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.

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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.”

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“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.

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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

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