Choosing the Perfect Designer Furniture to Optimise Your Space

08:27 Furniture , home , home decor , home improvement , home tips , interior , interior design , interior design ideas , Perfect Designer Furniture , Space , tips 0 Comments

Nowadays, everyone complains about not having enough space at home to decorate it the way they wanted. However, there are a few solutions that could make their home modern and offer it the personality it lacks. Even though buying designer furniture may sometimes seem like an expensive choice, you would be surprised to see the excellent rates that you can find, provided that you do your research properly and wait until you find something that suits your available space perfectly. Most people think that only large decorative items can truly make an impact, when in fact the smallest things can offer a much better effect. For instance, a few shelves here and there can be just what your home needed. You can obtain a storage space or, if you want something to help you place a few decorative items, shelves can be just the thing you were looking for. The challenge is to find something that will offer your home individuality. This is why sometimes designer furniture is to be preferred, since you have much higher chances of finding something unique and of high quality.

If you are looking for something to decorate your child's room, in dedicated stores the options for children's furniture can be quite diverse too. Sometimes, a crib or a small bed full of charm can be everything that room needed to have personality and to make your child feel comfortable in his own room. Many parents have trouble convincing their children to stay in their own rooms, but when they decorate them with art pieces that can make them look appealing for a child, they will certainly not have this problem anymore. Wall stickers are the perfect example. Placed near the crib or on an empty wall, they will allow your child to dream and develop his imagination. If you do not want to buy something that everyone has in their homes and you are interested in something special, you might want to look on dedicated websites, because you will surely find something interesting. You may even find designer furniture for children in case you want to redecorate your entire home and you want to buy special items to decorate your entire apartment.

Even if your space is limited, that does not mean that you cannot allow your imagination to run wild and choose something that will make it look just the way you imagined. When you think about designer furniture, you do not necessarily have to buy large pieces to obtain the wanted effect. In addition, you can only buy one or two decorative pieces for each room that will put everything else in a better light and offer your living space the personality it needed. With this being said, whether you are looking for decorative pieces for the entire home or you are looking for children's furniture, you should be able to find something to match your taste and personality perfectly. There are many dedicated stores that offer their clients a wide variety of beautiful furniture and decorative items to choose from, allowing people to obtain the perfect interior design.

Creative Interior Design Ideas For Your Home

08:26 Creative , home , home decor , home improvement , home tips , interior , interior design , interior design ideas , tips 1 Comments

It is really great to be in a place where you can relax and be really comfortable. Whether it is your bedroom or the living room, it is always such a nice feeling to stay in a place that looks calm, beautiful and relaxing. This is why, creative interior design is very important.

And when you think about interior design, there is a popular city that always springs to mind with its spectacular infrastructure and design forward homes. You can't walk into any establishment or any home in the emirate without being floored by the interior design. These designers recently unveiled several trends making their way into interior spaces.

Most offices are starting to recognise the benefits of doing away with the corner office. Instead, expect to see more brainstorming spaces that bring teams toward better collaboration and dynamic creativity. Custom lighting, fluid layout for better movement, spacing and ambiance are all key to introducing a closer atmosphere in most offices. This has already become a trend.

Sustainability is also becoming a consistent element for interior designers. Design pieces are reclaimed or recreated, adding an entirely unique vibe to any space, from homes and offices to retail stores and hospitality establishments. By no means should this indicate throwing a piece of wood around the house or your place of business. Expert interior designers recommend going for sinuous lines, textured palettes, natural colours, and basically, using nature for inspiration. This is not only great to look at but very calming and comfortable.

Monochromes and colour blocking are out. Optical geometrics, illustrated prints, and other patterns are in. Designers are looking to meteorology and climatology for fresh, inventive, and a new generation of styles that highlight molecular and abstract forms. You'll also find contemporary design will be alluring to the eyes as well as decadent to the skin. This is design and comfort in one.

Another creative interior design idea is making use of wallpapers. Wallpapers are making a comeback. Colours, prints, and patterns on walls add eye candy to any space. Reduced deign is also a very popular one. This concept will never go out of style. So you'll still find this design idea a hot trend. Free up your interior spaces with lighter palettes and forms, and keep it pure and simple. This minimalist style is often viewed as trendy, chic and sophisticated.

Terrazzo Countertops - Are They Right For You?

08:25 Countertops , home , home decor , home improvement , home tips , interior , interior design , interior design ideas , Terrazzo Countertops , tips 1 Comments

Terrazzo is a composite material. It is poured in a location that is made for wall or even floor treatments. This consists of a few ingredients. They are marble, quartz, granite, cementitious chemical, and glass. Sometimes suitable chips sprinkles are added. Terrazzo artists create patios, walls, floors and panels.

Several centuries ago these floors were used by stone masons, but never used terrazzo for countertops. Only recently this material was used in countertop design. Terrazzo countertops and floors are not much different on how both are designed and made. These countertops are getting more and more popular in houses, apartments, and business buildings due to their versatile nature.

Terrazzo countertops can be beneficial to you as a homeowner. The idea of owning these types of floors was built on being "green". The idea of terrazzo countertops are now the same. When the stone masons came up with terrazzo flooring hundreds of years ago, the idea was made to recycle materials. Back then the rich would want their floors to be made from marble and also from statue and furniture pieces. Later down the road they got the idea to add goats milk to the concrete mix to give it shine. The same idea is now being used with countertops. These are one of the most environmental-friendly additions you could add to your home. This is because they are made with recycled pieces of glass and marble.

Terrazzo countertops are heat resistant. Normally when someone moves into a new home, it is very important to them that their kitchen has counters that do not maintain or conduct heat. Marble and tile have the tendency to maintain heat for a period of time. However, these countertops do not maintain any heat. The countertops do not burn, scorch, or darken when there is an extremely hot object directly on its surface.

Another good thing about these countertops is that they are resistant to scratches. All kitchens desperately need this feature. Granite and marble can be very easy to scratch, but with much more concrete and glass, terrazzo can withstand whole lot more use. Dropping cooking utensils, sliding pans or pots across the surface will not leave any scratches. On rare occasions when you do get a scratch on your countertop you can easily buff out. Most scratches buff out with a chamois.

Almost every time we cook, clean or are just in the kitchen, we spill something. Sometimes we may not see the thing we have spilled. In a short period of time it becomes a stain, but that is not the case with terrazzo countertops. As long as you seal all the countertops monthly, you can maintain their resistance to staining.

Since these counterttops are made with flecks of marble, recycled glass, cement and/ or resin, it is much less to purchase than, for example, marble countertops. Terrazzo makes a colorful, smooth and nice protective surface for you to cook on easily.

Do You Need a Walk-In Closet in Your House?

08:24 Closet , Furniture , home , home improvement , home tips , House 0 Comments

Contrary to the common misconception, walk-in closets are not only for the affluent members of society. Everyone can have a walk-in closet if there is enough space for it at home. Having this awesome addition to your home has several advantages. Read these benefits to help you decide whether you should add this space to your house.

More space in your room

Take a look at your room and the space that closets and shelves take from your room-space that could have just been left empty and give you more space to move around. To add to that, the more clothes you have, the more closets you need, making your room tighter and tighter. If you have a walk-in closet, however, that will not be a problem because all your clothes will be in the walk-in closet and your room can become a true haven of tranquility.

Doubles as a dressing room

No one can deny the pleasure of having your own dressing room. True, your room provides some privacy, but if you have other family members coming and going into your room, you would want some more privacy when changing. A dressing room with all your clothes at hand would be very nice indeed. This is one of the reasons many people renovate their homes to add a walk-in closet.

Well-organized clothes

Choosing clothes to wear is easy if you have a walk-in closet. Because this room is enclosed, you can afford to have open cabinets where your clothes hang for easy choosing. And since a walk-in closet is essentially an ultra-big closet, you will have the option to separate casual clothes from working clothes and those clothes for special occasions.

Less clutter in your house

Imagine dressing up in a hurry because you are almost late. Naturally, you will frantically choose the clothes to wear and you may try on a few. Now where would all those rejected clothes go? You'll more likely you place them in your bed or let them land on the floor. This will create clutter and this very same clutter will meet you when you come back home, so you have to clean them up before you can rest. With a walk-in closet, you can just leave your clothes there. Your room will be free from clutter and you can arrange the clothes in the walk-in closet when you have the time.

Added security

A walk-in closet can also be a good place to hide in case of burglary or break-ins. Since the entrance to most walk-in closets are somewhat hidden, you will be safer there when these bad things happen. This is also an excellent storage room for valuable items like jewelry and watches.

Options for Remodeling Your Bathroom on a Budget

08:23 Bathroom , Budget , home , home decor , home improvement , home tips , interior , interior design , interior design ideas , remodeling , tips 0 Comments

A bathroom remodeling project can easily cost $25,000. That would give you the bathroom of your dreams, but do you need to break the bank to remodel your bathroom?

By making compromises, you will be able to bring down the cost of remodeling your bathroom considerably, and a professional bathroom remodeling contractor will be able to give you some sensible advice.

Reducing the cost of a home renovation or remodeling project may seem difficult, but if you contract a home improvement service with plenty of experience, you end up with the right result.

Floor Plan

Homeowners are often tempted to change the floor plan, or the entire layout, of the bathroom. However, this is one of the costliest mistakes you can make. Changing the floor plan of a bathroom means moving pipe work and ceiling lights. This is an expensive and time consuming exercise, and should be avoided.

Instead take a look at the existing floor plan with your contractor, and see if a new shower stall or bathtub would have a positive impact. Investing in new fixtures is often a better option.

A new toilet may only cost you $125 whilst installing a new toilet and moving pipe work could cost at least $500.

Tiling

Tiling can quickly start to look dated, so when you plan your new color scheme try to go for colors that are transitional. Transitional colors for a bathroom include white, light yellow, blue and turquoise. These four colors will help to keep your bathroom looking fresh for longer, and can be easily matched with towels and mats.

Tiling can eat up a big part of the budget, using expensive tiles to accent cheaper ones, is an option and will lift the entire feel of the bathroom.

Labor

Labor will be the biggest cost of the project, and you need to make sure your estimate includes all the labor to complete the project. A bathroom project budget can easily go off the rails, and all costs should be included in the estimate.

The costs for tiling, plumbing, removal of old fixtures and installation of new ones, should clearly be broken down in the estimate. It is essential to identify the costliest part of the project before your decide to go ahead, this is when you can identify savings.

Fixtures

Focusing on investing in fixtures, will serve your family well for a long time, and include water saving devices. A low flow toilet can save you several hundreds of dollars per year, and the right faucets and shower head can cut down on utility costs.

Yes, you want your bathroom to look good but today's utility costs make it essential for us to invest in fixtures that will save us money for years to come.

Recommendations and references

Knowing that you can trust your bathroom remodeling contractor is crucial to a good working relationship. If, your contractor has been recommended to you, find out why the homeowner recommended him.

References are important, if you have no previous experience when finding a contractor in your area. Ask to speak to previous clients, and make sure they are happy.

Bathroom remodeling projects may need some special licenses. Your house remodeling contractor should be able to obtain those for you, and give warranties for his work along with proof of insurance. If work goes wrong and your contractor is not insured, you will end up picking up the tab.

8 Rules to Designing an Eclectic Look

08:22 home , home decor , home improvement , home style , home tips , interior , interior design , interior design ideas , tips 0 Comments

Would you like to break out of your design box and try something new? Maybe it's time to experiment with an eclectic look. Here are some tips to pull off an eclectic style that works.

Why it works: When it's done great, eclectic decorating shows your confidence in your own style yet still adheres to the fundamentals of great interior design. You don't have to choose between profiles or periods; there's room for a range of all your favorites. Plus, isn't it fun to feel like you're getting away with something different?

First let's take a look at what eclectic is not. It's not a random gathering of furniture, art, and design elements with no rhyme or reason. It is a fun, imaginative grouping of unrelated style furnishings that are pulled together by scale, colour, and/or theme.

If you are tired of boring décor that looks the same, then an eclectic style may be just the thing to showcase your unique expression and personality in your home.

Here are some decorating rules to help you create an eclectic look:

PLAY - Give yourself permission to go outside of your comfort zone and see what works. Sometimes trial and error leads to brilliant discoveries.

HARMONY - Find a common element that you can carry throughout the room. Whether it's a texture, colour, or scale - you can create harmony by finding something in common to display in various pieces.
Sometimes choosing the right pillows or decorative cushions can be just what you need to make uncommon items feel related. Together art and accessories can be used to help unify the space.

COLOUR - Let your imagination soar as you expand your palette. Everything does not have to be in a one or two colour scheme. An inspiration piece can serve as a guide to couple vivid colours together for an exciting visual display.

FOCAL POINT - Pull your design together by having a focal point such as a piece of artwork or a major furniture piece that draws your eye to it when you enter the room. For example a vignette of vases at varying sizes, heights and colours can add a striking focus point to a room.

BE A MIXOLOGIST - Dare to match stripes and floral, place soft fuzzy pillows next to a rough bristly lamp shade, try luxurious silks next to worn leather. Let fabric, texture, and patterns be notes in the visual symphony you are creating.

THEME - Furniture can be pulled from various styles as you tell a visual story with a theme. Find an emotional feeling you want to evoke. Use the elements of the room to make a big statement that paint a picture.

RULE OF THREE - In design it's smart to limit the amount of varying elements to 3. Use no more than three unique colors, textures, styles.

PERSONALITY - Make the room be a direct expression of something authentic for you. Be creative and add a personal touches that make the room unique inspired design to suits you to a "t".

Be a Design Superstar by Implementing Vintage Style With Vintage Furniture

08:21 Furniture , home , home decor , home improvement , home tips , interior , interior design , interior design ideas , tips , Vintage , Vintage Furniture , Vintage Style 0 Comments

Vintage style home design has become increasingly popular in recent years. Your personal vintage style preferences can be easily expressed with the use of some wonderful decorative vintage touches and accessories can be used to really complete the look. Many people turn their interest to vintage style, as it offers the opportunity to be both individual and unique. This article will briefly tell you about how to apply vintage style using vintage furniture to become a vintage style superstar! So, stay tuned.

Current trends are not just about what's going on with mainstream interior design styles. Amongst some of the most popular home design styles, vintage is often considered to be the most unique as well as being timeless and everlasting. Unlike some modern styles, the vintage look is often eclectic and can work in many different types of home from the very contemporary interior with clean lines to more period homes with lots of character features.

Some of the best items of vintage furniture can be given a new lease of life by simply up-cycling or re-vamping in order to create a new look and inject some much needed love into what might have been just an old and forgotten piece. It is not only about finding an antique piece of furniture to achieve the vintage perfection, mixing old and new can also often be the right approach. You can combine your new home wares with for example some vintage industrial furniture to make your home decoration compelling and to really achieve that New York loft style look!

To get that much sought after shabby chic vintage style look, it often requires the work of re-animating old furniture, which can also be a very fun & satisfying thing to do. For instance, you may want to revive certain old items from your grand parents and add them to your bedroom. Or perhaps, you would look for that much-desired special piece of vintage bedroom furniture, such as a dramatic antique 4-poster bed or a lovely whitewashed French style dressing table purchased from an online antique store.

You may use your own creativity and design flair to create your own vintage masterpiece! Some recommended elements to help with your creation would be to personalise the piece based on your particular taste, such as adding some original vintage wallpaper to the top surface of a desk or coffee table, underneath a sheet of glass, or repainting a vintage sideboard of display cabinet with one of the adorable paint colour choices from Farrow & Ball, such as 'Elephants Breath' or 'Estate Eggshell'. Once your work of art is complete is can then be polished off by the addition of some delicate decorative accessories, such as some antique silver or perhaps an oversized vintage vase with an arrangement of vintage flowers or some delicate porcelain antique ornaments, some of which you may have collected throughout your life.

An industrial look is one of the most unique and on trend styles. A mix of vintage industrial furniture items such as a chunky wood dining table with different coloured painted hairpin legs or a pallet coffee table against a plain white wall will bring such a wow factor into your home and inject a piece of history as well as your personality at the same time. Often these items can be made by finding reclaimed materials or up-cycling older items of furniture, which gives the piece much character, and charm that is hard to find in a modern piece.

Vintage style possibilities are almost endless. You can create such a cosy home decor by simply adding some subtle touches. Vintage furniture can be used to emphasise your home decoration without costing the earth and it is also very eco friendly! Besides which, you can be satisfied knowing that you are following your own passions and style and there will be no other home that will look the same as yours.

Not any old stuff can be called vintage. There are some qualifications in order to give an item the deserving 'vintage' name. Generally speaking, those that are between 30 and 100 years old can be considered as vintage, and it should have some reference to the era in which it was made. This can be from simple art deco desk to a 1950's dining set. It all depends on your choice of focus. Anything more than 100 years old is considered Antique!

Perhaps one of the best tips when considering implementing vintage style by using vintage furniture is to keep in mind that it is often best to be consistent with your choice of style and to steer away from over cluttering. It is always a good plan to stay on track with your design, and work from a mood board or scrapbook full of your ideas and inspirations. Pinterest is a great place to start and you could set up your own folder of vintage style ideas to really get your creative juices to flow!

Small Bathroom Design - Finding and Boosting Your Storage Options in a Small Space

08:18 Bathroom , home , home decor , home improvement , home tips , interior , interior design , interior design ideas , Small Bathroom Design , Small Space , tips 0 Comments

Bathroom designs for apartments these days just get smaller than the last time you can remember. We all dream of having a Jacuzzi or a sauna in our bathrooms but not all of us can get the best of everything. One thing that all tiny bathroom owners agree on is that there isn't enough storage and that their bathroom design is dull.

Finding enough storage to make the OCD person hidden in them very happy is often a challenge tiny apartment owners usually face. Bathroom designs that lack storage is a big turn off but there are ways around it.

While we all cannot have a Jacuzzi right now, at least we can address the problems of storage in a small bathroom design. To get you started, unleash that organizing spirit inside you. Look at every corner in your bathroom and make a list if you have to of all the items that you need to find a place for.

Small items like cotton buds, cotton balls and other small items can be organized in mason jars. You can leave the mason jars as it is or paint it a color that matches your bathroom design. You can also hang them on the wall using a long wooden board and some pipe clamps to hold the jars in the place.

Another storage trick to organize bathroom stuff and also add to your bathroom design is to use plastic or wicker baskets with labels to make finding things easier. Usually, you could put all products for hair together in one basket, dedicate another basket for skin products and so on. If you have a shared bathroom, a basket for each member of the family is also ideal.

If you're one of the fortunate people and your bathroom has a high ceiling then think vertically and make use of the tall space. A shelf above the door, perhaps, can be used to store items that should not be easily reached by children. Adding small floating shelves vertically is not only added storage but a flattering addition to your bathroom design.

Hang fabric or plastic organizers over the door for cleaning supplies or toiletries storage. If you are a renter and you cannot drill or make holes, an over the door organizer or racks are suggested. No need for nails or screws just hang it over the door. Use towel hooks instead of rods so you can hang more towels.

If your sink is just a wall-hung basin, use the space underneath to either put a low table or cabinet for storage or build a cabinet that will also hide the pipe. If you are patient and resourceful enough, you can find storage for just about everything in your bathroom. Organizing not only helps you to find things easily, you also avoid clutter in such a small bathroom. It's also a bonus part that you have somehow, with all your organizing, just upgraded your bathroom design.

Decorating and Designing a Small Bathroom

08:07 Bathroom , Decorating , home , home decor , home improvement , home tips , interior , interior design , interior design ideas , Small Bathroom , tips 0 Comments

If you're updating your home or kitting out a home to put on the rental market, you'll more than likely be faced with dimensional issues in at least one room of the house. Often people struggle with designing a small bathroom effectively and make the mistake of using the space badly, therefore decreasing the appeal to potential tenants or buyers. If you're redesigning your own small bathroom you could be left spending lots of money on a bathroom no one in the family is able to properly enjoy.

Here are some basic small bathroom design tips:

The Basics

You'll want to think about the basics in the room; toilet, sink and shower/ bath. You should firstly think about purchasing a toilet with a shorter rather than long projection. The sink should be small and practical and attached only to the wall rather than grounded which will create more space. If you can fit a bath in, consider how much space you will lose and if it's really the most practical option. A shower is the most space saving option and you could even consider using floor tiles and wall tiles to create a wetroom. Remember once you've chosen your basics, the second most important step - particularly in a small room - is ensuring you have comfortable access to all facilities.

Storage

As with all small spaces, storage is key to making the most of the space. Think modern, efficient and practical solutions over bulky traditional pieces. Think about what you want in there as a minimum storage facility and then look for the most efficient version of it.

Decoration

Once you have a plan for your basic design you'll want to consider how the decoration can enhance the space. The most basic tip for any room you want to look bigger is using lighter and brighter colours. Consider clean and crisp wall and floor tiles that are neutral. If you do opt for a colour or pattern consider an ombre effect to add dimension or an overall contrast of light and dark. If you decide to accessorize the space try and make sure the features match so that they enhance the area rather than promoting a feeling of mess and clutter. Try to think about practical accessories first like toilet roll holders, soap dishes and towel holders etc, then think about additional decorative features that enhance the room.

Mirroring

Mirrors always give the illusion of space, particularly if they are mirroring a light area like a surface of white wall tiles. Consider a large, plain mirror for practical use and to also contribute to the overall design.

When designing a small space it really is all about quality and selectiveness to ensure the space is well thought out and enhanced. Small bathrooms can look absolutely stunning and add to the appeal of a property, particularly if the design has made the most of the space. Remember to focus on practicalities first such as the basic sanitary ware and the wall and floor tiles so that the room is functional; consider large porcelain tiles to make the room feel bigger. Then layer the additional elements on top so you end up with a usable but beautiful, compact bathroom.

Tips to Achieve Beautiful, Creative Decor and Home Accents

08:02 decor , home , Home Accents , home decor , home improvement , home tips , interior , interior design , interior design ideas , tips 0 Comments

What you display and how you decorate your home, with home decor, is a reflection of your taste and style.

For many people home decorating and home decor accents are meaningless and they may not have any desire to have anything other than the basics in their home.

Many people desire to have a beautifully decorated home with nicely displayed home decor accents but don't feel they have the talent to put it all together or just don't know where to begin.

If this is where you are, this article is for you.

If this applies to you and you find that you want a decorative home and a home that is eye pleasing to you, there are a few ways to achieve a welcoming, decorative, and desirable place that will be your retreat and refuge.

Each of us is giving talents and gifts in our life and some of us don't excel in the decorating department.

And, if home decorating and putting home accents together properly is not your talent or gift don't be discouraged you just need to tap into what you have or tap into someone who has that gift.

Below are a few tips of ways you can find your creative side or find someone who can help you accomplish your desire in having a home that is tastefully decorated in home decor and home accents.

If money is available to hire a decorator this is certainly an easy and good way to acquire a great result.
Take caution that you find someone with a good reputation that is a listener to your wants and needs and who will give you a complete list of what they can and will do for you.
Get the cost in writing
Listen to your instinct when interviewing decorators.
Find a decorator with whom you can work with and trust.
If you feel confident enough to do your research and want to pull out your creative side, roll up your sleeves and do it yourself by:
· Taking a decorator class. It may sound odd, but you will actually learn and develop good principles in design. There are many basics that need to be understood in design.

· Shop in furniture stores for ideals and styles you like.

· Realize what your taste is. It could be modern/contemporary or rustic/Tuscan or country or another style.

· There are great products on the market in the field of furniture and decorative home accent pieces, such as, metal wall art. Take the time to explore products that are of good quality, that reflect quality and craftsmanship, and will add value as it is displayed in your home or outdoor living space.

· Take time to discover what it is you really like and want.

Tap into a friend who is really good with color, display and decorating. You probably know just the person who has the talent and you like his or her taste. This is a great opportunity for you to enjoy learning from and trusting that friend's creativity. Your friend will probably love to get involved in your project.
· Understand and don't expect your friend to take as much time as a paid decorator will.

· Don't ask above what your friend has time for or is able to accomplish.

· It is important to not take advantage of a friend.

· This may be an opportunity where you can exchange talents. Maybe your friend could use some of your talent for where he or she lacks in tasks. This is chance to give of yourself to your friend. Always, give more or yourself than what you expect in return in your friendship.

If any of these tips will work for you and you are willing to pursue your desires you will certainly be pleased and satisfied to have your home decorated in a way that will bring you pleasure and enjoyment for a long time to come.

2 Awesome Basement Upgrades

08:00 Basement , home , home decor , home improvement , home tips , interior , interior design , interior design ideas , tips 0 Comments

Stop letting your basement go to waste! Use these Two upgrade ideas to increase your living and storage space and your home's value.

1. Finish Your Basement

This is the first step. If your basement is unfinished or gets wet and flooded, you can do nothing else to improve it without waterproofing and finishing the area.

What does finishing mean?

First, make sure that the room is waterproofed. This means to deal with drainage issues in your yard and around your foundation. If you have water problems, you may need the outer walls waterproofed and braced. A vapor barrier might be put on the inside of your basement walls, but, this only works if the outside has been waterproofed.

After this, you want to have a good floor put in (or simply condition your cement floor and have that waterproofed as well. You can keep your cement or block walls and paint them with cement paint. Or, you can have drywall and studs put in. But, only do this if the area has been waterproofed! Otherwise, you run the risk of water damage and dangerous mold growth.

2. Add Rooms

Once your basement is finished and waterproofed, you can now add rooms to it. If you want to simply keep the area as a storage space, some simple shelving is good. But, if you want to turn it into a living area, adding rooms like:

• A second kitchen
• Bar
• Entertainment room
• Living room
• Bedrooms (make sure they are ventilated and have an egress window for safety)
• Bathrooms
• Workout rooms or home gyms
• Home office
• Meditation rooms
• Play room for the kids
• Play room for your dogs, cats and other pets

The possibilities are pretty unlimited. Any room you can have in your main home you can add to your basement.

If you want, you can even turn those new rooms into an apartment. This is a good source of passive income for many home owners as it is easy to find college students or young people looking for a private, yet fairly cheap, place to live. Some studies show that you can get up to 60% of your mortgage cost in monthly rent if you use your basement as an apartment.

Obviously, you need to have an outside entrance (Bilco doors or any kind of sturdy outside door), steps and egress windows. The egress windows are necessary, by law, in most communities. They provide a safe escape route in case of fire or other emergency.

6 Innovative Ideas For Bathroom Remodeling

09:57 Bathroom , decoration tips , home , home decor , home improvement , home tips , interior , interior design , interior design ideas , remodeling 0 Comments

If you think following design norms is boring, try incorporating some fresh design ideas into your bathroom remodeling project. With a little imagination and courage, you can create a new bathroom space you'll want to spend time in!

Lighting

Have you ever imagined installing a classy ornate chandelier over your whirlpool tub? What luxury! If your room is small, lighting installed under cabinets and vanities can be an effective way to give the illusion of space and depth.

Fireplace

Although a fireplace might seem commonplace in a living room or family room, it can also give a homey feeling to your powder room. Imagine the cozy atmosphere you can create by adding a fireplace to your bathroom remodeling project. As you soak in a big tub, dancing flames can help you relax by creating an elegant and luxurious experience.

Sinks and Vanities

There's a world of options when choosing a sink or vanity. You can even choose an antique bureau or sideboard for a vanity if you like that style. Sink basins come in virtually every shape and size. Choose an unusual color, finish, size, or shape to add an element of unexpected design to the room. Materials include glass, wood, porcelain, stainless steel, cast iron, enamel, and solid surface.

Tile Options

Exciting innovations in tiles have created a wealth of bathroom remodeling options. Cover horizontal surfaces with exciting colors and textures in a variety of sizes and shapes. The tile can also continue vertically up the walls, extending colors and textures throughout the room. Use a variety of tile sizes in a coordinating color palette to create a surprising room.

Innovative Shower Ideas

Take your shower to a new level by designing a walk-in area that's not separated by glass. Even if you don't have an expansive space, you can add a walk-in shower. It might be easy to forget about seating when you're considering tubs and toilets, but it's an important element. If your bathroom remodeling plans include a steam room or large shower, you can add a built-in chase to enable you to recline as you steam or shower. Imagine the sense of comfort and restfulness as you lie back in luxury.

Incorporating Electronics

If audio and visual technology appeals to you, don't let the old norms stop you. It's possible to add a wall-mounted waterproof television, visible from the shower or tub, which enables you to watch as you bathe. You can also choose from a variety of mirror TVs, which are actually mirrors with the added capability of functioning as a television! These televisions have added features such as lighting, radio, and waterproof remote controls. Another gadget to consider is a showerhead that doubles as a speaker, enabling you to connect to any device via Bluetooth.

With all these possibilities, there's no reason not to have fun designing your bathroom remodeling project! See where your imagination and innovation can take you.

Big Ideas for Underutilized Spaces

09:57 decoration tips , home , home decor , home improvement , home tips , interior , interior design , interior design ideas , Underutilized Spaces 0 Comments

As homeowners' lives evolve and so do their needs and desires for their personal space. For example, when a couple decides to have a child, they may also find they need extra space. One of the easiest ways to add more room to your current abode is by better utilizing the existing space. Your cost-effective home remodeling options could involve reworking your basement, garage, or attic.

Basement Remodeling

Basements have the bad reputation of being either dark and creepy or reduced to a massive storage area for seasonal decor, childhood items, and anything else not used on a regular basis. By rescuing this space from such a fate, you can kill two birds with one stone as you ultimately create some major additional space for your family. Not only do you turn a room that previously had negative connotations into a positive space, you can easily save money. Here are some home remodeling ideas for basements:

- The lack of lighting in a basement is actually advantageous for home-theater systems and music rooms. The heavy insulation creates a natural sound barrier for all your movie nights and band practices!

- While it may seem tricky or expensive to divide the large square footage of a basement into separate living areas, it is ideal for an exercise or recreational room. It can easily fit large pieces of exercise equipment and/or recreational items like pool tables or other games tables. The multitude of entertainment options could provide just the incentive to bring the family together.

- The cool environment of the basement, which often conveys a creepy sensation when unused, could be the perfect space for a wine cellar.

Garage Remodeling

Countless homeowners assume that including their garage in their home remodeling project means sacrificing storage space. However, because garages are either attached or in close proximity to their houses, owners will discover how easily they can be outfitted with home comforts like heating, cooling, cable services, and plumbing. If the area is too small, or if you can't let go of the storage space, you can still choose to build an addition above the garage. Not only will you increase your current square footage, you will also increase the value of your home. Ideas for transforming your garage include:

- Make a space that's perfect for your garage band. Consider soundproofing options that will both prevent complaints from neighbors and offer you an acoustical paradise for practicing your music.

- If you choose to increase your square footage by adding a room above your current garage, you have many options, including a mother-in-law suite, a second master suite, or a large playroom for the kids.

- If you're currently lugging your laundry down to the basement because there's no space upstairs, you could build a small laundry room in the garage that eliminates those dreaded trips up and down the stairs.

The most important thing to remember before beginning any home remodeling project is to schedule a meeting with your renovation experts. You may run into some hidden and unexpected costs when transforming a space, and these specialists know everything involved, from costs and permits to innovative ideas.

Home Remodeling - Time To Bring New Changes In Your Home And Life

09:56 home , home improvement , Home Remodeling , home renovation , home tips 0 Comments

Are you a homeowner who has just completed a home improvement project?

So, how does your home look now?

Well, I can easily say that you are still not satisfied with the way your home looks and you are seeking more information on this subject.

Every homeowner should take the utmost care of their home and, they should make essential changes and consider home remodeling from time to time if they want their home look beautiful and safe. It is your primary responsibility to keep your abode in a perfect condition as it gives you shelter and peace of mind where you live happily with your family.

There are many advantages of remodeling a home. It comes with a full freedom to do all kinds of customization in your abode. All kinds of new spaces & modifications to the old ones in your home are possible. It can be done centering all your requirements and preferences. Actually, it gives you the flexibility to change the entire look of your dwelling. Yes, you can shape your home and all the spaces it covers under the roof anyway you want matching your whole family's personal interests. You can simply get a new way of comfort with all the modern designs and styles.

Another great benefit of doing home remodeling is that it significantly increases the worth of your house. Yes, it is true that remodeling a house directly adds to its value, but important to mention here that it depends on what particular kind of changes you make.

It is just not about money, your emotions are attached with your home. So, no matter even if you spend a small amount of money in renovating your house, it still makes some considerable change in your residence and also in your family thereby. Do you know that when the view of your home changes, it also brings some kinds of changes in you and your life?

With an intelligently planned home remodeling, you can really have a great level of pleasure and comfort with a renovated home space. A good thing to do along with remodeling your home would be changing old appliances too for enhancing the beauty, of your budget allows that.

With new structures and alteration to the old ones, you actually find more space than ever for your whole family. So, do consider home remodeling for a new way of living happily and more comfortably. Now talk about hiring a professional service provide for home remodeling. Read below some important things before you hire them.

Your service provider should be able to guide and advice you on all the things related to your home remodeling. They should offer you a wide variety of designs and styles with good selection of colors. A professional company should be capable enough to offer you more and more customization options that suit your preferences and requirements. Make sure their products are of the best quality and rates are affordable for you.

Most companies tend to increase sales by any means, so they often use pressurizing techniques to close a deal rather spending some time educating the potential customer on how everything works and the best available options for them. So, ask all the questions you have in your mind and get as much info as you can.

Do not forget to check on these things when you finally choose a company for your home remodeling.

Ask if their workers are certified or not?

Are they experienced enough to undertake your house project?

Do they install energy-efficient windows and doors?

Are their products of the good quality?

Do they provide good customer service, especially after the project is over?

Do they provide a long warranty on both material and labor and offer free repairs? Happy Home Remodeling.

6 Home Improvement Projects That Will Increase Your Home's Value

09:55 decoration tips , home , home decor , home improvement , Home Improvement Projects , home tips , interior , interior design , interior design ideas , remodeling 0 Comments

Increasing a property's value can have a variety of benefits for the homeowner. Whether you plan to sell your house soon, or are just interested in getting the most out of the work you perform, home improvement projects can have a significant impact on the overall value of your home.

Major Systems

The major systems of a house-including the heating, electrical, plumbing, and sewage systems-must all be current and in good working order. It's common for older homes to require some updates as systems become outdated and malfunctions occur. If any of these systems are in need of repair or an upgrade to bring them up to current standards, they are the first thing you should spend your money on. Home improvement projects that repair these major systems are especially important if you plan to sell your house. Prospective buyers want to know that a residence will not require significant work in order to be livable. In addition, any appraisal or inspection that's performed in conjunction with a sale will identify whether these systems are in need of repair or have been recently updated, which can positively or negatively affect the sales price.

Exterior Renovations

You can get significant returns on your home improvement expenditures when you focus on curb appeal. Consider jobs like installing or replacing siding, replacing windows, installing a new garage door, or putting in a stylish new front door. These types of projects add curb appeal to a dwelling without a huge cost.

Attic Refurbishing

An unfinished attic can be the ideal place for a new bedroom or a hobby room. On average, most homeowners can expect to spend $50,000 or less on this project. The end result should net a recovery of over 72 percent of the cost when it's time to sell the house.

Kitchen Remodeling

The kitchen is an integral feature of any home, and so remodeling the kitchen is an effective way to increase its value. Remodeling can vary depending on your home improvement budget. Even minimal projects-such as installing new flooring, updating sink fixtures, and installing new light fixtures-can have a major impact on value. Homeowners on a tight budget might even choose to stain or paint cupboards and install new hardware for a fast and easy kitchen face-lift.

Adding Bathrooms

Adding a bathroom is an effective way to add value to a dwelling. Depending on your space and budget, you might choose to add a full bathroom or even just a half bath. The net increase from a half bath may be as much as 10 percent, while adding a full bath could increase the value by as much as 20 percent.

Basement Remodeling

Finishing a basement can add important living space to a residence. By turning a basement into a family room, a theater, a play area, extra bedrooms, or even a second kitchen, a house suddenly gains a special appeal and increases in value.

Plan your home improvement projects to ensure that you get the most return on your initial investment. You may be surprised at the significant impact you can have on overall value even with a modest project.

3 Ways to Reduce Humidity and Dampness in Your Basement

09:55 Basement , Dampness , home , home improvement , home tips , Humidity , remodeling 0 Comments

Is your basement damp?

Is it humid?

Do you see signs of mold growth or cracks in your basement and foundation walls?

If so, there are ways to fix the problem that will stop your basement from being damp and humid and also get rid of structural problems and mold growth.

1. Waterproof Your Basement and Foundation

Without this step nothing will get your basement dry. You can try everything under the sun, but, if you have water or moisture coming in through cracks and leaks in your basement walls or floor, you are going to continue to have big problems.

Your basement and foundation don't have to be porous. The old "a little water coming in when it rains" theory is wrong and dangerous. You should have no water in your cellar when it rains, snows or when you water your lawn.

Waterproofing will also help get rid of mold. Mold growth is extremely dangerous, and if you have duct work that runs through your cellar, it will carry all of the debris and bad stuff into the main air of your home!

2. Run You a Dehumidifier

Running a dehumidifier is useful to take care of excess moisture that is still lurking after you've had a waterproofing done. But, it must be a dehumidifier that is strong enough to cover the size of your basement. This is where a lot of home owners go wrong. They plug in a dehumidfier that is strong enough to cover a small bathroom and expect it to pull the moisture out of the air of a room 4 - 10x's the size of the area the machine is able to cover!

A simple Google search will help you find the best brands. Check the ratings and reviews as that will give you a ton of insight into which is the best type and brand to use.

3. Keep It Cool

Your basement is probably the coolest place in your home during the summer. But, if you are feeling a lot of warmth, it's time to check the doors, windows and for cracks in the walls and floor. If hot air is getting in, it will make the are humid. And, if air can get in, so can water!

Same goes for winter - monitor the temperature there because it should be fairly warm in your basement during the cold weather months. If you are feeling cold air, you have foundation problems.

Custom Rugs For Your Home

09:54 Custom Rugs , home , home decor , home improvement , home tips , interior , interior design , interior design ideas , Rugs , tips 0 Comments

Offering utility, comfort and style, a rug can serve a multitude of purposes. From defining a space or enhancing the existing design aesthetic, to providing warmth underfoot or adding a nonslip surface to an entryway, rugs skillfully tread the tight rope between function and fashion.

The Purpose of Rugs

Adding practical and aesthetic value to a space, a rug's purpose is wholly dependent on the use of the space and is predominantly two-fold. Primarily rugs serve to anchor the furnishings that fill a space and denote the parameters of the space itself, creating differentiation between the dining and living areas for example. Additionally, a rug can also enhance the decor of a room, adding visual intrigue, unifying the colour scheme and perhaps warming or softening hard surfaces such as hardwood or tiled flooring. Furthermore, rugs have the ability to absorb sound, providing the benefit of noise reduction within rooms that have hard flooring. Ranging in size, shape, colour, pattern, theme and style, rugs are multipurpose pieces that can add value to any and every room of the home.

How to Choose the Perfect Rug

When choosing or designing a rug, ensure that your lifestyle remains front of mind. Consider the piece in the context of the particular room that the rug is intended for. Ask yourself, do I want the rug to be a feature or centre piece of the room, or simply add a textural element or a much-needed finishing touch? Take into consideration your style, the rug's placement and it's practicality in terms of maintenance. Keep in mind that whilst high-pile rugs are a luxurious addition to living spaces, spaces that endure frequent foot traffic call for a low-pile or flat-weave rug that minimises the look of wear and tear and are more practical in terms of upkeep.

Custom Rug Design

A large portion of projects we complete have a custom-made rug incorporated into the interior design scheme. Designed by our design team, all elements of each and every rug are artfully selected to create customised pieces that are truly unique and give the home a point of difference. With thousands of colours, pile heights and styles to choose from, the possibilities are endless when commissioning a custom-made rug. The rugs that our team have designed range in size and are made using either New Zealand wool, art silk or a combination of both materials.

Whilst the visual appeal is deemed just as important as how it feels underfoot, practicality and proportion are the defining principles of a rug. Finding the perfect rug is no easy feat! So, if you are struggling to find a suitable rug for your space, then perhaps a custom-rug is just the answer.

Custom Rugs by John Croft Design

Aligned with the vibrant design aesthetic that has become synonymous with the business, our customised rugs are always bursting with colour and pattern that both anchor and supplement the hues that permeate the chosen design scheme. From reimagined childhood artwork to pieces with cultural significance, the custom-made rugs that the team at John Croft Design construct are works of art in their own right.

How To Save On Your Next Home Improvement Project

09:53 home , home improvement , Home Improvement Project , home tips , Save 0 Comments

Home improvement projects are a great way to add some personality to your home. Not only that, but they offer you the ability to raise the value of your home. How can you save money on your next project?

When you compile a list of items you will need for your project, never just randomly buy the items. Check online for pricing at your local home hardware stores. It can save you significant amounts of money when you understand how you can comparison shop.

Watch out for sales at local stores. There are certain holidays which automatically warrant the fact that most stores will have sales. These sales can help you significantly save money on the needed supplies for your project.

If it is at all possible, try to salvage materials from your home. For example, if you are remodeling your kitchen, consider saving the cabinets, countertops or other items in good condition. Not everything needs to be destroyed when you start a home improvement project. In fact, older items can add to the charm.

Purchase used items for some projects. The ability to purchase a pre-owned item for your project will ultimately depend on the type of project that you are looking to complete. For example, you can find used hardware for drawers at thrift shops and you can easily repaint vintage furniture.

Try to do as much of your project on your own as you can. Hiring a contractor is expensive, and you will be paying by the hour. Instead of wasting money unnecessarily, consider which aspects of your project you can complete on your own.

The Internet offers a wealth of available information on how you can complete certain projects. Use YouTube to your advantage, and when you feel uncertain about something, check it out. Never begin your project until you have researched the possible ways of doing it.

Make few trips to the store! It is important that you don't waste money on gas traveling back and forth between stores. Always compile a list and have it with you when you go shopping so you won't forget anything!

Have a solid budget set aside for your project. It is important that you do leave some room for changes in the budget. Some home improvement projects may end up costing more than you initially thought they would. It is during these times that you need to leave "wiggle room".

Whenever you can, purchase appliances and items that are energy efficient. Initially these items will cost you more when you start, but they will help you save money on energy costs for years to come. In most cases, these items won't even cost you more.

It is important to consider the many different ways that you can improve your home, but also complete your project on a budget. Most people who don't budget well or know how they can save money can end up with an unsuccessful project. Don't hold back, learn how to save!

Interior Decoration With Recycled Crafts

09:52 Crafts , home , home decor , home improvement , home tips , interior , Interior Decoration , interior design , interior design ideas , tips 1 Comments

Handmade articles made out from recycled materials have always been a part of home decor since ancient times. Interior decoration has become a part and parcel of every household that adds to the beauty and aesthetic value of each and every house. With a little effort and a creative touch, your house could become one of the most pleasant abode that gives you a relaxed feel once you reach home from the hardships of the day.

Why is home decor important?

Decorating your house adds value to your house and comfort of your family. Interior decoration reflects your lifestyle and a house with impressive interiors is sure to catch the envy of your neighbors. A carefully planned house decor can exalt your house's infrastructure and can help you cover its defects. A house with extravagant space lacking a good interior decoration will not stand before a little house that has the best placement of crafts adding to its beauty.

Is it costly?

Many people restrain from interior decoration because of the false notion that home decor comes at a heavy price. But the truth tells a different story. While there are some quite expensive ways which require you to spend some extra shillings to achieve a quality decor from pro designers, interior decoration is not always a costly affair. Many innovative ideas for home decor using crafts made of recycled materials have proved to be both cheap and worthy.

Recycled crafts

So what are the things that you can recycle? They can be anything from a broken bulb to an old dressing table. All you need is a little bit of creative thinking to make those dusty old tins and clothes to become prized possessions on your shelves and walls. One of the most exciting parts of recycling old objects into crafts is that there is no limit as to how you can use them. It all depends upon your imagination and creativity. If you are lost on where to start, try with the following examples.

• Make pillow covers and cushion bags of various sizes and colors from your old t-shirts and sweaters.

• Make tiny hanging gardens with broken bulbs and little ferns. Your old boots can become planters that can be placed by your windows.

• Greeting cards and birthday cards are remnants of beautiful memories and they should not remain locked in your cupboard. Make place mats out of our old birthday cards and photos.

• Turn your old wine bottles into beautiful lamps and vintage arts.

• Never throw away your old CDs. You can transform old CDs to anything from door hangers to coasters for cups and candle holders. You can make beautiful wall decorations and wind chimes with CDs.

• Transform your old wallpapers to artistic murals onto your walls.

• Your old newspapers can become showcase items by a little magic of origami.

There are limitless possibilities of recycling unused items into articles of art. You can get numerous ideas on home decor both online and via magazines and television. Junk art has been getting more and more popular and the next time you decide to throw something away, do think twice about how it can be recycled as a decorative item.

4 Reasons Why LED Lighting Can Spice Up the Decor

09:51 home , home decor , home improvement , home tips , interior , interior design , interior design ideas , LED , LED Lighting , Lighting , tips 1 Comments

We have all heard about the latest in lighting technology, LED lighting, haven't we? However, apart from its basic purpose of lighting a premise, LED lights can also be used for decoration adding the much needed tint of glamour to the existing ambience. Don't get us wrong, we are not talking about the heavy duty LED bulbs, instead you should consider the LED lighting when decoration is your priority. Simple yet stylish, LED lighting can work wonders when it comes to spicing up the décor of commercial as well as residential premises. You can use them to highlight a specific object, create a more mesmerizing ambience and do a lot more. Additionally, the LED lights come with a self-adhesive strip making them extremely easy to install and therefore adding to the convenience of the user.

Here are four reasons why LED lighting is the perfect accessory to spice up the décor of any premise:

Creates a pleasing ambience

With the LED tubes, you can add just the right amount of illumination to the room without being too loud about it. Also, the subtle this kind of light hardly creates any shadows giving you the effect of warm lighting sans the glare. You can use it on the ceiling, bars, baseboards and other areas.

Your room looks bigger

You may find it hard to believe but this kind of lighting is the most effective way to make the room look bigger as well as better. The indirect lighting effect of LED bulb works well when it comes to creating a visual impression of the room being bigger than the actual size.

Its energy efficient

When you talk about spicing up the décor of a premise, most of the options come with a big price tag, don't they? However, LED lighting is a relatively affordable option. After all, it makes your room look beautiful, lights up the area and still consumes less energy. In simple terms, even when you are using LED tubes to decorate areas, your power consumption bill will not be drilling a hole in your pocket.

Adjustable lighting effects!

There are several LED lighting that come with the adjustable light feature. Due to this ability, you can create multiple effects using the same light. Amazing, isn't it? This feature also adds to the cost effectiveness of this kind of light. Using the different effects is also easy since most models come with a remote control that enables you to control the lighting at the mere click of a button.

5 Easy Basement Remodeling Ideas

09:50 Basement , Basement Remodeling Ideas , home , home decor , home improvement , home tips , interior , interior design , interior design ideas , remodeling , tips 0 Comments

The decision to remodel and finish your basement is a great one if you want to increase your home's living space. And, if you do it right, you can also boost your home's value.

The problem with most remodels is that people simply do not know what they want, or, choose materials that are not fit for a basement.

For example, choosing wood or wood laminate floors is a really bad idea. Even if your basement is waterproofed, humidity in the area can cause the floor to warp and become damaged.

Or, using any kind of wood or drywall in a basement that is not waterproofed. Water and moisture can destroy your furniture and walls. And, cause unhealthy mold growth.

However, if you choose the right materials and the right additions to your remodeled basement, you will have a clean, dry area to live in... one that also adds value to your house.

Check out these 5 ideas:

1. Add a Living Room

This is such a great way to increase your home's living space. By adding a living room or a room like it, you can now have another area to watch TV, movies, entertain friends and family, or just to simply relax.

Because it will be a living area, this will really increase home value.

2. Add a Kitchen

This is a bigger investment, but if you have a small home, a small kitchen or multiple people all vying for the use of the same kitchen, adding a new one in the basement is huge.

3. Add Bathrooms

More bathrooms = higher selling price. No matter the neighborhood, having multiple bathrooms is a must today.

Again, if you have a big family or multiple people using the same bathrooms, adding one or more in the cellar is a great way to cut down on wait times, especially in those high traffic morning periods.

4. Add a Home Gym

This one is more for your health than your wallet. If your home is already pretty nice and is in a good neighborhood, having a home gym will help sell it. Whether is actually increase value is debatable.

But, you will save time on your commute to the gym and money in gym memberships. Plus, if you have children, this is a great way to get your exercise in without having to leave them.

5. Add a Livable Apartment

This is a big investment up front, but, if you are looking to take on a renter to help with the bills, it will pay for itself in no time... and will put money in your pocket. Adding bathrooms, a kitchen, bedrooms, living rooms and an outside entrance are key. In most areas, you can charge up to 70% of your mortgage cost for this new space!

Bamboo Bathroom Cabinets Offer Advantages for Homeowners

16:17 Bamboo Bathroom Cabinets , Bathroom , Cabinets , decoration tips , Furniture , home , home decor , home improvement , home tips 0 Comments

When someone is selecting different types of cabinets for their home, they are going to want something that is going to be durable. Everybody has a different taste in style though. Bamboo bathroom cabinets will offer many different advantages for homeowners.

There are a lot of different types of things that are going to be appealing to the homeowner. The style and the colors that are available are going to be one of those options. They need to have something that is going to match the rest of the décor in the home.

Bamboo that is used for different types of cabinets throughout the home does not get damaged by the moisture that will be in the bathroom. This is something that is going to be very important to consider. Everybody has seen what water can do to the different types of wood when it is in the bathroom or around the kitchen sink.

Homeowners want something that is going to be used for a very long time too. Every cabinet will be a different size also. Every bathroom will have a different amount of room for these cabinets.

They have a lot of different types of styles that are wanted. The shelving that is provided inside of these will be very important to consider as well. There are a lot of things that are going to be necessary when choosing this type of thing.

The doors on these will be stylish as well. There are many different types of designs for each one of the cabinets too. They will be very strong and able to hold a lot of weight when it is necessary.

Bamboo is also something that is very abundant, unlike many other types of wood. This is because it grows so quickly. This is something that is going to be very important.

Because the bamboo does not warp like other types of wood does, it is going to be a better option for in the bathrooms. This is something that more homeowners are learning also. This is why it is growing in popularity.

Some of the cabinets will be ones that are able to be mounted to the wall. Other ones are going to be ones that are placed on the floor. There are different things that every cabinet will be able to hold for the home.

These are easily cleaned also. They do not require any special cleaner to clean them. It will be very important to make sure that they are not abrasive cleaners that are used on them though.

Maintenance on these is easy to do as well. It is easy to keep them preserved and looking brand new. The cost of these are not driven up by the type of wood either. This is because the bamboo is very abundant.

Even though there is a huge demand for it, there are many places that it grows very quickly so it is going to be replenished quite easily. This is something that is important to consider as well. This is something that is very important for the homeowner as well as for the people that are going to be using this type of cabinet.

Bathroom cabinets can store many different types of things that belong in the bathroom. The towels will be kept dry and free of any water when they are stored in a bamboo cabinet also. The weight that they are able to hold is going to be very important to consider as well.

Bamboo bathroom cabinets are something that are very popular in many different areas of the world. They are something that are stylish and that provide many different advantages to the home as well as to the room that they are in. The care of these is easy to do as well. This is something that every homeowner is happy to hear.

Stripes In Interior Design - Break Free From The Ordinary

16:16 decoration tips , home , home decor , home improvement , home tips , interior , interior design , interior design ideas , Ordinary 0 Comments

Many designers are interested in stripes which can be used in different mediums such as pillows, carpeting, wallpapers, also curtains. Stripes in interior design can be soft, bold or subtle. You can also use different colors, even neutral ones and still make a room appear interesting.

Stripes do not just add interest in a room but they are also effective in hiding a myriad of traffic. It can also conceal wear and tear that you or your family members can inflict.

Using stripes on your décor can help you break loose of predictability. The world of interior design is often about patterns and solids but if you want to surprise everyone, then add some stripes. Just make sure that you keep one color as the unifying element in a room or else you would lose the needed cohesion on your design.

Stripes can also be used on those lovely stairs that you have at home. Just look at that often boring straight staircase and know that you can actually use striped carpets on them. These stripes can render an interesting path to the upper rooms.

Adding that striped carpet will also offer that needed energy boost on your stairway. At the very least, the appearance of wear and tear are kept at a bare minimum. Remember, though, that carpet warranties won't cover stairs and hallways so those stripes will come in handy in hiding the wears and tears of daily traffic.

Subtle stripes, when used on walls, can add an interesting décor to any room. Have your paint or wallpapers designed with stripes (whether vertical or horizontal) and you get to change the aura of the room. Just make sure that the rest of the design elements are not as lively as your striped walls or you will be left with a room that has too much activity going on.

A Surefire Beauty

Adding stripes is a surefire way to stylize a room. Choose from delicate, thin or bold stripes, no matter, you are sure to add a little pizzazz to a boring design. There are just a few tips that you need to remember, though.

First, when you are out to paint your walls, make sure to use masking tape to outline your stripes. Using a spirit level, measure them so that you are guaranteed of straight lines.

If you prefer a retro look, combine thin lines with thicker bands. This will help you achieve an 80s design. 'Feeling bold enough? Why not paint diagonal lines for a more modern look? You can do this on a focal or feature wall or you can have it done on all four walls - it's up to you.

Widen or add some height into a room by using striped wallpapers. A huge bonus of using stripes is that they can conceal any flaw. A room with low ceiling can benefit from a vertical striped wallpaper. This will create an illusion of height.

Employ the same trick using the stripes on a horizontal position and you will get a visually wider room. This is most useful in narrow rooms.

Painting is the cheapest way to get a striped look in any room. Create an edgy contemporary feel as you use stripes and colors in an effective manner. A bold color will easily contrast with the main color. Design stripes can create effective statement walls. You can also lengthen or widen windows with the use of striped curtains or blinds. Be careful in using too much fabric, though, or this could drown a smaller window.

5 Ways to Instantly Renew the Look of Your Master Bathroom

16:16 Bathroom , decoration tips , home , home decor , home improvement , home tips , Master Bathroom 0 Comments

Bathrooms are among the most frequently visited rooms in a home. Whether to alleviate a full bladder, cleanse soiled hands, or relax in a hot tub, the bathroom is important for a home's general comfort for many reasons. Aside from operative plumbing, décor and ambience can certainly influence the level of comfort you experience in your master bath.

Although new move-ins and outdated bathrooms might desperately need a makeover, not everyone has the time or the disposal income for a bathroom remodeling project. Fortunately, there are five fantastic methods any homeowner or renter can do to instantly update or upgrade the look of their master bath without all the hassle of construction and renovation costs! Continue reading to learn five ways you can instantly transform your master bathroom within a minimal budget.

Paint the Walls and Cabinets

Sometimes a simple change of color can make all the difference in a small room like a master bath. If the cabinets are already painted, not stained, re-applying a fresh coat of paint can instantly make cabinets appear brand new. As for walls, a fresh coat of paint or a color change can dramatically transform a space without a hassle. Semi-gloss paints that include primers are perfect for bathrooms and some brands only require one-coat applications. You can purchase enough paint for your master bath as low as $50, depending on the brand and paint quality. Keep in mind that brighter colors can make bathrooms feel more spacious, while warmer colors will offer cozy ambiences.

Replace the Lighting

Speaking of cozy or bright ambiences, depending on whatever you prefer for your master bath, lighting can play a large role in transforming the look and feel of a bathroom. If you have fluorescent lighting in your restroom, swap them out for something less dramatic like recess lighting. If you cannot afford to have recess or new lighting installed, simply change your lamp bulbs to a smaller wattage, or even an adjustable wattage. You can also purchase small counter lamps that look fashionable and add a transformation of light. You may also consider installing curtains on bathroom windows to add a cozier or home-like feel; or removing them to add more natural light and space.

Replace Hanging Towels

Hand towels and bath towels fade over time, and can look dull or boring. One fast and affordable way to change the entire look of your master bath is to replace your towels. Choose a new color or fresh pattern and swap out hand towels, rags, shower curtains, and bath towels for an instantaneous transformation!

Re-Caulk or Clean Waterproof Seals

The waterproof caulking around bathtubs and sinks can get moldy or deteriorate overtime. Re-caulking these areas will provide extra security against leaks, as well as, brighten up the look of your room. Instead of re-caulking, you can apply a good bleach scrub-down to clean the seals and freshen up their look.

Replace Bathroom Fixtures

If you want to update the look of your washroom to a more modern feel, simply replace the plumbing and decorative fixtures. Things like faucets, showerheads, shower rods, towel racks, sconces, door knobs, and more can be replaced at a low-cost in a short amount of time. You would be amazed to see how a bathroom can look entirely remodeled and updated with a simple fixture upgrade you can do yourself!

Apartment Decorating Tips for Renters

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While homeowners can decorate their homes in any way they please, the apartment renter is more restricted in their decorating choices. Most rental apartments have white walls so that anyone's furnishings fit into the decorating scheme. Window treatments may be bland as well, for the same reason. The carpeting can be a major issue, especially in the case of older apartments. That olive green shag rug, so popular in the 1970s, can be a virtual apartment decorating nightmare. However, you've got to work with what you've got, right? There are many decorating solutions to deal with all of these realities. Read on for some great apartment decorating ideas that will make that carpeting almost disappear.

Apartment decorating can actually be easier than decorating a large home. If you're decorating many rooms, you must keep an eye on a consistent theme and there's a lot more wall space. Apartment decorating doesn't pose so many choices. Your living room and kitchen may well be the only public places, so coordinating color and style is made easier.

Let's tackle the ugly carpeting problem first. Rooms in apartments are generally smaller than in private homes, so a less than desirable carpet can be downplayed with a couple of large area rugs in a color scheme more to your liking. Sea grass mats are another possibility. While the natural beige lightens up the room, the olive green (or whatever color) fades into the background. This apartment decorating solution is relatively inexpensive and you can take it with you when you move.

Plants are heaven sent components in any apartment decorating scheme. Chances are, you don't have a garden just outside to give your home a lift of nature's beauty. House plants can fill the gap nicely. If you're always on the go and don't have time to fuss with feeding and watering schedules, look into some of the lovely artificial silk plants. Several well-placed plants can become the focal point, distracting the eye from other, less desirable, but permanent apartment fixtures.

With apartment decorating, all that white wall space can be used to great advantage for tying your look together. A single large painting over the sofa or fireplace can have lots of impact, making a colorful statement that reflects your good taste. Wall hangings are another beautiful solution. An entry wall space is perfect for highlighting that collection of family photos or your own photography.

Apartment bathrooms are typically plain, but also are the easiest of apartment decorating problems. Pick your favorite accessory styles and materials. Wicker and rattan, wood or brass, these bathroom decor items quickly and inexpensively bring that bathroom to life. Hang a jazzy shower curtain and you're done.

If apartment decorating has seemed a difficulty, you now see it can be a breeze. It's also far less expensive than decorating an entire home.

Why Indoor Plants And Flora Are The Latest Trend

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Why are indoor plants and flowers the latest trend? Is it because you can have any flower that you want, no matter how exotic, occupying your home for a fraction of the price? Or is it because when you buy some artificial flowers you will have the chance to create a beautiful garden that will never die? There are many reasons why people love indoor plants and flora the way that they do. If you opt for real indoor plants and flora, there are also many benefits, such as a pleasant, natural aroma in your home at all times, as well as the joy of having something living in your home.

People love having indoor plants and flora because, these days, not everyone has space for a garden. However, they still want to have plants within the home. If you live in a place that is constantly cold, you will also want to have plants and flowers within the home, as you will be able to keep temperatures regulated. This, of course, means that you can keep delicate flowers alive no matter what the season is.

Creating your own beautiful indoor garden space

First, make sure that you have got the space in your home to put down some pot plants and also that you have got enough light coming into the area, as plants gravitate towards light and need it to survive. Then, you need to decide what plants you want in your home. You should aim to strike a balance between the amount of floral matter that you have and the amount of greenery as well. Try and get a symmetrical balance between your flowers and between your green plants.

If you are going for a live garden, you should take into account what season it is, only because this will affect the availability of certain blooms and plants. If you are, however, building an artificial garden, let your mind run wild, as you can have just about any plant that you would like, as well as any type of formation that you like, since artificial plants can be made into the most beautiful arrangements.

Indoor gardens are all the rage at the moment because, let's face it - no one likes to see flowers dying or anything like that. It's an unpleasant reminder of how transient life is. If you get the best of the best when it comes to artificial flowers, however, you will never have to experience your beautiful plants fading away.

Silk flowers have come a long way from the tacky things that they used to be. They are now considered works of art, and can be used in any type of scenario, from home gardens, to wedding bouquets.