How to maximize small living spaces!

We have all heard about the impossibly small living spaces that landlords are offering these days, especially if you happen to be renting in London.

With that in mind however, there are a few nifty tricks for making the most of the smallest spaces.

Make use of the light

There is nothing worse than a small room without any light. By cleverly positioning windows (if you can) and mirrors, you can make a room look far larger than it actually is.

What's more, when your windows are open, ensure that the entire thing is clear so that nothing is obscured. Instead of hanging your windows inside the frame, consider hanging them from the ceiling so that you can make most of the window.

Install smart drawers and doors

We have all seen them and the truth is that smart drawers that make the use of kitchen spaces can be the best thing ever for rooms (and kitchens) with small spaces. Another idea might be to make use of sliding or bifold doors rather than swinging internal ones. There is nothing worse than having to squeeze through a tight space when a simple sliding mechanism could be used instead.

Invest in a sofabed

For those who happen to be living in a studio flat, a sofa bed might well be the thing for you. Although people often tend to think of sofa beds as uncomfortable, second rate contraptions, the truth is that they are now getting more comfortable and stylish as the years pass.

What’s more, if you are the kind of person who likes watching television in bed, you could even get one of those to save even more space.

Make the most of your storage options

You can invest in some great storage ideas without making your home look cluttered or messy; whether you wish to add a few strategic hooks here or there, or even make use of the space under your bed.

Additionally, more and more people are buying things digitally, whether it is magazines, films or books. If you live in a small space, there is no reason why you can not buy your books online and donate all your old things to charity.

Be strategic with your space

Kate Leach, home designer at John Lewis says:

I have recently done my bedroom - it is not huge at all, but I have looked at the room and said, "Right, that is my sleeping space for the bed, that is my storage space for my clothes, and that is my practical space for my dressing table. Once you have 'mapped out' what each corner of the room is likely to be used for, then you can use it to its full potential."

In other words, map out your space with a notepad and clearly define what each area will be used for- you would not live to regret it!

Guest post- Teen room decorating ideas!

Whilst every area of your home represents a design challenge, the interior of a teenage girl's bedroom is particularly exciting. This is one room where style is everything, and getting it right has never been so important!

First thing’s first: embark on some serious bonding. Your teenager daughter will most likely have some really creative ideas, so it is important that she plays a key role in the planning process. You might want to consider creating a mood board with examples of interiors that you both like. This is a great way to capture all of your ideas and a fun activity to do together.

Deciding on the color scheme is the first priority, and unless your daughter is very girly, there is a good chance the room could be influenced by bold, bright colors. The key then is to find colors that either complement perfectly, or contrast dramatically. Oranges and purples can look great together, as can navy and browns. Black, if used subtly and in the right way can also be very effective. Bright pink soft furnishings and black furniture, for example, can result in a strong look that is still feminine yet very edgy. 

Remember, subdued colors on the wall can be matched by brighter accessories such as rugs or lampshades. If you have one large wall, then a great way to create a unique space is through artwork or murals. A mural can really help to stamp your daughter’s personality, for example by featuring musical notes, a woodland scene or even a quote from her favorite book or film. 

If you are going for individual artwork, choose framed prints that tie in with the color scheme and theme. The subject of the artwork is again dependent on your daughter’s personality- classic black and white photo prints can work really well, as can modern graphic art such as images from Japanese Manga cartoons.

In terms of furniture, in most bedrooms the bed is the focal point, so it is worth shopping around- beds can differ greatly in both style and cost, you can find many options at stores like Tesco. Dress the bed with furnishings that match the color scheme, but do not be afraid to go for unusual fabrics such as vintage floral prints or stripes. Clothes storage will also be very important, you might like to go for something quirky such as a clothes rack or floating shelves for accessories. A dressmaker's mannequin can also add a nice, unusual element.

Remember that the layout of a room can be greatly affected by light, so it is a good idea to work out where the naturally light and dark areas of the room are. You might then want to think about adding more artificial light, by using up lighters, spotlights or mirrors, for example. The room should be an expression of your daughter’s personality, so involving her in the process is key. 

These quirky extras can transform a good room into a wonderful one. Invest time and money into getting it right and once it is finished, there is even a chance you might want to swap!

How to create a stylishly comfortable home!

If you have been following my blog for a while, you know that I love all things stylish and beautiful. Life is too short to surround yourself with unattractive things, don't you think?

We all love attractive pieces for our home but let's face it, most of us have a decorating budget to adhere to so buying merely pretty things to decorate our home isn't going to work. My solution? Give your home decor purchases some thought and only buy stylish, decorative items that are both practical and versatile!

Here are my tips to create a stylishly comfortable home! 

1. Decorate with beautiful, unique mirrors that make a design statement! Not only they are decorative in nature, mirrors reflect light and instantly make any room look bigger.

2. Pick a pretty lamp or two. When they are lit, they create a warm and lovely ambiance. When they are not lit, they serve as decorative pieces. Win-win!

3. Hang a big, oversized clock! Not only it's easier to tell time from afar, they make a huge design impact in any room.

4. Get some pretty boxes. Not only do they add some color and visual interest to your vignettes, they hold small items like paper clips, rubber bands, loose coins, keys and other small random items to keep your space looking clean and organized.

5. Get Kleenex Perfect Fit tissues. With spring season upon us, unfortunately it also means seasonal allergies, so you need to be well prepared!

Sneezing, sniffling and runny noses are common in our household during the spring season so facial tissues really come in handy at the moment. But let's face it, most facial tissues on the market are either ugly, bulky or both! Fortunately, there's Kleenex Perfect Fit, a stylish, prettier option to your regular, boring facial tissues.

I love how Kleenex Perfect Fit slim cylinders fit into small, tight spaces! Its stylish good looks also helps blend into my decor which is always a plus! Remember how I am drawn to stylish, practical products? Now, I don't have to deal with big, boring, bulky facial tissues lying around our house during the spring allergy season anymore!

Here's how I use our Kleenex Perfect Fit!

1. On the nightstand in the master bedroom for those sudden allergy attacks (read: sneezes, runny noses, etc) .

2. On the nightstand in the guest bedroom for our guests' convenience.

3. On my office table, just in case!

4. In our car. We used to have regular, bulky facial tissues on the back of our car but they often fell off the seat and got crushed. With the slim profile of these fabulous Kleenex Perfect Fit, they fit right inside the cup holders. As a bonus, they are easy to reach and not getting ruined anymore since they fit snugly inside those cup holders!

5. I decided to put another Kleenex Perfect Fit tissues at the back row of our car for my son's convenience. These will come handy before and after our son's snacking session!

I hope you find my tips to create a stylishly comfortable home useful. Where would you put your Kleenex Perfect Fit? Don't forget to get your own Kleenex Perfect Fit at Sam's Club. They are available for a limited time only, now through May 31st, 2015 so get yours today!

Beautiful Map Wallpapers!

As far back as human history goes, people have always been fascinated by maps. What is it about them? They chart the way from A to B, give a bird’s eye view of our landscape, and let our minds run away with all the possibilities that ‘other places’ seem bursting with – and they do all that whilst being beautiful renderings of the world around us. But more than anything, they tell a story.

People look at maps and see where they have been, where they are from and where they are going. Wallpapered bring our ingrained love for these wonderful visualisations of our world to life by offering a range of beautiful, bespoke wallpaper maps for your space. Each map is completely customizable to your needs. If you have a specific area in mind that you would like mapped, along with a color palette to suit your space, Wallpapered will work to your requirements. It is a really fun and unique approach to personalizing a space. Here are a few of our favorites!

Product review- Maple Harbour comforter and sheet set!

Recently, I was contacted by Maple Harbour, a Canadian-based luxury bedding company offering a unique variety of bed linens and textiles for a product review. 

Some of the products on their website that caught my eyes!

Marisol 5-Piece Comforter Set

Sweet Thing 3-Piece Reversible Comforter Set

Home Run 3-Piece Reversible Comforter Set

Wildflower 6-Piece Duvet Set

Jaguar 3-Piece Sheet Set

Which one is your favorite? For today's review, I have selected the Capistrano Comforter and Anna Simona Sateen 100% Cotton, 400 Thread Count 4-Piece Sheet Set for our guest room.

Capistrano Comforter

Anna Simona Sateen 100% Cotton, 400 Thread Count 4-Piece Sheet Set

Check out our guest room's mini makeover below!

I am very pleased with both my new gorgeous comforter and 4-piece sheet set! 

The ivory comforter has a unique mix of stitched on and printed floral design, providing a textural feel and a lot of visual interest.

The underside of the comforter has a contrasting white fabric and feels soft.

I really like the thick white contrasting band on the edges of the comforter. This lovely detail definitely exudes a high-end designer look!

The 100% cotton sheet set with a 400-thread count 4-piece sheet set feels super soft to the touch and has a subtle, beautiful sheen. Love it!

Both products are well-made and are very nice quality. The pictures really do not do this fabulous bedding justice! 

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

Currently, Maple Harbour is having a Mother's Day sale with sales ranging from 20%-50% off from May 4th through May 10th. Shoppers in Canada also enjoy free shipping, how fantastic! 

Don't forget to check out their website when you get a chance. Happy shopping!

Guess who is getting one year older?

Guess who is getting one year older? I am! I turned 35 today! Well, time really flies when you are having fun! 

Sure, getting older sucks for the most part especially physically which means I have less metabolism now and it's incredibly hard to shed all those extra pounds (boy, I missed my 20-something skinny size zero body where I looked good in absolutely everything!). Now with the extra pounds I carried around my tummy, thighs, legs and arms, I have to be very careful with the kind of clothes I pick!

However, the good thing about getting older is I have equipped with better skills (people skills, cooking skills, make-up skills, etc) and my taste and style (in fashion and decorating) is getting better, in general. I have also learned to be more patient and not sweat the small stuff as much. I am still far from being perfect but I hope to become a better person as time goes by.

So what plans do I have today? Not much. Hubby will be taking us to our favorite restaurant for some fancy and delicious sushis tonight, I can't wait! I have also received two pair of beautiful shoes as presents. Besides home goods, I am obsessed with gorgeous handbags and shoes! These are the ones that I picked!

LUMA

LUMA

I have always love the look of pretty closed toe shoes and this one comes without the discomfort of high heels and painful blisters, what's not to love? They are casual and stylish with a hint of understated glam, comfy to boot and goes well with everything, definitely my kind of shoes! Now you know why I needed to get two pairs in different colors! :) I will be wearing one of these for my celebration tonight!

I am fairly easy to please. Two pair of nice shoes and a nice dinner is enough to make me a happy girl. What about you? What is your ideal birthday like? I would love to know!

Aren’t All Wine Glasses the Same?

Many new wine drinkers can be overwhelmed by the extensive selection of glassware associated with enjoying various types of fine wine. Wine glasses are made in an endless number of variations, but with the highest quality glassware, these differences are far more than just cosmetic. The construction of your wine glass can have an enormous effect on the experience of savoring your wine, and the proper glassware can make the best qualities of a prized vintage shine through to even the most inexperienced wine drinker.

Rim

A wine glass rim is where the drinker’s mouth makes its first contact with the wine of choice, and so is critical aspect of its design. Quality wine glasses feature precision cut rims to enable undisturbed wine flow from the glass as well as minimize its effect on the flavor of the wine. A glass with an inferior rim enhances the taste of the crystal rather than the wine, negatively impacting its full character.

Bowl

The bowl of a wine glass is the part that physically contains the wine, and common wine glass designs feature bowls that grow slimmer toward the top to direct the aromas of the wine toward the nose and mouth of the drinker to be inhaled with a sip.

Different bowls are made for various types of wine, but a good rule of thumb is that red wine glasses have large, shallow bowls to showcase the bold nature of a deep, rich vintage while small, slender bowls are more appropriate for subtle whites to funnel their more delicate profiles to the drinker.

Base

A wine glass typically starts with a stabilizing base known as a foot, which lets the glass stand upright. The foot is attached to the stem, which allows the drinker to hold the wine without the heat from their body bringing a chilled wine to too high a temperature, which can dramatically impact the flavor. Some wine glasses may even have flat bottoms, lacking stems and feet entirely to take advantage of this effect for wines that are best served at a warmer temperature.

Color

The clearer a wine glass is, the more it contributes to the visual experience by allowing the true appearance of the wine to show through. The best wine glasses are unadorned and crystal clear, allowing the wine itself to serve as embellishment. Colored and ornate wine glasses offer variety, but the beauty in a glass of wine is in its color and character, and a clear wine glass is a blank canvas that puts the true artistry of a fine wine on full display.

There are many factors that determine the ideal glass for a wine, and understanding the construction of a wine glass is a helpful tool in finding the perfect glass to accompany your choice of wine. While food pairings and personal preference are equally important to the experience of a fine wine, the proper glassware can ensure it puts its best sip forward.

Five Home Improvements That Will Increase The Value Of Your House!

Thinking of selling your home? Before you put your house on the market, consider ways in which you can increase its value. You might have to pay out a bit of money but when you sell the house you are more likely to make a big profit. You need to be smart with your spending and only invest your money in home improvements that will get the best return. It is surprising how much of a difference to the price of your house some home improvements can make. Here are 5 home improvements that are likely to increase the value of your home.

1. An extension

Adding an extension to your house can help increase its value significantly. However, it does depend on where you put the extension and whether it blends with the rest of your house. Speak to an architect or professional builder about possible extension ideas before going ahead. Having a professional opinion can make a huge difference to the end result. You can either add a whole new extra room or simply make one room in your house, such as your lounge or kitchen much bigger.

2. Redecorate or get a new kitchen

When people view a house one of the key rooms they tend to focus on is the kitchen. You always remember the kitchen when you go into someone’s house. New buyers are looking for a kitchen that is well laid out, efficient and of course stylish and great to look at. You can either invest in a brand new kitchen to wow potential buyers or improve your existing kitchen by redecorating. A coat of paint and new cabinets can help to transform your kitchen.

3. Conservatory

A new conservatory can deliver a 108 per cent return, according to UK Business Zopa. A conservatory is an added extra that many people look for when buying a home. It can certainly wow potential buyers during viewings and make the difference between buying a house or not. A conservatory essentially provides a whole extra room to your house, increasing its size.

4. Improve your garden

According to Paul From Peak Architects “How a garden looks is extremely important when selling a home. If you have an overgrown garden that needs a lot of work then potential buyers will instantly be put off”. The garden is an important part of the overall package. Get some gardeners in or get to work yourself and make your garden look impressive. Consider putting some decking in your garden as this is another home improvement that can help to add to the value of your house. Decking is also easy to maintain and it looks very attractive.

5. Get double glazing

Potential buyers will be instantly put off if they realize your house does not have double glazing. It is a must have feature in all modern homes, especially those that are just about to go on the market. Double glazing will make your house more energy efficient and warmer which will most certainly appeal to prospective buyers. According to thisismoney.co.uk, double glazing can add up to 10% of the value of a home. 

Product review- DormCo.com products!

Lately, I was contacted by DormCo.com if I would like to receive some products to try. After checking out their wonderful website, I immediately agreed because frankly, I can't believe they offer so many things I needed! (even though I not a student living in a dorm anymore) :)

If you are unfamiliar, DormCo.com is a college dorm supplies superstore and provides the widest selection of college dorm essentials at the lowest price. Honestly, I can't believe my eyes when I saw their low prices for some of the things that other stores sell for so much more! The best part is they offer shipping for only $2.95 on your entire order, how fantastic! 

I love so many of the fabulous and nifty items they offer on their website. Below are some of my favorites! 

Midea College Fridge With Freezer- 3.1 Cu Ft- Stainless Steel

Gold Zee Designer Removable Wallpaper

Royalton Eco- Friendly Woven College Rug- Celery And White

3-In-1 Multifunction Breakfast Deluxe- Black

Rollie- Easy Egg Cooker

Navy White Cotton Twin XL Comforter Set- College Ave

The Converting Oversized Hamper- Basket Or Tote

Rapid Ramen Cooker

College Trunks- Armored- Space Saver Mini- Trunk

College students or not, the items above are super cool to have, don't you think? Honestly, I can easily find 50 items from their website that I wanted for myself! :)

For today's review, I have selected these fabulous products!

First item: 

 The Sorority College Dorm Trunk- White

I am in love with my gorgeous dorm trunk! The hardware and details are simply beautiful. Measuring at 29" L x 20" W x 14" H, it is huge and spacious. I also like that it comes in 2 wheels so you can transport your items in the trunk easily. I am planning to use it to store my seasonal clothing or shoes. College students can use this trunk as a temporary coffee table or a side table. With its stylish good looks and multi-functional capability, this white trunk is a winner in my book!

Second item:

Coma Inducer- Twin XL Comforter- Bright White

I am someone who always feel cold when I am sleeping so this comforter is a godsend! Not only does the material feels super soft and plush, it provides me with the warmth that I needed for a good night's sleep (this coming from someone who use two blankets and a comforter on a daily basis, not kidding). In fact, this is the warmest comforter I have ever used in my life! If you are always feeling cold or live in a cold region like me, this comforter might be the one you are looking for!

Third item:

Table Top Ironing Board

This table top ironing board is absolutely wonderful! With its compact size, it is ideal for small spaces and convenient enough for ironing a few items of clothing. Quality wise, it is sturdy, well padded and well-constructed. I especially like the iron rest it comes with so you can easily put your hot iron in a safe place when it's not in use. I also like that an over the door hook is provided with the ironing board for easy storage. Such a well-designed product, I highly recommended it for small spaces and dorm use!

Fourth item:

Grey Steam Iron

I love my new steam iron because it gives me a lot of ironing options with its variable steam control and heat setting adjustment. I like that I can dry or steam iron my clothing, depending on how wrinkled my item of clothing is. When the heat indicator light turns red, it means the iron is ready for action! I especially like the steam option because it helps get rid of the wrinkles fast! It also comes with a small measurement cup for filling up the water tank conveniently if you are using the steam ironing option! The iron is very easy to use and my clothes turned out creaseless and crisp within minutes. This iron is well-made, high quality and user-friendly, what's not to love? I would absolutely recommend this wonderful product to everyone!

Fifth item:

Isabelle Green- College Laundry Bag

I always travel and this roomy laundry bag will really come in handy! The beautiful colors first caught my eyes and I especially like its stylish geometric design! Made with durable cotton lined material, it features a strong drawstring closure. The best thing about this laundry bag is its size because it can hold a lot! To determine how much clothing the laundry bag can fit, I put two adult size puffer jackets and a kid size puffer jacket in the laundry bag and believe it or not, there is still room for another adult size puffer jacket or two! Simply amazing! I can't wait to bring this fabulous laundry bag with me when I go travelling in the future. Highly recommend!

Sixth item:

Pop Open Mesh Drying Rack

This fabulous drying rack is another winner! I have a ton of thick sweaters and after they have been washed, I usually lay them on a flat surface on top of absorbent bath towels for drying. Yes, the bath towels did the job but they always make my wood floors wet and damp. I also ended up with more laundry to do so it is not an ideal solution! Hanging my wet thick sweaters on clothes hangers is not an option as well because they often result in unsightly pucker marks and sagging. The great thing about this pop open mesh drying rack is it easily pops open for arched drying and fold flats for easy storage. The best part is it fits right over the bathtub for drip-drying sweaters and clothing. Now, I don't have to worry about ruining my wood floors anymore while drying my clothes! With its wonderful design, adjustable width option and good quality material, I will be using this product regularly and during all my travels. Fantastic product, highly recommended!

Seventh item:

Lint Brush- Double Sided Brush

I love this wonderful lint brush! Featuring two sides, it helps remove more lint in a shorter time span. It is lightweight, reusable and it removes lint on my wool jackets in a jiffy, what's not love? Another great product that I would use at home or during travels! 

Overall, I am pleased with all the products I have received from DormCo.com. Great quality products despite the low price points! Shipping is fast and efficient as well. 

I would also like to take this opportunity to applaud the excellent customer service provided by DormCo.com. To be perfectly honest, I was slightly disappointed when I was sent a wrong item. I had thought of keeping the wrong item because I don't want the hassle of shipping the item back but in the end, I decided to return the product because it couldn't meet my needs. After a few emails exchange, I was ready to swap the wrong item for the right one but DormCo.com decided to let me keep it. The right item was promptly delivered to my doorstep within a few days. A company that is efficient and does the right thing and knows how to make their customers happy? Now that is great customer service! I would definitely recommend purchasing items from this company!

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

What do you think of these products? Is there anything you would like to have for your own home as well? 

If you have a college going kid or know someone who is going to college, this website is a must visit! To check out more dorm essentials and other nifty home products from their collection, please visit DormCo.com.