A resource for those seeking information on organizing and transforming spaces.

Design Ben Soreff Design Ben Soreff

4 Tips for Adding More Storage Space in Your Bathroom

Even though your bathroom is likely the smallest room in your home, it doesn't mean that you don't have to sacrifice storage space. You might want to keep items for your nighttime routine in a separate area from what you use for getting ready in the morning, which means that you would need a few additional shelves or cabinets. Here are a few ideas to consider that can give you more space while also giving your bathroom a stylish look.

Even though your bathroom is likely the smallest room in your home, it doesn't mean that you don't have to sacrifice storage space. You might want to keep items for your nighttime routine in a separate area from what you use for getting ready in the morning, which means that you would need a few additional shelves or cabinets. Here are a few ideas to consider that can give you more space while also giving your bathroom a stylish look.

Racks

From wooden towel racks to metal racks to store shampoo bottles and makeup, there's an assortment that you can install on your bathroom walls to give you more space. This technique allows you to utilize the vertical space that's available in the room instead of taking up more space moving out horizontally. If you choose to use wooden racks, you can paint them or add details to match the decorations in the rest of the room so that everything blends together.

Storage Bins

If you have empty cabinets, then utilize the space by putting storage bins in them. These can be colored bins to keep everyone's items sorted or baskets with fabric in them to give more of a neutral and sophisticated look. You can sort everything from makeup and moisturizer to hair supplies and toiletries in the bins so that you're not hunting all across your bathroom for one thing that you need. If you have children, then you might want to use colored bins that they can put stickers on so that they have their own space for what they use in the bathroom.

Cabinets

Adding cabinets is one of the bathroom renovations that can be quite easy to do if you have the proper tools. You need to measure the space where you plan to put the cabinets and find just the right size for the room. Consider finding taller cabinets as they won't stick out as much as those that are boxier. If you install cabinets that have a metal backing on the inside of the door, then you could use magnetic strips to hang scissors, clips, and other metallic items that sometimes get lost in drawers.

Rolling Away

If you have a small bathroom, then you might not be able to add a lot of permanent details. However, a beverage cart can add a touch of class to your bathroom for the duration that it's in the room. It can be used to store towels, toiletries, and other essentials that you know you're going to need when you're getting dressed.

When you look around your bathroom, you might not think of some of the simple ways that you can add more space. Utilize the walls as much as possible so that you can add items vertically. Take the time to consider what will benefit your family when you begin the process of adding more storage.

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Home Maintenance Ben Soreff Home Maintenance Ben Soreff

What Are the Different Styles of Tile Roofing?

Tile roofing is very popular especially in warmer climates and for good reason. They're durable, attractive, and come in many styles and colors. Although tile roofs can be used in colder climates, they need to be ASTM Grade 1 so that they perform well. The following are some of the most popular types of tile roofs for Florida and other southern and southwestern areas.

Tile roofing is very popular especially in warmer climates and for good reason. They're durable, attractive, and come in many styles and colors. Although tile roofs can be used in colder climates, they need to be ASTM Grade 1 so that they perform well. The following are some of the most popular types of tile roofs for Florida and other southern and southwestern areas.

Clay Roofing Tiles

Although clay tiles are more expensive than some other types of roofing tiles such as asphalt shingles, they're ideal for those who have or want to add a Mission, Spanish, or French flair to their roof. Tile roofs are heavy though, no matter their style, so you may need to make sure to add support to your roof if you are going to accommodate the extra weight of the tiles. When they're well maintained, clay tiles can last up to 100 years.

Concrete Roof Tiles

Concrete roofing tiles are significantly less expensive than clay roof tiles, and they're lighter in weight. Most concrete tiles have an interlocking installation system that facilitates ease of installation, so the overall time and materials cost can be significantly less. The benefits are similar, and with proper maintenance, concrete roof tiles can also last about 100 years.

Slate Roof Tiles

Slate roofing tiles are one of the more expensive tile roofs to install, although their shades of gray make them very beautiful. Since they're made from slate, they typically last at least 150 years. Tile roofs are very heavy and slate roofs hold no exception. They do have among the highest labor costs for installation. However, they're eco-friendly and durable, and ideal for colder climates. Slate roofing will withstand hail, wind, storms, and fire, with that, it is one of the most durable available.

Solar Tile Roofing

Also called solar shingles, solar roofing tiles are relatively new options for roof tiles, but they're becoming increasingly popular. Solar tiles look similar to slate or asphalt shingles and are comparable to the protection provided by asphalt shingles. The main attraction of solar roofs is their ability to convert sunlight to energy and save on your home energy costs. Solar roofing tiles produce from 13 to 63 watts per panel per day and will surely increase as the technology gets better. They can add many thousands of dollars in resale value to your home.

If you're sprucing up your home for resale, then a solar tile roof can provide a significant boost to your sales offers. Incentive programs are frequently available that will help offset the installation costs, and the tiles will last for decades. If you're planning to keep your home, the energy savings will quickly accumulate. Overall, tile roofing has much better longevity than other types of roofing and should be taken into consideration when looking into it. 

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Home Ideas Ben Soreff Home Ideas Ben Soreff

Creative Ways To Style Your Floating Shelves

Floating shelves don't just look great—they're also beyond functional. Here are some tips on how to place and decorate your floating shelves.

Creative Ways To Style Your Floating Shelves

Have a ton of floating shelves in your home? Or maybe you want to add some but aren't sure what kind to get or where to put them yet. For those who need help placing and decorating their shelves, here are a few creative ways to style your floating shelves!

Add Interest With Brackets or Corbels

Do your floating shelves feel flat? It might be because they're nothing more than a straight plank of wood on the wall. If you want to add depth and interest to your shelves, consider using brackets or corbels to make them look less flat and add a hint of color and texture to your walls.

Create a Vignette

A vignette is a collection of items arranged in an artful way. Since vignettes have multiple colors, layers, patterns, and textures to them, they really draw the eye.

Need an example to get the inspiration juices flowing? For a cute fall-themed vignette, take a small, shallow wicker tray. Place a pot of dahlias or goldenrods, a pumpkin decoration, and a wood candleholder with a delightful pumpkin spice candle inside.

And that's only one option for vignettes. You can use whatever you want in your display and arrange pieces as you see fit.

Use Corners

Another creative way to style your floating shelves is to use corner shelves. Yup, there are shelves for corners. Corners are neglected parts of every home, and it's about time they got the recognition they deserve.

Triangular shelves in the corners of a room are exceedingly charming. They're ideal for storing spices or pots of herbs in the kitchen, which means you can finally clean off your windowsill and enjoy the unobstructed view.

A Stairwell of Memories

The #1 spot for family photos and other sentimental trinkets is the front entryway. But it's hard to arrange all your standing frames and trinkets on one small console near the door.

The solution? Hang shelves on the knee wall (the wall framing your staircase) and fill that extra vertical space with memories.

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Home Ideas Ben Soreff Home Ideas Ben Soreff

Best Tips To Help Create a Healthier Home

Your home should be your haven from the dangers of the outside world. Learn the best tips to help create a healthier home for yourself and your family.

Best Tips To Help Create a Healthier Home

Your home should be your sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of daily life. That’s why you should ensure that you’re doing everything you can to create a safe and clean environment for yourself and your family. Read on to discover the best tips to help create a healthier home.

Purify Your Air With Plants

Being around plants can help you feel calmer and more relaxed, reducing your anxiety levels in the process. Furthermore, filling your home with house plants like English ivy, aloe vera, and peace lilies can help absorb CO2 and release oxygen. This process helps remove pollutants from your home and filter your indoor air to improve its quality.

Improve Your Water Quality

Contaminants in your drinking water can cause serious health issues. Given these concerns, increasing the quality of your tap water can play a critical role in keeping you and your family healthy. Installing a home filtration system, for example, can help eliminate pollutants before they ever reach you.

Bust Your Dust

House dust can contain hazardous particles, including pesticides and other harmful chemicals found in and around your house. Vacuum your home at least twice a week, and make sure your vacuum has powerful suction and a HEPA filter to capture dust and debris. You should also ensure you’re wiping down hard-to-reach areas where dust can accumulate, such as ceiling fans.

Test Your Home for Radon

Radon gas is a colorless and odorless gas that emerges from the natural decomposition of soil and rock beneath your house. This gas can cause many serious health problems, including lung cancer. Most hardware and home stores offer home radon test kits, and if your levels are high, you should act right away.

Deal With Mold Right Away

Mold can induce allergy and respiratory problems if you continuously expose yourself to it. You can prevent mold from building up in several ways, including using dehumidifiers and leaving your bathroom fan on after showering. When you do spot mold, you can clean it with bleach or other specially designed cleaning products.

Following the best tips to help create a healthier home can improve your overall well-being. More importantly, every time you enter your home, you’ll feel safer and more comfortable.

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