A few simple items can completely transform your bathroom.

Before anything else, make room in your bathroom by throwing away any products (cleaning, toiletry, makeup, whatever) that are empty or down to the last drop or that you haven’t used in the last month (unopened items are always desperately needed at shelters and food pantries). Also, if there is anything that doesn’t belong in the bathroom, take it to the appropriate room. Limit children’s bath toys to one small plastic basket outside the tub (unless you enjoy playing with the rubber duckies too).

If you use bar soap, a wooden soap dish adds a decorative touch, and it keeps the bar from just laying on the sink or side of the tub.

Replace your shower head with a rainfall type shower head for more soothing showers. Even better is a combination rainfall shower head and hand held shower massager. A curved shower rod makes the smallest shower seem much larger. They are surprisingly easy to install.

Invest in some Egyptian cotton towels, some thick, absorbent rugs, and a natural sponge and back scrubber.

Now all you need is some candles and your favorite bath and body goodies to turn your bathroom into a sanctuary.

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For example, almost any floor or surface can be cleaned with vinegar diluted in a 1:1 solution with water. The smell goes away, but if it is bothersome add lemon juice. (marble and some tile can’t handle the acidity so always test an inconspicuous area) For nearly effortless toilet cleaning, soak your bowl in vinegar (try to get the water down as much as possible) and add baking soda for foaming action. Spot made a mess on the carpet? Clean it with vinegar. It neutralizes odors and prevents repeats.

For a fresher carpet, sprinkle cornstarch and baking soda and vacuum. Baking soda works as an abrasive cleaner as well as a deodorizer.

For your laundry use liquid castille soap or try this recipe for a powder:

1 part grated glycerin soap (must be easily dissolving)

1 part baking soda

1 part washing soda (like is in the plain cleaners)

1 part borax

For fabric softener, use a cup of vinegar in the rinse cycle.

Put a bowl of water with sliced lemons and oranges in your microwave, nuke it for a few minutes and let the steam and natural grease fighting oils do most of the dirty work for you.  Make your hardwood furniture shine by mixing 1 cup olive oil and 1/2 cup lemon juice. For stains on counters and even for scrubbing dishes, cut a lemon in half and sprinkle with baking soda.  Use half a lemon to clean and shine brass and copper.

For windows and mirrors, try 2 teaspoons vinegar in a quart of water (will streak if the window is hot) and clean with crumpled newspaper or 1/2 cup cornstarch in 2 quarts water and clean with a soft cloth.

When you buy these basic ingredients in bulk, the cost becomes even less.  For mere pennies you can keep your home sparkling, fresh, and chemical free!

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Almost any container (including an old boot!) can be used as a planter as long as it has adequate drainage. Think about the size and needs of your plants. Also consider that you may want or need to move your container so you might not want anything too heavy. Stands and hanging baskets are also quite appropriate and decorative for some spaces.

Most plants that do well in a small garden in the yard can do well in a container. Choose from herbs, flowers, vegetables, or even mini fruit trees (although these tend to require more work), but start small and don’t overwhelm yourself. Some plants can be combined in the same container for added benefits, such as parsley with carrots to repel carrot flies. Helpful lists of flowers and vegetables which are ideal for container gardens can be found at  Garden Guides.

Treat your plants with tender loving care. Place your container where they will get the right amount of sunlight. A plant in a container can’t grow its roots deeper to get nutrients or grow tall to reach sunlight. Start with a good soil blend and fertilize well according to the package directions or mix a nutrient solution. Allow about one day a week to give your plants plain water to leach the soil of unused fertilizer. Don’t over water and make sure the container is draining properly. Plant disease can happen to any plant, but having a container garden makes it easier to treat only the affected plant.

Finally, for more info on container gardening, check out these websites:

Container Gardening Tips

Texas A&M AgriLife

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The feng shui expert at about.com has several real life tips for the average person who hasn’t mapped out their home’s Ba-Gua or figured their Kua number (although you might find it interesting to see how areas of your home correspond to your life).

First things first, clear you home of clutter. The frenetic energy surrounding all that miscellaneous stuff you aren’t using can translate into chaos in your life. Just get rid of it. Clutter has a nasty sticky sort of energy that makes it hard to get rid of it, but great things can happen when you make the effort.

According to the principles of feng shui, the first room to declutter is your bedroom. While you’re at it, move the exercise equipment and items that detract from the restful and relaxing atmosphere. Clear the air and open up the curtains. Air purifying plants might just bring the breath of fresh air you’re looking for, and the sunlight they need is good for you too.

In the kitchen, plants bring much needed uplifting energy as well. Let go of toxic chemical cleaners. There are greener cleaning products, and you’d be surprised what you can clean up with baking soda and vinegar.

Finally, bring some color into your home! A simple bowl of rose quartz might bring a bit of positive energy to your living room. Painting you kitchen yellow is said to improve digestion. Blue and white combined brings the energy of unlimited sky and happiness to any space.

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Keep yourself hydrated, and take breaks during the process to keep your energy level up. Sometimes it helps to put on music: something fast paced and uplifting that can motivate you.

As you go through your things, remember that any item that doesn’t bring you joy should be tossed. There is no reason to keep a bunch of stuff you don’t love. Just because it was Aunt Jane’s favorite footstool doesn’t mean it’s your favorite, but it might make a stranger with tired feet happy. Have a box or bag handy for stuff to donate.

You can also set things aside for a yard sale if you want. If you recycle, great, but now is not the time to start a big recycling program that requires hours of sorting before stuff can get out the door.

To keep organized, follow the “touch it once” rule taught by Discover Organization. Clothes go on hangers, in drawers, or in the hamper (if you leave it on a chair or on the floor you’re just going to have to pick it up later). Dishes go in cabinets or in the sink or dishwasher. Deal with mail as it comes in and never have stacks of mail on the coffee table again!

When you’re finished, don’t forget to pamper yourself, even if it’s just with a bubble bath or a cup of gourmet coffee and a good book. Now, get up and go for it!

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There is something about these that really appeals to me, even though I’m not entirely on board with the whole urban decor movement. It makes me think of eating outdoors in a cool little metropolitan cafe, watching the world go by and soaking in the scene.

Artist Michael Miller is actually a model maker who reproduces items for use in film and television. These manhole covers are replicas of the covers used in various cities around the U.S., without the excessive weight and scum build-up.

They can be purchased as wall art ($395) or as tables ($750), which I think is a fantastic idea. If I had a coffee shop I’d be using these as bistro tables for sure.

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A hotel in Berlin, Germany called Propeller Island City Lodge has been designed to be a work of art in and of itself. From the site:

30 rooms with an absolutely unique and personal ambiance. “Unique” is meant literally, for the entirety of all furnishings and other objects you will discover here are custom-made, individual handiwork. None can be found anywhere else on this planet - one could consider the CITY LODGE to be a MUSEUM with guest accommodations or a stay-in work of SCULPTURE.

The rooms are designed and constructed without compromise (!), varying from the tame to the extreme, and are well able to more or less alter your perspective of reality - according to your taste and sense of adventure.

Check out these photos.  It is hard to believe that these rooms are actually all in the same structure:

When I was a kid I actually thought it would be really cool to have each room in your house done in a totally different style.  Now, I’m starting to revisit that idea.  This is awesome!

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Of all the rooms in your house where you go to rejuvenate yourself, your bedroom is the most important. At least one-third of your life is spent sleeping, and even when you’re not in dreamland, you may be using your bedroom for rest and relaxation. That means it is important for you to have a not just a ‘bedroom’, but an oasis: a place to let your guard down and be vulnerable. A place to be nurtured, comforted, and soothed from the worries of your day.

The definition of an oasis may vary from person to person, depending on lifestyle and personal preferences, but here are some tips for making sure your bedroom is a place you can recharge your batteries:

1. Keep it Clean

If you come home at the end of a long, hard day and walk into a bedroom that is piled high with laundry, books, and unwashed coffee cups, chances are pretty good that you are not going to feel rejuvenated. That doesn’t mean you have to clean your room every day, but it does mean you should have a system for keeping things organized. Make sure you have a place to put your laundry and hang your robe; keep your books on a shelf or in a basket next to the bed, and put a tray next to the door so you can put empty cups there and carry them to the kitchen easily.

2. Your Favorite Things

A highly decorated bedroom may not be for everyone, but regardless, you should surround yourself with things you love. Art that soothes, photos of your family, even a stereo system for enjoying music as you lounge with your latest book. Scented candles and comfortable sheets in a color that makes you feel good are also great ways for having a room that helps you put away the cares of the world. This room is all about you.

3. Invest in a Good Mattress

Your quality of sleep is going affect every other aspect of your life. Buy the best mattress you can afford and enjoy it! Make sure you spend time researching mattresses, testing them out, and looking for deals so that you can get the most for your money.

4. Keep It Real

Many people start out to decorate their bedroom and in an effort to make it look beautiful,  but in the process they also make it uncomfortable. Just because something looks stunning doesn’t mean you want to curl up in it every night. Of all the rooms in your house that should be slightly informal, the bedroom is the top of the list. It should be a place that you’re not afraid to throw yourself down and eat cookies in bed if you really feel like it.

5. Make it a Work Free Zone

Even if space is at a premium in your home, try your best to keep your desk or workspace in another room. Make your bedroom all about rest and relaxation. You can do that if you’re falling asleep looking at piles of bills on your desk or listening to email as it hits your inbox.

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The premise of this website is very simple: People take a picture of a room in their house and upload it on to this site with their location, the type of dwelling they live in, and their family status (i.e. single, married, married with kids, etc.)

There are literally thousands of photos on here from all over the world. Pictures of empty rooms that represent the lifestyle of the people who occupy them. At first glance, it doesn’t seem that interesting, but after you start looking at a few random images, you start to really get drawn in to it. It is fascinating to see how millions of people live via individual snapshots.

You also get a chance to see real decorating in action. So many of our home decorating ideas come from magazines or websites where everything is “ideal”–but it is fun to see how real people come up with creative ideas for living in rooms that are too small or too dark, or whatever.

You’ll find yourself getting lost in this site and imagining the lives of the people who live in these rooms–and it really just goes to show how personal home decorating really is.

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I confess, I love the bathroom. I’m a firm believer in the healing properties of water, and there’s nowhere I feel more comforted than in the tub or under a gentle shower. But as much as I my sanctuary, I love technology. So I was stoked to find this blog post on dvice.com which details 10 Examples of Cutting Edge Bathroom Design.

I love the cool functions of these items but I also adore the sleek, modern design aspect.  Faucets like this Aqua Brass Flame are gorgeous enough to be considered art.  Or this magnificent Steen Contemporary Pedestal Sink.  You don’t need bowls of potpourri or lots of little guest soaps with stuff like this in your bathroom.  Simple.  Sleek.  Cool.

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Looking for the ultimate Father’s Day gift? Once your dad sees this baby, he will rewrite his will naming you as the sole beneficiary of his entire estate. It might be the perfect gift–not just for dads, but for any man. Well. Any man that likes beer.

Check out the Asko HomePub Refrigerator.

It’s got an electric thermostat, antibacterial treatment system, and is in the A+ energy class. There’s space for extra kegs, plus fresh and frozen foods–although it is a small unit (301 liters) compared to most other home refrigerator models. It’s also got a fairly expensive price tag of around $1000–which isn’t really outrageous, but it is definitely not a cheap fridge.

Nevertheless, do I need to point out how much the benefits outweigh the drawbacks of this appliance? Consider in an investment in your father’s lifelong happiness.

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Check out their entire photo gallery. They did some extensive work in there. I don’t know if you are familiar enough with Mario Bros. games, but they have really managed to recreate that world. They even have those little tubes coming out of the ceiling!

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I absolutely LOVE this concept. I mean, the possibilities are endless. You could get pillows to spell out your name, or any word with special meaning to you. Even your favorite sports team or the city you live in!

I especially love the little tables that are there representing the extra point squares on the scrabble board.

This is really such a simple idea, I’m amazed I’ve never seen it before!

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On one hand, it’s great that he’s able to find a use for all this excess paper.  On the other hand–isn’t it a little disconcerting that someone might be using your old bank statements store their stuff in?

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Whether you replace your bulbs or install new energy saving light fixtures, you can save electricity in every room in your house. Energy Star appliances are designed to use minimal energy are available in almost every possible model you can think of: dishwashers, refrigerators, washers and dryers and much more.

Conserving water is another important way for families to be conscious. Consider buying a rain water collection barrel.

Try to use organic and chemical free products for painting, staining, gardening and cleaning.

For more examples of ways you can Green Up your home, visit this excellent “How To” article, “How to Go Green in No Time at All.“

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The benefits of cast iron cookware are well known in kitchens throughout the world. For one thing, it is a non-toxic cooking surface. In fact, there is an added benefit of the iron leaching into the food cooked in it, providing you with an additional source for this mineral which is necessary for healthy building healthy blood.

Bare cast iron has been in use for hundreds of years, and now there are additional enamel coated cast iron options. Both types are known for their ability to hold and diffuse heat, making them an excellent choice for extended periods of cooking.

A set of cast iron cookware will literally last you for your entire life. They are one of the single best investments you can make in your home.

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You may not have a huge gourmet kitchen, but you still needs to use this room every day.  How can you make the most out of the kitchen you have?

Organization is the key to surviving in tight spaces.  There are thousands of modular pieces for cabinets and pantries such as the elfa line available at The Container Store. You can also use stackable plastic containers for storing loose and bulk foodstuffs such as sugar, flour, cereals, and other items that are difficult to keep tidy.

Try to keep your counter tops clean and free of clutter so you have work space.  Additional workspace can be created when you buy a pot rack to hang pots and pans within reach.  You can also buy portable worktables which can be moved around and stored away when they are not in use.

The smaller your kitchen, the more important organization is.  Investing a little time and money in to your kitchen space will give you the freedom you need to create great food, and enjoy the time you spend there.

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When you set out to find a decorator, here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Ask for a portfolio and references.

If they’ve done great work, they will have people who are willing to rave about them, and you need to confirm that they can do what they say they can. Many decorators will have their portfolios available on their websites, but you should still ask if you can contact any of their former clients. When you call, treat it like a job interview and be professional.

2. Be clear about what you want.

Before sitting down with your decorator, collect pictures, fabric swatches, paint samples, and anything else–from jewelry to fruit–that inspires you. The more information and direction your can give a designer, the easier it will be for them to give you what you want.

3.  Shop around.

Choose your decorator after you’ve had a chance to compare two or three.  Look at their qualifications as well as their fees and decide on the best value for your money.  Don’t skimp just to save money–but don’t assume you have the pay a lot just to get a good job.

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Use What You Have Decorating

Laurie Ward

A great book about using what you already have in your home and making the most of it. It also offers tips for buying new furniture and home accessories, and lists common decorating mistakes to be avoided.

House Beautiful - 500 Sensational Ways to Create Your Ideal Home

Kate Sloan

A comprehensive book with tons of gorgeous photos on all kinds of decorating styles. It offers examples and practical tips for creating the home of your dreams.

Better Basics for the Home: Simple Solutions for Less Toxic Living

Annie Berthold-Bond

A must-read for anyone concerned about the health of their family and the impact that their home makes on the environment both inside and out.

Rooms to Inspire: Decorating With America’s Best Designers

Annie Kelly

Twelve cutting edge designers including Marian McEvoy, Kelly Wearstler, Muriel Brandolini, Jonathan Adler, and Simon Doonan share their vision through fabulous photographs.

Decorating Details: Projects and Ideas for a More Comfortable, More Beautiful Home

Martha Stewart

Decorating ideas and projects you can do yourself to create finishing touches on any room in your house.

The Home Decorator’s Color and Texture Bible: 180 Complete Schemes for a Harmonious Home

Adrienne Chinn

Color is perhaps the most challenging aspect of home decorating and this book will help you grasp the use of colors, textures, and textiles.

Decorating is Fun!: How to be your own Decorator

Dorothy Draper

This book has been in print for over sixty years and it is still fresh and pertinent for today’s home decorator. It encourages everyone to enjoy the process of designing their own homes.

The Declutter Workbook: 101Feng Shui Steps to Transform Your Life

Mary Lambert

A practical workbook for streamlining your home, removing clutter, and creating an environment that invites positive energy.

The Poetry of Home

Charlotte Moss

An anthology of literary works that capture the grace and beauty of home. A great source of inspiration as you contemplate your decorating choices.

Room & Furniture Layout Kit

Muncie Hendler

Includes hundreds of pieces that can be repositioned as your plan your rooms.

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Your home is more than just a place to store you clothing and eat dinner at the end of a long day.  We spend time at home relaxing, entertaining, watching television–and reading!

Books are beautiful.  They represent the combined knowledge of the human race, and offer us the opportunity to learn new things while stimulating our imaginations.  They can go anywhere, require no electricity, and have endless topics for us to choose from.

So why not use them as part of our decorating?

I don’t necessarily mean the stack of paperback Harlequin romances that you have in a box in the garage.  But books of poetry, or spiritual texts can be particularly beautiful–inside and out.  You an also find classic works at used bookstores in unique, eye-catching bindings.  Large, gorgeous picture books can be displayed on the shelf or on a coffee table and enjoyed by guests as they relax in your sitting areas, and used to spark conversation on any number of topics.

Consider investing in a fantastic bookshelf to house your collection.  You’ll find your friends and family drawn to it as they browse your selection and ask to borrow things that catch your eye.

If your collection of books leaves much to be desired, try hitting up used book stores, second-hand stores, and garage sales, where you can find multitudes of books for a song.

You’ll love the comforting feeling of being surrounded by these great works of literature as you relax with your morning coffee or tea.

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