Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Hansgrohe: Quality Faucets, Showers, and More

Hansgrohe combines luxury and efficiency with timeless designs for faucets, tubs, Kink-proof and adjustable handshowers, showerheads, bodysprays, patented self-cleaning systems and much more. Their wide variety of styles ensures that you can match your family's needs and your personal sense of expression.



Who says all sinks have to look the same? These two share unique structure and great craft, keeping your water running smoothly. Shown on the left is the
Hansgrohe Axor Puro Kitchen Faucet 14870, and on the right: Hansgrohe Axor Montreux Single Hole, Two Handle Faucet HAN-16505.


Shower Power!
Hansgrohe's Shower Power hand showers are hot and they put you in control, plus they have massage settings and their spray channels don't clog! The Hansgrohe ShowerPower Aktiva A8 28547 is shown below. All ages can enjoy hand showers, including the kids: with the playful, fun Alfie kit.






Shower Heads
These are like the Michelangelo of shower heads. The craft
that goes into them is pure art with function. The one featured is the Hansgrohe ShowerPower Aktiva with Showerarm 27470, which comes in multiple finishes and with a quick clean/self cleaning feature, keeping spray channels deposit-free. They save you the headache of routine cleaning, and provide excellent water pressure.

I think Hansgrohe's products can bring function and fresh
design to any bath or kitchen.

Monday, July 14, 2008

How To Care For Your Deck



-Deck protection is important in waterproofing your deck and needs to be reapplied about every 12 to 18 months. You’ll know when it’s time to reapply when the water soaks into the wood.

-
To get rid of debris, sweep your deck boards. Remove leaves, twigs, etc. that get caught in between your deck boards. (They can rot with time, which can cause the wood to rot too.)

-Fight dinginess. Wash out mold and mildew by scrubbing your deck boards with deck wash. Simply scrub then rinse and let dry for two days.

-Choose a tinted (which comes in colors and finishes) or clear (natural) wood protector and apply an even coat.

*Materials to keep handy: scrub brush, paint sprayer/roller/brush, water hose, towels/rags,deck wash, wood protector

Friday, July 11, 2008

Outdoor Kitchens: Take The Grilling Outside!

Custom Gourmet Outdoor Kitchen by Kalamazoo Outdoor kitchens are a strong sign of individuality--no two are the same. They are customized to fit you. And when you can survive outback, it's impressive!

Putting together an outdoor kitchen is convenient because you don't have to go back and

forth with equipment/condiments,etc. while grilling. No more shouting: "Hey Theo! Do you have the sauce? Grab some zucchini from the kitchen please before my hands burn off...Ok...thanks". Plus on beautiful days, you can enjoy the weather, free from the confines of the indoor kitchen. Though you are outside, you can have all of the kitchen essentials with you in your prep station. The fridge is right there, and feel free to bring your condiments on board!


When planning your outdoor kitchen,
map out your kitchen. Think about the four zones: cold (refrigeration, coolers, etc.),hot (grills/cook tops), wet (sinks/faucets) and dry (prep counters/storage). These four zones must have enough space to function and must work together, being kept apart at the right distance. Think about how much space you have and how you will use the kitchen. If you plan on grilling in cold weather, you will need a patio heater, unless you happen to own a time machine and the zero-freeze omni heat-suit that will not be invented for another 50 years.

Also--Do you plan on having guests or is it more about you and The Grill
? For some grilling enthusiasts, there is nothing more romantic than you and the grill, no distractions, no demands, except what you want. And don't get me started on the evening flames. If you plan on having humans aka friends, family, guests, outdoor kitchen admirer's over, you can choose to add furniture and tables to your list. Always work with your space, and know your space measurements.

The first step in creating your outdoor masterpiece kitchen is the grill, which is the center, the big Kahuna. After your grill you
will need grill accessories (like grids, a grill cover, side burners), lighting, and work space, preferably a prep station. The latter is very important for your sanity and organization. After that, it's your call. You can add whatever you want: a fridge, faucet/sink,a bar, an island, have fun with your space!

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Hot Colors and Paint Jobs for Every Room


Living Room: orange, red, yellow, lime green, white, pale iridescent gold, painting different sides of the room different blocks of color, experimental projects

Bath: lagoon blue, turquoise, nautical stripes, pale pewter, pastels

Kitchen: colors exuding spices like ginger, lime green, golden yellow, red, blue

Bedroom: primaries- red, blue, yellow, contrasting stripes, faux clouds, deep blues and crimsons, neutrals and earth tones

Basement: faux stone, bright colors, earth tones

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Kohler- Luxury and Quality for your Bath and Kitchen



Kohler's diversity of products and powerful portfolio of brands lead the way in design, craftsmanship and innovation. Whether it's a simple faucet replacement or an entire household in need of new or updated plumbing, Kohler will no doubt have everything you need to outfit your own kitchens and baths.

The Kohler Kitchen & Bath Group today manufactures world-class plumbing products often setting the standard in today's homes. Kohler plumbing products mean beautiful form as much as reliable function.

Kohler's Product Features are innovative, like Temperature Memory and High Temperature Limit Stop in sinks. For more features, check out their wide and quality selection of performance showers, spas, sinks, faucets, cabinets, vanities, and much more!


Top Left: Kohler BodySpa Waterfall KOH-K-1002-H2
Top Right:Kohler Verity Undercounter Stainless Steel Apron Front Single Basin-K-3086
Left: Kohler Avatar Single Control Pull-Out Kitchen Sink Faucet
- K-6352

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

13 Tools Your Home Needs

1. A Toolbox with the right, essential tools inside. Stay organized, you want all your basic tools in one place. You don’t want to storm the cabinets to find your wrench. The box itself should be filled with pockets, and compartments, but ultimately, it’s your call. Whatever keeps you organized.

2. Hammer--Lately, homeowners have been buying hammers with a straight claw instead of curved. They are better for demolition.

3. Tape measure--16-ft., An easy-locking measure with ¾ inch width is the way to go. It will stay put and that’s what you want.

4. Pliers, especially the Visegrip--for locking and making adjustments, etc. Make sure you keep these in your toolbox!

5. Screwdriver Set--You'll never know when you are going to need these. Buy them in sets, you will get a better deal and more shapes/sizes.

6. Pry bar--If you did not already discover one in the closet when you first bought your house, a pry bar measuring 12- 15 inches, is a useful addition. Try it in hexagonal steel. It offers better quality than spring steel, which is hard to keep still when hammering.

7. Needle-nose pliers--These come in handy for electrical work. Preferred: ones with the wire-cutting blades close to the hinge.

8. Wire cutter--Another essential for your electrical work.

9. Electrical tester--Detect the presence or absence of electrical currents.

10. Utility knife—take a stab at one with replaceable blades.

11. Reversible drill bit set—Go with the corded model, they have more longevity and weigh less than cordless.

12. A Wrench Set--For all your hard-to-turn needs

13. Electrical Tape and Teflon Tape--Electrical for wires, Teflon for plumbing repairs

Monday, July 7, 2008

Relax and Bathe Safely with Safety Tubs

Safety Tubs Soaking Tub Safety Tubs Massage System
Safety Tubs offer many benefits. They provide safe, convienient, relaxing bathing and offer spa products like dual massage systems. Here is some handy info. on these therapeutic tubs:

They Are Accessible and Easy To Use
There is no straining or struggling to get in or out of the tub when you own a Safety Tubs walk-in bathtub. Safety Tubs make warm baths or soothing showers accessible to people who thought they'd never enjoy the luxury on their own again.

They Are Safe
The walk-in tub door, low-entry, 17" chair-height seat, built-in handrail and slip-resistant tub floor are just a few of the features that make independent bathing safe in a Safety Tub.

They Are Comfortable And Convenient
Safety Tubs built-in chair-height seat allows you to experience a comfortable, full soak without the struggles of getting up and down. Electronic Finger Tip Touch Controls make adjusting temperature, water flow and jet options easy.

Features:

-Walk-In Bathtub Door For Safe, Easy Access, Eliminates the need to step over the front of the tub and allows safe and effortless entry and exit. Simply walk in, close the door and relax.

-Acrylic, the material of choice for leading bathtub manufacturers/trade professionals over fiberglass

-Watertight Seal With a Lifetime Guarantee, Their exclusive walk-in tub door system guarantees a watertight seal for life.

-17" Chair-Height, Built-In Seat for Easy Sitting and Standing

Plus: Safety Tubs are nearly twice as deep as regular bathtubs so you'll enjoy much more room to soak. Whirlpool Options Turn Your Bathroom Into a Heath Spa, Premium Faucet with Hand Held Shower Fills Tub in Half the Time, Built-In Safety Bar and Slip Resistant Floor Make Bathing Safe, Fits Into All Standard Bathtub Spaces


Thursday, July 3, 2008

Outdoor Fans Make A Beautiful Addition To Your Backyard Or Patio


Ready to take on the weekend heat? Outdoor fans keep your patio-backyard cool and they can also be seen as a form of decor. They inject some style into your outdoor living and have a Nautical, seaside ambience that brings you right to the beach, while blowing those flying pests away.They come in many designs and colors, mimicing the outdoor themes, so you can get the style and ambience you want!
Top Left: Emerson Westfield EMR-CF680
The back lit housing projects a warm glow into any outdoor setting. UL Wet Rated, the Westfield adds warmth and casual comfort to decks, patios, sunrooms and verandas.
Top Right: Emerson Maui Bay EMR-CF2000
"The Maui Bay can be outfitted with a variety of exotic new blades from tropical leaf to handwoven wicker. The Maui Bay is perfect for Florida rooms, sunrooms, verandas, or any area where a refreshing new look can bring cool, relaxing breezes."


Above: Deco Breeze Playa 18" Outdoor Adjustable Fan

*--Happy 4th of July Weekend!--*

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Fireworks Safety Tips

Have a blast celebrating the 4th of July without the safety hazards! Here are some tips for keeping it safe.

Common sense is a good idea. Fireworks are to be lit outside and only outside. Light them one at a time. Keep a safe distance-- which is an arm's length from the tip -- when lighting and if the firework does not look like it's going to go off--do not attempt to relight. These fireworks are often called the “duds” of the party and should be watered down until completely extinguished (along with the used fireworks). In case of emergency, keep a bucket and a hose nearby.


Pick up used fireworks with a shovel. When the kids want to use the fireworks, make sure there is an adult nearby. If that adult will be you, rock out with the kids but remember--safety first!

Have fireworks left over? Store them in a cold, dry area that is far from any flammable materials.

For more information and educational fun, you can visit http://www.fireworksafety.com/home.htm They even have a short safety video!

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Why Are Pedestal Sinks So Appealing?

The blogging spirit of 4th of July week would not be the same without a pedestal sink post! These sinks stand on their own, like our valorous Statue of Liberty--and are versatile. They work well in both Contemporary and Period style rooms. Their appeal is universal. There is a charm, a poise about pedestal sinks. My friend had one and that sink was the first thing I noticed in the bathroom. I found the great depth of the basin to be practical. If you want to save floor space, these sinks take little space and make your bathroom seem larger. Some pedestal sinks stand higher than standard sinks too, so less bending over. They really add character to your bathroom.

Want a pedestal sink with storage space? Try a console --a hybrid of a pedestal sink and a vanity.