| Saturday, December 30, 2006 |
| Ageless Limestone For Your Kitchen Flooring |
By: James Mahoney Limestone can be a good choice for kitchen flooring due to its subtle patterning and pale, neutral colors. This all makes limestone kitchen flooring a good choice in contemporary kitchen design. It is also a good choice because it provides hardness, low porosity, looks attractive, and is hardwearing and long-lasting. It also has oil resistant properties, although is should be sealed to prevent staining and to keep it looking its best and to be able to clean and maintain. So limestone is usually offered in a honed (unpolished) finish. Its softer, subtle hues make it a frequent choice of homeowners, architects and designers for flooring, countertops and interior or exterior walls.
Limestone kitchen flooring can possess a high resistance to freezing and thawing conditions. Therefore, limestone can be used in just about any atmospheric condition without it being affected. It is also exceedingly durable and easily maintained.
Limestone has been used in flooring for thousands of years. Limestone is a sedimentary stone that is made up of a least 50% calcite or calcium carbonate content, as well as being composed of grains, crushed sea shells, bones of sea animals, or fragments or biologic origin including fossils and dinosaur bones. Limestone can be a calcareous stone in that it can be highly reactive to certain acidic substances such as vinegars, and wine. Limestone is softer than igneous rocks such as granite, however some types of limestone are very hard and dense. This makes limestone suitable for most interior applications including kitchen flooring. Limestone also has a good non-slip surface, and limestone floor tile can be easily stained, making it a good choice for kitchen floors. Floor tiles can be etched by acids. Limestone has a compressive strength of 30,000/lbs./sq. inch.
Limestone kitchen floor tiles are available in colors such as black, gray, white, yellow, and brown.
Pure limestone is white or off-white. However due to impurities such as clay, sand, iron oxide, or other materials, limestone tends to exhibit different colors. There are several different types of surface finishes. The texture variations are produced because limestone tiles vary in shade and surface appearance. Limestone is made up of a large family of different kinds of stone that can vary in character. Limestone kitchen flooring tiles are polished, honed, brushed, and water worn.
The variations in limestone vary greatly in hardness, density, and porosity from stone to stone. Some types of limestone tend to be very soft and should not be cut on. The surface of the stone can easily scratch. Some types of limestone are very dense and hard and can be finished to a polished or a glossy shiny surface. Softer stones cannot be polished to this high gloss finish.
Limestone has long been the choice of architects and many landmarks around the world, especially in North America and Europe. Limestone has been used in many public building such as train stations, banks and other structures built in the early 20th and late 19th centuries. Limestone provides character and depth to any kitchen. |
posted by Smithdeson @ 6:57 PM   |
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| Sewing duvet cover sets with your own hand: an advantageous choice? |
| Despite the common assumption that anyone can make their own duvet cover sets, even when it comes to double duvet covers (which many find challenging when it comes to placing them on their duvet), the process is not as simple as that. Just contemplate the fact in a commonsensical manner; there's nothing more useful in approaching this subject than thinking about it with logic: if anyone can do it, if anyone could make in the privacy of their own home their own double duvet covers or their complete duvet cover sets, then why aren't they doing it; why isn't everyone equipped with their own, personal, hand-made or home-made double duvet covers? And why is everyone so keen about purchasing their duvet cover sets from shops on which they can rely? The matter-of-fact conclusion is that not just anyone could do it.
Subsequently, the most reliable option with which you are left in the case where you do not feel fit for undertaking the task of making your own large double duvet covers (as a parenthesis, just think about the fact that, in the case of double duvet covers, you will have to sew 200cm by 200cm of material to another sheet of material having the same size) is to find the right shop – generally specialized in bed linen articles – from where you can acquire them. With an online shop like HomeTextile you can be certain that your duvet cover sets will be delivered on time and in a more than satisfactory condition.
Even if some say that double duvet covers – or any other type of duvet covers, for that matter – are just really, really big samples of pillow cases, the comparison does not help you with anything since the impressive size of the material you should work on is still there and nothing has reduced it in the meantime to the smaller size of a pillow case. Moreover, to what use the comparison if you don't know how to sew or how to properly handle a sewing machine in order to make your own duvet cover sets (which, by the way, also include pillow cases)? Of course, those who have the skill are welcome to try this activity; we are not debating the aptitude of those who know hot to do it. Rather we are merely arguing on the matter that anyone could do it.
In addition, consider other advantages of the purchase of duvet cover sets. Apart from saving you a lot of time – which you otherwise could not allot to more pleasant, relaxing activities – and a lot of mind-boggling explanations about appreciating 5 to 6 more centimeters on the margins and considering also that in the end you will have to tie somehow your duvet cover with buttons, laces, ribbons or whatever other such object you may fancy, cover sets acquired from specialized shops come in a wide range. From here, you can practically pick the set that suits best your bedroom.
Also, in a shop you will have the chance to see just how many types of material can be used on duvet cover sets. Looking at the explanatory pictures and then searching for size and other instructions (which are generally appended to the picture of the set) will also be of great help in determining the set you will buy in the end. In the case where you consider that costs are a bit too high for your pocket – there are , however, many cover sets which come in affordable limits and the quality of the covers is satisfactory – just think that, if you opted for making a duvet cover set with your own hand some costs would have also been necessary. And, to your surprise, you could find out that more than 4 meters of material can be pretty expensive, the more that you chose a material like silk or top-quality cotton. Also, when you are in a bed linen shop, think about the fact that someone or something (because in some cases machines assemble the covers) did sew those sets up and their time and work has to be somehow rewarded as well.
In the end, it is best if you saved your time for enjoyable activities. If you are a beginner to what concerns sewing, DIY duvet cover sets will not be such an enjoyable undertaking. On the other hand, if you are a professional, wouldn't it be better if, for a change, you would do something more relaxing and leave aside sewing for a while? In point of fact, a bed linen shop helps you with a wide array of options in the duvet covers area and it offers the guarantee of quality and on-time delivery. Moreover, from such a shop you can buy as many cover sets you think you need in order to change as frequently as possible the covers for cleanness purposes. |
| posted by Smithdeson @ 6:56 PM |
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| To Frame or to Tack? |
By: Meme W I use tacks to hang up my valuables. Not all of them. Just the ones I want to display on my walls (maybe that was self-explanatory. Sorry). Anyway, for years I have used tacks to hang up collectible-worthy items of mine. My vintage Cynthia Cooper jersey (a former WNBA basketball-playing goddess), my old middle school basketball jersey (I like to think of it as a classic), my signed LaDainian Tomlinson football T-Shirt, and a T-shirt signed by the entire Baylor Women's Lacrosse team (they rocked).
All of these precious, precious items, my termed "valuables", are hanging up in my bedroom, firmly secured to the walls with tacks. It's a bit brutish I know, but when I first hung up these items four years ago I was young and naive and had already dismissed super glue as an alternative because of an unfortunate incident involving super glue, coloring paper, and my eyebrows. But I digress.
Tacking seemed the best option. My only option really because I didn't have any of those big, nice picture frames that all of the celebrities house their valuables in and show-off on MTV 'Cribs'. And I really didn't want to put my valuables in a dark, cramped drawer or box. I wanted to display them proudly: have my own version of Cribs where I could show-off my aforementioned collectibles (something I've done before actually).
So I resorted to using tacks. I bought a box of the multicolored ones at the local dollar store and went to work. One by one I pierced the valuable cloth of my T-shirts and jerseys, and it really hurt me to do that, I got to tell you. I hated putting holes in my collectibles, even if the holes were minuscule and impossible to see. It pained me nonetheless because I felt like I was marring something valuable--I was destroying my own stuff! Small destruction but destruction nonetheless.
But ever determined and unwilling to resort to super gluing my things to the walls, I proceeded with tacking. Thirty minutes and 33 tacks later I was finished: I had successfully tacked all three of my jerseys, my LT T-shirt, my Baylor Lacrosse shirt, and my mathematics scholar T-shirt to my walls. It looked great, and I had only pricked my fingers 13 times. I considered the entire thing a success and put my remaining tacks away for any future valuables or collectibles that I would want to hang up. Tacks, it seemed to me, was a valuable resource and a viable alternative to the expensive framing that celebrities enjoyed and showed off.
I am not saying that I am contrary to framing collectibles and whatnot. I am just saying that I can not afford really nice framing. Especially when I have multiple items to put on my wall. Uh uh. Can not afford. Dollar store tacks? I can handle that. And I know that really a nice picture frame can really accentuate whatever it is housing. Especially if you get some of those dark wood stained frames that I absolutely love. (Sigh).
But picture frames are nice and all that, and celebrities and people with more disposable income than me seem to enjoy them a lot. I enjoy them too. Just from afar. Right now I will stick to tacks (they're multicolored. I have options!). Occasionally I will resort to using super glue. Partly because I am a risk taker, also because, well...it's fun.
But for right now, I do not need picture frames, no matter how nice they are. The tacks will suffice until I graduate from college and get a great job (that is a guarantee right?) or until I win the lottery. Then I will get my nice picture frames and I will rehang my collectibles more efficiently and less cloth-invasive. Yes! I will be able to have my own version of 'Cribs' and can invite viewers into my home and proudly show-off my framed valuables. I can see my mathematics scholar Tee now, framed in mahogany stained wood. Ah. It will be glorious.
I wonder what I'll do with all of those tacks though? |
| posted by Smithdeson @ 6:55 PM |
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| Visual Merchandising with Artificial Plants and Trees. |
By: Robin Storms I gazed--and gazed--but little thought what wealth the show to me had brought: William Wordsworth
Interior design is a main aspect in visual merchandising. The eye is the link that connects the mind and the heart with the external world. It is only through the sight any image gets recorded in the fancy, which has the ability to compound and alter these retained images. The power of human expression has reached the pinnacle with visual presentations. Interior design helps visual merchandising through decorating retail stores, exhibition stalls, business venues, showrooms, trade shows, shopping malls etc. It helps the vendors display their latest and quality ware with flair.
Visual merchandising aims at introducing the product in style and with color; it educates the customers to make them take purchase decisions quickly.
The venue has to be decorated with a focus on the main product displayed. Many things help in enhancing the look of the focused product. The colors of the background, the lighting, the art pieces, the greenery in fiberstone planters of the right design, all help improve the look. A window dressing with artificial greenery in a shopping mall should create a longing to own the product. The lighted paths of shopping malls, business venues and exhibition stalls are presently decorated with silk trees and plants and the stalls with artificial flower arrangements and small plants on the sides of products. Interior designers also can place artificial flower arrangements on the walls.
The fixtures and paintings, and murals and artificial topiaries should make the customers stop and look, and encourage them to buy. Meticulous interior design acts as an indirect warranty to the quality of products displayed. Interior design makes merchandising possible to reach the top, even like the successes achieved by Trump and Victoria's secret.
The main aim of interior design is to retain the customer longer in the place, buy and buy more than he has ever intended and return a satisfied customer.
Combining fanciful images in green surroundings with artificial greenery certainly makes visual merchandising a great success. Visual themes are retained better than the ones that are heard or read. So the present day designers use Video Display Systems combined with audio to create such an impression. Even large hoardings and closed circuit screens make a lasting impression on the onlookers.
When all is said and done an individual loves to shop personally in lovely surroundings with fake trees and such beautiful enticing surroundings can be achieved with the use of proper wall colors, proper lighting, floor designs or rugs, wall motifs, artificial flower arrangements and green bushes. Present day environment specialists encourage silk plants and trees in public places and malls to avoid pests and the spread of allergic pollen particles. Since maintenance is simple and the greeneries last longer, such fake plants and trees have taken precedence over natural ones, in visual merchandising.
"playing on a colour-violin . . . and inventing your tune as you play it"
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| posted by Smithdeson @ 6:54 PM |
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| The Modern Look of Glass Kitchen Countertops |
By: James Mahoney Glass has been a popular item in wall tile for many years, but now it is being used for kitchen countertops. Glass today means more than just windows. Glass kitchen countertops are becoming more popular for those remodeling a kitchen and who are seeking a material that is sleek, modern, interesting and new. Glass is being used as kitchen countertops because homeowners see it as beautiful and stylish. Custom glass countertops can give a kitchen a great contemporary look. Glass kitchen countertops provide a non-traditional design element as well as light and sophistication to any kitchen.
As a highly polished surface, and non-porous, glass kitchen countertops offer an almost unlimited range of design possibilities, particularly in the choice of shape, edge detailing, and texture. The fact that it is non-porous means that it is stain-proof and hygienic. Glass kitchen countertops are shaped all in one piece so there are no seams. Glass kitchen countertops can also take on hot pots. Glass provides both exceptional form and functionality. Glass kitchen countertops can be personalized with regards to texture, color, or with embedded art. Glass can also be combined with textured stainless steel in creating a unique kitchen countertop design.
Glass used in kitchen countertops is heavy glass in pieces that range from ½ to 1 inch in thickness. The most popular glass thicknesses are ½ inch and ¾ inch. 3/4-inch glass can weigh about 10 pounds per square foot.
Glass kitchen countertops are available in different textures created by one of three types of surface treatments: Sandblasting to fog the glass or to produce patterns into it. Intentionally shattering the glass an laminating it between layers of clear glass. Slumping the glass by melting the glass into special three-dimensional patterns or forms that are embossed into the underside.
The natural color of glass kitchen countertops is slightly green. To create translucent colors the back of the glass is tinted. More opaque colors are created by adding a special opaque coating on the back of the glass. Glass kitchen countertops can be installed in different ways to create certain visual effects.
When it comes to heat glass kitchen countertops can take heat up to about 700 degrees without cracking, although it is a good ideas to use trivets and other protection.
Glass kitchen countertops have a heavy tensile strength that makes it possible to withstand a tremendous amount of weight. However dropping a heavy object like a pot or kettle could cause it to chip, break, or even shatter the glass. If the glass countertop breaks it must be replaced as it can not just be repaired. Glass countertops are prone to scratches, and fingerprints. Watermarks can show up on smooth glass countertops so they must be towel dried.
To keep the glass countertops in optimal condition it is necessary to keep the service dry after it is cleaned to prevent watermarks.
It is possible to have the look of glass countertops without making glass the main surface by just using the glass for accent counters. |
| posted by Smithdeson @ 6:54 PM |
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| Has Sealy Been Caught Napping? |
By: Robin OBrien Sealy is the grand-old-daddy of mattresses. Very few other mattress manufacturers have been making mattresses as long as Sealy and few could match the quality and comfort of a Sealy mattress. But, with the introduction of new mattress types such as, air, latex and memory foam mattresses, does a Sealy mattress rate as highly as it used to?
For many years the Sealy mattress scored highly in consumer reviews and there is no denying the quality of a Sealy mattress. The materials used in a Sealy mattress have always been the best available. Combined with the innerspring system - heavy gauge that are heat tempered twice to help maintain their shape - a Sealy mattress was one of the most comfortable and reasonably priced quality mattresses you could buy. For consumers who appreciate a traditionally made mattress of the highest quality, the Sealy mattress has always been the mattress of choice.
But not everyone has been satisfied with the old-fashioned mattress. Many consumers with back problems have found the comfort and support of mattresses made from modern materials to be more beneficial. Companies like Tempur-Pedic have stormed onto the world stage of mattresses. The viscoelastic mattress has given many people the first good night's sleep they've known for many years. Although there is still a high demand for innerspring mattresses, there's no denying the rising popularity of memory foam mattresses. Does this mean that Sealy is no longer the best mattress you can buy?
The answer is that Sealy still makes some of the finest mattresses money can buy. The Sealy innerspring mattress is still one of the best and most top rated of mattresses. But Sealy haven't been slow to recognise the therapeutic benefits of memory foam mattresses and have begun manufacturing their own version. As you might expect, Sealy has put a lot of time, money and effort into the development of its own version of a memory foam mattress. The result has been the introduction of the Sealy PosturePedic TrueForm mattress. The Sealy TrueForm mattress responds to weight and body temperature to conform to the exact body shape of the sleeper thereby delivering orthopedically correct alignment of the neck and spine. The secret of this mattress is that Sealy have used a multi-layered foam core that provides a custom feel that is unique for every one who sleeps on it. The TrueForm mattress comes with FlameGuard to protect against fire and also comes with a mattress cover that zips right off for easy cleaning. Sealy are so confident that the consumer will find the TrueForm mattress the most comfortable mattress they've ever slept on that the mattress comes with a 20-year limited warrantee.
The Sealy memory foam mattress comes in three models; to suit all requirements and budgets. The 11-series comes with 1.5" layer of convoluted memory foam - for added comfort - on a 3.5" memory foam core. The base consists of a 6" high-density foam layer. The 9-series comes with a 3" memory foam core, again with a 6" high-density foam layer. The 8-series comes with a 3" memory foam core and 5" high-density foam layer. All models come with a washable, zip-off cover.
Sealy also makes a spring-free latex mattress - perfect for those who are especially allergic to any household allergens. The Sealy SpringFree latex mattress also comes with the Sealy rigid box spring to support the mattress for long-lasting performance.
So have Sealy caught up with new technological advances in mattress manufacture? It would seem so. However, Sealy memory foam mattresses haven't been on the market as long as Tempur-Pedic and it remains to be seen if their version rates as highly as Tempur-Predic.
Sealy have been the market leader in making high quality mattress for many years. The Sealy mattress rates highly in consumer reports and Sealy has millions of satisfied customers. If you prefer the more old-fashioned, inner spring system the a Sealy mattress represents good value for money for a high quality. |
| posted by Smithdeson @ 6:53 PM |
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