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10 Bathroom Designs Ideas

Sprucing up a bathroom used to mean picking up the wet towels and wiping the scum out of the soap dish. Nowadays, bathrooms are little slices of a family’s character. They can be both fun and functional. Here are a few bathroom designs ideas for families of any income:

  1. Grandma’s House – Hang crafts and country-themed photographs on the wall. Use baskets for storing toilet paper and towels. Finish it off with a few decorative soaps in a small glass dish. Remember what Grandma said, though, they’re for decoration not washing.
  2. Toon Town - Choose one of your favorite cartoon characters, like Mickey Mouse, and paint the bathroom in that color, such as black, red and white. Print out a few pictures of Mickey for the wall. Set small figurines on the shelf. And be sure to color coordinate the shower curtain, rugs and towels.
  3. Zen – Make the bathroom a peaceful retreat, by painting the room in earth-tones, such as brown, green and tan. Consider bamboo fixtures, and stone for the wash basin. Rattan mats can be used outside of the tub, and rocks can be used for decoration. One of several perfect bathroom vanities would help complete the “Zen” look. Consider adding a Jacuzzi Tub for aquatherapy treatment. Just follow the basic rule of “Keep it Simple.”
  4. Aquatic Whirlpools

    Aquatic Whirlpools

  5. Ocean – One of the most popular bathroom decorating ideas is the ocean theme. Visit any local department store to find ocean-themed toothbrush holders, shower curtains, towels, and more. If you’ve visited the ocean, consider putting a glass jar filled with sea-shells on a shelf.
  6. Patriotic – For those in the USA, you can never go wrong with a traditional Red, White and Blue theme. Since most fixtures are white, simply buy some red and blue towels and mats. Hang a nice flag on the wall. Then consider color-coordinated soaps and tissue boxes.
  7. Minimalist Color – Make your white bathroom fixtures stand out by painting the room in a dark, bold color such as navy blue. Accent the room with a slightly lighter shade of the same color. Finally, purchase towels and mats that are again, one shade lighter. You may want to start with deciding on the color of the towels and mats, and then work your way up.
  8. Museum - Make your bathroom an art museum. Simply print out several of your favorite paintings, and frame them. Cluster the frames on one wall, so they are nearly touching. Choose one of several decorative bathroom vanities out there to meet your theme. For the shower curtain, visit your local fabric store and purchase an artistic swatch, then sew it to a plastic liner.
Antique looking Bathroom Vanities and more.

Antique looking Bathroom Vanities and more.

A few bathroom vanities, bathroom faucets and tubs to help you design your new bathroom ideas.


By david on August 15, 2008
Tags: ,
Posted under DIY Tips, Fixtures, Remodeling

5 Ways to Keep Your Home Green: Part 1

Go Green in the Home and KitchenEveryone’s going green. Not only to save the planet, but to save money! And the first place to start is in your home. There are many simple, quick fixes to help you save energy, but here are five options that will require a bit of investment and work. These are effective ways to make your home more energy efficient, to help you save money on energy bills:

  1. Purchasing Appliances – When purchasing any new appliance for your home, be sure it is labeled “Energy Star.” You can check its annual energy consumption based on average use. This will help you find the most energy efficient appliance. If any of your appliances are over ten years old, you may actually save money in the long-run, by investing in a more energy-efficient appliance now.
  2. Re-Insulate your Home – A well-insulated home can save you 20-30% on your home energy bills. Some insulation can now be pumped into existing walls. Contact your local HVAC company to learn about these services.
  3. Update your Windows - Check your windows for cracks and gaps. Heat and AC can easily escape through small cracks in the window pane and frame. A new set of windows will add value to your home, and save on energy. If you can not afford new windows, caulk and insulate all frames with supplies from your local hardware store.
  4. Shade Your Home – Visit your local greenhouse, and purchase a tree to shade your home. This will cut down on summer cooling bills, but also block cold winds during the winter.
  5. Paint Your Home – Color can retain or reflect heat. So, if you life in a cold climate, consider painting your home a dark color to retain sunlight. If you life in a hot climate, consider painting the house in a light color to reflect the hot sun.

When updating your household appliances consider a kitchen make-over. Here are some kitchen sinks and kitchen faucets manufacturers that you may find to be the perfect fit for your kitchen upgrade. All of these brands are top quality and luxurious looking fixtures at an affordable rate.

Kitchen Sinks & Kitchen Faucets Brand Name Manufacturers:

Other Kitchen Sinks & Faucets:


By david on August 15, 2008
Tags:
Posted under DIY Tips

How to Install Kitchen Sinks & Kitchen Faucets

They took everything, except the kitchen sinks. You’ve heard that many times before. But in reality, sometimes we wish someone would take this dingy old sink off your hands! If you are looking to install a kitchen sink, here is a step-by-step guide to help:

  1. Purchase Your Choice of Many Kitchen Sinks – If you are putting a sink into a new countertop, then you can purchase kitchen sinks of any size. However, if you are replacing a sink into an existing counter-top, you will need to purchase a sink that is the exact same size as your old one.
  2. Turn Off the Water – When replacing old kitchen sinks, be sure to turn off the water before removing the sink or any plumbing.
  3. Remove the Kitchen Fixtures – Take off the kitchen faucets and any fixtures. Then, unscrew the p-trap, and remove any plumbing. You want to make sure there is plenty of space beneath the sink to perform your work.
  4. Cut the Counter Top – For installing new kitchen sinks, you will need to cut a hole in the counter-top. A template will be included in the packaging of your new kitchen sink. Secure it to the counter-top, and then using a saw, follow the template and cut a hole.
  5. Putty the Hole – Using plumber’s putty, coat the edge of the hole, whether you cut it yourself or are installing into a pre-existing hole.
  6. Set the Kitchen Sink – Set the sink into the new hole. You may need to push the faucet and handles through the pre-cut holes in the sink. The sink should fit snugly.
  7. Caulk the Sink – Using a caulk gun, water-proof the edges of the sink where it meets the counter-top. Clamp the sink down, and wait an hour or so for it to dry.
  8. Replace any Kitchen Fixtures – Under the sink, replace the p-trap and other fixtures. Above the sink, re-tighten the faucet and handles.

Finally, turn back on the water and test your new kitchen sink! If you face any trouble, contact your local hardware store for specific instructions related to installing your kitchen sinks.

Remodel Your Kitchen with These Kitchen Sinks:


By david on August 14, 2008
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Posted under DIY Tips, Fixtures, Remodeling