When you’re looking for a way to completely redo a room, window treatments can provide an exciting new vibe. However, if you’d like to get away from the traditional look of curtains, there are some very stylish options. Here are four alternatives to drapes for redesigning any room.

Wooden Blinds

Blinds have come a long way from the metal version of the ’70s and the vinyl mini-blinds popular in the ’80s. The newer wooden blinds are a gorgeous addition to any room and they come in an array of natural and painted colors. Blinds can give your home a neat and tailored look.

Modern Shades

Modern shades are also nothing like their vinyl roll-up ancestors. Whether you opt for a flat style, balloon or Roman Shades Cypress, these fabric window coverings are so versatile you can choose any color you like and also incorporate decorations to make them one-of-a-kind.

Interior Shutters

If you’re looking for a neat way to shade a room from light, consider interior shutters. Coming in a variety of wood types, shutters can cover an entire window or just the bottom half. They also give an extra layer of protection from wind and they make any room feel cozier.

Frosted Film

You may have windows in your home where you desire extra privacy such as a bathroom or surrounding your front door. The perfect solution for this situation is frosted film. Found in a variety of patterns and stained glass colors, film is easy to apply and can be cut to any size, just right for irregular windows.

Functional Options

When you’re doing a redecorating project, or just need a change, window coverings as a focal point can really make a statement. Functional options such as shades, blinds and shutters can change the entire feel of … Read More...

Despite the clarity and perceived purity of water, it actually contains minerals like magnesium and calcium. The concentration of these chemicals determines whether the substance is hard or soft water. If you use hard water at home, you should know that it has some risks. Learn about these consequences and determine if you should have fox valley plumbing professionals install a water softener.

1. Skin and Hair Issues

The high amount of minerals in the water causes a detrimental effect on both your skin and hair. Specifically, the combination of soap and hard water creates a residue that blocks pores, resulting in dry and itchy skin. Additionally, the chemicals reduce the pH balance, leaving it especially vulnerable if you have skin conditions like eczema. When it comes to your hair, its negative charge strongly reacts to the hard water’s positive charge, weakening and breaking it.

2. Device Inefficiency

Devices that utilize water such as laundry machines and pipes become more inefficient with mineral-rich water. The reaction between this substance and detergents makes the latter less effective, necessitating higher temperatures and resulting in low quality washes. Cooking also becomes less time and cost-efficient, since the water’s heating point is raised by the concentrated minerals. Finally, the salts in the water cause a chemical reaction that corrodes your house’s pipes.

3. Reactions to Soap

Hard water’s reaction to soap is a common detriment, whether the soap is used for laundry or personal use. The film created from the combination makes washing difficult, making you uncomfortable and wasting both water and energy. When the substance is present during laundry, it also stains and discolors clothing, in addition to affecting its longevity. Discoloration and staining also occur if you attempt to wash dishes with soap and hard water.

Even though hard water is … Read More...

Updating your kitchen can add value to your house as well as give you a place to cook and entertain guests. You can make changes for little money or invest quite a bit. Here are a few improvements that you can make.

Countertops

Switch out your outdated surfaces with ones of better quality such as soapstone countertops milwaukee. Using a different shade of stone can add color to the room. Also, some materials allow you to use them to chop vegetables and other foods on like you would a cutting board. While this might cost more, it is one of the first things potential buyers will look at when they visit.

Cabinets

You can refurbish your current cabinets to look like they were recently hung. Add a coat of paint or stain to make them look brand new or to accent the rest of the room. This can cost less than installing some that you purchase at the store. Fill in any gouges in the wood with putty then sand them down so that the surface is smooth. Change out the pulls and handles to ones that work with your new color. Add lining to the shelves to protect the wood from any damp dishes or spilled food that might fall there. This simple amount of labor can give your kitchen a new life.

Backsplash

If you have a backsplash, you can scrub and recaulk it so that the original texture and color comes through. If you have yet to have one installed, you can put one in for little money.  You can choose from stone, tile, or simple metal to match the rest of the room. Stop in at your local home improvement store to see what is available and get instructions on how to put it in. … Read More...