by: Samantha Birch
The bathroom has evolved over the past decades from a strictly useful and functional room to one that is similar to a spa. And just because there aren't thousands of dollars available for decorating doesn't mean that a bath can't be unique, dramatic and thoroughly satisfying. Here are nine frugal ways to spice up any bathroom.
1. Collections of inexpensive mirrors add both light and space to any bathroom. They reflect colors, faces and other decorations and add character and interest . Mirrors are much more effective when grouped together rather than being a scattered mass simply hanging on a wall.
2. Pictures or prints can be massed on a wall. For maximum impact hang them closely together rather than separated. Pictures can be striking if they have a 'theme', such as:
* Black and white photos - no color * Older shots - from the 1930s or 1940s, for instance * The frames are all an identical color * The frames or photos have a uniqueness in common - oval shapes, women only, pets
This decorating tactic works best in a powder room, rather than a full bathroom, because of the high moisture.
3. Needlework makes a striking wall accent. For instance, sampler patterns from Colonial America are easily available and a few samplers grouped on a wall create a totally unique bathroom.
4. For color and charm, throw a rug on the floor. In a dull or drab bathroom, a rag rug or oriental carpet will add charm and beauty. Just be certain to use a non-skid pad underneath, especially if anyone will be stepping out of a tub or shower.
5. Collections can spark interest and admiration. Pottery is an unusual accent piece for any bathroom. Or you might consider old bottles, perfume atomizers, shaving mugs or other flea market collectibles. One especially exciting bathroom included replicas of old bottles with genuine antique stoppers made of silver and fashioned into old-time designs.
In a bathroom, be certain there is ample space for your collectibles, like a wide shelf with a lip or a generous window sill. Broken pottery or glass isn't helpful in any room - but it's especially destructive in a bathroom.
6. Color is, of course, the quickest, cheapest and easiest way alter any bathroom. Unusual colors on a bathroom wall, like melon, chocolate brown or peach, will add drama. Accents like brightly colored towels in a monochromatic bathroom will provide an outstanding accent.
7. Architectural details can spark interest. A piece of beaded or crown molding halfway up the wall or near the ceiling can transform a room, especially if it's painted a funky color. A more elaborate addition would be grooved paneling over half the wall. Even a shelf or picture rail adds interest.
8. Add living color with plants or freshly cut flowers. The energy of plants is soothing and creates a zen-like atmosphere that is very conducive to relaxation and letting go of stress.
9. A piece of furniture, space permitting, can add unusual detail to any bathroom. Furniture need not be expensive. Most Goodwill or Salvation Army stores will have a battered piece of furniture that can be revived with sanding, paint and some unusual and classy handles or knobs.
All nine of these ideas won't fit every bathroom, nor should they. Simply choose one or two, as your budget permits, and begin slowly adding details. And don't forget the 'before and after' pictures!
For more information please visit www.honostreview.com
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
5 steps to complete a successful ceramic tile installation
by: Manuel Kupka
If laying ceramic tiles is totally new to you, "5 Steps to complete a successful ceramic tile installation" is a set of basic but important tips that you will help you avoid making costly mistakes on your next bathroom or ceramic tile installation.
" Plan which Tile " Shop around if you want to save " Prepare the surface for a long lasting job " Lay the tiles " Finishing touches
Plan which Tile
This step is often underestimated and sometimes even forgotten (can you believe it?). Planning your ceramic tile installation from A to Z is probably one of the most important steps for a smooth, easy going and problem free bathroom tile installation.
Some things to take in account are;
" Suitability of the tile " Pattern /colour of the tile " Size of the tile " Size of the area to be tiled. (This is important data that will be vital to know how much tile, grout, etc, you have to buy) " Adhesive, mortar or grout to suit your needs
Not all ceramic tile installations are the same, different tiling installations may require different mortar or grout. DO NOT feel shy about asking the suppliers for advice or help in calculating how much you need. They will gladly help you, as they are likely to make a sale.
Shop around if you want to save
This isn't as difficult as the first step, however when the budget is tight it can be tricky to find the right tile for the ceramic tile installation you want. You are going to have to make some compromises and so don't get carried away by the beauty of some of the ceramic tiles. Prices can vary a lot between different tiles, so some end up rather expensive for only a few square metres. Always shop around, it has never been easier. Just sit in front of the computer and use the Internet. Use local directories to find the suppliers close to you and pay them a visit.
Before making your final decision always check the chosen tile under different lights as the results can be surprisingly different.
Prepare the surface for a long lasting job before laying the ceramic tiles The surface to be tiled (floor, wall or any other) will often need to be prepared, this can include work like filling, levelling, smoothing, priming and sometimes water proofing.
The right preparation will be directly affect the lifespan of the ceramic tile installation. Unless you want to be tiling again soon, you want to get this right from the start.
This is probably the most important point to ensure a long lasting tiling job. Don't rush it.
Laying the ceramic tiles safely
The technique of laying ceramic tiles is not especially difficult. It only takes a little bit of practice before anyone can easily master it. Clearing the room to be tiled before starting will help you to do the job safer and easier. Don't forget to wear your safety goggles when cutting or chipping tiles. Laying ceramic tiles can also be a bit messy, if you don't want dust all over the house we suggest sealing the room you want to tile whenever possible. A large piece of plastic tacked to the door frame will do the job quite well. Try not to allow any adhesive to get on your skin and never forget to read the manufacturers directions before even opening the tin. If some ends up on you, just clean it with water as soon as possible. Even though tile adhesives aren't usually abrasive, if you leave it for some time it may cause an allergic reaction.
Use a spirit level to help you with the depth & level of the tiles and spacers to maintain an even distance between them.
The finishing touches
Once the tile adhesive or mortar has cured (dried) and the tiles are firm and even, you can start with the finishing touches. You'll have to fill the spaces between tiles with grout making sure you don't leave any gaps as these cause damp problems, in a shower for example. The technique is very simple, use a rubber faced trowel to spread the grout and a cotton cloth to clean the excess grout from the tiles afterwards. There are many different types of grouts; you'll have to choose the right one depending on the surface and chosen tile.
Now that you have your ceramic tiles laid down, you only need to take care of them, usually manufacturers provide information on taking care of their tiles and only minimal effort is required. Most household cleaning products will do the job well, if some particular stain is stubborn, there are many commercial stain removers, just make sure you use the right product for the right tile.
You are now closer to discovering how satisfying it can be handling a tile installation yourself; just follow these 5 steps to get the best result.
For more information please visit www.honostreview.com
If laying ceramic tiles is totally new to you, "5 Steps to complete a successful ceramic tile installation" is a set of basic but important tips that you will help you avoid making costly mistakes on your next bathroom or ceramic tile installation.
" Plan which Tile " Shop around if you want to save " Prepare the surface for a long lasting job " Lay the tiles " Finishing touches
Plan which Tile
This step is often underestimated and sometimes even forgotten (can you believe it?). Planning your ceramic tile installation from A to Z is probably one of the most important steps for a smooth, easy going and problem free bathroom tile installation.
Some things to take in account are;
" Suitability of the tile " Pattern /colour of the tile " Size of the tile " Size of the area to be tiled. (This is important data that will be vital to know how much tile, grout, etc, you have to buy) " Adhesive, mortar or grout to suit your needs
Not all ceramic tile installations are the same, different tiling installations may require different mortar or grout. DO NOT feel shy about asking the suppliers for advice or help in calculating how much you need. They will gladly help you, as they are likely to make a sale.
Shop around if you want to save
This isn't as difficult as the first step, however when the budget is tight it can be tricky to find the right tile for the ceramic tile installation you want. You are going to have to make some compromises and so don't get carried away by the beauty of some of the ceramic tiles. Prices can vary a lot between different tiles, so some end up rather expensive for only a few square metres. Always shop around, it has never been easier. Just sit in front of the computer and use the Internet. Use local directories to find the suppliers close to you and pay them a visit.
Before making your final decision always check the chosen tile under different lights as the results can be surprisingly different.
Prepare the surface for a long lasting job before laying the ceramic tiles The surface to be tiled (floor, wall or any other) will often need to be prepared, this can include work like filling, levelling, smoothing, priming and sometimes water proofing.
The right preparation will be directly affect the lifespan of the ceramic tile installation. Unless you want to be tiling again soon, you want to get this right from the start.
This is probably the most important point to ensure a long lasting tiling job. Don't rush it.
Laying the ceramic tiles safely
The technique of laying ceramic tiles is not especially difficult. It only takes a little bit of practice before anyone can easily master it. Clearing the room to be tiled before starting will help you to do the job safer and easier. Don't forget to wear your safety goggles when cutting or chipping tiles. Laying ceramic tiles can also be a bit messy, if you don't want dust all over the house we suggest sealing the room you want to tile whenever possible. A large piece of plastic tacked to the door frame will do the job quite well. Try not to allow any adhesive to get on your skin and never forget to read the manufacturers directions before even opening the tin. If some ends up on you, just clean it with water as soon as possible. Even though tile adhesives aren't usually abrasive, if you leave it for some time it may cause an allergic reaction.
Use a spirit level to help you with the depth & level of the tiles and spacers to maintain an even distance between them.
The finishing touches
Once the tile adhesive or mortar has cured (dried) and the tiles are firm and even, you can start with the finishing touches. You'll have to fill the spaces between tiles with grout making sure you don't leave any gaps as these cause damp problems, in a shower for example. The technique is very simple, use a rubber faced trowel to spread the grout and a cotton cloth to clean the excess grout from the tiles afterwards. There are many different types of grouts; you'll have to choose the right one depending on the surface and chosen tile.
Now that you have your ceramic tiles laid down, you only need to take care of them, usually manufacturers provide information on taking care of their tiles and only minimal effort is required. Most household cleaning products will do the job well, if some particular stain is stubborn, there are many commercial stain removers, just make sure you use the right product for the right tile.
You are now closer to discovering how satisfying it can be handling a tile installation yourself; just follow these 5 steps to get the best result.
For more information please visit www.honostreview.com
1-2-3-4 Never Scrub the Bathroom Anymore
by: Carole Pagan
One of everyone's least favorite chores is cleaning the bath- room. You put it off ... and put it off... until it takes nothing short of an atomic bomb to get it clean. It doesn't have to be that way.
4 steps, about 2-3 minutes a day- and you will never have to deal with soap scum build up or scrubbing the bathroom ever again.
The tools you will need- * a shower squeegee * paper towels * glass cleaner * Scrub Free
These should be kept in the bathroom. Splurge on the extra bottle of glass cleaner and an extra roll of paper towels to keep in the bathroom.
Here are the 4 steps-
1. When you get out of the shower, after you have dried off and put on your lotion and such... do a once over on the shower walls with the squeegee.
2. Take 2 pieces of paper towel and clean in this order- mirror, counters, quick wipe over towel bars, chrome in shower, and toilet lip. Throw paper towel away.
3. Do one of these chores each day or two-
*Spray tub with scrub free and do a quick wipe down with wet rag or sponge, or
*Clean the toilet, or
*Do a quick wipe up of the floor, or
*Do a quick cleaning on your shower doors, if you have them, or if you have shower curtains- spray any spots with Clorox Cleanup.
Each of these only take seconds if you don't let it get bad in the first place.
4. Watch for any mold, or discoloring of the grout. Spray with Clorox Cleanup and just let it work.
That's it. Your bathroom will always look terrific, and it'll be a lot healthier too. Don't let build up happen in the first place. Keeping it clean in the first place is so much easier than trying to clean it later.
For more information please visit www.honostreview.com
One of everyone's least favorite chores is cleaning the bath- room. You put it off ... and put it off... until it takes nothing short of an atomic bomb to get it clean. It doesn't have to be that way.
4 steps, about 2-3 minutes a day- and you will never have to deal with soap scum build up or scrubbing the bathroom ever again.
The tools you will need- * a shower squeegee * paper towels * glass cleaner * Scrub Free
These should be kept in the bathroom. Splurge on the extra bottle of glass cleaner and an extra roll of paper towels to keep in the bathroom.
Here are the 4 steps-
1. When you get out of the shower, after you have dried off and put on your lotion and such... do a once over on the shower walls with the squeegee.
2. Take 2 pieces of paper towel and clean in this order- mirror, counters, quick wipe over towel bars, chrome in shower, and toilet lip. Throw paper towel away.
3. Do one of these chores each day or two-
*Spray tub with scrub free and do a quick wipe down with wet rag or sponge, or
*Clean the toilet, or
*Do a quick wipe up of the floor, or
*Do a quick cleaning on your shower doors, if you have them, or if you have shower curtains- spray any spots with Clorox Cleanup.
Each of these only take seconds if you don't let it get bad in the first place.
4. Watch for any mold, or discoloring of the grout. Spray with Clorox Cleanup and just let it work.
That's it. Your bathroom will always look terrific, and it'll be a lot healthier too. Don't let build up happen in the first place. Keeping it clean in the first place is so much easier than trying to clean it later.
For more information please visit www.honostreview.com
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