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Thursday, May 30, 2013

Guest post- The Swinging Sixties!

The swinging sixties - if you can't remember them, you were not there. There is always been something special about the decade. Many of the icons of the period remain household names today, such as Audrey Hepburn and John Lennon.

Sixties homes were colorful and fun. In keeping with the overall party spirit, there were places to chill out with friends and family. The sixties was a time when houses started to shrink and open plan living was adopted to make the most of these smaller spaces. 

Wood was taken off the floors and on to the walls and ceiling. Floors were the place for thick, shag pile carpets, which were warm and comfortable to lounge on. They were also the place for bean bags and scatter cushions, which were ideal for lounging or as extra seating for unexpected guests. 

In terms of furniture, plastic was the material of the decade. Vernon Panton's iconic S chair was a sensation when it was released in 1960 as was the Eames Lounge chair in 1961. They were followed by the egg chair and its close relative the hanging pod chair. While these chairs were popular for general seating, dining chairs tended to be more compact and usually had one central leg on top of a wide base for support. This was also a common feature of dining tables. Other types of furniture were influenced by the new “flat-pack” trend. 

Many a sixties husband found himself assembling another piece of 1960s culture (which remains popular), the hostess trolley. After his efforts, he might well have felt himself in need of a rest on his water bed. Although the sixties is often remembered as an ultra-modern period, it actually took a lot of inspiration from the past, in particular art nouveau. 

The key to sixties style was the playful way these influences became reinterpreted. Hence the stylized forms of art nouveau met with the rebelliousness of Dadaism to become the pop art of Warhol and Hockney. At the same time the scientific progress made in the area of optics in the 1950s and 1960s along with the sixties' fashion for Psychedelia combined to form the pop art of Riley. 

There are plenty of paintings to buy online for those who would like a piece of sixties style at a more affordable price. Some of them are also good investments for the future. Buying a piece of art can either enhance an overall sixties look or else provide a sixties reference to another interior scheme.

Lighting is another way to channel the sixties look. The mesmerizing lava lamp is a sixties icon which has managed to stand the test of time. As well as still being made, there are plenty of good quality restored lamps available. 

Neon fiber optic lamps which change color are another sixties classic. An alternative approach is to look for lights and light fittings which reference the exotic destinations of the period, particularly India and Morocco. 

There is plenty of inspiration online for those looking for ways to create a sixties look and the period is often effectively portrayed in films and on TV, for example on the current hit program Mad Men.


Wednesday, May 29, 2013

A product review- Uncommon Goods!


I am thrilled to collaborate with Uncommon Goods again for another product review. You can check out my previous review here.



Uncommon Goods is an online marketplace offering creatively designed, high-quality merchandise at affordable prices. Uncommon Goods provides shoppers thousands of fun, quirky, cool and one-of-a-kind products such as home and garden products, women's jewelries and accessories, home office items, children's toys, puzzles and more. 

Below are some of my favorite products from their website.







Aren't these products fantastic? You can check out other unique home decor and garden products here.

Honestly, I had a hard time picking out an item for this review because I have so many favorites. In the end, I picked the reclaimed teak wood rain ducks because they brought a smile to my face.


I decided to put these adorable ducks on my dresser.

Before:


After:






Aren't these the cutest thing you have ever seen? I am absolutely in love with my adorable wooden ducks! These whimsical duckies instantly freshen up my dark dresser with its bright, happy colors. These delightful wooden ducks are in great quality. They are beautifully hand-carved from recycled bamboo and reclaimed teak wood. The fun and well-made yellow rain gear is an added bonus. They are also completely removable so you can switch things up once in a while. I couldn't be more pleased with this product! 

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

Do you like them as well? Have you added something whimsical in your home recently?

Don't forget to check out Uncommon Goods when you get a chance for unique birthdays gifts and gifts for special occasions. You are bound to find something fun and special for anyone in any age group. 

By the way, Father's Day is around the corner. If you need some cool gift ideas for dad, go here. Happy shopping!

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Guest post- Contemporary Fireplaces Bring Style And Warmth To Any Modern Home!


This article is provided by Matt Donald.

Once considered a traditional way of heating the home and somewhat disregarded because of the growth of electrical heaters, fireplaces have been revived to offer a number of modern creature comforts for the new age home. These days’ contemporary fireplaces do not have to mean loads of smoke, piles of wood in your garage and potential health hazards. They are sleek, simple in their technology and beautiful in the most modern home.


Just the look of a fireplace is comforting and warming and the soft glow of natural embers make a room so much more inviting in the colder months. Even if you have gone for a minimalist décor look in your home you can reap the rewards of both style and warmth by investing in contemporary fireplaces for your home.

Christopher Middleton from the Telegraph illustrates how fireplaces have risen from the ashes adding romance, grandeur or a modern edge to a room with a beautiful example of an oval-shaped fireplace in Hyde Park, London which is a counterpoint to the black and white interior of the room.

Portable units, glassed-in fires and the ‘hole in the wall’ look can bring coziness and warmth to home homes that are minimalist in design and run the risk of looking stark and cold. They can be as sleek and simple as you wish or created with more ornate details. A closed combustion system means optimal heat and safety features are at your fingertips and the option of a remote control makes them an even more convenient past time. Modern fireplaces mean no masonry or chimneys and no mess with ash and burnt wood.

If you want to be more eco-friendly, consider burning natural gas instead of propane, and you will give off less toxic emission into the atmosphere. They are also ideal for people who suffer from asthma and different kinds of allergies. If you have an unusual architecture or want a certain area of the room to stand out then you can get something bespoke that fits perfectly into the room you are warming up, creating a custom look for a custom interior. Take a look at the range of contemporary fireplaces at www.marblehill.co.uk for a fresh take on how these fireplaces can bring style and warmth to your home.

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

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Exciting news!


I am super excited today because I am having my very first flash sale! You heard that right. MY VERY FIRST FLASH SALE!

You see, I have been invited by Arcadian Home to curate a special collection for their newly launched tastemaker feature recently. Before we proceed to the details, I would love to do a little introduction about our wonderful retailer.



Arcadian Home is a premier online retailer offering a wide range of beautiful home goods such as furniture, rugs, home accessories, lighting and hardware for all your decorating needs.

Back to the flash sale. My sale will start at 9am PST today and ends on Tuesday, at 11.59pm PST (May 28). which includes 152 items from lighting, mirrors, seating, tables, pillows, accessories and more! In the collection, you will find nautical-inspired, sophisticated, glamorous, rustic, stylish, modern, classic and global pieces, all the things that define my personal design aesthetic.

Every item you see on this collection has been carefully selected so all pieces you see here are the ones I absolutely love! Here is a sneak peek of my collection:



NEWEST UPDATE:

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This is great news, my lovelies! The prices got even lower than what you see on the screenshot above. How fabulous! Check out the newest screenshot below!


I have included many wonderful pieces in this collection in various price points so check them out when you get a chance. To see the full collection, please click here.

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After you have checked out my sale, don't forget to come back and tell me your most favorite item! I can't wait to hear your feedback about my collection! If you have purchase any pieces from this sale, please let me know. I had a lot of fun curating these pieces so I hope you enjoy my finds as well. Happy shopping, my lovelies!

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Guest post: Five Decorating Ideas For Your Child’s Bedroom!


Looking to redecorate your child’s bedroom into the dream space they have always wanted? Below are some ideas that cover everything from bunk beds, bedroom furniture to accessories so you and your child can get truly creative.

Bunk Bed

If your child shares a room with a sibling then a bunk bed could be the perfect space saving solution for you. They came in different shapes and sizes so there are bound to be one that suits your needs. But this can make buying a bunk bed mattress tricky as sometimes you will need a single and small double for your bunk bed. The bunk beds compact and multi-functional design will bring harmony and order to your children’s bedroom.


Themed Bedroom Furniture Sets

Choosing a themed bedroom furniture set is a great way to update your child’s bedroom without having the hassle of repainting or wallpapering the entire bedroom. There are numerous different themes to choose from including Arabian Nights, Princess, Dinosaur and the classic Boy Car Racer. The one you choose is entirely dependent on your little ones personality.

Novelty Beds

Nothing makes a bigger or bolder statement than a novelty bed. The bed is the heart of any bedroom so choosing one that suits your child’s tastes is no mean fete. For boys the obvious choice is the car bed, but there are choices as diverse as ships and rocket beds. Whereas girls have the pick from princess carriage beds that will make them feel like Cinderella to pink car beds. As you can see both girls and boys have a variety of novelty beds to choose from. 

Wall Art

Wall art is the ultimate way to put your children’s personal stamp on your child’s bedroom. It is inexpensive as either buying stencils or creating your own stencils is more cost effective than hiring a decorator. It can also be a fun project you can do with your child. So roll up your sleeves and grab brush and turn your child’s wall into a truly unique piece of art.

Toys & Games

Finally no child’s bedroom would be complete without toys and games. The traditional choices are a rocking horse, cuddly toys and the quintessential train set. But if you fancy something more vibrant why not use the icons of kitsch and retro games for inspiration. You can buy Ppacman duvet sets or twister rugs to bring a touch of this fun style to your child’s bedroom.

Written by Nicola who writes about home furnishings on behalf of Wedo.

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

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Guest post- Soundproofing Misconceptions Explained!


This article is provided by Jane Stevens.

Soundproofing has become very essential in today’s stressful society because it helps individuals who want to accomplish sound sleeps. Due to its importance, many people commit the mistake of making wrong investments just to obtain the level of soundproofing that they want.

It should be noted that the mentioned undertaking is a very complicated ordeal that requires expert skills. There are just many things that need to be taken into consideration.

Soundproofing is not about keeping sound inside

Many people think that investing on wall noise insulators and installing sound-removing panels to keep noise inside is a good move. Sad to say, they are just wasting their time and money on them because effective as well as efficient soundproofing also includes keeping outside noise from going in.

The real answer to how to soundproof windows is to ensure that there is no sound that will come out and escape outside.

Simply soundproofing walls has its flaws

Contrary to many beliefs, relying on soundproof panels or wall noise insulators is not the highest form of soundproofing. This is because floors need to be soundproofed as well. This is crucial since it ensures that no sound or noise will come out or come in a particular room. For this reason, many people also utilize thick carpets and install soundproof flooring.

Not all soundproof panels are the same

A vast majority of manufacturers will lead potential clients to believe that their cheap products are state-of-the-art and can well deliver unwavering soundproofing. The truth is they won’t!

There are various types of panels out on the market and they deliver different levels of soundproofing based on their materials. Simply put, more effective ones are more costly but they well worth the investment.

Hiring professional companies

Because of the abovementioned complexities, individuals who want to know how to soundproof windows and achieve consistent soundproofing are encouraged to employ the services of professional companies such as CitiQuiet.

They are made up of expertly trained individuals who well-versed in soundproofing and utilize innovative materials that are designed to deliver unwavering soundproofing.
Investing in the said companies is essential because they are known to deliver consistent soundproofing without charging inappropriately high rates.

Conclusion

It should be noted that soundproofing is just about installing fancy panels and sophisticated walls—the whole thing—requires expert skills and knowledge. For this reason, it would be best to rely on professional companies since such simple undertaking can go a very long way when it comes to achieving unfaltering soundproofing.

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

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

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


Recently, I had the privilege of working with eShakti again for a product review. Knowing the great quality and amazing selection of women's clothing on their website, I agreed to do another review! You can check out my previous review here. In case you are not familiar with the brand, 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’.)

The great news? eShakti clothing is very affordable. You will find hundreds of styles from fun and girly outfits to feminine and elegant dresses in a variety of colors and styles! Sounds incredible, isn't it? You should check out their website pronto!


Here is the one I picked for this product review!







Here I am, trying to rock my new stylish dress! 


Please note: This dress is out of stock at the moment.

If you have noticed, I have done a little customization on my dress. Instead of the original cap sleeves design, I chose an elbow length sleeve. 

I adore this beautiful dress for its simple, casual and chic design! The contrasting trim details makes all the difference because it takes an ordinary dress from simple to stunning! The front pockets is another wonderful addition to the design. It instantly makes the dress feel more fun and youthful! The sash is removable so you can wear it without the sash if you choose to. Great quality fabric and the workmanship is impeccable. The bonus? This dress fits like a glove! My dress was delivered promptly considering it was made to order. What else can I say? I absolutely love my dress and would recommend you to get it when it is back in stock!

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

Here are some of the eShakti dresses and tops that I love!










Which one is your favorite? I would love to hear your thoughts! 

By the way, eShakti is running a promotion. When you buy 3, you get one for FREE. Buy 2, you get the second one for 40% off! Offer is valid till May 12 so don't miss the chance to get something pretty for yourself!

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Guest post- Hidden Storage Lifts Take Home Decor Out Of Sight!


Every interior designer knows that what you hide is just as important as what you display in your home. Whether a client wants a room that is warm and cozy, sleek and modern, or sophisticated and classic, clutter can instantly ruin the effect. Creating open spaces means taking advantage of out-of-the-way places for storage. However, homeowners do not want stored objects to be too far out of reach. Traipsing up to the attic or digging around in the shed in the backyard would not do. Even bending and reaching under kitchen cabinets or climbing up on a step stool to reach a top shelf can be inconvenient for frequently used items.

Create Balance Between Space-Efficiency and Accessibility

More and more, interior designers are turning to home automation for solutions. Automated storage lifts help hide almost anything. Lifts can keep countertops clear in the kitchen while taking advantage of “dead” corners. Or, they might prevent a state-of-the-art media center from clashing with a living room design by keeping audiovisual components tucked out of sight. Even bedrooms and bathrooms can benefit from concealed storage.

How Well-Hidden Is an Automated Storage Lift?

A well-made and properly installed popup lift can be very effectively camouflaged. A floating lid design is particularly easy to hide since there are no hinges. Lifts can be hidden in a wide variety of ways:

·   -In customized or prefabricated lift cabinetry
·   -In repurposed antique cabinets
·   -Inside walls (such as below a window)
·   -Below kitchen or bathroom countertops
·   -In kitchen island
·   -Inside upper kitchen cabinets
·   -At the foot of a bed (or the foot of a bathtub)
·   -Below the floor
·   -In the ceiling
·   -Behind furniture such as a sofa

Here are just a few of the items homeowners might want to store on a popup or drop down lift:

-Kitchen appliances (especially heavy mixers or coffee makers)
·   -A spice rack or wine rack
·   -Extra dishes or cookbooks
·   -Valuables such as a jewelry cabinet, home safe or firearm collection
·   -Shoes, purses, and other accessories that take up too much closet space
-   -Television and other entertainment center items

Automated storage lifts save space, reduce clutter and enhance the view while adding a “wow” factor to any project.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post from Nexus 21.