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Articles on Decor Matters:

Bathroom Installation and Decoration - A Few Tips and Ideas

The bathroom is an area of importance. It enables one to maintain personal hygiene and should be a private, personal space, designed for comfort and peaceful retreat. Bathrooms perform different functions, often depending on space or the lay out of a house. Regardless of type, it is an area that needs a great deal of careful planning and thought.

For large families, the installation of a new bathroom is worth considering. Not only can it put and end to morning queues, but should help reduce wear and tear on the existing bathroom. It can also increase the value of a house. For those blessed with enough space, ensuite bathing areas that incorporate shower cubicles, baths or full suites are a viable option. However, people with less room to work might want to consider the inclusion of a simple washbasin or shower in their bedroom or spare room.

The bath is the focal point of the room. For design purposes, it’s a good idea to integrate it into the overall design of the bathroom, whether with the flooring or wall decor. The shapes and sizes of baths vary so it shouldn’t be difficult to find one that suits your bathroom best. For example, sunken baths can prove very attractive enhancements. They tend to blend in with a bathroom in terms of operation as well as appearance. However, they tend to require a little extra work to install and are more expensive than standard versions. If room is a problem, you might want to consider a corner bath. Useful at saving space, they could enable you to include other bathroom features such as a bidet or even an extra washbasin.

Choosing a bath not only effects the overall look and feel of a bathroom but can also save money. For example, acrylic versions tend to keep water heated longer than iron and metallic baths. Moreover, an efficiently designed bath may require less water to fill it than other types, thereby reducing the monthly water bill.

Bathroom fittings are often expensive and difficult to move around which means that alteration is problematic once installed. So careful, considered planning should prevent the need for revision once installation has taken place. The fittings and material used must of course be durable and waterproof. To protect the decor and prevent mould, the edges of baths and washbasins should be sealed - plastic sealant or sealant strips are easily available from leading bathroom retailers.

Like most rooms in the house, storage is a major issue. Sometimes bath products seem to colonise all corners of a bathroom. So adequate storage products are an important feature, integral to the successful operation of a busy bathroom Cabinets and cupboards can solve these space issues and are commonly available in fixed or free standing versions. Most good bathroom and furniture merchants stock them in large numbers.

Bathroom lighting should be thorough but not glaring. Many bathrooms have white fittings that can reflect bright light to an uncomfortable degree. Simple wall lights are an option that should provide sufficient illumination for performing every-day tasks, while complimenting the decor. It is very important that all types of lighting are approved for use in the bathroom and are carefully sealed. Switches should be placed outside, or a string pull installed to ensure safe operation.

Finally, if you plan on installing a tiled floor, the inclusion of bath mats is of great importance. With the amount of water that can be displaced in a bathroom area, mats can provide a non-slip surface that means added safety. They often come with adhesive strips that fix them to the floor and provide further stability.

John Shelabarger
21 Dec 2006

John Shelabarger has worked in the affiliate industry for a number of years. He promotes a broad range of bedroom furniture through his site http://www.ornate-homes.com

Home Design Trends 2007

With 2006 behind us, it's time to start looking forward to what the New Year will bring. For me, the New Year isn't just about making resolutions; it's about keeping design current with the very latest trends. Read on to find out what's going to be popular in 2007.

Colors
A few key color trends are emerging that mark some significant departures from what has been popular in the recent past. Browns, oranges, and other warm colors are resurfacing after a long period of absence in home decorating. You can also plan to see greys, blacks, and other darker, more mineral-like tones. Deep hues of teal, navy, and green are also making a comeback and offer a fresh, new look for homes everywhere.

Mother Nature, Interior Designer
Anything that reflects elements of nature, such as wood, bamboo, and other "earthy" textures is going to be very popular. Earth-inspired fabric collections that are designed to mimic the feel of woven woods are seen more and more in everything from window shades to rugs to lampshades and other accessories, reflecting this trend.

The Cozy Cottage Design Style
Even the most metropolitan of homes are incorporating more charm and comfort into their interior design. This reflects what is called the casual, or cottage designing style, which is making a comeback, even for urban jetsetters. Characterized by mixed-and-matched design accessories, light, airy, and informal décor, this re-emerging design style adds a vacation feel to any living space. Sheer window shadings, and soft draperies are going to be seen in more homes as a way of maintaining a light, carefree atmosphere.

Be a Creature of Comfort
For those of you who have always opted for comfort over style: you're on to something. This year, a comfortable living area is a stylish living area. Your home environment should encourage relaxation and be a haven from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. Stiff, formal sitting rooms are out.

Shades of 2007
I couldn't write this article without talking about the exciting new trends in window treatments, many of which follow the overall trends of the season. Simple shades, like roller shades or flat-panel Roman shades, have taken over. Shades in textural fabrics, like suede and cotton are especially popular this year.

Your window treatments can also reflect the comfort-focused trend that is so stylish now: you can use them to control visibility, and the increasingly popular motorized shades allow you to control visibility with the simple flip of a switch. Of course, energy-efficient shades can save you energy, which will always be in style.

Good News for Do-it-Yourselfers
Anything homemade or handcrafted is in! From handmade blankets and pillows to craft projects like picture frames and other accessories, the project ideas that this trend inspires are endless. And they'll add a personal touch to your home.

Go Global
Another big theme for 2007 is home design with an ethnic flavor. So don't be afraid to venture outside of what you currently have. Spruce up your décor with furniture inspired by the styles and culture of other countries. Not ready to make a drastic change? Home décor accessories like lamps, pillows and rugs offer ways to infuse your home with smaller tastes of culture.

It's clear that 2007 promises to be an exciting year in home design. These tips will help you welcome the new year with style, whether you're planning a decorating makeover or just some small updates to refresh your home's look.

Stacey Wiktorek
02 Feb 2007

Stacey Wiktorek is a member of the in-house professional home design team at BlindCrafter.com, where she provides expert decorating and design advice for anyone looking to beautify their home. For tips and home design ideas, or to receive their monthly Customer Club newsletter with trends, advice, and exclusive coupons, visit their website at http://www.blindcrafter.com/kristinasdesignstudio.cfm.