Browsing Category: "Home Improvement"

Tips for Designing your Guest Bathroom

Creating a calm and inviting guest bathroom space is a great way to show your company that you care about their visit and want them to feel as comfortable as possible. There are some easy ways you can transform the bathroom into a work of art without going over budget, and your guests will appreciate your efforts so much they will want to keep coming back to visit.

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[Image courtesy of JamesDeMers/pixabay.com]

Color Coordinate

A great way to add a fresh, clean look to your bathroom is to touch up the walls with fresh paint. Choose a neutral color for the walls, but add pops of color with the bath towels, wash cloths and accessories. Some of the best accessory colors that will mimic the look and feel of a spa are pale grays, soft greens, beige and pale blues. You can add pieces of sea glass in a clear vase to accentuate the color palate you choose to go with. This is a simple project that can be completed in an afternoon, but the result will last for months to come.

Pay Attention to the Details

One of the things that sets apart a good hotel from a great one is how closely they have paid attention to all the details. The bathroom is no different; you can create a lasting impression by making a basket that is stocked with luxury bath items, including a bar of lavender soap for the perfect relaxing experience, plenty of bath salts, extra shampoo and conditioner and wash cloths.

Organize and Simplify

In this particular room of the home, simpler is better. Go through your cabinets and throw out any expired items, or items you simply do not use on a regular basis anymore. Make plenty of room for your guests to store their items without having to clutter the vanity.

With a little bit of planning, you can make your guest bathroom as warm and inviting as you have always envisioned. Perhaps the easiest way to tap into your creative streak is to simply look through magazine pictures and select the colors and accessories that impress you the most.

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Solar Screen Solutions for Windows

It was almost a month since I left my day job to stay at home and look after my niece and I have not been accustomed yet of waking up later than normal. My body clock and the light coming from the window in my room is always waking me up early in the morning, I would love to stay a little bit longer in bed, but I can’t do so I look for solar and screen solutions. I have found some alternative methods like using thick curtains or adding window blinds into my window, but window blinds didn’t help much it was still bright in my room and that’s where a neighbour working in the glass shop in town suggested that I should use solar screens like the Fiberglass Window Screen, as this method effectively shades the glass and stop the heat before it hits the glass and can help to darken the inside of my room.

I have also found out that using solar screen can also minimize and reduce heat transfer through the glass which is good for me and my niece, having this installed we can possibly stay in my room all day watching kiddie movies without thinking about the heat coming through my room. The window in my room had been my biggest problem at home, it was not only huge, but it was also facing a vacant rice field so imagine how bright and warm it is  in my room during the day and at night when the moon is full, I guess I must Buy Fiberglass Screen soonest.

The Beneficial Effects of Pinch Pleat Sheer Curtains

The expensive looking designs of sheer curtains make you wonder what their actual price really is. There are hundreds of styles and color combinations for sheer curtains available in retail shops and online stores today. Their price is not as expensive as you think as there are affordable pinch pleat sheer curtains retailed everywhere.

Sheers are one of the most sought after window adornment because they cover the window without actually causing darkness to your room. The translucent fabric allows the fresh air and light to enter the room without inviting the dust inside. They are ideal window embellishments for patients with contagious diseases so they can inhale much fresh air at night where most people in the neighborhood are asleep.

[Photo courtesy of Victoria Borodinova/pexels.com]

The pinch pleat sheer curtain is an inexpensive way to ventilate the room in hospital wards and minimizes the risk of contamination for other patients, their families, caregivers and hospital employees. During daytime, patients are exposed to sunlight because sheers have the ability to diffuse the eastern sun through its fine textures. Patients can also see the view outside without actually opening the entire window.

Pinch pleat sheer curtain panels are ideal for all types of room occupants because they block the sunlight without closing the window. The curtains provide the occupants with the needed privacy and with its translucence; they will be able to see if somebody is watching them through the window. The pinch pleat sheer curtains are dainty, elegant and immaculate.

[Photo courtesy of Milly Eaton/pexels.com]

Since they are machine washable, they are suited for busy people as they don’t have to tire their muscles during rinsing. The sheers come in a variety of soft cloth with various colors and designs. Manufacturers are selling the sheer curtains at low prices where you can save 50% to 77% which is really a big deal for low budget home improvement.

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Simple Ways to Create a Stunning Southwestern Decor

Do you desire a warm, rustic Southwestern-style home but don’t want the hassle of a major interior design overhaul? Whether you’re short on time or funds, you can achieve the look you want by making just a few decorative changes. Best of all, these design tips make it easy to transform any space on your own.

Accent with Area Rugs

While area rugs may seem like a modest change, they can alter the vibe of a room instantly. Incorporating southwestern area rugs with hardwood flooring or terracotta tile is a great way to add depth to a room and highlight existing furniture. Most stores offer a variety of traditional and contemporary designs, so you can find the ideal rug for your unique space.

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Select Earthy Paint Hues

Both homeowners and interior decorators know that paint is a cost-effective way to transform a room. You can choose bold shades for your color scheme as long as they provide a warm, inviting feel. Natural tones of red, blue, green and gold are all popular options. The size of the room should also be considered. Darker shades will make a large space seem cozier while bright colors add volume to smaller living areas.

Add Terracotta Pottery Pieces

No Southwestern home is complete without the addition of beautiful terracotta pottery. You can display the pottery in its natural orange shade or paint it with bold, bright colors to add contrast. These traditional pots and vases can be used throughout the home to add a personal touch to any room.

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Choose Rustic or Vintage-Style Furniture

Whether you prefer wood, leather or wrought iron furniture, items that have a distressed or vintage feel work best. You can even distress furniture on your own with a few basic items including sandpaper, paint and polyurethane. The furniture you select shouldn’t compete with your flooring colors. For vibrant furniture choices, an area rug in neutral tones from Roth Rugs is one safe option.

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Finish with Accent Accessories

Once you’ve made some basic changes, you can slowly add Southwestern accent pieces to your home. From rugged animal skins to delicate Hopi Kachina dolls, you can create a separate theme for every room.

With all the warmth and personality Southwestern decor has to offer, it’s easy to see why this style never loses its appeal. With a few fresh coats of paint, some new area rugs and traditional pottery art, you can transform your home into an inviting desert oasis.

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Viewing a Home for a Potential Renovation – What To Check For

For most new or experienced developers buying a cheap home and then renovating it to a high standard brings in substantial profits. However, in order to make a successful initial purchase, you should consider a number of factors when viewing potential projects.

Be Proactive

The estate agent’s job is to sell; don’t expect them to give you a comprehensive guide to the house. However, you can ask them how long the property has been on the market. Good deals shift in no time, with professional developers keen to turn each new project as quickly as possible. If it has been on sale for a number of months, there may be a costly problem that is putting off other buyers.

Renovations

Location Location Location

The most important aspect of any home is often said to be its location, buying a cheaper rundown property in a desirable area could be a money spinner. From a renovation perspective, the structural integrity of a house is far more important than the interior. However, average buyers can be put off by homes that are badly presented, most sellers would declutter before viewings, but with renovation projects, this is rarely the case. Turn this to your advantage by snapping up a less than immaculate property, and then simply employ the services of Anyjunk to clear the refuse before you start work.

Warning Signs

No home is perfect, especially those being sold as renovation projects. However, there are some tell-tale signs that may suggest more serious work is needed. Damp can indicate a plumbing leak, so check for mould or discoloured areas under baths and sinks, as well as on the inside walls. Also check ceilings and the loft space, if rain is getting in a new roof maybe required.

Any problem with masonry could add significant expense; sizeable cracks, missing plaster or uneven floors will require repairs or replacing. However, unseen work like asbestos insulation or chimney flues can also present a risk. Never attempt to remove asbestos yourself; there is a government webpage that explains who to contact for help, there are specialists who can remove and dispose of this hazardous material safely.

Call the Experts

Some properties may not have been lived in or maintained for a number of years, so before you commit to buying, get a professional opinion. You may need builders, plumbers and electricians, and they will be key to the completion of your project. Only choose legitimate, recommended tradesmen, and take them to view the property. They will warn you of any major spends that you may have overlooked, like faulty wiring or outdated plumbing, and give you a rough estimate of costs. Similarly, when you need to declutter the property, Anyjunk are happy to give free estimates for the removal of waste.

Get your Paperwork in Order

Find out from the local council what the planning requirements are, if the property is a listed building you could be looking at extensive time and budget increases. When you have established what will be required, check your finances. Make sure you have a quote to cover every aspect of the job, and also the materials required for the tasks you will be attempting yourself. Go back for a second and third viewing to make sure you haven’t missed anything, be sure to take a notepad and consider each room in turn.

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How Workbenches Add To Your Garage Storage

As you go about your annual spring cleaning, it’s time to tackle the garage. The cluttered mess often means a weekend chore, but you can keep the garage looking stellar with a little organization. Get back to parking your car in the garage where it belongs with the use of storage cabinets and workbenches.

Dedicated Workspace

The mechanic in your life probably enjoys working on the car much more than you do. Inevitably they cannot find a tool they need. Giving them garage workbenches and storage makes working on the cars or other projects that much easier. Their tools are within easy reach. Plus, if they can find the tool they need, they are less likely to insist on a replacement. Fewer trips to the auto parts store mean more time working. The project finishes faster and you have more time for other things. The dedicated workspace makes working in the garage more enjoyable.

Green and White Press Drill on Table

[Photo courtesy of Lisa Fotios/pexels.com]

Declutter Seamlessly

Decluttering the garage makes moving around the space easier. Workbenches with storage built-in let you store the tools for a specific project right at hand. Additional storage provides cabinets, drawers, shelves and pegboards for other items from gardening tools to a ratchet set. Everything has a place in an organized garage leaving fewer things to trip over on the floor.

Safer Storage

Add a garage cabinet with a lock on it for items you don’t want the kids to have access to such as paint or pesticides. Locking the cabinet regularly ensures little hands can safely play in the garage. Install a lock on the drawer on the workbench itself to keep specific items from being moved out of the workbench itself.

Black Classic Car Inside the Garage

[Photo courtesy of Mikes Photos/pexels.com]

Increased Functionality

A garage workbench makes working in the garage more functional. If you enjoy gardening, you can use the flat surface to paint a new pot and store potting soil, pruners and shovels. A workbench on caster wheels moves around, so your tools are right where you need them. An attached pegboard is a great place to store loose tools that are hard to store in cabinets such as gardening tools. Attach a surge protector for electricity right at your fingertips for power tools.

Whether you choose a simple workbench for a nice flat work surface or one with all the bells and whistles, your garage benefits from the increased organization, functionality and safety. A workbench can be an aid whether you’re a regular mechanic, gardener or woodworker. Include a workbench in your next garage organization system.

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A Flooring Comparison to Help You Upgrade

If you are looking to update your home, chances are you will be looking at spending some serious time and money if you don’t have a plan in place. Although painting and changing out draperies could be quick and cost-efficient fix, a total room makeover inevitably includes new flooring. Without the right know-how and in the interest of your budget, you might settle for a boring but finance-friendly fix. You might be surprised to find out how economical epoxy floors can be when compared to other materials.

Epoxy flooring moves beyond commercial applications.

Professional garage shops and commercial buildings are typically places where you will find the shiny and durable application of an epoxy-coated flooring system. The coating is a combination of hardeners and resins which creates a solid surface that bonds to many material types once it has dried. While it does provide an industrial strength application, there are also decorative elements of metallic flecks, designer-inspired patterns and colors or tints to make it more appealing for residential use.

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[Photo courtesy of skitterphoto/pixabay.com]

Epoxy flooring has a durability that surpasses other materials.

If you are familiar with hardwood floors, you will know that wear and tear can occur through water or liquid spills, moving furniture and everyday traffic. These floors need to be refinished in order to return their shine, and for an installation that was already quite an expense, this only adds to the cost of upkeep. Tile floors offer durability that can last for decades, depending on the quality and type of stone or tile placed. The installation costs more, as cutting and grouting add to the labor involved. Tiles can crack or chip if heavy objects are dropped onto them, and they can also be slippery when wet. Carpet is the other popular choice, but despite luxurious look and warmth higher end grades tend to offer, there is more maintenance involved in its upkeep. Vacuuming and preventing spots and stains can get tiresome.

Epoxy floors stand out above the rest.

When compared to other common flooring choices, epoxy stands out as a real winner. Durability is no longer a problem, as it won’t get cracked or dented with dropped items or heavy foot traffic. It is easy to clean and resistant to stains and water damage. An epoxy coating is also dirt and dust resistant, giving it a cleaner look but also maintaining a better air quality over time. Affordability and beauty tie for first place in what makes an epoxy floor a great choice.

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How Rod Pocket Curtains Can Turn Magic to Your Home

Many are wondering what rod pocket curtains are. These curtains are styled with size pockets on top of it to accommodate the curtain rods for shirring. The pocket size could vary but the standard is between 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches. Modern homes look appealing to this type of curtain. Some curtains have clip rings or header to give the window a unique appearance.

Curtains can reinvent your home by changing its looks compared to a window without coverings. It is important that when you buy a rod pocket curtains or tailored curtains, you have to determine the exact size of the wall against the size of your window frame by removing the curtains. Let the rod hang without the curtains and measure the curtain size by including the allowance for the curtain rod that is extended on both sides of the window.

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[Photo courtesy of wayfair.com]

Low ceilings look good if you adorn it with ticking stripes, music stripes or Celia rod pocket curtain to make it look taller. For high ceilings you can choose a Moire plaid or buffalo check curtain to lessen the height in the room. Floral, diamond or paisley printed discount curtains are fit for plain walls while plain and simple colored curtains look good when you match it with floral or printed wallpapers. Avoid hanging printed curtains on a printed wall because it can distract your attention and the mismatch can create confusion.

Modern curtains give added attraction to your home because of their versatility and functionality. Most contemporary and Zen-inspired homes look appealing with these curtains as they bring out the essence of the house design. When it comes to home improvement, hanging a rod pocket curtain is safe because of its simplicity. It does not have so many frills and ruffles and it is easy to mount. The design is tailor-made for your modern or contemporary home.

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Three Popular Colour Combinations for Tranquil Modern Bedrooms

You spend a third of your life sleeping, and even more than that physically in your bedroom. While many of us keep a desk in our bedrooms for space-saving reasons, it’s still best to keep your bedroom as comfortable and tranquil as possible, so that it can help you get a healthy, rejuvenating night’s sleep.  Many people ignore the colours of their walls, perceiving them as permanent or hard to change, whilst some people aren’t allowed to because of their contracts with landlords.  However, the colours of your walls can play a vital role in the atmosphere your room provides and the resulting level of rest you can obtain in it.

Imagine if the walls of your room were painted bright red.  You would probably have a hard time falling asleep, knowing such a shocking colour was waiting to assault your opening eyes.  While neutral colours won’t have the same effect as bright red, they don’t help calm you like some other colour combinations can.  Read on to see how these different colour combinations can create a tranquil yet modern atmosphere, providing you with the best night’s sleep you can get.

Browns and Greens – Deep Forest Relaxation

Imagine chocolate brown walls, cream-coloured trim, and emerald-green accent furniture. Sounds bold, but people often feel most comfortable in nature, and using browns and greens to mimic nature’s most common colour combination is one way to bring the wild inside.  Line the windowsill with plants and put a ficus tree in the opposite corner, and voila, your bedroom has been transformed from a drab cube to a tranquil, natural sanctuary, where even the most unsettled mind can enjoy deep rest.

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[Photo courtesy of bottlein/pixabay.com]

Light Blues and Pastel Greens – Ocean Breeze Tranquillity

Some people may not want bold colours like chocolate brown and emerald green, but that doesn’t mean nature doesn’t have a palette to fit.  While not everyone has a sea-facing, wall-sized window, you can appreciate the calming effect of sea can have on the mind and harness that effect in your own bedroom.  Light sea-green walls with white trim (imagine cresting waves), with light blue furniture and sheets can provide a calming, oceanic atmosphere.

20 Shades of Grey – The Colours of Night Itself

Really only two or three shades will do the trick – a light shade of grey around the entire room, with one accent wall deep and luxurious, opposite the bed, and a large black and white print of a calm empty street at night.  Grey can be very calming and accenting it with a light green can bring in a little more nature as well.  Such dark colours wouldn’t be recommended for a home office, for example, but in the room in which you sleep, muting sources of background light can help you rest and even be good for your health.

Whatever colour combination you choose, be sure it is one that fits you. Searching online can help you get the right furniture, accents, and accessories to make your tranquil natural bedroom come to life.

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Adding Café Curtains for Beautiful Kitchens

A big picture window in your kitchen can give you and your family wonderful lighting and a refreshing view of your garden. You also need less heating or cooling while you are cooking or preparing meals because kitchen windows can let natural light and warm sunshine in. You also get fresh and cool air. With all these benefits that your kitchen windows offer, it is only ideal to find the perfect curtain style and color for it. Many homeowners buy cheap kitchen curtains but most are not sure which styles to go for.

For kitchen windows, one of the most preferred types of curtain are the café curtain styles. A curtain made from light net material is a wonderful option for the kitchen especially during those warm and toasty summer days. These styles of window sets are quite popular in French cafes and home interior decorators brought it into residences.

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[Photo courtesy of Republica/pixabay.com]

Designers suggest hanging curtain in the middle part of the window to achieve chic café ambiance on your kitchen. It should leave the upper part of the window exposed, but it will still depend on what you want. You can hang the curtain from different heights to create different effects and for you to control natural lighting. You may also tie your curtains to the window’s side to let more air and natural light in.

Kitchens are the perfect place to recreate that French café air because it can be a casual and informal place for dining. When hung in the right places, these curtains can create a lovely mood and effect. However, you must still consider the colors and styles of the fabric you are going to use. It should complement the overall design of the kitchen not stand out like a sore thumb simply because of its contrasting color or design. Go for light materials, net and Jardinière material can make small kitchens look more spacious and airy. You may also work on layering net materials over colorful patterns during the colder season.

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