Book review- Outside In: The Gardens and Houses of Tichenor & Thorp!

I have another lovely design book, Outside In: The Gardens and Houses of Tichenor & Thorp from Vendome Press that I wanted to share with you today. Thanks Meghan! In this book authored by architects M. Brian Tichenor and Raun Thorp, you will find exceptional properties that integrate large-scale residences and luxurious gardens and landscapes into a singular, unified vision designed by this Los Angeles-based husband-and-wife team. 

Without further ado, let's get a glimpse of this stunning book, shall we?

Photo credit: Roger Davies 

There is so much to love about this gorgeous book and its abundance of awe-inspiring images. Among those featured in this book are a Spanish-inflected courtyard house and garden in Las Palmas; a Bel Air estate tinged with English and French influences; a Newport Beach hilltop hideaway that evokes a Portuguese quinta; a Pasadena retreat inflected with John Soane-inspired details; two luxe Manhattan apartments; and a mountain getaway in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. 

Most photographs are accompanied by essays, captions, drawings, plans and masterly watercolors to give the reader a deeper understanding of how the firm takes each of these elements into account and incorporates them into their projects. 

With 272 pages of breathtaking homes, beautiful interiors, amazing gardens and spectacular landscaping, this inspiring book is ideal for any design, garden or landscaping fans! Trust me, you will be swept away by this visually delightful and engaging book! Highly recommended and shouldn't be missed!

Get your copy here!

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

Letting light into your bathroom without losing your privacy!

This post is provided by Jesse Hughes.

Most of us spend a fair amount of time in the bathroom, whether it is taking a refreshing shower in the morning, or relaxing in the tub in the evening. The thing with bathrooms is that they can be dull, and unpleasant to be in, if you do not let in enough light. Obviously, windows are the best way of letting light into a room. 

The problem you have, when you have windows in your bathroom, is how to protect your privacy. After all, you do not want the neighbors to see you drying yourself off when you get out of the shower. Here are three ways that you can have light giving windows in your bathroom, without compromising your privacy. 

Have glass block windows fitted 

This type of window is an ideal choice for a bathroom. You can let in all the light that you need, but the windows also provide you with the privacy you require. If you are thinking of having glass block windows fitted in your home, you should hire an expert in residential and commercial joinery to do the work. This is not a job that you should attempt to do yourself. 

Having a skylight fitted

If you want to fill your bathroom with light, having a skylight fitted can be an excellent choice. Of course, your bathroom has to be in a position which makes this a practical choice. A skylight gives you access to all the sunlight that is available, but does not enable other people to look into your bathroom, and invade your privacy. 

Using window film

One of the simplest ways to protect your privacy, while you are in the bathroom, is to use window film on the windows. Doing so means that you can use plain glass in the windows. The window film obstructs the view of anyone looking in from outside, but does not stop light from getting into the room. 

The good news about window film is that it is available in different colors and patterns. This means that you can choose the film which best fits with your overall bathroom décor. Window film is also easy to fit, so you should be able to complete the job yourself with no problems. This makes the solution even more affordable as you do not need to pay out for professional help. 

Making sure your bathroom is a light and pleasant place to be is important; after all, no-one really enjoys chilling out in the tub, with just artificial light in use. Having sunlight pouring in is far more pleasant, and can also add a feeling of space to the room. 

Hopefully, we have shown you how you can get the light you need, without having to compromise the privacy which is so important. The really good news is that you do not have to spend a lot of money, depending on which option you feel is best for you. 

Book review- Versailles: The Great And Hidden Splendors Of The Sun King's Palace!

Today, I will be sharing another gorgeous volume with you, Versailles: The Great And Hidden Splendors Of The Sun King's Palace, thanks Meghan! In this book authored by Catherine Pégard and photographed by Christophe Fouin, Thomas Garnier, Christian Milet, and Didier Saulnier, you will gain private access to Versailles and the rooms typically closed off to the general public.

Here is a glimpse of what's inside this stunning book!

Be prepared to be wowed by this exceptionally beautiful book through the lenses of four very talented photographers! With 250 previously unpublished photographs revealing a plethora of outstanding artworks, the private apartments of Louis XIV, Marie-Antoinette and Madame de Pompadour, magnificent galleries, the delightful Orangerie and mysterious passages and hidden attics, all accompanied by captions and interesting tidbits, this is one amazing book you shouldn't missed! 

Fascinating, engaging and inspirational, I highly recommend this book to all design and Versailles fans. Check out Versailles' unseen grandeur and splendors for yourself! Get your copy here!

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

How is mold removed from a home?

This post is provided by Jesse Hughes.

Finding out that you have a mold problem in your home can be upsetting, and your first thought is going to be "how do I get rid of it"?

Whether you want to tackle the job yourself, or choose a professional mold specialist like Edmonton Remediation Pros, there are a few things to consider in dealing with the problem. Materials or surfaces covered in mold can either be cleaned or removed outright. Knowing which is the right solution can save you a lot of unnecessary work.

Cleaning

Let us look at the easier approach first. You do not necessarily have to start tearing out walls as soon as you see a patch of mold. There are many situations where a good cleaning is enough.

Non-porous surfaces like tile, stone, glass, plastic or metal can usually be cleaned. Use a bleach solution of roughly 1 part bleach to 8-10 parts water. Give the area a good scrubbing with this solution, and let it thoroughly air dry. Do not rinse, as the bleach residue helps keep future mold blooms at bay. You can also purchase mold cleansers that are formulated for this job if you want.

If you have a small mold colony, you can also try a more natural cleaning approach to avoid the bleach. Straight vinegar or a mixture of tea tree oil and water (1 tsp to a cup of water) can also work to sanitize a surface and kill mold. It is not recommended for large patches though.

When mold has established itself on structural wood that can not be removed, you will have to clean it even though the porous texture is not ideal. You do not have much choice though. Use the same solution, just use a lot more of it so that it soaks in as deep as you can manage.

Removal

If cleaning just is not going to be suitable, then you do have to resort to pulling things apart to remove the mold contamination. This goes for paper, fabrics, upholstery, drywall and wood. Loose items should be removed and disposed of (wear gloves and a mask!). Everything should be tightly sealed in garbage bags immediately. Do not just pile everything in a corner and hope to get to it later. Spores will quickly spread once you start pulling things apart.

Patches of infected drywall should be cut away cleanly, and also disposed of carefully. After that, it is just a matter of doing a little work to replace the drywall.

Why Bother?

If it is tucked away behind an appliance or piece of basement furniture, why bother cleaning away mold? Even if it does not seem to be doing much harm, there are serious health risks involved with unchecked mold colonies.

Afterwards

Whether you have cleaned or removed the entire mold, you need to be diligent and prevent any reappearance. Damp conditions lead to mold, so improve ventilation where you can, fix water leaks and add a dehumidifier to help dry out the damp spots of your house. Do spot checks after your finished to make sure nothing is growing back. If more mold shows up, give it another cleaning immediately.

Book review- Haute Bohemians!

Today, I am sharing an exciting new publication from Vendome Press with you again. Thanks to Meghan Phillips for sending me Haute Bohemians, another gorgeous design book. In this book authored and photographed by Miguel Flores-Vianna, you will get a glimpse of extraordinary fashion designers, landscape architects, artists and art historians, potters, interior designers and where they live- country cottages, beach bungalows, canal-side lofts, and East Village apartments, as well as estancias, châteaux, and palazzi. Believe it or not, esteemed photographer Flores-Vianna traveled four continents to bring you this stunning book!

Here is a sneak peek of the lovely interiors!

I am absolutely in love with this book and its abundance of swoon-worthy images. A giant volume illustrated with hundreds of high quality photos of incredibly chic, layered and breathtaking interiors, these charming and authentic spaces is unlike any bohemian interiors you have ever seen before. 

Engaging and fascinating, this beautiful book instantly transports me to far away places, thanks to the warm, delightful and personal home tours. If you love extraordinary interiors and enjoy exploring inspiring home environments, this is the perfect book for you. I am so thrilled to add this inspirational design book to my collection. I know you will, too! Truly a gem and shouldn't be missed! Highly recommended. 

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.

Creating A Vintage Bathroom!

This article is provided by Morgan Mitchell.

Your bathroom can sometimes get overlooked when it comes to designing. Often, people think of their bathrooms as a functional room as opposed to needing some interior TLC. However, your bathroom is what will help to give your home that stunning overall finish and can greatly help to improve the value of your home in the long run. The biggest trend to have taken off in recent years has to be the vintage look. This trend shows no signs of slowing down and offers you a timeless and classic look that will stand the test of time. Luckily, the vintage look is easily achieved with a simple set of new tiles and some clever accessories. 

Floor Tiles 

Perhaps one of the biggest factors in achieving the vintage look has to be your floor tiles. One easy way of transforming your bathroom is by using black and white pattern tiles. These are synonymous with the retro look and can set the scene perfectly later down the line when it comes to accessories. The contrast of black and white also creates a gorgeous sense of dimension to your floor and can help to make the floor space look larger. Although a staple piece of the vintage look, try to avoid black and white pattern tiles that use abstract or floral designs. These are a bit more modern so instead try to stick to geometric patterns for a more authentic look. 

Wall Tiles 

For your wall tiles, you ideally want to be using a metro tile. Metro tiles are unbelievably popular right now and are experiencing a surge of interest in the interiors world. With a rich historical background the metro tile is perfect for creating that throwback look. The metro tile first rose to fame thanks to its use on the London Underground in the early 1900s. They slowly became a cultural icon for London and subsequently subway stations across the world. This makes them your perfect choice for a vintage bathroom since they themselves are a vintage staple piece. For the genuine effect you want to be using a gloss finish for you metro tile. Gloss finishes give a stunning shine and can bounce light beautifully within a room, helping smaller spaces feel larger. White metro tiles are the traditional color and when paired with a contrasting grey or black grout line the tiles recognizable shape really pops. However, while white may be the classic, do not be afraid to branch out in to colors. Black or grey metro tiles can give you a more vintage glamour look for a darker, bolder aesthetic. 

Accessories 

No vintage bathroom is compete without incorporating copper or tarnished metals. Think of using these materials for your sinks or faucets for that shabby chic finish. All of the little things add up to create that final look so think about using classic looking soap dishes, toothbrush holders and other similar essentials. Working together, these help to harmoniously combine all of the elements in your bathroom. A freestanding bath in particular is the perfect center piece for your vintage bathroom. In particular, baths that have ornate or detailed feet are the ideal finishing detail.

The tiles are the center point to any vintage bathroom and these should be your focus. Once you have the perfect tile, the rest should come with ease. 

Book review- Second Bloom: Cathy Graham's Art of the Table!

Recently, I have received another gorgeous book called Second Bloom: Cathy Graham's Art of the Table from Vendome Press! In this lovely book, artist, collector and entertaining guru Cathy Graham shares her secrets for gracious living and memorable get-togethers. 

Here's a glimpse of what's inside this pretty book!

Honestly, this beautiful book brings me so much joy! With more than 200 pages of visually delightful images and swoon-worthy details, this book is definitely an inspirational eye candy. 

Cathy Graham's talents are simply mind-blowing! From creating original touches such as hand-drawn one-of-a-kind invitations, exquisite flower arrangements and memorable table settings, she always does it with a sense of ease and whimsy. Filled with Graham's charming water color sketches, Second Bloom: Cathy Graham's Art of the Table demonstrates how to create truly special occasions in an original and effortless way.  

If you are a fan of wild charm and whimsical beauty, this stunning book is perfect for you! Highly recommended. 

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.

Maintaining The Aesthetics Of Your Home!

This post is provided by Katherine Smith.

Homeowners know that there are times in which maintenance becomes really important. Not only does it affect the efficiency and comfort of your home, some maintenance needs can make your home look less than appealing to the eye. Naturally, you want your home to look its best while providing a safe space in a beautiful and comfortable setting. Today we are discussing some of the top maintenance issues that will pop up over the life of your home. Read on to learn more and some ways to take care of those issues.

Chimneys Are Your Winter Life Line

Lots of folks have a fireplace in the home, especially in the northern states when temperatures drop and you need an efficient way to warm up the room. Aside from that, fireplaces are a beautiful addition to the room! Maintaining those fireplaces and chimneys is essential to a lifelong functional fireplace. Finding the right company to help you is a Google search away. A search for a professional near you, for example, "chimney repair, CT," will help you find the right chimney sweep to come out and assess the issue. These sorts of experts will look at your chimney inside and out while offering cleaning services each year. Maintaining a beautiful chimney will also guarantee that your fireplace will remain functional and aesthetically pleasing all winter long.

Pipes Are Necessary And Unsightly

Many older homes have exposed pipes, electrical pipes, and air ducts. If you are in an older home, you may have considered how to cover those pipes and ducts. Our first tip is to be sure that the décor you choose still allows for easy access to those pipes and ducts. It may be unsightly but there is a huge benefit to those pipes and ducts being exposed! Using flame retardant fabric to drape and cover those pipes and ducts is not only beautiful to see, it can make it so much easier for a repairman to get to them for repair. If draping fabric sounds like a style you are not excited about, you can always mask them with matching paint in the room. Still easily accessible and hidden away from your guests.

Windows Are The Eyes Of The Home

Windows can be a costly fixture in the home, especially if they are not in good shape. Broken windows and cracked molding are not only an eyesore, they suck the heat out in the winter and bring the heat in during the summer. Replacing those windows will save you tons on your electric bill, make your home efficient, and keep your home looking beautiful all year long. Energy efficient windows can be a great tax benefit as well so be sure to purchase windows that will offer that tax break!

Doors Can Be Aesthetically Pleasing

Much like your windows, the doors inside and outside the home should be in great shape. Broken locks and door frames make you an easy target for break-ins. Cracked molding and doors that do not fully close properly can also cost you heavily when it comes to heating and cooling your home. Choosing a beautiful door can add to your home décor and save you money in the long run. There are so many styles out there that it would be impossible not to find one that you adore.

The appearance of our home means a lot to us. It allows people to know that we love our home when we take care of it, save us money when we choose energy efficient options and deters possible theft. Our home is the greatest statement we can make and one should do all we can to take care of it!