Bring on the candles and body wash because nothing relieves tension and pampers the senses like a spa-worthy bath! It’s important to note that baths are not just about getting clean. You could take a shower if that’s all you wanted. No, baths are for when you need to reset and recharge after a long day. When you feel like you deserve all the foam in the world for the things you had to put up with.

With such high goals, it’s not enough to fill the tub and hop in. You need to plan for it, set the mood, create the perfect playlist. It’s complicated, but with these tips, you can get ready for the best bathing experience of your life.

Gather Your Supplies

Before you let your body sink into your tub’s embrace, you need to make sure you’ve gathered all your essentials. You don’t want to have to get up once you’re comfy cozy. Tidy up the bathroom and set the temperature for your bathwater. Not too hot, or it will dry and irritate your skin.

As the tub is filling up, place your laptop on a chair close to the tub (not too close though), so you can watch your favorite show. You can also connect your smartphone to a waterproof bluetooth speaker and play some soothing music.

Of course, you’ll need to light up some candles and gather your beauty supplies such as fizzy bath bombs, body scrub, face mask, and essential oils. This can easily cost you a fortune, but you can always use Bed Bath and Beyond coupons.

Turn off All Disturbances and Unwind

Don’t dip as much as a toe in the water until you’ve made sure you switched your phone on airplane mode and turned off all devices that could interfere with your tranquility. If you live with other people, see to it that they understand your expectations: either you get some alone time to relax, or you’ll turn into Bathzilla!

In case you have pets, you’ll want to keep the door shut, or they’ll come in out of curiosity and start begging for attention. Worse yet, they might jump into the tub with you, and then your bath will be ruined. Now that all safety measures are in check, time to unwind.

Cleanse, Rinse and Moisturize

Once you’ve relaxed and feel like your soul has been nourished, use a gentle body scrub to exfoliate your skin. You’ll want to apply it with circular motions and then rinse. Grab an extra fluffy towel and pat your skin dry. While your skin is still damp, slather yourself in your favorite moisturizer. It’s important to do this step before your skin is completely dry as it allows you to lock in the remaining moisture from your bath.

Now it’s time to step into your fabulous fluffy robe; otherwise, it’s not much of a spa experience, is it? Put on a pair of cozy slippers and, as you walk into the next room, take that calm state of mind with you. Put some essential oil in your diffuser, pour yourself a glass of wine, take a good book, and climb into bed. You’ll sleep like an angel.

To read more on topics like this, check out the Home & Garden category.

To some people, an all-white room may feel stark, impersonal, and bland. This is often the result of an amateur effort at interior design Malibu. However, when a white room is created by a professional, it can seem very crisp and classy.

There are many potential advantages to decorating in white. It can make a room feel taller and more spacious than it actually is, and it reflects the natural light beautifully, giving the room a bright and airy feel. Here are some ideas for decorating a white room that you may want to discuss with your interior designer Brentwood.

1. Subtle Variations

You may think that choosing to decorate a room in white would be the simplest step. However, there are actually over 100 shades of white to choose from. That might seem overwhelming at first, but it gives you a lot to work with. You can combine different shades of white to produce a unique effect.

However, even if you choose to work with only one shade of white, you can incorporate varied textures, materials, and finishes to add some visual variety to the room.

2. Large Wall Art

You can think of a white wall as a blank canvas. A large, colorful painting or photograph is a good way to decorate it, and if the rest of the room is all white, the eye will be drawn to the artwork automatically. You can look for unique wall decor ideas at studio tours, local galleries, or antique stores. However, if you are on a budget, you can sometimes locate hidden treasures at a thrift store.

3. Natural Elements

To prevent a white room from becoming too antiseptic and clinical, you can include furniture with natural finishes or a hardwood floor to give the room a more organic look. You can also incorporate natural elements such as potted plants or bouquets of flowers. If it is not practical for you to grow your own plants, an alternative is to use floral-print fabrics in decorating.

4. Colorful Accents

Accents such as furniture, throw pillows, or curtains in the color of your choice can go a long way toward making a statement and warming up your white room. Remember to encourage the eye to move about the room by putting some space between your accents.

Don’t rule out black as an accent color. The contrast of black and white creates a look that is both clean and dramatic.

5. Warm Lighting

It can be difficult to make all-white spaces look as inviting at night as they are in the day. However, by choosing your lighting carefully, you can create the same effect. For example, you can choose lamps with white shades made of silk or cotton. During the day, they will blend in unobtrusively with the white décor. At night, however, they will cast the room in a soft, warm glow.

The Professional Touch

Decorating a space in all white isn’t necessarily that difficult, but it is also easy to do incorrectly. A professional interior designer can provide guidance specific to the space you want to decorate.

Join the discussion on this topic with Piccolo Universe by visiting our contact page.

 

Selecting the right nail for the job can be difficult, there are so many options, in terms of type of nail, size of head, length, grade, construction material and galvanization. How can you pick top rated stainless steel nails?

Top Rated Stainless Steel Nails

Let’s run through some of the types of nails and what they’re used for. First of all finish nails which include micro pins, brad nails, straight finish nails, and angle nails. Micro pins are used for very fine detail finishing on furniture, trims and fine carpentry. They are headless nails to avoid splitting and to leave minimal entry holes. Brad nails are slightly larger with a small head to again cover furniture assembly, beading, decorative trims, and panel assembly.

Flooring cleat nails are for hardwood floor application and come in an L-Shape for ease of application. They are engineered with a ribbed shank to increase power and prevent floors from squeaking. Coil nails are those that come on a coil for ease of application, primarily for roofing projects. Strip nails are again collated in strips for nail guns and angled for precision delivery.

The material the nails is finished in can make the difference to the longevity of the lifespan of a nail based on where the finish product is located. Standard electro galvanized nails have some corrosion resistance but should only be used for interior work. The very thin layer of zinc coating will prevent rust and corrosion in an indoor environment.

If you finish piece will be outdoors, then you should opt for 304 grade stainless steel finish which is suitable for outdoor applications. The nails shouldn’t rust and corrode or discolor the surrounding wood. They can also be used in acidic and oil based woods such as ACQ treated timber, redwood, cedar, and exotic woods. However, for marine and tropical application you will need to upgrade to 316 grade stainless steel nails. These nails are suitable for tropical, seaside, and even saltwater contact and are viewed as marine grade fasteners by the industry.

Copper nails are sometimes used for roofing and slating purposes. They match copper flashing and they have proven durability and holding power. Although copper is more expensive than aluminum and stainless steel, it is proven to withstand more years of wear and tear, particularly in outdoor environments subject to rain. So although they may be more expensive initially they will save you from future repair and replacement.

To accompany your nails, if you’re someone who does a lot of nail work you may also want to invest in a nail gun. Different types of nails require different nail guns though so ensure that you buy the right tool for the nails you use most often. A standard nailer will nail some grades of bard nails but not fine nails and some smaller brad nails. Some guns only nail coil nails, and others strip nail collations. So if in doubt speak to a specialist at your tool store.

To read more on topics like this, check out the home & garden category.

If you visit your local DIY store you can buy loft ladder sets which are often sold with the hatch system as well. But these are designed to be stowed away and only used occasionally. If you have a more permanent loft area or mezzanine floor you are going to want a more permanent wooden loft ladder which not only functions well in getting to your loft space but also fits with the surrounding décor, in fact enhancing the look of the loft entrance point so it is a feature of the home rather than an eyesore.

Buying a Bespoke Wooden Loft Ladder

There are a small number of bespoke ladder companies who can make bespoke ladders to order. You will not only be able to have the ladder made to measure but also stipulate the finish of the product, the material it is made from and any accessories including hand rails and larger entrance and exit steps.

Your first step is either providing measurements and photographs of the space where you want your ladder to be located, or asking the company to send someone out to consult with you on the design and work through the design process with you. If a company is local they will always prefer to send a representative to see the space and show you samples of wood, finishes and accessories.

Once they have the specifications the bespoke ladder company will create digital visuals which you can review and comment on before finalizing the design of your ladders. They may then send you a choice of finishes such as paint samples, wood samples and a brochure showing accessories so you can select how you want the final ladder system to look, and so that it matches with your other décor and surroundings.

You will be surprised with the selection of finishes available including often ten or more wood finishes including pine, bamboo, ash, oak, mahogany and many others. You can then pick the finish applied to that wood, whether it is left unfinished, or varnished, lacquered, matt, gloss or stain, or even paint.

Another option if you want a wider choice of finishes is a fiber glass ladder, which are lighter and stronger than a wooden ladder and can be finished in paints, which can have hammered, sparkling and other effects applied to make them look like metal.

Your choice of accessories can include rails, handles, wheels for moving the ladders and larger steps at a midpoint or at entrance and exit points. Rails can extend above the top of the ladder to allow for safer use. And the angle of the ladder can be altered so that it is more like a set of stairs than a straight ladder. Accessories can be finished in silver, gold, brass, and other metal effects so you have plenty of choice to ensure it matches your interior design.

The ladder company will often deliver and install a bespoke ladder set to ensure it is installed correctly and safely.

To read more on topics like this, check out the home & garden category.

 

Cleaning and organizing your home is not a task you only reserve for spring. You can do it at any time, especially when you start to notice unused things piling up, and you hardly have space for new stuff. Yes, you may be tempted to put everything in boxes and leave them in the attic or your garage. But, piling up junk and leaving it for a long time can invite pest infestation. Junk is best dealt with immediately. And here are our tips for a less stressful clean-up and waste disposal.

Set specific clean-up goals

If you are pressed for time, it’s not practical to consider cleaning up your entire house. Choose a particular room or space that needs the most organizing. For example, you can begin with your garage and work your way into the bedrooms if you still have time. Be conscious about your energy and capacity, and consider enlisting the help of other family members. The more hands there are, the more you can get done. But, be careful with distractions. Make sure that each person helping you is aware of their responsibilities and commits to doing them.

Hire a professional

Some junk removal tasks are too challenging on your own. Fortunately, you can hire a junk hauling company. Hiring a service is best when you have to get rid of heavy items like old furniture and appliances. Another benefit of having experts help you is safety. They have the necessary tools and manpower to remove and dispose of even the most difficult items in your home. They can also ensure that you don’t cause unnecessary damage to your property by trying to haul heavy objects outside.

Set a time frame and some guidelines

It is easier to sort through piles of junk when you are following a guideline. For example, donate all the clothes that don’t fit anymore or throw away all old magazines. It also helps when you have a time frame to complete each task. Whether you achieve a small goal or a big one, what matters is your progress.

Don’t waste, donate

A more eco-friendly approach to waste disposal is giving away as much of it as you can. Sort through your stuff and find all things that are still usable. Perhaps you can drop them off at a Goodwill center, or maybe you have someone in mind who will appreciate receiving some of your things. Either way, it is better for the environment when you recycle and re-use instead of automatically dumping everything in the trash.

Another excellent idea is organizing a garage sale. You will feel much better about letting go of some of your things when you can get at least some proceeds by selling them. Old toys, books, clothes, and furniture may still find their way into someone else’s home. Thrift shops may also accept old items and collectibles you have lying around. As long as something does not hold any sentimental value, consider whether or not it is worth keeping or should be let go of.

Lastly, make it a habit to organize and declutter regularly. If you do so, you won’t have to deal with piles of junk later on. Your house will be cleaner, more spacious, and you’ll feel less stressed.

To read more on topics like this, check out the home & garden category.

 

Are you starting to get bored with the appearance of your current bedroom? Would you like to spruce things up but can’t figure how and where to begin? Redesigning your bedroom space can be tiring but it also works wonders for your well being and self-esteem. You will look forward to coming home from work every day because you have a nice looking bedroom that you can be proud of. You will not mind spending the whole day under the sheets during weekends because you have a comfortable bed that helps you relax. Get ready to get some awesome ideas on how to transform your bedroom and give it a modern twist.

Big throw pillows

If you want your bed to look like the ones you see in hotel rooms, you can do some minor changes without it costing a fortune. Adding a couple of large throw pillows can make your bed look plusher and inviting; something that you would like to show off to your relatives and friends.

Attractive pieces of furniture

If your budget will allow you, there is nothing wrong with adding a few pieces of furniture inside your bedroom. Whether it’s a heavy wooden headboard, a stylish makeup dresser or a fancy looking couch, all of these things can give your bedroom a modern look. What is nice about these things is that you can use any one of them as your focal point that will highlight certain parts of the bedroom.

Clear the entire floor

Giving your bedroom a modern look means that you have to keep things organized. Make sure that the floor is free from clutter by hiding any electrical wires and extension cords from plain sight. Books and magazines should be neatly stacked on top of the shelves. Dirty laundry should never be thrown on the floor; instead, you should place it inside the hamper. Also, make it a point to clean and polish your floor at least once a week to ensure that it remains in excellent condition.

Add some indoor plants

Adding some green inside your bedroom can give you a breath of fresh air, especially when you are tired and stressed out. You can start with small potted plants and place them by the windows. Also, hanging plants can be placed above your bed, which gives a relaxing vibe when your body feels exhausted.

Take time to fix your dresser

It is not an uncommon sight to see a disorganized dresser, but it does not mean that you have to keep on ignoring it. Find time to sort out your stuff and get rid of old makeup and other skin products that can cause skin irritation and allergies. Invest in a couple of plastic trays to help you organize things inside the bedroom.

Lastly, having a modern bedroom means that you are able to organize your stuff in an efficient manner. You should consider installing built in wardrobes inside your bedrooms so you can carefully arrange all of your stuff and get rid of all the annoying clutter inside your bedrooms.

To read more on topics like this, check out the home & garden category.

 

It’s an undeniable fact that making improvements in our homes can be a satisfying and rewarding experience. But don’t be fooled: depending on the scale and scope, these types of projects can be colossal undertakings that, if left unchecked, can put a sizeable dent in the bank, if not break it entirely. So to avoid any potential issues that can cost you more time and money on your home renovation or remodelling, here are just a few money-saving tips that should know.

Include a financial cushion in your budget

A common mistake that many homeowners make is overlooking the additional fees and unexpected costs that usually come from home improvement projects. After all, there’s more than a good chance that you’ll encounter problems and issues that will require further expenditure. As such, it’s vital to include a financial cushion in your budget before making any commitments. In this way, you’ll avoid any costly and expensive delays. And as a result, keep your expenses well-within your allotted budget.

Avoid spending on impulse

Impulse buying is one of the reasons why a lot of homeowners struggle with staying under budget when tackling a home improvement project. So before you start spending your money, make sure that you take the time to shop around first and consider every available option first. Whether it is the materials and equipment for your planned renovation or the shower pod upgrade for your bathroom, exploring every single avenue will increase your chances of finding good deals and cheap alternatives. And as a result, allow you to save more money.

DIY jobs that you can do on your own

It’s easy to see why the majority of homeowners often take the do-it-yourself approach to home improvement. After all, not only is it much more satisfying to tackle specific tasks ourselves but it also helps us avoid spending on labour costs too. As such, so should you. But keep in mind that not all jobs can be done on our own. And if necessary, it’s better to leave specific tasks to the capable hands of experienced specialists. In this way, you’ll keep the risks of making any potentially costly mistakes at a minimum.

Stay focused on one project before doing another

It’s not hard to see the appeal of tackling multiple home improvement projects simultaneously. After all, doing so can help us achieve the home makeover that we want in a shorter period of time. However, it can be much more challenging to manage the budget in this way. So if you’re working with limited financial resources, it’s better to stay focused on one project before committing to another. It will save you money.

While generally associated with high costs, home improvement doesn’t always have to cost a small fortune. And by following the tips mentioned above, not only will you achieve the desired makeover for your house but do so at a price that you’ll be more than happy to pay.

To read more on topics like this, check out the home & garden category.

The Hazards of Roof Cleaning

It’s dirty, it’s tough, it’s necessary.

We’ve all experienced the severe storms that lead to mould forming on rooftops, which eventually leaks through to contaminate your ceilings. It’s not just unsightly, rendering your beautiful clean house ugly on inspection, it becomes a source of unrest as you lay in your bed at night staring into the patchy grey/black haze forming above you. It can also cause disease and is a severe safety concern for you and your family.

Though it is one of those jobs that you dread, not solely because of the difficulty involved in doing it yourself, firstly purchasing all the tools necessary, ladders, broom length scrubbers, and effective cleaning products, but being able to keep your aching arms up in the air for long enough that your scrubbing makes a difference. Then, in only days, after a change in the weather, having the splotches return and needing to do it all over again.

There is always the option of paying extortionate amounts of money to have it done for you, on a regular basis.

It becomes one of those jobs that you put off, but you tell yourself you will definitely get around too… At some point… In the near future.

But what if you could stop it in its tracks, way before it reaches this stage?

Roof treatment

What if there was a simple way to clean your roof long before these consequences made themselves apparent? What if you could clean any roof surface with a simple spray? One that can kill all forms of moss, mildew, mould, algae, and lichen. These hard to kill disease causing agents, from any type of roof, tile, slate, even colorbond steel. All you need to do is spray it on and leave it for a few minutes, then hose it off. This product will do all the work for you, and subsequently save you further money, time and effort later.

Health Concerns

Mould associated with damp buildings can trigger nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing and respiratory infections, a scary prospect for the health of your family. It can worsen the effects of asthma and allergies, and in severe cases, cause chronic, obstructive, or allergic lung diseases.

Lichen causes several types of skin dermatitis, dry, patchy areas of skin that become scaly and thick. Alopecia, a condition which causes hair loss, is a type of lichen that lives within the scalps skin cells, causing thinning of the hair follicles, producing the fluffy regrowth that looks like babies hair, and breaking down the lustrous healthy growth, of long strong strands. It’s very sad that that there is such dire consequences for something so easily controlled by cleaning.

Any damp, ventilation free areas contain the spores that can cause these very real culprits of disease. Your roof is a prime example of the perfect environment for which these pathogens can thrive. It will create a much safer, healthier environment for you and your family to get to the heart of the solution first, by roof cleaning after any severe or long term weather damage.

If you suspect that damage is present even if no rain has been present, wind can also bring the minute spores that harbour disease.

If any tiles are cracked or bolts gone rusty affecting your roof, fix these problems immediately. The consequences are dire, most electrical cords run through the roof, and if gutters are not cleared periodically as well, this could become a very real fire danger.

In short, it is getting easier to do these difficult jobs, with more effective and affordable products becoming available all the time, but these chores are a necessity for the welfare of your family.

To read more on topics like this, check out the home & garden category.

When buying a house or condominium, people take on a great deal of risk that can be managed by the right kind of homeowner insurance protection. But there are several types of homeowner policies, just as there are several types of homes.

Dwelling insurance for homes and condos provides a good deal of protection against a wide range of perils, but not all potential disasters are covered. For the most part, damage or destruction caused by fire, internal flooding, falling objects, lightning, and other perils are included in a typical dwelling policy. Internal flooding might be caused by a bad water heater, burst water pipe, or an overflowed toilet, among many types of indoor flooding. And a falling object might be a tree, meteorite, or even an aircraft that crashes into the home or condo.

But if living in a flood plain or wanting to protect against external flooding, such as might be caused by a rising river, flash flood or tidal surge, an additional rider must be purchased. And in many cases, those types of additional protection can be costly, especially if living in a flood-prone area, such as along the Gulf Coast or next to a large river. Many homes lack full protection against external flooding when situated near the Atlantic Seaboard, the Gulf Coast, or along rivers known for flooding on a regular basis. And the National Flood Insurance Program administered by the federal government limits flood policies to no more than $250,000 in coverage, making many homes and their owners vulnerable to damage or destruction.

And while falling objects generally are included in typical dwelling property insurance plans, protection against damages caused by wind or hail requires yet another rider and additional expense. Often times, such as during a hurricane, home or condominium might face more than one threat, such as high winds that damage homes and bring with them a tidal surge when a hurricane or tropical storm makes landfall. And homes vulnerable to tornado damage must have an additional rider specifically protecting against wind damage.

Also needing more protection through a dwelling policy rider is damage caused by landslides, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. Often times, a home located where earthquakes are common are damaged by landslides when the ground shakes, the soil becomes liquefied, and a steep slope suddenly breaks loose and takes out one or more homes in the process. Without a specific landslide policy added to the dwelling plan, the home will not be repaired or replaced.

Even when carrying a full range of protection against potential perils, homeowners and condo owners still could find themselves coming up short if their property is damaged or destroyed. To save costs, some property owners opt for actual cash value policies, which base claims costs on the actual cash value of the property that has been damaged or destroyed.

If a homeowner paid $200,000 for a home that is determined to be worth $150,000 by insurance adjusters, the property might not be restored to its prior condition. Properties can lose value for many reasons, the most common being depreciation over time or simply a market adjustment that makes the home worth less than its initial purchase price. Property owners generally opt for actual cash value when there are fewer perils and they want to trim the cost of their premiums.

To ensure a property will be restored to its full condition, homeowners need a replacement-cost dwelling policy, which will rebuild or replace the property regardless of its current value. Such policies cost more than actual cash value plans, but they do not leave the owner vulnerable if the insured property is damaged or destroyed.

Choosing the right dwelling policy takes a great deal of consideration, but the right decision will save money and possibly even the family home. Find good deals on dwelling insurance and other policies at

To read more on topics like this, check out the home & garden category.

Nothing beats a long warm bath to end the day. It’s your time to relax and relieve stress in the comfort of your home. If you are looking to renovate your bathroom, you may want to invest in a freestanding bathtub for the ultimate bath experience. While you have the option to have a built-in tub, there are various benefits that you can get from freestanding baths that will make you want to choose them.

Make the bathroom look more luxurious

One of the top reasons why owners go for a freestanding bathtub is because it gives an instant facelift to the bathroom. It’s the only piece that you need to turn your ordinary space into a magnificent spa-like area. It can serve as the focal point of your bathroom. Moreover, this bathtub can make the area more inviting, and it will inspire you to keep it looking at its best.

Easier to clean

Built-in bathtubs are confined in corners, making them challenging to clean. It is difficult to reach those parts that are next to the corners, which will not be an issue with a freestanding one unless of course, you choose to have it installed in a corner. If you do not place it in a corner, it will be quicker and more convenient to clean since you can move around on all sides. Plus, some bathtubs are made from materials that are even easier to clean than others, especially the non-porous ones.

Better heat retention

As mentioned, these bathtubs can be made from different materials and some of them have better heat retention properties like copper, brass, soapstone, cast polymers, acrylic and enamelled cast iron. Since heat is not easily lost, you can enjoy a longer time soaking in warm water. To make the experience even better, light some candles, put essential oil in your diffuser and play relaxing music. You will feel relaxed and rejuvenated without having to go to a spa.

Hassle-free installation

You need to hire someone to install a built-in bathtub, which can take time. You also have to hire a plumber to do the plumbing work. It’s also inconvenient because you can’t use the bathroom while the bathtub is being installed. Since a freestanding bath is pre-built, the only thing you need to do is let a plumber work on the plumbing so it will have water supply and a drain system. It will not take a lot of time, so it will be ready to use within a short period.

Not confined in corners

You have more freedom to place it in the area that you want. It does not require the support of the walls so you can put it anywhere you want, as long as it fits the space and the plumbing system allows it.

If you decide to invest in a freestanding bathtub, make sure that you consider your space and the material. Other factors to take into consideration are the sturdiness of the floor where it will be installed and the price.

To read more on topics like this, check out the home & garden category.