Cool Space

How to Choose the best Towels For Your Bathroom

Posted by admin on February 5th, 2012

Everyone I know wants to be the proud owner of soft, durable towels. Yet, most do not know how to ensure that those are what they buy. Leaving it to the touch test at the store does not make for satisfied buyers. You can be fooled by how they feel before having been washed, and it will tell you little about its quality level as well. Sounds to awful to be true, well here’s the scoop many towel manufacturers add a softener to the finish. Therefore, they feel super in the shop, and maybe even for the first few washes. After that, they may become nearly unrecognizable to the touch.

So what do you do to avoid this cover up? Check the labels of course. Look for one hundred percent combed cotton. This makes for a more absorbent, and stronger towel. And the process of combing the cotton will confirm that all of the short threads that you do not want have been taken out, and only the good ones left. Still, I know you will feel compelled to do the touch test, so while your at it keep the following in mind. If the towel feels heavier than you expected it to when you pick the entire thing up, then it is evidence that it is dense, and volume means absorbent. Oh and one last thing, you do have a responsibility to treat the towels right once they are your possessions, otherwise there is no insurance they will live up to your standards. Refresh your knowledge on how to properly care for your new towels, you will be ever so thankful you did every time you use them.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Wardrobe

Posted by admin on December 3rd, 2011

While plenty of us wish we had walk in closets the size of a bedroom, with built in wardrobe organisation, we do not. Still, a life more organised is always preferable, as is a wardrobe. So here are couple of tips on how to make what little space you may have look its best, and work most efficiently.

First thing I ALWAYS tell people is to ditch those wire hangers from the dry cleaners, along with any that are one of a kind amidst the sea of hangers in the closet. The fastest way to bring some calm to such a place is to unify wherever possible. This means get matching hangers right now. I choose wooden ones, but they are not mandatory as I know plastic ones can be found for much more desirable pricing.

Next, though for years I followed the “if you have not worn it in a year remove it” rule, I now stand behind the “shop you closet” approach. Go through your clothing and accessories and confirm what you would buy again, and what you would not. Take out those items that would no longer make the cut. If they are staples, then you are deserving of a new model. Otherwise, if they are not, put them into storage and wait to see if you miss it in the season they fall within. If you do not, then off they go to someone who will give them the appreciation they deserve.

Fun Ways to Make the Most of Decorative Mirrors

Posted by admin on August 12th, 2011

While homeowners in general recognise the numerous qualities mirrors can bring to a room, many think in a very traditional way regarding their placement, and numbers. Most commonly, a single mirror is hung on a wall, the variations being found in size and style, however there a plenty of other things to do with mirrors that will bring oomph to a space.

One great way to bring interest to a wall is to add multiple mirrors in a decorative pattern. A good rule to follow is to choose mirrors that are in the same style as the rest of your furniture, and decorations. Symmetry is often a decorator’s best friend. Another thing to remember is that mirrors will aid you in bringing in light to a space, so if you have a hallway, or entryway that is void of natural light a mirror, or two will work to lighten things when paired with a candle or lamp.

In addition, try to break free from the belief that all mirrors must be hung. Sure, you have seen enormous mirrors leaning against walls, and floor. But, this is not the only way to mix things up, rest a smaller mirror on top of a chest of drawers, or a long consecutive line of tiny mirrors on a shelf. I bet you love it.

Wooden Garden Furniture Gets the Feng Shui Seal of Approval

Posted by admin on May 14th, 2011

As far as we are concerned, when it comes to garden décor, this is the year of wooden everything. Whether you are on the hunt for wooden garden furniture, wooden summer houses or even wooden benches, wood is the operative word here. There is something so very tried and true about wood, in the construction of homes, in the interior design of homes, and this harmonizes with the presence of the natural wood in the outdoor area, so it is equally welcome in the items you choose to decorate a garden.

To find additional support for this, simply refer to the way that wood is depicted in even the most basic of Feng Shui design. The wood element represents life energy, health and growth, all excellent things to surround oneself with both inside and outside of the dwelling. At the mention of Feng Shui people sometimes get concerned that gaining an understanding of this ancient art and science will be too burdensome for them to partake in it. But in actuality, it can be achieved in small, stages that anyone can go forth with.

Of course, balance and flow are everything in Feng Shui, so you must remember to integrate the other four elements. Those remaining are water, fire, earth and metal and all bring other valuable qualities to a space. By doing so you will create the proper movement of energy throughout your garden. Some good ways to do this are to bring in wind chimes or art made of metal, which is known to encourage creative ideas and to spur change. Also, birdbaths or fishponds will integrate the water element along with outdoor lighting to represent fire. The earth element is pretty much automatically covered through stones and natural material pots.

As you can see it is not difficult to improve the balance in a garden, and in return you will have an even better place to commune with nature day or night. I do strongly recommend to anyone embarking on this challenge to refer to a complete Feng Shui guide to identify where the different elements are best placed in such a space, placement should not be chosen haphazardly, or you could do the opposite of what you intended.

In my mind, with wood being such a hot commodity right now, I would go for one of the classic style summer houses. This will give you a strong wood element presence, and the interior of the garden structure itself will give you yet another space to expand upon your Feng Shui decorating skills.

New Bathroom Sinks and Faucets Get Dramatic

Posted by admin on January 26th, 2011

If you have a flair for the dramatic, then your bathroom might be a grand place for you to express that through design. There are some wonderfully dynamic faucets and sinks to play with and mix to create your own dense of drama. Some sinks blend together multiple shapes, such as oval and rectangle, while the faucet accompanying it could be made of sharp, clean lines to draw the eye in to the delightful sink.

Perhaps, you are in tune with nature, and would like that represented in your basin. A sole piece of granite can comprise the entire floating sink. Leave it floating above a counter, or drop it in to a cabinet. Either way the flowing lines bring in the flair you seek to express. The point is that the sinks and faucets on the market will enable you to be creative, to a fault if you go overboard. But we trust that you won’t, and instead will make the most of this cool space.

The Best Space Saving Kitchen Appliance of the Year

Posted by admin on December 7th, 2010

Most homes today are equipped with microwave ovens, and along with those there are often independent grills too. These have become common household items that some of us would not know what to do without. With that comes the common issue regarding kitchen appliances, they take up valuable counter space. And, just about everyone I know would be glad to reclaim some counter territory.

All of that makes the latest trend, the combination microwave and grill mighty popular. They come as all in one, and are built in, instead of resting on the counter. Some of these combo appliances come with wattage of 1000, seven cooking modes for the oven, and two grill levels. You can get them with automatic food type, weight based cooking, and a setting to keep things nice and warm until you are ready to serve.

As usual, we are pleased to see creative thinking applied to popular appliances. In fact, we are delighted when it involves space saving elements. So, it probably comes as no surprise that this microwave oven combo is tops on our present wish list.

Do Not Let the Season Determine Your Venue

Posted by admin on November 15th, 2010

Just because we are approaching the end of autumn, that does not mean that all events must be banished to indoor venues. We all spend enough time inside, and any opportunity to enjoy fresh air and natures beauty should be jumped at. Plus, there is something very special about activities that are placed outside, the vibe is entirely different than those carried out under a roof and four walls.

The way to make that happen in the upcoming weeks is to contact a marquee hire company. This is a great idea for a pretty major reason. Aside from being able to host your party in the caress of the suns rays, or under a blanket of stars, you may save quite a bit of money. For marquees are no longer as expensive as they once were, and will nearly always cost less than reserving an indoor structure.

In addition, they are available in more sizes, shapes, and colours to suit your needs, and preferences. What you end up with is a compromise of sorts. Your guests are protected from the elements, but are enjoying the ambience found only outdoors. Bottom line, you get the best of both worlds, and potentially save money.

How to Get The Most Out of Your Table Top Centrepieces

Posted by admin on August 31st, 2010

Sometimes guests stay for more than just one meal, but you still want your dinning area to look fresh each and every time. As such, you need table decorations that can be mixed up to produce a different presentation over the course of several meals.

A cool way to make a table decoration do double duty involves proper selection. This means that you pick a bunch of medium sized, perfectly cylindrical vases for your celebratory table. Then you can fill them for a daytime event with floral arrangements. When the lights go down, replace the bouquets with candles in those containers. A lovely low light will fill the tabletop, and a whole other feel will be established for the contrasting meals.

Should the candles not fill the vases then drop seashells, colourful beans or sand in to them also. Or, for an additional look, purchase fireproof paper bags and cut designs out of the sides. Then place the candles in the vases within the baggies. And just like magic you have yet one more centrepiece that was inexpensive and easy to make.

The Best Use for Concrete Indoors

Posted by admin on March 8th, 2010

While it is common to see plain old concrete as a material used on a modern homes exterior design, it is more rare to observe it being used in its plain form inside. This, however, does not mean that it does not make for a worthwhile item. For, it is sometimes the most basic of things that make the most amazing statements.

One usage of concrete on the interior of a house that I particularly gravitate towards is as kitchen counter tops. If you are not fond of the bare form, you can seal it with a high gloss. Thus creating an entirely different texture altogether.

This not only creates a dramatic effect, it is unbelievably inexpensive. Therefore, it is a wonderful way to cut costs while keeping a high level of style. As a whole, this is a pretty nifty idea.

The Best Way To Create A Recharging Port for Your Electronics

Posted by admin on February 6th, 2010

I got really tired of looking at all of my electronic gear cluttered on my entryway table. Not only did it look like s—t, but I was constantly forgetting to plug stuff in at night so it would be recharged in the morning. It was definitely time to embrace a change.

So, I converted my bedside table into a covert recharging post. The process was relatively easy, once I convinced myself that it was alright to drill holes in the back of the nightstand. Come to terms with this and then it is a breeze, and will probably make you feel pretty clever too.

The way to go about it is to drill a couple of holes to thread the cords through, and then place a couple wire clips around the cords to make them more manageable as they exit the drawer. Then just plug them into a multi-plug power adapter, and there you have it. To ensure that you do not leave in the morning without any of these essentials, keep your car keys in the drawer too.