Guest post- Interior Design Trends for 2016!

Is your home long overdue an image overhaul? Are you a business owner looking to give their brand a new direction with a corporate face-lift? Get inspired in time for 2016 with our cherry-picked list of interior design trends you can expect to see everywhere come the new year. It is easy to keep up with the Joneses, whatever available budget you have got to play with, dunhelm vouchers from couporando.co.uk can help you to save money.

Vintage goods and pre-owned pieces

Consumers love of vintage goods and antiques does not seem to be fading any time soon, and in 2016, it is forecast that more people than ever will be buying artisan goods and antique furnishings. When you shop right, pre-owned pieces need not cost the premium you would expect. Discover authentic antique pieces at prices you can not only afford, but will barely but a dent in the spending budget. Perfect for adding character to your spaces, you even refurbish furniture pieces that seen better days with new upholstery, paints and finishes to coordinate perfectly with your interior design theme.

Extendable, adaptable living space

As housing demands continue to rise, more and more first-time buyers are finding their budget exhausted from a relatively small property investment. But for those starved for space, 2016 sets to inspire as the continued popularity of outdoor/indoor living is expected to take off. Designed to help incorporate available outdoor space into everyday living areas, the idea of outdoor/indoor living is ideal for those short on space, and looking to making savings in their budget, with sturdy furniture pieces that can utilized both indoors and out.

Geometric prints, tiles and textures

Expect things to get mixed up in 2016 as the popularity of geometric tiles, prints and patterns continues to rise. A hot trend in interior design at the minute, you will find a multitude of geometric designs to get you inspired, making the perfect foundation for a tile project for the kitchen or bathroom. Get adventurous with your flooring and walls in other rooms of the house, and introduce geometric tiles throughout your home to stamp some real character to every space.

Natural materials from sustainable sources

Another enduring trend you can expect to see stick around in 2016 is the use of natural materials in every aspect of interior design. Signature furniture pieces made from ethically source oak, pine and maple woods continue to be a popular choice in kitchens, while metals and minerals are also making a comeback. Make sure your interiors are up to date with upcoming trends, and kit out your spaces with a semi-industrial aesthetic with copper, aluminium and stainless fixtures and fittings. Add a subtle style accent if you do not want to go big, with understated lamp shades, door handles and paneling.

Breathe new life into your interiors this 2016 with a new colour palate

Sometimes, all a space really needs is a new lick of paint. If you are on a budget and can only give your space a simple makeover, make sure you invest in some of the standout shades of the season when picking your paint. Rich reds, warm pinks and fleshy, peachy shades are sky-rocketing in popularity, with the trend expecting to continue into 2016 and beyond. The ideal colour palate for spicing up drab spaces, and adding instant warmth to any room.

Product review- The original Lava Lamp!

I have always been fascinated by lava lamps and the science behind it so when I was invited to sample a lava lamp from Lava Lite (the original lava lamp), I was beyond thrilled!

Lava Lite offers a wide range of lava lamps in a variety of sizes and combinations which includes the original lava lamps, specialty lamps, themed lamps, party lights, night lights and more. Here are some of the uniquely fabulous lava lamps that have caught my eye!

14.5" Yellow Submarine Lava Lamp with Yellow Wax & Clear Liquid

14.5" Volcano Lamp

14.5" Rainbow Glitter Lamp- Rainbow Glitter/ Clear Liquid

18.5" Double Play- White/ Purple/ White

With so many fun and quirky lava lamps on their site, I had a hard time selecting just one lamp for a review. In the end, I decided on one of their 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Collector's Item lamp! Their 50th Anniversary lamps come in four sizes: 

14.5" (Classic)

17" (Designer)

16.3" (Premier)

27" (Grande)

To give you an idea the size of the lamps in relation to each other, check out this illustration.

I decided to go for the Premier size (16.3") for its larger than average volume!

This is the one I picked!

Check out the lava lamp that arrived at my doorstep a few weeks ago!

My wonderful lava lamp came with a glass globe, a gold base, a gold cap and a light bulb. The assembling was pretty straight forward and it only took me less than a minute from start to finish. A certificate of authenticity was included with my new lamp! The dimmer switch (which was not mentioned in the product description on their website) is definitely a welcomed bonus!

This was how my lava lamp looked right after I plugged it in with the dimmer switched to the maximum. I really like the combination of yellow wax and purple liquid. They look so gorgeous together, don't you think? I also like the beautiful glass housing and the chic gold steel base and matching cap. Because of the size of my lava lamp, I had to run it for 2-3 hours to ensure it reaches its optimal performance level.

After about an hour, the wax began to melt.

About 2 hours later, my lava lamp started to form a "towery" wax pillars which is totally normal.

I checked my lava lamp again an hour later and voila, there was finally some lava action!

No two formation was ever the same and it's so much fun to watch!

I am absolutely in love with my new, gorgeous lava lamp! The lamp arrived in a perfect condition. Because my lava lamp is larger than the average size lava lamp, it took a while to warm up but the wait was absolutely worth it. The flowing and colliding melting wax was mesmerizing, relaxing and quite entertaining to watch. Unsurprisingly, my son became a huge lava lamp fan after he saw me plugged in the lamp for the first time. Now, he always asks me to turn on the lamp for him. 

A well-made and awe-inspiring lamp with charming, hypnotizing powers, what's not to love? This fascinating lamp brings our family so much fun and joy, it is now one of my most treasured possessions! Use a lava lamp to jazz up a space or inject a playful touch in a room! Highly recommended for gift giving or for yourself!

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

Have you ever owned a lava lamp? Do you have a lava lamp obsession as well? I would love to hear about it! Don't forget to get your own lava lamp here!

Book review- Decorating With Carpets: A Fine Foundation!

Thanks to Meghan Phillips for sending me another gorgeous design book, Decorating With Carpets: A Fine Foundation by Ashley Stark Kenner, Chad Stark and Heather Smith MacIsaac!

The sophisticated black and white room on the front cover of this book piqued my interest right from the start. Here is a sneak peek of some of the brilliantly decorated homes you will find inside this book!

Decorating With Carpets: A Fine Foundation is truly a gem! This visually delightful book demonstrates the importance of carpets in the world of interior design with amazing photographs of stunning rooms designed by of top designers such as Victoria Hagan, Bunny Williams, Steven Gambrel, Markham Roberts, Alexa Hampton, Jan Showers and more! Page after page of beautiful carpets and inspirational rooms, this fabulous volume shouldn't be missed. Highly recommended for every designer and design aficionados!

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.

Product review- Minted artwork!

I have always love Minted products! They have everything from great quality paper goods (customized holiday cards, customized wedding cards, customized baby and kids cards, customized invites, etc), artwork to home and party decor, all sourced from independent, talented artists from around the world. So when I was contacted by Minted to receive a custom product from their artwork collection, of course I said yes!

Here are some of my favorite artwork from their collection!

Just Let Go

Tangerine

Blocks I

Mr. Penguin Sir

Botanical No.1

Abstract Simple Geometric Design

Bold And Botanical No.1

Apple ABC's

Humble With A View

Men In Red

Seaside

Umbrellas

Isabelle Lake

Such gorgeous artwork, don't you think? Which one are you drawn to? Honestly, it took me a while to pick just one artwork for this review because I had so many favorites. In the end, I selected this print!

Orcia

I picked a large 30"x 30" limited edition print by Molly Goodman. I decided to put it in my master bedroom across my bed so it's the first thing I see when I wake up every morning!

My print depicts a valley that lays below the tiny town of Pienza in Tuscany in the weeks between winter and spring when new grass is sprouting and old grass is falling away.

I picked the whitewashed herringbone frame for its modern rustic look.

A close-up of the whitewashed herringbone frame.

A close-up of my lovely print!

I absolutely adore my beautiful artwork! The image evokes a sense of peace and tranquility in a faraway land which I truly love. 

Printed on high quality paper with deluxe pigment ink, the small details and colors look sharp and vibrant. The frame, on the other hand was made from sustainable mango wood and was individually crafted so slight imperfections and variations in the arrowhead pattern was to be expected. I actually thought the little quirks are quite charming!

Condition wise, my print was carefully packed with layers of cardboard sheets and protective wraps so nothing was ruined during the delivery process. 

All in all, great artwork, wonderful materials, fast and careful shipping with plenty of design styles and picture frames to choose from, what's not to love about Minted?

Don't forget to visit their website to check out their fresh, stylish and affordable offerings when you have a moment!

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

How to choose a coffee grinder!

Flavor depends so much on the beans, so does it even matter which coffee grinder you choose?

Coffee geeks love to preach about the benefits of freshly ground coffee. It lasts longer, it tastes better, and it freezes better. In other words, pre-ground coffee and instant coffee just do not cut it. Clearly, not all coffee is created equal. But if you must go with coffee grinders, which one should you choose? Some must be better than others, after all. Here is a quick guide to choosing the right coffee grinder:

What You Should Know About Ground Coffee

One thing coffee and espresso aficionados can agree on is that the grinder really matters. Despite what you may think, the grinder can actually make a huge difference in the taste of your beverage. When shopping around for a coffee grinder, it pays to know a few facts about ground coffee.

1. The flavor of a coffee not only depends on the coffee plants and the roast, but also on the size of the coffee grinds. The larger the coffee ground, the longer it takes to extract the flavor.

2. Additionally, smaller coffee grounds have a greater chance of making their way into the cup, especially if you use a French press or similar method.

3. Also, the heat from a coffee grinder can affect the flavor of coffee grounds when it prematurely warms them.

4. Coffee and espresso must both be ground soon before brewing in order to preserve the taste, which may rule out some types of grinder, if you are a serious aficionado.

What to Look for When Buying a Coffee Grinder

There are a few considerations you should weigh when shopping for a grinder:

Price

Some people may be surprised to learn that coffee grinders can cost lots and lots of money.

You can certainly find low-end coffee grinders for under $20 at major retailers, but there are also coffee grinders that cost more than $1,000. The true coffee geeks preach that these are the only way to go, but not everyone can put down that kind of money on a grinder.

Set aside a budget beforehand, and then think about your other options.

Grinder Mechanism

There are two types of grinder mechanisms: blades and burrs. Bladed grinders are the types of grinders that we commonly find in supermarkets and large retailers. These grinders operate much like the pulse mode on a blender – simply put the beans in, hold down the button, and wait a few seconds.

Burr grinders use either cone-shaped or flat-bladed burrs to spin coffee apart. Generally, conical burrs spin more slowly, so they transfer less heat to the beans when grinding them. However, the high-end flat-bladed grinders also have heat dissipation mechanisms inside, so these also lose minimal flavor.

Steps

Mid-level and high-end grinders also give you the option to change the coarseness of the grind. Stepped grinders come with pre-set grind levels, or steps. Each step falls somewhere between coarse and fine.

Stepless grinders simply have a range, without a pre-set step. Potentially, you can have an infinite number of settings with stepless grinders, though some may argue that you actually have less control over the final level of coarseness.

Do not think that just because a grinder is stepped that it has a small number of grind levels. Some of the higher end models can have 40, 50, or even more steps. This is more than enough to choose from, even from an avid aficionado.

Speed

In general, high-speed models are less expensive. They also transfer more heat to the beans while they are being ground, though. As mentioned, this can affect the flavor.

If you have the budget and want to really consider yourself a coffee fanatic, go for low-speed grinders. Some upscale models will allow you to adjust not only the fineness of the grind, but also the speed of the burrs. Blade grinders, which are typically low-end grinders, do not usually have these settings.

Dosers

Dosers are additional features that automatically dispense a certain amount of coffee, or a “dose.” This gives you more precise control over the amount of beans, and, therefore, the flavor that will go into each cup.

These are very common in commercial settings, and you have almost certainly seen them in action at your local cafes.

Timers

Timers are mechanisms that give you even more control over the fineness and precision of your coffee grind. You set how long you want the grinding process to last, and the machine stops grinding when you tell it to.

There are two types of timers, precise and imprecise. Like stepless grinder, imprecise timers simply have a sliding scale that you adjust, while precise timers let you input the exact amount of time you would like to grind.

Grinding by Hand

Some grinders allow you to grind your own coffee by hand. But should you choose one of these hand grinders? As with electric grinders, they come at all price ranges, but they tend to be less expensive than the high-end electronic grinders.

Some coffee nerds feel that they take too long to grind, however. With espresso, you should be brewing within 30 to 45 seconds of the grind, so oxidation can start affecting the taste when you use a hand grinder.

The Brew

Will you be brewing espresso, coffee, or both? Espresso needs its grind to be fine and consistent. Unlike drip or press coffee, water is blasted through the grinds very quickly, so it has less time to extract the flavor.

For coffee, coarser grounds will do. There are coffee grinders that are specifically designed for espresso and some that are specifically designed for coffee. And then there are those that handle both.

Putting It All Together

When you add up all these factors, from the type of grind mechanism to the type of brew you will be drinking, you should have a pretty good idea of which type of coffee grinder is right for you.

The next step is to research the brands that fall within your price range and see which ones offer the features that you are after. 

Functional home accessories with modern design - Tips for modern people!

Having a stylish and contemporary home is key to designing beautiful interiors, and the use of natural materials is a popular new trend. Returning to the basics of wood, stone and natural fabrics is the latest way to update home decor for a functional yet attractive appeal.

Top Functional Natural Kitchen Accessories

There are countless useful yet beautiful kitchen accessories made from natural materials that will improve the appearance of any kitchen and also make it a functional place to be. There has been a switch in recent times back to traditional wooden counter tops, and practical and durable wooden chopping boards, as well as stylish wooden bowls and serving implements are the ideal complement to these surfaces. Wooden trays are especially attractive and can be used for practical purposes as well as being stylish accessories. Naturehome has a range of gorgeous wooden design trays that would look great in any home. 

Beautiful Natural Bathroom Accessories 

Any bathroom can benefit from a natural makeover, and with the addition of a few stylish wooden accessories, it is easy to achieve a trendy contemporary feel. From wooden framed mirrors to wood medicine cabinets, there are a choice of finishes that will match any style of decor. For inexpensive natural touches, a wooden toilet brush holder, toothbrush holder and soap dish are perfect choices, and it is easy to find matching toilet roll holders, mugs and dispensers to complete the look. 

Natural Yet Practical Bedroom Accessories 

It is simple to bring a hint of nature into the bedroom with some stylish yet functional bedroom accessories. From wooden framed wall-mounted or free-standing mirrors to carved jewelry stands and hand cream dispensers, a natural themed bedroom is easy to achieve. Wooden candle holders and photo frames are simple to find in a range of stores, while wooden jewelry boxes, decorative trays and lamp stands are also functional yet inexpensive. 

Dining Room Natural Accessories

A wonderful complement to any natural wood dining suite, wood dining room accessories give a warm and pleasant feel to your eating environment. From wooden place mats to candle holders, and from wood framed wall clocks to coasters and carved fruit bowls, it is never been easier to give the home a modern and comfortable feel with stylish yet practical wooden accessories. 

Give The Study A Natural Makeover 

Combining a traditional wooden desk with wooden accessories with a contemporary twist is one of the best and inexpensive ways to give the study a practical yet natural boost. From wooden pen pots to wood mouse mats and storage boxes, it is a simple yet stylish solution.

Book review: Palm Beach Chic!

Recently, I have received another beautiful design book, Palm Beach Chic from The Vendome Press, thanks to Meghan Phillips. Authored by Jennifer Ash Rudick and photographed by Jessica Klewicki Glynn, this awe-inspiring book is a must-read!

In this stunning book, you will find brilliant photography of extraordinary homes, gardens and outdoor spaces with a tropical flair such as these!

I am absolutely in love with this gorgeous book and its abundance of swoon-worthy images! In this book, the author, a long-time Palm Beach resident leads us inside a tour of 25 remarkable residences including cottages, Moorish casbahs, artist' compounds, and Mad Men-era vintage condos, designed by world-class designers, architects and landscape designers. If you love fresh, breathtaking interiors and extraordinary gardens and pools, terraces and loggias, interior courtyards and lakeside pavilions with a Palm Chic flair, this is definitely the book for you.

This book is not only inspirational, it will transport you into the world of fantasy and paradise. With 312-pages of visually delightful and engaging content, this book is the ideal gift for all design 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.