Give Your Home a Refreshing Atmosphere!

Your home’s design is a reflection of who you are. Most of the fun of decorating comes from finding ways to use colors, textures, and patterns to express your personality. If your goal is to have a truly inspired motif, then you should think beyond what is visually apparent. Smells, sounds, and temperatures are also important components of the ambiance in your home. With this in mind, you should consider the impact that your cooling system has on your home’s overall atmosphere and design scheme.

Touch-ups are key

Just as you might switch out your winter knick-knacks for beachier bric-a-brac at the beginning of summer, you should also take the time to touch up your AC system. Routine maintenance will help your unit run more efficiently, which will make your home far more comfortable when the weather heats up. You can reduce your unit’s energy usage by as much as 15 percent just by replacing its filters.

Maintenance can also save you a lot of money in the long run by preventing you from having to deal with major breakdowns. In many cases, you can save yourself from any repair headaches by scheduling a maintenance appointment at the outset of the season. Taking the time to address such seemingly minor details will help your life run more smoothly overall.

Replace if necessary

Even with routine maintenance, some AC units become unable to perform well after working hard to cool your home for several years. If your AC unit is outdated, it may be worth the investment to replace it rather than pay for repairs that ultimately waste money. You can always read over some Avant loans reviews if getting a new unit becomes an unexpected cost. The latest central cooling units look much sleeker than their predecessors, so even if your unit must be out in the open it will be less detrimental to your home’s style. Modern window units are quieter than older ones, so they do not drown out your conversations.

Another benefit of having a new AC unit installed is that nearly all models are more energy-efficient than ever. When you save money on energy costs, you have more freedom to experiment with other design projects. After all, choosing new paint colors for your walls is a lot more fun than pouring all your money into steep energy bills.

Repairs

All of the light fabrics and pastel colors in the world will still feel hot and miserable if your AC breaks in the middle of the summer. Should such an unfortunate event occur, you should choose your service provider carefully. Some companies do not offer service in the evenings or on weekends. Others do perform repairs during off-hours, but charge extra for this work. Choose a company that will not charge extra for rapid repairs. When you can have any issues addressed quickly, you can turn your home from sticky back to stylish as soon as possible.

Cool, classy and comfortable

The design and atmosphere of your home should captivate all of the senses. The climate of your living space is an important detail that goes a long way towards making it a pleasant place to pass the hours. By taking steps to make your home feel as comfortable as possible, you can ensure that you, your family, and your visitors will all enjoy spending time there.

Home Owner Items In Demand After A Hurricane!

This article is provided by Kevin Skaggs.

Hurricane season comes in quickly and depart just as fast, leaving nothing but a trail of devastation in their wake, with effects lasting long after they have gone. Thousands of homes suffer from damages from such tragedies. Fortunately, there are services available following these events that can help homeowners clean up the water damage and help with restoration process.  

Repair Services

Many homes suffer roof damage after hurricanes. Roof maintenance and repair businesses will therefore be in very high demand. It is best to opt for a local, established business over one that comes in from out of town. A local business knows the area, the climate and what materials are best suited to give you a quality roof. Not only that, but they can guarantee their work, and, with an established, trusted reputation, you know you can always reach them should something go wrong.

Air Movers

Following a hurricane, you will have undoubtedly experienced flooding. In order to prevent major damage, you want to dry out the area quickly. After removing as much of the standing water as you can, employees use an air mover to force high velocity air over the area it is directed, which pushes up any remaining moisture from floors, carpets, walls and furniture.  Axial air blowers work over broad spaces whereas centrifugal ones blow air directly over the area they are placed.

Dehumidifiers

In order to effectively dry the area, a commercial dehumidifier should be used along with the air blower, making it another in demand piece of equipment. As the air blower forces excess moisture into the air, the dehumidifier works to collect it, keeping it from resettling on any surface of the home. This prevents physical damage and mold growth. 

There are a couple of options for you. Some dehumidifiers have collection buckets. You just need to be sure that you regularly empty them. Others have a drainage hose, so if you choose one of these models, be sure that you have a place for the water to go.

Hurricanes cause a lot of problems and create a high demand for certain services and items. Act quickly and you can have what you need to perform a speedy cleanup, which will save you from suffering severe damages and having to spend a fortune in repairs.

Disclosure: I have been compensated for the publication of this post.
                                                                                                               

How to select the right shape and size of Saltillo tile for your home!

This article is provided by Rustico Tile & Stone.

Authentic Mexican Saltillo tile can add beauty, depth and character to any space in your home, from bathroom walls and living room floors to stair risers and kitchen backsplashes. After you have decided where to install your tile, consider these tips from Rustico Tile and Stone to help you select just the right type to bring your space to life.

1. Shape Determines Style

Saltillo tiles come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Hexagonal and octagonal tiles add complexity to a room with neutral colors or subdued décor, while rooms with a lot of character benefit from the simple beauty of a rectangular or square tile. 

2. Size to Scale

Remember to consider the size of your room, which directly corresponds to the measurements of your tile. Try large tiles, such as Rustico’s standard 12”x12” or 16”x16” squares, in grand spaces, and choose small tiles for cozier spaces to add more depth. Avoid excess waste by scaling the size of Saltillo tile to the size of your room.

3. Patterns Differentiate Spaces

There are many different Saltillo tile designs on the market. Plain tiles, which come in a range of warm color tones, are an excellent neutral choice for busy spaces. To add a touch of hacienda style, try an authentic Saltillo tile pattern such as Riviera, San Felipe, or Fleur de Lis. Incorporate hand painted talavera tile inserts between tiles for an added statement. Create a visual transition from one room to the next by changing up Saltillo tile patterns.

4. Color Your Space

There are three striking finishes of Saltillo tile to consider for your home: Traditional, Manganese, and Antique. Rustico Tile and Stone manufactures all three types, which can be cut into any of the shapes and sizes above to create the perfect look for your space. 

Traditional Saltillo will add a splash of hacienda-style color to your home. Choose from warm terra cotta shades of orange, red, or yellow to enhance your existing décor. 

Manganese Saltillo tile is particularly effective in spaces that already have a lot of color, as its lovely shades of brown and terra cotta will not clash with existing themes. 

Antique Saltillo (also known as reclaimed terra cotta) is reminiscent of historic Spanish-style homes. Its lush texture and earthy tones will add some Old-World beauty to your modern style home. 

As you can see, the character of your home will help you decide which shape, size, pattern and finish of tile to use. We hope these tips are a good starting point for your journey into the wonderful world of Saltillo tile!

Source: Rustico Tile and Stone of Leander (near Austin), Texas

https://www.rusticotile.com/

Rustico is the largest manufacturer and distributor for authentic, handmade saltillo tile in Mexico. The company also serves as the leading national distributor for other specialty Mexican tile and stone including: Encaustic Cement Tile, Talavera, and Cantera Stone. Rustico offers wholesale pricing and ships worldwide.

Disclosure: I have been compensated for the publication of this post.

Happy 5th blog anniversary!

In a blink of an eye, this little humble blog of mine has turned five! I wondered where did all the time go? My blog actually turned 5 a month ago but I totally forget about it until a month later. How very absent-minded of me!

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

Without you, my wonderful readers, it wouldn't be possible for me to 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 will try my best to provide good inspirational content for you so I hope you will continue to stay with me. 

Once in a while, you will see a few featured brands or paid campaigns and possibly some posts that might not be design-related at all, but I hope you will continue to bear with me. I also wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone for supporting the brands that support this blog so I can continue to provide beautiful, inspirational content for free. :)

Thank you my fabulous readers, you are simply the best!

Can you use an electric blanket and a mattress topper together?

If you are struggling to get through a cold patch of weather you may want to use an electric blanket on your bed, so you can be warm when you go to sleep. Many people also use mattress toppers on their bed, in order to protect their mattress and improve their level of comfort. If this applies to you then you may be wondering if you can use your mattress protector and an electric blanket at the same time.

From a safety point of view, there is no problem with using a comfortable mattress topper and an electric blanket in order to keep you warm and comfortable when you go to bed. There are certain considerations you should be aware of though. First, let us take a look at why you would be using a mattress topper in the first place. 

Why buy a mattress topper?

A mattress topper is a piece of removable bedding that you can buy to help bring either firmness to a soft mattress or a softer feel to a mattress which is too hard. A mattress topper can help extend the life of a mattress but once the general foundation of the mattress has gone it is a good idea to invest in a new mattress. Most people invest in a mattress topper to improve their level of comfort in bed, and help them get a better night’s sleep. This is important, as getting enough sleep helps to keep you healthy.

What if you want to use an electric blanket and a mattress topper?

As we mentioned in our introduction, it is perfectly safe to use an electric blanket if you are already using a mattress topper on you bed. There are some things you need to be aware of though. The first thing to think about is what happens if you place an electric blanket under a mattress topper. In some cases the heat levels are not affected, and you will still get sufficient heat from the blanket. 

However, depending on the electric blanket and topper you are using, the amount of heat you can feel may be lessened. The other point that it is useful to think about when using a mattress topper and an electric blanket together, is what happens if you have a memory foam mattress topper. This type of mattress topper uses the heat patterns from your body to create the perfect shape for your comfort and support. If you add the heat from the blanket then this process may not be as successful.

Overall there is no safety problem with using a mattress topper and an electric blanket at the same time; often it is actually a very good combination. You just need to be aware that sometimes using both items together can mean that either the heat you obtain, or the level of comfort reached can be adversely affected. 

Trends And Tips For the Master Bathroom!

Design and style trends for master bathrooms have certainly changed over the years. What was once “just another restroom” where the head of the household could shower, shave, and use the restroom has now become a new atmosphere of indulgence, peace, and tranquility- much like the environment given by spas. Now limited by nothing more than imagination and funding, homeowners have the ability to create a customized oasis that they never want to leave. If you are thinking of redesigning your master bathroom, here are some home improvement tips to keep in mind. 

Style

How do you want your bathroom to look once it is completed? If you are not sure about the style you want, there are plenty of ways to get inspiration. You can try checking out home improvement shows, skim through magazines for pictures, view snapshots of design options online or even follow a design blog for tips and tricks. Start looking for ideas on how you want your restroom to look. If you have more than one idea, be sure to keep those pictures handy so that you can show them to the contractors. They can further assist you in bringing the concept to life within a budget that is suitable for you. 

Materials

Materials are going to be another aspect you will need to consider for your master bathroom. Remember, you can be as creative as you want to create the bathroom of your dreams. Some of the trending materials used include stone, granite, marble, and ceramic to name a few. As you are looking at the types of materials you would like in your bathroom, remember to keep your budget in mind so you do not go overboard.

Layout

Now you have an idea of what style you are after, you have determined the types of materials you would like to see, how do you want everything laid out? Layout is imperative to functionality so you will want to take some time to really think on this point. Some things you should discuss with your designer about layout would include: 

Number of Sinks

Are you looking to have a 'his and her' sink in your master bathroom? It might be beneficial to consider a dual-sink vanity that complements the color scheme and materials you have chosen for your bathroom. You may also need to consult with a plumber about installing double sinks as this may require additional charges (for those who currently have one sink). 

Shower, Bath Or Both

Beautiful tubs used to be the focal point of master bathrooms in years pasts; however, trends are changing a bit. More people seem to be looking for customized showers that come complete with oversized showerheads, wall showerheads, and other spa like features. If you are limited on space, it may be best to install a stand-in shower instead of a tub as tubs can take up a decent amount of space. 

However, if you have the budget to go all out, installing a nice tub with water jets would be a nice addition and a great way to unwind after a stressful day. 

Design 

A new trend in master bathroom designs is creating something more universal. In essence, this means creating a design that can meet the needs of people all ages and abilities. This might include design features like wide doorways; grab bars, and large shower doors. Talk about the things you need with your designer and always remember functionality is one of the most important factors. 

The Extras

If there is enough leftover in the budget then why not go ahead and treat yourself to a few extra bathroom features? Many master bathrooms now have luxurious features. Some include extravagant chandeliers or track lighting, while others install things like a fireplace, towel warms, televisions, sound systems and more. 

The modern day master bathroom has taken a turn for the better. Creating a “spa-like” environment in your own home can do wonders for your mood and can also increase your property value. Have fun looking at different options for design, layout, materials, and function, but be sure to keep your budget in mind at all times. If you do not have enough for the extras, you can always come back and add them later.

To finish your bathroom off with style, why not treat yourself to a luxury turkish spa robe so you really feel at home in your newly completed bathroom. 

8 Popular Home Design Trends to Look for in 2016!

Home design trends are more than just individual details and fads. They represent changes in lifestyle and the desire to create a home that better fits your needs. In 2016, many home builders have noticed home design trends are being driven by three main themes - functionality, personalizaton, and entertaining. In this article, we will explore how these three themes manifest themselves in the design choices made by 2016 new home buyers.

Functionality

Home buyers who are building a new home in 2016 want to maximize their space by using every square inch and making the home as functional as possible. This desire for functionality has produced the following trends:

- 100% functional design: This means we are seeing fewer hallways and tiny rooms, single staircases because having two takes up too much space, and a decrease in requests for separate, closed off foyers or entrances.

- Smart home technology: Home builders can pre-wire the space with cables so Wi-Fi can be extended throughout the house. This allows the homeowner to conveniently control things like security systems, lights, and thermostats from their smartphone.

- Double islands in the kitchen: Since the kitchen is a key area for entertaining, having two islands allows the homeowner to have one dedicated space for cooking and prep work and a separate space for eating and socializing.

- Landscaping with native plants: Many areas of the country are experiencing drought. By landscaping with native plants, home owners will use less water because these plants are accustomed to the environment but still create an impressive display that adds curb appeal.

Personalization

The main reason why people choose to buy a new home over purchasing a resale home is that it allows them to customize and personalize the space to their needs. This means you can choose your own layout, materials, colors, decorations and more to show off your unique personality. 

Of course personalization is different for everyone, but some of the key personalization trends that home builders are seeing in 2016 include:

- Get away rooms: Homeowners are choosing the open concept layout (which we will discuss in the next section), but they still want a place where they can get away to a more private space. Get away rooms can take the form of wine rooms, libraries, family rooms, recreation rooms, media rooms and more.

- Master suite: Another area where home builders see personalization come to the forefront is in the master suite. Homeowners want to design their perfect bedroom and connected bathroom that let them escape from the hectic world outside. Once again, personalization depends on the homeowner, but spa-like bathrooms that include either a walk-in shower or a stand-alone tub (or both) are particularly popular.

Entertaining

A final theme that is driving 2016 home trends is the desire to create a home that is ideal for at-home entertaining. Some more specific trends that fall into this category include:

- Open concept layout: Home buyers are taking down the walls on the main level of their home to create a space where the kitchen, dining, and living areas can all flow together. This provides a larger area where people have room to mix and mingle yet remain in the same space.

- Indoor-outdoor space: With a main floor that is perfectly set up for entertaining, 2016 new home buyers are going a step further to ensure their outdoor space is set up for entertaining too and that these indoor and outdoor areas flow well together. Many are choosing double or even triple pane sliding glass doors to connect the inside with the outside. They are also making the outdoors an entertaining hotspot by adding features like patios, pools, outdoor kitchens, outdoor living rooms, fire pits, fireplaces, pizza ovens and more.

This article has featured 8 of the most popular home design trends for 2016, and you hopefully now have a deeper-level view of what to expect in 2016.  These trends are becoming popular because they serve the greater needs of homebuyers in 2016 – needs for functionality, personalization, and entertaining. 

As you plan out your ideas for your own new home, take some time to think about your lifestyle and your needs. A good local home builder will then be able to work with you to design a home that perfectly meets those needs.

Guest post- Kitchen Remodeling Trends for 2016!

Kitchen trends to watch in 2016 encompass simplicity, convenience, and color. Though some design trends come and go, these unite classic elements with an innovative approach.

If you are looking for top design trends for kitchen remodels in 2016, we have gathered the most popular updates and upgrades for a fresh new year of kitchen designs. From built-in technology to kitchen and living room integration, you are sure to find ideas you will love.

Kitchens Become High-Tech Spaces

Innovation is everywhere. Now technology is helping make your life easier in the kitchen.

Access your music or recipes with ease on your iPad or tablet with designated docking stations and chargers for phones or tablets. Watch for appliances to take a whole new level of accessibility and innovation with built-in wine coolers, smart coffee makers, or ovens you can control remotely by your smartphone. Clever storage options will make organizing and storing kitchen supplies easier and more convenient than ever.

Classy Metal Accents

Natural, classy metals are making a comeback and expanding beyond last year’s trend of metallic faucets, knobs, and lights to range hoods in metallic finishes. Wood range hoods will likely decline as industrial metal hoods or a combination of both elements reach their peak. With neutral tones increasing in popularity, classic metal touches introduce an elegant contrast to your kitchen.

Commercial Appliances for Residential Uses

You may not be the next Iron Chef, but if you enjoy whipping up restaurant quality fare then commercial kitchen appliances could be for you. A commercial range and extra large refrigerator—along with immense counter space will give you the feel of a professional working kitchen in the comfort of your home. 

Muted Color Palettes and Contrasting Textures

This year, color schemes are seeing a big change. Though white remains popular, the new color scheme for backsplashes and cabinets includes grays, charcoal, tinted white tones, or even neutral pastels such as light blue or green.

Watch for variations in texture to be popular in kitchens. Not necessarily mixing and matching of textures, but also varying patterns of texture. For example, stone can be finished in multiple ways and installed to add slight texture differences in the same space.

Less Is More- A Minimalist Approach

Simplicity is the new definition of luxury. Minimalism will remain popular in 2016 designs with predominately white color palettes, wood textures, and counters without clutter. Furniture and designs mimic ‘60s modern or Nordic styles. These styles focus on simplicity while offering functional options for your kitchen.

Maximize Storage Space

Kitchen storage space seems to be an issue for any size room! But it is especially an issue for apartment dwellers and condo or townhome owners. Because of this space issue, manufacturers and renovation contractors are focusing on increasing storage in areas that also do not take up additional square footage.

Multi-tiered drawers and pull outs that fit in the spaces found in corners or next to appliances are a hot trend to add much needed storage in kitchens.

Integration of Kitchen and Living Spaces

Where do most family or friends congregate in the house? The kitchen. That is why many homeowners are foregoing the traditional dining space and outfitting space near the kitchen with comfortable sofas, chairs, lamps, and rugs.

This trend streamlines kitchen designs while uniting this space with a home’s primary living area. Nothing says “stay awhile” than a kitchen and living space that invites friends and family to rest and relax.

Are you interested in remodeling your kitchen in 2016? Check out some of these trendy ideas for inspiration. A great thing about these 2016 ideas is that they should all stay in style well beyond this year!

Guest post- Bathroom Makeover Dilemmas - Radiator or Heated Towel Rail?

Whether you are installing a brand new bathroom or giving your existing one a much needed makeover, there are plenty of decisions to be made. What color scheme should I go for? What kind of shower would look best? Do I need a new toilet and sink? What kind of tiles should I choose?

Another key decision when honing in on your desired look is what kind of heating you are going to go for. Is a standard radiator, designer radiator or a stylish heated towel rail going to best suit the new room? Luckily, there are a great deal of options available, with companies like CNM Online offering a range of styles and finishes in all three.

One thing you should know is that towel rails and radiators basically function in the same way, with water entering from one side and leaving from another, heating the pipes up to give a nice warm output. Even electric radiators and towel rails basically work like this, however, one consideration is that towel rails often would not give off quite as much heat as a radiator, so if it is a bigger bathroom they may not be powerful enough to heat it throughout. 

Both radiators and towel rails can be run from the central heating, and optimized for key points in the day like early mornings and evenings. Similarly can be said for electric options via the use of a timer. Essentially it comes down to personal preference and the size of the room. A towel rail should provide sufficient heat for a smaller room, and the quicker the towel dries, the more hygienic it is.

A radiator will give a bigger output and potentially heat the bathroom a lot quicker, but they often require more wall space and take up more room. Designer radiators are another great option, as they offer the same output as a normal radiator, but have more of a focus on aesthetics and design. They can also go upright in the same way a towel rail does, allowing for a better use of smaller spaces.

There are both pros and cons to all of the different models, so the decision is entirely a matter of room size and personal preference.

What to do if your toilet is blocked?

If your toilet is flushing really slowly, is not clearing properly, or even worse, is not clearing at all, you obviously need to solve the problem quickly. If you do not take action as soon as the problem starts then it is only going to get worse. Find out what is causing the problem, and make sure your toilet is back in full working order as soon as possible.

On many occasions you will be able to resolve the problem yourself. If this does not happen then you will need to contact experienced professionals for help; learn more here. 

Here is what to look for and what action to take if you want to try and return your toilet to full function yourself before calling in the experts.

Is your toilet definitely blocked?

First, you need to be sure that the problem is a blockage. If your toilet is flushing slowly it may be because there is not enough water in the toilet tank. You will need to lift the lid on the tank to check this. There may be an indicator on the side of the inside of the tank to show you where the water level should be. If there isn’t, you need to check the water is approximately half an inch below the vertical pipe in the center of the tank. If the water is too low you simply need to adjust either the ballcock or fill valve.

If the water level is fine, and you discover that there is a blockage in your toilet there are actions you can take to resolve the situation.

How to resolve a blockage?

The easiest way of attempting to clear a blockage in your toilet is by using a plunger. One useful tip, if you do not have a plunger is to grab a mop, a coat hanger or a similar object, and securely tie a plastic bag over the end. This homemade device has the same effect as a plunger.

If you are not able to clear the blockage then it may be that a toilet auger is required. This usually happens when something has been accidentally flushed down the toilet, and is stuck. An auger has a flexible cable which you are able to send down the drain. This sturdy cable can dislodge any items that are stuck, and leave you with a clear toilet.

If you do not have this tool, you may want to call a plumber to take a look at the problem. One thing you should never do is just ignore the problem. If it is not flushing as it normally does then something is causing the issue. If you do not take steps to remedy the situation then it is only going to get worse, and you could be left with an overflowing toilet.