Month: February 2022

  • Minimalist Kitchen: Tips from an Interior Designer

    Minimalist Kitchen: Tips from an Interior Designer

    The original kitchen in minimalism style will decorate the apartment and the house. The project can be implemented both in a new apartment and a typical one, where space is cramped. Laconic interior items visually dissolve in the surrounding space and help maintain order in the kitchen.

    The main patterns of the trend

    Several prominent features unite all interiors in the style of minimalism:

    1. abundance of air;
    2. ergonomic zoning of the available area;
    3. a large amount of light; 
    4. functionality and conciseness of furniture designed in the same style; 
    5. a limited number of textures, color palettes, and texture solutions; 
    6. geometrically verified lines and the absence of pretentious forms; 
    7. built-in technology.

    If we talk about modern minimalist kitchens’ colors, then neutral, calm shades will prevail here. Designers often combine delicate pastel colors with chocolate, silver, or standard black. The interior can be both monochrome and contrast. Each option is attractive in its way. Combining no more than 2-3 shades is recommended to get a harmonious result.

    How to make the interior comfortable and unusual 

    Minimalism does not mean gloom and excessive severity. Facelessness and asceticism are features that a carefully thought-out room design will be deprived of. Experts recommend taking minimalism as a basis and then adding juicy notes. This will make the room comfortable and attractive and will reflect its originality and original style. Minimalism is perfectly combined with timeless classics, industrial style, and high-tech in an urban environment.

    Please note: The basis of the kitchen should be a well-thought-out layout. When developing your design project, it is essential to carefully consider the ergonomics of the future headset and the space surrounding it to find a place for convenient storage of each item. Otherwise, minimalism will turn into a mirage; everything will be filled with things.

    Features of choice

    Kitchen furniture made in a minimalist style should combine functionality and performance. The absence of an abundance of decorative elements on the facades and the rather laconic design of the kitchen, combined with the ergonomic organization of the cabinets and the presence of hidden areas for convenient storage, make it possible to achieve an impressive result.

    Preference is given to built-in headsets. Cabinets are made “recessed” into the walls so that the furniture merges into a single plane with the wall surface. An almost obligatory element is a block of narrow and long cabinets-pencil cases, where built-in appliances are installed. Capacious modules for convenient storage of things are widely used.

    Even smooth facades are considered preferable. Masters make them from glossy or matte material. It is advisable to abandon the visible handles and replace them with a simple push opening system. Increasingly popular are hidden handles made of light aluminum alloy or neatly cut directly into the facade. It is allowed to install laconic handles – roof rails on the lower tiers of cabinets.

    It may seem that smooth facades lack “soul.” Then they can be replaced by embossed facades made of MDF using volumetric milling technology. Remember that the finish, color, and shape must comply with the generally accepted canons of minimalism.

    The kitchens, utterly devoid of the top row of cabinets, also look organic. Smooth doors and straight lines make the set quite budget-friendly. The most affordable price will be models with facades made of chipboard. Headsets with acrylic and plastic front surfaces can compete with them.

    Headsets made of MDF are considered more environmentally friendly and durable. Unfortunately, they are more expensive. Facades made of MDF can have a variety of decorative coatings. PVC film and enamel, plastic, and veneer are viral. Depending on the customer’s wishes, the color of the facades can be almost any. One of the popular solutions is to choose the tone of the facades in a color scheme with the wall surface material. The set will visually merge with the room’s overall design; this will visually enlarge the room.

    The current solution for decorating spaces in nude colors is a standard white kitchen with smooth or matte front surfaces. If it is essential to highlight the kitchen area in the dining room, then it is recommended to choose the tone of the front surface in contrast with the shade of the walls in the room. Rich black is often used for accents.

    Modern minimalism has nothing to do with boring monochromatic solutions. It can be pretty bright. Pay attention, for example, to a red glass apron that can dilute a monochrome design. One of the popular combinations is the combination of white facades with wooden surfaces. Walnut is considered especially attractive in this regard. Facades have a spectacular view, in the decoration of which rare woods are used: macassander, wenge, rosewood, Zebrano. In budget models, manufacturers use HPL plastic and natural veneer in more expensive ones.

    The minimalist interior does not allow open niches in the kitchen set. All storage areas are securely hidden behind cabinet doors. Small dishes are placed in appropriate boxes equipped with dividers. This will make even the most compact, spacious kitchen with a hidden interior.

    tabletop

    The most popular are black, steel, and gray countertops. Artificial and natural stone harmoniously fit into a single concept of the interior. It should be monophonic, but using the material with a slight shimmer effect and pale, not pronounced interspersed particles is also allowed.

    The apron can contrast with the primary color of the facades or be made in a single tone. The set looks beautiful, where the countertop and apron are made of one artificial stone. Ergonomic and stylish solutions will impress the owner of the room and all his guests. The finished kitchen, in which such a solution is implemented, will perfectly support the overall aesthetics of minimalism. Glass aprons are also gaining popularity. They are transparent or dyed in one color. An excellent choice would be to use a simple plain brick-like tile. The tile has a chamfer or is made without it. 

    Porcelain stoneware or tiles are selected in one shade. It is also allowed to use materials to imitate concrete, stone, and wood. Looks great in modern interior rectified tiles, as well as porcelain stoneware. These materials allow laying with minimal seams. The apron will turn into a monolithic surface if you use grout to match the tile.

    Choice of household appliances 

    It is highly desirable to use exclusively built-in technology. This applies even to microwaves and coffee makers. Provide a unique niche for small household appliances (blender, meat grinder, and other accessories). Small appliances can also be hidden in the drawer of the kitchen set. As a rule, the hood is used built-in. If you find a modern model with an unusual design, then it also has a right to exist.

    The dining table should be comfortable, for this purpose a large-sized option is also suitable. For manufacturing countertops, they use solid wood, veneered chipboard, glass, natural or artificial stone. MDF can be considered as a budget option. You can choose a kitchen table of any geometric shape; the main thing here is the convenience of placement. In a small kitchen, a transformer table will feel great, the tabletop of which is folding or sliding. Try not to look at the tables-books.

    In such a kitchen, a combination of black or light gray countertops with chrome-plated steel legs is ideal. In combination with natural wood, light plastic also allows you to get an impressive result. Combining these materials will bring coziness to the interior and make it more “spiritual.” 

    If the dining area is connected to the living room, then it is preferable to use a bar counter with a reasonably wide tabletop as a table. It will be replaced by a more progressive solution – a kitchen island or window sill covered with a material identical to the countertop.

    Delicate furniture will also confidently take its place in a minimalist interior. Colorless chairs are almost invisible in the interior, filling the space with lightness. Colored chairs will ideally serve as a bright interior accent, made in nude tones.

    Fixtures 

    The light design perfectly enlivens the space. LED lamps are trendy today. If you add an LED strip apron, the interior will instantly change. Often, LED lighting is also used in the design of the basement. It is fashionable to designate the three most popular lighting solutions:

    1. Mini-lamps with local light supply is mounted on the ceiling, a chandelier or suspension will perfectly complement the area above the table, a headset additionally provides for hidden lighting above the working area; 
    2. Perform LED – lighting above the entrance to the kitchen and provide additional lighting devices above the working area; 
    3. The illumination of the dining group or countertops is combined with tire lamps or spots.

    It is advisable to choose lamps with a straightforward design, without pretentious elements, but an original design to illuminate the dining group. The most popular solution is a lamp with a plafond in the form of a ball.

    These are the simple solutions that this young but universally popular movement combines. If you like these combinations in design, you can not stop at established clichés and combine or invent your unique options.

  • How to Choose the Best Bed

    How to Choose the Best Bed

    The answer to which beds are better to buy determines how you feel throughout the day. Wrong furniture will cause pain in the back and lower back. On the wrong bed, you will not be able to relax and unwind. Before buying, you should understand the features of furniture for sleeping.

    How to prepare for buying a bed?

    To choose the best sleep bed, you should consider a few points before going to the store:

    1. Sleeping furniture is a long-term investment (for 10-15 years). Thus, it is better to purchase an expensive product with excellent quality.
    2. A bed is an investment in health. A person sleeps for at least a third of his life. The state of all systems in the body depends on sleep quality.
    3. Furniture should be commensurate with the size of the room. The bed cannot occupy most of the free space of the room.
    4. Body parameters are one of the essential criteria. The minimum length of the bed is the height of the owner +10 cm—the greater the body weight, the more complex the mattress and the stronger the base.

    The bed should be in harmony with the design of the bedroom. If the room is tiny, buying a model with a storage system is better.

    The main criteria for choosing the best bed

    Beds are single, single, and double. It is impossible to answer the question of which bed is better unequivocally. Sleeping furniture is selected according to the user’s parameters. Be sure to pay attention to the following criteria:

    1. Size and shape. The best option is to buy a large bed that will fit the bedroom without cluttering the aisles. The standard length is 190 cm; there are models of 200 cm. The optimal width is that the vacationer can throw his hands behind his head. In addition to the classic rectangular shape, the bed can be round or oval in the form of a heart.
    2. Frame. It can be of two types: 2 backs, supports, and 2 side starts. Or 4 drawers and 1-2 hinged backs. Legs or wheels can act as supports.
    3. Execution material. Solid wood is a prestigious and environmentally friendly raw material. Metal beds are durable and reliable; forged models will decorate the interior. Genuine leather is a high-quality material that allows the furniture to “breathe.” MDF is a durable raw material that is well processed, making it possible to create beds of various shapes.
    4. Base. The most popular is the construction of lamellas. Planks are made of solid wood or plastic. The main thing is that the lamellas can bend a little, providing a comfortable position for the person lying. Another option is rigid or metal grills. Sometimes there is a base from a single sheet.
    5. Lifting mechanism. There is a lot of space under the double bed, almost like in a closet. Such space can be used more rationally if you purchase a model with drawers or a lifting mechanism. The simplest is manual on hinges; you need to make an effort to lift the base. More modernized – spring mechanism. The service life is about 20 thousand “lift / lower” cycles. However, it is often necessary to replace the springs in the process. The most advanced is the gas lift. It will last for 70-90 cycles.
    6. Back. The panel at the headboard can be upholstered with textiles, decorated with artificial stones, another decor, or simply painted. In some models, a shelf is organized above the headboard.
    7. Style. It is better to choose platform beds or podium beds for high-tech or minimalism. For classic interiors, models with a leather headboard are relevant. Products with wicker back will fit into the eco-style, while in-country or Provence – with forged.

    Understanding the bed should be, you should pay attention to the mattress. It is better to choose medium hardness or rigid.

  • Dorothea Puente House: Sacramento Murder Hosue

    Dorothea Puente House: Sacramento Murder Hosue

    Dorothea Puente was a convicted serial murderer in the United States. On January 9th, 1929, she was born in Redlands, California. She maintained a boarding house for older people in the 1980s. She would also deposit their social security checks. She then took the money and cashed it. Furthermore, if her tenants became suspicious, she would murder them. She was accused with a total of nine murders in 1988. She murdered all of her tenants and buried them in her backyard. Dorothea was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of release. She also died of natural causes in jail in 2011. She was 82 years old at the time. Take a look at Dorothea Puente House below.

    Where Did Dorothea Puente Live?

    The residence is approximately 1,000 square feet and contains five bedrooms and two bathrooms. In 1968, a multi-family residence was constructed. One parking place is available at the residence. There is plenty of parking on the street in front of the building. Furthermore, the parking spot is secured by a gate. Stone stairs go up to a traditional front porch on the front of the house. The house was acquired for $215,000 in a public auction in 2011. The current owners have since converted it from a multi-family residence to a single-family residence. They also added an apartment for their in-laws. In other cases, the new owners have even allowed tours of their properties. The house is in Sacramento, California. California’s capital is Sacramento. There are also 524,943 people living there.

    Specifications:

    • Bathrooms: 2
    • Bedrooms: 5
    • Price: $707,400
    • Square Feet: 1,834 sqft
    • Dorothea Puente Net Worth: $1-5 million before death
    • Dorothea Puente Address: F St, Sacramento, CA 95814

    Finally, I hope you liked learning about Dorothea Puente’s residence. Also, please add your views and opinions in the box below. Finally, have a look at some of the other items on our frontpage, such as this one. Finally, are there any additional famous residences you’d want to feature on our site?

  • Garden Furniture | How to Build a Wooden Bench and Chair

    Garden Furniture | How to Build a Wooden Bench and Chair

    Durable and weather-resistant DIY garden furniture made from autoclaved pine beams, cut to size, shaped, and connected with pins exposed to weather and sunlight, especially if left in its natural state, tends to turn gray and look old and worn: impregnation used as a finish coat is not enough, the surface protection cracks after a while and opens the way for agents that destroy the material.

    To make durable DIY garden furniture, it is necessary to use woods especially suitable for outdoor use, which are not exactly economical, but good results can also be obtained from conventional autoclaved woods: the high pressure they are subjected to during the impregnation process makes the products to penetrate deeply so that the tree becomes impregnable throughout its mass.

    For the manufacture of our DIY garden furniture, we can use first-grade pine wood, free of knots, stained as you wish with transparent or opaque products: it is obvious that the finish must be of high quality and durable.

    Let’s break down the step-by-step construction of DIY garden furniture, starting with the bench, and then analyze the chair

    wooden bench construction

    1. Everyone can make all straight cuts according to the available equipment, even by hand: a frame cutter box is enough to guide the hand saw blade accurately.
    2. Beveled cuts, such as cuts touching the ends of the back logs (100°), are made by setting the correct angle, as shown in the drawing, with a false square on one side of the beam and continuing on the two opposite sides of the perpendicular line that the blade should support.
    3. incision made
    4. The front legs at the top should be shaped to reduce the thickness from 70mm to 57mm by chamfering the area between the two thicknesses. Also, a drawing on a 1:1 scale is indispensable for this operation, since it allows you to mark the main reference points of the form on the tree and subsequently check, by applying the rail to the panel, the correctness of the development. Using a jigsaw with a blade overhang of more than 70 mm, you can quickly sketch out the shape.
    5. It is more difficult, if you focus only on the profile reproduced on the chipboard, to accurately obtain the concavity on the upper surface of the armrests and on the side slats on which the seat slats rest.
    6. To do this, you need to make two templates on cardboard, always on a 1: 1 scale, which you need to cut out and use as a reference for tracing the curvature on the rails; to do this, you can reproduce the drawings below, remembering that each square should have a size of 5 cm on each side.

    Adjust bench profiles and prepare joints

    1. Following the line drawn with the template on the armrests and seat crossbars, saw off the excess wood and align the cut as you did for the front legs. For the 3 pieces that support the seat posts, the end that connects to the backrest beam (the one with the holes for the dowels) must be bevelled at 105° so that the backrest remains slightly tilted back in a horizontal position when assembled.
    2. All bulges remaining after cutting must be eliminated until a correct, gradual and smooth concavity is obtained (especially for armrests). In this case it is also possible to proceed by hand, winding sheets of sanding paper, with a gradual finer grain, on a wooden heel. Obviously, having a grinder saves time and grease.
    3. Sharp edges are the enemy of aesthetics on their own, but on some parts of the bench they should be eliminated for comfort. Some elements, such as the armrests and the front of the seat, on the outward-facing edge, must be beveled in succession with a concave profile cutter, as these are the raised parts that the body contacts most easily when seated. In addition, a sharp edge visually emphasizes any irregularities in the development of curved shapes, while corner milling tends to minimize them. However, this concept applies to all other elements for which it is sufficient to simply break the corner.
    4. Considering that the whole construction involves only two sizes of beams, the preparation of most dowel locations can be facilitated by using two wooden heels cut from a 70x70mm beam and a 70x45mm beam. By drilling well-centered Ø 10 mm through holes on both beams, two blanks are obtained, which, aligned on the heads of the corresponding beams and clamped with clamps, allow the holes to be accurately reproduced without re-marking.
    5. To mark the drilling points on the sides of the parallel beams (posts, stringers, brackets, etc.), markers with nozzles of the same diameter as the dowels are used.
    6. All you have to do is place the part with the dowel markers exactly next to the competing part and apply pressure: the sharp edges penetrate the wood, marking exactly where you need to drill. Even if you don’t see it in the photo, the pairing of the two elements must be done with a straight strip to make sure the pieces are perfectly aligned.
    7. With a little care, holes can also be opened with a free hand drill; Surely the column support and depth gauge will make you feel more comfortable.
    8. With a compass set to a radius of 35 mm, pointing at the center of the arm section, a rounding is drawn.
    9. cut the excess with a jigsaw and sand the DIY garden furniture pieces.

    Build in Sequence

    1. Start by assembling the T formed by the upper backrest beam and B-pillar. Pairs of dowels are inserted from one side of the central vertical, and 5 horizontal strips of one half of the back are simply passed through them; then the corresponding lateral vertical is prepared with dowels inserted (an extra pair to connect to the beam) and everything is packed, tightened between long clamps or tension straps. In both cases, the wood must be protected from contact with the clamping element by placing a piece of soft material or plywood underneath.
    2. When the glue has hardened, the clips are removed and the second half is completed in the same way.
    3. When using long clamps, it must be taken into account that the posts and the top beam have a rounded top, so when installing and fixing the bottom beam to the structure, the clamps do not have the ability to provide an effective grip without the risk of slipping. Either you have straps or you have to shape two or three pieces of wood for this purpose.
    4. Finally, E, which is the support for the seat slats, is mounted on a structure already prepared and stabilized separately. The back center post must be drilled to accommodate 5 beams on each side, which is the equivalent of making 20 dowel holes (10 on one side and 10 on the other). After marking the correct distance between the centers of the beams and marking the points for drilling on one side, there is no need to repeat the operation on the other side: if you have a core drill or a reliable support, the holes can be drilled through by inserting one long protruding pin into each of them at both sides. This ensures that the beams of each half are perfectly aligned. In fact, this trick only applies to the first 4+4 rafters, starting from the top:

    On all elements that must be rounded at the head (armrests and back posts) or along the profile (upper back stringer), this operation is carried out after drilling holes for the pins and checking the conformity of the joints: rounding freshly cut parts will make it difficult to accurately copy the edges and expose the joints skew.

    The most difficult part to obtain a permanent rounding is the spar, since it is necessary to machine its entire length: in this case, the material is removed by hand planing, with great care.

  • How to Build a Wooden Shed | Complete Guide

    How to Build a Wooden Shed | Complete Guide

    Do-it-yourself construction allows you to go beyond and create a spacious and aesthetically pleasing box, complete with a large flat roof that can be quickly covered with ground cover plants.

    How to build a wooden garden shed? There are different solutions … but often the result is an ordinary “neither fish nor fowl” box. At the heart of this project is the search for originality, the end result is not much different from the cost of a bicycle box, garden equipment or equipment used in spare time.

    Despite retaining elementary criteria, our homemade construction differs significantly from the wooden houses on the market, almost always with a pitched roof and an appearance that makes them look like each other.

    The original design of the log house

    Here’s how to build a wooden garden shed whose distinguishing elements are essentially two: a batten that covers the perimeter and a flat roof that becomes a large hanging flower bed.

    The walls are made of frames clad in OSB panels, aesthetically pleasing and also durable, thanks to the surface moved by uneven scales pressed randomly; if you can find panels with interlocking edges, as happens with beads, some steps are easier and the joints are more accurate.

    How to build a wooden garden shed without joints

    As shown in the construction sequence, in order to understand how to build a wooden house, there is no need to make connections, the whole structure is completed with a large number of screws. It is this characteristic that makes us analyze an important element that is often overlooked: in such an important construction, intended to be used for many years, it is not worth skimping on the choice of screws, it is better to spend a little more, but use top quality products .

    Self-tapping screws (SPAX) are used for all wooden garden sheds. They are equipped with ribs under the head that directly create a countersink and a wavy thread that creates a very deep counterthread that contrasts with the natural back-out.

    The square point does not expand the wood, but cleanly cuts through the fibers, avoiding splitting of the material: an important factor both for inserting into OSB boards and for deep digging into beam heads. They work faster, you can rely on them, and the treatment they undergo ensures a long service life.

    For how to build a log house we use OSB panels

    OSB boards ( Oriented Strand Board ) consist of wood flakes glued with synthetic resins and pressed into crossed layers; depending on the purpose, they are divided into 4 types for use in a dry, more or less humid environment or for carrying out functions in wet rooms.

    OSB/3 type 22 mm thick is used; panels are usually available in sizes 2440×1200/1220mm and 2500x1250mm; prices for OSB panels are around 13-15 euros/sq.m. For the construction of a wooden house, it is recommended to use spruce slats with a section of 70 × 70 mm, and external finishing, located horizontally, from Douglas fir with a section of 44 × 70 mm.

    OSB boards and structural battens can be purchased from the most well-stocked DIY centers; for Douglas fir, you need to go to a lumber store. An entire wooden DIY house can be made for 1,000-1,200 euros.

    Preparation of frames for the construction of a log house

    1. The beams that make up the wall structure must be cut to size, keeping in mind that the studs remain closed between the top and bottom beams.
    2. A pair of screws Ø 6×120 mm ensures a strong connection, it is better if the glue brush on the contact area helps with this, and excess glue must be removed immediately after screwing.
    3. On the side facing the floor, the OSB boards should be bevelled at a 45° angle to facilitate rainwater drainage. As best seen in the following photos, the panel should be assembled with the chamfer facing inward and projecting from the bottom cross member of the frame.
    4. Once the frame of each wall is completed, the bottommost panel is screwed to it. On the left side, the panel should be flush with the outside edge of the stud, and on the opposite side, it should protrude approximately 92mm (the thickness of the corresponding stud plus the thickness of the corresponding panel), so that the walls can be traversed.
    5. The door frame is a simple frame made from the same battens and sheathed with OSB board: three sides must remain flush with the outside of the frame, the bottom must be beveled and protrude down like the rest.
    6. It is recommended to alternate the preparation of the frames with the finishing coat on the Douglas fir slats that cover the outside: since there are many parts that must be treated with a primer and two coats of enamel, it is necessary to wait for the products to dry between one coat and the next, following the design of the garden box . If you don’t have a large drying area between coats, you will also need to process one piece of board at a time.
    7. To assemble the legs, use bushings with internal threads with washers: drill a hole on each vertical with the same diameter as the bushing, insert it and, with a mallet, drive the pin into the wood so that it ends flush with the plane.
    8. The legs are screwed into the bushings, allowing them to protrude by about 15 mm; after installing the walls on the base, proceed to the correct adjustment for a flat support.
    9. Each wall, ready for assembly on site, consists of a frame and a base panel, so they can be easily moved.

    The wooden house is assembled on site

    The assembly of the arena must be carried out on an even and flat floor. When moving, the frames should always be off the ground, and the legs should not slip, as they are designed to absorb vertical loads, but not traction.

    During the positioning steps it is good to have two people to check the alignment and proceed with the wall installation: a millimeter difference on one side can be a source of displacement of more than a centimeter on the opposite side.

    1. An auxiliary board, at an angle, as seen in the photograph, clamped with a clamp, serves as a support to support the first side while the second side is approached for its assembly.
    2. A shovel, spade, or any other similar tool will help raise the second wall, placing it next to the first, so that both are perfectly level in height so that the foothold can be adjusted.
    3. Using 3 self-drilling and self-reversing screws, two walls are connected through the posts. At this point, you need to pay attention to the vertical alignment on the outer edge.
    4. At this point fine adjustment of the legs can be made, making sure that the ground is stable and balanced and that the structure is not raised more than 3 cm from the ground, otherwise the threads will not have sufficient engagement in the threaded bushing. Once the adjustment is found, secure the screw with a locknut to prevent accidental rotation.
    5. After the perimeter is completed, repeating the procedure for the other walls, a layer of adhesive is applied to the top profile of the pre-assembled OSB panels and a second row of panels is applied.
    6. The panels are attached by inserting screws through the panels and into the racks.
    7. After the installation is completed, the walls look like a solid surface, which is easy to treat with a wood preservative. Surfaces do not require pre-sanding, but the edges should be smoothed with several passes of coarse abrasive. It is preferable to choose a synthetic resin topcoat over plain acrylic: the outer strength is higher, and when working outdoors, any solvent odor and longer drying time do not adversely affect performance.
    8. Horizontal Douglas-fir purlins are installed after the roof has been prepared. Each circle of the crate should be laid out in a pattern, so each piece should be 70mm longer than the wall. The exception is the door and sections of the wall on the sides of the door.
    9. The work starts at the top, and it is important to start with perfect alignment, since the first element serves as an analogue of the second, the second – the third, and so on; calibrated spacers are used to maintain a constant distance between the rails, which must be fixed with screws inserted from the inside so as not to leave visible connecting elements.
  • How to Make Wooden Toys

    How to Make Wooden Toys

    How to have fun making wooden toys

    In a large or small workshop of those who make toys themselves, you can find scraps of boards of various thicknesses or pieces of wooden rods too small to even build a stool. Here are some ideas on how to make DIY wooden toys using a few scraps and a little imagination. In this case, we ended up with a lot of mahogany scraps; it goes without saying that the use of such a valuable wood is not necessary, the contrast of colors can be obtained very well by staining walnut or mahogany, or anything, some very simple fir, for example, for the thickest part (40 mm) of a sandwich. What we offer is not an exhaustive guide, but only a hint on how to make interesting objects fun and effortless (but accuracy is always necessary).

    Wooden toys – Hedgehog

    The side of the squares here, as in the tortoise, must be increased to 40 mm while maintaining the thickness used by the reader, i.e. 40 mm for fir and 20 mm for mahogany. With such measurements, the length of the curl is 40 centimeters (10 squares). It is easy to make it smaller or larger, keeping the proportions between the side of the square and the thickness of the boards.

    1. After the contours of the parts are placed on the boards, first cut and drill the central one, which is transparent, and then the two side cheeks. Keep a little wider in relation to the outline.
    2. In the cheeks, the position of the holes for the axles of the wheels is marked, resting the central part against the cheek and crossing it with a point to the cut. The hole should be opened by resting the wood on a piece of scrap to avoid splitting at the exit.
    3. The cheeks are glued to the body by centering along the axes, which in this case serve only as guides.
    4. After removing the axles, the wheels are glued at one end; then, after installing the spacers, the axles are inserted into the curl again. At the other end, you need to install two more spacers and glue the wheels. After the glue has dried, the axles must be cut flush with the wheel.

    Wooden toys – Turtle

    The length of the turtle is also 40 cm. The holes for the axles of the wheels, both in the wooden toys in the body of the animal and in the spacers, should be slightly larger in diameter than the axle, but exact match the size of the glued wheels. A hole for the eyes, which should be protruding both on top and on the sides, must be made before following the contour of the body with the saw.

  • Bathroom Renovation: Valuable Tips You Need to Know

    Bathroom Renovation: Valuable Tips You Need to Know

    Do you want to update your bathroom but don’t know where to start? Don’t panic, and we will help you! The secret is not to underestimate any element.

    If you decide to update your bathroom, you need to carefully consider all the components that make it up to find successful solutions. There are many elements to consider – tiles, furniture, accessories, etc., not to mention the central question: bath or shower? And finally: how much does a bathroom renovation cost? Let’s try to dispel all doubts.

    To make sure you’ve made the right decision and that your bathroom renovation will be successful and economical, you shouldn’t leave anything to chance.

    Read Also: Mold remediation brentwood

    Bathroom renovation, various elements

    As an element that can be given originality, Wall tiles occupy an essential place in the bathroom interior design.

    In addition, it is necessary to consider the available budget since the price can vary significantly between one type and another, as well as the installation cost.

    First of all, it should be clear from the very beginning what style I want to go with: modern or antique, and more importantly, whether I will build a brick masonry bathroom or use a traditional one.

    Wall tiles are very important because plumbing, lighting, and the color of curtains and towels depend on them. The most used material is ceramic, resistant, and available in various sizes, shapes, and colors. Still, other materials and other solutions on the market need to be evaluated.

    Next, we need to decide what to install: a shower or a bath. To conclude, you need to carefully analyze your habits. If, for example, you can never turn down a relaxing evening bath after work, then a shower is not for you. On the other hand, if your life is hectic and you have very few moments for relaxation, then a shower will be preferable. This decision is up to you! If you decide to install a shower, you must select its type. There are many different types of showers on the market.

    Many points need to be cleared up to have the most comfortable shower for the use you will be making. First of all, the availability of space will help you understand whether you can install a double shower or will be forced to choose a single one. Then you will need to evaluate which type of opening, glass, and fittings to choose.

    If desired, amenities such as hydromassage, sound, etc., can be added to the shower.

    As for the bath, it is obvious that it will take up more space in the room and consume more water, increasing costs.

    With this in mind, we can move on to choosing a bathtub, which the available space will invariably determine. Compared to a shower, you will have an advantage in comfort and relaxation, given the position you take while bathing.

    There are different types and models, but the main distinction is between the classic built-in bathtub, which we find in many classic masonry bathrooms, and the clawfoot bathtub, which has recently come back into fashion.

    If your bathroom has this option, you can also choose a bathtub-shower combination model that combines both possibilities. If you can’t make up your mind, seek advice from a bathroom remodeling company who, after an inspection, will be able to offer you the best solution for your home.

    Another element to consider when renovating a bathroom is faucets and fittings. There is a wide choice of patterns; choosing more classic patterns will save money more thoroughly, and vice versa; with a less limited budget, it will be possible to install more specific models that will give originality to the room.

    When it comes to plumbing, choosing wall-mounted rather than floor-mounted hardware will give the impression that the room is more extensive, as the surface area is more accessible.

    Bathroom renovation with space in mind

    To renovate a bathroom, large or small, it is important to develop a design, and it is necessary to organize every detail well before starting work. The first question to ask is: how much space do I have?

    • Up to 3m2, you have to create an indispensable bathroom. It must be functional for quick daily use. Arrange the elements against the walls to free up a central space, perhaps install a corner bath. Password: optimize space.
    • From 4 sq.m to 8 sq.m, You can create a bathroom for the whole family, choosing between a shower cabin and a bathtub according to your needs, or maybe even put both. You will have the opportunity to personalize and give originality to the arrangement of elements.
    • From 8 sq. m, you can create a kind of relaxation room, where you can relax after a long day of work and add many amenities without resorting to space optimization. You can arrange the elements in the center of the room and have more freedom in choosing where to place the furniture. You will have the opportunity to create a fully functional environment for your well-being, equipped with a jacuzzi, possibly including, if the budget allows, a sauna built and designed for the whole family.

    At this point, the question arises: who will use the bathroom?

    • If this is the only bathroom for a family of four, install both a bathtub and a shower, and perhaps put a wall between them so that two people can shower at the same time and maintain privacy.
    • If it is a second bathroom mainly for children, the tiles on the walls will be highly waterproof, colorful, and fun. In this case, the choice will also be made in terms of safety, for example, taps with the ability to block the temperature to avoid burns or hot and cold water regulators mounted on top. Obviously, with the help of accessories, you can have fun in the bathroom!
    • If the bathroom is intended to be used by a working couple, it should allow quick daily use. This will be necessary, and you will need to optimize the space.

    Two Important Choices: Ventilation and Painting

    A fundamental but often overlooked factor is ventilation. This plays an important role in the comfort of your bathroom. It allows you to remove water vapor present in the atmosphere after a hot shower or bath. This prevents the formation of condensation and mold. It also brings new and healthy air into the room, which is very important.

    It’s important to ensure that you have a big enough window for the size of your bathroom. I’d also suggest buying one that doesn’t have restrictions on how wide it can be opened as this will allow you to clear the water vapor quickly to avoid the bathroom steaming up too much and setting off the smoke alarm. If you are on a budget, then consider buying supply only windows for DIY installation to keep the cost down.

    If natural ventilation is not sufficient, then continuous mechanical ventilation can be provided, intermittent or automatic, i.e., switched on depending on the level of humidity in the room. An automatic ventilation system is indispensable for a deaf bathroom, i.e., not equipped with windows.

    Have you already thought about how to paint the walls? When you decide to renovate your bathroom, this is an important decision, and you should think it over carefully.

    The recommended shades for the bathroom are light, but if you like brighter colors, go bolder; but it’s good if the room is not very small; otherwise, dark colors will make the space seem even more minor.

    Try to choose a color shade depending on the lighting of the room. If there is not much light, choosing white or very light colors is almost mandatory to create more brightness.

    The type of paint recommended for bathroom renovations is a water-based paint. It is water-based, breathable, and suitable for moisture and mold control. These characteristics make it ideal for the bathroom. There are many different colors on the market, and the price is quite affordable.

    How much does a bathroom renovation cost?

    For a complete bathroom renovation, we cannot say precisely what the costs will be; it depends on several factors, such as the work to be done, the quality of the materials, and the size of the bathroom. For example, we start with a base amount of 1750 €; then we will increase the cost if the budget is higher and the needs are higher.

    It is always recommended to get some free quotes to compare several offers and choose the best one in such cases. Since companies compete with each other, you can save money for sure! 

  • Bathroom in a Modern Style, Ideas and Tips

    Bathroom in a Modern Style, Ideas and Tips

    A bathroom in modern style is a necessity and elegance. If you don’t know where to start, here are some suggestions on how to furnish it in the best possible way without spending too much money!

    The bathroom is one of the most used rooms in the house, visited by family members and guests alike, and to be ideal, it must not only be functional, welcoming, and intimate, but also stylishly furnished. Whether you wish to renovate or build from scratch, to furnish your bathroom in a contemporary style, you must keep your needs and those of your family in mind and calculate the space correctly.

    You must also keep in mind the budget at your disposal in order to use your resources in the most appropriate way and be able to realize a well-appointed bathroom that is practical and functional at the same time. Here are some ideas and tips that you can follow to furnish your bathroom in a contemporary style.

    Bathroom furniture in modern style

    Do not worry! In order to furnish a bathroom in a modern style, you do not have to spend a fortune. In fact, a few simple wall color changes, fixtures, and accessories will be enough to breathe new life into your bathroom. The first aspect to focus attention to when you want to furnish your bathroom in a modern style is the plumbing.

    By simply replacing these bathroom components with modern design elements, you can give your bathroom an elegant and chic look. The most suitable sanitary ware models for this style of furnishing are wall-mounted sanitary ware, which should be completely white with steel fittings, polished or brushed. Forms should be very clean, simple, and linear.

    As for the shower, opt for a clear glass box and a shower tray that blends in with the rest of the bathroom. If you want to create a spa-style bathroom, you can choose a stone model. If you love bathtubs, choose a model with a geometric shape (oval, round, or rectangular) and, again, simple and clean lines.

    The faucet also plays an important role in creating a modern look for your bathroom. The most recommended material is steel, which is available in both polished and brushed finishes. In addition, if you want to create a functional and technologically advanced bathroom, you can choose faucets with high-tech accessories such as a chromotherapy illuminated shower system, or faucets with a digital thermometer to control the water temperature.

    When it comes to washbasins, the choice is really wide: if you want to create a modern style bathroom, you can choose classic white porcelain washbasins or more original solutions such as glass, stone, or metal washbasins. The only thing to keep in your mind is that the sink, like other elements in the room, should have clean and simple lines.

    When you renovate your bathroom to give it a modern look, you also need to keep in mind the importance of radiators: there are different types of radiators that will satisfy all your heating needs and at the same time add a touch of style to any space. Therefore, instead of traditional radiators, choose a modern radiator, which should also be matched to the color of the plumbing.

    Also, when you are going to choose bathroom furniture in a modern style, you should make sure that you choose clean lines: shelves, cabinets, and shelving should be absolutely pure geometric shapes and have a simple design. In terms of color, you can choose the shade you like the most, or opt for glossy white to give the setting a minimal look. The mirrors are one of the important elements of the bathroom and should be chosen with the utmost care. Again, the design should be as simple and straightforward as possible, and models with a steel or frameless finish will be ideal.

    When it comes to lighting, if you want to create a modern bathroom with style and elegance, you can choose a round chandelier, perhaps aluminum, just like the one in the living room. On the other hand, around the mirror (if you have not chosen a mirror with built-in lights), you can install simple spotlights.

    Finally, if you want to furnish your bathroom in a modern style, you will have to pay special attention to accessories. In fact, these accessories must also be carefully chosen and combined with the other components of the room. Therefore, if you decide to choose accessories for a polished steel faucet, be sure to match decorative elements such as a towel holder and a soap dish made of polished steel or to match the plumbing fixtures.

    If, on the other hand, you have chosen brushed steel, proceed accordingly when choosing accessories. The only factor to keep in your mind when decorating a modern bathroom is to avoid choosing antique-style accessories.

    If you want to bring some life to the room, put a houseplant in the bathroom, but make sure you choose a plant that resists moisture well.

    How to cover a modern bathroom?

    To implement a bathroom in a modern style, it is necessary not only to change the plumbing and accessories but also to pay special attention to the choice of coatings and the color of the walls.

    To give the room a modern look, light and neutral tones should be used. So opt for tiles with geometric and simple lines, and paint your walls in light and minimal colors like ivory white or grey.

    If you wish to forgive your bathroom a more sophisticated look, you can choose mosaic tiles, choosing shades always taking into account the color of the sanitary ware. Alternatively, if you want to go for a modern industrial style, you can opt for cement cladding. In terms of flooring, engineered stoneware flooring, a durable and economical material, would be ideal, or again, cement could be a winning choice.

    How much does a modern bathroom cost?

    The cost of a modern style bathroom depends on many factors, if, in fact, you have to renovate the bathroom, starting with laying tiles, then the cost will certainly be higher than a simple operation to replace plumbing and accessories. The final cost of the refurbishment will also depend on the size of the space you want to give it a new look.

    In general, if you want to give a new look to your bathroom, starting with the replacement of floors and walls, the price will be around 4000-7000 euros. There are obviously many variables that will come into play, so it is a good idea to consider your needs and ask for quotes from different companies to find the most convenient solution.

    If you want to save money on tile replacement, then if possible you can cut costs by laying a new coating on top of the old tile layer. When it comes to near renovating your shower area, to create a modern style bathroom and save on labor costs, you can choose an acrylic shower tray, which is lightweight, durable, and, of course, cheaper than models made from various types of material.

    Acrylic can also be a winner when it comes to tubs that can be freestanding or attached to the floor. Also be aware that for those who choose to update their bathroom with scheduled renovations by December 31, 2017, there is a home renovation tax credit.

    When it comes to accessories, the best way to furnish your bathroom in a modern style in a simple and economical way is to turn to the Internet: there are many portals on the Internet dedicated to furnishing and selling home accessories, where you can purchase high-quality bathroom items with a chic and modern design, using discounts and exclusive promotions. To save money, it is recommended not to stop at the first offer of bathroom furniture, but to compare several prices and choose the best offer.

  • Renovating a Long and Narrow Bathroom: What you Need to Know

    Renovating a Long and Narrow Bathroom: What you Need to Know

    There is a constant problem in the bathrooms, which is very disturbing. But don’t worry, we will help you! Here’s how to renovate a long, narrow bathroom!

    In interior design magazines, we are used to seeing beautiful bathrooms full of designer furniture, jacuzzi tubs, and saunas that can be the size of our entire apartment! But what if you need to renovate a long, narrow bathroom?

    The house we live in often cannot be precisely the way we would like it due to load-bearing walls, installations, etc. This means that some rooms cannot be enlarged or modified and must remain as they are. However, there is room for improvement! The solution is to remodel a long and narrow bathroom to make it as beautiful and efficient as a better-structured bathroom, maybe even more efficient! The secret to an optimal result lies in creating a functional bathroom that creates the illusion of space.

    The first thing to do when deciding to renovate a long and narrow bathroom, as with any refurbishment, is to measure the walls correctly, then create a plan and highlight the door and window openings. This will make it easier to appreciate the space and start thinking about organizing the bathroom.

    Then it would help if you decided on the budget you intend to spend. The amount should be clear from the start because it will affect many decisions, such as the quality of materials.

    If there is enough space in the room, you can choose to install a bathtub, while if there is not enough space, you can choose a shower. Also, consider, depending on your habits, whether the bath will suit your needs more.

    If you live a hectic life and don’t have time to dedicate it to a relaxing bath, you might as well take a shower. On the other hand, you can opt for a bath if space permits if you have free time to devote to yourself. Whether you have a bath or a shower, the right place is at the end of the room, against a narrow wall where a window usually is.

    The washbasin should be chosen carefully. It is better to choose one that does not have full support, as the standard size of 50 cm will be too bulky. It is better to take a wall-mounted one, which takes up much less space.

    The lack of a closet underneath will contribute to the idea of ​​more space. There are different types on the market, so you can choose the wall-hung washbasin that best suits your taste.

    When renovating a long and narrow bathroom, plumbing should be placed on the same wall as the washbasin to occupy only one wall and leave free passage on the other side. Also, in this case, it is preferable to choose wall-mounted plumbing, functional and elegant; they save space.

    They are also efficient, cleaning is quick and easy, for us women who have a thousand responsibilities are a panacea! In recent years, they have become very fashionable, and if you choose a simple model, you will not have to spend a lot of money.

    Next to them, if you have enough space, you can install a wardrobe or add shelves and use the space above the ceiling. It is good to use everything to the last centimeter!

    To multiply the space, choose a mirror and position it above the washbasin as usual, and add a giant built-in mirror on the wall opposite it. Also making the room appear larger, it will also appear brighter.

    As for wall coverings, choose the colors you like, but it’s a good idea to use a darker shade on short walls than on long ones.

    Visually, this trick will create the effect that the room has become less narrow and more square. To optimize space, for heating purposes, install a radiator with a towel holder, which is not very bulky and has a dual function: on the one hand, it will be used to heat the room, and on the other hand, to hang bathrobes and towels. Here are the main items to consider if you want to renovate a long and narrow bathroom, simple, right?!