Pages

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Simple Décor Ideas for Your Home!


You may a have a house that you live in, but have you made it a home? A home is a comfortable place that you enjoy. It has hints of your personality and style throughout, and it is something you can call your own.

When it comes to decorating a home, some people have what it takes, and some do not. If your home is boring, or if you are just overwhelmed, use the following tips to gain some simple décor ideas for your home.

Paint

When it comes to decorating your home, one way to make a big (or little) impact is to paint. A new coat of paint can go a very long way when it comes to changing the style or theme of your home. You can opt to paint the whole room a new color. You can opt to paint one accent wall to make the room pop. Or you can even opt to paint a design on your walls for some added flair. The best thing about paint is that it is inexpensive and easy to do, so you do not have to break the bank or waste an entire weekend getting the job done.

Wall Décor

If you have blank walls in your home, you need to step up your game. You do not need to go overboard with wall hangings, but you should have some eye candy on the walls. You can opt for pictures of your friends or family, artwork by a local or your favorite artist, or even some nice hanging you found at your favorite store. Accenting your kitchen and empty space with wall hangings can be a great way to add some flair to your home. Just make sure that you keep it classy and consistent. Too much wall décor on top of each other will look bad, not better.

Flooring

Do not forget to look down when it comes to revamping your home. A dated floor can make an entire house feel old, even if it is not. If you have an old floor in your home, consider giving it a facelift. Old hardwoods can be revamped with a sanding and a new coat of stain. Old carpet can be replaced with new carpet or hardwood flooring. You can even opt for a peel-and-stick flooring option to give your home a new look without spending a ton of money. Your local home improvement store will have a variety of options for you to choose from, plus all the information and tools required to tackle the job yourself, so feel free to get to work.

Furniture

Your furniture has a lot to do with the style and décor of your home than you may think. If you have dated furniture, you will want to address this. You can either replace dated furniture with something more modern that fits your style, or you can opt to refinish the furniture on your own. Sometimes a new coat of paint on an old dresser will make it look and feel new, so do not be afraid to give it a little TLC.

You should also spend some time trying furniture in different rooms of your home. For example, that oversized recliner may no longer have a home in your living room, but it may look great in a guest room or the den. You will be surprised how much you can change the style and look of a room with the items you already have. Do not be afraid to try things out in different rooms and see how you feel about it. You may like it or you may not. If not, move the item to another room. Eventually, you will figure out what to do with it.

You do not have to be scared of decorating your own home. Instead, get a little creative, do not be afraid of some elbow grease, and get to making your house into a home.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Product review- Robert Matthew tote!


Most of you who have been my long time readers know that I am a big fan of handbags and purses so I was thrilled when I was contacted by Robert Matthew (a brand offering fashionable women's handbags and stylish women's accessories) for a bag review.


Some of the lovely handbags offered by Robert Matthew!










For today's review, I picked the Robert Matthew Khloe Tote- Toasted Caramel!


 Check out my stylish new tote!




 Check out the details of this fabulous tote! 


The top zip closure is a wonderful addition so I don't have to worry about spilled contents or getting my contents soaked when it rains.


 The light gold tone hardware accents is a nice touch. I also like the simple, modern and classy buckle detail.


The two roomy side pockets are great for a water bottle and a baby bottle!


The structured design is a great plus!


The back of my tote!

Having another back zip pocket is wonderful to stash small random items!


The best part about this fantastic tote is the abundance of zipped pockets and different compartments for organizing cellphone, keys, purse, coin purse, facial tissues, etc !

Overall, I love my Khloe tote very much! It's large, roomy and versatile. This tote can be used as an everyday bag for casual outings or used as a stylish diaper bag with its many zippered pockets and compartments! 

Handcrafted with luxurious pebbled animal friendly vegan leather on the outside and pinstriped polyester lining on the inside, this tote is well-constructed with good quality material. As a bonus, it also comes with a removable and adjustable shoulder strap for added convenience and comfort. I also like that this tote comes with a black dust cover for protection.

I have used this tote frequently for the past few weeks and I have noticed no color transfer on the bag or on my clothes. On rainy days, the contents in my bag remained dry (there's no leakage with the top zip closure). This beautiful tote is chic, classy, versatile and well made, what's not to love? Highly recommended!

Now you can get your own Khloe tote (available in 4 colors) for less! Just visit Robert Matthew and simply mention mixandchic40 during checkout to receive 40% off the Khloe collection! Hurry, this fabulous offer is only available for a limited time! Happy shopping, my lovelies!

Disclosure: I have received this product to review for free but the views and opinions expressed are my own.

Sunday, June 21, 2015

Altering a room’s feel one accessory at a time!


A room in need of a makeover does not always demand a refinished floor and a new layer of paint. It even does not have to involve investing in an updated set of furniture. The well chosen accessory can do wonders to the look and feel of a living room, dining room, bedroom, or office. 

The following are four examples of how well chosen accessories can make a room seem like a completely new space:

RUGS

Floors are crucial to the look of a room, like shoes are essential to the look of an outfit. Throw a rug onto a hardwood floor and watch the space transform depending on the color or pattern. What makes the room-altering abilities of area rugs so appealing is the ease in which they can be changed. For example seasonal-based adjustments to room design can be easily accomplished with help from a steady rotation of three to five area rugs throughout the year.

ARTWORK

Paintings, sculpture, and other artwork which can be placed in a room will almost always be examined and even admired by anyone visiting. Art essentially draws more attention than anything else in the room besides a turned-on television set, defining the mood of the space greatly. Short on ideas for what kind of art to acquire? Let the artwork come to you and, when you see it, snap a photo. Visual search services like the one provided by LikeThatApps.com can track down similar pieces available for sale online.

LAMPS

Lamps serve to alter a room’s mood in two ways. One, they typically stalk the corners of a room or the ends of furniture and thus are constantly existing in our peripheral vision. Two, they can easily alter the feel depending on where they are and how much light they are emitting. Again if you are not sure what sort of room-defining lamp to buy and do not want to be forced into the showroom options, use a visual search app when you see something you like on-the-go. It could be the lamp in your dentist’s office.

END TABLES

Like lamps the impact end tables have on the overall look and feel of a room hinges on two things. One, is whether or not the end tables are flush or lower than the armrests of adjacent chairs, sofas, and couches. Anything higher than that will appear awkward and give the room an uncomfortable vibe. Two, is how much space on and within the end table can be dedicated to vases and other items - things which further help shape the ultimate feel of a room.

It is typical to want to install carpeting, paint the walls, or do something else time-consuming, hassle-filled, and potentially expensive to give a room new life. But consider what a change or addition of an accessory can do. Floors, walls, corners, and endpoints for furniture are going to be the spaces which define a room the most. The right rug, painting, lamp, or end table can have people wondering if they have been transported elsewhere, you included.

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Shrewd Ways To Buy Affordable Insurance Coverage!


Buying insurance can be challenging for consumers on a tight budget. You do not want to pay more for coverage than you really need. In order to avoid a financial disaster, however, some types of insurance coverage are critical. Use these tips for buying insurance.

Considering renters insurance

Many people who rent property are unclear about the need for renter’s insurance. For some, renter’s insurance is an unnecessary cost that can be avoided. Here are some facts about renter’s insurance.

The Simple Dollar points out that your landlord’s policy covers the building structure itself, not the contents inside the rented property. If there is a fire, flood or theft, your personal items in a property you rent are not covered by your landlord.

Here are three components of renter’s insurance:

Personal (movable) possessions: A renter’s policy covers your personal possessions, including furniture, clothing, electronics, jewelry and appliances.

Liability coverage: Your renter’s insurance policy protects you against lawsuits from people who are injured while in your rented property. The policy can also cover medical expenses for people who are injured.

Living expenses: In extreme cases, a fire, flood or other incident may mean that your rental property cannot be inhabited. Your renter’s policy can cover hotel bills and meals while your rental property is being repaired.

Take a close look at driver's insurance.

Auto insurance

Since nearly everyone needs to drive, some form of auto insurance is vital. These factors that impact the cost of your auto insurance:

Location: Accidents and vandalism are more common in some areas than others. If you live in an area with more of these issues, you will pay more for insurance. Weather is also a factor. If your region has a higher risk or tornadoes, hurricanes or other weather events, you may have higher insurance rates.

Driving history: Many insurance companies offer a discount to drivers who avoid accidents over a period of years. If you have accidents, tickets or other driving violations, those events will drive up the cost of insurance.

Age and gender: These factors are also taken into consideration. That is because insurance companies have historical data that relates a driver’s gender and age to the frequency of car accidents.

At a minimum, all drivers should have coverage for any car damage or injuries incurred by other drivers. If you have an accident that is your fault, you need this form of coverage. If you do not, you may be sued and forced to pay far more than the cost of an auto insurance policy.

Purchasing SR22 insurance

Some drivers may be required to purchase SR22 insurance. This insurance requires that you must drive with proof of SR22 coverage at all times. Here are some reasons why SR22 insurance is required:

The driver was caught driving without auto insurance.

· An individual was at fault for an auto accident and did not have coverage

· A driver has a DUI conviction, or has had his/ her driver’s license revoked

If any of these situations apply to you, you can buy SR22 insurance online. Sites like AcceptanceInsurance.com can explain to you the terms and conditions of an SR22 policy and help you find a free insurance quote in your state.

Renting property or driving a car without proper insurance creates huge potential risks. Take the time to investigate affordable insurance coverage.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Small Spaced Bathrooms: How To Find Great Bathroom Vanity Ideas?


Everyone needs a bathroom which is not only stylish and appealing, but extremely functional at the same time. One of the best ways using which you can have both is by adding exceptional bathroom vanities which can give a complete makeover to your bathroom space.

There are different kinds of designs which you can choose when it comes to adding bathroom vanities in your home. You can opt for modern or elegant designs or antique themed bathroom vanities. Of course, there are so many options, especially when you have a big bathroom space.

Research Is Important

For people who have small bathroom areas, however, they should make sure to do a little bit of research to find the best ones.  Remember, it is always a good idea to avoid buying vanity furniture which can take a lot of space, i.e. antique bathroom vanities as they can make the space congested. Say a big “no” to bulky designs.

While you are looking for some great ideas from Caesarstone bathroom vanities, the very first thing you should consider is the bathroom space. You should remember that there are many other things which you have to place in your bathroom space, and therefore the space should be a little free so that it does not create a cluttered look.

These days, most of the homeowners are investing on contemporary bathroom vanity which properly fits the small space areas. If the budget allows you to get a contemporary bathroom vanity set up then you should definitely go for it. It will give you the option to get a sink and storage space. This is actually a practical choice as it helps you to organize all the necessary items while also gives a specific area for the sink.

If you have a big bathroom space and a good budget, you can always choose small bathroom vanity and sinks.  When you are actually looking for the right design of the bathroom vanity you should always look for the one using which you can make the most of the space efficiently. To make it spacious, you may choose the one with two or four drawers. It helps you to organize the smaller items in a better way i.e. soap, toothbrushes etc.

Along with the small drawers, you may choose the modern bath vanities with proper shelves below the drawers. This is one of the best storage spaces where you can keep the robes, towels etc. However, it mainly depends on the size of the bathroom vanity which you have chosen. You might even choose Caesarstone bathroom vanities which look classy. Keep all these excellent tips in mind to make your bathroom a “feel-good” place. 

Friday, June 12, 2015

A Guide to the Most Luxurious Countertop Materials!


If you are planning on giving your kitchen a facelift, consider investing some extra cash into your countertops. These will serve as a focal point in the room, so you definitely do not want to cut corners when choosing the material for them.

Remember, the more you invest in your kitchen, which is probably the most important room in your home, the higher your property value can be. A few of the most luxurious countertop options are listed below. 

Granite: A Popular Choice

One of the most popular choices in countertops is granite, and it really is no surprise because it is a high-end material that will be durable and long-lasting while providing your kitchen with a modern appearance. Granite countertops come in a variety of colors, from greens to golden hues, black, and more, so you can choose the color that will fit the design scheme of your kitchen best. No matter what design and color you go with, though, just rest assured that if you upgrade from old-fashioned countertops to granite, you will definitely see a difference in the overall appearance of the room.

Marble: Adding Beauty to Any Kitchen

Marble goes perfectly in a white kitchen, though its color and design can contract darker design schemes too. This classic option will always be in style, so you can rest assured that investing in it once will allow you to save money on upgrades in the long run. Beware that this material can actually stain and scratch quite easily, so you really need to take care of it to keep it looking like new.

Zinc and Pewter: Eco-Friendly and Low-Maintenance

Countertops that are made of a combination of zinc and pewter are a truly unique option that is low-maintenance, stain-resistant, and eco-friendly. And with the right care, these countertops will last for many, many years. This is definitely a unique option that may be a little harder to come by than the other options on this list, but if you can find it, definitely check it out and see if it would be the right fit for your kitchen and your budget. 

Quartz: An Ideal Alternative to Granite

A great alternative to granite is quartz because it has a similar appearance to granite but it is usually more affordable and it is also more eco-friendly. You can choose from just about every color, and you can rest assured that this will be a tough, durable, non-porous option for your countertops.

Tempered Glass: Something Different and Durable

Tempered glass countertops are yet another great alternative to granite, and they are a really modern option as well. They provide a translucent, thick material that is tough yet easy to keep clean. Plus, these countertops also come in a variety of colors to match any décor. Basically, if you are in search of something a little different for your kitchen, it is recommended that you take a look at tempered glass options, as these have a really unique appearance that many people love.

Wood: A Long-Lasting Option with Loads of Appeal

You may not think of wood when it comes to kitchen countertops, but once you see the most modern and luxurious wood countertops, you will definitely see why this is quickly becoming one of the most popular options in kitchen design. You can opt for solid wood or stick with a wood-finished option that is more affordable, and you can also choose from colors that range from ebony to mahogany and everything in between. Bamboo is also a popular option that is perfect for eco-conscious consumers who want to purchase sustainable materials.

Stainless Steel: Match All of Your Appliances for an Ultra Modern Look

Stainless steel is huge in kitchen design, with everyone upgrading their appliances to stainless steel models that are sleek looking and ultra modern, as well as luxurious. If you want to do something truly different, though, you may want to stay away from stainless steel and granite because they are somewhat overdone. Nevertheless, this is a great way to bring a fresh new look into your space and changes its entire vibe.

Ceramic: Nearly Indestructible and Attractive

Ceramic countertops are perfect for those who really love to cook and use their kitchens a lot. These countertops are nearly indestructible, super durable, really easy to keep clean, cool to the touch, and scratch-resistant. Dark finishes will pair perfectly with wooden cabinets, too.

With so many beautiful countertop options available in the world of kitchen design, and many options that provide a sense of luxury, you can definitely upgrade your favorite room and make it look completely new and modern.

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Quick Ways To Up Your House Value!


Selling a home can be a long winded and frustrating experience, particularly when it comes to getting the price you want. A full renovation can increase the value of your home but is costly and time consuming; an unnecessary stressor for a home that you are not going to be living in.
Luckily, you can easily increase the value of your home with these quick and affordable home improvement jobs by Emerald Doors

Paint everything.

Paint is one of the simplest and most effective way of boosting the value of your house. The quickest way to do this is by giving your worn out walls a fresh lick of paint but to gain extra monetary value, here is what we suggest:

Paint the entire house in neutrals.

When living in a house for a few years, you personalize the colour schemes to your taste. The trouble is, it may only be your taste and therefore put off potential buyers who do not have the time, money or patience to change the entire color palette used. By opting for neutrals (think creams, light grays and off whites), you are catering to a range of tastes and are enabling potential buyers to see the house as an empty canvas.

Paint the ceiling the same color as the walls.

This is a little known trick which adds height to a room, making it seem much more spacious. This method works best with light colors (as dark colours on the ceiling can make the room seem boxed in) and rooms with lots of natural light just to really emphasize the space.

Repaint the skirting boards.

Skirting boards are notorious for quickly tarnishing and turning dull, grey and cracked. Giving it a fresh coat of white paint will instantly brighten up the room and make it look new.

Refinish hardwood floors.

Replacing hardwood floors can be expensive, especially if it is in more than one room. If your floors are looking a bit forlorn, hire a floor sander and lightly sand it down before refinishing and sealing. It will instantly polish up the overall look of your interior.

Put up sheer curtains

Sheer curtains are a great way of opening up a room as they bring in natural light. They are also fairly neutral and allow potential buyers a greater ability to imagine the kind of color scheme they want much more than dark or colored curtains.

Get new fixtures and hardware

Worn out handles, tarnished fixtures and battered hardware all instantly diminish the appeal of cabinets, cupboards and doors. Replacing these is not only extremely cheap, it is a quick way of boosting the overall look and making your house seem much more modern and new if you can not afford a complete replacement.

Get a professional cleaner

No amount of store bought carpet shampoo and home hovering will return your carpets to the level of clean you want them to be. Rather than waste your time trying, hire an industrial hoover to use yourself or pay for a professional cleaner. It is a small one off cost that will make your home look much better, easily making a return on cost.

Update the bathroom

A dingy bathroom is often the deal breaker between a potential sale and a fall through. Simple improvements which can add value include: resealing and waterproofing any edges, regrouting, removing mold and mildew from around taps and shower heads, and replacing the toilet seat.

When selling your home, it is the small improvements that can make the biggest difference. A full renovation will add a lot of value but the time and money spent on the project in the first place means it is not always worth it, particularly if it represents your own style and therefore puts off potential buyers. Making small changes which create an overall impression of a new, shiny house is a much more cost effective way of increasing your house resale value.

Thursday, June 4, 2015

How to choose the right sofa for your home!


Choosing furniture for your home is a big deal. It is not only a large monetary investment, but also an investment of your taste and style. You have to be able to live with the furniture you choose.  The design and construction of your furniture should be the highest quality available. The fabric and materials need to be beautiful and durable. You will build your décor around certain pieces such as the sofa, and want that piece to be the focal point of your room.

Choosing a new sofa is not that different from test-driving a new car. They look gorgeous on the showroom floor under all the beautiful lighting and feel comfortable when you sit in them. You may not realize that you should kick the tires, and look under the hood a little, check out the chassis and the upholstery before you buy.

Here are some recommendations for choosing the best quality furniture to fit your budget. When shopping for a sofa, no matter what price point, you want to make sure that you are getting value for your money. You want furniture that will perform well over time, and make your investment worthwhile.

Construction:

Look for sofas made with hardwood frames. Avoid pine and other soft woods as they can sag with wear in a short period of time. Stay away from metal, particle board and plastic as they have a tendency to warp and crack. Look for hardwood frames made of ash, oak or beech wood. Kiln-dried wood is sturdy and durable.

Cushions:

Choose high-density foam or foam wrapped with polyester filling. Low-density foam breaks down easily. Down and loose filling can become lumpy and uneven. More costly down and feathers combined will wear well, but require constant fluffing and turning to avoid becoming compacted.  Select your cushion filling based on the amount of wear you expect to put on your new sofa cushions.

Springs:

As with our car-buying analogy, not all suspension is created equal. There are several types of spring and spring-less  construction to consider in your sofa purchase. Sinuous or serpentine springs are common, especially in the lower price bracket. They can be serviceable, but may become bent or sag with wear. They can also catch on the frame, squeak or poke through the bottom. Higher-end sofas are made with 8-way hand-tied springs that wear a bit better, but are an added expense. Do some test-sitting in different areas of the sofa (near the front of the frame and in the front outside corner of the cushion) to listen for squeaks or creaks that would indicate springs rubbing against the wooden frame.

Hardware and Joinery:

This is where the “rubber meets the road” with your new sofa. Look for frames with solid construction and avoid any sofa that has been put together exclusively with staples, nails or glue. Quality construction will be framed with wooden dowels, metal brackets and screws, wood blocks, or double wooden dowels.

Upholstery Fabrics:

The fabric you choose must not only be pleasing to the eye, but also long-wearing, fade resistant, and sewn with quality thread. Avoid linen, silk and cotton fabrics, as they can be delicate and difficult to clean. Opt instead for microfibers, synthetic and cotton blends with strong weaves. Those fabrics with a nap or raised print can snag and wear unevenly. Take care to examine a swatch of fabric in the lighting of your room to be sure that the hue and tone of the color will work with your décor.

Under $1000:

In the low end of the price range, look for companies such as Wildon Home and Coaster Fine Furniture or Ekeskog from Ikea. La-Z-Boy and Simplicity Sofas all manufacture sofas at this price point.

$1000 - $3000:

There are many to choose from in this price range. Look at Crate and Barrel, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams and IFN Modern for excellent quality, affordable sofas.

$3000+:

High-end sofas from Cisco Home, Ligne Roset and B&B Italia are among those that sell the best high-end designs with excellent quality manufacturing.


With the right questions asked, and an eye towards function and longevity, you can find a sofa in your price range that will be a delight to live with.

Max Powers is an interior design enthusiast from Vancouver who has a passion for abstract art. His passion for Mid Century Modern Furniture knows no bounds.