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How To Use Mirrors To Open Up Smaller Spaces
- Posted at 4:15 AM on 5/22/2007 by Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP How To Use Mirrors To Open Up Smaller Spaces About the Author~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. ... Decorating to Sell a House by Meeting Three Key Ne Decorating to Sell a House by Meeting Three Key Needs Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Decorating to Sell a House by Meeting Three Key Needs Author: Julie Dana Specific marketing campaigns are no longer just for automobiles and designer clothes. Targeted marketing techniques are now applied to houses that are for sale. Decorating your house in a specific manner to facilitate the selling of it is an important aspect of selling and marketing your home; this type of decorating is called home staging. The goal of this type of decorating is to strategically style to address the psychological needs of the buyer. The buyer has three major needs when they look at the house.Can I imagine myself (my family) living here?Is this an easy, carefree house to live in?Is this a good value for my money?All décor choices you make to sell the house will reflect those needs of the buyer.The most important tip to keep in mind at all times is that first impressions are critical in every area. The first time a potential buyer sees this house is curb appeal. That first glance they get as they step in the house can sell the house. First impression will happen in each and every room; make that impression awesome!Remove: This area of staging is very difficult for some homeowners because it involves decorating it as a marketable house not as a beloved home. You do not want anything personal on display. This includes removing all family photographs, all toiletries, mail/bill piles, and all special collectibles. All bathroom and kitchen counters need to be cleared expect for only one or two decorative objects. Generally speaking, remove all wallpaper and paint all rooms a neutral ivory color. This meets the need of being able to imagine living there (and not being distracted by who lives there now)Clean: The house needs to be absolutely sparkling clean. This includes washing windows inside and out, shining the kitchen sink, dusting baseboards, bleaching grout around tiles. It also needs to smell clean and fresh. The house can not smell of animals or cooking. Do not have daily housekeeping supplies visible to potential buyers. This includes laundry baskets and dish drainers - nothing to remind people that there will be work to do in this house. You want to meet their psychological need of living in an easy, carefree house.Reduce: This area of staging® is the most over looked area by the do-it-yourself home seller. All closets of any kind - (foyer closets, master bedroom closets, linen closet, pantry etc) must only be half full. And that does really mean only ½ full. Also consider taking out the extra living room chair or extra dresser in the bedroom. Pack up items you can do without for the next couple months. You want to show that the house has lots of space and room to grow. This meets the needs of good value for the money.These three simple but effective decorating techniques can help you market and sell you home for what it is worth.About the AuthorJulie Dana is a professional Interior Redesigner and Accredited Staging Professional. Her company, The Home Stylist, offers online decorating consultations, do-it-yourself decorating plans and real-estate staging.Visit http://www.thehomestylist.com/ to take a fun style quiz, vote on a color poll, and sign up for free decorating e-newsletter. ... Complete your wall decor with Decorative Plates Complete your wall decor with Decorative Plates Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Complete your wall decor with Decorative Plates Author: Johann Erickson Decorative plates are often overlooked when decorating a home. Yet, it's the details that really make the elements of a room come together—and decorative plates are a detail present in most rooms. While there are decorative plates that are solely functional in purpose, most have the potential to add to the ambiance of a room. Think about the following wall plate options:Cover your decorative plates in wallpaper that matches your wall for an understated elegance. You can also use this method to hide outlets on walls that display art. Wood decorative plates are perfect for a room with a country or colonial flair. Metal decorative plates come in a variety of textures and materials. Metal wall plates enhance contemporary, Victorian, and rustic decor.Porcelain decorative plates complement shabby chic, bathrooms, and some Victorian design.Mirror decorative plates can be used on mirrors, mirrored walls, or even as an eclectic detail in a uniquely decorated room.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 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 ... 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: ... Kitchen and Bathroom BlindsPlanning 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 and the size of the area you want to tile. Tiles also come in many shapes and sizes. For flooring, however, I would suggest using larger tiles up to 12” x 12”.Underlayment For proper installation the base foundation or the underlayment is critical. Typically it consists of ¾” to 1 ¼” of plywood. Tiling over Linoleum or existing tile is also feasible, as long as it is solid. I also recommend when Tiling over Linoleum that you first apply ring nails or screws 6” on center over the entire area. Tiles can also be installed directly over Concrete. Make sure in all cases that the floor is level and free of dust and debris prior to installation. There are leveling compounds that you can apply before applying tile if necessary.Preparing the SiteBefore actually installing the tile, it is best to lay it out in the room to see how it will look. Pay close attention to how it runs out toward the walls, in the corners and next to cabinets, tubs and toilets. The trick is to lay the tile out such that stubby tiles do not show up in highly visible spots. Once you have completed this, make two marks with a pencil outlining the most centered tile. These lines should be perpendicular to each other. Also take note of the wall that is most visible from all the others. Now remove the tiles. Next draw or snap a line perpendicular to this wall that is in line with one of the marks you made on the floor. Then, draw a perpendicular line to this first line. This second line should be centered with the first line and fairly in line with the second mark you made on the floor. Once you have completed this task, re-layout some of the tiles along the perpendicular lines and observe if they run out in a way that will limit cutting and stubbed tiles. Once this is completed, remove the tiles and prepare for the actual installation.Installing the TileAgain, make sure the area is free of dirt and dust. Next apply the ceramic adhesive or mastic to the flooring, starting in the center, where the two perpendicular reference lines intersect. Apply enough material to cover 6-10 square feet, if no cuts are required. If cuts are required limit the amount of mastic application to about 2-4 square feet. When applying the mastic, first spread it with the flat end of the trowel. Lay it on relatively thick, approximately 1/8” to 3/16”thick. Then turn the trowel around and run the notched edge over it. This creates ridges in the mastic that helps to hold the tile down more securely. The larger the tile, the larger the notches should be. For example, I use a ¼” notched trowel for 12” x 12” tiles.Note: Only make up enough ceramic adhesive for 30 minutes, as this material has the tendency to harden up rather quickly. Once the adhesive has been applied, begin installing the tiles working from the center outward. On larger tiles you should back butter them. Basically, apply a thin coating of mastic to the back of the tile prior to laying it on the floor. This will help ensure a good bond. As you near the walls or edges of cabinets, tubs and toilets, you will need to cut some of the tiles. I highly recommend the use of a Wet-Saw. A Wet-Saw will allow you to make very accurate cuts, both large and small. You will also save money, as you will waste many fewer tiles with bad cuts or broken tiles. Wet-Saws are not that expensive and once you see your finished product you will certainly be installing more tile. Wet-Saws can also be rented as a cheaper alternative.When applying Tiles, you may want to use Lugs. Lugs are effectively spacers that come in various thicknesses. I typically like to have no more than a ¼” space between the tiles. Employing Spacers will ensure uniformity with your tile spacing.GroutingAfter the Tile has been completely installed, allow it to sit for 24-48 hours before applying grout and walking on it. Grout comes in many different colors and is very easy to install. Simply mix the grout with water or a special bonding agent and apply with a rubber trowel. Run the trowel on a bias when going over tile corners.Once the grout has been applied, immediately wipe the tile of excess grout, using a wet sponge and a bucket of water. Wait 30 minutes and again wipe the tiles down of any residual grout. Wait another 60 minutes and repeat. If grout is left on the tiles to dry, you will have a great deal of elbow work scraping it off.Let the grout sit up for 24 hours and it is ready for use and admiration.About the AuthorMe_Donovan@comcast.netwww.homeadditionplus.comOver the past 20+ years Mr. Donovan has been involved with building homes and home additions. Mr. Donovan's formal education & profession have been as an Electrical Engineer & Marketing Manager. ... 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. ... Home Decorating For Smaller Spaces Home Decorating For Smaller Spaces Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Home Decorating For Smaller Spaces Author: Bonnie P. Carrier “Big Things Come In Small Packages” We’re all familiar with this quote, it’s normally associated with gifts not home decorating, but it should be.A one or two bedroom house, apartment, condo or townhouse can be just as impressive and grand as something with fifteen bathrooms, Wow, imaging having to clean all those, I have enough trouble with two.One interesting thing I have found from past experience is that decorating a smaller place is actually easier, not to mention less expensive. Whether your currently living in a small space or downsizing – that’s another one of those trendy “buzz” words, which simply means your moving into something smaller – planning how your going to decorate or redecorate is a good idea.You may think because it’s smaller, having large pieces is out of the question. Not true, having oversized furniture is not going to make your rooms appear smaller, what it will do is give a warm inviting feeling. Of course the layout and size of a room will determine how many pieces can comfortably go into it. After all, you may be looking for drama and comfort, but you still need to be able to maneuver around. This also applies to accessories, it’s better to have a few large dramatic pieces as opposed to a lot of small items, which can tend to turn into clutter and dust collectors. The exception to this would be with collections. But again you want to have places to showcase them like glass front hutches, cabinets, bookcases or shelves. Another decorating challenge can be in warming up your new place. This normally can easily be achieved by adding color with paint. Now that’s all fine and good unless you happen to be renting and your landlord say’s “Paint, oh no”. That’s ok; color can be added in a number of other ways. Several examples:·Window treatments·Furniture fabric·Accent pillows·Area rugs·Wall art·Plants & FlowersStorage can be another issue in a smaller space, there just never seems to be enough. If you’re buying new furniture or deciding on which pieces to bring from your current home, look for ones that can perform double duty. For example: ·Instead of the standard coffee table, look for one with a flip top or shelves underneath. Cedar chests, blanket chests or trunks can also be substituted. ·Place an armoire intended for the bedroom in the living room it’s the perfect storage place for remotes, magazines, extra bedding, kitchen linen or any of those pesky little things you just can’t seem to find a place for.·A small floor cabinet you might have used in a bathroom can become an end table. Most of these come with drawers, shelves or both.·Decorative stacking boxes or even old suitcases not only make for great storage, but they also become terrific accessories.·Plastic storage boxes come in a variety of sizes, colors and are inexpensive. They can be stacked on shelves in a closet or cabinet, even into drawers. Clear smaller sizes are perfect storage for shoes, winter gloves, pictures or how about extension cords, nails, packages of hooks or hand tools. Larger sizes can keep extra winter coats, blankets, odd season clothes or seasonal decorations neat and in one place.·Baskets and hampers are another option.·Kids rooms are always in need of extra places for all their treasures, plastic milk crates are perfect for them. They come in many bright brilliant colors. One suggestion, if you are planning on stacking the crates and have small children it would be beneficial to secure them to the wall.·Plastic shelving units, which can be found in most discount stores, are perfect for mounting on the backs of doors or on the wall in closets. These come in especially handy in the kitchen for holding extra soda bottles, canned goods, paper towel etc. Well, I think you’ve gotten the idea, look around and use your imagination, you will be surprised with what you can come up with. Moving into and decorating a small space can be challenging, but with a little planning it can be just as beautiful as any large house. And in the end size really doesn’t matter, if it’s filled with the people and things you love, then you have successfully created a home.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 carrier.About 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: ... 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. ... Complete your wall decor with Decorative Plates Complete your wall decor with Decorative Plates Bathroom Back To Snippet Back To SITEMAP Complete your wall decor with Decorative Plates Author: Johann Erickson Decorative plates are often overlooked when decorating a home. Yet, it's the details that really make the elements of a room come together—and decorative plates are a detail present in most rooms. While there are decorative plates that are solely functional in purpose, most have the potential to add to the ambiance of a room. Think about the following wall plate options:Cover your decorative plates in wallpaper that matches your wall for an understated elegance. You can also use this method to hide outlets on walls that display art. Wood decorative plates are perfect for a room with a country or colonial flair. Metal decorative plates come in a variety of textures and materials. Metal wall plates enhance contemporary, Victorian, and rustic decor.Porcelain decorative plates complement shabby chic, bathrooms, and some Victorian design.Mirror decorative plates can be used on mirrors, mirrored walls, or even as an eclectic detail in a uniquely decorated room.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 Post Comment
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