History of the Lion Head in Decor

April 19th, 2010

One of the most common animal themes found in decorative bathroom accessories, and really throughout the home, is the Lion Head.

The history of using a depiction of a lion’s head in decorating goes back as far back as early Greece and ancient Egypt. Throughout history, a carved representation of a lion’s head has been used on furniture, as statues, as decorative accents, and in architecture.

The lion has symbolized many things in history. In ancient Egypt, the lion was always associated with water. Fountains and water spouts prominently featured lions, especially those found in classic temples or public gathering spots. Shipping yards and boats often had lion head symbols.

As the “king of beasts” a lion was meant to convey strength, courage, and power in early Rome. In the days of Caesar, it was common for military and political leaders to have a lion’s head on the front door as a door knocker. It also came to symbolize the fallen hero and was often used in cemeteries and on caskets. The statue of a lion was often used as the guardian of gates, temples, and buildings.

In Medieval times, the Lion began to represent Christianity and royalty. Countless kings, counts, and dukes began to display the lion on their official heralds, flags, and shields. The lion became the royal symbol of Scotland as early as 1222. Throughout Europe, the lion appeared in homes as a display of their belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. One of the most famous uses of a lion symbol was the shield carried by King Richard I of England (Richard the Lionhearted) during the Crusades.

Gothic and Renaissance homes were adorned with lion head features. This is the period when lion heads began to become more common as interior decoration. Towel rings, door knockers, cabinet pulls, even claw-foot tubs, all featured lions. Lion heads were commonly seen as holding a curtain swag or a garland festoon.

Today, lion head towel rings are among the most popular decorative bathroom accessories. They can be found in a variety of finishes and sizes. Some lions can look fierce, others can look almost tame. They often add a touch of character to a traditional décor, though more modernly elegant homes also choose to feature a lion or two.

Whatever style you are looking for, or what the lion head symbolizes for you, the decorative bathroom accessories experts at Premium Hardware can help you find the right lion head for you.

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Plans for a Bathroom Rejuvenation

April 12th, 2010

You do not have to endure a bathroom remodeling project to enjoy a fresh, invigorated look in your bathroom. Often, all you really need are some new bathroom accessories and updated hardware.

The first step on any improvement show is emptying the room and that’s what you need to do. Getting the room down to its bare essentials is a crucial first step. This holds doubly true for the bathroom. Take everything out. And we mean everything. Take the toilet paper off the toilet paper holder, take the shower curtain down, take every bottle of shampoo, conditioner, and moisturizer out of the shower. Remove everything that can be moved without using a screwdriver.

Now get a measuring tape, a piece of paper and a pen. We’re going to make a list.
Start with the door, since that is often the first thing you see. Do the hinges look worn? Does the door knob need replaced? Replacing the hinges and door knob can sometimes make a dramatic difference. If you think yours could be updated, measure the current hinges, noting how many screws are used and write the measurements down. Same thing with the door knob.
Next, look at the cabinets. How are the knobs and drawer pulls? If your cabinets do not have pulls, now is the time to add them! Updated knobs and pulls can reflect your personal style and make a statement. Make a note of how many knobs and pulls you need and measure the width of any holes so you will know that your replacement styles will fit easily.

Now it’s time to consider the towel bars. Do you have enough of them? Are they positioned where they need to be? There are so many options when it comes to towel bars. There are traditional bars in a variety of materials – iron, brass, chrome, porcelain, crystal, and yes, even plastic. But also consider towel rings, decorative hooks, and behind the door styles. If there is room, you may also want to add one of those hotel-style towel racks. Measure any of the existing bars you with to replace, and measure the wall areas where you would like to add new ones.

In addition to towel bars, take a look at your toilet paper holder. Could it use a facelift, too? Note its measurements.

Once you’ve determined what and where your towel bars should go, you should then consider shelving. There are so many options when it comes to shelves. You could add a shelf over the toilet to display candles or seashells. You could add a shelf inside the shower to hold your shampoo and shaving cream. Or you could install a rack of shelves in the corner to hold your towels. Again, make sure you measure the areas where you want to add additional hardware.

And finally, consider all of your out-of-sight storage needs. Inside the bathroom cabinet door is often a great place to put a small towel bar to hang cleaning rags or damp washcloths. Baskets can often be great ways to organize bottles of hairspray, shaving cream, and moisturizers. In-the-drawer organizers can corral your make-up accessories.

Once you’ve made your inventory list, it’s time to head to your local hardware store. In Columbus Ohio Premium Hardware is the place you want to visit. The friendly, knowledgeable staff will assist you in finding the exactly right decorative and functional bathroom hardware and accessories you need to complete your bathroom rejuvenation.

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Best Way to Choose New Kitchen Hardware

April 7th, 2010

If the kitchen is the soul of the home, then the kitchen cabinets are the heart.  The cabinets immediately set the tone for the rest of the kitchen.  The countertops, appliances, flooring, and accessories all are typically chosen to coordinate with the cabinets.

Want to update an older kitchen but have a limited budget?  One of the easiest ways to change the flavor and styling of a kitchen is to change the kitchen cabinet hardware.  Like any type of accessories, hardware allows you to express your individual style in an affordable, practical way.

But buying new kitchen cabinet hardware can be daunting.  There are so many knobs and pulls and hinges, in all types of metals, finishes, and styles. How do you know what’s the right choice for you?  Ideally, if you are replacing your old, worn-out knobs and pulls, you should bring one of your current cabinet doors or a drawer, with the old hardware removed, with you to the store.   That way, you can see how the new hardware looks on the door and can verify that it will fit.  While most hardware is a standard width, some new styles may be slightly larger or smaller than your previous style, so you will want to know that before you purchase.  Also, if you can, bring a sample of your wall paint color so you can visualize the entire look.

As you browse, pick up the knobs that catch your eye and reflect your desired style.  Don’t be afraid to place it on your old door, step back and view it critically.  Any styles that you believe would work, make a note of them or take the sample with you.  By the end, you will usually have three or four that you like and you feel reflect your style.  That’s when you need to turn to the Columbus Ohio Premium Kitchen Cabinet consultants at Premium Hardware.  They can give you an honest, unbiased opinion of the quality, price, durability and craftsmanship of your chosen designs and materials.

Whether you are searching for unique rustic cabinet hardware for your western themed kitchen, or polished black handles to go with your sleek stainless steel appliances, or even luxurious Italian cabinet hardware to apply to beautiful Tuscan kitchen cabinets, we have what you need.

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