2021

Choosing Your Dining Room Furniture – Know Your Style!

One’s dining room is truly one of the most overlooked but important rooms you have in your home. A well-furnished room will not only serve as a place of respite from your hectic life; it will also be a room where your friends and your family will assemble together for evening meals and parties. When you have furniture and furnishings that match well, the combined effect will do wonders for enhancing these moments.

The most important step in choosing the best dining room furniture is to make sure that you match up all of the pieces within the room. For a dining room to look its best, all of your furniture must complement each other. Although matching the dining table and chairs are important, don’t forget that your room’s additional furniture, such as cabinets or shelves, will need to follow the theme if at all possible. When you create continuity in your dining room ensemble, you will add elegance and class to create a wonderful look. Choose your theme and style and then simply personalise it. People often forget how important this room is when creating the overall style to your home, yet it is the room that is most often used when it comes to entertaining, so it can leave a large impression.

To bring a true touch of timeless style to your dining room, you can’t really go wrong when you choose wooden furniture, as wooden tables (and chairs) have a classical look that will never go out of style. For a truly elegant look, darker woods (or wood stains like mahogany and ebony) are often the choice for many, a combination of subtle strength and solidity coupled with beauty. When you are looking to buy wooden dining room furniture, it is always worth paying attention to the finish – make sure it has been treated well to last, but not overly varnished, look for a natural shine to polished wood. Remember you need to look after and maintain a wooden table, but it is worth it in the long run!

It is also important to make sure that you look at the finer details of the furniture you are considering. Thankfully, if you know what to look for, poorly constructed furniture is easy to spot. If you can clearly see any bolts or screws, then you know you should choose a different piece of furniture, because those elements should never be visible. On a cheap piece of furniture then you may choose to ignore these things, but if you have chosen to spend some money on either antique or new furniture, then you need to ensure that the workmanship matches the price tag. The dining room table should not wobble or rock. All of the furniture should be sturdy and should not have any obvious blemishes in the design or the finish. If you’re choosing wooden dining furniture, the stain and the colour of the wood should both …

Festive-Season Inspired Mosaic Bathroom Tiles

Despite the often hectic time of year, now is actually a time when people start to think about and plan to decorate their bathroom. Perhaps you’re looking for a project for the New Year perhaps? A job that’s needed doing which can’t wait any longer – and the fresh start of January seems like a good time?

So if you are thinking about and planning a new bathroom, here are some ideas for mosaic bathroom tiles. But where to start when there is such a huge range of mosaics on the market, in such a vast array of colours and combinations.

Well, why save the rich and sumptuous shades of the festive season for December? Why not take a close look at the luxurious and gorgeous colours all around and add a touch of that Christmas cheer to your home all year round. There is so much to be inspired by at this time of year – decorations, wrapping in all patterns and delightful Christmas ornaments throughout the home. The greens of the Christmas tree, golds of traditional ornaments and the calming white of the expected snow and traditional backdrop to this time of year.

So perhaps think about the gorgeous glass mosaic and stone mosaic tiles in a host of uplifting colours and tempting textures. Or transform kitchens, bathrooms and cloakrooms with mosaic tiles in gorgeous greens, ravishing reds, glistening gold and wonderful whites to create cosy, warm and welcoming interiors for homes of all styles and sizes.

Nature’s colour green can have a calming and harmonising effect as well as being soothing. So why not go green with glass mosaic tiles in a range of green shades? You might try delicious apple green, emerald green, kiwi green and malachite green or for more of a crisp wintry shade of green dive in to aqua green.

Using mosaic glass tiles in resplendent reds can add energy, excitement and passion to your home’s interior. So use this typically seasonal colour in a contemporary and creative way with a stunning scarlet red and cherry red glass mosaic tile to give some punch and glamour to your room.

So, as it is Christmas, why not take inspiration from the colours, shades and traditions around you and create a design to carry through that Christmas cheer all round. You’ll find the cosy, warm and welcoming colours simply irresistible and a great addition to your home.…

Cutting Bathroom Wall Tiles

Tiling isn’t too tricky a job and you can save money by tiling your bathroom yourself. You don’t need a lot of expensive equipment or any special skills. If you’ve never tried tiling before you might find it easier than you think. There are plenty of guides online and in DIY books for tiling. Here we are just looking at cutting tiles.

When you’ve fitted all the whole tiles in your tiling project, you will more than likely have to cut some tiles to fit the size of your room and to go around the fixtures and fittings.

It’s worth measuring each space where you want a partial tile to go individually as you’ll most often find that walls, floors and ceilings are never totally straight. They could either have been built that way or the building could have moved slightly over the years. Don’t forget when measuring that you will need to allow space for grout round the edges.

Safety First – Always remember to wear safety glasses or goggles when cutting tiles or drilling through them. Tiles can shatter and small shards can be dangerous if they hit your eyes.

There are several ways to cut tiles. Some require more equipment than others so you need to assess if it’s worth buying a tile cutter. If you have a large tiling job to do, or are planning on tiling other areas of your home, then it could be a good time saving investment. Perhaps you could also borrow one from a friend, many people will have a tile cutter they don’t use very often.

If you only have a small tiling job to do then a small carbide tipped cutter will do the job and it’s the cheapest option. These are fairly simple to use. Mark a line in pencil where you want the cut to be, then score along the line with the cutter using a metal ruler to get a straight line. Next place matchsticks under each side of the score line, and press gently but firmly on each side. It should break cleanly in two. Tiles don’t always break how you want them to though so expect a few breakages and make sure you buy extra tiles for your project. Porcelain tiles are especially tough so you might find you need to apply quite a bit of extra pressure to snap these. You can also get cutters with a wheel on that score the tile in a similar manner – imagine a pizza cutter and it’s the same principal!

You may find you need to cut some awkward shapes. A tile saw can be useful for this. Hold the tile in a vice for sawing. Wrapping a piece of scrap material around the part of the tile that is being held by the vice will prevent scratches on your tiles.…

Do-it-Yourself Bathroom Shower Repairs

So the shower in your bathroom isn’t working the way it should, and your kids think the world is coming to an end. Now is not the time to panic. It’s time for a cool head, a keen mind, and a little bit of shower repair know-how in order to get this necessary feature within your home up and running again. Many of the repairs can be done without calling in a professional plumber, and all it will cost you is the price of the parts you may need and a little bit of your time.

If your shower head is leaking, that’s a sign that the gaskets and seals need replacing. While you’re at it, it’s best to do them all at the same time, because if one goes bad, it won’t be long until others are showing their age, too. You won’t have a lot of expensive equipment to buy for this project, either. You will need the different gaskets and seals. If you take the faucet apart prior to heading to the home improvement store for replacements, you’ll know exactly what you need. Other than that you will need caulking, a screwdriver, and a crescent wrench. Before you reassemble the faucet, clean everything out so that it’s as good as new.

Another simple shower repair comes when one of your glass doors gets out of alignment. Most glass door systems have two doors sliding on separate tracks. Once in awhile, however, one of the doors may slip out of it’s own track and into the one being used by the other door. This will mean that you won’t be able to open the doors. If this happens in your shower, try taking a block of wood and gently tapping the door back into place. It also may be possible to just lift the door and slide it back into its own track.

As a swinging shower door ages, it’s possible for the door sweep that keeps water from escaping at the bottom of the door to get dry, crack, and spring leaks.. Replacing the sweep isn’t a difficult project at all.  Prop the door open and remove the old sweep. It may just pull out, or you may have to remove some screws. Take the old sweep with you when you go to buy a new one so that you can get one just like it. When you take the new one home, reinstall it by using the opposite procedure you used when you took it apart.…

Saving Bathroom Space With Bathroom Shower Enclosures

When a person builds a house, special importance is usually given to the bedrooms, the kitchen, the living room, the dining room as well as the house’s exterior. It is understandable too since these are the areas where visitors are usually led to (maybe except the bedroom for some). Generally, these are also the places where home owners would take pride in. But what about the lowly yet decent bathroom?

For me, bathrooms are as important as the rest of the rooms inside a house. This is the place where we would go so we could take our well-deserved rest, so why would we take this place for granted? It just presses us to design this place as beautifully as the rest of the house.

Sometimes, people think so less of the bathrooms that they only put in the basic stuff one would need when taking a bath. I’m not saying that it is wrong to put in only the basic stuff, but wouldn’t it be occupying a lot of space too? And what if you only have limited space, what are you going to do by then? That’s when bathroom shower enclosures came into mind.

Bathroom shower enclosures were used in the past as an added design to make the bathrooms appear classier than it already is. And I have to agree with that because it really brings out the beauty of a bathroom, whether it be a huge room or not.

These shower enclosures are very ideal for bathrooms that have less space as they can only occupy an average sized person. Therefore, you do not need to have a wide space for your bathroom. Plus, these shower enclosures provide the basic necessities a person would need in a bathroom. You’ve got the shower, the faucet and the bathroom space.

The good thing about these bathroom shower enclosures too, is that they prevent water from spilling out while you are taking a bath. It practically gives you two main purposes: saving space and saving time for cleaning. If you used to clean the bathroom floor after you took a bath for an hour or so, you can now use this time for relaxation, perhaps. Now that’s saving time and energy!

Also, companies selling bathroom shower enclosures may be customized depending on the customer. Thus, saving more space for your bathroom. It’s just amazing how many benefits one can get from installing these home improvement equipment to your homes.…

Small Bathroom Tips

These days our bathrooms are getting smaller and smaller so we have to make the absolute most of the space we have. Often we have three or four people using the same bathroom. Here are some tips to help you make the most of a small bathroom.

One with the most important things to have in the bathroom is great storage, however in a small bathroom you have to be very careful with space. Try to use floating glass shelves on the walls as this will give the room a feeling of space. Other storage cupboards need to be subtle and hidden.

Many people these days are using wall hung vanities and toilets as they take up less space in the bathroom. They will also create a more contemporary look to the bathroom.

Make sure you have plenty of glass and mirrors in the bathroom as they will also make your bathroom look better. Mirrors also bring lots of light and reflection into the room.

When choosing your color scheme it is best to stay away from patterns and busy wallpaper. If possible choose plain colors and try to keep them neutral, as you can always change the look of the bathroom with new bright colored towels and other accessories. Choosing the color White for your bathroom will go a long long way in helping it look more spacious.

Large Tiles can help make the room look bigger, however you do need to be careful with large tiles on the floor, as they may have to be cut to fit. Large tiles on the walls of the shower and above the bath can be very useful in helping the room look larger.…

4 Tips For Decorating Any Room in Your Home on a Tight Budget

Believe it or not, it is possible to decorate any room in your home on a budget and a small budget at that. There are plenty of inexpensive ways to add some style to a room and give it a whole new look. Here are some great ways that you decorate any room in your home and stick to your budget.

Paint is probably the best way to decorate a room on a tight budget. You can buy a couple gallons of paint for under $50 and have your room look entirely different. You can add bright or bold colors to add drama to a room, or use more neutral colors for a more natural appearance. You can get really creative with paint. Paint one wall an accent color to make that wall the focal point of the room. Or you can paint stripes or try a textured painting technique to add some real interest to the walls.

Another place that you can have a big impact on a room without spending a lot of money is the windows in the room. There are plenty of different window coverings that you can choose from for every type of room. Even if you have simple vertical blinds and don’t want to get rid of them, you can add a valance to the top of the window to add more drama to the area. Try some creative ways that you can dress windows. Simply taking sheer material and draping it over a decorative curtain rod is a simple and inexpensive decorating idea. Long curtain panels tied back with thick ribbon or velvet is another idea.

Adding simple accessories that tie the room together can have a big impact on the room. Sometimes it’s the little things that count when it comes to decorating a room.Accessories such as candles, photos, flowers, and baskets can add a lot to a room when done in the correct way. Adding a row of candles to a coffee table gives a more intimate feeling. A vase of flowers can make a kitchen look more inviting. Even simple things like new towels in a bathroom can make the difference. If you really want to get the most from your tight budget, then shop flea markets and consignment stores for these items. Although it may take a little more shopping it can save you a ton of money it you have your whole house to decorate.

Rearrange the furniture or pull items from one room and using them in another. If you really have a small budget, then you have to work with what you have. Look for pieces that you can add your own style to and refurbish or recycle. This could mean that the old vase that you used to have flowers in the family room can be spray painted with a metallic finish to act as a centerpiece for your dining room table. …

Changing Your Dining Room Curtains – Easy Interior Design Changes

You can find dining room curtains in quite a range of different materials and styles. By visualizing the end result, you can pretty much assure yourself that you’re going to choose the right curtain for your home. You can really achieve some different looks just by changing your dining room curtains, and after doing so the first time you might make up your mind to do it on a regular basis.

Having a little bit of change in your life every once in a while is a good thing and that applies to interior decorating as well. As homeowners, lots of times we have a tendency to get things set up once and then forget about it and never change it again. This is fine for a while, but in order to change up the atmosphere a little bit it is important to do something a bit different. You can effectively change the entire look of your dining room just by changing the curtains.

It’s really nice to experience formal occasions, as they often provide some exciting times in our life. It is really a true honor when you get to host an event, and it deserves your full attention to the details. You can really add some richness to your room in an affordable way just by adding some deep and rich fabrics. You could even say the dining room curtains are the foundation for the aura of your room.

If you select the dining room curtain that is a nice deep burgundy with some golden details stuck in, you are offering your guests a really nice rich design with some warmth as well. Red is a really great tone for dining room curtain because the color has a tendency to stimulate the appetite. The gold added in is just a nice choice because it adds somewhat of a formal touch to the room.

While having a nice rich look like this is quite nice during the holiday season or on special occasions, it can really grow old quick. I don’t know about you, but I don’t really want to have my dining room feeling like a formal room on a daily basis. By opting to get a second set of curtains for the space you can easily change things up. Different materials and colors can make it look and feel like a different room entirely.

As a nice contrast to the gold and deep burgundy curtains, you might think about choosing a neutral or light color with some burgundy detailing in it. Just for an example, you might think about some white or off white shear curtains with maybe some little roses or apples in a sewn pattern. This would allow you to change your curtain color scheme without having to switch around the rest of the scheme of your dining room.

Change is really nice. I change my clothes on a daily basis, and I like some …

Antique Dining Tables Add a Touch of Elegance

There’s nothing more grandiose than period furniture that displays the caring artistry of long ago. Dining room tables that are empowered with multiple leaves, stretching their length up to ten feet. This was a gathering place of friends, family, and frolic on those occasions when a well-prepared meal, talk and laughter, dominated most households. Antique dining room tables have a way of holding those memories, crying out for festive days once again.

The Age of Walnut

From 1600 through 1730, walnut trees were in ample supply and craftsmen labored over the hard wood in creating dining room tables that showed off the grain of the beautiful wood. Almost impossible to thin down, the dining room table was made very thick. The legs were cradled with beautiful ornate designs because walnut was easy to carve. You may be surprised to find that it is still possible to run across a genuine walnut table of this time period, as walnut will last forever.

Period Furniture of the 18th Century

An abundance of new and exciting furniture moved into the 18th century with the different eras of time. Queen Anne, Chippendale, Hepplewhite, Sheraton, Federal, Georgian, Louis, and Empire styles all shared their own unique designs with a new wood that seemed to offer more that walnut. Mahogany was easier to cut and sculpture and the grain left a magnificent glow to a room when treated with a hard clear finish. Dining room tables became masterpieces along with matching chairs and buffets. Sometimes other exotic woods like rosewood, tulipwood, and ebony were used to bring out the grain even further. Brass legs showed off a rich, stylish family life.

Knowing an Original Antique Solid Wood Table

The word ‘antique’ merely refers to an item that is over fifty years old. An original means that your table is not a reproduction. There are many fine reproductions today and may be solid wood but not an original. It is very hard to determine if you have a table that is the original that was handmade in 1780 or a very close copy that was produced in 1890. Only an expert in the field of antiques can make a professional determination but nonetheless, they are both antiques and both possess history that makes each unique.

Twentieth Century Contemporary Furniture

Industrialism started in the 19th century and along with this came furniture manufacturers. This furniture is easily distinguished from handmade period furniture of the past with precise cuts and nails that bind the pieces together. Many dining room sets made during this period are still considered antiques as we move further into the 21st century but the heritage is quite different. Smaller and lighter to fit the changing era, veneer became popular instead of using real wood.

It is still possible to find antique dining tables that bring back the days of fine dining and large family get-togethers. From old plantations of the south, you may find a Georgian Mahogany …

Console Tables for the Home

Console tables don’t seem to get the respect they deserve. They are one of the specialty tables you’ll find in homes everywhere, but few people really know what they are or what their purpose is. Often they simply mistake them for another tall table in the home, the sofa table.

This isn’t too surprising, since most console tables are rectangular in shape, though half-oval and semicircle console tables are also popular. Basically, it’s any table that is long and narrow and which can easily fit in the living room, but also works equally well in a narrow room, hallway or entryway.

That’s really where these tables found their niche – in a hallway or foyer. They are a great place to establish the tone of the home. For example, you can use the table to show off the latest family photos, showing visitors how much family means to you. Or you can have a few pieces from your collection of fine antiques. They also allow you to keep certain items handy, such as your pair of leather gloves, at the ready on a cold winter day and easy to find. Console tables can also be used to keep your glasses, mail, dog’s leash or any other regularly used items handy.

Originally, you’d find console tables that were actually mounted to the walls. There were no back legs. They were often paired with sconces and even a mirror. Today, they’re more mobile than their ancestors, gaining rear legs so they can be used virtually anywhere in the home, no installation required.

While console tables are more mobile, many homeowners still add a mirror on the wall behind it, keeping their hairbrush and other last minute touches at the ready in a table drawer so they can do a brief check before heading out to work or a date.

Because these console tables can be used virtually anywhere in the home, their versatility is one of their most prized features. For instance, you can place one at the end of a hallway or at the bottom of a staircase (a very handy addition for getting things from one floor to another).

But don’t think for a moment that these tables are only designed to shuttle stuff from one place to another. They can be used for a variety of purposes, such as holding some of your favorite first edition books, your Wii or wifi boombox. You can also use them to display a spray of flowers or cards from your birthday or anniversary.

When the holidays roll around, you can press your console tables into service as a place to hold your china, service pieces, utensils and napkins. Or you can set up a wonderful wine and cocktail bar on the table, freeing up space on your main dining room table or buffet.

When selecting the perfect table, you want to make sure that it fits the space you have in mind. Start by taking measurements of …