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Thursday, March 28, 2013

Guest post- Elegant Dining Chairs For Those Who Yearn For Style And Comfort!


This article is provided by Jane Stevens.

Elegant dining chairs have become a fad nowadays because many people yearn for luxurious dining rooms. Those who read modern home decorating magazines or watch home renovation shows will notice that the number of people who use stylish chairs for dining rooms are on the rise.

While conventional dining chairs are still widely used, the fact that reputable companies like Steve Silver Furniture sell these elegant dining chairs somewhat states that the latest home trend is worth trying. Those who want to know more about them can read the rest of this article.

Upholstered Chair

Upholstered dining chairs can instantly spice up dining tables and other furniture because these chairs are proportionally sized.

When buying upholstered dining chairs, pick those that are big enough to accommodate anyone, regardless of their height and weight.

A general rule that should be considered is to purchase chairs which have at least 12 cm of free space between the seat and the top of the table.

Modular Chairs

Modular dining chairs is ideal for those who want to achieve a flexible seating style in the kitchen. In general, they come in a wide array of colors including those that are neon bright. 

They will definitely look eye-catching when paired with Lucite tables or clear glass ones.

Structurally Significant Chairs

Structurally significant chairs are quite difficult to find but they are really elegant and are worth purchasing. Their tall backs are specifically designed to give utmost support to the back of users.

These chairs are definitely ideal options for those who yearn for elegance and comfort.

Conclusion

Regardless of the types of elegant dining chairs you are considering, it should be remembered that the said furniture are worth trying. Interested individuals are encouraged to check out online retailers and check the wide array of units that they sell.

With the help of internet-based companies, finding the right unit that shows off one’s personality and style is really easy and hassle free. 

Disclaimer: I have received compensation in return for publishing this article.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Guest post- Five Outdoor Essentials No Garden Should Be Without!


This article is provided by Joel Dear.

The garden can mean different things to different people. Some might only use their outdoor space when the weather is nice and they want to do some sunbathing, while others will be out there every day, rain or shine, engaging in a bit of outdoor exercise. Many people plant flowers, of course, but plenty of others get a lot of pleasure from their garden without even knowing their azaleas from their elbow.


Still, no matter what your outdoor living space is to you, there are a few garden products that everyone should have. Here are five such items; as outdoor essentials go, these ones are the most essential of all. Some are crucial to getting the most out of your garden, while others are just for fun, but either way, no good garden should be without them.

1.  Bird Feeder

Bird feeders are fairly inexpensive, and aside from the occasional refill, they require almost no effort on your part. You do not have to be a die-hard ornithologist to bring a flurry of beautiful birds to your garden; all you need to do is hang up a bird feeder, chase away any cats that might be prowling along your garden wall, and wait for your feathered friends to arrive! Anything that holds seeds will do, although it is well worth paying a little more for an attractive, brightly-colored bird feeder. That way, you will be adding a beautiful decoration to your garden as well as giving the birds a good place to eat!

2. Garden Lights

You would not want your living room or your kitchen to be sans lighting, so why keep your garden in the dark? There is a plethora of great garden lighting products available, ranging from the inexpensive and functional to the extravagant and eye-catching. Whatever your budget is, it is always worth investing in a bit of illumination for your outdoor space; even if you opt for the cheapest, most bog-standard garden lamps you can find, at least you will be able to see your way around the garden after the sun goes down.

3.  Water Feature

We are starting to get a little more indulgent now, but it is impossible to imagine a garden that would not benefit from the presence of a beautiful, bubbling water feature. They make lovely ornaments on their own, but a water feature’s real appeal is the water (obviously). Gazing at the gentle cascade for a few minutes can be a great way to unwind, and even if you are focused on something else when you are out in the garden, there is no lovelier background noise than the soft babbling of a water feature in full flow. It is all about the ambiance!

4. Swing Seat

From plastic lawn furniture to a squishy outdoor bean bag, there are plenty of ways to take a seat in the garden. Everyone will have a different preference when it comes to outdoor seating solutions, but there is one thing that pretty much everyone has in common: we all love a swing seat! There is something about the gentle back-and-forth motion that appeals to a very primal part of the human brain, and if you want a spot where you can sit and read a book - or just somewhere to relax after a hard day’s gardening - then a swing seat is ideal. A hammock will also make a fine addition to any outdoor space; it has that same superb swing to it, and makes the perfect place for a snooze when the summer sun is shining.

5. Barbecue

The final outdoor essential on this list is unlikely to be something you use very frequently, but you will surely agree that anyone with a garden should have a barbecue on standby. You never know when the weather might suddenly warm up, and when it does, the guy (or girl) with the barbecue always becomes the most popular person in town!

       Disclaimer: I have received compensation in return for publishing this article.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Guest post- Improving Employee Morale With Great Office Design!


The attitude and overall morale of your employees has a significant effect on the bottom line of a company or organization, so it goes without saying that finding ways to improve it are paramount for success.

There are a multitude of ways to improve the morale of your employees and a gamut of ideas you can employ that will create a more hospitable and friendly working environment – and it is with great pleasure that I share some of the best ideas with you here.

Listed below are some of the best resources we could find on how to make your office a more enjoyable space to work, increase employee morale and in turn the bottom line of the company or organization.

50+ Tips For Increasing Employee Morale

Forbes: How to Boost Employee Morale on a Budget – Regardless of whether you are an NGO on a budget or a big time corporation trying to ease the burden on finances, these tips from Forbes will give you plenty of ideas on how to improve employee morale.

Entrepreneur: Seven Ways to Boost Employee Morale – From aiming for a higher purpose to remembering ways to have fun, Entrepreneur.com bring 7 easy but effective ways to improve employee morale. 

Inc.: Ten Tips for Boosting Employee Morale – With lots of links for further reading, these 10 tips provided by Inc. talk about organizational culture and employee recognition. 

Ragan: 10 Inexpensive Ways to Boost Employee Morale – A little creativity can go a long way, so if you are willing to do things like potlucks and photo competitions, you will definitely be able to improve employee morale without spending an arm and a leg. 

Technorati: Twelve Simple Ways to Improve Employee Morale – Implementing employee programs to improve morale does not have to be complicated. This article provides simple ideas such as opening the lines of communication and celebrating special events to make the workplace more welcoming to the employees.

The Power Of Environment

No, I am not talking about global warming here, although that has had an impact on design. I am talking about the office space that you work in and the impact that space can have on your state of mind. With this in mind I wanted to highlight exactly why this is important and give some examples of office interior design that is so inspirational it will even put you in a good mood – and you do not even work there!

MTV Headquarters in Berlin have definitely continued their theme of funky fresh music television across to their office, with an open plan design encouraging communication between workers – all in a very relaxed and fresh and modern office environment.

Disney Store Headquarters in Pasadena have a funky open plan office space with large honeycomb wall pieces that are movable and can also be used as seats.

Can Not Afford A ReDesign?

You can motivate your staff and improve your employee morale with great office design but you can also do the same thing on a budget by simply buying (or leasing) some funky modern office furniture.


As you can see from some of the inspirational images attached, it is not just the layout and design of these offices that catches your eye, a lot of the time it is a specific piece of furniture or a well placed sculpture/art piece that really brings the whole room together and turns it from an average work space to one that has that WOW factor.

Author Bio:

Get that attractive, funky, modern work space today without breaking the budget. Whether you need office work stations, office desks or screens, partitions or chairs, tables or reception units, by supplying you direct from the factory, JP Office Workstations provides you with the cheapest, best quality office furniture online at the lowest prices. 

Contact the author, Caroline Webber for an obligation free quote today.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

A product review- eShakti Vintage-Inspired Women's Clothing!


Besides interior decorating, I love fashion as much as the girl next door! So when eShakti contacted me if I would be like to accept a product to try, of course I said yes! Have you heard about this fabulous online retailer? In case you haven't, please allow me to do a little introduction.

eShakti provides vintage-inspired women's clothing, 1950s and 1960s fashion, updated in retro modern style clothing and offers both design and fit customization for women size 0-36W. Customers can easily tailor any item to their specific requirements ensuring a flattering fit. Built-in customization tools guide women through a simple 3-step design and fit page where they can increase the size of a bust, shorten the length of a skirt and modify sleeves or a neckline! Just to give you an idea the kind of customization available, here are the options available for sleeves. (Some designs have more sleeve options than others, though.)


eShakti also promises to deliver in 14 business days (18 calendar days) from your order of your money back! (Please see shipping page on eShakti for details’.) Best of all? eShakti clothing. is absolutely affordable! You will find hundreds of styles from fun and girly outfits to feminine and elegant dresses in a variety of colors! Sounds too good to be true? Then, you should check out the website and decide for yourself! 

With so many great options on their website, it took me a few days to narrow down my most favorite item for the product review, I not going to lie! :) In the end, I picked this one!



What do you think? Do you like this dress as much as I do?

I picked this beautiful retro style colorblock dress because of its great, classic style. The box-pleated skirt and side seam pockets are wonderful additions to the design! This dress has a vibrant color, which I absolutely adore! The fabric is excellent and the workmanship is impeccable. The dress fits me perfectly as if it was custom made for me! My dress was delivered promptly considering it was made to order. I love my dress and look forward to a warmer weather so I can show it off!

*I received this product to review for free but the views and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

My dress is not available on their website anymore (sad face) but I found two lovely dresses that are quite similar, in case you are interested. Check this out!



My picks from eShakti!















Do you see anything you like? Which one are you mostly drawn to?

Currently, eShakti is offering a special discount exclusively for Mix And Chic readers! From now through March 20, 2013, you will receive 20% off your purchase when you apply coupon code MXNDCHC during checkout. 

By the way, eShakti is now running a fun contest. There will be three winners! Each winner will receive a $150 gift card. There is no purchase necessary to enter the contest. Simply click here to enter.

P/S: I have received a personal gift coupon code valued at $25 recently from eShakti but I have decided to share this gift coupon with one special reader. The first reader who emails me at (mixandchic@yahoo.com) will receive this special offer!

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Guest post- A Guide To Bathroom Lighting!


This article is brought to you by Edel Flood.


Bathrooms are one part of the home where you need good lighting, so it pays to take the time to get this aspect of the space right. Here are a few things you ought to take into consideration if you want to change the way your bathroom is illuminated.

Is there enough light?

Bathrooms are where people clean their teeth, wash their faces, shave, put on makeup and fix their hair, among many other things. All of these tasks require bright light, so make sure that practicality is one of the main factors that governs your decision in respect of which bathroom light fittings to choose.

Normally, a single central bulb would not provide enough light for a bathroom, so consider where you will need extra illumination. For example, additional light above the main mirror is likely to be incredibly handy for every member of your household, while a bright light over the shower is also a good idea.

Even though bathroom lighting has to be functional, you should also think about how to make the space relaxing as well. Installing downlights on the walls that can be switched on without the main light is one way to create a soothing ambiance if you want to enjoy a long soak in the tub, for instance.

Where is the light switch located?

You might not give the position of your bathroom light switch a second thought, but have you ever noticed how any switch in the bathroom is always a pull chord, while if it is a standard switch it will be located on the wall outside by the door?

This is primarily to do with safety, as European regulations state that any bathroom fittings have to be completely encased to prevent them from shorting out or giving electric shocks when they get wet. So, if you are redoing the lighting in your bathroom completely, be aware that you would not have much choice over the position of the switch.

Only use bathroom-specific light fittings

Following on from the above point, you need to make sure any light fittings you buy for your washroom are safe to be used in an environment that is often hot and wet. Fittings designed specifically for bathrooms have all the potentially dangerous parts completely enclosed, making them safe to be used around water.

All bathroom lights are rated by zones, which dictates where they are suitable to be used. For instance, zone 0 lights can be fitted on the interior of a bathtub or shower enclosure, while zone 3 lamps should be installed at least 2.4 m away from the perimeter of the bath or shower and 3.75 m off the ground. Zone 1 and 2 fittings fall in between these two examples.
While there are some basic light fittings you can install yourself, if you are totally overhauling your bathroom, it is sensible to call in a qualified electrician to carry out this work. Websites like Rated People can help you find someone suitable who is based in your area.

Be creative

Once you have got past all the practicalities of bathroom lighting, you can start to get creative with your design. There is a wide range fittings available for this part of the home now, so you would not have to be restricted to ugly fluorescent tubing.

A great way to customize your bathroom lighting is to invest in some shades that complement the rest of the bathroom's design. For a contemporary space, sleek frosted glass tubes with a chrome fixture are a great option, while more ornate shades with floral detailing or etching in the glass can look fantastic in a period bathroom.
 
 Disclaimer: I have received compensation in return for publishing this article.


Wednesday, March 6, 2013

A client's home office design project!


I just wrapped up a client's project recently. I was hired to makeover her spacious home office. In her questionnaire, my client told me that she wanted a modern, girly and chic home office that feels warm and looks colorful. Her favorite colors are pink, yellow, blue and silver.  She is also a great mint fan and wanted me to incorporate a few modern mint filing cabinets that she saw on a website for her home office. She wanted to keep her tv, a stylish silver side table (it's gorgeous, by the way!) and a floor lamp (but get a new lamp shade).

She sent me a couple of beautiful inspiration pictures and photos of her home. When I saw the inspiration images, I knew exactly what she wanted and was very excited to get started. 

This is what her room looks like now.







The best thing about this project? The budget! I was so thrilled to have a great budget to work with so I can pick some really nice things for her home office. Also, with a bigger budget, your options are so much wider, obviously!

I splurged on the statement pieces, mostly on the big investment pieces. A big bulk of the budget goes to things that she can enjoy for a long, long time like the sofa, desk, desk chair, entertainment unit, light fixture and coffee table. Meanwhile, I kept the rest of the furniture and accessories affordable yet still fun and fabulous! These are the design boards that I came up with! 





For the wall color, I recommended two color options. She can either pick a very pale blue or a very pale pink color. According to my client, her room doesn't receive a lot of natural lighting during the day so I wanted to keep the wall color light for a bright and airy feeling. 

While sourcing for all the pieces for the office design, I found these stunning mirrored wall sconces! I was absolutely smitten with them. As much as I wanted to use them, I didn't incorporate them into the design in the end because there isn't any wall space anymore. I really don't want to overcrowd the room for the sake of accessorizing because I think it's really important to have some "breathing space" in a room so your eyes can rest. Perhaps I can keep this mirror in mind and use them in the future.


When I showed my client the design boards, she was thrilled with them. She loved it and thought that the design was very functional. She works from home so I really wanted her to have as much storage as she possibly can. We made a few changes and additions and that's it. She has ordered a few of the items after test driving them in person and told me she would order the rest of the items over the weekend! She is also interested to have me decorate her daughters' bedroom in the near future. I can't wait to get started!

Don't you just love it when both you and your client share the same design taste? It definitely makes the whole design process a lot smoother and easier.  Honestly, I can't wait for her to pull the whole design together and hopefully, she will send me the "Afters" pictures! I will share any updates and progress on her home office whenever possible so follow along and check back regularly!

If you need help decorating your home, please click here for further information regarding my design services. Email me at mixandchic(at)yahoo(dot)com for details.