How To Decorate With Beach Bathroom Decor

The theme of beach bathroom decor is possibly the easiest and cheapest redecoration theme available. It is all about minimalism and muted colors that vary little throughout the elements.

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The color scheme, of course, is that of the typical beach. These colors include light blue, cream, sand, and white wash. If you like you may also include green and driftwood to add some more color.

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A soft tone of sand or white wash should be used for the wall colors if you are going for the typical beach feel. If you would like to have a richer, cozier feel, choose a golden sandy color that can represent a warm night time beach scene.

If you have wall tiles that do not match you may wish to change them. New tiles are quite pricey and this theme lends itself well to painted objects so consider giving them a new face instead of replacing them. The painting tile process involves first making sure they are clean and dry. This is followed by a coat of primer that must also be allowed to dry completely. The final step is to add a waterproof topcoat. The representatives at the hardware store will be able to recommend the best option for this task.

The easiest part of this redecoration is accessorizing. Living near a beach makes the task even easier if your municipality allows for collection of items from the beach. Take a walk and collect interesting rocks, sand, shells, driftwood, and other objects. These items can be used to craft anything from soap dishes to waste baskets to picture frames. You may also think of ways to incorporate the items into a piece of art to frame and display on the walls.

If you are not crafty, lack the time or patience, or live no where near a beach, all is not lost. You would be surprised about how many great and cheap items you can find at yard sales, thrift stores, discount dealers, and dollar stores. Before embarking on your shopping trip, however, take a look at items you already own. Some things can be turned beach by buffing and white washing or even by being left outside for a few days.

Another great thing about beach theme is that nothing should match. This theme is random, breezy, and uncomplicated. As long as the accessories fall within the color scheme and theme, it will go. Towels and shower curtains will be best in white or cream, and furniture and baskets made from wicker or white washed or weathered wood. Choosing weathered wood will bring in richer colors to offset the muteness of the rest of the room.

Keep simple with the art for the walls as well. The pieces that will work the best will contain only one or two small subjects and will be housed in a large frame. If it is decided you would like to include a mural, be careful as they can end up being tacky instead of tasteful more often than not.

One forgotten about element that is important in this theme is the use of plants. Flowers and grasses grow at the edges of beaches all the time. A great choice to brighten the room is a flower in yellow and some very leafy greens or even grasses themselves.

The most important thing to remember is simple and minimal. A great final touch to give the room a warmer feel is the inclusion of candles.

How To Decorate With Beach Bathroom Decor
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Pet Fashion Week in New York

Many have heard of the fashion shows held and attended by the who's who of the celebrity and fashion world. One of the main circuits is known as the New York Fashion Week that allows seasoned and rising fashion designers to showcase their pieces. An even more fascinating show is the Pet Fashion Week in New York that is a showing of pet fashion and accessories. Pets have become a part of many people's lives and as such have become part of the family that also deserves to be treated and pampered occasionally.

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The Pet Fashion Week in New York is an annual show that showcases clothes, accessories and pet equipment that will have your pet setting the fashion trend in your neighborhood. This function is one of two being held in the year 2010 with the other show being held in Sao Paolo, Brazil in the month of April. The Pet Fashion Week in New York will be held in the month of August.

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When one visits the site of the fashion show and exhibit for pets they will be able to find out about the exhibitors, the schedule of the said event, accommodation options for the animal and human guests and also the sponsors of the show. These sponsors include Pet Elite, Modern Dog, Fido and many other pet companies and magazines. One is able to view the entry rules along with details on other events to be held alongside the Pet Fashion Week in New York, like the parties and animal awareness galas. This is truly an event of its own kind and well worth it for pet owners.

Pet Fashion Week in New York
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Choosing Decorations For Your Beach Home

A beach home just isn't a beach home without the proper decorations to match. Using nautical decor for your beach home can add to its flair and authentic feel. However, when it comes to nautical decorations for your home you'll find that it's hard to find a good selection of items for your theme in most stores. However, with the help of the internet you can find many sites that cater to people interested in beach and nautical themed rooms and homes.

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So how do you start decorating your beach home? First, choose a color palate that reflects the colors of the beach. Do you prefer the greens and blues of the water, or do you love the neutral tones of a sandy beach? Do you want a soothing, relaxing retreat, a crisp nautical look, or do you prefer the bright colors of the tropics? You need to establish the tone of your project first in order to create harmony with your decorations and accent pieces.

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After you have the backdrop established enhance the beach theme by choosing furniture made from natural materials such as rattan, bamboo, teak, or classic driftwood. Beach homes typically use furnishings that are more relaxed and less formal. Add to the effect with nautically themed accent furniture like boat shaped bookcases or nautical decor tables. Next add a selection of beach and nautical accents.

There are many options for wall decor and nautical accent pieces that will be a perfect fit for your taste. Wonderful choices include a ships wheel, anchors, seabirds, nautical clocks, lighthouses, a globe, nautical mirrors, portholes, life rings, ships bells, signal flags, or a model sailboat. Even nautical instruments such as a compass, telescope or barometer can make interesting decorative items.

Choose a beautiful painting, photograph or print with a sailboat, lighthouse or beach theme. Display your favorite shells found while combing the beach. How about a picture frame or mirror decorated with shells? Just remember, there is such a thing as overkill when it comes to home decoration and it's something you want to try to avoid with theme rooms.

Another important aspect of the nautically themed beach home is the lighting. The right lighting can create the ambience needed to complete the whole look of your beach home. An anchor lamp, lighthouse lamp, or gimbal lantern can be the perfect accent to any room, without going overboard.

Finally, add a finishing touch to your living room, family room or bedroom with textiles. Create a cozy, relaxed atmosphere with nautical themed accent pillows or a throw blanket. There are also many different nautical and beach themed shower curtains and bathroom accessory sets available.

Again, decide on a color scheme and mood to create harmony with your decor, and then carefully select decorative items to fit your theme. Focus your attention on what you love about the beach and sea, and before long you'll have a stunning beach home.

Choosing Decorations For Your Beach Home
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Ideas for a Beautiful Bathroom

When decorating a home, the bathroom is often done last, and sometimes is overlooked completely. When you consider that the main bathroom is very likely to be seen by most of your guests, it makes sense to put the same time and effort into decorating it as you do the other rooms in your home.

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Because the typical bathroom is much smaller than other rooms, it presents a special set of challenges when it comes to decorating. With some planning, though, your bathroom can look just as beautiful as every other room in your home. Here are some ideas to help you get started.

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Themes

Theme decorated rooms aren't for everyone. Some who would never use a theme in any other space will do so in the bathroom. Because the room is small, you're less likely to overdo the theme as you might in a larger room. Some theme ideas: beach house, the ocean, lighthouses, jungle, there is no limit to the possibilities.

Some people are completely turned off by the thought of themed decorating. That may be because they think it means going crazy with the theme and covering every available surface with reminders of that theme. Instead, remember that theme decorating doesn't have to (and ideally doesn't) mean you hang photos of lighthouses everywhere. The theme can be incorporated as much or as little as you choose.

For example, if you choose a beach theme, you may choose colors that remind you of the beach such as sand colored tile for the floor and blue paint for the walls. For accessories, place some shells in glass jars. Then, if you want to further incorporate your theme, you can add beach photos or prints and other nautical themed accessories. The key is to have fun with it, and remember that theme decorating can be as elegant or as over-the-top as you choose.

Mirrors

Mirrors in a bathroom. No surprise there, but a decorating option that is often overlooked for a bathroom is adding extra mirrors besides the one that is hanging over the sink. Hanging a decorative mirror in a bathroom can add elegance and help to make a small room look larger. Of course, it may also come in handy when there is more than one person trying to get ready in the morning. Even if your bathroom is already large, a decorative mirror can become a focal point and help to ground all of your other decorative elements.

Metal Wall Hanging

If you'd rather not add another mirror to your bathroom, another option could be a well-placed metal wall hanging. Naturally, this will not work in every situation, but if you are trying to create a bathroom that exudes simple elegance; a metal wall hanging would be a great option. Because these hangings are available in so many sizes and shapes, it's easy to find one to fit the awkward walls that are sometimes present in a bathroom.

Paint

Obviously, choosing the correct paint color can make or break your attempt at decorating. But when painting a bathroom, the type of paint is even more important than the color. Because the bathroom paint must be able to withstand high humidity during those extra long showers, you will want to choose a paint that can stand up to such conditions. That means choosing a high gloss finish. This finish is washable and can stand up to humidity without peeling. You should also use a good primer before applying your paint. This will help your paint last longer and will discourage peeling and sagging.

Lighting

Lighting is one of the most important decorative choices you will make in any room, and the bathroom is no exception. While you want the lighting to be beautiful, it also needs to be functional, especially in a room where hair is fussed over and makeup is applied. If there is a lighting feature that you cannot resist, but it provides insufficient light, consider adding recessed lighting. A little off the subject, but still related: Adding hanging candle holders can help create a relaxing atmosphere and add "mood" lighting whenever you want it.

Hopefully, these ideas and tips have inspired to tackle the task of decorating your bathroom. Whether you choose to create an elegant retreat or a whimsical room, careful planning will help you design a room that you will enjoy for years to come.

Ideas for a Beautiful Bathroom
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Low Light Loving House Plants

Even if you have a lot of lamps or lighting in your home, most areas away from windows are still considered low light. Technically, anything farther than eight feet away from a large window with no direct light is defined as low light. Examples of these areas are hallways, foyers, stairs, basements, and rooms with dark walls or rooms with large draperies over the window.

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Luckily, not all plants thrive in strong lighting conditions. The houseplants described below have evolved to survive in low light conditions. These plants will not likely grow quickly, but they will still be healthy. The following plants are just some of the many options that you have for growing houseplants in low light.

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Cast Iron Plant

Aspidistra elator is a traditional foliage plant with long, dark green glossy leaves. It grows in the worst light conditions, where most other plants would fail to survive. It also is tolerant to a variety of temperatures, and it doesn't need constant waterings. Basically, this plant is great if you are just starting with gardening or if your schedule may not allow you to provide constant care.

One thing that you should keep in mind, however, is that the leaves tend to collect dust. Simply rinse them with water to get rid of the dust. Possible problems and pests include mealybugs, mites, and scales. Propagation: division of roots in spring.

Chinese Evergreen

The Aglaonema species is also great choice for low-light areas. They don't even need soil, actually. They can be grown directly in a rock. You can typically find these plants in homes, offices, or shopping centers, either on tables or in floor planters. The plant does not do well in temperatures below 60 degrees F.

They do best in rich, loamy soil that is allowed to dry out between waterings. It's leaves can also attract dust, so rinsing them off when needed is recommended. Problems and pests include mealybugs and scales. Propagation: cane layering, terminal and sectional cuttings, air layering.

Zebra Haworthia

Haworthia fasciata is a succulent with thick, white spotted leaves. The leaves form rosettes and tube, similar to flowers that hang on long stalks. It is a small plant, and it grows will in low light dish gardens. After watering, you should allow the soil to dry out before watering again. The Haworthia needs cool temperatures at night (55 degrees F). Problems and pest are not a problem with this plant. Propagation: seeds, offsets, cuttings.

Snake Plant

Sansevieria trifurcate, more commonly known as the Snake Plant, is an African plant with thick, upright leaves that are striped or banded with yellow or light green. The plant should be potbound, and in needs morel light once it is older.

The soil should consist of sterile soil, sand or vermiculite, and peat moss, in equal amounts. It should be fertilized, but only every 3-4 months. The snake plant is easy to grow, and it can tolerate a wide variety of conditions. It needs watered thoroughly, but only when the soil is dry. You should not allow the plant to be in a drafty area. There are no major problems or pests to worry about.

Propagation: Leaf section cuttings, division.

Peace Lily

Spathiphyllum sp., or the Peace Lily, is a wonderful plant to use indoors as a houseplant. There are plenty of different varieties of Peace Lilies for you to choose from, in difference sizes to fit your specific needs. Most varieties have glossy green leaves with white flowers.

Peace Lilies do best in medium light, although it can survive in low light if needed. The soil should never completely dry out. It should be moist at all times. It needs temperatures above 55 degrees F. Rinse off the leaves to get rid of dust. The only potential pest problem are mealybugs. Propagation: division.

Depending on the variety, most have glossy green leaves with long-lasting, spathe-like, creamy white flowers. The care of these house plants tolerates low light, although it will flower more profusely in medium light. Keep soil slightly moist at all times. A quick grooming tip: its leaves can be dust attractors; give plants a quick shower to wash away dust. Do not allow temperatures to drop below 55-60°F. Don't be too hasty to repot, it enjoys being potbound.

Some other house plants that thrive in low light include the Split leaf Philodendron, the Screw Pine, Pothos or Devil's Ivy, and English Ivy Hedera helix.

Low Light Loving House Plants
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Beach House Decor

"Everyday is a day at the beach!" as the old saying goes, even though we all know we can't really spend every day at the beach. However, you can experience every day at the beach with beach house decor. If you love the sight of the sand and the surf, then beach house décor is for you! You can wallow in the lazy, hazy days of summer at the shore all year round in every room of your house. And, you don't have to stop there, as there are items to enhance the outside of you abode as well.

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Looking at beach house décor will make you want to lie out on your porch and think of the warm breeze coming off the ocean. Something as simple as adding a wastebasket, embellished with a lovely beach scene can add the drama of a beach setting to any room. Not only will it hold discarded items, but it will do so in a stylish manner. This is an item that anyone, especially those with a fondness for the beach, could enjoy for years to come.

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Looking for a fun gift? How about a clock that displays a colorful "surf's up" scene. This is a great item to give or receive. It can help pass the time with a whimsical twist. Decorating can become fun with beach house décor. You can even highlight your bathroom with the fun, decorative hand painted toilet seat covers featuring seashell designs. As you can see, decorating has no limits.

Today, accents are shown even on the outside of the house. This is why another popular item featuring beach house décor is the hand painted beach mailbox. What better way to establish your decorating ingenuity and make your initial welcoming statement to friends and family than through an outside decorative item?

A beach house decor item is handcrafted with beautiful color and designs and adds the personal, one-of-a-kind look that only comes with this type of item. Whether you purchase one for yourself or as a gift, it will be one that will be as treasured as the sands through time.

With beach house decor, the smell of the sea, the gentle wind from the ocean, and the sound of the waves splashing about will come to life. You can have a vacation year-round even if it is just through decorating expertise. Think about how relaxing and inviting your house can be with just a few simple added touches.

Beach House Decor
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Nautical Bathroom Decor - Not Always Fishy

A nautical bathroom decor is not always a boat wheel hanging on the wall and a lighthouse nightlight in the corner. The ways of the water have come a long way in decorating the powder room with fresh colors and everything from sandy beaches to beautiful sea birds and shells. There are soap dishes in various shapes, hand towels, toilet seats and matching shower curtains that all represent the ocean in a way that is a bit more modern than traditional lighthouse and ship's wheel.

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Beginning with the shower curtain, because that is what people probably notice first when they enter the room, this would set the tone for the rest of the room. There are those people who like their restroom to be more muted, so the sandy colors of a beach and a light colored seagull might be just the thing for their taste. This type of decoration would also work well with tan or brown and pale yellow towels, a light colored fish as a liquid soap dispenser and a tan toilet seat would complete the seascape look.

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Whimsical fish are also popular but they do not have to be cartoonish. These are cartoon-like but more fantasy style in colors and textures that are eye-popping. When someone enters a restroom and sees the colorful fish gently gliding across the cream colored shower curtain or the matching towels, they will feel right at home. There are toilet seats that resemble a fish tank in which the seat and lid are clear and within the clear seat is small fish and foliage. Kids will get a big kick out of this type of toilet seat.

Seashells are a big item for a restroom with a seaside or beach theme. The seashells could be cascading down the shower curtain and also as the shower curtain hooks. There are a lot of seashell decorations such as a seashell square tissue holder, seashell cup and seashell framed mirror. Seashells are very vestal items and could be picked up while the family is on vacation and glued on to a picture frame for a unique photo holder or strung on a strong rope and used as a tieback for the shower curtains.

Palm trees are also considered part of the beach themed bathrooms. They could be toothbrush holders, tall towel racks and robe holders as well as several smaller ones decorating a shower curtain. Palm trees could be colorful and fanciful or truer to color with various shades of browns and greens. The truer colors will allow for mixing and matching towels like tans, dark browns or golden yellows.

Rugs are another eye-catching items that people see first when they enter a restroom and a lot of the beach or sea themed decorations have matching bathmats or rugs. These bathmats are specifically designed to soak up the water from someone's feet as they step out of the shower. They could also be designed to look like the rest of the rooms decorations with a large seashell, seagull or fish. Many of the bathmats are a pale white or cream color in order to tie the other colors together.

Some of the bathrooms that have a beach theme are light yellow or bright sunny yellow, sandy beach colors with tan accents, sea foam greens, sky blues and whites to represent the white caps in the water. Mixing and matching these colors is great fun and can have a real impact on a room with the right accessories. Many of the colors will complement each other, just as they do at the shore. For example, sea foam green will look good with sandy brown and sunny yellow goes well with the sky blue.

Nautical Bathroom Decor - Not Always Fishy
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