A Look at Shower Curtain Rods

Shower curtain rods give you a unique opportunity to showcase your sense of style. There are many different styles of shower curtain rods available.

The most traditional version are straight shower rods, which are available in a variety of materials, including brass, stainless steel, plastic, chrome, brushed nickel, and bronze. Curved shower curtain rods curve in toward the wall in a half circle, and extend out at their midpoint. This gives users an additional 8” of shower space. Traditional rods are too short for corner tubs, but L-shaped shower rods fit wonderfully. They are available in many materials, including brass, chrome, and brushed nickel.

Oval shower rods were originally designed for use with a clawfoot tub, but they can also be used with freestanding tubs, built-in tubs, and whirlpools. They are indeed oval-shaped, and are suspended from the ceiling with supports. The same basic concept is also used with circular shower rods (shaped like a circle rather than an oval) and rectangular shower rods (shaped like a rectangle rather than an oval.) Other styles available include Trak, D-style, Neo Angle, and U-shaped.

In addition to the different shapes, the various materials also give you decorating control. If you are using brass faucets and hardware, for example, a brass shower curtain rod completes the look nicely.

A company called Clawfoot Supply offers a complete line of unique and stylish rods. Though some are designed for clawfoot tubs, many will fit any type of bathtub or shower.

With the creative use of decorative shower curtain rods, you can give your bathroom a makeover… without spending a fortune.

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A Look at Rustic Home Furnishings

The word ‘rustic’ triggers an image of a rugged, bold, hearty personality. This applies to home furnishing and furniture as well. One can find rustic furnishings in a country house, a hunting lodge or a cabin in the woods.

These are mostly handcrafted out of authentic materials like wood, cane, or wrought iron. Rustic furniture is heavy, rugged and solid. Genuine rustic furniture is expensive because of the high price of such materials as hard wood, plush cushioning and wrought iron.

Though rustic furnishings are commonly found in country homes or in the woods, some people consider them fashionable even for their city dwellings, as they lend a country ambience, providing much-needed relief from the hustle and bustle urban life.

But it is difficult to find rustic furniture in large cities where many companies have started manufacturing furniture that resembles genuine rustic furniture. The pseudo-rustic furniture is often made of pressed wood and hard plastic.

Because of the high prices, many people prefer such furniture that is rustic looking, though it is not as sturdy as the genuine rustic furniture made of solid wood and iron.

Because of their rugged, handcrafted style, rustic furniture gives a warm and comfortable feeling, even in an urban dwelling. One can make a bedroom set attractive by having a solid pine bed frame and matching dresser installed in it.

Similarly, a heavy wooden rocker with a country style-cushion can pep up any room. Even the bathroom can be embellished with a wrought iron mirror frame, oak vanity set and a shower curtain with rustic themes.

There is a misconception that rustic furniture belongs outdoors. That may have been true 100 years ago, but it rustic pieces have moved from the backyard to the parlour and even to the bedroom. Besides bringing people back to nature, it's completely functional.

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A Look at Bathroom Vanity Mirrors

Bathroom Vanity Mirrors are an integral component of the bathroom vanity. Mirrors are often included in vanity sets. The most frequently asked question when purchasing a mirror for a bathroom vanity is: should it be a medicine cabinet as well? Clearly this depends on where the bathroom is located and how it will be used. However if a medicine cabinet is required, a home designer does not have to compromise style or aesthetic lines. Today’s market is filled with options that hide hinges, fixtures, handles and metal edges. Glass Medicine cabinets, for example, are an elegant inclusion to any designer’s plans. One popular option in shoreline homes is the rust proof anodized aluminum interior. A mirror that doubles as a cabinet can be visually pleasing as well as functional and sturdy.

A distinctive mirror with elegance and charm, either contemporary or traditional, can be easily acquired regardless of cost. A fine example of a more traditional mirror might be a French decorative wall mirror with original gilt finish and glass. This mirror would include a typical French decoration with a central maiden's head and ribbon and swag decoration, c.1870. If you purchase an antique mirror you may want to replace the glass, as old glass tends to be cloudy and specked. Antique mirror designs come in a wide array of sizes and shapes combining artistry and craftsmanship of times past, and adding warmth, interest and drama to any bathroom vanity.

If a more contemporary or simple approach to decoration is your goal, then mirrors crafted of hardwoods with few design elements are an excellent choice to complement the traditional modern bathroom vanity or the cool contemporary bathroom vanity set. Frameless mirrors with triple and double doors can add style and interest over a basic white sink or top. The combination of glass and chrome adds a modern touch to any bathroom setting. Bathroom vanity mirrors have the potential to integrate a wide variety of materials present in other vanity components, such as unique woods, aluminum, or glass, creating a truly original and complete bathroom design.

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A Guide to Shower Curtains

Bathrooms do not always offer many opportunities to make style statements. Sure, you can paint the walls or change the flooring. You can buy a new rug or wastebasket; you can even buy matching towels and washcloths. The truth is, though, that decorating possibilities simply do not abound in the average bathroom. There is one area, however, that allows for many personal style choices: shower curtains.

The shower curtain takes up a significant amount of space in a bathroom -- shouldn’t it say something about your personal style? Today, shower curtains are available in a dazzling array of styles, colors, and materials. Shower curtains can be whimsical, elegant, simple, bold, floral, masculine, and most any other style you desire.

You can buy traditional rod-style shower curtains, or for added pizzazz, you can buy decorative curtain hooks. These are available in glass, plastic, brass, silver, and copper. You’re virtually guaranteed to find one you like, from simple white rings to colorful butterfly-shaped shower curtain hooks.

Shower curtains are available in many different materials, including vinyl, fabric, terry cloth, and plastic. Most shower curtains will require a liner. This liner hangs from the rod and goes inside the bathtub or shower. This helps to keep water inside the tub. It also offers a degree of protection to the shower curtain, as it helps to keep it a little drier and extend its life.

Since shower curtains are often wet, precautions have to be taken to prevent the growth of mildew, bacteria, fungus, and other harmful germs. They need to be cleaned and dried periodically. They should also be sprayed with a disinfectant. It is also helpful to wipe the shower curtain dry after each use. In addition, some antibacterial shower curtains are available. A company called InPro Clickeze offers the Super Bio Stat, a shower curtain that is mildew resistant, antibacterial, and anti-microbial.

If you are looking for a quick change at a low cost, consider buying a new shower curtain. There are so many choices available that you are sure to find one that’s right for you.

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A Guide to Kids’ Shower Curtains

Decorating a kid’s bathroom can be fun. There are so many possible themes, such as Disney characters, animals, the ocean, and geometric shapes, just to name a few.

When decorating a kid’s bathroom, an important consideration is color. Many children enjoy bright, bold colors such as bright blues, reds, and yellows. Others prefer more subdued colors such as pastels. Some prefer a mix of many colors, while others prefer that one or two colors predominate.

When deciding on a theme and color scheme for a children’s bathroom, you might want to first shop for shower curtains. In many bathrooms, the shower curtain is the most prominent feature. If you find a shower curtain you particularly like, it is usually easy to decorate the entire bathroom to match.

Kid shower curtains are available in most of today’s popular characters, such as Hello Kitty, Barbie, Disney princesses, Sponge Bob Squarepants, and Bob the Builder. If you do not wish to use character decorations, many other kid-friendly themes are available as well. Ocean themes are popular choices for bathrooms. They can be fun and funky or simple and elegant, depending on colors used and the types of prints. Other well-liked styles are jungle prints, sports themes, rainbows, clouds, and nature scenes.

Another consideration is how long you need the décor to last. If you plan to change the bathroom often, it is okay to use your child’s favorite characters and bold, vibrant colors. However, if you want a style that will last, you should probably consider more traditional décor. Floral patterns, polka dots, checks, and stripes in pastels or understated colors are style elements that can grow with your child.

Like their adult counterparts, shower curtains for children are available in many different materials, such as vinyl, fabric, and plastic.

Kid shower curtains are readily available at most department stores, bedding stores, home improvement stores, and many online stores.

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A Checklist for Bathroom Remodeling Plans

Careful planning is the key to a successful bathroom-remodeling project. Before you begin any work in the bathroom, create a budget, a floor plan, a list of supplies, a timetable, and important legal considerations. Let's break it down by subject.

First, create a budget. Determine how much money you can comfortably spend, and save about 20 percent for emergencies. Get estimates for the work that needs professionals, and always include electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, and drywall installation costs in your budget.

Second, design a floor plan. Ask yourself, will you be working with the existing space or will you be adding on or knocking down walls? Check to make sure you will not disturb the electrical wiring, plumbing, or zoning regulations. Next, measure the amount of space you have and draw a floor plan. In drawing the plan, first put in all the items that are fixed. For example, if the toilet must be in one place because of plumbing, it is a fixed item. Experiment with how you like your floor plan, using different arrangements, with different types of cabinetry, shelves, or even walls. You might try pocket doors to save space, and corner sinks, floating sinks, or pedestal sinks to save even more space. L-shaped vanities and alcoves also save space. In addition, corner showers conserve space, and clear glass in showers creates the illusion of even more space. You may want to add windows or mirrors to let in light.

Third, make a list of the supplies you'll need and make sure they are available when you need them. Some typical supplies include sinks, flooring, wall tile, countertops, lighting, medicine cabinets, showers, bath tubs, cabinets and cabinet handles, toilets, extra storage, faucets, toilet paper holders, paint or wallpaper, chairs, accessories (like storage containers and/or artwork), as well as tools you have or can buy.

Fourth, create a timetable. Talk to experts or people at home improvement stores to plan how much time you'll need. If you're hiring contractors, work with them to design a timetable you all can follow.

Plan projects according to the time you have available. Put in a new toilet and sink one weekend, for example, and paint another. You don't have to do it all at once, so plan sensibly. Don't paint the walls or install woodwork until the hardware is taken care of -- you don't want to damage work you've already done. Above all, be flexible and allow time for the unexpected or even emergencies to happen.

Fifth, keep in mind legal considerations. Get and post a building permit, pay any necessary fees, make sure you, your contractor, and any workers have insurance coverage, and keep children and animals away from the construction area.

By following these checklists, your bathroom remodeling plans will be a snap.

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10 Things you must Know when Renovating

There are many sad cases of home renovations not going as planned - often going way over budget or schedule, or unforseen complications popping up unexpectedly and ruining even up to years of work.
Most of these situations would never have gone so awry with some careful planning and early decision making sooner in the renovation process. Below are a few issues that it is vital to think about before you begin your home renovation.
10 Things to Think About BEFORE Beginning Work
Prepare a budget
Be aware of council regulations
Find a tradesperson
Know your start and completion dates
Selecting Products
Prepare plans
Purchasing products
What should I purchase myself?
What services are available to my property?
What sort of hot water unit do I need?
Prepare a budget
Before you start shopping for your new bathroom or kitchen you must know your spending limits. Whether you are getting a loan or paying cash, you need to work out how much your project is going to cost. Some businesses also offer finance solutions for approved customers.
Be aware of council regulations
Find out all the information you can before you arrange tradesperson. If your home is heritage listed you will need to meet strict council regulations. Many renovations must be approved by the council before work can commence. Contact your local council for more details.
Finding a tradesperson
Speak with family and friends who have done renovations or built a home. It is important to find a tradesperson that you can communicate with. Make sure you understand everything they are telling you. Book a tradesperson well ahead of time, as they can be booked for months in advance. Ensure that your tradesperson is licensed. Your product warranties are only valid if installed by a licensed tradesperson. In Australia, Trades@call provide professional, reliable tradespeople for most jobs, and all workmanship is guaranteed.
Know your start and completion dates
Communicate with your tradesperson and come to an agreement of realistic start and completion dates for your project. If you have a specific date that the job must be finished by, for example you have relatives coming to stay, let your tradesperson know. Keep in mind that unexpected problems can hold up your project, no matter how well you have planned it.
Selecting Products
It may take a few shopping trips for you to decide on the products that give you the look you desire and are also practical for your needs. Browse through a print or online catalogue. Once you have decided on a style (modern, heritage or easy living) this will narrow down your product choices. Be aware of any size restrictions of the room. Print out or write down product specifications and measure up your bathroom. You may use the online bathroom planner at the Bourne Bathroom and Kitchen Centre website to layout the products you have chosen.
Talk to your tradesperson about your choices. If the tradesperson tells you that a product you have chosen is unsuitable, find out why. It may just be that extra work is required that they don't want to do. Remember, it is your home and you need to be satisfied once the job is complete.
Prepare plans
It is important that you draw up plans of your bathroom or kitchen. Discuss the plans with your tradesperson. Let him know what sort of products you would like, so he will know what work needs to be done. For example if you have chosen an inwall cistern, the tradesperson will need to know so he can set up the plumbing correctly before the tiling is done. It is best to have specifications of all of the products you have chosen so the tradesperson knows exactly what work is required.
Purchasing products
When selecting products, find out how long it will take for delivery. Some goods such as tapware and toilets will be in stock, while others such as spas and vanity units are custom made and can take up to 1 month to order in. Often these custom made products are non-refundable so confirm your product choices with your tradesperson before ordering. Find out from your tradesperson which products they will required first. Generally, the first products needed are the shower base, bath or spa and mixers if they are being installed on the wall.
As an owner builder, what should I purchase myself?
If you are owner building, make sure you purchase all of the main products for your bathroom, kitchen and laundry. This will ensure that you make all of the decisions and achieve the result you want. There will be things you will not think about when placing an order, such as different handle types on a vanity unit, the pump position of your spa, that you will need to decide on. It is important to make these decisions yourself as they will affect the overall result of your project. Smaller fittings for plumbing can be purchased by your tradesperson.
What services are available to my property?
It is important to know whether you need gas or electric appliances (hot water unit, cooking appliances). If you live further out from the city, you may need LPG appliances. If you currently have electric appliances and you want to change to gas, speak with your tradesperson to determine if this is going to be cost effective and worthwhile in the long run. If you are building a new home, decide on the appliances you want before building begins, as the plumbing will need to be roughed in based on your product selection.
What sort of Hot Water Unit do I need?
There is a wide range of hot water units available and it can be quite daunting to try and choose one. If you are replacing an existing unit your choices can be limited, so speak with your tradesperson. The instantaneous hot water units are popular at the moment, but they use a larger gas line than the standard storage units. This can mean major plumbing changes which can be quite costly, though in the long run the instantaneous systems are cost efficient. See the Bourne Hot Water Selection Guide for more detail.
Many of these points seem somewhat obvious, but the problem arises when you start taking things for granted. When you don't make sure that all your bases are covered, you may find that you have invested a lot of time, effort and money in a home renovation that you may end up unhappy with.

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9 Ways To Inexpensively Decorate Your Bathroom

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!

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5 steps to complete a successful ceramic tile installation

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.

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1-2-3-4 Never Scrub the Bathroom Anymore

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.

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