If you are interested in fixing up your bathroom, to give it a nice fresh look and feel, you might be dismayed at how much it could cost to carry out that kind of work.  However, if your actual bathroom is structurally sound and doesn’t need to be fully upgraded and renovated, there are many things you could do that won’t break the bank so much.

Improved Lighting

In the majority of bathrooms, lighting is normally overhead which can cause shadows and make everyone look like raccoons around the eyes.  If this is the case in your bathroom, just by adding either wall lighting fixtures or a mirror with little lights around it, you could make the whole room look and feel brighter without spending too much.

Large Bathroom Floor Tiles

Although you may feel that smaller tiles would make a small bathroom feel larger, it is the opposite that is actually true.  Porcelain or ceramic tiles are the perfect choice, especially the larger sized ones, as they look good and do not require much maintenance.  It obviously takes a tiler a lot less time to tile a floor using larger tiles than smaller tiles and because less grout is required you will have less cleaning to do between them.

Replace The Taps And Faucets

Another great way to breathe a fresh breath of life into a bathroom that just needs some attention, is by replacing the taps and faucets you currently have in the sink and bath.  If you look at the website for a company like PlumbTile you will find lots of different options and types of taps whether you are looking for individual hots and colds or looking for more sophisticated mixer taps.

There are many other things you can do to your bathroom, but the above has hopefully giving you some great ideas to start with.

So you are a big Formula One fan, staying at home and know more than just the basics about how the race weekend works. Before you start betting on your favourite sport, there are some things you should know.  In the following article we will discuss some of the most important considerations you should make when betting through a Sports betting website like http://sports.williamhill.com/.

The Car Performance

It is probably common sense to a lot of people reading, but if a F1 racing driver does not have a car that compete with the other favourites in a race, he is not going to have a chance of winning.  The best example of this is the difference between Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso.  They have won 47 races and 3 world championships between them but when they race in an unreliable and under-powered Honda engine they only managed to secure one Top 10 finish.

As you would also consider common sense, a car that is just as unreliable as it is fast, is useless.  Reliability is a more important aspect of the cars and teams when placing bets.

The Driver’s Performance

Just as in life, some people are better doing certain tasks than others – some drivers fair better on particular tracks than others.  When you take a look at the career records of drivers, taking into consideration the record of their team mate’s, you can usually figure out the drivers who are most likely to do well on a particular track.

The Characteristics Of A Track

During each race weekend, the engineers and drivers look through and analyse vast amounts of data in order to fine-tune the set-up of their car to meet the unique demands of each track.  When speeding round Monza, how a car handles corners matters less than driving at top speed as much as possible; whereas with the Monaco GP things are very different – cars are generally configured to take corners at low speeds and have optimised traction.  Although these two tracks are at either end of the spectrum, most tracks on the circuit sit somewhere between the two, meaning that cars have to be set-up in a very compromised and balanced manner.

It is important to remember though that drivers will always be limited by whatever they have at their disposal.

Randomness

During Singapore last year Ricciardo knew the strength of his car depended on how well and how long he could make his tyres last between each pit stop.  Additionally though, it was known that the Safety Car being on the track would reduce completely his advantage because it would limit the number of laps he could drive at full speed.  When it comes to the Singapore GP though, it was unfortunate that it is the type of circuit where there are commonly regular Safety Car periods during a race.  This is because there are many points along that track where it is tricky to recover stricken cars during a race.

Ricciardo was thus confined to 2^nd place because of the 2 points in the race when the Safety Car was on the course.

The 2015 report by the National Association of Realtors on home values was good news for home owners. The report showed that home prices had increased by 8.2% in the second quarter of 2015 as compared to figures in 2014.

If you’d purchased a home with the hope of selling it later, you ought to be doing all that you can to further increase its value and capitalize on the current improvements in the real estate market. One way of doing this is by installing high-speed fiber internet.

According to researchers at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Colorado, high speed internet has become a must-have in home shopper lists. Simply installing high-speed fiber optic internet can result in an increase in the value of your home by anything between $5000 and $175,000.

Installing high speed internet will not only benefit you by providing you with high speed access to information, but will also provide you with greater return upon selling your home.

How to get fiber optic internet

Fiber optic internet offers you high speed internet at affordable prices.

Check availability

Check for the availability of fiber optic internet service providers in your area. Although the availability of Fiber optic internet is growing rapidly, it is not yet available to all parts of the US. Check to see what internet service providers are available in your area e.g. CenturyLink in Perkin IL.

Compare different service providers

If you have more than one choice for internet service providers in your area, compare the services providers on a price comparison website. These websites give you a breakdown of the features of the different services and allows you to compare them side by side. This allows quick comparison.

You may also want to read reviews by customers to find out what others have to say about the service providers you’re considering.

You will also need to visit the websites of the individual internet service providers to get more details about the specific packages they offer. Compare features such as upload and download speeds, terms of service, cost, contract length and special features or add-ons.

Study the contract

Study the contract before signing up for the service. How long is the contract for? What will happen in case you fail to make a payment? What are the terms and conditions for terminating services mid-contract? Are there fees and fines to be paid?

Be sure to study the fine print of the contract. Many people often find themselves paying dearly for having not paid attention to one or two details outlined in their contracts.

Book an installation appointment

If you’ve found a service provider that suits your needs, contact them and set up a date for the installation. Ensure that you have discussed your needs for access and devices with the service provider for better installation.

Be sure to include the fact that your house has high speed fiber optic internet when advertising for a buyer. This could mean the difference between the buyer going for another similar home to  yours.

So you have given a considerable amount of thought to how you are going to decorate the floors of your home.  It is now time to choose whether you will use carpet, laminate, wood or tile flooring.  Perhaps you are very much on the fence about tile flooring, but in the following article we hope to show you some of the best reasons for browsing GoHaus and investing in it.

It Will Last a Long Time

As it can cost a lot to redecorate your home’s flooring, you will want to choose a material and product that will last a long time.  Tile flooring, particularly porcelain and ceramic are robust and have a long shelf life.  When you follow the correct instructions for having it installed and maintaining it, it not fail on you for many, many years.

Various Options Available

Versatility is another great benefit of tiling.  There are now tiles in various sizes, styles and colours.  Even if you love the look of wood, you can’t have that material in a high moisture area.  However, there is a solution as there are now tiles that have a look.

Hygienic And Healthy

While you may have already been aware of the benefits and reasons for having tile flooring we have already covered, you may not have realised it is hygienic and healthy.  Tiling flooring can actually help to preserve the air quality of your home.  As tiles are fired inside kilns at very high temperatures, they carry either very little or no VOCs which are responsible for various health issues.

Less Maintenance

Tiling, as you may be aware, is very waterproof and is therefore protected against all manner of spills from shower, bath and sink water to drinks and even pet accidents.  Not only will soap and water be enough to clean dirty tiles, but many grouts available nowadays are almost completely stain-resistant.

There are numerous companies out there that can design and install a bespoke kitchen in your home, but is this the right choice for you to make? Many people question whether the additional cost is truly worth it, but the benefits can easily make it worth your while.

Uniqueness

Firstly, if you have a bespoke kitchen then that space is completely and utterly yours. Homeowners all across the country strive for a unique look, but that’s only a truly attainable goal if you go bespoke. With the kitchen being one of the most public rooms in the majority of homes, it makes a good choice if you’re thinking of going bespoke.

Functionality

No kitchen will ever be quite the same as the next, so it doesn’t really make much sense to buy off the rack from a practical point of view. With a bespoke kitchen, you will be able to take measurements and then make sure that everything is properly fitted. No gaps where food crumbs and cutlery can get trapped; no awkward places where cupboards fail to meet the ceiling.

Additionally, you can make space for things that aren’t normally accounted for. Have a special coffee maker that you’d like kept out of the way? Just build a cabinet with its dimensions in mind.

Investment

There’s no getting around the fact that going bespoke will cost you more money, though it usually isn’t quite as expensive as people expect it to be, especially since you’re tailoring it around your exact specifications.

No matter the added cost, you’ll end up with a better looking finished product, and one that boasts a superior standard of workmanship. When you finally come to sell the property, those details will stand out to potential buyers.

A bespoke kitchen looks better, lasts longer, and adds value. If you haven’t thought about opting for one, you might want to reconsider.

Whether you are looking to sell your house, or just redecorating and wanting to make choices that will boost the resale value, spending time and money on your house is always a worthwhile investment. Here are 10 key changes you can make to help add value to your home.

1. Choose high quality and long lasting materials when updating items such as flooring. Timber flooring may be more costly than some other types of flooring, but it is far more durable. A well installed hardwood floor adds value to any property, and lasts for years with minimal maintenance required.
2. Don’t put off care and maintenance- keep up with repairs such as leaky plumbing or drafty windows, and protect your home from the damage of the elements by fixing problems such as loose roof tiles or blocked rain gutters as soon as you spot them.
3. Adding square footage is the most obvious way to increase the value of any house, but if extending is not an option, you can still capitalise on the space that you do have. Converting loft space into another bedroom, and adding an en-suite bathroom or downstairs cloakroom are great additions to help maximise the value of your house.
4. The bathroom is a key area where spending a small amount of money on updates can have big payoff. If you don’t already have a bath, it is worth adding one as many home buyers consider it a necessity. Smaller baths or corner baths can squeeze into even the tightest of spaces.
5. Faded or peeling paint can make a whole room look tired, and re-painting is a quick way to freshen up your space. Choose neutral light colours to make rooms look bigger, and to create a blank canvas for potential buyers.
6. Make the most of your garden by keeping up with weeding and lawn maintenance. If you are not particularly green-fingered, consider adding a patio or decking area to create a space for outdoor entertaining.
7. The kitchen is considered by many to be the most important room in a house, so if you can only afford to update one room this should be it.
8. Make sure your house is energy efficient with changes such as adding loft insulation, updating your boiler and replacing windows, to save you and future owners money on energy bills.
9. It is said that a buyer decides what they think of your house within the first seven seconds of viewing it, so make sure your front door and entry way are up to scratch. Small changes such as a fresh coat of paint to your door and new fixtures can make a real difference.
10. If you are planning to sell sooner rather than later, consider what buyers want before you make any big changes to your home. Speak to a local estate agent to find out what people are looking for in your area and make updates accordingly, to save you spending money you don’t need to.

Although we’ve yet to reach Christmas in 2015, many of us are already planning our activities for 2016. So if you’re in the mood for shaking off the winter blues, here are some top events in 2016 to look forward to that range from amazing film revivals to horse betting opportunities and even top-class fashion shows.

Entertainment highlights

Although Star Wars is undoubtedly creating the largest amount of headlines in 2015, next year looks to be a truly blockbuster year. Already there’s a great amount of titles to look forward to including Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight and Leonardo DiCaprio’s The Revenant that looks like it might finally win him that much-coveted Oscar.

Music fans are in for a treat with the announcement that Adele will be touring in springtime and there will also be another summer packed full of top festivals. These include the world-famous Glastonbury Festival that has yet to unveil its headliners, but already many are betting on the likely acts to feature which have so far ranged from Coldplay and The Stone Roses, to Foo Fighters and even AC/DC.

Sporting events

Most of our homes and pubs will be transformed into miniature football stadiums in June and July when the Euro 16 competition takes place in France. Although 800,000 tickets for Euro 16 are currently on sale, many will be sat on their sofas shouting at their televisions as England aim to overcome the odds to beat the more favoured teams of Germany, France and Spain.

If you’re looking for some sporting excitement in the spring months, then the Grand National in April provides a perfect afternoon’s entertainment. It’s easier than ever to get involved in the fun as the leading mobile bookies Betway offer an easy-to-use betting service that means you can back a winner from the convenience of your sofa – just remember the slightly later starting time of 5.15pm!

Cultural attractions

London is one of the world’s fashion capitals and it offers all style connoisseurs a captivating look ahead to the spring-summer season when the London Fashion Weekend takes places at the prestigious Saatchi Gallery from 25 to 28 February. Not only will this feature all of the latest cutting-edge styles on the catwalk, but it promises an interactive experience with many shops and brands hosting special styling salons and exclusive fashion talks.

And finally, don’t forget that the Chinese New Year takes place on 8 February in 2016. So be sure to give your new year an exciting start by visiting the wonders of London’s Chinatown for a wealth of culinary and cultural delights.

So from high-end fashion to potentially lucrative horse-racing bets to even some top festival attractions, it looks like 2016 is going to be a great year!

A living room should be a place of comfort, relaxation and (if one may so wish) activity – as the term implies. Overall, it is also a place of entertainment, meant both on the visual as well as on the sensory level. Consequently, the first and most important step is knowing how to adapt the right items to the architectural space of a living room. This is a vital and primary component before considering the choice of furniture and items. The curvature and the angular or linear direction of the walls, floor and ceiling are primary factors and indicators that will guide the process of design and choice of accessories, and help to make the most out of the space available- in the process also eliminating any dead space that may result from narrow corners or small passageways.

Such issues can also be resolved easily by placing built-in cabinets or furnishings designed specifically for small spaces in the room. In interior décor, the walls are also considered a principal component. Hanging framed pictures, posters, wall lamps with appropriate and elegantly decorated shades, and other personal items that reflect your lifestyle and personality will create a cozy and personal feel to your living room. Setting the sofa in a preferential spot that allows for maximum visibility of the roundabout space (walls and ceiling included) – and that also has a view of the panorama through the windows will maximize the living room experience, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the benefits of a familiar and personal space. Use pinterest to get some amazing home décor inspiration.

Ultimately, there are many ways to create the perfect living room space that blends the concepts of comfort, relaxation, socialization and entertainment, and a number of steps must be taken in the process of design and décor while keeping in mind all the multiple variables that come with the choice of fabrics, colors, furniture; the positioning of sofas, coffee tables; chairs, cabinets, stands for the TV and game consoles – including portable digital devices and the Music Stereo-, book and bar shelves, chairs and the various items and accessories.

In ultimate analysis, the keyword here is general ‘harmony’ in its purest form and, to this end, there are many popular brands of interior design and furnishing that offer a wide variety of collections, and all have something to offer depending on personal preference. One of the most world-renowned brands in the market is Vitra, founded in Germany in the 1950s. Vitra offers a unique furniture design that focuses, first and foremost – on the artistic principle. Its impressive array of creations is personally designed by many renowned international designers that include Antonio Citterio, Eero Saarinen Alfredo Haberli, , Frank Gehry, Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, Jean Prouvé, Konstantin Grcic, George Nelson, Jacques Herzog & Pierre de Meuron. For the living room Vitra offers many interesting items to augment the interior décor, available also online on sites like shop.mohd.it/en, where you can find bar stools for the bar section and elegantly designed and avant-gard clocks, coffee tables and chairs, as well as adjustable tables, sofas, tool boxes and picturesque and lively-colored wooden dolls among others— all of which contribute to creating a sense of harmony and to enhance the feng shui aspect, now considered by many to be essential in interior design.
. The artistic value of Vitra’s line of designers is the principal strength of its creations, which are perfectly suited for creating the ideal living room space.