How Healthy Is Your Bedroom?

A bedroom is the keeper of the soul... Let's create a healthy bedroom environment!

Article taken off ihavenet.com

How Healthy Is Your Bedroom?

The kitchen may be the most popular room in the house, but the bedroom is where you clock the most time. Human beings dedicate one third of their lives to sleeping. With good reason: Sleeping refreshes the body and mind, recharging you for the next day. And while you can’t control many of the factors that interfere with slumber -- noisy neighbors, early-bird toddlers, antsy dogs -- a few simple changes can transform your ordinary bedroom into a snoozing sanctuary.

Emily Anderson, eco-style expert and author of Eco Chic Home: Rethink, Reuse, and Remake Your Way to Sustainable Style, has developed a 10-step plan to improve your bedroom health.


1. Leave your shoes at the door
Going shoeless does more than keep your house clean. “The rubber on the soles of your shoes picks up chemicals and toxins from the pavement,” says Anderson. “You don’t want to bring those things into your bedroom.”

2. Manage your mattress
Rotate your mattress every six months. “Rotating gets rid of dust mites and toxins and will prolong the life of the mattress,” says Anderson. Flip the mattress both horizontally and vertically. Forget what side you’re on? Anderson recommends pinning a note to the foot of the bed.

3. Chill out
“Sleeping in a cooler temperature is not just the green thing to do -- you actually sleep better when the thermostat is down,” says Anderson. Aim for 68 degrees in the winter. Toes still cold? Toss on an extra blanket.

4. Cover with curtains
Window coverings are key. “You lose a tremendous amount of warm and cool air through windows,” notes Anderson. But it’s not the cracks that are the culprit. “Most windowpanes are not engineered to be energy-saving,” says Anderson. He recommends choosing curtains over blinds because they can be easily removed and washed. “And they actually cover more of the window.”

5. Don’t ignore the closet
When was the last time you took inventory of your wardrobe? Exactly. Anderson suggests digging into your closet and pulling out what you no longer need. “Getting rid of excess is one of the best ways to save money,” she says. “You become more conscious of the things you own.”

6. Add a splash of vinegar
“Vinegar is a great natural antibacterial agent,” says Anderson. “When washing sheets, add a cup with your regular detergent.”

7. Dry naturally
“Once or twice a season, dry your sheets in the sunshine,” says Anderson. “Not putting sheets in the dryer all the time means they’ll last longer -- plus, the sun is a natural whitener.”

8. Protect your pillow
Pillows are susceptible to stains from makeup and natural face oils. Anderson recommends always covering your pillow with a washable case. “A pillowcase will protect your pillow and allow you to keep it longer,” she says.

9. Choose lavender
Trade stinky mothballs for the soothing scent of lavender. The fragrant herb is a natural moth and mite repellent. “Homemade sachets are easy to make,” says Anderson. “Buy dried lavender in bulk and sew a little pillow. They also make great gifts.”

10. Illuminate naturally
Anderson recommends setting up your bedroom to optimize the lighting. “Arrange your bed so it’s facing at least one window. Natural light wakes you up and makes it easier for you to get out of bed in the morning.”

Functionality and Decor With Eco-friendly Shower Curtains

Set up your very own eco bathroom by adding this to your bathroom!


Article taken off textilefurnishings.com


Functionality and Decor With Eco-friendly Shower Curtains


When it comes to bathroom décor, there will always be a new trend, something more daring and sophisticated than ever before. However, the decorating or remodeling of your bathroom interior should be a matter of personal taste, rather than one of going with the trend. And you can give a completely new and stylish look to your bathroom or add your personal touch without investing too much in the process. The little details are very important, and you might be surprised to see what a unique shower curtain can do to the décor of your bathroom.

With the variety of shower curtains available on the market today, it is virtually impossible not to find one that you will absolutely love. You could find the right shower curtain and build the rest of your bathroom around it, or you could look for the shower curtain that is most suitable to your exiting bathroom décor. Either way, your options are extremely varied. You can opt for one of the models that already exist in specialized shops (both online and in the real world), or you can choose to have a custom shower curtain and have something very personal or meaningful to you reproduced on your shower curtain. The effect will be great.

Specialized web sites are the ideal place to look for such new, sophisticated and modern shower curtains. They sell shower curtains in a wide range of materials, colors and designs, and they are constantly adding new models, so that you can have a truly unique shower curtain. For instance, the world map shower curtain is among the most popular choices of curtains online. Just imagine what your bathroom is going to look like once you’ve replaced your old and boring shower curtain with a world map shower curtain. Are you getting just a bit tired of the way your bathroom looks? Try a world map shower curtain for a change. You’ll be surprised how well it looks. You’re not into geography, and a world map shower curtain is not your style? Rest assured that there are many other models to choose from. Photographic shower curtains are something new and innovative. Adding your personal touch and giving your bathroom a fresh new look requires neither too much time nor too much money. One of these unique shower curtains will do the trick.

When it comes to the material of the shower curtain, once again you are presented with several choices. The most popular type of material for shower curtains is plastic, for reasons that are easy to understand. After all, your shower curtain still has to be functional. However, if you are going with the current trend in terms of protecting the environment, you might be interested in purchasing an eco-friendly shower curtain. The eco-friendly shower curtain is made of biodegradable plastic, namely polyethylene vinyl acetate. You can rely on it to serve its purpose just like any other kind of shower curtain. Furthermore, the eco-friendly shower curtain is available in many designs, including the world map model. And it is cheaper than many other models of unique shower curtains!

Top Tips for Choosing Bathroom Flooring

Renovating or designing a bathroom is a lot of work. There are many things that need to be taken into consideration when choosing the floor for your bathroom.


Article taken off ideamarketers.com


Top Tips for Choosing Bathroom Flooring

Make a Small Bathroom Look Larger with the Right Kind of Floor
Most people have to deal with bathrooms that are relatively small. There's just no getting around it. However, there are ways to make a small bathroom look a lot larger. One of the best ways to do so is by choosing your flooring with care. A light-colored floor is one of the simplest yet most dramatic ways to give a small bathroom a much more spacious look and feel. Better still, use similar tones for the walls and the floor to create the illusion of a lot more space.

Why Ceramic Works Best
If you're looking for a bathroom floor material that is affordable, attractive and easy on bare feet, you should make a beeline for ceramic. This type of floor material can include many unique textures and designs that go along with virtually any interior design scheme. Ceramic is wonderfully waterproof, too, which is a critical point when it comes to designing a bathroom - nothing is worse than stepping onto a damp, soggy floor. Ceramic tiles are available in a breathtaking array of different styles, sizes and designs, too, making it a snap to get the look that is right for you.

Vinyl: A Suitable Choice
Vinyl feels great underfoot; it's also very waterproof and a snap to maintain. Best of all, vinyl flooring is very affordable. A wide variety of different patterns and designs are available, making it a versatile and exciting choice for the bathroom. Put vinyl near the top of your list if you want to stick to a strict budget while still achieving a stylish and attractive look.

The Trouble with Marble
Some people believe that marble is the be-all, end-all in terms of bathroom floors. However, marble is a highly porous material; it is also very soft. What that means is that it absorbs and retains moisture with ease. In the bathroom, that can spell major trouble. As beautiful and luxurious as marble may be, it is generally not a suitable choice for the bathroom.

Why Carpeting isn't Ideal for the Bathroom
While it's fine to throw down a few colorful rugs in a bathroom, having wall-to-wall carpeting installed isn't a very smart move. Carpet needs to stay as dry as possible; even if you are a stickler about not stepping onto your carpet with sopping wet feet, the moisture in the air will wreak plenty of havoc. While carpet feels wonderful beneath the feet, it just isn't a practical choice for the bathroom. Invest in a few cute area rugs and leave the carpeting for other parts of the home.

Want Wood? Try Laminate Flooring Instead
The idea of a luxurious wood floor in the bathroom may sound great, but it is fraught with all sorts of issues. A wood floor must be impeccably installed in order to stand a chance in the bathroom, where moisture and standing water can destroy it in no time flat. Plus, wood must be finished in a precise way in order to make a go of it. If you'd like the look of wood in a material that can withstand the perils of the bathroom, laminate flooring may be for you. It is available in many wood-style finishes that will make your bathroom look amazing.

Getting the Bathroom of Your Dreams
You don't have to sell yourself short when it comes to choosing a floor for your bathroom. There are many modern choices - like laminate floors and engineered wood floors - that allow you to enjoy the look of classic materials without all of the issues. Take your time in shopping for floors for your bathroom. Don't make your final decision until you have investigated every option. Most importantly, don't compromise on the look that you want. By checking out some of today's best options, it's more than possible to get the style that you need at an amazing price.

Kristina de Atucha Interior Design

Oh my word, this home! If you love contemporary, clean spaces, you don't want to miss out on this Boulder home featured in Colorado Homes & Lifestyles designed by Kristina de Atucha Interior Design. Seriously, these two images don't do it justice! But I LOOOVE them! I'm such a sucker for Schumacher & Co.’s aquamarine Chiang Mai Dragon, it never gets old. And this bedroom...what an escape! Those windows are fabulous! See the rest of the home here!

Ecletic Bathroom Interior Design by Mary Evelyn McKee

 That is a creative Ecletic bathroom interior design, the designer Mary Evelyn McKee gave the enveloping atmosphere by Using a map-print toilet for the walls and window treatments of this powder room and measures with dramatic scale and dimension. It's a wonderful batroom interior design.

Brandon Barré

I've shared this heavenly bathroom designed by Candice Olson before, but when I discovered the corresponding bedroom in the portfolio of Toront0-based Brandon Barré I was delighted! What a beautiful, cozy cove! It would be such a luxury to have a wall like that, opening up to a private deck. Then to have such an amazing bathroom in the other direction?! Dream space!!!

Bathroom - Decoration

The indoor bathroom decoration pictures from Jacuzzi, these a four bathroom interior that have a different style. Every bathroom designed to give a maximum comfortability for the users. An exquisite bathroom requires the elements of elegance that reflects the tone of your bathrooms and your personality as a person using the bathroom. Let’s see the pictures and found the right style for your bathroom.

Sea Meets Sky

If I hadn't discovered these photos via Colorado Homes & Lifestyles, I would have sworn the house was in New England! For good reason though, as the owners lived in Massachusetts for many years before moving to Denver. Interior Nan Procknow and architect Don Ruggles worked to execute their vision of a new home inspired by their summers spent on the coast. I love the soft blue and green color scheme throughout the home. The glass tiles on the backsplash are gorgeous! Don't miss the rest of the home here!

Garry Mertins

Dream bath alert! Little Rock designer Garry Mertins created this soothing spa-like retreat that was featured in At Home in Atlanta and photographed by Nancy Nolan. I love that a custom wall color was created to match the existing tile. (I always get so sad when people want to get rid of turquoise tile!) My favorite feature here, other than the color, is the overflowing soaking tub. What I'd give to fill my bathtub up to the brim and soak away the day! Read more about this tranquil space here!

I cannot thank you guys enough for all the comments and emails yesterday! I was on Cloud 9 all day long, couldn't stop smiling! Your kind words only made me that much happier! THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! :D

Readers' Rooms and Projects!

Katie of Katie Beth Interiors





Paige of My Oh Meyer



Judy of DIY by Design



Hooper of Birds of a Feather



Karen Clark Interior Design


Danielle R.



Gabrielle of Ruby Angel Designs


Carmen of ACHADOS DE DECORAÇÃO


Sarah of La Maison Boheme

Beth of Hip Mama B (photo by Patty at Petula Pea Photography)


Pat S.

Cecily T.

Danielle H.



Britt of A Baby, A Dog & A Blog



Morgan of C is for Coffee



Susan of In the Storm

Cathy S.

Edyta of Edyta and Co.


Cindy of Cameras and Chaos


Kathleen of Between Blue and Yellow



Lindsay and Heather of The Modern Shed



Jill of Castawayshall

Phew! I always think these posts are going to take me 20 minutes to compile, but then HOURS go by! You guys sure know how to rock your turquoise! So many inspiring rooms, thank you so much for sending them to me. I get such a blast out of seeing them. I know I've said it before, but it's seriously my favorite part of doing this blog. I get so many fantastic ideas from your eye-candy! And who doesn't love a little peek into other peoples' homes??

Have a great weekend everyone! I know I will! :D