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

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

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

Research Is Important

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

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

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

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

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

A Guide to the Most Luxurious Countertop Materials!

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

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

Granite: A Popular Choice

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

Marble: Adding Beauty to Any Kitchen

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

Zinc and Pewter: Eco-Friendly and Low-Maintenance

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

Quartz: An Ideal Alternative to Granite

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

Tempered Glass: Something Different and Durable

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

Wood: A Long-Lasting Option with Loads of Appeal

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

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

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

Ceramic: Nearly Indestructible and Attractive

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

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

Quick Ways To Up Your House Value!

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

Luckily, you can easily increase the value of your home with these quick and affordable home improvement jobs by Emerald Doors. 

Paint everything.

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

Paint the entire house in neutrals.

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

Paint the ceiling the same color as the walls.

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

Repaint the skirting boards.

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

Refinish hardwood floors.

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

Put up sheer curtains

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

Get new fixtures and hardware

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

Get a professional cleaner

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

Update the bathroom

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

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

How to choose the right sofa for your home!

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

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

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

Construction:

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

Cushions:

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

Springs:

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

Hardware and Joinery:

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

Upholstery Fabrics:

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

Under $1000:

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

$1000 - $3000:

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

$3000+:

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

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

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

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!