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Choose Copper Sink for Your Bathroom Makeover

December 21st, 2015 Leaphart

Copper has been used since over 10,000 years for a vast number of reasons. Because of its soft, malleable and ductile properties, the metal has been used as a building material, sometimes individually and sometimes as alloys. It is also 100% recyclable and hence eco-friendly too. Though, commonly used for electrical wires and plumbing tools, it has also been recently used for manufacturing bathroom sinks because of its beautiful and attractive hue. By buying a copper sink for your bathroom, you can completely transform the look of the area and give it a complete makeover.

Choose Copper Sink for Your Bathroom Makeover

Copper sinks offer an array of benefits. In addition to its rich and vibrant color for aesthetics, copper sink also has a lot of practical advantages. As it is softer than other metals it molds and shapes easily, unlike other metals like stainless steel, which are conventionally used for sink manufacturing. However, here are certain things that you must consider before selecting a copper basin for your bathroom:

•  Antimicrobial Properties

Copper offers antimicrobial properties and causes a reduction in the growth of bacteria when it comes in contact with them.

•  Thickness of the Metal

As copper is a soft metal, therefore for a copper sink to be durable it is essential that it made of thick material. Metal thickness is calculated by its “gauge”. Lower gauge will mean thicker metal. For instance, 14 gauge will be thicker than 20 gauge. In case of a copper sink, it is essential that it is made of 14 gauge for being durable and should be made of 16 gauge to be called manageable.

•  Handmade

Copper sinks are usually handmade. This is what gives them the natural and rustic look. However, if you want a more refined finish, it will be better if you go for custom options.

•  Color

Usually copper sinks come in two variants – bare and sealed. While bare look will darken with age unless you keep polishing it, sealed copper sinks lock the color through sealants and does not allow abrasive cleaners to affect the original color. This allows copper sinks to be available in a variety of colors from shiny penny like appearance to darker caramel hues.

•  Overflow Drain

Mostly copper basins come without an overflow drain, which can cause the bathroom sink to overflow easily. Ensure that the sink you select for your bathroom comes with this feature.

•  Safe

Natural copper often contains hazardous elements like lead or mercury, which can harm your health. Therefore, it is a must that you ask the salesman and ensure that your sinks are completely lead, arsenic and mercury free.

With so many factors to take care of, selecting a copper basin can be very confusing and fill your mind with many questions as to how easy it is to maintain these sinks. Following are some key maintenance tips:

1.  Mounting copper sinks in kitchen can be a little tricky. If it is made of pure copper and the color is not sealed, it will be very difficult to maintain its natural color. Lots of food we eat are acidic and can affect the patina of the copper basin. Pots and pans left in basin can leave marks but they will slowly vanish over time. However, this problem can be totally avoided if the copper basin is mounted in the bathroom.

2.  Annealed or pure copper can dent very easily but its cold rolled version can withstand the daily wear and tear and is very durable. Therefore, make sure that you only go for thick copper sink for your bathroom.

3.  Never wax the sink from inside or it may lose its antibacterial properties.

4.  Using bleach can also adversely affect the surface of the basin. It can darken the natural patina and cause a whitish taint in the lacquer, which is irreparable.

5.  Copper basins are easily scratched, but the good thing is that these scratches slowly darken and disappear over time.

6.  Make sure that your dry the sink after every use to keep its color intact for a longer period of time.

A copper basin can offer a beautiful touch to your bathroom and give it a complete makeover. So, just brace yourself with a little knowledge and buy a perfect bathroom copper sink for your house.

Unique Bathroom Vanities Offer Flexibility and Style

November 23rd, 2015 Leaphart

Bathrooms are one of the most visited spaces in a house and it definitely needs a storage unit to store all the accessories, cosmetics and various other bathroom products. But often these storage units are limited to being only functional and little or no attention is given to their style or ingenuity. However, interior decoration neglects no part of the house, including bathrooms. These storage units also popularly known as bathroom vanities are in fact the perfect prop to step up the interior décor of a bathroom and make it look stylish and welcoming. Unique and stylish bathroom vanities not only serve as functional storage units, but also stand as a reflection of the taste and hospitality of the homeowner.

Unique Bathroom Vanities Offer Flexibility and StyleRustic bathroom vanities are one of the most preferred type of bathroom vanities for storage and interior décor purposes. As the saying goes, old is indeed gold, as a lot of interior decorators and home owners prefer interior décor objects that look worn out and appear as if they come from a historic period. Rustic bathroom vanities are one of the most popular rustic décor items and one needs to make a lot of considerations before buying a rustic bathroom vanity from a rustic furniture vendor. As a beginner’s guide, here’s a list of things you need to know and considerations you need to make before buying a rustic bathroom vanity.

1. Bathroom Space

Understanding your bathroom space is the first and foremost thing you need to do before deciding on other aspects of buying a rustic bathroom vanity. As mentioned above, bathrooms are one of the most visited spaces in a house and also one of the smallest. A bathroom accommodates a lot of things like the bathtub, toilet, sink, shower etc. and has the rest of the space dedicated to easily move around. If you buy a bulky bathroom vanity and cover that little left over space, the whole bathroom experience is going to get very clumsier. Hence, before you decide on the style, size and compartments of a vanity, make sure there is enough space to accommodate it and a lot of space left to close the door and easily move around without any clumsiness.

2. Size

After space, have a clear cut idea of the size of the rustic bathroom vanity you would want to buy. Starting with its height, make sure the sink top can be conveniently reached by adults and kids. While style, uniqueness and vintage look is important, functionality of the bathroom vanity is also equally important. To reduce the bulkiness of the vanity, prefer the one that is uniquely designed and has less width. Remember, more the width of the bathroom vanity, more the size, and more the size, more the clumsiness. Also, make sure the top is lengthy enough to provide enough space for all the day to day activities like brushing, trimming and shaving.

3. Compartments

As said before, functionality is as important as style. While rustic bathroom vanities are naturally stylish and attractive, one should rather focus on its smart product design which makes room for many compartments and cabinets. Along with the compartments donning a rustic look with vintage metal handles, they should also have enough space to store all the basic bathroom necessities. Also, make sure that the doors of the cabinets open and close without any friction and don’t occupy much of your bathroom space. In addition, a unique and stylish rustic bathroom vanity is the one that hides all the shabbiness of the plumbing and leaves no water pipe visible. Look for those vanities that have closed cabinets dedicated to hide the plumbing.

Apart from the above mentioned important considerations, also look for other aspects such as waterproof coating on the sink top to avoid corrosion of the wood. Normally a hand rubbed wax coating is given to make the vanity top waterproof; hence, remember to look for this coating without fail. Be clear about whether you need a single sink or double sink mounted on the vanity top and also the type of wood you would want the rustic bathroom vanity to be made of.

Rustic Bedroom Furniture for a Traditional Look and Vintage Theme

November 23rd, 2015 Leaphart

Rustic themed bedrooms are a growing fashion amongst many interior decorators and homeowners. These kind of bedrooms are especially suited for bedrooms of guesthouses and homestays as they create a peaceful country atmosphere around themselves and add a vintage look to the overall interior décor. People always have a fascination towards things that look old and worn out as they remind them of the good old times when life was simple, but a whole lot richer. Sleeping in rustic themed bedrooms, on rustic bed and spending some quality time around wood cladded walls is a different kind of experience that we don’t often get to experience in our busy, urban lives.

A number of rustic furniture vendors design and make rustic beds, but only a few understand the emotions associated with this unique piece of furniture. To be precise, only few manufacturers can come up with rustic bedroom furniture that share the authentic, rustic feel and serve to be functional at the same time. Before buying a bulky rustic furniture like rustic bed, one needs to make a lot of considerations about space, size, style and functionality of these furniture and whether or not they can blend with the existing interior design. Here’s a list of those considerations that you need to bear in your mind before contacting your rustic furniture vendor.

Rustic Bedroom Furniture for a Traditional Look and Vintage Theme

1. Space

Before deciding to buy any sort of bulky furniture like bed, space should be the first and foremost consideration one needs to make. If you don’t have a clear cut idea about the space that is available in the bedroom to accommodate this big piece of furniture, it is very difficult to assume the size of the bed you would want to buy. In addition to the space occupied by the bed, one should also consider the space occupied by other bedroom furniture such as the nightstand, footstool, armchair, closet and reading table. To be on a safer side, have a vision of your supposed to be rustic themed bedroom and be very sure about that particular place where your bed is going to be placed.

2. Rustic Style

There are many sub-types within rustic style interior décor and it is wise to be well informed about these styles before buying a rustic bed. Three of the most popular rustic styles are:

a. Vintage: Vintage looking furniture that look old and worn out blend well with a rustic interior décor theme. Along with a vintage bed, antique sofas and chairs, vintage hooks and wall sconces, rustic lighting fixtures make up for a complete rustic themed bedroom.

b. English Cottage: White, dark brown and varying shades of blue are the trademarks of this particular rustic style. The English Cottage is perfect for those who love the cold and cozy atmosphere of England and wish to recreate that in their bedroom.

c. Nature: Nature is another popular rustic style that is perfect for summer cabins or hunting lodges. Few of the most common elements of this particular style are decorative stuffed animals, rich upholstery, earthly colors and leafless branches in empty flower vases.

3. Compartments

Beds with compartments are a wonderful concept for small rooms with limited space dedicated for storage units. If you want to avoid additional vanities for storing your clothes and other accessories, you can opt to have compartments below the bed. Make sure the doors don’t occupy much of the space such that it leaves no room to easily walk around. Also keep an eye on the sharp edges of the cabinet doors as small kids and pets might bump into those sharp edges and hurt themselves. Rustic and antique metal handles to pull and push the cabinet doors perfectly go hand in hand with the rustic theme.

Apart from the above mentioned important aspects, also make sure to look for a protective coating on the wood to prevent it from water spillage and corrosion. Normally, hand rubbed wax is used to give this protective coating and prevent the spoilage of wood and increase its long life. Before buying the wood, also check for the quality of the wood and prefer solid wood furniture for spaces vulnerable to moisture and temperature changes.

Decorate Your New Home with Rustic Furniture

October 12th, 2015 Arnold

Rustic furniture is the latest trend in the market. We all talk about the elegance and style statements that it defines, but do we actually know what it’s all about. Going back to the golden age of woods and organic elements, rustic furniture defines a connection between traditional and contemporary art of furniture making. Made of woods and complemented by organic textures, it delivers just the perfect warmth that you get while staying close to nature. You get an inspirational feel of woods and nature within the well modernized houses right in the heart of the city.

Whether it’s revamping your old house or decorating your new home, you have wild options available to create just the perfect rustic style. Talking about your new home, you are sure to get stuck with where to start, what to start and how to start. You have various contemporary furniture designs, innovative wallpapers and decorative displays adorn your house. However, for a while think about having rustic furniture for your new home. Don’t you find this exciting, something that can would stay distinctive and elegant for years to come? Of course, this would add special charm, a unique elegance and natural warmth to your interiors.

Starting from your bedroom right to your bathroom, there are wild imaginations you can use. Let’s start from your bedroom. You can have a cupboard, side table, bed, dressing table and sitting with antique finish, further complemented with a choice of natural colors like white, brown, burned red, earth tone or natural wood finish. Walls can also be adorned with rustic style wallpapers available in the market. Then there are varieties available for rustic style lightings and fans that add extra warmth, fun and excitement.

Then going towards your drawing room or living room, can you think how impactful and inspirational, this room can be. Rustic furniture like sofa, chairs and all the upholstery used in white, green or natural wood color can deliver a rustic and comforting feel. Further to this the wall accents, decor and other living room essentials in unfinished and layered wooden work can give a rustic appearance. You can even add a log sofa, dark hardwood floors, rustic TV console, beige walls, old tree mantel, ceiling adorned with wood beams or a stone fireplace in a corner of the room; all these sure to add an extra of inspiration to the rustic living room.

Then you have your dining room that can be adorned with well-designed wooden chairs and wooden plank table. The color can go from white to brown in varied tones to give you that feel of rustic style. Then the rugs and tablecloth can be light in color staying in contrast with the natural wood furniture. Further to this, beige walls, light décor pieces, ceilings with wooden beams and wall scones for added lighting deliver that distinctive look of rustic dining. You can even add rustic bar stools with a separate bar compartment for added distinctiveness and charm.

Further ahead is your kitchen that can be adorned with aged time worn wooden cabinets, a fireplace, wooden floors, wood ceilings, old window frames and wood burning stove. Wood used for walls and ceilings can be white or light brown because this adds an extra charm to the kitchen area. The cabinets can be pine wood that can be finished in light brown or even white to add the style you wish to have. Even dark brown or black can be used, but avoid if the kitchen area is small.

Last but not the least, comes the bathroom of your new home. Wall claddings, wooden ceilings, earthen tone ambience, handcrafted accessories, stone tubs, complementing sinks of porcelain or stone, granite countertops and rustic bathroom vanity together deliver a rustic appearance. Complement this combination of natural colors, organic textures, antique window frames are a striking addition to the rustic bathroom.

With all the rooms of your new home in a rustic style, your home is sure to define its own style statement. Give it a try and transform your new home to a beautifully inspired house.

Tips for Classy Contemporary Lighting in Your Home

August 21st, 2015 Arnold

Artificial lighting has come a long way from being just a device that brightens up a dark room to an accessory that creates the right aura in your dwelling space. It plays an important role in modern day homes, and places a lot of emphasis on aesthetics and functionality alike.

An important component of artificial lighting is contemporary lighting fixtures. They are pieces of art and design that balance the interplay of light and shadow. They come in a variety of shape, size, color, and pattern like chandeliers, wall sconces, pendants, floor and table lamps, and bath fixtures and so on. They can suspended from ceilings, mounted on walls, placed on floors, or embedded into panels, cabinets, etc. and can be placed in any room or portion of the house. When chosen carefully, they set the perfect ambience and make your home look more appealing.

Here are a few tips to consider when buying contemporary lighting accessories for your home.

•  Take note of the room or area of the house that needs illumination. Living rooms need lighting fixtures that do not cast too much shadow. Exterior areas like the entry, driveways, and walkways, require safety and security. Interior areas like kitchens and study rooms require lighting that helps with specific tasks.

•  Determine the purpose that the lighting needs to serve and select the type of lighting accordingly. Ambient or general lighting is used for uniform illumination. Task lighting aids reading, movement, etc. and is placed on tables and work stations. Accent lighting is used to draw visual interest. These fixtures are mounted on walls or hung from ceilings to accentuate a piece of décor and act as focal points.

•  Pay attention to the architecture of the house. Artificial lighting fixtures when combined with natural light sources, creates an elevated mood and also helps save energy.

•  Focus on the interior design and color scheme of the house. Pick a lighting fixture that blends with the furniture, drapery, and other décor elements – a Victorian style chandelier may not go too well with your sleek, Italian themed sofa set.

•  Assess the availability of space in the room or area that needs illumination. In a room where a large area is occupied by furniture, pendants and wall sconces work better than floor lamps. Also, ensure that the size of the lighting accessory goes well with the height and/or width of the wall, floor, ceiling etc.

•  Take into account the cleaning requirements. Many chandeliers and sconces often come with intricate detailing that makes them difficult to maintain. An unkempt piece of lighting mars the look and feel of the room and leaves a bad impression on your guests.

•  Bear in mind, the age of the occupants in your house. In case you have babies or kids, avoid low hanging and easily accessible lighting fixtures. This helps avoid risk of injuries.

•  Evaluate the power consumption and energy needs for the illumination devices. These days, a variety of lights are available, which produce less heat, consume very little energy, and are at the same time environment friendly.

•  Opt for additional features wherever necessary. Dimmers and night lamps are a boon in nurseries and kids’ bedrooms to prevent children from being scared of the dark and to help parents navigate the room better. Remote controlled lighting works well in large rooms, especially those meant for relaxation and entertainment.

•  Research on different options available in the market. Brands like George Kovacs and Sonneman focus on classy, contemporary designs; Varaluz offers vintage and hand crafted products.

Buying contemporary lighting fixtures (http://www.ehow.com/info_8006264_light-fixtures-small-hallway.html) for your new or renovated residence isn’t just about picking up the latest, most trendy or most popular design. It is also about paying attention to little details that make them a perfect fit in your abode.

Granite Showcases the World’s Natural Beauty

June 3rd, 2015 Leaphart

Granite is a common type of igneous rock which can be used for many things. From large buildings, to even larger pyramids, the intrusive rock is a go-to for building and aesthetic purposes. The rock can be many different colors, from pink to gray. The interesting patterns and ability to be sanded down to a smooth texture are what makes the stone such a desirable material for construction.

Formed through crystallization from magmas, granite is a beautiful rock that is known to have constructed the third largest pyramid in Egypt, The Red Pyramid. It is comprised mainly of limestone and granite, and was created in 26th century BC. The stone is also present in the Great Pyramid of Giza, and Black Pyramid. Egypt enjoyed using the rock for many other purposes, such as columns, door lintels, sills, jambs, and wall and floor veneer. Brihadeeswarar Temple in India was the first temple to be constructed out of the igneous rock, and still stands as one of the tallest in the country.

GraniteIn modern times, granite is used for things such as statues, sculptures, memorial grave stones, buildings, home renovations, and engineering purposes. Because it is such a hard stone, it is used for statues and sculptures, and even grave stones due to durability and the beautiful outcome that is produce once it is shaved and carved. The rock is also used as a dimension stone and tiles for commercial and residential properties – it used to be commonly used in the building of foundations in England because of its abundance. Nowadays, the most popular use for it for home renovations; the polished look of the stone works impeccably well in kitchens and bathrooms. The hard surfaces allow for extensive use, being tough enough to repel scratches, burn marks and other effects that some countertop materials would not be able to withstand. Another interesting use for the substance is in the field of engineering – engineers often use the polished rock’ flat surface as a plane of reference.

Oddly enough, granite is also one of the most desirable rocks when it comes to the sport of rock climbing. This is because of its steepness, friction, soundness, and crack systems. The stone is so popular with rock climbers that indoor climbing facilities often shape their artificial rocks to look and feel like granite. Some of the natural spots for the occurring rock are Yosemite, the Bugaboos, and Baffin Island.

Granite is a precious material that can be used for a number of different things – whether it’s for aesthetic purposes such as home renovations or sculptures, or for durability purposes such as building and rock climbing. The most important thing to note is that the rock is very tough, and therefore will last a long time. This should be taken into consideration for anyone who is looking to freshen up their living space with new kitchen countertops, or entry way tile flooring. The beauty of the intricate patterns and colors of the natural resource are not something to overlook.

How to Make Use of Granite Slabs

June 1st, 2015 Arnold

Granite is as beautiful as it is strong. It is the root of the mountains and can be found in mountain ranges the world ‘round. In recent years, it has become one of the most popular choices for stone floors, tiles, and countertops. Prized for it’s durability and bacteria resistance, it comes in many different colors and is made up of minerals such as feldspar, mica and quartz—which give it that sparkle.  Granite slabs can have natural swirling spattered patterns throughout it.

Granite slabs can be sold directly to the consumer. Granite slabs will often come with a surface finish already applied.  Slabs are most often used as countertops and are usually installed by professional installers. For our customers who prefer to pick up their slabs directly there are a few things to make sure to bring with you:

1.     A dolly, ratchet straps, and boards. Granite slabs are very heavy and having the right equipment will help protect the stone and your back.

2.    Another pair of hands.  Usually long and weighty, granite slabs can me hard for one person to move on his or her own, so always make sure to bring along a friend or two.

When moving the granite slab with the dolly make sure to have the load secured, and that the dolly you are using is rated for the weight it will be carrying. The granite should be prevented from moving as much as possible; so one person should always be keeping an eye on it while it’s being moved. Once the slab is loaded in the vehicle, it must be loaded vertically and secured with the boards and ratchet straps, as laying it flat can cause cracking.

While these steps can help consumers understand the basics for moving granite slabs safely, we at Pacific Shore Stones always recommend having professional install granite slabs. Granite can also be used around the pool, as tabletops, desktops, vanities, and in many more areas.

Customers can check out our inventory of granite slabs either in person at any of our thirteen locations all over the continental United States or online here on our website. The inventory for all of our locations can be found online and customers can choose the granite for them.

Granite slabs are a great choice for any renovation or new house build, and can be used in many different ways. With colors from black, to grey and brown, with different patterns unique to each slab, granite is a great accent stone. From the roots of the mountain to households all over the United States, granite is one of the strongest stones out there and can be used for almost anything.

If you are interested in learning more about granite, granite slabs, or other household finishing materials for kitchen or bathroom renovations, do some research to find a supplier or retailer nearest you. They will have the knowledge and expertise you need to make the right decision for your project and keep you on budget.

Why the Cost Differs From Slab to Slab in a Granite Warehouse

May 27th, 2015 Arnold

Inside a granite warehouse, you will find so many styles, and colors of granite stone, that you won’t believe your eyes. You would feel like a kid at Christmas.

Although you’ve probalby heard about how Granite comes from the depth of the Earth’s crust, do you know the full story about what happens in the Earth’s structure to create the various colors of golden rock that we call “Granite.” And store in Granite warehouses until they are used to create the décor of homes and buildings?

If Granite is just a rock that we get from the Earth’s crust, then why is it so beautiful and sometimes expensive to buy from Granite warehouses? The price of ganite is generaly set according to its different shades and hues. So if you intend to buy from a granite warehouse to update your kitchen, don’t you want to know why some slabs cost a lot of money, while others are less expensive?

GraniteWarehouse

Why Granite Warehouses are Full of Different Colors and Styles of Granite

After a volcano erupts, the molten lava, or magma, flows over the Earth’s surface and then saturates the rocks and drains into the Earth’s crust. When the molten lava cools, it solidifies and develops into a rock,called granite. The process is actually very simple. So this means that when there is a volcanic eruption, or a continential shift, there is an abundance of granite. However, this doesn’t mean that countries without valcaonoes don’t have granite. In fact, granite isn’t scarce because the world is rich with granite, but finding and mining enough to fill a granite warehouse can make it expensive.

If There is an Abundance of Granite What Makes it so Special?

Even if it were possible to find every granite mine in the world, and use our tools to cut off every piece we could see, we still wouldn’t have enough granite to lower the price. Because every time we cut off granite and fill up granite warehouses we have to wait millions of years for more to be formed. The process for the molten lava to erupt, cool, solidify, and become what we call granite rock is very slow. But to many people, giving your kitchen and other rooms in your house the luxurious look with granite from a granite warehouse it is worth it to spend as much as they have to. And to get the most beautiful granite that will keeps guests talking, you have to buy finely grained granite.

Granite Warehouses are Stocked With Fine and Coarse Grained Granite

One more thing that affects the cost of granite is whether its grain is fine or course. Finely grained granite spends more time in the Earth’s crust, and needs more time to cool then solidify, receiving extra pressure from the Earth. This makes it harder to find, a higher quality of rock, more durable, and thus more expensive. Basically, all slabs of granite stored in granite warehouses for purchase are different. Some are better quality and therefore more expensive, but this does not necessarily mean that they aren’t all beautiful and unique.

What Makes Granite Countertops Popular in Kitchen Installations?

May 23rd, 2015 Arnold

When people think kitchen renovations, they often think about granite countertops. There are a lot of decisions and upgrades people can make to a kitchen renovation, but granite countertops always seem to be high on that list. What makes granite countertops popular with kitchen installations? Well there are several reasons, so let’s find out what they are.

Granite Countertops Look Great

Let’s get some harsh truths out of the way, first. Getting a return on investment for any renovation comes down to several things, but an important factor is aesthetics. When people remodel or renovate a kitchen, they likely want to update it to make it look great. Granite countertops have a beautiful and classic look that works in any kitchen and with any kitchen style. It may seem harsh, but aesthetics matter when it comes to the kitchen, and this can greatly affect the resale or rental potential of any home. When people see old and out-dated laminate or tile kitchen countertops, even if the rest of the home looks great, they are going to see an out-dated kitchen that will need time and money to fix. To help increase future buyer interest and resale value, upgrading to beautiful-looking granite countertops will help.

Granite Countertops Are Unique

When someone looks at a sample tile of granite (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granite) for a kitchen countertop, he or she is only looking at the potential of what the countertop might look like. Since granite is a natural stone, composed of different minerals in varying amounts (like quartz, feldspar, mica, and amphibole), the look and coloring of each piece of granite is unique. Depending on the ratio of the specific minerals in the granite, the color and texture of the granite countertop will vary from stone to stone. Some granite countertops might be light, others darker. Some might have minerals with a large, coarse look, and others might have a mineral with a finer look. While granite is a natural stone that looks great in any home, the truth is that no two granite countertops will look the same—that natural look simply cannot be duplicated. No matter what style or color scheme of granite countertop people are interested in, they will be sure to find a beautiful and unique piece of granite that is perfect for their home.

Granite Countertops Are Durable

Having a great-looking kitchen countertop is one thing, but it also needs to be durable for all the stress that takes place in the kitchen. It might seem like any solid material would work well for a countertop, but that is not the case. Laminate countertops can crack and break, and they can show signs of early wear and tear. Marble countertops can seem just as durable as granite countertops—but do not be fooled; marble is actually less durable than granite countertops. Marble is not scratch resistant and requires more care and detail than a granite countertop. Stainless steel countertops show fingerprints easily and require constant cleaning to look great. Wood countertops require special sealer and care in order for the wood not to be damaged by potentially spilled liquids, like water or lemon juice. If properly installed, granite countertops only need to be sealed once every two years, and they only need to be cleaned with a cloth and mild dish soap to prevent staining. This means the granite countertop will look and function great for years to come without a whole lot of maintenance.

Granite Countertops Are Durable Outside

Yes, this is about kitchen countertops, but more and more people (particularly those who live in areas that experience mild winters) are renovating their patios and decks, and installing outdoor kitchens. Inside a home, a granite countertop does not have to account for sudden changes in temperature, wind, rain, hail, sleet, or even snow. However, when it comes to outdoor kitchen countertops, granite is stronger, more durable, and more stain and scratch resistant than other materials—some of which (like wood) just would not be practical. For those who want to cook or grill outdoors, installing a granite countertop in an outdoor kitchen is the way to go.

Modern Lighting – Designer Look for the Home

May 22nd, 2015 Leaphart

Getting a stylish designer look for your home is simple and easy – change its lighting. Switching to modern lighting will uplift the ambience of your home, create a trendy look, and give you the feel of a home redesign without bearing the cost of one.

Modern lighting options are multi-faceted – you can vary the style and design of the rooms by using different combinations of lighting techniques. Below is a description of three distinctive lighting practices followed by an overview of which combination suits each room best.

Lighting Techniques

Lighting options and fixtures can be categorized into the following three types, based on their usage and purpose:

Task Lighting

Task lighting is simply the technique of focusing illuminance on the ‘task’. Light is directed towards one focal point in the room using a central illumination piece, built-in ceiling lights and table lamps. Task Lighting is particularly beneficial for areas used for activities like reading, cooking, dressing etc.

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting basically balances lighting in the room by complementing illumination via various sources and fixtures. The strategy is to evenly distribute light and highlight specific areas of interest without concentrating at any one focal point.

Recessed Lighting

The lighting fixtures in this case are not clearly visible in most cases, yet they serve the purpose of highlighting and providing requisite illumination in a room. This type of lighting supplements illumination provided by the focal fixtures.

Placement of Lights

Task, Accent, and Recessed lighting fixtures are used in various combinations in different rooms. Fixtures ranging from chandeliers and pendants to sconces and monorails facilitate the lighting effects. Below is an indicative summary of which type of lights would look ideal in respective rooms.

Living Room

Being mostly used for gatherings, this room requires the most decorative fixtures. Task and accent lighting is perfect here. Use a chandelier or large pendant in the center of the room; accentuate the lighting effect with sconces in pairs on the walls and lamps on the side-tables. To avoid shadows in the room corners, use smaller sconces.

Companies such as Besa Lighting, Corbett lighting, and Crystorama Lighting offer a wide range of modern lighting fixtures that will beautify your living room.

Bedroom

Bedrooms require a mix of general illuminating fixtures as well as task lighting pieces. Direct more light towards your reading area by using floor lamps or small pendants. Focus light in the dressing room using monorails and torchieres.

For exquisite lighting pieces for your bedroom, consider collections by et2 Lighting, George Kovacs Lighting and LBL Lighting.

Kitchen

Combine task and recessed lighting for the kitchen. Over the cooking surface, focus light using a bright light sconce or a hanging illumination piece. Place lights in the kitchen corners. Under cabinets and on ceilings, use recessed lighting. You could also place a line of small pendants over the eating counter for accentuating the visual appeal.

Bathroom

Recessed lighting will be perfect here, accompanied by a pair of sconces on both sides of the mirror. Apart from recessed lights, you can also use straight, minimalist, horizontal fixtures on the walls. Use dimmers here.

Home Office

Home office is the area where task lighting is required most. You should focus the light of various fixtures towards your work area. Keep a table lamp/ floor lamp (http://furniture.about.com/od/accessoriesguide/ss/floorlamps21510_3.htm) at your reading space. Avoid keeping the illumination uniform in this room. Use concealed lighting at the workstations followed by a pendant behind each chair.

Maxim Lighting, Tech Lighting, and Varaluz offer collections that will perfectly match the criteria of your home office.

Outdoors

A pair or two of wall sconces at the door entrance will look welcoming. Use recessed lighting at all dark spots outdoors. You could use recessed lighting fixtures in the garden bed or along the walking trail.

To end with, modern lighting will give a designer look to your home, but only if the rooms are ideally lit and decorated. Use creativity to ingrain your own personality into the décor.

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