Eco-friendly design tips!

Reducing your carbon footprint in your home really does not have to be as expensive as you might think. It only requires a small bit of creativity. The resources you can use are incredibly varied and infinite. You can use nearly anything to develop designs. Let us take a closer look at some of the things that you can do to make your home more eco-friendly:

Energy

When you want to be more eco-friendly, you can start with making sure that you are using energy friendly appliances. Make sure that they are up to date and running efficiently. Aside from saving energy, this will also save you money on your monthly energy bills. If you want to save even more on your energy bills, check out some of the resources in your area in regards to comparing energy rates and plans to find the one that will best suit your needs.

Doors

Did you know that there is such a thing as eco–friendly doors? There are many different types and there are different things that make them more eco-friendly than normal doors. Some are made using chemicals that are better for the earth while others are made using recycled materials or materials that can be recycled, such as PVC. You would not need to worry about these types of doors filling up our landfills or being incinerated.

Counter Tops

There are all sorts of eco-friendly design tips out there, you just need to know where to look. Some of them are pretty run of the mill and others must have taken quite a bit of imagination- such as this one. Most counter tops are made from materials such as granite, marble, Formica, and Corian. Instead of using the same thing that everyone else is using, consider going green with them instead. You can cut branches from the trees outside and then slice them into small circles before gluing them right onto your counters. Finish the project with grout in the cracks and a layer of urethane over the entire thing.

Architecture

You can save trees and trim your bills for energy at the same time with the type of architecture you choose. If you are building a new home, consider letting the placement of the home be dictated by the existing trees. This will cut down on the number of trees that will be chopped down during construction while also allowing the trees to provide shade to the house that will keep it cooler.

Windows

You can also reduce your carbon footprint with your windows. There are windows that have been recycled and there are windows that can be recycled. Aside from that, if you put the windows in at an angle, this will allow for the maximum amount of light to be filtered in. With glass panels right at the bottom of the windows that open just like little trap doors, the breeze will be let into your home making it cooler so the air conditioner does not need to work so hard.

Building Materials

Choose materials that are durable. Consider using materials that are recyclable and sustainable, such as siding made from cedar planks. This particular material is resistant to both water and pests. It is low maintenance and strong with a gorgeous gray patina that means it would not need to be repainted often. This is just one option in regards to sustainable materials. There are too many other options to list here.

Paint

When you need to paint or repaint your home, consider using a paint that is low VOC. This is great for covering that badly maintained siding that is beginning to turn colors. Paints of this type contain fewer of the volatile organic compounds that pollute the atmosphere, which make them the preferred paint to use for the eco-minded person.

Small Footprint

Build up instead of out. This makes the physical footprint of your home smaller. It is also cheaper to build more stories as opposed to spreading out.

Going green does not mean that you need to put in a lot of extra work. Just think smarter, use the right materials and teach your kids the value of this at the same time so that when it comes time for them to move out on their own, they will do so already knowing how to live a green lifestyle.

Moving Tips for Down Sizing From a Home to A Condo!

This post is provided by Kevin Skaggs.

If you have decided to downsize from a house to a condo, whether you like it or not, you are going to have to cut ties to some of your belongings. So how do you figure out what to take with you and what to get rid of? Also, what do you do with all the things you decide you no longer need?

It All Starts With The Right Moving Company

If you are moving into a condominium, you are going to want to employ the services of a moving company.  Narrow hallways, staircases and other residents are going to pose additional concerns that need to be figured out ahead of time. Using a professional moving company, such as Attention to Detail Moving, eliminates the extra worry that would otherwise be on your plate.

Review Your Wardrobe

When you own your own home, you have a basement that collects all types of things. From old clothes to furniture and everything in between, basements are important parts of a home. The biggest source of clutter in the typical American home is excess clothing. Take old clothing that does not get worn regularly and donate it to a local thrift shop and help your community.

Give Appliances And Hand-Me-Downs To Family Members

If your condo has all of its major appliances furnished, you will not need the ones you own anymore. You can either sell them or give them to family members or close friends. Lawn care items and machinery, such as lawnmowers, can also be given away or sold.

Rent A Storage Container Or Unit

Check and see if the moving company you hired also has a storage unit for moving available. This can be used to store any items that have yet to find a permanent home. It can be delivered to your new residence once arrangements have been made, or you can have it delivered to a secondary location in most cases, such as a family member's house. These storage units allow you to keep items that you do not have the ability to get rid of, without losing any of the much-needed space in your new condo.

Design Tips For Your Kitchen Remodel!

Renovating your kitchen is an exciting process and allows you to choose the right fixtures, colors, and finishes. There are numerous materials and styles to choose from, and it can be overwhelming at times to try and determine which choices are best for your home. Here are some design tips to make the process a little easier.

Be Thoughtfully Trendy

There are new design trends every year, and browsing the latest and most popular styles can be a great source of inspiration. However, it is better to only go with trends that you truly love, and that you feel will work with your home for as long as you live there. A kitchen remodel is a big investment of time, effort, and money, so you want the final result to be something you love for years to come. Only choose a trend if it feels like a classic to you.

Think About Appliances

You can replace all your appliances but sometimes a refinish is all you need. If you are a passionate home cook, you may want to install professional-grade appliances to make your kitchen as useful as possible. However, if you just want your appliances to match your new color scheme, you may have other options such as repainting your refrigerator or changing the look with a new range hood.

Test Colors And Finishes In The Right Light

When you are looking at colors for cabinets, countertops, flooring, and fixtures, remember that the quality of light in your kitchen will affect how those things look. Do not choose things simply from store displays or paint chips, rather, take samples home when possible and look at them in your kitchen. You can also buy small paint samples and paint test squares on your walls to see how the color truly looks in your home.

Do Not Forget Flooring

When you are choosing materials and finishes for your home, you may want to consider redoing the floors, especially if you are changing the layout of your kitchen. There are many new flooring options available nowadays, including heavy-duty laminate that looks like wood planks without the upkeep hardwood requires. Tile is a good choice in a warm climate to keep the space from getting too hot. Depending on what types of flooring you are considering, you may be able to take a sample home to get a good idea of how it would look in your kitchen.

Consider Countertop Options

Countertops are arguably the most important consideration in your kitchen, as they are your work surfaces and also make a large impact on the overall look and color scheme. Granite is a perennial favorite and you can find numerous choices and good prices at a granite countertop superstore. Quartz is also popular, as it offers durability similar to granite, but with a very different look. Acrylic is beloved for its seamless appearance and easy care. If you want a unique option, consider wooden or concrete countertops.

Renovating your kitchen is an exciting and satisfying home improvement project, and can dramatically improve the look of your home. Be sure to choose things you truly love, rather than simply following the trends. It is best to bring color samples and materials into your home if possible so you can get a sense of how your kitchen will look when the remodel is complete.

Book review- Ladurée Savoir Vivre: The Art of Fine Living!

Thanks again to Meghan Phillips from Vendome Press for sending me another lovely book, Ladurée Savoir Vivre: The Art of Fine Living. In Ladurée Savoir Vivre: The Art of Fine Living, author Maud Hacker offers the ultimate guide to knowing how to live well, the French way. 

Best of all, this gorgeous book is nestled in an irresistible box, packed just like Ladurée’s delectable confections! 

Needless to say, I was truly delighted upon seeing the beautiful book and the pretty box the very first time. The pages inside the book is equally delightful as well. Let's take a look! 

This 303-pages, beautifully illustrated book offers practical tips and inspiration on varied topics as how to prepare and have breakfast the Ladurée way, how to be a good host and a good guest, what is the best way to dress for the theater, and how to prepare your suitcase to travel with the jet set. 

To help you navigate each topic easily, it is divided into five sections: “In the Morning: A Gentle Awakening", “During the Day: How to fit it all in while having a ball", “In the Evening: Ending the Day on the Right Note”, “At the Weekend: Make the Most of Friends” and “Travelling: Setting out Stress-free”.

Sprinkled with fun quotes, countless advice, helpful tips, menus and table settings, this book is the ultimate guide to learning how to live well (savoir vivre). You will also find plenty of useful sources to help you accomplish the art of fine living in this adorable-sized book. 

Perfect for gift-giving, this light-hearted and entertaining book is a gift the fabulous ladies in your life will surely appreciate!

Don't forget to get your own copy here!

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

Easy Ways to Mix and Match Patterns in Your Home!

This post is provided by Will Bail.

With the holiday season kicking in, it is time to give your home a fresh new look. Be more daring and adventurous when decorating your home and see things liven up within moments. Try using bright colors, eye-catching patterns to make the interiors look fab. However, mixing patterns and colors can be challenging. Odd numbers, especially a combination of ‘three’ patterns work well but you need to combine the patterns in a varying scale, ideally from large to small to create a soothing visual effect.

Here are a few tips how you can mix and match patterns to create the desired look in your home.

Begin with choosing a large pattern that will establish the main color within the room. Choose carefully since this will make the strongest statement within the room. Then move onto other smaller patterns which complement the main color or belong to the same family to create a fantastic look. For instance, for your living room you can choose a bright wall paper featuring huge golden flowers and then complement it with a contrasting rug. 

If you are a newbie, then it is best to start with a solid base color and then start introducing patterns. For instance, when decorating your bedroom, choose a neutral color for the walls and use some bold patterns on the key pieces of furniture. Choose geometrical patterned pillow covers and complement it with an area rug or patterned ottoman.

The best part about mixing and matching patterns is that you can play with colors- rich burgundy, garnet red, turquoise, aquamarine blue and more. Bold colors can create an excellent look, however make sure you choose monochromatic designs that do not clash with the bold colors. When choosing bold colors, make sure the walls and flooring are in neutral colors. 

Whites look interesting but only when matched with whites of the same family. To add more texture to a room featuring white as the base color, you can choose patterned tiles for the flooring. You can mix and match fabrics and textiles from various countries with whites to breathe life into an otherwise dull room and create a sophisticated look. This combination will look great on classic furniture like this French provincial bed. 

You need to be even more careful when mixing and matching patterns for a small room. The right patterns can make the space come alive, whereas the wrong patterns can make the room even more dingy. Polka dots and stripes are the best for small spaces.

Determine the kind of look you want to achieve for your room and then choose the patterns accordingly. If you are too scared to put the patterns together, try layering them to achieve a neat and tidy look. No matter what you choose make sure it feels good to your eyes. If you are happy with the patterns in your room, everyone else will be. 

Flower Decoration Ideas for Your Home!

This post is provided by Will Bail.

Flowers signify purity, elegance and beauty and they liven up our moods instantly. This is perhaps why when it comes to giving a quick facelift to home interiors, many smart homeowners rely on flowers to do the trick. 

Wall papers, rugs, antiques are common decorative elements, but if you want to decorate your home in a unique way, you need to think out of the box. Flowers are an inexpensive way to add a ‘wow’ factor to your home and they also allow you to change the décor without burning a hole in your pocket. 

Excited to decorate your home with flowers but wondering how to go about it? Do not worry, here are some quick flower decoration ideas that will turn your home interiors from boring to brilliant! 

Bring the Rainbow Home

Flowers in vibrant colors have always been our favorites, but with a little creativity you can make plain white flowers work in your favor too. No, you do not need to invest in stylish or embellished flower vases. Get some plain glass vases of different shapes. Fill them with colored water, but make sure the colors are not too deep, since the flowers will soak the colored water and change their color. Place a freshly cut white flower inside each vase and place all the vases on a centerpiece or on the extended window sill to create an amazing visual effect.

Brighten Up the Space with a Candle Holder

Have an antique candle holder but do not know how to use it? Turn it into a flower vase. Get freshly cut flowers in colors that complement your room. For instance, if you have the room painted white, you can place a bunch of colorful gerberas inside the candle stand or if the walls have a darker shade then warm colors such as that of yellow daisies will make the room come alive. Make sure the flowers complement the worn-out look of the antique candle stand as well.

Bring the Warmth of the Wild Home

Wild flowers have their own elegance and beauty. They come in varieties of colors and forms and when put together they create a soothing visual effect. So if you want to display the beauty of the wild flowers, place them inside hanging colanders. Get some colorful colanders and place a bunch of wild flowers (many varieties together). Add some ferns to make it look even more appealing. Hang the colanders in the living room or in porch. 

Floating Beauty

What would you do once the flowers lose their freshness? Throw them away? Not at all! Fill a crystal bowl with a wide top with water and float the petals on it. Float some scented candles to enhance the look. The petals will stay fresh for another few days, so you get value for money and can also re-purpose the flowers to create a new look.
Flowers are the best way to add colors to your home and give it a gorgeous vibe. So try out these flower decoration ideas and give your otherwise boring interiors an interesting new look.