Interior or exterior window shading - Which will it be?

This article is provided by Ann Bui.

Purchasing new window treatments is a major home upgrade and hefty investment, certainly not the kind of decision you make every day. With so many window shading options available, how do you choose?

Exterior window shading- specifically, exterior rolling shutters and retractable solar screens- is the best choice if you want to strategically add value to your home and save money on energy bills while keeping it cool and clean.

Unmatched Cooling Power

When it comes to blocking the sun’s heat, outdoor shading products are more efficient in keeping your house cool than interior options. Exterior rolling shutters block the heat outside the house and retractable solar screens absorb the heat- but either way, heat is reduced before it reaches your home’s interior. That’s because exterior shades are installed away from the glass, allowing solar radiation to rise and dissipate into the air before it has time to warm the glass.

Interior blinds, on the other hand, block light but trap the sun’s heat inside the house. In the same way a convection oven circulates hot air to cook your food, the heated air trapped between the window shades and the glass rises, pulling cool air from the floor towards the ceiling. Instead of blowing away in the wind, the heated air cycles back around, making the room warmer and warmer.

The difference is significant; exterior window shades can reduce solar heat gain in the summer by up to 65% on south-facing windows and 77% on west-facing windows. Conversely, you can retract them in the winter to let solar heat warm your home’s interior.

Saves Energy

Rolling shutters and solar screens can be applied to any glass window or door to reduce the sun’s glare and excessive heat. When your house is cooler, you run the air conditioner less, which reduces energy consumption. Who does not want to lower their utility bill? And if you really want to save energy, you can upgrade to solar powered motorized rolling shutters and solar screens.

View-Friendly

Unlike rolling shutters, solar screens are semi-transparent; they block harmful UV rays, but not the view. So you can still enjoy watching the sunset, but without frying. Solar screens block 90% of the sun’s UV rays, which protects your skin, furniture and floors and lets you reclaim living areas lost to bright light and excessive heat.

Less Cleaning

Hate to dust? Blinds and drapes accumulate dust and dirt inside the house which require constant cleaning. With rolling shutters and solar screens installed outside your home, you will have a much cleaner environment inside the house. When not in use, they roll up neatly into an inconspicuous metal enclosure, keeping them clean and protecting them from the elements.

Interested in Exterior Shutters or Solar Screens?

European Rolling Shutters in San Jose, CA is the Bay Area’s exterior shading expert offering a range of energy-saving products customized to fit your home, including retractable awnings and pergola covers.

Product review- ShedRain umbrellas!

I remembered buying my first umbrella to protect myself from the scorching hot sun (that gave me annoying headaches) and the rain when I was attending college in Malaysia. Because I lived in a college dorm and I had to walk a good distance to my classes everyday, getting an umbrella was a practical choice.

The umbrella I purchased was a gorgeous bright red color with a curved wood handle. A typical umbrella at that time would cost between $6-$7 each but I decided to splurge and bought a $20 umbrella. I love that umbrella so much and would literally bring it everywhere. And it wasn't even a compact umbrella. 

I even brought it with me in my gigantic luggage when I first came to the United States to pursue my studies more than 10 years ago. There were a few times I almost lost my beloved umbrella due to my absent-mindedness but thanks to my friends and a few kind souls, I was able to retrieve it back. My red umbrella served me for more than 10 years before the ribs finally broke. Needless to say, I was sad because it was such a sentimental item for me.

Perhaps of the love I had for my old, broken umbrella, I started to have an obsession over umbrellas. We already have a few umbrellas at home but I really wanted to have my very own umbrella so I went online to shop. I ended up ordering a nice over $60 fancy striped umbrella all the way from UK and then another punchy graphic umbrella a few years later.

So, when the nice folks from ShedRain offered to send me some of their umbrellas to try, how I can resist? These are the umbrellas that I picked!

New Auto Open Fashion Stick

This designer umbrella is so chic and gorgeous! I really love how bold and fun the stripes are! The 42-inch canopy has a great 'push-button auto open" feature and fully expand from the retracted position at the base. 

Constructed with a steel frame and ribs, it seems really sturdy and durable. Besides the wonderful quality, I also like the lovely coordinating leather crook handle detail. It also easily provides coverage for two average-sized adults. 

With a winning combination of durability and style, what's not to love about this beautiful umbrella?

Bubble Umbrella (Clear)

I have always wanted a clear umbrella since I was a little girl so picking a 'see-through' bubble umbrella was a clear choice (pun intended). The clear canopy offers an unobstructed view, preventing me from bumping into people or cars. Additionally, the clear canopy also makes for a great photo op! 

Featuring a 'push-button auto open' design, this umbrella is very easy to operate. Overall, the umbrella seems sturdy and well made and the black trim is a beautiful touch. Coverage wise, it protects you from the rain better than the average umbrellas because of its bubble design and construction.

I really love this gorgeous dome umbrella for its beauty and practicality and would highly recommend it!

Don't forget to check out other stylish umbrellas on their site! My lovelies, are you obsessed about fashionable umbrellas as much as I do? What kind of umbrella catches your eye?

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

Making the most out of your basement space!

Every homeowner with an unfinished basement will dream about making the subterranean space something better. Who does not want to add another livable floor to their house? Not only does it boost property value, it frees up precious room in the main section of the dwelling, and allows for an array of options as far as purpose is concerned.

However, this is all contingent on the job being done right. Too often, homeowners get in over their heads with do-it-yourself remodeling and less-than-reputable contractors. Costs and complications spiral out of control. Basement finishing projects are no exception. In fact, they can be a particular hassle depending on the local climate and geography.

The Midwest, for example, sees anywhere from 20 to 50 inches of rainfall on average every year. This makes basements in these states especially prone to leaking in the aftermath of heavy storms.

Flooding in a utility-grade, unfinished basement is an annoyance, but leaks making their way into a finished basement are a disaster. Finding reputable safe basement waterproofing experts is key to preventing floods from ruining a finished living space. Otherwise it may only be a matter of time before Mother Nature undoes all the hard work of a basement remodel project.

In some parts of the country, the water table is simply too high to allow for cost-effective basement construction in the first place. Florida, for example, is for all intents and purposes a thin layer of land floating on the ocean, making anything below ground consistently vulnerable to flooding from the bottom up. In fact, to successfully build tunnels under Walt Disney World in Orlando it was necessary to install them at ground-level and elevate the surface by one story.

Now...what to do with basement space once it is for certain there would not be any water damage. This, of course, depends on the wants and needs of the inhabitants/owners of the home. If you have unfinished basement space but lack inspiration for what to do with it, here are the most common uses for subterranean floors of a house:

Office

Men and women who work from home love this option for obvious reasons. It is an ideal choice for a small basement floor plan, or it can be combined with a bedroom, playroom, or other space depending on the square footage available (and the budget.)

Playroom

Is the family growing? If so then maybe the basement is the perfect place for a playroom? Abide by safe-proofing procedures before proceeding.

Exercise

More than one household has a treadmill or elliptical in their unfinished basement. Make it a finished basement space and allow for the option to put a TV and shower down there too. Cozy space can have a positive affect on your attempt to stay physically fit, whereas dark and dank unfinished basements are uninspiring.

Escape

Sometimes called a “man-cave," finishing a basement with the intent to use it as a place to get away from other humans for a while does not have to be gender exclusive. Home theater setups, pool tables, and poker tables are the go-to options, but what about a home library, or a meditation room?

Band Practice

With the right soundproofing measures, a finished basement can provide the perfect practice space for budding bands and longtime collaborators alike. It is better than a garage, where it is more likely than not the neighbors will be within earshot of the drum solos.

Apartment

Homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to make money from their real estate, and renting is of course the primary way to go about it. Converting a basement into a spare apartment allows families to rent out what was otherwise mostly unused space, enough to cover half or more of the mortgage payment every month.

Spare Bedroom(s)

Shrinking the apartment option down a little, using the basement for spare bedrooms is the classic choice for most households. Again, if the budget and square footage allows for it, a spare bedroom can be combined with any of the previous options.

Unfinished basements everywhere are just waiting to be turned into useful, lively spaces. First they must be made to be waterproof and safe. Afterwards, it’s up to the homeowner to decide what to do with their basements. The options are many, combinations are possible, and the result is undoubtedly a better living experience for everyone under the roof.

Happy birthday to me!

Guess what? I turned 36 today! Honestly, I am perfectly fine with getting older, but hubby likes to tease me about my age. Heck, he is 9 years older than me! If I am old, then he's a piece of antique, right? Hahaha...

We are supposed to go to a new to us popular Asian place for dinner but a few weeks ago, when I tried to make a reservation, all the time slots that we wanted were unavailable. My husband tried to convince me to try the restaurant next time but I was drooling over their food so I made a reservation for tomorrow instead!

However, since it's my birthday today, I told hubby that I shouldn't be cooking and we should go dine in a restaurant instead. He agreed! So, it is like having a two-day birthday celebration! :)

I am looking forward to dine at the new eatery tomorrow! Can't wait, so excited! Oh, I also asked hubby to get me these Cole Haan boots that I have been eyeing forever! I have a few lovely leather boots so I can't imagine them getting wet but these boots are so chic, a little rugged and water repellent so it's perfect for those rainy or snowy days (we have those a lot in our area)! Plus, these boots have rave reviews as well! :)

via 

I love asking hubby to buy me shoes, handbags and home goods as gifts. What about you guys?

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.