Sunday, January 31, 2016

Paint Prices

Here’s news you may need to brush up on: Using touch-up paint on your car might be an inexpensive way to protect its value. Some scratches can remove all the paint down to the metal and the area can begin to rust, causing permanent damage.

There are several choices for applying touch-up paint. Spray cans might be used for large areas and with patience and practice you can achieve excellent results. For smaller chips and scratches, you can brush the paint or use a paint pen. Commonly, a paint pen will be easier to apply to very small chips, as you can apply the paint more precisely.

Women find using touch-up paint is simple because they’ve had so much practice applying nail polish. In fact, according to paintscratch. com, some women have even painted their nails with automotive touch-up paint to match their vehicles.

The easiest place to find touch- up paint is on the Web. First you’ve to know your color code. There are sites where the paint colors are broken down by year, make and model, so finding your color code is easy. With the correct paint and good instructions, applying touch-up paint should be no more difficult than coloring your nails.

With the right paint and good instructions, applying touch-up paint to your car might be as simple as coloring your nails.

Paint Prices Find more

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Friday, January 29, 2016

More Paint Colors That Go With Wood Cabinets and Trim

Awhile back I wrote this post about paint colors to go with wood, and wanted to show you some more inspiration pictures of paint colors that go beautifully with wood cabinets and trim.

Paint colors that go with wood cabinets

Alexandria Beige by Benjamin Moore

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Paint colors that go with wood trim

Unusual Gray by Sherwin-Williams

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Paint colors that go with wood trim

Shaker Beige by Benjamin Moore (ceiling)

Balboa Mist by Benjamin Moore

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Paint colors that go with light wood kitchen cabinets

Anonymous by Sherwin-Williams

All Things G&D

Paint colors that go with wood

Golden Honey by Benjamin Moore

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Paint colors that go with wood trim

Mountain Ash by Sherwin-Williams

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Paint colors that go with wood

Twisted Oak Path by Benjamin Moore

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Paint colors that go with wood

I don’t have the source for the paint color on these walls, but it looks similar to Svelte Sage by Sherwin-Williams

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Paint colors that go with oak wood cabinets

Another inspiration picture, the paint color is not listed but you can get an idea of the shade of paint used.

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For more paint colors that go well with wood, see this post here. Have a wonderful weekend!!

      

The article More Paint Colors That Go With Wood Cabinets and Trim appeared first on http://www.favoritepaintcolorsblog.com

Concrete Paint

Several home owners report that their concrete does not look as good as it first did, and indeed any concrete looses its looks and become cracked and dimples and rust stains. This look damages the house look and many find it to be plain ugly, the solutions that people apply to this problem is usually covering the whole concrete surface with different thing, mattress and clothes from all materials, but covering the concrete does not solve the problem just provides a temporary solution you need to remove once it starts raining.

The real solution for this problem is using concrete paint. You can use concrete paint to cover the whole surface and make it look completely different, the paint will help you change the look and you can also add any sand to the paint to help prevent problems like slipping or falling on the concrete because of water or cracks, the paint will make these problems disappear.

Whenever talking about changing or replacing concrete we are talking about an expensive work that will almost surely take any time and effort that might disturb the family living in the house for any time, this is why the concrete problems should first try to be solved by a quicker and simpler solutions, the concrete paint solution is much shorter and easier than redoing the whole area of the concrete. The only thing you need to do is visit a shop and decide on the color that you want, buy the other necessary things for this project, find any free time and paint your concrete.

There is also place for creativity when painting your concrete, you can buy a few different colors, make a plan of how you need to paint it and paint geometric shapes, different patterns, words and letters, colors that correspond to the house colors, swirls and circle shapes and check board shapes. You can also use templates for these shapes, you will need to make or get durable templates and use them to give your concrete a unique look.

The only important thing you should bare in mind is that before painting the concrete you will need to examine all the concrete surface to make sure that it is clean and dry, in any case you should clean the whole surface to make sure that no oil stains or water is not present on the surface because concrete can hold a lot water. You can clean the surface by using a broom on the dry surface and then using a broom and any strong cleaning produce, washing like you do at home, and then using water to wash away the soap. Once the concrete is clean and dry the painting can start.

Once you will complete the painting you will understand how easy and simple it is to reinvent your concrete surface look, and also understand that once you are bored with the colors you could change again and again, good luck with your new concrete paint and new concrete surface.

The article Concrete Paint was originally seen on Wimbledon Painters Exterior Decorating Service



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Home Decorations

Can you tell the difference between entering a house and a home? If so, what makes the difference to you? Is it something about the way a living space looks that helps you decide? Or perhaps it is a feeling, something about the atmosphere that makes a house different than a home? I guess that there are many factors that could account for the differences we all experience as we enter a living space. For me, one of the biggest things that helps me determine whether a living space feels like a house or a home is decorations.

You know how it is. You enter someone’s house and look around to see nothing but blank walls and minimal furniture. You silently wonder how they live in a place as drab and uninviting as this. There is no art work, no color, and certainly no sense of ownership and pride about the house you are seeing. It seems like they have not put in any time to adding decorations or the touches that make a house seem like more than a house.

Enter house two. From the time you walk through the front door all of your senses are awakened. There is a wonderful smell coming from the candles burning throughout the house, and the lighting of the candles is not too bad either. The house is bursting with color and personality, almost as if it reflects something about the people who live there. The walls, bookshelves, and furniture are all a part of the decorations that fill this home and make anyone need to spend time there.

Most everyone I know wants to have a home rather than a house. They need their living space to feel lived in, inviting, and special. They need their home to reflect who they are and the things they care about, and they certainly need it to be filled with amazing colors, great textures and smells, and a lot of great decorations.

The good news for you is that regardless of what your house looks like now, you can transform your space into a wonderful home by doing a few simple things. Don’t be afraid to experhyment and try risky things in your space, after all, it is your own. If there is a crazy color or a unique couch that you like, just go for it. Gather ideas from friends and buy a few decorating magazines to see what is in styleas you begin.

No matter what you decide to do to transform your house into a home, make sure you fill your home with great decorations that are truly your taste and that allow all of your guests to feel welcomed and comfortable.

The following blog post Home Decorations See more

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Thursday, January 28, 2016

Painting Contractor

You’ve done it. You’ve decided to hire a professional painting contractor for a project at your corporation or small business. Whether you have contracted this work out before or not, finding an experienced and professional commercial painting contractor may be a daunting task. Ultimately, the list of professional painting contractors may seem endless, but upon closer inspection of their qualifications and resources, your list of choices narrows drastically. (while it may seem that they are “endless” qualified companies are not plentiful)

What elements are important when beginning the hiring process?

Firstly, make the most of your networking circle. You may have a person whose opinion you value that has hired a painting contractor in the past. Utilizing their experiences may allow for a more successful outcome with your selection of a painting contractor. If you don’t have this luxury, begin by reviewing the options available to you. Professional painting contractors offer varying levels of services, but their experience level and knowledge of your particular project can differ significantly. What each professional brings to the table will help you to narrow down your likely list of companies.

Next, when you have prepared a short list of prospective painting contractors, call them and ask for a list of jobsites or photos of similar projects they’ve done in the past for you to review. A qualified and honest contractor will readily supply you with a list of locations to visit or photos. This will help you to determine their abilities and whether it suits your needs. They also can answer any other questions you may have discovered while researching your options. A true professional, and one with integrity, will take the time to help you understand your options and any limitations of your project.

When you have finally decided on a painting contractor you would often discuss your commercial painting project with, you should first verify their license and/or certifications. These key elements are important to not only the quality of work they can provide, but can also validate their level of expertise. This verification can make or break your decision to hire this painting contractor.

Perhaps the most important element of hiring a painting contractor involves insurance. Any reputable commercial painting contractor will have current general liability and worker’s compensation insurance. It’s required by law. Do they’ve insurance? What is covered and what limits of coverage do they maintain? The vital details of liability in different situations should be discussed with your attorney. It is ultimately your responsibility to make certain the contractor you hire is covered adequately for your project. If you didn’t perform due diligence yourself, don’t be surprised if a situation arises and you are not covered. Ask questions now, not later.

Finding a professional and experienced painting contractor doesn’t have to be difficult. Once you find a reliable painting contractor to complete your project, you can also contract with them on an as needed basis for maintenance of your facility.

This initial search may be time-consuming, but the end result, will be worth the effort in the long run.

The following post Painting Contractor is courtesy of http://www.wimbledonpainters.co.uk/



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Buttermilk

golden paint color for dining room

Buttermilk by Benjamin Moore

Homebunch

     

Related Stories

 

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Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Benefits of using a color consultant when choosing colors

benefits-of-using-color-consultant

We've all had that feeling of envy when perusing a magazine or watching a movie and seeing a fabulous space or home. "I wish I could make my hall or living space look like that," you say to yourself. You may even go down to the local hardware store, grab some paint and accessories and try to recreate these sumptuous spaces yourself. Well the chances are you won't get the effects you're looking for. The truth is, transforming a space isn't just a case of throwing up a coat of paint and hoping for the best. What you need is the professional touch - in most cases this means taking on a color consultant.

So what does a color consultant do?

Sounds like an easy job doesn't it. Just picking out colors. But the truth is there's quite a lot of skill involved. A talented consultant will understand the often complex effects of color can have and ensure you get the result you want. This involves taking into account how color engages us mentally and physiologically and the effects of light and darkness. A consultant will also need to have an in-depth knowledge of modern paint colors and decorative finishes, the current trends and accessories, as well as flooring, furnishings and drapery. This means they can give you great decorating ideas for any place and teach you how to "dress" your home inside and out.

And how do they help?

Have you ever had that feeling of walking into a room in your home and felt that something's just not right? You might put it down to poor lighting, or bad feng shui. But nine times out of ten a bad feeling in a room comes down to the colors of the walls and ceilings. Color is the most important visual element of design in any room, it makes sense that you choose carefully. But these days there are so many paint colors and finishes on the market, it can be a daunting task to pick the right one. Get it wrong and not only have you wasted money and time, you have to start again from scratch.

When a color consultant works with you, you’re able to avoid this guesswork. A professional will understand the effects you're seeking and create a color palette that is right for your walls and your space, not to mention the furniture and lighting you already have. They will also take into account your trim, ceiling, floors and any other architectural features.

It is also important to remember you're working with an expert who does this job for a living. You may have strong feelings about wanting the color purple, for example, in your bathroom. Well unless you're the legendary singer Prince, this could be a disaster and a good color consultant will tell you so. They understand that all colors have undertones that may not be apparent to some people. They will know which undertones are compatible and how they can really change a space. They also understand how colors will change in different lighting conditions and throughout the day. For example you may adore a certain shade of red but your consultant will know that when it absorbs light, it can end up looking orange and will clash with the sofa. This sort of knowledge requires training and experience and can make all the difference when it comes to giving your home the right feel.

In commercial properties

If you are looking for a color scheme for a commercial property or office, the help of a color consultant can be invaluable. The right color can reinforce your brand or message, help you appeal to a certain demographic, age group or gender. People tend to have very strong feelings about certain colors and they may be turned away from your business if you use the wrong ones. A consultant can give you good directions and provide an objective assessment of colors for a workspace or store.

Finally, it's worth saying that working with a color consultant can be fun and will make you appreciate your home more. You'll certainly learn about the amazing difference colors can make to rooms and the experience may drive you to make further improvements that add value to you home and make it even more inviting.

We have some of the best color consultants in the business here at Sharper Impressions. So if you're seeking to get the right feel in your home, why not get in touch? Our expertise will transform your home.

The post Benefits of using a color consultant when choosing colors appeared first on Sharper Impressions Painting.

The benefits of hiring a professional painter

the-benefits-of-hiring-a-pro-painter

There are certain tasks and chores in life that few of us would think about carrying out on our own - fitting a new engine into the car, re-wiring your home's electrical system, cutting down a 60-foot tree in the garden or tiling the roof. When such jobs need doing, we tend to call a professional, knowing they've got the tools and experience to do the job properly, safely and efficiently. So it seems strange that so many people think that house painting and home decorating is something they can do themselves and expect a good result, even if the last time they painted something was in a high school art class.

The truth is that painting is actually a highly-skilled job, and getting a professional, long-lasting finish on your internal and external walls, only comes with experience and insider knowledge - of paints, techniques, color management and preparation. So if you're thinking about painting your house, here are some reasons why you should bring in a pro.

A better quality finish

The main benefit of hiring a professional painter is the quality of the end result. While anyone can splash some paint on the walls, doing a proper job requires expertise and preparation. A professional painter will take time to prepare surfaces, so that paint adheres properly and there results will be smooth and long lasting. This may involve stripping old paint, filling in holes, sandpapering rough areas and then masking fixtures, furnishing and fittings that need to be protected from splashes. A professional also knows what primer is best for walls, and what type of paint is right for each surface and type of room.

Safety comes first

Some paints can put out dangerous fumes that could potentially harm your pets and family. A professional painter will have precautions in place when applying or removing such paints. It can be physically risky too. When you're painting outside, you have to be careful as two or three story buildings will require the use of ladders. It takes experience to not only secure these safely but also to be able to concentrate and do a good job when you're perched 30 feet above the ground. As well as ladders, professional painters also make use of scaffolding and harnesses if needed - something that your everyday joe probably has little experience with.

Specialist knowledge and vendor benefits

Do you know about the local building codes and regulations and how they could affect your new paint job? Do you know where you can buy the best quality paint at the cheapest prices? The chances are you would have to answer "no" to these questions. But a professional painter will know about any rules regarding painting in the locality and will have long working relationships with paint and home improvement merchants. They’ll also be able to get a better range of paint so you don't have to pay high markup prices.

The tools to do the job

A professional painting company owns equipment that many homeowners will have never even heard of, let alone know how to use. These include paint sprayers, scaffolding, speciality rollers, pipe painters and much more. Of course, it's possible for homeowners to hire such things but they don't generally have the expertise to use them. And contractors don't just have the tools, they work together with professional team members who can help them get a job done quickly and efficiently.

Save your valuable time

We all have jobs and responsibilities, and at the end of a long day, or at the weekend, when time is precious and you have other people calling on your time, the last thing you want to do is change into your overalls and start painting. By contracting this work out to a professional, you save this time for yourself and your family. And this doesn't just include just the painting time, but also the preparation work and cleanup. Of course, hiring a contractor will be more expensive than doing it for yourself, but as you will end up with a professional finish, that lasts longer, you may end up saving money in the long run. Especially, if when doing it yourself, you end up having to do touch up and make overs or clean up splashes and spillages.

Licence and insurance

Professional painting contractors such as Sharper Impressions, are fully licensed and insured and bonded. So in the unlikely event of there being an accident in your home, you'll be covered. You know that a professional painter will work to the terms of your contract and carry out work you've asked for and in a timescale you ask for. Contractors will also have completed programs relating to environmental, the handling of certain chemicals and paints.

To learn more about the many benefits of hiring a professional painting company like Sharper Impressions, contact us today. We'd be happy to give you a quote or answer any questions you have.

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How to properly prep for interior painting

how-to-properly-prep-for-interior-painting

We all want a nice finish when we paint our living spaces, but the secret to getting this, has less to do with the painting and more to do with the preparation.

Yes, it seems that the more thorough you are before you get out the brushes and rollers, the better the result you get. So let's look at how you should be prepping your walls for painting, if you're seeking a gorgeous and long-lasting result.

First, get the room ready

One of the first things to do as you prepare to paint is to move as much large furniture out of the room as you can. Obviously some of the larger items can't be shifted. You need to move them to the center of the room and cover them so they don't get splashed or spattered with drops of paint. You will also want to cover your carpets and floorboards with cloth drops. The best material for this is canvass which is able to absorb paint and lie flat on the ground. Canvas can also be folded around corners and doors. Plastic can be used but it tends to move about more or can get slippery.

Obviously you'll move any pictures, clocks and mirrors that are on your wall, but many people forget that it's equally important to take off switches, or loosen the ceiling plates of light fixtures etc. If this isn't possible, you'll have to cover them with painter's tape. This masking process protects your fixtures from your paint brushes but can also be used on ceiling edges and around trim and mouldings to ensure you have clean sharp lines. Masking can take quite a while to do, but it's worth doing well if you want a professional, and spatter free finish - the hallmarks of a professional job.

Clean the walls

All walls pick up dirt, dust and fingermarks over time, and this surface dirt and grease can result in your paint not adhering to the wall properly. So prior to painting, walls should be cleaned with damp cloths soaked in a light detergent or trisodium phosphate. Pay attention to doors and trim in particular, as these are areas that come into contact with people's hands the most, and make sure that you remove any residue of detergent and allow the walls to dry before you start to paint.

Fill the holes

You're not quite at the painting stage just yet. Now it's time to look over your walls and surfaces to find any cracks, nail or screw holes and dents because these need filling. Rake out any loose particles or lumps of plaster first. Then get a good quality spackling paste or wall filler and press this into cracks and holes with a putty knife. Make sure it is flush with the surface of the wall by sanding it down when it's dry. There are often gaps and cracks where door and window trim meets the walls; fill these in the same way. Some types of wall filler can shrink as it dries out, so you may have to apply it again after you've completed your first coat of paint.

Scrape away bumps

You will also need to scrape any cracked or flaking paint with a scraper or smooth away lumps with sandpaper. If you do have to remove any old paint, sandpaper the edges to ensure a smooth surface, so that when your new coat goes on, the edges won't be noticed. If it's a particularly bumpy wall, it could be worth getting the electric sander out. But make sure you wipe away any dust afterwards.

Prepare your equipment

Are you ready to paint yet? Well not quite. We told you it pays to do a thorough job. You now need to get all the painting materials together. This means the paint, obviously, but also primer, can openers, stirring sticks, brushes, (separate ones for latex paints and oil-based paint) your rollers, (with extension if needed) paint trays and cloths. It's also a good idea to have a hot pot of coffee ready and a plate of cookies at hand.

Use a primer

A good primer will help to disguise any imperfections in the wall surface. It can also block stains and knots from bleeding through your paint, improve adhesion and reduce the chance of your paint blistering. Best of all, a good primer can extend the lifetime of your top coat. If you have new drywall, you will want to use a water based primer. If your walls have water or smoke damage, an oil-based primer is a better option. Here's a good tip for you, put a little of the topcoat paint into your primer, this enhances the look of the top coat, especially if you're using a lighter paint over an existing dark color.

Okay now you're ready to paint

If you want a truly professional finish of course, you need to hire a professional team, like the experts at Sharper Impressions. If you're planning to paint, why not get in touch and we can do the job for you.

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Why it is important to paint before selling your home

why-it-is-important-to-paint-before-sell

If you're moving houses, you'll want to make a great impression on potential buyers. This is why most people spend weeks cleaning out all the nooks and crannies, sweeping away spider webs, buying cushions and plants to add a welcoming touch, and making sure their pets stay off the furniture. After all, once you've put your property on the market, you want to sell quickly and get the best price you can for your old home.

Of course, buyers look for many things in a new house - large gardens, good location, spacious rooms, well-maintained infrastructure etc. But what will make the biggest impression, inside and out are the walls. After all, these make up the most visible parts of the house. If the paint is peeling, discolored or shows dirt and damp spots, it really won't make a very good impression. Inside walls too can become scuffed, show stains or fingerprints (especially if there are children in the house) and these can't all be hidden easily.

As painting experts, we do recommend painting your house if you're putting it on the market. It may seem like you're paying out quite a large sum for something you won't get to enjoy for yourself, but how your house looks can make the difference between you getting your asking price and fair market value, and a prospective buyer beating you down on price as they think you've not kept the home in a good state of repair.

Painting the exterior before selling

First impressions last, and it's your home's exterior that potential buyers will be examining in detail as they approach your house - they'll be looking at the window frames, the walls, guttering, and of course your front door. So these are the parts of your exterior you want to ensure are well presented. This is what we call, "curb appeal" in the trade and if the exterior of your house seems badly maintained, buyers will be immediately put off. So if it's been awhile since you've given the old homestead a new lick of paint, it's time to get the brushes out, or drop a line to the experts here at Sharper and we can transform your facade for you. A newly painted house will stand out from the neighbor's homes and make a positive impression. But it's important to choose a neutral color, as this is will more likely to appeal to a wide range of tastes - increasing your chances of making a sale. You may love the idea of a bright pink house and dayglo orange garage door - but this isn't likely to appeal to the mainstream. Bold colors can fall out of fashion so if you must use them, maybe limit them to areas like the trim or window frames.

Make an impression with your interiors

It is probably the interior of your house that most reflects your personality - here you can display the colors you love, and the paintings and ornaments you cherish. The problem here is that people's tastes vary greatly. You are not trying to sell your outlook on life, you want to sell your home. So it's well worth taking out the paint brushes and giving potential buyers a bit of a blank canvas. If your walls are of a neutral shade, people looking round will be able to picture how they would live there. They can visualize how their furniture would look in place and imagine what they would do to decorate the place. White, or bright creamy colors like ivory or beige also can open up the smaller rooms of your house, making them look larger and brighter. A lick of paint also eliminates dirty marks, scratches and peeling paint that can lead to buyers thinking that your home hasn't been taken care of, or that larger issues may be found below the surface. You might also think about getting rid of wallpaper. Wallpaper choice can be highly personal and can turn buyers off. It also tends to make a house feel outdated rather quickly. We all remember those bright and zany 70s wallpapers that were once seen everywhere but now seem irredeemably kitch. What's more, people hate removing wallpaper and if they suspect they may have to spend their first few months in a new home, stripping paper off the walls, they may think twice about buying.

Other tips

  • If you are going to give your house a lick of paint before you put it on the market, make sure that you get the job finished before you have the photographer come round to take pictures.
  • If you really don't have the time or inclination to do the whole house, consider a fresh coat of paint for your front door, or just touch up areas like the windowsills and trimming, which can take a battering from the elements.
  • If you're giving your bathroom a fresh coat of paint, maybe take some time to regrout tiles and caulk the tub to give a finishing touch.

If you are planning to sell your house in the next few months, why not leave it up to the professionals at Sharper Impressions. We can give your home that "must-buy" look, while you get more time to dedicate to the big move.

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Woodlawn Colonial Gray and Dujor

Exterior paint colors

Exterior Paint Color: Woodlawn Colonial Gray by Valspar

Trim: Dujor by Valspar

Julie Blanner


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Bathroom Design

Attention to all you bathroom design specialists. If you really want to please all the moms when it comes to their bathrooms then get busy designing and marketing these wonderful ideas. As mom’s we don’t ask for a lot but a few of these suggestions could go a long way in keeping our happy families happy!!

Okay when it comes to mirrors I don’t see why they cannot make them tooth paste repellent. It seems like all morning and night when I go look in the bathroom mirror I see little specks of toothpaste. I am sure it would be much easier to design mirrors like this rather than to teach my family to brush their teeth with their mouth closed, or heaven forbid wipe off the toothpaste when they are done.

How about a water rail you can flip up on the tub when a toddler or younger child is playing in the tub. Lots of children like to play in the bath tub and some fill up containers of water to set on the edge (that sometimes get knocked over onto the floor). If you had a waterproof rail you could flip up it could keep all the toys, water, and waves in the tub and make things much simpler.

Now this one will be tougher to design, and maybe it is something that needs to be taught in school, I know I have had more success teaching new math, world history, and physics than I have in teaching my family how to consistently change the toilet paper roll when it is empty. But if a design could be invented to help make this happen in homes with children that would be an amazing invention. Maybe a buzzer should go off when it is empty and the doors automatically lock. The only way the buzzer stops or the door unlocks is when the old roll has been replaced with a new one. I don’t know, this is one for the experts.

The last bathroom design ideas is the biggee. If inventors can invent vehicles that sense when something is getting to close when you are backing up and they can invent moisture sensing windshield wipers I see no reason why those two technologies cannot be combined into making a smart toilet. Can’t all you mothers imagine how much more pleasant cleaning the bathroom would be if your toilet was equipped with those two technologies? If this ever becomes a mainstay in bathroom plumbing you can bet it will be a mom that invents it!

Bathroom Design Find more

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