Archive for the ‘Interior Design’ category

Is Rooster Decor Right for Your Kitchen?

Country Rooster Kitchen RackRooster decor is an enduring trend that is experiencing a renewal of interest, although it can hardly be said to have ever gone away. What is it about the rooster that makes it such an enduring element of home decor?

Roosters have been incorporated into culture since ancient times. The Greeks recognized it as the symbol of the new day, and the Chinese incorporated it into their astrology. The rooster is commonly associated with a positive energy, leadership and vigilance.

In American culture, who is unfamiliar with the traditional weather vane bearing a strutting rooster at its top? These have often been found atop churches of some denominations, and are thought to symbolize a call to prayer to start each new day, regardless of which way life’s winds may be blowing.

Roosters are also noted for their brilliant plumage. It seems that everything about this creature is loud and ‘out there’. Is it any wonder that so many people find it an apt expression of the upbeat side of their personalities, and use it accordingly?

Certainly, the most common location in the home for the employment of rooster decor is the kitchen. Its bright colors and rustic charm lend themselves to use in the room where so much of life happens, especially with regard to sustenance. Also, many families tend to gather in the kitchen, and its nice to have an up beat theme there to encourage expression and good feeling.

Obviously, application of a rooster theme will employ rooster images in a variety of formats, from wall hangings to place mats, table cloths, towels, salt and pepper shakers… you name it! A quick look online will reveal hundreds, if not thousands, of rooster-themed items for those who may not be so creative or who experience a mental block about the matter.

A rooster decor theme also invites the application of bright colors to the walls. The symbolism of the rooster’s comb can be carried out through the installation of a colorful border at the ceiling line of the walls.

The bathroom is another area that lends itself to the application of rooster decor. Generally of a smallish size relative to the other living areas of the house, it can easily be overwhelmed with the energetic symbolism, though. Still, even a rooster-themed shower curtain may not be too much. Some bright color in the form of some figurines and maybe a picture or two or three might give a good appearance. To the extent that rooster decor is used in the other areas of the house, it will be consistent and give a sense of continuity to carry it over to the bathroom.

While attractive and even inspiring, rooster decor doesn’t so much mix with formality. Thus, it’s more appropriately applied in a family room than a living room. Application of very bright colors in either of these areas, which tend to be of a quieter nature than the kitchen, may be going a bit far.

Still, the family room, which is often found to have dark paneled walls, can benefit from the distribution of colorful rooster elements throughout. Consider a throw rug or perhaps some rooster pillows. Rooster figurines can add charm and look perfectly in place on the mantle. You can add a wreath in ‘roosterish’ colors. In light of the rooster’s association with the sun, it goes well with the use of sunflowers.

Whatever direction you may decide to pursue, be certain that you can find rooster decor from a variety of sources. In light of its long history as a decorative theme, garage sales and flea markets are fertile ground for hunting. Naturally, department stores will always have some selection on hand. However, the internet provides access to a number of providers that specialize in rooster decor, a testament to its longevity and staying power.

Should You Use Strand Woven Bamboo Flooring?

Strand woven bamboo flooring is an engineered product made from highly processed strips of bamboo. After boiling to remove insects and sugars which attract insects, the material is pressed into the shape we find on store shelves with resins as a binding agent. This pressing takes place under a combination of high heat and extreme pressure.

There is some concern in the marketplace because most bamboo flooring is manufactured in China, where bamboo grows as naturally as do forests in the United States. Anyone who has paid attention to the news in recent years is aware that the Chinese often cut corners in their manufacturing processes. This results in significant unevenness in quality among the various bamboo flooring products out there.

One particular concern with regard to bamboo flooring is that some samples have been found to contain formaldehyde in the resins used to bind the bamboo strips. Many people fear that fumes from the formaldehyde can leach out of the final product and contaminate the air in the living space.

There being no internationally enforced standards for the manufacture of bamboo flooring, one can find a broad range of quality among the available offerings. At this stage in the development of the market for this material, it might be wise to deal with large retailers who might be expected to conduct their own testing, and who have the clout to ensure that the products that end up on their shelves are not only ecologically safe, but durable as well.

Bamboo flooring is a remarkably tough product. This is particularly so in light of the fact that bamboo is actually a form of grass rather than a tree, although it routinely grows to a height of twenty feet or even more. However, its woody composition has made it a building material of choice for centuries in parts of the world where it grows. It will stand up to years of exposure to the elements.

For those readers who claim a place on the green bandwagon, take heart. Bamboo is extremely ecologically friendly. It grows very rapidly and has a very favorable ratio of oxygen and carbon dioxide production, so it isn’t destructive of the ozone layer. In fact, people who have planted bamboo as a decoration have often found that it is hard to contain in any given area, and will take over an entire yard and the neighbors’ yards if not carefully managed.

Returning to the theme of the lack of standards for the manufacture of bamboo flooring, these products may be installed in a variety of ways. Give careful consideration to this aspect of the product if you intend to install it yourself.

Some kinds of bamboo flooring are meant for installation using staples driven by an air tool. Others are meant for gluing, and it’s critical that the recommended adhesive be used. Some brands of bamboo flooring are intended for floating installation as is common with the laminate flooring products most common in the United States. Among these products, there are variations in the underlayment required and the connections between the boards.

If you are considering installing a strand woven bamboo floor it’s incumbent upon you to research the products available. The best means of doing this is to consult with a knowledgeable sales person. Don’t be afraid to question them fully, and if you have any doubt about what they say, request documentation.

Large Area Rugs For Room Redecoration

Contemporary Area Rug, uwchg, 5'x8' BerberThere are so many things you can consider about redecorating a room. If you have a tight budget, you will want to get the biggest result with the least amount of cost. If you simply buy new furniture such as a new sofa, chair and tables, this may not be your best choice and it can be very costly. Many times, you may need to paint the walls a new color or add a new area rug to give a totally different feel to an area. Large area rugs are a wonderful way to make a room have a more decorative style.

Area rugs can be used to lay out a smaller space within a big room by putting your furniture in a conversation group that is determined by where you put your rug. Along with this, you will add some texture to the scene. Rugs are an effective way to reduce echoes and give warmth to an area that was not there before. When you pick out your new floor accessory be sure to pick a pattern and color that goes well with the room’s surroundings.

A well-designed, quality rug will totally change up the room’s feel, but you want to remember how much traffic the rug will have to withstand. A costly wool rug may not be good in a room used frequently by pets and children. In this situation, an easy to clean rug that can withstand frequent use is more appropriate and will cost you less.

Using large area rugs to set apart smaller spaces throughout your home is a good way to break up a big open great room or a long, narrow one. You can create a cozy sitting area that changes the traffic flow through your house will change each room’s use. This is a very affordable way to effect a large change in your present decorating style without spending way over your budget.

Save Overhead With A Hugger Ceiling Fan

Minka-Aire Fans F518-WH 44There is no reason why a ceiling fan needs to take up a lot of space on the ceiling. A hugger ceiling fan is a low profile ceiling fan that literally “hugs” the ceiling.

Unlike traditional ceiling fans which can hang as much as a foot below the ceiling a hugger ceiling fan sits only a few inches below the ceiling. This means that hugger ceiling fans can be used in rooms with low hanging ceilings. They can also be used in smaller homes such as apartments or mobile homes.

Contemporary Style

Another advantage to ceiling hugger fans is that they usually come in stylish modern designs. They are made of plastic rather than metal or wood so they are lighter weight and make less noise. Indeed they are so small and quiet that many people won’t notice them operating.

A really great feature on hugger ceiling fans is that they come in a wide variety of colors that often match the paint on ceiling. This means that they will fit in with contemporary styles and décor.

Outdoor hugger ceiling fans will fit in outdoors. This means that people will be able to hang ceiling fans on the deck or the porch. As with the indoor fans these can be hung in areas with low hanging ceilings.

Reasons to Have a Ceiling Fan

There are many reasons to install ceiling fans in your home. The best is that they provide a means of cooling your home that is actually cheaper than air conditioning. Unlike floor or table fans hugger ceiling fans usually don’t disrupt your routine or look terrible on the table.

Since ceiling fans circulate air they can also be used during the winter. Persons that use a fireplace or woodstove to augment their heating system can use ceiling hugger fans to distribute the hot air throughout the home.

Ceiling fans can also make heating systems more efficient. Since heat rises, ceiling fans can be used to push heat back down to where people can take advantage of it. This means that hugger ceiling fans can help you save money in the winter.

Advantages of Cheap Bamboo Blinds

Bali Natural Bamboo Roman Shade - Free Shipping, 29x54When you make the decision to use cheap bamboo blinds in your home there are many advantages you will be able to receive. Everyone wants to have a great looking home, and the windows are the first thing that your guests will notice. From the time people pull up in your driveway until the time they walk out the door to go back to their home they will notice the way your windows look. If you want to make a good impression on your guests when they come into your home then make sure that you know what the advantages are of using bamboo shades so that you can have a great looking home.

Whether you are someone who likes to decorate using contemporary designs or any other type of design you will be able to find the one you love when you take a look at the bamboo window blinds that are offered. There are a variety of designs to choose from, so you will have no trouble trying to find a design to match the existing furnishings that you are using in your home. There are also different styles that you will be able to choose from. You will be able to find those that have cords and those that are cordless that will provide you with a great look and additional safety features.

There are a lot of other advantages that you will be able to receive when you use cheap bamboo vertical blinds in your home. If you are getting ready to replace your existing blinds with some new ones and want to have a fantastic look then make sure to check out the cheap bamboo shades that are available. You will find a great look for a great price that you can decorate any room of your home with.

Area Rug Wall Hangings

Tree of Life Tab Top Curtain-Drape-Door Panel-MustardWhen it comes to an inexpensive decorating option, area rugs should not be overlooked. These floor coverings are versatile, durable, and easy to use. Many homeowners are pleasantly surprised at the difference even one rug can make on their home’s décor. Whether your goal is to make a room seem bigger, add warmth and character, or create a focal point, chances are you can accomplish some or all of these goals with area rugs. However, did you know that rugs can also be used as a wall decoration? In fact, this is how many more expensive or antique are displayed.

Large, two story entry ways are ideal for hanging large area rugs. The rug will cover a larger space and be easier to hang than a large picture frame or mirror. This can add an element of design to the room that paint alone won’t be able to achieve. And since this is the first space in your home a visitor will see, it makes a good first impression. Just remember that the entry way isn’t the only room suited for area rug hangings. Once you get a knack for this kind of decoration, you’ll find that just about any room in your home can have a rug decoration on the wall.

As with rugs used as floor covering, ones used for wall decoration should still fit well on the wall it hangs. Take measurements of the wall and choose a rug that will fit well in the space without being too small or too big. Ideally, there should be one to two feet of exposed wall around the edges of the rug. This will perfectly accent the rug and turn the entire wall into one big “framed” decoration. If your rug is something you really want to showcase, consider adding some track lighting.

After you have the right size, choose a rug that has some sort of design on it. It doesn’t make sense to have a plain patterned rug as a wall decoration. Save those for the floor, if you use them at all. For wall decoration, the more intricate the design the better the look in such an exposed area. There are rugs designed to be used specifically for wall hanging, but any ornate designed rugs will be sufficient. They are great ways to add color and warmth without ever picking up a paintbrush. Area rug wall hangings will become conversation pieces for dinner parties and other social gatherings.

When it comes time to hang your rug, be sure you have enough hands available to get the job done safely. Sufficient rug hanging systems can be found at most frame shops and some craft stores. If the rug is small enough, this can be as easy as using two-sided tape. Be sure to let the salesperson know what you’re trying to achieve so they can help you pick the one that’s right for your situation. Be sure the rug is level and lays flat against the wall. Most rugs will only need to be secured at the top, but if the rug refuses to lay flat, secure the bottom as well.  Don’t fret too much if the rug falls. You won’t have to worry about any broken glass from picture frames, and the rug can be put back up a secured even better.

Black and Red Bedding

I don’t know how to explain it but there comes a time every few years when it seems that a re-decorating bug sets in. I usually see it bite my wife first but it never fails to bite me not too long after. We decided to go with something totally different this time – totally different. My wife had a craving for red and black for some reason. These two colors together, especially in a bedroom can be at times shocking. I had a different idea of what she was thinking. I was thinking we would just wind up having a few pieces that included the two colors but I was absolutely totally off base.


Our bedroom has dark cherry hard wood floors so it makes it easy to do experiment with dramatic colors. My wife was envisioning very dramatic colors and changes. We wound up having one of the walls repainted a deep dark red. I didn’t realize we had such a thing as an accent wall but apparently we do now. The red wall as I call it wound up being accompanied by none other than a matching red rug that was at the base of our bed. The red rug was more oval than circular and less textured than more. The bedding that went with the red wall, black leather chair in the corner and the red rug was stunning. The throw pillows somehow seem to bring the deep tones of the wall and rug and magnify them even more. The silk lined strips of red and black within the mainly white comforter seem to shine beautifully when the light hits them just right.

Sometimes I amazed with what she is capable of pulling off. I am not sure why she does not redecorate professionally but that is another topic. The changes have been both dramatic and refreshing. I am not sure how we can top ourselves in a year or two but I cant wait to see where it brings us.

Benefits of Using a Gooseneck Lamp

Extremely adjustable, the gooseneck lamp is made in many different sizes, for a variety of purposes, decorative statements and lighting needs. 


The key feature of gooseneck lamps is their flexibility.  With bendable steel arms, they can be positioned nearly any direction needed. This feature allows them to be placed or positioned in corners and behind other furniture, if this is what works best for the room or space. Some of these lamps are made with one arm, for a simple look and basic lighting solution. Others are made with multiple arms, to serve a variety of lighting needs.

The benefit of gooseneck floor lamps is that they can sit back in a corner, yet still provide plenty of light for nearly any task.  Some models have only one arm, which is movable closer to the top of the light.  Others have multiple arms and can be used by more than one person.  Those with more than one arm also come in many different colors and color schemes.  Some have multiple colors or coordinating color schemes in the shades that cover the bulbs. Having a lamp with multiple bulbs can help save energy too.  You have the option of how many bulbs to turn on and you only need to turn on what you need for the task.

The gooseneck desk lamp can be found in a variety of styles and finishes.  For hardwood desks, there are styles that are more traditional.  For contemporary workspaces, there are styles that are more modern.  They come in brushed steel, bronze and many other finishes, including solid colors. The gooseneck floor lamp is also available in many different finishes, for a host of decorating needs. There are so many available that you should browse several collections before selecting the lamp you need or want.

Kitchen Accessories: Styles of Spice Racks

There are a few things that every kitchen needs.  You obviously need a refrigerator, a stove and oven, probably a microwave and a blender too.  In additional to these essentials, there are definitely some accessories that can really help to make your kitchen experience easier.  One of the most popular accessories is a spice rack.  Having things organized in a kitchen, which can sometimes be one of the smallest areas of the house, is important for your sanity while cooking, as well as keeping it neat and clean when you are done.  Being able to store the spices in a compact area, while still having them accessible while you are trying to cook is extremely helpful.  There are many different styles of kitchens and many different tastes for different people.  Because of this, there are multiple styles of spice racks for you to choose from when you are looking to bring some additional style and organization, as well as usefulness to your kitchen.

Magnet Spice Racks - A magnetic spice rack is pretty awesome because it is definitely a newer, modern style of spice rack.  By using magnetized surfaces on the spice containers and the surface the containers are placed, you can have magnets anywhere.  The spice containers can even be stuck to the fridge or the stove because those surfaces are magnetized.

Carousel Spice Rack – This is the more traditional spice rack style, and it is quite popular.  The reason is that you can have a lot of different spices all in one compact area, that is easily accessible because it spins around on the carousel.  This is great for kitchens that have a little bit of spare counter space, but don’t have too much.

No matter what type of spice rack you choose, I would definitely recommend accessorizing your kitchen with a spice rack of any type.

Victorian Radiators Are Super Stylish

If you are looking to purchase a refurbished Victorian radiator or are looking at a radiator that you want restored then there are many expert firms who specialize in this area. The best place to find them if there are none in your local newspaper classifieds is on the internet where specialised companies post photographs to give you a visual representation of what you may like to buy for your home.

Although Victorian radiators date back to the 19th century, they still work perfectly well with newer and more modern heating systems in homes as long as the valve size matches up to what you already have in your home.

Victorian radiators have become increasingly popular in recent years as they are wonderfully ornate and prove to be a very stylish addition to any home. This is mainly due to the fact that old cast iron radiators have a wonderful sectional design and are available in all sorts of shapes and sizes which allow them to fit perfectly into any space. The circular style radiators in particular have a great aesthetic quality and are beautifully crafted.

If you do manage to salvage an old radiator, a specialist company will lovingly bring it back to life by flushing out the radiator and then grit blasting the old layers of paint off it so it is totally bare. The old fixings are removed and new valves are installed so that it becomes compatible with your more modern central heating system. The pressure is then tested to make sure it can cope with 4 bars worth of pressure and then all the gaskets are tested and a visual inspection is made. Your radiator is then painted with a colour of your liking or one that fits your personal decor and can even be polished up for that extra special look.

If you decide that you want to purchase a reproduction, be aware that it may not be built to the high standards of an original model and will probably lack the elegance and quality that you would definitely get with a real Victorian radiator. The beauty of purchasing a reproduction however is the ability to custom make it so that it fits perfectly to the decor and styling that you have modelled your house in.

If you would like to find out more about Victorian Radiators or any other type of radiator, check out http://centralheatingradiators.net .

Shag Rugs: A Unique and Personal Design

There is nothing more comforting and appealing than the feeling of a cushy carpet between one’s bare toes. When one can add not only style and personalization to a room, but also texture, it creates a whole new look for the space. This is why the popularity of shag rugs has increased so greatly over the years. The texture of the rug and the multitude of selections that it is available in makes this the perfect choice for many consumers.

A consumer can bring a bit of life to a room by adding a rug with bright colors and patterns. Shag rugs come in various colors, shapes, length of carpet, and patterns in which from a consumer can choose. Whatever it is a person dreams of, there is a carpet to match their style. These types of rugs are available at almost any department store from Target to JCPenney to Crate and Barrel for reasonable prices. The average shag area rug can cost a consumer anywhere from $30 to over $200 per rug, depending upon the retailer. These rugs are also available at several online retailers such as Amazon.com and Overstock.com for a similar reasonable price.

There are many different lengths and feels to shag rugs. The shorter lengths make great bathroom rugs and can protect a consumer’s feet from the cold tile floor. The longer shag, however, can provide a great modern look to just about any room. It is all dependent upon one’s personal taste and vision for their space. Area rugs can come in many different sizes, adding just the right amount of texture and individuality to a space.

Purchasing a shag rug is a wonderful style choice for those looking to make a statement with their design. Consumers have the opportunity to add their own personal touch to a room. The luxurious feel of these types of rugs will make any room feel more cozy and welcoming.

Organize with a Kitchen Pantry Cabinet

When it comes to the kitchen, it can be easy to start with a clean looking room only to end up with a big mess. This can happen simply because there are so many little items that are used in a typical kitchen. Not only do you have your pots and pans, you also have dishes, cups, and not to mention all of your boxed foods and cans. All of this combined can cause you to have a pretty hectic looking kitchen. So what can you do about this? One thing you can do is get a kitchen pantry cabinet. Some homes will already have something like this but not all homes do.

The whole point of having something like this is to give you more places to store you items. Specifically, the pantry is used to store boxed and canned foods as well as things such as paper plates and other dry items. You can buy one of these cabinets as a whole unit or you can save money and build one yourself. If you plan on building one yourself, then you need to consider a couple of things before you start. One thing you will need to do is take some measurements and make sure you have enough room in your kitchen. Once you do that, you will need to make sure you measure the shelves as well. You don’t want shelves that go into too deep otherwise, some foods will be out of sight and forgotten and will therefore expire and stink up the entire cabinet.

There are other things that you can use as well to help keep your kitchen a bit more organized such storage cupboards. All of these things have one thing in common and that is they give you more storage space. Even with more space, your kitchen can still look messy if you end up putting things where they don’t belong so make sure you put items in the right place.

Bamboo Floors Are Here to Stay

As time passes by we realize a lot of the things we once grew to love, have slowly grown unwanted. However, one thing is for certain, hardwood floors are here to stay.

You do not want or need it until it is brought before your eyes. At those moments it is “out of sight, out of mind”. Some believe switching to a similar source of flooring is appropriate, and they might just be right. Strand Woven Bamboo flooring is not something you hear often. Yet it has been proven that flooring made by these types of bamboo are becoming more and more captivating. What does not appear to the eye is how fast this bamboo grows compared to any other source of flooring. It is known as the fastest living plant on the earth. It will grow to stand at a height of one hundred feet tall.

Bamboo absorbs up to five times the amount of carbon monoxide than any tree and produces up to thirty five percent more oxygen than a tree would. The nature and original beauty of this wonderful plant makes for a fantastic work of art in your home.

It is good to know during the process of the installation that it is easy to tend to, and very easy to clean. Strand woven bamboo flooring is reliable, durable, and perfect for all of you whom are prone to allergies or hay fever. This renewable resource is one of many that has began to help the world resupply and still capture the exact effect people yearn for. This type of bamboo is somewhat different than the others. It has the ability to reduce waste unlike the regular bamboo planks you find others using. Strand Woven Bamboo flooring is a touch of mother nature, the magic touch your home needs.

Wet Rooms – Information and More

While there is nothing wrong with having the normal bathroom in your home, many people are choosing to install wet rooms instead. Many homeowners choose a wet room because it has a feel of luxury, and this may be one of the reasons which contributes to them becoming more popular all the time. In case you are not familiar with this bathroom design, they are a restroom which has been fully waterproofed from top to bottom allowing the entire area to become one large area designed for bathing.

In contrast to what we would consider a normal bathroom, the wet room design allows the entire room to become the shower. For those who have mobility issues and the disabled they can be considered a way to help with safety because you don’t have the step up like in a traditional shower enclosure which can help guard against slipping and falling. One of the nice things about this type of bathroom is how well it uses the available space.

Because of its efficient use of space, doing a conversion from a small existing room into a wet room design can allow you a much greater benefit than a traditional style. Being aware of the tanking challenges presented by this kind of installation is very important to the success of the room. “Tanking” is the term used to discuss making the room watertight. Because it is a tricky process to make
sure the entire room is waterproofed you should hire a professional to do it.

If you don’t get the tanking part of the room done correctly you may regret it down the road. Fixing water damaged parts of your home can be costly. Once you have considered your tanking needs and professional services you can turn your attention to materials for the project. Tile and vinyl are usually the top two choices for surfacing the room. There are, of course many choices available to you for this type of project. One point that should be considered if you are using tile is how slick the finish of the tile will be once the installation is finished. For safety purposes it is important to use a type of tile and finish that will allow traction even when wet.

If you use larger tiles there will be less chance of water leakage, but you may not have better traction. On the other hand, smaller tiles will require more scrubbing to keep them clean.

I hope that some of the above information was useful to in your search to find the right bathroom style for your home.

The Popularity of Brown Baby Bedding

There are many great things about having children, though one of the most enjoyable things is decorating their bedrooms. Designing your child’s bedroom can be particularly exciting when they are babies since you can have complete control over the final outcome. Although older children tend to have more to say about how their rooms are decorated, you can have full creative license to do what you want your baby’s room. Of course, when most people think of decorating a room for a baby they automatically think of two colors – pink and blue. Traditionally, pink has been nominated as the color of choice for girls and blue has likewise been nominated as the color of choice for baby boys. While this has been true in the past, who says that you must stick with old fashioned traditions?

Although pink and blue may have been the colors used when you were growing up, baby bedding can now be purchased in just about every color of the rainbow. In addition to pink and blue, it’s now possible to purchase orange bedding, yellow bedding, purple bedding and even brown baby bedding. In fact, brown bedding has seen an uptick in popularity over the past several years as people look for more ways to integrate the look of their baby’s rooms with the overall decorative theme of their homes. Even for people that don’t care about matching the two styles, brown is a great neutral color that also has somewhat of a calm, non-threatening appearance to it.

If you’re interested in purchasing brown baby bedding for you design then the best thing you can do is to head online. There you will find the best selection and pricing on nearly every shade of brown you can imagine. Simply type in the words “brown” and “bedding” into your favorite search engine and you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect components for your baby’s new room.

How to Choose Between Walk-in and Slide-In Handicap Bathtubs

When buying handicap bathtubs one of the main considerations is whether to get a walk-in or slide-in model. There are advantages to both and it’s vital to know and understand these before making a decision. The difference between the two centers on how the person accesses the bath – either by walking though the door or sliding around on a chair.

Probably the main consideration is whether the person using the bathtub has the ability to walk or not. If they don’t then a slide-in tub is the only option. Slide in bath tubs allow a person with severe disability to access the tub independently as long as they have a small amount of strength in the upper body. On the other hand, if the person is able to walk on their own then a walk-in tub may be just as convenient.

Slide-in bathtubs work by providing a seat on a pivot that attaches to the bath. This then allows the person to slide from a wheelchair or other chair onto the bath chair before swinging round into the bath. This means that even someone with a severe form of disability can have a bath without the need for help. Aside from this difference in accessing the bath though there is very little difference between a slide-in and walk-in.

Even if the person is able to walk into a bathtub you may still want to consider getting a slide in tub because they make the experience of bathing a lot easier. Just because a person can walk doesn’t necessarily mean that they can do it easily. Generally if the person spends a lot of time in a wheelchair then a slide-in handicap bathtub is probably the best option. Most should come with handicap showers in order for the person to have a quicker wash although you should check this before you buy.

Zebra Print Rug or Plain Black Rug?

Linon Occasional Chair Zebra PrintIf you have decorated your room in a contemporary black and white color scheme and all you need is the perfect rug as a finishing touch for your floor, you may be wondering whether to buy a solid black rug or one with a bit more interest, such as a zebra print rug.

On the face of it, it seems that the zebra rug would be best. After all, many black and white rooms need something to give them a lift but it depends how much you already have going on in the room whether such a design is appropriate.

For example, if you have a lot of black and white photographs or prints on the walls and patterned cushions on your sofa as well as patterned black and white window blinds, it will be too much to also add a patterned rug, no matter how beautiful the pattern.

However, if you have plain white walls, black seating and glass and chrome side tables then your room is crying out for a zebra rug and it will improve things no end.

Safavieh Soho SOH435A Black and White Zebra 8' 3 x 11' Handmade Area RugThe real question might be, however, whether either rug is the best choice for your room. If you have introduced no colors other than black, white or gray to your color scheme then the room needs a different color entirely as an accent.

In that case, you could choose a contemporary black rug which contains one or two other colors. Alternatively, you could stick with your zebra rug idea, but choose one with a colored border or one where the zebra design is included as part of an overall design of a rug containing other colors. Whether you choose the black or zebra rug option, use the other colors from your rug in one or two accessories in your room so that the rug is not the only items with those colors.

Creating Your Own Breakfast Nook Table

Breakfast Bar Cart Set with Drop-Leaf Table and 2 Stoolse the breakfast nook is so small, there is not a lot of room for decorating. As a result, you need to use the utilitarian objects in the room as your decorating elements. The curtains, lighting, and the breakfast nook table are just a few examples.

How can the table be a decorating element, you might ask. Well, if you have some time, you can tile your table and create your own piece of art that has the added benefit of being easy to clean up. You can wipe tile clean with a sponge and not have to worry about wood absorbing liquids or metal rusting from dampness. The procedure is easy, but first you need to decide what kind of tiles you want to use.

If you are looking for nook decorating ideas, consult the internet, your local hardware store, or a home magazine. You can find all kinds of ideas from these sources. For table tile, there are several different options. You can buy plain tiles in different colors and make some kind of pattern on the tabletop. One clever idea that I have seen is that someone made a chess table out of small tiles in the center that the family uses for game night.

You can buy tiles with patterns already painted or stenciled on them. Alternatively, you can purchase plain tiles that are not sealed and decorate them yourself. I liked this idea best and I decided to have my kids decorate some of the tiles and date their hand prints and artwork. Now my table is a constant reminder of how much my kids have grown and they enjoy looking at their handiwork while they eat. Being part of the process resulted in my kids caring more for this piece of furniture than any other in my home. Be sure to seal the tiles after you have decorated them.3 PIECE BAR TABLE SET WITH WINE RACK BASE - Bar Table and 2 Bar Chairs

Once you have chosen your tiles, you should start by covering the tabletop with some kind of Masonite board. You do not strictly have to do this, but the board ensures that your work surface is level. You can glue and screw the board into the existing tabletop. You need to seal the board by coating it with a layer of polyvinyl glue. This will make sure that the tile adhesive does not absorb into the board. Once your board is prepared and in place, you should lay out your tiles in the pattern that you want using tile spacers. Once you have decided on a pattern, you should glue each tile to the board using tile or ceramic adhesive. After thirty minutes, you can remove the spacers and then put another board on top of the tiles that you wait down while the adhesive dries. After twenty-four hours, you can grout the spaces between the tiles. The grout will need forty-eight hours to dry before you seal it. Sealing the grout is extremely important because grout is porous and will absorb anything spilled on it if it is not sealed.

Another option is to buy small mosaic tiles or break up larger tiles into pieces to use in a mosaic fashion. Keep in mind that the method for attaching mosaic tiles is slightly different from larger tiles because you so not have to lay out your tiles in a pattern before you start. Instead, you just glue the tiles down as you go in any pattern you desire. Later, you fill in the gaps with grout.

Installing Travertine Mosaic Tiles

Arizona Tile 4 by 4-Inch Tumbled Travertine Tile, Alexandria, 5-Total Square FeetThere are many options available when you start to make choices about your travertine bathroom.  Of course, there is the color of the tile which can range form an almost ivory all way to a fairly deep brown and also a redder tint.  The basic hues you choose will be determined by several factors related to your over all motif but one of the big considerations is the size of the bathroom and the natural lighting.  The smaller the area and the less natural light present generally leaves you choosing a lighter hued travertine bathroom tile as opposed to a darker one.  This is a basic truth in home decorating:  The smallest the space the lighter the color which is needed to give it as expansive a feel as possible.

After choosing which color range you are interested in, the next step is to decide on the size.  These can range from 12” X 12” tiles all the way down to mosaic travertine tiles which can be a small as 1” X 1” or 2” X 2”.  Again, the size of the room will play a part in determining which size to choose.  The smaller the area the smaller the tiles is a general rule of thumb.  Many people choose a large tile for the floor, a medium tile for the walls and then a mosaic for the actual shower enclosure.  These sizes seem to work well together to break up the monotony of a single pattern.  I have seen large tiles in a shower but it only worked because the walls of the rest of the bathroom were white sheet rock.  This offset the large tile size very nicely.

Travertine mosaic tiles usually come pre-applied to a mesh and thus are very easy to install.  The mesh is one foot square so you can really put up a lot of these small tiles in a very short time.  The grouting takes a little longer than a big tile but the end result is worth it.

At times I may provide links to products and services on other sites. If you follow those links and go on to make a purchase, I may receive a commission. This will not affect your purchase price at all. cheaphomelife.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com