Home Improvement Ideas
by: Dan Noyes
There are many home improvement projects that you can carry out to make your home a more comfortable space and to add to its value as property. These home improvement projects include remodeling the basement, kitchen, and bathrooms, and painting both the exteriors and interiors regularly.
Whenever most people think of home improvement projects, they think in terms of doing up the living areas, such as the bedrooms, drawing room, and dining room. However, there is just so much that you can do in a bedroom—maybe add a comfortable bed, a reading lamp, a table or ceiling fan, a bookshelf, and a study table. Most people seldom entertain formally, so areas such as the drawing room and dining room seldom get used. You can, however, put in some comfortable sofas, chairs, end tables, and coffee tables, and put in an expandable dining table, chairs, and breakfront in the dining room. You are most likely to use your kitchen as an area to not only prepare and cook food, and wash utensils and laundry, but also to serve family meals and entertain informally.
You can add electric floor warming systems for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements to make these areas of your home more comfortable. If you waterproof and ventilate your basement and use glass blocks to let in natural light, you can use it as a gym, study, home office, or home entertainment room. You will need to put in an intercom system so that you can not only make and receive calls in the basement, but also keep in touch with other family members.
To make your kitchen a visually appealing space, you can add countertops that complement or match the cabinetry, floor, or walls. Your countertops could be of granite, marble, wood, or stainless steel. To bring in more light into the kitchen, you can place a large ceiling fixture in the center of the kitchen, with track lights near the sink, range, and counter tops. You can also use warm colors for the kitchen walls and floor, add recessed lights and dimmers, and highlight your cabinets. You can use tiles, laminates, and hardwoods as flooring. Your cabinets can complement or match the colors used in the walls and flooring. You can even use stained glass panels for kitchen cabinets.
To make your bathroom a truly relaxing space, you can always add a steam shower, a body spa, or a comfortable bathtub where you can soak for hours and allow the tensions of the day to flow away from you. See that your bathroom is well-lit. If you are interested in chroma therapy, you will find several products, such as bathtubs, shower systems, and sinks, which feature chroma therapy options. You can also install multiple shower heads and a waterfall in the bathroom to get a spa-like experience. You can also include a large bathtub, fog-free mirrors, and a towel warmer for more comfort. The tiles and walls in your bathroom should be in warm colors. You can also put plants and pictures in the bathroom to give a lived-in feel, and replace the sink sunk in a counter top with a pedestal sink. Nowadays, sinks come in a variety of materials, such as glass, stainless steel, stone, and copper—you can select a material that suits you. Your vanity cabinet could be of stone, wood, or glass. You can select from a wide variety of faucets, including single-hole and single-lever, widespread, center set, and wall-mounted faucets.
At Total Remodeling, we can help you with home improvement ideas and projects. We can improve your home in line with modern trends, thus adding to its comfort and value.
About the author:
Dan Noyes
http://www.totalremodeling.com
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Showing posts with label Idea. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Idea. Show all posts
Monday, July 7, 2008
Time Saving Bathroom Cleaning Tips
Time Saving Bathroom Cleaning Tips
by: Joy Jackson
The bathroom is often the most used room in the house and because of this the hardest to clean and keep clean. By incorporating a few time saving bathroom cleaning tips into your regular routine, you can cut your cleaning time, save money on cleaning products and enjoy a cleaner
bathroom for longer periods of time.
When cleaning the bathroom, always start with the mirrors and shower doors. By cleaning from top to bottom you will save steps. The dirt from the mirrors and wall can sometimes fall to the floor. If done first, the dirt can then be cleaned in one step when you sweep and mop the floors.
To clean the mirrors and shower doors, you do not need an expensive commercial cleaner. The best cleaner and one that doesn't leave streaks, is a simple solution of water, white vinegar and rubbing alcohol. Simply add water, 1/3 cup of vinegar and 1⁄4 cup of rubbing alcohol to a spray bottle and shake gently to mix. Spray on glass surfaces and wipe with a clean white paper towel.
To clean grime and soap scum off the tub and shower stall you will need to use a two step process. First scrub the area with a white bristle brush to loosen grime and score the area so that a cleaner can penetrate it more readily. Next, spray or wipe on a concentrated orange-based commercial cleaning product. Allow the product to set for thirty minutes and the grime and soap scum should rinse right off.
After cleaning the tub and shower stall, coat the surfaces with an expensive car wax. If you do this twice a year it will help to repel dirt and cut cleaning time in half.
Another great time saving bathroom cleaning tip for your shower stall is to wipe away all of the water after each use. This will keep the dirt and grime from building up and make weekly cleaning a breeze.
After you have cleaned the big surfaces, it is time to clean the toilet and wipe down the counters, sinks and faucets. White vinegar is an inexpensive and effective cleaner for these jobs. Simply apply the white vinegar with a cloth and allow it to set for a few minutes. Then rinse the solution and wipe down the surfaces.
Other simple bathroom cleaning tips include the use of a bath rug outside the shower to collect water and dirt, the cleaning of your plastic shower curtain by tossing it in the washing machine with your dirty cleaning rags and the use of toothpaste and a scrub brush to shine and clean your ornate metal faucets.
About the author:
Joy Jackson is a full time mother of 4 children and Cleaning Tip Wizard. Her website offers inforamtion, articles and resources so your time is better spent than cleaning your house. http://www.theonlinemaid.com
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by: Joy Jackson
The bathroom is often the most used room in the house and because of this the hardest to clean and keep clean. By incorporating a few time saving bathroom cleaning tips into your regular routine, you can cut your cleaning time, save money on cleaning products and enjoy a cleaner
bathroom for longer periods of time.
When cleaning the bathroom, always start with the mirrors and shower doors. By cleaning from top to bottom you will save steps. The dirt from the mirrors and wall can sometimes fall to the floor. If done first, the dirt can then be cleaned in one step when you sweep and mop the floors.
To clean the mirrors and shower doors, you do not need an expensive commercial cleaner. The best cleaner and one that doesn't leave streaks, is a simple solution of water, white vinegar and rubbing alcohol. Simply add water, 1/3 cup of vinegar and 1⁄4 cup of rubbing alcohol to a spray bottle and shake gently to mix. Spray on glass surfaces and wipe with a clean white paper towel.
To clean grime and soap scum off the tub and shower stall you will need to use a two step process. First scrub the area with a white bristle brush to loosen grime and score the area so that a cleaner can penetrate it more readily. Next, spray or wipe on a concentrated orange-based commercial cleaning product. Allow the product to set for thirty minutes and the grime and soap scum should rinse right off.
After cleaning the tub and shower stall, coat the surfaces with an expensive car wax. If you do this twice a year it will help to repel dirt and cut cleaning time in half.
Another great time saving bathroom cleaning tip for your shower stall is to wipe away all of the water after each use. This will keep the dirt and grime from building up and make weekly cleaning a breeze.
After you have cleaned the big surfaces, it is time to clean the toilet and wipe down the counters, sinks and faucets. White vinegar is an inexpensive and effective cleaner for these jobs. Simply apply the white vinegar with a cloth and allow it to set for a few minutes. Then rinse the solution and wipe down the surfaces.
Other simple bathroom cleaning tips include the use of a bath rug outside the shower to collect water and dirt, the cleaning of your plastic shower curtain by tossing it in the washing machine with your dirty cleaning rags and the use of toothpaste and a scrub brush to shine and clean your ornate metal faucets.
About the author:
Joy Jackson is a full time mother of 4 children and Cleaning Tip Wizard. Her website offers inforamtion, articles and resources so your time is better spent than cleaning your house. http://www.theonlinemaid.com
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9 Ways To Inexpensively Decorate Your Bathroom
9 Ways To Inexpensively Decorate Your Bathroom
by: Samantha Birch
The bathroom has evolved over the past decades from a strictly useful and functional room to one that is similar to a spa. And just because there aren't thousands of dollars available for decorating doesn't mean that a bath can't be unique, dramatic and thoroughly satisfying. Here are nine frugal ways to spice up any bathroom.
1. Collections of inexpensive mirrors add both light and space to any bathroom. They reflect colors, faces and other decorations and add character and interest . Mirrors are much more effective when grouped together rather than being a scattered mass simply hanging on a wall.
2. Pictures or prints can be massed on a wall. For maximum impact hang them closely together rather than separated. Pictures can be striking if they have a 'theme', such as:
* Black and white photos - no color
* Older shots - from the 1930s or 1940s, for instance
* The frames are all an identical color
* The frames or photos have a uniqueness in common - oval shapes, women only, pets
This decorating tactic works best in a powder room, rather than a full bathroom, because of the high moisture.
3. Needlework makes a striking wall accent. For instance, sampler patterns from Colonial America are easily available and a few samplers grouped on a wall create a totally unique bathroom.
4. For color and charm, throw a rug on the floor. In a dull or drab bathroom, a rag rug or oriental carpet will add charm and beauty. Just be certain to use a non-skid pad underneath, especially if anyone will be stepping out of a tub or shower.
5. Collections can spark interest and admiration. Pottery is an unusual accent piece for any bathroom. Or you might consider old bottles, perfume atomizers, shaving mugs or other flea market collectibles. One especially exciting bathroom included replicas of old bottles with genuine antique stoppers made of silver and fashioned into old-time designs.
In a bathroom, be certain there is ample space for your collectibles, like a wide shelf with a lip or a generous window sill. Broken pottery or glass isn't helpful in any room - but it's especially destructive in a bathroom.
6. Color is, of course, the quickest, cheapest and easiest way alter any bathroom. Unusual colors on a bathroom wall, like melon, chocolate brown or peach, will add drama. Accents like brightly colored towels in a monochromatic bathroom will provide an outstanding accent.
7. Architectural details can spark interest. A piece of beaded or crown molding halfway up the wall or near the ceiling can transform a room, especially if it's painted a funky color. A more elaborate addition would be grooved paneling over half the wall. Even a shelf or picture rail adds interest.
8. Add living color with plants or freshly cut flowers. The energy of plants is soothing and creates a zen-like atmosphere that is very conducive to relaxation and letting go of stress.
9. A piece of furniture, space permitting, can add unusual detail to any bathroom. Furniture need not be expensive. Most Goodwill or Salvation Army stores will have a battered piece of furniture that can be revived with sanding, paint and some unusual and classy handles or knobs.
All nine of these ideas won't fit every bathroom, nor should they. Simply choose one or two, as your budget permits, and begin slowly adding details. And don't forget the 'before and after' pictures!
About the author:
Read dozens of articles & constant new information on home decorating, furniture, unique home decor, home interiors & gifts, including a home blog, books on decorating and weekly specials.
http://online-home-shop.com
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by: Samantha Birch
The bathroom has evolved over the past decades from a strictly useful and functional room to one that is similar to a spa. And just because there aren't thousands of dollars available for decorating doesn't mean that a bath can't be unique, dramatic and thoroughly satisfying. Here are nine frugal ways to spice up any bathroom.
1. Collections of inexpensive mirrors add both light and space to any bathroom. They reflect colors, faces and other decorations and add character and interest . Mirrors are much more effective when grouped together rather than being a scattered mass simply hanging on a wall.
2. Pictures or prints can be massed on a wall. For maximum impact hang them closely together rather than separated. Pictures can be striking if they have a 'theme', such as:
* Black and white photos - no color
* Older shots - from the 1930s or 1940s, for instance
* The frames are all an identical color
* The frames or photos have a uniqueness in common - oval shapes, women only, pets
This decorating tactic works best in a powder room, rather than a full bathroom, because of the high moisture.
3. Needlework makes a striking wall accent. For instance, sampler patterns from Colonial America are easily available and a few samplers grouped on a wall create a totally unique bathroom.
4. For color and charm, throw a rug on the floor. In a dull or drab bathroom, a rag rug or oriental carpet will add charm and beauty. Just be certain to use a non-skid pad underneath, especially if anyone will be stepping out of a tub or shower.
5. Collections can spark interest and admiration. Pottery is an unusual accent piece for any bathroom. Or you might consider old bottles, perfume atomizers, shaving mugs or other flea market collectibles. One especially exciting bathroom included replicas of old bottles with genuine antique stoppers made of silver and fashioned into old-time designs.
In a bathroom, be certain there is ample space for your collectibles, like a wide shelf with a lip or a generous window sill. Broken pottery or glass isn't helpful in any room - but it's especially destructive in a bathroom.
6. Color is, of course, the quickest, cheapest and easiest way alter any bathroom. Unusual colors on a bathroom wall, like melon, chocolate brown or peach, will add drama. Accents like brightly colored towels in a monochromatic bathroom will provide an outstanding accent.
7. Architectural details can spark interest. A piece of beaded or crown molding halfway up the wall or near the ceiling can transform a room, especially if it's painted a funky color. A more elaborate addition would be grooved paneling over half the wall. Even a shelf or picture rail adds interest.
8. Add living color with plants or freshly cut flowers. The energy of plants is soothing and creates a zen-like atmosphere that is very conducive to relaxation and letting go of stress.
9. A piece of furniture, space permitting, can add unusual detail to any bathroom. Furniture need not be expensive. Most Goodwill or Salvation Army stores will have a battered piece of furniture that can be revived with sanding, paint and some unusual and classy handles or knobs.
All nine of these ideas won't fit every bathroom, nor should they. Simply choose one or two, as your budget permits, and begin slowly adding details. And don't forget the 'before and after' pictures!
About the author:
Read dozens of articles & constant new information on home decorating, furniture, unique home decor, home interiors & gifts, including a home blog, books on decorating and weekly specials.
http://online-home-shop.com
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You may have found the most up-to-date advice with reference to bathrooms
You may have found the most up-to-date advice with reference to bathrooms.
by: Tom
Often when you are looking for better information relating to bathrooms, it'll be complex separating value packed information from reckless bathrooms submissions and help so it is imperative to know how to judge the information you are presented with.
Elegant Linens: Bath Linens & Towels
Sells Egyptian cotton hand towels, bath towels, bath mats, and wash clothes to interior designers and innkeepers.
Now we'd like to give you some advice which we think you should use when you are searching for information about bathrooms. You need to understand that the advice we are giving you is only relevant to internet information about bathrooms. Unfortunately we are unable to provide any advice or guidance for researching in 'real world' situations.
Linen Company: Hotel Shower Curtains
Sells wholesale linen products for hotels and restaurants including table coverings, bedding and bathroom supplies.
An excellent tip to follow when you are presented with information or advice on a bathrooms page is to ascertain who owns the site. This may show you the people behind the site bathrooms identifications The easiest way to find out who is behind the bathrooms website is to look on the 'about' page or 'contact' page.
All respectable sites giving you information on bathrooms, will nearly always have a 'contact', or an 'about', page which will record the site owner's contact details. The fine points should tell some advice about the owner's necessary expertise. You can then arrive at a decision about the vendor's insight and appreciation, to offer recommendations concerning bathrooms.
About the author:
Tom Brown is the webmaster for http://www.hession-brindabella.info
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by: Tom
Often when you are looking for better information relating to bathrooms, it'll be complex separating value packed information from reckless bathrooms submissions and help so it is imperative to know how to judge the information you are presented with.
Elegant Linens: Bath Linens & Towels
Sells Egyptian cotton hand towels, bath towels, bath mats, and wash clothes to interior designers and innkeepers.
Now we'd like to give you some advice which we think you should use when you are searching for information about bathrooms. You need to understand that the advice we are giving you is only relevant to internet information about bathrooms. Unfortunately we are unable to provide any advice or guidance for researching in 'real world' situations.
Linen Company: Hotel Shower Curtains
Sells wholesale linen products for hotels and restaurants including table coverings, bedding and bathroom supplies.
An excellent tip to follow when you are presented with information or advice on a bathrooms page is to ascertain who owns the site. This may show you the people behind the site bathrooms identifications The easiest way to find out who is behind the bathrooms website is to look on the 'about' page or 'contact' page.
All respectable sites giving you information on bathrooms, will nearly always have a 'contact', or an 'about', page which will record the site owner's contact details. The fine points should tell some advice about the owner's necessary expertise. You can then arrive at a decision about the vendor's insight and appreciation, to offer recommendations concerning bathrooms.
About the author:
Tom Brown is the webmaster for http://www.hession-brindabella.info
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Key Bathroom Remodeling Ideas
Key Bathroom Remodeling Ideas -
by: Ken Marlborough
One of the simplest ways to start planning your bathroom remodeling is to tour other bathrooms to get bathroom remodeling ideas. Pay attention to what you like and don't like. Scoop out friends' bathrooms when you visit, tour houses for sale, check out design magazines, and cruise the Internet for inspiration. Ask yourself questions to generate your own bathroom remodeling ideas.
Do you want a soothing bathroom for relaxation or a practical, functional bathroom for busy mornings? If relaxation is your goal, try separating the space into areas to pamper you. Have soft lighting near your tub, a cozy dressing area with plenty of space to try on outfits, and a bench in between two vanities so you can sit while getting ready. If you want a more utilitarian space, use different types of storage to keep everything in its place and at arm's reach. Use simple, elegant containers to group your supplies. Keep hair care tools in one area, shower supplies in another. Pay attention to how you get ready in the morning and design your bathroom remodeling about how you operate. For a clean look, line the storage containers flush with the wall.
If you share the bathroom in the mornings, add special features to help control the space. If you put your makeup on over the bathroom sink, add a separate sink and mirror for you to put on your make-up while your partner brushes his or her teeth at the other sink with no bumping into each other.
Also avoid recessed lights. These lights may set the right mood, but they will put your mirror in shadows. You want clear, bright light for applying makeup or shaving.
Put the shower and toilet in a separate area so one person can groom while the other bathes. Alternatively, move the prep center into the bathroom. It will free bathroom space and cost a fraction of a bathroom remodel.
If space is at a premium, then storage is your answer. Build up with cabinets -- even kitchen cabinets -- or shelves. Put the things you use all the time at eyelevel, and the extra towels above. Put your things in their place with different, stylish storage containers either on shelves or on the ground. In a small room, make sure to keep only the things you actually need. Useless clutter will make the bathroom seem smaller.
Mount cabinets to the wall so that they open up floor space. Use a sliding pocket door to tuck your bathroom door away. Keeping your color scheme neutral will quiet the space. Use different shades of the same color all over the bathroom, and use brighter colors and accents. Also use different textures like wooden baskets, smooth tile, and soft towels to add interest, and mirrors to stretch the space.
If the bathroom is dark, don't be afraid to add windows or skylights to brighten the space. But don't block the windows with fancy curtains. Keep the windows simple to keep a small bathroom neat and bright.
Don't limit yourself to only fixtures in the bathroom section. Check out cabinets, faucets, and tiles for the kitchen or outdoors. You never know what bathroom remodeling ideas will inspire you.
About the author:
Bathroom Remodeling Info provides detailed information on bathroom remodeling ideas, costs, plans, and checklists. Bathroom Remodeling Info is the sister site of Kitchen Remodeling Web.
Circulated by Article Emporium
by: Ken Marlborough
One of the simplest ways to start planning your bathroom remodeling is to tour other bathrooms to get bathroom remodeling ideas. Pay attention to what you like and don't like. Scoop out friends' bathrooms when you visit, tour houses for sale, check out design magazines, and cruise the Internet for inspiration. Ask yourself questions to generate your own bathroom remodeling ideas.
Do you want a soothing bathroom for relaxation or a practical, functional bathroom for busy mornings? If relaxation is your goal, try separating the space into areas to pamper you. Have soft lighting near your tub, a cozy dressing area with plenty of space to try on outfits, and a bench in between two vanities so you can sit while getting ready. If you want a more utilitarian space, use different types of storage to keep everything in its place and at arm's reach. Use simple, elegant containers to group your supplies. Keep hair care tools in one area, shower supplies in another. Pay attention to how you get ready in the morning and design your bathroom remodeling about how you operate. For a clean look, line the storage containers flush with the wall.
If you share the bathroom in the mornings, add special features to help control the space. If you put your makeup on over the bathroom sink, add a separate sink and mirror for you to put on your make-up while your partner brushes his or her teeth at the other sink with no bumping into each other.
Also avoid recessed lights. These lights may set the right mood, but they will put your mirror in shadows. You want clear, bright light for applying makeup or shaving.
Put the shower and toilet in a separate area so one person can groom while the other bathes. Alternatively, move the prep center into the bathroom. It will free bathroom space and cost a fraction of a bathroom remodel.
If space is at a premium, then storage is your answer. Build up with cabinets -- even kitchen cabinets -- or shelves. Put the things you use all the time at eyelevel, and the extra towels above. Put your things in their place with different, stylish storage containers either on shelves or on the ground. In a small room, make sure to keep only the things you actually need. Useless clutter will make the bathroom seem smaller.
Mount cabinets to the wall so that they open up floor space. Use a sliding pocket door to tuck your bathroom door away. Keeping your color scheme neutral will quiet the space. Use different shades of the same color all over the bathroom, and use brighter colors and accents. Also use different textures like wooden baskets, smooth tile, and soft towels to add interest, and mirrors to stretch the space.
If the bathroom is dark, don't be afraid to add windows or skylights to brighten the space. But don't block the windows with fancy curtains. Keep the windows simple to keep a small bathroom neat and bright.
Don't limit yourself to only fixtures in the bathroom section. Check out cabinets, faucets, and tiles for the kitchen or outdoors. You never know what bathroom remodeling ideas will inspire you.
About the author:
Bathroom Remodeling Info provides detailed information on bathroom remodeling ideas, costs, plans, and checklists. Bathroom Remodeling Info is the sister site of Kitchen Remodeling Web.
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