Hand held versus fixed shower heads – which is best?

If you are thinking of having a new shower fitted in your home you may be wondering whether it makes more sense to have hand held shower or a fixed head shower. There are people who swear by both. The question is; which is the best option for you? Everyone is different so you have to make your own decision.

To help you make your decision you can check out reviews of the best fixed shower head and the best hand held shower head. In the meantime, we are going to take you through some of the things you should consider before you make your choice.

Why it makes sense to have a hand held shower
There are several reasons why having a handheld shower head in your bathroom makes sense.

• Easier washing enabled. If you are able to hold the shower head in your hand it makes it a lot easier to wash exactly where you want to wash. You do not have the same ability to direct the water if you have a fixed shower head.
• Ability to wash around the shower or tub. One of the great things about a hand held shower head is that you can use it to rinse around your shower or tub. This means that soap scum is less likely to build up making it easier for you to keep the shower or tub clean.
• Conservation of water. If you have a fixed shower head in your shower then a large amount of water just goes straight down the drain and is not actually put to any real use. If you use a hand held shower head then the water is directed where it is needed so there is a lot less wastage. You can see how a hand held shower head helps to conserve water.

How to get the best of both worlds
There are some people who prefer showering under a fixed shower head; they believe it has more power and enjoy standing under a steady stream of water. If you cannot decide which type of shower head you prefer then it is possible to have both. Having dual heads in your shower means that you have the option of using either; this is especially useful if different people living in your household have different preferences as to which is best. It also means that you have a complete showering experience.

If you are having a new shower fitted in your home then you want to make sure it gives you the experience you want. We have shown you that a hand held shower head makes sense if you want to conserve energy and have a more directed showering experience. However, some people just prefer to stand under a fixed shower head. Having both types of shower head may be the best way to keep everyone happy; the decision is yours.

Top 5 Kitchen Design Tips to Revamp a Small Kitchen

If you’re not blessed with the virtues of a roomy kitchen, the notion of a renovation or redesign might seem a little redundant to you. You might find it hard to see how spending money on such a limited space could be worthwhile. Yet, the truth is that there are plenty of clever ways to give small kitchens some serious personality and life.

There are some dreams that you may have to give up. If there’s barely enough room to make toast, never mind swing a cat, that sprawling American style Smeg fridge is just not viable. However, most redesign ideas can be easily adapted to fit kitchens with a limited amount of space. It’s all about being smart, flexible, and inventive with design.

1. Start Doubling Up

A favourite trick, used by skilled kitchen designers like Brentwood Kitchens, is to double up on space. So, a stylish breakfast bar can also be used to incorporate storage for pots, pans, and other kitchen accessories. Things like stove tops can be adapted to pull down over hobs and turn into extra preparation space. Integrated appliances are great for this, because they take up less space than standalone devices; they also fit more seamlessly with the kitchen.

2. Stick with Light Colours

If it’s been said before, it’ll be said a hundred times more; light colours give the illusion of space. The minute that you cover the kitchen walls with heavy greys, greens, or blues, it’ll start to feel cramped and restricted. Open up the room that you have with whites, creams, light greys, and pastel tones. Also, mirrors are great for tricking the eye into seeing more space, so think about investing in a mirrored splashback.

3. Take Cabinets Higher

In most kitchens, there’s a really useful band of space that is left wasted, because cupboards stop short below the ceiling. While super tall cupboards might have you standing on a chair to access the cookie cutters, it’s not too much of an inconvenience if you store only items that you use irregularly up high. Cake tins and ‘once every so often’ items like food colouring are ideal for storage in this type of space.

4. Choose Sensible Appliances

If you have a small kitchen, you’re going to need appliances that are on the smaller side too. For families with young children, this can be tricky, because it means extra loads in the washing machine and dishwasher. What you can do to make this easier is invest in eco-friendly, economical appliances. They’ll help you to save on your energy bills, even if you have to keep refilling. When it comes to the fridge, pick an appliance that is thinner, but deeper. Never pay retail prices either. There are always Lowe's Coupons to be had on the web, keep an eye out for them and shop accordingly.

5. Call in the Experts

For homeowners who have a fairly robust budget, hiring an expert design team is an alternative option. They will take over all of the practical considerations, so that you don’t have to worry about finding the right sized fridge or picking the perfect colour palette. Plus, you can have as much or as little direct input as you please; you can either let your designers surprise you with something wonderful or point them in a specific style direction.

How to Create a Kitchen That Makes You Happy

The bottom line is that every kitchen, no matter how small it is, can be helped to shine with the right tweaks and improvements. If you do need some inspiration, head down to a showroom and check out some of the designs on offer. The added benefit of browsing in person is that you can get one on one advice from the experts.

What Materials are Available when it Comes to Shower Trays? Your Important Guide

 

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So you’ve decided to get a shower tray for your bathroom – we congratulate you on your wise decision. After all, there are many advantages to having a shower tray in your bathroom. Firstly, they ensure that there is no unwanted water in the rest of the bathroom, and this ensures that there are no problems with electricity as well – or mould which can form from water seeping through some unseen cracks. Secondly, you’ll have a much easier time to maintain and clean your bathroom, which is always a great plus. And let’s not forget the time and money you save. However, how do you choose the right shower tray for your needs? What materials are available? Here is a quick guide on which materials are available when it comes to shower trays.

Steel

There are many advantages to steel – advantages which many of us may have forgotten. Steel shower trays are hygienic, resistant to acid, and are very durable. In fact, they can take a punch; they tend not to deform and don’t deteriorate due to scratching or impact. Furthermore, they now come with anti-slip coating and can be fitted with an insulation system as well.

Acrylic

The great thing about acrylic is its insulating property; this means that, together with a hard foam laid out around and underneath, no heat will be lost. It also means that the heat is contained and not transferred to physical energy (such as expansion that may happen with steel), and so it prevents cracks and irregular fitting in the long term.

Solid surface

The solid surface is made of mineral particles – it contains a very high percentage of them – and so the surface feels very smooth indeed. This innovative design also allows it to come in various styles and finishes, which makes it easier for buyers to make a choice which is especially designed for their bathroom. It’s non-porous, which means it’s very hygienic, durable, and easy to clean.

Ceramic 

If you want a long-term investment, then ceramic is probably your best choice, as it is the most durable of all. They’re also great to look at and fit perfectly into any bathroom. As with all the other choices, they can also be provided with anti-slip coating should that be required.

As you can see, there are many kinds of shower trays out there – from an offset quadrant shower tray to a rectangular one, a square one, and more - and whilst we’re sure there’s the perfect one for you, you’ll need to check carefully and consider the choice an investment. There are, after all, advantages and disadvantages to each one of them. Perhaps the best way to begin is to list down your own priorities and then see which material fits best with your needs. 

Top 10 Factors to Consider Before Renovating Your Kitchen

Decide what you want to achieve

Before you get out the sledgehammer, it’s important to know exactly what you want to achieve from your renovation. Are you looking to add a purely aesthetic change to your space. Perhaps you want to add functionality? Or maybe you want the space you’re in to better reflect your lifestyle. Whatever your purpose, there are many options for kitchen renovation in Melbourne that will be able to suit your needs, so do your research.

Visualise your decor 

Collect samples of colours, textures and furniture that you want to exhibit in your new and improved space. Keep this mood board handy, so you can stick to a central theme when making every decision about your kitchen. This will ensure you don’t have any colliding aspects, and your kitchen will be both practically and aesthetically coherent.

Choose timeless trends

Another thing to be wary of is choosing timeless trends that won’t age or date. The last thing you want is to spend time and effort on a renovation that is going to be out of date in a few years’ time.

Don’t forget about the details

When renovating your dream kitchen, it can be easy to overlook the fine details, as the tradesmen and contractors you hire won’t pay any attention to these. The true beauty of designing a new space is in the exquisite details, so make sure you consider those smaller styling elements as well.

Choose fitting appliances

A kitchen is usually the room in the house with the most whitegoods and appliances visible. Therefore, it is vital that you choose appliances that go with the rest of your decor and your overall theme. These days, there are a wide range of colours and styles of appliances you can choose from, and more often than not you can choose appliance sets, so they will all be matching.

Timing is key

It’s important to be mindful of the order in which each step of the renovation process is carried out. Of course, sticking to a strict schedule usually doesn’t go specifically to plan. However, it’s a good idea to have a process of when and how you want things to be done.

Be prepared for the long haul

A kitchen renovation can be quite a big job. Don’t be put off by this, but do keep in mind that it’s going to take a quite a considerable amount of work and time to achieve your dream kitchen. You only get out what you put in!

Don’t demolish

Before you hold your own demolition party, bear in mind that many elements of your old kitchen may be able to be reused or recycled. Take care in dismantling your existing kitchen, as it could save you a small fortune.

Small touches are vital

Does your kitchen really need a whole renovation? If not, there are several simple and affordable touches that can add up to create an entirely new look without hurting your wallet. Concentrate on updating just the focal points of your kitchen such as new bench tops and a splashback which could make a huge difference.

Remember, a renovation should be an investment

It might seem enticing to keep costs down by skimping on certain elements of your renovation. However, it is important to remember that a renovation is an investment which adds value to your home and cutting corners could end up costing you more in the long run.

Take heed of these 10 helpful tips when you’re renovating your kitchen, in order to get the most out of your space as possible. Happy renovating!

The Warning Signs of a Potential Plumbing Disaster

Blocked drains are a common problem for homeowners, but it doesn’t mean that they’re not still pretty stressful. Taking the plug out of the sink and having the water go nowhere is clearly worrying. So too is flushing the toilet and having it come close to overflowing. These problems trigger alarm bells, because they are an unmistakable sign that something is wrong.

Fortunately, there are plenty of reliable plumbing companies that are used to dealing with blocked drains in Melbourne. If you fear that you might have a problem, you need to get in touch with these experts right away. They will come round to your home, diagnose the issue, and get to work on solving it. You’ll have your drains back to normal in no time.

This guide to some of the most common warning signs of a potential plumbing disaster will help you identify the problem quickly.

Sluggish Draining

You probably have a blockage somewhere if you take the plug out of the sink and the water empties very slowly or not at all. This type of damage can also occur in the shower. If left untreated, it will get worse. There is a risk of whatever is blocking the pipe (usually food waste) from rotting and flooding back out of the sink.

Nasty Smells

If a clog is preventing dirt and debris from moving down the pipe, as it usually would, you could start to smell a bit of a nasty whiff coming from the drain. This happens because hair, dirt, and food waste is building up behind the blockage and slowly decomposing. It is a really unpleasant symptom and most homeowners can’t go longer than a week without calling in professional help.

Gurgling Noises

Sometimes, blocked drains can cause fixtures to make a bubbling, gurgling sound. This might be an indication that you have a main sewer drain clog, particularly if you hear it while you shower as well. On the other hand, all drains are different. If you do hear strange noises, watch to see if the water leaves the drain reasonably quickly.

If it does, you should be fine. If it doesn’t, you may need to call in a plumber to fix what could be a blocked drain. Make sure that you give a plumber all of the details about the problem that you can, when you first speak to them on the phone. It will help them identify the issue faster.

Unusual Flushing

A blocked drain or pipe can sometimes manifest itself in the form of abnormal flushing responses. So, when you flush the toilet, the water either rises much higher than normal or there is a lot less water than usual in the bowl.

If you experience either of these things, deal with the problem quickly, because it can lead to toilet water rising up through sinks and shower drains. Once again, get on the phone to the professionals. They will be able to find a solution in no time, so that you can get on with life and keep your home functioning smoothly.

Washing Machine Back Ups

If your washing machine causes the sink in your bathroom to start gurgling and spewing water, you definitely have a clog or blockage somewhere. As the water in the appliance drains, there should be no obvious activity in the bathroom pipes.

It can be difficult to trace the source of blockages without expert help, so don’t delay. The faster that you address the issue, the less risk there is of it turning into a flood hazard. Though rare, this can happen. Address potential blockages quickly and efficiently.

What is the best coffee machine you can get for under $300?

If your day is only complete when you have had a great espresso, then you need an impressive espresso machine to produce it. There are many espresso machines on the market but not all of them produce the high quality results that you need. The ideal product that you are looking for is one which comes at an affordable cost while producing the delicious espresso that you crave.

We know that choosing an espresso machine can be a difficult task which is why we have taken a look at some of the advice available to help you decide. You can take a look at some of the details of the machines you can purchase for $300 or less. Here is an overview of the information we have found.

What to look for in an espresso machine

If you are looking for a reliable espresso machine for less than $300 then there are a few points you may want to consider when making your decision. We had Amanda from Coffee-Channel.com help us come up this list thorough list:

The speed with which you can get an espresso

If you love an espresso then you are probably not going to want to spend ages waiting to produce one. You should think about buying a machine with a large water tank as a well as a dual boiler; opt for a machine that can brew and steam milk at the same time. All of this things mean that you will have a machine that is quicker to produce that espresso you want and quicker to recover afterwards.

Ease of use

How important this is really depends on how often you are going to use your espresso machine. If you are intending to use it regularly then you do not want to have to spend ages setting it up every time. You may want to choose an automatic espresso machine which is probably the best match to your needs.

How easy is the machine to use?

If you do not want to have to spend time learning how to use an espresso machine you should choose one that really just involves using a few buttons. If you do not do this then you are probably going to stop using it pretty quickly which is a complete waste of money.

How good is the espresso?

Of course, one of the most important things about an espresso machine is the quality of the espresso it produces. Getting a great espresso does not have to involve spending a lot of money; many more reasonably priced machines produce excellent results.

Which machines represent great value?

Given the points you should be considering, here are a few espresso machines costing under $300 that you may want to consider.

Breville ESP8XL Café Roma
Type of machine: semi-automatic
Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 12"
Warranty: one year
This espresso machine comes with a warming tray for your mugs. It is easy to clean due to the slide out drip tray and is really simple to use. You can check out the current available deals for this machine.

Capresso EC PRO
Type of machine: semi-automatic
Dimensions: 8 x 11 x 12"
Warranty: one year
This machine can brew at different temperatures. It has a built in cup warmer and excellent frothing ability. If you want to check the latest prices for this machine click here.

DeLonghi EC330-s
Type of machine: Semi-automatic
Dimensions: 11 x 8 x 12"
Warranty: one year
Once this machine is warm it is self-priming. It is also extremely durable and has a deep and easy to clean drip tray. Check out the latest price information for this machine.

DeLonghi EC680 Dedica
Type of machine: automatic
Dimensions: 13 x 6 x 13"
Warranty: one year
This simple to use machine heats up impressively quickly. It also produces barista quality coffee and is easy to clean. If you are interested in buying this machine you can take a look at the latest prices.

All of these machines are capable of producing high quality espresso at an affordable cost.

Installing granite countertops

This photo was taken from Caesarstone Canada official site 

Installing granite countertops isn’t exactly a simple process, but it’s not terribly difficult either. There are a number of basic steps to follow that can all but guarantee you a result you’ll be thrilled with.

It starts with a visit to a counter fabricator’s showroom. Do an internet search for granite fabricators in your area and you’ll find more than a few of them. A granite fabricator has the equipment and the experience to work with not only granite, but other materials such as quartz composites and solid surface materials too.

Once you’re at the fabricator, you’ll see many slabs of the material you can use for granite countertops they have on hand and you’ll notice that their materials when in slab (uncut) form are grouped by color. You’ll find that helpful because the first decision you’ll have to make is the color of your counters. Deciding on the pattern of that color comes second, after you’ve narrowed down your color choices.

At the fabricator too, you’ll see the sink options you have available as well as a selection of faucets. It’s usually less expensive to buy sinks and faucets from a fabricator than it is to buy those same components from a plumbing wholesaler.

If they’re not clearly labeled, ask to see what edge options for your granite countertops you have to choose from as well. 

After you’ve made your selections, ask to set up an appointment for a template.

Custom granite countertops cannot be made ahead of time, they’re always made from a template of the cabinetry where those counters will be installed. It takes a little longer this way, but it’s only then that you can be sure that your new granite counters will fit perfectly.

Your estimate will always include labor. It’s only a qualified installer who knows how to install granite countertops.

Once your new granite countertops are installed, follow the installer’s directions exactly once they leave. In most cases, you won’t be able to use your new counters for a day or so after they’ve been installed. Your fabricator and installer will also have some useful tips and products to help keep your new countertops looking new for a very long time.

Once you’ve gone ahead and had your new granite countertops installed, take a breath and enjoy them. They’re a beautiful addition to any home and not only that, they add real value when it comes time to sell your house.

Why is the drain gurgling and slow to clear?

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If a drain is clear and clean then water should clear quickly and without any noise. If the water is taking longer to clear down the drain than normal, and you can hear a gurgling noise after you have used the sink or shower, then you will need to check for problems if the drain or with the vent pipe. You should never ignore a problem like this, because chances are it will only get worse. If you are at all concerned about noises coming from the drains then you can make a choice to call a professional, like an emergency plumber. They can help deal with the problem and put your mind at rest. We are going to take you through the causes of a gurgling drain that a plumber may discover.

A build-up of grease and grime

The most obvious reason for you to hear gurgling noises, and notice the water is disappearing faster than usual, is a build-up of grease and grime in the drains. When the drain is clean both air and water can flow down it freely; this does not happen when a drain is clogged. This can happen in individual drains in your home, or in the main pipe for all the drains. You will be able to tell if the main pipe is involved if the noise is present for any drain. It’s a good idea to try and prevent items such as oil, grease and hairs from going down the drain in the first place. However, if a blockage does happen you can try and remove it by pouring boiling water down the drain (only if you have metal pipes; for PVC pipes use hot water). If this is not successful you can try using a plunger or a drain snake to solve the problem.

 A blocked vent pipe

 If the vent pipe for your home is blocked this can cause you to hear gurgling noises. The vent pipe connects to all the pipes in your home and vents out through the roof. Problems can occur when debris gets into the vent and prevents air from getting out. The air has to go somewhere and will usually try and escape through the last part of the system that was used, such as a kitchen sink. This escape results in the gurgling sound. If you think you have a problem with a blockage in the vent pipe for your home you should call a professional plumber to take a look for you.

These are the main reasons why you may hear a gurgling noise after you use the sink or the shower. If you experience these problems then you call a licensed plumber to help. They will be able to take a look at the problem and resolve it for you, giving you peace of mind and getting your plumbing back in full working order.

What you need to know about pest control in the kitchen

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No room of your home is immune to pest infestation. You may not like the idea, but your kitchen could be especially popular with pests because there is a potential food supply close at hand. If you discover a termite and pest problem in your kitchen, or any other room of your home, you may need to carry out certain actions before the pest control experts arrive.

If you hire a Wheaton exterminator to deal with your pest problem you should ask for advice about what you will need to do in preparation for the extermination taking place. In the meantime, we are going to take you through some information that you may find interesting to know.

Making sure your kitchen is prepared for the extermination process

If you are having extermination work carried out in your kitchen you will normally be required to empty your kitchen cupboards. You should always make sure that the contents of the cupboards are stored in another area of your home, under a covering. Once you have emptied the cupboards you should clean them out.

Doing this removes any traces of food which may serve as a distraction to pests and reduce the effect of any baits that are put in place. It’s also worth remembering that you will not be able to clean any of the cupboards directly after the extermination process as to do so could adversely affect the treatments used.

It’s worth noting that for certain treatments, such as that for an infestation of spiders, the process you need to follow may be different as any webs will normally need to be left intact.

Action to take in the rest of your home

It’s often not just your kitchen that requires treatment during the extermination process. In any area of your home that is being treated you need to make sure that the exterminator has full and unrestricted access. You should always make sure that the floor space is clear. There is a particular process that you need to follow if you have an aquarium in your home which is too heavy to be moved.
You should ensure that the aquarium is completely sealed and that you have switched the pump off. Obviously, the fish cannot be without a pump for very long so if the extermination is going to take a long time you need to find a way of filtering air in from outside of your home.

These are probably not the only preparations you will need to make, prior to the arrival of the exterminator. You should always ask the pest control expert you have hired about what they need you to do. Once you have confirmed what preparations are necessary you should always make sure you have enough time to complete them. You do not want to end up rushing so always start early clearing your kitchen and any other rooms that are being treated.

Six kitchen counter ideas

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Choosing the right kitchen counter is extremely important. After all, you use it on a daily basis, and if you don’t pick one that’s durable enough for your needs or that matches the look and feel of your home, you’ll regret it for a long time. Thankfully, there are many different kitchen countertop options for you to choose from, and the following detail them for your so that you can make a better, more informed choice.

Laminate
Laminate is a traditional countertop. Many people are trying to get rid of laminate, though, because it does look a bit dated. However, many upgrades have been made that give laminate a classier look.

Check out my post on laminate sinks from 2011. You can get this in a variety of styles and colors, and you can even find some that will give you the look of a stone without the price tag.

Stone
Stone is a popular countertop choice. Many homeowners are opting for granite countertops, marble, or soapstone because it gives a seamless and classy look to the house. Plus, these come in many different styles, so you can easily find one that fits your specific needs and tastes. There are differences between the different types of stone counters, so you should always connect with a specialist to ensure you’re making the right choice.

Butcher Block
Butcher block is  a timeless option for countertops. Pair this with a Hahn farmhouse sink, and you’ll have a truly unique look that you’ll love for years to come. Butcher block is extremely durable, so you can do all your cooking and baking on this material without worrying about long-term effects. Plus, it’s extremely easy to maintain, and it will last you for a very long time.

Stainless Steel
Most people don’t think of stainless steel as a countertop option, but it’s a great choice. This can create a rustic and classic look in a kitchen. However, it’s important to note that stainless will show dents and dings, so if you’re a perfectionist, this may not be the right countertop choice for you.

Concrete
Concrete is another popular countertop choice. It’s extremely durable and very cheap to install. Plus you can count on it to last you a long time. It can be left untreated for a rustic look, or you can have it stained or polished to give you a specific look and feel. You could even have it stamped if you want to create a different illusion.

Tile
If you want something cost-effective, tile is a great option. You can pick any type of tile you want to make it match your home’s style and décor, and tile is durable and waterproof, which is great for  a kitchen environment. However, just remember that tile requires mortar, and this can be hard to clean.

Choosing the right countertop is something you need to think about. Make sure you look at all your options and think of your needs in order to make the best choice.

Unconventional Ways to Find Interior Design Inspiration

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You want the rooms of your home or office to speak to your tastes. But what are those, exactly? In an effort to get inspired we often jump the gun and start with things like favorite color or a style we’re vaguely familiar with. Soon our best intentions turn into mismanaged approaches and the result is a less-than-ideal look to your interior space. We’ve all been there before.

The obvious first step is to try and think like an interior designer. However, DIY interior design doesn’t need to be all dense theory and academic absorption. Inspiration can and ought to arrive in all sorts of ways. The following are just an example of some of the many unconventional methods to achieving desired interior design:

• Look through homes for sale in other parts of the world. For example, San Diego real estate listings are sure to offer a glimpse into one-of-a-kind forms of architecture and interior design. Color combinations, use of space, and application of light are all things that can be seen in photos meant to try and sell a home. While your budget may call for a scaled down version, looking through the swankier listings will showcase the most original interior design styles to draw inspiration from.
• Pay attention to art direction in movies and on television. Film and television studios pay good money to make sure the sets and scenery look perfect. Sometimes this means making sure the underbelly of a viaduct has just the right color scheme of spray paint, but most of the time it means making sure an interior space is in harmony with the production’s color palette. This typically leads to immaculately executed interior design styles, especially if the filmmakers are particularly known for striking visuals. Take notes when you like the look of a room in your favorite TV show - a lot of work went into making it look good and you can base your own approach on the design.
• Go beyond the basics. Let yourself be inspired by animals, paintings, cars, or even music - it doesn’t simply have to be space, wall color, and furniture found elsewhere. The aforementioned array of graffiti along the walls of concrete canals can even serve as a launching pad for the mind. It may sound hippy dippy, but such an approach is how many successful interior designers choose to work.
• Dreams: write them down. Some people have vivid dreams in terms of locale. This is particularly the case if interior design is weighing heavily on your mind during your waking hours. Keep a sketchpad and 120-count box of crayons by the bed and draw out (the best you can) any memorable looking spaces in your dreams. While you might end up passing on the octopus tentacle ceiling fan blades and the shag carpeted walls, you might find just the look you were wanting all along.

We all want to pull off professional-grade interior design when attempting to 'do it ourselves.' However, it’s easier to end up with a pedestrian look to a room than something spectacular when we opt to go at it alone. Too much energy is forced on trying to make inspiration happen, rather than letting it happen. Go out and take in the world to find interior design which suits your taste and budget.

Top Home Design Trends to Look for in 2016

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With a solid economic recovery underway and renewed consumer confidence, the housing market is predicted to continue strong in 2016. Among the real estate trends we’ll see in 2016 is a growing interest among home buyers in building a new home versus purchasing a resale home. By choosing a new construction home, buyers have the chance to customize and create a home that is the perfect match for their family and lifestyle. So what design choices will be popular in 2016? Check out the list below to see the top trends in new home design.

Style

Many new home buyers are looking for a contemporary or modern design in their 2016 home. Although these styles have unique elements, both favor simple and uncluttered spaces, the use of simple, neutral colors, clean lines, and decorating that adds a pop of color and artistic flair.

Another overall style trend is the importance of personalization and customization in 2016 new homes. Home builders are showing off their craftsmanship with stunning staircases, custom built-in shelves and other fine details. Homeowners are also personalizing their homes by taking risks with bold paint colors, wallpaper, and patterns.

Layout

In 2016, home builders will continue to see the open concept floor plan the most desired layout among home buyers. This layout opens up the main living space so the kitchen, dining, living and entertainment areas all flow together. This layout is perfect for entertaining and bringing families together.

Overall, the layout of 2016 new homes is set up to have 100 percent usable space throughout the entire home. This means clean design, fewer hallways, a single staircase, and no tiny, wasted rooms.

Kitchen

In 2015, the biggest kitchen trend was white everything, including white cabinets, walls, and countertops. While white will still be a top choice in 2016 new homes, the latest kitchen color trend is now gray, which can be used in everything from cabinets to backsplashes. Combining white and gray will also be very popular in 2016.

With the open concept floor plan, the kitchen will be the center of entertaining, cooking, and dining. This will lead to a high demand for larger islands that provide more space. In fact, those who have enough room are choosing double islands, either back to back or side by side. This allows you to have one designated area for prepping and cooking, and a separate space for dining and socializing.

Bathroom

Although many new homes will have more than one bathroom, the bathroom that is getting all the attention in 2016 homes is the master bathroom. In addition to a beautiful retreat-like bedroom, homeowners want their own personal bathroom to enjoy after a long day.

In the bathroom, we are seeing a transition away from bath-shower combinations into single units. Some homeowners are choosing large walk-in showers decorated with beautiful tiling, others are choosing stand-alone spa-like tubs, and those who have room are adding both for convenience and ‘wow’ factor.

Other Rooms

Beyond the other typical rooms of the home like kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms, home builders are noticing an increasing number of requests for bonus rooms. This includes:

• Wine rooms and bars where the homeowner can nurture their love of wine and spirits with professional amenities.
• Home offices, which reflects the fact that many people now work from home or telecommute on some days.
• “Get away” rooms, which offer a place for relaxation, recreation and family time. Get away rooms can take many forms including entertainment or media rooms, libraries, formal living rooms and more.

Outdoor Spaces

As we mentioned earlier, home buyers who are building a new home in 2016 want to make every inch of their space functional, and this includes the outdoors. Because of the growing importance of at-home entertaining, new home builders are seeing requests for indoor-outdoor living spaces. For example, the main level may have a two or even three-panel sliding glass door that provides a view of nature. The glass doors may then open to a patio that is perfect for entertaining, and it may include other extras such as outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, or pizza ovens. All of these design choices are made to create a seamless flow of indoor and outdoor spaces and to maximize functionality.

With the trends featured above, it’s easy to see why home buyers entering the market in 2016 are strongly considering building a new home over buying a resale home. By gathering your ideas and contacting your local home builder, you can truly create the home of your dreams.  

Can you paint your house any color you want?

Making a decision on what color to paint your property is an important task; after all once it’s

done you don’t particularly want to be struck with a change of heart and have to start all over

again. Painting the outside of a property is a big job and starting from scratch would take far too

much time and effort. That’s why it’s important to make a solid decision on a color scheme before

you start painting your home.

One of the questions you may be asking yourself is can you paint your brick home? The answer is yes you can; brick can look great when painted, as long as you follow the right process. Any exterior

surface of your home can benefit from a paint job, but you have to take some points into

consideration when choosing a color.

Are you free to choose whatever color you want?


This is the main theme we want to address here. The question does not just apply to “can” you

choose a certain color, but also to “should” you choose it. There are certain areas and housing

associations which impose restrictions on colors that can be used when painting the exterior of a

property. The first thing that you need to do is check that none of these restrictions apply in your

area. If they do then you are going to be restricted in your color choice.

Even if there are no restrictions, you may want to give some thought to the type of area you live in.


If your home is located in an area of historical significance, where homes stick to certain color

schemes, it may go down too well if you paint your home bright yellow. It may be a bright color that

reflects your personality, but does it really fit with where you live?


What color should you choose?

Once you have discovered that you have complete freedom of choice when it comes to painting

your property, you then have to decide what color to opt for. One of the main deciding factors is

going to be whether your property is a home or an investment. If you want to settle in the property

then you will probably want to put your own stamp on it. If the property is more of an investment

then you want to stick to a clean and neutral color scheme that makes it easier to sell the property

on.

You may also want to take a look around you and see what colors your neighbors have opted for.

Sticking with the same themes or shades is often a good idea. You may be thinking that you want to

stand out and be individual. There is nothing wrong with that, but you may have to be prepared for a

backlash. You also have to decide whether you really want to spend years living in a home that is a

talking point for everyone, or would the novelty start to wear thin after a while.

There is a lot to consider when you decide to paint the exterior of your home. It’s important to do

your research and spend time making a decision in order to save yourself problems and time in the

long run.

Can you paint over a water damaged ceiling?

A water damaged ceiling looks unsightly and the water can cause drywall to become loose. Both of

these problems obviously need to be addressed. The good news is that you can get rid of that ugly

water damage stain on your ceiling; it just takes a little bit of effort and knowledge.


We are going to take a look at what steps to take when painting a water damaged ceiling. This

includes the attention you have to pay to repairs that may necessary as a result of the water

damage. One thing it’s important to note before you start is that you need to ensure the source of

the water damage has been located, and the problem dealt with. You don’t want to do all of this

work only for the water damage to re-appear.


Check for loose drywall


In the case of a more serious leak there is every possibility that the water may have caused the

drywall to become loose from the joists. If this has happened the problem obviously needs to be

resolved before any painting is done. It’s easy to test to see if the drywall is loose; all you have to do

is give a gentle push in the area of the stain. If you can feel that it’s loose you will need to take some

drywall screws and fasten the panel back in place.


Check for any cracks 


It’s also possible that the presence of water may have caused cracks to form. If this is the case you

will need to fill in any cracks with spackle and allow it try dry for the recommended amount of time.

After it has dried you will then need to sand the area down.


Remove any mold


There is a chance that you may find mold on the stain caused by the water damage. If this is the case

you will need to remove the mold with a bleach solution, before letting it dry.


Use primer first


You can’t just paint directly over a water damage stain and expect it to disappear. After you have

made sure the area is repaired if necessary you then need to use an oil-based, quick drying primer.

Using this first means you will then be able to easily paint over the stain.


Painting the stain


Once the primer is dry you are able to paint the area. You should use water-proof paint that matches

the color of the original paintwork. Make sure that you paint using smooth strokes and that you start

dabbing when you reach the edge of the stain; this helps the paint to blend. You should apply two

coats.


If you carry out all of these processes then you should be able to paint over a stain that results from

water damage. It takes a little time and effort but you will soon have a ceiling that looks as good as

new again.

How long is it okay for an air mattress to be inflated for?

How long you want to keep an air mattress inflated for is going to depend on your reason for using it in the first place. The only time you will really want to keep an air mattress inflated for any length of time is if you are using it as a replacement for a solid bed. If this applies to you then you may be wondering what the rules are regarding inflation and deflation.

You will find lots of useful information if you check out the latest air bed reviews. What you may not find is any details about how long you should leave an air mattress inflated for. This is because manufactures don’t generally have any rules or suggestions for this. We are going to give you a few tips to consider, to help you out.

What problems could keeping your air mattress inflated cause?

The vast majority of people purchase an air mattress as a temporary sleeping option in their home, or for use while camping. If this is you then you probably won’t want to keep your air mattress inflated for any significant period of time. However, if you do need to use an air mattress for a longer period of time then there are some things you should be aware of.

The first thing we should point out is that there is no actual recommended time limit for keeping an air mattress inflated. The main problem with leaving your mattress inflated is that there is more chance of an accident happening if you do. If you have children or animals in your home, they can be boisterous. It’s all too easy for them to cause damage to an inflated mattress without intending to.

What could happen if you inflate and deflate an air mattress often?

If you are using an air mattress for an extended period of time then you need to consider both sides of the coin. While you may be exposing your mattress to damage from cats and dogs by leaving it inflated you may also cause damage if you constantly inflate and deflate the mattress. Although  air mattress are obviously designed to be inflated and deflated, completing these actions all the time can put excess pressure on seams. As you can probably imagine this is not a good thing as it can lead to the seams bursting. This in turn can lead to you having to repair or replace your air mattress.

Overall, if you are using an air mattress each day it probably makes sense to leave it inflated. If you decide to do this then you should try end keep the mattress away from any potential sources of damage. If you can manage to do this then you should not encounter any problems, except having to top up the air when the mattress naturally deflates a little over time.