Adding Natural Stone Slate Tiles to your Bathroom

It is good to know about different kinds of tike options for your bathroom. Among many different types like ceramic, vinyl and many others, natural stone tiles have their own significance. Slate tiles are the most popular natural stone tiles. They are mostly preferred by those who wish to add a traditional look to the bathroom,

Slate tiles have significant aesthetic value. They are available in different colors and designs. Different color variations like black, dark gray, gray purples and sienna orange are seen in slate tiles. Variation of color in these tiles can be seen by adding small-sized tiles. They also give a different feel when added with other varieties of tiles. They are also associated with lesser maintenance requirements when compared with ceramic tiles. However, any abrasive elements can grit the tile and break the sealant of the tile. They should not be mopped with a wet cloth as the mopping can leave residues that make scratches on the slate tiles. This may also remove the applied sealer. Hence, it is advisable to sweep the dry floor.

Slate tiles can endure extreme hard wear. So, they are the best option at places where heavy traffic is seen. The natural slip resistance of slate tiles can be preserved by right finishing. The slate tiles can be honed or polished. However, polished slate tiles are more slippery for a wet bathroom floor. One disadvantage of using slate tiles is that they get faded with heavy water absorption, if not sealed properly. Hence, appropriate sealers have to be used for regular maintenance of these tiles. Therefore, they are mostly used at places with limited exposure to water. They are the best options for use in shower areas. However, with regular necessary maintenance, they can make your bathroom look good.

Different Patterns for Ceramic Bathroom Tiles

It is obvious that we get bored of looking at the older styled bathroom. We wish to turn it in a desired way along with improving functionality. Tiles are the things that come into our mind when we think of bathroom remodeling. They are used for flooring, walls, countertops and sometimes even ceiling. Among the different kinds of tiles, ceramic bathroom tiles are more prominently used. However, they can be given a new and unique look when added in different unique patterns.

Larger diamonds with borders are the new patterns for ceramic bathroom tiles. Placing diamond shaped larger tiles at the back splash area is a great idea. You can even place them in the center of the flooring area to make it more attractive. Tiles can be cut into smaller pieces of diamond or any other unique shape for decorating the area around the mirror in your bathroom.

Squares and stripes are certain patterns that can be made with ceramic tiles. You can arrange the tiles in striped fashion and place them around the shower or even on the floor. Using smaller tiles for stripes can be better because they give a cool look. Whereas, the larger tiles add more weight to the room.

Adding mosaic patterns to your bathroom tiles gives a classy appearance. Use different colored smaller ceramic tiles to create a mosaic pattern. Choose the colors by considering the colors of the other accessories in the bathroom to bring in a matching effect. A tile flooring with mosaic pattern can be made more beautiful by placing certain styled ceramic tiles like diamond or hexagonal or octagonal ones. Apart from these, you can also create different color block patterns to bring a new style to your bathroom.

Different Types of Fencing for Home Landscaping

There are many home landscaping ideas that are being in practice these days. The beauty of landscape is further elevated by using proper fences. Fencing assures security, privacy and in turn adds value to your property. Different types of fences including vinyl, wooden, bamboo, wrought iron, picket, and stacked stone are used for landscaping.

Vinyl fencing is opted by those who wish to have low maintenance fences. This is because no special chemicals or treatments are required for the vinyl fences. Further, they can also withstand harsh environmental elements.

Wooden fences can be chosen if you need to have a country look. It is very easy to install them. You can get a rustic look with split rail wooden fencing. However, they should be repaired, replaced or refinished frequently.

Bamboo fencing is considered environmental friendly. Different types of bamboo decorative fences can be used for your landscape areas. However, as it is a natural material, it requires extra care. Various treatments for a bamboo fencing prolongs its beauty and durability.

Wrought iron fences are meant to provide more security. Spikes can be included across the top of the tall wrought iron fences in order to avoid intruders. They can be arranged in different simple and complex designs.

Picket fences serve the decorative purposes. You can add picket fences to line the front border of your property. They can also be added as an outline to your garden making it more attractive. Certain care and maintenance is essential for painted wooden pickets.

Stacked stones also serve as fences for your landscape. You can use them as borders for your property or as retaining walls. A retaining wall made of stacked stones can be used as a fence. It is also meant to protect against eroding soil. Natural stones or manufactured pavers can be used to make a stacked stone fence.

These different types of fences add beauty and also protect your garden landscapes.

Use of Marble Tiles in your Bathroom

Choosing for marble tiles is the best option when you are planning to remodel or renovate your bathroom. Marble tiles possess a unique and elegant look which is not seen on any other surface. However, they are much expensive. But still, many people prefer to choose marble tiles to make their bathroom appear great.

Different varieties of marbles can be used for bathroom flooring. They can also be used for wall coverings, back splashes, showers and tub decks. Various colors of marble tiles including creamy white, pink, black, gray and green ones can be used to design your bathroom.

Usually, marble may become etched and stain by water and chemicals. However, special modern sealants available these days reduce this risk. Marble tiles are either honed or polished. Honed marble tiles offer more traction. A more elegant look is given by the polished ones. But, they are slippery when wet. So, it is necessary to place bath mats at strategic points in the bath or shower room. However, proper grout lines on marble tiles give required footing to prevent slipping. Marble tiles can also be used for decorative purposes. Hand-carved marble trim pieces can be added to frame bath mirrors.

Certain marble tiles called tumbled marble is in increased use in many homes. The marble is tumbled with sand inside a large drum. The corners and sides of the tiles are rounded by this. A classic, antique and well-worn look is given to the marble. It is used mostly for bathroom backsplashes and countertops. Hence, if you need to get a luxurious bathroom, then you should opt marble tiles which may also increase its value.

List of Ideas for Front-yard Landscaping

Different ways of landscaping in your garden enhances the appearance of your home. The foremost part of your home that is visible for your guest is the front-yard. Landscaping the front-yard beautifies the look of your home. You feel entertained and impressed once you reach your home from work. Here are some ideas of landscaping a front-yard.

Designing the driveways is the first part of front-yard landscaping. Laying out the desired access paths marks the design and shape of the front-yard. You can also design the walkways to the front and back doors. You can use different paving materials like bricks, flagstones, and others for the driveways.

Planting a central flower bed in the front-yard elevates the beauty of your property. You can also add different plants and shrubs in the yard. You need to choose the plants of mature height for foundation planting. Selecting the shrubs is a better idea. Also ensure that perennials and annuals are added in combination. Adding plants, shrubs or trees with colorful flowers add color to your yard. You can choose showy plants that produce red leaves to add splashes of color to the lawn.

Apart from these, the other idea is to create visually pleasing displays such as a birdhouse or a bird bath to the garden. Place a variety of containers with flowers in your porch and driveway. Place certain furniture like chairs or benches under trees in shady areas. Arrange certain flower pots and shrubs around the benches to create an elegant outdoor space. You can enjoy with your friends and family in your landscaped yard.

Decorative Ideas for Small Window

It is difficult to find out the right window treatments for small windows in the house. Number of options are there for window treatments for small windows, by which small windows seems to be huge. Such treatments add style and décor to the room.

Though you have any type of window, like a bay window, a basement window or small window, you can add the treatments to such window to enhance the beauty of the window and as well as room.
You need to chose the window treatment which enhances the beauty of the room and allows enough light and air to enter into the room. There are different window treatments for small windows, such as:

Panels: Using panels is a great way of making the windows look larger. Use light colour panels. It makes the windows look wider as well. Add details like ring tops, finials, prominent wood poles and brackets to complete the look.

Stained Glass: Installing colourful stained glass panels is the great way of the treatment for small windows.The natural light is captured by different colours of the stained glasses. It means that it makes the room look brighter and provides the beauty as well. It is inexpensive one.

Blinds: Using blinds or roman shades is another option for window treatments for small windows. Though there are different types of shades, the best option for small windows are flat or hobbled roman shade. Roman shades make window look large. Use bamboo shades or woven wooden shades instead of soft fabric blinds.

Curtains: Installing curtains is evergreen option for window treatments. Try to use cafe curtain with decorative wood or iron rods for your windows. Curtain makes the window look larger and it allows the enough natural light and air into room.

These are the different treatments for the small windows of your home. You can use any thing, according to your convenience.

Know About Laminate Flooring for Your House

Laminate flooring is a multilayer synthetic flooring product, and these multilayer flooring products bind together with a lamination with lamination process. And it is like a natural product like wood flooring or natural stone.

This laminate flooring is water resistant material and it does not fade, dent or stain, or scratch. It is made with synthetic materials, and it combines with natural and recycled ingredients. And sometimes you can cover this laminate flooring with decorative design.

There are many various considerations, according to them you can choose options.

• Traffic: if you want to install in high-traffic area, then it is the best choice for you, these laminate flooring are designed for high traffic.
• Warranty: This warranty can be changed according to manufacturer. Some of manufacturers will give the lifetime warranty and some of them give 10-15 years warranty.
• Decor: It may be difficult to choose the best one to suit your decor. You can get samples from manufacturers to decide the best one.
• Installation of laminate floor: If you want to install this laminate floor then first you have to level the sub floor, otherwise, it will not work properly. You need to buy a padded underlayment to float the floor freely. Sound transmition is reduced by some types of underlayment and keep moisture from wicking into your laminate. Few flooring systems require glue which are formulated specially to apply to each piece of laminate flooring. Manufacturers send some pre-glued laminated flooring pieces and you need a damp sponge to reactivate the glue.

These are laminated floor options which can be used to decorate your home. And these are like natural stone or wooden floor.