Has anyone worked with or installed Uba Tuba granite?

Best Counter Top Material for Bathrooms and Kitchens is a post from: Bathroom Vanities, Decorative Wall Mirrors & Chandelier Lighting Fixtures

New Bathroom Vanity Mirror Site is a post from: Bathroom Vanities, Decorative Wall Mirrors & Chandelier Lighting Fixtures

How to Choose the Best Sized Mirror for Your Bathroom Vanity is a post from: Bathroom Vanities, Decorative Wall Mirrors & Chandelier Lighting Fixtures

Vessel Sinks is a post from: Bathroom Vanities, Decorative Wall Mirrors & Chandelier Lighting Fixtures

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Here is more helpful information on adding a double sink vanity to your project.

Double Bathroom Vanity is a post from: Bathroom Vanities, Decorative Wall Mirrors & Chandelier Lighting Fixtures

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Contemporary 60" Vanity Sale Price: $2,399

60″ Bathroom Vanity is a post from: Bathroom Vanities, Decorative Wall Mirrors & Chandelier Lighting Fixtures

Julia’s Favorite Quotes is a post from: Bathroom Vanities, Decorative Wall Mirrors & Chandelier Lighting Fixtures

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Please leave comments, if you wish and if this is your first visit to our blog, read on below for helpful home and design tips.

Click the photo for an enlarged view.

UniqueVanities.com Photo Contest 2009 is a post from: Bathroom Vanities, Decorative Wall Mirrors & Chandelier Lighting Fixtures

This nice large wall mirror is a very popular seller and we like it because the simple frame makes it work in just about any room in the home.

Alexander Decorative Mirror
Mirror Size: 35″ x 70″
Frame OD: 46″ x 82″
6062 HE, Sale Price: $825

I just love these great new stone vessel sinks and apparently so do our www.UniqueVanities.com clients!

Beige Travertine Stone Vessel Sink
SRS-0029B, Sale Price $329

Popular Items at Unique Furniture Online is a post from: Bathroom Vanities, Decorative Wall Mirrors & Chandelier Lighting Fixtures

Toilet: Use Borax, sprinkle in your toilet bowl and let sit over night, use a toilet brush in the morning and flush the dirt away.  Borax helps remove rust stains.

Glass and Windows: Mix 1/4c vinegar, 2c water and a squirt of Castile soap in a spray bottle.  Spray and wipe with newspaper for a streak free clean.

Chrome Bathroom Vanity Faucets: Rub a small amount of toothpaste onto your fixtures and buff with a soft cloth until they shine.

This information was found in the April 2009 edition of Real Simple Magazine – one of my favorites!

Chrome Vessel Sink Faucet $125

Bathroom Spring Cleaning Tips Day 4 is a post from: Bathroom Vanities, Decorative Wall Mirrors & Chandelier Lighting Fixtures

The best products to use when cleaning are the mildest, such as dish soap, so that you do not cause extra wear and tear on the cabinet.  Most bathroom cleaners contain harsh chemicals that may not be necessary if you maintain your fixtures on a regular basis. 

First, you will need to remove all items from your bathroom vanity so that you can wipe down the entire cabinet inside and out.

I recommend mixing mild dish soap or Murphy’s oil soap in a bucket of warm water, and wiping down the entire vanity cabinet.  Then wipe dry with a soft cloth.  I have found that micro fiber cloths are the best.  Drying immediately will prevent streaks from appearing.

Clean seams and crevices  with a soft toothbrush. 

Bathroom vanity faucets can be wiped down with the same mild soap mixture that you use for the cabinet.  If there is a build up of mineral deposits or soap scum, wipe down the fixture with white vinegar  or a mild abrasive cleaner such as Bon Ami.  Use these abrasive cleaners sparingly.

24 Inch Single Sink Bathroom Vanity

Bathroom Spring Cleaning Tips Day 2 is a post from: Bathroom Vanities, Decorative Wall Mirrors & Chandelier Lighting Fixtures

Antique Bathroom Vanity is a post from: Bathroom Vanities, Decorative Wall Mirrors & Chandelier Lighting Fixtures

There are many simple and affordable ways to update the look of your bathroom. By changing out just the major elements in the room, you can increase the value of  your home, while enjoying the benefits of an updated and stylish bathroom.

First, determine your budget, the begin your search by looking for a bathroom vanity. Think about your personal style and what you are hoping to achieve in the space and search keywords accordingly. For instance, if you are looking for a sleek and bold feel, you might search for modern bathroom vanities.

If you are on a budget, try something like discount bathroom vanity and they move on to the style aspects.

Once you have a vanity picked out, you can move on to new mirrors and light fixtures. You want the vanity to be the centerpiece of the room and of the design, so try to find mirrors and fixtures that work well as accents. You do a general search like bathroom wall mirrors and then narrow further once you have an idea of what you want. This type of search is good if your vanity is highly decorative, you will want a simple mirror that coordinates, but does not over power the vanity.

For the light fixtures, try something like sconce lighting. Look for nice soft lighting and try using a matching set, one on each side of the mirror.

The possibilities are really only limited by your creativity. If you use this step-by-step approach to home design, you are sure to have a complete look that you love.

Remember, we are happy to field your home design questions. Post them here or e-mail us at uniquevanities@msn.com.

Complete Decorating: Bathroom Vanity, Mirror, and Lighting is a post from: Bathroom Vanities, Decorative Wall Mirrors & Chandelier Lighting Fixtures

Vessel Sink Vanities are considered a contemporary look, but when combined with a furniture style cabinet, they can transform a bathroom from ordinary to extraordinary.  Here is another 5 Star vanity (as rated by our clients) brought to you by UniqueVanities.com.

HY-0714-26 Sale Price $1,099

Contemporary style petite vanity is designed for both character and functionality. The hand crafted multi-tone finish features a single door with an interior drawer and a solid Travertine vessel sink that is partially recessed into the travertine top. The solid Travertine top is pre drilled for a single hole vessel faucet. Faucet not included, but available for purchase.

Modern Bathroom Vanities

5 Star Modern Bathroom Vanities is a post from: Bathroom Vanities, Decorative Wall Mirrors & Chandelier Lighting Fixtures

Next you need to develop your budget–and stick to it! If you are working with a small budget, be sure to look into a discount bathroom vanity. You may want to consider using your existing plumbing layout.  If moving the plumbing will create more useable space, then consider it, though keep in mind it can be expensive. 

Bathroom Cabinets: The simplest way to update a bathroom on a budget is by replacing the vanity. There are many unique vanities from which to choose , including modern bathroom vanities with flat panel doors and drawers and stylish chrome faucets, to traditional furniture style pieces that can add character to any remodel project.

Make a list of your storage needs; this includes cosmetics, dental care, grooming, small appliances (hairdryers, etc), & cleaning products.  Before you purchase a vanity, take precise measurements.  If installing a pre-built vanity, it is important to measure the maximum allowed space and find a vanity that is a few inches smaller.  Most vanity measurements include the counter top, which can in most cases be the largest point on the overall cabinet.  If the top is made from a solid stone, such as granite or marble, it is very difficult and sometimes impossible to modify the top, even if it is ¼” too large for your space.

Hopefully you now have the basics for starting your bathroom remodel project. Check back for more important remodeling tips.

Remodeling 101: Bathroom Cabinets is a post from: Bathroom Vanities, Decorative Wall Mirrors & Chandelier Lighting Fixtures

CatalogChoice.org – Lets you opt out of catalog mailings on an individual basis

Call 1888-5OPTOUT to cut down on junk mailers besides catalogs

OptOutPrescreen.com – decline unsolicited credit card offers

Source: Go Green, Live Rich by David Bach

Save Trees & Energy – Stop the Junk Mail is a post from: Bathroom Vanities, Decorative Wall Mirrors & Chandelier Lighting Fixtures

Furniture style vanities have become very popular over the last several years because of their beauty and price, and they are very simple to install.  

The furniture style vanities come in several wood types, finishes, and many choices of countertops.  You can find these vanities made from cherry, mahogany, or bamboo (just to name a few) or you can also find high quality medium density fiberboard vanities that have a hand painted finish.   

These vanities also come with a choice of solid stone top and under mount sink.  Stone tops are commonly made from granite, marble or travertine.  Granite is the most durable, as marble and travertine are more porous stone that will require more maintenance over time.  You should take this into consideration depending on the use of the vanity.  A powder bath vanity gets much less use than a master bath vanity.  

The under mount sinks are ceramic, and can also come in various colors, most commonly white and bisque.

There is a large cut out in the back of these cabinets for plumbing.  This will usually prevent you from having to make any significant plumbing changes.  The counter tops come pre-drilled for standard faucet installation.  

These vanities, as with most cabinetry, can vary widely in quality and price.  Do your research and only purchase from a reputable company.  The lowest price is not always the best alternative and expect to pay more for a brand name.  

For more information about unique bathroom ideas, visit www.UniqueVanities.com

Hand crafted four doors single sink vanity cabinet with antiqued brown finish. Granite top with antiqued brass hardware. Sale Price $1199 with Free Shipping.

Bathroom Cabinets is a post from: Bathroom Vanities, Decorative Wall Mirrors & Chandelier Lighting Fixtures

Problem: There is a ceiling joist where you want to place a 6″ recessed can light

Solution:  Consider installing two 4″ recessed can lights, one on each side of the joist

Kitchen Remodel – Recessed Lighting Fixture is a post from: Bathroom Vanities, Decorative Wall Mirrors & Chandelier Lighting Fixtures

Positively stunning!

In person this vanity looks exactly like it’s pictured; It is gorgeous. I was so impressed with the quality and the level of service I wanted to order something else. The vanity is a beautiful cherry colored wood with an impressive travertine top and it came with the sinks too! I thought this price is too good to be true, but in fact the vanity is too good to be true. A vanity like this would cost $2,700.00 somewhere else, if you could even find it. If you are having any doubts stop right now and order this beautiful piece, you will be very happy you did.  Written by Bridget Ochoa on 2009-02-19 

For more 5 star vanities, visit us at UniqueVanities.com 

55" Small Double Sink Bathroom Vanity $1699

5 Star Bathroom Vanities – 55” Double Sink Vanity is a post from: Bathroom Vanities, Decorative Wall Mirrors & Chandelier Lighting Fixtures

I decided that I was going to find a few really great lines of outdoor light fixtures for UniqueLightFixtures.com so that my clients could have the best selection possible for their home projects. 

Here are a few of our favorite outdoor lanterns.

Hand Forged Dark Brown Lantern

LNT 004, $549

Grand Hacienda Outdoor Lantern

OD-HACNDA-R, $949

Stylish Outdoor Light Fixtures is a post from: Bathroom Vanities, Decorative Wall Mirrors & Chandelier Lighting Fixtures

Here are our top sellers from each site:

www.UniqueVanities.com

This petite vanity is very popular among designers. At just 24 inches wide, it’s perfect for a small bathroom. It features a hand-carved door, with a solid Baltic Brown Granite top and is pre-drilled for a three-hole faucet.

HY-0135 Sale price: $849

www.UniqueMirrorsOnline.com

Bathroom vanity mirrors are very popular. This is the Monmouth Antique. This beautiful and simple round mirror has an antique brown finish with black accenting. The mirror is 20 inches in diameter and the frame’s outer diameter is 26 inches.

2172 HE Sale price: $175

www.UniqueLightFixtures.com

This hand-forged rustic chandelier is a Spanish colonial reproduction with 6 lights. The finish is a natural rust with hand-waxed top coat. Antique candle covers, 2′ of hanging chain, mounting hardware, and canopy are all included.
CH-CANT6-R Sale price: $675

Best Selling Bathroom Vanities, Light Fixtures, & Decorative Mirrors is a post from: Bathroom Vanities, Decorative Wall Mirrors & Chandelier Lighting Fixtures

One challenge you may face if you are installing a bathroom vanity against base board, is that you will need to have a carpenter cope the base board into the new vanity.  The definition of cope is to join (two molded wooden members) by undercutting the end of one of them to the profile of the other so that the joint produced resembles a miter joint.

If you do not cut the base and cope it into the leg of the vanity you will not be able to fit the vanity tight against the wall, resulting in a gap on the sides and more importantly between the countertop and the wall. Cutting and coping base can be done by a professional carpenter for about $75 to $100 depending on your area.

Another option is to install a tile backsplash behind the vanity top.

Bathroom Vanity

Installing a Bathroom Vanity is a post from: Bathroom Vanities, Decorative Wall Mirrors & Chandelier Lighting Fixtures

Master Bathroom

Ultimate Bathroom Makeover Ideas is a post from: Bathroom Vanities, Decorative Wall Mirrors & Chandelier Lighting Fixtures

One of those things is what if your home caught on fire? Most people think that having homeowners insurance is enough to protect themselves. But in all reality, the most challenging thing people are faced with when their home is damaged in fire or storm is a true inventory of everything they own.

There are two ways to approach this from a planning perspective:

  • You can hire a person to comes to your home or 
     business and takes inventory, including serial 
     numbers and descriptions of all your possessions.
       o This can be very helpful if you own items of 
           high value.
       o Its proof to the insurance company.
       o This also helps you determine if you have enough
           insurance coverage.
  • The other is a very simple thing you can do on your
     own–take pictures or video of your home.
       o This is probably easiest for most of us without
           the expense of a professional.
       o We tend to accumulate a lot of stuff throughout
           the year, make this part of your new year to-do
           lists, and do it annually.
       o Be sure to keep a copy in a safe place.

The chances are small that you will be a victim of an event such as a fire or tornado, but it can happen. And being prepared at least helps us when filing an insurance claim.

How to Prepare Yourself for a Fire or Storm is a post from: Bathroom Vanities, Decorative Wall Mirrors & Chandelier Lighting Fixtures

After talking to her at length, what she described was not actually a stain (as natural stone is difficult to stain).  She described an etching effect – which is like water marks left on a table top. 

After speaking to a general contractor about this, it was suggested that she try some over the counter re-sealer  product that can be purchased at a local hardware store.  She tried a few different remedies, but nothing worked.

So I did some research and spoke with a Marble Restorer in her area in Minnesota.  He said that if what she tried did not work, that the only alternative (besides getting a new counter top) was to have it buffed down to the original condition and resealed like it was originally when it was manufactured.  This process can cost approximately $225-$265 for an average double sink vanity.

I asked him for advice on how to prevent this from happening in the future, and he said – “Julia, it will happen again.  Marble is very a porous stone, and is easily etched by any product with acid in it.”  He said almost all products have some type of acid in them. 

I share this story because Marble has always been considered a porous and less durable product than Granite.  But the looks are very different, which is why many people choose a marble or travertine counter top when they purchase from UniqueVanities.com. 

With that said, our recommendation is only using marble in low use bathrooms – like a powder bath.  If you must have marble  in a higher use bathroom, then take extra care when in use.  Always wipe up any moisture immediately after use.  Use coasters for beverages.  Treat it like a fine piece of furniture in the living room.  Also, be very careful when cleaning  anything around the marble – in example, the bathroom vanity mirror.  Spray the cleaning rag rather than the mirror to avoid any mist form the product hitting the vanity top.

We want our clients to enjoy their furniture style bathroom vanity for years to come, but as with any piece of furniture, you should take extra care to increase its useful life.

Bathroom Vanity Countertops – Granite or Marble? is a post from: Bathroom Vanities, Decorative Wall Mirrors & Chandelier Lighting Fixtures