Wood baths and bold colours for a unique bathroom
Creating a unique bathroom space is something that many people would like to do. However, a lot of home owners have no idea where to start. When it comes to creating a truly individual bathroom space, the key is to be experimental in terms of the materials used and to take time to determine which features will really suit your particular needs.
In regard to sourcing inspiration, it is best to seek out contemporary decor ideas, as these are far more likely to have the experimental qualities necessary for creating a unique bathroom. The aesthetics of the space need to be considered in conjunction with the practical needs of those who will be using the room, so it is important to ensure that the room is as functional as it is unique and stylish. Simplicity can be just as striking as highly ornate pieces, so bear this in mind when selecting the bathroom pieces. Wood baths are a perfect example of this; they add a unique and impressive style to the room, without being overdone or tacky in any way.
Think outside the box when it comes to colours, materials and design. Traditional bathroom pieces will be unlikely to give you the individual style you are looking for. For example, when it comes to choosing pieces such as the sink, why not skip the bulkiness of a ceramic sink and instead choose a coloured glass bowl? This adds a burst of colour into a drab bathroom and also gives the impression of a lighter, airier space, especially in comparison to heavier ceramic pieces.
Choosing the right colour combinations can transform a generic looking bathroom into something special. Wood baths are ideally suited to painting, so why not try a splash of something striking, such as red or orange, on the bath’s outer frame? For those concerned about the possibility of bright colours being overwhelming, the key is to select just one of two sections of the bathroom and add a bold colour to these areas, whilst keeping the rest of the space neutral and relaxed.
A unique bathroom combines colours and various materials, rather than sticking to just one. Decorating a bathroom with a combination of contrasting colours can work wonders for the aesthetics of the room, as can using a variety of materials, such as stone, wood and granite.
Blue is often a popular choice for bathrooms; if this colour appeals to you, but you would prefer a more individual take on this colour scheme, then consider combining it with shades of grey and using metal accessories for a more sleek and modern look. If the room, without the installed bathroom pieces, begins to look too stark, then wood baths are an ideal way to add some warmth to the room. A reliable rule of thumb followed by many people is to use three tonal schemes, so that no single colour overwhelms the space. In this way, the room will have a visually pleasing balance between warm and cool colour palettes.
A Little Bohemia: The Sheepskin Jacket
The sheepskin coat is a winter weather luxury. Any man or woman would benefit the fashion and function of sheepskin. Sure to protect from wind, rain, and cold without sacrificing style, a shearling jacket is essential for the snow and sleet season.
Animal pelts and furs have been used throughout history to protect human beings from the elements. Style has evolved since then. But sheepskin continues to be used as winter clothing for the modern fashion-set. Sheepskin has retained its popularity for several reasons. First, the textile protects the wearer from wind and cold. Second, a sheepskin jacket represents classic outerwear design. Third, sheepskin coats can be worn by men and women, and are appropriate in different situations.
Sheepskin allows for a durable and flexible fabric. Unlike cowhide, sheepskin turned outside in has a natural insulated lining. Sheep, thriving in cold and windy environments, grow a warm woolly outer coat. This warm layer is utilized in the construction of sheepskin jackets. Second, organic sheepskin garments improve with age. Instead of ripping or unravelling, sheepskin forms patterns of wear that further soften the textile. As a jacket is worn and used by a particular individual, the better the coat fits its owner. Gradually, the “broken-in” coat becomes a perfect fit for the shape of the owner’s body and use.
The sheepskin jacket is an iconic example of winter outwear. Characterized by wide-open spaces and a free independent spirit, the original use of the sheepskin jacket is echoed by today’s design. Most often, shearling or sheepskin is associated with a “bohemian” style of dress. Even those sporting a sheepskin coat over more formal dress, such as office wear, will find the coat compliments and enhances the overall style of any given outfit. Sheepskin is an unexpected and individual, yet acceptable, form of winter coat.
Sheepskin is appropriate for both men and women. Today’s sheepskin garments are available in many different styles. For example, a sheepskin overcoat is long, hitting at a man or woman’s calf or knee. A cropped sheepskin coat is designed to end at the waist or hip. Sometimes sheepskin is also used in the construction of vests or ponchos.
Sheepskin is an iconic form of outwear that people have used throughout history to protect themselves during the winter months. Associated with a bohemian lifestyle, a sheepskin coat emphasizes free-spirited fashion and durability. With the many styles available, sheepskin is great for men and women.
Changing a design theme with bathroom furniture
Buying new bathroom furniture is a great way to change the theme or style of the room. Just a few key pieces can help you to create the look you want without the hassle of giving the bathroom a complete overhaul by painting, re-tiling etc. There are a few themes which tend to be very popular and with which you can have lots of variation on. Some of these themes include shabby chic, a modern monochromatic design or a vintage design, which could be anything from the classic Victorian style to sixties mod.
If you want to create a vintage, cottage-like look in your bathroom, this can be done quite easily with the right kind of furniture. A free standing bathtub is a great way to help create this theme, as it adds an old world, luxurious feel to a bathroom. Having a wooden basin or small wooden cabinet with a distressed look to its surface is another way to add a vintage, shabby chic feel. Solid wood furniture which has an aged appearance is a useful addition to this kind of bathroom and has the added benefit of being durable and easy to care for. You can also add a white wash to this type of wooden bathroom furniture, which will brighten up a dark or small bathroom by reflecting light and making the space appear larger than it actually is.
For those who want a more modern space, minimalistic bathroom furniture is the best choice; keep the colour scheme of the furniture (such as the shelving, cabinets and linen cupboard) matching and use block colouring to keep the things simple; a black and white palette will look really striking and chic and you can always add a splash of colour with red towels or other brightly coloured bathroom accessories. The key to creating a contemporary feel using bathroom furniture is to make sure the pieces are not fussy or detailed; if you want to add some visual interest, you can buy pieces which are an unusual shape, such as a curved shelf unit in a plain colour. Keep surfaces clear of products by using a mirrored shelf. Chrome, black, white furniture, along with mirrors and the right lighting fixtures will add a distinctively cutting edge look to a bathroom.
The Victorian look is another well loved theme in a bathroom; it has an air of elegance and calm. Using solid dark wood furniture pieces is important in creating this theme. If you want to splurge, adding some ornate carvings to an otherwise solid wood piece, such as a wooden cabinet, would be a great way to make this look work. Embellishments were a significant aspect of the Victorian period. A wooden, free standing bath which is quite deep will also add to this kind of theme. Simple details such as adding iron cast handles to cabinets and other storage furniture will ensure that the furniture looks as authentic as possible.
Bespoke furniture – the creative way to furnish your home
Bespoke furniture is perfect for those looking for variety and a unique quality in their homes, as these pieces of furniture are tailor made to fit the customer’s ideas and tastes. This means that as a customer, you can bring your own creations to life with the help of skilled craftsmen. Whether you want traditional, solid furniture with a unique twist or slightly more frivolous, decorative pieces which catch the eye the moment you walk into the room, you can have it made. Bespoke furniture can be coordinated with the rest of the decor in the room, so it merges perfectly with the rest of the colours, materials and fabrics used.
Getting a set or single piece of handcrafted furniture made is a bigger commitment than, for example, purchasing a standard piece in a department store. The key thing to bear in mind is that you must research what types of designs really appeal to you before making your final decision about what you want. Cut out photos from magazines, or print things off the internet if you spot furniture that you like and see if you still have the same taste in a couple of months. This will ensure that when you choose your final piece, it will be something that you’re going to love for years to come. Researching your design ideas may seem a bit laborious, however bespoke furniture is an investment which is certainly worth every effort.
Another beneficial aspect of this type of furniture is that you can have the piece made with removable panels if you so wish. This is a great idea for people whose tastes tend to evolve frequently, or for anyone who wants to keep up with the latest trends. When you tire of the design, you can simply have the panels removed and replace them with more modern ones, as you see fit, whilst maintaining the basic structure of the piece. This means that the decor of your home can change to suit you moods and latest design preferences.
However this kind of furniture isn’t just for those who love the latest trends. For those who aspire to create a traditional, welcoming atmosphere with the decor of their home, this type of furniture may be just the thing. You can recreate furniture styles from previous decades or centuries, so if you have always admired furniture from the Georgian period, for example, you can create furniture in that style, along with any adjustments you might wish to make to the traditional structure. Thus you can have ‘antique’ styled furniture which accommodates a modern lifestyle.
Today, so many people opt for the standard, mass produced choices when it comes to decorating their home. Whilst this kind of furniture can be nicely made, it lacks personality and can be quite bland. Choosing bespoke furniture allows you to express your unique personality throughout the design process. When you put the effort into creating a piece of handcrafted furniture, you’ll know that no one will ever have anything quite like it.
A Guide to Knitting With Alpaca Wools and Garment Care
Knitting is one of those hobbies that is very enjoyable and also rewarding when you end up with your finished project. Alpaca wools are a great material to use regardless of the level of skill you currently have. Alpaca fleece is quite easy to work with, even for the novice, and it has beneficial qualities such as being lightweight, hypoallergenic, water resistant, warm and soft. Alpaca wools are perfect for knitting baby clothes, jumpers, scarves, and beanies for both children and adults. Some of the most popular alpaca knitwear creations also include blankets and throw rugs that are perfect for your personal use or to give as a gift.
When you are working with alpaca wools, it is important to note that the thickness of the alpaca yarn will vary, depending on how it has been spun. If you are making a jumper and you are looking to create something very warm and thick, you will need to choose a thick alpaca yarn to complete the project and meet your requirements. It is also a good idea to use thick yarns if you are knitting a blanket or throw for winter, and if you want a lightweight throw to use all year round, consider using an alpaca yarn that has been finely spun. A fine thread is also more suitable to use on items made for babies and young children. Depending on the thickness of the yarn, you will also need to choose the appropriately sized knitting needles. You will usually find detailed information on the wool packaging in relation to choosing correctly sized knitting needles.
Knitting wools also come in different strands and you will have the option of choosing between a single strand or a double strand. Double strands will help to create bulk and warmth when you are knitting a jumper and knitting with a single strand of wool is perfect for garments that are daintier. When you are knitting with a double strand alpaca wool the garment will become quite heavy to work with and therefore requires the use of thicker knitting needles to accommodate the additional weight. Wool obtained from an Alpaca is very fine, even if it is double stranded, and it can be easy to accidentally slip the needle in between the strand fibres, however as you gain more experience and get a good feel for the wool, this will be less of a problem.
Caring for your garment correctly, after it has been completed, is an important step and the specific care instructions will vary depending on the wool you have chosen to use. Alpaca knitwear, as with many other wools, will need to be washed with care, by hand. It is also important to wash the item before giving it as a gift, or wearing it yourself. You will need to ensure it maintains the correct shape, therefore, hanging it on a clothesline with pegs is definitely out of the question. Many people purchase a special airing mat, and all that you will need to do after washing the item by hand, is to lay it out flat on the mat, blot out any excess moisture and leave it to air and dry. It will take quite a while for it to dry properly, however it is necessary to ensure the garment stays in shape.
The Possibilities of Bespoke Furniture
In the world of tailoring, bespoke design is about fitting and style and that’s just as true in the world of furniture design, although there is even more to it. The scope of fitting is so much more, as furniture’s size constraints come not only from the people who will use it, but the room or space its in.
Bespoke furniture can bring items and ideas from one setting and make them belong in another, or can introduce entirely new ideas into something. This can be as simple as using a material in a task that you might not associate it with, or adapting a type of furniture for a role you might not associate it with.
Cloths and fabrics as well as woods easily lend themselves to being used outside of their classic uses, in part as they tend to be easy to work and cut to new shapes and sizes. Wood is readily used in many pieces of furniture around the home, but in the bathroom, for the more specific bathroom items such as a wooden sink and baths, it’s less commonly used. Cloth is often used as a covering, or a visual barrier, but stretched taut it can also be used to create lightweight shelves for lighter items.
Bespoke items needn’t stop at the furniture and fittings of a room, as decorations and other items are possible too. Here again, unusual materials, or items that are associated with other uses, can provide inspiration. For example, the humble hammock’s concept can be adapted to provide a wide range of different seating and lying arrangements.
Bespoke furniture can also offer solutions to furniture problems. Children’s furniture rarely comes in the same styles as adult’s furniture and while this is often fine, some may want to make children feel like they are more included by having children’s furniture that ties in with the adult’s.
Bespoke furniture can also provide those fitted items that may have been removed from a house or no longer be commonly fitted. Window seats for bay or other alcove windows are rarer these days, but offer a pleasant way to sit in the sun and read, in a way that merely putting a chair there cannot capture. As people become more interested in restoring, rather than modernising, homes, bespoke furniture is becoming more popular.
Fancy a taste of another part of the world or culture? Why not transform a space to bring that feeling into your room, home or area? This can be done by either going for the full exotic experience, or just a taste, subtly incorporated to give just a hint of that style.
Bespoke furniture can breathe life into a space whether old or new and really offer the opportunity to have the room just as you want it to be. A designer can be used to tap your own imagination and make it a reality, or to provide ideas to help stimulate yours. The possibilities described here are only the beginning and there are more great designs out there than people, just waiting to be realized in rooms and homes.