Shopping Maniac

Great products, Bargains and gift ideas


You are here: Home / Archives for Home Improvement

Berber Rugs Can Benefit Your Home

by






Designing a home is a lot like looking for a needle in a haystack. It can be difficult to find so many interior design “soulmates” all at once. If you’re a perfectionist at heart, you may want to find a sofa that’s ideal. You may want to find ideal cabinets, rugs and beyond as well. The rug world is a large one. There are countless options in rugs available to shoppers. People can choose between natural fiber rugs, kilims, flat woven rugs and more. They can also select Moroccan rugs. If you want to decorate your residence with a Moroccan rug that’s full of authentic North African beauty and charm, you should look into Berber floor coverings as soon as possible. These tribal rugs are the work of the Beni Ourain peoples. They’ve been institutions for these people for thousands of years.

Beni Ourain rugs are visually stunning. Looking at them up close can feel like an otherworldly and ethereal journey. They display geometric patterns and shapes that are arresting and dramatic. They’re white and off-white floor coverings that don’t overwhelm you with intense color, either. If you want to buy a home rug that’s a terrific blend of unassuming and attractive, a Beni Ourain rug may be part of your future.

These rugs offer multiple benefits. They can be suitable for warm and cold weather. If you live in a cold location, there are many Beni Ourain rug options that can help you stay toasty and comfortable. If you reside in a warm or hot location, on the other hand, you have access to just as many great Beni Ourain rug choices. Berber rugs help people who live in the mountains of North Africa feel warm. Lighter rugs help people who live in the arid and scorching hot deserts of North Africa feel cool and relaxed.

These Moroccan rugs generally are constructed using cotton or wool. They’re easy to find in interior design retailers all around the world nowadays. Moroccan rug fans can’t stop discussing all of their positive qualities. They can’t resist talking about how beautiful they are. They love talking about their durability as well. These rugs are extremely sturdy. They can manage considerable daily foot traffic in the home. If you live with a handful of mischievous youngsters who adore running around and releasing all of their energy after long days at school, you’ll undoubtedly welcome a Berber rug into your life.
Young children are often quite messy, too. They drop their food on the floor. They spill juice. If you want to protect your home from unattractive and lasting stains, you should think seriously about making a Berber rug purchase. These rugs don’t soak stains up easily. Cleaning them is also usually straightforward and hassle-free. A little H20 and a cloth can generally work.

If you want your home to look exotic, classic and elegant all at the same time, the Moroccan Berber rug world is calling your name. Berber rugs are a dream for passionate interior design aficionados.






The Top 5 Material Choices For Decks

by

A deck can add additional value and outdoor living space to your home, and is a great place to entertain friends or grill out with family during the spring, summer, and fall months. As a homeowner, you may be considering building an entirely new deck or upgrading an existing structure, and may have questions about the options available for decking material.

Outdoor decks are generally crafted from one of two distinct materials: manmade composite or natural hardwood, and each possesses its own strengths and disadvantages. Knowing which decking material is right for you and what to expect in terms of maintenance requirements can help ensure that your deck will remain sturdy and great looking for years to come.

1. Hardwood Decking

Hardwood material has long been a popular traditional decking material due to its natural beauty and relatively low cost as compared to synthetic decking. Hardwood decking can usually be divided into two to three categories: pressure-treated wood, cedar and redwood, and, less commonly, tropical and other hardwoods.

2. Pressure-treated Wood

One of the most popular and low cost options, pressure treated lumber such as yellow pine is also chemically treated to resist fungus growth, moisture decay, and to protect against insect damage. Although it is the most affordable option for building material and is known for its longevity, a deck built from pressure treated lumber requires more maintenance than a deck built with a higher grade hardwood, and should receive a power wash annually and a stain or sealing treatment every two to three years to prevent cracking or warping from excess moisture.

3. Cedar/Redwood

Cedar and redwood are two hardwoods that are instantly recognizable by their beautiful and vibrant red coloring and distinctive smells. Both are mid-range building materials that are popular with deck owners because of both their natural beauty and tendency to weather the elements well. Redwood and cedar decks should also be cleaned on a yearly basis and treated with a semi-transparent stain every three to four years.

4. Tropical and Other Hardwoods

Tropical hardwoods such as ipe, cumaru, and tigerwood are relatively new additions to the decking market, and are beautiful and unique higher end building materials. Tropical hardwoods are extremely dense, and are naturally resistant to wood-boring insects and moisture decay, making them an excellent choice for decks to be built in damp environments. These hardwoods require the least amount of maintenance of any natural wood decking materials, requiring only an occasional cleaning or coat of protectant, although in certain areas tropical hardwoods can be difficult to find. Mahogany is another dense, moisture resistant high end decking material that you may want to consider if tropical hardwoods aren’t available in your area.

5. Composite Decking

Composite decking similar to Trex is usually a blend of sawdust, recycled lumber, and plastic or other synthetic fibers, and is generally considered to be the most low maintenance option for decks.

While many homeowners opt for composite decking because of the low maintenance associated with it, some may not realize that the material can warp just like natural wood if not properly installed or may scratch from repeated heavy use. Costs for composite decking tend to run approximately thirty percent higher than for traditional hardwood, although there are no additional maintenance costs for staining or sealants, and there is no sanding or refinishing required on the part of the deck owner. Composite decking is a good option for homeowners who don’t want to spend a good deal of time worried about the upkeep of a deck, but may come at the aesthetic expense of the deck itself, as color and pattern options can be somewhat limited when compared to hardwood decking.

This article was written by Nicole, a blogger who has spent many years researching the home improvement industry. She recommends WA Timber Decking as a great decking company.

The Pros & Cons Of The Top 5 Exotic Wood Flooring Options

by

Solid hardwood flooring is all the rage these days. Exotic hardwood in particular has become extremely popular in flooring for home and business. When you are thinking about using exotic solid hardwoods for your flooring, you should consider what your budget will allow, what colors will best suit your space, the level of durability you need, and what types of wood are best for the room. But you should also take ethics into consideration, for many exotic hardwoods are harvested in ways that decimate their forests of origin. As such, your choice should be guided by your needs as well as potential ecological consequences. Fortunately, it can be easy to satisfy both.

1. Zebrawood

Pro: Distinctive grain, consistent color
Con: Unsustainably harvested

The wood with the striped grain has an undoubtedly checkered past. As a beautiful flooring option, zebrawood has been so overharvested that existing forests are being destroyed to meet desire in the West for this precious commodity. If you must have Zebra on your floors, buy from a company that “upcycles,” meaning that they derive their wood from pieces that have already been cut and used for other purposes.

2. Brazilian Cherry/Jatoba

Pro: Similar to mahogany in presentation
Con: Color change, white spots, gapping

Brazilian Cherry (also called Jatoba) is not technically a type of the domestic Cherry. In presentation, it is much more similar to mahogany, and is equally hard and resilient. That hardness can make it difficult to install and puts pressure on fittings, which can lead to gapping between boards. And like other brightly-colored hardwoods, it is sensitive to light and therefore susceptible to color change. Additionally, Brazilian Cherry is vulnerable to buildup of calcium carbonate, which leaves white spots that are difficult to remove.

3. Rosewood

Pro: Beautiful color and scent
Con: History of unsustainable harvesting

If you are looking for an exotic hardwood that will make your house look and smell beautiful, consider Rosewood. Its name is derived not from the coloring, but from the distinguishing scent of roses that emanates from the wood. Rosewood has a gorgeous natural polish. Like zebrawood, Rosewood has a history of unsustainable harvesting, but recently producers have been growing the wood sustainably on farms.

4. Tiger Wood

Pro: One of the most durable exotic hardwoods
Con: Unsustainably harvested, color change, white spots

It seems that most of the exotic hardwoods that are best for flooring have a questionable history. Tiger wood is no exception. The wood from this African tree has, you guessed it, been unsustainably harvested. Its durability and color has made Tiger wood a very attractive option for flooring. However, like Brazilian Cherry, it is susceptible to color change and white spots over time.

5. Teak Wood

Pro: Water-resistant, long-lasting
Con: White spots, gapping, potential allergic reaction

Teak wood originates in Southeast Asia. But more recently, it is also grown sustainably in Brazil. Additionally, upcycled Teak is readily available. This wood is resistant to both water and insects, and is long-lasting, making it ideal for bathrooms and kitchens. Its density, however, can make it difficult to install and leaves Teak at risk for gapping.

Whether you choose Brazilian Cherry, Rosewood, Zebra, Tiger or Teak, your hardwood floors will be a statement of character to anyone who sees them. And with some careful choices, it will reflect your moral considerations as well.

This article was written by Nicole, a blogger who has spent many years researching the home improvement industry, including everything from DIY home improvement projects to the best options for timber flooring in Perth.

Top Tips To Transform Your Dingy Bathroom To An Urban Oasis

by

Never underestimate the importance of style in the bathroom. After the bedroom, it’s the first room you face in the morning and the room you return to the most throughout the day. It’s the one room of the house where you can usually count on being alone, and it’s the room that almost forces you to relax.

Don’t let a dreary, dingy bathroom make you dread the time you spend there. Put these tips into practice and transform your bleak bathroom into an urban oasis.

Lighting

Sleek, modern lighting can give your bathroom a spa-like feel. Elegant pendants with glass drum shades combine stylish functionality with easy-to-clean practicality. Smooth frosted glass sconces provide the ambient lighting every bathroom needs. If you have enough room, a crystal chandelier hung over a modern vessel sink strikes an unexpected contrast between quiet neutrals and over-the-top drama.

Flooring

Hardwood flooring is every decorator’s favorite, but it’s just not practical in the bathroom. Fortunately, most bathrooms are small enough that you can splurge on your flooring, because you won’t need a lot of material. A natural stone floor brings nature indoors, which is always calming. If you can’t afford natural stone, porcelain tile that mimics stone is an excellent second choice. Don’t forget to add radiant heat under the tile to keep your feet toasty on winter mornings.

Walls

You have two options when it comes to your bathroom walls: you can paint the walls white and add a pop of color with colorful towels, or you can put color on your bathroom walls and put crisp, white towels on the towel racks. Wrap classic white subway tile around a tub surround or backsplash, but make it modern by using white glass tiles instead of ceramic or by incorporating a glass tile accent strip into the design. Wallpaper is impractical for a bathroom, but you can add interest to plain walls with removable graphic vinyl decals.

Accessories

Bathroom accessories give you a chance to add softness and comfort to an otherwise hard-surfaced room and to appeal to the senses of sight, touch and smell. Luxurious towels are only the beginning. Add functional scented accessories such as soaps, lotions and candles and textured exfoliating mitts. Hang an ornate lacquered mirror over the sink, and tuck a small potted fern or vase of cut flowers into a corner of the vanity. Nothing stresses you out more then worrying about being late for work, so be sure to hang a stylish clock on the wall so you’ll always know what time it is.

Integrating Adjacent Rooms

No matter how peaceful your urban oasis bathroom is, it will seem out of place if it doesn’t share design elements with other rooms in your home. For example, if you have hardwood flooring in your master bedroom, choose a master bathroom flooring material that looks good with hardwood. Similarly, if your home is decorated in a Tuscan theme, bring a color from that theme or a piece of Tuscan art into the bathroom.

It’s so easy to transform a dingy bathroom into an urban oasis, there’s no excuse not to try these tips today. If you’re in search for national or local flooring experts, check out a reputable retailer and installer such as Floor Coverings International.

Arnold Norton has experience in home repair, renovations, and improvement. Mr. Norton has published several informative blogs and articles focused on helpful tips for new and current homeowners.

How To Protect Your Valuables During Home Renovation

by

When you choose to remodel your home, you are opening your doors to a hoard of strangers who will demolish and refurbish a part of your house. The basic rules of home renovation include:

  • Allowing the contractors access to your house when they need to
  • Each contractor is permitted to make as much noise as needed

But this noisy and somewhat chaotic project doesn’t always mean that you will be losing your mind throughout the process. With proper planning, it is possible to live through your home renovation with your sanity intact. Here are a few ways you can prepare yourself and your home for a very hectic home renovation project.

Move Out Of The House

One of the best options during home renovation is to move out of the house. Construction is a noisy, gritty process and living in a dirty construction area with dust on your bedroom and on other furniture pieces will only stress you out. In addition, you can’t even clean up your home because you will only face the same problem the next day. Lastly, you can’t even function in your house well, especially if they have turned off the water supply. With all these inconveniences, it is advisable to move out of the house for the time being during renovation.

Find An Alternative Space And Avoid The Renovation Area

If you are thinking that it is impractical to move out of the house since they are only renovating one room, such as the kitchen, then you will need to look for an alternative space where you can establish the same function and avoid the kitchen area altogether.

For instance, while the kitchen is being renovated, you won’t be able to use the appliances placed there, such as the stove, kitchen sink, fridge, and so on. With that said, you will need to find another area in your house where you can perform all the kitchen tasks. For example, you can place the microwave, fridge, and other appliances in another room that isn’t undergoing renovation. You can also consider eating out instead and store the appliances and kitchen furniture pieces in a storage area that is located in another location.

Pack And Store Items And Furniture Pieces

Another tip to keep your sanity during home renovation is to keep the items and furniture pieces in the renovation area out of the house. The best place to securely store them is by getting a storage unit.

You need to understand that the room undergoing renovation will be subjected to dust and debris and this can ruin or damage your valuables. Properly packing, labeling, and storing your possessions can save you from frustrations once the project is complete. Here are a few tips for packing your valuables.

  • Purchase the necessary supplies, such as high quality boxes of different sizes, bubble wrap, plain news prints, packing tape, marker, and notebook for inventory.
  • It is best to keep an inventory of the things you place in each box and put a label on each container. This will help you find and identify the items stored inside each box.
  • Do not leave empty spaces in each box; however, do not over fill the container since it might damage the items inside. Keep in mind that heavy items should be placed in smaller boxes while lighter items should be placed in bigger boxes.
  • Fragile items, such as glasses, dishes, and other breakable kitchen items must be packed first. If you have items made of glass, crystal, or if you have china or stoneware, they must be protected with bubble wrap. This can cushion them and protect them from getting damaged.
  • For large kitchen appliances, you will need to apply specific care. For instance, if you are storing your fridge or freezer, make sure that you defrost them first. This will prevent water from leaking out to other items and appliances. It is also advisable to keep its doors slightly open to prevent water condensation. As a tip, make sure that all the appliances stored in the storage unit are clean and moisture-free.

These are just a few practical tips for keeping your sanity during home renovation. Remember that proper planning, organizing, and storing can make a huge difference between a smooth home renovation project and a frustrating one.

Citations:
Featured images:

This guest post is written by Kris Hopkins who had gone through home renovations in the past. These tips helped her throughout the process. She also recommends using safe and secured storage units from US Storage Centers when storing valuable items, furniture pieces, and appliances.

Meta

Pages