1. Invest in a new bathroom mirror. Mirrors are generally the central focus of any bathroom, so in modernizing its shape and design, your whole bathroom will feel updated.

2. Towel rings can add completely new elements of style to your bathroom. Add a touch of elegance by installing towel rings that have crystal, or structure with sleek square towel fixtures.

3. An outdated bath tissue holder is something people overlook every day, so updating the bathroom with a sleek and polished new fixture is a great way to give your bathroom a fresh look.

4. You use your toothbrush holder every day, and chances are you hardly notice how outdated and sullied it is. A wall mounted toothbrush holder is not only an affordable and easy way to give your bathroom a modern look, but eliminates scum that typically builds up at the bottom of a traditional holder.

5. Are all your shower accessories scattered on the shower floor? If so, a hanging shower caddy is something you must invest in. Caddies make cleaning your shower simpler, give it a structured appearance, and are an ideal way to spruce up your powder room.

6. Traditional shower curtain rods and rings often break and rust. Brass rings and rods not only last longer which saves you money in the long run, but can give your bathroom a contemporary look and feel.

7. Guests always notice soap holders because they are front and center and actually get used! Having a dirty, outdated holder can ruin a bathrooms look. Crystal soap holders add elegance and class, while simple bronze dishes modernize.

8. Glass shelving can transform your bathroom from plain to palatial. Their refined appeal and radiance are sure to spruce up your décor.

9. A sleek, innovative magazine rack is an inexpensive and effortless fix to a lackluster bathroom. Since they require little to no assembly, all you’ll need are some magazines to fill it with!

10. A new shower door is the best way to completely renew your powder room’s look and feel. Since there are so many different style options, picking one that compliments your personal taste is uncomplicated. Frameless, cardinal shower doors are all the rage in bathroom fashion.

Who knew a simple alloy of copper and zinc could become such a useful and versatile material? The same strong material used for coins in the ancient world is still in use today for something as beautiful as a bed or as delicate as a flute?

One of the reasons brass has been used for centuries is its strength and longevity. To ensure brass stays as strong and beautiful as possible it should be properly cleaned and cared for.

Brass Around the House
You should first identify what is actually made of brass around your house. Much door hardware such as brass door knobs and hinges are made of brass. But just because it’s a yellow/gold metal doesn’t mean it’s made of brass. Use a magnet to test. If the magnet sticks to the metal, it’s not brass.

If you have an older house you may have some brass fixtures you don’t know about because they haven’t been maintained properly and have a very dull and tarnished look.

A Note Before You Begin
Tarnish on brass occurs because of how the metal reacts with the air. Newer pieces should have a layer of lacquer or oil to protect the brass from the air. You may need to remove the lacquer before you clean. Either way, plan to add the layer after you are done cleaning any brass object.

Time to Clean
You can get some very good results with some soap and water or rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol). Brass can tarnish easily but a little elbow grease and light cleaning can get it off rather quickly. For brass items that have a more complicated pattern with engraving or other nooks and crannies, you can use a toothbrush to get into those hard to reach areas.

A simple polish can be made using toothpaste or a combination of water and white vinegar for stronger, yet still gentle, cleaning. Once clean, polish the brass with a soft cloth.

For larger objects or ones that have built up layers of tarnish, your best bet is to use easily available brass household cleaners. They are non-toxic and usually come with their own polishing cloth soaked in the cleaner. You can use the cloth like a mitten over your hand to clean the objects. Again, for detailed work, a toothbrush can be used to get into smaller places for cleaning.

Post Cleaning Treatment
To avoid having to clean your brass products too often, you should apply a layer of protection between the metal and the air. A thin layer of lacquer can do the job as well as a light coat of olive oil.

Maintenance
The oils in your hand can break down the barriers and cause brass to tarnish. So try to not touch brass pieces with your bare hands. A light dusting should be all that’s needed to keep your brass products looking shiny and new.

I Have to Buy That Too?

Your first day in your new house is a great day for your independence but a bit of a hit to the ego. You probably didn’t know new houses don’t automatically come with shower curtains or any bathroom accessories. Spending your first morning getting dressed in the closet or hastily nailing towels over your windows will remind you there is still shopping to do.

First Thing First

Whether you are in a brand new, just built house or one that has been through five owners your first purchase should be for new door hardware - deadbolts, door knobs, door levers, etc . Who knows how many extra keys the previous owners have given out over the years? And newly built houses have locks which numbers of builders and contractors have access to.

For new houses you can just get locks re-keyed by a certified locksmith, but for older houses now is the time to upgrade. New locks with and without door handles can be inexpensively bought and installed with no experience needed. Baldwin Mortise locks and Emtek Mortise Locks from A Touch of Brass are some of the most secure and stylish ones you can get.

Cheap vs. Inexpensive

Chances are most of the home’s accessories are on the cheap side. Builders cut corners to save money and previous home owners take most of the good stuff with them. Houses often have plastic vent covers and wall registers which are effective but not stylish. If cabinets have door hardware at all they are probably basic and cheap.

By replacing your plastic accessories with brass hardware you can immediately begin to add value into your new home with brass floor registers, wall registers, cabinet hardware and any other rooms for improvement.

Oh Yeah, I Have a Yard Now

If you are coming from an apartment or condo you probably didn’t have to deal with the outside at all. But as a homeowner you get to become your own lawn and snow removal service.

Here is a wholly incomplete list of outdoor tools you need

• Garden hose and hose caddy
• Lawnmower (spend the extra money and get a self-propelled)
• Snow shovels and possibly a snow plow
• Rake, shovel and wheelbarrow
• gardening gloves and an old pair of shoes
• Edger and weed whacker
• Outdoor broom and leaf blower
• Extra-large garbage can on wheels for trash pickup

As a homeowner you’re going to have to learn to love the outdoors because you’ll have to spend some time ensuring your yard is as beautiful as your house.

Welcome to new home ownership. It’s both a challenge and a joy and not for the fainthearted.

As you drive on your daily commute you pass by dozens of houses. And subconsciously you’ve made some decisions on the houses and the people that live there. If there are unkempt lawns or toys scattered in the yard you assume the inside of the house is as cluttered and messy. If there is a pristine garden, matching exterior hardware and a clean driveway you’re pretty sure the house inside is as beautiful and clean.

As important as it is, good curb appeal isn’t just for selling your house. Proper curb appeal sets the tone for a neighborhood, serves as a welcome to guests, and is a reflection of the homeowners.

What Makes Proper Curb Appeal?
The one word answer is “effort”. The best way to ensure curb appeal is to regularly keep up the outside of your house that same way you clean and keep up the inside. The simplest way to maintain curb appeal is cleanliness.

Kicking it up a Notch
Truly maximizing your curb appeal takes some extra effort but the results are well worth it.

• Replace old door hardware. Simply upgrading with brass door knobs, brass door handles and brass kick plates from Baldwin Hardware or Emtek Hardware will beautify your entryway. If you feel up to the challenge a new Baldwin Mortise lock will complete the ensemble.
• Add some style with a brass mailbox or brass mail slot.
• Let there be light. Upgrade your brass light fixtures on your porch.
• Turn your front door into a canvas of seasons. Go beyond Christmas decorations and add a festive wreath, bow or swag on your door year round.

Because the outside of your house is at the mercy of the weather, special thought has to go into seasonal curb appeal. Just because old man winter comes blowing in, doesn’t mean your style has to suffer.

• Keep driveways, walkways and sidewalks shoveled.
• Bring porch furniture inside for the season when unused.
• Use your front porch to neatly stack firewood.

Remember curb appeal is just a reflection of what’s inside the house. Continue the look by installing updated brass floor registers and vent covers, inside locks and door hardware.
By maintaining your curb appeal you won’t have to play catch up when the time comes to sell your house.

Recycling is all about reducing and reusing, taking waste products like glass bottles, melting them down, and creating a raw product for something new. Granted, recycling generally reduces value: recycled paper product is now worth less than the original sheet of paper, right?

Upcycling, on the other hand, converts the original product into something with more value. Turning a basic X-large T-shirt into a hip new skirt is one example. Turning that old, boring cabinet set into a chic, new piece? That’s another example, and it’s easier than you think. Better yet? It’s also way cheaper than replacing your cabinets entirely.

Here’s a quick and easy guide for upcycling an old decor…

Swap Out the Hardware
The hands-down easiest way to give your furniture a quick makeover? Swap out the cabinet hardware! You’ll turn a basic cabinet into something sleek and modern—no painting, no refinishing. Check out brands like Baldwin hardware for traditional knobs and pulls. For something a little more eclectic, check out the offerings from Emtek hardware.

Consider Painting It
Don’t let an impending paint job get you down. It’s much easier than you think. If your furniture’s in pretty good shape, it’s as easy as removing brass cabinet knobs (perfect time to swap it out for some new brass hardware from A Touch of Brass), laying down some newspaper, and getting to work. If your furniture’s got a high-gloss finish, you’ll want to take some sandpaper and rough it up before you start painting, so the paint will have something to stick to.

If your furniture’s got some major dings and scratches, fill in the damage with wood putty before you begin. For a modern, no-brush look, you’ll want to use spray paint. For more of an earthy, homey look, choose standard paint and lay it on with a brush.

Or Just Dress Up the Area Around It
Some cabinets don’t take kindly to full-out makeovers. You can’t drag it out to the garage to spray paint it, and painting it with a brush will probably be more trouble than it’s worth. Instead, you can easily dress up the area around your cabinetry with some new kithen & bathroom brass accessories, wall registers, or floor registers. Small touches can make a huge difference in your decor, and they’re certainly easier on your wallet than a whole new renovation.

Got Any Makeover Tips to Share?
Have you ever given your furniture an upcycling makeover? Share your experiences in the comments!

First of all, it is where your day begins and ends, from that early morning shower to brushing your teeth before going to bed. Secondly, though your guests may never see your bedroom, nearly all of them will see your bathroom (why not dress it up?). Finally, your bathroom can be your own private mini-spa: when you go to take an evening soak in the tub, you should have as relaxing of a space as possible.

Unfortunately, a full-scale bathroom remodel is outside the budget for many of us. So what can we do to dress up that dull bathroom without breaking the bank? Tons of things, actually. Here are six easy ways to give your bathroom a well-deserved makeover:

Update Your Bathroom Accessories

An easy way to update your bathroom is to add some new brass bathroom accessories. Swap out that sad-looking toilet paper holder. Give yourself a chic, modern soap dish. Treat yourself to a sleek new towel rack.

And why stop there? Get rid of those oh-so-boring vents in exchange for some gorgeous new floor registers or wall registers. Once you see the look of your new brass floor registers, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for that basic, boring vent.

Add Some Life—Literally!
Nothing brightens up a small space like living things namely, plants. Line your counters with bamboo for the ultimate in contemporary zen or add some romantic flowers and candles to your tub space.

Swap Out Those Old Towels
Want an easy pick-me-up? Swap out those dingy old towels for something bright and fresh. You’ll be treating yourself to some fluffy new towels while revamping your bathroom at the same time. What’s not to love?

Up the Mirror Ante
That square mirror is so blah. Perk it up with a cute frame or paint your own frame with glass etching paint or air-dry paint. Alternatively, swap out your mirror entirely for a new oval or circle bathroom mirror.

Perk Up Your Lighting
Dimly lit bathrooms aren’t romantic; they’re dreary and cavernous. How are you going to put on your makeup or style your hair in a cave? Nix the dark lights in favor of plenty of eye-pleasing lighting. If you lack windows, consider getting lighting that mimics sunshine.

Say Goodbye to Your Dreary Shower Curtain
Due to its sheer size, your shower curtain is one of the biggest statement pieces in your bathroom. Make it a strong statement by picking out a curtain that will liven up the entire room.
Giving your bathroom personality and flair is as easy as swapping out some accessories! How do you plan on giving your bathroom a future makeover?

To make the right choices concerning the details in your home, you have to adhere to the overall interior design. Details such as floor registers, bathroom accessories and door hardware should blend cohesively with your design style.

Contemporary and modern interior design is known by its clean lines, open spaces and elegant, gleaming surfaces. Neutral colors are dominant accented by touches of vibrant color. Modern style is best complemented by brushed or polished metals in basic lines and shapes.

Country interior design encompasses many different styles ranging from French country to rustic Americana. County style trades fashion for functionality with its useful furniture and accessories. The key component is the lived-in look. Country design can be accented by black, bronze or other antiqued metals. Wood accents can lend a very primitive look to your country home.

Victorian design is popular in older Victorian homes. Floral patterns dominate the design accented by intricately carved furniture with rich trim and accents. Wrought iron in scrolled designs blends perfectly with Victorian design. Accessories should be dark in color and intricate to meld with the gilded look of the Victorian era.

Integrating personal details will help to make your home the representation of your style you want it to be.

Floor and Wall Registers

Floor registers, Ceiling & Wall Registers, Air Grilles & Vent Covers come in a couple of different types.

Floor Registers are cut into the floor.

Baseboard registers are cut into floor next to the baseboard or into the baseboard itself. Baseboard registers rest at an angle between the baseboard and the floor.

Wall Registers are Vent Covers for heating and cooling ducts that are within your walls.

Bathroom Hardware

Bathroom fixtures and accessories must be functional and beautiful at the same time. There are many different finishes to choose while you’re shopping. Polished chrome has been very popular since it complements many styles and is durable. Brushed metals such as nickel and chrome complement warm colors and stone surroundings. Bronze finishes come in several shades and are often used in rustic settings. Brass bathroom accessories add richness to a luxury bath or traditional or modern styles.

Door Hardware

The entrance of your home must serve two purposes; your door should be secure and stylish to protect your family and give a lasting first impression. Entry doors are commonly made of solid wood, wood veneer, steel or fiberglass. Choosing stylish, functional, and secure hardware such as Emtek Hardware or Baldwin Hardware is a safe bet. Make your decision based on door hardware’s security first, then for its durability, appearance, and price.

Emtek Charleston Mortise Lock - A Touch of Brass

During the course of an average day, the front door lock can be locked and unlocked many times but it is only when the lock ceases to function properly that anyone notices that there might be a problem. Regular and proper maintenance of your exterior door hardware is important, so that it will last you forever.

Cleaning Products

Despite being of very high quality, Emtek Mortise Locks and Baldwin door hardware all require regular maintenance to keep them looking and working as good as new. Products like Super Lube Dri-Film or Lubrican Poxylube CP200 are the best for lubricating exterior door hardware components.

Cleaning Process

A Touch of Brass recommends that you begin cleaning your door hardware with a mixture of water, lemon and salt. The salt will act as a very light abrasive and the lemon is a natural degreaser. Use an old toothbrush and lightly scrub all exposed parts of the door hardware. Dry the areas with a soft, dry cloth. If the original finish on your lock is polished brass (like some Baldwin Hardware door knockers), then cleaning the exposed hardware with a polish specifically designed for brass is the best way to ensure it doesn’t get scratched.

Lubricating the Deadbolt

Using either the Super Lube Dri-Film or Lubrican Poxylube, shake the can well and then place the plastic spray tube into the deadbolt’s keyhole and depress the nozzle in short one second sprays; do this two or three times. Remove the nozzle and insert the key and turn it a few times to spread evenly the lubricant and to make sure it works. If the key won’t turn, repeat the process until the key turns easily in the lock. If after two applications of lubricant the key still won’t turn, you may need to take the lock apart or call A Touch of Brass for advice.

Treat the Hinges

There is nothing more annoying than a squeaky door and doors with rusty hinges sounds horrible. Open the door and find the hinges. Down the center of each hinge is a pin; pull the pin about half way out of the hinge and give it a short burst of lubricant. Replace the pin and repeat the process to protect your valuable brass door hinges.

Lubricate the Handset

Keyed entry locks or keyed handsets by Emtek require that the keyhole is also regularly lubricated. As with the deadbolt, shake the can of lubricant and place the nozzle into the keyhole. Spray short, one second sprays two times then turn the key in the lock to ensure a smooth motion. Spray short sprays into any seams on the handle where it turns or on the underside of the thumb lever. Clean up any excess lubricant with a soft cloth or paper towel.

Despite regular maintenance, door hardware can fail to function or it may become outdated. At A Touch of Brass, we specialize in door hardware and can guide you through the process of replacing your current door hardware.

Baldwin Colonial Door Knocker - A Touch of Brass

Curb appeal and first impressions are very important if you are considering selling your house. Expensive landscaping or exterior renovations can certainly create the wow factor to lure potential home buyers, but there is a simpler, and much less expensive, replacement that you can make to an existing feature. By replacing your front door hardware, such as the door knob, door handle and door knocker, you can instantly, and inexpensively, update the look of your home.

Pick the Right Finish

Even if your existing front door handle and lock function well, they can become worn looking and drab over time, not to mention they can even go out of style. By replacing your existing door hardware with something by Baldwin, Emtek or other manufacturers found at A Touch of Brass, you will be instantly updating the exterior look of your home and increasing its curb appeal. Front door handles like Baldwin’s Madison Handleset or Emtek Craftsman Mortise Locks are elegant, timeless and beautiful. Door handles come in a variety of finishes like polished chrome, brass, rubbed bronze, satin nickel and more. It is important to consider the overall look of your house when deciding on a finish. Is your home modern or contemporary? Then perhaps a polished chrome door handle would look terrific. If your home is rustic, then a rubbed bronze mortise lock might accentuate the overall look best.

Consider the Style

A Touch of Brass carries a vast selection of different styles of door hardware by reputable companies such as Emtek and Bladwin. Once you have narrowed down the finish you’d like on the door hardware, it is time to consider the style. Is there an existing deadbolt on the door or is there a simple, one lock entry system? Something like the Baldwin Classic Knob Keyed Entry Set is functional and utilitarian. These basic locks look lovely on modest homes with unpretentious front door areas. Or, consider choosing a product like the Pasadena Mortise Lock handset, which has a very distinctive style. This look would fit well on a modern or slightly Asian-influenced front door area. If you are not sure what kind of style would look best on your home please ask! Any one of the experts at A Touch of Brass can assist you.

Other Door Accessories

Wall mounted mailboxes, kick plates, door knockers, doorbell buttons, light fixtures and house numbers can all also add to the exterior charm of your home, and these items are easily replaced with a few screws and a screwdriver. By choosing complimentary accessories you can really improve the exterior look of your home. Just do not overdo it - remember that often less is more!

Expensive landscaping and exterior paint jobs can all increase the curb appeal of your home, but these are expensive projects. You can give your home a fresh, new look simply by replacing some worn-out or outdated exterior door hardware. The folks at A Touch of Brass are always willing and eager to help you find the perfect look for your front door.

Whitehall Superior Streetside Mailbox Package by Whitehall

Are you redecorating your house? Or maybe just in the process of designing a new one? The process of design can be a bit tricky if you are new to the process. Smaller items like door knobs and light fixtures do not have to be a difficult purchase.

Mail has been an important fixture in most homes since before electricity. Anyone looking to have a classy and elegant look for their home should consider browsing A Touch of Brass for their various home decors and fixtures. For instance the Whitehall Superior Streetside Mailbox offers a great sleek design in French bronze, black, or white. The features of the mailbox are as follows:

• Mailbox Dimensions:
  Width: 9.625″
  Height: 13″
  Depth: 20.375″

• Post Dimensions:
  Length: 4″
  Width: 4″
  Height: 54″

What makes this mailbox so unique is that you can personalize it with side plaques. So if and when you decide to move to a different location, you can relocate your mailbox and re-personalize it to fit your new place. The mail box is large enough to allow for multiple days worth of mail and packages. So if you are away for a few days or if you expect to receive mail from a lot of people, you won’t have to worry about visiting your post office to pick up your mail.

Additionally if you or someone in your home receives magazine subscriptions this mailbox is a fantastic choice because it is both wide and deep enough that it allows standard size magazines to sit flat rather than being folded or rolled. Consider too that this mailbox is large enough to accommodate packages that would normally be delivered and signed for personally. This means that you will not have to stay home and wait for an expected shipment but rather just pick it up from your mailbox like a standard letter.

The rust free aluminum coupled with a weather resistant finish makes the bronze mailbox a compliment to just about any home. And since it is weather resistant, it is bound to last longer than any traditional mailboxes.

If the Whitehall Superior Mailbox is not the type you are looking for, there are still plenty of other mailbox styles that A Touch of Brass offers. We also offer different designs of the Whitehall mailboxes, such as the Wall Mounted Mailbox, the Premium Streetside Mailbox, and the Ultimate Mailbox. All of these mailboxes offer a touch of sophistication and function to your home and property.

Other choices include the Oasis Mailbox series, the Peninsula Mailbox series, the Metropolis Stainless Steel Wall Mounted Locking Mailbox, the Lunada Powder Coated Wall Mounted Locking Mailbox, the Soho Powder Coated Wall Mounted Locking Mailbox, the Coronado Post Mailbox, the Geneva Locking Post Mailbox, and the Bellevue Post Mailbox. All are offered at a great value and add a touch of class to your beloved abode.