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Tips for Buying Table Lamps for Your Living Room

August 28th, 2018 Arnold

In the midst of decorative lightings, table lamps are the prehistoric one while its popularity has always been steady throughout the eras. And this is because, they are simple, purposeful, user friendly and budget based. The market is packed with varieties of table lamps for living room in terms of their designs, sizes, features, colors, and obviously the shade, the major part that adds beauty to the accessory as well as your room.

Most importantly, depending on your lifestyle, purposed budget, and purpose, the industry is prepared with elegantly classic sets to modern minimalistic ones. While going through the varieties to buy online, you may find it rather confusing to decide which model should be ideally complimenting with your living place. Hopefully the following tips can appear handy to have the best pick.

Identify the Spot

The foremost factor is to decide the spot where you would place the table lamp; be it on the dressing table, at the corner of the room or next to a your cozy divan table. Deciding the place is most essential since, accordingly you can measure the exact size of its base where it will sit or its potential height to match with the tabletop. Never try to buy table lamps for living room first and then placing what you bought, which may end up having disappointment of buying an useless accessory which is too short or too tall for the place and mess the whole set of your decorative plan.

Consider your Purpose

It is to decide whether the purpose of buying is only to boost the ornamental look of your living room or using it purposefully for your dressing, reading books while lying on the bed or as a task light to coach your kid. Depending on the objective of its use, find the right set out of the varieties.

Deciding the Perfect Size

It is obviously a crucial part of choosing a table lamp. Mind carefully, that the height of the ceiling, the size of the room and accessories surrounding the proposed spot for placing your table lamps for living room are the determining factors to go with the lamp’s suitable height. If it is mismatching to all those factors, the whole purpose of buying is likely to be zero. Since one major part of the table lamp is its shade, by general rule, when seated the bottom of the lamp shade must be at the eye level. With this you won’t have eyestrain from the reflecting glare of your lamp.

Find the Color Options

Essentially, a vital point of consideration is the color options of your table lamps for living room. Color is a crucial part of aesthetic and you have to decide the color of table lamp stand as well as the shade. While many people prefer having contrast colors of furnishing and lighting accessories with the wall painting, numerous are inclined to neutral or complementing shades. Equally, you have to decide the tint of the table lamp shade. If it’s for ambiance boosting consider transparent ones with light shades that helps dispersing light from within the blind. And, it it’s for task purpose, choose darkish items that help keep the light downward and let your concentrate on your work.

Take Care of the Style

When it comes to choosing the style of table lamps for living room, there are profuse varieties. Considering the style of your home as well as room, you can go for traditional types or new generation smart lamps shades with or without adjustable features that look exclusive in your room.

Consider the Type of Bulb

With the emergence of LED lighting, CFL as well as general bulbs have lost their demand to a great extent. LED lamps of negligible watt can emit more whitish light than its counterparts that cuts on your electrical consumption grossly. Many living room lamps come with clip-on shades, which are very helpful for changing bulbs when you need replacing them. Since it’s meant for living room, opting for models with dimmer is a perfect choice.

Five Factors That You Must Consider While Selecting the Horse Barns Builders

August 26th, 2018 Leaphart

Building good horse barns is a necessity for the healthy keeping of horses. Hence, one must opt for professional assistance for the same. Only by applying the modern techniques and using the latest materials, it will be possible to build exceptionally exclusive barns that will be a pleasing domain for the horses and which will be durable.

The Following Factors You Need to Consider While Selecting the Horse Barns Builders:

• You must entrust a professional barn builder so that the barn becomes perfect in all related matters. Besides, this is the best way to stick accurately to the building code and the other officially stipulated conditions. Accordingly, while selecting a builder for constructing horse barns in Stafford and horse barns in Spotsylvania, you must count the practical experience of the company in doing such works in Stafford or in Spotsylvania.

• These days, prefabricated steel barns are also becoming popular. Nevertheless, it is practically advisable to choose a wooden barn. However, if the areas are often having fire risks due to various reasons, you can opt for a steel barn. You must have a clear-cut idea as regards the arrangements that you need inside the barn. Especially, the number of horses you need to place inside, the size, the ventilation, the doors, the lighting, etc. There should be special arrangements for storing the hay, etc.

• The number of horses you have, or you may need to accommodate inside the space is a significant point. There must be enough space within the barn that will ensure the free movement of horses. When there is more free-space within, then that will be good for the horses. They will not feel suffocated and hence, will remain in good physical shape.

• It is always good to build the barn a bit far away from your residence. This will keep away pests or other insects entering the house. Moreover, when the horse barn is adjacent to your house, there will be low resale value.

• You must provide maximum possible ventilation, and this is imperative for the healthy living of the horses. This will get rid of the ammonia fumes created from the urine and the other remains like dust, especially, the hay dust, etc. The ammonia gas that hangs around the barn, if not removed properly, will create respiratory problems for the horses. When the ventilation is appropriate, then that will take away the hotness, the moisture, or the bad air from the barn, thus keeping the area dry and healthy. If you can fix wider windows, then more sunrays will enter the space, thus keeping the area more hygienic.

Horse Barns – Find a Skilled Builder

Checking through the internet sources is the right method of finding out an expert barn builder. Internet checking has become par for the course of the modern life. Of course, you can check with the horse owners you know, in particular, with those who live in Stafford or in Spotsylvania or discuss the matter with your friends or relatives. Before signing any contract with the builder, you must get all of your doubts clarified. You must also insist that the builder must use only superior quality materials. This is a must, and you must not overlook this factor even if the builder offers you a low bid. The structural design must match the local standards, and you must get the assurance from the builder that the barn will withstand the possible snow and wind conditions of Stafford or Spotsylvania.

Things to Consider When Building a Garage for Your Home

August 25th, 2018 Leaphart

Building Garages

Irrespective of the place where you construct a garage, you have to give full focus to the process and must consider all the pros and cons of your design. Moreover, you will have to consider the environmental specialties and the building codes that exist in that specific region. The building codes in different counties will be different, but the entailed tasks of garage building will be more or less the same everywhere. However, when the builder is well aware of the building codes and the garage building styles that prevail in the region, the process attains a new possibility. This will be beneficial to the garage owner. Hence, while building garages in Spotsylvania and Fredericksburg and garages in Culpeper, which are places within Virginia, it is advisable to entrust the task to a professional builder who is familiar with these regions.

Things to Consider When Building a Garage for Your Home

• The key thing to consider is the intention of building a garage. One can use garage space for different purposes. You can convert the place as a storage room, a peaceful library, parking your vehicles, etc. For each of these objectives, you need different facilities within the garage, and the overall construction must be exactly in line with main intention.

• The interior facilities must be matching to the need. For instance, if you want a garage for your vehicles, then, there must be enough space for placing the vehicles and taking them out freely.

• If you have the necessity to park two or more vehicles, then you must adjust the space accordingly. The main point to watch out here is to provide enough room for parking a vehicle easily without jamming the space. The main thing to look here is that there must be enough space for the movement of the cars.

• Then, there must be a small place designated for storing the mechanical instruments. Water connection is a must, and you must create the flooring appropriately, with a channel for draining away the water outside. This assures the proper cleanliness and sanitation within the space. However, the plumbing system must be supreme.

• Installing the electrical points is another main thing that you will have to do. You must try to use branded items as far as possible to avoid easy breakdown.

• If the space is for a library, you must see that the books can be stored in an organized manner. There must be proper ventilation inside, and windows and doors must be a bit more attractive than mere garage doors and windows.

• If you are planning to build a storage garage, then also, you must have a definite plan. The focus must be in getting the maximum storage area. There must be proper racks also within the area.

Let whatever be the purpose of building a garage, it is always advisable to seek the assistance of professional builders. The only thing that you will have to make sure is that the builder is well experienced in creating garages in the region where you plan to have the same.

Garages Builders

There are several garage builders in Virginia, and so, you may feel a bit confused while picking one for building an exclusive garage for your specific need. This is quite natural, because, when there is abundance, getting confused over the selection is purely human. Nevertheless, it is easy to get rid of this unwanted mental uncertainty by applying practical thinking. The main thing to consider is the experience of the builder as regards constructing garages in the county where you plan to build the same. For instance, if you have an idea for constructing garages in Spotsylvania and Fredericksburg and garages in Culpeper, pick a suitable builder company, which as hands-on experience in doing the same. For sure, there will not be any regrets later.

Five Essential Plant Watering Tools They Can’t Do Without!

April 2nd, 2018 Arnold

There are many types of plant watering devices for all sorts of gardening requirements. To keep plants healthy and optimally growing, it is important to water them right using the ideal tool.

Here are five essential gardening tools that can make growing and maintaining your garden easier.

The Hose

The good old hose has been used for watering plants in all types of gardens and by every gardener out there. But hoses can break easily, so it is important to buy study ones but that are also light in weight. Dragging a heavy hose all around the garden is not fun and you are likely to not use it for long. It is best to purchase weather-resistant hoses to prevent damage from sun or freezing winters. Rubber hoses can last longer than vinyl ones.

If you need to irrigate the garden deeply, invest in a good soaker hose. Soaker hoses seep water into the soil with tiny holes as you place it down on the grass. If you have a flat garden area that you need to water efficiently, using a soaker hose can be a good idea.

With hoses, you also need nozzles. Choose a nozzle as per your requirement such as for spraying smaller-sized plants. You can also choose a nozzle with multiple settings to use as you need.

The Watering Can

The dependable watering can is kind of synonymous with gardening. If you are a gardener, you probably have a can or two even if you use a hose or other plant watering devices in your garden. If you want to use a can every now and then (or more often), it is best to buy a metal one instead of plastic ones. There is always a risk that plastic can seep into the water and harm the soil.

You can buy watering cans with different sized spouts to cater to all kinds of plants. You can even use a colorful can in your garden as an accessory even if you don’t use one.

A Root Watering Tool

If you are keen on using plant watering devices that can hydrate the soil optimally then invest in root watering tools. These innovative devices help the water reach deep inside the soil and enrich roots. With root watering tools, you won’t need to water your plants frequently as the soil will retain moisture that will be absorbed adequately. With proper hydration, roots can grow stronger and support the growth of healthier plants.

Another benefit of using deep root watering device is that water doesn’t remain on leaves and foliage. Such type of water retention can burn leaves when the sunlight is at its peak.

Root watering devices are available in beautiful designs and can act as decorative accents for the garden. You can use them in small planters as well as to water any kind of garden – big or small.

Sprinklers

You need sprinklers if you have large farms to irrigate or a lawn to maintain in perfect condition.  Sprinklers are also ideal plant watering devices for big landscaped gardens, which require a lot of maintenance. But you can also buy sprinklers for smaller gardens.

There have been many innovations in sprinkler designs over the years. You can buy pulsating sprinklers that are adjustable devices to water gardens in circles or half-circles. Then there are self-propelled sprinklers that can move around the garden as needed. It can be ideal for large gardens and farms or for people who are short on time. You can also buy sprinklers with oscillating backward and forward movement for optimum performance.

A Watering Wand

Those who prefer to water by hand may require a watering wand for hard-to-reach garden areas. These wands come with extended handles to help you water the plants properly in cases where watering cans are inadequate.

You can buy water wands with adjustable nozzles and ergonomically-designed handles. You can also choose a length for the wand that is ideal for your gardening needs.

Any keen gardener is likely to use more than one watering tool in his or her garden. Often, it will be dictated by necessity. There are no hard rules here. You can switch watering devices as your gardening needs also change.

How to Build A Kitchen with Zinc Bar Top

March 27th, 2018 Arnold

Metallic bar tops have taken over those in marble, stone etc. Popular among them are bar tops made from zinc. This naturally occurring metal is also a sustainable choice as it is easy to install and fully recyclable even after its lifetime is through. Building a zinc bar top for your kitchen can be a breeze, if you understand and pay attention to the following details.

The design and edge profiles

The design is the first and foremost step in building a zinc bar top for your kitchen. Many vendors have readymade designs for you to choose from. The internet is also a great place to look for ideas and inspirations. The design needs to take into consideration the kind of bar counter that you have, as well as its size, and space constraints. You could either replicate a design that you like, or begin from scratch, creating your very own and unique zinc bar top, which reflects your personality and tastes.

The edge profile is another feature to be decided along with the design. Based on the bar top design, the edge profile could be pointed or curved. It could be simple or elaborate, depending on what you like. The soft metal that zinc is, it can be molded to any shape to feature intricate details with recessed shapes, rivets, extrusions, stripes, and lots more.  The bar tops can also be customized to include other options such as drink rails, flip doors, and matching shelves.

The finish

Zinc is a reactive metal and hence tends to develop spots when it comes in contact with fingers, oil, acidic liquids, and other substances that are kept in the bar surface. This however, gives the bar top a beautiful patina and a living, ever-changing character. When zinc comes in contact with salty air on a seaside or with the breeze on a rocky mountain terrain, it oxidizes to form a whitish cast. The natural appearance of the zinc surface can be modified to feature unique finishes, and be coated with polishes to give it a distinct look. However, these patinas are not permanent, and the metal continues to react to form its own character and appearance.

Measurements

Proper measurement is key to a bar top that is well fitted.  While each kitchen has unique needs, some common measurements, as follows, come in handy.

  • Countertop depth vs. cabinet depth – countertops typically overhang the cabinets by 1 inch.
  • Edge of countertop to edge of sink – this measurement is usually 3 inches. What need to be considered are the type of sink, how it is fitted to the countertop, the location of cabinet front, and the amount of space behind the sink for the faucet.
  • Countertop thickness – Typical residential kitchens have countertops that are 1.5 inches thick. The edges can be taller, but they should not hang down in front of drawers or doors.

Samples

Most vendors of zinc bar tops offer samples to customers. They can be used as coasters, or placed within active sinks to see how they develop spots. You could also try polishing the sample with a metal polish to see the difference it creates. Having an actual piece of zinc in hand lets you determine the best suited type for you.

Pricing

Yet another consideration in installing a zinc bar top is its price. Typical prices range between $120 – $180 per square foot of the metal. However, the final price is dependent on many variables such as the size, the work involved, corner radii, attachments etc. Vendors of zinc bar tops typically offer price estimates within a few hours or a day, if a drawing or an image is available. Many of them also have online price request forms, where you can fill in details, and request for a quote based on your needs.

Once all these factors have been considered and finalized, you can place the order for the zinc bar top for your kitchen. Manufacturing takes a few days to weeks depending on the design and its complexity. Once ready, the bar top gets shipped in ready-to-install sections to your home, where you can fit it yourself, or with the help of a professional.

Rescue Your Plants with a Deep Root Irrigator

January 20th, 2018 Arnold

Given the current climatic conditions, it is essential to give your plants the right nutrients and water for them to grow. The temperatures are constantly soaring, and plants end up dried and dead in the hot months of summer. Simply watering the plants is not enough, plants need to be cared for and looked after. A scientific technique ensures that the plants grow in the right manner and are strong and healthy. Whether you have a garden or potted plants inside your home, with the right method of watering, you will be able to ensure that your plants are healthy and strong.

The water blossom technique is a well-researched technique that has proven that the right watering method makes a huge difference to the growth of the plants. Use a deep root irrigator and move over the traditional method of watering. In the traditional method of watering, hose or sprinklers are used. The water does not reach below the roots of the plants and is usually evaporated from the surface itself. This causes the roots to dry up and they tend to grow into different directions. Only the surface above the soil receives adequate water. In contrast, the water blossom technique is a form of watering the plants which ensures the flow of water beneath the roots and allows the roots to grow into the right direction. The water seeps through the soil and reaches the bottom.

In order to achieve the same, a deep root irrigator is used which looks as good as a real flower. The tool consists of three parts, the flower basin, the tube and the tip. The flower basin will add aesthetics to your garden and is available in two patterns with a number of color options to choose from. The basin is attached with a tube that allows easy flow of water and is made of sturdy aluminum. The basin will draw the water into the tube with ease. Further, the tip is pointed and is attached to the tube. It has pores which allow the flow of water into different directions. This tip reaches the bottom of the roots and is easy to fix. It allows the water to disperse in all directions and allows it to reach the roots. The simple yet scientific technique has proven successful for many garden enthusiasts.

The tip can be easily detached from the stem and is easy to remove and clean. Additionally, the flower basin can be conveniently fixed and is suitable for all types of plants. With this method, you will be required to use less amount of water and ensure a healthy growth of the plants. Plants need water but not in excess and this method ensures that whatever amount of water you supply, reaches the roots and make a difference to the plant. The flower stem is available in the shape of lilies and daffodils which look appealing and will brighten up your garden. The method of watering is scientific and will let you watch your plants grow healthy and strong. It does no damage to the plant and makes it easier for the water to flow. You can also mix fertilizers with water and pour in through the stem in order to ensure that the nutrients reach the roots and help the plant grow. The flower basin is an ideal gifting option and is available at an affordable rate.

The decorative tool will allow you to water deeply and reduce the frequency. Every time you water your plants, you can remain rest assured that it is reaching the roots and easily flowing through the soil. You can choose size and colors that meet your requirements and brighten up your garden within no time. The stem is not suitable for rocky area or big trees; they can be used inside the house, on potted plants as well as medium sized plants. Reduce the supply of water since the water will reach the roots and easily seep through the soil using the stem. The pores are specially designed to ensure that the water flows into all the directions and is not evaporated.

What are Some Good Gifts for a Beginner Gardener?

January 19th, 2018 Arnold

When it comes to shopping for gardeners, the good news is most of us always need some ideas. It could be a list of good gardening books for gaining some basic gardening knowledge, a few new plants for the fencing area, or perhaps some new boots to muck around in. If you are not exactly sure what the gardener on your list require, you will always succeed enthusiastically with a gift certificate. These certificates invite recipients to pick whatever they would like from a broad range of perennials, annuals, vines, shrubs, tools, pottery, and other cool gardening gifts. They also welcome beneficiaries to ask questions from their amiable staff members, who are always pleased to help gardeners of all skill levels – from the most experienced ones to those who have just begun to get their hands dirty.

No matter if you are looking for a very special gift, a basic plant watering can, or something in between, given below are some cool gardening gifts, specifically, for the beginner gardener in your life!

1. GARDENING BOOKS

Gardening books are the perfect retreat during chilling weather conditions. Many gardeners spend their winter months in planning out their garden for the forthcoming season. Why not surprise your beloved gardener with a new book or informational CD to keep them going through the good garden planning? Well.. such type of book provides information on the different types of plants that are appropriate for your space and at what season of the year should they be sown. It also gives a complete guide on how to provide the proper nourishment to the plants.

2. STURDY WATERING CAN

A durable watering can is a perfect gift. Perhaps, they already have one, but most are not easy to use. And, even if they have a good one, it’s always nice to have an extra piece for both indoors and outdoors.

3. PLANT

This could be an adorable gift for both beginner and experienced gardeners. Flowering plants like poinsettia during Christmas season or any other plants will surely be welcome by your beloved gardener. Perennial plants are also nice when it comes to gifting, as they can be grown all year round.

4. FLORAL SCISSORS

Floral scissors are not only useful, but they are gorgeous as well. They are not too expensive and last a long time. Most of the pairs are handicraft. Floral scissors are cool gardening gifts for gardeners who love to grow and organize cut flowers.

5. GARDEN ACCESSORIES

The amazing collection of gardening tools and accessories are designed to perform to the topmost standard as well as being graceful. Also, the gloves, trowel for the garden, watering can secateurs, there are an array of perfect matching items available for your exquisite home.

6. CALENDAR OR FARMERS ALMANAC

Another favorable gift idea is a calendar with a gardening theme. This calendar reveals moon phase that affects almost all plants. An even better idea is a Farmer’s Almanac, which gives an absolute information on when frosts hit your area, what to plant in different weather conditions, and when to cut short.

7. GIFT CERTIFICATE

If you have a hard time deciding what gardening gifts should you give, a gift certificate to a gardening store or a nursery is the cherished gift. The recipient can pick the tool or the plant that he wishes to have in his garden. There is an immense collection of cool gardening gifts at different prices available out there. You can always find gardening gifts that fit your budget.

Buying a perfect gift for a keen gardener may appear stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Research it on the internet, and talk to garden center assistants and you can never go wrong.

Good luck!

The Pros and Cons of Bathroom Remodeling

November 23rd, 2017 Arnold

Bathroom remodeling can be a necessity for older homes. It can also be about renovating the space to make it suitable for your current requirements. But remodeling a bathroom can be a serious undertaking requiring your time, patience, and of course money.

Before you decide to remodel your house, it can help you to know the pros and cons of a bathroom remodeling project.

Pros of Bathroom Remodeling

There are several advantages of a bathroom remodeling job in your home.

  • Remodeling your bathroom can make the space safer for you and your family. For the elderly, a bathroom can be an unsafe place. For seniors and for those with mobility issues, using standard bathroom features can be troublesome. There is also a risk of fall and injuries.

With bathroom remodeling, you can install new features to make the place safer. These new fixtures can be grab bars, a bench in the shower area, and new flooring more compatible for the elderly.

If remodeling a bathroom for your old-age use or for your elderly parents seems daunting to you, you can always consult with a professional. For instance, say you are a resident of Los Angeles and you don’t know the cost of installing safety features. In that case, you can call a reputable plumbing company in Los Angeles and request a consultation.

  • Bathroom remodeling can help to make your personal space more suited to your needs. When you buy a house, the bathroom may not to be your liking. You can always renovate it later and make it to more appealing. A professional bathroom remodeling job can transform even a small bathroom into a space with all the new fixtures that you want.
  • Remodeling your bathroom can also add value to your home’s resale price. If this is your goal with a remodeling job, it is better to hire professionals for it. If you require bathroom remodeling in Los Angeles, CA; a professional can guide you to the best fixtures and styles to increase the value of your property.

Cons of Bathroom Remodeling

Along with advantages, knowing the disadvantages of bathroom remodeling can help you make an informed decision.

The higher remodeling cost can be a big disadvantage for most homeowners. Depending on your requirements, the cost of fixtures and materials can significantly add up. The cost of professional bathroom remodeling can include many tasks. These can be demolition of old structures such as a wall or flooring, removal of existing fixtures, installing new wiring, or changing the old plumbing system. The cost of materials, fixtures and, a contractor’s fee also make up the final budget for a standard bathroom remodeling job.

Due to budget considerations, many homeowners put their bathroom remodeling plan on hold. One way to remedy this problem is to consult with professional contractors and ask them to suggest renovations to suit your budget. With the right planning, it may be possible for you to renovate your bathroom sooner than later.

  • Another disadvantage can be the damage to your property with a poor remodeling job. If you plan to handle the remodeling job by yourself, know that DIY projects can be risky unless you are really knowledgeable about plumbing, electric, and flooring tasks. You may end up doing damage to the bathroom instead of beautifying it. Cutting costs in hiring a contractor can also cost you more in the end. You don’t want to end up with a poor bathroom remodeling job. It can even make your home less attractive to potential buyers.
  • One very valid disadvantage to bathroom remodeling jobs can be the time factor to complete it. A complete overhaul of the bathroom may require more than a few days, which can be inconvenient for homeowners. Professional contractors can complete the job sooner. Complicated DIY jobs may be more time-consuming and cumbersome.

Discuss the time required for a remodeling job before finalizing the project. You can talk to different contractors to make an informed choice. If you are concerned about the time factor of a professional job, you can estimate the hours for each DIY task for comparison purposes.

For homeowners, any kind of remodeling job can become overwhelming. Even the decision of whether to start a remodeling job or not can be daunting for most. If you really want your perfect bathroom, do not allow the cons to overwhelm you. You can talk to professionals and also do your own research to devise the perfect bathroom remodeling solution for your needs.

Kitchen Counter Tops – Make Your Kitchen Outstanding

September 13th, 2017 Arnold

A kitchen is a place for you to display your culinary prowess. It’s also an integral part of the home, and which needs to be designed and decorated in accordance with the interior scheme as the rest of the house. The work top in your kitchen is one such space, which, when designed, built, and decorated beautifully can lend an enchanting allure to the entire area. So here are some tips that can help you build and maintain an outstanding kitchen with the help of kitchen counter tops.

Know what materials and finishes to choose

Countertops can be constructed with different materials. Granite is a commonly used material, as it is hard, durable, highly resistant to heat, and requires very little maintenance. Granite counter tops come in three basic finishes – polished, honed, and flamed. The polished finish gives a mirror like reflective sheen to the countertop surface, making it elegant and radiant. However, this finish can corrode over time, and can also show scratches or flaws when not properly cared for. Honed granite has a satiny matte finish that blends beautifully with white cabinets and furniture. This finish is less likely to reveal scratches and flaws, but is more porous, and can hence absorb stains easily. Flamed granite has a natural, rustic charm and a rich texture. However, this is highly porous, and can trap dirt and stains in its crevices. Hence, this kind of finish requires constant upkeep and routine care.

Wood is yet another popular choice for countertops. Pinewood works best for traditional or antique kitchens. Reclaimed wood is ideal for homes with a rustic interior. Oak lumber works best when you need to have a countertop in an exposed or outdoor space.

Of late, brass countertops have started gaining popularity in kitchens. Their ever-changing patina lends a unique beauty to your kitchen, while the different textures and finishes make them suited for different design and décor themes. Brass countertops, however, can show marks and stains easily if not properly cared for.

Pick a color

The color of the countertop that you choose has to blend in with the cabinetry, kitchen interiors, as well as the design and décor scheme in the remaining parts of the house. Colors that are popularly used in kitchens include:

• Textured White – the speckled or grainy white color is a great pick for kitchens of the traditional or transitional style. It makes the space look bigger and light without being clinical or austere. They also do not show every speck of dust or dirt that accumulates on their surface.

• Pure white – these countertops are just perfect for modern, urbane, and truly contemporary kitchens. They lend a minimalist appearance to spaces, but require proper care and constant cleaning for pristineness. They also pair well with wood and can be matched with blue furniture or cabinetry for a nautical feel.

• Brown – the wooden browns are an ideal choice for kitchens with a classic, breezy touch. They complement existing wooden cabinets, and also lend a rustic feel made from appropriate lumber. Reddish browns have a traditional feel, while grayish ones are just perfect for contemporary settings.

• Black – this color is great when you want to highlight other areas in the kitchen or want to build a black and white scheme. It connects easily with other elements in the space without creating an overbearing feeling.

Care for your countertop

The countertop sure is your workplace that needs to bear the brunt of cooking, washing, storage, preparation, and so on. But that doesn’t mean that you ill-treat your worktop or neglect it. A kitchen that retains the beauty and charm over time is one that’s been cared for properly. Regular cleaning and maintenance are necessary for proper upkeep of your kitchen countertop (http://www.ehow.com/about_4565705_kitchen-countertops.html). Different materials react differently to the liquids and substances that they come in contact with. Always wipe off the liquid spills as soon as possible. Use coasters when placing hot or cold objects on the worktop. This prevents unsightly marks from forming on the countertop surface. Use mild, non-abrasive cleaners, and soft sponges or microfiber cloth when wiping the surface. This would prevent the countertop from developing scratch marks. Reapply protective finishes at regular intervals so that the surface retains its beauty and pristineness even with use.

Tips for Designing Custom Bathroom Vanities

August 24th, 2017 Arnold

Are you thinking of designing custom bathroom vanities? Search for the best custom bathroom vanities online and get the perfect one for your space. You may have a drywall niche in your bathroom and want that space to be more practical for your family needs. Create a space in your bathroom where you could keep your bathroom essentials. Make the space easy to reach and accessible on the lower end of your custom cabinet. You may create a large space which you can later enhance for resale.  You can finish the custom built-in cabinet of your bathroom with a stunning capital top in paint grade, craftsman style. A striking vanity design often needs meticulous planning and careful attention to detail. You can make a lot of decision from the layout, style as well as the type of countertops and sinks. Let’s check out the tips for designing the perfect custom bathroom vanities in your new space which will pack a storage punch:

  • Decide on the Layout – You have to first decide on the layoutbefore taking the decision on colors, fixtures and finishes. Settle on how big will be your vanity? You may have two vanity spaces divided by a pass-through. Each space can include sink or else, you can use one space for washing up and the other one for seating. You may also include several horizontal vanities with a section of cabinetry. This can offer you an efficient solution, where you can take full advantage of the available storage and counter space. Moreover, this will ensure clean lines and a rationalized bathroom design. If you want, you can also design L-shaped vanity, mostly in master bathrooms. Even if this vanity doesn’t always maximize your space, it provides sufficient leg and arm room and distinct vanity spaces in big bathrooms.
  • Settle on the Sinks – You may also have to settle on the number of sinks you want to have. Find out a vanity style which is capable of accommodating the number of sinks you want to have. Most of the homeowners prefer to have double sinks.Unfortunately, there could be space restriction. Usually, vanities that are smaller than 60 inches have just one sink, which can be kept at the center, right or to the left side. You may also have drawers in your sink cabinet or typical cabinet doors. On the other hand, vanities over 60 inches wide can accommodate two sinks comfortably. Nevertheless, if one sink is adequate, you can make use of the extra space for added counter space.
  • Select the Style – Just the once your layout and the sinks are decided, you have to select the style. Ask yourself whether you want traditional cabinet, antique piece of furniture and a pedestal sink? In case, you want to opt for conventional vanity cabinet, you may have to consider several factors. Whether you want to have a stain or paint? What is your preferred color? What kind of door style you want? Whether keeping doors, drawers and pull-outs will be fine? Custom vanity cabinets are not having any built-in features. You may choose free standing vanities attached to your walls and may keep open shelve in place of closed cabinets. Besides, you may have furniture style details. Floating vanity is another design which is often mounted to the wall and the open space beneath. The tile of this contemporary bathroom vanity has open shelves. However, you may find pieces having closed cabinetry. In case you do not need storage space and are looking for minimalist design, you can simply give up cabinetry and set up a wall-mounted countertop.
  • Get the Countertop – If you’re purchasing a pedestal sink or restoring old furniture, you may have to skip this step. Other designs, including cabinets and repurposed furniture without a top, will involve some kind of countertops. Several materials are available such as quartz, granite, laminate, marble, wood, concrete as well as solid surface. Quartz and granite are trendy for bathroom countertops. They are long-lasting and available with high-quality materials along with designer patterns. However, granite needs to be sealed after every two years as it is a porous stone. Soft stones like marbles scratch easily than granite and quartz, having less tolerance for moisture. Wood and laminate don’t mix well with moisture, but they are more budget friendly compared to stone.

So, why are you waiting for? Follow these simple tips and design your custom bathroom vanities in the perfect way. You should also decide on the type of sinks like under-mount, drop-in and wall-mount and wrap up design with fixtures to spruce up your bathroom in an exclusive way.

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