Guest post- Spruce up your bedroom for spring!

This post is provided by Ella Mason.

Spring is a time for color and it is a perfect excuse to give your bedroom a makeover (you could also do a bit of spring cleaning in the process). Here are some tips for sprucing up your bedroom for spring.

New bed

One way to completely change the look for your bedroom is to get a new bed. You might be moving onto something more modern or you might want to simply update your current style. Take a look at divancentre.co.uk to get an idea of what is available to you.

Fresh flowers

Flowers can inject a little bit of spring into any room. You do not have to go all out and buy expensive bouquets every week but a small bunch of daffodils would go down a treat. A beautiful vase filled with flowers not only brightens a room but it can instantly make you feel more cheerful too.

Daffodils are perfect for Easter and spring as they represent re-birth. Tulips are also a great spring flower to have in your home as they last a long time and symbolize true love, happiness and affection.

Fresh bedroom linen

A bed takes up a lot of space and it can make a room look disorganized if the sheets are not in keeping with the rest of the look. Treat yourself to new bed sheets, perhaps even more than one set, and make sure they are neutral in color or match the look of your bedroom.

Refreshing the space

If there is space, consider rearranging your room. Take into account things like Feng Shui or just move things around and see how you feel about it. A new room layout can take some getting used to but give it some time and you might find that the extra space will feel much better. 

Look through interiors magazines and websites to get some bedroom layout inspiration.

Modernize furniture the easy way

If you have bedroom furniture that needs updating but you can not afford to buy new items, consider just changing the hardware on drawers and cupboard doors. This can really reinvent your room and bring everything together. It might not be as good as replacing worn out furniture but it can certainly make a difference in the interim. 

Decorative accessories

Find yourself some bright ornaments and accessories to bring life to your bedroom. These might be cushions, a vase, a pretty ornament or a throw. Not everything has to match; play with colors and patterns.

Get it all covered with a rug

If you have a worn out carpet but do not have the time to redo it, you can spruce up your bedroom with a rug. These look great in the main walk way between the door and the bed. If you have a large bedroom, you can put them at the end of the bed for added visual interest.

Color is completely up to you. You could go modern and either stick to something in a color block or monochrome, or you could go for something bright and patterned.

Happy birthday to me!

I turned 34 years old today. In the beginning of this year, life has been challenging for me. It's hard to believe but most of the challenges have been blog-related (one crazy obstacle after another, some technical issues and some financial ones) and it made me almost want to quite blogging altogether. Honestly, I was quite depressed for many, many weeks.

Fortunately, my sadness subsided and I am feeling happier recently. We have some exciting plans ahead, a few wonderful things I definitely look forward to! We are supposed to have an early celebration last Saturday but something came up at the very last minute so our celebration is postponed to this Saturday instead.

My plans? It's simple. This Saturday, I am planing to go to Chicago and have dim sum in Chinatown for brunch, then shop for a desk chair (it will be a birthday present from hubby) and have the best roast duck in town (according to Yelp reviews) for dinner! This is the desk chair I have in mind.

Bentwood Office Chair + Cushion

I like how it looks but I will need to take a test drive to make sure it works for me. Do you have this West Elm chair? What do you think about it, comfort-wise? Ideally, I would love to have this desk chair from Jonathan Adler but it was out of our price range.

Chippendale Side Chair

This chair is gorgeous isn't it? But for $695 (before tax), it is quite expensive for us. Maybe one day! A girl can dream....

How do you celebrate your birthday, my lovelies? Do you have quiet celebrations with your loved ones or throw big parties to celebrate the special occasion? Do you wish to receive home goods for your birthdays as well?

How To Achieve A Special And Memorable Holiday!

This post is provided by Sandy Chetz.

There are several reasons we go on holiday; they are an escape from the usual humdrum of daily life, something we can tell our friends and family about, and the perfect chance to catch some sun and sea. Ultimately, we go on holiday to have an experience we will cherish forever, long after the tan has faded. If you want a special and memorable holiday then you will love these top tips!

Pick Your Travel Agent Wisely

Always make sure you pick a travel agent that knows exactly what they are doing, unless you want your holiday to be remembered for all the wrong reasons. With Thompson and other reputable travel companies, you can make your vacation more special and memorable. Trusting experts to handle your time away will ensure you have the most incredible time. We all hear horror stories about delayed flights, substandard hotels and dirty bedrooms, which is why picking your travel company wisely is so important.

Choose The Perfect Destination

Where is the one place you have always dreamed of going? Is it far across land and sea? Does it have unique cultural wonders? Now is the time to pick that ultimate destination and visit it; after all, there is no time like the present. If you want a holiday that is truly special and memorable then make sure you choose that perfect destination. If you are unsure where you want to go then pick up some travel brochures, scour websites and guide books, then make a list of all your options. Once your list has been made you can pick one at random or go for the one that screams “Pick me!”

Do Not Forget The Camera

Last, but by no means least, is the camera. However great our memories are, it would not be long before you forget exactly what that white-sanded beach looked like. If you want something that will last forever then it is time to get snap happy. You can take selfies with dolphins or professional style shoots of the pyramids, just remember to take that camera with you. When you get home make sure you get some printed, before putting them online and making all of your friends jealous.

A special and memorable holiday does not have to be expensive or extravagant; it has to be about you. If you want an experience that you will cherish a lifetime then follow our tips, and your heart.

Guest post- Why self storage might help your design success!

This article is provided by Andre. 

So much of interior design is about space. What do you fill it with? How much of it should remain empty? Making a room or a house look the exact way you want requires a lot of trial and error. There are units for self storage in Atlanta, Austin, Albany—everywhere really that are packed clear full of those errors just waiting to find a good home.

But there is also the process of repurposing space or individual items that frees something from your living area and leaves it in need of a secure home. The point is that things are forever coming and going, and the thriving interior design scene in most cities will feed the process for you year-round. Storage listings in the Atlanta area, for example, reflect that city's overall demand for a place to care for large or delicate items that are standing by for their newest new life. Think about how your decorating plans put you in need of ways to preserve living space. 

I Found It...Now Where Can I Put It?

One of the great ways to create a unique, eclectic décor is to pick up intriguing pieces any time you see them, whether you feel like you have a use for them right now or not. It might be a beautiful tapestry that could one day be the focal point of the room. Maybe it is a versatile table that could go many different directions. Regardless of what you have or where it came from, it is a step on a journey of design, not the destination. It may take you time to complete the picture, and until then you can put it in climate-controlled storage to preserve its condition and beauty. Then when the remaining pieces fall into place, you get everything together and complete the project. 

Of course, you can beg or borrow space at a friend's, or even a cranny at your workplace. But if your goal is to preserve and conserve these items until they can be put into place--and to have an easy process of retrieving them--you will want to store them in a space that is made for storage. There is no need to climb stairs, borrow a key, or worry about theft with storage that is at ground level, climate controlled, secured, and easily accessed at any time (or that has elevators if your unit is in a multi-floored building).

I Like It...Now Where Can I Make It?

Scarlett O'Hara, one of literature’s best heroines, did not let a dearth of available fabric keep her from looking fabulous. She took down the curtains at Tara and fashioned them into a beautiful dress. If you have a habit of tracking down great ideas for making clothing, furniture, or other items and just do not have a place to do it, it might be time to execute an analysis of the rooms in your home and determine which one of them should be emptied to make space for your crafting and other projects.

Or you can work out a compromise. For example, in most cities, the summers are warm and encourage outdoor socializing, so you would not need as much indoor seating. Let summer be your sewing season and keep the room for living space the rest of the year. Whichever duty is off duty, take those items to storage to keep them clean and climate-controlled while they rest for a few months.

I Don't Need It...Now Where Can I Store It?

Sometimes a room or a project just fizzles out, or fades so far from fashion that it is time to hang it up. Your Monet print, the couch you found in your local thrift or antique shop, or maybe just a unique piece that has lost its appeal--you might choose any or all of them for long-term storage in the interest of preserving them until you find a better destination (or until they return to fashion).

Or it may be that corner room that you are not using at all. It is stacked with underused furniture and fills square footage that has so much potential. There may be a great view of a tree-lined street or a beautiful building that would be so perfectly framed from the window, and you just have not made anything of that room yet. Clear out the unneeded items, store them, and create an exciting new space in the area they once wasted.

This is a far better option than selling these items at a loss. Rest assured whether you need self storage in Atlanta, or Boston or Kansas City—the units surrounding yours are likely full of similar items with similar owners, all wanting to make sure that precious items are not destroyed even if they just do not work out in the home anymore.

Guest post- Maximizing your shower space!

This article is provided by Ella Mason.

Bathrooms should be an area of any house or apartment where you can find a little peace and privacy. Even if you live alone, and have sole ownership of the shower, you may consider the space to be too small, and or in need of updating and modernizing. If this is the case, the good news is that a lot can be achieved in a tight space with a little planning. A good place to start looking for inspiration for shower and bathroom accessories is www.ebay.co.uk. 

A new wave of luxurious, affordable and practical bathroom designs are emerging to accommodate both the joy of sharing and the comfort of space during the morning ritual. They are revolutionising shower styles to enable more to be done with the ordinary home’s bathroom space.

What designs are out there?

Traditionally speaking, shower designs fall into three main areas. These are walk-ins, shower-bath combinations and whole wet rooms. According to House to Home, shower-baths are generally the most efficient in terms of space and functionality. They combine both utilities in an average space of 1.7 meters by 0.7 meters at current British standard bath sizes, as shown on Money Saving Expert. However, if you have your heart set on a walk in cubicle, you may have to forfeit your bath.

Wet rooms are creeping into British bathroom designs from mainland Europe where they have been popular for many years. They are usually open plan with a semi-covering glass panel provided for the shower area alongside tiled floors sloping into centralised drains. If you are lucky enough to have oodles of space you can even have an open shower area with two shower heads on opposing walls, presenting the perfect solution to showering apart-together for both fun and practicality.

Choices, choices.

The bespoke variations you can choose within these three main arrangements are virtually limitless these days. Frosted, mirrored or clear panel glass, heated floors, L-shaped baths affording more space at the shower end, rain showers, mosaic or plain tiles and a whole host of others.

There is a vast array of shower mixers to suit whatever direction you choose to go in. From the thermostatic energy efficient options to the DIY tap-and-hose kits and twin shower head sets. These give you double the refreshment of piping hot water blasting against your skin. You need not panic when it comes to money either. Aside from installation costs, good quality shower mixers scarcely exceed the £120 mark.

Guest post- Popular fireplace decor and design options for your home!

This article is provided by Andrea Vollf.

It is already March and thanks to mother nature, we have been blessed with a long, really long, winter season this year. Even though many stores have been featuring spring gears, the temperature remains low. Therefore, until Spring arrives and the weather becomes nicer, let us make most of our fireplace season.

Although a lot of homes are now opting for electric fireplaces for several reasons, from cost to its eco-friendly benefits, many homes in America are still using gas fireplaces. If you are one of them, this article is for you as I am going to focus on stylish accessories to make your traditional fireplace even more glamorous!

Unlike many people think, finding the right tools to make your fireplace stand out without breaking the bank is not an easy task as fireplace tools are not sold everywhere, but at specialty stores. While I love using the internet for my projects, either for getting overall ideas to show to a client a concept or to actually browse for items to be used in the project, there are certain things that you must see in person, such fabrics, furniture, and fireplace tools.

There is nothing like looking at a fireplace set in person, seeing how each item is manufactured, admiring every design details, feeling the weight of each piece carries. If you are a fireplace lover, you can definitely relate to this. Buying a fireplace set is like going to a wine tasting, where all of your senses are put to a test to help you to select the best product. 

One of my favorite places to shop for fireplaces and accessories in the Chicago area is the Northshore Fireplace store. Located in Evanston, this store has everything fireplace related that you can think of. While brass is still considered the standard for fireplace accessories, from an interior designer standpoint, there is nothing more unique and intriguing than a hand-forged tool set. In the middle of so much technology and mass production items, those sets really stand out as they are individually handmade using wrought iron and many of those sets also carry some feature from the original European blacksmith designs.

Besides being stylish and unique, a hand-forged tool set will definitely become an asset to your room design and will turn into conversational piece among family and friends. However, if you are not a huge fan of hand-forged items, and brass is also not your style, think of regular iron sets. They will bring out some of the rustic flair to your fireplace without interfering with the room overall’s design. Even though many of the iron sets resemble some of the blacksmith designs, they are not exclusive or unique like the hand-forged ones, as they can be easily replicated.

In addition to having a fireplace set that is a conversational piece, you can also enhance the area by incorporating some black and white photographs over the mantle. Create a group of 3 or 5 picture frames and place them (leaning) against the wall over the mantle. This design solution will give your traditional fireplace something else to talk about. When designing around fireplaces, use photos with a story behind it. It can be the exotic places you visited, your love story, your pet’s best shots, anything that brings you sweet memories and makes you smile.

Guest post- How To Design A Home Storage Space!

This article is provided by Andrea Vollf.

How many times have you walked into a house that looked perfect from the outside and then, from the inside, all you could think of was “where am I supposed to store all my belongings?” Unfortunately this situation is becoming very common in today’s age due to the fact that many of the new homes are relatively smaller than the ones built few decades ago. And, if you live in areas of the country where the real estate price is prime like New York City or San Francisco, having the appropriated storage space is definitely something you should think about it.

If you live in a small place such a studio, you will probably have mastered the art of keeping only the essential while making most of every inch on your walls. Vertical storage is, without a doubt, the most efficient way to maximize the storage space in a room. In the kitchen for example, instead of having artificial plants or other decor on the top of your wall cabinets to fill that empty space between the ceiling and the cabinet, adding another cabinet is a good option. This way every inch of that wall will be used towards efficient storage.

In a home with stairs, look into custom build cabinetry under the stairs for more storage. They can be as deep as the staircase or on casters for easy access. Depending on your home layout, that empty space under the stairs can easy become an extension of your kitchen as people have installed appliances as well created a nice pantry and even a wine cellar! The under the stairs space is also a great area to create a home-office or even an arts and crafts station for the kids as you have plenty of room for shelves and cabinetry.

When creating such a space, think of functionality, closed cabinets for maximum storage and open shelves for easy access. Consider using the wall space between the desk and the cabinet or shelf to store craft tools that are used every day or make it a message center to help you to keep organized throughout the day. Instead of a task lamp, opt for under cabinet lighting as it will give you more room on your desk to work on.

Furthermore, an under the stairs space can also be converted into a nice reading nook, a small mudroom, and even a space to store your shoes or, depending on where you live, your winter clothes.

Besides utilizing the space under the stairs, you should think of how the space under your bed is used. Do you have a traditional bed (mattress, box spring and bed frame) or is your mattress sitting on something else? Creating under the bed storage is another great way to make most of your space. 

Nowadays, you can find amazing beds with underneath storage for sale. If you are not so sure where to go, start looking at companies like West Elm, Crate & Barrel, and Pottery Barn as they offer a nice selection of storage beds. Available in different sizes and styles, the storage bed will certainly be a huge add-on to your room.

When it comes to accessory and functionality, one of my favorite items to any living space is the storage ottoman. Versatile, the storage ottoman can give you a storage space and an extra sitting spot. It also serves as a nice end table for your living room, as well as a footboard in your bedroom or a place to sit while getting dressed in your walk-in closet or bathroom. For more storage, consider replacing your coffee table with large storage ottoman. Add fun to any room by playing with colors or for a more sophisticated look, simply go neutral. 

If you like to travel or if you are a fan of old world design, consider creating an end table made with stackable trunks. It will not only character to the room, but it will also provide you with extra storage space while creating an unique conversational piece. After all, everything deserves a place to be.

Product review- All Tapestry!

What is the first thing that comes in mind when you think of tapestry? Too traditional? Too old-fashioned? To me, tapestry conjures a sense of old world grandeur and luxury because they are usually found in old castles or large mansions. 

Fortunately, tapestry has come a long way and now, they are easily accessible and available in all price range. The type of tapestry I like most are those that are affordable and comes in all sorts of styles and sizes. All Tapestry is such example.

All Tapestry offers tapestry from charming European designs to modern abstract designs. So imagine how thrilled I was to be asked to pick any tapestry from their wonderful website for this review!

I love so many of their tapestries so it was quite hard for me to narrow it down to one choice. Here are some of my favorites (some that I really liked and has considered getting)!

Panelled Detail of Doves Tapestry Wall Hanging

Oriental Blue II Tapestry Wall Hanging - Large

Harbor at Last Light Tapestry Wall Hanging

Lavender Fields Tapestry Wall Hanging

Empire Urn II Noir Tapestry Wall Hanging

African Voyage II Tapestry Wall Hanging

Ginger Jar Tapestry Wall Hanging

Italian Orange Tree Tapestry Wall Hanging

Bar de L' Entracte Tapestry Wall Hanging

Spice Chest and Pears Tapestry Wall Hanging

Cloisonne Lapis Tapestry Wall Hanging

Elkington's Cloisonne Tapestry Wall Hanging

The Music Room Monet Tapestry Wall Hanging

Pink Fun Tapestry Wall Hanging

Docked Tapestry Wall Hanging

Aren't they beautiful? Which one is your favorite? Now you know why I had such difficulty picking "The One"! In the end, I picked this gorgeous tapestry because I think it was the best candidate for my home!

The Color of Ireland Tapestry Wall Hanging

Before I hang my tapestry, I had a few locations in mind. In the end, I decided to put it in my living room, just above my newly purchased white lacquered desk! Here it is, ta-dah!

Front view

Close up

Another close up

Side view

I love my new tapestry! The design and colors are so pretty and it looks like a work of art! I also love the grand scale of this lovely piece. Measuring at 53"Wx62"H, it filled up my big, blank wall nicely and made quite a visual statement. The warm colors in the tapestry complements our living room's stone fireplace and made the space feels even cozier, which is always a plus when you live in an area with lots of cold, wintry days like Illinois.

One thing I noticed was the rod that is included with the tapestry came in black instead of silver (as shown on their website). Personally, I prefer the black because in my opinion, it worked better with the colors found in the tapestry and looked more seamless beside the dark trim. 

Hanging the tapestry was a breeze because it came with instructions and all the necessary hardware. While trying to hang the rod, we stumbled into a small obstacle but it took us only a few minutes to figure things out. From figuring things out to measuring, drilling holes and hanging the tapestry, it only took us about half an hour. Hanging a tapestry is as easy as hanging a curtain rod, you just have to find the right person to do the job (in my case, it is my husband).

Made in USA with Jacquard looms and  pure cotton yard, this product is absolutely well-made and no details are overlooked. The back of the tapestry is sewn with a heavy fabric and the bottom of the tapestry is inserted with metal rods to hold its shape.

Charming with an old world flair, beautifully designed and thoughtfully constructed, what is not to love about this gorgeous tapestry?

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

Don't forget to check out All Tapestry for beautiful and affordable tapestries when you get a chance!

Guest post- Beautify Your Home With an Indoor Water Fountain!

This post is provided by Doug Gardner.

Whether it is used in the living room, bedroom, hallway, office or game room, an indoor water fountain is a breathtaking decorative accessory that is sure to complement your current home décor. If you are struggling to achieve an attractive décor in your home, perhaps you should consider installing a water fountain. Some people assume they are only useful in gardens, patios and other outdoor locations, but this is not the case. 

The Beautiful Appearance of Water Fountains

The most obvious benefit of using an indoor water fountain is their magnificent appearance. Depending on the particular model you choose, it may feature a wall of water flowing down a marble or granite base. Some models even feature a base of hand-selected stones and rocks for an even greater level of detail. Indoor water fountains are truly remarkable and work in just about any home setting.

Most homeowners decide to purchase and use an indoor water fountain based on their appearance alone. The fact is that no other decorative accessory or furnishing compares to the sheer style and tranquility of a water fountain. You will get the sense of being in a relaxing spa-like environment when the water is flowing inside your home.

Other Benefits of Using an Indoor Water Fountain

But there are more benefits to using an indoor water fountain. You might be surprised to learn that they are capable of filtering impurities out of the air. When indoor pollutants are blown into the water stream, they are trapped here until the water is replaced. Installing one in your home is a simple way to improve its air quality without the need for a special air purifying device.

Indoor water fountains are also natural humidifiers. It is not uncommon for people to experience severe nasal dryness during the peak winter months, which may lead to nose bleeds and the feeling of a scratchy throat. The good news is that you can help prevent symptoms such as this by using an indoor water fountain. Although you can not see it, small water particles are released into the air, offering just enough moisture to keep the humidity up to a reasonable level.

How To Use Them In The Home

Now that you know some of the benefits of indoor water fountains, you are probably wondering how, and where, to use them inside the home. First and foremost, ask yourself: which room will benefit the most from it? Since the living room typically experiences the highest amount of traffic, this is usually the preferred location for an indoor water fountain.

Contrary to what some people may believe, an indoor water fountain does not have to take up a large amount of space. While there are certain models which are large and complex, there are also smaller models which are installed on the wall.  As long as you have an open area of wall available, you can install one of these water fountains with minimal effort.

Guest post- Color in the Sixties!

This article is provided by Adam.

It might have been fifty years ago, but the looks and colors of the nineteen sixties are as influential as ever. Not since the Baroque period had there been such an explosion of color. Men proudly sported pink shirts and women … well, we would not mention what women did to their bras.

After a period of drab austerity, where colour seemed to be have been rationed just as much as food and other necessities - and allied with scientific developments in new, bright pigmentation and materials like plastic - the world suddenly became as big and bright as a Jackson Pollock painting.

Mix in space travel, men on the moon, winning the World Cup, and mini skirts - and there was undoubtedly a new, dazzling optimism in the air. This was reflected in the way we styled our interiors, bringing color back into our lives big-time.

Warm, fully saturated colors like reds and oranges began to feature in wallpapers, carpets and curtains and great designers like Verner Panton revolutionised our interiors while artists like Mark Rothko began their formal experiments in color.

Where we might nowadays add a splash of red in a vase or centrepiece to accent an overall colour scheme - our approach in the sixties was more likely to accent a bold, hot toned red with a blob of cold, neutral grey. Some would say the approach was over the top, but it was undoubtedly daring and innovative and without the economic stability of the period it might not have happened.

Heralding in the seventies, the Vietnam War brought with it unemployment, uncertainty and self-doubt - and there was a sea change in cultural attitudes. The boldness began to fade, saturated colours mutated into muted, unsaturated colours, and the mini became the maxi. Pyschedelia was considered naïve and by the end of the period punk designers like Ron Arad were recycling found objects to make furniture and household accessories - paving the way, some would argue, for today’s popular industrial style of design.

We are now, in the twenty-first century, inhabit a more democratic design period. Tolerance and individual choice means the world of interior design encapsulates styles as different as shabby chic, traditional and baroque bohemia. For a wide, well thought out selection to revamp and revitalise your home - Design 55 are one of the best online stockists and really care about good-looking things.

So if you are going to decorate, do not just get yourself a wad of colour swatches, think about the mood you want to evoke - and use the colors of the past for inspiration to take control of your home in the present.