5 tips for styling your home office!

Working from home is many people’s idea of heaven. No stressful commutes, some peace and quiet and the chance to strike a better work-life balance. However, without a well-designed home office, your attempts to operate from the comfort of your abode may not be as stress-free and successful as you imagined. 

From back pain to boredom, poorly planned home offices can lead to a range of problems. To help ensure you do not experience these difficulties, take a look at the following 5 simple styling tips.

1. Select the perfect spot
 
Before you get stuck into the finer points of styling your office, you will need to make sure you have found the perfect spot for your workspace. If you are lucky enough to have a study or spare room, this is a no-brainer. If not, you will have to use your imagination. A corner of your bedroom, a section of your landing or even the space under your stairs could double up as a work zone. Ideally, the area you select should be quiet and benefit from plenty of natural light.

2. Do not skimp on your seat

Arguably the most important piece of office furniture that you will buy will be your chair. After all, you might be spending long hours at your workstation, so it is important that you select a good quality seat and offers impressive levels of comfort and support. There are a host of designs to choose from these days and it really comes down to personal preference. For inspiration, you can visit the websites of specialist suppliers like Calibre Office Furniture. From mesh seats to executive chairs and designer ranges, you would not be stuck for choice.

3. Make sure you have plenty of storage

Storage is the unsung hero of office design. When you have the right drawers, cabinets and shelves in place, you hardly notice they are there. However, if you are lacking these furnishings, your office could quickly descend into chaos. So, if you want to prevent your paperwork from going walkabout around your home, make sure you invest in plenty of storage. Even if you do not use it all straight away, it is bound to prove useful eventually.

4. Use colors that will help you concentrate

Consider redecorating your office area too. There is no right or wrong when it comes to choosing a color scheme. The important thing is to select a look that works for you. Some people find that soothing pastels help them to focus on their tasks, while others prefer more vibrant hues, like lime greens and oranges. If you are not sure which color scheme to go for, try a few test patches first. There is no substitute for actually seeing paint in situ.

5) Introduce inspiring personal touches

Once you have the main elements of your office in order, it is time to think about introducing a few inspiring personal touches. For example, perhaps you have a prized piece of artwork that you could hang on the wall in front of your workstation. A framed family photo can make a great addition to your desk too, while a cute pot plant could bring added added color. By incorporating details like this into your office, you can give it instant personality.

5 Creative Ways to Cover Up Those Unsightly Household Pipes!

There is nothing worse than stepping into a room and seeing exposed features like ceiling pipes, air ducts, electrical pipes, or plumbing lines. They are necessary in order for the home to function properly, but from a designer’s point of view, they can be a real eyesore. Exposed pipes of any kind can make what could be a potentially attractive room look a little less attractive.

Of course there are more expensive options for dealing with these exposed pipes, for example by installing a new ceiling, putting in cabinets, or even reconstructing walls to cover the exposed pipes. However, there are also the high costs of having to hire professional contractors to complete the tasks. This of course costs a decent amount of money and can take some time.

So what is the middle ground? How can you find a way to cover up those exposed pipes while staying within budget? The answer is pretty simple, get creative! Below you will find a few innovative ideas to get you started.

Home Décor Tip: Before you start working on decorating a room that has exposed pipes such as air ducts, you should contact a professional for HVAC service repair or installation. It is always best to have your heating and cooling system serviced to ensure that it is working properly before you start painting and designing a room. This way they would not have to destroy your craftsmanship later on if something goes wrong. 

1. Incorporate The Pipes

If you can not beat them, you might as well join them! A great way to deal with exposed pipes is to simply incorporate them into your overall design. Going with an industrial theme in the room can allow a great canvas for the pipes to stand out. Going with an neutral tone color wall with either copper or black pipes can be a great addition to the room. Incorporate a few industrial pieces, a beautiful rug and you are good to go.

2.  Build A Shelf Around It

Another option for exposed pipes in a room would be to build a shelf around it. Storage shelves are always a great addition to any home décor. Not only do they look good but they are pretty functional and can take away the attention from the eyesore known as exposed piping in the room.

3. Use A Sink Skirt

Trying to redesign your kitchen but you have a lot of pipes exposed? Creating a neat little sink skirt is fairly easy and gets rid of the problem with very little investment. You will need to choose a nice fabric that will either blend in or stand out as an accent in your kitchen. If you are not too handy with a sewing machine, the next best solution would be to purchase a ready made sink skirt. There are several different styles you can consider that will also match your kitchen décor.

4. Paint The Pipes

If the exterior condition of the pipes is in pretty good shape, but the color is simply throwing off the design of your room, then you could consider paint the pipes to match the room. You can choose to paint them a color that will match your wall or ceiling (depending on where the pipes are located) or you can paint them an accent color to add character to the room.

5. Design Tape

If you are not too handy with a paintbrush then you probably do not want to paint the pipes as it can look more unattractive if it is not done correctly. Fear not DIYers as there is another option that can still make the pipe’s exterior look a lot better, you can always use a design tape. There is now a tape that comes already colored with different patterns that you can simply wrap around the pipes instead.

This is just a few ways you can cover up those ugly pipes and bring any room in your home to life. Updating your home’s décor does not have to be expensive. With a creative mind, and a few arts and craft skills you can turn those household eyesores into beautiful accessories that compliment the look and feel of the home. Have fun trying these ideas in your own home, and even turn it into a fun family project!

A client's master bedroom project reveal!

A few years ago, I was working with my client Kathy to redecorate her master bedroom. Her master bedroom is full of potential; it's spacious, has gorgeous high ceilings and large windows. She and her husband like contemporary furniture with clean lines and wanted me to help them create a warm, comfortable, inviting and sophisticated room with a boost of color, drama and pizzazz, all on a very small budget. All the furniture in their bedroom, artwork and family photos have to stay. I was up for the challenge! You can read more about the process of our entire collaboration here and here. 

Recently, Kathy sent me some pictures of her finished master bedroom. In her email, she told me that the room was completed a year and a half ago. In the email, she also wrote, "We still love our bedroom, I admire it all the time!". As a decorator, it is one of the best compliment I have ever received and I can't be more thrilled! 

I can't wait to share with you the before and after of her master bedroom makeover, here they are!

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

I would love to help Kathy arrange her furniture or style her accessories personally but because it's e-design (online decorating), she will need to execute the room herself. Through my step-by-step guidance and design guidelines, she was able to pull together the room easily. I think the room feels much more brighter, fresher and more inviting now, don't you think? She made some adjustments along the way but I think she did a fantastic job overall! What do you think about the makeover? Thoughts?

If you need help decorating your home, please click here for further information regarding my design services.

Four Inexpensive Ways to Boost Your Property Value!

If you are planning to sell your home soon, you are probably thinking about home improvements. But the good news is that you do not have to spend a fortune to give your house an edge on the market.

Traditionally when we think of increasing property value, new kitchens and bathrooms immediately come to mind. And for good reason. According to the National Association of Home Builders, adding just one extra half bathroom to your house adds about 10.5 percent to your property value. But there are other ways. Ones that would not cost you thousands of dollars but will make a big difference for potential buyers.

Here are four inexpensive home improvements that you should definitely consider:

1. Clean and declutter

This may not have made your list of “home improvements” since it might seem a little obvious. But you would be surprised just how important this improvement can be. According to Consumers.org, cleaning and clearing out a home can increase its value three to five percent. And this cleaning process does not have to be expensive either. This checklist from Veterans Alliance breaks the work down room by room so you don’t forget anything. It is a lot of work, but no matter how much sprucing your house needs, put in the elbow grease and you are sure to see results.

Start by scrubbing down the entire house from top to bottom and removing as much clutter as possible. The goal is to make your house look fresh and roomy by clearing out the closets, removing any over-sized furniture, and decluttering all your shelves as much as possible. If you do have some money to spend, consider renting a storage unit or hiring a professional carpet cleaner. The cost will be worth it in the long run.

2. Improve your curb appeal

Yet another improvement that does not cost a lot but can boost your value between two and five percent. The old adage of not judging a book by its cover really does not go far in real estate because if your house does not look great on the outside, no one is going to see the inside. So make your house look like a million buck both inside and out.

Every house could stand for a good power washing to spruce up those windows. And having a well-mowed lawn is a must. Planting a few inexpensive bushes and spreading fresh mulch in the flower beds will go a long way too without breaking the bank. And be sure to make minor repairs to your sideboards and roof if necessary.

3. Paint those walls

Nothing updates a home faster than a fresh coat of paint, and repainting your house is not as expensive as you might think. A gallon of paint costs about $15–30, and it only took two gallons to paint the entire living room in my old apartment. Of course you can always pay someone else to paint your house for you, but if you are really looking to save some cash, reach out to your friends and family to figure out who can give you the best painting pointers. Then do it yourself.

A word of the wise: steer clear of bold colors. Neutral is your best bet when painting a house to sell, so if any of your walls are too dark or too white, paint those first. As a side note, investing in good lighting that shows off your new paint job is also a good selling technique. Even during the daytime, turn on all your lights when someone comes to look at your home.

4. Add storage space

And no, I am not talking about knocking down walls. I am talking about installing shelves in odd spaces and adding organizer solutions to your closets. Anything you can do to show potential buyers just how much they will be able to store in your home. Storage space is a top selling point for houses, so do whatever it takes to maximize yours.

If you have lots of wasted space in the tops of your closets, put attractive storage bins or low shelves. Hit up IKEA for some simple storage boxes or some organizers. They do not have to be fancy or expensive, but do pick something that looks clean, classy, and durable.

Owning property, or more specifically a home, is usually the largest asset any one person or couple will own. Since so much of your nest egg is tied up in your own roof adding value to it is a no brainer! What tips or DIY projects have you taken on other than these to make your house a home...a more valuable home!? 

How to give the illusion of more space in any room!

Feeling claustrophobic? Living in cramped spaces tends to cause feelings of stress and discomfort in an atmosphere where people should feel the most relaxed. With climbing real estate prices, people want to make the most of every square foot. Gone are the days of cramped space and clutter! More often than ever, people are adopting a minimalist and functional style of décor. We want more space and order without sacrificing style. Aside from expensive and extensive remodeling, there are more practical alternatives to give the illusion of more space. Of course, no actual space will be added, but these techniques will make any area appear more spacious.

Clutter is the biggest and most obvious offense. Start with the non-essentials and items that you probably have not used or thought about in months or years! You can also start to consolidate items or move them into storage if you are not quite ready to let go. Once something is out of sight and unused for months, you will realize you do not need it and it will be easier to part with. Often times, this initial step can be overwhelming so take your time with this.

Once you have simplified your space, there are a few tricks that can make the room appear more open. Lighting plays a major role in the way a room feels and looks. The current trend is to let natural light in and open the view to the outside scenery. If your room has windows, consider the type of blinds you might have. Plantation shutters offer you privacy when needed, but unlike conventional blinds- they allow in more natural light. They also expand the view to the outside, which makes a room feel more open. Generally, curtains and drapes can make a room feel smaller, but if you must have them, choose a light and sheer fabric that reflects light. Also, keeping fan and lamp lights reasonably and comfortably bright so that there are no areas hidden in shadow.

Color is a critical component for opening up a living space. Color schemes are all about optical illusions. Think light and bright and a few pop of color contrasts. Light colors are reflective and will be enhanced by the natural light coming in. It is been shown that color influences mood and ambiance, so you want to pick a scheme that makes the room feel comfortable and inviting such as creams and soft tones of blue.  You can also play with a graduation of shading color on opposing walls to visually lengthen a room.

Finally, you can use furniture to maximize space. Look for pieces that double in function: sofas that are made with hidden compartments for storage and coffee tables that can fold and expand or double up as a bookcase. Size is another important factor when shopping for furniture. You do not want grand, oversized furniture in a smaller space. Avoid excessively tall furniture as it could make the ceiling feel lower than it is. Adding a mirror also gives the illusion of increased space and depth in a room. These are just a few, budget-friendly ways to create practical spaciousness in any room but most importantly, do not forget to add your own unique style. 

Simple Décor Ideas for Your Home!

You may a have a house that you live in, but have you made it a home? A home is a comfortable place that you enjoy. It has hints of your personality and style throughout, and it is something you can call your own.

When it comes to decorating a home, some people have what it takes, and some do not. If your home is boring, or if you are just overwhelmed, use the following tips to gain some simple décor ideas for your home.

Paint

When it comes to decorating your home, one way to make a big (or little) impact is to paint. A new coat of paint can go a very long way when it comes to changing the style or theme of your home. You can opt to paint the whole room a new color. You can opt to paint one accent wall to make the room pop. Or you can even opt to paint a design on your walls for some added flair. The best thing about paint is that it is inexpensive and easy to do, so you do not have to break the bank or waste an entire weekend getting the job done.

Wall Décor

If you have blank walls in your home, you need to step up your game. You do not need to go overboard with wall hangings, but you should have some eye candy on the walls. You can opt for pictures of your friends or family, artwork by a local or your favorite artist, or even some nice hanging you found at your favorite store. Accenting your kitchen and empty space with wall hangings can be a great way to add some flair to your home. Just make sure that you keep it classy and consistent. Too much wall décor on top of each other will look bad, not better.

Flooring

Do not forget to look down when it comes to revamping your home. A dated floor can make an entire house feel old, even if it is not. If you have an old floor in your home, consider giving it a facelift. Old hardwoods can be revamped with a sanding and a new coat of stain. Old carpet can be replaced with new carpet or hardwood flooring. You can even opt for a peel-and-stick flooring option to give your home a new look without spending a ton of money. Your local home improvement store will have a variety of options for you to choose from, plus all the information and tools required to tackle the job yourself, so feel free to get to work.

Furniture

Your furniture has a lot to do with the style and décor of your home than you may think. If you have dated furniture, you will want to address this. You can either replace dated furniture with something more modern that fits your style, or you can opt to refinish the furniture on your own. Sometimes a new coat of paint on an old dresser will make it look and feel new, so do not be afraid to give it a little TLC.

You should also spend some time trying furniture in different rooms of your home. For example, that oversized recliner may no longer have a home in your living room, but it may look great in a guest room or the den. You will be surprised how much you can change the style and look of a room with the items you already have. Do not be afraid to try things out in different rooms and see how you feel about it. You may like it or you may not. If not, move the item to another room. Eventually, you will figure out what to do with it.

You do not have to be scared of decorating your own home. Instead, get a little creative, do not be afraid of some elbow grease, and get to making your house into a home.

Product review- Robert Matthew tote!

Most of you who have been my long time readers know that I am a big fan of handbags and purses so I was thrilled when I was contacted by Robert Matthew (a brand offering fashionable women's handbags and stylish women's accessories) for a bag review.

Some of the lovely handbags offered by Robert Matthew!

Robert Matthew Caroline Crossbody Shoulder Bag- Navy

Robert Andrew Andrea Shoulder Tote- Coral Red

Robert Matthew Alayna Satchel Tote- Slate Grey

Robert Matthew Charlotte Tote- Peach

Robert Matthew Natalie Shoulder Tote- Black

For today's review, I picked the Robert Matthew Khloe Tote- Toasted Caramel!

 Check out my stylish new tote!

 Check out the details of this fabulous tote! 

The top zip closure is a wonderful addition so I don't have to worry about spilled contents or getting my contents soaked when it rains.

 The light gold tone hardware accents is a nice touch. I also like the simple, modern and classy buckle detail.

The two roomy side pockets are great for a water bottle and a baby bottle!

The structured design is a great plus!

The back of my tote!

Having another back zip pocket is wonderful to stash small random items!

The best part about this fantastic tote is the abundance of zipped pockets and different compartments for organizing cellphone, keys, purse, coin purse, facial tissues, etc !

Overall, I love my Khloe tote very much! It's large, roomy and versatile. This tote can be used as an everyday bag for casual outings or used as a stylish diaper bag with its many zippered pockets and compartments! 

Handcrafted with luxurious pebbled animal friendly vegan leather on the outside and pinstriped polyester lining on the inside, this tote is well-constructed with good quality material. As a bonus, it also comes with a removable and adjustable shoulder strap for added convenience and comfort. I also like that this tote comes with a black dust cover for protection.

I have used this tote frequently for the past few weeks and I have noticed no color transfer on the bag or on my clothes. On rainy days, the contents in my bag remained dry (there's no leakage with the top zip closure). This beautiful tote is chic, classy, versatile and well made, what's not to love? Highly recommended!

Now you can get your own Khloe tote (available in 4 colors) for less! Just visit Robert Matthew and simply mention mixandchic40 during checkout to receive 40% off the Khloe collection! Hurry, this fabulous offer is only available for a limited time! Happy shopping, my lovelies!

Disclosure: I have received this product to review for free but the views and opinions expressed are my own.

Altering a room’s feel one accessory at a time!

A room in need of a makeover does not always demand a refinished floor and a new layer of paint. It even does not have to involve investing in an updated set of furniture. The well chosen accessory can do wonders to the look and feel of a living room, dining room, bedroom, or office. 

The following are four examples of how well chosen accessories can make a room seem like a completely new space:

RUGS

Floors are crucial to the look of a room, like shoes are essential to the look of an outfit. Throw a rug onto a hardwood floor and watch the space transform depending on the color or pattern. What makes the room-altering abilities of area rugs so appealing is the ease in which they can be changed. For example seasonal-based adjustments to room design can be easily accomplished with help from a steady rotation of three to five area rugs throughout the year.

ARTWORK

Paintings, sculpture, and other artwork which can be placed in a room will almost always be examined and even admired by anyone visiting. Art essentially draws more attention than anything else in the room besides a turned-on television set, defining the mood of the space greatly. Short on ideas for what kind of art to acquire? Let the artwork come to you and, when you see it, snap a photo. Visual search services like the one provided by LikeThatApps.com can track down similar pieces available for sale online.

LAMPS

Lamps serve to alter a room’s mood in two ways. One, they typically stalk the corners of a room or the ends of furniture and thus are constantly existing in our peripheral vision. Two, they can easily alter the feel depending on where they are and how much light they are emitting. Again if you are not sure what sort of room-defining lamp to buy and do not want to be forced into the showroom options, use a visual search app when you see something you like on-the-go. It could be the lamp in your dentist’s office.

END TABLES

Like lamps the impact end tables have on the overall look and feel of a room hinges on two things. One, is whether or not the end tables are flush or lower than the armrests of adjacent chairs, sofas, and couches. Anything higher than that will appear awkward and give the room an uncomfortable vibe. Two, is how much space on and within the end table can be dedicated to vases and other items - things which further help shape the ultimate feel of a room.

It is typical to want to install carpeting, paint the walls, or do something else time-consuming, hassle-filled, and potentially expensive to give a room new life. But consider what a change or addition of an accessory can do. Floors, walls, corners, and endpoints for furniture are going to be the spaces which define a room the most. The right rug, painting, lamp, or end table can have people wondering if they have been transported elsewhere, you included.

Shrewd Ways To Buy Affordable Insurance Coverage!

Buying insurance can be challenging for consumers on a tight budget. You do not want to pay more for coverage than you really need. In order to avoid a financial disaster, however, some types of insurance coverage are critical. Use these tips for buying insurance.

Considering renters insurance

Many people who rent property are unclear about the need for renter’s insurance. For some, renter’s insurance is an unnecessary cost that can be avoided. Here are some facts about renter’s insurance.

The Simple Dollar points out that your landlord’s policy covers the building structure itself, not the contents inside the rented property. If there is a fire, flood or theft, your personal items in a property you rent are not covered by your landlord.

Here are three components of renter’s insurance:

Personal (movable) possessions: A renter’s policy covers your personal possessions, including furniture, clothing, electronics, jewelry and appliances.

Liability coverage: Your renter’s insurance policy protects you against lawsuits from people who are injured while in your rented property. The policy can also cover medical expenses for people who are injured.

Living expenses: In extreme cases, a fire, flood or other incident may mean that your rental property cannot be inhabited. Your renter’s policy can cover hotel bills and meals while your rental property is being repaired.

Take a close look at driver's insurance.

Auto insurance

Since nearly everyone needs to drive, some form of auto insurance is vital. These factors that impact the cost of your auto insurance:

Location: Accidents and vandalism are more common in some areas than others. If you live in an area with more of these issues, you will pay more for insurance. Weather is also a factor. If your region has a higher risk or tornadoes, hurricanes or other weather events, you may have higher insurance rates.

Driving history: Many insurance companies offer a discount to drivers who avoid accidents over a period of years. If you have accidents, tickets or other driving violations, those events will drive up the cost of insurance.

Age and gender: These factors are also taken into consideration. That is because insurance companies have historical data that relates a driver’s gender and age to the frequency of car accidents.

At a minimum, all drivers should have coverage for any car damage or injuries incurred by other drivers. If you have an accident that is your fault, you need this form of coverage. If you do not, you may be sued and forced to pay far more than the cost of an auto insurance policy.

Purchasing SR22 insurance

Some drivers may be required to purchase SR22 insurance. This insurance requires that you must drive with proof of SR22 coverage at all times. Here are some reasons why SR22 insurance is required:

The driver was caught driving without auto insurance.

· An individual was at fault for an auto accident and did not have coverage

· A driver has a DUI conviction, or has had his/ her driver’s license revoked

If any of these situations apply to you, you can buy SR22 insurance online. Sites like AcceptanceInsurance.com can explain to you the terms and conditions of an SR22 policy and help you find a free insurance quote in your state.

Renting property or driving a car without proper insurance creates huge potential risks. Take the time to investigate affordable insurance coverage.