Book review- Versailles: The Great And Hidden Splendors Of The Sun King's Palace!

Today, I will be sharing another gorgeous volume with you, Versailles: The Great And Hidden Splendors Of The Sun King's Palace, thanks Meghan! In this book authored by Catherine Pégard and photographed by Christophe Fouin, Thomas Garnier, Christian Milet, and Didier Saulnier, you will gain private access to Versailles and the rooms typically closed off to the general public.

Here is a glimpse of what's inside this stunning book!

Be prepared to be wowed by this exceptionally beautiful book through the lenses of four very talented photographers! With 250 previously unpublished photographs revealing a plethora of outstanding artworks, the private apartments of Louis XIV, Marie-Antoinette and Madame de Pompadour, magnificent galleries, the delightful Orangerie and mysterious passages and hidden attics, all accompanied by captions and interesting tidbits, this is one amazing book you shouldn't missed! 

Fascinating, engaging and inspirational, I highly recommend this book to all design and Versailles fans. Check out Versailles' unseen grandeur and splendors for yourself! Get your copy here!

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

How is mold removed from a home?

This post is provided by Jesse Hughes.

Finding out that you have a mold problem in your home can be upsetting, and your first thought is going to be "how do I get rid of it"?

Whether you want to tackle the job yourself, or choose a professional mold specialist like Edmonton Remediation Pros, there are a few things to consider in dealing with the problem. Materials or surfaces covered in mold can either be cleaned or removed outright. Knowing which is the right solution can save you a lot of unnecessary work.

Cleaning

Let us look at the easier approach first. You do not necessarily have to start tearing out walls as soon as you see a patch of mold. There are many situations where a good cleaning is enough.

Non-porous surfaces like tile, stone, glass, plastic or metal can usually be cleaned. Use a bleach solution of roughly 1 part bleach to 8-10 parts water. Give the area a good scrubbing with this solution, and let it thoroughly air dry. Do not rinse, as the bleach residue helps keep future mold blooms at bay. You can also purchase mold cleansers that are formulated for this job if you want.

If you have a small mold colony, you can also try a more natural cleaning approach to avoid the bleach. Straight vinegar or a mixture of tea tree oil and water (1 tsp to a cup of water) can also work to sanitize a surface and kill mold. It is not recommended for large patches though.

When mold has established itself on structural wood that can not be removed, you will have to clean it even though the porous texture is not ideal. You do not have much choice though. Use the same solution, just use a lot more of it so that it soaks in as deep as you can manage.

Removal

If cleaning just is not going to be suitable, then you do have to resort to pulling things apart to remove the mold contamination. This goes for paper, fabrics, upholstery, drywall and wood. Loose items should be removed and disposed of (wear gloves and a mask!). Everything should be tightly sealed in garbage bags immediately. Do not just pile everything in a corner and hope to get to it later. Spores will quickly spread once you start pulling things apart.

Patches of infected drywall should be cut away cleanly, and also disposed of carefully. After that, it is just a matter of doing a little work to replace the drywall.

Why Bother?

If it is tucked away behind an appliance or piece of basement furniture, why bother cleaning away mold? Even if it does not seem to be doing much harm, there are serious health risks involved with unchecked mold colonies.

Afterwards

Whether you have cleaned or removed the entire mold, you need to be diligent and prevent any reappearance. Damp conditions lead to mold, so improve ventilation where you can, fix water leaks and add a dehumidifier to help dry out the damp spots of your house. Do spot checks after your finished to make sure nothing is growing back. If more mold shows up, give it another cleaning immediately.

Book review- Haute Bohemians!

Today, I am sharing an exciting new publication from Vendome Press with you again. Thanks to Meghan Phillips for sending me Haute Bohemians, another gorgeous design book. In this book authored and photographed by Miguel Flores-Vianna, you will get a glimpse of extraordinary fashion designers, landscape architects, artists and art historians, potters, interior designers and where they live- country cottages, beach bungalows, canal-side lofts, and East Village apartments, as well as estancias, châteaux, and palazzi. Believe it or not, esteemed photographer Flores-Vianna traveled four continents to bring you this stunning book!

Here is a sneak peek of the lovely interiors!

I am absolutely in love with this book and its abundance of swoon-worthy images. A giant volume illustrated with hundreds of high quality photos of incredibly chic, layered and breathtaking interiors, these charming and authentic spaces is unlike any bohemian interiors you have ever seen before. 

Engaging and fascinating, this beautiful book instantly transports me to far away places, thanks to the warm, delightful and personal home tours. If you love extraordinary interiors and enjoy exploring inspiring home environments, this is the perfect book for you. I am so thrilled to add this inspirational design book to my collection. I know you will, too! Truly a gem and shouldn't be missed! Highly recommended. 

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.

Creating A Vintage Bathroom!

This article is provided by Morgan Mitchell.

Your bathroom can sometimes get overlooked when it comes to designing. Often, people think of their bathrooms as a functional room as opposed to needing some interior TLC. However, your bathroom is what will help to give your home that stunning overall finish and can greatly help to improve the value of your home in the long run. The biggest trend to have taken off in recent years has to be the vintage look. This trend shows no signs of slowing down and offers you a timeless and classic look that will stand the test of time. Luckily, the vintage look is easily achieved with a simple set of new tiles and some clever accessories. 

Floor Tiles 

Perhaps one of the biggest factors in achieving the vintage look has to be your floor tiles. One easy way of transforming your bathroom is by using black and white pattern tiles. These are synonymous with the retro look and can set the scene perfectly later down the line when it comes to accessories. The contrast of black and white also creates a gorgeous sense of dimension to your floor and can help to make the floor space look larger. Although a staple piece of the vintage look, try to avoid black and white pattern tiles that use abstract or floral designs. These are a bit more modern so instead try to stick to geometric patterns for a more authentic look. 

Wall Tiles 

For your wall tiles, you ideally want to be using a metro tile. Metro tiles are unbelievably popular right now and are experiencing a surge of interest in the interiors world. With a rich historical background the metro tile is perfect for creating that throwback look. The metro tile first rose to fame thanks to its use on the London Underground in the early 1900s. They slowly became a cultural icon for London and subsequently subway stations across the world. This makes them your perfect choice for a vintage bathroom since they themselves are a vintage staple piece. For the genuine effect you want to be using a gloss finish for you metro tile. Gloss finishes give a stunning shine and can bounce light beautifully within a room, helping smaller spaces feel larger. White metro tiles are the traditional color and when paired with a contrasting grey or black grout line the tiles recognizable shape really pops. However, while white may be the classic, do not be afraid to branch out in to colors. Black or grey metro tiles can give you a more vintage glamour look for a darker, bolder aesthetic. 

Accessories 

No vintage bathroom is compete without incorporating copper or tarnished metals. Think of using these materials for your sinks or faucets for that shabby chic finish. All of the little things add up to create that final look so think about using classic looking soap dishes, toothbrush holders and other similar essentials. Working together, these help to harmoniously combine all of the elements in your bathroom. A freestanding bath in particular is the perfect center piece for your vintage bathroom. In particular, baths that have ornate or detailed feet are the ideal finishing detail.

The tiles are the center point to any vintage bathroom and these should be your focus. Once you have the perfect tile, the rest should come with ease. 

Book review- Second Bloom: Cathy Graham's Art of the Table!

Recently, I have received another gorgeous book called Second Bloom: Cathy Graham's Art of the Table from Vendome Press! In this lovely book, artist, collector and entertaining guru Cathy Graham shares her secrets for gracious living and memorable get-togethers. 

Here's a glimpse of what's inside this pretty book!

Honestly, this beautiful book brings me so much joy! With more than 200 pages of visually delightful images and swoon-worthy details, this book is definitely an inspirational eye candy. 

Cathy Graham's talents are simply mind-blowing! From creating original touches such as hand-drawn one-of-a-kind invitations, exquisite flower arrangements and memorable table settings, she always does it with a sense of ease and whimsy. Filled with Graham's charming water color sketches, Second Bloom: Cathy Graham's Art of the Table demonstrates how to create truly special occasions in an original and effortless way.  

If you are a fan of wild charm and whimsical beauty, this stunning book is perfect for you! Highly recommended. 

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.

Maintaining The Aesthetics Of Your Home!

This post is provided by Katherine Smith.

Homeowners know that there are times in which maintenance becomes really important. Not only does it affect the efficiency and comfort of your home, some maintenance needs can make your home look less than appealing to the eye. Naturally, you want your home to look its best while providing a safe space in a beautiful and comfortable setting. Today we are discussing some of the top maintenance issues that will pop up over the life of your home. Read on to learn more and some ways to take care of those issues.

Chimneys Are Your Winter Life Line

Lots of folks have a fireplace in the home, especially in the northern states when temperatures drop and you need an efficient way to warm up the room. Aside from that, fireplaces are a beautiful addition to the room! Maintaining those fireplaces and chimneys is essential to a lifelong functional fireplace. Finding the right company to help you is a Google search away. A search for a professional near you, for example, "chimney repair, CT," will help you find the right chimney sweep to come out and assess the issue. These sorts of experts will look at your chimney inside and out while offering cleaning services each year. Maintaining a beautiful chimney will also guarantee that your fireplace will remain functional and aesthetically pleasing all winter long.

Pipes Are Necessary And Unsightly

Many older homes have exposed pipes, electrical pipes, and air ducts. If you are in an older home, you may have considered how to cover those pipes and ducts. Our first tip is to be sure that the décor you choose still allows for easy access to those pipes and ducts. It may be unsightly but there is a huge benefit to those pipes and ducts being exposed! Using flame retardant fabric to drape and cover those pipes and ducts is not only beautiful to see, it can make it so much easier for a repairman to get to them for repair. If draping fabric sounds like a style you are not excited about, you can always mask them with matching paint in the room. Still easily accessible and hidden away from your guests.

Windows Are The Eyes Of The Home

Windows can be a costly fixture in the home, especially if they are not in good shape. Broken windows and cracked molding are not only an eyesore, they suck the heat out in the winter and bring the heat in during the summer. Replacing those windows will save you tons on your electric bill, make your home efficient, and keep your home looking beautiful all year long. Energy efficient windows can be a great tax benefit as well so be sure to purchase windows that will offer that tax break!

Doors Can Be Aesthetically Pleasing

Much like your windows, the doors inside and outside the home should be in great shape. Broken locks and door frames make you an easy target for break-ins. Cracked molding and doors that do not fully close properly can also cost you heavily when it comes to heating and cooling your home. Choosing a beautiful door can add to your home décor and save you money in the long run. There are so many styles out there that it would be impossible not to find one that you adore.

The appearance of our home means a lot to us. It allows people to know that we love our home when we take care of it, save us money when we choose energy efficient options and deters possible theft. Our home is the greatest statement we can make and one should do all we can to take care of it!

A Quick Overview Of Different Home Designs!

This post is provided by Katherine Smith.

Imagine you could start over when it comes to choosing the interior design style of your home. Perhaps, you have just moved into a new home. Perhaps, you have just come into a handsome sum of money and can get rid of your current, random selection of furniture and décor.

What would you do? Where would you start? Would you favor the classic chairs of a top brand like Thomasville Furniture, a company that started building its reputation as a purveyor of fine, handcrafted furniture since 1904, or would you prefer something ultramodern with glass desks, coffee tables, console tables, and dining tables?

Modern or mid-century modern? Contemporary or minimalist? Scandinavian or Industrial? What will it be? When you think about it, it is a huge list. Some designs you may know already. Others, you may have heard about. And some may take you completely by surprise.

Here is an overview of stylistic trends to give you some idea of how to decide on a beautiful, warm and welcoming home.

1. The Sleek Look Of Modern, Contemporary, And Minimalist Design

There is often considerable confusion between these three. They are often taken to be synonymous. They are similar, but not the same.

The modern design is crisp, clean, and simple. Your color palette consists of a few basic colors. Your materials will be made of metal, mainly steel, and glass. Rather like a cabin room aboard the Starship Enterprise, things are sleek, uncluttered; with a minimal collection of accessories.

While the modern style insists on impeccable order, the contemporary style is more flexible, less strict, more fluid. Things flow in a contemporary style, with curved lines and more color choices.

While the contemporary style loosens up the modern style, the minimalist tightens it up. A minimalist style prefers neutral or faint colors. The furnishings are as streamlined but even simpler. All excess has been expunged. There is nothing flamboyant about it. Ironically, less is more, and the entire effect is calm and reassuring. It is all about functionality, and the aesthetics of ultra-clean lines.

2. The Nostalgic Feel Of Mid-century Modern And Industrial

Mid-Century modern is modern for another era, the 1950s, and the 1960s. Although it is functional and non-fussy from the perspective of earlier times, we would consider it more retro, evoking in us a feeling of nostalgia. Things are pared-down. For instance, we are talking about egg-shaped chairs and simple colors and fabrics.

Industrial evokes yet another type of nostalgia, stirring up feelings for the integrity of honest labor and the inspiration of warehouses and urban lofts. There is a sense that great things are about to begin because they are in an elemental, raw, and unfinished state. This sense is evoked with elements like ductwork, brick, and wood. Art is usually abstract, perhaps black-and-white photography, or a painting that adds a dash of color in an otherwise neutral sea of wood and metal color schemes. Furniture is sparse and functional. Metal light fixtures usually dangle from high ceilings framed by old timber.

3. The Old World Charm Of Scandinavian, French Country And Bohemian

Scandinavian design reflects the simple elegance of Nordic countries, where functional furniture usually consists of understated works of art. Colors pop out from the natural fiber throws, from bright plastic accessories, and from enameled aluminum and pressed-wood furniture. Floors consist of broad plank flooring. Everything is spacious. Lighting is natural. Accessories are kept to a minimum. The style pays homage to the charm of Nordic country life.

French Country design is about warm colors and earthly tones, like red and yellow and gold. Furnishings are worn and elemental, like wood furniture, stone floors, and brick walls. You get the impression of a snug farmhouse out in the French countryside. There is no shyness about excess here: ornate porcelain dishes might line a mantelpiece while heavy linen and bed coverings make bedrooms look particularly cozy.

The Bohemian style focuses less on creating a comfortable and well-settled atmosphere and more on expressing a wild, creative, and carefree streak. It is about spontaneous collections and miscellaneous tastes. You will find an abundance of rugs, plenty of inspired textiles, and a rich display of collectibles. While light fixtures and furniture are vintage, the house gives the gypsy-like impression of an unfettered existence.

In conclusion, before deciding what type of furniture to buy or what type of rooms to work on, you need to decipher the vocabulary of interior design style. You do not want the multicultural theme in the playroom clashing with the French Country design of your living room. Whatever your choice of style, stay consistent with it in every room of the house.

Traditional Rugs- What Is The Difference Between Persian And Oriental Rugs?

This post is provided by Megan Reece.

For many years rugs have been seen simply as an interior accessory, however things are changing and rugs are more frequently becoming the focal point of a room. A rug can add many attributes to your room, transform even the dullest of spaces with exciting and warm patterns. Of course choosing the right rug for your room is not the simplest task, but this post should shed some light on the more traditional rugs and how they can be used in your room.

When it comes to traditional rugs there are two main styles; Persian and Oriental. So what are the differences between the two and which is best for your room?

Persian Rugs

Probably one of the most well-known styles in the world of rugs, as well as one of the oldest too. It is thought that they date back at least 3500 years, although they could be even older than this- it is really difficult to determine!

An impressive amount of labor goes into creating a Persian rug which definitely shows in the level of artistic quality that shines through the finished product. For a truly authentic Persian rug you should always check if it has been hand woven, this will add to the overall effect that the rug has on your room.

So what floors do Persian rugs look best on? The obvious answer is any floor, but they particularly stand out on hardwood floors and give off that real vintage feel. Picture the scene: a gorgeous rustic wooden floor topped with not just a rug, but a piece of art in the form of a Persian rug to create a real classic and warm feel. In regards to your decor these rugs are best paired with neutral colors to really allow the rug to ‘pop’ out.

Oriental Rugs

These rugs are often confused with their Persian counterparts, however Persian rugs stemmed from countries that belonged to the ancient Persian empire while Oriental rugs stem from countries such as Azerbaijan, China, Tibet and Ottoman regions.

To the untrained eye, Persian and Oriental rugs may appear the same but there are some differences, such as the way the fabric is used, the motifs used and other minor details. For example, Oriental rugs of Azerbaijani regions often have frills at the shorter ends. Oriental rugs work really well as a room divider, for example if you need to break a larger room up then placing an Oriental rug in the middle of the room will inadvertently allow you to create two separate spaces. Irrespective of where and how you plan on displaying your rug, an Oriental design will definitely prove a sense of style as well of an air of coziness too.

Whilst choosing between a Persian or Oriental rug may seem intimidating the choice need not be too hard, there are no set rules on any specific kind of rug and it all boils down to the rug that appeals to you and fits the decor of the room that you wish to place it in, as well as the budget you have to work with! For more information why not head over to Rug Mountain and check out their range of Persian and Oriental rugs.

Four Challenges Of Moving To A New Place!

This post is provided by Katherine Smith.

Moving can be an exciting time, although that does not necessarily mean you will look forward to the process. Having to relocate to a new place can present a lot of challenges. It is common that a life change of this magnitude can create a lot of stress because of the things you need to do. You will want to be as prepared as possible beforehand to help alleviate your anxiety. Here are some of the issues that may accompany your move.

Challenge #1: Finding the right professionals

The key to making any move less stressful may rest in hiring professionals, like North American moving company, to assist you. Being able to rely on a team of professionals that can help you pack, move and unpack your boxes at your new location is important.

One thing you will need to do is shop around and look for the lowest price. Keep in mind, the amount of stuff you have to move will typically determine what you will have to pay to do so.

Challenge #2: Decluttering

It is important to take a long look at the number of things you have in your home. Do you need to pack and move all of these, or can you work to declutter your space as much as you can?

It is highly likely that you can have a garage sale or donate a lot of things you are not using any longer. Doing this will enable you to pack less and save you money on your next move by simply downsizing your home.

When it comes to your clothing, you may want to consider getting rid of anything you have not worn in the last year. This is proof that it is likely you may not wear it at all in the future either.

Challenge #3: Renting storage space

You may need to consider renting a self-storage unit until you get settled into a new home. This can allow you to keep a lot of your belongings in a safe and dry place as long as necessary.

The good news is the monthly cost for doing this is typically very affordable, and you can sign a contract that may only last a certain amount of time. You will want to thoroughly read any agreement before signing it because breaking it could mean you may have to pay penalties or late fees.

Challenge #4: Transporting pets

One of the greatest pleasures in life is having a furry friend that you love to spend time with each day. Regardless what type of pet you have, you will need to move it to your new location.

It can be a real challenge to transport your beloved pet, and you will want to be prepared as possible for this transition. One thing you may want to consider doing is getting some of your pet’s favorite toys together. This can be a great way to alleviate the anxiety of any animal you may have and is sure to help make a move easier for both of you.

Making a move may not be the easiest thing to do in life but could be something you may need to do at some point. The key to stressing less and getting through this task is to be as prepared as you possibly can. Being aware of some of the largest challenges beforehand could be the most efficient way for you to move with ease when necessary!

How To Repair A Broken Stair Tread!

This post is provided by Jesse Hughes.

Stairway repairs are not a common household chore, but occasionally, a broken tread needs to be dealt with. You can not leave tripping hazards on the stairs and risk someone getting hurt. A tread can be replaced by the average homeowner so this is something you can work on yourself without having to call in a contractor.

Now these instructions are based on the usual wooden steps. If you a more modern staircase, with glass or stainless steel balustrades and treads you will need to take a different approach. 

You should allow for an hour or two for this simple construction job, and it would not take any specialized equipment. 

Secure the area

Make sure that everyone in the house knows that you are working on the stairs, and that they need to stay out of the area. Set a chair or other light obstacle at the top and bottom, so that nobody accidentally forgets and comes running into you as you work. Double-check that you are not stranding someone on the upper floor either. 

Remove the tread

Once you are ready to get started, the first step is to pry off the damaged tread. Be careful not to actually break it apart if you can, because you will be using the tread as a template to measure the new piece of wood. 

Create a new tread

Use the old tread as a guide to make a new one, trying to get the same thickness and type of wood if possible. Whether you use actual stair tread stock or just a plain wooden piece is up to you. Most stairs have a rounded, or "bull-nose" edge to them, which would be easier to replicate if you are working with actual tread board. 

Measure the dimensions, and cut a new tread piece. Sand down so there are no rough edges and you are ready to install it. 

Attach the new piece

Use the old tread as a guide to see where the holes need to go, where the tread was nailed to the stringers (the foundation pieces that are on either side of the stair way). Drill small guide holes in the new piece to match. This will keep the new wood from splitting as you drive in the nails. 

Now you just need to slide the step into place, and nail it in securely. Your step is now repaired and should be fully functional. Depending on the look of your steps, you may need to do some cosmetic touching up as well. Filling and sanding nail holes, staining the wood and possibly adding any trim elements to match the rest of the staircase.

Because an uneven step can be a hazard on the stairs, this is not a repair project you should rush. Allow yourself plenty of time to make accurate measurements and keep a level handy as you attach the new step. 

So next time you step on that cracked or broken stair, do not just overlook it. Get it fixed and keep your stairway safe.