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Canal Dover Furniture Company’s range of bedroom furniture is made from solid American hardwood and is crafted by experienced joinery specialists. The 28 collections, yes 28 collections, offer you a fabulous choice of furniture regardless of your bedroom décor style.

We’re reviewing two of these here, from opposite ends of the spectrum. -The first is the Jamestown Collection, which reflects the good old colonial days when our ancestors banded together to drive out the English and claim this great nation as their own. Now thanks to them.

The second is the Pacific collection, a modern looking black and white bedroom furniture collection that shows off very clean lines and contrasts, and might even draw envious glances from your teenagers, who knows what they are thinking! However, it is an option that you can offer them, although it is high quality furniture, handmade with the most exacting standards of craftsmanship.

The Jamestown Bedroom Furniture Collection

The Jamestown bedroom furniture collection is a colonial style of furniture, available in maple, oak, and cherry with various wood finishes. The wood stains used enhance the grain and beautiful patterns of natural wood. The range is made up of eight pieces, two of which are the panel bed and the wrought iron bed, the difference being in the headboards.

The paneled bed’s 60-inch-high headboard consists of a top rail above three small panels, with two large panels below them. The alternative has a beautiful wrought iron scroll in place of the top panels. You really must see this to appreciate it. Each bed is available in Queen, King, and California King sizes. The stirrups are 24 inches tall.

Also included are a dresser with a 42-inch square mirror and a dresser with a 59-inch L x 25-inch H mirror. The dresser consists of six medium-width drawers, while the dresser also has 6 drawers plus three narrower drawers above.

There are also two 56-inch-tall chests: a 26-inch-wide lingerie chest and a 38-inch-wide regular chest. Add a nightstand and nightstand and you have the complete ensemble. The design is traditional colonial and this set would look great in any bedroom style.

The Pacific Collection

For this review, we looked at the Canal Dover Pacific Collection in maple with a Weathered White Soapstone finish, and oak with satin black paint. It was the striking black and white contrast that caught our eye. Your children will surely prefer it to the Colonial collection. Generally, the drawers are white and the frame is black.

The bed is a loft bed, again in Queen, King and California King sizes. The platform is 10 inches high and the four optional rectangular flat headers are 46 to 52 inches high, starting from ground level.

The 7-drawer lingerie chest is 54 inches tall, and a regular 48-inch 6-drawer chest is also an option. Add to that a black and white 6-drawer dresser and a uniquely styled nightstand, and you have an attractive bedroom furniture set here that will suit mostly the younger element and those who prefer to steer clear of wood finishes. traditional.

Other bedroom collections

Once you see these two Canal Dover bedroom furniture collections, you can imagine the other collections that fall between them, like the wonderful Shaker and the beautiful Brooklyn collections. In case you can’t see something online or in the showroom that catches your eye, you can choose from several wood finishes. Often the only difference between vintage and modern bedroom furniture is the difference in wood finish and paint color.

Dover Canal Furniture Construction

Like most handmade furniture, Canal Dover furniture is made using high-quality, sustainable wood and traditional joinery techniques. Most rail joints are made with mortise and tenon joints, while the front, back, and sides of the cabinet and drawer are joined with strong dovetails. The catalyst varnishes used provide a very resistant surface that is more resistant to shock and heat than normal varnishes. Seven Step Catalyzed Cure Clears are the most durable used in the industry.

Canal Dover bedroom furniture is as good as it gets, each piece is handcrafted by artisans and women using the best joinery techniques available today. The choice is huge and the quality is amazing – you can see it just by looking and touching it. Those in the know can tell quality by feel – all Canal Dover furniture has that feel, and is 100% American Made!

Do you really want your cabinets to sparkle and shine with beauty? If so, then glass cabinet hardware is just what you’re looking for.

Glass cabinet hardware has a very sophisticated look because, you guessed it, it’s made of glass. Now, that glass is just the beginning of why it’s easy on the eyes because what it can also add to your look is the shape of the hardware. For example, you can get knobs made of glass that are square in shape, creating something that looks very simple yet lovely. Or, you can get other knobs that have a complicated rosette shape, creating a unique and eye-catching selection.

Another thing that can also contribute to the appearance of glass cabinet hardware is the colors in which it can be stained. There are clear options along with others that can be pink, blue, emerald, lavender, mahogany, yellow, and even orange to name a few. And besides the colors it can have, a third thing that really makes its look premium is how it can also be mounted on different materials. For example, you can get drawer pulls that have gold bases or cabinet knobs that have oil rubbed bronze bases. Along with those materials, some of the others that they can be mounted to also include stained woods and additional metals like nickel, copper, iron, and stainless steel.

With glass cabinet hardware, you actually have many different options to choose from with what you can purchase to install in your cabinets. Two of those options have already been briefly mentioned and they are knobs and pulls. Both are a great option, and in addition to installing them in your cabinets, you can also install them in your dresser drawers or nightstand drawers. Some of the other hardware options that are also available include appliance handles, kitchen handles, and there are a few glass back plates to choose from, but not as many as those made from materials like wood, metal, and ceramic.

If your cabinet hardware doesn’t feel quite right, don’t worry because there are options made of other materials as well, something we just talked about in the previous paragraph. Either would be a fantastic option and for a quick and convenient way to see all of your options, all you need to do is go online to compare shopping. In no time at all you will be able to browse the many online stores and their offers with a simple swipe and click of your computer mouse. When you find something you like, it’s easy to get it at the best deal because browsing is so easy. And, when you make a purchase, what you buy will even be shipped directly to your home.

At the end of the day, if you want your cabinets to shine with beauty, then you will need to invest in glass cabinet hardware.

As an interior designer for home remodels, I often get questions about the pros and cons of different types of countertops. Of course, all types have their good and bad aspects, and the overall look you want to achieve with your remodeling project will also be an important factor, as well as durability and ease of maintenance. Here’s a rundown of the most common types of countertop materials and some of the pros and cons of each:

Granite: Granite is all the rage these days and for some good reasons.

advantages: It is naturally beautiful, each piece is unique, it is quite abundant, very durable, easy to clean with a damp cloth, difficult to break, heat resistant and comes in a wide variety of colors. It is also not very difficult to maintain. Sealing it every few years is usually all that is needed. Some granite suppliers now have a 15-year or lifetime sealer that can be applied, but this product is more expensive.

cons: It can be expensive, it can stain, especially lighter colors, and for some people, sealing every few years requires more maintenance than they want. When you buy it, you have to choose your exact tile because you can’t trust every tile to look the same as your sample.

Engineered Quartz: (also commonly known as Silestone, Caesarstone, Zodiac, Hanstone, Cambria, and many others)

advantages: Engineered stone is made up of 93% quartz particles and the remaining 7% is made up of resin and pigments. It is available in a wide range of colors and has a scratch resistant non-porous surface. It is easy to maintain, without the repeated sealing that natural stone requires. It also provides a consistent appearance as each tile is the same as the next. Since it is solid and free of natural cracks and crevices, it is good for food preparation and cleans up easily with mild soap and water.

cons: Expensive, not heat resistant.

Soapstone: Soapstone is a metamorphic rock also known as soapstone. It is made up of three different elements, talc, magnesium silicate and chlorite, so it will be harder or softer depending on the percentage of each of these parts in the soapstone piece. The more talc involved, the smoother the stone will be. It is inert and resistant to acids or alkalis, which is why it is often used for laboratory worktops. It has a soft touch like soap, hence its name. Its color varies from black to dark grey, to green and even to a bluish color. As it is a natural product, it may show variation in color and veining on the slab.

advantages: It is inert and will not be damaged by harsh chemicals, will not stain, gives a casual look to a room, is highly resistant to heat and is commonly used for fireplaces, hearths, pizza stones, etc.
Cons: It is prone to scratches and would need to be fixed by sanding with sandpaper to remove the scratches if they bother you. Most people apply mineral oil to soapstone to darken the finish, which means periodic maintenance. It is also a bit expensive, in the range of a medium to high grade granite.

Concrete: Concrete is used these days for many finished products, including designer sinks and countertops. Some homeowners may want to try a DIY concrete countertop, but you may want to rethink that unless you have the skills of a professional to form, reinforce, stain, and seal concrete. Professionally made concrete decks usually have resins and sometimes aggregates added.

advantages: Concrete can be finished in almost endless colors and edge details, designs can be embedded into the concrete to create a unique look or drain board, is highly heat resistant, will typically have no seams or grout lines, can be formed into any shape, and can be formed with an integral sink.

cons: It will need to be sealed periodically, while sealing will give it some resistance to stains; it can still stain, the concrete can crack or break. Reinforcement can minimize this, but it can still happen, and the labor required to fabricate the top can make it as expensive as granite.

solid surface: (Common brands include Corian, Hi-Macs, Avonite, Wilson Art, Formica, and many others.) Solid surface countertops are man-made and allow for color and pattern consistency not available with natural surfaces.

advantages: You are guaranteed a very consistent pattern and color: your countertop will look like the sample you chose, they are easy to clean, generally durable, integral sinks can be formed with the top, drain boards can be included in the fabrication, They are not as expensive as many stone products, are virtually maintenance free, seams are generally invisible, come in a wide variety of colors and aggregates.

cons: May be scratched, not heat resistant, may stain, may not be considered as luxurious as other products.

Stainless steel: A material long used for commercial kitchens, it is now becoming more popular for contemporary home kitchens.

advantages: As the name suggests, it is non-staining, easy to keep clean, durable, custom built with no seams, heat resistant and gives a very professional and contemporary look.
Cons: Can be scratched, dented, can’t be cut, expensive, some people may view it as cold or sterile.

Wood/Butcher Block:

advantages: Provides a warm, homey feel, comes in a variety of wood colors, is easy to clean, can be restored, and may be less expensive than other types of countertops.
Cons: Must be routinely sealed with mineral oil or beeswax, can be cut, scratched, burned or stained, can be damaged by water exposure over time.

Ceramic or porcelain tile:

advantages– Tiles are durable and easy to clean, relatively inexpensive and can be installed by professionals or some crafty homeowners, are heat resistant, come in a wide variety of colors and textures, and almost limitless design possibilities.

cons: Tiles can crack or chip, grout joints can become dirty or stained, grout joints create an uneven counter surface.

Laminate: Laminate was the countertop standard for a long period of time, probably because it’s relatively inexpensive, generally easy to clean, and durable with proper use. It has fallen out of favor with most homeowners who now want a more luxurious look. Popular brands include Wilson Art, Nevamar, and Formica. Laminate manufacturers have done an excellent job of creating laminate surfaces that look like solid surfaces or granite. So for the more limited budget, a good laminate can mimic a high-end look.

advantages: Inexpensive, easy to clean, durable, comes in a wide variety of colors, can mimic high-end products, essentially maintenance-free.

cons: May scratch or chip, may stain, with excessive exposure to moisture; it can detach from its substrate, does not tolerate heat like stone products, and seams are often visible.

Asian kitchens are truly elegant and symmetrical in nature due to the fine attention to finish and detail. If you’re looking to get the same clean, sleek look, make sure you know the right colors to use, decorations, and materials. Consistency and symmetry are two of the most important qualities of an Asian kitchen. Here are some guidelines for yours.

The materials

Bamboo immediately creates a wonderful Asian feel in your kitchen. You can use bamboo independently as a plant decoration. However, other more creative ideas would be to divide it and then cover the cabinets, a part of the wall or the chairs. You can also tile the lower countertop or sink areas of your island. Smaller bamboo stalks with leaves can be glued to cabinet doors and over-the-sink areas for a Japanese touch.

Silk is very versatile and adds some Chinese influence to your Asian kitchen. You can buy silk with beautiful patterns and hang them on the wall. Other silks, preferably dark red, orange, and pink, can be made into tablecloths, doilies, and coasters. Install a wooden frame above the island counter and hang white silk along with pots, pans, and utensils.

Chrome is very popular among Asians. Choose chrome, silver, or gold-plated pans, pots, and utensils. You can also select your refrigerator, oven, stoves, and sinks this way. Complement the handles and knobs of the drawers by choosing the chrome ones. The shine of this material will help add elegance and symmetry that you are trying to create.

Asian colors and decorations

Popular Asian colors are red, white, black, and dark brown. To add an oriental touch, use a bit of gold on red or black on red. Silver also provides a refreshing accent. Chrome cookware, pots and pans will provide a nice contrast. Use 3-4 main colors maximum. You may want to use plants as well to neutralize everything. A single flower in a vase is elegant enough. Assorted fruits in a large bowl or plate also look great.

Placing chopsticks, Thai toothpicks, and other native pieces will complement your overall theme. Utility rice chests are very aesthetic and useful. Hand-forged iron items are also very bold, so you may want to use one or two at the most. You can store seasonings in them when not in use. Feel free to add or mix furniture with different Asian influences. Japanese cabinets will continue to provide a warm effect next to the exotic woodwork from Korea.

Of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, the US Open and Australian Open use hard courts coated with Plexipave. Wimbledon is steeped in tradition and keeps the grass short, but that surface has mostly disappeared elsewhere. The French Open has a clay court, which is still widely used in some places, including South America and Europe; there are also some clay courts in the United States.

Clay courts are made of crushed shale, stone, or brick. Clay has always been a much loved tennis court surface and generally allows for good playing conditions. It is a slower moving surface than hard courts and even slower than short grass, and this allows the best players to master the extremely strong topspin they put on their balls to make them “jump” off the surface, confusing or dominating. to your opponent. However, the clay court does not always provide consistently good playing qualities: a long set or match played on clay can cause the surface to wear and dimples, so that every now and then a tennis ball takes a strange and unpredictable bounce and costs the one that returns to the point. It is extremely smooth and unplayable during rainy weather. But during dry spells it can become like granite and tennis balls, and players’ feet can kick up dust. It’s also easier to slide too far and lose your balance on clay courts than on other surfaces.

But concrete and asphalt, where players don’t slip and slide as much, where there are no dimples with long play, and where those with a faster game can thrive, have a couple of serious drawbacks due to their extreme hardness: which means intense wear and tear on muscles and joints, and blisters on the feet, and its noticeable lack of elasticity. Then there is the heat that rises from the surface in the summer…

In the 1950s, Plexipave was developed in Australia for molding and placement on asphalt and concrete tennis court surfaces. This features a Plexicushion substrate made from a proprietary blend of rubber, latex, and plastic particles. What tennis players get is a resistant layer that absorbs body impacts and reduces muscle fatigue. The 100% acrylic Plexipave surface provides consistent and even ball bounce, can be specifically designed for desired speed of play, and provides the key footwork grips desired by tennis players on that court. The Plexipave system also comes with a proprietary color finish, which is a fast-drying, all-weather resistant color surface that provides the highest quality of resistance to UV deterioration.

Plexipave is a surface for all seasons. It dries quickly after rain and is a perfect anti-glare finish. Although it increases the visibility of the players on the court, it reduces the temperature of the tennis court by an average of 5°C to 7°C. The surface is allowed to breathe, but without losing any of its solid bond to the underlying asphalt or concrete.

From a financial point of view, a Plexipave surface on top of a well-constructed asphalt or concrete tennis court is easy to renew. There is no need for reconstruction or removal of the surface. For the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, Plexipave was chosen as the “urban forest” pedestrian surface to be placed around the Australia Stadium. That Plexipave surface still remains, a testament to its incredible durability.

Regardless of the size of your kitchen, two complaints always top homeowners’ lists: not having enough storage space or not being able to use it effectively. But while these issues may have been a major source of frustration in the past, today is your lucky day: We’re here to give you six tips for expanding your storage with everything from budget gadgets to high-quality kitchen cabinets. Read on to find out how to solve your kitchen problems smartly and easily, which may even leave you room to spare!

1. Decide on the drawers

Switching from cabinets with doors to drawers is one of the hottest trends in the industry this year…and for good reason! While cabinets with doors and clutter go hand in hand, full-extend drawers are a much more practical and tidy solution, allowing you to see all your contents without having to bend down or move items out of the way. All you need to get a complete overview of your drawers is a glance—as long as you’ve got them organized, that is!

2. Opt for the Organization

Our advice for keeping your drawers organized leads us to the next point: how to systematize them effectively. After all, your drawers are only as good as your organization – if they’re cluttered with cluttered items, it won’t matter if they spread out all the way! By making use of organizers such as shelves, dividers, or trays, you’ll be able to quickly and easily locate items, ensuring your high-quality kitchen cabinets live up to their potential.

3. Take advantage of the corners

Sometimes we can’t have it all – No matter how much we want a flawless kitchen design, the size and shape of the room and the cabinets may not match. But instead of letting awkward angles and corners remain empty, why not think outside the box? Perhaps you could fill the space with the pantry you’ve always wanted, a rack for cookbooks and nutritional guides, or with wall hooks, from which you can hang bulky pots and pans. Regardless of where your creative ideas take you, you’ll reap the benefits when you realize how tidy your counters and cabinets have been.

4. Invest in the kitchen island

Too often, kitchen islands are seen as primarily decorative, serving only as an informal dining area or a place to throw away (and then forget about) sundries. If these are the only functions of your own island, it’s time to dig a little deeper: couldn’t it also serve as the ideal storage space? The answer is a resounding yes: you can outfit your base with high-quality kitchen cabinets. Once again, the installation of drawers is probably the best option to optimize space and organization. Oh, and while you’re at it, why don’t you clean up the things off your island counter and put them away in your new drawers?

5. Clean your cabinets

Even if you switch to drawers, your kitchen may still have top rows of cabinets that could use an update. Rather than shoving items into its dark depths, it’s worth adding shelving to the interior space to improve visibility and organization. What’s more, you can use over-the-door hangers for everything from pots and pans to aprons and cleaning towels. If you think about it, it’s amazing how much potential storage space often goes unused!

6. Nifty Additions

Now, if you’re on a budget, or try all these tips and space is still tight, don’t give up just yet: there are a range of simple, low-budget solutions that will make a world of difference. High-quality kitchen cabinets and islands are great, but investing in a few inexpensive gadgets, like a pegboard for utensils or a magnetic knife holder, can also work. If you don’t have an island or just need extra storage space, you can also buy a folding island, which will give you extra countertop as well as storage space. And the best part about all of these options is that none of them break the bank!

Whether you’re ready for a complete remodel or looking for a quick fix, these six storage tips promise not to disappoint. From installing high-quality kitchen cabinets and islands to maximizing the storage potential of your existing space, you certainly aren’t short of options—all you have to do is get creative!

This is a question we hear a lot. Pyroceram, Neoceram, Robax, Tempered glass? The answer will be very depending on the style you have. There are many different types of fireplaces and wood stoves that use a wide variety of different glass. This article will help you decide which type you have and how to order it. There are just a few simple questions you need to answer to get it done.

– 1º – Does it have a fireplace or wood stove? If you know the answer to that question, please continue down. If you’re not sure, let’s take a look at each one. Most fireplaces have 2 or more doors in the front. While wood stoves usually have only one door. Most wood stoves seal the door with a fireproof gasket. A fiberglass material that makes a tight seal when the door is closed. There are also fireplace inserts, which are practically wood stoves that slide into a masonry fireplace. The idea is to make your fireplace, wood stove or insert as efficient as possible while also providing a beautiful view of the fire.

– 2nd – Now that you know what type of gas/wood burner you have. What kind of glass is currently in it? Let’s assume the original manufacturer’s glass is in the unit. When the original glass broke, did it break into a million little pieces or did it break into larger “pieces” of glass? If the glass broke into a million pieces then it is tempered glass. For more information on tempered glass, click here.

If the glass has cracked or broken into larger pieces then it is known as glass ceramic. Commonly known as PyroCeram® (not Pyroceran), Robax or Neoceram. Just different brands for the same type of product. On this site we use the term PyroCeram®. For more information on PyroCeram®, click here.

– 3º – What kind of heat does your unit emit? Is it a gas unit, using natural gas or propane? A wood stove that can only be seen. Or an airtight wood burner that produces over 600 degrees?

If it’s a gas unit, you typically use tempered glass. Although gas units do give off heat, the high end of heat against glass is less than 400 degrees. The tempered glass in these units is usually a light tint. If you have a masonry fireplace. A fireplace built into the house with brick and mortar. They may have a set of chimney doors applied to the opening. These types of fireplaces are not very efficient and do not generate heat well above 400 degrees. At least not for an extended period of time. The glass of this type of door systems is usually tempered.

If you have a hermetic or insertable wood stove. These units can generate up to 1200 degrees and are very efficient. The glass in these units must be Pyroceram. Using any other type of glass will cause the glass to fail and could result in a home fire. Pyroceram glass has an amber tint. If you have a high efficiency fireplace. This is a fireplace that is not airtight, but it does have an adjustable damper that allows you to control and slow down the speed of the fire to burn more efficiently and generate more heat. These units generally supply heat in the 600 to 1000 degree temperature range and need to use Pyroceram glass.

– Lastly – If you’re not sure about any of the above, there are still a couple of ways to find out. Look in your owner’s manual. It should tell you what type of glass was supplied. Contact the company you got it from. They should know the different types and can advise you. Or just send us an email and give us as much information as you can. Make, size, wood or gas, and take a picture of it and attach it. We’ve seen most of the types out there and should be able to tell you what you need. I’m not sure yet. Then replace it with Pyroceram. This will cover all the bases. It can be used in all the applications we have covered.

A center-ceiling-mounted light is certainly not enough because it causes shadows when standing in front of task boards, and furthermore, you can’t create special ambient lighting with it.

In this article, we’ll give you an overview of the different lights you can use in your kitchen that could enhance your kitchen lighting. For each type of lighting fixture, we’ll also recommend a few designer lights to show how they will enhance your personal kitchen style with a unique look.

Let’s start with uniform lighting in your kitchen first. We typically have kitchen cabinets, a kitchen island, and an eating area within our kitchen. Instead of one ceiling fixture in the center of the ceiling, it is much more convenient to install four or six recessed cans. The Fabbian Beluga Crystal F01, for example, has a 360° movable lamp head so light can be easily directed where you need it.

But not all of us have the possibility to change the existing power lines in our home. You may want to look at track lighting fixtures as an alternative. Those only need one termination, but have plenty of turn signals that can be placed anywhere along the track. Track accessories are available in various sizes, colors, and shapes (U-shaped track accessories may be the best option for larger kitchens). Also, there are two different types of track systems: low voltage track lights and line voltage track lights. The first comes along with a transformer; the latter has none and can be applied to house line voltage. The Fabbian Beluga lighting family also offers contemporary track lights.

Most families prefer to hang lamps over the dining room table or kitchen island. One of this year’s lighting trends follows that pattern and includes oversized dome-shaped pendant lights. From Flos Skygarten, Alt Lucialternative Coupole S, Marset Olivia, Artemide Nur, Aureliano Toso Bow, Terzani Magdalena 50, Prandina Biluna to Catellani & Smith Stchu-Moon: many lighting designers prefer the elegant hemispherical lampshade with moderate reflections in the material used or the visible inner shadow.

These large hanging lamps create a special, warm and illuminated atmosphere in your kitchen. But on the other hand, they block the view of your kitchen cabinet. Some lighting designers have already considered this problem and created pendant lamps with shallow shades. The Alt Lucialternative Infinity pendant light, for example, has a unique modern shade that reminds me of a trifoliate cloverleaf. The outer shade is alternately made of black or white metal, the inner one is made of Acryl and has a spiral look. The understated Metalarte Zero hanging lamp also fits into modern kitchens. It provides bright ambient lighting and its proportions convey the impression of a UFO. The Prandina Extra S1/3 hanging lamp consists of two curved casings, the upper one reflects the atmosphere of the room, while the lower one provides direct lighting.

The possibilities in lighting design seem to be endless. So take your time and be enchanted by the unique appearance of modern and contemporary designer lighting.

The country style kitchen is perfect for those who have a family or enjoy entertaining. You can create the perfect setting and it doesn’t have to break the bank.

Since the kitchen is such an important room in every home, care must be taken when planning the interior design of the kitchen. The way a kitchen looks has a lot to do with how comfortable your family and guests feel when they walk into the room. Today’s kitchens are no longer just a place to cook and prepare food. Basically they have been transformed into a real meeting place that says a lot about the type of person you are. It is said that the kitchen is the heart of the home and it is also a place that constantly creates memories.

There are thousands of different options when it comes to your kitchen interior design and each option is quite unique. Factors that can help you decide what type of kitchen interior design you want are generally the type of style you prefer, the location, the amount of space you have to work with, and the budget you are working with. When you decide on a country kitchen for your kitchen interior design, you’ll want to look at things like flooring and plumbing fixtures in addition to the standard décor. An authentic country kitchen will feel homey and comfortable, genuine and welcoming. This will be a place that attracts guests.

There should be all the wood cabinets and countertops in a country kitchen to complete the atmosphere. The selection of wood for your cabinets should be oak or cedar. The floor should have a rustic look and wood paneling or at least wood-look tiles are perfect. Kitchen tables and chairs should also be made of wood, and the chairs should have cushions that match or accent the window coverings. The choice of color should show a balance of harmony in the room.

Part of the interior design of the kitchen includes how the windows are dressed. Colors should be bright and include poses or even large, colorful sunflowers. Bold yellows, blues, and reds will brighten up the kitchen. At the door, the plants should fill the kitchen and the accessories need to maintain that rustic charm. Old cups, antique candlesticks, clocks, and old canisters should be placed to complete the kitchen.

Place an old bushel basket in one corner and fill it with potatoes and other produce you plan to use. Use canisters on your counter to display things like oats, flour, and sugar. This is a way to complete your country kitchen on a budget and to create an environment that is exactly what you wanted when you began planning your interior kitchen design. Fill a small basket with packets of yeast and place on your counter. If you can, locate an old washboard that would be ideal to place in a corner.

Nigerian President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan ordered on Tuesday that the country should withdraw from all soccer competitions until 2012. This is due to the country’s poor performance in the current world cup in South Africa.

The president’s directive did not surprise me, considering the lackluster performances of our teams of late. The last time they gave Nigerians cause for joy was in South Korea 2007, when the U-16 team conquered the world and returned with the trophy.

Our performance in Egypt 2009 (FIFA U-20 World Cup) was less than satisfactory, as we failed to advance beyond the second round in a competition that was eventually won by Black Starlets from Ghana. We eventually hosted the U-16 World Cup (October/November 2009) and lost to rookies Switzerland in the final; We must also not forget that we did not qualify for the competition because we were knocked out by the little-known Republic of Benin, only getting there as a host nation.

Why The Dwindling Fortunes?

Many things have contributed to this downward spiral of our national teams; I will only mention some of them for reasons of time:

Corruption – This is still the bane of our football as certain people in high government positions force players onto coaches. This theme of paternism has contributed greatly to the lackluster performance of our players, as those who are backed by these cabals believe that no one could remove them from the team while their godfathers are still alive. So they don’t give their best because they never came by merit but through the back door.

Quota system: The use of the quota system in almost all spheres of life has also affected our football, as certain areas/zones must also contribute players, whether they are fit or not. Players used to be selected to play for national teams based on merit, skill and fitness rather than geographical affiliation; but today the opposite is true.

Lack of continuity: Ghana is going strong today because they were able to graduate their young talents to replace the aging ones. But in our case, the old players have clung tenaciously to the jerseys of the national team, preventing the youngsters from graduating. How do we explain a situation where Kanu Nwankwo, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, John Utaka, Joseph Yobo, Rabiu Afolabi, etc. do they still keep a regular jersey in the team? Only Haruna Lukman now plays for the Super Eagles when all his teammates in South Korea: Rabiu Ibrahim, Yakubu Alfa, Oseni, etc. all have been left out. What also happened to coach Sampson Siasia’s Olympic team?

What should we do?

Administration: NFF veterans should be kicked out and ex-footballers should manage our football. They would bring passion and commitment, unlike today’s people who are looking for money.

Continuity: Our young players who have done well at various levels should graduate to take over from the older players who are struggling to get fit – we should borrow a leaf from Ghana.

Stop the quota system: Players should be invited to the national teams based solely on merit and not the quota system that is bringing mediocrity to the teams.

Discipline: Our players must be subject to discipline; no one should be guaranteed a permanent jersey anymore. Anyone who doesn’t get it right should be shown the way out and bring in the most committed.

Good development plans: Foreign coaches haven’t done too well for us (except Clemence Westerhof and Otto Gloria). Therefore, we need to start developing our local coaches who would show more commitment if they were appointed to manage our teams. Our soccer academies must also be improved to produce quality players.