Loading…

Machine washable Rugs : A Great Idea

A floor rug is bound to get dirty. It lies about on the floor. Things get spilled on it. It gets walked on with dirty shoes. Before you know it your new pristine rug needs cleaning. And then you are faced with the hassle of getting in carpet cleaners and the bills which follow. But now there is a new breed of machine washable rugs which means that you don’t have to get your rug cleaned anymore. You can just lift it up and head for the washing machine and your rug will come out as clean as the day you put it down.

Of course, there are just a few of these rugs that can be washed in a machine on the market at the moment but they are around if you look for them. They are unlike outdoor area rugs which can be washed with soap and water and left outside to dry in that they are soft and comfortable to the touch. (Outdoor rugs tend to have a plastic-like feel.) These indoor washable rugs are often made of pre-washed cotton fabric, acrylic, or polypropylene and they are available in all colors of the rainbow, plain colors as well as contemporary patterns.

If you are looking for a washable rug, be sure to get one that fits in your washing machine as you may find that you struggle to wash larger rugs at home. It’s no good having a washable rug if you need an industrial machine to actually wash it and you only have a standard family version washing machine. Also, be sure that the rug fits in well with your interior and don’t get carried away buying the wrong rug just because it says you can wash it. You want your rug to look good too and go well with the other items in the room.

Types of Large Rugs Available Today

There are many styles, shapes, and sizes of large rugs available. With the huge variety accessible, it is easy to find one to meet any decorating needs. No matter what the overall decor of the room is or the area to be rejuvenated, there is a large rug that will not only cover the floor but also compliment any room in the house.

Large rugs are intended to cover a room or a larger area than smaller types of rugs. Sheepskin rugs are known to be rather large. However, large rugs can be constructed from many different materials depending on the style. Wool or other textile fibers are used to ensure long-lasting durability.

The texture of rugs is important to the look and feel of a room. A large rug can be thick, such as shag materials. Some rugs are made of thick, knotted yarns. There are many styles that lie flat and smooth. If it is an outside area to be decorated, several different weatherproof materials are available as well.

There are Oriental rugs that are available in both contemporary and antique styles. Tibetan rugs have a heavy emphasis on the use of geometric figures. Handmade Persian rugs add a unique flavor as well as Sisal rug styles. Country, braided rugs add a comfortable touch. Southwestern designs add a flair of art to a decor. Contemporary rugs bring a touch of color to the modern decor. Each style of rug has several designs from which to choose.

Large rugs also come in several different shapes. Rectangular, circular, and oval are some of the most popular shapes. However, there are square-shaped rugs as well as hexagonal, triangular, and octagonal, and half-round models to choose from. There is many odd shapes available to add to that customized rugs and the choices of rug shapes are virtually endless.

What a Red Lamp Shade Says About You

You may not think that anyone can read anything about you from your choice of decoration, in particular from your choice of a single object but a red lampshade can say a surprising amount about you. It speaks volumes both because you chose red over another color and because you chose that particular red lampshade over any other. Here is what others can determine about you from your choice.

1. You Like Drama in Your Interiors

With a red lampshade, you are about as far from a neutral color scheme as you can get so unless your shade is the only red thing in the room then it shows that you like your room to have a bit of an impact. There is nothing insipid about you!

2. You Have a Good Sense of Color (Or You Don’t)

If the actual color of red you have chosen goes well with the other items in the room then others will be able to see that you have a good eye for color. You see, many people do not even detect that there are many variations of the color red even when talking about a bright red. Some reds have more orange tones whereas others have more blue added to them. The orange tone reds go better with browns, creams, and fall colors whereas the blue-toned ones go better with the berry colors, pure white, black, ivory, and gray.

3. You Have a Good Eye for Proportion and Balance (or You Don’t)

If the size of your lampshade seems right for the base then you will be seen to have a good eye for proportion, whereas if your shade is tiny and the lamp base enormous or vice versa you will look as if you haven’t got a clue. Similarly, if you have the right amount of red items in the room that match your lampshade to make red either the main color in the room (if you are truly going for a dramatic look) or to have it working well as an accent shade then you will be seen to have a good eye for color balance and proportion.

What is a Settee?

You may be wondering what on earth a settee is, and you’re not alone. I don’t think I ever heard the word before I bought my first one. When I asked my girlfriend if she knew what a settee was, she replied “A what?” None of my friends had ever heard the word either, so what exactly is it?

Start by picturing a scene from an old movie. Perhaps there is a furniture item in a drawing room or under a large window that looks somewhat like an old-fashioned love seat. Sometimes these seats have backs and sides. On other occasions, they may have had sides but were without backs. These furniture items are usually made from wood with leather upholstery, although they can also be upholstered in fabric. This is an old-fashioned settee.

Hand Carved Storage Settee - Mahogany

Dimensions: 39.5 W x 19 D x 34 H Finish: Dark Mahogany Material: Camphor Wood Mahogany Finish Hand Carved Storage Settee Bench This beautifully crafted storage settee is laced with exquisite detail hand-carved into solid wood. The seatback is topped with a floral centerpiece embraced by symmetrical scrolls that lay the groundwork for the heavily carved floral patterns on three panels set into the seatback. The seat itself opens to reveal hidden storage for blankets, crafts, or other miscellaneous items that measures 15.5″ long, 34.5″ wide, and 3.5″ deep. On the face of the seat, there is additional carving that is comprised of circular medallions in a horizontally repeating pattern. The detail is finished off with the front legs that are hand-carved to give the appearance of rivets on top with a traditional clawed foot design on the bottom. This bench is truly one of a kind and is sure to be a prized possession in your home. Assembly Required.

Trento Slipper Love Seat Ivory

The contemporary design of the Trento Slipper Loveseat combines sophistication and elegance into a functional and artistic addition to virtually any home décor. The Trento Loveseat features a black metal frame, ivory faux leather, and an elegant tufted back. Double-needle stitching gently accents the upholstery. The faux leather has the same look and feel as real leather but is more durable and much easier to maintain.

Camille Armless Settee - Grandin Road

Craft a cozy atmosphere with our Camille Armless Chair & Settee. With its intimate size, this seating arrangement won’t overwhelm the room, yet invites you to gather for conversation. Classic style and fresh color transform easily transforms your room into something fresh and appealing. Sleek hardwood frame. Elegant wingback. Plush cushions. Spot clean.

Most settees may look as if they were made during the year 1920 or 1930 but they are still being produced today. A leather settee is a much more popular choice than cloth upholstered versions and they are nearly all framed in wood. The reason they look old is that they have been designed to look that way.

When someone chooses to purchase this seating option, it may be for a few reasons. Perhaps they want a piece of furniture that reminds them of a previous era, conjuring up images of afternoon tea and movie star glamor. Maybe they want a seating option for multiple people that provides a more formal setting than you would normally get with a couch. Sometimes they want a status symbol in the form of an impressive item of leather furniture. Leather looks expensive and exudes quality and a good quality settee will be a beautiful item.

Leather settees are one of the highest quality pieces of furniture when it comes to seating that you are able to buy. Certain leather chairs are also of great quality but do not have the same look and feel like a good leather settee. If you choose to purchase a settee with a recommended manufacturer, you can have the reassurance that you are receiving a high-quality piece of furniture.

Wool Area Rugs Liven Up Your Home

Wool area rugs are a very popular way to add a little zing to your home without having to redecorate totally or having to think too hard about how you are going to freshen things up. They are especially good for people who live in a house with plenty of bare floors, particularly in Winter when things can get a little chilly. A few rugs strategically placed can make all the difference in making your home a cozier place to spend your time.

If you are looking for an authentic wool area rug that speaks quality and will last you for the rest of your life then you will want to take a look at the items made in the countries renowned for being the very best. Check out Armenian, Iranian and Afghan designs in particular. India, Pakistan, and Nepal also make some great rugs that you will be proud to have grace your floors and you might want to keep an eye out for a wool rug with Chinese signs if that is to your taste.

I didn’t mention Turkey but this country is one of the centers of rug production and distribution of traditional styles, and the East, in general, is the place to be if you as looking for the world’s best rugs. Thankfully these days you have access to these area rugs without having to travel halfway around the planet to find them, the Internet provides all you could desire.

These days, if you are looking for rugs you are not restricted to the traditional designs, you can also get contemporary styles that are washable and items that can even be used outdoors. European rugs from Spain and also African handmade examples are an interesting change from the designs you are used to and certainly add a little variety to your home.

For something completely different Mexican square rugs are very special if you can find a good one. They are often hand-woven and have a distinctive Aztec look that can be exploited on the floor as usual, or hung on the wall to create an interesting conversation piece.

Add Lights To Your Cooking Space With A Range Hood

Many people are increasingly irritated when needing to cook with their backs to the light, causing them to block out light that is often required to see just what is going on inside their pots and pans at a detailed level. Adding a range hood may seem to you as a threat to the fight for the light. But in fact, many hoods are available with built-in lights that help to illuminate your cooking area. So take heart, you’re covered.

Most average range hoods have halogen lights built in that are not only cost-effective in terms of power consumption but also light up your cooking area, allowing you to see exactly what your tomatoes and onions are doing if that Italian sauce really has to many lumps in it. You might even consider one of the glass island range hoods (if you have a cooking island), for something more vibrant and bright. Hoods of course come with the standard benefits of removing the fumes, heat, and steam. The added lights can also act as a feature in your kitchen especially if you own an island mount range hood. As they will illuminate the cooking island - just make sure it is clean - when the other lights are turned off. Allowing for navigation in the kitchen when everyone wants to watch that scary movie in the dark lounge next door.

For when you want a more subtle light in your kitchen instead of the overbearing fluorescents from your roof, it often helps one calm down as the darkened or softer light alert the body that it’s time to relax and calm down. Not to mention its usefulness for that late-night sneak down to the kitchen for a quick snack or drink, without having to leave the refrigerator door open to light up the room. So there are numerous uses for a range hood with built-in lighting. You might just want to run off and go and get yourself one.

 

An Automatic Faucet Saves Money and the Environment

Standard faucets in your bathroom and kitchen might have low-flow aerators and showerheads in order to save water, but there is still a lot of room for improvement. A lot of water is wasted when opening and closing the faucet. That happens every time you use the faucet so in a year’s time it adds up to a significant loss of money and water. You can save up to 50 percent on your water bill with an automatic faucet that only lets out water when there is something in front of it. The save can be even larger if you have children. Kids often play in the bathroom and shower and forget to turn off the faucet when they are done.

Public restrooms also benefit from automatic faucets. Automatic faucets cannot be left open intentionally, so pranksters can no longer have their fun at the expense of the owner’s wallet. Automatic faucet technology can also be used in urinals and toilets. Sometimes people forget to flush toilets and urinals. Maybe they are in a hurry or do not wish to push the button or pull the lever for hygiene reasons. Automatic faucets are in fact very hygienic as there is no need to touch the faucet in order to wash your hands.

Automatic faucets can have a huge impact on saving the environment in the future. At the moment millions of gallons of water are wasted around the world. This could change by installing automatic faucets in almost every location. They would make wasting water nearly impossible. The only problem at moment is the price. Most automatic faucets cost up to five times more than standard faucets and that is a lot. Although that is only the initial cost. During its lifetime an automatic faucet more than makes up for it.

iTouchless EZ Faucet Automatic Touch-Free Sensor Faucet Adapter

Its never made much sense - you approach a faucet with dirty hands and the first thing you have to do is turn the water on, using your dirty hands. Eliminate the ick factor and save water and money with this EZ Faucet automatic touch-free sensor faucet adapter. All you have to do is run your hands (or an object) under the sensor and water comes out of the faucet automatically and stops automatically when you move from under the sensor. It installs on most faucets without plumbing modifications. Saves, water, time, and money and makes sense. About as win/win as you get! Requires 3 AA batteries (not included).

iTouchless EZ Faucet PRO Automatic Touch-Free Faucet Adaptor, New Model for Any Sink/Faucet

The World’s only patented “faucet-mount” automatic faucet system that requires no plumbing modification. This saves installation time by 80% and the cost of hiring a plumber. After mounting to any standard faucet, simply run your hands (or whatever you are washing, filling, or getting wet) under the faucet and your water comes on automatically. It will then stay on until you move from under the sensor. You can also override the automatic feature by pressing the manual override button - this allows the water to run for 3 minutes until you press the manual override button again, sending it back to the automatic feature. The new PRO model is the smallest and smartest that makes any faucet automatic. 4 AAA batteries can last up to 1 1/2 years. (Not included)

Smart Faucet Shut Off Kit - Chrome

Save water while you are soaping up your hands or brushing your teeth with this automatic faucet shut-off valve. Great for disabled, elderly, children, arthritic hands, or any situation where you don’t want to touch the faucet handles. Set the water handles to desired volume and mix after installing, push back on the lever for water. Let go of the lever and it shuts off the water. Yes, there is a continuous flow feature.

Blumotion Cabinet Hinge Technology

It is a known fact that European cabinet hinges are by far the most excellent innovation that emerged in the world of cabinetry. Their distinct features and unmatched qualities are the many reasons why they are continuously growing in popularity. Just recently, a new and more sophisticated breakthrough has been introduced by the world-renowned manufacturer, Blum.

Blum hinges now feature an advanced soft closing system that allows a number of hinge conveniences. For years, cabinet owners have been struggling to eliminate enervating slam-bang scenarios as well as the agitating sound of a vehement drawer rebounding on the cabinet door. Thanks to the introduction of BlueMotion technology the amount of force implemented on the cabinet’s door can now be automatically adjusted accordingly. Blum cabinet hinges make use of this technology in order to provide gentle closing and opening of doors.

No matter how hard your cabinet doors are shut, get a smooth, silent close with Blumotion. Installation is quick and easy and once fitted, the Blumotion system creates a perfect closing motion every time. It reacts automatically to door size, door weight, and closing speed and then breaks the motion of the door accordingly. Comes in two styles, Blumotion for Compact Hinges and Blumotion snap-on style, which will accommodate most situations where European style hinges are in use. Blumotion for Compact Hinges was developed especially for use with Blum Compact Hinges but actually can be used with any style of European self-closing hinge because it mounts directly to the cabinet. Usually one per door will suffice but large and heavier doors may require more than one. Mounting hardware and instructions included.

 

Aside from that, the BlueMotion technology also offers a convenient clip-on mechanism that allows users to engage in a fuss-free installation. Since no hand tools or special hardware are required, you can conveniently commence with a worry-free assembly. The Bluemotion feature can be combined with almost all of the existing types and models of Blum hinges. The Bluemotion mechanism directly clips onto any clip-top hinges while silently working its magic.

Blumotion Hinge Adapter, Compact w/ Spacer

Tired of the jarring sound of banging cabinet doors? Your doors will close gently and silently with the new BLUMOTION soft-close hinge adapter system. The Blumotion Compact installs on the hinge side of the cabinet for use with both full and partial overlay doors. The fluid dampening system is completely silent. Adjustable for various door sizes and weights. The braking element expands according to the force. Integrated overload safety feature protects the BLUMOTION system and the hinges from damage due to improper use.

Blumotion for Compact Hinges

No matter how hard your cabinet doors are shut, get a smooth, silent close with Blumotion. Installation is quick and easy and once fitted, the Blumotion system creates a perfect closing motion every time. It reacts automatically to door size, door weight, and closing speed and then breaks the motion of the door accordingly. Comes in two styles, Blumotion for Compact Hinges and Blumotion snap-on style, which will accommodate most situations where European style hinges are in use. Blumotion for Compact Hinges was developed especially for use with Blum Compact Hinges but actually can be used with any style of European self-closing hinge because it mounts directly to the cabinet. Usually one per door will suffice but large and heavier doors may require more than one. Mounting hardware and instructions included.

Blumotion Hinge Adapter

Tired of the jarring sound of banging cabinet doors? Your doors will close gently and silently with the new BLUMOTION soft-close hinge adapter system. The 973A adapts to Blum Clip top 120 degree frameless hinges and face frame hinges and requires no change to the hinge assembly. The fluid dampening system is completely silent. Adjustable for various door sizes and weights. The braking element expands according to the force. Integrated overload safety feature protects the BLUMOTION system and the hinges from damage due to improper use.

The compact blumotion version makes use of exactly the same technology but it utilizes a special bracket to attach itself correctly. This type is perfect for those using self-closing kitchen cabinet hinges. Those who have a 170-degree opening hinge angle can also greatly benefit from their use. This new Blum innovation has an overload feature that functions to protect the hinge from accidental damage. A unique characteristic that will surely help to improve the function of your existing Blum hinges.

With all the presented facts, you will definitely be convinced that European cabinet hinges are must-have cabinet hardware!