Clawfoot Bathtubs - Vintage or Premier Bathroom Design?

Clawfoot bathtubs have been a favorite style of bath fixture for hundreds of years and remains a popular choice today for new bathrooms. So the question arises: are clawfoot bathtubs considered vintage design or premier modern style? Here are the facts.

Vintage Clawfoot Bathtubs. The true vintage styles from past times were made of cast iron. These antique bathtubs were very long lasting, but difficult to move. They can be found in older homes and antique shops, but are no longer manufactured in the original cast iron material. Replicas of the old designs are still made, but lighter materials are now used.

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Modern Clawfoot Bathtubs. The advancements in technology have allowed clawfoot bathtubs to be manufactured from fiberglass and acrylic materials, therefore weighing only a portion of what the true antique tubs weighed. The same look of vintage style can still be purchased, but new clawfoot bathtubs are also available that have a modern look, such as stainless "claws" and fixtures with massaging controls.

Clawfoot Bathtubs - Vintage or Premier Bathroom Design?

So, the answer to the original question is both. Clawfoot bathtubs can be incorporated into either vintage or premier modern bathroom designs. If you want to make your bathroom design vintage, select a plain claw foot bathtub that has the look of traditional Victorian style. Floral wallpaper or borders, large marble floor tile, and decorative mirrors will complete the look. For a modern plan, choose a new style clawfoot bathtub that has deluxe features and stainless fixtures. Select simple, geometric designs, and plain accessories that have character. Regardless of the style you choose, you can enjoy one of these bathtubs in your new bathroom design.

Clawfoot Bathtubs - Vintage or Premier Bathroom Design?

To find out more about clawfoot bathtubs and other luxury bathroom designs, simply click on the link today. Also, learn about garden tubs, steam showers, walk in bathtubs, soaking tubs and more at: http://www.bathtub-depot.com

Garden Design Ideas For Awkward Shaped Gardens

The temptation with an awkwardly shaped garden is either to do as little as possible to it -- maybe a lawn surrounded with flowerbeds -- or to add too many hidden corners and details, which might work well in an enormous plot, but won't make the best of an average-sized garden. The ideal is to come up with a layout that's simple but uses design tricks to correct the shape of the garden. Better still, a clever layout can make the awkward shape an advantage, using odd corners for hidden storage or raised levels to define areas of the garden.

We asked Katrina Wells of Earth Designs to come up with three solutions for three classic problems: a sloping site, an L-shaped garden and a tapering plot. Our advice is to simplify the look of the garden, where possible, by using similar shades to unify the different elements such as decking, paving and walls. As for budget, we've suggested where you can make savings. Now all you have to do is pick the plan that's best for you.

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Designs For A Sloping Garden

Garden Design Ideas For Awkward Shaped Gardens

Make the most of a sloping garden by creating different levels, each with its own purpose. This design has an area right next to the house for outdoor dining and a barbecue. Then, wide steps lead down (or up, depending on which way your garden slopes) to an area with built-in seats (with lift-up lids for extra storage) and a water feature, or sandpit if you have children. The last level includes a play area and lawn, plus a shed and compost heap. Hardy plants that don't need lots of water, such as osteospermum, are great for a low-maintenance garden. Will it take much looking after? The lawn will need cutting up to once a week in high summer, but if you choose raised borders planted with hardy perennials, such as hosta and astilbe, they won't need much care or constant maintenance. Add splashes of colour with drought-resistant osteospermum and gazania. How can I cut costs? Shifting earth and shoring up the terraces can be quite costly. In a gently sloping garden, save money by just decking over the top of the old surface, and swap raised planters for pots (which you could always add later when you've saved up).

Designs For An L Shaped Garden

The trouble with L-shaped gardens is that the slimmest part of the ?L' is often wasted space. Try and use it to tuck away things you don't want to see from the patio, such as the bins and shed or a play area. Keep the rest of the garden simple and break up the straight lines with a curved patio, borders and lawn to make the most of the space and give it a relaxed feel.

Will it take much looking after? The lawn will need cutting in summer, but if you use bark chippings the kids' play area will be maintenance-free. For borders, choose long-flowering, care-free perennials, such as yarrow, bleeding heart and black-eyed Susan. How can I cut costs? This garden shouldn't be expensive to create or maintain, as long as you keep the borders quite narrow. You can make them seem deeper, though, by planting evergreen climbers, such as Clematis armandii.

Design For A Tapering Garden

The best design for a tapering garden uses strong diagonals to trick the eye. The main border comes into the middle of the garden, while the lawn widens as the garden narrows, balancing the tapered shape. The shed hides behind a water feature at the far end, making the narrowest part of the garden a useful spot.

Will it take much looking after? In the summer the lawn will need cutting once a week and the plants in the borders will need regular watering. Put down a weed-suppressing membrane (from garden centres) to cut down on the amount of weeding, then plant the border with ground cover plants, such as geraniums or catmint. Geraniums, in particular, provide good ground cover and colour through the summer. Use tall pots planted with grasses for an eye-catching display. How can I cut costs? Replace the pots with tall plants set into the ground -- bamboo would be a good choice because it's evergreen and makes a good screening plant. Making the lawn area larger and the border narrower will also save money.

Garden Design Ideas For Awkward Shaped Gardens

You can find more information on garden design ideas and garden advice at house to home, helping you create a look you'll love

English Garden Landscape Design - The Mystery and Romance of a Secret Garden

Materials, accessories, and, of course, appropriate plant life are all important aspects of a romantic cottage style garden design that brings elegance and beauty to your outdoor space, as well as your home. Natural, twisting walkways, edged with flourishing plants and shaded by majestic trees, thriving lawns for relaxing and playing, and traditional county cottage style accessories create a simple outdoor living area full of beauty that complements your home.

Building English Garden Paths

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Secluded walkways with graceful curves and abundant, free-flowing plant life are the foundation to creating a genuine English landscape design. Garden paths meander through the landscape, allowing peaceful enjoyment of nature's pleasures. The materials used to build the walkways are the key to a romantic, English atmosphere.

English Garden Landscape Design - The Mystery and Romance of a Secret Garden

These materials and design tips are perfect for your English garden style outdoor living area:

• Natural materials, like gravel and bark, make beautiful paths with a simplistic look. These materials are inexpensive and relatively low-maintenance.
• Stylish brick or stone pavers are a more luxurious option, lending an element of charm and grace to your outdoor design.
• Combine stone, gravel, and brick materials for a more genuine English garden landscape design.
• Avoid formal angles and conservative patterns, integrating soft lines and curving designs that suggest romance instead.

The Charm of English Garden Accessories

Your quaint English garden should be a relaxing and tranquil place that allows you to enjoy the beauty of fine outdoor living. The garden accessories you choose are an important influence on the overall atmosphere and theme of your outdoor space. Select decor that complements the free-flowing, natural uniqueness of the English countryside.

Green lawns with picturesque views of the most beautiful aspects of your design are made functional with wooden garden furniture, like teak, that has an antique, aged appearance. Romantic benches or intimate cottage style outdoor furniture, along with quaint arbors and fragrantly adorned trellises, create the appeal of the country without detracting from the modern beauty of your home. Gazebos, quaint foot bridges, and rustic fences can also add the charm of your country style garden.

Wildlife's Role in the English Garden

Traditional English gardens were abundant with a variety of insects, birds, and other wildlife that only complements the natural beauty of this landscape style. Garden accessories, like water gardens and rustic bird baths or feeders, are one way to attract a number of species to your outdoor living space.

Certain plants and ground coverings are known to attract wildlife like butterflies and hummingbirds. Plant fragrant lavender, clover, and small bushes with bright colored berries throughout the garden. Undisturbed grasslands and natural rock arrangements are also inviting to area wildlife.

English Garden Plants

The country garden style is characterized by a lavish array of flowers, shrubs, and vines in a rainbow of vibrant hues, complemented by majestic, curving trees providing relaxing shade from the afternoon sun.

Select a variety of country garden plants for your design, including blooms that provide color in each season. Some flowers and shrubs to consider are:

• Traditional country rose bushes, aromatic honeysuckles, foxglove and primroses, and the native, graceful lily of the valley are excellent plants for shady areas.
• Potted herb gardens and planters filled with cornflowers, violas, and petunias can tolerate the tranquil shade of your English garden as well.
• Native flowers, peonies, easy to care for geraniums, and fragrantly luxurious sweet peas are other suggestions.

English garden landscape designs provide unique outdoor living areas with a fun and whimsical atmosphere. A landscape design plan that blends the style of your home into the simple, natural charm of your outdoor space can be perfected with the assistance of a professional landscape architect or garden designer. Your design firm can also offer advice on the best country garden style for you and your home.

English Garden Landscape Design - The Mystery and Romance of a Secret Garden

Allen Quay is a professional landscape designer in the Southern California area and specializes in custom high-end landscape designs. You can find more valuable landscape design tips and information on Allen's website, the Landscape Design Advisor: http://www.landscape-design-advisor.com