Room Decor That Grows With Your Child

How often have you asked yourself this question...how should I decorate my child’s room so that I don’t have to repaint every few years as they grow older? You’re not alone. Many parents ask themselves this every single day. They want their child’s room to have a unique decor without having to revamp the entire room all the time. The biggest transitions are always going from baby to toddler to teen. All 3 stages normally require a drastic room decor change.

Well to help you out a little bit we have gathered some helpful ideas for decorating:

1. Choose a semi-neutral paint color. It doesn’t have to be plain white or beige but possibly a dusty blue for a boys room instead of a bright primary blue. Or for girls, choose a soft yellow shade instead of flamingo pink. A softer more neutral shade allows for easy redecorating later on.

2. Buy some nice pictures frames that coordinate with the trim work in your child’s room and use them to display their own art work or awards certificates. As baby’s you choose to display pictures or special items. For toddlers you could put some finger painting projects in the frames. For teens, either pictures of their friends or special awards.

3. Change the duvet cover or bedspread. From toddler to teen, buying an inexpensive bedding set can dramatically change the look of the entire room. Simply just stick to coordinating colors that compliment your original paint color.

4. Paint or stain the furniture. This takes a little bit of time but is usually quite inexpensive. Typically you find white or wooden furniture in a baby nursery. Often that remains the same through the toddler and young child stages. But when your child turns into a teen, have them help you paint that white furniture with a darker, complimentary colored paint. Navy Blue and Chocolate Browns are always bold colors which look very rich.

5. Avoid character themes. Although your child seems to be very interested in a specific cartoon or character, it shall pass. They will grow older and favor something else. It always happens! Rather than invest a lot of money into a complete character bedding set, wallpaper, etc. try adding a toss cushion or area rug that displays their current favorite theme.

6. Stick to stripes, solids, and other geometric patterns. These never go out of style and your child can grow with them. Remember to mix and match. Everything doesn’t all have to be the same.

The above are just a few simple suggestions. Always remember, our beautiful children grow up! Rather than investing a ton of money into constantly redecorating their rooms, make small simple changes. Use the money you save on sharing experiences and making memories.

Heidi Neufeld is the owner of a successful online retail store, American Kids Bedding, specializing in baby nursery bedding, boys bedding sets, and bedding for girls.

 

Gallica Roses

Very soon stocks of new season's roses will be arriving in the garden centres, if they're not already there. Indeed, to be sure of getting the most sought after varieties it may have been necessary to put an order in some time ago. However, in their rush for the new, those who are slaves to fashion often overlook gems, leaving some of the best tried and true plants for those prepared to simply wait and see what is available.

Gallica roses are a case in point. While the popularity of Old Roses waxes and wanes as each new generation discovers them and then seeks something new, the best of them carry on regardless.

Rosa gallica, also known as the French Rose or Provins Rose, is a species that grows wild from southern and central Europe to the Caucasus. Because it readily produces sports, has a tendency towards double flowers, and may have hybridised naturally with other species, it is likely that the earliest European garden roses were forms of Rosa gallica.

The earliest recognisable Gallica still grown is 'Officinalis', the Apothecary's Rose. It is a deep pink semi-double thought to have been introduced into France from the Middle East by returning 13th century crusaders. It has even been suggested that 'Officinalis' was the first cultivated rose, though that is impossible to prove. A similar rose was used medicinally and in perfume manufacture in Charlemagne's time, but it can't be traced back beyond around 1200 with any certainty. Nevertheless, 'Officinalis' can be seen in many medieval manuscripts, paintings, and stained glass windows, and while deep pink rather than red, it earned fame in the War of the Roses as the Red Rose of Lancaster. (The White Rose of York was Rosa × alba.)

'Rosa Mundi' (syn. 'Versicolor'), which probably dates from the late 16th century, is a very popular sport of 'Officinalis'. It has striped and sectored bicolor white and deep pink flowers, and is thought to have been named after Rosamund, a mistress of Henry II. It may date back to the 13th century or even earlier but can't be traced beyond 1580 with certainty.

Gallicas were at the height of their popularity from the 18th to the mid-19th centuries, and it is from that period that most of today's plants date. Early nurseries kept few records but it is likely that by the early 19th century there were well over 1000 varieties of gallica in cultivation, possibly up to 3000. It is therefore not surprising that several other recognised groups, such as the Damask Roses, have Rosa gallica in their parentage.

Their flowers, which are abundant and often heavily scented, tend toward the pink, red and purple shades. White gallicas are also available and many of the darker flowered types are flecked or otherwise marked with white or pale pink. The flowers appear only in spring and early summer, with perhaps the occasional late bloom, though vivid hips often follow the flowers, providing colour well into autumn.
The fleeting beauty of the flowers and the historical connections is certainly why Gallicas tend to be regarded as the most 'romantic' of all the roses. It's not hard to see why. Their beautiful, rather formal shapes with an air of elegance, their textures and colours, so often reminiscent of faded purple velvet, and their fragrance combine to create roses of which memories are made.

The very name Apothecary's Rose conjures up images of alchemy, love potions and the like. Associations with the French aristocracy also enhance the gallica's romantic appeal. Marie-Antoinette had made in 1770 a bed of 'Officinalis' petals and the Empress Josephine so adored Gallicas that her rose gardens at Malmaison were a virtual shrine to the type.

Many nurseries, especially rose specialists, stock a good range of gallicas and as you might expect, those that have survived long enough to still be in production in the 21st century tend to be sturdy, easily grown plants.

In addition to 'Rosa Mundi' and 'Officinalis' look out for 'Charles de Mills' (double, velvety crimson) 'Cardinal de Richelieu' (double, clustered dark purple red flowers), 'Hippolyte' (double, purple, many small flowers), 'Belle de Crécy', 'Tuscany Superb' (double, dark purple-red, very fragrant), 'Duchesse de Buccleugh' (double, deep pink, late), 'Duchesse de Montebello' (double, soft pink), 'Complicata' (single, bright mid-pink, fragrant), 'Nannette' (double, purple-red), 'Anaïs Ségales' (double, purple-pink, very fragrant), 'Ipsilanté' (double, mauve-pink) and 'Gloire de France' (double, purple-pink fading to pale pink edges).

Sure, you could wait until next year and check out the local botanic gardens before making a selection, but take my word for it, gallicas are beautiful. Why not start your own private Malmaison now?

Cultivation tips

Gallicas are very frost hardy and tend to be fairly small bushes with light or bright green that is usually quite lush. They can be bought budded or may be grown on their own roots. Own root plants will produce suckers that help to thicken up the bush and will sometimes even allow them to be grown as a hedge. Removing rooted suckers is an easy way to start new plants, which is probably why Gallicas were such a suitable subject for medieval plant propagators. Summer softwood cuttings under mist are reliable and winter hardwood cuttings outdoors strike quite well.

Their compact habit is easily maintained by light overall trimming and thinning, which can be done in winter or, if keeping the hips is not important, as soon as flowering is finished. You can even trim and shape in summer and winter if necessary. Very old bushes on their own roots may be cut back almost to ground level to encourage vigorous new growth. Gallicas are bristly rather than really thorny, which makes pruning a fairly pain-free experience.

Naturally, you need to keep an eye open for all the traditional pests and diseases of roses, though you needn't expect more trouble with Gallicas than any other roses. Just don't believe those comments you may read that suggest that they are particularly pest- or disease-resistant.

Did you know?

The Greeks and Romans cultivated Rosa gallica, though apart for the odd sport it is unlikely that they grew anything greatly different from the wild form. So should you feel the need to have rose petals strewn in your path in the manner of a Roman emperor, they should be those of Rosa gallica.

I am a garden book author and horticultural photographer based in Christchurch, New Zealand. I run a stock photo library called Country, Farm and Garden (http://www.cfgphoto.com). This article may be re-published provided this information is published with it and is clearly visible.

 

Outdoor Furniture - Why Teak May Be Your Best Choice

It is no surprise that among patio furniture pieces, teak items are among the most popular choices. The natural look of teak adds elegance to any space. No matter your personal tastes, teak offers style, function and durability not found in man-made materials.

First of all, teak furniture is always in fashion. With its clean lines and simple designs, it works with any style, from classic to contemporary. It is easy to mix and match various teak pieces to create your perfect patio set. But it is not just for patios. A teak bench makes a warm addition to any garden. A teak lounger looks great poolside. You’ll even find teak indoors, as a striking accent to any décor.

In teak, form meets function in a fashionable way. Not only is the furniture gorgeous, but it is practical. You will find chairs, loveseats, recliners, patio tables and side tables, all in easy-care teak. Whether you are outfitting a large area, or searching for the perfect look for an intimate corner, you will find teak pieces to suit your needs. You can dress teak up or down. It looks classically beautiful bare, but you can also create a comfortable, inviting retreat through the addition of colorful cushions.

Solid teak wears extremely well. The seasons are no match for it. If it is untreated and left outdoors, over time, it weathers to an attractive silver-gray patina. If it is finished, it maintains its golden color. Teak is low-maintenance, and rarely needs more than an occasional wash with soapy water. The natural oils in the wood help it resist rotting and decay. It is an ideal choice for any climate.

With all its benefits, teak makes a perfect choice for patio furniture. Its versatile style easily coordinates with any indoor or outdoor look. The wide variety of pieces available meshes well together. It is durable and long-lasting to bring you comfort and enjoyment, year after year.

Gordon Kaye specializes in matching pieces of teak patio furniture to any backyard. Visit him online http://www.myperfectpatio.com and see todays latest styles of outdoor living furniture.

 

 

How To Sponge Paint Your Floors

There's no reason to limit faux painting in your home to walls only. Have you considered that the same paint finish would look equally well on your floor? This is especially true if you have a concrete floor - you should definitely consider painting this. If for no other reason than it offering a cost effective solution to covering your floor; the painting process can also be a lot of fun.

Sponge painting your floors is a great way to start if you don't have a particular design in mind. It's also one of the easiest ways to end up with a design on your floor that makes it look like it's what you'd planned for it to look like all along... nobody will ever know any different. After all, most of the other types of faux floor painting involve trying to match a particular design type. Sponge painting, on the other hand, is just a way for you to make a pattern on the floor.

In order to sponge paint your floor, you are going to need to prepare the floor the same way that you might prep it for any other type of painting in your home. First things first you... should wash the floor with a strong cleaning solution. This is so that you clean up any dirt that might have been ground into it in the past. This is also a good way to get rid of any marks that might have been left on the floor from furniture with rubber feet.

If there are any rough spots still on the floor then you'll need to sand them down. You don't need to have a floor that is 1000% flat but having a clean, level surface to paint on will make your life a lot easier during the actual sponge painting phase itself. Don't cause yourself any unncessary hardship when doing this type of work.

Sponge painting will require two different colors of paint. Most people go for complementary colors, or for two different shades of the same color. For instance, if you are looking for a blue floor, you might put a lighter shade of blue with darker blue on top of it.

After you have allowed the base coat to dry for an entire day, you should add the second coat of paint. Essentially, sponge painting on your floor will work the same way that it does on your walls. Just make sure that you use the sponge to lift off the second coat of paint in some areas, instead of using it to apply that coat of paint - otherwise you could ruin the effect you're trying to achieve.

Do you want to sponge paint your home? How about creating a faux painting your floor? You can also find plenty of interior painting tips at PaintSplashes.

 

Top Tips And Great Guide To Selecting Bathroom Tiles

The bathroom is one room where you can truly relax and unwind in complete seclusion. For this reason alone, it is important to really make sure this room is adequately planned for. The tiling will have a great impact on the design of your bathroom so here’re some top tips and great guide on selecting bathroom tiles.

Firstly, not all tiles are suitable for the high moisture atmosphere of the bathroom. Natural stone such as marble is extremely sensitive to moisture. The porous nature traps moisture from the air and tends to crack from the humidity. Logic also dictates that laminate flooring is not really suitable for the bathroom floor. Wet laminate surfaces tend to be extremely slippery and can cause accidents at home.

The more popular tiling materials include porcelain, ceramics and natural stone. But before you decide on a particular material, you need to understand their characteristics. For example, porcelain tiles are fairly limited in design as compared to ceramics. Natural stones such as marble should only be considered if owners are not worried about the high moisture affecting the tiles.

Choosing the correct tile size is also important, especially the shower area. Although bigger tiles are more visually appealing, it won’t work as well on the shower floor. The contractor will also have a much harder task ensuring efficient drainage. As a result, water will pool on the bathroom floor. Thus, the ideal size of the tiles should be about 12 inches by 12 inches (300 mm by 300 mm). Of late, rectangular tiles are the rage for fashionable bathroom walls and floors. This shape also makes the bathroom look larger and more spacious.

Patterned tiles have also made a comeback and are seen in contemporary bathroom themes that range from retro to maximalism to minimalism. Besides the daunting range of patterns available, most of these tiles will immediately and dramatically affect the look of your bathroom. Thus strong and bold patterned tiles need only cover the feature wall in the bathroom. This wall would create a focal point that draws the eyes of guests and helps to anchor the overall look of the bathroom. A strip of brightly colored tiles placed in the midst of bare walls can create a striking appeal that accentuates the structure of the room.

Future bathroom tiles look set to astound homeowners and the growing range of prints, patterns and materials for bathroom tiles gives them ideas to create unlimited bathroom designs.

Lester Fong http://www.unique-home-decor-ideas.com

 

 

Daybeds With Trundle Units - The Best Way To Arrange The Room

One of the best reasons for buying daybeds with trundle units is that you can have more sleeping space without needing so much floorspace. Whether you're working with a small room or trying to create a dual-purpose room, there are a few things to keep in mind so that you are able to make good use of the trundle unit when you need it. And since you may not have a lot of say-so in where your daybed goes, keep these things in mind when arranging the room.

• Keep any heavy furniture around the edges of the room. If you have a dresser, a keepsake chest, a sewing table, a bookcase or maybe a rocking chair, be sure these are not in the way of opening up the daybed trundle. If heavy furniture is blocking the way, then you will be frustrated every time you need to use the bed and this attitude will tend to be picked up by the guest who will be using the bed.
• Leave enough floorspace in front of the daybed so that you can pull the trundle bed out at any time. One way to attractively do this is to place a large decorative rug beside the bed. Whether you have hardwood floors or carpeting, select a rug that matches the overall color scheme of the room and that will enhance the daybed ensemble you have chosen.
• If your room is so small or because of its dual-usage you know the beds will not be able to stay side by side, be sure that there is room to set up the trundle bed in a different position. Several options would be to set the beds up as a "T" where the trundle unit is perpendicular to the daybed. Or if maybe the room is long but not wide, or there are pieces of furniture or a door in the way, the beds can still be set up horizontally but with space between them which will then allow for easy access to each bed.
• Buy sheets according to the space you have. (Sounds weird, I know, but keep reading.) If your room is large enough to keep the trundle bed next to the daybed, you can have a king-size bed to sleep a couple or several small children on. You might want to get the doubling system which will fill in where the two mattresses meet, thus allowing for more comfortable sleeping. If, however, your room is not large enough to put the two beds side by side but will require them to be free-standing, then twin sheets are what you will need. Twin sheets would also work if the beds are together; it just won't be quite as comfortable for the sleepers.

Daybeds are a terrific way to create extra sleeping arrangements which only requires the space temporarily. To get the best use of your small or crowded room, be sure to select one of the many daybeds with trundle units, getting two beds for the space of one.

For more information about daybeds with trundle units, visit http://www.all-about-daybeds.com where you will find all sorts of information and resources you "need to know" before buying your daybed or daybed ensembles

 

Painting A Room With The Right Color - 4 Tips

Painting a room involves careful planning and for the inexperienced painter, it can be a tough job. This is where painting tips become handy. If you want to get tips on painting a room, just continue reading because you will soon find what you're looking for.

Before painting your room, you have to choose the paint color and the paint's type. The latter can really make a difference so do make sure that you select the correct paint type. Here are the tips on painting a room:

1. Examine your window treatments, existing furniture, and the other accessories found inside the room. If you're trying to paint a new room, then you will not bother yourself of these details because you can go ahead in deciding the color scheme that you like. But if you have an existing room, choose the colors that you like from the items found in your room. Your paint dealer can help you in coordinating the different colors by providing you with color chips. Examine how light affects these chips during the day and night.

2. Some rooms have trim work on the wall. It's all up to you whether you paint them with the same color as the wall or perhaps you can paint the trim with a darker or lighter color to give emphasis to it, bold color flashes, and to add delicate hints. By painting the trim work with the same color, you will be able to achieve a monochromatic look.

3. If your room has a large surface area, any color that you paint will appear darker, so when choosing the paint's color, get a color that is lighter than what you intend to paint with in the first place. Bright and clean colors will appear darker or lighter depending on your room's light and other surrounding color.

4. The color can also affect the size of the room. Warm and strong colors such as oranges, reds, and yellows can make your room appear smaller. If you want to make it appear larger, use colors such as blue, violet, and green.

These are just four tips on painting a room. Happy painting.

To learn more room painting tips and home painting tips, visit http://www.homepaintingdiy.com

 

 

The Champion Sunroom: 50+ Years of Quality

Since 1953, Champion has been setting the standard for high quality sunroom construction. The company has always maintained a focus on customer service and that is why it has maintained a major lead in the sunroom industry for over 50 years. It should be noted that Champion is one of the founding members of the National Sunroom Association. The company has showrooms in the cities of Cincinnati and Denver and ships their quality products to sunroom contractor companies across the nation. The main product in Champion sunrooms is a patio room/porch enclosure. In the beginning, they only offered patio rooms that were meant for 3 seasons. Now they a have the All Season Vinyl Patio Room! A lovely structure that allows you to enjoy an outdoor environment while remaining cozily indoors! Champion also offers awnings, porch enclosures and sunroom furniture to help make your sunroom everything you want it to be!

Champion’s All Season Vinyl Patio Room

Champion’s All Season Vinyl Patio Rooms are designed as an entire system. You can choose any option you need to make sure the system meets the needs and requirements or your home and the carefully crafted components will to work together flawlessly. This means little maintenance is required on your behalf (which increases the value in the long run) and the patio sunroom -or conservatory sunroom- stays as beautiful as the day it was finished.

Vinyl offers a homeowner a good level of quality and value for their investment. This is why Champion, a company that revolves around the concept of quality, has chosen to use vinyl in their products. This energy efficient 6 inch aluminum encased in vinyl structurally sound and withstands not only hurricane-like weather but also the weight of rain or snow on the roof of the structure. Vinyl is well known for holding its shape and not decaying like other materials. It is also more fade resistant, Champion has engineered its doors and windows to work perfectly with the All Season Vinyl Patio Room. This makes it a completely strong and durable product that could only come from the likes of Champion.

As buying a sunroom can be a bit confusing. Champion offers a guide that offers easy to understand advice for potential sunroom buyers. When you want to invest in something that will raise the resale value of your home, you want to go with a trusted resource. You want to go with Champion.

Andrew Caxton is the author of many articles on different web publications, with subjects like sunroom kits published online for http://www.allsunrooms.com . Find more publications about Champion sunrooms at his website.

 

How To Add A Unique Look To Your Home On A Budget

Everyone wants a beautifully decorated home but having a home with a designer look costs a lot of money. However, if you are creative and a smart shopper you can have a great decorative look in your home and still stick to your budget.

The first thing you need to do, is to decide on the look that you want. It's probably best to do this one room at a time so you don't become overwhelmed. So pick a room whether it be the bedroom, the living room or the kitchen and decide what you want it to look like. The more specific you are the easier it will be for you to achieve the look you want without spending a lot. One way to do this is to get a bunch of design magazines or books and leaf through them to find a look that you think would be great in your room.

Once you've decided on the look, you need to do the basics which is paint the walls and change the floor. Since you're decorating on a budget, you might not have the money for a new floor and in this case you can try to use area rugs to give the room the look and feel that you're going for. Painting the walls of any room will make a huge difference but be sure to pick a paint that is very close to that in the picture of the room that you have because painting at the wrong color could be a disaster.

Now comes the furniture and accessories. List out everything you have in the photo, or the picture in your mind of what you want in the room. Every little knickknack, wall paintings, lamps and chandeliers as well as pieces of furniture should be written down on your shopping list including the general size, color and style of the pieces.

Now for the fun part! You get to go shopping and buy the things on your list. Of course, shopping isn't very much fun if you don't have any money unless you know where to shop. When shopping for decorative furniture and lighting, one of your best bets is to find a consignment store that sells good quality used furnishings. You can often get pieces that are nearly brand-new at a fraction of the price. However, you'll have to make it a habit to check in every day because the really good stuff gets snapped up pretty quick. Other places to check include yard sales, flea markets and the for sale section in your local paper. If you have computer, you might even try Craig's list and eBay.

One thing to keep in mind when shopping for your budget decorative items is that you want to get the scale right. For example, if you're looking for end tables you want to be sure that they are sized appropriately in proportion to the sofa and lamps in the room just like in the picture that you are going from. The same goes for artwork, decorative items like pieces, lamps and chandeliers.

Finally, you want to add some interesting touches to your room and one place where you can get really unique things is at an antique mall. Now you might think that antiques are very expensive and won't fit in to your budget, however if you go to a mall that has a lot of general dealers you be able to find some really interesting older items that don't cost a lot. You may even be able to find a huge bargain on an item that is really worth a lot more than it is priced at. Either way, you're sure to get some unique budget accessories for your room.

Budget decorating can be fun and easy, but you have to have a little bit of patience and be willing to do the legwork to shop around to get the items that will make your room perfect at the price that fit your wallet. If you do, though, you be rewarded with a unique and interesting room that will have a little bit of your personality and be the envy of your friends and family.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.home-improvement-solution.com where you can get more home improvement and decorating ideas

 

Add Functional Decor To Your Family Room With A Bar And Bar Stools

A family room is a place for your family to gather, lounge around and have a good time so decorating it appropriately with functional elements is key. One thing you might think about adding to your family room that will look neat and is also functional is a bar along with some comfortable barstools. Now typically when you think of a bar you think of place to serve drinks, but this doesn't have to be a bar stocked with liquor this could simply be a bar that you use to have sodas, sandwiches and snacks at, although you can use it as a drink bar to if that suits your needs!

Take a good look at your family room, is a large with some empty space? Then it's perfect for adding a bar. You can buy bars and matching stools in many different designs that will match the decor in your family room and blend in seamlessly. You can get bars that go against a flat wall, or in the corner, bars that are large or bars that are small. No matter what style you choose, a bar is sure to add an interesting gathering place and will keep the crumbs off the sofa as well as provide extra seating.

Of course, one of the most important parts of the bar is the barstools. You want to be sure to choose ones that are comfortable as well as practical. One thing you might think about is matching the upholstery on the seats of the stools to the fabrics you are a having a family room. The other thing you must think about is making sure that you buy the right size schools for your bar, otherwise they will not become too sit in.

Before you buy your set of stools, measure your counter or table. Bar stools can be bought in different heights so for you to get a good fit you need to know how tall your bar will be. Make sure you purchase stools that will give you ten to thirteen inches between the top of their seat and the bottom of the bar.

While purchasing your bar stools, don't forget to think about how many you should have. The basic rule of thumb is that you ought to have 25 to 30" from the center of the stool to the center of the stool next to it. To figure this out, divide the length of the bar by 28 inches and you'll conveniently see how many stools should buy.

A bar and bar stools adds a unique area to your family room that can transform it from simply a place to watch TV to a family gathering room that will host a variety of activities.

Lee Dobbins writes for Bar Stool Decor where you can learn more about different types of bar stools and how to decorate with them.

 

Sinks and Bath Tubs: Selecting What's Best For Your Bathroom

The bathroom should be a place where it should be hygienic and clean. However, it doesn’t mean that you should be stuck in a plain old looking bathroom. With today's different lavatory designs, you can also give a little personality or a little spice in your bathroom. For example, with the different bath tubs and sink designs and accessories, you will truly enjoy visiting your bathroom often and will also have one that is unique from other homes.

Many people think that converting an old fashioned bathroom into a modern looking one that screams style, fashion, and sophistication can be expensive. However, with the right paint, and the right accessories, you will have a great looking bathroom that looks modern but one that will not put a hole in your pocket.

Before you replace your bath tub and your bathroom sink, you first need to consider what kind of design you should choose for your bathroom. Bathrooms should be bright and bright paints, such as white can be great. Always remember that when you are decorating a bathroom, you should go with simple yet elegant. Bathroom fixtures don't have to be white. You can go for the Ying Yang concept or the opposites. So, if you have white tiles and white paint, you can consider getting a black bath tub and black bathroom sink. This will stand out and will definitely look elegant.

In black bathroom fixtures, you should get a gold plated or chrome plated faucets. You will see that it can look great in your bathroom. The mirrors should also be considered in a bathroom. Since you need a bright bathroom, the mirrors will reflect the light and will brighten the bathroom more.

Dimmers are also great if you want to enjoy soaking in the bath tub. For this, you should install a dimmer switch. This can also be a very romantic concept where you and your significant other can soak in the bath tub for hours.

It is important to remember that when you are installing a bathroom sink and a bath tub, it should be in the same color. The commode or the toilet should also have the same color as your bath tub and your bathroom sink. For example, if you choose a white sink and you choose a red bath tub, the bath tub will look out of place and will be like a sore thumb with four good fingers.

You can add more elegance to your bathroom by using marble, gold, crystal, or brass. This may cost a bit more expensive than regular bathroom tiles but it will definitely add more elegance to your bathroom and will also complement your bathroom sink and bath tub. Besides, spending a little more extra will not hurt you financially and you will also benefit from improving your bathroom this way.

So, if you want more elegance to your bathroom, go for the contemporary modern look and get rid of your old bathroom fixtures. Or, you can even consider repainting your bath tub and sink and replace the faucets with more elegant look. You will see that installation is quite easy and will take only a little of your time.

If you don’t know anything about installing a bathroom sink and bath tub, you can hire a professional to do it for you. They will be able to replace your bath tub and bathroom sink or if you want to save money, you can get it painted by a professional.

You'll find out many options for your bathroom including walk in bath tub, bath tub refinishing and bath tub liner at BathtubTherapy

 

Home Decorating Design Trends For 2007: Stylish Ways To Decorate Your Home

Predicting the latest home interiors design trends is a complex and ever changing task. Often inspiration can be taken from the fashion catwalks - currently this avenue provides designs and colours to suit most tastes and styles.

Anyone who has been following the glossy magazines can tell you that that there is plenty of pattern, colour and texture in fashion, plus all sorts of exciting possibilities created with new materials and technology.

Despite reaching the high-tech realms of the 21st Century, today's interior collections still reflect home styles of the past. Fashion design influenced by retro styles of the the sixties and seventies hit the spring/summer 2007 catwalks, and this colourful retro look has filtered into the home. Prints are one of the biggest interior stories this year and the bolder the better. Wallpaper, which is back with a vengeance and fabrics, have been brought alive with velvets and flocks.

Eye-catching pattern is showing its staying power. Bolder in our choices and using homes to reflect our bold and challenging lifestyles: no more playing it safe. Layer strong differing patterns to build up a cornucopia of fabrics and wallpapers.

Whether you go all-out or keep it more subtle, patterned paper, accessories or bedding can transform a lifeless room into a haven of colour. Create a focal point by wall-papering one wall or add interest to a bedroom with bold bedlinen. But avoid mixing too many patterns and colours. For those lacking in confidence, introduce patterns via accessories like window dressings, cushions, lampshades and ornaments.

But if florals, flocks and bright colours are not your thing there is still much to chose from which reflects the latest trends. Black and white needn't be confined to ultra-modern properties. More traditional-style Damask patterns, which look great in period homes, are everywhere and grace everything from wall-coverings to teapots. Black has to be glossy and polished to keep it looking rich and opulent. Use bold and sensuous shapes to add glamour.

Pretty pastel shades and soft feminine fabrics are also in vogue and provide a sharp contrast to the more dramatic interior themes of 2007. Pale pinks, greys, metallics, shimmering sequins and glass all feature heavily in this year's collections.

You can also bring an air of spring into your home with colour palettes of soft greens, palest pinks and gentle aquas.

Mix and match with existing colours to update your look. Glamorous grey is the new neutral. It began on the catwalk and is now a hit in the home. From inky charcoal through to palest dove, grey will complement any hue.

With the environment and all things green hot on the agenda, homeware inspired by nature is also a predominant interior theme this year. Earthy tones of green, brown and khaki create a restful environment, while natural materials like wood and twine take you right back to nature.

The challenge of changing design trends is the difficulty of creating your perfect environment at a lightening pace. The best home interiors evolve over a period of time using a rug or a wallpaper as the central theme and then building from there. Don’t be in too much of a hurry, unless commercially motivated, otherwise the finished look will resemble a hotel bedroom, rather than a stylish home.

Emma Vans Agnew is the principal of http://www.fabricsandpapers.com the online decorating store.

 

Mastering the Art of Spring Cleaning

You're feeling creative, but there are no craft supplies in the house; or so you think! Lurking in the depths of your closets, attic and basement are a wealth of fabrics and other materials that not only make great craft supplies, but using them helps give you a head start on spring cleaning.

Here are some things to look out for as you’re filling garbage bags:

Fabric, fabric, fabric! Ok, so you know you will never wear that loud flower-patterned skirt again. Looking at it today, you believe you must have been possessed by some fashion demon when you bought it. But, with each passing clothing trend comes an emerging home décor trend.

Floral patterns and stripes are in when you’re talking pillows. Not so much when you’re talking pants. Large clothing items, like dresses and skirts often provide enough fabric to make a pillow case or seat cushion. Flip through a new home décor magazine and look through your own junk pile for a few fabric treasures!

Dishes and glasses: Give your tableware a second life. Colorful dishes make fantastic wall art, and if they aren’t colorful you can make them colorful with glass paint available at your local craft store (okay, so maybe you won’t be able to completely stock your craft bin from your closets, but they are a good start!)

Glasses make great vases, pen holders, and bathroom accessories for cotton balls or toothbrushes. Jazz them up with a ribbon and your hot glue gun and you can banish the plastic cotton ball bag for good! They also will make great hostess and birthday gifts!

Picture frames: What do you think spray paint was invented for? So your old frames don’t match your new living room theme – visit your local hardware store for a can of spray paint and transform your dinged-up or irregular frames into perfect accents. Be sure to remove the glass before you paint. If you can’t remove the glass, use newspaper and tape to cover it before you spray. Let them dry thoroughly before you hang them! Add a picture of the kids and grandma will be thrilled!

Old shoes: Believe it or not, shoes make great flower pots. Be selective, though. If you hate the way the shoes look as shoes, you’ll hate them as flower pots, too. Fabric shoes are best for this.

Old greeting cards: How long should you keep a Christmas card from someone you know at work? Well, let’s not get into that – but what we can explore is the beauty of recycling. The fronts of Christmas cards (that are blank on the back) will make fantastic gift tags for next year. Or, you can attach a tiny bow and make a whole new card out of it. Send it in a handmade envelope for a special touch.

Leftover wall paper: If you still love it, use left over wall paper to cover matte frames, creating instant wall art. Use a staple gun to secure the paper to the matte. Don’t hang them on the same wall as the wall paper covered! You can hang them within a reasonable distance of the wall papered room to connect rooms visually. Leftover wall paper makes great wrapping paper, too.

Boxes: Depending on what they were used for, boxes offer a lot of crafting potential. Shoe boxes can be covered in fabric and used as a desk organizer for bills, or a pretty storage box for photos.

Before you rent a dumpster to haul away all the “junk” that has over-wintered in your home, take some time to go through your closets and other areas destined for cleaning for opportunities to reinvent, recreate, and recycle. Almost everything can have a second purpose, and when you’re feeling creative, there is no limit to what you can do with “trash.”

Sandy Sandler is creator of the Bowdabra® bow-making tool. Her products are designed to help the “creatively-challenged” create beautiful crafts, accessories, and home décor. For craft ideas, visit http://www.Bowdabra.com. Or email bowdabra@aol.com.

 

Enticing Butterflies To Your Garden

Enticing butterflies to your garden is fun and simple too. Butterflies are easy to attract to your garden if you plant a garden where the caterpillar (pupa step) has plants to eat and then the butterfly has flowers from which to sip nectar. Butterfly gardens are simple to plant and will provide you and your friends and family a chance to peek butterflies in their natural environment.

The basics are an open space with tons of sunshine and a location that is not windy. Choose a spot with lots of sunlight with a few rocks or stones that can warm up on which the butterflies will bask in the afternoon sun. Strive to locate your garden close to hedges or shrubs that will aid in shielding them from the hardy winds. If it is too windy, the butterflies won’t stay around for any length of time. The hedge or shrub needs to develop food for the caterpillar. You can find out what the caterpillar likes best from your Nursery Garden Center.

Butterflies relish mud puddles where they can drink the water and soak up minerals. A patch of moist soil will make them joyful. Most urgent of all is that the garden be pesticide free. Some gardeners like to utilize pesticides to chase away unwanted pests, unfortunately it will keep the butterflies from visiting your garden too. Plant your butterfly garden in a cranny where it will be free of chemical pesticides. Worthier still, ask your Garden Headquarters about organic gardening.

Flowers with nectar are a need for a butterfly garden. When planting these nectar sources try to put in plants that will provide nectar throughout the growing season since these are the origin of subsistence for the butterflies. Don’t discount shrubs and wildflowers. Roses, geraniums and lilies have no nectar so plant them somewhere else. Have your garden assorted to allure a the greater quantity of butterflies. Another ingredient for the butterfly garden is a source for larva food. The caterpillar needs food to develop into a butterfly. If there is no food present they will die. Plant some herbs for both of you. They love parsley, dill, and fennel for their meal. What herbs they don’t eat you can collect for home cooking with fresh herbs.

A butterfly garden can also be planted in containers. Purchase some elegant pots and plant them with flowers that retain a magnificent bouquet as well as vivid pretty colors (available at your Garden Center). Petunias, daylilies or sweet alyssum will do the trick. Of course the butterfly bushes are a given, or plant some hanging baskets with Impatients (shade will be necessary).

Some gardeners like to fashion there own feeder and solution. And it is easy to do. Put 4 parts water to 1 part sugar in a pot, bring it to a boil and cook it until the sugar dissolves. Bring it to room tempetature. Use a container that is somewhat shallow, drench a paper towel with the solution and position it in the garden receptacle. Deposit a stone in the garden container so the butterflies have a seat to rest on while they are feeding.

This would be a great project for the kids. Have them maintain a diary of each of the various species that stop by your butterfly garden. Let them look up the butterflies on the computer to understand all about each special butterfly and it becomes not only enjoyable, but a learning experience besides.

Because there are so many growing zones in the United States you will want to speak with your Nursery Headquarters for suggestions of what plants to utilize for attracting butterflies in your individual zone.

There is an ancient American Indian Fable about butterflies: “To have a dream come true you must seize a butterfly. Whisper to the butterfly what your request is and then set it free. This tiny messenger will carry your wish to the Great Spirit in the sky and it will become true. ” What a great folktale.

Happy Gardening!

Copyright © Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Mary Hanna is an aspiring herbalist who lives in Central Florida. This allows her to grow gardens inside and outside year round. She has published other articles on Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at Container Gardening and Herb Gardening You can read more of her articles at Article Bazaar

 

Bathroom Sink Vanities - Add Elegance & Style To Your Bathroom

If your bathroom's looking drab and its dull appearance simply doesn't inspire you with enthusiasm, it's time to take action. One of the changes you can make that can dramatically improve the ambiance of your bathroom is to install a smart new vanity unit. As they are used by every bathroom visitor, bathroom sink vanities tend to be focal points in any bathroom design, and as such an unfashionable or tatty vanity can have a negative impact on the look and feel of the whole room.

As it will take prime position in your bathroom, it's important to take the time to shop around and to select a vanity that fits in with the character of your home and does justice to your bathroom's new image. For instance, a contemporary vanity with minimalist straight lines and featuring a glass vessel sink, could be a suitable addition to a modern bathroom. In contrast, a wooden furniture style vanity cabinet with decorativ