Book review- Island Hopping!

Today, I am going to share another marvelous publication from Vendome Press with you. Thanks Meghan! In Island Hopping authored by Amanda Lindroth, you will be charmed by its breathtaking interiors! 

The lovely faux raffia case cover and back band piqued my interest right from the start. Here is a sneak peek of some of the pretty illustrations and brilliantly decorated homes you will find inside this book!

Photo credit: Tria Giovan

I can't get my eyes off this gorgeous volume! Boldly colored fabrics in solids, stripes and lively prints, rattan and cane seating, whitewashed or colorfully painted English case furniture, canopied beds and straw matting are some of the signature ingredients of an Amanda Lindroth interior. Her airy, relaxed, indoor-outdoor aesthetic- a hybrid that merges colonial and island influences is apparent in every one of the 25 projects featured in Island Hopping.

This beautiful book is not only inspirational, it will transport you to a visual beach getaway. If you want to experience vacation without all the hassles of travelling, this is it! Fresh, visually delightful and engaging, you will find plenty of swoon-worthy tropical inspirations, personal stories and illustrations in this stunning publication. 

Trust me, it's a book you wouldn't be able to put down. I am so thrilled to add this gem to my collection. I know you will, too! 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.

Book review- Cabana Anthology!

Recently, I have received Cabana Anthology, another lovely publication from Vendome Press. In this delightful volume authored by Martina Mondadori Sartogo, you will find an incredible photographic journey through a unique and timeless mix of visual essays from contributors ranging from Manolo Blahnik and Alessandro Michele to Patrick Kinmoth, Christopher Gibbs and Annabelle Selldorf. The text is accompanied by artful photography by Miguel Flores-Vianna, François Halard, Tim Beddow, Guido Taroni and other internationally renowned interior photographers.

Without further ado, let's check out some of the stunning images you will find inside this fabulous book!

There is so much to love about this beautiful book! First of all, let's start with the striking hardcover. It is made with real cloth and has a nice texture to it. The book itself is pretty thick and substantial. In addition, it also includes multiple paper stocks, interior stamping and lamination and three facsimile inserts. Talk about astonishing production values!

With 488 pages of high quality photos of breathtaking interiors, impressive architecture and exquisite objects, these authentic, layered in history and deeply personal spaces will definitely wow you! 

Engaging and fascinating, this gorgeous book instantly transports me to far away places. If you love extraordinary interiors and enjoy exploring inspiring 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! 

Get your copy here!

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

The Modern Aesthetic: Statement Ceilings!

This post is provided by Samantha Waites.

The world of interior design is one that is as dynamic as the direction of the winds. There are so many aspects to handle in interior design, and at times, one’s creativity can easily peak in the same way that a writer hits the dreaded writer’s block.

If you have hit that plateau, as I have many times, the solution is actually rather simple- think out of the box. What is one perspective that you have not considered yet?

Too often we focus on walls, how the furniture is arranged, and how the colors are gracefully coordinated with one another. We do not give ceilings enough attention, and even when we do, the importance of a new and modern aesthetic is often overlooked.

Today, take the chance to overcome your plateau, so that you can experience the elevation of witnessing your vision materialize before your eyes. And no, there is no need to mimic the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. These are rather simple tweaks that you can definitely adopt for your home.

Here are some sleek ideas on how you can add some pop to your interior ceilings:

Play With Colors

Contrasting your ceiling with that of white elements in the surrounding area is a surefire way to add pop to your interiors. Add in some furniture that is also the same color, or a slightly different shade, and you have got a nice, mellow, design that is not only clean, but also gently playful. 

Incorporate Different Materials

This is a rather permanent design that will require that you coordinate your plans with properly-licensed roofing contractors. This is because of the multiple layers that you are going to have to put together. It is a similar concept to layering in fashion. 

Because of the relative complexity of the project, you are going to need roofers who are reliable, keen with details, and of course, very skilled. Choose a quality roofing company that has a ton of reviews that can be checked, such as Westchase Roofing. It is also important to note that your materials are entirely up to you. The more diverse the materials, the more striking the final effect. 

White Ceiling, Neutral-Colored Walls

This is the exact opposite of our first example and it gives you the illusion that your ceiling is actually higher. Neutral shades create that clean, modern aesthetic that has been incredibly popular as of late. The more contrast you add to the color of the walls, the more defined the illusion of a higher ceiling is going to be. Do not overdo it, though.

Change Up Your Finish

Another sure way of driving a statement with your ceiling is not only by adding color to it, but also by experimenting with the different types of finishes. You can try a variety of finishes like gloss, matte, pearlescent, and iridescent. The varieties are plentiful, especially when you realize that you have so many combinations of colors and finishes that will easily make for an interesting design choice. Mix and match as you please.

Book review- City Of Angels: Houses and Gardens of Los Angeles!

Today, I am thrilled to share a lovely new publication from Vendome Press with you. Thanks to Meghan Phillips for sending me City Of Angels: Houses and Gardens of Los Angeles. In this book authored by Jennifer Ash Rudick, you will find more than 25 houses, bungalows, artists' studios, and art-filled compounds that feature the best of the city's architecture and design. Let's check it out!

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

Photo credit: Firooz Zahedi

I can't take my eyes off this gorgeous book and its abundance of awe-inspiring images! In this book, the author leads us inside the homes of film producers and directors, artists, photographers, collectors, architects, interior designers, musicians and bohemians living happily in houses designed by renowned architects, interior designers and garden designers including Lloyd Wright, Rudolph Schindler, Richard Neutra, John Lautner, Harold Levitt, Rex Lotery, Peter Dunham, David Netto, Waldo Fernandez, Cliff Fong, Madeline Stuart, Mark D. Sikes, Mark Haddawy, Kulapat Yantrasast, Suzanne Rheinstein and Michael S. Smith.

Illustrated with hundreds of photographs of breathtaking homes, beautiful architecture and charming gardens, this book is perfect for those who love being transported to extraordinary places. With 392 pages of visually delightful and engaging content, this inspiring book is ideal for all design and architecture fans! Truly a gem and shouldn't be missed! Highly recommended! 

Get your copy here!

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

The She Shed: Your Little Space Of Quiet!

This post is provided by Samantha Waites.

Who says only men are allowed to get their own “me room” at home? We, women deserve to have our own place to escape. And, well, the ‘she shed’ is exactly that. It is a place separate from the main house that is solely dedicated to us and the things that we want to do. 

While you obviously need a shed to begin (in which case, sites like sheds Glasgow are going to be your best friend), you do not necessarily have to build a new shed if you already have an existing one. You can just as easily decorate and refurbish an old shed in order to make it the perfect happy place for you. Here are a few ways you can do just that.

Location

Naturally, an existing shed is already going to be in your backyard. But where exactly should you put your shed if you are having a new one built? Easy! Under the shade of trees or right next to the pool, if you have one. The shade is going to shield your personal space from the glaring heat of the sun while the pool not only cools the nearby air, but it also makes for another easy escape from the heat. A poolside lounge is just one great idea for a she shed.

Externals: Landscaping And Gardening

The extravagance of your shed should not be limited to the interior. The outside of your she shed, along with the surrounding external area, could be a playground for your creativity. Think of the area around your shed as your very own private island- is not that a nice thought? 

Once again, how you shape the area around your she shed is entirely up to you. Pruning, gardening, sodding, and even simply putting a path toward your she shed is a great way to delineate between your own personal area and those common spaces in the rest of the yard. 

Select Your Palette

If you do not already know, colors can have a significant impact on our emotions. It is hard to say which colors are going to work best for you, because tastes and responses vary from person to person. Each color will have a different effect on your psyche and your emotions. Some colors will help you relax while others will stimulate your creativity. This article should help you choose which color palette is best for your needs.

Furnish Your Domain

A she shed would not be truly yours if you did not have any personal effects in it. In a general sense, all you really have to do is to put the things that make you happy in there. Some popular essentials include a coffee table, loads of pillows, and of course, a nice comfy couch or daybed. 

The Core Concept

The true essence of the she shed lies in making a space that is totally for you. While not everyone will be fortunate enough to have space for a shed on their property, that does not missing out on having a place to call your own. The she shed is more of an idea than a place. Make it your own, wherever you see fit, whether that is a room, an attic or an extension.

Tips For Decorating Your College Bedroom!

The years that you spend in university will undoubtedly be some of your most memorable times. Setting off alone into the big world can be a life-altering time for most young people. The excitement of personal freedom, new friends, and new teachers can all be overwhelming at the start.

Many students want to live the full college experience with living in the dorms on campus. For others, they may want to try living independently in off campus housing. Either way, for most new college students it will be mean a brand new living space that is all their own. Whether you are sharing a dorm room or an apartment off campus, this will be your first opportunity to decorate your own space to really reflect your personality.

Your new space may have limitations about whether you can paint the walls or make any big changes, but at the end of the day it is up to you to create a comfortable and unique space of your own. Use these tips to help you design your room to be comfortable and functional with some small reminders of home.

Add Color And Flair

You may not have too many decorating options as far as the basics in your new room, so you have to be creative. Add a bright and cheery rug to the floors, and choose elements that are easily changed, like bed linens, to make a personal statement with your favorite colors.

It is not advised in most rental spaces or dorms to mount things on the walls, so you might consider using a hung wall tapestry instead. Tape up your favorite band or team posters to cover empty wall space. Dot your room with colorful throw pillows to help brighten up any dull areas.

Use A Cork Board

No matter what size you choose, a wall cork board in your college bedroom can be both functional and decorative. Use it to pin all of your essential papers and notices. It is a great way to keep your class and work schedules in plain view and in a safe place where they would not get lost.

Along with keeping all your papers and receipts in order, a cork board can be used as a display case as well. Pin up family and friend photographs or maybe a used pair of concert tickets. It is a great opportunity to create a visual snapshot of your college experience.

Lighting

Do not rely on the basic lighting that you will find in your new room. You will generally find a basic overhead light or even fluorescent lighting in some dorms. Bring a desk or a floor lamp with you to either brighten your work space or soften the effects of the overhead lights.

It a situation where you may be sharing a space, always remember to be considerate. If you are a night owl, make sure that you bring a book light or bedside lamp to use when others are trying to sleep.

Plants

Adding plants to any space is a great way to bring life and softness into the room. Plants not only provide you with better air quality but they can add a pretty flair to your space. For many students who have had to leave their family pets behind, it is a great way to still have something living to take care of. 

Under Bed Storage

Storage space is at a premium in college housing. Your personal space is already pretty tight, so it can be tough to find space for all of the rest of your stuff. Keeping things organized is the best way to stay on track.

Invest in some low level storage bins with wheels that can be easily rolled under your bed, giving you space for extra or bulky clothes and coats, blankets and bedding, shoes, books and personal items.

Four Timeless Bridal Jewelry Ideas!

This post is provided by Clarissa Caouette.

Wow...it is finally happening! Can you believe your “big day” is just right around the corner? Well, actually you are probably still running around like a mad woman trying to prepare every last detail and have not had any time to think about anything else. 

However, there is one little thing you will need to decide. And that is choosing which bridal jewelry you are going to wear for the wedding. Do not worry, I am gonna help you out. 

I will give you four timeless jewelry ideas and all you will have to do is choose your favorites. Let us begin. 

1. Crystal drop earrings

Of course, you are already going to look like a princess on the day of your wedding but a crystal drop earring can take you from a princess to a queen. They are elegant and classy plus they are able to complement any wedding dress and hairstyle. 

2. Pearl necklace

If you are looking to pull off a little more sophistication. Why not go with a timeless favorite- a white pearl necklace. It is an amazing way to look both polished and effortless at the same time. 

A shorter pearl necklace can fit perfectly with a strapless dress so that the necklace will be the accent on your look. And then you can go ahead and pair them with a pair of pearl studs or a beautiful ring with a crystal. 

Finish the look off with an elegant hairdo and you will be ready to walk down that aisle.  

3. Shoulder jewelry 

On the day of your wedding, everyone’s attention will be on you. You can keep it that way by opting out for some super noticeable shoulder jewelry. 

This is completely unique when it comes to bridal accessories and it also has a real sense of attractiveness to it. It is retro but also original because these days we are not used to seeing this type of body jewelry at weddings. It is definitely one of my favorite timeless looks. 

You can go with a very bold and detailed shoulder necklace or a more feminine and subtle one. Regardless of which one you choose, they will both look very remarkable and original. 

4. A floral head wreath

Since destination weddings are basically “the norm” now, I had to include the flower wreath in the list. A wreath made from beautiful, fresh flowers pairs perfectly with a Boho-inspired wedding dress. 

This wedding look is more relaxed and will allow for less stress and easy picture taking. 

Conclusion

Your wedding will be here and gone before you know it, so be sure to enjoy the big day when it arrives. Next thing you know, you will be preparing for kids and moving into your first home. 

Choosing your jewelry may seem like such a small detail in the grand scheme of all your planning. But sometimes it is the little things that stick out the most.

How Long Does A Standard Security System Last?

This post is provided by Jesse Hughes.

Buying an alarm system for your home is usually a big investment. After all, you want one that does the job properly. This means it needs to have movement sensors and the ability to detect if any door or window is opened when it should not be.

Unfortunately, many people believe that after such a large investment they do not need to do anything else but use the system. However, even the very best security system would not last forever.

There are several factors which dictate the life of your security system:

Maintenance

You need to use a reputable electrical security services firm and have your system maintained at least once a year. Regular maintenance and a change of batteries will help to ensure your system lasts for many years.

In fact, regular maintenance can help to ensure the key components of your system do not need replacing; you simply add new features or replace worn out parts as needed.

Technology

One of the biggest issues to face your security system is actually technology; it advances so quickly that it is possible your system will be out of date as soon as it is installed.

The advancement of smart technology has made this even more noticeable but also increased the risk; hackers and other criminal elements are working hard to find their way into your system remotely. You need to keep updating your system to stay ahead of them.

Fortunately in many cases this is possible by simply upgrading your software or specific parts of your system; the core components should not need replacing for years.

Contract Changes

A high quality security system will involve a contract; you will need to know that the company will respond in the event of the alarm going off. 

In many cases the company will install the equipment and then charge you a monthly fee. This can mean that parts of your set up are never actually yours. This is not an issue unless you decide to change contractors; then you may need to upgrade part of your system.

In fact renewing your contract is a good opportunity to review the protection you have and make improvements to your security system.

DIY

Choosing to fit and maintain a security system yourself can be more cost effective. However, this is often a short term saving. You will not be connected to a monitoring station. In fact the security system will do little more than make a lot of noise to wake you and your neighbors; assuming you and any of them are home.

If you are serious about home security, it is best to invest in a quality system that you know will give you years of service.

It may not last a lifetime but with proper maintenance and the occasional component upgrade you should not need to replace the basic hardware of your system. In return you will have peace of mind as you, your family and your possessions are protected against those with criminal intent.