Sorry do you want me to whisper? HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Sorry, sorry, I'll be quiet now. I hope you all had an splendid evening and feel ready to greet 2016. I thought you might not necessarily be feeling up to much so I thought I'd point you in the direction of the most popular post in the Mad House last year: How to choose the right shade of grey paint. I've updated it with new images so even if you've already read it, it might look different. And, who knows perhaps this is the year you'll decide to redecorate and bring a little grey into your own homes.
It's full of restful pictures, lots of images and a little linky to my forthcoming book Shades of Grey. Have a lovely day and I wish you all the very best for 2016. Click the link to read more about finding the right grey paint
Sorry do you want me to whisper? HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Sorry, sorry, I’ll be quiet now. I hope you all had an splendid evening and feel ready to greet 2016. I thought you might not necessarily be feeling up to much so I thought I’d point you in the direction of the most popular post in the Mad House last year: How to choose the right shade of grey paint. I’ve updated it with new images so even if you’ve already read it, it might look different. And, who knows perhaps this is the year you’ll decide to redecorate and bring a little grey into your own homes.
It’s full of restful pictures, lots of images and a little linky to my forthcoming book Shades of Grey. Have a lovely day and I wish you all the very best for 2016. Click the link to read more about finding the right grey paint
2015 was another year filled with interesting opportunities and visits to far-flung places around the world, including trips to Japan, Singapore, UAE and the Maldives, as well as many much closer to home, including several trips around the UK. My photography continues to need some fine tuning (I will be going on a course in […]
2015 was another year filled with interesting opportunities and visits to far-flung places around the world, including trips to Japan, Singapore, UAE and the Maldives, as well as many much closer to home, including several trips around the UK. My photography continues to need some fine tuning (I will be going on a course in […]
I suppose the first question most people ask me is why should I go all the way to Canada to ski when I can easily drive to the Alps? For me, the answer is easy although it comes in several parts. People also ask about the cold. Of course it is cold, you need cool weather […]
I suppose the first question most people ask me is why should I go all the way to Canada to ski when I can easily drive to the Alps? For me, the answer is easy although it comes in several parts. People also ask about the cold. Of course it is cold, you need cool weather […]
Discerning travellers are becoming increasingly hard to impress; impeccable service, fancy bathroom toiletries and spacious rooms are all taken for granted when you stay at a 5-star hotel. But there's one room type that even the most hard-to-please globetrotters still get excited about: the pool villa. There's something about staying somewhere with your very own […]
Discerning travellers are becoming increasingly hard to impress; impeccable service, fancy bathroom toiletries and spacious rooms are all taken for granted when you stay at a 5-star hotel. But there’s one room type that even the most hard-to-please globetrotters still get excited about: the pool villa. There’s something about staying somewhere with your very own […]
I know I say it every year, but I can't believe that 2015 is over. I feel like it really flew by with no time to do any of the things I promised myself I would do, but when I...
I know I say it every year, but I can’t believe that 2015 is over. I feel like it really flew by with no time to do any of the things I promised myself I would do, but when I...
Rome has seven hills, and countless spectacular views. Some of them are famous, and discovered by every eager tourist, such as the view of the Roman Forum from the Capitoline Hill, while others are harder to find. Even if you think you know the city well, you might suddenly be surprised. Turn into an ordinary […]
Rome has seven hills, and countless spectacular views. Some of them are famous, and discovered by every eager tourist, such as the view of the Roman Forum from the Capitoline Hill, while others are harder to find. Even if you think you know the city well, you might suddenly be surprised. Turn into an ordinary […]
The Italian Lakes are a huge attraction for both Italians and international jet-setters wishing to soak up chic Italian style, cuisine, relaxation and stunning natural beauty. There are five major lakes in the Italian Lake District but it is the two most iconic – Lake Como and Lake Garda – which have seen a popular […]
The Italian Lakes are a huge attraction for both Italians and international jet-setters wishing to soak up chic Italian style, cuisine, relaxation and stunning natural beauty. There are five major lakes in the Italian Lake District but it is the two most iconic – Lake Como and Lake Garda – which have seen a popular […]
Whew – I can’t believe Christmas is over. I hope yours was a good one! We had a ton of food, as per usual, and I’m not embarrassed to admit that I had a legit food coma. I’m talking about seriously...
Whew – I can't believe Christmas is over. I hope yours was a good one! We had a ton of food, as per usual, and I'm not embarrassed to admit that I had a legit food coma. I'm talking about seriously...
This 15th Century Inca site is one of the 7 New Wonders of the World and it's truly breathtaking place. Most of the travelers say that this is the most memorable sight they have been to. Machu Picchu is one of the most familiar symbols of the Incan Empire and also one of the most […]
This 15th Century Inca site is one of the 7 New Wonders of the World and it’s truly breathtaking place. Most of the travelers say that this is the most memorable sight they have been to. Machu Picchu is one of the most familiar symbols of the Incan Empire and also one of the most […]
This grey rug is actually a large piece of carpet with pink edging to match the fireplace, image by James Balston
Last, but by no means least in my list of Top Ten Interior Design Tips, is this: pay attention to the details. Some of these can be money-saving devices and others are just tiny ways that other people might not even notice but you will and it will make your home feel and look better.
For example; I have changed all the plastic cords on my pendant lights to fabric. It costs less than a fiver a metre and it makes a real difference. There are dozens of colours available so you can make a statement with bright pink or red( I have done both of those) or keep it simple with black. I have done that too. It's even cheaper if you know how to wire it yourself, which I (sadly) don't but I think I might make it one of my New Year resolutions, seeing as we seem to have arrived at that time of the year.
Another idea is to create a giant rug. Rugs can be expensive but in my spare room I bought a remnant of grey carpet and had the edges bound in a contrasting bright pink colour, which goes with the fireplace. It was so much cheaper than buying a rug would have been and it would be relatively easy to change the colour if I changed the decor of the room.
It's little details like that that will make your home seem well thought out and considered and that, my friends, is what we are aiming for. Think creatively, you might be amazed at what you come up with.
This grey rug is actually a large piece of carpet with pink edging to match the fireplace, image by James Balston
Last, but by no means least in my list of Top Ten Interior Design Tips, is this: pay attention to the details. Some of these can be money-saving devices and others are just tiny ways that other people might not even notice but you will and it will make your home feel and look better.
For example; I have changed all the plastic cords on my pendant lights to fabric. It costs less than a fiver a metre and it makes a real difference. There are dozens of colours available so you can make a statement with bright pink or red( I have done both of those) or keep it simple with black. I have done that too. It’s even cheaper if you know how to wire it yourself, which I (sadly) don’t but I think I might make it one of my New Year resolutions, seeing as we seem to have arrived at that time of the year.
Another idea is to create a giant rug. Rugs can be expensive but in my spare room I bought a remnant of grey carpet and had the edges bound in a contrasting bright pink colour, which goes with the fireplace. It was so much cheaper than buying a rug would have been and it would be relatively easy to change the colour if I changed the decor of the room.
It’s little details like that that will make your home seem well thought out and considered and that, my friends, is what we are aiming for. Think creatively, you might be amazed at what you come up with.
Croatia has 8 beautiful national parks and this is a well known fact, but what makes them special? If I had to summarise it in one word it would be ‘diversity’. The national parks of Croatia offer a variety of landscapes, from beautiful islands of crystal clear Adriatic sea, inland lakes with stunning waterfalls and […]
Croatia has 8 beautiful national parks and this is a well known fact, but what makes them special? If I had to summarise it in one word it would be 'diversity'. The national parks of Croatia offer a variety of landscapes, from beautiful islands of crystal clear Adriatic sea, inland lakes with stunning waterfalls and […]
Now I'll be honest here, this is one of those tips that I preach but don't necessarily practice. I'm always intending to do it and I know people who and I'm full of admiration but, here in the Mad House, we haven't quite pulled this one off yet.
It's another of those brilliant Scandinavian habits that we're quite keen on the UK, and elsewhere come to that. So where you would have lots of warm cosy textiles in winter; think knitted cushions, faux fur throws, velvet and cashmere all layered onto your sofa for maximum cosiness, in summer you simply change them for lots of cotton and linen and lighter materials.
The Finns change their curtains seasonally too from heavy winter drapes to lighter muslin ones in summer. The Danes don't go in for curtains so that one doesn't apply for them. We have plain white blinds in every room so there's nothing for me to change there. You can also change rugs over too. After all, storing a rug rolled up under a bed doesn't take up much room and the same for cushion covers.
Hmm, perhaps I really will get round to it this year. After all, once the days start to get longer again who doesn't yearn for a little seasonal refresh to let the light in?
This post was a little hard to illustrate so I borrowed the images from Emily Henderson, a stying genius who is quoted in my book (look out for that in February) as she did this post on styling one sofa four different ways and I thought it would give you the gist of what I was talking about.
Now I’ll be honest here, this is one of those tips that I preach but don’t necessarily practice. I’m always intending to do it and I know people who and I’m full of admiration but, here in the Mad House, we haven’t quite pulled this one off yet.
It’s another of those brilliant Scandinavian habits that we’re quite keen on the UK, and elsewhere come to that. So where you would have lots of warm cosy textiles in winter; think knitted cushions, faux fur throws, velvet and cashmere all layered onto your sofa for maximum cosiness, in summer you simply change them for lots of cotton and linen and lighter materials.
The Finns change their curtains seasonally too from heavy winter drapes to lighter muslin ones in summer. The Danes don’t go in for curtains so that one doesn’t apply for them. We have plain white blinds in every room so there’s nothing for me to change there. You can also change rugs over too. After all, storing a rug rolled up under a bed doesn’t take up much room and the same for cushion covers.
Hmm, perhaps I really will get round to it this year. After all, once the days start to get longer again who doesn’t yearn for a little seasonal refresh to let the light in?
This post was a little hard to illustrate so I borrowed the images from Emily Henderson, a stying genius who is quoted in my book (look out for that in February) as she did this post on styling one sofa four different ways and I thought it would give you the gist of what I was talking about.
Negotiation is the art of letting other people have your way
I've been investing a lot of my time into sales training books and programs these days. My favorite sales coach is Grant Cardone, aka Uncle G. I've listened to all of his books via Audible.com and I love the content on there.
One of the key things I learned from him is to always agree with the other party in negotiations.
You're probably thinking,
Then how do you win in the negotiation if you agree with the other party?
Here's the key. Your agreement is just you acknowledging the other party's statement or position. For example: if a buyer says "that dress is too expensive", you say "I agree" which means you agree that the buyer thinks the dress is too expensive but the buyer never asked for your opinion. You might think it's cheap, but you agreeing to the buyer's statement helps the buyer feel that you are acknowledging their opinion.
Or you may also think the dress is expensive and agree that you think it's expensive as well. Consumers buy expensive things all the time. Companies wouldn't price their products that way if no one was gonna buy them.
Negotiation is the art of letting other people have your way
I’ve been investing a lot of my time into sales training books and programs these days. My favorite sales coach is Grant Cardone, aka Uncle G. I’ve listened to all of his books via Audible.com and I love the content on there.
One of the key things I learned from him is to always agree with the other party in negotiations.
You’re probably thinking,
Then how do you win in the negotiation if you agree with the other party?
Here’s the key. Your agreement is just you acknowledging the other party’s statement or position. For example: if a buyer says “that dress is too expensive”, you say “I agree” which means you agree that the buyer thinks the dress is too expensive but the buyer never asked for your opinion. You might think it’s cheap, but you agreeing to the buyer’s statement helps the buyer feel that you are acknowledging their opinion.
Or you may also think the dress is expensive and agree that you think it’s expensive as well. Consumers buy expensive things all the time. Companies wouldn’t price their products that way if no one was gonna buy them.
Truth be told, there are far more than five perks to staying in the best safari lodges and camps. Like at all top-end resorts, the beds will be plush and clad with the finest linens and the decor will be stunning. At top end safari camps, meals are paired with delectable wines and post-meal digestives are enjoyed […]
Truth be told, there are far more than five perks to staying in the best safari lodges and camps. Like at all top-end resorts, the beds will be plush and clad with the finest linens and the decor will be stunning. At top end safari camps, meals are paired with delectable wines and post-meal digestives are enjoyed […]
December is busy with holiday festivities, but it's also the month when Pantone, the leading authority on colour, announces its decision for the coveted title of Colour of the Year. The choice for the coming year–or more accurately, choices–has created quite the uproar in the fashion and design world.
That's right. Pantone selected TWO colours to share the spotlight in 2016: Rose Quartz and Serenity.
As consumers seek mindfulness and well-being as an antidote to modern day stresses, welcoming colors that psychologically fulfill our yearning for reassurance and security are becoming more prominent. Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace.
Pastel shades of pink and blue, this color pairing is a huge departure from Pantone's announcement of bright Radiant Orchid in 2014 and deep Marsala in 2015. While many are jumping to conclusions about the political and cultural implications of Pantone's decision, we're here to tell you what you really want to know: how to incorporate the Colour of the Year into your Vancouver area home's decor.
Whether in soft or hard surface material, the pairing of Rose Quartz and Serenity brings calm and relaxation. Appealing in all finishes, matte, metallic and glossy, the engaging combo joins easily with other mid-tones including greens and purples, rich browns, and all shades of yellow and pink. Add in silver or hot brights for more splash and sparkle.
If pastels aren't your thing, then go bold! No one's stopping you from using Pantone's idea of contrasting pink and blue with vivid shades. In fact, every year designers all over the world come up with their own personal take on how to use the Colour of the Year to inspire their work. The creator of this living space back dropped it with dark blue and then carefully chose decor elements–like the white faux deer head and hot pink chair–for a result that is nothing short of fabulous!
And with the ample light this open-concept space receives, they chose roller shades–simple in both function and design–that won't take away from the look of this home. If you're inspired, our selection of custom drapes, blinds and accessories can help you find your own way of using the Colour of the Year to design a space that's all yours and everything you want it to be. We'll be on the lookout for how Rose Quartz and Serenity make their way into next year's clothing lines and interiors. But, we'll also be on the lookout for you!
December is busy with holiday festivities, but it’s also the month when Pantone, the leading authority on colour, announces its decision for the coveted title of Colour of the Year. The choice for the coming year–or more accurately, choices–has created quite the uproar in the fashion and design world.
That’s right. Pantone selected TWO colours to share the spotlight in 2016: Rose Quartz and Serenity.
As consumers seek mindfulness and well-being as an antidote to modern day stresses, welcoming colors that psychologically fulfill our yearning for reassurance and security are becoming more prominent. Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace.
Pastel shades of pink and blue, this color pairing is a huge departure from Pantone’s announcement of bright Radiant Orchid in 2014 and deep Marsala in 2015. While many are jumping to conclusions about the political and cultural implications of Pantone’s decision, we’re here to tell you what you really want to know: how to incorporate the Colour of the Year into your Vancouver area home’s decor.
Whether in soft or hard surface material, the pairing of Rose Quartz and Serenity brings calm and relaxation. Appealing in all finishes, matte, metallic and glossy, the engaging combo joins easily with other mid-tones including greens and purples, rich browns, and all shades of yellow and pink. Add in silver or hot brights for more splash and sparkle.
If pastels aren’t your thing, then go bold! No one’s stopping you from using Pantone’s idea of contrasting pink and blue with vivid shades. In fact, every year designers all over the world come up with their own personal take on how to use the Colour of the Year to inspire their work. The creator of this living space back dropped it with dark blue and then carefully chose decor elements–like the white faux deer head and hot pink chair–for a result that is nothing short of fabulous!
And with the ample light this open-concept space receives, they chose roller shades–simple in both function and design–that won’t take away from the look of this home. If you’re inspired, our selection of custom drapes, blinds and accessories can help you find your own way of using the Colour of the Year to design a space that’s all yours and everything you want it to be.
We’ll be on the lookout for how Rose Quartz and Serenity make their way into next year’s clothing lines and interiors. But, we’ll also be on the lookout for you!
Today marks 10 years to the day that I started A Luxury Travel Blog. Back then, it was something I did on my lunch breaks out of personal interest and as a bit of a hobby – little did I realise then that it would take off to the extent that it did, and become […]
Today marks 10 years to the day that I started A Luxury Travel Blog. Back then, it was something I did on my lunch breaks out of personal interest and as a bit of a hobby – little did I realise then that it would take off to the extent that it did, and become […]
via decoholic.org the mismatched chairs are broadly similar and in monochrome colours to tie the scheme together and the matching pendant lights work as a balance to the mismatch below
Which is a not very elegant way of saying that buying a three piece suite is lazy and looks like you haven't thought about it. It gives the impression that you just loaded the whole thing into the cart (virtual or otherwise) and didn't give it another thought. You don't need a three piece suite, you need a sofa and two chairs. You can have two matching sofas and a different chair if you like. But the point is that it should look like three individual pieces of furniture that you thought about, cared about and made a decision about.
Now, in recent years, this has become a bit of a trend when it comes to kitchen chairs with a passion for all differents sorts that look like they were salvaged from various different skips in the neighbourhood. That was probably charming when the first few people did it but it's become rather a cliche and now looks like you are trying too hard to be fashionable.
I know, it's a minefield this decorating lark. So here's the thing: you can have say two matching Eames chairs at the ends of the table (reasonable because more than that would cost a fortune) and four different chairs round the sides (two might be more realistic looking at the size of my own table, but you get the drift). Or have six matching chairs in different colours. In other words, six mismatched chairs is a cliche, one pair and four others is better.
Back in the sitting room, try to have theme of shape or fabric to tie your furniture together. A grey sofa, a grey and white patterned armchair and a plain chair with wooden arms. For example. Something that basically – and this is another rule – looks like you meant it.
You can have two lamps at different heights and styles with matching lampshades. All your cushions can be different. If you have a pair of chair you can paint the legs of one of them a different colour. I have a pair of chairs in my house which I bought specifically because they came with different coloured legs. They don't sell them any more but you could DIY it.
By which I mean: you can be as mismatched as you like but it has to look like there was a decision, a thought process, a reason for what you have done. Otherwise it's just lifting from the catalogue and now that there's so much choice there's no need to do that any more.
via decoholic.org the mismatched chairs are broadly similar and in monochrome colours to tie the scheme together and the matching pendant lights work as a balance to the mismatch below
Which is a not very elegant way of saying that buying a three piece suite is lazy and looks like you haven’t thought about it. It gives the impression that you just loaded the whole thing into the cart (virtual or otherwise) and didn’t give it another thought. You don’t need a three piece suite, you need a sofa and two chairs. You can have two matching sofas and a different chair if you like. But the point is that it should look like three individual pieces of furniture that you thought about, cared about and made a decision about.
Now, in recent years, this has become a bit of a trend when it comes to kitchen chairs with a passion for all differents sorts that look like they were salvaged from various different skips in the neighbourhood. That was probably charming when the first few people did it but it’s become rather a cliche and now looks like you are trying too hard to be fashionable.
I know, it’s a minefield this decorating lark. So here’s the thing: you can have say two matching Eames chairs at the ends of the table (reasonable because more than that would cost a fortune) and four different chairs round the sides (two might be more realistic looking at the size of my own table, but you get the drift). Or have six matching chairs in different colours. In other words, six mismatched chairs is a cliche, one pair and four others is better.
Back in the sitting room, try to have theme of shape or fabric to tie your furniture together. A grey sofa, a grey and white patterned armchair and a plain chair with wooden arms. For example. Something that basically – and this is another rule – looks like you meant it.
You can have two lamps at different heights and styles with matching lampshades. All your cushions can be different. If you have a pair of chair you can paint the legs of one of them a different colour. I have a pair of chairs in my house which I bought specifically because they came with different coloured legs. They don’t sell them any more but you could DIY it.
By which I mean: you can be as mismatched as you like but it has to look like there was a decision, a thought process, a reason for what you have done. Otherwise it’s just lifting from the catalogue and now that there’s so much choice there’s no need to do that any more.
How to open a locked bathroom lock or bedroom lock video Part 1 by Mr. Locksmith. At Mr. Locksmith I get several calls a week from customers locked out of Bathroom or Bedrooms. Most of the bathroom locks are very simple to open. This short video is to help you open the 99 percent of bathroom locks.
How to open a locked bathroom lock or bedroom lock video Part 1 by Mr. Locksmith. At Mr. Locksmith I get several calls a week from customers locked out of Bathroom or Bedrooms. Most of the bathroom locks are very simple to open. This short video is to help you open the 99 percent of bathroom locks.
The rural village of Grindelwald rests peacefully in a hollow at the upper end of a 16 km valley. Grindelwald literally means ‘a forested valley closed off from the rest of the world’ – what a fitting name! Over the ages the massive Eiger and Fiescherhörner, Faulhorn and Schwarzhorn, Scheidegg, Tschuggen and Männlichen mountains have […]
The rural village of Grindelwald rests peacefully in a hollow at the upper end of a 16 km valley. Grindelwald literally means 'a forested valley closed off from the rest of the world' – what a fitting name! Over the ages the massive Eiger and Fiescherhörner, Faulhorn and Schwarzhorn, Scheidegg, Tschuggen and Männlichen mountains have […]
Barcelona has plenty to see and do all year round, and winter is no exception. The city is filled with a cosmopolitan buzz, and shoppers can enjoy browsing the markets and high streets looking for New Year bargains. You'll also find plenty of delicious treats can always be found in the bars and restaurants for whenever you need a […]
Barcelona has plenty to see and do all year round, and winter is no exception. The city is filled with a cosmopolitan buzz, and shoppers can enjoy browsing the markets and high streets looking for New Year bargains. You’ll also find plenty of delicious treats can always be found in the bars and restaurants for whenever you need a […]
Though Christmas is finished for this year, its spirit lingers in our streets. You might be a bit frustrated with your gifts, or you can also regret you did not take enough time to choose the right present for the right person. Don’t worry; here are three of our more historical brands and shops in Paris […]
Though Christmas is finished for this year, its spirit lingers in our streets. You might be a bit frustrated with your gifts, or you can also regret you did not take enough time to choose the right present for the right person. Don't worry; here are three of our more historical brands and shops in Paris […]
Many people have questions about Eco Friendly Toilets or low flow toilets and how they work and if they are any good. In our youtube interview with Aaron Gruenke from Perfectbath.com we debuff the misconseptions surrounding dual flush toilets and how they work and what features to look for in a quality Eco Friendly dual flush toilet.
Here is an excerpt transcript of the interview below:
Rob Green: Hey, there! Rob here and I am here with Aaron from PerfectBath. I wanted to ask a few questions around Eco-friendly toilets and answer some of the common questions and frequently asked questions that people have when they are stopping and considering an Eco-friendly toilet. Thank you so much for joining me here in Aaron and how is your day so far?
Aaron from www.perfectbath.com: Oh, it is great. I am always happy to help you out there Rob answer your questions and everybody else questions.
Rob Green: Awesome. Awesome. Can we start off with… I guess what is an Eco-friendly toilet. What makes a toilet Eco-friendly?
Aaron from www.perfectbath.com: Well, that is something that is kind of a new buzzword. A buzzword that people are using. That term is “Eco-friendly”. What it really amounts to is the toilets that use a lot less water. There are more water efficient. They are more friendly to the environment and that is what Eco-friendly toilet is. The new toilets they use 3-5 L of water versus the old ones that use half a lake. You know, it is 11 to 15 L per flush. So, these are using just a small portion but they still perform just as well or better than the old toilets.
Rob Green: Well, that is awesome. Along the idea of Eco-friendly toilets. I’ve heard the term WaterSence. Is it a certification or something? I’ve had questions around what water since really is.
Aaron from www.perfectbath.com: Yes, so the water since certification. It started in California and it is a rating of high quality toilets that perform well on less water. So, when you have that rating of the water since you will qualify for a rebate from your municipality. There is a benefit to making sure that you using a Water-Sense rated toilet because you do get that rebate for changing out a toilet in your home.
Rob Green: Very cool. Very cool. When we are talking about Eco-friendly. A lot of times you hear people talk about a dual flush versus a single flush toilet. When it comes to that. It is intuitive what that means but do they work how they say they do? I’ve heard horror stories about dual flush versus single flush toilets.
Aaron from www.perfectbath.com: Yes, the older dual flush toilets when they first started coming in. They did not perform quite as what they were expected to do. A lot of people they used to flush them two and three times in order to get all of the waste out. The new dual flush toilets, the perform much better. The Eago toilets which we are very proud that we sell. They perform exceptionally well. They use 3 litres on a single flush button. So for the liquid waste you use a single flush option. For solid waste you use a dual flush option which uses 5 1/2 litres. So you’re able to fraction it down to use less water than what a regular single flush toilet which would be about 5 1/2 L for every flush. That is even with new more efficient toilets.
Rob Green: Okay, very cool. With the newer one like a quality dual flush toilet does work as advertised if you will say. It is the older ones. I guess, is a less quality product. Right? That has problems.
Aaron from www.perfectbath.com: Absolutely.
Rob Green: Okay. Very good. Other than dual flush I’m looking for WaterSense to be able to get rebates and all of that. What other features should people be considering whey they looking for a quality toilet?
Aaron from www.perfectbath.com: Do you know that is something that a lot of people never thought of before. It is what are things to look for in a toilet? They always thought that, “a toilet is a toilet”. Well, when you look at some of the new more innovative toilets they have one piece designs. They do not have a separate tank and they do not have the big cutouts on the side where the mounting bolts are and it’s difficult to clean. The newer toilets they are fully skirted. They are easy to clean. They are all one piece. Most of the good quality toilets they are at a comfort height which means that when you sit down you not feel like you’re sitting half on the floor. There are generally about 17 1/2 inches versus a regular standard toilet. A regular standard toilet is about 14 – 15 inches. So, you are sitting a little higher and a little more comfortable.
Some of the other features that you can look for is slow-close seats. If someone gets up in the middle of the night. They’re not going to be clunking the toilet seat down. Women are always complaining that men forget to put the toilet seat down. Well, with the newer toilets they have the slow-close seats. They will automatically close for you. The toilet never stand up.
Rob Green: That is awesome. I did not know that they make that with toilets now. Where it will automatically put the seat down. That is awesome. I have another question that is a little bit off-topic from the “Eco-friendly” but it is something that comes up a lot. If you are installing a toilet in your basement. I’ve heard some people talk about trying to find the correct size or having toilets work properly in the basement. Is there anything that people should be considering when they are making that decision for toilets specifically for basements.
Aaron from www.perfectbath.com: Yes you want to make sure that your toilet has enough flow. Generally most of the quality toilets will use a map rating. You want to look for a toilet that is close to 1000 MPA which is the map rating. That signifies the amount of water that is going to push or flow in one flush. In a basement you make sure that you are getting all the waste out of the pipes. The other thing that you want to do is that a lot of people are looking for the rough-end spot. That is because it is specially the case in older homes where the 10 inch rough-end the concrete you cannot easily change that. You do not have a lot of choices with 10” toilets typically. One thing that we like about the Eago brand toilets is because you can use the same toilet that you use in your standard 12 inch rough-in. You can use that it is a 10 inch rough-in toilet as well just by changing a mounting flange which we are able to supply to our customers. That gives us more options that they can still use an elegant looking toilet even in these difficult applications.
Rob Green: Very cool. That is awesome that you can…essentially almost like an adapter that you are using. What did you call that again?
Aaron from www.perfectbath.com: It is just a different mounting flange. The flange mounts to the floor then you just drop the toilet on top. Then you put silicone around it and it makes it super easy. Most people that are use to the old toilets that you have to bolt down everything. With these new ones you essentially drop them on and they’re good to go.
Rob Green: Wow, that is very cool. Awesome. Well, I think that is all the questions that I have specifically around Eco-friendly toilets, the features and all of that. If someone is watching this and they have more questions above and beyond what we are talk about. Is their way they can contact someone at perfect bath or yourself if they have questions about their specific situation or they are really still trying to make a decision around the toilet?
Aaron from www.perfectbath.com: Absolutely. You know that anybody can give me a call personally. Our toll-free number 1-866-843-1641. We are happy to answer any of questions or you can find me an email. I’ll be happy to answer you back. Just send it to info@perfectbath.com. We’ll get back to you as quickly as we can to help answer your questions.
Rob Green: Awesome www.perfectbath.com. I’ll put that in the description underneath the video so if someone needs the phone number I will put it there. To make it easy. Where would they find you online. It is, www.perfectbath.com is that right?
Aaron from www.perfectbath.com: Absolutely. www.perfectbath.com. Yes, come check us out. We got some nice bathroom fixtures.
Rob Green: Awesome. Thank you so much Aaron and you have a fantastic rest of your day. If you’re watching this I hope you enjoy this and if you have any other questions definitely shoot Aaron an email and give him a shout.
Aaron from www.perfectbath.com: Yes, thanks a lot Rob.
Rob Green: Thanks talk you soon.
Interview with Rob Green from Adversponse and Aaron Gruenke from Perfectbath.com
Many people have questions about Eco Friendly Toilets or low flow toilets and how they work and if they are any good. In our youtube interview with Aaron Gruenke from Perfectbath.com we debuff the misconseptions surrounding dual flush toilets and how they work and what features to look for in a quality Eco Friendly dual flush toilet.
Here is an excerpt transcript of the interview below:
Rob Green: Hey, there! Rob here and I am here with Aaron from PerfectBath. I wanted to ask a few questions around Eco-friendly toilets and answer some of the common questions and frequently asked questions that people have when they are stopping and considering an Eco-friendly toilet. Thank you so much for joining me here in Aaron and how is your day so far?
Aaron from www.perfectbath.com: Oh, it is great. I am always happy to help you out there Rob answer your questions and everybody else questions.
Rob Green: Awesome. Awesome. Can we start off with… I guess what is an Eco-friendly toilet. What makes a toilet Eco-friendly?
Aaron from www.perfectbath.com: Well, that is something that is kind of a new buzzword. A buzzword that people are using. That term is "Eco-friendly". What it really amounts to is the toilets that use a lot less water. There are more water efficient. They are more friendly to the environment and that is what Eco-friendly toilet is. The new toilets they use 3-5 L of water versus the old ones that use half a lake. You know, it is 11 to 15 L per flush. So, these are using just a small portion but they still perform just as well or better than the old toilets.
Rob Green: Well, that is awesome. Along the idea of Eco-friendly toilets. I've heard the term WaterSence. Is it a certification or something? I've had questions around what water since really is.
Aaron from www.perfectbath.com: Yes, so the water since certification. It started in California and it is a rating of high quality toilets that perform well on less water. So, when you have that rating of the water since you will qualify for a rebate from your municipality. There is a benefit to making sure that you using a Water-Sense rated toilet because you do get that rebate for changing out a toilet in your home.
Rob Green: Very cool. Very cool. When we are talking about Eco-friendly. A lot of times you hear people talk about a dual flush versus a single flush toilet. When it comes to that. It is intuitive what that means but do they work how they say they do? I've heard horror stories about dual flush versus single flush toilets.
Aaron from www.perfectbath.com: Yes, the older dual flush toilets when they first started coming in. They did not perform quite as what they were expected to do. A lot of people they used to flush them two and three times in order to get all of the waste out. The new dual flush toilets, the perform much better. The Eago toilets which we are very proud that we sell. They perform exceptionally well. They use 3 litres on a single flush button. So for the liquid waste you use a single flush option. For solid waste you use a dual flush option which uses 5 1/2 litres. So you're able to fraction it down to use less water than what a regular single flush toilet which would be about 5 1/2 L for every flush. That is even with new more efficient toilets.
Rob Green: Okay, very cool. With the newer one like a quality dual flush toilet does work as advertised if you will say. It is the older ones. I guess, is a less quality product. Right? That has problems.
Aaron from www.perfectbath.com: Absolutely.
Rob Green: Okay. Very good. Other than dual flush I'm looking for WaterSense to be able to get rebates and all of that. What other features should people be considering whey they looking for a quality toilet?
Aaron from www.perfectbath.com: Do you know that is something that a lot of people never thought of before. It is what are things to look for in a toilet? They always thought that, "a toilet is a toilet". Well, when you look at some of the new more innovative toilets they have one piece designs. They do not have a separate tank and they do not have the big cutouts on the side where the mounting bolts are and it's difficult to clean. The newer toilets they are fully skirted. They are easy to clean. They are all one piece. Most of the good quality toilets they are at a comfort height which means that when you sit down you not feel like you're sitting half on the floor. There are generally about 17 1/2 inches versus a regular standard toilet. A regular standard toilet is about 14 – 15 inches. So, you are sitting a little higher and a little more comfortable.
Some of the other features that you can look for is slow-close seats. If someone gets up in the middle of the night. They're not going to be clunking the toilet seat down. Women are always complaining that men forget to put the toilet seat down. Well, with the newer toilets they have the slow-close seats. They will automatically close for you. The toilet never stand up.
Rob Green: That is awesome. I did not know that they make that with toilets now. Where it will automatically put the seat down. That is awesome. I have another question that is a little bit off-topic from the "Eco-friendly" but it is something that comes up a lot. If you are installing a toilet in your basement. I've heard some people talk about trying to find the correct size or having toilets work properly in the basement. Is there anything that people should be considering when they are making that decision for toilets specifically for basements.
Aaron from www.perfectbath.com: Yes you want to make sure that your toilet has enough flow. Generally most of the quality toilets will use a map rating. You want to look for a toilet that is close to 1000 MPA which is the map rating. That signifies the amount of water that is going to push or flow in one flush. In a basement you make sure that you are getting all the waste out of the pipes. The other thing that you want to do is that a lot of people are looking for the rough-end spot. That is because it is specially the case in older homes where the 10 inch rough-end the concrete you cannot easily change that. You do not have a lot of choices with 10" toilets typically. One thing that we like about the Eago brand toilets is because you can use the same toilet that you use in your standard 12 inch rough-in. You can use that it is a 10 inch rough-in toilet as well just by changing a mounting flange which we are able to supply to our customers. That gives us more options that they can still use an elegant looking toilet even in these difficult applications.
Rob Green: Very cool. That is awesome that you can…essentially almost like an adapter that you are using. What did you call that again?
Aaron from www.perfectbath.com: It is just a different mounting flange. The flange mounts to the floor then you just drop the toilet on top. Then you put silicone around it and it makes it super easy. Most people that are use to the old toilets that you have to bolt down everything. With these new ones you essentially drop them on and they're good to go.
Rob Green: Wow, that is very cool. Awesome. Well, I think that is all the questions that I have specifically around Eco-friendly toilets, the features and all of that. If someone is watching this and they have more questions above and beyond what we are talk about. Is their way they can contact someone at perfect bath or yourself if they have questions about their specific situation or they are really still trying to make a decision around the toilet?
Aaron from www.perfectbath.com: Absolutely. You know that anybody can give me a call personally. Our toll-free number 1-866-843-1641. We are happy to answer any of questions or you can find me an email. I'll be happy to answer you back. Just send it to info@perfectbath.com. We'll get back to you as quickly as we can to help answer your questions.
Rob Green: Awesome www.perfectbath.com. I'll put that in the description underneath the video so if someone needs the phone number I will put it there. To make it easy. Where would they find you online. It is, www.perfectbath.com is that right?
Aaron from www.perfectbath.com: Absolutely. www.perfectbath.com. Yes, come check us out. We got some nice bathroom fixtures.
Rob Green: Awesome. Thank you so much Aaron and you have a fantastic rest of your day. If you're watching this I hope you enjoy this and if you have any other questions definitely shoot Aaron an email and give him a shout.
Aaron from www.perfectbath.com: Yes, thanks a lot Rob.
Rob Green: Thanks talk you soon.
Interview with Rob Green from Adversponse and Aaron Gruenke from Perfectbath.com
China remains an enigmatic location for many travellers, particularly those looking for luxury, but it is home to some of the most incredible destinations and experiences for those who like to enjoy the finer things in life. Below are 11 locations that any luxury traveller will be impressed with when they visit tremendous China… 1. […]
China remains an enigmatic location for many travellers, particularly those looking for luxury, but it is home to some of the most incredible destinations and experiences for those who like to enjoy the finer things in life. Below are 11 locations that any luxury traveller will be impressed with when they visit tremendous China… 1. […]
Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, is a fast growing and bustling metropolis that's famous as a 'foodie' destination; from night markets offering colourful street food to fine dining restaurants, it's packed with culinary options fuelling the city's food obsession. Quite simply, people in Taipei are really passionate about food, all kinds of food. You may not know it but Taipei, home of […]
Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, is a fast growing and bustling metropolis that’s famous as a ‘foodie’ destination; from night markets offering colourful street food to fine dining restaurants, it’s packed with culinary options fuelling the city’s food obsession. Quite simply, people in Taipei are really passionate about food, all kinds of food. You may not know it but Taipei, home of […]
Israel really is a romantic place; although rugged and rough around the edges in some respects, it’s also a country filled with natural beauty, rich nuggets of spectacular history, and mysteries of the Holy Land. So if you’re looking for a beach break with a little extra magic, here are 10 of the best beaches […]
Israel really is a romantic place; although rugged and rough around the edges in some respects, it's also a country filled with natural beauty, rich nuggets of spectacular history, and mysteries of the Holy Land. So if you're looking for a beach break with a little extra magic, here are 10 of the best beaches […]
Choosing the right type of lock can help make a more secure home for your family. Luckily, there are several basic types of locks to choose from, including: knob locks, multi-point and rim automatic dead latch.
Here are the 3 common types of locks:
Knob Locks
One of the most common type of door locks, knob locks are used on all kinds of doors; front door, bedroom door, garage doors or rear patio doors. These locks have knobs on both sides One side has a lock and the other side has a key hole to unlock the door. When replacing a knob lock, be sure to determine which side of the door the lock is on — you'll need a right-hand knob lock for a doorknob on the right side of the door, a left-hand knob lock for a doorknob on the left side of the door. Because the locking mechanism is inside the knob (instead of the door) it can be easily broken with a hammer, wrench or rock and shouldn't be the main security lock on a front door. Source:Angieslist
Multi-Point
A multi-point locking system has a minimum of three locking points that all lock simultaneously by the turn of a key. These are most common on patio or French doors – typically uPVC doors – and less common for main entrance points. Some properties may use such a lock on the principle point of entry, though, and insurers will assess risk accordingly. Source:GoCompare
Rim Automatic Dead Latch
Front door type lock that locks when the door is shut, it often looks like a brass metal box on the inside of the door. It is fitted to the inner surface of the door as opposed to being set into the edge of the door like a mortice lock. Most rim locks will not meet the spec though as very few have a locking handle on the inside. This is needed to prevent thieves making an easy exit. Source:MoneySavingExpert
Now that you know the different types of locks, it's time to choose a good locksmith for you. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please give us a call or contact us here.
Choosing the right type of lock can help make a more secure home for your family. Luckily, there are several basic types of locks to choose from, including: knob locks, multi-point and rim automatic dead latch.
Here are the 3 common types of locks:
Knob Locks
One of the most common type of door locks, knob locks are used on all kinds of doors; front door, bedroom door, garage doors or rear patio doors. These locks have knobs on both sides One side has a lock and the other side has a key hole to unlock the door. When replacing a knob lock, be sure to determine which side of the door the lock is on — you’ll need a right-hand knob lock for a doorknob on the right side of the door, a left-hand knob lock for a doorknob on the left side of the door. Because the locking mechanism is inside the knob (instead of the door) it can be easily broken with a hammer, wrench or rock and shouldn’t be the main security lock on a front door. Source:Angieslist
Multi-Point
A multi-point locking system has a minimum of three locking points that all lock simultaneously by the turn of a key. These are most common on patio or French doors – typically uPVC doors – and less common for main entrance points. Some properties may use such a lock on the principle point of entry, though, and insurers will assess risk accordingly. Source:GoCompare
Rim Automatic Dead Latch
Front door type lock that locks when the door is shut, it often looks like a brass metal box on the inside of the door. It is fitted to the inner surface of the door as opposed to being set into the edge of the door like a mortice lock. Most rim locks will not meet the spec though as very few have a locking handle on the inside. This is needed to prevent thieves making an easy exit. Source:MoneySavingExpert
Now that you know the different types of locks, it’s time to choose a good locksmith for you. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please give us a call or contact us here.
Setting sail in traditional Dhows in Chole Bay, Mafia Island for sun downer drinks in the most idyllic of settings. Mafia Island is most well known for its exceptional diving and snorkeling – especially in its superbly conserved Marine Park. However, its sunsets are far from shabby either! Mafia Island is most well-known for its […]
Setting sail in traditional Dhows in Chole Bay, Mafia Island for sun downer drinks in the most idyllic of settings. Mafia Island is most well known for its exceptional diving and snorkeling – especially in its superbly conserved Marine Park. However, its sunsets are far from shabby either! Mafia Island is most well-known for its […]
Abigail Ahern’s house has a mix of lighting; table, task and chandelier are all visible in this corner of her study
I have spoken about lighting in detail already this month in the first part of my series on how to get the lighting right and I will be coming back to it in more detail next month, but, in short, you need more lighting than you thought.
One overhead pendant is not enough. If it’s all you have then it should be on a dimmer. Then you need to buy more lights. You need a table light for atmosphere and a floor light to throw a soft glimmer up onto your walls. You need a task light to read by and perhaps a light above a picture to show it off. Have your lights on different circuits so you can vary the mood according to what you are doing.
In short; create layers of lights that all do different jobs. Remember that a dark lampshade will throw a stronger light up and down but if you want a softer more ambient light you might want to consider a paler shade that will allow light to escape from all around.
Use lights as pointers to your possessions and consider what you want to light and work accordingly.
These tips will continue on 28th but there’ll be a little Christmas card for you tomorrow…..
Abigail Ahern's house has a mix of lighting; table, task and chandelier are all visible in this corner of her study
I have spoken about lighting in detail already this month in the first part of my series on how to get the lighting right and I will be coming back to it in more detail next month, but, in short, you need more lighting than you thought.
One overhead pendant is not enough. If it's all you have then it should be on a dimmer. Then you need to buy more lights. You need a table light for atmosphere and a floor light to throw a soft glimmer up onto your walls. You need a task light to read by and perhaps a light above a picture to show it off. Have your lights on different circuits so you can vary the mood according to what you are doing.
In short; create layers of lights that all do different jobs. Remember that a dark lampshade will throw a stronger light up and down but if you want a softer more ambient light you might want to consider a paler shade that will allow light to escape from all around.
Use lights as pointers to your possessions and consider what you want to light and work accordingly.
These tips will continue on 28th but there'll be a little Christmas card for you tomorrow…..
When it comes to remodeling tips, everyone's full of advice. It seems like plenty of contractors, websites, and designers have suggestions about what to do, how to do it and where to do it at, but when it comes to avoiding the cardinal "don'ts" concerning your bathroom space, there's considerably less information out there. If you don't have a lot of experience when it comes to remodeling your home's interior, it can be a daunting and often scary process. Of course, you want to make all the right changes for your home, the ones that will turn a mundane room into something spectacular, but at the same time, you don't want to end up with faulty plumbing or disastrous design flaws. As much as it's important to know the right kinds of action steps for your bathroom remodel, it's also crucial to understand what steps you should avoid.
So, if you're looking for more specific direction in what steps to take, and what steps not to take in your bathroom remodel, check out our following suggestions.
Don't Forget the Design Plan It can be easy to just pick out colors and products you like without really thinking about who they will serve, but having a design plan to keep you focused will be worth it in the end. Think about the long-term use of the bathroom. Will it be a kids' bathroom, a guest bath, or the master suite? Should the décor be more practical or more luxurious? Think about the purpose of the bathroom, and then design accordingly. Photo Credit: magetjooz.com
Don't Reroute Plumbing or Ventilation While it can be tempting to rearrange your whole bathroom and change the way everything was previously structured, it's best to keep the plumbing and ventilation intact and work around the existing construction. You can never be certain that what you're doing now won't have negative effects later down the road. You don't want to enjoy your newly renovated bathroom and then suddenly find a major plumbing or ventilation problem that makes you tear everything out all over again.
Photo Credit: familyhandyman.com
Don't Cut Corners on Key Materials With an assortment of products in relatively low-cost options, it might sound appealing to spend less on less desirable products, such as the toilet. But time will show that it's important to get high-quality products where the appliances will be used frequently, and when it comes to the bathroom, that means almost all of the most major appliances or plumbing fixtrues. If you don't have the budget for high-quality products, it might be better to postpone the bathroom project until your budget allows for serious upgrades.
Photo Credit: hgtv.com
These are some of the most serious "don'ts" we came up with when considering a bathroom renovation, and if you follow these basic guidelines, we believe that you'll be on the right track to gaining a pretty spectacular remodel. Ultimately, however, understanding what things to avoid is all part of the learning process, and we'd love to hear from some of our more experienced remodelers on what they'd suggest you don't do in your bathroom remodel. Drop a comment in the field below and share your feedback!
Contributed by Aaron Gruenke Foremost expert in Saunas and Steam showers and bathroom fixtures. Aaron is an author and writes for Perfectbath.com and other home improvement websites.
Photo Credit: magetjooz.com
Photo Credit: hgtv.com