Archive for August, 2007

Posted on Aug 26th, 2007

There are many features and qualities that you look for when wanting to buy a mattress. One of the biggest things that consumers look for is quality. Should you go for a name brand mattress or is it better to find a cheap deal. Often they say you get what you pay for. Top name manufacturers like SEALY, TEMPUREPEDIC, and others definitely fit the bill. Quite often mattress retailers have been known to have a questionable method of selling. Knowledge is power, so we are equipping you with some tips and questions that you can ask.

When it comes down to mattress construction there have been a ton of improvements and suggestions. A way to measure firmness is by actually laying down on the sleep system that has caught your eye. Other important factors to take into consideration are the material that it was made with as higher quality products often have thicker padding and higher coil counts. Some companies advertise very inexpensive mattresses to get you into the door, then, try to you when you are there. After all you spend almost one-third of your life on your back.

Perhaps you have sleep problems and are looking for the ideal solution. When buying a mattress always replace your box spring!!!!! I cannot stress this enough!!!! The set is made to work together. The box springs are located in position to support the mattress springs. One brand does not match another. Always buy the set!!! Even though your old box spring "looks fine" it has had just as many years of wear and tear as the mattress and is worn out. You definitely want to do your homework. Higher price not necessarily means better quality. No matter what you want you can find the ideal surface that you will enjoy for a long time.

Alan Zunec is a successful publisher on the topic of Mattresses-which helps you discover the various sleep systems out there.

Posted on Aug 26th, 2007

One of the most beautiful, versatile and efficient accessories that you could incorporate into your kitchen is the pot rack. The addition of a custom pot rack brings style, grace and organization to your kitchen’s workspace, and makes a stylish, sophisticated statement that is unsurpassed by other accessories.

Available in as many styles and finishes that you can imagine, pot racks bring an organizational efficiency to your kitchen that, once experienced, is hard to live without. Just think about how efficient it would be if all of your favorite pots were hanging within your grasp and at eye level. There would be no more bending and searching for that one pot that always seems to get shoved to the back of the cabinet.

Not only are they efficient, pot racks enable you to display and protect your finest cookware. After the addition of a pot rack, your expensive cookware will no longer have to be banged and scraped around when you are hunting for that special pan. And you can show them off in a way that is truly beautiful and eye catching.

Not enough cabinet space? Think about how much cabinet space is wasted on your bulky pots and pans. If you could pull those out and organize them with a custom pot rack, you would be left with a large amount of empty, usable cabinet space.

So now that you are interested in what a pot rack could do for your kitchen, you may be wondering where to find high-quality pot racks at a great price. You might want to start by browsing the selection at two of the leading pot rack manufacturers: Enclume and Rogar.

Enclume is the premier manufacturer of pot racks, and offers the finest racks made by master craftsmen. Using traditional French metal-forming equipment and time-honored methods that have been used for centuries, Enclume’s craftsmen produce beautiful, durable works of art from high-carbon steel, hand selected eastern maple wood and heavy gauge grid work. Enclume also boasts of more styles than any other pot manufacturer. You can choose from finishes such as hammered steel with distressed patina, chrome, brass, copper plated and stainless steel.

Rogar is one of America’s oldest and most distinguished makers of pot racks. Established in 1906, Rogar has a huge variety of both wall and ceiling-mounted pot racks which come in various shapes and finishes. Their selection includes finishes of wood, stainless steel, solid copper and brass, hammered steel and baked on painted finishes in black, white, green, blue and red.

Depending on what style or design you choose, you can spend anywhere from $20 to over $1,000 for your new pot rack. The lower-end pot racks are usually wall mounted and will hold six to eight pots. High-end pot racks, on the other hand, are often, ceiling mounted, crafted from cold-rolled steel and then electroplated with your choice of three finishes: chrome, brass or copper.

As you can see the addition of a stylish, efficient pot rack to your kitchen is within reach, no matter how large or small your budget may be.

Jennifer Akre is a successful business owner of numerous furniture and decor websites such as http://www.GourmetDecorStore.com. Her websites offer product and information about pot racks, kitchen decor and furniture for your home or garden.

Posted on Aug 25th, 2007

If you collect art or enjoy decorating your walls with paintings, you might be wondering what the difference is between art prints and oil painting reproductions. These terms are used interchangeably in the art world often, but they can differ greatly. Knowing the difference is important when you’re considering an art purchase.

Art Prints Defined

Art prints are identical copies of original works of art, often produced by a photomechanical process. The word "giclee" is used to describe the method of reproducing art using a printing process. Making prints is similar to making a photocopy of a hand-written letter instead of rewriting it. You have a copy of the handwriting, but not an actual hand-written letter. Artists often create prints in limited editions, and sign each painting. Prints are coveted by collectors who wish to invest in art for future profits.

Oil Painting Reproductions Defined

Oil painting reproductions are hand-painted recreations of original works of art, created by someone other than the original artist. A skilled artist analyzes the original and paints a closely matching replica. Reproductions are painted with oil paint on canvas to create an amazing resemblance to originals. Reproductions are often preferred over prints when used in decor because they are usually very affordable.

When searching for art, you might encounter these terms being used interchangeably. For instance, a print might be called a reproduction also. Technically, a print is a reproduction because it is a copy. However, a reproduction might not always mean "print." If you feel the term reproduction is being used to describe a print, you might want to ask questions before buying to be sure you’re getting the right type of painting.

In a nutshell, art reproductions are actual paintings, only not by the original artist. Prints are copies of the original work. If you want real paintings without a high investment, reproductions provide both. If you’re looking to invest for future profits or to build a collection, and are unable to buy an original, prints are the next best thing.

David De Groot helps art lovers around the world realize their dream of owning famous pieces of art. His web site offers affordable reproductions of some of the most extravagant paintings, each hand-painted by an experienced artist. Browse an amazing online gallery at http://www.myreproductions.com/

Posted on Aug 25th, 2007

Do you want to add a sense of style and sophistication to your bedroom space but are not sure how to accomplish it? Do you have a large bedroom that would benefit from the addition of a gorgeous, functional piece of furniture? Is your bedroom lacking in closet space? If so, you should consider getting a bedroom bench.

Far from being just another piece of furniture, bedroom benches bring unparalleled grace and elegance to bedrooms with all types of décor. Whether you prefer rich upholstered bedroom benches or the more practical, but just as beautiful, storage benches, you can truly customize your space and add that needed touch without spending a lot of money or doing a complete remodel.

Upholstered bedroom benches can be used to add a romantic or Old-World feel to your intimate space. Available in a wide range of wood finishes, upholstered bedroom benches can be matched and blended with practically any existing bedroom furniture or can be selected to make a bold statement or to become the focal point of the room.

Bedroom benches can also be covered with rich, colorful fabrics chosen from a large tapestry of colors and designs. Want something a little more personal or customized? Simply cover your upholstered bedroom bench with your own needlepoint work or family heirloom fabrics.

Need some extra storage space? Storage bedroom benches can be the perfect solution for non-existing or small and cramped closets. They are ideal for storing off-season bed linens and clothes or personal treasures and family keepsakes.

Not only are these pieces practical, they are beautiful as well. Storage bedroom benches are available in a wide range of wood finishes including oak and deep, rich mahogany. These pieces can also feature intricate hand carving and delicately hand painted designs. Some even come complete with upholstered cushions that can be chosen to color coordinate with your existing décor.

Bedroom benches are usually placed at the foot of the bed and can be an ideal place to store your bedspread and throw pillows when the bed is being used. They also come in handy as a place to sit when dressing or lacing up your shoes. You can turn them into showpieces with the clever placement of decorative quilts, collectibles and/or brick-a-brack. Or you can simply let them make a statement on their own.

Do you want something simple but elegant? Maybe an exquisitely designed wrought iron footboard bench complete with a cushion covered in rich damask fabric would be more suited to your tastes and decorating style.

The addition of a bedroom bench to your décor is also very affordable. Pricing usually starts out as low as $200. Of course, you can spend more than that depending on what style of bench you pick and what custom options you choose.

As you can see there is a large variety of options when it comes to choosing a bedroom bench. No matter what piece you finally decide to purchase, you can be sure that your bedroom bench will become one of your most treasured possessions.

Jennifer Akre is a successful business owner of numerous furniture websites such as http://www.SimplyBenches.com. Her websites offer product and information about bedroom benches and other decor and furniture for indoors and outdoors.

Posted on Aug 24th, 2007

Onyx is gaining popularity as an interior design material for properties in the top end of the residential and commercial market. Onyx is quite rare, compared to other natural stones, which is partly responsible for the relatively high prices it commands. It is also considered to be a semi-precious natural stone, along with alabaster and lapis lazuli.

Its main attractions are translucency, colour and natural pattern. Translucency makes onyx a unique natural stone and helps create outstanding interior designs. Onyx is typically highly polished to enhance its natural translucency. It comes mainly in white, yellow (or honey), brown, pink and green colours. The most popular colours are currently white and honey, the latter being chemically similar to white onyx with an addition of iron oxides. White onyx originates mainly from Persia and honey onyx is quarried mainly in Turkey.

Natural patterns of onyx form unique and intricate designs. When lit up, patterns become almost three dimensional. Back lit onyx panels are very popular interior design elements, especially when made of yellow or brown onyx. They are particularly recommended for bars and restaurants where lighting is usually dim. However, even in a well lit room such panels will stand out. The richness of the pattern is very important. Other popular items often combined with appropriate lighting include lamp stands, table tops, bar stands, skirting, windowsills and stair risers. Even a small item can make a lot of difference to a room.

Onyx also used for wall cladding and various stonework, including bath surrounds and vanity units. It is similar to marble in this sort of applications. In many cases, marble or limestone may be more appropriate. Your natural stone supplier should recommend most suitable materials, giving consideration also to the technical characteristics of different natural stones. It has to be said that onyx is quite a delicate natural stone. Thin panels made of onyx could also be experimented with as an alternative to stained glass windows, gain due to translucent properties of onyx.

Written by Erika Hansen. Erika provides interior design advice to Stoneville (UK) Ltd. More info on onyx and other natural stones can be found at http://stoneville.co.uk/

Posted on Aug 24th, 2007

How do you envision your dream home? Is it rich in color and texture, romantic, cozy, warm, comfortable and inviting all at the same time? Would you love to incorporate colorful fabrics and rich textures in your home’s décor but are not sure how to pull it off? You are not alone. The truth is: Many people long to incorporate the use of textured and patterned fabric into their decorating style but are not sure where they should begin.

One of the easiest and least expensive steps that can be taken to create a room that is rich in textured color is to purchase a piece of upholstered furniture. An upholstered bench is usually perfect for most people who are just beginning to experiment with decorating with fabrics because it is both beautiful and versatile.

With an upholstered bench you can choose a piece of furniture that is truly unique and captivating without having to replace all of your room’s existing furniture or rearrange the room’s layout overmuch. If you are daring, you can choose an upholstered bench with a bright, vivid fabric which will bring that added flair to your room without having to commit to a huge change. If you are looking for a something a little more subtle, perhaps an upholstered bench covered with a fabric similar in color but different in texture to your existing furnishings may be in order.

The bottom line is that there are numerous options when it comes to upholstered benches. And the beauty is that they can be placed in any room of the house including the bedroom, hallway and living room, just to name a few.

One of the most popular places to incorporate an upholstered bench is the bedroom. Upholstered bedroom benches can be used to add a romantic or Old-World feel to your intimate space. An upholstered bench can be matched and blended with practically any existing bedroom furniture or can be selected to make a bold statement or to become the focal point of the room.

Bedroom benches can also be covered with rich, colorful fabrics chosen from a large tapestry of colors and designs. Want something a little more personal or customized? Simply cover your upholstered bench with your own needlepoint work or family heirloom fabrics.

The entry hallway is also another popular place for an upholstered bench. What could be better than welcoming visitors into an elegant entryway complete with a beautifully upholstered bench where guests can sit to catch their breath or comfortably remove their overcoats and soiled shoes?

Need some extra storage space? Storage upholstered benches can be the perfect solution for non-existing or small and cramped closets. They are ideal for storing off-season bed linens and clothes or personal treasures and family keepsakes.

Not only are upholstered benches beautiful and practical, they are also very affordable. You can purchase an upholstered bench for as little as $150. Of course, you can spend a great deal more than that if your tastes and wants lead you in that direction.

So if you are looking for a piece of furniture both rich in textured color and practical, maybe you should browse the large selection of upholstered bench styles. You may just find something that is perfect.

Jennifer Akre is a successful business owner of numerous furniture websites such as http://www.SimplyBenches.com. Her sites offer product and information about upholstered bench styles and other decor and furniture for your home or garden.

Posted on Aug 23rd, 2007

If you’re short on space in the bathroom, there are a number of ways you can optimize the space you do have to work with. Here are some ideas that have worked great for our family:

- My daughter and I don’t have a lot of jewelry, but we keep the jewelry we do have in the bathroom. Something I found that’s really neat to organize your jewelry is a coffee mug holder. We’ve found several very inexpensive at yard sales. They look like miniature coat racks. They’re small stands that have posts sticking out of them to hang coffee mugs on. These work great for hanging necklaces and bracelets on. We have one in each of our bathrooms.

- Small corner shelves that are meant to go on the wall fit nicely into the corners of your bathroom counters. These are easy to find at yard sales and give you several shelves to put makeup, knickknacks, etc., on. I keep a small pottery bowl on one of my shelves to keep my good rings in one place (so I’ll know where they are). My daughter and I have fun shopping for little one-of-a kind finds like these at local craft shows.

- My husband came up with another neat idea for organizing jewelry. If you have a big mirror in your bathroom, you could place several suction cups with hooks on them on the mirror and hang your necklaces or bracelets on the hooks.

- The bathroom is a great place to keep your bathrobe. Place a self-adhesive hook on either the back of your bathroom door, or on the wall behind the door. Hang your bathrobe up after each use, and it’s ready for next time. Put up one for each family member in the bathroom they most often use.

- My daughter always forgets to get out a towel before she gets in the shower. We bought a ring-shaped towel holder (they take up less room), and put it on the wall right by the edge of the bathtub. Now when she’s in the shower she just has to reach out to grab the towel.

- A way to organize the clutter on your bathroom counter is to buy a plastic tub with a handle on top. Place all your bathroom accessories (hair sprays, lotions) in the tub and place under the counter. When you’re ready to use, just take the tub out. When you’re done put the tub back under the counter.

- Shower caddies are an inexpensive way to organize your shampoo, conditioner, razor, soap, etc., in the shower. We got the kind that hooks over the shower head and it kept slipping down, so we eventually ended up screwing it to the wall. It works great and keeps everything in one place.

- If you have shower doors that tend to get water/soap scum build-up on them, keep a water squeegee (like you use on the windshield of your car) handy to wipe down the doors every time you take a shower. We keep ours in the shower hanging on the wall from a suction cup.

- We don’t have a whole lot of cabinet space in our bathrooms, so we bought some small shelves to put above the toilets. On these shelves we keep washcloths, hair spray, toothpaste.

Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom who is the owner of http://www.organized-mom.com, featuring the Easy Organizer, loaded with tools to help you plan, schedule, remember events, keep in touch, get your family on an organized schedule, prioritize, and more.

Posted on Aug 23rd, 2007

At one time, ceramic tile was only for the wealthy. No more. Today, for the same price as you will pay for manufactured cast resin, imitation marble or other polymer, you can have a one-of-a-kind piece of fine art, made by an American artist who is willing to work with YOUR ideas and concepts. Suppose you love plants and flowers, but the wall over your sink in the kitchen has no window? Tell the artist your favorites, she will paint your favorite ferns or perennials, in a basket or within its own little garden. What if you moved south and miss your paper birch trees so badly? A mural over your bathroom sink of these gorgeous white and black trees, with or without surrounding fall foliage, will guarantee a lifetime of the perfect view. No wall space for a mural? How about accent tiles placed every foot or so of your favorite cooking herbs in an 1800’s style, right out of the Farmer’s Almanac? Or an easy-to-clean backsplash behind the kitchen sink of fruits connected by flowering vines all in a lively color scheme?

The best part about tile is you only have to do it once. You choose timeless and tireless motifs and place them where you need something durable. Side-by-side with gold, ceramic is the most durable substance we know. What else has told us the history of human culture as accurately? Nothing the manufacturers have come up with can surpass ceramic tile for lasting beauty. Nothing.

Working with an artist as opposed to a factory has many benefits. The artist has sentimental memories too, and usually does the work she does for other reasons than moving out volumes of product for profit, so she is more than happy to fill your space with warm homey decoration. We all have a favorite old pattern or print, maybe Grandma’s stitching or an old tapestry. Everything eventually wears out and must be discarded. Except ceramic. Have it painted on tile and installed for all time.

Framed paintings do not do well in steamy bathrooms or near greasy cookstoves, gathering dust and needing cleaning way too often. A tapestry or rug painted on tile will hang beautifully inlaid into any wall. In the hall where people always bump paintings is a great idea. Stair risers that always get scuffed up can be painted in a myriad of design motifs, like southwestern, Mayan or Aztec, any colorful design, and fill a dull stairway with brilliant color.

Do you work too many hours to have pets? A brilliant parrot on the wall in the corner of your livingroom, gleaming feathers shining, will welcome you home, making no noise and quietly demanding no food or attention! No other art medium can imitate the iridescence and brilliance of bird feathers like ceramic glaze. A skilled hand-painter can imitate textures and colored objects from all around the world. Mayan stone carvings, Egyptian hieroglyphics, even cave art paintings all look so real in ceramic. Solid blocks of color in modern graphic shapes is the other end of the design spectrum. Color makes a very powerful statement, as we all know.

Please do not feel compelled to use what the remodelling stores offer, the dull and unimaginative and very plain tiles they sell in volume. Email a hand-painter and she will help you come up with the only one in the world, a unique piece of fine art that is yours alone. Timeless and elegant decor is only a few weeks away.

Dy Witt has over 21 years experience in painting with ceramic glaze, a difficult and unpredictable medium at best. Find samples of murals, accents and 3-D wall sculpture in the true ceramic process here on her web site. http://www.dyztilz.com

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Posted on Aug 22nd, 2007

What makes down comforters such sought after bed attire? For one, down offers superb thermal properties because it traps small pockets of air very efficiently. These little pockets of air provide an effective thermal barrier and are the reason that people often comment on the perfect sleeping temperature that a down comforter provides.

Along with the temperature regulation that the air pockets around down feathers provide, is the enduring fluffiness of a nice down comforter. This feature of down is commonly referred to as its ‘loft’. The little air pockets not only keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, but keep a down comforter pleasantly fluffy and inviting year after year.

Although down comforters have been around for centuries, there have been some more recent innovations that add to the form, function and longevity of the down comforter. Many manufacturers use a box stitch or some similar stitching pattern to keep the down feathers from shifting around over time. If you’ve ever owned a down comforter that did not have this feature you probably noticed that the down tends to shift and clump in various portions after a couple of years.

Another improvement on the down comforter are anti-microbial treatments that are applied to the inner down stuffing of a comforter. Such chemical treatments discourage the proliferation of mold, mildew and other fungus that can otherwise intrude and ruin your down comforter. These anti-microbial treatments last for several years, even through dry cleaning.

If you’ve ever owned a down comforter you may have wondered why the label recommends using only dry cleaning to launder the comforter. While it’s true that thick fabrics tend to be difficult to dry out after washing, this is not the only reason that down-filled items should not be washed with water.

When down becomes wet its thermal properties are greatly diminished, as well as its lofting characteristics. This is simply because getting down wet, or compressing down into a very small volume, expels the air that is trapped between the feathers. Assuming that you could effectively dry a down comforter after washing it with detergent and water, it could take months for the down feathers to fluff up and trap air again. And in the meantime, you would certainly notice the decreased fluffiness of your once heavenly down comforter.

Small stains and spots can be removed with warm water and soap. Just use a hair dryer on the area after you’ve cleaned it. If there aren’t huge spills or large amounts of grime penetrating the cover, you should be able to go for a long time without getting the comforter dry cleaned.

One of the easiest and most important ways to protect your down comforter is by using a removable cover. The dirt that builds up from regular use will only affect the washable cover. This cover can be removed and laundered using a regular washer and dryer. Also, the cover serves as the first layer of the heat dispersal features of down. Perspiration is absorbed by only the cover layer, while the body’s heat passes into the down and expands the tiny air pockets.

With a little maintenance and regular care your down comforter will be around to soothe you for years to come!

For more information and buying tips about down comforters please visit http://www.onlinedowncomforter.info

Charlotte Alice advices http://www.ukdropshippingguide.co.uk and http://www.onlinewebpublisher.com

Posted on Aug 22nd, 2007

When decorating your bathroom, it is important to choose practical and beautiful bathroom accessories that also enhance the style of the room. It is this kind of attention to detail that separates a bathroom with charm and character from one that is strictly ho-hum. Bathrooms have come a long way from the days of strictly utilitarian design and use, and are now viewed as sanctuaries to which people escape and indulge in personal pampering.

The Powder Room – Go Wild

A powder room will be located where it is convenient for the use of guests, and is usually a small room. This means you can opt for such expensive decorating touches as crown molding and high-priced wallpaper which may not be affordable for the larger bathrooms in your home. As well, no bathtub or shower means there are no moisture concerns when selecting materials and decorating touches. You can hang a nice piece of framed artwork without worrying that dampness will destroy it. This is the bathroom in which you can use vibrant colors, and display luxury collections on a counter or shelf.

The Family Bathroom – Make Sharing Easier

Even if the family bathroom is of average size or larger, it may seem small because of the number of people using it. If this is the case, incorporate some creative storage ideas and pull out all the stops in creating the illusion of spaciousness. If there are young children in the family, you need to pay special attention to safety features as well.

* To make the room appear larger, choose light, cool colors for walls and trim, such as buttery or cream colored walls with white or beige trim, and make sure your bathroom accessories are also color coordinated: towels, shower curtains, bath mats, rugs, the clothes hamper, scales, and storage bins. Oversized mirrors can also enlarge the appearance of the room.

* Make sure there is at least one drawer or cupboard that can be locked so that medicines and other poisonous items can be safely stored.

* Attach a grab bar to wall studs located by the bathtub or in the shower stall as another good safety feature.

* In this day of pedestal sinks, storage has been sacrificed for style but do not accept defeat. If there is a closet of any kind, buy a closet organizer to hold towels and facecloths, and bins for personal items, one for each family member. If there is no space for a closet, add open shelves over the toilet, or any place they will fit, and use decorative bins to hold various personal items.

* If you can add a second wash basin, it will help relieve some of the bathroom traffic problems.

The Master Bathroom – You Deserve All the Luxury You Can Afford

The master bathroom, depending on its size and your pocketbook, can incorporate decorative ideas from both powder rooms and family bathrooms, and can include more luxurious bathroom accessories since it is generally an adult-only room.

If it is large enough, you can turn the master bathroom into a personal spa, with an oversized, jetted bathtub and an in-line water heater. Steam showers and rain bars are other elegant amenities, as is radiant heating and towel warmers.

Make A Plan

There are bathroom furnishings and bathroom accessories available to fit any budget. Before you begin to decorate or remodel, list what you need to do, what you would like to do and what you would do if you could find the money. Estimate the cost of materials and tools for the do-it-yourselfer – if you are one – and the cost of a plumber, an electrician, a carpenter, and a painter, if you are not. Decide what you can afford to do and whether you should go for an economical quick fix, or a more expensive major overhaul.

Paint, wall coverings, and flooring materials for all bathrooms except the powder room must be appropriately chosen for durability and water resistance. A water-base paint is acceptable throughout most of the interior of your home; however, interior painting of the bathroom requires an oil-base – enamel – paint. In general, materials that stand up well to excess moisture are:

* Plastic laminate
* Vinyl-coated wallpaper
* Semi-gloss enamel paint
* Masonry block
* Cast marble

When choosing colors, remember that light cool colors will make a room appear larger, as will painting walls and ceilings the same color. If you have a large room with a high ceiling, a dark color on the ceiling will lower it.

The Quick Fix

* Paint or wallpaper the walls.
* Paint the trim and the bathroom cabinets and shelves.
* Replace bathroom faucets.
* Color coordinate bathroom accessories: towels and face cloths, the shower curtain, scales, hamper, and storage bins, rugs, and bathmats.
* Replace the mirror or paint the frame.
* Replace lighting fixtures.
* Add decorative, color coordinated items to hold cotton balls, swabs, bath salts, hand lotions, etc.

The Complete Overhaul
As well as the quick fix:

* Install new fixtures: bathtub, shower stall, toilet, and sink.
* Replace bathroom cabinets, and bathroom countertops
* Choose new flooring.
* Install new bathroom faucets and showerheads.

Select Your Favorite Style

When you have settled on a decorating style that reflects your taste and your lifestyle, choose your bathroom accessories so that they will reinforce the look you want to achieve. There are three main styles, and, of course, you can develop one that is very personal.

1) Contemporary
The contemporary style demands clean straight lines and solid colors. Choose plain fixtures, natural wood for cabinets, stainless steel faucets, and decorative materials of wood, stone or tile. The room should look sleek and clutter-free, which means a minimum number of items on display and on the counter. Select streamlined bathroom accessories.

2) Country
The warm, cozy, country style calls for pastel earth colors and vintage-looking fixtures. You can go wild with floral patterns and fabrics, and use wicker for towel and toilet tissue baskets, and for the clothes hamper. Collections of bottles, framed botanicals, stencils on the wall, and other such decorative items are appropriate.

3) Traditional
Glamour and elegance are hallmarks of the traditional style and you should select porcelain fixtures with gold, silver, or brass faucets and fittings. Think floral fabrics and groupings of treasured collections, and use gold accents and gilded finishes wherever you can.

4) A Personal Theme
A collection of seashells, or your fondness for cactus plants or birds might dictate a particular motif that delights you and other family members. Bathroom decorating and bathroom accessories can revolve around this theme and inspire particular color choices and the inclusion of elements from the sea, the desert, favorite animals or birds, a fantasy world, or anything that has captured your imagination.

There are countless products and materials designed to enhance the beauty, comfort and convenience of bathrooms. When it’s time to decorate, you can really have fun!

Scott Gray is currently a freelance writer and enjoys providing tips to consumers who are in the market for all types of home improvement projects, bathroom accessories and garden supplies.

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