Guest post- Top design tips for bringing the summer indoors!

This post is brought to you by Laura Wright.

We all love summer. Whether your favorite part of the summer season is the early sunrises, sunny weather, BBQs, late sunsets or just being outside, it is a great time of the year.

If you love the summertime, but can not spend the whole time outdoors, why not bring that summer feeling inside? Here are a few top design tips to help you bring the summer into your home.

Add a splash of color

Bring those summer colours into your home by painting a feature wall for a fresh look – think yellow, orange, lime green, pink and baby blue. These colors work wonders and will transform your home to a warm and summery haven.

If you do not want to get the paintbrushes out, you could choose to use colourful fabrics to magically make the room feel more summery.

Accessorize with flowers

Your home will look like a new place just by adding some gorgeous fresh flowers. Whether you have decided to buy your favorites from the local florist or simply pick a few from your garden, your interior will suddenly come alive. 

If you have a fireplace that roars during the winter, update it for the warmer months by replacing those logs or coals with flowers. It does not always have to be fresh flowers though; you can even bring the outdoors in by using floral napkins and tablecloths. 

Swap dark hues for light shades

During the miserable winter days, your home becomes warm and snugly thanks to dark colours. From your pillows to your throws and rugs, just about everything is a mix of browns, blues and blacks.

To bring the sunshine inside, store these items away until next winter and bring out the bright and light colours. Cover your sofa with a white or cream throw, add bold cushions and cover that dark wooden flooring with a brightly coloured rug.

Let in the light

In the cold months it is important to keep the heat in our homes, so we hang thick and heavy curtains. You could completely transform your interior into a light and airy summer home by pulling back the curtains, swapping them for white or pastel drapes and opening those windows.

Do not let your interior design keep you in the dark - lighten up the place and bring the summer inside. 

Book review and a giveaway- Tom Scheerer Decorates!

Happy Labor Day, my lovelies! Recently, I was sent an advanced copy of Tom Scheerer's first book, Tom Scheerer Decorates, authored by Mimi Read and boy, what a visual treat!

The gorgeous cover truly piqued my interest and captivates my heart even before I start turning the pages. 

When I removed the dust jacket, a pleasant surprise awaits me. Just take a look at that stunning caned cover!

Here is a sneak peek of the gorgeous images you will find inside the book.

Photo credits: Francesco Lagnese

The designer: Tom Scheerer

I love this big and beautiful coffee table book! A master of mixing colors and patterns, his designs always conjures an old-world charm with a sense of modern sensibility, relaxed sophistication and a fresh twist. And most importantly, his designs always captivate, excite and inspire! I am thrilled to add this fabulous book to my collection and I know you will, too!

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

You can get this lovely 240-pages of eye candy here. Along with today's review, I also have one Tom Scheerer Decorates book to give away to one lucky Mix And Chic reader!

You must be a resident of the United States.

To enter:

1. Be a follower of Mix And Chic via Google Friend Connect (click on the button located under 'Followers' on the right sidebar) and let me know why you want to win this book. After you have done both, please leave a comment followed by your email so I can contact you if you win. 

For example: I am now a follower of Mix And Chic via GFC. I would love to win this book because .............................

(enter your email here)

(one basic entry)

For additional entries (an extra entry for each of the following):

2. 'Like' Mix And Chic on Facebook and leave a separate comment. (If you are already following, please leave a separate comment to let me know as well.)

3. 'Follow' Mix And Chic on Twitter and leave a separate comment. (If you are already following, please leave a separate comment to let me know as well.)

4.'Follow' Mix And Chic on Pinterest and leave a separate comment. (If you are already following, please leave a separate comment to let me know as well.)  

5. Mention this giveaway on your Facebook status (include a link back to this post) and leave a separate comment. 

6. Tweet about this giveaway (include a link back to this post) and leave a separate comment.

7. Bonus question: Let me know which is your favorite room and why. (For example: I like room number _ because .............................. )

You have a maximum of 7 entries.

The last day for entries is September 11, 2013. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced on Thursday, September 12, 2013. Good luck!

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

Announcing the winner of the recent giveaway brought to you by NOVICA. 

As usual, I have used random.org to draw a lucky winner and here it is! The winner who will be receiving a $50 NOVICA gift certificate is

Madeline B.

Congratulations, Madeline! I will send you an email soon. Thank you so much to everyone who entered. I have another fabulous giveaway planned next Monday, so don't forget to stop by. Enjoy your day, my lovelies!

Guest post- Style vs. Function – Achieving The Perfect Balance For Your Kitchen!

It is a never-ending, all-encompassing dilemma – style or practicality? But when it comes to your kitchen, who says you can not have both? More and more people in the UK today are embracing home cooking, so we want our kitchens to be both stylish, enjoyable and functional.

Whether your kitchen is a traditional, rustic or a modern, contemporary affair, you want to ensure that your kitchen walks the fine line between style and function. Here are a few things to consider when planning your kitchen design.

Storage

Your kitchen has to store a lot of stuff. In order for your kitchen to function, you will need storage for food supplies, cutlery, crockery, utensils and appliances but if you have not considered your space and storage thoroughly, you could end up with a cluttered cooking area.

Cupboards are key for storage, and do not just limit them to ground level. Incorporate wall cupboards, tall cupboards and overhead cabinets to really make the most of your space and having them all the way up to the ceiling give you the added bonus of not having to clean the tops! Try to break up the cupboards with shelves to make the area look more varied. If you do not have enough wall space, you could alternatively consider adding free standing open shelving, which ensures that everything you need is at hand. As a bonus, it can also be used as a room divider if you have a large kitchen which you wish to split up.

Do not forget your appliances too – if you always have a kettle, toaster, blender and coffee maker lying around the place it can end up looking messy and cluttered, and takes up unnecessary space on the work surface. Try installing covered spaces or boxes which slide open to store these appliances in, so that you only have them out on the surface when you need them.

You could even use your storage as a display area – if you have fine china or ornate crockery that you want to show off, install some cabinets with glass doors or have some smart open shelves.

Surfaces

Also crucial when creating a livable kitchen space are surfaces to prepare and cook food on. Even if all you ever do in the kitchen is prepare yourself packed lunches, you will probably find that you will be grateful for all the space you can get.

Incorporate a kitchen island or breakfast bar. They can break up a kitchen's design and add extra preparation and storage space. They are multifunctional as well because it also serves as a place to have your meals.

When considering what material to use for your kitchen worktops, functionality should be at the forefront of your mind. You want a material which is easy to maintain, as this overall will look better than one which gets grimy and damaged easily over the years. If you are on a budget, laminate may be your best bet and if you have a bigger budget, invest in quartz worktops, which balance the natural beauty of stone with durability and easy maintenance. Avoid tiles, as the grout between them requires a lot of maintenance and steel because it will dent and scratch easily.

Lighting

There are so many things you can do with light to ensure it is both stylish and functional. Try “task lighting” - using your light to highlight areas which you use during your cooking tasks, for example installing LEDs under your cabinets to beam down on the work surface below or fix lights so that they illuminate from behind shelves light up your equipment. To add a little panache to your kitchen lighting, hang a fixture over your kitchen island – if you are feeling flush you could hang a chandelier, but if not a quirky lampshade can work just as well.

Your main aim, however, should be to incorporate as much natural light as possible, as this is much better for your eyes than artificial lighting. Your kitchen should have plenty of windows; if this is not possible, consider a sun roof. Many people even have patio doors in their kitchen, which really allow the light to flood into the kitchen.

Color

Choosing a color scheme for your kitchen space is your chance to put your stamp on it. If you do want to use a bold color  we would recommend mixing it with a more demure shade. For example, if you go for bright blue walls in your kitchen, keep your cupboards and surfaces a neutral grey color, to avoid the room looking too garish.

You can use color to highlight certain areas, and color blocks to break up the space. If you spend a lot of time in your kitchen, use a warm color such as a red or orange, to create a welcoming, cozy environment. Glass cooker splashbacks are a great way to add a spot of color to a dull looking kitchen. You can usually select from a wide range of colors and they are extremely easy to maintain and can handle the pressures of everyday cooking.

This guest post was written by Emma Williams, who recently renovated her kitchen, with the help of K100 Kitchens. K100 Kitchens specialise in creating beautiful, functional kitchens and offer free, no obligation quotes.

Guest post- Weird and wonderful ways to use artificial grass!

These days, more and more people are choosing to install artificial lawns over real lawns because its low-maintenance, eco-friendly, cost effective and very realistic. Fake grass was unheard of many years ago but now the trend has taken off all over the world so it is not uncommon to see a fake grass lawn in your neighbors back garden or the garden across the road nowadays. But you may be surprised at some of the other places were artificial lawns are cropping up.

Rooftop Garden

If you do not have the luxury of owning a garden then do not fear, create a rooftop garden by installing a grass surface and decorating with potted plants and garden accessories. You will never tell the difference.

Balcony or Terrace

If you live in a flat or apartment and miss the look and feel of grass, install it onto your balcony or terrace, that way you can have the best of both worlds.

Private Putting Areas

Calling all golfers how would you like to own your very own putting green? Use artificial grass to create a small private putting green for golf practice, you can do this in your garden or even indoors if you have the space, it will make a great place for you and your mates to practice a few drives.

Indoor Gym

If you are a bit of a gym buddy but like the outdoors, then artificial grass can create the feel of an outdoor workout whilst using state of the art equipment indoors.

Animal Play Area

Pets can have devastating effects on your lawn and carpet, so why not give your dog its very own play area. Fake grass is safer for pets and can be and is a lot more hygienic to clean.

Children’s Bedroom

If you have a child in your family who is a football fan then fake grass is great option for a children’s bedroom or a themed playroom. You can create a football pitch or a jungle by simply putting animal prints on the walls for boys and flowers and countryside rainbows for girls.

Chicken Coop

If you are a chicken lover but are fed up of them running your lawn then give them a fake grass to run. That way they are happy and the mess can simply be hosed down.

Play Area

Artificial grass is perfect for a children’s play area. It is a much safer option to put underneath climbing frames, slides and swings. You can relax in peace whilst the children play safely.

Swimming Pools

Artificial grass is water permeable and anti-slip so it is a great idea for putting around your garden pool. It is pretty, slip- free and you will have no more muddy wet patches on your lawn.

Business Marketing

When you look at photo shoots based on a lovely scenic background or on a greener than greener football pitch? Well it is fake grass. Believe it or not, fake grass is often used at promotional events, in TV commercial and photo-shoots.

Commercial Décor

Fake grass is just fantastic for market stalls and creating themed areas and window displays to showcase outdoor products such as bikes, BBQ equipment, outdoor play area and camping equipment.

Thanks to artificial grass’s low-cost, versatility and eco-friendly attributes, artificial grass is making a big splash in many unusual places.  Once thought to just be for sporting venues and the occasional front lawn, the uses for fake grass are endless!

This post was written by Amy Bennett who has recently invested in high quality artificial grass from Namgrass. 

A product review and a giveaway- NOVICA!

I am happy to collaborate with NOVICA again for another product review today. You can check out my previous review here. 

NOVICA is one of the leading fair trade artisan websites, working with National Geographic to give talented artisans around the world a place to express their artistic talents and provide access to the world market. You will find thousands of top fair trade corporate gifts, accessories, jewelry, apparel and home decor items on their website.

Now, let's take a look at some of my favorite NOVICA products, shall we?

Cotton Cushion Covers, 'Madhubani Peacock' (pair)

Cotton Cushion Covers, 'Choral' (pair)

Paper Mache Jewelry Box, 'Kashmir Butterfly'

Papier Mache Box, 'Mughal Warriors'

Mirror, 'Sun Medallion'

Mohena Mirror, 'Sunbeams'

Quartz Y-Necklace, 'White Daffodils'

Marble Inlay Plate, 'Floral Waltz'

Which item is your favorite? By the way, NOVICA is featuring these products so don't forget to check them out when you get a chance!

Silver Wrap Rings

Patterned Shawls

Fashion Sweaters

Short Sleeve Blouses

Citrine Chandelier Earrings

Silver Pendants

For this review, I was given a $50 gift certificate to spend on a product of my choice. After browsing their website for a while, I decided on this item for today's review.

Pinewood box, 'Nostalgic Village'

My box came beautifully wrapped which is a great surprise to me!

The lovely doll gift topper is a great touch (I am definitely keeping it!).

A post card is included with my box as well.

Ta-dah, here is my gorgeous box!

The delightful details.

The box's interior.

I was immediately drawn to this gorgeous handcrafted box for its vibrant colors and beautiful, simple cubist style design. Painted by hand, the color combination is very charming and I like how the bright colors created a wonderful contrast against the dark wood. Made of pine wood, this box is solid and well-made. The box is also bigger than what I expected (which is a big plus!) and the lovely presentation brings a smile to my face. Needless to say, I am totally in love with my new decorative box! 

You can check out other fabulous products created by the same artist here. 

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

If you are like me and love beautifully handcrafted items, you will love this giveaway because NOVICA is giving away a $50 gift certificate to one lucky Mix And Chic reader!

 

This giveaway is open to readers worldwide.*

 

*International winner will have to pay for taxes and duties.

 

To enter:

 

1. Be a follower of Mix And Chic via Google Friend Connect (click on the button located under 'Followers' on the right sidebar) and let me know your favorite item from NOVICA (with a link included). After you have done both, please leave a comment followed by your email so I can contact you if you win. 

 

 For example: I am now a follower of Mix And Chic via GFC and I love this item: 

http://www.novica.com/itemdetail/index.cfm?pid=207075

(enter your email here)

 

(one basic entry)

For additional entries (an extra entry for each of the following):

2. 'Like' NOVICA on Facebook and leave a separate comment.

    

3. 'Like' Mix And Chic on Facebook and leave a separate comment. (If you are already following, please leave a separate comment to let me know as well.)

4. 'Follow' NOVICA on Twitter and leave a separate comment.

5. 'Follow' Mix And Chic on Twitter and leave a separate comment. (If you are already following, please leave a separate comment to let me know as well.)

6. 'Follow' NOVICA on Pinterest and leave a separate comment.

7. 'Follow' Mix And Chic on Pinterest and leave a separate comment. (If you are already following, please leave a separate comment to let me know as well.)

8. Mention this giveaway on your Facebook status (include a link back to this post and leave a separate comment.)

9. Tweet about this giveaway (include a link back to this post and leave a separate comment.)

You have a maximum of 9 entries.

The last day for entries is August 28, 2013. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced on Thursday, August 29, 2013. Good luck!