Making A Smaller Space Feel Big

If you live in New York, you know the wisdom of making a smaller space feel bigger. Where Real Estate properties are at a high premium and apartments are the living space of choice, you have to figure out how to get the most for your dollar. The basic tricks to expanding the feel of a small room are color and lighting. Anything that brings natural light in and connects the room to the great outdoors will make it feel airier. To give that light room to roam and bounce around, choose accessories and furnishings that bounce light. Colors that are light and pale will keep the room from having a claustrophobic feel to it. Think vertical instead of horizontal to bring the eye up to the ceiling instead of across to the lack of space. Remove clutter and keep things organized while available.

Lighting

If you have a big picture window in the room, this will really add to the dimension of the room. Take full advantage of this by allowing the light to come in with light color drapes. If you are trying to decorate a small bathroom, you can add tube lighting or a skylight. Let that light bounce around a bit with furnishings in light colors and tables with glass tops. Wicker furniture also gives the light room to travel through its crannies. Add a big mirror on one wall to bring the outdoors in and amplify the look of the room.

Colors

Don’t set up heavy wallpapers or dark colors in a very small room. These tend to box it in. Instead opt for light color and wallpapers. Paint the trim a whiter shade than the walls to make the room appear bigger. Add touches of color with accents like throw pillows or artwork.

Going Vertical

Think up and not down for a smaller room. Anything that pulls the eye can help the room appear much more spacious. Tall thin bookcases are a good option. Change out your electronic equipment to the thinner taller versions with flat screens and thin speakers. Layer and stagger shelving on the walls to have more storage space while widening the walls. Put down area carpets with diagonal designs to widen the space visually.

Organization

Try to get rid of any clutter in the rooms. If you don’t need an item, remove it completely. Less is more in small rooms. Accessories should be kept to a minimum with several but few good pieces. Your furniture should also be organized to keep a free flow of traffic within and around the room. If you can’t do this without making the room look tiny, push the furniture against the walls and make the center space large. Speaking of furniture, it should not be too large for the room. Try to buy furniture that is sized for a smaller room to avoid making your entire design layout look cramped. Add storage boxes where needed or take off doors to closets and add decorative boxes as storage units. This can sometimes open a room considerably while adding a touch of design flair.

Hunter Pyle
http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/making-a-smaller-space-feel-big-118371.html

How To Properly Handle And Store Clothing

How they look and what they wear is extremely important to some individuals. They have closet upon closet stocked with clothing for every day of the week, month and/or year. Others are more nonchalant, sticking to a few outfits designated for daily or special occasion wear. Whatever your preference there are a few things you should consider when hanging and storing clothing.

Basically, metal hangers are cheapest type and the most commonly available. They are not, however, the best for your clothing. Depending upon their structure, they can damage your clothes, stretching them out of shape. Plain, wire hangers can leave rust markings and they are not always the sturdiest, bending under the weight of heavier clothing.

Select plastic or purchase padded wire hangers. They will not stain your clothes, nor stretch them unduly. Your sheer blouses and delicate outfits fare better with this type of hanger.

In some instances, it is better to rely on hooks. They can be hung over a closet, bathroom or bedroom door. Built to last, they can take the extra weight of heavy garments such as bathrobes. Pajamas and other casual wear-at-home clothing can be hung from hooks without worrying about wrinkling or damage. Furthermore, one particular hook can be set aside to be used to hang your clothing for the next day.

Do not use dry cleaning bags. They do not allow anything to breathe. The same can be said of placing some clothing within plastic or air tight containers. Wool and silk are two materials that need to breathe. Keep them in out of plastic and away from air tight containers.

If you wish, you can use a garment bag for storage of bulky items such as sweaters or for simple t-shirts and blue jeans. It is not, however, necessary to hang either jeans or t-shirts. They can be placed on shelves or in your dresser drawers. Socks and panty hose can be placed in drawers, but they can also be hung in the closet in a shoe bag or large cloth bag. The advantage of using a shoe bag is you can organize the socks and hose by types.

Organization is the key to proper storage of clothing. You can orderly place your clothing in any number of ways. They can be hung according to function: blouses, shirts, skirts, etc., color and/or length. In some closets where the levels vary, either naturally or through the addition of stackable containers, it might be easier to hang them according to length.

There are some sections considered necessary when you divide your clothing. If you have special clothing, party dresses, and other special occasional clothes you might want to put them in a less prominent place. As for the seasonal clothing, place them in a storage area. They can be hidden high up on a top shelve or put at the very back of the closet. It all depends upon your closet’s capabilities.

There is one school of thought that encourages discarding all poles, replacing them with shelving. This might seem like a good idea, but it does not take into consideration wrinkling and the “fear of ironing” syndrome.

One final thought. When organizing your closet always sort through what you have and discard what you don’t need, never wear and no longer fit into. Culling your closet will make it easier for you to hang and store all your clothing.

Hunter Pyle
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/how-to-properly-handle-and-store-clothing-124226.html

Home Interior Decorating For Beginners

When you first get started on home interior decorating, it is a good idea to have at least some notion of the kind of color scheme you might like. That is not to say that you can’t change your mind while you are working out a plan. It is much better to change at this stage than when you already have the paint on the walls.

Good, well thought out interior decorating can add balance to a room and bring out its best features. Interior decorating should form the background for the way you choose to live in your home. If you’ve got a lot of books then it stands to reason that you will want plenty of good shelving. Plain wood shelves look best for this but if you already have some and they are beginning to look past their prime then play safe and paint them white. Think about the lighting in a room because this can enhance or detract from its overall design.

If you are not sure what color to use then play it safe and go for a neutral cream or magnolia – you can brighten it up with your soft furnishings and well placed lamps and ornaments. Many Homes are a hodge-podge of furniture and decorating styles. If you replace furniture try to bear in mind the particular effects or style that you are trying to achieve. A well-chosen and well-placed piece can totally alter the look of a room.

Home interior decorating covers many aspects of the tasks. A lot depends on how much time you have to spare and what your budget is – whether you just want to spruce up a room or give it a whole new look. It is surprising for instance what new bath mats and towels do for a bathroom. Try sprucing up your room with some new cushions and perhaps a mirror or two. Move the furniture around and add feature wall paper on one wall – make sure that it tones in with the existing color scheme and you’ll be surprised how much style this can give to a room.

Perhaps the kitchen is your bete noir? If it is you can do a lot with some new blinds and lampshades. Try some potted plants on the window ledge this can brighten most kitchens. If the paint-work really is past its prime then you need to decide whether you need a whole new paint job or whether you can get away with touching up the doors and base boards. If your bedroom needs a face-lift then try some new bed covers and toning curtains. Add a few cushions to your bed and you immediately have a more luxurious look.

Lee Dobbins
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/home-interior-decorating-for-beginners-121233.html

Home Remodeling Products

Doors are almost like an address and identity to a home. A door, unique in style, design and finish makes a statement about its owner’s taste. So, while on a Home Remodeling process, care should be taken in selecting doors.

Door models and makes differ for each room and needs. Broadly speaking, doors can be classified as Antique Doors, Fiberglass Doors, Garage Doors, Patio Doors, Sliding Doors, French Doors, Interior Doors, Swinging Doors, Entry Doors and Front Doors.

Entry Doors in antique style can be suitable if one has a palace for a home. Doors made with solid Indian Teak together with original hand forged accessories, French doors salvaged from buildings in France, doors made of thick solid oak salvaged from early 1900s home and other such doors from various ancient and historic Homes and places can give a real royal look to the home.

Fiberglass doors are available for both entry and indoor purposes. Fiberglass doors made to look like mahogany or oak, with stiles made from engineered wood with PUF cores for energy efficiency and rot-resistant bottom rail make a good choice as entry doors. Fiberglass doors made to look like traditional hardwood door, ready to install doors in 14 pre finished colors, besides doors of fiberglass panels in solid colors to conceal scratches and abrasions make a good selection.

Interior doors may be styled as swinging doors. Louvered doors in custom sizes with a choice of mahogany, cedar, poplar, cherry, maple or others may look ideal in a room where the doorway is arched. A full length book-case as a secret passage way is available. The doors come with deeper shelving, with options to make it in ash, basswood, maple and more.

Sliding doors come handy where space is a problem. But they make a style statement in places where the space is plenty. Sliding patio doors, moving on steel-wheel rollers, with a fiberglass mesh and extruded aluminum frame for heavy use with options of red oak, pine or black walnut make is one of the many styles available in the market.

Patio doors are available in such a style that it’s difficult to tell where the indoor ends and outdoor begins. Patio doors are treated for water and insect resistance, with opening styles including sliding, out swing, in swing, hinged and bi-parting. Patio doors, offer protection against winds, debris and break-ins.

Doors are often the first ring of protection against break-ins. Care should be taken while choosing a door. The door may be for the entrance or for the backdoor. But, for each purpose a specific kind of door, made up of specific material is available. Choice of doors should not be made based on the suggestions of friends and relatives or on the basis of an attractive advertisement in a magazine. One should not place a teak wood door for the bathroom just because he can afford it to. It would only make the owner seem to be a fool to others. A right door at the right place will not only mean a good decision but also value added to a beautiful home.

Linda Polansky
http://www.articlesbase.com/internet-articles/home-remodeling-products-118596.html

Save Your Sanity This Season With Holiday Storage

With everyone in your family running in different directions, the holidays can get extremely stressful. On top of that, as the presents start to pile, your home may become more and more cluttered. If you do not stay on top of the mess, you may be climbing over piles and tripping over trash just to move from room to room by New Year’s Day. The secret to saving your sanity this holiday season is storage. The following tips and tricks can help you better organize your home this holiday season.

First, make sure that you do not allow Christmas gifts to pile up under the tree. If you have children, this can especially be a problem, as they may receive gifts at school, scouts, and even church. It is more than fine to keep your wrapped, waiting presents under the tree, but once they are opened, do not use the tree skirt as a place of storage. In the days following Christmas, find a permanent home for the items you and your family members have received. Avoid piles of gifts just because you do not know what to do with them right now.

Remember, you can find space to store toys, clothing, and other items, even when you think there is no more room. For example, there are storage containers that slide easily under the bed. These can hold shoes, wrapping paper, summer clothing, and toys that your children do not play with often. You can also find shelving units that fit in tight locations, like between the washer and dryer or along the wall in a tight garage. Make use of the space you did not know you had!

During the holiday season, you may also have extra food to store. Neighbors may drop off cookies, you may find yourself cookies for dinner parties, and there are usually enough leftovers from Christmas Day to feed your household for the rest of the week. Do not overlook storage issues in your refrigerator. When you just start storing things in an unorganized fashion, you are creating three problems. First, you are wasting money because you might double purchase items that you cannot locate, which is actually quite common. Things may get shoved in the back of the shelves and drawers. Another problem is that you are wasting food. You might forget about that piece of pie hiding behind the milk, and by the time you find it again, you have to throw it away. Lastly, you may be wasting energy. If you do not know where things are in your fridge, the door may be open longer while you are trying to locate the item. By investing in some rolling shelves, you can really cut back on food storage problems.

Around Christmas, the bathroom is another place that becomes cluttered and difficult to manage without a storage plan. During the holidays, you may be going out to parties and events. Do not come home to bathroom counters covered with makeup, hair products, and other toiletries. Instead, invest in storage units for the walls, which can hold curling irons, blow dryers, and other hair tools. You can also pick up some drawer storage units specifically made to organize your cosmetic products. Your counters should now be clear, and as an added bonus, it can take you less time to get ready because you may be able to find the hair and face items you need quickly and easily.

After the holidays is when the real storage nightmare begins, especially if you love to decorate your house. Remember, you do not have to store away your Christmas items all at once. In fact, if you decorate using items featuring snowmen, these can stay up until the end of winter! As far as your Santa Clauses and reindeer go, the key is to store these things carefully. You may likely move the boxes to storage areas, basements, or attics, so you want to protect your ornaments and other fragile item by using storage containers specifically made for them. In addition, because Christmas decorating often includes garlands and strings of lights, it is important to keep things wound tightly and tucked away. Otherwise, you may spend hours next year untangling your decorations!

The holiday season is one of the most joyous times of the year, but it can also be stressful. By staying as organized as possible, you can at least cut some of that stress from your life, which is important, especially if you have Houseguests. This Christmas, invest a little time and money into proper storage and organization of all the items you love, this can help keep your decorations from being damaged during storage. If Santa is good to you, store away your items in their new location as soon as possible.

Brian Jenkins
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/save-your-sanity-this-season-with-holiday-storage-736646.html

10 Tips to Make Your New Bathroom Look Perfect!

Here are 10 tips to consider when it comes to making sure your new bathroom will work for the whole family and be easy on your Housework time:

1. When setting a budget and choosing the products you’ll be using, remember that installation will soak up around 50% of your costs.

2. What are you going to be able to fit into your new bathroom and what products will offer you the best use of space? Do you need to consider a wall-hung bathroom vanity and wall-hung furniture to free up the floor area and make the bathroom look bigger?

3. Have a think about who will be using the space. Family bathrooms, for instance, have to cope with a lot of traffic. This may affect the finishes you choose. Tools such as the Clearlite bathroom planner can help steer you through the choices.

4. Make sure that the shower and bath etc that you select can be easily cleaned without the need for special maintenance products or lots of elbow grease, especially if they’re not manufactured specifically for our market.

5. If you’re going to theme your bathroom – creating, for example, a French or Italian look – check that accessories such as bathroom vanity cabinets and shelving will be OK in heat and damp as well as delivering the image you’re after.

6. Ensure your ventilation, heating and insulation are up to the job of minimising moisture build-up and condensation on the walls and ceiling.

7. Install an extractor fan of the right capacity for the room size and vent it to the outside. Window joinery with passive vents is another idea. Use a water-resistant lining, such as Gib Aqualine, on the walls and ceiling as a base for paint, tiles, or wallpaper. When renovating, removing and replacing linings allows framing to be checked, insulation to be installed, and plumbing to be relocated if necessary.

9. Use Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom with antibacterial silver protection and MoulDefender to inhibit mould growth if painting, or a solid vinyl applied over Shur-Stik size if papering.

10. An emergency floor drain is a good idea in case of overflows.

Alex Moiseev
http://www.articlesbase.com/remodeling-articles/10-tips-to-make-your-new-bathroom-look-perfect-701763.html

Basic Types Of Bathroom Vanities

Your bathroom has probably had the same look for years. Even if you’ve updated the sink and maybe even changed the color of the walls, the basic look hasn’t changed much. For some, the reason is they just don’t know what other options and styles are available to them. They bought their home with a single sink wood vanity and have always stuck with that style. The fact of the matter is bathroom vanities come in many different shapes, sizes, and styles. From the most basic single basin vanities to double sink contemporary works of art, you have a wide selection of bathroom vanities to choose from. Here are a few basic bathroom vanity styles.

Wood Bathroom Vanities
Wood vanities come in different wood variations. Some are made of oak and mahogany while others are crafted using lesser woods. Others are painted and don’t resemble the organic look of wood at all. Each wood type offers varying luxury, craftsmanship, and affordability. Oak and mahogany wood bathroom vanities, for example, tend to be a bit pricier than most, but they do offer solid construction and added style. So when you’re shopping for a wood vanity, be sure to choose one that meets your desired style AND is within your remodeling budget.

Glass Bathroom Vanities
Glass vanities are typically more contemporary in design and construction than most bathroom vanities. Made of high-end durable glass, glass bathroom vanities combine glass with other finished materials such as steel and wood to offer a highly stylized look and feel. A popular glass vanity style is the wall-mounted vanity, which gives your bathroom a more open feel while providing you with basic storage and function. Other glass vanities take after your typical bathroom vanity design and contain drawers, cabinets, and even shelving. You’ll find glass bathroom vanities in some of today’s higher-end restaurants and hotels as they provide a more modern look and feel which is quickly becoming the style of choice.

Contemporary Bathroom Vanities
Contemporary vanities come in single and double sink variations, and crafted using various materials. They are more modern in design than other bathroom vanities and often contain unique details and styles. Contemporary bathroom vanities are perfect for the forward-thinking individual as they provide one-of-a-kind style and appeal. The key to integrating a contemporary bathroom vanity into your bathroom is to make sure all furnishings and fixtures in your bathroom work with your vanity rather than work against it.

Antique Bathroom Vanities
Although not antique in age, modern antique bathroom vanities are inspired by antique designs and styles. Turn-of-the-century craftsmanship is popular among these types of vanities as they contain finely carved facades and highlights. Definitely a look that commands attention, antique bathroom vanities are among the more ornate vanities currently available on the market today. They combine fine woods and traditional designs with modern function to offer function and beauty that’s unlike anything else.

Double Bathroom Vanities
Found in most of your master bathrooms, double bathroom vanities contain two sinks in one long vanity. The double sink vanity is popular among couples as it allows each to have his/her own sink. These types of vanities come in many different designs (including wood, glass, antique, and contemporary) which allow for varied over-all bathroom styles. The one thing to keep in mind for double bathroom vanities is that they are larger than most. So make sure you have the room for a double vanity in your bathroom.

When it comes to selecting a bathroom vanity, you definitely have your choice of styles. From elaborate antique bathroom vanities to glass and wood vanities, there’s a style out there to match your bathroom’s décor and give it the improvement it needs.

Frank Johnson
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/basic-types-of-bathroom-vanities-92366.html

Bathroom Vanity Measurements Are Crucial

When making important decisions when renovating your bathroom, the most significant item to purchase is the bathroom vanity mirror which is installed over the bathroom sink. This item is going to be seen by all your guests when they enter and exit the bathroom. Your bathroom is what gives your guests the impression of you personality.

No matter how much heart you put into making the decision of the bathroom vanity, it is always going to be the centerpiece of your bathroom. There is a good chance that most people will use your vanity mirror to check their appearance when leaving the room. This is the reason why most public bathrooms and residential bathrooms have mirrors.

When redecorating your bathroom, make sure that that you get away from plain themes, you need to add some energy to the most important room in the House. By following your bathroom design and theme when in search of your bathroom vanity, you need to keep in mind that you want positive vibes and personality. By placing the mirror at eye level over your sink, it helps your guests understand that you were thinking of their needs when decorating your bathroom. With the needs of your guests and yourself met and also have a theme that is brought throughout causes positive feed back.

You need to make sure the size and style of your mirror coordinate with your bathroom vanity. If you buy a small mirror and hung it over a large vanity, it will cause a huge unbalance. It works also the opposite, if the sink is smaller and the mirror is twice the sink’s size it is impractical for the design of the bathroom.

When working on your bathroom design you need to aim for the identical size of sink and mirror so that it is proportioned correctly. If you have a larger bathroom, you can get away with a larger bathroom vanity which can have a spacious mirror above it. The trim that runs along the bottom of the wall needs to be smaller so you don’t feel that the entire wall is taken over and seem crowded.

When placing a larger bathroom vanity make sure that you place it towards the middle so it can have a couple inches for proper accents. The accents could consist of shelving, towel bar, or some type of potpourri holder. These types of accessories can be placed in various areas. You need to make sure that the trim of the vanity matches the framing on the mirror. The towel bar and the potpourri holder can be placed on opposite sides of the vanity mirror and also match the trim of the vanity. Fresh towels and delicate scent from the potpourri holders can add the right touch you are looking for.

You are looking for the touches that show your personality to your guests. There are various styles to choose from when buying a bathroom vanity and accessories. Just make sure that they represent you and that your guests will enjoy them.

Alex Zidan
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/bathroom-vanity-measurements-are-crucial-674260.html

Bathroom Accessories of All Kinds – Explore the Possibilities!

There is a huge variety of bathroom accessories available for your every need or desire.  You can obtain anything from towel warmers to radios that play in the shower.  There is seemingly no end to the handy little accessories and big ones too.

Just a partial list would include shower curtains of many kinds towel holders and towel warmers, wastebaskets, soap dispensers of all kinds, shower heads, toilet brush holders, toilet tissue dispensers, toothbrush holders, bathroom fans, hampers, fast hot water pumps and heated floor mats.  There are more, I’m just out of breath.

Bathroom storage comes in a multitude of sizes and shapes to accommodate the smallest and the largest bathrooms. If you’re looking for extra storage, then there are cabinets, shelves, vanities and hampers. Vanities can combine contemporary design and provide storage space to create style and function for your bathroom. Floor mats can add comfort and be decorative at the same time. Keep your towels in your bathroom cabinets. Maximize space in the bathroom with space savers and tank toppers. Add freestanding or wall-mounted shelving. Wall-mounted jewelry cabinets can keep necklaces, bracelets and rings in order and out of site.

A Heated Floor System uses electric radiant heat mats or wires to generate heat under tile, hardwood and carpeted floors in bathrooms or any room. You can lower the air temperature in the room and by keeping the floor warm under your feet, you stay comfortable. Perfect for wood or concrete sub-floors, these heated floor systems are great when you are replacing your existing floor covering or working on a new construction. Thermostat accessories allow you to time the temperature of your floors to your liking.

Heated floor mats are available in many different widths and lengths to fit rooms of any size. The mats bond easily to underlying floor materials and are easy to install. First, tape the mats in place with special tape. Then connect the mats to the thermostat. Once the thermostat is installed, put tile adhesive over the heating mat and then lay your floor.

The heating wire system is ideal for irregular shaped rooms and comes in a variety of lengths. The wires use a single-point connection and are grounded from end to end. A metal jacket protects the wires. Installation is easy. First, the wires are laid out and fastened to the sub-floor. The thermostat is connected, the tile adhesive is put over the floor and wires, and then the floor can be installed. Be sure to use a certified electrician for the wiring.
Add the benefit of warming and drying your towels without having to run the dryer. With a wide range of products to choose from, there’s a towel warmer for every bathroom.

Add the convenience of quick push-button hot water and save thousands of gallons of water, reduce the waiting time for your hot water, and add convenience to your life. A hot water demand pump speeds hot water from your water heater to your fixtures without running water down the drain.  You get your hot water faster and you don’t waste any water.  

In many one of these pumps can provide quick hot water to several or even all of the hot water fixtures in your home. If your home has one main hot water run from the water heater that loops from location to location, then a single pump will provide quick hot water for your entire home.  Just place it at the location furthest from the water heater.

If you want some really big accessories, check out the new environmental chambers where you can experience anything from a light rain to the equivalent of an automated car wash. Multiple shower heads, steam generators, and even chroma-therapy are available for your bathroom.

There are a lot more goodies out there, go check them out before you accessorize your bathroom.

William Lund
http://www.articlesbase.com/bath-showers-articles/bathroom-accessories-of-all-kinds-explore-the-possibilities-718588.html

New Years Resolution: A Complete Bathroom Redo

A good number of homeowners decide to redo their bathrooms for the New Year. It’s the perfect time to get the ball rolling. However, “the ball” involves a lot more than you may think. The key to successfully redoing your bathroom for the New Year is to start saving money as soon as possible, decide what you want to redo, and then get it done.

Saving Money

Even before you know exactly what you want to do for your bathroom redo, you need to start saving money. Set aside a certain amount each month for your renovation. This will get you in the habit of saving money and when you decide on exactly what you want to redo, you’ll have some funds already set aside.

Deciding on What to Redo

The objective of your bathroom redo is change the look and feel of your bathroom. But what exactly do you want to redo? Is it the vanity, sink, bathtub, and/or toilet? Do you want to paint the walls and/or install shelving? All these questions are important because they’ll help you plan out exactly what your bathroom redo will entail. You need to map out everything that will be renovated. Once you know what you need to do and what supplies you’ll need to buy (or services you’ll need to hire), readjust your monthly savings so that you’ll have enough funds available when the time comes for the actual bathroom redo.

Actually Redoing

After you’ve planned out precisely what you want to redo and have saved up enough funds to pay for it, it’s time to commence the bathroom renovation. If you’ve never installed bathroom fixtures and furnishings before, it’s probably a good idea to hire a professional to help you. Many bathroom furnishing stores can provide you with recommendations on installers that can get all your new bathroom items installed properly. However, if you’re confident you can successfully redo your bathroom on your own, go for it. Just make sure you have all the proper tools and materials necessary to complete your renovation (and also remember to turn off the water before you remove any old bathroom fixtures.

A bathroom redo is a great new year’s resolution. In fact, it’s a good resolution to have any time of the year. The earlier you start, the more you can save for the redo and the more likely you’ll be able to complete the renovation in a timely manner.

John Binder
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/new-years-resolution-a-complete-bathroom-redo-89653.html