Home Decor

From Bohemian – boho – style to modern minimalist, colour can be used to express your individual personality and style, or to turn a sterile setting into a delightful space.

Often compared to the eclectic style, Bohemian – or boho – style brings together treasured collectibles, second-hand bargains, patterned fabrics and reproduction furniture – with just a dash of modern convenience. It’s a style of decorating that reflects your true personality, whether you are hippie chic or a modern gypsy!

Colourful accents and a multitude of textures and materials reflect the true essence of Bohemian style. It’s a modge podge of elements brought together in such a way that they are visually appealing and create an atmosphere of relaxed comfort.

Woven fabrics, tie-dyed or hand printed patterns, natural materials and colourful accents abound in a home decorated in Bohemian style. Think Indian saris, oriental rugs and Afghan fabrics and you’re on the right track.

In a Bohemian style setting you can bring in colours, patterns and textures in so many different ways. Don’t be afraid to pair together a glass coffee table with a fringed Victorian lampshade on an art deco base.

Colourful fabrics both plain and patterned, with beads and sequins or fringed edges add essential finishing touches to a Bohemian scheme. You could make your own wall hangings with vintage quilts, hand woven rugs, or even textured wallpaper.

Colour is an easy way to introduce identity.

Bohemian originates from travelling gypsies, who collected various pieces of furniture from different countries and different periods over the years, bringing this all together to create what we now call boho style.

What’s especially nice about boho style for the average home decorator is that you don’t need to go looking for expensive antiques, but can shop around for secondhand bargains and salvage finds to assemble their own unique boho interiors.

One of the best ways to find ‘trash-to-treasure’ pieces is to keep an eye out for people moving. You would be amazed at what some people throw away, and how you can easily restore or revamp these pieces that will cost next to nothing.

If you love the style and want to incorporate it in a room – or your home – pop onto the Plascon Inspired Solour System for assistance. Start off with one colour taken from an item that you already have in the room. This can be a colour in cushion fabrics, a rug, or even a painting. Select this colour on the Plascon Inspired Colour system and then click ‘all colour schemes’ to see how many colour options you have to choose from. Think warm earthy colours and rich jewel tones.

In a modern minimalist setting, colour doesn’t have to overpower the space.

At the opposite end of décor styles is the more minimalist look. With emphasis on keeping interiors as clean and clutter-free as possible, minimalist interiors can sometimes look sterile and lack personality. That’s where colour comes into play. Using colour you can warm up a minimalist interior and introduce your individuality at the same time, without losing touch with clean, clutter-free interior spaces.

For those who prefer to keep clutter out of sight and trinkets and accessories to a minimum, it is important to add personality in other ways. Colour is an easy way to introduce identity and break up the monotony of monochromatic interior spaces.

In a modern minimalist setting, colour doesn’t have to overpower the space. Even a single colour can make a huge impact in an all-white setting.

Think about how your living spaces could look with colour and then pop into your local Builders Warehouse or paint store and grab some Plascon colour swatches. Even if you don’t plan on painting walls, the colour swatches will guide you in selecting colours for decorating your home in other ways.

SOURCE: www.home-dzine.co.za

Have you ever been in a home where the furniture and the flooring don’t match? Or maybe the tiles were better suited to a 1970s palette?

Choosing the right colour for your floor is important to ensure that it not only matches the soft furnishings, but also creates a suitable backdrop from which to decorate the rest of the room.

Colours also evolve with time and choosing the right colour for your floor is important to ensure that it not only matches the soft furnishings, but also creates a suitable backdrop from which to decorate the rest of the room.

Tharien Smith, Product Designer at Johnson Tiles, says although elements such as furniture, décor and soft furnishings play an important role in creating a good impression, so too does the choice of tile colour.

As is the case in any setting, colour can make or break a room and it’s important to choose the correct colour tile from the outset.

There are a few basic guidelines homeowners need to keep in mind when selecting tile colours. Firstly, it is important to consider the purpose of the room to be tiled. Every room is unique and has a different purpose and colours that work in one room might not work in another.

Another useful point is that small, dark coloured tiles tend to make a space feel small while large, lightly coloured tiles open up spaces and make them feel bigger. Light, natural hues also act as a neutral backdrop for furniture and décor, and appeal to a larger segment of the market which is an important consideration when thinking about selling.

With this in mind, Smith advises opting for natural, light coloured tiles. Current light on-trend colours include warm grey, cream and off-white.

Opt for natural, light coloured tiles. Current light on-trend colours include warm grey, cream and off-white.

Brushed cement, sandstone, porcelain and white marble are also currently much in vogue, and if your budget doesn’t allow for natural marble and stone, opt for inkjet tiles that imitate these natural products but at a fraction of the cost and considerably lower maintenance requirements.

The colour grey has been a constant feature over the past five years and concrete-looking inkjet tiles provide a durable alternative to concrete flooring. They form a neutral base colour to which bold coloured soft furnishings can be added or can offer depth to a modern industrial look.

In terms of bathrooms, specifically small bathrooms, Smith says light coloured bathroom tiles are ideal as they reflect the light more than darker colours and create an airy, spacious feel. Using the same colour wall tiles as the floor tiles can enhance the feeling of spaciousness.

To further bolster this effect, use a similar coloured grout or buy custom cut tiles that allow them to be laid closer together which creates a seamless look.

The kitchen is another room in which tile colour selection is important – particularly as it is effectively the heart of the home.

When deliberating over what tile colour to use in the kitchen, consider the colour of your kitchen units and surroundings. Depending on the look you are after, colours such as cream, beige and brown as floor colour options can contribute to creating an impression of warmth, whereas colours such as blue and green against the walls, achieved through glass mosaics or wall tiles, will make the room feel cool. A red, auburn or orange palette against the walls will create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Smith says patios are another commonly tiled area in the home. As these areas are typically used for entertaining and frequently lead to other rooms in the house such as the lounge, it’s important that the colour scheme complements the accompanying areas as well as the overall style of the property and creates a flowing feeling.

Again, in this setting, neutral colours work best as they can be blended with a number of décor styles and colour combinations and don’t show up dirt too much. Homeowners may also want to consider carrying the same tiles through from the interior of the home through to the exterior areas. This visually binds the interior and exterior and makes them appear larger than they actually are.

Lightly coloured tiles open up spaces and make them feel bigger.

Wood look tiles are a perfect colour and design option for the kitchen and patio as they imitate the natural beauty of wood and mimic decking when placed on the patio. Choose tiles with a textured finish for areas that may become wet, such as the patio.

As popular and practical as neutral colours are, bright and bold colours also have their place and can be used to great effect. “If you are slightly nervous about using colour but want to make a statement, keep it simple and use colourful splash backs, accent walls, borders and insets. Crystal and glass bead inlaid tiles can also create an elegant, sophisticated look.

Ultimately, just remember to think long term when selecting tile colours. You have to love it and it has to last.

SOURCE:  www.property24.com

Spring is upon us and warmer days are not far away. If you have ideas for your outdoor spaces, now is the time to get cracking.

For any outdoor area you are going to need a few pieces of furniture.

Turn that boring outdoor area into a relaxing spot to laze away summer days or entertain on balmy evenings. All you need is a little imagination and a few accessories.

That small courtyard or open patio area can so easily be turned into an area where you can spend quality time outdoors.

There are plenty of options to choose from if you need to re-cover or paint a concrete patio. Ceramic or slate tiles can be applied over a solid concrete base, or you can paint a floated concrete slab with Plascon Floor Paint.

Rust-Oleum has recently launched a new product that is now available at your local Builders Warehouse, Restore 10X and Extreme Concrete.

Plants are also a wonderful way to add a soft touch to hard landscaping.

Restore 10X is 10 times thicker than ordinary coatings and fills cracks, hides imperfections and is non-slip. The coating is weather resistant and extremely tough; it is also economical and environmentally safe. The good news is that if you are tired of having to repeatedly stain or treat your deck, Restore 10X can be used on wood.

For any outdoor area you are going to need a few pieces of furniture. You can find step-by-step instructions for making a large farmhouse table if you love to entertain family and friends on Home-Dzine, and if you are lucky enough to find yourself some timber pallets, it won’t cost you much to make a garden table using reclaimed wood, or a garden table with PAR pine from your local Builders Warehouse.

If you are starting with nothing and need a garden table with bench combination, you will find instructions for how to make a table with a tiled top, and slatted benches.

Add colour and texture to your new entertainment area with colourful or patterned fabrics, an area rug, or a shade umbrella.

Invest in a few basic power tools: drill/ driver, jigsaw and sander, and you will be able to make your own outdoor garden furniture at a fraction of what it would cost to buy in the store. With these three power tools and basic DIY skills you will be able to make furniture for both indoors and outdoors.

Start off with an entry-level Bosch model that you can afford and will still offer both quality and power to take on DIY projects. As you build up your skills and want to do more you can look at investing in a more advanced model.

You are only limited by your imagination when making your own furniture for outdoors. A small drinks cabinet made using laminated and PAR pine won’t cost much but will create a homely touch to any outdoor space.

Try to bring indoor and outdoor spaces together, so that the outdoor areas become an extension of your living areas. Adding furniture and accessories is an easy way to achieve that seamless flow.

That small courtyard or open patio area can so easily be turned into an area where you can spend quality time outdoors.

Plants are also a wonderful way to add a soft touch to hard landscaping. A courtyard or concrete patio can be cold and sterile, but add a few potted plants and the result is amazing.

If you don’t consider yourself a gardener and your thumb is anything but green, buy hardy plants that require little maintenance and won’t die as soon as you turn your back.

Alternatively, add colour and texture to your new entertainment area with colourful or patterned fabrics, an area rug, or a shade umbrella.

SOURCE: www.home-dzine.co.za

When you live in a small apartment, townhouse or house, finding extra space can be challenging. But there are quite a few ways of creating additional room without spending too much money.

By simply taking a careful look at the layout and incorporating a few clever space saving methods, you could have more than enough elbowroom. Here’s how…

1. Replacing conventional doors with sliding doors is a reasonably simple and affordable way to add on a bit of extra space. In fact, you could increase the space by as much as one metre.

Homeowners can find a selection of hollow-core and laminated doors and hardware at a local Builders Warehouse.

2. Where you need to divide up an open plan room or section off particular zones, rather than use large, bulky room dividers or partitions, consider using a low height shelf unit that incorporates storage.

A smaller unit will still provide the means to close off an area but will be less intrusive and still allow light to flow through.

3. Another option to consider is to remove your doors entirely. Once the door has been removed you could create an open archway or walkthrough, which visually enlarges the area and allows more effective use of the floor space.

4. When privacy is more important and a floor-to-ceiling closure is necessary, glass-panelled frames provide the same amount of privacy as brick walls or partition walling, but have less visual impact.

5. Take a closer look at the design and layout of the floor plan. Sometimes you may be surprised at how areas you thought were wasted space could be put to practical use. Storage shelves or cupboards under a staircase are a prime example of this.

6. Transform a small, underutilised balcony by adding some shelves at one end and storage seating at the other. You could have a quiet retreat right outside your home or a small home office to work from.

7. Speaking of a small home office, a small cubby hole, alcove or landing can be vamped up to provide a small study or place to work. Once again, shelving on the wall takes care of all the storage needs and allows for a small desk to work on.

8. Compact kitchens tend to feel cramped and closed in. Using the walls for storage is the ideal way to add extra storage without impeding on floor space.

9. Open shelves are fine if you are a bit of a neat freak, but closed cabinets provide a neat and tidy way to pack things away if you don’t want prying guest eyes.

10. If you’re handy with power tools, making your own built-ins is a great way for saving on valuable floor space. Built-in seating and shelving takes up far less space than conventional furniture and leaves more room for comfort.

11. Compact bathrooms are difficult to work with, especially if you don’t want to go to the expense of ripping out and moving everything. Home improvement stores offer a selection of sanitaryware that is specifically designed for small bathrooms.

Install a couple of narrow shelves and a long mirror and you’ll have a space that appears visually larger than it actually is.

12. If a tiny bathroom doesn’t have space for a much-needed shower, consider fitting a shower panel to the side of the bath and installing a shower extension. That way you have the luxury of bathing and showering without any added expense.

It’s all about evaluating the existing layout and seeing where a few minor changes can be made. A little creativity and imagination can go a long way towards adding more space to your small abode.

SOURCE: www.home-dzine.co.za

Are you planning a bathroom makeover? If so, don’t forget about accessorising your bathroom.

Stainless steel is a great choice of finish for bathroom accessories.

This is according to Craig Taylor from Bathroom Butler, who says just like fashion, where accessories can make or break an outfit – when it comes to bathroom design; it’s the smaller details that can really set a bathroom apart from the rest. The major difference between fashion and bathroom accessories is, however, that the latter serves an essential and practical role in the overall functionality of a bathroom space.

Today’s bathroom accessories don’t only need to look good, but they need to be practical and purposeful as well. Taylor offers an overview on the trends driving bathroom accessory design today:

Going Green

Never before have consumers been so aware of the environment, and this fact is impacting how people select their products – even when it comes to their choice of bathroom accessories.

One affordable ‘bathroom luxury’ that has become a must-have in any well-dressed bathroom is the heated towel rail.

Taylor says consumers have wised-up considerably when it comes to going green – they are not just interested in one green aspect of a product, but want to know about its overall cradle-to-grave impact on the environment. This is why the concept of recycling has gained such momentum – people know that at the end of its life cycle, a product that can be repurposed and reused will boast a considerably low carbon footprint, which is better for the environment in the long run.

Money-Saving

With the forecast of tough economic climes ahead, more and more consumers are looking for ways to save money in their homes.

However, consumers are not looking to do this by buying cheap and nasty products that will need to be replaced in a few months, he says.

The modern day consumer is a savvy one – they are aware of the fact that investing in quality products will save them money in the long run, as they will last. Instead, where they are looking to save money is in the running costs of these products.

In line with the green trend, Taylor says if any bathroom fitting is going to make it in today’s world, it needs to be as energy efficient as possible.

Fabulous Finishes

When it comes to finishes, stainless steel reigns supreme. It is a great choice of finish for bathroom accessories – it is durable, good-looking and it complements every style imaginable, and what’s more, it is easy to clean and maintain. Stainless steel with a high-gloss finish remains incredibly popular.

Versatile Design

Presently, popular bathroom styles mix it up a little – featuring a little of both the contemporary and traditional, says Taylor.

For example, current traditional bathroom styles tend to have a contemporary undertone, and the more minimalistic styles will feature some timelessly traditional accents too. This trend ensures added longevity to whatever kind of style you tend to lean towards.”

Uncluttered Simplicity

Clutter is out and streamlined is in, he says. “Overly fussy and ornate designs are a definite no-no. Instead, bathrooms with sleek and simple design lines are bang on trend.

Bathroom accessories offer a great way to negate clutter and store all bathroom necessities in a neat and orderly fashion – ensuring that they are easily on hand when required, but always remain in their designated spot for a well-ordered overall appearance.

Streamlined Design

Taylor says the actual design of bathroom accessories has also been greatly influenced by the quest for simplicity.

Today’s bathroom accessories don’t only need to look good, but they need to be practical and purposeful as well.

Simplicity is not only reflected in the aesthetics of modern bathroom accessories, but also in the seamless way that they are fixed to the wall. Traditionally, bathroom accessories were attached to the bathroom wall using grub screws. However, this often posed a problem – since bathroom accessories have a largely functional use, and the screws holding them in place had to be regularly tightened in order to keep them firmly secured.

A Concern for Safety

Any wet area in the home can become a safety hazard, especially in the bathroom. As more people are opting to install items such as grab rails and anti-slip flooring in their bathrooms in an effort to make these spaces as functional and safe as possible.

Getting in and out of the bath for example, is an incredibly dangerous movement for the elderly. Getting in and out of the shower is not quite as hazardous for the elderly, but it does involve a risk of falling over. For this reason, more and more people are realising the benefits of installing a grab rail in their bathroom space.

The Quest for Added Luxury

The bathroom is no longer a mere utilitarian space – today’s bathrooms are more like in-home luxury spa retreats used by homeowners to unwind and wash away the stresses of everyday life.

As such, the modern bathroom is jam-packed with every conceivable luxury – from porcelain tiles, designer lighting, waterproof speakers, spa baths, steam showers – the list is endless. However, although some of these items may be out of financial reach for most homeowners, there is one affordable ‘bathroom luxury’ that has become a must-have in any well-dressed bathroom – the heated towel rail.

Taylor says even though many believe that a heated towel rail isn’t an essential bathroom installation, if you consider their many practical benefits, as well as the fact that they cost marginally more than a plain towel rail, whether or not to include one into your bathroom is really a no brainer. They really provide an easy and inexpensive means of adding the finishing touch and that extra bit of luxury to any bathroom space.

SOURCE: www.property24.com

Investments in home energy-efficiency can beat the best returns offered by banks.

Interest rates available to savers in South Africa are low compared to the returns on certain home energy-efficiency investments.

This is according to a new analysis conducted by My Green Home in conjunction with financial planners, who say in fact, the returns on energy efficiency can be up to four times higher.

Light bulbs are the simplest example of how this kind of ‘green investing’ works.

Hypothetically, say Mr Banks and Mr Green each have R1 000 to save or invest, and each has ten 50-watt lights in his home that could be replaced by more energy-efficient LED globes. Mr Banks leaves his old bulbs in place; putting his R1 000 in a 5 year fixed deposit bank account that pays 8 percent annual interest. Mr Green rather invests his R1 000 in 5.5-watt LEDs to replace those ten older globes.

Five years later, the R1 000 that Mr Banks deposited has grown to R1 490. But Mr. Green is now much richer than Mr Banks. He has saved R5 717 on electricity and another R316 on replacement bulbs, since LEDs last much longer. The new globes were such a good investment; it’s as if Mr Green had earned nearly a 33 percent annual interest rate.

Other examples of efficiency investments that pay high returns include solar or heat-pump water heaters, low-flow shower heads and variable-speed pool pumps. Swapping a 1.1 kWh pool pump for a variable-speed pump using 300 watts is an investment that can pay a 31 percent annual return over 5 years if the old pump needed replacing anyway, and 21 percent if it did not. 

The My Green Home website offers advice on a wide range of investments that save energy and water, while making a home more environmentally friendly. Visitors will also find a guide to globes and a guide to solar water heaters. And they can follow the experiences of the Ngewana family as they test out energy-efficient technology in their own home.

My Green Home is led by the Green Building Council of South Africa, with main co-funding from the German government through the South African-German Energy Programme (SAGEN). It’s also supported by the 49M campaign, Karebo Systems, the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) and a range of product sponsors and partner organisations.

The LED bulb and pool pump examples assume that the lights are used 4 hours a day and the pool pump 8 hours a day, a R1.50 per kWh electricity tariff and 8 percent tariffs hikes each year. Actual results could be higher or lower, but under all reasonable scenarios, the investment in an energy-efficient pool pump or lighting pays a much better return than a 5 year fixed deposit earning 8 percent interest.

SOURCE: www.property24.com

Are you planning a new kitchen or renovating the old one, but not sure where to begin?

The sink area is one of the main focal points of the kitchen – both functionally and aesthetically – and should be given due consideration.

The sink area is one of the main focal points of this room – both functionally and aesthetically – and should be given due consideration. We would like to share tips on the hottest trends for 2014 with you!

Style and Design

Faucet finish was once overlooked, but new technology and appreciation for functional, yet good-looking designs have made the kitchen faucet an important feature in kitchen décor.

No longer is your kitchen tap just for utility purposes, it also needs to complement the overall style and design of your kitchen, and it can even become a focal feature in the room.

The sink area provides an opportunity to add new design elements to your kitchen space. Chrome or stainless steel finishes still reign supreme, but you can choose whether it has a matte or shiny finish.

There are various shapes of taps available. High arches are trending, such as the Sielo Montella Sink Mixer for example, but make sure that the mixer’s arch is not too low or too high for your basin – a common mistake.

No longer is your kitchen tap just for utility purposes, it also needs to complement the overall style and design of your kitchen.

Very large basins require faucets with a higher and wider arch, so that you can reach all parts of the sink. Pullout faucets, with a retractable spray nozzle are especially practical for very large sinks, as they allow you to easily clean all sides of the sink. Mixers with smaller, narrower arches are perfect for smaller kitchen sinks – if the arch is too high and wide for smaller sinks, then the water will most certainly splash over the sides, she says.

Natural, organic shapes are making a splash right now. Reed-shaped taps, such as the Isca Veritas Basin Mixer for example, boasts soft, organic-inspired design lines for an elegant kitchen feature, that hints at nature, while remaining positively modern.

It is important to choose a faucet that complements the rest of your kitchen design – contemporary kitchens generally are better suited to more angular shapes. While more traditional styles are better suited to rounded faucet designs.

When it comes to water efficiency, there are taps available that allow you to switch between water flow settings, as well as kitchen faucets that boast an auto-shut-off feature that is operated via built-in sensors.

Transitional kitchen styles are becoming popular as well. Mixing and matching styles and finishes is a great way of adding individuality and interest to a space – as long as it all blends together in a seamless fashion.

Eco-Friendly Considerations

Is going green important to you? Being environmentally friendly is on-trend right now.

The latest buzzword in taps is water efficiency and this does not mean you have to compromise on style, an eco-friendly design does not only help the environment, but it will also save you money on your water bill.

Modern low-flow kitchen faucets allow you to conserve water and be more sustainable. A simple low-flow aerator can reduce the kitchen faucet flow by as much as 25 percent. Although aerators are commonly built into new kitchen faucets, they can also be added to older taps.

When it comes to water efficiency, there are taps available that allow you to switch between water flow settings, as well as kitchen faucets that boast an auto-shut-off feature that is operated via built-in sensors, such as the CAE Sensor Mixer for example. These work by turning the tap off when nobody is near it, or when a set amount of water is released, which ultimately reduces water wastage.

Quality and Functionality

Look for quality, integrity and durability.

Functionality should come first. Are you interested in installing a pull-out spray for example? This is a type of kitchen faucet that was inspired by the practicality of industrial kitchen faucets. 

Pull-out kitchen faucets comprise a spray nozzle that can be pulled out and used, and then when you are finished, they retract back into the arch of the faucet. They are popular right now – they allow you to quickly and conveniently wash vegetables or rinse your dishes, fill large pots or reach the sides of a large kitchen sink for easy cleaning.

Another important practical consideration is to check how the faucet will be mounted.

Find out where your taps will be fitted – will they be fitted into a purpose-made hole in the kitchen sink, or on the kitchen counter, or will they be wall-mounted? There are different models that cater for each. Wall-mounted kitchen faucets are a great space-saving solution for smaller areas, while counter-mounted faucets are great for under-counter mounted sinks.

A kitchen tap is one of those fittings that are used often and so it is exposed to a lot of wear and tear. Consider kitchen mixers featuring physical vapour deposition or PVD – this state-of-the-art technology resists tarnish, scratches and corrosion and keeps taps looking good for longer. Make sure that you buy from a reputable retailer and that the brand you choose is well-known to ensure that spare parts are available if it ever needs repairing.

Look for quality, integrity and durability and buy the best taps that you can afford!

SOURCE: www.property24.com

It may not be a place that you yourself visit often, but your guest bathroom will be seen by most of the people who come to your house. Here are some tips to make your guest toilet a striking place designed to impress.

Nobody will be showering or bathing in this room, so wallpaper is a great option – it makes a statement visually.

Welcoming Visitors

The guest toilet is more important than you might think. A well-appointed guest bathroom will make a good impression on all your guests. Apart from the fact that it helps them feel comfortable, it also stands as a powerful statement about your personal sense of style. It’s essential to create a warm and inviting environment – so this room should boast as many creature comforts that you can pack into this small space, while still showcasing oodles of on-trend glamour.

Aside from offering a well decorated space, the other most important aspect is to ensure that the space is always well stocked with all the essentials. Including a spare toilet paper holder is a must in this room.

Adding a few simple luxuries will also make it more inviting. By including liquid soap, hand lotion, a few scented candles, perhaps some potpourri and fresh flowers, you can recreate that five-star-hotel-type glamour in your own guest toilet at home.

If space allows, why not consider adding a chandelier for some added glamour.

“Why not install a small heated towel rail to ensure your guests can dry their hands on deliciously dry towels – a sure way of adding a sense of luxury to the space that will no doubt leave a lasting impression.”

Splurge On Luxury

A small space it might be, but this doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be big on style. In fact the opposite is true – limited space means that you can really afford to splurge on the finer details and finishes for a spectacular end result.

Since it is a compact room, you need to ensure that the larger items, such as the sanitary ware, wall and floor coverings, are just right, as well as all the finer details. When it comes to successful design and small spaces décor, the devil really is in the detail – focusing on the finer aspects of the room, as well as the larger feature aspects, will ensure a truly successful outcome.

The guest toilet provides the perfect opportunity to display some eye-catching bathroom accessories. It is the accessories that visitors usually come into contact with – from soap dispensers, to towel rings, and toilet paper holders, these are the items that are felt, and inspected at close quarters. As such, it is important to include only the best in order to make the grandest impression.

Aside from offering a well decorated space, the other most important aspect is to ensure that the space is always well stocked with all the essentials.

There’s really no excuse why not to use the best and most stylish bathroom accessories you can afford in this space.

Design and Décor

Using distinctive decorating tips, you can create an excellent bathroom design for your home. Plus, you can make a smaller area look more comfortable and spacious if required. There are many innovative ideas and helpful tips that you can use in order to create a comfortable and elegant environment that is also as testament to your personal sense of taste and style.

When choosing décor for this room, it is a good idea to include sanitary ware with clean, simple lines and a timeless feel – this way, you can update the look and feel of the room by simply changing the smaller aspects, such as the accessories, lighting or wall covering for example, without breaking the bank.

Why not install a small heated towel rail to ensure your guests can dry their hands on deliciously dry towels.

To add a bit of glamour, splash out on an attractive wall covering and statement lighting. Nobody will be showering or bathing in this room, so wallpaper is a great option – it makes a statement visually, and since it is a small space, it won’t be too costly to install either. Also, if space allows, why not consider adding a chandelier for some added glamour. If it’s limited, wall lights are a great space-saving solution.

Storage Is Essential

Your top priority should be to keep design minimal and avoid cluttering the guest bathroom to the point where it feels uncomfortable.

Clutter and over-crowding is the enemy of any small space, and the guest toilet is no difference. One way to avoid this is to ensure that the space boasts adequate storage. Think simple and elegant bathroom vanities and under-sink storage solutions, or if space is really too limited for these, an elegant glass shelf running behind or alongside the basin can provide adequate storage for all the finer luxuries, such as soap, lotion and candles for example.

SOURCE: www.property24.com

If you’re in love with a neutral and natural-looking décor style, then you can consider inkjet tiles for your home. They provide a great substitute to homeowners who want to embark on home improvements and prefer the natural look, but may not have the budget for natural stone or solid wood flooring.

Inkjet printing technology allows for high definition printing on uneven surfaces such as ceramic and porcelain tiles. This has led to the development of tiles that look exactly like wood and natural stone but at a fraction of the price.

Tiles with a wood inkjet design can now go where wood hasn’t gone before – wet spaces. The wood-look tiles are ideal for the bathroom and work just as well as decking on the patio, especially those with a textured finish.

The latest stone prints combine different types of natural stone such as marble, slate and travertine thus featuring a variety of veining patterns.

This is according to Richard Nuss, marketing manager for Johnson Tiles, who says consumers are seeking out flooring solutions that are going to offer them value in the longest term. Inkjet tiles offer customers on-trend finishes that they desire without having to pay too much to get the look they’re after.

Inkjet tiles that imitate stone are ideal for open-plan living areas as they blend together beautifully and therefore create a seamless flow from one space to the next.

Some designs have a bit of a texture and are a great option for the shower floor as they provide grip.

“A good inkjet design offers the benefit of variability. Ideally, there should be between eight and ten different ‘faces’ for each design. This means that there should be no repeated tiles within a two square metre space,” he says.

These tiles are perfect to create a seamless indoor-outdoor flow as they can be used effectively indoors as well as outside.

For an outdoor application select a porcelain tile that can withstand frost and temperature changes.

Nuss says inkjet tiles look good in open-plan areas and work just as well in rooms that transition from the inside to the outside.

Here are some of the benefits of inkjet tiles:

– The latest inkjet tiles look like real stone, marble and wood without the installation and maintenance hassles associated with natural stone, as well as the sanding and sealing associated with wood

– They merge the natural beauty of wood and stone with the durability and practicality of tiles

If you’re in love with a neutral and natural-looking décor style, then you can consider inkjet tiles for your home.

– They are affordable and less pricey than natural stone tiles and solid wood flooring

– Wood-look inkjet tiles can be used in wet spaces such as the bathroom as they’re water resistant and won’t warp like real wood. Some designs have a bit of a texture and are a great option for the shower floor as they provide grip

– Wood lookalike tiles can be butt jointed, meaning they’re laid directly next to each other without any grout joints, creating an almost seamless floor

– They provide a natural base colour from which to decorate the rest of your home

Tiles are a smart flooring option for your home as they’re easy to clean, durable and will not fade or discolour when exposed to sunlight or other natural elements.

Unsure about how many tiles and how much adhesive and grout you need to buy? Find handy tile and grout calculators on the Johnson Tiles website to guide you with working out the amount of tiles, adhesive and grout you’ll need.

The latest stone prints combine different types of natural stone such as marble, slate and travertine thus featuring a variety of veining patterns.

“Remember to make provision for breakages during and after the installation process, therefore, buy about ten percent more than the actual amount required. You may find that the store stocks a different batch with a slight visual difference later on, or that it no longer supplies that particular tile,” he says.

Johnson Tiles inkjet tiles are available from Tile Africa and independent tile retailers nationwide, in a range of designs, sizes and finishes.

For more information, visit Johnson Tiles.

SOURCE: www.property24.com