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Thursday, May 26, 2016

How textured tiles can elevate your home!


This post is provided by Pavel.

It is something about textured tiles that just make a room so appealing. Perhaps it is because they add extra dimension into a room or they just pop out as you scan a room when you would least expect it. Either way, textured tiles are sure to elevate any room in your home to make it look stylish and unique. 

Digital 3D printing technology allows manufacturers to add texture to tiles to offer homeowners endless options of design choices. While smooth tiles are here to stay, textured tiles give a lasting and striking impression to anyone who walks into your home. Textures like ridges and bumps or the feel of hexagonal patterns are just some of the possibilities to choose from.  The demand for regular smooth ceramic tile and porcelain tile will never go away, but textured tiles simply give homeowners another option to truly personalize and give extra character to their home. 

How to Use Textured Tiles in Your Home

They really could be laid out anywhere in the house. Not only do they look great, they are very easy to clean and maintain. Tiles are incredibly durable and are resistant to moisture, heat and stains. If updating your home has been on your mind, then consider using textured tiles for your flooring or walls. Because of their durability, tiles are a cost-effective design option. Here are some ideas on how you could use textured tiles in different rooms of your home. 

Textured Tiles In The Kitchen

For example, you can use vibrant tiled backsplash with different splashes and shades of blue and green that stands out from the neutral cabinetry. Remember that you are not confined to just one style of tile- mix and match textured and smooth tiles in your kitchen if you are torn in between the two.
Textured Tiles In The Living Room

If you have a fireplace in your living room, you know that is probably one of the first area your guest’s eyes are drawn to. Make sure of that by adding even more drama to the room with an eye-catching, beveled tile. 

Textured Tiles In The Bathroom

For example, a bathroom that uses a simple black and white color scheme. Combining white herringbone wall tiles and dark hexagonal floor tiles would make a great contrast.  

Wood-Look Tiles Can Be Used In Any Room

Wood is loved by many people for its appearance and durability. But for practicality reasons, wood should not be placed in wet spaces like bathrooms since moisture damages wood. That is why wood-look tiles have been increasing in popularity. While these tiles look like wood, they are actually porcelain or ceramic tiles.  You could enjoy the aesthetic of wood with these tiles and not have to worry about getting them damaged. They could be laid on the walls and floors in practically any room in the house. These tiles could help make a space look modern or rustic depending on the style and color you choose.
Do Not Be Afraid To Get Creative

It can get overwhelming with all the choices and decisions you have to make during home renovations. Remember that one of the main goals while renovating a home is to create a functional and beautiful home. Who does not want to come home to an aesthetically pleasing place? A simple way of doing that is through shaking up a room with textured tiles. It is guaranteed that you will be turning heads with this design choice. 

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Design Sense - What to Know When Choosing Blinds!


Window blinds may seem to be of little significance when considering the overall look of a room, but they can have a huge impact on its appearance. Although they provide privacy and light, blinds are also a decorative element that should not be selected hastily. The right blinds can positively impact the mood of a room, while the wrong blinds can clash with other elements and be a distraction. Because there are so many choices when it comes to blinds, how you choose them is of great importance. There are certain things that buyers should know that will help them make the best possible choice when buying blinds for their home.

Window Size

The windows in a home, or any building, come in various sizes. Knowing how to measure for window blinds is one of the first and most important things that one should know. Blinds may be mounted inside of the window frame, or they may be installed outside of it. When measuring a window, measure exactly where the blinds will be installed or mounted. Whether doing an inside mount or an outside mount, take three width measurements, one each at the top, the middle, and the bottom of the window. For the height of the window, measure the left, middle, and right of the window. For an inside mount, select the smallest measurements for the width and the longest for the height. If mounting outside of the window frame, add three inches to both the width and height when hanging horizontal blinds and add four inches to the width and three inches to the height for vertical blinds.

Types of Blinds

Horizontal, mini, and vertical blinds are the most common types of blinds available. The slats on horizontal blinds, which are also known as venetian blinds, run horizontally across a window and are arranged on top of one another. They can be opened with the pull of a cord or rotated to let in light. Mini blinds are a type of horizontal blind, but the slats are narrower. They are affordable and a good choice for windows in professional spaces, although they may be used in nearly any window. With vertical blinds, the panels run vertically and are suitable for large or tall windows. In addition, they also offer ideal coverage for sliding glass doors. This type of blind may be opened when pulled to the side, or the panels may be rotated to adjust the amount of light that enters the room.

Materials

Wood, faux wood, and aluminum are popular materials for blinds. Aluminum is the material typically used for mini blinds. They come in a wide range of colors and finishes and would not quickly fade. Blinds made of aluminum are durable and resistant to moisture, making them a good choice for bathrooms or other humid areas. Faux wood has the appearance of real wood, but it is made of wood particles, PVC, and various other man-made materials. Blinds made of faux wood are also a good choice for rooms with high moisture. They are a less expensive option than wood blinds and come in various colors. Wood blinds are made of real wood and are a more expensive option; however, wood has a highly attractive look that imparts a natural elegance to any room.

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Affordable Antiques: How to Create a Vintage Look on a Budget!


This post is provided by Anna Gillespie.

Whether your perfect style is country home, shabby chic or even a touch of eclectic, there is no doubt about it that antiques and vintage accessories have seen somewhat of a resurgence in recent years. This rising trend sees no signs of slowing down but the question is how can we incorporate a vintage look into our homes on a budget?

Combine Old With New

By combining the old with the new, you will create a wonderful traditional feel without making it overbearing. By adding just one antique item to an otherwise modern room, you are allowing your antique to become a focal point and really shine. Buying one antique item will really help the purse strings too! For example, choose a statement piece like an antique chair alongside a contemporary sofa to use as an accent piece to the room or a vintage dresser in a glam, romantic bedroom. 

Rug it Out

An antique rug can instantly rejuvenate a room and ground the room without making it look too much. It can also add some much needed color into a dull room and will ensure your feet do not get cold in winter! 

Give it a Lick of Paint

If you are trying to incorporate a vintage item into your modern décor, simply update with a brand new lick of paint. If you are feeling brave go for something intense like fuchsia pink or lemon yellow but remember to balance this against more neutral color.

Fake it Till You Make it

If all else fails, choose items that look vintage but may not necessarily be vintage. For example, a well made bespoke sofa which has been manufactured to your exact standards in a style and fabric of your choice may be just beneficial to the look of a room as an antique which you have no say over.

For example, classic Chesterfield sofas have a real vintage feel with a distinctive deep-buttoned and quilted leather upholstery. Popular with the gentleman's clubs of yesteryear, these sofas can be made in a range of fabrics nowadays including a very regal Harris Tweed. For those on a serious budget, add some vintage-looking frames or a vintage clock on the wall to create a traditional feel.

Want vintage in the bedroom? Whitewash your current furniture to introduce a shabby chic, French-style with delicately painted floorboards and dainty soft furnishings. 

How do you achieve a vintage look in your home? And how did you do it on a budget? 

Thursday, May 12, 2016

How to design your kitchen island effectively!


Kitchen island is an important feature that will make the cooking space more efficient and organized. However, when it is about one design feature, it is always best to seek advice of an expert who can help you with kitchen island ideas and design the cooking space in the most effective way. Make sure you have experience in handling such project otherwise, you should hire professional help for getting the work done with ease.

How to make kitchen island work?

A large-sized kitchen is needed to ensure sufficient space around the island. With an addition of a kitchen island, you will have more storage space and counter space. 

You may create two work triangles separately or decrease the size of main work triangle. Seek help from an experienced person for this kitchen upgrade because the arrangement of appliances may change by adding an island in your kitchen design.

Once you decided for an island addition in your kitchen, you will have various options to consider. You can build another work space with the addition of dishwasher and second sink into the island. This will enable another cook to work in the kitchen separately and efficiently. 

The additional counter space in the kitchen island will enable you to prepare food easily by allowing you to spread your utensils, plates and bowls. You may add an eating area in the kitchen to let everyone enjoy a meal together. This will also allow you to have conversation with each other after spending a busy day. Additionally, you may create a two tiered island and raised counter in the kitchen and separate the eating area from food preparation portion of the kitchen. The eating area added to kitchen island can add useful space or help in defining the space from other areas of your home. 

If you have a small cooking space, you can still add an island in the kitchen. A convenient kitchen island or food preparation cart can add working surface area in the small space. You may also store the cart out of the way and then roll it out for use during meal preparation. The movable island should complement the style of your kitchen for a more cohesive look.

It might take you some time to plan your kitchen island addition in terms of combining functionality and design. However, it is worth it especially if you tend to make many dishes on a regular basis. It is not easy to envision the space required and the best island size for your kitchen so make sure you get all the important information needed. Don't forget to check out kitchen island ideas in order to make the best decision for your cooking area.

Monday, May 9, 2016

And the winner of the giveaway is ..........


I am thrilled to announce the winner of the recent giveaway brought to you by The Gussy!








The lucky winner who will be receiving a fabulous rain cover of her choice from The Gussy is Vel Criste! 

Congratulations, Vel. I will email you shortly. Have a great week, everyone!

Thursday, May 5, 2016

Product review- Stylish Helly Hansen raincoats!


To be honest, I am not sure when I started to have an obsession with rain gears. Perhaps it started when I got my very first umbrella? Or could it be the time when I spotted a pair of chic rain boots in the beginning of the year? I have no idea but I definitely remembered asking hubby to buy me those cute rain boots I saw earlier for my birthday. Hubby said no. I don't blame him since those stylish boots are not inexpensive.

So when I was offered to try some beautiful, stylish rain products from Helly Hansen, how can I say no? I decided to pick two fabulous rain coats from their amazing collection!

These are the two items I selected!

Front

Back



Here I am trying to rock the same fabulous coat!


I am totally smitten with this chic and adorable raincoat right from the get-go! Featuring a retro design with a delightful sailing pattern, this ocean-inspired rain coat looks undeniably stylish, the perfect addition for your cute outfit of the day! 

With lovely details, a hoodie and two pockets with snap buttons to boot, it is definitely a great rain coat option for those who are practical and love a little extra attention to details.

Made of high quality material, I like that it's also waterproof, breathable (with venting in the back), and windproof with fully sealed seams. Such a wonderful little rain coat, what's not to love?

Front

Back



Here I am trying to rock the second rain coat the best that I can!


This contemporary raincoat reminds me of a trench coat, which I love! With its thin, light material, I can easily pack it inside the matching pouch it comes with whenever I am out in the city. The packable coat and pouch would come in handy during one of my travels too! 

Apart from the lovely design and wonderful details, it also comes with a hoodie and two front pockets with snap buttons. The best part is, even with both closed front pockets, you can still put your hands inside the separate side pockets. In other words, you can keep your hands warm inside the side pockets and protect your belongings inside the front pockets at the same time. Such a practical and well thought-out design detail! 

This overcoat is super lightweight, waterproof with breathable technology (with ventilation in the back), gives me more protection than the average rain coat (with its longer length) and super stylish to boot so I can definitely see myself wearing this light, flowing style raincoat on a regular basis especially on rainy spring days!

*I have received these products to review for free but the views and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Don't forget to check out more stylish, high quality jackets, apparel and footwear at Helly Hansen for your next land or sea adventure!

Why is composite decking suitable for practically any outdoor space?


This article is provided by  Nina Robinson.

Decking is able to provide any outdoor space with a unique personality and visual appeal. In the past, woods such as oak or cedar were quite popular. While there is no doubt that such materials came in handy, there were also some downsides involved with their outdoor use. Modern technology has now enabled composite substances such as polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to be worthwhile alternatives. Let us take a look at some of the primary advantages that these composites area able to offer any outdoor area.

Mould and Mildew Issues

By its very nature, wood is a porous material. This is even the case when sealants, stains and lacquers are applied as top coats. This porosity causes the wood to absorb water. In turn, bacteria and mold can grow within the grains. This will often lead to discoloration and dark spots. It is also important to note that these organisms tend to shorten the lifespan of the deck itself. Composite decking is much less porous. It is therefore virtually free from these concerns. This enables these materials to be ideally suited for warm and moist environments. 

Thermal Characteristics

Wood is known to contract and expand as temperatures vary. In fact, this is the very same reason that cedar shakes and shingles tend to show gaps between their edges over time. This presented a problem with decking. Thermal expansion and contraction could cause nails to loosen and boards to become dislodged from their initial positions. Composite materials are much less susceptible to this phenomenon. Even when they do sightly shift, they tend to do so in only one location as opposed to across the course of an entire deck. So, even the hottest or coldest of temperature variations will have little effect upon the surface as a whole.

Maintenance

We should first make it a point to note that no deck is completely free from all maintenance needs. Instead, the types and frequency of maintenance tasks will vary between materials. Due to the aforementioned instances of mold and bacteria, wood needs to be cleaned and maintained on a regular basis; sometimes up to six times per year. Nails may have to be replaced or fascia could require regular treatments with stain-fighting surface coats. In reference to composite materials, very little maintenance is required. An occasional rinse with high-pressure water will normally take care of any issues. This is an ideal benefit for those who may not have the time or ability to clean a deck on a somewhat regular basis.

Cracking and Splintering

Cracks and splinters are always a concern. These can be particularly worrying for those who have small children or pets. Naturally, wood will splinter and warp over time. Composite decks will not splinter, crack or otherwise suffer such minor forms of damage. This can provide an added peace of mind when walking or running on surfaces with bare feet.

Different Finishes

A final benefit associated with composite decking is that it is available in a wide range of styles, colors and finishes. This enables it to be suited for nearly any outdoor environment imaginable. From traditional wood grain patterns to non-slip textures intended for use within a marina, the options are as endless as the variants themselves, with some great quality products from companies such as TimberTech

So, it should now be clear to appreciate why composite decking has become an extremely popular choice for many outdoor requirements. As these materials also come with extended warranties, customers will be financially protected for years into the future. There is simply no better option in terms of styles, sizes, colors, finishes and levels of durability.

Monday, May 2, 2016

Using Mosaic Tiles in Your Home!


This article is provided by PlumbTile.

The thought of using mosaic tiles in the home tends to frighten some people. However, homeowners can take their homes to the next level with a little creativity. With mosaic tiles, you can easily inject textures and colors in any room. The possibilities are really endless! 

You can improve the mood and look of a room with the use of mosaic tiles while also providing a great focal point to your overall design. Use of mosaic tiles dated back to approximately 1500 B.C. and they continue to bring artistic flair and pizzazz to custom homes around the world. 

Bathroom Uses

The majority of people consider bathrooms as a great place to use mosaic tiles. To create a feeling of both beauty and luxury, have mosaic tiles placed around your entire tub area. Have the look of a personal spa by enclosing the shower area with these beautiful tiles. To create texture and depth in your bathroom, try using a variety of colored mosaics within the same hue.

Uses in Kitchens

When used in kitchens, mosaic tiles help to bring out your cabinetry's natural beauty when used as a backsplash. To highlight different colors and beauty of these tiles, try placing some accent lights underneath your cabinets. When used in modern kitchens, they create a visual interest and become an instant feature. 

Mosaic Tiles for Floors

You can achieve an attractive and intricate design by using various colors and sized mosaic tiles on your floors by arming yourself with a good design plan. Use it on an entryway floor to wow your guests. 

Hirsch Glass from PlumbTile is a great place to look for mosaic tiles. Start bringing some good old-fashioned artistry into your home!