Home Owner Items In Demand After A Hurricane!

This article is provided by Kevin Skaggs.

Hurricane season comes in quickly and depart just as fast, leaving nothing but a trail of devastation in their wake, with effects lasting long after they have gone. Thousands of homes suffer from damages from such tragedies. Fortunately, there are services available following these events that can help homeowners clean up the water damage and help with restoration process.  

Repair Services

Many homes suffer roof damage after hurricanes. Roof maintenance and repair businesses will therefore be in very high demand. It is best to opt for a local, established business over one that comes in from out of town. A local business knows the area, the climate and what materials are best suited to give you a quality roof. Not only that, but they can guarantee their work, and, with an established, trusted reputation, you know you can always reach them should something go wrong.

Air Movers

Following a hurricane, you will have undoubtedly experienced flooding. In order to prevent major damage, you want to dry out the area quickly. After removing as much of the standing water as you can, employees use an air mover to force high velocity air over the area it is directed, which pushes up any remaining moisture from floors, carpets, walls and furniture.  Axial air blowers work over broad spaces whereas centrifugal ones blow air directly over the area they are placed.

Dehumidifiers

In order to effectively dry the area, a commercial dehumidifier should be used along with the air blower, making it another in demand piece of equipment. As the air blower forces excess moisture into the air, the dehumidifier works to collect it, keeping it from resettling on any surface of the home. This prevents physical damage and mold growth. 

There are a couple of options for you. Some dehumidifiers have collection buckets. You just need to be sure that you regularly empty them. Others have a drainage hose, so if you choose one of these models, be sure that you have a place for the water to go.

Hurricanes cause a lot of problems and create a high demand for certain services and items. Act quickly and you can have what you need to perform a speedy cleanup, which will save you from suffering severe damages and having to spend a fortune in repairs.

Disclosure: I have been compensated for the publication of this post.
                                                                                                               

How to select the right shape and size of Saltillo tile for your home!

This article is provided by Rustico Tile & Stone.

Authentic Mexican Saltillo tile can add beauty, depth and character to any space in your home, from bathroom walls and living room floors to stair risers and kitchen backsplashes. After you have decided where to install your tile, consider these tips from Rustico Tile and Stone to help you select just the right type to bring your space to life.

1. Shape Determines Style

Saltillo tiles come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Hexagonal and octagonal tiles add complexity to a room with neutral colors or subdued décor, while rooms with a lot of character benefit from the simple beauty of a rectangular or square tile. 

2. Size to Scale

Remember to consider the size of your room, which directly corresponds to the measurements of your tile. Try large tiles, such as Rustico’s standard 12”x12” or 16”x16” squares, in grand spaces, and choose small tiles for cozier spaces to add more depth. Avoid excess waste by scaling the size of Saltillo tile to the size of your room.

3. Patterns Differentiate Spaces

There are many different Saltillo tile designs on the market. Plain tiles, which come in a range of warm color tones, are an excellent neutral choice for busy spaces. To add a touch of hacienda style, try an authentic Saltillo tile pattern such as Riviera, San Felipe, or Fleur de Lis. Incorporate hand painted talavera tile inserts between tiles for an added statement. Create a visual transition from one room to the next by changing up Saltillo tile patterns.

4. Color Your Space

There are three striking finishes of Saltillo tile to consider for your home: Traditional, Manganese, and Antique. Rustico Tile and Stone manufactures all three types, which can be cut into any of the shapes and sizes above to create the perfect look for your space. 

Traditional Saltillo will add a splash of hacienda-style color to your home. Choose from warm terra cotta shades of orange, red, or yellow to enhance your existing décor. 

Manganese Saltillo tile is particularly effective in spaces that already have a lot of color, as its lovely shades of brown and terra cotta will not clash with existing themes. 

Antique Saltillo (also known as reclaimed terra cotta) is reminiscent of historic Spanish-style homes. Its lush texture and earthy tones will add some Old-World beauty to your modern style home. 

As you can see, the character of your home will help you decide which shape, size, pattern and finish of tile to use. We hope these tips are a good starting point for your journey into the wonderful world of Saltillo tile!

Source: Rustico Tile and Stone of Leander (near Austin), Texas

https://www.rusticotile.com/

Rustico is the largest manufacturer and distributor for authentic, handmade saltillo tile in Mexico. The company also serves as the leading national distributor for other specialty Mexican tile and stone including: Encaustic Cement Tile, Talavera, and Cantera Stone. Rustico offers wholesale pricing and ships worldwide.

Disclosure: I have been compensated for the publication of this post.

Happy 5th blog anniversary!

In a blink of an eye, this little humble blog of mine has turned five! I wondered where did all the time go? My blog actually turned 5 a month ago but I totally forget about it until a month later. How very absent-minded of me!

Many exciting and wonderful opportunities continue to come my way and I feel very grateful. At the same time, I am becoming more and more selective of the collaborations I picked and have declined a lot of product reviews and guest post collaborations to stay true to the original purpose of this blog. 

Without you, my wonderful readers, it wouldn't be possible for me to have come this far so I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all of you who loyally follow, read my blog and take a moment to leave an encouraging and positive comment from time to time. I will try my best to provide good inspirational content for you so I hope you will continue to stay with me. 

Once in a while, you will see a few featured brands or paid campaigns and possibly some posts that might not be design-related at all, but I hope you will continue to bear with me. I also wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone for supporting the brands that support this blog so I can continue to provide beautiful, inspirational content for free. :)

Thank you my fabulous readers, you are simply the best!

Can you use an electric blanket and a mattress topper together?

If you are struggling to get through a cold patch of weather you may want to use an electric blanket on your bed, so you can be warm when you go to sleep. Many people also use mattress toppers on their bed, in order to protect their mattress and improve their level of comfort. If this applies to you then you may be wondering if you can use your mattress protector and an electric blanket at the same time.

From a safety point of view, there is no problem with using a comfortable mattress topper and an electric blanket in order to keep you warm and comfortable when you go to bed. There are certain considerations you should be aware of though. First, let us take a look at why you would be using a mattress topper in the first place. 

Why buy a mattress topper?

A mattress topper is a piece of removable bedding that you can buy to help bring either firmness to a soft mattress or a softer feel to a mattress which is too hard. A mattress topper can help extend the life of a mattress but once the general foundation of the mattress has gone it is a good idea to invest in a new mattress. Most people invest in a mattress topper to improve their level of comfort in bed, and help them get a better night’s sleep. This is important, as getting enough sleep helps to keep you healthy.

What if you want to use an electric blanket and a mattress topper?

As we mentioned in our introduction, it is perfectly safe to use an electric blanket if you are already using a mattress topper on you bed. There are some things you need to be aware of though. The first thing to think about is what happens if you place an electric blanket under a mattress topper. In some cases the heat levels are not affected, and you will still get sufficient heat from the blanket. 

However, depending on the electric blanket and topper you are using, the amount of heat you can feel may be lessened. The other point that it is useful to think about when using a mattress topper and an electric blanket together, is what happens if you have a memory foam mattress topper. This type of mattress topper uses the heat patterns from your body to create the perfect shape for your comfort and support. If you add the heat from the blanket then this process may not be as successful.

Overall there is no safety problem with using a mattress topper and an electric blanket at the same time; often it is actually a very good combination. You just need to be aware that sometimes using both items together can mean that either the heat you obtain, or the level of comfort reached can be adversely affected. 

Trends And Tips For the Master Bathroom!

Design and style trends for master bathrooms have certainly changed over the years. What was once “just another restroom” where the head of the household could shower, shave, and use the restroom has now become a new atmosphere of indulgence, peace, and tranquility- much like the environment given by spas. Now limited by nothing more than imagination and funding, homeowners have the ability to create a customized oasis that they never want to leave. If you are thinking of redesigning your master bathroom, here are some home improvement tips to keep in mind. 

Style

How do you want your bathroom to look once it is completed? If you are not sure about the style you want, there are plenty of ways to get inspiration. You can try checking out home improvement shows, skim through magazines for pictures, view snapshots of design options online or even follow a design blog for tips and tricks. Start looking for ideas on how you want your restroom to look. If you have more than one idea, be sure to keep those pictures handy so that you can show them to the contractors. They can further assist you in bringing the concept to life within a budget that is suitable for you. 

Materials

Materials are going to be another aspect you will need to consider for your master bathroom. Remember, you can be as creative as you want to create the bathroom of your dreams. Some of the trending materials used include stone, granite, marble, and ceramic to name a few. As you are looking at the types of materials you would like in your bathroom, remember to keep your budget in mind so you do not go overboard.

Layout

Now you have an idea of what style you are after, you have determined the types of materials you would like to see, how do you want everything laid out? Layout is imperative to functionality so you will want to take some time to really think on this point. Some things you should discuss with your designer about layout would include: 

Number of Sinks

Are you looking to have a 'his and her' sink in your master bathroom? It might be beneficial to consider a dual-sink vanity that complements the color scheme and materials you have chosen for your bathroom. You may also need to consult with a plumber about installing double sinks as this may require additional charges (for those who currently have one sink). 

Shower, Bath Or Both

Beautiful tubs used to be the focal point of master bathrooms in years pasts; however, trends are changing a bit. More people seem to be looking for customized showers that come complete with oversized showerheads, wall showerheads, and other spa like features. If you are limited on space, it may be best to install a stand-in shower instead of a tub as tubs can take up a decent amount of space. 

However, if you have the budget to go all out, installing a nice tub with water jets would be a nice addition and a great way to unwind after a stressful day. 

Design 

A new trend in master bathroom designs is creating something more universal. In essence, this means creating a design that can meet the needs of people all ages and abilities. This might include design features like wide doorways; grab bars, and large shower doors. Talk about the things you need with your designer and always remember functionality is one of the most important factors. 

The Extras

If there is enough leftover in the budget then why not go ahead and treat yourself to a few extra bathroom features? Many master bathrooms now have luxurious features. Some include extravagant chandeliers or track lighting, while others install things like a fireplace, towel warms, televisions, sound systems and more. 

The modern day master bathroom has taken a turn for the better. Creating a “spa-like” environment in your own home can do wonders for your mood and can also increase your property value. Have fun looking at different options for design, layout, materials, and function, but be sure to keep your budget in mind at all times. If you do not have enough for the extras, you can always come back and add them later.

To finish your bathroom off with style, why not treat yourself to a luxury turkish spa robe so you really feel at home in your newly completed bathroom.