November, 2019 | home improvement

Things to Consider When Renovating Your Bathroom

November 29, 2019

Autumn is a wonderful time of the year to renovate your bathroom. It is clear that a bathroom is one of the most used rooms in a home. A renovation can be a quite challenging process, especially if you do not know where to start. Home designs point few things to consider when you plan to renew your bathroom.

Do not you know if the bathroom needs a renovation or a renovation? Ask yourself a few questions. Did your needs change? Did your taste and style change? Maybe you need more storage space? Or you do not want those white wall tiles anymore? Well, it's perfect time to give your bathroom a new life.

Deciding how much money you are willing to spend due to renovation is the first step you have to do. The investment includes the cost of materials and finishes, lightening, fixtures and fittings, and of course the cost of labor – painting, tilling and plumbing. Depending on the bathroom's size and the material's quality, a bathroom renovation can cost between $ 3.000- $ 20.000. You can decide to paint on your own, but do not forget to leave the critical job to the professionals.

Next, design a new floor plan by measuring the floor's dimensions and marking the positions of existing doors, windows and remaining fixtures. You are going to need more money and time if you plan to change the bathroom layout. It is clear this includes adding or removing walls or setting up a spa / sauna. Additional cost will come from repositioning the plumbing or electricity too.

The most pleasant part of a renovation a bathroom is choosing its style. If you are a simple person – white bathroom is a great choice for you, because of the bathroom's brightness and cleanliness. Adding wood elements will bring warmth. Nowadays, the matte black elements are increasingly popular, bringing sophistication and elegance. It is important to have a stylish bathroom, however, do not forget its functionality. It`s more important than anything.

If you feel confused, keep in mind there are a number of professionals who can help you in the renovation process. A painter, a plumber, a floor specialist and an electrician are persons you need on your team. They have to be qualified and licensed. Hiring an architect or interior designer is a must-have, managing the entire renovation. He knows the time frames of a renovation – starting with ceilings, walls and ending with floors. …

Kitchen Equipment Latest Advances

November 28, 2019

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| kitchen

Kitchen equipment such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and ovens need to be upgraded on a regular basis to ensure there are no interruptions in the productivity of the kitchen. This means that with an appliance that is new, you have fewer situations of problems and break downs. Breakdowns can cost time and money and are worth preparing for before they occur. You may find that the money you spend on upgrading your kitchen appliances will be much lower than the cost of lost business and constant repairs.

Nice equipment also looks good to the customers. They are more apt to spend their money with you if you can show them that you care about what you are doing enough to provide quality equipment for you business. It shows that you care about the health of your customers. No one wants to walk into a restaurant that is not clean and kept nice. This includes the appliances you have in the kitchen. Make sure your staff is fully trained on how to use the equipment so you will have no problems with improper use and have to spend money to fix broken equipment.

Kitchens in the home are often the focal point of the home and are used more than any other room. The latest kitchen appliances can really make a difference, especially if you entertain on a regular basis. High quality stainless steel can be one of the best choices. You can find refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers in the stainless steel design. If you are into a more natural look, you can choose appliances that have beautiful wood paneling and easier to clean features.

With all the latest technology in kitchen appliances and the energy saving choices, there will be no problems finding a style to fit your kitchen design. The compact sizes make them a great choice for any area, large or small. With so many colors and designs, the possibilities are endless as to what you can do with them. The newer flat top ranges are easier to clean and the refrigerators come with everything to regulate your food chilling experience. You can choose to have your freezer on the side, the top, or the bottom. New doors have been installed to make it easier to take out a soda. Instead of having to open the larger door, you only need to open the smaller one.

No matter what type of kitchen you work in, having the latest kitchen equipment available will make things easier all around. This is especially true if you are in the food industry. Falling behind on technological advances in cooking and food storage appliances could very well cost you money and customers. Restaurant equipment and concession equipment are not only a necessity for your business; they are what holds it all together and makes it run smoothly. For those that only cook in the kitchen at home, what better place to bring in new items than the room that is used the most? …

Tips For Hiring a Maid

November 27, 2019

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| bathroom, house

There may not be a more enjoyable feeling than coming home to a spotless house, particularly when another person did every bit of the work; there is not anything left to do but lay down in your hammock in the sun! With the hectic lifestyle most people have and both partners working, a lot of people find that they do not have much time left for domestic maintenance. Before you check out the web or call up somewhere to take on a maid, there are a few essential questions to ask, and there is also some really important information that you should carefully consider.

You may find a maid from a service, in which case the maid will be an employee of the service company. The advantages are that the maid service will be liable for any employment taxes, carrying worker's compensation, and should have bonded and insured the maid. (Make sure the maid is bonded against your losses and not just the maid company's losses.) The company should also have insurance in case the maid is injured while at your home. You should ask for copies of all current polices. However, when you employ someone, federal law dictates that you must pay social security and other specific taxes.

Inquire about what screening and background checks the maid company performs on employees. Ask if the maids are employees or subcontractors of the maid service. A maid service using subcontractors can be more risky. These people are often not required to report to work any particular time, may not have the training employees have, and insurance liability can be sketchy.

Get references from the maid service. Call each reference and ask if they have had any complaints and if they recommend the service. Inquire as to whether or not they are still using the service. If not, ask why.

Look into whether the company has any sort of guarantee with respect to quality. Do the maids have supervisors and if so what are they responsible for? Request information from the company on whether they provide any guarantees, and what their current complaint process is.

Will the company be using their equipment or yours? This includes vacuums, mops, buckets, sponges, squeegees and so on.

Get a complete description of what services are included such as:

* emptying trash

* window cleaning

* dishes

* bathroom

* wood floors

* wood polishing

* furniture dusting

* blind cleaning

* light fixture dusting

You also need to consider who will be supplying the cleaning products. If you are supplying the products make a list and be sure you have them in stock when your maid arrives. If the service will be supplying the cleaning products, find out what they use and if the products are safe for people and pets. Find out if the products disinfect pathogens.

There are green cleaning products available. Check the ingredients and effectiveness of each one. Some are only diluted versions of the originals while others are bio based. …

Ideas For Master Bedroom Interior Design

November 27, 2019

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| interior

Sometimes however, because the homeowner is intent on trying to make the appearance of the home more beautiful, they tend to neglect the master bedroom. The master bedroom may not receive the needed attention for fresh decorative ideas because not too many people will ever see it. But since a large portion of the day is spent in the bedroom and since some of the most intimate moments in life take place there, it would be a wise idea to take seriously the project of master bedroom interior design.

One of the more important elements to consider for master bedroom interior design is in creating a personal space which will include the things in which the occupants are keenly interested. The room can and should reflect the personality of the owners and at the same time, create an intimate space. Furnishings, colors, and accessories all need to be carefully considered to make sure the room will offer the utmost comfort.

Choices of Color

The decision of the wall color will be an important one in master bedroom interior design. You will want a tone that is pleasant, not too stimulating and which will help to create the desired atmosphere of intimacy. Nearly any color can be used if it is picked in the correct shade for the size of room. If colors are too dark they can make the room feel closed in and much smaller. This may work for a large room that has a good deal of lighting, but can make a small room feel oppressive. Colors that are too light or muted can create a washed out and boring look to a larger room. When picking a color, you will do well to collect a number of samples and look at them in the room. Once the painting has begun, if the color is not what was desired, don’t hesitate to stop. Changes should be made before it is too late.

Choice of Bedding

Choose carefully the patterns for bedding and furnishings. If there are two people who occupy the master bedroom, both should have equal input as to the design and colors. Nothing is more frustrating in master bedroom interior design than to come to the completion of the project and to have one person hate it. Allowing time and energy to get the just-right patterns and theme will be well worth it. There are always ways to find a compromise which two people can be happy with. Even if one person likes fishing and another person prefers bouquets of flower, a compromise can always be worked out.

There are, of course, other major choices for master bedroom interior design. Homeowners need to invest time to consider all the options within their budget limit and make choices that they will be happy with. Even if it takes a little more time than was originally planned, it will make all parties happier to end up with a look which makes them love going to their master bedroom …

The Advantages of Natural Stone Bathroom Tiles

November 26, 2019

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| bathroom, interior, kitchen

Known for their aesthetic value and all around good looks stone tiles made from natural stone are becoming quite popular. These naturally occurring stones, or pebbles as they are sometimes called, come from riverbeds or places where they have been polished to a smooth finish by running water after they have been collected they are molded into a slab with the required shape according to what the customer wants and later installed relatively easily. They have a great-looking finish and are used on floors and also counters, pavements, and even on some walls. Glass mosaic tiles are also used for these purposes and have inherent advantages. Although they are interchangeable in some uses, they have a few disadvantages. They include;

1. The pebble tiles come in many different colors sizes and shapes as well as a varying texture; that makes it better in some ways than the glass mosaic. The glass tile however can be modified to fit most needs.

2. The pebble tiles will wear less and last longer than the glass tile because of the fact that it is not as brittle and not as likely to chip. Heat and other elements of nature will have less of an effect on the natural stone.

3. Natural stone tile as well as the glass mosaic tiles have both been used for centuries, however the stone tiles still stand out as a fashionable finish. They have never gone out of style and they complement just about any type of interior finish you want to use.

4. Natural stone tiles are very affordable and easy to maintain while the glass mosaic tiles are more expensive and require more work to maintain. Excessive cleaning of the tiles just results in re-polishing the pebbles while the glass tiles are easier to scratch and that makes them look worn.

5. Even though the glass tiles can be found in a wide variety of colors they don’t have the warm colors of the stone tiles. The warm colors of the tile are more homey and inviting. This is why the stone tiles are used more often in households, offices and conference centers where a warm serenity is desired.

6. Due to its versatility stone tiles are a sought-after commodity. The immeasurable capability of the stone tiles to be molded into almost any configuration including pavement slabs, kitchen slabs, and floor and bathroom tiling make it very popular.

7. Because they are naturally occurring stone tiles are always available and easy to find, while the glass tiles are harder to find and sometimes need to be pre-ordered before you start on your project.

Although we have been talking about the advantages of stone tiles over glass tiles you need to take the application into consideration. Depending on the rest of the bathroom the glass tiles may just look better.…

Wide Open Spaces-How to Tame and Decorate Them

November 24, 2019

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| interior, kitchen

Today’s homes are designed and laid out so our public areas, the family room, kitchen, recreation room, dining room, and living room are open to each other for interaction and family unity. But how are you to decorate these rooms that flow from one space to the next? Most of the time there are no stopping and starting points to paint or wallpaper, no way to have one color or style in one area and a different one in another area. So, how do you decorate these rooms and give them identity, comfort and allow them to remain their own space?

Everyone has heard the words “Form Follows Function.” Let’s break that down for your home. Each room in your home has a function. For some you need a space to eat your meals, play board games, card games, do homework, write letters, pay bills… you get the idea. Because the functions performed are more task oriented, a table and chair combination works best. You may call this a dining room or eating area. The same applies for a family room where you will lounge, take naps, sit and read or watch television. Begin by looking at the function of your particular space and this will dictate what type of furnishings you will need.

To flow or not to flow, that is the question! Some designers will tell you that if you have open public areas that they need to have the same colors, same themes, same types of window treatments and artwork. This is true and not true, at the same time! Our minds like like-minded things. If you can find something in one room or one area that you can connect to another room or area you will feel comfortable, stable and the rooms will seem to flow together nicely. This is done easily by selecting a color, theme, accessory, or piece of artwork.

Let’s try some real life examples. Say you have a family room, kitchen and dining area that are all open to each other. In order to get them to flow we could use a Nautical theme. This allows you to use boat accessories like ores, netting, boardwalk lights, reels, and fishing poles in one area or room, lighthouses in another, and carved duck decoys, artwork with Nautical scenes, or prints of beaches and oceans in yet another.

We could also flow the spaces together by painting the walls the same color in all the rooms, but use different accent colors to make each room appear different. You could also begin with a patterned fabric for the family room and use similar color and style patterns in the kitchen and dining room. You do this by using a large print in the family room, small print in the dining area, plaid in the kitchen and accent with solids, stripes or patterned upholstery fabrics in the same colors and style. The window treatments, fabrics, wall colors, accessories and artwork would not need to be the same …

Homeowner's Guide To Selling A House Fast

November 24, 2019

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| house

Selling your house can involve a lot of factors. However, selling your house fast can be more perplexing. You want to ensure that despite the unfavorable market conditions, you can make the sale efficient. This is particularly true during these times when the market is not exactly in its best shape. There are more sellers than buyers. Selling your house fast may be extra challenging but definitely, not impossible.The following tips should guide you in realizing your goal.

Clean up. Nobody would want to live in a house full of clutter. The same is true when you say that nobody would want to buy a disorganize house. As much as possible, you need to present a property that is saleable. When a potential buyer gets into the house, you want to make him feel like he is home. Go from room to room to conduct inspection and see how intense the clean up is going to be.

Do not leave to let go of the things you no longer use. These things can only add up to the mess or the weight of your load if you decide to bring them with you.

Check if the exterior of the house needs renovation or redesign. The state of your yard or lawn can affect the buyer's decision. Make sure that you make a good impression by showing the market what makes your house different, in a really good way.

Directly contact your buyer. Instead of having a real estate agent to act as a middleman, you can do the work on your own instead. By doing this, you'll always be updated on all the negotiations and the terms involved. Instead of having to go through a long process of house viewing, you can work on this type of selling approach and enjoy a more convenient alternative.

Instead of the usual months of process, this new approach will only take a few weeks. A professional will valuate your house and the buyer will be the one to work on the paperwork and legal fees involved. You can get paid in cash once the process is done.

Indeed, selling your house fast without the help of a real estate agent can hasten the process. Contrary to popular belief, you can actually close the deal on your own. Minimize the money and energy you have to spend with the right choice for an expert help. …

Keep Up With the Trends in an Appropriately Designed Bathroom for 2018

November 22, 2019

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| bathroom

The intimacies of the bathroom activities at home call for more attention to the facilities and layout. Remember the early morning rushing, children bathing and the relaxed after work sessions in the tub. The family needs to feel good in there. Perhaps a refurbishment or updating is required to create a pleasant aura, complete with all the action that is needed. Check out a few trends coming your way in 2018.

Few tips on ornate brass fittings

Brass and gold belong to the 1980s but is being preferred nowadays. Perhaps you remember those days three decades and more ago. The truth is that tastes and fashions must return in a cyclic manner. The brass fittings now may not be as bold as they once were, a little muted perhaps. Brass does create that fancy effect to create a grand ambience. The brass blends well with the wooden countertops. Black and white floor tiles would provide a striking fun contrast.

Tiles designed as fish scales

They are also called mermaid tile designs and are getting popular now. This handy pattern fits in well wherever you wish to install it, but appears very attractive in bathrooms. You would love that quirky effect as an attractive accent wall or shower surrounds. Among several attractive shades, the aqua tint would remind of the ocean theme.

Circular mirrors

That expansive space promoted by large mirrors would get more dramatic with round vanity mirrors. The bathroom certainly acquires a contemporary feel with such an easy installation, the bigger the better.

Live plants around is a trend

The trendy live plants around the shower commenced in 2017 and continue into 2018. Use the imagination, spruce and freshen up the area with a few live green plants and not fake flowers! You certainly won’t forget about watering them. Certain plants purify the atmosphere and choose and place them wisely.

Consider a unicolor set up

The monochromatic appearance has eternal appeal and is getting hot in 2018. Black and white could occur in several tones. Vintage or modern, arrange black and white accordingly. B/W could be lavish besides being industrial and could get as classy as you wish. Don’t forget the ambiance created by the round mirror, the brass fixtures and a crystal chandelier perhaps.

Manage the space carefully and avoid making the bathroom too crowded. Wall installations of mirrors and cabinets would help manage space in congested bathrooms.…

Vertical Window Blinds And Shades

November 22, 2019

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| decor

Finding vertical window blinds today is easier than ever before. You can search the Internet, using your favorite search engine. Local retail outlets may be stand alone shops or may have websites that allow you to view all the many options. You can get detailed information about your window openings and choosing fabrics or construction materials.

Vertical blinds are a choice for those who want the ease of operation. The lines of this style of window treatment are clean and uncluttered. They provide the amount of light that you prefer without sacrificing privacy. The blinds are not as difficult to clean as some of the other types of window coverings. This makes the blinds a virtual kid proof.

Blinds and shades are available in many different colors and finishes. You can match the color to your room decor or use a contrast color in order to make the windows the focal point of your room. Because of the vertical lines draw the eyes upward, your room will look taller and more spacious.

Blinds are made of various materials. For example, the blades might be wooden or vinyl. They can be aluminum or even cloth. In any case, you also have a variety of blade widths and thicknesses. This allows the shades to be used effectively to darken a room, or simply to provide a softening of the outdoor light. They can darken the room by bringing the color hue down or lighten it through upbeat colors or pastel hues.

Vertical window blinds are very durable and they are long lasting. This makes them a good choice wherever you are on a budget or looking for a more high-end design. The blinds have limited insulating ability. However, because they block direct sunlight, they can prevent heating the room due to the sun's heat. …

Tips On How To Carry Out a Kitchen Remodel Project

November 20, 2019

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| house, interior, kitchen

One of the most important spaces in a house is the kitchen, and one of the best ways to add value to a home is to make sure the kitchen is not only a functional space, but also a beautiful one. Updating a kitchen can be done in many ways, but it usually involves adding attractive flooring, changing out the cabinetry and countertops, updating lighting and replacing old appliances with modern energy efficient models. If renovations must be done, its important to hire qualified professionals with references. Here are a few things that will help your kitchen remodel project go smoothly.

First and foremost, you are going to want to hire professionals. No matter where you live, kitchen projects involve a lot of electrical wiring, natural gas lines and water pipes. If you are re-doing cabinets, there can also be a lot of heavy lifting, cutting, and mounting. These are just a few concerns you may run into which is why hiring competent and reliable professionals is a good idea. Select a contractor who has similar project experience or specializes in the work you need. When searching for a construction company, ask for references and past work. Any good contractor will be happy to share their portfolio.

Second, you need to have a plan! If you are not an interior designer and you do not know where to start, asking other people can help you narrow down choices and make final decisions. Asking friends, neighbors and family for their advice or opinions is a great place to start. Look through magazines or search online for inspirational kitchen remodel images. It also does not hurt to hire a designer for consultation or ask your contractor what they recommend.

After you've created a plan and hired professional help, it is important to prepare your home and family for the remodeling process. As I've said before, kitchen remodeling can be complicated. Once the project is started, it can take quite a bit of time to complete, leaving you without full use of your kitchen. This can be stressful if you are used to cooking for a family every day. Preparing ahead of time will help ease the burden of being without a kitchen.

Knowing what kind of materials you are going to use is just as important as having a good design. Price can very much range when shopping for kitchen materials, but choosing the cheapest materials will not always save you money as they might wear out prematurely. Choosing better quality materials will ensure your kitchen remodel looks great and will last a long time. A great way to determine the best materials for the project is to ask the construction company or the contractor. Professionals often have insider knowledge with regards to materials and resources that people outside of the industry might not have. Visit stores, whether they are big box names like Home Depot or a smaller family owned businesses, they will have a wide range of samples to look …

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