When you are remodelling a room, one of the big challenges is deciding which window treatments will suit it best. There are a huge number of options out there but the first question you need to answer is whether you would prefer blinds or curtains.

The answer will depend a lot upon the purpose of the room. For example your living room will probably benefit most from curtains as they will give it a softer and warmer atmosphere. In contrast your kitchen will probably do better with wooden Venetian blinds as they will give you a lot of light and space as well as being less vulnerable to moisture and mould.  To help make the decision easier I’ve composed a list of the pros and cons of the different types of window treatment below.
Having said that if you choose blinds that will add another layer of complication as there is a large variety of styles and materials. Slatted blinds such as Venetian and vertical blinds are typically composed of overlapping slats made of plastic, aluminium or wood. Venetian and mini blinds are made of horizontal slats whereas vertical blinds (as the name suggests) are made of vertical slats thought vertical blinds rarely seen within the home.

Roller Blinds do largely what they say. They are made out of a fabric sheet that rolls up out the way when not in use. They are great for bedrooms in urban areas as they can be made out of blackout fabric ensuring that external lights don’t disturb your sleep. Roman blinds look similar to roller blinds but are either made of tightly woven slats or contain slats within the fabric meaning that they fold up rather than roll.

Slatted Blinds (Venetian and Vertical blinds)

Pros:

• Slatted blinds stack when drawn, ensuring that they take up less space.
• They offer the greatest degree of control over external light.
• They will fit in with a wide variety of different colour schemes without much work.

Cons:

• They require frequent cleaning and dusting.
• The slatted design allows light to get through even when fully closed.
• They don’t retain heat very well.
• The individual slats and the lift cords can break very easily.

Roman and Roller Blinds

Pros:

• Can be used to block all light.
• They take up the least amount of space.
• They don’t require regular cleaning.

Cons:

• Difficult to clean unless the fabric is coated with wipe down surface.

Curtains: Curtains can frame the window to create a striking and sophisticated effect as well as drawing attention to the view. The Fabrics they are made of come in a variety of thicknesses, from see through net curtains which offer little more than decoration to heavy drapes.

Pros:

• Curtains are aesthetically striking and can give the room an air of sophistication.
• In winter curtains provide the best insulation.
• They come in a wide range of colours and patterns.

Cons:

• Curtains take up more space than blinds.
• In rooms like bathrooms and kitchens there is a risk of mould and staining due to the moisture in the air.
• Kids can hide behind large curtains.

I hope this guide helps anyone trying to redecorate choose their window treatments. Done well both blinds and curtains can add a lot to a room.

Author Bio
This is a guest post by Daniel Frank a UK blogger writing on behalf of wooden Venetian blind specialist wooden blinds direct

Signs of a Good Year

Home Improvement projects often show up high on homeowner’s list of New Year’s resolutions.  But without proper planning it’s easy to spend too much or hire a disreputable contractor.  Then the home improvement project that should bring you joy turns into a home improvement nightmare.

Here’s a list of five New Year’s resolutions that will help bring you peace and joy in the New Year:

1. I will do my research online weather I am hiring a home improvement contractor or doing it myself.

2. I will not pick the first home improvement contractor that shows up in a Google search or has the best looking website.

3. I will ask for and check at least three references.

4. I will check with the local contractor’s board or licensing agency to see if there are any complaints against the home improvement contractor AND see how it was resolved.

5. I won’t make a decision until I have attended my local home and garden show and met the home improvement contractor I am going to hire. Here is a list of the best home and garden shows in North America: http://www.hgsei.com/

Infrared vs. Traditional Saunas

Saunas and their relatives (like the Native American sweat lodge and the Japanese onsen) have been in use for thousands of years, offering health benefits and relaxation to users.  Traditional saunas are wood or electrically heated. Steam is created by pouring water over heated rocks.

In the 1900s a new type of sauna—infrared—was introduced, developed independently in Germany and Japan, promising the same (some say greater) health and relaxation benefits with the added perk of energy efficiency (infrared saunas don’t need extended “preheat” times like a traditional sauna).

This newer technology uses infrared light as its heat source. Infrared light is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength longer than that of visible light. It is divided into three categories—near, mid- and far infrared—with the wavelengths in each category becoming successively longer.

Both traditional saunas and infrared saunas are designed to induce sweating, which is believed to have many health benefits. Steam saunas rely on very hot air to heat the body, so the room temperature of a traditional sauna is quite high. In an infrared sauna, long-wavelength light hitting the body is the heat source. Because of this, the air temperature inside the sauna stays cooler than a traditional sauna. In a sauna powered by far infrared light, the “heat” source stays cool to the touch!

Types of Infrared Saunas

There are three types of infrared saunas. The first resembles a traditional sauna—a structure resembling a mini-house that can be installed either indoors or outside. The second is tent, in which you sit with your head sticking out. In the third type of infrared sauna, you actually lie down in what looks like a dome or a bag.

Health Benefits of Infrared Saunas

Many health claims have been made about the use of infrared saunas. Although most claims remain unproven, there appears to be some evidence that the use of these saunas relieves pain and stiffness in people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and similar conditions. They may be helpful as a complimentary treatment to patients with heart problems, mild depression, and chronic pain. However, as with many alternative/complimentary treatments, the benefit claims often become inflated and unreliable. If you are considering purchasing an infrared sauna to help with a medical condition, it is imperative that you do so in consultation with your physician.

Try Before You Buy

The simple fact is that different users will experience different results—some may find an infrared sauna a helpful tool to improve their health and relaxation, while others will not find it beneficial. Because a sauna is a significant investment, it is recommended that you first locate a spa or health club in your area that offers an infrared sauna experience. Try it out, several times if possible, before you make your final decision on whether to purchase.

Find a Reputable Infrared Sauna Dealer

Finding a reputable dealer for an infrared sauna is not unlike the process to find a good car dealer or contractor. Do your homework! Look for reviews online and talk to friends and colleagues. Talk to the spa or health club where you do your “test drive.” Look at the different types of saunas. What fits your budget, space constraints, and personal preferences?

After you’ve completed your research, make a list of potential sources and call them. Find out what their warranties and return policies are. Are they open about your various options, or do they try to push you one direction or another? How helpful are they with your questions about installation and use?

One more thing to keep in mind, depending upon the type of sauna you choose, you may need to have an electrician wire a separate plug in your home to accommodate the power needs of the unit.

An Infrared Sauna Can Provide Relaxation and Enjoyment

Carefully researched and properly installed, an infrared sauna can be a wonderful addition to your home. This updated form of a tradition that stretches back thousands of years offers a convenient path to health and relaxation.

Dreaming of a green Christmas? We’re pleased to tell you that you’re not alone (and we’re sure the earth is happy about it, too). More and more of our readers are going eco-friendly for the holidays. Here are our favorite ways to create your own earth-friendly Christmas decor and gifts.

1. Find inspiration in your own back yard. Late in the fall each year, my family spends a lot of time clearing our yard of fallen twigs and branches due to local storms. Though these natural leftovers can go in the chipper or as starter fuel for a wood burning stove, they work well for Christmas decor, too.

How to: Bend twigs into a circular shape and tie together to make a pretty Christmas wreath (soak first if they’re very dry or fell from the tree some time ago). Insert late autumn leaves, bits of evergreen, dried local berries and mini pine cones between the twigs firmly. Hang on your front door or above the fireplace.

2. Reduce, reuse, recycle. Don’t throw out old holiday decor — especially if it’s plastic. Synthetic blends hurt landfills and the earth. Your goal if you already have synthetics in the home is to slowly reduce them rather than chucking everything at once without really knowing where it’s going to end up.

How to: Give the Christmas decor you already have a few extra years by spiffing up old faux wreaths, reusing your artificial tree (yes, really) and cutting pieces out of old wall hangings to make a Christmas collage for your wall (tack onto cork and hang). You can also recycle old Christmas ornaments and other holiday decor for other occasions later in the year — decor for birthday parties or Halloween, for example, or materials for craft projects.

But remember, be smart about it: exchanging your old C6s for LED house lights will probably pay for itself in saved electricity the very first year, for instance. Reduce slowly to minimize impact on landfills and reuse whatever is reasonable in your home this Christmas.

3. Put “green” gifts under the Christmas tree. Make pretty photo frames or wall hangings for family members this year using local fallen materials.

How to: Find fallen branches and twigs and break into two sets of two equal-size pieces, two long and two shorter. Break these to fit an approximate 5X7″ photo frame, 8X10″ photo frame or any larger size for a poster or collage. Glue and tie with twine in the corners to secure in a rectangular shape.

Add a backing using cut up cardboard boxes you already have in your garage. Around the frame, glue fallen berries, bits of evergreen and other natural decoration.

Be creative; you can go for virtually any motif with this idea — for instance, spell out the word “Mom” in small, slender twigs at the bottom of the frame. These are great as party gifts, too — my family loves themed party ideas, and a “nature’s beauty” theme really fits the bill for our annual family get-together.

4. Make your own holiday paper. Everyone loves a gift that’s given in pretty paper. You can make your own and save not only cash but earth resources.

How to: Cut any paper bags you have in your pantry into their longest possible lengths, but don’t throw away the rectangular bag bottoms; you can decorate and use those too.

Into the bottom of several potatoes, carve easy but pretty holiday images — for example, a snowflake, a gingerbread man and a star. Dip potatoes into nontoxic paints. Place each painted bottom down, one at a time, onto the paper and lift back up quickly.

Dab repeatedly until the paint becomes very faint; then re-dip and start over. Continue until the entire piece of paper is decorated. Toss potatoes into your compost bin when you’re done.

TIP: you can also utilize this idea using natural sponge; dip the dry sponge into Christmasy colors (red, green, gold, etc.) and dab on the paper until it’s filled in with soft fluffs of fun Christmas cheer.

5. Serve treats you’ve grown yourself. This idea requires advance planning, so start this coming spring for next Christmas.

How to: In the spring, plant berry bushes (some take a year to mature and give berries; others take two — take this into consideration when buying). Use natural materials such as compost to fertilize, and water/expose to sun per your local nursery’s instructions.

In the spring, plant veggies you can preserve; for instance, cucumbers for pickles. Buy canning jars and can according to the manufacturer’s directions; store. In the early autumn, plant winter veggies. Fertilize with compost and harvest as they become mature.

Use your berries in your holiday decor and in yummy treats for the Christmas party table, such as fresh compote, blueberry or blackberry muffins, or pies. Steam and serve veggies or serve raw as crudites at Christmas dinner.

Not only will these ideas be easier on the earth, they’ll be easy on your wallet…and they’ll help teach your family the value of the resources you have right at your fingertips. Make every Christmas a green Christmas and you’ll know you’re on the right track.

About the author: Melanie is a self professed granola-crunchin’ hippie who lives (you guessed it!) in California. As a parent and writer for the party site Themeaparty.com, she helps other moms and dads make the most of what they have to create fresh, new and gorgeous projects, like her recent barnyard party supplies idea for her children’s room. She also loves reading, hiking in the mountains and swimming California’s beautiful beaches.

Holiday decorating is one of the high points of the season. Creating a lovely blend of Christmas tradition and signature style dresses up your spaces in their holiday best, and windows, as the focal points of any room, present a plethora of decorating possibilities. They are the gateways that beckon visitors with visions of warm, festive fire-lit spaces, and the portals that provide seasonal backdrops to compliment your Christmas decor.

picture by tbaschim

Put a Holiday Polish on Dressed Windows

Existing window treatments that serve behind the scenes all year long will blossom with holiday magic. You can give those trim, custom-fit Roman blinds in your sitting room festive flair by adding holiday trimmings. An arced garland of berries and greenery at the top of each window accents the blinds with celebratory yuletide colours, textures and scents. 

Try tying oversized brass bells at the ends of wide holiday ribbons, then secure each one with a thumbtack at intervals along the top of the window frame, letting them extend vertically midway down the Roman blinds. When you raise or lower the shades, you will be serenaded with the tinkling of sleigh bells, and they will add decorative interest whether your blinds are drawn or down. Alternatively, tie pretty glass ornaments in place of bells for an equally sumptuous window accent.

picture by kristina_lf

Wrap strings of metallic beads from the curtain rods, letting them cascade the length of the curtains, and in the case of floor-length treatments, puddle prettily along the floor. For windows with cafe curtains, considerplacing an evergreen or holly swag on the window sashing to creat e a holiday accent visible indoors and out. Nestle candles or miniature figures among the foliage.

Christmas Window Dressing

Make use of undressed window frames to create themed tableaux. If you are nostalgic for white Christmases, transform your windows into snow scenes with large, hand crafted paper snowflakes, suspended crystal icicles, a touch of glitter and a Battenberg lace swag along the top. Add satin red or green ribbon ties for a festive finish.

A window is also a natural display case where you can arrange an array of found objects, such as vintage candlesticks or heirloom ornaments. Branch out from the traditional by suspending dried herbal wreaths in your window frames or twig swags festooned with showy, vintage buttons. Eschew the usual red velvet bows in favour of unique, quirky objects such as greenery-haloed glass doorknobs or horseshoe accents glittering with metallic paint. 

Having fun with tradition personalises your holiday home for a truly signature result, embellished with your distinctive decorator flair, to share with neighbours and revellers. 

About the Author:

This article was written by Michael Turner, currently doing online research & development on behalf of Roman blinds

Drawing on influences from growing up with knock-off furniture such as an Arne Jacobsen Egg Chair, an Eames rocker, and lots of chrome, Jody Racicot salvages old pieces to design his line of modern furniture

After Canadian actor-turned-designer Jody Racicot moved with his wife into an empty new home, he built her a dresser and promised her it would be better than anything they could afford to buy.

To both of their surprise, he did just that, and suddenly the actor had a second career as a modern furniture designer.

“I loved the style of the furniture that surrounded me growing up,” says Racicot, whose acting career includes roles in Night at the Museum, X-files and The Lizzie McGuire Movie. “I remember our home had a knock-off Arne Jacobsen Egg Chair, an Eames rocker and lots of chrome.”

Now the owner of Jody Racicot Modern Furniture, Racicot creates his own furniture inspired by such renowned mid-century modern furniture designers as Sam Maloof, George Nakashima and Le Corbursier.

But the designer adds another twist to his masterpieces.

From Mid-Century Furniture to Modern Chairs and Tables

From his Prince Edward Island studio in Canada, Racicot often designs his pieces using furniture that might otherwise have ended up in a landfill. For one of his works he reused salvaged chrome legs from a 1970s table on a new and sleekly modern table made with an elegant combination of dark walnut and light cherry.

“By mixing old and new,” says Racicot, “I’m able to come up with furniture that is both fresh and familiar.”

Not only is the table beautiful, it is also highly functional with an extra-long compartment in the back that can accommodate magazines and a smaller drawer in the front for smaller items. This principal of functionality is a cornerstone of modern design and is something to which Racicot strictly adheres.

“I believe it is my obligation to make an object as beautiful as it is useful,” he says.

Retro Modern Furniture Design

Racicot enjoyed his 20 years as an actor. In fact, in 2008 he won a Leo Award for best supporting actor in his role as Dr. Hans Zarkov for the Sci Fi Channel’s Flash Gordon series. Between acting gigs, he used his time to design furniture, and when the series was eventually canceled, that was his signal to switch careers and become a full-fledged furniture designer. And indeed, it seems he has found his true calling.

“Acting paid the bills while I waited for my big break as a furniture designer,” Racicot says.

Originally posted 2010-08-31 08:00:56. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

What do you do in the fall when your hanging baskets are spent? You can throw them out or compost the plant material and old potting soil, saving the pot for reuse next year. And while recycling the pot is great, repurposing it and getting another use out of it is my preferred choice.

Last year, Woodward Gardens, the school garden where I volunteer, started to repurpose the old hanging baskets which had been used to decorate the garden into table decorations for Christmas. It is simple to do and a great project for children and adults alike. Better yet, we asked the purchaser to bring the pots back after the holidays so we could repurpose them again.

Turn your dead hanging baskets into beautiful Christmas center pieces

Below are the five steps to create a holiday table decoration from a hanging basket:

Step one: Remove the hanging device from the baskets. These devices are usually make of plastic or metal wire and are easily removed. Save the hanging device so that in the spring the baskets can be replanted.

Step two: Cut off all of the dead plant material leaving only the potting soil and root ball. If the plant material is not diseased, put it in the compost bin. Otherwise, destroy the plant material so as not to spread disease.

The root ball left in the pot becomes the substrate that holds the greens in the table decoration. It replaces the green floral foam that is so often used in floral arrangements. The plant stems are then inserted into the root ball which provides structure to the arrangement by holding up the foliage. It will also keep the plant material hydrated with a light watering.

Step three: Gather greens to make the arrangement. Evergreen branches with needles make a great choice. These would include spruce, cedar, yews, fir, juniper, chamaecyparis or pine. Evergreen broad leafs will add another texture to the arrangement. Consider using rhododendrons, mountain laurel, evergreen magnolia, Oregon grape, boxwood, holly, salal or eucalyptus. We use red osier dogwood and berried branches as well for interest and color. Get creative!

Step four: Making sure the root ball in the basket is moist, cut the stems at a sharp angle to make it easier to pierce the root ball and enhance water uptake. Begin by placing the branches horizontal to the table surface. This will form the base of the arrangement, hide the pot and define the shape of the decoration. Then build toward the middle and create the height you are looking for. According to Dale Rohman, America’s Flower Man, the height of the arrangement should not exceed the distance from the tip of your fingers to your elbow. This insures that you can look over the arrangement while seated at the table.

Step Five: Add some bling for interest. This could be anything from a large candle in a glass hurricane placed in the center to red bows, silver balls, etc. Make the arrangement reflect your personality and have fun.

Before placing the completed project on your table, you will want to put a water tray beneath. With frequent light watering, it will last the whole Christmas season. And when the holidays are over, get ready to repurpose it once again by composting the plant material and root ball, putting the hangers back on and planting it as a spring hanging basket. In this way you will be able to recycle it for years, enjoying it indoors and out.

12th straight year for tour – bring your art, antiques, and collectibles to the St. Charles Convention Center

Bring your antiques for a free appraisal from part antiques appraiser, part standup comedian Dr. Lori, as seen on Lifetime Television, Comedy Central’s The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and NBC’s The Tonight Show. Find out how to sell your unwanted stuff for top dollar. Dr. Lori will tell you what people are really paying for your antiques. No inflated or low ball values! Dr. Lori will pull no punches as she evaluates your stuff and makes you laugh about your junk. Learn how to avoid being taken advantage of and recognize the scams when buying and selling art and antiques.

Are you a yard sale shopper? Settling your parents’ estate? Or just trying to make some extra money in these tough economic times? Have fun while you find out the value of your antiques and see what others bring to the Show. Dr. Lori will even review photos of your antiques as part of the antiques appraisal comedy show. Where do you think auctions and antique shops get all this valuable stuff to sell? Nobody wants you to know, but these valuable items come from your house or grandma’s house that you or your kids just threw in the trash. Attend the event at the Home & Remodeling Show as Dr. Lori reveals secrets that you won’t hear from any other antiques appraiser.

Dr. Lori says, “You’ll laugh out loud while learning about your antiques, your friends, and even your spouse at my event! I’m not an antique dealer or affiliated with any auction house, and my evaluations are straightforward and honest. I will not hesitate to tell you, your friend or your spouse that their stuff is junk. I’ll break some hearts and make some millionaires. Everyone is invited to attend, with or without an antique. And I’ll even tell you how some appraisers are not telling you the truth and how they fail to meet professional museum standards.”

Free antique appraisals will be available as part of Dr. Lori’s shows each day. Arrive early – the number of appraisals is limited to one per person on a first-come, first-served basis within the time available. Each show is different, so attend all three days!

Dr. Lori’s Presentation Times:
Friday & Saturday: 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m., 2:30-4:00 p.m. and 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Sunday: 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and 2:30-4:00 p.m.

About Dr. Lori
Dr. Lori is an award-winning TV personality and TV talk show host seen on NBC, ABC, CBS and Fox. Dr. Lori is the antiques expert on the nationally syndicated morning show Daytime and holds the Ph.D. in art history. Dr. Lori’s columns about antiques, travel, and home and garden design are read across the country in more than 85 publications reaching more than 8.2 million readers monthly. She is also editor of several lifestyle magazines and an author with 30 books to her credit.

A certified fine art and antiques appraiser, Dr. Lori is the director of www.DrLoriV.com. Presenting more than 100 events every year and conducting in-home appraisal visits, Dr. Lori evaluates approximately 20,000 items a year. During her personal appearances and popular antiques themed vacation cruises, Dr. Lori makes people laugh with her straightforward and honest approach. For more information, call 888-431-1010. For more information about the Builders Home & Remodeling Show, visit www.STLHomeShow.com.

By the year 2030 there will be 70 million baby boomers over the age of 65, more than all age groups put together.

It’s the primary driver behind Congress’ struggle to reinvent health insurance. But closer to home, families we all know are quietly seeking solutions from what is being called the Aging-In-Place Initiative.

Aging in Place can best be described as home redesign for the elderly and the people who care for them. And it’s a design movement that’s gaining traction because of the current stressed economic conditions.

Most of our grandparents grew up living with a grandparent–and they didn’t question the tradition. But our generation has always had assisted care facilities and nursing homes to take care of our elderly loved ones while we went off to work and cared for our offspring. The 90′s term “sandwhich generation” describes the phenomenon that many baby boomers are all too familiar with: our kids are not yet out of the house, but now mom and dad want to move in with us, too.

Aging in Place is a fast-growing trend, and like all trends, entire industries are springing up to accommodate this niche. For example, the NAHB Research Center has an entire room-by-room checklist of modifications homeowners should incorporate when creating a comfortable space for an older person. First, there’s such a demand on senior living spaces, especially those with dementia-related illnesses. Alzheimer’s facilities, for example, are building long waiting lists because the illness now affects and kills those as young as those in their 40′s, 50′s and 60′s.

Here are just a few of their Aging in Place suggestions for the bathroom:

• Contrasting color edge border at countertops
• At least one wheelchair maneuverable bath on main level with 60-inch turning radius or acceptable T-turn space and 36″ x 36″ or 30″ x 48″ clear space
• Bracing in walls around tub, shower, shower seat and toilet for installation of grab bars to support 250 – 300 pounds
• Fold down seat in the shower
• Walk-in tub or shower
• Adjustable/ handheld showerheads, 6′ hose
• Tub/Shower controls offset from center
• Shower stall with built-in antibacterial protection
• Light in shower stall
• Toilet 2 ½” higher than standard toilet (17″ – 19″) or height-adjustable
• Design of the toilet paper holder allows rolls to be changed with one hand
• Wall-hung sink with knee space and panel to protect user from pipes
• Slip-resistant flooring in bathroom and shower

Myra Katz, a long-time interior designer who used to apply her talent to bank interiors, is now certified to offer Aging in Place design services in St. Louis, MO. This year she launched Alzheimer’s & Dementia Home Solutions in response to changes in the economy and the growing demand for health care applications at home. It was a natural fit.

“Aging in Place design is not design as we think of it,” she said. “Instead, we apply our health care and senior living design experience to the residences of patients with dementia-related illnesses, allowing them to be safer and more independent in the supportive environment of their own home for as long as possible.”

Myra said focusing her new business on aging in place design is like coming full circle for her. Her father was a builder of multi-family developments in St. Louis County, and he felt strongly that the elderly should never feel displaced. So even before there were senior living communities, his properties were designed so seniors could live as independently as possible.

“There were always party rooms and guest apartments for visiting family members, Myra said. “One high-rise property even had a restaurant on site and has since been converted to an upscale senior living facility. We always had grandparents living with us when I was growing up, as did many of my friends.

“Designing healthcare and senior living facilities, along with starting Alzheimer’s & Dementia Home Solutions, is my way of making a difference. It’s like a calling.”

Myra believes it’s important to stay a step ahead of Alzheimer’s Disease, so as the condition progresses, design companies like Alzheimer’s & Dementia Home Solutions are able to address the new needs and suggest additional solutions to lengthen the older person’s golden years at home. For example, falls are the number one cause of death for seniors, Myra said, so caregivers must also pay attention to safety as it pertains to:

• Memory Impairment
• Mental & Visual Perception
• ADL (Activities of Daily Living)
• Incontinence
• Loss of Motor Skills
• Wandering

Myra’s recommendations can range from the simplest safety and security devices, lighting and finish changes to addressing accessibility issues or preparing drawings for a first floor room addition.

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. In preparation for the largest number of seniors ever, an Aging-In-Place Initiative is expanding in cities across the country with plans for communities to become more “senior friendly.” For more information, check out the National Aging in Place Council and the Aging-In-Place Design Checklists from NAHB’s Toolbase Services.

Originally posted 2009-10-16 09:00:01. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Regardless of our budget, or the scope of our project, remodeling is an activity that requires time, patience, and money. Like anything worth time and effort, remodeling a bathroom should be a complex process. However, many of us homeowners take on a new DIY approach that may prove successful with the right guidance. First of all, we must establish our need, therefore we need to answer this next question “What is the main reason for remodeling my bathroom?” The answers may vary from house to house, some might want to update the design and style of our bathroom, or add a degree of luxury for our guests, or it might even be because we just love remodeling. It’s important to get a clear idea of what we want, should we work only on design aspects? Should we add more functionality? Or should we generate more space? These answers will depend on the structure of the bathroom you want to remodel.

Usually, it is best to start with a main idea of what you want, then you can mold it into a decent remodeling plan. Usually the best part comes when you need to select your new bathroom fixtures, even if its only a new showerhead or a sink, the options are almost unlimited, and usually some companies offer to customize your products as you want. You must always remember to try and keep your new design in some accordance to your house theme; if you have a more traditional, Victorian home, then you would not want an ultra modern, minimalist design for your bathroom. Remember also that your bathroom is one of the most intimate spaces in your house, you should aim to create a nice balance between comfort and design.

The single most important element in your bathroom is your bath vanity; it comes in all shapes, colors, sizes, styles and prices. The decorating options are endless, and usually many people like to share what they do with their new vanities on the internet or in magazines. However, you must not forget that the main function of a vanity is to hold your sink, while being able to keep your towels or other personal belongings on the surface or stored within. Vanities with mirrors are also important, but not as important as lighting. Your choice of lighting will either make your vanity stand out, or remain unnoticed. With today’s many DIY lighting projects and products available, it is up to you to do whatever you feel like is the correct lighting for your bathroom. It is widely acknowledged that more lightning is preferred in bathrooms so that they give the impression of cleanliness and neatness.

So there you go, some simple tips that may just make your bathroom remodeling project a little bit less stressful and enjoyable!