Category Archives: Home Improvement

Types of Fabric to Choose for Your New Couch

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Category : Home Improvement , Home Renovation

Who doesn’t love a nice sofa? At the end of a tiring day, you can sit, lie down, play with the kids, watch a movie, the uses are countless! This is why choosing the right fabric for your sofa is also very important. Let’s have look at the different types of fabric and choose yours based on what you are inspired by and what you expect your couch to have so that your family can use it.

Simply put, you can find the following types of sofa fabrics available in the market: suede, leather, jacquard, chenille, linen, linen, suede, velvet, in addition to synthetic materials. Noble fabrics such as silk, for example, can be used for sofas, but it is best to limit them to pillows and decorations, as they can be challenging to clean. You want your sofa to last as long as possible.

1) Leather

Leather is ideal for those with animals and children at home and those who prioritize the practicality of cleaning and the design. Besides, leather will complement any type of décor.

Pros: Leather is beautiful, can adapt to cold and heat, and very easy to clean. You simply have to wipe with a damp cloth and that’s it!

Disadvantage: The only drawback is that it costs more than other fabrics and synthetic leather itself. However, the durability is quite long, so it’s worth the investment.

If you like synthetic leather, some options mimic leather, such as PU, Corino, and Court Van. However, with synthetic leather, you need to pay more attention, especially to avoid drying it out and get the undesirable “cracking” effect.

Sofá reclinable de cuero #furniture | Living room recliner, Living room leather, Leather living room set

2) Chenille

Chenille is a very distinctive fabric, usually with lines and checks, and its composition includes cotton, silk, and wool. It was once one of the most commonly used fabrics for sofas, but with the advent of the very similar suede, it decreased, mainly due to cost issues.

Pros: comfortable and velvety to the touch.

Disadvantages: it absorbs dirt quickly, it is difficult to clean, and has a lot of folds, making it unsuitable for people with allergies, respiratory illnesses, and animals.

Furniture - Gray Velvet Sofa - on White | Welcome to our photo gallery! | Flickr

3) Suede

Made of polyester, this fabric is one of the most widely used types of sofa fabric today. It is ideal for those who prioritize comfort.

Advantages: low cost, comfort, velvety softness, a wide variety of prints and colours, and durability.

Disadvantages: the material is highly absorbent, so there is a significant risk of stains, and cleaning deep stains is complicated. However, there’s nothing that can’t be fixed by waterproofing.


4) Velvet and Suede

Like trendy linens, velvet and suede are the new darlings of the sofa. They are irresistible!

Advantages: perfect for cold places, they are malleable and very comfortable fabrics, not to mention delicious too! And above all, they are beautiful to meet your eyes. And best of all, they are lovely to meet your eyes.

Cons: You need to constantly monitor the cleanliness of the sofa because any stains and dirt will appear on these fabrics. Not the best for those who have small children at home or pets.
New York Corner Sofa 3D-Modell | Saba Italia, Italy

5) Linen

Whether it’s decorating or fashion, linen has brought it all back! It’s a beautiful and elegant fabric, but it has its quirks. Check it out.

Pros: excellent for warm places, even though it’s partly waterproof, it doesn’t absorb dirt and moisture similar to suede, chenille, and twill, and can be cleaned up daily with just a damp cloth.

Cons: It is not practical to clean, as it is a more sensitive fabric and has a greater risk of staining, so the help of a professional company for a complete cleaning is ideal.

furniture, modern, luxury, indoors, house, room, design decorations, sofa, domestic room, pillow | Pxfuel

If you don’t want to invest in a sofa right now, you have the option to cover it with another cloth. That way, you can give your furniture a new look without spending so much money. It’s always good to change the look of your home. Often, one detail can make a massive difference in the environment.

Creating the Perfect Home Office Space – Your Ultimate Guide

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Category : Home Improvement , Home Renovation

Creating a work area at home is easy if you know how to take advantage of the space by choosing the best location and the essential elements so that your home office is as functional as it is decorative. A few days ago, we saw how to set up a dressing room. In today’s post, we show you how to set up an office or a home office.

Home Offices, a Growing Trend

That your workday takes place, in whole or in part, in your own home is something more and more common, but for it to work, this practice requires a specific place where you can find the tranquility and concentration you need. Using the same dining room or kitchen table to place your computer and work is not a good idea.

Creating a work area at home requires looking for a suitable place and making a small design of what you need to feel comfortable while carrying out your work. The table’s size, the type of chair, the elements to keep your papers in order, the ideal light to not “leave your eyelashes” or those small details that will make your work easier… everything influences your office at home is perfect.

What to Consider When Designing a Home Office?

The first step to integrating the workspace into your home is to find the right place. If you have a small independent room, perfect, but it is also possible to take advantage of a few square meters that you may have wasted. For example, a hole under a staircase, a corner of the living room that has been “soulless” or a space that has been between two columns and in which you have never really known what to put.

Whenever possible, ensure that your home office is not in a passing place to avoid distractions and focus on your work. Also, if you have the opportunity to place your table, the main element of the office, near a window that provides natural light, do not hesitate. That’s the best place.

How to Define Your Workspace?

It is another crucial detail to clarify that this small part of the house is your office. Don’t think it’s silly. You must separate the workspace from the rest of the room. It is something even psychological. When you are in that place, you are working, you know it, and it is also a way for the rest of the family members to know (if I am here, “don’t interrupt me”). You have different useful elements and simple decorating ideas to achieve it.

Imagine that you want to put your office in the living room, you can, for example, you can place it in a corner that has no use whatsoever and distinguish it from the rest of the room by simply placing a practical vegetable fiber carpet or flooring that part with tiles of a slightly different color from the rest of the room.

It is even easier to use a screen or a low shelf, which can also be used to place books or folders that you use in your work, as separate elements. Now you have beautiful glass “curtains” perfect for integrating your office into a modern-style living room, achieving the insulation you need while including an innovative decorative element.

Another simple idea is to paint that small space’s walls in a different tone from the rest of the room. For example, a beautiful living room in elegant petrol blue and your work “corner” in a light blue style, which is harmonious, makes it clear that this is a different space.

Basic Furniture

A home office does not require a large financial outlay on furniture. The essential thing is a table with the appropriate size, an ergonomic chair where you can work comfortably, and some elements that ensure that you can maintain order in your home office.

Before purchasing a specific table, take a good look at the available space. Maybe what is excellent for you is a simple shelf with the exact length and width enough to fit perfectly in the area you have (you can buy it to measure and place it with two “trestles” type supports or columns.

Perhaps what suits you best is a glass table. Make it visually “lighter”, for example, in a bedroom or living room, and you also have semi-circular or “L” -shaped desks perfect for fitting into the corners of any room.

Many of these desks occupy very little and include storage elements such as built-in filing drawers or retractable trays to keep the laptop when you are not using it that comes in handy. If you need more space to place all the elements you use in your work, a few simple shelves on the wall can be as practical as decorative.

Finally, you only have to take care of those little details that make your work more effective and pleasant. A beautiful plant that adorns your table, some trays that can be stacked and allow you to keep the papers in order and, of course, a floor lamp or a flexo, so that you have the ideal lighting at all times, are some that will allow you to personalize your workspace, perfectly integrated and in harmony with the rest of your home.

10 Tips to Renovate Your Bathroom

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Category : Home Improvement

Everyone wants a bathroom that makes them feel like they are in a Zen place. In my opinion, a bathroom should be the place where you can get rid of your fears, anxieties, worries and fatigue. Whether your bathroom is small or large, choose the best products that will make it look bigger in many ways. In a small bathroom, we should have everything that a large bathroom incorporates, but with fewer items inside. It may sound simple, but sometimes it is hard to get.

If you are looking for inspiration when renovating your bathroom, here are several ways to make your small bathroom look bigger when you are thinking about renovating:

 

  1. Paint
    Paint your small new bathroom in light colors. Lighter colors create an optical illusion, the space will look wilder. Although people think it will create this effect, in the end, your bathroom will look like a cold hospital bathroom. It is best to try to choose a combination of warm colors. Try painting clouds on the ceiling – if you can do that, this type of design can really bring much-needed creativity and sparkle to your small bathroom.

 

  1. Tile or wallpaper
    When you decide to use wallpaper on your bathroom walls, be sure to use small patterns – you do not want a heavy pattern to invade your bathroom space. You can also install bathroom tiles with a delicate pattern that will repeat itself on the floor. Decorative tiles bring lightness into your modern home. These tiles are full of charm and vitality.

 

  1. Light
    Play with bathroom fixtures – install heavy lighting or better yet, a skylight if you can. A bay window is ideal, of course, you can create extra storage space by using its alcove.

 

  1. Bathroom mirrors
    Place bathroom mirrors opposite each other if possible. This old trick of creating space should work wonders in your small bathroom; combined with lots of light, it will certainly make the space look bigger than it is. Also, if you place a bathroom mirror against the bathroom window, you will create an extra “bathroom window”.

 

  1. Reflective surfaces
    Choose bathroom cabinets and vanities with shiny, reflective surfaces; see if you can install a glass shower stall when renovating your bathroom or even install a full-length mirror inside or just outside your shower.

 

  1. Bath mats
    Avoid bath mats or doormats if possible or choose light-colored carpets for your small bathroom. Do not overload it with towels – make sure that only the necessary accessories are kept in your small new bathroom.

 

  1. Shelving
    Focus on the horizontal parts of your bathroom. Use shelves in the corners of your bathtub. You can put all your frequently used soaps, shampoos, hair masks and bath salts on them. See if you can turn any unused vertical space into bathroom storage.

 

  1. Use the space above your toilet
    A very generous space is the one above your toilet. You can place a waterproof cupboard above your toilet where you can put small things: cosmetics, brushes, and towels.

 

  1. Use the space under your sink
    If you do not install a pedestal sink, you can use the space to put a cabinet with several shelves under your sink. When you have a small bathroom, give up the idea of a pedestal sink and use this space to its fullest potential. You will be surprised how much you can fit in there.

 

  1. Change your toilet seat
    Buy a toilet seat with a decorative pattern. A funny toilet seat will give your small bathroom an original look.

 

These tips will be helpful especially if you are renovating on a budget. Well, it is always better to get the help of experts when it comes to renovation.

10 Home Improvements to Avoid

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Category : Home Improvement

If you’re looking to get value for your money by investing in a home improvement project, here are 10 design trends and features to avoid.

1) Inconsistent architecture

The fact that your home contains a tangle of architectural styles can be off-putting to a potential buyer. A ranch-style home with columns on the front porch can be just as confusing as a log home with art decor accents. Each architectural style has its own beauty, so be sure to emphasize these factors. Otherwise, it’s like eating pickles on ice!

2) Oversized kitchens

Hold the rise of famous chefs responsible for it. Kitchens with every imaginable appliance and too much space can be off-putting to potential buyers who don’t engage in serious entertainment. Unless you’re planning sumptuous meetings with a team of cooks, it may be time to divide the kitchen into several parts, such as a comfortable breakfast nook and a family table.

3) False “Old World” design

By decorating or highlighting a European style on the left (for example, the right-hand region of Tuscany has a particular and popular type), we can hope to capture the elegance of this region, but keep in mind that unless you get the materials (and a vineyard to boot), there will always be something inauthentic about channeling Europe into another part of the world.

4) White cameras

If your devices are white, it’s time to upgrade them. White may at one time have been the color of choice to showcase a spotless home (everything appears on white!), but that’s precisely the problem. Homebuyers will unconsciously feel the hard work associated with cleaning each surface or see persistent stains that will never come out. In addition, plastics fade over time, turning a non-uniform yellow. Instead, choose black appliances, stainless steel, or the latest “black stainless steel”.

5) Wallpaper

Wallpaper makes a bold statement in a home. However, that same boldness can discourage buyers, especially if the wallpaper is cheap, old or familiar. In addition, removing wallpaper is a labor-intensive process that can also discourage potential buyers, especially considering that removing old wallpaper can damage walls and create more headaches. In addition, wallpaper can be a source of undetected mold growth. Use paint instead.

6) Carpeted bathrooms

There was a time when walking across the master bedroom and walking on a glossy tiled floor made a carpeted bathroom look like a brilliant idea, but that time is past. That’s what bath mats are for. Carpets and water in the same place only lead to the growth of mould or damage. Some modern homes have heated floors, a huge selling point for potential buyers, and far preferable to the hygiene nightmare of a carpeted bathroom.

7) Solid Gold Appliances and Equipment

Metallic finishes can add warmth and sophistication to your home, but if you have bright gold fixtures and hardware, consider removing them. Gold has an unnecessarily glossy, flashy look that may appeal to the nouveau riche, but most home buyers find it as old-fashioned as the 80s. Instead, choose to replace these fixtures with warmer metals such as polished brass or brushed nickel.

8) Tile Countertops

The countertops in your kitchen and bathroom play an important role in the eye of a potential buyer. If they are tiled, consider removing them. At one time, this seemed like a modern trend, but tile countertops can be disconcerting to maintain. Think about it: what to do if a tile flakes and needs to be replaced? Are you prepared to regularly clean porous grout to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria? This only makes the already unwelcome chore of cleaning the kitchen even worse.

9) Cheap wood siding

The wooden houses are beautiful. If you have beautiful wood paneling throughout your home, leave them alone. However, if you have cheap wood siding in your house for a bingo game in a church basement, remove it immediately. Cheap wood paneling will instantly date your home and scream “cheap” to those who look at it. Worse yet, it can be very expensive.

10) Taxidermy

Not all buyers will like the heads of the animals on display, so it is best to remove the moose head at the sale. That said, this may not prevent a sale in some areas of the United States where hunting is popular. Similarly, similar objects such as a bull’s skull strategically placed over a coat or in a garden will only be attractive to certain types of home bars. Keep in mind that your goal is to make your home an open model, so that a potential buyer may consider living in it.

Ways to Change My Living Room Setup

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Category : Home Improvement

It’s a place to relax, work, watch TV and entertain friends. The living room is THE living room par excellence, enough to make you want to furnish it like a pro, whatever its size and constraints… Apartment, studio, house, micro-living room or XXL living room? Let’s take stock of the essential rules for a successful living room layout!

1. Start with the sofa

If you had to pick a centerpiece in the living room, it would be him, without hesitation. To arrange your living room well is to start by determining the position of the sofa and what it faces: TV, fireplace, window? Contrary to popular belief, the sofa is not necessarily glued to a wall. On the contrary, even it can be used to structure space, to separate rooms and to delimit areas between living room, dining room, corridor or even night space in a studio. In any case, to organize a living room well, the sofa is always preferred, even if it means limiting the number of pieces of furniture around it.

2. Adapt the layout to its use

In a living room, there is usually a sofa and coffee table. For the rest, everything else is possible! Some hinge everything around the TV, others around the fireplace, others still need a work space or a play corner for the children. In other words, to properly furnish a living room, you define the spaces to be provided according to your lifestyle. The question to ask is: what are we doing in the living room? Those who like to entertain will need extra seating and a sofa bed, or even a bar or china cabinet within easy reach. Those who work there will need a small desk near an electrical outlet with a light source and a chair. If children are playing in the living room, a toy storage area is ideal… and with toddlers, a well-fixed carpet and clear space is mandatory!

3. Boost the brightness

If there is one room in which brightness is essential, it is the living room, which should take advantage of daylight as long as possible and compensate for its disappearance in the evening. There is nothing sadder than a poorly lit living room! With few exceptions, the sofa is therefore placed near a well oriented window to take advantage of its luminosity. A good decorative ceiling light or a designer floor lamp is provided to light up the evening, complemented by accent lamps to warm up the atmosphere, and warm rather than white light bulbs. The room lacks light? We choose light colours on the walls, space the furniture and think about mirrors! They enlarge the space and reflect the light, giving a good boost to a living room that is too dark.

4. Choosing the right floor

Since by definition, the living room is a place to live, it is best to avoid white carpeting or fragile floors for an optimized layout. Tiling is generally preferred in warm regions, parquet flooring for the cocooning atmosphere. It should be noted that PVC floors today offer beautiful imitations at low prices, with different thermal or acoustic qualities as a bonus. In all cases, a washable option is chosen that is resistant to heavy traffic… avoiding excessively light shades that get dirty more quickly, especially with children, and overly marked trends that can age poorly. In use, it is easier to change carpets than a complete floor!

5. Don’t neglect the atmosphere

A well-equipped living room is also a living room in which it’s good to live… In short, a cozy atmosphere that resembles its inhabitants, and that goes through all the little accessories rather than the big furniture. Great readers swear by the books in the living room, cocooning lovers by the plaids and cushions, vintage fans by the antique furniture, etc… Can we sum you up? Adapt the layout and decoration to your tastes to design a living space that suits you, by playing with colours, paintings, cushions, curtains or lamps, for example. A few travel souvenirs, potted plants, a couple of photos and the living room comes to life!

Spellbinding Ideas to Spruce Up Your Bedroom

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Category : Home Improvement , Home Renovation

Include Several Lighting Options

In a bedroom, it is good to “stack” the lighting throughout the room. Ambient lighting can illuminate the entire room. Small lamps can focus light for reading and other activities, and accent lighting can wash walls in soft light. To focus reading light where you need it, use a bedside lamp with a movable arm. Each light should be adjustable with a dimmer switch. Install a separate switch for each bulb so that you can be selective and light only the area you want.

Choose A Subtle Color

Instead of bright primary colors, choose soothing shades and a relaxing palette of monochrome tones. Remember color theory: soft shades of blue, lavender, or green are considered calm and serene. Vibrant hues of jewel-colored tones help create an atmosphere of comfort and well-being. They can be roasted browns, deep pomegranates, or topaz. Use invigorating versions of your favorite colors in the bedroom”. That may mean choosing mauve instead of eggplant or pumpkin instead of tangerine.

Keep the Bedroom Simple

A bedroom should be comfortable and simple, sophisticated, and elegant, whatever style of decoration you choose. For ease of movement, leave a minimum of three feet between the bed and side walls or large pieces of furniture and at least two feet between the bed and low furniture, such as tables and chests of drawers. If you need to move the bed around from the closet to the bathroom, think about how you can move the bed.

Put what you need in your bedroom only. A bed, one or two bedside tables, a chest of drawers and a chair are necessities. Everything else is a mess. If you have room, put a chest of drawers in the closet. Accessories should be kept to a minimum. Choose a beautiful piece of art, arrange a few family photos, add flowers and candles, and leave it all out.

Do Not Neglect the Ceiling

The ceiling is the fifth wall of a room. When you lie in bed, do you see a bland, blank surface? Add a subtle pattern or soft color. Paint the ceiling with a slightly lighter version of the color of the walls. That will visually lower the ceiling and give the space a sense of comfort and privacy.

Have Plenty of Storage Space

To add to the serene feeling of a bedroom, store things out of sight. The room will appear quieter and more spacious. Choose a spacious bedside table with drawers or doors behind which you can hide books, lotion, and reading glasses within easy reach but out of sight. For more storage, choose a table with a skirt or a small chest of drawers.

Choose Furniture of the Right Size

When you’re ready to buy bedroom furniture, start with a floor plan and a measured drawing of the space. The furniture should be adapted to the room in which it is located, and this is especially true for bedroom furniture. Don’t choose a large bed and a large chest of drawers for a small bedroom. If the ceiling is high, a high headboard will help to reduce it visibly.

Cover the Windows

A well-dressed window will help frame the window and the view and provide other ways to add color, pattern, texture, and softness to a bedroom. If you like soft, transparent curtains that filter light, combine opaque blinds that you can lower to provide privacy at night and block out the morning light.

Treat Yourself to Luxury Sheets

Furnish your bedroom with beautiful and luxurious fabrics. Nothing adds more comfort to a bedroom than stunning sheets. Don’t buy sheets made of less than 100% cotton or linen with a high thread count (350 or more). For sheets that look like they come from a 5-star hotel, send them to the dry cleaners for professional washing and ironing, which doesn’t cost much but creates a crispy softness worthy of the Ritz.

Make Your Room A Real Getaway

Try to discipline yourself to keep your cell phone, computer, television, exercise machine, or blackberry out of the room. Create a special place to relax and unwind.

Discovering the Fancy World of Fences and Gates

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Category : Home Improvement , Home Renovation

Are you looking for a new fence? A gate can make or break the usefulness of a fence. Whether you’ re installing a gate in a new fence or an existing fence, you’ ll probably want an opening that is user-friendly, durable and aesthetically pleasing. Choosing a fence gate can be tough, but if you keep a few things in mind, you’ll definitely opt for the right gate every time. Here’s what you need to bear in mind to avoid experiencing buyer’s remorse after your new gate is installed. Simply follow these tips and enjoy the final result.

Before Choosing Your Gate

Before you can think about the types of doors, you need to consider a few preliminary details. Consider these decisions and actions before you begin the process of choosing fence gates.

Check With Your HOA/POA

Before you do anything, check with your local government to see if you live in such an area. Nothing spoils your plans faster than getting a buzz now that you’ve chosen your fence. It’s time to get some parameters and avoid a world of disappointment. Fences can come in a standard size.

Inspect Your Property

You may decide to opt for a manual portal, but in case you fall in love with something fancy, it is useful to know where your power will come from. Inspect your property and determine if you have a power source, and if not, where you will get it. While you’re at it, you can also evaluate the type of space you have to determine the best kind of gate opening.

Check Out Your Options

Are you looking for a remote control option? Security features? Electronic key codes? Consider these options before purchasing the first item you see in your neighbourhood’ ’s big box stores. Those include the types of gates and styles that match your home.

During Your Decision-Making Process

Once you’ve conducted your preliminary research, it’s time to start choosing your fence gate. While there are plenty of things, you should consider as part of your decision-making process, reviewing your options will help you determine what you really want.

Types of Gate

There are many types of gates, but it is essential to choose the right kind. If the material of your gate is highly dependent on the fence material (a vinyl fence has a vinyl gate), you may also choose a gate style. A wooden fence will probably have a wooden gate or a complementary material such as metal. Aside from these, here are a few types of gates.

  • Standard gate – A standard gate matches your fence entirely. It’s usually the same material and the same height so that it blends in.
  • Ornamental gate – a much fancier option, this style has some type of ornate design that really stands out. Some are even custom to include things like your initials or crest.
  • Speciality gates – Speciality gates serve a distinct purpose. They provide space-saving features, for example, if you don’t have room to swing a gate. They go over a larger driveway or help provide security in a specialised fashion. Often, they’re specifically made for your unique situation and to your specifications.
  • Security gates – these sometimes fall under the speciality or ornamental category, but they offer an extra layer of security for your property. They’re often powered and provide keypads, electronic locks, or video access in some cases.
  • Hidden gates – Hidden gates blend into the fence itself, giving your house the impression of an impenetrable fortress. These gates are helpful if you live in a high traffic area, especially foot traffic.
  • Double gates – If your fence goes across your driveway, you may need a double gate to make the best use of the space. These will require bracing and could be a lot to maintain in the future because of their size and weight. They’ll need a mechanism to prevent gaps from developing and something that allows you to open the sides independently if necessary.

Types of Opening

Depending on your space, you may decide to use a different type of gate opening. Not all gates have to swing open, and that can be inconvenient for some areas.

  • Swing gates – the typical gate style is on a hinge and diagonally reinforced to prevent sagging. Most secure with a latch and come in a variety of materials.
  • Cantilever gates – Cantilever gates slide open rather than swing and provide access when you don’t have space for a swinging gate. They use a counterbalanced system and free float of the driveway or entrance. These are good for areas that see a lot of debris or snow.
  • Rolling gates – Rolling gates also slide rather than swing open, but use wheels on a track embedded in the ground for support. These have a small footprint and are suitable for wider spaces where your gate will need a lot of help.

Features and Specialities

If you only want a standard fence gate size, you’ll need to decide how you’ll latch it. Other options include security features like keypads or automatic openers. You’ll need to find power sources and ensure that your gate is fully supported before you choose.

Your installer can also help you with unique security features and any loose ends you need for your gate. These final touches can happen in the planning process so that the installation goes as smoothly as possible. Want a fancy gate for your yard? Contact Chainmesh Security Fencing in Melbourne. They provide high-quality chain link fences that are engineered to improve the security of your property.

Decorating with Tiles and Laminate – What Goes Where

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Category : Home Improvement

There’re no home decorating challenges quite so frustrating as old, worn-out floors. You can paint the walls, add accessories, and even replace furniture on a budget, but replacing an entire floor is a much bigger – and costlier – job. That doesn’t mean you just have to live with your ratty old carpeting or scuffed-up vinyl. These days, there are lots of different flooring options, including several that are very affordable.

However, you can’t just pick up one of these cheap flooring choices at random and expect it to work in any space where you plunk it down. This article focuses mainly on tile and laminate, with pros and cons of each flooring type.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is made from a mixture of clay and shale that’s fired in a kiln like pottery. It’s a hard material that comes in a huge variety of colors, shapes, and patterns. Not all ceramic tiles are tough enough for flooring, so it’s important to make sure the ones you buy are rated for use on floors.

There are four main types of ceramic tile:

  • Glazed Ceramic: This type of tile has a glass-like coating that can give the tile virtually any color or texture. Glazed ceramic tile is practically maintenance-free.
  • Porcelain: This tile is fired at very high temperatures, making it extra-hard and durable. It’s available either glazed or unglazed. Both types are stain-resistant and work well in outdoor rooms.
  • Quarry Tile: This unglazed ceramic tile has a slightly rough texture, making it more slip-resistant than glazed tile. However, it’s not available in as wide a range of colors.
  • Terracotta: This unglazed tile comes only in earth tones. It’s less durable than other tiles and needs regular sealing to prevent stains.
Advantages

Tile comes in many colors and shapes, so it can fit in with any style of home. Thanks to modern printing technology, it’s also possible to create ceramic tile with virtually any pattern. It can mimic the look of natural stone or even wood, though it won’t feel like wood underfoot. Tests have found porcelain tile to be the most durable type of flooring, resistant to scratches, dents, and moisture. It’s also very easy to clean. Glazed ceramic and porcelain tile require very little maintenance, though other types need more.

Disadvantages

Tile feels cold and hard underfoot, and it makes footsteps sound louder. Glazed ceramic tile can also be slippery unless it’s coated with a special anti-slip finish. Durability varies depending on the type of tile you choose. Terracotta tile requires regular sealing. Glazed tile is easy to clean and maintain, but the lines of grout between the tiles can stain if you don’t seal them regularly. And although tile is a durable material, it’s not that easy to fix if a single tile happens to crack.

Best Uses

Porcelain tile is the best choice for high-traffic areas, such as kitchens and mudrooms, as well as for wet rooms such as baths and laundry rooms. It’s also ideal for an enclosed porch or sunroom.

Laminate

Laminate flooring is constructed much like engineered wood, with a thin veneer over layers of plywood or compressed fiber. However, the top layer is not wood but a photograph under a clear plastic coating. That means laminate can look like wood, stone, tile, or just about any other material. Laminate comes in either planks or tiles. Most of them are floating floor systems, which you can install right over your old flooring with no glue or nails.

Advantages

Laminate can mimic the look of wood or stone for much less money. It’s also easy to clean and requires very little maintenance. It’s a hard material that resists scratching and scuffing better than real wood. Laminate is easy to install over an existing floor, saving you time and money on your flooring project. That being said, it takes patience and ingenuity to fit the planks around corners and through doors, so you’re better off getting help from experts like the ones at AtoZ Kitchen & Bath.

Disadvantages

Like tile, laminate can be slippery when wet. Also, if water stands on it for any length of time, it can get in between the layers of the material, causing the planks to warp. Unlike real wood, laminate can’t be refinished when it wears out, only replaced. That can make it a less cost-effective choice than wood or tile over the long term.

Best Uses

Laminate is a good material for high-traffic areas, such as kitchens, foyers, and playrooms. It’s also a reasonable choice for basements as long as they have no problems with leaks or standing water. It’s best to avoid this material in wet rooms, such as bathrooms and laundry rooms.

I hope you find the information in this article useful. Stay tuned for more updates and suggestions in future posts.

Installing a Skylight in Your Roof

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Category : Home Improvement

Skylights let natural light stream into your home, bringing warmth and a feeling of spaciousness. When properly selected and used, they can reduce your need for electric lighting and minimize your heating and cooling costs. There are also health benefits to this wonderful sunlight that shines on us. 

If you lack sufficient sunlight on your skin, you will suffer health effects. That is because the human body was designed to be exposed to sunlight on a frequent basis. We evolved, after all, under the natural sun, not under fluorescent lighting. Our environment was one with plentiful sunlight.

Skylights can provide up to 30% more natural light than vertical windows while making a small space seem bigger.

A skylight is like a window which has been placed in your roof. It has a frame specially designed to withstand rain and prevent leakage from rain and snow. To maximize a skylight’s use of natural light to illuminate a room or its passive solar heating potential, you will want to take into consideration how a skylight is positioned.

We have found many ways of introducing light into our houses and homes. These range from complete conservatories made from glass in a narrow framework, through custom built, atrium roofing sections, to smaller fixed or opening windows fitted into an existing roof.

No matter how much light you want indoors, it is important to know how to go about it. Some skylights require relatively inexpensive and small-scale installation work; others involve large-scale, tailored fabrication and design work. Although planning permission may not be required, the work should comply with the building regulations, so consult your local buildings regulator.

A skylight is a great way to let heat, light, and air into a room. The addition of roofing lights can effectively turn a roof into a grid running between the squares of light.

Opening roof windows solve ventilation and sunlight problems associated with the average building. Particularly in the case of attic conversions where standard windows are not an option, an opening skylight turns a roof cavity into a useful and pleasurable space.

Always consider ceiling geometry when you are thinking about skylights. Narrow shapes running down to the line of the eaves create the effect of slots of light internally. When all the surfaces are plastered and painted, the skylight looks even more attractive.

Installing a skylight

A skylight is a fantastic way to let light and heat into dreary rooms. Putting in a skylight, especially if the shape of the ceiling mimics the slope of the roof, is certainly not beyond the capability of the average DIY hobbyist.

First, decide how large a skylight you want; two, three or four smaller windows might be better than a large one. Discuss through your needs with manufacturers or suppliers. When it arrives, carefully read the installation instructions. Bear in mind that you are going to put a hole in your roof, which could let in the rain if there is a hold up because you don’t know exactly how the unit should be fitted or there’s a few parts missing. Have tarpaulin and e ropes to hand, in case.

Drive a large nail into the ceiling where the skylight is to go. Wearing shoes with good grip is essential. Climb onto the roof and locate the desired position and remove the roof slates. The skylight must not interfere with a ceiling hanger or a purlin.

Cut the tiling battens and mark out the frame size that will hold the skylight. Cut the rafters and put in trimmers in compliance with the manufacturer’s directions. Look out for any wiring or cables. Cut away the plaster with a saw and take the skylight from its box and remove the flashings and trims.

Mark the position of the skylight on the ceiling and make Sure that one side of it fits next to a ceiling joist. Drive a large nail through its middle. Remove the tiles and keep them close by. Cut the battens with a circular saw or a handsaw and then cut the rafters until they are trimmed correctly. Frame joints must be well nailed – use a minimum of four 90 mm nails in each case.

Before sawing the hole in the plasterboard, cut deeply into the sheet from underneath with a knife. This will lessen the likelihood of the lining paper tearing. If you have made the opening the correct size, the brackets of the sides of the skylight should stand on the framing members.

Stand the frame in the recommended position and fix it to the rafters and trimmers using brackets which should be provided. It must be level across the roof at both ends.

Fit the bottom flashing, bending it to follow the contours of the tiles. Fit the side flashings, the top flashing and so on. Refit the tiles around the skylight. You could use tile cutters, or a carborundum wheel fixed in your circular saw for this. (If the latter is used, make sure you wear goggles and long protective clothing.) If you have followed the steps correctly, the room below will not become water damaged. Read the manufacturer’s guidelines carefully, then position the roof window and, after double checking it is correct, temporarily fix it to one of the rafters.

Use a spirit level to check that the skylight is flat. If it is not, pack it up on the low side and then, using screws or nails, fasten it tightly into position.

The flashings are very important, they are there to stop leaks and water damage developing between the skylight and the roof covering. They must be installed correctly and without damage. When you are fitting the flashings to the roof slates, a wood block can be used for beating the metal into position. Do this until it fits the contours of the slates exactly. When fitting the side and top flashings, proceed carefully. Check each step.

The final step to the exterior is to replace the roof slates. This will involve cutting. Once the job is done, be sure to clear away all the debris that could block the downpipes. Measure the exposed area between the edge of the skylight and the ceiling and cut the plasterboard to suit. Nail the plasterboard into place, using plasterboard nails. Metal corner angle joints strengthen the join and give a precise line to work on when you are plastering. Cut them with a hacksaw and nail them in place. Using a mortar trowel, apply the cement in separate layers, each one getting wider and wider. Make sure that you smooth each of the joints away to nothing.

Plastering

Measure and mark the sections as required. Make sure the top side (unmarked) faces outwards. With a sharp knife, cut deeply along the edge. Turn the board over and, holding one side in your hand, give the sheet a thump with your fist. This should cause the sheet to bend and break. Using a sharp knife, cut along the edge on the back of the sheet. This will ensure that the lining paper does not get ripped. Cut and fix plasterboard around the skylight. Cut and fix the metal angles that strengthen the corners. Plaster the corners. Sand, dry, prime and paint them.

Job done!

If you are considering a skylight in your attic or roof, contact a professional skylight installer and get some good advice on all aspects to take into consideration. Daylight Skylights is a professional company with over 35 years’ experience of skylight installations.

Shower Towel Bars: A Stylish Update to Your Bathroom

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Category : Home Improvement

One of the most ignored accessories in the bathroom is the towel bars, we tend to take it for granted and just see it as the simple thing that should be in the bathroom no matter what. It is kind of surprising to see that we ignore the thing that we use the most. Well, there different types of shower bars that exist and yes, I did not know about them until I wrote this! Shower towel bars are the ultimate bathroom accessory that we might think it is not important, but it is. Even the small details can make a big difference in the outcome of your bathroom’s look. With so many of these fixtures to take note of, you have to realize how important it is to have a stylish and durable shower towel bar.

Like most of the bathroom fixtures, shower towel bars can come in different shapes and sizes, all of which have been designed to accommodate your needs. There are a lot of types that a shower bar can come in. They will differ in form and materials used rather than the color.

Here are some of which the different types or forms of shower towel bars:

Single Bar

This is more applicable for bathrooms which does not have much space and are seldom used by a lot of people. Basically, the single bar is great for those that only have one bathroom in their house. It is a lot more economical compared to those multiple barred ones and quite easier to install and maintain.

Double to Multiple Bar

It is pretty clear that the single bar is the basic choice for most people today. Double bars, on the other hand, are for those bathrooms that are much bigger in size and have more than one person using them. You have to be particular in the design of these bars since they will be more noticeable compared to single bars.

Wooden Bar

If you check out most of the bathrooms out there, you will not really see a wooden bar. This is due to the fact that not a lot of people think it is practical. But like steel bars and other artificial counterparts, a wooden bar can be dependable especially if it is crafted from a sturdy type of wood. Plus, a smooth wooden finish makes for a great addition to your bathroom’s accent.

Stainless Steel Bar

Basically, stainless steel is the most common material that a shower towel bar can come in. Aside from the nice chrome finish that it provides to your bathroom, stainless steel bars will not rust. Rusty bars can really make your bathroom unappealing, and of course, you do not want your towels to be blemished by the rust. Plus, this material is also quite easy to clean.

A stylish shower towel bar can be just another small way to improve the appearance of your bathrooms without spending a lot of money. Most local home improvement stores, including the large box home improvement stores, do not have a large selection for you to choose from. The best place to start your search for the perfect shower towel bar for your bathroom is the Internet. You will be able to find all of the different styles and kinds and you will also be able to buy them at discount prices!

Before starting on the adventure of choosing the right piece of hardware for your towels, there are several features that should be taken into consideration.

Design

A towel rack differs from a towel bar because it may be much more than just a single bar. Often, they have some sort of shelving system on top and then a bar or two underneath where towels can hang. Other times a rack might be a unit that sits on the floor rather than attaching to the wall. Overall, a rack tends to have more function to it than a simple bar that hangs on the wall. Just think carefully about how you will be using it and what kinds of towels you intend to hang on it. Also think about what you would use the shelves for if it does have shelves. Storing extra towels there is ideal, but that is not the only possible use. Just make sure that the design of the rack you select is something that you will find very useful and functional.

Placement

The next important thing to take into consideration when choosing a towel rack is placement in the bathroom. If you plan to hang it on the wall, measure and mark the placements of the studs in the wall and use them to your advantage. Racks can be very heavy because they are much more than a simple bar, so you especially might need to hang them on studs rather than just anywhere in the wall. Measuring the space, you have to put the rack in is also very important so that you can make sure that the area is large enough for the one you want. You should avoid getting a towel rack that is too small for the space too. If necessary, purchase two racks to take up all of the space. Depending on the design, this might be a great way to have room for both his and her towels. Just remember that if the rack already has room for two large towels, having two of them in the space may be redundant. Think instead about filling the extra space with some other type of decoration.

Material

It is also very important to think about what kind of material the rack should be made out of. Chrome is extremely popular, because of its extreme durability and because of the clean look it lends to any space. Bathrooms are meant to look especially clean, and polished chrome can help your bathroom really shine and look as clean as possible. Polished nickel is also very popular because it is durable and because it adds a little bit more class to a space than chrome does. Just remember to match the color of the hardware with the rest of the room, and then selecting the best material will usually fall right into place. Do not feel like you are limited to silver tones because some hardware can have a yellow or black finish and still be made of these very favorable materials.

Get the best selection and discount prices on bath towel bars and also you can get more information on bathroom towel bars at Milobath & Accessories.

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