Big box store or specialty showroom, the hardware store down the street or the home improvement center four towns over – just where do you go when it’s time to shop for your bathroom renovation? If you’re looking for the widest range of options in colors, sizes, shapes and brands in hard-to-shop-for items, the answer just might be – “online.”

Some bathroom items can be easy to shop for; most home improvement stores carry a respectable selection of flooring or tile, and what you can’t find there will likely be available in an easy-to-find specialized store. But some items can be difficult to find if you’re looking for something outside of the ordinary.

Shopping online for these items can give you access to a much wider selection, especially if the items are too large (like a bathtub or toilet) or specialized (such as designer medicine cabinets) to fit in a showroom. For example, few showrooms are large enough to put on display every type of toilet available, but an online store will be able to show you images of virtually every option out there, even if they number in the thousands.

These items lend themselves to an online search:

Medicine cabinets

Form and function meet beautifully in medicine cabinets, which, in most bathrooms, often perform double duty as a mirror and storage space for essentials. A medicine cabinet can also be a great way to make a design statement in a bathroom. Yet most home improvement stores carry a somewhat limited selection.

Look online, however, and you’ll find numerous options on websites like Faucet.com, where the virtual showroom features hundreds of models grouped into three categories – swing door, tri-view and side wall cabinets. Whether you’re looking for a basic swing-door style sauced up with chrome or gold finish edging, or for something exotic like an art-deco looking number with bevels and attached sconces, you can find medicine cabinets online that simply aren’t available in most store showrooms.

Toilets

An item that’s especially difficult to fit in large numbers in a showroom, toilets come in a dizzying variety of choices. One piece, two piece, low-flush, dual-flush, eco-friendly and Americans with Disabilities Act compliant – toilets present complex design and function choices for renovating homeowners.

While most stores will stock several samples of white toilets, online you’ll find a range of colors, from black to green, gray to white or even pink. Tank and bowl shapes and options vary widely, and you can even find one with a triangular-shaped tank perfect for fitting into a corner.

150 Best Bathroom Ideas - Click to View

Bathroom accessories

True, you can find bathroom accessories virtually anywhere, from home improvement stores to discount retailers. But if you’re searching for a very specific look, color or design statement, you’ll find it faster and easier online than by shopping for it in-person at a variety of different stores. Shopping online can also make it easier to pull together a cohesive look among accessories like towel bars and robe hooks, toilet paper holders and toothbrush and tumbler holders.

Plus, shopping for bathroom items online offers all the advantages of online shopping, including avoiding long lines or high-pressure sales pitches, conserving gas, finding a wider selection faster, and shopping at times that are convenient for you.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Contemporary (or “modern”) is characterized by clean lines and smooth surfaces without intricate details. But that doesn’t mean your home will look stark, cold and sterile. Long gone are the days of boxy furniture and eccentric decorating. Today’s updated contemporary look is a blend of comfortable, livable elements that create a sophisticated, fresh feel.

To create this look in your home, start by incorporating these five key elements: color, metal accents, texture, wood tone and lighting.

Color

Contemporary design is offset by neutral color palettes. When painting the walls, choose shades of brown, taupe, cream or pure white. However, neutral does not mean boring, so be sure to infuse the room with small splashes of a more vibrant, bold color. This may include painting one wall with an accent color, adding a bold red sofa, or adding vivid accessories, such as decorative pillows, towels, rugs or art. Just be sure not to over-accessorize – the key to contemporary design is simplicity.

Metal accents

Stainless steel, nickel and chrome metals are prevalent in contemporary design, providing a decorative framework of sleek finishes. Furniture, end tables, lamps and even bathroom fixtures featuring beautiful metal accents provide this look in all rooms of the home. In the bath, the Fina faucet from ShowHouse features soft modern style cues with a high-arc, marquise-shaped spout, lever handles and a contemporary-shaped base. The beautifully designed faucet also features a flow-optimized aerator for water savings.

Texture

To offset the clean, smooth lines of the metal accents, use fabrics such as silk, crushed velvet, linen or wool in your room to add texture and create a more natural, inviting feeling. In the bathroom, this may include fluffy rugs, towels or fabric shower curtains. In family rooms, this could include over-stuffed pillows, window treatments or the furniture upholstery. Texture can also be added to walls. New wallpapers made of linen can be an interesting way to add depth to the vertical surfaces of the room. But one word of caution – stay away from elaborate patterns or intricate details when choosing fabrics, as this will confuse the clean, contemporary look you are trying to achieve.

Wood

When it comes to wood surfaces, contemporary designs bring out the extremes, featuring very light or very dark tones. When incorporating woods into your design, look beyond the coffee table and utilize wood surfaces in accessories such as picture frames, large dramatic flower pots or shelves. Feel free to mix the design styles of the wood accessories, but be consistent with the wood tone and carry it throughout the room for a professional appearance.

Lighting

Lighting is extremely important in contemporary design, often seen as the key in illuminating the room’s design. When choosing lighting for your home, there are many new choices available that provide interesting, clean lines. Track lighting or floor lamps are popular in contemporary design and often utilize metals or bold colors to reinforce the other metal accessories or splashes of color incorporated into the room.

By looking at these five different elements and incorporating them into your home decor, you’ll be on the path to creating a sophisticated, yet contemporary home. Just make sure that you choose items that you love and elements that inspire you and you’ll be on the right path to a beautiful and inviting room.

For more information about the Fina bathroom collection from ShowHouse, visit shfaucets.com.

Courtesy: ARAcontent

Quality cookware

When it comes to cooking, you can’t get far without a cookware set, and luckily there is something for every budget. Be sure you have the four basic pans: a 5-quart sauce pan, frying pan, Dutch oven and a saute pan. A stock pot and a chef’s pan are ideal, but not necessary.

The cost of your cookware depends on the material. Copper heats the most uniformly and fastest, but is also the most expensive; thick gauge aluminum can perform almost as well at a lower cost; cast iron cooks well, but is very heavy and takes a long time to heat; stainless steel is versatile and easy to clean, but sometimes has hot spots. Non-stick surfaces on any metal usually inhibit heating. So what should you choose? Experts agree – buy the best you can afford.

Functional and fashionable faucet

What does a faucet have to do with cooking? Everything. Just think of how much time you spend at the sink, from rinsing fruits and vegetables to filling pots and washing hands and dishes. So why not update this kitchen focal point with a new functional and fashionable faucet? High-arc models with pulldown spouts are the most ideal for cooks since they allow ample room to fill or clean large pots and pans. Models with multi-function sprays are helpful when washing delicate fruits.

Once you’ve found a model with these useful features, don’t forget about style. Designer finishes, such as stainless steel will give your kitchen a professional look. And, for a designer look that maintains the beauty and brilliance of the faucet’s finish in between cleanings, try Moen‘s new Finley pulldown kitchen faucet with Spot Resist Stainless finish. This unique finish does just what it says – resists fingerprints and water spots. Moen’s Finley kitchen faucet is available at The Home Depot.

Best bowls

Whether baking, mixing or storing, you need a set of bowls. And while you may think all bowls are created equal, there are many options. The two most popular materials for mixing bowls are stainless steel and plastic. Stainless bowls are usually inexpensive, lightweight, stackable, keep food warm or cold and don’t react with food. Plastic bowls offer functional features, such as pour spouts, non-slip bases, a variety of colors and storage lids, but they also can stain or retain odors.

For the best of both worlds, try OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel bowls that mix the benefits of stainless steel with a nonskid exterior surface that makes the bowl slip resistant, even with wet hands. SurLaTable.com offers a set of three bowls – 1.5-, 3- and 5-quart sizes.

One-for-all … all-in-one

If your kitchen is like most, storage space is not always abundant. And while gadgets, such as food processors and blenders make cooking easier – there isn’t always room. When equipping your kitchen with the most useful tools that won’t rob you of storage or counter space, look for multi-function appliances.

A KitchenAid Stand Mixer is an ideal choice to get the most uses from a single product. The unique product, which is available in several colors and finishes to coordinate with your kitchen design, has a variety of attachments to give you a mixer, juicer, slicer, shredder, pasta maker, grinder, strainer and even ice cream maker, all in one small appliance.

Know your knives

No kitchen is complete without four quality knives – a chef’s knife, a paring knife, a utility knife and a serrated knife – to chop, slice and carve your meals. When purchasing these knives there are a few things to look for. Each knife should have full tangs, which means it should have metal that runs from the blade through the full length of the handle. Next, you should always hold a knife to make sure the weight is comfortable in your hands. Other items to consider are how the knife can be sharpened and cleaned and if it has a lifetime warranty. Knife sets (which are often featured in a block for storage) offer an ideal and affordable option.

With these few quality items, you’ll soon notice that your work is easier, your cleanup faster and your results better and more professional. And the best news is that each is affordable. So stop living without and make your kitchen the kitchen of your dreams.

Courtesy: ARAcontent

If you’re contemplating a kitchen or bathroom remodel, here are some pointers for keeping it practical:

Be like the Swiss . . .

That is to say, stick with neutrality in both the bathroom and the kitchen. Choose neutral colors for the walls and for parts of the room that might be especially costly to change later if your taste in bold colors doesn’t play well with the preferences of potential buyers. Keep fixtures such as sinks and toilets, tiling and flooring in neutral tones and use accessories like shower curtains, towels, artwork and small appliances to put your personal color stamp on the room.

Reflect action

No matter how big your bathroom feels to you, there’s no downside in making it feel bigger. Use mirrors to make the room appear larger than it is. Wall-to-wall, counter-to-ceiling mirrors, free of frames or bevels, fit with contemporary styling and can make a modestly sized bathroom feel much larger.

Sink into it

Sinks play a pivotal role in the usability and desirability of both bathrooms and kitchens. In baths, replace dated, single-basin vanities with dual-sink models, which are in high demand by homebuyers. For kitchen sinks, which are on display in your home 24/7, opt for a blend of practicality and beauty. Kohler’s Vault family of fabricated stainless steel sinks blend form and functionality. The sinks can be installed as undermount or self-rim, so they work with virtually any decor. Log on to www.kohler.com to learn more.

There’s a place for us . . .

Storage is a significant issue in virtually every American home, and both homeowners and home buyers are acutely aware of how much – or how little – storage the average bathroom or kitchen has. In both rooms, adding cabinets and shelving can improve the room’s livability and practicality. Storage is so important, you may want to consider replacing a powder room pedestal sink with a modestly sized vanity. If you really want to make a storage splash in a bathroom, add a shower storage unit.

And speaking of showers . . .

A great shower isn’t just a luxury, it’s a practical concern as well. Americans rely on their showers for more than just cleanliness – a shower is also a spot to relax and decompress. It pays to shell out a few more dollars for touches – like a good showerhead such as the Kohler Flipside Showerhead — that will turn your shower space into a more welcoming experience. Shower surrounds have made it particularly easy to upgrade an existing shower. Sterling has introduced the Accord seated shower, with a seat that is movable and removable. The seating area is the largest available to consumers, and allows you to relax in a seated position, leaning against the shower wall. Log on to www.SterlingPlumbing.com to learn more.

Courtesy: ARAcontent

Soft Geometry

“We started seeing the introduction of softened geometries over the last few years. It actually began with soft modern products, and has evolved from products to overall room architecture,” says Judy Riley, vice president of design at Moen. “Soft geometry can be seen in the edge of a counter, an arch over an entryway or in the lines of a light fixture or other bath product. It’s really about softening the angular features of a room, which are especially prevalent in bathrooms.”

To incorporate the soft geometry concept in your bath decor, Riley suggests beginning with products that are traditionally very linear – such as faucets, bath accessories and lighting. Moen has a new bath collection, which launched at KBIS and falls directly into the soft geometry trend. Blending clean lines and soft curves, the Method suite makes a modern statement with its minimalist styling, available in either a single- or two-handle faucet option. To complete the look, the Method collection also has a number of coordinating accessories – including towel bars, robe hooks, a pivoting paper holder and even a toilet tank lever – which feature the same soft geometry styling as the faucets.

Scaling of Elements

Another trend introduced at the show is all about scale. Scale is an important consideration in the overall composition of a kitchen or bath. Shapes, textures (both actual and implied) and thoughtful placement of fixtures are all elements that can be used to create focal points, functionality and visual appeal, according to the NKBA.

The bathroom is the perfect room to test the “scaling of elements” trend, even if you’re not in the midst of a remodeling project. Experiment by placing traditional objects in non-traditional places. For example, instead of placing a single towel ring or bar next to the sink, create a visual display of three towel rings, placed at uneven heights, on the wall directly across from the sink. Not only will it allow you to inexpensively create a focal point in the room, but it also gives you a spot to display beautiful hand towels – and change them with the seasons, or as often as a new color or pattern strikes your fancy.

Color With Energy

Gone are the days when neutral tones and muted shades ruled bathroom decor. Instead, NKBA reports that bold colors are creating a vibrant splash in room palettes for 2010, with rich blues, purples, greens and citric yellows making confident appearances. Try using bold colors that act not merely as a passive backdrop for the room, but bring life to the space through lighting, wall colors and wood tones.

Incorporating bold colors is simple to accomplish in a bathroom, since it is typically a smaller place where colors can really pop. Try accent colors first – with vibrant vases, candles and hand towels. If you have a bit more time on your hands, use paint and wallpaper to quickly add a brilliant splash of color to the room.

Art Integration

Finally, another trend outlined by NKBA is “art integration” – the concept of personalizing your bath space as a reflection of your own personal style to create an immediate sense of intimacy and originality. According to NKBA, many of today’s designs start with one piece – perhaps a framed painting or an antique sculpture – which becomes a springboard for colors, fixtures, finishes and theme elements.

“We’ve seen this concept quite a bit, as well – it’s a macrotrend we call ‘fingerprinting,’” says Rebecca Kolls, senior director and consumer strategist of home and garden at Iconoculture, a global consumer research and advisory company. “It’s all about self-expression and being empowered to make your own personal statement in your home decor. That might mean anything from shopping garage sales and on Craigslist to attending in-store design classes or working with virtual interior designers.”

And using art-inspired items doesn’t have to be expensive. Today, more and more homeowners are turning to artisans on websites like etsy.com, where you can select hand-made items that often have more character and style than similar store-bought items. From glassware and art to paintings and photographs, etsy has something for virtually every taste.

For more information about the Method collection from Moen, call (800) BUY-MOEN (800-289-6636) or visit moen.com. Additional information on the 2010 NKBA trends can be found at NKBA.org.

Courtesy: ARAcontent

Or maybe you’ve envied the spacious, custom closets characteristic of luxury homes, but haven’t had thousands of dollars to plunk down on a professional closet makeover.

In either case, you probably need a closet solution. That’s why manufacturers of closet organization systems have been busy developing new, do-it-yourself home storage solutions ranging from low-end, rack-and-wire plug-ins to handsome furniture-style systems in white or wood-toned melamine and even solid wood.

Among the strongest and most flexible of the new systems are Home Options Storage Solutions, available around the corner at Lowe’s home improvement stores or at www.lowes.com. Shelving and pole heights are adjustable so your design can be adapted periodically to your changing needs. Full extension drawers with attractive fronts provide complete access.

Where to start creating a custom closet on a do-it-yourself budget? First, determine your skill level. Do you need a professional? Probably not. Many closet systems can be installed in a weekend by anyone of average skill level. Brands such as Home Options offer websites with pre-existing templates and online design tools that make closet planning easy.

Next, measure your space. Determine the width, height and depth and write them down. Is your closet a reach-in, walk-in, or are you creating it from freestanding space? Have high ceilings? Add a shelf to store items overhead.

When planning, consider designating 50 percent of your closet space for low-hanging clothes, 25 percent for longer clothes, and 25 percent for drawers and shelves. Then, take inventory of your stuff and make adjustments to meet your personal needs.

Use a tower unit to separate his space from hers and incorporate shelves and drawers. Use pant racks to organize 12 pairs of pants in a compact space while keeping them smooth and pressed. Use shelves for organizing folded sweaters so they keep their proper form. Raise shoes off the floor. Look for shoe cubbies that comfortably hold two shoes, not just one. Shoe cubbies are also ideal for stowing away evening bags, belts and other personal items. For more information, visit www.homeoptionsstorage.com.

Courtesy: ARAcontent

Practical pays off when it comes to kitchen and bath renovations. Gone are the days when virtually every kitchen or bathroom remodel involved top-of-the-line luxury upgrades and a budget big enough to fund an Ivy League education. Today’s homeowners want more value for their remodeling dollars, and that means turning to improvements that make both functional and fiscal sense.

If you’re contemplating a kitchen or bathroom remodel, here are some pointers for keeping it practical:

Be like the Swiss . . .

That is to say, stick with neutrality in both the bathroom and the kitchen. Choose neutral colors for the walls and for parts of the room that might be especially costly to change later if your taste in bold colors doesn’t play well with the preferences of potential buyers. Keep fixtures such as sinks and toilets, tiling and flooring in neutral tones and use accessories like shower curtains, towels, artwork and small appliances to put your personal color stamp on the room.

Reflect action

No matter how big your bathroom feels to you, there’s no downside in making it feel bigger. Use mirrors to make the room appear larger than it is. Wall-to-wall, counter-to-ceiling mirrors, free of frames or bevels, fit with contemporary styling and can make a modestly sized bathroom feel much larger.

Sink into it

Sinks play a pivotal role in the usability and desirability of both bathrooms and kitchens. In baths, replace dated, single-basin vanities with dual-sink models, which are in high demand by homebuyers. For kitchen sinks, which are on display in your home 24/7, opt for a blend of practicality and beauty. Kohler’s Vault family of fabricated stainless steel sinks blend form and functionality. The sinks can be installed as undermount or self-rim, so they work with virtually any decor. Log on to www.kohler.com to learn more.

There’s a place for us . . .

Storage is a significant issue in virtually every American home, and both homeowners and home buyers are acutely aware of how much – or how little – storage the average bathroom or kitchen has. In both rooms, adding cabinets and shelving can improve the room’s livability and practicality. Storage is so important, you may want to consider replacing a powder room pedestal sink with a modestly sized vanity. If you really want to make a storage splash in a bathroom, add a shower storage unit.

And speaking of showers . . .

A great shower isn’t just a luxury, it’s a practical concern as well. Americans rely on their showers for more than just cleanliness – a shower is also a spot to relax and decompress. It pays to shell out a few more dollars for touches – like a good showerhead such as the Kohler Flipside Showerhead — that will turn your shower space into a more welcoming experience. Shower surrounds have made it particularly easy to upgrade an existing shower. Sterling has introduced the Accord seated shower, with a seat that is movable and removable. The seating area is the largest available to consumers, and allows you to relax in a seated position, leaning against the shower wall. Log on to www.SterlingPlumbing.com to learn more.

Courtesy: ARAcontent

For example, you wouldn’t use a zebra print shower curtain to complement a nautically themed bathroom. Likewise, a contemporary casement window may not harmonize with the decor in your vintage-themed kitchen. The wrong window option can detract from your home’s style.

“Window styles can dramatically change the way you interact and feel in a room,” says Elaine Sagers, Pella Corporation’s vice president for marketing and customer support. “For instance, installing a wall of fixed windows that showcases a beautiful garden or scenic landscape can instill feelings of tranquility and peace. The right window style can enhance the mood in a room and the overall appearance of your home.”

Pella Windows and Doors make it easy to determine what window style suits your remodeling or replacement project. The company’s website offers step-by-step instructions on how to choose a window based on your style, energy performance needs and budget.

Style matters

First, consider the style of your home. For 2010, traditional is the most popular kitchen and bath design style, followed closely by contemporary, according to a National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) survey.

Windows don’t have to be boring. “Think outside the box and choose something that shows off your style and personality,” Sagers says. “Pay attention to functionality as well. Plus, when you choose qualifying energy-efficient replacement windows and doors, you can earn a 2010 energy tax credit and help save on your utilities in the long-term.”

Window types

Casement windows – Often called crank-out windows, these open and close outward with the turn of a handle. The single sash creates a clear view to the outdoors, popular in contemporary homes and hard-to-reach places, like over a bathtub or kitchen sink.

Awning windows – Hinged at the top, these windows open out like an awning, ideal for rainy climates to enjoy fresh air during a gentle rain. They’re often used above or below other windows and doors, in bedrooms and in hard-to-reach places.

Double-hung windows – These windows offer flexibility to raise or lower each sash for ventilation, traditional style.

Single-hung windows – A traditional style opened by raising the bottom sash, use in easy-to-reach places like bedrooms.

Sliding windows – A contemporary-style sliding sash moves horizontally to help reduce reaching when opening or closing this window.

Bay and bow windows – When wall space is limited or additional accent is desired, a traditional-style bay or bow window features more windows to capture a beautiful view outside.

Fixed windows – Since they do not open, energy-efficient fixed windows let in light and provide a focal point.

Special shape windows – Achieve architectural interest with styles ranging from circles and half-circles to trapezoids, pentagons and more.

Color adds punch

Next, determine your room’s color palette. Match your window trim to the woodwork for a contemporary, finished look, or experiment with a complementing woodwork or finish color for a fun, less formal style.

Many windows offer hardware options. Color-matched hardware for sash locks or cranks provides a seamless look, while metal finishes, like oil rubbed bronze or satin nickel, make a bold, artistic statement. NKBA named brushed nickel, polished chrome, satin nickel, bronze and stainless steel as the most popular finishes for 2010.

Finish with a window fashion

Window fashions are functional – blocking bright sunlight and providing privacy – and they also provide pizzazz. Pella’s Designer Series windows offer custom-made built-in window fashions (blinds, fabric shades, decorative panels and grilles) that are tucked between panes of glass so they’re protected from dust, damage and little hands.

The textured, colored interlayers of between-the-glass decorative panels create a one-of-a-kind design accent that allows light to shine through the window but obscures the view – great for creating privacy.

No matter what your style or needs, choosing the right window for your remodeling or replacement project will be a decision that you’re happy to live with for years. To learn more about Pella’s window styles or to contact a sales representative, visit www.pella.com or call (888) 847-3552. Follow Pella on Twitter.com@Pella_News.

Courtesy: ARAcontent

The wood care experts who make Murphy Oil Soap have some advice on how to keep your floors looking shiny and beautiful.

The first key to maintaining your wood floors is to know what type of finish you have.

Most wood floors installed after the 1960s are finished with polyurethane, which hardens into layers of solid plastic sheets on the surface of the wood.

To find out, scratch the surface of the wood with a coin in an inconspicuous area. If the finish flakes off, a finish like varnish or shellac was probably used. If you think you have wax floors, apply a few drops of water and wait 10 minutes. If white spots appear under the droplets, then your floor has a wax finish. A polyurethane finish will not flake after being scratched with a coin, and white spots will not appear after exposure to water droplets.

A finish with a dull and lifeless appearance can usually be revived with a good cleaning to remove accumulated dirt. For polyurethane-finished floors, use a cleaner like Murphy Oil Soap for cleaning. To give your floors the best shine, make sure you follow diluting directions properly when using the concentrated version of Murphy Oil Soap.

Other ways to help preserve your wood floor shine include regularly sweeping and vacuuming your floors weekly; placing area rugs in high traffic locations; using floor protector pads or soft felt on the bottoms of furniture legs; setting a humidifier or dehumidifier to maintain a level of 30 to 50 percent humidity in the home; and protecting your floors from direct sunlight.

Courtesy: ARAcontent

Even some so-called natural cleansers can contain these same or similar nasty ingredients. And you would know this only if the manufacturer practices full disclosure of ingredients on their labels, which is not required on home care products. Think about it – when was the last time you saw a full ingredient listing on your spray cleaner?

The best way to make sure your living space is clean and healthy is to use safe, natural cleaning products you create yourself, using natural and inexpensive ingredients you can pick up at any natural grocery store. It’s cost-effective, not difficult and, like the task of spring cleaning itself, it’s satisfying and rewarding. You can craft your own, home-spun versions of everything from carpet cleaner to furniture dusting polish – and have the satisfying assurance that you really are keeping your home clean and green.

Whether you’re shopping for prepared natural cleaning solutions or making your own, keep in mind that the word “aromatherapy” is now being applied to everything scented – from dishwashing liquid to laundry detergent. The true practice of aromatherapy relies on using pure essential oils extracted from plants. These natural plant essences nurture us on mental, emotional, physical and even spiritual levels. House cleaning isn’t exactly a spiritual exercise, but adding the effects and properties of essential oils to your homemade household products can enhance the experience and the effectiveness of your task.

Essential oils have potent antimicrobial effects along with their clean, pleasant natural aromas. Here are a few “classic” homecare essential oils suggested by the experts at the leading aromatherapy company, Aura Cacia: lemon (clean, sweet, uplifting scent; deodorizing), peppermint (minty, fresh; air purifier; mild pest repellent), eucalyptus and tea tree (air and surface sanitizers; fresh, therapeutic aromas).

Here’s a shopping list of key ingredients for making your own homecare products:

* Baking soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) – Gently abrasive scouring powder, odor absorber and an excellent base for making your own cleaning preparations.
* Washing soda (Sodium Carbonate)
* Borax (Sodium Borate) – Natural mineral compound, laundry booster, multipurpose cleanser, fungicide/insecticide.
* White distilled vinegar (Acetic Acid)
* Liquid soap (Sodium Hydroxide) – Choose from vegetable oil-based soaps such as olive oil or sweet almond.
* Distilled water – Clean, distilled water acts as a better carrier and dirt solvent. Tap water will often contain salts and minerals that can lead to spotting and build-up.
* Essential oils
* Spray bottles
* Natural bristle scrubbing brushes
* Squeeze bottles
* Cotton dusting cloth
* Hemp or jute fiber scrubbing cloth
* Tote to put it all in

Follow these simple recipes for making your own basic homecare products:

Basic Spray Cleaner

2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon sodium borate
1/4 teaspoon liquid soap
36 drops essential oil*

*Cleansing and purifying essential oils: lemon, tea tree, eucalyptus, spike lavender.

Gentle Scouring Cream

1/2 cup baking soda
Liquid soap
18 drops essential oil*

*Oils that brighten: lemon, lemongrass, grapefruit.

Add essential oils to baking soda and blend. Next, incorporate the liquid soap, several drops at a time, until a creamy paste forms.

Window Cleaner

2 cups water
3 tablespoons vinegar
1/4 teaspoon liquid soap
36 drops essential oil

Wooden Furniture Polishing Oil

3 tablespoons vinegar
1/2 teaspoon jojoba oil
10 drops lemon essential oil

Carpet Deodorizing Powder

1 cup baking soda
18 drops essential oil*

*Deodorizing essential oils: bergamot, coriander seed, lavandin.

Carpet Cleaner

1 cup baking soda
1 teaspoon liquid soap
18 drops essential oil

For more information and eco-friendly cleaning tips, visit www.auracacia.com.

Courtesy: ARAcontent

Take a look around your garage, and you probably see snow shovels, bikes, baseball bats and a spare fridge — the only motor vehicle in sight is your lawn mower. The fact that garages are meant to house cars seems downright bizarre, like a factoid from a “strange news” column.

People have used garages for almost 100 years. In the beginning, garages were detached from houses and held nothing but cars. Today, most garages are attached to houses and contain enough space for two to four cars, at least theoretically. In reality, garages often store heaps of mismatched and disorganized clutter, which quickly invades every inch of space and leaves no room for parking vehicles.

But restoring your garage to its original purpose doesn’t have to be some Herculean task — free-standing or wall-mounted wire shelving should do the trick.

With wire shelving your shelves won’t collect dust, dirt and grimes. Use pentagon-shaped wire shelves in corners to get the most out of every inch of space. Create more shelf space with shelving units that are seven to eight feet high.

For seasonal storage, consider ceiling-mounted shelving solutions. Install casters on free-standing wire shelving units or raise wall-mounted shelving one foot above the floor. Mobile shelving units or wall-mounted units will make cleaning your garage floor easy.

Shelving.com and its sister site, TheShelvingStore.com, have been making space work better since 1960. They help their customers make the best use of their space by utilizing the proper sized shelving unit for the allotted space.

When it comes to maximizing existing space, one size does not fit all. Shelves are available in seven depths and ten widths so you can use every cubic foot of your space. If you need assistance with designing an efficient storage system, contact the professionals. When you are done with your project, you will finally be able to park your car in your garage — where it belongs.

Courtesy: NewsUSA

Learn how to naturally clean your microwave by using just lemon and water.

Indoor air can contain viruses, dust mites, formaldehyde, radon, pet dander and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pollutants that aggravate allergies. But in understanding four key air quality components, Americans can ensure a healthy, sustainable home.

1. Moisture Control

Too much moisture can lead to mold, while dry air can cause skin and respiratory problems. Controlling humidity allows the HVAC system to work more efficiently, so homeowners pay less in energy bills. Choose automatic, whole-home humidifiers and dehumidifiers. For example, Aprilaire’s Model 1750 Central Dehumidifier’s built-in intelligence provides automatic control for not only whole-home dehumidification, but also for fresh air ventilation, air cycling and air filtration.

2. Ventilation

Without air circulation, allergens, odors, moisture and other pollutants cannot leave the home. Ensure air flow with a mechanical ventilation system, which will use fans and ducts to circulate fresh air.

3. Air Filtration

Central air filters permanently remove airborne contaminants. In a recent standard industry test, the Aprilaire 5000 achieved 99 percent efficiency against airborne particles. The unit captures and kills virtually all contaminants, including viruses, bacteria, mold spores and allergens.

4. Energy Efficiency

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), using efficient heating and cooling systems, leakless ducts and thermostats that are programmed to save energy at night or when residents are away would prevent 169 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions a year. The EPA says that a programmable thermostat can save you up to 30 percent on your energy bills.

For more information, visit www.aprilaire.com.

Courtesy: NewsUSA

Patti Moreno, of Garden Girl TV, installs drainage holes into her trash can garden. Check out www.gardengirltv.com and www.urbansustainableliving.com for more information.

Watch Dripworks team up with Patti Moreno of Garden Girl TV, as she explains how to install drip irrigation in a container garden.

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Swimming pools have a lot of different options. New Jersey landscape architect Mitch Knapp shares tips on a variety of different swimming pool options to consider when planning for your swimming pool.

New Jersey landscaper and landscape architect Mitch Knapp shares tips on how to choose perennial plants for your landscaping and garden. An interesting look at a variety of perennial plants and flowers for your garden.

Courtesy: Hotwaxtv

The solution? Instead of throwing a party with set hours, which will run into conflict with prior obligations, consider holding a holiday open house — a party that runs all day, allowing guests to arrive at their leisure.

A holiday open house also puts less stress on the hosts. With a little decorating, holiday libations and some simple snacks, you can easily plan an all-day get-together that allows you to mix and mingle, rather than watch the oven or shake cocktails.

Not sure where to start?

Pottery Barn offers the following tips to help you plan a successful holiday open house:

Create a festive mood

Get your guests into the holiday spirit before they even enter your home by lining your walkway with Arches lanterns and pillar candles and hanging a wreath on your door. You can also decorate trees and shrubs with lights.

Use candles to infuse your home with warmth and light. Wrap garlands around banisters, and drape them over doorways.

Set up a buffet

Use your dining table to present an array of delectables that do well at room temperature. A cheese board, for example, along with Marcona almonds, dried figs and sliced baguette, looks elegant without requiring anything more than the occasional refill.

Create a bar

Pottery Barn portable Modine Bar lets you set up drinks anywhere in your home. Keep ice on hand for cold drinks and an electric kettle for hot ones. Select two or three drinks, and print out the recipes on cards, so guests can mix their own cocktails.

Provide entertainment

No matter what time guests arrive, make them feel like they’ve experienced the best of the party by focusing the merriment on a few activities. For example, invite guests to bring a toy to donate to a local organization, and put all of the toys on one table, so guests can see the pile grow. Set up a craft table for children, giving them supplies to make paper snowflakes, simple tree decorations and homemade wrapping paper. And before the fun is over, hand out party favors, like ornaments, that your guests can take home.

For more entertaining ideas, visit www.potterybarn.com/stylehouse.

Courtesy: NewsUSA