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Complete your wall decor with Decorative Plates
- Posted at 1:36 AM on 5/15/2007 by Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Complete your wall decor with Decorative Plates
Match your decorative plates with cabinets, doorknobs, and furniture hardware. With the wide variety available, you can also tailor them to table lamps and other light fixtures. Since wall plates come in all shapes and sizes, you can match them to the curves of your furniture placement. Matching will cleverly enhance featured pieces in a room without distracting from their appeal. In addition to decorative plate style, you may want to consider changing the switch itself. Dimmer switches are available as dials, slides, touch pads, and combinations of each. The ability to adjust lighting in each room of your home provides you a way to highlight specific room features or set the appropriate mood. Decorative plates, often taken for granted, are a versatile design element. They can be romantic, sophisticated, sleek, or fun. First decide what you need your decorative plate to do for a room, and then shop for it as seriously as you would shop for furniture, wall coverings, or carpet. About the AuthorJohann Erickson is the owner of Online Discount Mart Please include an active link to our site if you'd like to reprint this article. ...Bathroom Remodel The Plan Bathroom Remodel - The Plan Bathroom+remodeling Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Bathroom Remodel - The Plan Author: David Foy Planning a bathroom remodel? Each home project of this nature can be broken down into 5 distinct steps. Following through each step will help this often confusing process make more sense and produce a better outcome.Bathroom DesignAsk yourself the question - "What will I have when I'm finished". Similar to planning a road-trip, a successful build project begins with an effective vision of what you want. This step is vital even if you intend to hire a professional to complete the job.Choosing hardware and materialsEvery bathroom remodel varies in the level of work and expense involved. To save a bit of cash you may want to consider refinishing a tub instead of replacing it. Often times a refinishing a bathroom tub will cost less than half price of replacing it. Old bathroom vanities and sinks are often the spark that ignites the bathroom remodeling process to begin with. Spend time at the hardware store to get some quick ideas on vanities, tubs and showers.When choosing a vanity, consider:Storage area - is the vanity designed in such a way that you'll be using all the space availableDrawer space vs. cabinet space - take a look at your current "inventory" of stuff - do you need more or less drawers for convenient storageIntegrated sink - a vanity with an integrated sink will make quick clean up a snap.Project BudgetRegardless of whether you are financing your bathroom remodel or paying cash setting a firm and realistic budget will help you make other decisions. Using a professional will provide the best result for the money you spend. You may consider doing demolition and preparation work yourself to save a bit of money.Divide and conquer - (Delegate the work)Prior to starting your project make as complete a list as possible regarding the tasks involved. If you are using a contractor, you may want to discuss with them how you can effectively be involved to help reduce expenses without "getting in the way" of a good job.Start!Although planning is an essential beginning to any successful project, nothing will change until you START the process. So get started already!About The AuthorContractors-Search.com provides articles and information on home improvement. Click here for more details http://www.contractors-search.com/a/publish/index.shtml ... Antibacterial cleaners are more harmful than good Antibacterial cleaners are more harmful than good. Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Antibacterial cleaners are more harmful than good. Author: Sherri Z. Jones When I was growing up, we cleaned everything with hot, soapy water. When we cleaned the bathroom, the kitchen, anything. We got a bucket of hot water, poured some dish soap in it, enough to get some suds going, and we cleaned. No problems. No one got violently ill as a result. Today, we have antibacterial soaps and sprays. They all seem to have that orangish iodine color to them. Maybe we associate that color with disinfectants. I don't know. When we are done in the kitchen out comes the spray bottle and all the counters get sprayed down and wiped clean. You can stand back and see the shine. What you can't see are the millions of bacteria that you have just killed. The claim is that the antibacterial sprays will kill 99.9% of the bacteria. Well, that leaves .1% of the bacteria that wasn't killed. Hmmm, what happened? You want to kill ALL of the bacteria don't you? What happened is what is known simply as survival of the fittest. Only the strongest of the bacteria survived. In the 1950's we started to see the effects of penicillin lessen. The "bugs" were starting to build an immunity to the penicillin. When you use antibacterial sprays and soaps you are putting yourself in a similar situation. You are breeding a stronger organism. Over exposure of any antibacterial agent to the bacteria themselves allow this resistance to happen. So, the next time you pull out that spray bottle, you may want to ask yourself what kind of bacteria you want on your countertops. after all, the bacteria will always be there. You can do nothing about that. You just need to decide if you want normal bacteria... or genetically superior bacteria. This is why I still use hot soapy water. It works just fine. About the AuthorSherri is co-owner of an on line pharmacy ... Add A Splash Of Color To Your Bathroom With A New Add A Splash Of Color To Your Bathroom With A New Shower Curtain! Bathroom+decor Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Add A Splash Of Color To Your Bathroom With A New Shower Curtain! Author: Caroline Smith If your bathroom is looking a bit tired, but you don’t have the money to spend on refurbishing it, then a simple touch such as adding a new shower curtain could work wonders. If you are on a budget then a shower curtain is an inexpensive way to instantly liven up your bathroom and give it a fresh new look. As well as looking good, a shower curtain is a practical way to prevent water spraying out into the rest of the bathroom and damaging your furnishings.Shower curtains come all kinds of different designs, so whatever your personal style and the color scheme in your bathroom you are sure to find something that will look great. Many people like to have a specific theme in their bathroom décor and try to find a shower curtain to fit in with this. For example, aquatic and nautical themes are very popular. You can find a wide range of shower curtains along these lines, with images such as dolphins, fish and sailboats in loads of different colors.In addition to images, there are an enormous variety of different patterns when it comes to shower curtains. All kinds of stripes, polka dots and plaid designs can be found. There is also a fantastic selection of shower curtains designed especially for children, which can be a great addition to bath times.These days shower curtains can be made from several types of material, most of which can be easily cleaned in a washing machine. Plastic and polyester are widely available. Cotton ones can also be found, but it is worth checking if you will need to buy a separate liner to make sure your curtain is waterproof. Liners can be bought at low prices from the same stores that sell shower curtains. You will also need to have a rod or rail to hang your curtain from. These are easy to install above a bathtub or shower stall. Shower rods and hooks come in a choice of different finishes, so you can find something to match your other bathroom fixtures.So, if you want to smarten up your bathroom on a budget, sometimes the simplest option, such as a new shower curtain, can be remarkably effective!Caroline Smith is a successful freelance writer who has written many articles for http://www.showers-bathrooms.com, your one stop source for finding the best deals on bathroom vanities, shower stalls, shower curtains, bathroom fixtures and much much more! ... Preparing your Home for Showing Preparing your Home for Showing Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Preparing your Home for Showing Author: Adem Martin del Campo Remember that when you are preparing your home for showing to prospective buyers, you are painting a picture, no a work of art. When selling a home you are working on a person's emotions, so be sure to keep that in mind. This will be the place the buyer creates new memories.Organizing your homeThe first place to start is cleaning and organizing. The easiest way to tackle this is to have a plan. Organizing and removing clutter should be the first task. Remove as much clutter as possible. You want to create the illusion of space without looking too sparse. If you have a buffet table with a lot of chatchkies on it, be sure to remove some of them to open up the area. If your living room is cluttered with a lot of furniture remove a few pieces. This will again give the illusion of a bigger room.Cleaning your homeNow that you have organized it is time to CLEAN. Where I like to start is with the bathrooms. Be sure to clean the toilet bowls. This is a good indication of how the rest of the house was maintained.Clean the baths and showers, removing all water stain from the tile, and glass doors in showers. A great way to remove hard water stains on glass and tile is by using toilet bowl cleaner. The hydrogen chloride dissolves the minerals that create the spots (learned this from doing acid washes on pools, and having to clean the tile with toilet bowl cleaner). Some cautions about doing this, be sure to use protective rubber gloves on your hands, and do not let the solution stay on any chrome or brass metal like the fixtures. Extended exposure can remove the finish from the fixture. Simply wipe once with the bowl cleaner on a sponge to remove the water spots, then quickly rinse with water for any metallic fixtures. For the tub, shower, and tile around them, I get a bucket of hot water, and squirt some of the bowl cleaner into it. Next I use a nylon bristle brush to scrub the tile. If you encounter a spot that is stubborn go ahead and squirt some of the bowl cleaner directly on the spot, and scrub with your brush. Once you have scrubbed the entire area rinse with warm water. I just use the removable showerhead to rinse. Next you will want to dry the entire tub and tile with a towel. After everything has had time to dry fully, I use carnauba wax for cars on all the metallic fixtures. After you apply it, let it haze, then buff with a terry cloth towel. This makes your chrome or brass really shine. The same steps can be used on your sink and faucet.Now it is time to clean the mirror(s). I use a dilution of Ammonia in water. Ammonia is what glass cleaners contain to remove streaks. Since you only need a little bit of ammonia it is a lot less expensive than name brand glass cleaners. After the mirror is dry you can use the carnauba wax on it as well.Be sure the floor is clean. If it needs cleaning, I use another dilution of ammonia in hot water. The ammonia removes the oils from your feet and other bathroom grime.Now that your bathrooms are spotless it is time for dusting, and I'm not talking with a rag.DustingNow when I clean I don't conform to the conventional. I dust the house with the vacuum. Yes I said the vacuum. Dusting with a rag only moves the dust. Vacuuming it gets it out of the house. Most homeowners have a vacuum that has attachments like a brush, and an edging tool.Some of the most important areas to remember to vacuum are the corners of walls (great hiding place for cobwebs), the tops of your baseboards, picture frames, and window tracks.I also use the brush attachment to clean my electronics, like the TV, stereo, and computers. Use the brush attachment to dust all your furniture.Clean the WindowsNow it is time to clean your windows. Clean windows (inside and out) again shows that you have maintained the house well since you lived there. Inside the house you can use the diluted ammonia, and clean like you would normally. For the outside it is a good idea to first use the garden hose to clean the outside of the window and the screen. Dirty screens are a no no. Next remove your screens so they can dry. To clean the outside windows I use a squeegee. If you do not have one you will need to do one extra step. Using a squeegee, I get a bucket of warm water with dish soap in it. Use a rag like you would to wash your car, and wash the window. After you scrub it use the squeegee, and be sure to wipe the blade dry after every swipe. Be sure to wipe the edges of the window with a different dry cloth than the one you use to dry the squeegee. This will ensure a perfectly clean window.If you do not have a squeegee, then still wash the window with warm soapy water. Dry off with a separate rag, and then use your diluted ammonia to clean the window like you did inside the house.Now that your windows are clean remember to replace the screens once they are dry.Vacuuming your homeNow that the windows are clean, it is time to vacuum the floor. Everyone loves to see vacuum marks on the carpet. The best way to keep them in tact is to start vacuuming in the opposite corner of the door, so you can exit the room without stepping on the rest of the carpet. This is hard to accomplish in a room like your living room, but do the best you can.Your house is now clean and organized, and almost ready to show.Completing your work of artThere are just a few more things to do before you show your house. First thing you will want to do is open your drapes and blinds, so there is a lot of light in the house. Also turn on the lights in every room, even if there is a window in that room. If you have ever been in a model home you will notice that they do this as well. Lots of light makes the home more inviting and cheery. The final thing you will need to do the morning you are showing your home is bake chocolate chip cookies. Remember you are painting a picture here, and the sense of smell is closely tied to memory. "Oh ya the house with the cookies," it what the buyers will remember.You have now been armed with all the tools and tips you need to make your home the easiest to sell.About the AuthorAdem Martin del Campo is the owner of Las Vegas Home For Sale by Owner, and knows the business of buying and selling homes.Visit his site today: http://www.lasvegashomeforsalebyowner.com/ ... Planning your DIY project Planning your DIY project Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Planning your DIY project Author: Alan Woodbridge Ready to start your first serious DIY project? Read through the checklist below to make sure you are well prepared to start - and finish! - the job:1. Do an overview of the project, making sure that you understand all its requirements. Sometimes imagining that you have been hired to do the job may help you take a better perspective on what it will take to complete the task.2. Be realistic about your expectations. If you are just a beginning DIYer, consider completing a few small projects (like putting up shelves or fixing a garden fence) before attempting a major one. Ideally, for your first big DIY project you should select an area where it will least affect your lifestyle if left unfinished - for example, your basement or outdoors. Don't attempt replumbing the house as your first project!3. Know where to seek help if needed. Your sources might include DIY books and magazines, relevant web sites, and DIY-savvy friends and relatives. If you are about to venture into a completely new territory, you might find it helpful to hire a professional for a few hours and try to learn the essential techniques from them.4. Make a list of materials you need - and buy them all BEFORE you start the project. This will minimize the need for frustrating runs to the store, allowing you to completely focus on the job.There are many online tools available for estimating the quantity of materials (like paint or tiles) that you need for a project - make use of those to save time. Some useful online estimators can be found here: http://www.construction-resource.com/construction-calculator.php. (It is also a good time saving idea to add about 10% to your calculated material requirements to allow for waste.)5. Make a realistic budget. Remember to budget for little things such as nails, screws, hinges etc. The little things, when combined, tend to add up to significant amounts that are often overlooked during the planning stage.6. Make a schedule. Be sure to allow for unexpected delays or having to redo parts of the project. If you project is based outdoors, don't forget to take weather conditions into account. Consider how possible interruptions in the project are likely to affect your daily routines, and plan accordingly. For example, if your place has only one bathroom, you would want to finish any bathroom renovation project as quickly as possible.As with material estimators, there are time estimates available online and in printed sources on how long it takes to complete certain tasks. Again, adding 10% to the suggested time requirement may save you unnecessary frustration.Remember that every project is unique. Think where you are most likely to encounter problems, and allow extra time for figuring out solutions. Some problems are fixed pretty quickly - it is figuring out how to do it that can be time consuming.7. Know what motivates you best and have a strategy on how to stay motivated. It is important to understand what motivational strategy works best for you, and use it consistently. Have a clear goal in mind all the time while you are on the project. Asking yourself two simple questions - "what will happen if I do?" and "what will happen if I don't?"- is one effective motivational technique. This is especially true in the case of DIY, where your actions or lack thereof are likely to have immediate - and tangible - results.8. Last but not least - don't beat yourself when something does not go according to plan, especially if you are just starting out. This includes bad time estimates that tend to be the number one cause of frustration in DIYers. Remember that no job is exactly the same no matter how many times you do it, so you cannot possibly plan for everything. That said, your estimating and project management skills should improve over time. About the AuthorAlan Woodbridge writes about DIY projects, home improvement, and personal motivation. He is a member of the team that runs DIYProjects.info: http://www.diyprojects.info ... Kitchen and Bathroom Blinds Kitchen and Bathroom Blinds Bathroom+remodeling Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Kitchen and Bathroom Blinds Author: Garry John There are some important considerations when treating kitchen and bathroom windows. With the unique conditions that exist in these rooms it is important to choose blinds that suit. This article looks at some of the things to ponder when choosing bathroom and kitchen blinds. When decorating a bathroom or kitchen, most people make the error of regarding this private sanctuary like any other room in the residence. The reality is that the bathroom has different requirements than any other room in the house. With showers running and baths being drawn, bathrooms are necessarily humid spaces. The damp climate requires consideration when decorating plans are being crafted and created. Similiar conditions can apply to kitchens and there are a great deal of similiarities between kitchen blinds (http://www.window-blinds.org.uk/kitchen.html) and those found in the bathroom. When work is being done on a bathroom, due consideration must be made for obtaining water repellant and water resistant materials. This holds true for everything that is a part of a bathroom remodeling job, including bathroom blinds that are selected for the space. As mentioned, one of the main decorating factors that must be considered in planning for a bathroom rehab is the generally damp nature of the space. In most instances, it is advisable to avoid using heavy fabrics in window treatments intended for a bathroom. In little time, substantial fabric pieces can fall victim to serious mildew and end up virtually rotting off the rods. Consequently, a bright designer normally would elect to utilize smart looking blinds when undertaking a bathroom deco job. Three major choices exist for a person interested in sprucing up a bathroom with attractive looking blinds. First of all, aluminum blinds (http://www.window-blinds.org.uk/aluminium.html) are ideal for bathroom settings. Obviously, these types of blinds will not be effected particularly by any lingering dampness in the bathroom space. Additionally, aluminum bathroom blinds (http://www.window-blinds.org.uk/bathroom.htm) come in a wide choice of designs that blend beautifully with any overall design concept. Indeed, it is hard to imagine that a person styling a bathroom will not be able to find precisely the precise colour of blinds for the space. Another choice for bathrooms are faux wooden blinds. With the manner in which such blinds are being crafted and created today, an observer can only tell that the blinds are not the real things upon very close inspection. Finally, in some instances, wooden blinds (http://www.window-blinds.org.uk/wooden.html) are appropriate for a bathroom. However, it is imperative that the wood actually used in such blinds be well treated with appropriate water sealants to make certain that they are not harmed or damaged by the humid tendencies of the bathroom space. It is the case that most families spend the greatest amount of time hovering all about the kitchen. While people may spend a good deal of time in the living, great or family rooms plopped in front of the telly, the reality is that most of activity in the vast majority of households take place in the kitchen. Just like you need special bathroom blinds for the bathroom, the kitchen needs its own specialist versions. The kitchen is a dichotomy for most decorators. The kitchen is all at once a productive space in the household but it is also an important point of family life and should be decorated to reflect the same. The kitchen is a practical, functioning space that needs to not only allow for work but must also be charming and pleasant in its overall décor. Window treatments are an important aspect of the inclusive decorating scheme for the kitchen. Most kitchens in recent years are architecturally designed to take the greatest advantage of sunlight. Thus, window space has tended to be maximized in both construction and remodeling blue prints for the past decade when it comes to the kitchen space. Flouncing draperies are not the best alternative for a kitchen. As mentioned, in a space that is designed and designated both for work and looks, hanging drapes can be impractical at least and a hazard in the worst case scenario. Blinds are the ideal treatments for a kitchen and in this day and age there are a wide number of blinds to choose from when it comes to making decisions for a kitchen. Venetian blinds (http://www.window-blinds.org.uk/venetian.html) and similar slated variaties are gaining in popularity in the kitchen and this is largely due to the fact that slated blinds are ideal in settings that are high in traffic and in which a good deal of work is undertaken. More often than not treated wooden blinds and aluminum blinds are being used kitchens. In the end, there are many varieties of blinds to choose from when it comes to decorating the kitchen. And, these blinds that are available on the market perfectly blend the practical and attractive sides of the working kitchen environment in the 21st century. About The AuthorGarry John is a regular contributor to home improvement sites such as window blinds (http://www.window-blinds.eu.com). This article was posted on April 05, 2005 ... If You Think Mold and Mildew Hibernate During The If You Think Mold and Mildew Hibernate During The Winter, Think Again! Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP If You Think Mold and Mildew Hibernate During The Winter, Think Again! Author: Peter Chicarielli Please accept the following article submission:Publishing Guidelines: Permission is granted to publish this article in its entirety in print or online as long as the resource box is included without modification and all links are included in print publications and active in online publications. A courtesy copy or link is requested upon publication.Article Title:If You Think Mold and Mildew Hibernate During The Winter, Think Again!Article URL: www.instagoneproducts.comAuthor Name: Peter ChicarielliAuthor E-Mail: intagone@optonline.comWord Count: 548Article Description: If you associate mold and mildew stains with the summer months, you'd be correct. The hot and humid weather provides a perfect environment for rapid mold and mildew growth. The winter however, despite cold temperatures in much of the country is not a mold and mildew-free season by any means. The president of InstaGone Consumer Products, Peter Chicarielli explains how to remove winter mold and mildew stains.****************************ARTICLE*****If You Think Mold and Mildew Hibernate During The Winter, Think Again!If you associate mold and mildew stains with the summer months, you'd be correct. The hot and humid weather provides a perfect environment for rapid mold and mildew growth. The winter however, despite cold temperatures in much of the country is not a mold and mildew-free season by any means. In fact, the development of mold and mildew stains can actually be intensified during the winter. That's because people tend to lock-down their houses to prevent cold air from coming in and heat from escaping. The reduced circulation of fresh air results in a higher concentration of airborne spores which in turn, can increase the likelihood of mold and mildew stains on ceilings, walls or other surfaces.In a warm house, mold and mildew will continue to grow in areas such as basements, attics and crawl spaces. Once the Christmas decorations are put away, emerging mold and mildew growth has a free, undisturbed ride until Memorial Day when the summer gear gets pulled out.The worst-case scenario is mold that silently grows behind a wall, under flooring or above acoustical ceiling tiles. This type of mold growth is usually caused by a leak that wasn't repaired properly, or if it was repaired, the surrounding area wasn't sufficiently dried or treated before covering it with new drywall, tile, etc. If any part of your house has water damage history, it should be inspected carefully.There have been many newspaper articles and news reports about families being forced to move from their homes and school closings due to toxic mold. But despite the media hype, most of the mold people encounter is usually the harmless, gross-looking variety. The jury may be out on what the health effects of certain types of mold are, but the fact is that there is usually a point of origin and mold growth is a fairly slow process. For those concerned about mold and mildew stains, here's a simple, four-step plan that should be followed all year long:1) Inspect - Look for early signs of mold and mildew in places such as basements, shower areas, walls that house water pipes, ceilings, etc. 2) Repair - Fix plumbing leaks, drain clogs, roof leaks or poor bathroom ventilation that can encourage mold growth. 3) Remove - Treat emerging mold and mildew thoroughly with a powerful cleaning product such as InstaGone Multi-Purpose Stain Remover. 4) Restore - Once mold and mildew stains have been treated with an effective cleaning solutions such as InstaGone, let the area dry thoroughly, apply a mold resistant primer and repaint the area. The use of long rubber gloves, non-vented goggles and a chemical respirator to limit your exposure to mold are recommended. If you have an area of mold larger than 3 feet by 3 feet, have severe allergies or have been experiencing symptoms such as headaches and difficulty breathing, it's best to avoid the health risk, and call a certified mold remediation specialist immediately.About the AuthorAbout The Author:Peter Chicarielli is the president of InstaGone Consumer Products, the manufacturer of InstaGone Multi-Purpose Stain Remover and Quick-10 Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner. Mr. Chicarielli is a frequent QVC guest and the author of several articles on stain removal. For more information visit http://www.instagoneproducts.com ... How to finance a new extension How to finance a new extension? Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP How to finance a new extension? Author: John Mussi Want to improve the look of your property? Want to add value to your property?The extension plans are ready but the finances are not.Rather than waiting another year why not consider a Home Improvement Loan.Make the dream become reality with a UK Home Improvement Loan.Are you planning an extension to your home, a new kitchen, would you like to have double glazing, a new conservatory, patio, or a new heating system, or are you undertaking the general up keep of your home but finding it hard to pay for?A Home improvement Loan could be the easiest and cheapest way to make improvements to your home. A UK Home Improvement Loan is a low cost, low rate, cheap, low interest loan secured on your UK property. As the home owner, it frees you up to do whatever improvements you want on your property. With a UK Home Improvement Loan you can borrow from £5,000 to £75,000 with low monthly repayments. The loan can be repaid over any term between 5 and 25 years, depending on your available income and the amount of equity in the property that is to provide the security for the loan. Home Improvement Loan rates are variable, depending on status. Your monthly repayments will depend on the amount borrowed and term.A UK Home Improvement Loan can help you with: An extension or loft conversion A new kitchen A new bathroom A conservatory Landscaping your garden New furniture You may freely reprint this article provided the author's biography remains intact: About the AuthorJohn Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UK homeowners find the best available online loans via the http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk website. ... Feng Shui Tips for the Bathroom Feng Shui Tips for the Bathroom Bathroom+decor Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Feng Shui Tips for the Bathroom Author: Fast Feng Shui Newsletter The bathroom has a bad reputation in feng shui, and in some ways this is deserved, as you will discover. But it's not all negative. Comfort, cleanliness, and convenience are key ingredients to good feng shui, and our modern bathrooms provide them all. One of the challenges posed by the modern bathroom is that there's no good place for it in the ba gua* [the feng shui map of a space], which long predates indoor plumbing. We can look at the ba gua and see at a glance that the Family area would be a good place for the living room, that a home office is well-placed in the Knowledge, Wealth, or Career sectors, and that the Marriage corner of the house is a great place for the master bedroom. But where does the bathroom go? The bathroom is a little out of place anywhere, although some locations are more troublesome than others. The thing to keep in mind is that bathroom plumbing has a draining effect wherever it is located. Some very difficult bathroom locations are next to or above the front door and on the second floor directly above the kitchen. These locations are particularly difficult because: - A bathroom in the front hall, close to the door, can drain chi away before it has a chance to circulate through the rest of the house. - A second-floor bathroom above the front door floods the main entry to your home with negative energy. - The water energy in a bathroom above the kitchen will extinguish the hearth's fire energy, and flood the entire kitchen with negative energy. This is potentially damaging to both health and prosperity. The worst location for a bathroom is in the center of your home, where it will destabilize the energy of the entire home. If you suspect that the bathrooms in your house are affecting important spaces, there's no need to panic. Use these simple feng shui remedies to help keep your health, wealth, and happiness from flowing down the drain: - Problem: bathroom in an important feng shui area (wealth, fame, marriage, etc.) Solutions: a full-length mirror on the outside of the bathroom door helps deflects chi so it won't be drained away; keep sink and shower drains closed when not in use; keep the toilet seat/lid down when not in use. - Problem: bathroom in the center of the home Solutions: paint the walls red, and place a stone, large crystal, or other earth-type object (such as a heavy ceramic bowl, vase, or statuette) in each corner to help stabilize the energy; a mirror on the outside of the door is highly recommended for this bathroom location. - Problem: bathroom over the front door or over the kitchen Solutions: hang a faceted crystal in the center of the room; place a three-inch round mirror on the ceiling directly above the toilet to visually reverse the downward flow of water (use double-sided tape to hold the mirror in place); place earth-type objects in the corners of the room to stabilize the energy; add an image such as a bird or tree to the downstairs area below the bathroom to help lift the energy there. Bathrooms are places for purification and cleansing, so a clean, sanitary bathroom strengthens and supports this important energy. A dirty bathroom, on the other hand, emphasizes the negative qualities of this room. If your bathroom occupies any of the more challenging locations described above, it is essential to keep it sparkling clean, tidy, and well-lit. After implementing the necessary precautions described above, you can further improve the chi of the bathroom by making it as pleasant a space as possible. This is where you begin and end the active part of each day, so the more attractive and inviting you can make it the better. Most of us live hectic, stressful lives, and are in serious need of soothing places where we can relax and unwind. A clean, tidy, nicely appointed bathroom invites you to soak your worries away in a hot bath with lavender-scented bath salts. Make this pampering experience even nicer with candlelight, soft music, and a pile of fresh fluffy towels with which to dry off. All-white bathroom decor can seem cold and clinical; add warmth with pastel-colored towels and accessories, colorful scented candles, and attractive artwork. Excerpted from “The Pocket Idiot’s Guide to Feng Shui” by Stephanie Roberts (Alpha Books, 2004) © 2004 Stephanie Roberts *To learn more about the feng shui ba gua and how to use it effectively in your space, click here. Stephanie Roberts is the author of the popular Fast Feng Shui book series, available at Amazon. com and Fastfengshui.com. Subscibe to the Fast Feng Shui Newsletter and receive FR(EE) Feng Shui tips in every issue. Visit Fast Feng Shui.com for details. ... Feng Shui Atrracts Money Feng Shui Atrracts Money Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Feng Shui Atrracts Money Author: Sam Stevens The first thing that you need to do is get yourself a good compass and determine what is in the southeastern corner of your home. The Southeastern sector of your home governs both your cash flow as well as your faith in the idea that you will always be able to create money. According to the classic and traditional rules of Feng Shui (the ancient art of object placement to increase good energy in your life) the items that you place in this part of your should be things that align with the energies of personal abundance. Things that Create Prosperity:•The colors purple, red and green. These three colors support prosperity energy in a space. A pleasant still life to attract this energy is a pretty glass bowl containing a purple amethyst, a red carnelian and a green piece of jade. You also might want to consider painting this corner one of these colors or using purple, red and green lighting in this corner. An easy way to enhance the color value in this corner is to purchase a lava lamp in purple, red or green. The great thing about a lava lamp is that it also moves, and in Feng Shui, anything electronic or moving helps keep the money circulating in your life. •Symbols of wealth: Actual money and gold objects are good to display in this area of your house. A bowl of foreign or antique coins can also augment this sector. You can also find statues of "gold ingots" to your local China Town A wonderful statue to place in this area is of a Prosperity Buddha lifting a gold ingot over his head. You might also want to consider placing a gold or green statue of a Chinese Money Toad (this is a three legged statue of a frog or toad with a coin in it's mouth) or a statue of leaping goldfish •Fake Money. This is the place to put that fake million-dollar bill you got in a novelty store in a frame and hang it. Some people even keep monopoly money in this area as a symbol of their circulating prosperity. A bowl of foreign coins can also be placed here to magnetize wealth into your life. •Fountain. This is one the two best places in the entire bagua to place a flowing fountain. The other is your Career sector. Flowing water represents the flowing of money. The Chinese consider wood or bamboo fountains to be especially auspicious when placed in this area. •Goldfish. This is a great area to put an aquarium. Traditionally the Chinese place eight orange or yellow gold fish and one black goldfish in an aquarium to attract money. The number 8 represents prosperity in Feng Shui. The idea too is that if misfortune hits your family, then the ninth black goldfish will die and receive the misfortune instead of you. You can also buy the traditional Chinese poster of this image in Chinese specialty shops. •Eight Horses. This is an image of eight horses that can be purchased either a statue or as a poster that adds good chi to this sector. However please note the position of your front door when positioning this poster. Make sure that the direction the horses are running is INTO the house and not out the front or back doors! You can buy this statue in gold, red, green, crystal and orange. When placing it in the southwest, red, green, brass or gold are the best styles to choose. •Jewels. Treasure chests or displays of real or costume jewelry can help attract the chi of abundance to your southeastern prosperity sector. •Symbols of Luxury. This is the place-to-place photographs, fine art or statuary that represents the aspiration of "having it all." A toy model of a Porsche, an image of a country mansion or a photograph of a man standing at the highest mountain in the world are the kinds of images that you should consider putting in this corner. •Jade Plant. The Jade plant is the ultimate symbol of prosperity for the Chinese. It's flat round leaves and compact shape makes it the Asian equivalent of a money tree. •Fruit Trees. Small orange, lemon or lime trees also contain money-drawing properties and are ideal to place in this sector. Things That Put You in the Poorhouse:•Clutter. The planet Venus rules prosperous energy. Venus won't enter a dirty home. Piles of junk serve as an obstacle so that positive energy cannot pool and accumulate in your space. •Leaks. If you have a kitchen or a bathroom with a leaky faucet in this area than the theory is that your money will also be leaking away. •Toilets. If you have a toilet in this area and there is nothing you can do about it, then make sure that you keep the lid closed at all times to keep your cash from being "flushed away." •Kitty litter boxes. Animal toilets have the same negative association as toilets -- especially if they smell bad. •Broken objects. The theory is that " If it's broke, you probably are too! "Remove anything that doesn't work including clocks that keep the wrong time, dead batteries and similar decrepit items from this area. Also replace any burnt out light bulbs, as it is essential that this area be well lit. •Dead or withering plants: Anything obviously decomposing is antithetical to the energy of prosperity and should be removed from this area. •Trash cans. Like the toilet, this item drains vital energy from the prosperity area. •mages of Poverty or Want: Art that depicts objects or landscapes in a withering, rustic or decomposing state should not be displayed here. Also avoid placing photographs of yourself when you were going through a "broke phase" (such as when you were a student in college or just recently divorced) here. You might repeat the situation! About the AuthorSam Steven's metaphysical articles have been published in many high-standing newspapers and she has published several books. You can meet Sam Stevens at http://www.psychicrealm.com where she works as a professional psychic. You can also read more of her articles at http://www.newagenotebook.com where she is the staff writer. Currently she is studying technology's impact on the metaphysics. ... Bathroom Remodeling Ideas Bathroom Remodeling Ideas Bathroom+remodeling Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Bathroom Remodeling Ideas Author: Dan Noyes Bathroom remodeling is often a popular home improvement project for both new and old homeowners. This may include painting, using new countertops, vanities, windows, retiling, floors, appliances, vents or better lighting. Before embarking on a project of remodeling your bathroom, provided below are a few tips and ideas to make the experience even more fruitful.PlanningGood planning goes a long way in helping achieve the design of your dreams. First decide whether you want to take up the project yourself or bring in the assistance of an interior designer, bathroom remodeling contractor or a home improvement expert. Consider your budget at this stage and also prioritize the aspects you want to remodel. Do you just want to make just a few changes with minor repairs or give your bathroom a whole new look.The designNext measure the bathroom for dimensions and to get an idea of how you can make the best use of the space available. Now consider a good design that gives a feeling of class and space to the room. Also remember not to use creativity at the cost of functionality of the bathroom.Walls and floorsYou can consider painting your walls or using ceramic or granite tiles to suit the concept of the bathroom. Popular flooring options include ceramic tiles, linoleum and baseboards.The appliancesConsider the appliances that need remodeling with respect to the design of the room. You may want to change the lighting, bathtubs, sinks, showers, faucets and toilets with respect to the concept of the entire room. Use appropriate colors and materials.Other aspectsFinally you may want to consider using some space for storage where you can stack things that you do not want to be visible outside. Use cabinets made of appropriate materials like wood, laminate or metal to suit the design of your bathroom. Besides storage, consider ergonomics and keep modern usage trends in mind for a creative and functional bathroom.While bathroom remodeling can be an exciting project it can also seem daunting because of the various aspects that need to be considered for the look and design you require. We at totalremodeling.com have a range of choices, designs, colors and textures to help you through the process. Our panel of experts is also here just to help you remodel your bathroom for the design of your dreams.Dan NoyesHome Remodeling IdeasRead More ON Home Remodeling Information ... Bathroom Remodel The Plan Bathroom Remodel - The Plan Bathroom+remodeling Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Bathroom Remodel - The Plan Author: David Foy Planning a bathroom remodel? Each home project of this nature can be broken down into 5 distinct steps. Following through each step will help this often confusing process make more sense and produce a better outcome.Bathroom DesignAsk yourself the question - "What will I have when I'm finished". Similar to planning a road-trip, a successful build project begins with an effective vision of what you want. This step is vital even if you intend to hire a professional to complete the job.Choosing hardware and materialsEvery bathroom remodel varies in the level of work and expense involved. To save a bit of cash you may want to consider refinishing a tub instead of replacing it. Often times a refinishing a bathroom tub will cost less than half price of replacing it. Old bathroom vanities and sinks are often the spark that ignites the bathroom remodeling process to begin with. Spend time at the hardware store to get some quick ideas on vanities, tubs and showers.When choosing a vanity, consider:Storage area - is the vanity designed in such a way that you'll be using all the space availableDrawer space vs. cabinet space - take a look at your current "inventory" of stuff - do you need more or less drawers for convenient storageIntegrated sink - a vanity with an integrated sink will make quick clean up a snap.Project BudgetRegardless of whether you are financing your bathroom remodel or paying cash setting a firm and realistic budget will help you make other decisions. Using a professional will provide the best result for the money you spend. You may consider doing demolition and preparation work yourself to save a bit of money.Divide and conquer - (Delegate the work)Prior to starting your project make as complete a list as possible regarding the tasks involved. If you are using a contractor, you may want to discuss with them how you can effectively be involved to help reduce expenses without "getting in the way" of a good job.Start!Although planning is an essential beginning to any successful project, nothing will change until you START the process. So get started already!About The AuthorContractors-Search.com provides articles and information on home improvement. Click here for more details http://www.contractors-search.com/a/publish/index.shtml ... Antibacterial cleaners are more harmful than good Antibacterial cleaners are more harmful than good. Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Antibacterial cleaners are more harmful than good. Author: Sherri Z. Jones When I was growing up, we cleaned everything with hot, soapy water. When we cleaned the bathroom, the kitchen, anything. We got a bucket of hot water, poured some dish soap in it, enough to get some suds going, and we cleaned. No problems. No one got violently ill as a result. Today, we have antibacterial soaps and sprays. They all seem to have that orangish iodine color to them. Maybe we associate that color with disinfectants. I don't know. When we are done in the kitchen out comes the spray bottle and all the counters get sprayed down and wiped clean. You can stand back and see the shine. What you can't see are the millions of bacteria that you have just killed. The claim is that the antibacterial sprays will kill 99.9% of the bacteria. Well, that leaves .1% of the bacteria that wasn't killed. Hmmm, what happened? You want to kill ALL of the bacteria don't you? What happened is what is known simply as survival of the fittest. Only the strongest of the bacteria survived. In the 1950's we started to see the effects of penicillin lessen. The "bugs" were starting to build an immunity to the penicillin. When you use antibacterial sprays and soaps you are putting yourself in a similar situation. You are breeding a stronger organism. Over exposure of any antibacterial agent to the bacteria themselves allow this resistance to happen. So, the next time you pull out that spray bottle, you may want to ask yourself what kind of bacteria you want on your countertops. after all, the bacteria will always be there. You can do nothing about that. You just need to decide if you want normal bacteria... or genetically superior bacteria. This is why I still use hot soapy water. It works just fine. About the AuthorSherri is co-owner of an on line pharmacy ... A Hidden Jewel In Home Decorating The Powder Room A Hidden Jewel In Home Decorating, The Powder Room Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP A Hidden Jewel In Home Decorating, The Powder Room Author: Bonnie P. Carrier Typically a small space consisting of just a sink and toilet, you most likely know them by a more common term “half-bath” or “guest bath. Ever wonder where the term “powder room” came from? It’s derived from Victorian times, when women needed to “powder their noses”.Why consider them a jewel when it comes to decorating, also why bother decorating them, it is after all only a bathroom.A bathroom is a room in your home, in fact depending on the number of baths you have it can become a public room, which means from time to time other people besides yourself will be passing through. So why not dress it up, even if guest only use it occasionally make it pretty for you.Due to their size, a complete make over can be done in as little as a weekend and at little cost. This is also what makes them a jewel; being small you can really have fun decorating them, plus by not requiring a big budget you’re able to change the look more often. The following are a few ideas to get started with.Start with the walls. Paint, wallpaper, stenciling what ever treatment you like. With the small size of the room, the cost will be a lot lower.Here is the perfect opportunity to experiment with bolder colors, some type of theme or maybe you’ve been dying to try one of the many painting techniques. Using a theme to decorate the bath can be really fun. If your not sure what to use take a look around your home for inspiration. It could be an extension of a collection you may have or a take off on a vacation. Example of a theme, based on a vacation: Do you love the beach and vacation each year at the ocean? If so here is your inspiration. Use a wallpaper border around the room with shells or boats on it. Hunt around discount stores, flea markets or garage sales for beach related accessories; use a lightweight natural color window treatment. But before you purchase anything new, take a walk around the house, if you love the beach chances are you may already have items that you can use. Add some sparkle with a new light fixture, mirror or towel racks in finishes of chrome, gold and bronze. With limited floor space, look for storage solutions that perform double duty. Shelves with a towel rack provide not only a place to hang pretty towels; it’s the perfect place for extra toiletries and accessories.New flooring can add drama however; if this is not currently in the budget an area rug in a bold color or a geometric pattern will do the trick.Of course a complete make over is not always necessary, sometimes just simple changes could be all that’s needed. How about a vase of fresh flowers, some new towels, a whimsical piece of art or new window treatments. Have some fun - get creative – and turn that often passed over half-bath into something special. Let it become the jewel in your home decorating projects box.This article is shareware. Give this article away for free on your site, or include it as part of any paid package as long as the entire article is left intact including this notice. Copyright © 2004 bonnie carrierAbout the AuthorBonnie P. Carrier is the creator of Savvy Home Decorating. She is the mother to two grown daughters and a very spoiled 4yr old Blue Merle Sheltie named Toby. Having been a homemaker for over 23yrs has provided years of experience in budget decorating and organization. Stop by Savvy Home Decorating -www.savvy-home-decorating.com - for ideas and tips on budget decorating: ... Preparing your Home for Showing Preparing your Home for Showing Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Preparing your Home for Showing Author: Adem Martin del Campo Remember that when you are preparing your home for showing to prospective buyers, you are painting a picture, no a work of art. When selling a home you are working on a person's emotions, so be sure to keep that in mind. This will be the place the buyer creates new memories.Organizing your homeThe first place to start is cleaning and organizing. The easiest way to tackle this is to have a plan. Organizing and removing clutter should be the first task. Remove as much clutter as possible. You want to create the illusion of space without looking too sparse. If you have a buffet table with a lot of chatchkies on it, be sure to remove some of them to open up the area. If your living room is cluttered with a lot of furniture remove a few pieces. This will again give the illusion of a bigger room.Cleaning your homeNow that you have organized it is time to CLEAN. Where I like to start is with the bathrooms. Be sure to clean the toilet bowls. This is a good indication of how the rest of the house was maintained.Clean the baths and showers, removing all water stain from the tile, and glass doors in showers. A great way to remove hard water stains on glass and tile is by using toilet bowl cleaner. The hydrogen chloride dissolves the minerals that create the spots (learned this from doing acid washes on pools, and having to clean the tile with toilet bowl cleaner). Some cautions about doing this, be sure to use protective rubber gloves on your hands, and do not let the solution stay on any chrome or brass metal like the fixtures. Extended exposure can remove the finish from the fixture. Simply wipe once with the bowl cleaner on a sponge to remove the water spots, then quickly rinse with water for any metallic fixtures. For the tub, shower, and tile around them, I get a bucket of hot water, and squirt some of the bowl cleaner into it. Next I use a nylon bristle brush to scrub the tile. If you encounter a spot that is stubborn go ahead and squirt some of the bowl cleaner directly on the spot, and scrub with your brush. Once you have scrubbed the entire area rinse with warm water. I just use the removable showerhead to rinse. Next you will want to dry the entire tub and tile with a towel. After everything has had time to dry fully, I use carnauba wax for cars on all the metallic fixtures. After you apply it, let it haze, then buff with a terry cloth towel. This makes your chrome or brass really shine. The same steps can be used on your sink and faucet.Now it is time to clean the mirror(s). I use a dilution of Ammonia in water. Ammonia is what glass cleaners contain to remove streaks. Since you only need a little bit of ammonia it is a lot less expensive than name brand glass cleaners. After the mirror is dry you can use the carnauba wax on it as well.Be sure the floor is clean. If it needs cleaning, I use another dilution of ammonia in hot water. The ammonia removes the oils from your feet and other bathroom grime.Now that your bathrooms are spotless it is time for dusting, and I'm not talking with a rag.DustingNow when I clean I don't conform to the conventional. I dust the house with the vacuum. Yes I said the vacuum. Dusting with a rag only moves the dust. Vacuuming it gets it out of the house. Most homeowners have a vacuum that has attachments like a brush, and an edging tool.Some of the most important areas to remember to vacuum are the corners of walls (great hiding place for cobwebs), the tops of your baseboards, picture frames, and window tracks.I also use the brush attachment to clean my electronics, like the TV, stereo, and computers. Use the brush attachment to dust all your furniture.Clean the WindowsNow it is time to clean your windows. Clean windows (inside and out) again shows that you have maintained the house well since you lived there. Inside the house you can use the diluted ammonia, and clean like you would normally. For the outside it is a good idea to first use the garden hose to clean the outside of the window and the screen. Dirty screens are a no no. Next remove your screens so they can dry. To clean the outside windows I use a squeegee. If you do not have one you will need to do one extra step. Using a squeegee, I get a bucket of warm water with dish soap in it. Use a rag like you would to wash your car, and wash the window. After you scrub it use the squeegee, and be sure to wipe the blade dry after every swipe. Be sure to wipe the edges of the window with a different dry cloth than the one you use to dry the squeegee. This will ensure a perfectly clean window.If you do not have a squeegee, then still wash the window with warm soapy water. Dry off with a separate rag, and then use your diluted ammonia to clean the window like you did inside the house.Now that your windows are clean remember to replace the screens once they are dry.Vacuuming your homeNow that the windows are clean, it is time to vacuum the floor. Everyone loves to see vacuum marks on the carpet. The best way to keep them in tact is to start vacuuming in the opposite corner of the door, so you can exit the room without stepping on the rest of the carpet. This is hard to accomplish in a room like your living room, but do the best you can.Your house is now clean and organized, and almost ready to show.Completing your work of artThere are just a few more things to do before you show your house. First thing you will want to do is open your drapes and blinds, so there is a lot of light in the house. Also turn on the lights in every room, even if there is a window in that room. If you have ever been in a model home you will notice that they do this as well. Lots of light makes the home more inviting and cheery. The final thing you will need to do the morning you are showing your home is bake chocolate chip cookies. Remember you are painting a picture here, and the sense of smell is closely tied to memory. "Oh ya the house with the cookies," it what the buyers will remember.You have now been armed with all the tools and tips you need to make your home the easiest to sell.About the AuthorAdem Martin del Campo is the owner of Las Vegas Home For Sale by Owner, and knows the business of buying and selling homes.Visit his site today: http://www.lasvegashomeforsalebyowner.com/ ... Planning your DIY project Planning your DIY project Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Planning your DIY project Author: Alan Woodbridge Ready to start your first serious DIY project? Read through the checklist below to make sure you are well prepared to start - and finish! - the job:1. Do an overview of the project, making sure that you understand all its requirements. Sometimes imagining that you have been hired to do the job may help you take a better perspective on what it will take to complete the task.2. Be realistic about your expectations. If you are just a beginning DIYer, consider completing a few small projects (like putting up shelves or fixing a garden fence) before attempting a major one. Ideally, for your first big DIY project you should select an area where it will least affect your lifestyle if left unfinished - for example, your basement or outdoors. Don't attempt replumbing the house as your first project!3. Know where to seek help if needed. Your sources might include DIY books and magazines, relevant web sites, and DIY-savvy friends and relatives. If you are about to venture into a completely new territory, you might find it helpful to hire a professional for a few hours and try to learn the essential techniques from them.4. Make a list of materials you need - and buy them all BEFORE you start the project. This will minimize the need for frustrating runs to the store, allowing you to completely focus on the job.There are many online tools available for estimating the quantity of materials (like paint or tiles) that you need for a project - make use of those to save time. Some useful online estimators can be found here: http://www.construction-resource.com/construction-calculator.php. (It is also a good time saving idea to add about 10% to your calculated material requirements to allow for waste.)5. Make a realistic budget. Remember to budget for little things such as nails, screws, hinges etc. The little things, when combined, tend to add up to significant amounts that are often overlooked during the planning stage.6. Make a schedule. Be sure to allow for unexpected delays or having to redo parts of the project. If you project is based outdoors, don't forget to take weather conditions into account. Consider how possible interruptions in the project are likely to affect your daily routines, and plan accordingly. For example, if your place has only one bathroom, you would want to finish any bathroom renovation project as quickly as possible.As with material estimators, there are time estimates available online and in printed sources on how long it takes to complete certain tasks. Again, adding 10% to the suggested time requirement may save you unnecessary frustration.Remember that every project is unique. Think where you are most likely to encounter problems, and allow extra time for figuring out solutions. Some problems are fixed pretty quickly - it is figuring out how to do it that can be time consuming.7. Know what motivates you best and have a strategy on how to stay motivated. It is important to understand what motivational strategy works best for you, and use it consistently. Have a clear goal in mind all the time while you are on the project. Asking yourself two simple questions - "what will happen if I do?" and "what will happen if I don't?"- is one effective motivational technique. This is especially true in the case of DIY, where your actions or lack thereof are likely to have immediate - and tangible - results.8. Last but not least - don't beat yourself when something does not go according to plan, especially if you are just starting out. This includes bad time estimates that tend to be the number one cause of frustration in DIYers. Remember that no job is exactly the same no matter how many times you do it, so you cannot possibly plan for everything. That said, your estimating and project management skills should improve over time. About the AuthorAlan Woodbridge writes about DIY projects, home improvement, and personal motivation. He is a member of the team that runs DIYProjects.info: http://www.diyprojects.info ... Installing Ceramic Tile Installing Ceramic Tile Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Installing Ceramic Tile Author: Mark Donovan Ceramic Tile brings a texture, richness and color to a room that Linoleum has yet to truly mimic. Tile floors can be installed in any room, however they are most frequently seen in Bathrooms and Kitchens. I particularly like them in entryways, where they serve as a transition point from the outside to large carpeted or hardwood floored rooms. They make for easy clean up and are impervious to water damage.Tile TypesCeramic tiles come in two basic types. Glazed and Porcelain. Glazed holds up the best for heavy traffic areas and porcelain works well in bathrooms. Porcelain is typically more expensive, so consider your budget Post Comment
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