Happy birthday to me!

Today is my birthday and I feel very blessed to see another year! Last year was filled with ups and downs so hopefully, this year will be a smooth-sailing one. Fingers crossed.

This year I do not have any big plans like the previous years. To celebrate, we will check out a new hot pot restaurant in Chicago later. We are planning to go for the all-you-can-eat option so we can try as many things on the menu tonight. The restaurant has a lot of rave reviews so I am pretty excited! 

I also picked out this gorgeous card case as my "birthday gift" while we were at the outlet mall a few months ago. Thanks hubby!

It is not something I would normally picked but I am super obsessed with this beauty. I am drawn to its bold, striking and beautiful design. Although it is a card case, I am planning to use it as a small wallet. I can't wait to use this baby! 

How do you celebrate your birthday, my lovelies? I am dying to know!

How To Look After Your Swimming Pool!

This post is provided by Jorge Costilla.

We have always dreamed of having our own personal swimming pool in our very own backyard. Come on, who would really mind having such a luxury? You could host summer pool parties, invite all your friends, swim to relax or to work out or enjoy a good read whilst lounging by the pool. There are endless possibilities when you have a pool! Planning how to perfect that tan?

Well, we hate to bring you back down to earth. But remember – owning a pool comes with great responsibility. First of all, to install a nice pool is going to cost you quite a bit of your precious dollars. So, you will want to make sure that you look after it to the best of your ability!

If you are at a friend’s place and he has a pool, keep an eye out for certain signs whether he looks after his swimming pool or not. For instance, if the water in the pool is of a greenish color, then that means it has poor upkeep. If a comprehensive maintenance plan is not implemented, then your pool can suffer from algae build ups or broken filters. And trust us, nobody you know will want to enter a pool in such a condition! Remember, you want to make sure that your pool remains in the best possible condition. Whether resurfacing is needed, do not worry about it. There are plenty of entities who could do this for you, for example, Willsha Pools offers resurfacing.

To help you out, here are a few tips on how you can look after your swimming pool:

Fall in love with skimming and scrubbing

Removing leaves and other such debris from your pool will be part of your daily life. You will have to do it repeatedly to possess a clean, pristine pool. 

Got a bit of flexibility in your budget? If yes, consider investing in a robot vacuum cleaner that will descend to the pool floor and clean it thoroughly for you. There are plenty of options you can check out and decide based the importance of factors such as price differentials, reviews and performance requirements.

Now, why did we mention scrubbing? You will have to scrub the sides of your pool to evade algae build up. The good thing is that if you do this every other week, you are good to go. Take a scrub brush and scrub with all you have got! If you have trouble with any old spots, take an old sock and fill it up with chlorine. Let it rest on top of the spot for a few hours and then try scrubbing yet again. As the algae will be eaten by the chlorine, you should be able to clean the pool side easily now. 

Check your pool’s chemical levels

If the chemical levels in your pool are unbalanced, it could create murky water, cause irritation to your eyes and become a playground for bacteria growth. Disgusting, isn't it? We know you do not want this! You should check your pool water at least once a week.

Watch out for the water level

As much as the chemical levels are crucial, so is the actual volume of water flowing in your pool. If a bunch of kids spend the afternoon cannon balling or if there is heavy rain, then yes, the pool level may rise naturally. What you want to do is to maintain the pool level that is halfway up to the opening of the skimmer. If the water is too low, fill up a garden hose and add the required amount of water to the pool. On the other hand, if the water quantity is too much – try to get your hands on a submergible pump that will allow you to drain the excess. You can get these babies at any home improvement stores. Once you have managed to get the water levels back to a desirable level, do not forget to recheck the chemical balances. 

Utilize tennis balls to absorb oils

Apart for recreational usage, a tennis ball can be quite useful in the pool context. When a swimmer leaves the pool, specific oils are left behind in the water. It could be residue from your suntan lotion, your hair products or the natural oil that is produced by our skin. Just throw a tennis ball into your swimming pool and let its natural fibers absorb such oils.

Schedule a yearly appointment for pool servicing

Whether you think you need it or not, get a scheduled yearly appointment for your pool to be serviced professionally. Its mechanical equipment such as its heating systems, filters or pumps may require checks from experts in the field. This is knowledge you may not have. Do an appraisal of your pool before your pool service man comes in. Check for leaks, holes in the linear, or any loud sounds coming from the mechanism. Anything is possible, right? Guide the pool service individual towards these issues so he knows where to get started. 

Clean your pool’s filter

As the name denotes, your swimming pool’s filter plays a crucial role in its upkeep by removing any impurities. This includes but is not limited to leaves, dirt, and small toys even. Usually, you can clean your pool’s filter by turning it off, removing the filter cap, taking out the filter basket and throwing away any debris that have accumulated with the passage of time. How many times should you clean it? We recommend doing this at least once a week! What you can do once a month is to wash out the pipes used by your filter by backwashing. Just set your filter to backwash, remove the leaf basket and clean it out. After that, just switch your pump on and let it work till the waste pip releases clear and clean water. 

This may sound like extra work to you – especially on top of other normal chores that one has to do. If you have a family, take turns engaging in these pool maintenance activities.

Create A Stunning Antique Look For Any Room!

This post is provided by Lora Young.

When it comes to décor and room styles, we all have different tastes. Some people want every room in their home to be completely modern and contemporary. Others are looking for a more traditional look such as 1950s or 1960s style of décor. There are also those that want to create a stunning vintage or antique look in their home.

If you want to create an antique look and feel in any room in your home, there are various ways in which you can do this. Everything from the flooring to the furniture and lighting can make a difference to the appearance of the room. Fortunately, you do not have to spend a fortune on real antiques, as there are plenty of hacks that can help you to create the perfect vintage finish.

Some Of The Ways To Add An Antique Touch

There are various ways in which you can create an antique look in any room in your home. First, you can use products such as milk paint, which is ideal when used on wood to create a beautiful antique finish. If you have some old furniture that is looking worn and old, you can coat it with this paint to create something that looks vintage and antique-and it certainly costs a lot less than investing in real antique furniture.

Another thing to look at is the lighting in the room. The last thing you want is something ultra-modern such as spotlights. Instead, look at things such as candelabra-style wall lights and faux crystal chandeliers for your room. These will enable you to enjoy affordability while also re-creating a stunning antique finish that is elegant, stylish, and grand.

The flooring in the room will also contribute to the overall finish, so make sure you look at the various options. Some people like to have solid wood to help create a more antique appearance for the room. However, you can also look at rich, bold carpeting if you prefer a warmer finish for the room.

The artwork you use in the room can also have an impact on the overall appearance. If you want to make your room look antique, you can get stylish artwork in vintage-style gold frames to put up around the room. In addition, you can hang an antique-style mirror in the room, which is another great way to add the ideal finishing touch and feel as though you have stepped back in time.

When it comes to drapes and upholstery, rich reds and golds are a great choice for an antique finish. They also help to add warmth to the room, particularly when you opt for fabrics such as velvet.

Relax In Your Antique Surroundings

By following these tips, you can look forward to relaxing in antique surroundings but without spending the fortune you would have to if you were buying real antiques. With your imagination, the right products, and the help of the internet, you can create a wonderful vintage finish even if you are on a tight budget.

 

How To Rejuvenate Your Living Room!

This article is provided by Lora Young.

Nothing impresses a visitor more quite like the living room. After all, it is that special place in the house where you entertain your guests and make them comfortable. After all, that is just as important as other areas like the dining room and bedroom. The living room is also where you unwind to watch your favorite TV moments or simply doze off on the couch.

With all this in mind, it is only best that we focus more on keeping our living rooms as comfortable as possible. Investing in a home improvement project makes all the more sense if you focus more on making a truly great living room experience. Plus, the fact is that you are also improving your home’s value considerably.

Let us take a look at a few things you need to do to rejuvenate your living room.

1. Change the wall paint

What paint will you be giving your living room? For sure, the choice of color is crucial since it allows you to achieve a certain mood in your living room. For instance, if you want it to feel like you are on vacation, you can try lighter shades of blue to really capture that tropical vibe. You can also try bolder colors if you want your room to feel energizing.

2. Go minimalistic

Marie Kondo has a point: A clutter-free life is a life that is anchored on joy. That alone should convince you to adopt a more minimalistic mindset when it comes to making your living room an important part in de-stressing. For this, you just have to start by throwing out the things you need and determine if you want more of the same item. Sure enough, this mindset keeps you from achieving a less cluttered lifestyle, so be sure to use all that energy toward making your home more spacious.

3. Hang wall decor

If blank walls are not your style, you can always create decorations you can hang. One good example is to grow some hanging plants and put them in places where you can easily see them. Aside from plants, you might also hang a few artworks here and there to really maximize the available space on the walls of your living room.

4. Change your flooring

It is an expensive project, but considering the long-term benefits, upgrading your flooring is a great way to increase the value of your home. You just have to determine the right material to use on your floor. You can always opt for carpeting and vinyl, but if you want an easy-to-clean option, then hardwood floors are a good choice. You just need to find a capable contractor offering wood floor services. Installing the material is hard, but with a little patience, you can achieve a more rustic vibe for your living room.

5. Change your lighting

To impress your guest even though nighttime has already arrived, make sure to install a few accent lights in areas where they illuminate pieces of art and such. You can also install dim lights for when you need to enjoy a bit of intimacy with your better half.

Choosing The Right Accessories To Enhance Your Bedroom Décor!

This post is provided by Jeremy Sunders.

The right accessories can bring life to your bedroom décor. On the other hand, using them in the wrong way can create a feeling of chaos – the last thing you want in your private sanctuary. Here are some tips for choosing the extra touches that will enhance your bedroom décor.

Quality Matters

Choose high-quality accessories for your room. Of course, assessing quality is not always easy. A more expensive item is not necessarily better. The object should certainly be well-made. Read how well the accessories hold up for others in the company reviews profile, like 1StopBedrooms reviews tab. Choose items with a unique flair instead of run-of-the-mill knickknacks.

Use Color, Light And Texture

Neutral or subtle colors are great for large furniture items, because they are easy to live with for the long term. Accessories are where you can perk up your room in different ways at different times. Here are some ways to do it.

-Add splashes of bright or contrasting colors, but make sure they coordinate with the main color scheme.

-Accent mirrors and decorative sconces or lamps add light and reflection. 

-Touches of varying textures in pillows, throws, and rugs make your room more interesting, too.

Add Interest

Want a more interesting room? Just add accessories that have a little character.

-Unusual decorative vases or candle holders can hold your attention without assaulting your senses. 

-Brass or glass sculptures add to the light effects while increasing interest.

-High-quality, unique figurines with an antique look add a sense of depth.

-Unusual glass or silver trays are both interesting and useful.

-Add fascinating artwork but do it sparingly.

Get The Proportions Right

When you are choosing accessories for your bedroom, think about the size of the room and the furniture in it. If your room is huge, tiny objects would not have much impact. If your room is tiny, overly large items will overwhelm the main design elements.

Arrangement Tips

Before you even look for accessories, it is a good idea to learn a few arrangement tips. After all, what you choose depends on where you have a place to put it. Here are a few ideas.

-Do not overdo it. If you put in too many accessories, your eyes will be so overwhelmed you would not really see each individual piece. Instead, choose only the accessories you love most.

-Arrange items so they are balanced but asymmetrical.

-Put small items together in odd-numbered groups, such as three or five.

-Place large accessories first, then add smaller objects.

-Place items at different heights, from interesting rugs on the floor to decorative throw pillows on the bed to eye-level mirrors to hanging lamps.

-Make groupings of items that vary in height.

-Choose items with a seasonal flair. Then, swap them out for other accessories for the next season.

-Consider using a few identical items in a grouping.

If you are still unsure of how to create the right atmosphere in your bedroom using accessories, a furniture company with design experts can help. All you have to do is show them the main design features of your room. They will be able to suggest suitable accessories. From there, the choice is yours.

Five beautiful ideas to place the Corbusier Lounge chair in living rooms!

This post is provided by Tiffany Lewis.

At the core of its design, the Corbusier Lounge Chair is a ‘living room product.’ Yes, it is highly versatile and can be featured in a number of other spaces, but featuring it grandly in a space it was designed for in the first place is not something that you can completely overlook. So, if you want to feature this unique furniture piece in your living areas, here are 5 inspirations to get you started. Let us take a look:

In between plush and stately

The half-baroque and half-modern designing of this living room ambiance is something of a dichotomous construct. It is not only attractive, but also offers a stately and charismatic aura that makes the whole space feel like the perfect mix of traditional and modern. But the thing that stands out the most amongst all else is the timeless aesthetic and comfortable recline of the Corbusier Lounge Chair. Its simplistic presence within the semi-dark theme of the living room feels very trendy and stylish. You can definitely construct such a theme in your own homes as well.

Ahead of the accent game

The large girth and artistic body of the Corbusier Lounge Chair are perfectly suited to be the accent piece that your living room needs. This image features a unique configuration of sofas around a mantelpiece, and the Corbusier Lounge Chair sits snugly at the forefront while adding some much needed shapely and pattern contrast to the whole space.

The penthouse effect

The penthouse effect is the perfect way to feature the Corbusier Lounge Chair as it is inherently graceful and sophisticated. It can make a large space feel highly welcoming while providing the perfect place to recline and relax. This image features an excellent representation of such a living room layout, where the grey LC2 chairs complement the artistic body of the black Corbusier Lounge Chair perfectly well.

Grounded amidst colors

Usually, the Corbusier Lounge Chair itself is used as an accent piece to create contrast within an ambiance. However, if your living room is colorful and eclectic enough, you can actually use the chair as a piece to anchor the whole aesthetic. Just take a look at this image. The use of gorgeous red and blue jewel tones is highly distinct, but it is actually the black Corbusier Lounge Chair that grounds the whole ambiance.

Understanding the contemporary

The contemporary aesthetic is something of a dissimilar construct. It tales sleek, mismatched pieces, and used them to deliver a wholesome ambiance. This is why the Corbusier Lounge Chair would be a great addition in such a living room. This image is proof enough; with the cream couch, black one-seaters, and trendily minimalistic feature wall, the cowhide upholstery and luxurious curves of the Corbusier Lounge Chair feel like the most statement worthy accent piece.

The idea of using the Corbusier Lounge Chair in living rooms may be a conventional one, but the way you create an ambiance around it makes all the difference. We hope some of these ideas inspired you to get started with your own.

Book review- American Originals!

Today, I wanted to share a wonderful new publication from Vendome Press with you. Thanks to Meghan Phillips for sending me American Originals. In this amazing book, photographer William Abranowicz invites us into the private spaces of extraordinary and fiercely authentic individuals, as seen through his distinctive eyes. 

Let's check out some of the fabulous photographs you will find inside this book!

Photo credit: William Abranowicz

This book is truly a visual feast! Honestly, how can you not be mesmerized by the extraordinary homes of accomplished painters, poets, rock stars, designers, tastemakers, politicians and celebrities?

Some rooms have a few quirks and surprises, some are charming and familiar but most importantly, they all exude style, character and originality, which I love! With more than 250 stunning photographs (most never before published), you can easily spend hours upon hours pouring over the gorgeous vignettes and interesting details in each space! 

Engaging, inspirational and unforgettable, this incredible publication shouldn't be missed! I absolutely enjoyed seeing these creatives express beauty in their personal sanctuaries, how about you? 

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.

Ideas For A Memorable Backyard Wedding!

This post is provided by Matt Collins.

A Fine Wedding You Can Afford

Here are some hot wedding trends; but sometimes going the nostalgia route makes more sense- it all depends on you and your future spouse. For example, getting married in the backyard can be very romantic, and it can be convenient. It can be fun, it can ease the stress of the ceremony, and it can allow you to spend more than you would have been able to otherwise. Did you know the common cost of a wedding in the United States is north of $20k?

Certainly you want to be able to have the most extravagant event you can; but the realities of today may prevent you from having such an experience. However: with your own backyard, or that of a close relation, you may be able to get there. If you have a beautiful backyard, that is even better! And take this into consideration as well: just because your marriage is on the property, does not mean you are necessarily being thrifty.

Remember The Godfather? That wedding took place in a backyard, and it was a downright top-tier event! Certainly that is an extreme example, but it is worth keeping in mind. It may just be that the venue of your parents' home, or that of a relative, represents a better place to get married than any chapel or beach you can think of. It all depends on you.

If you do decide to go the backyard route, there are a number of things to take into consideration. Following, a few suggestions to help you maximize your options will be explored.

Wardrobe, Decor, Honeymoons, And Catering

The internet is making all kinds of wedding costs less impacting than they would be otherwise. Consider these lovely light pink wedding dresses as an example. It is possible to get the style you like, the quality you expect, and the cost you can afford online. Shopping for you and your bridesmaids using such techniques makes a lot of sense.

Another internet savior comes in the form of crowdsourced funding. If you think a crowdfunding option could work for you, you should check this website: https://www.honeyfund.com/unique-wedding-registry. You may find resources to extend your honeymoon, too; and that can be important as an initiating force in your developing marriage.

Something else that makes sense is decorating with the backyard you have chosen, rather than against it. Are there trees? Bushes? Is there a garden? What kind of lawn is there? Does a pool take up most the premises- could it be covered? Ask and answer these questions, then ensure the decoration you have in some way pays homage to that which was there before; this will make it look the most natural and graceful.

When it comes to catering, ask yourself: will the family whose backyard you are using do a better job than caterers? Are they inclined to do so? Perhaps let them, and even give them a little money for goods. You may be surprised; some people really like to cook, and would jump at this sort of opportunity. If they are also good at cooking (as desire is not enough), let them shine!

More Control, More Savings, More Fun

With a backyard wedding, you are in a venue over which there is more control. Other parties booked in the same location would not be at the fringes of your wedding. You would not have to leave for the reception.

You will be able to cut the cost of the event down substantially, and involve more people. Altogether, this could make a backyard wedding more fun collaterally. Whether going this route makes any sense will be up to you, but there is a lot to recommend a backyard wedding.

New Silestone Concrete Looking Counters For 2019!

This post is provided is by Sherley Grimes.

The kitchen is the heart of every home. When it comes to kitchen worktops and other elements of this precious space in the house, you can always trust Silestone. The brand is known for being able to provide the perfect color, style or design to any property. If you are looking for a versatile product that can be used practically in any of the interior, Silestone is the name to remember. You can choose from a palette of over fifty colors available in the UK as off 2019. You can also consider the immaculate integrity sinks. These will match the color of your worktops, offering a seamless and minimalistic look. 

Silestone makes quartz products in different colors, thicknesses and finishes. It boasts 8 different collections called ‘Series’. There is a strong trend for industrial features in interiors that are both functional and beautiful. An industrial feel in the kitchen puts you in touch with different elements of nature, creating a sense of calm and relaxation. Also, it is a special place in which you gather with friends and family, disconnecting from everything else. The Loft Series is the latest collection in the range of the leading quartz surface manufacturer. It is inspired in traditional building materials such as concrete and cement. In contrast with the building products, the surfaces are easy to clean and require no special maintenance.

Here is a look at the concrete-inspired colours for kitchen worktops that you can choose from.

The “Loft Series” created by Silestone has two new, sophisticated colors.  They offer a fresh and modern take on the architectural and industrial look of cement and concrete. The Loft Series by Silestone consists of Brooklyn and Silver Lake. They are both classic colors that will complete any kitchen, regardless of their style or design. 

Silestone Brooklyn: A part of the Silestone Loft Series, Silestone Brooklyn is a fantastic color inspired by the look of concrete. If you are looking to change your worktops in the New Year to breathe a new life into your kitchen, this is one of the best choices you can make. Fresh and modern, this color will add a cool, contemporary look and feel to your space. Brooklyn is available in slabs with thicknesses in 12mm, 20mm and 30mm. The slab dimensions are 3250 x 1590mm which means you have a huge canvas to create seamless designs. Similarly, you can use large panels in the walls, creating splashbacks in matching material.

Silestone Silver Lake: Silestone Silver Lake, from the Loft Series is another superb choice for those who want to create a clean, modern look for their kitchen or bathroom. Like Brooklyn, Silver Lake has a concrete look, a trend increasingly popular among designers and architects alike. If you are looking for a color different from the usual grey or white, then this is the one you should pick for your kitchen countertops and work areas. In addition to magnificent looks, all Silestone colors come with added benefits such as exclusive bacteriostatic protection and N-Boost treatment on the material. If that was not enough, you can protect your investment by registering the purchase of your worktops at Silestone’s website via an approved supplier of their products.

Happy 8th blog anniversary!

In a blink of an eye, my blog turned 8 today! Yay!

Many wonderful and exciting opportunities continue to come my way since I started this blog. At the same time, I am becoming more and more selective of the collaborations I picked and have declined a lot of product reviews to stay true to the original purpose of this blog. 

Some of most satisfying moments came from design clients who came back again and again to ask me for design help. Another client recently wrote to me to tell me they still loved their room that I helped them designed more than 5 years ago. As a decorator, I couldn't be happier!

On another positive note, my blog has garnered over 11 million pageviews throughout the years! Without you, my wonderful readers, my blog wouldn't have come this far so I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all of you who loyally follow, read my blog and take a moment to leave an encouraging and positive comment from time to time. 

I feel so blessed and grateful to all of you! I am sure my blog will continue to evolve over time but I will try my best to provide good inspirational content for you. Hopefully, you will continue to stay with me. 

Thank you my awesome readers, you are the best!