Monday, June 30, 2008

Stylish Kitchen Cabinet Renovation Guide on a Budget

To update the carcass of existing kitchen cabinets, you only need to replace the countertop and the cabinet doors to refresh the look of your kitchen. Using low-cost materials like paint, zinc sheeting or wood-veneer, the cabinets can be transformed into designer-look pieces at cost-conscious budget. The key is to match the color and look to a theme. For example, old cabinet doors can be replaced with MDF doors which can be customized by spray-painting them in tones to complement the color scheme of the kitchen.


If you’ve got a bit more money to spare, you can go for trendy brushed steel doors and a stainless steel worktop to go with white or pale wood laminate cabinets. A darker wood tone can be matched with a white postformed laminate countertop and matching doors for a brighter, airier look.

For either wood color, using sleek metal handles add an edgy accent to the cabinets. The mix of steel with wood ensures that the kitchen looks contemporary but does not end up feeling too cold.

However, you can’t assume that the cabinet’s structure is still sound. Often, wooden structures that look pretty good from the outside can be rotting in areas you can’t see. This is especially true of kitchens which are perpetually damp; the humidity as well as frequency and the way which kitchens are cleaned (soap plus lots of water) affect the degree of dampness.


To confirm that you’ll be able to re-use the cabinet bodies, you need to get a reliable contractor/carpenter to check the back and the internal structure. To be thorough, you should remove whatever you have inside the bottom cabinets so that he can do a proper inspection. If they are all right you can update the interiors by fitting them out with the latest wire shelving and pull-out racks to make them more efficient and to improve ventilation inside.

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Bedroom Furniture

Latest trends in Bedroom Furniture


Bedroom is one of the most desired rooms for retirement. A quiet respite, the space should instantly help you relax and feel at home the moment you enter the room. Bedroom furniture can help you in organizing a space and also fulfilling the needs of a soulful night rest away from the hustle of work and everyday life. Getting a good night sleep is one of the prime concerns when working out a color or furniture scheme for bedrooms.


You get bedroom sets with closets, cabinets and armoires that allow you to stack up extra items. These storage units offer you that extra space to put clothes and other articles conveniently in drawers and shelves. There are armoires that can be used as entertainment centers, and many other viable options. You get dresser and nightstands along with beds as suites where each unit aptly compliments the other. There are bookcases and shelving systems as well to help you stow away the extra stuff lying around. But overall, it helps to work out a theme in-line with your comfort level. Blues, greens and pastels are considered retiring colors, and you could match it all up to harmonize a space with décor articles like paintings, furniture, fabric, accessories and curtains. Work out on relaxing themes and jell it with your personal taste.
Apart from organizing a space, bedroom furniture can be fashioned in the most appealing manner to allow a collage of art and function. You get beds in different materials—leather, wood, wrought iron and a combination that allows you to invest in comfort within your budget. A storage bed , for instance, is great for storing extra linen, sheets and pillows. A leather bed bestows a room with a suave modern looks that is all great; but you must match it up with some great modern furniture pieces or even think out of the box and create an interesting fusion of old and new to infuse your bedroom with a great harmonizing balance and energy.


You get modern beds in different styles. On basics of modern interior design, the trend follows easy lines, open spaces and muted, textured colors and shades. Tones towards the bolder versions are here, but there are beiges and browns too for a serene ambience. You can add depth to any color, and add pieces and accessories in complimenting shades and tones to further accentuate the overall décor. Hang paintings in complimenting frame colors and retiring tones, wall papers are great too, and textured designs can help you personalize a space to suit your taste. Planning helps in fashioning bedroom furniture that compliments the overalls in the most harmonizing way. Measure the space and evaluate your storage needs on a practical level. Also, it is important to have some space around for you to move about in the room.
There are different kinds of beds available, some of the most popular ones being listed here,
Types of beds


Trundle Bed: Trundle bed is normally a pair of beds. One of the beds is slightly smaller than a twin bed, which is on rollers or casters so that it may be put under the upper twin bed for storage. Designed to be used for extra guests when needed, trundle beds allow you to use the extra bed/s separately without occupying extra space.Sleigh Beds: A classic sleigh bed looks modern and comes with headboards and footboards. Sleigh beds can be opted for along with a set of side drawers for more storage space.


Platform bed: Bedroom platform beds come without springs. The bed is actually designed to be elevated on the legs or the support frame. Great for comfort and has a clean, neat and simple appeal, good for avoiding stuffy looks.


Sofa beds: Sofa bed is a versatile piece of furniture. It can be used in the day time as a chic sofa and converted into a bed with the help of easy click-clack mechanism. These days you get sofa beds in the most fashionable designs to suit the urbane lifestyle. A great combination of function and style, it is a great solution for smaller spaces too.

Child Bed/ Bunk Bed: Bunk bed is designed at a level lying very low to the ground, so that the child can climb up and down safely. Look out for safety features—rounded edges and other available features that make the beds safe.


Bunk beds are twin beds fashioned to accommodate two kids. Arranged one on top of the other, the upper bed can be accessed with the help of a ladder. There are many different designs and styles available that allow room for storage and study. Designer kid’s bunk bed suites are great for scheming up a room in different color schemes and styles.

For more information: http://www.spacify.com/

Friday, June 27, 2008

Travel to seven continent tags.

~Begin Copy~

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket


Rules :
1. Start Copy from "Begin Copy" until "End Copy".
2. Put your blog's name and url write in which continent you live, add the country you live in. Example :
My Imaginary Travels (Netherlands)
3. Leave your url post
in here and I'll add you to the Master List.
4. Please help spread this tag by tagging your friends as much as you can.
5. Don't play unfair! If you have more than 1 blog, you can participate all your blogs for this tag. BUT you will have to post this tag to all your blogs as well. So, please. Don't cheat!
6. Please come back again to copy the update of the master list, often. This process will help new participants to get the same gains as the first participants.
7. Don't forget to use the banner at your post, you can save as or you can just copy the code
in here.

Master List :
A. Asia :
1. Moms... Check Nyo (Philippines) 2. Aeirin's Collections (Philippines) 3. Jenny and Belle(Philippines) 4. Hailey's Beats and Bits (Philippines) 5. Appleofmyeyes(Saudi Arabia) 6. Deranged Insanity (Philippines) 7. PROJECT HEAVY TRAFFIC (Singapore) 8. Rooms of My Heart (Indonesia) 9. Blessings and Beyond (Philippines) 10. lancerlord (Singapore) 11. allinkorea (Korea) 12. kimchiland (Korea) 13. korean food (Korea) 14. idealpinkrose (Korea) 15. Pinay Mommy Online (Philippines) 16. Momhood Moments (Philippines) 17. Business Mars (Philippines) 18. Maiylah’s Snippets (Philippines) 19. Picture Clusters (Philippines) 20. My Wanderings (Philippines) 21. Hit-or-Miss (Philippines) 22. Life Quest (Philippines) 23. FunFierceFabulous (Phils) 24. and Life Goes On for... (Philippines) 25. Moments of Colours (Philippines) 26. Making sense… (somehow) (Philippines) 27. Day To Day (Philippines) 28. My Happy Place 29. Me and Mine (Japan) 30. Little Peanut (Japan) 31. Creative In Me (Japan) 32. Pea in a Pod (Japan) 33. A Slice of Life (Phils) 34. Jenny Said So (Phils) 35. Live it Up... (Philippines) 36. A Sweet Taste Of Life (Philippines) 37. Through The Rain (Philippines) 38. Sugarmagnolias (Japan) 39. ParentZine育兒好好玩 (Singapore) 40. We are Family (PH) 41. Reference Notes (Hong Kong) 42. The Sweet Life 43. A Great Pleasure (Malaysia) 44. LadyJava's Lounge (Malaysia) 45. LadyJava Life's Pages (Malaysia) 46. Being Woman (Malaysia), 47. Cat Tales (Malaysia) 48. Make Money Online (Malaysia) 49. LadyJava's Food Paradise (Malaysia)50.Alanzain-home decor world (Malaysia) 51. your turn

B. Australia : 1. Reflexes (Australia) 2. Emcee 3. Outback-Pinay 4. Collect and Connect (Australia) 5. your turn

C. Afrika : 1. your turn

D. North Amerika : 1. Simple Life, Simply Me (USA) 2. Pinaymama's Diary (USA) 3. 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires (United States) 4.Traipsey Turvey (USA) 5. Dabawenyako (USA) 6. Icelog (USA) 6. The Misadventures of an Ordinary Housewife (USA) 7. It Is Nap Time (US) 8.A Mother's Journal (USA) 9. Journey And Journal [USA] 10. Life is good and beautiful (USA) 11. Tasteful Voyage (USA) 12. Jenny's Wandering Thoughts (USA) 13. Mom Knows Everything (Canada) 14. Filipino love stories (USA) 15. A Mom's Note (USA) 16. Life with the Two Crazy Dogs 17. BLOGSILOG (USA) 18. Juliana’s World ( New York, USA) 19. your turn

E. South Amerika : 1. your turn

F. Europe : 1. My Imaginary Travels (Netherlands) 2. Juliana's Site (Netherlands) 3. Picturing of Life (Netherlands) 4. SuperMae (Portugal) 5. The Callalily Space (The Netherlands) 6. Portia (UK) 7. Daily Grind (Germany) 8. Amel's Realm (Finland) 9. your turn

G. Antarctica : 1. your turn

~ End Copy ~

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Country Kitchen Decorating Ideas Are Cozy And Comfortinga

Country kitchen decorating ideas are for any person who gets pleasure from the warm, earthy feeling of the simplicity of nature. Decorating country kitchen is among the most popular types of interior decorating. This is because of the overall feeling of being welcoming and friendly that country kitchen decorating has to offer those who own the kitchen, as well as any guests and visitors.

If you are considering country and kitchen and decorating ideas, then you will need to decide if you’re going to be limiting it to your kitchen, or if you’ll be spreading it throughout your home. You will also need to look into the ideas and country kitchen and decorating ideas budget that you’ll have available to get the job done.

Among the most popular country kitchen ideas are the following:

* Colors – a country style kitchen usually includes fresh, clean, and warm colors. These may include yellows, browns, greens, whites, and pinks, in their medium shades. They can also be accents in the fruits, flowers, vegetables, plants, and other accessories that you can add to your country kitchen decorating idea.

* Furniture – country kitchen decorating ideas usually include furniture in lighter woods, as well as wicker furniture. Floral and gingham patterns flatter the upholstery of chairs and couches well, by either purchasing new furniture or creating slip covers for your existing furniture.

* Flooring – country kitchen decorating means that you’ll have natural wood, tile, or flagstone flooring. If these are outside of your budget, an equally appropriate look can be achieved with wall-to-wall carpeting or laminate in the correct light shade. Hooked or braided rugs add an authentic appeal to finish the look.

* Accessories – while decorating country kitchen, the accessories that work best are those that your family enjoys. Photos in wooden frames, paintings of rustic scenes, plants, candles, and lace curtains will all do the trick.

Country kitchens can be a great deal of fun. Just stay open minded, and pick the features that you like the most!


Friday, June 20, 2008

Improving Your Home With Drywall

Improve or repair your home using drywall. To drywall a home for repair is easier said than done; however, it is never as difficult as some lead you to believe. When you start to drywall for home improvement, you must follow a few straightforward steps. As for tools, you will need a Putty Trial, Tray, sandpaper, and joint putty, scraper, hammer, paint, thinner, patches, plaster, and a few other items to finish the task. Of course, it depends on the size of the area as to what exact tools and materials are needed.

You will need sandpaper, since you start the drywall procedure by sanding down the walls and removing any lumps. You should sand until you see clear white area. You will need a cloth to finish the procedure by wiping down the wall removing any drywall dust.

Plaster comes in handy if there are holes in the wall, thus use the putty trial and scraper to apply the joint putty to fill in the holes and patch if applicable. From time to time, a second coating of plaster is required, thus repeat the course of action until the hole is filled and scraped down to smoothness. You will need to sand the plaster when it is dry.

Never start to drywall until you have sanded down the area, smoothed out the surface, and have washed the wall, freeing the area of any dust. Furthermore, make sure the region is dry previous to sandpapering the area. Start the drywall modus operandi by following the systematic steps provided to you in the kit purchased, and not until you have a clear smooth area.

You need to ensure that you avoid simple mistakes when planning and putting up drywall. Install the ceiling drywall before installing any walls. Work from top (ceiling) to bottom (floor). Try to run the drywall sheets perpendicular to the framing and mark joint locations so they are easier to find. If you can mark the stud locations on the ceiling and floor, do it so it is easier to fasten the drywall sheets. Check the plans for provisions for insulation, ventilation, moisture control and wiring prior to using drywall. Use dry wall nails or screws and cover the wallboard tape with compound. Make certain that you sand the drywall compound to ensure a smooth finish. If not sanded correctly, the bumps will show twofold when you apply paint. Most importantly, do not apply the drywall with the wrong side exposed.

After adding the drywall for home improvement, you are ready to paint. Thus, choosing the paint and brushes appropriate for the job will help you receive a grand effect. Paint the base line area before relocating any furniture in the home. Allow the paint to dry and touch up by re-arranging the furniture, curtains, etc.

Dry walling is not difficult and does not require a lot of technical skill, rather it is time consuming…

If your walls are in serious need of construction you might want to consider other options rather than dry walling and painting the area. Sometimes you merely cover areas that are deteriorating by adding new lining, paneling, covering, etc. Thus, checking into additional options might benefit you while saving you money and time.

Sometimes you can get away with repairs rather than entire makeovers. The walls are layered, thus a bit of plaster or spackle and other tools and materials could dress of the area. If you have rotted area, again you may want to consider other options, or else hire a drywall contractor expert to repair the home.

Sometimes you simply cannot get away with home improvement by doing it yourself. At times, you may need assistance, thus preventing deterioration is critical to save you money.

If you notice areas of the home that are starting to show wear, by taking care of the problem now will save you heartache later. The repairs are easier than entire improvements, thus repairs are also cheaper.

If you have dents, cracks or holes in the walls, buy a plastering or spackling kit and follow the instructions to repair the problem now rather than allow it to linger.

For repairs you will need paintbrushes, knives, spackle, latex bonding liquid, paint, patching plaster, sandpaper, fiberglass wallboard tape, and that about sums it up. For holes, you cover the area with the wallboard tape and then spackle to make the tape stick.

After the spackle is applied, using your sandpaper sand the area repaired until it is smooth. If you notice peeling, paint or loose plaster around the area, use your scraper to remove or clear up the area. After the spackle starts to dry and is sanded, add a second coating to cover the hole entirely. Again, sand and prime the patched area. Finally, you are ready to paint.

See how easy that was. Now, if you allow it to set without attention you will be doing a lot more work later and probably paying out a lot more money. You can use spackle to fix dents and cracks in the walls as well. Plaster or spackle will cover nail holes or holes made from screws. These home repair materials are affordable, thus cover now and save later.


Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Planning a Kitchen

Like all things that are built, if you get the foundation correct then the finishing items usually go into the main system fairly smoothly. So it follows that if you plan your kitchen correctly and methodically then the process should be relatively straight forward, however if you start with the finished idea then that may not be at all practical.

To plan a kitchen we need to start with establishing the parameters within which we have to work. This includes the actual space, the uses of that space and the budget.


There are four stages to planning a kitchen:

Defining the space, which includes either measuring up, and noting the position of the existing services, windows and doors of planning from the start with the architect on how you want the space laid out.

Designing the room's layout to get the appliances, work tops and cupboards where you want them.

Confirming that layout and the services that are needed.(This includes lighting).
Confirming the finishes that you require for the bench tops, the exterior of the cabinetry and the interior of the cabinetry, the flooring, the walls, ceiling and window treatments

The following is intended to help you with the actual planning, but they are only suggestions and will not be practical in all situations, you will often have to compromise. The golden rule is - keep it simple - and remember that the kitchen is one of the main selling points for a house.

For years now kitchen designers have used a simplistic method of a triangle to connect the three main work spaces within a kitchen.


The main working zones in the kitchen are generally recognized as being - food preparation, cooking and serving, and finally washing up. Each activity zone needs to include the work top(s) and appliances required for that activity, also the zone will require the storage space for the utensils, ingredients etc. required for it.

In addition to the three zones, it is important to arrange the appliances and work tops in the correct order i.e. work top - appliance - work top. A work triangle is formed between the three zones.

For the greatest efficiency the total length of the three sides of the triangle should be between 3600mm and 6600mm, and as far as possible, the work triangle should be uninterrupted by through traffic.

The main working zones in the kitchen are generally recognized as being - food preparation, cooking and serving, and finally washing up.

Each activity zone needs to include the work top(s) and appliances required for that activity, also the zone will require the storage space for the utensils, ingredients etc. required for it.


In addition to the three zones, it is important to arrange the appliances and work tops in the correct order i.e. work top - appliance - work top.

A work triangle is formed between the three zones (as shown in the diagrams below). For the greatest efficiency the total length of the three sides of the triangle should be between 3600mm and 6600mm, and as far as possible, the work triangle should be uninterrupted by through traffic.

1. Corridor Kitchen Layout - Galley Kitchen Layout

The galley kitchen name came from the ship's galley - a space of very small porportions. This type of kitchen is common in modern apartments where space is limited and is often used in an open plan room with one side against a wall and the other as a long kitchen island essentially.

In long narrow kitchen spaces with doors or openings at each end, the best design solution is to have two rows of kitchen cabinetry housing the appliances and providing storage and work tops.

There should be a minimum space allowance of 1200mm between the cabinetry to allow for a safe passage through and the ability to open and shut cupboards and load dishwashers etc. Some spaces don't allow for this minimum luxury of space between the cabinetry, so in this case, place all opening appliances and cabinetry along one side.



2. L-shaped Kitchen Layout

This is often the best solution where the kitchen can fit into a corner.


3. U-shaped Kitchen Layout

This layout is convenient as all working areas are within easy reach. It may be the only choice for small rooms although it can also be used with effect where a kitchen area needs to be fitted at one end of a larger room. Try to allow for 1200mm between the parallel sides of the U.





4. Kitchen Island Layout

Often thought of as a luxury, the island layout needs a fairly large room, however in such a room, it does reduce the amount of walking you need to do. Try to allow for 1200mm between the island and any other cupboard/obstruction etc. Although the design shown has the cooking hob on the island, the island could be used for the food preparation area. Remember that services will need to be taken to the island.



Thursday, June 12, 2008

Home Decorating Kitchen Design Planning, Advice and Ideas

The kitchen is said to be the heart of the home or house. Its usually the first place we stop to sit down when we enter the house. It’s where we store our food and prepare our meals and often the kitchen is where we dine.


However its not just the food area of the house as its usually central to the traffic and living flow. Preschoolers will play there while the parent is using the kitchen, children will often do their homework there with the help of the parents while preparing an evening meal and if you have a party you can bet that’s where many of the partygoers will gravitate.


It’s an odd phenomenon but the kitchen is the heart of the home and that’s why this site explores all the areas and needs of the kitchen. All the activities and more are part of the kitchen's role and the themes are endless from contemporary to ultra modern to a traditional country kitchen.



The fantastic thing about modern kitchens is that they can look old or to any style and still be practical with the modern finishes and appliances available. Kitchen design is not a simple process but it is logical and using this site will enable you to answer many of the questions you have about kitchens and how to design and plan a kitchen.


The golden question is how do we go about putting a kitchen and the associated areas together, how do we make the choices from the hundreds of options available.

In this site you will find categories that cover all of the aspects of kitchen design including how to design.
They are as follows:

Planning a kitchen


The planning process


Appliances what they are the basics of how they work and some of the models available.


Plumbing fittings, the faucets, boiling units, dishwashing and garbage disposal.
Lighting, How to create mood in the kitchen, how to make sure the lighting is correct and efficient and how to make sure it’s attractive.


Flooring. The area that gets the most wear and tear and abuse every day, what are your options, timber, vinyl, stone, concrete, carpet, cork. There are a lot of possibilities but which?


Wall finishes. What looks great and is impervious to steam, grease, food spills and yet can be cleaned without staining or deteriorating. We look at a whole lot of options here from tiling to papers to laminates and special paints to mention a few.


Electrical requirements such as the amount of outlets needed for all the appliances that a modern kitchen requires, safety aspects, aesthetics, and planning the positions of these items.


Cabinetry, here is a very large subject. This section helps you choosing different finishes, planning the cabinets layout and why, drawers that have to go into them and where the hardware that goes on the cabinets from self closing hush drawers to handles and hinges.


Storage. This is an endless area with manufacturers coming up with new and innovative store solutions all the time. Here you can see what’s available.


Kitchens come in all shapes and sizes and we will show you how to get the most from the space that you have. We will find out the best ways to flow through your kitchen and make it a comfortable space to work in. So start looking for ideas right now!



Sunday, June 8, 2008

Making the Most of Your Bedroom Space with Mirrors

Many people find it hard to think outside the square when finding creative ways to decorate their home. Well that’s what we’re here for!

Decorating with mirrors is a simple, elegant and easy way to create space, light and beauty in your home but often a design tool taken for granted.


Mirrors aren’t just for bathrooms! So I’m here to show you how to make the most of your living space using mirrors.



The most obvious use for a mirror is to look at yourself in. One of my pet hates is having to walk from my bedroom to the bathroom to check my hair, outfit etc before I go out. Always have a mirror somewhere in the bedroom, full length is the best, so you don’t wander out feeling gorgeous and actually have your skirt tucked into your underwear (admit it, its happened to us all once)! A mirror by the front door is also a good idea. It’s easy to check yourself one last time before you leave, can add light and space to a sometimes small entrance way, and is supposedly good Feng Shui, as it confuses any spirits trying to enter your home.

But aside from the obvious, what are some other interesting and functional ways to use mirrors?


Hang above a fireplace or mantel to add a huge amount of space to a room. Make it a beautiful bevelled mirror, a funky art deco design, or whatever suits the style of your room. Instead of using art, use a mirror! It’s also a great way to reflect heat from the fire out into the room.
Try hanging small but interesting mirrors amongst a photo montage on the wall. It will change the feel of it instantly and is unexpected.
If you find a stunning frame but can’t find a picture to go, make it into a mirror. Most glass and framing places sell mirror glass cut to size and will fit it into the frame for you if necessary.

Every babies room should have a mirror. Make it colourful and have interesting things hanging off the frame, or photos of family inserted around the outside. Mirrors are a wonderful learning tool for babies and provide hours of entertainment too!

To add height to a short room, securely attach a mirror to the ceiling to create your own version of a skylight.
A more practical way of using mirrors can include a backsplash for a bath or in the kitchen, as long as you don’t mind constantly cleaning it! Or try mirrors hung on the roof of a tall cupboard to help you see what’s inside.


Mirrors hung between windows add an amazing depth to the room, and there’s no quicker way to create the illusion of space than hanging a floor to ceiling mirror on a wall. I remember I used to go into this music shop that always seemed massive to me, until I realised one entire wall was actually a mirror. It had transformed this narrow strip of a shop into a large open space, and it took me at least three visits before I noticed it was a mirror tricking my eyes.



Mirrors are aesthetically gorgeous and don’t get used enough outside the square.

So next time you have a design block or a space problem, consider mirrors before removing that extra wall!


Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Tablescapes Combining Collectibles to Create Art in Your Bedroom

Tablescapes are a simple but stunning way to add a little something special to any bare space in your bedroom.

Whether it is a collection or an assortment of things special to you, a tablescape creates artwork out of a lonely corner or a bare table.


It is also a very good way of adding to a theme you already have established.
How to achieve this?

Firstly, choose a range of items that have something in common and you feel you would like displaying in your bedroom. Try to pick items with the same color or theme, which should ideally be continued onto any objects in the immediate surrounding area. Try to choose a variety of textures and shapes. Consider combining some flowers or foliage- but be sure to keep it fresh or use convincing fakes, with candles, photo frames and a special ornament or sculptural piece.




Now, onto the arranging. The best and easiest method is to work in a pyramid shape. Place your biggest piece at the back, or slightly off-center and work forward and outwards with the medium and smaller pieces. Group items of similar theme or color together and add in a contrasting texture or color to add a point of interest to the arrangement. Make sensible decisions - you don’t want your tablescape to look cluttered. If you have lots of little objects, create a grounded look (and one that’s easier to clean!) by placing them on a tray or similar, that works as part of the arrangement.



Most importantly, keep your bedroom tablescape clean! Dusty collections have no artistic appeal and look unloved. Don’t be afraid to move items around when you clean to keep the display interesting.

Tablescapes are a quick and easy way to add a bit of personality to any corner of your home.