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A Waterproof, No-VOC Paint or Coating for Bathroom?

Q: Can you recommend a waterproof no-VOC paint or coating for a bathroom? I am looking for a waterproof paint to use instead of using greenboard in the bath/shower room. Asked by Rick Editor: Here's what our friends at Green Home Guide say: Answered by Rick Goyette, Emerald Dream Builders Bath-shower specifications that mitigate moisture issues such as rot and mold are extremely important to maintaining durability and indoor air quality . I have a solution that will work as an alternative to greenboard for your bathroom project . First, the most important consideration for a green bathroom project is to address ventilation. There are four necessary conditions for mold to grow: A mold spore Mold food Moisture Temperature Venting moisture Of these conditions the easiest one to control is moisture. Ironically enough, the best method for controlling moisture is to ensure the space is ventilated to the exterior of your home. I recommend a bathroom fan with a humidity sensor to ensu...

Saving Money and Saving the Environment

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One great thing about frugal living is that being frugal tends to lower your impact on the environment. In honor of Earth Day, we have collected some money saving tips and articles that are also good for the environment. Ride A Bike Get a bicycle. Goodwill stores often have nice used ones for $10 or so. Make sure it's the right size for you, it's comfortable and you know how everything on it works. Then put reflectors on it, a basket on the front and/or back, get a lightweight lock, and go for it. Optional: light, and rear-view mirror on handlebars. And please always wear bright-colored clothes when riding, or at least tie a bright scarf on the back. Thrifty, green people know how to avoid accidents. By Jantoo Cloth Bags For Groceries A few stores in my area, like Fred Meyer, have been selling sturdy reusable cloth totes to use instead of paper or plastic bags. They have nice handles, sit flat and are good for the environment. So I always remember t...

How To Keep Your Dorm Room From Looking Like Bed, Bath & Beyond

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For many, back-to- school shopping means creating a home away from home: The dorm room. So, how do you make that room yours when you're working with ugly, standard-issue furniture and very little cash? Avoiding the generic, drab, crappy-chic look is a challenge, but with a little ingenuity — and a clear concept — it's easy to make a space that reflects what you love. Advertisement For me, decorating can be a lot like getting dressed: I start with something I like, and build around it. In my current apartment, I really wanted to hang a picture of shoes on the wall — my red heels next to my boyfriend's black and white oxfords. Once I decided that, black and white and red were "my colors." The red couch and black and white zebra rug fell into place, and, when shopping, I didn't even look at anything blue, pink, orange or green. Colors that flatter your skin tone are going to look great when you're surrounded with them — when you start living in the glow of...

16 great solutions for architects, engineers, and contractors

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From a crowd- funded smart shovel to a why-didn’t-someone-do-this-sooner scheme for managing traffic in public restroom s, these ideas are noteworthy for creative problem -solving. Here are some of the most intriguing innovations the BD+C community has brought to our attention this year.   1. TRUSS SYSTEM UNDERGIRDS MONUMENTAL STAIR Structure becomes art at a Massachusetts college library To invite exploration of its new academic library, Salem (Mass.) State University selected a light-filled and airy design. The site and program called for deep floor plates , so the Building Team devised a dramatic open staircase as a central feature to help break up the density. The engineering solution consists of a truss that supports the whole stair, with each step created from a triangular box beam that hangs off the truss. Stairs are stringer-free and accented with eye- catching red paint . Glass panels protect users while showcasing the design. The prominent feature is also visible from...

Dressed To Impress: Stylish Window Treatments

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Window treatments have been MIA of late, but they’re starting to make their return. Chrissie Jeffery, creative director at textiles shop No Chintz, gives us her expert advice on choosing window treatments that will frame your windows nicely and add polished style to your home too. Photographer: Armelle Habib Stylist: Julia Green   PLANTATION SHUTTERS “These are less window furnishings and more an architectural feature,” says Chrissie Jeffrey of No Chintz. Shutters are chic and smart, and allow light and air in while maintaining privacy. They’re good in situations where curtains might not fare so well, such as bathroom windows. Consider using them in a boy’s room, if a fabric option isn ’t the right fit, or to disguise an ugly outlook. “Shutters let in a lot of light, so if you wanted to soften the brightness you’d be better going for a translucent roller blind ,” advises Chrissie. “ Shutters don ’t provide full block out for sleeping, but are good light filters .” Shutters are adju...

Mother's Day Gift Guide

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In a week's time it is your primary duty to make your mum feel like a million dollars, and if you have very young children, your wife deserves a fantastic day too.  Make sure flowers are involved and food, either out or at home, but with no contribution from Mum.  She should be too busy putting her feet up or having fun with the family to have to think about cooking, cleaning or washing up!  Oh, and she might like one of these gorgeous gifts too... A daily treat for mum and a bit of a boost, with less calories than a glass of wine or a bar of chocolate, are the lovely scented diffusers from Landon Tyler.  Now available from Boots stores nationwide , these delightful scents will pick mum up, help her relax, or remind of her memories past, and at this great price she could have a different one in each room.  Just insert the rattan reeds into the scent bottle for 12 weeks of luxury fragrance.  A set of two is priced £12, bath products are also available, from Boots stores and online...