Archive for March, 2011
March 31st, 2011 | 
Author: There are many ways you could improve your home decor and one of the easiest yet most dramatic is with light. Try using cordless picture lights to highlight and give special effects to photographs and painting you hang on your wall and watch each room of your home get transformed into an elegant and contemporary area. The cordless picture light is a very versatile and popular way to enhance the beauty of your home. Some other formidable short cuts are briefed below:
1. Use mirrors to create a feeling more space — your room will look larger if you install life-size mirrors on one of the walls. This will make the room bigger because the space will be reflected increasing the floor space. You can also use mirrors inside your showcase cabinets to enhance the beauty of the objects displayed and make it look richer.
2. Use color to improve the mood and project a feeling of more space — your room will definitely look bigger if the walls are colored in pastel colors. A very useful trick is painting one wall bright color and all other three is pale colors that complement it. In this way, the room will suddenly look bright and big. Use colors that lift your moods so you will feel happy when you spend time in your home.
3. Contrast instead of coordinating the color theme in your home — when you contrast colors of your fixtures in your home, your house will look more vibrant and it will pull away the attention of the beholder from its size. Try contrasting the wall colors against your furniture, the carpet and the curtains of your home. This would look elegant and alive besides creating a feeling of extra space.
4. Keep the least possible furniture — when you have less space, the less furniture you have the better. Use sofa cum bed, use wrought iron furniture if you can for this is strong beautiful and occupies less space than its all-wood counterpart.
5. Have your home de-cluttered — clutter not only makes your home look untidy, but also makes the rooms look small. According to Feng Shui, a cluttered home will attract negative energy. This means you are likely to have trouble with your finances, relationship and career — all owing to the clutter that is lying all over your home. Ensure that you keep thing in order and remove all that you do not need from table tops. Once in six months sell or donate things that you find you have no use for. For things that you would prefer to store, create space where you can keep these things neatly and orderly.
6. Fill your home with photographs of your family and dear ones — fill one wall in your living area with photographs of your family. When you look at these photos you will remember the good times you had with your family and you will brighten up. This is what good interior decor is all about — feeling good. The more memories you have on your wall the warmer you will feel about your life and family — and this is what will make your house a warm and beautiful home.
If you are asking the question, “How do I get a spa shower in a small bathroom?” it seems reasonable to conclude that you are planning either a small bathroom addition or a remodel or a small bathroom. Either way, the short answer is, “Don’t worry – you can make it fit.” Many homeowners who are planning to remodel small bathrooms want a steam shower or a body massage shower. They see photos in magazines and model homes and become frustrated that they can’t have those shower features. You just need to look for design and product information in the right places.
There are basically three ways to get a spa shower in a small bathroom. The first is to work with the shower you have (or want to install) and then retro-fit it to include the features you want. Whether you are doing this yourself, or you are hiring a plumber to do the work, it can be done. The second way to get a spa shower is to buy a pre-fabricated shower model with the features you want and plan your design around it. The third way is to rip out everything in the bathroom and build what you want (or have it built) and make your spa shower the focus of your small bathroom.
If you are remodeling, begin by ripping out a tub/shower combination that is probably installed against three walls at the end of the bathroom. If your small bathroom is the size of many small bathrooms you will not have an option of installing both a spa shower and a tub. If you want a spa shower, you probably already know you don’t want a combination arrangement.
The first option is to retro-fit an existing (or new) shower unit. This will simply mean adding a bar or bars with additional shower heads for the body massage feature. If you want to add chromotherapy features, you will need to add the colored lighting unit. Making an existing shower into a steam shower will require a bit more work. You will almost certainly need to change out the door so you can completely enclose the shower. Depending on the height of your ceilings and the height of the shower surround, you might need to extend the walls to the ceiling. Then you will need to decide how to handle the moisture and the walls. Acrylic, fiberglass or tile are good options. Then install the steam mechanism. Finally, check the light fixture very carefully (if it is in the shower). You will need a fixture that is properly sealed to prevent short circuit and other damage from the moisture. If this is what you are considering, it is probably worth getting an estimate from a plumber before your plans go too far. The difference in the cost of doing this as opposed to one of the other options might be surprisingly small.
The second option is to choose a pre-fabricated spa shower. The word pre-fabricated no longer means inferior. Building a unit in the factory and shipping it ready to install is simply a more economical way to get what you want. High-end pre-fabricated showers offer all of the features and a sleek appearance like any other shower. If you are doing the work of a remodel or an addition yourself, this might be a very good choice. Most pre-fabricated models are available in fiberglass or acrylic. They are usually 73 inches high and 36 inches deep. There is usually an option of 32, 36 or 48 inch width. If you are remodeling, this requires a space that is a bit deeper but not as wide as a 5 foot or5-1/2 foot tub/shower combination. There are great ways to use that leftover space (like for a shelving unit for bathroom storage). There is, in fact, a pre-fabricated unit that offers full body massage, steam and chromotherapy in a size that is perfect for a small bathroom.
The third option is to tear out whatever you have and start over and build exactly what you want. This will involve custom work and some of that work might be time-consuming, which will increase the cost. Starting from scratch assures you of getting the shower you want with the materials and the features you want.
Other considerations when planning your new shower and small bathroom:
Materials: Your shower can be built with a variety of materials from fiberglass to high-quality acrylics to ceramic tile, glass tiles or metal. If you are planning a glass door, you might want to include a mural or other design on the back wall of the shower with either specialty tiles or by painting tiles. The vivid colors of glass tiles can be very striking in a shower. You can even find glass tiles made from recycled glass bottles.
A pre-fabricated shower will save time, cost, and custom work.
If you choose to work with acrylics for your surround, keep in mind that the thicker the acrylic, the better. Also, you might want to try to find acrylic that is permeated with an anti-microbial agent to prevent mold and mildew.
One-day shower makeovers are offered by several companies throughout the country. Because they use fiberglass or acrylic, the material can be molded into almost any shape and it can be made to look very much like marble or tile or other materials.
If you do your shower in natural stone, keep in mind that you will need to seal it immediately and re-seal periodically.
Frameless glass doors are much easier to keep clean than those with frames.
When installing a spa shower, you will need to give some thought to water supply. In some parts of the country, you might be required to install low-flow shower heads and jets. These are now made in ways that use little water and still result in a nice massage experience.
Massaging jets use a lot of water. You might need to either install a separate water heater or a booster on your existing water heater to be sure you don’t run out.
If you are planning either steam or shower massage, you might also want to consider an alternative water source. You can install a rainwater collection and filtration system and connect it to your water heater.
If you know you will be using a large amount of hot water, why not switch your bathroom to a solar powered water heater?
If you are enclosing your shower, be sure you install the right light fixture in the shower. This will need to be well sealed to prevent moisture from causing electrical problems.
If you are installing a spa shower and you are not using a pre-fabricated unit that includes a seat or bench, you might want to go ahead and include that in your plans.
You can get a spa shower in a small bathroom. Whether you are adding or remodeling a small bathroom, you can have the shower you want with the features you want. Don’t forget the heated towel rod!
Copyright 2010 by Dan Fritschen
I believe you want the interior of your house be painted. Of course you can have it painted. With some good interior paint color ideas, it is going to be very possible.
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First, you don’t need to hire a color consultant or may be a designer just for the interior of your house to be painted. You can choose paint colors on your own.
Yes, it is a fact that choosing paint colors on your own will not be easy but then you will end up having the right ones with right knowledge. Well, the thing is, there are no wrong colors but only wrong color combinations. When choosing paint colors for the interior of your house, be sure to have the right ones that seem perfect when combined. Have the right color combination for the interior of your house and it will be good. You can have lime green but then don’t pick another color that will be not right for such a color. May be you can pair lime green with white.
Also, if there are existing colors and textures inside your house, better consider them. Put them into consideration for everything to turn out just fine.
Second, hire an experienced painter. It is not really necessary to hire a color consultant or a designer but it is needed that you hire a painter with experience. For as long as you know which color combination or combinations to have and you have an experienced painter for the application of paint colors inside your house, then you will be fine. The interior of your house will look good without you spending a lot of money. And for sure, you will be proud of it. You will be actually so happy to have a good-looking house interior at low cost.
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Elkhart, IN based Heartland RV LLC has a splendid line of fifth wheels & toy haulers that merit an in-depth look. Heartland’s recreational vehicles have certain unique features and a standard that is forcing to the rest of the RV industry to play catch-up. This in turn has created a thriving market for the sale/re-sale of Heartland products.
Heartland’s first product was Landmark, a luxury fifth wheel launched in late 2003. It was a landmark not just in name, but also because it included many firsts for the RV industry. One of these new things was the specter of a new RV company entering the market with a top-of-the-line luxury fifth wheel, instead of starting at the bottom with a common trailer.
The Landmark also has an 88-degree turning radius that makes it possible to hitch it up to short-bed, extended-cab trucks. Before Heartland’s patented method came along, it was hard to use these trucks with fifth wheels because of turning problems. Also notable in the Landmark was the use of Universal Docking Centers (UDC) with one compartment containing all the hookups.
Landmark features include a stainless steel kitchen sink, solid surface countertops and a 4-door refrigerator. Not to mention a flat-screen tv built into the bedroom overhead. The succession of fifth wheel models put by Heartland since then such as the Elkridge and Big Horn all have many common features like bedroom-bathroom suites.
There are variations, of course, in terms of the floor plans, and the look and feel. For instance, the large and spacey Big Horn offers elegant luxury with real hardwood cabinets, bronze hardware and flush-floor slideouts. The Sundance, on the other hand, has a sleek and sporty aluminum frame with fiberglass sidewalls and an aerodynamic cap to boost gas efficiency.
The Elkridge, however, is the ideal model that speaks volumes about Heartland and its products. Just like the Elk, this luxury fifth wheel is a large animal and the name also fits in with the company’s HQ in Elkhart, IN. The Elkridge offers unprecedented luxury and space, with a choice of up to a quad slide layout, leather recliners and a cherry decor with high end fabrics.
As for the toy haulers, Heartland has two choices – Cyclone and the Road Warrior. These are not just half living area, half garage type RV’s. The garage area in both models is a high-tech zone with features like recessed beavertail storage bins to maximize storage space.
Cyclone also has convertible electric beds/seating and removable tables. This leaves the garage space open to other uses in addition to the conventional use for toy storage. Factor in the diamond-plated toolbox and all the nifty residential and mechanical features, and it wouldn’t be too far-fetched to say that these are a lot more than just toy haulers.
Heartland has many more models of Fifth wheels (both luxury and mid-profile) and other kinds of trailers. But the aforementioned overviews should be enough to make the point that each Heartland RV is a special product that sets a high industry standard. These fifth wheels & toy haulers have unique features that aren’t found in any other RV, and this is what drives the demand for both new and used Heartland recreational vehicles.
If you want to learn more about RV fifth wheels and toy haulers, online is the best place to start. You can gain access to over 300 new and pre-owned RVs by visiting the websites.
Whether you love it or hate it, the kitchen is a necessary part of daily living for just about all of us. So, it would be a good thing to walk into your kitchen first thing in the morning and feel a little lift in your spirit as you start the day. If your current kitchen doesn’t elicit that type of positive response, read on!
These kitchen decorating ideas are simple, easy to implement and most are very cost effective. And, some of the tips for decorating a kitchen that follow are just plain common sense! But when put together into a plan of action, the results are worth each step!
First, make a list of everything that you want to change, no matter what the cost. Just make a list.
Then determine how much you want to spend, or can afford to spend, on your kitchen decorating project. With that number in mind, go back through the list you just compiled and decide what is going to get done at this time. Some of the items on the list for decorating your kitchen may have to wait until the budget catches up.
So, now you have a list in hand of things you want to change. For most folks, the list will include items pertaining to the colors, style, drabness, worn out (or tired of) accessories, etc.
Here are the kitchen decorating ideas and tips that will help you take action and check off those items on your list!
1. Give the entire kitchen a thorough cleaning, including the floors, cabinets and windows. I know, it’s not a fun way to start decorating your kitchen, but you will be amazed at how much brighter everything will look when it is freshly cleaned.
Remove everything from the walls and countertops. You are going to start fresh there as well.
2. Assess the color scheme for the kitchen. Does it relate to the rest of your home? Even if a neutral background is your preference, accents of other colors found in your home would be a good addition to the kitchen decor. If everything is white or neutral in the kitchen it could be one of the reasons why you don’t love the space so much.
Consider putting some color on the walls. If your kitchen space is small, don’t worry about that. Go ahead and make it as colorful as you please.
Have you been thinking about introducing a new accent color in your home? Try it out in small doses in the kitchen area and see how it works. Use your new color in accessories that can be easily changed in case you are not so thrilled with the results.
3. How much light does the kitchen get, natural or otherwise. If the kitchen area has poor lighting overall it can feel almost cave-like. So, here is your next kitchen decorating idea, and it is two-fold.
First, replace one light fixture in the kitchen area with something new and fresh. It may be in the nook, over the sink or under the cabinets.
Then, add one new source of lighting in this area. This can be a simple as do-it-yourself under cabinet lights, or possibly some ‘mood’ lighting on top of your cabinets if you have space above the soffit. Rope lighting can be a good choice in this area.
As for the windows, in most instances you will want to have as much natural light coming in as possible during the daytime hours. Utilize a type of blind or shade that can fully open during the day and then close to give you privacy in the evening.
Soften the windows with a valance. That will keep your area feeling open and light but will provide a counterpoint to the hard surfaces of the kitchen.
4. The next kitchen decorating idea is to use accessories to finish decorating your kitchen.
You can go about this in the typical way and purchase a matching set of kitchen accessories such as place mats, dishtowels, salt/pepper shakers and the like, that contain the colors/theme/style you enjoy. Ho-hum.
Or, you can spend a little bit more time and search for kitchen accessories that include the elements you want in terms of color/theme/style, but a not a matching set. Look for accessories such as small rugs, artwork (real artwork if you have room for it – not the ‘kitcheny’ looking stuff), place mats, dishes/serving pieces that have your colors in them. Put some different patterns together, use some solids, and look for one or two pieces that may seem more traditional for the kitchen.
The key here is to find unique pieces that may even be unexpected in the kitchen area, but fit in with your own unique decor personality. Have fun and enjoy your newly decorated kitchen!