SPR Clawfoot tub- NO-Spray Restoration and Econoglaze Refinishing
I Love Antique Style, But not Antique Price Decor!
When I recently undertook remodeling my bathroom and bath tub, I wanted to make it look more like me. I moved into a relatively modern style home, but there's just one problem. I'm an antique lover! I love the antique style with furnishings and bathroom fixtures, but I can't always afford the antique price. I have found ways to get around this price problem however, while still keeping the antique style interior design theme going in my home. There are some excellent replicas out there, which give me the warm antique style feeling I'm after, but these pieces are not sold at the genuine antique prices. Genuine antique articles are hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, and who can really afford that?
So when I decided that the built in contemporary tub in my bathroom needed to go and I wanted a great free standing bathtub with claw feet, I knew I needed to find a tub I could afford. I not only needed to fix the wall where the built in tub was, I needed to buy a new bathtub, so discounts and sale prices were a must. For a specialty item like discount clawfoot tubs, I have always had better luck looking online than going to the local home improvement stores. These stores usually carry more traditional and modern styles, and don't cater much to antique style lovers like myself. But there are more specialty stores if you look online, and I found the perfect clawfoot bathtub at a store which not only had a great selection of antique replica tubs, but they also gave me free shipping.
Since I got free shipping on top of a discount price for my new cast iron bathtub with claw feet, I actually had a little money left over to purchase a new mirror to hang over the vanity in my bathroom. I found the perfect tarnished silver framed mirror, and the silver coloring matches the claw feet on my new bath tub. Now that the wall where the built in tub has been refinished, I hung some Victorian wall paper in the bathroom, and with the new tub and mirror, it's the antique style bathroom I've been dreaming about. I'm so glad I looked online for my antique replica furniture, and stretched my dollars as far as they could go.
About the Author
Just another creative writer talking about anything and everything under the sun!
Copper Sink My wives office has a copper finished sink in their bathroom and unfortunately "somebody" poured bleach in?
it to clean it and the copper finish turned pink. Does anyone know of any products that "re-stain" a copper sink. It has to be a stain that works on medal so I would imagine a heavier finish to it. Thanks so much!
navel jelly will work also if you cant find that copper brite.
Rectangle Copper Prep Sink W/ 3.5" Drain Size List Price:$339.00 Sale Price: $205.00 You save: $134.00 (40%) Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Copper Oval Vessel Sink List Price:$667.00 Sale Price: $299.00 You save: $368.00 (55%) Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Copper Clear Glass Vessel Sink List Price:$390.00 Sale Price: $129.95 You save: $260.05 (67%) Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Round Minors Pan Vessel Hammered Copper Sink List Price:$319.00 Sale Price: $199.00 You save: $120.00 (38%) Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
how to fix a hot water leak under my kitchen sink?
my hot water copper pipe is leaking under my kitchen sink and i have no hot water to wash my dishes cause i had to turn it off how do i fix this leak its a bad one its spraying water lol
Find out WHY and WHERE it's leaking. Could be as simple as the compression fitting needs tightening. Could be a solder joint that's sprung a leak, which require a plumber to repair.
Pedestal Sink Hiding Pipes How to Hide Ugly Piping Under Wall-Mounted Sink?
I have a sink hung on a wall in a half-bathroom. It has the piping exposed underneath. I am trying to figure out what I can do to hide this. It hangs about 30 inches high off the ground and the sink is 15 inches across.
Is there a seperate pedestal I can buy?
I don't really like sink skirts, so is there something else I can use that looks nice?
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!
I agree looking at pipes isn't pleasant. There are a few things you can do. You could place a plant in front of it, or you could paint some particle board to camoflage it and place in front . You can also use metal from the home improvement store if you like the industrial look. They can cut it to size and them bend it into a curved shape. They have crimped sheets , plain and even the panels that look like a tin ceiling ( those can be painted) It is possible you might be able to buy a pedestal to cover it. You could check at a salvage shop. The price should be cheaper. YOU COULD EVEN ASK IN THE SWAP section of the paper. Even if you don't want a skirt you could wrap the pipes with a cool fabric you do like. Fabric stores have all kinds of cool things like fake leather , vinyl something to match the decor of the bathroom. You could even wallpaper a heavy cardboard and make a tri-fold screen to cover the pipes. You can even use giftwrap so it isn't expensive. I hope you find the right solution for your pipes. Have fun!
1. A sense of historic connection resonates with buyers today. French, English, Tuscan and Spanish homes with stone or stucco walls, tile roofs, iron fixtures, heavy beams and rustic floors are in demand. Old world styles are in demand.
2. The Craftsman style, built in the early 1900's, is back. Rustic stonework, deep eaves, tapered columns and wide trim, reflect the handmade look over the mass produced.
3. Farmhouses and country homes are sought after for remodeling and are a source of ideas for new homes. Wood windows, simple floor plans, local stone and muted colors connect with nature and earlier times.
4. The retro look is fashionable, and a great fit with fashionable mid century modern furniture styles. Younger folks are breathing new life into their parent's ranch styles and split levels from the 1950's.
5. Urban modern is everywhere, with experimental use of space, color, tile, glass, plastic and metal.
6. The preferred ceiling height is about 9 – 12 feet. Two story ceilings are out. In small rooms these feel like towers.
7. Lots of floor level changes are not desirable. These can cause tripping and are not pleasant to live with.
8. Most buyers today want at least two living areas and four bedrooms. Formal dining rooms are still in demand. Formal living rooms are often converted to studies, libraries, or guest rooms. Media rooms are a sought after feature when price range allows.
9. The visual and spatial connection between kitchen and family room is firmly established.
10. Cabinet space is required for large televisions and wall space is needed for the newer flat screens.
11. Three car garages are in demand, especially in areas without basements.
12. Structured wiring is important today for internet, phone, cable and sound. Desk space for computers, fax machines, printers, etc. is required.
13. Good access to the outdoors is a basic design requirement. French doors combine access with light. Sliding glass doors are not as favored.
14. Lots of storage is needed for today's lifestyle. People have lots of stuff. Huge master closets, pantries, laundry rooms, and extra storage closets are expected.
15. For some people, very spare lofts are perfect. Simplified spaces are an antidote to today's complex lifestyle.
16. Most buyers are savvy about kitchen design and appreciate good work spaces with easy access to range, refrigerator and sink. Lots of counter space, deep drawers, two sinks, nearby extra refrigerator, and butler's pantries are all desirable features.
17. Stainless appliances are still in vogue. In urban modern styles, white and colored appliances are back. High end homes conceal some appliances in cabinetry.
18. Eat-in kitchens, with breakfast bar or room for a small table, are a basic requirement for most buyers.
19. Antique tables or cabinets are being refurbished and used as bath cabinets. Kitchen cabinets that look like furniture are a great look.
20. Granite and stone counters are popular. However, granite tops added to 1980's cabinets do not go over well. Consider your architectural style before adding features. Concrete countertops are perfect for ultra modern, but are not a mainstream feature.
21. Built in refrigerators are desired. Wide, cabinet depth refrigerators have a built-in look, and are not as expensive as the true built-in type.
22. Large rustic stone or ceramic tiles, concrete or wood floors have a warm, functional appeal. Subway tile (3" x 6") is popular in bathrooms and on kitchen backsplashes. Patterned cultured marble and laminate are out. Slippery, white floor tile is out.
23. Generous trim is a much appreciated upgrade. Wide, baseboards (6"), and door and window trim (4") are key features in old European and American styles.
24. Craftsman style doors work well with both old and modern looks. These are simple square frames with flat panels. Iron or heavy wood entry doors make strong statements that buyers love.
25. Rustic finishes on hardware, such as brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze, weathered brass, and other non-shiny finishes are the popular choices.
26. Rustic wood beams or wood covered ceilings create a hand crafted, primitive look that buyers like.
27. Wrought iron gates, stair rails and light fixtures compliment the rustic style. Stair rails in ultra modern homes may be wire, pipe or painted metal.
28. Front porches and covered patios are always a strong selling point. Outdoor fireplaces are popping up everywhere.
29. Re-claimed wood used on floors or walls is very desirable. New wood floors that have been distressed or scraped are valued. A variety of wood boards with cracks exposed are being used instead of traditional wood flooring.
30. Bamboo floors are popular, especially in modern style homes where light colored floors are desired.
31. Concrete floors – often stained and scored are popular. These go well with the modern look, and are used in Craftsman and rustic European styles too.
32. Colorful laminate floors are a good fit with mid-century modern. Laminate floors that look like wood are out. Parquet floors are out, unless they are hand crafted.
33. Framed or hung mirrors are preferred, although plate glass works in ultra modern styles. Mirrors used on walls or ceilings are a turn off.
34. Colors are in, but soft is the word. Soft greens, yellows, earth tones and creams create a serene background that works with all styles. Complex colors, with more colors in the mix, are a more interesting choice. Deeply saturated colors, such as plums and reds, are used in moderation.
35. Flat paint on walls hides flaws and creates a designer look. Shiny is out. Soft whites are safe for trim.
36. Faux finishes are out. Often these do not turn out as well as expected, and are difficult to maintain. The same (or similar) wall color through adjoining spaces creates a more spacious feeling.
37. Historic paint colors such as sage greens, beiges, muted yellows, and grays work well on the exterior. Bold or harsh colors are a turn-off to most buyers.
38. Wallpaper is problematic and harder to change than paint. Very often it does not fit the buyer's taste. Heavily textured walls and popcorn ceilings are totally out.
39. Buyers want more windows, natural light, and a greater connection with the outdoors. People today are more discriminating about the quality of light. Windows on two sides of the room balance the lighting and reduce glare.
40. One light in the middle of the room will not do. Under cabinet task lighting is appreciated. Security lighting is important. Wall sconces offer soft ambient lighting. Recessed cans provide area light. Dimmers help to control the lighting.
41. Light fixtures are a decorative element in all styles. Retro fixtures are interesting decorative features in 1930's craftsman and 1950's ranch styles.
42. Clean, modern fixtures, such as pendant lights, recessed cans, and wire string lights compliment the urban look. Industrial metal fixtures are in. The un-decorated look of metal or stainless steel is being used with modern and rustic styles.
43. Heavy drapes are out. Light cotton, linen or silk drapes are used. Or, wood blinds. Or nothing. Retro woven wood blinds have made a comeback. Mini blinds are very yesterday.
44. Bath fixtures are finished in rustic bronze, nickel, or chrome. Old style two-handled faucets and farmhouse sinks are in style.
45. Bath sinks may be glass bowls, granite, stone, stainless or traditional china. Free standing tubs are in. Pedestal and wall hung lavatories are in. Cultured marble is out.
46. With fuel costs going up, energy efficiency is important. Buyers want high efficiency AC, good insulation, low-e glass, programmable thermostats, double pane windows, and ceiling fans.
47. Effective passive solar orientation is a great advantage. It shows a smart planning and use of natural solar energy. No one wants foil on windows or stick-on window film.
48. Instant hot water is a perk that buyers like, as are drinking water filters.
49. Do remove solar screens when they are not needed, such as under patio roofs, porches or shade trees. Light is more in demand than ever.
50. Screened porches are back. They create a fun, multi purpose space that is both indoors and outdoors.
About the Author
Roselind Hejl is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker United in Austin, Texas. Her website - http://www.weloveaustin.com - offers homes for sale, market trends, buyer and seller guides. Austin Texas Real Estate Guide
Supplies Claw Foot What do you think of Misha's new tank?
We finally got MISHA WORLD done (only took about 2 months) and I want to know what you all think about it. Misha is a Yellow Monitor about 3 feet in total length. We moved her from a 75 gallon tank to a 2x4x6 feet tank. We have a tiled bathtub in it that we built and hard drives and power supplies with no guts make some of the shelves to climb on, we even put in 2 Polly perches in hopes that her claws get trimmed a little. The bathtub has a drain that is connected to a valve for easy disposal of filthy water. The first picture is a full on when the tank was still empty and not complete the others are the completed tank.
Full shot of empty tank---http://kittyscott.shutterfly.com/10457
Completed tank--http://kittyscott.shutterfly.com/10522
Bathtub--http://kittyscott.shutterfly.com/10522#10520
Side view of tank--http://kittyscott.shutterfly.com/10522#10519
Nice work! That must have taken a lot of elbow grease. XD Very nice. And she looks quite content up there in the corner.
ReStore Your Home on a Budget: Green Remodeling for Cheap
Tips for Renovating Bathrooms
Need a warm shower to wash away the day’s stress and fatigue? Then head straight to your bathroom, which offers you a strange, but nevertheless effective sanctuary from the world’s woes and headaches. Now, we are not placing any undue pressure on the bathroom, but it does play an important role in our lives, so it deserves the same amount of attention to details.
If you are tired of the way your bathroom is looking at this point, then here are few things to keep in mind when wanting to update it. A complete bathroom must address all of your physical as well as spiritual needs. If you are looking to make some changes to your bathroom designs, then you could consider the name Brisbane Bathroom Renovations. Check them out at www.brisbanebathrooms.com.
1. Fixtures:
When choosing your fixtures, make sure they are graceful and purposeful as well. You can choose a pedestal sink as opposed to a vanity cabinet. A classic claw foot tub also adds character to a bathroom. You can even get nice rain showers for a relaxing shower experience.
2. Flooring:
Flooring is an important aspect of a bathroom. You need to choose ones that are both durable and looks good as well. You can choose from ceramic, marble or even stone tiles, as they are water resistant. You can install sub floor heating coils to make these cool surfaces come alive with warmth. Another choice can be well concealed hardwood floors, which offer contrasting warmth to the cool marble or stone.
3. Mirror:
Which bathroom is complete without a stylish mirror? An attractive mirror framed above the sink is a great focal point in the bathroom area. You can even have a makeup mirror mounted in case you have the need for it. A great time saving idea is to mount a lit shaving mirror in your shower stall for those smooth shaves.
4. Bathtubs:
Bathtubs are an ultimate luxury in a bathroom and if you have the space, then you should definitely consider getting one. A basic 60 inch tub is good enough and it offers enough room to stretch and also provides a secure foothold. It isn’t deep enough to be dangerous for you. Get one that has back support, like the one with an angled lip for neck support as well. If you have space for a small tub, then buy an extra deep one.
5. Utilise Space Correctly:
By this we mean using places like the space between the wall studs, by recessing them to make tall cabinets for storage. Not only does this save you floor space, but also looks good. Make the cabinet at least three inches deep and ensure that the door flushes with the wall.
6. Lighting:
This is an important aspect that can instantaneously make your bathroom look bigger. Get halogen pot lights, wall scones, etc. You can also think of installing dimmers for mood lighting and to conserve electricity as well.
7. Design your Shower Area:
Instead of a shower cubicle, which can be stuffy, you could consider an open concept shower. Make sure it has a well designed drainage system and you can mount an overhead shower that does not spray too much so as to ensure the areas outside the shower remain dry.
8. Incorporate Luxury
For that complete makeover, add a few luxury details like scented candles, a television and a music system or even a fire place if you have the space. Get terry towels or an upholstered chair for a special corner in the bathroom. Make it a private haven you can escape to.
Eligible for free shipping!
