Choosing between wood and vinyl shutters for durability!

Making the choice to add shutters to your home is a great idea. It is an excellent way to add value to the property, as well as improving the look of the building and acting as an additional means of insulation. Once you have made the decision that you want to have shutters fitted, you have to make a choice between whether to opt for wood or vinyl.

You may want to take a look at board and batten shutters, to see the range of stylish shutters you can choose from. From a durability perspective, often people find vinyl shutters provide better value for money in the long term. Let us take a look at booth wooden and vinyl shutters and what they both have to offer.

Wooden shutters

The shutters you see on historic houses are traditionally made from wood. Many people who opt to have shutters fitted like the fact that wooden shutters have this historic feel about them. This does not necessarily make them the most practical choice, from a durability point of view. The main problem with wooden shutters is that they can have a tendency to warp and shrink over time.

This means that you can end up having to invest more money having them repaired or replaced. The paint or stain on shutters can also crack and peel. This can mean you have to spend a considerable amount of time on maintaining their condition; or that you have to pay someone to do the work for you.

Vinyl shutters

The major positive of investing in vinyl shutters for your home is that they do not lose their shape or condition in the way that wooden shutters can. Once you have the shutters fitted you are not going to have to spend extra money on having repair work completed. All you need to do is make sure they are kept clean.

Vinyl shutters also tend to be cheaper to purchase than wooden ones, which usually means they are the more cost effective option from every angle. If you are a traditionalist at heart then you need to remember that at the time those historic wooden shutters were used on homes there was no vinyl option. There is nothing wrong with moving on with the times.

You can see that from a durability point of view, vinyl shutters seem to be the best choice. One time when you may want to consider wood as a material for your shutters is if you want a greater level of customization. It is often easier to get a very specific shade or design if your shutters are made from wood.

This means that you can get a design of shutter that complements the design of your home. That being said you can also often achieve this with vinyl shutters; it depends on what color and design you want. And, at the end of the day, vinyl shutters are not as difficult or as expensive to maintain as wooden shutters.

Women’s Accessories For Any Occasion!

Fall’s fashion has never looked this good, but as always, it is the details that will make your outfit look like it is fresh off the runway. It can be hard to find the right accessories for the occasion at times, but these ten pieces will make sure that you will always have the right look regardless of the situation. 

The Fools Paradise Necklace by 32.4 

The Fools Paradise Necklace has it all- ease of wear, comfort, and style. Its sleek design makes it an ideal modern piece for a business suit, a focal point with a classic little black dress, and a perfect addition to a festival-ready outfit. Its modern simplicity is what makes it so totally versatile, and that’s great news for the busy socialite who’s constantly on the go.

Biddy Bye Bye Bracelet by Au Revoir Les Filles 

The Biddy Bye Bye Bracelet walks that fine line between urban streetwear and high end couture, which means that it is a sophisticated yet striking accessory that easily transitions from night to day. The bracelet is subtle enough to wear at work, yet still glamorous enough to get compliments when you are out at night. Considering that urban style has been gaining traction in high fashion recently, the Biddy Bye Bye can definitely be considered the perfect investment in your wardrobe.

The Killaflora Cuff by Au Revoir Les Filles 

For fans of fantasy novels, there are few cuffs that can compete with the fairylike appeal of the Killaflora Cuff. Its unusual juxtaposition of the beauty of mother nature and the danger of a gun makes it a thought-provoking accessory that will have people from all walks of life complimenting its unique statement. Since it does have an “old school” appeal, the Killaflora Cuff can easily transition from a creative professional outfit to a more Bohemian ensemble in a pinch. 

The Freedom Orange Bracelet by KT Jewel 

Resin jewelry always manages to grab attention simply due to its unique texture, but this orange bracelet really takes the cake in terms of eye-grabbing power. Its subtle Japanese influence, its beautiful salmon hue, and its decidedly old world appeal work well with both office outfits and more avant garde outfits.

Surrender Ring by Avoir Les Filles 

Sometimes, the smallest accents can turn an otherwise run-of-the-mill ring into an amazing statement piece. Avoir Les Filles’s stunning surrender ring uses a cabochon cut blue opal, a unique ring style, and a delicate chain to create an incredible sci-fi inspired masterpiece. This ring does not rely on being garish or gaudy to get attention; its creative design speaks for itself. As a result, it is a ring that works well with an incredibly wide range of outfits. 

Steph Black by AM Eyewear 

John Lennon-style round framed sunglasses have been making their rounds among major fashion runways lately, and that is a great thing. This ultra-flattering frame shape is ideal for creating a more angular visage, and its subtle accents make it easy to pair with any outfit. High fashion appeal has never been easier to attain! 

Predock Earrings by Holly Ryan 

Taking a cue from both chemistry and architecture textbooks are the Predock Earrings by jeweler Holly Ryan. Their geometric, chunky look is guaranteed to get attention without being garish. Conservative enough for high end business meetings, yet funky enough to fit with a punk rock-inspired outfit, it is impossible to find a situation in which these cute earrings would not impress.  

The Radiate Ring by KT Jewel 

For ladies who enjoy a chunkier ring that manages to be edgy while still remaining conservative enough for work, the Radiate Ring is an ideal choice. Whether you are looking to rock a biker-chic outfit, or you want to add a slick accessory to your workplace wardrobe collection, the Radiate Ring can handle it.  

The Luna Cross Body Bag by Sancia 

This bag is not for the fashionista whose goal is to blend in with the rest of the crowd. Instead, it is for the woman who wants to be noticed as the true fashion fiend she is. It is a design that goes with every occasions. Its oversized tassel adds an American Southwest appeal, a flirty kick, and a unique focal point. Its pillbox shape goes against the mainstream trend of Birkin-style bags. Overall, it is a one-of-a-kind bag that is bound to work with any outfit you want to create.  

32.4 by 1951 Ring 

Simple lines often are the best indicator that a ring will be versatile, and when it comes to versatility, few brands can show off talent like 1951 Ring. This simple yet beautiful dual-color Art Deco ring is a perfect touch for a modern outfit. Its design will never cause problem during outfit planning, and will always add that fashionably subtle touch of glamour regardless of the time of day.  

Author Bio: When Regina is not travelling or shopping, she often spends her time sharing her knowledge on fashion on the Ellia blog.

Book review- Carrier And Company: Positively Chic Interiors!

Have you heard of the newest design book, Carrier And Company: Positively Chic, authored by the husband and wife design duo, Jesse Carrier and Mara Miller? Thanks to Meghan Phillips from The Vendome Press, now I am the proud owner of this gorgeous copy!

The interiors inside this book is nothing short of stunning and absolutely swoon worthy! Here is a sneak peek!

The designers: Jesse Carrier and Mara Miller

Positively Chic Interiors is a visually delightful book that captures the designers' effortlessly chic, classic yet livable sense of style. With an impeccable eye and a flair for mixing eclectic furnishings from different periods and origins, the Carriers' work embodies a personal charm, sophistication with a curated and tailored approach.

Their design versatility is truly admirable, I love how their work ranges in style from the elegantly traditional to luxuriously minimalist to glamorously bohemian. With their unique aesthetic and incredible talents, it's not surprising that many top, stylish fashion-world clients such as Anna Wintour and Jason Wu selected the Carriers' as their designers of choice to decorate their most private spaces!

Fresh, visually exciting and engaging, I am thrilled to add this inspirational book to my collection. I know you will, too!

Don't forget to pick up your copy here!

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

Remodeling Your Media Room: 6 Interior Design Ideas!

Having a media room in your home is not something to brag about unless it is done right. Before you begin transforming a space in your home into a media room, or if you are thinking about remodeling your existing media room, consider these six bits of design advice to help make your new media room the best on the block.

Select A Large, Top Of The Range Screen

The screen is the focal point of your media room, so you need to pick a high-quality screen that is large enough to make you feel like you are in the movies, but that comfortably fits within the space. The latest LG televisions offer a great choice of stunning picture quality with screens that elegantly blend into any media room design, including curved screens with 4K picture resolution four times that of a full HD screen.

Make Your Media Room Multipurpose 

In most media rooms, the main focus is creating a home theater; however, incorporating a bar or game area as part of your media room design will make the space more versatile. It will also make hosting parties and watching big games easier.

Choose The Right Lighting

Use dimmable, recessed lighting or simple wall-mounted lighting to create a cinema-like experience in your media room. If you have stadium-style seating, consider including low-level floor lighting to add to the movie theater experience as well as provide increased safety for you and your guests.

Design A Place To Relax In

Your media room is where you are going to want to kick back and relax while watching movies, TV shows, and sports. With this in mind, you should pick furniture that is plush and comfortable with cushions and blankets readily available for cuddling up. Also, choose warm or neutral tones to help you clear your mind. Lastly, resist the urge to fill up your media room with too many decorations or knickknacks because they will clutter up space you need for moving around and stretching out comfortably.

Consider Stadium-Style Seating

Building stadium-style seating in your media room design will enhance the theater experience and allow you to accommodate more people comfortably in a reduced space. It will also make sure that everyone has a direct view of your awesome screen. By blending in a mix of comfortable sofas and cushioned chairs, you will still be able to support a high level of comfort for you and your guests.

Do Not Forget About Sound
 
Though some of the newest televisions feature excellent sound systems, you will want to invest in a separate sound system to help put you in the middle of every action scene or live concert you watch in your media room. You can choose powerful surround sound set-ups from Bose or opt for advanced home theater systems that feature sound, 3D capabilities, Blu-ray, and Smart TV compatibility.

Combine these 6 tips with your own personal flair and no doubt you will soon have a media room where you can unwind or invite your friends and family over to enjoy and wish they had a media room like yours!

Cool Ways To Decorate A Teenager’s Bedroom!

Teenagers can be very particular about their bedroom. Since they spend a huge amount of time in their sleeping, playing computer games, studying, and chatting to friends, they need a multi-functional bedroom that caters for a range of different things.

Girls and boys often have different ideas about design. Girls tend to prefer feminine colors and pretty soft furnishings whereas boys like minimalist designs with bold colors and functional furniture. It can get even more complicated if more than one sibling is sharing a room, especially if they are wildly different ages. But whatever issues you have to deal with, here are some cool ideas for decorating a teenager’s bedroom.

Beds

The bed is one of the most important features in any bedroom, but in a teenager’s room it is even more important than usual. Teenagers spend way more time sleeping than most people. Because they are going through an intense stage of growth and maturation, their bodies need the extra sleep, so the average teenager can quite easily sleep for 12-14 hours a night if left undisturbed. For this reason a bed needs to be both comfortable and large enough.

Many teenagers are as tall and broad as a full-grown adult, even if their emotions have not quite caught up yet. Younger children are comfortable in a single bed, but an older teenager will have more space to stretch out in an adult-sized Popular Number bed. Go for a King or Queen bed if you have the room. If the space is tight, consider a loft bed to allow for extra work space beneath.

Study Space

Study space is essential if your teenager is still at high school or college. A desk will give them a place to work, but they may also need some shelves to store files or books. Look for a purpose designed desk, or if you want something a bit more bespoke, have a custom desk constructed. The other option is to buy a loft bed, which as we have already mentioned combines sleep and storage space very effectively. Many have built in desks, too.

Storage Space

Teenagers are not always good at putting their belongings and clothes away, but if you ensure there is plenty of storage space they would not have any excuses. A walk-in closet is the ideal arrangement, but if there is no room in the bedroom, you might consider investing in fitted wardrobes and drawers. They are a more expensive option, but once your teenager leaves home, you can convert their bedroom into an attractive guest room and make good use of the storage space.

A Room to Relax In

Since teenagers, especially girls, love to socialize in their bedrooms and invite friends over, it is sensible to give them comfortable seating. A sofa can double up as a spare bed for sleepovers if you buy a sofa bed; alternatively, buy a few large floor cushions for a more flexible seating arrangement.

Color Schemes

Color schemes are a highly personal thing, so it is good idea to consult with your teenager before buying paint and bed linen. Just because you think they will love a particular color, it does not necessarily mean that they will – and if you get it wrong you could end up being forced to re-do the room.

Lighting

Whilst a central ceiling light is the norm, mood lighting, bedside lamps and desk lights are all fun ways of personalizing a teenager’s bedroom. You can have great fun with the lighting, so use your imagination and experiment.

Window Treatments

Blinds are a good choice because they are easy to operate and come in a wide range of different fabrics. Blackout blinds are perfect for bedrooms. That way your teenager can sleep all day long, without being disturbed by the sun. You may want to consider roman blinds, venetian blinds, or vertical blinds. And if you have a Velux window, look for blinds that is designed to fit the opening exactly.

Flooring

Carpet is warm underfoot, but laminate or wooden flooring is easy to keep clean in the event of food and drink spillages. If you do opt for laminate or wooden flooring, look at underfloor heating for a seamless way to provide warmth during cold spells.

There are many ways to decorate a teenager’s bedroom, but it is always better to consult them before you make any major design decisions. If you give them a say in the process, they are more likely to treat their new bedroom with the respect it deserves.

5 tips for styling your home office!

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

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

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

2. Do not skimp on your seat

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

3. Make sure you have plenty of storage

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

4. Use colors that will help you concentrate

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

5) Introduce inspiring personal touches

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

5 Creative Ways to Cover Up Those Unsightly Household Pipes!

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

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

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

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

1. Incorporate The Pipes

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

2.  Build A Shelf Around It

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

3. Use A Sink Skirt

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

4. Paint The Pipes

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

5. Design Tape

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

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

A client's master bedroom project reveal!

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

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

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

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

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

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

Four Inexpensive Ways to Boost Your Property Value!

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

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

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

1. Clean and declutter

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

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

2. Improve your curb appeal

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

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

3. Paint those walls

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

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

4. Add storage space

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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