In most homes, a range hood is there to keep grease from accumulating on walls, paint from peeling and odors from taking over in a kitchen. However, a stylish range hood can completely transform the look of your kitchen and even become a focal point!

Style

The first thing that you need to decide is if you prefer a range that fits under a cabinet or one that is wall mounted. You also need to determine if your range will exhaust pollutants outside or if you’re going to buy a recirculating one.

Features

Some range hoods have dishwasher-safe filters which is rather convenient. You may also want to consider if you want one that is completely smooth or if you won’t mind getting a toothbrush out to scrub any grooves.

Would a remote control be handy or do you want one that turn on by itself when the heat sensors tell it to? You should also evaluate the lighting. A well lit cooking area allows you to really get a good look at the food you’re preparing.

Noise Level

If you find one on sale but the noise level is a little obnoxious, keep shopping. A great deal isn’t so spectacular when the volume on the television in the next room has to be turned up or if your guests have to talk over the noise. A range should never become a distraction!

It is interesting how many people devote a substantial amount of time and money into creating the perfect spa setting in their bathroom and then fall short on the simplest accessories. If you still have a generic chrome toothbrush holder screwed to your wall or if your soap is just sitting on the edge of your sink, you understand!

The stoneware bath accessories available from West Elm are the perfect compliment to any spa theme. The pieces are hand carved in India by stone artisans and the natural finish offers a clean, simplistic, earthy style. They are made from mint soapstone and the best thing about them is not only do they clean up easy, they are priced quite moderately. The prices rang from $10 to $19 and since they are all sold separately, you only have to buy what you need.

Think your soap dish isn’t important? Think again! When you have guests over, the bathroom is the one room where you can’t actually see their reaction to the decor. The small accents like this will allow you to feel confident that they most certainly are getting noticed. Not to mention, stone cleans off so much easier than plastic so soap scum doesn’t become an unattractive distraction! Take the time to put the finishing touches on your personal spa!

There are basically two types of outdoor showers, those that leave you fully exposed which are often used for rinsing off after a dip in the pool or those that are fully enclosed. Why would you want one if you don’t have a pool? Just because! An outdoor shower is a nice refreshing experience, out there with nature, the sun shining, cool breeze and listening to the birds.

Besides, an outdoor shower is ideal if you’re filthy from mowing the lawn or working in the yard or if you happen to work in construction or a factory, so you don’t have to get your indoor bathroom so dirty. Not to mention, they are the perfect place to give the dog a bath too! Whether it’s cold, hot, sunny or gently raining, there’s just something invigorating about showering outside.

Location is Key

How you are going to use the shower will influence the location. If it’s meant for guests to rinse off after swimming, a neutral location is fine. If it’s for personal use, aim for a location that offers natural surroundings. Of course, plumbing is going to ultimately dictate location but if you have a skilled plumber, things can be made to happen.

Wherever you install your outdoor shower, make sure that it offers plenty of ventilation. The space needs to be able to dry out thoroughly after use to prevent mildew and mold from accumulating.

If you haven’t tackled your landscaping yet because you think it’s not in your budget, you should know there are a few tricks you can use that are very inexpensive. You shouldn’t feel as though you have to splurge and buy everything all at one time either. Adding a few things here and there every week or every other week is often easier than paying for one big shopping spree.

Rocks and Stones

Borders, garden walkways and walls can be pretty expensive when you purchase commercial products. If you scout around and always ask permission, you’ll often find old bricks from structures that have been torn down that you can use for this purpose. Sure, they may be old but they have character! You can create walkways and even mock patio areas with stones and rocks as well which you can also often find for free.

Native Plants

You will find that native plants are not only traditionally inexpensive, they require less care. This means that you’re not having to water so much or buy fertilizer. You can often obtain seedlings or seeds from friends, family and neighbors if you ask around. Native plants traditionally resist disease and insects better as well. Keep in mind, the more plants, shrubs and trees you have, the less grass you have to maintain!

Experiment with Containers

If you do want to experiment with pricier plants, use containers for growing and place them around your landscaping. This will allow you to control and maintain them easier. Should you find that they do well in a certain location, you can always transplant them.

Make Use of Hedges

Hedges can outline your property, offer privacy and act as a sound barrier. Not to mention, those that stay full year round can help reduce your heating costs by blocking the cold winter wind when they’re strategically placed properly.

If you live in an apartment, condominium, loft, penthouse or if you’re just fortunate enough to have a balcony off your second floor master bedroom in your home, there are a lot of things you can do with that railing! Regardless if you have wood, wrought iron or anything else, there is plenty of decor that will look fantastic.

• Plant Containers – There are plant pots that attach to the inner side of your railing as well as ones pictured that sit on top. They are available in every color imaginable and they’ll allow your plants to get a bit of sunshine that they may not receive if they were placed on the ground with an overhead balcony or ceiling.

• Bird Feeders – Why not invite your feather-friends to share your balcony with you? There are even birdbaths available that you can attach to your railing.

• Lights – Not only can you hang string lights, there are very modern, block lights that fasten to the railing as well. The best thing about these is most are solar-powered so you don’t have to worry about fussing with electricity.

• Crystals – If you have a traditional railing with vertical spaces, why not hang a few crystals to catch the sun’s rays?

Why not spice up that railing? You can add a little pizazz to the outer side too! Make others looking up from the street wonder who the person is behind that fabulous balcony!

Every once in a while, one stumbles across a piece of furniture that you don’t know whether to use or just stand there and stare at. The Rose Table is one of those rare pieces! It’s organic and simple yet intricate and mysterious. It demands attention and draws you in without obnoxiously screaming, “Hey look at me!”

Designed by Ben Gabriel, the Rose Table is beyond special. Although when you look at it in the above picture, it appears curved, like it wouldn’t be functional but this is certainly not the case! If you view other photos of it, you will see that the table is surprisingly a flat surface. A piece of art that you can actually use! Always a bonus!

Made from yew, lacewood and American black walnut, the Rose Table is created in Ireland by its designer and hand delivered to his distributor to ensure that only a flawless product is sold to the customer. Can you imagine this jaw-dropping table in your living room? This is definitely a piece that would stop visitors in their tracks and put a smile on your face every time you look at it. Really, what’s not to love?

View additional photos and find out ordering information for the Rose Table at Where the Hat Is. You’ll also discover a few more pieces you just might have to have too like the Zig Zag Table or the Dandelion Stool!

While you may assume that bigger is better when shopping for a dining room table, you need to take the space into consideration. That gorgeous, extra wide table may look spectacular in the showroom but it will quickly dwarf a small room. Not to mention, you want your guests to be able to comfortably walk behind the chairs (not squeeze), even when they are occupied.

Average Size

Most dining room tables measure around 30 inches tall with an average width of 36 to 42 inches. While that may not seem like a big difference, six inches can have a positive or negative effect on a room. Unless you absolutely have to, avoid tables that are narrower than 30 inches as things tend to get a little cramped if you have all of the seats filled.

Round or Square?

Although square tables tend to be preferred, if you do a lot of entertaining, round dining room tables are actually ideal because your guests can chat a little easier. Not to mention, since they sit on a pedestal, there are no legs to take up extra space. If you love the look of a traditional square table that seats four people but you know that on occasion you like to invite over an extra couple, consider buying one with a leaf that can be added and invest in two additional chairs that you can store in the spare room.

The Extras

If you have a rug under your dining room table, it needs to measure at least four feet wider and longer than the table. This will allow room on all sides. No one enjoys sitting in a chair half on and half off of a rug.

Also, if you have a large chandelier, your dining room table needs to be 12 inches wider than the piece. This will balance the room and ensure that no one hits their head when they stand up.

At first glance, the Puff Light pictured above probably looks a little like something you would have hanging in the shower, right? Well, this is not a loofah! Created by Josh Urso Design, this sculptural pendant lamp is made from resin-impregnated fabric that is strategically arranged into a spherical burst.

The Puff Light is available in 24 different colors and patterns, all offering a nice rich texture. So, whether you are looking for a yellow light to go with your country cottage theme, a moss green color to compliment your spa decor or a black and white print to become a focal point in a contemporary room, there is a fabric available for you in a Puff Light!

These fresh and fun lights are environmentally-friendly, come with CFL bulbs and all the hardware that you need for hanging. Don’t let the flirtation of this piece fool you into thinking that it won’t dent your pocket book though, the Puff Light is anything from cheap! They range from $770 for a 10-inch light up to $5,280 for one that is 4-feet. Can you imagine one of these whimsical lights hanging from your ceiling that is that big? Your neighbors would have a hard time topping this one! View all of the available colors of the Puff Light and Plush Pod.

If you are thinking that you’re ready to give your living room a modern look, you may feel like a fish out of water. For many people, this is a huge transition! If you have found yourself a little lost and don’t quite know where to begin you should know that there are many variations to the word modern. So, if you are struggling to fit into a cookie-cutter theme, relax and enjoy your redecorating. Chances are, you’re trying way too hard!

Minimalist

For the less is more look, you have to be ready to completely commit to clutter-free living. You can’t have a minimalist room with unnecessary items laying around. Aim to stick with three colors but you can bring a few extra colors in with artistic pieces. Sofas should be plain with straight lines, patterns really have no home here.

Feng Shui

The goal with Feng Shui is to create a perfect balance. You don’t want all straight lines. You need to add in a few rounded items such as bean bag chair, round mirror, sphere or round stainless steel serving tray. Earth, water, fire, metal and wood are the five elements of Feng Shui. Ideally you will incorporate these into the room. Adding a water feature, tabletop fireplace, stone tiles and clay pots will help you achieve the look!

Urban

Think texture and aim for pieces that remind you of countries such as Italy or Belgium. Glass, ceramic and metals should be scattered throughout the room and don’t forget vibrant pieces of art and pillows, rugs and curtains in various colors and textures!

Glass cabinet doors are stunning (in the showroom)! Have you ever noticed how when you see them online or in a magazine, everything on the shelves is so neat and perfectly arranged? It is as if plates, bowls and stemware are all strategically placed precisely to create pieces of art. Now, go open all of your cupboards. If you are like most others, everything is probably crammed in there. Perhaps you even had to dodge a few falling Tupperware lids that were being held in place by the door?

If you love the look of glass cabinets, the designer kitchens at SN Collections would be a great place to start getting ideas from. If you aren’t ready for such a commitment of that level of organization, there are solutions!

Frosted Window Film

Applying a frosted window film panel to the inside of the glass will obscure the view to the inside completely. They offer an illusion of expensive etching without the huge project.

Paper Lining

This can be done to all of your glass cabinets for only a few dollars. Cut rice paper just slightly larger than the glass and hold it in place with double-sided tape. Paper lining offers a very organic appearance.

Fabric Lining

Have a country cottage kitchen theme or do you want to experiment with bold colors or patterns? Cut the piece of fabric so it is twice as wide as the cabinet, gather it and staple in place. You can even make them look like their curtains and leave a little glass peeking through. This will still hide the mess without completely blocking the glass.

Stained or Leaded Glass

If you receive a lot of natural sunlight in your kitchen, these are ideal! The light will hit the stained glass and bring your kitchen to life! Think Tuscany at sunrise!

Do you wish that you could just have one element in your home that none of your family, friends or neighbors could outdo you with? Well, if you want to stand out and you’re willing to pay a pretty penny to do so, Budri is an Italian company that can certainly make it happen!

The marble inlay floor pictured is just one of the exciting projects that they have in their portfolio. Whether you want your floor, walls or entire bathroom to become a piece of art, they have the designers that can make it happen.

Who is Budri?

Budri has more than 50 years of experience working stone and marble and 20 years perfecting their artistic inlay skills. Every project, whether it is a piece of furniture or an entire room is tailor-made like a fine Italian suit in a way that only they can perfect.

Your project would begin with a private consultation with one of their architects who would ultimately be behind the design that is created for you. Materials and finishes are selected and they work very closely with their customers throughout the entire process.

They offer three primary collections being Budri Home, Budri Classic and Budri Woogie from some of the world’s most brilliant designers including Marco Piva, Patricia Urquiola, Massimo Iosa Ghini, Peia Associati and Uainot Architetti. To learn more about their unparalleled work in marble and stone inlay, visit the Budri website.

Have you been wanting to experiment with a new color or even repaint for freshness but that tall vaulted ceiling is getting in your way? Painting this type of ceiling can seem like a monumental size project but with a little guidance, you can get it done!

Prepare the Room

Keep in mind that as neat as you may be at painting walls, vaulted ceilings are an entirely different story. There is a lot of potential for long drips that pick up speed on the way down and splatter hard on impact! Move what you can out of the room, take everything off of your walls and cover everything that is left (including the floor) with tarps.

You also want to get a cleaning device with a very long pole and clean away those cobwebs. Lastly, apply painter’s tape on all of the walls and molding that meet up with the ceiling.

Will Your Ladder Reach?

Depending on how high your ceilings are and how tall your ladder is, you may be all set to begin. Keep in mind that you want to be able to reach the highest point without risking standing on top of the ladder which is never safe! If you can’t reach, you can rent scaffolding or borrow a taller ladder from someone.

Painting

Paint the edges first using a paint brush, not a roller. This will allow you to get right up close to the painter’s tape without risking making contact with the walls. Using a roller brush on an extension, paint the ceiling from one end to the other, making sure that there are no bubbles. If you need a second coat, give the first coat time to dry so you can really get a good visual of any spots that you may have missed.

Painting a vaulted ceiling may be a bit of a pain but you’ll be glad you did it every time you look up or your guests comment on how spectacular the color is!