October, 2011

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The Definitive 6 Point Guide to Planning a Designer Bathroom

Monday, October 31st, 2011

If you have ever wanted a relaxing and inviting retreat, rather than an average, cramped and uninspiring bathroom, it is possible. The following tips can help you to have a bathroom that you actually want to spend time in.

Before Buying

There are some basic things to consider before you start slapping on paint or tearing down walls. 

A Great Bathroom Can Be Affordable

Style and looks should be your focus, when creating a spa bathroom, rather than the cost. Most DIY and home improvement stores sell perfectly adequate sanitaryware, as well as good looking basins and period roll tops. Good quality heating, flooring and wallpaper can also be purchased from DIY stores.

Small Is Often Good

Of course, most of us want a big bathroom, which somehow seems more luxurious and inviting than a small one, although if you are stuck with a small space, you can make it work. The right decor and sanitaryware can still create the stylish spa bath look that you are striving for. Take a look at our bathroom design ideas page for some suggestions and ideas.

Will The Layout Work?

When considering a spa or whirlpool bath, it is tempting to want to change your bathroom layout, to make room for a shower or other feature. Before you do this, consult an experienced plumber who can tell you whether it will all work or not.

Hide That Clutter

Nobody wants to look at clutter and cleaning products in their nice new spa bathroom, so it helps to have sufficient storage space. A freestanding cabinet is an obvious solution, as is a floor to ceiling corner cupboard, or a slim shelf mounted above the bath.Vanity Units are the best storage solution and often better looking than a simple basin.

Less Is More

Do not cram too much furniture or too many accessories into your bathroom, as it will simply make it look overcrowded. You may want to downsize, for example by having a storage unit instead of a bidet, or going with a slightly smaller bathtub.

if you have your new look decided, the next thing is to find the right person to make it happen for you. Unless you are lucky enough to know a qualified and reliable tiling, plumbing and electricity expert, ask family and friends, or the staff at your local bathroom showroom for recommendations. There are now services online that allow people to rate their local tradesmen, these can be a great place to chase down your perfect plumber or tiler.

 

Emma writed exclusively for Liberty Bathrooms. An Online retailer of exclusive bathroom products such as whirlpool bath, enclosures and shower doors.

Things to Know About Victorian Crown Moulding

Thursday, October 13th, 2011

Crown molding is one from the architectural elements that complete the line between the ceiling and the wall. You can find moldings in a wide variety of sizes and styles from classic to contemporary.

People use crown moldings for different reasons, but generally speaking, a crown molding is a traditional and charming way to enhance any room. You can find crown moldings or cornice in many older houses. It’s hard to find and also expensive to replace the old wooden crown moldings and for these reasons many homeowners choose cheaper and lightly polymer moldings to replace the damaged section of an old crown molding.

Victorian era has an impressive charming and romance style, even today and Victorian Crown Moldings add this elegance of Victorian style to any home. You can find this crown molding style in many old Victorian homes from Great Britain to East Coast of North America.

In fact, people tend is to associate any crown molding with the Victorian style and that because crown molding was so popular for centuries, thanks only to Victorian buildings. Crown molding is the characteristic architectural element for Victorian era which brings a specific personality and flavor.

Victorian Crown Molding can be very simple or a complex ornament architectural ornament. However, typically Victorian crown moldings are large and detailed ornate with waterfalls and indentations.

Angles, corners softening warm a room more than anything and to increase a layered effect your crown molding has to be at least four inches wide. It is well known crown molding should be equal or even exceed base molding to maximize its charming effect.

Due to the elegance of style, Victorian crown molding is fit for newer and contemporary homes as well. However, one piece application may be sufficient for small rooms and bathrooms. To increase its stylish effect you may a picture with the same molding frame beneath the crown molding.

For large and wide open rooms such livings and dining rooms, it is recommended three or maybe more pieces of crown molding for a rich and luxury effect. You may add also, a ceiling molding where is the chandelier to complete to add even more beautiful effect.

The use of this molding can stop only at the top of the wall. You may apply this molding around a door opening and transform this door from a banal object into art object. You can do in a similar way with a mirror and you will turn this mirror in the focal point of the room.

However, new homes with large windows, glass, and steel, simply but elegant, with a different style completely different from classical style could look be better without Victorian crown molding. Before taking a decision is a good idea to take a molding piece, to put on wall and see how it looks.

Conclusion: Although Victorian crown molding style is often find in the old historic buildings, architects, interior designers and many homeowners rediscover the charm, luxury and style of an era. Maybe, you can also, consider this beautiful molding will enhance and add value to your home.

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