When you consider the remodeling of your bathroom, you should carefully select the bathroom sink vanities. You should know that the bathroom sink vanities can establish the decor and style of the bathroom. Sink vanities for bathroom can be found in wide range of styles, colors, shapes and sizes. A homeowner should select it depending on the style as well as need. If you are ready to invest a large sum of money for the bathroom remodeling job then you can opt for the colored sink vanities. Hand painted designs can also be obtained by someone who has a high budget.
Depending on the choice and requirement, one can select the material to make bathroom sink vanities. Some of the widely used materials for bathroom sinks are ceramic, vitreous china, porcelain and stone. Metals, stainless steel, solid surface materials, enameled cast irons, acrylic and fiberglass are also preferred by some home owners for bathroom sink vanities.
Once you select the material for the bathroom sink, then you need to know about mounting the sink on countertops. One of the popular ways of mounting sinks is surface mounted sinks or self rimming sinks. In this process sink bowl is dropped into hole. The hole is kept little smaller than sink’s outside rim to get sealed with the surface of the countertop. Rimmed sinks are also preferred by some homeowners. It is dropped into the hole of countertop. Rim is used to get the sink joined with the countertop thus forming seal with metal strip.
Another way of mounting the sink on the countertops is the under mounted sinks. In this type of mounting process, rim is attached with countertop’s bottom portion which gives a clean look to bathroom vanity. One can also opt for the integral sinks. In integral sink, one can find one countertop unit and one piece sink made up of same material which makes the sink easy to install. But the disadvantage of using this type of sink is, one needs to replace the total unit if a part of the sink gets damaged. Generally these sinks are made from durable materials like solid surfaces, faux stone or any other hard stone.
While purchasing a bathroom sink vanity, one should be careful about the purpose for which the sink would be used. If one would not consider the purpose of the sink while ordering it, then he might face some problem later. Bathroom sink vanities can provide perfect place for brushing teeth, shampooing, shaving and washing. It can also be the best place for personal grooming. To do all these works in the sink, one needs to select the size of the sink carefully.
Bathroom is required by everyone in the house. So, investment in bathroom remodeling is considered to be a good investment. If someone wants to sell his home, then he should remodel the bathroom. A functional and attractive bathroom can earn a profitable deal. Always take the decision of purchasing bathroom sink vanities carefully to enhance the beauty of your bathroom.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Mosaic Holds Great Value In Contemporary Era
The art of mosaic was initially a part of oriental culture. The most primitive demonstration associated with such type of art goes back to the civilizations of Chaldeans and Mesopotamia. Pebble pavements were seen by 18th century BC that used different stone colors for creating patterns. It was in fourth century BC that the Greeks transformed it to a form of art through making well designed and intricate geometric patterns marked by precise accordance with detail scenes of animals and people.
With Romans, mosaic fields upgraded further even though the skill and artistry level were diminished slightly. Their works had great geometric displays, domestic themes and celebration of the scenes of Gods that were mostly used on floors. Byzantine civilization on fifth century AD took hold of mosaic as form of art and injected new characteristics. Mosaics in this era covered the ceilings and walls mostly. Themes mostly included portraits of empresses and emperors and religion.
Today also people worldwide and art lovers look for the magnificence and sheer beauty of mosaics. Mosaic art nowadays beholds the uniqueness of all civilization. The artistic spirits of all cultures where the mosaic existed are captured in today’s art form of mosaic. Phoenician Arts hold on to that art in modern world by combining secret techniques of ancestors with knowledge and expertise of the passionate artists to bring the best in mosaics.
So, if you are looking out for something quite unusual for your kitchen reconstruction or the new kitchen then avail handcrafted mosaics. Mosaic in fact can give a class of touch to your kitchen or the eating area. Mosaic medallions set in the walls, backsplash, floors or tabletops are an object of great beauty and can enthrall any and every visitor.
Mosaic medallions come in many colors, sizes, motifs and patterns. It is suitable for more or less all types of kitchen design from warm classic to sleek ultra modern designs. Mosaics are made from different material which includes slate, marble, glass or combining of all these materials. Mosaics by nature are composed of lots of these material pieces fashioned to unlimited designs and patterns.
Marble carpets or mosaic medallions offer great flooring options for eating areas and kitchens. Set in hardwood flooring or ceramic tile, mosaics produce the impression of area rugs in the areas of high traffic. Being in opposition to mats and rugs, mosaics afford the owners of home easy cleaning and getting away with tripping hazards. Flooring mosaics, like area rug helps in delimiting space at open concept surroundings.
Mosaic medallions can be set in breakfast bars, table-tops, in frames and on walls as unique and practical form of art for the area of kitchen and also other home areas. Whatever be the application of mosaics, it definitely accentuates the home décor.
Mosaics give a feeling of warmth and add inspiration to the setting. They can also add a touch of class and sophistication to your home. They can enhance your home décor and with mosaic installation in your home, your home’s beauty is sure to stay unmatched.
With Romans, mosaic fields upgraded further even though the skill and artistry level were diminished slightly. Their works had great geometric displays, domestic themes and celebration of the scenes of Gods that were mostly used on floors. Byzantine civilization on fifth century AD took hold of mosaic as form of art and injected new characteristics. Mosaics in this era covered the ceilings and walls mostly. Themes mostly included portraits of empresses and emperors and religion.
Today also people worldwide and art lovers look for the magnificence and sheer beauty of mosaics. Mosaic art nowadays beholds the uniqueness of all civilization. The artistic spirits of all cultures where the mosaic existed are captured in today’s art form of mosaic. Phoenician Arts hold on to that art in modern world by combining secret techniques of ancestors with knowledge and expertise of the passionate artists to bring the best in mosaics.
So, if you are looking out for something quite unusual for your kitchen reconstruction or the new kitchen then avail handcrafted mosaics. Mosaic in fact can give a class of touch to your kitchen or the eating area. Mosaic medallions set in the walls, backsplash, floors or tabletops are an object of great beauty and can enthrall any and every visitor.
Mosaic medallions come in many colors, sizes, motifs and patterns. It is suitable for more or less all types of kitchen design from warm classic to sleek ultra modern designs. Mosaics are made from different material which includes slate, marble, glass or combining of all these materials. Mosaics by nature are composed of lots of these material pieces fashioned to unlimited designs and patterns.
Marble carpets or mosaic medallions offer great flooring options for eating areas and kitchens. Set in hardwood flooring or ceramic tile, mosaics produce the impression of area rugs in the areas of high traffic. Being in opposition to mats and rugs, mosaics afford the owners of home easy cleaning and getting away with tripping hazards. Flooring mosaics, like area rug helps in delimiting space at open concept surroundings.
Mosaic medallions can be set in breakfast bars, table-tops, in frames and on walls as unique and practical form of art for the area of kitchen and also other home areas. Whatever be the application of mosaics, it definitely accentuates the home décor.
Mosaics give a feeling of warmth and add inspiration to the setting. They can also add a touch of class and sophistication to your home. They can enhance your home décor and with mosaic installation in your home, your home’s beauty is sure to stay unmatched.
Facts About Granite Countertop that You Need To Know Before Installation
If you are happy doing things that the rest of the world does, granite countertops in the kitchen is the ideal choice. In fact, such is the popularity of this in the modern times that almost every household has them. The reason is understandable as well. First of all, it is durable; it is slick and very colorful and stylish. Naturally, a person can not avoid the aesthetic appeal of the granite.
Now, you can use this beautiful natural without following the rest of the world. Over the last decade, the use of the granite in the home flooring has seen an up rise. Well, there is more than one reason that justifies this craze. This gives you the chance to show your class beyond the periphery of the kitchen. It is very easy to maintain and its durability too, has made it one of the most preferred choice for home decoration. Installing granite in the floor will render you creative person who wants to make their own style statement.
Basically, granite is made up of three ingredients – mica, feldspar and quartz. One of the greatest features of this stone is the wide variation in color and texture. In fact this is one of the reasons why the granite has been used so extensively in the art of home decoration. Because of this reason, and many more, granite can be the ideal option for your home flooring.
The first advantage that the granite has over the others is its durability. In fact, granite is one of the toughest things in the nature and therefore, it is almost impossible to break it. Also, granite does not react to the chemicals. This means that granite will not damaged in a long while. Unlike marble or other stones, the granite is less porous and therefore, it does not require too much of sealing.
If you are too much worried about the time and effort you would be able to give to maintain your house, granite will reduce your worry. It does not require any complex cleaning process at all. You can use the vacuum cleaners to clean off the dust. The floor can be mopped and dust safely. In fact, a wet mopping should be the standard method to keep the floor clean.
However, one should not assume that the granite, once installed, would remain intact for the rest of the life. Rather, like any other natural stone, granite too, loses its shine over the years. Too much of traffic on it can dull the stone and this can give a worn out look to your floor. Once again, you don’t have to do too much with that. All you need to do is to go for a granite restoration service. A regular polish can make up all the imperfections in the granite floor.
In spite of so many advantages, granite has certain drawbacks. It requires professionals to be installed. Like marble, wet granite is slippery. However, when you think of the style and the other advantages you will be ready to spend the bucks.
Now, you can use this beautiful natural without following the rest of the world. Over the last decade, the use of the granite in the home flooring has seen an up rise. Well, there is more than one reason that justifies this craze. This gives you the chance to show your class beyond the periphery of the kitchen. It is very easy to maintain and its durability too, has made it one of the most preferred choice for home decoration. Installing granite in the floor will render you creative person who wants to make their own style statement.
Basically, granite is made up of three ingredients – mica, feldspar and quartz. One of the greatest features of this stone is the wide variation in color and texture. In fact this is one of the reasons why the granite has been used so extensively in the art of home decoration. Because of this reason, and many more, granite can be the ideal option for your home flooring.
The first advantage that the granite has over the others is its durability. In fact, granite is one of the toughest things in the nature and therefore, it is almost impossible to break it. Also, granite does not react to the chemicals. This means that granite will not damaged in a long while. Unlike marble or other stones, the granite is less porous and therefore, it does not require too much of sealing.
If you are too much worried about the time and effort you would be able to give to maintain your house, granite will reduce your worry. It does not require any complex cleaning process at all. You can use the vacuum cleaners to clean off the dust. The floor can be mopped and dust safely. In fact, a wet mopping should be the standard method to keep the floor clean.
However, one should not assume that the granite, once installed, would remain intact for the rest of the life. Rather, like any other natural stone, granite too, loses its shine over the years. Too much of traffic on it can dull the stone and this can give a worn out look to your floor. Once again, you don’t have to do too much with that. All you need to do is to go for a granite restoration service. A regular polish can make up all the imperfections in the granite floor.
In spite of so many advantages, granite has certain drawbacks. It requires professionals to be installed. Like marble, wet granite is slippery. However, when you think of the style and the other advantages you will be ready to spend the bucks.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Various Kinds Of Marble Tiles Can Enhance Your Home Décor!
Marble tiles are in vogue for many centuries now! Marble adds a special class and sophistication to your room. Though costly, they last forever. They can create an identity of your room in the minds of the visitors who stop by at your place. Marble tiles are also used for walls and can be used as a decoration to adorn the walls of your living room. Interestingly, marble tiles are used not only indoor but also outdoors as well. For example, they can be used in terraces, lawns and foyers. These tiles only increase the beauty of your home. They are great for both small dealings and big estates.
Contrary to popular belief, marble tiles are not available in one color or design. If you research well you will come cross tiles that suit the overall décor of your room. They are also easily available in different patterns and textures. For example you can buy tiles that are polished, honed or tumbled. These are distinctly different from each other and they cater to different people with different color and texture preferences. Honed marbles provide more friction on the floor and thus they are absolutely safe for households. On the other hand you have the polished ones which are more elegant and classy but they have the tendency to become slippery when wet. To avoid accidents over these types of marble tiles you can easily have bath mats over them. On the other hand, if you want an old age charm and feel to your room then the only option is to go for tumbled marble tiles. They are often the perfect design for small homeowners who wants to maintain some nostalgia of their past.
If you are deciding to buy marble tiles, then the online shops can become a great option for you. There are huge numbers of such shops doing business online. However, some of them are not authentic and can sell you cheap variety that does not last long. Moreover they can force you to go for those colors and textures which are costly but not suitable for your floor and home decoration. It is advisable to go for the experts at these times. Talk to long term dealers, manufacturers, customers and shop owners before you select on the tiles that suit both your pockets and style. Try to compare prices and search online for those shops that sell quality stuff at competitive prices.
‘The Floor Covering Installation Contractors Association’ is a professional industry group that has been advising home owners regarding the quality, type and price of tiles. They also assist you in placement of these tiles on floors or walls. There is another good and authentic organization called the National Tile Contractors Association (NCTA). They not only inform you about prices and quality but also on installation processes, floor materials to be used and the dos and don’ts of marble flooring.
For example you must know that floor tile sizes are available in 305 x 305 mm, 500 mm and 800 mm free length. They can be of marble, limestone or glass (the latter the costliest). You will get color options in white, black, pink, mottled, red, green or gray
Contrary to popular belief, marble tiles are not available in one color or design. If you research well you will come cross tiles that suit the overall décor of your room. They are also easily available in different patterns and textures. For example you can buy tiles that are polished, honed or tumbled. These are distinctly different from each other and they cater to different people with different color and texture preferences. Honed marbles provide more friction on the floor and thus they are absolutely safe for households. On the other hand you have the polished ones which are more elegant and classy but they have the tendency to become slippery when wet. To avoid accidents over these types of marble tiles you can easily have bath mats over them. On the other hand, if you want an old age charm and feel to your room then the only option is to go for tumbled marble tiles. They are often the perfect design for small homeowners who wants to maintain some nostalgia of their past.
If you are deciding to buy marble tiles, then the online shops can become a great option for you. There are huge numbers of such shops doing business online. However, some of them are not authentic and can sell you cheap variety that does not last long. Moreover they can force you to go for those colors and textures which are costly but not suitable for your floor and home decoration. It is advisable to go for the experts at these times. Talk to long term dealers, manufacturers, customers and shop owners before you select on the tiles that suit both your pockets and style. Try to compare prices and search online for those shops that sell quality stuff at competitive prices.
‘The Floor Covering Installation Contractors Association’ is a professional industry group that has been advising home owners regarding the quality, type and price of tiles. They also assist you in placement of these tiles on floors or walls. There is another good and authentic organization called the National Tile Contractors Association (NCTA). They not only inform you about prices and quality but also on installation processes, floor materials to be used and the dos and don’ts of marble flooring.
For example you must know that floor tile sizes are available in 305 x 305 mm, 500 mm and 800 mm free length. They can be of marble, limestone or glass (the latter the costliest). You will get color options in white, black, pink, mottled, red, green or gray
Home Improvement: Marble Design Ideas
It will be difficult to put marble in a simple category. It is classic, contemporary, stylish, and natural and so on. In short, marble can be best described as the most aesthetic option to increase the value of your house. A little bit of planning can make your house as attractive as a palace. So, just in case you need some of them, these lines will give you that.
It is a good idea to use marble in the kitchen and you can select from varied options. However, the table and countertops are the most obvious. Like any other part of your house, your kitchen too will get a new look with the marble tiles. Remember that the marble alone can make it beautiful. However, if you are looking to make it extraordinary, you have to take little care about the installation and the accents. The beveled edges, the sinks, cabinetry – all are important aspects that would decide whether the atmosphere is up to the standard of the marble.
You should also add the mosaic tiles to walls, back splash area and even on your table-top. A hot pan holder made of marble can also be a very good idea to decorate the kitchen. There are plenty of other things that are available in the market. All you need to do is to conceive the kitchen that you see in your dreams.
Bathroom is another very important place where you can use the marble splendidly. In previous times, this could have been an absurd thought since the marble often stains in the presence of water. However, the modern sealers have successfully driven off this threat. Naturally, you can use marble in the bathroom without any worry at all. However, the honed finishes are the most suitable for the bathroom floors since they offer better grips. Still, if you are very fond of the polished finish, you should use the mats. Marble can be also used for the countertops, mirror trims, tubs and many other places.
The vessel sinks made of the marble are another means that will lend your bathroom a touch of sophistication. It can replace the vanities or can set on them as well. The Jacuzzis and the Roman tubs can attain greater beauty if marble wraps them up.
Another very stylish use of marble is the fireplace. This will make it the center of attraction in your room. Marble can be used both for the mantel and for the surrounding. Until recent years, they were very expensive and beyond the reach of the common homeowners. However, these days the standard marble mantels are available in a really affordable price. Like any other products of marble, they are very easy to install as well. Naturally, the consumers can save money by avoiding the professional installers.
Marble can be also used to construct the bar tops. Also, marble is a good choice to decorate the living room, den, bedrooms and the dining room. In short, there is no place where marble will look awkward.
It is a good idea to use marble in the kitchen and you can select from varied options. However, the table and countertops are the most obvious. Like any other part of your house, your kitchen too will get a new look with the marble tiles. Remember that the marble alone can make it beautiful. However, if you are looking to make it extraordinary, you have to take little care about the installation and the accents. The beveled edges, the sinks, cabinetry – all are important aspects that would decide whether the atmosphere is up to the standard of the marble.
You should also add the mosaic tiles to walls, back splash area and even on your table-top. A hot pan holder made of marble can also be a very good idea to decorate the kitchen. There are plenty of other things that are available in the market. All you need to do is to conceive the kitchen that you see in your dreams.
Bathroom is another very important place where you can use the marble splendidly. In previous times, this could have been an absurd thought since the marble often stains in the presence of water. However, the modern sealers have successfully driven off this threat. Naturally, you can use marble in the bathroom without any worry at all. However, the honed finishes are the most suitable for the bathroom floors since they offer better grips. Still, if you are very fond of the polished finish, you should use the mats. Marble can be also used for the countertops, mirror trims, tubs and many other places.
The vessel sinks made of the marble are another means that will lend your bathroom a touch of sophistication. It can replace the vanities or can set on them as well. The Jacuzzis and the Roman tubs can attain greater beauty if marble wraps them up.
Another very stylish use of marble is the fireplace. This will make it the center of attraction in your room. Marble can be used both for the mantel and for the surrounding. Until recent years, they were very expensive and beyond the reach of the common homeowners. However, these days the standard marble mantels are available in a really affordable price. Like any other products of marble, they are very easy to install as well. Naturally, the consumers can save money by avoiding the professional installers.
Marble can be also used to construct the bar tops. Also, marble is a good choice to decorate the living room, den, bedrooms and the dining room. In short, there is no place where marble will look awkward.
Granite: An Overview Of Its Nature And Origin
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma below the earth’s surface due to pressure and heat. Granite is found at a depth usually greater than 1.5 km and up to 50 km within thick continental crust of the Earth.
Geochemical origins of Granite
Granitoids are a ubiquitous component of the Earth’s crust. They have crystallized from magmas at its eutectic point due to heat and igneous differentiation. Alkali feldspar (rich in potassium) and quartz (SiO2), are two of the major defining constituents of granite.
Though the generation of granite is still into question among geologists, the composition and origin of the magma which differentiates into granite, leaves certain geochemical and mineral evidence as to what the granite's parental rock was. For instance, granite which is formed from melted sediments may have more alkali feldspar, whereas a granite derived from melted basalt may be richer in plagioclase feldspar.
Alphabet soup classification
· The 'alphabet soup' scheme of Chappell & White divides granites into I-type granite and S-type granite. Both of these types of granite are formed by melting of high grade metamorphic rocks.
· M-type or mantle derived granites are those granites which are sourced from crystallized mafic magmas that are of unique kinds.
· A-type or anorogenic granites are formed above volcanic "hot spot" activity. The rhyolites of the Yellowstone caldera are examples of volcanic equivalents of A-type granite.
Granitization
Granitization states that - “granite is formed by extreme metasomatism of fluids bringing in elements like potassium and removing others like calcium to transform the metamorphic rock into granite”.
In-situ granitisation or melting by metamorphism is recognized where leucosome and melanosome textures are present in gneisses. In such cases the solid rock melting requires high temperature. At the same time essential presence of water as well as other volatiles serves to be a catalyst.
Ascent and emplacement
Geologists have debated the ascent and emplacement of granite bulk that occurs within the upper continental crust.
There are two major hypotheses for the ascent of magma through the crust:
1. Stokes Diapir
2. Fracture Propagation
The basic idea of the Stokes diapir hypotheses is that magma will rise through the crust as a single mass through buoyancy. With its ascent it heats the wall rocks. This causes it to behave as a power-law fluid. Nonetheless since rocks and the upper crust of the earth do not deform hence this with the passage of time cools and solidifies.
Nowadays fracture propagation is the mechanism preferred by many geologists as it largely eliminates the major problems of moving a huge mass of magma through cold brittle crust.
Mechanisms for emplacing large batholiths to make room for Granitic magma:
· Stoping - where the granite cracks the wall rocks and pushes upwards as it removes blocks of the overlying crust.
· Assimilation - where the granite melts its way up into the crust and removes overlying material in its way.
· Inflation - where the granite body inflates under pressure and is injected into position.
Geochemical origins of Granite
Granitoids are a ubiquitous component of the Earth’s crust. They have crystallized from magmas at its eutectic point due to heat and igneous differentiation. Alkali feldspar (rich in potassium) and quartz (SiO2), are two of the major defining constituents of granite.
Though the generation of granite is still into question among geologists, the composition and origin of the magma which differentiates into granite, leaves certain geochemical and mineral evidence as to what the granite's parental rock was. For instance, granite which is formed from melted sediments may have more alkali feldspar, whereas a granite derived from melted basalt may be richer in plagioclase feldspar.
Alphabet soup classification
· The 'alphabet soup' scheme of Chappell & White divides granites into I-type granite and S-type granite. Both of these types of granite are formed by melting of high grade metamorphic rocks.
· M-type or mantle derived granites are those granites which are sourced from crystallized mafic magmas that are of unique kinds.
· A-type or anorogenic granites are formed above volcanic "hot spot" activity. The rhyolites of the Yellowstone caldera are examples of volcanic equivalents of A-type granite.
Granitization
Granitization states that - “granite is formed by extreme metasomatism of fluids bringing in elements like potassium and removing others like calcium to transform the metamorphic rock into granite”.
In-situ granitisation or melting by metamorphism is recognized where leucosome and melanosome textures are present in gneisses. In such cases the solid rock melting requires high temperature. At the same time essential presence of water as well as other volatiles serves to be a catalyst.
Ascent and emplacement
Geologists have debated the ascent and emplacement of granite bulk that occurs within the upper continental crust.
There are two major hypotheses for the ascent of magma through the crust:
1. Stokes Diapir
2. Fracture Propagation
The basic idea of the Stokes diapir hypotheses is that magma will rise through the crust as a single mass through buoyancy. With its ascent it heats the wall rocks. This causes it to behave as a power-law fluid. Nonetheless since rocks and the upper crust of the earth do not deform hence this with the passage of time cools and solidifies.
Nowadays fracture propagation is the mechanism preferred by many geologists as it largely eliminates the major problems of moving a huge mass of magma through cold brittle crust.
Mechanisms for emplacing large batholiths to make room for Granitic magma:
· Stoping - where the granite cracks the wall rocks and pushes upwards as it removes blocks of the overlying crust.
· Assimilation - where the granite melts its way up into the crust and removes overlying material in its way.
· Inflation - where the granite body inflates under pressure and is injected into position.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)