The height of man’s fancy is a warm and inviting shower waiting in the bathroom at the press of a button. No it is not a scene from a sci-fi movie but digital showers are slowly making splashes in the market and are becoming a reality. The digital shower has a remote control which turns the shower on so that your perfect shower is waiting for you when you reach the bathroom. The temperature can be pre-set to the level of one’s choosing, and the flow rate finely tuned to suit one’s mood. If you decide to postpone your shower, you can just easily press the safe start/stop button and it will turn off the shower.

The touchless infrared-actuated faucets that are increasingly common in public restrooms are now beginning to show up in the home. In the market are 2 versions, one with adjustable water temperature, and another with a pre-set one. There is also a version with an automatic soap dispenser that is activated by a sensor that detects the presence of your outstretched hands.

After faucets comes the toilet seat. The automatic electronic toilet seat, invented by the Japanese and now in about half of all Japanese homes, is making an appearance on U.S. shores. These toilet seats are not only pre-heated to your favorite temperature, but can also wash and dry your nether regions with fully adjustable sprays selectable for both male and female needs. They often come with extras, such as remote controls or silent closing mechanisms on the seats. In Japan, they’ve even started adding things like MP3 players and medical diagnostics.

Of course, there are the more common options such as water-resistant, shock-resistant portable LCD TV, CD shower companions encoded with MP3 files. A few companies, like Sony and Freestyle Audio, have come out with MP3 players that can take a dunk with water-proof headphones included.

If space is a major problem, do not worry. There are many ways to maximize a small living space. Renovation does not necessarily means new installations but sometimes we just make do of available resources by adding or simplifying spaces with a few changes. Living in a small space has its advantages, such as minimal utility costs and less area to clean. However it is important to regularly check for things that are no longer needed, and throw them away or donate them to free up space. You may be surprised at the amount of space you were actually wasting by keeping things you don’t need anymore.

You are not as limited by square footage as you may initially think. The easiest way to increase your storage capacity is to utilize vertical space. Even the tiniest of dwellings has room for a tall bookshelf, which takes up little floor space and provides valuable storage for books and much more. Also, installing shelves that attach to the wall is a great organization solution that does not use any of your floor space. Do not limit shelves to books; a shelf makes a great base for other storage receptacles such as baskets and bins to hold smaller items.

“Special shelving can divide a room and provide an extra storage area to display decor or functional items. This box-shelving unit can be used as a room divider or simply placed against a wall.”

“You may already use the space under your bed for storage, but shoving eyesore items under the bed is not always the best strategy. Special bed frames can add extra storage for clothes. Measure the space under your bed (vertical and horizontal), and purchase one or a combination of appropriately sized under bed storage solutions. Maximizing use of the space under your bed gives you more options for storage and frees up other critical storage zones such as closets.”

“Create a comfortable and cozy atmosphere with a customized entertainment center and bookshelves. This narrow room utilizes opposite walls with furniture pieces that compliment the functionality of the space without cluttering it.”

“Lighting can make all the difference between mundane and dramatic. Even the simplest architecture takes on a magnificent appearance with properly placed lighting fixtures.”

The choices of lighting fixtures available for us today are limitless and comes in an array of styles with different functions which is why is important for us to have a basic understanding on what type of lighting fixture serves a specific purpose. The right lighting fixtures can work wonders for your home. Useful not only for illuminating certain tasks, the right lighting can also serve to accentuate your home’s style and décor. If carefully chosen and properly installed, light fixtures can add beauty and drama both indoors and outdoors. Likewise, the right type of lighting can boost safety and comfort in and around your residence.

The Indoor Lighting Effect

Most of us are familiar with “interior design” or “landscape design” yet not particularly concerned about “lighting design”. Fact is, proper lighting design can make all the difference in how your home will look and feel; it can dramatically alter the appearance of your home and can transform a boring living space into a soothing and stunning showpiece. Lighting design goes far beyond choosing appealing fixtures and plugging them in. At its most basic, lighting design involves employing different light levels that work together to highlight unique features of each room and address specific illumination requirements. Understanding the fundamentals of lighting is the key in selecting home lighting fixtures.

The Outdoor Lighting Advantage

Light fixtures are not just for use indoors. Specially designed lighting fixtures can also enhance the exterior of your property by illuminating paths and brightening doorways, simultaneously preventing accidents and deterring intruders. Exterior light fixtures can both brighten and beautify your garden, pond, deck, fountain, trees, shrubs, and driveways.

Value Added To Home:

A good lighting design should also provide more efficient light sources so that it can translate into savings in terms of money and energy. According to a survey of realtors, home buyers respond positively to homes that are well lit. Some suggest that a well-designed lighting scheme could give you a competitive advantage and make your home stand out in the crowd.

Ornamental elements such as moldings and posts are commonly used in a traditional design to reflect timeless elegance and sophistication. The classical style is represented by crown moldings, light valences, raised panel doors, columns with ornaments, hardwood flooring, and rich materials such as tumbled marble.

Sample of A Traditional Design Bathroom

Sample of A Traditional Design Home Entrance

Contemporary Design is of the moment. It is whatever is different and what works for today. It’s uncluttered. Contemporary designs have some of the high-tech look and functionality of a modern design, but are not purist in style and design. One of the hallmarks of good contemporary design is its compatibility. In other words, pieces from different periods are combined to create a richer, more interesting look in a room. In a contemporary space, it’s common to find a juxtaposition of styles such as an antique rug or historic wood table used with an ultra-modern sofa in a streamlined and technologically advanced space. All it takes is the confidence to play a little, and a new way of looking at things.

Sample of A Contemporary Design Bedroom

Sample of A Contemporary Dining Room

Sample of A Contemporary Bathroom

Modern designs are very popular styles due to the creation of spaciousness with its clean lines. Style is reflected through technological materials such as stainless steel, glass, plastic, smooth wood veneers and other sleek materials. High-gloss lacquer finishes, exotic wood veneers, and stainless steel accents create a high-tech look.

Sample of A Modern Design Bedroom

Sample of A Modern Design Living Room

Sample of A Modern Design Bathroom

We would like to walk you through the following brief descriptions of the most popular interior design styles meant to give you an understanding and edge in choosing the look you would like your home to have.

MODERN
Modernist designs are known for their purist sensibilities including clean lines, spaciousness, and efficiency. It is a very popular style in Europe and North American condo living due to the spaciousness that it emphasizes. There is the absence of moldings and corbels, yet presence of very subtle textures, and nothing that creates a busy look. Style is reflected through technological materials such as stainless steel, glass, plastic, smooth wood veneers and other sleek materials. High-gloss lacquer finishes, exotic wood veneers, and stainless steel accents create a high-tech look.

CONTEMPORARY
Contemporary is of the moment. It is whatever’s different and what works for today. It’s uncluttered. Contemporary designs have some of the high-tech look and functionality of a modern design, but are not purist in style and design. One of the hallmarks of good contemporary design is its compatibility. In other words, pieces from different periods are combined to create a richer, more interesting look in a room. In a contemporary space, it’s common to find a juxtaposition of styles such as an antique rug or historic wood table used with an ultra-modern sofa in a streamlined and technologically advanced space. All it takes is the confidence to play a little, and a new way of looking at things.

TRADITIONAL/CLASSIC
Ornamental elements such as moldings and posts are commonly used in a traditional design to reflect timeless elegance and sophistication. The classical style is represented by crown moldings, light valences, raised panel doors, columns with ornaments, hardwood flooring, and rich materials such as tumbled marble.

COUNTRY
The country style is a casual version of the traditional style. Materials that are hand made or have a hand made look are preferred and have more variation. Worn and weathered items are celebrated and remove formality for a space. It’s all about comfort.

Home renovations generally increases the value of a house, but may not be true at all times. The return on your investment depends on several factors, including the current state of the real estate market, the scope of your renovation and how attractive the change is to potential buyers. However it is more often for the reason of added comfort, need, and satisfaction that homeowners opt to renovate. This is why home renovations are primarily suited to the homeowners’ requirements and not merely for future buyers’ preferences. But the beauty of proper home renovation is that you benefit twofold. First, from the initial improvements to a room or property; second, your home increases in value when placed on the market. The following is a list of remodeling projects that will not only make dramatic improvements to your house or property but may also attract potential buyers in the future:

Kitchen Improvements

Adding a new room

Adding/Remodelling A Bathroom

Landscaping Improvement

Upon finalizing the choice of a contractor, the next step is for the homeowner and the contractor to sign a contract. By this time the differences in opinions regarding procedures and materials should have been resolved already. All that is needed now is the actual implementation of the project.

The contract contains everything that has been agreed upon, description of the work to be performed, details of the project and the corresponding price quotations. It is a legal document that is binding to all parties who sign in it. That is why both the parties (homeowner and contractor) should sign the contract.

To safeguard one’s interests, the contract should never be signed unless carefully reviewed over. Because once the contract has been signed, the contractor will not be legally bound to honor anything beyond the specifications of the contract. If something detailed in the contract is not clear to you, ask for an explanation and request that a revision be made to the contract. If still in doubt, discuss the matter with a reputable lawyer.

The contract must also indicate the following:

1. The contractor’s name, address, phone, and license number, if required
2. Project cost and terms of payment
3. A detailed list of all materials including color, model, size, brand name, and product
4. An estimated start and completion date of the project.
5. The contractor’s obligation to obtain all necessary permits and Contractor’s notation that all work will be done according to local building codes
6. Contractor’s notation that the construction site shall be cleaned up at the end of each working day including the removal of all debris at the completion of the project
7. Warranties covering materials and workmanship to include the length of the warranty period and any limitations also should be spelled out.
8. A statement of the contractor’s public liability and property damage insurance
9. A release of lien clause ensures that the homeowner will not be responsible for liens filed against the contractor by suppliers or subcontractors.

To be able to get a fair and objective assessment on project bids, the vying contractors should be provided with exact copies of the details of the project plans, and identical bid forms. Providing identical project plans and forms makes it easier for the homeowner to select the contractor who will best meet the needs and requirements. The form itself should be thorough with specific information.

The quotations should cover the following information:

• All the materials and fixtures that meet project specifications
• The project completion date
• Which party will be responsible for obtaining and paying for all necessary licenses
• Whether or not the project site will be cleaned up and debris hauled away at the end of each work day
• The total clean up of project site once project has been completed
• Payment plan and amount of down payment

It is prudent not to easily settle for the lowest bid. The lowest bid may not always be the best bid. Here are some important points to consider:

• The vying contractors should be examined thoroughly and carefully to determine who will provide the service most fitted to your project.
• It is important that the contractor specify good quality materials for the project yet practical also in terms of costs.
• The contractor should be experienced and capable to meet the deadline of the project.

Only after careful considerations should the selection of the contractor be made. When the choice has been finalized, it is time to sit down together with the contractor for the purpose of obtaining a final plan, and the final project quotation based upon any plan revisions.