Add Personality To Your Space With This Interior Design Advice

interior design oxford rogue designs (Photo credit: rogue-designs)

Take time to revamp your space and it'll pay off. It's not always necessary to tackle a room's design by thinking in a large scale mindset of large bolts of material and boxes of ceramic tiles. You do not have to go all out! In this article, you will find easy changes that you can start immediately. Using accessories can be a simple way to give any room a whole new look. For instance, change your fans, accent pieces, and lighting fixtures. Change your curtains or add some tea towels. Making small changes adds something fresh to your rooms. Also, you won't spend lots of money on them. The easiest and fastest interior design trick is to paint the walls. Paint only lasts so long, so rooms do need you to repaint them occasionally. A new coat of paint can truly make the interior of your home look great, so make sure you choose each color you want to add wisely. If you live in an older property, built prior to 1960, be sure to have any exisiting paintwork evaluated for lead as this can be harmful and requires professional abatement.

When designing the bedroom, pay attention to the size of the bed. A tiny room with a king size bed will be too cramped. It also takes away valuable space that can be used to incorporate other furniture. Always make sure that enough time is spent going over the different types of fabric and color you plan on using. Since you will probably live in this house for a long time, it is a good idea to spend some time researching in order to save money and time. Any interior design can be defeated by clutter. If your plans for making your home look classy are being spoiled by an excess of possessions, rent a storage unit where you can tuck away seldom-used belongings. You can get rid of some clutter in your home by adding a outdoor shed. It is fairly inexpensive to find the right lighting solutions for your living room. There are various retailers that sell cost-effective chandeliers that you could get for a discounted price. Should you not love the look of it later on, the low cost will keep you from fretting about replacing it. For a smaller space, a great trick for broadening the feel is to incorporate plenty of mirrors. Mirrors can help create the illusion of a larger space, which can assist in enhancing the appearance of your interior spaces. Invest in a beautiful mirror to facilitate your interior design project. This interior design technique is fun to include the whole family in. Look for interesting and low cost picture frames to hang on the wall. Create your own picture to go inside them with paint. If you are at all artistic, this is a great way to create a sense of fun in your home without paying big bucks for art pieces. Think of a way to design your framed pictures to look nice and fitting in your home. They are also a part of your decor. Straight lines are good in some situations, but don't be afraid to change things up. You could hang them in planned patterns or at unusual angles. Utilizing white space on the walls will present exciting options for enhancing or changing the feel of the space.Include several patterns or textures into a room when you are designing it. You can draw a lot of attention to spaces in your room when you use this tip. If your design plan is contemporary, then patterns and texture are required to get the right look. A great interior design tip is to make sure your blinds and drapes go with the rest of your room. If these items are mismatched, it will make the space look odd. They should make a room instead of destroy it, so do not forget them as you decorate.

Area rugs can make a great addition to any room. This rug should fit your area snugly, so that it does not take away from the appearance of the room. If the space in the room is large, get a rug that is also large, in order to make it appear consistent. Alternatively, a small room requires a like-sized rug, something too big that overtakes the room's look will not look right. I prefer rugs as they also eliminate the stress of wet carpets if your home is ever flooded.

Why Make Use Of Glass Interior Doors

There is a growing trend for glass to be incorporated into interior doors. One of the main reasons is that an interior glass door will dramatically change the entire feel of a room. Glass panels set into your interior doors can allow us the opportunity to let more natural light into our homes. It is possible to choose between clear glass which also allows a view through to the next room, or alternatively for more privacy you might opt for frosted glass which will offer the same natural light, but block the view.
When it comes to frosted glass for interior doors, there are a number of different finishes available. Some of the finishes available are known as cord, corteza, crackle and rain and each comes with different pattern to the frosting. Alternatively you could opt for a tinted glass, which is available in a range of different tints and shades. The most popular is 'graylite' glass which is similar to good sunglasses, blocking out the intense rays of the sun but allowing those inside to see out while not straining to see against the bright light.

Glass in interior doors is particularly popular because it allows light to pass between rooms unlike solid doors which cut off the light when the door is closed. It is possible to create a warm atmosphere in any room by choosing a warm wood such as Oak and some frosted glass panels to create a look which is contemporary but welcoming in any home.

Related articles

• Decorating With Wood
• Body Art Bachelor Pad

How to Prepare Your Home Against Flooding

Heavy rain and high tide causing flooding of Rapid Creek on the 19th February 2008 in Darwin, Northern Territory. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It is never going to be possible to totally flood proof a property, but there are a number of steps you can do to reduce the amount of water damage that occurs should you ever experience flooding in your home. The cost of flooding can be high, not just in terms of money, but also time and heartache.

Your first step should always be to ascertain if you are at risk of flooding. In periods of heavy rainfall it is important that you check with your local environmental agency whether or not you are at risk. It is important to remember that even if your property is not located where it would be at risk of flooding from rivers or the ocean, you may still be affected by surface or groundwater flooding. Of course there is also the risk of flooding caused by pipe leaks or appliance malfunction which could occur at any time. You can take steps to ensure water does not enter your home.

It is possible to purchase flood boards for your doors and you can raise the threshold to slow down or stop the onset of flooding. Floors and walls can be protected by raising damp-proof brick courses. Applying sealing to floors will also help to stop water rising through the ground. Air bricks are required for ventilation, but special covers can be purchased to protect theses against flood water. Your drains and water inlet/outlet pipes should be fitted with non-return valves.

Of course, even with all of those measures in place we must be prepared for the fact that water may find it's way inside the home. That's why we must prepare ourselves for that eventuality. It is recommended that audio-visual equipment such as TV and Stereo should be fixed to the wall at least 60 inches from the floor. Electrical sockets, wiring and fuseboxes should also be at this level. Skirting board can be treated with water-resistant sealant and doors and windows can be installed which are synthetic or waxed to ensure they are not warped by water.

These steps can help lessen the effects of flooding in your home. I think it is more than worth the initial outlay to have that peace of mind that you are minimizing the damage should a flood occur at any time in the future.

Five Tips On Bachelor Pad Décor

One of our friends just got out of a really bad long term relationship. His ex is crazy and this is a good move for him. He just recently moved into his new apartment and he wants it to be his little bachelor pad sanctuary. I'm not doing his decorating, but he did ask me for some advice and I was more than happy to offer up some ideas. I think a bachelor pad offers this really unique opportunity for a guy to have all the stuff he ever wanted without having to worry about someone else’s taste. I really think that's exactly what Bryan needs in his life right now. So my best bachelor pad ideas are as follows!

1. Keep It Simple! Don't go for ruffles and tiebacks or designer options when it comes to things like curtains, blinds and shower curtains. These things only look crappy when they start to get dirty or worn. Opt instead for clean single sheet curtains.
2. Be Smart With Storage! Look for furniture pieces that double as storage. For example, a coffee table with built in drawers to keep things in. Clutter is not cool so make sure everything has a place.
3. Express Yourself! Never be afraid to put your stamp on it. Do not be tempted to just grab cheap furnishings or hand me downs form Mom and Dad. This is your chance to make your living space all about you so grab it with two hands.
4. Focus On Needs! If you don't cook, then a basic kitchen is fine do not spend a fortune on a designer range. Look at what you need for your life and stick to it.
5. Don't Be A Stereotype! Being a bachelor doesn't meaning living in a dirty apartment with tacky décor. Think Bond not Beavis and Butthead

No to Kitchen Mold

One of the worst possible issues that can befall your home is a mold infestation. There are more than one hundred thousand different species of mold some of which have the potential to invade your home, posing serious health risks to you and your family. The worst thing about mold is that often the microscopic spores are practically invisible as they float in the air where they can be inhaled, causing health issues. In addition to this, they also cause structural damage in walls and foundations, especially those constructed from wood.

Mold and mildew occur in those areas which have high levels of humidity. This includes bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements and of course kitchens. Kitchens are particularly prone to mold infestation because of the high level of humidity and moisture. Kitchens use a large amount of water and if water sources are not carefully controlled then they can become a haven for mold.

One major problem area in the is under the kitchen sink. As this area is hidden away, it is really easy for us to simply forget all about it. However, leaking pipes and drains cause moisture which will soon spread to the wooden areas of the cabinet and prolonged exposure will cause mold to grow. Another source of mold problems can be leaks from refrigerator drains.

With so much potential for mold in the kitchen, it is important to make sure that you keep the area clean at all times.

Decorating With Wood

If you are looking for a contemporary alternative to wallpaper and paint, then why not consider wood panels instead? There is a misconception that wood paneling can look dark and dreary, but this is not the case. When used in moderation, it can really bring out a natural warmth that is not possible with other materials.

Today, wood paneling is available in a huge range of styles, colors and textures, ranging from the traditional woods like oak and mahogany all the way through to more exotic zebrawood and wenge. You might just be surprised at the beautiful panels available on the market. I used wood paneling to create a feature wall in our lounge and I absolutely love it! I opted for a Safari White wood panel which looks almost like Zebra print! It has a white background with black grain and really offers a bold look in the room. I paneled one wall and painted the others in a soft lime green, the effect of monochromatic black and white with that touch of color is really striking!

A feature wall is just one of the uses of wood panels, they are perfect for covering an entire bathroom or kitchen, plain wood is great for a study or library. You could also try paneling only the bottom half or two thirds of a room, or perhaps the base of your kitchen island. There are many possibilities to choose from. Go on give wood a chance!

Dealing With Household Mold

Mold grows in a room or place where there is a lot of moisture or dampness. It can grow anywhere including outside the house. mold has different types and colors too. It can grow in bathrooms, basements, carpets, cupboards, refrigerators and many other places where there is a lot of humidity. mold is dangerous and can lead to different health issues if an individual is exposed to it. The effects of mold can range from mild to very severe consequences. That is why it is very important for all home owners to at least have several tips on how to deal with mold in their houses.

In case of mold in your bathroom; you can opt to properly ventilate it to control its growth. Proper ventilation will make sure that the room does not have excess moisture. Ventilation may be done by opening the windows and door.

Generally, it can grow anywhere especially in places where there are problems like leaking roofs, broken pipes or drainage problems. You can easily deal with mold problems in your house. However, when it comes to the dangerous mold known as black mold, it is best to call moldremediation experts.This is because black mold is really be toxic and there are procedures to be followed too when dealing with it.

How do you know you have mold in your house?

1. You will notice spots on the wall, floor or other places of your bathroom .The spots color could range from black, grey, or brown.
2. A stale stench.

2. Moisture on the floor.

4. Regular health problems are experienced by members of your family. They could suffer from itchy noses, sneezing, running noses or even mild head aches.

Finding a mold remediation company to deal with the problem is the best thing you can do.

You can deal with the problem of mold by:

-Proper ventilation

-Installation of exhaust fans or portable dehumidifiers

-Cleaning the place regularly using bleaches.

-Attending to wet floors immediately since mold grows very fast.

If you decide it is safer to clean mold from hard surfaces. Wear protective clothing to avoid exposing yourself to the dangers of mold. Consult mold remediation experts and have all the mold cleaned out permanently.

Cool and Stylish Kitchen

So I talked a little about helping my friend clean up her smoke damage. Now that we have done all the hard work she has gotten the go ahead from her insurance company to have her new kitchen installed. It was so much fun helping her pick out all of the new cabinets and counter tops. I am super jealous It has really made me want to update our kitchen again.

The thing that really struck me was the sheer volume of choice. Cabinets are available in so many different styles and materials. I am glad she had a strong idea what she wanted, because otherwise she would have been spoilt for choice and it could have taken several years to make a decision! She eventually opted for this gorgeous kitchen form Vegas based company 27 estore. I think it really has a great selection to choose from. She has opted for this sleek and sexy high gloss white kitchen with black counters. It's stunning – she doesn't have pets or kids so she can get away with something this trendy! I on the other hand need to stick with the standard country style! I can't wait to see it when it's finished next week!

Cleaning Smoke Damage

A good friend of mine had something devastating happen in her home last week. There was a fire. Fire is one of those things that is kind of pretty, kind of awe inspiring, but so destructive when it is out of control. Thankfully no-one was hurt, but her kitchen is a goner. We've been helping her out with the aftermath and getting the room prepared for installing her new kitchen.

The guys managed to get all of the old cabinets and stuff out of the way first and then once we finished clearing away all the debris it was time to clean up the smoke damage ready for painting and new flooring. Smoke damage is pretty hard to clean but she was not able to afford a professional company so we had to tackle it ourselves.

Smoke damage tends to cause black marks and discolouration on walls and ceilings. There are two main types, soot damage which is the black residue and charring which occurs when the paint actually burns. Depending on the level of damage you may not be able to clean it and can only prime and repaint. If you are able to clean it then you are going to need a few tools :

• Large sponges
• 2 buckets
• Warm water
• Clean rags
• Goggles
• Heavy duty gloves
• Trisodium Phosphate Cleaner (TSP)

Be aware that TSP is very harsh and that is why we need goggles and gloves for protection.

First you need to fill one bucket with about a gallon of warm water and add in a heaped tablespoon of TSP. With your protective clothing in place, wet the sponge in the solution and wipe the affected area vigorously with the sponge, then rinse with a clean rag dipped in clean water from your second bucket. You should work on small areas at a time and ensure that you do not over saturate your walls. Once complete you can repaint the walls and ceiling.

Black mold cleanup

You may not know when and how that greenish black toxic mold creeps up on your walls. Damp and humid environments are most friendly for its growth. Soon as you detect its existence, get instant means to eradicate it. Black mold sometimes grow in places that aren’t visible to eyes e.g. attics, under carpets, behind doors or cupboards, crawlspace. Toxic mold spores are invisible to human eye but a few signs and symptoms can be helpful to recognize their existence. Soon as you experience these symptoms, it becomes essential to get black mold cleanup done. The signs are

1. The most obvious sign is appearance of green and black patches on walls or other surfaces that remain constantly wet.
2. Check the percentage of humidity presence in air. There are many humidity detecting devices available in market. Professional mold cleaning teams keep these devices.
3. Smell of mildew or must in air is also a sign.
4. Leaking pipes in walls or roofs cause moisture that assist in mold growth.
5. Paint coming off the walls indicates the presence of dampness in the wall. These areas grow mold faster than any other surface.

Health hazards caused by black mold

The toxic black mold can trigger and cause many severe health threats. Inhaling or breathing in this polluted environment for long is extremely dangerous and would result in

100. Sore, red eyes
101. Running nose
102. Throat infection, irritation
103. Sinusitis
104. Sneezing, coughing
105. Headache
106. Skin rashes, allergies

In extreme cases it may become the reason of

1. Miscarriage
2. Diarrhoea
3. Muscle pain
4. Asthma attacks
5. Fatigue

People who were exposed to contaminated air ingestion for prolonged time period without precautions have also shown other lethal symptoms like lung bleeding, nose bleed and even death. It’s your responsibility to get instant measures for black mold cleanup. The health of your family is more important than anything else. However, if you’re a realtor, landlord, and employer than make sure you’re providing a secure and toxic free air to your employees and tenants.

Black mold is dangerous and highly formidable and so it takes professionals to remove it. Companies like ADET send their teams to thoroughly assess the damage done to your property. They find the root of the trouble to eradicate it forever. The team professionals double check before and after the cleaning process to ensure the job is done perfectly. Black mold cleanup should always be done through trained people. It’s important to understand the risks that may occur if you tried to remove it by yourself.  

Quick Action Will Salvage Flooded Carpet

A basement flooding carpet problem is one of the greatest concerns when your basement has been flooded. The carpet is highly absorbent and will be actually fully soaked by the time the flood water becomes visible. A wet carpet is quite difficult to handle and requires professional help to deal with. It is important to note that in order to salvage your carpet, it has to be attended to within 24-48 hrs of flooding. Otherwise, after 72 hrs, you do not have a carpet and replacement will be inevitable.

Apart from salvaging the carpet, drying a wet carpet is important in the prevention of mold growth that will become a health hazard for house occupants. You therefore need to contact professionals immediately if your basement has been flooded so that they can handle the floods and dry your carpet before it is too late. The best flood services are available for response 24/7 all days of the year.

Professional carpet drying is one the most effective services offered by these experts and that has earned as reputation with government establishments, individual home owners and government establishments. Look for the best trained technicians who are certified by IICRC (Institute of Cleaning, Inspection and Restoration Certification). They should be highly trained and always do a thorough job that leaves your carpet in a perfect condition.

Together with the highly qualified and certified teams, professional flood services employ the best technology in the industry. They will use high power vacuum drying machines to extract the water from the fibers of the carpet. They also use dehumidifiers to remove air moisture for quick drying. Depending on the type of water that had flooded your basement the carpet may require to be treated with chemical antimicrobials to kill any pathogens. This is particularly important for a situation where the flooding included sewage water contamination. The sewage water will come with pathogenic bacteria and viruses which can cause serious illnesses. The carpet will also need to be treated to prevent any infestation with molds.

Dealing with a basement flooding carpet requires understanding a number of things: one is that it requires fast action otherwise a replacement may be the only option. So call in the experts immediately after the flooding occurs. The other thing is that for restoration of your carpet to be done effectively, only professionals will help. The third thing is that the quicker the problem is dealt with the sooner you restore a healthy environment in your house. To sum up all things: speed is what you need!