How to Design a Neutral Room That Isn't Boring

Beige is a bad word in interior design circles, a shortcut to describe a room that�s one-dimensional, dull, unimaginative, and not a lot of fun. But there is nothing wrong with beige, white, gray, brown, or any other neutral as the basis for designing a room. Assembled with care and finesse, a neutral room can create a serene but richly textured background for a colorful life. Here are our top tips for designing a neutral space that isn�t boring.

Remember Your Geometry
When designing a neutral room, make a conscious effort to incorporate as many different shapes as possible. Mix the straight lines of square picture frames and rectangular tables with an octagonal mirror, an oval rug, a round light and more organic shapes to create a graphic look that won�t overpower due to its neutral base. Painting flea market finds from various eras in shades of white will neutralize their differences, but make sure you look for a variety of shapes to keep the ensemble interesting.


Let There Be More Than Overhead Lighting

 

How To Remove Paint From Ceramic Bathroom Tiles?

Ceramic bathroom tiles are porous and withstand even the harsh chemicals. Since they come in different finishes, there are lot of chances for cracks or scratches. You can use commercial paint removers on the hard glaze ceramic tiles, while the home-made solutions are enough to remove paint from the residential tiles. You need to use chemical paint removers, if the entire tile surface has paint, which can speed up the process. Try to test the new cleaners in a small area.

The following steps will help you to remove the paint from the ceramic bathroom tiles easily:

1. First you need to wipe the tile surface and clean it thoroughly
2. Allow them to dry for some time
3. Apply the paint remover on clean cloth and polish on the small area first, to check whether they are causing any damages
4. If it is removing the paint well, without causing any damage to the tile, then use it all over the space
5. Read the instructions on the cover before you start the process of removal
6. Rinse a soft cloth in warm water and scrub the tile to remove the excess paint

If you find any difficulties following these steps then you can switch to natural and home-made paint removers available at affordable price.

Mix the equal amount of water and plain vinegar to get a natural paint remover. You can also boil the vinegar and use it under high pressure to remove the paint. Mix the solution in clean cloth and apply gently on the paint to test. The boiled vinegar will loosen the paint and it will start falling. Now scrub the paint from the tile with a soft bristled brush. Complete the entire work in the same process. Make sure you reheat the vinegar often, only then it can take away the paints. Rinse a clean cloth in the warm water and wash away the debris. Allow them to dry for a day if you are planning to repaint

Let me suggest you few tips to change the entire ambience with the ceramic bathroom tiles, by repainting them:
1. Once you have decided to re-paint on these tiles, apply the clear polyurethane to protect from tough usage.
2. They also help to keep the surface from scratches and cracks
3. You can also replace the tiles if they are not in good condition
These tiles are the best and brilliant option for your bathroom; try to match the fixtures and accessories according to the tile colour and enjoy the fresh new surroundings.

Willing to read more about tiles? I recommend Ceramic Bathroom Tiles

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_MA_Anderson

How Do Travertine Floor Tiles Differ From Porcelain Tiles

Travertine floor tiles are fashionable for the bathrooms, bedrooms and kitchens. You can use them for countertops to get a grand look. Travertine is natural stone and porcelain tiles are artificial. Porcelain has higher durability then travertine and the tiles quality is low. These are available in different finishes and this special property is not seen in any other tiling materials. Travertine is not suitable for the areas where there is heavy traffic and porcelain is a good choice for this. These are available in large sizes than the porcelain and you can also cut the size according to the need. Porcelain tiles are synthetic and sealed. They will absorb the stains easily if we do not polish the surface. They are less porous when compared to travertine and coated finishes decrease staining. They are resistant because of their high density and they take in less amount of moisture.

Travertine floor tiles are not suitable for some areas as they get stained easily. You can use them for moist areas by sealing them properly. Travertine is usually obtained from the quarry as limestone and they are then made available in different finishes like polished, tumbled, chiseled, filled and honed. You can get them according to the theme of the place and applications of usage. You get Porcelain by compressing clay with water and it is a form of ceramic. Glazed and unglazed finishes are familiar in these. They are not suitable for the moist areas. Hand-painted porcelain looks good for bathrooms, hallways and kitchens. Travertine does not need high maintenance than porcelain. When left unpolished they are prone to heat; you can use hot pad or trivets before keeping the hot objects on the surface.

You have to keep the travertine floors dry after the usage, as water on the surface for a long time will decrease the brightness of the tiles. Do not cut them directly, as they may produce scratches and damage the tiles. You have to use non-abrasive cleaners to clean the surface and window cleaner to remove hard stains. Travertine floor tiles are more expensive than porcelain tiles for their transportation and mining. The glazed finish of porcelain is also quite costly. Travertine needs stronger abrasives for installing them perfectly. Sealant application is also needed in twice the amount as they are porous which increases the cost. You have to seal them at least twice in a year. You should clean the tiles regularly and do not use acidic solutions on the surface. You can get them from the online dealers by getting some samples before ordering the tiles. Appropriate maintenance will increase the room appearance and you can get a fresh and hygienic look from the floors and walls.

Willing to read more about tiles? I recommend Travertine Floor Tiles

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_MA_Anderson