House & Garden

A Simple Guide to Electric BBQs: Buying & Maintenance Tips

If you like your food grilled but don’t want to go through the hassle of standing there and doing it yourself, an electric barbecue may be the best solution for you. These great appliances don’t pollute the air, they are easy to clean and simple to prepare for cooking. They are ideal if you are a beginner who wants to start cooking and enjoy delicious foods without having to slave in the kitchen for hours. But as is with most things, learning a new skill requires some patience and knowledge. Here are some simple tips to help you kickstart your new grilling journey. Read More →

Coffee Tables: Interior Design Guidelines to Make them Stand Out

Coffee tables have a prominent place in the living room, so both their look and functionality matter a lot. The secret lies in finding the perfect balance between making the table look attractive and stylish without disrupting the flow of the rest of the room. It all needs to fall into place and create one complete image. Here are a few pointers that can get you inspired. Read More →

PV Solar Panels Maintenance Tips – a Short & Simple Guide

Once installed, solar panels work entirely on their own to collect the sun’s rays and put them to good use. And while they’re an ideal addition to your home’s electricity system, what about their maintenance? Although most suppliers offer repair and maintenance services, these are mostly meant for highly technical issues, which we hope you won’t have to deal with. Still, there are some things that you can do on your own to ensure your panels will be able to run at their most efficient level, which can make them last up to 25 years. Read More →

The Future of Construction: A Simple Guide to Prefab Homes

You’ve always had a clear idea of how you wanted your future home to look like, and now it’s finally time to make it a reality. Unlike buying or renting a property, building a home from scratch is the best way to tailor your living space to your precise needs and wishes. But constructing a house the traditional way is a time-consuming and expensive task, which is why you’re having second thoughts about it. Read More →

A Simple Guide to Choosing the Best Bathtub Water Spout for Your Needs

When it comes to buying a bathtub spout, there’s basically no limit to what you can purchase. There are so many finishes, styles and price points to consider. If you want to replace your old one with a similar model then you probably know what you’re looking for. On the other hand, if you’re in the middle of a complete remodeling of your bathroom and want to buy a completely different type and style of bathtub spout then there are some key factors you should consider.

Installation

There are different types of bathtub water spout models all requiring different installation methods. For instance, a bathtub spout that is a combination of a tub and a shower should be installed on the wall (although you can also find some tap-mounted options). Usually, these sets consist of a showerhead, one or two handles (one stationary and one is hand-held) and a tub spout. Another type is wall-mounted spouts – the are usually installed above the bathtub and when installed the proper way they evoke a sense of luxury.

Free-standing tub spouts are available in single and two-handle configurations while some models come with a handheld showerhead for easy rinsing. Deck mounted tub spouts are either mounted right to the tub or on the deck surface. If you enjoy taking a relaxing bath you will love these fixtures as they offer more room to stretch and soak.

Style

Style is also an important factor to consider. Contemporary style spouts feature reflective surfaces, curves, and have a sleek design. Rustic models are warm and clean evoking a feel of a quieter, simpler time. Modern spout options are usually sharp angled along with gleaming surfaces and geometric angles. Transitional models are simple without a lot of details.

Finish

Even though the fixture may be hidden behind the shower curtain, matching the style and finish of it to the bathroom’s existing style and decor is a good idea. Mixing metals is very trendy right now, but if you are not really sure how to do it, consult with a professional. On the other hand, a matte black bathtub water spout and brushed gold hardware work great together because these two finishes complement each other. A mix of brushed nickel faucets and polished chrome creates a very nice profile as they are two sides of the same colour family.

If you are buying a new bathtub spout to replace the old one, make sure you know the brand of your current fixture and buy a new one of the same brand. This way you won’t have to replace the valve that is hidden behind the wall and do extra work.

A Simple Guide to Buying and Maintaining a Salt Water Chlorinator

Keeping your swimming pool safe from contamination typically involves using chlorine to deal with bacteria and other microorganisms. However, as great as chlorine may be for this purpose, it does have some drawbacks. For that reason, many homeowners are turning to an alternative solution – the swimming pool salt water chlorinator. A salt water chlorinator takes advantage of dissolved salt as a means of cleaning the pool. Although it still contains chlorine, the way in which the chlorine is created is an entirely different process.

Read More →

Simple Guide to All the Specifics of Growing a Rubber Tree Plant

You know you’re truly a grown up once you start taking care of other things besides yourself like for instance, houseplants. For years I thought my black thumb was preventing me from enjoying luscious greenery in my home, but it turned out, I was wrong. You see, it’s not that difficult to grow a houseplant once you choose the right one. Plus, I have killed enough plants in the past to know which species are difficult and which ones are super easy to take care of. Today, I’d like to introduce you to the high impact member of my low maintenance green family – the rubber tree plant. Read More →

Outdoor Furniture: A Simple Guide to Side Tables

Your living space does not have to end at your front door. Everyone should strive to extend their comfort zone far beyond the “Welcome” mat and onto the front porch, deck, or patio because that’s still your space and you should make the most out of it. After all, it’s summer, and what’s the use of it if you’re not able to host garden parties, barbecues, and simply enjoy the fresh air every single chance you get?

However, in order to do so, you’ll need to pick some great outdoor furniture pieces that will bring comfort, style and function to your spot under the stars. A staple piece of any outdoor lounge area are side tables as they help capture that living room ambiance and establish a gathering point. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes which makes it even easier to choose one that will best fit in your space.

Consider the material that you want your outdoor side table to be made from and make a smart choice on this one as the unavoidable rain and piercing UV rays will adversely affect its look and longevity. If you’re looking for quality, teak is the material that tends to wear most gracefully when being left outdoors for long periods of time, even after a couple of years. On the other hand, many pieces made of timber can have the lifespan of a banana. So, why is teak so much different?

The reason teak is considered as the best choice for not only outdoor side tables, but all kinds of outdoor furniture as well, is that it contains high amounts of naturally occurring rubber and oils which can serve as a shield against everything that nature might throw its way. Teak can ensure that your centrepiece side table is protected against water, insects, rot, and chipping paint, allowing you to enjoy an investment that lasts longer.

You’ll be using your outdoor area to relax, so of course you’d want to make it as comfortable and inviting as possible. Even if you have no space for chairs, you can use several bulky cushions and place them around the side table. Not only does this set up look quite interesting and comfortable, it can also contribute to a very intimate feel which is especially welcome during warm summer nights. Add some candles and wine to the mix and you have the perfect romantic atmosphere.

And finally, outdoor side tables need just as much colour and details as living room side tables do. Add playful décor pieces like a tray or a vase full of fresh flowers. You can also add a bold rug underneath the side table or under your whole seating area to give the space a light and colourful touch.

A Simple Guide to Dealing with Hot Tub Leaks

A hot tub was something I wanted for years. But living in a tiny apartment in the city meant I could barely squeeze a sofa, let along a whole hot tub. Imagine my delight when I finally moved into my new house and discovered how enormous my terrace was. There was only one thing on my mind – Finally, I have the perfect place to make my wish a reality. And oh, how amazing it is to have a hot tub on your terrace. You get to soak in warm, bubbly water while you soak up the delightful sun rays. This, combined with a spectacular view makes for quite a magical feeling. If you ever have the opportunity to add a hot tub to your terrace, I strongly encourage you to do so. Read More →