Ideas For A Memorable Backyard Wedding!

This post is provided by Matt Collins.

A Fine Wedding You Can Afford

Here are some hot wedding trends; but sometimes going the nostalgia route makes more sense- it all depends on you and your future spouse. For example, getting married in the backyard can be very romantic, and it can be convenient. It can be fun, it can ease the stress of the ceremony, and it can allow you to spend more than you would have been able to otherwise. Did you know the common cost of a wedding in the United States is north of $20k?

Certainly you want to be able to have the most extravagant event you can; but the realities of today may prevent you from having such an experience. However: with your own backyard, or that of a close relation, you may be able to get there. If you have a beautiful backyard, that is even better! And take this into consideration as well: just because your marriage is on the property, does not mean you are necessarily being thrifty.

Remember The Godfather? That wedding took place in a backyard, and it was a downright top-tier event! Certainly that is an extreme example, but it is worth keeping in mind. It may just be that the venue of your parents' home, or that of a relative, represents a better place to get married than any chapel or beach you can think of. It all depends on you.

If you do decide to go the backyard route, there are a number of things to take into consideration. Following, a few suggestions to help you maximize your options will be explored.

Wardrobe, Decor, Honeymoons, And Catering

The internet is making all kinds of wedding costs less impacting than they would be otherwise. Consider these lovely light pink wedding dresses as an example. It is possible to get the style you like, the quality you expect, and the cost you can afford online. Shopping for you and your bridesmaids using such techniques makes a lot of sense.

Another internet savior comes in the form of crowdsourced funding. If you think a crowdfunding option could work for you, you should check this website: https://www.honeyfund.com/unique-wedding-registry. You may find resources to extend your honeymoon, too; and that can be important as an initiating force in your developing marriage.

Something else that makes sense is decorating with the backyard you have chosen, rather than against it. Are there trees? Bushes? Is there a garden? What kind of lawn is there? Does a pool take up most the premises- could it be covered? Ask and answer these questions, then ensure the decoration you have in some way pays homage to that which was there before; this will make it look the most natural and graceful.

When it comes to catering, ask yourself: will the family whose backyard you are using do a better job than caterers? Are they inclined to do so? Perhaps let them, and even give them a little money for goods. You may be surprised; some people really like to cook, and would jump at this sort of opportunity. If they are also good at cooking (as desire is not enough), let them shine!

More Control, More Savings, More Fun

With a backyard wedding, you are in a venue over which there is more control. Other parties booked in the same location would not be at the fringes of your wedding. You would not have to leave for the reception.

You will be able to cut the cost of the event down substantially, and involve more people. Altogether, this could make a backyard wedding more fun collaterally. Whether going this route makes any sense will be up to you, but there is a lot to recommend a backyard wedding.

New Silestone Concrete Looking Counters For 2019!

This post is provided is by Sherley Grimes.

The kitchen is the heart of every home. When it comes to kitchen worktops and other elements of this precious space in the house, you can always trust Silestone. The brand is known for being able to provide the perfect color, style or design to any property. If you are looking for a versatile product that can be used practically in any of the interior, Silestone is the name to remember. You can choose from a palette of over fifty colors available in the UK as off 2019. You can also consider the immaculate integrity sinks. These will match the color of your worktops, offering a seamless and minimalistic look. 

Silestone makes quartz products in different colors, thicknesses and finishes. It boasts 8 different collections called ‘Series’. There is a strong trend for industrial features in interiors that are both functional and beautiful. An industrial feel in the kitchen puts you in touch with different elements of nature, creating a sense of calm and relaxation. Also, it is a special place in which you gather with friends and family, disconnecting from everything else. The Loft Series is the latest collection in the range of the leading quartz surface manufacturer. It is inspired in traditional building materials such as concrete and cement. In contrast with the building products, the surfaces are easy to clean and require no special maintenance.

Here is a look at the concrete-inspired colours for kitchen worktops that you can choose from.

The “Loft Series” created by Silestone has two new, sophisticated colors.  They offer a fresh and modern take on the architectural and industrial look of cement and concrete. The Loft Series by Silestone consists of Brooklyn and Silver Lake. They are both classic colors that will complete any kitchen, regardless of their style or design. 

Silestone Brooklyn: A part of the Silestone Loft Series, Silestone Brooklyn is a fantastic color inspired by the look of concrete. If you are looking to change your worktops in the New Year to breathe a new life into your kitchen, this is one of the best choices you can make. Fresh and modern, this color will add a cool, contemporary look and feel to your space. Brooklyn is available in slabs with thicknesses in 12mm, 20mm and 30mm. The slab dimensions are 3250 x 1590mm which means you have a huge canvas to create seamless designs. Similarly, you can use large panels in the walls, creating splashbacks in matching material.

Silestone Silver Lake: Silestone Silver Lake, from the Loft Series is another superb choice for those who want to create a clean, modern look for their kitchen or bathroom. Like Brooklyn, Silver Lake has a concrete look, a trend increasingly popular among designers and architects alike. If you are looking for a color different from the usual grey or white, then this is the one you should pick for your kitchen countertops and work areas. In addition to magnificent looks, all Silestone colors come with added benefits such as exclusive bacteriostatic protection and N-Boost treatment on the material. If that was not enough, you can protect your investment by registering the purchase of your worktops at Silestone’s website via an approved supplier of their products.

Happy 8th blog anniversary!

In a blink of an eye, my blog turned 8 today! Yay!

Many wonderful and exciting opportunities continue to come my way since I started this blog. At the same time, I am becoming more and more selective of the collaborations I picked and have declined a lot of product reviews to stay true to the original purpose of this blog. 

Some of most satisfying moments came from design clients who came back again and again to ask me for design help. Another client recently wrote to me to tell me they still loved their room that I helped them designed more than 5 years ago. As a decorator, I couldn't be happier!

On another positive note, my blog has garnered over 11 million pageviews throughout the years! Without you, my wonderful readers, my blog wouldn't have come this far so I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all of you who loyally follow, read my blog and take a moment to leave an encouraging and positive comment from time to time. 

I feel so blessed and grateful to all of you! I am sure my blog will continue to evolve over time but I will try my best to provide good inspirational content for you. Hopefully, you will continue to stay with me. 

Thank you my awesome readers, you are the best!

How to get modern landscaping on a budget!

This article is provided by Samantha Waites.

There is no denying that the clean lines used in modern architecture and design are appealing, especially when they appear in the great outdoors. Modern landscaping is marked by its emphasis on strong graphic elements that impose themselves on the natural spaces; clean, structured hardscaping dominates in the form of stone, concrete and wood, and flora and fauna fill in the cracks. It feels fresh, is functional and ensures a high property value for years to come.

However, just as creating a modern interior is not easy and breezy, landscaping a modern design outside can cost a pretty penny. If you want a modern look to your landscaping without a modern price tag, read on for some helpful tips and tricks.

Understand The Tenets Of The Trend

In truth, modern is one of the easiest styles to master on a budget. That is because the fundamentals of the trend lend themselves to the cost-conscious DIYer. Still, it does not take much effort to get off-trend and into an unattractive mish-mash of styles, so before you do anything to your landscape, you should know these modernism rules backwards and forwards:

Clearly defined spaces. There should be a delineated difference between the area used for entertaining, any pathways around the yard, the kid’s play space, flower boxes and vegetation regions and any other area. This usually entails relying heavily on borders and frames, but you can achieve a similar feel with different materials, like a gravel space, a grass space, a concrete space and more.

Use of hardscaping. Modern yards do not lack greenery altogether, but they certainly are not wild and untamed forests. Instead, your yard should largely be hardscaped, which serves several functions that contribute to a more modern look and feel. For one, hardscaped features tend to be more geometric; for another, they look less cluttered and ensure lower maintenance responsibilities. For hardscaping, think natural materials like stone and wood as opposed to plastic.

Striking and well-maintained plant life. The flora that does occur in your outdoor space should be remarkable and impeccably maintained. Instead of picking up expected blooms from your local plant nursery, you should opt for somewhat outlandish greenery, like succulents and cacti. You should try to group similar types of plants together, perhaps in tiers. Then, if you do install a lawn, you need to be meticulous about fertilization, aeration and other oft-overlooked tasks that keep it healthy and green.

Artistic features. Modernism is not just a design style; it is an entire genre of art. Thus, you should drive home your modern landscape with a few key artistic touches. These might be functional, like statement planters or fireplaces, or they might simply add décor, like modern lawn ornaments.

Be Crafty

While you could pay a professional landscape designer and contractor to give your yard the modern feel you crave, it is much more budget-friendly to do most of the work yourself. Thankfully, because modern landscaping is simple and sparse, you can DIY a great deal of it. Here are a few projects to get you started:

Grass tiles. You can arrange concrete tiles and sod to make a geometric pattern with your lawn. You can conform to a grid pattern or blur the lines between natural and manmade. This allows you to enjoy a lawn but also create a work of art from your landscape.

Stone tiles. If you do not want the hassle of grass, you can cover your yard in gravel and install stone tiles of varying sizes and colors. You should try to create geometric interest, though that does not have to mean symmetry or perfect balance. In fact, asymmetry is common in modern design. If all that tile is outside your budget, you can also create a similar look by pouring quick-mix concrete into small blocks around your yard.

Upcycled planters. You can create stylish and striking planters in a variety of ways. For one, you could make molds for concrete planters using items you already have around your home. For another, you can purchase inexpensive or clearance planters from a home décor or home improvement store and paint them in bright, modern colors.

Upcycled hardscaping. You should not shy away from unconventional materials when designing the hardscaping of your yard. Corrugated steel, wood scraps and other found objects integrate well into a modern design, especially in fences and patios. You can also use these materials to make art objects to decorate the yard.

When executed well, modern landscaping will remain attractive and in-style for eternity. If you can cut costs without cutting corners, you will end up with a modern yard that you love and love to show off.

Four Beautiful Kitchen Interior Upgrades!

This post is contributed by Matt Lee.

One of the simplest methods for refreshing a home and increasing the property value is to upgrade the kitchen. The kitchen is a functional and comfortable gathering place which acts as the center of many homes. Each element must work cohesively in order to serve and function properly.
   
Sometimes the features of a kitchen no longer suit the style or needs of its occupants. Instead of a pricey, time-consuming kitchen remodel, consider some smaller kitchen upgrades. Simple changes such as swapping out old hardware or adding a new coat of paint can make a world of difference in the appearance and feel of a kitchen. 

Here are 4 stunning kitchen upgrades that will transform your cooking space. 

1. Revamp Your Cabinets

Cabinets form the face of the kitchen. The size, shape, color, and design of the cabinets can make or break the tone of the kitchen space. Fortunately, kitchen cabinets are also among the easiest transformations to undertake. 

For a subtle, understated change, the cabinets can be stained a natural color. Humble pine or maple cabinets can take on the appearance of pricier mahogany or cherry with a simple coat of stain and varnish. For a bolder statement, try a bright coat of paint. 

If you are not looking to make a serious change, consider a simple hardware swap to give the kitchen more up to date interior features. Consider swapping black handles for stainless steel or bronze to compliment dark colored cabinets for a more industrial look.

2. Quartz Countertops

Many older homes feature countertops made from lackluster materials, such as laminate or faux stone. Upgrading your countertops is no small task, but it can be a stunning change that will last for years. But what material should you choose?

Granite may be a popular choice, but quartz countertops are a more durable and lower maintenance option. Quartz is generally a light cream or beige color, which will stay on trend for years to come. But quartz can be easily customized to fit any style. If you are looking for a more sophisticated look with some design to it, consider quartz that looks like marble.  

3. Install Under Cabinet Lighting

Recessed lighting is a classy way to incorporate style and functionality. By installing under cabinet lighting, you can easily see and navigate the kitchen space while maintaining the warm feel of the kitchen. Under cabinet lights can eliminate the need for harsh overhead lights. Additionally, many under cabinet lighting systems can be installed easily on your own without having to call an electrician, making this upgrade a seamless transformation. 

4. Update Your Kitchen Faucets

The sink may not be one of the first places that comes to mind when upgrading the kitchen. However, with so many new advances in sink technology, there are thousands of styles, colors, and finishes to choose from. Faucets provide an opportunity to showcase your style and improve water efficiency at the same time, as many new faucets are designed with an eco-conscious purpose. 

Consider matching your faucet to the hardware on your cabinets for a seamless look. If you are considering upgrading the kitchen, a faucet upgrade can be an excellent place to begin.

Upgrading the kitchen is a rewarding undertaking. You can do as little or as much as you want and still transform the room. 

How To Spruce Up Your Commercial Space In 2019: 3 Key Steps!

This post is provided by Lora Young.

Better late than never! A new year has begun and businesses are eager to make very significant changes. Indeed, investing in office renovation is always a great idea. After all, a business has to change the way it looks in order to stay relevant to its existing and potential customers. But you will have to admit, sprucing up an office space, or just about any commercial setup for that matter, is too much of an investment already. 

If you are an entrepreneur, expect even a partial remodel to be very costly. And I mean COSTLY! After all, you will have to know which parts of your commercial space deserve a much needed upgrade. Other than that, you will need to know whether you have a large enough maintenance budget to handle such projects.

Luckily, there are ways you can spruce up your commercial space this year without having to spend too much time and energy. Here are a few of them:

Consider upgrading your storage

Right off the bat, the main problem that most businesses face is clutter. Especially for many startups that have yet to set up an effective storage system, it is hard to find hard copies of documents if they are not properly stored or at least archived.

If you have this very same problem as last year, you might as well consider investing in filing cabinets and other storage systems that will help keep your files safe and secured. If you do not have a proper storage room for these files, you might as well utilize an existing room or partition a part of your office space to create a separate area for storage.

Replace old furniture

If you are still using the same furniture ever since you started operating your business, chances are it is becoming dilapidated. It becomes worse if there is an indication of termite damage, in which case you will have to consider replacing your old office furniture with brand new pieces.

Make sure to opt for hardwood furniture, especially when it comes to refurbishing the lobby. But if you are on a budget, you can always consider giving your old furniture a new lease on life by way of  a simple restoration project. This will at least add a few more years to the life of your furniture.

Get an experienced construction contractor

Planning something big for your commercial space? Maybe you are considering adding a new office building on the premises? At any rate, you will need to find a contractor that is capable of handling projects no matter how large.

For simple office space additions, you can find small construction companies. Such companies usually make use of construction equipment financing to acquire the right assets. Still, it is always important to look at a contractor’s track record. Obviously, finding any anomalies in a company’s history should indicate a no-go. To be safe, you should ask for recommendations from business partners or colleagues to vouch for a trusted company.

With these three steps in mind, you will be on your way to a good year for your business, with a brand new look to match!

What's a punch list in construction?

This post is provided by Tom Carter.

How do you ensure finesse in a construction project? How do you know it is the right time to declare a project complete?

Well, it is through a punch list. However, it is not as easy as it sounds. Making an accurate punch list is extremely important to deliver a successful construction project. Mostly, this step is taken just close to the completion so as to review and double check the project before declaring it complete. Different individual/stakeholder has a different role to play in the process.

Here is a guide to help you in understanding the list.

So, what is a punch list exactly?

The term ‘Punch’ comes from the technique used in the old days to punch holes just next to an item before fixing the particular thing. But, what is a punch list in construction?

A punch list is basically a document composed when a construction project is nearing its end listing the work not complying with the contract specifications. The contractor must look into it and fix it before the project ends. It is an integral part of the construction process in the form of an official document.

For a long construction project which might take several months or years to complete (think skyscraper), there is a risk of missing some minor details such as individual electrical figures. A punch list thus serves as a means of ensuring nothing is left out. The general method of preparing a punch list is by creating a list of items checked off after a detailed review when a construction process is nearing its end. This answers question, “what is a punch list in construction?”

When is the punch list implemented?

Strictly speaking, punch lists are not mandatory, but these form a part of the traditional process and thus take place towards the end of a construction project. It is accomplished only when a project is considered to be nearly finished. However, it should not be taken as a major task, but a list of minor tweaks. The major points have already been addressed. When a construction project reaches this point, a punch list is usually prepared by the general contractor. It is his sole responsibility to take a walk through the entire construction.

While accomplishing the construction project, the client or owner can pinpoint to any issue they come across. The general contractor is present during the visits to clarify the changes from the initial specification and to note the issues that need fixing before the project is declared complete. It is a general practice for the designers and the architects to be a part of the walkthrough. This is to ascertain that the building constructed matches the original specification. The architect must also explain if there is anything that does not conform to the original specifications.

What are punch list items in construction?

The punch list items in construction include:

·         Appliances are functioning properly.
·         No hardware item is missing.
·         Cabinet doors and drawers open and close without any issues.
·         Hardware is working smoothly.
·         No leaks found.
·         Outlets and lights are functioning.
·         AC, Ventilation and heating systems work as they should.
·         Paint and texture problems. Uniformity.
·         Plumbing issues.
·         Cracks in the ceilings, at the corner of the skylights.
·         Working of smoke detectors.
·         Nail heads peeping out of the wood framing.
·         Wall tiles – cracked or fine.
·         Windows locking properly.
·         Hinges with all the screws.
·         Gaps between wall and door frame, base and flooring.
·         Carpet seams visible or not. Consistent direction. Frayed ends.

And so on…

These are just to give you an idea of the punch list items. These and more are part of the construction punch list procedure to be asked in the form of questions by the stakeholders.

The punch list includes the appropriate construction items and the correct installation for proper functioning. When considering construction punch list vs. construction items, it is only wise to say that the punch list is formed to check the functioning of the items used in the construction.   

Who makes construction punch list?

Albeit, there are a number of parties involved in the management and implementation of a construction punch list. There are two main phases involved: Making it and addressing it. All the stakeholders have a role to play in both the phases; however, some of them are more involved in the process than the others. Check the list of who makes construction punch list and his role in it. However, this can vary from project to project and the stakeholders involved.

Owner: His primary job is to inspect the work, and ask relevant questions about anything he finds difficult to understand. He should also point out to work left incomplete or if there is some irregularity in the work completed. The punch list is given to the general contractor who is accustomed to the additional responsibility of performing a walk through when some added requests pop up.

General Contractor: The role of the general contractor is vivid. He must look into the details, get in touch with the owner’s punch list and construct his own list for the subcontractor for the latter to address meticulously.

Subcontractor: It is the prime responsibility of the subcontractor to take up the list handed over to them. Furthermore, he must address the request and ascertain that each item is completed on time. He must be ready to explain each fix and if need be the reason it is not made as per the specifications.

Designer/Architect: The role of the designers and architects is to ensure what was designed and what was constructed.

Summing up

A punch list may vary from project to project. There is a multitude of items that can add up to the punch list. After a punch list has been prepared, it must be agreed by all the parties involved. A walk through is important before assigning the responsibilities. 

This article should provide you an insight into what is a punch list in construction, what items are included in the punch list, who makes a list and the correct manner to follow construction punch list procedure.

Book review- Nora Murphy's Country House Style: Making Your Home A Country House!

A few weeks ago, I have received Nora Murphy's Country House Style: Making Your Home A Country House, another wonderful publication from Vendome Press. Thanks Meghan! In this lovely volume, Nora Murphy shows us how the elements of country house style can be applied in different ways and in different locations to striking, individual effect.

Let's check out some of the beautiful images you will find inside this book!

Photo credit: DuAnne Simon

I absolutely adore this gorgeous book! Among the six homes featured in this book is Nora Murphy's own residence, each of which expresses a unique take on the style, whether it's a house in the country, in the mountains, by the sea, in a village, in the city, or in the woods. Ranging from elegant country to English cottage country to vintage farmhouse country to French country, this volume offers multiple decorating ideas and solutions for every room.

In this publication, you will find high-quality photographs of warm, lived-in and beautifully layered interiors along with many useful tips to create your own charming and comfortable retreat. Engaging and inspiring, this delightful book shouldn't be missed! Highly recommended for all interior design enthusiast especially if you are a country house style fan!

Don't forget to get your copy here!

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

Book review- The Gardens of Bunny Mellon!

Recently, I have received another beautiful new publication from Vendome Press. Thanks Meghan! In The Gardens of Bunny Mellon authored by Linda Holden, you will get a glimpse of Rachel "Bunny" Mellon's gardens from her New York, Cape Cod, Nantucket, Antigua, and Upperville, Virginia homes that she designed herself. 

Some of the lovely images you will find inside this book!

Photo credit: Roger Foley

This book is absolutely gorgeous! With no formal training but the greatest passion in garden, Rachel "Bunny Mellon created not only breathtaking gardens for herself but also designed gardens for some of her dearest friends, including the Rose Garden and the East Garden at the White House, at the request of President Kennedy, and the gardens at both the Paris home and the château of couturier Hubert de Givenchy. All of these gardens are featured in this book along with Mellon’s own garden plans, sketches, and watercolors, as well as with archival photographs and specially commissioned photographs of Oak Spring, the Mellon estate in Upperville. 

In this publication, you find high-quality photographs of lavish gardens and extraordinary landscape designs. Engaging, inspiring and unforgettable, this book is perfect for anyone who loves gardening and landscaping.  

This stunning book shouldn't be missed. Highly recommended! 

Get your own copy here!

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

Book review- Inspired Design: The 100 Most Important Interior Designers Of The Past 100 Years!

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration! 

Today, I wanted to share another fabulous new publication from Vendome Press with you. Thanks to Meghan Phillips for sending me Inspired Design: The 100 Most Important Interior Designers Of The Past 100 Years. In this book, author Jennifer Boles features a roundup of interior design's greatest visionaries from around the world and how they shaped the decorating landscape. 

Here's a sneak peek of the book!

The striking cover grabs my attention right from the start! It has a protective see through dust jacket giving the book cover a chic, layered look. Truly stylish!

Inside this beautiful volume, you will find a brief bio of each featured designer and a few photographs of their best work to pique your interest in discovering more. With hundreds of breathtaking rooms from iconic designers from yesteryears leading up to current designers, this book serves as a great reference and inspiration for everyone interested in interior design. 

Well written and very informative, this gorgeous publication is a must-have for all interior design students and all design aficionados. Definitely a great addition to your design library!

Don't forget to get your copy here!

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