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Bedroom Side Tables An Indispensable Addition

For a place where we spend up to a third of our lives (and some people spend even more time there), bedrooms can be haphazard affairs, often with little central planning. Many homeowners are content to invest in a really great bed, piecing together the rest of the furnishings to fill the available space.

You know the drill. A dresser here, a high boy there. Perhaps a chair in the corner and a nightstand by the bed.

This is unfortunate, as a well designed bedroom will promote and encourage relaxation and even a deeper sleep. The addition of bedroom essentials, including proper lighting and bedroom side tables, can totally transform the experience in the bedroom.

Nothing could be more true regarding this than bedroom side tables. Often known as nightstands, these beauties are more than a place to put a small lamp and an alarm clock. They can really serve as the nerve center of the bedroom, giving you ready access to all your most used items without having to constantly get out of bed.

For example, bedroom side tables with drawers are indispensable. While you can get them with an open design, the presence of drawers allows you to keep some of those major conveniences you always seem to need at night within easy arm’s reach – a box of Kleenex, batteries for the remote or earplugs if you happen to live with someone who has an occasional snore-fest in the middle of the night.

But why stop there? Having drawers on your side table allows you to keep other things handy, such as a book you’re reading and your reading glasses. You may also want to keep your prescriptions there, just in case you forgot to take them before you got into bed.

If you’re a bit of a romantic, be sure to keep some candles in your bedroom side tables along with a lighter. This can also can come in handy if the lights go out. A flashlight in a drawer is another good idea.

If you live in earthquake country, you may want to not only have a flashlight in your bedroom side tables, but a whistle as well. This is always highly recommended in cases where a door can become jammed or blocked and you can’t exit the building immediately. A whistle can be a lifesaver, literally.

Convenience is a big consideration with these tables. You want everything to be within easy reach. This may take some experimentation. First, with today’s pillow top beds you want to purchase bedroom side tables that are high enough to be even with the top of the mattress. If can be a bit lower, but ideally you want it to be an extension of the bed. You want to be able to easily get to things, such as a glass of water, even in a darkened room.

Size is important, too. If you have a lot of night-support equipment, you may want to …

Exploring The Many Options Posed By Bathroom Linen Cabinets

Bathroom linen cabinets are perfect not just to help you organize all your bathroom items and stuff, but also let it serve as a modern, decorative item in your bathroom. In almost every well decorated bathroom, you can be sure to see linen cabinets that are unique in style and design with more and more families preferring the minimalist type of interior design. But of course if you still prefer the old school or more traditional sense of style, you can always choose from a wide variety of antique linen cabinets made available in the market today.

Bathroom linen cabinets also come in various shapes and sizes. For the traditional types, there are the cabinet towers that are usually made of dark wood and has some edges that are designed intricately. You can see the precision in its delicate carvings to give the overall design a smooth look. There are also the shorter type of cabinets that are usually placed underneath the sink. However, the ideal linen storage type would be the tall and narrow ones that can be placed in just the mere corners of the room. For durability, they are usually made of hardwood and topped off with lasting varnish to protect it from rotting or the infestation of insects.

If you will not be storing too much linen, then you can settle for the classically styled ones in the form of towel racks. This can often be rotated just like the style set of the coat rack that we usually find in the receiving area of a home. While for modern styles, the options for bathroom linen cabinets can also be endless. The more modern types include the ones made out of metal, steel or glass. They can also be as durable as the ones made out of hardwood but you just have to steer away from those that easily rust.

If you are in constant search of the best bathroom linen cabinets that you want to have in your bath, the Internet is the ideal place that you can start searching for. These can really help in smartening up the look of your overall bathroom layout and design and to install them not just for your linens but also for your towels can be a convenient way to make the space look tidier and neat all the time.…

Porcelain Tiles for Chic and Classy Look

To make a dull and dreary space vibrant, chic and classically beautiful, choose porcelain tiles. They are a kind of ceramic tiles made of white clay and has minimal water absorption rate of 0.5%. This makes them best suited for wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms. They are also popularly used in other parts of houses including the dining area, living space or even bedrooms. Chinese, Italian and Spanish porcelain tiles are utilized for designer tiling to your space. Their durability and contemporary look are making them popular for home interiors.

Types

These are of three types: natural, polished and glazed porcelain tiles. Natural or better known as ‘through body porcelain’ are not polished or glazed and are very porous while polished porcelain tiles have a finish but not glazed and thus need to be sealed. Polished porcelain tile comes close to the granite finish. Glazed porcelain tile are good option for kitchens and bathrooms due to their strength, stain resistance and water absorption quality. But here you have to make choice for these tiles because they are slip resistant also. The tile with high wear rating or PIE rating standard is fit for high traffic areas.

Color, sizes and shape

White is the primary color that gives the freedom of using different colors, designs and patterns along with them. All the more, they are now available in different colors also which you can use in any part of the house according to your choice. These tiles come in different sizes and shape for walls, flooring and vanity tops, thus giving options to choose according to your needs.

Other features

Since these are fired at a higher temperature, this makes them stronger than any other ceramic tiles. They can tolerate UV rays and can stand any chemical test also. They are scratch resistance, fire resistant, stain resistant, frost resistant and water proof. Glazed Porcelain tiles are easy to maintain while natural or unglazed tiles need to be properly sealed to avoid its difficult cleaning.

Environment friendly

They are made from natural materials without causing any harm to landfills. This makes them environment friendly product. These tiles do not have the anti microbial qualities of a linoleum floor and do not attract dust and dirt.

Installation

Laying porcelain tiles is a challenging procedure as they are very strong and heavy. It needs an adequate planning of space, size and material required before installation. It’s preferable to get done the installation by an expert worker. It is important to do some research to get the right quality.…

Buying A Dining Room Set

Who doesn’t love sharing a lovely meal with their loved ones? A dining room should evoke the qualities of warmth and intimacy, a space where your family will be eager to gather at mealtime. Dining room furniture will last a very long time when properly maintained so it is important to choose the style and build that you will enjoy for many years to come.

Measure!

Your dining set should fit comfortably in your dining room. Remember that chairs must be able to slide in and out easily, leaving enough space so that others can walk around the table without having to squeeze themselves past a tight space. The rule of thumb is to leave at least 2 feet of space between the table and the nearest piece of furniture or wall. Most tables will be 3 to 4 feet wide. Some tables have a drop leaf option where you can adjust the length depending on the number of guests.

Materials and Style

When considering your dining table, ask yourself which style would fit best. Choosing a style that fits with the overall aesthetic of your home is integral. Do you prefer a richer, warmer style? A dark hardwood table such as mahogany might be the right choice. Is your home a showcase of modernity and contemporary pieces? Perhaps a teak table with long benches instead of formal chairs might be a better choice. Remember, wood is pricier than other materials but with proper care can lasts for years. Softer woods such as pine can scratch easily so a tablecloth can help to protect your table. Glass tables can collect fingerprints and smudges so remember to periodically clean your table with a soft cloth and glass cleaner.

Rugs

Placing a large rug underneath your dining room set is a common design choice. A rug offers a soft touch for your feet while dining. If your floors are made of wood, a rug can help prevent your dining room chairs from scratching against them. Ideally, the rug you choose will fit the entire dining room table with the chairs pulled out. The back of your chair legs should not extend past the rug. As with any dining area, food crumbs may end up on the rug so keep that in mind when deciding whether to purchase a rug also.

A dining room table is an investment in your home. Buying the right dining room set depends on the kind of material you like, your personal style, and the budget you have in mind. Choose the right dining room set and you will have a piece of furniture that will bring years of enjoyment.…

Towel Rods – Brushed Nickel to Match Other Brushed Nickel Finish Bathroom Accessories and Hardware

When it comes to bathroom fixtures and accessories, the market is flooded with so many of them made of different materials and finishes. A common material used to make bathroom accessories and fixtures is polished nickel, which has proven to transform a bathroom giving it a fresh modern ambiance. Bathroom accessories and fixtures available in a brushed nickel finish include shower heads, faucets, lighting fixtures, drawer pulls, knobs, tissue holders, and the commonly used and favorite to many towel rods brushed nickel.

Scraped nickel finish is an ideal fit for modern interior design, blending in perfectly with other styles and preferences as well, thereby it isn’t limiting at all. Just by painting your bathroom walls with a new color and introducing towel rods scraped nickel for storing your towels will create a brand new look, giving your bathroom a fresh new appeal. It is a favorite to many, especially individuals leading busy lifestyles as the finish is very easy to live with as it is one of the most forgiving when it comes to maintenance. Because the bathroom is a busy place used by many people, grime is known to stain bathroom accessories and fixtures, but trust the brushed nickel finish to maintain its charm and elegance for as long as possible.

On the other hand, staining your old vanity and other bathroom hardware with new stains and paint will mostly pass as a brand new bathroom fixture to guests in your home. Luckily, there is a wide gamut of scratched nickel bathroom accessories and fixtures available from leading and reputable manufacturers like Delta, Kohler, Moen, and Price Pfizer to mention but a few. If you are looking for towel rods brushed nickel to help complement other bathroom accessories and fixtures with the same brushed nickel finish, you can start by browsing online websites to see the choices available in bathroom interior decoration.…

Some Tips On How To Decorate Your Bathroom Using Stylish Bathroom Sinks

Styles are constantly changing, which isn’t surprising as even the slightest change in trend can cause people to flip on their designs. People tend to stay in their houses, choosing to commit to one instead of moving around looking for a good deal.

For every bad trend there is a good one, offering a multitude of ways to dress up a house and make it more homey or just more sellable.

Some of them revolve around bathroom sinks and how they look. Some go for brighter colors. Fiberglass sinks are also available, as well as acrylic. It can really change its look in a single change.

Most people elect to improve the quality of the floors rather than just making it look good. The most popular option right now is concrete as it is reliable and will last a long time, making it cheaper in terms of repairs and the like.

For the bathroom and other sinks, you might just need to update the fixtures.

Those fixtures can be updated with gold or chrome options, which can instantly make a room feel more luxurious just by being there. Resin and plastic products just don’t have the same toughness or feel like they did a few years ago – it’s time to update the house.

Most bathrooms also opt to install a Jacuzzi instead of sticking with the good old tub. The thing here is that Jacuzzis are now cheap and affordable. They’re also easier to find, which means that they can fit in nicely with any remodeling design. Most new houses have Jacuzzis preinstalled already.

No trend is for everyone, which is why you should make sure that you like it before you buying it. There are plenty of stores and websites that can give you a great idea of how it’ll look together.…

Updating Your Doors With New Hardware

Updating your doors with new hardware is a quick and easy way to breathe new life into an old door. There are a variety of styles and sizes available for just about any type of door. From brass to silver, there is no end to the possibilities of door hardware. Most large home improvement stores feature a selection of hardware, but for more unique styles it is often best to search online retailers.

Hardware StylesTraditional, shiny hardware installed on most doors is usually made of brass, bronze or steel. These types of hardware are relatively inexpensive and come in a variety of styles. Choose keyed sets, mortise entry sets or any number of door accessory pieces. Using traditional brass, bronze or steel to update doors, offers a new focal point with traditional flair. These materials are also easy to clean and maintain.

Nostalgic door hardware has more flair and personality than traditional hardware tends to have. It is a great alternative to traditional hardware on older homes. Stately front doors require hardware that has as much personality as they do, and nostalgic hardware provides that. Online retailers often offer the best selection of these non-traditional pieces. Even though the design may be reminiscent of past times, the actual hardware is usually very up to date and secure.

Other Door HardwareBesides the locks and door handles there are other pieces of door hardware that can be replaced to update a door. New door knockers are especially powerful focal points. They come in styles ranging from the sleek and modern to elegant, lion headed knockers. Each style provides a different look and feel for the front door. Antique shops and home salvage yards often have non-traditional and very unique door knockers in their inventory.

InstallationInstalling new hardware is not difficult. It requires a couple hours of time and the proper tools. If you are updating your doors with new hardware, be sure that the new pieces are similar to the currently installed hardware in size. If the door has a keyed deadbolt and a separate door handle, it is best to replace it with a separate deadbolt and handle. This makes it much easier and prevents the need to drill additional holes in the door.

Begin by removing the old hardware, working one piece at a time. After removal, gently clean off the area and install the new locks and handles according to the manufacturer’s directions. By working one piece at a time, for instance deadbolt and then door handle, it is easier to stop if the need arises before all pieces are installed. Once the new hardware is on the door, the look and feel of the home’s entrance will change dramatically.

Updating your doors with new hardware can be a relatively inexpensive way to completely change the look of the home’s exterior. Simple or sophisticated, each new piece of hardware offers its own style. Choose new hardware that works well with the age of …

A Review of The NoMad Restaurant

Probably the most hyped restaurant opening of 2012 would be The NoMad in the Gramercy hotel of the same name. Brought to us by Daniel Humm and Will Guidara of New York Times Four Starred restaurant Eleven Madison Park, The NoMad is the newest addition to the fine dining options in New York. The hotel itself is located on 27th and Broadway, a busy and rather commercial block, but the building itself is very classic and elegant. Make a right through the entrance and you’ll find yourself at the hostess station. The NoMad is designed in a very classic fashion. There is a dark wood bar towards the back, a more formal dining room with dark red chairs and more dark woods and a fireplace off to the right. The center of the restaurant appears to be the “main dining room” and features a skylight which allows the room to appear less heavy than he rest of the restaurant. Everything points to The NoMad being on par with other restaurants such as Daniel and Le Bernardin, well hopefully not food wise with Le Bernardin, but something about the ambiance of The NoMad seems more like a very upscale Hotel restaurant than a top New York restaurant. The atmosphere, to me, is very similar to that of The Mark by Jean Georges. The rooftop however is stunning and does offer a $120 tasting menu along with a private dining room in the roof’s dome.

The menu itself is American but with a few scattered international influences. The lunch and dinner menu don’t differ much except for the fact that the Suckling Pig is offered only during dinner service and the prices are the same no matter what time you dine. To start I had the Hamachi Crudo with English Peas, Olio Verde and Horseradish and the Poached Egg with Quinoa, Asparagus and Parmesan. The Hamachi was quite fresh but the Olio Verde was quite salty. The spiciness of the horseradish was able to somewhat counter the salt but I still wasn’t completely thrilled with the dish. The Poached Egg had the same issue as well. After I had the Duck with Fennel and Peaches as well as the Tagliatelle with King Crab. The duck was tender and cooked perfectly however the skin was, again, far too salty. Luckily the pear was able to balance the flavors but the duck was almost inedible on its own. The Tagliatelle however, was probably the only dish that I tried that actually needed salt. The dish was quite small for an entree portion and was quite bland overall. Despite the lackluster food, the bar program is superb. The Library lounge downstairs has bottle service that comes with your own personal mixologist and try the Morning Glory Fizz if you’re there.

It’s not that the food at The NoMad isn’t good, it’s just that the food should be better for all the hype surrounding it and for what they’re charging …

Three Hot Tips When Shopping For Bathroom Vanities

You have done some looking around and seen the hot new styles, and really think a new vanity can bring your archaic bathroom straight from the Stone Age into the twenty-first century. So, where do you look and what should you look for when you’re in the market for one of today’s super hot bathroom vanities? Three easy steps can take you where you want to go.

The first stop on your journey to an updated bathroom is a very high-tech destination. You need to jump on the information superhighway to track down the exact style and size of vanity you want. (Be smart and measure your space before you fall in love with one and end up ripping out a wall!) You’ll find lots of dealers on-line plus sites for the big retail showrooms. Check out the inventories and then compare their prices. Often, even with shipping charges, the on-line price is lower.

The next step is to decide if you are going to attempt the installation on your own or hire someone to handle the dirty work for you. If you hire a pro, you’ll need to factor the cost of his or her services into your price for the vanity. Set a limit and stick to it. You won’t love that new vanity if you have to eat PBJ every day for a year to pay for it.

Last but not least, spend some time looking over the rest of your bath’s d?�cor. Chances are, after installing one of the good-looking bathroom vanities you’ll find on line, the rest of the room is going to look pretty shabby in comparison. So, why not start a list of what to replace next while you’re in the remodeling mood?…