Happy 7th blog anniversary!

In a blink of an eye, my little blog has turned 7! My blog actually turned 7 on Feb 13 but I totally forgot it until yesterday, thanks to a week of celebrations (Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year), lots of cooking and heavy feasting. :)

Fun, exciting and wonderful opportunities continue to come my way, some I gladly welcomed and some I have politely declined. The most thrilling experience were from design clients who came back again and again to ask me for design help. One client even offered to fly me out of state to design her beach home! It means one thing. My design clients trusted me enough to transform their homes and I did something right. As a decorator, I couldn't ask for more!

On another happy note, my blog has reached another milestone yesterday. Over the course of 7 years, my blog has garnered over 10 million pageviews, believe it or not! Without your love and support, my blog wouldn't have come this far so I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all of you who continued to follow and read my blog. I would also like to thank my dedicated readers who take a moment from their busy lives to drop me an encouraging and positive comment from time to time. I feel so blessed and grateful to all of you!

I will try my hardest to find the chicest, most beautiful and most inspirational interiors to share with you everyday so I hope you will continue to stay with me. 

Thank you my fabulous readers, you are super awesome!

With Design, It Is The Little Things That Can Make Or Break The Look!

This post is provided by Katherine Smith.

It is the little things like this that can bring down your whole design if you are not careful. Here are a few of the little things that can make or break your design:

Pests

You have a pristine room with beautiful tile floors and a white linen sofa. Then a nasty cockroach crawls across the smooth stone or the alabaster fabric, creating a black spot on your design. Ditto for spiders, scorpions, or any other kind of pests.

Joshua's Pest Control in San Diego says that you need to develop a pest control plan well before you notice that you have pests. Once you have an infestation, the pests can be much harder to remove. But if you treat your home ahead of time, you can keep the pests from ever entering.

Wires

A jumble of wires behind your entertainment center or your desk just looks like a mess. It will be a blight on your carefully designed room. That messy pile of wires will make the room look more cluttered and decidedly less stylish.

There are many ways that you can hide those wires. The best way is to plan for the wires in your design, such as by choosing an entertainment center that has closed spaces where the wires can be hidden, such as drawers and cabinets. You can also hide wires by hiring an electrician to run them through the wall or to put an outlet closer to where you need it. You can also minimize wires by minimizing the number of devices in a location. Do you really need an Xbox and a Wii?

Generic Light Fixtures

You might not think that simple light fixture in your hall makes that big a difference to your overall design, but it does. All those generic light fixtures that you might think blend into the background actually detract from the full potential of your home's decor.

The best interior designs are planned to the smallest detail. The light fixtures should be chosen to complement the decor not only with their style but also with the ambiance they create. Different fixtures can change the light level in the room, which can have a profound impact on the atmosphere.

Shoddy Workmanship

Nothing looks as good as good workmanship. You do not want to look down at your custom made farm table and note all the ways that it is flawed, from that little puddle of stain in the corner to the screw sticking out on one of the legs. Nor do you want to be enjoying a bath in your huge garden tub and look over and see crooked paint lines or loose window trim. 

Make sure you hire the pros to do your home repairs or renovations. If you want to do some of the work yourself, make sure you take on only those jobs that you can do well. No one is going to praise your work if it does not look good, and your efforts could actually bring down the profile of your home.

There are dozens of other little things that can bring down your home design, ranging from ill-chosen throw pillows to a misplaced accent chair in your family room. It is important that you think through every aspect of your design carefully and that you pay close attention to the details. You will be looking at your decor every day, and you will notice the little flaws that are there. Over time, your guests will notice, too, and you will feel very self-conscious. You may even stop inviting people over as often because of it. 

Take your time with your design planning or work with a professional to make sure you get it right.

Barrier And Soil Treatments For Termite Control!

This post is provided by Jesse Hughes.

Your home is probably the most expensive item you have purchased. You can expect it to last for the rest of your lifetime.

Unfortunately this is not always the case. Termites are one of the biggest threats to any home. This is because they can exist in your walls for long periods of time without being noticed. For this reason they are able to cause a huge amount of damage.

In fact, it is estimated that termites cost in excess of $5 billion dollars of damage every year.

There are in excess of 2,000 types of termites found across the world. Just 50 of them are found in the states, the only state they have not yet been found in is Alaska.

No matter where you live, if you think you might have a termite problem it is important to talk to your local pest control expert about termite control.

Dealing With Termites

The three main types of termites to concern yourself with are dampwood, drywood and subterranean.

A termite is usually between ¼ and ½ inch long although the kings and queens are often found to be as long as 1 inch.

They eat any cellulose based material. In general this is any type of plant life. As wood is originally plant life it is an excellent source of food for them; all they have to do is reach it.

Unfortunately this means that your home is an excellent target for them.

In general they will cross your yard and then get into your home through cracks, around pipes and wires. Once inside they can start eating your wood and, unchecked, will work their way round your home.

It is worth noting that termites need damp conditions to survive. If you have a leaking gutter or downpipe then your foundations will be permanently damp, allowing the termites in.

Barriers And Soil Treatments

It is important to take as many precautions as you can to ensure the termites never reach your home:

1. Repair any leaking gutters and pipes, this will prevent the termites from having somewhere comfortable to live.

2. Remove excess plant cover and wood mulch, especially near the walls of your home.

3. Make sure all water drains off and away from your property.

4. Seal all entry and exit points around pipes and wires.

5. Keep any wood products away from the outside of the house.

6. Regularly inspect your outbuildings and decking.

7. Screen your vents, this will allow the air to move but prevent termites getting in.

8. Treat your wood with a wood preservative and insecticide; this will make it less appealing or even deadly to any termites.

Perhaps the best tip is to create an area that the termites simply cannot get across.

To do this dig a trench round the outside of your home. It should be six inches deep and six inches wide. Then soak the trench with a good quality termiticide. Making sure the soil is loose at the bottom of the trench will help ensure it soaks in properly.

You can then close the trench in, or preferably fill it with concrete to make an effective barrier. Then all you need to do is stay vigilant.

Top Trending Decoration Tips For Your Living Room!

This post is provided by Matt Lee.

Your living room is the go-to space for relaxing after a long day, spending time with family and friends, and entertaining guests. Since this room is often the host of get-togethers and likely where visitors will spend most of their time, it is important for this space to really shine.

Decorating a living room can be a little intimidating, but by following a few of these trends you can create a fresh, inviting atmosphere.

Bold, Dark Furniture Adds Drama Without Coming Across Cold

When dark walls are too intimidating or not an option, a solution is for your furniture to add drama. Dark-toned or classic Mission-style Amish living room furniture look substantial and really add structure to a living room, without making the room feel smaller or cold as dark painted walls may. The matching look of a set is very attractive, just be sure to decorate around it with more eclectic pieces that go along with your style. 

Incorporate An Unexpected Color In Your Decor

So much of home design focuses on very similar color palettes, particularly a range of neutral grays, beiges, whites, and browns. Consider bringing an unexpected color into your living room in the form of a bold emerald green or a jewel-toned amethyst. Such shades are not so common, and therefore are memorable, and really add a touch of richness. An easy way of doing this is added colored pillows or a throw over a sitting chair, but do not be afraid to have a chair or sofa reupholstered in a new shade.

Touches Of Natural Wood Creates Texture And Dimension

There is nothing like real wood to add texture, warmth and dimension to a boring living room. Though a driftwood coffee table or furniture is obviously a great route, consider covering the main wall in reclaimed wood wall panels or go for a very luxurious look with wainscoting. Both can be added to structurally sound walls easily but look as if your living room went under a serious remodel. Reclaimed wood is eco-friendly and offers that incredible aged wood look that is highly sought after.

Minimalistic, Unique Lighting Fixtures

Minimalism always seems to be on trend, but recently has flowed into lighting fixtures. Matte-finished metal lighting fixtures that hang as pendants draw the eye in and are a great way of making a statement without the living room looking cluttered. Simply finish the rest of the room with recessed lights. Do not forget about including dimmable lighting to really set the mood. 

Smarten Up Boring Walls With Personalized Art

A living room without art is simply not a finished space. Rather than buying expensive art or spending time searching for the perfect frame for your photo, go the route of custom canvas prints instead. Not only can you print classic pieces as well as personal photos you have taken yourself, but they also come in a variety of sizes. Being so lightweight, canvas prints are easy to hang, look casually chic, and allow you to create a beautiful gallery-style art display.

Although any and all these tips can apply to essentially any settings, if you are starting from a bare room it is worth it to settle on a theme (i.e. industrial, farmhouse, urban, etc) prior to making big purchases. 

Basic Invite- Truly Custom Invitations!

If you know me well enough, you would know that I am a huge fan of beautiful paper goods. When I am at the mall, I always visit the greeting card store even when I have nothing to buy. I like admiring and soaking up the stunning designs found in greeting cards. 

In my opinion, pretty greeting cards are very similar to artwork. They are created with great imagination by the hands of talented artists; with size being the only difference. Needless to say, after each trip to one of these stores, I always feel inspired!  The love for gorgeous paper products is real, y'all!

With that said, I can recognize a good paper product instantly. Take for example Basic Invite, a site which specializes in high quality, perfectly customized stationery, which I was introduced to recently. Contrary to its name, Basic Invite is anything but basic! They offer a wide range of gorgeous, elegant and stylish invites for all occasions dedicated to weddings, babies, special events, etc.

Check out some of the fabulous and creative invites from their site!

Aren't these totally swoon-worthy? So what sets Basic Invite apart from others, you may ask?

Almost Unlimited Colors - Basic Invite is one of the few websites that allows customers almost unlimited color options with instant previews online. Once you select a design you can change the color of each element on the card to over 180 different color options so you can make sure the card is exactly how you want it down to the littlest detail. This is what we feel sets us apart from almost any other online stationery company and is what we feel is our biggest draw.

Custom Samples - Basic Invite is one of the few websites that allows customers the ability to order a printed sample of their actual invitation so they can see exactly how it will print as well as the paper quality before they ever have to place their final order.

Over 40 Different Colors of Envelopes - Basic Invite is just as colorful with our envelopes as we are with our invitations. Customers can choose from over 40 different colors when it comes to their envelopes so that they can make their invitation stand out even before it is opened. All of our envelopes are peel and seal so the envelopes can be quickly and securely closed.

Address Capturing Service - Basic Invite offers an address capturing service that allows customers to simply share a link on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any other form of social media to request their friends and family’s addresses which will be stored in the customer’s account and can then be selected during the design process. Basic Invite offers recipient address printing at no cost on all Christmas card orders.

Foil - Foil holiday cards are available in gold, silver, and rose gold. Customers can choose flat or raised foil on all of Basic Invite’s foil designs.

The amount of customization offered on their website is unbelievable! Whether you are looking for wedding invites, custom made birthday invitations, invitations for sweet 16, Basic Invite has you covered!

At the moment, Basic Invite is offering 15% off with coupon code: 15FF51 so be sure to take advantage of this wonderful offer before it's gone!

Disclosure: I have received compensation for the publication of this post.

How To Finance A Home Improvement Project!

This post is provided by Katherine Smith.

If you would like to finance a home improvement project, then you have to be clear on your reasons for doing it. While you may look forward to the end result, you will also have to endure noise and dust as a work crew hammers and drills for weeks on end.

Reasons To Improve Your Home

There are many possible reasons why you might want to embark on a home improvement project.

It is possible that this is your first home, and although the home mortgage terms were highly favorable, working well with your income, budget, and cash flow, the house fell below your expectations. However, with just a few changes that you can clearly envision, it will be just perfect for your needs.

It is possible that you need a home improvement because it is absolutely necessary, or perhaps because a recent hurricane sweeping through your neck of the woods damaged your home.

It is possible that you just want to live in a nicer home, perhaps one with a more spacious and functional kitchen or one with a guest room so that your family and friends do not always have to sleep on the floor when they visit every holiday season.

Regardless of your reason, let us look at some ways to get the money you need to improve your home.

1. Help From Uncle Sam

You may be able to get government assistance- if your home improvement happens to be tied to making your home more eco-friendly. This assistance will not be in the form of a loan but as a tax credit. The Federal government will give you up to $1,500 in tax credits for energy-efficiency upgrades, for instance, if you upgrade your home to use Energy Star appliances. You can get even more credits if you tap into the solar energy incentive program and are interested in installing solar panels and solar water heaters. You may also be able to get additional rebates from state and local government programs.

2. Contractor Financing

You may be able to get financing from a contractor. If you are working with a big contracting service, it is possible that they have a financing division or work with a lending agency and can make a contractor loan. You just have to make sure that you are being charged a fair rate.

3. A Home Equity Line Of Credit

If you have equity in your home, consider getting a home equity line of credit. You can use your home as collateral to borrow a percentage of the equity in your home. The upside is that your interest rates will be much lower than alternative choices because they will be to the prime rate. Moreover, if you have great credit, you can borrow as much as need up to your credit limit. The downside is that it is not easy to qualify. For one thing, you should have put a large down payment; and, for another, you should have lived in your home for a long time. You will also have to pay for your home to be inspected. Additionally, it is not a fast process. It may take almost two months to be approved; although, if you are lucky, it can take just a month.

4. A Personal Loan

Finally, there is the option of getting a personal loan from a company like Credible. This is preferable to putting everything on your credit cards. You will have a lower interest rate. Additionally, it will be a fixed rate, not a variable rate. If you go this route and can get a personal loan, you have to be careful to figure out a realistic repayment plan based on your current budget constraints. While you can get a personal loan from your bank, you may also want to look into alternative lenders. If you have good credit, it is fairly quick and easy to get an online lender to offer a personal loan. Besides getting your money faster, you will probably be able to borrow at a lower rate than a bank loan.

5. Avoid Going Over Budget

Although most homeowners believe that the toughest part of embarking on a home improvement project is getting the money to do it or finding the right people for the job, the biggest challenge is actually staying within budget. Yes, you probably have a plan in place on how much you are willing to spend and a good idea of what you can get for the money, but when you start shopping you are surrounded by many beautiful, high-quality things that would look perfect in your home. Usually, these are only just a little out of your price range and you start to scheme about how you can stretch your budget just a bit.

How To Work Your Smart Technology Into Your Home Decor!

This post is provided by Ryan Tyson.

Technology makes our lives easier every day, and by following a few design rules, they can even help liven up our homes! When you think of gadgets like smart thermostats, elegant and trendy (décor-wise) may not be the first qualities that come to mind. Thankfully, installing a new device on your wall or incorporating other technology into your home does not have to come at the expense of exquisite style. Follow these tips to incorporate smart technology into your home’s design.

Reorganize to Highlight Your New Technology

Some technology requires that you make space or reorganize a room. For example, if you get a device that projects information onto a wall, you will need to rearrange things so that the projection will work. You could settle for a blank wall, but there is another option: create a frame around the projection space using simple decorations such as frames and shelves. Arranging the room in this way will give it a unique, practical feeling and create the space needed for the new gadget.

Another option is to feature the technology as an art piece. Many items come in minimal colors and simple, fluid shapes. If you have a modern kitchen or living room, these devices can stand on their own as tasteful and interesting centerpieces.

Go Minimal With Hands-Free Technology

In some cases, the technology informs what design changes are needed to capitalize on your home’s current style. For example, with some hands-free technology (such as wireless sound systems), you can forgo ugly bundles of cables and wall mounts. If a desk or side table is in place to hide all those wires, you can upgrade some appliances to wireless and freely reorganize with no strings attached.

Look for Pieces That Complement Your Existing Space

Thankfully, many engineers know that form is as important as function when it comes to interior design. Self-watering flower pots, smart lights, and even smart shower heads come in an array of looks, meaning you can find one that goes with your existing style. Many smart baby monitors, for instance, are round and have fun, playful designs to fit in with other infant décor. When shopping for smart appliances, consider items that will go with what you already have in place.

Get Creative With Your Wall Space

Many smart technologies, like a security system or smart thermostat installation, will need to find a place on your walls. You can work with these items by incorporating them into a gallery of wall art, or you can add a shelf to house other pieces around the wall-hanging gadgets. A wall shelf can even be used to highlight the new technology while featuring other items, such as family photos, statues, book ends, and plants.

Add Some Design Pop With New Gadgets

Thanks to the modern era of technology, you do not have to comprise on the style you love for the sake of convenience. Follow these guidelines to work smart technology seamlessly into your home décor. Whether you are installing a smart thermostat or redoing the bathroom fixtures, these tips will help you stay connected and chic.

Making Your Log Cabin More Energy Efficient!

This post is provided by Katherine Smith.

You have finally purchased the log cabin of your dreams! You get to kick back and enjoy quiet evenings next to the fire among the relative isolation of the woods. You can imagine yourself in a world before technology and before all the pressures of our fast-paced society.

But you do not want to get carried away and live life without all technology! You will still want things like electricity and heat. But since you live in a log cabin, you might have problems keeping your energy bills low. Here are a few things you can do to make your log cabin more energy-efficient:

Get New Windows

One of the most effective things you can do to improve energy savings in your log cabin is to invest in new windows. Oregon, Washington, the mountains in Tennessee, Colorado- these are all great places to own a log cabin since they offer picturesque views, but they also have very cold climates. The windows are like huge holes in the side of your log cabin if they are not designed properly. That means you could be losing a lot of heat, which will drive your energy bills sky high. Invest in the type of window replacements Portland and other cold-climate residents use, and you will see a significant reduction in your energy bills. 

Invest in double-hung windows that fit your personal style with superior construction, and you will get extra insulation for your log cabin that will help you maintain steadier temperatures. You can also add window tints to improve the energy efficiency of the windows.

Replace The Doors

The doors of your log cabin are also like big holes in your home. Some doors are just hollow inside, offering no insulation whatsoever. You need to replace the doors with insulated options. Not only will you improve your home’s energy bills, but you will also get a sturdier door that will hold up to damage a bit better.

For maximum energy efficiency, replace both the exterior and interior doors with insulated options. You will get more stable temperatures in each room of your log home.

Get New Appliances

Log cabins tend to be on the older side. It is part of what gives them their charm. The appliances that came with the log cabin may be equally on the older side. The refrigerator, stove, washer, and dryer could all be soaking up more electricity than they should, which can send your bills sky high.

Invest in new appliances that are Energy Star rated. These appliances come with information about how much energy they use and how much they can potentially save you on energy bills.

Update The Roof

The roof plays one of the most important roles in maintaining energy efficiency. If the roof on your log cabin is old, in disrepair, or simply not appropriate for the property, it could be letting out cool air and heat, causing your energy bills to skyrocket.

Hire an experienced roofer to check out your home. The roofer may be able to improve energy efficiency by just making repairs, or the roofer may recommend that you replace the roof. Metal roofs are known for their energy efficiency, but your roofer can make recommendations to get the look you want while still maintaining energy efficiency.

Upgrade The Insulation

Different types of insulation will offer different levels of protection. Spray foam insulation will offer the highest level of protection, but it is also the most expensive. Work with a contractor to have the insulation in your log home inspected and to make a decision for what type of insulation would give you the best energy efficiency for your budget. You may not be able to get the very best product on the market, but you should be able to get something on your budget that will bring down your log home’s energy consumption.

Plant Some Trees

The winter months are not the only thing you have to worry about wreaking havoc on your home’s energy consumption. The summer months can get pretty hot, too, even in colder climates like Oregon. Planting some trees will help provide some shade to the house during the hot days so your air conditioner does not have to work as hard to cool the house. You will improve the look of your property and bring down your energy bills during the summer.

Do not let your dream of owning a log cabin put a strain on your finances. Make these upgrades to your cabin to bring down your energy costs and save big in the long run.

Redecorating Your Aging Parents’ Home For Safety And Comfort!

This post is provided by Katherine Smith.

As our parents age, they may find it difficult to get around the house like they once were able. Bodies stop working like they once did, forcing people to move things around and make their living arrangements more closely tailored to what is comfortable and safe. The goal is to prevent unnecessary slips and falls that can do significant damage to an aging body. If you will be in charge of redecorating your aging parents’ home, make sure to include safety and comfort features they can utilize on their own without assistance.

Add An Elevator

Elevators are not just for buildings and stores. Home elevators can be implemented as well, adding an easy way for residents to get from one level to the next. This is especially important for older adults who have a difficult time making it up staircases. Home Elevators & Residential Elevator Systems make the home safer for people who struggle to get from upstairs to downstairs and vice versa. Have a  professional install the system so it gets done quickly and efficiently.

Make A Home Office

Your parents may be getting older, but that does not mean they are ready to stop working and getting things accomplished. Many older adults continue working but might try working from home instead of having to make a commute each day. Create a stylish home office for them that includes everything they need to get their work done. Ensure there is good lighting so weakened eyesight does not hinder the experience. You should also add a conversation area with a couple of comfortable chairs or a couch where they can sit and relax during a break time, or converse with a client or partner if needed.

Purchase Comfortable Furniture

While you may prefer a soft couch you can sink into, it may be difficult for your older mom or dad to make their way out of it once they have sat down. It is best to purchase comfortable furniture that would not be hard on their aching backs, yet still allows them to get up or down on their own. A soft yet somehow firm couch would be a better option. Their bed may need replacing as well, along with the dining room chairs and anything else that gets sat or laid on for rest or relaxation.

Install Grab Bars

Grab bars are often seen in hospital restrooms in the shower and near the toilet. It allows people to hold onto something if they need to lower themselves down carefully or get up from a seated position. Many older adults start struggling to get up or down on their own, so bars like this in their home bathrooms would be ideal. Make sure you watch the weight limit of the bars you install to ensure they can hold up your mom or dad safely.

Tape Down Rugs

Despite their low-risk appearance, rugs can be hazardous to those who have a hard time getting around. The best option is to get rid of the rugs altogether, but if your parents do not want to do that, then taping them down is the next best choice. It will ensure they are stuck to the ground well so the edges will not come up and cause someone to trip when they are trying to walk over the area.

Our aging parents need our help more than ever. Before they have started to struggle, help them out with some home redecorating that will get the place in ideal condition as they start to get older. With grab bars installed, rugs taped down, comfortable furniture, and a home elevator, your parents will have a safe and comfortable home they can continue to live in on their own for some time. 

Keep Your Home Office Organized With These Easy Tips!

This post is provided Danielle Peffers.

As a busy mom, you should know the importance of organization. As a work at home mom, you also should know that you must stay organized to keep on top of your work. Keeping a home office well organized is easier than ever, as long as you remember these simple tips. 

Keeping It Simple

Keeping it simple is one of the best ways to remain organized. You should keep things in your office to a bare minimum. 

Private Spaces

You should also limit the people that can come into your office. Some kids know they can not disturb during certain hours. This way, they are not disrupting your all-important office items. 

Using An Organizer

Using organizers is a must. You should have a desktop organizer you rely on. You should store many of your important files in the organizer so you can find them whenever you need them. 

Keeping A Calendar

Keeping a calendar is also crucial. You should put all your events on a calendar for each month. This way, you can easily see what you need to get done as you go through it. 

Organizing Supplies 

Supplies could be crucial in your work. You need to be able to draw. You should keep all your art supplies in a distinct place every single day. 

Seasonal Items

You should want your home office to keep up with the seasons. So you should keep all of your seasonal stuff like Christmas cards next to the office in a devoted place. You should always know where they are as the year unfolds. 

Color Is Your Friend

Color is a vital. You should use color to code things. Red marked items could have the highest importance in your office. While items in lighter colors could be left for another day if needed. 

Dedicated Spaces 

Each place in your office should be dedicated to a specific purpose. One area is for clients while another is for your files. This way, they can stay there so you can quickly locate them. 

A Schedule

As a work at home mom, sometimes it is hard to leave the work home. You avoid this problem by keeping to a strict schedule. When the time comes for you to leave work, You leave it behind and head right back to the rest of your house.