TILE FLOORING - Classic, Popular, Long-Lasting

When considering flooring options, many people overlook tile flooring. That shouldn't be the case, since tile has been around longer than most types of flooring. It is popular, easy to maintain, and can be used in most any room of your home or business.

Tile Flooring Comes in Many Varieties

Tile flooring has been used around the world for centuries. Evidence of this can be found in the remains of Ancient Greece and Rome, where mosaic tile flooring can be seen. To make these mosaic tiles, small pieces of clay, glass, shell, or other materials were placed into unique, colorful patterns.

Throughout Europe, tile flooring has been used for years. Many styles of tile flooring have been used. One of the most notable types is the stone flooring used in castles and other buildings. To make stone flooring, stones of various types (such as slate, granite, and sandstone) and sizes are arranged and grouted together to make a floor. Careful planning must be used to ensure such floors are relatively flat and don't have abrupt edges people can trip over. However, you can now purchase specially shaped and sanded stones to avoid such problems.

Travertine is a natural stone tile that has increased in popularity. Travertine is a sedimentary rock that began as sandstone and has been used for years. In fact, the exterior of the Colosseum in Rome is built out of travertine. This type of tile comes in a variety of colors and patterns, so it can fit with any decor or design style.

More recently, ceramic and porcelain tiles have been manufactured and used. Such tiles are often used in kitchens and bathrooms and can be used on walls as well as floors. Such tiles are specially designed and glazed to look good and last a long time. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are also easy to clean. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to meet any need.

Tile flooring comes in many designs and patterns. These range from simple 6 inch by 6 inch squares of a single color to marble tile with natural mixtures of colors to ceramic tiles with ornate designs painted on. Whatever your taste and design style, you are sure to find something that fits your needs. In general, bigger tiles look small spaces look larger, while smaller tiles work better on walls or in larger spaces.

Installation Considerations

If you are thinking about installing tile flooring by yourself, there are several things to consider. First, make sure you have an accurate measurement of your room, so you can purchase adequate tile. A good rule of thumb is to buy about 20% more than you think you'll need. This will provide extra for breakage as well as tiles that have to be cut to fit the space.

You next need to consider how you will cut the tiles for corners, edges, or other special situations. Many hardware stores have tile cutters that you can use or rent for a day. Make sure you have proper training for safety purposes.

Another consideration is the type of tiles you want to use. Read about the pluses and minuses of each type of material, and bring home samples to see if you like how they look and feel. Think about the size, pattern, and color of the tile(s) you will use. Make sure the tile is easy to maintain and clean and will fit well is the chosen space. With so many options, the hardest part may be narrowing your choices!

Finally, find a suitable grout to glue your tiles to the floor and fill in the spaces between tiles. You want to find something that is sturdy and that won't crumble or allow your tiles to slide or pop off the floor. Also consider the color of the grout, choosing something that will match the tiles and other items in your room, while looking good and not becoming too dirty or fading over the years.

With a little planning and shopping around, you are likely to find the perfect tile floor. The fact that tile has been used for centuries is a testament to the durability, beauty, and versatility of tile flooring.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angela_Cahill. 

The author is interested in home improvement projects, including flooring installation. Her website http://www.laminateflooringsolutions.com has many great resources for those looking to learn more about laminate and other flooring types, including buying and installation.

INTERIOR DESIGN FOR THE HOME

Any home can be pleasing with the proper application of basic interior design methods. Some people study interior design to be very good at it but there are people who are gifted with an eye for beauty and for interior designing.

A person who is creative can do some interior designing on his own even without formal training. Those who have an eye for what is aesthetic can just as easily decorate and design his own house depending on his tastes. Of course, it helps to read books and articles about designing to be updated on the basic and latest design methods.

Any interior designer can create a specific atmosphere just by putting together several pieces and unifying them in a single theme. There are interior designers who have a bias for certain motifs like eclectic, modern or even country style. Some go for simple designs without the clutter.

Interior design is not only aesthetic but also functional depending on the requirements of the client. An interior designer can make a small room spacious and an otherwise cluttered room into an orderly one. Interior design is used just about anywhere from homes, offices to commercial buildings.

The interiors of a room should always match the personality of the person who will occupy that room. This is the reason why designers always work closely with their clients so they can make sure that they get a feel of what their clients want in terms of design style.

People have this notion that interior design is expensive. However, designers are not only creative people but they are also very good in budgeting. Most designers will work on a design that will match or fit the budget of their clients. A person can allot a minimal amount for the interior design of his home or office and still come up with an aesthetic and functional room.

Professional interior designers who are formally trained usually have basic knowledge on architecture, engineering and even accounting. They need these courses to make their design aesthetic, structurally correct and cost effective.

The terms Interior design and interior decorating have often been used interchangeably. However, the two terms actually deal with different phases of making a room or a space aesthetic. Interior design is basically the process of studying the personality of the occupant of the room being designed in order to maximize and tailor-made the room's design for that person's behavior and personality.

Interior decorating on the other hand is the process of actually mixing and matching the different design techniques like window treatments, the right wallpaper, wall finish and even the furnishing of a room.

There are a lot of opportunities for those in the interior design and decorating industry. An interior designer can go into designing household, corporate or commercial establishments. Others specialize in the design of health facilities or even tourism establishments.

The latest trend now for those in the interior design industry is to be able to incorporate the right engineering and aesthetic design with sustainable development. Even designers are now more conscious about the state of the environment so they tend to use environmentally friendly materials for their designs.

There are designers who specialize and use Feng Shui in their designs. This requires further study because Feng Shui deals with the Chinese's ancient methods of designing a space to make the design work for the owner's health, business and other life factors.

The Chinese believes that a structure should be properly designed so as to allow positive energy to enter the structure. When the structure has already been built without the aid of a Feng Shui expert, the mistakes can be corrected through proper interior design using the Feng Shui methods.

By incorporating Feng Shui in interior design, it is believed that a person can bring out all the positive energies in a room to make him rich, happy and healthy. An interior design using Feng Shui can also get rid of bad spirits that bring in negative atmosphere in an abode.

Getting the services of an interior designer can make a room both aesthetic and functional. Any person who wants to make his home livable and functional should try getting the services of an interior designer to maximize his space.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://interiordesign.unique-articles.com where you can read more articles and get tips on decorating and interior design.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Dobbins

TEMPERPEDIC BEDS - An Overview of Standard Beds Marketed by Temperpedic

Before you purchase a Temperpedic Bed, read on for a complete and synopsis of each of the brand's most popular sleep systems and models. You'll also find price information and tips on where you can get the best deal.

Original Sleep System

The Original Bed is Temperpedic's basic and classic model. One side of this revolutionary mattress is made using the company's patented TEMPUR material, which is designed to conform to the body, absorbing pressure points and providing a more accommodating sleep.

The Original Bed sleep system also comes with a soft, terry cloth cover that helps prevent penetration by dust, mites, mold and other allergens. It's removable and washable as well.

The Symphony Bed

The Symphony Bed was Temperpedic's first product with an AirFlo base layer. It's made with a convoluted foam that's designed to increase air circulation and improve your internal temperature control while you sleep. The Symphony sleep system is then topped with a TEMPUR comfort layer that both envelops and supports a person while he/she sleeps, relieving pressure points and cradling the body.

Celebrity Sleep System

The Celebrity Temperpedic Beds make their distinction based on extra touches like a cashmere-blend mattress cover, 13.5 inch high mattress, quilted surface and adjustable bed base. The Celebrity system also comes in a pillow-top design.

Grand Bed Sleep System

The Grand Bed is marketed as Temperpedic's most luxurious mattress. It's 14.5 inches high and made from their newly designed material - TEMPUR-HD, a high-density version of the TEMPUR fabric. Silk and satin are used to make the mattress cover, which is then finished in a fairly classic, quilted design.

How Much do the Beds Cost?

A basic Twin Original Bed will cost most consumers approximately $700 if they pay full sticker price. Meanwhile, a King Original runs between $1400 and $1500, depending on the point of purchase. Meanwhile, the Grand Bed systems can cost as much as $6700. These are pretty high costs for average buyers who may simply want a fairly comfortable, basic mattress.

If prices are steep, you could weight the option of the company's no interest financing plan for qualified consumers. Alternatively, the company sells accessories like mattress pads and pillows, making the TEMPUR experience accessible for all consumers.

Finding Temperpedic Beds

The best place to research and price Temperpedic sleep systems is right on the company's website. In addition to online sales, their beds are also sold by most fine mattress retailers, furniture stores and major department stores.

Expensive beds whose manufacturers assure you of a comfortable night of sleep abound. Try them out yourself and let your back make the determination.

For information on dreamy mattress options, see mattressbedtips.com, a popular site about beds that offer a great night of sleep, such as a sleep air bed, the air adjustable bed, and many more!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Trevor_R._Price

MATTRESS GUIDE : How to Choose a Good Mattress

The mattress you choose is very important to your quality of sleep, and you should consider a variety of things when purchasing a new mattress. If you're waking up with aches and pains, then it may be time to invest in a new mattress. Over time, mattresses sink in certain places and lack proper support for your body. If your mattress sags in the middle or along the edges, a new mattress may be a good idea because the inner springs are worn out, and eventually the bed will become uncomfortable. Here are a few tips to consider when purchasing a new mattress:

When  you are in the store, spend at least 15 minutes on the mattress. This will determine if the mattress is the right choice. If you sleep with a partner, have them lie on it with you. Spend 5 minutes on your back, 5 minutes on your right side, and 5 minutes on your left side.

The Consumer Reports magazine states that the average price for a good, queen-size mattress is $1,000.

Buy a mattress with simple stitching design, or printed-on stitching. Stitches should be uniform and unbroken - this prevents the fabric from loosening over time.

The mattress needs to support your body at every point. You can purchase mattresses with different support points at the head, center, or ends. Zoned support offers different support levels for different parts of the body.

The mattress may be too soft if you have difficulty rolling over. The mattress may be too firm if your hips or shoulders are uncomfortable. It is recommended to lie on your back and try to slide your hand under the small of your bad. If your hand slides too easily, the mattress may be too firm.

Check the gauge number. This is the thickness of the springs and determines the suspension level of the mattress. Lower gauge numbers refer to firm suspension, while higher gauge numbers refer to soft suspension. A good quality mattress ranges between 12.75 and 15.

Also check the number of coils. They also determine the level of support. A good quality full-sized mattress should have at least 300 coils. Queen sized mattresses should have a minimum of 375 coils, and a king-sized should have a minimum of 450 coils. Experts have said that after the minimum amount of coils, the support level doesn't really make a big difference.

Buy a mattress and box spring together, in a set. Both the mattress and the box spring are designed to work together. Additionally, many manufacturers will void the warranty of a mattress if purchased without the box spring. You should choose a box spring that has coils, as well as the steel or wooden bars. Always use a bed frame and make sure there is center support for larger-sized sets.

If you suffer from allergies, make sure you choose non-allergenic padding or anti-microbial materials.

If you sleep with an infant, waterbeds and pillow-top mattresses pose safety hazards to the infant.

Some stores offer disposal of your old mattress, so check with the store to see if they offer this service.

Try to buy a fire-resistant mattress. Mattresses conforming to the flammability standard have a non-removable label.

You should ventilate a new mattress for a few hours, and leave it unmade for a few hours.

New mattresses may be thicker than your old mattress, and your sheets may not fit correctly on a new mattress. Widths of sheets have changed from about 7 inches to more than 9 inches, so you may need sheets with a deep-pocket corner.

Firm mattresses have fewer layers and stiffer materials, and soft mattresses have extra layers or pillow-top cushioning. Soft foam is preferable for the top padding and batting. Convoluted foam in the middle padding should feel softer and more comfortable than straight foam. Convoluted foam looks like an egg carton.

Are you looking for more information on bed comparison?

Visit http://www.mtairymattress.com/ today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jared_D._Ingram

MERENCANAKAN PENYIMPANAN BUKU YANG EFISIEN

Jangan buyarkan impian mengoleksi buku jika rumah Anda termasuk kategori mini. Asalkan anda pintar mengakali keterbatasan ruang, buku-buku ini tak akan membuat rumah Anda terasa penuh. Mengoleksi buku merupakan hal yang sangat positif. Akan sangat disayangkan jika hobi ini tak jadi terwujud hanya karena alasan tidak ada tempat menyimpan. Memang semakin lama, koleksi buku akan terus bertambah. Dan buku-buku itu mau tdak mau harus disimpan secara khusus, kalau tidak mau dibiarkan menumpuk berantakan.

 

Di rumah mungil, ruang untuk penyimpanan buku secara khusus itu sangat susah didapat. Membuat ruang khusus seperti perpustakaan, rasanya sudah tak mungkin. Bahkan, menambah satu lemari buku saja rasanya juga tidak ada tempat.

Cara lain? Coba cari sudut-sudut tak terpakai di rumah Anda. Area ini bisa disulap jadi tempat penyimpanan buku. Cara lain, bisa Anda simak berikut, agar koleksi buku Anda tetap tersimpan rapi tanpa menjadikan rumah penuh terisi.

Jadi hiasan

Banyak orang berusaha menyembunyikan rak buku, bahkan ada yang tega menyimpannya di gudang. Padahal, bila dibuatkan rak yang cantik, buku-buku ini bisa menjadi penghias rumah yang unik, menggantikan lukisan dan pajangan dinding lainnya.

Sekat antar ruang

Rak buku juga bisa menjadi semacam sekat antar ruang. Pada rumah-rumah berukuran kecil, biasanya antara ruang tamu dengan ruang keluarga dipisahkan oleh sekat. Nah, gunakan saja rak buku sebagai sekatnya.

Memanfaatkan ruang

Pintar-pintarlah mencari-cari celah dalam rumah. Ruang bawah tangga, garasi yang tidak terpakai, dinding bagian ats, salah satu sudut ruang keluarga, adalah beberapa contoh area yang bisa Anda manfaatkan untuk meletakkan rak buku.

Membuat mezanin

Mezanin adalah salah satu cara Anda mendapatkan ruang tambahan tanpa perlu melakukan perubahan struktur. Mezanin ini bisa dibuat dengan memanfaatkan ruang bawah atap (attic). Ruang tambahan ini bisa Anda gunakan untuk meletakkan rak buku secara berjajar. Kalau cukup luas, mezanin ini bisa menjadi ruang kerja atau ruang baca.

Rak gantung

Yang dimaksud dengan rak gantung adalah rak yang menempel pada dinding, bukan rak yang punya kaki. Rak seperti ini terlihat lebih ringan, tidak membuat ruang penuh, dank arena tidak punya kaki, bagian bawahnya bisa digunakan untuk meletakkan perabot lain, misalnya saja sofa atau meja.

Rak tanam

Kalau ingin ruangan terkesan rapi dan bersih, rak tanam bisa jadi pilihan yang pas. Karena rak masuk ke dalam dinding, luas ruangan tidak berkurang. Sebelum emmbuat rak tanam, pikirkan dulu buku apa yang akan dimuat di situ. Ini karena rak tanam sifatnya permanent sehingga sulit diubah-ubah ukurannya.

MENGHADIRKAN KESEGARAN AIR DALAM HUNIAN

Kehidupan perkotaan yang identik dengan kesibukan dan tingkat ketegangan tinggi adalah salah satu pendorong munculnya konsep tata rumah kembali ke alam. Pasalnya, keinginan untuk mendapatkan ketenangan dan relaksasi setelah seharian beraktivitas menjadi kebutuhan yang tak terelakkan.

Salah satu cara untuk menghadirkannya adalah menggunakan unsur air, sebagai salah satu unsur dasar yang biasa digunakan untuk konsep tata ruang tersebut. Air dipercaya sebagai unsur kedamainan dan melalui suaranya yang gemericik, air menjadi salah satu cara terapi pikiran dan jiwa. Tak hanya itu, menurut kacamata fengshui, rima air juga dipercaya dapat mendatangkan kesuksesan bagi penghuninya.

Berbicara mengenai elemen air dalam konsep interior rumah, terdapat tiga cara yang dapat dilakukan, yaitu air terjun, air mancur, fontain dan akuarium ikan.

Air terjun di dalam rumah bisa dihadirkan dengan cara menempelkannya di dinding dan membuat kolam ikan di bagian bawahnya. Pastikan bahwa suara air yang keluar tidak terlalu keras, karena unsur ketenangan yang diinginkan justru tidak tercapai dan hanya membuat suasana rumah semakin ribut. Sesuaikanlah pula besar kecilnya lahan dengan besar air terjun buatan ini.

Unsur batu, baik melalui teknik pengecatan maupun bahan yang digunakan yang identik dengan pembuatan air terjun ini merupakan salah satu nilai tambah untuk mengentalkan kesan alam dalam rumah.

Sementara itu, air mancur dan fontain lebih berguna untuk diterapkan pada rumah mungil di mana lahan yang tersisa tidak terlalu banyak, walaupun tidak tertutup kemungkinan juga digunakan untuk rumah yang memiliki area cukup besar. Tak hanya mampu menenangkan jiwa, kehadiran air mancur di sudut ruangan juga bisa menambah keanggunan dalam tata rumah. Anda dengan bentuk dan desainnya yang indah.

Bila selama ini akuarium ikan lebih dilekatkan dengan hobi, ternyata ada banyak keuntungan lain dengan menghadirkannya ke dalam ruangan. Selain dijadikan sebagai salah satu titik pusat dalam sebuah ruangan, suara air yang berasal dari penyaring udara di akuarium bisa memberikan sensasi tersendiri untuk menghadirkan nuansa alam. Ditambah lagi dengan warna-warni ikan yang beragam dan penggunaan cahaya yang tepat di akuarium dapat menyegarkan mata dan menjadi tempat alternative untuk menenangkan diri.

Ketiga bentuk tersebut bisa diaplikasikan untuk segala jenis gaya rumah, mulai dari tradisional hingga modern, asalkan tetap mengutamakan keserasian dengan dekorasi ruangan. Bahkan memadukan ketiganya dalam rumah juga tidak masalah, selagi lahan tersedia luas.

MENATA INTERIOR RUMAH MINIMALIS

Rumah minimalis sangat diminati oleh masyarakat yang serba praktis sekarang ini. Bagaimana cara memilih furniture dan aksesori yang tepat untuk rumah minimalis Anda? Mempertahankan unsur praktis dan fungsional menjadi kunci dasar dalam mendandani rumah minimalis. Disain interior haruslah tetap tampil minimalis tanpa meninggalkan aspek estetrika yang hendak dibangun.

Berikut ini adalah bebrapa hal yang harus diperhatikan ketika Anda memilih furniture atau aksesori untuk rumah minimalis Anda.

Pemilihan bahan yang tepat dapat mengentalkan konsep minimalis yang ingin dihadirkan. Furniture kaca misalnya yang dipadu dengan aluminium atau besi tempa termasuk jenis furniture yang banyak digunakan. Selain bentuknya yang simpel, perawatannya pun relatif mudah dilakukan.

Gorden pun mampu mendukung kesan yang ingin ditampilkan dalam ruangan. Dengan jenis roman blind, misalnya yang bersifat ringan sekaligus mampu memberi kesan dinamis dalam ruangan yang minimalis.

Desain dengan presisi yang tegas juga menjadi ciri khas pada arsitektur maupun furniture minimalis. Oleh karena itu, pilih meja atau kursi yang memiliki desain sederhana, sedikit, atau tanpa ornament. Dengan ornament yang minim tersebut, dapat memudahkan perawatan dan ruangan terksesan lebih lega sehingga cocok bila diterapkan pada rumah minimalis yang mungil.

Minimalis juga dapat dipadukan dengan bahan atau furniture dari warna - warna kayu seperti coklat tua atau coklat yang kemerahan.

Pemilihan warna dan corak pun harus diperlihatkan dengan cermat, di mana corak bunga-bunga atau warna-warni yang terlalu ramai kurang cocok bila dipadukan dalam rumah minimalis. Pertahankan nada warna setiap kali menambah atau mengganti aksesori dan furniture dalam satu ruangan. Jangan memilik corak atau ornament ibnterior yang banyak detailnya.

Tata setiap aksesori dan furniture dengan cermat, namun usahakan agar ruangan tidak berkesan terlalu penuh karena justru dapat menegaskan kesan minimalis yang ingin diciptakan. Contohnya penataan pigura foto menggunakan pigura yang lebih besar namun dalam jumlah sedikit untuk memberi aksen dalam ruangan.