Guest post- Creating A Dorm Room Fit For A Queen!

This post is authored by Kelly Kassen.

When you first step foot into your new college dorm room, you are given somewhat of a clean slate. After all, now is the time in which you can meet new friends, try new hobbies, distinguish your personality and shape the future you want for yourself; the world is your blank canvas to make your mark upon, not much unlike the plain, off-white walls of your dorm room. Making your dorm room go from drag to fab is not always easy, so here are some tips that will have you feeling organized and relaxed in your castle away from home.

Most dorms have what I prefer to call “the essentials” provided for you: a bed, desk, dresser, and chair. Now, if you are one of the lucky few that does not have to share space with another, you have the freedom to let your creativity loose to express yourself from floor to ceiling.However, if you are sharing this space with a roommate, the two of you might want to come up with a theme that includes both of your styles so it does not look like one side of the area is battling the other.

This space is going to have to be multi-functional. You will have to sleep, study, have fun, get ready, and sometimes eat in this area. Keeping clean and tidy is going to be your first order of business. Get organized, period! Making sure that you are not wasting space is always vital when it comes to smaller areas. One way to do this is to incorporate your study environment into a place that you can easily turn into a place to just hang out and relax. Your desk is obviously there to study, however, setting out family photos and a stylish lamp will quickly glam up the area. Make sure you take advantage of the opportunity to expand vertically rather than horizontally by purchasing two small sets of shelves that either sit above or below the table; hide unattractive things like your calculator in a drawer, but have aesthetically enhancing items like plants sit in plain sight.

Since colleges are often picky about what can and cannot be on the walls, hanging a geometric tapestry will add some much needed color to the room. A tack board can be helpful when it comes to keeping track of important items, but why not also cover it in fun fabrics and customize your push pins to make it even more unique?

One of the most important areas of the room will be your bed. Since the mattresses and frames have probably have been used in the past, they most likely would not be the most comfortable in the world. Make sure you get a comforter and egg crate bed pad. Sites like OCM specialize in dorm bedding and have plenty of great colors and patterns. Once you have your bed all comfy, how about really making it look fit for a queen? With 3M sticky hooks on your ceiling, string, and light curtains, you can create a luxurious looking canopy around your bed (instructions here).

Tired of putting your warm feet on that cold tile floor when you wake up every morning? Purchase an area rug that harmonizes with the preferences of both you and your roommate. Not only does this get rid of the “dorm room feel” but it also gives you some color in the room. We know everyone is sick of staring at the white walls by now! One of my favorite spots for these is Linens N Things, but thrift shops and garage sales are always good if you do not mind hitting the dust out.

Closet space is nothing to joke around about in a dorm. They are small and sometimes there is only one that two people are asked to share. To make the most of this small space, only bring what you are going to need for the current semester and, when you drive to your parents’ during the holidays, switch out your wardrobe. There are all sorts of products that enable you to make sure every inch of the closet is utilized, including shoe racks, vertically stacked hangers and holders for dangling storage cubbies.

Drawer space is going to be the same as closest, LIMITED! Use this space to store anything you do not want just sitting out for anyone who is walking by to see. For those articles of clothing you do not need to access on a daily basis, use stackable wicker baskets.

Laundry can pile up quickly when you are busy running to and from class, the gym, and school events. Make sure to bring a cute laundry bag with you; the benefit of this instead of a basket is when your laundry is clean and put away the bag can easily hang in the closet or on a bed post or even be folded up, where the basket takes up valuable floor space.

Another way to make your room feel more like home is to hang some curtains that reflect you and your roommate’s taste. (This also helps if you are not an early bird). Looks can often be changed quickly and easily to help give you more light or less light, or even change the theme of the room.

All of these suggestions are easy and simple fixes to make you feel like you are at home while not hitting the pocket book too hard. College should be fun and colorful, so should your dorm room! 

Seven simple suggestions to achieve a spa-like bathroom!

If you have ever treated yourself to a session at the spa you will know that, as much as the treatments and the chance to relax, the environment plays a key part in your enjoyment of your time there.

While you can not install a full-scale spa in the corner of your home, you can give one room a revamp to give it the character of a mini-spa; the bathroom. Think about it; this is the one room in the house where you can have utter privacy and indulge yourself.

The following tips will help you create a bathroom with a spa-like feel.

1. Earth bound

When you think of the colour scheme in a spa, what comes to mind? Light, natural colours are favoured in the spa environment as they create a sense of calm and tranquility. Earthy tones like beiges and greens complement a spectrum of blues which work together for a holistic effect. Decorate your bathroom in light, earthy colors to recreate the feel of a spa.

2. The little things

If the taps in your bathroom are mismatched then remedy the situation! One characteristic of a spa is deign consistency. Stunning Mira Showers mixer taps come in a range of styles to suit your taste and are not only elegant, but durable and practical as well. Nothing less could be expected of Mira Showers which has been in the bathroom business for nearly 100 years.

3. Sign of life

The presence of a plant in your bathroom will work wonders for creating a spa-like feel. Orchids are ideal as they are elegant and graceful. They also look fabulous on the counter and last for months.

4. Making scents

Soothing scents are indispensable to the spa experience, so make sure you emulate this in your bathroom.

Choose an essential oil which you like and dab it around the room. Lavender and eucalyptus are the perfect scents for a spa-like bathroom.

5. Elegant storage

Do away with the packages of health and beauty products that litter up any bathroom and place them in glass containers instead. What looks more spa-like; cotton balls in their box or in a pretty glass container?

6. The extras

Your shower curtain may be fun but if that means it is bright, jazzy and jarring it is probably not right for a spa environment. Replace it with a more subdued curtain in light hues or semi-transparent so that light can get through.

The same goes for your bath mat. A wooden panel mat always looks better and is easier to take care of.

7. Plan to relax

If you are going to the trouble of transforming your bathroom, make sure you have the bits and pieces for relaxing. Do you need a little table next to your bath for a glass of juice or wine? What about a rubber pillow to fix at the head of the tub? Oh – and don’t forget the candles!

Happy blog anniversary?

Today marked another milestone for my blog. Mix And Chic turns three today!

Instead of feeling happy, I feel mentally exhausted. Not to be a Debbie Downer or anything but a lot of unhappy things happened to me recently and it made me wants to quit blogging altogether. If you are a regular reader, you will noticed that I don't post like I used to (at a specific time). To be honest, blogging seems like a chore to me now.

Perhaps a long blogging break is all I needed? Or having less posts in a week might help? I don't know. If you are a blogger and have been in a similar situation, what did you do to pick yourself up? Suggestions?

To all fans and supporters of Mix And Chic, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Without you, I wouldn't have come this far.

Guest post- How can bedroom furniture help you achieve New Years resolutions?

This article is provided by Joseph Halsall. 

Most people’s New Year’s resolutions include the ambition to include more order in their lives. Other people might want to de-stress by ensuring that they use their leisure time more effectively.

A good night’s sleep is always important and a good bed, with storage options could make your resolutions come true.

The benefits of contemporary bedroom furniture

If you are determined to carry out these particular New Year’s resolutions, then a good place to start will be examining the options for the very latest bedroom furniture.

Modern bedroom furniture often doubles up as a vehicle for storage. This applies to furniture for both adults and children.

Lumpy mattresses are a thing of the past and whether you choose a Tempur memory mattress or a sturdy divan you will be guaranteed a good night’s sleep. No one can function with the pressures of the 21^st century without suitable rest and relaxation.

A new bedroom design for a New Year

In order to carry out your resolutions, take a good look at the bedrooms you wish to modify and then draw up a realistic budget. If the kids’ room is always sprawling with toys, discarded trainers and other delights then try and see how tidying up might become a reality instead of a dream.

One way in which to tackle the nightmare of clutter is to invest in units that look fun and are easy to use. If you decided to buy a cabin bed for your child, then the range of drawers and shelving that comes with this particular bed will please you.

You will also have a good chance of fulfilling your decluttering ambition.

Bedroom furniture for adults

If you have decided that you need to de clutter in order to run your life more efficiently then you could always take a look at adult beds that incorporate storage within their design. This is an easy way to store bulky objects of clothing or surplus bedding.

Clutter is synonymous with disorganisation and it is difficult to relax if you are surrounded by items of clothing or bedding. Blanket boxes at the foot of the bed are also a good idea, especially when covered by cushions dressed with fabric that complements your colour scheme.

Your bedroom should be relaxing

Increasingly, bedrooms are used as a place of general relaxation rather than just for sleep so make sure that you include a comfortable chair in the room. If you place it by the window, you will create a perfect spot for reading.

This occupation should recharge your batteries and renew your energy so that you can cope with any family upsets or alarms. If you have complemented your bedding with stunning curtain fabrics and other accessories you will soon find that you have created a relaxing haven.

Have a look at new light because that can make your bedroom look very chic and influence the mood too.

Order and relaxation would not necessarily solve all of life’s problems in the New Year, but at least you will be secure in the knowledge that you have a tidy house and a relaxed mind.

Guest post- 5 Must Have Backyard Swimming Pool Supplies!

This article is provided by Carol Atkins.

Homeowners who are getting ready to open their swimming pool for the summer need to make sure they have a few necessary items on hand. Pool safety and energy efficiency are extremely important and should be thought of often when maintaining any type of swimming pool. Both inground and above ground pools require specific types of maintenance supplies and equipment to ensure they are safe and ready for the fun times of summer.

Assorted Sizes and Types of Floatation Devices - A wide assortment of floatation devices is essential, especially if you have small children or inexperienced swimmers who will be in the pool frequently. Long foam tubes, conventional life jackets, inflatable rings and water wings/floaties are inexpensive and can be used for both fun and safety.

Gates and Fencing - Installing gates with latches that are high enough to prevent small children and toddlers from gaining entrance to the pool are important additions. Gates should be sturdy and must be able to latch securely. They should also be tall enough to prevent animals or children from climbing over the top. Fencing should be added that surrounds the pool on all sides to prevent unwanted visitors from wandering to close and falling.

Drain Covers - Drain covers are used to prevent large objects from entering the drain and filter systems. When debris is allowed to collect near drains and filters, they can hinder water flow making filtration systems work harder than necessary. When in operation, systems may cause strong currents to form, pulling large items towards the drain. A small child's arm or a loose fitting bathing suit can be drawn up into the drain and become stuck. Adding a drain cover will prevent accidental injuries from occurring as well as keeping larger items from clogging the entrance.

Chemical Test Kits - Chemical test kits are essential to the proper upkeep of any pool. The balance of chemicals in the pool must be kept constant to prevent the growth of algae and bacteria. Making sure a test kits is fully stocked at the beginning of the pool season makes it easy to test chemical levels each day to ensure proper balance. Checking the kit each month and restocking it when needed will guarantee there is always enough on hand to keep the water chemicals balanced and the pool crystal clear.

Pool Covers - Pool and solar covers offer several benefits. They keep debris, such as leaves and small twigs on the surface of the water so they can be easily removed and discarded. Without a cover, much of the debris would settle to the bottom making it necessary to vacuum the pool every day. Another benefit of pool and solar covers involves preventing the loss of heat and water from evaporation. Solar covers use allow sunlight to warm the water without the need for the pool's heating system.

Guest post- Silk For The Ultimate Nights Sleep!

This post is provided by Emily James.

As many as one in three of us will have some issues sleeping in our lifetime. Creating a relaxing sleeping environment is the most effective way to avoid such problems.

Adding some stylish silk touches to your bedroom can be a great way to improve both the appearance and comfort. Silk is not only the ultimate in luxury; it is naturally hypoallergenic, helps regulate body temperature and is renowned for its health giving benefits for the skin and hair.

Below we take a look at the various ways you can make subtle changes to your bedroom to help you get a luxury nights sleep.

Silk Bedding

Changing your bedding is one of the most obvious additions to your bedroom you could make.

Silk Bedding, pillows, pillowcases, duvets and mattress toppers will offer you year round comfort with a touch of class.  Due to it’s heat conducting properties, silk adjusts to the individuals body temperate. Resistance to dust mites and being hypoallergenic also adds to the practicalities.

Silk Nightwear

Often when sleeping, individuals can become restless due to the clothing they are wearing. This could be due to becoming too hot wearing fleece type pyjamas, or equally becoming too cold as a result of thin material.

Silk pyjamas are the perfect happy medium for body temperature as well as being the extreme in luxury. Wearing high grade A mulberry silk will not only ensure your nightwear is soft and breathable but the high protein content will ensure it is kind on your skin. As with the duvets, the silk will adapt to your body temperature ensuring you are comfortable through the night.

These subtle changes to your bedroom could have a profound effect on your sleeping behavior and ensure the perfects nights sleep, every night.

For more information on getting a luxury nights sleep, visit Gingerlily Luxury Bedding.

Guest post- How to make the most of winter in your home’s interior!

This article is provided by Danny Thomson.

Although Christmas already seems like a distant memory, we are very much still in the middle of winter. And whether it is Christmas or not, it is likely that over the coming weeks and months, the weather will definitely be frightful, so why not make the inside of your home the delightful, warm and cozy haven that you can escape the winter chills from?

When winter is sinking in its icy claws into the landscape, it can be nice to reflect the change of the seasons within your house; it is all about finding the right decorations and soft furnishings. Whether this time of year makes you think of a roaring fireplace or building a snowman, there is sure to make the most of your home’s interior during this beautiful season.

Creating actual and visual heat

When the temperature drops, it is wonderful to cuddle up on the sofa. Of course, it is much nicer to do so when it is toasty enough that you do not need to wear three pairs of socks. Perhaps the most rustic way of feeling the heat is to use a fireplace or wood burner. 

Warm colors

One of the best ways to feel warm and cozy without using a tonne of energy by having your radiators at full blast is to use color schemes that give off a warm feel just by looking at them. Deep reds, oranges or greens can work a treat here. And you do not necessarily need to get the paintbrush out – some well-chosen accessories means you can change around your décor to suit the season without spending a fortune. Accessories like rugs, lamps and cushions help to achieve this with the minimum of fuss.

Use of pictures

Even if it is not necessarily freezing cold outside, you can use pictures around the home to show off some beautiful winter scenes. Whether that means canvas prints of snowy scenes or big pillar candles lined up on the heath, you really have the chance to use your imagination. When you see images like this, you would not be able to resist spending as much time indoors as possible throughout the winter to ensure you stay warm and cozy

Guest post- Essentials for turning your garden into buffet party!

We may be in the firm grips of winter, but there is no reason to push those thoughts of hot summer weekends out of your head. Furnishing and decorating the garden for a BBQ requires a lot more thought and consideration than simply buying a few grill packs. Here are three essentials you will need to consider to ensure your party goes off without a hitch.

Heating

If you are brave enough to host your buffet party during a clear winter’s day, or take the festivities late into the night during the summer, you will need to find a way to prevent your guest’s teeth from chattering.

There is a variety of outdoor heating methods available from Whites Stores. Cast iron chimneys serve as both a source of warmth and an attractive focal point to your garden. They fit in with the natural surroundings and do not look as out of place and artificial as patio heaters. Just make sure you have an adequate supply for wood and kindling to take you through the late hours.

Seating

Once you have an idea of the number of people in attendance, make sure you have ample seating and table space to accommodate everyone. If your guests need to stand, make sure you have room to display the full buffet outside, so that guests do not have to keep popping indoors for more.

If you are feeling really adventurous, you could always splash out on a hot tub. You can hire them from companies like Hireatub.co.uk and it will be delivered the next day. Perfect for adults and children alike, there is no better way to relax than in the garden.

Decorations

An excellent way to inject some fun into the buffet is by picking a theme. A Mexican garden party, for example, gives you the opportunity to adorn your garden with eye-catching decorations like national flags, piñatas and sombreros. It may be a tad cliché for some, but if the food and music matches the theme, the guests will enjoy and appreciate the effort you have gone to. 

Makeover Miracle- From Simple Boys' Room To Fabulous Bedroom With Built-In Bunk Beds!

First of all, let me make a confession. I have been following this very talented blogger forever! She is none other than Michelle from 4 Men 1 Lady (formerly known as 3 Men And A Lady). I have been her fan since her 3 Men And A Lady's days! She absolutely has a knack for decorating. So don't forget to take a tour of her beautiful home here and her previous home here when you get a chance! Recently, she shared her boy's bedroom reveal on her blog and I was absolutely wowed! 

I am sure many of you have seen amazing built-in bunk beds on Pinterest, but how many of us actually built them from scratch? Well, this girl did (with some help) and it turned out super-duper fabulous! Check this out!

via

Aren't those bunk beds awesome? No details were overlooked. A ladder and curtain rods made with plumbing pipes for that effortless industrial look? Check! Double-sided curtains for a fun, custom touch? Check! A special nook for a clock, books and fun trinkets? Check! Anchor pillows and beautiful wall boards for a nautical feel? Check! Silver wall sconces for late night reading? Check! A colorful world map to tie the whole design together? Check! 

I just love a project that is well thought-out, carefully planned and beautifully executed. This is definitely one of those projects! Don't forget to check out additional pictures of this fab bedroom, the befores and progress here. I am obsessed about this room, what about you? Thoughts?

Guest post- How To Create A Rustic Dining Room!

There are few things in life that are better than sitting down with friends and family and sharing food. If you can do this in beautiful surroundings: so much the better. Rustic dining rooms are fabulous at any time, but when the days are a little bit shorter and the temperature a little bit cooler, a rustic dining room just seems to come into its own. Let us have a closer look at some of the features that you might consider for your rustic dining room.

1. Materials

With any type of rustic design the emphasis is always on natural materials. That is not to say that you can not combine traditional and contemporary looks. If, however, you are planning to give your dining room that authentic rustic quality then you should be looking to natural materials.

The materials you use set the feel and tone of the room. Rough wood, solid beams and rough stone give a feeling of security; a welcoming hearth and wicker furniture are a reminder of slower, gentler times, and colourful table linin and natural finished furniture add a touch of homeliness and coziness.

2. Rustic Dining Table

The dining table is going to be a central feature of any dining room and a rustic one is no different. With rustic décor the accent is always on the furniture being constructed, as far as it is practicable to do this, from natural materials. So you can expect to see lots of wood and stone.

Natural materials are very comforting and can blend well with modern designs. Rustic tables are not difficult to acquire and are not too expensive. If you are very creative you can have a go at making one yourself. Oak and pine are popular woods from which rustic tables are constructed.

Just it couple of tips if you are thinking of making your own table. You will find lots of designs on the internet; Pinterest is a good place to look. When looking for timber, the grain is something to pay particular attention to, unless your intention is to paint or distress the wood.

3. Rustic Furniture

Rustic furniture is about as natural as it gets. Sticks, logs and twigs are used in its construction. You will find rustic furniture manufactured by artisans throughout the country. They will take their inspiration from a wide range of influences: some historical; some more recent.

Look out for the two different types of construction. The first is known as bentwood. This uses sticks that are bent into shape. The sticks will have previously been steamed to make them pliable. You will often see rocking chairs constructed this way. The second is known as twig work where peeled twigs are bent to form decorative features. This type of construction was very popular in the Great Camps of The Adirondack Mountains.

4.  Fire Place

A fire place will become the focal point of your room. The fireplace you put in your rustic dining room can easily incorporate the same natural elements that have been used in other parts of the room’s design. If it is possible to have a real fire burning on a cold winter’s day, the warmth, the glow and the rustic charm of the fireplace with fill you with joy and optimism that all is well with the world. If you do not have a chimney, there are a wide range of artificial fires that are available.

5. Hearth

It is of no surprise that we link hearth and home together. There is something comforting and secure about a beautiful stone hearth. A good tip here is to use stones of different sizes. This will give your hearth the appearance of being constructed by hand, just as it would have been all those years ago.

Nothing completes the look of your fireplace and adds an extra bit of rustic charm and coziness to your dining room than a natural wood or natural stone mantel. If you go for wood try and get a mantel that has been hand carved, which will, again, add to the homeliness of its appearance: just like the odd sized stones in the hearth. To complete the look try and get a matching hand carved wooden surround.

In a busy world it is good to have a place to come home to that makes you feel that life is just right. A rustic dining room will do this. The five suggestions above should give you enough to get you started in creating a little bit of rustic charm in your home.

Author: David Johnson has written extensively on interior design. He began his working life as an apprentice carpenter. David recommends Lights and Furniture for all your home decoration needs.