duck Arch Marker, looks great on a fence or gate, giving that touch of welcome to any entrance. Solidly mounted, she won’t come off in a storm unless the whole gate goes with her. Up to 5 digits and available in all the flexible styles, colors, and materials of the other Whitehall plates, this is just iconic and cool. When you see this, you know you’re not in the city anymore, you’re in the country and very happy about it.

Lighten Up with Lamps

insider — Fri, 06 May 2011 15:34:00 GMT

Natural light and main overhead lighting are important to a good home set-up, but can often not be enough. Lamps are perfect for adding warm lighting to a room, providing direct light where you need it for reading or tasks, or just simply as interesting objects to add to a room’s decor.

The best thing about lamps is the huge variety of shapes, sizes and styles the come in. They vary from the very simple accent in the corner to the colorful centerpiece of a room, and can even make great conversation pieces. They give you an accessible way to really express your personal taste in your favorite space. There’s even one to which you can add your favorite photo, which by the way, would make a fabulous Mother’s Day present…

Check out our huge selection of lamps. With so many styles to choose from, you are bound to find something you’ll love from space-aged to art nouveau to shabby chic. There are some promotions happening right now, as well as outlet items to peruse. And if you are lucky, you might even snag some free shipping!

Top 3 Favorite Charcoal Grills

insider — Fri, 06 May 2011 15:19:00 GMT

If you’ve been reading our Homeclick blog over the last year you’ve probably noticed a little extra flair and excitement when writing about BBQ grills. Although grills only occupy a small corner of our product line we have a special place in our heart for these marvels of modern outdoor cookery. While of course we appreciate the merits of electric grills, gas grills and even indoor ranges, there’s nothing in the world like the flavor from a solid charcoal grill to grill up some of your favorite summertime victuals. Here are our top three choices for the charcoal grills that can fit in your backyard, cooking needs and budget.

You’ll have to please forgive Weber for their current spring marketing launch with the embarrassing faux hip family and friends dancing around their grills. However, as we wrote earlier, they are the American standard when it comes to charcoal grills, and their Performer Charcoal Grill with Gas Ignition is a premium grill for any backyard BBQ bonanza. With its Touch-N-Go gas ignition there’s less fuss with getting fired up. It comes with a heavy duty steel cart with adequate work table space and large grilling surface in an easily portable unit. Having 4.8 out of 5 star reviews, you can read for yourself why this grill is a grade A choice cut above in the field.

For a little more budget conscious grill-meister that still wants the quality of a Weber, there’s the original design that started it all: the Weber 751001 One Touch Charcoal Grill. With its 22.5” diameter grill surface, you can accommodate a variety of grillables for your backyard parties. The venting and rounded design help you control where the heat goes, even allowing partial smoking for the savvy chef. Plus a plated steel hinged cooking grate allows convenience when adding charcoal. With Weber’s quality and durability, you can’t go wrong.

Maybe your cooking expertise is more advanced and you’d like to bring some of the versatility from indoors to your outdoor cooking station while catering to larger groups of family and friends. The Primo Extra Large Oval Grill is the perfect backyard addition for the avid cook. Its divided firebox allows a wide range of cooking setups so you can vent to maintain desired temperatures from low and slow to red hot and searing, or from roasting to baking. With its superb craftsmanship and versatility, there’s no wonder this Primo grill has a 5 star review rating. “The best grill money can buy…This grill has changed my life.” Pretty impressive review, so if you decide to purchase, please invite us to your next cookout!

Spring Into Patio Living

insider — Wed, 04 May 2011 18:34:00 GMT

The weather is finally getting warm again, the days are getting longer, the birds are singing, and we are are ready to put in the screen windows, dust off the patio’s chaise lounge and enjoy the great outdoors.

Now is a great time to start planning for those summer barbecues and garden parties. It’s time to find your favorite recipes and head to the grill for a test run. Dig up your garden gloves and help your outside areas shake off the long winter months with a little planting to help things look alive and happy again. Take advantage of your outdoor space, if you are lucky enough to have it! Just a couple of comfortable chairs and a small table can make any outdoor space more appealing. If you can, make time to have breakfast outside on the weekends once in awhile, or even just your morning coffee for a more serene start to the day.

And just because the nights can still be chilly doesn’t mean you have to stay inside. Toast yourself up with some outdoor heating, and you’ll get to enjoy the season for longer. We have a great selection of ways to keep yourself warm while enjoying the patio this year from firepits and chimineas to outdoor lanterns and heaters that are great for using at any time of day. And if you want to make the evenings feel more festive, a simple strand of lights or solar accent lighting is a nice touch. Now you can sit back after a long day and listen to the crickets, watch the fireflies, or star gaze in comfort.

So get up off the couch and out from in front of that television and get some fresh air! Unless you’d like to take your tv with you, in which case, we can help you out there, too… (see: outdoor tvs).

A Home for Your Snail Mail

insider — Mon, 02 May 2011 16:36:00 GMT

As the world increasingly switches to email, the instant message, the internet commerce, automated billing, direct marketing, and mobile technology, it might seem like the old mailbox, the standard ornament in front of every suburban and rural house in America, is on its way out. But consider this: while your friends will post pictures online rather than send you postcards from their trip to Guam, they still have to mail you the Mai Tai kit. That means you need a bigger mailbox, not no mailbox, so why not have some fun with it? It’s far enough away from the home to not “spoil the lines”, but it can also lend a relaxing note to otherwise tense arrivals. In short, the humble mailbox is more relevant than ever. So here are some of our favorites.

This beautiful Copper Steamer Trunk designed model by Good Directions is a beaut! It’s shiny, so people will think you’re rich, it looks like a pirate chest, and how cool are pirates? The kids will love it, and it even has the old school pop up flag to let your post carrier get in on the fun, alerting you to that newly arrived DVD set from Amazon, tax return, or any other wonderful postal treasures you may have coming to you. Form, function, and style.

Heavy Duty. The Oasis Jr made by Architectural Mailboxes is perfect for the Ebay nut in your house, who has packages of all sizes and shapes coming in from all over the place. Now you don’t even need to worry about bad wrapping on the sender’s end because it has rubber seals on the doors to keep everything safe and dry. It’s made out of galvanized steel for major endurance, and it’s a no-nonsense looking box perfect for office or home or home office. But it’s not without style, it too has the beloved red flag announcing an arrival.

Another beauty from Architectural Mailboxes, is the curb standing Geneva Locking Mailbox. A big wide box, securely standing against the elements, with doors on the front for delivery and on the back for pickup, there will be no standing in the street in your bathrobe fishing out your utility bill with this big boy. Again, made of galvanized steel, featuring the essential little red flag, this just makes any home look better.

Well, for all you out there with a nice Colonial house, The Lunada will fit right in. The house I grew up in was a pre-WW2 Colonial with a mail slot, and woe were we when packages would come, or, more accurately, when we would come home to our packages on our porch covered in snow or soaking wet. Well, this will not happen in a world that has this powder white finished gem mounted on the wall next to the front door! Locking for security, with a slot as well as a keylock for your carrier to get larger bundles in, this galvanized steel box will resist rust and weather like one of George Washington’s soldiers resisting the British at Valley Forge.

This last selection is an old school classic with its arched top, nice capacity, non-red flip flag, front door opening and single knob. The Architectural Mailboxes Coronado is just your basic black dress you can wear anywhere. This is the old standard, unchanging only in the tiny bit of flash from the antique nickel accents from the ancient standards, it will never disappoint, it will never offend. Basically, this is your parents’ mailbox. And their parents, too. And sometimes, in an ever changing world, the old ways are the best ways, and it’s wonderful to come home to a nice safe, warm, unassuming mailbox, pick up your mail, and go and watch a game.

When It Comes to Tubs, The Victorian Age is All the Rage

insider — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 18:28:00 GMT

There’s nothing more relaxing and luxurious that slipping into nice hot tub.

When choosing a new bath tub for your home, there are endless styles to consider. My own personal favorite is the cast iron Victorian claw foot soaking tub. I love the way it brings your bathroom a nice touch from bygone days. Some of these tubs have an antique look with a modern edge, such as the American Standard Reminiscence, and some are seriously old school like the amazing Barclay hammered antique copper tub. Is it true that you’ve always wanted a sky blue bathtub? You know we won’t let you down. The Jacuzzi Era freestanding Edwardian Slipper Tub comes in eleven standard colors, and one of them just happens to be sky blue. You can even choose which feet you’d like it to stand on.

In the world of claw foot tubs, there’s the standard roll top, the double roll top (you can soak in either direction in this one), the slipper, and even the double slipper. As for hardware, you can customize things even further with a plethora of tub fillers to choose from.

Now all you need are some candles (or maybe even a tasteful chandelier with a dimmer switch), soothing music, and the nearest ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign.

Better Outdoor Living with Patio Furniture

insider — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 15:34:00 GMT

As the weather becomes warmer and spring blossoms into summer, many of us will be spending as much time as we can outdoors enjoying the sunny days and warm evenings. To help make that time as comfortable and accessible as it would be for you indoors, having stylish, quality patio furniture should be on the top of your list of must need backyard additions. Having the best patio furniture for your outdoor space can enhance your space, making it more inviting and easier to entertain or simply relax with your family. A great start to choose the best patio furniture for your space is to first assess your outdoor lifestyle, then peruse some styles and collections that match your personal flair.

At Homeclick.com we have a few categories to make your shopping easier. A great group to get you going is Patio Conversation Sets. These sets offer two chairs and a side table, the perfect versatile setting. Take a look at the Outdoor Adirondack Chair from International Concepts.

Another setting you’ll definitely want to have is a patio dining set. The Airblade dinning set from Vifah is made from the same wood as the Adirondack conversation set. seats six at a 90” table length which make seem large, but the chairs have a wide stance and deep, comfy fit so they’re versatile for lounging as well when not dining. For a contemporary design with a more formal dining set, the Malibu from Home Styles offers four armed chairs and a rounded table with umbrella hole. Made from cast aluminum with a powder coat finish, this set is quaint, yet classy, and can hold up to the elements.

Other than patio sets, an individual outdoor lounge or rocker would be as welcome as a pitcher of margaritas on a sunny day. One of our favorites is the Mandalay Rocker from Lloyd/Flanders. This elegantly designed, plush, deep-seated, sturdy aluminum constructed rocker has wide arms and a gentle gait to its rock. Its subtle sea grass inspired weave and chicory color belie a beach side scene welcome to any backyard.

No matter how you fashion your outdoor patio furniture design, blending the use from your indoor space to outdoor living makes your entire lifestyle open to a warm summer breeze.

Spring is for the Birds

insider — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 16:28:00 GMT

Spring time is for the birds, so if you enjoy the company of those feathered friends, it’s time to refill the feeders and prepare for this year’s flock party at your house. There are many types of bird feeders out there, depending on what types of birds you are trying to attract, from songbirds to hummingbirds. Check out our selection of bird feeders from simple to squirrel-proof.

Another way to attract more birds is with window boxes or hanging planters full of colorful flowers. Hummingbirds especially like bright red flowers, and will be happy to dazzle you with their fancy plumage in exchange for a bit of nectar. Add a birdbath to the mix, and you’ll be the tweet of the town.

You can really get to know your local birds with a reference book of regional birds for your area. Keeping a list or marking the ones who have visited your house with a fun sticker can be a great activity for the whole family to enjoy. Or you can stick with the digital age if that’s more up your alley, and enjoy all of the bird information at the flight of your fingertips here on the Internet. You’ll be an ornithological expert in no time.

Happy bird watching!

Time to Review

insider — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 15:16:00 GMT

At Homeclick.com we’ve built up a lot of reviews on the products we offer. With hundreds of top quality name brands marketing their wares, and the enormous amount of online information you can get on home shopping products, it can be a little overwhelming getting the best information to provide you with an informed decision for you home improvement projects. While our customer service is always happy to hear from you and want to give you the best advice and information possible, sometimes the words of other Homeclick.com shoppers telling their experience of the products they’ve purchased, used and enjoyed can be the difference in giving you a confidant purchasing prowess. So without further ado, here are some timely products for you, in review.

With spring weather flowering into bloom and summer just about to rise, a lot of our time over the next few months will be spent in our yards extending into the evening. What better way to enjoy your time outside than to sit around the glow from a well-tempered fire? With the UniFlame Outdoor Firebowl you can have just that! This model in oil rubbed bronze is an easy loading and tending firebowl with 4.4 out of 5 star reviews. Durable, heats evenly, attractive, easy to clean and assemble are some of the common descriptors by shoppers who’ve bought this model. Comment from one reviewer: “this is a beast of a fire bowl. We were looking for something you could actually have a fire in – not one of those shallow ones or a chimnea that you can fit like 2 twigs into. This thing is hulking, but not in a bad way. You can have a very good sized roaring fire in here.”

Another spring/summer seasonal product with rave reviews, and one of our favorite brands, is the Weber Performer Charcoal Grill with gas ignition. This heavy duty BBQ cart has all of the great features you’d expect from Weber: it’s an efficient cooker, has a large grilling surface for big volume grilling, is easily portable as well as a breeze to clean, and for the quality and features, it’s a great value. Most of the over 40 reviews concur that the charcoal grill produces the best flavor when grilling, and that the gas ignition makes starting up a snap. One reviewer puts it best: “The Weber Performer is an excellent BBQ grill. Everything on it is designed perfectly for ease of use. I really like the propane lighting system, and the “on board” charcoal bin. It is very sturdy and maneuverable, and the working table is a good size. You have an excellent product here Weber. Nice job.”

We could write for days just on the reviews that keep coming in for the great brands we offer on Homeclick.com, but we’d prefer you to take a look for yourself, and let your home shopping peers give you a brief look into their homes and buying experiences with the quality products we bring to market. The only review that’s missing is yours!

The More Regal Throne to Own

insider — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:47:00 GMT

Usually when researching for this blog we scour Homeclick.com for new products, something we’ve yet to write about, or a new look on an existing product line. Recently though, on a general search for ideas we came across an article on Gizmodo.com about one of the brands of which we’re authorized dealers, Kohler. It was a fun little piece about the new $6400 luxury model toilet, the Numi. And while we don’t currently carry this model (yet) it got us thinking about which of the best of the best toilets we do have in our virtual throne room.

Of course one of the premier models comes from Kohler, the Purist Hatbox in honed White. With its clean minimal design, the Purist Hatbox toilet sets the standard for modern design statements in higher end homes and commercial hospitality specifications. With innovative tankless technology, exceptional flushing performance, a comfort height bowl and quiet-close toilet seat, this kingly bathroom fixture offers the best in styling and function. Although it doesn’t have the built in stereo, foot warmer and touch pad controls as the new Numi model we mentioned, undoubtedly you’ll be able to make do with this elegant marvel of modern plumbing.

Yet another top of the line in function and design plumbing fixture is the Elongated Sanagloss from Toto. Just like the Kohler models, this Neorest collection features a sleek, tankless bowl and super quiet flush with its skirted styling. And the five star reviews rave at its quality and performance: “I really can’t say enough about how wonderful this toilet is. It’s a luxury, yes, but one that promotes hygienic good health and amazing comfort for an appliance that is normally overlooked.” And another glowingly states “heated seat, perfect flush, really cool; so cool that I showed it to my friends and family.” When was the last time you heard so much excitement over a toilet?

Not every home calls for an exclusive model with the latest and greatest features and designs, but once you experience the regal accommodations of one of these fixtures at a hotel or statelier-than-most manor, you may start to wonder why your master bath doesn’t own a more royal throne.

The Weber Grill: An Amercian Classic

insider — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 15:14:00 GMT

For many of us, two of the primal things most near and dear are meat and fire. Some of the best smells in life are often a mixture of those two things. Campfires and barbecues are often great memories, and for many of us, those barbecues were made on the classic Weber grill. The barbecue, originally barbacoa, migrated out of Caribbean regions to become an American specialty. If you travel around the country eating barbecue, from the spicy reds of Kansas City to the yellow mustard shredded pork of The Carolinas, from Texas smoker pits to Memphis brown sauce to Chicago patio barbecues on skyscraper apartment rooftops, you’ll see that everyone has their own preferences, sauces, methods, secret ingredients, and regional bents. The one unifying factor is that everywhere you go, you will find Weber grills. These classic metal golf balls have been decorating patios and balconies for over half a century. These days there are many types of grills: gas, charcoal, mixed gas and charcoal, all serving different purposes. Weber has been making and upgrading the old classic and more advanced function grills in Palatine, Illinois since 1952.

No matter which style of barbecue sauce you like, meat you want to cook, or spice mix you use, you can make an amazing meal with a Weber. Originally fashioned from half of a nautical buoy, the shape is so ubiquitous it’s what children draw in elementary school if you ask them to draw a barbecue. This grill is also the only one I know of that actually has a restaurant built around its use. Since 1989, Weber has opened five successful restaurants built around the innovative use of their classic grill. I mean, this is the one your dad had. This is just the grill. And when you buy one of these beauties, you are practically joining a secret society. Not only do they have restaurants, they also have book upon book of recipes specially developed for the Weber grill. You can even do your Thanksgiving turkey on one - it’s delicious, euphoric, and though it may take awhile, it’s well worth it.

The current incarnation of this class model comes with both an advanced ash collection system and a one-touch cleaning system. Crafted from porcelain enameled stainless steel with nylon polymer handles, you can leave this on your balcony in summer heat or winter snow, rain or shine, and it’ll never let you down. The simplicity, the efficiency of design, and the surprisingly subtle temperature control made possible through the twisting four hole vent on the lid, all combine to make a perfect synergy of form and function.

This barbecue is so tough, you can’t hardly break it. It’s really the kind of thing you can pass down to your kid, if you’ve got one. If not, it’s an exciting moment in the reading of your will. Simply the best, the classic, a fit for a home of any size, or an apartment. Metal. Fire. Meat. Bliss.

Kitchen Keepings

insider — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 16:35:00 GMT

Certainly there is more entertaining to be done throughout the year, but just around Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s is when we really spend a good amount of time with family and friends in the kitchen. That also means using more of the kitchen wares that often stay in the cupboard for a good portion of the year. But, we always find need for a few new odds and ends and kitchen keepings. At Homeclick.com we have hundreds of quality accessories to help your kitchen chores be more efficient and enjoyable. One great product that’s a handy helper is from Whitehaus Collection: The Culinary Equipment Maplewood /Stainless Steel Workstation. This convenient workstation with heavy duty casters, adjustable shelf and 30” x 30” top provides an excellent surface for culinary prep work. Whitehaus Collection also offers commercial quality pot racks (either ceiling or wall mounted) to keep the clutter out of your cupboards and off of your surface areas.

Another great way to help manage your space that is also a budget friendly do-it-yourself install is with the use of hooks, shelves and rails mounted to your wall. Franke is a worldwide provider of intelligent kitchen products. Having your utensils at your fingertips and ready for action is essential in a smoothly running kitchen, so having a railing with hooks to hang your most used cooking tools is an easy way to task manage. The Model AK-100S rail, along with Model AK101S, are both excellent inexpensive wall solutions that any kitchen could benefit from. Franke is trusted by commercial kitchens all over the world and carries a full line of products that would be handy in any kitchen.

You don’t need to plan and budget a whole room kitchen remodel or put off hosting and entertaining guests this holiday season. Just add a little kitchen convenience to your existing space with simple and easy upgrades of better kitchen keepings. It will make the holidays all that much more fun!

Four Grand Garden Glorifiers

insider — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 14:38:00 GMT

Making your garden look spectacular can mean more than just straight rows of vegetables, proper pruning of your roses, and placement of perennials along pathways or even hiring landscapers to maintain your flora. You shouldn’t be hesitant with a do-it-yourself project by adding some products that make a bold statement without spending a lot of time or money. You can enjoy having one of the prettiest gardens in your neighborhood that’s uniquely your own with a few of these highly decorative architectural elements.

When you start thinking of garden décor, one great way to make a grand entrance to your garden is with the use of an arbor. An arbor is a garden structure that establishes a path or passageway with an arched or cross beam top and latticed sides for vines or other plants that can be trained to fill in the space. At Homeclick.com we offer a dozen arbors from ACHLA Designs. Eight are in the $150-$300 range, and a great example that’s simple yet elegant is their powder coated graphite Monet Arbor. This model is designed to be shipped flat and erected without tools using easy-slip components. This arbor stands tall enough to allow vines to grow while leaving enough room for your garden entrance way.

A trellis is another great garden structure for climbing plants, and can be used as a wall along with your arbor to shape and guide you garden space. Another model from ACHLA Designs is the Aldrich Trellis in powder coated graphite. This stylish and sturdy piece slides together for assembly and can be used adjoining more than one unit for larger dramatic effect. For a unique stand-alone trellis, the Mushroom Trellis II adds a vertical element and a focal point for vines and other climbers.

Of course a less passive decorative garden structure than can really make your garden come to life is a fountain, with its soothing sound and hypnotic look. With around 250 models available from 6 different manufacturers, you’re sure to find the perfect water element for your yard with us. One that we really love, and that is also one of the most popular, is the Kenroy Home Costa Brava. This fountain is classic looking with its Spanish three tiered fountain, has 2 lights for night time effect, and is topped with a pineapple finial, representing hospitality.

Finally, a more modest yet functional garden element that can add subtle sophistication to your outdoor space is a decorative garden hose holder. Simple and easy to install, these items make your watering chores less work and a more unwinding experience. A classic style that can fit in any backyard is the Good Directions Sonoma Hose Pot. Its elegant finishing touch will help to bring all your gardening elements together.

More Nest Boxes: Bats, Butterflies and Bugs

insider — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:38:00 GMT

If our previous post about the use of birdhouses to make your yard or property feather friendlier drew interest, you might have noticed a few novelties in the pages of birdhouses we offer at Homeclick.com. Among those that on first perusal might give pause when looking to beautify your natural surroundings with bluebirds or gold finches are the houses made for our less feathery night flyer: the bat. There are also prefabricated boxes for butterflies and ladybugs that can help your garden maintain the beauty of nature while providing a balanced ecosystem.

While at first you may have a slight aversion to wanting bats around, you might want to give it a second thought. Unless you live in a cave or believe vampires are real, your apprehension may be unwarranted. Bats play a key role in many ecosystems by pollinating plants as well as helping control unwanted populations of invasive insects. According to Bat Conservation International, a single bat can capture between 500 to 1,000 mosquitoes in just an hour! Since they take flight at night you’d mostly see them at dusk when you want them to go to work on your local pest insects. We carry a few stylish models that entice your neighborhood bats to your property.

One beautiful example is the Heartwood Victorian Bat House. This classic Victorian design (which looks strikingly sharp in grey finish) has a horizontal shutter on its front panel to counterpoint the steeply pitched hand-shingled cypress roof with copper trim. It can be easily installed on a mount pole, tree, or side of your barn or shed.

For a more rustic look that’s budget friendly, the Heartwood Vintage Bat House with multi-colored shingled roof is subtly sleek. The aged exterior finish has a weathered effect to it, while a pine tree silhouette cut out and angular pitch adorns the façade. With colored wooden shakes that overhang the roof to protect the home from rain, curved edges and a handmade look that adds to its charm, this bat house provides function with its unique form. It can be mounted to any vertical surface like a tree, post or exterior of building.

A few other specialty rest and nest houses in our collection are for some of nature’s prettier garden creatures. Slotted butterfly houses help keep birds away and give protection against the elements so your local butterflies can find safe haven next to your seasonal flowers as their nectar source. So flowers, butterflies do their dance and you can watch and enjoy the recital. Heartwood Flutterbye House in yellow with copper roof offers a stylish look to any garden with its pretty yellow cyprus body and copper roof and butterfly adornments.

Another friend to your flowers and garden is a home for the Ladybugs. This demure little creature is a tiger when it comes to Aphids and Mealy bugs. The Heartwood Ladybug Loft is a welcoming sight for the little ladies with its rustic weathered look and hand-shingled roof and even the hand-painted ladybug above the door. It comes in 5 garden matching colors: green, grey, white, red and yellow to match any floral outfit for your ladybug ball.

Whether you add a few birdhouses, bat houses or butterfly and ladybug boxes, there’s room for all the best eco-friendly garden guardians to make your home their home.

Nest Boxes: Housing Fine Feathered Friends

insider — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 15:09:00 GMT

Whether you are an ornithologist, an avid bird watcher, or just enjoy casual observation of your surrounding natural environment, with a little helpful birdly habitation you can watch the beauty of some the animal kingdom’s greatest creatures without seeking them out. Adding a nest box, more commonly referred to as a birdhouse, to your yard in early spring is a great way to attract your local avian friends that may be looking to build or alter natural accommodations. You can search online for species common to your area that are readily accustomed to inhabiting a cavity dwelling such as a prefabricated nest box. For example, there are around 85 North American species that nest in cavities and are common backyard friendly such as wrens, bluebirds, chickadees and even screech owls or bats! They also add a decorative element to you landscaping along with their functional feathered friendliness.

Once you’ve narrowed down the types of birds you’d like to draw in to your neck of the woods, choosing the nest box is pretty easy. Let’s say you want to have wrens around. The Heartwood Wren in the Wind hanging birdhouse is a lovely shape and simple design. Made from solid Cyprus, featuring copper trim, drainage, ventilation and a rear panel for easy clean out, for under $50 it’s a great value.

Perhaps you want something a bit more ornate for your bluebirds. The Home Bazaar Signature Cottage Birdhouse in White is an intricately carved nest box that will delight the expecting residents and passersby. Made with non-toxic outdoor paint, the back wall is removable for easy cleaning. Mounting hardware also included.

How about a home for our friendly owls? Screech owls are more common in suburban areas than people think, but as they hunt at night, can be mostly seen roosting on the edge of wooded areas at dusk. The Heartwood Joy Box Screech Owl House with its Spartan design and solid Cyprus construction is the perfect nester for your local owl. For under $30 it’s definitely something to give a hoot.

Whichever nest box idea for your yard or property takes wing, you’re sure to be the chirp of the town with the new flock around. And by shopping at Homeclick.com the prices won’t ruffle your feathers or leave you feeling like a birdbrain.

Spring Into Path Lighting: 4 Under $50

insider — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 20:06:00 GMT

Now that spring has sprung, and you’ve been watching the weather and marking your calendar for the best time to plant marigolds, irises, zinnias and your other favorite blooms, think about adding some extra dramatic effect with some landscape lighting. Usually your flower beds are placed next to your home or alongside garden paths. These locations make for lush dawn and dusk beauty when you highlight them with some simple path lighting. It’s also helpful having a guide to keep from trampling your blooms after sundown and keep your guests on the right path after daytime hours. You don’t need to spend a fortune as here we have four high quality name brands for under $50 each!

Both Progress Lighting and Seagull Lighting are highly specified for residential and commercial applications by architects and lighting designers. Their pagoda-style tiered fixtures from both manufacturers are very similar and come in either black or green finish. The Seagull Lighting model 9226-12 (light black) -95 (light emerald green) are a similar pagoda style which they call tiered bollard design. It also comes with a clear glass diffuser, but the socket is for a single medium base 75W maximum lamp instead of the 100W maximum lamp offered with the Progress fixtures. The Seagull models also have a textured look to their powder coat finish, slightly different than the enameled finish of the Progress fixtures. Both manufacturers have these fixtures labeled UL and CUL listed for wet location service location.

So why spend only the waking daylight hours enjoying your gardening labor when you can give your flowers and plants some extra time in the spotlight with some inexpensive and high quality landscape lighting? Keep your home and garden on the path to a new bloom here at Homeclick.com!

Love Stories of Online Shopping

insider — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 15:01:00 GMT

This Made me fall in love with her all over again!

I’m a guy’s guy. In college I rushed freshman year, I played sports on the weekends, from extreme frisbee to mini-golf. So when I finally gave in and got married, I thought well, no more shopping trips in stores where I could possibly want anything, and I’d probably end up holding her purse more often than I ever wanted to, which is never. Well, imagine my surprise when my good lady wife A) decided not to drag me to the mall, and instead shop online, and B) one night of “mm-hmmm honey”s while staring at the computer later, she waves me over to look over the list of things she was going to order to see what I thought about them. New mirror for the bathroom, bath mats, on and on, but then, just when I was about to roll my eyes for the last time, I came to this little item at the end of the list: The Marvel Outdoor 24” Built-In Beer Refrigerator.

I flashed back to college apartments with kegs in bathtubs full of snow. No reason to go out to the bar when you can have a cold one on tap at home with the guys. This little baby is either free standing or you can mount the tap on any surface and connect it to the fridge below. Whether it’s 52 degree ale or freezing cold pilsners, the computer controlled cooling unit’s got you covered. And with energy conservation compressors and fans, even my Green buddies won’t beef!! This is the second best thing my wife has ever done for our marriage. Now whether the guys are playing jarts in the backyard or shooting pool in the basement, cold ones are always on tap. It even came with all the hoses and a CO2 tank and regulator. Now to pick out the perfect tap handle, I hope they make one in a Red Wings logo! Thanks, Honey!

Tap Into Kohler Faucets

insider — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 20:58:00 GMT

Let’s face it, Kohler is the current most popular brand of plumbing fixtures for a very good reasons: its excellent quality, appealing and nuanced design, class, and amazing variety. They have come a long way from their humble Wisconsin roots making “troughs and hog scalders”! The Kohler’s have been getting better every year since the 1850’s. That’s a lot of getting better. My parents had Kohler taps, it was one of the ways I learned about letters, reading them off the taps while washing my little hands.

The Kohler of today ranges from the antique to the futuristic. All sizes, finishes, single faucet, multi-faucet, whatever you can think of, they’ve got one for you that’s not only going to look good, it’s going to be a good value for your dollar. They still do things a bit old fashioned that way in Wisconsin, make something of quality that lasts, that isn’t disposable. People appreciate that. They also appreciate taps that don’t pull a water torture on you with a steady drip all night, off means off!

My three favorite Kohler taps are:

The Bol Ceramic Faucet: Now, I’m a little old fashioned, so I lean towards the classics, and first of all the Bol Ceramic Faucet is just cool looking. I mean, just look at it! The water comes out of a sort of ceramic sluice with a single tap so quick to operate. The whole design appeals to me immensely, and it’s definitely the leader in aesthetics of the three, but the others have their strengths, too.

The Antique Wall Mount Kitchen Sink Faucet: This is the one that everyone’s grandparents had, basically. It has the elevated centrally-mounted metal soap dish in between the twin faucets, basically straight out spout, meant to be wall mouted well above a deep basin sink, or dual sink, though sometimes mis-installed too low from the countertop instead of down from above. It’s classic, a standard, durable as all heckfire and just terrific, but it doesn’t really work installed into a countertop, which is why…

My third choice, the Purist Widespread Bathroom Faucet with low gooseneck spout and low cross handles, is the countertop install of choice for my money. The tall faucet allows you to get that mop bucket in under it when you need to, or that extra huge cauldron full of seafood gumbo or crawfish boil. Let’s face it, it’s not going to fill up properly jammed under a tap at forty five degrees tilt, at most it’s one third full before you have to get out the bailer cups. Who doesn’t like to be able to refill a water bottle larger than twenty ounces? Now you can keep that tall elegant French quart bottle, fill it off the tap, and impress strangers and friends alike!

Light in the Darkness of the Man Cave

insider — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 19:49:00 GMT

Well, you’ve taken the leap. You’ve set aside room in the basement, or maybe even converted one bay of the garage, and you’re making the game room. The pool table is on the way, the beer fridge is in the corner, but you still have a long way to go before it becomes the “man-cave” it is destined to be.

Well, as any designer will tell you, half of any environment is the lighting, so get yourself a hanging game room light. Now it is only a matter of your own fine, personal taste whether to go with the classic pool hall look (3 lamp suspended green shade lamp by RAM Gamerooms), a more modern style (Z-Lite Huntingdale 3-Light Isand/Billiard in Matte Black), or you go all out class and throw up the something with mural laden Tiffany-style shaded multi-lamps (Z-Lite 4-Light Billiard in Chestnut Bronze). You can even find a combination of styles like the (RAM Gamerooms 3 Shade Billiard Fixture with Stained Glass).

Hang up one of these lamps and your space becomes a REAL gameroom. Other than the pool table itself, this is the one thing that defines the space as soon as someone comes into it. So nice, you might even invite the ladies…

And when you are ready to expand your game options and decor further, we are here for you.

Stay tuned for more Man-Cave building tips!

Racking Up Storage Space

insider — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:56:00 GMT

So your kitchen is big enough to have an island in it, but you don’t have enough cabinet space for all your cookware. On top of that, when you use your island, you are constantly blocking the light from under the cabinets and on the wall. You need an overhead light for it, but what if you could kill two birds with one stone; create space for your pots and pans and also get your island lit?

Well, at last this dilemma has a solution. How about a potrack suspended over the island that ALSO has lights in it? Problem solved, and tastefully too. The Kenroy Home Dorado 2 – Light Potrack is one quality option, or for a little more baroque flavor, see the Pot Racks 2-Light Island in Black, or the elegant metalwork of the Kenroy Home Countryside 2 – Light Pot Rack, which also gets the job done in style.

These ingenious hanging pot racks with lights will be the centerpiece of your kitchen, providing the ambience above intense planning sessions, intimate dinners, personal confessions, and of course, will give you quick access to whatever pot you need to whip up another memorable dinner. Whether you are in an urban apartment trying to be efficient, or a sprawling suburban kitchen where light just doesn’t cover everywhere, these handy and functional additions will make a big difference for the better.

Bathroom Mirrors: 10 Reasons It’s Important to Buy a Cool Looking One.

insider — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 15:32:00 GMT

Now that we’ve got you thinking about bathroom vanities, here are ten little things to think about when making your selection. Drum roll, please…

10. You have to look at yourself at your worst everyday, so it’s important to at least have pleasant framing to compensate.

(Jeremiah Lighting Devereaux 2 Light Wall Mirror in Burleson Bronze)

9. When you get to looking your best, it feels great to be inside a fantastic frame.

(Nutone Sonata – Single Door Recessed Cabinet – Double Arch Beveled)

8. It’s more difficult for people to go through your medicine cabinet if it blends in so perfectly as to not be noticed.

(Nutone City Traditional Collection with Cherry Frame)

7. If you can bend the glass just a tiny bit the right way, you can take off 10 pounds.

(Broan Sonata – Single Door Recessed Cabinet – Double Arch)

6. This is the room you will spend the second most time in after your bedroom. You’ll visit it everyday. Make it comfortable.

(Robern C Series – Two Door Cabinet with Inset Center)

5. Beauty is in the reflection of the eye of the beholder.

(Broan Styleline – Single Door Surface Mounted Cabinets)

4. If you get the right kind of mirror, and look into the edge of the glass, you can see other dimensions.

(Nutone Metro Oversized Series – Deluxe 30” Mirror)

3. It makes the bathroom seem bigger than it is.

(Nutone Horizon – Tri-Viewed Recessed Cabinets)

4. You may be mentioned in one of the prestigious “bathrooms of the rich and famous” columns in a National publication.

(Robern PL Series – PLM Series – Flat 3 Door Cabinet)

3. You’ll impress your plumber, and don’t they deserve something nice to work around?

(RonBow Torino Medicine Cabinet in Antique Black)

2. If you’re going to have a dress-up dance party, you need to see as much as possible.

(Koehler Purist Mirrored Cabinet with Integral Laminar Faucet and Slide-out shelf left)

1. Every good party ends up in the kitchen and/or the bathroom, so dress it to impress.

(Robern PL Series – PLM Series – Flat 3 Door Cabinet)

Vanity Fair

insider — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 15:53:00 GMT

A functional and stylish focal point to any bathroom, a vanity mirror can help you make a design statement as well as give the illusion of space while offering a reflection of putting your best face forward. You can also update the look as well as create more light in your space by up-sizing and adding a new larger decorative mirror to your bathroom. If you’re doing a whole room re-model, it’s easier to specify a new layout and products to suit your plan, but if you’re just doing a basic upgrade there are a few points to take into consideration.

Firstly, you should consider the installation aspects as the proper placement is just as important as choosing the right style. Most manufacturers give you the dimensions so that you can measure ahead of time and ensure the right fit. But you also need to be prepared for a larger mirrors weight that may need anchors like molly screws or more sturdy hooks to support a mirror over one hundred pounds. Make sure that the wall can support the weight if considering a larger mirror; a stud finder in your tool box should help. You can also use foam bumpers after installation near the corners to help level mirror off wall.

The design feature of your vanity mirror can bring on a few more questions, but mainly these are related to style matching. If, for example you have a more art deco design with your tub, sink and vanity, you may want to avoid rounded corners or ovals and choose rectangular and beveled features. Another basic guideline is that the mirror should have a few inches less width that the size of your vanity. Your existing lighting should be considered as well so that you don’t choose a mirror, for example, that has a deeper frame that might obstruct your bath bar lighting. A frameless mirror might be the good solution for existing lighting bars. There are even half-chromed or half mirrored lamps to fit your lighting fixtures if glare is a problem. Further, if you’re still apprehensive about style and shape, you can use paper cut-outs to help visualize the mirror’s basic outline before purchase,

Whichever size, shape or design you choose, having a new vanity mirror can help give a better refection of your style. The only question left is which mirror on your wall is the fairest of them all?

Clean Up Your Act

insider — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:49:00 GMT

In the world of soap dispensers, there are three ranks, the old school gravity feed, the current standard vertically mounted downward pressure “perfume bottle” style, and the future: the touch free sensor activated luxuries.

Now, if you’re like most of us at home, and don’t want to rocket your soap dispenser budget into the hundreds or even thousands, you won’t be getting the future, you’ll be getting the present or the past. So what do you look for? What are the merits of each? What should I do?

Well, for range of options, for sheer variety, the present vertical shaft models are the obvious choice. The best chance you have to establish design unity in your bathroom will be one of these models, ranging in price from a cheap plastic stand alone jobbie from the dollar store that’s probably toxic, up to maybe $500 tops. This variety of dispenser comes in stand alone bottle form, or wall mounted, but the mechanisms are always the same, involving downward pressure, and one to two points of contact with the device to use.

The inherent weaknesses of this design are immediately apparent, if the spring in the pump wears out, the device has met its death. What can speed this demise is too much room between the thrust shaft and the receiving pump housing. You’ll get a wobble when you push down. The more wobble, the shorter the lifespan. You can’t tell whether a pump spring is high quality or not off of one use in a showroom or a trade show, but you CAN tell a bad one. If there are “burps” or hesitations when pump is used, this could be a sign of metal irregularity in the spring, OR tube friction points, a possible indication of future wobbles. No one likes a “wobble” when they’re trying to clean up!

One of the main strengths of this model are once again the sheer quantity of design and manifestation. You can get one to match practically any décor you can think of, and the relatively consistent similarity of shapes make for easy incorporation into more esoteric designs. You can hide them inside anything. And while they are the present standard, they were also the original standard, patented in 1908 by the Bobrick company.

But that brings us to the old school. Single point of contact, gravity fed, upward thrust responding, ball reservoir topped, wall mounted…. the classic. It is precisely the simplicity, a single piston with a retaining spring at the bottom of an onion shaped ball reservoir, mounted in a ring on a wall, that makes it great. Later in their career, this variety showed up in schools filled with soap powder and plastic bottles. But for my money, this is the way to go. Low cost even in its finest incarnations, you can fashion a ring out of anything you can mount, making them almost as easy to fit into décor as the “perfume bottle” variety, but with a bit more work. Hygenically, they have gravity and single point of contact working for them, so there is no flat surface for the nasties to hang onto. Aside from the top quality sensor based pumps, these, I think, win this category.

In the end, you’ll have to weigh your priorities. Hygiene – all the models are hygienic, it’s soap! But touch-free is definitely the best choice, especially in public ares. As far as price, with an endless array to choose from, there really is something to suit every budget. And if liquid/powder types of soap are not your thing, there’s always a good ole soap dish.

March Madness: Sports Memorabilia

insider — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 15:45:00 GMT

Football season is now hibernating until next month’s NFL draft and major league baseball is just about to get going for spring training. The NHL and NBA are nearing the end of their regular season and play-off time, and college hoops are all set for March madness. Now is a good sporting time to take a swing at padding your stats and keep from being a fair weather fan by adding some sports memorabilia to your collection. At Homeclick.com you won’t strike out with any of the sports related items we have in a variety of sports and memorabilia.

Usually with sports memorabilia there comes a sentimental value from a fan that can’t equate to the actual dollar amount as it’s part of their personal nostalgia, but finding market value is a good place to start. The two most extensive categories we offer are autographed photos and baseballs. A great example of nostalgia and future appreciative market value is the 2007 Boston Red Sox team signed Word Series baseball. There probably aren’t many people outside of Boston fans who’d spend nearly $3000 on a baseball, but for those who bleed midnight navy and red, having a piece of this storied franchise’s history can turn this item into a priceless keepsake. This product, as well as all signed items, comes with a Steiner Sports certificate of authenticity as well as the MLB authentication hologram.

Maybe baseball isn’t your sport, but you’d still like an authentic autograph from your favorite player. Some of the signed photos we have will make a great statement. What New York Islanders fan wouldn’t want to relive some of the glory days with an autographed image of their Stanley Cup Banners signed by Potvin, Trottier and others from their epic run of 4 championships?

So don’t get 2 minutes for delay of game or strike out looking at the plate, browse through our large selection of great sports memorabilia and keep the glory days alive and memory lanes torches lit to honor your fan loyalty.

What Knockers!

insider — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 18:01:00 GMT

Door knockers have been an architectural element on front entry doors for centuries. Today, they add a degree of style while giving your homes entrance a touch of curb appeal. Most door knockers are made from brass as it is sturdy, firm, non-corrosive and long lasting. They come in a variety of finishes and tones, as well as brushed, antiqued or polished for a bright shine. At Homeclick.com we have a good selection of door knockers from Brass Accents Inc., one of the world’s leading crafters of cast-brass and hot-forged decorative hardware, whose products are specified by architects and designers for their functionality, quality and value.

One of the premiere knockers is the Neptune Knocker. This large (7-3/8”) very heavy (nearly 4 lbs. solid brass!) knocker is inspired by the Victorian era when gothic designs like gargoyles, lions, etc. were quite popular. It comes in 14 different finish options, and looks stunning in antique brass or bronze. Their most expensive knocker, in the $80-$90, it’s well worth the prize for the quality and craftsmanship.

Another stately knocker style made popular in Victorian England is Lion Knocker. Similar to the Neptune knocker with its massive 7 ½” size, it makes an imposing statement on any entryway and is particularly impressive in any of the antique finishes.

For a more classic modern look with a touch of added functionality, the Traditional Knocker is a great value. This medium sized (6 ½”) knocker is a reproduction of the simple colonial style and has a unique eye viewer built into the center. For under $25 this knocker offer quality and feature for a great price.

So, you shouldn’t knock door knockers from consideration as they add such a great impression to your entryway. The quality and affordability along with easy installation can make a weekend afternoon project leave you with a striking result.

Belly Up to the Bar: Home Bar Cabinets

insider — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 20:14:00 GMT

Creating a casual, fun, in-home space for a bar doesn’t have to involve a contractor, large install or whole room make-over. It can be as simple as placement of a bar cabinet in an existing room that you already use for entertaining and party hosting. These handsome furniture additions make a focal point when socializing, and can add an element of sophistication and style to your celebration by moving the drink making experience out of your local pub, dining room or kitchen and into a space more pleasantly hosted.

What kind of bar cabinet would work best for you is largely dependent on your available space. One great feature with a good selection available at Homeclick.com is an expandable top. This allows you to fold out the top to double your entertaining/serving area. Neatly arranged behind the cabinet’s doors, you can find slotted wine shelves, drawers, and a variety of utility space for storage of spirits, stemware and other barware.

Our largest supplier of expandable bar cabinets is from Crosley Furniture out of Louisville, Kentucky. Their use of solid hardwood and wood veneers combine a quality look that is designed for longevity. You can find a high quality bar cabinet from Crosley to fit your needs and budget, ranging from around $150 to $500, depending on features. For example, the Newport model KF40001CBK has a sleek look in black with beautiful raised panel doors, brushed nickel hardware, and can work to host a good sized gathering, for only $399.99.

To augment your bar design and layout, as an authorized dealer of Crosley, we offer their bar stools as well. A good match for the above Newport bar would be the School House set of two in black, model CF5003300-BK. These stools, constructed of solid hardwood, have a contoured seat and shaped back to provide good comfort, and can help put the finish touch on your home bar layout.

Whichever bar cabinet stirs your interest, don’t get shaken by trying to accessorize, just keep it simple and enjoy a drink in the privacy of your own home with friends and family. Bartender not included.

Glass, Crystal, Stems and Sparkle

insider — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 17:57:00 GMT

There are a few simple things to know when it comes to stemware. In general, white wine is usually served in smaller wine glasses to help keep it chilled. Reds, depending on their richness/body are served in larger glasses, with or without stems, allowing the bouquet to fully open up the flavors. Decanters are also used for this purpose. Rose is often served in goblet styles.

When becoming far more involved with tasting, some wine enthusiasts will use a black crystal glass to handicap their senses. The glass masks the color of the wine adding another dimension of confusion during a blind tasting. These could also be used along with other colored crystal as a fun way to spice up your stemware collection.

Drinking glasses have been made for centuries using those standard ingredients of glass: sand, potash and limestone. The difference between regular glass and crystal is the addition of lead oxide to the mix, which came about in the 17th century. The lead softens the glass and makes cutting it easier, and creates a higher refraction rate, allowing for the more radiant shine and sparkle that we all love. It also adds to the weightiness of the glass piece. To be considered crystal, the lead content is at least 24%, and up to 33%. The higher the lead content, the brighter the sparkle. The higher this percentage becomes, the softer the glass, which is why higher lead content crystal is more expensive, as it requires more skill and craftsmanship to work with. Unfortunately, for people like me, it also makes it more fragile! While adding lead might sound dangerous, it’s perfectly safe to drink from, but if you want to be extra careful, you may not want to store things long-term in leaded crystal decanters. Instead, use these decanters for serving, as the lead will not have sufficient time to leach into the liquid. Lead-free crystal also exists, made by adding barium oxide rather than lead oxide.

Like beer, specific glass types exist for nearly every type of wine out there you can imagine, from your 2 buck Chuck to the ‘45 Chateau Mouton-Rothschild at a price tag of $115k. Likewise, there is a wealth in levels of wine appreciation, from the total fanatic to those who will happily just have a standard glass of the old house red down at the local pizza parlor. To whichever you may be, and to however you enjoy your drink, we say cheers!

The Key to New Door Hardware

insider — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:52:00 GMT

Yet another great upgrade in the do-it-yourself department when getting ready to put your house on the market or after you’ve just bought a new home is to do a change out of the current entry sets. When prepping your home for sale, having clean, new, sturdy and stylish entry sets helps make a great first impression. If you’ve just move into a new place, it’s a smart security measure to change the locks to avoid any unpleasant experiences. Since it’s common to give out a set of keys to friends and family, you’ll want to make sure there aren’t any extra sets for keys to your home floating around out there with people you don’t know.

At Homeclick.com we have a large selection of entry sets in varying styles and budget ranges to accommodate your lock upgrade/change project. We’re an authorized dealer of Brass Accents Inc., one of the world’s leading crafters of cast-brass and hot-forged decorative brass hardware. Brass Accents entry sets are specified by discriminating designers, architects and homeowners for their functionality, quality and value.

The two most popular sellers from Brass Accents are the Salem low-profile single or double cylinder 2” deadbolt. For around $40 each, these entry sets accommodate door thickness from 1-3/8” to 1-3/4”, include mounting hardware and come in twelve different finishes to match any color scheme.

To do more than just a simple lock change and make a stylish statement with your entry set, Brass Accents offers some very stately designs with seven different collections. For example, the Victorian 3” x 15” Plate Single deadbolt, model D05-K445K is a Rococo style ornate set that is especially dramatic in the antique finishes including antique brass, copper and nickel. Another estate quality entry set is the L’Enfant 3” x 14” Plate single cylinder Mortise, model D04-K315M. This exquisite piece is a reproduction based loosely on the Ruswig design made popular in the roaring twenties that features the classic dolphin and cornucopia under a strong transom arched top.

Adding a touch of classic styling and timeless beauty or installing a bit of basic security is an easy task. The key is to think about practicality and décor while at the same time unlocking one of your homes first touches.

Kitchen Cabinets: An Upgrade to Keep Hinged

insider — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:23:00 GMT

If you’ve ever watched HGTV or other home improvement programs detailing the pitfalls and prominent points of notice when buying or selling a house, you’ll notice that almost every time the kitchen is brought into the scene, if it’s not the counter tops first discussed, it’s surely the quality and craft of the kitchen cabinets. If you’ve just bought a new place or if you’re getting ready to sell, a great project that almost anyone can do with standard household tools to make a quick, impactful upgrade is a facelift and hardware change for your kitchen cabinets. After an initial inspection, you’ll want to determine what may need to be repaired and how you’d like to refinish the doors and framing as well as any new hardware that may need an upgrade.

At Homeclick.com we have a great selection of quality cabinet hardware in different styles and finishes to help you complete your project. Starting with hinges, we have over five hundred decorative and specialty hinges to meet any job need. They come in a variety of colors and designs to complement almost any home décor. You can also find nearly two hundred different types of latches to help secure your doors after the hinges have been added.

If you feel your kitchen cabinet doors need additional flair or a touch of your own added style, you can’t go wrong with any of our nearly seven thousand knobs and pulls. Just don’t get lost looking through all those pages! You can help narrow your search by looking at the dimensions on the left sidebar, but if you see another item you like, you can also modify your install to accommodate another knob or pull you may like. Take a quick look at the almost one hundred pulls and knobs reviewed by other customers, too. You can also peruse the over six hundred most popular items sold in this category to help you find the best choice for your project. The amount of selections can be overwhelming, and we wouldn’t want you to come unhinged, so take your time, have fun and leave no door closed to your options.

Keep Your Best Foot Forward and Go for a Spin

insider — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 17:19:00 GMT

As we pointed out in our previous entry about the new exercise items available at Homeclick.com, we thought that a closer look at a few key products that make a great impact on your health is in order. Everyone has different requirements for their exercise abilities as well as space and usage convenience for home gym equipment. But, if you’re just starting out, there’s probably no better exercise gear than a quality treadmill or exercise bike.

The Pro-Form treadmills are luxury, high-end fitness equipment with a large, cushioned running surface and advanced features like a heart monitor, music port for your ipod, and the iFit live program which features custom workouts powered by Google maps to give you the ultimate workout experience and manage your exercise profile online. Their model Power 1080 SpaceSaver Treadmill is a median priced unit with loads of advance features. It easily folds vertically for storage, and includes a powerful shock that will help lift the running deck with a simple push to get you up and running again. Another great Pro-Form treadmill is model Trialrunner 2.0 SpaceSaver, the ultimate runner’s treadmill. This unit has all the great features above as well as a 0-15% incline and 30 built-in workouts (20 calorie burners or 10 all-terrain workouts) to give you a great range of exercise options. Both of these models offer all the best features you want in a treadmill, and come from a quality manufacturer that provides a long warranty to give you years of workout pleasure.

If you’re not an avid exerciser, just getting into a new routine, have joint or orthopedic issues, or simply don’t like running or walking exercise, a stationary bike might be just right for you. These exercise bikes tend to be a bit more space saving as well as budget friendly. While you tend to burn more calories and get a more thorough workout on a treadmill, an exercise bike will still give you a great cardio workout and get your foundation rock solid with strengthening your legs. Pro-Form also makes exercise bikes and the model 200 CSX Upright is a great value that can get you serious results. It offers features like EKG grip pulse monitor, adjustable seat and handlebars, 16 preset workouts and iPad compatible audio. Another good deal for the extra budget conscious shopper is the Weslo Pursuit S2.8 Upright exercise bike. Under $150 this stationary bikes has advanced features like a heart rate monitor, RPM meter and can track your speed, time, distance, calories and pulse on an easy to read display.

So, whether a treadmill or exercise bike is right for your workout strategy, make sure you always put your best foot forward and give it a spin for years of healthy results from the comfort of your own home.

New Year’s Resolutions, New Health & Fitness Gear

insider — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 02:14:00 GMT

So like most people that have made a new year's resolution to get in shape or lose a few extra pounds, it always seems that by the beginning of February the actual inspiration and drive begin to wane, and you're left with the guilt and resignation of not having your new goals met or bad habits broken, but hopefully not a twelve month membership to a gym that you probably won't be seeing much of. A lot of the reason why we fail to live up to these resolutions is that our actual expectations of achieving the fitness goals are not there. The reality is that we generally expect to do about the same behavior we've always done with the hopeful chance of some improvement, but thinking is not always realistic. You need to retrain a portion of your life and schedule if you truly want to make a change. Having to add another destination into your already busy schedule is also why it's difficult to maintain a good workout schedule. It's all too easy to skip the gym for some lame reason like forgetting your shoes, backpack, water bottle, etc.

One good way to avoid this pitfall is to have your workout at home. You don't need much more than a pair of cross-trainer shoes and some loose fitting clothes to do some basic isometric exercise. However, one of the best ways to achieve overall fitness is through a regular practice of aerobic exercise for a cardiovascular workout. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, the basic recommendation for adults under age 65 is to do moderately intense cardio for 30 minutes a day, five days a week. A great way to get a good cardio workout is with the use of a treadmill, exercise bike, elliptical machine or other cardio workout equipment. Having the gear at home helps make your workout fit your schedule and allows you the freedom to work at your own pace. You can even multi-task and watch the morning news and weather or listen to music to help you along. If you make it fun, you're more likely to stick with it. At homeclick.com we've recently added these types of exercise equipment, health and fitness gear to our home décor tab. Take a look at what the great brands we have to offer and save an additional 10% off home décor purchase over $199.

The Right Cut – Cutting Boards

insider — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 17:10:00 GMT

When outfitting your kitchen, one of the most useful accessories that often gets overlooked or has less thought put into the selection process is the cutting board – always ready for a slice of the action. Choosing the best cutting board for your cooking needs isn’t that tricky of a decision. There are usually so many different tasks when cooking that having more than one cutting board or even several is something you’ll see in the best chef’s arsenal. There’s a constant discussion debating the effective cleanliness of wood versus plastic or other materials, however, the best kept kitchen is a clean kitchen so proper cleaning of your cutting boards after each use is vital to sanitation regardless of material.

At Homeclick.com we have nearly two-hundred cutting boards to choose from, in different materials, designs and styles ranging from around $30 up to $250. For the savvy shopper if you click on our cutting board’s link, then promotion available, you’ll notice that most of our selection is available with a red tag special sales incentive.

Elkay by far is a cut above the rest when it comes to a wide variety of materials and styles of cutting boards available. A great standard all-around cutting board from Elkay is model LKCB1314HW. This is a mid-priced, traditional hardwood cutting board at 15” in size – large enough for basic vegetables and similar prep cooking tasks. Another great board by Elkay is model CBR1418, a high impact polymer which is very durable and can handle all your larger meat cutting tasks. It has a reversible design with hardwood back to accommodate your vegetable prep work while bringing a unique design and efficiency to your kitchen work area.

Another brand that has a lot to offer for cutting boards is Kohler. You may know them for their plumbing products, but they have forty different models to choose from. A great versatile cutting board they offer is the Iron/Occasions Island cutting board, model K-6177-NA (set of 2). These boards, crafted from a paper-based fiber composite material, are low-profile for easy storage, scratch and stain resistant, dishwasher safe, and can be used as cutting service or even place mat.

So chop-chop! Get to cutting up your best meals and save your counter tops as well as taking a slice off your budget by shopping all of our great brands of cutting boards here at Homeclick.com.

Getting a Handle on Bath Faucets

insider — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 14:40:00 GMT

If you’re a regular shopper at Homeclick.com, you’ve probably noticed the top searches links near the header of our site. Almost always, the top item searched for has been Toto Toilets, and for good reason. But recently, a newcomer has stormed to the lead and is a top seller that with thousands of models to choose from, hundreds with a promotional available, and a good amount of 5 star reviews, it’s difficult not to take notice. So whether you’re hot or cold on the idea of upgrading your current bathroom faucets, there’s no doubt that it’s worth taking a look to see what’s flowing and if the trend holds any water.

From the specification side, choosing a bathroom faucet isn’t a difficult task, but you do need to be aware of few basic steps to help you pick the faucet that’s best for your application. Obviously, if you’re replacing just your faucet you’re pigeonholed into choosing one that’s specifications match your existing sink, so be aware of your current layout before you begin shopping. If you’re building new, or doing a more involved remodel you have more options to style, finish and price point. Another point is to consider certain features and configurations for your new bathroom faucet. Do you prefer a single handle or maybe a spout with separate hot and cold lever? There’s also a large selection of color and finishes to consider that may help accent your décor.

Even though Toto Toilets got dethroned from the top spot of most searched, that doesn’t mean that Toto’s still not in the game. The Toto Soiree Single Handle Faucet model #TL960SD made from cast brass with washerless ceramic disk valve cartridges is durable, offers drip-free performance, and has a classic clean-looking brushed nickel finish. From the five star reviews on this product you’ll find: “our plumber complimented the quality and style”, “ really cool looking, solid feel, reliable brand name” and “ a rare and unexpected find…very solid and high quality built”.

Another striking fixture with a five star rating is the Kohler Devonshire Widespread Faucet model #K-394-4. This dual lever all metal faucet has an old world design with modern technology, and comes in four different finishes. The reviews tell all: “I’m delighted, I wanted something sturdy and attractive – this is both!” and “good product at a much cheaper price”.

Of course that is just a quick sample of the thousands of faucets available at Homclick.com, so click through now and see for yourself.

Home Bathroom, Spa Feel

insider — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 15:27:00 GMT

Although we do have whirlpools, Jacuzzis, sauna rooms, steam baths and specialty shower heads to accommodate your large bath remodel, you don’t have to have a giant budget to give your bathroom a quick inexpensive makeover with a spa feel to help you relax and think about when you are ready for the larger home improvement projects.

Part of relaxing is having made an effort beforehand to prep your environment to allow you to feel more at ease when you do settle in to that time you set aside to unwind. So, without adding any fixtures or having any weekend projects to contend with, just having a few simple items on hand can take you away to your happy cozy place. One of the most inviting things besides the massage and other relaxing amenities at the spa is the abundance of soft fluffy towels, bath robes and slippers that help ease you into a comfortable mood. We now offer a range of towels, some more decorative, and others with functional, plush absorbency. We also have luxurious bath robes from Peacock Alley that provide exceptionally soft texture that improves with laundering and wear. Another treat from Peacock Alley is a fine pair of white Monte Carlo 100% cotton bath slippers imported from Turkey.

Another way you can add to your easy bath update is by changing out your shower curtain, mats and rugs. There are a lot of shower curtain styles and prints to help match your décor or add a splash of color, and enough different colors of mats and rugs to complement whichever curtains you choose.

Finally, a good finishing touch is the addition of a bathroom accessory set. These handsome sets usually consisting of a waste basket, tissue holder, soap dish, tumbler and other accessories, and they come in a variety of design styles to fit your new design theme. Any of these items will give your bathroom an at-home spa feel, and help bring you a little bit closer to a more relaxing place to replenish and recharge.

Sending Smoke Signals

insider — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 21:36:00 GMT

Sometimes it’s the small and inexpensive things that make that biggest impact in our lives. When it comes to such a small household item that has a priceless pay-off, not many products you purchase for your home could be more valuable in case of an emergency than a common smoke detector/fire alarm.

To further solidify this point, here are some basic statistics from the National Fire Protection Agency and the Consumer Products Safety Commission: Approximately 33% of homes in the United States are not protected with smoke detectors. The death rate in homes are 45% lower when one working smoke detector is present. One and two family dwellings are where 79% of home fire deaths occur. In the United States, a civilian dies in a fire approximately every 2 ½ hours and it is usually children or the elderly.

Since most home fires occur when the occupants are sleeping, placement of your alarms is crucial. Your smoke detectors should be placed at least 6” off from where the ceiling meets the wall, and also away from heating vents or cold air returns as these areas might delay sensors from detecting smoke. Further, if there are sleeping rooms on different levels of your house, you should accommodate each room on the separate floors. Additional detectors can be placed in the hallway within 5’ of bedroom doors for added security as well as at the top of any stairwells.

At Homeclick.com we offer four models from Craftmade, a renowned company for ceiling fans and lighting. Craftmade model SS770LR is a standard Ionization type sensor, only $9, operates on 9V battery, and can be installed with common toolbox tools in a few minutes. Craftmade model SS785A needs to be hardwired into a 120V AC house current so there’s no need to change batteries, and it can even be networked with other similar models for great coverage protection. Whichever model you may choose to purchase from our site or acquire from another manufacturer or supplier, the most important thing is that you take the time to make this small home project a priority.

Putting the Utility in Your Laundry Sink

insider — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:55:00 GMT

As much time as we spend in our laundry room sudsing, drying and folding our clothes, along with a variety of other household clean-ups and chores, it’s often the least thought about room in our house. A little work getting these rooms better laid-out and organized can help to make life easier on you.

A good way to start thinking about a laundry room remodel/re-org is by running a checklist of the tasks you already squeeze out of the space, and how best to accommodate more functional use. Of course upgrading your washer and dryer should be at the top of your list, and we plan to go over some good options in an upcoming blog entry, but if you’re happy with your machines for now, another simple change to help modernize and make more functional use of your utility room may be as simple as a new utility sink.

The current layout of your room, with attention to where the plumbing comes in, should be the first consideration when planning your remodel. You’ll want to make detailed measurements to avoid having to take on additional projects along the way to changing out your sink. You’ll want to make sure that your new sink can handle the current everyday tasks and also decide if you need larger capacity for other chores that are currently too cumbersome. With a higher capacity sink, those chores won’t have to be moved to the bathtub anymore where you probably don’t want to do certain types of clean-ups that a utility sink could handle. The most common type of utility sink is the standard drop-in model. They come in varying depths, number of tubs, and faucet holes so you’ll want to determine which works best for you. Stainless steel is the most common finish and is easy to care for and clean up, but there are a few other color and finish options to choose from.

The good thing to remember when starting a laundry room remodel is that this space is really a multitask room that you spend more time in than you probably realize. With this in mind, you should get as organized as possible and make the room as functional as possible within the existing framework and your budget.

Airing It All Out: Humidifiers and Purifiers

insider — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 15:23:00 GMT

Maintaining the proper air quality and humidity in your home, especially during the winter months can be a challenge. Generally, as we heat our homes in the winter months, the humidity goes down and we can experience physical discomfort such as dry skin, lips throat and nose. Also, with the doors and windows shut and shuttered, there’s more opportunity for allergens such as bacteria, mold, pet dander and other particulates to cause even further discomfort or illness.

At Homeclick.com we offer a selection of humidifiers and air purifiers as an authorized dealer of Hunter Fan Company. Hunter has been an American manufacturer and innovator of room and ceiling fans since 1886. Today, they continue to combine 19th century craftsmanship with innovative design and technology to create air-movement products of unmatched quality, style and whisper-quiet performance. In the early1990’s, Hunter introduced a range of portable air purifiers with best-in-class clean air delivery rates, the shortly after introduced portable room humidifiers with a patented metal wick fed by a pump with all-plastic, antimicrobial-protected parts.

There are four models of Hunter humidifiers at Homeclick.com all costing under $100. One of the features that separate quality humidifiers from less desirable ones is the addition of a humidistat. A humidstat allows you to set the humidity level for the unit which then automatically adjusts to keep your space from getting too humid. The Hunter CareFree models 32512, 33223 and have an integral humidstat. The Hunter Cool Mist model 32200 doesn’t have a humidistat but comes in under $40, so if economy wins over this feature you can still control humidity levels in your home. Just make sure to turn the unit off if you see your windows or other surfaces start to form moisture. All four of the Hunter humidifiers come with antimicrobial parts to inhibit growth of mold, fungi or bacteria and have either 2 or 3 speed fans for varying levels of use.

Also at Homeclick.com we feature six Hunter air purifiers ranging between $80-$170. These high performing, Hunter purification systems quickly and effectively remove 99.97% of dust, smoke, and pollen particles as small as 0.1 microns in size. The also manage to change the air up to 6 times an hour. As an added incentive, we offer a 10% discount on these products over $99 as well as the standard manufacturers warranty to provide even more assurance that your quality product is backed up by a great company, and that you are getting a great value!

Happy New Year, from Homeclick!

insider — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 16:28:00 GMT

Whether you’re a returning customer or new to Homeclick, we would like to wish you a happy and prosperous new year! We hope that with the new year, we can share in your dreams of building, remodeling and furnishing the home in which you deserve to live. We pride ourselves on being an easy-to-use website with secure check-out, efficient delivery of top quality name brand products, and most importantly, helpful, knowledgeable staff who strive to provide outstanding customer service. Please feel free to browse this blog’s archives for inspiration as well as peruse our main page to see for yourself all the great products that can help you make plans for the perfect home.

If we may suggest a few great ways to help you in your search, as we’ve written before, checking out our Outlet can provide you with some great products for an outstanding deal on appliances, kitchen, bath, lighting, home decor and many more items to outfit your home improvement needs. You can find huge savings on thousands of products, especially if your considering a bath remodel or upgrade. You really owe it to yourself and your wallet to source the best deal when starting your next renovation.

Another great page to click over to from our main page is the Homeclick Deals link which highlights our most current specials, promotions, coupons and other deals that can save you even more money on products by category or special savings from the manufacturer. Make sure to swing by often as new deals are posted regularly.

Additionally, you can find even more savings through our rebate center link. Here we have rebates offered through the manufacturer and sometimes through Homelick, or even a joint offer between both.

We are working harder every day to be the best, most reliable resource for you. We understand that there’s a sea of options out there for your home needs, and we’re looking forward to earning your business. Homeclick.com isn’t simply a stocked warehouse; there’s a team of experts and professionals standing behind the scenes, and behind every product. We hope we can be a part of the journey to creating your dream home. We’re here and ready to help you make the smartest decision for your home, your budget and your needs. This year, it’s all about you!

Fireplaces: Not Too Hot to Handle

insider — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 16:25:00 GMT

As the autumn air becomes chillier and the gales of November come early towards the winter months, there’s nothing to compare with the feeling of warmth and comfort next to a fireplace. Homeclick.com offers a wide selection of fireplaces and accessories that help create warmth and an inviting place to relax in your home. But, if the romantic idea of fireside leisure luxury seems like a budget scorcher there may be an ember of savings to consider – the Home Energy Tax Credit for Biomass Burning Appliances. Recent governmental economic stimulus programs like the 2009 American Recover and Reinvestment Act include a 30% tax credit (up to $1500) for the purchase of a fireplace with a 75% burning efficiency if purchased before the end of 2010. At Homeclick.com we offer several high-quality models of gas fireplaces, electric fireplaces, and wood-burning fireplaces from trusted brands such as Napoleon, Empire, Monessen and Majestic that meet these tax credit requirements. Depending on style, size fuel choice, performance, quality and not taking into consideration installation costs, fireplaces can range in price from the mid to high hundreds up to thousands of dollars.

When considering which fireplace is best for your home, you should check out our Fireplaces Buying Guide to help get you started. It’s important to carefully choose a fireplace with the right technology and performance for your needs since it should last for many years, and can increase the value of your home. You should also be aware of your local municipality’s fire safety codes so that you meet any requirements for purchase as restocking and freight charges will apply to returned items.

A new fireplace is an exciting addition and feature to any home, and with a tax credit to save you money, buying before the end of this year makes a great deal even hotter.

Happy One Year Anniversary Homeclick Blog!

insider — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:19:00 GMT

One year ago this month we started the Homeclick Blog as a way to better connect and communicate with our home improvement customers in a more personal and comprehensive way. Our goal was to share information and ideas about our large selection of premier brands in a way that was interactive and would provide consumers more detailed and extensive product knowledge about their purchases than the standard factory descriptions and generic reviews. We’ve also tried to keep the blog posts concise yet informative without being verbose or complex as well as fun, entertaining and hopefully inspiring enough to help you create your design and choose the best products for your home and budget.

The Homeclick Blog really is for you, so any suggestions, critiques, or comments are appreciated and will only help up bring you a better home products shopping experience. It’s really easy to comment on any of the blog posts to help build the dialogue. Just click on comment under each blog post and fill out a user name and e-mail address (will not be published or shared), and feel free to add your opinion on products you’re interested in or even items you may already own. Want to suggest a topic for a blog post or have an idea for a product review? Simply e-mail us and we’ll start writing!

Theh Homeclick Blog isn’t the only way to connect with us either. You can follow us on Twitter or stop by our Facebook profile to leave any remarks. Another great way to learn more about inventory of hundreds of brands is by clicking over to our directory of buying guides. We really are trying to have a broad array of useful tools at your disposal to help you make the most educated home improvement decision. It’s our goal to supply you with the best on-line shopping experience and provide you with the best information about the products you need to for your home renovation and design.

Bosch Prepaid Visa Rebate Deal

insider — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 16:08:00 GMT

Often one of the best ways to shop smart is to start by finding out what some of the best deals are being offered. A great way to do that with Homeclick.com is by clicking our Rebate Center or just checking our home page front for a deal in the highlighted scroll box. One such great deal going on now until the end of November is the Bosch Prepaid Visa Rebate. It’s as simple as purchasing your favorite three eligible Bosch products and getting a 10% rebate credited to a prepaid Visa card. The Visa card can be used just like your normal Visa card with all the ease of use, security and even replacement if lost you would expect from Visa. You can use the card for any purchase you like wherever Visa cards are accepted. Further, most appliance at Homeclick receive free shipping and other discounts available.

Bosch offers a wide range of eligible products for this deal from ranges, cooktops, microwave or wall ovens, to dishwashers and refrigerators. As one of the world’s largest appliance manufacturers, Bosch products are inspired by the lifestyle of today’s discerning consumers and combine efficiency, quietness and quality with ease of use and maintenance. You know you’re getting a high quality appliance when you purchase Bosch as they regularly receive industry and consumer awards, have excellent reviews for their products, and in fact have earned the highest J.D. Power and Associates Major Home Appliance Customer Satisfaction study two consecutive years.

To help get you started, you can’t go wrong with a Bosch dishwasher. German engineered, so you know that your dishes will get clean. But not just powerful, they use smart technologies in a way that smartly manages energy and water consumption. Further, the general comments from most Bosch dishwashers reviews prove to show consistent high praise for their efficiency and extremely quiet while in operation.

Whichever Bosch products you decide to purchase, you know you’ll be getting a high quality product at a great value, especially if you take advantage of the Prepaid Visa Rebate. But, even if you aren’t interested in the Bosch Appliance Visa Card Rebate, there are still plenty of other deals and luxury brands for the home to take advantage of at Homeclick.com!

Love Your Kitchen: Dacor Rebate

insider — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 20:52:00 GMT

There are always great deals, promotions and rebates to be had at homeclick.com with the many quality brands we carry. They can be found at our Outlet or by clicking over to our rebate center, as well as by browsing our site and looking for items tagged for rebate or buyers special. Currently running through the end of this year is the Dacor Love You Back Bonus Rebate. You can receive a 7-piece gourmet cookware set (a $599 value) or up to $4760 worth of microwave ovens, warming drawers or ventilation systems. So if you’re thinking about a kitchen remodel you should take advantage of the tiered rebate offer to receive more high quality Dacor products for your purchasing power. One of our sales associates will even fill out the rebate for you so all you need to do is choose which items you are going to buy, select rebate option and wait for your items and Love You Back bonus to arrive. It’s that simple.

Whether it’s ranges, wall ovens, cook tops, hood ventilation systems, dishwashers, warming drawers, microwave ovens or other kitchen accessories, Dacor has been an industry innovator and has helped redefine the modern kitchen. Their designs are commercial styled, yet portray simplicity and elegance for home applications. Based out of Northern California, Dacor also has a company green commitment to manufacture appliances with high standards for sensitive environmental impact while maximizing the efficiency of their products.

Dacor’s Epicure line is at the top of their family of kitchen appliances with its commercial style design and performance. Their Millennia line is sleeker with a low profile design and sophisticated touch controls. The Preference line of appliances is a more value driven line with bold styles and hand crafted detailing. Whichever line you choose from or other Dacor item you purchase, having the added bonus of extra product rebates will help bring life into your kitchen and warmth into your home while making your wallet happy too.