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The world is a giant ball of interconnectedness, whether we like it or not. We’re always connected with our cell phones, computers, tablets and televisions and, one day, refrigerators and other appliances as well. The fridge will tell you when it’s time to take out the chicken, and the dryer will send you an e-mail to let you know it’s finished.

All of this will be done through an at-home network connected by an invisible wi-fi router hidden somewhere amongst your decor. It has gotten to the point that you have to think about your wireless connection when rearranging your furniture and electronic equipment.

Cell providers are taking away those unlimited data packages, because it’s getting too expensive for them. People are watching movies on their cell phones and it’s costing them an arm and a leg to keep it going. The same goes for tablets like the iPad. People will turn to their wireless networks for all their needs, but what’s the point of having a network if you can’t use it everywhere in the house?

Placing a wi-fi takes some consideration, since it’s not just so you can take your laptop around your house anymore. You shouldn’t have too many walls or other obstacles between the router and primary electronics that will use it. Also, different routers have different radiuses for transmission. If you have a large home or many different machines using the internet, then you may want a more powerful router.

Routers are also not known for their aesthetic properties unless your house looks like the inside of the Starship Enterprise (my wife won’t let me). So, it’s better to hide it somewhere as, odds are, it won’t go with your decor. Different parts of the house will have different signal strengths; the further from the router you go, the worse the signal. It’s good practice to place it in a central location. That may mean having it in the dining room, but if it means you can stream Netflix from bed at night, it might be worth the decorative sacrifice.

The fact is, a wireless household is becoming not only the norm, but a necessity. My television, game systems, phone, computer and my soon-to-be tablet all run off the same router. I can’t live without it. It may mean some decorative consideration, but it’s all about form versus function and its function is indispensable.

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I had a movie-themed room back in college. Well, sorta. There were posters of my favorite movies like “Scarface” and, of course, “Swingers,” but it’s not something I would do today. Why? It just seems tacky.

Movie posters just seem so single-college-guy and not hard-working-family-man. In fact, my wife would veto it before I could get the poster into the house. What’s next, my collection of classic and next generation Star Trek memorabilia?

The reality is that a movie room can be done tactfully and tastefully, but it doesn’t involve pictures of a half-naked Bo Derek on the poster for “10.” Am I dating myself here?

1. Pick a theme and stick to it. A theme doesn’t necessarily mean only your favorite movie. A theme could be based around an entire genre like classic film, B-movies, detective stories, etc. Stay away from just one movie or star-specific theme. The idea of a room filled with pictures of Keanu Reeves or Jack Nicholson just seems creepy.

2. Pick quality pieces. There are all kinds of movie memorabilia floating around the web and in stores ranging from the classic to the new. They key is picking the right pieces. A room filled with plastic Star Wars figurines is going to look pretty geeky no matter how much you swear they are worth to collectors. Pick high-quality, authentic pieces. It’s ok to have a plastic ray gun from Star Wars if it was actually in Star Wars. A metal street sign saying “Bedford Falls”? Fine. Plastic 12-inch Al Pacino screaming out “Say hello to my little friend!”? Sorry, but heading to the attic.

3. Think outside the box. An old movie projector, old-time film editing machine or movie film canisters would look pretty cool in a classic movie room. Movie machines and lighting can round out a room’s decor very nicely. Why have a standard lamp when you can have a photographer’s lamp light up the room? These items may cost more money, but if you can spare it, it will complete the look and feel of a movie room. My favorite movie decoration was a wall clock -  literally a clock that took up the entire wall. It was just 12 film canisters in a circle and working hour and minute hands in the center. It was cheap and looked amazing.

4. Love what you are doing. Movies have a deep meaning for many people, so make sure everything in the room speaks to you. You want to be able to walk into the room and feel happier. If it’s just a room full of movie junk that you don’t care about, then don’t do it.

You can create a movie themed room at home that will inspire oohs and aahs just like the movies themselves. Just remember to focus on keeping things classy and home-worthy and not looking like something you would have had in your dorm as a frat boy in college.

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1. Indoors vs. Outdoors. Indoors, breakfast nooks lay the perfect setting for a great bistro kitchen, but you can set up your bistro wherever you have the perfect space. If you have French doors leading from the kitchen or family room to a small patio, then set up your bistro outside to enjoy your cafe au lait al fresco.

2. Keep things simple. The more simple your decor, the better. Avoid going overboard with all things bistro so that things don’t become too kitschy. Think clean lines, simple decor and Euro-chicness.

3. Leave room on the table. Bistro tables are generally small, so all you’ll need are a couple of place settings and a bud vase. Use a serving cart to keep your French coffee press, condiments and other items close by.

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When my wife and I first got an apartment, we decided that the kitchen décor would be Coca Cola-inspired. She loved the color scheme and there was plenty of interesting material out there from clocks and wall paper to glasses and plates.

For the next several years, we bought tons of Coke decorations and family members always bought us something “Coke” on most gift-giving holidays. Fast-forward about 5-8 years and suddenly where in a red and white nightmare. Our cupboards were overflowing with Coke glasses and plates, we had three different Coke salt and pepper shakers, bottle openers, pictures, tins and on and on and on.

It was fine at first, but we just outgrew the décor and we were stuck with either living with this forever simply because we had all the stuff or chuck it all and start over. It was a hard decision. There were hundreds of dollars worth of Coke stuff.

I liken this to having a two-door sedan and suddenly finding out your having triplets. You may love that sedan and you don’t want a car payment, but it’s just not going to do, given your situation. It’s best to just treat it like a band-aid and rip it off instead of doing it slowly.

I looked up the prices of some of the more rare pieces and sold them on eBay. The rest we sold at a garage sale and were able to make a lot of money. Suddenly, our kitchen was bare. But it wasn’t just bare, it was a clean slate. A blank canvas ready for a whole new look.

It was a slow process, but we created the picture-perfect kitchen that was appropriate, not only for our family but, for our personal taste. Over time, people change. You grow and suddenly the things that seemed awesome and cool, seem lame and stupid.

In high school, my room was filled with pictures of the planets and various science fiction things. I was a geek, but I wouldn’t even think of doing that today. OK, maybe a little. The important thing is to realize that your taste and preferences will change as you get older and your situations changes. Don’t be afraid to take a little risk and start over. Everyone needs a fresh start every once in a while.

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Shop online at Target.com today and get $5 off $50 or more, as well as free shipping on select home items. Just click on this Target coupon and begin your shopping spree. You will be able to choose from a variety of home items including furniture, small appliances, home decor, and rugs. You will also find a large selection of patio and garden items for all your outdoor living needs. Your discount will automatically be applied when you check out. Offer expires August 1, 2011.

By shopping at Target.com, you can save money, avoid the shopping hassles and be able shop from the comfort of your very own home. Find more coupons and offers on our Target coupons page and be sure to check back for more great offers that will help you save!

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Blindschalet.com has a large assortment of window coverings including faux wood blinds, aluminum mini blinds, bamboo woven wood shades, composite shutters and customary drapery. You can also get 25% off all window coverings when you use coupon code SHARE25. This code has no expiration date.

Be sure to check our Blinds Chalet coupons page weekly for more coupons and promotions.

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Choose from a selection of different colored window panels, valences, and curtain hardware you may need. Use coupon code CURTAINS and get an extra 20% off. This offer is good through June 1, 2011.

Be sure to keep checking our Lowes coupons page for more great deals and discounts.

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There were Coke signs, salt and pepper shakers, bottle openers, yada, yada, yada, and relatives began buying us Coke plates and glasses to go with the décor. I couldn’t eat a meal or walk into the kitchen without being assaulted by a sea of red, white and black.

I don’t mind the décor… OK, I hated it, but she liked it. What annoyed me was that I couldn’t escape it, even with the dishes and silverware. As the years rolled on, the glasses and plates broke one by one and were replaced by new ones. When the kids came along, the glass was replaced entirely with plastic, and the Coke plates and glasses were packed away. You have no idea how happy I was.

As a man, I don’t see the real need of having EVERYTHING matching. I have been chastised on more than one occasion for going out in public “looking like a clown.” Apparently, navy blue and black are a fashion faux pas.

I like going into the cupboard and not seeing dishes that match the pattern of the wall paper. It just seems like going overboard. The really interesting thing is that we eat in a dining room, so the dishes don’t even match anyway.

How about not worrying about it and just get dishes that you enjoy. Dishes are a separate entity from the kitchen décor. The can move about the house from kitchen to dining room and even living room on game day. What’s your thoughts. Are getting dishes that match your kitchen décor going a little overboard?

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