Gallery For Better Home and Living
Bathroom Remodeling: Choosing a New Shower Stall
Nov 2nd
In the United States, a large number of homeowners only have a bathtub in their homes. Most bathtubs really aren’t just bathtubs; many also double as showers. As nice as it is to only have one bathroom fixture, especially one that can do two jobs, you may be looking for more. If you are looking to remodel your bathroom, you may want to think about purchasing yourself a new bathtub. Unfortunately, you will find that not all bathtubs double as showers; therefore, you may also be in the market for a new shower stall.
Perhaps, the most important thing to remember, when looking to buy a new shower stall, is the amount of space that you have available. If you are going from one bathtub to a bathtub and a standalone shower, there is a chance that you may be limited on space. If that is the case, you may find your options to be somewhat limited. That is unless you are planning on remodeling your entire bathroom. If you are planning on changing your entire bathroom around, it may be easier for you to find and purchase the shower stall of your choice, without having to worry about whether or not it will even fit in your bathroom.
Once you have decided that you would like to purchase a new bathroom shower stall, as well as how large of one you can purchase, you will need to start shopping for your shower. Although you may expect to find everything that you need all in one place, it may be a little bit difficult to do. Although there are a number of retailers, particularly home improvement stores, that sell standalone shower kits, there are others who do not. If you are unable to find a retailer who sells shower kits, you may need to purchase all of your parts separately. The parts that you will need may include, but should not be limited to, a shower floor, shower walls, a shower door, as well as a shower head.
When it comes to buying a new standalone shower, there are many homeowners who go searching for the nicest looking standalone shower. While there is a chance that you may be looking for the best, there is also a chance that may be remodeling your kitchen on a budget. If so, you may be pleased to know that standalone showers come in a number of different sizes, shapes, and styles. Whether you are looking a trendy looking standalone shower or the most affordable one, there is a good chance that you will be able to find exactly what you were looking for. Just in case you were wondering, most standard standalone showers start selling for around two or three hundred dollars, and from there the prices goes up.
As previously mentioned, most home improvement stores, both on and offline, carry a selection of shower supplies, including supplies that are grouped into packages or kits. Therefore, if you are looking to have a new standalone shower in your home, it may be a good idea to shop at one of your local home improvement stores. In fact, home improvement stores, especially large ones, are known for their displays. In order to find the perfect shower for your soon to be remodeled bathroom, you may want to see these displays; however, if the displays are not as important to you, you may also want to think about shopping online. Regardless of whether you shop, whether it be online or locally, you will want to try and find shower kits or packages. These kits and packages are not only convenient, but they may also save you money.
Once you have found and purchased the standalone shower of your choice, you may want to start installing it right away. Since most standalone shower kits come with instructions, you should easily be able to install your own shower, even if you have no prior home improvement experience. What could be better than having a new shower installed and saving money at the same time?
Compare Home Theater to Movie Going
Nov 1st
Many people shy away from purchasing a home theater for fear of the great costs involved in doing so. I recommend that you put serious pen and paper to those assumptions rather then merely assuming it is too costly for your limited budget. The truth of the matter, when compared with the costs of going out to watch a movie you might find that you will be spending less money in no time by watching movies at home rather than paying for the ‘movie going’ experience.
You might want to pay careful attention to how much money you spend each month going to the theater. Don’t forget including any costs involved in hiring sitters, going out to dinner (most people don’t do McDonald’s before or after going to theaters), concession stand purchases in those figures. Even if you go to the theater once a week as a couple or as family the costs can really add up. If you visit the theater less or have a smaller family those costs might be less but you could also seriously raise those prices by going more often or having a larger family.
The important thing to remember when pricing a home theater system is the value it will bring to you and your family. If this will bring the family together at home for a couple of nights a week it is well worth the investment in my opinion. If it will keep the teens in your home and off the streets on the weekend it is worth even more. A home theater is an investment in the enjoyment of your home for everyone involved and many families find that this is a great way to enjoy a night at home. It’s also a great way to insure super-Super Bowl parties will be taking place in your home rather than the homes of others (it’s a small price to pay in the grand scheme of things).
With this in mind you can buy kits for anywhere between $200 and $2,000 (and upwards, but if you are going to spend more than $2,000 I seriously recommend building your own home theater). Box systems are rather easy to find in local and mass-market retailers and are rather simple to install (even for the uninitiated). These systems may not provide the best possible system but for those who have significant budget concerns they are a great place to start and you can get some really great systems if you are willing to seriously shop around and compare the different quality between brands as well as which bells and whistles you require and which you can live without.
Once you make the decision to buy a home theater the best thing to do is check out what is available. You should then take complete advantage of the great competition on the market today by searching for the most features for the lowest price. You just might be shocked and amazed at the great bargains that you can find, especially in the months following the big consumer expo show each January.
You should combine the home theater and excellent movie experience in your home with a membership to Netflix, Blockbuster, or some other home delivery DVD system and you can have frozen pizza, microwave popcorn, and all the pillows to hide behind you can ask for in the comfort of your home for a fraction of the price of going to the theater once a week.
Bringing the Old West to Modern Home Decorating
Oct 31st
What could be more fun when you think about it than incorporating the age-old story of cowboys and Indians into your home décor? For those who love a great story and have a wild sense of adventure this could be an incredibly fabulous design theme for your next home decorating project. This is a great way to bring the rustic charm of the old west into the modern world of today’s busy lifestyles.
Immediately visions of the hacienda with knotty pine and leather upholstered furniture comes to mind. Massive fireplaces and antlers everywhere are also first and foremost in my mind when this design idea pops into my head. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination and only limited by your budget in all honesty. This is a look that could be pulled off however on almost any budget for those that are willing to make a few thrift store purchases along the way while investing a fair amount of elbow grease.
One thing you want to be careful of with this particular theme is not taking it too far. This could be so easy to do and it will only subtract from the charm and appeal if you do so. Choose the accessories carefully but implement them minimally. This should also help with potential budget restrictions as well as keep you on track for finding the perfect accessories rather than picking up everything you see only to find later that many simply will not work with the style and design you are hoping to achieve in the long run.
Wood floors and wood paneled walls are a great statement for this sort of décor as well as stone for a fireplace (if there is a fireplace of courses). You want solid furniture rather than something that appear fragile or dainty and you definitely want to keep the room masculine in appearance if at all possible. Home decorating in the style of the old west isn’t for bachelors alone but too much of a feminine touch will simply kill the appeal all together. In fact, the less feminine touches the better save these touches for a romantic bedroom or bathroom rather than the primary areas that friends and family will visit.
You will also want to take great pains to imitate the rustic nature of the old west within the kitchen. No delicate china patterns or tables with legs that look like that might fall off with a hard wind. This is a ‘mans’ style of decorating and it needs to look as though it will withstand any punishment a man can dish out in order to maintain the fun and light appeal of the remainder of the home. You can find modern sinks, fixtures, and hardware that are designed to resemble those of the old west and beyond if you look in the right places.
For those who are looking for something a little out of the ordinary this is one style of decorating that definitely fits the bill. See what wonderful schemes and dreams you can come up with and what sort of tall tale will go along with your old west design story then create the story within the walls of your home. There is no better way to go about home decorating than this.
Choosing Bathroom Accessories and Towel Poles
Oct 30th
How to choose towel stands
Towel stands clear up space, since you can toss you towels on the stand rather than in the floor or on a chair. Online you will find a nice selection of stands created by Drop, Onda, Premier, Freestanding, and so on.
How do I choose stands?
It depends on your style of bath and taste. If you want modern styles check out the line of Drops.
Onda also has a nice collection of contemporary fittings and other bath accessories. If you have a regal taste, you may want to re view the Freestanding Spas, or the line of Premiers. If you want décor yet are on a budget, checkout the line of Freestanding Holders.
Just out of curiosity, I thought I would check out the line of spa stands. The stands are made of chrome and brass, such as Satin brass. In addition, you have a choice of oil rub bronze, brass, chrome, and satin nickel. Preferably, I like the brass in regal, modern, or Victorian environments. On the other hand, the brass will go well in nearly any bathroom. The oil rub is nice if you have a country bathroom or antique atmosphere.
How much do the stands cost?
It depends on your choice. If you choose the spas, you can find the items online in the price range between $67 and $82.
How do I choose modern stands?
Again, I am not into chrome, yet in the instance of Drops products I like the triple stands, which could go well with matching mirrors in the background. Add a little gold trimming to your layered mirrors and you will have a combination of modern and regal patterns. The item looks well with a vanity glass shelf in the background as well. Keep the gold at bay in this instance; rather offset it with minute trims of gold. Of course, your taste is different from mine, so check out the images for your self.
Chrome and Satin Nickel texture is not up my alley, yet Premier has created a nice line of dual spa stands. In a peach, tan, or antique environment I would sit the stands in a corner to offset the atmosphere. Throw a few light color towels on the stand, such as tan and you have a very nice antique pattern. Premier stands are a bit pricey, so if you are on budgeting, check out the line of Freestanding. You have a choice of Satins, Brass, Chrome, and so on.
How do I choose from the line of Onda?
Onda has a nice selection of stands, yet you may want to save a few bucks before considering the items. If you are not worried about price, you may enjoy the chrome triple polished stands, gold/chrome polish, brass and/or chrome polish. The styles go well in white and tan textures.
If you are searching for gorgeous vanity stands, you may consider the rings and stands made by freestanding collections. You have choice of one, two, or three arm stands, or else you can choose the dual ring stands. The oil rub bronze three-arm stand would look great in an antique bath, or a country setting.
On the other hand, the 3-arm Satin Nickel stands would look great in antique environments, or country settings, especially if you sprinkle a few white/yellow flowers at the base. Throw a white towel on and you are set. The stands however, I believe are designed for modern baths or master bathrooms. You may like the ring stands, but keep in mind it will take more effort on your part to place your towel. If you are in a hurry often, go for the arm stands.
