by THAT Painter Lady on Monday, February 9, 2009
Tiles are a great way to get that new look for your kitchen or bathroom. New bathroom wall tiles or kitchen wall tiles can be used to give even the most boring rooms in your home some much needed revitalization. There are a wide range of different tile fabrics available, each of which can be used to achieve different effects around the home. The trick is to work out the advantages and disadvantages of the different tile fabrics as well as the expense, so then you can find the best bathroom tiles for your house.
photo credit: rick
Ceramic tiles typically come either glazed or unglazed. Ceramic tiles are normally the simplest sort of tile to cut and drill because they are much softer than natural stone and porcelain tiles. Ceramic tiles can sometimes work well on floors and walls but are probably most suited as kitchen wall tiles.
Glass tiles have become increasingly popular these days but these are perhaps the most difficult tiles to use. In most cases you should follow the manufacturers guidelines of how to cut and lay these tiles. Most glass tiles can be cut using either an angle grinder, some flatbed tile cutters or some nibblers. However all of these require a special blade for cutting glass and when the floor tiles have been cut they must be smoothed off with a carborundum stone.
Stainless steel tiles may not sound very appealing but you can achieve some amazing effects with them. Stainless steel is very tough and will not rust or crack or fade as they get older and they are also pretty simple to fix using sticky backing pads. They are normally used as splash back kitchen wall tiles, that 
surround hobs and cooking apperatus. Stainless steel tiles are mostly used in the food and petrochemical industries or anywhere, where a high standard of hygiene is important.
Tiles made from natural stone are great tiles to use on a floor. The reason for this is because they are strong and can take a lot of abuse as well as being easy to take care of. Limestone or marble tiles are brilliant for floors and can have a polished or honed look to them, depending on whether or not you want a shiny or matt look to the floor. Laying natural stone tiles is often a tricky process so you might want to get some help from the professionals. When it comes to cutting stone tiles like marble tiles, you should alwaysdiamond cutting wheel angle grinder.
photo credit: avidtile
Tile Idea Book
by THAT Painter Lady on Monday, January 26, 2009
Often we think of home improvement projects as massive time and financial commitments that involve a lot of temporary upheaval in the bathroom, living room, kitchen or other larger rooms in the home.
This is not necessarily the case when simply decorating. And a “country” look in the design can be a lot of fun.
Country Style design is a broad type of decorating style that can depend on a house’s geographical location, but is often embodied by basic, simple furniture, subdued color schemes, vintage-print fabrics and milk-paint finishes.
To learn how to create a contemporary country style in your home – one that is attractive and fits your lifestyle – keep reading for the basics of country colors, furniture, fabrics and accessories.
Country Colors
Subdued, muted colors that will show wear over time are the first step to creating a rustic, country feel. A more modern country design may use a vibrant color palette that utilizes accents of navy blue, black, white or red to offset the design.
Country Furniture
Opt for simple, shaker style of furniture that’s primitive, but sturdy. Flea markets, old attics, thrift shops and antique markets are great spots to find treasures for your beautiful, country home.
Overall, you want to look at pieces that have minimal ornamentation, simply painted finishes and basic, straight lines. Flourishes and European embellishments should be kept to a minimum.
Country Fabrics
When you’re picking fabrics for your window treatments and accent pieces, look for small or visually interesting prints that appeal to the era to which you’re trying to speak.
Popular country patterns include floral designs, striped and checked patterns and anything on a basic calico. When you’re selecting fabrics, try to match large prints with smaller ones or louder fabrics with those that are more subdued.
If you’re using just two or three fabrics for accents, pillows, curtains and chair cushions, try to use them throughout the house. You’ll bring the color palette and your style scheme to every room with minimal effort, while still tying the house together.
Country Accessories
Your accessories and other final touches will make your room and really pull the design style together.
Look for homespun or handmade items to create a beautiful, rustic country-style. Touches like hand-woven baskets, beautifully carved bowls, primitive pottery or hand-forged metal fireplace elements are not only lovely to look at, but also functional.
Look for hand-spun and knit or quilted accent blankets to build warmth and bring your color schemes together.
Remember, overall, country style is about simplicity and grace. Don’t go overboard with checkered prints or rooster-themed cookware. You want a look that’s rustic and basic, not overdone and kitschy. With effort and restraint, you can create a beautiful country house that’s truly a home.
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Influential Country Styles: From Traditional American to Rustic French
photo credit: Tammy Manet
photo credit: Svadilfari
by THAT Painter Lady on Thursday, January 22, 2009
photo credit: aaron brenneman
The kitchen is probably one of the most used places in our home where we not only prepare and cook family meals but also functions as a great gathering place for both friends and family. That is why as important as it is to take care of yourself to maintain good health taking care of your home, especially the kitchen, is probably one of the best things that you can do for your financial health. A kitchen makeover not only improves the beauty and function but also increases the value of your home. If you would like to do a kitchen makeover in your house here are some of the best ideas that you can use to show your own style and ensure that you will have the dream kitchen that you want and deserve.
Start With A New Coat Of Paint
If you are thinking of doing a kitchen plan makeover to upgrade the look and function of your kitchen to ensure that your kitchen will last for a long time it does not necessarily means that you have to spend an enormous amount of money.
One of the first things that you might consider when thinking of doing a kitchen makeover is to start out with the walls. You can instantly create a new look and atmosphere if you update with a new coat of paint. You can either go for one color or make a combination that will give a new ambiance to your home. Paint is one of the most inexpensive and easy projects that you can do yourself.
If you have a favorite color that you want to use choose all the other kitchen and basement upgrades such as flooring, lighting and appliances to fit in that color scheme. Otherwise select the flooring, lighting, countertops and appliances first and the wall color can then be based on these choices.
Use A Theme
Having an overall theme for your kitchen makeover using construction tools can be very helpful in the selection process. For instance, if you have a Tuscan or French cafe theme in mind, makes choosing the lighting, flooring, countertops and appliances and also the paint colors much easier. Also finding accessories and pieces of art that you can put in your new kitchen should follow the same theme. Cookie jars, small paintings, kitchen towels, aprons, and other little things that complement your theme can instantly give a new look to your kitchen without breaking the bank.
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Kitchen and Bath Theme Design: An Architectural Styling Guide
photo credit: NancyHugoCKD.com
photo credit: Bree Bailey
