Choosing the Right Experts to Help Choose Your Kitchen Designs

For your kitchen, of course, you want it to be in perfect design and practical as well. Since you spend much time here preparing for meals, cook and socialize with your guests at the same time. It’s time to give your kitchen a total revamp! Choosing the right designer kitchens in Melbourne are really as easy as 1-2-3. When you feel confident in starting to look for one yourself, have a look at these tips.

When you hire kitchen designer, you might think that looking for the right one is an intimidating task and stressful.  The very first thing that you need to do when choosing a kitchen designer is to check their qualifications, skills and references.  You want to ensure that your new kitchen designer has the qualifications to back up their work and that they have been in business for a while.

Sure, you may know how to do some kitchen stuffs but it’s best to call on the professionals to design, create your functional and convenient kitchen. Doing yourself can only make a huge disaster. Without the right experience you could end up with wrong measurements to fit cupboards in, inefficiently laid out workspaces and cluttered workmanship that can make your kitchen a distasteful place to be in. By choosing a kitchen designers - you will avoid all of these possible issues and be pleased with your new kitchen.

A reputable designer should be able to explain the process to you at your first meeting. They should stipulate each step of the design process, what costs are involved and the important decision making steps. The designer kitchens experts will combine new ideas into your current plans and be able to make recommendations you may have never thought possible. They know all the newest ideas and technology available and know best how to use these in your kitchen design. They also offer advice on choosing the right and reputable kitchen materials, including countertops, appliances, lighting, electrical and plumbing fixtures if necessary.

The right kitchen designer will listen to your ideas, requirements and essentials and work with you to create an ideal kitchen for you, not what they believe you should have. There are great options available for kitchen rand you should be able to expand on what you had in mind with the outcome of your kitchen - functional and a pleasurable place to be in.

When you visit a kitchen showroom you should feel comfortable and at ease as you are shown a wide variety of colours and materials you can consider and be given a practical idea of how the kitchen renovation process will develop. The right company and designers will help you feel relaxed, open to talk over your plans and ideas as though you were in the comfort of your own home.

Everyone wants their kitchen to be functional, practical and convenient. With such a wide array of materials out there today, putting it all together can be an overwhelming task and a kitchen designer can make the whole process go easily!

All You Need to Know About Walk in Showers

The shower has become an integral part of modern life, washing away a full night’s slumber each morning, the shower is just as much our friend as it is our enemy, associated with the dread of waking up and facing reality but still consoling us with open arms at the end of a hard day with a much appreciated massage.

We have a close relationship with the shower, so it is important that we pick the right one for our bathroom suite, whether it is to play an integral role amongst the bath and basin or stand as a focal point in the corner of an en-suite; choosing a shower all depends on the surroundings.

With a pencil behind your ear, a self assured look over your spectacles and a stroke of your proverbial beard, entering the world of shower shopping takes more than a trip to your local retailer and choosing the first thing with water spraying out of it.

With everything from quadrants, walk ins and wet rooms, to pivot doors, reduced height showers and thermostatic mixers, it won’t be long before you’ve anxiously chewed your pencil down to the lead, sat on your glasses and set fire to your beard…this is of course if you don’t know what you’re talking about.

So it’s our job to make sure you do know what you’re talking about, and first off we thought we’d concentrate on everything you need to know about walk in showers…

What is a Walk in Shower?

As the name suggests walk in showers are designed to be walked into, rather then stepped into or combined with a bath installation (a bath shower).

A walk in shower is defined by its slimline tray which sits flush to the floor, allowing users to step from the cooling tiles of the bathroom floor right into the soothing atmosphere of the shower installation.

Either standing as a focal point in shower rooms, tucking neatly into a complete bathroom suite or melting into the corner of more compact spaces such as en-suites; investing in a walk in shower means adding even more functionality and style to your bathroom suite as you don’t need to consider the surrounding space around the shower for a swing out door.

Why Choose a Walk in Shower?

Walk in showers are available in a huge range of shapes and sizes, making it one of the most versatile additions to your installation.

What makes walk in showers so versatile is the wealth of shower trays and glass panels on offer. Depending on the space available a walk in shower can be a large rectangular style design or a neat square.

The beauty of a walk in shower is that it can be designed to exact specifications, with a range of clear glass panels to suit the surrounding space.

To put it simply, you can choose a location for your shower, choose a tray and then situate your panel or panels to create an entrance to suit your setting.

Examples of how a Walk in Shower can Work

For a large walk in shower that can still tuck neatly into a corner, choosing a rectangular shower tray and covering just one side with a clear glass shower panel leaves a nice empty space for you to walk in comfortably without compromising your surrounding space with a hinged or bifold door.

This design doesn’t work for every bathroom; the entrance left by using one panel could be blocked by a basin, toilet or bath installation.

If this is the case then there are plenty of other designs to choose from that can mould around your space, some using a full glass panel to cover the remaining short end and a three quarter panel to cover the remaining long side and still leaving space for an entrance.

This versatile solution allows you to work the luxury of a walk in shower into your bathroom without making any major changes that could cost you even more money (moving your toilet for example).

A great shower solution to add to a current suite or stand as a grand focal point in a stand alone showering suite, walk in showers are available in a huge range of affordable and designer solutions from brands such as Matki and Simpsons; simply measure your space, decide which angle you’d like to walk in and choose the components. 

DIY Disasters

D.I.Y seems to be synonymous with the rule of ‘if it can go wrong it will go wrong’. Most people have had their share of D.I.Y disasters to tell from frustrating flat packs to painting catastrophes and dodgy plumbing to dangerous electrics. How many people have started a D.I.Y project with the mind-set of ‘how hard can it be?’

In most cases of D.I.Y the outcome is relatively satisfactory, others have created something that vaguely resembles the picture on the box and for a small unfortunate minority the simple task of assembling a TV stand or installing new light fixture turns into utter chaos.

Sometimes for an unexplained reasons carnage ensues when seemingly intelligent, capable people pick up the hammer. The people below have shot themselves in the heart, sawed off their own arms, and evacuated their neighbourhoods and even uncovered World War II bombs in their back gardens!

The popularity of D.I.Y projects is on the rise and along with this the number of D.I.Y related accidents is increasing. Last year 25,000 Australians were hospitalised from ladder falls, 600 people a day ended up in hospital in the United Kingdom after carrying out D.I.Y, gardening or maintenance and the use of home power tools sent over 80,000 Americans seeking medical help. Accidents  happen that is a given but D.I.Y accidents are some of the most preventable ones if you follow the instructions, work within your skill level and don’t think it will be easy just because it is Do It Yourself!

Source: Mr. Home Inspection

Renovations to Increase Safety

I am the product of an unsafe home. My childhood home was a minefield of potential disasters. Tumbles down the stairs, long jagged cuts from chipped wood, blows to the head from falling tiles. These were the wonderful bounties provided by my childhood home. If you are living in a home where you are constantly skirting disaster, you might want to consider pulling out the hammer and nails to renovate. By renovating your home with safety in mind, you can prevent unnecessary accidents, save money on doctor bills, and create a house you can be proud to call home. 

Tip 1: Installing or Replacing Windows

Do your bedrooms lack windows? Or are the windows slits that only small animals can fit through? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should start your renovation project with your windows.  Bedroom windows do more than offer natural light and a wonderful view. They are meant to offer an alternate means of escape if the occupant is trapped in the room. Failure to install windows into your home’s bedrooms could be disastrous.

You can either install new windows or replace old ones by hiring a contractor or doing it yourself. If you plan on doing the installation yourself, you should check out this article.

Tip 2: Install a Railing

Do you have a staircase without a rail? Do you have family members or regular guests who are unstable on their feet? If you answered yes to both questions, you might want to think about installing a railing in your home. Older, younger, and clumsy individuals can use the railing to maintain their balance while walking up and down the stairs. Even individuals who normally choose not to use the railing can grab onto it to stop an unexpected fall. A railing is especially important if the staircase is steep or the stairs are uneven because an accident is more likely to occur. 

You can hire a construction worker or handyman to install your railing, but I would not recommend it. The installation process is easy enough to be accomplished by virtually anyone. 

Tip 3: Replace the Door

Are your doors flimsy wood or plastic? If you answered yes to this question, your home is vulnerable to intruders. Wood and plastic doors are easier to break into. Intruders can easily remove the door from its hinges, cut through the door with basic tools, or kicked in the door. You can increase your family’s safety by installing a steel door. The steel door, frame, and tamper resistant hinges will significantly increase the safety of the occupants of your home.  

You can pick up a steel door at your local hardware store. Once purchased they are relatively easy to install. 

Tip 4: Remaining Safe While Renovating. 

Just remember that your family needs to remain safe during the renovation process. An unsafe renovation can do as much damage as an unsafe home. Here are some ways to keep your family safe while renovating:

• Let your family know you are renovating. 
• Try to complete renovations while most of the family is away. 
• Never start a new project before you finish the current one. 
• Put away tools when they’re not in use. 
• Keep children out of rooms that are being renovated. 

Home safety can save your family a lot of pain. By installing windows, doors, and railings, you can create a safe and secure home for your family. The increased safety and security will grant you the peace of mind to enjoy your home and family.

Allen Grove finished installing hand rails, windows, a security system, and fire alarms into his home a few months ago. He enjoys the increased safety and the reduction to his Dallas home insurance.  

Home Design Styles We Love: Where Rustic Meets Modern

Getting two completely different architectural styles to mesh well together can be tricky – but it can be done. Oftentimes it isn’t about the elements of the styles themselves so much as the execution of each element.

Modern designs are about wide open spaces, letting in plenty of natural light via windows, minimalist accents, and designs that echo contemporary art pieces in their shape and overall structure.

Rustic designs call upon nature and employ exposed beams, lower grade wood used for doors, flooring, and more, fireplaces, and typically echo log cabins. They can vary in terms of size, which means that some are smaller and provide a much cozier feel, whereas other homes are larger and can become more extravagant.

The two styles can co-exist when done properly. In fact, when it comes to rustic designs and the concept of spaciousness, it has already been implemented in many homes. Larger homes do indeed incorporate large windows that let in plenty of light and keep spaces open for a more natural feel. For a home that is rustic, you can incorporate accents that are slightly more modern, or even vice versa. For example, a rustic home doesn’t need to be filled to the brim with things that are meant to remind you of the outdoors, from rugs to knickknacks. Rather, utilize a simpler approach with basic furniture styles, minimalist lighting structures, accents that don’t call attention to themselves or are made of stone or earth metals.

If the home is more minimalist, then aim to include accents that are more earthy, such as simple wooden chairs and tables, soft single color fabrics, wooden floors, doors, or stairs, and a plant here and there to evoke a sense of life.

A quick search online for “rustic modern” will turn up a bevy of images that you can draw inspiration from. Some homes are even shaped in modern style, but crafted with materials more typically associated with rustic homes. Furniture made with rustic materials are shaped in modern styles. You won’t find homes cluttered up with unnecessary items, lines are clean, shapes are simple, and colors are as basic and natural as can be. Whether you are thinking of transforming your home into a bit of rustic modern style, buying a home that already aims for it, or have one style and are looking to blend the other in, keep the basics of each style in mind and work carefully to bring the two together for perfect harmony.

Credit to: www.Alder-Doors.com

Benefits of Hiring an Emergency Plumbing Service Agency

 You may agree to the fact that having a plumber that you can contact anytime round the clock can help save efforts, time as well as money. This concept has recently picked up. In the past, none of the homeowners ever thought of having services such as emergency plumbing from an agency. During an emergency, every moment counts and in case of a water leak or an urgent plumbing job, you need someone to fix the issue instantly.

When you do require an emergency plumbing agency then one of the first questions that you may want to ask them is that if they have a proper license to undertake the job as per the governing state and/or city. As a matter of fact, not all cities require a license however in case your city does, then it makes sense to ask. In order to obtain a license the plumber needs to pass a test to demonstrate his skills. While asking the agency, do not get confused between a business license and a plumbing license. There is a huge difference between both. While a business license indicates that they have the right to run their business in the designated state however it does not necessarily mean that they are skilled in plumbing and/or have gone through some kind of evaluation.

The next item that you may want to consider is insurance. When you do hire a plumber do ensure that they have adequate compensation for the worker and suitable insurance for any damage that they may do. While the worker’s compensation pays off for any injury the plumber may incur, the insurance would cover for any damage they may do to any of your items at home. The liability insurance would help to pay any repair work and/or damages that may happen due to unforeseen circumstances or due to the clumsiness of the plumber. If in case the plumber does not carry insurance then you are liable to pay for the damage that may occur.

You may have noticed but plumbers without insurance are often cheap and that is because they do not pay the hefty premium for the insurance policy. It is up to you whom you wish to choose.

Yet another factor based on which you may wish to choose an emergency plumber is the response time. Do ask your plumber the turnaround time in which they can fix the issue. Despite the plumbing agency offering 24 hours service it does not guarantee that they would turn up on time. If they are located miles away or are overburdened with service calls then no way on earth would they be able to make it to your place within time. However, in case of an emergency you need to ensure that they can reach you on time or otherwise they can refer you to someone who can definitely make it to your home.

One more deciding factor based on which you may want to hire a plumber is the hourly rate. Do check for an estimate over the phone before you call them. Although, most plumbers may refuse to give a quote over the phone without seeing the issue but you can always ask for a ballpark figure based on their experience. After all you do not want to overpay. Some emergency plumbers also tend to add a service charge to the bill so do check before you call them up. Finally, do ask what form of payment they can accept and which not. You may not have enough cash at home so it would be best if you can ask the plumber to accept a credit card.

Last but may be not the least do ask for warranty. Since you are paying for the repair work, you may want to ensure that the job they do is of quality and has some warranty. 

How to turn your bathroom into a mini spa

We all deserve a little time out to relax and put our feet up, however not everyone has the time or money to escape to a luxury spa. So here’s the perfect solution - create your own mini spa at home!

Every once in awhile we need to escape from the hectic stresses of everyday life. Here are a variety of ways that you can turn your very own bathroom into a mini spa, perfect for an afternoon of relaxation and pampering.

Turn off your phone

We are a nation addicted to our smart phones, but this is not the time or the place to be on your mobile. You want to feel at ease and to do so you need to completely block out the stresses of everyday life. More importantly, you don’t want your afternoon at the spa being interrupted. Turn it off.

Set the mood

Before you get in the tub, you must do a little preparation. In order to completely relax you must create the right mood. A spa wouldn’t be complete without some scented candles and relaxing music.

The beauty of having your own spa at home allows you to have full control over these factors. Choose a scent that helps you unwind but make sure it isn’t too overpowering. When it comes to music try and choose something that you can listen to for a long period of time, you don’t want to be getting out of the tub to change the track.

Make your own treatments

Why spend money on pricey spa treatments when you can make your own natural skin care products home?

There are a variety of recipes online that you can use to pamper your body and soothe your soul. You’ll find that most recipes are made up of ingredients that you could already have around the house.

Invest in a bathrobe and comfy pair of slippers

After an hour of relaxing in the tub, there’s no better feeling than wrapping up in a soft robe and stepping into a pair of comfy slippers.

Go for a lightweight easy to wear robe and some waffle slippers, when it comes to colour go for white just like they use in the high end spas.

About the Author: Izzy Evans, interior design enthusiast, she often writes for  Iconic Hot Tubs blog.