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Berber Rugs Can Benefit Your Home 7 Apr 2017 8:13 PM (8 years ago)

Designing a home is a lot like looking for a needle in a haystack. It can be difficult to find so many interior design “soulmates” all at once. If you’re a perfectionist at heart, you may want to find a sofa that’s ideal. You may want to find ideal cabinets, rugs and beyond as well. The rug world is a large one. There are countless options in rugs available to shoppers. People can choose between natural fiber rugs, kilims, flat woven rugs and more. They can also select Moroccan rugs. If you want to decorate your residence with a Moroccan rug that’s full of authentic North African beauty and charm, you should look into Berber floor coverings as soon as possible. These tribal rugs are the work of the Beni Ourain peoples. They’ve been institutions for these people for thousands of years.

Beni Ourain rugs are visually stunning. Looking at them up close can feel like an otherworldly and ethereal journey. They display geometric patterns and shapes that are arresting and dramatic. They’re white and off-white floor coverings that don’t overwhelm you with intense color, either. If you want to buy a home rug that’s a terrific blend of unassuming and attractive, a Beni Ourain rug may be part of your future.

These rugs offer multiple benefits. They can be suitable for warm and cold weather. If you live in a cold location, there are many Beni Ourain rug options that can help you stay toasty and comfortable. If you reside in a warm or hot location, on the other hand, you have access to just as many great Beni Ourain rug choices. Berber rugs help people who live in the mountains of North Africa feel warm. Lighter rugs help people who live in the arid and scorching hot deserts of North Africa feel cool and relaxed.

These Moroccan rugs generally are constructed using cotton or wool. They’re easy to find in interior design retailers all around the world nowadays. Moroccan rug fans can’t stop discussing all of their positive qualities. They can’t resist talking about how beautiful they are. They love talking about their durability as well. These rugs are extremely sturdy. They can manage considerable daily foot traffic in the home. If you live with a handful of mischievous youngsters who adore running around and releasing all of their energy after long days at school, you’ll undoubtedly welcome a Berber rug into your life.
Young children are often quite messy, too. They drop their food on the floor. They spill juice. If you want to protect your home from unattractive and lasting stains, you should think seriously about making a Berber rug purchase. These rugs don’t soak stains up easily. Cleaning them is also usually straightforward and hassle-free. A little H20 and a cloth can generally work.

If you want your home to look exotic, classic and elegant all at the same time, the Moroccan Berber rug world is calling your name. Berber rugs are a dream for passionate interior design aficionados.

How To Quickly Get Nails Like The Pros 28 Oct 2013 4:22 AM (11 years ago)

Sometimes when you look at pictures of models and celebrities online and in magazines you often wonder how in the hell they managed to get such extravagant nails and why yours can’t be as beautiful. Well, the difference there is usually because they have the help of highly paid nail art technicians. Not all of us can afford such a luxury, and not everybody possesses natural expertise at crafting fabulous nails like the professionals. So what can be done?

Well fret no longer, because it is possible to cheat at getting great nails without having to attend a two year course in professional manicure training. With these simple tips you’ll be able to quickly buff up your nail skills and show off to everyone fabulous fingertips they’ll think were done by pros.

So let’s begin the fast track beautiful nails 101 lesson!

Read WikiHow Guides

The internet is a massive resource of free and accessible information, but it’s often surprising how much people overlook its usefulness. Guides like this appear all over the web and WikiHow, an open source website dedicated to users contributing ‘how to’ guides on almost every subject imaginable, has countless articles on nail beauty. They’re easy to read, have picture demonstrations and break things down into simple steps so everybody can learn at a steady pace. There’s also a fair learning curve so newbies don’t get overwhelmed. By following the simple guides, you can become an expert in minutes and pretend as if you’ve known everything about advanced nail art the whole time.

Use Nail Appliques

Some nails can look really gorgeous with little acrylic decorations and jewels attached to them, but often these delicate designs can be tough for amateurs to master. Luckily you can cheat and make it appear as if you’re a master at these kinds of beautiful designs by getting ready made acrylic nails straight from beauty stores. They come in all different kinds of great styles and are remarkably easy to apply with just a bit of glue and nail polish. Even the clumsiest of you out there won’t be able to mess up putting these on, so they’re a great way to feign manicure competence.

Watch Online Video Tutorials

Sometimes the best way to learn is not by reading, but by visual demonstration. Apart from going to nail beauty classes, which can be expensive, you could take a look at many of the hundreds – perhaps even thousands – of video makers on YouTube that have compiled tutorials on nail art. Whole channels from users such as Robin Moses, who uploads many of her unique creations, and luxuriousnails provide easy to follow guides to making great nails. There are many more to discover with hours of content just a click and search away. Free knowledge is what the internet was made for, and you can find the best of it on YouTube.

Visit Nail Art Forums

Another sure fire way to ensure you get quick, free and easy advice is by engaging with the nail art community online. Visit forums where nail artists congregate and like to chat and you’re sure to find welcoming users that will happily share with you tips and tricks, as well as posting inspirational ideas you can use. A quick Google search will reveal the top forums, and Tumblr is a good place to go and see nail art blogs, but the Reddit community r/RedditLacqueristas is also another popular and open community for nail addicts.

Practice On Dummy Nails

If you’ve great ideas but don’t want to mess them up on your real nails, then buy some fake plastic or dummy nails to practice. Trial and error is the way forward when it comes to building up and learning new skills, and doing it in a safe, consequence-free way works the best. Fake nails are disposable so if you mess up it doesn’t matter and you can stock up on as many as you like until you perfect your technique and signature style.

Practice, practice, practice is really the best advice we can give, but with these hot tips going from boring nails to fabulous nails can be sped up. Soon you’ll be able to confidently wield beautiful nails that’ll be the envy of all your friends and they’ll want to know your secret. And the secret is – there is no secret. Just being wise and knowing the right places to research and learn.

Featured images:

•  License: Creative Commons image source
•  License: Creative Commons image source

Kelly Jacobs is a fashion and beauty blogger that still considers herself a noob when it comes to doing her own nail art.

Fashion Tips That Would Help You Look The Best 1 Oct 2013 4:30 AM (12 years ago)

Everyone has different tastes when it comes to buying clothes. There are numerous fashion brands all over the globe which keep introducing new trends and outfits, so that buyers can choose them according to their personality. Branded clothes are becoming popular amongst buyers but the most important thing is to buy clothes that match one’s persona. Here are some tips that will help you with the process.

Tip1: Buy Outfits that Fit You Well

There are people who buy clothes just because others are wearing them. For them it is like having only the latest trends in their wardrobe. Unfortunately, this is the wrong approach. You must always buy clothes that suit you and fit well. Imagine buying a pair of jeans that are ‘in’ these days but on you they look baggy or too-tight. It is a good thing to be inspired by fashion trends but it is equally important to buy something that looks elegant on you. Thus, consider your figure and your height before selecting an outfit.

Tip2: Buy Outfits, Not Labels

Buyers who run after brands need to know that labels do not really matter. You should buy good quality clothes, regardless of the brand name, instead of sticking to certain brands just because you want to flaunt the name. It’s okay to buy clothing that is not branded but matches your personality. Therefore, next time you shop around, make sure that you do not choose clothing only for the ‘label’.

Tip3: Dress for Yourself Instead of Others

Everyone should buy outfits in which they are comfortable and feel confident. However, people tend to forget this when they buy clothes. Undoubtedly, the clothing should be impressive so that others can appreciate it. However, remember that if you aren’t comfortable in an outfit, you will not make a good impression on others, either. Therefore, buy outfits for yourself rather than for onlookers.

Buy outfits that are classic and elegant at the same time. This can be a difficult task for those who buy clothes without thinking. Trends stay for a short duration and it is possible that clothes which you buy because they are in fashion this season might not be ‘in’ next year. Instead of getting carried away with trends, choose clothes that will not easily go out of fashion.

Tip4: Choose the Right Colors and Accessories

Whenever you buy clothes, make sure that you buy colors that suit your skin and hair tone. On the other hand, do not be afraid to experiment occasionally with colors that you do not have in your wardrobe as you might look good in them too. Pair the new outfit with classic accessories for a subtle look.

Another thing that you need to keep in mind when buying clothes is to buy matching accessories. Shoes, jewelry, purses, etc. should complement the outfits you own. These are necessary as they create the best overall appearance.

What You Need to Remember

Whenever you wear an outfit, make sure that you look amazing from head to toe. Spend time on your makeup and hair too. You should aim for the complete package, so do not compromise on anything. The makeup should match your outfit and accessories, however, make sure that you do not overdo it.

You might be attracted to new styles and patterns that you have never tried before. The thing to do is try on the outfit, and if it looks good, go ahead and buy it. Remember that everyone has a different personality so buy things according to your taste. If you like something that your friend or colleague was wearing the other day, just think about whether it will actually suit you as well. Believe in making your own style statement rather than following others. This is possible only when you carry an outfit with confidence and feel comfortable in it.

If you are planning to buy clothes online, then you might not be able to try them on until they reach you. Before experimenting with a new look, go to a store and try on a similar outfit. If it looks good on you, go ahead and buy it online. Be careful while selecting the size and design so that you always buy clothes that fit properly.

Buying the right clothes can help you look your best. Even simple outfits sometimes make you look amazing. Therefore, next time you plan to add something to the wardrobe, make sure that you choose the right items!

Susan is an expert in fashion trends. She advocates online buying and believes that buyers get good choices with online stores like KasukuKikoy.

Should Big Women Be Afraid Of Skinny Jeans? 23 Sep 2013 4:07 AM (12 years ago)

You can’t go anywhere nowadays without spotting slinky skinny women showing off their perfect pins, luscious limbs and flat stomachs. Whether it’s on a high rise billboard or a saucy television advert, slim women are frequently shown flaunting their shapes with their trusty best mates – the skinny jeans. Yet it begs the question – Is it really like this in the real world? We all come in many shapes and sizes; so continually pushing slim and slender figures is bound to leave a large proportion feeling left out.

Just because you’re of ample size and over the seen to be ‘required’ weight – it isn’t to say you can’t rock the same skinny jeans as all the rest. OK so you think you’re fat, but there is no need to totally disregard skinny jeans. You’ll be surprised because you can still look buff in a pair of skinnies. Big is beautiful but unfortunately the term “Fatty Jeans” probably wouldn’t work.

How To Achieve Skinny Jeans Image   

Maybe you’re standing there pondering the erupting muffin top you’ve so sweetly acquired. It’s easy to become disheartened after trying on your first pair of skinny jeans but just because the first test didn’t go down well it doesn’t mean you can’t conquer the skinny jeans image. DO NOT go down a size thinking that this will accomplish the look. You need a slimming fit, a pair of jeans that can comfortably hug your curves and bum, a pair that you can confidently stroll around in. Sitting down is another decent way to test the pinch and if you can man-oeuvre around without the fear of collapsing it’s a great start. If you are particularly bottom heavy then selecting a pair of dark washed skinny jeans can also improve the effect. Dark colours generally give off a much more slimming look rather than a pair of bright red or beige shaded jeans.

Wear Other Items To Aid Your Look

Another sneaky way of slipping into some skinnies is to wear other clothes that can help streamline your body.

• Touching on it earlier, darker shades can benefit your physique a lot more. However, if you have very large thighs then wearing a lighter top will draw the eye up and away from your worriment area. It’s a common illusion that can make your bottom half seem a lot smaller than it actually is.
• Wearing skinnies with a blazer and high heels can also elongate your structure.
• Many people say that horizontal stripes are a huge ‘no-no’ for anyone who isn’t at ease with their slender figure. Granted, thick horizontal stripes can make you look like you’re wearing monster truck tyres but thinner stripes can actually muster a slimming illusion.
• Shiny fabrics are another poor addition to the wardrobe if you’re trying to develop a sleeker body image.

If you still haven’t found joy then a last ditch alternative could be a pair of high-waist stretch jeans; although they’re not skinnies and on the hanger they may seem unflattering, once they’re on they might be just the ticket.

You can also take inspiration from others around you. For instance, Jessica Kane – she’s a size 26/28 and weighs over 300lb. She’s a great example of how a larger woman can achieve the skinny jeans look. You’re only as healthy as you feel.

Featured images:

•  License: Creative Commons image source
•  License: Creative Commons image source
•  License: Creative Commons image source
•  License: Creative Commons image source

Paula Thompson is an expert in womens fashion and is interested in helping all sizes, styles and ages.

The TopThree Myths About Buying Properties 28 Aug 2013 4:01 AM (12 years ago)

Buying property is a rather big deal, and for most of us it’s an incredibly scary process that involves spending a lot more money than we are normally used to parting with in one go. For this reason then, we will usually try to collect as much information as we possibly can prior to going ahead. Knowledge is power, and the more we know about how to deal with mortgages and choose the right properties, the better chance we’ll have of making the best decision, getting a good investment and being happy in our new home.

Only some of the information out there is wrong, and there are many commonly held misconceptions when it comes to buying property. Read on to discover some of the common real estate myths so that you can avoid letting them influence you in the wrong way.

You Need at Least 20%

There’s a lot of doom and gloom being spread when it comes to the property market. Generally the economic troubles we’ve seen in the last few years have made it more difficult for many of us to get the properties we want, and some young people have pretty much written off any chance of ever getting on the property ladder as a result.

Actually though things aren’t all that bad. Governments and banks around the world recognise this difficulty and they want to do what they can to help you buy property despite the obstacles. That’s why there are so many different ‘schemes’ available to help first time buyers such as ‘rent to buy’ and ‘1% mortgages’. Don’t assume you can’t afford a property – because you probably can.

Paying Off Your Mortgage is Much Cheaper Than Renting

On the other hand though, don’t get too carried away. Many people will tell you that everyone should buy as it’s so much ‘cheaper’ than renting. In some ways that’s true, but what you have to remember is that there are many hidden costs when you buy real estate. For instance you’ll need to pay for any repairs to your home yourself, and you’ll also be shelling out for interest and for stamp duty etc on top of the mortgage repayments themselves.

It’s Best to Put Down a Massive Deposit

If you have lots of cash, then it makes sense to put down a huge deposit right? That way you can ask for a smaller loan, pay it off more quickly, and pay less interest over the years.

It sounds logical, but in fact it doesn’t always work out that way. The problem you see, is that when you put down a lot of money on your real estate, you actually cost the banks because they won’t be making as much money off of you. As a result they can end up charging you greater interest on your smaller loan in order to ensure they’re still making as much money as possible and that means the difference ends up being quite negligible. You may have been better off just keeping the money in your account to help with future cash flow!

Featured images:

•  License: Creative Commons image source
•  License: Creative Commons image source
•  License: Creative Commons image source
•  License: Creative Commons image source

Today’s feature writer, Jim Carter, is a part of the team at Mark Richards Real Estate, a team of property consultants based in Toronto. He is an earnest employee and he enjoys swimming and surfing when he is not busy with work.

The 10 Most Expensive Pieces Of Jewelry Sold In The Past Decade 25 Aug 2013 4:23 AM (12 years ago)

The past decade has seen remarkable wealth spent on the world’s most valuable jewelry. Many of these pieces bear famous histories from historic owners, and have been sold at some of the world’s premiere auction houses.
#10: $10 Million Fancy Vivid Blue Diamond Ring

Oct. 5, 2011
Sotheby’s Hong Kong

A rectangular fancy vivid blue diamond of 6.01 carats, embraced by twin oval pink diamonds (.46 and .44 carat) and mounted in platinum. This anonymous purchase broke the previous price-per-carat record for blue diamonds sold at auction.
#9: $10.5 Million Empress Eugenie Brooch

April 22, 2008
Christie’s New York

Bought by the Louvre, this 1885 brooch created by Parisian jeweler François Kramer was designed for the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte’s nephew, Napoleon III. The brooch was bought in a private sale to return it home to France.
#8: $11 Million Heart-Shaped Unmounted Diamond

May 18, 2011
Geneva at Christie’s auction house

56.15 carats and cut from the Cullinan 1 diamond that now forms part of Great Britain’s Crown Jewels, this stone was advertised as “Love at First Sight” and was released for viewing on Valentine’s day.
#7: $11.8 Million Vivid Pink and White Diamond Ring

Dec. 1, 2009
Christie’s Hong Kong

Mounted by Graff Diamonds and weighing 5.00 carats, this oval stone boasts rare pink diamonds mined in South Africa, where their color comes from heat and pressure.
#6: $12.3 Million Princess Katharina Henckel von Donnersmarck’s Diamond-and-Emerald Tiara

May 17, 2011
Geneva at the Sotheby’s auction house

Commissioned in 1900 for his second wife by German prince Guido Henckel von Donnersmarck, it bears eleven pear-shaped polished emeralds totaling 500 carats and was won by an anonymous bidder.
#5: 12.4 Million Panther Bracelet

Nov. 30, 2010
Sotheby’s London

It’s rumored that this onyx-and-diamond piece, once owned by American Wallis Simpson – the woman whose love made King Edward VIII abdicate his throne – is now owned by Madonna.

#4: $15.7 Million Dual-Stone Two-Tone Bulgari Diamond Ring

May 19, 2010
Christie’s New York

A pair of triangular-cut diamonds, clear (9.87 carats) and fancy vivid blue (10.95 carats), highlight this design, dating from 1972 and purchased in a heated 3-way bidding war.

#3: $23.2 Million Perfect Pink

Nov. 29, 2010
Christie’s Hong Kong

A rare 14.23-carat pink diamond is the centerpiece of this rectangular ring, purchased by an anonymous bidder no doubt for its rarity and beautiful allure.

#2: $24.3 Million Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond

December 2008
Christie’s London

This historic stone, a fancy blue diamond with gray overtones, weighs in at 35.56 carats. Originating from India and thought to have once been owned by Spain’s King Philip IV, it was bought by Laurence Graff in 2008 for around $22 million and cut two years later by three separate cutters to remove its flaws.
#1: $46.2 Million Rounded-Edge Rectangular-Cut Pink Diamond

Nov. 10, 2010
Geneva at Sotheby’s

Bought by Laurence Graff, the stone weighs 24.78 carats and is mounted in platinum between a pair of diamond shoulders. It set the record for the most expensive single jewel sold at auction and was renamed “The Graff Pink” by its new owner.

It’s worth noting that the most expensive piece of jewelry on this list went for more than twice the value of the item before it. When it comes to elegance and sophistication, these pieces demonstrate it in spades.

Minnie Ward has owned and operated numerous successful jewelery stores over the past decade. She now enjoys traveling the world looking at unique pieces of jewelry from various cultures. She recommends shopping at Vertu for a wide selection of fine designer jewelry.

Matching The Perfect Jewelry To Your Little Black Dress 24 Aug 2013 4:29 AM (12 years ago)

There are few things in any woman’s wardrobe as versatile or iconic as the little black dress, and whether you have tens of different variations on it or just one favorite you pull out time and time again, chances are you have and love one. Of course, with something this simple, it can feel like accessorizing is a bit of a challenge – do you go for statement bags and jewelry that add character to the dress and draw away from its simplicity, or do you keep things eternally classic with minimalist yet luxurious matching black shoes and bag and simple, elegant jewelry?

Well, the answer is, whatever suits your style and the occasion! A little black dress that fits well will look just as good whether you layer on cool modern silver jewelry, bold ethnic pieces or classic diamonds! Below are some ideas for different looks.

Fun and Modern

Just because the party you are going to is likely to be full of trendy types doesn’t mean the little black dress has to give you an overdressed or ‘safe’ look. You can pair it with interesting, artistic jewelry like sculpted silver bangles, big dangly statement earrings, or bold necklaces. Silver is a great metal to wear with black, so if you are a fan of chunky silver pieces or weird shapes in metal then the LBD is a wonderful thing to try wearing them with. You can also inject some bohemian style by using a color in your jewelry. Turquoise is a very good choice, but you can also work with things like amethyst, rose quartz and tiger’s eye.

Discreet and Classic

If you want to capture some real old school chic, less is more with the jewelry yet it should still give off a sense of luxury and impeccable taste. Pearls are one of the easiest ways to do this as a simple string of pearls around the throat (not too long unless you are going for a twenties inspired look) paired with pearl studs or tear drops in the ears looks expensive, chic and classy. This is also a look that works at just about any age.

Glitzy and Glam

Nothing says glamor like diamonds, whether you can afford the real thing or simply plan to achieve that sparkling look with cheaper diamond effect glass or diamante jewelry. You can go for the full Audrey Hepburn look with ornate diamond necklaces and long earrings, or, if you want the sparkle without it distracting from your dress, try some simple diamond stud earrings and a subtle chain necklace with a diamond pendant. Another good way to add the sparkle of diamond to any outfit, including the little black dress, in a way that is unpretentious and practical, is to have a watch with some diamond embellishment. Many people forgo a watch altogether these days, or don’t wear one with evening wear because they want to wear other jewelry on their wrists, but a well chosen, dainty watch actually makes a fantastic accessory to any level of dress other than perhaps a full scale ball gown!

Featured images:

•  License: Creative Commons image source
•  License: Creative Commons image source

The author of this post, Nolan Grey, is currently working for Diamonds on Web. He regularly volunteers at a local senior citizen home and he is very passionate about photography.

The Top 5 Material Choices For Decks 10 Aug 2013 4:49 AM (12 years ago)

A deck can add additional value and outdoor living space to your home, and is a great place to entertain friends or grill out with family during the spring, summer, and fall months. As a homeowner, you may be considering building an entirely new deck or upgrading an existing structure, and may have questions about the options available for decking material.

Outdoor decks are generally crafted from one of two distinct materials: manmade composite or natural hardwood, and each possesses its own strengths and disadvantages. Knowing which decking material is right for you and what to expect in terms of maintenance requirements can help ensure that your deck will remain sturdy and great looking for years to come.

1. Hardwood Decking

Hardwood material has long been a popular traditional decking material due to its natural beauty and relatively low cost as compared to synthetic decking. Hardwood decking can usually be divided into two to three categories: pressure-treated wood, cedar and redwood, and, less commonly, tropical and other hardwoods.

2. Pressure-treated Wood

One of the most popular and low cost options, pressure treated lumber such as yellow pine is also chemically treated to resist fungus growth, moisture decay, and to protect against insect damage. Although it is the most affordable option for building material and is known for its longevity, a deck built from pressure treated lumber requires more maintenance than a deck built with a higher grade hardwood, and should receive a power wash annually and a stain or sealing treatment every two to three years to prevent cracking or warping from excess moisture.

3. Cedar/Redwood

Cedar and redwood are two hardwoods that are instantly recognizable by their beautiful and vibrant red coloring and distinctive smells. Both are mid-range building materials that are popular with deck owners because of both their natural beauty and tendency to weather the elements well. Redwood and cedar decks should also be cleaned on a yearly basis and treated with a semi-transparent stain every three to four years.

4. Tropical and Other Hardwoods

Tropical hardwoods such as ipe, cumaru, and tigerwood are relatively new additions to the decking market, and are beautiful and unique higher end building materials. Tropical hardwoods are extremely dense, and are naturally resistant to wood-boring insects and moisture decay, making them an excellent choice for decks to be built in damp environments. These hardwoods require the least amount of maintenance of any natural wood decking materials, requiring only an occasional cleaning or coat of protectant, although in certain areas tropical hardwoods can be difficult to find. Mahogany is another dense, moisture resistant high end decking material that you may want to consider if tropical hardwoods aren’t available in your area.

5. Composite Decking

Composite decking similar to Trex is usually a blend of sawdust, recycled lumber, and plastic or other synthetic fibers, and is generally considered to be the most low maintenance option for decks.

While many homeowners opt for composite decking because of the low maintenance associated with it, some may not realize that the material can warp just like natural wood if not properly installed or may scratch from repeated heavy use. Costs for composite decking tend to run approximately thirty percent higher than for traditional hardwood, although there are no additional maintenance costs for staining or sealants, and there is no sanding or refinishing required on the part of the deck owner. Composite decking is a good option for homeowners who don’t want to spend a good deal of time worried about the upkeep of a deck, but may come at the aesthetic expense of the deck itself, as color and pattern options can be somewhat limited when compared to hardwood decking.

This article was written by Nicole, a blogger who has spent many years researching the home improvement industry. She recommends WA Timber Decking as a great decking company.

The Pros & Cons Of The Top 5 Exotic Wood Flooring Options 9 Aug 2013 4:35 AM (12 years ago)

Solid hardwood flooring is all the rage these days. Exotic hardwood in particular has become extremely popular in flooring for home and business. When you are thinking about using exotic solid hardwoods for your flooring, you should consider what your budget will allow, what colors will best suit your space, the level of durability you need, and what types of wood are best for the room. But you should also take ethics into consideration, for many exotic hardwoods are harvested in ways that decimate their forests of origin. As such, your choice should be guided by your needs as well as potential ecological consequences. Fortunately, it can be easy to satisfy both.

1. Zebrawood

Pro: Distinctive grain, consistent color
Con: Unsustainably harvested

The wood with the striped grain has an undoubtedly checkered past. As a beautiful flooring option, zebrawood has been so overharvested that existing forests are being destroyed to meet desire in the West for this precious commodity. If you must have Zebra on your floors, buy from a company that “upcycles,” meaning that they derive their wood from pieces that have already been cut and used for other purposes.

2. Brazilian Cherry/Jatoba

Pro: Similar to mahogany in presentation
Con: Color change, white spots, gapping

Brazilian Cherry (also called Jatoba) is not technically a type of the domestic Cherry. In presentation, it is much more similar to mahogany, and is equally hard and resilient. That hardness can make it difficult to install and puts pressure on fittings, which can lead to gapping between boards. And like other brightly-colored hardwoods, it is sensitive to light and therefore susceptible to color change. Additionally, Brazilian Cherry is vulnerable to buildup of calcium carbonate, which leaves white spots that are difficult to remove.

3. Rosewood

Pro: Beautiful color and scent
Con: History of unsustainable harvesting

If you are looking for an exotic hardwood that will make your house look and smell beautiful, consider Rosewood. Its name is derived not from the coloring, but from the distinguishing scent of roses that emanates from the wood. Rosewood has a gorgeous natural polish. Like zebrawood, Rosewood has a history of unsustainable harvesting, but recently producers have been growing the wood sustainably on farms.

4. Tiger Wood

Pro: One of the most durable exotic hardwoods
Con: Unsustainably harvested, color change, white spots

It seems that most of the exotic hardwoods that are best for flooring have a questionable history. Tiger wood is no exception. The wood from this African tree has, you guessed it, been unsustainably harvested. Its durability and color has made Tiger wood a very attractive option for flooring. However, like Brazilian Cherry, it is susceptible to color change and white spots over time.

5. Teak Wood

Pro: Water-resistant, long-lasting
Con: White spots, gapping, potential allergic reaction

Teak wood originates in Southeast Asia. But more recently, it is also grown sustainably in Brazil. Additionally, upcycled Teak is readily available. This wood is resistant to both water and insects, and is long-lasting, making it ideal for bathrooms and kitchens. Its density, however, can make it difficult to install and leaves Teak at risk for gapping.

Whether you choose Brazilian Cherry, Rosewood, Zebra, Tiger or Teak, your hardwood floors will be a statement of character to anyone who sees them. And with some careful choices, it will reflect your moral considerations as well.

This article was written by Nicole, a blogger who has spent many years researching the home improvement industry, including everything from DIY home improvement projects to the best options for timber flooring in Perth.

Top Tips To Transform Your Dingy Bathroom To An Urban Oasis 8 Aug 2013 4:32 AM (12 years ago)

Never underestimate the importance of style in the bathroom. After the bedroom, it’s the first room you face in the morning and the room you return to the most throughout the day. It’s the one room of the house where you can usually count on being alone, and it’s the room that almost forces you to relax.

Don’t let a dreary, dingy bathroom make you dread the time you spend there. Put these tips into practice and transform your bleak bathroom into an urban oasis.

Lighting

Sleek, modern lighting can give your bathroom a spa-like feel. Elegant pendants with glass drum shades combine stylish functionality with easy-to-clean practicality. Smooth frosted glass sconces provide the ambient lighting every bathroom needs. If you have enough room, a crystal chandelier hung over a modern vessel sink strikes an unexpected contrast between quiet neutrals and over-the-top drama.

Flooring

Hardwood flooring is every decorator’s favorite, but it’s just not practical in the bathroom. Fortunately, most bathrooms are small enough that you can splurge on your flooring, because you won’t need a lot of material. A natural stone floor brings nature indoors, which is always calming. If you can’t afford natural stone, porcelain tile that mimics stone is an excellent second choice. Don’t forget to add radiant heat under the tile to keep your feet toasty on winter mornings.

Walls

You have two options when it comes to your bathroom walls: you can paint the walls white and add a pop of color with colorful towels, or you can put color on your bathroom walls and put crisp, white towels on the towel racks. Wrap classic white subway tile around a tub surround or backsplash, but make it modern by using white glass tiles instead of ceramic or by incorporating a glass tile accent strip into the design. Wallpaper is impractical for a bathroom, but you can add interest to plain walls with removable graphic vinyl decals.

Accessories

Bathroom accessories give you a chance to add softness and comfort to an otherwise hard-surfaced room and to appeal to the senses of sight, touch and smell. Luxurious towels are only the beginning. Add functional scented accessories such as soaps, lotions and candles and textured exfoliating mitts. Hang an ornate lacquered mirror over the sink, and tuck a small potted fern or vase of cut flowers into a corner of the vanity. Nothing stresses you out more then worrying about being late for work, so be sure to hang a stylish clock on the wall so you’ll always know what time it is.

Integrating Adjacent Rooms

No matter how peaceful your urban oasis bathroom is, it will seem out of place if it doesn’t share design elements with other rooms in your home. For example, if you have hardwood flooring in your master bedroom, choose a master bathroom flooring material that looks good with hardwood. Similarly, if your home is decorated in a Tuscan theme, bring a color from that theme or a piece of Tuscan art into the bathroom.

It’s so easy to transform a dingy bathroom into an urban oasis, there’s no excuse not to try these tips today. If you’re in search for national or local flooring experts, check out a reputable retailer and installer such as Floor Coverings International.

Arnold Norton has experience in home repair, renovations, and improvement. Mr. Norton has published several informative blogs and articles focused on helpful tips for new and current homeowners.