Category Archives: Home Tips

Determining Proper Aisle Width and Stall Size in Your Horse Barn

The comfort of your horses must be your foremost concern when designing a new barn. The designing process must begin by determining the proper width of the aisles and the right size of the stalls. Rest of the barn features can be accommodated around these parameters.

But before you can begin to design the aisle and the stalls, it is crucial to understand the significance of the right dimensions.

The Significance of the Right Aisle Width and the Stall Size

Most people (especially first-time barn builders) neglect the importance of suitable aisle width not really realizing its role for both equine and human comfort. Stall size is something people remember to pay attention to automatically given the size of the horses! But as you start using the barn, it is easier to see its significance.

It is best to first plan for the aisle and the stall/s before planning the feed room, the tack storage, and any additional areas for horse grooming activities.

It is best to work with a local builder to help you create the perfect barn design. So, for horse barns in Spotsylvania, contact a local builder with expertise and experience in designing weather-appropriate structures for horses. It will help you design the aisle, stalls, and other features using the right materials and the dimensions.

Determining the Aisle Width

When deciding on the aisle width for the barn, always consider the size of the horses. A width of 12 ft is sufficient for the horses to walk and turn around the aisle without any problem. If you need to move heavy equipment around the barn and through the aisle, consider it when planning the aisle width. Would you be able to move stuff past the aisle if it is 12-foot wide? Often a 10-foot wide aisle can also work well depending on the sizes of the horse/s.

In any case, the width of the aisle must not be less than 10 ft. If you have the scope to increase it to 12 ft, it is always better to go with it. A wider aisle will also come in handy in the future in case more horses would be sharing the barn.

One way to determine the right aisle width is to think of all the functions you would be performing using this part of the barn. The horse barn design needs to be comfortable for the horses but also functional for you. A narrow aisle can help you save some money initially. But eventually, you (and the horses) would start to feel the discomfort due to the space constraints.

Determining the Stall Size

If your horses are of the average size then the most suitable stall size is 12-foot by 12-foot approximately. A pony might do well in a relatively smaller stall as well. Some horses such as thoroughbreds are bigger than the average equine size (15-hands approximately) and you might need to increase the stall dimensions for them. The same applies if you have mares that would be foaling in the near future or are already with foals.

Even if you don’t have a broodmare when designing the barn but plan to get one in the future, it is best to incorporate provisions for a bigger stall. The consideration must be that the horses, irrespective of their sizes, must be able to move inside the stalls comfortably. Know that movement means turning around comfortably in all directions. The horses must also be able to lie down easily.

The size of the stall walls must be around 5 ft at least. It is also a good idea to use grills on the walls so that horses can see each other through them. The grills or even the mesh on the walls can help bring more light inside the barn and also help with the ventilation. These two factors are important for the good health of the horses living in the barn. So, choose the size of the stalls walls keeping these functions in mind.

Sliding doors on the stalls can help save some space. But swinging doors can work too as the stall doors are often shut.

Tips for Choosing Rustic Bathroom Vanities

Rustic furniture can enhance aesthetics in any room with simple yet elegant designs. Rustic furniture is all about mixing the past with the present to create beautiful spaces. You can even use rustic furniture in your bathroom in the form of a nice vanity to create a sense of warmth and comfort.

There is a wide variety of rustic vanities available now to accommodate the needs of all households. Consider these tips to choose the right rustic vanity for your bathroom.

Seek Timeless Elegance

Rustic wood vanities are perfect to create a sense of timelessness in your personal space. Rustic furniture is available in many different materials. Reclaimed wood vanities can help you create an idyllic bathroom space. There is something about the unpolished and time-worn look of reclaimed wood that adds to its appeal.

A combination of wood and iron is also remarkable to dress your bathroom in a style that won’t go out of fashion. Rustic iron sheets or handles are perfect representative of the time gone by and offer your bathroom an aura of timeless appeal. You can also opt for copper basins with your rustic wood vanities for added classic flair.

If you are looking for a bathroom vanity that won’t go out of style anytime soon, restrict your selection to reclaimed wood or metal. The combination of these materials is also superb choice for any bathroom style. If you are worried about water damage on the wood, then buy vanities that come coated with protective polymers such as polyurethane.

Another way to bring classic elements in the vanity is by incorporating stone tabletops. Granite tops can work well with brown rustic vanities. Light-hued marble tops can complement black and dark brown vanities perfectly.

You can buy rustic vanities in different patterns carved on wood or other details as well. Look for carved designs on reclaimed wood or colored patterns etched onto the vanity front.

Pay Attention to the Colors

When choosing rustic wood vanities, there are more colors options to choose from other than browns. Bathroom vanities are also available in hues such as white, blue, green, and black. You can even order the color of your preference if you are buying custom bathroom vanities.

If the rest of your bathroom is designed in white, you can brighten up the space with a blue or turquoise vanity. It can add to the space without overwhelming or disturbing the rest of the bathroom décor. If your bathroom is designed in rustic style with brown wooden elements then a brown or even a black wood vanity can blend in perfectly with the décor.

Look for Functionality

A bathroom vanity needs to be functional too. Consider your requirements when selecting new rustic bathroom vanities. Do you want additional drawers or just the top of the vanity is enough for your storage needs? Do you need a vanity with two basins? Would you rather opt for a small vanity with two drawers, no extra top space but with a large basin?

Looking for a vanity that offers you all practical functions can take a bit of time. But it is important to take the time to look for the right vanity when making a design investment for your home. If your requirements are very specific, you may want to consider buying a custom vanity. It is a good option for homeowners who want very precise vanity designs or storage solutions.

Choose the Right Size

The size of the vanity must be proportionate to your bathroom’s dimensions. You may love a long vanity with two basins but it can also cramp your small bathroom. On the other hand, a small vanity can look out of place in a big bathroom.

If you only have a small corner space in your bathroom for the vanity, there is no proper way to fit a square or rectangle vanity in that narrow space. You can opt for a small triangular vanity with bottom shelf space and at least a medium-sized sink. Bowtie vanity designs are also available if that is what fits in your bathroom.

Four Reasons to Choose Custom Bathroom Vanities

A bathroom vanity is just one item of furniture in your bathroom but it can affect its entire look. It needs to be right in terms of size, design, and material for increasing your bathroom’s aesthetic and functional appeal. Such a perfect arrangement is not always possible with mass-market furniture. One solution is to use custom vanities to style your bathroom just right.

Here are four reasons to choose custom bathroom vanities.

Uniqueness

Using custom vanities is the perfect way to add your own unique touch to a space that is very personal to you. You can customize a vanity to perfectly fit your bathroom; utilizing every inch of the space. You can choose your own material, color, and style with your custom vanity.

Stock vanities are available only in limited colors and styles. Readymade vanities may not go with your bathroom design or match with your aesthetic sense. You don’t need to settle for an average vanity that you don’t even like. You can decide to use a custom vanity for a distinct bathroom space that is your own.

You may want additional drawers in your vanity instead of open shelves. Perhaps you really like the use of metal basins with wood vanities or a simple table layout that you can use as you may please. If your taste is as distinct as these examples then the only option is to use custom vanities or compromise on your furniture needs.

If you want a turquoise vanity instead of the usual ivories and blacks then custom design is the way to go. If you want a long cabinet instead of a rectangular vanity, it is up to you. With custom furniture, you can skip the ‘the dream and the idea of a perfect bathroom’ and actually create it with simple solutions.

Durability

Custom furniture is sturdier than readymade ones. You can expect your custom bathroom cabinet to last longer even when it is exposed to moisture every day. You can choose materials like solid wood that can last for years even with water exposure. Many custom furniture designers coat wood vanities with polymers like polyurethane to protect their creations from water. So, you don’t need to compromise on style and material over practical reasons.

You can even choose strong drawer handles and basin. Brass handles may cost more than steel or aluminum ones. But they also look better and last longer. It is just one example. You can customize every part of your vanity to make it as strong as you want.

Cost

With custom furniture, you can control the cost of your bathroom vanity. You will know what you are paying for and why. With readymade furniture, you have to pay for subpar materials and uninspired designs. You also have no way of knowing the real value of the material used for making it.

On the other hand, your custom furniture designer can provide you with all the information you want on the materials used, how it was sourced, the paint used (toxic or not), the environment impact (of the material used), and why it’s costing you a certain amount. You can accordingly ask the designer to reduce the price or even increase it by adding more valuable accessories. When you choose custom furniture for your home, you can get a unique item within your budget.

Value

Custom furniture can add value to any space in your house including the bathroom. Custom furniture spells luxury and hints at classic appeal. It can never go out of style whereas readymade furniture can quickly look dated and devalue your house with it. If you decide to sell your current house in the future, custom furniture can impact its asking price.

Custom furniture can add value to your interior design by its singular appeal. Even if your bathroom is small or doesn’t have too many distinct features; placement of even a small custom rustic vanity can augment its design. Custom is synonymous with luxury. It can spell leisure and comfort. Custom furniture boasts of extravagance even when it is as practical as any other utility item in your house.

Make Your Bedroom Look Good with Rustic Dresser

A good dresser can not only help you with storage in the bedroom but you can also use it as a design accent. Picking the right dresser for your bedroom is not difficult. But you need to consider your requirements as well as the room’s dimensions for selecting the perfect item.

There are a number of styles you can choose when it comes to a dresser for your bedroom. But there is something about rustic dressers that complements any bedroom style and design with remarkable ease.

Consider these tips to make your bedroom look good with a rustic dresser.

A Storage Solution

A small dresser with wide drawers can offer better storage than a tall dresser with narrow drawers. So, consider this aspect when looking for a new dresser. If space in your bedroom is limited, it can be difficult to find a dresser than can fit well and also offer proper storage.

Tall dressers may be able to fit into tight spaces but they don’t offer much in terms of storage and they are also difficult to use as decorating accents. If this is the case with you, you can work with a custom furniture designer to create the right rustic dresser for you. You can then customize its design as you wish.

The right size of the drawer is the first step in making your bedroom accentuate with its placement.

Design tips:

You can use the top of a medium-sized dresser to store beautiful knick-knacks or even other utility items (more storage!).

You can place an antique mirror on the wall just over your rustic dresser. A carved wooden box or even a jewelry stand with crystal strings can complete the look. Antique metal plates, wood accents, and a vintage lamp are other ideas to use on short, wide, or even medium-sized dressers.

You can use the space to place items of different heights to create design layers.

A Tale of Two Dressers

There is no rule that says you can’t use two dressers in a room. If you have a large bedroom, two dressers on different sides can do wonders to balance the entire space. You can use one in lieu of a nightstand and the second one by a corner near the tall mirror. You can also use two dressers of different sizes to create a balanced yet layered look in the room.

You can even use both in one corner right next to each other with a tiny space in the middle.

Design tips:

Rustic furniture complements other natural materials really well. Use the space between the dressers to place a tall plant in a metal or marble planter. You can use top of one dresser to create a space for photos and another for additional storage.

If you are using the dresser as a nightstand then a lamp, picture frames, and space for your night-time essentials can keep the top of the dresser neat but also well-utilized.

The Thing about Cozy Corners

Rustic dressers are perfect to create cozy corners in the bedroom. If space is a constraint in your bedroom, use a dresser to create an overall cozy space instead of just one isolated corner. Rustic furniture is ideal to add a sense of warmth to any room. You can create sung but beautiful spaces with the right dresser placement.

Design tips:

For small bedrooms, you can use a dresser, a bed, and a chair to develop your own comfortable space. Use the dresser in front or by the side of the bed. If there is extra space on either side of your bed then you can use this space to add an extra dresser. For small bedrooms, dressers can offer much relief in terms of your storage needs. The rustic design will add extra layers of warmth. Use a chair or a planter in rest of the space just for some extra oomph.

For larger spaces, dedicate an entire side to create a comfy corner. You can use the dresser to place a lamp and book. Throw in a comfortable chair and a rug and your own personal nook is ready.

Zinc Shelf – What You Must Know Before Buying Them

Shelves and countertops made form metal have been in rave for quite some time. Of the different materials available, zinc is a popular choice for residential as well as commercial needs. They offer many benefits, but before you invest in them, here are a couple of things to know, so that you can decide if they’re really suited for your needs.

Zinc shelves have a changing appearance

The shelf that you install in your kitchen or prep room does not look the same always. The metal reacts with the different substances that it comes in contact with, lending a different appearance every time. Also, the location in which it is placed has a role to play in the appearance of the zinc shelf. One that is installed in an outdoor kitchen near an ocean will look way different from a shelf that is installed in a climate-controlled, heavily used restaurant bar.  In a typical residential kitchen, spots appear within the first few weeks of use. Eventually, these spots overlap to form a mottled charcoal look. Furthermore, this changes from one kitchen to another depending on the frequency of cleaning, minerals in the water, and type of use. In a commercial restaurant or bar, which is prone to heavier use and more frequent cleaning, the zinc shelves look like they’ve been in there for ages, even when used for a week or two. These shelves, when used in an outdoor area like near an ocean, react with the salty air to develop a white, oxidized coating on their surface. The coating gets wiped away easily with heavy use and frequent cleaning in hospitality settings. When used in drier air, such as in a rocky outdoor mountain bar, the zinc surface ages with class and natural beauty. Whatever the location be, zinc shelves feature a dynamic finish that is ever changing.

The metal can incorporate varied finishes

The surface of the metal can be finished in different ways to suit different aesthetics. Popular among these are the Non-Directional Matte finish, Dark Patina, and Aged Mottled Patina. The Non-Directional Matte finish is the most popular kind as it allows the metal to adapt to its environment quickly, and react once in use. Many zinc shelves can also be designed with patinas and colors as per user requirements. The finish thus developed in an additional step that mimics what happens naturally. However, even after patination or coloring, the metal continues to react to its environment to present a unique look every time.

Zinc shelves are safe to use

Zinc is a naturally occurring element, which is critical to human health. It can be found in many foods and multivitamins, and is generally safe and non-toxic, unless consumed in high doses. Zinc is generally a good choice of long-lasting surface material in home or hospitality projects. When used in shelves, the may be prone to scratches or marring, which usually remains unnoticeable. Though Zinc is safe for use, it is ideal to choose a different surface material for food preparation or food storage needs. This keeps the shelf in good condition for longer, and is better in daily use.

A little care goes a long way

Zinc is a reactive metal by nature, and anything from finger prints to acidic liquids, or even cleaning agents can leave spots in its surface. A fully clean zinc shelf can show spots and form a patina, which changes with time. Polishing helps remove such spots, but they re-appear with time and use. So, it is best recommended to let the shelf develop a natural patina based on its use, and opt for cleaning techniques that are suited to your household or business. A soft cloth and mild soap are recommended for daily cleaning. Scrubs or abrasive sponges may be used occasionally. It is best to avoid using cleaners that contain ammonia, bleach or citric acid. Spray cleaners and commercial soaps may darken the zinc surface, so they need to be tested before use. Unsightly spots can be removed with metal polishes, but it is not recommended to maintain a polished surface when using zinc shelves, as this can be tricky to do on a daily basis.