Bathroom Color Schemes and Accessories

Read article : Bathroom Color Schemes and Accessories

Traditionally, a bathroom in the simplest sense, was strictly meant to be a place where one could bathe, cleanse or attend nature's call. The bathroom, restroom, washroom, toilet, loo, water closet or any of the other names it is known by, was not a place where one spent a long time. So generally, while constructing a home, office or commercial building, expenses on designing the bathroom took a back seat. A bathroom usually had just the minimal facilities needed to finish one's business. Nothing fancy. In fact, it could be said that the bathroom was usually the most neglected and unaesthetic space, in a residential or commercial facility, where one would go primarily to attend nature's call or hurriedly have a shower... and get out fast!

However, with the awareness of the importance of hygiene (particularly in bathrooms) and the increasing demand for clean, hygienic and aesthetic utilities, the industry has responded with a flood of ideas and products to make the bathroom a place where one would like to literally spend hours, relaxing... luxuriating in a bathtub, with all sorts of fragrant bath oils or reading a book while your hair color sets onto your hair, or whatever. The range of new and beautiful bath and sanitation accessories, furniture especially designed for bathrooms with marvelous color schemes for the bathroom walls, etc., just take one's breath away. If you want a bathroom that is both efficient and elegant, here are some ideas that might help you.

Bathroom Color Schemes

Colors add life and can be therapeutic as well. Plain gray or white walls can be depressing, like being in a hospital, where the walls and tiles are usually sterile white. Colors can change our moods. Everyone likes to linger in rooms where the colors are fresh, soothing, revitalizing or trendy, while nobody likes to hang around in a room, or for that matter, any place, where the colors are either dull and dirty-looking or clash with one's auras. But one should know how to mix and match the colors, else the result could be disastrous! Imagine having tomato red walls with blue fittings, green curtains, orange tiles..and so on ..disastrous!

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• Elegant Bathroom

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• Dotted Peach Tiles

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• Blue and White Interior

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• Wood and White Walls

Bathroom color schemes apply not only to the walls, but to the overall look and feel of the bathroom. So, the color of the furniture and accessories like tiles, sinks, commodes, cabinets, fittings, even towels, rugs, and bathroom decorations also matter. Here are some basics to consider, when choosing colors for the bathroom.

Primary and Secondary Colors
Everyone knows about the primary (red, blue, yellow) and secondary colors (green, orange, purple). It is common knowledge that secondary colors are obtained when two primary colors are mixed. But do you know about tertiary colors? Tertiary colors are derived when a primary color is added to a secondary one, giving a different effect. Apart from these basic colors, there is a whole wide range of hues and tints or shades, to choose from. When white is added to a color, it produces a tint, and when black or gray is added, it produces a shade! To make it more complicated, nowadays you also have something that is called textured colors. All this might get confusing, so it's best to refer to a color wheel.

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• Blue Tiles

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• Pink and White Color Bathroom

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• White Bathroom

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• Green Tiles

Color Wheel
Choose colors from a color wheel. A color wheel is a great aid in choosing the right color scheme for your bathroom. Analogous colors (colors which are next to each other on the color wheel) give a harmonious feel. Complementary colors (colors which are across each other on the color wheel) are contrasting colors, which when combined together, gives a jazzy and artistic look.

Colors and their Significance
Colors are said to have their own interpretations and are associated with different emotions. For example, green and yellow are generally seen as fresh and rejuvenating, being similar to the colors of nature, while red, purple and black are intense, mysterious and sensual colors. A shade of red and orange would give an earthy color, while tints of purple and blue (mauve, lilac and lavender) are soothing colors. Depending on what mood you want to create in your bathroom, you can go for colors related to it. If you want to feel revitalized and energetic, go for earthy red and orange colors. On the other hand, if you want to feel soothed and relaxed, go for tints of blue, green, yellow or mauve. If you like to project a sense of elegance and luxury, go for heavy colors. If you want your bathroom to express your creativity, go for an artistic splash of contrasting colors and out-of-the-ordinary designs.

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• Wooden Furnitured Bathroom

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• Sinks and Steam Shower

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• Yellow Doors

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• Light Color Combinations

In today's scenario, there are really no set rules. You can be as creative as you want, keeping in mind the basics. Another tip while thinking of a color scheme, is that light hues or colors give an illusion of space, so if your bathroom is not very roomy, you could consider this.

Bathroom Accessories

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• Bowl Basin

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• Water Faucet

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• Shower Tap and Faucet

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• Bathroom Cabinet

Bathroom accessories are basically the auxiliaries or add-ons that support the essentials. They range from your soap dishes to soap dispensers, glass shelves, robe hooks, grab rails, bathroom bins, towel rings, toilet brushes, toilet roll holders and more, to hold or keep in place all the essential things that are used in a bathroom. They also include the essentials, like showers, geysers, commodes, tiles, bathroom lighting and so on. They help to keep your bathroom systematic and easy to maintain. Guests using your bathroom will have no difficulty in locating soaps, shampoos, towels, etc., if the bathroom accessories are in place. There is no dearth of accessories for contemporary bathrooms. They come in all sizes, shapes, colors and designs. All you have to do is to get them.

So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and color your bathroom with a color scheme that is pleasing to the eye and the soul, and fill it with aesthetic and efficient accessories, to make your bathroom, a place of relaxation and refuge.

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Bathrooms - Contemporary Bathroom Designs

Read article : Bathrooms - Contemporary Bathroom Designs

Amazing bathroom features walk-in shower boasting a tiled shower ceiling over linear gray marble tile surround fitted with tiled niches over a marble shower bench alongside black hex shower floor with crisp white grout finished with a seamless shower door beside a double towel bar.

Clean Design Partners

Behind a seamless glass walk in shower enclosure, white beveled surround tiles frame a tiled niche and accenting blue grid floor tiles that continue outside of the shower.

Coats Homes

Amazing walk-in shower is filled with white brick tiles accented with gray mosaic border tiles finished with a seamless glass shower door.

LBC Design

Chic black and white walk bathroom features seamless glass shower doors opening to a shower clad in black and white vintage floor tiles accented with white beveled wall tiles fitted with two polished nickel shower heads and framed with black crown molding tiles leading to a gold picture framed mounted on a wall above the toilet.

Alice Lane Home

A white leather basketweave bench sits on gray herringbone floor tiles in front of a spacious seamless glass walk in shower finished with a polished nickel circular rain shower head hung from a marble tiled ceiling over a marble floor framed by mixed marble wall tiles framing a tiled niche as the shower is completed with a marble tiled bench and a two polished nickel shower heads.

Erin Hedrick

Stunning bathroom features walk-in shower accented with mini subway tile surround, rain shower head, tiled shower niche and black and white shower floor.

Pulp Design Studios

Gray herringbone bathroom floor tiles lead to a long seamless glass walk-in shower fitted with a polished nickel shower kit mounted beside a shower niche and facing a freestanding tub paired with a polished nickel floor mounted tub filler placed in front of towel hooks mounted on a wall adjacent to a gray glass tiled accent wall.

Sweetlake Interior Design

David James Custom Builders - A seamless glass door opens to luxurious shower fitted with white marble tile surround and honed brown marble grid tiled shower floor.

Connie Anderson Photography

Gorgeous bathroom with seamless glass shower door, marble shower surround, marble mosaic tiles floor, glossy black garden stool and pewter vase filled with white tulips.

Toronto Interior Design Group

Under a sloped ceiling, this contemporary black and white walk in shower features white stacked wall tiles framing a black hex tiled shower niche located on a wall adjacent to an exposed plumbing polished nickel shower kit mounted beside a black shower bench.

Brooke Wagner Design

Contemporary black and white bathroom boasts a white double washstand on legs adorned with black knobs topped with white quartz countertop framing his and her sinks and gooseneck faucets under a pair of rectangular pivot mirrors atop black marble floors laid on brick pattern.

The Design Company

Master bathroom with corner shower accented with marble surround framing a tiled niche over a marble shower bench and mosaic marble shower floor finished with a seamless glass door.

Amy Berry Design

Small, chic shower features white grid tiles over a black hex tile shower floor.

Homepolish

Black and blue geometric floor tiles frame a black washstand contrasted with a white quartz countertop fixed against white subway backsplash tiles beneath a black vanity mirror.

Gonterman Construction

Lovely walk-in shower features seamless glass door as well as white subway tiled walls and ceiling, rain shower head, tiled shower niche and gray shower bench over gray tiled shower floor.

TR Building & Remodeling

Gorgeous ensuite with seamless glass shower, rain shower head, marble tiles shower surround, oval tub, white double bathroom vanity with marble countertop and marble mosaic tiles floor.

Artsaics Tiles & Stone

Ali Budd Interiors - Chic black and white modern bathroom boasts a seamless glass walk-in shower fitted with a marble floating bench fixed against large white beveled subway tiles above marble hex floor tiles.

Stephani Buchman

Gray and white bathroom with seamless glass shower partition framing a gray tiled interior with rainfall shower head and adjustable shower head over a black marble mosaic tiled floor.

Enviable Designs

Glam white and gray bathroom features white paint on top half of walls and marble tiles on bottom half of walls finished with a chair rail illuminated by a vintage glass bubbles pendant light.

24 Design Construction

Incredible master bathroom features built-in shelves stacked over small linen cabinet next to glass walk-in shower adorned with large marble subway tiled surround, stacked marble tiled shower niches and his and her shower heads as well as white lattice shower stool atop marble hex shower floor.

Natalie Clayman Interior Design

Contemporary bathroom design with seamless glass shower lined with black and white tiles in stripe formation.

Lulu Designs

the ultimate guide to deep cleaning your bathroom

Read article : the ultimate guide to deep cleaning your bathroom

There’s nothing quite like a sparkling, pristine bathroom, after all, it is where you get clean. But how exactly do you give it a professional clean? Running a squeegee down the sides of the shower does a great deal of good, but every now and then a proper deep clean is in order. Here are 15 steps to getting it spick and span.

1. Open the windows

Before you pick up a sponge, open all the windows to let the fresh air circulate.

A squeegee in the shower isn’t always enough. Photo: istock

2. Clear everything

That’s right, everything – from towels, bath mats, shower curtains and liners, to freestanding furnishings, shower caddies and anything on the countertops and shelving. Now you only have clear surfaces to work with.

3. Put on a wash

Toss your shower curtains and liners into the washing machine using regular detergent and a warm and gentle setting, along with your towel and bath mat, which act like scrubbers and prevent the plastic from crinkling. Add ½ cup of chlorine bleach and ¼ cup of detergent to help clear dirt, soap scum and mildew stains.

Photo: Shutterstock.

4. Allow things to soak

Start the deep clean process by pouring a cup of bicarb soda down the toilet bowl. Got rings around the tub? Try placing paper towels soaked with white vinegar on any stains and any hard water or mineral deposits around faucets and drains. Leave for at least 15 minutes before going in for the scrub. A piece of dental floss can help you get into those hard-to-reach crevices.

5. Get scrubbing

Stains, be gone! How you clean your bathtub depends on what it’s made from. For porcelain, you can get away with abrasive powders such as Ajax and scouring pads and pumice stones. If enamel, try bleach-free commercial cleaners. And if acrylic, use white vinegar, soft sponges and other gentle solutions.

6. Don’t forget the shower head

Your shower head can harbour infectious bacteria known as mycobacterium avium, a nasty bug linked to lung disease. To clean, pour a generous amount of white vinegar into a plastic bag and secure over your shower head using a rubber band. Leave it to soak overnight and then remove the bag and rinse in the morning.

7. Don’t forget your toilet brush

Take your toilet brush, place over the toilet bowl and pour bleach over the bristles. Allow it to stand for a few minutes before rinsing it with a cup of cold water. And don’t forget to rinse the canister out with hot, soapy water, too – pouring the dirty water down the toilet and not the sink.

Photo: Stocksy.

8. Remove the exhaust fan cover

One of the most neglected areas of the bathroom are exhaust fans, despite them being a hot spot for airborne particles. Flip the switch and remove the cover, then soak in warm water and detergent. Wipe the blades and get into the crannies with a stiff paintbrush. Leave to completely dry before reattaching it. And another tip! Always run the fan during and for 30 minutes after your shower to reduce mould and mildew.

9. Sweep the floors

Dry sweep the bathroom floors to clear dirt, dust, hair and other bits and pieces you’d rather not swish around as you clean. Make sure you clean from top to bottom so any debris that falls will be wiped away.

10. Wet wash the floors

Use a wet cloth, if your bathroom is small, or a mop if big. Work from the far corner toward the door. Leave to dry before you enter again to place everything back.

11. Steam clean the walls and ceilings

Spray walls and ceilings with all-purpose cleaner, then blast hot water in the shower and close the door, allowing the steam to build. Leave to steam clean for 20 minutes before wiping down all the surfaces with a clean, dry microfibre cloth. And don’t forget to wipe the towel bar with an all-purpose cleaner – it tends to harbour a lot of bacteria.

12. Get a shiny, fog-free mirror

To clean your mirror (and any glass surface, for that matter), use coffee filters soaked in window cleaner or white vinegar. They’re cheap – and won’t leave any streaks or lint. To keep it fog free, rub a dry bar of soap onto the surface and buff it with a clean microfibre cloth until you can no longer see any marks. 

Photo: Stocksy.

13. Wipe the windows – reaching every corner

A steam cleaner works wonders on the rubber sills and tracks of your windows. A couple of blasts with the steam, followed by a wipe down with a paper towel, will work wonders. If you don’t have a steam cleaner, try applying a paste made from bicarb soda and white vinegar, leaving it an hour, and then scrubbing it using a toothbrush.

14. Toss out any unnecessary products

Worried to see what lurks under your sink? Time to give it a good clean out! Consolidate products, toss out what you don’t need and put items back on a shelf liner.

15. Keep it up

Daily once-overs – wiping down the condensation from your shower and mopping the floors, for example, will take the pain out of your next clean, trust us!

Make sure to keep it up! Photo: istock

☆ What Should I Do to Make My Bathroom Stay Clean and Smell Nice?

Read article : ☆ What Should I Do to Make My Bathroom Stay Clean and Smell Nice?

What should I do to make my bathroom stay clean and smell nice?

@SavvyCleaner by Angela Brown

Clean doesn't have a smell - but if we can keep the bathroom from smelling bad, it will be nice.

Of course you can use an Air Wick scented plug in and that will keep the bathroom always smelling nice.

Now for the bathroom cleaning:

The bathroom is the most used room of the house. Everybody who lives there will go in the bathroom several times a day for various reasons. There are different areas of the bathroom that are going to take a beating that you can't ignore.

The toilet, the sink, and the bathtub or shower are all used every day. You'll need to wipe them or rinse them down daily to keep germs and bacteria at bay.

A shower head on a hose is a great investment, you can use it to clean yourself and your bathtub. After your shower, use hot water to rinse down the shower walls, floor and glass doors or shower curtain. You can let them drip dry.

If your plastic shower curtain is nasty, toss it in the washing machine with 1 cup of white vinegar and run for a cycle. Hang it back up and let it drip dry in the shower.

If you have soap scum on the glass shower doors, get a sponge - squeegee combination and hang it in your shower. Keep a pump bottle of Dawn Dish soap in your shower. Once a week, after your shower when the walls are wet, use dish soap on the sponge and wash the shower walls and glass. Rinse with your shower head on a hose. Squeegee dry with the other side of the sponge - squeegee.

The doorknobs on the bathroom doors, cupboards, drawers and medicine cabinet all collect germs. Wipe them down a couple of times a week - and more often if you've been sick.

The mirrors catch toothpaste specs, and fly-away hairspray. Keep a bottle of multi-purpose cleaner under the sink with a roll of paper towels. Clean up the mirrors and vanity after brushing your teeth before bed each night. You'll find waking up to a clean space in the morning makes getting ready for work or school so much nicer.

If you use the ceiling fan in your bathroom, you'll collect lots of dust and then it will blow all over the bathroom. Plan to vacuum the floor at least once a week using a vacuum with a hose attachment. The baseboards will collect dust, hair, bugs and toenail clippings. Bathrooms because they are warm and damp seem to attract bugs and spiders. While vacuuming, look for, and vacuum up cobwebs while vacuuming the dust.

Empty the trash when needed even it it's not garbage day. Having an empty garbage to toss stuff in encourages throwing garbage away.

Pull out all the shampoo bottles from under the sink and linen closet and put them in the shower. You won't use almost empty shampoo bottles if they are hiding under your sink. When the bottles are empty, toss them. Do not buy more shampoo, conditioner or shaving cream, until all your other almost empty bottles are gone.

Follow these simple steps to keep your bathroom clean and tidy. You'll find a clean bathroom is an inviting space.

(This first appeared on http://TheHouseCleaningGuru.com)

Showers and Wet Rooms | Estates Office

Read article : Showers and Wet Rooms | Estates Office

Must comply with the University of Bristol Legionella Bacteria Policy and Procedures (Office document, 92kB)

Aesthetic

All saintary ware will have white pipework (or to fit with colour scheme).  For flooring see https://bristol.ac.uk/estates/gpr/structure-fabric/flooring/

Urinals

• To be conspicuous, white vitreous and preferably to contrast with the background.
  
• Stainless steel fittings

Washbasins

• Should be white china.
• Chrome fittings acceptable.  All metal fittings shall be used.

WC Pans and seats

• White china.
• Stainles steel or chrome fittings.
• Floor standing.
• Seats should be white plastic with lid and seat complete.  Oval shape, adult size.

Walls

• Sinks, urinals and hand driers should be mounted on a water-proof surface that is easy to clean.
• Where grouting is used between tiles it should be gray (not white).

Functional requirements

All products should be easy to clean and repair.

For accessible facilities, Doc M package to equal and approved sanitary suite will be used.  Paddle handles can been used on Doc M cisterns.

Urinals

• Should link to an efficient fully adjustable flushing control system.  This shall be based on occupancy and usage during working hours, and at least a minimum of 2 flushes per 24 hours out of hours.
• Where four or more urinals are installed, one shall be installed at least 100mm lower.
• Screw / anchor fixings to extend a minimum of 75mm into the floor.  Appropriate investigation of subfloor to be undertaken - to allow buried services to be identified / avoided.

Washbasins and taps

• All abutments to be sealed with silicone mastic.
• No vanity units.
• In communal facilities, percussion style taps shall be used.
• Kitchens, cleaners rooms, bedrooms shall have separate hot and cold manually operated taps.
• Laboratory taps shall be specified dependent on individual laboratory requirements.
• No spray taps shall be used.
• Monoblock taps can be used to provide water to wash-hand basins in order to provide mixed water at a comfortable temperature.  TMV taps or taps with TMV's shall not be installed (unless Doc M installations)

WC Pans and seats

• Single 6 litre metal handle flush (with all-metal flush fittings) shall be installed in large usage facilities in order ro counteract against blockages.
• Heavy use facilities such as libraries, study spaces, lecture theatres and teaching spaces, will require rapid fill cisterns.  Cold water pipe sizes right through to the final connection onto cisterns shall be overzsized to facilitie rapid fill.  No flow restrictions to be installed.  These facilities shall be provided with no fewer than five dedicated female toilets and wash-hand basins and five dedicated male toilets, and wash hand-basins (or three toilets and four urinals).
• All pans to be held down with fixings which penetrate a minimum of 75mm into the screed/floor/substrate.  Normal caveat regarding thorough investigation of floor (for buried services) ahead of final fixing.
• Waste pipe sizes of 150mm minimum shall be used and 200mm preferred for areas of heavy use (or potential heavy use).  Swept bends of maximum radius and maximum fall shall be installed as the space allows.

Other fixture and fittings

• Toilet roll dispensers, soap dispensers, hand driers and sanitary hygiene bins must be ordered throught the University FM Soft Services with at least three weeks notice prior to installation date (small charges may apply).
• These will be installed by the project / contractor with the exception of hand driers.

Mirrors

• Must be positioned to allow for safe cleaning without the need for steps or over-stretching.
• If space allows, full length mirror should be installed in wash rooms.

Toilet Roll Dispensers

• Type - Double dispensers holding two coreless rolls.
• Whenever possible dispensers will be fitted on solid walls with secure fittings that are able to withstand the movement caused by constant dispensing (no sticky pads).
• Fitted dispensers must not hinder use of toilet or door closing action, and will be fitted at a height which is appropriate for safe use.

Soap Dispensers

• Type - Dispensers will be refillable with the ability to take liquid free flow soap.
• Dispensers will be fitted above hand basins (not over floor) and will need to be positioned to allow for normal use with enough space to allow staff to clean and re-fill.
• Dispensers will be securely fixed using screws and plugs (sticky pads are not acceptable).
• Soap dispensers would be expected at a ratio of one soap dispenser for every two-three basins.  Guidnace can be sought from FM Soft Services department.

Hand Driers

• The acceptable method of hand drying is by air driers.
• A fused spur will be required for installation; each of these spurs will require an electrical certificate prior to installation.
• Installation of driers will be undertaken by the rental company, after an electrical certificate has been received.
• Toilet/wash rooms will be so designed that hand driers are not located above radiators.
• Advice should be sought from Fm Soft Services department on the number of driers required, but as a guide up to four cubicles will only necessitate 1 dryer.

Saintary Hygiene

• Sanitary dispensing machines are not installed in University wash rooms.

Lifecycle

Urinals, WC pans and wash basins should be designed for a minimum lifespan of 30 years.

All fixings and fixtures must be robust and allow for daily use in high traffic areas with a minimum lifespan of ten years.

WC seats should be of a quality appropriate for heavy commercial use.

Approved manufacturers

None.

Spares

Must be readily available in the UK.

All dispenser keys should be returned to FM Soft Services department following installation.

 Updated:  25 September 2017

Best DIY All Purpose Kitchen and Bathroom Spray, Tub Scrub and Window Cleaner Recipes

Read article : Best DIY All Purpose Kitchen and Bathroom Spray, Tub Scrub and Window Cleaner Recipes

Over the past two years, I have begun weeding out more and more of my expensive and toxic household cleaners and replacing them with homemade substitutes that work as well, or even better.  You’ve all probably seen my homemade laundry detergent recipe (20.4¢ for homemade vs. $12-$14 retail) and I’ve recently added a homemade “shout” laundry stain remover recipe (now tested successfully on both colors and whites, by the way.)  Even our liquid hand soap has been replaced by my homemade foaming soap version.  Why would I go to the time and trouble of making these products at home?  Cold hard cash!  They can all be made for pennies on the dollar, when compared to what you are spending to buy them at the store.  Plus, they don’t actually take that long to make — some only a few minutes!

Beyond that, homemade cleaners, made with natural products, are better for the environment and exponentially better for your family’s safety and health.  The chemicals and ingredients (and their fumes) in typical household cleaners can be terribly dangerous and many build up in our systems over decades of use.  Even liquid hand soap, many shower gels, lotions, face soaps and dish soaps, sadly, even many toothpastes, now contain the “antibacterial” ingredient, triclosan.   In my opinion, you wouldn’t need to read more than one or two articles about this pesticide, before you would refuse to expose your home and family to it, but that’s a post for another day.  🙂 With homemade cleaners, you can be confident you are providing the safest and most economical options for your family because you know exactly what you’ve put in them.  It makes sense for your health, your budget and the environment.

I needed to make a quick Walmart run to restock a few ingredients to make my favorite DIY cleaning products.  The most critical need was for vinegar.  I was completely out.  You are welcome to check out my whole shopping trip in this Google+ album.

My local grocery store offers a great variety of vinegars for all my cooking needs, plus the white vinegar I like to use in my homemade cleaning supplies.

One of the most commonly used ingredients in making your own household cleaners and even personal care products is vinegar.  Raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar has some incredible health benefits, that we can discuss at another time, but today, I want to talk about white vinegar.  White vinegar is readily available and very inexpensive, usually around $2.50 a gallon, in our area.  I was excited to see that Heinz is marketing a cleaning strength white vinegar, now, with a slightly higher acidity (6% as opposed to 5%) than standard white vinegars.  This little boost in acidity, adds extra oomph and effectiveness to my homemade cleaning products without a noticeable increase in cost.  Score!

Heinz Cleaning Vinegar" src="http://www.busy-at-home.com/images/vinegar/08-cleaningvinegar.jpg" alt="cleaning vinegar" width="533" height="400" />

Only $2.98 for a whole gallon. That will make tons of “just for pennies” cleaning supplies!

If you haven’t cleaned with vinegar, before, you’re missing out on a very effective multi-purpose cleaner or cleaning ingredient.  For those just getting started with natural cleaning supplies, the biggest objection to vinegar is usually that they are afraid their home will smell like vinegar.  Honestly, you don’t notice the smell unless you are using it straight, and even then, that vinegar fragrance dissipates pretty quickly.  But, you can try this great tip I found over at Frugal Freebies for scenting your vinegar and then you won’t have to worry about it at all!

There are literally hundreds of uses for vinegar, some pretty well known, others may be new to you. For instance, did you know that not only is vinegar good for taking the itch out of bug bites, if you put it in a spray bottle and spritz it on your skin, the smell will go away in a few minutes, but you will be protected from bug bites for the rest of the evening?  Nothing could smell worse or be worse for you than the commercial bug repellents being sold, now.  I’m so excited to try this, next summer!   Along the same vein, pouring vinegar around the outside of your kids’ backyard pool will keep flies and pests away and if you do the same around the children’s sandbox, not only will it repel bugs, but it will keep neighborhood cats from using it as a litterbox.  I hate that!  This is such a good idea.

Of course, vinegar is one of the most commonly used natural cleaners for glass, mirrors and windows.  My problem has always been that I still ended up with streaks when using it straight.  Then I read Andrea’s post, over at Simple Organized Living.  Her glass cleaner still utilizes the acidity of vinegar for super cleaning and degreasing, but with the addition of a couple other ingredients, leaves glass sparkling and streak-free!  

Window & Glass Cleaner

Ingredients

• 2 c. water
• ¼ cup vinegar
• ¼ cup rubbing alcohol
• 1 Tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

1. 
2. Mix all ingredients by pouring them into a spray bottle, replacing the lid and then shaking. You definitely need to shake this, again, before each use, because the cornstarch will settle to the bottom, but you will have sparkling clean, streak-free windows for pennies!
3. Here's my mirror before cleaning with my homemade window cleaner. I had no idea how hard it is to take a picture of a mirror and have the schmutz actually show up, but it's there -- all the smudges and spots there in the center.
   
4. And here's the after, with fingerprints, smudges and spots cleared away and the mirror completely streak-free!
   

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Did you know that using a cotton ball to blot vinegar on cold sores will help dry them up?  Mix one part vinegar with 10 parts water and apply it in the same way, to help clear up acne.  Apparently, even warts can be treated by dotting a small drop of vinegar onto the pad of a bandage and then applying directly to the wart.  Replace the bandage each evening, for 7 days, and the wart should be gone.

When it comes to cleaning your house, there are even more practical uses for vinegar:

1. Use in the laundry to soften clothes and reduce static cling.  Just pour it into the fabric softener dispenser in your machine.  The vinegar smell has never been in our clean clothes, afterward.
2. I use white vinegar to clean the tub of my washing machine, by adding vinegar to the fill line in my soap dispenser and then running the cleaning cycle.
3. Vinegar is food safe, so there are many ways to use it in the kitchen, like cleaning the inside walls, shelves and drawers of your refrigerator.  You can also use a solution of 1 part vinegar, to 1 part water, to safely clean the residue from fruits and vegetables.
4. Use white vinegar in your dishwasher, in place of Jet Dry, to eliminate water spots and help rinse away soap residue.
5. Use vinegar as one of the ingredients to make your own bathroom cleaners.  These are my two most favorite recipes for cleaners that disinfect and clean like crazy in the bathroom.  Love them!

All-Purpose Kitchen and Bathroom Spray Cleaner

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon Borax
• 1 teaspoon finely grated Fels Naptha
• 2 cups boiling water
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon castile soap
• 18 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 drops tea tree oil
  

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…

I found this next recipe over at Cajun Joie De Vivre  and it is definitely a keeper!  I have changed very little, but the recipe below is how I make it.  I use it for tough lime, soap scum build up and other stains in the bathroom; and I actually use it on my kitchen sink, too!  It works better than any commercial bathroom cleanser I have ever tried and its so inexpensive to make, requiring only small amounts of ingredients that I always have on hand, because I use them in many other cleaning supply recipes, as well.  This is another staple, that will make cleaning your bathroom so much easier!

…

Tub and Shower Scrub

Ingredients

• 1 cup baking soda
• ⅓ cup white vinegar
• ½ cup Castile soap
• ¼ cup washing soda
• 1 Tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 Tablespoon salt
• 10 drops Germ Fighter essential oil
  

Instructions

1. Mix baking soda, salt and washing soda.
   
2. Stir in the vinegar and allow it to foam up and then settle back down.
3. Add coconut oil, castile soap and essential oils.
   
4. Mix until all ingredients are combined. The mixture will be moist, but crumbly. Pack into a container with a tight-fitting lid.
   
5. To use, spritz the affected area with the spray bathroom cleaner, from the recipe above, or with water. Let it set for a couple of minutes and then sprinkle a small amount of this scrub on a damp cloth to clean built-up soap scum, hard water or lime deposits and other tough stains.
6. The power of this inexpensive, all-natural cleaner is evident in the picture, below. The left side has already been scrubbed and the right is about to be. When I first discovered this formula, the author wrote that I would be scrubbing off build-up that previous cleaners left behind and I didn't even know was there, until I started scrubbing with this one. She understated the issue!
   

3.5.3226

…

For the purposes of economical, ecologically sound and effective DIY household cleaners, white vinegar will be a must in your cleaning arsenal.  I think Heinz Cleaning Vinegar provides the best value and cleaning power for the money spent and it will be a staple under my kitchen cabinet.

…

I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and HEINZ.   #CBias #SocialFabric #HeinzVinegar

Fiora Shower Trays & Radiators Pages 101 - 150 - Text Version

Read article : Fiora Shower Trays & Radiators Pages 101 - 150 - Text Version

SILEX Collection 98/99 MAX. 203 X 100 CM. Smooth framed Slate framedSMOOTH TEXTURE0T OFF WHITE 0P TOTAL WHITE 18T CREAM 33T WENGE31T GREY 22T BLACK 44T CARBON 36T CAPPUCCINO 37T CENERE

AVANTthe designNEW DRAIN AND NEW TEXTURE A new addition to the Fiora Silex family. The new Avant shower tray has an innovative design which includes a new drain and a texture formed by slate plates to guarantee maximum safety and optimum user comfort.PAG.100/109

AVANTthe designLAYOUT 01White slate tile

SILEX Collection 102/103

AVANTthe designLAYOUT 01White slate tile

SILEX Collection 104/105

AVANTthe designLAYOUT 02Black slate tile

SILEX Collection 106/107

AVANTNew drain and new textureDifferent size options Width cutting option MEASUREMENTS120x70 120x80 120x90 Grating in stainless 11 Shower tray dimensions 120x90130x70 130x80 130x90 steel or solid colours 130x90140x70 140x80 140x90 Optional measurements 140x90150x70 150x80 150x90 64,8 150x90160x70 160x80 160x90 120x70 120x80 160x90170x70 170x80 170x90 130x70 130x80 170x90180x70 180x80 180x90 140x70 140x80 180x90 150x70 150x80 160x70 160x80 170x70 170x80 180x70 180x80 Height 4 cmAVAILABLE COLOURS FOR SLATE15 different coloursSOLID SLATE0T OFF WHITE 0P TOTAL WHITE 18T CREAM 33T WENGE31T GREY 22T BLACK 44T CARBON 36T CAPPUCCINO 37T CENERE

SILEX Collection 108/109TEXTURES1 texture typeSlate tile(anti-slip) Avant slate tileNATURE SLATENT0 WHITE NT1 CREAM NT2 BLACKNT3 GREY NT4 CAPPUCCINO NT5 CENERE

FRAMEDthe functionalityFUNCTIONALITY, BEAUTY AND QUALITY The design of the Silex Framed shower tray combines functionality, beauty and quality which is able to meet the most heterogeneous demands. A vast array of finishes will fit in with your home regardless of your style.PAG.110/117

SILEX Collection 112/113 FRAMED the functionality LAYOUT 01 Nature grey slate

SILEX Collection 114/115 FRAMED the functionality LAYOUT 02 Cenere slate

FRAMEDDrain middleMEASUREMENTS TEXTURES Square slateShower tray dimensions 1 texture typeRectangular. Optional measurements State (anti-slip)170x90 / 160x90150x90 / 140x90 Rectangular slate170x75 / 160x75150x75 / 140x75 Square100x100 Height4 cm AVAILABLE COLOURS FOR SLATE 15 different coloursSOLID SLATE0T OFF WHITE 0P TOTAL WHITE 18T CREAM 33T WENGE 31T GREY 22T BLACK 44T CARBON 36T CAPUCCINO 37T CENERENATURE SLATENT0 WHITE NT1 CREAM NT2 BLACK NT3 GREY NT4 CAPUCCINO NT5 CENERE

FRAMED 116/117Drain displacedMEASUREMENTS TEXTURES Slate (anti-slip)Shower tray dimensions 2 texture types SmoothTray framed drain displaced (anti-slip) Height 4 cm100x75 / 120x80 90x90 / 80x80Tray framed drain centred 4 cm90x70 Smooth square Smooth rectangular Smooth angular Slate angularOTrnaeysfirzaemoendlyangularun Radius 50,4 cm Height Square slate Rectangular slate 4 cm90x90AVAILABLE COLOURS FOR SLATE AND SMOOTH15 different coloursSMOOTH TEXTURE0T OFF WHITE 0P TOTAL WHITE 18T CREAM 33T WENGE 31T GREY 22T BLACK 44T CARBON 36T CAPUCCINO 37T CENERE

MIXEDIN ADDITION TO THE USUAL COMFORTAND ELEGANCE Two distinct areas, an array of advantages. The Silex Mixed shower tray emphasises the feelings of comfort and elegance which are inherent in all products bearing the Fiora name. Maximum comfort and safety using incomparable textures.PAG.118/125

MIXEDLAYOUT 01Black slate

SILEX Collection 120/121

SILEX Collection 122/123 MIXED LAYOUT 01 Black slate

MIXEDFramed drain Different size options 45 90 4080 50 45 100 Made-to-measure 90 Made-to-measure Max. 200 Max. 200 AVAILABLE COLOURS FOR SLATE 15 different coloursSOLID SLATE0T OFF WHITE 0P TOTAL WHITE 18T CREAM 33T WENGE31T GREY 22T BLACK 44T CARBON 36T CAPPUCCINO 37T CENERE

SILEX Collection 124/125TEXTURES1 texture typeSlate(anti-slip) Slate mixedNATURE SLATENT0 WHITE NT1 CREAM NT2 BLACKNT3 GREY NT4 CAPPUCCINO NT5 CENERE

BOX FIORAREPLACING your bathwith a SILEX SHOWER TRAYINSTALLING THE SHOWER TRAYThanks to the SILEX collection by Fiora, changing your bath for a shower tray no longer needs to be a complicated andexpensive process. This is due to the fact that the shower trays feature an original and practical assembly system which coversthe wall with plates in the same finish as the shower tray. Finally, and thanks to the new collection, Fiora offers the possibilityof including polished aluminium profiling in the tray finish to improve the quality and aesthetics of the arrangement. Thissimple process ensures that the bathroom does not have to be retiled. STEP ONEThe idea of replacing your bath with the shower tray.

SILEX Collection 126/127Preparation for the installation STEP TWO STEP THREEInstallation of the SILEX shower tray, with walls finished in the same material.

A new EXTENDABLE BRACKETfor the INSTALLATION of the SILEX THE INSTALLATION OF THE SHOWER TRAY. Developed based on a system of rails that does not require construction work or Mounting and installing your Silex shower tray is much quicker and easier. Forget the old concept of construction work and complications when fitting a shower tray. With this new system that is based on the use of rails that are adjustable in both height and size, you will be able to perform the installation with ease, in a quick and safe manner, ensuring perfect stability and the sealing of the assembly. RAIL ASSEMBLY SYSTEM FOR ANGULAR SHOWER TRAYS With the aim of providing much more personalised solutions, the SEP model is also available in the version required to install angular shower trays.

SILEX Collection 128/129X shower tray SEP®mortar System HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE EXTENDABLE SYSTEM LEGS The assembly system This new assembly is both extendable in system has several height width and in length adjustable legs that are to provide support for adaptable to any space. different tray sizes. WALL/FLOOR ANTI-LEAK SYSTEM ANCHORING The system has a A solid and effective system of butyl self- system for anchoring to adhesive tape that the wall and/or floor in allows for effective order to ensure the safety sealing preventing and effectiveness of the water leaks in addition installation. to contributing to soundproofing.

SEP® SystemCOMPLIANCE WITH THE DIN 4109 STANDARDAcoustic insulation in buildingsOur lives are surrounded by sounds: those form outside: the traffic, people, the street; and those from inside our home:children, music, the neighbours. The noise in our daily life may entail health problems, from sleep disorders and moodswings to stress problems.One of the most requested solutions for defending the peace and tranquillity in the home is acoustic insulation. Thecompanies in the business continue to develop different materials in order to provide their customers with the utmostquality in fulfilling their functions.Therefore, representing one of the reference brand names in the business entails comprehensive compliance with allthe quality requirements. Fiora ensures compliance with the DIN 4109 Standard that refers to “Acoustic insulation inbuildings”.Through this standard there is a control in the reduction of both the air-borne and structural noise that is perceivedby the recipient. Good acoustic insulation is intended to minimise the transmitted energy. Therefore the appropriatematerials are those that have the property of reflecting or absorbing a significant part of the incident sound wave energy.Thus, both the material as well as the design and placement of the shower tray by means of the new rail-free assemblysystem ensure that when the sound waves hit it, a significant part of these are dissipated within it, thus reducing theenergy emitted on the other side. This is largely made possible by the large number of support points in the system; manylegs with their sound insulating blocks and a cellular rubber profile with a butyl finish.

SILEX Collection 130/131 SPEND YOUR TIME ON WHAT YOU WANT Advantages derived from a system: eliminate problems and reduce your installation time. Up until now we have explained the physical and potential qualities of the new bracket assembly. Below, we will discuss three basic aspects of the system, above all, when performing or rectifying an installation; the elimination of the bother of the construction work, the streamlining of the installation process and the rectification of the process in the event of a water leak or a faulty installation.1 ELIMINATE PROBLEMS 2 SPEED UP 3 IN THE EVENT OF LEAKAGE FROM THE MORTAR THE INSTALLATION OR ERROR IT ALLOWS THE INSTALLATION TO BE REDONE This new bracket assembly has been As it involves an installation In the event that the installation is designed based on an adaptable rails that does not require not properly performed and it must system and it therefore eliminates construction works, we again, the re-installing of the bracket all the bother that complicated eliminate the time required is far quicker and easier than in other construction works involve or those for setting the mortar, so that processes. from the use of mortar: noise, dirt, the overall installation time water leaks, etc. of the new assemblies system is largely reduced.

SILEX DISPLAYNew exhibition elements SILEX DISPLAY: SEE, TOUCH, UNDERSTAND. The second Silex support is its display. It is used to highlight the main qualities of the shower tray and the brand name itself. Moreover, this display includes a real physical example of a shower tray in the collection in order to be able to immediately see the incredible quality of the original and real tray.180 cm 120 cm 80 cm

SILEX Collection 132/133 STANDFLOOR SILEX - MODERN, FUNCTIONAL AND ATTRACTIVE This modern and effective display stand graphically shows just how convenient, easy and practical it is to make the transition from a bathtub to a shower tray. In addition, it is highly attractive and its dimensions make it adaptable to fit any space. It includes a drawer for the leaflets that provide more information.154 cm 50 cm

New!! SILEXRUSTICA

New!! RUSTICA COLOURS TEJA SOLID COLOURS Off white Total white EXTRA FLAT / FRAMED NATURE COLOURSChannel for fixed glass in custom-framed Nature white Nature cream trays. 700 / 800 / 900 / 1000 mm P. 140/141 2400 mm Panels 7 mm

SILEX Collection R U S T I C A 136/137 2 OPTIONS: Extra flat Custom framed P. 138/139EXTRA FLAT FRAMED New!! New!! New!! INTEGRATED grating, new design, ARCILLA ARENA ALBERO variety of colours (19).Cream Grey Black Carbon Wenge Cappuccino Cenere PAGE.140/141 RUSTICA TEXTURE, for 4 new colours, TEJA, ARCILLA, ARENA AND ALBERO IN ADDITION: 6 nature colours and 9 solid colours PAGE 154/155Nature grey Nature black Nature cappuccino Nature Cenere FIORA BOX, New panels for changing a bathtub for a shower. P. 142/143 19 colours combinable with the shower trays to cover the walls of the shower or of the entire roomSpace with bathtub Space without bathtub Space with shower tray and RUSTICA panels

EXTRA FLAT andCustom FRAMEDTHE NEW SILEX RUSTICA RANGE IS OFFERED IN ALL THEOPTIONS FOR EXTRA-FLAT AND CUSTOM FRAMED TRAYS. THEUTMOST ADAPTABILITY WITH A NEW AESTHETIC.The extra flat and custom framed trays come with new, exclusive finishes that can be fullyintegrated in the plane of the floor or framed, which reinforces its appearance and can beadapted to suit irregular architectures. EXTRA FLAT FRAMEDEXTRA FLATTeja + Fiora Box

SILEX Collection R U S T I C A 138/139

GRATING in Silexpolthe same material as the tray.THE DESIGN OF THE SILEX RUSTICA COLLECTION GRATINGIS TOTALLY INTEGRATED IN THE TRAY. AND WITH THESAME COLOUR OPTIONS. In addition, the grating is easily removed from the tray in order to clean the integrated drain trap. Like in all models of the Silex collection, the technology designed enables a high and fluid draining capacity. Waste Channel for fixed glass in custom-framed trays.FRAMEDArcilla

SILEX Collection R U S T I C A 140/141

700 / 800 / 900 / 1000 mm 2400 mm FIORA BOX New panels. THE NEW PANELS DESIGNED FOR THE RUSTICA COLLECTION MAKE IT EASY TO ACHIEVE AN OPTIMAL RESULT IN THE REFURBISHMENT AND IN THE AESTHETICS OF THE ROOM. These new panels have been designed not only to cover the bare areas left after removing the bathtub. Their appearance, finish and multiple possibilities of colours make them an ideal option to cover other walls within the room. 7 mm PROCESS TO CHANGE A BATHTUB FOR A SHOWER EXTRA FLAT Cappuccino + Fiora Box

SILEX Collection R U S T I C A 142/143

EXTRA FLATNature white

SILEX Collection R U S T I C A 144/145

EXTRA FLATNature Black + Fiora Box

SILEX Collection R U S T I C A 146/147

EXTRA FLATAlbero + Fiora Box

Design Your Bathroom With Timeless Marble!

Read article : Design Your Bathroom With Timeless Marble!

While decorating and designing your bathroom, it is necessary that you choose the right kind of materials for it. Out of many varieties of materials one that looks absolutely great and modern is none other than the marble. It gives a very clean look to the bathroom so here you go for bathrooms with marbles…

Via: lda-architects
1. LDa Architecture
This bathroom has a very marvellous combination of wood and marbles. The vanity is in wooden material while the vanity tops and the entire floor is made up of white and grey marble that is looking wonderful.

Via: m-architecture
2. John Maniscalco Architecture
This bathroom also has a marble floor, marble vanity top and backsplash and a shower cubicle that is completely in marble and glass. Overall the look of the bathroom is very neat and contemporary.

Via: amdolcevita
3. AM Dolce Vita
This bathroom has a grey vanity along with a white marble vanity top and a marble tiled floor. Though it is in a small narrow space marble is adding an illusion of widened place.

Via: jjsarchitect
4. Joseph Scarpulla Architecture and Interior Design
This bathroom is all done in white marble with the floor, walls, bathtub and the shower cubicle all adorned with fabulous marble. To top it all a large chandelier is all what it required.

Via: peregrinedesignbuild
5. Peregrine Design/Build
This bathroom has a complete grey marble tiled floor with the vanity top also made up of marble.

Via: platinumserieshomes
6. Platinum Series by Mark Molthan
This bathroom has two kinds of marbles used, the first kind being on floor and the second in the form of the vanity top and a wall just behind the bath tub. Overall appearance of this bathroom and the magic created by the two kinds of marbles is simply wow!

Via: jodierosendesign
7. Jodie Rosen Design
This bathroom has a colour combo of black and white and to match the interior grey and white marble is doing wonders to it and increasing its modern feel even more.

Via: furniture.trendzona
8. Trendzona
This bathroom majorly white, has marble floor and marble walls and it looks simply what we call chic. The white ceramic fittings are looking just the right choice with the marble.

Room for Living winners enjoy their makeovers

Read article : Room for Living winners enjoy their makeovers

Three Daily Herald readers received big upgrades in their homes over the winter, thanks to the generous sponsors of our fall Room for Living contest. All had written in and sent photos of the "problem areas" within their homes and were ultimately chosen to win specific packages.

Living room makeover

Cindy Walk of Fox Lake was the winner of the grand prize living room makeover valued at more than $8,000. She and her husband, Jim, have two children, including a 4-year-old with special needs. They have lived in their home since 2004.

"I love it!" she says of her renovated living room. "But it is an adjustment. No one can eat in the living room anymore."

The Walks received a $4,000 gift certificate from Steinhafels furniture store in Vernon Hills and used it to purchase a grayish slate blue sectional with a chaise lounge at one end, a storage ottoman, a light oak rocking chair and a distressed wood side table. They also purchased a rustic fireplace console with doors and shelves. Its simulated fire helps heat the home and there's room to mount a television above it.

Fox Lake resident Cindy Walk and her living room makeover project." width="600" class="lazyImg" />

  Fox Lake resident Cindy Walk and her living room makeover project. - Paul Valade | Staff Photographer

"They wanted a rustic lodge feel so she assembled a warm and cozy, but fun, room," said Anne Hildreth, design consultant for Steinhafels. "The sectional with the chaise, for instance, allows them to kick their feet up and relax and it has soft corners for their special needs daughter. We put a textured navy blue and cream patterned throw pillow with it.

"The fireplace television console adds an architectural element and focal point to the room and actually acts as a space heater, too. The fireplace is an LED screen, which simulates a fire," she said.

Walk added the rocker because her daughter often needs to be rocked in order to soothe her, Hildreth said.

"Cindy was so grateful for every dollar of product we gave her. She was the nicest, most deserving person who could have won. I felt good about myself after I helped her," Hildreth said.

Mel Alger of Alger Decorating in Palatine agreed, raving about how pleased he was to paint the room and help this winner, who was exceedingly grateful. "I always like to take time out to do this kind of work for nice people.

"Cindy chose paint for her living room and adjoining dining room that is somewhere between gray and tan. In certain lights, it looks bluish-gray and in other lights it looks tan. It is pretty cool," Alger said.

  This fireplace console from Steinhafels serves as a TV stand and also providessupplemental heat for the room. - Paul Valade | Staff Photographer

The Walks also received a $2,000 gift certificate from Yonan Carpet One in Rolling Meadows.

"When Cindy initially came to see me, we discussed all of her options for area rugs and what Yonan Carpet One could do," said Julie Boyko, designer and flooring consultant for Yonan. "I let her know that waiting until her new furniture was in her home was the best way to determine the style and size of the area rug she would need.

"Cindy returned to the showroom with the sofa fabric, accent pillow, paint colors and photographs of her room. After looking at many styles of carpet in our showroom, I suggested that she bring home several samples of the carpet styles she liked and look at them in her home setting and lighting," she said.

In the end, the Walks chose a fun and trendy style of carpet by Fabrica for its color, durability, ease of maintenance and luxurious feel. Yonan Carpet One also provided custom-fitted padding for under the area rug, which contributes to comfort, holds the rug in place and protects the hardwood floor from scratches.

"The rug features artistic swirls of color," Walk said. "I also got a matching runner for my galley kitchen since the rug had to be cut down to fit in my living room."

And when it came to lighting, the Walks received two 19-inch Bright Source lamps in green with sparkles from Lifespan Brands. They put them in their master bedroom (away from the children) and used the $2,000 gift certificate from Littman Bros. Lighting in Schaumburg for the living room.

"The Bright Source lamps provide two lighting experiences in one lamp. The motion part of the lamp emits a relaxing, soothing soft light, while the table lamp gives off a bright light perfect for any task -- reading, working and more," said Jennifer Courington, vice president of marketing and product development for Lifespan.

"We are so excited that we were able to participate in the room makeover contest with the Daily Herald. The lucky winner got to pick out two different lamps to decorate her newly remodeled room. We hope these lamps bring her family fun and light for years to come," Courington added.

The Walks chose coordinating rustic, bronze-colored contemporary Quoizel wrought iron lighting featuring butterscotch onyx shades from Littman Bros.

They cannot have any floor lamps because of their daughter so they received a chandelier for the dining room and matching sconces and pendants for the living room. The Walks also chose a 54-inch ceiling fan for the living room.

The Walk family also received a $100 gift certificate from Treetime Christmas Creations in Lake Barrington to upgrade their holiday decor.

"I am so in love with my new living room. It all came together beautifully. This was a huge gift to us," Cindy said.

Bathtub/shower conversion package

Betsy Lewis of Batavia received a partial bathroom makeover package valued at $6,500, thanks to the Room for Living contest.

"My entire experience with the replacement and installation of my tub were wonderful. I was able to look at multiple patterns and colors for the surface that was going to be on the walls around my tub. Since my old bathtub was pink and the tiles were small white squares, I was looking to update the look," Lewis said.

The whole bathroom dated to the 1950s with small tiles and white grouting and it stood out like a sore thumb compared to the rest of Lewis' updated home.

Living bathroom makeover." width="600" class="lazyImg" />

  Betsy Lewis no longer has a pink bathroom after winning the Daily Herald's Room for Living bathroom makeover. - Brian Hill | Staff Photographer

"I chose a beautiful white with some gray variation in it and a glossy surface. The new white tub and walls look amazing. The people who handled the installation were prompt, courteous and cleaned everything up when they were finished," she said.

Lewis also received a $1,000 flooring package from Yonan Carpet One.

"I chose large square tiles in white for the floor and partway up the wall behind the toilet. Previously, there was a big tile trim piece where the wall and floor met, but the new way is to butt the same tile up against each other there. No trim piece. The guy who installed it for Yonan was a true artist," she said.

Lewis already had a white sink and toilet and had white bead board on some of the walls and she took it upon herself to paint the upper portion of the walls a pale blue.

"My bathroom looks like it belongs in a hotel or a spa. It is absolutely beautiful! I am beyond happy," she added.

"We are thrilled to be able to educate the public about options for their current or future homes. We have fabulous shower and bath solutions that nearly everyone can benefit from and feel very fortunate to be able to give away a bathroom remodel to a deserving reader," said Dimitri Nacopoulus, owner of Bath Planet.

"We really enjoy reading the entrants' submission stories and looking through their pictures. But the best part for us is to look at the before-and-after pictures once our installer is done. It's a very rewarding experience for all of us here at Bath Planet," he said.

Lewis also received an iConnect by Detecto, 8-in-1 body fat scale from Lifespan Brands.

"We feel that having a good-looking scale complements a bathroom and is an important part of any bathroom decor," said Lifespan's Courington. "This scale, in particular, will give the bathroom winner of the Room for Living contest both tools and insight into their vital measurements such as weight, BMI, body fat, bone mass, muscle mass, body water and calorie intake, all displayed in easy-to-follow graphs on their smartphone."

Lewis also received a Detecto iConnect 8-in-1 body fat scale from Lifespan Brands.

Interior door package

Mount Prospect resident Lisa Piagari is deliriously happy with her interior door package from HomeStory Chicago, valued at $2,500, and her $100 gift certificate from Treetime.

"My new doors are gorgeous. It is amazing how much they update the house," Piagari said.

She was able to receive three bedroom doors, two bathroom doors and a laundry room door with her prize.

"I received more doors than I even dreamed of," she said. "I chose two-panel white doors with satin nickel hardware for the bedrooms and bathrooms. For the laundry room, which was an odd size, I chose a matching bi-fold door that has an amazing custom fit now. All of these white doors just make everything brighter.

  Lisa Piagari's new door to her son's bedroom. - Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer

"They are crisp, clean and current," Piagari added. "I am just thrilled. The difference they made in the house was a wonderful surprise."

She was also highly complimentary about the service she received from HomeStory Chicago. "All of their employees were efficient and very friendly. I would like to give all of them a really big shout-out."

Kate Zeller, general manager for HomeStory Chicago, was equally pleased with the experience.

"We feel passionate about being able to improve people's lives in their homes. In addition, we like to give back to the community by giving someone something they could probably not otherwise afford," she said.

"Ours is a unique service and by participating in the Daily Herald's Room for Living contest, we are able to let everyone know there is a door-replacement option for them that does not involve door frame replacement and is quick, easy and clean," Zeller said.