An increasing number of home buyers now look for older properties with some original features. Old sash windows that were once ripped out in favor of plastic replacements are now seen as desirable original features. Original doors and cornices are also raved about, and for those home owners and buyers whose properties don’t boast original features, the trend is to do what you can and fake the rest.

Victorian and Edwardian Features

Those people who favor certain aspects of the Victorian and Edwardian eras invest in Victorian doors, which are available from dedicated oak door suppliers.  Even those people who prefer styles from another era tend to favour solid wood doors because they provide a place with an aura of permanence, Some home owners are totally taken with Victorian interiors, which is probably why busy wall paper patterns sell well in some areas, Heavy, drawing room curtains and claw footed baths in the bathroom are other elements of a Victorian style interior.  

People who like clean lines and squared off furniture may opt for a nineteen thirties inspired interior, which is much simpler and in some respects plainer than the Victorian interior.

The Attraction of Art Deco

Since the television series of Agatha Christie’s Poirot became popular in the late nineteen eighties, there has been a surge in the number of people who go for Art Deco styled interiors.

People choose Victorian doors for many different interiors according to oak door suppliers because they tend to fit well into most interiors. If you are looking to give the inside of your home a vintage nineteen thirties look you need clear lines, squared off armchairs and sofas and a certain amount of stainless steel.

Light Your Room Carefully

Lighting is important and thirties interiors often had plain glass bowl table lamps, often supported by a stainless steel female figure. Wall lights were also favoured and again were often a mix of coloured glass and stainless steel. Black and white was a favourite colour scheme broken up by often outlandish, brightly coloured ornaments.

If you are looking for lamps and furnishings from the period it is sometimes possible to pick them up at auction but the style was so unpopular in the sixties that a lot of original pieces were just thrown out.

Get the Forties Look

In recent years there has been a renewed interest in the utilitarian interiors of nineteen forties Britain where furnishings were chosen for their usefulness rather than their looks or style. There were plenty of shortages during and immediately after the Second World War and this applied as much to furniture and soft furnishings as it did to certain types of food.  

If you want to recreate an interior that is reminiscent of the nineteen forties and fifties then overstuffed chairs and sofas and a dark wood dining table are essential. Wall lights and standard lamps are reminiscent of the period and if you can pick up a vintage radiogram you will be well on your way to achieving that kind of look.

This post was written by James Harper on behalf of UK Oak Doors the specialist oak door suppliers who can source Victorian doors as well as doors from other eras to recreate that authentic period look in your own home.

Vintage Inspired Interiors is a post from: GreenWerks Home Remodeling

One of the most charming cold-weather images is a warm, crackling fire to ward off the chill outside. But, if you’re ever owned a home with a fireplace you know that hauling wood and cleaning ash aren’t quite so endearing. As a compromise, you should consider a clean-burning gas fireplace that will keep your family warm without the mess. When choosing a gas fireplace, one of the main decisions to make is whether to buy one that is vented or unvented. This post explains the pros and cons of each and provides a general idea of how much they cost.

Vented Gas Fireplaces

A vented gas fireplace is the most similar to a wood burning fireplace, including the fact that it requires an exhaust system. If there is a fireplace or chimney already in place, either can be used for gas fireplace ventilation. A second option is to install metal ductwork to exhaust combustion by-products.

• Flame is larger and resembles more closely an actual wood fire
• It’s possible to burn wood and specialty vented fireplace products in a fully-vented gas fireplace
• Less chance of generating indoor pollution and no carbon monoxide (CO) detector is required
• Less heat efficient than unvented gas fireplaces
• Because ventilation is required, installation locations are limited
• Generally more expensive to purchase and install

Unvented Gas Fireplaces

Unvented, or vent-free, fireplaces do not require an exhaust system, which makes them rather like a free-standing heater.

• Able to be placed virtually anywhere
• More efficient heat source, as generated heat doesn’t escape through ventilation
• Typically cost less to purchase and install
• Less authentic flame than vented gas fireplaces
• Can possibly generate indoor air pollution, requiring you to install a Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector
• Releases water as a byproduct of combustion, which could cause mold or mildew to develop

Gas Fireplace Pricing

As noted above, there is a price difference between vented and unvented gas fireplaces, with the former being a bit more expensive.

• You can expect to pay approximately $1,000 to $4,000 for a vented gas fireplace
• Unvented gas fireplaces might cost around $750 to $2,500
• Purchasing a more expensive stove, installing a chimney, or a complex gas line installation could push the total price up significantly.
• After purchasing your unit, you will still need to have it installed by a licensed HVAC. Learn more about how much it costs to install a gas fireplace.

Norah Whittle is a blogger for multiple home improvement publications.

Vented Fireplace vs. Gas Fireplace – What you need to Know is a post from: GreenWerks Home Remodeling

When you look at the gorgeous homes shown on reality TV shows and in magazines devoted to interior design, it’s easy to make the mistake of thinking that those homes cost an absolute fortune to decorate.  Everything is perfect – from the made to measure blinds to the sleek fitted kitchen, and the carefully matched furniture. 

It is possible to achieve a similar look without spending a lot of money, though.  All it takes is some careful planning and a good eye for what goes together.  Here’s a few tips to help you get started:

Don’t Fear DIY

Buying an entire new fitted kitchen would cost you a fortune – but replacing your existing kitchen’s cupboard doors, handles, and other front-facing parts is a lot cheaper.  It’s also a fairly trivial DIY task.  Why waste money on all-new carpentry when people almost never see the insides of the cupboards anyway?

Invest in Comfort and Storage

If you’re going to spend money, prioritize things that make you more comfortable, and things that make it easier for you to stay clutter free.  Those are the things that will have the biggest impact on your life.  A clutter free home is a stylish home, and you’ll enjoy life more sitting in a comfy sofa.

Let There Be Light

Natural light makes a massive difference to the way a room looks.  Consider getting roman blinds made to measure, and ditching your drab curtains.  Don’t neglect artificial light, though.  Make sure that you have functional lighting near key work benches and seating areas.

In the bedroom, you may want to invest in a set of made to measure blinds that will work as blackout blinds.  These can be invaluable in areas that have a lot of light pollution.  A nice dark bedroom is a good sleeping environment.

Take Care Over Colours

One advantage that show-home makers and specialist designers have is that they buy everything in one go.  They know exactly what supplier to use, and they don’t have to worry about building up a room piecemeal, as those of us on tighter budgets may have to do. This means that they can put together a room where everything matches. 

If you’re re-decorating, try to take photographs of important areas with you when you go shopping – or, better yet, ask for fabric samples and compare them to the stuff in your house before you buy anything.  This will help you to avoid ending up with a home that looks like a patchwork of slightly different shades and textures.

Don’t Stress About Perfection

Never lose sight of the fact that a real home is not a show-room.  One day, someone will spill wine on your carpet, or you will scratch or chip your kitchen counter.  The sooner you realise that it’s no big deal, the better for your sanity.   It’s nice to have a stylish home, but it’s more important to have a home that you can relax and enjoy yourself in.  

Written by Amy Fowler on behalf of Moonshadow Blinds, suppliers of simple yet stylish made to measure blinds including roller and Roman blinds.

Simple and Stylish Tips for Your Home is a post from: GreenWerks Home Remodeling

When decorating a house, the last thing many people consider is how the room will be lit. This is actually a major decision, as the lighting you choose can have a huge effect on a room. Read on to find out what you should be taking into consideration.

Traditional or Modern?

You wouldn’t believe how many people choose a light fitting that completely contradicts the rest of the room’s style. If you would consider your room to be modern, then choose a modern light fitting, and vice versa. Traditional lighting such as a sconce or chandelier goes fantastically with wooden beams, whereas an open plan, bright room would generally favour spot lights or similar modern lighting. Obviously, each of these light fittings can occasionally cross over between the two styles, so it’s down to your interpretation.

Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting is used to give an even level of light to a room. When deciding which ambient lighting to use you should be considering how to cover as much of the room as possible, and as evenly as possible. Therefore it is generally best practice to favour a ceiling light, such as a large pendant light, which will prevent any specific area of the room standing out. It is also best practice to ensure the light is placed exactly in the centre of the room.

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting can be used to draw attention to a specific feature of a room. For example, there may be a particular ornament, or pillar that you wish to focus on. This can be done very effectively using spotlights. Generally spotlights shouldn’t be coloured when used for interior lighting, but occasionally it works so feel free to experiment. Remember, spotlights work best when you can’t see them, only their effect, which is why recessed spotlights are so popular.

One fantastic use of spotlights in a home is to draw attention to a family photograph or portrait. This can be done using special picture light bars, which are placed above the frame. The lights are specifically designed to shine down onto a picture, giving it even coverage and providing a welcoming feel to a home.

Supplementary Lighting

If you have a particularly large room you may wish to provide more lighting solutions, without having to fit another ceiling light. This can be done using a range of wall lights, such as sconces or ceramic lights, or even by simply using lamps. Again, remember to choose the lighting that best suits the room’s style.

When choosing where to place supplementary lighting, make sure you consider where you will actually need more light. It’s no good having a light that looks great on one side of a room, when you are struggling to work due to low light on the other side. Also ensure that supplementary lighting doesn’t place focus on less desirable aspects of a room.

O Brien’s Lighting is an Ireland based lighting retailer providing large pendant lights and more ceiling Lights online.

How To Use Lighting In Your Home is a post from: GreenWerks Home Remodeling

When faced with the challenge of designing a contemporary living room, there are key factors that you have to take into account. Some of these aspects should include the seating plan, the lighting and ventilation, without forgetting the interior color scheme. A good combination of all these features will guarantee you a functional living room.

Each of the three main features is influential in determining the end product, therefore you have to ensure you give each of them special consideration. Since the room has to be built first, you need to start by looking at the seating area.

Important Facts When Designing the Seating Area

The first thing that you need to think of when coming up with any design is the functionality. This is very important because the room has to serve its purpose, aside from looking beautiful. It is obviously a bit of an oversight to have a very beautiful room that cannot function as it was intended. 

Among the crucial things to take into account is the seating arrangement. This will influence the way other things within the room will be placed. At this point, you need to have made up your mind on the kind of seats to use because different designs of seats may alter the entire plan – one way around this tricky issue could be to think about the use of modular sofas, whose shape is easily altered. You also have to think about the number of people you expect to accommodate in the room.

How to Go About the Lighting

Lighting is very important, especially in the living room. This is because it is the one place that people will spend most of their time when in the home. It is therefore important to ensure that the living room has enough natural light. This must have an impact in the choice of windows and their positioning. 

Windows are supposed to provide light in a room. You are therefore advised to try and have windows facing the directions of both the rising as well as the setting sun. This is important because it will ensure your living room receives direct light in the morning as well as later in the day. Such a move could, in turn, reduce your electricity bills a great deal.

The Importance of a Good Color Scheme

Color plays a very complementary role in the design of a room. A very good room could turn out to be somewhat unpleasant if you opt for the wrong color scheme. There are bright colors that give a feeling of brightness and happiness. Therefore, this type of color would be typically used in a living room’s interior. 

At this point, you also need to look at the colors of the furniture within the room. If you have any seats as the main focus within the room, their color should match well with the walls of the living room.

As a final thought, you should also not forget the floor since it will also have an impact contemporary living room design.

Jonathan is a freelance writer who specialises in interior design including the best place for your sofas or simply some great industry news

Design Tips for a Contemporary Living Room is a post from: GreenWerks Home Remodeling

Architecture is viewed as the process of designing and constructing a structure. It’s often partnered with interior design, as both professionas are associated with planning and implementing the creation of buildings. However, architecture typically deals with more technical elements whereas interior design emphasizes the aesthetic appeal.

This ancient profession produces buildings that are considered symbols of political and cultural prominence in societies. Most civilizations only have fixtures made by architects of the time to represent its existence. Several specialties, such as landscape architecture and urban design, are part of the industry.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment continues to grow much faster than normal, and competition for jobs remains fierce. Demographic trends in several areas, the increase of retirees, and the nation’s high mortality rate all contribute to the deman of job developments in architecture. Additionally, many employers have opted to outsource many of the low-level positions in order to cut costs. This trend may or may not have a negative effect on job growth over the next decade.

History

The history of architecture dates back to when buildings for first created. The profession was viewed as a craft, or art form, long before it was formalized and considered a technical trade. The industry gradually evolved via trial and error processes over thousands of years.

Several ancient civilizations in Rome, Greece, Mesopotamia, and Egypt were committed to implementing architectural practices during the progression of urbanism. Emphasis on honoring elite societies, as well as religious and political figures, continually molded the profession. Formal documentation on architecture have been discovered from these ancient time periods, providing guidance on various concepts in the practice. Since then, several regions, including China, India, Europe and the Middle East have adopted unique principles. Various movements in the Western World, such as the Renaissance, Industrial Revolution, and Modernism have also added distinctive qualities to the industry.

Currently, architecture is undergoing an expansion in scopes of practice. The field’s revolutionary growth process began in the 1980′s and continues to transform into a more complex area of study. Professionals are now expected to take into consideration the construction of buildings, as well as budgeting, quality, durability, and adherence to regulatory policies.

Career Details

The duties of architects widely varies. Professionals in the field are in charge of preparing drafts, designing structures, and managing daily operations. They’re also responsible for interacting with individuals from similar backgrounds, such as engineers, interior designers, electricians, carpenters, to ensure that all aspects of a constructing a building are covered. They must be able to articulate their vision effectively, remain detail-oriented, and work both independently and as a team.

Architects commonly work in design firms, private offices, studios,  and construction sites. They design a variety of buildings, such as houses, schools, hospitals, churches, museums, university campuses, community parks, and more. Their hours tend to be long and strenuous, as they’re required to work some weekends and weeknights when a project is in effect. Salary.com indicates that the annual income for architects ranges between $42,278 and $73,491 yearly. Amount of compensation typically depends on a number of factors, such as level of experience, type of employer and geographical location.

Education

Aspiring architects are required to obtain a professional degree, gain hands-on work experience while in school, and become licensed. Many individuals opt to enroll in brick-and-mortar universities while others take online art classes in a distance learning program. Regardless of the chosen type of educational path, attending an accredited institution is crucial. However, architectural registration boards determine their own guidelines which means that receipt of a degree from an unaccredited school doesn’t overrule your chances of obtaining licensure. Schools that are approved meet the academic expectations of the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

The majority of bachelor’s degree programs in architecture require 5 years of full-time study. Master’s degree programs may be attained in 1 to 5 years, depending on the degree of commitment and pace of study. Typical coursework includes, but isn’t limited to, construction methods, mathematics, building design, history and theory of architecture, and liberal arts classes. Numerous internship opportunities are commonly availabel during the course of academic studies.

After the completion of the degree program(s), individuals must take a formal in-depth examination to receive licensure. This accomplishment allows professionals to practice the trade in their state. Most individuals must continue to their education in the field in order to maintain licensure. Although certification is voluntary, it helps inform employers of the professionals’ expertise in the industry.

Modern Architecture

Modern architecture is known as a movement within a larger movement. Its origins date back to the beginning of the 20th century, although the concept wasn’t popularized until after World War II. The movement has influenced and showcased several leading innovators since its birth.

The purpose of modern architecture is fuse together the modernization of communities and technological advancements. Several of its techniques have been used in the construction of mass housing, churches, airport terminals, and skyscrapers. Trademark features include rectilinear lines, glass images, framed tubes, boxed towers, and other kinds of aesthetics. Most of modern architecture’s products represent a unique monumental quality and traditional designs. 

Popular Building Designs

There’s hundreds of building designs that are prominent in modern society. Check out 5 structures that gain worldwide recognition.

1. Open Air Library in Magdeburg, Germany

Surrounded by numerous vacant power plants and deserted land, this outdoor library is an urban experiment that’s partially made of beer crates and possesses more than 20,000 books. 

2. Galaxy Soho in Beijing, China

This building is comprised of several retail and commercial office spaces. It generates a futuristic appeal with its circular shape and crisp, white appearance.

3. Le Galilee in Blagnac, France

This Parisian beauty is a contemporary office building that offers the illusion of several book pages stuck together on the exterior. It contains aeronautics qualities, as well as sustainable technical strengths.

4. Massive Amanora Vertical City Apartments in India

This ingenious design is made up of over 1,000 apartment units and expected to be completed in 2014. All of the facilities are weaved together to create a unique group of dwellings.

5. Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia

The building’s design pays homage to the Expressionist art movement and is comprised of a sequence of concrete shells that are different sizes. 

Additional Sources

Occupational Outlook Handbook. (2011). US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Salary.com. (2011).

National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). (2011).

Lyndsey Ellis is a writer for Article Writing Services and other blogs.

All About Architecture is a post from: GreenWerks Home Remodeling

It seems to be the case that in many houses and apartments these days, homeowners strive to create the most stylish and modern home possible; adding as many hi-tech gadgets and shiny items as possible. This is all well and good, but many people enjoy spending time in a more homely, classic looking house; the comforting appearance and warming colours of vintage designs and textures often add something to a home that hi-tech gadgets and designer kitchen taps cannot.

It is equally as possible to show off your eye for style by adding classic furniture and features around the house; all it takes is a little forward thinking and some strategically placed accessories to bring the theme together!

Vintage Furniture

Many pieces of vintage furniture can be bought and arranged to compliment and accompany each other wonderfully. This is where forward thinking comes into play; plan far ahead and consider your options when looking to add some new pieces to your home. Furniture such as stylish dressing tables can add heaps of style and character to a bedroom, and show that you have consistently carried the style and design throughout the house. Another way to catty a consistent style and design through your home is by applying the same pattern to areas such as bed sheets and curtains.

Floral designs and patterns look fantastic in these areas if combined with other vintage items such as vanity mirrors, hand crafted chairs, stools and any other pieces you feel sell that vintage look, without going over the top.

Charming Accessories

There are small features you’d expect to find in a vintage home that you could place around your house to really add effect. Old style biscuit tins or cookie jars somehow seem to have a very distinctive and recognisable design; items that deliver this familiar sort of feeling have a way of standing out and can make a huge difference if placed in a suitable area.

Your choice of lighting can contribute massively when planning a vintage home; the warming glow of a classic looking lampshade can instantly add that cosy homely feeling to any living room. Choose a lamp shade that filters the light to a slightly duller yet more warming glow, this can serve as a fantastic finishing touch to a homely vintage living room or bedroom and will help even the most uptight visitor relax and sink back into their seat.

So, with just a little forward thinking and a keen eye whilst shopping for decoration, you can inject your home with some vintage style with the greatest of ease!

This home decor article was by Daniel Travis – Brown. Follow Daniel on Twitter @DanTravisBrown for more articles! 

Classic Designs in a Modern Home is a post from: GreenWerks Home Remodeling

The importance of a homely house is drastically underestimated in an era where many people don’t have the time or the money to invest in superior interior design or for those who despise the words ‘homemaker’ or ‘housewife’. I firmly believe that very small touches go a long way.

Your house is your sanctuary. It is the one place where you may seek shelter from all the strains of the outside world and just relax.

You want to walk through your front door and be greeted by pleasant lighting, soft furnishings and a welcoming layout.

If you’ve had a rubbish day at work and you come home to the same harsh lighting you’ve just left at the office, you’re not going to be able to relax and forget about work.

Light of my Life

A simple lamp can completely change a room by softening and warming one corner and consequently the entire room. Any simple lamp can be given an attractive lampshade; making it a work of art rather than a light. Cushions, pictures, throws and plants are all homely accessories always cheer up a dismal room. It’s always worth considering a lamp for a darkened corner, a cushion for a lone chair or a warm coloured throw to drape over a plain sofa. These are things that differentiate your home from a dentist’s waiting room.

I consider lighting to be one of the most important factors to consider when decorating a home. Lighting is in fact essential for so many things; from theatre productions, movie sets, modelling shoots, to restaurants, shops and many more. How you light up your home is one of the first things any visitor will notice when stepping through your front door.

You can find lights for your ceilings, surfaces, floors and exteriors for excellent prices from a variety of sources, and it’s certainly worth doing a little research and being open to innovation.

Think of how much more pleasant your morning’s ablutions can be with flattering bathroom lighting. Think of how cosy you can make your living room with lamps and soft lighting. Another wonderful thing about lighting is that you can use various tricks to make the room seem larger or more intimate. We all need to watch our energy consumption due to the current high prices and concerns over one’s carbon footprint, but low energy lighting is available everywhere. You can light up your home on a budget quite easily, whilst not compromising your lighting concept in any way.

Cushions and pictures and throws, oh my!

There seems to be a comical disagreement between men and women about the necessity of cushions, depicted hilariously in an episode of British comedy Coupling. While men may find cushions irrelevant, women everywhere can be observed buying cushions and decorating their sofas with them.

The truth is, regardless of their function, a cushion makes a sofa seem so much more inviting. It says: ‘sit down, I’m comfortable’.

You can play around with colour schemes, try out various materials, shapes and sizes until you find a combination you can live with everyday. Don’t forget, your home needs to appeal to you before anyone else.

If you’re not into large colourful throws decorating your bed, sofa or wall, then consider a warmly coloured fleece blanket to leave folded up on your sofa. This suggests comfort and warmth without making a loud fashion statement.

You should also consider putting up some pictures. Whether they are fun filled snaps of a family Christmas, holiday pictures or works of art you’ve found inspiring, get them up on the wall.

You can choose decorative frames, make creative montages or fill the wall by the stairs with memories that make you smile every time you walk by. This says ‘home’ more than anything; your home is about you and who are you without your memories and loved ones?

If you come home to find your house is poorly lit and not terribly welcoming, make the necessary changes. You can add little touches to your home without spending a fortune but that will improve your home immeasurably.

Susannah Plomer is a prolific freelance writer and enjoys blogging for Litecraft who specialise in home lighting and ceiling lights.

Top Tips on How to Make a House a Home is a post from: GreenWerks Home Remodeling

Most bathroom suites and accessories may have the trendy looks of modern design, but the technology behind it all is often hundreds of years old. The potential for technology to improve our bathroom experience is immense, but only if we want it too. In fact, whilst the following future bathroom ideas can seem slightly far-fetched, they’re all entirely possible right now. All that it will really take is for people to buy into the ideas and for the technology to become cheaper…

The Intelligent Toilet

An idea that comes straight from the future, (or ‘Japan’ as it used to be called) is the intelligent toilet. The electronic bidet toilet is installed in nearly 75% of Japanese homes, commonly including seat-warming and deodorization to their cleaning repertoire. Other concepts may become common in the future: some toilets actually measure medical details, such as blood pressure and blood sugar, and it has been suggested that these readings could even be made available to the

So why is the rest of the world stuck in the past? Because no matter what other features you stick on a Japanese toilet, the original one, the bidet, has always been its most unpalatable. There are a lot of reasons why bidets should be more popular – the need to kill a few million fewer trees, and the relative cleanliness of keeping your hand away from your bottom among them. But bathroom rituals are very difficult to change, and perhaps western cultures will never fully embrace the bidet / toilet combo.

So, perhaps some kind of robotic hand that wipes for you then? Err, on second thoughts…

The Bathroom Computer Screen

Like much of the technology on this list, someone has at least attempted the ‘TV in your bathroom’ before. Put a dedicated computer in there and you’ve got yourself a powerful device that could dramatically improve the usefulness of the bathroom: make wardrobe decisions, get the news, weather and everything else you need to start (or finish) your day in one place. It’s also a device you could build your bathroom around – the computer behind the intelligent toilet; the controls for all lights and switches in your bathroom; a display screen for your scales, which could plot your daily weight.

Whilst a technology with boundless possibilities that would seem to fit precisely with everyone’s current tech priorities, there are issues to iron out. Firstly, there’s the matter of what content we actually want access to in our bathrooms. Bathe before work and you may be traumatised by a breakfast news team sitting round and smiling your way. More importantly, any information must be presented in a way that is flexible and interesting enough for a bathroom user to want to use the screen regularly.

Actually interacting with it is another matter: touchscreen devices seem obvious, but the price of large screens and their usefulness in a temperature variable environment is debateable. Recognising that mirrors already have problems with water-streaking, one recent concept for a ‘magic mirror’ involved motion sensor cameras from X-box Kinect. This is a more practical solution, where interaction is via gestures rather than contact, but really? Cameras in the bathroom?

‘Greywater’ Recycling

The bathroom is nothing if not wasteful and there is plenty of scope for recycling. Whilst you probably wouldn’t want one in your main bathroom, composting toilets are perhaps the purest form of recycling. But less wasteful water practices could be round the corner with shared systems – especially as water is becoming precious in many urban areas. By simply allowing waste water to run out of the plughole of your sink and into the toilet’s cistern, you need

not use so much water next time you flush.

Interior Design

Despite all the grand, futurist ideas that tend to get thrown up for whatever room we pick out for ‘the future home’, decades seem to go by and even the most exciting ideas are seemingly never taken up. We really haven’t got much further than heated towel rails. Yet, the bathrooms of today look very different from those of twenty or thirty years ago. Why? Because interior design is just another aspect of fashion (it’s just about what your house wears instead) and certain looks come in and out of vogue. Take the rise and rise of the white bathroom, neutral coloured bathroom suite, as opposed to the loud colours of the 70s and 80s, or the dull creams of the 90s.

At the same time though, interior design has similar themes that run and run. People are probably going to want a ‘traditional’ styled bathroom, even if the degree of wood and the colour of that room may vary. Then you have minimalist styles, and the very ‘ultra-modern’ ideas that often under-pin future bathroom concepts. And that’s part of the problem: all these futuristic bathroom gadgets are surely only ever going to fit in these cutting edge designs, and the masses will only take to anything that is affordable and actually makes your life easier. Will the touch screen mirror ever really fit in a bathroom influenced by the 1920s? It seems doubtful.

Steph Wood regularly writes on the subject of bathrooms, but never from inside one. They write for Splash Direct Showers and baths.

Welcome To The Bathroom Of Tomorrow! is a post from: GreenWerks Home Remodeling

Laundry rooms aren’t always spacious. In fact, they aren’t always a room. If you are looking for a nice space to do your laundry, but don’t have a lot of space to have a luxurious room, it can still be nice.

It doesn’t matter if your washer and dryer are tucked in a corner, or in the basement. As long as you use the space wisely, it will work.

Functionality and convenience, with a pleasant appeal is all you need to get the laundry done. I am going to share with you some ideas that you can use to find a space, and make the most of it.

1. Stack ‘em Up

One of the easiest ways to save space is to purchase a stackable washer and dryer set. They are great for fitting in narrow spaces, as the necessary width is cut in half.

You will also free up a lot of floor space, to fit in a folding table, ironing station, or sorting bins.

To find a good stackable set, it’s easy with the Internet. For example, type in ‘LG washer reviews’ into the search box and you will be able to see what users of these machines are saying. Use this method for any brand that you might be considering.

You can then go to that company’s site to find out who is selling them, and then call around for the best price.

2. Seek and Hide

Find a way to hide your supplies. Small spaces tend to clutter quickly, and if you are like me, I don’t want to be around it.

Build a shelf, either above the washer and dryer, or on the side if you use a stackable set. You can store your supplies up on the shelf, rather than the floor. Decorative storage boxes can hold the smaller items, such as:

· Dryer Sheets
· Softener Balls
· Pen Spot Removers
· Lint Brush

By storing all these items above, it not only gets them off the floor, but provides a more pleasant atmosphere.

3. Color to Please the Senses

Small spaces can appear larger and more open with the right lighting, and color on the walls. Choosing a dark or boring tone will make everything dreary, including quite possibly your mood.

Soft yellows and greens are both colors that are known to enhance moods, as well as brighten a room. I know someone who designed a massage room around a color theme. She chose a color that is known to be relaxing, and then built everything around it. Her clients have said that when they entered the room, they instantly felt relaxed.

That’s just one example, but it shows how a simple addition of color can enhance any space.

4. Camouflage is the New Fad

If the space you choose is an extension of another room, there are ways to camouflage the space. For example, you can hang louvered doors to shut off the area and it will appear to be another closet.

Another way to hide the area is with curtains. If your washer and dryer are in the bathroom, use a removable rod and curtain to hide it when you have guests.

Using a nice patterned or colored curtain will also add some design to the space.

5. Drape the Supplies

If you have a stackable set with a folding table on the side, hang some curtains from the table to the floor to hide supplies.

Hanging a shelf above would be ideal, but above a folding table might be out of reach for someone who is short like me. I would not be able to reach over the table and up too easily, so this option would be best.

6. Kitchens can Multitask

Some people have extra space in their kitchen, which would be ideal for a small cupboard to host a stackable washer and dryer. With the doors closed, it would be tucked away looking like a pantry.

The kitchen table can double as a folding table, especially if you put it away when done. Another perk would be the kitchen sink. It could double as a wash sink for hand-washed delicates.  

7. Custom Built Folding Station

To save room in my laundry room, I had a custom built folding table installed right above my washer and dryer. It doesn’t take up any space, and it’s right there…dryer to table in one swift move.

I can also use this as an ironing station, for the minimal ironing I do. If I did a lot of ironing, this probably wouldn’t be ideal. But the newer machines, such as the Electrolux front load washers and dryers come with steam and wrinkle-release features. In other words, a woman’s best friend.

8. Compact Ironing Station

For those who do more ironing than I do, you can install a fold-down ironing board on the wall. You will need the space for it to come down, but it’s tucked out of the way when not in use.

You can camouflage the board with a shallow cabinet and a built-in shelf to store smaller items.

In Closing

These are just a few ideas, but you can find ways to have a decent laundry space, even in tight spaces. It doesn’t have to be a room, but make it as pleasant and functional as possible. You will be spending time in the area, so make it your own.

Melissa Cameron is a freelance writer, living in Texas with her husband and 2 young children. She loves to write on topics that will help consumers save money and try innovative ideas. In fact, her husband has called her a walking infomercial. When she is not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family. She has also just recently discovered Twitter.

8 Creative Ideas for a Laundry Room with Limited Space is a post from: GreenWerks Home Remodeling